THE Consolation of the Soul, being an assurance of the forgiveness of sins, with the most notable promises of God contained in holy Scripture, both in the old and new Testament: briefly expounded and applied, as hereafter followeth.  
With certain examples worth the bearing in mind, touching the great mercies of God, towards poor, and miserable sinners.  When I am trodden under foot, thy mercies doth lift me up again. Psal. 94. 
Made by john Chassanion, and englished by H.S. of Grey's Inn. Gent.  
Imprinted at London for Simon Waterson.   

❧ To the faithful of the reformed Church of Metz grace, and peace through jesus Christ our Lord.  
SING it hath pleased GOD (dear brethren) to make me an Instrument, whereby to declare his holy word unto you, I thought it very needful to present this little Book, wherein I intend not to teach any new matter, but to put you in mind of your salvation, which you have of long time known, and do daily hear, to the end, it may be the better rooted in your hearts. And so much the rather, seeing by this you have at all times such means to rejoice, and comfort yourselves in God, whereby we may gather very many good instructions in God's school, if we be certainly persuaded of his grace, and endeavour our selves, both to obey him, and to amend that, we find to be amiss in us. Also we shall continually lift up our hearts towards him, that we may be partakers of his felicity, & bountifulness, the very ground of our salvation. After which manner, do the children of God truly exercise themselves in meditation, & look thoroughly into the unspeakable goodness of him, by whom they are saved through jesus Christ, even with an undefiled thought and hope. Also it is requisite, that there be a true amendment of life, agreeable both to the service, obedience, & honour, which we own unto him, and to call upon him unfeignedly. All which are the chiefest points, comprehended in holy Scriptures, and here summarily spoken of, for the confirmation of our faith, and hope: the full assurance whereof is as it were the foundation of all others, consisting in the certain persuasion, which we ought to have of the forgiveness of our sins, to which end also principally the preaching of the Gospel doth attend: by reason whereof S. Paul calleth it, the ministry of reconciliation. How happeneth it them, that the Clergy men in our company by an holy, and religious custom, every Sunday in morning prayers, declare the grace of God, that is to say, the forgiveness of sins to all true penitent Christians, being necessary for every one to know? Certainly, principally for this cause, that all may be persuaded, that their offences be forgiven them before God: and that they be reconciled unto him, and received into his grace, what iniquity soever they committed. And this certain persuasion ought to be steadfast, and deeply rooted in our hearts, chief in the time of Calamities, and great affliction, whereunto the children of God are continually subject, having the obstinate, and perverse world their enemy, which will never agree with them, being set forward, and inflamed by him, which from the beginning is a murderer, and an adversary to all mankind: and never leaveth in rest those, that give themselves to the true service of their god, but doth procure unto them all hindrances and lets, that he can, and continually assaults them with mortal wars, compassing them with evils round about, & strangely oppressing them, when they do protract tyme. It may seem then, that for a time God doth give them over, and that he is very angry with them, and that he would undo them, and that they be lost: but they having this full knowledge, that by his infinite bounty and clemency, he doth receive them into his mercy, and quiet orders: See how they are revived, and comforted, and their consciences in rest. And to this end, is the word of salvation given unto them, by the which God doth promise to be merciful unto them: If then such a simple promise be sufficient to make them certain of his love towards them; how much more will it be, when all other promises do abound? It is therefore for this cause, that I have gathered here a certain number of most singular notes of the holy Scripture, which consequently are added, & which are taken from one, and the self same spring, which shallbe like towers, & strong places most high to defend us against the terrible and perilous assaults of the devil, and to put off from us, all incredulity and mistrust. That, which I present unto you, well-beloved brethren, I dedicate it to witness the good affection, that God hath given me towards you, wishing that more and more you may be steadfast, and conformable in the faith, and certainty of the fatherly goodwill of our God. We cannot but always hope well of such a gentle and gracious father, which have looked on us a long time, with his own eyes, and hath visited us, as his own, only by the true & happy light of his word, and by excellent Shepherds (of which some are already received into perpetual rest with the Lord: others serve him yet happily in other places) he hath established the ministry of his Gospel among you, which you enjoy at this present, by his inestimable bounty: although the blustringes of the tempests lately passed, have brought into many and divers places some strange troubles and calamities. This good God nevertheless, hath always care to preserve you in such extremities, that you have continual occasion to give him thanks, the very tokens, and witnesses of your faith, which may appear in that, that you need not grievously to seek for the nourishment of your souls three long miles, far from your houses, neither in painful and sorrowful ways. Continue always therefore in this zeal, for the glory of God, and in the confidence of his goodwill, and mercy towards you unto the end. I desire those which be slothful to come into the pasture of the Lord, to consider what he saith in this place, when he saith: that his sheep follow him and do hear his voice. 
joh. 10.  And what he saith in an other place: He which is of God heareth God's word. 
joh. 8.  I do warn them therefore with my brothers and fellows, to be most affected in it, & not to be given so much to the love of the world, & to their vanities: to the end that they may not deprive themselves before they be aware, from the celestial goods and riches which are everlasting. Dear brethren, I pray to our God & father, that in holding you always under the shadow of his wings, he may cause you to profit more and more in his holy knowledge, and continually to fortify you in his service, and to replenish you withal the gifts of his holy Spirit, to his honour and glory, & to your consolation.  
Your humble and affected brother in the Lord. john Chassanion.   

¶ The Consolation of the Soul, being an assurance of the remission of sins, with the most notable promises of GOD contained in the holy Scripture, as well in the old, as new Testament, briefly expounded, and applied unto the same.  
IF he to whom the forgiveness of sin is given, & from whom sin is put away, be happy, as it is said in the xxxij. Psalm: Happy is the man to whom God imputeth no sin. He needeth not to doubt, but on the contrary part he is unhappy, which is tied and bound in sin, he must look for none other thing but for his condemnation, and ruin only. Be it for a time he lives in ease, & takes his pleasure, and altogether gives himself to delight: though he be increased with honour, and every body do love and cheer him: yet he is nevertheless unhappy, if he be not set at liberty by grace, and forgiveness of his iniquities: for sin is a burden so hard, & heavy, that no man is able to bear it, pulling down every one that is laden with it: from whence it appeareth, that some do bow under it, and falls into ruin, and brings themselves into despair: as it happened to judas. Other being oppressed in such sort, that they cannot scant receive any comfort and rest. I have seen a man, which having committed, as himself doth confess, some great and notorious faults, was so abated & troubled in his spirit by the memory of them, that he did resemble a poor man, which was indepted, and condemned to a grievous sufferance and shameful death, he did always groan and sigh with the trouble and pain of his Soul, feeling himself so guilty, and doubting of the mercies of God, for the enormity of his sins: in such sort, that he made not any account to eat any meat, and refused to take any nourishment if he had not been carefully moved thereunto by those which did keep him company: his heart being so oppressed with dolour, that sometimes he wished that his body might be punished with justice, and that he might suffer some grievous pain to make his torment less: which he thought, he had deserved in his soul: Sometimes in his anguish, he did require to be comforted, and received into the Church by public penance, but he was a stranger, and did but pass away. I have seen an other, which having a long time abused the true knowledge of God: yet at the last had such remorse of conscience, which did gnaw his heart so, that he was constrained to lie as sick, and out of breath. See therefore how horrible & heavy sin is of itself, from which whosoever is lightened, though he be never so poor, miserable, and despised of the world, or otherwise afflicted, he is nevertheless an happy man. The blind man of this world doth not esteem nor judge of these things otherwise then by appearance of deceitful vanities, and not in truth, as it appeareth daily: but the spirit of GOD doth teach the godly otherwise, as it is afore said. That man is then very happy, that feeleth the grace of God to be such, as to have his sin forgiven him: for then his conscience is in peace and rest, and he feareth not to perish, neither hath he the judgements of God in horror, but assureth himself of his favour, and bountifulness, which God is to be esteemed the greatest, that a man can receive in this mortal world. Among the saracenes, those which have not considered of things very narrowly, have yet well known, that it was a precious treasure not to be troubled by any committed forfeit: of which the most witty and sufficient among them have made a treatise, which he calleth the quietness of the Soul: but altogether ignorant of this point of the free forgiveness of sin, as all other Philosophers, not esteeming any other rest of conscience, but in virtue and integrity of life, which is but an imagination of no value before God: for this man is like unto him, which buildeth without foundation, and would make a show of that thing which is not. For to come then unto such blessedness, and to enjoy so happy felicity, we must know, that GOD to whom we must give an account, is gentle and merciful, to whom we ought to have all our refuge, being certain, that he will be quiet and merciful towards us: neither imputing our iniquities, but will forgive us them freely.  
Then as the m●st sick and linger diseased have more need of remedies for to be helped, and eased of their grief and pain: likewise also the most troubled souls, which are tormented with sorrow, and anguish by feeling, and acknowledging their great sins, dreading the anger and most fearful judgement of God, have more need of consolation, and greater assurances of the mercy of God, whereupon their hope should be totally founded and rooted. Who although some times they be debased by divers temptations, yet by the mercies of their God, they never fall into any dissolation or confusion by despair: although it happen, that the most forward in Religion and in the fear of God, have to sustain many temptations of Satan, who doth often give them hot skirmishes, and shooteth against them his poisoned and mortal arrows, for to abate their faith, and to cast them into everlasting destruction, if it were possible for them so to fall, and if they some times seem to doubt, being troubled by distrust, and fearfulness, yet it never happeneth, that they can fall utterly from the trust which they once conceived of the mercies of God. David was not without some anguish and perturbation of spirit, when he cried, My soul why art thou vexed, and why art thou so disquieted within me? But when he addeth by exhortation that it should hope still in God, he declareth the steadfastness and constancy of his faith, wherein he saith, that he was shut up from the sight of the Lord, it seemed that by the great adversity which happened to him, that God had cast him of, and quite forsaken him: yet he did not for all this leave to call and to hope in him: so that in the end he was highly exalted. And thus it happeneth oftentimes to the children of God, finding themselves entangled with a gulf of evils, their hope seemeth to be swallowed up and drowned, although in the end it freshly appeareth, and lifteth up the head and coming unto itself again, wholly trusteth in GOD, and resteth unremovable upon his great bounty and mercy, in which only they glade and comfort themselves, and not by any virtue or desert which is in them, alluding to that which is in the 9 Chap: of jeremy: that he which glorieth may glory in the Lord, that is in his blessedness, and in his mercy.  
