disobedience_n we_o see_v therefore_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o amplify_v the_o crime_n that_o the_o king_n have_v set_v they_o over_o the_o province_n of_o babylon_n &_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n neither_o honour_n his_o gods._n we_o see_v that_o the_o chaldee_n in_o all_o this_o accusation_n have_v only_o this_o respect_n to_o condemn_v shadrah_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n of_o this_o crime_n only_o that_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o king_n commandment_n for_o they_o do_v not_o dispute_v of_o their_o religion_n because_o that_o be_v not_o profitable_a for_o they_o to_o call_v into_o question_n whether_o the_o god_n that_o they_o worship_v be_v worthy_a such_o worship_n or_o no._n therefore_o they_o pass_v with_o silence_n that_o thing_n which_o they_o think_v not_o to_o be_v expedient_a and_o they_o lie_v fast_o hold_v of_o this_o dart_n that_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v contemn_v because_o these_o three_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n which_o the_o king_n by_o his_o decree_n have_v command_v here_o again_o do_v we_o see_v that_o superstitious_a person_n do_v not_o apply_v their_o mind_n nor_o care_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a or_o right_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o cast_v of_o this_o care_n they_o follow_v only_o their_o foolish_a boldness_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n wherefore_o see_v such_o foolish_a temerity_n be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o glass_n let_v we_o learn_v that_o our_o religion_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v allow_v by_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v ground_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o this_o point_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o except_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o follow_v do_v please_v god_n what_o so_o ever_o by_o man_n authority_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o nothing_o worth_a forthermore_o 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anger_n &_o wrath_n command_v that_o they_o shall_v bring_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n so_o these_o man_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o king._n 14_o and_o nebuchadnezer_n speak_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o what_o disorder_n will_v not_o you_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednegoserue_v my_o god_n nor_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n that_o i_o have_v set_v up_o 15_o now_o therefore_o be_v you_o ready_a when_o you_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o cornet_n trumpet_n harpe_n sackbut_n psaltery_n and_o dulcimer_n and_o all_o instrument_n of_o music_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o image_n which_o i_o have_v make_v for_o if_o you_o worship_v it_o not_o you_o shall_v be_v cast_v immediate_o into_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n for_o who_o be_v that_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v you_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n this_o history_n do_v evident_o declare_v unto_o we_o that_o prince_n in_o dissemble_v some_o religion_n have_v only_a regard_n to_o their_o own_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o thrust_v in_o themselves_o into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o gods._n for_o this_o be_v a_o monstrous_a matter_n that_o king_n nebuchadnezer_n do_v here_o brag_v against_o all_o the_o god_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o heaven_n but_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v what_o god_n say_v he_o can_v deliver_v you_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o why_o then_o do_v be_v worship_n any_o other_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n very_o to_o hold_v the_o people_n in_o with_o some_o bridle_n and_o so_o to_o establish_v his_o tyranny_n not_o that_o he_o have_v any_o care_n of_o holiness_n in_o his_o heart_n daniel_n do_v declare_v that_o the_o king_n be_v angry_a at_o the_o beginning_a for_o nothing_o be_v more_o grevous_a to_o king_n then_o to_o see_v their_o authority_n despise_v they_o will_v be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n though_o their_o commandment_n be_v most_o wicked_a yet_o the_o king_n seem_v afterward_o to_o temper_v himself_o when_o he_o ask_v sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n if_o they_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o worship_n his_o god_n and_o that_o image_n of_o gold_n when_o therefore_o he_o speak_v unto_o they_o doubtful_o and_o do_v yet_o propound_v unto_o they_o free_a choice_n there_o be_v some_o moderation_n in_o these_o word_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v not_o charge_v they_o with_o any_o crime_n so_o that_o they_o will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v turn_v afterward_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n the_o rage_n break_v out_o under_o this_o deceivable_a show_n of_o moderation_n for_o he_o add_v straight_a way_n unless_o you_o obey_v behold_v you_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o furnace_n of_o burn_a fire_n and_o at_o the_o length_n he_o break_v forth_o into_o that_o curse_a sacrilege_n and_o horrible_a blasphemy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o can_v deliver_v those_o holy_a man_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n we_o see_v therefore_o in_o the_o person_n of_o nebuchadnezer_n with_o what_o pride_n prince_n do_v swell_v and_o be_v puff_v up_o even_o where_o they_o pretend_v some_o zeal_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o any_o true_a reverence_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o will_v have_v what_o soever_o they_o command_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o man_n and_o so_o as_o i_o have_v say_v they_o do_v rather_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o god_n place_n then_o study_v to_o worship_n god_n a_o right_n or_o to_o maintain_v his_o glory_n to_o the_o same_o end_n tend_v the_o word_n which_o he_o use_v say_v that_o he_o have_v set_v up_o the_o image_n that_o he_o make_v as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v not_o now_o lawful_a for_o you_o to_o consult_v whether_o the_o image_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v or_o no_o for_o my_o commandment_n ought_v to_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o you_o i_o have_v set_v up_o this_o image_n not_o without_o consultation_n and_o reason_n therefore_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n simple_o to_o obey_v unto_o i_o we_o see_v therefore_o how_o he_o challenge_v most_o high_a authority_n even_o in_o the_o make_v of_o a_o god_n for_o he_o do_v not_o here_o treat_v of_o politic_a matter_n but_o he_o will_v have_v this_o image_n worship_v as_o god_n because_o he_o have_v decree_v so_o because_o he_o have_v publish_v his_o law_n and_o we_o must_v always_o remember_v as_o i_o have_v touch_v that_o this_o example_n of_o pride_n be_v set_v forth_o before_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o attempt_v nothing_o rash_o in_o religion_n but_o that_o we_o must_v hear_v god_n speak_v so_o that_o we_o depend_v of_o his_o word_n and_o authority_n for_o if_o we_o stick_v unto_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o error_n although_o therefore_o that_o prince_n be_v proud_a and_o rage_a yet_o must_v we_o keep_v this_o rule_n that_o nothing_o please_v god_n but_o that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o the_o beginning_a of_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o obedience_n which_o we_o geve_v to_o god_n alone_o as_o concern_v the_o blasphemy_n it_o do_v declare_v that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v more_o plain_o that_o be_v to_o say_v how_o soever_o they_o pretend_v religion_n yet_o they_o despise_v all_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v none_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o set_v forth_o their_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o borrow_v the_o name_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o honour_a howbeit_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o change_v their_o god_n a_o hundred_o time_n every_o day_n they_o will_v not_o care_v to_o do_v it_o therefore_o be_v religion_n for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o a_o pretence_n to_o earthly_a prince_n and_o no_o true_a reverence_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o in_o this_o profane_a king_n be_v
any_o decree_n publish_v of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n except_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n confirm_v it_o and_o be_v see_v in_o it_o nebuchadnezer_n very_o in_o this_o decree_n have_v a_o good_a ground_n but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v only_o a_o particular_a motion_n in_o he_o but_o they_o that_o will_v now_o be_v count_v christian_a prince_n do_v only_o rage_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o zeal_n and_o so_o like_o cruel_a beast_n do_v she_o will_v innocent_o blood_n wherefore_o because_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o idol_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v touch_v afterward_o nebuchadnezer_n do_v extol_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o how_o do_v he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o high_a god_n very_o by_o one_o token_n of_o his_o power_n only_o but_o he_o despise_v that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a to_o understand_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n who_o that_o god_n be_v and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n so_o do_v we_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o be_v maintain_v but_o in_o one_o part_n only_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o his_o worship_n and_o in_o true_a holiness_n to_o be_v despise_v and_o leave_v out_o the_o punishment_n be_v great_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o he_o his_o house_n make_v a_o jake_n which_o speak_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n where_o we_o note_v that_o severity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v where_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v even_o with_o sleit_a punishment_n but_o we_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o a_o true_a judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n but_o of_o this_o also_o i_o will_v speak_v afterward_o as_o for_o that_o which_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v none_o other_o god_n which_o can_v deliver_v after_o this_o manner_n it_o do_v confirm_v that_o which_o i_o touch_v before_o that_o this_o king_n do_v not_o regard_v in_o his_o decree_n either_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o this_o miracle_n so_o that_o he_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v in_o reproach_n against_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n wherefore_o this_o only_a thing_n be_v worthy_a blame_n in_o this_o decree_n that_o he_o do_v not_o inquire_v nor_o search_v who_o be_v that_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v draw_v by_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n to_o publish_v the_o decree_n 30_o then_o the_o king_n promote_v sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n in_o the_o province_n of_o babel_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o small_a importance_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o write_v in_o vain_a but_o for_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o miracle_n be_v ratify_v through_o the_o whole_a province_n and_o country_n when_o all_o the_o chaldee_n do_v know_v that_o these_o three_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n which_o afterward_o have_v again_o the_o king_n power_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o former_a dignity_n see_v this_o be_v do_v the_o power_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v unknown_a for_o it_o be_v like_a as_o if_o god_n have_v send_v forth_o three_o preacher_n throughout_o the_o country_n which_o shall_v proclaim_v in_o every_o place_n how_o marvellous_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o death_n by_o his_o singular_a benefit_n whereby_o also_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v that_o all_o the_o god_n which_o be_v they_o worship_v in_o chaldea_n be_v of_o no_o value_n sing_v that_o great_a god_n who_o image_n the_o king_n have_v set_v up_o be_v despise_v and_o yet_o that_o this_o constancy_n be_v allow_v of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o have_v deliver_v his_o servant_n from_o death_n ¶_o the_o prayer_n grant_v almighty_a god_n sing_v thou_o be_v know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v vouchsafe_v daily_o to_o open_v thy_o will_n familiar_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v remain_v stable_n and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o true_a obedience_n of_o that_o doctrine_n wherein_o perfect_a justice_n be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o we_o never_o be_v move_v from_o thy_o worship_n nor_o turn_v away_o from_o thy_o service_n and_o whatsoever_o come_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a rather_o to_o die_v a_o hundred_o death_n then_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o thy_o religion_n in_o the_o