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
also_o be_v stretch_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o he_o that_o albeit_o never_o so_o great_a a_o tempest_n or_o violent_a rage_n of_o water_n shall_v invade_v the_o poor_a and_o simple_a cottage_n that_o can_v be_v it_o force_v not_o let_v this_o be_v then_o our_o assure_a trust_n let_v this_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o our_o safety_n help_n and_o succour_n that_o god_n will_v be_v our_o defender_n and_o keeper_n that_o the_o great_a flood_n and_o mighty_a water_n carry_v we_o not_o away_o this_o sure_a defence_n and_o mighty_a protection_n of_o our_o god_n the_o wicked_a neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v for_o they_o attribute_v all_o their_o success_n and_o welfare_n to_o their_o own_o strength_n wisdom_n and_o riches_n but_o solomon_n albeit_o he_o be_v a_o king_n abundant_o endue_v with_o all_o these_o thing_n yet_o say_v he_o except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n the_o bvilder_n labour_n in_o vain_a except_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o city_n they_o watch_v in_o vain_a that_o keep_v it_o verse_n 5._o then_o have_v the_o swell_a water_n go_v over_o our_o soul_n he_o set_v out_o yet_o more_o lively_a and_o as_o it_o be_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o great_a danger_n from_o the_o which_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o and_o this_o vehement_a kind_n of_o speech_n which_o he_o use_v here_o have_v as_o great_a force_n to_o make_v the_o faithful_a to_o feel_v from_o what_o terrible_a destruction_n they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n as_o if_o their_o danger_n have_v be_v present_a before_o their_o eye_n and_o so_o to_o become_v more_o thankful_a to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o thankful_a note_v who_o be_v most_o thankful_a for_o he_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n indeed_o for_o his_o deliverance_n and_o safety_n which_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o before_o his_o deliverance_n he_o see_v nothing_o else_o but_o utter_a destruction_n thus_o david_n set_v out_o the_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o godly_a who_o the_o world_n do_v not_o only_o hate_v but_o cruel_o persecute_v whereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o a_o greedy_a desire_n but_o also_o power_n to_o hurt_v murder_n and_o destroy_v satan_n likewise_o go_v about_o like_o a_o rage_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v great_a and_o horrible_a sin_n stick_v in_o our_o flesh_n that_o we_o fall_v not_o therefore_o every_o moment_n into_o desperation_n or_o otherwise_o perish_v it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v great_a which_o be_v in_o we_o than_o he_o which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o as_o david_n say_v if_o god_n have_v not_o be_v with_o we_o our_o enemy_n have_v swallow_v we_o up_o alive_a now_o he_o add_v a_o notable_a similitude_n wherewith_o he_o amplifi_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o power_n of_o the_o wicked_a verse_n 6._o praise_v be_v the_o lord_n which_o have_v not_o give_v we_o as_o a_o prey_n unto_o their_o tooth_n he_o exhort_v the_o faithsul_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o their_o deliverance_n and_o express_v unto_o they_o how_o and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o what_o word_n they_o shall_v declare_v this_o thankfulness_n wherein_o he_o set_v forth_o yet_o further_o by_o another_o similitude_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o they_o must_v utter_o have_v perish_v if_o god_n have_v not_o miraculous_o defend_v they_o for_o they_o be_v say_v he_o no_o otherwise_o preserve_v then_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v violent_o take_v a_o prey_n out_o of_o the_o jaw_n of_o a_o rage_a and_o cruel_a beast_n as_o if_o he_o say_v we_o be_v indeed_o like_o silly_a sheep_n and_o as_o a_o prey_n ready_a to_o be_v devour_v of_o cruel_a beast_n but_o praise_v be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o so_o to_o perish_v he_o say_v not_o which_o have_v deliver_v we_o albeit_o he_o do_v indeed_o mighty_o deliver_v they_o but_o which_o have_v not_o give_v we_o as_o a_o prey_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o special_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o set_v forth_o that_o the_o wicked_a can_v hurt_v the_o godly_a be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o mighty_a furious_a cruel_a and_o terrible_a like_a to_o rage_v and_o violent_a water_n like_v to_o cruel_a and_o outrageous_a beast_n fall_v upon_o they_o with_o open_a mouth_n except_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n let_v we_o