The Spectacle to Repentance.  Matthew. xviii. woe to the world because of offences, for it must needs be that offences shall come, but woe be to that man by whom th'offence cometh. 
Imprinted at London in Fletstreete, at the sign of S. john Evangelist by Thomas Colwell.  
1571.   

To the Right Worshipful▪ most virtuous, and my very good Uncle: Mr. Anthony Colclough Esquire: G. Colclough his well-beloved kinsman wisheth health & prosperity▪ and in the law of God a perfect knowledge.  
Considering (Right well-beloved) that since the first age of our forefather Adam and his posterity, great was the iniquity which daylle more and more increased in the heart of man: again viewing what a vice is Idleness the mother of Devotion, joined with her handmaid Ignorance: I thought it convenient to keep myself unblamable & excused of these two, so great, so wicked and detestable mischiefs, jest the in any one jot I should be reproved in leaning to these two so notorious vices. Pondering again, the great unfeigned friendship, which I have received at your hands, I could not but show mine endeavour in requiting the same, although not by outward gift, yet by the inward affection, which lieth and hath always remained in me, to the intent to recompense (though as it is in deed but slackly) your good will manifestly showed unto me. But now as touching the matter from the time of our first Progenitoure, to the years of Noah that faithful servant of God, such was the diffused condition of all estates, in following their wanton lusts and froward devices, that God was sore displeased and his anger was vehemently kindled against them, so that were it not that his fatherly wisdom had said I will not always strive with man seeing he is but dust, yea & repented him that he had made him, were it not I say for this he had been destroyed for evermore.  
Yet still did he lean to his own way neglecting his maker, so merciful and savourable a God, so that justly he sent a Flood which covered the whole face of the earth, in which inundation only Noah and his posterity was saved, being preserved in the Ark, Since which Flood and the fire of Sodoma and Gomorrha, man's corrupted nature was such, that yet he seized not to offend that now in the last age and iron world, manifold be th'offences which are daily committed, to the grief of Gods elect. Yea since the two former worlds, the Golden, & Brazen, which were both naught, and yet the one worse than tother, there remaineth yet this iron obstinate world, in wickedness exceeding both. And yet undoubtedly gods word (God be praised therefore) is as much preached now as was then, but few be right followers thereof. Wherefore because I have inveighed against it, I pray you judge not amiss of me because here by you may perceive which be the silly sheep, and which the ravening Wolves, and how to make a separation between them both. desiring you to accept my good will in this my small and barbarous endeavour and hereafter I shallbe encourage to attemt a greater enterprise. And thus far ye well.  
Your Well-beloved cousin, George Colclough.   

TO THE READER.  

GOod Reader yield thy listing ear  
let heart and mind be priest,  
For things right wondrous thou shalt hear  
and learn to choose the best.  
Of every thing which nature wrought  
with in man's ●ortall brain,  
A Mirror clear is hither brought,  
of his conditions plain.  
O● each misdeed which in him lurks,  
and how he doth them use:  
And thou shalt see how all his works  
Gods precepts do abuse.  
And if that aught be done amiss,  
then let me bear the blame  
But if the truth expressed is,  
do thou maintain the same.  
For sure as near as I could guess  
the truth herein is set,  
And that which I do here express,  
from scriptures is it fet.  
Wherefore judge as it is in deed,  
no other thing I crave:  
And this a greater gift shall breed,  
Which thou shalt surely have.   
Finis.   

woe to the world because of offences. Ma●. xviii.  

IF Care doth cause men cry  
when sorrows do abound,  
And if in doleful misery  
small solace may be found:   

If Woe doth make men wail  
when they be in distress,  
If joyful mirth may not prevail  
nor make their woes the less,   

Well may I then complain,  
sith each man lives in care,  
Well may I show my careful pain,  
and inward grief declare.   

Sigh all men live in woe,  
and sorrow is their food,  
Now let my mourning life be so,  
such be my daily mood.   

For why I find and prove,  
experience teacheth still,  
Men do not as them should behove  
God's precepts to fulfil.   

For mark and you shall see,  
a buses daily wrought,  
I fear me this the cause willbe,  
that all do come to naught.   

First look upon the place,  
where rich men do remain:  
Then will you say in little space,  
there mischief hath his reign.   

And shall I truly say,  
as true it is in deed,  
The greatest mischiefs day by day,  
from thence they do proceed.   

Like sepulchres with out,  
full costly in their kind,  
But inwardly even all a bout,  
much filth there may you find.   

For why in outward show,  
like Sots they do appear,  
There inward parts you may well know  
great filthiness doth bear,   

Like Hawks so is their sight,  
in coveting of gain,  
Continually with main and might,  
they strive this to abtaine.   

Where good may have increase,  
and riches may abound,  
Whereas before they lived in peace,  
now care doth keep the ground.   

And though yea with the best,  
their Tabernacles flow,  
Though their estate above the rest,  
in happiness doth grow,   

And though in all his works,  
God frames all to the best,  
Yet rooted in the heart there lurks,  
an enemy of rest.   

For daily is it shown,  
as all men may declare,  
The wealthier the man is known,  
the greater is his care.   

I mean in seeking good,  
though all I do not blame,  
Yet many do refuse their food,  
in searching for the same.   

But where that may be wrought,  
which goodness may pretend,  
Experience hath plainly taught,  
few do thereon depend.   

Like Owls in mids of night,  
which may not see by day,  
So darkened is these bussardes' sight  
the truth I truly say.   

O man where is thy mind,  
who biddeth thee live in woe,  
Or else why art thou thus unkind,  
to serve thy maker so.   

O think that he which wrought,  
the clouds, the sea, the land,  
And each thing to his order brought,  
still mighty is his hand.   

