fruit of permanent happinesse the faithfull man ought not to settle his hopes nor fixe his heart upon it to labour unreasonably in getting the imaginary goods of it Or needlessely trouble himselfe to shunne or correct the evills and dâ—sorders of it But must content himselfe with a sweet and peaceable and superficiall and transitory enjoyment of them without anxietie avarice or unreasonable desire though with care and providence in his vocation under the conduct of true wisdome whose worth he mightily extolleth as being the Princesse of mans life and actions Seeing man is by it directed in the true service of God aâ—d in all vertue and dutieâ— belonging to any course of life whatsoever either publike or private And besides by the said wisdome he is taught to conforme all his thoughts motions and affections especially of joy and sorrow to the change of times and chances appointed by Gods providence to keep man in a continuall temperature and counterpoise And to leave unto God the care of things to to come and of governing and ordering such things as passe mans capacitie and vocation and above all things to beware of sin and endeavour himselfe to all manner of vertue and to acknowledge that all we enjoy is through Gods grace for which we ought to yeeld him all honour and service Upon the second point he teacheth the faithfull man to fixe his minde and heart continually upon eternall life as the Soveraigne end of this present life And to prepare himselfe by seriously meditating upon death which is the true curbe for the excesses of this world and by the religious feare of God and apprehension of his judgement to come and by obedience to his most holy commandements So that with very good reason this booke may be called the treasure of precepts tending to true happines and the Soveraign good of man ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. VERS 1. THe preacher Hebrew Preacheresse See the argument of this book V. 2. Of vanities That is to say most vaine now he meanes to speak of whatsoever is separated from Gods grace life and spirit Vanity A thing that hath no sound nor true essence hath no firme lastingnesse V. 3 What profit The worldly man who liveth not in God and worketh not by his spirit labours to no end and loseth all his labour in seeking any perfect content of mind in this world V. 4 One generation Death which none can avoyd is the great and generall argument to prove the vanity of all worldly things for though the world doe last invariable in his owne being yet man is not of that lastingnesse neither can the world give it him wherefore his happinesse is never the more for the lastingnesse of the earth since he himselfe cannot last for to enjoy it And on the other side the world sheweth that it hath not the property of of the chifest good which is to be eternall and to eternize him who is the possessor of it V. 5 The Sunne The continuall unquietnesse of men imitating these creatures in the motion of their thoughts and desires is also a proofe of the fore-said vanity for like the sunne they have no rest like the wind they are in a turbulent agitation which tirâ—th and consumeth them and like the Sea which is never filled though the rivers continually runne into it they are never satisfied nor have not the true content of the mind V. 8 With seeing Of new things to desire them and follow them although it be tryed and beaten out with watching V. 9 The thing that The delight also which man takes in this variety is false and vaine for really there is nothing newâ— seeing that all things in all ages have beene of the same nature and kinde and the vanity is onely in certaine outward appearances in which true happinesse cannot consist V. 11 There is no Man is deceived in thinking that hee hath found any new thing wherein he may take content and this proceeds from his forgetfulnesse and ignorance of things which are past Or the shew of novelty is quickly gone and therefore there can no true happinesse be found in it V. 12 I the I Solomon can speake of this vanity by mine owne experience having imployed the gift of wisedome which God hath conferred upon me in taking notice of the state and affaires of the world that I might the better supply and execute my place and Kingly office V. 13. This â—ore travell True it is that every man is bound to seek and gaine whatsoever is necessary for his vocation but this gaine though it be vertuous hath the same quality as other worldly things have Namely very toylsome and no way effectuall to happinesse and perfect content of the mind V. 15. That which is No man yea not Kings nor Princes let them bee never so wise and mighty can remedy all evills nor supply all defects which is a great annoyance in publike Offices V. 16 I communed As being grieved that I could not discharge my duty in my place according to my desire by mine owne wisedome which was withstood and overcome by the great malice of men which I knew not nor could not remedy V. 17 And I gave I thought it was fitting to accompany and strengthen my wisedome with a particular experience and mixture of the Art and termes of politick worldly wisedome which before God is but meere folly 1 Corinth chapter the second verse the sixth But all this did but onely increase my travaile and discontent seeing that with all this new endeavour I could not attaine to mine end CHAP II. VERS 1. I will prove thâ—â— I will seek to give thee some content which thou couldest not find in thy â—oyall dignity by giving my selfe over to bodily pleasures And behold I quickly gave over this iutention as foolish and bruitish V. 3 I sought In stead of this voluptuous kind of life I have be thought my selfe of a meane namely to temper the severity of my wisedome and the weight of my charge with honest and lawfull pleasures To give my selfe unto wiâ—e The Italian To passe â—waâ— my life pleasantly in continuall 〈…〉 ng Hebrew To draw out my flesh in wine Acquainting my heart The Italian Governing my heart fixing my selfe inwardly in the course of t 〈…〉 high and sevâ—re wisedome yet glancing mine eye and outwardly framing my selfe to the foolish wayes of Worldly men especially great ones concerning the pleasures of this life Till I might Untill at last I could resolve my selfe upon an uniforme manner of living on which I might wholly rest V. 6 That bringeth forth Hee seemeth to mean young nurseries of Trees whether fruit Trees or other that have more need of watering V. 8. Musicall c. The Italian Single musick and musick in consort The Hebrew words are very obscure and of uncertaine signification yet this seems to be the most probable V. 10 I Kept not He seemes to meane his exâ—â—sses in delights beyond his first intent And this
blemish A figure of Christs perfâ—ct jâ—stice and innocency Heb 9. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 19. V. 6 Uâ—till the fourteenth Towards the end of which day which was at the setting of the sunne the lâ—mbe was killed made ready and eaten v. 18. Lev. 23. 5. Num. 28. 16. and then immediatly after being the fifteenth begun the feast of unleavened bread Lev. 21 6. Num. 28. 16. and ended on the even of the one and twentieth In the evening The Italian hath it Beâ—ween the two eveâ—â—ngs The Jewes anciently used no houres but did part the light or naturall day into morning midday and evening Psal. 55 18. Dan. 6. 10. Now the midday and evening were by them called by a duall name as who should say two middayes and two evenings because that under the name of midday were comprehended two houres before and two houres after thâ— just meâ—idiâ—nall point and under the name of evening the beginning of the â—â—nnes declining untill the full setting thereof The Romanes brought up the division of day light into twelve houres whereby this time of two evenings was then accounted from the ninth houre or three in the afternoone untill the sun was set see Acts 3. 1. and 10. 3. 6. and this time answereth just to the time of Christs death Matth. 27 46. Mark 15. 34. V 7 Of the blood For a marke to distinguish those houses which God would free from that corporall death which should overthrow the Egyptians houses and for a figure of the application of Christs bloud in baptisme for the redemption from everlasting death which falls upon the rest of the world see concerning the spirituall seale figured by this Rev 7. 3. and 9. 4. and 14. 1. This circumstance also was singular for the first Passeover V. 8 Let them eate So Christ having sealed us with his bloud in Baptisme to absolve us from death and damnation doth afterwards give himselfe to us for food whereof the holy Communion is a Sacrament In that night In the evening of the fourteenth the night of the fifteenth comming in into which night the n eale did also somewhat extend it selfe â—oste To figure Christs â—uâ—â—erings which were extreame and universall without any drop of comfort or refreshing subsisting in the fire of Gods anger against the sin of man for which he was become pay-master Psalm 22. 