friend_n and_o despile_v good_a counsel_n so_o deserve_v they_o to_o be_v deprine_v of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v suffer_v to_o sink_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o far_o speak_v of_o the_o modesty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o ester_n who_o will_v to_o god_n she_o have_v many_o follower_n that_o will_v be_v desirous_a of_o her_o virtue_n both_o public_o and_o private_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o hear_v a_o singular_a duty_n perform_v by_o mardochaeus_n to_o the_o king_n whereby_o he_o make_v himselse_a a_o way_n to_o great_a honour_n and_o authority_n with_o assuerus_n though_o not_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o deserve_v which_o be_v that_o he_o declare_v unto_o the_o king_n by_o ester_n the_o treason_n of_o two_o courtier_n who_o conspire_v the_o death_n of_o king_n assuerus_n and_o so_o he_o deliver_v the_o king_n from_o death_n and_o when_o as_o the_o whole_a truth_n be_v examine_v be_v find_v out_o and_o they_o be_v execute_v by_o just_a punishment_n the_o matter_n be_v write_v before_o the_o king_n in_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n in_o this_o history_n first_o these_o two_o bigtan_n and_o teresh_a offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n who_o in_o their_o wrath_n conspire_v the_o king_n death_n what_o occasion_n they_o have_v of_o this_o wicked_a counsel_n be_v not_o express_v and_o there_o fore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v over_o curious_a in_o search_v of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o courtier_n as_o they_o be_v draw_v with_o desire_n and_o passion_n do_v many_o time_n very_o quick_o take_v any_o occasion_n of_o sedition_n and_o treason_n for_o they_o oftentimes_o conspire_v against_o their_o prince_n either_o upon_o the_o denial_n of_o their_o petition_n or_o for_o indignation_n and_o hatred_n and_o envy_n which_o they_o conceive_v at_o other_o man_n honour_n who_o they_o can_v abide_v shall_v be_v prefer_v before_o they_o or_o move_v with_o ambition_n and_o desire_v of_o alteration_n as_o absolom_n do_v against_o 15_o 2._o sam._n 15_o david_n and_o what_o prince_n be_v there_o who_o may_v just_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v no_o such_o traitor_n in_o his_o court_n prince_n also_o themselves_o oftentimes_o by_o their_o own_o insolency_n pride_n and_o cruelty_n diverse_a time_n by_o their_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n do_v yield_v occasion_n to_o their_o courtier_n to_o rebel_v nevertheless_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n who_o conspire_v wilful_o the_o death_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o especial_o those_o who_o he_o have_v so_o trust_v that_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o keep_n and_o guard_n of_o their_o person_n as_o these_o be_v by_o assuerus_n who_o he_o prefer_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o his_o gate_n for_o unto_o such_o man_n the_o way_n be_v easy_a to_o execute_v their_o conspiracy_n as_o it_o be_v report_v that_o diverse_a of_o the_o noble_n his_o most_o familiar_n do_v conspire_v the_o death_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a but_o king_n be_v enforce_v to_o commit_v themselves_o &_o their_o life_n to_o such_o man_n and_o look_v how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o trust_n be_v that_o be_v repose_v in_o they_o so_o much_o the_o more_o ugly_a be_v their_o treason_n and_o detestable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n but_o unto_o such_o wickedness_n be_v we_o grow_v in_o this_o age_n that_o even_o the_o physician_n from_o who_o prince_n look_v for_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n &_o commit_v their_o body_n to_o their_o direction_n have_v be_v find_v to_o have_v conspire_v the_o death_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o wealth_n and_o honour_n wherefore_o those_o prince_n be_v bless_v who_o put_v their_o trust_n whole_o in_o god_n and_o not_o in_o man_n aid_n those_o be_v happy_a who_o god_n do_v shield_n and_o protect_v beside_o in_o the_o person_n of_o assuerus_n we_o see_v how_o great_o the_o life_n of_o king_n &_o great_a man_n be_v many_o time_n endanger_v though_o their_o guard_n do_v seem_v to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o danger_n but_o often_o do_v it_o happen_v that_o they_o be_v more_o in_o danger_n then_o mean_a man_n especial_o if_o they_o turn_v their_o just_a government_n into_o tyranny_n wherefore_o the_o ancient_n have_v use_v it_o for_o a_o proverb_n that_o few_o tyrant_n descend_v to_o pluto_n by_o dry_a death_n that_o be_v die_v without_o blood_n so_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v