John Trapp on 1 Peter 4:12

Verſe 12. Think it not ſtrange] Ne tanquam hospites percellumini, Stand not wondering, and as if ſtruck into a maze. Fain would this fleſh make ſtrange of that which the Spirit doth embrace (ſaith Mr Saunders Martyr, in a letter to his wife.)Act. and Mon. fol. 1360. O Lord how loth is this loitering ſluggard to paſſe forth in Gods path. It fantaſieth, forſooth, much fear of fray-bugs. And were it not for the force of faith which pulleth it forward by the rain of Gods moſt ſweet promiſe, and of hope which pricks on behinde, great adventures there were of fainting by the way. But bleſſed, and everlaſtingly bleſſed be our heavenly Father, &c.

Concerning the fiery triall] John Brown of Aſhford, through the cruell handling of Archbiſhop Warrham, and Fiſher Biſhop of Rocheſter, was ſo piteouſly entreated (ſaith Mr Fox) that his bare feet were ſet upon the hot burning coals, to make him deny his faith:Act. and M[illegible: 1 letter]n. fol. 1[illegible: 1 letter]77. which not withſtanding he would not do, but patiently abiding the pain, continued in the Lords quarrel unremoveable. See the like of Roſe Allen, Act. and Mon. 1820.

As though ſome ſtrange thing] Fore-caſt afflictions, which being fore-ſeen come no whit the ſooner, but far the eaſier: It is a labour well loſt, if they come not, well ſpent if they do; whereas coming upon the ſudden, they finde weak mindes ſecure, make them miſerable, leave them deſperate. Biſhop Latimer ever affirmed, that the preaching of the Goſpel wovld coſt him his life, to the which he no leſſe chearfully prepared himſelf, then certainly was perſwaded, that Winchester was kept in the Tower for the ſame purpoſe; and the event did too truly prove the ſame. Being ſent for to London by a purſuivant, and coming thorow Smith field, he merrily ſaid,Act and Mon, fol 1579. That Smithfield had long groaned for him. To the Leiutenant of the Tower he ſaid, You look I think, that I ſhould burn; but except you let me have ſome fire I am like to deceive your expectation: for I am like here to ſtarve for cold.