the_o rest_n this_o history_n of_o ester_n which_o by_o god_n favour_n we_o take_v in_o hand_n do_v propose_v unto_o we_o even_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o preserve_v cherish_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n then_o again_o the_o treachery_n and_o cruel_a mind_n of_o her_o most_o deadly_a enemy_n and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o carefulness_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o well_o at_o all_o other_o time_n as_o then_o principal_o when_o danger_n hang_v over_o their_o head_n and_o threaten_v unto_o they_o all_o extremity_n the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n be_v unknown_a neither_o do_v it_o much_o avail_v we_o to_o know_v who_o write_v it_o as_o in_o such_o like_a history_n of_o the_o judge_n ruth_n samuel_n king_n and_o job_n so_o that_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a and_o have_v be_v so_o take_v and_o receive_v always_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v engrave_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o sufficient_a testimony_n this_o history_n therefore_o bear_v for_o title_n the_o name_n of_o ester_n because_o ester_n be_v as_o a_o principal_a instrument_n which_o god_n do_v use_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o church_n when_o it_o be_v like_o utter_o to_o have_v be_v destroy_v in_o her_o time_n throughout_o all_o the_o province_n of_o assuerus_n be_v adorn_v with_o this_o note_n of_o divine_a majesty_n and_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o write_v among_o the_o holy_a monument_n for_o the_o instruction_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 4._o rom._n 15._o 4._o that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n for_o so_o notable_a and_o extraordinary_a deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n be_v not_o gather_v together_o and_o commit_v to_o writing_n without_o the_o ordinance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n divine_a providence_n but_o that_o diligent_o behold_v how_o great_a a_o care_n the_o lord_n have_v always_o have_v of_o his_o people_n and_o with_o how_o unwearied_a endeavour_n he_o have_v bring_v unto_o they_o present_a help_n in_o great_a distress_n we_o may_v learn_v to_o place_v our_o hope_n in_o he_o alone_o and_o to_o rest_v ourselves_o only_o on_o he_o who_o goodness_n and_o truth_n endure_v for_o ever_o the_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n happen_v be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o assuerus_n but_o who_o this_o assuerus_n be_v or_o at_o what_o time_n he_o reign_v it_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o by_o all_o writer_n yet_o notwithstanding_o by_o compare_v of_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o assuerus_n as_o esra_n 4._o 6._o it_o appear_v that_o this_o assuerus_n be_v he_o who_o the_o profane_a hystorian_n call_v darius_n the_o son_n of_o hystaspis_n which_o after_o the_o death_n of_o cambyses_n the_o son_n of_o cyrus_n have_v obtain_v the_o kingdom_n wherefore_o whereas_o this_o history_n set_v down_o a_o rehearsal_n from_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o assuerus_n and_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o haman_n fall_v out_o the_o twelve_o year_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o recite_v seem_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o two_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o that_o the_o people_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o cyrus_n â—ad_a leave_n to_o return_v out_o of_o the_o captivity_n into_o they_o rowne_v country_n for_o cyrus_n and_o cambyses_n reign_v nine_o year_n the_o two_o magi_n surprise_v babylon_n a_o year_n about_o the_o end_n whereof_o assuerus_n obtain_v the_o kingdom_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o ten_o year_n pass_v from_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o monarch_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o mede_n when_o assuerus_n get_v the_o kingdom_n in_o who_o twelve_o year_n this_o conspiracy_n happen_v but_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o mardochaeus_n must_v be_v very_o old_a because_o as_o we_o shall_v hear_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n he_o be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n with_o jechoniah_n from_o which_o time_n unto_o this_o there_o pass_v more_o than_o four_o score_n year_n but_o the_o lord_n as_o often_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o church_n have_v so_o require_v have_v preserve_v certain_a man_n strong_a and_o sound_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o let_v these_o thing_n suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o time_n for_o their_o opinion_n have_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n which_o place_n these_o thing_n under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n because_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o that_o fast_a monarchy_n of_o the_o babylonian_n none_o of_o the_o persian_n have_v so_o large_a a_o empire_n â—s_v this_o assuerus_n reign_v from_o india_n unto_o aethiopâ—â—_n the_o drift_n of_o this_o history_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a how_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o those_o who_o remain_n disperse_v in_o diverse_a legion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v away_o captives_n when_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o preâ—ent_a destruction_n hang_v over_o their_o head_n be_v by_o the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o savour_n of_o god_n deliver_v from_o the_o slaughter_n and_o â—s_v it_o be_v pluck_v out_o of_o the_o jaw_n of_o â—heir_a enemy_n the_o death_n which_o they_o â—â—reâ—tned_v and_o the_o detâ—_n and_o trap_n which_o â—hey_n prepare_v for_o other_o be_v turâ—ed_v over_o upon_o the_o adversary_n own_v â—eades_n so_o that_o this_o history_n consist_v â—f_o two_o part_n of_o the_o which_o the_o first_o contain_v the_o â—_z prepare_v against_o the_o â—ewes_n in_o the_o five_o first_o chapter_n the_o â—ther_n contain_v the_o happy_a issue_n and_o miraculous_a deliveraunce_n from_o they_o in_o â—â—e_z rest_n of_o the_o book_n as_o concern_v â—e_n former_a part_n in_o the_o first_o two_o chapâ—ers_n be_v recite_v the_o reject_v of_o vashti_n and_o â—he_v exalt_v of_o ester_n succeed_v in_o her_o place_n in_o the_o three_o chapter_n be_v record_v how_o great_o haman_n be_v have_v in_o favour_n and_o authoritre_n with_o assuerus_n &_o his_o courtier_n and_o with_o how_o great_a and_o deadly_a hatred_n he_o prosecute_v mardochaeus_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o four_o contain_v the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n of_o the_o jew_n unto_o god_n when_o they_o see_v so_o certain_a a_o destruction_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o light_v on_o they_o the_o five_o show_v the_o preparation_n to_o the_o deliverance_n the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o haâ—man_n notwithstanding_o increase_v still_o against_o mardochaeus_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o book_n in_o the_o other_o part_n wherein_o the_o deliverance_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n be_v declare_v the_o honour_n which_o mardochaeus_n receive_v from_o the_o king_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o haman_n and_o heereuppon_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o evil_n that_o follow_v and_o a_o extreme_a despair_n of_o bring_v his_o purpose_n to_o pass_v be_v foretell_v he_o by_o his_o wife_n in_o the_o seven_o it_o be_v note_v how_o he_o be_v hang_v on_o the_o gallows_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v in_o the_o two_o next_o chapter_n be_v recite_v the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o enemy_n kill_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o in_o susa_n as_o in_o allother_n province_n to_o the_o number_n of_o three_o score_n and_o fifteen_o thousand_o man_n among_o who_o be_v the_o ten_o son_n of_o haman_n 〈◊〉_d and_o after_o hang_v upon_o gallows_n herehence_a arise_v great_a joy_n and_o gladness_n â—o_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o day_n be_v appoint_v â—earely_o to_o celebrate_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n â—eceived_v at_o god_n hand_n the_o last_o chapter_n 〈◊〉_d teach_v that_o mardochaeus_n be_v â—n_o great_a favour_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o king_n and_o succeed_v in_o hamans_n place_n employ_v all_o his_o force_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o this_o history_n contain_v â—he_n space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n though_o some_o â—ount_n more_o some_o less_o the_o use_n and_o profit_n of_o this_o history_n be_v great_a for_o first_o out_o of_o it_o we_o learn_v what_o â—or_a the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n to_o wit_n to_o â—e_n disperse_v here_o and_o there_o under_o the_o â—ower_n and_o dominion_n of_o infidel_n king_n to_o â—e_v base_o account_v of_o and_o hate_v of_o ambitious_a courtier_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o â—launders_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v even_o unâ—o_o death_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a for_o every_o â—ne_n without_o controlment_n to_o exercise_v tyranny_n against_o it_o contrariwise_o that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n while_o other_o 〈◊〉_d be_v despise_v and_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n follow_v
