praise_v thereof_o to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o alone_o this_o praise_n can_v none_o give_v unto_o god_n but_o the_o true_a israel_n have_v experience_n both_o of_o their_o own_o weakness_n the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n the_o danger_n past_a and_o of_o the_o merciful_a help_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o lord_n verse_n 2._o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o this_o repetition_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n our_o fear_n be_v without_o measure_n but_o when_o it_o be_v once_o past_a we_o imagine_v it_o to_o have_v be_v less_o than_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o this_o be_v the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n to_o diminish_v and_o obscure_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n david_n therefore_o with_o this_o repetition_n stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o great_a thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o gracious_a deliverance_n and_o amplifi_v the_o danger_n which_o they_o have_v pass_v whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v how_o to_o think_v of_o our_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n past_a lest_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n grace_n vanish_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o here_o note_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n in_o their_o distress_n who_o suffer_v their_o enemy_n so_o far_o to_o prevail_v over_o they_o and_o defer_v his_o help_n so_o long_o till_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o escape_v so_o that_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v perish_v if_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v not_o deliver_v they_o these_o two_o thing_n than_o we_o see_v the_o israelite_n here_o to_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v on_o their_o side_n that_o be_v succour_v and_o deliver_v they_o then_o also_o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v possible_a but_o they_o must_v utter_o have_v perish_v if_o god_n have_v not_o preserve_v and_o defend_v they_o by_o man_n be_v here_o understand_v whatsoever_o be_v great_a and_o mighty_a in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o he_o say_v we_o be_v count_v as_o abject_n and_o out_o cast_v of_o the_o world_n the_o prince_n the_o ruler_n the_o wise_a the_o rich_a of_o the_o world_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o to_o destroy_v we_o and_o to_o root_v we_o out_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o you_o behold_v with_o how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o kingdom_n we_o be_v compass_v about_o which_o bear_v a_o deadly_a hatred_n against_o we_o we_o may_v seem_v like_a to_o a_o silly_a sheep_n compass_v about_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o cruel_a wolf_n every_o moment_n ready_a to_o devour_v it_o that_o we_o live_v in_o safety_n therefore_o and_o that_o our_o enemy_n prevail_v not_o against_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o so_o miraculous_o preserve_v and_o defend_v so_o small_a a_o flock_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v compel_v to_o say_v and_o confess_v at_o this_o day_n that_o if_o god_n do_v not_o miraculous_o defend_v and_o preserve_v his_o church_n the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v so_o great_a that_o one_o of_o his_o angel_n be_v able_a in_o one_o moment_n to_o destroy_v we_o all_o that_o either_o teach_v or_o profess_v christ_n and_o to_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o bloodshed_n and_o slaughter_n we_o see_v the_o prince_n the_o pope_n the_o prelate_n the_o mighty_a and_o wealthy_a of_o the_o world_n yea_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o a_o manner_n bend_v to_o destroy_v we_o against_o who_o what_o have_v we_o to_o defend_v we_o but_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v stretch_v out_o his_o mighty_a arm_n over_o we_o which_o as_o a_o brazen_a wall_n defend_v we_o against_o all_o the_o cruel_a dart_n which_o both_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n do_v daily_o cast_v against_o we_o that_o we_o live_v then_o that_o we_o teach_v and_o you_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o we_o have_v place_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o church_n so_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n satan_n can_v abide_v and_o therefore_o he_o raise_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n against_o we_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o suffer_v all_o these_o thing_n through_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n