virtue_n and_o chastity_n whereby_o it_o coâ—meth_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o those_o who_o only_a respect_n beauty_n be_v most_o deceive_v oâ—_n their_o expectation_n and_o receive_v at_o last_o 〈◊〉_d fit_a reward_n for_o their_o lust_n the_o king_n house_n whereinto_o they_o werâ—_n bring_v what_o other_o be_v it_o but_o a_o perpetual_a prison_n and_o though_o we_o grant_v 〈◊〉_d be_v honourable_a or_o to_o be_v esteem_v yet_o be_v it_o a_o prison_n and_o unto_o diverse_a 〈◊〉_d they_o a_o perpetual_a widowhood_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—dowed_v under_o the_o cloak_n of_o matrimony_n unless_o they_o please_v the_o king_n wheâ—â—_n he_o have_v deflower_v they_o the_o preparation_n of_o which_o in_o the_o 12._o verse_n 〈◊〉_d other_o be_v it_o but_o a_o bastard_n of_o 〈◊〉_d native_a beauty_n but_o king_n which_o 〈◊〉_d wife_n not_o by_o their_o own_o but_o by_o other_o man_n eye_n have_v many_o time_n those_o who_o it_o please_v other_o and_o not_o themselves_o and_o delight_n rather_o in_o those_o 〈◊〉_d be_v paint_v and_o set_v out_o by_o art_n than_o 〈◊〉_d true_a and_o natural_a beauty_n and_o beside_o what_o need_n i_o pray_v so_o many_o maiden_n â—o_o become_v most_o wretched_a for_o one_o â—ake_z only_o which_o shall_v attain_v the_o â—oyall_a seat_n and_o yet_o this_o sentence_n please_v the_o king_n and_o he_o command_v 〈◊〉_d shall_v most_o speedy_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n who_o it_o have_v better_o beseem_v â—o_o have_v careful_o weigh_v this_o matter_n that_o therein_o neither_o force_n nor_o injury_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o any_o and_o to_o have_v provide_v that_o neither_o he_o shall_v marry_v 〈◊〉_d wife_n against_o her_o parent_n or_o her_o own_o will_n or_o which_o himself_o may_v not_o love_v and_o like_v of_o but_o those_o counsel_n chief_o please_v prince_n whereby_o there_o be_v a_o easy_a way_n make_v to_o their_o delight_n &_o their_o power_n increase_v therefore_o the_o king_n be_v glad_a that_o by_o this_o mean_n all_o provinâ—ces_n shall_v have_v experience_n that_o he_o have_v power_n over_o the_o good_n and_o person_n of_o â—his_n subject_n nothing_o regard_v whether_o by_o right_n or_o wrong_n he_o be_v feed_v then_o with_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v those_o virgin_n who_o shall_v most_o excel_v in_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n throughout_o his_o whole_a realm_n he_o forefain_v unto_o himself_o all_o manner_n of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n little_o care_v for_o public_a honesty_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o what_o earnest_a matter_n can_v he_o think_v of_o who_o toss_v in_o his_o mind_n none_o other_o thing_n they_o to_o attain_v a_o piece_n of_o most_o exact_a beauty_n &_o favour_n pass_v all_o other_o in_o comeliness_n but_o of_o such_o governor_n the_o world_n be_v worthy_a who_o only_a study_n for_o their_o own_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n because_o all_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v carry_v headlong_o with_o immoderate_a pleasure_n prefer_v tyranny_n before_o just_a government_n furthermore_o it_o be_v little_a to_o be_v marvel_v at_o that_o a_o prince_n ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v yield_v so_o much_o to_o his_o pleasure_n in_o gather_v together_o so_o many_o woman_n when_o solomon_n 3._o 1._o king_n 11_o 3._o who_o wisdom_n be_v report_v to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o his_o kingdom_n far_o less_o do_v get_v unto_o he_o a_o thousand_o wife_n whereof_o seven_o hundred_v be_v noble_a woman_n and_o three_o hundred_o concubine_n &_o that_o against_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n which_o turn_v to_o his_o overthrow_n so_o than_o it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o time_n prince_n have_v not_o the_o best_a counsel_n give_v they_o many_o time_n they_o ask_v not_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a because_o they_o be_v far_o more_o desirous_a of_o set_v forth_o their_o power_n and_o magnificence_n then_o of_o wisdom_n and_o more_o careful_a of_o their_o pleasure_n then_o of_o the_o common_a profit_n but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o counsel_n be_v for_o the_o good_a and_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v it_o yet_o be_v it_o no_o whiâ—te_a the_o less_o faulty_a for_o god_n know_v how_o to_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n though_o it_o remain_v always_o darkness_n and_o he_o draw_v good_a forth_o of_o evil_a the_o evil_a still_o continue_v evil_a this_o counsel_n then_o though_o in_o itself_o evil_a and_o the_o multitude_n of_o wife_n or_o rather_o fornication_n which_o here_o be_v advise_v be_v also_o evil_a yet_o god_n thence_o take_v a_o occasion_n to_o lift_v uppe_o ester_n into_o so_o high_a a_o place_n of_o dignity_n do_v those_o thing_n well_o and_o wise_o which_o by_o man_n be_v do_v rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o so_o great_a be_v the_o goodness_n &_o wisdom_n of_o our_o god_n turn_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o health_n and_o commodity_n of_o he_o and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o counsel_n and_o edict_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o so_o many_o virgin_n into_o the_o king_n house_n of_o woman_n we_o be_v now_o to_o see_v who_o and_o of_o what_o estate_n ester_n be_v which_o by_o force_n of_o this_o decree_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o hegai_n the_o king_n eunuch_n keeper_n of_o the_o woman_n who_o be_v gather_v together_o for_o the_o king_n mardochaeus_n who_o by_o kindred_n be_v her_o cousin_n germane_a &_o have_v take_v she_o for_o his_o daughter_n who_o also_o afterwards_o do_v direct_v she_o with_o his_o counsel_n for_o deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v describe_v in_o two_o verse_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o stock_n and_o of_o his_o state_n therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o benjamin_n descend_v from_o kish_n the_o father_n of_o saul_n have_v jairus_n for_o his_o father_n shimei_n his_o grandfather_n and_o kish_n his_o great_a grandfather_n but_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o in_o this_o cenealogie_n all_o the_o ancestor_n of_o mardorhaeus_n until_o kish_n be_v not_o reckon_v for_o from_o the_o time_n that_o saul_n the_o son_n of_o kish_n begin_v to_o reign_v unto_o the_o captivity_n which_o happen_v under_o jechonia_n there_o pass_v more_o than_o four_o hundred_o year_n it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o when_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v mardochaeus_n be_v grow_v to_o great_a year_n for_o from_o that_o captivity_n under_o jechonia_n unto_o the_o time_n which_o here_o be_v describe_v there_o pass_v fourscore_o year_n so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o mardocbans_n be_v carry_v with_o his_o father_n janus_n into_o captivity_n for_o god_n do_v many_o time_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n give_v long_a life_n &_o old_a year_n unto_o diverse_a above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o read_v of_o joiada_n the_o high_a priest_n that_o he_o reach_v to_o the_o age_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n we_o see_v what_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v disperse_v into_o diverse_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o carry_v captive_n into_o a_o strange_a country_n neither_o king_n nor_o mighty_a nor_o learned_a man_n except_v for_o there_o be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n with_o jechonia_n ten_o thousand_o captive_n out_o of_o juda_n and_o benjamin_n all_o be_v man_n of_o might_n and_o all_o the_o workman_n and_o cunning_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o appear_v 2._o king_n 24._o 14._o and_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n &_o consolation_n in_o flight_n and_o banishment_n that_o our_o god_n do_v relieve_v our_o exile_n by_o give_v place_n of_o abode_n under_o christian_a prince_n &_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o exercise_v all_o holy_a liberty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o conscience_n under_o their_o dominion_n and_o such_o be_v mardochaeus_n estate_n it_o be_v say_v afterward_o that_o the_o father_n of_o ester_n be_v the_o uncle_n of_o mardochaeus_n &_o he_o be_v name_v after_o in_o the_o 15._o verse_n abihail_n but_o she_o remain_v a_o orphan_n both_o by_o father_n and_o mother_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o captivity_n for_o otherwise_o she_o must_v be_v of_o necessity_n fourscore_o year_n old_a she_o be_v in_o this_o case_n mardochaeus_n take_v she_o as_o his_o daughter_n and_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o father_n towards_o she_o wherein_o he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o good_a kinsman_n and_o faithful_a friend_n of_o the_o dead_a have_v so_o great_a care_n of_o their_o daughter_n leave_v in_o such_o a_o case_n her_o favour_n and_o beauty_n be_v commend_v because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o get_v the_o king_n grace_n and_o make_v a_o way_n for_o she_o to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n so_o beauty_n do_v help_v those_o that_o fear_n god_n to_o obtain_v honour_n but_o unto_o other_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o the_o instrument_n of_o their_o destruction_n as_o unto_o queen_n vashti_n those_o
