Psalme and other foure that followe haue neither the name of the writer nor the occasion of the writing set before them in Hebrue but they seeme altogether to be written by Dauid which thing is noted in the Greeke and that at the same time when he brought in the Arke of the Lord into his citie as it is written 1. Chron. 15. whereof we did speake vpon the Psalme 47. either verelie when he dâ—clared the building of the temple of the Lord a little before the death of Salomon which historie is written 1. Chron. 29. and it doth conteine the doctrine of the true vse of the temple of al the holie rites wherewith both Messiah himsâ—lfe and al his office was shadowed Therefore notable and plaine prophesies are adioined of his comming and of that spreading of his spiritual kingdome throughout the whole world so that Christ did not vnworthilie admonish the senselesse Jewes with these words Search the scriptures for they beare witnes of me THE PARAPHRASIS 1 SIng vnto the Lord a new song sing vnto the Lord al ye inhabitants of the earth 2 Sing I saie vnto the Lord giue him thanks shew foorth without ceasing the saluation that he hath wrought 3 Rehearse vnto the Gentiles and to al people his excellent and maruellous works 4 For the Lord alone is great and no praise is sufficient for him and he is to be feared worthilie but not those false and feigned gods 5 For they verelie are vaine though the people do worship them so deuoutlie but the Lord hath created the verie heauens 6 Maiestie and honour doe go befoâ—e him shining foorth in his works and it is declared in his sanctuarie both how great his power and glorie is 7 Giue therefore vnto the Lord al ye people assembled together giue I saie vnto the Lord the praise of power and glorie 8 Giue honour vnto the Lord due vnto his name and take an oblation and enter into the courts consecrated vnto him 9 Worship the Lord sitting in that his renowmed sanctuarie al ye inhabitants of the earth reuerence his Maiestie 10 Proclame on euerie side ô ye criers Now is the Lord come to reigne ouer the whole earth now verelie the world shal be established now shal the people be gouerned with a iust and righteous gouernement 11 Let the heauens be glad and the earth reioice and the roring sea how wide soeuer it lieth testifie her ioie 12 Let the fields leape for ioie and whatsoeuer is in the fields finallie let al the trees of the wood now reioice 13 Before the Lord for lo he commeth he commeth to gouerne the earth to gouerne the world I saie and al the people with the scepter of his iustice and truth PSALME XCVII The Argument Jt falleth out in the Psalmes as in a doubtful feast that thou canst not easilie iudge which to prefer before another This Psalme verely is most worthie for al the godlie to meditate most diligentlie as a most diuine briefe summe of al the mysterie of the Gospel and these are the chiefe places thereof First the diuinitie of Christ by the repeating of the name Iehouah sixe times and by attributing al glorie and power vnto him verse 2 5 6 9 10. finallie by worshipping of the verie Angels verse 7. it is most manifestlie confirmed as the Apostle doth interpret it Heb. 1 6. Secondlie his humanitie as the same Apostle doth interpret it which thing is also prooued hereby that here it is treated of that kingdome as it were first then to be begun verse 1 2 6 9. wherby it is plaine that it cannot be referred onelie to his godhead but that it apperteineth necessarilie vnto the King that should be borne of the stocke of Dauid which should so be God that he should also be man and so also man that he should be verie God Thirdlie a plaine prophesie of the spreading of the spiritual kingdome throughout the whole world verse 1 5 6. wherevnto Christ himselfe had regard Ioh. 5 22. Mat. 28 18. Fourthly the rebellion of verie manie vnto whom the Gospel should be now is the sauor of death vnto death verse 2 3 4 5 wherevnto Christ had respect Luke 12 49. For J had rather interpret these things thus than to applie them to the preaching of the lawe Fiftlie that incredible power of the spirit of God which should declare it selfe in the ministerie of the Apostles verse 1 6 7 9. the which thing Christ also foretold before Iohn 12 32. and 14 12. Sixtlie the exaltation of the verie person of Christ verse 9. wherevnto the Apostle manifestlie alluded Ephe. 4 10. and Philip. 2.9 Seuenthlie faith by bearing the word in the elect and the vnspeakable ioie of the conscience that shal folowe thereof verse 8. Eightlie the office of those that are iustified and sanctified verse 10. Ninthlie the crosse is like a certaine apparitor attending vpon the promises of the Gospel which yet shal haue a most ioiful end verse 11. and 12. Wherevnto the Apostle most manifestlie alluded Philip. 