who_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o by_o man_n strength_n and_o power_n these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v retain_v and_o defend_v if_o satan_n then_o at_o any_o time_n have_v his_o will_n in_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o murder_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a therefore_o it_o be_v because_o god_n will_v show_v what_o satan_n be_v able_a to_o do_v every_o moment_n if_o he_o be_v not_o resist_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v this_o inestimable_a benefit_n continual_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o same_o let_v we_o learn_v then_o to_o sing_v with_o david_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n etc._n etc._n who_o mighty_a hand_n have_v defend_v we_o who_o power_n alone_o have_v preserve_v we_o and_o although_o the_o world_n rage_n against_o we_o though_o satan_n vex_v we_o never_o so_o sore_o they_o can_v hurt_v we_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n say_v christ_n our_o saviour_n for_o i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n again_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o everlasting_a life_n and_o none_o shall_v take_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n verse_n 3._o they_o have_v then_o swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a when_o their_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o we_o in_o these_o word_n he_o express_v not_o only_o the_o strength_n rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o enemy_n but_o also_o how_o weak_a and_o unable_a the_o israelite_n be_v to_o withstand_v they_o and_o here_o he_o use_v a_o similitude_n take_v of_o fierce_a and_o outrageous_a beast_n who_o property_n be_v when_o they_o have_v take_v their_o prey_v to_o swallow_v they_o up_o alive_a likewise_o when_o we_o will_v express_v the_o cruelty_n or_o malice_n of_o any_o towards_o we_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o say_v he_o hate_v i_o so_o deadly_a that_o he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o eat_v i_o or_o swallow_v i_o up_o quick_a the_o prophet_n mean_v then_o that_o their_o enemy_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o mighty_a that_o they_o need_v no_o armour_n or_o weapon_n to_o destroy_v they_o but_o be_v able_a like_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a beast_n to_o swallow_v they_o up_o alive_a be_v so_o weak_a and_o so_o little_a a_o flock_n verse_n 4._o then_o the_o water_n have_v drown_v we_o and_o the_o stream_n have_v go_v over_o our_o soul_n terrible_a be_v the_o rage_n of_o fire_n but_o much_o more_o terrible_a be_v the_o violence_n and_o rage_n of_o water_n for_o that_o no_o power_n can_v resist_v now_o say_v david_n like_v as_o huge_a and_o mighty_a flood_n of_o water_n carry_v with_o great_a power_n and_o violence_n do_v sudden_o overthrow_v and_o bear_v down_o whatsoever_o they_o meet_v withal_o even_o such_o be_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n which_o no_o power_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v therefore_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o trust_v to_o the_o lord_n defence_n and_o succour_n for_o what_o else_o be_v the_o church_n but_o as_o a_o little_a boat_n tie_v by_o a_o river_n fide_fw-la and_o by_o violence_n of_o the_o water_n soon_o carry_v away_o or_o as_o a_o reed_n which_o by_o force_n of_o the_o stream_n be_v easy_o pluck_v up_o and_o carry_v away_o such_o be_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o david_n time_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o gentile_n round_o about_o they_o such_o be_v the_o church_n likewise_o at_o this_o day_n compare_v to_o the_o adversary_n such_o be_v every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o the_o malignant_a spirit_n we_o be_v like_o a_o reed_n which_o be_v easy_o pluck_v up_o and_o he_o like_o a_o rage_a flood_n which_o with_o great_a might_n and_o violence_n overthrow_v and_o carry_v away_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v like_o a_o wither_a leaf_n soon_o blow_v from_o the_o tree_n and_o he_o like_o a_o mighty_a wind_n or_o tempest_n not_o only_o blow_v down_o leave_v but_o pluck_v up_o and_o overthrow_v tree_n and_o all_o what_o be_v we_o then_o poor_a wretch_n able_a to_o do_v of_o our_o own_o power_n and_o strength_n for_o our_o defence_n we_o must_v learn_v therefore_o by_o faith_n whole_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o word_n for_o what_o be_v our_o victory_n but_o even_o our_o faith_n albeit_o that_o armour_n and_o munition_n have_v their_o place_n yet_o can_v they_o nothing_o help_v at_o all_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v our_o god_n our_o strength_n and_o our_o defence_n who_o power_n be_v such_o who_o mighty_a arm_n
