HOMILY ON THE RIGHT USE OF THE CHURCH
Short-Title Catalogue 13675. Renaissance Electronic Texts 1.1.
copyright 1994 Ian Lanca****re (ed.) University of Toronto
AN HOMILIE OF THE RIGHT VSE OF
the Church or Temple of GOD,
and of the reuerence due vnto the same.
THE FIRST CHAPTER.
WHERE there appeareth at these dayes great slackenesse and negligence
of a great sort of people, in resorting to the Church, there to serue
GOD their heauenly Father, according to their most bounden duety, as
also much vncomely and vnreuerent behauiour of many persons in the
same when they be there assembled, and therby may iust feare arise of
the wrath of GOD, and his dreadful plagues hanging ouer our heads for
our grieuous offences in this behalfe, amongst other many and great
sinnes which wee dayly and hourely commit before the Lord. Therefore
for the discharge of all our consciences, and for the auoyding of the
common perill and plague hanging ouer vs, let vs consider what may be
sayd out of GODS holy booke concerning this matter, whereunto I pray
you giue good audience, for that it is of great weight, and concerneth
you all. Although the eternall and incomprehensible Maiestie of GOD,
the Lord of heauen and earth, whose feat is heauen, and the earth his
footstoole, cannot bee inclosed in temples or houses made with mans
hand, as in dwelling places able to receiue or conteyne his Maiestie,
according as is euidently declared by the Prophet Esaias (Isaiah
66.1), and by the doctrine of S. Steuen, and S. Paul in the Actes of
the Apostles (Acts 17.24). And where King Solomon (who builded vnto
the Lord, the most glorious Temple that euer was made) saith, Who shal
be able to build a meet or worthy house for him? if heauen, and the
heauen aboue all heauens cannot conteine him: how much lesse can that
which I haue builded (1 Kings 8.27)? And further confesseth: What am
I, that I should bee able to build thee an house, O Lord? But yet for
this purpose onely it is made, that thou mayest regard the prayer of
thy seruant, and his humble supplication. (2 Chronicles 2.6, 2
Chronicles 6.18) Much lesse then be our Churches meet dwelling places
to receiue the incomprehensible Maiestie of GOD. And indeed, the
chiefe and speciall Temples of GOD, wherein hee hath greatest
pleasure, and most delighteth to dwell and continue in are the bodies
and minds of true Christians, and the chosen people of GOD, according
to the doctrine of the holy Scripture, declared in the first Epistle
to the Corinthians. Know yee not (saith Saint Paul) that ye be the
Temple of GOD, and that the spirit of GOD dwelleth in you? If any man
defile the temple of GOD, him wil GOD destroy. For the temple of GOD
is holy, which ye are (1 Corinthians 3.16-17). And againe in the same
Epistle: Know yee not that your body is the Temple of the holy Ghost
dwelling in you, whom yee haue giuen you of GOD, and that yee be not
your owne? For yee are dearely bought. Glorifie yee now therefore GOD
in your body, and in your Spirit, which are GODS (1 Corinthians
6.19-20). And therefore as our Sauiour Christ teacheth in the Gospel
of Saint Iohn, they that wor****p GOD the Father in spirit and trueth,
in what place soeuer they doe it, wor****p him a right: for such
wor****ppers doth GOD the Father looke for. For GOD is a Spirit, and
those that wor****p him, must wor****p him in spirit and trueth (John
4.23-24), saith our Sauiour Christ. Yet all this notwithstanding, the
materiall Church or Temple is a place appointed aswell by the vsage
and continuall examples expressed in the olde Testament, as in the
New, for the people of GOD to resort together vnto, there to heare
GODS holy Word, to call vpon his holy Name, to giue him thankes for
his innumerable and vnspeakeable benefits bestowed vpon vs, and duely
and truely to celebrate his holy Sacraments: (In the vnfained doing
and accompli****ng of the which, standeth that true and right
wor****pping of GOD afore mentioned) and the same Church or Temple, is
by the holy Scriptures both of the Olde Testament and New, called the
House and Temple of the Lord, for the peculiar seruice there done to
his Maiestie by his people, and for the effectuous presence of his
heauenly Grace, wherewith hee by his sayd holy Word endueth his people
so there assembled. And to the said house or Temple of GOD, at all
times, by common order appointed, are all people that be godly indeed,
bound with all diligence in resort, vnlesse by sickenesse, or other
most vrgent causes they bee letted therefro. And all the same so
resorting thither, ought with all quietnesse and reuerence there to
behaue themselues, in doing their bounden duetie and seruice to
Almightie GOD, in the Congregation of his Saints. All which things are
euident to bee prooued by GODS holy word, as hereafter shall plainely
appeare.