of_o a_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v irrevocable_a for_o when_o as_o the_o king_n dare_v not_o call_v back_o his_o former_a proclamation_n what_o do_v he_o but_o lie_v open_v his_o people_n to_o the_o slaughter_n by_o two_o contrary_a writing_n be_v both_o of_o like_a authority_n arm_v his_o subject_n one_o against_o another_o and_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o holpen_v the_o poor_a oppress_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o former_a proclamation_n will_v have_v have_v the_o great_a force_n here_o then_o let_v we_o rather_o admire_v god_n providence_n then_o praise_v the_o king_n wisdom_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o comfort_n that_o in_o our_o great_a danger_n and_o hard_a distress_n when_o the_o mischief_n seem_v past_a remedy_n we_o flee_v unto_o he_o who_o make_v a_o way_n for_o his_o people_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n who_o lighten_v our_o most_o thick_a darkness_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o light_n who_o open_v the_o grave_n who_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n as_o heretofore_o he_o preserve_v by_o wonderful_a mean_n his_o people_n and_o the_o three_o child_n cast_v into_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n and_o final_o daniel_n in_o the_o very_a den_n of_o lion_n howbeit_o the_o king_n humanity_n and_o courtesy_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v who_o so_o willing_o consent_v that_o they_o shall_v write_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o he_o can_v not_o by_o his_o own_o wisdom_n wind_v himself_o out_o of_o so_o intricate_a a_o business_n and_o therefore_o commit_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o fidelity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o mardochaeus_n hereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o prince_n need_v nothing_o more_o than_o faithful_a counsellor_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o part_n to_o obtain_v they_o by_o our_o prayer_n for_o our_o prince_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v direct_v their_o mind_n to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o faithful_a and_o good_a counsellor_n for_o otherwise_o the_o lord_n will_v find_v out_o many_o way_n to_o punish_v the_o enemy_n of_o his_o name_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o people_n out_o of_o all_o distress_n that_o they_o may_v give_v he_o eternal_a praise_n and_o immortal_a glory_n for_o unto_o he_o belong_v only_o all_o glory_n and_o dominion_n through_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n our_o lord_n amen_n the_o twenty_o sermon_n what_o wisdom_n mardochaeus_n do_v use_v in_o write_v the_o proclamation_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o great_a anguish_n and_o trouble_n of_o his_o mind_n from_o verse_n 9_o to_o 15._o of_o the_o 8._o chapter_n 9_o then_o be_v the_o king_n scribe_n call_v at_o the_o same_o time_n even_o in_o the_o three_o month_n that_o be_v the_o month_n sivan_n on_o the_o twenty-three_o day_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v write_v according_a unto_o all_o that_o mordecai_n command_v unto_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o captain_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o province_n which_o be_v from_o india_n even_o unto_o ethiopia_n a_o hundred_o and_o seven_o and_o twenty_o province_n unto_o every_o province_n according_a to_o the_o write_v thereof_o and_o to_o every_o people_n after_o their_o speech_n and_o to_o the_o jew_n according_a unto_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o language_n 10._o and_o he_o write_v in_o the_o king_n assuerus_n name_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o the_o king_n ring_n and_o he_o send_v the_o letter_n by_o post_n on_o horseback_n and_o that_o ride_v on_o beast_n of_o price_n as_o dromedary_n and_o colt_n of_o mare_n 11._o wherein_o the_o king_n grant_v the_o jew_n in_o what_o city_n soever_o they_o be_v to_o gather_v themselves_o together_o and_o to_o stand_v for_o their_o life_n and_o to_o root_v out_o to_o slay_v and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o province_n which_o shall_v invade_v they_o their_o child_n and_o woman_n and_o to_o spoil_v their_o good_n 12._o upon_o the_o same_o day_n in_o all_o the_o province_n of_o king_n assuerus_n even_o the_o thirteen_o day_n of_o the_o twelve_o month_n which_o be_v the_o month_n adar_n 13._o the_o copy_n of_o the_o writing_n be_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o commandment_n give_v in_o all_o and_o every_o province_n publish_v among_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v ready_a against_o that_o day_n to_o avenge_v themselves_o on_o their_o enemy_n 14._o so_o the_o post_n ride_v upon_o beast_n of_o price_n and_o dromedary_n and_o go_v forth_o with_o speed_n to_o excute_fw-la the_o king_n commandment_n and_o the_o decree_n be_v give_v at_o susa_n the_o city_n royal_a a_o braham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o great_a trouble_n of_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n go_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n who_o demand_v of_o he_o where_o be_v the_o lamb_n for_o the_o burn_a offering_n give_v this_o memorable_a answer_n full_a of_o faith_n say_v the_o lord_n will_v provide_v 8._o gen._n 22._o 8._o for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o distress_n which_o no_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v have_v remedy_v he_o show_v that_o he_o depend_v altogether_o on_o god_n providence_n and_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o all_o hard_a and_o doubtful_a matter_n we_o must_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o use_v that_o wisdom_n which_o god_n give_v we_o lest_o we_o be_v fearful_a like_o the_o infidel_n and_o leave_v the_o event_n &_o doubt_n which_o we_o can_v not_o redress_v to_o god_n providence_n and_o most_o wise_a government_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v a_o light_n unto_o we_o in_o our_o most_o thick_a darkness_n this_o also_o we_o see_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o mardochaeus_n in_o this_o history_n for_o the_o king_n grant_v he_o leave_v to_o write_v what_o letter_n he_o will_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o not_o revoke_v the_o former_a which_o be_v write_v for_o their_o destruction_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o wrestle_v with_o many_o doubt_n &_o diverse_a fear_n perceive_v the_o king_n mind_n to_o be_v mutable_a and_o easy_o change_v and_o beside_o foresee_v many_o danger_n after_o what_o manner_n soever_o he_o shall_v write_v the_o decree_n for_o as_o we_o here_o see_v the_o edict_n write_v to_o grant_v the_o jew_n that_o be_v gather_v together_o they_o may_v stand_v for_o their_o life_n against_o all_o that_o will_v as_o enemy_n invade_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o set_v they_o open_v to_o a_o hard_a and_o most_o dangerous_a combat_n against_o the_o natural_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n arm_v no_o less_o with_o the_o king_n authority_n than_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v only_o poor_a captive_n and_o stranger_n and_o far_o less_o in_o number_n then_o their_o enemy_n mardochaeus_n therefore_o in_o these_o strait_n do_v what_o he_o can_v in_o duty_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n grant_v he_o from_o the_o king_n remit_v the_o whole_a event_n of_o the_o matter_n unto_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o wonderful_a mean_n in_o deliver_v of_o his_o church_n he_o have_v already_o have_v experience_n of_o in_o that_o happy_a end_n of_o so_o many_o danger_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v not_o have_v think_v on_o hope_v that_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o god_n who_o have_v begin_v the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o church_n by_o so_o sudden_a and_o unhoped_a mean_n will_v perfect_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o glory_n here_o than_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o mardochaeus_n do_v provide_v that_o this_o new_a proclamation_n may_v go_v forth_o absolute_a in_o all_o part_n and_o form_n and_o what_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o argument_n thereof_o wherein_o shall_v be_v observe_v his_o wisdom_n equity_n and_o diligence_n in_o guide_v and_o further_a the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v particular_o to_o be_v unfold_v by_o we_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o care_n and_o direction_n which_o god_n bear_v over_o he_o and_o how_o he_o dispose_v all_o thing_n for_o their_o safety_n and_o commodity_n as_o oft_o as_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o and_o that_o so_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o rest_v upon_o his_o fatherly_a care_n do_v not_o with_o stand_v our_o duty_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o nine_o verse_n declare_v the_o time_n wherein_o that_o proclamation_n be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o who_o unto_o who_o and_o how_o it_o be_v carry_v the_o time_n be_v the_o 23._o day_n of_o the_o three_o month_n which_o be_v call_v sivan_n which_o answer_v to_o part_v of_o our_o may._n whereby_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o edict_n go_v forth_o two_o month_n &_o ten_o day_n after_o the_o other_o which_o as_o we_o see_v chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 12._o be_v make_v the_o
therefore_o who_o be_v more_o fair_a than_o other_o have_v not_o whereof_o to_o be_v proud_a but_o there_o be_v rather_o give_v unto_o they_o great_a occasion_n of_o humility_n &_o modesty_n that_o they_o may_v employ_v the_o gift_n give_v they_o by_o god_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n mark_v what_o be_v the_o state_n sometime_o of_o those_o virgin_n which_o fear_v god_n though_o bear_v of_o honest_a and_o noble_a parent_n ester_n be_v a_o captive_a a_o stranger_n without_o father_n or_o mother_n and_o poor_a who_o only_a treasure_n and_o riches_n be_v godliness_n and_o her_o only_a father_n and_o defendor_n the_o lord_n by_o which_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o parent_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o greedy_a for_o their_o child_n that_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o get_v or_o keep_v of_o wealth_n for_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v against_o their_o conscience_n when_o as_o godliness_n content_a with_o it_o own_o be_v great_a riches_n and_o there_o can_v no_o better_a inheritance_n be_v leave_v by_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n then_o it_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o bestow_v diligent_a care_n in_o bring_v they_o up_o &_o cast_v off_o 1._o 1._o tim._n 4._o 1._o all_o other_o care_n and_o overgreat_a cark_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o this_o life_n and_o not_o to_o carry_v with_o they_o when_o they_o die_v that_o sorrow_n and_o carefulness_n which_o many_o do_v unless_o they_o have_v provide_v for_o their_o child_n according_a to_o their_o mind_n for_o then_o be_v they_o well_o provide_v for_o when_o they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o father_n who_o blessing_n be_v on_o a_o thousand_o generation_n towards_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o so_o that_o without_o doubt_n he_o will_v raise_v up_o some_o faithful_a mardochaeus_n who_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n faithful_a servant_n here_o also_o all_o man_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o example_n of_o mardochaeus_n to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o orphan_n and_o namely_o of_o their_o kindred_n and_o affinity_n and_o especial_o of_o maiden_n who_o for_o their_o