the rebukes of the Doctors the curses of the Popes the condemning of the Emperour the conspiracies of Princes the confiscation of goods the danger of life and all other things threaâ—ning present death could have terrified the Spouse from proâ—eâ—â—ing her beloved faith had bin utterly lost The Spouse claimeth her beloved to be hâ—â—s in the words of Melanâ—thon to Prince Frederick Let us go on coâ—stantly howsoever the world rage Such was the mutuall imbracing of Christ and the Church at that time Verse â— Thou art beautifâ—ll O my love as Tirâ—aâ— comely as Jerusalem terrible as aâ— Jerusalem Army with Banners The explanation of this verse is divided into three times The Beginning Middle and End In the beginning she was faire as â—iâ—â—â—h which Solomon without doubt foresaw should be the chiefe City of the Israelites after the ten Tribes fell from the other two It was a pleasant City whence it tooke the name 1 Reg. 14. 17. but as-well by the estimation of men as in truth it was but a l ortresse of Robbers and rebels And no other was the Church esteemed to be of her enemies when her beloved went downe into his garden and some time after but a rebellious City disobedient to â—rinces and Governors and to carry a cerâ—aine show of Tirzah And thus the Church remained like unto Tirzah from the yeere 1529. when the Argentinenses joyned with the Helvetians till the death of Charles the 5. in the yeere 1558. And then she began to be â—omely as Ierusalem when the unpleasant name of Tirzâ—h grew out of use which hapneâ— in the beginning of Queene Elizabeths Raign in England in the yeere 1558. And in the yeere following in Scotland Geneva the Helvetian and German Churches in Denmarke Norway and Sweveland and other places of the reformed Religion Not that they were altogether free from hostile invasion great troubles shortly arising in France and the Low-countries yet partly by her own increase partly her adversaries tyred and ceasing somewhat from outward force she was so much exalted that her very enemies could not but admire her beauty and comelinesse whose beginnings they despised The last age of the restored Church is terrible as an Army with Banners She shall bestow all her time in warlike preparations and undertakings For the hellish furies will not suffer her enemies to reâ—t neither will she endure her selfe to be rent and torne by the Wolves but resist the injury with an armed hand Whereby she shall become fearefull to her enemies as she hath done these many yeeâ—es in England France and the Low-Countries But this is nothing to that terrour which shall shortly follow when Antichrist himself and his Ensign-bâ—arer the King of Spaine and all that carry his marke shall be so dâ—â—troyed by the Spouse that no mention of theâ—â—â—all remaine Vers 4. Turn â—way thine eyes from me for they have overcome me thy Layre is as a flock of Goats that appeare from Gilead Now she enters into a speciall comâ—endation of ceâ—tain members whereby the civill government of the Church may the better be understood This cleernesse of sight without doubt was shewed in the doctrine of Justification by faith whereby the Church not with squint but right eyes beholdeth Christ and all his righteousnes and excelleâ—cy And whatsoever excelleth in the judgement of the world to be losse and dung to it Phil. 3. 8. This eye was very dim in former times untill Martin Luther divinely drew away those darke scales For he wiped away all humane satisfaâ—â—ionâ— merits supererogations indulgences confidence in their own received wicked superstitions and shewed the yoke of the law to be more grievous then all the Popes Buls were able to uphold neither afterwards could the wicked Councel of Trent nor the Germane Interim forged altogether with fraud and deceit dazle the sight of these eyes but that they could discerne the authors of these deceits spreading their nets in vain neither was our Englâ—nd lesse sharp-sighted when not only the Pope but also the Papacie was utterly rejected by the authority of our Josias that most holy King Edward the sixth of blessed memory We see the divine beauty of these eyes which at this day God be thanked is the same in all reformed Churches The common people of the faithfull signified by Hayre is altogether the same as it was in the first Church Chap. 4. 1. scattered contemned put in great danger which yet by no means could be compelled to leave Gilead and returne to Bethaven Vers 5. Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing whereof every one beareth twins and there is not one barren amongst them The Teeth are alwayes taken for the Pastors and Ministers of the Word as Chap. 4. 2. where they were sent forth two and two instructed with the like gifts and messages As Sheep are of a mildâ— and pleasant disposition and far remote from all ambition so should the restored Church shine with faithfull Pastors the true successors of those former adorned with the self-same Ensignes as neer as the time would suffer They which before boasted themselves to be Pastors had altogether cast away the charge of preaching and yet these men would be heires of the Apostles whereas they were strong teeth these filthy rotten bones they Sheep these Lyons But at the length sound teeth sprung up again such as were Luther Melancthon Bucer Zuinglius Oecolampadius Capito Calvin Peter Martyr and many others whose names are written in heaven And verily the truth of this Prophecie seemeth very apparent in the decree made at Geneva in the yeere 1550. namely that the Ministers not only in Sermons which some neglected some heard them with small profit but also severally through houses and families at a certain time of the yeere with a Magistrate of the City should instruct every one and require a reckoning of every ones faith And it is scarce credible what fruit followed as Beza sheweth in the life of Calvin Verâ— 6. As a piece of Pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks This is the fourth agreement of this Church with the first which we have shewed to belong to the Ecclesiasticall and civill government in the use whereof the Church restored should be happy which appeared by the holy Discipline restored again at Geneva by Gods singular benefit together with the Gospel in the yeer 1541. Which wee also see to be done in other Churches at this day as in Helvetia Rhaetia France the low Countries and Scotland wherein the government requiring holinesse of life according to the rule of doctrine the truth flourisheth fruitfullâ— and inviolably But you will say these times which we have described shine not in all Reformed Churches whereunto I answer It is sufficient if we finde some such thing in any one Congregation for this by a common necessity shall belong to the commendations of all And this is the summe of the agreement Vers 7. There are threescore Queens and fourscore
