King in my fathers stead 11. Were called To the sacrifice of thanksgiving As 1 Sam. 9. 13. 16. 3. 5. V. 12. Giloh A City of Judah Josh. 15. 51. V. 14. And bring evill Lest he overcome us suddenly or lest he destroy us without helpe and upon our resistance take occasion to sack the City V. 17. Tarrâ—d To rest a while or to feed Farre of Alone and out of the City though not very farre off as it appeareth by the subsequent narration V. 18. Cherethites See upon 2 Sam. 8. 18. Gittites It is uncertaine what people this was Certaine it is that they were so called from Gath a City of the Philistims and it is likely that they being converted to the true religion David tooke them to be of his guard for the cause spoken of 2 Sam. 8. 18. wherfore their head is called a stranger vers 19. 1. V. 19. An exile the Italian And wilt quickly goe to thy place as if he would say thou art old and weake neere to thine end V. 20. But yesterday Newly but a little while agoe Mercy may God use mercy continually towards thee V. 23. Kidron The name of a valley and a brooke on the East side of Jerusalem between the city and the Mount of Olives Jer. 31. 40. Joh. 18. 1. V. 24. Zadok According to the commandement Num. 4. 15. Bearing According to the custome in your greatest and most dangerous commotions of the people See Num. 31. 6. 1 Sam. 4. 3. and 14. 18. But here there was a more speciall occasion to shew that the Church as one should say and the signes of Gods presence could not be separated from Da-David who was the figure of Christ the head of it And for a token of a curse to Absalom who could not have God on his side in such an abominable usurpation Set downe The meaning is Zadock the second Priest a Sam. 8. 17. Having the charge of carrying the Arke with his Levites staid with it to keep the rereward of the people imitating therein the example of Josh. 3. 17. whilest Abiathar the High Priest went in the front of the people up the Mount of Olives and whilest the rest of the people made an end of comming out of the city V. 25. His habitation Namely Jerusalem by him chosen for a firme residence for the signes of his presence V. 27. A Seer That is to say a Prophet 1 Sam. 9. 9. either Zadock being indeed a Prophet or because sometimes he did put on the breastplate to enquire of God as he was Aarons successor in the direct line of the first borne Though Abiathar for some unknowne cause did at that time time possesse that place and either of the two wayes it was necessary for him to stay with the people and instruct them concerning the will of God V. 30. Covered His head wrapped up and his sight covered according to the manner of mourners 2 Sam. 19. 4. Esther 6. 12. V. 31. One told David the Italian And David said To prevent their affrightment he would tell the people of it himselfe Others have it and it was told David c. whereupon he said ô Lord c. V. 31. The Archite We reade no name like unto this but only Josh. 16. 2. Earth See Jesh 7. 6. 1 Sam. 4. 12. 2 Sam 13. 19. V. 34. Defeate Thou maiest cause Achitophels conncell to miscarry and be overthrowne CHAP. XVI VERS 1. THe hill namely the mount of Olives V. 3. He said A false calumniation 2 Sam. 19. 26. To which David notwithstanding upon false suggestions gave too much heed V. 4. I humbly beseech the Italian I do obeisance to thee That is to say I give thee humble thanks I may finde thy grace is sufficient for me A courteous manner of thanksgiving V. 5. Bahurim a city of Benjamin 2 Samuel 3. 16. V. 8. The Blood we reade not hitherto that David had spilt any blood of Sauls house whereby some have thought that which is said 2 Sam. 11. 8. to gave been before these things happened Or that Shimei imputed the death of Ishbosheth and Abner to David Thou art taken overtaken by and retained in the just punishment of thy misdeed V. 10. What have I I will have none of thy revenge neither doe I care for thy service in this kinde Let him curse I doe perceive that this evill commeth upon me through Gods providence who having taken away from me my majesty and the love and reverence of my subjects hath exposed me to this mans outrages Job 30. 11. And it is my duty to humble my selfe under the hand of the first author and not take notice of this fellow that is but the instrument Hath said unto him See 2 Kings 18. 25. Lam. 3. 38. V. 11. Benjamite of which Tribe Saul was from whom the Kingdome had beene taken away to give it David V. 14. There Namely in Bahurim v. 5. V. 15. The men of the Italian hath it The chiese of which might be the deputies of the communalties for the chusing of a new King V. 19. Whom In serving thee that art his sonne and lawfull successor I do nothing that is against my duty seeing thou art his second selfe V. 21. And all Israel In this manner thou shalt cut off all way of reconcilement whereby those of thy side shall be bound to defend thee to the last being out of all hope of pardon V. 22. Vpon the top Made after the manner of a terrace and exposed to the sight of all men CHAP. XVII VERS 3. THe man In the death of David whom thou seckest after consisteth thy whole conquest and the secure obtaining of the kingdome Shall be The Hebrew is will make peace that is to say will be quiet and not stirre V. 8. Is a man and therefore knoweth of what importance the preservation of a head is V. 9. Some pit Of which see Judges 6. 2. 1 Sam. 13. 6. Of them namely of those twelve thousand which Achitophel meanes to have a long with him V. 11. From Dan see Judges 20. 1. V. 13. All Israel With such a mighty army it will be as easie for thee to take a City â—as to draw a great weight downe a hill A proverbiall kinde of speech as Psal. 83. 14. V. 14. The good the Italian the better that is to say the wiser and more profitable advice Evill namely his ruine V. 17. Enrogeâ— A place neere to Jerusalem Joshuah Chapter 15. verse 7. and chapter 18. verse 16. Might not For if they had remained in the city they could not so easily have come out to execute their commission which was to carry messages Or may be because they were suspected V. 18. Went both of them Seeing that they were discovered V. 20. They bee gone over See concerning these lies in matter of narration told onely to hinder men from doing hurt by hiding the truth from them which thing is not conceâ—â—ned by the holy Ghost Exodus Chapter 1. verse 19.
