A Sermon of the famous and Godly learned man, master john calvin, chief Minister and Pastor of Christ's church at Geneva, containing an exhortation to suffer persecution for following jesus Christ and his Gospel, upon this Text following. Heb. 13.13. Go ye out of the Tents after Christ, bearing his rebuke. Translated out of French into english, Imprinted at London by Robert Waldegrave for Edward White. 1581. A SERMON of the Famous and godly learned man, Master john calvin, Chief minister and Pastor of Christ's Church at Geneva, containing an exhortation to suffer persecution. Heb. 13.13. Go ye out of the Tents after Christ, bearing his rebuke. ALl exhortations that a man may make to us, of suffering patiently for the name of jesus Christ, A constant man in religion is known by the certainty of the word whereupon he standeth and for the quarrel of the Gospel, they shall have no place, if we be not very well assured of the cause, for the which we do contend, for when the question is of yielding the life, it is requisite, that we be resolved and certain, wherefore it is. And such constancy cannot be in us, unless it be grounded on the certainty of faith. True it is, that a man shall find out some that will submit themselves foolishly to death, Stubborns in opinion besides the word, is frenzy. For to maintain certain fond opinions, & fantasies, which they shall conceive in their head, but such an earnestness deserveth rather to be counted for frenzy, then for a Christian zeal, like as in deed, there is neither constancy neither approved judgement in such people, who gave themselves, so to stubbornness, Sithen this is so, there is nothing but a good cause, which maketh that God accepteth us for his Martyrs: for death is common to all. A good cause maketh a martyr. And the children of God shall be condemned to such shame and torments as though they were thieves. But God putteth a difference between them, in so much that he can not deny this verity. the children of God are put to villainy in this world. Therefore it is requisite that on our part we have sure undoubted testimony of the doctrine, which we do sustain. For as much as I have said we can not be moved, neither touched with a good intention, for any exhortations that any body make to us, to suffer persecution for the Gospel, if there be not a true certainty of faith graven in our hearts, A man can not suffer persecution for the gospel unless faith be graven in his heart, for to hazard our life it is not natural but temerity. for to hazard our life at all adventure, that is not natural. And when we shall so do, that shall be but temerity, and no Christian virtue at all, at length God will approve nothing at all that we shall do unless we be well peesuaded, that it is for his sake, and for his cause, that men do molest us, and that the world is our enemy Now when I speak of such a certainty, I do not mean only that we know to desern between true religion, and the abuses or follies of men. But also that we be well persuaded of the life celestial, and of the crown which is there promised us, after that we have striven here beneath. In the mean while note that both these two points be requisite, We must be persuaded of the life celestial and the glory to come. and that no man ought to separate the one from the other, it is meet therefore for us to begin at this point, to know well what our Christanitye is, what the faith is which we must maintain and follow, what is the rule that God hath given us, Too points necessary in religion to be known. and that we be defended with such instruction, that we can boldly condemn all false lies, errors and superstitions, which the devil hath brought in for to corrupt the pure simplicity of the doctrine of God: wherefore a man must not be amazed if he see not at this present day, Why men commonly refuse the Cross of that. very many persons that be disposed for the gospel to suffer, & that the greatest part of those which name themselves Christians, knoweth not what it is. For all be in manner negligent, & make no account, neiher to hear, neither to read, but it is enough for them that they have had a little taste of the faith of Christ, behold then, wherefore there be so few of others, but if they be assaulted, they will by and by run away. This aught to stir us up to inquire more diligently of the truth of God, because we might be certain thereof. But yet this is not all, The want of zeal and love to the truth, is the cause why men refuse to suffer persecution therefore. God speaketh to us in the scriptures. that we should be taught well and have intelligence, for we may see, such as seem to be perfect in good doctrine, the which notwithstanding have neither zeal, neither affection in them, no more than if they had never known any thing of God, but after some fantastical will. And wherefore is that, but in as much they never before comprehended the majesty of the holy scripture. And in deed, if we all together considered well, that it is God which speaketh to us, it is most certain that we should be more attentive to hearken to the same, and with a great reverence, when we in reading the scripture do think that we are at the school of Angels, The scripture is the school of Angels. we shall strait have another care, and desire to exercise us in that doctrine which is set before us, now we seeing that it is the mean to prepare us to suffer for the gospel, that is, that we have so far profited in the school of God, that we being assured of the true religion and doctrine which we ought to hold, we may avoid all the crafts and subtleties of the Devil, and all man's inventions, Note how a true martyr is known from the falls as things not only of no effect, but also accursed, in as much as they corrupt Christian purity: and in this point we as true Martyrs of jesus Christ do differ from these bedlams that suffer for their foolish opinions. Secondarily, that we being certain of the good cause, be enkindled, as it is convenient to follow God whereto soever