ALthough these sixe and twenty yeares wholly I haue not vnwillyngly wanted that our natiue countrey , whose beauty doth entice so many straungers from farre to come vnto it , because I had no delite nor desire to dwell in that land whence Gods truth , pure Religion , and the doctrine of eternall saluation was banished , forth of the which Christs kyngdome was violently driuen , neither yet at this day do I greatly desyre the same : yet to forget the people and nation of whom I was borne , it were neither any poynt of humanity , neither lawful so to do . And I do suppose that I haue with playne proofes declared how carefully and earnestly I haue desired to profit our countreymen : vnto whom it may be that myne absence hath bene profitable whiles that by my study and trauayle they haue receiued more fruite . The consideration of the which commodity hath not onely wyped away all grief , but hath made myne exile swete and comfortable . Wherefore seyng all this long tyme I haue laboured publikely to profite my countreymen of Fraunce , and haue not ceassed priuatly also to styrre vp the slouthful , to pricke forward the sluggish , to encourage the fearefull , to exhorte the doubtfull weakelynges vnto perseueraunce : I thought it now my duety in this daungerous tyme , not to slake my diligence towardes them , especially God geuing me so good occasion to do it . For when my Lectures wherin I dyd interpretate Daniels Prophecies should come abroad , nothyng could haue come to hand more aptly , then hereby to shew vnto you deare brethren in this glasse , how that God willing to proue the fayth of his at this time with diuerse exercises , hath prouided by his maruelous wisedome , to confirme and establish their myndes with old examples , lest they should at any tyme faynt , beyng shaken with most greuous stormes and tempestes , or at least if they should at sometyme come into any doubtfull distresse , that they should not fall away in the ende . For though there be appoynted to the seruauntes of God a course or race beset with many daungers and impedimentes : yet who soeuer shall diligently read and consider this booke , he shall finde therin conteyned , what so euer is apte and meete to direct and guyde hym that is not slouthfull but forward , from the begynnyng to the end of hys race : and the good and stoute champions shall know by experience that they are sufficiently armed to the combate .

First of all an history , though lamentable , yet very profitable doth offer it selfe , that Daniel and hys companions were caryed into captiuity whiles the Kyngdome and Priesthode continued : as though God had giuen vp to extreme calamity and misery the chief floure of the chosen people . And what at the first vew can be thought more vnmete , then that children endued as it were with Angelical vertues , should be taken as a spoyle , and made slaues to a proude Conquerer , when as the most wicked men and proude contemners of God dyd remaine at home safe and sound ? Is this the reward of Godlynes and of an innocent lyfe , whiles that the wicked flatter them selues because they escape vnpunished , that the Saintes & Godly should suffer the punishment which they had deserued ? Howbeit here do we see as in a lyuely image , that God when hee spareth and pardoneth the most wicked for a space , doth try hys seruauntes lyke gold and siluer , lest it should greue vs to be cast into the fornace of triall or fynyng fyre , whiles that prophane persons do lyue in rest at pleasure .

Secondly there foloweth an example of more then mans wisedome , and of a singular continency , with an heroicall stoutnes of mynde , whiles that those godly young men beyng tempted in that tender age with courtly delicates , do not onely passe ouer without regarde , the daynties that were offered them , through their temperancy : but because they perceiued them selues to be craftely assaulted that they might fal by litle and litle from the pure worship of God : to the entent that they might rid them selues from these snares of Sathan , they do boldly and constantly despise , not without great daunger of death , the honor embrued with poyson .

There doth folow a cruell and more fearefull combate , with a notable example of an incredible and meruelous constancy , whiles that the companions of Daniell are not moued with cruell threatnynges to pollute them selues with the worshyp of the image , & at the length are ready to defend the pure worshyp of GOD , not onely by their owne bloud , but also by the sufferyng of most horrible tormentes . As for the goodnes of God that shyneth forth in the end of this tragedy , it is very profitable to arme vs with an inuincible fayth and constancy .

