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 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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 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we_o may_v go_v over_o thou_o have_v lay_v thy_o body_n as_o the_o ground_n and_o as_o the_o street_n to_o they_o that_o go_v over_o these_o affliction_n we_o must_v needs_o suffer_v and_o by_o patience_n overcome_v they_o and_o withal_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o by_o these_o outward_a affliction_n the_o inward_a man_n be_v not_o weaken_v or_o overcome_v rest_v in_o this_o assure_a hope_n and_o trust_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o forsake_v we_o but_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v close_v within_o most_o sure_a and_o strong_a hold_n so_o that_o now_o although_o our_o good_n our_o wife_n our_o child_n yea_o and_o our_o life_n also_o be_v take_v from_o we_o yet_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v spoil_v of_o our_o christ_n by_o who_o we_o be_v so_o sure_o defend_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o tentation_n he_o will_v make_v a_o way_n for_o we_o to_o escape_v or_o else_o give_v we_o strength_n to_o bear_v they_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o 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his_o people_n but_o here_o as_o before_o i_o say_v we_o have_v need_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v herein_o not_o according_a to_o our_o present_a trouble_n and_o tentation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o need_v any_o promise_n if_o there_o be_v no_o tentation_n which_o tentation_n whether_o they_o be_v within_o in_o the_o spirit_n or_o without_o in_o the_o flesh_n the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o we_o through_o christ_n shall_v have_v full_a victory_n hereof_o as_o this_o verse_n full_a of_o sweet_a consolation_n do_v promise_n unto_o we_o notwithstanding_o this_o promise_n seem_v incredible_a both_o to_o we_o which_o suffer_v and_o also_o to_o they_o which_o persecute_v and_o afflict_v we_o for_o if_o we_o behold_v the_o same_o with_o our_o outward_a eye_n what_o can_v be_v more_o false_a yea_o the_o contrary_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o true_a behold_v our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v he_o not_o so_o forsake_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n that_o the_o rod_n or_o sceptre_n of_o the_o wicked_a rest_v upon_o he_o do_v it_o not_o rest_v likewise_o upon_o the_o prophet_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o holy_a martyr_n this_o matter_n then_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o with_o our_o outward_a eye_n have_v another_o meaning_n then_o the_o word_n do_v import_v for_o they_o promise_v that_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o godly_a and_o yet_o all_o story_n and_o example_n do_v teftify_v the_o contrary_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v we_o back_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o cousel_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v we_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v not_o what_o we_o suffer_v and_o with_o our_o outward_a eye_n behold_v but_o what_o be_v decree_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o that_o can_v so_o sequester_v himself_o from_o the_o behold_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o tentation_n and_o yield_v himself_o whole_o over_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o there_o rest_n be_v a_o right_n divine_a yea_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a hereof_o in_o true_a divinity_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o what_o know_v he_o which_o be_v ignorant_a that_o god_n be_v such_o a_o god_n as_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o godly_a to_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o wicked_a for_o see_v he_o have_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n he_o will_v never_o suffer_v that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o to_o be_v wrest_v either_o by_o the_o world_n or_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n if_o he_o then_o abide_v and_o continue_v they_o shall_v also_o continue_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v he_o thus_o to_o believe_v and_o thus_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o thing_n invifible_a be_v true_a divinity_n and_o true_a spiritual_a wisdom_n indeed_o whereupon_o we_o may_v ground_v this_o proposition_n out_o of_o the_o invisible_a counsel_n of_o god_n god_n hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o love_v the_o just_a ergo_fw-la he_o will_v damn_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a and_o will_v deliver_v and_o save_v the_o just_a and_o here_o we_o see_v that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n in_o all_o the_o psalm_n and_o prophet_n to_o spring_v of_o the_o first_o precept_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n now_o