An armoure of proufe very profitable, as well for princes, noble men; and gentlemen, as all other in authoritie, shewing the firme fortresse of defence, and hauen of rest in these troublesome times and perilous dayes. Made by Iohn VVoolton minister of the Gospell.

AT what tyme Aurelianus the Flauius Vopiscus in Aureliano . Sabellie . ennead . 7. li. 8. Emperour , that obstinate enemy to right Religion , and the only author of the ninth rufull persecution agaynst the Christians , was much molested with conspiracies and rebellions in sundry his Prouinces : hee appointed one Saturninus his Liefetenant in the Easte Saturninus partes : Whom the inhabitantes of Alexandria for his approoued prowes in warre , his wisedome and politique regiment in peace , saluted and proclaimed Emperour after Aurelianus death . Which title and dignitie Saturninus so long and earnestly refused , that the rude people ( whom the auntient Prouerbe truly termeth a monster of many heades ) altered in a moment their louing affection into fury , and of faithful frends became almost mortal foes . For they seeing their good willes vnconsidered , and all prouident care ouer them vtterly neglected , with an vniuersall and mutinous noyse , cryed kyll him , kyll him , and shaking their weapons threatened presente death . Saturninus thus pressed , or rather oppressed , yeeldeth vnto them : hee assumeth the Scepter and Dyademe , but speaketh vnto them in thys wyse . You knowe not ( my deare The carefully lyfe of princes & noble men . and louyng companions ) the comberous and daungerous conditions of Princes and noble men , swoordes and pykes hanging ouer their heades , lauelins and dartes euerywhere , their heades vntrustie , their counsellers faythlesse , theyr meales carefull , their sleepes vnquiet , their iourneys troublesome , their expeditions vnlucky , their warres bloudie , their lyfe and yeares discommended . In youth they are thought selfewill : in age men say they dote . You now cary mee into moste perilous and raging seas , but this is my only solace and comforte , that I shal not make shipwracke alone .

Hee sawe right well by daily experience , that menne guyding the sterne of common wealthes , doe taste in that course and trade of lyfe more Aloes than sugre : and do suppe vp rather the bitternesse of gaules , than the sweetenesse of honey . For albeit in delicate and riotous fare , in sumptuous and gorgeous apparell they abounde and exceede , yet they haue in the middle of a thousand rockes and quickesandes , as snares , poysonynges , Seneca controuersiariū lib. 7. conspiracyes , Rebellions , sodayne murders and such lyke . And that I maye omittethe open wayes and most playne passages , which all men generallye treade towarde death , and the manifolde casualties and mischaunces Mans lyfe fyckle and bariable . wherein this seelye lyfe of ours is intrapped at noonedaye , whilest wee all are borne but after one maner , and dye after a thousand : yet especially , the great men of this world do for the moste parte saile in the thicke mist , and darke night , and sodenlye are striken vnder water themselues in a sounde and heauye sleepe . The storme and tempest shewetlrsome tokens before it aryseth to the vigilant husbandman , and Shipman . The houses tracke before they fall . The smoke signifieth the flame folowing . Onlye without Seneca episto . 17 epist. 104. any watchworde man destroyeth man . And especially the great and mightie man is subiecte to the malicious and enuyous stroke of man : and the nerer the stroke the more closely is it kepte . Princes and noble men are most of all other deceyued by such as looke cheerfully The noble mans lyfe most variable . vppon them , that come humbly to kisse their hands & feete with Al hail , shewing the countenance of louing men , but hauing the inwarde appetites Flatterers no smal decay to noble men . and desires of tauening beastes . Caesar whom neither the stoute Germayne , the bolde Britayne , the hautie Spaniarde , the politike Frenchman , neither subtile Egyptian , with warlike weapons were euer able to vanquish in the plaine field , could not auoyd in the Senate at Rome , in tyme of peace , the short daggers of such faithlesse friendes .

And that I may omit those common speeches , that true faith and constant promises can not settle themselues about high estates : The deuil himselfe , when hee spyeth the weapons and wittes of wicked men blunt and dull in such eases as hee hath bin an insatiable murderer from the beginning , so then doth bee practise all his olde policies , and attempteth all meanes to cast downe the Magistrates , and with them to ouerthrowe the whole multitude . And that those things are moste true , many woorthye wightes haue approued and confessed , who studying to apply all their endeuours Manye woorthy men heereof purpose refused publique Regument with commendation and good conscience to execute their callinges , haue seene good meanings and deuises for the most part turned vpside downe . These things caused Tiberius the Emperour often to call Regiment a monstrous beast . When Pompeius Magnus was aduertised by letters sent vnto him from Pompeius magnus . the Senate , that all power and authoritie was conferred from Scylla vnto him by the generall consent of the people , hee sorowfully smit him selfe vppon the breast , saying thus : Ah troubles and sorowes without end .

Had it not bi●better for mee to haue discended of obscure parentes , than thus to bee wasted with publyke cares , to bee vndermined with malice and Enuie , and euer to bee a straunger not only in my owne house , but to my deare and louing wife and children ? Of Pompey his iudgement haue byn many excellent men : who being delited with the prinate and quiet life , and wearied with weighty offices in the common wealth , haue most willingly resigned and giuen vp their authoritie . It is written of Diocletianus Augustus , that Diocletian . of his own election he left his dignitie , & refused his Crowne , willing to passe his latter dayes rather in some solitarie place in the countrey , than in a Palace in the eye ( as it were ) of a mightie Empire . I am not ignoraunt what some Authors reporte of that facte of Diocletianus : but howsoeuer it was , it swarueth not from this purpose . Dyon in the lyfe of Adrian maketh mention of one Similis , who often vsed Similis . to saye that hee accompted that priuate condition of his which he lead in Campania to be his lyfe : but these other dayes spent in Court be called death and not lyfe . For so soundeth that Epitaphe which hee willed to bee ingraued vpon his Tombe . Here lyeth Similis whose name was auntient , but in deede he liued only seuen yeares . The noble man made so small accompt of that his tyme spente in prease of mightie men , himselfe the chiefe in all honour and dignitie . Xenophon in that dialogue intituled Tyrannus , seemeth of purpose to induce Hiero disputing with Socrates , often Hiero. repeting and confirming by his owne experience the priuate and meane estate of lyfe : farre to excell the publique callyng of officers , and the high condition of noble menne : not only in tranquillitie of mynde and ease of bodie : but oftentymes in competent and laudable wealth and riches .

All these wise men did well perceiue that to exploite weightie affayres , and to guyde the common wealth , is a matter of much moment , enwrapped aboue all other kyndes of lyfe in infinite perilles and most desperate and daungerous troubles . The Emperours of Rome haue well confirmed these things , for of fourtie of them nexte succeeding Iulius Caesar , scarce ten dyed naturally in their beddes . And so much did men shunne that calling , the end whereof by experience they often did see to be eyther the piersing swoorde , or priuie poyson , that by coaction or constraint they supplyed the office . And in these our tymes , beyng no doubte the laste and yron age of the worlde , wherein all liuing thinges in strength and might doe decaye , the firmament and earth growne olde , and in force and power spent , and ( as it were ) worne out , what other thinges see wee than iniquitie ( according to the worde of Christ ) to abounde , and especially disobedience in all degrees almoste to superabounde ? The late Vide Serapiouem & Enceliū de vi & natura Adamantis conspiracies , tumultes and vprores in thys our natyue countrey : and the harde harte of Adamante not possible to be mollifyed without bloude , hath openly displayde a I cocenesse in discipline , an obliuion of loyaltie , & a monstruous contempt of a moste mylde mothers meekenesse and mercy . Sathan hath spitte out his poyson agaynst the prince and magistrates , he hath discharged his great ordinance against the Castle of peace and concord . The sedulitie and great care of the magistrate hath not wanted in watching and warding the same : but vnlesse the lord of heauen and earth had kept this forte , all the keepers had watched in vayne . If he had not bin on our syde , then Psa. 127. 124 Psa. 143. ( as the Prophet sayth ) had we bin swallowed vp quicke : Then had the swelling waters gone ouer-our soule , and we lyke to them that goe-downe into the Pitte .

These things deepely weighed , and oftentimes considered of the noble ( for they ought neuer to be forgotten ) admonisheth them not only to bee thankefull to God for so miraculous Psal. 124. a deliuerance , who hath not giuen them as a pray vnto their enimies teeth : but moreouer teacheth them what protection & defence they ought principally to prouide hereafter in sembable tumults and troubles . The Heathen Magistrate would accompt his chiefe suertie and best defence , to consist in store of money , in great horses , in valiant Souldiers , in great and mightie armies . The Christian Magistrate wil not refuse these externall helpes , but principallye will acknowledge his defents to come from God , & therefore will not feare Psal. 27. & 117. what man may doe vnto him . The Heathen Magistrate would make flish his right hande and comforte . The Christian Magistrate wil lift vp his eyes vnto the mountaynes , & make Iere. 7. Psal. 121. Psal. 119. the Lorde his ayde and helpe , and will seeke his consolation out of Gods worde . The infallible and present consolation , and the firme The diuision of this booke . fortresse of christian Princes and Magistrates consisteth vpon foute principall pyllers . First of his vocation and callyng . Secondlye , of the worthie and moste notable promises of God in the scripture , that hee wil bee their helper and defendour . Thirdly , of the honour and obedience , which God seuerely commaundeth to be giuen vnto magistrates . Fourthlye , of innumerable examples in holye write : whereby wee see the good Magistrates alwayes to haue bin mayntayned and preserued , and the rebellious and disobediente to haue bin suppressed and punished .

¶ The first Consolation of the Magistrate in respecte of his calling , and of the dignitie thereof .

The Magistrate is a person ordeyned and The definition of a Magistrat instituted of God himselfe , both to bee a maynteyner and defendour of the firste Table , wherein those thynges are especially comprehended , whiche appertaine to the worshipping of God : and also to be a keeper and preseruer of the second Table , conteyning externall disciplyne , and obedience in humane societie : and to be gods Liefetenant , sounding the voyce of the lawe Morall , guyding his subiectes according to the same . And as this ordinance is of God : so hath it byn of The calling of a magistrate most auncient . Gene. 9. most auntient tyme . For in Noha his dayes immediatly after the floud when God gaue leaue to mortall men to kill liuing creatures for their foode and sustentation , he forbad them to eate beastes being yet aliue in their bloud , as Wolues deuour lambes , and as the Griphon renteth doues , least men abusing such livertie , Pitie and mercy toward vnreasonable creatures . might in tyme being fleshed ( as it wer ) in crueltie , kill one another , and shead mannes bloud . The liuing Lorde requireth a kinde of pittie and mercy towards creatures , albeit vnreasonable : not to deale with them as with insensible things : wherein Cato Censorius is iustly Plutarchus in vita Catonis . reprehended of Plutarch , who without all humanitie solde his bondmen , now olde and altogither wasted in his seruice . God therefore thundereth a seuere intermination or threatning , saying , whoso sheadeth mannes bloud , by man shall his bloud be shead . For in the Image of God hath he made man . In which wordes of the Lord we see the institution of a Magistrate , to the end he should succour and defend the poore and innocent from iniurie and vyolence , and correct and punish the transgressours for their faults and offences . In tymes paste , Kings and rulers therefore The worthie stile of princes . considering not only the antiquitie , but also the dignitie of their calling to be of God , haue in their stiles vsed this Phrase .

N. By the grace of God King.

Acknowledging that all preeminencye of Psa. 82. Maiestie , aucthoritie , and power of Emperours , Kings , Princes , and of all other Magistrates and officers whatsoeuer are giuen and conferred by God himselfe . Which cogitation is verye profitable , not onlie to represse Meanes whereby mightie my are stayed , from arrogancie . the insolencie and hautinesse of mynde , which commonly accompanieth dignitie and authoritie , being very pernitious in all regiment : but also much furthereth to the better administration and discharge of their calling in the feare of God . For as they see and vnderstand themselues appointed in their places and degrees by God : euen so are they seriously put in mynd that they must yelde an accompte of all their doings to him : and therefore they will endeuour with all their power & strength to obey and serue him with all feare and reuerence , according to the saying of the King and Prophet : Be wise now therefore yee Kings , be learned ye iudges of the earth . Serue the Lord in feare , and reioyce in trembling .

Now as we learne the worthinesse of this The great estimation of magistrates amongst the Heathen . calling by the light of Gods worde : so may we see the same in the Gentiles , folowing the light of most woorthie titles and names : as the Persians who both called their Kings Gods , and lying prostrate before them , signified an opynion of their royall myndes and maiestie . Afterward the Grecians excelling in all science and learning , called their Princes Pastors or feeders of the people : with which name excellent Homere hath celebrated woorthie Agamemnon . Mynander aptly and briefly calleth a King The liuely Image of God . Albeit that saying seemeth to bee drawen out of Hesiodus an auntient Poet , who numbred noble & vertouns Princes amongst the Gods , attributing vnto them after this life a kinde of diuine power ouer men . Which opinion was afterward receiued both of the Grecians and Romaines : as it is most euident to them that obscrue their languages . For as amongst the Romaines all such as were translated for their noble actes , amongst the number of the Gods , were called Indigetes , as if you woulde saye : dwellyng with the Gods. So the Atheniensians named suche worthie wightes Iupiters , sonnes of God , enioying 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . heauen as it were by right of inheritance . But in proces of tyme , the Romaynes most honorably termed their Emperours and nobles , Fathers of their countrey , and added the names of Royaltie and Maiestie . And finally , accompting such speeches not answerable to their great enterprises and exploits , they erected vnto them Images , Altars , Chappels , Churches , Holidayes , and Sacrifices . Which doings if you trie by the touchstone of true religion , I confesse they will appeare drosse , and be founde blame woorthy . Yet I say , by some sparke or glimse of nature , or by some celestial inspiration , they reuerenced nexte and immediatly vnder God the creator of things , and somdeale adored the Magistrates . These examples must needes please all sache as doe not barbarously reiecte the light of naturr , and the Ladie of man , Reason ( I meane ) and vnderstanding .