he calleth us, that his word hath such authority with us, as it is worthy, and that we being withdrawn from the world, be in manner ravished to seek after the celestial life. But this is a thing very strange, that the brightness of God shineth at this day so plainly, as it did never more, and yet there be very few that have a zeal thereto which is lamentable, and if we be not ashamed hereof, it is so much the worse for us, for we must come shortly before the great judge, where that evil which we go about to cover, shall be set before us with such reproach, that there will be found sufficient cause to cast us down altogether to the pit of hell, For if we be bound to render testimony to God, altar the measure of the knowledge which he hath given us, to what tendeth it I pray you, that we are so cold and fearful, We are bound to confess our faith. for to enter to this combat, sithen that God is in such sort revealed to us at this time, that a man may say that he hath disclosed and opened the great treasures, of his secrets, may it not be well said that we will not have any thing to do with God, for if we had any regard of his majesty, we would not be so bold as to turn the doctrine which proceedeth out of his mouth into a certain Philosophy or speculation, I can not tell what. To be short, there is no excuse but this is to our great shame, and rather to our horrible condemnation that we have had so much knowledge of the truth of God & have so little courage to stand to the same. Over all, when we consider the martyrs in times past, Courage to stand is requisite with knowledge. The faith of Martyrs in pime past. we may well abhor the villainy which is in us, for the most part of them were not much exercised in the holy scripture, for to have knowledge, to dispute of all things, they know that there was one God alone, whom men ought to worship and serve Also that they were redeemed by the blood of jesus Christ to this end, to put their trust of salvation in him, and in his grace, & that all that which hath been found out by men, was not to be esteemed, & were able thereby to condemn all idolatry & superstition, & the sum of their divinity was this, there is one only God, who hath created all the world, & hath declared us his will by Moses by the prophets, & last of all by jesus Christ & his Apostles, we have one only redeemer who hath redeemed us by his blood, and grace, whereby we trust to be saved. All the Idols of the world be accursed & execrable having nothing but this, they went frankly either to the fire or else to any other kind of death. And this was not done by two or three, but in so great multitudes, that the number of those which be dead by the hands of Tyrants is in manner infinite, we are of our part so great Clerks, that none can be more, Now a days much knowledge and little zeal. (at least so we think,) & in deed as concerning the understanding of the scripture, God hath dealt so largely with us as ever he hath done with any age. Yet not with standing there is scarce one drop of zeal. Now to make much of such a feebleness, it is to no purpose, unless we will willingly provoke the vengeance of God, Note what is to be done to have a courage to suffer. what shall we then do, for to take a good courage. First of all we have to consider how this thing is precious before God, the confession of our faith, for we know it slenderly, how God alloweth the same since our life, which is very nothing, is more esteemed of us: In the which we declare a marvelous bestiality, for we can not spare our life in this cause, but we must confess that the same is more beloved of us then the honour of God, and the salvation of our souls. A certain painime could well say, that it was a miserable thing for a man to put away the causes wherefore he doth live to save his life, nevertheless he and such like never knew to what end men were set in the world, and for what cause they live. It is true that they had good knowledge to say that a man ought to follow virtue, that a man ought to behave himself honestly, Our life is to glorify God. The prolonging of our life besides Gods will is malediction and without reproach: but all their virtues were but colours & smokes, we know much better, to what our life ought to be employed: that is to glorify God, to the end he might be our glory, without this the woe is over us, and we can not prolong our life, as much as one minute more of time on the earth, in the which we do bring so much the more malediction upon our own heads. Notwithstanding we are not ashamed, to purchase here in this world a certain few days, for us to lament in, renouncing thereby the everlasting kingdom, separating ourselves from him, by whose virtue we are maintained in life. If a man demand of the veriest ignorant persons, or else of the most brutest of the world, for what cause is it that they live, they dare not simply say that it was, to eat, drink, and sleep, The end of our life is to honour God, and to be ruled by his word. for all men do know that they were created to a more noble and more excellent end, & what end can we find else but to honour God, and to suffer ourselves to be ruled by him, as children of a good father, to the intent that after we have ended the voyage of this corruptible life, we may be received into his eternal inheritance, behold this is the principal cause of our life, and the self same altogether, when we make account thereof that we are incarnated to a beastly life, the which is worse than a thousand deaths, what may we allege for our expenses, for to live, and not to know, wherefore it is against nature plainly. And to reject the causes, for the which we live, under the pretence of a foolish appetite, for to have a certain respite of three days, to the end to dwell in the world being separate from god, I can not tell how a man shall call such a frenzy and rage. But because persecutions do not cease, to be grievous, and bitter unto us, mark how this cometh to pass, & by what means Christians might strengthen