15. 16. John 19. 28. Through the onely juice as one may say of his owne justice and innocency With unleavened bread In remembrance of their hasty departure out of Egypt verse 34. and for the peoples poverty in that countrie Deuteron 16. 3. and to teach us that none can participate of Christ with the leaven of hypocrisie impurity or malice Matth. 16. 6. 11. 1 Cor. 5. 7 8. Bitter hearbs The Italian hath it Wiâ—de lettuce So the Hebrew word is translated by the ancient and so now the Jewes do use to eat wilde succory which hath been holden for a kinde of lettuce dipped in a certaine sauce made with other bitter hearbs That signified at that time the troubles which should accompany the people at their going out of Egypt untill they did arrive into the Land of Canaan And for ever the tribulations of all the true faithfull partakers of Christs life and of his sufferings Mat. 20. 22 23. Rom. 8. 17. V. 9 Râ—w Ill or half dressed As a figure of Christ who to be our true Passeover was to be afflicted to the uttermost Isa. 53. 3. Sodden Because that water correcteth and tempereth the scortching of the fire which did not befall Christ at all who felt the heat of Gods wrath against sin without any lightening or easâ— Head this betoakeneth also that Christ ought to be apprehended by faith in his whâ—le person his office grace justice and benefits without any division The purâ—enance Namely that which was to be eaten and not be offered unto God as the fat the caul and the kidneies were 2 Chron. 35. 12. 14. V. 10 Ye shall let nothing to avoid superstition and to shew that Christ must be apprehended whole and at once V. 11 With your loines the Italian â—ath it Have your loines with your garments girded and tuckt up alter the manner of travailers to be ready to depart out of Egypt A figure of all the faithfuls preparation to expect Christ for their full deliverance disburthened of all affâ—ctions sollicitudes and other carnall hinderances Luke 12. 35. 1 Pet. 1. 13. This ceremony was also singular and peculiar for that first Passeover as it app 〈…〉 th by our Saviours Passeover with his Apostles Passeover that is in commemoration of the passing over of the destroying Angell by whom I will work your deliverance It is a figure and Sacrament of Christ his passing out of the world to the Father by death Joh. 13. 1. by which the Church hath obtained redemption V. 12 Execute judgement Either that the Idols of Egypt by miracle were thrown down or that he only meaneth that through his judgements upon Egypt he would confound the false Gods thereof that they should not be able to escape see â—pon Isa. 19. 1. and 46. 1. and elsewhere in the Prophets I am a manner of affirming a thing as it were by oath as if he should say as certaine as it is true that I am the Lord. V. 13 A token of safety to you and for a distinction to mine Angel as Ezech. 9. 4. Rev. 7. 3. To destroy you not like unto the Egyptians plague V. 14 For ever All the time that ceremonies shall last namely till Christ who by the fulfilling of them shall abolish the use of them bringing in a new age and state in the Church Rom. 10. 4. Col. 2. 16 17. V. 16 A holy That is to say a solemne and holy day on which the people shall meet in a place for the publique servâ—ce of God to be instructed in his word and to render unto him the worship of praises and sacrifices c. Lev. 23. 35 36. May be done Unlesse it were in case that â—ay should fall on the Sabbath which day the making ready of meat was forbidden Exo. 16. 25. and 35. 3. And it is credible that this permission did extend also to other solemne feasts V. 22 Ye shall take This also was ordained only for the first Passeover Untill the That is to say before the slaying of the first borne be ended for otherwise they went out in the night yet somewhat neere the morning v. 42. V. 23 Will passe The Italian hath it When the Lord shall passe That is to say shall cause his destroying Angel to passe V. 24 This thing The generall command of the Passeover and unleavened bread but not to observe all the particular forenamed orders V. 25 When ye be For the Passeover by reason of many discommodities was kept but once in the wildernesse and that by Gods expresse command Num. 9. 2 3. This service The Sacraments being part of the sacred acts of the publique service of
word V. 6. I will wash I doe endeavour to bee pure in all my actions because that the service which I doe thee may not bee defiled with an evill conscience A phrase taken from those washings which were appointed for the Priests to use when they came neere to the Altar Exod. 30. 19. 20. I compasse a ceremony used at solemne thanksgivings whilst they offered sacrifices of prayse or after they were offered see Psalme 43. 4. 1 Kings 18. 26. V. 8. Where thine honour dwelleth the Italian of the Tabernacle of thy glory namely the seat of the glorious signes of thy presence on earth in grace and power which was the Arke called also the glory of God 1 Sam. 4. 21. Psal 78. 61. V. 9. Gather not doe not ensold mee in the same ruine and curse see the contrary 1 Sam. 35. 29. V. 10. Of bribeâ— the Italian of presents that is to say of injustice corruption and prevarication V. 12. Standeth the Italian standeth firme by saith I doe already hold my selfe victorious over mine enemies freed from all dangers and difficulties and settled in secure happinesse PSAL. XXVII VER 1. MY light all my councell guide and direction my joy and comfort hee that dissolveth all my inward clouds of trouble and confusion and externall oneâ— of dangers and calamities V. 3. IN this namely that the Lord is my light salvation and strength V. 4. May dwell that I may perpetually both upon earth and in heaven live in the happy communion of his Church Psal. 91. 1. The beauty the excellencie and 〈…〉 esnesse of his grace truth and other perfections which hee maketh manifest in his Church by his word And besides that his glory which hee shall fully reveale in heaven things which were represented by the magnificence of Gods Tabernacle and farre more afterwards by the glory of Solomons Temple V. 5. Shall hide mee namely in this communion with the Church shall I bee safe and secure upon a rock into a place and condition most secure V. 6. Mine head that is to say I shall have a glorious victory Psal. 3. 3. Of joy the Italian with joy with voices of joy used in sacrifices of thanks-giving together with the sound of holy trumpets Num. 10. 10. Psal. 26. 7. and 43. 4. V. 8. When thou saidst seek yee my face my heart said c. the Italian hath it my heart saith from thee seeke yee my face seek yee thou and all the faithfull direct your selves to 〈…〉 e in my Temple where I doe reveale my selfe in grace and power and seeke to have me alwayes present with you faith and in spirit and aspire to the full manifestation of my glory in heaven My heart moved and inspired by thy spirit V. 11. Teach me inspire and strengthen me constantly to follow thy holy will in patience and faith so that mine enemies may not cause me to goe astray but that by this secure way I may escape their ambushes V. 13. Vnlesse I had the Italian oh unlesse I had we should adde I had beene overcome in my troubles and combats or woe is me or I should have fainted unlesse c. see Psal. 119. 91. to see that is to say to be before my death re-establiâ—hed in the fruition of Gods benefits in his Church which are a certaine pledge of the eternall happinesses V. 14. Waite Davids words to himselfe and all the faithfull CHAP. XXVIII VER 1. MY rock see Deut. 32. 4. V. 2. Oracle this was the most inward and secret place of the Tabernacle and Temple in which the Ark was and out of which the Lord answered being enquired of by Vrim and Thummim see Num. 27. 21. 1 Kings 6. 5. V. 3. Draw me not doe not cause me to die the death of the wicked which is alwayes forced and violent in regard of their worldly affections and being an execution of punishment on Gods behalfe Whereas the death of Gods children is a sweet gathering up and voluntary departure 1 Sam. 25. 29. Psal. 52. 5. 125. 5. V. 5. Regard not through contemnt and prophanenesse they reject all meanes of conversion as can be offered unto them by the Lords works And not build that is to say their ruine shall be eternall and irreparable Others let him destroy them and never build them up againe V. 8. Their strength namely the strength of his people and inheritance V. 9. His annointed namely me David who was consecrated by him PSAL. XXIX VER 1. O Yee mightie the Italian yee sonnes of the mightie let there bee no greatnesse nor heighth in the world that doth not humble it selfe before the great and terrible God V. 3. Vpon the waters upon the clouds where the thunder is engendered Ezech. 10. 5. or upon the sea over which the thunder maketh a noise and runneth for a long time V. 6. To skip that is to say hee hath made the splinterâ— and broken peeces of trees that have been strucken with thunder to flie up into the ayre Or when they have been shaken by the wind or stormes or by earth-quakes Sirion a hill neer unto Lebanon Deut. 2. 