because that the Law of Moses gives a man no strength nor helpe towards the accomplishing of it and yet doth inexorably require perfect obedience the Law of Christ contrariwise worketh in man the power of doing that which it commands and besides commandeth with mildnesse tempered according to mens weaknesses and ignorances In regard of the end because Moses his Law is to gain a right to life or to be condemned by it the Law of Christ to frame and direct man to the exercise and actions of life which is already given him by grace V. 20. I am I participate of his death as well in the expiation of my sinnes as in the gift of his Spirit which mortifieth in me the strength of sin and ingenders a new life in me of which Christ is the Root and Spring and that by vertue of the communion which I have with him as member of his bodie the band and tie whereof in this life is faith Ephes. 3. 17. V. 21. I do not that is to say I teach this that the Doctrine of Gods grace in Christ which is the onely cause of salvation may remain safe and untouched Rom. 4. 14 16. Righteousnesse namely the meanes whereby man is justified before God By the Law either wholly according the Pharisees opinion or in part according the error of those false Doctours now these two meanes of Faith and of Workes cannot either by Gods order or by the nature it selfe of the things be mixed together in causes of justification Rom. 4. 4. and 5. 6. 11. Wherefore if the least cause of righteousnesse and life be attributed to Workes it must wholly be attributed unto them and so Christ profiteth nothing Gal. 5. 2 3 4. And so likewise whosoever hath a recourse to Christ must absolutely renounce all considence in his own proper Workes Phil. 3. 8 9. CHAP. III. VER 1. SEt forth lively represented unto you with his death and passion and with the vertue and use thereof V. 2. Receivâ—d you you have not received the spirit of regeneration from God nor the miraculous gifts thereof by meanes of the Jewish doctrine of Workes nor by your endeavouring to do them nor your adhering to them but by meanes of the Gospell embraced by faith then seeing that God hath ratified this Doctrine onely by this divine seal you ought not any way to doubt of it and you do very ill to varie therein V. 3. Begun the course and state of your vocation in Christianitie In the Spirit namely by faith regeneration and other effects of the Holie Ghost in which consists the substance and truth of the Gospell Iohn 4. 23. 2 Cor. 3. 6. 8. Made perfect you let the false Apostles perswade you that you may receive some addition of perfection by the observation of legall ceremonies as by a thing necessarie to mans righteousnesse and holinesse By the flesh by externall and corporall things such as those ceremonies were especially after their figurative and sacramentall use was nullified by Christ to establish new Sacraments See Phil. 3. 4. Heb. 7. 16. and 9. 10. V. 4. In vain namely for a Doctrine which now you renounce for the Jewes sakes who were the first authours of the Christians persecutions or without any fruit for the reward is promised to them which persevere If it be and not rather to your greater condemnation being that the abandoning of the truth after such great progresses therein and such strong proofes cannot chuse but be imputed for a far greater fault as there being greater violence and ruine therein as in a building alreadie raised to a great height more malignitie ingratitude towards God and more scandall towards men V. 5. Miracles the Italian powerfull workes that is to say high and noted miracles which in those beginnings were frequent in the Churches See 1 Cor. 12. 10. V. 7. Know yee the Italian yet you know that is to say this Doctrine is clear and resolved upon amongst Christians that the true children of Abraham comprehended in the covenant which God made with him and his posteritie are not the carnal Jewes which are borne of him or joyned to him by circumcision and by the professing of their ceremonies but all such as according to Abrahams example do renounce all confidence in their own proper Workes and put it wholly in Gods promises and grace in Christ as Abraham was made a father example and paragon of faith to all those to whom the covenant made with him was to appertain Of faith namely of the number and on that good side of those which follow that onely meanes of salvation See Rom. 4. 16. V. 8. The Scripture namely God speaking by it Rom. 9. 17. Gal. 3. 22. did formerly reveal his intent to Abraham to call the Gentiles at his appointed time through faith in his Son Preached before the Gospell namely he did propound unto him this Euangelicall promise In thee namely in so much as they shall be thy children and joyned to thee by communion and imitation of faith V. 10. For as many seeing there never were but these two meanes of obtaining Gods blessing but Workes and Faith and that through sin man hath made himselfe utterly uncapable of the first and therefore remaines accursed there is no way for him but either to remain in perdition without redemption or to have recourse unto the other meanes which is Faith Of the Workes namely of the number of their opinion and of their side who found the confidence of the righteousnesse and life upon their own Workes Rom. 4. 4 and 10. 3. For it is he doth presuppose it as a clear thing that no man after sin can persevere that is to say can accomplish the course of obedience in all its heads V. 11. But that no man let no man deceive himselfe in believing that the aforesaid sentence is onely pronounced against wicked men who are altogether given to evill the most righteous and holie do not live before God and consequently are not justified but onely by Faith seeing that righteousnesse is the onelie and perpetuall cause of life See Rom. 1. 17. as it appeares by this passage of Hab. 2. 4. V. 12. And the Law the Italian but the Law let everie one also beware of thinking to mix both the meanes together namely of Workes and of Faith in causes of life and justification for in this regard and for this effect Workes have no communitie with Faith neither in their own nature seeing they present to God mans own righteousnesse and Faith receives Christs righteousnesse for a gift nor by Gods order which makes these two meanes incompatible one with the other Rom. 4. 4 5. and 10. 5 6. and 116. But the man that is to say the substance and sum of the Law consists in mans own proper Workes contrarie to this reception by Faith in meer gift V. 13. Christ now he comes again to shew how a blessing comes upon the spirituall children of Abraham by Faith v. 9.
therefore of small consequence either in the destroying or the preserving of it Words of humane ignorance not agreeing with Gods justice who regardeth not little or great V. 22. I cannot Gods order is that I should set thee in safety before I destroy the Citie hast thee therefore for the time of execution is come Zoar That is to say little whereas before it was called Bela. See the fourteenth Chapter of Genesis and the second verse V. 24. The Lord The Son of God who had appeard unto Abraham and Lot caused this raine to fall by some word or token which raine was caused by Gods omnipotency and showred upon the earth without any naturall cause V. 25 The plaine Of Jordan Gen. 13. 10. where there were five Cities Sodom Gomorrah Adura Seboim Zoar. V. 26. Loâ—ked Following Lot she turned her eyes towards Sodom either through curiosity or through griefe against Gods Commandement ver 17. A pillar A dead stiffe body dryed up by that sulphurous and Salpetrie stuffe which the Scripture calleth salt Genesis 14. 3. Deut. 29. 23. V. 29. Abraham For whose love chiefely God preserved Lot who though he was innocent of those abominable vices yet might very well deserve to be partaker of their corporall punishment for having stayed so long amongst them for worldly ease V. 31. Our Father It sheweth that they believed all the world was consumed and that they only surviving with their old Father it behoved them to make haste to have issue for to preserve man-kind and that this necessity did disannull the ordinary Law an inconsiderate cause of a wicked effect V. 37. Moab That is to say of the father that is begotten upon me by my Father V. 38. Beâ—ammi That is to say Sonne of my people begotten in the holy linage and not of the accursed of Sodom where I should have beene married CHAP. XX. VERS 1. FRom thence That is from the plaine of Mamre Gen. 18. 1. The South See Gen. 13 1. Kadesh See Gen. 16. 14. V. 3. A dead man This was told Abimelech after the plagues which God had sent him to hinder him from abusing of Sarah v. 6 because he might be the cause of them and be delivered from them by restoring of her to her husband V. 4. Nation because that the Kings Court and the people had also been strucken with those plagues verse 7. 9 17. Righteous That is guiltlesse of this fact V. 5. In the Integrity In ending to make her my lawfull wife without ravishment or Adultery V. 12. Daughter of Many are of opinion that shee was Tares Grand-child and the Hebrewes will have her to be â—sâ—a the daughter of Haran Genesis 11. â—9 V. 15. Before thee At thy command and choyce See Gen. 13. 9. V. 16. Thy brother It should seeme that this sum was given for a kinde of recompence Pieces The Italian hath it S 〈…〉 kels a kinde of silver coyn weighing halfe an ounce or foure drams A covering that is to say he that alone hath interest in thee and power over thee wherefore as a signe of subjection thou shalt goe with thy face covered Gen. 24. 65. 1 Cor. 11. 