4.4 THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THe Lord being so long inclosed as it were within the smal and narrowe bounds of one people now at the length he beginneth his kingdome ouer al the world wherefore let the earth reioice and al ye most great countries euen beyond the seas be ye ioiful 2 For he is come although verie mild and meeke towards his yet to be reuerenced of his owne both for his diuine Maiestie and also terrible to his enimies how fierce soeuer they be euen compassed about with the blacke darknes of the clouds and sitting vpon a throne staied as it were with two vnmoueable pillers namelie iustice which he sheweth in keeping promise with his owne and defending them by his couenant and most seuere iudgement whereby he punisheth his aduersaries 3 A flaming fire shal then go before him and shal take hold on his enimies on euerie side 4 The lightenings breaking forth from his iudgement seate shal fil the world with glittering light they shal see this in the end euen against their wils which are most blind and they shal tremble thoroughout the compasse of the earth 5 The hils at the sight of the Lord at the sight I saie of the Lord of al the earth shal melt 6 But vnto others that are willing to be taught and readie to obeie he wil shew himselfe so iust and minful of his mercie promised that the verie heauens being astonished with so great so glorious bountie powred out by him vpon al people as farre as the heauens are extended shal set foorth this so great a benefite as it were with a sounding voice 7 Go to then be ye ashamed of your most filthie seruitude ô ye slaues of the idols but ô ye euen the verie Angels worship him as your Lord and King 8 But who wil heare these things verelie the true Sion who with the residue of the cities of her dominion as a mother with her daughters
10 But the innocents whome these men without cause laboured to oppresse shal more ioifullie praise the name of God and shal flie vnto him more boldlie hereafter al I saie that be of good conscience shal take occasion of a certaine holie boasting and glorieng hereby PSALME LXV The Argument This Psalme or hymne written to the praise of God first teacheth vs that his benefites are neuer anie where rightlie knowledged and praised but onlie in his holie congregations Then he biddeth vs to marke three special things and to praise God for them One and that for the greatest that God doth gather a Church vnto himselfe in the which he wil be praised where he heareth them that do praie where he doth forgiue sinne the which finallie he neuer ceasseth to blesse with the multitude of his benefites and most mightilie to defend Secondlie that he doth mainteine the societie of mâ—n by appointing and preseruing the policies and gouernements in the midst of so great hurlieburlies Thirdlie that he doth minister from heauen al things that are necessarie for this life so abundantlie and liberallie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THou certeinlie art onlie he to whome once vttering thy pleasure al men must worthily yeeld but this praise ô God is giuen vnto thee in the onlie mount of Sion where onlie vowes are paied vnto thee aright 2 And thou againe there doest despise the praiers of none that flie vnto thee 3 There doest thou purge the sinnes wherewith else we being vtterlie ouerwhelmed durst not lift vp our faces before thee 4 O blessed is he therefore whome so euer thou so fauourest that thou commandest him to come vnto thee and whome thou feedest abundantlie with those true good things of thy house and most holie palace after thou hast receiued him into the number of thy houshold seruants 5 For although no men seeme to be more in danger yet experience it selfe doth declare that none are more sure whiles that thou in verie deede dost declare thy selfe terrible to al their enimies for the perfourmance of thy promise so oft as they cal vpon thee so that euen to the vtmost coastes of the earth and the farthest part of the sea the same of thy name being spread al men are compelled to looke vp vnto thee 6 Thou art he by whose power consisteth whatsoeuer is high in the world euen by thy might which as it establisheth these mountaines which we see and the kingdomes also and the policies whereby mankind is preserued 7 And like as thou doest calme the stormes of the sea and the sounding tempests so also thou doest breake and bridle the fiercenes of the raging multitude 8 By these testimonies of thy most mightie power the inhabitants of the earth being conuinced do tremble and keepe silence and thus peace being restored thou causest that men againe do leade their life both daie and night in comfortable peace and tranquillitie 9 For thou takest care of the earth euen from the heauens watering it and making it fruiteful with plentious showres which are thy verie gift wherwith it being soupled and prepared doth reteine the seede committed vnto it 10 Afterward thou waterest the sorrowes of the fields thou breakest the clots thou mollifiest the ground with mild and timelie showres sent downe from aboue thou cherishest and bringest forth the seede with their buds 11 Finallie thus thou crownest the earth most bountifullie with al kinde of fruites yearelie the fatnes dropping downe from aboue from thy steps which waie soeuer thou walkest 12 Yea and the pastures of the wildernes doest thou cherish with dew and thou fillest the high hilles also with gladnes 13 So are the pastures clad with sheepe the vallies are clothed with corne finallie al places do sound together with ioiful shoutes and songs PSALME LXVI The Argument This Psalme and also certaine other do seeme to be written for the perpetual vse of the Church although they haue some priuate occasion partlie to renew the memorie of so manie old deliuerances and partlie to giue thankes vnto God so oft as anie occasion doth offer it selfe either priuatelie or publikelie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Al ye inhabitants of the earth sing vnto