9. V. 7. Flames namely lightning and thunder V. 8. Kadesh this is the great wildernesse between Egypt and Palestine V. 9. In his Temple God indeed makes manifest unto all the world the effects of his power and majesty but hee is no where acknowledged nor worshipped but in his Church Or these things which make God terrible to all the world are arguments and inducements to his Church to prayse and blesse him V. 10. Upon the flood that is to say in these terrible tempests which seeme to turne the earth upside down God is a peaceable Commander of the universe governing all these accidents through his providence and by his Soveraigne power some think that he meaneth the generall deluge PSAL. XXX THE title and song the Italian Canticle it is thought that when these two words of Psalme and Canticle or Song are both put in the titles of Psalmes it is meant that the sound of instruments was to be joyned with the voyce when they were sung in the Temple and that the voyce went before when it is said Canticle and Psalme and did come afer when it is Psalme and Canticle Dedication see of these dedications of houses Deut. 20. 5. here is meant the purification of Davids house when he came to dwell in it againe after the death of Absolom who had defiled it with incests and other wickednesse see 2 Sam. 20. 4. V. 1 Lifted me up farre from any assault or danger Psal. 20. 2. V. 2. Healed me freed me from all evils restored and re-established me V. 5. His anger namely his fatherly anger and saving correction which hee giveth his children Psal. 103. 9. A moment namely with his grace which never faileth And also because that all temporall things and accidents are but as a small moment in comparison of eternity 〈…〉 se the Italian lasteth a whole life an
bridle or mousâ—e for my mouth his meaning is I will bridle my inward motions and swellings so that my tongue shall not run out which is the first and suddenest budding of sin Iam. 3. 2. 3. is before me I will see him flourish and prosper abusing Gods patience with insolency and persecuting of the godly V. 2. Dumâ—â— to not murâ—â—ure nor withstand Gods providence from good namely from that which was lawfull and reasonable for mee to speake in my sufferances for defence of mine innocency which was to complaine unto God and desire justice at his hands V. 3. Was â—â—t seeing I could not evaporate my passion in words I doe inwardly boile through impatience V. 4. Make mee to know seeing mine afflictions are such that it seemes they can have no end but only with my life I pray thee let mee know the prefixed time of it that according to it I may provide my selfe with patience Or doe thou shorten it that I may not be quite overcome V. 5. Behold hee seemeth herein to correct his former wishes or desires as if hee said But why doe I thus grieve at the lastingnesse of my miseries seeing that mans life is so short cannot I comfort my selfe in the shortnesse of my life which will also shorten my miseries see 2 Cor. 4. 18. an hand breadth or foure fingers breadth which is one of the least geometricall measures at his best state the Italian though hee stand that is to say though hee be alive or in a prosperous and well settled state altogether vanity he is like an abbreviate or compound made of all that is brittle transitory and decaying in this world V. 6. Walketh the Italian goeth and commeth this vanity of man is not only discovered at his death which is so sudâ—en but in the whole course of his life also which is like unto a flying shaddow see 1 Cor. 7. 31. they are disquieted or tossed to and fro the Scripture often joyneth trouble and vanity together and also confounds the termes see Hos. 8. 7. an irrigular tossing to and fro being proper to light and empty bodies V. 7. And now Lord though I know very well by the discourse of reason that death will end my miseries yet that is not my true comfort which consists in nothing but only in thy grace and salvation V. 8. The foolish that is to say the worldly man who is preoccupated with false and erroneous opinions transported with vaine passions and drunken with his own prosperity see Psal. 14. 1. V. 9. I was dumbe the Italian I grow dumbe now that I have through faith set my soule in peace and leaving aside mine enemies who aâ—e but secondary causes of mine evills I am come up by vertue of thy spirit to thee who art the supreame cause I can voluntarily keep silence and have patience which before naturall reason could not induce mee to doe V. 11. For iniquity namely when corrections are sent by thee for an expresse punishment of sin either in fatherly severity to thy children or as a judge for a punishment to the wicked like a moth which is easily crushed and killed see Iob 27. 18. Psal. 58. 8. or by a secret kinde of consumption as a moth gnaweth or fretteth a garment and makes no noise see Ioh 13. 28. Isa. 50. 9. Hos. 5. 12. surely in the violent and fierce wrath of God mans vanity is plainly discovered which is not so well perceived in the slow and unperceivable decay of nature V. 12. A stranger I am to make but a short stay and abode in this life by thy sufferance therefore doe thou that art the everlasting Lord use that mercy towards mee which thou commandest to bee used towards strangers that are pious persons Or regard mee as a poore stranger who am come under thy roofe for protection as all I doe acknowledge my selfe to be in the same state of misery as all my predecessors were ond therefore I desire the same grace and favour as thy hands as they had before mee V. 13. Spare mee mitrigate the violence of mine affliction recover strength by faith in spirit that I may 〈…〉 ish my course and the good fight obtaining the victory through a happie death after which there is no more beginning againe be no more in regard of this life in which the fight continueth and is ended by death PSAL. XL. VER 1. I waited patiently the Italian I waited long Heb. in waiting I waited V. 2. Horrible pit that is to say out of horrible and unavoidable dangers and calamities Psal. 18. 16. and 69. 1. 2. a phrase taken from high falls of waters V. 3. A new song see Psal. 33. 3. and feare shall by these wonders bee brought to an humble reverence and worship of God and to trust in his gooâ—nâ—sse V. 4. Respecteth not doth not stay to build his hopes and enterprises upon the Kings and Princes of the world Psa. 62. 10. 118. 8. 146. 3. nor upon any meanes or assistauce of prophane and idolatrous men Others he turneth not afâ—er those c. doth not imitate those who trust in their own powers or deceitfull wisdomes which are the two kinds of carnall confidence which are blamefull V. 5. Thy thoughts no man can iustly acknowledge nor yeeld thee sufficient thanks for the singular acts of thy providence which are infinite in number and surpassing in greatnesse All that can be said or known is but only in part and in generall V. 6. Thou didest not for all these kindnesses thou desirest no other sacrifice but the true and spirituall sacrifice of new obedience and thanks-giving without which and in respect of which all externall sacrifices are of no esteeme in thy sight Heb. 10. 5. this hath a relation to the abolishment of the sacrifices of the law by Christ either by allusion or by the declaration of some secret meaning revealed to the Apostle by the spirit hast thou opened the Italian hast thou boared by thy spirit thou hast opened my heart and mine understanding to make mee know love and desire thy law see Isa. 35. 5. Acts 16. 1â— Some think David had a relation to the law Exod. 21. 6. to boare or pierce his care who voluntarily did yeeld himselfe to perpetuall bondage and that the meaning is I of mine own accord have dedreated my seâ—fe to be thy servant and thou hast accepted of mee V. 7. Then said I namely after thou hadst disposed mee to thy obedienâ—e Ioe I come I answer to thy call and obey thy command I am ready to doe what thou pleasest this is also some intimation of Christs comming in the flesh in the volume Heb. in the roll according to the manner of ancient writing upon great long peeces of paper which were afterwards rolled up upon a little stick see Isa 34. 4. Ezec. 2. 9. it is written I doe submit my selfe to the obedience of thy law as if it were written particularly for mee Or to mee only and