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
a_o word_n in_o season_n be_v the_o commentary_n of_o dr._n martin_n luther_n on_o three_o select_a psalm_n viz._n the_o cxxivth_o cxxvth_o and_o cxxixth_o with_o his_o commentary_n on_o some_o part_n of_o the_o four_o and_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o the_o present_a time_n eccles_n xii_o 11._o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v goad_n and_o as_o nail_n fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n which_o be_v give_v from_o one_o shepherd_n london_n print_v by_o george_n larkin_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o broad-street_n next_o to_o london-wall_n 1685._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n it_o will_v be_v a_o unaccountable_a presumption_n for_o i_o to_o commend_v to_o thy_o good_a opinion_n the_o author_n of_o the_o commentary_n on_o the_o psalm_n and_o that_o part_n of_o st._n peter_n first_o epistle_n present_v to_o thou_o in_o the_o follow_a sheet_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o protestant_n christian_n and_o indifferent_o acquaint_v with_o author_n thou_o must_v acknowledge_v dr._n martin_n luther_n a_o worthy_a of_o the_o first_o rank_n next_o the_o apostle_n if_o not_o the_o first_o also_o in_o that_o rank_n or_o stand_v by_o thyself_o as_o some_o odd_a single_a exception_n from_o the_o stream_n of_o thy_o profession_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o roman_n catholic_n and_o so_o of_o a_o denomination_n as_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o as_o thy_o papal_a principle_n be_v to_o truth_n reason_n sense_n and_o humane_a society_n i_o must_v not_o hope_v the_o author_n name_n than_o which_o to_o those_o of_o thy_o profession_n none_o be_v more_o abhor_a will_v commend_v his_o work_n to_o thy_o perusal_n much_o less_o thy_o embrace_n that_o mighty_a opposition_n which_o this_o worthy_a meet_v with_o in_o his_o successful_a attempt_n of_o pull_v down_o the_o papal_a power_n be_v a_o exercise_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o courage_n as_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n have_v fill_v he_o withal_o and_o the_o commentary_n follow_v express_v as_o much_o of_o both_o as_o any_o of_o his_o numerous_a tract_n and_o this_o consider_v with_o the_o sad_a parallel_n of_o our_o present_a confusion_n and_o their_o cause_n with_o those_o of_o his_o day_n those_o very_a remedy_n animate_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v with_o much_o reason_n propose_v for_o thy_o support_n under_o our_o present_a calamity_n if_o not_o also_o as_o of_o some_o tendency_n towards_o a_o cure_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o who_o have_v not_o prostitute_v their_o soul_n to_o their_o sensuality_n and_o their_o religion_n to_o those_o who_o bid_v most_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o antichrist_n will_v accept_v and_o approve_v of_o these_o flower_n out_o of_o luther_n garden_n as_o eminent_o seasonable_a and_o to_o a_o spiritual_a palate_n no_o less_o savoury_a i_o have_v no_o further_o to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o but_o that_o this_o commentary_n be_v according_a to_o the_o english_a translation_n out_o of_o the_o latin_a print_v in_o the_o year_n 1615._o the_o commentary_n of_o dr._n martin_n luther_n upon_o the_o cxxiv_o psalm_n verse_n 1._o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n etc._n etc._n this_o psalm_n be_v a_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercy_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n place_v as_o the_o story_n do_v show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o heathen_a people_n psalm_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o psalm_n as_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o a_o wild_a forest_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n as_o a_o city_n compare_v to_o a_o mighty_a kingdom_n wolf_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n among_o many_o wolf_n be_v compass_v on_o every_o side_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o assyrian_n the_o egyptian_n the_o ammonite_n the_o ismaelite_n the_o moabite_n who_o satan_n have_v stir_v up_o with_o deadly_a hatred_n to_o vex_v and_o persecute_v they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o root_v they_o out_o from_o the_o earth_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v utter_o deface_v and_o abolish_v the_o word_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o danger_n david_n see_v and_o thank_v god_n which_o have_v preserve_v his_o people_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o so_o many_o lion_n