After this there doth folow the lyke battaile and victory of Daniel hym selfe , whiles that he had rather to be cast to the ragyng Lyons , then to absteine but three dayes from an open profession of hys fayth , lest by deceitfull dissimulation he might prostitute the holy name of God , to the derision of the wicked : and he beyng deliuered forth of the denne , as it were drawen forth of the graue most miraculously , triumpheth ouer Sathan and his confederates . Heare come not forth any Philosophers , which can dispute subtily and cunnyngly of vertues in their studyes when they are quyet : but here haue we the infatigable constancy of holy men in the exercise of true holynes , to styrre vs vp with open cry to folow them . Wherfore vnles we be altogether vncapable of doctrine , we must learne of those Scholemasters , diligently to take hede , whether that Sathan lay hys baytes of flattery , that we be not snared therewith : or if that he assayle vs with violence , that we may repulse and breake hys assaultes with a bold contempt of death and all daungers . If any man will make excuse , that the examples of both these deliueraunces that we haue named , are rare : I do graunt that God doth not alwayes stretch forth his hand from the heauens , to saue hys in lyke sort , but ( which is sufficient for vs ) he hath hereby testified that he will be the faithfull guerdon and keper of our lyfe so oft as it shall be in any daunger , and that we are not exposed to the lustes of the wicked , but that God can assuage their fury and outragious enterprises when he seeth it good . But we may not onely looke vpon the end and successe , but we must behold how boldly & courageously these holy men haue offered them selues to death for the defence of Gods glory , neither doth their prompt and ready myndes in offeryng them selues as sacrifices , deserue lesse prayse because they were deliuered .

Now , amongest how many styrres and stormes was the Prophet tossed those 70. yeares that he lyued in Captiuity , it will be good to consider . He was so well treated of no kyng as he was of Nebuchadnezar , whom he yet found a ragyng beast . The other were more cruell , whiles by the sodaine death of Balsazar and the wynnyng of the Citie , he was brought vnder new Lordes , the Persians and the Medes . Who fiercely breakyng in like cruell enemyes , as they made all afrayde , so is there no doubt but that they wounded his heart . And though he were wel vsed of Darius , so that that seruitude was tolerable : yet through the enuy and cursed conspiracy of the noble men , he was then in most daunger . Howbeit as he was more carefull for the commune safety of the Church then for his owne quietnes , in what sorow was it like that he remained , and with how great grief was he troubled , when that present state dyd shew none end of the cruell oppression of that miserable people ? He did depend assuredly vpon the Prophecy of Ieremy . But this was an incomparable pacience and constancy , that his hope dyd not languish nor decay beyng so long differed , yea that it was not vtterly drowned beyng drawen through so many ragyng floudes and tempestes after such sondry sortes .

Now come I to the Prophecies , wherof the former were sent vnto the Babilonians , partly because God would adourne his seruaunt with certaine speciall markes which should compell that most proude nation , though now in conquest , to reuerence and honour hym , partly because it was conuenient that his name should be had in reuerence amongest those prophane persons , that beyng in authoritie he might exercise the office of a Prophet more freely towardes hys owne nation . And after that his name was famous amongst the Chaldees , God committed vnto hym Prophecies of great importance , which should peculiarly belong to the elect people : but God dyd so apply them to the vse and commoditie of the auncient people , that they should both mitigate the sorowes with confortable remedyes , and comfirme the waueryng myndes vntill the commyng of Christ , and also he had no lesse regarde of our tymes . For that which he dyd speake before of the transitory and vanishyng shew of the Monarchies and of the euerlastyng stability of Christes kyngdome , is no lesse profitable to be knowne of vs this day then of old . For God declareth that earthly power which is not founded in Christ , is transitory , and he threatneth a sodeine ruine to all kyngdomes which set them selues vp in pride , to obscure or hynder the glory of Christ .

