the world 1 Cor. 11. 32. but may bee gathered to eternall rest and even in this world be delivered from his evils V. 15. Iudgement the world shall be put into an actuall way of exercising justice and righteousnesse by which the good shall be saved and the wicked destroyed Shall follow it the Italian shall be after him that is to say God shall gather together his poore elect who were before dispersed and they shall follow him and cleave close unto him V. 17. In silence or under earth in the quiet and tenebrous clâ—isters of death where they doe not sing thy praises a poeticall terme as Psal. 115. 17. V. 20. The throne canst thou approve of or favour these tyrants that doe abuse their publike authority by using of extortion V. 22. My refuge the Italian my confidence or with whom I shall be safe PSAL. XCV VER 3. ABove all above any thing which is called God either through abuse and mens false conceit or through any resemblance of dignitie and glory V. 9. And saw I made them also feele the punishments of my justice and the efficacie of my power according to their deserts Or although they had seen my works and had so many times had experience of my grace truth and power V. 10. Have not known they have no knowledge to understand nor no affection to obey my commandements to suffer themselves to bee peacefully and in faith guided by my providence V. 11. Rest namely into the countrey where I have promised to settle them in quietnesse and where I will my selfe settle mine Ark as in a firme and settled habitation 2 Chr. 6. 41. Psal. 132. 8. which is a figure and pledge of mine everlasting rest in my glory Heb. 4. 9. PSAL. XCVI VER 6. MAjesty as beames sent forth from his eternall Deity Strength hee exerciseth his glorious power in his Church V. 7. And strength that is to say honour and acknowledgement of his infinite power V. 11. Rejoyce as participating according to their degree and nature of the glory and happinesse of Christs Kingdome see Psal. 69. 32. Rom. 8. 21. V. 13. To judge that is to say to govern it by way of justice PSAL. XCVII VER 1. THe multitude of the Italian the great Isles or the Isles in great number By Islands are meant the great and generall parts of the world divided and encompassed with the Sea V. 2. Clouds a figurative description of the Messias his appearing taken from that which is often repeated of the darknesse wherewith God did hide the brightnesse of his presence when hee appeared as when hee gave his Law Exod. 19. 16. and at other times 1 King 8. 12. Psal. 18. 11. V. 7. All yee Gods the Apostle Heb. 1. 6. referreth this to the Angels but according to the propertie of the word it may bee also more generally extended to all those who are called gods on earth as Kings and Princes And also to all creatures employed to Idolatrous uses whereof the first ought to submit themselves by a religious worship and obedience unto Christs Soveraigne Kingdome And the latter through the preaching of the Gospel bee spoiled of their false honour and freed from the Idolaters abuses to let God alone he acknowledged and worshipped in the person of his Sonne V. 8. Sion that is to â—say the Church in generall The daughters the particular Churches Ierusalem being as a mother and the other cities as daughters Thy judgements that is to say the executions of thy justice to destroy every power and dominion which shall oppose thine and to establish thy Sonnes Kingdome V. 11. Light eternall happinesse as is even in this world prepared for the righteous which have the seed thereof quick within themselves through Gods promises and by the gift of the holy Ghost Or it is spread abroad and laid open for them in Christs Kingdome PSAL. XCVIII VER 1. HAth gotten him that is to say Christ by his own power and by vertue of his most perfect righteousnesse hath obtained for his own humane nature and for his whole Church the victory over all his enemies and eternall glory V. 2. Made known namely by preaching of his Gospell his righteousnesse namely his loyalty in his promises his goodnesse and mercy the word righteousnesse being often used in this sense unlesse Evangelicall righteousnesse be meant here which is a pure gift of God by which hee is pleased to justifie sinfull man in vertue and by the merit of his sonnes most perfect righteousnesse embraced by a lively faith Dan. 9. 24. Rom. 1. 17. and 3. 21. V. 3. The house namely according to the spirit it being the true Church V. 6. The King namely Christ Iesus true and everlasting God in his owne nature and established by his father universall King in the qualitie of a mediator PSAL. XCIX VER 1. BE moved the Italian tremble namely with feare and reverence V. 2. In Sion namely the Church which is as the seat of this universall Empire Isa. 2. 2. 3. V. 4. Strength that is to say this King temperethâ— is power with justice contrary to the custome of tyrants of the world see Iob. 36. 5. V. 5. At his the Italian before his a phrase taken from the thrones of earthly Kings Or from the Arke of the covenant called footstoole 1 Chro. 28. 2. towards which all ceremonia'l kinde of worship was to be done either from neere or from farre off V. 8. Of their inventions the Italian of their actions namely of the faults of his servants as Exod. 32. 2 Num. 20. 2. 24. Deut. 9. 20. Or of the peoples sins Others translate it thou tookest vengeance for their actions that is to say thou wert a defender of their ministry by grievously punishing the rebellious PSAL. C. THE title Of traise that is to say made to give God thanks peradventure publickly in the Temple when the sacrifices of thanksgiving were offered Levit. 7 12. V. 3. Made us as well in regard of the first naturall creation as of the spirituall regeneration Psal. 149. 2. Ephes. 2. 10. PSAL. CI. VER 1. I will sing I will in this Psalme make a vow to God and a publick protestation to all the Church of the good will which I will shew to good men and the severe justice which I will exercise against guilty men whensoever I shall attaine unto the Kingdome which the Lord hath promised mee V. 2. I will behave my selfe wisely in a c. the Italian I will compose an instructing song concerning the perfect way the Hebrew terme hath a relation to a certaine kind of sacred hymne called Masch 〈…〉 the titles of the Psalmes which is as much as to say a song of great instruction Others translate it I will give instructions concerning the perfect way Or I will proceed wisely in the prefect way when th 〈…〉 is to say when wilt thou fullfill that which thou hast decreed and thy promise making mee King over thy people V. 3. I