of God appeared present in grace and power as true God King and Soveraigne Oracle of his people Who on their parts performing very ill the conditions of this Covenant did through their frequent murmurings rebellions and idolatries severely punished yet still pardoned by God cause this truth to burst forth that it was a Covenant of meere grace grounded upon Gods meere good will and mercy in Christ Iesus their head and Mediator by whose only propitiation and intercession represented and sealed by the Leviticall Priesthood they were alwayes preserved by God notwithstanding their disloyalties and transgressions Now this history as it is expoundâ—d in divers places of the new Testament containeth an excellent representation and figure of the spirituall deliverance of the Church from the Divels tyrannie and from the slavery of the world to passe through the Sea of the grace of Christs bloud applyed in holy Baptisme into the long and troublesome course of her vocation in this life still making towards the heavenly Canaan and erusalem In which course she hath for her guide the light and comfort of Gods Spirit and for her sustenance the Manna of his grace and word and for the consolation and comfort of her conscience a Communion to the good deeds of her high Priest and for a rule of living her soveraigne Kings Laws and commandements against which sinning but too often she is chastised with a fatherly seveâ—ity but still held up and restored by vertue of the eternall satisfaction and everlasting intercession of her Saviour and Redeemer who never doth forsake her with his presence and continually directeth her towards the end of her everlasting vocation in Heaven ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. VERS 4. DAn These are set down in the last place not according to the order of their birth because they were the sonnes of the hand-maidens V. 7 Multiplied The Hebrew increased like fishes see Gen. 1. 20. and 48. 16. V. 11 To afflâ—ct them To tire and weaken them through labours and toiles to make them lesse able to get children and hinder them from plotting any innovations Treasure Cities For munition of warre armour and victuall as 2. Chron. 17. 12. and 32. 28. V. 14 In morter And about lime V. 15 Midwifes It is very likely that there were more of them but these were the chief or these were in that place where the Kinâ— had his abode V. 19 The Hebrew women This might be true for the greatest part of the Isra 〈…〉 ish women who for feare made no use of midwives And therefore they say this rather to escape by not speaking the whole truth which was not necessary but dangerous to do then for to lie and also this art of hindering a man from doing evill by some â—â—ction is not any where condemned in Scâ—ipâ—ure See Jos. 2. 5. 1 Sam 21. 2. 2 Sam. 17. 20. 2 Kings 6. 19. Jer. 38. 25 26 27. As the Egyptian women So tender and delicate Lively Others translate it they themselves are midwives V. 21 Made them He blessed and prospered their families and affaires see 1 Sam. 2. 35. 〈◊〉 Sam. 7. 11. 27. 29. 1 Kings 2. 24. and 11. 38. CHAP. II. VERS 1. AMan Amram the sonne of Cohath the sonne of Levi Exod. 6. 18. 20. A daughter Jochebed the daughter of Levi Num. 26. 59. If the word daughter be here taken in its proper signification Amram married his aunt which afterwards was forbidden Lev. 18. 12. Others hold that by the word daughter is meant grandchild and that Exod. 6. and 20. the word aunt signifieth cosen V. 2 Conceived After Aaron and Miriam who were elder than Moses see Exo. 7. 7 A goodly Of an extraordinary and divine beautie Act. 7. 20. V. 3 She could nâ—t Without being discovered and incurring the penalty of the Kings proclamation This necessitie being through meere humane feare could not excuse from sin in an act meerely contrary to Gods Law V. 4 His sister Namely Miriam Num. 26. 59. V. 10 Moses Taken out and saved from the water this is an Hebrew name and is equivalent with another Aegyptian name if these two languages had not yet some kinde of affinity betwixt them V. 11 Was growen Namely to the age of fourty yeares Acts 7. 23. Went out By divine inspiration to joyne in communitie of life and affliction with his brethren Hebr. 11. 24. V. 12 He slew the Italian hath it He smote he killed according to his calling of deliverer of the peâ—ple which he even at that time knew by divine revelation and had accepted in his conscience Act. 7. 25 yet the time of his using and executing that calling was not yet come V. 16 Priest Or governour or both see upon Gen. 41. 45. He is called Jethrâ— Exod. 3. 18. 10. 2. Exod. 4. 18. and Hobab Num. 10. 29. Judg. 4. 11. and knew and served the true God V. 17 Drove them away for to water their flocks fiâ—st V. 18. Revel This was Jethâ—o his father Num. 10. 29 grandfather to these maidens V. 22. Gershom banished driven from his own home V. 23. Processe of time The Italian hath it In the meane time which was long namely forty yeares as it may be proved by comparing Exod. 7. 7. with Acts 7 30. Dyed Which heartned Moses to returne into Egypt Exod. 4. 19. Came up unto See concerning this manner of speaking Genesis 18. 20. Exod. 22. 23. 27 Deut. 24. 15. V. 25. Had respect He entred into an actuall judgment of this cause CHAP. III. VERS 1. THE back side Seeking for fresh pâ—stures further into the Desert Of God This mountain got this name as well by reason of this vision as chiefely because God did chuse it and consecrate it to bee as it were his tribunall of glory out of which he pronounced his Law Exo 〈…〉 11. Horeb It should seeme this was the gen 〈◊〉 name of all that row of mountaines and that Sinai was the particular name of that mountaine from which the Law was given V. 2. The Angel Which was the sonne of God himselfe which appeareth by that he is called the everlasting Lord. verse 4. 6 7. 14 Deut. 33. 16. Mark 12. 26. And Angel by reason of Mediator See Gen. 16. 7. In a â—laâ—e The flame signifieth the presence of God in power and spirit the bush represents the Church as well for her meane and weak condition in the world As also because in her sinfull nature she cannot subsist before the devouring fire of Gods Majesty no more than thornes can endure the materiall fire Isa. 9. 18. and 27. 4. 5. and 33. 14. But God tempereth his prâ—sence in such sort that it doth not make it feele the hurtfull effâ—cts of the fire but the comfortable enlightning of it warming and purifying it See Isa. 4. 4. 10. 17. And it is also signified that the afflictions of the world cannot disannull the Church Psalme 129. 2. Isa. 43. 2. V. 5. Draw not nigh No nearer than thou art to shew the reverence
to the last potnt of his punishment so that hee lost a Battaile wherein three of his sonnes were killed and he slew himselfe These two Bookes are called Samuel's by reason that the one part of the subject is his owne history written as it is likely by himselfe and all the rest is of two Kings by him consecrated and settled in their Kingdomes ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. VERS 4. RAmathaim The city of Rama it selfe often mentioned in Samuâ—ls history and the Hebrew termmation seemes to intimate that it was once divided into two cities the word Sophim joyned thereunto signifieth Watch-houses or towers as it is very likely that watch-towers were set in high places of the Countrey as Rama was according to the signification of its name being upon the border of three Tribes as Num 23. 14. Some beleeve that it was some Schoole of Prophets who are called watch-men in diverse places of Scripture Jer. 6. 17. Ezech. 3. 17. Hos. 9. 8. An Ephrathite That is to say one that dwelt in the land of Ephraim though he were a Levite 1 Chron 6. 33. For the Levites were scattered all over Israel V. 3. Yeerely At the feast of the Passeover with all his family 1 Sam. 2. 19. Luke 2. 41. but for himselfe it is very likely he did observe the Law so strictly that he came thither all the three solemne fâ—asts Exo. 23. 17. Of Eli There is no mention made of this Eli any where else But it appeares by 2 Sam. 8. 17. 1 Chron. 24. 3. that he was one of Itamars posterity who was Aarons second-borne and that for sâ—me unknown cause there had been some interruption in the succession of the priesthood in Eleazar the first borne his line which was afterwards re-established in Sadock 2 Sam. 15. 27. 1 Chron. 6. 8. according to Gods promise Numb 25. 13. Priests Second Priests under the high Priest who as his Vicars and substitutes did do many things for him which hee himselfe had not been able to performe alone ' as 2 Samuel 8. 17. See Numbers 3. 32. and 2 Kings 25. 18. V. 4. When the time was The Italian hath it When the day das one of the seven dayes of the Passcover Offered Sacrifices of thankesgiving portions according to the ancient manner of feasts V. 5. A worthy The Italian A double others expound it the most principall and the most honorable portion See Gen. 43. 34. 1 Sam. 9. 23 24. V. 6. Adversary Namely Peninnah who was her rivall To make her purposing and taking a delight in urging of her to some unseemely disturbance of mind or to some distaste and murmuring against her husband and peradventure against God himselfe set concerning such inhumanity Job 24. 31. V. 9. After they had After the holy meale of the sacrifices which was eaten in the Court of the Tabernacle Rose up going to the place of worship and prayer right against the most-holy place Ascat the high Priest or the Judge his seat 1 Sam. 4. 