holy_a spirit_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o when_o we_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o perish_v then_o be_v god_n most_o ready_a to_o help_v 94._o psal_n 94._o except_o the_o lord_n have_v holpen_v i_o say_v david_n my_o soul_n have_v almost_o dwell_v in_o silence_n verse_n 8._o our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v make_v both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o thanksgiving_n contain_v a_o worthy_a sentence_n of_o great_a comfort_n that_o against_o sin_n the_o horror_n of_o death_n affliction_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o only_a sanctuary_n and_o succour_n in_o all_o affliction_n and_o other_o danger_n there_o be_v no_o other_o help_n or_o safety_n but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o that_o be_v not_o say_v he_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n blasphemy_n error_n and_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o calamity_n but_o our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o preserve_v our_o faith_n and_o our_o life_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n and_o as_o you_o hear_v in_o the_o other_o verse_n before_o so_o he_o show_v in_o this_o verse_n also_o that_o god_n suffer_v his_o saint_n to_o be_v tempt_v and_o in_o their_o tentation_n to_o fall_v into_o great_a distress_n as_o even_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v drown_v and_o swallow_v up_o present_o with_o great_a flood_n of_o water_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o comfort_n he_o show_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o forsake_v they_o by_o the_o which_o example_n we_o may_v learn_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o seek_v our_o help_n and_o safety_n at_o his_o hand_n which_o suffer_v his_o people_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o furnace_n of_o egypt_n not_o to_o their_o utter_a destruction_n but_o only_o to_o kill_v the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o vain_a hope_n and_o confidence_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o strength_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n suffer_v his_o people_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v read_v talk_a or_o teach_v nor_o speculation_n only_o which_o make_v a_o christian_a man_n but_o practice_n be_v that_o which_o special_o be_v require_v in_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o cross_n to_o pluck_v down_o the_o flesh_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o nothing_o that_o man_n despair_v of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o see_v no_o succour_n in_o himself_o shall_v resign_v himself_o whole_o unto_o the_o lord_n look_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_n for_o help_v at_o his_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n neither_o must_v we_o imagine_v to_o ourselves_o any_o other_o god_n than_o such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v help_v the_o afflict_a and_o oppress_v with_o desperation_n and_o other_o calamity_n to_o know_v this_o doctrine_n be_v one_o piece_n of_o the_o victory_n for_o they_o that_o know_v it_o not_o when_o tentation_n assail_v they_o either_o do_v despair_n or_o seek_v other_o help_n let_v we_o learn_v then_o out_o of_o this_o psalm_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o exercise_v his_o saint_n with_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n who_o suffer_v great_a flood_n of_o water_n to_o run_v over_o their_o head_n who_o also_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o tri_v every_o way_n not_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o to_o show_v they_o what_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o and_o so_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o save_a health_n but_o the_o flesh_n look_v to_o the_o power_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o adversary_n and_o her_o own_o infirmity_n but_o to_o look_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o his_o help_n and_o succour_n it_o be_v not_o able_a wherefore_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a conclusion_n our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o short-sentence_n but_o it_o set_v forth_o most_o worthy_a doctrine_n and_o consolation_n whereof_o special_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n we_o have_v great_a need_n see_v the_o pope_n together_o with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n so_o cruel_o do_v persecure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o these_o huge_a mountain_n what_o be_v we_o small_a molehill_n yea_o though_o there_o be_v no_o force_n nor_o power_n of_o man_n for_o we_o to_o fear_v how_o be_v we_o able_a to_o stand_v against_o not_o only_o so_o many_o devil_n but_o even_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n also_o and_o yet_o this_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o the_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o when_o we_o be_v even_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o never_o so_o much_o oppress_v yet_o be_v we_o not_o forsake_v but_o be_v safe_a through_o our_o confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o his_o help_n affliction_n the_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n but_o to_o this_o wisdom_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v without_o continual_a affliction_n whereby_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o confidence_n of_o all_o worldly_a succour_n shall_v be_v beat_v down_o for_o vexation_n and_o trouble_n bring_v understanding_n as_o isaiah_n say_v whereby_o we_o be_v compel_v to_o cry_v help_v lord_n for_o else_o we_o perish_v so_o in_o the_o last_o hour_n when_o death_n approach_v there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o man_n heart_n can_v repose_v itself_o or_o find_v comfort_n but_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v rest_n and_o quietness_n there_o be_v perfect_a peace_n he_o that_o can_v then_o say_v my_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n die_v happy_o and_o be_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n thus_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v and_o enjoy_v god_n even_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o sure_a trust_n of_o his_o merciful_a help_n and_o succour_v in_o all_o danger_n these_o be_v the_o word_n therefore_o of_o a_o victorious_a and_o triumph_a faith_n our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o if_o he_o say_v the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v my_o god_n and_o my_o helper_n show_v i_o a_o god_n o_o you_o my_o adversary_n like_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v your_o snare_n and_o your_o train_n then_o compare_v unto_o this_o god_n what_o be_v your_o threaten_n your_o power_n your_o policy_n etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o set_v the_o eternal_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n against_o all_o terror_n and_o danger_n against_o the_o flood_n and_o overflowing_n