Most fruitful [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martyr Vermil Florentine, professor of divinity,…Most fruitfull [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martir Vermil Florentine, professor of deuinitie,…

¶ To the right honourable, my most singular good Lord and Master the Lord Robert Dudley, Earle of Leicester, Baron of Dynghby, Knight of the honourable order of the Garter, one of the Queens highness most honourable privy Counsel, and Master of her Majesties horse.

¶ To the ryght honorable, my most singuler good Lord and Maister the Lord Robert Duddely, Earle of Lecester, Baron of Dynghby, Knight of the honorable order of the Garter, one of the Quenes highnes most honorable priuy Counsel, and Maister of her Maiesties horsse.

In respect whereof, among other it hath pleased God, to give me leave (by your Lordships mean, under the licence of my most dread sovereign Lady and Prince) to publish and set out to the glory of Gods Majesty chiefly: I have taken upon me to plant and put forth (like such a husband, as can not endure the plough of my profession to stand unoccupied) this notable and right excellent work of that famous, grave, and great learned Doctor, Master Peter Martyr (entitled His Commentary upon the book of Judges) being turned, at the request of the learned, out of that tongue, wherein he wrote it, into our English phrase, in which it is most meet for us. As who should say, what he published into one tongue privately, he meant (as I take it) should be delivered to all men generally (Christians or other) to whom it may do good. Whose labour tending to such effect, cannot, but like a tree that bears many branches, spread it self abroad, till it stretch with his fruit to many countries, nations, and languages, out of the same spring ⟨image 3⟩and stock, wherein he first planted it to grow, and hath grafted it for us, And happy that spring (yea very happy) that caries such course of water, to furnish so many Conducts, for the necessity and help of so many inhabitors, as it can not but have concourse among. And happy that servant that hath so bestowed his masters talent, as it cannot but turn again with so great an interest to the owner. And twice happy they, that may so taste and drink of it, as the glory may be Gods, and the comfort theirs, which being the only but and mark whereat this Markman shot: what deserveth such an Archer to be accounted of? I that think my self scant meet to set out his book, do reckon my self much more unmeet to express his praise. As if I were either able or meet, what should I labour to show your honour a whole man by his piece, unless (as it might he said) I meant to show your honour the Sun by a candle. Him self therefore that hath taken this pain upon him, and best can show him self by his own shape: shall report him self in his own labour to your honour, as he is best able. Who as he thought it most meet for his part, to unfold the secretes of that common wealth in the time of the Judges, for the plainer understanding of the sense thereof, to the commodity of us, and others after us and him:

In respect whereof, among other it hath pleased God, to geue me leaue (by your Lordships meane, vnder the lisence of my most dread soueraigne Lady and Prince) to publish and set out to the glory of Gods Maiestie chieflie: I haue taken vpon me to plant and put foorth (lyke such a husbande, as can not endure the plowe of my profession to stande vnoccupied) this notable and right excellent woorke of that famous, graue, and great learned Doctor, Maister Peter Martir (entiteled His Commentary vpon the booke of Iudges) being turned, at the request of the learned, out of that tounge, wherein he wrote it, into our English phrase, in which it is most meete for vs. As who shoulde saye, what he published into one toung priuately, he ment (as I take it) shoulde be deliuered to all men generally (Christians or other) to whom it maye doo good. VVhose labour tending to suche effect, cannot, but like a tree that beares many braunches, spread it selfe abroad, tyll it stretche with hys fruit to many countries, nacions, and languages, out of the same spryng ⟨image 3⟩and stocke, wherin he first planted it to grow, and hath graffed it for vs, And happy that spring (yea very happye) that caries such course of water, to furnishe so many Conductes, for the necessity and helpe of so many inhabitors, as it can not but haue concourse among. And happy that seruant that hath so bestowed his maisters talent, as it cannot but turne agayne with so great an interest to the owner. And twise happy they, that may so taste and drinke of it, as the glory may be Gods, and the comfort theirs, which being the onely but and marke wherat this Markmā shot: what deserueth such an Archer to be accompted of? I that thinke my selfe scant meete to set out his booke, do recken my selfe much more vnmeete to expres his prayse. As if I were either able or meete, what should I labour to shewe your honour a whole man by his peece, vnlesse (as it might he said) I ment to shewe your honour the Sunne by a candle. Him selfe therfore that hath taken this paine vpon him, and best can shewe him selfe by his owne shape: shall report him selfe in his owne labour to your honour, as he is best able. VVho as he thought it most meete for his part, to vnfolde the secretes of that cōmon wealth in the time of the Iudges, for the plainer vnderstanding of the sence therof, to the commoditie of vs, and others after vs and him:

So have I thought it meet for me, and my very duty to your honour, humbly to present and offer the same (by me now published) unto your honourable hands, as from the Judges of Israel and him, to one a Judge and Ruler of this my native country and people, under our supreme Judge, our most dread sovereign Lady the Queens Majesty. Having had nothing meeter whereby to express my faithful hart, good mind, and duty, to your honourable Lordship, then this the simple labour of my plough: the fruit whereof cannot be but yours, that are owner of me.

So haue I thought it meete for me, and my very duty to your honor, humbly to present and offer the same (by me now published) vnto your honorable hands, as from the Iudges of Israel and him, to one a Iudge and Ruler of this my natiue countrye and people, vnder our supreme Iudge, our most dread soueraigne Lady the Queenes Maiestie. Hauing had nothing meeter wherby to expresse my faithfull hart, good mynde, and duty, to your honourable Lordshyp, then thys the simple laboure of my plowe: the fruite wherof cannot be but yours, that are owner of me.

Humbly beseeching the same to accept it in as good part, as my faithful serviceable hart towards your honour, hath and doth mean it. Beseeching God, that so graciously hath liked to begin with your Lordship hitherto, mercifully continue and keep the same, to his glory, to the comfort of your self, and hope that this your Country of Israel (whereof you are a Judge) hath conceived of you.

Humbly beseching the same to accept it in as good part, as my faithfull seruiceable hart towardes your honour, hath and doth meane it. Beseching God, that so graciouslye hath lyked to beginne wyth your Lordship hitherto, mercifullye continue and keepe the same, to hys glorye, to the comfort of your selfe, and hope that this your Countrye of Israell (whereof you are a Iudge) hath conceaued of you.

Your Lordships humble, faithful, and ready servant John Day.

Your Lordships humble, faithfull, and redy seruaunt Iohn Daye.

❧To the noble and most worthy men the Lords, chief governors of the School of Argentine, my good Lords, for their godliness and wisdom much to be reverenced, D. Peter Martyr. Vermilius Florentine, Professor of the holy Scriptures in the School of Tigure, wisheth health and felicity from God, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

❧To the noble and most vvoorthy men the Lordes, chiefe gouernours of the Schoole of Argentine, my good Lordes, for their godlynes and wisdome much to be reuerenced, D. Peter Martir. Vermilius Florentine, Professor of the holye Scriptures in the Schoole of Tigure, wisheth health and felicitye from God, through Iesus Christ our Sauiour.

When it pleased God (most worthy and honourable men) of his mere goodness, and not for any my virtues or merits, to call me to the obedience of his Son our Lord Jesus Christ, to exercise my self in setting forth his Gospel, in such manner as hath pleased him, I thought it my duty, as much as lay in me, to execute my vocation and assigned burden, not only in teaching, but also in mind, life, and manners. For thus I reasoned with my self: If unto all men, being justified only by the mercy of the true God, through Jesus Christ our Saviour, not undoubtedly by works, but freely receiving forgiveness of since, there remaineth no other thing in the course of this short life, then that having obtained the holy Ghost, and nature being somewhat relieved from his proper corruption, they should by pure life, and holy actions lively express God himself their regenerator, and Christ their redeemer: the same thing without doubt is much more required of men of my profession, whom the ecclesiastical spirit hath appointed to administer lively doctrine unto other men, that whilst they teach uprightly, by their evil deeds they deface not the weight, and all the authority of their doctrine, which thing if they do, they shall in the darkness of this world most brightly give light unto other, and cause them to lift up the eyes of their minds unto God the chief fountain, head, and beginning of all good things, and to honour him with praises and most upright religion. Wherefore I gather, and that truly (as I am most fully persuaded) that I my self, and the rest of the Ministers of the doctrine of the Son of God, ought above all other to live most justly. But when I considered that the office of this virtue Justice (which shineth among mortal men like the bright star Lucifer) consisteth wholly in this, to render to every man that which is his, I desired verily to perform the same not maimed, nor diminished, nor shortened, but consisting of all his parts, so much as humane weakness would suffer me. And among other excellent parts or kinds thereof, a thankful mind, and mindful of a benefit received, is not to be numbered among the least, whose property is not only to acknowledge benefits received, but also earnestly to be desirous to give thanks for them.