A COMMENTARY ON THE CANTICLES OR THE SONG of SALOMON VVherein the Text is Analised the Native signification of the Words Declared the Allegories Explained and the Order of times whereunto they relate Observed By THOMAS BRIGHTMAN Unto which is added brief notes out of severall Expositors of the Revelation touching the rising and fall progresse and finall destruction of the Enemies of the Church with some other Observances out of divers Writers LONDON Printed by Iohn Field for Henry Overton in Popes-head-Alley 1644. TO THE READER THat which the Queen of Sheba once affirmed before Salomon is very true The Instruments of Gods blessings are the arguments of his love whence it is apparent that God did wonderfully declare his tender love to the Church upon earth in continually raising famous men who like burning lights in golden Candlestickes did shine forth to the honour and glory of his Sanctuary And as no age since the Apostles time hath been so glorious for the light of truth and the abundance of lights as the present so I hope without prejudice to any our Brightman of blessed memory for names sake may deservedly finde a place among those that were most famous in this kinde for truely whilst he lived he was as Christ said of Iohn Baptist A burning and a shining light He was famous in Preaching and for his conversation making himself an example to the Church by practising what he Preached living according to the rule of his Doctrine Yea and that which is wonderfull this light of ours being extinct still shines brightly for what else is his Apocalyps of the Apocalyps but a Light shining in darke places for surely so mysterious is that parcell of Scripture that it is not to be interpreted by wit but by the Spirit of Divination But our Brightman hath made such plaine interpretation thereof that thou mayest easily behold the great mystery of Iniquity of the Beast of Rome as also Gods great mercy in calling the Jewes And although many learned men have to their glory â—â—ent their whole time in the interpreting this part of Scripture yet this our Author hath interpreted this and other most difficult places witnesse the Song of Solomon and the latter part of the Prophecie of Daniel Concerning the Song of Solomon the Law of the Jewes is very well knowne by which young men under the age of thirty before which time they did not enter into the Priest-hood were interdicted to reade it leâ—t those things which were mystically set forth should by the swaying of their passions be enterpreted in the worst sense But our Brightman amongst others that have deserved well in this also expresses every word spiritually whereby thou mayest receive Divine and heavenly pleasures All things are expounded with great labour and applyed with great Judgement insomuch that in this new path you may walk in the foote-steps of the Spouse Jesu Christ or as the Jewes call it enter the Sanctum Sanctorum The manner of his handling this Scripture especially in the application is universall for he held this prophecie to be wonderfully difficult whence it is no marvell if some doubt whether he did attain to the genuine interpretation of the Song but since the diffiulty of the Allegory hath occasioned such variance amongst the Interpreters that it may almost be said as many men so many mindes I hope it will not be distastefull to the Church of Christ that the labours of this her godly sonne are published in Print whereby the Reader may perceive the Authors great knowledge in this mysterie hee doth acknowledge a marriage beween Christ and his Church but in this he differs from the rest of the Interpreters that what they conclude to be always he restrains to certain times I confesse he that for sakes the ancient opinions of learned and godly men and propounds to himself a new way in which he walketh all alone may in good manners be thought to erre but because sometimes he that readeth understandeth that which the Prophets themselves which Prophesied it did not know and because our Brightman for his singular meeknesse humility and godlinesse was thought by them amongst whom he lived and had to do to be free from all manner of affectation of Noveltie as also because he is not singular in his manner of interpreting for amongst the Hebreâ—es Aben Ezrâ— conceives the mysterie from Abraham to the Messias to be here set forth And some amongst us from the Messias to the Churches freedome under Constantine And in this they all agree that some things are particularly to be applied And lastly because our Author doth not desire credence in any thing but where it may be grounded upon a sure foundation therefore feare not try all things and hold fast that which is good The spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets But admit this Propheticall and particular application doth not please you yet to behold the whole condition of the Church from the time of David till time shall be no more and this set forth in a short and easie table cannot choose but be both profitable and delightfull unto thee Reader I thought good to premise these things for thy sake and for the Authors praise at which I chiefly aim much more might be spoken but read the Author who in the Explication of the first verse doth by way of Proâ—mâ— admirably set forth the authority excellency and use of this Song of Songs By the way I pray take this caution if you once enter the Portall come not back untill you have surveyed the whole building the curiosity of whose structure surpasses my expression Let God so shine upon us with the light of his Countenance that there may alwayes be a Brightman in Britaine to the setting forth of the glory of God in his Sonne Jesus Christ Farewell A Table of the whole book of CANTICLES The parts of the Song Inscription v. 1. A song of the Church Legall Before the Captivity v. 1. In Captivity cap. 2. ad v. 15. After to Châ—ist his birth ad cap. 3. 6. his death ad cap. 4. 6. Evangelicall Begun ad cap. 4. 6. Finished and this In its parts that is in its Former Age pure obscure cap. 5. with a mist with darkenesse restored ad cap. 6. 9. Latter Age its Prince borne growne up Inferiours first cap. 8. 5. 6. 7. second cap. 8. 8. 9. 10. In the whole cap. 8. 11 12 13 14. A Propheticall Exposition of the whole Booke of the CANTICLES CHAP. I. 1 LET him kisse mee with the kisses of his mouth for thy love is better than wine 2 Because of the favour of thy good oyntments thy name is as an oyntment powred out therefore the virgins love thee 3 Draw me we will run after thee the king hath brought me into his chambers we will rejoyce and be glad in thee we will remember thy love more than wine the righteous do love thee 4 I am black O daughters of Ierusalem
and against thy will to endure the Harnesse the Bridle and the Whip Such was the condition of that Kingdome by whose aid and succour his Love was protected For in the fifth yeer of the reign of Rehoboam when they had a little breathed after their former troubles Shishak the king of Egypt made war upon them having twelve hundred Chariots and a very great Hoste He took many fenced Cities and had proceeded to the utter wasting of the Land had not the Lord at the length pitied them and turned away the rage of his wrath from Jerusalem so that he would not utterly destroy it but only bring it in bondage to the Egyptians As he saith by the Prophet Shemaiah 2 Chron. 12. 