which_o we_o know_v that_o our_o salvation_n consist_v that_o so_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o name_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v purchase_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o thy_o only_o beget_v son_n amen_n ¶_o chapt._n 4._o by_o true_a division_n for_o here_o begin_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o proclamation_n 31_o nebuchadnezer_n king_n unto_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n that_o dwell_v in_o all_o the_o world_n peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o 32_o i_o think_v it_o good_a to_o declare_v the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o the_o high_a god_n have_v wrought_v towards_o i_o 33_o how_o great_a be_v his_o sign_n and_o how_o mighty_a be_v his_o wonder_n his_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o his_o dominion_n be_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n daniel_n do_v first_o speak_v here_o in_o the_o king_n person_n afterward_o he_o declare_v what_o come_v to_o the_o king_n but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o daniel_n sometime_o bring_v in_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n speak_v then_o speak_v he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o afterward_o bring_v in_o the_o king_n speak_v himself_o howbeit_o see_v this_o variety_n do_v neither_o obscure_a the_o sense_n nor_o make_v it_o doubtful_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v therewith_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v because_o that_o nebuchadnezer_n be_v plain_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a god_n of_o israel_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o confess_v this_o for_o a_o space_n yet_o because_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o his_o superstition_n yea_o and_o what_o so_o ever_o he_o have_v conceive_v of_o the_o true_a god_n it_o rest_v not_o in_o his_o heart_n but_o vanish_v away_o by_o and_o by_o therefore_o be_v he_o worthy_o punish_v like_o a_o beast_n for_o so_o great_a ingratitude_n god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o blind_v as_o he_o use_v to_o do_v with_o the_o reprobate_n and_o sometime_o with_o the_o elect_a also_o when_o they_o will_v run_v from_o sin_n to_o sin_n god_n loose_v they_o the_o reign_n till_o they_o cast_v themselves_o down_o headlong_o afterwards_o either_o he_o reach_v they_o his_o hand_n or_o he_o draw_v they_o back_o with_o his_o secret_a power_n or_o bring_v they_o into_o order_n by_o his_o rod_n and_o correction_n and_o so_o humble_v they_o thus_o do_v he_o with_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n we_o will_v consider_v the_o dream_n afterward_o but_o here_o we_o brief_o note_v that_o the_o king_n be_v admonish_v that_o he_o may_v perceive_v in_o the_o end_n that_o he_o have_v no_o excuse_n of_o his_o stubborness_n and_o contempt_n god_n may_v worthy_o in_o deed_n have_v strike_v he_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o do_v see_v that_o he_o be_v not_o true_o convert_v but_o before_o god_n will_v punish_v he_o so_o severe_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o he_o will_v monish_v he_o to_o prove_v if_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o repentance_n and_o although_o he_o do_v seem_v to_o receive_v that_o thing_n with_o great_a modesty_n that_o god_n declare_v by_o the_o dream_n and_o daniel_n do_v interpretate_fw-la unto_o he_o yet_o do_v he_o profess_v with_o his_o tongue_n that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o this_o thing_n be_v manifest_a because_o that_o where_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v tremble_v to_o have_v be_v careful_a and_o to_o take_v heed_n unto_o himself_o yet_o cease_v he_o not_o from_o his_o pride_n but_o boast_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o king_n of_o king_n &_o babylon_n to_o be_v the_o queen_n of_o all_o the_o world_n because_o therefore_o he_o do_v speak_v so_o proud_o after_o he_o be_v admonish_v by_o the_o prophet_n we_o perceive_v that_o the_o dream_n do_v nothing_o profit_v he_o but_o god_n by_o this_o mean_n will_v make_v he_o more_o inexcusable_a again_o although_o no_o fruit_n thereof_o do_v straight_o way_n appear_v yet_o by_o long_a process_n of_o time_n when_o god_n touch_v his_o heart_n he_o do_v know_v more_o plain_o that_o this_o punishment_n be_v send_v unto_o he_o of_o god_n therefore_o be_v this_o dream_n a_o entry_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o preparative_n to_o repentance_n and_o like_v as_o the_o seed_n seem_v to_o putrify_v in_o the_o earth_n before_o it_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n so_o also_o
thou_o will_v be_v our_o deliverer_n howsoever_o it_o be_v whether_o we_o do_v live_v or_o die_v that_o yet_o we_o remain_v in_o steadfast_a faith_n and_o confession_n of_o thy_o name_n may_v be_v bless_v while_o we_o be_v gather_v in_o the_o end_n into_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o thou_o have_v purchase_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o thou_o only_o beget_v son_n amen_o we_o have_v see_v before_o how_o the_o enemy_n of_o daniel_n which_o have_v wicked_o &_o cruel_o accuse_v he_o through_o envy_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n with_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n whereby_o the_o miracle_n do_v more_o manifest_o appear_v as_o we_o have_v say_v now_o therefore_o let_v we_o learn_v again_o that_o the_o lion_n be_v so_o govern_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o they_o do_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n every_o where_o nor_o against_o all_o man_n but_o when_o god_n arm_v they_o for_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o psalm_n 91.13_o thou_o shall_v walk_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o scorpion_n and_o tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o dragon_n so_o also_o of_o the_o contrary_a part_n god_n do_v pronounce_v upon_o the_o wicked_a by_o the_o prophet_n 5._o that_o the_o lion_n will_v come_v to_o meet_v they_o if_o they_o go_v out_o of_o their_o house_n we_o see_v then_o how_o god_n do_v assuage_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o lion_n when_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o but_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o rage_v when_o he_o will_v punish_v man_n and_o whereas_o the_o wife_n and_o their_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n we_o must_v not_o curious_o dispute_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o just_a punishment_n or_o no._n for_o it_o seem_v that_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o equity_n that_o the_o punishment_n shall_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o guiltless_a especial_o when_o it_o stand_v upon_o the_o loss_n of_o life_n for_o although_o at_o all_o time_n this_o be_v receive_v in_o well_o order_v city_n that_o many_o punishment_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o child_n together_o with_o the_o parent_n like_v as_o in_o murder_n and_o in_o treason_n where_o all_o the_o good_n be_v public_o sell_v &_o also_o in_o criminal_a judgement_n the_o infamy_n of_o the_o parent_n do_v redound_v unto_o their_o child_n yet_o this_o be_v more_o strait_a and_o severe_a to_o kill_v the_o child_n together_o with_o their_o parent_n sing_v they_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n but_o although_o this_o be_v not_o very_o usual_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o we_o simple_o to_o condemn_v it_o we_o see_v how_o god_n command_v whole_a family_n to_o be_v utter_o destroy_v to_o show_v how_o much_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v detest_a and_o abhor_v and_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o just_a judge_n do_v always_o keep_v a_o measure_n in_o his_o severity_n therefore_o this_o example_n can_v not_o be_v precise_o condemn_v but_o it_o be_v better_a to_o leave_v this_o at_o liberty_n for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o east_n part_n do_v exercise_v cruel_a and_o barbarous_a dominion_n or_o rather_o tyranny_n towards_o their_o subject_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v contend_v much_o about_o this_o question_n it_o grieve_v king_n darius_n that_o he_o be_v so_o deceive_v therefore_o he_o do_v not_o execute_v punishment_n upon_o the_o wicked_a accuser_n only_o because_o daniel_n be_v wicked_o oppress_v of_o they_o but_o because_o they_o do_v he_o injury_n he_o will_v therefore_o rather_o revenge_v himself_o then_o daniel_n and_o he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o recompense_v they_o with_o equal_a punishment_n but_o he_o punish_v even_o their_o child_n also_o 25_o afterwards_o king_n darius_n write_v unto_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n that_o dwell_v in_o all_o the_o world_n peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o 26_o i_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o in_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o my_o kingdom_n man_n tremble_v and_o fear_n before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o live_a god_n and_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v not_o perish_v and_o his_o dominion_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a 27_o he_o rescue_v and_o deliver_v and_o he_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n who_o have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o power_z of_o the_o lion_n here_o daniel_n add_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o king_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v publish_v and_o by_o this_o decree_n and_o proclamation_n he_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v so_o move_v with_o the_o deliverance_n of_o daniel_n that_o he_o give_v the_o most_o high_a glory_n to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o think_v that_o the_o king_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v hereby_o to_o be_v of_o sound_a religion_n as_o many_o interpreter_n do_v here_o commend_v king_n darius_n above_o measure_n as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v whole_o convert_v and_o have_v receive_v the_o true_a worship_n prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v gather_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o the_o matter_n itself_o do_v declare_v that_o his_o dominion_n and_o kingdom_n be_v never_o purge_v from_o superstition_n for_o king_n darius_n suffer_v his_o subject_n to_o serve_v idol_n and_o he_o himself_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v pollute_v with_o such_o filthiness_n but_o he_o will_v place_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o though_o he_o can_v couple_v together_o fire_n and_o water_n of_o the_o which_o thing_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o for_o the_o profane_a man_n think_v that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o the_o true_a god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o altogether_o contemn_v he_o but_o appoint_v he_o some_o place_n but_o especial_o when_o they_o prefer_v he_o above_o all_o the_o idol_n they_o think_v that_o they_o have_v satisfy_v god_n but_o this_o be_v foolish_a for_o except_v all_o superstition_n be_v abolish_v god_n have_v not_o his_o right_n for_o he_o suffer_v no_o companion_n therefore_o this_o place_n do_v not_o show_v that_o there_o be_v any_o true_a or_o sincere_a religion_n in_o king_n darius_n but_o we_o may_v only_o gather_v hereby_o that_o he_o be_v move_v with_o this_o miracle_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o shall_v celebrate_v throughout_o all_o nation_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o he_o the_o glory_n and_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o conclude_v as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a motion_n of_o king_n darius_n so_o he_o go_v not_o beyond_o this_o particular_a affection_n neither_o do_v he_o thorough_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n &_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o take_v hold_v of_o that_o only_a which_o be_v before_o his_o eye_n therefore_o he_o can_v not_o general_o know_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o may_v give_v himself_o to_o true_a &_o sincere_a piety_n but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o remain_v among_o the_o other_o god_n and_o to_o be_v over_o they_o but_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v alone_o but_o god_n do_v refuse_v this_o half_a worship_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o darius_n shall_v so_o much_o be_v praise_v yet_o shall_v he_o condemn_v all_o those_o by_o his_o example_n which_o at_o this_o day_n do_v profess_v themselves_o either_o catholic_a king_n or_o christian_n or_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n do_v not_o only_o oppress_v true_a religion_n but_o also_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v do_v overthrow_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n &_o will_v willing_o abolish_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o world_n exercise_v tyranny_n against_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o establish_v wicked_a superstition_n through_o their_o cruelty_n darius_n shall_v be_v a_o worthy_a judge_n unto_o they_o and_o this_o decree_n which_o daniel_n rehearse_v shall_v suffice_v to_o condemn_v all_o such_o now_o he_o say_v that_o this_o decree_n be_v write_v to_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n that_o dwell_v in_o all_o the_o earth_n we_o see_v that_o darius_n will_v not_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o god_o know_v to_o the_o people_n which_o be_v near_o he_o but_o he_o do_v study_v to_o declare_v it_o far_o and_o wide_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o only_o publish_v it_o in_o write_v throughout_o all_o asia_n and_o chaldea_n but_o even_o amongst_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n albeit_o he_o never_o reign_v in_o persia_n but_o because_o his_o son_n in_o law_n have_v take_v he_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o empire_n his_o authority_n do_v also_o extend_v so_o far_o and_o thus_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o he_o say_v through_o the_o whole_a earth_n for_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o of_o that_o monarchy_n which_o be_v spread_v
