unto_o we_o than_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o precious_a thing_n of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n may_v have_v his_o due_a honour_n we_o see_v then_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o deal_v upright_o of_o the_o one_o part_n because_o we_o can_v not_o be_v more_o safe_a by_o any_o mean_n then_o by_o a_o safe_a conscience_n as_o peter_n 3.16_o do_v exhort_v we_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n but_o what_o soever_o we_o fear_v and_o what_o end_n soever_o may_v follow_v although_o a_o hundred_o death_n be_v offer_v we_o yet_o may_v we_o in_o no_o wise_a fail_n from_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o daniel_n doubt_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o death_n and_o to_o go_v down_o into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n that_o he_o may_v declare_v that_o he_o worship_v the_o god_o of_o israel_n now_o that_o the_o noble_n do_v fall_v to_o that_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a counsel_n that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v oppress_v daniel_n by_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n hereby_o we_o gather_v how_o blind_a the_o rage_n be_v when_o ambition_n and_o envy_n do_v possess_v man_n mind_n for_o they_o do_v nothing_o fear_v at_o all_o to_o fight_v manifest_o against_o god_n for_o they_o do_v not_o assail_v daniel_n as_o a_o man_n but_o they_o break_v forth_o most_o wicked_o and_o outrageous_o against_o god_n when_o they_o will_v extinguish_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o satisfy_v their_o lust_n wherefore_o i_o say_v that_o we_o be_v admonish_v by_o this_o example_n how_o careful_o we_o ought_v to_o fly_v ambition_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o and_o also_o of_o envy_n which_o spring_v thereof_o what_o crime_n they_o commit_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v 6_o therefore_o the_o ruler_n &_o these_o governor_n go_v together_o to_o the_o king_n and_o say_v thus_o unto_o he_o king_n darius_n live_v for_o ever_o 7_o all_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n the_o officer_n and_o governor_n the_o counsellor_n and_o duke_n have_v 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that_o they_o dare_v lay_v this_o crime_n against_o the_o holy_a prophet_n howbeit_o it_o be_v unknown_a what_o occasion_n they_o abuse_v to_o this_o their_o wicked_a purpose_n some_o suppose_v that_o this_o be_v do_v because_o darius_n can_v not_o well_o bear_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o son_n in_o law_n for_o where_o he_o be_v old_a and_o the_o other_o be_v of_o a_o flourish_v age_n he_o think_v himself_o contemn_v some_o think_v therefore_o that_o darius_n himself_o be_v prick_v with_o some_o secret_a envy_n and_o that_o his_o noble_n have_v thereby_o a_o entry_n to_o deceive_v this_o miserable_a old_a man_n over_o light_n of_o belief_n and_o so_o blind_a his_o eye_n but_o this_o conjecture_n do_v not_o seem_v unto_o i_o of_o any_o great_a weight_n neither_o yet_o do_v i_o much_o travail_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o will_v gratify_v their_o king_n in_o the_o begin_v of_o this_o new_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o will_v decree_v some_o 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god_n yet_o will_v they_o be_v worship_v in_o god_n stead_n and_o hear_v we_o see_v how_o easy_o flatterer_n can_v persuade_v prince_n any_o thing_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o set_v out_o their_o honour_n and_o majesty_n the_o prayer_n grant_v almighty_a god_n that_o as_o thou_o have_v govern_v thy_o servant_n daniel_n when_o honour_n be_v offer_v abundant_o and_o when_o he_o be_v set_v up_o in_o most_o high_a dignity_n that_o he_o yet_o always_o continue_v in_o integrity_n and_o live_v innocent_o where_o all_o liberty_n be_v give_v unto_o all_o evil_a grand_a we_o beseech_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o retain_v ourselves_o in_o that_o mean_a state_n whereunto_o thou_o do_v restrain_v we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v content_a with_o our_o poverty_n may_v
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
