Chapter L: OF GOSPEL. In vain it shall not be spoken, I know very well

For God hath always given such power to his gospel,
That wherever or by whom declared it be,
It should redound unto his own honour and glory.
God is glorified in those whom he doth elect,
God is glorified in those also whom he doth reject.
The elect are saved by that in the world they believe;
But the other, because no credence they give
To the truth, cannot be but blameable,
Committing a fault of all faults most damnable.
For, _Si ad eos non venissem_, saith Christ our Saviour,
If I had not come unto them with the word, this is sure,
In far better case the unfaithful had been.
For in this one respect they had had no sin.
But where the truth is, and yet there contemned,
Of Christ his own mouth all such are condemned.
Thus the gospel of Christ, be it received or no,
Showeth the glory of God, wheresoever it go.

PERV. DOC. I were content to abide, and know your pleasure:
But for business at this time I have no leisure.

L. OF GOSPEL. What leisure ought a man at all times more to
have,
Than to endeavour both his body and soul for to save?

NEW CUS. For that care all other cares we must set aside.

PERV. DOC. Say on, then, for patiently I mind to abide.

L. OF GOSPEL. Not to hear what is spoken is only sufficient,
But to put it in practice with sincere intent
Whatsoever is taught us concerning good-doing,
Expressing it plainly in our virtuous living.

PERV. DOC. Why, what would you have me in living express?

L. OF GOSPEL. Even the gospel, which is nothing else,
doubtless,
But amendment of life and renouncing of sin:
With displeasure toward yourself for the faults you were in.

PERV. DOC. How shall I displease myself in sin, I would know?

L. OF GOSPEL. In considering that nothing bringeth man so low
Out of God's favour, as sin: nothing setteth him so high,
As loathing the same, and calling to him for his mercy.

PERV. DOC. Verily I am sorry for my forepassed demeanour,
But that cannot avail me but little, I am sure.

L. OF GOSPEL. Why think you so? boldly tell me your mind.

PERV. DOC. Because God's mercy is far enough behind.

L. OF GOSPEL. God's mercy is at hand, if you repent faithfully.

PERV. DOC. I repent my sins, and for them am sorry heartily;
But how shall I be sure mercy for to obtain?

L. OF GOSPEL. Credit me truly, for my words are not vain,
I am Light of the Gospel, and have full authority
To pronounce to the penitent forgiveness of iniquity,
So that, in asking, you put your assurance to speed:
Then no doubt you have obtained mercy indeed.

PERV. DOC. This assurance how cometh it, declare, I pray you?

L. OF GOSPEL. In thinking that Christ his words and promises
are true;
And as he cannot deceive, so cannot be deceived,
Which faith of all Christians must needs be received.

PERV. DOC. What thing is faith, I pray you recite?

L. OF GOSPEL. A substance of things not appearing in sight,
Yet which we look for, for so Saint Paul doth define,
To the Hebrews, the eleventh chapter and the first line.

PERV. DOC. How to purchase this faith, I would I could tell.

L. OF GOSPEL. Certainly by me also, the Light of the Gospel;
For faith cometh by the word, when we read or hear,
As by the same Saint Paul it doth plainly appear,

PERV. DOC. Give me leave then to embrace you, I pray you heartily.

L. OF GOSPEL. With all my very heart, I receive you courteously.

PERV. DOC. To thee I give most humble thanks, O God immortal,
That it hath pleased thee me from my wickedness to call;
And where as I deserved no mercy, but judgment,
Yet to pour down thy pardon on me most abundant,
Revoking me from reprobates and members of hell,
To win me in society with the Light of the Gospel.

L. OF GOSPEL. Stand up, there is somewhat else yet behind.

PERV. DOC. I wholly yield myself to you: use me after your mind.

L. OF GOSPEL. Perverse Doctrine you shall be called no more
after this,
But Sincere Doctrine, as now I trust your true name is.

PERV. DOC. By God's grace, while I live, I will so endeavour,
That my life and my name may accord thus for ever.