the_o less_o seem_v their_o prayer_n and_o their_o hope_n to_o take_v effect_n every_o day_n be_v they_o more_o and_o more_o afflict_a every_o day_n there_o be_v less_o and_o less_o hope_n leave_v wherefore_o this_o similitude_n be_v well_o apply_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o ground_n which_o be_v continual_o plough_v wherein_o such_o furrow_n be_v draw_v as_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o end_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o either_o see_v their_o calamity_n or_o the_o impiety_n and_o outrageous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o word_n he_o signify_v therefore_o that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a patience_n not_o for_o a_o day_n or_o two_o but_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n so_o that_o they_o which_o have_v the_o word_n must_v assure_o purpose_v and_o determine_v never_o to_o depart_v from_o god_n although_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o same_o affliction_n a_o thousand_o year_n together_o how_o many_o have_v we_o see_v in_o these_o our_o day_n which_o have_v fall_v away_o yea_o and_o such_o also_o as_o sometime_o do_v stand_v when_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o word_n be_v hinder_v through_o persecution_n like_v as_o the_o sun_n dri_v up_o and_o wither_v the_o corn_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o a_o stony_a ground_n wherefore_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o verse_n describe_v be_v such_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o offer_v their_o back_n unto_o the_o plower_n and_o to_o suffer_v not_o for_o a_o day_n nor_o for_o a_o year_n but_o for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n for_o he_o compare_v affliction_n to_o the_o long_o plough_v on_o the_o back_n of_o the_o faithful_a like_a as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n also_o signify_v when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v for_o to_o begin_v be_v not_o enough_o and_o that_o patience_n which_o have_v her_o bound_n and_o limit_n prescribe_v may_v be_v find_v even_o among_o the_o gentile_n but_o the_o patience_n of_o christian_n be_v perpetual_a that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o a_o patience_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v infinite_a and_o without_o end_n for_o the_o end_n thereof_o do_v not_o appear_v like_o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o end_n of_o their_o consolation_n appear_v not_o so_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o contrary_a be_v here_o join_v together_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o length_n and_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o the_o furrow_n on_o the_o back_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o victory_n of_o the_o faithful_a sing_v of_o those_o which_o drive_v the_o blow_n they_o can_v not_o prevail_v morever_o this_o great_a and_o long_a continuance_n of_o the_o furrow_n on_o the_o back_n of_o the_o faithful_a include_v such_o a_o offence_n as_o no_o carnal_a wisdom_n be_v able_a to_o overcome_v namely_o that_o the_o wicked_a do_v not_o only_o prosper_v but_o their_o felicity_n also_o continue_v long_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o tyranny_n their_o persecution_n and_o malice_n against_o the_o church_n for_o if_o god_n will_v suffer_v their_o tyranny_n but_o for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o speedy_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n we_o shall_v all_o then_o say_v that_o god_n be_v mindful_a of_o his_o child_n and_o angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a but_o now_o since_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n flourish_v many_o year_n together_o and_o the_o wicked_a still_o continue_v and_o increase_v in_o great_a felicity_n without_o punishment_n the_o same_o be_v verify_v of_o they_o which_o diogenes_n say_v of_o harpalus_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o lively_a testimony_n against_o the_o go_n yea_o the_o godly_a be_v so_o vehement_o tempt_v through_o this_o long_a continuance_n and_o fall_v so_o far_o that_o they_o think_v god_n have_v no_o regard_n of_o they_o wherefore_o we_o must_v so_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a patience_n that_o albeit_o we_o feel_v the_o tedious_a and_o long_a continuance_n of_o these_o furrow_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o offend_v but_o when_o one_o tentation_n be_v overcome_v we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o to_o another_o for_o our_o back_n must_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o bear_v the_o long_a continuance_n of_o these_o furrow_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n in_o the_o which_o he_o confess_v the_o divine_a miracle_n and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o preserve_v his_o child_n not_o only_o against_o the_o world_n but_o also_o against_o sin_n death_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o that_o he_o give_v victory_n to_o those_o that_o be_v overcome_v and_o put_v those_o to_o flight_n which_o do_v overcome_v this_o joyful_a end_n and_o this_o success_n he_o will_v we_o to_o look_v and_o wait_v for_o and_o exhort_v we_o to_o patience_n now_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o not_o only_o pray_v but_o also_o promise_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o although_o they_o obstinate_o continue_v in_o afflict_v the_o faithful_a without_o check_n or_o punishment_n yet_o shall_v their_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_n be_v such_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o rise_v again_o as_o experience_n do_v show_v for_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o kingdom_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o continue_v and_o prosper_v the_o place_n and_o space_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v remain_v void_a and_o desolate_a and_o the_o kingdom_n be_v go_v as_o though_o they_o have_v never_o be_v again_o the_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v never_o so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o oppress_v the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n still_o continue_v and_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o follw_v verse_n 4._o the_o righteous_a lord_n have_v cut_v the_o cord_n of_o the_o wicked_a these_o word_n be_v so_o full_a of_o consolation_n that_o to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o calamity_n and_o affliction_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o comfortable_a for_o they_o know_v that_o no_o munition_n no_o furniture_n of_o war_n can_v be_v so_o strong_a first_o of_o all_o therefore_o weigh_v and_o consider_v why_o he_o call_v the_o lord_n righteous_a and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o so_o do_v because_o that_o when_o a_o man_n consider_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o do_v and_o how_o god_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o