But most pithie perswasions & comfortable Christ allureth the office of a magistrate consolations are drawen out of the welles of liuing water , not only quencting mens drye and thirstie affections in this lyte , but springing to life euerlasting . Almightie God therfore in the regiment and policie of his owne people the Israelites , after their entrance into the lande of Promise , first appoynted Iudges , and then Kinges , vnto whome hee made the common people subiecte , which authoritie and secular power of Magistrates Christ him selfe and the Apostles haue allowed and confirmed . The answere of Christ touching paying of Tribute , euen to a Heathen Magistrate is most euident . Giue ( saith he ) to Caesar those Math. 23. things that belong to Caesar : and vnto God those things that belong to God . Which precepte Christ himselfe fulfilled in paying Tribute . The blessed mother of Christ Marie the Math. 17. virgine accompanied with Ioseph , wente to Bethleem to bee taxed among other Citizens and subiectes . The speeche of Christ to one of Luk. 2. his company caryeth weight with it : Put vppe thy swoorde in his place , for all that take the swoord , shall perith with the swoord . Math. 26. In which sentence wee see the power of the Secular swoorde allowed , hauyng annexed vnto it ordinarye and lawfull correction and punishment , whereby priuate murders and other offences may be stayde and letted . It followeth then of the premisses , that thys condition of lyfe , is bolye and acceptable to God , whereby the disobedient are brideled , and the innocent maynteyned and conserued . Sainte Paul the chosen vessell , enlargeth and expoundeth the Rom. 13. wordes of hys maister : Let euery soule be subiecte vnto the highe powers : for there is no power but of God : and the powers that bee , are ordeyned of God . Whosoeuer therefore resisteth the power , resistech the ordinaunce of God : and they that resist shall receyue to them selues iudgement : for Princes are not to bee feared for good workes but for euill . Wilt thou then bee without feare of the power ? doe will , and so shalte thou haue prayse of the same , for hee is the minister of God for thy wealth , but if thou doe euill , feare , for he beareth not the swoord for naught : for he is the minister of god to take vengeance on him that doeth euill . Wherefore you must be subiect not bicause of wrath onlye , but also for conscience sake . For for this cause ye pay also Tribute , for they are Gods ministers , applying themselues for the same thing . In this place the holie ghost calleth three tymes the Magistrate by the name of Gods minister . And is not this a true , a stedfast , and an excellent comforte ? Is not the great and heauie burden of Magistrates made lighte ? Is not their pensiue myndes and carefull care eased and relieued ?

In tymes of darknesse none were thought A magistrate executing his calling doth God good seruice . to serue God , but such as went into the church to heare mattins and masse . But S. Paul the organe and instrument of God , tracheth that a Magistrate sitting in iudgement , hearing pleas , examining causes , succoring the widdow and orphane , and pronouncing sentence according to iustice and equitie , doeth God true and faithfull seruice . Wherefore albeit many griefes , cares , sorrowes , calamities , and incommodities doe accomber this lyfe , doe waste and consume them , yet haue they this consolation : I execute this my condition and estate by Gods ordinance and calling , whither therefore God prolong or shorten my dayes , it forceth not . I lyue and dye in that function whiche is acceptable vnto God . And God directeth the Princes hart . God surely doth not onely gouerne their externall doings , but boweth & inclineth theyr harts and denises after his will and pleasure , according to the saying of the most prudente Salomon , The Kings hart is in the hande of Prou. 21. the Lord , as the riuers of water , he turneth it whether soeuer it pleaseth him . Thus you see with what waightie words the spirit of God extolleth their callings , and that not withoute brgent 〈◊〉 . For if we take away the Magistrate , or wilfully violate their sacred authoritie , we take the sunne out of the world , we abandon truth and peace , we make the whole earth a denne of theeues .

CHAP. 2. The seconde consolation , drawen from Gods manifolde promises , to help and defende the Magistrate .

IF Princes or Magistrates dyd turmoyle and tumble in their Gods especiall prouidence ouer the Prince and Magistrate . regiment without Gods speciall help and prouidence , no maruell it were , if the thought and care of one day , did vtterly ouerwhelme and oppresse them . But therefore haue they an vnspeakeable solace , that God both conferreth dominion and rule at his owne pleasure , and also directeth and guideth them accordingly , vsing them only as externall instruments . And his exceeding greate loue is most euident toward them , in that to euery Magistrate and God by hys holy Angels , defendeth the magistrates . Dan. 10. & . 12. Prince in their dominions , be appointeth speciall Angels to defende , strengthen , and conserue them . Wherof we haue an example in the Prophet Daniel , where mention is made , that the Angell Michaell sloode on the Israelites side against their enimies . It were impertinent to this matter , to alledge mens opinions of Angels , wherin there is some diuersitie . But this is truely gathered , that as the wicked fiende Beelzebub , sendeth legions of Diuels into Princes palaces to stirre vp seditions , and to bring in al kind of calamities : so Gods Angel pitcheth his camp round about them , and if they feare God , they haue always more number with them than against them , to shield them from the darts of Sathans Souldiers , and to bridle their malice and furie .

The Philosophers , into whom nature poured viuacitie and sharpnesse of wit , did see that monarchies and kingdoms could not continue The manner of the olde world , in electing magistrates . by humane policie , & were constreyned to cofeffe , that by Gods prouidence kings & kingdomes 〈◊〉 maintained & defended . The Fathers of the first age amongst the Gentiles , vsed first before they wente to the Eloction of their prince , to offer sacrifice to their gods , & crownd him King , who by Oracle was pronounced most meete to the office , wherein they haue opened their minds in this matter : verily that without gods help , they are able to accomplish nothing agayn the through his help , they are able to 〈◊〉 W● Somnius that Philo●pher ●● Egypt bet● how Great : Alexander went to off 〈…〉 vnto Iupiter of Ammo in Egipt , ( 〈◊〉 many 〈◊〉 naturlled ) he answered wel , That al men were vndor Gods hand and Speciall examples of Gods prouidence . poyce but to 〈◊〉 he ) and to be a prince , is the highest and greanst benefite . He added moreouer : that God was a parent ginerally vnto al me , but that he especially a dopted vnto himself as his most louing children , the princes & mag●●rats : And certen it is , that many , who haue him cast out by the it parentes or kinssblke , as it were an vntimely fruite , haue vin by Gods singular prouidence preserued , yea being obiected to Beastes , haue bin of buite beastes nourished , and at last became greate Princes , and Lords of the world . We reade in histories , that Romulus was nourished of a Woolfe : Cyrus of a Bitche : Abidus of a Doe : Hiero of Bees , that broughte hony into hys ●ppes . And finally , that I may not omit king Dauid , who in his yong yeeres was a refuse among his brethren in his fathers house : how wonderfully was he preferued from the mouth of the Lion and Beare : howe miraenlously was the yong Babe Moses taken out of the deepe waters , and appointed to leade the children of Israell through the redde Sea. Such ensamples bothe prophane and diuine , ( if they are to be called prophane , that minister so good matter , ) do playnely declare , that such as are ordeyned to be Princes and Rulers , are euen from the houre of their virth , receyned into Gods Iutele and protection .

The summe and effect thereof consifleth in this , that the Magistrate haue onely and alwayes before his eyes , Gods prouidence and mercy in his sonne Christ : so shall he and all his businesse , be farre from perill and daunger , and safely stand without all compasse of gunshot . Let him remember Gods earnest promise to the Israelites , obeying his commaundements . If thou hearken vnto my Exod. 23. voyce , and do all that I speake , then I will bee an enimie vnto thy enimies , and will afflicte them that afflict thee . If hee feare God in The Magistrate that setteth God before hys eyes , cannot perish . deede , this notable promise will more encourage him , than all Castles , Towres , munitions and Armies . For if God will be an enimie vnto their enimies , let their aduersaries deuise , imagine , conspire , and bend all force against the Magistrate , they cannot preuayle , they cannot vndermine or supplant them , so long as God defendeth the Magistrate , and fighteth against their enimies . How is it possible , that the one shoulde preuayle , and the other perish ? Dauid hauing approoued the trueth of Gods promise in him selfe , farre aboue hys expectation , vttereth this sentence : I wil loue Psal. 18. thee deerely O Lord my strength : The Lord is my rocke and my fortresse , and he that delyuereth me , my God and my strength , in him will I trust , my shielde , the horne also of my saluation , and my refuge . And agayne : Thou diddest cause thy Iudgemente to bee Psal. 76. heard from Heauen , therefore the Earthe feared , and was still . When thou O God arose to iudgement to all the meeke of the worlde . The worthy Captayne Iosua called to ruls and conduct Israel into the lande of Promis , receyueth most heauenly encouragements at Iosu. 1. Gods mouth , speaking vnto him in this wise : There shall not be a man able to withstande thee all the dayes of thy lyfe . Is I was with The Prince and Magistrate ought to ●ead Gods booke . Moses so wil I he with thee , I wil not leaue nor forsake thee . Let not this Booke of that law departe out of thy mouth , but meditate therein day and night . Haue not I commounded thee to be strong and of a good courage ? feare not , for I the Lord thy God will be wit● thee whethersoeuer thou goest . These wordes are mightie and ardent , which all Princes & magistrates ought to apprebende and bolde fast . They were withoute doubt written to thys ende , that all such as continue in Gods feare , might knowe wherevnto to trust . For whatsoeuer things are written afore time , are written for our learning , that wee through pacience and comforte of the Scriptures myghte haue hope . Whensoeuer then , any Prince or Magistrate will make Gods word his chiefe solace and treasure , will loue and feare God , and trust in his grace and mercie : he shall haue God his righte arnre , his buckler and shield , his patrone and defender , that : bee may quietly and safely lay him downe to sleepe and take his rest , for that the Lorde of heauen Psal. 4. and earth susteyneth him . And therein obserue and diligently recorde the often repetition of these wordes , Be strong , and of good courage . Courage and boldnesse commendable in Princes . If he had bin a milkesoppe and faint harted in his office , he coulde not haue serued God , nor executed his calling , nor prouided for hys army . This example , if the mightie would folow , they shuld not be so easily confounded , they shoulde not hazarde and make shipwracke of their fame , honor , and dignitie .

We see worldly Princes onely or principally to depende vpon their wisedome , strength , The chiefe comfort of carnal Princes . and riches ( ignorant as it should appeare , that all Potentates are by Gods Prouidence ad●aunced and set vp , and by his hand displaced and pulled downe ) For preferment is neyther from the East nor from the West , nor from the South : but God is the Iudge , he maketh Psal. 75. lowe , and be maketh high . Such men therefore leaning to suche brittle and weake posts , are wounded vppon the splinters and shiuers , their fall and ruine is greate , their shame and ignomie is greater , the triumph of their enimies is greatest of all .

That noble and Godly Prince Dauid , Dauid . may be liuely example and spectacle vnto all Christian Magistrates . For being rich and mightie , yet hee accoumpted the promises of the Lorde , and confidence in the liuing God to be his principall Armory . The saluation of Psal. 37. the righteous men shal be of the Lord : he shal be their help in time of trouble , for the Lorde shall help them and deliuer them : he shall deliuer them from the wicked , and shall saue them , bycause they trust in him . And agayne , at such time as he was to be annoynted King , and to assume that great office and charge , he comforteth him selfe in the holy Ghost after this manner . The Lord is my light and my Psal. 27. saluation , whome shall I feare ? the Lorde is the strength of my life , of whome shall I bee afrayde ? When the wicked , euen my enimies and my foes came vpon me to eate my fleshe , they stumbled and fell . Though an host pitched agaynst me , mine hart shoulde not be afrayd Though warre be raised agaynst mee , I will trust in this . One thing haue I desired of the Lord , that I will require , euen that I may dwell in the house of the Lorde all the dayes of my life , to beholde the beauti● of the Lord , and to visite his temple . For in the time of trouble he shal hide me in his Tabernacle , in the secret place of his Pauilion shall he hide me , and set me vpon a Rocke . What neede many authorities in so cleare a case ? You see euidently , that God withstandeth and resisteth the most puissant and fierce enimies of hys Magistrates , that he promiseth to coole theyr courage , to mitigate their madnesse , and to represse their rage . Agayn , that what commoditie and ornament soeuer may beautifie their calling : God giueth and graunteth farre aboue their expectation .

