Sermon XXXI
TEACHING THAT WE MUST CLEAVE WHOLLY TO CHRIST, AND
LOOK TO OBTAIN ALL GOOD THINGS FROM HIM
Matt. 9:18–26. While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead; but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live, &c.
DEARLY beloved, ye know that the gospel is nothing else but a treasure of the only person, whose name is Christ. And although there be extant many books and sundry treatises concerning divers men, as well of the Gentiles as Christians, yea, and of the mother of God, St. Peter, the angels, and of many other saints beside, yet be they not gospels, but that only is the sincere gospel, which setteth forth Christ unto us, and what good we must hope for from him; sometime in the gospel there is mention made of St. John the Baptist, Mary, and the apostles, howbeit this is not properly the gospel, but therefore it is written of them, that it might be more perfectly declared from whence Christ should come, and what is his office: so Luke describeth the history of John the Baptist, even from the beginning, what was done both in his conception and in his nativity, he writeth also of the Virgin Mary; all which things were committed to writing, not because of their persons, but because of Christ's person only. In the epistle of Paul, there is nothing committed to memory of the saints, but all things sound plainly of Christ; for God hath so ordained, that all must depend on that one man Christ, must hope in him, must repose their trust in him, if they desire to be saved, for he alone is set forth of God to be a reconciliation for us, as Paul saith, Rom. 3. Hitherto one hath cleaved to this saint, another to that; one chose to himself St. Mary, another St. Barbary; and divers sects and sorts of religion did flourish; but Christ was in no price, for his name only remained: we had many intercessors, all which being neglected, we ought to have cleaved only to Christ. Hereupon Paul saith that the gospel was promised of God by the prophets concerning his Son: he reduceth and bringeth it into such a strait, that in the gospel nothing is of any
importance which concerneth not Jesus Christ: he that knoweth this, let him give thanks to God that he knoweth where he may seek for consolation and help, and in whom he may repose his trust.
Christ, in this day's gospel, is set forth unto us that he is conversant in the midst of the people, and draweth all the world unto himself with gentleness and sweet doctrine, that they may cleave unto him in their heart, that they may commit themselves to his goodness, and hope that they shall obtain of him both spiritual and temporal good things. Neither doth he receive anything of them upon whom he bestoweth benefits; nay, he obtaineth nothing of them but ignominy and scorning, as is declared in this text. A benefit proceedeth from him, for which he receiveth a mock and reproach. Now the gospel is preached and offered to the whole world, that we may learn to know this man well, and how we must be made Christians, and not how we must be made good; other treatises, beside the gospel, teach those things whereby men may be made good, as the writings of the philosophers and the rulers of the civil law; the lives also of the saints have especial respect unto this, that men may imitate them; it belongeth not to the gospel to make good men, but to make Christian men; for it is far more excellent to be a Christian, than an honest and good man. A Christian can say nothing of his own goodness or righteousness, for he findeth in himself nothing either good or righteous, but he must fly to the righteousness which is in another, and which cometh unto him from another. Hereupon Christ is set forth unto us as a continual fountain, which always overfloweth with mere goodness and grace, for which he receiveth nothing of us, but that the godly do acknowledge so great goodness and grace, do give him thanks for the same, do praise and love him; others in the meantime mocking him, such reward he receiveth of them: Wherefore one is not therefore called a Christian, for that he worketh much, for there is another thing, which is cause thereof, namely, that he receiveth and draweth from Christ; if one receiveth nothing from Christ, he is no more a Christian, so that the name of a Christian cometh only by receiving, and not by giving or doing; if thou think that, because of thy works and deeds, thou art a Christian, thou hast
even then lost the name of Christ. Good works, indeed, are to be done, counsel thereunto is to be given and received, but no man is therefore called a Christian, neither is any therefore a Christian; wherefore if any will more inwardly weigh this name, in this respect only a Christian is to be acknowledged, inasmuch as he receiveth of Christ alone, even as one is called white of the whiteness that is in him, black of the blackness, great of his stature; so a Christian is called of Christ, whom he hath in himself, and of whom he receiveth that which is good.