WHen it pleased God (most woorthy and honorable mē) of his mere goodnes, and not for any my vertues or merites, to cal me to the obedience of his sonne our Lord Iesus Christ, to exercise my selfe in setting forth his Gospel, in such maner as hath pleased him, I thought it my duty, as much as lay in me, to execute my vocation and assigned burthen, not onely in teaching, but also in minde, lyfe, and maners. For thus I reasoned with my selfe: If vnto al men, being iustified onely by the mercy of the true God, through Iesus Christ our Sauiour, not vndoubtedlye by woorkes, but freelye receauing forgeuenes of synnes, there remayneth no other thyng in the course of this short lyfe, then that hauing obtayned the holy Ghost, and nature being somewhat relieued from his proper corruption, they should by pure lyfe, and holy actions liuely expresse God hymselfe their regenerator, and Christ their redeemer: the same thing without doubte is much more required of men of my profession, whom the ecclesiasticall spirit hath appointed to administer liuely doctrine vnto other men, that whylest they teach vprightly, by their euil deedes they deface not the waight, and al the authoritye of their doctrine, which thing if they do, they shal in the darknes of this worlde most brightly geue light vnto other, and cause them to lift vp the eyes of theyr mindes vnto God the chiefe fountayne, head, and beginning of al good things, and to honour him with prayses and most vpright religion. Wherfore I gather, and that truly (as I am most fully perswaded) that I my self, and the rest of the Ministers of the doctrine of the sonne of God, ought aboue al other to liue most iustly. But when I considered that the office of this vertue Iustice (whiche shyneth among mortall men like the bright starre Lucifer) consisteth wholy in this, to render to euery man that which is his, I desired verely to performe the same not maymed, nor diminished, nor shortened, but consisting of all his partes, so much as humane weakenes would suffer me. And among other excellent parts or kindes therof, a thankfull minde, and mindfull of a benefite receaued, is not to be numbred among the least, whose property is not onely to acknowledge benefites receaued, but also earnestlye to bee desirous to geue thankes for them.

This thing when I weigh with my self (for I think on it oftentimes, I will not say continually) there cometh into my remembrance very many & great benefits, which your public wealth, church & school have heretofore bestowed upon me. And assuredly, when I reckon them, & more deeply weigh them, they appear unto me so many & so great, that I am exceedingly afraid, least I should happen to depart out of this life ungrateful, which thing undoubtedly should be more bitter unto me, than death it self. Ye, when I came out of Italy for religion sake, with most incredible humanity received me: ye gave me the freedom of your most ample city: ye placed me in that School, which ye not long before with great praise of wise & godly men had erected: there ye appointed me a Professor of holy scriptures, whereas I lived a fellow with most learned and excellent men, more then five years. All which time ye maintained me with a very liberal stipend. Ye, when I was called into England, decreed that I should go thither, where certain years I was teaching the Gospel in the University of Oxford, namely until such time as Edward the sixth of that name, that most worthy King, and which can never be praised enough, was taken away by untimely death, which brought unto all the godly, grief, mourning, and sundry and hard vexations. Ye exceeding lovingly received me, when I returned thence to Argentine, & placed me in the same room, wherein I was with you before. Also, when the most noble Senate of Tigure called me into the place of Pellicanus, which was there ⟨image 4⟩a Professor of Divinity, ye, although both to your great grief and also to mine, did yet most lovingly let me go. The cause of my departure I will not now speak of, because it is to all men known well enough. Thus much only will I say, that I do both vehemently desire, and also hope, that this stop or let may be taken away out of the field of the Lord. These your benefits, which are of them selves ample and noble, I do nothing increase nor amplify: But this one thing I testify, that they never slipped out of mind, neither is it possible but that they being laid up in the bottom of my hart, shall there abide for ever.