8 9. Neverthelesse they shall be his servants that they may know my service and the service of the Kingdomes of the countries This Shishak entring into the City took away the treasures of the House of the Lord and the treasures of the Kings house he carried away also the shields of Gold which Salomon had made Behold the Church now like a Mare in the Chariots of Pharaoh The drawing Mare betokeneth servitude The Chariot that they should be compelled unto it by war Pharaoh by a common name the King whom they should serve how brief and plain it is described yet lest the Saints should faint altogether under the weight of such calamity their comfort is that he calleth her his Mare as if he should say although I deliver thee over to Shishak yet understand I have a care of thee I do challenge thee for mine own and thou shalt be safe under my protection Note that hee whom the holy Scripture calleth Shishak is called by prophane Writers Steroosis And hee joyned Kings together to draw his Chariot Diod. sic lib. 1. pag. 37. lin 23. Vers 9. Thy cheeks are comely with Turtles or withrows of Jewels Thy neck with chaines of Gold Wee heard in the Analysis that this and the two next verses did belong to the Kingdom of Abijah and Asa Abijah ruled but a while and therefore no great variety of matter hapned in his time therefore that which is common to both is delivered in the beginning of this Versâ— but that which concerneth the affaires of Asa is afterwards set forth more at large The Iewels like Turtles beâ—oken chastity and carefulnesse The two Cheeks are the most conspiâ—uous parts of the body these were the Tribes of Iuda and Benjamin in whom the Church at that time was chiefly known unto men This chastity and carefulnesse appeared first in Abijah who making warre with Ieroboam endeavoured with gentle speech to call back the ten Tribes from their wicked purpose warning them of their falling away from God There are with you saith he Golden Calves which Ieroboam made you for gods but wee have the Lord our God whom we have not forsaken and the Priests which minister unto the Lord are the sonnes of Aaron and the Levites wait upon their businesse 2 Chro. 13. 8. 10 c. for although this integrity was not pure without any pollution as appeareth 1 King 15. 3. yet was it Turtle-like chastity to that filthy whoredome of the Israelites so when Abijah and the two Tribes were beset both behind and before they cried unto to the Lord Behold the voyce of Turtles carefull doubtlesse in so great a strait but adorned with holinesse as with Jewels the Lord heard them and stroke Ieroboam and all Jsrael before Abijah and Iudah with a great slaughter 2 Chron. 13. 14 15. So Asa beset with almost infinite hosts of Zerah the Ethiopian called upon the Lord in the voyce of a Turtle saying It is nothing for thee to help either with many or with them that have no power help us O Lord our God for we rest on thee and in thy name we goe against this multitude O Lord thou art our God let not man prevaile against thee Whereby the enemies were put to â—light and the Church greatly inriched with their spoiles 2 Chron. 14. 11. c. Vers 10. Wee will make the borders of Gold with studs of Silver The Spirit proceedeth to shew the condition of the Church under Asa that hee might give her yet a more comely ornament as it is declared by the taking counsell of adorning the Spouse Wee will make thee saith he borders of Gold that is wont to be better which is brought to passe by the conjoyned studies of many then that which is done by one alone Furthermore Gold is now also added no lesse excellent in the singular workmanship then in the price it self for it should be chequered with silver studs This did openly foreshew that constrained meeting of the Kingdome by Asa and that consultation made by the common consent of the people and of all orders in the fifteenth yeer of â—is reigne of taking away all abominable gods out of the whole Land of Juda and Benjamin and a penalâ—y imposed on him that would not seek the Lord 2 Chro. 15. 9. 10. c. Now was order taken for adorning the spouse not by the Kings authority alone but by the decree of all orders And that Reformation which was begun in the beginning of his reigne was now more fully grown to a ripenesse The silver studs were that faithfull executing of the decree whereby the Kings grand-mother Mahaka was put from her regency for her horrible idolatry 2 Chro. 15. 16. Vers 11. Whilest the King was at his repast my Spikâ—nard gave smell thereof Ye have heard before that the gifts of the spirit are shadowed by oyntments and Spikenard which is chief among oyntments rightly betokeneth the most excellent gifts Therfore while the King sate the spouse as it were opening a Box perfumed all the neighbourhood with breathing out most holy graces But if any ask who the Prophet saith sate at this repast Behold King Asa compassed with a large garland of Iewes and Israelites in that assembly where he made borders of gold with studs of silver 2 Chrâ— 15. 9 10. A covenant was made but whâ—t mirth of a banquet could be compared with this delight Furthermore the joy in sacrificing which was great at that time had the holy pleasure of banqueting conjoyned to it by the Law As concerning the smell of the Spikenard how pleasant was it to make a covenant among so many people to worship the Lord with all their heart and with all their minde Many of Ephraim Manasses and Simeon stirred up by the sweetnesse of this smell clave to Asa seeing the Lord his God to be with him c. As it is said 2 Chr. 15. 9. Therfore whatsoever is spoken of the Church in the raign of Aâ—a is contained in these 3. little verses Vers 12. My wâ—lbeloved is as a bundle of Myrhe unto me He shall lie between my breasts Herein are three things signified sweetnesse of knowledge by Myrhe Administration of doctrine by breasts and the quiet and continuall use thereof by lying or
that they dare appear in the sight of God the hem of which garment is outward honesty and soundnes of manners and discipline The mount Lebanon reaching many miles set full of cedars and other sweet smelling trees yeelded such a strong fragrant smell that no ill favour whatsoever could take away the sweet perfume thereof So in this Church faith imbracing the righteousnesse of Christ and holines of life breathed forth such a sweet smell that he which would endeavour to quench that should be lesse able to do it then to exceed all the odoriferioâ—s perfumes of Lebanon joyned together by a greater smell Wherefore that we may see the application first we know that the Greek eloquence now chiefly attended on the truth for God raised up Dionysius the Areopagite Quadratus Aristides the Athenian Dionysius of Corinth Melito Apollinarius Polycarpus and many oâ—her eloquent men by whose pleasant Orations the Lips of the spouse dropt like a Hony-comb and her tongue flowed with profitable speech as with a most pleasant fountain of milk Then concerning the smell of her garments no times were ever more fruitfull of Heretickes which laboured with their filthy comments to take away the most divine favour of truth and bring it to nothing But this sweetnes of Lebanon could not be overcome But the smell of her garments was afterward weakned therefore no marvell if filthy errours prevailed The holines of the Church was tâ—stified as well by enemies such as was Plinie the second in Eusebius lib. 3. chap. 33. as by friends Justine Tertullian and Cyprian which mervellously set forth the sweetnesse of her garments This dignity continued in some measure untill the time of Dioclesian the Emperour Indeed the truth and regard of manners and honesty by little and little began to decay pride privily creeping in yet the smell of the garments for the first 300. yeeres remained sound and uncorrupted without any notable change as the Spirit foretold it Vers 12. A Garden inclosed is my sister my Spouse a spring shut up a fountain sealed Ye have heard how the Church in her floâ—rishing estate was all fair Now followeth her declining Condition and first how she ran to ruine threatning a fall before she fell away altogether In this verse is propounded her double estate one in respect of stranâ—ers the other in regard of her own houshold As to strangers it is a garden inclosed To her own A spring shut up a â—ountain sealâ—d The Church is often compared to a Vine her safety wherewith God vouchsafeth to defend her from the rage of her enemies to a Wall a Hedge or Inclosure as Psal 80. 8 12. and Isâ—y 5. 