Now if one be named a Christian of Christ, he taketh not that name of his own works; whereupon it plainly also followeth that no man is made a Christian by works; which, if it be true, as it is true and certain, it shall follow that orders and sects do nothing pertain to the name of Christ, neither do make a Christian; wherefore they which preach or teach in the church, and ordain precepts, works, and decrees, are deceivers, who although they pretend a Christian name, yet profit they nothing, for under the colour of that name, they endeavour to burthen and oppress us with commandments and works: of works, giving thyself to fasting and prayers, thou mayest be called abstemious and temperate, but by no means a Christian; for although thou didst lay all thy works together, yea, and joinedst the works of all others to thine, yet neither so hast thou Christ, neither art thou therefore called a Christian: Christ is a more excellent thing, than either the law or man's tradition; he is the Son of God, who is ready to give only, not to receive; when I am such a one that I do receive of him, I have him also, whom if I have, I am by good right called a Christian; moreover, the gospel preacheth Christ also to be the greatest and most highly exalted person in the world; not that he doth terrify men, but that he poureth forth all earthly and heavenly good things, so that all men must trust in him, must have their hope reposed in him, and always receive only of him. If any sin terrify me in my conscience, and the preachers of the law endeavour to help me with their works, they shall prevail nothing with me; for then Christ alone can help, and none beside him, yea, others make the case worse, whether it be Peter or Paul, or the blessed Virgin Mary
herself, the mother of God; for Christ only performeth all things, who in his word declareth that, if I believe, my sin is forgiven me freely, without either work or merit, by pure grace through faith in Christ. Which word when I shall receive, I receive also comfort, that my sins are forgiven me as well before God as before men, and I therefore give thanks to God through Christ, which giveth the Holy Ghost and his grace unto me, that sin may not hurt me, neither here nor in the last judgment. If I fear death, and would not die willingly, in this Christ I shall find comfort and remedy, that I shall not greatly fear death: if because of the wrath of God I am afraid, he is my Mediator; and, to be brief, he that hath not this Christ, the wrath of God always remaineth over him, and in that state he standeth; wherefore he that desireth to have a glad conscience, which is not afraid of sin, death, hell, and the wrath of God, must take heed that he repose his trust in this Mediator Christ, for he is a fountain abounding with grace, which giveth both temporal and eternal life; endeavour thou to think and feel him even in thy heart to be such a one, then shalt thou obtain all things, for he aboundeth and overfloweth; neither can he but give, flow, and abound, if that thou canst believe; then also shalt thou be a right Christian, howbeit by receiving only of Christ, and not by giving; it is a very rich and precious word, which Paul praiseth so greatly, neither can he ever praise it sufficiently, whereby God so gently offereth his Son, that he may pour forth his grace upon all which do not refuse to receive it.
Hereupon it moreover followeth; if so be that a Christian doth good works, whereby he showeth love to his neighbour, he is not therefore made a Christian or righteous, but he must needs be a Christian and righteous before; he doth good works indeed, but they do not make him a Christian; the tree bringeth forth and giveth fruit, and not the fruit the tree; so none is made a Christian by works, but by Christ.
Hereof now ye may understand what kind of people Christians are, namely, that they are a company which cleave unto Christ, and are of one spirit and gift with him. Hereupon it is that all Christians are alike, neither hath one more of Christ than another; St. Peter is not
better than the thief on the cross; Mary the mother of God doth not excel Mary Magdalene the sinful woman: there is indeed a difference in outward things and doings, so the work of the holy Virgin Mary was greater than the work of Mary Magdalene; Peter had a greater work than the thief, if thou consider the works, but we are not therefore Christians; the holy Virgin Mary is not a Christian, because of her great work, for that she did bear Christ, so unspeakable a treasure in her womb, as Christ himself saith to the woman, which cried unto him from among the people, Luke 11:27, "Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked: But he said, Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it." In which place thou seest, that he preferreth the faithful even above his mother; for Christians do therefore bear their name, because they believe in Christ; a virgin and a mother are two notable names, howbeit they are nothing, being compared to the true name of the faithful: wherefore we are all alike in Christ through faith; although Peter have stronger faith than I, yet mine is as well faith in Christ as his; for the same Christ is offered of God the Father unto all companies and people, whomsoever hath obtained him is whole, whether he be strong or weak. The woman mentioned in our text, which was troubled so many years with her disease, doth receive and apprehend Christ as well as the Virgin Mary his mother; wherefore there is one Christian spirit, although one excelleth with another in the nobleness of birth. Peter is enforced to call me his brother, and I again dare be bold to call him brother. Yea, Christ himself is touched with care of us, and counteth us for his brethren, as he saith after his resurrection to Mary Magdalene, John 20:17, "I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God." And Paul calleth Christ the first born among many brethren; whereof also he writeth excellently in the first epistle to the Corinthians, 8:9, where treating of false brethren, he speaketh thus, "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge, sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; and through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom
Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ." Here thou seest, if a Christian be offended, or evil be done unto him, the same is done unto Christ.