13. A poste it is likely that the Tabernacle which was made by Moles was set in Siloh within the compasse of some solid building which had gates 1 Sam. 3. 15. for otherwise the Tabernacle had neither gates nor postes but only a carpet hanged up at the entry Exodus 26. 36. V. 11. She vowed And whether her husband then consented to it or did according to the Law ratifie it afterwards Num. 30. 7. No razâ—r I dedicate him to God for a perpetuall Nazarite Num. 6. 5. Judg. 13. 5. V. 14. Put away Be sober before thou present thy selfe in this holy place and action V. 16. Poured out See Psalm 142. 2. Mysoule my grievances and inward desires V. 18. Find I recommend my selfe to thy fatherly favour and good will Sad The Italian hath it As it was before namely sad and sickly which alteration happened through an inward comfort of Gods Spirit which informed her heart that her prayers were heard which the Priest blessing did also certifie her of V. 20. Samuel That is to say asked of God V. 21. The yearly sacrifice The Paschall Lambe is often so called in Scripture see Exo. 12. 27. and 34. 25. And his vow it was some sacrifice vowed to God for the childs happy birth V. 22. That he may Hence it appcares that she had told her husband of her vow and that he had approved of it Abide to serve in certain inferior offices in the Tabernacle which belonged to a Levite 1 Sam. 2. 11. and 3. 15. For ever without intermission or without any relieving by turnes as the other Levites were weekly Now it is plaine by 1 Sam. 7 16 17. that Samuel dwelt in Ramah there judged Israel which happened either after the age of fifty years which was a time prefixed for the Levites service Numb 18. 25. or by Gods wil who dispensed with his vow to make him a Magistrate V. 23. His Word That extraordinary thing which he seemeth to have appointed concerning this childe which he hath miraculously bestowed upon us V. 28. Lent him That is to say dedicated him to his service But she saith lent because that the Hebrew word from which Samuels name is derived signifieth asking and lending As who should say I have asked him to that end that he might by me be bestowed upon the Lord. CHAP II. VERS 1. PRayed By prayer is often meant thankesgiving which in this place is chiefly meant My heart in this Canticle as in many others Gods Spirit dâ—eth not rest upon the first motion or upon the occasion of the singular and temporall benefit but ravisheth Hannah into contemplation of the universall spirituall and eternall benefits of the Church which are here set down by her Mine horne a terme of war whereof see Psa. 75. 5. and 89. 17. the meaning is I am become victorious and triumphant My mouth I have a large subject of magnifying the Lord of glorying in him and insulting over mine enemies through the great joy which I conceive for the eternall safety of the Church and for all the particular deliverances which depend thereon V. 2. Rock That is to say an inpregnable for t Gods very frequent name Deuteronomy chapter 32. v. 4. 31. V. 3. Talke no more Upon the occasions of her rivals insulting she woundeth the boldnesse of all those who are enemies to the humble and distressâ—d faithfull ones Is a God as he perfectly knoweth right and justice and mens counsâ—ls and actions So doth he accordingly dispose and governe all the events of them V. 5. Seven That is to say a great number as Ruth 4. 15 Jer. 15. 9. V. 8. The pillars He alone by his power beares up the naturall being of the world and by his providence the order of the governâ—mâ—nt of it see Hâ—b 1. 3 V. 9. In darkenesse Nam ly of horrible calam 〈…〉 s in this world anâ— finally in hâ—ll V. 10. Shall ju ge This prâ—vidence shall be dis pensed by the Messias to whom the
to all thy regenerate elect doth thy law speake with fruit and efficacie producing in them the true effect of obedience and not to unbeleevers to whom it is unprofitable and doth oftentimes increase their rebellion V. 8. Within my heart the Italian in the middest of my bowels it is rooted in my heart not only by knowledge but also by a lively loâ—e my heart is imprinted with it and it is written upon it see Ier. 31. 33. 2 Cor. 3. 3. V. 9. I have this is the second kinde of spirituall sacrifices namely of thanksgiving Hos. 14. 2. Heb. 13. â—5 righteousnesse he meaneth theâ— vangelicall righteousnesse which is no hing but Gods grâ—ce and all the effects thereof accordâ—ng to his justice and loyalty in all his promises and convenant see Psa. 22. 3. Rom. 3. 21. 22. V. 11. VVith-held not doe not hinder them from comming â—â—owring down upon mee preserve mâ—e doe thou employ them in protecting of mee V. 12. Mine iniquities the punishments of them have suddenly overtaken me see Num. 32. 23. Iob. 8. 4. faileth mee through horror and feare of thy judgement V. 15. Aha scorning and insulting over my miseries V. 16. Such as love that doe fervently desire it and use the right meanes to obtaine it PSAL. XLI VER 1. COnsidâ—reth the the Italian carrieth himselfe wisely towards the as well in judging soberly and charitably of the hidden causes of their affliction as in words and acts of humanity and mercy the Lord this is a promise of requiting the mercifull Mat. 5. 7. Or a reproof of mens false judgements and a comfort to the faithfull contrary unto their said judgements to whom David promiseth in Gods name that they shall bee aâ—ed and have a happy issue V. 3. Make the Italian turne a figurative terme taken from the making of a bed for a poor sick man that is to say thou wilt stirre up his bed Others thou wilt change his bed namely from a bed of sicknesse to a bed of rest V. 6. Speaketh vaâ—ity the Italian speaketh lyingly that is to say maketh a false shew of friend-ship and good will gathereth out of all that he seeth or perceiveth in mee hee gathereth matter of evill and sinister thoughts V. 9. Mine own familiar hee speakes of some perfidious traitour who was the figure of Iudas lift up a figutative terme taken from the kicking of beasts V. 10. Requite them as I am a King and lawfull magistrate I will by way of justice requite their wicked treacheries and not out of any private passion which is alwayes condemned V. 11. Because mine because thou hast already abated his pride and confounded his hopes by beginning to restore mee V. 12. In mine my sicknesse and calamities have not endammaged nor diminished mine estate before thy being alwayes under thy safeguard and care as thy servant V. 13. from everlasting the Italian from one age that is to say in all ages to the end or from this present age to that which is to come that is to say from this time evermore PSAL. XLII THE title Maschil see Psa. 32. of Korah Heman one of the three heads of the holy musicians was one of Korah the Levites posterity 1 Chron. 6. 33. and 25. 5. 6. And these three Psalmes beare his name not that hee made them but because they were particularly sent to him for to keep them and play and sing them when his turne came to waite upon Gods service V. 1. The hart at all times by reason of his hot and dry nature which makes him extreame thirstie at a certaine season of the yeare but especially when hee is hunted my soule I servently desire to bee in thy tabernacle before thine Arke where thou art present in the tokens and effects of thy grace and vertue whereas I am now farre from them by reason of mine enemies persecutions and especially Sauls see Sam. 26. 19. V. 3. Where is seeing hee appeares no where to thy reliefe it is a signe that either hee hath no power or that hee hath cast thee off and is no longer thy God and that therefore if thou hopest in him thy hopes are all vaine V. 4. I power out that is to say my spirits are scattered and emptie themselves in teares and sorrow see Iob 30. 16. for I had gone with when I went to the house of God with a great company of people rejoycing according to the manner of solemne feasts see Isa. 30. 29. V. 5. For I shall yet I doe assure my selfe by faith that hee will give mee new cause to praise him when hee shall in grace turne towards mee whereon dependeth the salvation of all his elect Others expound it I will yet praise him and his salvation c. Or for his salvation V. 6. Remember thee I take comfort representing unto my selfe by faith in spirit thy presence and grace in thy Temple from which I am now absent from the land from the countrey which is neere the heads of Iordan meaning that great row of hills which is generally called Hermon Num. 34. 7. where David lay hadden during Sauls persecutions Missar the name of a hill not mentioned elsewhere V. 7. Deep calleth unto a figurative description of his calamities the meaning is that as after the thunder in the clouds there fall great showers of raine so thy wrath is followed by a whole deluge of afflictions which shower downe one after another without cease or end V. 8. VVill command the Italian will send that is to say I hope that after this fullnesse of calamities hee wiâ—l send forth a commission and con mand of grace sor to set mee free Psal 44. 4. and 68. 28. whereby the day shall be filled with his loving kindnesses and the night shall be employed in meditating upon them acknowledging them and setting them forth of my life the only author defender and preserver of it V. 9. I will say now in the state of affliction wherein I sinde my selfe at this present I will persevere in prayers expecting hereafter the effect of my Faith V. 11. The health the Italian the compleate safety the only author and perfect cause of my deliverance through which I hope yet one day I 〈◊〉 all be able to lift up my head freely and shew my countenance cleared through gladnesse and honour PSAL. XLIII VER 3. SEnd out according to the truth of ahy promises let mee againe behold the brightenesse of thy countenance namely of thy grate and favour which may disperse all the clouds of my calamities and may bring mee againe into thy Church out of which I am now driven by the violence of mine enemies PSAL. XLIV VER 〈◊〉 ANd cast them out the Italian and caused our fathers to grow that is to say thou causedst them to prosper and grow like vines or other plants which doe grow and spread abroad V. 3. Their own sword which though they did employ with much valour by Gods command yet it could not have wrought