Which wondeful loue and mercie of God , The miserable ende of such as haue not acknowledged theyr power from God . for that some Nemroth , and mightie men of this worlde , being as it were drunken with their so prosperous successes , haue not aknowledged , they haue at the last bin made seruile slaues , too obiect , and cruel rascalles : and being a little before baughty as Lions , haue bin for their vnthankfulnesse throwne downe , theyr honor layd in the dust : and them selues haue layne in the way like dead Dogges . Wherefore these considerations ought alwayes to be in the eyes and mindes of Princes and magistrates , that they may feare and reuerence God , and repose their confidence rather in his maiestie , than in outward power & strength . For to what purpose are expert Captaynes and Souldiers , Irmies well ordered , store of all munition , plentie of victuall . Are not all these lost in a momente ? and euen as wee doe cut downe greene grasse , so the God of heauen confoundeth all the glorie of warre & of battell . What a huge power had Holofernes at We ought not to trustin mans strength . Iudeth . ● . & 7 Leagues and truces with wicked and godlesse princes haue euill euentes . the seege of Bethulia , what policie and counsayle was vsed to stoppe the water from them , so to inforce them to yeelde theyr Citie ? yet how easily did God destroy and scatter suche a Captayne , suche an Armie , so many engins of warre by the hand of a woman ? What shall we say of so many kings as were linked togither agaynste Iosua , and so many nations againste the onely Israelites in the time of Gideon and others ? Who woulde not haue perswaded him selfe of his good successe ? And who woulde not haue exhorted the Israelites to yeelde them selues , especially if they had compared armour to armour , ancients to ancients , men to men , countrey to countrey . But how foolish and fondly did they triumph Iudi. 7. & 8. before the victorie ? Let Princes and Magistrates ceasse , let them ceasse ( I saye ) to fire theyr hartes in Castels , Fortes , Captaynes , Armies , monie , or any lyke thing , whiche worldlings haue in price and only esteeme . Let them rather consider the terrible threats of God , left in this worlde , whereby men are drawen from fragile to firme things , from flesh to spirit , from man to God . God speaketh by the mouth of Esay : Wo vnto them that Esa. 50. & 31. goe downe into Egipt for help and stay vpon horses , and trust in charets , bycause they are many , and in horsemen bycause they are very strong : but they looke not to the holy one of Israell , nor seeke vnto the Lorde : for when the Lorde shall stretche out hys hande , the helper shall fall , and they shall altogyther fayle . Dauid speaketh in lyke manner . The Kyng Psal. 33. is not saued by the multitude of an host , neyther is the mighty man deliuered by greate strength .

A horse is a vayne help and shall not delyner any by hys great strength . Beholde , the eye of the Lorde is vppon them that feare him and trust in his mercie , to deliuer theyr soules from death , and to preserue them in famine . In these wordes , the spirite of GOD comprehendeth all suche t●ings , as menne make accompt of to atchieue waightie affayres : yet they so paynte them out with significante tearmes , that if all worldly might were knitte togither , you maye not ascribe victory vnto them for that they shall vanish away like smoke , and bee scartered like chaffe before the face of the wind in the day of battell .

It is the Lord alone then at whose hande wee must aske counsayle . It is the Lorde that when man determineth prosperitie , in pulling backe his hand sendeth aduersitie . And agayne , it is he alone , that when men haue Psal. 30. Psal. 107. heauinesse in the euening , sendeth ioy in the morning , and deliuereth them out of al distresse .

I Woulde not haue any to gather hereof , How farre policie and humane power is to be folowed . that I reiect the foresight and prudent policie of the Magistrates : for no man ( but he that is starke madde ) wold haue them so witlesse , that as the superstitious Iewes woulde not take armour vpon them for their necessarie defence on the Sabboth day , so that Princes shoulde cast away lawfull meanes to defend them selues . But I vrge this to my port habilitie , that they first seeke help at Gods had , and then mans lawfull ayde , which when they haue on euery side well furnished themselues withall , euen then I exhorte them also to depend totally vppon God . And I woulde not haue them dull or slouthfull : for albeit God do without intermission care and labour for Preparation for warre necessarie . them : yet they ought to be workers withall ( if I may so speake ) and folow him shewing them the way : and if any want by humane imperfection , I woulde haue them to solace them selues in the perfection of God . For as in maladies and sicknesse of our bodies , we go vnto the Phisition to recouer health : Euen so it is fitte and conuenient in some times and seasons to haue in readinesse munimentes of warre to withstand our enimies . God is not pleased with carrlesnesse : he is tempted and displeased with negligence in all conditions and callings . The conflict of Christ with the Math. 4. Deuill in the wildernesse teacheth vs not to be idle . And the wise man Syrach sayeth , He Syrach . that loueth daunger shall perish therin . They must therefore bend all their force to saue and preserue their charge . They ought to approoue all good meanes and vse all honest consultations , to ordeyne profitable and commodious things for the common wealth . But this caution ought alwayes to be obserued : that they doe not make the Lady the handmayde , and the handmayde the Lady , but that they make the Lorde their shootanker : that they so procide artillarie and engins of warre , that the Lorde may be the moderatour and director of the same , otherwise without God , weapons will wooke their owne woundes , and strength will be their confusion . Proude Pharao Exod. 14. Pharao . folowed the Israelites with so mighty an Army , that the hearts of the Israelites melted with feare , but God was againste him , who stroke his shoulders with a suddayne terrour ; and vnpinned the Charret wheeles , and tooke them away with so mighty and miraculous a bande , that the Egiptians cried , we will flie , we will flie , for the Lord fighteth for Israell . Eugenius . Arbogastus . When the two Tyrauntes Eugenius and Arbogastus endeauoured after the example of Iulianus the Apostata , to reduce the superstition Munition without Religion , destruction . of the Gentiles into Europe , and were furnished with many thousandes of bloudy Panims , that Theodosius the Emperiour hymselfe was striken with fear and herror at their vie●e , be himself spent al the night in prayer , and receyued comforte in a vision of good euent . The day folowing , the battayle was Theodosius . ioyned , in the first charge , many of Theodosius souldiers were put to flight , the Emperour being in a great agonie of mind , falleth A miracle . flat vpon the ground , he sigheth and groneth in his soule , he perceth the heauens with prayer , he is heard of God , who raising a mighty strong wind , blowing toward the face of the So●rates lib. 5. cap. 24. Tirants , which violently turned backe againe the arrowes and dartes sent from the infidels host into their owne harts and bowels . And finally , God with his elementes fighting against them , put them to most horrible sham● and confusion . For Eugenius falling vppon his knees before the Emperoure to obtayne mercie , had his head cut off by Theodosius Souldiours , beyng in some rage , and Arbogastus the author of that calamirie and bloudshed , after he had fledde two dayes and sawe no hope of life , he fell ( lyke vnto Saul ) vppon his sword , and powred out his bloud . Of this miraculous victory writeth the Poet Claudianus .

O nimium dilecte deo , cui militat aether , Et coniurati veniunt ad classica venti .

Whosoeuer therefore can say truly of them selues , Some trust in Chariols , and some in Hories , but wee will remember the name of the Lord : may be bold to say that whiche foloweth in the Psalm : They are brought down and fallen , but we are risen and stand vpright .

But that the difference betwene dinine and A difference betweene humane and diuine help . humane help may be more lueulent , I thought it conuenient to adioyne the speeche of Dauid vttered at what time he marched against monstrous Goliath the Philistine . For out of the wordes of that most renoumed captaine and champion , this diuersitie will appeare . Thou Psal. 17. ( sayth Dauid ) commest vnto me with a sword , and with a speare , and with a shielde : but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts , the God of the hoste of Israell , whome thou raylest vpon . This day shall the Lorde close thee in my hande , and I shall smite thee , and take thy head from thee , and I will giue the carkases of the host of the Philistines this day vnto the foules of the heauens , and to the beastes of the earth , that all the world may know that Israell had a God : and that all this assemblie may know , that the Lorde saueth not with sword nor with speare , for the battayle is the Lordes , and he will giue you into oure handes . Suche was the voyce and hearte of Dauid , wherin his inuincible faith is euident to haue done more wonderful things than either his enimies or his own coū●reymen wer able to doe wyth policie or armoure . Surely this notable courage in the name of the liuing Lord might happely seeme in the eyes of carnall men , to be rashnesse and not boldnesse , foolishnesse and not wisdome , that a dwarffe would fight with a Gyant , a boye with a man of florishing age , vnarmed against one wel armed , ignorant of war against an old beaten souldier , a sherphook & a sling , against a spear , sword and shield . Ind yet the victorie fell to this vnlikely side : suche an approued cote armour is Gods name , which all men ought to accompt their chiefe poste and piller , their hauen & sure anker . Achior Captayne of the sonnes of Aminon , in that his notable oration before Holofernes Iudeth . 5. and. 6. confirmeth , that the Iewes whilest they sinned not before their God , prospered against their puisant enimyes euery where , not with bowe , swoord or shielde : for it was the Lord that with his miracles and wonders fought for them , and gaue them victorie in the day of battayle . Therefore to conclude this place , you playnly see that Princes & Magistrates ought not only to be busied in prouyding humayne helpe , but their principall care ought to bee in seruing the Lord , in obeying his worde , and fearing his holy name : so may they safely settle and grounde themselues vppon gods most comfortable promises , which he can and will performe , bothe bicause hee is able , and moste Psal. 145. of all power and might : and also is louing and mercifull , and will fulfill the desires of them that feare him and call vppon him faithfully .

The thirde Consolation is in the great loue and fauour of God toward the Magistrate , commaunding his people most seuerely to reuerence and obey them .

As by a secrete inspiration and inwarde motion of nature we are taught to loue and reuerence our parentes : euen so by the same wee are induced to obey and honour the Magistrates . And as God doth reuenge with most sharpe punishementes the wilfull stubbornenesse of the one , so doth he neuer holde giltlesse the disobedience of the other : end therfore hee giueth a serious and seuere precept , by Rom. 13. his electe and chosen vessell Saint Paul , that men should giue to the higher powers , tribute , feare , and honour , calling them by the name of his officers or ministers : by whose hande as he doeth punishe the wicked , so doth he cherish and defende the good and innocent . Which title giuen by God , maketh them Magistrats called Gods in the scripture . more noble and renouned than their robes and ornaments of silkes , purple , siluer , gold or pretious stones : yea if you put together all dignitie of the earth , all these will not so auaunce a Magistrate , as one shorte title giuen him Psal. 8● by God . Dauid vseth a lyke still , saying : God standeth in the assembly of Gods , bee iudgeth amongest Gods. Heere the heauenly Prophet calleth them Gods , which name so high and full of maitstie they haue , by reason of their office and ministerye which they execute in Gods roome heere in earth , in doing of iudgement and iustice , in punishing sinne and iniquitie , in comforting the widdowes and fatherlesse , in desending the vertuous and innocent . Exo. 20. And in another place : Thou shalt not rayle vppon the Goddes , neyther speake euill of the rulers of the people .

Heere Sainte Hierome translateth Elohim Dijs , in englishe Gods , bicause of the workes annexed ( as is aforesayde ) exeeuteth to their office and callyng . Nowe to omitte in Gods lighte howe pretious and deare the magistrats The necessitie and commoditie of the magistrat . are : let vs weigh the ineuitable necessitie , and vnspeakable commoditie that the higher powers bring to mortal men , which we may gather from gods mouth , who threatning vnto the Iewes subuersion and destruction of themselues and their Citie , speaketh in thys wise . The Lord of hostes will take away from Esai . cap. 3. Ierusalem & from Iuda the stay & strength , euen all the stay of bread , and all the stay of water . The strong man and the man of war , the Iudge and the Prophete , the prudent and the aged : The Captayne of fiftie and the honorable , and the counseller , and the cunning artificer , and the eloquent man . And I will appoynt children to be their Princes , & babes shall rule ouer them . You see that when good The miserable estate of countres in the defect of magistrates . rulers and counsellers doe wante in common wealthes , in steede of ioye there ariseth sorow , in steede of charitie discorde , in stead of peace warre , in steade of prosperitie , all miserie and calamitie . For , to take away the Magistrate , is euen as you would take the expert shipmaster out of the ship , or as you would set wylde horses to drawe a Charet without a guyde . Whereof the one runneth headelong vppon rockes and quicksandes : the other ouerturneth all , not without extreme perill and daunger to themselues . For in such seasons and tempest the wordes of the same Prophet are alwayes Esai . 3. verified . The people shal be oppressed one of an other , and euery one by his neighbour : the children shal presume against the auntient , and the vyle against the honorable : when euery one shal take hold of his brother of the house of his father &c. And for that without Magistrates , no societie and felowship can stand amongest men , seeing by the infection of the deuill , all are readie and inclined to offer iniuries and wronges , and to commit detestable and abhominable actes , the will of almightie God is , that we should not only honour them , but also most earnestly pray for their long & happie continuance , by whose meane we are shielded from woe and misery : Who ( as Plutarch writeth ) doe partly distribute gods gifts , and partly conserue them amongest men standing alwayes as King Alfonsus was wont to say Alfonsus . in defence of the lawe and people , watching alwaye for the peace and safetie of the same . Hereof wee haue president in the worthie letters of Hieremie the Prophet , sent to the Iewes Hiere. 29. who were led captiues for their sinnes and iniquities from Ierusalem into Babilon by the hand of Nabuchodonozer . Seeke ( saith God ) the prosperitie of the Citie , whether I haue caused you to be caryed away captyues , and pray vnto the Lord for it , for in the p●ace therof you shall haue peace . Sainte Paul in effect Prayer for the magistrate . 1. Tim. 2. giueth lyke precept to his people and congregation , saying : I exhort therefore , that first of all supplications , prayers , intercessions , and giuing of thankes bee made for all men : for Kings and for all that bee in aucthoritie , that wee maye leade a quyet and a peaceable way of life , in all godlinesse and honestie : For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our sauiour . These and such lyke places may woorthely and in deede comfort and staye the mynde of Princes : for they doe argue and giue a firme and an infallible document , the liuing Lorde to haue a singular prouidence ouer rulers and gouernours . Tertullian declareth Tertulianus apolo . cap. 30. how earnestly the Primatiue Church prayed for their Princes in these words : Wee Christians cast vp our eyes to heauen , our hands spred abroad , bicause they are cleane : our heads vncouered , bicause we are not ashamed : without any monitor , bicause wee praye from the bottom of our beartes , and doe make intercession vnto God for all Emperours , the it would please his maiestie to giue vnto them long life , sure palace , trustie honest subiectes , quiet regiment , and in fine , all good things that maye come to man . There is extante a paterne and example of perfite prayer for Princes , indyted by the holy ghost , and penned by his principall secretarie Dauid throughout the twentie Psal. 20. Psalme , with an assured promise that God will heare such praiers : which Psalme I wish all noble men to make familiar vnto them .