make_v away_o by_o poison_n so_o julius_n caesar_n be_v murder_v in_o the_o senate_n so_o very_a many_o roman_a emperor_n be_v slay_v by_o their_o soldier_n so_o bennadab_n be_v choke_v isboth_n slay_v by_o two_o wicked_a man_n on_o his_o bed_n joas_n the_o king_n of_o juda_n by_o two_o of_o his_o servant_n amasias_n be_v slay_v at_o lachis_n final_o of_o twenty_o king_n which_o reign_v in_o israel_n ten_o of_o they_o die_v by_o violent_a death_n that_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o have_v speak_v unwittily_a who_o say_v that_o a_o tyrant_n be_v like_a to_o he_o who_o sit_v at_o a_o table_n furnish_v with_o all_o dainty_a dish_n accompany_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o music_n and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o wayting-man_n ready_a at_o all_o command_v but_o see_v a_o naked_a sword_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n by_o a_o small_a thread_n and_o every_o minute_n ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o he_o therefore_o many_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o have_v wish_v that_o they_o may_v resign_v those_o great_a honour_n which_o they_o have_v attain_v if_o safe_o they_o may_v to_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o sure_a life_n without_o danger_n as_o it_o be_v write_v of_o augustus_n caesar_n yea_o very_o many_o have_v quite_o give_v over_o their_o empire_n as_o diocletian_n and_o maximian_n those_o capital_n enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o christiaris_n antigonus_n king_n of_o macedonia_n when_o he_o be_v to_o set_v the_o diadem_n on_o his_o head_n say_v very_o fit_o &_o true_o o_o crown_n if_o man_n know_v how_o great_a care_n thou_o bring_v with_o thou_o none_o will_v so_o much_o as_o stoop_v to_o take_v thou_o up_o though_o thou_o lay_v in_o his_o way_n so_o that_o state_n of_o life_n which_o we_o account_v so_o happy_a be_v oftentimes_o condemn_v as_o most_o unhappy_a even_o by_o those_o who_o be_v esteem_v most_o happy_a as_o be_v most_o open_a to_o so_o many_o entrapping_n partly_o of_o open_a enemy_n partly_o of_o faithless_a friend_n from_o which_o indeed_o none_o can_v be_v safe_a be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v watch_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o king_n though_o even_o unworthy_a of_o his_o favour_n &_o good_a wil._n which_o here_o we_o see_v do_v for_o this_o assuerus_n unto_o who_o god_n raise_v up_o mardochaeus_n by_o who_o he_o be_v in_o time_n admonish_v of_o the_o conspirator_n that_o no_o good_a turn_n bestow_v on_o god_n shall_v be_v bestow_v in_o vain_a that_o benefit_n which_o assuerus_n do_v for_o ester_n and_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o god_n be_v very_o late_a and_o fresh_a in_o memory_n and_o god_n by_o and_o by_o do_v requite_v it_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o have_v conspire_v his_o death_n that_o david_n do_v not_o without_o cause_n say_v that_o it_o be_v god_n which_o give_v deliverance_n unto_o king_n and_o rescu_v 10._o psa_fw-la 144._o 10._o they_o from_o the_o hurtful_a sword_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v often_o by_o experience_n find_v it_o be_v also_o to_o he_o note_v that_o assuerus_n be_v warn_v of_o the_o treason_n that_o be_v practise_v against_o he_o by_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o mean_a man_n that_o king_n may_v learn_v to_o contemn_v none_o though_o they_o be_v but_o of_o base_a and_o low_a degree_n if_o any_o demand_n how_o mardochaeus_n can_v detect_v that_o conspiracy_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o porter_n of_o the_o king_n gate_n which_o be_v apparent_a out_o of_o this_o and_o other_o place_n especial_o the_o five_o and_o sixth_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v hear_v and_o see_v somewhat_o whereby_o he_o may_v perceive_v the_o matter_n and_o peradventure_o he_o may_v be_v solicit_v by_o the_o traitor_n to_o see_v of_o what_o good_a will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o case_n and_o to_o draw_v he_o to_o their_o partiality_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v this_o instrument_n as_o well_o to_o preserve_v the_o king_n life_n as_o also_o to_o make_v know_v mardochaeus_n fidelity_n so_o much_o the_o better_o we_o be_v here_o then_o to_o observe_v that_o nothing_o be_v do_v by_o fortune_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n providence_n who_o by_o this_o prepare_v in_o time_n another_o helper_n against_o the_o imminent_a danger_n of_o his_o church_n here_o let_v all_o natural_a subject_n and_o inhabitant_n in_o any_o realm_n learn_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n
