prosperity_n first_o let_v we_o here_o consider_v how_o when_o the_o time_n of_o promise_n draw_v nigh_o god_n raise_v up_o such_o a_o king_n as_o oppress_v his_o people_n with_o tyranny_n and_o so_o entreat_v they_o that_o scarce_o they_o have_v any_o more_o hope_n to_o be_v deliver_v this_o be_v god_n usage_n of_o old_a to_o mix_v adversity_n and_o prosperity_n together_o and_o then_o to_o suffer_v tyrant_n most_v to_o rage_v when_o their_o destruction_n draw_v nigh_a by_o this_o mean_a he_o use_v to_o try_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n and_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o by_o carelessness_n abuse_v not_o their_o liberty_n there_o be_v everywhere_o example_n hereof_o in_o david_n ezechiel_n and_o infinite_a other_o hereto_o belong_v that_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v after_o the_o people_n return_v from_o babylon_n about_o the_o restore_n again_o of_o the_o church_n when_o neither_o the_o authority_n of_o cyrus_n can_v repress_v the_o attempt_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o cambyses_n his_o son_n follow_v encourage_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o supportation_n insomuch_o that_o they_o that_o wrought_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n be_v fain_o to_o work_v with_o one_o hand_n 4._o and_o fight_v with_o a_o other_o it_o be_v for_o our_o profit_n diligent_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o bold_a in_o prosperity_n lest_o we_o be_v entangle_v in_o security_n but_o rather_o that_o we_o consider_v how_o we_o must_v triumph_n under_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o we_o therefore_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o same_o howsoever_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o laugh_v upon_o us._n prince_n next_o we_o have_v to_o consider_v that_o he_o say_v a_o king_n arise_v which_o know_v not_o joseph_n and_o if_o we_o search_v the_o chronicle_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v scarce_o fifty_o year_n between_o the_o death_n of_o joseph_n and_o the_o reign_n of_o this_o tyrant_n for_o joseph_n at_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n be_v make_v ruler_n of_o egypt_n then_o follow_v the_o seven_o year_n of_o plenty_n and_o in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o the_o dearth_n he_o send_v for_o his_o father_n jacob_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o wherefore_o if_o we_o allow_v they_o any_o time_n to_o prepare_v for_o their_o journey_n and_o to_o journey_n in_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o israel_n come_v into_o egypt_n not_o long_o after_o joseph_n be_v forty_o year_n of_o age_n joseph_n live_v yet_o after_o this_o three_o score_n and_o ten_o year_n for_o moses_n say_v he_o die_v when_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o and_o ten_o year_n old_a now_o the_o israelite_n be_v in_o egypt_n two_o hundred_o and_o ten_o year_n from_o which_o if_o we_o take_v the_o three_o score_n and_o ten_o year_n of_o joseph_n and_o the_o four_o score_n year_n that_o moses_n live_v before_o he_o bring_v out_o the_o people_n there_o shall_v but_o three_o score_n year_n only_o remain_v between_o the_o death_n of_o joseph_n and_o the_o birth_n of_o moses_n from_o which_o yet_o must_v be_v take_v ten_o year_n at_o the_o least_o that_o amram_n live_v in_o matrimony_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n before_o moses_n his_o son_n be_v bear_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o aaron_n be_v bear_v three_o year_n before_o moses_n and_o when_o moses_n be_v find_v by_o the_o river_n side_n his_o sister_n marie_n be_v of_o that_o age_n that_o she_o be_v able_a to_o talk_v with_o pharaos_n daughter_n and_o to_o give_v her_o counsel_n how_o to_o save_v and_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n teach_v we_o how_o little_a remembrance_n prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v of_o good_a turn_n that_o man_n do_v unto_o they_o see_v the_o king_n follow_v within_o so_o little_a a_o space_n be_v ignorant_a of_o joseph_n through_o who_o counsel_n egypt_n be_v preserve_v and_o the_o king_n power_n so_o great_o increase_v for_o be_v drunken_a with_o prosperity_n and_o good_a success_n they_o easy_o wax_v proud_a and_o think_v it_o a_o heinous_a matter_n to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o debtor_n to_o any_o man_n therefore_o david_n both_o true_o and_o wise_o say_v put_v not_o your_o trust_n in_o prince_n 118._o nor_o in_o any_o child_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v no_o help_n in_o they_o again_o it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v any_o confidence_n in_o prince_n we_o be_v also_o teach_v how_o hurtful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o forget_v or_o to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o ancient_a act_n law_n and_o privilege_n for_o this_o place_n plain_o testify_v that_o this_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o cruel_a tyranny_n and_o at_o length_n of_o most_o horrible_a destruction_n therefore_o notable_a be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o median_n who_o king_n as_o historiographer_n say_v be_v continual_o occupy_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o chronicle_n for_o how_o much_o profit_n ensue_v thereof_o 6._o the_o only_a history_n of_o mardocheus_n abundant_o declare_v three_o tyrant_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o craft_n that_o tyrant_n use_v in_o oppress_v their_o subject_n for_o pharaoh_n seem_v not_o to_o use_v his_o absolute_a power_n but_o crafty_o circumuent_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o use_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v great_a regard_n both_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o equity_n and_o yet_o in_o deed_n he_o cruel_o persecute_v a_o people_n spoil_v of_o their_o ancient_a liberty_n for_o undoubted_o he_o complain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o right_n that_o a_o strange_a nation_n shall_v be_v free_a and_o have_v more_o liberty_n than_o the_o egyptian_n furthermore_o he_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a matter_n and_o to_o be_v fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v join_v with_o some_o foreign_a nation_n and_o aspire_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o egypt_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o fall_n out_o of_o the_o matter_n the_o end_n be_v altogether_o covetousness_n which_o teach_v the_o egyptian_n how_o to_o wax_v rich_a by_o oppress_v and_o abuse_v the_o labour_n of_o other_o hereof_o follow_v a_o cruelty_n pass_v all_o other_o which_o the_o very_a infant_n new_a bear_v can_v not_o escape_v so_o lawful_a think_v they_o it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o once_o have_v violate_v and_o break_v all_o law_n and_o right_n and_o have_v taste_v any_o private_a advantage_n or_o profit_n thereby_o let_v we_o mark_v these_o craft_n that_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o easy_o to_o beware_v of_o they_o yet_o let_v we_o not_o be_v discourage_v