Now albeit in these words of God alreadie produced , sufficient might seeme to bee vttered Euill thoughtes against the magistrats forbidden . for the ancthoritie and consolation of Princes : yet the almightie Lorde not satisfied therewithall , proceedeth in restreyning subiects in slaunderous speeches & cursed thoughtes against their Magistrates .

Thou shalte not rayle vppon the Iudges , neither Exo 22. speake euill of the ruler of the people . Which precept Salomon the wysest that euer was or shal bee , expoundeth at large in thys wyse . Curse not the King , no not in thy 1. Reg. 5. Ecclesi. 10. thought , neither curse the rich in thy bedchamber : for the birds of heauen shal carie thy voice , & that which hath wings shall declare the matter . Men for the most part think their loyaltie well discharged if they shew not disobedience externally : neither doe they accompt it any offence if their hartes boyle with rancor and malice . But Salomon saith , the matter is far otherwise , shewing true and faithful obedience to consist not only in the hand , but also in the harte : wee haue a common saying ( thought is free ) but that hath force before men only . For as mens senses are so dull that they can not smell such things inclosed so deepely in the moste hid places of man : yet the breath and vnsautrye smell of them perecth the cloudes and ascendeth vp before the maiestie of God , for so muche are imported in Salomons words , That which hath wings shall declare the matter . The sentence of Ibicus . Ibycus approueth this sentence . When Ibycus fell into the handes of theeues , and perceiued that they would cruelly murder him , and saw no man present to reskewe him : he happened to see a company of Cranes flying ouer their heads , who casting vp his eyes and hands most lamentably and earnestly , prayed them not to suffer his death vnreuenged . The the eues secretly laughed at that his playnte , thinking it vmpossible that euer the Crames should bring to light that haynous facte and offence . But not long after , it happened two of these murderers to sitte on a benche in the Citie , when Cranes flying with a noyse that way , one of them sayde to his felowe skoffingly , Beholde the reuengers of Ibycus : which wordes one or two sitting by ( who hartely loued the man for his singular learning & vertue ) ouerharde , and conceyuing some suspition , caused these two felowes to be apprehended and imprisoned , and lastly with tormentes to be examined : whereby the cruell murder was disclosed , and they according to good Ibycus prayer condemned and executed . Heere Salomons wordes had their working . That which hath wings shall declare the matter . The wise king did well vnderstand , and wee doe feele by our selues , that Nature being our parent , or rather our stepdame , hath poured into mankynd such filthy froth and drousie dregges , that wee doe not only iudge sinisterlie of others : but are tediously & malitiously bent to our superiours : and out of those the sinckes and puddelles , the raging floudes of murmuring and blaspheeming , of sedition and rebellion , doe gushe and breake . Salomon therefore sheweth the duties of honest and faithfull subiectes , namely , that as often as they see any seditious Absolon , or skornefull Caine , or rayling Semei , that then they should be as it were deaffe , dumbe and blinde , that they should brydle their carnal inclinations , that they should giue no credite to rumours and tales , that they should not conceiue any euill of Princes and rulers : but if they happely heare or see any spottes in them , to couer them with the cloke of ignorance and patience .

It consequently foloweth of the premises , that whether it be Nabuchodonozer , Zedechias , or Ezechias , that doe rule and gouerne , and to what exigent so euer the people are brought in ciuill causes , they maye not by anyt meanes practise sleights , deceites , sedition or rebellion against their prince : al wayes are rather to be attempted , than those venemous ointments & plaisters , which that vulgare sort haue in redinesse , & wherwith they are delited . And surely The deuil is the author of disobedience to magistrates . such rashe & raging counsel , such firebrands of sedition and rebellion , proceede not of any heroical spirit & courage , but are kindled & set on fyre by the furor of the deuil , vtterly to burne and consume townes , Cities & kingdomes , as Sozomenus doth by a very strange historie not ably Sozomenus . lib. 7. cap. 23. declare . When the Citizens of Anteoche were moued to rebell against Theodosius for a greeuous tribute or subsidie laid vppon them , and were yet doubtful in mynd what to doe , the night before the vprore , a wicked fende or spirite appeared vnto them in the ayre in shape of a woman , of a houge and monstrous stature , running hither and thither with merueylous celeritie , styring the ayre , and raysing the wynd with a great fanne , and making such a noyse as the keepers of wilde beasts doe , when they practise them to fiercenesse and crueltie against their time of bayting : with this strange apparition , the deuill no doubt added furious holdnesse or rather madnesse to their myndes to goe forwarde in that their detestable enterprise , wherhy they had drawen vtter distruction vppon their own heades , if Elauianus their bishop had not with his most humble intercession mitigated the wrathful mynd of the Emperour . If you peruse the histories & Cronicles of all tymes , it will playnly appeare , that The prophane historians haue obserned the vuhappie end of rebelles . The end of those that murdered Iulius Caesar . Appianus . whosoeuer resisted the supreme magistrat , purchased vnto themselues gods wrath and whot anger , and came to vtter shame and confusion . Prophane writers haue obserued , that of those xx : ii . Senators , which gaue vnto Iulrus Caesar in the Senate house xxiij . woundes , & dipped his handes in bloud , not one of them liued aboue three yeeres after Caesars death , not one of them dyed naturally in his bed , & which is most notable , that many of them murdered them selues with the same weapons that perced Caesars sides . Cassius the first author of this murder , Cassius . being by profession an epicure & a skoffer of all talks touching heauen , hel , & the immortalitie of the soule : as he was fighting obstinatly in the battail at Philippos against Octauianus and Anthonius , sawe a souldier exceding the common stature of man , comming agaynst him with maine vppon a ●olie courser , hauing a terrible looke , armed with purple or binddie harnesse , and fiercely charging his staffe vppon him , wherewithall Cassius being amazed , turneth his backe and runneth away : But the spirit folowing , cryeth aloude vnto him : What Valer. max. lib. 1. cap. 8. more remayneth for thee to doe , if thou think this murder nothing ? Thou haste not slayne Caesar O Cassius : for no heauenly power can be murdered : but in that thou hast vsed violence agaynst his earthly bodie , thou haste deserued Gods wrath against thee . So Cassius falling vppon his owne weapon through dispayre , at the last learned the rewarde of rebellion , and that there is a God in heauen , a soule in man , 〈◊〉 a deuill in hell . M. Brutus also , the chiefest in credite with the people of all that companye , and one who had receiued greate benefites of Caesar , whom he loued so dearely , that euen at his last gasps he called vnto him and said my sonne Brutus sawe at the battayle aforesayde a mightie big blacke Iudian fighting agaynst him , and wounding his soldiers on euery sidr , which ( as Valerius writeth ) was euen god him Valerius Max. ca. 5. selfe that cast dartes at him , and fought against him . Brutus being a Stoicke and an imitator of his vncle Cato , seeing both God and man fight against him , conueighed him selfe out of the battayle , and when Strato the Retoritian being often and earnestly desired to thrust his sword in him , would not in so heauie a case gratifie him , he himself persed his hart with his own dagger . The poets in their fables of the slaughter of Gyantes by Iupiter and of the Phlegians in Thessalia , being suche The Phlegians . as were seditious , and forced neither for God nor man , and therefore were caryed quick into hell with a flud raised by Neptune , doe admonish men of the vnhappy end of rebelles and Traytours , of whom Virgill writeth .

Virg. Aeneid . lib. 6. Phlegyasque miserrimus omnes Admonet , & magna testatur voce per vmbras Discite iustitiam moniti , & non temnere diuos .

Of the laste verse there is a very memorable Sabellicus . narration , which bicause it is not onlye pleasant but profitable , I thought it not vnmeete for this place . There goeth a greth a great talk in Italie , of a woman who being brought vp in spinning and carding , or otherwise berye simply , was as soone as shee came to womans state , rapte ( as it were ) and inspired not onlye with a spirit of prophesie , but indued with lerning , in such sorte that shee was had in greate admiration of all men . Lazarus Bonami an Italian , a man of greate name for his knowledge , was moued with the great fame to visit hir , and to approue the trueth of the same : for it was giuen out of hir , that she wold ( as she was caryed with inward motions ) intreat and discourse of , humayne and deuyne learnyng profoundly , and absolue and answere vnto the most difficulte and barde questions . At hys The most excellent berse in Vergil . comming he demmaūdeth hir which was the best verse in all Vergil his work : she answered ,

Discite iustitiam moniti , & non temnere diu●s .

And further added with some behemencie , Thou arte answered , Bonami , Departe & trouble me no more . And assuredly shee was not deceyued , for if you turne all Prophane Poets in Greeke or Latine , no one verse may be in any respect hereunto compared .

But to my purpose , I am of thys opinyon , that in moste lamentable cases of subiectes , euen in meere seruitude men ought to vse all modestie and humilitie toward their princes , least by malaparte and obstinate dealing , they rather exasperate and incense them , than pacifye and coole them . Fierce Lyons beyng dalyed withall , cherished and gentlye stroked , In what sorte it is most conuenient for subiects to deale with scuere magistrats . doe laye asyde after a sorte their sauage crueltie , and beyng pleasantly wrastled with , will shewe themselues weake : but if a man shew roughnesse and sharpenesse , and vse vyolence and force , he shall wishe himselfe without the compasse of their claspes . So is it with princes and Magistrates , who in some respectes are of lyke nature and inclination with Lyons : whose heades ( as I sayd ) may be stroked but softly & smothlye , but if a man wring and pricke them , or otherwise offend them , he is but cast away . And if ther happen or arise some intollerable Tyrant , or if a good and vertuous Prince doe degenerate into wickednesse and doe oppresse his people , yet suche burdens art seldome eased with suche leuers . But it happeneth for the most parte , that the grudgyng people whom Salomon chastized with roddes , 1. Reg. 12. and loded with light burdens : Reboam corrected with scourges , and ouercharged with heauy lodes . As the Poets deuise of the monster Hidra , whose head when Hercules cut off , he saw two arise out of band in the same place : the Prince therefore and Magistrate , howe socuer hee bee inclyned , hee is Gods gyfte : but he is a most heauenly treasure if be execute his calling with equitie & iustice : vnto whom such men as shewe disobedience , are termed in scripture the sonnes of Beliall . And this is vndoubtedly 1. Reg. 20. true , that if at any tyme the prince appeare ouer weake for rebelles , if he bee contemned and at last vanquished , then the Lord himself descendeth into the field , to reuenge the contumelie and iniurie done to his officer , as in the Chapiter folowing shall more aboundantly appeare . Wherefore it apperteyneth to subiectes , not only for conscience sake , and to auoyd damnation , but also for worldly peace and quietnesse , euen in the seuere and sharpe regyment of their Princes , to referre them and their cause to almightie God , who onlie is able by his inestimable power eyther to alter their myndes and actions for the subiects comforte , or vtterly to take them awaye for their quietnesse .

