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
holy_a spirit_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o when_o we_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o perish_v then_o be_v god_n most_o ready_a to_o help_v 94._o psal_n 94._o except_o the_o lord_n have_v holpen_v i_o say_v david_n my_o soul_n have_v almost_o dwell_v in_o silence_n verse_n 8._o our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v make_v both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o thanksgiving_n contain_v a_o worthy_a sentence_n of_o great_a comfort_n that_o against_o sin_n the_o horror_n of_o death_n affliction_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o only_a sanctuary_n and_o succour_n in_o all_o affliction_n and_o other_o danger_n there_o be_v no_o other_o help_n or_o safety_n but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o that_o be_v not_o say_v he_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n blasphemy_n error_n and_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o calamity_n but_o our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o preserve_v our_o faith_n and_o our_o life_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n and_o as_o you_o hear_v in_o the_o other_o verse_n before_o so_o he_o show_v in_o this_o verse_n also_o that_o god_n suffer_v his_o saint_n to_o be_v tempt_v and_o in_o their_o tentation_n to_o fall_v into_o great_a distress_n as_o even_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v drown_v and_o swallow_v up_o present_o with_o great_a flood_n of_o water_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o comfort_n he_o show_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o forsake_v they_o by_o the_o which_o example_n we_o may_v learn_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o seek_v our_o help_n and_o safety_n at_o his_o hand_n which_o suffer_v his_o people_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o furnace_n of_o egypt_n not_o to_o their_o utter_a destruction_n but_o only_o to_o kill_v the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o vain_a hope_n and_o confidence_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o strength_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n suffer_v his_o people_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v read_v talk_a or_o teach_v nor_o speculation_n only_o which_o make_v a_o christian_a man_n but_o practice_n be_v that_o which_o special_o be_v require_v in_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o cross_n to_o pluck_v down_o the_o flesh_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o nothing_o that_o man_n despair_v of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o see_v no_o succour_n in_o himself_o shall_v resign_v himself_o whole_o unto_o the_o lord_n look_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_n for_o help_v at_o his_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n neither_o must_v we_o imagine_v to_o ourselves_o any_o other_o god_n than_o such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v help_v the_o afflict_a and_o oppress_v with_o desperation_n and_o other_o calamity_n to_o know_v this_o doctrine_n be_v one_o piece_n of_o the_o victory_n for_o they_o that_o know_v it_o not_o when_o tentation_n assail_v they_o either_o do_v despair_n or_o seek_v other_o help_n let_v we_o learn_v then_o out_o of_o this_o psalm_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o exercise_v his_o saint_n with_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n who_o suffer_v great_a flood_n of_o water_n to_o run_v over_o their_o head_n who_o also_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o tri_v every_o way_n not_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o to_o show_v they_o what_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o and_o so_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o save_a health_n but_o the_o flesh_n look_v to_o the_o power_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o adversary_n and_o her_o own_o infirmity_n but_o to_o look_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o his_o help_n and_o succour_n it_o be_v not_o able_a wherefore_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a conclusion_n our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o short-sentence_n but_o it_o set_v forth_o most_o worthy_a doctrine_n and_o consolation_n whereof_o special_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n we_o have_v great_a need_n see_v the_o pope_n together_o with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n so_o cruel_o do_v persecure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o these_o huge_a mountain_n what_o be_v we_o small_a molehill_n yea_o though_o there_o be_v no_o force_n nor_o power_n of_o man_n for_o we_o to_o fear_v how_o be_v we_o able_a to_o stand_v against_o not_o only_o so_o many_o devil_n but_o even_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n also_o and_o yet_o this_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o the_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o when_o we_o be_v even_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o never_o so_o much_o oppress_v yet_o be_v we_o not_o forsake_v but_o be_v safe_a through_o our_o confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o his_o help_n affliction_n the_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n but_o to_o this_o wisdom_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v without_o continual_a affliction_n whereby_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o confidence_n of_o all_o worldly_a succour_n shall_v be_v beat_v down_o for_o vexation_n and_o trouble_n bring_v understanding_n as_o isaiah_n say_v whereby_o we_o be_v compel_v to_o cry_v help_v lord_n for_o else_o we_o perish_v so_o in_o the_o last_o hour_n when_o death_n approach_v there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o man_n heart_n can_v repose_v itself_o or_o find_v comfort_n but_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v rest_n and_o quietness_n there_o be_v perfect_a peace_n he_o that_o can_v then_o say_v my_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n die_v happy_o and_o be_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n thus_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v and_o enjoy_v god_n even_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o sure_a trust_n of_o his_o merciful_a help_n and_o succour_v in_o all_o danger_n these_o be_v the_o word_n therefore_o of_o a_o victorious_a and_o triumph_a faith_n our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o if_o he_o say_v the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v my_o god_n and_o my_o helper_n show_v i_o a_o god_n o_o you_o my_o adversary_n like_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v your_o snare_n and_o your_o train_n then_o compare_v unto_o this_o god_n what_o be_v your_o threaten_n your_o power_n your_o policy_n etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o set_v the_o eternal_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n against_o all_o terror_n and_o danger_n against_o the_o flood_n and_o overflowing_n of_o all_o tentation_n and_o swallow_v up_o as_o it_o be_v with_o on_o breath_n all_o the_o rage_a fury_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o hell_n itself_o even_o as_o a_o little_a drop_n of_o water_n be_v swallow_v up_o of_o a_o mighty_a flame_a fire_n and_o what_o be_v the_o world_n with_o all_o his_o force_n and_o power_n in_o respect_n of_o he_o which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n let_v the_o world_n fret_v then_o let_v it_o rage_v so_o that_o this_o succour_n never_o fail_v we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v trouble_n and_o affliction_n yet_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v overcome_v at_o length_n the_o commentary_n of_o dr._n martin_n luther_n upon_o the_o cxxv_o psalm_n they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o psalm_n go_v before_o psalm_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v a_o thanksgiving_n or_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n because_o the_o godly_a see_v and_o by_o experience_n feel_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n this_o psalm_n follow_v contain_v also_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o same_o matter_n for_o it_o pertain_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o exhort_v the_o faithful_a likewise_o to_o a_o sure_a trust_n and_o assiance_n in_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o their_o necessity_n whereunto_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o with_o great_a and_o excellent_a promise_n it_o may_v also_o be_v easy_o understand_v by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o for_o herein_o consist_v all_o this_o heavenly_a wisdom_n that_o we_o do_v utter_o remove_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n whatsoever_o flesh_n can_v comprehend_v and_o believe_v that_o which_o the_o word_n only_o tell_v we_o even_o against_o all_o that_o which_o either_o we_o know_v feel_v or_o see_v and_o therefore_o this_o wisdom_n be_v against_o all_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n for_o by_o reason_n and_o all_o that_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v we_o feel_v see_v and_o conceive_v all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o faith_n lead_v we_o unto_o he_o that_o lie_v sick_a at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n can_v by_o reason_n conceive_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o imagination_n of_o death_n but_o a_o
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
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
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