It is the City of Laish at other times called plainly Dâ—n Jos. 19. 47. V. 7 To all the cities In which those people remained mixed with the Israelites Judg. chap. 1. ver 31 32. V. 10. Snote him By a remorse occasioned in him by the holy Ghost See 1 Samuel chapter 24. verse 5. Take away See a Samuel chapter 12 verse 13. V. 13 Seven yeares Because that 1 Chronic chapter 21. verse 12. There are but three yeares spoken of it is thought that David committed this fault the yeare after the three years famine 2 Sam. 21. 1. was stayed Whereupon if hee had made choyce of this scourge with three other successive yeares of famine the number of seven would have been compleat V. 14 Into the hand That is to say his hand immediately for when men are imployed in these punishments they mixe their owne passions and oftentimes exceed the measure not of the secret providence but of Gods manifested intention which aimes at correction and not at destruction See Isa. chapter 47. verse 6. Zac. chapter 1. verse 15. V. 15 Time appoynted That is to say of three dayes verse 13. Others take the Hebrew word for the ordinary houre of the evening sacrifice of the same day and so they believe that God shortened the terme of three dayes out of his superabundant mercy V. 16 Repented him See upon Genesis chapter 6. verse 6. Araunah who is also called Araniah verse the eighteenth and Ornan in the Chronicles The Jebusite That is to say a Proselite of that nation V. 17 When be saw Because hee appeared unto him in a visible forme 1 Chronicles Chapter 21. ver 16. V. 18 Rerâ— This was the same place that Abraham had led his sonne to for to offer him and where the Temple was built afterwards 2 Chron. 3. 1. which place was consecrated by this Altar upon which was made the first essay for a publike atonement V. 22 Here be Oxen See 1 Kings Chapter 19. verse 21. V. 23 As a King The Italian King Araunah It is likely that he had been a King or of the bloud royall while the Jebusites were in possession of Jerusalem and afterwards being converted to the true religion he remained in Jerusalem in some degree of honour Accept thee Namely in this sacrifice which thou art going to offer for the deliverance from this scourge V. 24 Bought The threshing floore for sixe hundred shekels of gold 1 Chronicles chapter 21. verse 25. and the oxen and instruments for fifty shekels of silver others doe reconcile this place with that of the Chronicles in this manner that in this place by silver ought to bee understood not the mettall in kind but the value of fifty shekels of Gold and that in the Chronicles the six hundred shekels were of silver but disbursed and layd out in fifty shekels of gold which according to the proportion of the common value of twelve shekels of silver for one golden one comes to the foresaid six hundred shekels THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS The ARGUMENT THe holy Ghost continuing the sacred History setteth down in this Book made by one or more Prophets how that by Gods expresse order and Davids appointment whilst he was yet living Salomon was chosen and consecrated King over Gods People notwithstanding the eldership of his brother Adonijah and the power of his faction and consequently hâ—â— after Davids death hee began his reign by executing his Fathers last commands And how God appeared to him in a dreame and according to his holy and well guided request did endow him with divine and incomparable wisdome to govern his people wisely and happily to know and understand the secrets of nature and to conceive and utter sentences and notable sayings for the Churches instruction By which he got the voluntary love respect and obedience of his people the good will and esteeme of Kings and Princes farre and neare peace and inviolable securenesse in his state and established an excellent order in his house and all his affaires But above all things hee was moved to undertake and had meanes gloriously to accomplish the structure of the Temple of God the seat of the manifestation of his grace truth vertue and spirit and a place peculiarly and alone consecrated to yeeld unto him holy and acceptable service by him required and commanded So that Salomons reigne accomplished with a politick and religious happinesse represented the triumphant Church in heaven as Davids reign had been a figure of the Church Militant upon earth And all by vertue of Gods promises made to David by meanes of his perseverance in pietie which God had required for them by necessary conditions To which Salomon was also lively exhorted and confirmed in by the Lord by a second appearing to him But according to the manner of all temporall things and by the meanes of mens ordinarie corruption who can never for any continuance of time guide and rule themselves in a happy estate the heigth whereunto Salomons reigne was come began quickly to decline through his own fault who should have beene the man that should have made it firme to leave it so established and perpetuall to his posterity For having entangled himselfe in the love of an exorbitant number of women which were heathens and idolatrous in his old age he grew slack suffering their Idelatries and the open exercise of their abominations neare unto Ierusalem as one might say under the very eyes of God Whereupon even in his life time the threat of the rending of his kingdom was denounced unto him which happened soone after his death by the meanes of Rehoboam his sonnes pride and evill governed understanding who having alienated his peoples love from him did drive them to chuse Ieroboam King over the ten Tribes under the name of Israel the other two of Iudah and Benjamin only remaining under the obedience of the house of David which never had any more permission nor power from God to bring those other Tribes unto their former obedience This revolt or division of state was followed and seconded by a heavie and mortall scisme in Religion Ieroboam forbidding his subjects to frequent the Temple at Ierusalem and setting them up two Calves to the likenesse of the old one in the Wildernesse for to have them worship the Lord in those similitudes and yeeld him in them all manner of worship due unto him and did also at his pleasure alter the Ceremonies and Servants Which things quickly drew the wrath of God upon his house which was wholly rooted out Neither did his Successors of other Families any way amend themselves but grew still worse and worse even to the publike bringing up of the Gentiles Idolatries accompanied with all manner of wickednesses as well in their private conversations and lives as in their publike government As for Solomons posterity it varied much for sometimes there were very wicked Kings and sometimes again the Lord did raise pious and religious ones who re-established
the Italian I saw that is to say a second vision was presented unto me and at the first appearing of it I was ravished into a Propheticall extasie Now untill the end of the eleventh Chapter these visions seeme to represent the heavenly archetypes of Gods counsels concerning the state and chances of the Christian Church and from the twelfth forward the execution of them upon earth V. 2. One sate by that it is not here said that he had the likenesse of asonne of man and by Revel 5. 6 7. 7. 10. he sheweth that in this place we must understand it to be God the Father V. 3. A Jasper to represent his majesty and glory but without any image or figure V. 4. Foure and twenty an image or representative of the Church brought in here as gathered up into Heaven and made partaker of Christ her heads glory Revel 3. 21. and represented under the forme of the Rectors and heads of the earthly Jerusalem anciently composed as the Jewes relate it of foure and twenty Elders or heads of the foure and twenty quarters or high streets of the City over which was the Governour for the King who made the five and twentieth whereof some tract is seene Ezek. 11. 1 In white a signe of glory and most perfect heavenly purenesse see Rev. 3. 4 5. V. 5. Seven answerable to the seven Lampes in the Golden Candlesticke in the Temple see Exod. 25. 37. Zech. 4. 2. V. 6. A Sea a figure of the Heaven of glory represented by a Sea for its greatnesse and plaine extent and of glasse for its purity and splendor Foure a figure of the Angels see Ezech. 1. 5. Full of to signifie the perfect light of knowledge and perpetuall vigilancy in service in the holy Angels see Dan. 4. 13. 17. V. 8. Within namely under those wings V. 10. And cast in token of acknowledgement that all the glory which they have is Gods meere benefit and that they enjoy it onely to exalt his for ever V. 11. Thou art worthy that is to say to thee it belongeth to set everything under thine obedience as every thing hath its being from thee which is especially verified in Christs spirituall Kingdome Rev. 5. 12. and shall be accomplished in the Fathers everlasting Kingdom 1 Cor. 15. 24. CHAP. V. Vers. 1. A Booke a figure of Gods everlasting and secret decrees concerning the state and condition of his Church which decrees none knoweth but onely the Sonne who hath the full knowledge of them as true God with his Father And likewise it belongeth to none to declare them but onely to him who alone hath charge from the Father to reveale them as Mediator and great Prophet of the Church see Psal. 2. 7. Iohn 1. 18. 3. 32. 5. 19 20. V. 3. In Heaven by this enumeration nothing is meant but all the creatures in generall see Exod. 20. 4. Phil. 2. 10. V. 5. The Lyon namely Jesus Christ descended from Iudah according to the flesh to whom in spirituall truth belongeth the title of Lyon attributed to Judah Genes 49. 9. by reason of his soveraigne strength to overcome and destroy all his enemies Hath prevailed the Italian hath overcome that is to say hath obtained as in a triall more then any other hath overcome all difficulties and brought it to passe Or hath obtained in regard of his humanity this dignity of knowing all the fathers secrets and to unfold them by the combats which he hath undergone V. 6. In the middest namely betweene Gods Throne and the beast and the Elders A Lambe who represented Christ who by his death hath gotten that foresaid glorious title As it had been the Italian which seemed that is to say who bare in his glorious body the markes of his death and Sacrifice See Zech. 12. 10. John 20. 27. Rev. 1. 7. Seven hornes a token of Soveraigne power in Christ as King as the seven eyes are symboles of perfect know ledge in quality of Prophet V. 8. Harpes Instruments of praise which seeme more properly to belong to soules already glorified as the Vials full of odour are better referred to beleevers upon earth where the true place of prayer is as in Heaven is the place of thankesgiving For the whole Church as well Militant as Triumphant is here represented as yeelding her dutys to Christ. Which are that is to say which figure and signifie according to the ancient symbole Exod. 30. 1. V. 9. A new see upon Psal. 33. 3. V. 12. Riches namely the glory according to the use of the Hebrew tongue or all the treasures of wisdome and understanding Col. 2. 3. CHAP. VI. Vers. 2. A White Horse by Rev. 19. 11. it appeares that hereby is meant Christ carried upon the pure word of the Gospell conquering and overcomming the Kingdome of the Word and destroying his enemies Psal. 45. 4 5. Conquering beginning his victories even at his first comming out and prosecuting of them to the end V. 4. Another Horse by this may fittingly be meant the Roman Empire sorrell or red by reason of its continuall exercise in warres coveting the universall Empire of the world V. 5. A blacke Horse by this seemes to be meant the spirituall hunger after the bread of life which is the pure Word of God which after the ruine of the Roman Empire did much afflict the world A paire of Ballances as it were to distribute the bread by weight and proportion as they use to doe in great dearths see Lev. 26. 16. Ezech 4. 10 11. V. 6. A measure the Italian A Chenice the name of a measure which contained about two and twenty Ounces and the penny is the Drachme whereof eight make an ounce And so is signified a great dearth See thou hurt not that is to say this spirituall hunger shall notwithstanding be accompanied with great fleshly commodities and delights represented by Wine and Oyle which are not so absolutely necessary for mans life as Bread V. 8. A pale Horse by this may be meant Antichrist whose Kingdome is the death of the Church caused by violences privation of true practice pestilence of false doctrine persecutions of Potentates signified by the foure bodily scourges whence unavoydably followeth everlasting death Or simply are meant Gods judgements upon the World for the contempt of his word Over the fourth as indeed the kingdome of Antichrist seems to have taken so much part of the world V. 9. The Altar which in this vision appeared in Heaven before the Throne like the Altar of Incenses which was before the most holy place where Gods glory resided upon the Arke Exod. 30. 6. And this representation serves to shew that the soules of beleevers doe not appeare before God but onely by the intercession of Christ figured by those ancient perfumes Which they held having never forsaken it nor renounced it 1 John 5. 10. V. 10. How long a prayer not for any particular vengeance but of zeale to Gods justice and of desire