themselves to patience, even to yield constantly their life for God's verity the text which we have recited, Heb. 13. when it shall be under stood, is sufficient enough for to induce us to the same, Let us go out of the country (saith the apostle) after the Lord jesus, bearing his reproach, In the first part, he exhorteth us, although the swords be not ready drawn upon us, neither the fires kindled to burn us, that we can not truly be joined to the son of God, whilst that we be engrafted in this world, A person of God must have his affection drawn from the world. wherefore it is requisite that a christian person being himself at rest, hath always one foot lift up to go to battle, and not only that, but that he hath his affection withdrawn from the world, albeit the body dwelleth here. Although this seemeth to us a rude thing, at the first looking, yet we should be well contented with this saying of S. Paul, 1. Thes. 3. which is that we are called and appointed to suffer, as who would say, that the condition of our Christianity, is in such sort, that we must pass by this way, if we will follow jesus Christ, In the mean while for to comfort our infirmity, and to make sweet the tediousness and sorrowfulness, Note our comfort in persecution. which persecutions might bring us, behold a good recompense, which is, that we in suffering for the Gospel do follow as it were, step after step, the son of God, and we have him for our guide, if it had been said simply of us, that for to be Christians, we must pass through the shames of the world, and must come courageously unto death, as many times, & as often as it shall please God, we might have (as it seemeth) some colors to reply, that this is a thing very strange to make on stray away. We must be like to the image of Christ. But where it is commanded us to follow the Lord jesus, his conduct is too good and honourable for us to refuse. Now to the end that we might be the better moved, it is not only said, that jesus goeth before us as our captain, but also that we be made like to his image, as S. Paul speaketh thereof, the eight Chapter to the Romans, Rom. 8. That God hath ordained all those whom he hath chosen, for his children, for to be made conformable to him, who is the patron and head of us all, are we so delicate that we will not suffer nothing, it behoveth us to declare the grace of God, by the which he hath called us unto the hope of salvation For these be two things that can not be separated, Two things necessary in a Christian, we may not regard the shame of the world in Christ's cause. for to be the member of jesus Christ and to be exercised with many afflictions. Certainly we ought a great deal more esteem such a conformity with the son of God, than we otherwise do, It is true that after the judgement of the world, it is shame to suffer for the Gospel, but sithen that we know that the faithless be blind, should we not have better eyes than they, Acts. 5. It is ignominy to be afflicted by them which occupy the seat of righteousness, but Saint Paul showeth us by his example that we have to glory in the wounds of jesus Christ, as in the marks. by the which God acknowledgeth, and alloweth us for his. And we know what S. Luke rehearseth of Peter and john, that is, how they rejoiced of that they were counted worthy to suffer infamy and reproach for the name of the Lord jesus, behold two contrary things, Ignominy, and dignity: It is a dignity for a Christian man to suffer verily for as the world is foolish, it judgeth against all reason & by this means converteth the glory of God, to dishonour, Then of our part, let us not refuse to be despised before the world, that we may be honoured before God, and his angels, We see what pain ambitious men do take for to obtain the order of a King, and what triumphs, they make therein. The son of God offereth us his order, and every body refuseth it. I pray you in this doing are we worthy to have any thing comen with him? our sensuality can not bite here, but is of such balure that the same, be the very bages of our nobleness, imprisonment, banishment & cursings, do not bring after man's fancies, but all reproach: Look not in thy trouble what the world judgeth, but what God judgeth. but what letteth us to behold that which God judgeth thereof and pronounceth but only our infidelity, wherefore is it, that the name of the son of god hath such importance with us, as it is worthy to the end, we should learn to take to honour, that he printeth in us his marks, otherwise our unthankfulness is not to be borne. If God should punish us after our demerits, hath he not daily just occasion to chastise us in a thousand sorts. Moreover than this, a hundred thousand deaths were not sufficient for a little portion of our misdoings, yet by his infinite goodness, he putteth under foot all our trespasses, and doth them away, and in steed of punishing us according to that we have deserved, he findeth a wonderful means for to make the afflictions to be turned to our honour, and into a special privilege, By affliction we are made companions with Christ. in so much that by the same we are associate into the company of his son may it not well be said when we disdain so blessed a condition, that we have very evil profited in the doctrine of Christ, Behold why saint Peter, 2. Peter 4. after he had exhorted us so holily in the fear of God, that we should not suffer as thieves, whoremongers, and murderers, he addeth how and in what manner: let us suffer as Christians that we might glorify God for the good which he doth to us. To defend the verity is an honour above the Angels. It is not without cause that he speaketh in this wise for what are we I pray you, to be witnesses to the verity of God, & procurers to maintain his cause, Behold here poor worms of the earth, creatures full of vanity altogether, and yet God willeth us, that we defend his verity, which is an honour that pertaineth not to the very angels of paradise? Ought not this consideration alone so much to inflame us to offer ourselves to God, for that which pleaseth him to apply us to so honourable a thing: not withstanding many can not refrain themselves to encounter against God, or at the least to make their complaints of this, that God doth not bear better with their weakness. An answer to the objection of of weaklings 1. Peter. 