worship_n of_o god_n but_o also_o to_o offer_v ourselves_o whole_o unto_o he_o &_o that_o we_o may_v be_v holy_a both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n 5.23_o as_o paul_n admonish_v we_o and_o by_o the_o proneness_n of_o this_o people_n to_o idolatry_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o consider_v our_o corrupt_a inclination_n how_o easy_o at_o the_o commandment_n of_o authority_n we_o may_v be_v overthrow_v which_o ought_v to_o admonish_v we_o that_o we_o labour_v to_o know_v god_n word_n and_o to_o retain_v ourselves_o with_o in_o the_o bound_n thereof_o never_o to_o shrink_v therefrom_o what_o so_o ever_o commandment_n come_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o though_o a_o hundred_o death_n shall_v follow_v it_o ¶_o the_o prayer_n grant_v almighty_a god_n because_o we_o wander_v always_o so_o miserable_o in_o our_o own_o cogitation_n that_o if_o we_o do_v attempt_v to_o worship_v thou_o at_o any_o time_n by_o our_o own_o fantasy_n we_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o profane_a and_o pollute_v the_o true_a and_o pure_a worship_n of_o thy_o majesty_n again_o we_o be_v so_o easy_o draw_v away_o to_o wicked_a superstition_n as_o may_v be_v grant_v therefore_o that_o we_o may_v remain_v in_o the_o pure_a obedience_n of_o thy_o word_n &_o that_o we_o never_o turn_v this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n therefrom_o and_o furnish_v thou_o we_o we_o beseech_v thou_o with_o the_o invincible_a strength_n of_o thy_o spirit_n that_o we_o never_o geve_v place_n to_o any_o terror_n or_o menace_n of_o man_n but_o that_o we_o may_v remain_v in_o the_o reverence_n of_o thy_o name_n to_o the_o end_n and_o how_o soever_o the_o world_n do_v rage_n after_o their_o devilish_a error_n that_o yet_o we_o never_o fail_v from_o the_o right_a way_n but_o continue_v in_o the_o right_a course_n unto_o the_o which_o thou_o call_v we_o while_o our_o race_n be_v end_v we_o may_v come_v to_o that_o bless_a rest_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o the_o heaven_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n 2_o then_o 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see_v how_o they_o be_v observe_v and_o mark_v amongst_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n and_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o seem_v that_o nebuchadnezer_n do_v follow_v the_o common_a policy_n of_o king_n for_o though_o they_o presumptuous_o despise_v god_n yet_o do_v they_o arm_v themselves_o with_o religion_n to_o establish_v their_o power_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n only_o do_v they_o dissemble_v some_o kind_n of_o religion_n to_o contain_v the_o people_n in_o obedience_n whereas_o then_o the_o jew_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o chaldee_n and_o assyrian_n the_o king_n policy_n be_v to_o prevent_v all_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o do_v he_o set_v up_o this_o image_n in_o a_o famous_a place_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o proof_n and_o a_o trial_n whether_o the_o jew_n will_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o babylonian_n and_o this_o place_n may_v minister_v some_o probable_a conjecture_n that_o the_o king_n be_v move_v hereunto_o by_o his_o counsellor_n because_o they_o 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add_v afterward_o thou_o oh_o king_n for_o vehemency_n as_o though_o they_o shall_v say_v thou_o of_o thy_o kingly_a majesty_n have_v make_v a_o decree_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o trumpet_n harpe_n pipe_n and_o other_o instrument_n of_o music_n he_o shall_v fall_v down_o before_o the_o golden_a image_n and_o who_o so_o ever_o refuse_v this_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o furnace_n of_o flame_a fire_n but_o here_o be_v jew_n who_o thou_o have_v set_v over_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o province_n of_o babylon_n this_o they_o put_v to_o in_o despite_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o ingratitude_n that_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o great_a honour_n by_o the_o king_n shall_v despise_v the_o king_n commandment_n and_o entice_v other_o by_o their_o ensample_n to_o like_a
disobedience_n we_o see_v therefore_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o amplify_v the_o crime_n that_o the_o king_n have_v set_v they_o over_o the_o province_n of_o babylon_n &_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n neither_o honour_n his_o gods._n we_o see_v that_o the_o chaldee_n in_o all_o this_o accusation_n have_v only_o this_o respect_n to_o condemn_v shadrah_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n of_o this_o crime_n only_o that_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o king_n commandment_n for_o they_o do_v not_o dispute_v of_o their_o religion_n because_o that_o be_v not_o profitable_a for_o they_o to_o call_v into_o question_n whether_o the_o god_n that_o they_o worship_v be_v worthy_a such_o worship_n or_o no._n therefore_o they_o pass_v with_o silence_n that_o thing_n which_o they_o think_v not_o to_o be_v expedient_a and_o they_o lie_v fast_o hold_v of_o this_o dart_n that_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v contemn_v because_o these_o three_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n