and the one and thirtieth verse For this was one of those wells which the Philistims had stopped up before City Which was thereby or which afterwards was builded there V. 34. Judith It may seeme by Gen. 36. 2. that these women and their fathers had severall names which thing was very frequent Or that Esau had divers wives V. 35. Griefe The Italian hath it bitternesse and so hath the Hebrew which was for their Idolatries impieties and prophane customes CHAP. XXVII VERS 4. MEat In all this we ought to look not so much to mens actions who cannot excuse themselves from being defective and crosse as to the execution of Gods Oracle Genesis 25. 23. which was by these meanes directed through his sacred providence See Genesis 25. 29. My soule That is to say that I may with a good will and with all mine heart declare thee to be mine heire and successor in the right of the spirituall blessing and Gods Covenant and also to be the head of the blessed race Now it seemeth that either Isaac had not rightly understood the said Oracle or that it was grievous to him to obey it V. 7. Before the By his authority and approbation presenting my selfe before him as in a religious act to desire the confirmation of his grace V. 8. Obey Rebecca did understand the Oracle Gen. 25. 23. and did desire to bring it to passe there was no defect in her but only in the meanes which she used which God suffered and made to serve for his worke V. 13. Thy curse This great confidence in Rebecca sheweth either a strong inspiration and conduct of God or a certaine knowledge of and faith in the aforesaid Oracle V. 16. The hands c. which are the naked and uncovered parts of the body by which also Isaac embracing of and touching his son might have knowne him V. 23. Blessed him That is to say wished him all manner of good because that here theâ—e is not yet the formall and patriarchall blessing which is contained ver 28 29. V. 27. Smelt It is very likely that these cloâ—thes were perfumed with some sweet sent which being smelt by Isaac excited in him this joy of spirit The meaning and sense is As a faire and fruitfull parcell of land recreates the sences especially the smelling through its flowers and fruits so I do finde my selfe exceedingly delighted in the presence of that of my Children upon which Gods blessing must rest who shall also bring forth the true fruits thereof in piety and holinesse V. 28. God This vertue conâ—aâ—neth the promises which belong to this life made unto his piety the next hath râ—spect to the spirituall ones V 29. Serve thee That is to say let the whole Church comprehended in thee and thy posterity and represented now in thee obtaine the right of inheheriting the world and of the spirituall liberty and dominion over the creatures and other men who are but servants in the house See Genesis 9. 25. and 25. 23. Isaiah 49. 23 Gal. 4. 25 26. Rev. 3. 9. Thy brethren Figuratively are understood all the men of the world that are of the same nature as the faithfull Cursed by God who taketh upon him all that is done either for or against his Church V. 33. Trembled By reason of his astonishment seeing he had done otherwise than he intended and there was also a kinde of divine motion whereby God revealed unto Isaac or put him in mind of his decree concerning his Children inclining him through a religious feare to consent unto it And hee shall This blessing shall stand firme and irrevocable V. 34. A great With griefe that he had irrecoverably lost that good yet without conversion or repentance V. 35. Thy blessing That which seemed by right to belong to thee as first borne V. 37 What shall I doe This prerogative of being the stocke of the blessed race must not be divided it must remaine whole and entire and cannot bee communicated to unbeleevers and children of the world which are represented by Esau. V. 38. Hast thou These words shew that Esau had no understanding nor did not apprehend this true blessing which is single and onely one And if hee had in earnest desired to have him partaker of it hee must have sought for it by holding with Jacob and with the true Church as a member not as head V. 39 The fatnesse The Italian hath it In the sat places of the earth So all the blessings of worldly men consist in temporall goods not in the grace and covenant of God V. 40. Shalt thou live Though thy pâ—sterity shall bee subjâ—cted to the Israelites yet shall they defend themselves from them with armes in their hands Ezec. 25. 12. Amos 1. 11 A pourtraiture of the world in maintaining it selfe in power and might against the Church which in right and in spirit ought to bee mistresse of it When thou shalt have the dominion The Italian hath it When thou shalt have groaned That is to say when thy progeny hath been oppressed and subdued others have iâ— When thou shalt have overcome See 2 Kings 8. 20. A signe that the Church oftâ—n loseth her right she h 〈…〉 h over the world in temporall things but never in spirituall and everlasting things V. 43. Haran The Italian hath it Charan See Gen. 11. 31. and upon Gen. 24. 4 10. V. 45. Of you both Of thee if Esau should â—â—ay thee and of him also who by killing of thee would bee guilty of Capitall punishment Gâ—nesis 9. 6. and would stand accursed and finally punished by God Himselfe as Cain was V. 46. Of my life Rebecca would have Jacob by the occasion of seeking a wife out of the holy race to obtaine leave of his father with his good liking and blessing CHAP. XXVIII VERSE 9. VNto Ishmael That is to say to the Ishmaelites for Ishmael was dead Gen. 25. 17. Maâ—aleth Called also by the name of Bashemath Genesis 36. 3. V. 12. A Ladder This vision signifieth the Communication which the Elect have with God through the mediation of Jesus Christ and the Covenant of grace founded upon him through which God takes notice and care of their wants and prayers which are brought unto him by his Angels and doth miraculously afford them ayd See Joh. 1. 51. V. 15. Untill I The Scripture doth often use this manner of speech not to exclude the time which followeth after the prefixed time but onely to assure the thing against that time when it seemeth to bee most doubtfull and dangerous See Psalme 110. 1. Matth. 28. 20. V. 16. The Lord As if he said God appeareth in this Country of Infidels as well as in my Fathers house where I thought this gift had beene peculiar and restrain'd to that place V. 17. Dreadfull Through the glorious apparition of God which alwayes brings terrour to the frailtie and Conscience of the sinfull man This is The Italian hath it This place is This place seemeth to bee a
the onely cause and foundation of all their honour and glory V. 6. A worme a most vile and contemptible person as Isa. 41. 14. V. 9. That took mee see Psal. 71. 6. Isa. 46. 3. V. 10. I was cast thou tookest me into thy care and tuition and tookest me up as a mid-wife or nurse taketh an infant when it first comes into the world V. 12. Bulls namely strong and fierce enemies Bashan a place abundant in fat pastures and great cattell Deut. 32. 14. V. 15. Hast brought me thou haste made mee even ready to bee laid downe in the graye see Psal. 7. 5. V. 17. They look feeding their eyes and passions with my misery as with a pleasant spectacle see Luke 23. 35. V. 20. My darling the Italian my onely one an epithet of the soule as Psal. 35. 17. for man having but one life that is so much the dearer to him Vnlesse he meane the solitude hee was in being destitute of all humane reliefe Psal. 25. 16. which was also verified in Christ Iohn 16. 32. V. 22. My Brethren all the faithfull adopted by the Father through grace and regenerate by his spirit and made brothers and co-heires with Christ Iohn 20. 17. Kom 8. 29. V. 26. The meeke an ordinary title of the faithfull Shalt eat shall spiritually be fed with the Lords flesh and blood who died and did rise againe for them and in him shall have the full fruition of all good things V. 27. All the ends a prophecie of the calling of the Gentiles shall remember the 〈◊〉 and lively knowledge of the sufferances and glory of Christ shall be given to and preserved amongst all Nations by the preaching of the Gospel and especially by the Sacrament of his body therefore called a remembrance Luke 22. 19. V. 28. The Kingdome namely the spirituall Kingdom over the Church and the universall one over all the world belongeth unto Christ true eternall God V. 29. All they that be all the true elect and faithfull rich and poore of what condition soever shall participate of these spirituall goods without vainely slopping vainely at the worldly and corruptible ones That goe down that are weak and halfe dead through hunger and misery V. 30. Shall bee accounted shall bee put into the number of the children of God Psal. 87. 6. V. 31. His righteousnesse by this word is meant Gods grace under the Gospel which was acquired unto men by Christ the everlasting Gods righteousnesse according to the truth of his promises and covenant see Rom. 3. 21. 22. PSAL. XXIII VER 3. HE restoreth or bringeth it againe into the rightway when it goeth astray Ofrighteousnesse according to others straight and plaine paths V. 4 I walk and though I were in the terrors of present death thy rod namely thy providence and conduct or thy spirit which is the internall guide and comfort of the faithfull V. 5. Thou annointest that is to say besides my necessary occasions thou dost fill me with joy and glory Your odiriferous oyles being used at banquets and upon other festivall occasions and to consecrate Kings and Princes see Psal. 92. 10. and 104. 15. V. 6. In the house namely in his Church in this world and in the everlasting Kingdome of heaven afterwards PSAL. XXIV VER 2. VPon the Seas that is to say upon the the great abisse of waters which is under the earth enclosed in great hollow places whence the heads of rivers doe spring and bubble out upon the earth see Gen. 7. 11. and 49. 25. 2 Pet. 3. 5. V. 3. Into the Hill that is to say into the Lords Temple set upon the hill Moriah in Jerusalem where David carried the Arke 2 Sam. 6. 17. 2 Chron. 3. 1. And afterwards into the Kingdome of heaven figured by that hill V. 4. Lift up who giveth no heed nor puts no confidence in the vaine and foolish designes of the world nor in the fraudulent enticements of the Devill V. 5. Righteousnesse the effects of the loyaltie of Gods promises and covenant and of the righteousnesse which his sonne hath acquired to the Church Psal. 22. 31. and the free reward of that righteousnesse which the faithfull doe practice through the Spirit of regeneration V. 6. Jacob the Italian hath it◠such is Iacob that seeketh thy face O God namely the true Israel according to the Spirit Rom. 4. 16. Gal. 6 16. Others translate it that seeke thy face in Iacob Others that seek thy face O Jacob that is to say which seek out the true Church to be incorporated into it by a lively faith under the onely head of the Church which is Christ see Isa. 44. 5. Rev. 3. 2. V. 7. O yee gates a prophetick representation of Christs glorious entrance into heaven under the figure of the Arke brought into the place prepared by David as Psal. 47. 15. and 68. 25. to shew the onely cause of the Churches gathering together and of the bringing of it up into heaven namely Christs ascention see Iohn 12. 32. Acts 2. 33. Ephes. 4. 8. 10. Lift up a phrase or terme taken from triumphall arches or great porticoes set up or beautified and adorned for the comming in of great victorious and triumphant Captaines V. 8. Who is the Angels admirations at the comming in of Christs humanitie into heaven see Ephes 3. 10. PSAL. XXV WIthout cause through meere and wilfull malice no way merited nor provoked by any offence of mine V. 6. Remember that is to say use them effectually towards me according as thou wert wont to doe for they seeing that from all eternity thou hast made use of those thy loving kindnesses in decreeing my salvation to thy selfe let not them now be interrupted staied nor limited any way V. 8. Therefore because God is good therefore he will give his children his Spirit for their direction and because he is upright it must of necessity bee a good and most certaine direction V. 10. The pathes that is to say the works and councels by which hee commeth and communicateth himselfe to his and by which he also bringeth them back to himselfe guiding them by the tracks of his owne vertues V. 11. For it is great therefore the expiation of that iniquity must be a work of thine infinite mercy whereunto thou art moved most when thou seest the greatest misery and necessity and the offender grieving most for it Rom. 5. 20. V. 14. The secret namely his decree and fixed will concerning their salvation and all the meanes appointed for it see Iohn 15. 15. Acts 10. 27. V. 21. Mine integrity let mine innocencie and sincerity be a sufficient defence and safeguard against all mine enemies ambushes and violence drawing thy protection upon mee Or let these vertues alwayes keep me from doing evill and let them never depart from me PSAL. XXVI VER 2. MY reines see Psalm 7. 9. and 16. 7. V. 3. Is before thy grace goeth alwayes along with my faith and I have sincerely obeyed the truth of thy
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
it bee adorned with divine graces even in this world yet it is like unto abride which is yet at home untill her solemne going forth when shee goeth to her husband Rev. 19. 7. 8. which signifieth that shee doth not outwardly make shew of what shee is as yet 1 Iohn 3. 2. or that her ornaments are spirituall and internall not worldly Cant. 1. 5. 1 Pet. 3. 3. V. 14. Shall bee brought that of altogether may be composed the intire body of the universall Church V. 15. Pallace first into the communion of the Church in this world and afterwards into heavenly glory V. 16. Thy children as if hee said O Christ in stead of the Iewish nation out of which thou shalt come according to the slesh the whole Christian Church shall bee thy people which is made so by thy word and spirit Heb. 2. 13. princes by some degree and measure of particitation of Christs spirituall and everlasting Kingdome and glory Mat. 19. 28. Luke 22. 29. 1 Cor. 6. 3. Ephes. 2. 6. PSAL. XLVI THE title Alamoth see 1 Chron. 15. 20. and upon Psal. 6. in the title V. 4. A river the Church shall enjoy her sweet rest and security though it have in it selfe but weak meanes meant by those smaâ—l streames and torrents where with Ierusalem was watered opposite to great rivers and seas that is to say the power and greatnesse of the world see Isa. 8. 6. V. 5. Right early the Italian when the morning appeareth that is to say just in the point and very moment of the greatest danger even as when after the dangers of the night with the day the assalt is expected as God hath done in diverse a 〈…〉 ctions of his people Exod. 14. 24. 27. 2 Chron. 20. 20. Psa. 30. 5. V. 6. The heathen this may bee understood of some singular deliverance as that of 2 Chron. 14. 12. and 20. 23 and 32. 2â— or of such ordinary ones as God sendeth to his Church hee uttered a figurative description of Gods miraculous assistance without any humane meanes as Psa. 18. 6. 7. V. 8. Hee hath made or hee hath sent desolations upon the earth that is to say hee hath destroyed the Kingdomes of the world which were his enemies V. 10. Be still Gods words to his enemies to exhort them to repentance or to denounce perdition to them if they continue PSAL. XLVII VER 2 FOr the Lord that is to say the everlasting sonne of God being gone up to heaven hath taâ—en possession of the universall Kingdome which God his father hath given him V. 3. Hee shall subdue this must bee understood of the spirituall subjection of the whole world to Christs Kingdome in whom the Church hath part as being his body see Isa. 49. 