therefore_o with_o david_n sing_v praise_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n which_o keep_v and_o defend_v we_o that_o the_o rage_a and_o cruel_a beast_n which_o have_v sharpen_v their_o tooth_n to_o devour_v we_o can_v hurt_v we_o without_o this_o merciful_a protection_n of_o our_o god_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o stand_v against_o satan_n and_o his_o cruel_a member_n the_o space_n of_o one_o moment_n verse_n 7._o our_o soul_n be_v escape_v even_o as_o a_o bird_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o foul_a the_o snare_n be_v break_v and_o we_o be_v deliver_v he_o amplifi_v yet_o further_o by_o a_o three_o similitude_n the_o great_a peril_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n as_o a_o bird_n that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o foul_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o escape_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n no_o otherwise_o then_o the_o bird_n that_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o foul_a by_o the_o snare_n be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o well_o the_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o enemy_n whereby_o the_o israelite_n be_v bring_v into_o thraldom_n and_o captivity_n as_o also_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v long_o oppress_v so_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o to_o do_v with_o bloody_a and_o cruel_a enemy_n but_o also_o be_v entrap_v and_o snare_v by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n and_o with_o might_n and_o power_n miserable_o oppress_v thus_o be_v unable_a both_o in_o strength_n and_o policy_n to_o withstand_v their_o enemy_n they_o be_v every_o way_n in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_o deliver_v and_o here_o have_v we_o a_o image_n of_o our_o spiritual_a thraldom_n and_o captivity_n under_o satan_n in_o who_o snare_n we_o be_v once_o most_o miserable_o wrap_v now_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o acknowledge_v both_o our_o former_a calamity_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o grace_n wherein_o we_o stand_v and_o let_v we_o beware_v that_o we_o cast_v not_o ourselves_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o servile_a bondage_n any_o more_o for_o satan_n sleep_v not_o but_o lie_v continual_o in_o wait_n for_o we_o ready_a to_o draw_v we_o into_o those_o snare_n again_o out_o of_o the_o which_o by_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n we_o be_v deliver_v yea_o and_o sometime_o be_v suffer_v to_o hurt_v either_o our_o body_n or_o soul_n not_o only_o to_o show_v we_o that_o he_o be_v able_a likewise_o to_o destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n if_o god_n do_v so_o permit_v but_o also_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o faith_n and_o prayer_n that_o we_o shall_v call_v upon_o he_o for_o aid_n and_o succour_n against_o these_o perilous_a snare_n and_o be_v deliver_v shall_v give_v he_o thanks_o and_o praise_n for_o the_o same_o moreover_o every_o tentation_n be_v a_o snare_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n persecution_n torment_n imprisonment_n slander_n disease_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n be_v snare_n which_o as_o they_o be_v permit_v of_o god_n to_o exercise_v and_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n so_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n they_o be_v wrought_v to_o afflict_v and_o to_o vex_v man_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o infidelity_n and_o desperation_n and_o so_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o eternal_a death_n from_o the_o which_o snare_n but_o by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v thus_o our_o life_n lie_v always_o open_a to_o the_o snare_n of_o satan_n satan_n the_o snare_n of_o satan_n and_o we_o as_o silly_a bird_n be_v like_a at_o every_o moment_n to_o be_v carry_v away_o notwithstanding_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o way_n for_o we_o to_o escape_v yea_o when_o satan_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o sure_o of_o we_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n the_o snare_n be_v break_v and_o we_o be_v deliver_v experience_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o those_o which_o be_v inward_o afflict_v and_o with_o heaviness_n of_o spirit_n grievous_o oppress_v that_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o utter_a despair_n and_o ready_a as_o you_o will_v say_v now_o to_o perish_v yet_o even_o at_o the_o last_o pinch_n and_o in_o the_o uttermost_a extremity_n come_v the_o sweet_a comfort_n of_o god_n