towards_o prince_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v not_o only_a honour_n and_o obedience_n due_a unto_o they_o but_o also_o a_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o defence_n of_o their_o life_n and_o dignity_n moreover_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n praise-worthie_a to_o bewray_v the_o guilty_a though_o so_o oftentimes_o those_o who_o detect_v they_o incur_v great_a danger_n &_o the_o hatred_n of_o many_o especial_o if_o upon_o examination_n the_o matter_n prove_v not_o so_o therefore_o mardochaeus_n deal_v indeed_o faithful_o and_o wise_o but_o not_o without_o danger_n be_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o captain_n but_o his_o oath_n and_o office_n do_v so_o require_v he_o open_v the_o matter_n by_o ester_n either_o because_o he_o think_v for_o his_o baseness_n that_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o speak_v unto_o the_o king_n or_o because_o he_o think_v the_o matter_n will_v have_v the_o more_o authority_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o person_n in_o favour_n beside_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o love_n of_o the_o king_n towards_o ester_n his_o wife_n may_v be_v increase_v and_o confirm_v when_o he_o shall_v see_v she_o so_o careful_a of_o his_o preservation_n the_o king_n also_o handle_v the_o matter_n wise_o for_o he_o make_v inquisition_n and_o do_v not_o rash_o upon_o a_o bare_a report_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o which_o thing_n prince_n be_v warn_v not_o to_o admit_v unaduised_o every_o accusation_n for_o if_o accusation_n only_o shall_v suffice_v who_o shall_v be_v innocent_a who_o shall_v be_v safe_a from_o the_o tongue_n of_o slanderer_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v find_v out_o the_o offender_n be_v punish_v and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n that_o be_v either_o fasten_v to_o a_o cross_n as_o in_o those_o time_n they_o accustom_v or_o hang_v on_o a_o galous_a as_o be_v use_v at_o this_o day_n further_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o treason_n especial_o where_o it_o concern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o will_n be_v prove_v be_v hold_v for_o the_o fact_n as_o also_o in_o other_o offence_n as_o if_o any_o prepare_v poison_n for_o another_o death_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o drink_v but_o give_v to_o be_v drunken_a see_v that_o he_o seek_v his_o life_n though_o he_o kill_v he_o not_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o worthy_o then_o be_v these_o two_o punish_v by_o death_n though_o they_o do_v but_o only_o conspire_v the_o king_n death_n which_o matter_n by_o the_o king_n commandment_n be_v write_v in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o persian_n hereby_o it_o apppear_v that_o after_o a_o laudable_a custom_n king_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v their_o chronicle_n and_o yearly_a act_n record_v in_o all_o age_n in_o which_o all_o memorable_a matter_n through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n shall_v be_v enroll_v and_o so_o preserve_v for_o posterity_n and_o this_o be_v very_o commendable_a for_o those_o manifold_a commodity_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o history_n as_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o book_n be_v declare_v but_o the_o king_n remember_v not_o to_o requite_v mardochaeus_n in_o which_o he_o can_v escape_v the_o note_n of_o a_o unthankful_a mind_n for_o as_o justice_n have_v place_n in_o the_o punish_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o their_o offence_n so_o be_v it_o also_o a_o part_n of_o justice_n to_o reward_v the_o good_a according_a to_o their_o desert_n but_o these_o thing_n come_v not_o thus_o to_o pass_v without_o god_n providence_n which_o yet_o excuse_v not_o assuerus_n fault_n that_o in_o a_o more_o fit_a time_n mardochaeus_n may_v receive_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o by_o god_n as_o in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n we_o shall_v see_v therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v though_o the_o envy_n of_o man_n increase_v and_o arise_v at_o it_o for_o the_o reward_n though_o it_o be_v defer_v yet_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v lose_v and_o if_o man_n be_v unmindful_a of_o benefit_n receive_v god_n who_o be_v rich_a towards_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o worship_v he_o in_o pureness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n will_v restore_v abundant_o that_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o owe_v not_o and_o far_o give_v we_o the_o power_n of_o welwilling_a and_o wel-working_a will_v crown_v his_o work_n in_o we_o with_o immortal_a glory_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o