which_o the_o king_n by_o his_o decree_n have_v command_v here_o again_o do_v we_o see_v that_o superstitious_a person_n do_v not_o apply_v their_o mind_n nor_o care_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a or_o right_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o cast_v of_o this_o care_n they_o follow_v only_o their_o foolish_a boldness_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n wherefore_o see_v such_o foolish_a temerity_n be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o glass_n let_v we_o learn_v that_o our_o religion_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v allow_v by_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v ground_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o this_o point_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o except_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o follow_v do_v please_v god_n what_o so_o ever_o by_o man_n authority_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o nothing_o worth_a forthermore_o 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anger_n &_o wrath_n command_v that_o they_o shall_v bring_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n so_o these_o man_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o king._n 14_o and_o nebuchadnezer_n speak_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o what_o disorder_n will_v not_o you_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednegoserue_v my_o god_n nor_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n that_o i_o have_v set_v up_o 15_o now_o therefore_o be_v you_o ready_a when_o you_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o cornet_n trumpet_n harpe_n sackbut_n psaltery_n and_o dulcimer_n and_o all_o instrument_n of_o music_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o image_n which_o i_o have_v make_v for_o if_o you_o worship_v it_o not_o you_o shall_v be_v cast_v immediate_o into_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n for_o who_o be_v that_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v you_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n this_o history_n do_v evident_o declare_v unto_o we_o that_o prince_n in_o dissemble_v some_o religion_n have_v only_a regard_n to_o their_o own_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o thrust_v in_o themselves_o into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o gods._n for_o this_o be_v a_o monstrous_a matter_n that_o king_n nebuchadnezer_n do_v here_o brag_v against_o all_o the_o god_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o heaven_n but_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v what_o god_n say_v he_o can_v deliver_v you_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o why_o then_o do_v be_v worship_n any_o other_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n very_o to_o hold_v the_o people_n in_o with_o some_o bridle_n and_o so_o to_o establish_v his_o tyranny_n not_o that_o he_o have_v any_o care_n of_o holiness_n in_o his_o heart_n daniel_n do_v declare_v that_o the_o king_n be_v angry_a at_o the_o beginning_a for_o nothing_o be_v more_o grevous_a to_o king_n then_o to_o see_v their_o authority_n despise_v they_o will_v be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n though_o their_o commandment_n be_v most_o wicked_a yet_o the_o king_n seem_v afterward_o to_o temper_v himself_o when_o he_o ask_v sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n if_o they_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o worship_n his_o god_n and_o that_o image_n of_o gold_n when_o therefore_o he_o speak_v unto_o they_o doubtful_o and_o do_v yet_o propound_v unto_o they_o free_a choice_n there_o be_v some_o moderation_n in_o these_o word_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v not_o charge_v they_o with_o any_o crime_n so_o that_o they_o will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v turn_v afterward_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n the_o rage_n break_v out_o under_o this_o deceivable_a show_n of_o moderation_n for_o he_o add_v straight_a way_n unless_o you_o obey_v behold_v you_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o furnace_n of_o burn_a fire_n and_o at_o the_o length_n he_o break_v forth_o into_o that_o curse_a sacrilege_n and_o horrible_a blasphemy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o can_v deliver_v those_o holy_a man_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n we_o see_v therefore_o in_o the_o person_n of_o nebuchadnezer_n with_o what_o pride_n prince_n do_v swell_v and_o be_v puff_v up_o even_o where_o they_o pretend_v some_o zeal_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o any_o true_a reverence_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o will_v have_v what_o soever_o they_o command_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o man_n and_o so_o as_o i_o have_v say_v they_o do_v rather_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o god_n place_n then_o study_v to_o worship_n god_n a_o right_n or_o to_o maintain_v his_o glory_n to_o the_o same_o end_n tend_v the_o word_n which_o he_o use_v say_v that_o he_o have_v set_v up_o the_o image_n that_o he_o make_v as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v not_o now_o lawful_a for_o you_o to_o consult_v whether_o