Which made the foul, the fish, the beast  
according to his mind:  
And each thing else reposed in rest,  
agreeing to their kind.   

Which to the creeping creature,  
for food did make the field,  
And likewise other forniture,  
the foul and fish to shield.   

Which made the mouth to speak,  
the hand to work his will,  
If men his laws do ever break:  
may not he plague them still.   

Which made the eye to see,  
the feet likewise to wend,  
Shall not he plague and punish thee:  
if ever thou offend.   

And wherefore is thy mind,  
but these things still to ponder,  
It should be sure thy proper kind,  
upon these things to wonder.   

The Author of the heart,  
which lieth in thy breast,  
May not the same thy sins convert,  
as it doth like him best.   

For why thus hath he said:  
although thy sins do show,  
As scarlet, yet they shallbe made,  
as white as any snow.   

But out alas the time,  
I think it over past:  
To call us to repent our crime,  
in sackcloth mourning fast.   

Behold I view and see:  
God's wrath is fully bend,  
And if it may possible be,  
to call us to repent.   

The Drunked careth not,  
how ever he hath sped,  
And if so be the biblinge pot,  
be settled to his head.   

So that it happen shall,  
as I do think no less,  
I think the same shall surely fall,  
which joel did express.   

You Drunkards now lament, 
joel. 1.   
bewail ye night and day,  
For God is now even surely bend,  
to take your cup a way.   

The wine so sweet in taste,  
which made your senses dull.  
The lord a way shall surely cast,  
and from your lips it pull.   

And if he did it speak,  
unto his own elect,  
What shall we do his laws which break  
in much more ill respect.   

If weeping may prevail,  
we have sufficient cause,  
To howl and morn, to weep & wail,  
which still do break his laws.   

So that I greatly fear,  
if we do not repent,  
God will not still his wrath forbear,  
unless our hearts relent.   

I fear the just shall speed,  
far worse for ill men's sake,  
And God will as I think in deed,  
a way his blessing take.   

For where the word is taught,  
in most abundant wise.  
Small goodness seemeth to be wrought,  
small fruits of many rise.   

Yea even the greatest vice,  
which Heathens did abuse,  
As though it were of worthy price,  
the Christians daily use.   

Yet Christ they do profess  
still boasting of his name  
Whereas the truth for to confess,  
'tis but ●o cloak their shame.   

In coveting for good.  
was never more delight,  
Such hastiness in sheedinge blood,  
was never set in sight.   

Such falsehood all for gain,  
as was not seen before,  
Such carping care such toiling pain,  
in heaping worldly store.   

Such care for filthy muck,  
such toiling hear and there,  
I fear me ill willbe the luck,  
which all this care doth bear.   

And sure I doubt it sore,  
it was not said in vain,  
Which Christ pronounced long before,  
in Luke his Gospel plain.   

A certain man full rich there was, 
Luk. 12   
whose ground gave much increase,  
And thus in time it came to pass,  
when as he lived in peace.   

His barns being well replete,  
with treasures of his ground,  
A bounding with all substance great,  
as ever could be found.   

Unto his soul thus doth he say,  
be glad and take thine ease,  
For thou art blessed for many a day:  
with goods of great increase.   

But o thou fool saith God the Lord,  
thou knowest not what shall fall,  
The goods where with thou now art stored  
shallbe consumed all.   

And in the self same night,  
his goods of so great power,  
And he himself of such a might,  
were parted in an hour.   

This is the end of such,  
as never are content,  
Of God's good gifts which had so much,  
till all was quickly spent.   

Because in all their joy,  
their maker they forget,  
Therefore he doth them clean destroy,  
and catch them in his net.   

And are not such in deed,  
apparent at this time.  
Whonse great unthankfulness doth breed  
a scourge just for their crime,   

Yes if it were well known,  
where wealth doth much abound,  
I fear such seed is deeply sown,  
all most in every ground,   

But what or who they be,  
or how their life they lead,  
I wish with all my heart to see,  
such vices turned to dread.   

For in our father's time,  
though sin did somewhat grow,  
Yet never was see rite the crime,  
which now a days doth flow.   

For why in every place,  
whereas you list to walk,  
Which way so ever you shall pass,  
a bounds such filthy talk.   

Such swearing here and there,  
a busing God his name,  
Which causeth as I greatly fear,  
his word to bear the blame.   

Yet do his preachers speak,  
rebuking sharply still,  
Those which his holy laws do break  
regarding not his william.   

But o man's fickle state,  
o his corrupted age,  
O miserble runagate,  
who shall thy pains assuage.   

Unless thou do repent,  
and that in little space,  
Unless thy stubborn heart relent,  
and call to God for grace.   

Leave of and that with speed,  
thy brother to oppress,  
And rather help him at his need:  
his sorrows to redress.   

Turn not a way thine ear,  
when he shall sigh and groan,  
But with a loving countenance hear,  
and listen to his moan.   

But who is fully bend,  
the careful to consider,  
Such one doth sure a good intent,  
the needy to remember.   

But out alas the grief,  
which their poor heart sustain,  
Full little sure is the relief,  
which may appease their pain.   

Right doleful is the songs,  
which cometh from the poor,  
With empty womb yea all day long  
they cry at every door,   

The scripture doth declare,  
that man shall not be hard,  
When as he crieth, his brother's care,  
which doth no whit regard.   

Full bitter is the sore,  
which grieves the simpl● heart,  
And when likewise was ever more,  
Such putting poor to smart.   

But o who dare once move,  
when rich men do not right,  
Or who is he which dare reprove,  
a man so great of might.   

And when he shall appear,  
before the judgement seat,  
And eke the judge shall plainly hear●  
his faults to be so great.   