power_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o eight_o sermon_n haman_n be_v extol_v and_o worship_v by_o all_o the_o courtier_n except_o mardochaeus_n where_o at_o haman_n wax_v angry_a deliberate_v to_o make_v away_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o sixth_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o 1._o after_o these_o thing_n do_v king_n assuerus_n promote_v haman_n the_o son_n of_o ammedatha_n the_o agagite_n &_o exalt_v he_o so_o that_o he_o 〈◊〉_d his_o seat_n above_o the_o sour_a of_o all_o the_o prince_n that_o be_v about_o he_o 2._o and_o all_o the_o king_n servant_n that_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o king_n gate_n bow_v their_o knee_n and_o reverence_a haman_n but_o mordecai_n bow_v not_o the_o knee_n neither_o do_v reverence_n 3._o wherefore_o the_o king_n servant_n that_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o king_n gate_n say_v unto_o mordecai_n why_o transgress_v thou_o the_o k._n commandemetic_n 4._o therefore_o when_o they_o have_v speak_v unto_o he_o daily_o and_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o tell_v haman_n that_o they_o may_v see_v whether_o mordecay_v word_n will_v stand_v for_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v a_o jewe._n 5._o and_o when_o haman_n see_v that_o mordecay_v bow_v not_o the_o knee_n unto_o he_o nor_o do_v reverence_n unto_o he_o than_o be_v haman_n full_a of_o wrath_n 6._o now_o he_o think_v it_o too_o little_a to_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o mordecai_n only_o and_o because_o they_o have_v show_v he_o the_o people_n of_o mordecai_n haman_n seek_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v throughout_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o assuerus_n even_o the_o people_n of_o mordecai_n the_o wise_a man_n say_v pro._n 29._o 2._o wheâ—_n the_o righteous_a be_v increase_v the_o people_n rejoice_v but_o when_o the_o wicked_a bear_n rule_v than_o the_o people_n sigh_n unto_o which_o also_o that_o which_o be_v psa_n 12._o 9_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v the_o wicked_a walk_n too_o and_o fro_o when_o evil_a man_n be_v exalt_v to_o high_a dignity_n the_o use_n of_o which_o sentence_n this_o history_n do_v plain_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n for_o when_o as_o ester_n be_v exalt_v unto_o the_o dignity_n royal_a as_o before_o we_o saâ—e_v there_o be_v great_a joy_n bring_v unto_o all_o nation_n but_o now_o when_o haman_n be_v promote_v a_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a man_n there_o be_v prepare_v for_o all_o the_o godly_a weep_v and_o tear_n and_o at_o the_o last_o by_o his_o wicked_a counsel_n threescore_o &_o ten_o thousand_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o death_n as_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o history_n we_o shall_v see_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v declare_v how_o hamans_n indignation_n be_v so_o great_a against_o mardochaeus_n because_o he_o reverence_v he_o not_o as_o other_o do_v that_o he_o procure_v acommaundement_n from_o the_o king_n to_o destroy_v in_o one_o certain_a day_n appoint_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o empire_n at_o this_o present_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o by_o the_o king_n into_o so_o high_a a_o estate_n of_o honour_n verse_n 1_o how_o he_o be_v reverence_v verence_v of_o all_o man_n except_o mardochaeus_n vet_z 1._o 2._o 3_o 4._o &_o how_o through_o indignation_n &_o impotency_n of_o mind_n he_o take_v counsel_v how_o to_o destroy_v the_o jew_n together_o with_o mardochaeus_n at_o one_o massacre_n verse_n 5._o &_o 6._o so_o cruel_a be_v ambition_n so_o fierce_a and_o savage_a be_v desire_n of_o revenge_n in_o those_o who_o affect_v divine_a honour_n see_v therefore_o first_o the_o author_n word_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v the_o king_n assuerus_n do_v magnify_v haman_n the_o son_n of_o hammedatha_n the_o agagite_n and_o exalt_v he_o so_o that_o he_o set_v his_o seat_n above_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o his_o prinoes_n that_n be_v about_o he_o this_o stranger_n the_o king_n favour_n do_v thus_o exalt_v four_o year_n after_o the_o celebration_n of_o ester_n marriage_n for_o ester_n be_v bring_v in_o unto_o the_o king_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 7._o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o assuerus_n chap._n 2_o verse_n 6._o and_o it_o appear_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v after_o that_o hamans_n dignity_n and_o favour_n happen_v about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o eleven_o year_n because_o assoon_o as_o he_o petceive_v that_o mardochaeus_n will_v not_o honour_v he_o he_o conspire_v the_o death_n of_o he_o