have_v we_o to_o learn_v how_o we_o may_v apply_v this_o verse_n right_o and_o to_o our_o comfort_n for_o true_a divinity_n consist_v in_o use_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v vex_v on_o every_o side_n with_o cruel_a bishop_n wicked_a prince_n and_o other_o which_o hate_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o profess_v but_o these_o be_v very_a trifle_n if_o you_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o vexation_n which_o satan_n sin_n and_o our_o own_o infirmity_n raise_v up_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o must_v learn_v therefore_o thus_o to_o judge_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v the_o rod_n and_o sceptre_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o set_v the_o lord_n against_o they_o reveal_v his_o will_n here_o in_o his_o word_n and_o pronounce_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o rest_v upon_o the_o godly_a see_v then_o the_o same_o prince_n promise_v thus_o much_o unto_o we_o which_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o his_o hand_n what_o can_v we_o require_v more_o for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a that_o though_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v afflict_v yet_o will_v he_o not_o see_v we_o tread_v under_o foot_n or_o perish_v thus_o must_v we_o apply_v these_o sweet_a consolation_n what_o the_o rod_n signisi_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v well_o know_v children_n when_o they_o be_v young_a be_v correct_v with_o a_o rod_n and_o when_o they_o wax_v big_a with_o a_o wand_n or_o cudgel_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o so_o amend_v then_o follow_v the_o iron_n rod._n hereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o rod_n signify_v all_o power_n and_o rule_n which_o be_v for_o the_o amendment_n and_o correction_n of_o such_o as_o do_v offend_v so_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o 110_o psalm_n the_o lord_n shall_v send_v forth_o the_o rod_n of_o thy_o power_n out_o of_o zion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v thy_o kingdom_n for_o there_o he_o signify_v such_o a_o rod_n whereby_o kingdom_n and_o people_n be_v govern_v on_o this_o wise_a the_o holy_a ghost_n permit_v here_o to_o the_o wicked_a dominion_n and_o tyranny_n over_o the_o godly_a which_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o suffer_v like_a as_o we_o be_v compel_v not_o only_o to_o see_v but_o also_o to_o suffer_v the_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o kingdom_n persecute_v destroy_v and_o murder_v the_o christian_n and_o rage_v against_o they_o with_o all_o kind_n of_o tyranny_n yea_o we_o be_v compel_v moreover_o to_o suffer_v the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n vex_v and_o terrify_v my_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o believe_v in_o christ_n this_o dominion_n or_o tyranny_n the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o comfort_v we_o that_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v their_o tyranny_n shall_v fall_v and_o shall_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o lot_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o portion_n that_o be_v the_o number_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o just_a like_a as_o christ_n call_v they_o the_o little_a flock_n and_o paul_n the_o poor_a saint_n over_o these_o say_v he_o although_o the_o tyrant_n do_v rule_v yet_o shall_v not_o their_o power_n endure_v although_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v oppress_v the_o faithful_a yet_o shall_v they_o not_o do_v so_o always_o neither_o shall_v their_o counsel_n have_v the_o success_n which_o they_o desire_v for_o they_o think_v to_o root_v out_o this_o doctrine_n for_o ever_o
do_v enter_v seven_o spirit_n much_o more_o wicked_a than_o the_o first_o we_o must_v therefore_o patient_o suffer_v and_o persevere_v in_o all_o tentation_n and_o rather_o abide_v all_o extremity_n then_o once_o shrink_v from_o the_o word_n of_o life_n lest_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o seven_o spirit_n more_o wicked_a than_o the_o first_o and_o moreover_o we_o must_v assure_o trust_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v it_o this_o verse_n that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o purpose_n so_o to_o do_v the_o lord_n will_v never_o for_o sake_n we_o or_o suffer_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o this_o impiety_n for_o here_o have_v we_o a_o manifest_a promise_n and_o a_o lively_a description_n of_o the_o lord_n singular_a care_n and_o providence_n over_o we_o namely_o that_o he_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o tentation_n and_o affliction_n so_o that_o we_o only_o continue_v constant_a and_o patient_a unto_o the_o end_n and_o if_o the_o heathen_a poet_n say_v endure_v and_o reserve_v yourselves_o for_o more_o happy_a thing_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v christian_n diligent_o stir_v up_o themselves_o with_o mutual_a exhortation_n