chastity_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n 12._o num._n 29._o 12._o and_o this_o carefulness_n job_n protest_v of_o himself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a shame_n that_o stony_a heart_a and_o more_o than_o barbarous_a man_n who_o abound_v in_o riches_n &_o wealth_n do_v notwithstanding_o so_o little_a love_n and_o regard_v even_o their_o own_o kindred_n that_o they_o suffer_v they_o many_o time_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o extreme_a beggary_n &_o penury_n neither_o may_v they_o lawful_o stick_v at_o their_o loss_n &_o pretend_v that_o for_o a_o excuse_n when_o mardochaeus_n though_o he_o be_v a_o banish_a man_n and_o a_o captive_a do_v not_o yet_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o his_o cousin_n germane_a but_o bring_v she_o up_o with_o he_o in_o godliness_n and_o religion_n the_o fruit_n whereof_o do_v at_o the_o last_o show_v forth_o themselves_o to_o the_o good_a and_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n thus_o have_v you_o what_o ester_n be_v there_o remain_v now_o to_o be_v set_v forth_o how_o she_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o house_n of_o woman_n where_o the_o virgin_n be_v gather_v together_o for_o the_o king_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o hegai_n as_o in_o the_o five_o &_o sixth_o verse_n be_v declare_v the_o author_n do_v not_o express_v whether_o it_o be_v do_v with_o mardochaeus_n consent_n and_o she_o or_o no_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o consent_n look_v for_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o great_a peril_n whosoever_o shall_v refuse_v but_o see_v they_o have_v much_o profit_v in_o godliness_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v drive_v into_o great_a distress_n and_o that_o they_o do_v wrestle_v with_o many_o fear_n when_o on_o the_o one_o side_n mardochaeus_n behold_v all_o the_o good_a hope_n he_o have_v of_o his_o pupil_n in_o a_o moment_n to_o perish_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n ester_n fear_v the_o present_a danger_n of_o be_v reject_v after_o the_o king_n have_v once_o know_v she_o for_o what_o reason_n shall_v she_o have_v to_o hope_v that_o she_o shall_v be_v prefer_v before_o all_o the_o virgin_n in_o the_o whole_a empire_n and_o be_v exalt_v into_o the_o dignity_n royal_a beside_o how_o do_v you_o think_v that_o she_o be_v vex_v in_o mind_n and_o conscience_n when_o she_o see_v that_o she_o must_v be_v join_v to_o a_o infidel_n and_o uncircumcised_a though_o a_o king_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v she_o be_v separate_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n rend_v from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o some_o will_v say_v she_o shall_v rather_o have_v suffer_v any_o shame_n &_o offer_v herself_o unto_o a_o thousand_o death_n than_o consent_n unto_o this_o to_o be_v the_o concubine_n of_o a_o infidel_n but_o what_o can_v she_o do_v a_o great_a force_n take_v she_o away_o and_o peradventure_o there_o be_v in_o this_o fact_n some_o special_a &_o extraordinary_a motion_n of_o god_n spiriâ—_n who_o be_v wont_v so_o to_o lead_v his_o through_o the_o thick_a darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o in_o she_o and_o mardochaeus_n there_o be_v some_o spark_n of_o infirmity_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o strange_a and_o unusual_a matter_n even_o in_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o may_v not_o imitate_v for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v wonder_v at_o and_o learn_v to_o extol_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o who_o turn_v their_o infirmity_n to_o their_o good_a not_o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v they_o i_o will_v not_o therefore_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o any_o reason_n much_o less_o will_v i_o persuade_v any_o or_o yield_v consent_n that_o a_o christian_n maiden_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o great_a turk_n though_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n but_o whatsoever_o happen_v in_o this_o case_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o ester_n have_v many_o thought_n run_v in_o her_o mind_n when_o she_o see_v she_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o mardochaeus_n by_o who_o so_o fatherly_a she_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o deliver_v to_o a_o infidel_n and_o but_o that_o both_o of_o they_o with_o many_o groan_n and_o sigh_n do_v desire_v the_o help_n counsel_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v in_o all_o our_o difficulty_n and_o distress_n certain_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v lighten_v our_o darkness_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v psal_n 18._o and_o 112._o when_o as_o we_o rely_v on_o he_o alone_o and_o dedicate_v ourselves_o with_o a_o upright_o heart_n to_o set_v forth_o and_o celebrate_v his_o glory_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o direct_v the_o step_n of_o he_o and_o when_o they_o fall_v to_o lift_v they_o up_o that_o they_o be_v not_o utter_o tread_v under_o foot_n let_v we_o therefore_o whole_o commit_v ourselves_o unto_o he_o for_o he_o have_v a_o care_n of_o we_o who_o he_o lead_v into_o all_o blessedness_n in_o christ_n jesus_n his_o son_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o sixth_o sermon_n the_o preferment_n and_o exaltation_n of_o ester_n to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n from_o verse_n 9_o unto_o 18._o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n 9_o and_o the_o maid_n please_v he_o and_o she_o find_v favour_n in_o his_o sight_n therefore_o he_o give_v she_o speedy_o the_o thing_n for_o her_o purification_n and_o her_o portion_n and_o seven_o comely_a maid_n out_o of_o the_o king_n house_n and_o he_o appoint_v unto_o she_o and_o her_o maid_n the_o best_a place_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o woman_n 10._o ester_n have_v not_o show_v her_o people_n and_o her_o kindred_n for_o mordecai_n have_v charge_v she_o that_o she_o shall_v not_o tell_v it_o 11._o but_o mordecai_n walk_v every_o day_n before_o the_o court_n of_o the_o woman_n house_n to_o know_v if_o ester_n do_v well_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o she_o 12._o and_o when_o the_o course_n of_o every_o maid_n come_v to_o go_v in_o unto_o king_n assuerus_n after_o she_o have_v be_v twelve_o month_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o woman_n for_o so_o be_v the_o day_n of_o their_o purification_n accomplish_v six_o month_n with_o oil_n of_o myrrh_n and_o six_o month_n with_o sweet_a odour_n and_o in_o the_o purify_n of_o woman_n 13_o then_o when_o every_o maid_n come_v unto_o the_o king_n whatsoever_o she_o require_v be_v give_v she_o to_o go_v with_o she_o out_o of_o the_o woman_n house_n unto_o the_o king_n house_n 14_o in_o the_o evening_n she_o go_v and_o on_o the_o morrow_n she_o return_v into_o the_o second_o house_n of_o
place_n offeare_n and_o terror_n so_o do_v not_o the_o good_a king_n and_o emperor_n in_o old_a time_n but_o themselves_o will_v judge_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o private_a man_n and_o hear_v 16._o 1._o king_n 3._o 16._o every_o one_o as_o we_o see_v that_o solomon_n do_v patient_o hear_v the_o controversy_n of_o those_o two_o harlot_n and_o with_o exceed_a wisdom_n do_v decide_v it_o so_o the_o good_a emperor_n of_o rome_n do_v themselves_o open_o judge_v the_o controversy_n of_o their_o subject_n now_o what_o a_o misery_n and_o what_o a_o mischief_n be_v this_o the_o king_n house_n and_o ear_n be_v at_o all_o season_n open_a to_o hamans_n false_a accusation_n and_o slander_n but_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o queen_n to_o make_v intercession_n to_o the_o king_n for_o the_o just_a defence_n of_o herself_o and_o her_o people_n i_o confess_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v great_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o safety_n and_o dignity_n of_o prince_n but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o clemency_n and_o justice_n than_o which_o they_o have_v not_o either_o sure_a pillar_n or_o safe_a defence_n for_o their_o state_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o ester_n excuse_n yet_o mardochaeus_n accept_v not_o of_o this_o excuse_n but_o courageous_o exhort_v yea_o in_o a_o manner_n compel_v she_o to_o do_v her_o duty_n think_v not_o say_v he_o in_o thy_o mind_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o king_n house_n only_o and_o alone_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o if_o thou_o altogether_o hold_v thy_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n a_o breathe_a and_o deliverance_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o some_o other_o mean_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n shall_v perish_v and_o who_o know_v whether_o thou_o be_v come_v to_o this_o kingdom_n for_o such_o a_o time_n in_o few_o word_n he_o propound_v unto_o she_o three_o chief_a point_n of_o great_a moment_n first_o that_o she_o be_v great_o deceive_v if_o she_o think_v that_o she_o alone_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o common_a danger_n next_o that_o if_o she_o hold_v her_o peace_n yet_o god_n will_v otherwise_o provide_v for_o his_o people_n and_o she_o shall_v perish_v the_o three_o point_n be_v god_n providence_n whereby_o not_o without_o some_o great_a cause_n she_o be_v lift_v up_o into_o the_o dignity_n royal_a to_o wit_n that_o in_o this_o urgent_a necessity_n she_o shall_v help_v the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v speak_v these_o thing_n as_o a_o prophet_n of_o god_n for_o otherwise_o some_o will_v say_v how_o can_v he_o so_o confident_o say_v that_o succour_n and_o deliverance_n shall_v come_v unto_o the_o jew_n and_o ester_n if_o she_o hold_v her_o peace_n shall_v perish_v yet_o because_o he_o follow_v not_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o speech_n of_o the_o prophet_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n therefore_o in_o this_o history_n the_o word_n of_o mardochaeus_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o prophecy_n but_o as_o a_o application_n of_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n to_o this_o special_a fact_n and_o these_o thing_n will_v better_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o explication_n of_o every_o part_n the_o drift_n of_o mardochaeus_n be_v to_o put_v out_o of_o ester_n mind_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n which_o private_o may_v light_v on_o she_o if_o not_o be_v call_v she_o have_v go_v in_o unto_o the_o king_n to_o make_v supplication_n