10. That every one that seeth thee may know that thou art marryed and therefore abstaine from thee For it is likely that Sarah had taken off her vayle whereby the King was fallen into some errour Thus shee Though she was honoured and rewarded by the King yet was she faine to suffer the shame of this rebuke V. 17. Bare Children So the Hebrew hath it the Italian hath it They were able to beare This signifieth that Abimelechs plagues and sores were in the genitall parts of men and women which hindred their cohabitation which is modestly expressed by this circumlocution CHAP. XXI VERS 1. VIsited That is to say shewed himselfe to bee present with her in grace and vertue giving miraculously new power to conceive V. 6. Made me to laugh She hath reference to her laughing Gen. 18. 12. as if she should say now have I truely occasion to laugh for joy as I did before through wonder V. 7. For I have Words of admiration as if she said that I should c. V. 9. Mocking Saint Paul Gal. 4. 29 calleth this scoffe a persecution which sheweth that there was malice hatred and stoutnesse in it V. 10 She said Though it is manifest that there was some carnall and vicious passion in Sarah yet all this was done by the secret promise of God to separate Ishmael from the blessed progeny in which he had no share See Gen. 25. 6. and 36. 6 8. V. 12. Shall thy The progeny which shall beare thy name and shall participate in the spirituall right of the holy race whereof I have made thee head shall bee borne unto thee by Isaac and not by Ishmael V. 14. Beersheba The place is so called here by way of anticipation v. 31. V. 17. Where he is To shew that God was even present in the desert in grace and power V. 18. Hold him The Italian hath Strengthen thy selfe to have a care of him The Hebrew hath it strengthen thy hand â—ver him V. 19. Opened Whether sorrow did trouble her judgement or whether God did by miracle hinder her sight or whether it was dazled through the long distance all obstacles were taken away in a moment and the remedy to her want was shewed her V. 20. Was with Went along with him with his blessing in temporall things Gen. 17. 20. Archer both in warre and hunting V. 23. That thou In this Oath as in all other oathes there is a promise in these words thou shalt doe and an execration If thou as the Italian hath it in stead of That thou which must be thus applyed that God may judge thee and curse thee c. if thou lyest V. 25. Reproved The Italian hath complained to Taken away debarring Abraham and his servants who had digged it from the use of it verse 30. See Gen. 26. 15 18 20 21 22. V. 30. That they That thou art King accepting this present from me for an acknowledgement that I have digged this well in thy land I may bee out of strife with thy subjects and thou giving credit to my saying namely that I have digged it maist command thy servants to be silent V. 31. Beersheba That is to say a well of swearing V. 33. A grove It seemeth he used it for a retyring place to doe his exercises of piety to pray and sacrifice which example having brought in a superstitious opinion amongst many as if the Deity were present in such shady places God did forbid the use of these groves neere to holy places Deut. 16. 21. and often condemneth the service that is done there in imitation of the Pagans CHAP. XXII VERS 2. MOriah This name signifieth provision of God and is here used by anticipation because it was so called afterwards verse 14. upon the said occasion and is one of those bills which afterwards was inclosed within
default V. 13 Let him bring it Some peece as he can get again to witnesse the mischance and his care Amos 3â—12 V. 15 Be with it And have seen that it happened not through his neighbours default and that he could not help it seeing the master himself could not help it It câ—me It hath been a kinde of merchandizing and no curtesie or favour done in lending of it wherefore he that had it is not bound to pay for it unlesse there were some default in him Others have it let it go for his hire V. 16 Entice With dallyings and enticements not by force as Deut. 22. 29. where both the case and the Law for it are different Endow her See Exo. 21. 9 V. 17 According to According as the custome is or the Law more or lesse according to the proportion of the maidens qualities or wealth as may be gathered by the 1 Sam. 18. 25. V. 18 The witch Any one that hath made a Covenant or hath communication with the Divell or any way practiseth divelish arts to any end whatsoever He specifieth the female sex because that in it this kinde of evill is most frequent and notwithstanding the frailty of it it must not escape unpunished V. 20 Utterly destroyed The Italian addeth As Anathema That is to say accursed and execrable see Deut. 18. 21. 1 Cor. 16. 22. V. 23 If thou afflict them The Italian hath it Beware of afflicting him The Hebrew hath it if thou afflict him an abridged manner of forbidding with an implied threate V. 25 Any of my people by this word are oftentimes meant especially the poore Psa. 14. 4. Mic. 2. 9. V. 26 Thy neighbours Who is poore or needy V. 27 Wherein shall he Or whereupon he lieth V. 28 The ruler The Italian hath it He that is governour that is to say he that is the chief of the politick or ecclesiasticall order V. 29 Of thy ripe fruits The Italian hath it Of thy vintage The Hebrew of thy fulnesse It appeareth by Numb 18. 27. Deut. 22. 9. that this word here meaneth the vintage which runneth out in abundance out of the wine presses or fats As that which is afterwards spoken of oiles is pointed out by the word of dropping because they are pressed out drop after drop Now this is specified because that the offerings of the first fruits of corne were at Pentecost Exod. 23. 16. and 34. 2â— Numb 28. 26. but not them of liquors and therefore God commandeth that it should not be maliciously or negligently delayed V. 31 Holy men Spiritually abstaining and purifying your selves from sinne and ceremonially by abstaining from all such things whereof I have declared the use to be uncleane CHAP. XXIII VERS 1. SHalt not raise By being the author or divulger thereof Others have it shalt not receive that is to say thou shalt not give eare unto it nor lightly believe it V. 2 A Multitude The Italian hath it After great ones That is to say for to make thy selfe partiall with them others have it after a multitude V. 3 Countenance Regarding his poverty and not the justice of the cause V 5 Wouldest forbeare Or wouldest thou forbeare from freeing of him V. 6 Of thy poore Of the poore man that is thy brother and of the same nation Or that is under thy power and censure in whose defence the judges ought to stand V. 7 From a false matter The Italian hath it From false speaking In the accusation by not receiving it and in the sentence by not giving it will not justifie In my soveraigne judgement I will correct all false humane judgements and will do justice as well against the Judges as against the parties Neither is this contrary to the free justification of a sinner through Gods absolute grace by the meanes of Faith Rom. 4. 5. because that in the precedent act God is brought in as a Judge doing according to the rigor of the Law and in this last he proceedeth as Soveraigne and absolute Lord pardoning whom hee pleaseth V. 8 No gift Namely gifts to corrupt judgement Perverteth Maketh them neither speak nor judge aright or frustrates all the reasons of a good cause V. 11 Let it rest Doing nothing with it neither plowing sowing nor reaping The poore Let the fruit of the trees and whatsoever else the earth brings forth of it selfe be common to all men Levit. 25. 6 7. and so let the poore bee relieved V. 12 And the sonne of The slave borne in thy house and the purchased stranger and the hired servant V. 15 Of unleavened bread That is the Passeover Before me In my Temple where I shew my selfe in the signes of my grace and power Empty Without an offering V. 6 Of harvest Namely at Pentecost when they offered two leaves for the first fruits of harvest Lev. 23. 17. Of in gathering The Feast of the Tabernacles after all 〈◊〉 were brought in both of fields vines and trees Deut. 16. 13. Of the yeare Namely of the politick yeare which begins in September for there was an holy yeare which began in March se Exo. 12. 2. V. 17 Three times That is to say at these three feasts V. 18 Of my sacrifice This is indeed a Law common to all sacrifices Levit. 2. 11. but here is particularly meant the Paschall Lambe which is also called a sacrifice Exod. 12. 27. with leavened bread As Exod. 12. 8. The fat No part of the Lambe was to be offered in burnt offering 2 Chron. 35. 12. 14. and therefore in that expresly consisted the figure of the singular sacrifice of Christ offered but once Heb. 9. 26. and 10 12. V. 19 In his mothers milk Whilest it was as yet all milke being newly borne because the Lambe that was offered for a â—â—stling was to be seven dayes old Exod. 22. 30. Lev. 22. 27. being also to be eaten Deut. 14. 21. V. 20 I send The Holy Trinity speaking in the Sonnes person sendeth the Sonne of God Isa. 48. 16. to accomplish that worke in his own person as it appeareth by Exod. 32. 2 3. Acts 7. 38 39. 1 Corinth 10. 9. Heb. 12. 26. see upon Gen. 10. 7. Exo. 13. 21. and 14. 19. Into the place Into the land of Canaan V. 21 Provoke him not Be not rebellious unto him My name He is of the one essence and glory with me the Father see John 10. 38. and 14. 11. and 17. â—1 V. 22 An adversary I will afflict them as shall afflict thee V. 24 Overthrow them Those wicked people together with their Idols V. 26 The number The naturall course of thy life V. 28 Hornets Some understand this according to the letter Jos. 24. 12. Others figuratively from a suddaine gene all and unavoydable invasion of the people comming upon their enemies with Gods assistance as Psal. 118. 12. V. 31. Of the â—hiâ—stines That is to say the Mediterrar an upon whose coâ—st the Philistines Countrie was Unto the River Euphrates This was fulfilled under David and