the_o rest_n this_o history_n of_o ester_n which_o by_o god_n favour_n we_o take_v in_o hand_n do_v propose_v unto_o we_o even_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o preserve_v cherish_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n then_o again_o the_o treachery_n and_o cruel_a mind_n of_o her_o most_o deadly_a enemy_n and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o carefulness_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o well_o at_o all_o other_o time_n as_o then_o principal_o when_o danger_n hang_v over_o their_o head_n and_o threaten_v unto_o they_o all_o extremity_n the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n be_v unknown_a neither_o do_v it_o much_o avail_v we_o to_o know_v who_o write_v it_o as_o in_o such_o like_a history_n of_o the_o judge_n ruth_n samuel_n king_n and_o job_n so_o that_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a and_o have_v be_v so_o take_v and_o receive_v always_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v engrave_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o sufficient_a testimony_n this_o history_n therefore_o bear_v for_o title_n the_o name_n of_o ester_n because_o ester_n be_v as_o a_o principal_a instrument_n which_o god_n do_v use_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o church_n when_o it_o be_v like_o utter_o to_o have_v be_v destroy_v in_o her_o time_n throughout_o all_o the_o province_n of_o assuerus_n be_v adorn_v with_o this_o note_n of_o divine_a majesty_n and_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o write_v among_o the_o holy_a monument_n for_o the_o instruction_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 4._o rom._n 15._o 4._o that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n for_o so_o notable_a and_o extraordinary_a deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n be_v not_o gather_v together_o and_o commit_v to_o writing_n without_o the_o ordinance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n divine_a providence_n but_o that_o diligent_o behold_v how_o great_a a_o care_n the_o lord_n have_v always_o have_v of_o his_o people_n and_o with_o how_o unwearied_a endeavour_n he_o have_v bring_v unto_o they_o present_a help_n in_o great_a distress_n we_o may_v learn_v to_o place_v our_o hope_n in_o he_o alone_o and_o to_o rest_v ourselves_o only_o on_o he_o who_o goodness_n and_o truth_n endure_v for_o ever_o the_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n happen_v be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o assuerus_n but_o who_o this_o assuerus_n be_v or_o at_o what_o time_n he_o reign_v it_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o by_o all_o writer_n yet_o notwithstanding_o by_o compare_v of_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o assuerus_n as_o esra_n 4._o 6._o it_o appear_v that_o this_o assuerus_n be_v he_o who_o the_o profane_a hystorian_n call_v darius_n the_o son_n of_o hystaspis_n which_o after_o the_o death_n of_o cambyses_n the_o son_n of_o cyrus_n have_v obtain_v the_o kingdom_n wherefore_o whereas_o this_o history_n set_v down_o a_o rehearsal_n from_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o assuerus_n and_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o haman_n fall_v out_o the_o twelve_o year_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o recite_v seem_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o two_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o that_o the_o people_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o cyrus_n â—ad_a leave_n to_o return_v out_o of_o the_o captivity_n into_o they_o rowne_v country_n for_o cyrus_n and_o cambyses_n reign_v nine_o year_n the_o two_o magi_n surprise_v babylon_n a_o year_n about_o the_o end_n whereof_o assuerus_n obtain_v the_o kingdom_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o ten_o year_n pass_v from_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o monarch_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o mede_n when_o assuerus_n get_v the_o kingdom_n in_o who_o twelve_o year_n this_o conspiracy_n happen_v but_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o mardochaeus_n must_v be_v very_o old_a because_o as_o we_o shall_v hear_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n he_o be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n with_o jechoniah_n from_o which_o time_n unto_o this_o there_o pass_v more_o than_o four_o score_n year_n but_o the_o lord_n as_o often_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o church_n have_v so_o require_v have_v preserve_v certain_a man_n strong_a and_o sound_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o let_v these_o thing_n suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o time_n for_o their_o opinion_n have_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n which_o place_n these_o thing_n under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n because_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o that_o fast_a monarchy_n of_o the_o babylonian_n none_o of_o the_o persian_n have_v so_o large_a a_o empire_n â—s_v this_o assuerus_n reign_v from_o india_n unto_o aethiopâ—â—_n the_o drift_n of_o this_o history_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a how_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o those_o who_o remain_n disperse_v in_o diverse_a legion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v away_o captives_n when_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o preâ—ent_a destruction_n hang_v over_o their_o head_n be_v by_o the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o savour_n of_o god_n deliver_v from_o the_o slaughter_n and_o â—s_v it_o be_v pluck_v out_o of_o the_o jaw_n of_o â—heir_a enemy_n the_o death_n which_o they_o â—â—reâ—tned_v and_o the_o detâ—_n and_o trap_n which_o â—hey_n prepare_v for_o other_o be_v turâ—ed_v over_o upon_o the_o adversary_n own_v â—eades_n so_o that_o this_o history_n consist_v â—f_o two_o part_n of_o the_o which_o the_o first_o contain_v the_o â—_z prepare_v against_o the_o â—ewes_n in_o the_o five_o first_o chapter_n the_o â—ther_n contain_v the_o happy_a issue_n and_o miraculous_a deliveraunce_n from_o they_o in_o â—â—e_z rest_n of_o the_o book_n as_o concern_v â—e_n former_a part_n in_o the_o first_o two_o chapâ—ers_n be_v recite_v the_o reject_v of_o vashti_n and_o â—he_v exalt_v of_o ester_n succeed_v in_o her_o place_n in_o the_o three_o chapter_n be_v record_v how_o great_o haman_n be_v have_v in_o favour_n and_o authoritre_n with_o assuerus_n &_o his_o courtier_n and_o with_o how_o great_a and_o deadly_a hatred_n he_o prosecute_v mardochaeus_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o four_o contain_v the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n of_o the_o jew_n unto_o god_n when_o they_o see_v so_o certain_a a_o destruction_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o light_v on_o they_o the_o five_o show_v the_o preparation_n to_o the_o deliverance_n the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o haâ—man_n notwithstanding_o increase_v still_o against_o mardochaeus_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o book_n in_o the_o other_o part_n wherein_o the_o deliverance_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n be_v declare_v the_o honour_n which_o mardochaeus_n receive_v from_o the_o king_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o haman_n and_o heereuppon_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o evil_n that_o follow_v and_o a_o extreme_a despair_n of_o bring_v his_o purpose_n to_o pass_v be_v foretell_v he_o by_o his_o wife_n in_o the_o seven_o it_o be_v note_v how_o he_o be_v hang_v on_o the_o gallows_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v in_o the_o two_o next_o chapter_n be_v recite_v the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o enemy_n kill_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o in_o susa_n as_o in_o allother_n province_n to_o the_o number_n of_o three_o score_n and_o fifteen_o thousand_o man_n among_o who_o be_v the_o ten_o son_n of_o haman_n 〈◊〉_d and_o after_o hang_v upon_o gallows_n herehence_a arise_v great_a joy_n and_o gladness_n â—o_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o day_n be_v appoint_v â—earely_o to_o celebrate_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n â—eceived_v at_o god_n hand_n the_o last_o chapter_n 〈◊〉_d teach_v that_o mardochaeus_n be_v â—n_o great_a favour_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o king_n and_o succeed_v in_o hamans_n place_n employ_v all_o his_o force_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o this_o history_n contain_v â—he_n space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n though_o some_o â—ount_n more_o some_o less_o the_o use_n and_o profit_n of_o this_o history_n be_v great_a for_o first_o out_o of_o it_o we_o learn_v what_o â—or_a the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n to_o wit_n to_o â—e_n disperse_v here_o and_o there_o under_o the_o â—ower_n and_o dominion_n of_o infidel_n king_n to_o â—e_v base_o account_v of_o and_o hate_v of_o ambitious_a courtier_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o â—launders_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v even_o unâ—o_o death_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a for_o every_o â—ne_n without_o controlment_n to_o exercise_v tyranny_n against_o it_o contrariwise_o that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n while_o other_o 〈◊〉_d be_v despise_v and_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n follow_v