thirteen_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n beside_o from_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o edict_n unto_o the_o execution_n thereof_o there_o be_v eight_o month_n and_o about_o twenty_o day_n for_o as_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n we_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v fulfil_v on_o the_o thirteen_o day_n of_o the_o twelve_o month_n the_o time_n be_v thus_o precise_o note_v not_o only_o for_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n but_o also_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n what_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n first_o for_o the_o space_n of_o those_o two_o month_n and_o ten_o day_n wherein_o it_o be_v half_o bury_v as_o it_o be_v be_v condemn_v to_o death_n and_o destruction_n which_o seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v avoid_v after_o how_o in_o the_o space_n of_o other_o eight_o month_n begin_v as_o it_o be_v to_o breathe_v again_o she_o prepare_v herself_o to_o her_o just_a &_o lawful_a defence_n yet_o not_o without_o many_o difficulty_n whereby_o she_o may_v be_v fear_v until_o god_n give_v she_o a_o full_a victory_n over_o her_o enemy_n god_n therefore_o will_v have_v the_o estate_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v such_o in_o this_o world_n that_o she_o shall_v seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v oppress_v without_o hope_n of_o restore_v sometime_o arm_v with_o some_o just_a defence_n sometime_o also_o to_o have_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o her_o enemy_n that_o so_o be_v try_v by_o all_o mean_n she_o may_v the_o better_a know_v her_o infirmity_n and_o the_o hatred_n wherewith_o she_o be_v trouble_v by_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o not_o withstand_v that_o she_o have_v her_o whole_a defence_n rest_v in_o god_n alone_o by_o who_o she_o be_v stay_v up_o and_o who_o as_o oft_o as_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o turn_v all_o thing_n to_o her_o profit_n and_o commodity_n we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v account_v as_o miserable_a and_o past_a hope_n as_o well_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n pronounce_v against_o they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o little_a profitable_a unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o be_v stir_v up_o unto_o repentance_n which_o in_o prosperity_n be_v neglect_v and_o that_o she_o may_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v consecrate_v by_o affliction_n and_o that_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o god_n in_o deliver_v he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o know_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o oppression_n where_o be_v deliverance_n unless_o we_o be_v plunge_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o death_n how_o shall_v that_o light_n of_o life_n whereby_o god_n quicken_v we_o be_v know_v god_n therefore_o be_v about_o to_o show_v forth_o any_o notable_a deliverance_n and_o great_a work_n of_o his_o glory_n first_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v drown_v &_o as_o it_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o the_o grave_n that_o in_o their_o safety_n his_o glory_n may_v by_o some_o more_o excellent_a mean_n shine_v most_o clear_a and_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o but_o he_o exercise_v his_o church_n sometime_o more_o greevous_o sometime_o but_o light_o and_o either_o lengthen_v or_o shorten_v the_o time_n of_o calamity_n as_o he_o see_v it_o expedient_a yield_v they_o strength_n and_o patience_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o time_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o affliction_n afterward_o there_o be_v express_v by_o who_o the_o decree_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n by_o mardochaeus_n who_o do_v indite_v the_o substance_n thereof_o unto_o the_o scribe_n who_o bring_v it_o into_o form_n as_o he_o prescribe_v here_o then_o the_o king_n afford_v the_o same_o favour_n unto_o mardochaeus_n which_o before_o he_o do_v unto_o haman_n permit_v to_o his_o pleasure_n whatsoever_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o recall_v in_o express_a term_n the_o former_a proclamation_n in_o which_o thing_n the_o king_n may_v worthy_o be_v say_v to_o have_v deal_v inconsiderate_o to_o permit_v that_o whole_a matter_n unto_o one_o man_n will_n and_o pleasure_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v do_v with_o great_a deliberation_n and_o stay_v counsel_n for_o although_o in_o plain_a word_n the_o former_a decree_n be_v not_o revoke_v yet_o of_o necessity_n this_o must_v be_v make_v contrary_a unto_o it_o but_o yet_o not_o without_o the_o exceed_a great_a wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v these_o thing_n thus_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o if_o the_o counsellor_n have_v be_v call_v together_o perhaps_o they_o will_v not_o have_v consent_v to_o a_o decree_n so_o favourable_a for_o the_o jew_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a and_o so_o hurtful_a unto_o the_o king_n natural_a subject_n but_o so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o mardochaeus_n because_o he_o alone_o must_v sustain_v the_o whole_a hatred_n and_o envy_n of_o that_o proclamation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o be_v great_o trouble_v when_o he_o shall_v indite_v that_o edict_n unto_o the_o scribe_n see_v that_o he_o be_v a_o manlate_n raise_v to_o that_o so_o great_a dignity_n in_o a_o place_n so_o slippery_a and_o in_o the_o guide_n of_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n even_o which_o concern_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o so_o great_a a_o monarchy_n have_v also_o to_o do_v with_o a_o king_n so_o unconstant_a himself_o beside_o have_v in_o so_o few_o year_n be_v the_o beholder_n of_o so_o many_o change_n howbeit_o god_n give_v he_o sufficient_a wisdom_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o bestow_v gift_n necessary_a upon_o all_o who_o he_o call_v to_o any_o lawful_a vocation_n the_o scribe_n be_v call_v not_o to_o set_v down_o their_o opinion_n but_o to_o write_v as_o they_o be_v command_v wherefore_o they_o do_v not_o admonish_v the_o king_n neither_o of_o the_o repugnance_n of_o this_o edict_n with_o the_o former_a neither_o of_o the_o consequence_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o by_o it_o neither_o of_o the_o damage_n which_o shall_v come_v to_o all_o the_o king_n subject_n who_o shall_v destroy_v themselves_o by_o civil_a murder_n whereby_o appear_v that_o the_o king_n authority_n be_v on_o all_o side_n absolute_a and_o that_o none_o dare_v gainsay_v he_o or_o except_o any_o thing_n against_o his_o decree_n such_o at_o this_o day_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o turk_n but_o the_o better_a and_o more_o moderate_a prince_n be_v wont_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o hear_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o counsel_n and_o servant_n now_o these_o scribe_n it_o seem_v care_v not_o what_o they_o wrought_v so_o that_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o king_n will_n the_o proclamation_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v send_v to_o the_o jew_n because_o it_o concern_v their_o security_n then_o unto_o the_o prince_n captain_n and_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o province_n that_o they_o shall_v publish_v it_o and_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v hinder_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o just_a defence_n &_o that_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o former_a commandment_n from_o the_o king_n shall_v now_o be_v certify_v of_o his_o contrary_a pleasure_n so_o we_o see_v that_o the_o king_n do_v little_a esteem_n what_o his_o lieutenant_n and_o governor_n will_v judge_v of_o so_o sudden_a a_o change_n and_o so_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o decree_n whereby_o it_o appear_v what_o fearful_a and_o absolute_a or_o rather_o immoderate_a dominion_n he_o exercise_v over_o his_o subject_n these_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v god_n that_o may_v not_o be_v reprehend_v nor_o reprove_v so_o that_o no_o man_n may_v so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o their_o action_n much_o less_o gainsay_v they_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o proclamation_n be_v diverse_a according_a to_o the_o stile_n and_o language_n of_o every_o province_n that_o no_o man_n may_v pretend_v ignorance_n but_o if_o the_o commandment_n of_o earthly_a king_n ought_v to_o be_v write_v in_o all_o the_o tongue_n of_o their_o subject_n how_o much_o more_o the_o law_n of_o the_o eternal_a jehovah_n which_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o without_o certain_a loss_n of_o their_o salvation_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o letter_n be_v commit_v to_o be_v carry_v into_o the_o seven_o and_o twenty_o province_n we_o shall_v speak_v more_o commodious_o afterward_o vers_fw-la 14._o so_o that_o here_o we_o be_v to_o weigh_v that_o which_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o king_n name_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o king_n seal_n for_o so_o they_o be_v make_v authentical_a without_o cotradiction_n for_o as_o in_o these_o day_n king_n and_o prince_n be_v wont_a to_o seal_v their_o patent_n with_o great_a seal_n that_o they_o
do_v any_o good_a even_o unto_o the_o rude_a and_o simple_a for_o who_o cause_n i_o undertake_v it_o i_o have_v my_o desire_n the_o learned_a have_v the_o fountain_n out_o of_o which_o they_o may_v draw_v in_o abundance_n this_o be_v undertake_v to_o help_v the_o unlearned_a and_o unskilful_a in_o the_o tongue_n touch_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o occasion_n why_o he_o undertake_v it_o i_o be_o short_o to_o admonish_v thou_o he_o be_v a_o french_a man_n and_o sometime_o preacher_n unto_o the_o king_n of_o france_n that_o now_o be_v than_o king_n of_o navarre_n and_o therefore_o he_o bend_v himself_o principal_o to_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o that_o country_n and_o be_v by_o those_o broil_n which_o then_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o league_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n drive_v to_o forsake_v his_o country_n he_o come_v into_o the_o isle_n of_o gernezey_n within_o her_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n dominion_n where_o he_o be_v accept_v for_o one_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n and_o there_o he_o deliver_v first_o in_o french_a unto_o his_o auditory_a and_o afterward_o commit_v to_o write_v in_o latin_a these_o sermon_n which_o here_o now_o good_a reader_n thou_o have_v now_o in_o english_a the_o occasion_n why_o he_o take_v this_o book_n in_o hand_n be_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o guise_n who_o as_o a_o haman_n have_v set_v himself_o against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o be_v by_o the_o same_o assuerus_n who_o power_n and_o authority_n he_o have_v before_o abuse_v he_o mean_v the_o french_a king_n henry_n the_o three_o sudden_o slay_v at_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o state_n at_o bloys_n when_o he_o think_v himself_o most_o sure_o of_o obtain_v his_o purpose_n against_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o be_v most_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o state_n the_o observe_v of_o this_o serve_v to_o open_v the_o author_n mean_v in_o diverse_a place_n which_o otherwise_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o