same_o it_o seem_v not_o otherwise_o but_o that_o he_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o unjust_a in_o support_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o wicked_a with_o great_a riches_n power_n dignity_n etc._n etc._n when_o reason_n see_v this_o it_o can_v judge_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o be_v unjust_a for_o first_o of_o all_o thus_o do_v reason_n gather_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o wicked_a and_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o for_o to_o be_v a_o god_n be_v to_o be_v almighty_a again_o thus_o carnal_a reason_n argue_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v needs_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n now_o what_o else_o follow_v hereof_o but_o that_o if_o god_n know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v cruel_o and_o unjust_o do_v and_o he_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v they_o he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v no_o less_o willing_a to_o do_v the_o same_o for_o if_o we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o must_v follow_v that_o he_o be_v not_o good_a but_o evil_a not_o just_a but_o unjust_a now_o lay_v these_o thing_n together_o if_o god_n have_v power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o he_o if_o he_o be_v able_a to_o help_v if_o he_o know_v how_o and_o also_o be_v willing_a to_o help_v why_o be_v all_o these_o thing_n do_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o world_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o wicked_a have_v power_n riches_n &_o dignity_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o godly_a for_o their_o piety_n and_o godliness_n be_v many_o way_n and_o most_o cruel_o afflict_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o lively_a testimony_n against_o god_n as_o before_o we_o say_v of_o diogenes_n this_o argument_n of_o epicurus_n and_o such_o like_a atheist_n be_v to_o the_o flesh_n invincible_a wherefore_o reason_n be_v altogether_o blind_v and_o wrap_v in_o these_o snare_n incline_v to_o this_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o else_o that_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n of_o this_o offence_n and_o stumble_a block_n the_o holy_a ghost_n warn_v we_o when_o he_o attribute_v this_o name_n unto_o god_n that_o
and_o punish_v our_o sin_n and_o ingratitude_n and_o yet_o so_o that_o he_o leave_v unto_o we_o this_o fatherly_a promise_n that_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v we_o and_o such_o a_o figure_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o apocalypse_v for_o how_o much_o do_v it_o speak_v of_o evil_a angel_n of_o cruel_a beast_n and_o such_o other_o plague_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n god_n so_o permit_v notwithstanding_o consolation_n follow_v affliction_n and_o calamity_n and_o though_o the_o church_n be_v never_o so_o sore_o afflict_v yet_o shall_v it_o continue_v and_o endure_v and_o at_o the_o length_n shall_v overcome_v and_o victorious_o triumph_v but_o this_o psalm_n agree_v especial_o unto_o our_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v be_v most_o grievous_o afflict_v both_o under_o the_o turk_n and_o also_o under_o the_o romish_a bishop_n yea_o and_o as_o it_o be_v utter_o abolish_v so_o that_o if_o you_o weigh_v the_o matter_n well_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n be_v better_a than_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o antichrist_n where_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v take_v away_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n darken_v faith_n extinguish_v no_o true_a service_n of_o god_n use_v no_o true_a good_a work_n exercise_v gneral_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o true_a religion_n be_v clean_o abolish_v or_o most_o miserable_o deform_v and_o deface_v wherefore_o like_v as_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n be_v put_v from_o the_o sight_n and_o use_v of_o the_o temple_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o ceremony_n and_o all_o politic_a government_n so_o the_o church_n under_o antichrist_n have_v no_o true_a ministry_n no_o true_a service_n of_o god_n not_o her_o own_o kingdom_n and_o government_n but_o be_v constrain_v to_o observe_v and_o keep_v the_o heathenish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o papist_n thus_o be_v the_o wrath_n and_o thus_o have_v be_v the_o punishment_n of_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n all_o one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a that_o we_o lay_v hold_v upon_o this_o consolation_n that_o as_o the_o psalm_n say_v we_o be_v afflict_v we_o be_v cast_v down_o we_o be_v tread_v under_o foot_n but_o we_o be_v not_o overcome_v for_o the_o church_n shall_v stand_v and_o remain_v invincible_a notwithstanding_o that_o through_o great_a incredulity_n and_o incredible_a infirmity_n the_o victory_n thereof_o be_v hide_v and_o can_v be_v see_v as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o pope_n where_o all_o school_n and_o all_o church_n teach_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a bishop_n and_o dote_a dream_n of_o the_o monk_n this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o the_o psalm_n 73._o complain_v of_o where_o it_o say_v we_o see_v not_o our_o sign_n and_o yet_o god_n have_v even_o then_o his_o church_n although_o it_o be_v very_o little_a obscure_a and_o miserable_o deform_v before_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o romish_a antichrist_n what_o a_o swarw_n of_o heretic_n spring_v up_o of_o who_o also_o the_o church_n be_v sore_o vex_v and_o afflict_a even_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v afflict_v of_o the_o nation_n which_o dwell_v near_o unto_o they_o and_o like_v as_o the_o captivity_n follow_v that_o affliction_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o romish_a bishop_n be_v that_o captivity_n which_o follow_v the_o out_o ragious_a fury_n of_o the_o heretic_n and_o out_o of_o the_o which_o also_o have_v flow_v all_o the_o evil_n and_o plague_n which_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o in_o the_o church_n as_o out_o of_o a_o foul_a sink_n and_o filthy_a puddle_n but_o now_o by_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o captivity_n begin_v to_o be_v turn_v the_o temple_n be_v repair_v and_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n restore_v this_o psalm_n after_o my_o judgement_n speak_v general_o of_o all_o such_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o age_n as_o first_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v yet_o under_o good_a king_n be_v mighty_o assail_v but_o yet_o not_o utter_o overcome_v and_o that_o the_o people_n afterward_o be_v spoil_v of_o the_o assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n and_o carry_v away_o captive_a but_o not_o clean_o forsake_v for_o they_o be_v again_o deliver_v out_o of_o captivity_n and_o in_o their_o own_o land_n enjoy_v the_o promise_n concern_v christ_n thus_o speak_v the_o