and_o dragon_n which_o notwithstanding_o that_o they_o never_o cease_v to_o seek_v their_o destruction_n yet_o all_o that_o they_o go_v about_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o what_o a_o miracle_n be_v this_o that_o this_o people_n can_v so_o long_o continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o so_o many_o devil_n david_n therefore_o in_o this_o psalm_n exhort_v his_o people_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n so_o mighty_o preserve_v defend_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o violence_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n hate_v and_o persecute_v they_o on_o every_o side_n which_o psalm_n we_o also_o do_v sing_v not_o only_o against_o our_o adversary_n which_o hate_v and_o persecute_v the_o word_n but_o also_o against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v now_o seven_o devil_n which_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o we_o whereas_o we_o be_v before_o in_o danger_n but_o of_o one_o which_o cease_v not_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o we_o yea_o our_o case_n be_v more_o tolerable_a if_o we_o have_v but_o only_o the_o world_n and_o not_o satan_n also_o with_o all_o his_o angel_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n whole_o bend_v against_o we_o but_o yet_o further_o to_o molest_v and_o vex_v we_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o have_v also_o the_o three_o enemy_n which_o we_o carry_v always_o about_o with_o we_o which_o we_o nourish_v also_o and_o foster_v at_o home_n with_o we_o and_o even_o within_o we_o the_o flesh_n i_o mean_v which_o give_v we_o no_o rest_n but_o continual_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n fighteth_z against_o faith_n and_o strive_v in_o our_o member_n against_o the_o spirit_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v never_o free_a from_o these_o danger_n let_v we_o also_o sing_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o christ_n this_o psalm_n that_o he_o preserve_v we_o his_o member_n from_o all_o these_o enemy_n for_o it_o be_v extreme_a ingratitude_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o miracle_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o the_o church_n do_v yet_o continue_v and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o which_o true_o teach_v and_o confess_v christ_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n tho'_o satan_n rage_n the_o world_n and_o false_a brethren_n conspire_v against_o we_o and_o the_o flesh_n as_o a_o untamed_a beast_n fight_v against_o the_o word_n and_o faith_n never_o so_o much_o this_o be_v the_o benefit_n then_o that_o david_n so_o high_o extoll_v and_o wish_v that_o his_o people_n will_v understand_v and_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o verse_n 1._o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n may_v israel_n now_o say_v verse_n 2._o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o verse_n 3._o they_o have_v then_o swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a when_o their_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o we_o here_o the_o prophet_n david_n exhort_v the_o people_n to_o consider_v how_o merciful_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o how_o miraculous_o he_o have_v preserve_v that_o kingdom_n and_o also_o to_o praise_v god_n with_o he_o for_o the_o same_o which_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o david_n time_n only_o for_o the_o heathen_a people_n have_v oftentimes_o before_o war_v against_o they_o with_o such_o force_n and_o power_n as_o be_v like_a to_o the_o rage_n of_o most_o huge_a and_o terrible_a flood_n of_o water_n whereof_o he_o speak_v here_o ready_a to_o overflow_v they_o therefore_o see_v he_o mention_v here_o no_o one_o kind_a of_o deliverance_n it_o seem_v that_o he_o mean_v in_o these_o word_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o set_v forth_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v do_v for_o the_o succour_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n at_o any_o time_n before_o wherein_o he_o show_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o glass_n the_o dangerous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v learn_v to_o know_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o policy_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n shall_v always_o fly_v to_o god_n for_o help_n and_o succour_v israel_n signify_v the_o people_n of_o god_n let_v we_o acknowledge_v then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o god_n people_n to_o escape_v the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n but_o by_o the_o help_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o glory_n and_o