dark_a &_o therefore_o thus_o brief_o i_o set_v it_o down_o to_o thou_o the_o profit_n that_o shall_v come_v by_o the_o read_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o the_o principal_a point_n contain_v therein_o i_o have_v rather_o every_o man_n shall_v find_v by_o proof_n in_o read_v the_o book_n they_o spend_v time_n in_o blaze_v it_o before_o hand_n and_o therefore_o i_o commit_v it_o to_o thy_o own_o care_n and_o diligence_n pray_v god_n to_o open_v thy_o hart_n to_o understand_v and_o bless_v thy_o diligence_n to_o profit_v hereby_o both_o in_o knowledge_n &_o practice_n even_o for_o christ_n jesus_n sake_n to_o who_o grace_n i_o commend_v thou_o farewell_n god_n ship_n god_n church_n with_o many_o a_o tempest_n toss_v with_o wave_n of_o woe_n and_o furious_a billow_n beat_v oft_o seem_v to_o man_n to_o be_v even_o full_o lose_v quite_o swallow_v up_o and_o of_o those_o surge_n eat_v when_o straight_o at_o hand_n god_n succour_n do_v appear_v who_o stay_v the_o storm_n and_o do_v all_o trouble_n clear_v the_o worldling_n proud_a fierce_a foeman_n to_o this_o bark_n do_v swim_v in_o wealth_n and_o float_v in_o honour_n high_a so_o that_o they_o seem_v devoid_a of_o any_o cark_n and_o bear_v their_o topsaile_n flaunt_v in_o the_o sky_n when_o sudden_o god_n vengeance_n do_v appear_v which_o make_v they_o buy_v their_o pass_a pleasure_n dear_a by_o those_o same_o storm_n god_n try_v his_o choose_a fere_n his_o church_n his_o spouse_n how_o constant_a she_o will_v stand_v correct_v his_o child_n who_o he_o hold_v most_o dear_a lest_o that_o they_o perish_v with_o that_o wicked_a band_n who_o when_o they_o have_v those_o peril_n stout_o pass_v he_o do_v conduct_v to_o happy_a haven_n at_o last_o by_o those_o fair_a calm_n which_o wicked_a man_n enjoy_v without_o excuse_n god_n bounty_n do_v they_o make_v and_o as_o the_o ox_n be_v fat_v on_o with_o joy_n be_v bring_v at_o last_o unto_o the_o doleful_a stake_n the_o worldling_n so_o do_v time_n in_o pleasure_n spend_v but_o go_v to_o pain_n when_o death_n his_o life_n do_v end_n these_o change_n rife_o be_v each_o where_o to_o be_v see_v â—pon_o this_o stage_n whereon_o we_o play_v our_o part_n example_n strange_a in_o every_o age_n have_v be_v if_o man_n have_v grace_n to_o lay_v they_o to_o their_o heart_n but_o special_o this_o story_n sweet_a and_o true_a will_v lay_v these_o thing_n apparent_a to_o thy_o vieu_n then_o read_v with_o heed_n what_o in_o this_o book_n be_v pen_v and_o these_o example_n to_o thyself_o apply_v both_o text_n and_o comment_n drive_v unto_o this_o end_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o joint_a consent_n do_v cry_v first_o follow_v virtue_n in_o thy_o action_n all_o then_o flee_v from_o vice_n for_o fear_n of_o endless_a fall_n errata_fw-la page_n 6._o l._n 11_o for_o monarch_n read_v monarchy_n pag._n 7._o l._n 8._o foâ—_n remain_v remain_v l._n 16_o for_o det_n net_n l._n 20._o of_o the_o which_o put_v our_o the._n pa._n 18_o l._n 2._o for_o waste_n waste_v pa_n 19_o mark_fw-mi foâ—_n dan._n 1._o 32._o dan._n 2._o 32_o pa._n 21._o l._n 1._o for_o he_o this_o pa._n 26._o l._n 1._o foâ—_n siiver_n silver_n l._n 21._o read_v receive_v with_o thansgiving_n l._n ulâ—_n for_o these_o the_o p._n 31._o l._n 2_o for_o bside_n beside_o p._n 33._o l._n 1_o read_v who_o even_o when_o bab._n marg._n for_o eccle._n 10._o 9_o read_v 10._o 16_o p._n 47_o l._n 2_o read_v make_v a_o small_a l._n 11._o a_o period_n put_v for_o a_o coâ—lon_n l._n 13._o for_o and_z be_v p._n 64._o in_o the_o title_n for_o the_o second_o seâ—_n the_o four_o ser._n the_o first_o sermon_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o ester_n the_o first_o sermon_n contain_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o two_o first_o verse_n that_o be_v of_o the_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o assuerus_n chap._n i._n in_o the_o day_n of_o assuerus_n this_o be_v that_o assuerus_n that_o reign_v from_o india_n even_o unto_o aethiopia_n over_o a_o hundred_o and_o seven_o and_o twenty_o province_n 2._o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o king_n assuerus_n sit_v on_o his_o throne_n which_o be_v in_o the_o palace_n of_o susa_n history_n which_o contain_v the_o declaration_n of_o thing_n true_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n have_v always_o be_v great_o esteem_v of_o all_o man_n who_o be_v not_o altogether_o barbarous_a as_o well_o for_o the_o great_a pleasure_n as_o for_o the_o exceed_a profit_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o they_o and_o because_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o a_o shameful_a matter_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o umble_a and_o uâ—liant_a act_n which_o have_v be_v achieve_v by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o former_a age_n before_o us._n so_o then_o cicero_z the_o chief_a father_n of_o the_o roman_a eloqence_n do_v not_o without_o cause_n say_v that_o history_n be_v the_o witness_n of_o time_n the_o light_n of_o truth_n the_o life_n of_o memory_n the_o schoolmistress_a of_o life_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o antiquity_n for_o without_o history_n what_o certainty_n can_v we_o have_v of_o thing_n past_a what_o truth_n of_o thing_n speak_v and_o do_v in_o former_a age_n how_o void_a shall_v our_o memory_n be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o many_o notable_a thing_n which_o happen_v before_o our_o day_n and_o than_o what_o skill_n or_o use_v can_v there_o be_v of_o thing_n altogether_o unknown_a we_o shall_v as_o child_n pass_v over_o our_o life_n ignorant_a of_o all_o reverend_a antiquity_n now_o then_o if_o every_o history_n faithful_o commit_v to_o writing_n deserve_v this_o praise_n and_o glori_v worthy_o in_o these_o title_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o true_o say_v that_o the_o sacred_a history_n only_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o careful_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n which_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o true_a original_n of_o all_o thing_n teach_v the_o beginning_n and_o order_n of_o time_n lay_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a stir_v up_o in_o we_o and_o refresh_v the_o memory_n of_o work_n both_o humane_a and_o divine_a and_o propose_v unto_o we_o sound_a example_n by_o which_o we_o may_v frame_v our_o whole_a life_n to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v represent_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o same_o history_n and_o that_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o same_o her_o fight_n and_o suffering_n god_n manifold_a succour_n and_o at_o the_o last_o the_o full_a deliverance_n thereof_o be_v in_o they_o plain_o set_v down_o to_o her_o view_n among_o all_o
execute_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v consult_v in_o which_o thing_n he_o be_v deceive_v as_o he_o deserve_v for_o before_o that_o day_n shame_n fall_v upon_o himself_o and_o that_o destruction_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o other_o now_o haman_n as_o we_o see_v flee_v unto_o lot_n to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o his_o god_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o that_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o they_o which_o he_o go_v about_o &_o what_o opportunity_n they_o will_v yield_v he_o for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o unjust_a which_o idolater_n do_v not_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o their_o god_n when_o as_o it_o once_o like_v themselves_o what_o kind_n of_o lot_n he_o use_v no_o man_n know_v because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o declare_v and_o it_o be_v evident_o know_v that_o these_o miserable_a heathen_a be_v blind_v by_o satan_n who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n do_v use_v diverse_a kind_n of_o lot_n and_o divination_n for_o some_o do_v conjecture_n &_o divine_v by_o the_o earth_n some_o by_o the_o water_n some_o by_o the_o air_n some_o by_o the_o fire_n some_o by_o the_o concourse_n &_o aspect_n of_o planet_n &_o other_o star_n some_o by_o divelles_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v python_n or_o spirit_n of_o divination_n some_o by_o those_o answer_n which_o the_o image_n and_o statue_n of_o their_o false_a god_n do_v give_v and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o by_o the_o entrails_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n final_o there_o be_v nothing_o create_v which_o these_o miserable_a blind_a man_n have_v not_o abuse_v to_o their_o divination_n i_o leave_v out_o lot_n which_o every_o one_o by_o himself_o may_v devise_v so_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n after_o he_o have_v turn_v man_n away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o answer_n which_o he_o give_v by_o his_o true_a servant_n and_o prophet_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o action_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v he_o do_v even_o make_v they_o mad_a with_o so_o many_o sorcery_n and_o divination_n which_o he_o bring_v in_o in_o steed_n of_o god_n word_n and_o bewitch_v they_o by_o all_o mean_n with_o diverse_a sort_n of_o lie_n in_o steed_n of_o god_n truth_n that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o speak_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a and_o that_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v as_o he_o foretell_v they_o it_o be_v do_v by_o god_n judgement_n give_v to_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n and_o grant_v he_o liberty_n that_o those_o who_o have_v leave_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n may_v 12._o 2._o thes_n 2._o 11_o 12._o believe_v lie_n so_o satan_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o great_a knowledge_n and_o experience_n he_o have_v of_o thing_n past_a may_v a_o great_a way_n before_o by_o the_o cause_n gather_v the_o effect_n and_o by_o certain_a conjecture_n foretell_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o be_v not_o to_o divine_v but_o by_o the_o cause_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o effect_n which_o all_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v who_o have_v attain_v to_o any_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o any_o science_n now_o see_v this_o pestiferous_a vanity_n have_v place_n at_o this_o day_n among_o man_n and_o namely_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n we_o be_v to_o be_v warn_v how_o great_a a_o fault_n yea_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a before_o god_n lot-casting_a be_v