to_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n whether_o they_o outward_o suffer_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o body_n and_o to_o this_o present_a life_n or_o inward_o in_o conscience_n for_o we_o have_v a_o god_n which_o even_o in_o death_n in_o hell_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n can_v save_v and_o deliver_v we_o verse_n 4._o do_v well_o o_o lord_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v good_a and_o true_a of_o heart_n the_o prophet_n say_v not_o here_o do_v well_o lord_n to_o the_o perfect_a and_o such_o as_o offend_v in_o nothing_o but_o to_o the_o good_a and_o true_a of_o heart_n the_o good_a and_o true_a of_o heart_n be_v they_o which_o be_v of_o a_o single_a sincere_a and_o upright_a heart_n for_o these_o be_v they_o which_o be_v most_o accept_v of_o god_n although_o they_o also_o through_o infirmity_n do_v sometime_o offend_v now_o where_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v do_v well_o to_o the_o good_a and_o godly_a he_o mean_v also_o and_o secret_o complain_v that_o the_o godly_a be_v in_o misery_n and_o affliction_n and_o that_o the_o ungodly_a do_v abound_v with_o all_o worldly_a felicity_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o enjoy_v great_a riches_n and_o dignity_n whereby_o they_o vex_v and_o oppress_v the_o godly_a this_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v need_n of_o this_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v do_v well_o unto_o the_o godly_a which_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o seek_v his_o glory_n with_o their_o whole_a heart_n that_o they_o by_o stumble_v at_o this_o offence_n do_v not_o fall_v away_o to_o impiety_n this_o prayer_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o prophecy_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o like_a as_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o just_a so_o at_o the_o length_n it_o shall_v also_o come_v to_o pass_v verse_n 5._o but_o those_o that_o turn_v aside_o by_o their_o crooked_a way_n the_o lord_n shall_v lead_v with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n but_o peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o israel_n he_o say_v not_o simple_o such_o as_o turn_v aside_o but_o such_o as_o turn_v aside_o by_o their_o own_o wickedness_n for_o to_o give_v place_n to_o tentation_n by_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o weakness_n of_o mind_n or_o else_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o decline_v from_o the_o right_a way_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o even_o in_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o example_n of_o peter_n teach_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o fall_v away_o through_o wickedness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o heart_n be_v another_o which_o can_v be_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o wicked_a and_o godless_a this_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v ever_o corrupt_v the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o with_o a_o show_n of_o holiness_n have_v deceive_v the_o simple_a which_o because_o god_n punish_v they_o not_o but_o spare_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o prosper_v in_o this_o world_n become_v so_o proud_a that_o they_o will_v be_v count_v among_o the_o holy_a and_o of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o common_o take_v we_o see_v that_o not_o only_o the_o godly_a be_v mix_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n floor_n also_o the_o wheat_n lie_v hide_v under_o the_o chasse_n we_o must_v pray_v therefore_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v these_o hypocrite_n to_o light_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o their_o just_a punishment_n with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n then_o shall_v peace_n ensue_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o whilst_o the_o lord_n pour_v forth_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o wicked_a which_o vex_v and_o persecute_v his_o true_a member_n he_o gather_v together_o the_o good_a and_o upright_a of_o heart_n and_o open_o declare_v his_o fatherly_a good_a will_n and_o tender_a love_n towards_o they_o the_o commentary_n of_o dr._n martin_n luther_n upon_o the_o cxxix_o psalm_n they_o have_v oftentimes_o afflict_v etc._n etc._n this_o psalm_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n psalm_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o psalm_n in_o the_o former_a he_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o continual_a deliverance_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n he_o make_v his_o prayer_n against_o the_o adversary_n and_o in_o pray_v he_o prophesi_v withal_o both_o these_o serve_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o also_o contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o patience_n under_o the_o cross_n which_o pertain_v not_o to_o one_o age_n or_o time_n but_o as_o the_o continual_a history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v