waters namely of the red sea V. 17. The cloudes these particulars are not specified by Moses but they may be supposed by what is written Exod. 1â— 24. V. 19. Thy way thou wentest in the cloudy and fiery pillar through the sea before all thy people thy foot steps after thy people were gone through the waters returned into their naturall course Exod. 14. 26. 27. whence it appeares that this miracle was no naturall effect nor casuall accident and that it is appointed so to be by thee only for the deliverance of thy people PSAL. LXXVIII THE title Maschil see Psal. 32. in the title V. 1. My Law the Italian doctrine the Hebrew Law V. 4. Shewing to thee or they namely the generation to come shall tell the praises c. V. 5. A testimony namely the Law and the tables thereof see Exod. 16. 34. and 25. 21. V. 9. The children hee hath a reference to the children of Israels discomfiture by the Philistines 1 Sam. 4. 10. and specifieth the Tribe of Epharim as well for the might and valour of it which gave it a superioritie above the rest as also because that the Ark of the Lord was then residing in Siloh a city of Ephraim from whence it was transported to Judah and for this cause and by reason of Davids being chosen King Iudah became the head of the other Tribes and so the people was established in peace and blessing which is the chiefe subject of this Psalme see vers 60. 6â— 68. V. 12. Zoan a very ancient city of Egypt Num. 13. 22. Isa. 19. 13. Ezech. 30. 14. Named by other authors Thanez V. 16. Streames for out of that water issued a streame which went along with the people even in-into the land of Canaan Deut. 9. 21. Psal. 105. 41. 1 Cor. 10. 4. V. 23. Opened a figurative terme to expresse an extreame plenty sent from above as Gen. 7. 11. 2 Kings 7. 2. V. 24. The 〈◊〉 namely a kinde of food which was in stead of bread V. 25. Angels food Hebrew the food of the mighty which was an epithet given to the Angels Psal. 89. 6. and 103. 20. that is to say a food that seemed rather Angelicall and celestiall then earthly as well by reason of it origine parity and perfection as for the efficacie of it to preserve the body in perfect health and strength by Gods speciall appointment in those who did not by their distrust or rebellion make it of no efficacie He sent them in his wrath he would satisfie their unbounded desires though hee had before provided for their necessities Meat namely quailes whereof hee speaks afterward V. 27. Rained made it to fall out of the ayre as thick as any raine V. 28. Of their Camp or in his Camp God being in his Tabernacle in the middest of his people as a generall of an Army V. 30. They were not their lust was not yet satisfied though they had eaten flesh a whole month Num. 11. 20. 33. V. 31. The fattest that is to say the lustiest and mightiest the choyce of the people as Iudg. 3. 29. Or the chiefe and most renowned as Psal. 22. 29. V. 33. In vanity that is to say in long fruitlesse labours wandering in the wildernesse being not able to come into the land of Canaan which was the end of their journy Num. 14. 25. Others reducing them to nothing Others in a moment In trouble the Italian 〈◊〉 terrors namely in perpetuall fears of Gods judgements and of death which they were undoubtedly to suffer in the wildernesse according as God had threatned them Num. 14. 23. 29. Others suddenly V. 34. They sought him they were converted unto him and sought him V. 36. Flatter him that is to say they sought to re-obtaine his favour by fained prayers confessions and prorestations V. 38. F 〈…〉 ve the Italian cleansed that is to say pardoned them as if they had been sufficiently cleansed saving the common people from corporall punishments and as for his Elect applying the promised redeemers bloud unto them to cleanse them from all iniquity and free them from everlasting punishment Stirre up did not punish with extreame rigor see Zaâ—â— 1. 15. V. 39. But flesh that is to say sinners of a corrupt nature Gen. 6. 3. Iohn 3. 6. mortall and corruptible wherefore their misery moved the Lord to compassion see Iob. 7. 16. and 10. 20. and 14. 6. Psal. 103 13. V. 40. Grieve him a 〈◊〉 taken from man and his passions to expresse a grievious offence whereby God is alienated from man as Psal. 95. 10. Isa. 7. 13. Ephes. 4 30. V. 41. Limited they would subject God unto their own wills prescribing his works within certaine bounds of times meanes and other circumstances see Psal. 106. 13. Ier. 49. 19. or restraining through incredulity his power within the bounds of their naturall sense by believing him no farther then they were able to apprehend or through their incredulity they hindered God from working any greater miracles for their deliverence as Mark 6. 5. V. 42. They remembred not the Psalmist seemes here to goe on againe with the matter left off verse 12. V. 47. Sycomore a kinde of tree which by reason of the frequentnesse of it in Egypt is called an Egyptian figge-tree With frost or with haile stones V. 48. Gave up left them to bee kild and destroyed V. 49. Evill Angels namely devils who being Princes of the ayre caused these tempests V. 50. Made away caused these calamities which were sent by him in his wrath to showre down upon them without any stay or hinderance V. 51. The chiefe of the Italian the firstings namely their first-borne according to the phrase of Scripture see Gen. 49. 3. Of Ham that is to say of Egypt for Mizraim father of the Egyptians that gave Egypt its name was the son of Ham Gen. 10. 6. V. 53. They feared not that is to say without any reasonable cause of feare being continually safe under Gods protect on though they did alwayes through diffidence give themselves causes of feares and vaine terrors V. 54. Mountaine namely Sion upon which Ierusalem stood the chiese seat of Church and Kingdome or the whole hill countrey of Israel V. 56. They tempted this is the continuation of verse 42. His testimonies namely his Lawes Exod 16. 34. V. 57. Turned aside that is to say that whereas God led them by the hand to direct their actions and motions to his obedience they were turned aside even as a bow turning in the Archers hand when he is shooting which causeth him to misse his aime Hos. 7. 16. V. 58. High places namely Altars Chappels and such like places to celebrate divine service in out of the only place which was by him consecrated and was onely acceptable unto him or peradventure also dedicated to Idols and were so called because that they chose out the choicest hills for those purposes V. 60. He forsook namely when the Arke which was in Siloh was taken by
The Law that is to say the preaching of the Gospell which conteineth in it all the statutes and form of government of this Kingdom V. 4. He shall judge that is to say God the Father shall destroy every power which shall oppose it selfe to Christs Kingdome under which he shall at the last establish true spirituall peace in the world and eternall happinesse in Heaven Though the Prophets doe also seem to promise some peaceable establishment of Christs Kingdom upon earth at the least for some space of time before his last comming They shall beat after they have been overcome and subdued by the Lord they shall quietly undergoe their yoake and serve in peace which is described by these figures V. 6. Therefore I doe call you to repentance by meanes of which you may subsist by faith in expectation of the Messias For your sins being growne to their height Gods judgements would otherwise overwhelm you From the East with Easterne customs and vices like the Chaldeans and other such who were addicted to Magicke Southsayings Superstitions and many other sins in their common course of life Others they are more full then the Easterne people that is to say they havâ— heaped up the measure of their iniquities more then those Nations see Gen. 15. 16. They please themselves they have commended and approved of their customes and have rejoyced in imitating them Or they have taken delight in them namely in their conversation covenants commerces and marriages V. 7. Of Silver which they have gathered together with an unsatiable kind of covetousnesse and have set all their love and confidence of their preservation in them which is a more subtile kind of idolatry Eph. 5. 5. Col. 3. 5. V. 10. Enter into the prophet speakes to the hardned people to move to repentance by representing unto them Gods approaching judgement as if he said seeke thee out some secret place to hide thy selfe in if thou canst V. 13. The Cedars a figure of all manner of worldly exaltment whereby worldly men exalt themselves against God Ezech. 