of_o all_o tentation_n and_o swallow_v up_o as_o it_o be_v with_o on_o breath_n all_o the_o rage_a fury_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o hell_n itself_o even_o as_o a_o little_a drop_n of_o water_n be_v swallow_v up_o of_o a_o mighty_a flame_a fire_n and_o what_o be_v the_o world_n with_o all_o his_o force_n and_o power_n in_o respect_n of_o he_o which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n let_v the_o world_n fret_v then_o let_v it_o rage_v so_o that_o this_o succour_n never_o fail_v we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v trouble_n and_o affliction_n yet_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v overcome_v at_o length_n the_o commentary_n of_o dr._n martin_n luther_n upon_o the_o cxxv_o psalm_n they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o psalm_n go_v before_o psalm_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v a_o thanksgiving_n or_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n because_o the_o godly_a see_v and_o by_o experience_n feel_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n this_o psalm_n follow_v contain_v also_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o same_o matter_n for_o it_o pertain_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o exhort_v the_o faithful_a likewise_o to_o a_o sure_a trust_n and_o assiance_n in_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o their_o necessity_n whereunto_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o with_o great_a and_o excellent_a promise_n it_o may_v also_o be_v easy_o understand_v by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o for_o herein_o consist_v all_o this_o heavenly_a wisdom_n that_o we_o do_v utter_o remove_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n whatsoever_o flesh_n can_v comprehend_v and_o believe_v that_o which_o the_o word_n only_o tell_v we_o even_o against_o all_o that_o which_o either_o we_o know_v feel_v or_o see_v and_o therefore_o this_o wisdom_n be_v against_o all_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n for_o by_o reason_n and_o all_o that_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v we_o feel_v see_v and_o conceive_v all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o faith_n lead_v we_o unto_o he_o that_o lie_v sick_a at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n can_v by_o reason_n conceive_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o imagination_n of_o death_n but_o a_o
a_o word_n in_o season_n be_v the_o commentary_n of_o dr._n martin_n luther_n on_o three_o select_a psalm_n viz._n the_o cxxivth_o cxxvth_o and_o cxxixth_o with_o his_o commentary_n on_o some_o part_n of_o the_o four_o and_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o the_o present_a time_n eccles_n xii_o 11._o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v goad_n and_o as_o nail_n fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n which_o be_v give_v from_o one_o shepherd_n london_n print_v by_o george_n larkin_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o broad-street_n next_o to_o london-wall_n 1685._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n it_o will_v be_v a_o unaccountable_a presumption_n for_o i_o to_o commend_v to_o thy_o good_a opinion_n the_o author_n of_o the_o commentary_n on_o the_o psalm_n and_o that_o part_n of_o st._n peter_n first_o epistle_n present_v to_o thou_o in_o the_o follow_a sheet_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o protestant_n christian_n and_o indifferent_o acquaint_v with_o author_n thou_o must_v acknowledge_v dr._n martin_n luther_n a_o worthy_a of_o the_o first_o rank_n next_o the_o apostle_n if_o not_o the_o first_o also_o in_o that_o rank_n or_o stand_v by_o thyself_o as_o some_o odd_a single_a exception_n from_o the_o stream_n of_o thy_o profession_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o roman_n catholic_n and_o so_o of_o a_o denomination_n as_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o as_o thy_o papal_a principle_n be_v to_o truth_n reason_n sense_n and_o humane_a society_n i_o must_v not_o hope_v the_o author_n name_n than_o which_o to_o those_o of_o thy_o profession_n none_o be_v more_o abhor_a will_v commend_v his_o work_n to_o thy_o perusal_n much_o less_o thy_o embrace_n that_o mighty_a opposition_n which_o this_o worthy_a meet_v with_o in_o his_o successful_a attempt_n of_o pull_v down_o the_o papal_a power_n be_v a_o exercise_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o courage_n as_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n have_v fill_v he_o withal_o and_o the_o commentary_n follow_v express_v as_o much_o of_o both_o as_o any_o of_o his_o numerous_a tract_n and_o this_o consider_v with_o the_o sad_a parallel_n of_o our_o present_a confusion_n and_o their_o cause_n with_o those_o of_o his_o day_n those_o very_a remedy_n animate_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v with_o much_o reason_n propose_v for_o thy_o support_n under_o our_o present_a calamity_n if_o not_o also_o as_o of_o some_o tendency_n towards_o a_o cure_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o who_o have_v not_o prostitute_v their_o soul_n to_o their_o sensuality_n and_o their_o religion_n to_o those_o who_o bid_v most_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o antichrist_n will_v accept_v and_o approve_v of_o these_o flower_n out_o of_o luther_n garden_n as_o eminent_o seasonable_a and_o to_o a_o spiritual_a palate_n no_o less_o savoury_a i_o have_v no_o further_o to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o but_o that_o this_o commentary_n be_v according_a to_o the_o english_a translation_n out_o of_o the_o latin_a print_v in_o the_o year_n 1615._o the_o commentary_n of_o dr._n martin_n luther_n upon_o the_o cxxiv_o psalm_n verse_n 1._o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n etc._n etc._n this_o psalm_n be_v a_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercy_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n place_v as_o the_o story_n do_v show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o heathen_a people_n psalm_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o psalm_n as_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o a_o wild_a forest_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n as_o a_o city_n compare_v to_o a_o mighty_a kingdom_n wolf_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n among_o many_o wolf_n be_v compass_v on_o every_o side_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o assyrian_n the_o egyptian_n the_o ammonite_n the_o ismaelite_n the_o moabite_n who_o satan_n have_v stir_v up_o with_o deadly_a hatred_n to_o vex_v and_o persecute_v they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o root_v they_o out_o from_o the_o earth_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v utter_o deface_v and_o abolish_v the_o word_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o danger_n david_n see_v and_o thank_v god_n which_o have_v preserve_v his_o people_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o so_o many_o lion_n and_o