or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o witchcraft_n or_o divination_n which_o be_v apparent_a by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v levit._n 19_o 31._o and_o 20._o 6._o and_o deut._n 18._o 10._o 11._o 12._o in_o all_o which_o place_n they_o be_v adjudge_v to_o death_n whosoever_o give_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o of_o those_o divination_n and_o 1._o sam._n 28._o saul_n be_v say_v to_o have_v add_v this_o as_o a_o heap_n to_o all_o his_o evil_n that_o he_o have_v recourse_n to_o those_o that_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n and_o 1._o chron._n 10._o 13._o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o saul_n die_v for_o his_o transgression_n against_o the_o lord_n even_o against_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o keep_v not_o and_o in_o that_o he_o seek_v and_o ask_v counsel_n of_o a_o witch_n which_o have_v a_o familiar_a spirit_n and_o ask_v not_o of_o the_o lord_n and_o hereunto_o belong_v that_o of_o ochozia_n or_o ahazia_n the_o k._n of_o israel_n who_o when_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o disease_n and_o have_v send_v to_o ask_v concern_v the_o event_n thereof_o of_o the_o oracle_n of_o beelzebub_n the_o god_n of_o the_o accaronite_n be_v therefore_o so_o sharp_o reproove_v by_o elia_n the_o prophet_n who_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o death_n 2._o king_n 1._o final_o the_o scripture_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o corruption_n and_o extreme_a iniquity_n of_o manasses_n the_o king_n of_o juda_n say_v that_o he_o also_o give_v his_o mind_n to_o divination_n 2._o king_n 21._o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o think_v the_o sin_n of_o diviner_n sorcerer_n enchanter_n necromancer_n and_o those_o who_o use_v familiar_a spirit_n to_o be_v a_o light_a sin_n for_o they_o all_o leave_n god_n to_o follow_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o delight_v in_o lie_n and_o for_o christ_n their_o master_n they_o follow_v beliall_n &_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n they_o run_v after_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o witchcraft_n &_o divination_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n which_o yet_o unskilful_a man_n account_v to_o be_v but_o sport_n &_o pastime_n or_o else_o thing_n lawful_a to_o be_v use_v as_o to_o knit_v a_o point_n to_o hinder_v the_o effect_n of_o holy_a matrimony_n to_o move_v a_o sieve_n to_o know_v who_o have_v take_v or_o steal_v any_o thing_n to_o throw_v the_o key_n of_o the_o chief_a door_n of_o the_o house_n into_o the_o fire_n that_o the_o witch_n may_v come_v who_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v bewitch_v any_o to_o run_v to_o soothsaier_n or_o diviner_n either_o to_o recover_v thing_n lose_v or_o to_o get_v help_n for_o any_o disease_n or_o to_o know_v whether_o a_o disease_n be_v deadly_a or_o to_o hear_v foretell_v of_o good_a fortune_n by_o they_o final_o out_o of_o dream_n or_o the_o meeting_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o diverse_a event_n to_o come_v for_o satan_n cunning_o mingle_v himself_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v guide_v they_o that_o he_o may_v turn_v away_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o his_o fear_n from_o trust_n in_o his_o fatherly_a goodness_n and_o final_o from_o care_n &_o heedfulness_n to_o learn_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v govern_v in_o all_o distress_n call_v upon_o he_o and_o attentive_o read_v and_o hear_v his_o word_n for_o that_o malicious_a spirit_n leave_v nothing_o unattempted_a and_o search_v all_o craft_n whereby_o when_o he_o have_v turn_v we_o from_o the_o only_a voice_n &_o doctrine_n of_o our_o good_a shepherd_n christ_n jesus_n he_o may_v lead_v we_o after_o himself_o to_o seek_v counsel_n aid_n and_o help_v at_o his_o hand_n but_o those_o that_o turn_v away_o from_o christ_n jesus_n to_o these_o vain_a and_o idolatrous_a thing_n must_v look_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o ruin_n and_o confusion_n for_o what_o other_o thing_n can_v he_o bring_v unto_o man_n who_o be_v a_o liar_n &_o a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n 8._o joh._n 8._o but_o only_a death_n and_o deceit_n now_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v note_v the_o mean_n which_o they_o follow_v who_o be_v the_o chief_a promoter_n of_o that_o slaughter_n and_o horrible_a butchery_n of_o the_o poor_a faithful_a one_o in_o france_n even_o they_o use_v the_o art_n and_o counsel_n of_o witch_n soothsayer_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n many_o very_a devil_n incarnate_a who_o be_v addict_v altogether_o to_o those_o deceit_n and_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o magical_a incantation_n and_o divination_n also_o i_o beseech_v you_o unto_o what_o thing_n do_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n lean_a more_o than_o as_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o the_o appare_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o ghost_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o what_o other_o thing_n be_v that_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o necromancy_n therefore_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o a_o religion_n found_v upon_o lie_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o same_o art_n and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o craft_n and_o deceit_n of_o satan_n to_o oppress_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o
unthankfulness_n be_v turn_v into_o mourning_n and_o misfortune_n let_v we_o therefore_o learn_v in_o our_o joy_n and_o gladness_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a author_n thereof_o and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o good_a and_o honest_a thing_n and_o to_o keep_v a_o measure_n in_o mirth_n and_o especial_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o it_o be_v not_o hurtful_a unto_o any_o or_o turn_v to_o contempt_n and_o disgrace_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o this_o joy_n of_o haman_n be_v turn_v on_o a_o sudden_a into_o sorrow_n and_o melancholy_n for_o when_o haman_n see_v mardochaeus_n in_o the_o king_n gate_n who_o do_v neither_o arise_v nor_o move_v himself_o for_o he_o he_o be_v inflame_v with_o great_a rage_n against_o he_o here_o let_v we_o first_o consider_v the_o constancy_n of_o mardochaeus_n and_o then_o speak_v afterward_o of_o hamans_n wrath_n we_o hear_v before_o that_o mardochaeus_n be_v bold_a upon_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o have_v continual_a enmity_n with_o the_o amalekite_n out_o of_o who_o nation_n haman_n spring_v the_o reason_n be_v express_v exodus_fw-la 17._o verse_n 16._o and_o deuteron_n 25._o verse_n 18._o 19_o because_o â—he_v amalakite_n come_v out_o to_o fight_v with_o the_o people_n in_o the_o desert_n to_o destroy_v they_o now_o â—y_a how_o much_o the_o great_a that_o haâ—ans_n pride_n be_v and_o his_o cruelty_n against_o the_o church_n so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v mardochaeus_n to_o be_v commend_v that_o he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o honour_v he_o who_o god_n by_o a_o irrevocable_a decree_n have_v command_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o enemy_n and_o have_v appoint_v to_o utter_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o among_o the_o note_n of_o a_o good_a man_n this_o be_v not_o the_o last_o to_o despise_v the_o wicked_a 4._o psal_n 15._o 4._o therefore_o mardochaeus_n do_v not_o sin_n either_o in_o pride_n or_o rashness_n or_o desperateness_n when_o as_o he_o will_v not_o bow_v himself_o before_o such_o a_o enemy_n who_o have_v swear_v the_o slaughter_n &_o ruin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o constancy_n be_v worthy_a so_o much_o the_o great_a praise_n by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a and_o certain_a his_o danger_n be_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o commendable_a be_v his_o courage_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o his_o enemy_n increase_v wherefore_o this_o constancy_n witness_v that_o he_o have_v do_v nothing_o rash_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o repent_v he_o not_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o hope_n for_o that_o bloody_a edict_n proclaim_v against_o he_o and_o his_o nation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o his_o religion_n nor_o of_o that_o testimony_n which_o he_o have_v yield_v unto_o the_o truth_n this_o constancy_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n require_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a when_o he_o bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o and_o his_o word_n before_o 28._o luc._n 9_o 26._o mat._n 10._o 26._o 28._o man_n neither_o to_o be_v fear_v with_o their_o threat_n neither_o to_o fear_v man_n but_o to_o fear_v he_o who_o can_v cast_v body_n and_o soul_n into_o hell_n fire_n this_o constancy_n bring_v forth_o so_o many_o martyr_n and_o constant_a confessor_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o confess_v and_o defend_v his_o truth_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n but_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o mardochaeus_n shall_v have_v do_v better_o if_o he_o have_v keep_v himself_o far_a from_o the_o king_n gate_n either_o at_o first_o or_o at_o this_o time_n that_o haman_n may_v not_o have_v be_v so_o incense_v i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o porter_n of_o the_o king_n gate_n otherwise_o he_o have_v in_o deed_n be_v a_o impudent_a fellow_n if_o of_o purpose_n he_o have_v stand_v there_o to_o provoke_v haman_n unless_o perhaps_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o some_o â—eculiar_a and_o extraordinary_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o the_o prosperous_a end_n â—id_v show_v if_o any_o except_a that_o although_o he_o â—ere_z one_o of_o the_o porter_n yet_o he_o may_v â—ake_v some_o excuse_n for_o his_o absence_n and_o â—ot_n provoke_v so_o mighty_a a_o adversary_n against_o he_o and_o his_o nation_n i_o say_v that_o a_o strong_a faithful_a &_o courageous_a man_n do_v not_o willing_o seek_v for_o startinghole_n which_o may_v easy_o turn_v to_o his_o disgrace_n beside_o that_o peradventure_o they_o who_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o king_n gate_n be_v so_o straight_o hold_v to_o their_o office_n that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o be_v absent_a though_o they_o use_v some_o fair_a show_n and_o pretence_n though_o at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v