christian_a man_n leave_v his_o imagination_n know_v that_o in_o death_n there_o be_v true_a life_n but_o thou_o will_v say_v he_o see_v and_o feel_v death_n indeed_o but_o life_n he_o can_v feel_v i_o answer_v that_o because_o he_o rest_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o after_o it_o he_o judge_v and_o not_o after_o his_o own_o feel_n therefore_o even_o in_o death_n he_o see_v nothing_o but_o life_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n most_o clear_a light_n for_o like_a as_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o and_o of_o darkness_n light_n so_o he_o work_v by_o his_o word_n that_o in_o death_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o life_n 33._o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n psal_n 33._o they_o then_o which_o stick_n to_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o follow_v the_o same_o do_v find_v it_o true_a which_o david_n say_v he_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v do_v etc._n etc._n but_o before_o we_o can_v come_v to_o this_o experience_n we_o must_v abide_v some_o trouble_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n of_o such_o exhortation_n as_o this_o psalm_n here_o set_v forth_o verse_n 1._o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_n zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o prophet_n use_v here_o a_o similitude_n of_o mount_n zion_n because_o jerusalem_n wherein_o zion_n stand_v when_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v have_v most_o ample_a and_o notable_a promise_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o very_a many_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o it_o shall_v stand_v sure_a and_o invincible_a for_o ever_o against_o all_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n for_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o abide_n and_o dwell_v there_o according_a to_o that_o promise_n where_o he_o say_v here_o be_v my_o rest_n here_o will_v i_o dwell_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o david_n in_o another_o psalm_n glori_v on_o this_o wise_a lo_o the_o king_n be_v gather_v and_o go_v together_o when_o they_o see_v it_o they_o marvel_v they_o be_v astonish_v and_o sudden_o drive_v back_o as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o ezechias_n in_o the_o great_a destruction_n of_o the_o assyrian_n and_o other_o king_n as_o the_o story_n witness_n which_o show_n that_o jerusalem_n remain_v safe_a in_o all_o danger_n not_o by_o strength_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n but_o by_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o it_o and_o thus_o mighty_o preserve_v and_o beautify_v his_o own_o commonwealth_n now_o therefore_o say_v he_o like_z as_o mount_n zion_n and_o our_o holy_a city_n jerusalem_n be_v never_o move_v but_o remain_v sure_a and_o safe_a by_o the_o mighty_a protection_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o extremity_n so_o he_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v defend_v against_o the_o furious_a rage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n for_o ever_o note_v how_o he_o command_v no_o work_n here_o to_o be_v do_v as_o in_o popery_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n man_n be_v teach_v to_o enter_v into_o some_o kind_n of_o religion_n to_o fast_o to_o go_v on_o pilgrimage_n and_o to_o do_v such_o other_o foolish_a work_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o devise_v as_o a_o high_a service_n unto_o god_n and_o thereby_o think_v to_o make_v condign_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n he_o to_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v tke_v great_a service_n that_o we_o can_v do_v to_o he_o and_o merit_v eternal_a life_n but_o simple_o he_o lead_v we_o the_o plain_a way_n unto_o god_n pronounce_v this_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a anchor_n of_o our_o salvation_n only_o to_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a service_n that_o we_o can_v do_v unto_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v say_v to_o create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o therefore_o he_o creat_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o death_n life_n in_o darkness_n faith_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n light_n and_o this_o to_o believe_v be_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o most_o special_a property_n of_o faith_n when_o god_n then_o see_v such_o a_o one_o as_o agree_v with_o his_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v which_o believe_v to_o find_v in_o danger_n help_v in_o poverty_n riches_n in_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o that_o for_o god_n own_o mercy_n sake_n in_o christ_n alone_o he_o can_v god_n neither_o hate_n nor_o forsake_v for_o he_o serve_v and_o worship_v god_n true_o which_o put_v