Iudah Iudg. 1. 8. But there remained yet the rock of Sion and one part of the city which David tooke in his time 2. Samuel chapter 5. verse 7. CHAP. XVI VERS 1. BY Iericho See Numb 22. 1. The water It might be some particular place called by this name which is specified because that the Easterne border of the Ephramites did not extend it self all along that part of Iordan which carried the name of Iericho yea onely to this place as it appeareth in the eighteenth chapter of Ioshua and the twelfth verse From the bounds of Benjamin which bordered with Ephraim V. 4 Manasseh The halfe of this tribe which had not had its share beyond Iordan V. 5. On the east side Namely on the North-east side V. 7 To Jericho Within the Territories thereof for otherwise the city of Iericho fell to Benjamins lot Ioshua the eighteenth chapter and the one and twentieth verse CHAP. XVII VERS 1. FOR he was Though hee was the first borne yet Ephraim which was the youngest was preferred by Iacobs appoyntment Genesis the eight and fortieth chapter verse the tenth As well in dignity being first drawne in the division As also in great largenesse of Countrey proportioned to the greater Number of Ephraims issue Because he was Wherefore they freely archieved the conquest of the land which Moses had given them Numbers 32. 39. and for the same reason they were chosen by him to inhabite in that place to stand as it were in defence of that dangerous frontier Gilead The one halfe of it as it appeareth Deuteronomy chapter 3. vers 12 13. V. 2 By their Whereof each one was a head of a nation which carried their name V. 5 Ten portions Five for the five brothers verse the second and five more for the five daughters of Zelophelâ—d the son of Hefer who was the sixth brother V. 6 The Daughters In this Tribe the division was not made onely according to the number of the males as in other Tribes but also of the females V 10 Met together The Italian Bordered These two Tribes descending both from one Patriarch Joseph being joyned together for otherwise if you did divide them Manasseh bordered upon the other two tribes V. 11 The Inhabitants who because they could not be driven out were brought into bondage as it is said afterwards V. 12 Would dwell Resolved to stand upon their owne defence to be admitted to capitulation that they might dwell in their owne Cities V. 14 The children Namely of the two Tribes Ephraim and Manasseh One lot They did indeed receive two severall portions but they would say that they both were worth but one in regard of their great multitude and that one of their tribes was sufficient to people them both especially seeing that a great part thereof was yet enjoyed and possessed by the Canaanites V. 15 To the wood Countrey It was some great wood between these two tribes V. 16 The hill The hilly part which wee have hitherto conquered and as for the plaine the Canaanites have the advantage of us by reason of their warre Charets Judges 1. 19. and 4. 3. Of Iron It was thought they were Charets for warre the axle trees armed with Iron-hooks and trimmed up every where with Iron both for offence and defence V. 17 Thou shalt not have As there is good reason thou shouldest have as much land as two Tribes so thou must employ a double strength in conquering of 〈◊〉 V. 18 For it is The Italian If it be If the rest of the countrey be a wood the best remedy is to cut it Thou shalt drive out with the help of God which will not faile thee so that thou employest thy sâ—fe in it valiantly and put thy confidence in him and his promises CHAP. XVIII VERS 4. DEscribe it Thou shalt take a note of the countrey and of the situation of it the bignesse of it and number of the Cities and Castles to make the shares equall V. 6 Yee shall therefore Joshua's words to the Deputies which were already chosen The Lord that is to say before the Ark. V. 7 The Priest-hood They have their portions assigned them out of the things which are offered and consecrated to God in recompence of their service V. 19 The North bay The salt sea or lake of Sodome stretched it self from the North and South and at the two heads it did restraine it selfe into two great poynts whereof the Northern was the end of the Land of Benjamin and the Southerne one of that of Judah Josh. chapter 15. verse 2. and the mouth of Jordan which went out into this lake was Southernly in regard of the head thereof which was northerly CHAP. XIX VERS 2. BEer-sheba This City and that which followeth next were both but one City divided by some river or wall otherwise in stead of thirteen Cities there would bee fourteen See 1 Chronicles 4. 28. V. 9. The Inheritance See upon Josh. chapt 15. verse 32. V. 11 The River Called Kishon Judg. chap. 4 verse 7. V. 15 Bethlehem This is another City of the same name as that which was in Judah where the Lord was borne yet it is not the same Twelve the whole number of the Cities which are named is sixteen But we must imagine that amongst this number there were some which were not of Simeons portion but did onely border upon it V. 27 Cabul This is not the name of a City for then in stead of two and twenty there would be three and twenty but it is the name of some Countrey lying in the outermost bounds of Palestina 1 Kings 9. 13. V. 34 To Iudah Jordan was the Eastern border of this tribe and of all the rest of the Tribes which lay upon it untill it came to Judah V. 38. Nineteen See how this number must bee understood upon v. 2. 15. V. 47. Went up That is to say afterwards After the death of Joshua Judges 18. where Lesem is called Lais which was at the Northerne end of the Countrey whereby Dan is after set downe for the northerne head opposite to Beer-sheba the southern head V. 50. Built Repaired it from the ruines of the warres increased it and made it fitting for his own use CHAP. XX. VERS 1. SPake In a sensible apparition as Jos. 5. 14. or in a prophetick revelation V. 4 His cause The true relation of the fact for his owne justification Take him Namely if they doe not find him guilty of wilfull murther V. 8 Assigned Confirmed and ratified that which was already appoynted by Moses Deuteronomy 4. 43. V. 9 Untill hee Till that after the death of the high Priest he did present himselfe before the great assembly of the people to be re-established in his owne house under the security of publike protection after his innocence was made knowne and the avengers wrath abated and qualified CHAP. XXI VERS 11. OF Anak The Italian hath it Anoe commonly called Anak V. 12 The fields Beyond the two thousand cubits
relation to the confusion of languages at the tower of Babel Gen. 11. 7. see Iudg. 9. 23. Hos. 10. 2. In the City it is very like that hee describes the estate of the City of Ierusalem from the beginning to the ending of Absoloms conspiracy to which time this Psalme hath a relation 2 Sam 15. every thing being then in confusion and out of order without any justice or policie as it doth happen oft-times in popular commotions V. 13. It was thou a man the Italian it was thou whom I thought to be a man in as good estimation as my selfe My guide mine ordinary councell whose advice I followed as a sure guide in all mine affaires and actions he seemes to point at and have a reference to Achitophels sure advices 2 Sam. 15. 12. 16. 23. V. 15. Ceaze upon as a creditor going to recover his debt forcibly Let them goe down punish them as Korah Dathan and Abiram were punished who were old conspirators as these are now Numb 16. 32. V. 17. Evening he points out the three ordinary times of daily prayer observed by Gods people in private houses Dan. 6. 10. Acts 3. 1. and 10. 3. 9. 10. And cry aloud the Italian make a noise namely praying with great commotion of the heart fervour and elevation of voice V. 18. There were many with me the Italian they are against me in great number Others with mee meaning the Angels Guardians of the faithfull 2 Kings 6. 16. V. 19. Have no changes by repentance and conversion V. 22. Thy burthen thy cares trave's and businesses which trouble thee V. 23. The pit namely present and everlasting death PSAL. LVI THE title Ionath these three Hebrew words doe signifie the dumb dove which is in distant and remote places Others imagine it was the beginning of a Song to whose aire this Psalme was to be sung Others believe that David calleth himselfe so being like a poore dove driven out of its own countrey which durst not speak and was faine to counterfeit for feare of the Philistins 1 Sam. 21. 13. Michtham see Psal. 16. in the title V. 1. Swallow me up the Italian men with open throats follow mee they hunt after mee and doe what they can to destroy mee a terme taken from ravenous beasts V. 2. O thou most high the Italian from on high that is to say they take advantage of their degree and might for to over-top me A terme taken from the advantage which high places have to command the lower ones Others translate it O thvu most high V. 4. In God I am confident that with Gods help I shall have occasion to magnifie the truth of his holy promises in which I have beleeved What flesh can die that is to say mortall man for man is often so called from that his fraile and fading part in contempt of his pride and for to abate it and beat it down V. 5. They wrest they give me perpetuall cause of griefe and complaint V. 7. Shall they escape by iniquity the Italian it were in vaine for to deliver them that is to say destroy them O Lord for they are hardened and incurable thy patience will never draw them to repentance see Isa. 26. â—0 Others rranslate it their safety is in iniquity that is to say they put all their confidence in their deceits as though they could free them from all dangers V. 8. Put thou doe not suffer mee to spend so many teares in vaine keep them in minde that thou mayest bee moved through the abundance of them to restore me V. 12. Thy vowes are upon me that is to say I have vowed my selfe unto thee and laying hold on thy deliverance with a lively faith I doe finde my selfe obliged to performe my promise see Prov. 7. 