usual_a and_o although_o he_o have_v once_o or_o twice_o absent_v himself_o yet_o can_v he_o not_o always_o be_v away_o now_o haman_n always_o frequent_v the_o king_n house_n and_o pass_v in_o and_o out_o every_o day_n by_o that_o gate_n therefore_o let_v we_o rather_o admire_v &_o imitate_v this_o constancy_n of_o mardochaeus_n then_o seek_v out_o matter_n against_o it_o or_o carp_n and_o mock_v at_o it_o and_o so_o that_o we_o find_v sufficient_o in_o our_o heart_n &_o conscience_n by_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o obey_v his_o commandment_n in_o not_o obey_v man_n let_v we_o little_a care_n foâ—_n the_o reproach_n of_o man_n who_o condemn_v â—â—_o as_o mad_a man_n and_o obstinate_a lest_o we_o be_v carry_v headlong_o into_o destruction_n i_o confessâ—_n that_o earnest_o and_o diligent_o we_o ought_v tâ—_n desire_v of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n anâ—_n discretion_n lest_o perhaps_o under_o pretenâ—â—_n of_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n we_o be_v draw_v 〈◊〉_d way_n by_o some_o vehement_a passion_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o heat_n of_o mind_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v unloose_v this_o question_n whether_o at_o this_o day_n a_o faithful_a man_n know_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v antichrist_n such_o as_o he_o be_v describe_v 2._o thess_n 2._o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n honour_n and_o worship_v he_o with_o those_o honour_n which_o other_o do_v the_o answer_n be_v easy_a when_o as_o this_o so_o great_a honour_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o not_o civil_o but_o religious_o and_o that_o he_o thereby_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o will_v be_v account_v to_o weet_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n nay_o a_o god_n on_o earth_n a_o faithful_a man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n give_v he_o this_o honour_n nay_o he_o ought_v not_o give_v he_o any_o honour_n least_o by_o his_o assent_n he_o seem_v to_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v and_o unto_o this_o may_v that_o be_v refer_v which_o saint_n john_n say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v 10._o 2._o joh._n v._o 10._o salute_v which_o profess_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o read_v also_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o saint_n john_n will_v 25._o euseb_n l._n 3._o ca._n 25._o not_o go_v into_o that_o place_n where_o cerinthus_n the_o heretic_n be_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o mardochaeus_n constancy_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o fact_n haman_n be_v very_o vehement_o inflame_v with_o rage_n for_o man_n be_v not_o more_o anger_v then_o to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v despise_v by_o good_a man_n nor_o more_o provoke_v by_o any_o thing_n then_o by_o see_v the_o constancy_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o godly_a hence_o also_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o durable_a because_o themselves_o trouble_v it_o with_o their_o own_o passion_n upon_o very_o small_a occasion_n for_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v there_o here_o why_o haman_n shall_v so_o rage_v do_v it_o not_o suffice_v he_o that_o he_o have_v attain_v so_o great_a riches_n honour_n possession_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o he_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o courtier_n that_o he_o be_v reverence_v of_o all_o belove_v of_o the_o king_n invite_v by_o the_o queen_n although_o he_o be_v not_o so_o honour_v by_o mardochaeus_n who_o be_v a_o base_a fellow_n a_o captive_a a_o stranger_n without_o favour_n without_o authority_n but_o ambition_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o honour_n can_v never_o be_v fill_v neither_o grant_v it_o any_o rest_n unto_o they_o who_o mind_n it_o have_v once_o possess_v with_o ambition_n there_o be_v mingle_v a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n and_o a_o greediness_n to_o overcome_v all_o man_n and_o make_v they_o subject_a unto_o they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n which_o be_v vehement_a passion_n whereby_o
that_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o seeu_n overwhelm_v with_o shame_n and_o slander_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o approve_v the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o to_o honour_v our_o right_n yea_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o of_o those_o who_o they_o have_v persecute_v the_o full_a accomplishment_n and_o effect_n whereof_o if_o we_o see_v not_o in_o this_o world_n at_o the_o last_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v shall_v come_v we_o shall_v behold_v it_o wherefore_o take_v courage_n my_o brethren_n let_v we_o follow_v righteousness_n and_o innocence_n let_v we_o constant_o suffer_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n jesus_n let_v we_o not_o envy_v at_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o repose_v our_o hope_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o god_n let_v we_o wait_v for_o the_o event_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v at_o length_n the_o confusion_n and_o utter_a destruction_n of_o he_o and_o our_o enemy_n and_o shall_v be_v crown_v at_o the_o last_o with_o glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o the_o life_n everlasting_a with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o only_o be_v power_n glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o evermore_o amen_n the_o sixteenth_o sermon_n haman_n be_v beat_v down_o with_o sorrow_n hide_v himself_o at_o home_n and_o ask_v counsel_n of_o his_o friend_n who_o denounce_v unto_o he_o a_o woeful_a event_n thence_o he_o be_v call_v with_o haste_n unto_o the_o banquet_n which_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o snare_n and_o deadly_a net_n unto_o he_o from_o v._o 12._o of_o this_o 6._o chapter_n unto_o the_o three_o verse_n of_o the_o next_o 12._o and_o mordecai_n come_v again_o to_o the_o king_n gate_n but_o haman_n haste_v home_o mourning_n and_o his_o head_n cover_v 13._o and_o haman_n tell_v zeresh_v his_o wife_n and_o all_o his_o friend_n all_o that_o have_v be_v fall_v he_o then_o say_v his_o wise_a man_n and_o zeresh_a his_o wife_n unto_o he_o see_v mordecai_n be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o who_o thou_o have_v begin_v to_o fall_v thou_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o but_o shall_v sure_o fall_v before_o he_o 14._o and_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o talk_v with_o he_o the_o king_n eunuch_n come_v and_o haste_v to_o bring_v haman_n to_o the_o banquet_n that_o ester_n have_v prepare_v chap._n vii_o 1._o so_o when_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n come_v to_o the_o banquet_n with_o the_o queen_n ester_n 2._o the_o king_n say_v again_o unto_o ester_n on_o the_o second_o day_n at_o the_o banquet_n of_o wine_n what_o be_v thy_o petition_n queen_n ester_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v thou_o and_o what_o be_v thy_o request_n 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v even_o perform_v unto_o the_o half_a of_o the_o kingdom_n when_o as_o the_o lord_n once_o begin_v to_o draw_v the_o most_o cruel_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n into_o judgement_n to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o theâ—_n according_a to_o the_o desert_n of_o their_o pridâ—_n and_o cruelty_n sudden_o be_v they_o see_v tâ—_n be_v entangle_v in_o the_o band_n of_o their_o iniquity_n amaze_v with_o sorrow_n and_o mourning_n overwhelm_v with_o shame_n to_o seek_v to_o hide_v themselves_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o their_o own_o friend_n and_o sentence_n to_o be_v pronounce_v against_o they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o delight_n wherein_o they_o look_v for_o comfort_n in_o their_o distress_n which_o here_o we_o see_v to_o happen_v unto_o haman_n who_o when_o on_o the_o sudden_a he_o be_v fall_v from_o his_o hope_n hi_v he_o home_o with_o his_o head_n cover_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o exceed_a sorrow_n &_o there_o he_o hear_v sentence_n to_o be_v pronounce_v against_o he_o that_o most_o assure_o he_o shall_v fall_v see_v he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o jew_n thence_o be_v he_o bring_v unto_o the_o banquet_n with_o the_o king_n and_o the_o queen_n but_o that_o table_n be_v unto_o he_o a_o judgement_n seat_n of_o condemnation_n at_o which_o as_o anon_o after_o we_o shall_v hear_v judgement_n be_v give_v against_o he_o that_o here_o may_v be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o fearful_a vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o enemy_n when_o once_o he_o have_v turn_v his_o angry_a countenance_n against_o they_o and_o â—his_fw-la be_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v psal_n 39_o 11._o when_o thou_o with_o rebuke_n do_v chastise_v man_n for_o iniquity_n thou_o as_o a_o moth_a make_v his_o beauty_n to_o consume_v and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n psal_n 68_o 1._o 2._o let_v god_n arise_v and_o his_o enemy_n shall_v be_v scatter_v they_o also_o that_o hate_v he_o shall_v flee_v before_o he_o as_o the_o smoke_n vanish_v so_o shall_v thou_o drive_v they_o away_o and_z as_o wax_n melt_v before_o the_o fire_n so_o shall_v the_o wicked_a perish_v at_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n here_o also_o we_o see_v that_o fulfil_v which_o be_v speak_v by_o eliphaz_n job._n 5._o 13._o god_n take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o craftiness_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v make_v foolishness_n and_o that_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v in_o the_o proverbe_n chap._n 11._o 6._o 8._o the_o transgressor_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n when_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v deliver_v the._n and_o the_o righteous_a escape_v out_o of_o trouble_n and_o the_o wicked_a come_v in_o his_o stead_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o general_a rule_n as_o though_o god_n deal_v withal_o the_o wicked_a after_o this_o manner_n in_o this_o world_n or_o as_o though_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v account_v wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a as_o many_o as_o be_v oppress_v with_o great_a and_o sudden_a calamity_n for_o many_o good_a man_n be_v oftentimes_o shake_v with_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o sorrow_n in_o