Hereof wee haue many examples seruyng Gods wonderful counsaile in deliuering his people from Tyrans . for the instruction and admonition of suche as be placed in high dignitie , but especially for the solare and comfort of seelie subiectes , being weried with the burthenous yoke of mercilesse Magistrates , where in the wonderfull iudgement and counsayle of God doth in nothing more manifestly shewe themselues . We reade of such as were euen now aduaunced to the highest dignitie , and adorned with all glory and honor : by and by to be throwen downe suddenly by incredible meanes , and al their power and strength to haue bin layde in the dust . Who can denit , but that Gods dealing with Nabuchodonozer the Lorde of the whole earthe , farre exceedeth mans capacitie ? who for his intollerable pride , susteined a new punishment , lying out amongst brute beasts , and wandring with them vntill seauen yeeres were come and gone . Moreouer we reade The strange and variable estate of Empires . partly in Scripture , partly in other credible monumentes , that by Gods dispensations , proude Tyre to haue bin prostrate and ouerthrowen by the Egyptians , the Egyptians to haue bin ouerthrowen by the Assyrians , the Assyrians to haue bin spoyled by the Chalde is and Babilonians , the Babilonians to haue bin vanquished by the Medes and Persians , the Persians by the Greekes , the power of the Greekes agayne to haue bin conquered by the Romanes : and we see lastly the maiestie of the Romane Empire dayly weakened , by that cruell enimie of Christendome the Turke , who in taking our Castles and Cities , accompteth it but a sporte to wade in the bloud of his owne Souldiers , so that hee may attayne hys desire . It were a long processe , exactly to prosecute all causes of suche mutations and chaunges in Empires and Kingdomes : but this shall be sufficient for my purpose , to notifie out of the holy Scripture , by the example of the Kings of Iuda and Israell , who The cause why kingdomes are punished . albeit they were by Gods election appointed to rule his chosen people , & had receyued more excellent benefites at Gods hand , than the Princes of the Gentiles : yet if at any time they shewed themselues vnthankfull , if they became stubborne and declined from Godlinesse , they felt by & by the sword , either of the Babilonians , or of the Assyrians , or of some other enimie , and sometime were led into most lamentable captiuitie and bondage . Therefore it is the Lord , that at his owne pleasure , without any occasions of mortall men , doth alter and transpose kings & kingdoms . It is God that exalteth & Dauid . bringeth lowe , that blesseth and beateth Princes & Magistrates , in suche times and places as it seemeth best to his maiestie , so that the subiects neede not to deuise and busie themselues with violence , to reforme or depose their gonernors . Syrach . 10. And seeing that ( as the wise man sayth ) The gouernour of the earthe , is in the hande of the Lord , & when time is , he shall set vp a prositable ruler ouer it : It is the part of subiectes , thankfully and dutifully to reuerence suche , whome God hath appoynted to supply his own place in Earth . And surely , our owne quietnes may perswade vs , the conseruation of all estates may requite vs , and Christian religion will straitly commaund vs so to do , namely , to restrayne out thoughts , tongs , & hands , from doing any thing against those that be placed in authority ouer vs .

But here riseth question of the boundes Of the limits of obedience . of obedience , whether subiects ought to obey their magistrates , if they commaunde things contrary to the law of God and the lawe of nature . Vnto the whiche question , we shall answere both soundly and safely , if we examine what honor is , and gather a definition what obedience is . or declaration hereof out o● Gods word . Honor hath sundry slgnifications in the scripture , but as it serueth to this cause , To honor , is to feare , to loue , to reuerence , to obey , To obey ( I say ) as it were vnto God , who exacteth the same at our hands , and vnto whom we know out obedience acceptable : so that if the magistrate shal eyther do or commaund any wicked thing , wee may not obey , eyther by imitation ●or by action : For the latter commaundementes haue relation vnto the first . But we are taught in the second commaundement , the sinnes and iniquities of the fathers to be punished in the children vnto the third and fourth generation : Therefore they are not to be obeyed in thyngs against God and nature . Ionathas hearkened not vnto his father Saule , when he sought the life of Dauid : and is therefore greatly commended in the word of God . The three companions of Daniell obeyed Nabuchodonozer in politicall things , they loued him , and they reuerenced him as a mightie Monarch and most bountifull prince : but when he exected Idolatrie , they neglected his power and might . Saint Peter the commaunder of obedience 1. Pet. 2. due to fathers and Magistrates , when the seniors of the people woulde haue stopped hys mouth from preaching of the Lorde Iesus , he aunswered earnesily , We ought rather to Act. 4. & 5. obey God than men . But what neede I to seeke many proofes , seeing the Lorde him selfe hath comprehended all such authorities in one sentence ? If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother , and wife , and children , and brethren , and sisters , yea and his own life Math. 10. li. 14 life also , he cannot be my disciple . It is out of all doubt , that the magistrates ought not to commaund any thing againste God and the lawe of nature , and they should bend all theyr studie so to gouerne , that their subiects may feele and tast , that they haue their authoritie from God , and that they vse the same in God . But if they enterprise any thing without that compasse , the subiect shoulde preposterously prefer the seruant before the master .

It may be demaunded , what if the Prince A question . What subiects may do when they are oppressed . seeing his will and commaundement neglected , vse extreame executions against such as will not obey him , may the subiect resist with violence ? I say no , no violence by no meanes . Let him disobey , not in rebelling , but in suffering all iniuries and oppressions . Let hym Subiectes may not infer but sustayne iniuries . not by any calamitie be stirred to lift vp hys hand against a Ruler , and so offend the maiestie of God . And if he cannot by way of petition and supplication mitigate the Princes anger : neyther yet by flight and departure auoyde the same : it remayneth that he commit him selfe and his cause to that iust iudge , who hath reserued vengeance to him selfe , and hath promised to powre it vpon wicked and impenitent Deu. 32. Rom. 12. persons , at such a time as al their limmes and stayes shall slide from them . The violence and extreame crueltie whiche wicked rulers do vnto Christian subiects , are of two sortes : For some touch temporall things only as our bodies , our lands , our liuings : others do concerne heauenvly things as the truth of gods word , faith in Christ Iesus , & the true worshipping of God , & such like . Now as for our Temporal things , a Christian may sustayne damage & vtter losse of al his goodes , yea , and of his life also , & yet may keepe his faith and hope of eternall life , firme & stable . But he may not suffer those diuine & heauenly things to be taken from him . For there is no creature , bee he neuer so mighty , that is able to spoile men of those treasures . Besides that , the taking away of heauenvly Rom. 8. things lie not in the power of the magistrate , but remayne by Gods grace , in the will and consent of the beleener . And the heauenly Lord onely , is of power to exercise iudgemente in semblable cases , eyther to reiect men and cast them away according to his iustice , or to preserue them according to his mercie to eternall life . So that albeit the Prince woulde with a thousande torments driue vs to imbrace superstition and idolatrie , we are neyther bound to obey him , neyther yet is he able ( if God bee on our side ) to vanquish and conquere vs .

Moreouer , there is no small difference betweene A great difference betweene doing , and suffering iniuries . those men that doe patiently tolerate vniust violence , & those that do offer iniurious violence to others . A Christian may suffer with a good and quiet conscience iniustice , but hee cannot in like sort practise and execute vnlawful things . In all actions therefore , the perfit line of Gods law is to be considered : and that our desire & wil is to do good things , and to omit the contrary . And if being deteined in bonds or imprisonments or otherwise , we cannot serue the Lord our God , & yet do earnestly wish and desire to do it : In suche case our willes and intentes are accepted before God for acts and deede . Againe , if the prince do command vs to do the which is to be auoided , no man may excuse him selfe before God , by reason of that commandement : neyther wil it be a sufficient discharge vnto him to aunswere , I was commanded , I was compelled , I did it vnwillingly . S. Iohn saith , this is the victorie whiche 1. Iohn . 5. ouercommeth the world , euen your faithe . And howe shall we resist Sathan the greate prince of this world , if we be such weakelings that we cannot resist no not the worlde ? And how shal we resist the whole world , if through the threats & torments of one worldly prince , we turne our backes from the truth . He that is regenerate by Gods spirite , may truly say , I do not now liue , but Christ liueth in me : I Gala. 2. Rom. 8. am perswaded , that neyther death nor life , nor Angels nor Principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor things to come , &c. shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God , whiche is in Christ Iesus our Lorde . There is a mirror or glasse of such innocent and vprighte dealing in that worthy man Papinianus , in Papinianus the sincere lawyer . A●lius Spartianus in Antonino . profession a ciuill lawyer , in religion an Ethnike , which is as hereafter foloweth : When the Emperour Autoninus Caracalla whome some do cal Bassinianus , had murthered cruelly and vniustly his brother Getha in his mothers lappe , who was so deare vnto the army , for his father Seuerus his sake , that the Souldiers Herod . lib. 4. were almost bent to runne vpon Bassinianus with their weapons for that fact : the Emperour dealt with Papinianus his counseller , whom all the Souldiers reuerenced for his deepe wisedome and vprighte Iustice , to defende his vnnaturall offence : vnto whome Papinianus aunswered : Wilfull patricide ( ô Emperour ) is more easily commited than defe●●●d . O worthy sentence , and well beseeming a counseller and a lawyer . That good man was more willing and readie to suffer like smart with Getha , which he knew would proceede from the Tirant for his refusall , than to defend , or by any colour to smooth or cloke wilfull murder .

But some man will say , if we mayntayne Obiection . our causes so precisely , and withstand the magistrates so stubbornely , we shall exasperate them , and pull the house vpon our owne heds . But if we yeeld vnto the time , God may alter the Princes heart , and we may eate our bread in rest and quietnesse . Vnto suche obiections Answere Demades . I will otherwise aunswere , than Demades answered the Athenians in times past . Cassander the Macedonian practised with the Athenians , that they shoulde worship Greate Alexander as a God : who staggered somewhat at the matter : Wherefore Cassander denounceth open warre againste them , if they woulde not doe it . Demades made then an Oration vnto the people , and amongst other things vsed this speech : That it stoode them vpon so to consider of heauen that they might not lose the earthe . But I thinke it best to transpose the sentence , That it standeth men vpon to take heede , so to consider of the earth , that they lose not heauen . Therefore , albeit all potentats of the earth grinde their teeth against vs , yet it is our parts to shew our boldnesse in God . And as in worldly matters some vse to say , Let iustice go forwarde , albeit all the world perishe . So let Christians saye , Let vs do Gods will and pleasure , albeit heauen and earth do perish . Augustine hath a golden saying . Men may not commit sinne in shewing obedience . Daniel disobeying the Dani. 6. King , forbidding him to serue his God , excuseth him selfe , saying , Vnto thee O King , haue I done no hurt , that is to say , I haue not trespassed against thee , for I haue obeyed the lyning God .

This admonition of the limittes of law●ull Naturall reason teacheth to obey our superiors only , in things lawfull . obedience , is taught by perfit reason , and confirmed by prophane examples , acquitting s●●ayes men from the spot of disobedience , that bend their endeuours to obey the supreme power and maiestie . Antigona grauely excuseth ●●● selfe to King Creon , saying , that she may not for his commandement or feare violate the law of nature being diuine . And when Telemon the kings son with vehement speech defended his esponsed wife Antigona , the Apud Sophoclem . King said , How darest thou contend with thy 〈◊〉 ? He answered , bycause thou wouldst do monstrous things . Creon . Do I monstrously to honor my estate , & to vse my prerogatiue ? Hemon . Thou canst not O King honor thy estate by any meanes , when thou dishonorest God . Ex Stobaeo . Stobaeus reporteth a worthy answer giuen to a yong man by one . Musonius in thys sort . Ther was a yong man giuen altogyther to the studie of Philosophie and other liberal sciences , but was hindred by his father , who most earnestly forbad him those studies , & willed him to frame his life another way . Thys yong man repaireth to Musonius , & vseth these words : Musoni , are children bound to obey their parents generally , or are ther some priuate causes excepted ? vnto 〈◊〉 he answered : In my opinion it is a thing very commendable for children to reuerence their parents , but it were necessary to know , what dutie and obedience is , and if wee consider the contrary , namely what the vice , stubbornesse and disobedience is ; we shall more easily know the vertue . Wel then , let vs by questions sift this matter . What if a father , hauing no skil in Phisick , nor knowing the qualities and temperature of simples & compounds , would command his son being sick , to receiue some medicine , which the father thinketh profitable , but is indeed vnholesome & mortall : will any man accompte the sonne disobedient bicause in suche causes he bath not folowed his fathers ●antasie ? verily I suppose not . Moreouer if the father himself being sicke , doe call vnto his son to giue him some meate or drinke whiche will satisfie his appetite , but augment his sicknesse : If the sonne giue not ●ate vnto his father therein , will ye pronounce him obstinate ? surely no man of perfect mynd will so iudge of him . Muche lesse is he to bee called disobedient , that being commanded of his father to deceyut , to steale , to murder , or to attempt or doe any thing vnlawfull , will not fulfil his precept and commandement . Therfore when men refuse to folow the willes and mindes of suche as do commaunde any thing vnhonest and vnlawful , whether they be magistrātes , fathers , or masters , they cannot rightly be fermed disobedient , neither negligent in their dutie . 〈◊〉 Musonius . Touching other guestions , hamely , what if the Magistrate degenerate into Tirannie ? what if he woulde bring into the countrey aliantes and straung it s ? What if he would seeke ●o aban●on the trūe worshipping of God and receiue 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 Religion ? These 〈◊〉 are withoute the conipasse of thy● my treatie ( beeing a consolation for magistrates only ) and cannot be discoursed with any edification : neyther doe I finde any thyng written absolutely thereof by the learned . And in deede , sith that suche cases depend vppon Gods especiall dispensation , without the whiche , nothing can bee well enterprised , nor more happily atchieued : it were not only perilous , but very hard to prescribe any generall rule in such cases . Whereof that worthy Iewell late Bishop of Sarum , hauing very good occasion to write largely by the prouocation of his aduersarie master Harding , tempereth his stile in such sort , that albeit he stoppeth the Papists mouthes touching the nobles of Scotland : yet may the prudent reader very well In the defence of the Apologie Fol. 20. & . 21 perceyue his vnwilling minde to wade farre in that question . It is our parts that be Englishmen , with all gratefulnesse of voyce and hart , to praise God for exempting vs out of such miserable cases , and to pray for the continuance of the same , vnder out tender and pitifull Lady and mistresse the Queenes most excellent Maiestie , who by hir milde regiment taketh away all occasion of suche questions . And surely , so long as she guideth the sterne of the shippe , I haue good hope that we shall sayle in the calme and peaceable sea . But it for our sinnes to almightie God , & srowardnesse towarde his maiestie , shee faint or fayle , then what will be out English tune , but wo worth , and wayle away . For I see folowing hir dayes , the lamentable times , not of Henry the sixt Edward the fourth , and Richarde the third , sor xij . or ●●● . yeeres , when the worlde was such , as the Colyer that denied his seruice The daungerous estate of this realm of England . to eyther part , and professed himselfe the Diuels man scaped best : but the bloudy times of Ferrex and Porrex , in whome the line and of spring of Brute ended , after whose dayes this lande was rent into foure factions , and for the space of 51. yeeres , there was no lawe , no iustice no peace , but tumults , vprorrs , ciuill warres , effusion of bloud . &c. The remembraunce of these things , must needes beate a wonderfull feare and horror into our bones and bowels , and driue vs to pros●rate oure selues before his throne of Grace , with deepe sighing and groning , to craue that he woulde auert and turne away those sorowfull and ruthfull dayes , or against those times prouide for our comforts some Gedeon or lepthe , vnder whose couerts we may hide our selurs from those terrible s●ormes and tempests .