dragon_n which_o notwithstanding_o that_o they_o never_o cease_v to_o seek_v their_o destruction_n yet_o all_o that_o they_o go_v about_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o what_o a_o miracle_n be_v this_o that_o this_o people_n can_v so_o long_o continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o so_o many_o devil_n david_n therefore_o in_o this_o psalm_n exhort_v his_o people_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n so_o mighty_o preserve_v defend_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o violence_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n hate_v and_o persecute_v they_o on_o every_o side_n which_o psalm_n we_o also_o do_v sing_v not_o only_o against_o our_o adversary_n which_o hate_v and_o persecute_v the_o word_n but_o also_o against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v now_o seven_o devil_n which_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o we_o whereas_o we_o be_v before_o in_o danger_n but_o of_o one_o which_o cease_v not_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o we_o yea_o our_o case_n be_v more_o tolerable_a if_o we_o have_v but_o only_o the_o world_n and_o not_o satan_n also_o with_o all_o his_o angel_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n whole_o bend_v against_o we_o but_o yet_o further_o to_o molest_v and_o vex_v we_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o have_v also_o the_o three_o enemy_n which_o we_o carry_v always_o about_o with_o we_o which_o we_o nourish_v also_o and_o foster_v at_o home_n with_o we_o and_o even_o within_o we_o the_o flesh_n i_o mean_v which_o give_v we_o no_o rest_n but_o continual_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n fighteth_z against_o faith_n and_o strive_v in_o our_o member_n against_o the_o spirit_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v never_o free_a from_o these_o danger_n let_v we_o also_o sing_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o christ_n this_o psalm_n that_o he_o preserve_v we_o his_o member_n from_o all_o these_o enemy_n for_o it_o be_v extreme_a ingratitude_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o miracle_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o the_o church_n do_v yet_o continue_v and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o which_o true_o teach_v and_o confess_v christ_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n tho'_o satan_n rage_n the_o world_n and_o false_a brethren_n conspire_v against_o we_o and_o the_o flesh_n as_o a_o untamed_a beast_n fight_v against_o the_o word_n and_o faith_n never_o so_o much_o this_o be_v the_o benefit_n then_o that_o david_n so_o high_o extoll_v and_o wish_v that_o his_o people_n will_v understand_v and_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o verse_n 1._o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n may_v israel_n now_o say_v verse_n 2._o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o verse_n 3._o they_o have_v then_o swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a when_o their_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o we_o here_o the_o prophet_n david_n exhort_v the_o people_n to_o consider_v how_o merciful_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o how_o miraculous_o he_o have_v preserve_v that_o kingdom_n and_o also_o to_o praise_v god_n with_o he_o for_o the_o same_o which_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o david_n time_n only_o for_o the_o heathen_a people_n have_v oftentimes_o before_o war_v against_o they_o with_o such_o force_n and_o power_n as_o be_v like_a to_o the_o rage_n of_o most_o huge_a and_o terrible_a flood_n of_o water_n whereof_o he_o speak_v here_o ready_a to_o overflow_v they_o therefore_o see_v he_o mention_v here_o no_o one_o kind_a of_o deliverance_n it_o seem_v that_o he_o mean_v in_o these_o word_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o set_v forth_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v do_v for_o the_o succour_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n at_o any_o time_n before_o wherein_o he_o show_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o glass_n the_o dangerous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v learn_v to_o know_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o policy_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n shall_v always_o fly_v to_o god_n for_o help_n and_o succour_v israel_n signify_v the_o people_n of_o god_n let_v we_o acknowledge_v then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o god_n people_n to_o escape_v the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n but_o by_o the_o help_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o glory_n and_o
he_o be_v righteous_a who_o unrighteousness_n and_o impiety_n please_v not_o therefore_o although_o he_o suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o flourish_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o at_o the_o last_o he_o cut_v their_o cord_n that_o be_v he_o destroy_v both_o their_o power_n and_o they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n 5._o psal_n 5._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o love_v wickedness_n wherefore_o let_v christian_n learn_v to_o judge_v not_o by_o that_o which_o present_o they_o feel_v but_o by_o that_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n promise_v and_o shall_v assure_o come_v to_o pass_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o wicked_a when_o they_o have_v long_o plough_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o many_o way_n afflict_v they_o shall_v perish_v at_o the_o length_n for_o god_n be_v just_a and_o his_o justice_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v oppress_v verse_n 5._o let_v they_o that_o hate_n zion_n be_v confound_v and_o turn_v back_o this_o as_o before_o i_o have_v say_v be_v a_o prayer_n but_o you_o know_v that_o in_o every_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o promise_n include_v which_o promise_v this_o word_n righteous_a do_v express_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n with_o a_o singular_a vehemency_n to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v not_o murmur_v or_o blaspheme_v god_n as_o though_o he_o be_v not_o mindful_a of_o we_o or_o have_v not_o regard_v of_o we_o now_o where_o he_o say_v let_v they_o be_v confound_v and_o turn_v back_o it_o be_v a_o exposition_n of_o that_o which_o he_o say_v before_o that_o their_o cord_n shall_v be_v cut_v that_o be_v to_o say_v their_o kingdom_n their_o power_n their_o riches_n their_o law_n and_o final_o their_o whole_a politic_a body_n and_o common_a weal_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o nought_o as_o it_o befall_v to_o babylon_n ninive_n jerusalem_n athens_n corinth_n thebes_n rome_n and_o brief_o to_o all_o these_o kingdom_n and_o commonweal_n which_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n for_o when_o they_o proud_o stretch_v out_o their_o neck_n and_o set_v themselves_o against_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o by_o their_o power_n seek_v to_o oppress_v