And first of all, I will declare by the Scriptures, that it is called
(as it is in deede) the house of GOD (John 2.16), and Temple of the
Lord. Hee that sweareth by the Temple (saith our Sauiour Christ)
sweareth by it, and him that dwelleth therein (Matthew 23.21), meaning
GOD the father, which hee also expresseth plainely in the Gospel of
Saint Iohn, saying: Do not make the house of my father, the house of
merchandize (John 2.16). And in the booke of the Psalmes, the Prophet
Dauid saith, I will enter into thine house, I will wor****p in thy holy
Temple, in thy feare (Psalms 5.7). And it is almost in infinite places
of the Scripture, specially in the Prophets and booke of Psalmes,
called the house of GOD, or house of the Lord. Sometime it is named
the Tabernacle of the Lord, and sometime the Sanctuary, that is to
say, the holy place or house of the Lord (Exodus 25.8-9, Leviticus
19.30). And it is likewise called the house of prayer, as Solomon, who
builded the Temple of the Lord at Ierusalem, doth oft call it the
house of the Lord, in the which the Lords Name should be called vpon
(1 Kings 8.43, 2 Chronicles 6.10). And Esaias in the 56. Chapter, My
house shall be called the house of prayer amongst all nations (Isaiah
56.7). Which text our Sauiour Christ alleadgeth in the new Testament,
as doth appeare in three of the Euangelists (Matthew 12.4, Matthew
21.13, Mark 11.17, Luke 19.46), and in the parable of the Pharisee and
the Publicane which went to pray, in which parable our Sauiour Christ
saith, They went vp into the Temple to pray (Luke 18.10). And Anna the
holy widow and prophetisse, serued the Lord in fasting and prayer in
the Temple, night and day (Luke 2.37). And in the story of the Acts it
is mentioned, how that Peter and Iohn went vp into the Temple at the
houre of prayer (Acts 3.1). And S. Paul praying in the Temple at
Ierusalem, was rapt in the Spirit, and did see Iesus speaking vnto
him. And as in all conuenient places, prayer may be vsed of the godly
priuately: so it is most certaine, that the Church or Temple is the
due and appointed place for common and publike prayer. Now that it is
likewise the place of thankesgiuing vnto the Lord for his innumerable
and vnspeakeable benefits bestowed vpon vs, appeareth notably in the
latter end of the Gospel of S. Luke (Luke 24.53), and the beginning of
the story of the Acts, where it is written that the Apostles &
Disciples after the ascension of the Lord, continued with one accord
dayly in the Temple, alwaies praising, and blessing GOD (Acts
2.46-47). And it is likewise declared in the first Epistle to the
Corinthians, that the Church is the due place appointed for the vse of
the Sacraments (1 Corinthians 11.18). It remaineth now to be declared,
that the Church or Temple is the place where the liuely word of GOD
(and not mans inuentions) ought to be read and taught, & that the
people are bound thither with all diligence to resort: and this proofe
likewise to be made by the Scriptures, as hereafter shall appeare.
In the story of the Acts of the Apostles, we read that Paul and
Barnabas preached the word of GOD in the Temples of the Iewes at
Salamine. And when they came to Antiochia, they entered on the Sabbath
day into the Synagogue or Church, and sate downe, & after the Lesson
or reading of the Law and the Prophets, the ruler of the temple sent
vnto them, saying: Ye men & brethren, if any of you haue any
exhortation to make vnto the people, say it. And so Paul standing vp,
and making silence with his hand, said: Ye me that be Israelites, & ye
that feare God, giue eare, &c. preaching to them a sermon out of the
Scriptures, as there at large appeareth (Acts 13.14-16). And in the
same Storie of the Acts, the seuenteenth Chapter is testified, how
Paul preached Christ out of the Scriptures at Thessalonica (Acts
17.1-2). And in the fifteenth Chapter, Iames the Apostle in that holy
Counsell and Assembly of his fellow Apostles saith, Moses of old time
hath in euery city certaine that preach him in the Synagogues or
Temples, where he is read euery Sabboth day (Acts 15.21). By these
places ye may see the vsage of reading the Scriptures of the old
Testament among the Iewes in their Synagogues euery Sabboth day, and
Sermons vsually made vpon the same. How much more then is it
conuenient that the Scriptures of GOD, and specially the Gospel of our
Sauiour Christ should bee read and expounded to vs that be Christians
in our Churches, specially our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles
allowing this most godly and necessary vsage, and by their examples
confirme the same?
