Now after the time was expired which
God had appointed, he said, _Venite, parata sunt omnia_; "Come, all
things are ready."
But who are these callers? The first was John Baptist, which not only
called with his mouth, but also shewed with his finger that meat which
God had prepared for the whole world. He saith, _Ecce Agnus Dei qui
tollit peccata mundi_; "Lo, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of
the world." Also Christ himself called, saying, _Venite ad me, omnes qui
laboratis_; "Come to me, all ye that travail and labour, and I will
refresh you." Likewise the apostles cried, and called all the whole
world; as it is written, _Exivit sonus eorum per universam terram_;
"Their sound is gone throughout all the world." But, I pray you, what
thanks had they for their calling, for their labour? Verily this: John
Baptist was beheaded; Christ was crucified; the apostles were killed:
this was their reward for their labours. So all the preachers shall look
for none other reward: for no doubt they must be sufferers, they must
taste of these sauces: their office is, _arguere mundum de peccato_, "to
rebuke the world of sin;" which no doubt is a thankless occupation. _Ut
audiant montes judicia Domini_, "That the high hills," that is, great
princes and lords, "may hear the judgments of the Lord:" they must spare
no body; they must rebuke high and low, when they do amiss; they must
strike them with the sword of God's word: which no doubt is a thankless
occupation; yet it must be done, for God will have it so.
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