23. V. 4. Hee shall the Italian hee hath that is to say hee hath by his free election given us an excellent inheritance chosen out above all other wherein consists all our glory namely the Kingdome of heaven V. 5. Is gone up this may figuratively be understood of the arke of the covenant in which God did shew himselfe present which was by David transported with great pompe and solemnity into his city 2 Sam. 6. â—2 or by Solomon into the Temple 1 Kings 8. 6. But spiritually and chiefely it ought to be refâ—rred to Christs asscension into heaven as Psa. 68. 24. 25. V. 8. The throne namely the arke figuâ—atively 1 Chron. 28. 18. Psa 80. 1. and 99. 1. and heaven in truth and mistically Heb. 8. 1. and 12. 2. V. 9. The people namely of two they have been made one only people a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles unto God hee is the only protectâ—r and governor of the universe and therefore it is fitting and just that all men should acknowledge him and serve him CHAP. XLVIII THE title Of Psalme see upon the title of Psal. 30. V. 2. Beautifull for scituation not so much for temporall blessings for which shee was called the Queen of the East as for the spirituall ones God being present there and his service truly established there and the promise being that the Messias should there accomplish the worke of our redemption of the great King which God had chosen for his Royall residence where all his people are to come to receive his commands and to yeelde him hommage and service V. 4. The Kings he speaks of some notable enterprise which was against the Church as Psal 46. 6 V. 7. Thou breakest the Italian they were broken as the East wind breaketh the Ships of Tarshish thou dost overthrow all the preparations of men in the Sea of this world Of Tarshish of the great Sea either Mâ—dâ—terranean of Ocean With an East winde which is a tempestuous winde in those countreys Ier. 18. 17. V. 8. As we have heard that is to say this deliverance of ours is equall to those ancient deliverances whereof we have heard report Or we have so and the effects to be according to thy words and promise V. 10. According to thy thou makest thy selfe to be known such as indeed thou art and like unto such a one art thou praised and glorified V. 11. The daughters the cities of the Tribe of Iudah called daughters in respect of Ierusalem which was the Metâ—opolis V. 12. Walk about a poeticall representation by which the world is invited to consider the inpregnable strength and magnificence of the Church by reason of the presence of her God even as singularities of the Fort or Castle of a City are shewed to Travellers to the end that the may spread the fame thereof into forraign parts a great way off PSAL. XLIX VER 3. OF wisedome Hebrew wisedomes namely concerning the true knowledge and apprehension of the end of man that hee may lead his life accordingly V. 4. I will encline a terme taken from Musitians who leane to their eare when they are tuning their instruments meaning that he will instruct himselfe as well or better then any other can V. 5. The iniquity that is to say the congregation of the wicked or the calamities which God useth to inflict upon his children for the punishing of sinne V. 8. Precious the Italian cannot be found or it is deare or rare to be gotten V. 11. They call seeing themselves to be mortall they think for to immortalize themselves by meanes of their lands and Lordships which they call by their owne names V. 12. The beasts as much as concerneth the body and this present life Eccles. 3. 19. V. 13. Their sayings Hebrew their mouth the meaning is that although the sonnes of worldly men see the vanity of their fathers confidence yet they will follow their example Others translate it they doe approve of it with their mouths that is say doe with words prayse that kinde of life and doe follow it with their deeds V. 14. Feed on them the Italian shall pasture them a poeticall kinde of speech that is to say being laid in the eâ—rth like unto a
great flock of sheep they shall be under the command of death Other shall seed on them that is to say shall consume them 〈◊〉 Shall have dominion the elect who are partakers of Christs eternall Kingdome in the blessed resu rection which is called the great day-break Cant. 2. 17. and 7. 12. 2 Pet. 1. 19. shall obtaine a full victory and have quiet dominion over the world and the worldly Beautie or strength V. 15. Will redeeme shall raise my body to life and glory because I dyed in his grace and my soule shall be carried up to heaven Or according to others because he hath adopted me and received me into the number of his elect V. 18. He blessed hee hath been contented and flattered himselfe with a vaine opinion of happinesse V. 19. He shall goe the Italian it shall goe namely the soule of the worldly man See light namely the light of life and glory everlasting V. 20. Understandeth not namely true spirituall wisdome to apprehend the scope of everlasting happinesse and direct his life towards it The beasts not as concerning the lastingnesse and subsistencie of the soule which is eternall but in the privation of happinesse which is the true end of man PSAL. L. THe title Of Asaph a famous Musitian in Davids dayes 1 Chron. 25. 2. who was also a Prophet and composer of Psalmes 2 Chron. 29 30. whereupon it is not certaine whether the Psalmes which are entitled by his name were composed by him or whether they were onely directed to him and his successors to bee plaid and sung in their turnes V. 1. The mightie God the Italian the God of gods the representation of a solemn act namely the Lord judging of his Church drawn according to the modell of the great and last judgement to which it serves as a preparation for instruction and correction The earth that is to say all the inhabitants thereof V. 2. The perfection of beautie the Italian the place of the perfection or according to others he appeared compleatly beautifull V. 4. To the heavens to bee as assisting and witnesses Deut. 32. 1. Isa. 1. 2. unlesse that by the heavens he meanes the Angells V. 5. Gather this seemes to bee spoken to the Angels who are ministers in this judgement Matth. 13. 39. 41. and 24. 31. Saints namely all the members of my Church and people sanctified by my covenant and the seales thereof by my calling and their profession though many have denied the truth and vertue of it By sacrifice that is to say ratified it by a solemn sacrifice and spilling of the bloud set down Exod. 24. 8. Others referre it more generally to all sacrifices which were seales of Gods covenant V. 6. Declare Gods justice shall in this judgement of his bee manifested to all the world as plainly as those things which from heaven are seen here upon the earth Rom. 1. 18. God is Iudge a true i and Soveraign Iudge of all the world and therefore â—n him there can be no injustice Iob 34. 13. Rom. 3. 6. V. 7. Testifie against thee the Italian make my protestations to thee namely solemne declarations of what I require at thy hands and what I doe enterchangeably promise to thee V. 8. I will not in this judgement I will not aske thee any account of the externall and ceremoniall service which of it selfe is not agreeing with my nature nor acceptable to mee but onely being done as a duty of obedience and joyned with the internall service of faith invocation holinesse thanksgiving c. V. 11. I know they are alwayes before me ready at my service V. 14. Thanksgiving the Italian prayse he comprehends all the spirituall service in these two parts of thanksgiving and invocation and in effect it consisteth all in receaving of God in faith by meanes of prayer that which he pleaseth to bestow upon us and to give unto him againe what he therefore requires at our hands that is to say service and acknowledgement in words and deeds which things are pointed out unto us by these termes of the Law namely of sacrifices of prayse and of vowes see Lev. 7. 12. V. 18. Thou consentest with him the Italian thou delightest in his companie or thou runnest along with him Hast beene partaker with the Italian thy portion is with thou art their companion A terme taken from commerce or from banquets made after the ancient manner to which divers did contribute and had their shares therein V. 20. Thou sittest even at thine own ease as if it were a pastime and recreation to thee V. 21. And I kept silence I have not taken notice of thine offences nor have not punished them suddenly Eccels 8. 11. 12. Isa. 26. 10. V. 22. Teare you that is to say destroy you by executing of my judgements God in his rigor being compared to a Lyon V. 23. That ordereth according to my will which is here setdown PSAL. LI. VER 1. BLot out sinne hath in it the staine of spirituall pollution and makes one liable to punishment God blots it out when notwithstanding the said staine he looks graciously upon the soule by vertue of his sonnes justice and satisfaction which presents it selfe between the sinner and him and together with that cancels the debt of the offence in his judgement and so gives peace to the conscience V. 2. Wash mee a frequent terme to signifie the lively application and imputing of Christs bloud to the sinfull soule whereby it is put into such an estate that God doth not abhorre it as foule and impure but accepts of it as beautifull and and cleane see Heb. 9. 14. 1 Iohn 1. 7. V. 3. I acknowledge I doe judge rightly of it without dallying or lulling my selfe asleep I am ashamed thereof and am in anguish therefore and doe confesse the fault And my sinne my conscience doth alwayes set it before me as it is horrible and abominable V. 4. Against thee David had sinned against men also as well through private injury as by publike scandall but for to aggravate his offence and to seek pardon and remedy there where onely it is to be had he makes himself guilty towards God alone the offence towards man being nothing in regard of the offence towards him whose Majesty is offended and Law violated in every sin And also to shew that no excuse pardon acceptation of persons or want of power on mens side could free him from Gods judgement though as he was King he was exempted from the punishment of men see Gen. 20. 6. 39. 9. Lev. 5. 19. 6. 2. That thou I doe thus confesse it because that all glory may bee given to thee for all the judgements and punishments which thou shalt lay and inflict upon me V. 5. I was shapen I do not only confesse my sin in this action but in generall also by reason of the corruption of my nature through originall sinne which hath passed into me in my begetting As if he should say I
where bee justice and peace in abundance whereof the first comprehends all the vertues and properties of a good government the other all the happinesses which ensue V. 5. They shall that is to say thy people and thine elect shall be induced by these loving kindnesses of the Messias and brought to a sincere and voluntary performance of Gods service V. 6. Come down hee shall bring comfort and refreshment and new plenty of spirituall vertues into the world which is quite scorched with iniquities and all blessings quite dried up in it see Iob 19. 23. V. 8. From sea Solomon indeed reigned from the sea of Sodom or from the red sea to the mediterranean sea East and West and from the river Euphrates to the uttermost bounds of the land of Canaan North and South 1 Kings 4. 24. according to the bounds which God had set down Exod. 23. 31. Num. 34. 3. But all this was but a shaddow and figure of Christs Kingdome which was to spread over all the earth V. 9. Shall lick they shall prostrate themselves before him with their faces groveling upon the ground according to the fashion of the Easterne people as Isa. 49. 23. V. 10. Of Tarshish namely of all the sea-coasts see Psal. 48. 7. and that which was spoken of Solomon 1 Kings 10. was but a small essay in this point but the perfect accomplishment of it was in Christ who sitteth at the fathers right hand above all powers and dominations Ephes. 1. 21. V. 14. Pretious that is to say hee will keepe it from shedding or hee will be avenged upon them that shall shed it see 2 Kings 1. 13. V. 15. Prayer shall be not for Christ himselfe who is farre from needing any assistance from man Yea hee alone hath prayed and doth pray the father for all men by the only vertue of his most perfect justice according to the property of his office of Mediator and intercessor But prayer is made for the manifestation preservation and increase of his Kingdome and for his body which is the Church see Psal. 18. 46. and 118. 25. 26. Mat. 6. 10. V. 16. In the earth a figurative description of a great plenty and abundance the meaning is that of a little seed sowen the eares of corne shall grow to such a height and fullnesse that they shall make a noyse in the ayre like the cedars of Lebanon driven with the winde V. 17. Shall call him blessed the Italian shall bee blessed in him or they shall blesse themselves in him that is to say they shall glory in the happinesse which they enjoy through his loving kindnesse Or they will esteeme and acknowledge that all the good which they have proceedeth from him alone V. 20. Are ended this is the last Psalme which David penned leaving it as a deposite or legacy to Solomon PSAL. LXXIII In the title Of Asaph see upon Psal. 50. in the title V. 2. VVere almost gone the Italian stumbled through diffidence in Gods grace or murmuring against his providence or being tempted to imitate the wicked V. 4. There are no they doe sweetly passe over their naturall course of life and are not violently drawn to an untimely death through weaknesse or other chances V. 7. They have every thing goeth on prosperously with them even beyond their own hope conceipt or desire V. 8. They are corrupt the Italian they are dissolute that is to say they are licentious and let the raines loose to all manner of evill or they loose themselves in pleasures and dissolutenesse the Hebrew phrase is taken from things which doe melt and are spilt that speake they are arrogant and presumtuous in their speeches as if they were above other men above law and order and that all things were lawfull for them to doe V. 9. They set that is to say they speake prophanely of God and of his providence and justice or they doe foolishly boast of his favour by reason of their present happinesse their tongue their pride is such that they judge and speake of every thing at their own pleasure without any feare or regard Or they doe take resolutions and lay their plots everywhere as though nothing were impossible to them V. 10. Hither namely to these thoughts and to the words following waters that is to say God sends them perpetuall and extreame afflictions which is meant by drinking off a cupp and squeesing all the liquor into it V. 12. In the world the Italian perpetually or in this age V. 13. Cleansed God indeed is hee who only cleanseth mans heart from sinne by the â—â—oud of his sonne and by the vertue of his spirit 1 Cor. 6. 