the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v he_o have_v some_o portion_n of_o meat_n to_o sustain_v his_o life_n and_o let_v he_o be_v wash_v with_o the_o rain_n of_o heaven_n god_n do_v signify_v the_o though_o he_o will_v punish_v this_o king_n and_o show_v a_o horrible_a token_n of_o his_o wrath_n yet_o do_v he_o regard_v what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o do_v so_o temper_v the_o pain_n that_o there_o remain_v hope_n in_o the_o end_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o he_o have_v meat_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o have_v also_o comfort_v of_o the_o heavenly_a dew_n the_o prayer_n grraunt_a almighty_a god_n that_o whereas_o we_o see_v how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o bear_v prosperity_n and_o not_o to_o be_v dement_v therewith_o to_o forget_v that_o we_o be_v mortal_a that_o our_o frailty_n and_o wretchedness_n may_v evermore_o be_v before_o our_o eye_n which_o may_v retain_v we_o in_o true_a humility_n whereby_o we_o may_v glorify_v thou_o and_o be_v admonish_v by_o thou_o may_v learn_v to_o walk_v with_o carefulness_n and_o fear_n and_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o thou_o and_o that_o we_o may_v live_v modest_o with_o our_o brethren_n that_o none_o of_o we_o despise_v a_o other_o but_o study_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o do_v his_o office_n and_o duty_n while_o at_o the_o length_n thou_o gather_v we_o unto_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o thy_o only_o beget_v son_n amen_n 14_o in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o watchman_n be_v the_o sentence_n and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o be_v the_o request_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o live_a man_n may_v know_v that_o the_o most_o high_a have_v power_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o give_v it_o to_o who_o so_o ever_o he_o will_v and_o appoint_v over_o it_o the_o most_o abject_a among_o man_n god_n do_v confirm_v by_o this_o verse_n that_o which_o he_o have_v show_v in_o a_o dream_n to_o nebuchadnezer_n daniel_n therefore_o say_v that_o the_o king_n be_v certify_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v decree_v before_o god_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o purpose_n be_v that_o nebuchadnezer_n shall_v know_v that_o he_o can_v not_o escape_v that_o punishment_n whereof_o he_o do_v see_v the_o figure_n in_o his_o dream_n there_o be_v some_o darkness_n in_o the_o word_n but_o we_o perceive_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o be_v here_o a_o doubt_n for_o it_o seem_v a_o absurdity_n to_o geve_v unto_o the_o angel_n this_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o god_n we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o pertain_v to_o he_o alone_o to_o decree_v and_o to_o pronounce_v what_o sentence_n he_o please_v if_o this_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n so_o much_o seem_v to_o be_v take_v away_o from_o god_n high_a dignity_n for_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v for_o his_o majesty_n to_o admit_v any_o companion_n but_o we_o know_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o god_n take_v his_o angel_n unto_o he_o not_o as_o equal_n but_o as_o minister_n to_o who_o yet_o he_o give_v so_o much_o honour_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v they_o to_o his_o counsel_n and_o so_o be_v the_o angel_n call_v god_n counsellor_n wherefore_o they_o be_v name_v in_o this_o place_n to_o decree_v with_o god_n not_o of_o themselves_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n but_o because_o they_o do_v subscribe_v unto_o god_n judgement_n and_o here_o must_v we_o note_v two_o person_n to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o they_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n daniel_n make_v they_o to_o subscribe_v unto_o god_n decree_n afterward_o he_o say_v that_o they_o require_v or_o demand_v and_o this_o may_v well_o be_v that_o the_o angel_n do_v require_v in_o their_o petition_n that_o all_o mortal_a creature_n may_v be_v abase_v that_o god_n alone_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v thus_o be_v bring_v down_o that_o obscure_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v meet_a and_o right_a that_o the_o angel_n require_v this_o continual_o see_v we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o they_o do_v more_o desire_n then_o that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v worship_n god_n and_o all_o creature_n with_o they_o and_o when_o they_o do_v see_v god_n authority_n to_o be_v diminish_v by_o man_n pride_n and_o arrogancy_n then_o doubtless_o they_o require_v this_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v down_o under_o his_o obedience_n and_o yoke_n those_o proud_a man_n that_o set_v up_o their_o creaste_n against_o he_o now_o do_v we_o see_v why_o daniel_n say_v that_o this_o sentence_n be_v in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o watchman_n and_o in_o their_o word_n a_o request_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o