of_o daniel_n appertain_v that_o the_o stone_n whereby_o all_o the_o kingdom_n which_o fight_v against_o god_n be_v break_v be_v not_o form_v nor_o fashion_v by_o man_n hand_n and_o though_o it_o be_v rude_a and_o unpolished_a yet_o do_v it_o grow_v into_o a_o great_a mountain_n of_o the_o which_o thing_n i_o think_v good_a to_o admonish_v you_o that_o amongst_o the_o thunder_a threaten_n you_o shall_v quiet_o wait_v that_o these_o empty_a cloud_n may_v be_v drive_v away_o by_o the_o heavenly_a power_n and_o so_o vanish_v yet_o be_o i_o not_o ignorant_a to_o pass_v over_o the_o fire_n of_o thirty_o year_n what_o unworthy_a trouble_v you_o have_v suffer_v these_o last_o six_o month_n how_o oft_o in_o sundry_a place_n the_o tumultuous_a people_n have_v break_v into_o your_o assembly_n how_o oft_o you_o have_v be_v assault_v with_o stone_n and_o with_o sword_n how_o your_o enemy_n have_v lie_v in_o wait_n for_o you_o that_o they_o may_v oppress_v your_o peaceable_a congregation_n with_o suddayn_a force_n at_o unwares_o how_o some_o have_v be_v slay_v in_o their_o own_o house_n some_o in_o the_o high_a way_n how_o the_o body_n of_o the_o dead_a have_v be_v trail_v in_o derision_n the_o woman_n ravish_v many_o man_n wound_v one_o woman_n great_a with_o child_n and_o her_o child_n also_o thrust_v through_o the_o house_n break_v and_o pull_v down_o but_o although_o more_o cruel_a thing_n be_v yet_o at_o hand_n that_o you_o may_v declare_v yourselves_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n right_o instruct_v in_o his_o school_n you_o must_v endeavour_v yourselves_o that_o no_o rage_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o deal_n so_o outrageous_o do_v drive_v you_o from_o that_o moderation_n whereby_o hitherto_o only_o they_o have_v be_v overcome_v and_o disappoint_v and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o length_n of_o time_n do_v make_v you_o weary_a remember_v oftentimes_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n in_o the_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lively_o express_v god_n declare_v then_o unto_o his_o prophet_n what_o battle_n what_o trouble_v what_o grief_n and_o peril_n the_o jew_n shall_v suffer_v from_o the_o end_n of_o their_o captivity_n and_o joyful_a return_v into_o their_o country_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o likeness_n of_o time_n cause_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o use_n daniel_n rejoice_v for_o the_o miserable_a church_n which_o have_v be_v long_o drown_v with_o a_o deep_a flood_n of_o misery_n when_o he_o collect_v by_o the_o count_n of_o the_o year_n that_o the_o day_n of_o deliverance_n speak_v of_o by_o jeremy_n the_o prophet_n be_v at_o hand_n 29.10_o howbeit_o he_o have_v a_o answer_n that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v more_o grevous_a after_o that_o liberty_n be_v restore_v so_o that_o they_o shall_v scant_o have_v any_o breathe_a time_n from_o their_o continual_a misery_n daniel_n continue_v his_o hope_n seventy_o year_n not_o without_o great_a and_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o many_o grief_n but_o now_o god_n increase_v the_o time_n sevenfold_a do_v strike_v he_o to_o the_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n neither_o do_v he_o yet_o only_o pronounce_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o new_a trouble_n when_o after_o long_a time_n they_o be_v restore_v have_v gather_v strength_n have_v build_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n but_o in_o the_o first_o begin_v of_o their_o mirth_n when_o they_o have_v scarce_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o comfort_n he_o do_v appoint_v they_o unto_o misery_n now_o concern_v the_o calamity_n which_o follow_v soon_o after_o whereof_o there_o be_v a_o long_a rehearsal_n sing_v we_o tremble_v at_o the_o hear_n only_o of_o they_o how_o doleful_a and_o bitter_a do_v we_o think_v they_o be_v to_o the_o rude_a people_n how_o horrible_a and_o fearful_a a_o spectacle_n be_v it_o to_o see_v the_o temple_n profane_v by_o the_o bold_a malice_n of_o a_o curse_a tyrant_n the_o sacrifice_n mix_v with_o filthy_a pollution_n in_o despite_n and_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v burn_v to_o destroy_v all_o religion_n and_o all_o those_o to_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o same_o fire_n who_o soever_o do_v confess_v plain_o and_o constant_o that_o they_o will_v persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n how_o can_v the_o tender_a and_o weak_a behold_v this_o without_o great_a fear_n of_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o tyrant_n that_o cruelty_n shall_v drive_v the_o weakling_v to_o fall_v from_o their_o religion_n under_o the_o maccabee_n there_o seem_v some_o release_n to_o be_v offer_v the_o which_o yet_o be_v straight_o after_o deform_v with_o most_o cruel_a slaughter_n and_o never_o want_v sorrow_n and_o grief_n for_o where_o as_o their_o enemy_n do_v far_o excel_v they_o both_o in_o multitude_n and_o warlike_a munition_n they_o all_o think_v nothing_o better_v which_o have_v take_v weapon_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n then_o to_o hide_v themselves_o in_o the_o den_n of_o wild_a beast_n or_o to_o wander_v in_o wilderness_n with_o great_a poverty_n and_o scarcity_n of_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v also_o a_o other_o kind_n of_o temptation_n that_o wicked_a hypocrite_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n as_o daniel_n say_v do_v join_v themselves_o to_o judas_n and_o his_o brethren_n by_o the_o which_o subtlety_n satan_n spot_v the_o garrison_n that_o judas_n have_v collect_v with_o great_a infamy_n as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v a_o band_n of_o thief_n and_o robber_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o lamentable_a unto_o good_a man_n then_o to_o see_v the_o priest_n themselves_o as_o every_o man_n be_v carry_v with_o his_o ambition_n to_o betray_v the_o church_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o god_n with_o wicked_a packyng_n and_o practice_n neither_o be_v that_o holy_a office_n only_o sell_v and_o make_v a_o merchandise_n but_o it_o be_v buy_v with_o mutual_a slaughter_n and_o parricide_n hereof_o come_v it_o that_o all_o state_n of_o man_n all_o though_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o use_n be_v pollute_v in_o the_o end_n through_o the_o manifold_a corruption_n which_o spread_v every_o where_o without_o punishment_n that_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a wonder_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o very_o few_o be_v therefore_o name_v with_o this_o commendation_n if_o now_o in_o that_o miserable_a deformity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o manifold_a desolation_n amongst_o those_o great_a terror_n the_o spoil_a of_o their_o country_n the_o rob_n of_o house_n and_o amongst_o the_o danger_n of_o death_n the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n have_v sustain_v godly_a mind_n when_o as_o religion_n be_v yet_o wrap_v in_o dark_a shadow_n and_o the_o doctrine_n almost_o extinguish_v and_o the_o priest_n themselves_o be_v degenerate_a do_v tread_v all_o holy_a thing_n under_o foot_n how_o shameful_a shall_v our_o tender_a weakness_n be_v unless_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o which_o god_n have_v show_v his_o fatherly_a face_n towards_o we_o lift_v we_o up_o above_o all_o impediment_n and_o establish_v we_o with_o a_o constancy_n that_o can_v not_o be_v weary_v for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n then_o do_v apply_v unto_o their_o age_n to_o mitigate_v the_o sorrow_n of_o their_o present_a misery_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o babilonical_a captivity_n so_o be_v it_o our_o part_n to_o have_v our_o eye_n bend_v upon_o the_o misery_n of_o our_o father_n that_o we_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v gather_v unto_o that_o church_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v speak_v 2.3.4_o oh_o thou_o poor_a one_o affiict_v and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n that_o have_v no_o comfort_n behold_v i_o will_v receive_v thou_o and_o the_o which_o in_o a_o other_o place_n after_o she_o have_v complain_v that_o the_o plower_n have_v plough_v their_o back_n and_o the_o wicked_a have_v make_v long_a furrow_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o field_n yet_o do_v she_o glory_v straightways_o that_o their_o cord_n be_v cut_v by_o the_o just_a god_n that_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v and_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o only_o encourage_v we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o those_o time_n to_o hope_n and_o to_o patience_n but_o he_o have_v join_v a_o exhortation_n teach_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o us._n wherefore_o let_v it_o not_o be_v grevous_a unto_o we_o to_o be_v comprehend_v amongst_o the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o as_o daniel_n say_v must_v be_v try_v by_o fire_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v white_a sing_v that_o the_o inestimable_a felicity_n and_o glory_n which_o spring_v thereof_o
though_o they_o rage_n never_o so_o much_o may_v yet_o be_v turn_v towards_o we_o and_o so_o by_o the_o example_n of_o daniel_n let_v we_o learn_v constant_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o our_o course_n appoint_v and_o not_o to_o turn_v back_o though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v against_o we_o for_o god_n be_v able_a easy_o to_o remove_v all_o impediment_n and_o this_o may_v we_o see_v by_o god_n mercy_n that_o god_n cause_v our_o enemy_n to_o think_v well_o of_o we_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o allow_v in_o themselves_o for_o he_o think_v well_o of_o daniel_n that_o he_o do_v well_o to_o worship_n his_o god_n after_o the_o jewish_a manner_n but_o he_o think_v his_o babilonical_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o best_a as_o many_o profane_a man_n now_o a_o day_n be_v content_a to_o grant_v that_o we_o do_v well_o which_o cast_v away_o popish_a superstition_n yet_o do_v they_o sleep_v still_o in_o this_o error_n that_o they_o may_v live_v still_o after_o their_o old_a custom_n because_o they_o be_v so_o bring_v up_o and_o so_o teach_v by_o their_o forefather_n so_o do_v this_o eunuch_n make_v his_o excuse_n by_o the_o king_n and_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o daniel_n yet_o do_v daniel_n with_o a_o singular_a constancy_n go_v forward_o with_o his_o purpose_n and_o prove_v the_o eunuch_n servant_n and_o hereby_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o go_v forward_o with_o good_a thing_n and_o know_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o a_o king_n in_o external_a matter_n can_v not_o bind_v our_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v a_o true_a trial_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o we_o be_v not_o weary_v in_o seeking_a to_o do_v well_o neither_o step_n back_o for_o a_o little_a trouble_n or_o think_v that_o the_o door_n which_o be_v shut_v can_v not_o be_v open_v wherefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o turn_v back_o from_o our_o good_a purpose_n but_o prove_v all_o other_o mean_v convenient_a then_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o godliness_n have_v take_v some_o root_n in_o our_o heart_n 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other_o and_o consider_v this_o general_a doctrine_n that_o what_o soever_o meat_n we_o live_v withal_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o meat_n which_o be_v dead_a in_o itself_o but_o by_o the_o singular_a blessing_n of_o our_o god._n 11._o and_o we_o must_v despise_v the_o dainty_n of_o egypt_n as_o moses_n do_v choose_v to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n rather_o they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n with_o the_o wicked_a again_o let_v we_o learn_v hereby_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o but_o root_n and_o herb_n in_o god_n service_n yea_o though_o the_o earth_n do_v altogether_o fail_v we_o and_o bring_v we_o no_o fruit_n at_o all_o yet_o god_n can_v so_o bless_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v well_o like_v 16._o as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n 40._o year_n long_o in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o prayer_n grant_v oh_o lord_n god_n that_o see_v we_o do_v live_v now_o amongst_o so_o many_o enemy_n and_o 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these_o four_o child_n god_n give_v they_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o wisdom_n also_o he_o give_v daniel_n