1 2. But now the Church was void of such defence for three hundred yeers Fortified by no power of Princes or authority of Magistrates or any Ordinance of Lawes Yet at length God stirred up Constantine the Great who fenced this Garden with a wall rooting out the Tyrants and restraining all hostility that might disturbe the peace and â—quietnesse of the Church And not onely freed her from the power of her enemies but confirmed her liberty by Lawes aâ—d Ordinances and also advanced her to great honour and dignity Euseb lib. 2. Now the Garden was inclosed and fenced from the invasion of all her enemies But what was she then in respect of her own houshold A spring shut up a fountain sealed From common Theeves we defend our fortunes with walles and houses from private theeves which live with us in the same houses we keep our goods in Chests with lockes Therefore the fountain sealed sheweth that all had not leave to draw and to drinke which lived within the inclosure of the Garden for seeing the fountain and spring yeeldeth lively juice to hearbes and trees many which had room appointed them in the Garden wanted this wholesome watering of true life Which altogether agreeth with that in the Revelation Chapter 7. 2 3. and 11. 2 c. and 12. 6. The fountain was sealed to many given over into a reprobate senâ—e to imbrace Arianisme and others given wholly to superstitions newly sprung up wherewith miserable men were so blinded that they had no more power to come to this spring of salvation then if they had bin shut out with barres and bolts Now was the glory of the Church much diminished which of late was all faire Vers 13. Thy plants are an Orchard of Pomegranats with pleasant fruits Camphire with Spiknard Vers 14. Spikenard and Saffron Calamus and Cynamon with all trees of Frankincense Myrrhe and Aloes with all the chiefe Spices This description is according to the proprieties which are wont to be seen in a pleasant Garden or Orchard First well senced and after set with choice trees then watered plentifully with sweete water fourthly placed in a fresh ayre and lastly fruitfull and profitable In the former verse we have the fencing Now behold the planting which consists of two sorts of Trees some for fruit some only for pleasure The one plainly shewed in the first words an Orchard of Pome-granates the other in the words following with pleasant fruits As there are two sorts of Trees so are there two orders of the Members in the Church one publike the other private The Pomegranates signifie those which labour in the word and doctrine or in the politike government of the Church The pleasant fruits are the Christian Congregations ready to obey their Governours which though they are not to be compared to the fruit Trees yet by reason of their obedience and consent they much adorne this Orchard Of these pleasant fruits there are two sorts some more common as Campâ—ire or Cypres and Spikâ—nard some more scarce as Spiknard and Saffron c. Vers 14. The more vulgar shew the unlike measure of gifts wherein all are not the eye nor all the â—are â—s the Apostle speaketh but indued with great variety of graces profitable to the perfecting of the body of Christ 1. Cor. 12. 4. 5 c. The more scarce are of three sorts for the divers degrees of private men Hearbs Shrubs and Trees all of sweete and pleasâ—nt perfumes which shâ—weth that the Christians inc'osed within the compasse of this fenced Garden abounded in graces aswell the lowest and the midlemost aâ— the highest every one in their severall degrees The ornaments which Constantine bestowed upon the Church as Riches Honour Immunities magnificent buildings of Temples and the like were meere delights like an Orchard set with Pomegranate plants The trees and fruits here mentioned seem to signifie those countries where they grew to bee first inclosed within this Fence As by Pomegranates Carthage and other places in Africa Camphire and Spikenard our European Nations Neither was it rashly done to reckon these in the first place for Europe was then the chiefe part of this garden most famous for the multitude of the faithfull and purity of the truth Vers 15. A fountain of Gardens a well of living waters and streames from Lebanon To
indeed had given a high degree to the Popes and might take it away again at their pleasure The Pope raged when Michael taught this but the holy man proceeded and â—eased not to preach that the Church was a striving place of piety not a race of Ambition And seeing that full vessels might satisfie everâ— one it was terrible that the Clergie should so shamâ—fully contend for honour either with the laitie or among themselves The covetous and ambitious have never enough but their minde alwayes thirsts for something more whereby they plainly shew that either they never lighted on that full river where the Bridegroom quietly resteth or they are of another disposition contrary to him whose name they falsly pretend c. Vers 12. His cheekes are as a bed of spices as sweet flowers his lips like lillies â—ropping sweet smelling myrrhe The greatest part of the countenance is in the cheeks which of Christ are most apparent unto us when he raigneth openly in the Church in holy institutions which he hath given to be kept by his Church till his coming These cheeks are first likened to beds new made in a garden and presently to sweet flowers which elegantly setteth forth the swift and speedy increase of the knowledge of Christ the flowers immediately following the sowing The fruitfull ripening of thiâ— seed was furthered by the preaching of Robert French Anno 1290. Who by many visions set forth the lamentable condition of the Church and declared openly that the Pope was an Idol a Serpent a wooden head And the spouse which was presented unto him with a glittering silver crosse very beautifull and excellent as well in life as doctrine Hitherto the following member of the verse doeth seem to belong His lips like lillies dropping sweet smelling Myrrâ—â— Now the Bridegroom began to be famous by the puritie of teaching which yet durst not but only mutter and whisper without lifting up the voice boldly Vers 13. His hands are as gold rings set with the Beryll his belly is as bright Ivory overlaid with saphirs Hitherto hath the Bridegroom been set forth to the world in some speciall members from Frederiâ—k the second to Robertus Gallus by almost 100. yeers The hands are the instruments of Action and in scripture they figuratively signifie works The Jems included in the rings seem to signifie the ministers of the word which elswhere Christ carryeth as stars in his right hand Rev. 1 20. But these times yeelded not such splendour These things shew a change and alteration of that which Christ would bring to passe by the labour of his ministers as it hapned about the yeer 1300. which was called the first resurrection of the dead For now the thousand yeers were ended wherein Satan was bound and the dead raised from their graves Very many now began more boldly to set forth the truth As Danâ— the Florentine Marsilius Paâ—avinus William Ockam Iohn of Gaunt and many others Philip the French King despised Pope Boniface Lewes of Bavaria strove long time with these most humble servants of servants for the right of the Empire Edward of England made shew unto many how little he esteemed the Popes authority By the Bowels or Belly bright as Ivâ—ry overlaid with Saphirs may be understood the two Sacraments For the Word of God is open to the view of every one as the month and countenance neither is it wont to be hid from strangers but the Sacraments serve only for the houshold as the bowels which are appointed only to that body whose members they are but serve to no use for strangers