Page:The Holy Bible faithfvlly translated into English ovt of the authentical Latin, diligently conferred with the Hebrew, Greek, & other Editions in diuers languages.pdf/10

Rh absurd, as strange; in so much that they scornfully called him a word-sower, and Preacher of new Gods. But S. Augustin alloweth the terme for good, which was reprochfully spoken of the ignorant. And so distinguishing between Reapers and Sowers in Gods Church, he teacheth, that wheras the other Apostles reaped in the Jewes, that which their Patriarches and Prophets had sowne; S. Paul sowed the seed of Christian Religion in the Gentiles. And so in respect of the Israelites, to whom they were first sent, calleth the other Apostles Messores, Reapers, and S. Paul, being specially sent to the Gentiles, Seminatorem, a Sower, or Seminarie Apostle: which two sorts of Gods workmen are stil in the Church, with distinct offices of Pastoral cures and Apostolical missions; the one for perpetual government of Catholike countries, the other for conversion of such, as either have not received Christian Religion, or are relapsed. As at this time in our country, for the divers sorts of pretended religions, these divers spiritual workes are necessary to teach and feed al Britan people. Because some in errour of opinions preach an other Ghospel, wheras in veritie there is no other Ghospel. They preach indeed new doctrines, which can not save. Others follow them, believing falshood. But when the blind lead the blind (not the one only but) both fal into the ditch. Others conforme themselves in external shew, fearing them that can punish and kil the body. But our Lord wil bring such as decline into (unjust) obligations, with them that work iniquity. The Relikes and smal flock of Catholiks in our country, have great sadnesse and sorrow of hart, not so much for our owne affliction, for that is comfortable, but for you our brethren and kinsemen in flesh and bloud. Wishing with our owne temporal damage whatsoever, your salvation. Now is the acceptable time, now are the days of salvation, the time of Grace by Christ, whose dayes many Kings and Prophets desired to see: they saw them (in spirit) and rejoyced. But we are made partakers of Christ, and his Mysteries; so that our selves neglect not his heavenly riches: if we receive and keep the beginning of his substance, firme unto the end; that is, the true Catholike faith; building thereon good works by his grace; without which we cannot thinke a good thought, by which we can doe al things necessary to salvation. But if we hold Rh