have_v all_o the_o angel_n thou_o adversary_n for_o with_o one_o consent_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o mouth_n they_o do_v accuse_v thou_o before_o god_n that_o thou_o do_v obscure_v his_o glory_n as_o much_o as_o in_o thou_o lie_v and_o god_n agree_v to_o their_o request_n have_v decree_v to_o cast_v thou_o away_o and_o to_o make_v thou_o contemptible_a &_o shameful_a before_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o decree_n be_v ratify_v by_o all_o the_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v common_a with_o he_o and_o they_o for_o their_o consent_n and_o subscription_n may_v have_v some_o authority_n with_o this_o profane_a king_n and_o doubtless_o god_n as_o he_o do_v many_o time_n do_v now_o accommodate_v the_o vision_n to_o this_o man_n capacity_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v in_o the_o law_n but_o have_v only_o a_o confuse_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divinity_n so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n and_o yet_o this_o sentence_n be_v also_o true_a that_o the_o sentence_n be_v publish_v by_o the_o common_a decree_n of_o all_o the_o heavenly_a army_n and_o that_o together_o by_o supplication_n and_o request_n because_o doubtless_o the_o angel_n do_v take_v it_o grievous_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v withdraw_v from_o god_n glory_n &_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o madness_n in_o man_n that_o they_o will_v draw_v and_o catch_v to_o themselves_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o so_o that_o which_o follow_v depend_v well_o hereof_o that_o mortal_a man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v power_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n for_o daniel_n do_v note_v the_o end_n of_o their_o request_n that_o the_o angel_n will_v have_v god_n authority_n to_o remain_v whole_o to_o himself_o and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o therefrom_o by_o man_n churlish_a ingratitude_n for_o man_n can_v challenge_v to_o himself_o never_o so_o little_a but_o he_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o due_a praise_n and_o glory_n therefore_o do_v the_o angel_n crave_v of_o god_n continual_o that_o he_o will_v cast_v down_o all_o the_o proud_a and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v defraud_v of_o his_o authority_n but_o that_o all_o power_n may_v remain_v with_o he_o whole_o and_o this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v note_v that_o all_o mortal_a man_n may_v know_v that_o the_o most_o high_a do_v bear_v rule_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n for_o the_o most_o wicked_a will_v grant_v that_o god_n have_v the_o chief_a power_n and_o authority_n for_o they_o dare_v not_o draw_v he_o down_o from_o his_o heavenly_a throne_n with_o their_o blasphemy_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n they_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v both_o get_v and_o defend_v kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n either_o by_o their_o own_o power_n or_o riches_n or_o other_o mean_n therefore_o the_o unbeliever_n will_v glad_o shut_v up_o god_n in_o heaven_n even_o as_o the_o epicure_n feign_v that_o god_n use_v his_o delicate_n in_o idleness_n therefore_o daniel_n show_v that_o god_n be_v spoil_v of_o his_o right_n except_o he_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o ruler_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v humble_v who_o he_o please_v so_o be_v it_o also_o say_v in_o the_o psalm_n power_n be_v neither_o from_o the_o east_n nor_o from_o the_o west_n but_o from_o the_o heaven_n 113.6_o and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n also_o it_o be_v god_n that_o lift_v up_o the_o poor_a from_o the_o dung_n again_o in_o the_o song_n of_o the_o holy_a virgin_n he_o cast_v down_o the_o proud_a from_o their_o throne_n and_o exalt_v the_o humble_a and_o abject_n 1.52_o they_o all_o do_v confess_v this_o thing_n but_o yet_o scarce_o the_o hundred_o man_n do_v thorough_o feel_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o god_n do_v rule_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o
