The Epistle.

THe Lord God hath opened mine eare, * there∣fore can I not say nay, neither withdraw my selfe: but I offer backe vnto the smiters, and my cheekes to the nippers. I turne not my face from shame and spitting, and the Lord God shall helpe me: therefore shall I not be confounded. I haue hardeued my face like a flint stone, for I am sure that I shal not come to confu∣sion. He is at hand that iustifieth mee: who will then goe to law with me? Let vs stand one against another. If there be any that will reason with me, let him come here foorth to me. Behold, the Lord God standeth by mee: What is hee then that can condemne me? Loe, they shal be like as an olde cloth, the moth shall eate them vp. Therefore who so feareth the Lord among you, let him heare the voyce of his seruant. Who so walketh in darkenesse, and no light shineth vpon him, let him put his trust in the name of the Lord, and hold him vp by his God. But take heede, yee all kindle a fire of the wrath of God, and stirre vp the coales, Walke on in the glistering of your owne fire, and in the coales that ye haue kindled. This commeth vnto you from my hand, namely that ye shal sleepe in sorow.