Good Lord how in his cause,  
his quarrel to maintain,  
Shall then be hard intionted laws,  
to rid him out of pain.   

And shall I say the troth,  
that his should be the right,  
The judges many times forsooth,  
for money make him quite.   

Yea though each man might see,  
his cause was nothing just,  
Yet is he now both frank and free,  
to serve his wonted lust.   

Yet may each man be bold,  
when poor men do amiss,  
Of many men they are controlled  
If once they do but hiss.   

Yea and the silly poor,  
though small be his offence,  
He shallbe thrust out of his door,  
to seek his own defence.   

And if he move his lips,  
his quarrel to maintain,  
He shall have many taunting nips  
And prison is his gain.   

And though his goods be small,  
and little be his store,  
Although it may release his thrall,  
He hath it not therefore.   

Though little be his fault,  
to come before the judge,  
Good Lord how great is the assault  
of those which bear him grudge.   

And that like tigers fierce,  
they should behold his blood,  
And see the sword his heart to pierce,  
which all ways did them good.   

Yet Chryst is their defence,  
of whom they bear their name,  
Whereas it is but a pretence,  
to cloak there filthy shame.   

For Chryst doth plainly say  
those same which be of me,  
They follow my precepts always,  
and with my laws agree.   

Therefore saith God the Lord, 
Esdras. xuj.   
I will no sins maintain,  
And they shall feel my heavy sword,  
which put my sheep to pain.   

woe unto those which lay. 
Esay. u   
one field unto another,  
And house to house join every day,  
displacing still their brother.   

This same is in mine ear,  
the Lord of hosts hath said,  
The lamentations I do hear,  
which innocentes have made.   

Therefore their houses fair,  
they shallbe desolate.  
And likewise none shall them repair,  
there to inhabitate.   

These be Eramples lo,  
of things which were before,  
But o the world doth them forego,  
and vice increaseth sore.   

Such pride hath never been,  
in such abundant wise,  
I think the time was never seen,  
that pride did so arise.   

And that to good men's grief,  
as each man may well know,  
For little sure is the relief,  
which there upon doth grow.   

Some proud be in their mind,  
and some be proud in heart,  
And sundry kinds you may well find,  
of pride in every part,   

Some proud in dainty cheer,  
where in men do delight,  
Presumptuous many do appear,  
in boasting of their might.   

And proud of their misdeeds,  
full many may be found,  
Thus filthy foul corrupting weeds,  
do grow in every ground.   

Some proud of skilful brains,  
where with God hath them blessed,  
And some be proud if that their gains,  
increase above the rest.   

Some proud of haughty looks:  
and some to work their spite,  
And some again in skilful books,  
have great and proud delight.   

And though that books do yield,  
some fruits to willing brains,  
Yet is the Lord the steadfast shield,  
whereby to bring them gains.   

Some proud in their attire.  
ordained to cover shame,  
Yet many have a great desire,  
and glory in the same.   

And though their lands be base,  
perchance yea none in deed,  
They think it is no comely grace,  
gay vestiments to need.   

The vesture must be brave,  
though other things be scant  
Though in his purse small good he have,  
to satisfy his want.   

That when as he should walk,  
before the people's sight,  
The ingnorant might say and talk,  
lo there a man of might.   

But God which made the heart,  
an instrument of praise,  
He seeth when thou dost departed,  
out of his holy ways.   

Therefore the Lord which said, 
Esay. iii   
to Zion long ago,  
Thy Daughter's heads bald shallbe made  
sith me they do forego.   

By cause their pride is much,  
there necks in stretching out,  
There mincing in the street is such  
when as they walk about.   

Therefore there costly calls,  
and other ornaments,  
There braceletes, and perfuming balls,  
with such like instruments.   

There Tabletes and their Kings,  
with other of their goods,  
There earrings veils and other things  
And eke there costly hoods.   

There mufflers with the rest,  
there crispinges fair in sight  
Theridamas lawns and all things of the best,  
they shall forget them quite.   

And where the savour sweet,  
did first so trimly smell,  
The stink shallbe exceeding great,  
as Esay doth it tell.   

There beauty shallbe void,  
and burning be in stead:  
There young men eke shallbe destroyed,  
and none shall wail the dead.   

These things expressed before,  
may not they now be seen?  
Are not such things still more and more  
as rife as they have been.   

Not not the least of all,  
but now is to be found  
And that which then was very small,  
Now do they most abound.   

And though one in degree,  
another do exceed,  
Althought she may maintained be,  
in costly state in deed.   

Though she wear rich attire,  
if so it be her will,  
And eke in all things her desire,  
may be accomplished still.   

Yet if another may,  
this woman see so brave,  
Why might not I strait will she say,  
Such costly garments have.   

Where women still should be, 
Titus. 2.   
not given unto strife,  
That men might say when them they see  
they lead a Godly life.   

And that they be discreet,  
not running to and fro,  
But that their chasteness should be great,  
as doth become them so.   

But now twixt man and wife,  
as many do well know,  
What great debate, what daily strife,  
incessantly doth grow.   

Likewise the younger sort,  
do run a wantan race,  
Whereby they gain such misreport  
as may their name disgrace.   

But who doth live in peace,  
Rejoicing in his rest,  
Or say his heart is well at ease,  
such one I think is blessed,   

But that he must consider,  
what things he did before,  
And carefully his sins remember,  
and sorry be therefore.   

The heart it is in deed,  
a member somewhat small,  
Yet hath it surely greatest need,  
of mending first of all.   

For all thy former sin,  
wherewith they days are spent,  
first at the heart thou must begin,  
thy frailty to repent.   

And if thou could once see,  
the heart with in thy breast,  
Full many things there placed be,  
which spoileth thee of rest.   