It is written in the Stories of the Gospels in diuers places, that
Iesus went round about all Galile, teaching in their Synagogues, and
preaching the Gospel of the kingdome (Matthew 4.23, Mark 1.14, Luke
4.15, Matthew 13.54, Mark 6.1-2, Luke 13.10): In which places is his
great diligence in continual preaching and teaching of the people most
euidently set forth.
In Luke ye read, how Iesus according to his accustomed vse came into
the Temple, and how the booke of Esaias the Prophet was deliuered him,
how he read a text therein, and made a Sermon vpon the same.
And in the xix. is expressed how hee taught dayly in the Temple (Luke
19.47). And it is thus written in the viii. of Iohn: Iesus came againe
early in the morning into the Temple, and all the people came vnto
him, and he sate downe and taught them (John 8.1-2). And in the xviii.
of Iohn, our Sauiour testifieth before Pilate, that he spake openly
vnto the world, and that hee alwayes taught in the Synagogue and in
the Temple, whither all the Iewes resorted, and that secretly hee
spake nothing (John 18.20). And in Saint Luke Iesus taught in the
Temple, and all the people came early in the morning vnto him, that
they might heare him in the Temple (Luke 21.37-38).
Here ye see aswell the diligence of our Sauiour in teaching the word
of GOD in the Temple daily, and specially on the Sabboth dayes, as
also the readinesse of the people resorting altogether, and that
earely in the morning, into the Temple to heare him.
The same example of diligence in preaching the word of GOD in the
Temple, shall ye find in the Apostles, and the people resorting vnto
them. Acts the fift., where the Apostles, although they had beene
whipped and scourged the day before, and by the high Priest commanded
that they should preach no more in the Name of Iesus, yet the day
following they entred earely in the morning into the Temple, and did
not cease to teach and declare Iesus Christ (Acts 5.21, 42). And in
sundry other places of the storie of the Actes, ye shall finde like
diligence both in the Apostles in teaching, and in the people in
comming to the Temple to heare GODS word (Acts 13.15, 17). And it is
testified in the first of Luke, that when Zacharie the holy Priest,
and father to Iohn Baptist, did sacrifice within the Temple, all the
people stoode without a long time praying, such was their zeale and
feruencie at that time (Luke 1.9-10). And in the second of Luke
appeareth what great iourneyes men, women, yea and children tooke, to
come to the Temple on the Feast day, there to serue the Lord, and
specially the example of Ioseph, the blessed virgin Marie, mother to
our Sauiour, and of our Sauiour Christ himselfe, being yet but a
child, whose examples are worthy for vs to follow (Luke 2.41, 46). So
that if wee would compare our negligence in resorting to the house of
the Lord there to serue him, with the diligence of the Iewes in
comming daily very early, sometime by great iourneys to their Temple,
and when the multitude could not be receiued within the Temple, the
feruent zeale that they had, declared in standing long without and
praying: we may iustly in this comparison condemne our slouthfulnesse
and negligence, yea plaine contempt, in comming to the Lords house,
standing so neere vnto vs, so seldome, and scarcely at any time. So
farre is it from a great many of vs to come early in the morning, or
giue attendance without, who disdain to come into the Temple: and yet
we abhorre the very name of the Iewes when wee heare it, as of a most
wicked and vngodly people. But it is to bee feared, that in this point
wee be farre worse then the Iewes, and that they shall rise at the day
of Iudgement, to our condemnation, who in comparison to them, shew
such slackenesse and contempt in resorting to the house of the Lord,
there to serue him, according as we are of duety most bound. And
besides this most horrible dread of GODS iust Iudgement in the great
day, wee shall not in this life escape his heauy hand and vengeance
for this contempt of the house of the Lord, and his due seruice in the
same, according as the Lord himselfe threatneth in the first Chapter
of the Prophet Aggeus, after this sort: Because you haue left my House
desert and without company (saith the Lord) and ye haue made hast
euery man to his owne house, for this cause are the heauens stayed
ouer you, that they should giue no deaw, and the earth is forbidden
that it shall bring foorth her fruit, and I haue called drought vpon
the earth, and vpon the mountaines, and vpon corne, and vpon wine, and
vpon oyle, and vpon all things that the earth bringeth foorth, and
vpon men, and vpon beasts, and vpon all things that mens hands labour
for (Haggai 1.9-11). Behold, if wee bee such worldlings that wee care
not for the eternall Iudgements of GOD (which yet of all other are
most dreadfull, and horrible) we shall not escape the punishment of
GOD in this world by drought and famine, and the taking away of all
worldly commodities, which we as worldlings seeme onely to regarde and
care for. Whereas on the contrary part, if we would amend this fault,
or negligence, slouthfulnesse and contempt of the house of the Lord,
and his due Seruice there, and with diligence resort thither together,
to serue the Lord with one accord and consent, in all holinesse and
righteousnesse before him, wee haue promises of benefits both heauenly
and worldly. Wheresoeuer two or three bee gathered in my Name (sayth
our Sauiour Christ) there am I in the middest of them (Matthew 18.20).