understand_v of_o all_o vision_n and_o dream_n 18_o now_o when_o the_o time_n be_v expire_v that_o the_o king_n have_v appoint_v to_o bring_v they_o in_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o eunuch_n bring_v they_o before_o nebuchadnezer_n and_o the_o king_n commune_v with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o all_o be_v find_v none_o like_o daniel_n etc_n etc_n ¶_o the_o meditation_n whereas_o the_o other_o three_o companion_n of_o daniel_n be_v singular_a in_o all_o liberal_a science_n and_o learning_n daniel_n only_o be_v authorise_v for_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n to_o declare_v dark_a vision_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n both_o unto_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o lord_n give_v this_o excellency_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n unto_o these_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o king_n and_o his_o people_n to_o reverence_v his_o majesty_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n grace_n who_o they_o worship_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o excellent_a wit_n and_o great_a knowledge_n see_v no_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v excellent_a in_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o as_o god_n give_v and_o his_o country_n man_n be_v as_o diligent_o instruct_v as_o these_o stranger_n god_n therefore_o do_v this_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n when_o he_o make_v daniel_n and_o his_o fellow_n so_o excellent_a by_o tenfolde_v above_o all_o the_o learned_a of_o his_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o thus_o god_n use_v to_o ravish_v his_o enemy_n into_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o power_n even_o when_o they_o will_v most_o fly_v from_o it_o for_o what_o seek_v nebuchadnezer_n but_o only_o to_o extinguish_v the_o memory_n of_o god_n by_o bring_v up_o these_o of_o the_o noble_a family_n in_o the_o science_n of_o the_o chaldee_n that_o they_o may_v oppugn_v the_o 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acknowledge_v all_o to_o be_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v lend_v we_o and_o that_o we_o labour_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o such_o sobriety_n that_o we_o search_v nothing_o curious_o neither_o yet_o corrupt_a the_o true_a and_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o magnify_v the_o creator_n but_o that_o we_o remain_v in_o that_o simplicity_n whereunto_o he_o call_v we_o furthermore_o that_o we_o stay_v not_o in_o these_o earthly_a thing_n but_o that_o we_o may_v rather_o learn_v to_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o true_a wisdom_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o very_a god_n and_o so_o geve_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v thy_o justice_n and_o that_o this_o be_v our_o only_a wisdom_n to_o obey_v thou_o and_o
evident_a for_o who_o be_v that_o god_n say_v he_o he_o except_v not_o god_n if_o a_o man_n answer_v that_o he_o speak_v by_o comparison_n because_o he_o will_v defend_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o god_n that_o he_o worship_v yet_o when_o he_o belch_v forth_o this_o blasphemy_n against_o all_o god_n sure_o his_o arrogancy_n be_v intolerable_a yea_o it_o be_v a_o devilish_a fury_n which_o drive_v he_o so_o far_o now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o chief_a point_n where_o daniel_n declare_v with_o how_o great_a constancy_n sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n be_v endue_v 16_o sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n answer_v and_o say_v to_o the_o king_n oh_o nebuchadnezer_n we_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o answer_v thou_o in_o this_o matter_n 17_o behold_v our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o thy_o hand_n oh_o king_n 18_o but_o if_o not_o be_v it_o know_v to_o thou_o oh_o king_n that_o we_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o god_n nor_o worship_n the_o golden_a image_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o history_n that_o these_o three_o holy_a man_n do_v remain_v constant_a in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n though_o they_o do_v know_v most_o present_a danger_n of_o death_n to_o hang_v over_o their_o head_n wherefore_o when_o death_n be_v set_v before_o their_o eye_n they_o turn_v not_o back_o from_o their_o right_a course_n but_o they_o set_v more_o by_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n then_o by_o their_o own_o life_n yea_o then_o by_o a_o hundred_o life_n if_o it_o have_v be_v needful_a to_o have_v bestow_v so_o many_o and_o that_o have_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o daniel_n do_v not_o rehearse_v all_o their_o word_n but_o gather_v a_o brief_a sum_n only_o in_o the_o which_o yet_o that_o invincible_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v do_v plain_o appear_v sure_o this_o be_v a_o horrible_a 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be_v report_v by_o augustine_n when_o the_o courtier_n do_v counsel_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v regard_v his_o life_n for_o the_o emperor_n do_v against_o his_o will_n judge_v he_o to_o torment_v when_o flatterer_n do_v thus_o urge_v he_o of_o every_o side_n to_o save_v his_o life_n by_o denial_n of_o religion_n he_o answer_v in_o a_o matter_n that_o be_v holy_a or_o of_o religion_n there_o need_v no_o deliberation_n so_o do_v these_o holy_a man_n say_v we_o care_v not_o that_o be_v we_o never_o enter_v into_o consultation_n or_o deliberation_n what_o be_v expedient_a what_o be_v profitable_a no_o this_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o we_o by_o no_o mean_n will_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o thou_o read_v it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o answer_v thou_o it_n will_v be_v almost_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o they_o declare_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v in_o vain_a set_v before_o they_o for_o they_o be_v utter_o determine_v and_o their_o heart_n settle_v not_o to_o swerve_v one_o straw_n bread_n from_o the_o true_a and_o lawful_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o here_o they_o do_v use_v two_o reason_n to_o reject_v that_o which_o the_o king_n propound_v they_o say_v that_o god_n have_v power_n and_o strength_n enough_o to_o deliver_v they_o again_o though_o they_o shall_v die_v yet_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o esteem_n life_n that_o they_o will_v deny_v god_n to_o prolong_v it_o therefore_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v if_o the_o king_n will_v so_o rigorous_o urge_v they_o to_o worship_n the_o image_n this_o place_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v for_o first_o this_o answer_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v that_o when_o man_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o deny_v god_n we_o must_v shut_v our_o ear_n and_o take_v no_o far_o advisement_n for_o even_o then_o begin_v we_o to_o do_v great_a injury_n unto_o god_n when_o we_o dispute_v whether_o we_o may_v decline_v from_o his_o pure_a worship_n or_o no_o what_o so_o ever_o cause_n may_v thereunto_o move_v we_o and_o will_v to_o god_n this_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o man_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v excel_v and_o surmount_v all_o thing_n that_o all_o must_v be_v bring_v law_n when_o the_o diminish_v or_o obscure_n thereof_o be_v intend_v but_o this_o craft_n beguile_v many_o now_o a_o day_n that_o they_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o way_n as_o it_o be_v in_o balance_n whether_o it_o be_v better_a for_o a_o time_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n when_o any_o profit_n do_v offer_v itself_o of_o the_o other_o side_n as_o we_o do_v see_v at_o this_o day_n such_o dissembler_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v full_a to_o have_v their_o colour_n to_o cloak_v their_o wickedness_n when_o either_o they_o worship_n the_o idol_n with_o the_o wicked_a or_o else_o they_o deny_v either_o privy_o or_o open_o the_o true_a religion_n oh_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v the_o man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o office_n will_v say_v i_o see_v how_o much_o good_a i_o can_v do_v if_o i_o dissemble_v a_o little_a and_o do_v not_o show_v myself_o what_o i_o be_o for_o this_o plain_n will_v not_o only_o hurt_v i_o private_o but_o all_o other_o if_o the_o king_n have_v none_o that_o may_v sometime_o pacify_v his_o anger_n the_o wicked_a thereby_o shall_v be_v unbridled_a and_o have_v their_o will_n and_o liberty_n to_o drive_v he_o unto_o all_o cruelty_n it_o be_v better_a therefore_o that_o some_o keep_v a_o mean_a and_o so_o hearken_v and_o lie_v in_o wait_n what_o the_o wicked_a do_v and_o so_o though_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o open_o yet_o by_o some_o secret_a practice_n they_o may_v turn_v away_o the_o danger_n from_o the_o head_n of_o the_o godly_a when_o they_o object_v these_o argument_n they_o think_v that_o god_n be_v answer_v as_o though_o sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n can_v not_o have_v pretend_v the_o same_o or_o as_o though_o it_o have_v not_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n thus_o to_o say_v behold_v we_o be_v now_o arm_v with_o some_o authority_n to_o help_v our_o brethren_n and_o what_o a_o barbarous_a cruelty_n will_v be_v execute_v amongst_o they_o if_o the_o open_a enemy_n of_o religion_n come_v into_o our_o place_n for_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o they_o will_v destroy_v and_o root_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n our_o nation_n and_o all_o memory_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v it_o not_o better_o then_o that_o we_o for_o a_o time_n give_v place_n unto_o tyranny_n and_o to_o this_o cruel_a commandment_n of_o the_o king_n then_o to_o leave_v our_o place_n destitute_a which_o straight_o way_n shall_v be_v occupy_v with_o outrageous_a enemy_n who_o will_v utter_o overcome_v our_o miserable_a nation_n which_o be_v to_o much_o oppress_v already_o i_o say_v they_o may_v have_v gather_v all_o these_o cloak_n and_o colour_n to_o excuse_v their_o infidelity_n if_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o danger_n they_o have_v kneel_v before_o that_o golden_a image_n but_o they_o do_v not_o so_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v they_o have_v god_n his_o due_a and_o true_a honour_n when_o his_o worship_n be_v determine_v with_o out_o all_o doubt_v and_o that_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o this_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o dear_a unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v think_v it_o lawful_a to_o swerve_v though_o never_o so_o little_a from_o that_o profession_n which_o he_o command_v and_o require_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v short_a here_o be_v that_o security_n which_o ought_v to_o confirm_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_o set_v against_o all_o the_o craft_n and_o crooked_a counsel_n which_o they_o invent_v that_o do_v lose_v the_o cause_n of_o life_n for_o the_o
love_n of_o life_n as_o the_o poet_n say_v for_o wherefore_o do_v we_o live_v but_o to_o serve_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o cause_n why_o we_o live_v do_v we_o lose_v for_o the_o love_n of_o life_n when_o we_o be_v over_o careful_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o regard_v the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n so_o then_o do_v daniel_n set_v forth_o the_o simplicity_n which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o follow_v against_o all_o the_o subtle_a reason_n which_o the_o dissembler_n invent_v to_o cover_v their_o wickedness_n with_o some_o colour_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o careful_a wherefore_o because_o we_o know_v assure_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o a_o thousand_o life_n or_o what_o soever_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v minister_v unto_o we_o then_o where_o this_o magnanimity_n shall_v take_v place_n all_o doubtful_a wrangling_n shall_v vanish_v away_o &_o they_o which_o be_v call_v into_o danger_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v not_o weary_v they_o self_n with_o vain_a reason_n for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v their_o ear_n shall_v be_v shut_v up_o against_o all_o these_o allurement_n of_o satan_n and_o when_o they_o do_v add_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o yet_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v they_o declare_v what_o shall_v erect_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n above_o all_o temptation_n even_o that_o our_o life_n be_v precious_a unto_o god_n and_o that_o he_o can_v deliver_v we_o if_o he_o will._n see_v then_o we_o have_v succour_n enough_o in_o god_n let_v we_o not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o better_a way_n to_o save_v our_o life_n then_o to_o geve_v ourselves_o whole_o unto_o his_o protection_n and_o defence_n and_o so_o cast_v upon_o he_o all_o our_o care_n again_o in_o the_o second_o member_n this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o if_o god_n will_v set_v forth_o his_o glory_n by_o our_o death_n this_o be_v a_o lawful_a sacrifice_n which_o we_o must_v offer_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o true_a holiness_n can_v have_v no_o force_n