14. PSAL. LVII THE title Altaschith these words signifie doe not destroy And the meaning thereof in these titles of Psalmes is unknown Some beleeve that it was the beginning of some ordinary Song to whose tune these Psalmes were sung Others think that it was a title of prayers made in great danger of death V. 3. He shall send he shall work my deliverance in a manner which shall be altogether miraculous and heavenly making the effects of his mercy and the truth of his promises to appeare V. 4. Are set on fire the Italian incâ—ndiaries slaunderers court flatterers which doe incense Saul ag inst me see 1 Sam. 24 10. V. 5. Be thou exâ—bed that is to say make known thy soverague and glorious power in my deliverance V. 6. Is bowed down the Italian they drew down or my soule began to declâ—ne V. 7. Is fixed or re-confirmed and re assured therefore I will sing V. 8. My glory that is to say my tongue of my soule as Gen 49. 6. Psal. 16. 9. PSAL. LVIII VER 1. DOe yee indeed according to some the Hebrew word signifieth congregation in this sence O congregation doe y u speak uprightly and yee sonnes of men doe yee judge c. sunnes of he directs his words to Sau's Counceilors and Courtiers V. 2. You weigh that is to say you frame and devise Or you maturely deliberate meanes and wayes to execute it Or you make shew of using some kind of justice in oppressing me Psal 94 21. Isa. 10. 1. Or you levell and make plaine all things that lie in your way and remove all hinderances V. 3. Estranged from God and from his obedience and love as if they were not Gods people see Isa. 48. 8. Ephes 2. 12. From the even from their first beeing by reason of their corrupt nature Ephes. 2. 3. V. 4. The dease Adder the Italian Aspe they say the Aspe when he seeth the Charmer layeth one of his eares close upon the ground and covereth the other with his taile because he will not here the Charmes so David would say that his enemies were hardened in evill and could not admit of any word of sweet correction to dead their malice not any way approving of any magick spels which were condemned Deut. 18. 10. 11. V. 7 Let them be the Italian addeth in an instant Or let them be as if they were cut in sunder Or let them shoot their arrowes but let them be as if they were cut off V. 9. Before that is to say O you wicked men which even from your birth are as hurtfull as thornes the Lord destroy you betimes before your malice encrease and gather strength like a young thorne which in time groweth to bee a great and strong bush V. 10. Wash a phrase taken from victorious Warriers as Psal 68. 24. as much as to say he shall peaceably enjoy his victory over his enemies V. 11. Reward for the Italian fruit of that is to say a reward from God PSAL. LIX VER 3. NO for my trangression namely against them whereby they should have cause to persecute me V. 6. They return the Italian they goe and come a description of the care and diligence Sauls Officers used
number of people marching in order 2 Sam. 6. 15. Which was a figure of the Angels environing Gods Majesty in heaven or following Christ when hee ascended thither 1 Tim. 3. 16. Heb. 12. 22. Sinai the same glory as appeared in mount Sinai when God delivered his law Exod. 19. 16. is now transported to Sion where God is present in grace and power V. 18. Thou hast a description of this transportation of the Arke compared to a Kings triumphant entry who having overcome his enemies and brought a great many of them away prisoners having made the rest tributary goeth home to his pallace to live in glory and rest governing his Kingdome in peace A figure of Christs ascending into heaven which is the seate of his glory and throne of his Empire after hee had overcome all his spirituall enemies Ephes. 4. 8. Colos. 2. 15. thou hast received the Apostle Ephes. 4. 8. applying this to Christ in stead of thou hast received saith thou gavest for the Kingdome of Christ differeth from earthly Kingdomes in this that the fruites of his victories are not for the King but for his subjects V. 20. The issues namely the soveraigne power of causing to die or the preserving from death or the restoring to life V. 21. The head namely the divell who is the Prince of the world Deut. 32. 42. Psal. 110. 6. â—ab 3. 13. hairy evill spirits are figuratively in scripture called hairy or shaggie see upon Levit. 17. 7. Isa. 13. 21. V. 22. I will bring the Italian I will bring thee againe that is to say I will continue and renew my old deliverances in defending thee from thine enemies as I once delivered thine ancestors from Og the King of Bashan Num. 21. 33. and from the Egyptians in the red sea Exod. 14. 22. V. 24. Thy goings namely the holy manner of conducting the Arke with even and proportionable restings and settings downe see 2 Sam. 6. 13. V. 27. There is the Italian there was the tribe of Benjamin was present at this solemne meeting though before it had more obstinately than any of the other tribes withstood David and held on Saals side And also the tribes of Zebulon and Nepthali which lived in the borders of the Kingdome mentioned here to shew that the civill warre being extinguished and all the countrey reduced to obedience the whole nation was also united in religion and in the service of God which was appointed by David to bee performed in Ierusalem little namely that tribe which came from Iacobs youngest sonne hath alwayes been small both in strength and number 1 Sam. 9. 21. and was also much decayed and diminished by the accident set down Iudg. 20. with their ruler the Italian which hath ruled namely in the person of Saul who was a Benjamite V. 28. Thy God the prophets words to the people hath commanded that is to say hath made thee able to subsist and resist thine enemies by his will only and by the efficacy of his word see Psal. 42. 8. and 44. 4. and 71. 3. V. 29. Because of thy Temple the Italian strengthen him from thy Temple from which as from the place of thy presence all power and grace deriveth unto thy people bring presents may be made subject and tributary unto thee This was partly and figuratively verified in David but in Christ spiritually and perfectly all power being given him both in heaven and in earth V. 30. Disperse or drive away the company of speare-men the Italian the beasts of the reeds the people which are proud and bold by reason of their wealth and plenty like unto cattell as feed in a fat soyle such as that is where reeds grow see Isa. 35. 7. bulls see Psa. 22. 12. Isa 3â— 7. till every c with peeces of silver the Italian which lie upon plates of silver are so extream rich and so magnificent in their pleasures that they make them â—ee â—ings and beds of silver a thing which was much used in former times see Ester 1. 6. Iob 22. 24. V. 31. Princes shall come the Italian let great Pirnces come to doe hommage and yeeld obedience to God under the Messias A prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles see Isa. 18. 7. and 19. 24. stretch out her hands the Italian with full hands namely with presents or tributes Others translate it let them readily stretch forth their hands that is to say let them confesse themselves to bee subject let them crave favour of him acknowledge and worship him V. 33 The heavens that is to say the highest heaven Deut. 10. 14. of old the Italian which were ever that is to say which doe still remaine in the same state as they were first created without any change or corruption V. 34. Strength the Italian glory Hebrew strength for the holy language often sets down these words one for the other his excellency hee hath as it were two thrones of his glory one here on earth by meanes of his people and the other in heaven PSAL. LXIX THE title Shoshannim see Psal. 45. in the title V. 1. The waters that is to say my life is brought into extream danger Laâ—â— 3. 54. Many parts of this Psalme may bee referred to David as hee is a figure of Christ others belong only and directly to Christ at whom the holy Ghost chiefely aimed V. 4. Then I restored that is to say I am guiltlesse yet am vsed as though I were guilty this is meant by Christ meaning that hee who was just suffered for men that were unjust Isa. 53. 4. 5. 6. 1 Pet. 3. 18. V. 5. My foolishnesse that is to say whether I bee guilty of those faults which are laid to mee or no. V. 6. For my sake that is to say seeing mee namely David abandoned by thee who was an example and mirror of faith unto them a gage or pledge of hope and an instrument of preservation In Christ this hath a more sublimed and lofty sense save mee that I may be author of salvation to thine elect and doe not suffer the faith and hope which they have had in thy promises ever to be frustrate see Psa. 22. 4. Luke 24. 21. V. 7. For thy sake for serving thee and maintaining thy glory and not through any misdeed of mine wherefore if thou shouldest forsake mee the faithfull would be discouraged from serving of thee seeing that it would bee in vaine and rather prejudiciall than helpfull to them V. 8. A stranger that is to say I have not been acknowledged but have been shunned by my neerest kinsmen So Christ was rejected by the Iewes Iohn 1. 11. and his own kinred beleeved not in him Iohn 7. 5. V. 9. The zeale the cause of this generall alienation from mâ—e hath been because that I have with an ardent and upright affection maintained thy service and glory against the malice of men and have purchased their evill wills by not seeking to please them V. 10. That was to my mine enemies reproved