And what can be more blessed, then to haue our Sauiour Christ among
vs? Or what againe can bee more vnhappy or mischieuous then to driue
our Sauiour Christ from amongst vs, to leaue a place for his and our
most ancient and mortall enemy the old Dragon and serpent Satan the
diuel in the middest of vs? In the second of Luke it is written, how
that the mother of Christ and Ioseph, when they had long sought
Christ, whom they had lost, and could find him no where, that at the
last they found him in the Temple, sitting in the middest of the
Doctors (Luke 2.46). So if wee lacke Iesus Christ, that is to say, the
Sauiour of our soules and bodies, wee shall not find him in the Market-
place, or in the Guild-hall, much lesse in the Ale-house or Tauerne,
amongst good fellowes (as they call them) so soone as wee shall find
him in the Temple, the Lords house, amongst the Teachers & Preachers
of his Word, where indeed hee is to be found. And as concerning
worldly commodities, wee haue a sure promise of our Sauiour Christ:
Seeke ye first the kingdome of GOD, and the righteousnesse thereof,
and all these things shall withall be giuen vnto you. And thus we haue
in the first part of this Homily declared by GODS word, that the
Temple or Church is the house of the Lord, for that the Seruice of the
Lord (as teaching and hearing of his holy Word, calling vpon his holy
Name, giuing thankes to him for his great and innumerable benefits,
and due ministring of his Sacraments) is there vsed. And it is
likewise declared by the Scriptures, how all godly and Christian men
and women ought at times appointed, with diligence to resort vnto the
house of the Lord, there to serue him, and to glorifie him, as he is
most worthy, and wee most bound, to whom bee all glorie and honour
world without end. Amen.
THE SECOND PART OF THE HOMILY OF THE RIGHT VSE OF THE CHURCH.
IT was declared in the first part of this Homily, by GODS word, that
the Temple or Church is the house of the Lord, for that the Seruice of
the Lord (as teaching and hearing of his holy Word, calling vpon his
holy Name, giuing thankes to him, for his great and innumerable
benefits, and due ministring of the Sacraments) is there vsed. And it
is likewise already declared by the Scriptures, how all godly and
Christian men and women, ought at times appointed, with diligence to
resort vnto the house of the Lord, there to serue him, and to glorifie
him, as he is most worthy, and we most bounden.
Now it remaineth in this second part of the Homilie concerning the
right vse of the Temple of GOD, to be likewise declared by GODS word,
with what quietnesse, silence, and reuerence, those that resort to the
house of the Lord, ought there to vse and behaue themselues.