the_o image_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v or_o no_o for_o my_o commandment_n ought_v to_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o you_o i_o have_v set_v up_o this_o image_n not_o without_o consultation_n and_o reason_n therefore_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n simple_o to_o obey_v unto_o i_o we_o see_v therefore_o how_o he_o challenge_v most_o high_a authority_n even_o in_o the_o make_v of_o a_o god_n for_o he_o do_v not_o here_o treat_v of_o politic_a matter_n but_o he_o will_v have_v this_o image_n worship_v as_o god_n because_o he_o have_v decree_v so_o because_o he_o have_v publish_v his_o law_n and_o we_o must_v always_o remember_v as_o i_o have_v touch_v that_o this_o example_n of_o pride_n be_v set_v forth_o before_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o attempt_v nothing_o rash_o in_o religion_n but_o that_o we_o must_v hear_v god_n speak_v so_o that_o we_o depend_v of_o his_o word_n and_o authority_n for_o if_o we_o stick_v unto_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o error_n although_o therefore_o that_o prince_n be_v proud_a and_o rage_a yet_o must_v we_o keep_v this_o rule_n that_o nothing_o please_v god_n but_o that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o the_o beginning_a of_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o obedience_n which_o we_o geve_v to_o god_n alone_o as_o concern_v the_o blasphemy_n it_o do_v declare_v that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v more_o plain_o that_o be_v to_o say_v how_o soever_o they_o pretend_v religion_n yet_o they_o despise_v all_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v none_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o set_v forth_o their_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o borrow_v the_o name_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o honour_a howbeit_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o change_v their_o god_n a_o hundred_o time_n every_o day_n they_o will_v not_o care_v to_o do_v it_o therefore_o be_v religion_n for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o a_o pretence_n to_o earthly_a prince_n and_o no_o true_a reverence_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o in_o this_o profane_a king_n be_v
clothe_v upon_o this_o mortality_n paul_n affirm_v that_o man_n natural_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v willing_o to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n except_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o faith_n get_v the_o victory_n but_o when_o we_o understand_v that_o our_o inheritance_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n &_o that_o we_o be_v stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n they_o do_v we_o put_v of_o the_o desire_n of_o this_o earthly_a life_n whereunto_o we_o be_v to_o much_o addict_v these_o two_o be_v the_o thing_n then_o which_o do_v prepare_v the_o child_n of_o god_n unto_o martyrdom_n that_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o to_o offer_v then selue_o and_o their_o life_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o life_n be_v preserve_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o assure_v deliverer_n if_o he_o see_v it_o to_o be_v expedient_a again_o when_o they_o climb_v up_o above_o this_o world_n and_o aspire_v unto_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a and_o everlasting_a life_n &_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o in_o their_o word_n a_o great_a magnanimity_n may_v be_v note_v when_o they_o say_v be_v it_o know_v to_o thou_o oh_o king_n that_o we_o worship_n not_o thy_o god_n neither_o the_o image_n that_o thou_o have_v erect_v for_o here_o they_o accuse_v the_o king_n after_o a_o sort_n that_o he_o will_v be_v so_o arrogant_a to_o appoint_v religion_n at_o his_o pleasure_n thou_o have_v set_v up_o a_o image_n but_o thine_o authority_n be_v to_o we_o of_o no_o valour_n for_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o feign_a god_n who_o thou_o will_v have_v to_o be_v worship_v under_o this_o image_n but_o the_o god_n who_o we_o worship_n have_v open_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v worship_v under_o any_o image_n we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v our_o father_n forth_o of_o egypt_n &_o that_o he_o will_v chasten_v we_o when_o he_o cast_v we_o forth_o into_o this_o banishment_n because_o therefore_o a_o sure_a stability_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v manifest_a unto_o we_o we_o utter_o despise_v thy_o god_n &_o thy_o commandment_n in_o this_o point_n 19_o then_o be_v nebuchadnezer_n full_a of_o rage_n and_o the_o form_n of_o his_o visage_n be_v change_v against_o sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n therefore_o he_o charge_v and_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v heat_v the_o furnace_n at_o once_o seven_o time_n more_o than_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v heat_n 20_o and_o he_o charge_v the_o most_o valiant_a man_n of_o war_n that_o be_v in_o his_o army_n to_o bind_v sadrach_n mesach_n and_o abednego_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n god_n seem_v here_o to_o forsake_v his_o servant_n because_o he_o do_v not_o open_o help_v they_o the_o king_n command_v