forasmuch_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o time_n that_o tyrant_n enterprise_n set_v forth_o the_o power_n &_o glory_n of_o god_n who_o can_v most_o easy_o overturn_v the_o device_n of_o people_n as_o the_o godly_a prophet_n teach_v and_o as_o appear_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o place_n now_o steven_n go_v forth_o with_o his_o narration_n bring_v forth_o moses_n in_o who_o the_o jew_n as_o in_o their_o captain_n deliverer_n and_o law_n maker_n god._n chief_o glory_v and_o he_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v preserve_v and_o advance_v to_o so_o high_a a_o dignity_n through_o the_o singular_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o have_v nothing_o wherein_o to_o rejoice_v whereupon_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o every_o man_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o he_o be_v much_o more_o bind_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v three_o reason_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o that_o we_o have_v say_v first_o argue_v of_o the_o time_n he_o say_v he_o be_v bear_v when_o the_o tyrant_n most_o rage_v tyme._n and_o when_o he_o can_v by_o none_o other_o mean_n be_v save_v than_o by_o the_o secret_a work_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n he_o add_v another_o point_n that_o even_o when_o he_o be_v new_a bear_v there_o appear_v manifest_a token_n of_o god_n favour_n which_o sure_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o desert_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o mean_a season_n we_o must_v note_v how_o he_o be_v then_o bear_v to_o be_v their_o deliverer_n when_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o hope_n of_o delivery_n and_o when_o himself_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o danger_n before_o he_o can_v declare_v any_o token_n of_o his_o valiantness_n in_o deliver_v of_o they_o so_o god_n use_v to_o succour_v his_o people_n when_o all_o hope_n be_v past_a and_o as_o esaye_n say_v that_o he_o may_v do_v his_o work_n his_o strange_a work_n 28._o and_o to_o forget_v it_o as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v execute_v it_o afterward_o with_o the_o more_o glory_n for_o it_o be_v god_n proper_a work_n to_o save_v man_n which_o he_o then_o do_v when_o all_o hope_n and_o help_n seem_v to_o they_o quite_o past_a the_o like_a thing_n fall_v out_o in_o christ_n
one_o kind_n of_o hearer_n but_o such_o as_o seem_v great_o to_o differ_v both_o in_o vocation_n conversation_n &_o nature_n yet_o do_v not_o they_o think_v it_o good_a for_o this_o cause_n to_o change_v or_o omit_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v whole_o bust_v to_o bring_v many_o man_n unto_o christ_n by_o due_o &_o orderly_a deal_v of_o his_o word_n and_o unto_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n they_o join_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o who_o they_o perceive_v to_o believe_v they_o take_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n with_o all_o their_o family_n and_o deliver_v to_o they_o the_o sacrament_n of_o thanksgiving_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o christ_n prescribe_v the_o often_o receive_v whereof_o seal_v to_o they_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o redemption_n and_o a_o thankful_a commemoration_n of_o the_o lord_n death_n be_v therein_o celebrate_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o sure_o knit_v together_o with_o the_o band_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o by_o these_o mean_n within_o the_o space_n of_o eight_o and_o twenty_o year_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o whole_a world_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o obeisance_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o noble_a stock_n dignity_n in_o call_v nor_o of_o any_o estimation_n in_o learning_n therefore_o this_o be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o god_n from_o above_o wherein_o we_o have_v to_o reverence_v his_o power_n and_o to_o embrace_v his_o goodness_n which_o so_o gracious_o provide_v for_o the_o world_n live_v oppress_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o book_n set_v forth_o most_o diligent_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n great_a sinner_n and_o notorious_a wicked_a man_n such_o as_o not_o long_o before_o have_v wicked_o enterprise_v to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o same_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n open_o confess_v they_o and_o trust_v in_o the_o only_a mercy_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n obtain_v favour_n and_o forgiveness_n from_o thenceforth_o forsake_v their_o former_a sinfulness_n and_o take_v a_o better_a way_n and_o trade_n of_o life_n they_o forsake_v their_o company_n by_o who_o before_o they_o be_v pollute_v and_o to_o their_o godly_a life_n they_o join_v prayer_n wherein_o they_o be_v fervent_o occupy_v both_o in_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o daily_a peril_n and_o encumbrance_n as_o many_o example_n declare_v and_o for_o that_o they_o will_v have_v neither_o doctrine_n nor_o the_o wholesome_a frequent_v of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o cease_v they_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n that_o there_o may_v be_v minister_n and_o elder_n everywhere_o appoint_v who_o they_o place_v in_o every_o city_n and_o with_o great_a diligence_n keep_v in_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o at_o length_n lest_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n may_v seem_v to_o consist_v only_o in_o vain_a contemplation_n there_o spring_v and_o grow_v among_o they_o such_o fervent_a love_n and_o liberality_n that_o we_o may_v in_o these_o day_n soon_o wonder_v at_o the_o same_o than_o follow_v it_o for_o each_o church_n and_o congregation_n faithful_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o poor_a and_o those_o church_n that_o be_v of_o best_a hability_n and_o riches_n relieve_v the_o want_n and_o poverty_n of_o other_o further_o of_o send_v to_o they_o such_o collection_n of_o money_n as_o they_o have_v make_v and_o gather_v for_o they_o well_o remember_v undoubted_o our_o saviour_n christ_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o leave_v the_o earth_n appoint_v the_o poor_a in_o his_o place_n promise_v to_o accept_v whatsoever_o benefit_n bestow_v upon_o they_o as_o do_v unto_o his_o ownself_o and_o where_o be_v occupy_v in_o such_o godly_a exercise_n all_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v make_v much_o of_o they_o and_o love_v they_o they_o yet_o find_v on_o every_o side_n most_o grievous_a enemy_n the_o jew_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o philosopher_n of_o the_o gentile_n gainsay_v they_o whereby_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o have_v perpetual_a conflict_n with_o those_o that_o have_v the_o chief_a commendation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n as_o well_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o gentile_n moreover_o even_o out_o of_o the_o church_n itself_o arise_v false_a brethren_n who_o