It may teach vs sufficiently how well it doeth become vs Christian men
reuerently to vse the Church and holy house of our prayers, by
considering in how great reuerence and veneration in the Iewes in the
olde law had their Temple, which appeareth by sundry places, whereof I
will note vnto you certaine. In the xxvi. of Matthew, it is laid to
our Sauiour Christs charge before a Tem****all Iudge, as a matter
worthy death, by the two false witnesses, that he had said, hee could
destroy the Temple of GOD, and in three dayes build it againe, not
doubting but if they might make men to beleeue that hee had sayde any
thing against the honour and maiestie of the Temple, he should seeme
to all men most worthy of death. And in the xxi. of the Actes, when
the Iewes found Paul in the Temple, they layd hands vpon him, crying,
Yee men Israelites helpe, this is that man who teacheth all men euery
where against the people and the law, and against this place: besides
that, hee hath brought the Gentiles into the Temple, and hath
prophaned this holy place (Acts 21.27-28). Behold how they tooke it
for a like offence to speake against the Temple of GOD, as to speake
against the Law of GOD, and how they iudged it conuenient, that none
but godly persons and the true wor****ppers of GOD, should enter into
the Temple of GOD (Acts 24.6). And the same fault is layd to Pauls
charge by Tertullus an eloquent man, and by the Iewes in the xxiiii.
of the Actes, before a tem****all Iudge, as a matter worthy of death,
that hee went about to pollute the Temple of GOD. And in the xxuii. of
Matthew, when the chiefe Priests had receiued againe the pieces of
siluer as Iudas hand, they said, It is not lawfull to put them into
Corban (which was the treasure house of the Temple) because it is the
price of blood (Matthew 27.6). So that they could not abide that not
onely any vncleane person, but also any other dead thing that was
iudged vncleane, should once come into the Temple, or any place
thereto belonging. And to this end is S. Pauls saying in the second
Epistle to the Corinthians the vi. Chapter to bee applied: What
fellow****p is there betwixt righteousnesse, and vnrighteousnesse? or
what communion betweene light and darkenesse? or what concorde
betweene Christ, and Belial? or what part can the faithfull haue with
the vnfaithfull? or what agreement can there be betweene theTemple of
GOD and images (2 Corinthians 6.14-16)? Which sentence, although it be
chiefely referred to the temple of the minde of the godly: yet seeing
that the similitude and pith of the argument is taken from the
materiall Temple, it enforceth that no vngodlinesse, specially of
images or idols, may be suffered in the Temple of GOD, which is the
place of wor****pping GOD: and therefore can no more bee suffered to
stand there, then light can agree with darkenesse, or Christ with
Belial: for that the true wor****pping of GOD, and the wor****pping of
images, are most contrary. And the setting of them vp in the place of
wor****pping, may giue great occasion to the wor****pping of them. But
to turne to the reuerence that the Iewes had to their Temple. You will
say that they honoured it superstitiously, and a great deale too much,
crying out, The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord (Jeremiah
7.4), being notwithstanding most wicked in life, and be therefore most
iustly reproued of Ieremie the Prophet of the Lord. Trueth it is that
they were superstitiously giuen to the honouring of their Temple. But
I would wee were not as farre too short from the due reuerence of the
Lords house, as they ouershot themselues therein. And if the Prophet
iustly reprehended them, hearken also what the Lord requireth at our
hands, that we may know whether we be blame-worthy or no. It is
written in Ecclesiastes the fourth Chapter: When thou doest enter into
the house of GOD (saith he) take heede to thy feete, draw neere that
thou mayest heare: for obedience is much more worth then the sacrifice
of fooles, which know not what euill they doe. Speake nothing rashly
there, neither let thine heart be swift to vtter words before GOD. For
GOD is in heauen, and thou art vpon the earth, therefore let thy
wordes be few (Ecclesiastes 5.1-2). Note (welbeloued) what quietnesse
in gesture and behauiour, what silence in talke and wordes, is
required in the house of GOD; for so he calleth it, See whether they
take heede to their feete, as they be here warned, which neuer cease
from vncomely walking and ietting vp and downe, and ouerthwart the
Church, shewing an euident signification of notable contempt, both of
GOD, and all good men there present: and what heede they take to their
tongues, and speech, which doe not onely speake wordes swiftly and
rashly before the Lord (which they be here forbidden) but also
oftentimes speake filthily, couetously, and vngodly, talking of
matters scarce honest or fitte for the Ale-house or Tauerne, in the
house of the Lord, little considering that they speake before GOD, who
dwelleth in heauen, (as is here declared) when they be but vermins
here creeping vpon the earth, in comparison to his eternall Maiestie,