But man doth rune his course,  
to have his last reward;  
And worldly things do make him worse  
to take so small regard.   

I mean by worldly things,  
the sins which therein flow:  
Which man to such corruption brings,  
whereby contempt may grow.   

For look and you shall see,  
such mischiefs daily breed:  
So that the world might called be,  
the vale of woes in deed.   

Such hatred doth arise  
betwixt each other still:  
The rich man doth the poor despise  
according to his william.   

And if that one exceed  
his neighbour in degree,  
Contemned is the man of need,  
as commonly we see.   

But joseph did not still, 
Genesis. xxxvii.   
within the pit remain:  
Nor God did not so frame his will  
to keep him still in pain.   

And though he bore the smart,  
even at his brother's hands,  
Though he through their despiteful heart▪  
was sold to foreign lands:   

Though Israel wrought him woe,  
and much despite in deed:  
In Egypt was he loved tho,  
and helped at his need.   

And when the dearth was great  
and victuals very scant,  
He gave his brethren food to eat,  
and satesfied their want.   

Thus God doth still provide  
to set his own at ease,  
Although the world cannot abide,  
to see their wealth increase.   

For many are the pains 
Psal. 34.   
which just men do endure,  
But God doth lose their iron chains,  
and wondrous joys procure.   

For he which was so kind▪ 
Acts. xii.   
to Peter in his hands:  
So that the chains which did him bind.  
were shaken from his hands.   

And he which made a way, 
Daniel. vi.   
for Daniel in the den:  
Doth guide as it is seen all way,  
the just from wicked men.   

But very seldom sure,  
the Godly live at ease,  
Whereas the wicked still procure,  
the cause of their disease.   

For surely such misdeeds,  
did never so a bound,  
Such mischief as now daily bredes,  
I think was never found.   

Such hatred hear and there:  
so many worldly wife,  
Such witty brains as never were,  
to nourish wicked vice.   

Such Envy all about,  
such gluttony in feasts,  
And finally the world through out,  
mankind more like to beasts.   

Such Bacchus belly cheer,  
increased never more,  
Such vices as doth now appear,  
the Heathens hated sore.   

Yet Christians is our name,  
although not so in deed,  
For known we be even by the same,  
which doth with in us breed.   

Like as the tree is known,  
by fruits yea every where,  
And as the fruct right well is shown,  
by trees which doth it bear.   

So may the man be spied,  
what is his daily life:  
And by the thing he may be tried,  
which in him is most rife.   

As by the stately man,  
his pride is set in sight:  
And as the Drunkard by his can,  
wherein he doth delight.   

As gluttons by their cheer,  
when as it doth exceed,  
And as the poor man doth appear,  
by poverty in deed.   

As rich men by their wealth,  
which daily doth increase,  
As sound men likewise by their health,  
as sick men by disease.   

As each thing to be brief,  
which Nature first did find:  
Which bringeth either joy or grief,  
according to their kind.   

Thus by the out ward show  
in things which most are used,  
The inward heart you may well know  
Where in it is abused.   

And if that each misdeed,  
my pen should jointly touch  
Although it were no more than need,  
yet might I think it much.   

And that above the rest,  
which maketh man so blind:  
Of all the mischiefs in his breast,  
which Nature wrought by kind.   

One thing there doth remain,  
a Vice exceeding great:  
Whereof I think willbe no pain  
in brevity to treat.   

Such whoredom so maintained,  
the like was never seen,  
Such lusts which may not be refrai●d,  
I think hath never been.   

Yea and so closely wrought  
that it may not be spied,  
Yet will it surely come to naught:  
for long it may not bide.   

And if it chanceth so  
that rich men do the deed,  
They shallbe suffered free to go:  
sith money helpeth need.   

Yea? and which is a pain,  
who may once move his lip.  
Although he might, yea very plain  
him take in such a trip.   

But those whom harlot's train 
Pro. 2.   
unto their wicked ways:  
They never do return again,  
and shortened be their days.   

Yea what vice may you tell  
which whoredom doth exceed,  
For surely Theft it doth excel: 
Pro. ●   
and worse it is in deed.   

For Theft may Pardon have,  
sith it is done for need:  
But Whoredom leadeth souls to grave  
whence they shall not proceed.   

For thither they descend  
from whence they may not rise,  
Whose pains shhall never have a●l end  
for such their enterprise.   

Though Ammon did defile, 
Sam. 11. 13.   
his sister Thamras' bed:  
Yet was it but a little while  
until his blood was shed.   

Sigh that he was so bold,  
to do so great offence  
Therefore did Absalon behold,  
his sin with recompense.   

For Absalon which had  
this vice in him abhorred,  
His servants by commandment bad  
to smite him with the sword.   

Thus though with his own kin,  
this vice he did commit:  
Yet recompensed was his sin  
by sword, which ponisht it.   

What then is his reward  
which others doth defile?  
Will God think you with small regard  
at his offences smile?   

Who so doth think the same  
he is deceived sure,  
For God rewards with open shame  
those which his wrath procure.   

Though David was upright 
Sam. 2.▪ 11. cha.   
in doing Gods good will,  
Though God in him had great delight,  
and well did love him still:   

Yet when his heart was set  
vypon Vriahs' wife,  
Whose love did 'cause him to forget,  
his former godly life.   

So that she then did reign,  
with David in his seat:  
Vriah guiltless being slain,  
when as the war was great.   

This thing displeased sore,  
the mighty lord above  
And David blamed was therefore,  
for this his wicked love.   

And Nathan then was sent,  
his faults to show him plain:  
But earnestly he did repent,  
and turned to God again.   