In this point then, consisteth our trust, by the which we must needs see what the foundation is, and how far it reacheth, if so be it be firm and sure, and because we ought to be certain and resolved thereof, for this cause we will bring forth the holy Scripture, as well of the Old as New Testament, which are most fit and notable promises of the grace and mercy of God, for the forgiveness of sins, which being here set on a row one by another, and placed as it were on a table all in sight, it shall serve for the instruction of the poor penitent sinner, and that in this we may keep some order, we will first show the testimonies which are apparent of the goodness of God, which is as it were the surest foundation, and the first cause of all our hope. In the second place we will add the causes, which are as it were the matter and substance concerning the desert and intercession of our Lord jesus Christ the son of GOD, than the causes of faith and repentance shall follow, and finally that which belongeth to Invocation and prayer, these are the points and degrees by which the faithful soul ought to go up to the throne, and to the grace of God, for to receive the consolation and Spiritual health: First therefore it must look upon the objects of the love and mercy of God, and the benefits of Christ, to have therein a perfect knowledge, than it must by Faith ally, and wholly trust upon him, with a perfect consolation of God in calling upon him: it must I say persuade itself of the love and mercy of God, and after have full assurance of the merits of Christ, which cannot be done without faith: it is therefore requisite to use this prayer, which followeth.  Of the bounty, and mercy of God. Exo. Chap. xxxiiij. 
WHen the Lord passed before Moses face, he cried out. The Lord, the Lord strong, merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, & abundant in goodness & truth, reserving mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, & not pardoning the wicked. As God hath created the world, maintaineth and preserveth it, so doth he maintain, nourish, and gives us health and prosperity in this life: wherein he shows unto us his omnipotent and eternal power, his wisdom and wonderful foresight, and his great bounty: but in that we have offended him by our sins and iniquities, yet he receiveth us into his mercy again, reconciling himself to us, forgiving us our transgressions: so that in this he declareth unto us his clemency and infinite mercy, whereof he certifieth and giveth us full assurance in his word, as he doth in this place to Moses: saying, that he is not only the eternal God almighty, but also merciful and gentle: for to have mercy and compassion upon poor miserable sinners belongeth to God: and in that he is of great patience, he showeth a manifest declaration, that he never punisheth the wicked so soon as they offend, but a long time stayeth for their amendment, before he makes them feel his wrath and indignation: by which reason, he accounteth himself to be slow to anger, and of great patience. And in the end, that none may think his mercy be either short, or scant, that it cannot suffice for divers sinners, he also addeth, that he abundant in benignity: showing by the same, that his bounty is so full, that it can never be emptied. He is altogether infinite, eternal, and cannot be restrained, nor contained in the heaven of heavens, nor determined in the measure of any time: it can never be stayed, being a lively flowing spring, which cannot be dried up: for most certainty whereof, he maketh mention of his fidelity, repeating up his promises, by which he may assure us, that he will merciful unto us: wherein he showeth himself always to be true, in that he is abundant in benignity, and also faithful in keeping promise: how full of mercy he is, he declareth in that which followeth, that he is merciful unto thousands: wherein we may learn, that he showeth not his mercies unto some little number, or some particular place, but to many hundredth and thousands: showing by this word an infinite, and the greatest number that can be expressed: by which manner of speech, diversity of ages, and variety of lives may be understood, as it is said in other places, that he is merciful, gentle, and faithful: in which words, he expresseth that he is always prone and ready to forgive our sins, and to pardon our misdeeds: wherein we see that the true and proper effect of God is, to have forgiveness of our sins. Then to the end, that none may think that he forgiveth some light offences only, he useth divers words, which comprehend all kind of sins: not only naming the sin whereby all offences are showed, but also the iniquity, which is done maliciously with deliberation and settled purpose, when injury or hurt is wrought against others. The meaning then of this word transgression, is a disobedience, or rebellious action, or intent against God, which is a grievous and horrible sin: which although of all others it be most detestable, yet God doth here promise to make full remission, and forgiveness of sin. Let us hold this then for a certain and unfallible rule, that there is no forfeit so great, or transgression so monstruous, but it is forgiven by the mere mercy of God. And whereas it is said in the end, that he forgiveth none: it is only meant of those, which are wicked and obstinate in their wickedness, and those which shall feel finally the severe vengeance of God: For so much then as he is named gentle, it is to poor and penitent sinners, which do repent them of their sins committed: so is he also termed a just judge, for to give punishment to the hard and impenitent sinner, to the end that none should abuse his grace and clemency over much.  Deut. Chap. 32. ver. 4. Ye nations praise him, praise him his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will execute vengeance upon his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. 
MOses speaketh this here in the name and authority of GOD, as a Prophet, assuring the people of Israel, that after GOD hath visited them with his rod, and punished them with sudden and strange calamities for their misdeeds, he would also make punishment of their enemies, and deliver them from their miseries and tribulations, being merciful unto the land: that is, to the inhabitants of the land. The Children of Israel having purged themselves, and made them clean of their sins by Gods mere favour and only mercy that he might be always favourable towards them, and that foreign nations and strange people might praise the children of God, and have them in estimation, and account them happy in having the favour of such a mighty God, and that thereby others should have occasion to rejoice together for so great and bountiful benefits from the Lord. If then the Gentiles had received such joy, as to be partakers of so great happiness, we must needs esteem this promise to pertain to us also, and that continually, though he doth afflict us, which is not but in good cause, and justly for to correct us for our offences. Yet he is gentle, and very ready to receive us into favour of his bountiful favour, not imputing unto us our iniquities, whereof we may have always cause to praise our God eternally, after that he hath drawn us forth out of the hands of the oppressors and calamities of this world, and hath received us into his eternal rest.  Psal. 103. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, and of great kindness: he will not always chide, nor keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities: for as high as the heaven is above the earth, so great is his mercy towards them that fear him. As far as the East is from the West: so far hath he put our sins from us. As a father hath compassion on his children: so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear him. 
THe more a man is miserable and worthy of death and damnation, the more the mercy of God surmounteth and overpasseth our misery and calamity, which is declared unto us in divers places of holy Scriptures, as it may appear in that, which we have heretofore spoken of. Exod. 34. which portion of Scripture is agreeable unto this, although it contain a more ample declaration (so great is the mercies of God) to advance and amplify the time & knowledge of him, & his clemency towards his people by the ministry of his Prophets, by whom the mercy of God is showed unto us, either by a singnall promise by holy scripture, and marvelously amplified by comparisons, & parables both fit and excellent to this end, that we may be better persuaded of the Lord, and his mercy as David confesseth, saying, The Lord is merciful, gentle, slow to anger, and of great compassion. These are the very self same titles which God doth attribute unto himself in the place aforesaid, wherein his nature is described unto us, because this matter concerneth our salvation principally, for this thing is showed plainly by his effects, in that he saith, That he is not always angry, etc. for seeing we be disobedient and rebellious unto him, and do not give him such honour as we ought, yet he pleadeth not in his wrath against us, for to have his right, and that which especially doth pertain unto him, but that which he doth, he doth by admonitions, reprehensions, threatenings of his word, corrections: that her by he may punish the transgressors, and in this manner it is said, that by the space of forty years, he strived in the Wilderness with a stubber generation, an unthankful people of Israel, as the Prophet witnesseth in the 95. Psal. vers. 10. Neither leaveth he here, but doth the like with their posterity and offspring, in forbearing with their sins and wickedness, as it appeareth in the first verse of the 4. Chap. of Hoseas, in all which places he showeth himself marvelous patiented, when being Lord almighty, and sovereign judge of all the earth, yet abaseth himself so much as to contend and maintain his right against so poor and feeble creatures, whom he might have destroyed and overthrown in a moment, if he had extended his just judgement & severity against them, for although he might justly complain of us at all times, and at every hour, because of our wickedness, yet he is so merciful, that he chideth us not continually, but many times demisseth all complaints and suits, and yieldeth up his own right, because his mercy endureth for ever, neither doth he correct us continually as we deserve, neither is he angry with us for ever, and although he punish us for our iniquities, yet not according to the custom of men, who suffer them selves to be carried away, by the rage and strength of her violence and excessive affections, but according to the reprehension and feeling of those, which he striketh with his rod, and visiteth with his Plagues, if he seem to be angry, it is for a time, it can not continue for ever, neither last long. Wherefore they which be stricken by him, do truly feel it, and makes their complaint unto God saying, why? dost thou continue thine anger for ever? or shall thy wrath burn against the sheep of thy pasture? Psal. 74. How long Lord shall thine anger continue without ceasing? Psal. 79. vers. 5. But if we consider the greatness and multitude of our sins, we shall find, that the wrath of God is of small continuance towards us, seeing we be not consumed of him, we may find him as we imagine sharp, whereas on the contrary, we shall think him in his great and inestimable goodness freely to forgive us, after so many sorts and fashions. For this cause it is said, that his wrath continueth but a short time, but in his favour resteth life everlasting: Heaviness may lodge with a man one night, but joy cometh in the morning: as it appeareth by this which followeth. The church speaking unto God, by declaring his everlasting mercy, that although he hideth his face ●rom them, and consumeth them because of ●heir sins: yet in as much as they be the work of his own hands, he will not suffer ●he City of his Sanctuary to lie waste. Esay. 54. For after that GOD had afflicted Israel by the Asserians, and troubled them ●y the Madianites, by the Philistines, Moa●ites, and such other nations that knew not him, he sufficiently showeth, that he was angry against his people: yet in that he raised up judges, Heads and Captains, by whom he delivered them from the hands of their oppressors, and gave them quietness and peace in the Land, whereby he caused them to know that his indignation was past, neither did it continue or last for ever: The captivity of Babylon was an evident testimony of the wrath of God against the jews: yet by the Commandment and Edict of Cyrus he brought them back again into their country, and caused the people to know that he had altogether ceased from his anger, and put away the burning of his indignation, as he showeth in the 85. Psal. vers. 4. See how he hath quieted himself, and doth not hold his anger for ever. But all this which is spoken, toucheth the faithful only, as for the unfaithful, which do not believe the wrath of God remains on them, as it is said. joh. Cham 3. ver. 36. The third effect of God's clemency, & the chiefest towards us is, that he rewardeth us not according to our wickedness, neither