in_o we_o unless_o our_o life_n be_v in_o our_o hand_n that_o be_v to_o say_v except_o our_o life_n be_v always_o prepare_v for_o sacrifice_n the_o prayer_n grant_v almighty_a god_n that_o whereas_o we_o see_v the_o wicked_a to_o be_v carry_v with_o so_o great_a rage_n after_o their_o fond_a and_o filthy_a imagination_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o so_o great_a pride_n and_o arrogancy_n that_o we_o may_v learn_v true_a humility_n and_o so_o subject_a ourselves_o unto_o thou_o that_o we_o may_v depend_v whole_o of_o thy_o mouth_n and_o that_o we_o enterprise_n nothing_o without_o thy_o warrant_n and_o when_o we_o have_v learn_v what_o worship_n please_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v constant_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o neither_o by_o any_o peril_n neither_o by_o any_o threaten_n or_o cruelty_n to_o be_v move_v away_o from_o our_o stability_n neither_o that_o we_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o the_o way_n at_o any_o time_n but_o persevere_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o thy_o word_n thou_o may_v allow_v our_o endeavour_n and_o service_n and_o so_o knowledge_n we_o for_o thy_o child_n that_o we_o once_o may_v be_v gather_v into_o that_o everlasting_a heritage_n which_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o thy_o son_n christ_n so_o be_v it_o we_o have_v note_v the_o constancy_n of_o sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n ground_v upon_o these_o two_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v sure_o persuade_v that_o god_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o their_o life_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deliver_v by_o his_o power_n from_o present_a death_n if_o it_o be_v so_o profitable_a second_o because_o they_o have_v determine_v with_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v die_v bold_o and_o without_o fear_n if_o god_n will_v have_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o which_o daniel_n speak_v of_o these_o three_o man_n pertain_v unto_o we_o all_o therefore_o may_v we_o gather_v hereby_o a_o general_a doctrine_n when_o danger_n come_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o learn_v first_o to_o lay_v up_o our_o life_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n second_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v bold_o and_o without_o fear_n as_o concern_v the_o first_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o many_o fail_v from_o god_n and_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n because_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v sure_a in_o this_o point_n that_o god_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o deliver_v they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o all_o man_n that_o god_n have_v a_o care_n over_o we_o again_o that_o our_o life_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n but_o scarce_o the_o hundred_o man_n have_v this_o firm_o and_o certain_o fasten_v in_o his_o heart_n for_o every_o one_o search_v a_o way_n and_o mean_a to_o save_v his_o life_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o god_n therefore_o he_o at_o the_o length_n have_v right_o profit_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v learned_a that_o his_o life_n be_v care_v for_o of_o god_o and_o also_o that_o he_o have_v help_v and_o defence_n sufficient_o in_o he_o for_o he_o that_o be_v go_v thus_o far_o may_v safe_o enter_v into_o danger_n a_o hundred_o time_n for_o he_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o follow_v whether_o soever_o god_n call_v for_o this_o one_o thing_n do_v deliver_v he_o from_o all_o fear_n and_o care_n that_o god_n can_v take_v his_o servant_n out_o of_o a_o thousand_o death_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o this_o psalm_n 68.23_o in_o his_o hand_n be_v the_o ishue_n of_o death_n for_o death_n seem_v to_o consume_v all_o thing_n but_o god_n deliver_v out_o of_o that_o devour_n gulf_n who_o he_o please_v so_o this_o persuasion_n shall_v suffice_v we_o to_o a_o stable_n and_o invincible_a constancy_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o which_o cast_v their_o whole_a care_n of_o their_o life_n and_o safety_n upon_o god_n have_v a_o clear_a conscience_n that_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o maintain_v a_o good_a cause_n and_o this_o be_v also_o express_v in_o these_o word_n when_o sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n do_v say_v behold_v our_o god_n who_o we_o worship_n when_o they_o allege_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v a_o sure_a ground_n and_o that_o they_o do_v nothing_o rash_o that_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o they_o labour_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o martyr_n and_o mad_a man_n which_o oft_o time_n be_v just_o punish_v for_o their_o madness_n because_o they_o be_v about_o to_o pervert_v all_o thing_n for_o we_o see_v very_o many_o to_o be_v drive_v with_o their_o own_o rage_n and_o if_o such_o be_v put_v to_o death_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v number_v amongst_o god_n martyr_n for_o the_o cause_n make_v the_o martyr_n as_o augustine_n say_v not_o the_o punishment_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o small_a force_n in_o these_o word_n when_o these_o three_o man_n do_v affirm_v that_o they_o worship_n god_n for_o by_o this_o they_o do_v glory_n that_o they_o do_v not_o rash_o enter_v into_o the_o danger_n that_o stand_v before_o they_o but_o for_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god._n now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o second_o if_o god_n will_v not_o deliver_v we_o from_o death_n know_v thou_o oh_o king_n that_o we_o will_v not_o worship_n thy_o gods._n i_o say_v first_o of_o all_o that_o our_o life_n must_v be_v commit_v whole_o unto_o god_n before_o we_o can_v be_v prepare_v constant_o to_o undertake_v any_o great_a danger_n and_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o this_o earthly_a and_o and_o transitory_a life_n ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v nor_o hold_v we_o from_o a_o free_a and_o plain_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o precious_a unto_o we_o then_o a_o hundred_o life_n wherefore_o we_o can_v not_o be_v witness_n of_o god_n unless_o we_o lie_v down_o the_o desire_n of_o this_o life_n or_o at_o the_o least_o prefer_v god_n glory_n before_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v except_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n do_v ravish_v we_o unto_o it_o for_o where_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o eternal_a inheritance_n be_v not_o fasten_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v away_o from_o the_o world_n for_o natural_o we_o covet_v to_o be_v and_o that_o affection_n can_v not_o be_v draw_v from_o we_o except_o faith_n get_v the_o mastery_n as_o paul_n say_v we_o will_v not_o be_v unclothe_v but_o will_v be_v
clothe_v upon_o this_o mortality_n paul_n affirm_v that_o man_n natural_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v willing_o to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n except_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o faith_n get_v the_o victory_n but_o when_o we_o understand_v that_o our_o inheritance_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n &_o that_o we_o be_v stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n they_o do_v we_o put_v of_o the_o desire_n of_o this_o earthly_a life_n whereunto_o we_o be_v to_o much_o addict_v these_o two_o be_v the_o thing_n then_o which_o do_v prepare_v the_o child_n of_o god_n unto_o martyrdom_n that_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o to_o offer_v then selue_o and_o their_o life_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o life_n be_v preserve_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o assure_v deliverer_n if_o he_o see_v it_o to_o be_v expedient_a again_o when_o they_o climb_v up_o above_o this_o world_n and_o aspire_v unto_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a and_o everlasting_a life_n &_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o in_o their_o word_n a_o great_a magnanimity_n may_v be_v note_v when_o they_o say_v be_v it_o know_v to_o thou_o oh_o king_n that_o we_o worship_n not_o thy_o god_n neither_o the_o image_n that_o thou_o have_v erect_v for_o here_o they_o accuse_v the_o king_n after_o a_o sort_n that_o he_o will_v be_v so_o arrogant_a to_o appoint_v religion_n at_o his_o pleasure_n thou_o have_v set_v up_o a_o image_n but_o thine_o authority_n be_v to_o we_o of_o no_o valour_n for_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o feign_a god_n who_o thou_o will_v have_v to_o be_v worship_v under_o this_o image_n but_o the_o god_n who_o we_o worship_n have_v open_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v worship_v under_o any_o image_n we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v our_o father_n forth_o of_o egypt_n &_o that_o he_o will_v chasten_v we_o when_o he_o cast_v we_o forth_o into_o this_o banishment_n because_o therefore_o a_o sure_a stability_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v manifest_a unto_o we_o we_o utter_o despise_v thy_o god_n &_o thy_o commandment_n in_o this_o point_n 19_o then_o be_v nebuchadnezer_n full_a of_o rage_n and_o the_o form_n of_o his_o visage_n be_v change_v against_o sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n therefore_o he_o charge_v and_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v heat_v the_o furnace_n at_o once_o seven_o time_n more_o than_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v heat_n 20_o and_o he_o charge_v the_o most_o valiant_a man_n of_o war_n that_o be_v in_o his_o army_n to_o bind_v sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n god_n seem_v here_o to_o forsake_v his_o servant_n because_o he_o do_v not_o open_o help_v they_o the_o king_n command_v they_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n no_o help_n appear_v from_o the_o heaven_n wherefore_o this_o be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a trial_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v now_o arm_v as_o we_o do_v see_v before_o to_o suffer_v all_o thing_n for_o they_o do_v not_o answer_v so_o constant_o only_a because_o they_o trust_v in_o the_o present_a help_n of_o god_n but_o because_o they_o be_v determine_v to_o die_v and_o a_o better_a life_n do_v so_o comfort_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o lose_v this_o present_a life_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a for_o the_o terrible_a commandment_n of_o the_o king_n but_o they_o follow_v their_o course_n even_o to_o suffer_v death_n without_o all_o fear_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o there_o remain_v not_o thyrd_o thing_n but_o either_o to_o choose_v to_o die_v or_o else_o to_o deny_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o the_o which_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o premeditate_a this_o immortal_a life_n in_o our_o quiet_a state_n that_o if_o it_o so_o please_v god_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o we_o be_v so_o fearful_a again_o when_o we_o do_v come_v into_o present_a danger_n then_o do_v we_o tremble_v and_o quake_v because_o while_o we_o be_v forth_o of_o danger_n we_o vain_o imagine_v to_o ourselves_o a_o continual_a securitiy_n so_o long_o therefore_o as_o god_n give_v we_o quietness_n we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n to_o meditate_v the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o the_o world_n may_v wax_v vile_a unto_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a so_o oft_o as_o need_n shall_v be_v to_o geve_v our_o blood_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o history_n be_v not_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v only_o commend_v and_o magnify_v the_o virtue_n and_o constancy_n of_o these_o three_o holy_a man_n but_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o we_o to_o imitate_v their_o constancy_n and_o concern_v the_o king_n nebuchadnezer_n here_o daniel_n again_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o glass_n do_v show_v unto_o we_o the_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n of_o king_n when_o their_o commandment_n be_v not_o obey_v sure_o a_o heart_n of_o iron_n shall_v have_v be_v mollify_v with_o this_o answer_n that_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n do_v commit_v their_o life_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o death_n be_v draw_v from_o their_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o anger_n concern_v this_o rage_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v what_o power_n satan_n have_v over_o man_n when_o he_o have_v they_o in_o his_o claw_n they_o have_v no_o moderation_n nor_o rule_n of_o themselves_o although_o at_o other_o time_n they_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o virtue_n as_o this_o king_n have_v many_o token_n of_o virtue_n as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o but_o because_o the_o devil_n do_v now_o stir_v he_o there_o appear_v nothing_o in_o he_o but_o cruelty_n and_o rage_n forthermore_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o our_o constancy_n do_v please_v god_n although_o it_o do_v not_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o before_o the_o world_n for_o many_o under_o this_o colour_n spare_v themselves_o to_o live_v in_o their_o pleasure_n because_o they_o think_v it_o a_o rashness_n