it_o likewise_o where_o four_o or_o five_o or_o ten_o godly_a person_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o their_o sake_n the_o whole_a city_n be_v call_v holy_a for_o these_o be_v the_o elect_a corner_n stone_n these_o be_v the_o precious_a pearl_n which_o god_n so_o high_o esteem_v and_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o spare_v the_o wicked_a therefore_o say_v david_n as_o jerusalem_n be_v compass_v about_o with_o mountain_n so_o do_v the_o lord_n compass_v his_o people_n and_o mighty_o defend_v they_o on_o every_o side_n in_o like_a manner_n zachary_n prophecy_v of_o a_o city_n who_o wall_n be_v of_o fire_n these_o similitude_n do_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o safety_n of_o god_n people_n that_o weak_a and_o little_a poor_a flock_n against_o all_o danger_n upon_o this_o promise_n if_o we_o also_o do_v rest_n which_o at_o this_o day_n enjoy_v the_o inestimable_a benfit_a of_o god_n holy_a word_n we_o shall_v be_v defend_v against_o the_o rage_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n not_o by_o fiery_a and_o brazen_a wall_n but_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o these_o thing_n albeit_o we_o can_v comprehend_v yet_o shall_v we_o believe_v they_o so_o certain_o as_o if_o we_o do_v see_v they_o with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n if_o we_o shall_v see_v ourselves_o compass_v about_o with_o brazen_a and_o fiery_a wall_n we_o will_v be_v without_o all_o fear_n and_o triumph_n against_o satan_n but_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o trust_v unto_o that_o which_o the_o eye_n see_v but_o which_o the_o word_n offer_v and_o promise_v this_o one_o thing_n therefore_o be_v lack_v in_o we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o eye_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o we_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o afraid_a than_o they_o which_o be_v close_v within_o the_o wall_n of_o a_o invincible_a castle_n fear_v not_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v they_o never_o so_o terrible_a we_o must_v not_o doubt_v therefore_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o fiery_a and_o brazen_a mountain_n that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o abide_v for_o ever_o invincible_a against_o the_o rage_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n bless_a therefore_o be_v he_o that_o believe_v these_o mountain_n be_v the_o angel_n which_o compass_n we_o on_o every_o side_n that_o satan_n with_o his_o angel_n and_o minister_n can_v hurt_v we_o as_o he_o will_v who_o malice_n and_o power_n be_v such_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o continual_o behold_v we_o continual_o defend_v we_o and_o watch_v over_o we_o he_o will_v destroy_v we_o every_o moment_n this_o can_v all_o they_o testify_v which_o know_v that_o satan_n be_v a_o murderer_n and_o a_o liar_n which_o can_v abide_v to_o see_v the_o godly_a prosper_v and_o therefore_o he_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o root_v they_o out_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o we_o be_v not_o then_o utter_o consume_v it_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o mountain_n by_o who_o we_o be_v so_o compass_v and_o defend_v sometime_o satan_n hurl_v his_o dart_n at_o we_o as_o it_o be_v through_o the_o window_n to_o destroy_v we_o and_o work_v we_o indeed_o some_o sorrow_n but_o he_o can_v move_v we_o this_o similitude_n seem_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o story_n of_o helizeus_fw-la in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o king_n where_o the_o servant_n of_o helizeus_fw-la see_v the_o hill_n about_o he_o full_a of_o fiery_a chariot_n and_o horseman_n compass_n helizeus_fw-la round_a about_o and_o mighty_o defend_v he_o this_o succour_n which_o the_o servant_n of_o helizeus_fw-la see_v and_o the_o prophet_n believe_v when_o he_o see_v nothing_o be_v say_v the_o prophet_n round_o about_o all_o they_o which_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o the_o 34._o psalm_n witness_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n pitch_v round_o about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o our_o eye_n be_v shut_v up_o and_o see_v not_o these_o miracle_n whereof_o not_o with_o stand_v we_o have_v daily_a experience_n this_o promise_n than_o will_v never_o deceive_v we_o only_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o if_o therefore_o we_o do_v believe_v no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v sleep_v we_o shall_v live_v we_o shall_v die_v yea_o that_o more_o be_v we_o shall_v suffer_v what_o soever_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n can_v do_v against_o we_o without_o