his_o whole_a trust_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n with_o this_o service_n god_n be_v high_o please_v because_o he_o delight_v of_o nothing_o to_o make_v something_o so_o he_o make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o so_o he_o raise_v up_o the_o poor_a and_o oppress_v so_o he_o justifi_v the_o sinner_n so_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o so_o he_o save_v the_o damn_a who_o so_o then_o consent_v to_o god_n nature_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n there_o hope_v sore_a something_o where_o nothing_o be_v he_o it_o be_v that_o please_v god_n and_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o thou_o must_v beware_v that_o thou_o imagine_v not_o to_o thyself_o a_o false_a hope_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o vocation_n whereof_o if_o thou_o be_v certain_a and_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o if_o trouble_v rise_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o he_o help_v not_o in_o his_o good_a time_n take_v i_o and_o david_n also_o for_o liar_n satan_n will_v trouble_v vex_v and_o discomfort_v thou_o yea_o and_o peradventure_o make_v thou_o to_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v utter_o forsake_v but_o if_o thou_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n thou_o shall_v feel_v his_o help_n with_o joyful_a victory_n so_o in_o the_o council_n of_o auspurge_n when_o the_o prince_n be_v bend_v against_o we_o with_o one_o consent_n our_o cause_n seem_v to_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v notwithstanding_o yet_o we_o live_v and_o enjoy_v such_o peace_n and_o liberty_n as_o we_o will_v wish_v maugre_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o world_n with_o such_o conflict_n we_o must_v be_v exercise_v lest_o we_o be_v discourage_v when_o we_o see_v our_o cause_n begin_v to_o quail_v but_o the_o great_a the_o danger_n be_v the_o more_o steadfast_o we_o must_v trust_v so_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o we_o be_v overcome_v yet_o we_o shall_v overcome_v and_o the_o conqueror_n shall_v yield_v unto_o we_o triumph_n and_o victory_n this_o be_v it_o that_o the_o psalm_n here_o set_v forth_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_n zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o here_o we_o have_v a_o singular_a promise_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o shall_v stand_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o if_o then_o we_o do_v not_o continue_v it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n because_o we_o abide_v not_o firm_a and_o stable_a in_o our_o faith_n for_o this_o promise_n must_v needs_o remain_v sure_a and_o infallible_a yea_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v deny_v himself_o and_o not_o be_v god_n so_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v forsake_v those_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o but_o we_o may_v not_o think_v the_o time_n long_o but_o patient_o abide_v the_o lord_n leisure_n for_o god_n power_n take_v no_o place_n in_o we_o until_o we_o be_v utter_o to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n exininate_v that_o be_v strip_v naked_a of_o all_o worldly_a hope_n and_o help_v that_o man_n have_v in_o himself_o and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o like_v as_o when_o he_o save_v a_o ship_n from_o drown_v now_o ready_a to_o perish_v and_o past_o all_o remedy_n as_o the_o two_o story_n of_o the_o gospel_n one_o of_o the_o ship_n the_o other_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o peter_n do_v testify_v verse_n 2._o as_o the_o mountain_n be_v about_o jerusalem_n so_o be_v the_o lord_n about_o his_o people_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o where_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o man_n be_v there_o be_v scarce_o seven_o thousand_o which_o know_v god_n or_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o their_o sake_n the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v call_v god_n s_o people_n even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o jerusalem_n whole_a jerusalem_n call_v holy_a by_o the_o figure_n synecdoche_n where_o a_o part_n be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a albeit_o the_o great_a part_n be_v wicked_a and_o godless_a yet_o be_v jerusalem_n call_v holy_a not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o small_a nnmber_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o also_o because_o god_n have_v his_o abide_n there_o so_o when_o there_o be_v not_o one_o just_a person_n in_o sodom_n but_o lot_n with_o his_o two_o daughter_n yet_o can_v not_o the_o angel_n destroy_v sodom_n with_o fire_n so_o long_o as_o lot_n be_v in_o