11. But this action is attributed to man by reason of his study and voluntary co-operation by the gift of the holy Ghost residing in him namely to cleanse himselfe from sinne and keepe himselfe from iniquity 1 Iohn 3. 3. and 5. 18. V. 15. I should offend the Italian I am disloyall that is to say I doe Gods Church a great deale of injury which hath alwayes been under afflictions if I thinke or say that all her piety hath been without hope or her hope without effect Others I deceive the generation that is to say I propound a false doctrine unto them which is apt to seduce them Others behold the generation c. that is to say notwithstanding all afflictions it is certaine that thou art a Father to the Church only which is sufficient to make mee judge well of these afflictions I have done ill and confesse I have erred in this my rash judgement V. 17. I went withdrawing my minde from the world and the false shewes thereof I have confined my selfe to judge of these things according to the rule of thy word revealed in thy Church Psal. 77. 12. Or contemplating by faith heavenly things and the glory in which thou dwellest which is the true scope and reward of the faithfull and not the world 2 Cor. 4. 17. 18. from whence the wicked are excluded V. 19. With terrors which cannot bee understood by panick terrors which terrifie the wicked Iob 18. 11. Psal. 53. 5. nor of the tragicall and strange accidents by which they perish see Iob 31. 3. V. 20. Shalt despise when these vaine shaddowes of the world shall be past in which thy providence seemeth to sleep when thou shalt bring forth every thing into the light of thy judgement thou shalt make it appeare that their prosperity hath been but a false illusion and thou shalt change this worldly lustre into everlasting ignominie Others when thou shalt awake them namely at the last resurrection V. 21. Pricked that is to say stung with impatience having my thoughts and affections wounded with rage V. 23. Neverthelesse not withstanding all these assaults I never forsooke thee for want of faith to run into despaire nor for want of obedience to follow the example of the wicked and thou hast also continually accompanied mee with thy grace and spirit V. 24. Thy
counsell namely thy conduct and internall direction of thy holy spirit Psal. 16. 7. V. 26. Strength the Italian rock the strength the firme subsistance and prop Deut. 32. 4. my portion as Psal. 16. 5. V. 27. A whoring so the scripture calls the alienation of mans heart from the pure and loyall love and service of God to goe after idols or after the world and the creatures and to cleave to them in love and trust in them Iam. 4. 4 1 Iohn 2. 16. PSAL. LXXIV THE title Of Asaph see Psal. 50. in the title Now Asaph living in Davids time and the subject of this Psalme being evidently of the desolation caused by the Chaldeans Asaph could not be the composer of it but some other Prophet of those times who put it to Asaphs posterity who was one of the three heades of holy singers 1 Chron. 25. 1. 2. to sing it in the Iewes synagogues in Babylon V. 1. For ever that is to say without any hope or appearance of being restored V. 2. The rod the Italian the tribe namely the tribe of Iudah which above all the rest had this promise to be preserved in the dignity and degree of being Gods people and named his inheritance Deut. 32. 9. and never to faile untill the comming of Christ Gen. 49. 10. V. 3. Lift up come to visite them to take compassion of them and to restore them perpetuall which are irreparable unlesse thou settest thine helping hand unto them V. 4. Roare the Italian have roared that is to say have made great outâ—ryes and kept a great stirre when they gave the onset or after the victory of thy congregations the Italian of thy Temple the Hebrew of thy place of meeting or congregation so is the tabâ—â—nacle called Exod. 27. 21. and afterwards Solomons Temple which is here expressely made mention of for signes namely for trophics or monuments of victories V. 5. A man was famous the Italian that shall be known that is to say they have left such tokens of their fury that the remembrance thereof will last in after ages as hee had that is to say 〈◊〉 as a wood-man with his hook or harche 〈…〉 〈…〉 s downe the shrubs and bushes without any respect or difference even so have the enemies spoiled and broken all the ornaments of thy Temple whereof see 1 Kings 6. 18. 29. 32. V. 8. All the Synagagues the Italian all the places of meeting for besides the Temple there were in every city or inhabited and frequented places oratories or synagogues where the people came together to pray or to heare the ordinary exposition of the Iaw Others will have the Temple only meant divided into a great many parts and members V. 9. Our signes namely the frequent miracles formerly wrought for our deliverances Or the signes of Gods presence such as the Arke was Vrim and Thummim c. Or the sacraments of his grace and covenant as sacrifices and other ceremonies were that knoweth that 〈…〉 th any prophetick revelation to know when the end of our troubles will bee V. 11. Pluck it cut of thy the Italian let it not remaine in thy which is the action of one that stands idle and carelesse see Prov. 19. 24. and 26. 15. V. 13. Of the dragons the Italian of the whales hee seemes to meane the heads of the Egyptian host as in the verse following Pharaoh himselfe is meant by Leviathan a common name for all your great sea creatures For Egypt is scituate between two seas and within it is almost every where watered by the river Nilus see Isa. 51. 9. Ezech. 29. 3. and 32. 2. V. 14. To the people namely to the wilde beasts which devoured the Egyptians carkasses which were cast up upon the shoar V. 16. Is thine thou art the author preserver and governour of this alternall course of nature namely of the day and the night Vnder which he seemes also to meane that alternall course of his providence by which hee sendes his Church sometimes prosperity and sometimes adversitie V. 17. The borders hereby may be understood the seas which devide and sever the earth or in regard of particular countries the naturall frontiers of seas hills and deâ—â—rts see Deut. 32. 8. Whereby hee seemes to inferre that Gods people having also had their confines which had beene broken through Gods judgements it would one day please him to re-establish and preserve them V. 19. Thy turtle dove namely thy Church represented in scripture under the names of such kinds of weak mild simple and sociable same creaâ—ures which are most exposed to wrongs and injuries see Cant. 2. 10. and 4. 1. Mat 10. 16. V. 20. The covenant formerly made with thy people see Zach. 9. 11. the dark places that is to say the countreyâ— being desert and horrid is full of robberles and receptacles for murtherers V. 21. Ashamed that is to say fallen from all hopes and denied the request of his prayers praise let them have occasion to praise it through their deliverance V. 23. Increaseth the Italian ascendeth it goeth up to heaven that is to say their insolent blasphemies are directed to thee and doe provoke thee to vengeance as Gen. 4. 10. and 18. â—0 Exod. 3. 7. Or it encreaseth that is to say it gathereth strength by reason of thy patience The meaning is if thou lettest them alone there will bee no end of their rage Others translate it in the tumult of those which set upon thee which ascendeth c. PSAL. LXXV THE 〈…〉 le song see upon Psal. 30. in 〈◊〉 title Of Asaph that is to say which is one of the number of those Psalmes wich were especially given to Asaphs posterity to sing them in the Temple And if Asaph were the composer of this Psalme hee speaketh in Davids person see Psal. 50. in the title Altashith see upon Psal. 57. in the title V. 1. Doe wee give thanks it seemes this Psal me was composed after Sauls death when David had taken possession of the Kingdome and that the Iebusites had yet Ierusalem in their hands Ios. 15. 63. 2 Sam. 5. 6. thy name thou thy selfe in the effects of the excellent titles which thou hast of everlasting almighty c. Or thy grace and power is neere that is to say present in operation and efficacy V. 2. When I that is to say when I shall have taken from the Iebusites the City of Ierusalem which God hath appointed to bee the chiefe city of the Kingdome the seat of his Temple where his people must meet for his solemne service Deut. 12. 11. 1 Kings 8. 29. Psal. 122. 4. mount Sion being called the mouut of the congregation Isa. 14. 13. as the ancient tabernacle was Exod. 27. 21. then will I employ my selfe wholly and peaceably to governe rightly and doe justice see Psa. 101. which is very hard to doe amongst the confusion of armes V. 3. The earth the Italian the countrey that is to say all the countrey was ruined through factions
22 Hosca 6. 6. Fooles Namely all such as through ignorance superstition or hypocrisie do erre in Gods service which ought to be in Spirit and truth for to acknowledge his benefits and not to gaine his favour with presents which is a thought abominable to God See Psal. 50. 8. Prov. 15. 8. 21. 27. Isay 1. 11. 16. V. 2. Be not Take a religious care of what thou utterest whether it be in thy prayers to desire of God things convenient and in a convenient manner Rom. 8. 25. Or in thy prayses and thanksgivings to doe it with that devotion and zeale as is required or in making of vowes not to vow any thing that thou hast not a will and firme resolution to fullfil Others doe not speake cursorily that is to say doe not accumulate and heape up multitudes of words as superstitious men doe Matth. 6. 7. For God Seeing that thou who art an earthly creature speakest to the Creator in his glory do it with reverence and trembling See Heb. 12. 25. V. 4. In â—ooles For such are they that vow inconsiderately and then doe seek meanes to go back from their promises Prov. 20. 25. V. 6. The Angell Namely the Sonne of God who in his owne proper person was present in the Temple in grace and power See Isay 6. 5. John 12. 41. And is called Angell by reason of his office of Mediator Exod. 23. 20 21. 33. 14 Isay 63. 9. Mal. 3. 1. And destroy He would curse thee and bring all thine actions to naught by reason of thy perjury V. 8. Marvell not Although there were no providence to governe the woâ—ld nor justice to punish these disorders That is higher Namely God the Soveraigne Lord. Psalme 58. 11. and 82. 1. Then the highest Namely the holy Angels to whom as Executioners of Gods justice and Ministers of his providence is committed the care of the Empires of the world and chiefly of the Church of God See Dan 4. 17. Rom. 8. 38. V. 9. The earth An oeconomicall precept for to make choice amongst other practises and arts which are for the sustaining of the life of man of husbandry as the most innocent necessary and delightfull See Prov. 27. 23. 24. The King There is no man let him bee never so great that can bee without the earth seeing he hath his nourishment from no other place V. 10. He that loveth The covetousnesse and desire of growing rich more suddainly and abundantly often diverts a man to some other kinde of trafficks and exercises more gainfull Yet husbandry hath this advantage that man in effect hath no fruition nor good of his money but so farre as it is converted to purchase the fruits of the earth for his sustenance Abundance Namely of gold and silver Things which of themselves are â—eâ—d and doe noâ— yield any fruit as the earth doth This is Namely this blind love of money V. 11 When goods Ordinarily great wealth is accompanyed with a great family and number of servants which waste and consume it So that the possessor thereof hath no other pleasure or benefit thereby but onely the vaine delight of seeing them before him V. 12 Is sweet Because he is voyd of heart-burning cares and vehement covetousnesse and because that his labour joyned with his sober manner of living causeth him to take a sweet kind of rest The abundance the abundance of wealth causeth a great deale of care and unquietnesse of mind Or the sâ—superfluity of dyet alters the health of the body and fills it full of raw humours V. 13. To their hurt Being occasion of their death or some grievous sinister chance through private treacherie or publike violence V. 14 By evill travaile Namely by some injury or wicked act done unto them by others or by some misfortune of their owne V. 17. In darkenesse basely and wretchedly like one that is a true prisoner and slave to his riches V. 18. Behold A confirmation of the conclusion made Eccl. 2. 12. 22. V. 20. Shall not much Hee shall not be much troubled at the shortnesse and unstablenesse of this life for living in Gods grace whom hee calleth upon he feeles in his heart that GOD answereth him finding the comfort of his spirit which breedes in him that holy and pleasant fruition of the present good which he hath and the assured hope of the eternall CHAP. VI. VERS 1. THere is He declares what he said before that the sweet enjoyment and fruition of goods doth not depend upon them nor upon mans owne will but comes from Gods meere grace V. 3 And his soule If he hath not the fruition of them in his life time with an honest content That he have no Namely if hee dyes some violent or infamous death which deprives him of the honour of buriall Is better in respect of the world and of sence an untimely or abortive birth which never felt good nor evill hath an advantage of him who hath had goods and hath lost them and hath besides endured much griefe and trouble V. 4. For he commeth Namely that untimely birth whose first framing seemes to be unprofitable seeing it never comes to the perfection of being an human creature V. 5 More rest Having never felt any evill V. 6 Yea though hee The happinesse doth not consist simply in the life but in the goods which one enjoyeth in it Wherefore if one have no good during life it is burthensome and troublesome and death once comming makes them which have not been equall with those which have been in regard of the goods of this life V. 7. All the labour man hath no other fruit of all his labours in this world but only the supplying of his wanes and of those things which are usefull for him yet he cannot bound his labours and desires within these termes and his understanding being thus corrupted he can never have any true content of minde unlesse it be granted him by Gods grace V. 8. For what He proves the absurdity of this unreasonable care which man takes For of all the care and industry he useth in preserving his goods if he hath any or to get some if he hath none he hath no other benefit but the maintenance of his life V. 9. Better is The true good a man can have in this life is to enjoy that which he hath in peace and rest and not to wander with straying and unsatisfied desires after that which he hath not This is namely this extreame desire and anxiety to be alwayes getting V. 10. Already The name of Adam that is to say terrestriall which God gave man at his first ereation sufficiently sheweth the imperfection of his being if he be not in Gods favour namely that he hath his heart alwayes fixed upon the earth from which he came wherewith his soule being not satisfied by reason that it is of a divine originall he labours endlessely for new experiences and for to heape up goods of the same nature Neither may