Thus just men go astray,  
when God is not their guide:  
Yet never be they cast away,  
although they walk aside.   

But how do many sin,  
in doing such offence,  
When they be catched in the grin  
then seek they some pretence.   

Whereby to scape the smart  
for such a mischief due:  
Although they say within their heart,  
this thing is surely true.   

How many to be brief?  
do stand in David's case:  
But few do show their inward grief,  
and call to God for grace.   

Yea, and how many know,  
such deeds deserveth shame:  
And that likewise thereby may grow  
God's vengeance for the same.   

Yet do it not for go,  
but use it more and more:  
Until they feel the endless woe  
which shall them-greeve therefore.   

And not without a cause,  
sith it they do procure:  
Because they break Gods holy laws  
this certain is and sure.   

Wherefore this was the mind,  
of Heathens long before,  
That what Adulterar they might find  
should die the death therefore.   

But we do thine it meet,  
for such an huge offence:  
Thoffendours to stand in a sheet,  
in open audience.   

While thus they think in heart,  
(though all I do not blame:)  
This is nothing of any smart  
to turn me from the same.   

And then they do afresh,  
their former vice begin:  
Thus do they serve their wicked flesh,  
in working deadly sin.   

And where perhaps before  
not much they did offend,  
Now be they sure encouraged more,  
to Whoredom to intent.   

Yet do thou still refrain 
Pro. 7.   
as doth the wise man say,  
For many strong men have been slain,  
By turning to her way.   

For sure it is a vice,  
as no good ears may hear  
For daily thereof doth arise,  
small fruits, as doth appears.   

Likewise Ambition:  
doth bear such open sway  
Whose filthy disposition  
is honours to assay.   

In whom where it doth bide,  
it bringeth forth disdain:  
For such one seeks on every side  
to bring his friend to pain.   

So that he may aspire  
to honour by the same,  
And satesfied be his desire,  
in matters touching Fame,   

Not being well content,  
to live in his degree:  
Although he have sufficient  
as commonly we see.   

But Absalon which thought 
Sam. 2. 15. chap.   
to honours to attain,  
And by his subtle mischief sought,  
the kingdom to obtain.   

Yea, and such crafty skill  
did daily put in ure,  
Whereby he thought to work his will,  
to slay his father sure.   

Ill council did not lack  
in such a wicked thing:  
To seek his father David's wrack,  
and he to be the king.   

But God, which saw his heart  
his purpose did prevent,  
So that he felt the greater smart,  
for this his ill intent.   

So that it did beside,  
God's plague he did provoke  
And as in battle he did ride,  
was hanged on an Oak.   

Even by the very hear  
wherein he did delight:  
For why? it was exceeding fair,  
well fashioned in sight.   

Thus God doth turn the thoughts,  
of wicked worldlings still:  
And brings their counsels clean to noughtes  
according to his william.   

Yet was there double crime  
in Absalon to see.  
The one because he sought to climb,  
to higher dignity.   

The other that he wrought  
his father wondrous grief,  
Sigh disobediently he sought,  
To work him such mischief.   

So that I judge it so,  
Death did him justly smite:  
Who sought to breed his father's woe,  
with such extreme despite.   

How many now be found,  
like Absalon in deed:  
How many do deserve the wound  
which his offence did breed.   

But if the heart were spied,  
as is the outward eye,  
I think Ambition should be tried,  
if it there in did lie.   

But God which made the heart  
and eke the eye did frame,  
May well revenge with cruel smart  
the sekers of the same.   

Yet may we well declare,  
as touching outward sight  
That many men Ambitious are,  
and in that vice delight.   

For why? when they shall see  
a man of great estate,  
That moved is both cap and knee:  
to such a Potentate.   

Their hearts do much delight  
still thirsting after fame,  
And never are they well in plight,  
till like they be of name.   

And thus they do despise,  
their neighbours low degree:  
Right joyful when they shall arise  
to higher dignity.   

But when they have a place,  
within the Prince's gate:  
They make a fair pretenced face  
to help their friends estate.   

So that themselves before  
be placed in their seat,  
Then be they licenced the more  
for poor men to entreat.   

Thus all men make a shift  
to glory to attain,  
Till they have made an handsome dri●t  
whereby to get them gain.   

But how do poor-men far  
when such men live at ease,  
Their food shall seem to be but bar●  
their sorrows to appease.   

And when such gluttons now,  
even thoroughly are sped:  
I pray you show the manner how,  
poor Lazarus is fed.   

To speak the truth in deed  
his cheer it is but small.  
And in respect of his great need,  
is surely none at all.   

And well we may behold  
his clotheses be little sure,  
Which may preserve him from the cold  
which his poor limbs endure.   

O shepherds to unkind  
your sheep thus to forego:  
To drive them thus to wave and wind  
did Christ instruct you so?   

Ney so you should them love, 
john. 10.   
as for them yield your life:  
For faithful shepherds doth behove,  
to keep their sheep from strife.   

And always them to feed,  
with food yea of the best  
And cherish them in time of need,  
and still provide them rest.   

And still to have an eye  
to keep them with your shield,  
And when the Wolf ye shall espy,  
to drive him from the field.   

But who doth feed the lean  
but still the sat doth spoil:  
Yea, and doth push the other clean,  
out of their pleasant soil.   

Therefore the Lord our God 
Es●c●. 34.   
even he himself doth say,  
My sheep no more shall run abroad,  
nor ever go a stray.   

And they which did them train,  
unto contrary costs,  
I come to visit them with payn●,  
thus saith the Lord of hosts.   

And they shall not be fed,  
like as they were before,  
Which of my Sheep the blood have shed  
and still did grieve them sore.   

But as for my poor flock,  
their pasture shallbe good,  
And likewise David's royal stock,  
with care shall give them food.   