do_v enter_v seven_o spirit_n much_o more_o wicked_a than_o the_o first_o we_o must_v therefore_o patient_o suffer_v and_o persevere_v in_o all_o tentation_n and_o rather_o abide_v all_o extremity_n then_o once_o shrink_v from_o the_o word_n of_o life_n lest_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o seven_o spirit_n more_o wicked_a than_o the_o first_o and_o moreover_o we_o must_v assure_o trust_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v it_o this_o verse_n that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o purpose_n so_o to_o do_v the_o lord_n will_v never_o for_o sake_n we_o or_o suffer_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o this_o impiety_n for_o here_o have_v we_o a_o manifest_a promise_n and_o a_o lively_a description_n of_o the_o lord_n singular_a care_n and_o providence_n over_o we_o namely_o that_o he_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o tentation_n and_o affliction_n so_o that_o we_o only_o continue_v constant_a and_o patient_a unto_o the_o end_n and_o if_o the_o heathen_a poet_n say_v endure_v and_o reserve_v yourselves_o for_o more_o happy_a thing_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v christian_n diligent_o stir_v up_o themselves_o with_o mutual_a exhortation_n to_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n whether_o they_o outward_o suffer_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o body_n and_o to_o this_o present_a life_n or_o inward_o in_o conscience_n for_o we_o have_v a_o god_n which_o even_o in_o death_n in_o hell_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n can_v save_v and_o deliver_v we_o verse_n 4._o do_v well_o o_o lord_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v good_a and_o true_a of_o heart_n the_o prophet_n say_v not_o here_o do_v well_o lord_n to_o the_o perfect_a and_o such_o as_o offend_v in_o nothing_o but_o to_o the_o good_a and_o true_a of_o heart_n the_o good_a and_o true_a of_o heart_n be_v they_o which_o be_v of_o a_o single_a sincere_a and_o upright_a heart_n for_o these_o be_v they_o which_o be_v most_o accept_v of_o god_n although_o they_o also_o through_o infirmity_n do_v sometime_o offend_v now_o where_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v do_v well_o to_o the_o good_a and_o godly_a he_o mean_v also_o and_o secret_o complain_v that_o the_o godly_a be_v in_o misery_n and_o affliction_n and_o that_o the_o ungodly_a do_v abound_v with_o all_o worldly_a felicity_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o enjoy_v great_a riches_n and_o dignity_n whereby_o they_o vex_v and_o oppress_v the_o godly_a this_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v need_n of_o this_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v do_v well_o unto_o the_o godly_a which_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o seek_v his_o glory_n with_o their_o whole_a heart_n that_o they_o by_o stumble_v at_o this_o offence_n do_v not_o fall_v away_o to_o impiety_n this_o prayer_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o prophecy_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o like_a as_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o just_a so_o at_o the_o length_n it_o shall_v also_o come_v to_o pass_v verse_n 5._o but_o those_o that_o turn_v aside_o by_o their_o crooked_a way_n the_o lord_n shall_v lead_v with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n but_o peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o israel_n he_o say_v not_o simple_o such_o as_o turn_v aside_o but_o such_o as_o turn_v aside_o by_o their_o own_o wickedness_n for_o to_o give_v place_n to_o tentation_n by_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o weakness_n of_o mind_n or_o else_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o decline_v from_o the_o right_a way_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o even_o in_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o example_n of_o peter_n teach_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o fall_v away_o through_o wickedness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o heart_n be_v another_o which_o can_v be_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o wicked_a and_o godless_a this_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v ever_o corrupt_v the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o with_o a_o show_n of_o holiness_n have_v deceive_v the_o simple_a which_o because_o god_n punish_v they_o not_o but_o spare_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o prosper_v in_o this_o world_n become_v so_o proud_a that_o they_o will_v be_v count_v among_o the_o holy_a and_o of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o common_o take_v we_o see_v that_o not_o only_o the_o godly_a be_v mix_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n