This thing when I weigh with my selfe (for I thinke on it oftentimes, I wyll not say continually) there cōmeth into my remembrāce very many & great benefites, which your publike welth, churche & schoole haue heretofore bestowed vpō me. And assuredly, when I recken them, & more depely weigh them, they appere vnto me so many & so great, that I am excedingly afrayd, least I should happen to depart out of this life vngrateful, which thing vndoutedly should be more bitter vnto me, thē death it self. Ye, when I came out of Italy for religiō sake, with most incredible humanity receaued me: ye gaue me the fredome of your most ample city: ye placed me in that Schoole, which ye not long before with great praise of wyse & godly men had erected: ther ye appoynted me a Professor of holy scriptures, wheras I liued a fellow with most learned and excellent men, more then fiue yeares. All which time ye mayntained me with a very liberal stipend. Ye, when I was called into England, decreed that I should go thither, where certayne yeares I was teaching the Gospel in the Vniuersity of Oxford, namelye vntil such time as Edward the sixt of that name, that most woorthye King, and which can neuer be praysed inough, was taken away by vntimely death, which brought vnto all the godly, griefe, mourning, and sundrye and hard vexacions. Ye exceding louingly receued me, when I returned thence to Argentine, & placed me in the same roume, wherin I was with you before. Also, when the most noble Senate of Tigure called me into the place of Pellicanus, which was ther ⟨image 4⟩a Professor of Diuinity, ye, although both to your great griefe and also to mine, did yet most louinglye let me go. The cause of my departure I wyll not nowe speake of, bicause it is to all men knowen wel inough. Thus much onely wil I say, that I do both vehemently desyre, and also hope, that this stop or let may be taken away out of the field of the Lord. These your benefits, which are of them selues ample and noble, I do nothing encrease nor amplify: But this one thing I testify, that they neuer slipped out of minde, neither is it possible but that they being layd vp in the bottom of my hart, shal there abide for euer.

Howbeit, because the remembrance and thinking on the benefits which I have received of you doth not satisfy me, I have always desired to make open unto all men my good will and grateful hart towards you, which have been so wonderful beneficial towards me, wherefore I have very often times determined with my self, one time at the length to declare by some signification or monument my singular affection, and ardent love towards your public wealth, Church and School. But for as much as touching riches of this world, I have nothing wherewithal to perform the same, least. I should dye frustrate of my so honest and vehement a desire, being about now to set forth a Commentary upon the holy history of the Judges: As I have taught it in your School, I have determined to dedicate it to your name, where as otherwise I would have offered unto you things much greater and better, if strength & ability had answered unto my mind. Neither was I hereunto persuaded only by the reason now alleged, namely by some manner of means to show my good will towards you, and not to give any man occasion of suspicion, that in changing my place I should have shaken of my endeavour and study towards you: (which thing undoubtedly is not so: For I have not laid aside these things, but they most firmly stick in my mind daily more & more.) But this also did drive me to do this, for that this book was written in your city. And therefore I thought it meet, that in the possession thereof no man should be preferred before you. Farther, this did not a little move me, for that the argument of this history most aptly agreeth with you. For even as God at sundry times stirred up Judges unto the Hebrews, to deliver them when they were oppressed with the tyranny of their enemies: So were you not among the last stirred up by his goodness and grace, to bring to light the Gospel of the Son of God, when it was held captive in darkness by the dominion and violence of hypocrites, and when the minds of Christians as touching godliness were every where in a manner barren and unfruitful. Here assuredly I could make mention of very many your acts both godly and honourable:

Howbeit, bicause the remembrance and thinking on the benefites which I haue receaued of you doth not satisfy me, I haue alwayes desired to make open vnto al men my good will and gratefull hart towardes you, which haue bene so wonderfull beneficial towardes me, wherefore I haue very often times determined with my selfe, one tyme at the length to declare by some signification or monument my singular affection, and ardent loue towardes your publike wealth, Church and Schoole. But for as muche as touchynge ryches of thys worlde, I haue nothing wherwithal to performe the same, least. I should dye frustrate of my so honest and vehement a desire, being about now to set forth a Comentary vpon the holy history of the Iudges: As I haue taught it in your Schoole, I haue determined to dedicate it to your name, where as otherwise I would haue offred vnto you thinges much greater and better, if strength & ability had answered vnto my minde. Neither was I hereunto perswaded onely by the reason now alledged, namely by some maner of meanes to shew my good wyl towards you, and not to geue any man occasion of suspicion, that in chaunging my place I should haue shaken of my endeuour and study towardes you: (which thing vndoubtedly is not so: For I haue not laid aside these things, but they most firmly sticke in my mind daily more & more.) But this also did driue me to do this, for that this boke was writtē in your city. And therfore I thought it meete, that in the possession therof no man should be preferred before you. Farther, this did not a lytle moue me, for that the argumēt of this history most aptly agreeth with you. For euen as God at sundry times stirred vp Iudges vnto the Hebrewes, to deliuer them when they were oppressed with the tiranny of their enemies: So wer you not amonge the last stirred vp by his goodnes and grace, to bring to lyght the Gospell of the sonne of God, when it was held captiue in darknes by the dominion and violence of hipocrites, and when the mindes of Christiās as touchyng godlynes were euery where in a maner baren and vnfruitfull. Here assuredlye I could make mencion of very many your actes both godly and honorable:

but I overpass them, for that you have many eloquent and notable publishers abroad of your doings, which most abundantly and elegantly have set forth your valiantness of mind, your constancy in embracing and spreading abroad of the Gospel of Christ, and your liberality in maintaining your notable, most learned and famous School. Neither undoubtedly can the praises which they have given you be reproved of any lye, for as much as you have with great seruentnes of faith received the doctrine of the Son of God, and ye are made unto other a notable example of renewing of piety. And afterward when by reason of iniquity of times things which were well ordered, seemed somewhat to slide and fall to decay, ye having firm confidence of the aid of God, very godly and wisely took courage unto you, and even now in this time ye stoutly and luckily did drive out the remnants of the Amorites and Canaanites out of the inheritance of the Lord, which pertained to your lot. Which your act hath with all the godly, gotten you great grace, praise, glory, and favour. Wherefore I, as which vehemently desire honour, fame and dignity unto the City of Argentine, do exceedingly rejoice, for your most excellent and holy act. And I do desire god the father of mercy, that ye being inflamed and kindled with his spirit, may always go forward to better things. For so long as we wander here on earth, as strangers from our country which is in heaven, the Church is not fully perfect, neither in all parts absolute: For always something is therein wanting, especially seeing we are fallen into the iron age of the latter time. For was there not in the golden world of the Church many discords, troubles, and manners not agreeable unto a Christian life? And shall not that part of the world which is christened, be now sick of the same discommodities and vices, when for age it now doteth? Let us look upon the Church of the Hebrews, which at that time was the peculiar people of God, separated from all nations. Undoubtedly we shall ⟨image 4⟩there find sundry courses and alterations of things. Some times they slipped out of the right way. Sometimes they repented and lamented and amended the since wherein they had fallen. But whilst they lay in their sins and wickedness, they were by God corrected with grievous afflictions, and most sharp punishments.

but I ouerpasse them, for that you haue manye eloquent and notable publishers abroade of your doinges, which most aboundantly and elegantly haue set foorth your valiantnes of minde, your constancy in embracing and spreading abroade of the Gospel of Christ, and your liberality in maintaining your notable, moste learned and famous Schoole. Neyther vndoubtedly can the praises which they haue geuen you bee reproued of anye lye, for as muche as you haue with great seruentnes of fayth receaued the doctrine of the sonne of God, and ye are made vnto other a notable example of renuing of piety. And afterward when by reason of iniquity of times thinges which wer wel ordered, semed somwhat to slide and fall to decaye, ye hauing firme confidence of the ayde of God, verye godlys and wisely tooke courage vnto you, and euen now in this time ye stoutly and luckely did driue out the remnantes of the Amorrihites and Chananites out of the inheritance of the Lord, which pertayned to your lot. Which your act hath wyth al the godly, gotten you great grace, prayse, glory, and fauour. Wherefore I, as which vehemently desyre honor, fame and dignity vnto the City of Argentine, do excedingly reioyce, for your most excellent and holy act. And I do desyre god the father of mercy, that ye being inflamed and kindled with his spirit, may alwaies go forward to better thinges. For so long as we wander here on earth, as straungers from our country which is in heauen, the Church is not fully perfect, neither in al partes absolute: For alwayes somthing is therein wanting, especially seing we are fallen into the yron age of the latter time. For was there not in the goldē world of the Church many discords, troubles, and maners not agreable vnto a Christian life? And shal not that part of the world which is christened, be now sycke of the same discōmodities and vices, when for age it nowe doteth? Let vs looke vpon the Church of the Hebrues, which at that tyme was the peculiar people of God, seperated from al nacions. Vndoubtedlye we shall ⟨image 4⟩there finde sundry courses and alteracions of thinges. Some times they slipped out of the rightway. Sometimes they repented and lamented and amended the synnes wherin they had fallen. But whilest they lay in their sinnes and wickednes, they were by God corrected with greuous afflictions, and most sharp punishments.