all_o fear_n for_o thus_o shall_v we_o think_v if_o i_o suffer_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o without_o the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o without_o good_a cause_n well_o know_v though_o not_o unto_o i_o yet_o unto_o god_n therefore_o although_o satan_n break_v through_o the_o wall_n in_o one_o place_n yet_o shall_v he_o never_o be_v able_a utter_o to_o overthrow_v it_o altogether_o thus_o shall_v we_o think_v in_o our_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v afraid_a when_o any_o trouble_n come_v and_o never_o feel_v that_o security_n which_o faith_n bring_v thus_o do_v we_o worthy_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o infidelity_n which_o we_o nourish_v within_o we_o although_o we_o be_v call_v away_o from_o it_o by_o so_o many_o notable_a place_n of_o scripture_n beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o fiery_a wall_n that_o be_v with_o the_o sure_a custody_n the_o continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n of_o the_o angel_n but_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v our_o wall_n so_o that_o every_o way_n we_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o lord_n against_o all_o danger_n above_o we_o he_o be_v a_o heaven_n on_o both_o side_n he_o be_v as_o a_o wall_n under_o we_o he_o be_v as_o a_o strong_a rock_n whereupon_o we_o stand_v so_o be_v we_o every_o way_n sure_a and_o safe_a now_o if_o satan_n through_o these_o munition_n cast_v his_o dart_n at_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v be_v hurt_v before_o we_o take_v harm_n but_o great_a be_v our_o incredulity_n which_o hear_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o vain_a yet_o must_v they_o be_v teach_v and_o learn_v lest_o the_o time_n come_v that_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o counsel_n and_o comfort_n in_o these_o matter_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o hour_n shall_v come_v when_o we_o must_v have_v experience_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o else_o utter_o perish_v where_o he_o add_v from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o by_o these_o word_n he_o show_v that_o this_o vigilancy_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n over_o we_o be_v not_o temporal_a but_o eternal_a according_a to_o that_o which_o he_o say_v before_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n they_o shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o let_v we_o learn_v therefore_o out_o of_o this_o psalm_n that_o our_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o lord_n on_o every_o side_n verse_n 3._o for_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o rest_v on_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o the_o righteous_a put_v forth_o their_o hand_n unto_o wickedness_n here_o the_o prophet_n plain_o declare_v that_o the_o people_n which_o rest_n under_o this_o defence_n and_o protection_n be_v afflict_v and_o subject_a to_o all_o misery_n and_o calamity_n as_o touch_v the_o flesh_n although_o they_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o high_a and_o mighty_a mountain_n as_o touch_v the_o spirit_n as_o satan_n can_v never_o surmount_v yet_o touch_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o old_a man_n they_o lie_v open_a on_o every_o side_n to_o the_o dart_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n for_o god_n by_o these_o mean_n will_v afflict_v and_o exercise_v the_o flesh_n that_o sin_n and_o the_o foolishness_n of_o the_o flesh_n may_v be_v mortify_v in_o they_o and_o that_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o the_o inward_a man_n may_v increase_v this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o we_o be_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o a_o break_a hedge_n and_o as_o a_o city_n who_o wall_n be_v cast_v down_o and_o so_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o enemy_n on_o every_o side_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n so_o vile_a and_o abject_a which_o do_v not_o think_v that_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o listen_v against_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n hereof_o come_v such_o intolerable_a injury_n horrible_a blasphemy_n cruel_a torment_n and_o bloody_a slaughter_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o the_o flesh_n have_v no_o wall_n no_o munition_n to_o defend_v it_o but_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o all_o storm_n and_o tempest_n break_a and_o tread_v down_o of_o the_o wicked_a as_o isaiah_n say_v chap._n 51._o which_o have_v say_v unto_o thy_o soul_n bow_v down_o that_o