floor_n also_o the_o wheat_n lie_v hide_v under_o the_o chasse_n we_o must_v pray_v therefore_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v these_o hypocrite_n to_o light_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o their_o just_a punishment_n with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n then_o shall_v peace_n ensue_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o whilst_o the_o lord_n pour_v forth_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o wicked_a which_o vex_v and_o persecute_v his_o true_a member_n he_o gather_v together_o the_o good_a and_o upright_a of_o heart_n and_o open_o declare_v his_o fatherly_a good_a will_n and_o tender_a love_n towards_o they_o the_o commentary_n of_o dr._n martin_n luther_n upon_o the_o cxxix_o psalm_n they_o have_v oftentimes_o afflict_v etc._n etc._n this_o psalm_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n psalm_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o psalm_n in_o the_o former_a he_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o continual_a deliverance_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n he_o make_v his_o prayer_n against_o the_o adversary_n and_o in_o pray_v he_o prophesi_v withal_o both_o these_o serve_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o also_o contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o patience_n under_o the_o cross_n which_o pertain_v not_o to_o one_o age_n or_o time_n but_o as_o the_o continual_a history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v show_v to_o all_o time_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o man_n moreover_o we_o do_v here_o comprehend_v both_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o paul_n also_o in_o a_o manner_n join_v they_o both_o together_o when_o he_o say_v first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o to_o the_o grecian_a for_o as_o touch_v the_o church_n or_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n that_o they_o be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o enemy_n as_o a_o goodly_a rose_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thornes_n on_o the_o east_n side_n the_o ismaelite_n the_o arabian_n and_o other_o cruel_a people_n vex_v they_o on_o the_o south_n part_n the_o egyptian_n the_o ethiopian_n the_o troglodyte_n the_o philistine_n and_o other_o like_a on_o the_o north_n side_n the_o assyrian_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o church_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o synagogue_n be_v compass_v every_o way_n with_o enemy_n and_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o psalm_n reign_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n thus_o be_v they_o oftentimes_o and_o many_o way_n afflict_v but_o herewithal_o god_n show_v this_o miracle_n that_o when_o they_o be_v so_o afflict_v he_o always_o deliver_v they_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n a_o miraculous_a kingdom_n in_o that_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o will_v correct_v and_o chastise_v they_o suffer_v the_o philistine_n edomite_n moabite_n assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n to_o have_v victory_n over_o they_o again_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o oppress_v they_o victorious_o prevail_v against_o their_o enemy_n so_o continue_v this_o kingdom_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o cruel_a nation_n round_o about_o it_o and_o of_o satan_n himself_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o also_o of_o the_o chronicle_n now_o because_o this_o people_n have_v both_o threaten_n and_o promise_n set_v before_o they_o as_o touch_v their_o affliction_n and_o deliverance_n this_o be_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a consolation_n even_o when_o they_o be_v afflict_v and_o spoil_v that_o they_o know_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v not_o by_o the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o much-less_a by_o their_o righteousness_n or_o desert_n but_o only_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n thus_o punish_v and_o chastise_v his_o people_n yea_o threaten_v and_o forewarn_v they_o by_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o will_v so_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a this_o be_v no_o small_a consolation_n that_o in_o thy_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n thou_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o scourge_n of_o god_n thus_o correct_v i_o and_o visit_v my_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n or_o the_o merit_n and_o deserve_n of_o my_o adversary_n these_o thing_n must_v we_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o also_o to_o the_o end_n that_o when_o we_o be_v oppress_v we_o may_v comfort_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o oppress_v by_o the_o power_n of_o death_n sin_n hell_n or_o any_o creature_n but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n our_o creator_n afflict_v we_o
grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n make_v a_o show_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a because_o it_o be_v fruitless_a so_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o prelate_n with_o other_o tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n have_v a_o resemblance_n and_o a_o counterfeit_a show_n that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n they_o hold_v and_o enjoy_v dignity_n prebend_n benefice_n as_o grass_n have_v his_o stalk_n and_o ear_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o chrrch_n like_a as_o grass_n be_v no_o corn_n for_o it_o wither_v away_o before_o it_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n for_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a argument_n wherewith_o they_o fight_v against_o we_o that_o for_o this_o glorious_a show_n whereof_o i_o speak_v they_o usurp_v and_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o be_v command_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o outward_a show_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v admonish_v also_o that_o such_o show_n be_v oftentimes_o occasion_n of_o great_a calamity_n beware_v say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheeps-clothing_n also_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o whereas_o then_o they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o a_o goodly_a show_n which_o the_o grass_n also_o that_o grow_v on_o the_o house_n top_n have_v as_o well_o as_o they_o will_v be_v count_v good_a corn_n this_o will_v not_o we_o grant_v they_o for_o if_o they_o be_v good_a corn_n let_v they_o fill_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o mower_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a grass_n yea_o worse_o than_o grass_n for_o in_o that_o filthiness_n of_o their_o wicked_a lust_n and_o fleshly_a pleasure_n wherewith_o they_o be_v horrible_o pollute_v and_o that_o cruelty_n which_o they_o exercise_v against_o the_o true_a church_n they_o retain_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o outward_a show_n which_o they_o pretend_v wherefore_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o adversary_n but_o a_o naked_a and_o a_o hypocritical_a show_n and_o the_o same_o also_o miserable_o and_o many_o way_n deform_v and_o deface_v since_o i_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o they_o but_o mere_a hypocrisy_n we_o judge_v and_o denounce_v they_o not_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o satan_n wherefore_o they_o be_v prepare_v as_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n to_o the_o fire_n although_o under_o a_o show_v and_o colour_v of_o the_o church_n they_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v we_o never_o so_o much_o verse_n 8._o neither_o they_o which_o go_v by_o say_v we_o bless_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o also_o commend_v and_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o grass_n for_o true_a corn_n have_v this_o commendation_n that_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o which_o see_v it_o grow_v wish_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v it_o this_o say_v david_n shall_v not_o be_v say_v of_o that_o grass_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o tyrant_n and_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o they_o shall_v be_v curse_v of_o all_o man_n yea_o the_o malediction_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n shall_v be_v heap_v upon_o they_o like_a as_o it_o have_v also_o happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o before_o our_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v most_o glorious_o flourish_v but_o now_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v pluck_v away_o her_o visor_n and_o show_v that_o she_o be_v not_o without_o fruit_n all_o her_o curse_a hypocrisy_n be_v bewray_v and_o her_o memory_n be_v perish_v from_o among_o the_o godly_a thus_o the_o prophet_n comfort_v the_o faithful_a and_o show_v that_o the_o wicked_a what_o glorious_a brag_n and_o pretence_n soever_o they_o make_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o and_o because_o god_n bless_v they_o not_o they_o shall_v inherit_v nothing_o but_o malediction_n and_o shall_v be_v confound_v like_a as_o judas_n the_o pharisee_n corinthus_n aâ—ius_n and_o pelagius_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o slourish_v most_o miserable_o perish_v with_o all_o their_o glory_n wherefore_o let_v we_o who_o