he_o they_o be_v destroy_v in_o like_a manner_n must_v we_o also_o pray_v and_o certain_o look_v for_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n vengeance_n upon_o those_o which_o at_o this_o day_n have_v set_v themselves_o against_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o bishop_n with_o all_o their_o faction_n and_o with_o all_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o maintain_v and_o defend_v their_o impiety_n for_o at_o the_o last_o they_o shall_v be_v confound_v but_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v never_o be_v oppress_v but_o be_v faithful_o call_v upon_o shall_v always_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v the_o afflict_a and_o shall_v cut_v the_o cord_n now_o of_o the_o wicked_a man_n and_o now_o of_o that_o thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n comfort_v we_o sundry_a way_n for_o when_o we_o have_v learn_v that_o satan_n be_v such_o a_o spirit_n as_o never_o cease_v to_o tempt_v and_o to_o vex_v we_o so_o that_o when_o he_o can_v overcome_v we_o by_o the_o greatness_n and_o multitude_n of_o tentation_n he_o go_v about_o to_o do_v it_o by_o the_o tediousness_n and_o long_a continuance_n thereof_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o comfort_v ourselves_o herewith_o that_o albeit_o these_o tentation_n continue_v long_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n and_o since_o we_o be_v forewarn_v both_o of_o the_o continuance_n &_o of_o the_o end_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o more_o easy_a for_o as_o to_o bear_v they_o here_o be_v to_o be_v note_v also_o that_o he_o show_v to_o who_o he_o wish_v evil_a namely_o to_o those_o which_o hate_v zion_n and_o that_o hatred_n which_o they_o bear_v against_o zion_n be_v a_o hatred_n against_o god_n for_o in_o that_o satan_n hate_v the_o church_n he_o do_v it_o not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n but_o because_o he_o hate_v god_n himself_o who_o the_o church_n praise_v and_o magnify_v moreover_o zion_n be_v a_o place_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v unto_o himself_o like_a as_o therefore_o god_n have_v choose_v that_o place_n to_o show_v his_o great_a love_n towards_o it_o so_o have_v satan_n choose_v the_o same_o to_o show_v his_o malice_n against_o it_o and_o with_o all_o his_o power_n to_o vex_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n not_o only_a satan_n but_o also_o the_o malignant_a church_n of_o the_o pope_n do_v persecute_v we_o not_o because_o we_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o they_o can_v well_o suffer_v yea_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o may_v hear_v that_o we_o be_v whoremonger_n and_o murderer_n as_o they_o be_v but_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o they_o so_o deadly_a hate_n and_o persecute_v we_o be_v this_o for_o that_o it_o grieve_v they_o that_o we_o in_o their_o eye_n be_v innocent_a as_o touch_v the_o second_o table_n and_o also_o obedient_a to_o the_o first_o wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n serve_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o trust_v in_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 6._o let_v they_o be_v as_o the_o grass_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n which_o wither_v afore_o it_o come_v forth_o this_o be_v a_o goodly_a psalm_n for_o the_o sundry_a excellent_a and_o most_o apt_a similitude_n contain_v therein_o whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n paint_v out_o those_o great_a majesty_n and_o principality_n of_o the_o world_n which_o fight_v against_o the_o the_o gospel_n a_o little_a before_o he_o compare_v they_o to_o plower_n draw_v out_o furrow_n of_o a_o marvellous_a length_n to_o who_o he_o so_o compare_v they_o not_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o so_o long_o to_o abuse_v their_o power_n wealth_n and_o riches_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a tediousness_n grief_n and_o anguish_n of_o those_o which_o suffer_v the_o plower_n the_o furrow_n the_o wound_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n for_o unto_o they_o it_o seem_v a_o tedious_a a_o long_a and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a plough_v wherefore_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o never_o so_o little_a tarry_n through_o this_o tediousness_n and_o anguish_n of_o heart_n seem_v to_o they_o intolerable_a against_o this_o weariness_n and_o thy_o tediousness_n therefore_o he_o comfort_v the_o faithful_a with_o this_o similitude_n of_o grass_n in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n as_o if_o he_o say_v why_o seem_v the_o time_n so_o long_o and_o tedious_a unto_o thou_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o learn_v to_o understand_v what_o these_o plower_n thy_o adversary_n be_v do_v thou_o never_o see_v grass_n grow_v on_o the_o top_n of_o house_n who_o do_v ever_o complain_v that_o the_o grass_n flourish_v so_o long_o who_o ever_o go_v about_o to_o pluck_v it_o up_o as_o though_o it_o be_v not_o wont_v of_o itself_o to_o wither_v and_o vanish_v away_o learn_v therefore_o that_o the_o very_a same_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o thy_o adversary_n thus_o with_o one_o similitude_n he_o sight_v against_o another_o plower_n he_o set_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o grass_n in_o the_o house_n top_n against_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o plower_n but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v effectual_o believe_v that_o this_o similitude_n be_v make_v and_o here_o set_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o close_o up_o the_o same_o full_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o shall_v fear_v neither_o the_o turk_n dor_fw-mi the_o pope_n with_o all_o his_o cruel_a prelate_n nor_o the_o tyranny_n of_o prince_n but_o shall_v contemn_v they_o all_o and_o as_o little_a regard_n they_o as_o the_o grass_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n but_o behold_v the_o outward_a show_n of_o this_o grass_n if_o any_o child_n shall_v see_v it_o he_o will_v esteem_v it_o to_o be_v better_a than_o any_o barley_n for_o to_o barley_n it_o be_v most_o like_a since_o it_o grow_v not_o as_o other_o thing_n do_v upon_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o notable_a place_n and_o load_v the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n but_o take_v a_o man_n that_o know_v these_o thing_n and_o he_o will_v say_v it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o goodly_a show_n and_o resemblance_n without_o any_o fruit_n thus_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n choose_v this_o similitude_n to_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o wish_v the_o tyrant_n may_v be_v like_o grass_n but_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o most_o like_a unto_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n which_o wither_v away_o before_o the_o harvest_n time_n come_v or_o any_o man_n go_v about_o to_o cut_v it_o down_o senacherib_n who_o besiege_v jerusalem_n do_v fly_v over_o kingdom_n oppress_v and_o tread_v down_o all_o thing_n under_o his_o