psalm_n first_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n afterward_o it_o comprehend_v as_o a_o prophecy_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v and_o defend_v it_o against_o all_o heretic_n against_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o romish_a antichrist_n and_o moreover_o against_o all_o the_o tentation_n of_o sin_n which_o vex_v and_o oppress_v the_o conscience_n thus_o must_v we_o apply_v this_o psalm_n to_o all_o time_n and_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o change_n and_o alteration_n all_o danger_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n sin_n the_o law_n death_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n for_o the_o world_n assail_v it_o with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n the_o devil_n with_o desperation_n and_o dubitation_n heretic_n with_o error_n in_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o conscience_n with_o sin_n in_o all_o these_o peril_n we_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o suffer_v we_o not_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v indeed_o we_o must_v be_v tempt_v and_o try_v but_o in_o the_o tentation_n he_o will_v give_v a_o outscape_n beside_o this_o that_o he_o give_v we_o strength_n also_o to_o bear_v the_o tentation_n until_o the_o time_n of_o deliverance_n come_v this_o benefit_n david_n here_o set_v forth_o and_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o state_n of_o his_o people_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v thereby_o learn_v this_o comfort_n that_o like_a as_o he_o preserved_v that_o people_n even_o so_o will_v he_o also_o preserve_v we_o for_o we_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o word_n the_o same_o promise_n and_o brief_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o wherefore_o we_o may_v say_v and_o sing_v with_o david_n verse_n 1_o they_o have_v oftentimes_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n may_v israel_n now_o say_v verse_n 2._o they_o have_v oftentimes_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n but_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v against_o i_o he_o name_v no_o certain_a enemy_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v comprehend_v all_o where_o he_o say_v from_o my_o youth_n he_o understand_v all_o the_o time_n from_o their_o primitive_a church_n as_o we_o call_v it_o until_o israel_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o albeit_o we_o ever_o praise_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o ancient_a and_o of_o great_a antiquity_n as_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v indeed_o worthy_a to_o be_v praise_v yet_o god_n regard_v not_o this_o difference_n for_o in_o all_o time_n and_o even_o in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o church_n he_o give_v notable_a prophet_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o before_o the_o captivity_n isaiah_n of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o excellent_a after_o the_o captivity_n aggaus_n zachary_n and_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n between_o moses_n and_o these_o be_v helias_n helizeus_fw-la etc._n etc._n so_o we_o see_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v more_o pure_a from_o heretic_n and_o wicked_a opinion_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o notable_a prophet_n and_o other_o excellent_a man_n even_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n and_o when_o the_o root_n of_o jesse_n seem_v now_o to_o be_v wither_v yet_o god_n raise_v up_o anna_n simeon_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n for_o god_n preserve_v his_o church_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o assail_v and_o oppress_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n only_o let_v we_o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v from_o whence_o this_o come_v and_o here_o we_o may_v not_o look_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o world_n especial_o esteem_v and_o magnify_v but_o we_o must_v behold_v the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v afflict_v oppress_a and_o full_a of_o calamity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a face_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v weak_a environ_v with_o all_o deadly_a engine_n and_o compass_v with_o all_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n sin_n and_o death_n these_o thing_n he_o that_o will_v not_o behold_v but_o fly_v and_o abhor_v they_o shall_v never_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n indeed_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o the_o true_a
we_o may_v go_v over_o thou_o have_v lay_v thy_o body_n as_o the_o ground_n and_o as_o the_o street_n to_o they_o that_o go_v over_o these_o affliction_n we_o must_v needs_o suffer_v and_o by_o patience_n overcome_v they_o and_o withal_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o by_o these_o outward_a affliction_n the_o inward_a man_n be_v not_o weaken_v or_o overcome_v rest_v in_o this_o assure_a hope_n and_o trust_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o forsake_v we_o but_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v close_v within_o most_o sure_a and_o strong_a hold_n so_o that_o now_o although_o our_o good_n our_o wife_n our_o child_n yea_o and_o our_o life_n also_o be_v take_v from_o we_o yet_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v spoil_v of_o our_o christ_n by_o who_o we_o be_v so_o sure_o defend_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o tentation_n he_o will_v make_v a_o way_n for_o we_o to_o escape_v or_o else_o give_v we_o strength_n to_o bear_v they_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o consolation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v forth_o unto_o they_o which_o believe_v the_o word_n for_o unto_o such_o as_o look_v for_o a_o better_a life_n than_o this_o all_o thing_n be_v here_o full_a of_o calamity_n and_o misery_n death_n follow_v death_n as_o paul_n say_v and_o we_o continual_o die_v one_o tentation_n follow_v another_o until_o at_o the_o length_n by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o flesh_n all_o misery_n shall_v cease_v and_o have_v a_o end_n this_o verse_n therefore_o make_v much_o for_o our_o comfort_n admonish_v we_o that_o we_o must_v suffer_v many_o trouble_n yet_o so_o that_o at_o the_o length_n we_o shall_v be_v safe_a and_o set_v at_o liberty_n from_o they_o all_o though_o not_o in_o this_o life_n yet_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o in_o eternal_a life_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o thus_o bold_o promise_v unto_o ourselves_o remain_v under_o this_o diligent_a custody_n of_o the_o angel_n yea_o of_o the_o lord_n himself_o which_o be_v always_o round_o about_o his_o people_n but_o here_o as_o before_o i_o say_v we_o have_v need_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v herein_o not_o according_a to_o our_o present_a trouble_n and_o tentation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o need_v