Gods peace whereof the Altar was a signe and instrument is all the defence of the Church For Ariel sometimes signifieth the Champions and valiant defenders of a Country 2 Sam. 23. 20. Now here he foretels the ruine of the Temple as Jer. 7. 14. Ezek. 9. 6. The City as by Ariel is meant the whole Temple and consequently that part of the City where it stood namely Mount Moriah So by this other part is meant that other hill namely the hill of Sion where the City of David stood To signifie the whole City of Jerusalem or severally the State and the Church vers 2. Adde ye that is to say feed your selves on with these vaine hopes that yeeres shal run on alwaies in the same manner An ironicall kinde of speech against prophane men as Ezek. 12. 22. Amos 6. 3. 2 Pet. 3. 4. Let them kill continue on your outward service which is but hypecrisie upon which notwithstanding you rely against all my threatnings see Jer. 7. 21. V. 2. I will distresse I wil cause my Temple to be besieged as well as the City making no difference between the one which is my holy habitation and the other which is the common dwelling place of the people V. 3. I will câ—mpe as Captaine Generall of the Chaldeans that shall besiege thee V. 4. And shall speake thy pride shall be humbled and thy bravery cast down thou shalt yeed to thine enemies and petition to them with a great deale of basenesse see Jer. 46. 22. A familiar spirit which answered with an obscure sound and low kind of murmuring out of such persons as he possessed see Isa. 8. 19. V. 5. Of thy strangers thy men of warre which thou shalt hire or shall be sent thee from abroad shall all be dispersed and shall not be able to relieve thee It shall be all this reliefe which shall come from Egypt and other places shall not be able to withstand the Chaldeans and shall yeeld thee no comfort but a very short and transitory one see Jer. 37. 5 7. V. 6. Thou shalt namely Jerusalem With thunder a figurative description to say Heaven and Earth shall concur to their ruine V. 7. As a dreame in regard of thee to whom this siege and ruine shall happen beyond all thought judgement and expectation And also in respect of the Chaldeans themselves who will never be satisfied with tormenting thee and the more prosperous successe they shall have the more eager they will be against thee V. 9. Stay your selves let every one attentively and with admiration consider these calamities of my people and the causes of them Drunken they are asleepe lulled in their vices troubled and darkned in their understanding that they cannot give heed to these threatnings and so be converted and saved Isa. 28. 7 8. V. 10. Hath powred that is to say he hath punished their voluntary blindnesse with a greater astonishment depriving them quite of the light of his Spirit against which they have rebelled giving them over to the Spirit of darknesse Your Rulers the Italian Your heads for the false Prophets did intrude into the publique government while Jerusalem was besieged Jer. 26. 8. see Isa. 3. 2. The Seâ—â—s namely Prophets 2 Sam. 9 9. V. 11. The vision you shall apprehend nothing by my word which shall be preached to you by my Prophets whereby you may be lively touched instructed and so converted which shall happen as well through your malicious ignorance as through my just judgement Is sealed see Isa 8. 16. Rev. 5. 1 5. V. 13. And their feare none of their seeming piety comes from the heart but is drawn from them by the absolute command of some good King as Hezekiah Josiah c. Or it is nothing but an observation of humane traditions V. 14. Shall be hid shall be confounded and shall not dare to make any more vaine ostentations Or it shall vanish away and come to nothing V. 15. To hide that designe their enterprises secretly within themselves and never informe themselves of the will of God nor doe not communicate their said designes to him in their prayers desiring therein his aide and blessing Or who in their sins and secret malices doe thinke they can hide themselves from Gods knowledge V. 16. Your turning doe you thinke to be masters and absolute rulers of what you intend and turne up and down in your minds as the potter is of his clay which he hath upon his wheele to doe therewith what he will Shall the worke can you thinke you can withdraw your selves from Gods knowledge and government who hath you and all your actions under the conduct of his Soveragine providence as the potter hath his clay V. 17. And Lebanon shall it appeares by Isa. 32. 15. that this is an Evangelicall promise the meaning whereof is Under the Messias his Kingdom which will shortly be made manifest all those vices which my people have at this present shall be corrected and their calamities restored For the men which are like wild Trees of the Wood such as Lebanon brings forth shall by my grace and Spirit be regenerate and become faire fruitful Trees such as grow upon Mount Carmel and shal be multiplied in number like unto a thick wood V. 18. Shall the deafe men that are naturally uncapable of the mysteries of faith shall be enlightned and instructed in the true knowledge of Gods word Of the Booke he hath a relation to what he had said v. 11. 12. V. 19. The meeke an ordinary title of beleevers V. 20. Is consumed that is to say there shall be none of them in the true mysticall Church see Isa. 28. 14. V. 21. That make namely that suborne false Prophets or induce true Prophets to falsifie Gods words Isa. 30. 10. For him namely for Gods true servants which reprove them for their sins in places of publique assemblies where the Prophets used to come â—er 17. 19. 19. 2 Amâ—s 5. 10. V. 22. Jacob namely the old Patriarch who is brought in rejoycing at the conversion of his posterity in stead of the shame which he had suffered for their former evill life Shall not now namely after I have purged and re-established my Church V. 23. The workâ— of namely those that through my gâ—acâ— and Spirit have been reâ—eâ—â—rated to newnesse of life Psal. 100. 3. Ephes. 2. 10. Shall sanâ—â—ifie namely shall honour and doe reverence to it as being most holy V. 24. That murmured namely against God and his Prophets rebelling against them and contradicting them A teâ—me taken from the peoples frequent acts in the wildernesse CHAP. XXX Vers. 1. THe rebellious children namely my people Councell flâ—shly and reproved councell namely to trust upon Egypts assistance against the Babylonians without thinking upon the onely means of deliverance by turning to God and calling upon his Name see Jer. 37. 7. Ezek. 17. 15. V. 2. And have not by the priests oracle or by some Propheâ— Num. 27. 21. Josh. 9. 14.