show_v to_o all_o time_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o man_n moreover_o we_o do_v here_o comprehend_v both_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o paul_n also_o in_o a_o manner_n join_v they_o both_o together_o when_o he_o say_v first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o to_o the_o grecian_a for_o as_o touch_v the_o church_n or_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n that_o they_o be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o enemy_n as_o a_o goodly_a rose_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thornes_n on_o the_o east_n side_n the_o ismaelite_n the_o arabian_n and_o other_o cruel_a people_n vex_v they_o on_o the_o south_n part_n the_o egyptian_n the_o ethiopian_n the_o troglodyte_n the_o philistine_n and_o other_o like_a on_o the_o north_n side_n the_o assyrian_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o church_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o synagogue_n be_v compass_v every_o way_n with_o enemy_n and_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o psalm_n reign_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n thus_o be_v they_o oftentimes_o and_o many_o way_n afflict_v but_o herewithal_o god_n show_v this_o miracle_n that_o when_o they_o be_v so_o afflict_v he_o always_o deliver_v they_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n a_o miraculous_a kingdom_n in_o that_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o will_v correct_v and_o chastise_v they_o suffer_v the_o philistine_n edomite_n moabite_n assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n to_o have_v victory_n over_o they_o again_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o oppress_v they_o victorious_o prevail_v against_o their_o enemy_n so_o continue_v this_o kingdom_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o cruel_a nation_n round_o about_o it_o and_o of_o satan_n himself_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o also_o of_o the_o chronicle_n now_o because_o this_o people_n have_v both_o threaten_n and_o promise_n set_v before_o they_o as_o touch_v their_o affliction_n and_o deliverance_n this_o be_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a consolation_n even_o when_o they_o be_v afflict_v and_o spoil_v that_o they_o know_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v not_o by_o the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o much-less_a by_o their_o righteousness_n or_o desert_n but_o only_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n thus_o punish_v and_o chastise_v his_o people_n yea_o threaten_v and_o forewarn_v they_o by_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o will_v so_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a this_o be_v no_o small_a consolation_n that_o in_o thy_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n thou_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o scourge_n of_o god_n thus_o correct_v i_o and_o visit_v my_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n or_o the_o merit_n and_o deserve_n of_o my_o adversary_n these_o thing_n must_v we_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o also_o to_o the_o end_n that_o when_o we_o be_v oppress_v we_o may_v comfort_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o oppress_v by_o the_o power_n of_o death_n sin_n hell_n or_o any_o creature_n but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n our_o creator_n afflict_v we_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 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the_o less_o seem_v their_o prayer_n and_o their_o hope_n to_o take_v effect_n every_o day_n be_v they_o more_o and_o more_o afflict_a every_o day_n there_o be_v less_o and_o less_o hope_n leave_v wherefore_o this_o similitude_n be_v well_o apply_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o ground_n which_o be_v continual_o plough_v wherein_o such_o furrow_n be_v draw_v as_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o end_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o either_o see_v their_o calamity_n or_o the_o impiety_n and_o outrageous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o word_n he_o signify_v therefore_o that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a patience_n not_o for_o a_o day_n or_o two_o but_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n so_o that_o they_o which_o have_v the_o word_n must_v assure_o purpose_v and_o determine_v never_o to_o depart_v from_o god_n although_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o same_o affliction_n a_o thousand_o year_n together_o how_o many_o have_v we_o see_v 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to_o be_v as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o tyranny_n their_o persecution_n and_o malice_n against_o the_o church_n for_o if_o god_n will_v suffer_v their_o tyranny_n but_o for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o speedy_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n