This therefore is the sum of the whole gospel, that we may learn so to know Christ, that the name only do not remain, but that we may know that all that we have, we have it from him; if we be Christians, we have all things; then God is our father, and we are lords of all, both heavenly and earthly things, which is gotten of us by no work, be it never so great. Thou seest now how far they are from the name of Christ, which are under the kingdom of the Pope. They that will preach the gospel must preach nothing else, beside the only person, which is Christ, not Mary; so far must they be from preaching the Pope, or any work although precious, they must preach and offer Christ only unto us, and none beside him: when now he is preached unto thee as a judge (as he shall come in the last day) and how that good works are to be done of thee, for which thou mayest be rewarded of him, and thou shalt so receive it, surely without all doubt he shall be unto thee a judge and not a Saviour. And if he be set forth unto thee as he was wont to be painted; that his mother suckleth him, that is, properly to preach Satan and not Christ, who giveth only, and receiveth not. This is certain, when thou shalt have received of him, then good works do flow forth of their own accord, being not compelled, as is set forth in this day's gospel; wherein moreover is declared that Christ preached the gospel to the people; now it is not a common work to preach. For it is a great benefit unto us that he is become our master and instructor, that he teacheth us by what means we may come to the knowledge of him, this is a part of his great goodness and grace; for as long as he was here on the earth, he ceased not to teach, that we might altogether receive him for the Messias and Saviour; and by his works also did help and relieve every one, when the case so required.
Thou findest no man in the gospel to whom help was denied, or which at any time asked any thing of the Lord, which was not given
him; for how many soever went unto him that were blind, deaf, lame, sick of the palsy, had the dropsy, he received all, and helped them all, according to their desire, and healed them of all kinds of diseases, as Luke saith, chap. 6:19, "And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all." So doth he also to this woman. The woman heareth him preaching, and perceiveth him to be a bountiful and gracious man, which showeth himself gentle to the whole world, whereupon she hath an affection both to love him, and to cleave unto him; for she maketh account, forasmuch as he putteth away none from him, that he would not deny her his goodness, wherefore leaving all the Apostles, she casteth both her heart and confidence upon Christ alone, and thinketh thus with herself, If I may but touch the hem of his garment, I shall be whole. She thought no other in her heart, but certainly he will help me, if so be that I shall touch his garment with mine hand, yet hath she not so good a courage, that she dare come before his face, she judged herself more unworthy than that she might either talk with him, or look upon him; for she knew that she had deserved nothing, and that she had bestowed no good thing upon the Lord; hereupon it is that she so behaveth herself, she cometh behind his back, she falleth down at his feet, and touched only the hem of his garment. In fine, here is nothing but mere bashfulness and want of merit; here is no preparation, here is no work, and yet the miserable woman promiseth herself much goodness from the Lord, namely, that he would heal her. She had been diseased with an issue of blood twelve whole years, what should she merit thereby? How could she therefore be worthy of any thing? Nevertheless being unworthy, and having merited nothing, she notwithstanding looketh for help of Christ, feeling herself to have great need thereof. And this is a true preparation, both to the grace and goodness of Christ, when I feel myself to stand in need thereof, and then doth it very well fall out, when these two come together, the rich and the poor, Christ and the sinner.