spirituall enemies V. 26. And I will I will blesse them and their habitation and their pasture abundantly V. 27. When I have broken when I have freed and redeemed them by the bloud of my sonne from the spirituall captivity of the devill and sinne V. 29. A plant Jesus Christ glorious in his divine Majesty and force who shall make his Church famous through his gifts and graces being her true tree of life See Isa. 11. 1. Jer. 23. 5. V. 31. Are men all the aforesaid things are to be understood spiritually with a relation to the soule of the elect and the salvation of it so that the correspondency which is betweene the sheep a bruit beast and the shepheard which is man is found in spirit between man and his God CHAP. XXXV Ver. 〈◊〉 MOunt towards the land of Idumaea or Edom. V. 5. Hatred against Israel See Ezek. 25. 15. Amos 1. 11. Of the children the Italian overthrowne the children that is to say hast assisted the Caldaeans in making a horrible slaughter of my people Psal. 137. 7. Ezek. 25. 12. that their the Italian at the fulnesse of their iniquity at which time the measure of my peoples sinnes being full I also caused my judgements to fall violently upon them Ezek. 21. 30. 31. V. 6. And bloud namely the sword and violent death V. 10. Two Nations thou hast perswaded thy selfe that thou shouldest possesse the land of Judah and of the ten Tribes Whereas the Lord the Italian though the sword though the Lord have taken it for his owne proper habitation placing his people there and his Temple with the signes of his presence V. 11. Make my selfe I will make my selfe knowne to my Church by new trials of my justice and power against her enemies and of my love and mercy towards her V. 14. So shall the Italian when the whole earth rejoyceth namely when I shall give all the world cause to rejoyce at my peoples deliverance and their re-establishment in their countrey then will I increase thy desolation This was partly verefied in the Idumaeans but hath been accomplished in the enemies of the Church whose curse and condemnation increased when salvation appeared to the elect and beleevers through Christ. CHAP. XXXVI Ver. 2. HAd said hath triumphed and scoffed at your desolation The high places the Italian the everlasting hils an epithet ordinarily given to high hils Gen. 49. 26. Deut 33. 15. Hab. 3. 6. by reason of their immovable firmenesse but by this figure is chiefly meant the Church founded upon Gods promises V. 3. And ye are taken up ye have been derided by prophane Nations V. 7. I have lifted that is to say I have heaven V. 8. Shoot forth you shall be endowed with new fruitfullnesse which my people shall enjoy being shortly to come out of captivity A figurative description of the happinesse which shall be in the world under the Messias in the behalfe of the Church V. 12. Thou shalt no more he attributes the desolation which happened to his people by hunger pestilence and warre to the countrey by a similtude of evill women that doe kill their burthen in their wombe V. 13. Devourest up as who should say an accursed countrey condemned to all manner of misery the inhabitants of which cannot live the Canaanites having first been rooted out of it and since that the Israelites V. 14. Thou shalâ— thou shalt no more be subject to those frequent calamities which have made thee infamous V. 17. As the uncleannesse which is extreamely abominable V. 20. They prophanâ—d Through their misery and slavery occasioned by their owne sins they have given their enemies occasion of blaspheming me as if I their God could not have saved them or as if I were not faithfull in my promises V. 21. I had pity For to free my Name from these imputations I have resolved to forgive my people and to re-establish them V. 23. Sanctifie I will cause my divine perfections to be knowne by the effects contrary to those slanders that my holy name may be respected and honoured by all men as it ought to be V. 24. I will take you By the returne from Babylon is figured and comprehended the salvation oâ— the Church by the Messias together with the abundance of all spirituall graces V. 25. I will sprinkle I will largely communicate my grace â—nto you and grant you pardon for all your sinnes parchased with the price of my Sonnes blood which was shed for the sinnes of the world Ephes. 5. 26. Heb 9. 14. 1 John 1. 7. V. 26. The stony heart namely The hard heart which hath beene inflexible to my spirit insensible of my Word and Judgements and impeneâ—â—ble to my grace Of flesh pliable and capable of being vivified and governed by my spirit as amongst naturall bodies there is none fitting nor apt to receive and containe the vitall spirit but â—nely the fleshly body V. 29. Save you By my free Justification I will free you from that punishment which your filthinesse deserves and by the sanctification of my spirit I will free you from the corruption and slavery of sinne I will call By mine Almighty Word I will cause all manner of good things to be brought forth unto you V. 32. For your sakes Not for any desert or worth that is in you V. 37. Be enquired that is to say The abundance of goods shall be such that they shall desire nothing but for to have a number of men sufficient to enjoy those goods V. 38. As the holy flocke Which was brought into Jerusalem at the three solemne feasts for sacrifices in innumerable quantity CHAP. XXXVII Vers. 1. IN the spirit namely In extasie and rapture of minde Bones Dead mens bones V. 3. Can these bones By any way or naturall power that thou knowest V. 4. Prophecie Be thou the instrument of mine Almightie Word by which in vision these bones shall seeme to thee to have life put into them for a signe that by my power my people shall be re-established in their former estate V. 7. Aâ—â—oyse A signe of Gods glorious presence shewing his power in a miraculous and supernaturall worke To his bone Joyning themselves againe to thir naturall joynts V. 9. To the wind the Italian To the spirit According to some to the soule of man and according to some to the holy Ghost it selfe whose personall property is to vivifie and cause all things to live Psal. 104. 30. From the foure For to signifie the restauration of the people from all those places where they had been scattered Breathe upon Send the soule and spirit of life into every one of these dead bodies by the operation of thy divine power Hee seemes to intend to represent the manner of the creating and infusing the soule into Adam described Gen. 2. 7. V. 11. Our bones Wee are destroyed beyond hope of restauration Wee are in Babylon like dried bones in sepulchres Psal. â—41 7. V. 16. One sticke Some little piece of boord or
death Dan. 88. and 11. 4. 1 Mac. 1 9 10. V. 7. A fourth by Dan. 8. 9. we may finde that the first meaning of this Prophecye hath a relation to the kingdome of Syria and Aegypt possessed by Seleucides and Lagides which notwithstanding doth not hinder us from beleeving but that Gods Spirit did looke yet further namely to the Roman Empire by the resemblance of â—t to the other in the persecuting of the Church the subversion and interdiction of Gods service and the violence done to consciences Whereupon the Revelation doth fit many of these passages of Daniel to Antichrist See Dan. 2. 40. Dreadfull especially to Gods people who were never more cruelly used then by Seleucides Dan. 8. 11 12. and 11. 31 36. Diverse seeing his tyranny over Gods people tended to force men to idolatry and to annihilate Gods service which none of the precedent Empires had attempted Ten hornes these are the ten Seleucides Kings of Asia and of Syria to Antiochus comprehending him amongst the rest v. 24. For although he had successors yet the people of God in regard of whom these things are spoken begun after Antiochus to re-assume their liberty under the Asmoneans untill Christ. V. 8. Another this is Antiochus called Epiphanes who is one of the number of the ten Kings yet he is called another because his tyranny over the people was especiall v. 24. Little as Dan. 8 9. because that this Antiochus was the strongest of his brethren and the kingdom did not by right belong him and besides he was of a base and despicable carriage Dan. 11. 21. Three of that is to say three Kings namely Ptolomeus Philopater King of Aegypt who had taken Syria Antiochus the Great father of Epiphanes and Seleucus his brother who were all three deprived either of their lives or of their kingdomes by Antiochus v. 24. Weare eyes to shew his naturall sagacity and cunning Dan. 8. 23 25. and 11. 23 32. Presumptuous he shall be exceeding haughty in words 1 Mac. 1. 25. and cruell in bloudy decrees and a great blasphemer of God himselfe v. 25. Dan. 8. 23 25. and 11. 36. 1 Mac. 1. 46 47. See the comparison of this with Pagan Rome Rev. 1â— 5. V. 9. â—ill the Thrones untill God did enter into judgement against Epiphanes for the deliverance and revenge of his people A figurative description as Psal. 7. 6 7 and 9 4 7. The ancient A figurative representation of God the everlasting Father and his glorious Majesty Wheeles Gods Throne is here described with wheeles 1 Chron. 28. 18. Ezek. 1. 15. and 10. 9. to shew that Gods providence moveth every where to governe all things and to provide for all things V. 10. Fiery streame hereby is signified the inevitable and consuming force of Gods judgements See Psal. 50 3. and 97. 3. Isa. 30. 33. Thousand of holy Angels The books termes taken from judgements amongst men in which the enquiries proofes confessions and other writings are produced to frame the judgement by and the Lawes also are considered See Rev. 20. 12. V. 11. And given A description of the death and everlasting damnation of Antiochus 1 Mac. 6. 8 13. V. 12. Their dominion not at the same time but the meaning is that every great Empire enemy and persecutor of the Church was destroyed before Christs comming upon earth from time to time though the nations still continued and subsisted in some weake and low forme of state See Dan. 2. 25. untill all the reliques were swallowed up by the Romans V. 13. One the Sonne of God is here represented in the flesh who after his resurrection is set at the right hand of the Father and from him hath obtained all power in heaven and in earth See Ezek. 1. 26. Acts 2. 34 36. Ephes. 1. 20. Phil. 2. 9. Heb. 1. 3 4. Rev. 1. 13. 14. 14. V. 15. Was grieved the Italian I fainted through the greatnesse and brightnesse of the sight of Gods majestie according to the manner of Prophets after their extasies which did dazle their senses tire their spirits and overthrow their naturall faculties See Dan. 7. 28. and 8. 27. and 10. 8. 16. V. 16. That stood by namely one of the Angels that appeared in this vision V. 17. Kings that is to say kingdomes Dan. 2. 38 39. V. 18. The Sa 〈…〉 that is to say the Church of God in Christ her head first and afterwards the whole body which shall be perfectly united with him shall receive from God the spirituall and everlasting kingdome See Dan. 7. 22. Isay 60. 12. Rev. 1 6. 5. 10. whereof the Machabies principality was but a shadow and was betweene the reigne of Antiochus and the comming of Christ. V. 20. Whose looke thus is Antiochus his great power and enterprizes set downe which he reformed more then all the rest of the Sâ—leucides Dan. 8. 10. and 11. â—7 V. 22. To the Saints namely to Gods people v. 25. Dan. 8. 24. and 11. 30. V. 23. The whole earth this understood of the Seleucides signifieth a great extent of land but being anagogically referred to Rome it represents the affected and titular universality of their Empire V. 25. Change times to annihilate Gods service his feasts Sabbaths and other solemne and sacred dayes and all the other Ordinances of the Law Dan. 8. 11. 11. 31. 1 Mac. 1. 47 48. Vntill a time these persecutions of Antiochus with which he persecuted Gods people shall last one yeare two yeares and halfe a yeare That is to say three yeares and a halfe beginning as it should seeme from that time which is set downe 1 Mac. 1. 30. See Rom 13. 5. V. 28. My countenance I became pale and wan as well by reason of the violent raptures of the Spirit as through horror of thinking upon those things which were foretold against Gods people CHAP. VIII Verse 1. AT the first in the first yeare of Belshazzar Dan. 7. 1. V. 2. I was some hold that he was there in vision as Ezek. 8. 3. 40. 2. Others corporally which seemes to be confirmed by Dan. 10. 4. and that the Province of Shushan was then under the Babylonians Empire whereof notwithstanding the stories make no mention Palace the place of royall residence where the Kings of Persia afterwards kept their Court and dwelt one part of the yeare Of Elam namely of Persia. Of Ulai called by historians Eulean V. 3. A Ram a figure of the Persian and Median Empire signified by the two hornes Dan. 2. 39. 7. 5. But one namely the Persian which though it was founded upon the Median grew a great deale greater then it by the means of Cyrus the Persian his victories Who took away Media from his Grandfather and afterwards took Babylon and many countries moe V. 4. Westward See Dan. 7. 5. What â—e and none could hinder his enterprizes nor actions V. 5. An â—e Goat a figure of the Grecians kingdome under Alexander v. 21. See Dan. 2. 39. 7.