The Kynges that now reigne in so great kyngdomes ( vnles they willyngly come vnder Christes dominion ) shall feele in the end by dolefull experience , that this horrible iudgement doth also apperteine vnto them . For what is more intolerable then to robbe hym of his right and authoritie , by whose protection their dignitie is preserued ? yet do we see how few of that number do receiue the Sonne of God offering hym selfe vnto them , yea how they busie them selues , how they seeke all shiftes and try all extremities , rather then they will suffer hym to enter into their borders : and many of their Counsellours diligently apply their whole industry , endeuour , and study to shut vp all passages . And yet in the meane season , that they pretende the name of Christianity , and do boast them selues the chief defenders of the Catholicke faith , it may easely bee confuted as a vayne bablyng , if it be once knowne what the kyngdome of Christ is by a true and right definition . For the scepter of his kyngdome or hys throne is nothyng els but the doctrine of the Gospell , neither doth hys Maiesty shyne any where els , neither doth he otherwayes atteine his empire , then where all , both high and low , with quyte myndes to learne lyke shepe , do heare his voyce and folow whether so euer he calleth . But they do not onely euerywhere reiect this doctrine , wherin true Religion and the lawfull worship of God is conteined , wherin the euerlastyng saluation of man and the true felicitie consisteth , but they banishe it and driue it farre from them with manaces and terrors , with fire and with sword , and leaue no force vnattempted to driue it forth of their borders . And what a blindnes is this and how monstruous , that they whom the onely begotten Sonne of God doth call most louyngly vnto him selfe , can not abide to receaue him and to imbrace him ? But many ( such is their pride ) thinke their authoritie nothyng if they submit their scepters to the hye Kyng . Others will not suffer theyr lustes to be brideled : and as hypocrisy doth blinde the wittes of them all , they desire darknes and are afrayd to be drawen forth into the light . Yet is there no more wicked pestilence than the feare which Herode had : as though he would take away earthly dominions from the Monarches , which offereth the heauenly kyngdome to euery one of the least and poorest of the people . The next is , that whiles one doth looke at the doynges of an other , their mutuall league doth reteine them all fast bound vnder the yoke of impiety with a deadly knot . For if they would earnestly apply their mynde to enquire what is truth and right , yea though they would but onely open their eyes , the knowledge therof were euident . But because this is perceiued vsually for the most part , when Christ springeth forth with his Gospell , that also great styrres do aryse : vnder an honest pretence they cast away the heauenly doctrine , to prouide for publike tranquillity .

I must graunt in deede , that such alterations & chaunges as do engender publicke disturbance may be iudged odious : but God hath great iniury offered vnles we attribute thus much to his power , that he can establish the kyngdome of his sonne , and assuage all tumultes that boyle forth agaynst him . Although heauen and earth should rolle together , the worshyp of God is farre more precious , then that the least diminishing therof can be recompensed with any ransome . How be it they do burden the Gospell with a false sclander , which do imagine that it is the matter & cause of tumultes and vproares . It is true in dede that God doth therein thunder with the vehemency of his word , wherby he shaketh the heauen and the earth : but whiles the Prophet bryngeth in this sentence to commend the word and to bryng credit therunto , that shakyng is blessed and much to be wished . And assuredly vnles Gods glory be set aloft in his due place , whiles all flesh be humbled and brought downe , the pride of men which doth lift vp it selfe agaynst it , will neuer giue place but forced and throwne downe by the strong and mighty hand of God . And if so be that the earth trembled at the publishyng of the law , Exo. 19.18 it is no maruaile if the power and office of the Gospell appeare more glisteryng and glorious . Wherfore we ought more louyngly to embrace the Gospell , which whiles it rayseth the dead from the helles , and openeth the heauens to them that were vnworthy to lyue vpon the earth , it sheweth a straunge power and vertue , as though all the elementes dyd agree to our saluation .

But loe , the tumultes and tempestes do spryng forth of an other fountaine : because that some tymes the nobility and such as are in hygh honor in the world , do not willyngly suffer the yoke of Christ : sometymes the foolish multitude spitteth forth what soeuer is for saluation , before they haue any taste what it is : and part like porkes delite them selues in their filthynes . And others , as though they were enraged with infernal furies , are outragious in slaughters . And the deuil doth pricke forth those that he hath , wholly to be his slaues with most excessiue fury and outrage , to bryng all to hurly burly . Hereof commeth the soundyng of the trumpets , hereof come battailes and warres , whiles that Heliogabalus that Prelate of Rome , with hys red and bloudy route and horned beastes , rageth so fiercely agaynst Christ and seketh for helpe on euery side of his filthy Clergy , the which altogether although it be not fedde in like daynty sort , yet doth it eate browys and collaps out of the same pot , and many hungry companions flye vnto them to offer their seruice . A great number of the iudges which were wont to stuffe their bellyes with Idolatrous feastes , do fight for their kitchyns & bellycheare : but chiefly the deuill sendeth raylers out of the cloysters of Monkes and Friers and forth of the dennes of dimsicall Doctours , who are like bellowes to kindle the fire .