correcteth us according to our sins, for the fruits and reward of sin is anguish, tribulation, damnation, and death on every soul as it is written to the Rom. Chap. 2. ver. 9 and Chap. 6. vers. 23. Then if God should punish us, and handle us according to our deserts, we should be excessively afflicted, and continually in anguish without end: yea, one should be already overthrown and destroyed, but in as much as he spareth & forbeareth us, defending us from so many perils, and delivering us from so manifold dangers, and which is more, that he maketh us know that we be his, and adorneth us with all the gifts of his holy spirit, and putteth us in hope of life everlasting: he showeth manifestly by these, that he doth not reward us according to our deserts, neither recompense us as we have deserved. By nature therefore we do nothing but offend, yet for our unhappiness he restoreth goodness again. Wherefore it is said, that there is great mercy with the Lord, true it is, that sometimes he correcteth us for our wickedness, but never chasteneth nor punisheth us according to our deserts: no more than if he had not regarded them, or as they had never been committed, seeing then that he remits & wholly forgives us, by which it is said, that the mercies of the Lord is over all his works, and his goodness reacheth unto the clouds, not that it endeth there, for it can not be contained in the Heaven of heavens, but because in this world nothing can seem higher than Heaven, which is raised above the earth by an incomprehensible distance, as it is said in the Psal. 36. that the goodness of God reacheth unto the heavens, therefore it is added afterward, that it is excellent, it is over our heads, it doth overpass our sight, it is altogether to be marveled at, this is the height, the breadth, the depth of the love of Christ, which is spoken of in the 3. Chap. to the Ephes. It is marvelous high and wonderful to behold, it reacheth to the deeps beneath, there is nothing which the spirit of man can Imagine to be greater, but only God's love and bounty towards us, who from the highest Heavens, from his celestial and glorious throne vouchsafeth to come to the bottomless Pit of the earth, to draw us from it, and to make us ascende● where himself abideth, it scattereth itself here and there, in length infinite, in breadth wonderful, so that among so many regions the people may feel the virtue of it in their hearts by the holy ghost, and yet we must know, that God never useth this clemency to them which show themselves profayned and contemners of his grace, but those which do fear him and showeth him honour and reverence, therein lieth properly the greatness of the bountifulness of the Almighty. This is again showed by a notable effect, when it is said, that he casteth from us our offences: as for the wicked, their malice doth not remove, but remains still, lying even at the gate: as the Lord speaketh of the sin of Cain Gen. Chap. 4. ver. 7. concerning the offences of the faithful, although they be set before them, and that they do present themselves oftentimes before the eyes of the soul: as it happened to the Prophet, when he said, that his sins was continually before him. Psal. 51. ver. 5. which is nothing unto them, but an exercise of true repentance, to bring them unto humility, and after makes them more circumspect: yet nevertheless, in respect of God's mercy, they be all put away: for he putteth them far from him, scattereth them abroad, and casteth them behind ●im, never to be remembered again. Which is showed by a comparison of the distance between the East and the West, which is the farthest distance that can be imagined under the Sun: even so then, as the East is far from the West, and the West far from the East by a separation and great distance: even so far GOD doth cast all our sins away from us: yea so far, that they cannot be perceived or no more appear, than that which is carried away from one end of the world unto the other. And to confirm all that is spoken before, God is in holy Scripture compared unto a father, which is merciful unto his children: for as you see a father cover many of his sons imperfections, neither useth such rigour and severity towards them as he might, but spareth them as much as possibly he can. In like manner also, God (who is our great and celestial father) is moved with all pity & compassion towards us, and ready to forgive us all our sins: so that we fear to offend him, neither do abound in our iniquities.  Psal. 130. If thou O Lord shouldst straightly mark our iniquities, O Lord who should stand before thee: but mercy is with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Let Israel wait on the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is great redemption, and he shall redeem Jsrael from all his iniquities. 
THere is none of us, which are not in danger to fall into eternal ruin and destruction, if God should look narrowly into our sins and offences, to examine them in severity, and execute a just punishment for them: for there is no man that could stand before his tribunal Seat, nor be able to justify himself by his own righteousness. Therefore David in his prayers and supplications to the Lord, desireth him not to enter into judgement with him, as he had deserved. Psal. 144. ver. 2. neither may this seem strange, or spoken without special purpose, but it is the same in substance, which the author of this Psalm speaketh of here: which is done for our consolation and trust, that forgiveness of our sins only cometh from the Lord: neither doth he take any heed of them thereby to condemn us, but he showeth himself gentle, and merciful to us: which made the Prophet in conclusion to say, That because there is mercy with God, therefore he should be feared. And that this might not be done in himself only, he stirreth up all sorts of men, and every state and condition of nations to the due fear and true reverence of his Majesty, thereby that high and low, rich and poor, one with an other might wholly give themselves to serve him in thankfulness and heavenly melody: for the more he poureth on us his bountiful and merciful liberality, the more we are bound to him, and aught to be much more desirous to serve him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. So that the forgiveness of our sins is joined with the honour and glory of GOD, and our obedience, which ought to follow his grace, not only particularly, but also generally among all true Christians. For, for this cause David doth give certain assurance unto the Catholic Church of GOD, under the name of Israel: saying, that the Lord would deliver Israel from all his iniquities, and purge them from all their sins: & although the Church be not without sin during the time that it is in this earthly peregrination, but hath wrinkles and spots subject to many infirmities and transgressions, by whom it is as it were made captive and brought into bondage: yet God will deliver it continually out of such misery, and by his infinite mercy forgive it not some faults only, but all her iniquities how great soever they be, and of what number soever. Upon this hope then, the Prophet exhorteth the Church to trust in the Lord, hoping in him in time of oppression, when we are in distress and extreme affliction. In as much as there is abundance of mercy with him, he wanteth no means to redeem and draw his out of anguish and tribulation: his ways are infinite, he needeth no good affection, being inclined and given by his own nature to clemency and mercy.  Esay Chap. 1. ver. 18. Though your sins were as Crimson, they shall be made white as Snow: though they were made red like Scarlet, they shallbe as wool. 
THis is an excellent and comfortable promise, which God hath made to his ancient people, that of his mercy he hath put all their sins out of account, even as though they had never been committed: were they never so great and filthy, yet God's mercy is greater: & therefore they ought not to despair. The Prophet declareth the small honour they showed to God, and their wonderful imperfections, when he giveth unto them such opprobrius titles, calling them rebellious Children, a generation of Vipers, a people altogether given to iniquity, a wicked seed, base borne, corrupt children, yea, sparing none, no not one: he saith that they are all nought, from the greatest to the lowest, from the head to the foot, both Priest and people, magistrate and subject are like to them of Zodome, and as the inhabitance of Gomorra, all defiled with murder, & shedding of innocent blood: yet GOD doth promise that he will never bring their sins to account, be their iniquities never so grievous and monstrous, as the comparison of colours, even of the red and bloody colour, of the Scarlet and Purple dye showeth: yet the Lord will make them as wool, yea, as white as the driven snow, than the which, what can be whiter? Therefore the Lord setteth down these words, to assure us, by fit and probable similitudes, that although their sins were ripe, and as it were died in grain, which will not easily alter or change the colour: yet they shall be no more remembered, nor once appear again before him, no more than the old colour is known which hath taken on it a new dye: So all the filthiness and infamy that was found in them shall be made very pure, and very clean. And after this sort doth the Prophet pray, that if God would wash, purify, and make him clean again from his sin, than he should be whiter than Snow, and clearer, yea far clearer than the Crystal glass. Psal. 51. ver. 9 And although it may seem, that this promise was made particulary to the jews: yet notwithstanding it doth appertain to us also, that hereby we might know, that the mercy of God is no less towards us, nor his arm shortened in our days: but rather more amply declared, and showed by the coming of his Son, and our Saviour jesus Christ.  Esay Chap. 43. ver. 25. I, even I am he that putteth away thine iniquities for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. 
ALthough our sins be as they were written with a pen of Iron, & with a diamond point, and profoundly engraven in the tables of our hearts, and in our souls, & noted by too much appearance: nevertheless the Lord our God doth certify us here, of the forgiveness of them, saying that it is himself, which doth blot, put out, & raise them in such sort, that they are not to be perceived any more, neither do they appear at any time before his face, no otherwise than if they had never been committed, he I say blotteth them out, not for one day, nor for certain months or years, or for some space of time prescribed or limited, but continually and to the last gasp, which is showed by this phrase of speaking, for this word to blot out, is a perpetual extinguishing of that, which hath been manifested never to be in the like state again, whereby we may learn, that we have all need of his great grace, not for a time, but unto the end of our life, yea so long as sin shall remain in us, for we are ever molested and grieved, and therforefore have need of mercy, as it is declared in the Romans. Chap. 7. vers. 23.24. and in that he saith, that it is he himself, which blotteth out our iniquities, he showeth none other can do it but he, neither is there any creature either in heaven or in earth, that hath such power either in themselves, or from themselves. Now than we must learn, how this can be true, seeing it is said, that the Apostles and Shepherds of the Church of God have received such authority to forgive sins, as in S. Math. Chap. 18. vers. 18. and S. john. Chap. 20. vers. 23. but this is by reason of their charge and ministry, and not that it belongeth to themselves properly, they may in deed remit the offences committed, but by and in the name of the Lord, to whom they be Herraltes and Ambassadors, it than belongeth unto God only to remit sins, for the which he will have us to be fully assured, in considering that it is himself which doth speak it, and which maketh this promise, even he, which is eternal and everlasting: even he, which is good and full of mercy: this repetition and manner of speaking belongeth to him, in that it is said: I my self forgive sins to this end, that we may not in any wise doubt, but therein wholly be persuaded by what means he is moved and stirred up, for in blotting out our sins, he declareth that it is for his name sake, it is not then for any worthiness in us, nor in consideration of any deserts of ours: Neither obtained by any Saints or indulgences found out by man's imagination, but by his free bounty, according to that which David doth desire of the Lord, that according to his great compassion, he would blot out our iniquities. Psalm. 51. vers. 3. He addeth also for the confirmation of this, that which is spoken before, that he will not bring our sins to account, not that he is forgetful, for we must know, that all things be present unto him, and before his eyes: but this is to show, that he will not bring them to account, for to make punishment of them again.  Esay. Chap. 44. vers. 22. I have put away thy transgressions like a cloud, and thy sins like a Mist, turn unto me for I have redeemed thee. 