for_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v effect_v this_o he_o object_v a_o great_a fear_n unto_o she_o and_o that_o in_o two_o sort_n first_o that_o she_o shall_v not_o escape_v free_a from_o this_o slaughter_n if_o by_o force_n of_o this_o decree_n all_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v to_o death_n then_o she_o also_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o if_o at_o this_o time_n she_o deny_v her_o help_n unto_o the_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v by_o some_o other_o mean_n and_o god_n will_v punish_v her_o sloth_n and_o cowardice_n the_o first_o point_n be_v very_o likely_a if_o you_o consider_v hamans_n malice_n and_o his_o favour_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o king_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o king_n easy_o believe_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o true_o when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v destroy_v as_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o cutthroat_n increase_v by_o shed_v of_o man_n blood_n it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v this_o profane_a king_n to_o take_v away_o her_o life_n also_o who_o only_o be_v leave_v alive_a of_o that_o whole_a nation_n will_v even_o do_v nought_o but_o breath_n out_o revenge_n for_o the_o injury_n receive_v the_o other_o point_n depend_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o afflict_a to_o arise_v for_o their_o help_n to_o have_v his_o ear_n open_a unto_o their_o prayer_n and_o his_o hand_n stretch_v out_o to_o save_v they_o and_o other_o of_o this_o sort_n many_o whereof_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v full_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a part_n upon_o the_o threaten_n against_o those_o who_o do_v not_o help_v and_o ay_fw-fr de_fw-fr those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o affliction_n and_o this_o by_o force_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n i_o will_v 3._o gen._n 12._o 3._o bless_v they_o that_o bless_v thou_o and_o curse_v they_o that_o curse_v thou_o as_o also_o deborah_n do_v curse_v 23._o jud._n 5._o 23._o the_o inhabitant_n of_o meroz_n who_o come_v not_o as_o their_o duty_n require_v to_o help_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n mardochaeus_n therefore_o fit_o do_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a purpose_n the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n make_v by_o god_n in_o his_o law_n and_o so_o teach_v we_o in_o our_o great_a danger_n both_o public_a and_o private_a to_o apply_v those_o precious_a testimony_n of_o god_n favour_n as_o for_o example_n that_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n he_o that_o touch_v you_o touch_v the_o apple_n of_o 5._o zach._n 2._o 8._o &_o vers_fw-la 5._o â—ine_z eye_n also_o i_o will_v be_v a_o wall_n of_o fire_n about_o â—ou_o and_o again_o to_o the_o stir_v up_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o man_n sloth_n and_o cowardice_n the_o threaten_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v wherein_o god_n threaten_v punishment_n not_o only_o to_o those_o who_o oppress_v the_o church_n â—r_o laugh_v at_o her_o calamity_n but_o also_o to_o all_o â—hose_v who_o do_v not_o help_v she_o if_o they_o may_v â—oth_v by_o word_n and_o deed_n for_o this_o which_o mardochaeus_n set_v down_o be_v to_o be_v note_v â—f_o thou_o hold_v thy_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n thou_o and_o â—y_a father_n house_n shall_v perish_v so_o that_o in_o the_o â—ngerous_a time_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v â—re_n for_o thyself_o alone_o and_o for_o thy_o own_o â—curitie_n and_o not_o to_o dare_v to_o speak_v any_o â—ing_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o separate_v thy_o state_n and_o cause_n from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v to_o procure_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o thyself_o for_o if_o safety_n be_v any_o where_o it_o be_v in_o god_n house_n whereunto_o appertain_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v pro._n 24_o 11_o 12._o how_o great_a then_o be_v the_o madness_n of_o those_o who_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o abjure_v the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v provide_v for_o themselves_o &_o their_o state_n and_o how_o great_a be_v their_o fury_n who_o hunt_v for_o commodity_n only_o by_o the_o loss_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n further_o out_o of_o this_o place_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o as_o the_o weak_a and_o fearful_a be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v so_o also_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v nourish_v in_o their_o infirmity_n but_o to_o be_v prick_v even_o to_o the_o quick_a by_o the_o propose_v of_o god_n threaten_n and_o judgement_n unto_o they_o and_o when_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n all_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o threaten_n which_o may_v proceed_v from_o man_n be_v to_o be_v despise_v the_o king_n assuerus_n forbid_v that_o any_o shall_v come_v unto_o he_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v great_a danger_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n that_o do_v the_o contrary_a but_o god_n bid_v every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o power_n &_o ability_n to_o help_v his_o church_n woe_n then_o unto_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v slack_a or_o slothful_a and_o unless_o we_o rather_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n which_o 19_o act._n 4._o 19_o thing_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o great_a danger_n by_o their_o example_n have_v teach_v us._n the_o three_o reason_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n from_o god_n providence_n whereby_o ester_n be_v exalt_v into_o so_o great_a dignity_n for_o so_o
necessary_a a_o time_n who_o know_v say_v he_o whether_o for_o such_o a_o time_n thou_o be_v come_v to_o the_o kingdom_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v god_n who_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n even_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o time_n have_v not_o without_o cause_n exalt_v thou_o to_o so_o great_a a_o dignity_n by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o mean_n but_o that_o weigh_v with_o thyself_o so_o great_a a_o favour_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o thou_o thou_o shall_v serve_v his_o purpose_n for_o the_o profit_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n for_o what_o unthankfulnes_n shall_v it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v so_o great_a a_o liberality_n of_o god_n towards_o thou_o not_o to_o consecrate_v thy_o dignity_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o thy_o favour_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o church_n so_o it_o be_v hove_v every_o one_o wise_o to_o consider_v unto_o what_o god_n do_v call_v he_o by_o his_o providence_n &_o by_o his_o benefit_n in_o every_o estate_n and_o vocation_n wherein_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n have_v place_v us._n king_n and_o queen_n must_v remember_v that_o 23._o isai_n 49._o 23._o they_o be_v call_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v nurce_a father_n and_o nurse_n of_o his_o church_n minister_n must_v remember_v that_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n final_o by_o how_o much_o every_o one_o have_v receive_v great_a gift_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o ability_n to_o help_v the_o church_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o ought_v he_o to_o employ_v himself_o unto_o it_o here_o also_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o whereas_o mardochaeus_n at_o the_o beginning_n command_v ester_n not_o to_o declare_v her_o nation_n and_o her_o people_n it_o be_v not_o do_v to_o teach_v she_o to_o dissemble_v her_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o care_v for_o her_o brethren_n but_o to_o help_v the_o church_n more_o convenient_o when_o necessity_n shall_v require_v so_o then_o must_v we_o use_v discretion_n that_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o our_o faith_n when_o time_n shall_v require_v by_o all_o good_a effect_n and_o what_o our_o zeal_n be_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o god_n lo_o then_o with_o what_o reason_n god_n will_v have_v ester_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o who_o have_v bring_v she_o up_o that_o she_o may_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n let_v we_o now_o then_o proceed_v to_o see_v her_o holy_a purpose_n be_v compel_v by_o the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o so_o necessary_a reason_n she_o command_v to_o call_v all_o the_o jew_n which_o dwell_v at_o susa_n together_o to_o a_o fast_o of_o three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n and_o promise_v that_o she_o also_o and_o her_o maid_n will_v fast_o likewise_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n for_o help_n and_o aid_n to_o who_o will_n commit_v herself_o and_o her_o life_n she_o determine_v with_o a_o settle_a mind_n to_o go_v to_o the_o king_n and_o make_v supplication_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o her_o people_n the_o assemble_v of_o the_o faithful_a have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n very_o necessary_a when_o any_o necessity_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o pray_v more_o earnest_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o public_a repentance_n which_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophet_n joel_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n in_o their_o great_a danger_n and_o distress_n as_o we_o see_v that_o hezechiah_n do_v when_o he_o be_v besiege_v by_o sennacherib_n and_o jehosaphat_n 3._o 2._o kni._n 19_o 2._o ch._n 20._o 3._o when_o the_o ammonite_n and_o idumean_n do_v set_v against_o he_o i_o confess_v that_o the_o miserable_a captive_n have_v no_o temple_n at_o susa_n where_o they_o may_v assemble_v themselves_o but_o they_o have_v god_n promise_n who_o be_v present_a with_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o perhaps_o they_o have_v before_o obtain_v some_o place_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n so_o exact_a and_o rigorous_a a_o fast_n of_o three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n without_o meat_n or_o drink_v in_o cold_a region_n shall_v exceed_v measure_n because_o man_n in_o those_o country_n can_v not_o endure_v it_o but_o yet_o in_o those_o hot_a country_n it_o be_v not_o altogether_o intolerable_a though_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o