I do passe ouer the priuy craftes and wicked conspiracies , wherof they can be the best witnesses vnto me , that are the greatest enemies to Religion . I name no man : it is enough to haue pointed them with the finger , who are but ouer well knowne . It is no maruaile though they which depend of the chaungeable state and the diuerse ishue of thynges , continue doubtfull in this confused inuasion of so many beastes . But they reiect the blame of their infidelity iniustly and wickedly vpon the holy Gospell of Christ . Let vs graunt that all hell with the infernall furies do enter into battayle : will God sit idle in the heauens to forsake and betray his owne cause ? And when he shall stand vp agaynst them , can the craftes of men be they neuer so subtill , or yet their forces be they neuer so great , let God to haue the victory ? The Pope , they say , will bryng with hym a long trayne of confederates . It is a iust reward of incredulity , to tremble at the sounde of the fall of the leafe . And what say you , vnwise and vnprouident counsaylers ? let Christ go that no new straungenes do trouble vs . Therfore shall you perceaue shortly after this , how much better it had bene to haue God mercyfull , and despisyng all vayne terrours , to rest vpon his protection , then to prouoke hym to open warre , lest they should offend and displease the euill and wicked spirites . Surely when all thynges are examined to the vttermost by the Popes defenders , the superstition which hetherto hath reigned , is none other but an euill thyng well and cunnyngly layd vp and placed , which they thinke ought not to be styrred , because it semeth that it can not be touched without some losse and detriment . But vnto them which desire Gods glory , and which are setled in true Religion , there must be a farre contrary purpose , that is , that they do so offer their labours vnto God , that they commit all the ishues therof to his prouidence , who if he had promised nothyng vnto vs , peraduenture there might be some iust cause to feare and continually to doubt : but seing that he hath so oft testified that hys assistance shall neuer fayle in the settyng forth of the kyngdome of his Christ , it is the onely way to do well to settle our selues in this confidence .

Now it is your partes good brethren , as farre as euery mans power and office shall lead hym , to be carefull with all his harte , that true Religion may recouer hys pure and perfect state . I nede not to rehearse how diligently hetherto I haue endeuored my selfe to cut of all occasions of tumultes : so that I haue the aungels and you all my witnesses before the hye iudge , that the faulte was not in me that the kyngdome of Christ hath not had a peaceable procedyng without any hinderance : and I suppose that my diligence hath somethyng profited , that priuate men should not passe theyr boundes . Now , although God by his merueilous power hath spread the restoryng of the Church farther then I durst hope for it , Luc. 21.19 yet is it mete to remember what Christ commaundeth his scholers , euen to possesse their soules in patience . Vnto the which purpose also the vision of Daniel appertayneth : that the stone wherby all the kyngdomes which fought agaynst God were broken , was not formed nor fashioned by mans hand : and though it were rude and vnpolished , yet dyd it grow into a great mountaine . Of the which thyng I thought good to admonish you , that amongest the thondryng threatnyngs , you should quietly wayte that these empty cloudes may be driuen away by the heauenly power , and so vanish . Yet am I not ignoraunt ( to passe ouer the fires of thirty yeares ) what vnworthy troubles ye haue suffer these last sixe monethes : how ofte in sundry places the tumultuous people haue broken into your assemblyes : how oft you haue bene assaulted with stones and with swordes : how your enemyes haue layne in wayte for you , that they might oppresse your peaceable congregations with suddayn force at vnwares : how some haue bene slayne in their owne houses , some in the hye wayes : how the bodyes of the dead haue bene trailed in derision , the women rauished , many men wounded , one woman great with child and her child also thrust through , the houses broken and pulled downe .

