Matthew Poole and continuators on Nehemiah 6:11

11 And I said, should such a man as I flee? and who is there that being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life ? I will not go in.

[illegible: 1+ letters] the chief Governour, upon whose presence, and Counsel, and conduct, the very Life and Being of the whole City and Nation in a great measure depends: I who have professed such Resolution, and Courage, and Confidence in God. I who have had such eminent experience of Gods gracious and powerful Assistances, of his calling me to this employment, and carrying me through it when our danger was greater than now it is. Shall I now dishonour God and Religion, and betray the People and City of God by my cowardize? God forbid. This is not the counsel of God, nor of a Friend, but a Plot of mine Enemies, as it here follows.

As if I had an evil Cause or Conscience; as if I were a a malefactor, who fled thither for refuge: as if I durst not trust God with my preservation, except I went into the Temple, which it is not lawful, for me, being no Priest, to do.