The fourth Consolation , of many examples out of diuine and prophane writers , wherby we see , that good princes & magistrates haue bin preserued from the furious hands of their enimies abroade and at home .

IT is a great confort for godly and Christian Magistrates , to haue before theyr eyes the worthy examples of Kings & Princes in the old Testament , and to obserue their famous and renoumed or rather miraculous actes , which they did not by their own power and policie , but by the ayde and prouidence of God . Whereby they may both confirme and settle their confidence and faith in him , and also haue presente admonition in all their distresse , by the example of others , what wayes and meanes they may vse to auoyde perilles and dangers . Abraham the father of the faithfull , Abraham . being driuen into many greeuous miseries and calamities , and tost too and fro with great carke and care : yet for that he perseuered firme in faith and hope , he was neuer forsaken of God , but always deliuerd out of distresse . Ind moreouer , God gaue him glory in the day of batel . For when Lot his brothers son was led Gen. 14. away captiue from Sodome , he broght out of them that were borne and bredde in his house , three hundreth and eighteene persons , and pursued diuers Kings , sinit them , destroyed them , and recouered Lot his family and his substance , and placed him in his house agayne .

Ioseph the Patriarche , breyng solde into Egipt , Ioseph . where he liued an alient and straunger , and afterward was cast into Prison : yet trusting in the liuing God , he was not only set at libertie , but also called to suche honor and dignitie , that vnder Pharao he was chiefe ruler of the land of Egipt . Carnal reason would Gen. 41. & 42 thinke it vnpossible , that a seelie poore Israelite , being sold to straungers , and loden with bolts of iron in prison , shoulde aspire to suche authoritie . But these are the wonderfull works Psal. 145. of God , who is nigh vnto all those that call vpon him faithfully . And againe , The Lorde Psal. 23. restoreth my soule , and leadeth me in the paths of righteousnesse for his names sake . Yea , though I should walke through the valley of the shadow of death , I will feare no euill , for thou art with me , thy rod , and thy staffe , they comfort me . Moses that notable Prophet , was Moses . almost drowned in many greeuous calamities , wherein mans reason coulde deuise no helpe , nor fynde comforte , especially , when Bee went before the children of Israel , being preserued with a mightie armye , hauyng before him the read Sea , and the mountaynes on euery syde : but he both knew what God could doe , and beleued also that God would cause the Sea to soake into the earth , or to stand like a wall on both sydes , whereby the Israelites might marche through on drye lande , and that the same shoulde returne agayne to hys course , and drowne all the Egiptians : than in any one ●ote fayle in his promises , or relinquish his elect and chosen people . Gods word can not be false , and therfore the Prophet saith , Iere. 17. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lorde , and whose helpe the Lord is : and in an other , place , In an acceptable time haue I heard thee , Esa. 49. and in a day of saluation haue I helped thee , and I wil preserue thee Iosua succeding Moses Iosua . casted many bitter cuppes before hee was able to subdue and caste those seuen wicked nations but of the land promised vnto the Iewes but resting vppon that ioyful and sweete promise of God , ( As I was with Moses so will I be with thee , I will not leaue thee nor forsake Iosu. 1. thee ) be vanquished his enimyes , and placed Gods people in the lande of Chanaan . Gideon iudge of the Israelites ; accompanyed with Gideon . three hundreth souldiers only went agaynst the mightie army of the Madianites , Amelechites Iudie. 7. and other easterne people , who came into the land of Israel with their Tentes as thicke as Greshoppers in multitude , so that they and their Cammelles were without number : hee vanquished them and put them to flight , for the spirite of the Lorde came vpon him , and he beleued the word of the Lord promising him victorye . Daniel by the malice and ●ny of the Daniel . Courtiers was cast into the Lyons denne , yet through gods protection he was preserued safe and sound , the reason is expressed in the Text , Bicause he trusted in his God : whereat the Kyng wonderyng and reioysing , commaunded Daniell hys accusers , their wyues and Daniel . 6. children to bee put in his place , and the Lions had the maistery ouer them , and brake all their bones in peeces or euer they came at the ground of their denne .

Dauid entyrely beloued of God , elected accordyng 1. Samu. 16 2. Sa. 2. & . 5. to Gods owne hearte , and thryce anoynted Kyng of Israell , ledde yet a lyfe full of many miseries and calamities , contemned Dauid . of his wife Micholl , for that hee seemed ouer precyse in the obseruyng of Ceremonies . Saul conceyued deadly feude agaynst him , and often sought to kill him . Absolon his owne sonne defyleth his bedde , and rebelleth against him . Besides this , what assaultes susteyned he the Phylistines , the Moabites , the Syrians , the Idumites , great and mightie nations : yet hee is patiente in hys house , constante in hys Kyngdome , and victorious agaynst straūngers . For the almightie was his refuge , hys hope , and hys Protectour : and therfore it was vnpossible for hym to bee confounded and destroyed . Which for that hee approued passyng all humayne expectation , bee singeth after this manner : In thee O Lorde haue I put my truste , lette mee Psal. 31. neuer bee confounded , delyuer mee in thy righteousnesse : I will bee gladde and reioyce in thy mercye , for thou haste seene my trouble , and thou baste knowne my soule in aduersityes : And thou haste not shutte met vppe in the hande of the enimye , but haste set my feete at large . Asa Kyng of Iuda , abrogated Asa . horrible Idolatrie and superstition , and commaunded Iudah to seeke the Lord God of 2. Para. 14. their fathers , & to do according to do according to his commaundement , and be tooke away out of at the Cittes of Iuda the high places & the images : therefore the kingdome was quiet before him , hee built stronge Cities in Iuda , and hee had no warre many yeares , bicause the Lord gaue him rest . Afterward there came agaynst him Zerach of Ethiopia , with an hoste of ten hundreth thousand men , and three hundreth Chariots . Then Asa went out before him and set the battayle in aray , and cryed vnto the Lord his God , saying : Lorde it is nothing with thee to helpe with many , or with no power : helpe vs O lord our God , for wee reste on thee , and in thy name we come against this multitude : O lord thou arte our God , let not many preuayle agaynst thee . So the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Iudah and they fled , and the men of Iudah , caryed away a mightie great spoyle , and returned to Ierusalem . Iosaphat folowed Iosophat . his father Asa in clensing the temple , and reforming true religion : he set Leuites in Ierusalem 2. Para. 17. and 19. for the iudgement of the cause of the lord : and he appointed Iudges in the land through out the strong Cities , & sayd vnto them , Take heed what ye do , for ye execute not the iudgementes of man but of the Lorde : and there is no iniquitie with the Lorde our God , neither respecte of persons , nor receyuing of reward . Wherefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hande , and the feare of the Lord fel vpon all the kingdomes of the lands that were rounde about Iudah , and they durst not fighte agaynst him , and straungers brought Iehosaphat presentes and giftes , and the Arabians brought him flocks of sheepe and Goates , and hee prospered and grewe vp an high , and his kingdome florished exceedingly . Amasias the Amasias . xij . King of Iuda hauing warre with the children of Seer , hyred one hundreth thousand men of Israel to help him in battaile , but a man of god 2. Para. 25. came vnto him , saying , O King let not the army of Israel go with thee , for God hath power to helpe thee , and to cast downe . Wherefore the King returned those men accordyng to the saying of the Prophet , & with his owne people couragiously went to the Salt valey , and encountered with his enimyes and slewe ten thousandes , and other ten thousande dyd the children of Iuda take alyue , and caryed them to the toppe of a rock , and tumbled them downe headlong , and they all burst to peeces . Ezechias . 2. Reg. 19. Iesa . 37. Ezechias the xvj . King of Iuda , with an earnest zeale embrased true religion : and so perfitlye serued the Lorde , that after him was none like vnto him among all the Kings of Iuda , neyther were there any suche before him , who being meruellously tempted and 〈…〉 the huge & mightie army of the Assyrians , and terrified with the blasphemous speech of Rabsaces , turned vnto the Lord , went into the temple , & lay prostrate & sayd , O Lord our God , I beseech thee , saue thou vs out of their hands , that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou ô lord art only god : which prayer the lorde harkeneth vnto , & answereth thus : Bicause thou hast praied vnto me concerning Synachereb king of Ashur , I will put my hooke into his nostrels , & my bridle into his lips , & wil bring him back again the same way he came : he shal not enter this citie , nor shoote an arrow there , nor come before it with shield , nor cast a mount against it . And the same night the Angel of the lord went out , & smote in the campe of Ashur an hundred foure score & fiue thousand : & when they roase early in the morning , behold they were all dead Synachereb corpses . So Synachereb King of Ashur departed , & returned to Niniuie . And as he was in the temple worshipping of Nisroh his god , Adramelech & Sharezer his sonnes slew him with the sword , & they escaped into the lande of Ararat , and Esarhaddon raigned in his steed .

Out of these histories I gather three obseruations , Three notes or oh sernations . first that God commonly tempteth his chosen 〈…〉 ighty aduersaries , that their faith may be more perfit than gold tried with the fire : Secondly , 1. Pet. ● . that if they stedfastly trust in him he blesseth their countrey with treasure & riches , & replenisheth their land with great plenty of valiant soldiers : Thirdly , that God wil not suffer the heathenish people and irreligious nations to treade his children vnder their feete , but with small powers confoundeth their ten hundred thousandes in the day of battayle . My first note 1 God tempteth his chosen with many enimyes . King Edward the six , and queene Elizabeth . appereth plainly in the raign of the late Iosias , and presently in our Hester , who laboring in the new building of Gods tiple , good lord what a number of subtile and bloudy enimyes haue whet their teeth against this little Ilande on euery side ? but let vs not be dismaid , for al the papists in Europe adioyning to them the Turk , are not able to come once to the field with ten hundred thousand men , as Zerach of Ethiopia did against Asa : & if they were able to passe that number , haue we not legions of Angels vnder Christ his standerd against them ? Secondly , Asa and 2 God furnisheth realms wher he is serued with many valiant warriers . Amazia Kings of Iuda , fearing the liuing god , had vnder them a florishing common wealth , & wer able to make thre hundred thousand fighting men . This our countrey of england hath wanted no temporal blessings , since god blessed vs with his word & gospel : neither do any monuments and chronicles of England make record of so many England populous and p●entifull of good souldiers . able men at one tyme , as are now to bee founde in this little Eland . I haue hard it reported of credible men , ( who by commission had authoritie to make a bewe of such things ) that in the Countie of Deuon only , there hath bin sounde fourtie thousand comely and likely men for the sield : so that if euery county in Englande doe matche the same according to their proportions , there is no doubt but out powers will eyther surmount or answere that lande whereof I spake afore , in number of warlyke men . Lastly , bowsoeuer this little region 3 God gineth victory not by many souldiers . hath bin stored with men of warre heretofore , yet a small handfull hath ouermatched a huge hoste , and most commonly ( if I terme it aright ) a thinne Garryson hath suppressed and surprised many & mightie armies of their enimyes , as in Eoward the third his dayes at The victory of the Englishe men at Cressie . The battel of Poyters . Cressy , where xix . thousand English men put to flight one hundred thousande frenchmen , and slew xxx . thousande : at Poyters wher the blacke Prince lauing but a wing of men in respect of their enimyis , tooke prisoners , Iohn the French King , Phillippe his sonne , seuen Earles , besides Barons and Knightes . That blacke Prince , as historyes declary , had the courage and harte of a Lyon , they mighte The constant faith of the black Prince . aswell haue commended in him the constante fayth and assured hope of a godly and religious Captayne . For seeing his power so farre vnequall to his aduersaryes , and his meyny halfe sorowfull , hee vttered suche voyces , as all godly englishe Capitaynes in lyke case ought to expresse . Well syrs ( sayth hee ) albeit we be but sewe in regarde to the multitude of our enimyes : let vs not bee abashed therefore , for the victory lyeth not in the multitude of the people , but where it pleaseth almightie God to giue it . Therefore trust in him , and take English mens hartes vnto you this day : for if God wil , this dayes victory shal be ours : and if we dye , wee haue a good quarell . With which wordes he anymated and encouraged his souldyers . Henry the fifth hauing in all but xv . thousand , discomfited the flower of France The denotion & zeale of Henry the fyft . at the battayle Agincourte , where sixe French men men were in the fielde agaynst one Englishe man : and at the ende of the battayle the nobl● Henry caused a retraite to be blown , & brought all his armye togither , willing them to gyue thankes to God , by whose almightie power they bad receyued that victory : and euery one kneeling down swng , Not vnto vs Lord , not Psal. 115. vnto vs , but vnto thy name giue the glorye &c. So that it euidently appeareth , that thys noble Prince had a perfit fayth and truste in Flodden field . the ayde of the lord , which heard his prayer and regarded his fayth , and miraculously in mercy gaue him victory . In the dayes of the King of famous memory Henry the eight , Kyng Iames of Scotlande the fourth , came into England with one hundred thousande at the least , as all histories agree , & Paulus Iouius noteth P. Iouius . the malaparte confidence of Iames in his hoste , that he thought himself able with spear-men to holde vp heauen , if it had bin slydying : but behold xxvj . thousand Englishe men encountereth him , vanquisheth his strength , and slew the king with the most part of the nobilitie of Scotland at Braunston in Cheuiot . Finally , Mouseleborough fielde . the field foughten at Mouscleborough is fresh in most mens memory , where God punished the periury of the Scots , with the losse of xv . thousand soldiers , & miraculously , without any great effusion of english bloud ( for there perished not aboue one hundred on our side ) gaue vnto our countreymen a tryumphant victory . Such examples are plentie , but I haue chosen a fewe , giuing occasion vnto noble men therby to fixe their hartes vppon Gods fatherly prouidence in all their distresses , and to sing with diuine Psa. 33. Dauid , The King is not saued by the multitude of an hoste , neither is the Gyant deliuered by great strength . A horse is a vayn thing and shall not deliuer any by hys strength : beholde the eye of the Lorde is vppon them that feare him , and vppon them that trust in his mercy , to deliuer their soules , and to preserue them in famyne .