But it is no small matter for men to be persuaded, that they are poor, and stand in need of grace; for that cometh to pass very hardly. Satan
also doth not suffer it, but always draweth men back to works, that they may not come so far as to think that they have need either of the grace or mercy of Christ. The text affirmeth that the woman was diseased with an issue of blood twelve whole years, and had spent all her substance upon physicians, and that the more medicines she took, the worse always she was. Luke and Mark doth not a little amplify it, whereby they both signify that the more works are preached, so much the worse it is with us, and that there cometh nothing unto us thereby, but a continual multiplying of our evil. Our conscience cannot be quieted with works, for although some sin be driven out of the conscience, forthwith there is another, yea, the remedy and work oftentimes do make sin in us, where is no sin, until such time as we come to Christ, even as it was with this woman, which had been sick so long, neither had she ever been helped, if she had not come to Christ, of whom she obtained health without any works, giving him nothing, but receiveth only of him, and suffereth to be given unto her. Now here is also declared how the word of God is daily to be handled, and without ceasing to be urged, for there are as yet always found such men as have very troubled and afflicted consciences; for this woman is a type and figure of all men, which are diseased with an issue, that is, which feel their sin, the issue whereof doth always run, neither can it be stayed, for flesh and blood doth no otherwise, it is carried away with its own lust and desire. Now if that feeling of sin be great, those wretches come forth and endeavour to help themselves, then one taketh this work in hand, and another that, and yet prevail they nothing; from hence so many orders, so many monasteries have sprung, hereupon so many and so great works have been invented, that they are almost without number. What was the cause of all these? Surely even thy sinful conscience; for we have thought to save our souls by these, and to be delivered wholly from all sins. But Christ was not there present, for we would give and not receive. Wherefore our case became always worse, as it fell out also with this woman, who had tried the help of all physicians, and could not find whereby she might be helped; so we also believed all physicians, for whatsoever every one brought, that we by and by received. And was it any marvel? for we desired to be
healed and to have a glad conscience. The physicians are the preachers of the law: now if any desired to be delivered from sins, what did they unto him? They gave him whereby he became only weaker and feebler, which surely we have seen and felt to our great evil, namely, how they would have men to be justified by works, and by them to be delivered from sins. But it profiteth nothing, for we were alway made more weak against sin and death, so that there is never found in the earth a more desperate sort of people, than sacrificing priests, monks, and vestal virgins, and they whatsoever they be that trust in works; if there did but a little bile rise upon them, by and by they must run to the apothecary, then is such trying of medicines, such running and haste, as though they had now breathed their last.
Neither is any so afraid of the last judgment as this people, which then they very well show, when they deal so with works, that they rest only upon them, neither do persevere constant in any work, and the more works they do, so much worse is their case, so much more are they cast down in mind, and become more desperate, so that it falleth out with them as with this woman. It is a very goodly similitude, which may most fitly be applied to us; for we do not only bestow temporal good things, but our body also by fasting, chastising, and bearing other hard and intolerable burdens, so that some have thereby become mad, and destitute of all strength, yea, and at the last lost their life. And I myself have been such a one, and have, without doubt, more resorted to medicines than many others, I could not attain so far as to leave the Pope's law. It seemed a hard and sore matter to me to eat flesh on Friday. O, how hard a thing was it to me, before I durst attempt to do that! Wherefore if any will be delivered from such things, and contemn the traditions of the Pope, truly he must have a strong foundation of faith, which if he shall not have, let him look about him again and again before he attempt it: for if faith be wanting, it will fall out with us as with this woman, who had spent all her substance upon physicians, mending nothing, but rather waxing worse and worse. In like manner all our works, labours, and endeavours shall be lost, all our obedience, with all
orders or religions, and whatsoever we have bestowed therein, shall be in vain.