31. 3. V. 16. Of Tarshish of the great Ocean Sea or of the Mediteranean Sea see 1 King 10. 22. Pleasant pictures the Italian The rare designes namely of buildings or forts or counsels and enterprises V. 20. To the moles that is to say he shall abolish and prophane them by burying them or casting them upon the dunghils in acknowledgement not onely of their vanity but also of their abominablenesse and for feare of Gods present judgement V. 22. From man the Italian from trusting in man thinking or hoping to be delivered by him from Gods threatnings Whose breath who is of a fraile and mortall nature and can subsist no longer then he enjoyeth the benefit of breath which he may many waies be deprived of suddenly CHAP. III. Vers. 1. OF bread see Jer. 37. and 2â— and 38. 9. Lam. 5. 4. V. 2. The mighty man he means peradventure the captivity of valiant and industrious men set downe 2 King 24. 14. The prudent the Italian the soothsayer some take this word in a good sense for every wise man that doth foresee a great while before hand things that will come to passe see 2 Chron. 12. 32. Others do take it for Astrologers whom great men amongst the Heathen and by their example amongst the Jews did make use of in their businesses and resolutions of greatest importance Ester 1. 13. V. 3. Eloquent 〈◊〉 the Italian the man skilfull in secret speeches that is to say in the deepest secrets of nature or state or in obscure riddles of the expounding of which the ancient wise men made a glorious profession or in magicke and other hidden arts in which were used words and characters V. 4. Babes not onely in age but also in understanding and experience It may be he meanes the four last Kings of Judah which came to bee Kings whilest they were but very young following their youthfull appetites the advice of Councellors of their own age and the irregular wills of their mothers or their wives vers 12. V. 6. When a man the Italian if a man the peoples misery shall be so great that no man shall be willing to undertake the governing of them though it be voluntarily offered them Clothing that is to say thou art not yet quite wretched as the common sort of people are thou hast yet some badge of honour left to maintain thy dignity and hast some means to exercise thy function Let this â—uiâ—e namely this desolate and ruined state V. 9. The shew of their that is to say their impiety which they carry graven in their foreheads and which they openly professe doth accuse them before God and calleth his judgement upon them V. 10. They shall eat they shall receive the reward of their piety and righteousnesse V. â—2 They which namely the false prophets which dally with thee praising thee or prophecying happinesse to thee And destroy confirming thee in thy wickednesse and making thee incorrigible and thy sinnes incurable V. 14. The vineyard namely the Church which is Gods Vineyard which you have spoiled through your wickednesse Isai. 5. 1. Matth. 21. 33. Or poore mens inheritances through your extortions and oppressions V. 16. Mincing with a wâ—â—ton and lascivious gate A tiâ—kling this hath a reference to some ornaments which maids did weare upon their legs and feet for pride and wantonnesse V. 17. Smite with the scab that is to say he will cause them to be taken prisoners in the wars and shall be shaven according to the custom like slaves or he will give them cause to mourne extreamly whereof the shaving of the head was a token Isa. 15. 2. Discover a kinde of scornfull usage which they used towards women that were taken prisoners in the wars Isa. 47. 2 3. Jer. 13. 22. Ezech. 16. 37. Nah. 3. 5. V. 18. Cawles belike they were some kinde of stockins full of holes through which one might see their legs Like the moon the Italian their little moons an ornament for their shoes made of gold or some other costly stuffe in the form of a little crescent which was likely set upon the points or ends of their shoes V. 21. Nose-jewels see concerning these kinds of jewels Gen. 24. 47. V. 26. Shall lament that is to say they shall yeeld cause and occasion of sorrow by reason of their solitude and ruine see Jer. 14. 2. Lament 1. 4. Desolate the Italian emptied of people and goods Shall fit the Italian shall lie being brought to dust through ruine and ashes by the fire CHAP. IIII. Vers. 1. Seven women that is to say the countrey shall be so destitute of men by reason of warres and other calamities and the misery of the women shall be so extreme that divers women contrary to custome and decency shall desire one man to marry them see Jer. 31. 22. Let us be called that is to say Let us be accepted by thee and let others acknowledge us to
which he had made himselfe See Hos. 5. 2. which Priests committed many outrages and murthers upon them which frequented the Temple of Jerusalem contrary to his command or generally upon all travellers For they I doe liken these Priests violences to theft for they are cruell and insufferable V. 11. Judah that is to say O yee tenne Tribes though now you have no plants of true beleevers left amongst you yet you shall be filled with them againe When by meanes of the Gospell which shall come forth of Jerusalem Psal. 110. 2. Isa. 2. 3. God shall deliver his elect of all Nations out of their spirituall captivity and at the last the whole body of his people Israel also Jer. 31. 5. CHAP. VII Ver. 1. WHen I when I have sought to correct the sinnes of my people by my word their secret wickednesse and inward hardnesse hath manifested it selfe as it often happeneth in bodily infirmities Commeth in into the houses to steale V. 2. Have beset them like unto ropes and snares that they may no longer escape my judgements Prov. 5. 22. or the punishments of their misdeeds have bound them They are they commit their misdeeds boldly and openly Or I keep them in minde and they are alwayes before me V. 3. They make all their wickednesses are made occasions of mirth and pastime even by the Judges and Magistrates themselves A signe of an extreame corruption V. 4. As an Oven A similitude taken from common Ovens to represent unto us an unbridled kind of concupiscence to fulfill the Which all meanes are used V. 5. In the day namely the day of his Birth or of his Coronation his Courtiers have perswaded him to drunkennesse Whereupon having laid aside all manner of Majesty he hath done acts besitting a jester or jugler V. 6. For they have the Italian when they have when they have plotted some treachery they hatch it within themselves secretly untill such time as the passion of desire or of revenge being come to the height breaks out in effects See Mic. 2. 1. V. 7. They are all this Rage discovers it selfe chiefly in their seditions frequent conspiracies and murthers of their Kings 1 King 15. 27. and 16. 9 10 21. and 2 King 9. 14. and 15. 10 14 25 30. There is none they are so possessed with an affection to evill that they cannot thinke upon me to call upon me in these publicke disorders nor to be rightly converted to me V. 8. Hath mixed himselfe by treaties leagues and commerces which have brought them into the participation of idolatry and vices As a cake as who should say he is neither raw nor baked which may be referred either to the mixture and indifferency of Religions or to that being as it were all fired by Gods judgements he was not one whit humbled or amended by it but was still raw in impenitency and obstinacy V. 9. Gray haires he is decayed by meanes of old age V. 10. For all this for all these foresaid punishments V. 11. They call to to ayde and releeve them and would not come to me See 2 King 15. 19. and 17. 4. Hos. 5. 13. V. 12. I will spread I will curse their endeavours and make the issue thereof be to their ruine and confusion As their as it hath been fore-told and declared by my Prophets 2 King 17. 13. V. 13. They have spoken when I have delivered them they have made false protestations to me of future faithfulnesse and service Or they have spoken lies against me attributing their deliverance to men or to idols and all their afflictions to me V. 14. They have not cryed by true and sincere prayers of faith but have only howled when they have felt their evils Or through grumbling and impatience See Job 35. 9. They assemble to make publicke supplications V. 15. Strengthened I have compared my punishments and have given them strength to beare them and not to be overthrowne by them Or after I have scourged them I have re-established them Mischiefe by their rebellion and Apostasie V. 16. Tâ—ey returne they have no stedfastnesse nor uprightnesse towards Me but are like an ill stringed or ill fashioned bow or a bow which turneth in the Archers hand Psal 78. 57. For the rage through their blasphemies against me and their proud boasts and insolencie which were hatefull even to the Egyptians who were their friends CHAP. VIII Ver. 1. SEt the as it were to give warning of the enemies comming Hos. 5. 8. He shall come namely the King of Assyria The house namely against the children of Israel amongst whom God had his habitation as in his Temple or Palace V. 2. Shall â—â—y out of season for being heard And out of the meere feeling of evil without faith piety or conversion as Job 27. 9. Prov. 1. 27. Isa. 1. 15. Mic. 3. 4. We Thou hast revealed thy selfe unto us by thy law and word And we make profession of being thy people See Mat. 7. 21 22. Luke 13. 