Conductor 〈◊〉 of thee he comforteth the Church which was deprived of her earthly King by the promise of Christs comming the heavenly and everlasting King Come forth he was from everlasting come forth of the Father by generation and by an eternall decree was by him appointed to be a mediator V. 3. Therefore namely to fulfill these prophesies Will he God shall suffer his people to be subject to forreine Princes and Lords their enemies untill Christ be borne of a Virgin according to the promises Gen. 3. 15. Isay 7. 14. The remnant namely the Gentiles converted by faith to Christ and thereby made brothers to the true Israel in Spirit shall be united with them in one body of a Church under Christ their head V. 4. And be namely Christ shall doe the office of a good shepheard standing still on foot and watching for the safegard of his employing for their safety the divine power of his Father whereby the Church shall rest secure having the King of the Universe for her Protector Now namely at the prefixed and appointed time or within a short space V. 5. And this man namely Christ shall be the foundation the author and maintainer of the true spirituall rest of the Church and if it bee assaulted by the enemies it shall from him have sufficient meanes for to withstand them As if they had raised seven Armies under the command of seven Captaines against the Assyrians who were the Jewes ancient enemies Seven shepheards having likened the Church to a flock of sheepe he calleth the defendors of it and all the ministers of her preservation shepheards as servants to the great shepheard who in respect of Christ are also sheep and members of the Church V. 6. Shall waste they shall utterly ruine Sathan and the worlds kingdome with the sword of Gods word and by temporall slaughters like unto those slaughters which the enemies had made of them Rev. 18. 6. or using against them their owne weapons which they had taken away from them Psal. 37. 15. Of Nimrod See Genesis 10. 10 11. V. 7. As a dew by reason of its multitude growne up as it were in an instant and miraculously fallen from heaven they shall be like dew or raine Psal. 110. 3. That tarrieth not which doth not grow in Gardens nor tilled lands watered by mens hands but in Deserts Mountaines and wilde places that have no other water but what fals upon them from heaven Iob 38. 26 27. Psal. 104. 13. V. 8. As a Lion the faithfull shall be endowed with an invincible force of the Spirit of God to overcome and overthrow the devill the world and all their enemies 2 Cor. 10. 4. 5 6 〈◊〉 Ioh. 5. 4 5. V. 10. Cut off I will take away all worldly strength from my Church And cause her to renounce all damnable and unlawfull meanes to maintaine her selfe as sorceries and recourse to Idols and idolatrous people which meanes the people had formerly made use of to the end she may put all her trust and confidence in Me and that she may obtaine the victory over all her enemies only by the power of my Spirit See Hosea 1. 7. Zech. 4. 6. V. 11. The Cities namely the walled and strong Cities to bring them to live in Villages and open places See Ezek. 38. 11. V. 14. Groves dedicated to Idolatry Deut. 16. 21. V. 15. Have not heard have not beleeved and obeyed the Gospell 2 Cor. 10. 6. CHAP. VI. Verse 1. ARise O Micahl debate thou Gods cause against this rebellious and ingratefull people as it were in judgement calling all the creatures to be judges seeing their consciences are more insensible then these creatures See Deut. 32. 1. Isay 1. 2. Micha 1. 2. V. 4. For I thou canst not alledge that there is any fault in me who have accumulated blessings upon thee Miriam who had also the gift of prophesie V. 5 Consulted namely to make Balaam curse thee who instead of that fruitlesse endeavour perswaded Balack to induce thee to idolatry and fornication Rev. 12. 14. From Shittim after thou wentest astray after Baal-Peor Num. 25. 1. Yet I did endure thee and brought thee into the land of Canaan where I renewed my Covenant with thee in Gilgal by the Circumcision See Josh. 3. 1. 5. 2. The righteousnesse his sovereigne loyalty in keeping his covenant and promises Or his infinite mercies V. 6. Wherewith the Prophet brings in the people desiring to know the true meanes to appeale God and be reconciled unto him V. 9. The Lords voice the Lord seeing what his people had deserved by their sinnes doth admonish them by his Prophets that they should take heed of his judgements which did hang over them and by his predictions doth warne them and instruct them not to hold them to be casuall chances but things proceeding from his Providence and justice that they might prevent them by Repentance Thy name thou thy Self as thou hast manifested thy selfe to thy Church by thy proper Name doest judge rightly of the sinnes of thy people and of the punishments which they deserved therefore V. 10. Theasurers of gotten possessed and used unjustly and wickedly Scant measure the Italian Scant Eph 〈…〉 to sell by Amos 8. 5. V. 12. Thereof namely of Jerusalem V. 13. Will 〈◊〉 Gods words V. 14. Thy casting downe that is to say those shall perish like a building that sinketh and ruineth by its owne weight having an evill foundation or being built with evill stuffe Shalt take hold of some part of thy goods to save them out of the ruine V. 16. For the namely those sinnes which have been spoken of before Statutes namely the Idolatry brought in by those wicked Kings 1 Kings 16. 25. 32. A hissing a matter of scorne and derision The reproach the ignominious punishment for having prophaned the name and title of being my people and my Church by your sins Ezek. 36. 20 23. Rom. 2. 24. CHAP. VII Verse 1. VVOe is me the Prophets lamentation because godly men were decayed in the countrey as if a thirsty and wearied traveller could not finde any fruit or Grapes in the Fields or Vine-yards See Psal. 12. 1. The first ripe rare fruits and therefore most to be desired Isay 28. 4. Hos. 9. 10. The meaning is that he fought for a good man amongst the people as for a very rare thing V. 3. Asketh for presents Wrap it up they make a league together they joyne and strenthen their evill councels and frauds even as by the twisting together of diverse threeds and strings they do make a strong rope V. 4. As a brier hurtfull and catching as Psal. 58 9. Ezek. 2 6. The day the time of thy punishment foretold by the Prophets who are called the watchmen Ezek. 3. 17. 33 7. Hos. 9 8. Perplexity and extreme anguish instead of the windings and practices of your deceipts See Nah. 1. 10. V. 5. Trust ye not there is no more faith nor loyalty no not even amongst
as he hath appointed me to be a Soviour so he hath appointed faith to be a means to receive me to salvation and life Which seeth that is to say is enlightned by his knowledge Ver. 44. No man none ought to marvaile that you cannot comprehend these things nor joyne your selves to me by faith for to enjoy them for it is a supernaturall motion of Gods Spirit which you have not Draw him move him by his Almighty power to unite himselfe to mee by faith against the inclination of his owne corrupt nature See Cant. 1. 4. Iohn 12. 32. And I that is to say all those that come to me the good they finde thereby is the spirituall life the accomplishment of which shall bee life overlasting by meanes of the blessed Resurrection V. 45. In the Prophets in that volume wherein all their prophecies are contained All not all and every particular person as it appeares by verse 44. and 65. but all the elect and children of God That hath heard in his Church by his word And hath learned that is to say hath receaved a lively impression of this truth by vertue of the Holy Ghost which engendereth faith Iohn 14. 26. and 16. 13. 1 Thes. 4. 9. 1 Iohn 2. 20 27. V. 46. Not that that is to say when I speake of hearing the father it is not by reason that any one can have accesse to him or communication of seeing or hearing him immediately without me The Fathers word is that which I propound in his name and from him Ioh. 149. He which is Namely I my selfe who proceeded from him from everlasting as his proper Son and also have by him been appointed to be the Saviour of the world V. 49. Are dead where by it appeares that that foode though it came out of the ayre and was puter then any other food yet it was corruptible in it selfe and could not keepe the body from death whereas the foode which I present unto you saves the soule from spirituall death and body and soule both from everlasting death V. 50. This is Namely this which I propound to you in myselfe V. 51. The living that hath life in it selfe and giveth life to them which are partakers of it Is my flesh that is to say I am the sacred ooâ—e of the soule for as much as in my humanity I will offer my selfe to death as an expiatory sacrifice for the sins of the world and that it is eaten by the soule that is to say applyed to life by the actuall commemoration lively faith and inward apprehension to be rejoyeed comforted strengthened and sustained in the fruition and feeling of Gods grace which is the spirituall life And it seemes that Christ hath made use of these termes by reason that in every Religion the eating of the flesh of the sacrifices was a signe of the Communion to that Religion 1 Corint 10. 18. Hebr. 13. 10. to shew that every Christian ought to have communion with Christ to unite him and appropriate him to himselfe by a lively faith which worketh with Christ as eating doth upon flesh and without that Christ doth man no good no more than meate which is not eaten nor concocted V. 52. Strove either being not all of one opinion as Iohn 7. 43. and 9. 16. or that in a tumultuous manner they contradicted the Lord. Ver. 53. And drinke this is added to teach us that wee ought to participate with Christ wholly with all his merit satisfaction and expiation made by the shedding of his bloud as also for that purpose hee hath appointed the two signes in the Lords Supper V. 55. Indeed according as spirituall things have their truth and reality as much or more in their own kind then corporall ones have in theits See Ioh. 1. 9 and 15. 1. Heb. 8. 