Howbeit if we have faith, we shall at last see the decrees of the Pope and Popish bishops to be nothing, because of which we have trembled and were troubled, all which did help us so much as the physicians did that good woman, which had bestowed all her substance and riches, yea, and her body also, that she might be healed. How many kind of medicines and syrups thinkest thou did this woman use? how weak, feeble, and sick was she oftentimes made with them? yea, if she might have been healed, it may seem she would have taken any medicine; howbeit it profited her nothing, she was afflicted with her disease the space of twelve years. How therefore is this miserable woman at the last helped? When she did light upon a man whose name is Christ, and put her hope and trust in him, she was healed. But who led her to that man? without doubt, not the physicians: for if our preachers should preach Christ, the merchandize of the Pope, together with his decrees, would be nothing set by; but rather she heard it of some that was also restored to health, who told her without doubt, that there was a certain man, whom his parents had named Jesus, which is a gentle and good man, which helpeth every one, and sendeth away none from him whom he helpeth not, and therefore is without doubt sent of God, that he may help all; which the woman having heard, she leaveth the physicians, and maketh haste unto Christ.
So also at this day it falleth out; not Christ, but works only are preached; do this or that; nevertheless it is spread among the people what Christ is, what we must look for from him, and that he alone must do all things without our works or merits. This report being heard we follow him, and lay up these words in the depth of our heart, we leave the physicians, nothing regarding the preachers of the law and works, or their commandments and traditions, but run with all desire of heart to this man, which is Christ, saying to the Pope, If I must receive only of Christ, how unwisely have I dealt, that I have turned so much unto thee; farewell, therefore, O Pope,
farewell, ye beloved bishops, I need no more your medicine, works and merits, precepts and laws, ye have grieved me long enough with them, I have gotten one which bestoweth upon me freely whatsoever I paid full dear for unto you before; he giveth that unto me without works and merits, for which I was fain before to bestow my body, strength, and health, and yet could not obtain it. Fare ye well, I mind to come no more to you hereafter. Christians therefore are made, not by the decrees of the Pope, not by works, not by the ordinances of men, but by the grace and goodness of Christ. Wherefore if thou hast a disquieted and troubled mind and conscience, so that thou art afraid of sin, dreadest death, or hast some defect otherwise, get thee to that man, and confess what thou wantest, call upon him, then surely he will help thee; "Pour out your heart before him," as the 62nd Psalm saith, and say thus unto him, Behold here is an empty vessel, which greatly needeth to be filled; I beseech thee, O my Lord, vouchsafe to fill it. I am weak in faith, I pray thee to strengthen me, I am cold in charity, do thou make me hot and fervent, that my love may extend unto my neighbour, I have no firm faith, neither can I sometime trust in God. O Lord help me and increase my faith and confidence; in thee have I reposed the treasure of all good things, I am poor, thou art rich, and therefore didst thou come, that thou mightest have mercy on the poor. I am a sinner, thou art righteous, yea, I have abundance of sins, but in thee is all fulness and grace.
When thou shalt once have learned this, the Pope's ordinances shall not snare thee, by which thou gettest nothing, but consumest all that thou hast, like as this woman did. Then wilt thou say, I will choose to myself him of whom I may receive, unto whom I need not give any thing? The other Evangelists write concerning this woman, that after she was healed, Christ perceived virtue to have gone out of him, and turned him about in the press, and asked who had touched him, and that his disciples made answer, that the multitude did throng and thrust him, but the Lord would not be content with that answer, but said, Some one hath touched me, for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me, I know that some one hath received something from me. All which the Lord therefore did, that the faith of the woman might be
thankful unto him, which he would therefore have made manifest before all the people, for that nothing is more acceptable unto him, than that we believe and trust in him, and also that the Lord might by this miracle confirm the faith of the ruler. Wherefore Mark saith, that when the woman understood that the Lord knew of her she feared and trembled, and came and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth, how it fell out with her: whereupon the Lord doth deliver her and saith, "Go in peace, and be whole of thy plague." Were not these loving words? What great joy did the woman take here, whenas Christ had dealt so bountifully with her! This joy and peace all they obtain which repose their whole hope and trust in Christ Jesus. Where this joy shall be, forthwith works must needs follow, which may show forth this joy; as also the faith of this woman must needs come to light. For as soon as she had received of the Lord, she confessed before all the people, neither was she ashamed to declare that she had received something of him, for which notwithstanding she had given nothing. No, God requireth of us these works, and this giving of thanks, viz., that we confess and declare, before all men, such good things, grace, and benefits, that others also may be brought unto him, and suffer a benefit to be bestowed upon them, as it was here done.