with the first but I doe prepare an endlesse glory farre greater then thaâ— for it V. 9. Peace namely the preaching and enjoying of spirituall peace founded upon the reconciliation of men with God through Christ who is ouâ— Peace and did shew Himselfe in this house V. 11. The Priests to whom it belonged to answer in doubtfull cases and concerning questions of the law Deut. 10. 10 11. 33. 10. V. 12. Is one the meaning is as according to the law every thing as toucheth a holy thing as the flesh of sacrifices ought to be cleane And yet though it be so it cannot put any holinesse into a thing which by Gods command is but for ordinary uses but may by its uncleannesse defile a thing which by the same law is pure and holy So the holinesse of my service dependeth not upon you but upon my free institution But you may make it uncleane by your prophanenesse hypocrisie and evill conscience Bread ordinary bread V. 14. So is this even in the same manner because this people is of an uncleane conscie 〈…〉 all that they doe for mine eternall worship is also uncleane There namely upon the altar which was already re-edified Ezra 3. 2. V. 15. Before namely before there were any hand set to the worke of re-building the Temple which was interrupted for many yeares after the returne from Babylon See Ez. 3 8. 5. 2. V. 17. Since those seeing you have taken no care of my Temple and have prophaned my service all your hopes of abundance and prosperity have failed you V. 18. The foure and at which time the Prophet prophecied these things V. 10. V. 20 Of the mâ—nâ—th namely the aforesaid ninth moneth V. 22. The throne all power and height contrary to Christs kingdome which I have established for ever over all the world Of his hereby is signified the conflict of the kingdomes of the world stirred up one against another by Gods providence and judgement See Mat. 24. 7. V. 23. Will I take thee I will appoint Christ who shall come forth of thee according to the flesh Luke 3. 27. and whose figure thou art Zech. 4. 10. to be my sacred King whom I will inviolably keepe by me and love which is the signification of this proverbiall terme of making and keeping as a signet Cant. 8. 6. Jer. 22. 24. The Booke of the Prophet ZECHARIAH ARGUMENT ZEchariah was joyned to Haggai to encourage the Iewes which were come backe from the captivity of Babylon to follow and accomplish the re-edifying of the Temple and the re-establishment of Gods service Wherein the holy Ghost who had guided Haggai in a plaine and summary way of preaching would here alter his stile in Zachariah having sent many visions unto him of high and misterious meaning like so many portraitures of the most large and diverse Doctrines and Prophesies which he was to utter the end of which was once more seriously to represent to the Iewes towards the end of the Prophets ministery how marvellously the Sonne of God Head of the Church had heretofore guided them in grace safety deliverance and correction towards them and in punishment and destruction to their enemies Which by meanes of a true conversion and constant piety they might yet hope for hereafter as well in temporall things untill the Messias 〈…〉 in spirituall ones after his comming which comming of his he doth very particularly set downe together with his death and passion his Kingdome and Priesthood the sending of his Spirit the power of the Gospell and the calling of the Gentiles the restauration justification and everlasting glorification of his Church Of which favours he giveth most certaine promises to the true Israelites in Spirit As contrariwise to the carnall and unthankfull Iewes and enemies of Christ he denounceth the threatnings of the desolation of their Nation and City by the Romans and their exclusion from Gods covenant untill the time set downe for their last conversion which should be accompanied with the expiation of all manner of Idolatry superstition false doctrine and Doctors and finally of Antichrist himselfe who is plainly described CHAP. I. Verse 3. I Will turne I will againe make you feell the effects of my grace and favour V. 5. Your fathers the effects of those prophesies have been reserved for you and not for your fathers who died a great while since and though those ancient Prophets be dead according to the course of â—â—ture yet the power of their word is still living and is yet this day directed to you and tyeth you to obedience V. 6. My words the accomplishment of their prophecies after their death hath shewen sufficiently that their words died not with them and your fathers in their calamities acknowledged as much and began to turne to God and it is fitting for you to follow them therein and accomplish it V. 7. Seâ—at which is January Moone V. 8. A man the Sonne of God appearing in humane shape who as chiefe sendeth his Angels and they give him an account V. 11. Riding like a warrier and head of the celestiall armies See Rev. 19. 11. 14. A red Horse to signifie Gods fierce anger against the enemies of his people the execution of which he came to tell the people of The myrtle trees which represent the Church composed of weake and low plants but pretious and holy ones as the Myrtle tree is That were by this property of the Myrtle tree which delighteth in valleyes sea-shoares and river sides is signified the lowly and abject condition of the Church in this world and particularly the subjection it was in at that time under the Persian Empire Horses with horsemen upon them which were created Angels Ministers and Warriours under that head See Psal. 68. 17. Now by these colours it seemes may be understood the Angels severall services the red ones for punishment the white ones for grace and the spectled ones for a punishment of visitation V. 9. The Angell it seemes to be the same as was amongst the mirtle trees namely the Sonne of God who appeared in this vision in both these qualities of the head of the Church on horseback and of her Prophet in the shape of an Angell V. 10. To walke as his posts and messengers to take notice of the state of the world and to make relation to him of it V. 11. All the earth all other nations are in peace and prosperity onely thy people cannot recover themselves of their late calamities Is at rest or is inhabited V. 12. The Angell namely the Sonne of God who is intercessor to the Father for the safety of the Church These of the captivity as Zech. 7. 5. the ruines of which lasted still though the people were set at liberty long before V. 15. I was but a little I was willing to punish my people by their meanes but with a moderation be fitting the end which was to correct them and according to my mercy towards them But the instruments which
generall description I will gather together and preserve mine Elect who are poore and weake according to the world See Zech. 11. 7. 11. Matth. 18. 10 14. Isa. 2. 5. V. 8. Twâ— parts The greatest part of the world which beare the name of Christians shall follow Antichrist and shall perish See Rev. 13. 14. and 17. 8. The third namely The Elect which are the lesser number V. 9. I will bring I will try the faith and constancie of mine Elect by many afflictions CHAP. XIV Verse 1. THe day it is likely that these things must be understood concerning the spirituall and corporall warres which Antichrist shall raise against the Church of God drawing thorow Gods permission the Princes and Nations of the earth to follow him Rev. 14. 8 and 17. 15. Unlesse he meaneth that great unknowne accident described Ezek. 38. of Gog and Magog the last enemies of the Church V. 2. Halse God shall suffer a great part of his Church to be discomfited and subdued Rev. 11. 7. 13. 7. but he shall reserve unto himselfe a remainder for grace and election V. 3. Go. forth see concerning these victories which the Sonne of God shall obtain against Antichrist 2 Thess. 2. 8. Rev. 17. 14. 18. 2. Of battell the battell of Midian under Gideon Judges 7. 22. Isay 9. 4. 10. 26. where God discomfited his enemies by their own swords as threatning to do the like at this time V. 13. V. 4. His feet figurative termes to signifie the re-establishment and gathering together of the Church dispersed by Antichrist by a new and firme presence of Christ in the middest of her calling unto him all those which were driven away Rev. 14. 1. No where it is set downe that at His returne He shall stand upon the Mount of Olives being correspondent to His departure which was also from off that place as it is described Ezek. 11. 23. Shall clâ—ave all lâ—t and difficulty which might hinder the concourse of mine Elect shall be taken away as Isa. 40. 3. 57. 14. 62. 10. V. 5. Shall flee all you beleevers shall speedily come to the Church to save your selves from perishing with the world For the valley the free entrance into the Church shall be open every where save onely where Gods election hath not wrought but hath lest a man as it were sequestred which seemeth to be meant by the word Azal which signifieth separation See Isay 4. 3. With thee O Christ this may be understood of the Elect which shall joyne themselves to Christ Or of the Angels which shall accompany Christ at His last coming Mat. 25. 31. Jude 15. whereunto these following things seem to have a relation V. 6. In that day after the destruction of Antichrist shall the Sonne of God come in who shall bring the Church into its glory where without any vicissitude or variation of day and night of calamity and prosperity of knowledge and ignorance it shall enjoy eternall light by the sight of God Isay 16. 19 20. Rev. 21. 23. and 22. 5. V. 7. One day equall and everlasting not varied nor interrupted Shall be knowne this may be referred either to the prefixed time of Christ his comming to judgement which God alone knoweth Mat. 24. 36. Or to the quality of that eternall glory which no man hath seen nor can comprehend 1. Cor. 2. 9. V. 8. Waters namely the grace and gifts of Gods Spirit in this world and His glory in the heavenly life shall be powred out upon his Elect for ever Ezek. 47. 1. Joel 3. 18. Rev. 22. 1. The former sea this is the sea of Sodome and the west or uttermost Sea the Mediterranean which by the setting forth of diverse places of Judea signifieth nothing but a generall powring out on all sides and upon all men Shall it be those waters shall never be dried up as your Summer streames are See Job 6. 16 17. V. 9. The Lord the Sonne of God shall alone be acknowledged and worshipped for everlasting King of the world V. 10. All the land figurative termes taken from the hilly situation of Judea to signifie that all worldly height shall be beaten downe and the Church alone shall be glorified as Isay 2. 2. See Zech 4. 7. From Gâ—ba Geba and Rimmon were two confines of Judah the one towards the North and the other towards the South Josh. 15. 32 57. From Benjamins gate by a similitude taken from the precinct of the earthly Jerusalem as Jer. 31. 38. he doth imply a perfect re-establishment of the Church in all parts of it Of the first gate it seemes he meanes the fish gate which was against the second gate Jer. 39. 3. Zeph 1. 10. and so he mentioneth the whole circuit of Jerusalem Benjamins gate was on the North-east side from thence going towards the corner gate which was on the North-west side they went along by the fish gate and from Hananiels tower which was on the same side as Benjamins gate they went the other compasse from the South to the Kings winepresses which were on the west side where these two halfe compasses did meet to make up a whole compasse The còrner gate See 2 Chro. 26. 9. peradventure there was some Tower there to make the corner or some point like spurres or bastions V. 12. The plague he seems to describe the eternall punishments of the wicked They 〈…〉 and though he subsist and live and shall not be capable of death yet he shall be tormented everlastingly still outliving his paine having no end that his paine may also be endlesse Th 〈…〉 â—yes though they be alive and can see yet shall they be deprived of light in infernall darknesse having neither eyes nor understanding but onely to see and judge of their extreame misery Their tongue see Luke 16. 24. V. 13. In that day of Gods victory over his enemies which is described v. 3. Shall lay hold God shal cause theÌ„ to fight one against the other as in the battell of Midian Judg. 7. 22. Mat. 24. 7. V. 14. Iudah the carnall unbeleeving Jewes shall also be enemies to Christs true Church The wealth that is to say the booty or spoiles a figurative terme to signifie a compleatvictory V. 15. The plague God shall not onely destroy his enemies V. 12. but even all the instruments they made use of for to afflict the Church V. 16. That every one God shall save some of his enemies whom he shall cause to turne to his true spirituall service described here as in a shadow by the ceremoniall service of the law as Isay 66. 23. The feast a figure of the Elects gathering together into particular Churches in this world to which every one must reduce themselves to partake of the communion of Saints and of Gods grace V. 17. Shall be no God shall impart none of his blessings to them V. 18. Of Egypt which was the ancientest enemie of the Church which also seemed not to have much reason
