nd so clear evermore
yourselves from them. And whereas this first card doth kill in you these
stubborn Turks of ire; this second card will not only they should be
mortified in you, but that you yourselves shall cause them to be likewise
mortified in your neighbour, if that your said neighbour hath been
through your occasion moved unto ire, either in countenance, word, or
deed. Now let us hear therefore the tenor of this card: "When thou
makest thine oblation at mine altar, and there dost remember that thy
neighbour hath any thing against thee, lay down there thy oblation, and
go first and reconcile thy neighbour, and then come and offer thy
oblation."
This card was spoken by Christ, as testifieth St. Matthew in his fifth
chapter, against all such as do presume to come unto the church to make
oblation unto God either by prayer, or any other deed of charity, not
having their neighbours reconciled. Reconciling is as much to say as to
restore thy neighbour unto charity, which by thy words or deeds is moved
against thee: then, if so be it that thou hast spoken to or by thy
neighbour, whereby he is moved to ire or wrath, thou must lay down thy
oblation. Oblations be prayers, alms-deeds, or any work of charity:
these be all called oblations to God. Lay down therefore thine oblation;
begin to do none of these foresaid works before thou goest unto thy
neighbour, and confess thy fault unto him; declaring thy mind, that if
thou hast offended him, thou art glad and willing to make him amends, as
far forth as thy words and substance will extend, requiring him not to
take it at the worst: thou art sorry in thy mind, that thou shouldest be
occasion of his offending.
"What manner of card is this?" will some say: "Why, what have I to do
with my neighbour's or brother's malice?" As Cain said, "Have I the
keeping of my brother? or shall I answer for him and for his faults? This
were no reason--As for myself, I thank God I owe no man malice nor
displeasure: if others owe me any, at their own peril be it. Let every
man answer for himself!" Nay, sir, not so, as you may understand by this
card; for it saith, "If thy neighbour hath anything, any malice against
thee, through thine occasion, lay even down (saith Christ) thine
oblation: pray not to me; do no good deeds for me; but go first unto thy
neighbour, and bring him again unto my flock, which hath forsaken the
same through thy naughty words, mocks, scorns, or disdainous counten
|