any_o promise_n if_o there_o be_v no_o tentation_n which_o tentation_n whether_o they_o be_v within_o in_o the_o spirit_n or_o without_o in_o the_o flesh_n the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o we_o through_o christ_n shall_v have_v full_a victory_n hereof_o as_o this_o verse_n full_a of_o sweet_a consolation_n do_v promise_n unto_o we_o notwithstanding_o this_o promise_n seem_v incredible_a both_o to_o we_o which_o suffer_v and_o also_o to_o they_o which_o persecute_v and_o afflict_v we_o for_o if_o we_o behold_v the_o same_o with_o our_o outward_a eye_n what_o can_v be_v more_o false_a yea_o the_o contrary_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o true_a behold_v our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v he_o not_o so_o forsake_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n that_o the_o rod_n or_o sceptre_n of_o the_o wicked_a rest_v upon_o he_o do_v it_o not_o rest_v likewise_o upon_o the_o prophet_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o holy_a martyr_n this_o matter_n then_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o with_o our_o outward_a eye_n have_v another_o meaning_n then_o the_o word_n do_v import_v for_o they_o promise_v that_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o godly_a and_o yet_o all_o story_n and_o example_n do_v teftify_v the_o contrary_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v we_o back_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o cousel_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v we_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v not_o what_o we_o suffer_v and_o with_o our_o outward_a eye_n behold_v but_o what_o be_v decree_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o that_o can_v so_o sequester_v himself_o from_o the_o behold_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o tentation_n and_o yield_v himself_o whole_o over_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o there_o rest_n be_v a_o right_n divine_a yea_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a hereof_o in_o true_a divinity_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o what_o know_v he_o which_o be_v ignorant_a that_o god_n be_v such_o a_o god_n as_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o godly_a to_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o wicked_a for_o see_v he_o have_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n he_o will_v never_o suffer_v that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o to_o be_v wrest_v either_o by_o the_o world_n or_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n if_o he_o then_o abide_v and_o continue_v they_o shall_v also_o continue_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v he_o thus_o to_o believe_v and_o thus_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o thing_n invifible_a be_v true_a divinity_n and_o true_a spiritual_a wisdom_n indeed_o whereupon_o we_o may_v ground_v this_o proposition_n out_o of_o the_o invisible_a counsel_n of_o god_n god_n hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o love_v the_o just_a ergo_fw-la he_o will_v damn_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a and_o will_v deliver_v and_o save_v the_o just_a and_o here_o we_o see_v that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n in_o all_o the_o psalm_n and_o prophet_n to_o spring_v of_o the_o first_o precept_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n now_o have_v we_o to_o learn_v how_o we_o may_v apply_v this_o verse_n right_o and_o to_o our_o comfort_n for_o true_a divinity_n consist_v in_o use_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v vex_v on_o every_o side_n with_o cruel_a bishop_n wicked_a prince_n and_o other_o which_o hate_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o profess_v but_o these_o be_v very_a trifle_n if_o you_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o vexation_n which_o satan_n sin_n and_o our_o own_o infirmity_n raise_v up_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o must_v learn_v therefore_o thus_o to_o judge_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v the_o rod_n and_o sceptre_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o set_v the_o lord_n against_o they_o reveal_v his_o will_n here_o in_o his_o word_n and_o pronounce_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o rest_v upon_o the_o godly_a see_v then_o the_o same_o prince_n promise_v thus_o much_o unto_o we_o which_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o his_o hand_n what_o can_v we_o require_v more_o for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a that_o though_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v afflict_v yet_o will_v he_o not_o see_v we_o tread_v under_o foot_n or_o perish_v thus_o must_v we_o apply_v these_o sweet_a consolation_n what_o the_o rod_n signisi_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v well_o know_v children_n when_o they_o be_v young_a be_v correct_v with_o a_o rod_n and_o when_o they_o wax_v big_a with_o a_o wand_n or_o cudgel_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o so_o amend_v then_o follow_v the_o iron_n rod._n hereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o rod_n signify_v all_o power_n and_o rule_n which_o be_v for_o the_o amendment_n and_o correction_n of_o such_o as_o do_v offend_v so_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o 110_o psalm_n the_o lord_n shall_v send_v forth_o the_o rod_n of_o thy_o power_n out_o of_o zion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v thy_o kingdom_n for_o there_o he_o signify_v such_o a_o rod_n whereby_o kingdom_n and_o people_n be_v govern_v on_o this_o wise_a the_o holy_a ghost_n permit_v here_o to_o the_o wicked_a dominion_n and_o tyranny_n over_o the_o godly_a which_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o suffer_v like_a as_o we_o be_v compel_v not_o only_o to_o see_v but_o also_o to_o suffer_v the_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o kingdom_n persecute_v destroy_v and_o murder_v the_o christian_n and_o rage_v against_o they_o with_o all_o kind_n of_o tyranny_n yea_o we_o be_v compel_v moreover_o to_o suffer_v the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n vex_v and_o terrify_v my_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o believe_v in_o christ_n this_o dominion_n or_o tyranny_n the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o comfort_v we_o that_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v their_o tyranny_n shall_v fall_v and_o shall_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o lot_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o portion_n that_o be_v the_o number_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o just_a like_a as_o christ_n call_v they_o the_o little_a flock_n and_o paul_n the_o poor_a saint_n over_o these_o say_v he_o although_o the_o tyrant_n do_v rule_v yet_o shall_v not_o their_o power_n endure_v although_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v oppress_v the_o faithful_a yet_o shall_v they_o not_o do_v so_o always_o neither_o shall_v their_o counsel_n have_v the_o success_n which_o they_o desire_v for_o they_o think_v to_o root_v out_o this_o doctrine_n for_o ever_o