Thus God doth hear the cry,  
of poor men in distress,  
And doth assuage their misery,  
and make their pains the less.   

But while this lump of clay,  
doth rule yea all a bout,  
And beareth such out ragious sway,  
the open world throughout.   

How can thenr steadfast peace,  
In any place endure,  
When as such mischief doth increase,  
thus daily put in ure.   

Such usury in good,  
as was not seen before,  
Such sucking still of poor men's blood,  
I think was never more.   

For if a poor man shall,  
require the rich man's aid,  
To lend him money where with all,  
to see his debts be paid   

The rich man will not stay,  
to seek his double gain,  
For where a penny he did pay.  
he will require twain.   

regarding not the pain,  
which needy men shall take,  
Although with care they would be feign,  
good payment for to make.   

Yea such one oftentime,  
so dealeth with his brother,  
Although he daily such a crime,  
committeth with another:   

Yet can not God for bear,  
such mischief to be sought,  
And that unto thy brother dear,  
such trespass to be wrought.   

This thing thou shalt not do, 
Deut. 23   
in money or in meat,  
The love of God ordained it so,  
for Moses to repeat.   

But now as all men see,  
each one deceiveth other  
And lying weights maintained be,  
for to beguile their brother.   

Whereas God's Law hath said, 
Deut. 25   
and Moses showeth plain.  
Let no false balances be made,  
whereby to gather gain.   

Thou shalt not in thy door,  
have weights both great and small,  
Whereby thou mayst beguile the poor,  
to further thee with all.   

But let thy weights be right,  
and measures justly made,  
So God in thee will have delight,  
as he himself hath said.   

But as full true it is,  
I need not for to feign,  
What man is he regardeth this,  
which doth such crafts maintain.   

For if it were his use,  
in scriptures for to read  
False balances he would refuse,  
and leave them clean in deed.   

There might he view and see,  
such craft deserveth shame,  
And God his hatred known should be,  
and vengeance for the same.   

But as I said before,  
who doth consider this,  
Else surely would he morn full sore,  
for that he doth amiss.   

Unless his eyes were blind,  
as I do think it so,  
For else it should be sure his kind,  
to wail his hidden wo.   

But o this clayish clod,  
by nature apt to fall,  
It doth not see there is a God,  
whose wisdom ruleth all.   

Therefore our flesh so frail,  
from sin doth never cease,  
And nothing sure it doth prevail,  
to say on earth is peace.   

For thus the Prophet spoke, 
Lere. viii.   
and did with grief complain:  
Both Priest and Prophet God forsake,  
and follow after gain.   

Yet still they cry of peace,  
where is no peace in deed:  
But rather mischief doth increase  
and war-doth daily breed.   

So surely is it now,  
As it appeared then,  
There is no peace I may avow  
on earth with worldly men.   

Although not in the field,  
God have the praise therefore:  
(For he it is that doth us shield,  
and keepeth ever more.)   

Yet in each private place  
some discord doth arise,  
contentious strife doth breed a pace  
as is the worldly guise.   

And what was else the cause  
that Rome did so decay,  
But for the breach of civil laws  
and discord every day.   

For when contentious strife,  
was not with foreign lands:  
Internal mischief brought their life  
as it were into bands.   

And as it came to pass,  
it had no further stay:  
For this the most occasion was  
that it fell to decay.   

Consider now by this  
the sins that daily flow,  
And likewise, as full true it is  
the strife which still doth grow.   

Mark well each thing therefore,  
reposed in his kind:  
Then view how vice doth go before  
poor Virtue stands behind.   

Then may it well be said,  
of things which London spoil:  
Such deadly sins were never bred  
within the Roman soil.   

And though perhaps as much  
in Rome did once abound,  
Perchance again was never such  
upon the Roman ground.   

Yet be we warned still  
such vices to avoid  
And well we know it is Gods will,  
to have such things destroyed.   

And knowing well the way  
which leadeth unto shame,  
Yet seek we ever day by day  
to walk upon the same.   

Where as the Romans then,  
were not instructed so:  
Nor had likewise such godly men  
to teach them where to go.   

Then less is their offence,  
which could not walk aright:  
Nor having guides for their defence  
to bring them to the light.   

Less surely is their sin,  
than those which do offend  
Yet do they daily walk therein,  
unto their lives end.   

Great are the stripes therefore  
which that man shall sustain,  
Who as gods will he knoweth the more,  
the less do it maintain.   

And sure the world is so,  
such things therein be set,  
Which brings to man an endless woe:  
sith God they do forget.   

Wherefore this caused Paul, 
Rom. 6.   
that faithful man to wail  
When as his spirit could naught at all  
within his flesh prevail.   

So that with tears he said  
who shall this death hence take,  
Or from this sin within me laid  
shall full deliverance make.   

Thanks therefore do I yield,  
through Christ to God alone:  
For he it is that doth me shield  
when I shall make my moan.   

Now therefore in my mind,  
God's law I do fulfil:  
But in my flesh as I well find,  
I serve my wicked william.   

How many now do sin  
far worse than Paul in deed,  
Yet do they still delight there in  
and 'cause it more to breed.   

How many serve their lust,  
as swine delight in in●●e:  
So do they wallow in the ●ust  
which they do most desire.   

But in the Law of God,  
their study is but small  
For why? they think it is a Rod  
to plague their sins with all.   

And so it is in deed  
to those which do offend,  
But to the godly it doth breed:  
such joys as have no end.   

Wherefore in Moses law 
Deut. 11.   
God straightly did command,  
Let Parents keep their youth in awe,  
my Laws to understand.   

So that when they shall know,  
what is my will thereby,  
Then they with care the same may show,  
to their posterity.   

