John Trapp on Daniel 3:16

Ver. 16. Shadrach, Meſhac, and Abednego anſwered] With an heroical faith, and well-knit reſolution. A ſound faith and a clear conſcience (ſaith one) are able by their native puiſſance, to pull the very heart (as it were) out of hell, and with confidence and conqueſt to look even death and the devil in the face.

We are not careful to anſwer thee] The Saint hath a Quietus eſt, that ſuperſedeth all his cares, Philip. 4.6. Some render it Non neceſſe habemus: As the King would admit no diſcuſſing his decree, but would have it abſolutely obeyed; ſo they were at a point never to do it, nor to be removed from their religion. The heavens ſhall ſooner fall, ſaid that Martyr, then I will ſtart or ſtir an inch from what I have profeſſed. With the like undaunted courage anſwered Cyprian the Proconſul, B[illegible: 1 letter]ſil the Arrian Emperour Valens; D. Taylor, Stephen Gardiner; Mr. Hawkes, bloody Bonner. A faggot will make you believe the Sacrament of the Altar, ſaid Bonner. Act. & Mon. 1445. No, no, anſwered Hawkes, a point for your faggot: what God thinks meet to be done, that ſhall ye do, and no more.

Paenae ſunt pennae queis ſuper aſtra vehor.