But returning unto him, they faithfully implored his aid: which when they had obtained, they again prevailed against their enemies. In them (except we be utterly blind) we see the image of the goodness of God towards the saints, and his severity upon the wicked painted, and lively expressed as it were in a table that is most rightly polished. Blessed is God, which defendeth his in most great dangers and calamities, and faithfully keepeth his safe and found: which cometh of his goodness, neither suffereth he them wholly to fall from piety, or utterly to be consumed with miseries and adversities. And we, if we note these things in this holy history, shall not marvel that the people of God were often times tossed, and even in manner oppressed with so many and grievous chances: for whether we behold the godly, or whether we behold the ungodly, we shall perceive that all these things were done with great fruit, and most wise consideration. For unto those, whom God the heavenly father hath even from without beginning chosen unto him by Jesus Christ, and our of an innumerable number of mortal men adopted to be his children, adversities did to this end happen, that even as gold and silver are by the power of fire purged, so their minds should prove more pure by adversities. For by them as by lively flames, the love of our self, and of frail and transitory things is burnt up. But the studies of piety and innocency are wonderfully kindled and inflamed. But of the ungodly, whom the divine providence hath most justly decreed to punish with eternal death, the consideration is far otherwise. For adversities do not burn away their spots and vices, but rather increase and augment them, by the augmentation of which adversities the impiety of their minds also increaseth, even as we see that with one and the self same fire clay waxeth hard, and wax melteth away.

But returning vnto him, they faithfully implored his ayde: which when they had obtayned, they agayne preuailed against their enemies. In them (except we be vtterly blinde) we see the image of the goodnes of God towardes the sayntes, and his seuerity vpon the wicked painted, and liuely expressed as it were in a table that is most rightly polished. Blessed is God, which defendeth his in most great daungers and calamities, and faythfully keepeth his safe and found: which commeth of his goodnes, neither suffereth he them wholye to fall from piety, or vtterly to be consumed with miseries and aduersities. And we, if we note these thinges in thys holye historye, shall not maruayle that the people of God were often times tossed, and euen in maner oppressed with so many and greuous chaunces: for whether we behold the godly, or whether we behold the vngodly, we shall perceaue that al these thinges were done with great fruit, and most wyse consideracion. For vnto those, whom God the heauenlye father hath euen from without beginning chosen vnto him by Iesus Christe, and our of an innumerable number of mortall men adopted to be his children, aduersities did to this end happen, that euen as gold and syluer are by the power of fire purged, so their mindes should proue more pure by aduersities. For by them as by lyuelye flames, the loue of our selfe, and of frayle and transitorye thinges is burnt vp. But the studies of piety and innocency are wonderfully kindled and inflamed. But of the vngodly, whom the diuine prouidence hath most iustly decreed to punish with eternal death, the consideracion is farre otherwise. For aduersities do not burne away their spots and vices, but rather encrease and augment them, by the augmentaciō of which aduersities the impiety of their minds also increaseth, euen as we see that with one and the selfe same fyre claye waxeth hard, and wax melteth away.

Wherefore the reading of the golden history of the Judges is most profitable, so that there want not faith in reading of them, and prayers be without ceasing added, whereby we may pray unto God not faintly, but fervently, to make his words of efficacy in us by the holy Ghost. For those holy narrations are as it were certain nourishments or stays, whereby our confidence towards the promises of God is wonderfully confirmed, and our mind is erected to a most firm hope of obtaining of them. For whilst we diligently consider the wonderful notable acts which God did for the health and safety of the nation of the Hebrews, it is uncredible to be spoken, how our hearts are stirred up to worship and honour him sincerely and religiously. Farther, in those heroical acts the incredible power and wisdom of the providence of God doth every where abundantly and brightly shine forth, which received with no less pleasure than fruit. For by those things which are declared (except we will willingly be blind) may easily be understand, that whatsoever was done, or succeeded luckily or unluckily, at home or on warfare, the same is to be attributed either to the justice, or else to the mercy of the eternal God. We are also most plainly taught, that God neglecteth not things humane. But that he hath a consideration and regard over the godly and the ungodly, and of them to the one he giveth joy and pleasure, but the other he at the last most grievously punisheth. Farther, this thing is chiefly to be marked, that Jesus Christ the Son of God is not secluded from this holy history. For for as much as he is the end of the law, and sum of the holy scripture, as much as this book pertaineth unto the law, and is a part of the holy scripture, so much doth it show and most evidently preach Christ unto the Readers. For the acts of noble captains are here rehearsed, which (as it is written unto the Hebrews) through faith wan kingdoms, wrought righteousness, and obtained the promise. But that faith which is natural and sound includeth Christ him self, unto whom singularly and in a manner only it hath a regard. For by him the promises of God are made of efficacy.