But although more cruell thynges were yet at hand , that you may declare your selues the Disciples of Christ rightly instructed in his schole , you must indeuour your selues that no rage of the wicked which deale so outragiously , do driue you from that moderation whereby hetherto onely they haue bene ouercome and disapoynted . And if so be that the length of tyme do make you weary , remember oftentymes that famous Prophecy , in the which the condition of the Church was liuely expressed . God declared then vnto his Prophet what battayles , what troubles , what griefes and perils the Iewes should suffer from the end of their captiuity and ioyfull returning into their countrey , vntill the commyng of Christ . Now the likenes of times causeth the same thyngs to be agreable vnto vs , and therfore may be applyed to our vse . Daniel reioyced for the miserable Church which had ben long drowned with a depe floude of miseries , when he collected by the count of the yeares , that the day of deliueraunce spoken of by Ieremy the Prophet was at hand . Iere. 25. c. 12. & . 29.10 . Howbeit he had an aunswere that the state of the people should be more greuous after that liberty were restored , so that they should scantly haue any breathyng tyme from their continuall miseries . Daniel continued hys hope seuenty yeares not without great and bitter sorow and many griefes : but now God increasing the tyme seuenfold , doth strike hym to the heart , as it were with a deadly wound . Neither doth he yet onely pronounce that the people should be subiect to new troubles , when after long tyme they beyng restored had gathered strength , had built their Citie and Temple : but in the first begynnyng of their mirth , when they had scarce tasted the swetenes of the comfort , he doth appointe them vnto misery . Now , concernyng the calamities which folowed soone after ( wherof there is a long rehearsall ) seyng we tremble at the hearyng onely of them , how dolefull and bitter do we thinke they were to the rude people , how horrible and fearefull a spectacle was it to see the temple prophaned by the bold malice of a cursed tyrant , the sacrifices mixed with filthy pollutions in despite , and all the bookes of the law to be burned to destroy all Religion , and all those to be drawen to the same fire , who soeuer dyd confesse playnly and constantly that they would perseuere and continue in the worshyp of God ? How could the tender and weake behold this without great feare of heart ? And this was the purpose of the tyraunt , that cruelty should driue the weakelynges to fall from their Religion . Vnder the Machabees there semed some release to be offered , the which yet was straight after deformed with most cruel slaughters , and neuer wanted sorrow and grief . For where as their enemy did farre excell them both in multitude and warlike munition , they all thought nothyng better which had taken weapons for the defence of the Church , then to hide them selues in the dennes of wild beastes , or to wander in wildernes with great pouerty and scarcity of all thynges .

There was also an other kynde of temptation , that wicked hipocrites , vnder a false pretence of zeale ( as Daniel sayth ) did ioyne them selues to Iudas and his brethren . By the which subtilty Sathan spotted the garisons that Iudas had collected , with great infamy , as though they had ben a bande of theues and robbers . But nothyng was more lamentable vnto good men , then to see the Priestes them selues , as euery man was caried with hys ambition , to betray the Church and the Religion of God with wicked packyngs and practises . Neither was that holy office onely sold and made a marchandise , but it was bought with mutuall slaughter and parricides . Hereof came it that all states of men , all though Circumcision and sacrifices were in vse , were polluted in the ende through the manifold corruptions which spred euery where without punishment : that it was a straunge wonder to wayte for the kyngdome of God when Christ came into the world , and very few are therfore named with this commendation . If now in that miserable deformity of the Church , in the manifold desolations , amongst those great terrours , the spoylyng of their countreys , the robbyng of houses , and amongest the daungers of death the Prophecy of Daniel hath susteined godly mindes , when as Religion was yet wrapped in darke shadowes , and the doctrine almost extinguished , and the Priests themselues beyng degenerate dyd tread all holy thynges vnder foote : how shamefull shall our tender weakenes be , vnles this cleare light of the Gospell , in the which God hath shewed his fatherly face towardes vs , lift vs vp aboue all impediments , and stablish vs with a constancy that can not bee wearied ? For as there is no doubt but that the seruauntes of God then dyd apply vnto their age , to mitigate the sorowes of their present miseryes , all such things as were spoken by the Prophetes of the Babilonicall captiuity : so is it our part to haue our eyes bent vpon the miseries of our fathers , that we refuse not to be gathered vnto that Church , vnto whom it is spoken : Isa. 54.11 . Psa. 129.1 2.3.4 . O thou poore one , affiicted and tossed with tempestes , that hast no comfort , behold I will receaue thee : and the which in an other place , after she hath complained that the plowers haue plowed theyr backe , and the wicked haue made long forrowes as it were in a field , yet doth she glory straightwayes that their cordes were cut by the iust God , that they could not preuaile . And the Prophet hath not onely encouraged vs by the examples of those tymes to hope and to patience , but he hath ioyned an exhortation taught by the holy spirite , which is extended to the whole kyngdome of Christ , and is peculiar vnto vs .