picture_n and_o image_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o painter_n set_v forth_o which_o paint_v she_o as_o a_o goodly_a virgin_n as_o a_o city_n well_o arm_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v indeed_o that_o be_v a_o true_a picture_n but_o not_o according_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o spiritual_a eye_n do_v see_v this_o great_a beauty_n that_o christ_n be_v her_o husband_n and_o beget_v she_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n beautify_v she_o and_o make_v her_o glorious_a with_o his_o own_o blood_n with_o his_o merit_n and_o with_o his_o righteousness_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o flesh_n can_v see_v nothing_o can_v judge_v nothing_o but_o see_v rather_o the_o contrary_a how_o she_o be_v subject_a to_o most_o bitter_a hatred_n malice_n vexation_n and_o torment_n wherefore_o if_o it_o will_v paint_v she_o out_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o see_v and_o behold_v she_o then_o must_v it_o paint_v and_o set_v she_o forth_o as_o a_o deform_a and_o poor_a maiden_n sit_v in_o a_o dangerous_a wood_n or_o desac_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o cruel_a and_o hungry_a lion_n bear_n wolve_v swine_n and_o venomous_a serpent_n also_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o outrageous_a and_o furious_a man_n attempt_v with_o sword_n fire_n and_o water_n to_o destroy_v she_o and_o to_o root_v she_o out_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o apocalypse_v set_v forth_o a_o goodly_a picture_n 12._o chap._n 12._o than_o the_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o excellent_a in_o that_o book_n that_o the_o church_n as_o a_o desolate_a woman_n fly_v from_o the_o old_a serpent_n or_o dragon_n persecute_v she_o and_o her_o child_n wherefore_o these_o word_n which_o david_n here_o use_v may_v very_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o she_o many_o time_n have_v my_o enemy_n afflict_v i_o many_o time_n have_v they_o vex_v i_o but_o this_o affliction_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o utter_a destruction_n if_o we_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o if_o the_o enemy_n do_v so_o prevail_v and_o overcome_v that_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o oppress_v and_o vanquish_v for_o ever_o as_o we_o all_o find_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n in_o our_o conflict_n which_o private_o we_o suffer_v in_o our_o heart_n when_o satan_n terrifi_v and_o confound_v our_o conscience_n for_o then_o be_v raise_v up_o such_o terror_n that_o no_o man_n can_v otherwise_o judge_v but_o that_o the_o victory_n be_v satan_n oppress_v we_o with_o heavy_a and_o bitter_a cogitation_n with_o tentation_n vexation_n and_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n and_o spoil_v we_o as_o to_o the_o flesh_n it_o seem_v of_o all_o the_o sweet_a consolation_n which_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o word_n be_v offer_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v well_o say_v oftentimes_o have_v they_o afflict_v i_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o affliction_n but_o a_o utter_a desolation_n and_o destruction_n as_o we_o private_o feel_v this_o every_o one_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n so_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n do_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v vehement_o assail_v with_o strong_a and_o mighty_a army_n of_o most_o deadly_a enemy_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o oppugn_v with_o the_o engine_n of_o all_o tentation_n and_o tribulation_n even_o from_o her_o youth_n that_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v deliver_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v know_v from_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o here_o the_o church_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n comfort_n and_o raise_v up_o themselves_o again_o have_v good_a experience_n that_o in_o all_o these_o calamity_n god_n show_v forth_o his_o power_n and_o not_o only_o remit_v their_o sin_n but_o also_o turn_v away_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o so_o that_o still_o they_o remain_v a_o church_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v bring_v to_o nought_o wherefore_o the_o prophet_n here_o not_o only_o repeat_v the_o danger_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o with_o great_a joy_n he_o add_v withal_o a_o exhortation_n that_o every_o member_n of_o this_o body_n shall_v praise_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v they_o can_v not_o prevail_v against_o i_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a consolation_n not_o only_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n but_o