FOrasmuch as sin is nothing but filth and dirt, wherewith we be all infected and abominably polluted, behold God which saith that he himself blotteth them out, not in half, nor in some part, but wholly, and altogether: neither more, nor less, but as a very thick and dark cloud, which by the abundance and force of rain, and overflowing waters do take and carry away with themselves the filthiness of the earth: so we when we be washed, and purified from such filthiness, and faults, he will not have us return back again unto the mud, there to defile ourselves, but willeth us to continued with him, setting us in the fair way and obedience, which doth appertain unto him, not only by nature & creation, but also by right of redemption, for he is our redeemer, and our pledge, which hath redeemed us, and keepeth us against all enemies.  Mich. Chap. 7. vers. 18. Who is a God like unto the Lord, that taketh away iniquity, & passeth by the transgressions of the remnant of his heritage, he retaineth not his wrath for ever, because mercy pleaseth him, he will turn again and have compassion, he will subdue our iniquities, and cast all our sins into the bottom of the sea, thou wilt perform thy truth to jacob, and mercy to Abraham, as thou hast sworn to our fathers in old time. 
Truly there is none that may be compared unto God, either in gentleness, or in power: for he and none other remitteth sin, and although he met a sinner in the way, (because all things be present unto him) yet he will not stay himself to punish, but depart farther of, as though he took no heed what is done, and leave behind him the offence committed. By this manner of speech it is said, that God casteth our sins back from him. Esay Chap. 38. ver. 17. yet only to those which do properly appertain unto him, whom he doth avouch & acknowledge for his inheritance, and peculiar people, who are of that Church, to whom he granteth grace, from which all others be sequestered. And be it, that sometimes he doth anger himself, and his wrath be moved against his own justly: yet it is not of long continuance, in so much that he is rather prone to mercy and clemency, then to severity and rigour. And although he seem by our offences and vices to turn himself back from us, and to afflict us, as we deserve: yet he will return again, and will show us the cheerful and comfortable light of his countenance, in showing compassion on us, he forgiveth all our sins, by putting down and destroying all the violence and force of death: so that we are no more holden in captivity and bondage, but made free, and set at liberty by him, not by casting them on the ground only, but by destroying, and delivering us from them, by throwing them into the bottom of the Sea, that they may appear no more, but the memory of them pass away, as a thing which is bound up and cast into the deepest Sea. And in this we see, that he is not moved for any worthiness that is in us, but of his only bounty and clemency, being gentle and full of mercy, slow to anger, and of great goodness by nature, faithful in his promises which he made unto the fathers, and confirmed by his oath, and in these latter times fulfilled the bountifulness of his mercy in his only Son: who is the only pledge to assure us of the forgiveness of our sins. And whereas the Prophet saith that God doth not only forgive our sins, but passeth them over, not by putting them down only, but casting them into the bottom of the Sea, for to abolish them wholly: it cannot be more plainly expressed or declared, how God forgiveth us. Then, if in the time of the law and shadows, his promise was not in vain: how much ought we now to be more certain of it under the kingdom of Christ, by whom we obtain truth and grace?  
The grace of GOD towards us, by means of our Lord jesus Christ.  jeremy Chap. 31. ver. 31. Behold the day is come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Jsrael, and with the house of juda. I will put my law in their inward parts, & writ it in their hearts, and willbe their God, and they shall be my people: I will pardon their iniquities, and will remember their sins no more. 
THis is the holy and happy alliance, that we obtain with God by jesus Christ his Son, by whom, albeit we be sufficiently taught, and instructed in the knowledge of his truth, both in will and affection to obey him, according to his commandments, yet we go oftentimes astray, and do against his divine precepts, by the wickedness and imperfections which remains in us: wherefore we have always need of his grace, for the remission of our sins, in the promise which he hath made unto us, as we are taught in this place of Scripture: which although it was made in the ancient covenant of the law wherein all things also are included, yet it pertaineth properly unto the new promise, obtained by jesus Christ the very Son of GOD, the sure foundation and perfect substance of our salvation: for he is the mediator of the new Testament, as it is said in the Epistle to the Heb. Chap. 9 It is he by whose desert all our sins are forgiven, which could not be remitted by the outward figures, and vain shadows of the law.  Esay Chap. 53. ver. 4. Surely he hath borne our infirmities, and carried our sorrows: he was wounded for our transgressions, & broken for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. The Lord hath laid upon him the iniquities of us all, by his knowledge shall my just servant justify many, for he shall bear their sins. 
AS God is by nature gentle and merciful, so is he a severe and just judge: for he leaveth not sin unpunished, but layeth the punishment of it upon his only Son, who in the fullness of time delivered him for us unto the shameful and accursed death of the Cross, wherein his justice and mercy is found by joining both together in an inseparable bond of unity. And first in that, that jesus Christ suffered for our iniquities: the other in that, that he was well pleased to suffer his Son to be a pledge, and an atonement for us. This then the Prophet teacheth in this place, that Christ hath suffered for us an infinite number of griefs, torments, and punishments, as touching his soul: he suffered a death full of shame and reproach in the world, to justify and deliver us from damnation and eternal death, acquitting us from the wrath of God. Seeing then, that in heart and affection we acknowledge him for our tru● Saviour and Redeemer, we need not to fear, although we shall perceive, and acknowledge ourselves to be guilty: yet we may be assured, that we are in peace with God, because jesus Christ our Redeemer hath borne the pains due for our iniquities. If Satan then do assail us by terrible imaginations of the pains and torments, which we have justly deserved in respect of our iniquities, let us present ourselves in the righteousness and holiness of jesus Christ: for he hath borne our griefs, & laid our sorrows on him: he hath been wounded, hurt, and murdered: he died for us which are unjust, and rose again for our sanctification, to the end he might justify and absolve us.  Zach. Chap. 12. ver. 1. In that day there shallbe a fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of jerusalem for sin, and for uncleanness. 
THis is the fair and clear fountain of grace, the lively water that floweth to us by jesus Christ, by the shedding of his precious blood, which is opened to all those which are of the household of God, and made Citizens of the heavenly and spiritual jerusalem, which is the true Church wherein they wash and purge their sins. Let us therefore go unto this lively water, and into this life everlasting, where the one never stayeth running, and cannot be dried up, nor the possessors of the other shall ever taste of the second death: for this spring floweth in great abundance, so that we shallbe washed fair and clean, be our iniquities never so foul and polluted.  Math. Chap. 11. ver. 18. Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will refresh you. 
THe admirable and bountiful love of the Lord jesus is in this place showed, in that he vouchsafeth to help and secure those, which be poor and in misery, he will not cast them away, neither send them to others to make their moan and complaints: but he calleth them himself unto him, I say he, which is the very Son of God, the Lord of glory, calleth those unto him which are oppressed, & troubled in their consciences by the feeling of their sins, and therefore promiseth to aid them, and give them rest, the true tranquillity and happy quietness of the soul: Let us go therefore to jesus Christ our only Saviour and redeemer: let us go in a true faith, and earnest repentance, seeing he stretcheth forth his arms to receive us: seeing he is sweet, gentle, merciful, of great goodness. Are we therefore heavy laden with the burden of our sins? he will deliver us from the yoke and servitude of the house of bondage. Are we over hailed, and tied by the tyranny of sin and death? he will preserve us from the servitude of the one, and from the deadly sting of the other.  john Chap. 1. ver. 29. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. 
THis is the testimony that john the Baptist witnesseth openly of our Lord jesus Christ, who was ordained and sent of God to be the Lamb (without fault, without spot) which in former times was figured in sundry Sacrifices of the law, yet more especially in the Passover or Lamb, which was offered every day, morning, and evening for the sins of the Priest, and people: but this Lamb, when none was worthy to offer him up to his father, hath willingly offered himself, that by dying once for all, he might obtain forgiveness of sins for all: and by this means he hath brought us unto God the father, that he might continually, not for once acquit, and deliver us from our sins, which is showed more forcible, if we mark the word which he useth (he doth take away) which is declared in the time present, and that by the merit of his death, which is always of one and the same virtue, and perpetual efficacy, whereby we obtain our eternal redemption: as it is said by the author to the Heb. Chap. 9 And this benefit being so precious & great, serveth not for one, or two only, neither for one only Nation, but reacheth over all people, and every Nation of the earth, as this word (world) proveth. Let us not then doubt that our sins are remitted by the death of Christ, whose death should nothing avail us, if we should not receive the fruit of it by faith in his promises, seeing that sin dwelleth in us continually, as it is proved in the 7. Chapter to the Romans'. Therefore we receive pardon for them continually by him, who hath brought us to the throne of grace, where with boldness we may call his father abba our father.  Acts Chap. 5. ver. 31. This is that Jesus, which God hath lifted up with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 
THe Empire and sovereign dominion of Christ is here showed unto us by S. Peter, to the end, he might declare unto us the power & spiritual liberty, which he bestoweth on his Church, meaning his people of Israel: that is to say, that by him our sins are remitted, with change of newness of life, promised to our eternal salvation. These two graces then being joined together, can never be separated, that thereby none may doubt of the obtaining of this excellent benefit purchased by the Lord jesus: which otherwise would pull back from his highness, and debate his power, who will for these benefits be honoured in word, and glorified in deed.  Acts Chap. 13. ver. 38. Be it known unto you, that through this man (our Saviour Christ) is preached unto you forgiveness of sins. 