both_o through_o their_o lewd_a conversation_n hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o church_n now_o spring_v and_o offend_v very_o many_o with_o their_o crafty_a and_o deceiveable_a enterprise_n such_o as_o ananias_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o simon_n magus_n among_o the_o samaritan_n and_o certain_a wicked_a person_n give_v unto_o unlawful_a science_n much_o trouble_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o godly_a bariesu_n or_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n in_o cyprus_n a_o maid_n possess_v with_o a_o prophesy_a spirit_n at_o philippi_n and_o certain_a exorcist_n or_o conjure_v jew_n at_o ephesus_n and_o when_o the_o devil_n perceive_v he_o can_v nothing_o prevail_v by_o any_o of_o these_o instrument_n he_o begin_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n by_o they_o to_o keep_v under_o the_o toward_o crop_n of_o the_o true_a and_o healthful_a faith_n and_o this_o thing_n the_o jew_n first_o begin_v to_o bring_v christ_n religion_n the_o more_o in_o suspicion_n see_v that_o nation_n where_o it_o first_o spring_v receive_v not_o the_o same_o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v before_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v command_v to_o silence_n be_v beat_v with_o rod_n and_o so_o be_v further_o threaten_v be_v let_n go_v again_o at_o length_n stephen_n be_v stone_v the_o godly_a drive_v out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o persecution_n range_v in_o every_o place_n neither_o be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o spare_v for_o herod_n behead_v james_n and_o think_v for_o the_o jew_n pleasure_n to_o have_v serve_v peter_n likewise_o if_o god_n have_v not_o after_o a_o miraculous_a sort_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o the_o present_a danger_n he_o be_v in_o and_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o content_v themselves_o to_o reject_v christ_n as_o none_o of_o their_o king_n and_o saviour_n but_o also_o they_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v among_o the_o gentile_n wherefore_o they_o move_v and_o procure_v uproar_n against_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o place_n as_z appeareth_z by_o the_o ado_n that_o happen_v at_o antioch_n iconium_n lystrae_n corinth_n thessalonica_n and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o final_o they_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v report_v to_o be_v guilty_n not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o to_o have_v â—oldelye_o transgress_v and_o break_v the_o roman_n law_n and_o to_o have_v trouble_v and_o distourb_v the_o whole_a world_n whereupon_o the_o matter_n go_v so_o far_o that_o the_o roman_a emperor_n also_o who_o power_n at_o that_o time_n stretch_v over_o all_o the_o world_n draw_v their_o sword_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o among_o all_o these_o so_o great_a and_o many_o danger_n and_o in_o so_o crafty_a and_o most_o cruel_a attempt_n of_o the_o enemy_n there_o appear_v a_o marvellous_a constancy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o believer_n whereby_o they_o both_o true_o and_o plain_o protest_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o bold_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o neither_o by_o flattery_n or_o threat_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o forsake_v the_o stand_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v they_o therefore_o our_o faithful_a god_n do_v not_o fail_v they_o in_o so_o godly_a a_o constancy_n but_o declare_v by_o many_o and_o evident_a token_n that_o he_o have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o church_n for_o be_v in_o band_n and_o prison_n he_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o ministry_n and_o service_n of_o angel_n he_o comfort_v they_o with_o joyful_a â—ightes_n and_o vision_n he_o arm_v they_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o constancy_n he_o give_v they_o a_o mouth_n and_o tongue_n which_o none_o of_o the_o enemy_n be_v able_a to_o resist_v he_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n with_o miracle_n he_o effectual_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o be_v short_a he_o cause_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n despite_n of_o the_o world_n and_o prince_n thereof_o through_o fire_n and_o sword_n lucky_o to_o spread_v over_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v a_o perfect_a and_o a_o absolute_a pattern_n of_o a_o church_n whereunto_o all_o thing_n write_v any_o where_o else_o in_o the_o scripture_n touch_v the_o church_n may_v be_v refer_v this_o form_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o
because_o all_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n we_o must_v apply_v the_o example_n of_o abraham_n not_o only_o to_o this_o present_a cause_n but_o also_o to_o ourselves_o and_o there_o shall_v no_o little_a profit_n ensue_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o well_o consider_v the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n or_o obedience_n of_o abraham_n salvation_n in_o the_o call_n of_o god_n whereby_o abraham_n come_v out_o of_o ur_fw-la in_o chaldaea_n into_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n be_v two_o thing_n principal_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o first_o be_v that_o he_o be_v call_v without_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o he_o before_o go_v for_o jehosuah_n in_o his_o xxiiij_o chapter_n testify_v that_o he_o dwell_v among_o idolater_n and_o worship_v strange_a gods._n yea_o epiphanius_n by_o report_n of_o ancient_a writer_n say_v that_o thare_v abraham_n father_n be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v image_n of_o clay_n heresy_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v punish_v of_o god_n with_o the_o death_n of_o haran_n his_o son_n who_o be_v the_o first_o among_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o of_o natural_a death_n die_v before_o his_o father_n neither_o can_v he_o be_v commend_v because_o he_o be_v circumcise_v or_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o temple_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v build_v many_o year_n after_o the_o other_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o 4._o whereas_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v already_o attain_a be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v the_o second_o be_v how_o all_o this_o call_n depend_v upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v command_v to_o forsake_v his_o country_n and_o kindred_n and_o see_v nothing_o that_o may_v cause_v he_o to_o look_v or_o hope_n for_o any_o better_a state_n or_o condition_n for_o god_n promise_v he_o neither_o trusty_a friend_n nor_o fruitful_a country_n but_o speak_v direct_o say_v come_v into_o the_o land_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v thou_o these_o thing_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v diligent_o observe_v for_o first_o they_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o salvation_n and_o to_o the_o heavenly_a country_n