to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o death_n when_o there_o appear_v no_o profit_n and_o many_o excuse_n themselves_o under_o this_o pretence_n that_o they_o strive_v no_o more_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n because_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o labour_n and_o their_o death_n shall_v be_v fruitless_a but_o we_o do_v hear_v christ_n pronounce_v this_o to_o be_v a_o pleasant_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n 8.38_o when_o we_o offer_v our_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n although_o the_o generation_n before_o who_o we_o testify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v crooked_a &_o adulterous_a yea_o though_o it_o wax_v the_o more_o stubborn_a at_o our_o constancy_n and_o such_o a_o example_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o in_o these_o three_o holy_a person_n for_o how_o so_o ever_o nebuchadnezer_n wax_v more_o &_o more_o outrageous_a with_o their_o bold_a confession_n yet_o do_v that_o plain_a confession_n please_v god_n and_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v it_o although_o they_o do_v see_v no_o such_o fruit_n of_o their_o constancy_n as_o they_o desire_v and_o the_o prophet_n do_v express_v the_o circumstance_n to_o declare_v the_o king_n rage_n that_o he_o command_v the_o furnace_n to_o be_v make_v sevenfold_a hot_a than_o it_o be_v wont_a and_o chuse_v of_o his_o strong_a man_n to_o cast_v these_o into_o the_o furnace_n but_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o success_n all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o secret_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o devil_n may_v else_o have_v obscure_v the_o miracle_n if_o all_o doubt_n have_v not_o be_v remove_v but_o when_o the_o king_n command_v the_o furnace_n to_o be_v make_v sevenfold_a hot_a and_o do_v choose_v out_o his_o strong_a man_n to_o do_v the_o execution_n god_n by_o deliver_v his_o servant_n take_v away_o all_o doubtfulness_n that_o the_o more_o light_n shall_v shine_v forth_o of_o that_o darkness_n which_o satan_n think_v to_o have_v blind_v man_n withal_o the_o king_n policy_n and_o his_o power_n thus_o god_n use_v to_o disappoint_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o more_o witty_a that_o they_o be_v to_o obscure_v god_n glory_n the_o more_o do_v god_n cause_v both_o his_o glory_n and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o shine_v forth_o like_a as_o here_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o image_n daniel_n do_v paint_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o king_n nebuchadnezer_n leave_v nothing_o undo_v while_o that_o he_o will_v thus_o smite_v a_o terror_n unto_o all_o the_o jew_n with_o this_o
sometime_o god_n work_v leisurely_o &_o cause_v that_o his_o doctrine_n which_o seem_v unprofitable_a a_o long_a time_n become_v at_o the_o length_n fruitful_a and_o of_o force_n now_o come_v i_o to_o the_o word_n the_o preface_n of_o the_o decree_n be_v nebuchadnezer_n the_o king_n to_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n which_o dwell_v in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o be_v under_o his_o dominion_n for_o he_o will_v not_o have_v this_o understand_v of_o scythia_n or_o france_n or_o other_o far_a country_n but_o because_o his_o dominion_n stretch_v far_o and_o wide_a he_o speak_v proud_o as_o we_o see_v the_o roman_n call_v their_o rome_n the_o imperial_a sea_n of_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o lord_n over_o all_o nebuchadnezer_n therefore_o do_v here_o proud_o set_v forth_o the_o largeness_n of_o his_o monarchy_n when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o decree_n to_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n upon_o the_o whole_a earth_n afterwards_o he_o join_v this_o i_o think_v it_o good_a to_o declare_v the_o sign_n &_o wonder_n that_o the_o high_a god_n have_v wrought_v towards_o i_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o at_o length_n he_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v punish_v for_o his_o ingratitude_n because_o that_o he_o have_v give_v glory_n unto_o the_o one_o and_o true_a god_n only_o by_o tongue_n and_o outward_a show_n and_o afterward_o fall_v again_o to_o his_o old_a superstition_n yea_o he_o will_v never_o cast_v they_o of_o at_o all_o therefore_o do_v we_o see_v that_o this_o king_n be_v oft_o chastise_v before_o he_o will_v take_v profit_n of_o god_n correction_n let_v we_o not_o marvel_v then_o if_o god_n do_v often_o smite_v we_o with_o his_o hand_n for_o daily_a experience_n do_v try_v we_o to_o be_v slothful_a and_o very_a sluggard_n at_o god_n admonition_n when_o god_n therefore_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n beat_v we_o oftentimes_o because_o either_o we_o be_v nothing_o move_v when_o we_o be_v chastise_v by_o his_o hand_n or_o if_o that_o we_o do_v seem_v for_o one_o time_n waken_v yet_o do_v we_o return_v again_o by_o and_o by_o to_o our_o old_a sinful_a slumber_n it_o be_v of_o necessity_n therefore_o that_o the_o scourge_n be_v double_v this_o do_v we_o see_v in_o this_o present_a history_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n how_o be_v it_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a benefit_n of_o god_n that_o nebuchadnezer_n do_v geve_v place_n at_o the_o length_n after_o that_o god_n have_v chastise_v he_o many_o time_n yet_o know_v we_o not_o whether_o this_o confession_n come_v forth_o of_o a_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n i_o do_v leave_v that_o in_o doubt_n yet_o i_o do_v nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o daniel_n do_v rehearse_v this_o decree_n to_o declare_v that_o the_o king_n be_v in_o the_o end_n compel_v to_o confess_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v the_o only_a god_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n under_o his_o dominion_n in_o the_o mean_a season_n this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o decree_n of_o the_o king_n be_v praise_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o daniel_n do_v rehearse_v it_o for_o none_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o declare_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o conversion_n in_o the_o king_n wherefore_o this_o be_v with_o out_o all_o controversy_n that_o king_n nebuchadnezer_n have_v testify_v his_o repentance_n when_o he_o magnify_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n before_o all_o the_o world_n and_o appoint_v a_o penalty_n for_o all_o they_o which_o speak_v blasphemous_o against_o that_o god_n therefore_o be_v this_o place_n oft_o cite_v by_o augustine_n against_o the_o donatist_n donatistas_n for_o they_o will_v have_v be_v suffer_v still_o unpunished_a when_o they_o malicious_o trouble_v the_o church_n when_o they_o corrupt_v the_o pure_a doctrine_n yea_o when_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o rob_v like_o thief_n and_o rage_n like_o murderer_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_v that_o diverse_a be_v then_o murder_v by_o they_o and_o other_o maim_v when_o these_o man_n live_v so_o wicked_o yet_o will_v they_o have_v their_o wickedness_n to_o go_v unpunished_a &_o this_o they_o hold_v for_o a_o principle_n that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o hold_v a_o contrary_a religion_n for_o the_o which_o thing_n some_o at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o much_o bend_v to_o contention_n it_o be_v evident_a what_o they_o seek_v for_o if_o a_o man_n mark_v they_o they_o be_v wicked_a contemner_n of_o god_n at_o the_o least_o they_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o be_v certain_a in_o religion_n therefore_o do_v they_o labour_v to_o overthrow_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n therefore_o that_o they_o may_v pour_v forth_o their_o poison_n they_o strive_v thus_o stout_o for_o impunity_n &_o deny_v that_o heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n ought_v to_o be_v punish_v that_o impudent_a castalio_n be_v one_o of_o they_o and_o his_o fellow_n and_o other_o such_o like_a such_o be_v then_o the_o donatist_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v say_v augustine_n do_v often_o time_n cite_v this_o place_n and_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v shameful_a slackness_n when_o christian_a prince_n do_v not_o by_o punish_v the_o heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n maintain_v god_n glory_n consider_v that_o nebuchadnezer_n which_o be_v never_o true_o convert_v yet_o by_o a_o certain_a secret_a instigation_n publish_v this_o decree_n how_o so_o ever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v evident_a enohgh_o to_o such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o void_a of_o contention_n that_o this_o decree_n of_o nebuchadnezer_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o follow_v consequent_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o king_n to_o defend_v god_n true_a worship_n &_o to_o punish_v severe_o profane_a contemner_n who_o labour_n either_o to_o make_v nothing_o of_o true_a religion_n or_o adulterate_a and_o corrupt_v the_o true_a doctrine_n with_o their_o error_n and_o so_o dissipate_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o trouble_v the_o concord_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o text_n of_o the_o prophet_n nebuchadnezer_n say_v first_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o declare_v the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v with_o i_o at_o the_o first_o he_o begin_v to_o declare_v what_o god_n have_v do_v but_o it_o vanish_v away_o therefore_o after_o that_o god_n have_v twice_o or_o thrice_o chastise_v he_o at_o the_o length_n he_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o glorious_a for_o he_o to_o declare_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o he_o break_v forth_o into_o a_o exclamation_n how_o great_a be_v his_o sign_n how_o wonderful_a be_v his_o mighty_a work_n his_o kingdom_n be_v a_o eternal_a kingdom_n and_o his_o dominion_n for_o ever_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o nebuchadnezer_n will_v stir_v up_o his_o subject_n to_o read_v this_o decree_n more_o diligent_o and_o to_o know_v the_o greatness_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v geve_v themselves_o to_o serve_v that_o true_a and_o only_o god_n he_o call_v the_o high_a god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n undoubted_o yet_o do_v we_o not_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v cast_v away_o his_o superstition_n or_o no._n and_o i_o do_v rather_o think_v the_o contrary_a that_o he_o have_v not_o cast_v of_o his_o error_n but_o that_o he_o be_v compel_v thus_o to_o geve_v glory_n unto_o the_o true_a god_n he_o do_v then_o so_o knowledge_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v the_o high_a god_n that_o he_o do_v join_v unto_o he_o the_o inferior_a god_n as_o companion_n and_o mate_n as_o all_o the_o faithless_a have_v perceive_v that_o there_o be_v one_o high_a god_n but_o they_o imagine_v therewith_o a_o heap_n of_o other_o gods._n so_o then_o do_v nebuchadnezer_n confess_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v the_o high_a god_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o correct_v the_o idolatry_n that_o be_v under_o his_o dominion_n yea_o he_o mingle_v altogether_o his_o false_a god_n with_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o leave_v not_o his_o corruption_n he_o do_v great_o celebrate_v god_n glory_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o unless_o all_o superstion_n be_v abolish_v that_o that_o only_a religion_n which_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v have_v place_n and_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a worship_n of_o god_n may_v only_o flourish_v to_o be_v short_a this_o preface_n may_v be_v some_o token_n of_o a_o notable_a conversion_n but_o we_o shall_v see_v straight_a way_n that_o nebuchadnezer_n be_v not_o whole_o purge_v from_o his_o error_n wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o move_v where_o we_o see_v the_o king_n wrap_v in_o many_o error_n to_o be_v so_o ravish_v with_o the_o admiration_n of_o god_n power_n that_o he_o exclaim_v &_o cry_v out_o