26 27. V. 3. Hath cast off they have strayed from all piety and righteousnesse Or they are the cause that all my grace and blessing is gone away from them V. 4. They have the people of their owne proper motion without enquiring after my will or staying for my command or permission have chosen and made Kings of their owne heads separating themselves from the lawfull rule of Davids posterity 1 King 11. 31. though this happened according to Gods secret providence Hos. 13. 11. V. 5. O Samaria namely O you ten Tribes whose chiefe City is Samaria your idolatry with your calves hath been the chiefe cause of your being scattered out of your owne Countrey Or your Calfe hath been carried away into a far countrey namely into Assyria As the idols of Nations which were overcome were carried away captive in triumph by the conquerors See Hos. 10. 6. V. 6. Was it the Italian that Calse came the worship of Calves in which the children of Israel professe they worship the true God is false and reproved by God being but a humane invention as all other idolatries are Broken in peeces the Italian shall be reduced into sparkles the stuffe being laid againe upon the anvill by the Workeman V. 7. They have A proverbiall kind of speech that is to say they have studied vaine things and shall reape nothing thereby but dammage and ruine If so be it if their counsell should bring forth any seeming commodity or profit the enemies shall take it away from them V. 8. It swallowed up spoyled by the Assyrians and laid waste May be hath a relation to what is written 2 King 15. 19 20. They be the Nations whose favour they seeke after doe disdaine them and neglect them as an old broken vessell â—it for none but uncleane uses Jer. 22. 28. and 48. 38. V. 9. A wilde asse A savage people inhumane and intractable that care for no body See Job 39. 8 9. Jer. 2. 24. V. 10. Gather them bring them up in armes
corporall favours did rather hinder then further Christ in hâ—s chiefe end which was the eternall salvation of men To the Priest to be searched according to the Law and being judged cleane to have permission to come againe into the company of men and of the Church For a Testimony that thou mayest witnesse that I am true God and that during the time of my humiliation I doe keep and cause Moses Law to bee kept which were the two chiefe heads whereupon the Iewes used to contest with Christ. V. 5. A Centurion A Roman and a Heathen but instructed and inwardly enlightned V. 9. A man And thou God I am a subject and thou a supreame Lord how much more than shall thy command be fulfilled V. 10. He marvailed He used some externall gesture of wondering to cause the Centurions faith to be so much the more commended and esteemed not that he was ignorant of the causes of it nor that it was a faith beyond Christs Capacitie which are the two ordinary causes of true admiration V. 11. Many Namely of the Gentiles such as the Centurion was Siâ— downe shall enjoy the fruits of eternall life with the holy Patriarches being by faith and in spirit become their children heires of the promises made to them and their posteritie V. 12. The Children Namely the Iewes who by the prerogative of Gods Covenant seemed to be the true heires of this Kingdome Darkenesse in the extreame misery confusion horror and torment of those who are eternally banished out of the Kingdome of heaven Gnashing the noise the rage and the blasphemies which are alwayes coupled to the everlasting torments of the damned Romaâ—â— 16. 9. 11 21. V. 14. His Wives mother For Peter had a wife 1 Cor. 9. 5. V. 16. With his word using no othre maneâ— but only his meere command V. 17. It might be fulfilled That he might verifie that which Isaiah speaketh in that place Namely that he is the only Saviour of soules and bodies according to the charge which he hath taken upon him and by the merit of his voluntary sufferances by which having appeased Gods wrath he hath cut oâ— the cause of all our evills and hath obtained his favour for us which is the fountaine of all good and happinesse V. 18. The other side Namely of the lake of Genesareth V. 20. The Foxes This is spoken either for a tryall of the truth of the Scribes protestation or for a preparative for him to keepe it being in time instructed in the condition which is in separably annexed to the Gospell namely the crosse without any constant proprietie of goods and without any peace or rest in the world Nests or places to go and shelter themselves in The Son Christ calls himselfe so oftentimes in the Gospell to signifie the truth of his humane nature and the excellencie of his person above all other men As who should say That man which hath in all ages bin foretold expected desired and seene by the Prophets in their visions as particularly Dan. 7. 13. for a prelude of his manifestation in the flesh V. 21. Bury that is to say assist him in his extreame old age untill the end of his life V. 22. Let the dead being called to the ministery of my word leave off these duties belonging to a mortall life to those that live and have their callings and places therein that thou mayest readily and without disturbance follow the duties of the spirituall life which are now at this present incompatible with the duties of a temporall life V. 26. Rebuked A kinde of speech very frequent in Scripture to signifie Gods power to appeale the commotion of any of the creatures especially if they rise against his elect whom they ought to serve V. 28. Gergasenes it is thought to be the ancient nation of the Gergashites Gen. 10 16 which afterwards were called Gerashites where the Citie of Gadara was whereupon Saint Marke and St. Luke call this Country of the Gadarenes V. 29. To torment us driving us out of that little light and libertie which is left us to wander up and down the world working our wills and shut us up in the darknesse and paines of hell as it shall be after the last judgment Before the time namely of the last judgment which they might know was not yet come V. 32. Into the Sea Namely into the lake of Genezâ—reth V. 34. They besought him not for any hatred they bare to him but for feare of that divine power which they only considered in him Luke 8. 37. An ordinary motion of a mans conscience not yet confident in Gods grace when he feeles his Majestie nigh him See Deut. 5. 25. 1 King 17. 18. Luk. 5. 8. CHAP. IX VER 1. INto his owne namely Capernaum where he made his ordinary abode Mar. 2. 1. V. 2. Thy sins which are the cause of thy disease sinne being the cause of all those evills that befall man V. 3. Blasphemeth attributing unto himselfe the power of pardoning sins which belongeth to God alone V. 5. Whether is according to your carnall judgment it is a higher and more difficult thing to heale this diseased man by my word then to forgive him his sinnes now I will doe that which you judge to be the most difficult and is sensible to shew that I can doe that which you esteeme to bee lesse and is spirituall and hidden both depending upon the same divine and supreame power V. 8. Unto men such as they thought Christ to be being not yet instructed concerning his eternall God-head V. 9. Matthew and Levi also Luke 5. 27. V. 10. In the house Namely of Matthew as St. Luke saith V. 13. And learne you hypocrites do set all your pietie and righteousnesse in ceremonies and an externall discipline and hold them to be prophane and unworthy of your conversation which doe not follow you whereas by this saying of the Prophet you might have learned that the most acceptable service to God is that mercy which I use towards poore sinners procuring their salvation and amendment by my familiarity with them seeing that grace by the Gospell which I am Mediator for and distributer of is but onely for all Repentant sinners V. 15. Of the Bride Chamber namely the bride-groomes most intimate friends and companions Iohn 3 26. The meaning is I will not disturbe the joy my Disciples conceave by reason of my presence after my departure out of the world they will have afflictions and sorrowes and time enough to feele them V. 16. No man besides this cause I have also a regâ—rd not to oppresse the weakenesse of those which are mine with too rigorous a discipline in these beginnings New cloth the Italian rough cloth as â—t commeth out of the weavers hand neither dressed nor fulled and therefore very unfit for any use especially to mend or patch clothes V. 18. Ruler they were certaine superior Ecclesiasticall persons which did preside in the Iewes particular Assemblies and there did