whereof_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n be_v sometime_o a_o figure_n through_o the_o mere_a grace_n of_o god_n without_o respect_n of_o any_o our_o work_n or_o desert_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o what_o have_v we_o deserve_v see_v we_o be_v choose_v in_o christ_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v 1_n or_o what_o can_v they_o brag_v of_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v 4._o and_o sure_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o disposition_n of_o our_o nature_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o mindful_a of_o the_o heavenly_a country_n before_o we_o be_v call_v and_o draw_v than_o abraham_n be_v of_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n who_o name_n he_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o yea_o when_o the_o lord_n call_v we_o we_o prove_v the_o untoward_a nature_n of_o the_o flesh_n strive_v against_o god_n calling_n which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v except_o we_o be_v help_v by_o the_o effectuous_a draw_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n furthermore_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o our_o vocation_n which_o offer_v we_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o the_o only_a word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v take_v hold_n of_o by_o fleshly_a sense_n or_o man_n reason_n but_o by_o faith_n only_o which_o also_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n 2._o and_o god_n have_v prepare_v such_o thing_n for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 2._o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v 64._o nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o yet_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o here_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n marvelous_o declare_v itself_o which_o only_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o most_o sure_o embrace_v those_o thing_n that_o far_o exceed_v all_o sense_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n reason_n therefore_o paul_n call_v it_o a_o sure_a confidence_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v hope_v for_o 2._o and_o a_o certainty_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v these_o thing_n ought_v well_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o they_o who_o think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o justification_n of_o faith_n so_o light_a a_o matter_n as_o though_o it_o appoint_v to_o easy_a a_o way_n unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o maintain_v the_o security_n and_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v judge_v a_o light_n and_o easy_a matter_n that_o surmount_v and_o pass_v all_o the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o shall_v we_o account_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n before_o god_n that_o man_n do_v of_o their_o own_o power_n than_o that_o that_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v we_o compare_v faith_n with_o all_o the_o work_n of_o all_o the_o monk_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o yet_o shall_v we_o find_v more_o yea_o and_o perfite_a work_n among_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o faith_n shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o show_v in_o none_o but_o in_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o our_o salvation_n and_o justification_n be_v just_o ascribe_v to_o the_o great_a and_o exellent_a thing_n that_o any_o man_n live_v can_v have_v upon_o the_o earth_n now_o faith_n the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o abraham_n follow_v the_o call_n of_o god_n be_v very_o wonderful_a there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n which_o may_v have_v let_n and_o hinder_v high_a m._n for_o to_o let_v pass_v all_o other_o great_a be_v the_o force_n of_o our_o native_a soil_n and_o country_n and_o draw_v man_n as_o the_o poet_n say_v with_o a_o great_a desire_n and_o like_n and_o still_o make_v they_o mindful_a thereof_o and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a authority_n that_o kinsfolk_n and_o alliance_n be_v of_o who_o we_o then_o most_o vehement_o love_v when_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o forgo_v they_o the_o age_n also_o and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o father_n may_v have_v stay_v he_o whereof_o he_o die_v before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o border_n of_o the_o country_n promise_v and_o it_o be_v also_o likely_a that_o abraham_n be_v in_o great_a honour_n in_o his_o country_n such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o easy_o hope_v for_o in_o a_o foreign_a land_n among_o stranger_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v withhold_v that_o godly_a breast_n but_o that_o without_o delay_n he_o will_v follow_v the_o vocation_n of_o god_n without_o any_o curious_a inquiry_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o the_o country_n this_o be_v that_o obedience_n of_o faith_n so_o oftentimes_o commend_v of_o paul_n and_o which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n 16._o this_o do_v christ_n require_v of_o we_o where_o he_o command_v we_o to_o forsake_v father_n mother_n sister_n brother_n wife_n child_n and_o ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n hereof_o be_v so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v it_o except_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o christ_n teach_v dispute_v with_o nichodemus_n 3._o therefore_o let_v they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v call_v christian_n examine_v themselves_o after_o this_o rule_n lest_o while_o they_o rash_o brag_v thereof_o they_o become_v like_o foolish_a builder_n 14._o who_o go_v about_o to_o set_v up_o some_o great_a building_n before_o they_o have_v cast_v the_o charge_n thereof_o let_v this_o consideration_n awake_v we_o incessant_o to_o make_v our_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n that_o after_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o these_o worldly_a good_n we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a country_n with_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n to_o who_o be_v praise_n honour_n power_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o xliiij_o homely_a and_o he_o give_v he_o none_o inheritance_n therein_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o foot_n and_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v it_o he_o to_o possess_v and_o to_o his_o â—eede_n after_o whereas_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o son_n god_n say_v on_o this_o wife_n thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o sojourner_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o bond_n and_o entreat_v they_o evil_a four_o hundred_o year_n and_o the_o nation_n who_o they_o shall_v serve_v i_o will_v judge_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o after_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v i_o in_o this_o place_n because_o steven_n be_v accuse_v as_o a_o public_a enemy_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o all_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o doctrine_n of_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o ceremony_n