1. This is marvelous say they, since that God hath chosen us for his children, how can he abide it that we be thus defiled and tormented with the wicked, I answer, although it doth not appear to us, wherefore he doth it, yet it should have this authority with us to make us walk after his pleasure. But when we look in our pattern jesus Christ, ought not we to judge it a great felicity, for to be made like unto him without any further question, Notwithstanding God showeth us causes very evident, for the which he willeth us to be persecuted. 1. Peter. 1. If there were none other reason but that S. Peter maketh, we were very co● if we would not be content therewith, that is, since that gold and silver, which be not but corruptible metals be purged and examined by the fire, It is the will of God we should suffer persecution. it is good reason that our faith which surmounteth all the riches of the world be proved. God might have crowned us as at the first brunt without making us to sustain any conflict: but he willeth that jesus Christ doth rain in the midst of his enemies, so he willeth that we being juggled in the mids of them, should suffer their oppressions and violences, until that he deliver us from the same. I know well that the flesh reigneth when we go about to bring it to this point, but it is requisite, It is natural for us to flee the Cross but we must subdue that affection. that the will of God have the upper hand. If we feel any contradiction in us, we must not be amazed thereat, for this is a right natural thing to flee the cross, nevertheless, we may not go any further, knowing that God doth accept our obedience, so that we do subdue and mortify our senses and desires for to make them subject unto him: for the Apostles and prophets went not in such wise to death, that they felt not in themselves, john. 21. a certain will to go back, another man shall lead thee whether thou wouldst not (said Lord jesus Christ to Peter, The battle of a cristian man. ) Likewise when such fear of death doth prick us, it is a gain for us to heavenward, or rather God winneth us thereby, or in the mean time let us be assured, that this is a Sacrifice praising him: that we do resist and make force against our affections, for to be altogether at his commandment, and this is the principal battle in the which God willeth that his people do employ themselves, which is, that they endeavour to beat down all that lifteth itself up in their senses and spirits, for to turn them out of the way, which he showeth them, and with all this, the consolations be so great that it must needs be said, that we are more than cowards when we do faint. In old time an infinite number of people, for the desire of a simple crown of leaves, they refused not any travel, trouble or pain for the same, they counted it nothing to die, The crown of immortality is prepared for such as do suffer. notwithstanding there was none of them, but did fight at all adventures not knowing whether he should win the price or not, God hath set before us the Crown of immortality, by the which we are made partakers of his glory, he intendeth not that we should fight at all adventure, 2. Tim. 2. but promiseth us all the price that have a desire thereof, what occasion have we to come to heaven, do we think that it is spoken in vain, Math. 5. that if we die with jesus Christ, we shall live also with him. The triumph is prepared, and we flee the Combat as much as lieth in us. This is a doctrine repugnant to man's judgement, I do confess the same, and also when jesus pronounceth that those which suffer for righteousness be blessed, he proponeth not a sentence which is easy to be received of the world. Contrariwise he willeth us to repute that for felicity which the world and our senses judgeth unhappy. Whom the worldly counteth miserable are most happy. It seemeth us that we are miserable when God permitteth us to be destroyed by the Tyranny and cruelty of our enemies, but the fault is, that we have no regard at all to the promises of God, the which do certify us that all shall be turned to our good, we are discouraged to see the wicked to be stronger, and to hold their foot upon our throat. but such a confusion (as saith Saint Paul) ought rather to lift us up on high, Note why the evil do prosper and the good troubled. for in as much we are given of ourselves too much to muse upon the things present. God in permitting the good folk, to be evil entreated, and the wicked to have there will, he teacheth us by manifest tokens that one day will come, in the which all that is now confused shallbe reform. If the time seem long unto us, let us run to the remedy, and not flatter ourselves in our vice: for it is certain, that we have no faith at all, unless we lift up the eyes of our souls to the coming of our saviour jesus Christ, our eye must be fixed upon the coming of Christ. Now God to the end he might leave no mean unattempted, which might be fit to drive us forward, he setteth before us the promises on the one side, and his threatenings on the other. We must have both the promises and threatenings of god before our eyes in our troubles. Math. 10. Luke 12. Do we think that the promises have not power enough in us? let us join the threatenings for to strengthen them. It is very true, that we must be so much the more perverse and froward, not to adjoin more faith than we do to the promises of God, when the Lord jesus saith, that he will avow and acknowledge us before his father, so that we confess him before men. and what is there that aught to let us, that we should not yield him that confession that he requireth. When men shall have done their uttermost, they can do no worse but