These things therefore as it were with the finger point to those times of Iohâ— Wickliff 1370 who taught openly that the substance of materiâ—ll bread and wine remain in the Sacrament of the Altar the accidents of brâ—ad remain not without the subject in the same Sacrament Christ is not really in the sacrament in proper presence corporally Beringarius spake against this wicked error 200. yeeres before but the time was not yet come wherein the hands of the Bridegroome should be seen full of Rings whence his enterprise wanted successe Vers 14. His legs are as pillars of Marble set upon sockets of fine gold his countenance is as Lebanon excellent as the Cedars The beginning of this verse seâ—â—eth forth the nether parts whose chief praise consists in strength and stablenesse All would faile unâ—esse that which upholdeth were sufficient to beare the weight Wherefore the Bridegroome standeth immoveable on such strong bases And lest we should thinke that his strength wanteth beauty loe the legs and feet are of gold So that from the crown of the head to the soal of the feet hee shineth with infinite glory and Majesty Yet is there no doubt but these things belong also to the history therefore these two golden bases whereon the Marble pillars are set seem to point out John Husse and Hierome of Prague as is the perpeâ—uity of Marble such was their conâ—tancy to indure death willingly for the truths cause induring a triall by fire as the pureâ—t gold They differed from the Popelings in many things but this chiefly bit the mitred fathers that they gravely reprehended their wicked and lascivious lives This was the ulcer that could not indure scratching which made them rage so fiercâ—ly against them this was about the yeer 1415. The other Member of the verse 〈◊〉 countenanceâ—s as Lâ—bâ—â—oâ— exâ—â—llent as the Câ—dars His countenance is seen here on'earth in the true knowledge of Christ and by his true worship which he himself hath appointed Now the Spouse comâ—â—ring it to Mount Lebanon sheweth thereby that there should be so great an increase of knowledge and renewed worship that the profession of Christ should continue as firm as the hils themselves and as the Cedars of â—ebanon exceed other treâ—s in length so should truâ— Religion excell all scratching and pricking superstitions in reverend Majesty which most fâ—â—ly agree with the times presently following wherein the Bâ—hemians shook off the Romish yoke 1420. Now first began the Word to be truly preached the Sacraments to be administred in either kinde wicked supeâ—stitions to be rooted out Monasteries to be beaten down and the Priests constrained to till the Land or to yeeld some better fruit c. Vers 15. His mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely This is my beloved and this is my friend O daughters of Ierusalem His lips at the 12. verse dropped myrrhe here the mouth foundeth sweetly both lips and mouth betoken the Word and Preaching only the lips whisper obscurely the palate and open mouth yeeld a more sounding voyce Such was the voyce of the Bridegroome heard in the Ministers of Bohemia preaching the truth freely and without feare in despite of Antichrist Hee is altogethâ—â— lovely there is nothing in him but that which is most to be desired with greatest care and study This is my beloved as if she should say seeing yee have so earnestly desired to know
Concubines and Virgins without number Having spoken compendiously of the Church restored some things are now briefly propounded particularly in these two verses wherein he divideth the severall Congregations into three ranks according to their degrees of purity namely Queens Concubines and Virgins or Maids And â—he that comes neerest to truth and holinesse the Bridegroome holdeth her dearest wherefore the Queens are mighty and flourishing Churches which excell the rest in purity The Concubines are of a lower ranke they are admitted to the Bed but far from the honour and excellency of the lawfull wives having no dower themselves nor are their children to inherite The Virgins are in the lowest place as servants and handmaids altogether estranged from any familiar acquaintance they have imployment in the house they have victuals and clothing they are reckoned to be of their Masters houshold but are not partakers of his goods they labour not for themselves but for their Masters It is also to be observed the Queens are numbred and so are the Concubinâ—s but the Virgins as of no reckoning are without number This distraction into such different degrees hapned about the yeere 1563. When Iohn Brentius and Iames Andrewes rent the Church in pieces with that unluckie division of that monstrous Vbiquity It was before sowne by Luther but he stayed the contention about it as long as he lived But Brentius revived it and three yeers after Illyricus and other Doctors out of far Countries came to Antwerp and renewed that error whereby the face of the Church even in her infancy was miserably defiled besides Anabaptists and Libertines Antitrinitarians new Arians and I know not what other monsters which wasted and spoyled Transilvania and the Regions thereabouts The English Irish Scottish Belgick Geneva Helvetique Rhetique do flourish God be praised with the dignitie of Queens whereof the Germane the Danish Gotique and Sweveland Churches and others cleaving to their opinions have taken a crowne to themselves and have gotten the place of Concâ—â—â—nes Among the Virgins I reckon the Anabaptists Libertines Aâ—â—itrinitarians Arians and the like which now altogether miserably waste and destroy Moraviâ— Polonia Hungaria Transilvania and a great part of Denmarke To these may be added the Roman filthy sinck wheresoever dispersed We have seen the whole Song marvellous hitherto but now especially when we come to things present Behold then the condition of the restored truth into what unlike degrees she at length should fall by a great separation The Spirit foretold a lamentable successe this age feeleth it and every day plainly threatneth a farther departure Vers 8. My Dove my undefiled is but one she is the only one of her mother shee is the choice one of her that bare her the daughters saw her and blessed her yea the Queenes and the concubines and they praised her Without doubt this Dove was one of the Queenes far excelling in glory and more beloved of the Bridegroome then the rest adorned with a threefold testimonie Of the Bridegroome of her mother and of the rest in the family For the Bridegroome termeth her his Dove his Vndefiled one Any thing may be one which is one in manners and disposition though absent in place and seate As the company of the faithfull are said to be one though severed in far remote placâ—s whiâ—e they hold the same purity of Doctrine and the like study of holinesse The second testimonie is of her Mother which is the Church and the Word to whose directions this Dove doth wholly apply her self The third testimony is of the rest in the family Fiâ—st of the daughters who are particular Churches which are begotten of this onely Dove from whâ—m they draw their instructions and the whole course of administration Next the Queenes and Concubines bear witnâ—sse both after one manner but both very sparingly and more slenderly then the daughters it may be through envie They acknowledge her fair and beautifull but perhaps they keep the branch to themselves as jealous wives often do All which sheweth how the wills were conjoyned between the Dove the Daughters the Qâ—eenes and Concubines Howsoever there be not the same degree of purity in all things But where are the Virgins without