picture_n and_o image_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o painter_n set_v forth_o which_o paint_v she_o as_o a_o goodly_a virgin_n as_o a_o city_n well_o arm_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v indeed_o that_o be_v a_o true_a picture_n but_o not_o according_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o spiritual_a eye_n do_v see_v this_o great_a beauty_n that_o christ_n be_v her_o husband_n and_o beget_v she_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n beautify_v she_o and_o make_v her_o glorious_a with_o his_o own_o blood_n with_o his_o merit_n and_o with_o his_o righteousness_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o flesh_n can_v see_v nothing_o can_v judge_v nothing_o but_o see_v rather_o the_o contrary_a how_o she_o be_v subject_a to_o most_o bitter_a hatred_n malice_n vexation_n and_o torment_n wherefore_o if_o it_o will_v paint_v she_o out_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o see_v and_o behold_v she_o then_o must_v it_o paint_v and_o set_v she_o forth_o as_o a_o deform_a and_o poor_a maiden_n sit_v in_o a_o dangerous_a wood_n or_o desac_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o cruel_a and_o hungry_a lion_n bear_n wolve_v swine_n and_o venomous_a serpent_n also_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o outrageous_a and_o furious_a man_n attempt_v with_o sword_n fire_n and_o water_n to_o destroy_v she_o and_o to_o root_v she_o out_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o apocalypse_v set_v forth_o a_o goodly_a picture_n 12._o chap._n 12._o than_o the_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o excellent_a in_o that_o book_n that_o the_o church_n as_o a_o desolate_a woman_n fly_v from_o the_o old_a serpent_n or_o dragon_n persecute_v she_o and_o her_o child_n wherefore_o these_o word_n which_o david_n here_o use_v may_v very_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o she_o many_o time_n have_v my_o enemy_n afflict_v i_o many_o time_n have_v they_o vex_v i_o but_o this_o affliction_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o utter_a destruction_n if_o we_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o if_o the_o enemy_n do_v so_o prevail_v and_o overcome_v that_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o oppress_v and_o vanquish_v for_o ever_o as_o we_o all_o find_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n in_o our_o conflict_n which_o private_o we_o suffer_v in_o our_o heart_n when_o satan_n terrifi_v and_o confound_v our_o conscience_n for_o then_o be_v raise_v up_o such_o terror_n that_o no_o man_n can_v otherwise_o judge_v but_o that_o the_o victory_n be_v satan_n oppress_v we_o with_o heavy_a and_o bitter_a cogitation_n with_o tentation_n vexation_n and_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n and_o spoil_v we_o as_o to_o the_o flesh_n it_o seem_v of_o all_o the_o sweet_a consolation_n which_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o word_n be_v offer_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v well_o say_v oftentimes_o have_v they_o afflict_v i_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o affliction_n but_o a_o utter_a desolation_n and_o destruction_n as_o we_o private_o feel_v this_o every_o one_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n so_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n do_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v vehement_o assail_v with_o strong_a and_o mighty_a army_n of_o most_o deadly_a enemy_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o oppugn_v with_o the_o engine_n of_o all_o tentation_n and_o tribulation_n even_o from_o her_o youth_n that_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v deliver_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v know_v from_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o here_o the_o church_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n comfort_n and_o raise_v up_o themselves_o again_o have_v good_a experience_n that_o in_o all_o these_o calamity_n god_n show_v forth_o his_o power_n and_o not_o only_o remit_v their_o sin_n but_o also_o turn_v away_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o so_o that_o still_o they_o remain_v a_o church_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v bring_v to_o nought_o wherefore_o the_o prophet_n here_o not_o only_o repeat_v the_o danger_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o with_o great_a joy_n he_o add_v withal_o a_o exhortation_n that_o every_o member_n of_o this_o body_n shall_v praise_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v they_o can_v not_o prevail_v against_o i_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a consolation_n not_o only_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n but_o also_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o particular_o against_o the_o proud_a brag_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o the_o great_a hope_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v against_o we_o heretic_n and_o sectary_n do_v glory_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o victory_n the_o pope_n vaunt_v of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n cry_v out_o we_o shall_v overcome_v satan_n join_v with_o they_o both_o and_o raise_v up_o such_o trouble_n that_o it_o seem_v doubtful_a to_o who_o the_o victory_n will_v fall_v this_o oppress_v not_o only_o every_o man_n private_o with_o great_a heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n but_o also_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o we_o by_o experience_n do_v prove_v in_o the_o assembly_n gather_v at_o augusta_n where_o it_o seem_v that_o our_o enemy_n shall_v utter_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o but_o do_v not_o we_o there_o find_v these_o word_n to_o be_v full_a of_o consolation_n they_o can_v not_o prevail_v this_o consolation_n we_o must_v hold_v fast_o even_o when_o we_o be_v kill_v as_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o be_v teach_v for_o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v water_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o the_o great_a increase_v may_v come_v thereof_o now_o like_v as_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v right_o apply_v to_o that_o persecution_n which_o be_v do_v with_o the_o sword_n so_o must_v they_o be_v apply_v also_o to_o the_o assault_n of_o heretic_n and_o enthusiast_n for_o it_o be_v their_o property_n to_o boast_v and_o brag_v of_o the_o conquest_n and_o always_o to_o triumph_v before_o the_o victory_n but_o how_o soever_o our_o adversary_n triumph_v and_o glory_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o word_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v let_v we_o apply_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o amplify_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n if_o then_o as_o needs_o it_o must_v be_v assault_v and_o battle_n do_v follow_v yet_o let_v we_o sing_v with_o david_n they_o can_v not_o prevail_v