murder us. And what shall eternal life be in comparson thereof? I heap not up here all the promises contained in the scriptures which tend to one and the same end: yet (forasmuch as they are so often times repeated) we ought wholly to stay upon them. But if when the plague hang over our heads, if three or four be not enough, one whole hundred will not serve to make us to overcome all adversity and contrary temptations. But if God can draw us unto himself through gentleness, must we not be more than beetle blockkish heads, when his severe threatenings can do no more therein? jesus Christ citeth all those before his father, Christ doth summon all them that deny his truth. Math 10. Math. 10. who shall through fear of bodily death deny the truth: and saith, that both the body and soul, shall be thrown to perdition, And in another place he saith, that he will deny all those that shall deny him before men, unless that we be to much bereaved of all understanding these words ought to make our hair stand upright upon our heads, Howsoever it be, when we shall not be moved therewith as were meet, there remaineth nothing for us but an horrible confusion: For in that, When neither the promises nor threatenings do move confusion remaineth. that all the words of jesus Christ do so little profit us, we are convinced of too great infidelity. We shall have alleged too godly purpose that there is some pity in us, forasmuch as our nature is so brittie: For it said contrariwise that Moses looking unto God through faith, was strengthened not to bow under any tentation. Heb. 11. An answer to the objection of fraielnes of nature. Wherefore when we are so soft and flexible yea, that there is no zeal & constancy in us, it is a sign that we are utterly ignorannt both of God and his kingdom. When it is showed us that we ought to be joined to our head, we think that we have a goodly colour to exempt ourselves from it, by saying that we are men. But they which have gone before us, who were they? It is true that when we shall not have the pure doctrine, all the excuses that we can bring forth shallbe vain: but having so many examples which ought to serve for the greater approbation, so much the more are we to be condemned. But here we have two points to be considered. The church of Christ is continually subject to afflictions. Psal. 129. The first is, that all the body of the Church generally, was and shall be always subject till the end, to be afflicted by the wicked: as it is said in the Psalm. They have vexed me from my youth up, they have drawn the Blow upon me from one end to an other. The holy Ghost bringeth in the old Church speaking, to the end that we, after we have known the afflictions thereof, we should not find it strange or troublesome if the like at this day be done unto us. S. Paul also drawing this place from another Psalm where it is said, Rom. 8. Psal. 44. We have been as Sheep that are led to the slaughter, showeth that this was not for one age alone: but that it is and shall be ordinarily and usual in the Church. Seeing the Church of God to be at this day trodden under, by the pride of worldlings, that one barketh, The ordinance of the Church. another biteth, that men torment it, and always mischievously devise against it, that without ceasing it is assailed of mad dogs and savage beasts: let us remember that this was done unto it of old time. It is true that God may well give it sometimes certain truces and releasements. And this is it that is said in the Psalm before alleged, The end of afflictions is bliss. be cutteth asunder the Cords of the wicked. And in another place, that he will break their stuff, for fear that the good doth not overmuch vex themselves, being too much oppressed. But God would always that his Church should be tossed in this world, and be as it were in a continual conflict, reserving rest for it above in the heavens, Notwithstanding that yet the issue of these afflictions was always blessed, and at the least God brought to pass, that being oppressed with many evils, it was never utterly oppressed, as it is said that the wicked with all their forces never attained to that which they imagined: Psal. 7. S. Paul also rejoiceth himself of the like to show, that this is a continual grace of God: We (saith he) endure tribulations, 2. Cor 4. but we are not therewith distressed, we are poor but we are not destitute: we are persecuted but we are not forsaken: we are cast down but we perish not, every where bearing about in our bodies the dying of our Lord jesus, to the end that his life may be made manifest in our mortal bodies, Such issue as we see that God hath given at all times in the persecutions of his Church, ought well to encourage us, knowing that our fathers, who were brickle men as we are, had always the victory over their enemies: in as much as they remained steadfast in patience. But I do but touch this point briefly to that end I may come to the second, Secondarily we must look upon the particular examples of martyrs which have been before us. Heb. 12. that which more agreeth to our purpose: that it is to make our profit of those particular examples of the Martyrs, which have gone before us. Now there are not only two or three of them, but a thick and great cloud, as the Apostle saith in the epistle to the Hebr. Whereby he signifieth that the number is so great, that it ought as it were even to stop up our eyes. And that I be not to tedious, I will take only the example of the jews which were persecuted for true religion, as well under the Tyranny of Antiocbus the King, as also a little after his death. We cannot allege that it was a small number of people: for there were then as it were a great army of martyrs. We cannot say that it was of Prophets, whom God had separated from the common people: for the women and young infants were of this company. We cannot say that they were let go for any prise: for they were tormented as cruelly as was possible. We hear also that which the Apostle showeth us of. Some (saith