strict_a &_o rigorous_a this_o fast_a also_o be_v not_o command_v as_o a_o worship_n acceptable_a to_o god_n of_o itself_o but_o as_o a_o incitement_n to_o more_o vehement_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o great_a humility_n and_o lively_a repentance_n fast_v therefore_o of_o itself_o be_v not_o acceptable_a but_o because_o of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a heart_n because_o of_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o faith_n because_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o expectation_n of_o help_n from_o god_n mercy_n as_o before_o have_v be_v say_v ester_n will_v have_v 11._o serm._n 11._o they_o fast_o for_o she_o not_o as_o though_o she_o alone_o be_v in_o danger_n but_o because_o she_o be_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o all_o and_o by_o her_o good_a or_o evil_a success_n other_o be_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o so_o that_o in_o her_o life_n or_o death_n the_o life_n or_o death_n of_o other_o do_v consist_v the_o church_n therefore_o do_v not_o without_o cause_n pray_v so_o earnest_o for_o she_o that_o she_o may_v find_v favour_n with_o assuerus_n and_o obtain_v that_o which_o she_o do_v demand_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n the_o piety_n and_o godliness_n of_o this_o holy_a queen_n show_v itself_o in_o this_o that_o she_o desire_v not_o more_o of_o other_o than_o she_o will_v fulfil_v herself_o give_v herself_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n with_o her_o maid_n three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n by_o which_o also_o we_o learn_v what_o care_n ester_n have_v use_v in_o instruct_v her_o maid_n in_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o our_o negligence_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o blame-worthy_a unless_o we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o this_o noble_a lady_n as_o well_o in_o prayer_n as_o in_o the_o right_a education_n of_o her_o family_n but_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o these_o dangerous_a time_n wherein_o we_o be_v fall_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o many_o be_v so_o cold_a in_o fast_v in_o pray_v in_o call_v upon_o god_n with_o humble_a petition_n and_o in_o stir_v up_o of_o one_o a_o other_o to_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o religion_n can_v any_o man_n marvel_v then_o that_o we_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o so_o many_o evilles_n and_o that_o our_o calamity_n increase_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o that_o she_o say_v she_o will_v go_v to_o the_o king_n against_o the_o law_n she_o speak_v it_o not_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o she_o may_v show_v that_o she_o more_o esteem_v of_o god_n commandment_n then_o of_o the_o king_n law_n and_o of_o the_o people_n safety_n then_o of_o her_o own_o danger_n therefore_o she_o commit_v her_o life_n into_o god_n hand_n in_o these_o word_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v think_v not_o that_o these_o word_n be_v rash_o and_o unaduised_o cast_v out_o by_o she_o as_o though_o she_o do_v wilful_o and_o by_o despair_n cast_v herself_o into_o danger_n for_o they_o be_v holy_a word_n proceed_v from_o she_o who_o offer_v up_o herself_o and_o her_o life_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n with_o obedience_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o do_v betide_v be_v ready_a and_o repose_v the_o event_n on_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n esteem_v herself_o happy_a if_o it_o happen_v that_o she_o shall_v die_v in_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n so_o do_v that_o good_a patriarch_n jacob_n speak_v when_o he_o send_v his_o son_n benjamin_n into_o egypt_n 14._o ge._n 49._o 14._o with_o his_o other_o brethren_n if_o i_o be_v rob_v of_o my_o child_n let_v i_o be_v rob_v hence_o it_o appear_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o rash_a and_o yet_o when_o necessity_n shall_v so_o require_v and_o duty_n bind_v it_o refuse_v not_o any_o danger_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a with_o a_o trust_n and_o hope_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o his_o body_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n because_o the_o faithful_a be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n be_v 21_o phi._n 1._o 20._o 21_o unto_o they_o both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n advantage_n hereby_o also_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o profitable_a the_o mutual_a admonition_n and_o the_o holy_a exhortation_n of_o the_o faithful_a among_o themselves_o be_v for_o lo_o ester_n who_o before_o be_v fearful_a by_o mardochaeus_n exhortation_n be_v make_v more_o bold_a and_o that_o with_o a_o holy_a boldness_n show_v in_o deed_n that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v say_v
of_o both_o be_v thus_o describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n aâ—â—_n 16._o psal_n 34._o 15._o 16._o upon_o the_o just_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o heaâ—_n their_o prayer_n but_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v â—gainst_a those_o that_o do_v evil_a to_o cut_v off_o their_o remembrance_n from_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v here_o propose_v unto_o we_o to_o behold_v in_o the_o three_o chaâ—ters_n which_o remain_v of_o this_o history_n 〈◊〉_d god_n do_v make_v evident_a his_o favour_n &_o blessing_n upon_o ester_n and_o mardochaeus_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v but_o late_o condemn_v unto_o death_n and_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_a part_n his_o wrath_n &_o curse_n upon_o the_o good_n &_o posterity_n of_o haman_n and_o upon_o all_o that_o consent_v with_o he_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n ought_v to_o comfort_v we_o at_o all_o time_n &_o to_o nourish_v our_o hope_n of_o the_o grace_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n &_o of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o his_o enemy_n see_v he_o bring_v to_o shameful_a death_n the_o author_n of_o persecution_n against_o his_o church_n now_o at_o this_o present_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o lord_n go_v on_o far_a to_o pour_v out_o his_o vengeance_n against_o haman_n and_o to_o show_v his_o favour_n unto_o ester_n and_o mardochaeus_n cause_v that_o these_o enjoy_v his_o substance_n &_o honour_n in_o the_o two_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n next_o how_o ester_n be_v move_v with_o exceed_a charity_n &_o zeal_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o god_n obtain_v letter_n of_o assuerus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v be_v safe_a from_o their_o enemy_n whereby_o we_o learn_v with_o what_o feruentnes_n of_o mind_n and_o vehemency_n the_o safety_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v which_o though_o the_o wicked_a enemy_n be_v take_v away_o yet_o be_v she_o still_o in_o danger_n by_o their_o wicked_a practice_n and_o conspiracy_n first_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o see_v to_o who_o the_o spoil_n of_o haman_n come_v to_o weet_v his_o good_n and_o possession_n be_v give_v by_o the_o king_n to_o ester_n vers_fw-la 1._o and_o his_o honour_n to_o mardochaeus_n vers_fw-la 2._o in_o that_o same_o day_n say_v the_o history_n do_v the_o king_n assuerus_n give_v unto_o ester_n the_o queen_n the_o house_n of_o haman_n the_o adversary_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o name_n of_o house_n be_v contain_v all_o his_o stuff_n and_o good_n both_o movable_a and_o unmoveable_a which_o the_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v hang_v be_v give_v by_o the_o king_n to_o ester_n as_o be_v forfeit_v unto_o the_o king_n and_o so_o at_o his_o pleasure_n to_o bestow_v on_o who_o soever_o it_o please_v he_o the_o wife_n then_o of_o haman_n we_o see_v and_o his_o child_n and_o friend_n be_v deceive_v of_o their_o hope_n of_o succession_n and_o ester_n who_o he_o hold_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v have_v destroy_v both_o she_o and_o her_o whole_a nation_n be_v his_o heir_n so_o that_o although_o the_o son_n of_o haman_n overlive_v their_o father_n almost_o eight_o month_n before_o they_o be_v destroy_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n yet_o they_o enjoy_v no_o part_n of_o their_o father_n good_n so_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o good_n of_o the_o oppressor_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v into_o their_o hand_n who_o know_v well_o to_o use_v it_o for_o ester_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v set_v mardochaeus_n to_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o which_o he_o well_o and_o faithful_o discharge_v that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o solomon_n speak_v that_o the_o 22._o prou._n 28._o 8._o &_o 13._o 22._o good_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v gather_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o that_o which_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o sinner_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o just_a which_o be_v speak_v yet_o more_o express_o in_o job_n though_o he_o shall_v heap_v 17._o job._n 27._o 16._o 17._o up_o silver_n as_o the_o dust_n and_o prepare_v raiment_n as_o the_o clay_n he_o may_v prepare_v it_o but_o the_o just_a shall_v put_v it_o on_o and_o the_o innocent_a shall_v divide_v the_o silver_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o testimony_n of_o david_n be_v true_a that_o man_n disquiet_v 10._o psal_n 39_o 6._o &_o 49._o 10._o themselves_o in_o vain_a heap_v up_o riches_n and_o can_v not_o tell_v who_o shall_v gather_v they_o as_o he_o also_o speak_v in_o another_o psalm_n we_o see_v that_o wise_a man_n die_v and_o also_o the_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a and_o leave_v their_o riches_n for_o other_o and_o which_o be_v another_o vanity_n of_o they_o they_o think_v that_o their_o house_n shall_v stand_v for_o 11._o verse_n 11._o ever_o and_o their_o habitation_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n &_o call_v their_o land_n by_o their_o name_n but_o this_o man_n shall_v not_o continue_v in_o honour_n he_o 12._o verse_n 12._o be_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o die_v hereby_o than_o it_o be_v sufficient_o try_v that_o none_o do_v soon_o miss_v of_o their_o hope_n than_o the_o proud_a which_o make_v war_n against_o god_n for_o both_o their_o good_n come_v unto_o other_o and_o their_o memory_n be_v either_o utter_o extinguish_v or_o remain_v detestable_a among_o good_a man_n for_o ever_o as_o we_o