〈◊〉 I have reaped noâ— gathered no other fruit of these painfull pleasures but onely a little transitory enjoyment of them V. 11 Then I looked The Italian But having considered Being weary of this voluptuous life I hive fallen againe to the severe and wise execution of mine office Profit Namely there was no found nor permanent good after the transitory pleasure V. 12 Wisedome See Eccl. 1. 17 What can The Italian What are other men That is to say it hath been possible and not altogether unfitting for mee that have beene so wise and mighty a King to alter my manner of living in thiâ— kinde to the end I might finde out one in which as most perfect happy and secure I might settle my selfe and teach it to others wherein I am not to be imitated by private persons whose condition bindeth them to goe on in that course of life which they have once begun and have not the power to make new triall often and therefore I am to be believed in mine experiences which others may not try so well as I. V. 13 I saw Indeed I have found that for the conduct and guiding of worldly affaires that politick wisdome is very good but seeing the wise man cannot avoyd death I see this wisedome participates of the corruptibility of all other worldly things and therefore the soveraigne good cannot consist therein V. 15 And why The Italian And what will it availe me seeing the aime of all man his actions is to purchase happinesse to which nothing seemeth to be more adverse than death what good will it do me to have been wiser than other men in worldly wisedome seeing I could not thereby free my selfe from dâ—ath This also Namely all that secular wisdomâ— V. 16 For there is If any one should say that a wise man at the last gets renown which makes him live after his death I answer that this smoak of glory is most vaine and in a smal time vanisheth awâ—y and how An exclamation of wonder and disdain of 〈…〉 nall sence which is wholly fixed upon the bare consideration of the course of the world and nature V. 17 I hated My life hath beene displeasing to me which otherwayes is so pleasing and sweet seeing all the actions of it are toylsome and do bring forth no permanent happinesse V. 18. Yea I hated All those goodly and excellent things which I have done or made have been displeasing unto me whether they were materiall things or things belonging to wit reason or understanding I should leave it he meaneth that the comfort w 〈…〉 men have by having children in which they seem to live againe after their deathes and to whom he leaves the enjoyment and fruition of all his labours is but a very weak one by reason that one is so uncertain whether they will prove vertuous or no which if they do not they will lose and dissipate all what their father hath gotten Peradventure Solomon did already fore-see the vicious inclination of his son Rehoboam V. 20. To despaire And consequently to forgoe all such things as I perceived did not bring forth such fruit as I desired V. 21. For there is Those who do as I have done namely that set their hearts upon worldly businesse though it bee in a vertuous way to have all things in good order yet they never rest from their labours and enjoy not that sweet fruition which they leave to their idle successors Now if he that labours hath no intent to enjoy the fruits of his labours it is vanitie and if he do desire it and cannot attaine to it it is a griefe and trouble to him V. 22. Man The Italian Such a man He means those of what vocation soever that are continually busie and in action V. 24. There is nothing better The Italian Is it not good for If they say that man may if he will take his rest and enjoy the fruits of his labours I answer that the power of so doing doth not lie in himselfe but that God alone can grant him the grace so to doe V. 25. For who â—f so 〈◊〉 that had depended upon â—â—ns will I had the meanes to doe it 〈◊〉 thâ—n â—ny other and seeing I could not doe it it is manifest that if it proceedâ— from God onely and not from man V. 26. For God God alone through his grace so worketh in the heart of his elect that they can enjoy the fruits of their labours during this life in joy and tranquillitie and deprives evill livers of this gift giving them over to unsatiable desires Salomon seems to impute the cause of his wanting contenâ—ment of minde amidst so great wealth and plenty of goods â—nto the faults and errors he had committed CHAP. III. VERSE 1. TO every thing Having spoken of the honest and lawfull pleasures which a good man may and ought to take in this life he now declareth how that this is not alwayes so nor in the same measure seeing there are so many variable changes in the world to which one must conforme his affections of joy or griefe Purpose Heb. Will that is to say each voluntary motion of the soule V. 5. To cast away In publicke rejoycings as upon occasions of victories they did make great heapes of stones in the fields for trophies Which in time â—f sadnesse or adversitie they cast away againe some such like thing Jos. 8. 29. 2 Sam. 10. 17. V. 7. To rent This is also referred to a ceremony used in great and suddain griefes in which they used to rent their garments Keepe silence Which was also an effect and signe of some great sorrow Lam. 2. 10. Amos 5. 13. V. 9. What profit He doth here againe continue the speech which he had broken off concerning the lawfull pleasures which a man may take in this world according to his vocation still framing his affections to these variable chances as may happen and he saith that anxietie and continuall care is no way available but contrariwise is very hurtfull seeing it keepeth man from enjoying the fruits of his labours V. 10. I have I have found that this defect which men have namely to vexe and torment themselves so much proceeds from Gods secret judgement which will have a man to be punished by the selfe same thing as he hath so much set his heart upon forsaking God namely by the goods of this world which keep him in a continuall perplexity V. 11. He hath Contrarily his perpetuall hearts care God hath appointed and is contented that man should conforme his affections of joy and sorrow to the motions of his providence and that he should rejoyce in time of prosperity and be sad in time of adversitie so he doth it alwayes moderatly Eccles. 7. 13 14. Iam. 5. 13. He hath set He hath endowed them with so much naturall light as that they can apprehend the various chances of this life to judge of them and governe themselves according to them So that Though there be
â—ay come that thou wilt not bee able to be bountifull doe it therefore whilest God affordeth thee the meanes to doe it Gal. 6. 10. Or seeing thou art not sure not to fall into povertie be charitable that in adverse times thou mayest have charitie used towards thee either by God or men Luke Chapter 16. ver 9. V. 3. If the clouds The Italian When the Even â—s the clouds after they are growne thicke doe dissolve and powre downe their water upon the earth so the covetous man is at last constrained by death to leave all for death makes man like a tree digged up by the roots which beares no fruit and remaineth so for ever V. 4. Hee that Even as the Husbandman that will stand too strictly to watch the just time and perfect opportunitie may lose the season wherin he ought to doe his businesse So hee that hath too many carnall respects loseth his time of well doing which he cannot recover when he will V. 5. The workes That is to say the Councells and secret dispositions of his providence which determineth of the casualties of this life and of the houre of death wherefore doe thou good at all times that thou mayest not be surprised V. 6. In the morning Namely at all times and upon all occasions Sow That is to say doe deeds of charitie which are the seeds of the harvest of eternall life a Corinthians 9. 10. Galathians 6. 7. Shall prosper The Italian Shall happen best This is spoken either in regard of men whereof some are more thankefull than others or in respect of God who amongst diverse objects of Charitie doth oftentimes present some to men that are very precious in his sight for love of which he doth proportionably increase the reward See Matthew 10. ver 41 42. Heb. 13. 2. V. 7. The light Even as the sweetnesse of this life is in worldly men quite overthrowne by their thinking upon death from which there is no returne So in the faithfull it must bee qualified by the same meanes that they may judge of the said sweetnesse rightly and not set their affections too much upon it but in time dispose themselves to a happy end The twelfth Chapter in the Italian begins at this ninth Verse V. 9. Rejoyce It is lawfull and seemely for thee to enjoy the flower of thine age and therein follow thy naturall delighâ—s so thou alwayes keepe the feare of God in thine heart and remember his everlasting judgment not to licence thy selfe to do evill nor to use any excesse in that which of it selfe is good and lawfull Eccl. 3. 