and lesse regarding that they must giue an account at the great day,
of euery idle worde wheresoeuer it bee spoken (Matthew 12.36), much
more of filthy, vncleane, or wicked wordes spoken in the Lords house,
to the great dishonour of his Maiestie, and offence of all that heare
them. And indeede concerning the people and multitude, the Temple is
prepared for them to bee hearers, rather then speakers, considering
that aswell the word of GOD is there read or taught, whereunto they
are bound to giue diligent eare, with all reuerence and silence, as
also that common prayer and thankesgiuing are rehearsed and sayd by
the publique Minister in the name of the people and the whole
multitude present, whereunto they giuing their ready audience, should
assent and say, Amen, as S. Paul teacheth in the first Epistle to the
Corinthians (1 Corinthians 14.16). And in another place, glorifiing
GOD with one spirit and mouth: which cannot bee when euery man and
woman in seuerall pretence of deuotion prayeth priuately, one asking,
another giuing thankes, another reading doctrine, and not regarding to
heare the common prayer of the Minister. And peculiarly, what due
reuerence is to bee vsed in the ministring of the Sacraments in the
Temple, the same S. Paul teacheth to the Corinthians, rebuking such as
did vnreuerently vse themselues in that behalfe. Haue ye not houses to
eate and drinke in (sayth he?) Doe ye despise the Church or
congregation of GOD? What shall I say to you? Shall I prayse you? In
this I prayse you not (1 Corinthians 11.22). And GOD requireth not
onely this outward reuerence of behauiour and silence in his house,
but all inward reuerence in cleansing of the thoughts of our hearts,
threatning by his Prophet Osee in the ix. Chapter, that for the malice
of the inuentions and deuices of the people, he will cast them out of
his house: whereby is also signified the eternall casting of them out
of his heauenly house and kingdome, which is most horrible (Hosea
9.15). And therefore in the xix. of Leuiticus GOD saith, Feare you
with reuerence my Sanctuary, for I am the Lord (Leviticus 19.30). And
according to the same the Prophet Dauid sayth, I will enter into thine
house. I will wor****p in thy holy Temple in thy feare (Psalms 5.7):
shewing what inward reuerence and humblenesse of minde the godly men
ought to haue in the house of the Lord. And to alleadge somewhat
concerning this matter out of the new Testament, in what honour GOD
would haue his house or Temple kept, and that by the example of our
Sauiour Christ. whose authoritie ought of good reason with all true
Christians to bee of most weight and estimation. It is written of all
the foure Euangelists. as a notable act, and worthy to be testified by
many holy witnesses, how that our Sauiour Iesus Christ, that mercifull
and milde Lord, compared for his meekenesse to a sheepe, suffering
with silence his fleece to bee shorne from him, and to a Lambe led
without resistance to the slaughter, which gaue his body to them that
did smite him, answered not him that reuiled, nor turned away his face
from them that did reproch him and spit vpon him, and according to his
owne example, gaue precepts of mildnesse and sufferance to his
disciples (Isaiah 53.7, Acts 8.32, Isaiah 50.6, Matthew 5.39-48): Yet
when hee seeth the Temple and holy house of his heauenly Father
misordered, polluted, and prophaned, vseth great seuerity and
sharpenesse, ouerturneth the tables of the exchanges, subuerteth the
feates of them that sold doues, maketh a whip of cordes, and scourgeth
out those wicked abusers and prophaners of the Temple of GOD, saying,
My house shalbe called the house of prayer, but yee haue made it a
denne of theeues (Matthew 21.12, Mark 11.15, Luke 19.45, John 2.14),
And in the second of Iohn, Doe not ye make the house of my Father, the
house of merchandize (John 2.16). For as it is the house of GOD, when
GODS seruice is duely done in it: So when wee wickedly abuse it with
wicked talke or couetous bargaining, wee make it a denne of theeues,
or an house of merchandize. Yea, and such reuerence would Christ
should bee therein, that hee would not suffer any vessell to bee
caryed through the Temple (Mark 11.16). And whereas our Sauiour Christ
(as is before mentioned) could bee found no where (when he was sought)
but only in the; Temple amongst the doctors (Luke 2.46), and now
againe hee exerciseth his authoritie and iurisdiction, not in castles
and princely palaces amongst souldiers, but in the Temple: Ye may
hereby vnderstand in what place his spirituall Kingdome (which he
denyeth to be of this world) is soonest to be found, and best to be
knowen of Chrysost all places in this world. And according to this
example of our Sauiour Christ in the primitiue Church, which was most
holy and godly, and in the which due discipline with seueritie was
vsed against the wicked, open offenders were not suffered once to
enter into the house of the Lord, nor admitted to common prayer, and
the vse of the holy Sacraments with other true Christians, vntill they
had done open penance before the whole Church.