the_o rather_o endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o innocent_o both_o towards_o thou_o and_o towards_o man_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v that_o so_o thy_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v defend_v by_o thy_o protection_n may_v go_v forward_o against_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o howsoever_o satan_n do_v assault_v we_o and_o the_o wicked_a lie_v snare_n and_o like_a rage_a beast_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o that_o yet_o we_o may_v remain_v safe_a under_o thy_o defence_n yea_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v suffer_v a_o hundred_o death_n that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o live_v and_o to_o die_v unto_o thou_o that_o thy_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o we_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o 8_o now_o oh_o king_n confirm_v the_o decree_n and_o seal_v the_o writing_n that_o it_o be_v not_o change_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n which_o alter_v not_o 9_o wherefore_o king_n darius_n seal_v the_o writing_n and_o the_o decree_n hereby_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v most_o manifest_a how_o prone_a the_o mind_n of_o prince_n be_v to_o be_v delude_v when_o they_o think_v that_o their_o authority_n shall_v be_v increase_v and_o their_o honour_n augment_v for_o the_o king_n do_v make_v no_o long_a disputation_n with_o his_o noble_a man_n but_o sign_v the_o decree_n because_o he_o suppose_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v profitable_a for_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n if_o he_o may_v have_v the_o chaldee_n so_o obedient_a unto_o he_o that_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a rather_o to_o deny_v all_o their_o god_n then_o to_o refuse_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o command_v which_o shall_v not_o be_v change_v say_v they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v the_o decree_n be_v immovable_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o the_o persian_n which_o alter_v not_o in_o that_o he_o join_v the_o mede_n with_o the_o persian_n hereby_o it_o appear_v as_o we_o have_v say_v that_o cyrus_n and_o darius_n do_v reign_v joint_o together_o for_o whereas_o the_o great_a dignity_n and_o honour_n be_v grant_v unto_o darius_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v yet_o the_o power_n remain_v with_o cyrus_n and_o without_o doubt_n his_o child_n be_v the_o heir_n of_o both_o those_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o east_n until_o they_o begin_v to_o fall_v out_o betwixt_o themselves_o and_o whereas_o they_o do_v allege_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o the_o persian_n be_v immutable_a this_o doubtless_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o law_n that_o their_o authority_n shall_v be_v inviolable_a and_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o force_n and_o obtain_v their_o effect_n for_o the_o which_o they_o be_v make_v for_o where_o the_o law_n be_v ever_o change_v and_o alter_v many_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v injury_v for_o no_o private_a man_n right_n can_v be_v stable_n and_o sure_a but_o where_o the_o law_n be_v continual_o one_o again_o where_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o make_v law_n &_o to_o take_v away_o law_n there_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o equity_n succeed_v tyranny_n lust_n for_o law_n for_o they_o which_o have_v this_o authority_n be_v corrupt_a by_o money_n will_v now_o pronounce_v one_o law_n now_o a_o other_o so_o shall_v there_o be_v no_o equity_n where_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n to_o alter_v law_n at_o will._n howbeit_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v wary_o consider_v first_o that_o king_n make_v no_o law_n nor_o proclamation_n without_o great_a advice_n and_o long_a deliberation_n second_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n unto_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o circumvent_v and_o deceive_v by_o craft_n and_o cunning_a fetch_n as_o it_o come_v many_o time_n to_o pass_v wherefore_o constancy_n be_v commendable_a and_o praise_v worthy_a in_o king_n and_o prince_n so_o that_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n do_v go_v before_o but_o straight_o way_n we_o shall_v see_v how_o foolish_o king_n will_v have_v the_o name_n of_o constancy_n and_o by_o their_o pride_n pervert_v all_o equity_n 10_o now_o when_o daniel_n understand_v that_o he_o have_v seal_v the_o writing_n he_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n be_v open_a in_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n as_o he_o do_v before_o tyme._n now_o daniel_n declare_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v offer_v his_o life_n unto_o god_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n because_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n leave_v he_o if_o he_o have_v be_v find_v to_o have_v violate_v the_o king_n commandment_n he_o know_v also_o that_o the_o king_n himself_o shall_v not_o be_v free_a although_o he_o will_v pardon_v he_o even_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o see_v then_o that_o death_n be_v before_o the_o prophet_n eye_n he_o have_v rather_o go_v unto_o it_o willing_o then_o cease_v from_o his_o duty_n in_o religion_n we_o must_v note_v that_o here_o be_v nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o inward_a worship_v of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o outward_a profession_n if_o daniel_n have_v be_v forbid_v to_o pray_v this_o fortitude_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v necessary_a wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v but_o now_o many_o may_v think_v that_o he_o be_v in_o jeopardy_n without_o any_o great_a cause_n when_o he_o do_v set_v himself_o forth_o to_o death_n whereas_o he_o be_v only_o restrain_v from_o the_o outward_a profession_n but_o because_o daniel_n do_v not_o here_o declare_v his_o own_o virtue_n but_o the_o spirit_n speak_v by_o his_o mouth_n we_o must_v mark_v that_o this_o boldness_n of_o mind_n please_v god_n in_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o his_o deliverance_n do_v declare_v how_o great_o his_o godly_a fact_n be_v allow_v in_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o to_o renounce_v his_o own_o life_n then_o to_o change_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o usual_a custom_n in_o serve_v of_o god_n we_o do_v know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a sacrifice_n which_o god_n require_v even_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o we_o do_v testify_v thereby_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n unto_o we_o and_o again_o we_o do_v geve_v a_o testimony_n of_o our_o faith_n while_o we_o fly_v unto_o he_o and_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n into_o his_o bosom_n and_o do_v offer_v unto_o he_o our_o request_n and_o desire_n see_v therefore_o that_o prayer_n have_v the_o chief_a office_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n doubtless_o it_o be_v of_o no_o small_a importance_n that_o the_o king_n forbid_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n for_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a &_o over_o gross_a denial_n of_o religion_n and_o hereby_o do_v we_o gather_v again_o how_o blind_a the_o pride_n of_o this_o king_n be_v while_o he_o can_v subscribe_v unto_o their_o wicked_a and_o filthy_a decree_n again_o how_o great_o the_o noble_n rage_v who_o that_o they_o may_v destroy_v daniel_n go_v about_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o destroy_v all_o religion_n and_o to_o pluck_v down_o god_n from_o heaven_n for_o what_o remain_v when_o man_n think_v that_o they_o can_v want_v the_o help_n of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v no_o care_n of_o god_n at_o all_o we_o know_v that_o unless_o god_n do_v strengthen_v we_o every_o moment_n with_o his_o power_n we_o be_v easy_o bring_v to_o nought_o when_o the_o king_n than_o do_v forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n for_o a_o whole_a month_n this_o be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v to_o require_v of_o every_o man_n to_o deny_v god_n therefore_o daniel_n can_v not_o obey_v the_o decree_n without_o great_a injury_n unto_o god_n and_o fall_v from_o religion_n because_o this_o prayer_n be_v the_o chief_a sacrifice_n that_o god_n require_v wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n though_o daniel_n do_v bold_o stand_v against_o this_o curse_a decree_n and_o concern_v his_o profession_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v testify_v before_o man_n that_o he_o do_v stand_v steadfast_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o if_o he_o have_v change_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o usual_a order_n it_o have_v be_v after_o a_o sort_n a_o denial_n of_o his_o religion_n he_o have_v not_o public_o pronounce_v that_o he_o contemn_v god_n for_o darius_n pleasure_n but_o the_o very_a change_n have_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o traitorous_a defection_n and_o faithless_a fall_n from_o god_n but_o we_o know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o require_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o inward_a affection_n but_o also_o the_o testimony_n and_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n wherefore_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n unless_o he_o will_v have_v be_v a_o shameful_a apostata_fw-la to_o continue_v in_o that_o holy_a
custom_n which_o he_o have_v use_v for_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o pray_v unto_o god_n with_o his_o window_n open_a therefore_o keep_v he_o his_o order_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v object_v against_o he_o that_o he_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n to_o gratify_v a_o earthly_a king_n and_o will_v to_o god_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v now_o grave_v so_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n as_o be_v convenient_a but_o this_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v deride_v of_o many_o not_o open_o i_o grant_v but_o so_o that_o it_o may_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o prophet_n seem_v unto_o they_o over_o simple_a and_o rash_a which_o offer_v himself_o to_o danger_n in_o vain_a &_o without_o necessity_n for_o they_o do_v so_o separate_v faith_n from_o the_o profession_n thereof_o that_o they_o think_v they_o can_v remain_v upright_o although_o it_o be_v hide_v and_o bury_v and_o although_o they_o fall_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o sincere_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n a_o hundred_o time_n for_o the_o avoid_v of_o persecution_n let_v we_o consider_v therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o also_o that_o a_o outward_a and_o free_a profession_n be_v require_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v at_o the_o least_o that_o we_o be_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o publish_v every_o where_o whatsoever_o we_o think_v so_o that_o we_o shall_v straightways_o be_v carry_v unto_o death_n by_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o i_o say_v that_o these_o twain_o be_v join_v together_o faith_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a be_v separate_v now_o the_o profession_n be_v after_o two_o sort_n for_o either_o we_o do_v testify_v plain_o and_o open_o that_o which_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n or_o else_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a we_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o geve_v no_o sign_n of_o wicked_a &_o faithless_a dissimulation_n as_o though_o we_o shall_v cast_v away_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n as_o concern_v the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a always_o and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o profess_v our_o faith_n but_o the_o second_o must_v always_o be_v observe_v for_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o dissemble_v or_o to_o fain_v any_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o religion_n wherefore_o daniel_n although_o he_o do_v not_o call_v together_o the_o chaldee_n with_o sound_n of_o trumpet_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o will_v pray_v but_o make_v his_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o chamber_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a yet_o do_v he_o not_o dissemble_v as_o though_o he_o have_v forget_v his_o religion_n when_o he_o see_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v try_v and_o that_o he_o be_v prove_v whether_o he_o will_v remain_v constant_o therein_o or_o no._n for_o he_o plain_o express_v that_o he_o come_v home_o after_o that_o he_o do_v know_v that_o the_o decree_n be_v sign_v doubtless_o if_o he_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o that_o consultation_n he_o will_v not_o there_o have_v hold_v his_o peace_n but_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o noble_n do_v crafty_o shut_v he_o forth_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v at_o it_o and_o they_o think_v that_o the_o remedy_n shall_v be_v to_o late_a or_o none_o at_o all_o like_v as_o he_o himself_o do_v think_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v wherefore_o if_o he_o have_v be_v call_v to_o the_o counsel_n by_o the_o king_n he_o will_v there_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n and_o will_v bold_o have_v treat_v upon_o it_o but_o because_o the_o decree_n be_v now_o sign_v and_o he_o can_v not_o admonish_v the_o king_n he_o go_v into_o his_o house_n this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o the_o king_n counsellor_n can_v not_o be_v excuse_v by_o any_o mean_n which_o of_o purpose_n absent_v themselves_o from_o consultation_n when_o they_o see_v that_o they_o can_v not_o speak_v their_o mind_n without_o some_o danger_n and_o think_v that_o they_o have_v do_v enough_o towards_o god_n so_o that_o they_o give_v no_o voice_n but_o keep_v silence_n howbeit_o this_o faint_a stomach_n can_v not_o be_v excuse_v by_o any_o mean_n and_o daniels_n example_n assure_o can_v not_o serve_v they_o because_o as_o we_o have_v say_v he_o be_v shut_v out_o by_o the_o craft_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o noble_n that_o he_o can_v not_o come_v in_o place_n to_o admonish_v the_o king_n in_o time_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a now_o he_o say_v that_o the_o window_n be_v open_a towards_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o daniel_n to_o open_v the_o window_n for_o some_o man_n may_v object_v that_o he_o do_v this_o of_o some_o gross_a opinion_n for_o if_o god_n do_v