see_v haman_n be_v note_v by_o none_o other_o title_n but_o the_o oppressor_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o his_o good_n be_v worthy_o confiscate_v as_o guilty_a of_o treason_n both_o against_o god_n and_o his_o princess_n for_o by_o his_o wicked_a devise_n he_o do_v rise_v against_o god_n defame_v the_o king_n &_o seek_v the_o life_n of_o the_o queen_n heerehence_a appear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o confiscation_n of_o good_n be_v most_o ancient_a and_o use_v against_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o most_o heinous_a crime_n that_o so_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n may_v be_v beat_v down_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a but_o he_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o care_n of_o his_o child_n and_o posterity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o many_o be_v not_o so_o afraid_a of_o death_n as_o that_o their_o child_n by_o their_o fault_n shoulâ—_n be_v drive_v to_o penury_n therefore_o to_o restrain_v &_o bridle_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n therâ—_n be_v not_o only_o appoint_v most_o grievous_a pain_n for_o the_o more_o heinous_a offence_n bâ—â—_n also_o the_o loss_n &_o confiscation_n of_o their_o good_a but_o if_o any_o shall_v except_v that_o the_o child_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o father_n offence_n i_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a injury_n do_v unto_o they_o though_o they_o be_v innocent_a when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o father_n substance_n then_o when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o life_n &_o defence_n the_o confiscation_n then_o &_o take_v away_o of_o hamans_n good_n be_v a_o just_a vengeance_n upon_o he_o &_o his_o family_n i_o confess_v that_o diverse_a time_n it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o best_a by_o the_o false_a accusation_n of_o the_o wicked_a may_v be_v spoil_v of_o their_o life_n and_o good_n which_o we_o see_v be_v do_v unto_o naboth_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o jezabel_n who_o cause_v 21._o 1._o king_n 21._o he_o to_o be_v accuse_v of_o treason_n that_o so_o achab_n may_v challenge_v his_o good_n &_o possession_n by_o way_n of_o confiscation_n but_o the_o wicked_a do_v not_o long_o enjoy_v those_o good_n as_o neither_o achab_n have_v long_a cause_n of_o joy_n when_o as_o short_o after_o the_o death_n of_o naboth_n he_o receive_v a_o message_n by_o eliah_n the_o prophet_n of_o god_n vengeance_n to_o be_v execute_v upon_o he_o &_o his_o family_n together_o with_o a_o most_o notable_a testimony_n of_o naboths_n innocence_n as_o the_o same_o history_n do_v witness_v so_o that_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o good_n of_o the_o poor_a faithful_a condemn_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o escheat_n and_o confiscation_n shall_v not_o long_o rejoice_v but_o shall_v short_o feel_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n upon_o themselves_o &_o their_o posterity_n as_o touch_v ester_n she_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n possess_v the_o good_n of_o haman_n who_o suffer_v just_o for_o his_o desert_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v afterward_o abstain_v from_o the_o spoil_n of_o those_o who_o in_o their_o lawful_a defence_n they_o slay_v although_o the_o king_n give_v they_o the_o spoil_n and_o that_o therefore_o likewise_o ester_n ought_v to_o have_v abstain_v from_o the_o spoil_n of_o haman_n we_o may_v answer_v that_o the_o circumstance_n in_o these_o action_n be_v diverse_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o deal_v
the_o godly_a these_o be_v the_o admirable_a work_n of_o our_o god_n which_o no_o man_n can_v sufficient_o wonder_v at_o and_o in_o meditation_n where_o of_o all_o our_o sense_n will_v fail_v for_o god_n do_v fulfil_v those_o thing_n before_o our_o eye_n which_o no_o man_n can_v expect_v or_o so_o much_o as_o hope_v for_o there_o be_v a_o set_a day_n appoint_v for_o this_o matter_n throughout_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o king_n assuerus_n to_o weet_v the_o xv_o day_n of_o the_o xij_o month_n which_o be_v the_o month_n adar_n and_o which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o the_o day_n which_o be_v by_o hamans_n malice_n prefix_v for_o their_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n until_o that_o day_n come_v they_o may_v at_o leisure_n meet_v and_o prepare_v and_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o thing_n necessary_a for_o their_o just_a defence_n diligent_o foresee_v as_o well_o the_o number_n of_o the_o enemy_n as_o their_o purpose_n and_o strength_n whereby_o they_o prepare_v to_o set_v upon_o they_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o seek_v to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o foâ—_n the_o most_o part_n those_o time_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n do_v think_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o obtain_v a_o happy_a issue_n of_o their_o devise_n and_o practice_n god_n do_v appoint_v for_o their_o destruction_n whereof_o we_o oftentimes_o have_v have_v experience_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o jew_n let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v command_v unto_o the_o governor_n that_o the_o copy_n of_o this_o writing_n shall_v be_v publish_v among_o the_o people_n in_o every_o province_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v ready_a against_o that_o day_n to_o avenge_v themselves_o on_o their_o enemy_n this_o may_v seem_v hard_a un_fw-fr to_o the_o lieutenant_n and_o governor_n who_o late_o have_v publish_v a_o edict_n altogether_o contrary_a unto_o this_o but_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n even_o as_o servant_n unto_o this_o great_a monarch_n neither_o dare_v they_o as_o much_o as_o to_o open_v their_o lip_n against_o his_o pleasure_n but_o what_o i_o pray_v can_v they_o imagine_v when_o they_o see_v such_o contrary_a commandment_n but_o that_o either_o the_o king_n be_v undiscreete_a or_o use_v evil_a counsellor_n or_o else_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o mutual_a hatred_n and_o discord_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o will_v therefore_o make_v trial_n which_o part_n be_v strong_a notwithstanding_o they_o go_v on_o and_o proclaim_v the_o edict_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v sufficient_o furnish_v to_o be_v revenge_v on_o their_o enemy_n although_o then_o private_a revenge_n be_v in_o express_a word_n forbid_v math._n 5._o 39_o yet_o the_o public_a grant_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o just_a cause_n be_v always_o lawful_a and_o command_v by_o god_n so_o david_n give_v thanks_n unto_o god_n 41._o ps_n 18._o 41._o that_o he_o have_v give_v he_o power_n to_o avenge_v himself_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o many_o contemn_v this_o decree_n as_o be_v wrest_v from_o the_o king_n by_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o woman_n and_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o king_n indeed_o will_v not_o have_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o edict_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o will_v stand_v unto_o the_o former_a but_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n draw_v on_o his_o enemy_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n so_o diverse_a in_o our_o time_n trust_v unto_o that_o edict_n which_o be_v first_o make_v against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n account_v of_o the_o king_n latter_a edict_n but_o as_o trifle_n and_o to_o be_v laugh_v at_o which_o opinion_n yet_o be_v and_o will_v be_v to_o their_o hindrance_n let_v we_o now_o pass_v over_o unto_o those_o by_o who_o diligence_n those_o letter_n be_v carry_v into_o all_o province_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o swift_a post_n which_o ride_v on_o the_o best_a horse_n and_o beast_n provide_v for_o the_o king_n affair_n for_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n use_v to_o have_v stage_n post_n prepare_v for_o the_o journey_n of_o every_o province_n that_o so_o in_o short_a time_n they_o may_v receive_v news_n of_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o send_v into_o the_o province_n as_o need_v require_v of_o who_o faithfulness_n no_o man_n will_v doubt_v see_v they_o have_v commandment_n from_o the_o king_n so_o god_n provide_v that_o his_o shall_v speedy_o receive_v the_o gladsome_a tiding_n of_o their_o deliverance_n that_o in_o their_o anguish_n they_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o in_o their_o sorrow_n cheer_v and_o make_v glad_a and_o that_o by_o the_o effect_n itself_o he_o may_v approve_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o have_v hear_v their_o prayer_n and_o understand_v their_o cry_n so_o when_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o lord_n all_o thing_n be_v change_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o good_a and_o joy_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o king_n will_v and_o lip_n wish_v and_o speak_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o profit_n the_o scribe_n write_v that_o which_o mardochaeus_n command_v they_o who_o set_v down_o that_o which_o he_o think_v necessary_a for_o their_o preservation_n the_o prince_n and_o governor_n they_o publish_v that_o which_o they_o be_v command_v the_o post_n speedy_o carry_v the_o letter_n into_o all_o province_n so_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o comfort_v his_o after_o affliction_n let_v we_o therefore_o whole_o depend_v on_o he_o serve_v he_o continual_o in_o fear_n patient_o expect_v his_o help_n look_v until_o he_o make_v we_o joyful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o our_o joy_n be_v purchase_v to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n the_o magnificence_n of_o mardochaeus_n the_o joy_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o all_o people_n from_o the_o 15_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 8._o chapter_n 15._o and_o mordecai_n go_v out_o from_o the_o king_n in_o royal_a apparel_n of_o blue_a and_o white_a and_o with_o a_o great_a crown_n of_o gold_n and_o with_o a_o garment_n of_o fine_a linen_n and_o purple_a and_o the_o city_n of_o susa_n rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a 16._o and_o unto_o the_o jew_n be_v come_v light_a and_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o honour_n 17._o also_o in_o all_o and_o every_o province_n and_o in_o all_o and_o every_o city_n into_o whatsoever_o place_n the_o king_n commandment_n and_o his_o decree_n come_v there_o be_v