12. V. 10. Are vanitie That is to say short and transitory and doth not come againe therefore man may lawfully enjoy it whilest God doth permit it CHAP. XII VERSE 1. THe evill dayes Namely old age which being grievous and burthensome enough of it selfe by reason of the diseases it brings along with it there is no reason it should be overburthened or oppressed with bitter Repentance for youth mispent Or his meaning is that the securest way is not to put off amendment of life untill extreame old age at which time it is very hard to doe it and is seldome done then in truth and sincerity V. 2. The Sunne A figurative description of the defects of old age and by this first he meaneth the weakening of the superior faculties as the judgment the understanding the memory and the imagination And have the same correspondencie with the body of man as these celestiall bodies have with the earth The Clouds The defluxions which fall upon the breast and stomacke they likewise returning to the braine matter enough to breed more V. 3. The keepers Namely the hands and the armes Strong men Namely the reines The grinders The teeth Cease The Italian Shall faile Namely in number or strength Those that Namely the eyes V. 4. The doores Italian The two doores Namely the eye liddes shriveled and hanging downe in old men Is low Namely when the hearing grows weak which hearing is caused by two bones within side of the eare whereof the one stands still and the other moves like to two stones of a Mill. At the voice Italian At the sound Hee seemes to meane the dry cough with which old men are troubled doth break their sleepe The daughters of Musicke All the Organs of the voice will grow weake and dull V. 5. They shall bee The Italian Man shall bee That is to say the poore trembling old man shall be afraid to goe up into any high place for feare of falling downe The Almond Tree His head shall grow white The Grashopper His legges which were active and handsome Desire To eate and to enjoy their corporall pleasures See 2 Samuel Chapter 19. ver 35. Because At that age man runnes towards death and the grave The mourners Namely the deceased mans friends and kinred or the hired mourners according to the custome of those times Job Chapter 3. verse 8. Jeremiah Chapter 9. verse 17 shall goe about the hearse V. 6. The silver The golden These termes are to signifie the excellency of the Organs of mans body Cord A similitude taken from Wells to signifie the generall oeconomie and Fabrick of mans body by which if it be kept entire and in its just temper the body draweth life from the soule which is as it were the hidden spring of it and if that be loosed the body dies V. 7. The dust Namely the body which was at first framed out of the earth Shall returne For to appeare before him either to be gathered up into the mansion of the blessed or to be abissed into eternall damnation V. 10. Acceptable Or pleasing and delightfull to the soule V. 11. The words The word of God revealed by his holy Prophets is unto the Church not onely in stead of pasture but also in stead of an inclosure that it may not goe astray after false doctrines and vaine thoughts and inventions even as a sheepfold is for sheepe From one Which is the everlasting Sonne of God the Churches chiefe and supreame Shepheard Iohn Chapter 10. ver 1. 1 Peter chapter 5. verse 4. by whose spirit all the Prophets have spoken 1 Peter Chapter 1. verse 11. and 2 Peter 1. ver 21. V. 12. By these Namely by the words of wise men inspired by the Holy Ghost Bookes Of humane sciences the infatiable curiositie of which yeelds nothing even to the best wits but a labour altogether unprofitable for the obtaining of eternall happinesse V. 13. The conclusion The whole subject of this book is summarily comprehended in this point that man shall lead his life in the feare and obedience of God So that after this hee may enjoy everlasting happinesse subsisting before God through faith and innocency V. 14. Shall bring Hee shall cause every worke to come in at that judgment when he shall judge all secret things good or bad The Booke of the CANTICLE OF CANTICLES OR SONG of SONGS THE ARGVMENT AMongst
namely into Bethabara See Iohn 1. 28 3. 23. V. 41. Iohn did though Iohn did not confirme his ministery by any externall miracle yet the event hath verified all that which he hath said of Christ. CHAP. XI VER 2. ANoâ—nted after all these things were done Iohn 12. 3. V. 4. Vnto death it revocably and without restoring V. 6. He abode that he might die of that grievous disease he had to the end the miracle might be more glorious and remarkable in raising him from the dead then if he had but kept him from dying V. 9. Are there not there is nothing to be feared when a man followeth Gods vocation which is as the light that illuminates mans steps and besides God hath prefixed the times and bounds of exercising it and it is not in the power of any one to hinder the accomplishment of it See Iohn 9. 4. V. 10. In the night without the light and safegard of Gods vocation and protection or after the time of the execution of it is past He slumbleth at many great evils through Gods curse or runs into many great dangers and troubles on mans side which he must beare with patience till he have finished his course V. 11. Sleepeth that is to say is dead according to the custome of the Scripture as well by reason of the rest from the troubles of this world as by reason of the waking at the blessed resurrection V. 16. Didymus that is to say Twinne With him namely with Christ who he thought exposed himselfe to a manifest danger of death V. 18. Fifteen furlongs about two thousand paces See upon Luke 24. 13. This is added to shew that the neighbourhood of the place had given many men occasion to come to visit them V. 22. Even now that is to say now that my brother is dead V. 25. I am Christ according to his custome from the benefit of the corporall resurrection which he promised Martha raiseth her up to the consideration of the spirituall resurrection by the Spirit of grace and by the reunion with God of which he himselfe is the cause author and giver V. 26. Liveth that hath the gift of spirituall life and doth the principall act of it which is the act of faith V. 33. Groaned he was moved therewith and grieved through abundance of compassion See Mark 7. 34. he having put on all humane affections sinne only excepted V. 38. Groaning by the same foresaid affection or with anger against those unbeleeving cavillers A Cave according to the fashion of graves in those places Gen. 23. 9. Isay 22. 16. Mark 16. 5. A stone See Mat. 27. 60. V. 40. The glory namely a glorious miracle done by me through Gods soveraigne power V. 41. Father Christ speaks here as man and as Mediator after he had in his heart desired Gods assistance in this great work being secretly certified that he had been heard V. 42. Thou hearest me that thou doest what I will and desire I said it I have thus particularly thinked thee as for an extraordinary benefit to shew a certaine proofe that thou art the author of my vocation seeing thou sealest and ratifiest it with thy power V. 48 The Romans giving the name of sedition and revolt unto this concourse of people which followeth Christ especially Christ stiling himselfe to be a King of Davids progeny See Iohn 19. 12. V. 49. That same yeare whither Annas and Câ—iaphas did undergoe the place of High Priest by turnes oâ— whether this dignity was but only for a time conferred upon them at the Romans pleasure according to the corruption of those times contrary to the first order See upon Luke 3. 2. V. 50. Noâ— consider you touch the danger but you do not resolve upon the last remedy which is to have him put to death though there were no other reason for it but onely that the policy of state requires it V. 51. This spake be not God guided the tongue of the High Priest So that thinking to utter a speech according to his owne wicked intentions he unawares prâ—â—ounced an Oracle according to Gods meaning for the High Priests had oftentimes divine inspirations Exod. 28. 15. Num. 27. 21. For that for the redemption of the elect which were amongst the Iewes V. 54. Ephraim whereof there is no mention any where else V. 55. To purifie of some legall and ceremoniall uncleannesse Num 9. 6. according to the law of cleansings Levit. 11 12 13 14. Or to prepare themselves against the feast by religious acts and ceremonies according to the custome Exod. 19. 10. 15. 1 Sam. 16. 5. 2 Chron. 29. 15 and 30. 15. 17. CHAP. XII VER 3. MAry the sister of Martha Luke 10. 38 39. Iohn 11. 2. The feet the other Evangelists say that she did poure it upon his head but it may be that there was so much of it that there might some runne downe to his feet Or that she anointed both parts V. 6. The bagge with the common money that was given Christ and his Disciples for their ordinary occasions and for to bestow almes upon other men V. 16. Was glorified and that the Holy Ghost was sent to them for to enlighten them in the knowledge of prophesies See Iohn 7. 39 and 14. 26. V. 20. Greekes whether they were Proselites of the Greekish nation who came to the seast with the Iewes 1 Kings 8 41. Acts 8. 27. Or whether they were Iewes dwelling amongst the Greeks See 〈◊〉 7. 35. That came up ordinarily by a holy oâ—â—â—â—vancy V. 23. The houre Christ without â—nswering 〈◊〉 satisfying these Iewes curiosity teacheth theâ— thâ—â— the true meanes to know him to salvation was 〈◊〉 with the eyes of the body but by faith in the Spir 〈…〉 when he should be lifted up into glorie See Ma 〈…〉 9. 9. Iohn 20. 17. 〈◊〉 Cor. 5. 16. Col. 3. 1. V. 24. A corne you doe in vaine stand upon my corporall presence because it must be taken away from you by my death Otherwise I who am the seed of the Church could not bring forth the abundant â—â—uit of the conversion of nations through their reconciliation with God and by the sending of my Spirit See â—say 53. 10. V. 25. Shall lose it he addes all this in sequell of that which he had spoken before concerning his death to dispose his Disciples to follow him to the end of heavenly glory by the selfe same way of death V. 26. Honour he will preserve and deliver him from all worldly ignominy and shall grant him the fruition of eternall glory V. 27. Troubled through horror of Gods wâ—â—th upon those sinnes for which I am become pay-master to his Majestie with my sufferings See Matth. 26. 38 39. V. 28. Glorifie shew forth and manifest thy glorious power giving me the victory in this last combat and triall over the Devill and Sin and Death A voice See upon Mat. 3. 17. V. 30. Came not I had no need of this sensible answer