follow_v we_o be_v here_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o always_o cleave_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o example_n of_o notable_a man_n but_o rather_o try_v and_o examine_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n afore_o we_o imitate_v they_o for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o foul_o deceive_v which_o have_v the_o great_a dignity_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o his_o appointment_n what_o shall_v we_o hope_v of_o other_o they_o be_v also_o confute_v which_o when_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o god_n bring_v we_o the_o example_n of_o prince_n and_o great_a estate_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o man_n do_v but_o what_o be_v do_v according_a or_o contrary_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n moreover_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n never_o so_o much_o prevail_v not_o if_o we_o well_o understand_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n moses_n &_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v of_o ordinary_a among_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o their_o sinagoge_n but_o whereas_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o affiance_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n they_o know_v not_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o they_o fulfil_v the_o scripture_n presumptuous_o put_v he_o to_o death_n who_o moses_n &_o the_o prophet_n do_v prophesy_v shall_v be_v their_o saviour_n we_o see_v the_o same_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v these_o many_o year_n in_o the_o papacy_n or_o popedom_n the_o unlearned_a monk_n and_o priest_n read_v and_o sing_v the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o christ_n who_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v despise_v of_o a_o great_a many_o and_o antichrist_n be_v worship_v and_o glorify_v who_o the_o scripture_n with_o one_o consent_n warn_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o and_o other_o cause_n of_o so_o filthy_a a_o error_n be_v there_o none_o than_o for_o that_o man_n be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o jewish_a affiance_n of_o their_o own_o work_n be_v not_o able_a to_o see_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n see_v rom._n 10._o â–ª_o second_o he_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n providence_n declare_v that_o for_o this_o cause_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n because_o he_o suffer_v nothing_o but_o that_o the_o prophet_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n long_o before_o reveal_v the_o counsel_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n prophesy_v he_o shall_v suffer_v wherefore_o the_o priest_n when_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o fulfil_v they_o in_o that_o they_o presume_v to_o condemn_v and_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n and_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o paul_n in_o this_o place_n bring_v forth_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v extant_a everywhere_o touch_v christ_n passion_n in_o that_o he_o say_v the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o wicked_a enemy_n of_o christ_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o very_a wicked_a also_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n by_o who_o oftentimes_o he_o use_v to_o bring_v his_o ordinance_n and_o device_n to_o pass_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v excuse_v because_o they_o do_v that_o that_o god_n will_v have_v to_o bâ—_z do_v for_o where_o they_o like_v bedlam_n rage_v in_o impiety_n against_o god_n and_o go_v about_o to_o hinder_v and_o not_o to_o set_v forward_o his_o ordinance_n they_o be_v in_o the_o fault_n and_o god_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o glorify_v which_o can_v moderate_v and_o order_v their_o audacity_n and_o boldness_n so_o well_o also_o his_o invincible_a power_n and_o infallible_a verity_n appear_v in_o these_o example_n for_o if_o his_o device_n take_v effect_n through_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o very_a enemy_n also_o then_o must_v they_o needs_o stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o therefore_o they_o who_o infirmity_n be_v fear_v with_o the_o cruel_a device_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n let_v they_o seek_v comfort_n hereat_o but_o whereas_o it_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a that_o god_n will_v appoint_v he_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n innocent_o who_o be_v make_v away_o by_o so_o slanderous_a a_o death_n and_o such_o as_o be_v curse_v even_o by_o the_o law_n therefore_o in_o the_o third_o part_n he_o prove_v he_o be_v innocent_a and_o guiltless_a and_o show_v that_o his_o kind_n of_o death_n must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o consider_v as_o his_o cause_n when_o they_o find_v by_o he_o say_v he_o no_o cause_n of_o death_n yet_o desire_v they_o pilot_n to_o kill_v he_o these_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v declare_v more_o at_o large_a as_o it_o be_v like_o paul_n do_v because_o he_o speak_v unto_o they_o which_o suspect_v all_o christ_n do_v let_v it_o suffice_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o paul_n that_o be_v how_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v offend_v at_o christ_n death_n which_o he_o suffer_v be_v a_o innocent_a forasmuch_o as_o many_o time_n the_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o use_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n both_o unworthy_o and_o unjust_o also_o the_o true_a use_n of_o christ_n innocence_n must_v be_v well_o weigh_v which_o consist_v in_o the_o purgation_n or_o cleanse_v of_o our_o sin_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v free_a and_o clear_a of_o all_o sin_n he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n for_o how_o can_v he_o make_v other_o clean_o that_o be_v himself_o unclean_a or_o how_o shall_v one_o being_n indebt_v himself_o pay_v other_o man_n debt_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v christ_n shall_v be_v innocent_a that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o he_o who_o have_v deserve_v no_o death_n for_o his_o part_n suffer_v death_n for_o we_o isaiah_n make_v mention_v hereof_o where_o he_o expound_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n cap._n 53._o and_o hereto_o belong_v that_o say_n of_o paul_n god_n make_v he_o to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o which_o know_v no_o sin_n 5._o that_o we_o by_o his_o mean_n shall_v be_v the_o righteousness_n which_o before_o god_n be_v allow_v and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n why_o the_o evangelist_n be_v so_o earnest_a in_o set_v forth_o the_o innocence_n of_o christ_n then_o if_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v offend_v with_o christ_n death_n