Christs coming opened in a sermon before the honourable house of commons in Margaret's…

We many times leave Gods work, and are not constant in it because of opposition, which doth make us fear: But will Christ come and own us, and come in a time when we look not for him, in the darkest time? then why should not men go on with all constancy, even in their darkest fears? Luther relates a story of Austins mother, (which also Austin doth mention) who was much troubled for her son Austin, because that for the space of seven or nine years, he had been a Manichee; she prayed & continued praying for him; at the last in the night, she had as a word from God in answer to her prayer, these words, Qualis tu, talis ille; As thou, so he. Whereupon she was much refreshed, and told him, she had received a promise from the Lord that he should be converted from his error; but he told her the meaning of the words was contrary, that she should be as he was, that is, converted to his opinion; ⟨p. 16⟩But she did so constantly abide in her sense, ¹that, Facile transivit in sententiam matris, he easily turned to his mothers opinion. And indeed, what more convincing to an adversary then to see one constantly abiding by what is good? A Christian, especially a Christian Magistrate, should be like to Christ, who when he is in a way of mercy, will not be put out of his way by men. Isaiah. 27. verse 4. Who would set the briars and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. At the 2. and 3. verse, he speaks of his great love, and care to and of his Church: A vine-yard of red wine, I the Lord do keep it, I will water it every moment, least any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. I but in this vine-yard, there may be many briars and thorns, that may arise up to afflict Gods people. True, But (says the Lord) who would set the briars and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them. As if he should say, Indeed these wicked men are as briars and thorns, rending and tearing my poor people, and as briars and thorns they do conjoin and twist together; but though they do rise up against me in the way of my mercy towards my people, yet they shall not put me out of my way, I will even pass through them: yea, and though they do rise, it shall be to their own ruin, they shall burn together, I would burn them together, I the Lord would pass through them.