to wash and annoynt dead bodies leaving them afterwards for some time in the house in all mens sight that they might come and performe their last duties to them untill they were carried to burying V. 39. The Coals Which shee gave for almes which is noted as her praise for a double vertue of industry and charity CHAP. X. VER 1. OF the band or Cohort which was a Squadron of Roman footmen to the number of about six hundred which made the tenth part of a Legion whereof every one as well as the Cohorts had its perticular name V. 2. Devout namely a proselite in beleife and religion Not by circumcision and open profession which the Romans were forbidden by their Lawes see upon Mat. 23. 15. V. 3. Evidently Not in an extasie or rapture of the Spirit or in a dreame but waking ocularly and sensibly The Ninth three a clocke in the afternoone which was one of the houres of daily prayers Acts. 3. 1. V. 4. Are come up A kinde of speech taken from ancient sacrifices See Levit. 2. 2. and 24. 7. Psal. 141. 2. To signifie that these worke of piety in Cornelius had as one should say kept his memory alive before God and had excited him to remember him to conferre his full knowledge and grace upon him by his Gospell after he had prepared him by those Initiall operations of his Spirit V. 9. Vpon the House made in the manner of a terrate according to the custome See Matth. 10. 27. others take it to be a roome in the vppermost storie of the house as Dan. 6. 10. the sixth at midday which was also an houre of prayer Psa. 55. 17. V. 10. Into a trance a divine and supurnaturall eleuation of the minde and abstraction therof from the sences and Organs of the bodie to be altogether attentiue to the reuelation which was presented unto him under the following shapes V. 13. And eate indifferentlie without makeing anie difference of meats cleane or uncleane according to the Law Lev. 11. 2. Deut. 14. 4. Now it should seem that God had caused that hunger ver 10. in him as a fitting preparation to the vision which hee ment to shew him V. 14. Common or uncleane the Italian Vncleane or dâ—fâ—ed it should seeme that by these two words are signified two kindes of uncleannesse whereof one was of all the kinde the other of some particular accidentally V. 25. Worshipped him hee did him an hommage not altogether holie as unto God but yet in some parte Religious as to one of his ministers with Some notable excesse of humilitie corrected by Peter See Rev. 19. 10. and 22. 8. V. 28. To keepe companie by the Law of God this was understood of everie streight bond of matrimonie societie couenant or familier conversation but by tradition it was wrested even to eating with them Acts 11. 3. Gal. 2. 12. Unto one of Namely to a Pagan that was not a Iew. Commonor in regard of the diversitie of Nations Now the Apostles and believers knew as well by the prophecies as by Christs instructions that the Gentiles should be called but it appeares that they believed it should be done by being incorporated into the Iewish nation by means of circumcision of which doubt Beter and others by him were now cleared Verse 34 Is no respecter that is to say he judgeth of men for to accept of them to be his not for outward respects as of nation condition c. but for the essentiall ground of piety and of uprightnesse of the heart Now he speaketh not here of that original will and pleasure of God by which he taketh one into favour who of himselfe is as unworthy as the other Rom. 9. 11. 1. Cor. 4. 7. but in that consequent degree of his love towards the worke of his grace in what nation or quality of person soever it be found to maintaine it encrease it and make it up Verse 36 The word the Italian addeth According to the word that is to say of which indifferency of nations hee hath given the Iewes cleare instructions by the Gospell which was first preached unto them revealing in it the bestowing of his grace now otherwise then he did under the law Peace Namely the reconciliation of men with God and the receiving of all nations indifferently into Gods covenant Isa 57. 19. Ephes. 2. 14. 16. 17. Col. 1. 20 He is the Italian Who is who or he hath bin established universall King of the world and not of one nation onely wherefore he will also gather his elects out of them all See Rom. 3. 30. and 10. 12. Verse 38. Annointed hath in his humane nature endowed him with the fulnesse of the gifts of his spirit and hath consecrated his whole person to the office of mediator which are the two things signified by the ancient annointment Psal. 2. 6 Was with him in fulnesse of God-head as he was everlasting Sonne Col. 2 9. and in power grace and favour as hee was man and mediator Ioh. 8. 29. and 16 32. Verse 42. Of quicke as well of them which at his last comming shall bee yet found living as of them which being dead before shall bee raised againe 1. Thes 4. 15. See Rom. 14. 9. 2. Tim. 4. 1. 1. Pet. 4. 5. Verse 43. Through his name through him his vertue and merit and for his sake Verse 44. The holy Ghost his miraculous gifts were in an instant conferred upon some and that of sanctification to be of the true elect and that of common il lumination to all Verse 45. Of the Namely the circumcised Iewes Verse 46. Tongues the Italian Divers tongues Namely strange tongues which before they knew not See Acts 2. 4. Verse 47. Can any man seeing God hath conferred upon them the toward and spiritual grace who can hinder us who are his ministers from communicating unto them the externall signe by joyning of them to the body of the Church Verse 48 Commanded that is to say he appointed them to receive baptisme at his hands CHAP. XI VER 15. As on us in like vertue though not in the same likenesse of fierie tongues nor in the same degree Verse 20. Vnto the Grecians See Act. 6. 1. Verse 21. The hand God accompanied their ministerie with the power of his spirit Luke 1. 66. some coppies after those words Was with them adde these words for to heale them that is to say God manifested his power by them in working of miracles by healing such as were sicke amongst those that heard them Luke 5. 17. Verse 28. By the Spirit Namely by divine revelation Dearth histories make mention of two deaths under Claudius within the space of three yeares And it is likely that here is meant the first Verse 29. The brethren as well because they might be in greater want by reason of the Iewes hire and persecution As also by reason of the respect which Christians bore to the Church of Ierusalem as to the mother Church of all the rest
the communion of his Spirit V. 3. In heavenly that is to say by giving you not an earthly but heavenly inheritance and that through Christ who hath taken the possession thereof for all his and hath in heaven received the fulnesse of the spirit to powre it down from thence upon his whole Church which is also with him in heaven already by faith and shall effectually be there with him for ever Ephes. 26. Phil. 3. 20. Coloss. 3. 1 2. V. 4. According as according as God by his election from everlasting framed a new bodie of humane race opposite to the first whereof Adam was head in whom all men have sinned and are dead and appointed Christ to be their Head that in him it might be all gathered together and by him made partaker of his grace life and glorie so he bringeth this his decree to passe in his appointed time bestowing all his favours upon his Church by Christ in his sacred Communion See Ephes. 3. 11. 2 Tim. 1. 9. V. 5. To himselfe or by himselfe namely for his glorie as Rom. 11 36. V. 6. Of the glorie namely of his glorious and admirable grace by which he hath powerfully brought to an end the worke of mans salvation See Rom 9. 23. 2 Cor. 4. 4. In the namely for the love and in regard of Christ onely who hath all the fathers love not onely as he is everlasting Son but also as he is perfectly obedient and just in his humane nature and in his qualitie of Mediatour Mat. 3. 17. Iohn 3. 35. and 10. 