2. V. 56. Dwelleth that is to say is inseparably united with me and I with him even as food is with him that eates it V. 57. I live Namely as Son by vertue of the eternall generation and as Mediatour by the communication and influence of the life vertue and Spirit of God See Rom. 6. 4. 2 Cor. 13. 4. Shall live See Iohn 5. 26. V. 58. Not as the vertue of this my bread is not like that of Manna which could not save mens bodies from death V rse 60. Heare it that is to say beare it with patience and beleeve it and receave it with docilitie V. 62. Shall sec from whence you shall have greater cause to wonder to thinke that you should bee fed by his flesh which is taken up into heaven therefore because your senses may not transport you to incredulity leave off all these carnall thoughts and judge and understand these things spiritually 1 Cor 2. 14. and all occasion of stumbling shall bee taken away Aseend up into Heaven where the Son of God was before his incarnation in the residence of his glory and from whence he descended not by change of place but by manifestation and by voluntary abasement of condition taking upon him human flesh and in it he forme of a servant V. 63. The spirit doe not goodely stop at my materiall flesh nor at the corporall manner of eatâ—ing which are things unprofitable for the soule but apprehend in my flesh that which is spirituall and quickning therein namely that it is the flesh of the Sonne of the living God and that in it he suffered death expiated sinne and fulfilled all righteousnesse and besides that the onely meanes to be partaker of it to everlasting life is by the holy Ghost who engenders true faith in mens hearts Are Spirit ought to be taken and understood spiritually 1 Cor. 2. 14. and in this manner do bring salvation and life to beleevers such as al men are not those that are so indeed must acknowledge it to be Gods meer benefit V. 66. Went back scandalized by reason of this doctrine which was so strange incomprehensible V. 68. Of eternall life which doe not onely propound and teach the way to obtaine it but do likewise containe in them a secret seed of life which is quickned and excited by the power of the Spirit V. 96. A devill that is to say is divelish in wickednesse is wholly possessed and driven on by the evill spirit CHAP. VII VER 1. TO kill him his houre being not yet come V. 3. Depart it is likely that they were afraid of King Herod either for their own particulars or in the behalfe of Christ Luke 13. 31. Thy Disciples which are in Iudea and receive thy doctrine which here is rejected V. 4. To be knowne namely to beare a title and quality of a publick person as Doctor Pastor Ambassador c. If thou doe seeing thou makest profession of teaching and doest so many excellent miracles seek a place more apt to cause all these things to bring forth fruit in places of more note as Iudea is V. 5. For neither these things were spoken by them
ed appointed and consecrated King of thy Church and likewise fulfilled with the gifts of thy spirit V. 28. For to doe though they had no knowledge of Gods will nor no right intention to conforme themselves unto it Thy hand namely thy Soveraign and efficacious providence by which thou governest and directest all things and all chances that happen V. 3â— They Were by an actuall new and evident mâ—tion V. 33. Great power Efficacie of demonstration and perswasion Oâ— with great courage and freedom Of the Resurrection under which is comprehended aâ—â— the doctrine of the Gospell As Acts 1. 22. Great gracâ— namely the blessing of God and good will of the people CHAP. V. VER 3. PEter to whom the fraude was divinely revealed To lie or to deceave the Spirit because that the consecration might bee by a motion of the spirit and he had not truely obeyed it Or it was dissimulate as proceeding from pure Charity a worke of the Holy Ghost being nothing but hypocrisie and the declaration thereof was made before the Apostles Ministers of the Holy Ghost and enlightned by him to take notice of the fraude and to be judges of the misdeed V. 4. Whiles it remained this possession before it was sold was th 〈…〉 e and after it was sold the price thereof was likewise thine if thou hadst not consecrated it But after the consecration thou hadst no more any right at all to it it was Gods and therefore thou hast committed sacriledge Ver. 6. The young men which were in the companie V. 9. To tempt to make a prophane tryall whither he knew your fraud or no and knowing of it whither he would punish it Are at the doore returning from burying thy husband Ver. 12. They were all had their appointed place there to preach to the people V. 13. Of the rest this as it seemes ought to bee understood of other Doctors who were also very frequently in the Church V. 15. The shadow not that there was any vertue inherent to the Apostles bodies nor much lesse to their shadow or garments but to shew a most fervent saith though very simple and ignorant to which God according as he pleased granted his grace and power though there ought no consequence to be drawne thence See Matth. 9. 21. and 15. 36. Acts 19. 17. V. 17. Of the Sadduees See upon Acts 4. 1. V. 20. Of this life namely of this saving doctrine which bringeth life to them that beleeve V. 28. To bring to cause the people to rise and revenge his death upon us Ver. 32. The Holy Ghost by his gifts and miraculous effects which accompanie our Doctrine V. 36. Theudas a famous impostor who lived it should seeme in the dayes of Herod the great and is not mentioned in the Histories but there is another spoken off of the same name who lived some time after that V. 37. Judas called by Historians Ganlanite that is to say borne at Golan in Bashan but here is called Galilean because hee raised his tumult in Galilee by reason of the second taxation made by Cyrenius after the first made by Augustus himselfâ— Luke 2. 2. V. 38. For if this not that wee ought to judge of a doctrine or Religion by the lastingnesse of it or any other favourably events which God sometimes grants to the worst of them according to his secret judgements But he seemes only to disswade them from the violent and unlawfull ones and remit all things to Gods providence who by many other examples having shewed his judgements upon the false Prophets that were amongst his people it was to bee hoped that in this case also he might doe the like if so be it were disallowed by him V. 40. Beaten them which was a kinde of punishment which the Romans suffered the Iewes to inflict in their Synagogues but not openly See Matthew 10. 17. and 33 34. Acts 22. 5. 2 Cor. 11 24. CHAP. VI. VER 1. THe Grecians it is likely that they were Iewes dwelling amongst the Grecians out of their Country who had taken a habit of the customes language and doctrine of the Grecians in many things differing from those Ierusalem Acts 9. 29. and 11. 20. Their widdowes Namely the Grecians widdowes held by the true Iewes unequall to theirs in honour by reason of the foresaid mixture and by reason of the dignity of the principall Citie of the Nation Neglected either because the were assisted equally with the rest and with equall honour in the distribution of the poores goods Acts 2. 45. and 4. 35. or that they were not admitted into any honourable office of the said distribution according to the custome of employing therein honourable widdowes which was afterwards confirmed and regulated 1 Tim. 5. 9 V. 2. It is not reason the Apostles in the beginning by reason of the small number of beleevers had the charge of the poore Acts 4. 35. But the Church being increased they could not doe that and preach to Whereupon by divine inspiration they made Deacons upon whom they disburthened themselves of this ministration who also had power to provide for these contentions and disorders Tables Namely at those common meales Acts 2. 42 46. under which is comprehended all the foresaid ministration V. 5. A proselyte Namely a Pagan converted to Iudaisme Mat 23. 15. V. 6. They layd a most ancient Ceremonie in consecration in signe that such persons were appropriated to God Exod. 29. 10. and likewise of blessing as if the grace and power of God did settle upon them Gen. 48. 14. Mat. 19. 13. Verse 7. Increased Namely did spread it selfe abroad amongst the people were obedient did voluntarily submit themselves to beleeve the Gospell Verse 8. And power of divine power and effiâ—â—cie in all his words and deeds Or of the power of the Holy Ghost to worke miracles U. 9. Of the Synagogues there being in Ierusalem diverse places of Ecclesiasticall meetings for the reading and expounding of Gods word and for ordinary prayers the Temple not being sufficient for these purposes for all men and at all times but it was for the Priests and for the most Religious actions sacrifices workship c. of the people Of the Libertines it is likely they were Iewes borne of â—â—aves made free by the Romans and that they had some assembly a part being detested by the Iewes as well by reason of their staine of their servile condition as because the tooke part with the Romans and their domination which was abhorred by the Iewes V. 14. Shall destroy Steven might well have denounced this desolation of Ierusalem and the disannulling of Ceremonies by Daniellâ— prophesies 9. 26 27. Or by Christs Matthew 24. 2. but yet these witnesses were false because they witnessed thorow hatred and malice and besides they concealed part of what was spoken As that Ierusalem should be destroyed but in case they were not converted That the ceremonies should be disannulled but to give place to a more excellent kinde of service in spirit