THis place is like unto the former, concerning the benefit purchased by Christ, by whom we obtain forgiveness of our sins: a thing worthy of all men to be had in memory, of the which every man ought to be certain, and resolved in the assurance of his salvation.  Rom. Chap. 5. ver. 8. God showeth his love towards us, seeing that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, much more now being justified by his blood: we shallbe saved from wrath through him, for if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his son, much more being reconciled, shallbe saved by his life, and not only so, but also rejoice in God through our Lord jesus Christ, by whom we have obtained reconciliation. 
THis is to assure us of the love and mercy of God towards us, and of our salvation, when we consider what Christ jesus hath done for us, who being the Son of God, just, and innocent, suffered so many torments for us unjust, and guilty, so that now we are purged, and made clear of all our faults and iniquities: yea, we are acquitted and absolved from the wrath and anger of GOD: who is wholly quieted, peace being made between him and us by the reconciliation of the Lord jesus, who is the means, by the virtue of his death, and preserver of our life by the virtue and power of his deity: for our life is hid in him, & our death is buried in him: in him therefore all our glory consisteth, for there is nothing wherein we may glory ourselves, nor our works, but only in the great favour and mercy of our God, and in the grace and mercy of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ.  john 1. Epist. 1. Chap. ver. 7. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all our sins. 
ALthough we be guilty, and polluted with many sins, which are in the eyes of the Lord stained and filthy: yet the holy Apostle doth assure us, that we are washed and purified from them, not by any counterfeit water of man's fancy, nor by a feigned imagination of fire in Purgatory, in any other world, neither by the blood of Martyrs, as some have falsely taught, but only by the precious blood of the Son of God: which is of such efficacy, and continual virtue, that he can blot out our sins particularly how many soever they be.  john 1. Epist. Chap. 2. ver. 1. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the father jesus Christ the righteous, and he is the reconciliation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also the sins of the whole world. 
THere is none without sin, and consequently all are guilty before GOD: yet behold the Apostle witnesseth, that the Lord jesus Christ doth pray, and make request for us: as it is said in the Epistle to the Romans' Chap. 8. and to the Heb. Chap. 7. which intercession between God and man was of such force and virtue, that no others but he was found worthy and able to make us understand the gentle and favourable goodwill of God the father: for he died for our sins, & undertook to make an agreement and reconciliation for our misdeeds to God: which excellent and worthy desert is not only restrained to some particular person, but reacheth to all generally, that all might perceive the love of their Redeemer.  john 1. Epist. Chap. 3. ver. 10. In this are the children of God known, and the children of the devil: whosoever doth not rightly is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother: and this is appointed a reward for sins. 
THis place is like unto the place afore rehearsed, containing more fully the love, and mercifulness of GOD towards us, in that he hath brought us again unto him by his well-beloved Son, who gave himself for us.  Of faith in Christ, joh. Cap. 3. ver. 16. God so loved the world, that he hath given his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have life everlasting. 
THe beginning and first cause of our salvation is in GOD, who in his mercy and fatherly love saved us. The second is in Christ, who by the merit of his death & passion redeemed us: the only instrument and means to obtain such great good is by faith in jesus Christ, which is of such virtue and efficacy, that by it man is reconciled unto God by the free remission of sin: wherefore he cannot fall utterly in as much as he is delivered from eternal death, and made partaker of an happy life.  john. Chap. 5. vers. 24. Verily, verily I say unto you, he that heareth my words and believeth in him that sent me, hath everlasting life: and shall not come into condemnation, but passeth from death to life. 
THis is to confirm ourselves in the assurance we have in Christ, and in the certain persuasion of his doctrine, when as we do understand that our faith resting in him, is not founded upon a mortal man, but on the very and true son of God, wherefore it is said that we are justified: that we are sanctified in and by the blood of Christ jesus. Rom. Chap. 3. vers. 27. we be absolved from our sins, neither can be condemned any wise, being so warranted by him, which is eternal, by whom we obtain life and felicity, which continueth for ever.  Rom. Chap. 10. vers. 9 If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him up from death, thou shalt be saved. 
HOw easy the way of salvation is unto us, S. Paul showeth in this place, not using many words, neither sending us back to the profound and deep secrets of almighty God, but giveth us to understand, that by the grace of God which is in us, we are saved if so be we hold fast the faith, not lightly in the Brain, but rooted profoundly in the heart, apprehending perfectly jesus Christ: which once died for our sins, and rose again for our justification, as it is in the 4. Chap. of this Epistle. And although the confession of the mouth be required: which principally serveth for an outward testimony, and a manifest declaration of the hope which is in us, yet especially we must have the heart line lie touched with a sure persuasion of faith, whose mouth will not be stopped. Seeing that with the heart we believe: and with the mouth declare our justification, & as the Prophet saith in 116. Psalm. vers. 10. I have believed, and therefore I have spoken.  Acts Chap. 10. ver. 43. To him do all the Prophets give witness, that through his name all that believe in him might receive remission of sin. 
IT is then by the means of faith in Christ, that we do obtain forgiveness of sin if so be we assure and rest ourselves wholly upon the merit and intercession of him, following the predictions and writings not only of the Prophets, but of those also which have Prophesied in the unity of the same spirit, whereby we attain fully all the promises of eternal life, by and through the means of Christ jesus, and let this be for a full confirmation of this Article.  

Of Repentance.  
FOr so much as the grace of God and salvation hath appeared to all men, to the end we might give over all unfaithfulness and worldly desires, and that we should live justly in all christianity, seeing we be bought by the blood of the immaculate Lamb jesus Christ, and therefore aught to be unto him a peculiar people, given unto all good works, for this cause we must take great heed, that we abuse not the great benignity and long sufferance of God, by continuing in sin and iniquity, which is the only means to heap upon us his wrath and vengeance to our condemnation. For whensoever we err or fall into sin, whether it be by the imperfection of our nature, or frailty of our flesh (sufficient means to heap the burning coals of God's severity upon us, if in judgement he should stand against us) yet we must not defer from day to day: but rend our hearts not our garments, and in earnest contrition of our souls, and sincere repenting by confessing our miserable estate, and desirous to be loosed from the heavy burden of our sins, show all duty and amendment of life. For as saint Cyprian saith, that the first degree of our felicity, is to commit no sin: so the second is to acknowledge our sin committed. Therefore whensoever we fall (as who is not unclean in the eyes of his Creator: And the righteous man sinneth seven times aday) yet we must not lie groveling on the ground, but raise up ourselves by faith in the promises of God, & in the hope of eternal life, assuring ourselves, that he will receive us to mercy, and spread upon us his grace: for he is our Shepherd, and we shall not want: he hath placed us as a signet on his finger, and printed us in the palm of his right hand, so that none shall be able to pluck us of, or blot us out of his remembrance, but of his mercy he hath regenerated us, and made us partakers of the inward washing sealed into us in the outward Baptism, and grafting us into the body of Christ by receiving us into his Church, never to be hereafter excluded from his grace, and forgiveness of sin, though we fall by infirmity into the same sin again: which may be a confutation of the irronious and detestable opinion of the Novations, renewed by certain Heretics in our time, but sufficiently reproved and condemned by the fathers out of the word of God: For seeing the promises of God be made only for his people and his Church, through grace and mercy unto them, which may appear in the effects of the same, by notable example of worthy memory hereafter declared, that if in the time of the Law and old Testament, GOD hath showed himself favourable towards those, which of good will have drawn themselves towards him: how much more will he spread abroad the bright beams of his mercy to us, under the reign of his son jesus Christ, by whom and through whom he maketh us free inheritors of the treasures of his grace. Let us see now what declaration we have of these things in holy Scripture.  Deut. Chap. 4. ver. 30. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, if thou return to the Lord thy God, and be obedient to his voice, for the Lord thy God is a merciful God, he will not forsake thee, neither destroy, nor forget he swore to thy fathers to perform it. 
MOses speaketh in this place unto us under the person of the people of Israel, that thereby we might make ourselves sure, that if by the vanities of our mind we commit Idolatry, and worship strange Gods, thereby corrupting ourselves, and deserving the wrath of our God upon us, by falling into divers evils and calamities: yet if we repent, and be displeased with ourselves in having offended such a merciful GOD, and desiring to serve him hereafter in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life, he will cease from punishing, and perform his promises made in and by the meditation of his Son Christ jesus.  Psalm. 51. ver. 19 The sacrifice of God is a holy spirit, a contrite and broken heart, O Lord thou wilt not despise. 
THese are the words of David, which he setteth down as a pattern and example of a true penitent man, strucken by the spirit of God, who declareth unto us, that in the feeling of his weakness and unworthiness, he is overcome, he is afflicted in his soul, and sorrowful in his heart, complaining for his sins, watering his couch with his tears, grievously pained lieth groaning all the day long, he repenteth that he hath done amiss, he humbleth himself before his God in Sackcloth and Ashes: This is the man whose Sacrifice the Lord receiveth, whose broken and contrite heart he never despiseth: who pleaseth him more than all the Sacrifices of the Beasts that have horns and houfes, than the offerings of their new moneys, and the gifts of high and proud hippocrites, than all the vanities of the superstitious idolaters, which think to honour and serve him with any faith and repentance.  Prover. Chap. 28. ver. 13. He that hideth his sins shall not prosper, but he that confesseth and forsaketh them, shall have mercy. 
