Verse 27. Lest we should offend them]
Better it is that a man part with his right, then give just 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to any. This was S. Pauls great 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 1 Cor 9. and his constant counsell to o∣thers, Rom. 14. 13, 14, 15. Let no man put a stumbling block,* 1.1 much l sse a scandall in his brothers way, that is, neither a light∣er, nor greater offence, but rather abridge himself of his 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. This is to expresse Christ to the world, to be made like unto him.
Here Hierom cries out, Quid primum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in hoc loco nescio, I knew not 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 here to wonder at, whether Christs prescience or greatnesse. His prescience, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 knew that the fish had money in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mouth, and that that fish should come first to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. His greatnes and power, that could create such a piece of mony by his bare word, and cause it so to be, by com∣manding it so to be. Who would not fear this Lord of hosts? Who would not trust him for necessaries, who can and wil cause all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to scatter for his? But what a wonderful work of God was it, and a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 warning to us 〈◊〉〈◊〉 these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 daies of war, had we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so wise as to have made good use of it, that God should send 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Friths Preparation to the Crosse, in the fish-belly, to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Cambridge, a little before the Commencement, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 few years since. That such a book (〈◊〉〈◊〉 the reverend man that rela∣teth* 1.2 it) should be brought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such a manner, and to such a place, and at such a time, when by reason of peoples 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cut of all parts, notice might be given to all places of the Land, in my apprehension 〈◊〉〈◊〉 can 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 for no lesse then a divine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and to have this voice with it, England prepare for the crosse.
Upon this place, Papists