Wherefore a Christian life enforceth me to do good unto others also, even as God through Christ hath done good unto me, but thereby am I not made a Christian, as the woman here is not healed by her confession, for she was healed before any work and confession, but after she had recovered her health, she confesseth Christ, and praiseth him even to the advantage and converting of others. We also, as we are Christians, do so live, that one helpeth and pleaseth another in what thing soever he is at any time able. And as this woman was healed before all works, so we must be made Christians before we do any work. As the gospel is set before our eyes in this woman, so is it also set forth in the daughter of this ruler. This chief ruler of the synagogue, whom Mark calleth Jairus, had a strong faith and confidence that Christ would raise up his daughter; for unless he had been of that mind concerning Christ, he had not come unto him,
neither had desired such a thing of him which exceeded the power and strength of nature. Wherefore by this prayer he showeth his faith, which faith being perceived, the Lord could not but grant his desire, wherefore rising forthwith, he went with him, and in his going this history of the woman came to pass, which had been diseased of an issue of blood twelve years, as we have now heard. When therefore the Lord was entered into the ruler's house, he saw the minstrels and the multitude making a noise, which were there according to the law of Moses, and did sound the trumpet and pipes, as in our country they ring the bells to gather the people together. But he commanded the multitude to go forth, saying, "The child is not dead, but sleepeth." And they laughed him to scorn and mocked him. Which giveth us to understand, that when it is preached, that Christ is he which saveth, that our works prevail nothing, then the world cannot contain itself, but that it scorneth and mocketh, for it cannot be persuaded, that Christ doth help and succour, even as this people without all doubt said after this sort: Behold what an excellent master and a goodly physician he is; what could he have holpen, which knoweth not yet what it is to sleep, and what to be dead? This title must needs remain to the gospel in the world, that the preaching thereof is counted foolish and contemptible; for Satan cannot abide that honour should be given to this gospel before the world, for it bringeth but small advantage to his kingdom, which forasmuch as he perceiveth full well, he practiseth all crafts and wiles, that he may either altogether hinder it, or at the least make it to prevail little with them that are his, whose hearts he hath wholly blinded and possessed, that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should not shine unto them, as Paul saith, 2 Cor. 4. Neither yet can it be, that this preaching of Christ should not be fruitful, forasmuch as it is not uttered in vain; for although if he be received but of a few, that doth not greatly skill.
When therefore Satan perceiveth any thing to be taken from him, and that that preaching is ordained plainly against his kingdom, he doth without delay pursue it, contemn it, and assail it on every side, that even now he is fierce and rageth in the whole world. For the
gospel of Christ overthroweth whatsoever the world and Satan delight in, and whatsoever to the world seemeth most holy and godly. For the world imagineth to itself such a God as hath regard to our good works, and will be pleased with the erecting of masses and vigils for them that are departed, with rosaries, as they call them, habit, shaving, and whatsoever other trifles are used in the papacy. Now if there come any which bringeth the gospel, and inveigheth against these vain toys of the Pope, and saith that they are nothing worth, but are mere delusions, inasmuch as they are repugnant to Christ and the scripture, he is counted a most wicked fellow, and therefore must be punished; he is reproached as an heretic and a seducer of the people; so that they burst forth into great words and say, Wilt thou govern all the whole world? Dost thou think thyself the wisest man that is? and were our forefathers foolish and without all understanding? many holy men have done these works and have preached of them, and wilt thou come and turn them all into nothing? Thou shalt not do it. Then rage and fury beginneth, yea persecution, slaying and murdering, and the devil will seem to have a just cause howsoever the matter goeth. Thus much shall suffice at this time concerning this text. Now ye must take especial heed that out of the gospels ye learn thoroughly how all things consist in the only person, whose name is Christ, and lay up this in the depth of your heart, that a Christian hath his name of Christ. For I know how much it availeth both in temptation and in adversity to hold that fast. Let us now by prayer call for the grace of God, that at the last we may with most earnest zeal and hearty affection embrace true Christianity. Amen.