he) were hanged up like bells and racked, Heb. 11. making no account to be delivered, to the end they might receive a better resurrection. Others were tried by mockings and scourgings: yea by bonds and prisonment: others were stoned or hewn asunder: A comparison between the faithful in the old law and us. other wandered up and down hither and thither, in Wilderness by mountains and Caves. Let us now enter to make comparison of them with us. If they suffered for the truth of God, which was yet so dark at that time, what ought we to do in this great light that shineth now? God hath spoken unto us as it were with a full mouth, the great Gate of the kingdom of heaven is opened, jesus Christ hath called us unto him, being come down unto us, to the end that we should have him as it were present before our eyes. And what a shame shall it be unto us to have less zeal to suffer for the Gospel than they had, which only saluted and beheld the promises of God, as it were a far off? Which had but a little Wicket open to come to the kingdom of heaven? which had nothing but a certain remembrance and figure of jesus Christ? These things cannot be expressed with mouth as they are worthy: wherefore I leave them for every one to meditate upon. We ought to prepare ourselves to the Cross although we be in no danger thereof. Now this doctrine as it is general, so ought it to be put in practice of all Christians: But every one ought to apply it to his own use as necessity shall require. I speak this to the end that they which see themselves in no apparent danger, should not think that it is superfluous unto them. They are not at this time in the hands of Tyrants: but what know they how God will deal with them hereafter Wherefore we ought to be so armed afore hand, that if any persecution, which we have not thought upon, shall come upon us, we be not taken at unwares and unprovided. How he ought to be have himself that is under persecution. But I fear me that there are a great sort of deaf ears to hear this word. So far off is it, that they which are nice and live at their ease, prepare themselves to suffer death when need shall be, that they have no care to serve God whiles they live. And yet nevertheless this aught to be our ordinary and continual study, and specially in this time wherein we live. In the mean time they whom God hath called to suffer for the testimony of his name, aught to show in very deed that they were prepared long before, too stand thereto constantly. And then they ought to call into their remembrance all the exhortations that they have hard in times past: as if a soldier should take arms when the Trumpet doth sound. But what there is no question of seeking starting holes to escape: Persecution is the touchstone whereby god doth discover his people. I speak in respect of the greatest part: For persecution is a true touchstone whereby God discovereth and trieth who are his. So far of is it, that he should many times find who is faithful unto him, until that they frankly offer themselves to death. But this is as it were an incredible thing, that people which boast of some little knowledge of the Gospel, cavillations of the weaklings. Mar. 8. We must confess Christ is truth before the wicked. We must commit our life to the hands of God. dare open their mouth to use such cavillations. For one sort say, what shall we game to confess our faith to obstinate people, and to such who have determined to fight against God? Is not this to cast precious stones before swine, As though jesus Christ had not expressly declared that he will that men confess him amongst the most perverse & wickedest men. If they be not thereby edified, yet at the lest they remain confounded: of such a sweet smelling savour is the confession before god, how deadly soever it be to the reprobate. Others also may be found who say, what shall our death profit? It rather falleth out to an offence, as if God had left to their choice to die when they think good, and when they shall see a fit time. But contrariwise we approve our obedience, leaving the profit into his hand that shall come of our death. Wherefore in the first place, it behoveth that a christian man, in what country soever he be, notwithstanding dangers and threatenings, that he fully determine to walk in simplicity, as God hath commanded, Let him keep him self as much as he can from the rage of the Wolves: so that the same be not done through the craft of the flesh. Above all let him resign his life into God's hands. Hath he done this? If it fall out that he fall into the hands of enemies, let him think that God hath brought him into that place, He that is once caught for religion hath no means to go back. It is necessary that we answer to all that the wicked demand of us. & will have him to be one of the witnesses of his son, and therefore that there is no way to draw back, unless it be in denying our faith to him, to whom we have promised all duty: both to live and to die, and to whom we are and belong, although we had promised nothing unto him. Hereby I do not bind all men of necessity to make a full and entire confession of all that they believe, admit that they were thereto required, S. Paul in this point hath used a good moderation, who was as ready as any other freely to maintain the cause of the gospel, as he ought. And also it was not without cause that our Lord jesus promised that in such a case he will give us a mouth & Wisdom: as if he should say, that the office of the holy ghost is not only to strengthen us to be bold and valiant: but also to give unto us Wisdom and discretion, to know how it becometh us to rule and govern ourselves in so great and hard a matter. why Christ sometime held his peace. It is the rule of christians to confess his faith being required. Christ never dissembled to save his life. Rosse his examination which he wrote is here answered. The testimony of the verity ought more to be regarded of us then our life. We may not regard what other men do, but what they ought to do. john 