he_o be_v a_o valiant_a warrior_n and_o be_v in_o great_a estimation_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o mention_n make_v of_o he_o in_o this_o place_n but_o whereas_o xenophon_n do_v rehearse_v that_o cyaxares_n who_o be_v here_o call_v darius_n be_v the_o father_n in_o law_n of_o cyrus_n and_o that_o he_o be_v in_o great_a honour_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n though_o daniel_n do_v name_n the_o king_n himself_o because_o cyrus_n be_v content_a with_o the_o power_n the_o praise_n and_o the_o renoun_n of_o the_o victory_n and_o he_o be_v well_o content_a that_o his_o father_n in_o law_n shall_v have_v the_o title_n who_o he_o see_v to_o be_v age_a and_o wear_v but_o this_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o astyages_n and_o so_o the_o uncle_n of_o cyrus_n or_o no._n for_o many_o historiographer_n consent_v together_o in_o this_o that_o astyages_n be_v the_o grandfather_n of_o cyrus_n &_o that_o he_o marry_v his_o daughter_n to_o cambyses_n because_o he_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o astrologian_n that_o the_o child_n that_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o she_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o asia_n and_o they_o tell_v many_o thing_n beside_o how_o he_o command_v cyrus_n in_o his_o infancy_n to_o be_v slay_v but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v uncertain_a i_o do_v pass_v over_o they_o i_o think_v this_o be_v like_a to_o be_v true_a that_o darius_n be_v both_o uncle_n and_o father_n in_o law_n to_o cyrus_n although_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v xenophon_n he_o be_v not_o yet_o marry_v when_o babylon_n be_v win_v for_o this_o his_o father_n in_o law_n or_o uncle_n be_v unable_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o babylonian_n and_o assyrian_n call_v cyrus_n to_o aid_v he_o howsoever_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o prophet_n say_v may_v agree_v well_o enough_o that_o darius_n the_o king_n of_o the_o mede_n receive_v the_o kingdom_n because_o that_o cyrus_n although_o he_o be_v more_o mighty_a and_o of_o great_a authority_n yet_o willing_o yield_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o so_o be_v he_o king_n but_o by_o title_n only_o over_o the_o chaldee_n ¶_o the_o prayer_n grant_v almighty_a god_n that_o that_o example_n of_o thy_o wrath_n which_o thou_o have_v once_o show_v against_o all_o the_o proud_a may_v be_v profitable_a unto_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o that_o we_o be_v admonish_v by_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o one_o man_n may_v learn_v humble_o and_o modest_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o and_o never_o to_o desire_v any_o such_o dignity_n as_o may_v displease_v thou_o but_o that_o we_o may_v so_o continue_v in_o our_o own_o state_n as_o we_o may_v serve_v thou_o and_o may_v sanctify_v and_o glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n that_o we_o desire_v nothing_o separate_v from_o thou_o &_o that_o we_o may_v so_o bear_v thy_o yoke_n in_o this_o world_n &_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v of_o thou_o that_o we_o may_v come_v in_o the_o end_n to_o that_o bless_a rest_n and_o inheritance_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o and_o which_o be_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o thy_o only_o beget_v son_n amen_n chap._n 6._o the_o text._n it_o please_v darius_n to_o set_v over_o the_o kingdom_n a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o governor_n which_o shall_v be_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n 2_o and_o over_o these_o three_o ruler_n of_o who_o daniel_n be_v one_o that_o the_o governor_n may_v geve_v account_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v no_o damage_n here_o may_v we_o behold_v again_o how_o god_n always_o care_v for_o his_o prophet_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n only_o or_o any_o private_a respect_n as_o for_o that_o some_o comfort_n may_v come_v to_o the_o miserable_a exile_n and_o captive_n by_o his_o mean_n and_o diligence_n for_o god_n purpose_v to_o reach_v forth_o his_o hand_n by_o daniel_n and_o we_o may_v call_v he_o worthy_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o strengthen_v the_o jew_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o persian_n as_o they_o be_v a_o barbarous_a people_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o gentle_a lord_n unto_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o god_n set_v up_o his_o servant_n daniel_n as_o a_o mean_a to_o succour_v they_o this_o than_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o daniel_n be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o three_o governor_n by_o darius_n he_o have_v be_v now_o the_o three_o under_o king_n beltsazar_n though_o it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n yet_o this_o may_v have_v bring_v he_o into_o hatred_n with_o the_o new_a king_n because_o he_o have_v such_o honour_n give_v he_o but_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o darius_n be_v admonish_v of_o those_o matter_n which_o daniel_n have_v declare_v