for_o albeit_o they_o kill_v we_o yet_o neither_o the_o pope_n nor_o any_o other_o heretic_n nor_o the_o turk_n nor_o satan_n himself_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o quench_v the_o word_n neither_o yet_o shall_v they_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o steadfast_o abide_v in_o the_o word_n indeed_o this_o will_v we_o grant_v unto_o satan_n that_o he_o be_v strong_a than_o we_o and_o vex_v we_o many_o way_n for_o many_o be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o just_a but_o god_n will_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o and_o why_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o teach_v and_o moreover_o it_o be_v god_n own_o cause_n which_o they_o defend_v wherefore_o although_o the_o pope_n attempt_n and_o practice_v never_o so_o much_o mischief_n and_o go_v about_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o we_o although_o false_a brethren_n which_o walk_v not_o in_o true_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n continual_o vex_v we_o although_o satan_n himself_o never_o cease_v to_o raise_v up_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n against_o we_o yet_o will_v we_o sing_v with_o david_n even_o to_o the_o end_n they_o can_v not_o prevail_v yea_o and_o that_o only_o because_o of_o the_o word_n verse_n 3._o the_o plower_n plough_v upon_o my_o back_n and_o they_o make_v long_a furrow_n see_v what_o unlike_a and_o almost_o contrary_a thing_n he_o join_v here_o together_o before_o he_o comfort_v the_o faithful_a that_o the_o enemy_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v invincible_a and_o can_v be_v overcome_v and_o here_o he_o complain_v that_o they_o plough_n upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v such_o furrow_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a length_n this_o be_v a_o offence_n therefore_o which_o vehement_o trouble_v the_o godly_a that_o god_n suffer_v satan_n and_o the_o world_n so_o long_o to_o rage_n so_o long_o to_o vex_v and_o afflict_v the_o church_n that_o he_o give_v success_n unto_o their_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o attempt_n that_o he_o suffer_v the_o ungodly_a even_o then_o to_o prosper_v when_o they_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v punish_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o utter_o consume_v on_o the_o oath_n other_o side_n the_o godly_a the_o more_o they_o pray_v and_o the_o more_o they_o hope_v
foot_n therefore_o he_o can_v not_o be_v count_v of_o ezechia_n &_o other_o like_v unto_o grass_n and_o yet_o before_o he_o achieve_v what_o he_o go_v about_o he_o be_v compel_v not_o without_o great_a fear_n and_o also_o much_o slaughter_n of_o his_o soldier_n to_o raise_v his_o siege_n and_o he_o himself_o most_o miserable_o perish_v so_o pharaoh_n seem_v mighty_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v not_o upon_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o air_n and_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n but_o the_o miserable_a jew_n be_v oppress_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n like_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n this_o be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o grass_n not_o wither_v but_o fresh_o flourish_v but_o how_o quick_o do_v it_o wither_v and_o vanish_v to_o nothing_o for_o when_o pharaoh_n do_v very_o think_v to_o oppress_v they_o he_o be_v sudden_o oppress_v himself_o and_o perish_v in_o the_o water_n such_o a_o image_n of_o tyrant_n and_o tyranny_n the_o holy_a ghost_n paint_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o this_o place_n why_o then_o shall_v thou_o fear_v why_o shall_v thou_o tremble_v why_o shall_v thou_o despair_v as_o though_o thou_o have_v never_o see_v most_o flourish_a grass_n within_o few_o day_n to_o wither_v away_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n or_o do_v not_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o can_v long_o continue_v athanasius_n when_o julianus_n the_o emperor_n do_v many_o way_n afflict_v both_o he_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o fight_v not_o only_o with_o cruelty_n but_o also_o with_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n against_o the_o faithful_a insomuch_o that_o other_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o terrible_a tempest_n be_v utter_o discourage_v and_o pass_v all_o hope_n of_o deliverance_n say_v that_o this_o persecution_n of_o julian_n be_v not_o a_o tempest_n but_o a_o little_a cloud_n indeed_o his_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o faith_n which_o can_v believe_v that_o julianus_n be_v like_o not_o to_o a_o terrible_a and_o a_o violent_a tempest_n not_o to_o a_o mighty_a black_a cloud_n wrap_v all_o thing_n in_o darkness_n but_o unto_o a_o very_a little_a cloud_n which_o the_o sun_n do_v quick_o consume_v in_o like_a manner_n must_v we_o also_o extenuate_v and_o diminish_v the_o power_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o their_o proud_a brag_n and_o all_o their_o cruelty_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o because_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o bubble_n in_o the_o water_n grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n and_o a_o very_a shadow_n rather_o than_o man_n beside_o this_o that_o they_o provoke_v god_n also_o against_o themselves_o who_o fury_n &_o cruelty_n compare_v unto_o his_o power_n be_v a_o thing_n more_o vain_a than_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n or_o a_o bubble_n in_o the_o water_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a and_o a_o naked_a show_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o be_v all_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o adversary_n full_a of_o threaten_n but_o in_o the_o end_n they_o come_v to_o nothing_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o christian_n to_o diminish_v the_o power_n of_o the_o adversary_n and_o contrariwise_o to_o amplify_v the_o word_n and_o the_o mighty_a protection_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o devil_n sin_n death_n and_o other_o spiritual_a tentation_n be_v great_a but_o a_o christian_a can_v make_v a_o distinction_n of_o greatness_n for_o greatness_n be_v understand_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n the_o one_o be_v according_a to_o the_o eye_n which_o the_o eye_n judge_v after_o the_o outward_a show_n the_o other_o be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o truth_n judge_v after_o the_o word_n the_o greatness_n therefore_o of_o sin_n death_n wicked_a king_n prince_n and_o bishop_n be_v that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o eye_n only_o for_o god_n which_o say_v be_v of_o good_a comfort_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n also_o fear_v not_o those_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n the_o same_o god_n alone_o i_o say_v be_v the_o very_a true_a greatness_n to_o which_o if_o you_o compare_v satan_n and_o all_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o be_v they_o else_o but_o a_o bubble_n what_o be_v they_o else_o