fill_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n what_o need_v he_o to_o open_v the_o window_n towards_o jerusalem_n but_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v thus_o stir_v up_o himself_o to_o more_o fervent_a prayer_n by_o this_o help_n and_o mean_n he_o pray_v then_o for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o when_o he_o look_v towards_o jerusalem_n that_o sight_n be_v as_o a_o spur_n whereby_o his_o mind_n may_v be_v the_o more_o inflame_v the_o prophet_n do_v not_o then_o open_a the_o window_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v more_o easy_o be_v hear_v if_o there_o be_v a_o open_a way_n through_o the_o air_n betwixt_o his_o house_n and_o judea_n but_o he_o rather_o regard_v himself_o and_o do_v help_v his_o own_o infirmity_n now_o if_o the_o holy_a prophet_n do_v stand_v need_n of_o this_o aid_n who_o be_v so_o diligent_a in_o prayer_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o slothful_a infirmity_n stand_v need_n of_o many_o more_o help_n at_o this_o day_n let_v we_o learn_v therefore_o when_o we_o do_v feel_v ourselves_o to_o be_v over_o slothful_a &_o cold_a unto_o prayer_n that_o we_o must_v gather_v all_o help_n and_o aid_n which_o may_v wayken_v our_o diligence_n and_o may_v redress_v our_o sloth_n which_o we_o do_v feel_v in_o ourselves_o this_o than_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o prophet_n when_o he_o open_v his_o window_n towards_o jerusalem_n again_o by_o this_o sign_n he_o will_v signify_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o family_n that_o be_v do_v continue_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o redemption_n promise_v when_o he_o pray_v unto_o god_n he_o have_v jerusalem_n as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o sight_n not_o that_o his_o eye_n can_v see_v so_o far_o but_o he_o turn_v his_o eye_n towards_o jerusalem_fw-la at_o that_o time_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n among_o the_o chaldee_n although_o he_o be_v both_o rich_a and_o in_o great_a honour_n there_o and_o of_o great_a power_n thus_o will_v he_o have_v it_o know_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o do_v rest_n upon_o the_o heritage_n promise_v although_o for_o a_o time_n he_o be_v banish_v from_o thence_o this_o be_v the_o second_o cause_n why_o he_o open_v the_o window_n he_o say_v also_o that_o he_o pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v for_o unless_o every_o one_o of_o we_o appoint_v ourselves_o certain_a hour_n for_o prayer_n we_o shall_v easy_o forget_v to_o pray_v wherefore_o daniel_n although_o he_o be_v diligent_a in_o pour_n forth_o his_o prayer_n yet_o do_v he_o appoint_v himself_o this_o solemn_a order_n that_o he_o do_v fall_v down_o before_o god_n thrice_o every_o day_n ☜_o like_a as_o when_o we_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n unless_o we_o begin_v with_o prayer_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v a_o brutish_a dullness_n so_o also_o when_o we_o go_v to_o bed_n when_o we_o take_v our_o repast_n and_o so_o at_o other_o hour_n as_o every_o man_n find_v it_o most_o convenient_a for_o himself_o for_o herein_o god_n give_v we_o liberty_n howbeit_o every_o man_n must_v feel_v his_o infirmity_n that_o he_o may_v seek_v for_o remedy_n for_o this_o cause_n then_o do_v daniel_n pray_v thrice_o a_o day_n here_o be_v add_v also_o a_o sign_n of_o his_o fervent_a prayer_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o fall_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n not_o that_o kneeling_n be_v a_o necessary_a point_n of_o itself_o in_o prayer_n but_o because_o we_o have_v need_n of_o spur_n and_o prick_v as_o we_o have_v say_v kneeling_n do_v much_o profit_n for_o first_o of_o all_o we_o be_v admonish_v that_o we_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o god_n but_o with_o humility_n and_o reverence_n again_o hereby_o our_o mind_n be_v better_o prepare_v to_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o so_o this_o sign_n of_o worship_a be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v
almost_o throughout_o the_o east_n for_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n bare_a rule_n from_o the_o sea_n unto_o egypt_n see_v then_o the_o empire_n be_v so_o large_a daniel_n do_v not_o without_o cause_n say_v that_o the_o decree_n be_v proclaim_v throughout_o the_o earth_n peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o we_o know_v that_o king_n do_v thus_o faun_n upon_o their_o subject_n and_o use_v gentle_a preface_n that_o they_o may_v more_o easy_o obtain_v their_o purpose_n and_o also_o that_o they_o may_v have_v they_o more_o obedient_a subject_n and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o cost_v they_o nought_o to_o wish_v peace_n to_o their_o subject_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n as_o i_o have_v say_v by_o this_o bait_n they_o do_v often_o time_n seek_v favour_n to_o prepare_v their_o subject_n to_o further_a bondage_n by_o the_o name_n of_o peace_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o a_o prosperous_a state_n be_v understand_v as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o wish_v you_o to_o do_v well_o and_o prosperous_o afterwards_o he_o add_v that_o a_o decree_n be_v make_v in_o his_o presence_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o of_o his_o authority_n do_v commannde_v all_o his_o subject_n that_o they_o all_o do_v fear_n and_o tremble_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n by_o the_o which_o fear_n and_o tremble_v he_o understand_v nothing_o but_o reverence_n and_o worship_n but_o thus_o use_v all_o profane_a man_n to_o speak_v which_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o name_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v express_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v evident_a which_o ought_v to_o move_v they_o all_o to_o reverence_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o that_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o this_o manner_n of_o speech_n seem_v to_o be_v take_v of_o a_o true_a principle_n because_o god_n be_v never_o true_o worship_v but_o when_o man_n be_v humble_v and_o bring_v down_o therefore_o god_n name_v himself_o many_o time_n terrible_a not_o that_o he_o will_v drive_v his_o servant_n to_o worship_v he_o by_o fear_n but_o because_o as_o i_o have_v say_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v well_o prepare_v to_o due_a reverence_n unless_o they_o full_o perceive_v the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o his_o judgement_n but_o if_o fear_v only_o shall_v have_v place_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n he_o can_v not_o frame_v they_o to_o true_a holiness_n for_o that_o sentence_n of_o the_o psalm_n 130._o be_v to_o be_v consider_v there_o be_v mercy_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v god_n can_v not_o therefore_o be_v right_o worship_v or_o fear_v unless_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o will_v be_v entreat_v and_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o yet_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o fear_n and_o tremble_a go_v before_o which_o may_v humble_v and_o bring_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o word_n that_o all_o may_v fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n the_o king_n call_v he_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n not_o that_o daniel_n have_v make_v he_o but_o because_o he_o worship_v he_o we_o may_v right_o say_v that_o jupiter_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o grecian_n because_o he_o be_v make_v a_o god_n by_o their_o foolishness_n &_o thereby_o gate_n his_o name_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o jupiter_n and_o minerva_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o the_o false_a god_n take_v their_o name_n of_o their_o original_n there_o be_v a_o other_o cause_n why_o king_n darius_n call_v he_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n who_o daniel_n worship_v because_o he_o revel_v himself_o to_o daniel_n as_o he_o be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n because_o he_o revel_v himself_o unto_o abraham_n but_o to_o explicate_v this_o thing_n more_o manifest_o why_o be_v he_o call_v the_o god_n of_o daniel_n rather_o than_o the_o god_n of_o the_o babylonian_n doubtless_o because_o daniel_n as_o he_o have_v learn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o do_v he_o worship_n god_n pure_o which_o have_v make_v his_o convenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o which_o have_v adopt_v the_o israelite_n for_o a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o this_o do_v therefore_o depend_v of_o the_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o worship_n do_v depend_v of_o the_o covenant_n wherefore_o the_o name_n of_o daniel_n be_v not_o put_v here_o as_o though_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o fain_v or_o imagine_v a_o god_n but_o because_o he_o worship_v that_o god_n that_o have_v revel_v himself_o by_o his_o word_n final_o this_o manner_n of_o speech_n must_v be_v thus_o understand_v that_o all_o man_n must_v fear_v that_o god_n that_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o which_o have_v choose_v that_o nation_n as_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o who_o have_v teach_v the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o the_o true_a and_o right_a worship_n and_o have_v declare_v it_o by_o his_o law_n and_o who_o also_o daniel_n worship_v therefore_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o discern_v the_o true_a god_n from_o all_o idol_n and_o man_n fantasy_n if_o we_o desire_v to_o have_v our_o service_n and_o worship_n allow_v before_o he_o for_o many_o imagine_v that_o they_o worship_n god_n which_o yet_o do_v wander_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o error_n and_o be_v not_o addict_v to_o one_o true_a god_n this_o be_v a_o wicked_a thing_n yea_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o profanation_n of_o true_a religion_n so_o confuse_o to_o worship_n god_n therefore_o we_o must_v mark_v this_o difference_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o that_o our_o mind_n may_v ever_o be_v keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n lest_o we_o err_v from_o the_o true_a god_n if_o so_o be_v we_o covet_v to_o retain_v he_o and_o to_o follow_v the_o religion_n that_o he_o allow_v i_o say_v that_o we_o must_v abide_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n and_o may_v neither_o decline_v hither_o nor_o thither_o for_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o innumerable_a deceit_n of_o the_o devil_n unless_o the_o word_n keep_v we_o as_o it_o be_v fast_o bind_v unto_o it_o as_o concern_v darius_n he_o do_v know_v that_o there_o be_v one_o most_o high_a god_n but_o as_o be_v say_v before_o he_o do_v not_o cast_v away_o his_o feign_a and_o wicked_a religion_n whereunto_o he_o be_v accustom_v but_o such_o mixture_n of_o religion_n be_v intolerable_a before_o god._n he_o add_v because_o he_o be_v the_o live_n god_n and_o remain_v for_o ever_o here_o he_o seem_v to_o bring_v all_o the_o false_a god_n to_o nothing_o but_o as_o i_o say_v all_o profane_a man_n do_v so_o lift_v up_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o yet_o by_o and_o by_o after_o they_o vanish_v away_o therefore_o if_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n aright_o they_o will_v immediate_o exclude_v all_o feign_a gods._n but_o they_o think_v it_o enough_o if_o god_n have_v the_o first_o place_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n they_o join_v lesser_a god_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v lie_v hide_v as_o it_o be_v amongst_o the_o number_n and_o yet_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o preeminence_n such_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o such_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o darius_n for_o he_o understand_v nothing_o pure_o and_o sincere_o of_o the_o only_a essence_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v the_o most_o high_a power_n to_o be_v in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n how_o soever_o other_o nation_n worship_v their_o gods._n so_o do_v we_o see_v that_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o superstition_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o his_o childhood_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v praise_v his_o godliness_n save_v only_o in_o this_o particular_a action_n yet_o god_n do_v wrest_v forth_o of_o his_o mouth_n a_o confession_n wherein_o his_o nature_n be_v describe_v unto_o we_o he_o call_v he_o the_o live_a god_n not_o only_o because_o he_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o but_o also_o of_o himself_o &_o because_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o life_n wherefore_o this_o adjective_n must_v be_v take_v active_o because_o god_n do_v not_o only_o live_v but_o he_o have_v life_n also_o of_o himself_o again_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o life_n because_o there_o be_v no_o life_n beside_o he_o or_o without_o he_o afterwards_o he_o add_v that_o he_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o so_o do_v he_o dissever_v he_o from_o all_o creature_n amongst_o who_o there_o be_v nothing_o stable_a nor_o steadfast_a for_o we_o do_v know_v that_o not_o only_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o heaven_n be_v subject_a to_o change_n but_o also_o the_o heaven_n itself_o in_o this_o point_n therefore_o do_v