Deuteron chap. 25. verse 17. V. 8. Wee passed by Using no manner of hostility towards those Idumeans which had given a free passage and turning away from them which had refused it us See Numbers chapter 20. verse 21. Deuteron chapter 2. verse â—9 Through the way He poynts out the principall parts of the east of Idumea through which after Ezion-Gaber which was the south part thereof they passed coasting and crossing the Countrey without doing any dammage in it The playne Which seemeth to bee the same which is called the plaine of Paran Gen. chapter 14. verse 6. We turned Whereas our direct way was to goe crosse the Idumeans Countrie by reason of their refusall wee bent our course towards the countrey of Moab V. 9 Ar A name of the chiefe City of the Moabites Numbers chapter 21. verse 28. under which name is understood the whole Countrey Of Lot See the nineteenth chapter of Gen. and the seven and thirtieth verse V. 10 The Emims A race of Giants Genesis chap. 14. verse 5. The Hebrew word signifieth terrible And many The Italian hath it mighty or numerous V. 12 As Israel did This and some other parcells scattered here and there seeme to have beene added to Moses his words after the conquest of the land of Canaan See Deuteron chap. 34. verse 5. V. 14 From Kadesh This ought to be understood of the first time that they arrived to that place Numbers chap. 13. verse 27. Because they came thâ—â—her another time Numbers chapt 20. verse 1. V. 20. Zan-zummims Tâ—â—y seeme to bee the same as are called Zâ—zites Genesis chapt 14. verse 5. And this name may signifie wâ—â—ked V. 23 Caphtorims Were a peopâ—â— joyned both in kindred and habitation with the Philistâ—â—s Gâ—n chap. 10. verse 13 Jer. chap. 47 verse 4. Amos ch 9. verse 7. Whereby oftentimes one nation is taken for the other The ancients have by thiâ— name understood the Cappadocians as if the Philistims and the Caphtorims were come from the Cappadocians which seemeth to agree with Jerem. chapt 47. verse 4. where Caphtor is called an Iland that is to say a land on the other side of the sea V. 28 On my feet The Italian hath it With my company see Num. 20. 19. V. 29 As the See upon Num. 20 21. How this agreeth with that which is written in that place Moabites see Numbers 21. 20. where also that apparent contrariety which is between these passages and Deut. 23. 3. 4. Judg. 11. 17 18. is reconciled V. 30 Hardnâ—d See Ex 4. 21. V. 34 Destroyd By Gods command Deut. 7. 2. and 20. 16. V. 36 Aâ—oer which was the confine of the Moabites The Ciâ—y Called Ar standing upon an Island encompassed with this five Mum. 21. 15. 28. Jos. 12. 2. and 13. 9. CHAP. III. VERS 9. SYrion Called also Sion by abbreviation Deut. 4. 48. See upon Num. 34. 7. V. 11 For onely This seemes to bee added to shew tha Og being once overcome all the whole country was conquered for of many Giants beyond Jordan which had reigned in that countrey hee alone remained having invaded other countries after he had overcome the people in battaile After the Cubit That is to say an ordinary and common cubit as a mans cubit who is of ordinary growth and compleat age See Rev. 21. 17. V. 14 Geshuri This people was in Syria towards the north of Canaan 2 Sam. chap. 15. verse 8. and were not driven out by the children of Is 〈…〉 Joshuah chapter 13. verse 13. Bashan-Havoth-Iair The Italian hath it Bashan of the townships of Iair Namely thâ—t part of Bashan where the townships of 〈◊〉 stand V 15 Gilead The Italian Galaad A part of that hilly Countrey see Num 32. 39. which was also properly so called Gen. 31. â—1 48. and from that the name of Gilead was given to the country thereabout verse 12. V. 16 Half the valley The Italian hath it In the middle of the riâ—er Even unto Ar a City of Moab which had not beene conquered by Sihon wherefore it was not taken in by Israel nor granted unto them by the Lord Deu. 2. 9. and was situate in an Island in the middle of the river Arnon Deut 2. 36. Ios. 12. 2. 13 9. so that the countrey of these two Tribâ—s ended at the walls of Ar. Aâ—d the border see how this ought to be understood Num. â—4 6. V. 17 Of the plaine Namely of Jordan Gen. 13. 10. which plaine after the destruction of Sodom came to be a Sea that is to say a great salt pitchie and sâ—lphurous lake Gen. 14. 3. Num. 34. 3. Ashdoth Pisgah the name of a City Jos. 13. 20. Others construe it the coasts or hanging sides of Pisgah which was a hill from which the valley took its name see Num. 20. 21 and 23 14 V. 18 I commanded you Namely the two Tribes who had gotten their parts beyond Jordan All that are meet What number shall be thought fitting and sufficient leaving the rest to keep the Country see Jos. 1. 14. and 4. 13. V. 20 Rest A settled and peaceable abode V. 26 For your sakes For the people had vexed Moses his spirit with their murmurings and being thus perplexed he sinned Psa. 106. 32 33 V. 27 Pisgah See Num. 27. 12. V. 28 Strengthen him With exhortations councells and promises c. V. 29 Beth-Peor or the Temple of Peor or of Baal-peor idoll of the Ammonites Num. 25. 3. Name of the place or City which was the chief seat of this idolatry CHAP. IV. VERS 6. FOr this is This may be understood of the Law of God in it self which is the light and rule of all wisdom Or of the observing of the Law which is the true wisdom in practice the true disposer of the soul to attaine unto the last end of soveraigne welfare V. 7 What Nation is there so great Namely a whole and entire Nation For there were some particular and small kindreds or families amongst idolatrous people which served the true God as that of Job Melchisedeck and Jethro c. So nigh Present in the efficacy of his grace and power and in the pawnes tokens and shewes of his Majesty and ready to help and assist That we call The Italian Whensoever we call Or in any thing we desire from him Psal. 46. 2. and 148. 14 V. 1â— Miast of heaven That is to say in the midst of the aire V. 15 Unto your selves The Italian hath it Upon your soules As you love your lives and regard the salvations of your soules or persons Or for feare lest your bodies do beare the punishment for it V 16 Corrupt By inclining unto or participating of idolatry which is the spirituall whoredome contrary to the purity of conscience in Gods service Of any figure Or God absolutely none at all nor yet of any other creature to consecrate it or to fasten any opinion of Deity upon it or to attribute any religious honour unto it see Exo. 20. 4
peoples deliverance bringing them into the land of promise which was denied to Moses to shew us that Christ only pointed at by Joshua Exo. 3. 8. doth bring his Church to the fruition of the kingdom of heaven which the Law could not do V. 49. Unto mount See how this ought to be understood upon Num. 27. 12. V. 50. He gathered See Gen. 15. 15. CHAP. XXXIII VERS 1. THe man of God Namely a Prophet inspired by divine Spirit in giving this blessing V. 2. Came From the top of Sinai a hill of Idumea called Seir in the wildernesse of Paran God appeared unto his people to give them his Law Exod. 19. 18. From Seir. from off Idumea see Gen. 33. 14. 16. and 36. 8. Now under the name of Idumea often times is meant in Scripture all the Countrey from the red sea to the dead sea or lake of Sodom See 1 King 9. 26. Paran See of this name generall to that great mountainous wildernesse Numbers 13. 3. Ten thousands The Italian hath it From the ten thousands Namely from heaven which is the habitation of holy Angels which are in manner of innumerable armies of God see Psal. 68. 27. Dan. 7. 10. Rev. 5. 11. and 9. 16. Went The Italian Having on his right hand Being in a manner armed with fire Exo. 19. 