joy_n and_o gladness_n afeast_n and_o good_a day_n &_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o jew_n fall_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o who_o do_v not_o most_o willing_o confess_v that_o the_o say_n of_o paul_n be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n according_a to_o that_o power_n which_o work_v 20._o eph._n 3._o 20._o in_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v exceed_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o god_n power_n do_v infinite_o surpass_v the_o reach_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o mind_n howbeit_o when_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v make_v open_a unto_o we_o by_o clear_a and_o evident_a example_n or_o when_o as_o god_n by_o experience_n do_v show_v forth_o the_o same_o in_o our_o own_o affair_n then_o with_o great_a assurance_n and_o delight_n do_v we_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v true_a whereby_o we_o do_v pour_v outmore_o abundant_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n proclaim_v his_o power_n and_o bounty_n which_o be_v far_o great_a than_o all_o our_o wish_n desire_n or_o demand_n therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n many_o notable_a example_n in_o which_o the_o liberality_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o pass_v our_o hope_n and_o petition_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o joseph_n be_v sell_v sore_o a_o bondslave_n into_o egypt_n and_o 41_o gen._n 39_o 41_o by_o the_o slander_n of_o his_o mistress_n cast_v into_o prison_n for_o what_o more_o can_v he_o desire_v of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n then_o to_o be_v set_v free_a out_o of_o bond_n into_o liberty_n and_o restore_v to_o his_o father_n house_n but_o god_n bestow_v on_o he_o great_a gift_n lift_v he_o up_o into_o the_o government_n of_o all_o egypt_n and_o give_v he_o the_o next_o degree_n of_o honour_n unto_o pharaoh_n the_o same_o favour_n do_v daniel_n feel_v in_o babylon_n for_o when_o as_o he_o dare_v not_o hope_v 6._o da._n 2._o 48._o &_o 6._o for_o any_o great_a matter_n then_o to_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o return_v unto_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v make_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o prince_n by_o nabuchadnezzer_n the_o same_o here_o be_v see_v
great_a authority_n and_o favour_n wherein_o mardochaeus_n be_v and_o which_o he_o so_o use_v that_o he_o be_v dear_a unto_o the_o king_n and_o belove_v of_o all_o the_o people_n he_o be_v also_o careful_a especial_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o jew_n and_o provide_v what_o he_o may_v for_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o posterity_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o enjoy_v long_o and_o happy_a peace_n the_o lord_n bestow_v his_o favour_n on_o they_o a_o long_a while_n when_o as_o his_o wrath_n have_v pass_v in_o a_o moment_n this_o conclusion_n of_o this_o book_n be_v now_o to_o be_v weigh_v by_o we_o with_o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n to_o be_v gather_v of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v expound_v that_o we_o may_v constant_o expect_v our_o peace_n and_o quiet_a from_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v grant_v it_o unto_o his_o church_n after_o that_o he_o have_v exercise_v it_o for_o a_o season_n under_o diverse_a affliction_n first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o king_n assuerus_n lay_v a_o tribute_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o upon_o the_o yle_n of_o the_o sea_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o this_o tribute_n as_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o it_o be_v then_o impose_v when_o xerxes_n the_o son_n of_o assuerus_n make_v his_o preparation_n for_o his_o voyage_n into_o greece_n for_o which_o he_o gather_v so_o great_a a_o army_n to_o weet_v of_o twenty_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v herodotus_n for_o which_o action_n there_o be_v of_o necessity_n require_v a_o huge_a mass_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o extraordinary_a tribute_n and_o subsidy_n from_o whence_o it_o seem_v that_o common_a proverb_n spring_v among_o the_o persian_n that_o cyrus_n be_v a_o father_n cambyses_n a_o lord_n darius_n a_o huckster_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o though_o he_o make_v retail_n of_o his_o people_n so_o that_o king_n do_v not_o by_o any_o thing_n soon_o purchase_v the_o note_n of_o tyranny_n or_o of_o covetousness_n and_o filthy_a desire_n of_o gain_n then_o by_o great_a &_o extraordinary_a exaction_n upon_o their_o subject_n but_o why_o be_v there_o here_o mention_v make_v of_o this_o tribute_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o it_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v wherein_o be_v declare_v in_o how_o great_a favour_n and_o authority_n mardochaeus_n be_v with_o the_o king_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v signify_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v free_a from_o this_o tribute_n which_o be_v the_o great_a amplification_n &_o increase_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o matter_n the_o singular_a favour_n of_o god_n do_v shine_v who_o cause_v the_o poor_a captive_n to_o be_v spare_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o natural_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v charge_v some_o with_o the_o labour_n &_o danger_n of_o war_n some_o with_o exaction_n &_o diminish_v of_o their_o good_n and_o substance_n lo_o what_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o a_o wise_a governor_n can_v do_v in_o the_o spare_n of_o those_o that_o have_v most_o need_n such_o as_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o natural_a inhabitant_n wherefore_o mardochaeus_n do_v nothing_o unworthy_a praise_n or_o against_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o procure_v their_o release_n with_o especial_a care_n i_o grant_v that_o some_o be_v not_o to_o be_v oppress_v that_o other_o may_v be_v release_v when_o the_o case_n be_v of_o those_o burden_n &_o tax_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o profit_n or_o defence_n of_o all_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n but_o that_o poor_a stranger_n may_v wise_o relieve_v themselves_o from_o those_o burden_n which_o prince_n exact_v of_o their_o natural_a subject_n so_o joseph_n release_v the_o family_n of_o jacob_n his_o father_n from_o 12_o gen._n 47._o 12_o all_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v compel_v to_o sell_v their_o flock_n and_o their_o possession_n unto_o pharaoh_n for_o corn_n when_o the_o israelite_n be_v free_o sustain_v by_o the_o munificence_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o king_n for_o the_o love_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o joseph_n for_o that_o faithfulness_n and_o wisdom_n which_o he_o have_v sufficient_o try_v to_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o he_o &_o his_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o realm_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o marvel_v if_o the_o king_n assuerus_n for_o the_o like_a experience_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o discretion_n of_o mardochaeus_n profitable_a for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n do_v for_o his_o sake_n make_v the_o jew_n free_a from_o this_o extraordinary_a tribute_n more_o over_o the_o history_n pass_v over_o in_o silence_n the_o act_n of_o assuerus_n and_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o mardochaeus_n wherewith_o the_o king_n have_v magnify_v he_o because_o they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o media_n and_o persia_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a preparation_n make_v by_o assuerus_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o xerxes_n his_o son_n but_o very_o unlucky_a as_o all_o history_n do_v observe_v and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o act_n the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o persian_n be_v lose_v be_v now_o unknowen_a now_o as_o touch_v mardochaeus_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o his_o wisdom_n faithfulness_n and_o watchfulness_n be_v sufficient_o try_v and_o approve_v by_o assuerus_n see_v that_o he_o make_v so_o great_a account_n of_o he_o for_o although_o sometime_o prince_n do_v promote_v unworthy_a man_n upon_o sudden_a advice_n and_o affection_n which_o we_o have_v see_v in_o haman_n yet_o that_o dignity_n continue_v not_o long_o for_o in_o short_a space_n they_o bewray_v either_o their_o pride_n and_o folly_n or_o their_o wickedness_n and_o so_o in_o a_o moment_n fall_v headlong_o back_o again_o wherefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o mardochaeus_n be_v adorn_v with_o virtue_n fit_a for_o that_o place_n and_o dignity_n which_o he_o sustain_v for_o otherwise_o be_v a_o alien_n new_o upstart_n and_o lift_v up_o from_o base_a state_n to_o so_o high_a honour_n and_o procure_v at_o his_o first_o come_v to_o his_o estate_n that_o edict_n by_o force_n and_o authority_n whereof_o the_o jew_n slay_v seventie_o and_o five_o thousand_o of_o their_o enemy_n at_o one_o massacre_n it_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v watch_v and_o await_v lay_v for_o he_o in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o show_v great_a faithfulness_n in_o his_o office_n be_v most_o trusty_a unto_o the_o king_n and_o most_o wise_a and_o upright_o in_o his_o government_n he_o shall_v not_o long_o have_v retain_v that_o dignity_n nay_o if_o beside_o all_o thing_n have_v not_o have_v prosperous_a success_n which_o he_o deal_v in_o there_o will_v not_o have_v want_v those_o who_o will_v have_v accuse_v and_o slander_v he_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o confusion_n which_o may_v arise_v in_o so_o great_a a_o monarchy_n therefore_o god_n do_v adorn_v he_o not_o only_o with_o gift_n meet_v and_o necessary_a to_o bear_v out_o so_o great_a a_o charge_n but_o also_o do_v compass_v he_o with_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v safe_a from_o all_o the_o bite_n of_o envy_n and_o despite_n and_o cover_v against_o all_o the_o false_a slander_n and_o injury_n of_o the_o malicious_a so_o be_v his_o government_n profitable_a unto_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o procure_v peace_n unto_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o he_o who_o rule_v the_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o affection_n the_o government_n of_o haman_n be_v troublesome_a to_o the_o church_n hurtful_a to_o the_o people_n dishonourable_a unto_o the_o king_n and_o hate_v of_o all_o man_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o mardochaeus_n be_v profitable_a and_o peaceable_a unto_o the_o church_n gaineful_a unto_o the_o king_n subject_n and_o final_o most_o honourable_a unto_o the_o king_n wherefore_o it_o be_v for_o the_o behoof_n and_o profit_n of_o all_o state_n that_o their_o government_n be_v commit_v unto_o wise_a man_n fear_v god_n contrariwise_o it_o bring_v destruction_n unto_o they_o if_o man_n ambitious_a covetous_a desirous_a of_o revenge_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o passion_n for_o their_o own_o profit_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o helm_n to_o govern_v the_o rest_n so_o we_o read_v that_o when_o joseph_n govern_v 41._o gen._n 41._o egypt_n the_o kingdom_n be_v happy_a and_o quiet_a and_o under_o samuel_n the_o state_n of_o the_o 31._o 1._o sam._n 7._o 1._o sam._n 2._o 1._o sam._n 31._o people_n be_v bless_v which_o under_o the_o rule_n