they_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n no_o help_n appear_v from_o the_o heaven_n wherefore_o this_o be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a trial_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v now_o arm_v as_o we_o do_v see_v before_o to_o suffer_v all_o thing_n for_o they_o do_v not_o answer_v so_o constant_o only_a because_o they_o trust_v in_o the_o present_a help_n of_o god_n but_o because_o they_o be_v determine_v to_o die_v and_o a_o better_a life_n do_v so_o comfort_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o lose_v this_o present_a life_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a for_o the_o terrible_a commandment_n of_o the_o king_n but_o they_o follow_v their_o course_n even_o to_o suffer_v death_n without_o all_o fear_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o there_o remain_v not_o thyrd_o thing_n but_o either_o to_o choose_v to_o die_v or_o else_o to_o deny_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o the_o which_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o premeditate_a this_o immortal_a life_n in_o our_o quiet_a state_n that_o if_o it_o so_o please_v god_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o we_o be_v so_o fearful_a again_o when_o we_o do_v come_v into_o present_a danger_n then_o do_v we_o tremble_v and_o quake_v because_o while_o we_o be_v forth_o of_o danger_n we_o vain_o imagine_v to_o ourselves_o a_o continual_a securitiy_n so_o long_o therefore_o as_o god_n give_v we_o quietness_n we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n to_o meditate_v the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o the_o world_n may_v wax_v vile_a unto_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a so_o oft_o as_o need_n shall_v be_v to_o geve_v our_o blood_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o history_n be_v not_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v only_o commend_v and_o magnify_v the_o virtue_n and_o constancy_n of_o these_o three_o holy_a man_n but_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o we_o to_o imitate_v their_o constancy_n and_o concern_v the_o king_n nebuchadnezer_n here_o daniel_n again_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o glass_n do_v show_v unto_o we_o the_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n of_o king_n when_o their_o commandment_n be_v not_o obey_v sure_o a_o heart_n of_o iron_n shall_v have_v be_v mollify_v with_o this_o answer_n that_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n do_v commit_v their_o life_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o death_n be_v draw_v from_o their_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o anger_n concern_v this_o rage_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v what_o power_n satan_n have_v over_o man_n when_o he_o have_v they_o in_o his_o claw_n they_o have_v no_o moderation_n nor_o rule_n of_o themselves_o although_o at_o other_o time_n they_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o virtue_n as_o this_o king_n have_v many_o token_n of_o virtue_n as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o but_o because_o the_o devil_n do_v now_o stir_v he_o there_o appear_v nothing_o in_o he_o but_o cruelty_n and_o rage_n forthermore_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o our_o constancy_n do_v please_v god_n although_o it_o do_v not_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o before_o the_o world_n for_o many_o under_o this_o colour_n spare_v themselves_o to_o live_v in_o their_o pleasure_n because_o they_o think_v it_o a_o rashness_n to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o death_n when_o there_o appear_v no_o profit_n and_o many_o excuse_n themselves_o under_o this_o pretence_n that_o they_o strive_v no_o more_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n because_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o labour_n and_o their_o death_n shall_v be_v fruitless_a but_o we_o do_v hear_v christ_n pronounce_v this_o to_o be_v a_o pleasant_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n 8.38_o when_o we_o offer_v our_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n although_o the_o generation_n before_o who_o we_o testify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v crooked_a &_o adulterous_a yea_o though_o it_o wax_v the_o more_o stubborn_a at_o our_o constancy_n and_o such_o a_o example_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o in_o these_o three_o holy_a person_n for_o how_o so_o ever_o nebuchadnezer_n wax_v more_o &_o more_o outrageous_a with_o their_o bold_a confession_n yet_o do_v that_o plain_a confession_n please_v god_n and_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v it_o although_o they_o do_v see_v no_o such_o fruit_n of_o their_o constancy_n as_o they_o desire_v and_o the_o prophet_n do_v express_v the_o circumstance_n to_o declare_v the_o king_n rage_n that_o he_o command_v the_o furnace_n to_o be_v make_v sevenfold_a hot_a than_o it_o be_v wont_a and_o chuse_v of_o his_o strong_a man_n to_o cast_v these_o into_o the_o furnace_n but_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o success_n all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o secret_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o devil_n may_v else_o have_v obscure_v the_o miracle_n if_o