because_o he_o suffer_v innocent_o 2._o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o unworthy_a and_o unjust_a slaughter_n of_o the_o saint_n ought_v to_o offend_v no_o body_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n cross_n to_o the_o end_n to_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o four_o christ._n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v that_o christ_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o force_n or_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o shall_v deny_v that_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n or_o revenger_n he_o teach_v that_o he_o receive_v no_o loss_n or_o harm_n by_o the_o wicked_a enterprise_n of_o the_o priest_n they_o perform_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o while_o they_o kill_v he_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o pierce_v his_o side_n with_o a_o spear_n and_o at_o length_n take_v he_o down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o lay_v he_o in_o a_o sepulchre_n but_o for_o all_o this_o he_o be_v of_o never_o the_o less_o power_n or_o glory_n for_o god_n as_o he_o foreshow_v raise_v he_o up_o from_o death_n so_o that_o now_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o a_o glorify_a body_n where_o they_o envy_a he_o this_o miserable_a and_o corruptible_a life_n but_o let_v it_o here_o offend_v no_o man_n that_o christ_n burial_n be_v permit_v to_o his_o wicked_a enemy_n the_o honour_n whereof_o the_o evangelist_n ascribe_v to_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n joseph_n and_o nichodemus_n for_o paul_n here_o speak_v how_o they_o be_v not_o content_v with_o his_o ordinary_a burial_n but_o cause_v the_o grave-stone_n to_o be_v seal_v with_o pilate_n signet_n and_o get_v soldier_n to_o watch_v he_o and_o forcible_o to_o keep_v he_o down_o in_o his_o grave_n think_v that_o they_o of_o their_o own_o power_n have_v kill_v he_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v ignorant_a that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n of_o his_o own_o voluntary_a 10._o this_o diligent_a description_n of_o his_o burial_n make_v for_o the_o more_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o thus_o it_o appear_v there_o can_v be_v no_o fraud_n or_o deceit_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o false_a rumour_n that_o the_o priest_n cause_v to_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o soldier_n be_v well_o bribe_v with_o money_n that_o his_o disciple_n come_v and_o steal_v away_o his_o body_n in_o the_o mean_a season_n we_o may_v take_v a_o general_a comfort_n hereof_o that_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n fight_n against_o he_o in_o vain_a the_o same_o
and_o wicked_o abuse_v their_o gift_n of_o liberty_n they_o be_v now_o deprive_v thereof_o and_o constrain_v to_o suffer_v such_o president_n as_o have_v neither_o commendation_n of_o nobility_n nor_o fame_n of_o virtue_n but_o be_v defame_v and_o evil_o report_v by_o reason_n of_o filthy_a lust_n and_o beastly_a cruelty_n and_o where_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o amend_v for_o all_o these_o plague_n at_o length_n they_o be_v utter_o forsake_v and_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n such_o man_n ought_v diligent_o to_o consider_v as_o now_o a_o day_n also_o abuse_v the_o prerogative_n of_o liberty_n and_o make_v of_o it_o a_o unbridled_a licentiousness_n both_o of_o say_v and_o do_v but_o return_v we_o to_o lysias_n the_o captain_n letter_n which_o after_o he_o have_v superscribe_v it_o begin_v the_o narration_n paul_n with_o paul_n great_a commendation_n for_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v apprehend_v for_o no_o demerit_n or_o fault_n that_o he_o have_v do_v through_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o jew_n next_o he_o say_v he_o be_v a_o citizen_n or_o freeman_n of_o rome_n at_o length_n he_o testify_v he_o be_v a_o innocent_a where_o he_o say_v he_o have_v do_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o death_n or_o imprisonment_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v make_v this_o stir_n and_o ado_n against_o he_o for_o no_o cause_n but_o for_o their_o law_n and_o religion_n sake_n this_o be_v a_o singular_a commendation_n but_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o soldier_n and_o that_o he_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o roman_n for_o where_o they_o desire_v the_o utter_a abolishment_n of_o the_o jew_n religion_n they_o care_v not_o whether_o the_o precedent_n defend_v the_o same_o or_o not_o therefore_o we_o see_v every_o where_o that_o they_o little_o regard_v controversy_n in_o religion_n but_o god_n command_v a_o far_a other_o thing_n which_o appoint_v magistrate_n to_o have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o they_o who_o god_n of_o his_o goodness_n have_v place_v in_o such_o degree_n of_o dignity_n shall_v suffer_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o be_v either_o neglect_v or_o deface_v yet_o the_o craft_n of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n appear_v in_o the_o captain_n which_o so_o trim_o dissemble_v his_o error_n commit_v in_o bind_n and_o whip_v a_o citizen_n of_o rome_n write_v now_o nothing_o but_o that_o that_o make_v for_o the_o get_n of_o he_o praise_n and_o favour_n here_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v mark_v what_o a_o care_n god_n have_v of_o his_o true_a servant_n consider_v he_o defend_v their_o innocence_n by_o testimony_n of_o their_o enemy_n example_n hereof_o we_o now_o see_v every_o day_n whereas_o they_o high_o extol_v and_o praise_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o persecute_v their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n with_o deadly_a hatred_n why_o therefore_o fear_v we_o the_o slander_n of_o enemy_n or_o infamy_n of_o the_o world_n now_o remain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o certain_a preoccupation_n or_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v for_o lest_o felix_n may_v be_v offend_v for_o that_o a_o innocent_a person_n be_v not_o rather_o set_v at_o liberty_n than_o send_v to_o he_o with_o such_o cost_n and_o charge_n he_o show_v also_o the_o cause_n hereof_o he_o say_v he_o do_v thus_o because_o of_o the_o wait_v that_o the_o jew_n lay_v for_o he_o which_o paul_n shall_v never_o have_v escape_v if_o he_o have_v be_v set_v at_o liberty_n therefore_o it_o behove_v in_o this_o wise_n say_v he_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o innocent_a &_o to_o see_v public_a peace_n observe_v where_o again_o the_o example_n of_o this_o captain_n put_v magistrate_n in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o duty_n namely_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n suffer_v violence_n or_o injury_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v chief_o ordain_v to_o the_o end_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v oppress_v through_o the_o insolency_n and_o pleasure_n of_o other_o that_o be_v wicked_a 13._o read_v psalm_n 72._o rom._n 13._o felix_n it_o follow_v what_o success_n this_o matter_n have_v very_o a_o most_o happy_a