of_o the_o son_n of_o heli_n be_v most_o unhappy_a the_o same_o kingdom_n be_v almost_o spoil_v and_o waste_v under_o saul_n be_v restore_v all_o 2._o sam._n all_o by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o david_n final_o all_o affair_n either_o public_a or_o private_a do_v speed_v well_o if_o good_a man_n and_o careful_a in_o their_o office_n do_v manage_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o wicked_a or_o negligent_a man_n have_v they_o in_o hand_n they_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o jethro_n the_o father_n in_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o give_v he_o advise_v for_o the_o choose_n of_o judge_n by_o who_o he_o may_v be_v holpen_v in_o decide_v of_o controversy_n warn_v he_o that_o he_o choose_v man_n of_o courage_n fear_v god_n deal_v true_o 21._o exo._n 18._o 21._o hate_v covetousness_n so_o david_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v either_o in_o his_o house_n 101._o psal_n 101._o or_o in_o his_o kingdom_n wicked_a and_o vicious_a man_n but_o that_o with_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n he_o will_v seek_v out_o godly_a man_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v with_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certayner_n prognostication_n whereby_o either_o hurt_n and_o infelicity_n be_v threaten_v unto_o any_o state_n then_o when_o the_o wicked_a reign_n and_o bear_v rule_n therein_o or_o whereby_o happiness_n and_o good_a success_n be_v promise_v then_o when_o godly_a man_n sit_v chief_a in_o the_o government_n thereof_o wherefore_o we_o be_v with_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o crave_v at_o god_n hand_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v govern_v by_o man_n that_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o that_o be_v careful_a of_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n respect_v the_o common_a good_a and_o not_o their_o own_o profit_n in_o few_o word_n be_v the_o dignity_n and_o virtue_n of_o mardochaeus_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n his_o dignity_n that_o he_o be_v next_o unto_o the_o king_n assuerus_n and_o great_a among_o the_o jew_n his_o virtue_n that_o he_o be_v accept_v of_o all_o his_o brethren_n procure_v the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o speak_v peaceable_o to_o all_o his_o seed_n it_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o possess_v the_o second_o place_n of_o dignity_n to_o the_o king_n in_o so_o mighty_a and_o flourish_a a_o monarchy_n so_o that_o he_o have_v need_n to_o be_v furnish_v with_o rare_a exquisite_a and_o heroical_a virtue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o guide_v the_o affair_n of_o so_o great_a a_o estate_n with_o praise_n and_o honour_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a honour_n and_o dignity_n unto_o he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o retain_v true_a godliness_n and_o religion_n among_o the_o delicacy_n and_o riot_n of_o so_o great_a a_o court_n then_o to_o be_v the_o viceroy_n of_o so_o high_a a_o monarch_n of_o this_o mind_n be_v joseph_n when_o 1._o gen._n 48._o 1._o he_o more_o esteem_v to_o have_v his_o child_n partaker_n of_o jacobs_n blessing_n then_o of_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o egypt_n the_o like_a also_o moses_n do_v who_o have_v rather_o suffer_v with_o the_o 6._o heb._n 11._o 24._o 25._o daniel_n 6._o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o be_v account_v the_o son_n of_o pharaos_n daughter_n daniel_n also_o in_o babylon_n have_v rather_o endanger_v his_o life_n in_o the_o lion_n jaw_n then_o neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o pray_v unto_o god_n it_o be_v not_o say_v how_o long_o this_o dignity_n of_o mardochaeus_n last_v but_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o it_o endure_v unto_o his_o death_n to_o the_o profit_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherefore_o god_n also_o bless_v the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o persian_n because_o his_o church_n therein_o have_v a_o peaceable_a seat_n so_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o bless_v nation_n &_o kingdom_n in_o which_o his_o church_n be_v harbour_v with_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n and_o he_o do_v diverse_a time_n choose_v out_o some_o of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v ruler_n that_o thereby_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v the_o better_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v and_o who_o can_v hinder_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o may_v promote_v who_o please_v he_o to_o the_o high_a top_n of_o honour_n so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o david_n be_v establish_v maugre_o saul_n and_o all_o his_o practice_n and_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o borderer_n who_o labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o settle_v thereof_o of_o the_o virtue_n of_o mardochaeus_n the_o first_o be_v gentleness_n and_o courtesy_n whereby_o he_o be_v accept_v of_o all_o his_o brethren_n for_o iâ—_n unmindful_a of_o his_o former_a estate_n he_o have_v despise_v his_o brethren_n or_o have_v behave_v himself_o towards_o they_o proud_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o dignity_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v benâ—_n esteem_v or_o belove_v by_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o love_v they_o and_o do_v abase_v himself_o to_o their_o estate_n whatsoever_o dignity_n he_o obtain_v show_v that_o he_o esteem_v nothing_o more_o precious_a then_o that_o he_o may_v be_v account_v among_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o brother_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a this_o thing_n david_n do_v set_v forth_o in_o himself_o say_v all_o my_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v on_o 3_o psal_n 16._o 3_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o those_o that_o excel_v in_o virtue_n another_o of_o his_o virtue_n be_v his_o study_n and_o carefulness_n for_o the_o wealth_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o diligent_a search_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v any_o whit_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n &_o the_o service_n of_o god_n a_o most_o worthy_a care_n certain_o for_o all_o those_o who_o god_n have_v exalt_v to_o any_o dignity_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o great_a thing_n i_o pray_v can_v they_o perform_v then_o to_o preserve_v that_o people_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v unto_o himself_o for_o his_o inheritance_n &_o as_o a_o most_o precious_a jewel_n by_o what_o mean_n can_v their_o memory_n be_v more_o high_o commend_v true_o those_o great_a man_n david_n ezechias_n josias_n constantine_n the_o great_a be_v not_o so_o much_o commend_v for_o their_o great_a exploit_n which_o they_o do_v although_o every_o one_o be_v most_o renown_a in_o they_o as_o for_o their_o zeal_n towards_o god_n and_o careful_a preservation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o establish_n in_o it_o of_o god_n worship_n and_o the_o safe_a defend_v it_o against_o all_o heresy_n by_o the_o bright_a shine_a of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n final_o mardochaeus_n speak_v peace_n or_o prosperity_n to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v he_o provide_v for_o they_o against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o take_v care_n that_o after_o his_o death_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prosper_v &_o remain_v flourish_v which_o care_v assure_o do_v especial_o beseem_v those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v to_o such_o public_a place_n so_o we_o see_v with_o how_o great_a care_n david_n do_v provide_v 6_o 1._o chr._n 22._o 6_o for_o his_o solomon_n give_v he_o precept_n and_o exhort_v he_o unto_o his_o duty_n together_o 17._o verse_n 17._o with_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o his_o people_n that_o the_o temple_n may_v be_v build_v god_n service_n maintain_v pure_a and_o the_o state_n govern_v with_o religion_n and_o justice_n if_o then_o the_o father_n of_o family_n and_o private_a household_n be_v wont_v not_o without_o cause_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o posterity_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v they_o to_o do_v it_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o people_n and_o nurse_n of_o the_o church_n by_o these_o virtue_n be_v mardochaeus_n great_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o leave_v behind_o he_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a memory_n for_o ever_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o gather_v into_o a_o brief_a sum_n those_o thing_n which_o particular_o have_v be_v hitherto_o expound_v the_o principal_a scope_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o book_n be_v that_o god_n may_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o care_n which_o he_o bear_v towards_o his_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o assuerus_n and_o deliver_v it_o from_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o haman_n and_o give_v it_o a_o notable_a victory_n over_o all_o her_o enemy_n the_o end_n of_o this_o deliverance_n as_o also_o of_o all_o other_o which_o god_n at_o sundry_a time_n bestow_v on_o his_o people_n be_v this_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n to_o hope_v and_o look_v for_o help_v succour_n and_o deliverance_n from_o god_n alone_o who_o send_v it_o unto_o he_o when_o it_o be_v most_o convenient_a time_n even_o as_o we_o have_v see_v it_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o all_o the_o region_n