we_o shall_v all_o then_o say_v that_o god_n be_v mindful_a of_o his_o child_n and_o angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a but_o now_o since_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n flourish_v many_o year_n together_o and_o the_o wicked_a still_o continue_v and_o increase_v in_o great_a felicity_n without_o punishment_n the_o same_o be_v verify_v of_o they_o which_o diogenes_n say_v of_o harpalus_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o lively_a testimony_n against_o the_o go_n yea_o the_o godly_a be_v so_o vehement_o tempt_v through_o this_o long_a continuance_n and_o fall_v so_o far_o that_o they_o think_v god_n have_v no_o regard_n of_o they_o wherefore_o we_o must_v so_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a patience_n that_o albeit_o we_o feel_v the_o tedious_a and_o long_a continuance_n of_o these_o furrow_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o offend_v but_o when_o one_o tentation_n be_v overcome_v we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o to_o another_o for_o our_o back_n must_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o bear_v the_o long_a continuance_n of_o these_o furrow_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n in_o the_o which_o he_o confess_v the_o divine_a miracle_n and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o preserve_v his_o child_n not_o only_o against_o the_o world_n but_o also_o against_o sin_n death_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o that_o he_o give_v victory_n to_o those_o that_o be_v overcome_v and_o put_v those_o to_o flight_n which_o do_v overcome_v this_o joyful_a end_n and_o this_o success_n he_o will_v we_o to_o look_v and_o wait_v for_o and_o exhort_v we_o to_o patience_n now_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o not_o only_o pray_v but_o also_o promise_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o although_o they_o obstinate_o continue_v in_o afflict_v the_o faithful_a without_o check_n or_o punishment_n yet_o shall_v their_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_n be_v such_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o rise_v again_o as_o experience_n do_v show_v for_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o kingdom_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o continue_v and_o prosper_v the_o place_n and_o space_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v remain_v void_a and_o desolate_a and_o the_o kingdom_n be_v go_v as_o though_o they_o have_v never_o be_v again_o the_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v never_o so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o oppress_v the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n still_o continue_v and_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o follw_v verse_n 4._o the_o righteous_a lord_n have_v cut_v the_o cord_n of_o the_o wicked_a these_o word_n be_v so_o full_a of_o consolation_n that_o to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o calamity_n and_o affliction_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o comfortable_a for_o they_o know_v that_o no_o munition_n no_o furniture_n of_o war_n can_v be_v so_o strong_a first_o of_o all_o therefore_o weigh_v and_o consider_v why_o he_o call_v the_o lord_n righteous_a and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o so_o do_v because_o that_o when_o a_o man_n consider_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o do_v and_o how_o god_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o same_o it_o seem_v not_o otherwise_o but_o that_o he_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o unjust_a in_o support_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o wicked_a with_o great_a riches_n power_n dignity_n etc._n etc._n when_o reason_n see_v this_o it_o can_v judge_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o be_v unjust_a for_o first_o of_o all_o thus_o do_v reason_n gather_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o wicked_a and_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o for_o to_o be_v a_o god_n be_v to_o be_v almighty_a again_o thus_o carnal_a reason_n argue_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v needs_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n now_o what_o else_o follow_v hereof_o but_o that_o if_o god_n know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v cruel_o and_o unjust_o do_v and_o he_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v they_o he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v no_o less_o willing_a to_o do_v the_o same_o for_o if_o we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o must_v follow_v that_o he_o be_v not_o good_a but_o evil_a not_o just_a but_o unjust_a now_o lay_v these_o thing_n together_o if_o god_n have_v power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o he_o if_o he_o be_v able_a to_o help_v if_o he_o know_v how_o and_o also_o be_v willing_a to_o help_v why_o be_v all_o these_o thing_n do_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o