The peoples fault was most grieuous: the sentence executed otherwise
and more cruell then it should. He was only dehorted from receiuing
the Sacrament, vntil by Repentance he might be better prepared. And
this was practised, not onely vpon meane persons, but also vpon the
rich, noble, and mighty persons, yea, vpon Theodosius that puissant
and mighty Emperour, whom for committing a grieuous and wilfull
murder, S. Ambrose Bishop of Millaine reprooued sharpely, and did also
excommunicate the sayd Emperour, and brought him to open penance. And
they that were so iustly exempted and banished (as it were) from the
house of the Lord, were taken (as they be indeede) for men deuided &
separated from Christes Church, and in most dangerous estate, yea as
S. Paul saith, euen giuen vnto Satan the deuill for a time (1
Corinthians 5.5), and their company was shunned & auoyded of all godly
men and women, vntill such time as they by repentance & publike
penance were reconciled. Such was the honour of the Lords house in
mens hearts, and outward reuerence also at that time, and so horrible
a thing was it to bee shut out of the Church and house of the Lord in
those dayes, when religion was most pure, and nothing so corrupt as it
hath beene of late dayes. And yet wee willingly, either by absenting
our selues from the house of the Lord, doe (as it were) excommunicate
our selues from the Church and fellow****p of the Saintes of GOD, or
else comming thither, by vncomely and vnreuerent behauiour there, by
hastie, rash, yea vncleane and wicked thoughts and wordes before the
Lord our GOD, horribly dishonour his holy house the Church of GOD, and
his holy Name and Maiestie, to the great danger of our soules, yea and
certaine damnation also, if we do not speedily and earnestly repent vs
of this wickednesse.
Thus ye haue heard (dearely beloued) out of GODS word, what reuerence
is due to the holy house of the Lord, how all godly persons ought with
diligence at times appointed thither to repayre, how they ought to
behaue themselues there, with reuerence and dread before the Lord,
what plagues and punishments, aswell tem****all, as eternall, the Lord
in his holy word threatneth, as well to such as neglect to come to his
holy house, as also to such, who comming thither, doe vnreuerently by
gesture or talke there behaue themselues. Wherefore if wee desire to
haue seasonable weather, and thereby to enioy the good fruites of the
earth, if wee will auoyd drought and barrennesse, thirste and hunger,
which are plagues threatned vnto such as make haste to goe to their
owne houses, to alehouses and tauerns, and leaue the house of the Lord
empty and desolate, if wee abhorre to bee scourged, not with whips
made of cordes, out of the materiall Temple onely (as our Sauiour
Christ serued the defilers of the house of GOD in Hierusalem) but also
to bee beaten and driuen out of the eternall temple and house of the
Lord (which is his heauenly kingdome) with the yron rodde of euer
lasting damnation, and cast into vtter darkenesse, where is weeping
and gna****ng of teeth, if we feare, dread and abhorre this (I say) as
wee haue most iust cause to doe: then let vs amend this our negligence
and contempt in comming to the house of the Lord, this our vnreuerent
behauiour in the house of the Lord, and resorting thither diligently
together, let vs there with reuerent hearing of the Lords holy word,
calling on the Lords holy Name, giuing of hearty thankes vnto the Lord
for his manifold and inestimable benefits dayly and hourely bestowed
vpon vs, celebrating also reuerently the Lords holy Sacraments, serue
the Lord in his holy house, as becommeth the seruants of the Lord, in
holinesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of our life, and
then we shall bee assured, after this life, to rest in his holy hill,
and to dwell in his Tabernacle, there to prayse and magnifie his holy
Name in the congregation of his Saints, in the holy house of his
eternall kingdome of heauen, which hee hath purchased for vs, by the
death and shedding of the precious blood of his Sonne our Sauiour
Iesus Christ, to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one
immortall GOD, bee all honour, glory, praise, and thankesgiuing, world
without end. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Anglican Library, This HTML edition copyright 1999.
http://www.anglicanlibrary.org/homilies/bk2hom01.htm
|