and_o all_o his_o nation_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 12._o year_n of_o assuerus_n reign_n verse_n 7._o the_o cause_n be_v not_o express_v why_o he_o be_v thus_o promote_v by_o the_o king_n neither_o ought_v we_o great_o to_o labour_v in_o search_v it_o for_o oftentimes_o king_n for_o very_o light_a cause_n do_v exalt_v man_n altogether_o unworthy_a but_o despise_v man_n that_o deserve_v honour_n and_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o excellent_a virtue_n because_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o will_n ought_v to_o stand_v for_o reason_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o listen_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o oftentimes_o for_o a_o little_a service_n even_o in_o a_o unhonest_a matter_n for_o counsel_v give_v to_o establish_v tyranny_n and_o augment_v tribute_n for_o invent_v some_o new_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n for_o some_o extreme_a flattery_n and_o such_o like_a king_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a cause_n to_o promote_v the_o worst_a man_n to_o the_o high_a honour_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o chief_a friend_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o their_o most_o weighty_a affair_n for_o what_o cause_n then_o so_o ever_o haman_n be_v promote_v it_o appear_v he_o be_v a_o man_n unworthy_a of_o it_o be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n and_o so_o it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o wicked_a man_n by_o their_o craft_n and_o cunning_a be_v prefer_v by_o the_o inconsiderate_a favour_n of_o prince_n to_o honour_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o god_n providence_n who_o only_o lift_v up_o who_o please_v he_o and_o throw_v down_o who_o he_o listen_v now_o god_n do_v this_o as_o well_o to_o exercise_v the_o godly_a as_o to_o punish_v the_o unthankfulness_n of_o the_o world_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o king_n who_o abuse_v their_o power_n and_o to_o throw_v down_o the_o ungodly_a with_o so_o much_o the_o great_a shame_n and_o ruin_n by_o how_o much_o the_o high_o they_o be_v exalt_v that_o honour_n which_o the_o king_n command_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o offend_v in_o excess_n because_o it_o be_v more_o than_o beseem_v man_n though_o usual_a to_o be_v yield_v to_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n but_o this_o be_v altogether_o a_o wonderful_a matter_n how_o king_n be_v so_o careful_a and_o jealous_a over_o their_o honour_n do_v yet_o not_o withstand_v communicate_v it_o even_o unto_o bad_a man_n in_o who_o there_o shine_v not_o the_o least_o sparkle_n of_o virtue_n for_o it_o be_v most_o worthy_a and_o commendable_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o state_n to_o prefer_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n man_n notable_a for_o their_o virtue_n and_o wisdom_n so_o pharaoh_n make_v joseph_n ruler_n of_o egypt_n who_o wisdom_n be_v sufficient_o know_v and_o approve_v so_o daniel_n by_o his_o wisdom_n obtain_v great_a honour_n both_o with_o nabuchadnezzar_n &_o with_o darius_n notwithstanding_o many_o time_n prince_n be_v too_o prodigal_a in_o these_o thing_n suppose_v that_o they_o imitate_v the_o magnificence_n of_o god_n in_o promote_a to_o honour_n who_o please_v they_o beside_o this_o haman_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o agagite_n that_o be_v of_o the_o offspring_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o amalekite_n who_o all_o be_v of_o agag_n surname_v agag_n as_o the_o king_n of_o eegypt_n be_v all_o call_v pharaoes_n of_o pharaos_n and_o the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n caesar_n of_o julius_n caesar_n he_o be_v then_o a_o alien_n and_o not_o a_o natural_a subject_n of_o the_o king_n it_o be_v also_o unknown_a whether_o he_o be_v a_o captive_a or_o no_o &_o whether_o he_o come_v into_o the_o court_n by_o the_o king_n especial_a favour_n or_o by_o desert_n or_o move_v by_o his_o own_o ambition_n but_o by_o what_o occasion_n so_o ever_o he_o come_v into_o the_o court_n he_o descend_v of_o a_o nation_n which_o god_n have_v curâ—ed_v for_o their_o cruelty_n and_o have_v forbid_a â—he_n child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o any_o time_n have_v peace_n with_o they_o but_o altogether_o root_v they_o out_o from_o under_o the_o heaven_n and_o destroy_v they_o with_o a_o perpetual_a slaughter_n â—o_o that_o although_o the_o amalekite_n do_v desâ—end_v of_o esau_n the_o brother_n of_o jacob_n and_o so_o â—ere_z join_v in_o kindred_n to_o the_o isralite_n