John Trapp on Matthew 14:5

Verse 5. And when he would have put him to death] Why, what had the good Baptist done, that he must dye? The people must be made believe that he suffereth for practising against theTenue [illegible: 2 words]. King. But this was so thin a falshood that it might be transparently seen through. Therefore Herod durst not kill him, though [illegible: 1 word] much desired to do it, lest the people should move and mutiny. He knew himself hated by them already for his cruelty and other crimes. Now if he should [illegible: 1 word] them afresh by executing the Baptist, whom they highly honoured, who knew what they would do? [illegible: 1 word], how terrible soever, have their fears, that curb and keep them in for a time at least, from [illegible: 1 word] notorious outrages. In the beginning of Q. Maries reigne, after the tumult at Bournes Sermon at the crosse (where the people flang daggers, and were ready to pull him limmeal out of the pulpet, for [illegible: 1 word] them to Popery) the L. [illegible: 1 word] and Aldermen were willed to call a common-Counsell, and to signifie to said assembly the Queens determination, sc. that albeit her [illegible: 1 word] conscience is staid in matter of Religion, yet she graciously meant not to compell or strain other mens consciences, otherwise then God shall, as she trusted, put in their hearts a perswasion of the truth that she is in, through the opening of the word unto them by godly, Act. and Mon. [illegible: 1 word]. 1281. vertuous, and learned Preachers