but_o that_o shall_v they_o never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v therefore_o albeit_o you_o suffer_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o know_v you_o that_o my_o will_n be_v that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o perish_v but_o shall_v be_v preserve_v to_o life_n everlasting_a here_o then_o have_v you_o whereunto_o you_o may_v trust_v in_o all_o your_o tentation_n but_o behold_v the_o reason_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o use_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o just_a god_n be_v move_v say_v he_o to_o help_v and_o defend_v the_o just_a for_o else_o it_o may_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o church_n at_o all_o and_o the_o just_a shall_v put_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o wickedness_n so_o we_o find_v in_o jeremiah_n that_o before_o the_o people_n be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o babylonian_n they_o have_v promise_v that_o after_o seventy_o year_n they_o shall_v return_v again_o to_o jerusalem_n because_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o doubt_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o so_o utter_o despair_v and_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n shall_v turn_v to_o gentilism_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o psalm_n lest_o the_o godly_a shall_v turn_v to_o foolishness_n that_o be_v to_o say_v shall_v blaspheme_v and_o become_v impatient_a this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n join_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o execution_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o deed_n or_o else_o the_o godly_a shall_v be_v drive_v to_o desperation_n we_o see_v how_o many_o be_v cast_v down_o with_o adversity_n by_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n wife_n child_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o except_o therefore_o their_o mind_n be_v raise_v up_o again_o and_o comfort_v first_o with_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o then_o with_o the_o performance_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o same_o many_o will_v say_v there_o be_v not_o god_n therefore_o god_n must_v needs_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o also_o in_o deed._n david_n have_v great_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o by_o his_o own_o son_n he_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o so_o persecute_v that_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o fly_v away_o barehead_a and_o barefoot_a this_o be_v a_o sore_a tentation_n wherefore_o the_o great_a and_o ample_a promise_n make_v unto_o he_o can_v never_o have_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o comfort_v he_o again_o except_o god_n have_v indeed_o deliver_v he_o out_o of_o this_o great_a misery_n and_o affliction_n even_o so_o if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o support_v we_o against_o the_o papist_n and_o adversary_n of_o the_o word_n yea_o if_o god_n do_v not_o indeed_o fight_v for_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o against_o their_o tyranny_n we_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o sorrow_n and_o bring_v even_o to_o desperation_n god_n therefore_o work_v both_o way_n he_o raise_v up_o with_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o deliver_v out_o of_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n by_o execution_n of_o the_o deed_n that_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o tentation_n shall_v not_o be_v above_o our_o strength_n but_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n and_o we_o learn_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o the_o first_o commandment_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a therefore_o when_o he_o say_v lest_o the_o just_a shall_v put_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o wickedness_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v lest_o the_o just_a shall_v turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o fall_n to_o gentilism_n for_o god_n have_v a_o double_a care_n over_o the_o faithful_a first_o that_o they_o be_v not_o overcome_v but_o may_v overcome_v the_o tentation_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o tentation_n be_v not_o perpetual_a even_o so_o must_v we_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v that_o beside_o the_o infallible_a promise_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o everlasting_a life_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o deliver_v and_o our_o adversary_n destroy_v albeit_o we_o can_v see_v no_o manner_n of_o way_n or_o possible_a mean_n how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v this_o be_v it_o then_o that_o this_o verse_n here_o set_v forth_o that_o god_n be_v so_o careful_a for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v put_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o wickedness_n and_o fall_v away_o from_o he_o whereby_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o people_n and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o live_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o people_n wherefore_o there_o must_v ever_o be_v some_o remain_v which_o may_v praise_v and_o worship_n he_o if_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v such_o a_o number_n remain_v god_n must_v of_o necessity_n make_v a_o end_n also_o of_o tentation_n but_o here_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o we_o do_v not_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o this_o deliverance_n for_o before_o that_o come_v god_n will_v have_v we_o try_v to_o the_o uttermost_a and_o bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n shall_v be_v utter_o spend_v and_o we_o at_o the_o point_n of_o desperation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o case_n that_o we_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o desperation_n then_o even_o than_o god_n send_v comfort_n in_o death_n he_o show_v life_n and_o even_o in_o damnation_n he_o bring_v salvation_n brief_o of_o nothing_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o when_o all_o hope_n of_o remedy_n be_v past_a then_o begin_v he_o to_o work_v and_o frame_v all_o new_a again_o in_o most_o perfect_a wise_a thus_o can_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n do_v this_o be_v the_o fingular_a work_n of_o god_n therefore_o that_o when_o thou_o think_v thyself_o clean_o cast_v away_o and_o utter_o forlorn_a even_o than_o thou_o shall_v be_v most_o sure_a and_o safe_a and_o most_o glorious_o shine_v as_o the_o day_n star_n in_o the_o firmament_n these_o thing_n be_v easy_o teach_v but_o by_o experience_n we_o find_v and_o feel_v how_o far_o they_o pass_v all_o reason_n and_o power_n of_o man_n and_o how_o hardly_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o that_o he_o be_v careful_a