righteousnesse and life is thorough grace it must bee so absolutely and purely without any intermeddling of mens righteousnesse or the Law for these two meanes cannot agree with one another Romanes 11. 6. Galatians 3. v 12. 18. The promise which in these passages is alwaies taken by the Apostle for the free and Evangelical promise and not the legall V. 15. Because that is to say it is cleere that these two meanes of obtaining life and righteousnesse cannot consist together for the law is altogether rigorous requiring perfect obedience or denouncing death and condemnation to the transgressors whereas contrariwise the promise is but a messenger of grace and reconciliation For where this is proved because that man doth not truly know his sinne nor doth not feele the mortall sting of it but only by meanes of the Law working effectually upon his conscience Verse 16. Therefore because that first means of obtaining righteousnesse by the law which God hath granted unto men hath thorough sinne beene made not onely unprofitable but even quite contrary and deadly wee must of necessity have recourse unto the other which is faith which onely amoÌ„gst other vertues can in this case agree with Gods meere grace seeing that the operation of faith is not to acquire or merit but only to receive what is given to us Iohn 1. 12. Bee sure as grounded upon God and his immutable pleasure and Christs perfect and everlasting righteousnesse and not upon mens variable will and inconstant obedience See Ezek. 16. 61. Rom. 9 11. 11. 19. To all namely to the spirituall seed according to the faith of which God intended to speake in that excellent promise I will bee thy GOD and of thy seed after thee Genesis 17. 7. Not to that onely not onely to the nationall believing Iewes who have been kept under the Pedagogie of the Law and under a directour to Christ without trusting therein for their righteousnesse and salvation Verse 17. Before him with a spirituall and divine paternity which consisteth in example of faith according to which God can make whom he will Abrahams childe Matth. 3. 9. as he of nothing created all things and raiseth the dead and according to his paternity hee judgeth who are Abrahams true children which he approveth of whereas in mens iudgements the Iewes onely ought to bee so According to others the meaning is that as God is not onely father in grace of those which are alreadie but of all such likewise as he shall hereafter create by his omnipoâ—ent word Abraham likewise by some correspondency hath beene reputed father of the Gentileâ— who had neither spirituall life nor quality such as was required for to be his children Ephes. 2 12. And calleth that is to say by his word hee makes them to be and as if one should say to appeare for that end for which he hath appointed them as he did in the creation of all things and in the miraculous resuâ—rections wrought by Christ Let there be light â—azarus come forth c. Vease 18. Who namely Abraham Now hee sheweth by example of Abrahams beliefe touching the particuler promise concerning Isaack what the true faith of al his children should be concerning the general promises of grace Against hope against all causes arguments and appearances of naturall hope In hope that is to say concerning a firme spirituall and supernaturall hope by reason of Gods promises Verse 19. Hee câ—â—si leâ—ed not he stood nor stopped not upon the order of nature â—ccording to which all hope of issue was taken away from him So true â—â—â—th overcomes all apprehension of a mans owne impotency thorough the lively perswasion of Gods promises Verse 20. Giving by acknowledging his Soveraigne truth and infinite power above all inferiour order or contrary difficulty glory being set upon the highest point of emmency above all other things Verse 22. It was God by reason of his faith held him to bee as sufficiently disposed to obtaine the â—ccomplishment of the promises as if he had had all the righteousnesse required by the law to receive Gâ—ds Benefiâ—s Verse 23. For his as if it had been some peculiar act or priviâ—edge of Abrahams whereas it was a dâ—cumenâ— and an example of iustifying faith common to all his spirituall children Verse 24. On him namely in God who in Christs mâ—st glorious resurrection gave an eâ—â—ay of his power to raise spiritually all beleivers and hath in the same resuâ—rection placed all the causes of their resurrections Rom 6. 4. Verse 5 Delivered namely to death by the will of God For our to make an expâ—atioâ— for them by his death For our justification namely to shew unto us how wee were absolved as it were by manner of solemne iudgement CHRIST our surety being returned to life after hee had made an â—nd of satisfying for us for a certaine argument that God was fully reconciled to us and that life was gained for us which could not have beene is hee had remained dead for the continuation of the payment would alwaies have shewed the imperfection of it See 1 Cor 15. 17. CHAP. V. VER 1. WEe have that is to say God is made propitious unto us in Christ who by the faith which hee creates in us causeth us to enjoy this reconciliation by vertue whereof our conscience is so firmely grounded that wee doe it as it were by anticipation in this world by a lively hope that eternall glory which is prepared for the children of God without being moved by any temptations or â—eâ—â—en downe by any terrour or confusion Verse 3 Not onely wee doe not reioyce unspeakablâ— and gloriously 1. Pet. 1. 8. onely by reason of the hope of future glorie but also by reason of our present afflictions which are an assured proofe unto us thereof 2. Co. 4. 17. Phil 〈◊〉 28. That tribuâ—ation that the holy Ghost â—oth thorough tribulation frame us to patience in which God doth from time to time give us assured proofes of his grace and protecâ—â—on whereby we conceive a sound hope in him grounded upon the love which hee â—eâ—reth unto us which he hath given us large cause of feeling and hath lively sealed it in our hearts by his spirit of adoption V. 5. Maketh not ashamed that is to say doth not deceave one nor prove vaine nor proveth not to be as an illusion V. 6. For when the greatnesse of this love of God is shewed therein that he did shew it when we were deprived of all power of rising againe of our selves being wholy dead in sinne In due time in the point of the worlds extreamestâ—eed when the misery and cuâ—â—e thereof was come to the up shot when all people even Gods owne people were altogether corrupted And even just at the time which God had appointed V. 7. For scarcely a redoubling of the same reason because that God loved 〈◊〉 thâ—n whâ—n weâ— wâ—re altogether not onely unable to get salvation but also utterlâ— unâ—o thy of it V 8 Commâ—ndeâ—h
free from the bond of marriage V. 28. Shall have trouble they shall be subject to more troubles and difficulties especially in these approaching calamities In the flesh in the state of this life I spare you in this advice which I give you to abstaine from matrimony I doe procure your owne ease V. 29. But this I say I doe leave every man the freedome of making use of this advice as hee shall thinke â—itting and expedient for himselfe but here is an advice necessary for all men Namely that considering how neere the accomplishment of Christs Kingdome is and the end of the world beleevers should not let their hearts take roote in earthly things but should alwayes have them raised and extended to heavenly and everlasting things Verse 31. Abusing it either by the intemperate use thereof or by fixing their love and affection upon it For the he sheweth how unworthy and unâ—eemely a thing it is to set ones heart upon these things Seeing they are but a false and transitory Image yea but a very shadow of good Verse 32. Carâ—â—ulâ—esse of worldly businesses as much as you can Careth for may freely and without any disturbance attend upon CHRISTS service Verse 33. Careth for oftentimes and in many parts of his life hee is troubled with cares to satisfie the dutie and affection which hee beareth to his Wife and Children whereby hee cannot so freely addict himselfe to spirituall things especially if the woman doth not equally give her mind to such things as tend to the same end of pietie and service of God Verse 34. There is a difference some Texts doe joyne these words with the precedent verse in this sence and is divided that is to say such a man is distracted by diverse cares Luke 10. 40. A Wife The Italian The woman Namely she that is married Others begin the verse here the woman namely the Widdow and the Virgin that is unmarried carrieth for c. Careth for may wholly give her selfe to workes of pietie without any disturbâ—nce or let How shee may that is to say her studie to gaine or to preserve her husbands love either by the comelinesse and grace of her body or by her diligence and faithfull service often drives her either to worldly vanities or to cares and employments which divert her Verse 35. Profit See verse 26. 28 32. A snare too strict a Law in a thing which is indifferent yea oftentimes necessary Which being not observed may fill your mindes with sâ—ruples and perplexities out of which you may not bee able to free your selves See Matth. 19 11. Ver. 36. If she passe without being married And need so requâ—e thorow the will or necessitie of the daughter Ver 37. Hâ—e that standeth that perseveres in his first proposition of keeping his daughters unmarried No necessitie namely on the daughters side that is to say if shee bee willing and can consent to her Fathers intention But hath power can lawfully and without forcing his daughter execute his designe Ver. 38. Doth well according to the common order set dâ—â—â—e by God and to provide for the good of his daughter Better in respect of the greater libertie for spirituall things and the greater ease to beare the Crosse and other tryalls verse 26. 38. 32. Ver. 39. In the Lord containing her selfe within the communion of CHRIST and his Church without Apostating for her marriage 1 Timothy 5. 12 15. Or marying a Husband that is a Christian 2 Cor. 6. 