Wherfore let it not be greuous vnto vs to be comprehended amongest the number of them , who as Daniel sayth : Must be tryed by fyre that they may be made white : seyng that the inestimable felicity and glory which springeth therof , doth more then sufficiently recompence all the griefes of the crosse . And though many can feele no taste in this doctrine , but thinke it vnsauery , yet may not their dulnes or sluggishnes make vs the more slouthfull : and therfore must we print deepely in our hartes that which the Prophet straight way pronounceth : that the wicked shall do wickedly , because they will vnderstand nothyng : but the children of God shall be endued with the knowledge of God , that they may kepe the right course of their godly vocation . And it is necessary to consider the fountaine of that brutish blindnes , that the heauenly doctrine may be sauery vnto vs . For there is none other cause why the most part doth despise Christ and his Gospell , but for that they carelesly flatter them selues in sinne , and are neither wakened with any feare , neither with the sense of their miseries , neither with the terrour of Gods wrath , to desire earnestly and feruently the redemption which onely doth deliuer vs from the bottomles depth of eternall destruction : and in the meane tyme beyng snared with pleasures and other allurementes , or rather betwitched thereby , they are all together careles of the blessed eternity of the other lyfe . And though there be many and sondry sectes of them that contempteously despise the doctrine of the Gospell , and in some of them pride is more euident , in some others tender weakenes , in others a certaine dronkennes of the mynde , in others a sleapy dulnes : yet shall we finde that this contempt commeth of a prophane careles security : because that no man doth enter into him selfe , to examine his owne miseries to finde a remedy for them .

This is a monstrous madnes , when Gods wrath and curse lyeth vpon vs , and his iust vengeance doth presse vs , that we should cast of all care , and stand in our owne conceit , as though nothyng were to be feared . How be it this vice is to much commune : that those that are gilty a thousand tymes and are worthy a thousand tymes of eternall death , when they haue sleighty done a few foolishe ceremonies vnto God , they bryng them selues into a slepe , or rather a deadly and senseles traunce . But seyng that Paul doth pronounce that the sauour of the Gospell is deadly vnto all those whose myndes the deuill bewitcheth : it is necessary for vs that will taste the sauour therof vnto lyfe , to set our selues before Gods iudgement seat , and often thether to sommon our consciences , the which beyng wounded with an vnfeined feare , the reconciliation which Christ hath purchased for vs with his bloud so precious , may be estemed of vs accordyng to the price and worthynes . Wherfore the aungell preacheth of the eternall iustice which Christ hath sealed with the sacrifice of his death , to cause men to reuerence Christes doctrine , & to wynne authoritie vnto it : and he expresseth also the maner and meane to obteine iustice : because ( sayth he ) iniquity is done away and purged . Therfore whiles the world doth run mad after theyr lustes and wantonnes let the consideration of the condemnation which we haue deserued make vs afrayde and humble vs before God . And whiles carnall men do glutte them selues with earthly pleasures & delites , let vs embrace with feruent desire , this vncomparable treasure , in the which an assured felicity and blessednes is layd vp for vs . Let our enemies prate as they please , that they also care how to haue God mercifull vnto them : seing they are of this opinion , that men must doubtfully call vpon God in prayer , it is plaine that they ouerthrow the chief foundation of our saluation . Let them taunt & scoffe at our fayth as long as they list , so that we feele assuredly that no man can attaine to this prerogatiue but by the benefite of fayth , with a free and quiet conscience , trustyng to the mediation of Christ , to call God father .

But the study of Religion and care of godlines will neuer take force in vs as it ought to do , vntil we do learne to lift vp our myndes ( which are alwayes ouer prone to the earth ) and exercise them in a continuall meditation of the heauenly lyfe . In the which point the meruelous vanity of mankynd bewrayeth it selfe , that whereas al men can speake plausibly , as they were Philosophers , of the shortnes of this life , yet no man aspireth to that eternall and euerlastyng life . Wherfore it was not without cause that Paul when he commendeth the faith & charity of the Collossians , Col. 1.2.5 . sayth that they are encouraged by that hope which was layd vp in the heauens . And speakyng in an other place of the end of the grace which is reueled vnto vs in Christ , Tit. 2.12.13 he sayth that we are taught therby to deny all vngodlynes and worldly desires , and to lyue soberly and iustly and godly in this world , waityng for that blessed hope & glorious commyng of the great God euen our Sauiour Iesus Christ . Let this hope then & waityng for his commyng rauish vs vnto it , and lose vs from all worldly impedimentes : and the more that the world is infected and farced with the careles lyfe of the Epicures , it becommeth vs to labour so much the more earnestly , that this infection creepe not into vs also , vntil we come to the marke appointed . And although it is to be lamented that such a multitude doth willyngly perish , yet lest the wicked madnes of them which thus cast them selues downe purposely to their owne destruction should trouble vs , let an other lesson of Daniel comforte vs , that there is a sure saluation layd vp for all them that are found written in the booke . And although our election be hyd in the secrete counsell of God , which is the first cause of our saluation , yet seyng that the adoption of all that are grafted into the body of Christ by faith in the Gospell is nothing doubtfull : be you content with this testimony , & go forward courageously in this that you haue blessedly begon . And though you must yet fight a longer battaile ( as I pronounce vnto you that there are yet behynd sorer skyrmishes then you do looke for ) with what rage so euer the madnes of the wicked shall boyle forth , and though they bryng all the deuils of hell to helpe them , remember you that your full course is appointed by the heauenly moderator and ruler of the field , whose lawes and orders you must obey the more willyngly because that he doth minister strength vnto his souldiours vnto the end . Now because it is not lawfull for me to forsake the state , place , and office wherein God will haue me to remaine , this my labour dedicate vnto you , shal be a pledge of my carefull desire to helpe you , whiles that my pilgrimage beyng ended , the heauenly father of great mercy shall gather me together with you into his euerlastyng heritage . The Lord gouerne you with his holy spirite , my deare beloued brethren , and defend you with his protection agaynst all the enterprises of the enemyes , and strengthen you with an inuincible power .

