A word in season

Now have we to learn how we may apply this verse rightly and to our Comfort. For true Divinity consisteth in use and practice. We are vexed on every side with cruel Bishops, wicked Princes, and others which hate the Word of God and the doctrine which we profess. But these are very trifles, if ye compare them with those vexations which Satan, Sin, and our own infirmity raise up in our Consciences. We must learn therefore thus to judge of all these things, that they are the Rod and Sceptre of the wicked, and to set the Lord against them, revealing ⟨p. 21⟩his Will here in his Word, and pronouncing that he will not suffer the Sceptre of the wicked to rest upon the godly. Seeing then the same Prince promiseth thus much unto us which hath all things in his hand, what can we require more? For the will of God is certain, that though he suffer us to be afflicted, yet will he not see us trodden under foot or perish. Thus must we apply these sweet Consolations.

Now have we to learn how we may apply this verse rightly and to our Comfort. For true Divinity consisteth in use and practice. We are vexed on every side with cruel Bishops, wicked Princes, and others which hate the Word of God and the doctrine which we profess. But these are very trifles, if ye compare them with those vexations which Satan, Sin, and our own infirmity raise up in our Consciences. We must learn therefore thus to judge of all these things, that they are the Rod and Scepter of the wicked, and to set the Lord against them, revealing ⟨p. 21⟩his Will here in his Word, and pronouncing that he will not suffer the Scepter of the wicked to rest upon the godly. Seeing then the same Prince promiseth thus much unto us which hath all things in his hand, what can we require more? For the will of God is certain, that though he suffer us to be afflicted, yet will he not see us troden under foot or perish. Thus must we apply these sweet Consolations.

What the rod signifieth in the Scripture it is well known. Children when they are young, are corrected with a rod; and when they wax bigger, with a Wand or Cudgel; and if they will not so amend, then followeth the Iron rod. Hereof it cometh that the rod signifieth all Power and Rule, which is for the Amendment and Correction of such as do offend. So it is taken in the 110 Psalm. The Lord shall send forth the rod of thy Power out of Zion: That is to say, thy Kingdom; For there he signifieth such a rod whereby Kingdoms and People are governed. On this wise the holy Ghost permitteth here to the wicked, Dominion and Tyranny over the godly, which they are compelled to suffer. Like as we are compelled not only to see but also to suffer the Tyranny of Antichrist and the Power of his Kingdom, persecuting, destroying and murdering the Christians, and raging against them with all kind of Tyranny. Yea we are Compelled moreover to suffer the Tyranny of Satan vexing and terrifying my Heart and the Hearts of the Brethren which believe in Christ. This Dominion or Tyranny the Holy Ghost calleth the rod of the wicked; and comforteth us, that as the Lord liveth, their Tyranny shall fall, and shall not rest upon the Lot of the godly.