THe holy Ghost doth certify us here, that although there can no evil happen unto him, which humbleth himself before God by acknowledging his sin, and that there is grace, forgiveness & mercy offered to those which feel themselves guilty, and acknowledge their transgressions, ask absolution and deliverance by a true amendment of life. I do think this place of Scripture principally to be touched among the rest, because the holy Ghost of purpose setteth it down to comfort the penitent Sinner, which are very sorry that they have offended so heavenly a father, who is of long suffering and compassion, who is in Scripture named the God of all comfort and consolation: and therefore they will not hide their sin, but confess it unto the Lord, who will heal all their infirmities, and cleanse them from their sins: for the Lord is merciful unto all such as call upon him, yea, all such as call upon him faithfully. Hast thou then been a blasphemer, a robber, a liar? Hast thou given thyself to Usury? Art thou covetous? Hast thou been a Fornicator? an Adulterer? If thou leave thy blasphemy, forsake thy evil doing, shun covetousness as a Serpent: if thou fly from the paths of the strange woman, and the delicious pampering of the belly: if thou fliest from evil, and dost the thing that is good: if thou abhorrest the bosom of the light woman, & the alluring bed of the Harlot: doubt not, but thy sins be forgiven, the debt paid, the wrath of God against thee is pacified by the sight of the Lamb which standeth on the Mount. Hear the wisdom of God, which saith, he that leaveth his sin shall obtain mercy: Hast thou then left thy wickedness? Art thou become a new man? Hast thou amended thy evil life? God will show thee mercy and compassion: we need not to go far to seek proofs and testimonies of the grace of God towards us, the very amendment of our life is an evident demonstration of the same, which the Prophet David felt in the 32. Psal: when he saith, than I acknowledged my sin unto thee, neither did I hide mine iniquity: for I thought, I will confess against myself my wickedness unto the Lord, and thou forgavest the punishment of my fault. Therefore shall every one that is godly make his prayer unto thee in a time when thou mayst be found: surely the flood of great water shall not come near him. Thou art my secret place, thou preservest me from my trouble, and compasses me about with joyful deliverance.  Esay Chap. 55. ver. 7. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his own ways, and the unrighteous his own imaginations, and return unto the Lord, & he will have mercy upon him, for he is ready to forgive. For my thoughts are not as your thoughts, neither are your ways as my ways saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth: so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts. 
ALthough by our offences we estrange and withdraw ourselves greatly from God, he is nevertheless near at hand if we draw ourselves from our evil and sinful life: if we be touched with a true repentance: if we commit ourselves unto him: if we call upon him with all our hearts, & with all our souls, we may be sure he willbe merciful unto us, as the Prophet saith. And although our sins abound, yet his mercy aboundeth much more: though our iniquities (as we think) are infinite, and without pardon, not esteeming the goodness and clemency of God, according to his greatness and infinite mercies, but according to the weakness and frailty of our understanding: yet we see that the Lord showeth by his Prophet, that his thoughts and his works do surpass all that is in us, or can come from us. For although our sins were in number as the sand of the Sea, or as the stars of Heaven: yet we know that he holdeth the Sea in his hand, and calleth the Stars by their names: for as the Heaven is in comparison of the Earth, so are his mercies towards all that call upon him. Why should any then mistrust the benignity of GOD, seeing he is so careful to assure us of the forgiveness of our sins, whensoever we do call upon him.  Exech. Chap. 18. ver. 21. If the wicked will turn from his sins, that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do all that is lawful and right, he shall surely live, and not die: all his transgressions which he hath committed shall not be mentioned unto him. Have I any desire that the wicked should die, saith the Lord, or shall he not live if he return from his ways? Therefore return and repent you for your transgressions, so iniquity shall not be your destruction. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby you have transgressed, and make you a new heart, and a new spirit: for why will you die O house of Israel. 
THe Lord in this place speaketh not directly unto the sinner, which falleth by frailty and weakness of flesh, but to the wicked, which of malice and cruelty hath rob and shed innocent blood, who hath oppressed the needy, and sold the poor for old shoes, who hath whined after his neighbour's wife, & hath been partakers with the Adulterers: which have runned from Bethel to Dan, and from Dan to Bethel to serve strange Gods: which have sacrificed of their own flesh to Molocke, and have eaten the offerings of the dead: to these which ●●●nke sin as water, and draw iniquity with cords: to these I say speaketh the Lord, and telleth them, that if they do truly repent them of all their misdeeds which they have committed, they shall never be imputed to them again, they shall be delivered from them, and made partakers of eternal life, if his repentance be true, not feigned, but yields himself wholly to serve his God, though his obedience be imperfect, and there be some want in him: yet he shall be washed in the blood of the Lamb, by his wounds he shall be healed, and in his weakness he shall be made strong: he shallbe holy, because he which hath called him is holy. And in this respect are Christians called oftentimes just in holy Scripture, though there be some imperfections in them daily to be seen, yet this is showed to declare the wondered and great bounty and clemency of God towards us, that having offended him in breaking his ordinances, and so made guilty of eternal death: yet that he vouchsafeth to call us again unto him, and to stretch forth his arm all the day long to take us up when we were fallen, and exhorteth us to repentance, and to newness of life, which is the token and evident testimony of a true conversion and new regeneration by the holy Ghost. And whereas he commandeth us to repent, adding a promise of life and salvation, he showeth that he would have us touched to the quick, and truly sorry for our faults committed, with firm and steadfast purpose to live better in time to come: so that here we may know what kind of man he is, which shall not perish, but shall have eternal life, according to this promise.  Zach. Chap. 1. ver. 3. Return you unto me saith the Lord of hosts, and I will return unto you. 
HEre is an other exhortation to repentance joined with the promise and reconciliation to God, very like unto that before.  Math. Chap. 4. ver. 17. Amend your lives for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 
THis is the first exhortation that the Lord made to the people of Israel, agreeable to that where john Baptist admonisheth every one to repentance and amendment of life: which that they may the better perform, he addeth this reason and promise, that the grace of God, the remission of sins, and the reconciliation with God, is present and near to them by the preaching of the Gospel, which is here called the kingdom of God: for by this means the tyranny of Satan is destroyed and overthrown: the force of sin dead: the kingdom of Christ gloriously extolled and lift up on high, reigning in the hearts of those, which by his spirit have felt the virtue unto newness of life, a sufficient token to assure us in this life to be made partakers of his inheritance in the life to come.  Math. Chap. 9.13. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. 
THis is the answer of our Saviour made to the pharisees, who finding themselves offended that he and his company did eat with Publicans and Harlots, with sinful and lewd livers, thought him a glutton and lose fellow. For these men counting themselves only the people of GOD, erred and corrupted themselves, in such a sort, that they accounted all other utterly profayne. Whereupon our Saviour Christ showeth wherefore he leaveth their companies, who so much justified themselves, and betaketh himself and all his to poor sinners, though they were wicked and evil in life, that by this means he might draw them from their vice and iniquities, and bring them into the right way. To those then, which do repent of their sins, appertaineth the grace of God, for repentance is the very effect of the son of God, which bringeth salvation unto all people.  Acts 3. ver. 19 Amend your lives therefore and turn, that your sins may be put away. 
THose to whom Peter spoke in this place, had put and delivered to death the holy and the just, the Prince of life, that is to say, our Lord jesus Christ: yet he exhorteth them to a godly conversation of life, promising that their sins shall be forgiven them, so that the grace of God is showed forth to all men, whom the Lord counteth by putting from them their iniquities.  Acts Chap. 5. ver. 31. This is that Jesus whom GOD hath lift up with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance of sins to Jsrael, and forgiveness of sins. 
THis is spoken to this end, that the Lord jesus hath brought us unto salvation by repentance, which is never separated from the forgiveness of sin.  1. Cor. Chap. 7. ver. 10. Godly sorrow causeth repentance to salvation. 
THe profayne and wicked men continually do rejoice in their wickedness, and harden their hearts in their sins, never ceasing till their accursed joy be turned into weeping and gnashing of teeth, by the just and fearful judgement of God, who casteth all such into utter perdition: but they, which have the fear of God, after that they have done amiss in any sort be greatly sorry in heart, weeping and lamenting that have offended such a gracious God, and always suffer extreme griefs because they offended him, in breaking his commandments. The rulers which had the oversight of the church of Corinth, being reprehended by S. Paul for their slothfulness and slowness, in not acquitting themselves from the slanders, which was reported of them, had for this thing such a displeasure and sorrow in themselves, that the Apostle thought it commodious & profitable for their salvation. On which example he draweth this excellent and notable sentence, that the sorrow, which is according to the will of God for offending him in neglecting the charge committed to us, is profitable. And this is drawn by an usual fashion, to bring the offendor to repentance, and to induce a man into an ardent desire to do better in time to come: which is the way and perfect means to come into the port of salvation: for such a kind of repentance none ought to be displeased, but rather be glad and rejoice for it.  joh. 1. Epist. Chap. 1. ver. 9 If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us, & to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness. 
AS the poor sick man ought to declare his disease to the Physician, thereby to receive help of his grief: even so ought we in like manner to acknowledge the spiritual desire of the soul before God, not that he is ignorant of them, or that he hath need of any advertisement: but to this end, that we may bear witness of our sorrowful repentance and humility, which shall never be without forgiveness of sins, apprehending the promises of God, who infallably will fulfil his works, being true and just in all his promises.   

Of Prayer.  
THe great and wonderful bounty of God is showed, when he vouchsafeth to open the heavens unto us poor wretched creatures of the earth, making us fit to enter into his glorious kingdom, laying down his ear to hear and understand our desires and requests, and exalting the prayers which we make to him in our need, at such time as we be most poor and miserable, and in greatest danger: but the care he hath of us, and how much he loveth us is seen in this, that he himself warneth and stirreth us up, by teaching us to pray, with assurance that he will grant us our requests, which he fulfilleth when we truly require him of his grace, goodness, & mercy, whereof we have manifold testimonies in the word of GOD, which we will set down as worth the noting.  Psal. 50. ver. 15. Call upon me in time of trouble, and I will help thee, and thou shalt honour me. 