21. The sum is, that they which are in such distress, should ask and receive such Wisdom from above, not following their carnal counsel to seek a way to escape, (as they say) by any cross or bypaths. There are also which reply that our Saviour jesus Christ himself, answered not to them that asked of him. But I say first of all, that this serveth not to abolish the rule which he hath given us, to make confession of our faith, when we are thereto required Secondly I say, that he never dissembled to save his life. Thirdly that he never gave answer so doubtful, that it did not import sufficient witness of that which he had spoken: or rather, that he had not satisfied them already which came to ask him further, as it were laying nets to catch him. Wherefore let this point remain resolute amongst all Christians: that is, that they ought not to account their lives more dear than the testimony of the truth, inasmuch as God will be glorified in it. Is it in vain that he calleth all those witnesses (for the word Martyrs signifith the same) that have answered to the enemies of the faith? Is it not because he would have them serve to such purpose? And here every one must not look to his fellow and companion: for God doth not show this honour to all to call them thereto. And forasmuch as we are given to mark others, We must arm ourselves with the promises of God in our afflictions. the more we ought to take heed thereof. Peter having hard at the mouth of our Lord jesus Christ, that he should be led in his old age whither he would not, asketh what should become of john his companion. There is none of us but he would willingly make such a reply. For this we imagine by and by: Why do I rather suffer than others? But contrariwise jesus Christ exhorteth all in general, and every one in particular, always to be ready, to the end that as he shall call hither one or other, every man may march forth in his rank and order. I have showed before that we shall be ill appointed to suffer martyrdom, unless that we be armed with God's promises. It remaineth now that we lay out a little more fully whereto they tend, not to specify all by piecemeal & exactly, but to show the principal things, that God would have us to hope for, to the end to comfort us in our afflictions. Now these are briefly three things. three things specially to be considered of a person under the cross. The first is, that forasmuch as our life and death are in his hand, that he will in such fort preserve us by his power that not one hair of our heads shall fall but by his licence. Wherefore the faithful aught to hold themselves assured into whose hands soever they shall come, that God hath not cast of the safeguard which he hath of their persons, If such a persuasion were well imprinted in our hearts, we should be delivered from the most part of doubts and perplexities that torment and hinder us from doing our duty. We see that Tyrants are let lose: and hereupon it seemeth to us that God hath no further mean to save us: For this cause we are tempted to provide for ourselves, as though there were no more waiting upon him. But contrariwise his providence which he hath declared unto us is such, as aught to be unto us an invincible fortress. Our bodies be in the hands of him who hath created them. Let us therefore labour to learn this short sentence, that our bodies are in his hands who hath created them. For this cause he hath sometimes delivered his own after a miraculous manner, and beyond all hope of men, as Sidrach-Misach and Abednago, from the fiery furnace, Daniel from the lions den, Peter from Herod's prison, where he was enchained, fettered & kept so straightly. By these examples he would testify unto us, God giveth our enemy's power over us. that he holdeth our enemies bridled, though it seem not so, and hath power to draw us out, even from the mouth and midst of death when he will. Not because he always doth it: but by keeping unto himself the authority of disposing of us both in life & death, he would have us fully resolved that he hath us in his keeping: in such sort that whither soever tyrants look, or with what fury soever they rush upon us, that it is from him only who is the orderer of our life. If he suffer Tyrants to kill us, Our life i● dear in the sight of God it is not because our lives are not dear unto him, and in greater recommendation an hundred fold than it is worthy, seeing it is so, that he hath pronounced by the mouth of David, Psal. 116. isaiah. 16. our enemy shall render account of our blood. That the death of his saints is precious before him, and saith he also by the mouth of Esay: That the earth shall disclose the blood which seemed to be bidden. Let the enemies therefore of the Gospel, be as prodigal in shedding the blood of his martyrs, as they will, yet shall they render a terrible account even to the last and uttermost drop. They do scornfully mock at this day when they burn the faithful, The power of God's spirit is stronger than man. and after they have bathed themselves in their blood, they are so drunken therewith, that they care nothing at all what murders they commit. But if we have patience to wait, God will show in the end that it is not in vain that he hath set such an high price upon our life, The constancy of martyrs is the work of God. In the mean time, if he doth us no evil, that it serveth to ratify his gospel, which in worthiness surmounteth heaven and earth. And the better to assure us that God leaveth us not in the hands of Tyrants, as having forsaken us, let us call to mind the sentence of jesus Christ, where he saith, that it is he whom they persecute in his members. God had well said before by Zacharie, He that toucheth you, toucheth the ayple of mine eye. A notable example. But this is yet more plain, that if we suffer for the Gospel, it is as if the Son of God were there in his own person. Wherefore let us know that jesus Christ must forget himself, if he should not think of us when we are in prison, or in danger of death for his