before_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o a_o hand_n do_v appear_v upon_o the_o wall_n that_o daniel_n do_v declare_v the_o writing_n and_o that_o he_o be_v as_o a_o herald_n send_v from_o the_o heaven_n to_o pronounce_v the_o destruction_n of_o king_n beltsazar_n for_o unless_o this_o report_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o darius_n he_o can_v never_o have_v get_v such_o authority_n with_o darius_n for_o darius_n have_v in_o his_o army_n very_o many_o and_o we_o know_v that_o when_o one_o be_v a_o conqueror_n by_o the_o sword_n he_o have_v many_o hungry_a man_n about_o he_o for_o all_o man_n be_v desirous_a of_o the_o spoil_n wherefore_o darius_n will_v never_o have_v take_v unto_o he_o this_o man_n be_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o captive_a to_o set_v he_o up_o in_o such_o honour_n and_o power_n unless_o he_o have_v know_v he_o assure_o to_o be_v the_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o his_o herald_n in_o declare_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o monarchy_n of_o babylon_n and_o hereby_o we_o gather_v that_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v amongst_o the_o chief_a governor_n and_o the_o three_o in_o the_o kingdom_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o know_v unto_o darius_n for_o if_o daniel_n have_v be_v cast_v down_o by_o king_n beltsazar_n he_o have_v lie_v unknown_a at_o home_n but_o when_o he_o see_v he_o in_o princely_a apparel_n he_o enquire_v who_o he_o be_v then_o he_o hear_v by_o what_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o so_o great_a honour_n &_o so_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o prophet_n of_o god_n &_o appoint_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o governor_n thus_o do_v we_o see_v god_n providence_n whereby_o he_o do_v not_o only_o preserve_v his_o servant_n without_o danger_n but_o also_o provide_v for_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o church_n lest_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v have_v be_v oppress_v more_o and_o more_o by_o this_o alteration_n 3_o now_o this_o daniel_n be_v prefer_v above_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n because_o the_o spirit_n be_v excellent_a in_o he_o and_o the_o king_n think_v to_o set_v he_o over_o the_o whole_a realm_n 4_o wherefore_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n seek_v a_o occasion_n against_o daniel_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n but_o they_o can_v find_v none_o occasion_n nor_o fault_n for_o he_o be_v so_o faithful_a that_o there_o be_v no_o blame_n nor_o fault_n find_v in_o he_o 5_o then_o say_v these_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v a_o occasion_n against_o this_o daniel_n except_o we_o find_v it_o against_o he_o concern_v the_o law_n of_o his_o god._n now_o the_o prophet_n set_v forth_o the_o tentation_n that_o do_v arise_v sudden_o which_o may_v have_v drive_v both_o himself_o and_o the_o elect_a people_n to_o despair_n but_o that_o god_n work_v miraculous_o for_o although_o only_a daniel_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o the_o lyons_n as_o follow_v yet_o unless_o he_o have_v be_v deliver_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n have_v be_v more_o grevous_a and_o rigorous_a for_o we_o know_v how_o impudent_o wicked_a man_n do_v rail_v against_o miserable_a innocent_n when_o they_o do_v see_v any_o adversity_n towards_o they_o if_o daniel_n therefore_o have_v be_v devour_v by_o the_o lion_n all_o man_n will_v have_v rage_v against_o the_o jew_n with_o all_o their_o power_n god_n therefore_o do_v not_o only_o herein_o exercise_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o his_o servant_n but_o also_o he_o prove_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o same_o trial_n because_o they_o do_v see_v themselves_o ready_a to_o suffer_v all_o extremity_n in_o the_o person_n of_o one_o man_n unless_o god_n have_v sudden_o help_v they_o as_o he_o do_v first_o of_o all_o daniel_n say_v that_o he_o be_v prefer_v above_o all_o other_o because_o a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v in_o he_o this_o do_v not_o always_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o which_o be_v excellent_a in_o wisdom_n or_o other_o such_o gift_n have_v also_o more_o authority_n and_o favour_n for_o in_o king_n court_n