number Why is there no commendation of theirs rehearsed Verely as they are further absent from familiar acquaintance of the Bridegroome so are they more spitefully bent against his onely beloved Dove neither through hatred can they say any thing well Let us see then a more full distinction of the present Chuches which are either true or titulary The true are Queenes and Concubines The Queenes again are either the onely Dove or more and this onely onâ— is partly the Mother partly the Daughters The titular Churches are the virgins Who this onely Dove is may easily be proved if we consider the excellency of the Eyes Teeth and Temples of the restored Church for she that excelleth in the beauty of these members must of necessity be that one onely Dove Wherefore not trusting to mine own judgement but to the judgement of the Spirit himself I beheld in this glasse the Churcâ— of Geneva shining with the glory of this only Dove For first let us consider the excellent comlinesse of the eyes where sound and uncorrupt doctrine shineth spotted with no comments of filthy flatterers but especially the chastity of justification by faith wherwith the Bridegroom is chiefly delightâ—d But this beauty is common to the other Queens and also the Concubines Then let us behold the teeth â—â—mely the doctors like a flock of sheep simple harmlesse not dâ—â—dainfull not luxurious but content with a sparing diet diligent â—n teaching not so much troubled with worldly businâ—sâ—e that they can have no leasure for the word and doctrine Not undertaking the charge of many Churches and serving none nor may he that takeâ—â— the charge of one Church neglect it by his absence Neither is any thought fit for that pastorall function which can bâ—t only read Lastly let us view the Temples like a piece of a Pomgranate very beautifâ—ll The governors â—ogether with the Pastors most honest men watching over the manners of every man and correcting them by divine institution not sending them to the Romish horse-leaches and the Antichristian decrees the more to corrupt them but endeâ—vour to redeem their sins and publike offences rather by repentance then for mony Neither doth she command any idle ceremonies but what necessary reason onely requireth Lastly they which apply all to the authority which Christ hath given to the Churâ—h that every member may perform his duty holâ—ly The Spirit goeth no farther in the elder Church because as it seemeth she shall persist in that variety which we now spake of of Queenes Concubines Danghters Doves and Virgins unto the end wiâ—hout any notable change and it may happen as corruption dayly increaseth the Dove and the Daughters may be shut up in a narrow bound Vers 9. Who is she that looketh fâ—rth as the morning fair
of juyce not dry and without blood A heape of wheat declareth the belly like a furrow well stored with the best seed which watered and made fruitefull by mixture of the Gobleâ— would at length breake forth into an infinite harvest These things are more plaine with Esay cap. 49. 19. 20. The belly set about with Lillies sheweth that this field unlike other fields shall not be fenced with bushes and quicksets but shall every way lye open and â—e altogether so pleasant not onely in the middle where the more fruitfull increase is wont to be but also in the uttermost borders And moâ—t â—itly also are lillies joyned to the rest seeing nothing is more fruitfull bearing often 50. heads upon one Roote Plin. l. 21. 5. Verâ— 3. Thy two breasts are like two young Roes that are twins Excellent shall this Church be in doctrine whose ministers God shall water with fatnesse Ier. 31. 14 They shall be baâ—e and simple at the beginning like young Roes wallowing in the dust when they are first brought forth for as yet a setled Church shall not be fully gathered together as by the labour of some certaine Apostles who staying in no certaine places shall go hither and thither to Preach according as the cause requireth In the same manner as it was done in the first Church as before Chap. 4. 5. See also what hath beene observed upon Esay at the last verse of the former Chapter Verse 4. Thy necke is as a Tower of Ivory thine eyes like the fish-pooles in Hesâ—bon by the gate of Bathrabbim Thy nose is as the Tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus Merâ—erus doubteth whether there were a Tower of this name Rabbi Selom and the Chaldâ—â— paraphrasts thinke there was And I am of their minde for all these similitudes seeme to be taken from true things and not â—eigned Yea for most weighty causes as anon it will appeare some more eminent places are chosen of purpose for this part of the description This Ivory Tower I suppose to be the Ivory throne spoken of 1 King 10. 18. The neck of the first Church was also a Tower in the same Mount where this Throne was built namely an Armory for David and the warre wherein all the instruments of war were put as before Chap. 4. 4. But this Tower is Solomons of peace not of war of Judgement not of Armour That though triumphing yet afflicted with many troubles of warres This her enemies overcome very easily shall raigne in peace like Solomon for such a flourishing estate doe the Prophets promise this Church all her enemies put to flight Esay 41. 14 15. Ier. 30. 31. Ezâ—ch 39. 3 4. 25. c. Thine eyes like the fishpooles in Heshbon Tremelius translateth it appellatively to most artificiall fish-pooles But I suppose those places to be noted out by name â—â—iefely for this reason that by choosing out of some notable places as we shall see Solomon seemeth to appoint out the territories and borders of that land which the Jewes at length converted to Christ delivered from the Nations and restored to their Country seates shall obtaine proper and their owne But what will ye say dost thou turne â—â—w God forbid I dreame not of that returne which as yet they do That they may renew the Temple restore the Ceremonies and possesse the land in times past promised and given as an earnest of the heavenly These things are eternally buried not worne out by time but utterly abolished by Christ But I speak of a reâ—â—oring to their Country wherin they shall worship Christ according to his Ordinances which is not contrary to Religion every one knoweth and all the Prophets seeme to foretell it with one consent When I think hereof it seemeth no light Argument that untill this day that people remaine although dispersed through the whole world divided and separated from the Nations with whom they live A thing truely wonderfull marvellous but that it appeares plainely to be Gods doing We know the Gothes Vandals Hunnes and very many other Nations forsaking their Countries have also changed their speech names and natures So that were it not for letters they cannot be disceâ—ned from the people of the Country with whom they live But the Iewes like the River Roane in the poole Lausanâ— suffer none of our customes to be fastned on them but in the midst of us keepe their old name and Ordinance would we know the cause First God would have them for the â—ale of his despised Sonne be a â—pectacle to the world then also to advise us leâ—t the people commonly accounted superstitious should perhaps make saving doctrine suspected by their consenting Lastly that he might make plaine his infinite and unmeasurable favour and truth at length in restoring this people We have far digressed from our puâ—pose but not altogether into a strange matter and whereof a briefe Declaration was necessary Seeing then that Heshâ—on is to be properly taken know that it was once a City beyond Iordan common to the Gadites and the Rubâ—â—ites Numb 21. 