all_o doubt_n have_v not_o be_v remove_v but_o when_o the_o king_n command_v the_o furnace_n to_o be_v make_v sevenfold_a hot_a and_o do_v choose_v out_o his_o strong_a man_n to_o do_v the_o execution_n god_n by_o deliver_v his_o servant_n take_v away_o all_o doubtfulness_n that_o the_o more_o light_n shall_v shine_v forth_o of_o that_o darkness_n which_o satan_n think_v to_o have_v blind_v man_n withal_o the_o king_n policy_n and_o his_o power_n thus_o god_n use_v to_o disappoint_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o more_o witty_a that_o they_o be_v to_o obscure_v god_n glory_n the_o more_o do_v god_n cause_v both_o his_o glory_n and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o shine_v forth_o like_a as_o here_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o image_n daniel_n do_v paint_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o king_n nebuchadnezer_n leave_v nothing_o undo_v while_o that_o he_o will_v thus_o smite_v a_o terror_n unto_o all_o the_o jew_n with_o this_o
the_o rather_o endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o innocent_o both_o towards_o thou_o and_o towards_o man_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v that_o so_o thy_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v defend_v by_o thy_o protection_n may_v go_v forward_o against_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o howsoever_o satan_n do_v assault_v we_o and_o the_o wicked_a lie_v snare_n and_o like_a rage_a beast_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o that_o yet_o we_o may_v remain_v safe_a under_o thy_o defence_n yea_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v suffer_v a_o hundred_o death_n that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o live_v and_o to_o die_v unto_o thou_o that_o thy_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o we_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o 8_o now_o oh_o king_n confirm_v the_o decree_n and_o seal_v the_o writing_n that_o it_o be_v not_o change_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n which_o alter_v not_o 9_o wherefore_o king_n darius_n seal_v the_o writing_n and_o the_o decree_n hereby_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v most_o manifest_a how_o prone_a the_o mind_n of_o prince_n be_v to_o be_v delude_v when_o they_o think_v that_o their_o authority_n shall_v be_v increase_v and_o their_o honour_n augment_v for_o the_o king_n do_v make_v no_o long_a disputation_n with_o his_o noble_a man_n but_o sign_v the_o decree_n because_o he_o suppose_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v profitable_a for_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n if_o he_o may_v have_v the_o chaldee_n so_o obedient_a unto_o he_o that_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a rather_o to_o deny_v all_o their_o god_n then_o to_o refuse_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o command_v which_o shall_v not_o be_v change_v say_v they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v the_o decree_n be_v immovable_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o the_o persian_n which_o alter_v not_o in_o that_o he_o join_v the_o mede_n with_o the_o persian_n hereby_o it_o appear_v as_o we_o have_v say_v that_o cyrus_n and_o darius_n do_v reign_v joint_o together_o for_o whereas_o the_o great_a dignity_n and_o honour_n be_v grant_v unto_o darius_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v yet_o the_o power_n remain_v with_o cyrus_n and_o without_o doubt_n his_o child_n be_v the_o heir_n of_o both_o those_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o east_n until_o they_o begin_v to_o fall_v out_o betwixt_o themselves_o and_o whereas_o they_o do_v allege_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o the_o persian_n be_v immutable_a this_o doubtless_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o law_n that_o their_o authority_n shall_v be_v inviolable_a and_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o force_n and_o obtain_v their_o effect_n for_o the_o which_o they_o be_v make_v for_o where_o the_o law_n be_v ever_o change_v and_o alter_v many_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v injury_v for_o no_o private_a man_n right_n can_v be_v stable_n and_o sure_a but_o where_o the_o law_n be_v continual_o one_o again_o where_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o make_v law_n &_o to_o take_v away_o law_n there_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o equity_n succeed_v tyranny_n lust_n for_o law_n for_o they_o which_o have_v this_o authority_n be_v corrupt_a by_o money_n will_v now_o pronounce_v one_o law_n now_o a_o other_o so_o shall_v there_o be_v no_o equity_n where_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n to_o alter_v law_n at_o will._n howbeit_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v wary_o consider_v first_o that_o king_n make_v no_o law_n nor_o proclamation_n without_o great_a advice_n and_o long_a deliberation_n second_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n unto_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o circumvent_v and_o deceive_v by_o craft_n and_o cunning_a fetch_n as_o it_o come_v many_o time_n to_o pass_v wherefore_o constancy_n be_v commendable_a and_o praise_v worthy_a in_o king_n and_o prince_n so_o