And as God Defendeth good Princes agaynst God neuer suffreth rebels and traytonts vnpunished Chore. soren enimyes , so doth he most seuerely shew his wrath , and powre his borrible and sharpe punishmentes vppon Rebelles and Traytors at home . Chore , Dathan , and Abiron rebelling agaynst Moses , were swalowed into the earth quicke , and perished with a new and horrible kynde of death . Absolon rebellyng 2. Sa. 18. Absolon . agaynst his father was put to flight by Dauid vis army , and seking to escape through the woods . as his mule ranne vnder a thicke oke , his heare was intangled in the boughes , and he taken vp betweene the heauen and the earth , and the mule that was vnder him went away , so Ioab the Captayne came and ranne him through wyth dartes . Sybas the sonne Sybas . 2. Psa. 20. of Bochrus conspiryng agaynst Kyng Dauid had a wretched ende , his head 〈◊〉 of by the counsayle of a prudent woman in Abela , and the same was caste ouer the walles to Ioab . The acte of Gaall the sonne of Ebed is notable , Gaall . who with a seditious oration styrred the men of Sichem to disobey Abimelech , beyng Ind. 9. in deede but a Tyrant , for hee monstrouflye murdered about seuentie of his bretherne , yet God fauoured not that cause , but suffered Abimelech to vanquish those Rebelles , and vtterly to subuert then Citie . The enterprise of the children of Ephraim against good Iephthe , Ephraim . Iud. 12. had lyke euent , for there fell of them by the handes of Gylead two and fourtie thousand . Theudas Gaulonites . Act. 5. Theudas Gaulonites made a shewe of earnest ●eale and loue to deliuer his countreye from seruitude : and therefore by his pleasaunt perswasions allured many to arme themselues agaynst Ioseph . lib. 18. cap. 1. the Romaynes , but he was slayne , and his folowers ( as Gamaliel declared ) were dispercled and brought to nought . And in our owne countrey we may beholde the seditious dealings of Watte Tyler , Iacke Strawe , Iohn Watte Tyler , Iacke Strawe . Anno. 4. Richard. 2. Wall and others , who albeit they were fanored of the moste parte , and had an army of 60. thousand men , yet being in their chiefe ruffe , Watte was slayne , and they lyke sheepe scattered a●road . Thomas Flamocke and Mighell Iosephe the blackesmith , procured the Cornish Michael Ioseph the blacksmith Anno. 12. Henry . 7. men to rebel agaynst their Prince , and assembled such a company , that they astonied al good and faithfull subiectes : but their power was discomfited at Blackeheath , their chiefe Captayne the Lorde Audeley beheaded , Thomas Flamocke and Mychaell Iosephe were drawen , hanged , and quartered , and their quarters pitched on stakes , after the manner of Traytors , to warne others to beware of like crimes and offences .

Fynally , the vnhappy insurrections in the dayes Rebellion in Englās in our time . of King Henry the eight , of King Edward the ●xt , and of our soueraigne Lady the Queenes maiestie , made vnder pretence of defending the faith and holye church , and of deliueryng the common wealth from oppression , do with ruful ruine of noble families , with sauage spoil of goodly countreys , with dreadfull executions of couragious personages , paynt before all mennes eyes the hatefull hatred of almightie God agaynst Rebelles and Traytors , and there withall doe shewe Gods fatherly prouidence in assisting good Princes and noble men , being enuironed on euery syde with enimyes , and oppressed with extreme miseries and calamities .

Notwithstanding I graunt some speciall Why God permitteth godly printes & magistrates sometyme to bee oppressed by Tyrants . examples may bee founde repugnaunt to the premisses , and it commeth to passe now & then that wicked and seditious persons prosper and preuail , & that good & lawful magistrats decay & perish : which things haue wonderfully astonied the myndes of mortal men , & moued them to think that eyther there is no God , or at the least that there is no diuine prouidence at all ouer earthly things : for if ther were any effectual care , them surely the world shuld go happely with the godly , & vnhappely with the vngodly . Such firy darts wound euen Christians reasoning thus with themselues : if almightie God do care for earthly creatures , and especially for the church , why did godlesse Cain kil godly . Abel ? & why did the lecherous & filthy strumpet oppresse clean & chast Iosephe ? why was the holy prophet Esay giuen into the hands of cruel Manasses ? whi did not the pietie of religious Dauid touer him from so many stormes & tempestes ? why did God suffer the slinking Gote Herodias to behead him than whom ther was no greater amongst the sonnes of women ? why was the monstrous Tyrant & very froth of mischiefe Nero suffred to murder those two notable disciples of Christ & trumpets of true religion Peter and Paul ? Marcus Cato when tidings came vnto him in● Cicil , that great Pompei through fear of Caesar had forsaken Italy , he cryed out saying , O immortal Gods , how obscure and variable are your consolations in humayne affaires ? For vnto this daye haue you fauored Pompei , not Pompelus magnus doubtes of gods prouidence . so exactly ministring equitie and iustice , but now in defending common libertie and in a most iust cause of his countrey you haue forsaken him . Pompei himselfe scaping the sword in the fielde foughten at Pharsalia , sailed to Mytelene where Cornelia his wife made hir abode , & repairing to the Philosopher Cratippus , lamented much his aduersitie , & questioned whither ther were any prouidence at all . And now in France who seeth not poyseners , trucebreakers , Tyrants & bloudit Frenche Tyranny . Papists to ttiumph again , obedient and ouer c●edulous subieus oppreste , professours of true religion murdered , honorable gray whyte heads are cleft asunder , the great bellies & wombs of Ladies & gentlewomen are ripped , infantes and sucking babes are with pykes perced , and fynally , no kinde of crueltie vnpractised . Albeit , such lamentable calamities of good men , and sauage libertie of wicked men , both in churches & common welaths seeme to take away gods prouidence : yet god to remoue such doubts , hath set before mens eyes , his workes ordinarie & extraordinary , & hath added thereunto his expresse & manifest word , thereby shewing the properity and aduersitie come not to men by chance , but to be disposed and distributed as it were with Gods hand . And touching the prosperitie of the wicked , whom it pleaseth God to aduance euen Why God permitteth the wicked to prosper . Exo. 9. vnto the highest steppe of honour and dignitie , we haue the cause alleged by God himself , of Pharao , after this maner : For this cause haue I appoynted thee , to shewe my power in thee , and to declare my name throughout all the world . In this text God expresseth plainly , that of his owne purpose & will he anaunted and obdured Pharao : which his will hee proueth good and iust , by two reasons : Fyrst to shewe his iustice and power , secondarily , that his name might be renoumed throughout the whole worlde : which two things had bin hidden hidden tyme , if Pharao his strength and power had not bin famous among the nations round about : and therefore that new and straunge punishement in drownyng so mightie an armye of the Egyptians in the red Sea , and in sauing his own simple and vnarmed people the Israelits , did note the same . The wicked then clyme alofte by Gods appoyntment , that their great and beauye ruyne may bee more apparant : and their worldlye honour and glory is notable , that their shame and dishonor may be more notable . Whereof The fall of Tirantes . bessdes Pharao of Egypt , Nabuchodonozer of Babylon , Chusan of Mesopotamia , Eglon of Moab , Synacherib of Assyria , Edward the second and Richarde the thirde of Englande do yeld vnto vs firme proofe and playne declaration , so that the most mighty Empires of the world haue their exaltation and declination : and Tyrants haue their fall , and are punished for their riottousnesse , pride , oppression , and esfusion of innocent bloud , euen by the hands of bloudy men : and one wicked succeedyng another in a long tract and course of time , doe murther one another : vntill at last , the Empire come vnto one vertuous Prince , who with much a doe dieth naturally in his bedde . The Chroniles of England , make large mention of such punishments in this land , betweene the Kings of the Saxons and Danes , from the raigne of Brithricus , vnto the time of Swainus , by the tearme of 255. yeeres . And who can be ignorant ( that hathe but a little turned ouer our countrey histories ) of a heape of such Tragicall examples from Edward the third vnto Henry the seuenth by the space of one hundred Tirants dye seldome a naturall death . and fiue yeeres . And if one Tyrante oppresse not another , which most commonly commeth to passe , according to the Poet ,

Ad generum Cere is , sine cade & sanguine pauci Descendunt reges , & sicca morte Tyranni .

Then God sendeth eyther his destroying Angell , which happened to Senacherib , Herod and Iulian , or sharpneth their owne daggers , whiche came to passe in Saul , Zamry and Herod . Wherfore let good Princes put their affiance in God , who alone is able to turne Tragedies into Comedies , sorowe into ioy , and take away the stormes of calamitie , and shine vpon vs with the beames of prosperitie . God knoweth best what is expediente for vs , and how long it is profitable for his people to continue in miserie and thraldome , in Egypt and Babilon . He alone hath in his hand the hartes of Kings , and he it is that hardneth Pharao , The continuall welfare of wicked men in this world a signe of more greeuous damnation . Luk. 16. Senacherib , Holofernes , and againe , that molifieth Cyrus , Nabuchodonozer and Assuerus . And if God suffer wicked Tyrants with quietnesse and peace to descend vnto their graue , as he suffered the rich glutton , of whome wee reade in the Gospell . It is an euident argument , that such one is reserued vnto the paines of the world to come , whiche neuer shall haue Math. 13. end , wher weeping and gnashing of teeth shal be , as we see it chanced to the foresaid glutton , vnto whom God said , Sonne , remember tha● than in thy life time receyuedst thy pleasure ; & contrariwise Lazarus receiued payne , but now Hebr. 12. be is comforted and thou art punished . The holy Apostle saith , What son is he whome the father chastiseth not ? If ye be not vnder correction ( whereof all are partakers ) then are yee bastards and not sonnes . A terrible end therefore abideth them , which in this world licentiausly & without punishment do sinne , for al such be bastrads & not sonnes , therfore haue they no Sapi. 2. part of the hauēly inherit●ce : And those vol voluptuous Epirures , whiche in this worlde saye . Come & let vs enioy the pleasures that are , & le● vs some vse the creature , like as in youth . Let vs fil our selues with good wine & pyntment , & let there no flour of time goe by vs . Let vs crown our selues with roses , before they be withered . Let there be no faire medow but our lust go through it . Let euery one of you be partakers of our voluptuousnes . Let vs leaue some token of pleasur in euery place , for that is our portion , else get we nothing . &c. But such in time to come shal crie out in this maner & say , We Sapi. 6. haue erted from the way of trueth , the lyghte of ryghteousnesse hathe not shined vppon vs , Wee ●aue wearied our selues in the way of wickednesse and distruction . Tedious wayes haue we gone , but as for the way of the Lord we haue not knowen it &c. Such words shall they that haue sinned , speake in the Hell. For the hope of the vngodly is like a dri● Thistill flower , that is blowen away with the winde . The felicitie of the vngodly therefore in thys life , is extreame miserie , and a signe of theyr A worthy historie of polycrates . Strabo . lib. 14. heauie gretuous punishment in hell torments . The C●huikes also donbted the ende of suche men ad continued long in greate prosperitie , and affirmed some vnhappie end to ensue , as Amasis writ to Polycrates . This Polycrates Sabell . Eneid . lib. ● . was chiefe gouernour of Samus , who was so happie in all his life , that hee seemed to be the very sonne and heire of good fortune . For hee ●asting of purpose into the Sea a ring most excellently wrought , wherein was set ( as He●●dotus writeth ) a Smargde , but Plinie calleth it a Sardonichem , precious stones of no Plinius naturalis histo. li. 23. cap. 1. shall price , minding as some coniecture , with that greate losse to preuente and anoyde misfortune : It chaunced within fiue dayes after , a fisher to take a goodly great fishe , which being Amasis King of Egypt . bought for the King , and brought to the C●●●● to be br●ssed , behold in the drawing , the ●●ng was founde in the bellie of the fishe , and was broughte out of hande to Poly●●●●●● . Whereof when Amasis . king of Egypt had●● inte 〈…〉 by the said king his letters , he answered againe to Polycrates largely , and ●●mayling mans slipp●●●● of that , among 〈◊〉 things , 〈◊〉 this deuine ●●●●ence , 〈◊〉 as leade their life in thes world●● all felicitie ●●do end their life in great miserie . Whiche 〈…〉 in deede in Polycrates . For 〈…〉 app●●●●nded by the policie of a King of the Persons , and being 〈…〉 abused , was in the end most shamefully hanged . Herevnto agreeth that historie of S. Ambrose , who S. Ambrose his iudgement of continuall prosperitie . trau 〈…〉 Rome , by the way wente 〈…〉 rich mans housE to lodge , and in his inter●●●●ment , there fell out communication of the rich mans ●●●ate , who ioyfully , & 〈◊〉 lesse ●ostingly answrred : The worlde 〈◊〉 fid wned vppon me , but all things haue come to me euen according to my hartes desire . Which wordes , when that woithy Bishop heard , he spake vnto his company and say●● . Away hence sins with all speade , God loueth not this house , he hath no mansion here . And see the sequele : They were not gone farre from that 〈◊〉 , hifore the earth suddainely opened , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vp the man with all that eue● he had , so that nothing was saued , both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 do 〈◊〉 are , that God is not preseut , where the 〈◊〉 was absent , and 〈◊〉 cannot 〈◊〉 in firme 〈◊〉 , where God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 . For Saint 〈◊〉 the Apostle sayth : Ye haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on the 〈◊〉 and in wantonuesse , you haue 〈◊〉 you● 〈◊〉 in a day of 〈◊〉 yt haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 killed the iusti , 〈…〉 Iames. 5. ●ere . 12. 〈◊〉 you . The 〈…〉 O Lord if I 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 with thee of thy . 〈…〉 the may of the 〈…〉 they in wealth , that 〈…〉 hast ●●●●ted the 〈◊〉 & they haue taken 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈…〉 in their mo●●● , & far 〈◊〉 their mints , but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lord pull them , out like 〈◊〉 for the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 them for the day of 〈◊〉