18 and 24. 17. for to pronounce his Law in token of the power of it Jer. 23. 29. and of his terror and curse against sinners Heb. 12. 18. V. 3. Yea he loved The Italian Though thou lovest that is to say O Lord though thou through a common love causest all men to feele some effects of thy goodnesse yet thou bearest thy people a speciall affection whom thou hast sanctified and taken as proper to thy selfe to have them under thy care and protection At thy feet attentive and tractable like to thy disciples Luke 10. 39. Acts 22. 3. V. 4. The inheritance The singular wealth and treasure that God bestoweth upon his children and in which as in a generall inheritance are comprehended all other goods which also by vertue of the Covenant passeth from the father to the child See Psal. 119. 111. V. 5. King He hath not only been a Law-giver but also a supreme Magistrate actually administring his own Law Such Kings raigning by vertue and justice only not by force and violence were anciently called Heroick Kings When the heads So it is declared that this Monarchy of Moses was tempered with Aristocracy in which temperature consists the most absolute kind of government And the Tribes This seemes to be added to shew so much the more the harmony of this Common-wealth the whole people with a free accord consenting to Moses his Laws proposed in the generall assembly V. 6 Let Reuben live God will not suffer and I pray him it may not the tribe of Reuben be utterly extinguished for the grievous sins of its first father Gen. 49. 3 4. though by that meanes it were deprived of the gift of great increase which seemed to belong unto him by birth right and was conferred upon Joseph V. 7. Judah Because that there is no mention made of Simeon in these blessings some imagine that this tribe was comprehended under Judah in whose countrey Simeons part was also included Jos. 19. 1. Judg. 1. 3 Bang him He hath a relation to the severall captivities of this tribe out of all which it was delivered ever untill the comming of the Messias whereas the other tribes were dispersed without being restored Be sufficient let it have no need of any human helpe to maintain it but only thou O God lend it thine aide Others he shall fight with his own hands for himselfe that is to say he shall defend himselfe valiantly against all his enemies Gen. 49. 8. V. 8. Thy Thummim He directeth his speech to God The sense is O Lord confirme thy Priesthood meant by these two words Exo. 28. 30. to Aarons lineage whom thou hast consecrated to it though thou hast imposed that just punishment upon him that he should not enter into the land of Canaan for the fault which he committed at the waters of Meriba Numb 20. 13. which were also called of Massah as the rest Exod. 17 7. because that God did there try his servants Thou diddest strive rebuking him and severely punishing him V. 9. Who This hath a relation to that that the Priests being judges in many cases Deut. 17. 9. and 19 7. ought to be free from all acceptation of persons following Moses and Aarons examples who had proceeded therein with all manner of integrity Others referre this to the history of the execution done by the Levites for the pure zeale of God without any carnall respects Exod. 32. 27. and to the Law of mourning for the next of kinne Lev. 10 6 7. and 21. 10. They The Priests and Levites who till then had kept themselves pure in Gods service and obedience more than the rest of the people but by these words their duty is not so much set down as the act commanded Mal. 2. 7. See Jer. 18. 18. V. 11. His substance The Italian hath it His army for the orders services and the whole conduct of the Leviticall Ministery had some resemblance of military discipline See Numb 4. 3. The worke Namely his Ministery Smite through Destroy all Shcismaticks that shall seeke to oppose that order of Priesthood which thou hast appointed See Numbers chap. 16. v 5. V. 12. The belived It should seem he calleth Benjamin so by reason that as Jacob loved Benjamin in a singular manner he being the youngest of all his children Gen. 44. 30. So the Lord honored that tribe being the least of all the rest 1 Sam. 9. 21. Psal. 68. 27. Chusing Jerusalem which was within her territories Jos. 18. 28. for the place of his Temple and service By him Neere to his Temple which was as it were Benjamins safeguard Between his Let the chiefe City of Benjamin be Jerusalem a City of Gods singular presence in which the two holy hills of Moriah and Sion resembled two shoulders a figure of Gods power and protection who beareth of the whole body of his people V. 13. The precious things See Gen. 49. 25. For the deep that is to say of the earth moystned and fattened by the sweet exhalations up the waters under the earth V. 14. By the Sun Which warmeth the earth and quickens the seeds and ripens the fruits The Moon Which the diverse seasons and months of the yeare produce in great variety V. 15. Mountaines See Gen. 49. 26. V. 16. Of him Of God who appeared in the bush Exodus 3. 2. for a signe of his residence in grace and power in the middest of his people V. 17. His glory He hath a reference to the power valour and warlike customes of these two tribes See Psal. 78 9. The people which shall come to assault him or all those Nations whose land that was which God had assigned for his
counsell namely thy conduct and internall direction of thy holy spirit Psal. 16. 7. V. 26. Strength the Italian rock the strength the firme subsistance and prop Deut. 32. 4. my portion as Psal. 16. 5. V. 27. A whoring so the scripture calls the alienation of mans heart from the pure and loyall love and service of God to goe after idols or after the world and the creatures and to cleave to them in love and trust in them Iam. 4. 4 1 Iohn 2. 16. PSAL. LXXIV THE title Of Asaph see Psal. 50. in the title Now Asaph living in Davids time and the subject of this Psalme being evidently of the desolation caused by the Chaldeans Asaph could not be the composer of it but some other Prophet of those times who put it to Asaphs posterity who was one of the three heades of holy singers 1 Chron. 25. 1. 2. to sing it in the Iewes synagogues in Babylon V. 1. For ever that is to say without any hope or appearance of being restored V. 2. The rod the Italian the tribe namely the tribe of Iudah which above all the rest had this promise to be preserved in the dignity and degree of being Gods people and named his inheritance Deut. 32. 9. and never to faile untill the comming of Christ Gen. 49. 10. V. 3. Lift up come to visite them to take compassion of them and to restore them perpetuall which are irreparable unlesse thou settest thine helping hand unto them V. 4. Roare the Italian have roared that is to say have made great outâ—ryes and kept a great stirre when they gave the onset or after the victory of thy congregations the Italian of thy Temple the Hebrew of thy place of meeting or congregation so is the tabâ—â—nacle called Exod. 27. 21. and afterwards Solomons Temple which is here expressely made mention of for signes namely for trophics or monuments of victories V. 5. A man was famous the Italian that shall be known that is to say they have left such tokens of their fury that the remembrance thereof will last in after ages as hee had that is to say 〈◊〉 as a wood-man with his hook or harche 〈…〉 〈…〉 s downe the shrubs and bushes without any respect or difference even so have the enemies spoiled and broken all the ornaments of thy Temple whereof see 1 Kings 6. 18. 29. 