this_o life_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a part_n many_o wicked_a &_o ungodly_a man_n live_v in_o prosperity_n &_o die_v quiet_o as_o though_o they_o have_v escape_v god_n hand_n howbeit_o god_n do_v oftentimes_o show_v forth_o in_o this_o world_n notable_a sign_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o truth_n which_o although_o he_o execute_v after_o diverse_a sort_n yet_o this_o in_o general_n be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sudden_a mischief_n as_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o to_o hear_v their_o condemnation_n before_o their_o death_n even_o by_o their_o dear_a and_o near_a friend_n and_o that_o oftentimes_o the_o place_n where_o they_o imagine_v to_o find_v rest_n and_o quiet_a be_v turn_v unto_o a_o deadly_a bait_n and_o these_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v most_o worthy_a the_o note_n in_o this_o history_n but_o let_v we_o also_o discuss_v every_o part_n thereof_o first_o here_o be_v offer_v the_o modesty_n of_o mardochaeus_n who_o have_v receive_v that_o honour_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o before_o return_v to_o his_o ordinary_a office_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o wit_n to_o the_o king_n gate_n testify_v thereby_o that_o his_o mind_n do_v not_o swell_v with_o any_o pride_n but_o to_o think_v of_o his_o duty_n with_o fear_n &_o carefulness_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o deliver_v from_o all_o danger_n that_o edict_n remain_v yet_o write_v against_o the_o jew_n beside_o that_o honour_v bestow_v upon_o he_o although_o it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o almost_o immeasurable_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o state_n pass_v away_o in_o one_o morning_n that_o right_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o he_o receive_v none_o other_o reward_n that_o it_o be_v honour_n without_o gain_n yea_o honour_n full_a of_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o pride_n only_o and_o of_o no_o firm_a and_o stable_a dignity_n but_o these_o be_v but_o a_o entrance_n &_o a_o show_v before_o of_o great_a and_o more_o continual_a honour_n to_o follow_v when_o hamans_n malice_n be_v detect_v and_o worthy_o punish_v heerehence_a therefore_o we_o learn_v not_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o wax_v insolent_a with_o any_o courtly_a grace_n &_o favour_n or_o any_o other_o honour_n for_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n be_v momentanie_n and_o all_o honour_n slide_v away_o and_o vanish_v as_o smoke_n into_o the_o air_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o use_v it_o well_o to_o the_o defence_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o depend_v altogether_o upon_o god_n goodness_n not_o place_v our_o trust_n in_o any_o earthly_a prince_n see_v that_o the_o great_a and_o most_o mighty_a prince_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o vanity_n nay_o altogether_o light_a than_o vanity_n as_o it_o be_v say_v psal_n 62._o 9_o let_v we_o beware_v therefore_o that_o we_o be_v not_o turn_v away_o the_o least_o jot_n from_o our_o duty_n by_o any_o blast_n of_o courtly_a grace_n or_o favour_n or_o from_o any_o honest_a thought_n which_o
remain_v those_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o day_n of_o purim_n prescribe_v both_o by_o mardochaeus_n and_o by_o ester_n from_o the_o 25._o verse_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n 25._o and_o when_o she_o come_v before_o the_o king_n he_o command_v by_o letter_n let_v this_o wicked_a devise_n which_o heâ—_n imagine_v against_o the_o jew_n turn_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n therefore_o they_o hang_v he_o &_o his_o son_n upon_o the_o tree_n 26._o therefore_o they_o call_v those_o day_n purim_n of_o the_o name_n of_o pur_fw-mi and_o because_o of_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o letter_n and_o because_o of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v see_v beside_o this_o and_o of_o that_o which_o have_v come_v unto_o they_o 27._o the_o jew_n also_o ordain_v and_o promise_v for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o seed_n and_o for_o all_o that_o join_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o observe_v those_o two_o day_n every_o year_n according_a to_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a unto_o their_o season_n 28._o and_o that_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v remember_v and_o keep_v throughout_o every_o generation_n &_o every_o family_n and_o every_o province_n and_o every_o city_n even_o those_o day_n of_o purim_n shall_v not_o fail_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o memorial_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o perish_v from_o their_o seed_n 29._o and_o ester_n the_o queen_n the_o daughter_n of_o abihail_n and_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n write_v with_o all_o authority_n to_o confirm_v this_o letter_n of_o the_o day_n of_o purim_n the_o second_o time_n 30._o which_o letter_n he_o send_v to_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o hundred_o and_o seven_o and_o twenty_o province_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o assuerus_n with_o word_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n 31._o to_o confirm_v those_o day_n of_o purim_n according_a to_o their_o appoint_a time_n as_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n and_o ester_n the_o queen_n have_v appoint_v they_o and_o as_o they_o have_v promise_v for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o seed_n the_o monument_n of_o their_o fast_n and_o of_o their_o prayer_n 32._o so_o when_o the_o decree_n of_o ester_n have_v confirm_v these_o word_n of_o the_o day_n of_o purim_n it_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n we_o begin_v to_o declare_v how_o that_o custom_n of_o celebrate_v those_o two_o day_n in_o the_o which_o the_o jew_n rest_v to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n obtain_v be_v establish_v for_o a_o law_n and_o a_o ordinance_n for_o ever_o to_o weet_v by_o mardochaeus_n as_o a_o magistrate_n letter_n be_v write_v unto_o all_o the_o jew_n wherein_o that_o be_v command_v the_o reason_n be_v add_v because_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o enemy_n and_o because_o that_o their_o sorrow_n be_v turn_v into_o mirth_n and_o their_o mourning_n into_o joy_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o consecrate_v those_o day_n of_o gladness_n unto_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o that_o victory_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v unto_o they_o let_v we_o now_o go_v forward_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v hereunto_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n for_o there_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o letter_n of_o mardochaeus_n the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o ordinance_n which_o be_v here_o express_v to_o be_v the_o conspiracy_n of_o haman_n which_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o ester_n return_v upon_o his_o head_n verse_n 24._o and_o 25._o after_o the_o name_n of_o these_o two_o feast_n which_o be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o purim_n vers_fw-la 26._o and_o last_o of_o all_o how_o by_o ester_n letter_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v confirmeâ—_n in_o the_o four_o last_o verse_n whereout_o we_o learn_v with_o how_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n the_o memory_n of_o god_n benefit_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v good_a order_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n and_o retain_v when_o it_o be_v once_o right_o establish_v hence_o also_o we_o may_v easy_o gather_v what_o be_v the_o right_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o festival_n day_n this_o be_v then_o the_o especial_a and_o most_o express_a cause_n of_o the_o yearly_a celebrate_n of_o those_o two_o day_n the_o malice_n of_o haman_n who_o think_v to_o have_v utter_o destroy_v cast_v lot_n that_o he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o fit_a day_n to_o accomplish_v his_o practice_n but_o that_o day_n by_o the_o prayer_n of_o ester_n and_o express_v commandment_n of_o assuerus_n fall_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o be_v unto_o he_o deadly_a but_o unto_o the_o jew_n happy_a therefore_o here_o again_o be_v there_o mention_v make_v of_o the_o malice_n of_o haman_n and_o of_o the_o charity_n and_o faith_n of_o ester_n that_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n the_o malice_n of_o haman_n shall_v never_o die_v and_o the_o goodness_n of_o ester_n remain_v in_o blessedness_n so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o notable_a deliverance_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v have_v from_o their_o enemy_n can_v be_v repeat_v without_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o one_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a of_o the_o cruelty_n &_o ungodliness_n of_o the_o other_o as_o if_o at_o any_o time_n i_o fall_v in_o talk_n of_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o pride_n of_o bhazao_n and_o of_o his_o destruction_n if_o jerusalem_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o siege_n of_o the_o assyrian_n by_o and_o by_o there_o be_v add_v the_o slaughter_n make_v by_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o sennacherib_n himself_o who_o can_v make_v menâ—ion_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v â—eake_v of_o the_o treason_n of_o judas_n of_o the_o enuiâ—â—f_a the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n of_o the_o unjust_a â—ntence_n of_o pilate_n condemn_v he_o to_o each_o when_o he_o pronounce_v a_o innocent_a â—o_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o â—icked_a do_v so_o often_o send_v forth_o their_o stench_n â—oft_a as_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o they_o as_o if_o a_o man_n for_o example_n sake_n will_v note_v a_o swear_v and_o most_o hateful_a enemy_n of_o god_n people_n he_o will_v call_v he_o another_o haman_n if_o a_o traitor_n another_o judas_n on_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o saint_n their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n and_o their_o act_n do_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v bless_v for_o ever_o and_o god_n be_v praise_v who_o pour_v vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a but_o defend_v the_o godly_a &_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o their_o throat_n thus_o have_v