ALthough the time when in our souls we are afflicted by feeling our sin, or otherwise be in tribulation or pain, or some peril or danger: may threaten us that our God is offended with us, and will destroy us: yet he promiseth us by the Prophet David to deliver us from all evil, if so we honour him, and earnestly desire in our prayers to have him our aid, and refuge in our trouble.  Psal. 145. ver. 18. The Lord is near to all that call upon him, yea to all that call upon him in truth, he will fulfil the desire of those that fear him, and will hear their cry and save them. 
ALbeit sometime it may seem that God should be far from us, in that he doth not so visibly appear unto us, as he is wont, yet we may be sure that he is not far of, if with our whole heart and affection we pray unto him, if we be moved by the fear and reverence of his name, to obey him: if we call upon him in this sort, he will exalt us, and will deliver us from all our sins.  Psal. 6. ver. 1. O Lord rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy heavy displeasure: have mercy upon me for I am weak, O Lord heal me for my bones are bruised: my soul is sore troubled, but Lord how long wilt thou delay. Return O Lord deliver my soul, save me for thy mercy sake: for in death there is no remembrance of thee, and in the grave who shall praise thee. 
FOr as much as David saith in the 34. Psalm, that the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears are ready to hear their moan, in hearkening unto them when they cry, and delivering them from all their tribulations: and lest some men might think, that poor sinners are cast away from God, and he will not vouchsafe to hear their requests, we hear the Prophet David praying unto him, not as a just man, but as one feeling himself greatly guilty of his infirmities, as it is plainly showed in the 38. Psalm: of the like sort also is it when he confesseth his iniquities to have overwhelmed him, which like a burden is heavier than he is able to bear: For all this, yet he testifieth that although he were poor and miserable, by reason of his sins, yet God had accepted his prayers, and taken pity and compassion on him.  Psalm. 86. ver. 3. Be merciful unto me O Lord, for I cry unto thee continually, rejoice the soul of thy servant, for unto thee O Lord do I lift up my head. For thou O Lord art good, merciful, and of great kindness to all them that call upon thee. 
David being in calamity, desired of God to be restored in his soul, putting the assurance of his prayers upon the natural love of God, who is by nature gentle, and merciful, according to his promise: yea, he is the very self same foundation, upon which the poor afflicted aught to comfort and rejoice themselves in heart and soul, and by fervent prayer unto God be delivered from their iniquities.  joel Chap. 2. ver. 32. Whosoever calleth upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 
AS faith is never without repentance, so it cannot be without help, goodness, and sovereign power of God, by calling upon him according to his promises, to the end we may get his favour and grace, which is here promised unto us, as a consolation and comfort in the greatest misery and affliction that we have: whosoever then of what condition or estate he be, whether rich or poor, great or small, that doth acknowledge his omnipotent and infinite power, if he humble himself before his Majesty, and heartily pray him for mercy, let him assure himself that he shall be exalted, and that God will be favourable unto him.  john Chap. 16. ver. 23. Verily, verily I say unto you, whatsoever you shall ask my father in my name he shall give it you, ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. 
THis is the Son of God our Saviour Christ which speaketh, and maketh us certain that our prayers are exalted: not for our own worthiness, but by his favour: not by the desert of any creature either in heaven or earth, but in and for his sake only, who is our advocate and redeemer. Upon this confidence he doth warn and teach us to pray unto his father with this promise, that we shall never be sent empty away, but after this mortality hath put on immortality, this corruption shall put on incorruption: we shall be received into joy and consolation for ever.  jon 1. Epist. Chap. 5. ver. 14. This is the assurance that we have of GOD, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he will hear us. And if we know that he heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we shall obtain, that we have desired of him. 
WE cannot be in doubt when we come to God in our prayers grounded on his commandments and promise, but that we shall be heard and receive such things as we want, which condemneth those men that call upon strange Gods: yea, on those which are no Gods, and pray to those which are departed out of this life, who can have no certainty of their prayers. But we must be certain, that GOD doth hearken unto us when we pray to him, as we are taught in his holy word: for he hath promised to give and grant us such things as we ask him, being necessary and conformable unto his will, which are the means whereby he useth to do us good, and to give us his grace in full and convenient tyme.  Rom. Chap. 8. ver. 26. Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities, for we know not how to pray as we ought, but the spirit maketh request for us with sigh, which cannot be expressed, but he which searcheth knoweth what is the meaning of the spirit, seeing he maketh requests for the Saint's according to the will of God. 
AS by the holy Ghost we are lead to the true knowledge of our salvation: so by it we are made certain of the same, being the seal and earnest of our inheritance, which testifieth with our Spirit, that we be the sons of God in that we hate all evil, and on the contrary take pleasure in the laws of the Lord. For it is the Spirit which comforteth us in our affliction, and strengthened us in our weakness, in making us bear patiently the burden of our tribulation and adversities: in so much, that our affections being at variance among themselves, & many times slow to prayer, are yet stirred up by the holy Ghost, who teacheth us to stay ourselves upon the promises, that we are to ask of God with desire and earnest affection of heart, which cannot be declared in words. By this means are our prayers exalted to God, and accounted just and reasonable, being made by the holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of God, God who acknowledgeth and accepteth that which is his, and proceedeth from him by giving us deliverance, and adjudge us unto salvation. Seeing then that our prayers ought to be ordered according unto the will of God, and done in such sincerity and singleness of heart, we may comfort ourselves in the virtue of his grace, and operation of the holy Ghost. To this is added that, which the Apostle teacheth in this Chapter, that by the spirit of adoption we may boldly cry abba father. In this manner than ought we to ask in faith, and certainty without doubting, (as S. james exhorteth us) being founded upon the assurance, that we have of the fatherly goodness of God towards us, by the holy Ghost.   

Parables, & similitudes of the grace & mercy of God towards poor sinners, which do repent themselves.  
IT is manifest not only by all the sayings which heretofore are showed, and other places of holy Scripture to the same purpose, touching the grace of God proffered unto us by the forgiveness of our sins: but also by certain Parables and Similitudes, which serve us as promises, and which our Saviour Christ hath used for our comfort: as we may read in the 15. of S. Luke. The first is of the Sheep that went astray, and was lost in the wilderness, whom the Shepherd seeketh earnestly, and finding it, taketh it upon his shoulders, bringeth it home, and rejoiceth more over that one, then for the ninety and nine which he had: in like sort (saith our Saviour) is it in Heaven, for one sinner that repenteth himself. Hath sin then deceived thee? hath it carried thee away from the flock of Christ, and made thee stray from the right path? Art thou in the midst of a Desert, in danger of a roaring Lion, the enemy to thy salvation? Withdraw thyself betimes, and recant of thy straying, and go to thy flock, lest thou perish utterly: return unto thy sovereign Shepherd jesus Christ, which will be gentle unto thee, neither stand in doubt but that he will receive thee, if thou return to him, seeing he goeth seeking and calling those which go astray to bring them into his fold: and when thou art returned be not afraid, but be sure of thy salvation, and rejoice, for the Angels in heaven rejoice for thee.  Luke. Chap. 16. ver. 18. As a woman which hath lost a piece of silver, after she hath found it again rejoiceth: so doth the Angels of God for a sinner which doth repent. 
ALthough we lose ourselves by our own fault, & be guilty of our estraying from God: yet for all this he holdeth us so dear and precious, and hath such care of us, that he will never forget us, but provideth for our salvation, bringeth us to himself, keeps us as his own, even as though he should keep some excellent treasure: for which the celestial and heavenly Angels do sing for joy and gladness.  Luke Chap. 15. ver. 11.12. BY the goodness of the father towards his prodigal son, our Saviour showeth the great clemency of God our celestial father towards poor sinners, which convert themselves unto him. 
If by the lightness and foolishness of our minds, and by the vanities of our hearts we have abused the goodness of God, either temporally or spiritually, & by our own means are drawn from his commandments in slothful and dissolute life, and so fallen into confusion, by feeling our poverty and misery? let us not fear to turn again to our God with true humbleness, acknowledging our misdeeds, seeing he is gentle and merciful, he will receive us as his children, he will cloth us with his benefits and spiritual graces, with all joy and mirth.  
By the Parable and Similitude of the Publican, acknowledging himself a poor sinner, standing a far of, and thinking himself unworthy to lift up his eyes to heaven, striking his breasts, and bewailing that he had neglected the mercies of God: our Saviour makes us certain, and persuades us of the justification and mercy for our sins, if truly we feel ourselves guilty: if we be beaten and humbled in our hearts: if we have a true displeasure, and are sorry that we have offended our God: if we be so touched, we shall find him gentle and quiet towards us.   

Worthy examples touching the great mercy of God towards poor sinners.  
ALthough many promises and excellent proofs be here set before us, as sufficient to quiet the conscience of every one: notwithstanding it shall be needful to set forth some examples, for more certainty and confirmation of the same, seeing that such examples and instructions do stir us up the more to consider better of the matter. Wherefore, as in our first father Adam sin began to appear: so in him also God showed the first token of mercy, when he saw him lost and fallen into death, he was careful to raise him and set him up again, his clemency he showed there to be so much the greater, and his goodness declared itself so much openly: for after he had done so much good, and showed him such favour to create him after his own likeness, having committed to him the sole authority and dominion of all things which are under heaven, only advertising him to obedience, which he ought in truth to have performed: yet among all these things so easy, he dareth his ears to the craftiness of Satan, rather than to the voice of his God, and at the length fell into infidelity and unthankfulness towards him: yet he left him not, nor gave him over in such evils, but goeth after him, although he had despised and offended him so much, neither stayeth he till Adam came to seek him: yea, the Lord goeth first to find him, not to avenge himself, or to chide him by hard reprehensions, as in good right he might do, but to bring him to the knowledge of his sin, and to give him help for his salvation. Oh the goodness of God, how marvelous and how wonderful are his doings, his mercy is excellent and great: for who knoweth not that where iniquity aboundeth, there his grace aboundeth much more.  
