Nehemiah 6:11

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.

Ver. 11. And I said, Should such a man as I flee?] To the dishonour of God, and the discouraging of the people? to the scandal of the weak, and the scorn of the wicked? Et Turnum fugientem haec terra videbit? There is a Tο πρεπον, a comeliness, a seemliness, a suitableness, appertains to every calling and condition of life; and nature hath taught heathens themselves to argue from dignity to duty, and to scorn to do anything unworthy of themselves. Scipio, when a harlot was offered him, answered, Vellem, si non essem Imperator, I would, were I not a general. Antigonus being invited to a feast where a notable harlot was to be present, asked counsel of Menedemus, what he should do? No more but this, said he, remember that thou art a king's son. Themistocles once, after a victory, viewing the spoils and pillage of the field, said to his friend that bare him company, Take thou these rich spoils to thyself; for thou art not Themistocles; it is below me to stoop to them, Aνελου σεαυτω συ γαρ ουκ ει Yεμιστοκλης. When Pompey had Caesar and Antony in a ship together, it was suggested to him by Metrodorus, to revenge himself for the death of his father and brother. To whom he replied, that so to do might happily befit Metrodorus, but in no wise Pompey. It is not for you to be fishing for small fish, but for towns, forts, and castles, said Cleopatra to Mark Antony. It is not for God's saints to walk as men; since they are children of the kingdom, and must therefore regnum in pectore gerere, carry themselves accordingly. We usually say, such a man understands himself well; that is, he knows his place, his dignity, and walks accordingly. It is a pusillanimity to do otherwise; Nehemiah will never do it, to die for it.

And who is there, that, being as I am] So greatly beloved of God, Daniel 9:23, so highly favoured of the king, Nehemiah 2:2; Nehemiah 2:4, so protected hitherto, so prospered, so intrusted with the government and safety of this people, more dear to me than my very life.

Would go into the temple] As a malefactor, to take sanctuary there; or as a coward, to save mine own life with the loss of the lives of many of the precious sons of life.

I will not go in] The heavens shall sooner fall than I will forsake the truth, said that martyr, William Flower (Acts & Mon. 1430). Omnia de me praesumas praeter fugam et palinodiam, said Luther to Staupicius, I will rather die than fly; burn than turn. Latimer was wondrous bold and stout in his dealing with Henry VIII, both before and after he was a bishop. So were Athanasius, Ambrose, Basil, the primitive confessors. This courage in Christians the heathen persecutors called obstinacy, and not faith. Sed pro hac obstinatione fidei morimur, saith Tertullian in his Apology, for this obstinacy of faith we gladly die; neither can we die otherwise; for the love of Christ constraineth us. Life in God's displeasure is worse than death; as death in his true favour is true life; as Bradford told Gardiner.