CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

1. That all the power and policy that his enemies did use were not able to prevail over him till his hour came: Though he preached every day, and went up and down doing good, by all which his enemies were the more provoked against him, yet they were not able to take an hair from him, and how observable is that when some bid him depart, for Herod would kill him, Go saith he, and tell that fox, behold I do miracles, to day, and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected; Nevertheless I must work to day and to morrow: The meaning is, that maugre all his malice and power▪ yet he should do his work, and be preserved till his hour did come, so that all endeavours, all counsels are frustrated which meet not with Gods appointed time, only Christ knew when his hour was, which God keepeth sometimes secret from his people. Again

1. That all the power and policy that his enemies did use were not able to prevail over him till his hour came: Though he preached every day, and went up and down doing good, by all which his enemies were the more provoked against him, yet they were not able to take an hair from him, and how observable is that when some bid him depart, for Herod would kill him, Go saith he, and tell that fox, behold I do miracles, to day, and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected; Neverthelesse I must work to day and to morrow: The meaning is, that maugre all his malice and power▪ yet he should do his work, and be preserved till his hour did come, so that all endeavours, all counsels are frustrated which meet not with Gods appointed time, only Christ knew when his hour was, which God keepeth sometimes secret from his people. Again

2. Observe the wisdom and prudence of Christ when danger was come, because then it was not his hour; Sometimes he departed secretly, and went from place to place to avoid the malice of his enemies, yea, his father and mother fled with him while a child to escape death, This teacheth us, That it is our duty to preserve our selves from ruin, when we have not a call or obligation thereunto; So the Prophets in Jezebels time were hid by many in a cave, and those Noble Worthies recorded by the Apostle that fled and hid themselves in caves and mountains, they are said to do it by faith; It was not sinful fear but faith, so that we are diligently to consider when it is our call, our duty, when God requireth of us, as the time and hour of our affliction, that we must lose