himselfe from her unlesse it be for adultery Mat. 19. 9. V. 12. If a woman the law of God makes no mention of divorces undertaken by women a thing which was unheard of amongst the people of God and contrary to all modestie yet in those dayes it was used in imitation of the Romans and Grecians See upon 1 Tim. 5. 9. V. 15. Shall not shall not submit himselfe by obedience of faith to the Gospell thorow which God re-establisheth his kingdome amongst men and mâ—keth them partakers of the good things thereof As a little laying aside all pride malice presumption of carnall wisdome and putting on the true humility docility simplicity and innocency which is in little children Sâ—e Psal. 131. 2. Mat. 18. 3. V. 21. Loved hâ—m he shewed him some signes of favour as congratulating with him for this outward and disciplinary holinesse not any way approving of his pride and hypocrisie nor being contented with this outward bark of action Neither that he dissembled against his thought but in a kinde of gracefull contempt of his vanity V. 32 Amazed by reason of his frequent predictions by which he foretold his aproaching sufferings and death in Ierusalem whâ—ther they saw him going V. 42. Which are accounted the Italian that account themselves who though they ought to acknowledge themselves to be Gods servants for the good profit of their people do attribute unto themselves thorow immoderate presumption an absolute power over them 1 Sam. 18. 11. Others which are accounted c. that is to say whose sovereignty is only in the false figure and appearance of the world and not in truth which is only in the kingdome of God V. 46. As he went out Saint Luke saith â—hat this hapned at his comming thither and not at his departure and S. Matthew speaks of two blinde men But this may be reconciled saying that the Lord staid some time in Iericho going out and comming in again that at one time being gon out comming in againe he met with two blinde men whereof this Bartimeus was of most note CHAP. XI VER 16. ANy vessell namely that was not wholly for the service of God but for these Merchants and other mens uses which was a kinde of prophanation See Nâ—h 7. 8. Zech. 14 20. 21. V. 17. Of all nations or for the use of all nations or amongst all nations V. 18. Destroy him secretly and by cunning See Mat. 21 46. and 26. 4. 5. 22. In God namely such a faith as he every way requireth in all parts and qualities and such an one as he ingendreth in his beleevers by his Spirit CHAP. XII VER 10. NOt read the meaning is That passage of the Psalme hath a reference to you as this my parable hath V. 15. Shall we give this repetition seemeth is not superfluous for the first question may be understood of the rigour of right and the other of what was expedient or decent by way of councell and advice V. 34. Thou art not because he was pliant to be taught by Christ and that the spirituall meaning of the law taking off the marke of the hypocrisie of externall Dâ—scipline is that which guideth and presseth the consciences to flye to Christ to be saved from the curse of the law which in this spirituall sense bindeth all men Rom. 3. 20. and 7. 7. From the kingdome namely from Gods grace in the Gospell by which he re-establisheth his kingdome in salvation and blessing which had beene violated by sin V. 38. In his See upon Mark 4. 2. V. 41. The treasury the Italian the chest of offerings there were two kinde of offerings offered in the Temple the one of money for the repairing of the building to buy the ordinary offerings for sacrifices and other uses Which in ancient times were put into the Priests hands and afterwards were by them carried into a chest in the inner court 2 Kings 12 9. But it is likely that ininsuing times to avoid â—l manner of fraud diverse chests were placed in some place not specified of the peoples Court where every one cast in what money he pleased as it is here said See Iohn 8. 20. The other kinde was of other goods which were laid up in certaine magazines belonging to the Temple Nehem. 10. 37 38. V. 44. Of her want of her exceeding small store as 2 Cor. 8. 2. CHAP. XIII VER 4. SHall be fulfilled namely these things which thou foretellest V. 6. I am Christ the Italian I am he namely the promised Messias the King of the Church See Mat. 24. 5. V. 27. Of heaven a popular terme For to the eye the heavens seeme to terminate the earth round about See upon Mat. 24 30. CHAP. XIV VER 12. WHen they the same day as according to the law they were to kill the Passeover though the Iews by tradition did transferre the feast to the day following Mat. 26 â—7 See why the Lambe is called a Sacrifice upon Exod. 〈◊〉 27. 2 Chro. 35. 11 12. V. 35. The houre that is to say that he might not come to that terrible point of his extreame sufferings V. 36. Abba it was a Syriack word which little children used to their fathers which was afterwards used in all affectionate prayers to God Himselfe See Rom. 8. 15. Gal. 4. 6. V. 41. It is enough so the Lord doth in earnest correct those words which before he had spoken ironically V. 50. They all namely his Disciples Ver. 51. A certaine there is no certainty either what this young man was or why hee followed the Lord in this habit Some conjecture that it might bee some of the servants of the house where Iesus had eaten the Passeover who for curiosity or for affection might rise out of his bed when he law the Lord goe forth in the night so to seâ— the issue of the words which he might heare from himselfe concerning his apprehension Others will have it be some one that did rise sodainly at the noise A linnen cloth it might bee his shirt or some oâ—her night raymenâ— The young men namely the Souldiers V. 55. Agreed not or were not sufficient V. 61. Of the blâ—ssed namely of God to whom all glory and praise is due And this was a name of God very frequent among the Iewes V. 62. Of power namely of the glorious God according to the Iewes custome See upon Mat. 26. 6â— V. 69. A maide the Italian the maide in Saint Matthew it is said that it was another but it may be that the first which was she that kept the doore Iohn 18. 17. told the other and she told the slanders by V. 72. He wept or he went out and wept CHAP. XV. VER 7. IN the insurrection he seemes to intimate some new and notable insurrection V. 21. Of Alexander knowne and famous persons in the Church at that time V. 23. Wine this should seeme to be another kinde of drinke besides the vineger mingled with gall Matth. 27. 34. For
acknowledge Christ to bee the head and foundation of this covenant and by this meanes hope for the benefit thereof and especially the gift of the Spirit Shall call Namely by his Gospell So he doth restraine the Israelites to whom the promises are directed onely to those who by Gods gift beleeve in Christ. See Rom. 9. 8. Gal. 4 28. Ver. 40. Save your selves quickly joyne your selves to the Church withdrawing your selves from the corrupt societie of unbeleeving Iewes that you may not participate of their sinnes and plagues Rev. 18. 4. V. 41. Were added namely to the body of the Church V. 42. Doctrine in the hearing publike exercisâ—s and profession thereof Fellowship of holy assemblies and other sacred actions And generally in christian societie and all the duties thereof both spirituall and temporall In breaking a phrase taken from that which God did at his last Supper Matth. 26. 26. used to signifie the celebration of the holy Supper together with which in those dayes were made certaine feasts of Charity Sec Acts 20. 7 11. 1 Cor. 11. 21. 2 Pet. 2. 13. Iude 12. V. 43. Feare came they were all dismaied at this new and miraculous estate increase gifts miracles and power of the Church whereupon no man durst to molest or hinder them V. 44. Common this community was not of all the goods of all beleevers but of that part which every one would consecrate for the publick necessities or of thole of particular persons Acts 5. 4. and was used only in Ierusalem in those first beginnings And we doe not reade that it was made a president for other times and places V. 27. Asshould be according to the everlasting election Others those who saved themselves namely those who according to the exhortation of v. 40 did reduce themselves into the Church there to seek for their salvation CHAP. III. VER 1. THe ninth namely three a clock in the afternoone Of a prayer the Iewes having three houres in the day appointed for prayer Whereof see up on Psal. 55. 17. and of this ninth houre Acts 10. 3. 30. V. 2. Beautifull by v. 11. it appeares that it was the gate which was in the first Court towards the East where Solomons Porch was See upon Iohn 10. 23. V. 4. Looke on us a word which questionlesse was accompanied by some internall motion of the Holy Ghost to kindle in him some spark of 〈…〉 i th V. 6. In the name I speake by his authority and commission and by his power my word shall take effect V. 11. Held thanking them and witnessing his acknowledgement and affection The Porch which was at the comming in of the Easterne gate of the Temple where the greatest concourse of people was See Acts 5. 12. Ver. 13. Denied him that is to say you refused him for your King Iohn 18. 40. and 19. 14 15. V. 16. His Name that is to say he himselfe his power Through faith through the faith of us Apostles and of the lame man himselfe faith being a disposition and condition necessary in man for to have the work of God take effect in him See Phil. 3. 9. Which is by him which is his gift by his spirit Or which hath all its being and power from him who is the true object and foundation of it V. 17. Ye did it he speakes of the common sort of people for otherwise a great many had sinned against their owne conscience Ioh 7. 28. and 15. 22. And not altogether excusing their offence he doth notwithstanding give them hope of pardon which is altogether denied to those as reject or deâ—y Christ out of pure malice against the light and internall motion of the Spirit Matthew 12. 31. See 1 Tim. 1. 13. V. 19. When the times not that the remission of sinnes be put off till then but because it shall be publikely declared and shall bring forth its eternall effect of life and glory See upon Mat. 12. 32. Of refreshing a figurative terme taken from worke-men who in the evening doe retire into the shade and to rest after the labours and travails of this life Luke 16. 25. Revel 7. 15. 16. From the presence Namely that eternall happinesse being granted to all the elect by the full revelation of Gods face 1 Corin. 13. 12. 1 Ioh. 3. 2. V. 20. Shall send againe into the world to judgment to gather up all his Church into Heaven 〈◊〉 preached that is to say was set before you and p 〈…〉 as it were into your hands by the preaching of the Gospell V. 21. The Heaven his humane nature residing in heaven and no more upon earth Of re 〈…〉 Namely of the accomplishment of Christs Kingdome by which all the disorders and ruines which sinne hath brought into the world shall be repaired and restored See Rom. 8. 20. Since the the Greek after the age which may also be translated from ancient times V. 24. Of these days namely of the Messias his spirituall Kingdome and especiallie of the accomplishment of it in heaven V. 25. The children of the stock of the Patriaches their heires and fellowes of the covenant made with them for all their posterities V. 26. Sent him presented him for your salvation by the preaching of the Gospel To blesse you the Italian First to bless you be fore the Gentiles Mat. 10. 6. Act. 1. 8 and 13. 46. with that spirituall and heavenlie blessing which was promised to Abraham Christ being the holy seed which is the foundation and roote of that blessing which was to bee spread over all the earth Gâ—l 3. 9 14. CHAP. IV. VER 1. THe Captaine the Italian The chieâ—â— See of these chiefes or Captains of the Temple upon Luke 22. 4. The Sadduces whose sect emulating that of the Pharisees was so increased in dignitie that it was admitted into pâ—â—like judgements especially in criminall ones wherein they were exceeding severe whereas contrariwise the Pharisees were very clement and milde See Acts 5. 17. and 23. 6. V. 2. Through Jesus propounding him for a Soueralgne example Or by the power of Iesus and by whome as the head being rison againe all those that belieued in him should likewise rise againe 1 Cor. 15. 21. Or by his authoritie and command The Resurrection denied by the Sadduces Mat. 23. 6. V. 5. Scribes See upon Mat. 2 4. V. 10. By the Name by his power required by ouâ— prayer V. 12. None other any other person or power in all the world V. 17. In this name namely as for Christ preaching of his doctrine V. 20. We cannot neither in reason having Gods command for it nor in effect being driven thereunto by the Holy Ghost V. 22. Was above and therefore could himselfe testiâ—â—â— with that firmenesse as befitted his age and set forth all the circumstances thereof Or having beene so long in that misery hee was knowne by all â—en and they all did the more rejoyce at his being healed because hee had suffered for so long a time V. 27. A 〈…〉
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
unite them Leaning upon the Hebrew text hath it he worshipped upon the beds head or toward the beds head as 1 Ki. 1. 47. but S. Paul in a thing indifferent by Apostolical authority hath followed the Greek Translation in which the Jewes that lived amongst the Grecians were more habituated the meaning is the same namely that Jacob having had a promise from Joseph that he would bury him with his fathers thanked God and though he were growne impotent through age that he could not stirre himselfe nor get out of his bed apprehending by faith the heavenly goods of the communion of Saints whereof that company in his grave was a signe and an earnest The same ought to be understood in the following example of Joseph V. 23. By faith the meaning is that the sight of that divine beauty of Moses Acts 7. 20. did againe revive in his father and mother by some divine inspiration their faith in Gods promises that he would deliver his people out of Egypt Whereupon for a time they were imboldned to keepe and bring up the child Against Pharaohs command though the same faith afterwards partly decaied againe in them V. 24. By faith Moses apprehending by faith the promises made to Gods people because he would participate of them did separate himselfe from the society of the Egyptians amongst whom he was brought up in great dignity to joyne himselfe with the servile and ignominious condition of his brethren V. 25. Of sinne namely prophane and hurtfull pleasures joyned with sinne and alluring a man to forsake God and his true service V. 26. Of Christ that is to say of his Church whereof he hath alwaies been the head and which he even then made conformable to his future sufferings see 1 Cor. 10 9. 2 Cor. 1. 5. Heb. 13. 13. Had respect through faith and the Spirit Unto the to the heavenly reward which the Lord out of his meere grace had promised to his afflicted beleevers in this world V. 27. By faith this must be understood of the last departure out of Egypt before which and in which Moses did with an incomparable strength and force of faith overcome the feare of Pharaohs rage and threatnings never swerving from Gods Commandement As seeing being in Spirit and through faith assured of Gods aide and protection which was invisible to the sence of seeing Psal. 16. 7. V. 28. Through faith when he celebrated the Passcover according to Gods appointment he did by a lively faith apprehend the benefits which God would signifie and seal by that Sacrament The Sprinkling upon the lintell and postes of the Israelites doores Lest he that that marke being appointed for that purpose V. 29. By faith they adventured to goe thorow the middest of the Sea being confident in Gods promise Or Gods promise produced that miraculous effect by the meanes of faith which is the ordinary condition of such miracles V. 30. By faith namely by means of faith in Gods promises joyned with the observation of his order in going about the City V. 31. By faith Rahab because she verily believed that which she heard concerning Gods promises to his people Ios. 2 9. did convey away the spies whereupon she was saved from the destruction of the City With them that namely with the Canaanites who had likewise heard of Gods promises and workes Josh. 2. 10 11. and yet through incredulity grew obstinate to resist the Israelites whereupon they were exterminated V. 33. Wrought did many good and holy workes performing their generall or particular callings and through faith overcomming all oppositions and difficulties Promises namely they obtained those things which God had promised V. 35. Were tortured the Italian Were beaten to death he meanes a cruell kind of putting to death which is yet used amongst your Easterne people to lay a man all along and beat him with wandes till he swell all over and die Now he goeth on in describing the strength of their faith in former times in suffering of persecutions and torments especially in Antiochus his time which are set down in the Books of the Maccabees Deliverance which was oâ—red them if they would deny God and his service A better namely the blessed and everlasting deliverance from death and from all evill opposite to that temporall evasion which to the flesh might seem a kind of resurrection V. 37. Sawen asunder an ancient manner of putting to death 2 Sam. 12. 31. Tempted that is to say solicited to apostacie by martyrdomes and torments V. 39. The promise namely the accomplishment of Gods promises made to the fathers concerning the Messias his comming his Kingdome and the abundant sending of his Spirit V. 40. God having namely the said accomplishment having been reserved for our times under the Gospell which is therefore called the better covenant upon better promises Heb. 7. â—2 8. 6. seeing the Law which hath made nothing perfect Heb. 7. 19. having no power to bring the fathers to that last marke and degree of the state of the Church under Christs Kingdome to which both they which are now in Heaven and we who are upon Earth joyned both under one head Ephes. 1. 10. Col. 1. 20. Heb. 12. 23. have now attained CHAP. XII Vers. 1. ARe compassed about terms taken from those publike sports of Races and the like that were performed in your Circles or Amphitheaters The beleevers which are already glorified are the witnesses as well because their example ought to instruct men in the duties of the Race and assure them of the end of it as likewise because they are as it were spectators from Heaven of the Churches Combates looking after her victories rejoycing at her constancy which God reveales unto them by the relation of his Angels or otherwise Revel 12. 10 11. the burthen or weight are all manner of worldly cares affections or desires Or vice and corruption The Race is the continuall progresse to Heavenly glory which is also the marke and end of the Race the length of the Race is all our life time See Phil. 3. 13 14. Which doth so easily beset us the Italian Hinder us the similitude seems to be taken from such long and large garments aâ— were wont to be laid off in such Races to be so much the freer Now sinne is often times called a garment or robe Ephes. 4. 22. Col. 2. 11. 3. 9 10. Other copies have it sinne which cannot be restrained like a garment that cannot be girded close enough but that it will hinder one from running and therefore is better to be laid quite away Or sinne which is so easie and therefore a man may so easily slip into and is opposite to that hard and laboursome spiritual race V. 2. Unto Jesus to take from him a most perfect and lively example of constancy and so secure us through faith in him who is the head of this warfare of faith And who doth likewise by his power beare up our faith and brings her strivings to