14. or holily and in the feare of God as a believing woman ought to doe Ver. 40. Also that no lesse then the other Apostles though some doe vilifie my ministery below theirs 2 Cor. 11. 5. and 12 11. The Spirit See ver 25. CHAP. VIII VER 1. TOuching things they were meaâ—es of heathen sacrifices whereof some part having beene consecrated and offered to Idols the rest was sold in open markets 1 Cor. 10. 25 or made use of at private feasts without any professed relation to the Idol 1 Cor. 10. 27. or in pub 〈…〉 feasts in honour of the Idols and in their Temples or Chappels 1 Cor. 8. 10. and 10. 20 21. and the Apostle being asked whither it were lawfull to eate of such meaâ—â—s treates of it in this Chapter only iâ— this respect Namely that although it beâ—â— thing indifferent yet one ought not to doe it to the scandall of ones neighbour who is weake in faith 〈◊〉 feare of inducing him to doe any thing which may bee against his Conscience but Chap. 10. 19. hee speakes of it in a more weighty consideration in respect of communicating with the Idoll Wee kâ—â—w I know what they that take leave to eate of them alleadge that they are sufficiently instructed about Christian liberty in externall things and that 〈◊〉 cannot pollute the soule and that the Idoll besides the stuffe that it is made of is but the Idolaters v 〈…〉 imagination without being or power and cannot deâ—ile the meates and therefore they being 〈◊〉 thorowly enformed and perswaded they 〈◊〉 they cannot sinne in it See Rom. 14 14. P 〈…〉 â—eth up This perswasion of Christian libeâ—â—ie as well as any other knowledge which is not temperâ—â— nor regulated with charitie gives men for the most part occasion to bee proud and despise their 〈◊〉 brethren pleasing themselves without any re 〈…〉 to others Romans 15. verse 1. 2. Edifieth procures the brethrens salvation addes to their instruction and confirmation and keepes men from laying any stumbling blocke in their way as they 〈◊〉 who licentiously made use of such meates 〈◊〉 9. 10. V. 2. Thinke nâ—mely by a vaine presumptionâ— himselfe As hee ought that is to say humbly for himselfe and profitable for others V. 3. Love he reserâ—eâ—h all that hee knnoweth or beleeveth to the true practice of the love of God of his glory and service and for Gods cause to the salvation of his neighbour Is knowne that is to say accepted and approved of The Apostle seemes to use this word to shew that as the knowledge with which God knoweth those who are his is not a bare and barren knowledge but accompanied with lâ—ve so likewise ought their knowledge to be where with they that are his doe know him See 1 Cor. 13. 12. Gal. 4. 9. Ver. 4. Is nothing that is to say hath no Godâ—ead nor divine power in it selfe whereby it appeares that these meates can not bee defiled by being conseâ—rated to the Idoll Ver. 5. Called Gods namely by meere abuse as Idolls are Or by some participation of similitude in power and dignitie as the Angels in heaven and Kings and Princes on earth are There bee Gods that is to say as that name is common to God and to diverse creatures though not in an equall sence but â—â—ly by some resemblance or proportion V 6. Unto us beleevers and Christians But 〈◊〉 See upon Iohn 17. 3 not that the son is not also true God Phil. 2. 6. as likewise the dominion is not
same truth of v. 6. V. 9. If we if in humane affaires we doe believe the uniforme and well agreeing testimony of divers witnesses much more ought we to beleeve Gods witnesse in which the three persons doe concurre For this is I speake thus because the whole Trinity hath testified and doth testifie this truth with is spoken of v. 6. V. 10. In himselfe that is to say sounding and imprinted in his heart by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in him and certifies and puts him out of doubt concerning this truth A lyer because he doth implicitely reprove him of falshood judging him not fit to be believed though he be convinced in his owne conscience that these proofes and arguments cannot proceed from any but God V. 11. This life namely the causes foundation and originall of it V. 12. Hath the Sonne that is to say doth apprehend and possesse him firmely by faith V. 13. That ye have you have a right to it a beginning and first fruit an earnest and assurance of the accomplishment of it That ye may believe that ye may persevere increase and grow strong in faith V. 14. And this is namely if we doe truely believe V. 15. If we know that is to say Gods hearing ones prayer is not in vaine but alwaies accompanied with its effect V. 16. Which is not that is to say which shall not by certaine proofes appeare to be a sinne against the Holy Ghost by which man fals into everlasting death without pardon or remission And he shall give that is to say God shall pardon him and so free him from everlasting death V. 18. That wicked one that is to say he is in a manner defended against all his assaults so that he cannot give him any deadly wounds V. 19. Whole world namely the multitude of those that are out of Christs body and Kingdome Lieth as it were in a deepe puddle Or in a dead sleepe Or under the power and command of the wicked one V. 20. That is true the Italian that is the true namely the true eternall God John 17. 3. We are that is to say all true beleevers are engrafted into Christ by faith and are borne up and live in the union of his body Eternall life that is to say the onely author and fountaine of it and also the onely meanes to obtaine it ⧠THE SECOND EPISTLE OF St. IOHN the Apostle ARGUMENT SAint John writes this Epistle to a Christian woman of great account and very vertuous in which after he hath saluted her and commended her and her childrens piety he exhorteth her to persevere in love and in the sincere truth of the Gospell bewaring of Seducers and hereticks and avoyding all manner of communication with them Vers. 1. THe Elder a common name to all degrees of Pastours in the Church The Elect namely a true and beleeving Christian Or singular for vertue and piety V. 2. For the that is to say the foundation of which love of mine is the common faith lively planted and rooted in us by Gods Spirit V. 3. In truth that is to say producing in it two proper and inseparable effects of faith and love see 1 Tim. 1. 14. 2 Tim. 1. 13. V. 4. Walking namely who doe constantly follow the pure doctrine of faith and doe lead a life befitting the profession of truth in all uprightnesse and sincerity V. 5. And now I the aime and end of this mine Epistle is that you continually joyne true and spirituall love unto faith V. 6. In it namely in truth v. 4. V. 8. That we looke not that our former workes and whatsoever we have done and suffered for the Gospel be not debarred of its reward which is onely promised to them which persevere unto the end V. 9. Transgresseth the Italian revolteth the Greeke word is transgresseth but this general terme ought in this place to be restrained to apostasie from the Christian faith Hath not hath no part in his grace and spirit is not guided by him God is not his God V. 10. Receive him not abhorre and refuse to have any conversation with him for feare of being infected by him And to shew your zeale for the faith of Christ and to reprove the wicked one hold him for an excommunicate and interdicted person V. 11. Is partaker because he doth not condemne and reprove him openly he doth in part and by a collaterall way consent unto him and therein doth confirme the sinner Eph. 5. 11. V. 13. Amen this word closeth and sealeth up not onely the salutation but also all the exhortations of this Epistle ⧠THE THIRD EPISTLE of St. JOHN the Apostle ARGUMENT THe Apostle writes to a certaine man called Gaius whom he salutes and commends his faith and charity exhorts him to persevere and recommends certaine beleevers unto him And contrariwise blames the ambition perversenesse slaunders and inhumanity of Diotrephes and commends Demetrius VER 2. PRospereth that is to say is in a prosperous spiritual state in faith piety and other gifts of the spirit V. 3. That is in thee namely of thine affection zeale faith and loyalty in the profession of heavenly truth V. 4. My children namely my spiritual children begotten by my Gospel converted to the Christian faith by my ministery 1 Cor. 4. 15. 1 Tim. 1. 2. Philem. 10. V. 6. Whom if he meanes some beleevers of other Chuches who going to St. John had been charitably entertained by Gaius and now upon their returne he doth againe recommend them unto him Bring forward under the name of this duty is contained all other kind of reliefe and assistance in their journey After a godly sort the Italian according to God that is to say according to Gods command or according as it ought to be done amongst beleevers and children of God V. 7. For his Names sake to professe his Gospel freely and for his service Taking nothing forsaking all their goods and meanes V. 8. To the truth for the upholding and advancing of the Gospel yeelding all favour and assistance to such as are converted V. 9. Unto the Church namely to that Church whereof Gaius was a member or one of the Pastors And it is likely that Saint John had written to recommend the same brethren or some other such as these were and that his recommendation tooke no effect because of Diotrophes his malice who was one of the Pastors of it V. 10. Casteth them out he excommunicates and banisheth them out of the company of beleevers and out of their assemblies V. 12. That our that the commendations which we give are not in the vaine way of flattering but in truth of approbation V. 14. By name the Italian one by one that is to say not all in generall but every one by name THE GENERALL EPISTLE OF St. JUDE the Apostle ARGUMENT THis Epistle is a summary of the second of Saint Peter as there are many holy bookes which seeme to be taken out of divers other Writers The end of it