26 27 28. At first Noble known by the Proverb and once the Palace of Sihon which City seemeth to teach the recovery of their old possession of whose Eastern coast this City is placed as it were the Meere-stone And most fitly are the eyes compared to Fishpooles not so much for the cleerenessâ— which sheweth the brightnesse of the 〈◊〉 as for the abundance of teares flowing from true repentanâ—â— â—â—re 31. 9 18 19. Isay 46. Zâ—char 12. 10. Neither without 〈◊〉 likewise are the gates mentioned by which these Fishpooles are seated which as they are called Bathrabbim the daughters of many or of a multitude most frequented by resort of people so they teach that there shall be at length an infinitâ— multitude of this people gathered to the truth by repentance It might seem harsh to compare the Noâ—e to a Power but that the Counsell of the spirit alwaies puts â—s in minde that things and places are chosen whereby the borders of the land may be decribed â—er 31. 8. Esa 49. 20. The houâ—e of Libanus is famous in the Scripture But that the Tower thereof looketh toward Damascus seemeth to be added for difference sake There were two houses of the forrest of Lebanon one built on the hill as this place plainely sheweth See 2 Chro. 9. 16 17 18. Another at Ierusalem in the forrest not far from the house of Salomon which for likenesse was called the house of the forrest of Lebanon whereof mention is made 1 King 7. 2. For the whole provision wherewith Salomon built this house proveth that to be another from that in Lebanon 1 King 10. 17 21. What need such sumptuous houshold-stuffe in houses so farre a sunder when there was scarce any hope that the King would see them twice But most cleerely Shishack carried away the shields of gold which were found in the house of the forrâ—â—t of Lebanon 1 King 14. 26. It seemeth that house was then
and Synagogues For they which raged so much against others which confessed him somewhat more freely what would they not â—o to him himself for whose cause they were so violent against others Ioh. 9. 22. But these people will not only open the gates that the King of glory may come in but will lead him through the streets and set him highest in the midst of their assemblies The same manner of speech we met with before Cap. 3. 4. which we interpreted of his coming in the flesh otherwise his mothers house is the Church as we saw in the first Chap. vers 17. Thou shouldest teach me Tremelius referreth it to my mother which teacheth me The words beare it but the Aâ—tithesis requireth such exposition as I have made The Iewes very much frequented the Temple they boasted themselves to be the white sonnes of their mother the Church but of the doctrine of their brother the man Christ there will be great difference between the old and these They could not abide to heare Christ preaching these will hearken to his voyce only they will draw their doctâ—ine from this only Well they will preferre themselves no other manner of life and salvation but him alone Lastly whereas she will give him spiced wine to drinke thereby he teacheth how far the new people shall differ from the old in cruelty They mingled him vinegar and gall to drinke Maâ— 27. 34. These shall tremble at such barbarous wickednesse and in stead of that most bitter cup shall invite him to most generous wine of Chast and fervent piety Their excellent forme and beauty could not be better painted out then by the opposite deformity of that old and degenerate Synagogue the fruit of the Pomegranate may be referred to some principall men among the Iewes who shall apply all their authority to advance religion c. Vers 3. His left hand should be under my head and his right hand should imbrace me The love of the Bridegroome which resteth most pleasantly in the bosome and imbracing of the Church thus settled he shall carry the Bride in his armes and shall keep her safe and sound from all troubles as before Chap. 2. 6. but that the Church was never before so well adorned and protected by the divine power as in this last renovation according to that of Ieremy Chap. 16. vers 14. 15. and of Esay Chap. 43. verâ— 5 6. The exceeding glory of Gods presence shall then obscure all former memory how famous or renouned â—oever Vers 4. I charge yee O daughters of Ierusalem that yee stir not up nor awake my love untill he plâ—â—se This betokeneth the perpetuity of this love and condition as before by the same kinde of oath he alwayes declareth a settled estate of the Church for some long continuance here are no Harts and Roes of the field to disturb the peace of the Church as when shee living among enemies had neer her by Gods just judgement revengers of their revolting but now the Kingdome shâ—ll be yeelded to Christ for this is the time wherein the stone cut out without hands c. Dan. 2. 34. 44. 45. and 7. 27. For in this Kingdome all enemies shall be far removed or rather taken away altogether so that the Church shall for ever hereafter live free from feare of them Then all things shall attaine their own ends and that whole Mystery Revel 10. 7. and 16. 17 It is finished which was foretold by the Prophets for hitherto belongeth their sacred Oracles Neither doe they further mention any notable change till our Lord shall come from heaven For this is that fulnesse then which nothing can be farther expected on earth which seemeth to be manifested by this removing of all causes of disturbing the Bridegroome hereaftâ—r Let us then leave the Christian Church of the Jewes most flourishing till Christ Translate his hence into heaven Verse 5. Who is this that commeth up from the Wildernesse leaning upon her beloved Iraised thee up under the Appletrce there thy mother brought thee forth there she brought thee forth that bare thee Hitherto hath beene spoken of the first younger daughter Another sister followeth for by this kinde of inquirie we have twice seene a new arising of some Church to be shewed And of this is a double state declared the beginning in this verse the progrâ—sse in the 6. and 7. The name of this Nation which commeth up from the wildernesse me seemeth may easily be supposed out of other places of the Prophets As Esay chap. 19 23. c. wherein he treateth of the calling of the Assyrians and the Egyptians for though many of either Nation were in former times indued with the saving knowledge of Christ yet that small number was nothing to this great assembly now spoken of Hither belongeth that of Ezek. 47. 1 2. and Ioel cap. 3. 18. See Numb 25. 1. Zachary extendeth the limits of this kingdome from sea to sea Cap. 9. 10. and from the sloud to to the end of the earth for the pride of Assyria c. Zach. 10. 11. Wherefore this Church shall be that whole bordering Eastern Region Arabia Chaldea Babylonia Assyria and Persia and those inmost corners of the East The waters flowing into these Regions is the course of the Gospell wherewith they shall be watered leaning upon her beloved sheweth her great familiarity with him as lovers are wont to cast themselves into the bosomes of their beloved and whereas she was raised up under an apple tree we learned before that the Apple tree betokeneth inferiour Magistrates under whose shadow the Bridegroome covereth his Church as under Tamarisk and lower trees the high and loftie Cedars being cut downe Chap. 2. 3. 4. Wherefore the first infancie of this Church seemeth to be governed by some inferiour Officer who though in the beginning there wanted the chiefe Princes authority yet by his labour and diligence he shall bring it to passe that the seede of the truth sowen shall spring up into the light that men may behold it yet it seemeth more likely that this Magistrate should be given them of the Jewes to whose rule bordering Regions shall obey And therefore this Church is raised up under an Apple tree because it shall be ruled by such Government Vers 6. Set me as a seale upon thine heart as a Seale upon thine arme for love is strong as death jealousie as cruel as thâ— grave the â—oales thereof are coales of fire which hath a most vehement flame Such was the beginning The progresse shall be famous for her marvellous and earnest desire of piety which is most elegantly painted out in her desire and the reason thereof Her desire is that she may be as a seale on his heart and arme as a note Printed with a seale whereby the impression of it might be aswell deepely fixed inwardly in the minde as appeare alwaies outwardly to the sight wherein she desireth that she may cleave to him as the figure is wont which