And 〈…〉 Mala. 4. is greate diffedence in the days of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the iust● the ●●iust , speaking after this manner : For beholde the day conu●●th that shall burne as 〈◊〉 , and all the 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 and all that do 〈◊〉 , shall he 〈◊〉 , and the day that 〈…〉 , sayth the Lorde of hosts , and shall leaue then● neyther oote , neither braunche , but vnto you that feare my name , shall the sunne of righteousnesse arise , and healthe shall be vnder hys wings , and yee shall goe foorthe and growt vp as fat Calues . Let no good man thereforestumble at the prosperitie of the vngodly , let them not seeke to haue any part of the vnhappie portion of the wicked . Sith that as Dauid writeth . In the hande of the Lord there is a c●● and the wine is red , it is full mixt , and he powreth out of the same , surely all the wicked Psal. 75. of the earthe shall wring out and drinke the dr●gges thereof .

Nowe as some wicked and bloudy Tirants Examples of godly Princes murthered and ●ppressed . 2. reg. 12. prosper and come vnto a quiet ende , so some good Princes and magistrates are afflicted and cruelly murthered . Good Ionathas is slaine of the Philistines . Iehoas King of Iuda walking in the wayes of the Lord , is trayterously inurthered by his owne seruants . Iosias vnto whome no king of Iuda eyther before him or after him , mighte be compared in 2. Reg. 23. sincerenesse of hart and holinesse of life , was slayne by wicked Pharao Necho king of Egypt at Megiddo . And if we consider our own stories , wee shall reade of King Alu●●d who Alured . was indued with great knowledge in al learning , as well prophane as deuine of feruente zeale , and of a vertuous and godly life , yet hee beeing oppressed with more number of enimies than any other did leade an vncertayne , troublesome and vnquiet life , and forsaken of his friends , wandered in the wood countrey of Sommerset shire , and had skant to liue withall . King Iohn studying to represse the Popish King Iohn . Tyrannie in England , and to reduce the true knowledge of God , was poysoned by Simon a Monke of Swinsteed . King Henry King Henry . the sixt , surnamed the Saint , for that ther was in him all vertues , and a speciall studie for the health of his soule , the sauing wherof be esteemed to be the greatest wisedome , and the losse thereof the extremest follie , yet was he trayterously murthered in the Towre by Richard Duke of Glocester . And euen nowe the most trayterous , lamentable and cruell murder of French Tyrannie . many thousand of Christes members in France , aswell high and lowe , men , women and children , doth preache vnto vs Gods wonderfull dispensation in punishing his Church . Albeit the causes of these calamities are many , yet I will not throughly prosecute them , being not so pettinent to my purpose , but will contente my selfe with that whiche seemeth to mee amongst the rest to bee moste comfortable : namely , that they are signes and tokens of immortalitie and of eternall felicitie . For seeing God hathe promised to his children all good things , and permitteth the vngodly to oppresse them : notwithstanding he confirmeth by expert and euidente witnesse , that hee alloweth and approueth Iohn Baptist , Paule and suche like . It consequently followeth , another time and place to remayne , when Iohn and Paule shall be comforted : Herode and Nero punished , according to the saying of Peter , The 1. Pet. 4. tyme is come , that iudgemente must begin at the house of God . If it first begin at vs , what shall the ende be of them whiche obey not the Gospel of God ? Gods chosen and electe children therefore are afflicted in this life , by gods peculiar counsayle . And againe , the wicked seeme to be blessed in this world , but the electe haue no portion in this worlde , nor the reprobate in the world to come . Yet doth not God alwayes suffer his children to grone vnder the yoke of affliction , but comforteth and refresheth them ( as Bernard sayth ) God is angry indeede , when he seemeth not to be angry : and The godly most perfit in sorowe . Chrisostome , As golde reteyneth still his coulour and brightnesse both in water and fire : but Hay and Strawe runne abroade in the water , and are consumed with the fire . Euen so fareth it with the godly and the vngodly , for when the godly are in prosperitie , they are as golde in the water , in aduersitie , they are more brighte and beautifull , as golde in the fire . And againe , the wicked being in prosperitie , are scattered abroade like water : & in aduersitie they perish as Hay in the fornace . Now if God do any long space trie vs in the stormes of miserie & calamitie , whereas he is able euery moment to releeue vs , yet doth it not before he perceiueth vs purified and prepared to repentance . For as the goldsmith taketh not his golde out of the fornace , before it be exactly tried & clensed from the drosse , so doth not god take his sernants out of the fornace of afflictions , before he seth them clensed from grose affections and carnal appetites , & wholly bent to newnes & holines of life .

If then Princes & noble men do tast at any Princes ought to call vpon God in their distresse and not to despaire of his 〈◊〉 help . time of miseries and calamities , they oughte patiently to suffer the same , seeing that they are Gods chastisement and correction , seruing to their better perfection . And moreouer , in the middle of their troubles , they are taught by the examples of good and godly princes to flee vnto the liuing God , by ardente inuocation & prayer : both for that there is no danger so greate out of the whiche God is not able to deliuer them . And again , no accombrance , be it neuer so light & smal , out of the which they are able to wind themselues , vnlesse God with a speciall care & prouidence put too his helping hand . It then the prince or magistrate his owne person , be in danger of death through some greeuous ●●●hesse : let him call to his remembrance the example of Ezechias , let him settle his hope in Examples of Gods deliuerance , touching princes and noble men principally . God , let him bewayle his sinnes with bitter teares , & God will sende some Esaias who shal administer vnto him comfort , and salue for his greeuous sore . If a plage and Pestilence of his people astone him ; let him folow king Dauid , & offer for his people the sacrifices of an humble & lowly hart , & ther is no doubt , but the consuming pestilence shal ceasse . If famine and penurie may which thee can almost be no greater miserie do affect his land , let him endeuor to get some prouident Ioseph , to releeue the deere yeeres of Egypt in his countrey . If the earth 〈◊〉 and become barraine , let him call vpon God , & some Elias by his prayers wil open the heauens to send downe their moisture , or some Elizeus , who wil shew vnto I●●am & Iehosaphat whole riuers of water to releeue them . If sworde and fire in wars doe make him tremble , or if in the day of battell be despaire of victorie , let him recorde with hymselfe , that it , lieth in Gods hande , to reskew him and his men , and to rescue him with good Ezechias , who with prayer preuayled more than Sennacherib with his hundred thousands . If it please God to throwe him into ●riles , or into captiuitie , he may not for al this despaire , but with Manasses turning vnto the Lord , let him hope to be deliuered out of the dungeon in Babylon , and to see his Citie Hierusalem againe . If his people rebell on euery side , Dauid teacheth him to say , The Lords wil be done . Yet in that meane time he ought to desire God to infatuate the deuises of his aduarsaries , and God will appoint some faythful Chusu to bring to nought , the counsayls of tr●iterous Achitophell , and will ●asse by some 〈…〉 A●salon . I● his 〈…〉 with the 〈◊〉〈…〉 which tribulation being 〈…〉 other most greeuous ) as David 〈…〉 when he saw 〈…〉 murther : yet if he re●●● , God will 〈◊〉 Nathan to ereste and comfort him . And finally , what tribulation soeuer the magistrate tast of , whether it be spitituall or corporall , publike or priuate : let him make the liuing God his shooteanker , and looke for consolation and comfort at his hand .

Nowe if they thus cleaue vnto almightie Why God doth not alwayes deliuer his seruants from painful deths God , let them not doubt , but he will succoure and deliuer , if not the fleshe , yet the spirite : if not their bodies yet , certainely , he will not permit their Soule to perish : for that GOD whiche deliuered the three children out of the fierie fornace , and Daniel out of the Lions denne , suffered the Machabees , Vincentius , and infinite Martires , to die in sharp tormentes , and yet he is the God of the one and of the other . He therefore saueth some miraculously , to confound Idolatrie : he permitteth othersome to perish in their bodies , that the strong pacience of Martirs may be seene , and that the tormentes of the vngodly may be the heauier in August . psa. 33. Hell fire . When Vincentius was rent and al to torne vppon the racke , and after cast vppon Vincentius . the hote coales , he spake to the Tirant Dacianus , Shew all furor and crueltie vpon me that Bergomensis in supplemento . thou art able , by Gods power , I shall bee more firme and patient in suffering , than thou in afflicting . Whence came such courage and boldnesse ? Surely all the cogitations of the godly men , are settled vppon the rocke , the sonne of God . Without him the godlye would shrinke euen into the quagmire of desperation , but knowing their cause , they lift vp theyr heads and march after their Captayne Iesus Christ . And being armed with the shielde of faith , whereby they haue an assured estate in the life to come , they force not much what may Examples of good men , not dying naturally in theyr beddes . come to their mortall bodies , neither doe they thinke it a miserable ende , if they die with 〈◊〉 sword , in the fire , vpon the gallowes , or by any other wayes , so it be for the name of the Lord Iesus . And if wee consider examples , it will euidently appeare , that many of Gods elect died not in their beds a naturall death . Abel was murthered of his owne brother . The Prophet beeing sente to Hieroboam , was destroyed by a Lyon. Esay was sawen asunder through the mids . Ieremy , like as Stephen also , was stoned to death . Iames being throwen downe from the Pinacle of the temple , was Heb. 11. slayn of a fuller . Peter was fastried to that crosse Paul was executed with the sword . Many such examples are extant . Besides these , the famous men amongst the Heathen died miserably touching the world . The good Socrates was poysoned , Euripides was forne with 〈◊〉 Sophocles was choked with a berrie of a grape . Very sorowfull cumbrance & greefe of minde killed Homer . But Socrates accompted it confort Socrates . inough for good men to die innocently , & for good deserts to receyue vndeserued punishments . Christs Apostles accord with the same , who reioyced that they were found meete to sustayne Actes . 5. contumelies for the name of the Lord Iesus : the reason is thus : If we be spoyled of our goodes in this world , we haue other treasures in heauen : if we be here exiled , we are ther receyued into gods family : if we be murthered , a dore is opened vnto vs to euerlasting lyfe . To remember the day of iudgemente , easeth the sorowes of the vngodly . Icza . 25. Reuela . 7. wherfore let princes & noble men contemne such perils , & tolerate such crosses , if it please god to lay them vpon their shoulders . Which thing they shal be able to do , if they set before their eyes the day when the Lord will giue vnto his chosen a quiet kingdom , will wipe away al teares from their eys , & wil voutsafe to make them partakers of his euerlasting kingdom . But as for the vngodly which haue florished in the earth , he will throw them into vtter destruction , wher their plesures shal be recompenced with payns , their laughing with weping & grinding of teeth , their peace shal be vnquieted with the worme of the conscience , & they shal behold the godly whome they haue persecuted & killed raigning ouer them in all blessednesse . For this is that iustice , whereof 2. Thess. 1. the Apostle speaketh , to ease those that be vniustly afflicted , and to punish the oppressors of the godly , at that day when the Lorde Iesus shall be reueled from heauen . This surely , ought to comfort , not only noble , but all christian men : and this is their triumph ouer the world , the flesh , the Diuell , and all his members , to fixe their hartes and mindes vpon the resurrection : when the Lorde will poure vppon his enimies fire and brimstone , storme , and tempest for their portion , and will crowne his owne children with glorie , honor and immortalitie .

Only vnto God be honor and glory .