HEre foloweth the boke of Daniel the Prophet , the vtility & commoditie wherof , how great it is , may more easily bee vnderstand by the goyng forward in the same , then aptly in fewe wordes be declared . But I will now giue some tast yet therof , which may the better prepare vs to the readyng , & make vs more attentiue . And before I do come so farre , I will briefly comprehend the summe of the boke and so diuide it as may best further vs . Wherfore we will diuide it into two partes . First Daniel rehearseth how he atteined authoritie euen amongest the infidels . For it was necessarie that he should be raysed vp to his propheticall office after a straunge & rare maner . All thinges ( as is well knowne ) were so confused and so farre out of order amongest the Iewes , that scarcely could any man beleue that there remained yet any Prophet . Hieremias was a lyue in the begynnyng , and Ezekiel afterward . Also the Iewes had their Prophetes after their returne : but Hieremias & Ezekiel had almost ended their course when Daniel began to Prophecy . Others , as Haggaei , Zakari , and Malachi were created Prophets to exhort the people : so that their office seemed to be limited . As concernyng Daniel , he could scarcely be counted for a Prophet vnles God had set hym vp after a maruelous maner , as I haue sayd . This shall we see to the end of the vj. chapter , that he was adourned of God with speciall notes and tokens , that the Iewes might fully be assured that God had geuen hym vnto them for a Prophet , vnles they would condemne them selues of filthy ingratitude agaynst God . His name was famous amongest the Babilonians , and much honored . If the Iewes had despised hym that was had in admiration euen of the prophane Gentiles , was not this as it were of set purpose to quench & to tread vnder foote the grace of God ? Daniel therfore had certaine notes and tokens wherby he might be knowen the Prophet of God , & wherby his vocation might be ratified .

The second part is ioyned afterward , wherby God forwarneth by him what soeuer should shortly come to the elect people . The visions therfore from the vij . chapter to the end of the booke do peculiarly belong to the Church of God . For there God declareth what is to come : which was a thyng very necessary . It was a sore tentation when the Iewes must suffer captiuitie 70. yeares , and yet after that they should returne into their countrey , for those 70. yeares God did differre the full deliuerance vnto 70. times seuen yeares . Their mindes might haue fayled and they all haue dispayred a thousand tymes . For the Prophetes had spoken so gloriously of the redemption , that the Iewes did hope for an happy and most blessed state so soone as they should be deliuered from the Babilonicall bondage . But when they are oppressed agayne with so many afflictions , and that not for a short tyme , but aboue foure hundreth yeares , where as they were in captiuitie but 70. yeares , the deliuerance might seme but a mockery . And there is no doubt but that Sathan dyd tempt the myndes of many to fall away from God , as though God had deluded them when he brought them forth of Chaldea into their countrey . For these causes God declared by a vision vnto hys seruaunt , how many and how great afflictions did remaine for the people of God . Howbeit Daniel doth so Prophetie , that he doth almost lyke an Historiographer describe all those thyngs which then were secrete . And this was very necessarie , because that in so troublesome alterations the people had neuer tasted that these thynges were reueled vnto Daniel by God if the successe had not approued the heauenly testimonie . Therfore was it mete that this holy man should thus speake and Prophecie of thynges to come , as though he had declared thynges already performed . But this shall we speake of in place .