Universall Church is excellently declared by a dissimilitude taken from Salomon Salomon let out his Vineyard to others and received a large yeerly revenue from his Farmers But I saith the Bridegroom will take care of my vineyard my self I will not hire it forth And the fruit which I shall receive will be far larger then Salomons Much good do it him with his profits I do not enviâ—him Yet are they not to bee compared with mine Neither is it a new thing for Kings to hire out to others that which exceedeth their houshold store Morcerus interpreteth the twelfth verse as spoken of the Bride herself like as in the first Chapter and sixth verse she saith Shee was made a keeper of the vines and so she might be now againe except perhaps for ill lucks sake then the Bridegroom himself will hereafter undertake â—his care See Esay 65. 22 23 c. lest the peace of the Church should afterward be disturbed by some such like negligence Vers 13. O Thou that dwellest in the Gardens the Companions hearken to thy voice cause me to hear it This precept teacheth to what imploiment the Bride would give her self for ever They being subdued which durst to mutter against her and all things setled in most calme peace We have often told you that the precepts of this Song are prophesies of common affaires The bride is said to dwell in the Gardens after the same manner as before Chap. 4. 12. when by Constantines Authority shee was fenced by the safegard of the Civill Law but in those last times the Magistrates over all especially in the new collected Congregations shâ—ll bend all their force to defend the Châ—rch herein onely this shâ—ll differ from that because the first garden was closed with one wall their whole affâ—ires administred by one mans rule this new Garden as also that râ—stored Cha. 6. 1. shall be divided with many inclosures for the variety of Presidents which shall governe in severall provinces As concerning the Precept The companions that hearken are all the Citizens of the Church for then the Church bringeth it to passâ— that the Bridegroom may heare Her fellowes that is her citizens and particular Congregâ—tions when she sincerely delivereth the right way to beleeve in Christ and to worship God â—o that from her most wholsome instructions sins may be acknowledged mercy implored goodnesse preached and God in the end may receive his due honour This is that voice of the Companions wherewith the Bridegroom shall be delighted which from that time shâ—l sound in the Church for ever and which voice the Citizens learn to pronounce lâ—stning to the doctrine and instruction of the Church their Mother Vers 14. Make hast or fly hence my beloved and bee thou like to a Roe or to a young hart upon the mountaines of Spices It is the common desire in the Brides behalfe which is delivered in this verse for the Universall Church bâ—eaketh forth into these words that the Bridegroom should fly away into the mountaines of Spices What is she now weary of his presence whom with such labour she before sought being absent that shâ—e should so soone command him out of her sight No but when the Spouâ—e earnestly desireth that her beloved would fly out of the garden into the mountains of Spices it is as if shee should desire that leaving the earth he would return again to the heavenly fortâ—â—ssâ— for that meane the Mountaines of Spices Noâ— that she wishâ—â—h being alone and depriâ—â—d of his imbracings any longer to sticke in the filthy dregges of this world but that she earnestly desireth to fly hence her selfe together with her beloved and to come to the inheritance laid up for the Elect in heaven For she one of the Sisters which even new desired that shee might be â—ixed to his heart as a Seal could not endure this divorce to tarry â—ere behinde him This is all one with that of Saint Iohn Rev. 22. 20 Come Lord â—eâ—us differing a little in words Ioâ—n requesteth that the Bridegroom would shew himâ—elf to the world in the most glorious mâ—nifestation of his Majesty which is now covered from the eyes of the world at the right hand of the Father and so at length would put an end to all things The Spouse desireth that this Beame how brighâ— soever which shâ—ll then shine in the earâ—h would as it were collect his light and withdraw it self into heaven Either of them wisheâ—h the eâ—d but he defineth it by comming from Heaven she by departing from the earth Either of which we expect the comming first the departure after Hitherto goeth this divine Poeme but pointeth not out the last moment of time It is sufficient that it setteth forth the condition of the last Church more distinctly and exactly I suppose then any other part of the holy Scripture Many large and pleâ—sant Prophesies do ayme at the calling of the Iewes but here almâ—st all set up their marke but of the other Sisters coming to the truth by her help they make a more obscure and generall mention yet out of this interpretation it may be understood how false they are who set downe the end of the world at a certain yeer out of some limited number in the Scriptures especially if they compare this Prophesie with the Revelation and Daniel For that Resurrectioâ— Dan. 12. and Rev. 20. 12. Also that It is done of the seventh Viall Reve. 16. 17. appertaineth to the calling of the Iews So that where we exâ—ect the end of the world there we finde the beginning of a new Church which is not like to be for a day or a week or a short time The Angell expresly affirmeth to be far and wide spread Rev. 20. 5. 6. And giveth it a thousand yeers after the first Resurrection of the elder sister Now seeing the Church of the Iewes shall begin to flourish about 400. yeers after that Resurrection 600. yeers at least shall be left wherein she shall raign here upon the earth but how long after he only knoweth who knoweth all things I can light upon no mark or token of time that may give even the least conjecture Daniel saith after the destruction of the Turkish Empire which shall be dâ—stroyed by Conversion of the Iewes a space shall be given for the rest of the Beasts to live even for a time and a time appointed But this space is neither expressed neither perhaps shall the end of the World be joyned with the destruction of the remnant That therefore which hath troubled many as if that certain limiting of time which offereth it self in the Revelation and elsewhere should bring us to the end of all repressing or mollifying the words of Christ Mar. 13. 32. by interpretation may hence be delivered from this fear for all those accounts end either in the Iewes Conversion or if they goe a little farther whereof I finde only two which I have spoken of before they rather shew within what time