John Trapp on Nehemiah 2:20

Verſe 20. Then anſwered I them, and ſaid unto them] He would not honour them ſo farre, as to tell them of the Kings licence; but ſhapes them a ſharp anſwer,Camd. Eliſ. Fol. 163. and ſhakes them up as having nothing there to do. This was true Chriſtian courage; this was right, and much better then rayling for rayling: for that were but lutum luto purgare, to waſh off one dirt with another.

The God of heaven] Who doeth whatſoever he pleaſeth in Heaven and earth: who looketh and laugheth at your malice.

He will proſper us] He will break his Heavens, and come down amongſt us, and give good ſucceſſe. O the force of an heroick faith! Though ſenſe ſayes, It will not be, Reaſon, it cannot be; yet Faith gets above and ſayes, It ſhall be: God will proſper us. It eates its way thorough the Alpes of whatſoever difficulties.

But you have no portion] Nothing to do here, neither ought you to interpoſe in aliena republica, as buſy braggers and quarellers: meddle where you have command.

Nor right] Sc. Of intereſt or any good deſert.

Nor memoriall] Or enrollement there, as free deniſons: therefore we neither accept you as Friends, nor fear you as Enemies, &c.