doctrine_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sound_a and_o agreeable_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n remember_v this_o similitude_n that_o when_o we_o must_v suffer_v hatred_n slander_n reproach_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o injury_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n we_o be_v not_o afraid_a but_o may_v learn_v hereby_o to_o judge_v the_o pope_n the_o bishop_n the_o wicked_a prince_n with_o the_o tormentor_n and_o executioner_n of_o their_o cruelty_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v without_o all_o blessing_n to_o such_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v with_o the_o rich_a glutton_n in_o hell_n 16._o luke_n 16._o son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o pleasure_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o god_n have_v always_o so_o wrought_v by_o his_o secret_a counsel_n that_o as_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n wither_v away_o before_o the_o harvest_n come_v so_o tyrant_n be_v sudden_o cut_v off_o and_o never_o come_v to_o their_o full_a time_n wherefore_o let_v we_o constant_o abide_v and_o endure_v with_o patience_n in_o all_o affliction_n until_o the_o end_n do_v show_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o grass_n and_o sudden_o wither_v when_o it_o be_v most_o like_a to_o increase_v and_o flourish_v the_o wicked_a do_v enjoy_v all_o good_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n sake_n like_v as_o the_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o rain_n and_o of_o the_o sun_n as_o well_o as_o the_o corn_n in_o the_o field_n but_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o live_v half_a their_o day_n and_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o device_n to_o be_v but_o vain_a and_o without_o success_n so_o shall_v they_o be_v as_o a_o perpetual_a shame_n among_o man_n insomuch_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v wish_v any_o good_a unto_o they_o as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o memory_n of_o judas_n pilate_n the_o wicked_a jew_n dioclesianus_n maximinus_n and_o other_o tyrant_n be_v without_o honour_n yea_o most_o execrable_a and_o odious_a unto_o all_o man_n this_o consolation_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o these_o gross_a similitude_n and_o example_n that_o we_o may_v conceive_v in_o our_o mind_n some_o shadow_n or_o resemblance_n of_o god_n work_n since_o we_o can_v right_o judge_v and_o esteem_v the_o thing_n themselves_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n but_o we_o judge_v the_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o goodly_a show_n and_o outward_a appearance_n to_o be_v good_a wheat_n because_o they_o prosper_v and_o flourish_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o earth_n wherefore_o we_o must_v rest_v whole_o in_o the_o word_n which_o with_o such_o similitude_n paint_v out_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v with_o draw_v our_o sense_n from_o all_o outward_a sight_n and_o show_n and_o judge_v no_o otherwise_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o word_n then_o of_o most_o vile_a grass_n that_o grow_v on_o the_o house_n top_n and_o be_v contemn_v of_o all_o man_n for_o so_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n though_o our_o sense_n say_v otherwise_o in_o like_a manner_n must_v we_o do_v also_o in_o spiritual_a tentation_n when_o our_o conscience_n accuse_v we_o and_o give_v testimony_n against_o we_o as_o well_o in_o the_o agony_n and_o danger_n of_o death_n as_o in_o other_o conflict_n here_o if_o we_o follow_v that_o which_o appear_v to_o reason_n and_o our_o own_o sense_n to_o be_v true_a it_o shall_v seem_v unto_o we_o that_o our_o enemy_n be_v invincible_a and_o almighty_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v overcome_v and_o utter_o perish_v the_o sight_n and_o feel_n of_o this_o greatness_n pertain_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o to_o the_o sense_n only_o and_o rise_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n and_o not_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o when_o we_o look_v to_o the_o true_a greatness_n which_o the_o word_n set_v forth_o unto_o we_o we_o be_v constrain_v to_o say_v that_o death_n sin_n satan_n and_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n but_o stubble_n but_o a_o very_a bubble_n swim_v upon_o the_o water_n which_o with_o the_o least_o occasion_n break_v and_o vanish_v away_o so_o must_v these_o thing_n be_v amplify_v and_o set_v against_o all_o kind_n of_o tentation_n whether_o they_o be_v persecutor_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o world_n and_o wicked_a prince_n or_o else_o sin_n death_n and_o satan_n all_o which_o we_o