And likewise they again  
may teach it to their seed,  
That it right steadfast may remain  
for evermore in deed.   

But who doth this fulfil?  
not all I may well say,  
But for to do mischievous ill:  
are bent yea every day.   

And though they do not know  
nor thereon frame their talk,  
Yet will they not their children show  
which way aright to waulke.   

But as the proverb saith  
if both be blind a like,  
They walk not on the common path,  
but fall into the dike.   

Less greater be the stay  
which God shall show in deed.  
Unless he ●● direct the way,  
to help man at his need.   

Yet all I do not blame:  
which so their children lead,  
Perchance sum know not how to frame  
the path where they should tread.   

And some perhaps again  
they have not wherewith all  
For to release their children's pain  
when they shallbe in th●all▪   

And what is else the grief,  
Which many do endure:  
Then when they lose the same relief  
which labours did procure.   

I mean when Gods good gifts  
within them doth remain,  
They shallbe driven to their shifts  
their living to maintain.   

And true it is in deed,  
who can the same deny:  
They are molested with great need,  
and live in misery.   

Though other serve their lust,  
and do their wanton will  
And in their treasure put their trust  
which shall not tarry still.   

Thus Christ's afflicted flock  
doth run from cost to cost,  
And constantly resist the Rock  
or else then life were lost.   

And thus in grieving poor●  
what do we else at all:  
But thrust our Saviour out of door,  
increasing still his thrall.   

For if we shall it do  
unto his own elect,  
As he hath said it grieveth him to  
and that in each respect.   

And surely wisdoms grace  
which once did so exceed,  
I think was never made so base  
as it is now in deed.   

Such learning set at naught  
the time was never so,  
Such things unto confusion brought  
which teach to flee from w●.   

And ga●ing so for gain  
as was not seen before,  
Although we think it breedth no pain  
we are deceived sore.   

For though we do not see,  
that now it doth appear  
I think the pain will shortly be:  
for now it draweth near.   

So that if you well know  
the time that you shall see,  
When in the world good ●ruct will grow  
I think will never be.   

Unless such sins decay,  
which now are daily wrought,  
And such misdeeds done every day  
do surely come to naught.   

When Avarice shall cease  
and be no more in deed,  
And Drunkenness shall have decrease  
which now doth daily breed.   

When Pride shall have an end  
and from the world departed,  
And Usury which doth offend,  
the godly faithful heart.   

When as external strife,  
shallbe no more in field:  
Then will I say a godly life,  
the faithful sort doth shield.   

When whoredom hath no place,  
to frame her ill intent  
And wicked worldly men a pace  
to God's laws shallbe bend.   

And when deceit shall fade  
and dealing shallbe true:  
And subtle weights no more be made,  
the simple to subdue.   

When Bribery shall fall,  
which judges doth defile  
And subtlety be brought in thrall,  
which poor men doth beguile.   

And when Extortion great  
shall cease for to be done,  
And each sin which I may repeat  
no more shallbe begun.   

When Virtue shall increase  
and justice be maintained,  
When Wisdom shall abound in peace  
and be no more disdained.   

When poor men shallbe eased  
of pains which green them sore:  
And godly men which be diseased,  
shallbe oppressed no more.   

When each thing to be brief  
which goodness doth pretend,  
Shall cease from pains and have relief  
unto the worlds end.   

Then shall the world in deed,  
be changed from his kind:  
And each sin which in it doth breed,  
be clean worn out of mind.   

And then shall bale to bliss,  
returned be again,  
And each thing which is done amiss,  
it shall not so remain.   

Then shallbe joy to them,  
which lived in woeful chance,  
And likewise new jerusalem,  
be their inheritance.   

And they shall live in rest,  
their joy shall then a bound,  
And every thing shall sure be blessed,  
which groweth on their ground.   

But how shall this betide,  
and to an end be brought,  
When such misdeeds on earth abide,  
and are thus daily wrought.   

Sigh such is the complaint,  
almost in every street,  
Of those whose hearts are wondrous faint  
with pains exceeding great.   

So that I fear it sore,  
it shall not so be fall,  
Like as I did express be fore,  
of joys perpetual.   

But as in Noehs time,  
the world was much infect,  
And each man did commit his crime,  
in every ill respect.   

Just thought they was their life,  
and all things did enerease,  
And daily foined was man to wife,  
and pleasures did not cease.   

Great were the vices then,  
which daily did proceed,  
So that corruption grew in men,  
as in the ground th● weed.   

So that in each thing sure,  
which I expressed before;  
Gods heavy wrath they did procure,  
and vengeance far therefore.   

They served their filthy lust,  
in doing things a 〈◊〉  
But few in God did plit their trust,  
for so the truth it i●:   

God therefore saw tire i● heart,  
that ill was their in tent;  
By cause from him they did departed,  
and to their lost were bend.   

Therefore he sent a ●lood,  
which covered every part,  
Both house and field and every wood,  
for their malicious heart.   

Thus God did them confound,  
contrary to their mind,  
& all the world through out was droun●  
as we in▪ scriptures find.   

And as David declares,  
when as their food they eat,  
God's plague came on them unwares,  
as they were eating meat.   

Lo this is the reward,  
of those which do offend,  
Which still do take so small regard,  
not looking to the end.   

For if we would remember,  
the sins which we have done,  
And with great diligence consider,  
the things which are to come.   

It should be sure our kind,  
incessantly to pray,  
And all ways have our sins in mind,  
and drive ill thoughts a way.   

But who doth this fore see,  
but few I think in deed,  
Yea every one will careful be,  
to shifted in time of need.   

But how is all their shift,  
assuredly for gain,  
And where they thought to find some thrift  
alas it is in vain.   