is to say help one another to preserve your selves from these dangers by a true christian and divine charity V. 22. Of some that is to say Of those that are simple weak and seduced V. 23. Others namely those that are hardned and perverse or the seducers themselves Save be as much as in you lieth instruments of their salvation by a profitable severity Rom. 11 14. 1 Tim. 4. 16. With fear namely of Gods judgements lively represented and darted into the conscience by the severe exercise of ecclesiasticall discipline Pulling them out doing what you can to draw them from perdition without any vain respects or considerations as they draw things out of the fire in any fashion or by what way they can Hating shewing that you extreamly detest the participation of such mens uncleannesse A phrase taken from legall impurities of garments by touching of which men were defiled ⧠THE APOCALYPSE OR REVELATION of St IOHN the Divine ARGUMENT THis Book hath the title of Apocalypse a Greek word which signifieth Revelation because the whole subject of it is of Propheticall Revelations by which to Saint John and by him to all the Church have been revealed the chief events of it after Christs first comming in the flesh to his last comming to judgement wherein this book is very like Daniels Prophecies from which also as well as from many other Prophets many termes and figures have been taken The writer hereof was Saint John the Apostle and Euangelist though he is here set down under the name of Divine which name was anciently attributed unto him for eminency because he had more loftily and expresly then any other Apostle taught and established the truth concerning the person and eternall Godhead of Christ against certain hereticks which were sprung up even in those dayes Now the three first Chapters are spent in describing a vision in which Christ appearing unto him gives him commission to write to the seven principall Churches of the lesser Asia amongst which Saint John had especially spent his Apostleship to instruct confirm praise and exhort and likewise to reprove threaten and correct every one of them as need did require From thence he goeth on to represent other visions concerning the universall state of the Church untill the end of the world wherein it seems one may observe this distinction that from the beginning of the fourth Chapter unto the end of the eleventh the said state is described as it were in the ideas of Gods heavenly decrees and in visions altogether Enigmaticall From the twelfth to the end of the Booke the executions and principall singularities thereof are more distinctly marked out by visions and descriptions which are more plain and neerer matched and fitted to the events In the first one may finde the description of Christs Kingdom in Heaven and the glorious administration of it Gods decrees concerning what should befall the Church in this world whereof Christ onely is the revealer and interpreter and the accomplishment whereof hath its limited times and the end whereof is the destruction of Christs and his Churches enemies and the present protection and everlasting salvation of the Church In the second is first represented the desolution of the Iewish nation by the Romans after it had brought forth Christ iâ— the flesh and withall the miraculous preservation of it for to have it converted in its due time Then the Roman Empire is summarily touched its tyranny and persecution against the Church and afterward its declination and ruine But the state of the Kingdome of Antichrist is yet more largely described his beginning his usurpation under a false vizard of Religion his blasphemies false doctrines deceitfull miracles persecutions violences frauds pride and enormities the blinde consent of Nations and Princes to subject themselves unto him and tocontribute to his exaltation the beginning of his fall by the pure preaching of the Gospell miraculously re-established in the world the everlasting happinesse of beleevers that shall fight with him and overcome him by their faith and patiexce and contrariwise the everlasting torments of his followers amongst whom at the last the Lord should raise most grievous alterations to make them become enemies unto him whereby it should happen that he and the triumphant City of his Kingdom and State should go to ruine and be destroyed by a sudden finall and horrible judgement of God easing the world of so great a plague glorifying his righteousnesse and giving those who are his cause of triumphant joy and enfolding his enemies in everlasting despair and ignominie After this is described a state of the Church upon earth very peaceable holy and happy Christ reigning in it and the Devill being repressed in his endeavours untill a certain time when as by a new kinde of enemies he should renew his assaults but should soon bee overcome and immediately after the end of the world and the last judgement should follow by which the Devill and all the â—hurches enemies being abyssed into hell the Church should be gathered up into heavenly glory to live and reign everlastingly with Christ and to enioy his presence and his goods in all fulnesse Now as amongst these Prophecies there are some so cleer by the event that one cannot be doubtfull nor ignorant of them but onely through a wilfull blindenesse so there are other some that are yet under Gods secret seal the explication whereof is as uncertain as the undertaking to give it is rash and therefore adoring that which as yet lieth hidden and meditating upon that which is manifest the Church hath large matter of instruction and comfort in this book looking for the full accomplishment which shall bring to light all the obscurities CHAP. I. Vers. 1. WHich God namely the Father See how this ought to be understood Iohn 3. 32. and 8. 26. and 12. 49. V. 2. Bare record by his preaching as he was an Apostle see Luke 24. 48. Acts 1. 8. and 26. 16. Of the testimonie namely of what Christ himself hath declared in the behalf of his Father see 1 Cor. 1. 6. V. 3. And keep namely in their minde and memory to compare the events therewith and by this means be confirmed in the faith and defended against all scandals and temptations The time namely of the accomplishment of these things V. 4. Asia namely the lesser called in these dayes Natolia From him namely from God the Father whose eternity is described by these three times according to the capacity of humane apprehension From the seven namely from the holy Ghost whose power is most perfect the number of seven in the Scripture intimating perfection and whose operations are very divers Isai. 11. 2. and Zech. 3. 9. and 4. 10. Rom. 4. 5. and 5. 6. V. 6. Dominion or power 1 Tim. 6. 16. V. 7. Even so Amen that is to say It shall certainly be so or so be it V. 8. Alpha names of the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet for to signifie the
of the full comming of his Kingdome in the totall ruine of the wicked and in the last and finall judgment V. 11. Were given that is to say they were admonished to content themselves with the first and most excellent part of Gods justice which is to reward those with glory which have suffered for him which is signified by these robes Rev. 3. 4 5. expecting till in his appointed time he doth accomplish the other which is to cause vengeance to come upon the persecuters see Heb. 12. 13. Should be fulfilled namely untill all the elect of all mankind were gathered together which must be before the last judgement see 2 Pet. 3. 9. V. 12. There was a description of the last judgement V. 15. And the Kings namely the enemies of Christ and prosecuters of his Church CHAP. VII Vers. 1. STanding ready to execute Gods great judgements upon the earth which notwithstanding are not specified in this Chapter Holding peradventure to intimate the peace and ease in which God suffereth worldly men to live and be overtaken even upon the point of his great judgements 1 Thess. 5. 3. V. 4 Of all the Tribes excepting Dan left out in this place for some unknowne cause as also in other places of Scripture Now by these who are marked among the Tribes of Israel are meant the elect in all the externall Church marked with Gods and Christs Character Rev. 14. 1. V. 8. Of Joseph that is to say of Ephraim the the Sonne of Joseph who having gotten the right of first borne above Manasseth Genes 48 13 19. the name of Joseph is often attributed unto him for precedency V. 9. Palmes in signe of victory on the divell and his whole Kingdome see Rev. 13. 5. V. 10. To our God the Italian belongeth to our God that is to say as it is his proper worke to save men so all the honour therefore is due to him V. 12. Amen namely to that which the multitude had said V. 14. Which came out namely that are taken up into Heaven after they had suffered great afflictions and persecutions in the world Have washed that is to say preserved themselves in innocencie of life and in the purity of the profession of the Christian faith by which having put on Christ with all his righteousnesse and merits have likewise been adorned by him with the graces of his Spirit in this World and of his glory in the everlasting life 2 Cor. 5. 4. V. 15. In his Temple namely in Heaven shadowed by the ancient materiall Temple Heb. 9. 23 24. Shall dwell among them the Italian Shall stretch forth his Tabernacle amongst them or shall overshaddow them that is to say shall cover and defend them everlastingly from all evill A manner of Speech taken from the Pillar of Cloud in the Wildernesse CHAP. VIII Vers. 1. THe seven it is likely that here are meant the chiefe and neerest Ministers of God as questionlesse there are distinctions in the degrees of Angels see Rev. 1. 4. 4. 5. V. 3. Angel the description of a kind of Heavenly service correspondent to that which was in the Temple namely that the people being without at prayer the Priest offered Incense within upon the Altar Luke 1. 10. to signifie that beleevers prayers have alwaies need to be helped and sanctified by Christs Intercession see Heb. 9. 24. and here the Angel holds the place of inferiour Priest under Christ who is the high Priest Now the end of all this is to shew that beleevers doe avoid all the horrible evils of this World by faith and prayer Luk. 21 36. Should offer it that is to say should present it in the behalfe of the Saints or beleevers prayers and make them to penetrate sweetly before God V. 11. Wormwool that is to say most bitter and deadly according to the meaning of the Hebrew tongue V. 13. An Angell some copies have it an Eagle CHAP. IX Vers. 1. TO him according to some we must understand it to be the Angel himself that had sounded Others referre it to the starre which was fallen which may signifie an evill Spirit Rev. 12. 29. Of the bottomlesse pit namely of Hell All this is very obscure and hidden under the Key of Gods secrets V. 11. Abaddon both names signifie destroyer which is the divels title see Exod. 12. 23. V. 13. Foure hornes as he had in vision seen the Altar of perfumes Rev. 6. 9. 8. 3. he saw also the foure hornes or pinnes at the foure corners of it to the likenesse of Moses and Salomons called the Golden Altar because it was covered with golden plates and was set before God that is to say before the Sanctuary the great Curtaine being between see Exod. 30. 13. 1 King 6. 20. 7. 48. CHAP. X. Vers. 1. ANgell this was the Sonne of God himselfe as it appeares by Rev. 1. 15 16. 4. 3. Of fire that it to say of that exceeding fine Brasse Revel 1. 15. bright and sparkling V. 2. A little Booke it seemes we must conceive and understand it to be the same booke which the Sonne of God had unsealed and opened Rev 5. 1. 7. V 3. Seven thunders whereof hath not beene spoken untill now peradventure he meanes the seven Angels who strongly sounded with their Trumpets Revel 8. 2. And in all this there are many things known to God onely V. 4. And write them not other Copies have it and thou shalt write them afterwards V. 6. That there should be namely that the end of the world should come in its prefixed time and that the succession vicissitudes and measure of times and all temporall things should cease and that all prophesies should be fulfilled V. 7. The mystery namely these singular revelations of Christs comming to judgement of the resurrection of the end of the world and of Christs everlasting Kingdome with his Father Mat. 24 30. 1 Cor. 15. 24 51. 1 Thess 4. 15. 2 Pet. 3. 10. V. 11. Before many the Italian against many others concerning many CHAP. XI Vers. 1. WAs given me this Chapter also contains many very obscure things not yet revealed V. 3. Will give commission and authority V. 7. Their testimony namely the time of their preaching and defending of the heavenly truth V. 8. Spiritually resembling in spirituall things the carnall and worldly qualities of Sodom and Egypt which were the figure of it Sodom in its abominable impurities and abominations of Idolatry Egypt in her tyranny and violence against the Church Crucified this also sheweth that it must be understood in a spirituall sence that is to say he is there wronged persecuted and slaine in his Members Word Spirit and Worship see Heb. 6. 6. V. 11. Entred that is to say that which is to come was shewed me in vision as if it were present V. 15. The Kingdomes that is to say now God raigneth with his Sonne and that absolutely having destroyed all his enemies 1. Cor. 15. 24. V. 18. Of the dead namely that