32. V. 8. All the Synagagues the Italian all the places of meeting for besides the Temple there were in every city or inhabited and frequented places oratories or synagogues where the people came together to pray or to heare the ordinary exposition of the Iaw Others will have the Temple only meant divided into a great many parts and members V. 9. Our signes namely the frequent miracles formerly wrought for our deliverances Or the signes of Gods presence such as the Arke was Vrim and Thummim c. Or the sacraments of his grace and covenant as sacrifices and other ceremonies were that knoweth that 〈…〉 th any prophetick revelation to know when the end of our troubles will bee V. 11. Pluck it cut of thy the Italian let it not remaine in thy which is the action of one that stands idle and carelesse see Prov. 19. 24. and 26. 15. V. 13. Of the dragons the Italian of the whales hee seemes to meane the heads of the Egyptian host as in the verse following Pharaoh himselfe is meant by Leviathan a common name for all your great sea creatures For Egypt is scituate between two seas and within it is almost every where watered by the river Nilus see Isa. 51. 9. Ezech. 29. 3. and 32. 2. V. 14. To the people namely to the wilde beasts which devoured the Egyptians carkasses which were cast up upon the shoar V. 16. Is thine thou art the author preserver and governour of this alternall course of nature namely of the day and the night Vnder which he seemes also to meane that alternall course of his providence by which hee sendes his Church sometimes prosperity and sometimes adversitie V. 17. The borders hereby may be understood the seas which devide and sever the earth or in regard of particular countries the naturall frontiers of seas hills and deâ—â—rts see Deut. 32. 8. Whereby hee seemes to inferre that Gods people having also had their confines which had beene broken through Gods judgements it would one day please him to re-establish and preserve them V. 19. Thy turtle dove namely thy Church represented in scripture under the names of such kinds of weak mild simple and sociable same creaâ—ures which are most exposed to wrongs and injuries see Cant. 2. 10. and 4. 1. Mat 10. 16. V. 20. The covenant formerly made with thy people see Zach. 9. 11. the dark places that is to say the countreyâ— being desert and horrid is full of robberles and receptacles for murtherers V. 21. Ashamed that is to say fallen from all hopes and denied the request of his prayers praise let them have occasion to praise it through their deliverance V. 23. Increaseth the Italian ascendeth it goeth up to heaven that is to say their insolent blasphemies are directed to thee and doe provoke thee to vengeance as Gen. 4. 10. and 18. â—0 Exod. 3. 7. Or it encreaseth that is to say it gathereth strength by reason of thy patience The meaning is if thou lettest them alone there will bee no end of their rage Others translate it in the tumult of those which set upon thee which ascendeth c. PSAL. LXXV THE 〈…〉 le song see upon Psal. 30. in 〈◊〉 title Of Asaph that is to say which is one of the number of those Psalmes wich were especially given to Asaphs posterity to sing them in the Temple And if Asaph were the composer of this Psalme hee speaketh in Davids person see Psal. 50. in the title Altashith see upon Psal. 57. in the title V. 1. Doe wee give thanks it seemes this Psal me was composed after Sauls death when David had taken possession of the Kingdome and that the Iebusites had yet Ierusalem in their hands Ios. 15. 63. 2 Sam. 5. 6. thy name thou thy selfe in the effects of the excellent titles which thou hast of everlasting almighty c. Or thy grace and power is neere that is to say present in operation and efficacy V. 2. When I that is to say when I shall have taken from the Iebusites the City of Ierusalem which God hath appointed to bee the chiefe city of the Kingdome the seat of his Temple where his people must meet for his solemne service Deut. 12. 11. 1 Kings 8. 29. Psal. 122. 4. mount Sion being called the mouut of the congregation Isa. 14. 13. as the ancient tabernacle was Exod. 27. 21. then will I employ my selfe wholly and peaceably to governe rightly and doe justice see Psa. 101. which is very hard to doe amongst the confusion of armes V. 3. The earth the Italian the countrey that is to say all the countrey was ruined through factions
which thou hast set down of thine own free wil by which rule thou dost not deny the gift of thy holy spirit to them that ask it of thee Luk. 11. 13. V. 150. Draw nigh namely to doe me hurt V. 151. Thy commandments namely the promises and threatnings which thou hast set down in thy law through which I am confident thou wilt save me and destroy mine enemies V. 156. Great or many in number According to thy as verse 149. V. 160. Thy word the Italian the sum of thy all thy whole word put together is nothing but pure truth or the principall quality of thy word is to be true V. 161. Of thy word namely for feare of transgressing and to not incur the penalties denounced in it V. 164. Seven times or many and divers times judgements or lawes and ordinances V. 165. Nothing shall offend them the Italian they shall have no stumbling block or they shall have no mischance nor evill encounter V. 168. All my wayes I am before thee in all mine actions and enterprises to the end that thou may est govern them according to thy will or because I know thou seest every thing I therefore study to doe such things as thou shalt approve of V. 169. According to namely according to thy promise or give mee an understanding which may be directed and enlightned by thy truth V. 173. Chosen that is to say I have voluntarily set my self to follow them or chosen them above all other things for my soveraign good and treasure with which I am very well satisfied and contented V. 175. Let my soule live that is to say doe thou keep me alive or preserve in me the life of thy Spirit Help me that is to say employ these meanes which thou hast appointed for thine elects salvation in my behalfe V. 176. I have gone the Italian I goe that is to say in this wtetched life I am like to a distressed sheep that is strayed out of her sheepfold and is ready to perish take thou care of me thou who art my true shepheard Or I am by mine enemies driven out of thy Church bring me in again for out of it I am in continuall danger of running to perditition PSAL. CXX THe Title of degrees the Italian of Maaâ—ot that is to say of goings up or of movings This title which is set before these fifteene following Psalmes is of very doubtfull significationâ— Yet the likeliest opinion is that these Psalmes were either newly penned or chosen out from amongst the old ones to bee sung by the people in their return from Babylon in their severall dayes journeyes or stages as they travelled either one or more or all at every removing And to this subject they may all be referred either in part or in whole V. 3. What shall be given he turneth his speech to the head or chiese of his enemies as if he should say what profit shalt thou reap thereby Peradventure the people would fore-arme themselves by Davids ancient example when he was persecuted by scoffes and slanders against the like injuries which were offered unto them at their return from Babylon Ez. 4. 6. Neh. 2. 19. and 4. 2. 