world_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o wicked_a have_v power_n riches_n &_o dignity_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o godly_a for_o their_o piety_n and_o godliness_n be_v many_o way_n and_o most_o cruel_o afflict_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o lively_a testimony_n against_o god_n as_o before_o we_o say_v of_o diogenes_n this_o argument_n of_o epicurus_n and_o such_o like_a atheist_n be_v to_o the_o flesh_n invincible_a wherefore_o reason_n be_v altogether_o blind_v and_o wrap_v in_o these_o snare_n incline_v to_o this_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o else_o that_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n of_o this_o offence_n and_o stumble_a block_n the_o holy_a ghost_n warn_v we_o when_o he_o attribute_v this_o name_n unto_o god_n that_o
must_v learn_v to_o extenuate_v and_o lessen_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v because_o christ_n live_v and_o we_o have_v his_o word_n this_o consolation_n be_v able_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o terror_n and_o make_v we_o able_a to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o very_a deed_n but_o one_o thing_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o word_n and_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o own_o strength_n then_o be_v they_o indeed_o not_o grass_n but_o such_o high_a and_o mighty_a mountain_n as_o can_v be_v pass_v over_o where_o before_o when_o we_o fight_v against_o our_o enemy_n we_o must_v fight_v not_o as_o man_n consist_v of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o as_o christian_n baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n now_o therefore_o when_o the_o devil_n death_n hell_n itself_o the_o world_n and_o cruel_a prince_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o christian_a they_o be_v but_o grass_n upon_o the_o house_n top_n or_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a for_o he_o have_v the_o word_n which_o be_v almighty_a and_o moreover_o he_o have_v christ_n himself_o christian_n therefore_o be_v invincible_a 12.9_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o yea_o even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v overcome_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n for_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v perfect_a through_o weakness_n thus_o do_v the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o martyr_n comfort_v themselves_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v so_o valiant_o suffer_v all_o kind_n of_o affliction_n be_v persuade_v not_o that_o the_o grass_n which_o wither_v away_o of_o it_o sclf_n without_o man_n endeavour_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o victory_n for_o true_a it_o be_v that_o basilius_n write_v when_o he_o comfort_v the_o people_n of_o alexandria_n against_o the_o fury_n of_o arius_n that_o through_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o enemy_n the_o church_n do_v more_o and_o more_o increase_n and_o multiply_v which_o thing_n we_o also_o have_v prove_v and_o god_n grant_v that_o yve_fw-mi and_o our_o posterity_n may_v still_o so_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a shepherd_n by_o dr._n martin_n luther_n be_v his_o commentary_n upon_o 1_o pet._n 4.11_o and_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o pet._n 4.11_o if_o any_o mnn_n minister_v let_v he_o do_v it_o as_o of_o the_o ability_n which_o god_n minister_v whosoever_o execute_v any_o function_n in_o the_o church_n or_o have_v the_o cure_n of_o soul_n commit_v unto_o he_o may_v not_o deal_v as_o he_o listen_v himself_o or_o to_o over-rule_v matter_n according_a to_o his_o own_o sensual_a will._n neither_o shall_v he_o say_v tush_o i_o be_o a_o prelate_n the_o people_n must_v all_o listen_v to_o that_o which_o i_o say_v and_o observe_v my_o law_n ordinance_n and_o injunction_n without_o gainsay_v for_o god_n require_v this_o that_o no_o man_n minister_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o repugnant_a to_o that_o which_o he_o command_v and_o appoint_v a_o prelate_n or_o bishop_n i_o say_v ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v certain_a and_o sure_a of_o the_o warrantise_n thereof_o by_o god_n word_n for_o god_n can_v abide_v to_o have_v his_o service_n jumble_v and_o mingle_v at_o pleasure_n with_o every_o foolish_a guegaw_n and_o light_a trumpery_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o assurance_n and_o certainty_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n that_o even_o god_n both_o speak_v and_o work_v in_o he_o and_o to_o stand_v upon_o so_o sure_a a_o ground_n for_o the_o verity_n thereof_o that_o his_o faith_n dare_v bold_o witness_v with_o he_o and_o say_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v speak_v and_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v do_v or_o deal_v herein_o i_o be_o so_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o the_o same_o in_o each_o respect_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o