17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.



Ver. 17. Without delay] This was well; judges should dismiss timely those whom they cannot presently despatch, as Jethro adviseth, Exo_18:13-26. It is recorded of Sir Thomas Moore, to his eternal commendation, that when he was Lord Chancellor, and sat in the Court of Chancery, he called for the next cause, and there was none remaining. But what meaneth Festus here to crack so much of his diligence in doing justice?



" Cur ego, si nequeo, ignoroque, Poeta salutor."



Horat.



What is the honour of this world, or the applause of men (though well deserved), but a puff of stinking breath? and what advantageth it a man to have the world’s Euge, well done, and God’s Apage? Away with you.