The sin of Lot was no light sin in committing incest (without thinking on it) with his own daughters, yet God had mercy on him, (as S. Peter testifieth) calling him a just man, not in respect of the abominable deed, but because of the grace of God which showed itself in him, for the just works and godliness, that were in him all his life tyme.  
jacob hath not been guiltless, for defiling himself by incest with his two wives being sisters: yet God ceased not to continue his grace and favour towards him, following the promise made to his posterity for ever.  
The xii. Patriarchs the children of jacob, are accused for many divers great faults and misdeeds: as Reuben the first borne defiled his father's bed with Bilha one of his Concubines. juda did the like with Thamar his daughter in law, and although he knew her not, yet he is not excused.  
Simeon and Levy, showed themselves altogether unfaithful, disloyal, cruel, and bloody in the murder of the Shechimites. The other brethren moved with wrath, and fed with hatred, were like murders on joseph their younger brother, they were so impudent and without humanity, that they cared not to afflict their old father, by making him think that some wild beast had devoured his son and their brother joseph: notwithstanding, for all their misdeeds, God hath been merciful and blessed them.  
The sin of Aaron is in no wise to be excused, although he had this honour of God to bear his word with his brother Moses to the people of Israel, and before the King of Egypt, being ordained an high Priest, a ruler of his Church in the service was instituted by the law: yet he became so slothful of so small courage, that he suffered himself to be guided by the affection of the blind people, ignorant, and superstitious, and not only consented to them in their wicked enterprise, but he himself became a workman and founder of their Idol, and a minister to their Idolatry, setting up the Altar, and appointing a feast to be solemnized for the service of their Calf: for which Moses his brother reproved him very sharply, as though he had been only the cause of this evil: for he had by this means destituted, and disappointed the people of the grace of God, who was ready to give them over into the hands of their enemies: as we may read in Deut. 9 Chap. vers. 22. Yet his wrath was pacified, neither ceased he to continue his goodness towards him, but raised and established him to the office of the high Priest.  
It happened also that afterward he committed a great fault, when he contented not himself with the great office of the high Priest, which was granted him and his sons for ever, but envied his brother Moses, accusing him as an usurper, in taking on him the government of the people, for which he esteemed himself as worthy as Moses was. For which cause, though the Lord was angry against him, and his Sister, and struck them with Leprosy for the space of seven days, (a just punishment for such a quarrel) yet he used so great clemency towards them, that his wrath went no farther, and healed them.  
After that David had concealed his flight from Saul unto Abimilecke, and reporting not the truth, was some cause that 85 Priests were put to death by the commandment of Saul, their towns were destroyed and sacked, and all the dwellers therein passed on the edge of the sword, both men, women and children. Afterward being placed in the Crown by the singular grace of God, who had delivered him from so many dangers, and made him happily to reign, and fought so many worthy victories, conquering all Gods and his enemies in the land, made them tributaries to him: yet when the Soldiers fought against the Ammonites, and besieged the City of Rabath, the Ark of the Lord being in Camp, he began to live in ease and pleasure, remaining quietly in jerusalem, at which time he committed adultery with Bethsabeth, not by the infirmity of the flesh, as if had not other means to satisfy his incontinency, and to quench the heat of his lust: but by a disordered desire, which made him commit whoredom with his subjects wife: and this also made his sin much more grievous, considering the time wherein he should have bestowed himself in prayer for the good estate of his kingdom, and the Ark of God: neither was he so satisfied, (but cloaked sin with sin) for he caused Urias his faithful subject to be murdered by the enemies of God, thereby to cover the sin of adultery: but after he knew his sin, and God had received him to mercy, he repent him of his misdeeds, and received grace and favour from the Lord.  
Great and filthy were the sins of Manasse the King of juda: for he builded up the high places that his father Ezechias had plucked down, and worshipped the Planets as the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars, and profaned the walls of the Temple with the Altars that he caused to be built, following all the abominations of the Gentiles, he burned his sons in the fire looking himself on them: he received Sorcerers, and familiar Spirits: he used Witchcraft, and set up graven Images in the house of God, expressly against the commandment of the Law: neither did he this himself, but caused the people also to go astray and do the like: and which is more, he rejecteth the atonement which was made unto him and his fathers, but gave himself more and more unto evil, and sold himself altogether to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord: he shed in jerusalem much innocent blood, and put to death, those which did reprove him, because they would not frame themselves according to his abominations. For these things the wrath of GOD was kindled against him, in so much that he was overcome of the Asserians, and lead captive to Babylon bound with chains: but being there in anguish, he humbled himself to God, confessing that he had been wicked, cruel, and abominable: at whose complaint God had mercy on him, delivered him from such miserable bondage, caused him to return to jerusalem, and set him in his kingdom again, who being thankful to his God for his goodness, took away the strange Gods, pulled down the Altars, and established the pure service of GOD, with a strait commandment to all his people to observe it, giving in this a full testimony of his true repentance and conversion to God: by this we have an example, and evident apparent sign of the infinite mercy of GOD towards us poor and miserable sinners, to this end, that none despair in his sins how great and filthy soever they be: for (as I have showed out of God's word) where sin aboundeth, there grace aboundeth much more.  
It was a great and filthy offence, when many of the high Priests and Levites in the time of the Captivity, and when the wrath of God was spread over them, and over all the people because of their iniquities, who never thought on their transgressions, nor sorry for their sins, in turning to the Lord by a true repentance, but forgot what he had commanded them, & took strange wives, linking themselves to strange people, betrothing their sons and daughters in marriage, and mingling by this means the holy seed with profane people, a thing generally forbidden to all the people of GOD, Deut. 7.3. but especially prohibited in Leuit. 21.14. Yet when Esdras a sovereign high Priest, a Scribe of the law, a righteous man understood this disorder and confusion, he was very sorry, and greatly offended, making lamentation before GOD for it. The people also were taken with fear and trembling, acknowledging their faults, and by the commandment of Esdras, sent away their strange wives with their children, making certain Offerings in respect of their sins, and so the bounty and mercifulness of God remained among them.  
There was a woman saith S. Luke in the 7. Chapter of the Gospel, which was of evil life, who having cast herself at the feet of jesus Christ weeping, received of him such joy and consolation, to assure herself that her sin was forgiven her though they were never so great.  
There was also saith the self same evangelist in the 19 Chapter, a man called Zacheus, who was a principal Master of the Custom, rich, and of a wicked life: yet when jesus promised to lodge with him, he showed that he was come to seek and save that which was lo●●, by which means this poor sinner was received into grace, with a true repentance, and goodwill to satisfy again the hurt which he had done to others.  
I pray you behold the fall of S. Peter, it is an example to every one, who being one of the twelve Apostles and Doctors of the world, brought up in the knowledge of the Lord, by seeing his wonderful miracles, and being one of the three witnesses which saved his glory in the Mountain, promised never to forsake him, neither in prison or in death: yet his infirmity was so great, and so fearful, that he not only forsook him, but forswore him three times: yet the Lord in mercy had compassion on him, and beheld him though he had made himself unworthy of the honourable office whereunto he was ordained: but repenting & weeping in tears, was one of the first which was called unto his office, and fitted with the gifts of the holy Ghost, to be a servant and faithful witness, a courageous and valiant Martyr of jesus Christ.  
The unhappy and wicked man, which for his misdeeds was hanged on the Cross, had his recourse unto jesus Christ in the time of death, and was not cast away but received into joy and consolation, with promise, that after his death, not after many years, or some space of time, or after he had been in the forged fire of Purgatory, but presently when he should end this mortal life, he should be with Christ in Paradise.  
He was truly execrable, which was cut of from the number of the faithful by the Church at Corinth, because against all honesty and civility, he did entertain and uncover the nakedness of his father's wife: for which cause, although he well deserved to be delivered to Satan, excommunicated, and utterly cut off from the mystical body of Christ: yet the Apostle S. Paul seeing his repentance, and understanding the punishment which the Church had laid upon him, used clemency & compassion, neither would have the man to suffer any greater severity, but to have some regard in comforting him, for fear he should be swallowed with too great sadness. See here what examples the holy Ghost setteth forth in holy Scriptures, as pure & clear testimonies, to prove the great and inestimable mercies of God towards poor sinners, which do convert themselves with all their hearts, without dissimulation unto him, by a true repentance and amendment of life. These examples be of some force to those whom God hath received lately unto the communion of his grace, when as he made a way unto the Gentiles, and called them unto his Church: All those then, which have been before named were of the people of God, & of his house: of which, some have sinned against the first Table: others against the second: others against both by monstrous misdeeds: some have rob: some murdered, and done dissolutly. Some have committed Adultery, Fornication, and Incest. Some Apostaties, idolaters, and revolters from the truth. Some given unto Witchcraft: all they nevertheless have been received into the mercy of God. O the wonderful love of the Lord, how excellent and full of compassion is he? Who would not be ravished to behold his steadfastness? Who would not trust in him to rejoice and comfort himself in his mercies? who is a strong hold for the poor afflicted, a refuge for those that be amazed and desolate, a comfort to those which are in calamity, the whole hope of the poor. It is thou O Lord, which dost surmount all our iniquities, thou swallowest them down, and bringest them to nothing, by acquitting and delivering us from them. Is there any then that feeleth himself guilty of any great fault, or any sin committed after they have been instructed in their salvation, occupying a place in the Sheepe-fould of the Lord? let him not despair in the clemency of God, seeing he hath here fair examples before his eyes to follow for his comfort.  
Seeing then it is so by so many places of holy Scripture, and by the promises of God by good examples, lively exhortations of the grace and mercy of God offered to us presently, and set forth by the love of his beloved son our Lord jesus Christ: let us be certain and full assured, that if we believe and truly repent, and call upon him with a true heart and affection, he will be pacified with us, what offence soever we have committed, he will wholly forgive us. This is then the consolation in mine affliction, for thy word O Lord hath quickened me. Psalm. 119.   
FINIS.