A commentary or exposition upon the four Evangelists, and the Acts of the Apostles: wherein the text is explained, some controversies are discussed, divers common places are handled, and many remarkable matters hinted, that had by former interpreters been pretermitted. Besides, divers other texts of Scripture which occasionally occur are fully opened, and the whole so intermixed with pertinent histories, as will yeeld both pleasure and profit to the judicious reader. / By John Trapp M. A. Pastour of Weston upon Avon in Gloucestershire.

Verse 4. For Iohn had said unto him, It is not lawfull]

Others knew it to be so, but none durst tell him so but Iohn. In like sort Eliah told Ahab, that he had troubled Israel (those times, and these did very much suit: Iohn was another Elias, Herod and Herodias answered to Ahab and Iezabel.) So Latimer presen∣ted, for a New-years gift to K. Henry the eight, a new Testament

with a napking, having this posie about it, Whore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God will judge. He also wrote a letter to the King, after* 1.1 the Proclamation for abolishing English books: where we may see and marvell at his great boldnesse and stoutnesse, who as yet being no Bishop, so freely and plainly durst to so mighty a* 1.2 Prince, in such a dangerous case, against the Kings Proclamation set 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in such a terrible time, take upon him to write, and to admonish that which no Councellour durst once speak unto him, in defence of Christs Gospel. King Asa, though a godly Prince, imprisoned the Prophet for dealing plainly with him. Archbishop Grindall lost Q. Elizabeths favour, and was confined, for favouring Pro∣phecies, &c. as it was pretended: but in truth, for condemning an* 1.3 unlawfull marriage of Iulio an Italian Physitian with another mans wife, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Leicester in vain opposed against his procee∣dings therein. Gods truth must be told, however it be taken, and not be betrayed (as it is too too oft,) by a cowardly silence.

It is not lawfull for thee to have her]

And yet the Pope fre∣quently dispenseth with such incestuous marriages. K. Philip the third of Spain, were he now alive, might call the Arch-duke Al∣dred* 1.4 both brother, cousen, nephew and son: for all this were he unto him either by bloud or affinity; being uncle to himself, 〈◊〉〈◊〉-german to his father, husband to his sister, and father to his wife, and all by Papall dispensation. Abhorred filth.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Act and Mon sol. 1594.
• * 1.2

  Ibid. 1591.
• * 1.3

  Camd. Elizab.
• * 1.4

  Sands his survey.