as_o god_n order_v it_o for_o the_o soldier_n faithful_o fulfil_v the_o charge_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o bring_v paul_n safe_o unto_o felix_n the_o precedent_n and_o he_o as_o though_o he_o have_v change_v his_o nature_n become_v courteous_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o ask_v he_o what_o country_n man_n he_o be_v which_o when_o he_o know_v he_o defer_v the_o hear_n of_o his_o matter_n until_o the_o come_n of_o his_o accuser_n for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o both_o part_n ought_v to_o be_v hear_v before_o sentence_n be_v give_v let_v we_o remember_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n so_o happen_v according_a to_o god_n providence_n for_o it_o be_v his_o work_n that_o the_o soldier_n without_o grudge_v serve_v paul_n turn_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o defend_v he_o with_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n that_o felix_n accept_v he_o more_o courteous_o and_o friendly_a than_o his_o custom_n be_v and_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o herodes_n judgement_n hall_n be_v a_o honest_a kind_n of_o prison_n the_o use_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o pass_v much_o upon_o the_o enterprise_n of_o man_n but_o study_v only_a to_o please_v god_n which_o can_v mollify_v barbarous_a man_n heart_n tame_a savage_a and_o wild_a manner_n and_o turn_v our_o enemy_n heart_n to_o love_v we_o let_v these_o thing_n embolden_v we_o with_o invincible_a constancy_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o to_o live_v hereafter_o eternal_o in_o heaven_n with_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n to_o who_o be_v praise_v honour_n power_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o xxiiij_o chapter_n upon_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o clij_o homely_a after_o five_o day_n ananias_n the_o high_a priest_n descend_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o with_o a_o certain_a orator_n name_v tertullus_n which_o enfourm_v the_o deputy_n against_o paul_n and_o when_o paul_n be_v call_v forth_o tertullus_n begin_v to_o accuse_v he_o say_v see_v that_o we_o live_v in_o great_a quietness_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o thou_o and_o that_o many_o good_a thing_n be_v do_v unto_o this_o nation_n through_o thy_o providence_n that_o allow_v we_o ever_o and_o in_o all_o place_n most_o noble_a felix_n with_o all_o thanks_n notwithstanding_o that_o i_o be_v not_o tedious_a unto_o thou_o i_o pray_v thou_o that_o thou_o will_v hear_v we_o of_o thy_o courtesy_n a_o few_o word_n for_o we_o have_v find_v this_o man_n a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o debate_n unto_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o maintainer_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarite_n which_o have_v also_o enforce_v to_o pollute_v the_o temple_n who_o we_o take_v and_o will_v have_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o law_n but_o the_o high_a captain_n lysias_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o with_o great_a violence_n take_v he_o away_o out_o of_o our_o hand_n command_v his_o accuser_n to_o come_v unto_o thou_o of_o who_o thou_o may_v if_o thou_o will_v inquire_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n whereof_o we_o accuse_v he_o the_o jew_n likewise_o affirm_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v even_o so_o the_o evangelist_n luke_n declare_v in_o this_o chapter_n how_o paul_n be_v handle_v before_o felix_n the_o presidente_fw-la be_v send_v to_o he_o from_o the_o captain_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o in_o the_o which_o narration_n first_o it_o be_v declare_v how_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n lay_v matter_n of_o death_n unto_o paul_n charge_n and_o albeit_o that_o paul_n so_o declare_v and_o open_v his_o cause_n that_o the_o lord_n presidente_n can_v find_v no_o matter_n of_o death_n against_o he_o yet_o he_o keep_v he_o in_o prison_n two_o whole_a year_n together_o and_o because_o he_o will_v show_v the_o jew_n a_o pleasure_n leave_v he_o bind_v in_o prison_n still_o till_o pontius_n festus_n succeed_v he_o in_o the_o office_n these_o thing_n be_v declare_v to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v learn_v thereby_o what_o state_n the_o godly_a be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o how_o the_o world_n continual_o hate_v they_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o see_v the_o jew_n spare_v for_o no_o labour_n or_o cost_n to_o bring_v paul_n be_v a_o most_o faithful_a preacher_n of_o god_n word_n to_o his_o confusion_n but_o as_o christ_n prophesy_v these_o thing_n shall_v happen_v to_o his_o disciple_n even_o so_o he_o
witness_n of_o christ_n at_o rome_n also_o before_o the_o emperor_n he_o will_v also_o perform_v his_o promise_n who_o counsel_n see_v no_o subtility_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o prevent_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o disappointe_v the_o enterprise_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o where_o he_o have_v power_n over_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n also_o he_o now_o plant_v such_o a_o will_n in_o festus_n that_o he_o provide_v rather_o for_o paul_n commodity_n than_o for_o the_o jew_n and_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v gratify_v the_o jew_n he_o stop_v he_o by_o a_o other_o mean_a from_o do_v the_o same_o here_o may_v we_o take_v singular_a consolation_n consider_v we_o see_v that_o wicked_a man_n and_o such_o as_o dance_v after_o the_o world_n pipe_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n both_o upon_o their_o body_n and_o mind_n why_o therefore_o be_v we_o afraid_a of_o their_o counsel_n and_o device_n why_o fear_v we_o their_o power_n why_o put_v we_o not_o our_o trust_n rather_o in_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o put_v in_o their_o heart_n new_a will_n or_o else_o mighty_o to_o bind_v their_o hand_n but_o let_v we_o return_v unto_o the_o jew_n paul._n who_o according_a to_o the_o president_n commandment_n go_v again_o unto_o caesarea_n and_o make_v a_o grievous_a complaint_n and_o accusation_n against_o paul_n in_o the_o description_n whereof_o luke_n be_v the_o short_a for_o that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v many_o time_n before_o object_v unto_o he_o here_o we_o have_v to_o consider_v the_o jew_n the_o complainant_n who_o first_o stand_v round_o about_o paul_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n contrary_n to_o the_o common_a order_n in_o judgement_n even_o to_o dismay_v he_o with_o their_o outward_a show_n and_o with_o their_o authority_n to_o move_v festus_n this_o do_v they_o bring_v out_o again_o the_o old_a point_n of_o their_o former_a accusation_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o paul_n answer_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o chief_o urge_v the_o crime_n of_o sedition_n as_o though_o thereby_o he_o have_v commit_v treason_n against_o caesar._n but_o although_o they_o lay_v many_o thing_n to_o his_o charge_n they_o be_v yet_o able_a