Acts

Christ, after his ascension, performed his promise to his Apostles, and sent them the holy Ghost, declaring thereby, that he was not only mindful of his Church, but would be the head and maintainer thereof for ever. Wherein also his mighty power appeareth, who notwithstanding that Satan and the world resisted never so much against this noble work, yet by a few simple men of no reputation, replenished all the world with the sound of his Gospel. And here, in the beginning of the Church, and in the increase thereof, we may plainly perceive the practice and malice which Satan continually useth to suppress, and overthrow the Gospel: he raiseth conspiracies, tumults, commotions, persecutions, slanders and all kind of cruelty. Again we shall here behold the providence of God, who overthroweth his enemies' enterprises, delivereth his Church from the rage of tyrants, strengtheneth, and encourageth his most valiantly and constantly to follow their captain Christ, leaving as it were by this history a perpetual memory to the Church, that the cross is so joined with the Gospel, that they are fellows inseparable, and that the end of one affliction, is but the beginning of another. Yet nevertheless God turneth the troubles, persecutions, imprisonings and temptations of his, to a good issue, giving them as it were, in sorrow, joy: in bands, freedom: in prison, deliverance: in trouble, quietness: in death, life. Finally, this book containeth many excellent sermons of the Apostles and disciples, as touching the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. The mercy of God. Of the grace, and remission of sin through Jesus Christ. Of the blessed immortality. An exhortation to the ministers of Christ's flock. Of repentance, and fear of God, with other principal points of our faith: so that this only history in a manner may be sufficient to instruct a man in all true doctrine and religion.