3. V. 4. Of Juniper which being a fat kind of Wood makes a very scorching fire and quick coales V. 5. Woe is me it seemeth that these words were first spoken by David in his flight amongst the Philistines and other strange Nations and were afterward applied to the peoples banishment Mesech Mesech is Moscovie and Kedar is Arabia not that David ever was in those countryes but hee called those Nations so amongst which he was by reason of their fierce barbarousnesse And this part of this Psalme is it which may most properly bee referred to the returne from Babylon PSAL. CXXI VER 1. LIft up I doe bend my thoughts every way yet conclude at last that in all my evills my reliefe and deliverance must come from God alone V. 3. He will not the Psalmist speaks to himselfe in spirit as Psal 91. 3. V. 5. Thy shade thy protector and defence V. 6. By day hee hath a relation to the pillar of cloud by day and of fire in the night which God employed in the bringing of the people forth of Aegypt and to defend them from the harmefull aire that it might not hurt them see Isa. 49. 10. Rev. 7. 16. And this may also be applied to the return from Babylon under Gods protection V. 8. Thy going out that is to say any thing as thou shalt undertake Or especially thy comming out of Babylon and thy comming into Iudea PSAL. CXXII THe title Of David that is to say penned at the first by David when he had taken Ierusalem and settled the Ark in it 2 Sam. 6. 17. and afterwards made use of at the peoples return from Babylon V. 2. Our feet that is to say we shall no more need to runne here and there to doe Gods service as we did at other times when the Arke removed from place to place now that it stands still in Ierusalem we shall not need to goe any where else Deut. 12. 5. 14. V. 3. That is compact he seemes to have a relation to the times which were beâ—ore David at which time the lebusites remained in the rock of Sion after the remnant of the City of Ierusalem was taken by the Tribe of Iudah Ios. 15 63. Iudg. 1. 8. the City being divided by walls and also in government and religion but David having taken in Sion did perfectly re-unite it V. 4. Vnto the testimony namely to present themselves before the tabernacle where the Ark was within which were the Tables of the law called the testimonie Exod. 16. 34. 2â— 21. 22. Num. 17. 7. Or which is a testimony that is to say a commandement made to Israel with Gods expresse protestation Deut. 12. 5. 14. V. 5. Are set there also is the soveraign court of justice settled by Gods appointment In which Court David sits as Iudge and his Officers under him doe execute justice Deut. 17. 8. 2 Sam. 15. 〈◊〉 2 Chron. 19. 8. 10. Psal. 60. 1. and 108. 8. PSAL. CXXIII VER 2. VNto the hand to bee defended by them if they be wronged or to receive some benefit from them V. 4. That are at ease that is to say that are rich and powerfull in the world see Zach. 1. 15. PSAL. CXXIV THe title Of David see upon Psal. 122. in the Title V. 1. On our side or with us V. 4. The waters that is to say our enemies troops gathered together like a fulnesse of waters Over our soul they would have overwhelmed and drownd us so that we should have lost our lives see Ps. 69. 2. V. 8. In the name that is to say in the Lord himselfe who hath revealed himselfe to his Church by his own proper name or in his power and grace PSAL. CXXV V. 3. THe vod the persecution of the wicked and of Tyrants shall not alwayes last
undertake and of his blessing in the issues and successe of what they undertook V. 25. The hills an hyperbolicall description of Gods judgements the meaning is no high or eminent condition of state could keep them from being ruined V. 26. Will life up to call them to execute his judgements upon his people V. 27. The girdle they shall be all ready to march and performe warlike duties Or they shall neither be base nor faint-hearted which is signified by loose reins Dan. 5. 6. nor busie about any other work which is signified by the loose latchet of the shoe V. 30. If one looke all humaue help shall faile and all hope of comfort and aid from the Lord shall be cut off The light namely the day from the very morning Darkned every thing shall be overwhelmed with horrible darknesse of calamites which shall come from God neither shall there appeare any light of hope or comfort CHAP. VI. Vers. 1. THe Lord namely Gods everlasting Sonne a great King of the Church in his own person John 12. 41. V. 2. The Seraphims a name of blessed Angels which signifieth servent and fiery as well in regard of their office as of their substance who are here assistants as Ministers of Gods judgements His face by this covering of the face is meant adoration and deep reverence by the covering of their feet immaculate holinesse and by their flying with two wings promptitude and zeale to obey V. 4. The posts or thresholds namely the upper and lower threshold in which the two axels whereon the doors did turn were fixed With smoak or chick cloud and dark mist a thing which was ordinary when God appeared in glory to hide his majestie and to strike a terrour in mens hearts Exod. 19. 16. and 40. 34. Numb 9. 15. 1 King 8. 10. V. 5. Wo is me the ordinary feare of the faithfull when God appeared to them in glory see Gen. 16. 13. Deut. 5. 24. Jud. 6. 22. and 13. 22. feeling of their own weaknesse and knowing their owne naturall corruption Unclean thereby signifying that sinne which is most frequent amongst and most avoidable for men namely the sinne of the tongue Jam. 3. 2. or because even in his own calling he found himselfe defective many wayes And I dwell that is to say I doe too much participate of the contagion of sin living thus amongst sinners V. 6. A live coale a figure of the gift of the holy Ghost proceeding from Christ who is the true spirituall altar of expiation and intercession for the Church Which Spirit workes in the manner of fire for the purging of sin Matth. 3. 11. V. 7. Laid it upon the Italian brought it neer see Jer. 1. 9. Dan. 10. 16. Thine iniquity not that Isaiah was purged from all remainder of sinne as concerning his person but onely concerning his office of Prophet he received the gift of the infallible conduct of the holy Ghost that he might not erre through ignorance nor prevaricate through malice in the receiving and preaching of his prophecies A promise contrary to that which Isaiah had confessed namely to be of unclean lips V. 8. For us see of this unspeakable manner of consultation held by the sacred Trinitie Gen. 1. 26. and 3. 22. and 11. 7 Here am I an effect of the holy Ghost who after he hath conferred the gift which is necessary for the calling doth also powerfully give the will to cause him employ himselfe therein vigorously and cheerfully V. 9. Understand not that is to say Hereafter I will not send my word unto you for to convert and save you but to convince and condemne you for seeing I have deservedly taken away my Spirit from you which you have so long withstood that you have utterly extinguished it the sound of my word hereafter shall but astonish you and this light shall but dazell and blinde you so much the more V. 10. Make the heart preach my word powerfully to this rebellious and profane people that their wickednesse being thereby provoked they may become more stupid insensible and hardned a signe whereof is the fatnesse of the heart see Psal. 119. 70. see Deuter. 29. 4. Isa. 63. 17. John 8. 43. 2 Thess. 2. 11 12. Be healed namely that they may not be saved delivered from all evil and re-established in a happy state V. 11. How long is there no stay nor no end of this rejection of thy people that it may not come to the uttermost extremity V. 13. A tenth he seemeth to meane that little remnant which was left in the countrey in the generall captivity which was at last likewise destroyed for its rebellion CHAP. VII Vers. 2. THe house namely the King and Princes of the blood royall and chiefe Officers of the Crown and Court Syria the King of Syria hath undertaken to besiege Jerusalem being encouraged thereunto by the league which he had made with the King of the ten Tribes the chiefe of which is the Tribe of Ephraim and as sures himselfe that hee shall overcome by reason of the great assistance he hopes to have from thence V. 3. Shear-Jashub it should appear by Isa. 8. 