cause: And let us know that God taketh to his own heart all the outrages that Tyrants do unto us, as if they were fastened to his own son. Let us come to the second point that God in his promises hath set forth unto us for our consolation: that is, that he will so sustain us by the power of his holy spirit that our enemies whatsoever they do, or Satan their head, yet shall they not get the upper hand over us. And in deed we see how he displaieth his graces in such a need. For such invincible constancy as is in the true martyrs, is a sufficient show that God worketh mightily in them. There are two grievous things to the flesh in persecutions: too wit, the one the rebukes and shame of men, and the other the torments that the body endureth. But God promiseth us, such assistannce that through patience we shall overcome both the one and the other. And he performeth in deed that which he hath promised unto us. Let us therefore take this buckler too repulse and put back all fears, wherewith we are assailed, and let us not restrain the power of God's spirit to so narrow a scantling, that we think not, but that he will easily overcome all men's cruelties. And hereof amongst others we had an notable example in our time not to be forgotten. A certain young man who dwelled here with us being taken in the city of Tournay was condemned to be but beheaded if he recanted: and to be burned alive, if he continued in his opinion. When he was asked what he would do, he answered simply: He that shall give me grace to die patiently for his name, he will give me grace to endure the fire. We ought to esteem this sentence not as the sentence of a mortal man: but as a sentence of the holy ghost, to the end to assure ourselves that God is as able to strengthen us, and to make us to overcome all torments, as to move us to take any other kind of meeker death in good part. Which is more, we see often times, what constancy he giveth to poor malefactors who suffer for their offences. I speak not of the obstinate: but of those which comfort themselves in the grace of jesus Christ, and by this mean receive with peaceable heart the most grievous punishment that can be done unto them: As we may see a notable example thereof in the thief who was converted at the death of Christ. God who so mightily assisteth poor offenders, being worthily punished for their misdeeds, will he fail his who fight for his cause, that he will not give them an invincible power? The third point concerning the promises that God hath made to his martyrs, is of the fruit that they ought to hope for of their sufferings: and in the end if need be of death itself. Now this fruit is after that he hath glorified his name, and edified his Church through their constancy, The fruit of our death when they shallbe gathered with the Lord jesus Christ into his immortal glory. But because we have spoken more fully of it before, it is enough now to bring it in our remembrance. Wherefore let the faithful learn too lift up their heads on high to this Crown of immortality and Glory, whereunto GOD doth call them: to the end that he do them no hurt in making them to forsake their present life for such a reward: and to be assured of this inestimable benefit, let them always have before their eyes the comformity which they have with our Lord jesus, to behold life in the midst of death, as he by the opprobry and shame of the Cross, came to that glorious resurrection in which consisteth all our felicity, joy, and Triumph. An answer to the slanders of the papists against Christ's silly flock, appointed to the slaughter through fire. HOW desperately, how desperately can thus the papists groan, To see God's word so faithfully, through fire to be borne. 2 Therefore their teeth & tongue they where like a razor so fine, Against Christ's martyrs for to spit, their poison and repine. 3 And whereof truth they cannot lay, to them that love the word, With curse and lies they do assay, to show their learned sword. 4 And when they have with force falsely, condemned that is right. Then study they full craftily, to wash their hands of spite. 5 It is not we then can they uphold, that any man do kill, Lest our cold charity be outtolde, our rancour and our ill. 6 Therefore we must devise straight laws Our judgements to be kept. And make the nobility like Daws, so be caught in our net. 7 Thus we in fair places reign, and make good cheer and game, To see noble men put to pain, to execute their shame. 8 To them it is a matter staunge, to see gold fire bide, And saith to be without exchange, when pains of death betide. 9 If turn as wether cocks men would, that gospel do profess, Then for Catholic men they should be counted as they guess 10 But faith is a Substance plain, of things that be not seen, And will in steadfastness remain, though changelings turn & ween. 11 What though lively hope they call, falsely desperation, Who knoweth not the truth at all, blinded by sedition. 12 Was not Christ Belzebub named, because that truth he said, And yet was not to be blamed, as evil tongues betrayed. 13 Now jone of Kent and heretic, for help they in do call, Who in her heresy did stick, and died therewithal, 14 Who knoweth not the prince of Hell to have his servants stout, As well as the sincere gospel, professors round about. 15 But in this we differ plain, for us we have the word, And they for them have nought certain, but only self accord. 16 Also vainglory they object, to such as for truth die, By all means they would them reject, whose glory is on high. 17 That glory is not counted vain, which glorieth in the Lord. And for the same to abide great pain. it is after the word. 18 judge therefore with equity, and call not truth amiss, Lest for your great impiety, ye lose the endless bliss. 19 O noble men of famous England, look well to your doings, Let not partakers be your hands, of guiltless bloodsheddings, 20 No drop of Faithful bloodshed is, through rage of cruelness, Which God will not require as his, repent therefore and cease. FINIS quod I. P.