we_o see_v very_a beast_n in_o the_o chief_a office_n and_o at_o this_o day_n to_o leave_v of_o old_a history_n as_o all_o king_n almost_o be_v foolish_a and_o bruttsh_n so_o also_o be_v they_o the_o horse_n and_o ass_n of_o brute_n beast_n wherefore_o the_o more_o proud_a and_o dissolute_a every_o man_n be_v the_o more_o authority_n have_v he_o in_o prince_n court_n but_o when_o daniel_n say_v that_o he_o be_v excellent_a he_o commend_v two_o benefit_n of_o god_n the_o one_o that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o abundance_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o other_o that_o darius_n do_v knowledge_n this_o and_o therefore_o set_v he_o in_o honour_n when_o he_o do_v see_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a virtue_n &_o wisdom_n we_o perceive_v then_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n will_v here_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v from_o heaven_n with_o wisdom_n and_o other_o gift_n and_o also_o that_o king_n darius_n judge_v a_o right_a in_o weigh_v his_o wisdom_n and_o other_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o set_v he_o in_o honour_n because_o then_o a_o more_o abundant_a spirit_n be_v in_o he_o therefore_o do_v he_o excel_v all_o other_o yea_o the_o king_n mind_v to_o set_v he_o above_o all_o his_o kingdom_n even_o above_o those_o three_o governor_n now_o although_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n which_o god_n do_v they_o vouchsafe_v to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n &_o his_o prophet_n yet_o have_v we_o great_a cause_n at_o this_o day_n to_o lament_v that_o king_n do_v so_o proud_o contemn_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o best_a man_n which_o may_v be_v most_o profitable_a ruler_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n set_v so_o much_o by_o blockeheade_n like_o themselves_o and_o man_n that_o be_v give_v to_o covetousness_n and_o extortion_n yea_o most_o cruel_a and_o dissolute_a in_o all_o wickedness_n see_v then_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n or_o discretion_n in_o king_n to_o discern_v who_o be_v worthy_a of_o rule_n and_o authority_n we_o may_v worthy_o bewail_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v unto_o we_o a_o manifest_a spectacle_n of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n when_o king_n be_v so_o destitute_a of_o wisdom_n but_o king_n darius_n alone_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a at_o the_o great_a day_n to_o condemn_v they_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n that_o he_o doubt_v not_o to_o set_v over_o all_o his_o officer_n a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o captive_a this_o be_v therefore_o a_o right_n princelike_a and_o heroical_a virtue_n that_o darius_n prefer_v one_o captive_a before_o all_o his_o familiar_n but_o now_o king_n regard_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o set_v in_o authority_n their_o bawd_n their_o jester_n &_o their_o flatterer_n so_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o set_v none_o up_o but_o evil_a man_n of_o no_o value_n and_o who_o god_n have_v mark_v with_o some_o note_n of_o ignominy_n who_o though_o they_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v count_v in_o the_o number_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v they_o king_n of_o king_n for_o king_n be_v at_o this_o day_n for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o servant_n and_o this_o come_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o slothful_a negligence_n which_o refuse_v and_o cast_v away_o from_o they_o all_o care_n and_o will_v take_v no_o pain_n therefore_o be_v they_o compel_v to_o commit_v the_o government_n unto_o other_o retain_v only_o the_o title_n to_o themselves_o these_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v certain_a token_n of_o god_n wrath_n because_o the_o world_n be_v unworthy_a that_o god_n shall_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o govern_v it_o now_o as_o concern_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o noble_n we_o see_v that_o this_o vice_n have_v reign_v in_o all_o age_n that_o they_o despise_v virtue_n which_o do_v ambitious_o aspire_v to_o honour_n for_o sing_v they_o be_v guilty_a in_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o can_v not_o but_o hate_v the_o virtue_n of_o other_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v though_o nothing_o strange_a that_o the_o persian_n which_o have_v sustain_v great_a labour_n and_o undertake_v great_a danger_n can_v not_o suffer_v a_o base_a and_o a_o unknown_a man_n not_o only_o to_o be_v make_v a_o companion_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o as_o a_o superior_a their_o envy_n therefore_o seem_v to_o have_v some_o ground_n or_o at_o the_o least_o some_o colour_n but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o worthy_a to_o be_v condemn_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v so_o be_v addict_v