tor_z we_o whether_o we_o be_v afflict_v in_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o our_o deliverance_n than_o we_o ourselves_o can_v be_v these_o thing_n therefore_o must_v be_v often_o and_o diligent_o teach_v that_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o the_o first_o commandment_n set_v forth_o unto_o we_o new_a old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a namely_o that_o our_o god_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o of_o old_a thing_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v new_a of_o poor_a to_o make_v rich_a of_o despise_a glorious_a and_o this_o last_o we_o will_v all_o glad_o have_v but_o that_o will_v not_o be_v except_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n go_v before_o here_o have_v we_o then_o a_o siugular_a promise_n and_o consolation_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a grieve_v you_o but_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n my_o people_n and_o patient_o endure_v it_o for_o i_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o tentation_n so_o far_o to_o prevail_v over_o you_o that_o your_o confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o i_o shall_v utter_o fail_v you_o storm_n and_o tempest_n shall_v arise_v and_o your_o danger_n shall_v seem_v so_o great_a as_o though_o the_o wave_n shall_v present_o swallow_v you_o up_o but_o i_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o perish_v i_o will_v bridle_v their_o rage_n and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a yet_o will_v i_o not_o leave_v you_o destitute_a of_o my_o righteousness_n thus_o do_v tentation_n teach_v we_o the_o true_a use_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o commandment_n the_o which_o none_o without_o affliction_n and_o tentation_n shall_v right_o know_v or_o understand_v moreover_o we_o be_v here_o admonish_v of_o the_o great_a danger_n that_o follow_v these_o affliction_n and_o tentation_n which_o they_o that_o through_o impatiency_n forsake_v the_o word_n and_o faith_n do_v fall_n into_o therefore_o the_o lord_n here_o show_v himself_o so_o careful_a for_o his_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o this_o danger_n for_o their_o state_n which_o have_v once_o forsake_v the_o word_n be_v much_o more_o perilous_a than_o it_o be_v before_o and_o into_o such_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pronounce_v in_o the_o gospel_n
foot_n therefore_o he_o can_v not_o be_v count_v of_o ezechia_n &_o other_o like_v unto_o grass_n and_o yet_o before_o he_o achieve_v what_o he_o go_v about_o he_o be_v compel_v not_o without_o great_a fear_n and_o also_o much_o slaughter_n of_o his_o soldier_n to_o raise_v his_o siege_n and_o he_o himself_o most_o miserable_o perish_v so_o pharaoh_n seem_v mighty_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v not_o upon_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o air_n and_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n but_o the_o miserable_a jew_n be_v oppress_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n like_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n this_o be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o grass_n not_o wither_v but_o fresh_o flourish_v but_o how_o quick_o do_v it_o wither_v and_o vanish_v to_o nothing_o for_o when_o pharaoh_n do_v very_o think_v to_o oppress_v they_o he_o be_v sudden_o oppress_v himself_o and_o perish_v in_o the_o water_n such_o a_o image_n of_o tyrant_n and_o tyranny_n the_o holy_a ghost_n paint_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o this_o place_n why_o then_o shall_v thou_o fear_v why_o shall_v thou_o tremble_v why_o shall_v thou_o despair_v as_o though_o thou_o have_v never_o see_v most_o flourish_a grass_n within_o few_o day_n to_o wither_v away_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n or_o do_v not_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o can_v long_o continue_v athanasius_n when_o julianus_n the_o emperor_n do_v many_o way_n afflict_v both_o he_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o fight_v not_o only_o with_o cruelty_n but_o also_o with_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n against_o the_o faithful_a insomuch_o that_o other_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o terrible_a tempest_n be_v utter_o discourage_v and_o pass_v all_o hope_n of_o deliverance_n say_v that_o this_o persecution_n of_o julian_n be_v not_o a_o tempest_n but_o a_o little_a cloud_n indeed_o his_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o faith_n which_o can_v believe_v that_o julianus_n be_v like_o not_o to_o a_o terrible_a and_o a_o violent_a tempest_n not_o to_o a_o mighty_a black_a cloud_n wrap_v all_o thing_n in_o darkness_n but_o unto_o a_o very_a little_a cloud_n which_o the_o sun_n do_v quick_o consume_v in_o like_a manner_n must_v we_o also_o extenuate_v and_o diminish_v the_o power_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o their_o proud_a brag_n and_o all_o their_o cruelty_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o because_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o bubble_n in_o the_o water_n grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n and_o a_o very_a shadow_n rather_o than_o man_n beside_o this_o that_o they_o provoke_v god_n also_o against_o themselves_o who_o fury_n &_o cruelty_n compare_v unto_o his_o power_n be_v a_o thing_n more_o vain_a than_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n or_o a_o bubble_n in_o the_o water_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a and_o a_o naked_a show_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o be_v all_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o adversary_n full_a of_o threaten_n but_o in_o the_o end_n they_o come_v to_o nothing_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o christian_n to_o diminish_v the_o power_n of_o the_o adversary_n and_o contrariwise_o to_o amplify_v the_o word_n and_o the_o mighty_a protection_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o devil_n sin_n death_n and_o other_o spiritual_a tentation_n be_v great_a but_o a_o christian_a can_v make_v a_o distinction_n of_o greatness_n for_o greatness_n be_v understand_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n the_o one_o be_v according_a to_o the_o eye_n which_o the_o eye_n judge_v after_o the_o outward_a show_n the_o other_o be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o truth_n judge_v after_o the_o word_n the_o greatness_n therefore_o of_o sin_n death_n wicked_a king_n prince_n and_o bishop_n be_v that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o eye_n only_o for_o god_n which_o say_v be_v of_o good_a comfort_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n also_o fear_v not_o those_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n the_o same_o god_n alone_o i_o say_v be_v the_o very_a true_a greatness_n to_o which_o if_o you_o compare_v satan_n and_o all_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o be_v they_o else_o but_o a_o bubble_n what_o be_v they_o else_o