you_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o feast_n the_o name_n of_o purim_n be_v add_v from_o the_o name_n pur_fw-mi which_o signify_v a_o lot_n whiâ—â—_n name_n be_v rather_o take_v out_o of_o the_o persian_a language_n and_o because_o haman_n cast_v lot_n which_o yet_o deceive_v his_o expectation_n and_o desire_n rather_o then_o from_o any_o other_o that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o benefit_n of_o god_n may_v remain_v also_o among_o the_o strangâ—_n nation_n and_o that_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o lotâ—_n caster_n and_o other_o the_o like_a superstition_n which_o the_o idolater_n be_v wont_v to_o useâ—_n may_v be_v the_o more_o know_v see_v thâ—â—_n god_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o he_o by_o his_o providence_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v overthrower_n all_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o idolater_n anâ—_n turn_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o name_n then_o of_o purim_n do_v serve_v to_o call_v to_o memory_n whatsoever_o god_n have_v do_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n hamans_n practice_n be_v overthrow_v which_o upon_o confidence_n of_o the_o lot_n he_o take_v in_o hand_n it_o much_o avayl_v to_o give_v convenient_a name_n unto_o feast_n and_o holy_a day_n which_o may_v fit_o express_v the_o matter_n for_o memory_n whereof_o they_o be_v ordain_v although_o â—he_v name_n we_o use_v be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o bâ—â—egarded_a so_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v well_o understand_v and_o that_o we_o abuse_v they_o not_o to_o superstition_n there_o follow_v the_o manâ—er_n of_o celebrate_v and_o keep_v this_o feast_n 〈◊〉_d weet_fw-mi that_o the_o jew_n upon_o mardochaeusâ—â—tters_n â—â—tters_z and_o upon_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o â—new_v by_o hamans_n letter_n by_o which_o they_o â—ere_z put_v in_o danger_n of_o their_o life_n &_o good_n 〈◊〉_d also_o by_o the_o contrary_a letter_n of_o assuerus_n 〈◊〉_d which_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o may_v â—â—fend_v themselves_o by_o arm_n against_o their_o enemy_n do_v willing_o consent_v to_o observe_v â—â—ese_n thing_n which_o follow_v 1._o that_o they_o â—ll_v procure_v that_o these_o two_o day_n shall_v inconâ—ently_o be_v
the_o woman_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o shaashgaz_n the_o king_n eunuch_n which_o keep_v the_o concubine_n she_o come_v in_o to_o the_o king_n no_o more_o unless_o she_o please_v the_o king_n and_o that_o she_o be_v call_v by_o name_n 15_o now_o when_o the_o course_n of_o ester_n the_o daughter_n of_o abihail_n the_o uncle_n of_o mordecai_n which_o have_v take_v she_o as_o his_o own_o daughter_n come_v that_o she_o shall_v go_v in_o to_o the_o king_n she_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o hegai_n the_o king_n eunuch_n the_o keeper_n of_o the_o woman_n say_v and_o ester_n find_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o they_o that_o look_v upon_o she_o 16_o so_o ester_n be_v take_v unto_o king_n assuerus_n into_o his_o house_n royal_a in_o the_o ten_o month_n which_o be_v the_o month_n tebeth_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n 17_o and_o the_o king_n love_v ester_n above_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o she_o find_v grace_n and_o favour_n in_o his_o sight_n more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o virgin_n so_o that_o he_o set_v the_o crown_n of_o the_o kingdom_n upon_o her_o head_n and_o make_v her_o queen_n in_o stead_n of_o vashti_n among_o the_o most_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o man_n action_n those_o be_v most_o worthy_a attent_a consideration_n when_o he_o throw_v down_o the_o mighty_a and_o exalt_v those_o of_o lowestate_a as_o in_o their_o hymn_n anna_n the_o mother_n of_o samuel_n &_o the_o bless_a 52._o 1._o sam._n 2._o 8._o luke_n 1._o 52._o virgin_n marie_n do_v most_o sweet_o record_v nay_o the_o very_a heathen_a do_v observe_v and_o note_v they_o and_o have_v deliver_v many_o of_o those_o alteration_n in_o their_o writing_n not_o attribute_v they_o indeed_o unto_o god_n as_o they_o ought_v but_o unto_o fortune_n which_o also_o at_o this_o day_n we_o see_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ignorant_a but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n many_o such_o excellent_a &_o memorable_a example_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o &_o the_o mean_n diligent_o observe_v which_o god_n do_v use_v in_o bring_v low_o the_o one_o and_o lift_v up_o the_o other_o whereby_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o 28._o gen._n 41._o 40._o exod._n 12._o 10._o dan._n 2._o 48_o &_o 6._o 28._o his_o providence_n may_v the_o better_o be_v perceive_v which_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o history_n of_o joseph_n who_o be_v exalt_v to_o so_o great_a dignity_n in_o egypt_n that_o he_o be_v next_o unto_o the_o king_n and_o of_o moses_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o of_o daniel_n who_o be_v so_o great_a in_o favour_n and_o autho_fw-mi ritie_n in_o babylon_n among_o who_o ester_n who_o history_n we_o expound_v deserve_v not_o the_o last_o place_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o the_o crown_n royal_a from_o a_o low_a and_o base_a estate_n in_o which_o history_n there_o be_v particular_o express_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o mean_n which_o god_n use_v in_o exalt_v she_o to_o so_o high_a a_o estate_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n the_o rejection_n of_o vashti_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n into_o it_o than_o the_o counsel_n give_v to_o the_o king_n together_o together_o the_o fair_a virgin_n out_o of_o all_o his_o empire_n be_v a_o furtherance_n of_o it_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o honest_a beside_o her_o beauty_n and_o favour_n be_v add_v whereby_o the_o king_n officer_n be_v move_v to_o bring_v she_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o woman_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o hegai_n all_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o declare_v now_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v set_v down_o unto_o we_o to_o wit_n that_o she_o please_v hegai_n and_o use_v wisdom_n and_o discretion_n in_o her_o behaviour_n by_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o mardochaeus_n and_o that_o although_o she_o be_v compel_v to_o use_v perfume_n and_o those_o other_o prescribe_v painting_n yet_o she_o seek_v not_o any_o thing_n whereby_o she_o may_v procure_v the_o king_n favour_n unto_o who_o notwithstanding_o she_o be_v most_o acceptable_a as_o also_o unto_o all_o that_o see_v she_o insomuch_o that_o by_o a_o hide_a yet_o heavenly_a motion_n the_o king_n love_v rest_v on_o she_o and_o he_o set_v the_o royal_a crown_n upon_o her_o head_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o god_n do_v lift_v up_o this_o base_a captive_a maiden_n and_o that_o use_v but_o small_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v the_o better_o learn_v to_o acknowledge_v all_o to_o come_v from_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n but_o we_o shall_v know_v these_o thing_n better_o by_o the_o diligent_a exposition_n of_o every_o particular_a first_o therefore_o she_o be_v say_v to_o please_v hegai_n and_o to_o find_v favour_n in_o his_o sight_n neither_o come_v that_o to_o pass_v as_o though_o she_o be_v the_o most_o beautiful_a most_o noble_a most_o industrious_a or_o most_o skilful_a in_o courtlike_a matter_n but_o it_o come_v of_o god_n who_o govern_v and_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n &_o turn_v they_o every_o way_n according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n that_o he_o may_v procure_v the_o love_n of_o all_o towards_o they_o who_o he_o will_v exalt_v that_o be_v towards_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o so_o that_o to_o purchase_v the_o good_a will_n of_o man_n we_o need_v no_o cunning_a or_o wicked_a or_o unlawful_a mean_n as_o do_v absolom_n who_o do_v steal_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n but_o 30._o 2._o sam._n 15_o 6._o 1._o sam._n 2._o 30._o we_o must_v fear_v and_o honour_n god_n who_o honour_v those_o of_o who_o he_o be_v honour_v we_o must_v follow_v the_o way_n of_o integrity_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v the_o true_a &_o only_a way_n to_o get_v the_o good_a will_v ofal_v man_n unto_o which_o be_v altogether_o contrary_a pride_n arrogancy_n &_o insolency_n whosoever_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v belove_v of_o other_o let_v they_o look_v into_o this_o example_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o be_v careful_a of_o uprightness_n and_o holiness_n the_o good_a will_n of_o hegai_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o especial_a care_n of_o he_o in_o yield_v unto_o her_o thing_n fit_a for_o woman_n and_o her_o portion_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o she_o whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a either_o for_o apparel_n or_o diet_n beside_o a_o train_n of_o seven_o maid_n out_o of_o the_o king_n house_n who_o shall_v attend_v she_o and_o final_o the_o best_a and_o most_o commodious_a place_n in_o the_o house_n of_o woman_n so_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n bring_v all_o commodity_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o the_o prophet_n at_o large_a in_o the_o 112._o psalm_n do_v particular_o describe_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o without_o cause_n that_o david_n bid_v he_o that_o be_v desirous_a 12._o psal_n 34_o 12._o of_o long_a life_n and_o to_o be_v furnish_v plentiful_o with_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o good_a to_o fear_n god_n and_o do_v injury_n to_o no_o man_n therefore_o also_o the_o son_n of_o god_n exhort_v 33._o mat._n 6._o 33._o he_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o promise_v that_o all_o other_o thing_n beside_o shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o they_o yet_o we_o say_v not_o that_o godliness_n do_v always_o bring_v to_o those_o that_o follow_v it_o such_o abundance_n of_o honour_n and_o good_n but_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o if_o that_o we_o learn_v by_o it_o to_o be_v content_a with_o that_o measure_n which_o god_n do_v measure_n unto_o every_o one_o which_o be_v more_o abundant_a unto_o we_o than_o all_o the_o superfluity_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o wisdom_n and_o silence_n of_o ester_n be_v afterward_o commend_v unto_o we_o to_o wit_n that_o she_o show_v neither_o her_o people_n nor_o her_o kindred_n as_o she_o be_v command_v to_o do_v by_o mardochaeus_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o forbid_v be_v not_o express_v but_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o guess_v that_o it_o be_v do_v because_o of_o that_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n wherewith_o the_o jew_n be_v oppress_v as_o well_o because_o they_o be_v captive_n as_o also_o because_o they_o follow_v a_o diverse_a &_o contrary_a religion_n from_o all_o other_o but_o this_o inhibition_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o stretch_v so_o far_o forth_o until_o she_o be_v demand_v by_o those_o who_o have_v lawful_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o she_o for_o otherwise_o unless_o she_o do_v declare_v it_o unto_o they_o when_o she_o shall_v be_v examine_v true_o she_o have_v not_o only_o lie_v but_o also_o secret_o deny_v her_o religion_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n not_o rash_o to_o bewray_v that_o which_o may_v breed_v we_o hatred_n envy_n and_o contempt_n but_o again_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n &_o
