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 5. And when he would have put him to death]

Why, what had the good Baptist done, that he must dye? The people must be made believe that he suffereth for practising against the* 1.1 King. But this was so thin a falshood that it might be transpa∣rently seen through. Therefore Herod durst not kill him, though 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much desired to do it, lest the people should move and mutiny. He knew himself hated by them already for his cruelty and other crimes. Now if he should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them afresh by executing the Baptist, whom they highly honoured, who knew what they would do? 〈◊〉〈◊〉, how terrible soever, have their fears, that curb and keep them in for a time at least, from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 notorious outrages. In the beginning of Q. Maries reigne, after the tu∣mult at Bournes Sermon at the crosse (where the people flang daggers, and were ready to pull him limmeal out of the pulpet, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them to Popery) the L. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Aldermen were willed to call a common-Counsell, and to signifie to said as∣sembly the Queens determination, sc. that albeit her 〈◊〉〈◊〉 con∣science

is staid in matter of Religion, yet she graciously meant not to compell or strain other mens consciences, otherwise then God shall, as she trusted, put in their hearts a perswasion of the truth that she is in, through the opening of the word unto them by god∣ly,* 1.2 vertuous, and learned Preachers

Notes

• * 1.1

  Tenue 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 1.2

  Act. and Mon. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1281.