12. and 10. 21. that this name which signifieth the remnant shall be converted or shall be re-established was given to that childe for a signe of the deliverance of the rest of the people which should bee converted to God Upper poole this was a great poole of water that came from the fountain Gihon called the upper as a King 18. 17. because it was in the high Citie of Sion neer the City of David on the south-side Nehem. 3. 15. and to distingush it from the lower poole Isai. 22. 9. which was in the lower part of the City on the east-side V. 4. The two tails a name of contempt to shew that there was more smoak that is to say pride and outward appearance in them then strength and power V. 6. Vex it the Italian divide it that is to say Let each of us seize upon that part which lieth most conveniently for us and let us see a King over the rest which may be a vassall to us both The Sonne one whose name is not mentioned elsewhere V. 8. Damascus I have bounded these Kingdoms and have set a King over every one of them and I will not suffer them to passe their bounds nor take anothers countrey Within threescore the common opinion is That one must count these yeers not from the time that Isaiah did foretell these things but from the first prophecie of the latter ruine of the ten tribes which might be Amos his Prophesie 7. 8 9 see a Kings 14. 27 about the eighteenth yeere of Jeroboam the son of Joash after whom untill the last captivity of the ten Tribes is just sixty five yeers V. 9. Of Ephraim namely of the ten Tribes whereof Ephraim was chiefe If ye will not beleeve the Italian Doe ye not beleeve it the prophet reproveth the people because of their incredulitie Ye
of them shall also take them as a reward and a gift of their Idols V. 8. I will waile The Prophets words having a feeling of the publike calamities Stript and namely In my shirt or without my outward garment which was a fashion used in times of extreme sorrow V. 9. Her wound namely Samaia's v. 6. Whereby is meant the whole Kingdome of the ten Tribes It is come The Assyrians after they have conquered and laid waste the ten Tribes shall also lay Judah waste even to Jerusalem 2 King 18. 13. Isa. 8. 8. The gate namely To Jerusalem the Kings residence and where Judah's soveraigne court of Justice was held which the Scripture calleth often times Gate V. 10. Declare yee it not The meaning is the peoples calamities shall be so horrible that it were to be wished that their deadly enemies such as those of Gath and other Philistims were mâ—ght never heare no newes of it for feare lest they should make triumphs for it and should aggravate the measure of them by their insultings 2 Sam. 1. 10. Neither weepe yee Forbeare making any shew of your miseries for feare of giving your enemies occasion of laughter Roule thy selfe namely Thou Nation of Israel in signe of extreme sorrow Jer. 6 26. These names of Aphra and Saphir c. are nor sound any where else and yet seeme to signifie some noted places therefore it is likely that they were framed by the Propher to make some allusion to the sence of his prophecy As in stead of Ephraim that is to say fruitfulnesse he saith house of Aphrah that is to say of ashes To shew that this Tribe which was so mighty should he ruined and brought to ashes In stead of Samaria that is to say a place of coales he saith Saphir that is to say faire to signifie the glory to which that City was raised and from which it should fall In stead of Sion he saith Zianan 〈◊〉 that is to say a place of comming forth of great concourse of persons going and comming Out of which place when the Assyrians should overrun the countrey one should not be able to come out In stead of Bethel that is to say the House of God he saith Beth-ezel that is to say a house of Separation because God should forsake it as an uncleane place In stead of Ramoth which signifieth altitudes or heights he saith Maroth that is to say bitternesses by reason of the great and bitter mourning and lamentation which should be made in it V. 11. Passe ye away into captivity loden with reproaches O thou Inhabitant or people of that City Standing the Italian his defence the Heb. his presenting For the Hebrewes when they would say defend one did say present himselfe for one See Exod. 32. 25. Numb 14. 9. Isa. 22. 8. V. 13. Bind the charet to run away if thou canst from before the Assyrians who come to beâ—ege thee 2 King 18. 14. To the swift beast that is to say horses or mules which could run very swiftly She is hence it appeares that Lachish was first infected with the ten Tribes Idolatry and that from thence it passed even to Jerusalem V. 14. Give Presents buy the friendship and assistance of this City of the Philistines and of other Cities of that Nation against the Assyrians yet all shall be in vaine Achzib it appeares by 〈◊〉 19 29. Judg 1. 31. that this City was one of those out of which the Canaanites could not be driven And it seemes that upon this invasion of the Assyrians the Israelites had made a league with those Nations by whom they were deluded either through weaknesse or treachery And Micah amongst those Cities hath made choice of Achzib by reason of the signification of the name which is a Lye V. 15. Will I bring I will cause the Assyrians to come who shall make themselves Lords of thee and thy goods Marâ—shaâ— A City of Judah Jos. 15. 44. And this also seemes to have been chosen out by reason of the nearenesse which is between the word heire and Mareshah Adullam A City of Judah Jos. 15. â—5 The glory namely to Jerusalem the City of Gods glorious residence in his Temple and of the Kings residence in his Royall Palace V. 16. Make thee bald that is to say O thou Jewish Nation make most bitter lamentation See Job 1. 20. Isa. 3. 24. and 15. 2. 22. 12. Jer. 7. 29. The Eagle when she changes her feathers CHAP. II. Ver. 4. SHall one that is to say whilest you shall weep your enemies and ill-willers shall 〈…〉 de your miseries How hath this calamity is past restauration the people will never be able to recover their countrey nor settle themselves againe in their former estate V. 5. Therefore by reason of the sinnes set downe v. 1 2. you shall be put out of all right and share in the Church and people of God whereof the driving out of the Holy Land shall be a signe V. 6. Prophesie ye not the Italian drop not that is to say prophesie not See concerning this manner of speaking which is very frequent amongst the Prophets Ezek. 21. 2. Amos 7. 16. Now these are words of prophane men who would hinder the free exercise of the Prophets Office as Isa. 30. 10. Jer. 11. 21. Amos 7. 13 16. Say they to them that prophesie the Italian hath it yet they shall Gods reply that is to say they shall preach in dâ—â—ight of you and if it be not for you ye Rebels which wrong them yet it shall be for the salvation of mine Elect as Isa. 8. 16. V. 7. O thou Is not this an execrable boldnesse in you to oppose your selves against my Prophets The Spirit namely the power and authority of my Spirit which from time to time hath see my Prophets on to preach my Word Is it now lessened or weakened that it should yeeld to your desires See Jer. 6. 11. and 20. 7 9. Mic. 3. 8. Are these the cause of all these evils and threatenings which are denounced against you by my Prophets is in you and not in me and therefore you wrongfully complaine of my Prophets as if they were the Authors of all the evill that befalleth you Isa. 28. 21. Lam. 3. 33. Doe not if you will be good men and beleeve you shall heare nothing from my Prophets but onely promises and assurances of Graces and Blessings If you be sinners but corrigible and capable of repentance you shall have by them healthfull meanes of conversion V. 8. Even of late whereas your forefathers shewed their valours in just warres You use nothing now but thefts and murthers V. 9. The Women namely the poore widdowes out of those houses where they had lived all their time in esse with their Husbands and children Taken away you bring them into such a state of misery and slavery that the splendor and honour of being my children and members of my people appeares in them no more V. 10. Arise you have