that_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n do_v go_v before_o but_o straight_o way_n we_o shall_v see_v how_o foolish_o king_n will_v have_v the_o name_n of_o constancy_n and_o by_o their_o pride_n pervert_v all_o equity_n 10_o now_o when_o daniel_n understand_v that_o he_o have_v seal_v the_o writing_n he_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n be_v open_a in_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n as_o he_o do_v before_o tyme._n now_o daniel_n declare_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v offer_v his_o life_n unto_o god_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n because_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n leave_v he_o if_o he_o have_v be_v find_v to_o have_v violate_v the_o king_n commandment_n he_o know_v also_o that_o the_o king_n himself_o shall_v not_o be_v free_a although_o he_o will_v pardon_v he_o even_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o see_v then_o that_o death_n be_v before_o the_o prophet_n eye_n he_o have_v rather_o go_v unto_o it_o willing_o then_o cease_v from_o his_o duty_n in_o religion_n we_o must_v note_v that_o here_o be_v nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o inward_a worship_v of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o outward_a profession_n if_o daniel_n have_v be_v forbid_v to_o pray_v this_o fortitude_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v necessary_a wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v but_o now_o many_o may_v think_v that_o he_o be_v in_o jeopardy_n without_o any_o great_a cause_n when_o he_o do_v set_v himself_o forth_o to_o death_n whereas_o he_o be_v only_o restrain_v from_o the_o outward_a profession_n but_o because_o daniel_n do_v not_o here_o declare_v his_o own_o virtue_n but_o the_o spirit_n speak_v by_o his_o mouth_n we_o must_v mark_v that_o this_o boldness_n of_o mind_n please_v god_n in_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o his_o deliverance_n do_v declare_v how_o great_o his_o godly_a fact_n be_v allow_v in_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o to_o renounce_v his_o own_o life_n then_o to_o change_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o usual_a custom_n in_o serve_v of_o god_n we_o do_v know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a sacrifice_n which_o god_n require_v even_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o we_o do_v testify_v thereby_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n unto_o we_o and_o again_o we_o do_v geve_v a_o testimony_n of_o our_o faith_n while_o we_o fly_v unto_o he_o and_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n into_o his_o bosom_n and_o do_v offer_v unto_o he_o our_o request_n and_o desire_n see_v therefore_o that_o prayer_n have_v the_o chief_a office_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n doubtless_o it_o be_v of_o no_o small_a importance_n that_o the_o king_n forbid_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n for_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a &_o over_o gross_a denial_n of_o religion_n and_o hereby_o do_v we_o gather_v again_o how_o blind_a the_o pride_n of_o this_o king_n be_v while_o he_o can_v subscribe_v unto_o their_o wicked_a and_o filthy_a decree_n again_o how_o great_o the_o noble_n rage_v who_o that_o they_o may_v destroy_v 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slaughter_n and_o parricide_n hereof_o come_v it_o that_o all_o state_n of_o man_n all_o though_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o use_n be_v pollute_v in_o the_o end_n through_o the_o manifold_a corruption_n which_o spread_v every_o where_o without_o punishment_n that_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a wonder_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o very_o few_o be_v therefore_o name_v with_o this_o commendation_n if_o now_o in_o that_o miserable_a deformity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o manifold_a desolation_n amongst_o those_o great_a terror_n the_o spoil_a of_o their_o country_n the_o rob_n of_o house_n and_o amongst_o the_o danger_n of_o death_n the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n have_v sustain_v godly_a mind_n when_o as_o religion_n be_v yet_o wrap_v in_o dark_a shadow_n and_o the_o doctrine_n almost_o extinguish_v and_o the_o priest_n themselves_o be_v degenerate_a do_v tread_v all_o holy_a thing_n under_o foot_n how_o shameful_a shall_v our_o tender_a weakness_n be_v unless_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o which_o god_n have_v show_v his_o fatherly_a face_n towards_o we_o lift_v we_o up_o above_o all_o impediment_n and_o establish_v we_o with_o a_o constancy_n that_o can_v not_o be_v weary_v for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n then_o do_v apply_v unto_o their_o age_n to_o mitigate_v the_o sorrow_n of_o their_o present_a misery_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o babilonical_a captivity_n so_o be_v it_o our_o part_n to_o have_v our_o eye_n bend_v upon_o the_o misery_n of_o our_o father_n that_o we_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v gather_v unto_o that_o church_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v speak_v 2.3.4_o oh_o thou_o poor_a one_o affiict_v and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n that_o have_v no_o