other places humane nature in its corruption and sinne Is flesh that is to say carnall and viâ—ious and therefore uncapable of the kingdome of heaven 1 Cor. 15. 50. Is Spirit that is to say spirituall in senses motions and actions altogether holy and divine V. 7. Marvell not do not let this doctrine of regeneration move you to any wonder of doubt or incredulity Iohn 5. 28. for although the nature thereof be supernaturall and incomprehensible yet the effects thereof are very apparent and sensible as the winde See Eccles. 11. 5. V. 10. Knowest not though they have been cleerly set forth by the Prophets Psal. 51. 10. Ezek. 11. 19. and 36. 26 27. V. 11. We speake namely I and my Disciples doe teach doctrines that are certaine and are not of human invention as your traditions are Because that I as I am true God know all the fathers secrets and do faithfully manifest them as being sent from him v. 32. And ye he speaks to the Iewes in generall V. 12. Earthly things which all beleevers ought to know and practise in this world Heavenly namely the highest mysteries the knowledge and fruition of which are reserved for the heavenly life V. 13. No man you ought to beleeve me in both for no man of himselfe hath knowledge thereof nor the charge of declaring them but I alone who though I have taken humane flesh upon me and have so farre abased my selfe yet my Godhead doth still reside in heaven having the same essence and glory as my father hath Matth. 11. 27. Iohn 1. 18. and 6. 46. Rev. 5. 5 7. Hath ascended to gaine the originall knowledge of these things V. 14 And as my abasement shall be followed by the exaltation of my humane nature into heaven that by the sending of my Spirit and by my word I may set up a cleere signe of the salvation which I shall have obtained to apply to all by faith Ephes. 4. 9. 10 11. V. 16. The world namely mankinde in its generality though with a distinction of his elect according to his good will and pleasure He gave appointed him out of meere grace for a redeemer sent into the world at the appointed time exposed to all necessary sufferings and at the last applied and really conferred with all his benefits to beleevers by the inward operation of the holy Ghost who creates in them the faith for to apprehend him livelily V 17. For God the proper end for which the Sonne of God was sent was to save not to condemne the world for he needed not for that effect to have taken humane flesh upon him True it is indeed that hee doth accidentally aggravate the curle of unbeleevers who reject the light of his grace to remaine in the darkenesse of ignorance and sin See Iohn 16. 9 v. 17. Sent not that is to say it was appointed by the Councell of the whole Trinity that the Sonne should in his owne person and immediately take humane flesh upon him in the world and in the same flesh fulfill the worke of redemption and so must alwayes the se words of sending the Son and the spirit bee understood for accomplishing that act in their proper person which was proper to each of them the councell and advice whereof is common to all the persons together observing the order of operating V. 19. The condenmation namely the cause and subject of it And men namely a great part of them all worldly and unregenerate men Because namely one of the chiefe causes of this incredulity is because that man delighting in sinne abhorres the light and power of the Gospell which discovers the foulenesse of sin and argues the malignity of it for to bring man to repentance V. 21. Doth truth the Italian Workes 〈…〉 uth namely loyall and sincere works in which the conscience is assured of Gods approbation whereupon the more they are exposed to light the more joy and content they doe bring to them as doe them See Psalm 37. 6. In God according to his will which is as it were the forme and modell of good workes Romans 6. 17. Or the roote and beginning of which is the communion which man hath with God by his Spirit V. 22. Into the land namely from Ierusalem Iohn 2. 23. he came into the territories of Iudea Baptized by the ministery of his Disciples Iohn 4. 2. V. 23. Anon it is thought that these two Cities were on this side Iordan and neere unto it in the halfe tribe of Manasses and it appears by Iohn 10 40. that Iohn went away from Bethabara which was beyond Iordan unto this place which was on this side V. 25. There arose from that which followeth it appeares that the question was which of the two baptismes Christs or Iohns was of greater power or whether they were both equall to purifie the soule from sin Iohns Diseiples or by some of his Disciples The Iewes which went to Christs baptisme Some texts have it with a certaine Iew. V. 26. They came namely Iohns Disciples moved by jealousie or by a desire they had to be instructed V. 27. A man the meaning is I cannot nor ought not to be more then God would make me he hath made me a servant and therefore both you and I ought to containe our selves within our degree and measure and yeeld the soveraigne honour to the Lord which is Christ. Or I having received what I have by Gods gift there is no cause of glory for me nor of ambition for you 1 Cor. 4. 7. V 29. He that hath Christ in all these things comes in in the quality of a head and principall person as the bridegroome in a wedding solemnity but I am there but an accessary and a servant admitted by favour and therein have I a perfect joy without any disturbance of jealousie V. 30. D. Decrease my person must decrease till death and this my extraordinary and preparing office must â—eâ—ld to the full manifestation of Christ and of his Gospell V. 31. That is of earth namely a mortall man such a one 〈◊〉 I am cannot adde any thing to his deeds and sayings above that which he is himselfe Therfore I cannot give any efficacy to my Baptisme and preaching for the purification and conversion of the soule Christ only can doe 〈◊〉 Is above al namely in power and operation which depends all upon him and thereâ—ore hâ—e addâ—s it to the operation of his ministeâ—s according to his pleasure V. 32. Test fieth the same must bee said of the truth as is spoken of the power he hath it wholly to himselfe as it were in his owne spring his Ministers have it but onely out of his bounty and by his communication v 32. No man there is but a very small number of men that beleeve him V. 33. He that hath that is to say all true beleevers doe ratifie and confirme as much as in them lyeth the â—â—uth of Gods word which Christ teacheth in perfect purity because he
the motions of your owne naturall corruptions See Gal. 6. 8. Yee shall dye namely the everlasting death Through the spirit if you make use of the gifts of the holy Ghost and of his exercises continually desire his assistance and co-operate with his motions and power to mortifie the concupiscences and sins which are practised by the body â—nd doe yet reside in you during this corporall life Now he seemes here to oppose that onely effectuall meanes of the spirit to all humane meanes which are too weake as lawes reason doctrines disciplines c. Ye shall live namely in heavenly glory and happinesse V. 14. For as many he gives a reason why the promise of life is made to regenerate mens namely because being made children of God by adoption sealed by the spirit of regeneration thay are consequently heires V. 15. For ye he proveth further that they are children by the holy Ghost who is the seal of their adoption imprints the feeling thereof in them and causeth them to feel the effects thereof and bear the fruits and yeeld the duties thereof contrarie to his operation towards those consciences which are absolutly under the law servisely tied to work to gain the wiges being in continuall terror of the punishment without comfort liberty or confidence In which manner the spirit of God in some sort had also used the beleevers in the legal discipline under the old testament vsing them as younger sons under tuition with much subjection and feare whereas now the spirit of grace being fully powred out as upon eldest sonnes filleth them with confidence and liberty towards God Gal. 13. we cry with a holy boldnesse wee sweetly and tenderly call upon our heavenly father crying out like little children See upon Marke 14. 36 V. 16. The spirit as he sets us on to call upon God our father so he likewise assureth us on his part and sealeth it in our hearts that we are his children V. 17. Then heirs having right by this gift of adoption to the everlasting goods of the heavenly father in the communion of Christ essential sonn of the father and sole heire by nature See Mat. 38. 12. Heb. 1. 2 if so be S. Paul purposing to go on to the effect of the holy ghost namly to comfort beleevers in their afflictions doth first set down that they are by Gods appointment a necessary condition to attain to glory to the imitation of Christ their head with him as he hath suffered for his cause in the communion of his body in manner of an army that fighteth with its head See 2. Cor. 1. 5. 6. 7. Col 1. 24. V. 18. For I we must supply This condition ought to be freely embraced by beleevers for the good which is promised under that condition is farre greater then the evil which they can feare therein V. 19. For the he proves the height of this glory because it is the end of all things which do aspire thereunto by a naturall instinct but especially beleevers who have the chief part therein waiteth for lookes attentively for the time when it shall cleerely appear which are the true qualities rights and priviledges of Gods children in the perfect love of God in his likenesse in the inheritance and possession of his blessednesse and in the enjoying of his glory V. 20. For the he gives a reason of the whole words ayming at this last mark namely because it hath been by mans sin put besides its first and naturall establishment into which as one should say it disires to be set again made subject being drawen by man to serv for an instrument to sinne and to the vaine end of seeking its good an creatures forsaking the creator and consequently being enfolded in Gods curse in the continuall disorder ruine and destruction of many of its parts and finally to the annyhilation of this faire outward fabrick of the world Psa 102. 26. not willingly according to Gods first institution who hath given all creatures certain naturall vses to which they seeme voluntarly to incline whereas seduction seemes to have some resemblance of violence of him namely man who was the onely cause of this curse Gen. 3. 