but_o grass_n but_o light_a straw_n and_o stubble_n but_o when_o they_o be_v consider_v without_o god_n then_o do_v they_o terrify_v with_o a_o false_a fearful_a show_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v great_a indeed_o wherefore_o christian_n must_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n but_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o a_o opinion_n be_v that_o which_o reason_n bring_v forth_o beside_o the_o word_n but_o truth_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n which_o judge_v the_o fury_n and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n rage_v against_o the_o faithful_a to_o be_v like_a unto_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n this_o promise_n be_v settle_v and_o sure_o fix_v in_o the_o mind_n promise_n this_o judgement_n that_o the_o enemy_n be_v like_o grass_n and_o therefore_o shall_v perish_v he_o call_v a_o promise_n confirm_v the_o godly_a against_o the_o great_a power_n as_o to_o reason_n it_o seem_v of_o the_o world_n and_o satan_n like_o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o the_o mind_n deceive_v through_o a_o terrible_a show_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n be_v oppress_v with_o terror_n these_o thing_n must_v not_o so_o be_v take_v as_o though_o we_o do_v utter_o condemn_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o count_v to_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n but_o their_o presumption_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o power_n be_v it_o that_o we_o condemn_v because_o they_o fight_v therewith_o against_o god_n and_o his_o church_n let_v they_o be_v prince_n on_o the_o earth_n let_v they_o use_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o they_o will_v needs_o make_v war_n in_o heaven_n and_o with_o their_o power_n go_v about_o to_o invade_v and_o oppress_v the_o word_n this_o be_v horrible_a this_o be_v execrable_a and_o damnable_a and_o who_o so_o compare_v they_o to_o bubble_n to_o grass_n to_o stubble_n yea_o and_o to_o nothing_o he_o say_v true_o he_o judge_v right_o for_o why_o do_v they_o fight_v against_o god_n think_v they_o that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o man_n be_v what_o the_o creature_n be_v and_o what_o the_o creator_n be_v wherefore_o they_o be_v right_o compare_v to_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n for_o more_o contemptuous_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v not_o speak_v of_o they_o for_o this_o grass_n be_v such_o that_o it_o soon_o wither_v away_o before_o the_o sickle_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o yea_o no_o man_n think_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v cut_v down_o no_o man_n regard_v it_o every_o man_n suffer_v it_o to_o brag_v for_o a_o while_n and_o to_o show_v itself_o unto_o man_n from_o the_o house_n top_n as_o though_o it_o be_v somewhat_o when_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o the_o wicked_a persecutor_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v take_v to_o be_v mighty_a and_o terrible_a according_a to_o the_o outward_a show_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o contemptible_a for_o christian_n do_v not_o once_o think_v of_o pluck_v they_o up_o or_o cut_v they_o down_o they_o persecute_v they_o not_o they_o revenge_v not_o their_o own_o injury_n but_o suffer_v they_o to_o increase_v to_o brag_v and_o glory_n as_o much_o as_o they_o listen_v for_o they_o know_v that_o they_o can_v abide_v the_o violence_n of_o a_o vehement_a wind._n yea_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o quietness_n yet_o as_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n by_o little_a and_o little_o wither_v away_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o tyrant_n upon_o small_a occasion_n do_v perish_v and_o soon_o vanish_v away_o the_o faithful_a therefore_o in_o suffering_n do_v prevail_v and_o overcome_v but_o the_o wicked_a in_o do_v be_v overthrow_v and_o miserable_o perish_v as_o all_o the_o history_n of_o all_o time_n and_o age_n do_v plain_o witness_v verse_n 7._o whereof_o the_o mower_n fill_v not_o his_o hand_n neither_o the_o glean_a his_o lap._n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v a_o comparison_n between_o grass_n which_o yield_v no_o fruit_n and_o true_a corn_n which_o be_v fruitful_a that_o thereby_o he_o may_v the_o better_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o former_a similitude_n and_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o false_a dread_n and_o terror_n which_o that_o vain_a and_o counterfeit_a show_n bring_v fruitful_a corn_n say_v he_o be_v such_o that_o he_o which_o mow_v it_o shall_v fill_v his_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o gather_v the_o sheaf_n shall_v have_v plenty_n to_o carry_v into_o his_o barn_n here_o you_o see_v be_v a_o truth_n and_o not_o a_o vain_a show_n but_o
must_v learn_v to_o extenuate_v and_o lessen_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v because_o christ_n live_v and_o we_o have_v his_o word_n this_o consolation_n be_v able_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o terror_n and_o make_v we_o able_a to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o very_a deed_n but_o one_o thing_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o word_n and_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o own_o strength_n then_o be_v they_o indeed_o not_o grass_n but_o such_o high_a and_o mighty_a mountain_n as_o can_v be_v pass_v over_o where_o before_o when_o we_o fight_v against_o our_o enemy_n we_o must_v fight_v not_o as_o man_n consist_v of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o as_o christian_n baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n now_o therefore_o when_o the_o devil_n death_n hell_n itself_o the_o world_n and_o cruel_a prince_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o christian_a they_o be_v but_o grass_n upon_o the_o house_n top_n or_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a for_o he_o have_v the_o word_n which_o be_v almighty_a and_o moreover_o he_o have_v christ_n himself_o christian_n therefore_o be_v invincible_a 12.9_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o yea_o even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v overcome_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n for_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v perfect_a through_o weakness_n thus_o do_v the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o martyr_n comfort_v themselves_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v so_o valiant_o suffer_v all_o kind_n of_o affliction_n be_v persuade_v not_o that_o the_o grass_n which_o wither_v away_o of_o it_o sclf_n without_o man_n endeavour_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o victory_n for_o true_a it_o be_v that_o basilius_n write_v when_o he_o comfort_v the_o people_n of_o alexandria_n against_o the_o fury_n of_o arius_n that_o through_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o enemy_n the_o church_n do_v more_o and_o more_o increase_n