comfort_n behold_v i_o will_v receive_v thou_o and_o the_o which_o in_o a_o other_o place_n after_o she_o have_v complain_v that_o the_o plower_n have_v plough_v their_o back_n and_o the_o wicked_a have_v make_v long_a furrow_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o field_n yet_o do_v she_o glory_v straightways_o that_o their_o cord_n be_v cut_v by_o the_o just_a god_n that_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v and_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o only_o encourage_v we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o those_o time_n to_o hope_n and_o to_o patience_n but_o he_o have_v join_v a_o exhortation_n teach_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o us._n wherefore_o let_v it_o not_o be_v grevous_a unto_o we_o to_o be_v comprehend_v amongst_o the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o as_o daniel_n say_v must_v be_v try_v by_o fire_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v white_a sing_v that_o the_o inestimable_a felicity_n and_o glory_n which_o spring_v thereof_o
this_o thy_o son_n who_o already_o thou_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o and_o have_v establish_v his_o authority_n and_o his_o divine_a and_o eternal_a power_n by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o have_v seal_v the_o same_o as_o well_o by_o the_o publish_n of_o thy_o gospel_n as_o by_o the_o seal_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o do_v confirm_v the_o same_o by_o daily_a experience_n that_o we_o may_v remain_v firm_a and_o stable_a in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o never_o turn_v from_o he_o neither_o that_o our_o faith_n fail_v at_o one_fw-mi time_n whatsoever_o satan_n attempt_n against_o we_o but_o that_o we_o may_v persevere_v in_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o holy_a vocation_n while_o that_o at_o length_n we_o may_v be_v gather_v into_o that_o eternal_a beatitude_n and_o bless_a state_n of_o rest_n which_o be_v purchase_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o thou_o only_o beget_v son_n so_o be_v it_o 46_o then_o the_o king_n nebuchadnezer_n fall_v upon_o his_o face_n and_o bow_v himself_o unto_o daniel_n etc_n etc_n 47_o also_o the_o king_n say_v to_o daniel_n of_o a_o truth_n your_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o god_n a_o king_n of_o king_n etc_n etc_n that_o nebuchadnezer_n worship_v god_n and_o daniel_n though_o in_o some_o part_n it_o may_v be_v commend_v yet_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o be_v blame_v worthy_a for_o though_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n yet_o do_v he_o geve_v part_n of_o god_n honour_n unto_o a_o mortal_a man_n as_o many_o time_n man_n without_o knowledge_n do_v mix_v heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o because_o that_o they_o always_o fall_v to_o their_o superstition_n though_o they_o have_v sometime_o some_o good_a motion_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o confession_n of_o the_o king_n be_v but_o particular_a for_o he_o do_v not_o whole_o return_v unto_o god_n from_o his_o idolatry_n and_o error_n but_o be_v astonish_v for_o the_o present_a and_o return_v afterward_o to_o great_a madness_n as_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o chap._n and_o thus_o many_o time_n god_n compel_v the_o wicked_a to_o geve_v testimony_n to_o his_o glory_n when_o yet_o they_o retain_v their_o vice_n and_o fall_v forthwith_o to_o their_o accustom_a wickedness_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a afterward_o whereby_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o though_o a_o man_n with_o open_a mouth_n praise_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n unless_o he_o cast_v all_o superstition_n forth_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o so_o hold_v of_o one_o god_n that_o he_o defy_v all_o other_o for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v require_v a_o plain_a confession_n than_o this_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o nebuchadnezer_n be_v still_o retain_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o satan_n because_o he_o hold_v still_o his_o false_a god_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o make_v god_n of_o israel_n the_o chief_a the_o which_o folly_n appear_v evident_o amongst_o the_o papist_n which_o grant_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o they_o rob_v away_o all_o the_o power_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o other_o creature_n after_o their_o fond_a imagination_n and_o they_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o this_o profane_a king_n for_o they_o will_v not_o geve_v he_o the_o whole_a government_n but_o fain_a man_n to_o have_v free_a will_n and_o all_o thing_n to_o run_v by_o chance_n or_o that_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n accord_v to_o man_n merit_n or_o demerit_n do_v their_o endeavour_n and_o office_n thus_o make_v they_o man_n free_a will_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o and_o so_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n this_o be_v their_o madness_n ¶_o the_o prayer_n grant_v almighty_a god_n sing_v man_n heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o hypocrisy_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o