17 in hope grounded upon this that it having suffered part of the curse for mans sin when he shall be fully reestablished in grace and glorie all trackes of curse shall be also quite extinguished in the world as it is set downe Isa. 51. 16. and 65. 17. and 64. 22. V. 21. Delivered it shall be no more subject to any alteration nor corruption as it is this present nor should not serve for obiect or instrument of sin but shal according to its degree and nature participate of the glorious estate of Gods children freed from all evills and wants V. 22. For we know that is to say though the world seem at this present to be in its highest splender and beauty yet it hath an evil which burthens it and sincks it namely sin of which burthren it would faine be eased in a maner like a woman that is great with child which not withstanding will not be untill the last resurrection V 23. and not only that which the world doth by a secret inclination without any feeling or discourse we beleevers do it thorow knowledg and spirituall judgment fighing for grief under the burden of sin which we bear with a desire to be perfectly freed from it the first fruits namely that first degre of regeneration and gifts of the spirit which is conferred in this life for a pledge of the perfection which shall be in the eternall life 2. Cor. 1. 22. and 5. 5. Ephes. 1. 14. the adoption namely the full manifestation and effect hereof in the delivering of our bodyes from the power of death by the resurrection Psal. 49. 15. V. 24. For we it ought not to seeme strange that I say that we waite though wee be saved alreadie for we are not so as yet but onely by right and not perfectly in deed which is evident by the nature of the vertue of hope chief amongst those which the sp 〈…〉 creates in us which would not take place if the effect of our salvation were present See 1. Cor. 13. 13. V. 25. But if wee the Italian and if wee if that hope by which even at this time wee doe appreheâ—â— our happinesse which is not as yet revealed be lively and well grounded it ought to produce in us an inuincible patience for any length of time suffering of troubles and oppositions to receive the effect at the appointed time See 1. Thess. 1. 3. Iam. 1. 4. V. 26. Likewise the same spirit which hath imprinted these perswasions and desiers in us doth also worke another effect in us namely to strengthen and beare us up in our weaknesses and that by the meanes of holy prayers by which wee obtaine from God his grace and strength and whatsoever else is necessarie for our salvation 2 Cor. 12. 8. 9. maketh in 〈…〉 ess
some have been converted to the Christian faith THE EPISTLE OF St. PAUL THE Apostle to the COLOSSIANS ARGUMENT COlosse was a City in Phrygia neere to the River Lico in the lesser Asiaâ—in â—in which by Epaphras ministery there had been gathered together and set up a Church which was soon after tempted and troubled by certain seducers who taught them to restraine Mosaicall ceremonie as necessary to salvation and to observe many humane traditions and doctrines under colour of greater devotion and holinesse Therefore Epaphras went to Rome and told Paul who was a prisoner the estate and danger of that Church which though it were not as yet gone aftray yet had need of being confirmed and maintained by his authority St. Paul therefore to that end writes this Epistle to the Collossians And after he hath at the first given God thanks for their faith and charity according to the Gospell faithfully preached unto them by Epaphras he prayeth them to encrease his gifts unto them and strengthen them more and more in the faith that they might bring forth the true fruits thereof Then he layeth open and exalteth the excellence of the Person the Office and benefit of Christ preached to the Gentiles whose Apostle he was and for whom he suffered all these afflictions And therefore he exhorteth them to persevere in Christ and to cleave wholly unto him and to set all their righteousnesse life salvation and happinesse in him onely and not suffer themselves to be led away after ceremonies which Christ hath fulfilled by his death and annihilated the use of them nor after humane traditions and inventions which under a maske of devotion are but vaine superstition and impiety But that as they have by baptisme been made partakers of Christs death and resurrection to the remission of sinnes and gaining of the ever lasting and spirituall life and liberty they should likewise continually aspire to the accomplishment thereof by the mortification of the flesh and concupiscences thereof and by the sanctification of the spirit whose fruits are piety humility charity peace and every other Christian vertue whereof he likewise gives particular precepts and instructions to husbands and wives parents and children masters and servants Declaring that in these things consists the true piety and service of God And finally having exhorted them to continuall prayers and holy wisdome he salutes them in his owne and other brethrens â—â—mes CHAP. 1. Vers. 2. AT Colosse a City of Pâ—â—ygiâ— neere to the River Lico in A 〈…〉 mi 〈…〉 which was over-throwne by an earth-quake under Nero. Which is the reason that the ancientest of the late Geographers have not spoken of it V. 5. For the hope your end being no worldly nor temporall good but eternall salvation apprehended by a lively hope V. 6. In all the every way through the length and breadth thereof Oâ— in all places where the Gospell is preached vers 23. Bringeth forth fruit namely in effects of Faith and conversion and groweth in amplenesse of knowledge and manifestation In truth namely as it is preached in all truth in the Gospell and not in lies as it is in false religions nor in shadows and figures as in Moses his law V. 8. Who also by this place and by Col. 4 12. and by Philo. 23. it appeares that this Epaphr as pastor of Colosse was come to Rome to visit Saint Paul when he was in prison In the Spirit namely your spirituall love engendered by the Holy Ghost who thereby unites and preserves the communion of Saints See Rom. 15. 30. V. 10. Of the Lord of the profession which you make of being children of God and members of Christ. Or of the grace which you have received of him and of his calling V. 12 Which hath made us namely by his free adoption he hath conferred upon us the right of inheriting his light namely his celestiall glory assigned to all his elect and believers See John 1. 12. V. 13. From the power from the hand of Satan Prince of darknesse That is to say head of the State of ignorance sin horror death and confusion which raigneth in the world V. 15. Who is in whose Person Workes and Word God who of his owne nature is invincible reveales himselfe unto salvation as 2 Cor. 4. 4. First 〈…〉 e engendered by the father of his owne proper essence and equall with him before any thing was created and brought forth of nothing that is to say from everlasting Or he that is as Gods great Deputy and Vicegerent in the world as the first borne were in families See Psal. 89. 27. V. 16. By him the Italian in him that is to say he subsisting already by his eternall generation the father hath created all things operateing by him and in him as by an equall joyned and cooperating câ—â—se So that he by an inward property of his person maintaines them all in their being John 1. 4. Heb. 1. 3. In Heaven it seemes 〈◊〉 meanes the Angels and all spirituall creatures Thrones this name and those which follow signifie the Angelicall creatures together with their degreeâ— and dignities as well amongst themselves as over the lower world 〈…〉 d the guiding of it Sec Rom. 〈◊〉 â—8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by thro 〈…〉 â—e specially meanes the Cherubins upon which it is saitâ— that God 〈◊〉 as upon a Throne by a figure taken from the Cherubins which were upon the Arke upon which Gods gloâ—y appeared 1 Sam. 4. 4. 1 Chro. 28. â—8 Psa. 80. 1. Ezek. 10. 1. For him being not moved to create them by any cause out of himselfe but onely by his owne frâ—â— will Ephes. 〈◊〉 5. Or as he hath been the soveraigne cause thereof so is he the last end of it so that every thing ought to have a relation to his glory and service Rom. 11. 36. V. 17. All things namely that are created and therefore he is eternall John 1. 1. By him the Itâ—lian on him encompassing and as one may say containing them by his infinite power that they may not be dissolved and destroyed and bearing â—â—em up that they may not sinke and be ruined So that he is as it were the foundation and bond of the preservation of all things V. 18. The beginning namely the same degree that the Sonne of God hath in the order of nature he likewise hath in that of grace and of 〈◊〉 〈…〉 ion being the 〈…〉 st that is risen againe by his owne power and being the cause and 〈◊〉 of the resurrection of all his members The first borne as he had named him in the other order of creation vers 15. The meaning is He that by his resâ—rrecâ—ion 〈◊〉 been declared â—o be the 〈◊〉 and everlasting Some of God and head of the Church Acts 1◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. 4. as by the same the adoption of all his â—eleâ—vers should also appeare Rom. 8. 19 20 22 1 Job 3. 2. In all things as well in thâ— creation and naturall state of the world as in the