to_o dissemble_v what_o religion_n we_o profess_v when_o we_o be_v demand_v be_v a_o treachery_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n therefore_o when_o the_o time_n require_v it_o neither_o ester_n nor_o mardochaeus_n do_v hide_v their_o religion_n or_o their_o people_n wherefore_o this_o place_n help_v not_o those_o who_o by_o this_o example_n will_v shape_v a_o defence_n for_o idolatry_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n remain_v firm_a &_o unremoved_a whosoever_o 38._o mark_n 8._o 38._o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o &_o of_o my_o word_n before_o man_n i_o will_v also_o be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o before_o god_n my_o father_n but_o a_o man_n may_v demand_v it_o not_o without_o cause_n how_o she_o can_v conceal_v her_o people_n &_o her_o kindred_n for_o whereas_o mardochaeus_n from_o who_o she_o be_v take_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o she_o do_v abstain_v from_o meat_n for_o bid_v in_o god_n law_n it_o seem_v that_o she_o do_v sufficient_o bewray_v herself_o for_o if_o any_o think_v that_o she_o do_v eat_v of_o unclean_a meat_n or_o violate_v the_o saboth_n he_o may_v also_o say_v that_o she_o cast_v away_o all_o godliness_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o see_v that_o the_o faithful_a will_v rather_o endure_v any_o torment_n then_o taste_v swine_n flesh_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o most_o notable_a example_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o macabee_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o neither_o the_o officer_n who_o gather_v the_o maid_n together_o nor_o hegai_n under_o who_o hand_n they_o be_v keep_v inquire_v very_o careful_o after_o these_o thing_n but_o be_v only_o content_a that_o she_o be_v beautiful_a which_o they_o chief_o seek_v after_o i_o add_v that_o whereas_o ester_n be_v in_o great_a favour_n with_o hegai_n she_o therefore_o obtain_v great_a liberty_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v espy_v so_o be_v god_n wont_a to_o watch_v over_o he_o that_o they_o run_v not_o into_o any_o hatred_n or_o contempt_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o preserve_v their_o conscience_n safe_a and_o thus_o far_o of_o ester_n wisdom_n that_o peculiar_a care_n which_o mardochaeus_n have_v always_o of_o she_o be_v now_o after_o this_o declare_v that_o every_o day_n he_o walk_v before_o the_o court_n of_o the_o house_n of_o woman_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v of_o ester_n prosperity_n &_o what_o become_v of_o she_o for_o when_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o woman_n house_n he_o diligent_o seek_v all_o occasion_n to_o talk_v with_o any_o by_o who_o he_o may_v be_v certify_v concern_v she_o neither_o be_v it_o without_o cause_n that_o he_o take_v so_o great_a care_n for_o she_o for_o he_o know_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o young_a maiden_n easy_o will_v be_v corrupt_v with_o courtly_a delight_n and_o soon_o forget_v their_o former_a education_n as_o daily_a expeperience_n do_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o ofan_n 100_o who_o may_v chance_v not_o to_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o court_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v bring_v up_o for_o there_o be_v few_o joseph_n few_o moses_n few_o daniel_n who_o can_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o court_n of_o insidel_n and_o idolater_n without_o some_o spot_n or_o fault_n when_o as_o there_o reign_v such_o abundance_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n even_o in_o the_o court_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n therefore_o not_o without_o cause_n do_v mardochaeus_n so_o fear_v lest_o ester_n shall_v be_v forgetful_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o that_o good_a bring_v up_o and_o instruction_n which_o she_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o he_o be_v careful_a also_o for_o her_o health_n and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o she_o fear_v lest_o if_o by_o chance_n her_o people_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o she_o do_v profess_v shall_v be_v know_v she_o shall_v be_v reject_v with_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n or_o evil_o entreat_v and_o deal_v with_o here_o all_o parent_n tutor_n and_o guardian_n by_o the_o example_n of_o mardochaeus_n be_v warn_v &_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o those_o pupil_n who_o god_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n but_o also_o after_o they_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o always_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v remoove_v far_o off_o or_o be_v near_o unto_o they_o to_o help_v forward_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v their_o health_n and_o profit_n mardochaeus_n may_v seem_v in_o his_o own_o conceit_n excellent_o to_o have_v discharge_v his_o duty_n and_o may_v say_v as_o many_o in_o our_o time_n be_v wont_a what_o shall_v i_o have_v any_o further_a care_n of_o ester_n see_v she_o be_v so_o well_o provide_v for_o i_o have_v care_n of_o she_o as_o long_o as_o she_o be_v under_o my_o charge_n i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o can_v for_o she_o i_o think_v i_o have_v well_o perform_v my_o duty_n she_o be_v now_o in_o better_a case_n than_o i_o be_o why_o shall_v i_o trouble_v myself_o any_o further_a but_o true_a love_n be_v not_o so_o quench_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a kinsman_n it_o rather_o raise_v up_o new_a sparkle_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o bear_v a_o especial_a care_n towards_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o kindred_n or_o alliance_n and_o to_o give_v they_o good_a counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o these_o day_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n rather_o study_v this_o only_a how_o they_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o the_o charge_n of_o their_o child_n or_o pupil_n or_o poor_a kindred_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v once_o free_v they_o may_v ever_o after_o altogether_o cast_v away_o that_o care_n and_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o mardochaeus_n care_n here_o be_v now_o describe_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n follow_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o preparation_n too_o too_o laboursome_a and_o sumptuous_a and_o delicate_a whereby_o the_o maiden_n be_v anoint_v with_o oil_n and_o sweet_a perfume_n before_o they_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o king_n next_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o go_v in_o unto_o the_o king_n and_o three_o how_o they_o have_v a_o other_o house_n appoint_v for_o they_o after_o they_o have_v be_v one_o night_n with_o the_o king_n these_o be_v the_o token_n of_o extreme_a riotousness_n and_o extreme_a wantonness_n in_o this_o wanton_a and_o effeminate_a infidel_n king_n whereby_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o those_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o regeneration_n do_v not_o govern_v be_v make_v the_o bondslave_n of_o all_o manner_n most_o unstayed_a lust_n think_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o dignity_n this_o king_n then_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o lust_n will_v not_o touch_v a_o maid_n though_o fair_a &_o clean_o unless_o she_o have_v be_v first_o whole_a six_o month_n besmeer_v and_o as_o it_o be_v soak_a with_o oil_n of_o myrrh_n and_o then_o other_o six_o month_n anoint_v perfume_a and_o as_o it_o be_v season_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o sweet_a spice_n so_o nothing_o that_o be_v natural_a can_v content_v these_o vassal_n of_o most_o prodigious_a lust_n but_o only_o paint_v and_o art_n do_v please_v they_o now_o how_o troublesome_a think_v you_o be_v this_o unto_o ester_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o all_o godliness_n frugahtie_a and_o modesty_n to_o be_v baste_v and_o soak_a a_o whole_a year_n in_o such_o wantonness_n and_o riot_n yea_o but_o some_o will_v say_v ought_v she_o to_o endure_v it_o certes_o see_v she_o be_v a_o modest_a and_o godly_a maiden_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o she_o be_v ashamed_a of_o these_o delicacy_n and_o allurement_n but_o what_o shall_v she_o do_v whether_o she_o will_v or_o no_o even_o with_o extreme_a grief_n she_o be_v compel_v unto_o it_o the_o use_n indeed_o of_o oil_n and_o perfume_n be_v not_o simple_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o excess_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o a_o corrupt_a affection_n abuse_v they_o to_o a_o other_o end_n than_o they_o ought_v nevertheless_o in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o her_o conscience_n be_v not_o wound_v and_o which_o she_o seek_v not_o by_o ambition_n she_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n yield_v to_o necessity_n and_o frame_v herself_o unto_o the_o time_n keep_v notwithstanding_o in_o her_o heart_n her_o former_a love_n of_o simplicity_n &_o purity_n those_o most_o fit_a virtue_n for_o faithful_a virgin_n wherefore_o these_o thing_n do_v nothing_o help_v those_o woman_n who_o infect_v with_o the_o poison_n of_o pride_n &_o ambition_n never_o make_v a_o end_n of_o paint_v and_o colour_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v