Wherefore the reading of the golden history of the Iudges is most profitable, so that there want not fayth in reading of them, and prayers be without ceasing added, whereby we may pray vnto God not fayntly, but feruently, to make his woordes of efficacy in vs by the holy Ghost. For those holye narracions are as it were certaine nourishments or stayes, whereby our confidence towardes the promises of God is wonderfully confirmed, and our minde is erected to a most firme hope of obtayning of them. For whylest we diligentlye consider the wonderful notable actes which God did for the health and safety of the nacion of the Hebrues, it is vncredible to be spoken, how our hartes are styrred vp to woorship and honour him sincerely and religiously. Farther, in those heroicall actes the incredible power and wysdome of the prouidence of God doth euery where aboundantly and brightly shine forth, which receaued with no lesse pleasure thē fruite. For by those thinges which are declared (except we wyll wyllynglye be blinde) may easely be vnderstand, that whatsoeuer was done, or succeded luckely or vnluckely, at home or on warfare, the same is to be attributed either to the iustice, or els to the mercy of the eternal God. We are also most plainlye taught, that God neglecteth not thinges humane. But that he hath a consideracion and regard ouer the godly and the vngodly, and of them to the one he giueth ioy and pleasure, but the other he at the last moste greuouslye punisheth. Farther, thys thing is chiefly to be marked, that Iesus Christ the sonne of God is not secluded from thys holy history. For for as much as he is the end of the law, and sūme of the holy scripture, as much as this booke pertaineth vnto the law, and is a part of the holy scripture, so much doth it shew and most euidently preach Christ vnto the Readers. For the actes of noble captaines are here rehearsed, which (as it is written vnto the Hebrues) through fayth wan kingdomes, wrought righteousnes, and obtayned the promise. But that fayth which is natural and sound includeth Christ him selfe, vnto whom singularly and in a maner onely it hath a regard. For by him the promises of God are made of efficacye.

Wherefore whilst we behold the wonderful acts of the Judges, we ought to have before our eyes the excellent faith which brightly shined in them, & together with it the common deliverer of humane kind, namely the Son of God Christ Jesus, whom they beheld as their Captain and Emperor. And that not unworthily, for he by them wrought, and by them did set the people at liberty, in admonishing them ⟨image 5⟩by the voices of Angels, and oracles of Prophets, in confirming them in dangers, and at the last not unconstantlye but most faithfully performing those things which he had before most liberally promised. Lastly, when we hear that the Hebrews, which were the members of the same Christ, were sometime oppressed and slain of their enemies. Let us in them acknowledge the death and torments of our head. And in their victories and triumphs. Let us behold his resurrection, kingdom and glory. For God hath framed unto us wings of his spirit and word: but if through our own default we become fleshy and heavy, we shall not be carried up into heaven, but together with beasts be drawn downward.

Wherfore whilest we behold the wonderful actes of the Iudges, we ought to haue before our eyes the excellent fayth which brightly shined in them, & together with it the cōmon deliuerer of humane kinde, namely the sonne of God Christ Iesus, whom they beheld as their Captaine and Emperour. And that not vnwoorthely, for he by them wrought, and by them did set the people at liberty, in admonishing them ⟨image 5⟩by the voyces of Angels, and oracles of Prophetes, in confirming them in daungers, and at the last not vnconstantlye but most faythfullye performing those thinges which he had before most liberally promised. Lastlye, when we heare that the Hebrues, which were the members of the same Christ, were sometime oppressed and slayne of their enemies. Let vs in them acknowledge the death and tormētes of our head. And in their victories and triumphes. Let vs behold his resurrection, kingdome and glory. For God hath framed vnto vs winges of his spirite and woord: but if through our own default we become fleshy and heauy, we shal not be caryed vp into heauen, but together with beastes bee drawen downewarde.