17. V. 10. In the namely in the time prefixed by his providence which is the dispencer of times and of the whole order of things for the fulfilling of his promises concerning the Messias or in the conduct and government of his Church fitting for that time Both which are this may be referred to blessed mens spirits which are already gathered up into heavenly glorie and to believers yet living upon earth as Luke 1. 17. Ephes. 3. 15. Heb. 12. 23. Others do understand it of the holy Angels with which the faithfull have communion in the same Head namely Christ Col. 2. 10. and in the same glorie See Matth. 22. 30. Heb. 12. 22. V. 11. In whom by whose love and benefit and by vertue of his redemption and intercession which is the fundamentall cause of the believers vocation We have namely I and all other believers of the Jewish nation Obtained we have been chosen and called from amongst the rest to be the proper part of Gods inheritance Deut. 32. 9. Isai 53. 12. V. 12. We namely we Jewes who have alwayes fixed our hopes upon the promised Messias and have been the first that have believed in him after he hath been revealed V. 13. Sealed marked as it were with a character by God by the gifts of regeneration illumination and the power of the Holy Ghost promised by Chrâ—st to all believers Luke 24. 48 49. Acts 2. 33. Gal. 3. 14. or which is added to the promises of Gods grace in Christ to confirme them and seal them in their hearts V. 14. Untill the redemption the Italian unto the this must be understood as following the word sealed the meaning is that this seal is given us that by it we may be known at the last judgement then to have part in the reall and perfect deliverance from all evils and enemies Luke 21. 28. Rom. 8. 20 22. wherein we have now right through Christ and have had the first fruits thereof V. 15. In the Lord namely in the communion of his bodie and Spirit V. 17. The God namely the true everlasting God towards whom Christ exerciseth his Office of Mediatour gaining unto him a peculiar people whereof he is the Head See Iohn 20. 17. V. 18. The hope namely the goods which we ought to hope for as a sequele of his calling to the participation of which he calleth us In the Saints the Italian in the holy places namely in Heaven which is as the Sanctuarie of Gods glorie See Heb. 9. 8. 12 24. and 13. 11. V. 19. His power in accomplishing his worke and bringing us to the end of our hope V. 20. In the heavenly where his humane nature is resident in glorie and where his whole person hath as it were the glorious Throne of his Kingdom Matth. 5. 34. V. 21. All principalitie not onely worldly but also Angelicall the Angels being called by such names Rom. 8. 38. Ephes. 6. 12. Col. 1. 16. Pet. 3. 22. Name that is to say dignitie or state 1 Cor. 15. 24. Which is to come namely in Heaven and in the state of heavenly life which in regard of those that are living in this world is yet to come V. 22. Over all that is to say hath made Him Head of the Church in a singular and eminent manner above the domination which he hath over all other creatures others expound it simply soveraigne V. 23. The fulnesse that is to say the complete structure and gathering of all the members whereof Christ is the Head In all namely those that are of this number and bodie as Iohn 6. 4 5. and 12 32. Ephes. 4. 10. CHAP. II. VER 1. HAth he namely God by the same power as he raised Christ from the dead Ephes. 1. 20. hath also given you a spirituall life consisting in his grace and in mans conversion to him and in the being joyned to him by his Spirit See Iohn 〈◊〉 24. Dead in spirituall death consisting in the separation from God and from his grace through sin whence followeth miserie and inhabilitie of doing good V. 2. To the course to the common manner of worldly mens living who are not regenerate by Gods Spirit According to following the Devils suggestions and imitating his malignitie who having been driven out of the high Heaven of glorie Luke 10. 18. Revâ—lat 12. 〈◊〉 â—ow wandereth up and down and exerciseth the power which God permitteh him to have in these lower parts of the ayre untill such time as he be shut up in the prison of everlasting torments The Spirit namely the authour of the evill inclination and motion that is in corrupt men 1 Cor. 2. 12. Worketh namely to whom God hath abandoned those who maliciously refuse the Gospell for to drive them to all manner of evill without any stay See Iohn 8. 41 44. V. 3. We all not onely you Gentiles but we Jewes also Rom. 3. 9. 22. Of our flesh as well of the sensuall part as of that which is falsly called reason and understanding which also hath its corruption and as the Scripture speaketh is flesh Rom. 8. 6 7. Col. 2. 18. And were being borne in sin and corruption we were by our birth subject to the wrath and curse of God V. 6. Hath raised us because that by reason of the most strict union of Christ the Head to believers who are his members that which is done to the Head is likewise done and belongeth to all
As the truth namely in the lively and effectuall manner in which the truth is taught in Christs Gospell to be an internall forme of righteousnesse Rom. 6. 1â— and a lively seed of regeneration Iames 1. 18. V. 22. Which is corrupt which is dissolved and putrified in its concupiscences and by them goeth into eternall perdition According to the the Italian in the concupiscences of seduction namely by which he is allured and inticed to sin See Rom. 7. 11. Heb. 3. 13. Iames 1. 14. V. 23. In the Spirit the Italian by the Spirit which hath begun this your regeneration by enlightening your understanding in the knowledge and truth of God to go on from thence to your entire regeneration in heart and affections God in the order of his grace following the order which he hath established in mansnature which is that reason and judgement should go before and govern the wil. See Rom. 12. 2. Others â—n the Spirit that is to say in your minde and reason and so the other part of regeneration should be comprehended in the following verse V. 24. Put on namely that ye be endowed and adorned with these new spirituall qualities by which God re-establisheth his image in you True holinesse namely a true sincere or firme and constant holinesse V. 25. For we are and therefore as none deceiveth himselfe so ought we to use entire loyaltie towards our brethren V. 26. Be ye angry that is to say if ye be angry which is a humane almost unavoidable infirmitie yet take heed of running into any excess Ps. 37. 8 V. 27. Neither give place take heed he enter not into your heart by violence of wrath nor much lesse remain there by an inveterate wrath which may turne to hatred V. 29. Corrupt the Italian evill the Greek word signifieth corrupt or putrified but the Hebrewes use it for any evill thing See Matth. 7. 17. and 12. 33. To the use namely of the hearers of the time and of the occasion Minister namely that Gods grace or any singular gift thereof may be communicated or confirmed in the hearers V. 30. Grieve not a terme taken from men that is to say be not rebellious unto it and do not offend it so that he withdraw his joy and comfort from you which is the principall effect thereof and that he do not depart from you as from an unpleasing habitation CHAP. V. VER 2. A Sweet smelling A manner of speech taken from what was anciently spoken of sacrifices which were acceptable to God the smell whereof as one might say he did sent with pleasure Gen. 8. 21. Lev. 1. 9. V. 3. Let it not be Abhorre even the name of these vices let them be unknown and unheard of amongst you V. 5. An idolater insomuch as he sets all his affection and puts all his considence in riches and holds them for an universall good sufficient for all things as God is and because he beaâ—es a certain respect unto them that he dares not freely make use of them and serves them with his heart as some Godhead See Matth. 6. 2â— V. 6. Vain not so much by allurements as by false inducements and perswasions as that these sinnes are but sleight things that Gods patience suffereth all things that his grace pardonâ— every thing that man cannot be perfect in the world and the like The children namely upon all the devils part and the worlds which is rebellious to Gods Law and believeth not in the Gospell by reason of its naturall perversenesse V. 8. Darknesse namely inwardly being deprived of all light of truth of grace and of the spirit having contrary qualities and outwardly without any inlightening or instruction Light that is to say you are not onely inlightened outwarldly by doctrine but also inwardly imprinted by a lively divine Light In the Lord in vertue of your communion in spirit with him V. 9. For the that is to say the qualitie of the children of God which you have acquired by the illumination and regeneration of the holy Ghost bindes you to do all manner of holy workes as the fruit ought to be correspondent to the nature and qualitie of the root and seed Gal. 5. 22. V. 10. Proving namely examining by the rule of Gods Word what is conformable to his will and what is not without suffering your selves to be deceived by opinions or perswasion verse 6. See Prov. 10. 