to_o his_o own_o commodity_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o regard_v the_o common_a profit_n for_o who_o so_o ever_o desire_v authority_n and_o do_v therein_o regard_v his_o own_o profit_n only_o and_o not_o the_o common_a commodity_n of_o the_o people_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v covetous_a a_o briber_n cruel_a &_o unfaithful_a &_o do_v nothing_o less_o than_o his_o office_n see_v then_o that_o the_o noble_n of_o the_o kingdom_n envy_n daniel_n they_o bewray_v their_o wickedness_n thereby_o that_o they_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n but_o that_o they_o covet_v to_o scrape_v &_o to_o catch_v all_o thing_n to_o then selue_o now_o in_o this_o example_n we_o may_v see_v what_o come_v of_o envy_n and_o this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v note_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a then_o to_o fall_v from_o one_o vice_n to_o a_o other_o he_o that_o envy_v a_o other_o can_v be_v restrain_v by_o no_o equity_n but_o that_o he_o will_v try_v all_o mean_n possible_a how_o he_o may_v overthrow_v his_o adversary_n these_o noble_n do_v stomach_n the_o matter_n that_o daniel_n shall_v be_v prefer_v before_o they_o now_o if_o they_o go_v no_o further_o yet_o that_o fault_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o wicked_a nature_n howbeit_o they_o do_v burst_v forth_o further_o for_o they_o seek_v some_o quarrel_n or_o some_o crime_n in_o daniel_n we_o may_v see_v therefore_o how_o envy_n do_v stir_v they_o up_o to_o search_v some_o crime_n so_o be_v all_o envious_a man_n as_o it_o be_v in_o continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n to_o catch_v they_o in_o a_o snare_n who_o prosperity_n they_o do_v envy_n and_o to_o overthrow_v they_o by_o any_o mean_n this_o be_v one_o point_n but_o when_o they_o find_v no_o crime_n then_o tread_v they_o all_o equity_n under_o foot_n and_o without_o all_o shame_n and_o humanity_n no_o less_o cruel_o then_o traitorous_o they_o give_v then selue_o whole_o to_o destroy_v their_o adversary_n daniel_n utter_v this_o of_o those_o that_o envy_a he_o he_o say_v first_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o occasion_n and_o find_v none_o then_o he_o show_v the_o occasion_n which_o they_o take_v of_o no_o just_a ground_n but_o traitorous_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o do_v know_v daniel_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o approve_a of_o god_n wherefore_o when_o they_o lay_v snare_n for_o this_o holy_a prophet_n they_o fight_v against_o god_n as_o it_o be_v of_o set_a purpose_n but_o they_o be_v blind_v with_o that_o wicked_a affection_n of_o envy_n and_o whence_o come_v envy_n but_o of_o ambition_n so_o do_v we_o see_v ambition_n to_o be_v a_o most_o wicked_a poison_n whereof_o spring_v envy_n and_o of_o this_o do_v falsehood_n and_o cruelty_n grow_v up_o but_o daniel_n do_v admonish_v we_o by_o his_o example_n that_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o live_v upright_o that_o the_o occasion_n which_o the_o envious_a and_o the_o wicked_a do_v seek_v for_o may_v be_v take_v away_o wherefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a defence_n against_o the_o envious_a and_o the_o slanderer_n then_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o upright_o and_o innocent_o for_o how_o soever_o they_o lay_v snare_n against_o we_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v for_o our_o innocency_n shall_v be_v like_o a_o shield_n to_o repulse_v all_o their_o malice_n yet_o do_v we_o see_v by_o the_o way_n that_o daniel_n do_v not_o escape_v clear_a for_o a_o quarrel_n be_v seek_v against_o he_o in_o a_o other_o matter_n even_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o here_o must_v we_o learn_v also_o that_o holiness_n and_o the_o care_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o esteem_v of_o we_o then_o our_o own_o life_n daniel_n be_v faithful_a and_o upright_o in_o his_o government_n he_o do_v execute_v his_o office_n so_o that_o he_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o evilwyller_n wherefore_o upright_o deal_v as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v the_o best_a shield_n again_o daniel_n be_v in_o danger_n because_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o his_o profession_n therefore_o must_v we_o suffer_v danger_n bold_o and_o constant_o when_o the_o question_n shall_v be_v touch_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o this_o transitory_a life_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v more_o dear_a
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
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