but_o grass_n but_o light_a straw_n and_o stubble_n but_o when_o they_o be_v consider_v without_o god_n then_o do_v they_o terrify_v with_o a_o false_a fearful_a show_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v great_a indeed_o wherefore_o christian_n must_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n but_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o a_o opinion_n be_v that_o which_o reason_n bring_v forth_o beside_o the_o word_n but_o truth_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n which_o judge_v the_o fury_n and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n rage_v against_o the_o faithful_a to_o be_v like_a unto_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n this_o promise_n be_v settle_v and_o sure_o fix_v in_o the_o mind_n promise_n this_o judgement_n that_o the_o enemy_n be_v like_o grass_n and_o therefore_o shall_v perish_v he_o call_v a_o promise_n confirm_v the_o godly_a against_o the_o great_a power_n as_o to_o reason_n it_o seem_v of_o the_o world_n and_o satan_n like_o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o the_o mind_n deceive_v through_o a_o terrible_a show_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n be_v oppress_v with_o terror_n these_o thing_n must_v not_o so_o be_v take_v as_o though_o we_o do_v utter_o condemn_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o count_v to_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n but_o their_o presumption_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o power_n be_v it_o that_o we_o condemn_v because_o they_o fight_v therewith_o against_o god_n and_o his_o church_n let_v they_o be_v prince_n on_o the_o earth_n let_v they_o use_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o they_o will_v needs_o make_v war_n in_o heaven_n and_o with_o their_o power_n go_v about_o to_o invade_v and_o oppress_v the_o word_n this_o be_v horrible_a this_o be_v execrable_a and_o damnable_a and_o who_o so_o compare_v they_o to_o bubble_n to_o grass_n to_o stubble_n yea_o and_o to_o nothing_o he_o say_v true_o he_o judge_v right_o for_o why_o do_v they_o fight_v against_o god_n think_v they_o that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o man_n be_v what_o the_o creature_n be_v and_o what_o the_o creator_n be_v wherefore_o they_o be_v right_o compare_v to_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n for_o more_o contemptuous_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v not_o speak_v of_o they_o for_o this_o grass_n be_v such_o that_o it_o soon_o wither_v away_o before_o the_o sickle_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o yea_o no_o man_n think_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v cut_v down_o no_o man_n regard_v it_o every_o man_n suffer_v it_o to_o brag_v for_o a_o while_n and_o to_o show_v itself_o unto_o man_n from_o the_o house_n top_n as_o though_o it_o be_v somewhat_o when_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o the_o wicked_a persecutor_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v take_v to_o be_v mighty_a and_o terrible_a according_a to_o the_o outward_a show_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o contemptible_a for_o christian_n do_v not_o once_o think_v of_o pluck_v they_o up_o or_o cut_v they_o down_o they_o persecute_v they_o not_o they_o revenge_v not_o their_o own_o injury_n but_o suffer_v they_o to_o increase_v to_o brag_v and_o glory_n as_o much_o as_o they_o listen_v for_o they_o know_v that_o they_o can_v abide_v the_o violence_n of_o a_o vehement_a wind._n yea_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o quietness_n yet_o as_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n by_o little_a and_o little_o wither_v away_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o tyrant_n upon_o small_a occasion_n do_v perish_v and_o soon_o vanish_v away_o the_o faithful_a therefore_o in_o suffering_n do_v prevail_v and_o overcome_v but_o the_o wicked_a in_o do_v be_v overthrow_v and_o miserable_o perish_v as_o all_o the_o history_n of_o all_o time_n and_o age_n do_v plain_o witness_v verse_n 7._o whereof_o the_o mower_n fill_v not_o his_o hand_n neither_o the_o glean_a his_o lap._n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v a_o comparison_n between_o grass_n which_o yield_v no_o fruit_n and_o true_a corn_n which_o be_v fruitful_a that_o thereby_o he_o may_v the_o better_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o former_a similitude_n and_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o false_a dread_n and_o terror_n which_o that_o vain_a and_o counterfeit_a show_n bring_v fruitful_a corn_n say_v he_o be_v such_o that_o he_o which_o mow_v it_o shall_v fill_v his_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o gather_v the_o sheaf_n shall_v have_v plenty_n to_o carry_v into_o his_o barn_n here_o you_o see_v be_v a_o truth_n and_o not_o a_o vain_a show_n but_o
grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n make_v a_o show_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a because_o it_o be_v fruitless_a so_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o prelate_n with_o other_o tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n have_v a_o resemblance_n and_o a_o counterfeit_a show_n that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n they_o hold_v and_o enjoy_v dignity_n prebend_n benefice_n as_o grass_n have_v his_o stalk_n and_o ear_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o chrrch_n like_a as_o grass_n be_v no_o corn_n for_o it_o wither_v away_o before_o it_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n for_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a argument_n wherewith_o they_o fight_v against_o we_o that_o for_o this_o glorious_a show_n whereof_o i_o speak_v they_o usurp_v and_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o be_v command_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o outward_a show_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v admonish_v also_o that_o such_o show_n be_v oftentimes_o occasion_n of_o great_a calamity_n beware_v say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheeps-clothing_n also_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o whereas_o then_o they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o a_o goodly_a show_n which_o the_o grass_n also_o that_o grow_v on_o the_o house_n top_n have_v as_o well_o as_o they_o will_v be_v count_v good_a corn_n this_o will_v not_o we_o grant_v they_o for_o if_o they_o be_v good_a corn_n let_v they_o fill_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o mower_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a grass_n yea_o worse_o than_o grass_n for_o in_o that_o filthiness_n of_o their_o wicked_a lust_n and_o fleshly_a pleasure_n wherewith_o they_o be_v horrible_o pollute_v and_o that_o cruelty_n which_o they_o exercise_v against_o the_o true_a church_n they_o retain_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o outward_a show_n which_o they_o pretend_v wherefore_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o adversary_n but_o a_o naked_a and_o a_o