and_o multiply_v which_o thing_n we_o also_o have_v prove_v and_o god_n grant_v that_o yve_fw-mi and_o our_o posterity_n may_v still_o so_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a shepherd_n by_o dr._n martin_n luther_n be_v his_o commentary_n upon_o 1_o pet._n 4.11_o and_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o pet._n 4.11_o if_o any_o mnn_n minister_v let_v he_o do_v it_o as_o of_o the_o ability_n which_o god_n minister_v whosoever_o execute_v any_o function_n in_o the_o church_n or_o have_v the_o cure_n of_o soul_n commit_v unto_o he_o may_v not_o deal_v as_o he_o listen_v himself_o or_o to_o over-rule_v matter_n according_a to_o his_o own_o sensual_a will._n neither_o shall_v he_o say_v tush_o i_o be_o a_o prelate_n the_o people_n must_v all_o listen_v to_o that_o which_o i_o say_v and_o observe_v my_o law_n ordinance_n and_o injunction_n without_o gainsay_v for_o god_n require_v this_o that_o no_o man_n minister_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o repugnant_a to_o that_o which_o he_o command_v and_o appoint_v a_o prelate_n or_o bishop_n i_o say_v ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v certain_a and_o sure_a of_o the_o warrantise_n thereof_o by_o god_n word_n for_o god_n can_v abide_v to_o have_v his_o service_n jumble_v and_o mingle_v at_o pleasure_n with_o every_o foolish_a guegaw_n and_o light_a trumpery_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o assurance_n and_o certainty_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n that_o even_o god_n both_o speak_v and_o work_v in_o he_o and_o to_o stand_v upon_o so_o sure_a a_o ground_n for_o the_o verity_n thereof_o that_o his_o faith_n dare_v bold_o witness_v with_o he_o and_o say_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v speak_v and_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v do_v or_o deal_v herein_o i_o be_o so_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o the_o same_o in_o each_o respect_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o be_o ready_a and_o dare_v to_o seal_v the_o same_o with_o my_o blood_n and_o to_o confirm_v it_o with_o my_o death_n for_o otherwise_o if_o i_o waver_v and_o totter_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n not_o know_v who_o cause_n and_o business_n i_o have_v in_o hand_n my_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o sand_n so_o that_o the_o devil_n my_o adversary_n be_v able_a to_o shake_v and_o tumble_v it_o which_o way_n he_o listen_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o straight_o forbid_v not_o to_o rely_v unto_o nor_o to_o allow_v whatsoever_o decree_n or_o constitution_n these_o bishop_n listen_v to_o obtrude_v and_o enjoin_v unless_o they_o stand_v upon_o a_o sure_a ground_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v be_v allow_v of_o god_n yea_o do_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o unless_o they_o be_v able_a to_o say_v do_v this_o for_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o we_o have_v his_o express_a word_n and_o commandment_n for_o our_o warrant_n if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o say_v thus_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v as_o liar_n and_o deceiver_n much_o less_o ought_v any_o christian_a to_o yield_v unto_o they_o therein_o any_o obedience_n or_o subscription_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o appoint_v that_o our_o conscience_n shall_v not_o elsewhere_o be_v stay_v but_o upon_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o infallible_a rock_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o public_a function_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o at_o any_o hand_n to_o follow_v our_o own_o wilful_a device_n and_o sensual_a conceit_n nor_o to_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n or_o order_n to_o be_v embrace_v unless_o we_o be_v undoubted_o assure_v that_o it_o stand_v with_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o evident_o see_v how_o clean_o against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o pope_n &_o his_o mitre_a bishop_n as_o thing_n therein_o be_v now_o handle_v saint_n peter_n mind_n and_o judgement_n be_v long_o before_o any_o pope_n be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n to_o rule_v the_o roast_n in_o such_o pontificality_n as_o since_o they_o have_v do_v 1_o pet._n v._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1._o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o beseech_v which_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n here_o saint_n peter_n teach_v those_o that_o have_v any_o charge_n of_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o chapter_n afore_o he_o tell_v that_o none_o shall_v presume_v to_o teach_v or_o preach_v any_o thing_n unless_o he_o be_v certain_a and_o assure_v that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o sincere_a and_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o as_o upon_o a_o firm_a and_o strong_a rock_n our_o conscience_n may_v bold_o stay_v for_o this_o in_o duty_n be_v require_v of_o we_o christian_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_a and_o know_v thorough_o what_o thing_n be_v allow_v of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v not_o for_o they_o that_o waver_v in_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o christian_n he_o add_v also_o thus_o much_o that_o whosoever_o enter_v into_o any_o office_n or_o function_n shall_v so_o behave_v himself_o therein_o in_o each_o respect_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n thereof_o but_o what_o he_o here_o say_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a pastor_n wherein_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o be_v to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o charge_n and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o must_v here_o further_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o phrase_n and_o propriety_n of_o the_o tongue_n wherein_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o signification_n and_o force_n of_o the_o word_n for_o this_o greek_a name_n presbuteros_n which_o st._n peter_n here_o use_v do_v signfiy_v a_o elder_n by_o which_o word_n they_o also_o be_v call_v that_o be_v senator_n that_o be_v man_n excel_v in_o age_n gravity_n virtue_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n after_o the_o same_o sort_n do_v christ_n call_v his_o disciple_n minister_n and_o senate_n to_o who_o office_n it_o belong_v to_o oversee_v and_o govern_v his_o spiritual_a empire_n that_o be_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o christian_a congregation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o therefore_o marvel_n not_o a_o whit_n neither_o let_v any_o thing_n move_v thou_o though_o they_o which_o be_v elder_n be_v now_o a_o day_n call_v by_o other_o title_n or_o name_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o but_o not_o respect_v the_o order_n wherein_o thing_n present_o stand_v weigh_v and_o conceive_v the_o matter_n thus_o when_o st._n peter_n or_o any_o other_o