hard_a then_o to_o purge_v it_o from_o all_o lie_v error_n feign_v &_o dissimulation_n that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o full_o and_o substantial_o and_o also_o that_o thou_o will_v so_o shine_v unto_o we_o with_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v very_o know_v our_o hide_v vice_n and_o that_o thou_o will_v drive_v they_o far_o away_o from_o we_o that_o thou_o only_o may_v be_v our_o god_n and_o that_o true_a holiness_n may_v prevail_v amongst_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v geve_v thou_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a worship_n and_o honour_n and_o that_o we_o may_v live_v with_o upright_o conscience_n in_o this_o world_n and_o so_o be_v content_a every_o one_o with_o our_o own_o state_n that_o we_o study_v always_o for_o the_o commodity_n of_o our_o brethren_n while_o that_o at_o the_o length_n we_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o true_a glory_n which_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heaven_n by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o chap._n 3._o the_o text_n king_n nebuchadnezer_n make_v a_o image_n of_o gold_n the_o height_n thereof_o be_v lx_o cubit_n and_o the_o breadth_n thereof_o vj._n cubit_n and_o he_o set_v it_o up_o in_o the_o plain_n of_o dura_n in_o the_o province_n of_o babel_n nebuchadnezer_n after_o that_o he_o have_v profess_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n do_v fall_v again_o to_o this_o foul_a idolatry_n wherein_o after_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o idolater_n he_o utter_v his_o own_o pride_n and_o ambition_n wherein_o god_n will_v have_v his_o wicked_a heart_n to_o be_v make_v manifest_a who_o may_v have_v be_v think_v by_o his_o former_a confession_n to_o have_v be_v whole_o change_v but_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o his_o fair_a show_n of_o word_n he_o remain_v wicked_a and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o superstitious_a person_n when_o they_o pretend_v their_o religion_n and_o think_v that_o they_o serve_v their_o god_n yet_o will_v they_o be_v see_v and_o praise_v of_o the_o world_n so_o many_o time_n they_o will_v mix_v policy_n with_o their_o religion_n to_o bring_v man_n into_o a_o uniformity_n and_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v hear_v manifest_a his_o idol_n be_v so_o costly_a and_o great_a that_o his_o fame_n must_v needs_o spread_v and_o he_o strait_o charge_v all_o nation_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o join_v in_o this_o idolatry_n thus_o for_o policy_n he_o will_v establish_v one_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v under_o he_o lest_o by_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v stiff_o in_o their_o religion_n or_o by_o any_o other_o people_n any_o tumult_n may_v arise_v and_o by_o such_o tumult_n any_o shake_n or_o diminish_v of_o his_o dominion_n thus_o do_v many_o prince_n when_o they_o publish_v law_n for_o religion_n rather_o regard_v their_o own_o quietness_n and_o commodity_n than_o what_o god_n require_v by_o his_o word_n and_o this_o bold_a temerity_n have_v be_v amongst_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_a that_o sometime_o they_o will_v make_v new_a god_n sometime_o they_o will_v appoint_v god_o a_o law_n how_o he_o shall_v be_v worship_v but_o they_o will_v rare_o or_o never_o subject_v themselves_o only_o &_o whole_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o their_o madness_n be_v manifest_a that_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o worship_n god_n they_o set_v themselves_o above_o god_n and_o worship_n their_o own_o fantasy_n and_o folly_n they_o think_v it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o princely_a dignity_n to_o be_v in_o obedience_n under_o god_n or_o to_o set_v forth_o his_o word_n simple_o but_o they_o will_v have_v their_o proceed_n to_o be_v of_o more_o authority_n and_o put_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o the_o queen_n they_o think_v the_o matter_n be_v prejudicate_v and_o sufficient_a that_o god_o may_v be_v worship_v none_o other_o way_n than_o it_o please_v they_o and_o as_o they_o have_v decree_v by_o their_o authority_n and_o in_o such_o commandment_n we_o may_v see_v that_o all_o those_o which_o depend_v only_o of_o their_o father_n and_o antiquity_n be_v easy_o overcome_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n and_o they_o only_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v fast_o against_o such_o thunder_v threaten_n of_o prince_n which_o have_v their_o conscience_n ground_v upon_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o king_n do_v not_o command_v any_o to_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n that_o this_o be_v a_o god_o or_o that_o it_o have_v any_o divinity_n but_o he_o only_o require_v the_o outward_a gesture_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_o condemn_v of_o idolatry_n that_o do_v the_o outward_a gesture_n be_v it_o for_o fear_n or_o favour_n either_o that_o they_o do_v dissemble_v such_o a_o matter_n as_o many_o do_v amongst_o the_o papist_n and_o in_o other_o place_n we_o must_v worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o also_o with_o outward_a profession_n 4.23_o not_o only_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o