32. Rom. 12. 2. V. 11. Unfruitfull which cannot bring forth for man that excellent fruit of Life Rom. 6. 21. Gal. 6. 8. Of darknesse proceeding from the corruption of man who hath no light of knowledge and of Gods Spirit irregulate and without any certain end as done by one that walkes in darknesse shamefull and infamous workes which cannot endure the day and finally which are condemned to everlasting darknesse with the devil who is the first author of them V. 13. But all things though these things be hidden from men yet ther is the light of Gods universal knowledge and providence that seeth them and doth thereof convince the consciences untill such time as at the last judgement they be set forth for a full evidence For whatsoever if these things must one day be revealed it is a signe that God doth even at this time know them and see them as clear as noon day See Psal. 139. 11. V. 14. Wherefore he saith because that every man shall answer for what he hath done before Gods terrible judgement 〈…〉 they are all called by his word to timely converâ—ion to awake from the sleep and stupefaction yea from the death of sin for to be enlightned by the light of the Gospell and to walk according to it V. 16. Redeeming seeking and taking any occasion of doing good and therefore leaving all worldly imployment and delight Or regaining the time which had formerly been lost with endeavouring to supply at this time what you had then lost The dayes there are hard and calamitâ—us times comming upon the Church in which all means of well-doing will be cut off or much restrained and therefore we must be beforehand in doing good Eccles. 11. 2. Iohn 9. 4. and 11. 9. and 12. 35. Gal. 6. 10. V. 18. With the Spirit namely with spirituall thoughts and meditations of divine joy faith and zeal V. 20. In the name that is to say Offering them to God as sacrifices pleasing to him in vertue and favour of Christ high Priest and Intercessour V. 21. Submitting namely all through charity yeelding to other mens just desires necessities and profits and the inferiours to superiours through obedience and respect 1 Pet. 5. 5. V. 22. As unto namely in all things which belong to the lawfull authority and superiority that Christ hath given the husband over his wife and wherein the husband bears Christs image 1 Cor. 11. 3. see Ephes. 6. 5. V. 23. And he is as Christs dominion over the Church which is his body hath its whole relation to the salvation of it so the
they ought to rise againe to be judged some to death and damnation others to rewards and everlasting Crownes CHAP. XII Vers. 1. APpeared Here begins the second propheticke part of this Book which containes the executions done upon earth of those celestiall decrees which were described before A woman many circumstances induce us to understand this Vision of the Jewish Nation and of that which hath befallen it since the Birth of Christ. Clothed the Italian environed that is to say A Nation honoured with the glorious Title of People of God environed with his presence light and grace Under her feet that is to say whose sight in the world was very variable in increases prosperities decreases failings appearings again c. even as the Moon A crown this is clearly meant by the twelve Tribes see Gen. 37. 9. V. 2. With childe that is to say having the promises of the Messias whose comming she had long before conceived by faith and the time of the accomplishment whereof drew neer Cried this may be referred to the dolorous state into which the people of God were brought about the time of Christs comming being oppressed by the Roman Empire and sighing after their deliverance by the Messias V. 3. A great A figure of the Prince of devils working by the Roman Empire described Rev. 13. 1. with the same heads and hornes to suppresse Christ at his Birth which having been first attempted by Herod made a King by the Romans was afterwards prosecuted by their Magistrates induced thereunto by the Jewes even to his death V. 4. His tail A figurative description of the apostasie of one part of the Angels adhering to the head of it And did cast them that is to say which part he drew after him in the societie of his rebellion whereupon it was for ever banished out of Heaven Jude 6. V. 5. A man-childe namely Christ Jesus in respect of his humane nature Isai 9. 6. Was caught up Though he died yet was he not devoured by the devill but did rise again and was taken up into Reaven in glorio V. 6. The woman this seemes to point at the dispersion of the Jewish Nation without any forme of common-wealth of its own or of any Church without any grace or blessing of God or food of the soul in which miserable state it is notwithstanding preserved untill the time of its last conversion A thousand that is to say a certain space of limited and prefixed time as the three yeares and an halfe of Antiochus his persecution were Dan. 7. 25. and 12. 7. V. 7. There was war A figurative description of the devils judgement renewed by Christ glorified who hath been made the true Michael and Head of the Angels see Luke 10. 18. John 12. 31. V. 8. Their place that is to say they were everlastingly banished from it V. 9. The devill that is to say a slanderer of God to men Gen. 3. 5. and slanderous and malicious accuser of men to God verse 10. Satan that is to say adversarie and accuser Zech. 3. 1. V. 10. Is come that is to say God hath undertaken to save those who are his perfectly and to reigne powerfully in the person of his Son having beaten down the tyrannicall usurpation of the devill V. 11. By the bloud that is to say opposing against his accusations Christs most perfect satisfaction for their expiation Rom. 8. 33 34. and persevering untill death in the faith and confession of Christ. V. 12. To the inhabitants of the Italian hath it to thee O earth other Texts have it To ye that inhabit the earth and the sea That he hath but namely to execute the rest of his rage against Christs kingdom before he be eternaly shut up in hell V. 13. He persecuted this seemes should be wholly understood of the desolations of the Jewish people after Christs Ascension into Heaven V. 14. Two wings A figurative description of the miraculous meanes by which the remainder of the Jewish Nation was saved from the Romans rage see Matth. 24. 22. Of a great it being a very certain thing that there is a kinde of Eagles of an unmeasurable and prodigious greatnesse Nourished that is to say maintained in her being A time that is to say A year two yeeres and halfe a year which are the thousand two hundred and sixty dayes of vers 6. V. 15. Cast out of that is to say did raise up great persecutions against the Jewes on every side V. 16. The earth the meaning seemes to be that the great commotions in the Roman Empire did cause them to let the Jewes alone in rest and that they did not utterly destroy them V. 17. With the remnant namely with those few Jewes which were converted to the Christian faith upon whom began the first persecution against the Church CHAP. XIII Vers. 1. SAw This Vision hath a plain relation to the Roman heathenish Empire to which may be applied many qualities of that of Antiochus Dan. 7. 8 20 21. Out of the sea figure of the world for its vastnesse confusion and continuall agitation A beast namely an Empire and state according to the propheticke stile Dan. 7. 3. and 8. 3 4 20 21. Ten hornes This is attributed to heathen Rome conformable to that which is said of the kingdom of the Seleucides and Antiochus Dan. 7. 7. and is expounded Revel 17. 9 12. The name he seemes to have a relation to that there was a God-head attributed to the Citie of Rome and it was called The everlasting Citie head of the world c. V. 2. A leopard The three severall figures of the Beasts which represented the Monarchies of the Chaldeans Persians and Grecians Dan 7. 4 5 6. are all put together to describe Rome as if it were a gathering together of the tyrannie crueltie and ravenousnesse of all the former Empires Gave him in as much as by Gods permission the devill is prince of the world and of the adverse part to God and to his Kingdom he made this Empire as it were his great Lieutenant and gave it all the meanes as he himselfe had to obtain maintain encrease and exercise his tyrannie see Luke 4. 6. V. 3. One of it is likely that here is meant one of the seven formes of Government of the Roman Empire namely that of the People and Senate which was subverted by the Emperours see Rev. 17. 9. And his the Italian but his that is to say this so dangerous alteration did not for all that overthrow the state of Rome yea the Monarchie confirmed it and made it flourish and powerfull as before V. 4. Worshipped that is to say the Roman Empire did greatly confirme and amplifie the worship of idols in which the devill is alwayes worshipped Rev. 9. 20. V. 5. There was given that is to say God by his secret Providence suffered it to rise to a great height of commanding and threatning even to opposing it selfe against God and his kingdom and to