to_o prove_v nothing_o paul_n so_o plead_v his_o cause_n that_o it_o appear_v manifest_o to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o have_v offend_v in_o nothing_o either_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n either_o against_o the_o temple_n and_o service_n either_o against_o caesar._n and_o what_o argument_n be_v bring_v on_o both_o side_n any_o man_n may_v easy_o gather_v by_o the_o accusation_n aforesaid_a here_o may_v we_o see_v what_o impudency_n and_o boldness_n be_v in_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n for_o what_o can_v they_o more_o impudent_o have_v do_v than_o again_o to_o lay_v to_o paul_n charge_n without_o proof_n or_o testimony_n those_o thing_n whereunto_o paul_n before_o have_v oftentimes_o answer_v yet_o where_o they_o want_v both_o argument_n and_o witness_n they_o compass_n paul_n about_o so_o bold_o as_o if_o their_o authority_n only_o aught_o to_o have_v prevail_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o life_n &_o death_n this_o be_v the_o guise_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o no_o kind_n of_o answer_n but_o always_o recourse_n to_o their_o old_a slander_n this_o we_o find_v true_a in_o these_o day_n where_o our_o adversary_n be_v convince_v with_o so_o many_o argument_n yea_o now_o with_o so_o many_o year_n experience_n yet_o they_o impudent_o lie_v to_o our_o charge_n the_o crime_n of_o seduction_n sedition_n blasphemy_n and_o infinite_a such_o like_a for_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o lie_v before_o man_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o speak_v against_o god_n but_o in_o paul_n answer_n this_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o he_o deny_v he_o have_v any_o way_n offend_v against_o caesar_n yet_o preach_v he_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o procure_v the_o people_n under_o the_o roman_a empire_n to_o take_v unto_o they_o a_o new_a faith_n which_o thing_n tertullian_n declare_v be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v by_o the_o roman_a law_n how_o can_v paul_n therefore_o say_v he_o offend_v not_o against_o caesar_n here_o we_o must_v know_v oh_o brethren_n that_o religion_n be_v subject_a neither_o to_o caesar_n nor_o yet_o to_o any_o other_o magistrate_n so_o that_o they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n may_v decree_v what_o they_o will_v therein_o for_o it_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o appointment_n it_o must_v be_v order_v and_o as_o christ_n command_v to_o give_v unto_o caesar_n that_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o he_o so_o will_v he_o have_v reserve_v for_o god_n also_o that_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o wherefore_o he_o offend_v not_o against_o the_o magistrate_n which_o without_o purpose_n of_o raise_v any_o tumult_n defend_v the_o true_a honour_n of_o god_n although_o the_o magistrate_n forbid_v the_o same_o for_o when_o such_o magistrate_n pass_v their_o bound_n and_o will_v encroach_v upon_o god_n kingdom_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v but_o rather_o peter_n rule_n must_v take_v place_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v must_v be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n here_o have_v thou_o what_o to_o answer_v to_o those_o which_o cry_v out_o that_o we_o seditious_o bring_v up_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o proclamation_n of_o emperor_n and_o say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v simple_o obey_v our_o prince_n who_o say_v if_o it_o may_v prevail_v than_o not_o we_o only_a but_o also_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v who_o it_o be_v evident_a preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n beat_v down_o superstition_n and_o plant_v true_a faith_n contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n therefore_o why_o we_o shall_v regard_v these_o slander_n but_o let_v we_o rather_o with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n hold_v on_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o with_o a_o pure_a mind_n serve_v our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v praise_n honour_n power_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o clvij_o homely_a festus_n willing_a to_o do_v the_o jew_n a_o pleasure_n answer_v paul_n and_o say_v will_v thou_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o be_v judge_v of_o these_o thing_n before_o i_o then_o say_v paul_n i_o stand_v at_o caesar_n judgement_n seat_n where_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v judge_v to_o the_o jew_n have_v i_o no_o harm_n do_v as_o thou_o very_o well_o know_v if_o i_o have_v hurt_v they_o or_o commit_v any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o death_n i_o refuse_v not_o to_o die_v if_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v whereof_o they_o accuse_v i_o no_o man_n may_v deliver_v i_o to_o they_o i_o appeal_v unto_o caesar._n then_o speak_v festus_n with_o deliberation_n thou_o have_v appeal_v unto_o caesar_n unto_o caesar_n shall_v thou_o go_v where_o paul_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o affliction_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n say_v he_o be_v make_v a_o gaze_a stock_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o unto_o angel_n and_o unto_o man_n that_o same_o may_v chief_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o chance_v unto_o he_o in_o his_o last_o captivity_n or_o imprisonment_n for_o now_o have_v he_o be_v four_o time_n present_v in_o judgement_n to_o plead_v for_o his_o life_n first_o before_o the_o people_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o stair_n go_v up_o to_o the_o castle_n second_o before_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o three_o before_o felix_n the_o precedent_n after_o which_o follow_v this_o new_a arainment_n before_o festus_n the_o new_a precedent_n every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v notable_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n that_o fall_v out_o in_o they_o as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o their_o place_n all_o which_o danger_n he_o yet_o escape_v through_o the_o help_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n teach_v we_o what_o power_n god_n suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o have_v upon_o his_o elect_a who_o he_o yet_o deliver_v with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n out_o of_o all_o their_o tribulation_n because_o of_o their_o faith_n wherefore_o we_o must_v not_o be_v offend_v if_o we_o have_v the_o like_o happen_v unto_o we_o also_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a use_n of_o this_o place_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v how_o paul_n escape_v this_o new_a danger_n where_o of_o the_o precedent_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n because_o no_o man_n shall_v think_v that_o he_o be_v heretofore_o deliver_v rather_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n and_o power_n of_o the_o president_n than_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o consider_v each_o thing_n in_o