Tit. 1.not fast this ground, al the building fayleth. Or if confessing to know God in words, we denie him in deeds, committing workes of darknes, Mat. 25.Both wicked works, and omission of good works are damnable.or omitting workes of mercie, when we may doe them to our distressed neighbours; briefly, 1. Cor. 13.if we have not charitie, the forme and perfection of al vertues, al is lost, and nothing worth. But if we build upon firme ground, gold, silver, and precious stones, such building shal abide, 1. Pet. 1.and make our vocation sure by good workes, as S. Peter speaketh. These (saith S. Paul) are the heyres of God, coheyres of Christ. Innumerable saved by Christ.Neither is the number of Christs blessed children counted, as of the Jewes, Apoc. 7.an hundred fourtie foure thousand, of every tribe of Israel twelve thousand signed; but a most great multitude of Catholike Christians, which no man can number, of al nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongs, standing before the throne of the lamb, clothed in white robes, and palmes (of triumph) in their hands: having overcome tentations in the vertuous race of good life. They are more happy that suffer persecution for the truth.Much more those which also indure persecution for the truths sake shal receive most copious great rewards in heaven. For albeit the passions of this time (in themselves) are not[1] condigne to the glorie to come, that shal be revealed in us: yet our tribulation, which presently is momentarie and light, worketh (through grace) above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glorie. What shal we therfore meditate of the special prerogative of English Catholikes at this time? English Catholikes most happy in this Age.For to you it is given for Christ, not only that you believe in him, but also that you suffer for him. 1. Pet. 1.A litle now, if you must be made pensive in divers tentations, that the probation of your faith, much more precious then gold, which is proved by the fire, may be found unto praise, and glorie, and honour, in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Manie of you have susteyned the spoile of your goods with joy, knowing that you have a better and a permanent substance. Others have been deprived of your children, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and neerest friends, in readie resolution also, some with sentence of death, to lose your owne lives. Others have had trial of reproches, mockeries, and stripes. Others of bands, prisons, and banishments. The innumerable renowned
- ↑ Worthy, or comparable in dignity. 2. Cor. 4.