For each man hath his will,  
to do his own intent,  
But few God's precepts to fulfil,  
with heart and mind are bend.   

So that I think it sure,  
the flood shall come no more,  
But fiery flames which shall endure,  
alas for evermore.   

And as in Sod●ma,  
a wondrous spark was sent,  
Which kindled fire in Gomorrha,  
and all their cities brent.   

Because they would not hear,  
to Gods most holy word,  
They were constrained as did appear,  
to feel his fiery sword.   

Thus while they surely thought,  
their heart was set at ease,  
Into their land a plague was brought,  
their stoutness to appease.   

So when Balthasar king,  
did make a sumptuous feast, 
Dan. 5.   
And thought his heart in every thing,  
was set in quiet rest.   

The vessels of the Lord,  
they served to his use,  
Yet did he the most precious word,  
of God the Lord abuse.   

And in his royal cheer,  
he pray so his Gods of Gold,  
As it in scriptures doth appear,  
right plainly to behold.   

But God could not sustain,  
his blasphemous despite,  
For on the wall was showed plain,  
A hand which these did writ.   

Thy kingdom God hath tried,  
and took it from thy hands,  
For why thy power he will divide,  
among the Persian lands.   

And in the self same night,  
with in a little space,  
King Balthasar was s●ain in fight,  
Darius taking place.   

Thus God doth still ordain,  
great Kings his flock to feed,  
But when they will not them sustain  
he plagueth Kings in deed.   

So Asshure which did boast,  
himself above the stars, 
Cro. 2. Chap. 32   
God did subvert his wicked host,  
discomfiting his wars.   

And many thousands then,  
were slain with in the field,  
Yea noble and right skilful men,  
well tried in the shield.   

So that as he did pray,  
unto his blockish Lord,  
Even his own children did him slay,  
and smote him with the sword.   

For thus it came to pass,  
and God appointed so,  
By those his life bereaved was,  
which should have healed his wo.   

So that where I did speak,  
of Sodom burnt with fire,  
By cause God's precptes they did break  
they felt his flaming ire.   

Now do I think it sure,  
the same shall us befall,  
Which Sodomites did then endure,  
by fire which brent them all.   

For such iniquity,  
which then did much abound,  
I think as great impiety,  
in us may now be found.   

Wherefore the souls upright, 
reve. 6.   
whom wicked men had slain,  
By cause in God was their delight,  
unto him did complain.   

Now long oh lord most high,  
wilt thou thy wrath for bear,  
Of those which make us thus to cry,  
and put us so in fear.   

To whom was said again,  
a bide a little space,  
Until that those which shallbe slain,  
do come to you in place.   

And now the truth is so,  
some be already past,  
And by the Pope that furious foe,  
to death are daily cast.   

And sure I think the end,  
will now be soon at hand,  
By cause of those which do offend,  
through out both sea and land.   

All Visions now be passed,  
and Prophecies be done,  
And nothing surely long shall last,  
which is or was begun.   

For unto all men's sight,  
the Scripture showeth plain,  
The father with the son shall fight  
the son with him again.   

And so it is in deed,  
with other sins beside,  
That Drunkenness shall daily breed,  
and eke presumptuous Pride.   

And every other thing,  
which makes man to offend,  
When in his fullness it shall springe  
then shallbe seen a● end.   

Then shall the world decrease,  
and each thing be prepared,  
And be that spent his time in peace  
shall have a just reward.   

If Godly was his life,  
his recompense is such,  
And if he spent his days in strife,  
his anguish shallbe much.   

And now th'offences all,  
which I before expressed,  
They rather rise, then seem to fall,  
out of our mortal breast,   

Wherefore most mighty Lord,  
direct us in thy way,  
And 'cause us all with one accord,  
incessantly to pray.   

For thou hast promised,  
he shallbe blessed in deed,  
Whom thou shalt find well occupied,  
thy silly sheep to feed.   

And now consider well,  
thy Saints and thine elect,  
And those which on the earth do devil,  
good Lord do thou protect.   

Bow down thy listing ear,  
unto thy martyrs cry:  
And with a loving countenance hear  
and suage their misery.   

And sith our flesh is frail:  
Lord help us with thy might,  
That sin no more with us prevail  
but still be put to flight.   

That we may live in peace  
if so it be thy will,  
And that likewise we never cease,  
thy precepts to fulfil.   

That Christ being our head  
our captain and our guide,  
Under his power we may be lead:  
and from him never slide.   

And as the branches grow  
and cleave unto the tree,  
Good Lord do grant that even so  
in Christ we rooted be.   

And sith we promise' have:  
that prayer should us lead,  
To every thing which we shall crave  
of Christ our only head.   

Therefore we come to thee  
with prayer mourning sore,  
Requiring of thy Majesty,  
that sin grieve us no more,   

And now O England now,  
repent thy former crime  
And make a steadfast faithful vow  
to mend thy sins in time.   

And now my pen shall frame,  
even hear to make her stay  
Wishing that all withouten blame:  
may run a Godly way.   

And for our Queen her grace  
let pray all faithful men,  
That she may reign Methushelas' space,  
let England say Amen.   
Finis.  
George Colclough.   

A Dialogue. drunkenness.  

Another.  
The lechourer must forsake hordom   

A third example.  
The swearer must leave sweating  
and honour the holy name of god.  
where learnest thou this?  
In S. Peter's epistle the iii chapter,  
what saith he?  
Turn from evil and do good.  
what reward shall they have that do so?  
The grace and favour of God, and life everlasting.  
God grant us all to do so, and ever to walk in his truth.  
Amen, and thanks to God for the light of his holy word and gospel.   
Amen.