also_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o particular_o against_o the_o proud_a brag_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o the_o great_a hope_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v against_o we_o heretic_n and_o sectary_n do_v glory_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o victory_n the_o pope_n vaunt_v of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n cry_v out_o we_o shall_v overcome_v satan_n join_v with_o they_o both_o and_o raise_v up_o such_o trouble_n that_o it_o seem_v doubtful_a to_o who_o the_o victory_n will_v fall_v this_o oppress_v not_o only_o every_o man_n private_o with_o great_a heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n but_o also_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o we_o by_o experience_n do_v prove_v in_o the_o assembly_n gather_v at_o augusta_n where_o it_o seem_v that_o our_o enemy_n shall_v utter_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o but_o do_v not_o we_o there_o find_v these_o word_n to_o be_v full_a of_o consolation_n they_o can_v not_o prevail_v this_o consolation_n we_o must_v hold_v fast_o even_o when_o we_o be_v kill_v as_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o be_v teach_v for_o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v water_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o the_o great_a increase_v may_v come_v thereof_o now_o like_v as_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v right_o apply_v to_o that_o persecution_n which_o be_v do_v with_o the_o sword_n so_o must_v they_o be_v apply_v also_o to_o the_o assault_n of_o heretic_n and_o enthusiast_n for_o it_o be_v their_o property_n to_o boast_v and_o brag_v of_o the_o conquest_n and_o always_o to_o triumph_v before_o the_o victory_n but_o how_o soever_o our_o adversary_n triumph_v and_o glory_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o word_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v let_v we_o apply_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o amplify_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n if_o then_o as_o needs_o it_o must_v be_v assault_v and_o battle_n do_v follow_v yet_o let_v we_o sing_v with_o david_n they_o can_v not_o prevail_v for_o albeit_o they_o kill_v we_o yet_o neither_o the_o pope_n nor_o any_o other_o heretic_n nor_o the_o turk_n nor_o satan_n himself_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o quench_v the_o word_n neither_o yet_o shall_v they_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o steadfast_o abide_v in_o the_o word_n indeed_o this_o will_v we_o grant_v unto_o satan_n that_o he_o be_v strong_a than_o we_o and_o vex_v we_o many_o way_n for_o many_o be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o just_a but_o god_n will_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o and_o why_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o teach_v and_o moreover_o it_o be_v god_n own_o cause_n which_o they_o defend_v wherefore_o although_o the_o pope_n attempt_n and_o practice_v never_o so_o much_o mischief_n and_o go_v about_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o we_o although_o false_a brethren_n which_o walk_v not_o in_o true_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n continual_o vex_v we_o although_o satan_n himself_o never_o cease_v to_o raise_v up_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n against_o we_o yet_o will_v we_o sing_v with_o david_n even_o to_o the_o end_n they_o can_v not_o prevail_v yea_o and_o that_o only_o because_o of_o the_o word_n verse_n 3._o the_o plower_n plough_v upon_o my_o back_n and_o they_o make_v long_a furrow_n see_v what_o unlike_a and_o almost_o contrary_a thing_n he_o join_v here_o together_o before_o he_o comfort_v the_o faithful_a that_o the_o enemy_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v invincible_a and_o can_v be_v overcome_v and_o here_o he_o complain_v that_o they_o plough_n upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v such_o furrow_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a length_n this_o be_v a_o offence_n therefore_o which_o vehement_o trouble_v the_o godly_a that_o god_n suffer_v satan_n and_o the_o world_n so_o long_o to_o rage_n so_o long_o to_o vex_v and_o afflict_v the_o church_n that_o he_o give_v success_n unto_o their_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o attempt_n that_o he_o suffer_v the_o ungodly_a even_o then_o to_o prosper_v when_o they_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v punish_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o utter_o consume_v on_o the_o oath_n other_o side_n the_o godly_a the_o more_o they_o pray_v and_o the_o more_o they_o hope_v
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