hypocritical_a show_n and_o the_o same_o also_o miserable_o and_o many_o way_n deform_v and_o deface_v since_o i_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o they_o but_o mere_a hypocrisy_n we_o judge_v and_o denounce_v they_o not_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o satan_n wherefore_o they_o be_v prepare_v as_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n to_o the_o fire_n although_o under_o a_o show_v and_o colour_v of_o the_o church_n they_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v we_o never_o so_o much_o verse_n 8._o neither_o they_o which_o go_v by_o say_v we_o bless_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o also_o commend_v and_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o grass_n for_o true_a corn_n have_v this_o commendation_n that_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o which_o see_v it_o grow_v wish_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v it_o this_o say_v david_n shall_v not_o be_v say_v of_o that_o grass_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o tyrant_n and_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o they_o shall_v be_v curse_v of_o all_o man_n yea_o the_o malediction_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n shall_v be_v heap_v upon_o they_o like_a as_o it_o have_v also_o happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o before_o our_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v most_o glorious_o flourish_v but_o now_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v pluck_v away_o her_o visor_n and_o show_v that_o she_o be_v not_o without_o fruit_n all_o her_o curse_a hypocrisy_n be_v bewray_v and_o her_o memory_n be_v perish_v from_o among_o the_o godly_a thus_o the_o prophet_n comfort_v the_o faithful_a and_o show_v that_o the_o wicked_a what_o glorious_a brag_n and_o pretence_n soever_o they_o make_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o and_o because_o god_n bless_v they_o not_o they_o shall_v inherit_v nothing_o but_o malediction_n and_o shall_v be_v confound_v like_a as_o judas_n the_o pharisee_n corinthus_n aâ—ius_n and_o pelagius_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o slourish_v most_o miserable_o perish_v with_o all_o their_o glory_n wherefore_o let_v we_o who_o doctrine_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sound_a and_o agreeable_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n remember_v this_o similitude_n that_o when_o we_o must_v suffer_v hatred_n slander_n reproach_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o injury_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n we_o be_v not_o afraid_a but_o may_v learn_v hereby_o to_o judge_v the_o pope_n the_o bishop_n the_o wicked_a prince_n with_o the_o tormentor_n and_o executioner_n of_o their_o cruelty_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v without_o all_o blessing_n to_o such_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v with_o the_o rich_a glutton_n in_o hell_n 16._o luke_n 16._o son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o pleasure_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o god_n have_v always_o so_o wrought_v by_o his_o secret_a counsel_n that_o as_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n wither_v away_o before_o the_o harvest_n come_v so_o tyrant_n be_v sudden_o cut_v off_o and_o never_o come_v to_o their_o full_a time_n wherefore_o let_v we_o constant_o abide_v and_o endure_v with_o patience_n in_o all_o affliction_n until_o the_o end_n do_v show_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o grass_n and_o sudden_o wither_v when_o it_o be_v most_o like_a to_o increase_v and_o flourish_v the_o wicked_a do_v enjoy_v all_o good_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n sake_n like_v as_o the_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o rain_n and_o of_o the_o sun_n as_o well_o as_o the_o corn_n in_o the_o field_n but_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o live_v half_a their_o day_n and_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o device_n to_o be_v but_o vain_a and_o without_o success_n so_o shall_v they_o be_v as_o a_o perpetual_a shame_n among_o man_n insomuch_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v wish_v any_o good_a unto_o they_o as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o memory_n of_o judas_n pilate_n the_o wicked_a jew_n dioclesianus_n maximinus_n and_o other_o tyrant_n be_v without_o honour_n yea_o most_o execrable_a and_o odious_a unto_o all_o man_n this_o consolation_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o these_o gross_a similitude_n and_o example_n that_o we_o may_v conceive_v in_o our_o mind_n some_o shadow_n or_o resemblance_n of_o god_n work_n since_o we_o can_v right_o judge_v and_o esteem_v the_o thing_n themselves_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n but_o we_o judge_v the_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o goodly_a show_n and_o outward_a appearance_n to_o be_v good_a wheat_n because_o they_o prosper_v and_o flourish_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o earth_n wherefore_o we_o must_v rest_v whole_o in_o the_o word_n which_o with_o such_o similitude_n paint_v out_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v with_o draw_v our_o sense_n from_o all_o outward_a sight_n and_o show_n and_o judge_v no_o otherwise_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o word_n then_o of_o most_o vile_a grass_n that_o grow_v on_o the_o house_n top_n and_o be_v contemn_v of_o all_o man_n for_o so_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n though_o our_o sense_n say_v otherwise_o in_o like_a manner_n must_v we_o do_v also_o in_o spiritual_a tentation_n when_o our_o conscience_n accuse_v we_o and_o give_v testimony_n against_o we_o as_o well_o in_o the_o agony_n and_o danger_n of_o death_n as_o in_o other_o conflict_n here_o if_o we_o follow_v that_o which_o appear_v to_o reason_n and_o our_o own_o sense_n to_o be_v true_a it_o shall_v seem_v unto_o we_o that_o our_o enemy_n be_v invincible_a and_o almighty_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v overcome_v and_o utter_o perish_v the_o sight_n and_o feel_n of_o this_o greatness_n pertain_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o to_o the_o sense_n only_o and_o rise_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n and_o not_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o when_o we_o look_v to_o the_o true_a greatness_n which_o the_o word_n set_v forth_o unto_o we_o we_o be_v constrain_v to_o say_v that_o death_n sin_n satan_n and_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o grass_n on_o the_o house_n top_n but_o stubble_n but_o a_o very_a bubble_n swim_v upon_o the_o water_n which_o with_o the_o least_o occasion_n break_v and_o vanish_v away_o so_o must_v these_o thing_n be_v amplify_v and_o set_v against_o all_o kind_n of_o tentation_n whether_o they_o be_v persecutor_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o world_n and_o wicked_a prince_n or_o else_o sin_n death_n and_o satan_n all_o which_o we_o