yet_o do_v they_o always_o strive_v in_o deadly_a and_o hereditary_a hatred_n and_o be_v most_o mortal_a enemy_n the_o one_o unto_o the_o other_o which_o on_o the_o israelite_n part_n be_v do_v by_o the_o express_a commandment_n from_o god_n for_o that_o in_o humanity_n which_o the_o amulekit_n 3._o exod._n 17._o 8._o 1._o sam._n 17_o 3._o do_v show_v in_o the_o wilderness_n against_o their_o brethren_n be_v the_o first_o that_o come_v out_o to_o war_n against_o they_o after_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n behold_v then_o the_o most_o capital_a and_o deadly_a enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v exalt_v above_o they_o into_o the_o most_o high_a state_n of_o honour_n and_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o most_o often_o she_o see_v she_o most_o malicionus_n and_o deadly_a foeâ—_n daily_o to_o be_v extol_v and_o to_o receive_v neâ—_n increase_v of_o honour_n increase_a with_o all_o their_o desire_n of_o her_o utter_a overthrow_n now_o follow_v that_o honour_n which_o the_o courtier_n do_v yield_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o king_n commandment_n whereunto_o only_o mardochaeus_n do_v most_o constant_o resist_v all_o the_o king_n servant_n therefore_o which_o pass_v in_o and_o out_o at_o the_o king_n gate_n bow_v themselves_o and_o do_v honour_n haman_n only_o mardochaus_fw-la bow_v not_o himself_o down_o neither_o do_v he_o reverence_n this_o be_v the_o customeâ—_n of_o those_o which_o follow_v the_o court_n that_o they_o all_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o who_o the_o king_n magnify_v little_o inquire_v whether_o the_o cause_n be_v good_a or_o no._n 1_o confess_v some_o do_v it_o against_o their_o will_n and_o for_o fear_n other_o that_o they_o may_v procure_v themselves_o favour_n which_o thing_n especial_o they_o hunt_v after_o and_o none_o will_v willing_o enter_v into_o harred_a with_o great_a man_n none_o dare_v control_v or_o condemn_v their_o action_n and_o devise_n but_o true_o it_o always_o have_v seem_v a_o intolerable_a servitude_n to_o man_n of_o courage_n and_o any_o worth_n to_o fall_v down_o before_o a_o mortal_a man_n although_o the_o people_n of_o the_o east_n and_o namely_o the_o persian_n do_v exceed_v all_o measure_n therein_o who_o custom_n when_o alexander_n the_o great_a will_v follow_v after_o that_o by_o war_n he_o have_v get_v the_o monarchy_n he_o purchase_v thereby_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o grecian_n and_o chief_o of_o the_o macedonian_n his_v own_o subject_n for_o indeed_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n that_o this_o honour_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o king_n of_o perfia_n be_v not_o mere_o civil_a but_o mix_v with_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n for_o otherwise_o we_o read_v that_o holy_a king_n be_v honour_v by_o their_o subject_n upon_o their_o knee_n with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o ground_n but_o so_o that_o no_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n ship_n be_v mingle_v therewith_o see_v that_o here_o therefore_o the_o question_n be_v of_o a_o honour_n more_o than_o civil_a and_o due_a unto_o a_o man_n mardochaeus_n refuse_v to_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n &_o indeed_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o this_o haman_n be_v descend_v from_o a_o nation_n which_o god_n have_v curse_v and_o which_o he_o will_v his_o people_n shall_v hate_v and_o abhor_v now_o his_o constancy_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v commend_v that_o look_v how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v urge_v at_o and_o carp_v by_o the_o courtier_n to_o obey_v the_o king_n command_n so_o much_o the_o firm_a be_v he_o in_o his_o purpose_n and_o be_v daunt_v by_o no_o threaten_n neither_o be_v accuse_v to_o haman_n either_o conceal_v his_o nation_n or_o dissemble_v his_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n wherefore_o he_o will_v not_o cast_v down_o himself_o before_o he_o who_o he_o know_v by_o god_n decree_n which_o can_v not_o be_v call_v back_o to_o be_v accurse_v the_o great_a than_o that_o the_o importunity_n be_v of_o the_o courtier_n who_o flatter_v haman_n and_o seek_v his_o favour_n the_o more_o grievous_a the_o threaten_n be_v the_o more_o certain_a the_o danger_n that_o hang_v over_o mardochaeus_n head_n the_o more_o praise_n worthy_a be_v his_o virtue_n and_o constancy_n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v constancy_n but_o contumacy_n or_o at_o the_o least_o ashnesse_n and_o impudency_n to_o cast_v himself_o into_o so_o evident_a a_o danger_n to_o provoke_v the_o king_n wrath_n against_o he_o and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o