be_o ready_a and_o dare_v to_o seal_v the_o same_o with_o my_o blood_n and_o to_o confirm_v it_o with_o my_o death_n for_o otherwise_o if_o i_o waver_v and_o totter_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n not_o know_v who_o cause_n and_o business_n i_o have_v in_o hand_n my_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o sand_n so_o that_o the_o devil_n my_o adversary_n be_v able_a to_o shake_v and_o tumble_v it_o which_o way_n he_o listen_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o straight_o forbid_v not_o to_o rely_v unto_o nor_o to_o allow_v whatsoever_o decree_n or_o constitution_n these_o bishop_n listen_v to_o obtrude_v and_o enjoin_v unless_o they_o stand_v upon_o a_o sure_a ground_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v be_v allow_v of_o god_n yea_o do_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o unless_o they_o be_v able_a to_o say_v do_v this_o for_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o we_o have_v his_o express_a word_n and_o commandment_n for_o our_o warrant_n if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o say_v thus_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v as_o liar_n and_o deceiver_n much_o less_o ought_v any_o christian_a to_o yield_v unto_o they_o therein_o any_o obedience_n or_o subscription_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o appoint_v that_o our_o conscience_n shall_v not_o elsewhere_o be_v stay_v but_o upon_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o infallible_a rock_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o public_a function_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o at_o any_o hand_n to_o follow_v our_o own_o wilful_a device_n and_o sensual_a conceit_n nor_o to_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n or_o order_n to_o be_v embrace_v unless_o we_o be_v undoubted_o assure_v that_o it_o stand_v with_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o evident_o see_v how_o clean_o against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o pope_n &_o his_o mitre_a bishop_n as_o thing_n therein_o be_v now_o handle_v saint_n peter_n mind_n and_o judgement_n be_v long_o before_o any_o pope_n be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n to_o rule_v the_o roast_n in_o such_o pontificality_n as_o since_o they_o have_v do_v 1_o pet._n v._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1._o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o beseech_v which_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n here_o saint_n peter_n teach_v those_o that_o have_v any_o charge_n of_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o chapter_n afore_o he_o tell_v that_o none_o shall_v presume_v to_o teach_v or_o preach_v any_o thing_n unless_o he_o be_v certain_a and_o assure_v that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o sincere_a and_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o as_o upon_o a_o firm_a and_o strong_a rock_n our_o conscience_n may_v bold_o stay_v for_o this_o in_o duty_n be_v require_v of_o we_o christian_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_a and_o know_v thorough_o what_o thing_n be_v allow_v of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v not_o for_o they_o that_o waver_v in_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o christian_n he_o add_v also_o thus_o much_o that_o whosoever_o enter_v into_o any_o office_n or_o function_n shall_v so_o behave_v himself_o therein_o in_o each_o respect_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n thereof_o but_o what_o he_o here_o say_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a pastor_n wherein_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o be_v to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o charge_n and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o must_v here_o further_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o phrase_n and_o propriety_n of_o the_o tongue_n wherein_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o signification_n and_o force_n of_o the_o word_n for_o this_o greek_a name_n presbuteros_n which_o st._n peter_n here_o use_v do_v signfiy_v a_o elder_n by_o which_o word_n they_o also_o be_v call_v that_o be_v senator_n that_o be_v man_n excel_v in_o age_n gravity_n virtue_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n after_o the_o same_o sort_n do_v christ_n call_v his_o disciple_n minister_n and_o senate_n to_o who_o office_n it_o belong_v to_o oversee_v and_o govern_v his_o spiritual_a empire_n that_o be_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o christian_a congregation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o therefore_o marvel_n not_o a_o whit_n neither_o let_v any_o thing_n move_v thou_o though_o they_o which_o be_v elder_n be_v now_o a_o day_n call_v by_o other_o title_n or_o name_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o but_o not_o respect_v the_o order_n wherein_o thing_n present_o stand_v weigh_v and_o conceive_v the_o matter_n thus_o when_o st._n peter_n or_o any_o other_o