my Spirit be joyned to your preaching V. 25. The master me that am the Lord and true owner of the Church Heb. 3. 6. Beelzebub it was the name of the Idol of the Ekronites 2 Kings 1. 2. and signifies the god or the Lord of Flies or according to some the driver away of Flies The reason thereof is uncertâ—â—â—e though some other Pagan Idols were so called Now the Iewes attributed it to the Prince of Devills Matth. 12. 24. by reason that all the ancient Baals were called devills Deut. 32. 17. Psalm 1â—6 37. V. 26. Nothing covered doe your offices freely and bee not affrighted for the worlds oppositions because that at the last the light of the Gospell shall breake forth and shall overcome all obstacles V. 27. In darknesse In particular and as it were in secret the house toppes which house toppes in those Countries were made flat like open terraces V. 32. Therefore for a conclusion therefore of the exhortaiion that I have made unto you to strengthen you against the oppositions of the world I say thus much more unto you shall consesse me shall make an open and free profession of beleeving in me See Rom. 10. 9 10. V. 33. Deny put him out of the number of mine V. 34. But a sword not by any naturall propertie of Christ or of his Gospell which contrariwise is the only meanes of peace betwixt God and men but by an accidentall consequence the devill and the world opposing themselves against Christ and his Kingdome and by reason of this deadly hatred violating all naturall and civill duties and respects V. 38. That taketh not that doth not dispose himselfe in a voluntary obedience and patience to beare those afflictions which God shall lay upon him as it were for his owne part in imitation of me who shall be crucified for the Church V. 39. That findeth that shall imagine he hath so well provided for the safety of his life and for his worldly commodities by renouncing the Gospell shall fall into everlasting death V. 41. He that receiveth He that thorow a spirit of Christian charity shall doe good to my servants and those that beleeve in mee by reason that they are such and not for any other civill or naturall or vicious respects shall be rewarded by me according to the diversitie of the persons to which hee hath done good more or lesse profitable to Gods service necessary for the Church and odious to the world A Prophet a minister and speaker of my word of a righteous man of a righteous and holy man and commendable for his spirituall vertues V. 42. Of these 〈◊〉 ones One of the ordinary members of the Church that is not eminent for any publike place noâ— noted for any singular qualitie and therefore contemptible in the worlds eye See Matth. 18. 6. and â—5 40 45. CHAP. XI VER 1. IN their Cities In the Cities of Galile of whence most of the Apostles were V. 2. He sent not for himselfe who was very certaine of the truth concerning Christs person Iohn 1. 29. but to assure his disciples thereof by Christs most effectuall word and presence V. 3. Art thou he namely the Messias which was promised to our fore-fathers V. 5. The blind hee seemes to send them backe to consider upon the prophesies Isa. 35. 5. and 61. 1. in which these benefits were promised to the Church by the Messias at his comming V. 6. That shall not that shall not have taken occasion to alienate himselfe from me by reason of my person seeming weake object and wretched in the respect of the world Nor by reason of my doctrine contrary to the fleshes understanding which bringeth tydings beareth along with it the crosse and tribulations 1 Cor. 1. 23. Gal. 5. 11. V. 7. Into the wildernesse where John the Baptist preached A Reed namely a thing of nought The meaning is did you goe by chance or to behold some worldly greatnesse or to heare the word of God from an excellent Prophet of his such a one as you beleeve Iohn was if it be so why doe you not give credit to the witnesse which hee hath boren of me V. 10. Before thy â—ace in Malachy it is my face but the sence is the same for the father hath appeared to the world in his sons person V. 11. A greater in dignitie of office and in clearenesse of doctrine of salvation shewing with his finger Christ already come and preparing the world to receave him Luke 1. 15 16. that is least every plaine beleever or servant of God in the state of the Church renewed by the Messias shall have more advantage then Iohn the Baptist hath had because he shall see the mystery of the redemption accomplished in my person and shall enjoy the fruit thereof by my spirit spread abroad in greater abundance and vertue V. 12. The Kingdome Iohn hath begun to stirre up the desire of participating of Gods grace in the Gospell and that encreaseth and shall daily increase 〈…〉 ore and more by vertue of my spirit which brings forth strength of faith and fervency of zeale in mine elect in great number to come thronging into my Church to enrich themselves with the goods of it which in this is like unto a city taken by force where every thing is taken snatched up See Isa. 60. 4â—8 11 V. 13. For all Iohns prerogative above the precedent Prophets is that they have only foretold and described things to come but hee hath declared the present salvation and in him is begun the Evangelicall ministery and the legall and figurative ministery is ceased V. 14. If ye will know that hee is Elias whose comming was foretold unlesse you will refuse to beleeve the truth V. 15. Hee that hath a frequent admonition in the Gospell as Rom. 2. and 3. to stirre up beleevers that have receaved the gift of faith which is the eare of the soule to make use of it in apprehending and making use of those things which were particularly directed to them by revelation V. 16. Unto children He hath a relation to some popular song which was used in those dayes to signifie that neither Iohns preaching of repentance accompanied with great austerity of life nor the annunciation of Gods grace by Christ confirmed with that admirable benignity in conforming himselfe to the ordinary course of life and calling unto him the most grivous sinners could asswage the Iews hardnes V. 18. Neither eating living almost of nothing not caring for his body nor giving it those eases delights which commoÌ„ly men take in their life time They say especially the Scribes and Pharisees See Luke 7. 30. V. 19. Wisdome the beleevers indowed with true spirituall wisdome have acknowledged approved of and maintained against these calumnies as well the celestiall doctrine preached by Iohn and by Christ as also Gods wisdome in appointing each of them their manner of living besitting their manner of preaching V. 21. Tire and Sidon prophane Cities