the Lord a triumphant song 2 Praise his name with songs praise him with glorie and maiestie 3 Saie in his presence O how terrible and feareful doest thou shew thy selfe in verie deede for euen thine enimies ouercome by the greatnes of thy power are compelled to acknowledge thee and to dissemble at the least that they feare thee 4 Therfore shal al the earth worship thee it shal sing praises vnto thee and celebrate thy name 5 Go to come hither al you behold the things that God hath done and with how great miracles he hath declared himselfe terrible to mortal men 6 This is he that dried vp the sea in a moment and made the floud passable vnto our feete for the which benefit we his people euen at this daie do reioice 7 This is the almightie Lord of the whole world beholding from heauen al the nations scattered throughout the world not suffering them that forsake him to exalt themselues at their pleasure 8 O praise the Lord ô ye tribes and kindreds consecrate vnto him sound forth his glorie far and wide 9 For he hath restored our life when it was lost and he onlie hath staied that we should not fal with sliding steps 10 For thou wouldest not haue vs to be lost ô God but onlie hast tried vs and fined vs as the siluer put in the fornace 11 Thou hast snared vs and cast vs bound with chaines into most streight distresse 12 Thou hast suffered that our enimies hauing ouercome vs did abuse vs with reproches and scoffes as though we had bin beastes we haue tasted the heate of the fire and the force of the water but thou afterward hast sent comfort and refreshed vs. 13 Wherefore I am present in thy house with offerings to performe my vowes 14 Which I haue fullie vowed in my miserie and spoken them with my mouth 15 Therefore haue I determined to offer vnto thee fat offerings euen the fat of rams and bullockes and goates 16 And you also al others that feare God come hither I praie you with me and giue eare vnto me rehearsing the benefits bestowed by him vpon me 17 I haue called for his helpe with my mouth and haue praised him with my tongue 18 And that with a mind free from al euil imagination for else he would not haue heard me 19 Therefore the Lord hath heard me and gaue eare vnto my praier 20 Praise then be vnto God who refused not my praiers neither did withdrawe his mercie from me PSALME LXVII The Argument The Prophet doth attribute vnto the onlie mercie of God both the spiritual blessings which are peculiar vnto the Church and also the corporal whereof he desireth the continuance and also doth prophesie the spreading of the Church that should be vnder Messiâ—h and so exhorteth al the
being for this cause replenished with ioie and comforted with thy iudgements ô Lord wil reioice 9 Go to then ô Lord sitting vpon thy most high throne rule thou the whole earth and exalt thy selfe aboue al that is aloft anie-where 10 And ye that loue the Lord continue to hate that which is euil and doubt nothing but that he which hath freelie embraced you with so great fauour wil defend you also most mightilie and wil deliuer you from the wicked 11 And though this light of the mercie of God doth not streightwaie shine vnto the godlie let them remember that like as the seedes which are sowen in the earth do not foorthwith spring vp naie though they lie longer hid in the bowels of the earth yet they come forth more plentifullie euen so the light of righteousnes is sowen for them that loue that light whereby it shal wholie come to passe that al they that leade an vpright life are replenished with incredible ioie 12 Reioice ye therefore in the Lord so great a King ô al ye iust and magnifie the holie remembrance of him continuallie PSALME XCVIII The Argument This Psalme is the same almost with the ninetie and sixe and it conteineth the prophesie of the spreading of the kingdome of the Messiah and repeateth it againe of the which prophesie Simeon Zacharie and Marie the mother of the Lord in those their most famous hymnes are most diuine interpreters vsing almost the selfe-same words But this Psalme doth teach three things of most great importance euen in three verses One verse 1. that Christ our mediatour in this worke of our redemption hath no coadiutor at al nor partener the which heauenlie doctrine doth confute that diuelish dotage of the merits of saints as they cal them with what painted colours soeuer it be intruded and it giueth to God alone his due glorie as wel in the redemption as in the creation of man The second verse 2. that al this redemption consisteth in the iustice of Christ himselfe which verelie can not be made ours but by imputation The third verse 3. that al this benefit doth flowe foorth from the onelie free promise and truth of God himselfe THE PARAPHRASIS 1 SIng vnto the Lord a new song for he hath now shewed foorth al that his maruellous power by ouercomming al his enimies by his owne right hand onelie and by his owne arme alone 2 And now in the end he setteth foorth to be seene before al nations this benefit of so great a deliuerance which was so long looked for of our fathers and now at the length is performed which did lie hid before as in a corner euen his owne iustice wherewith they being indued shal not onlie escape the damnation which their vnrighteousnes deserueth but also shal obteine the crowne of iustice promised 3 And if anie demand what hath mooued him at the length to so great bountifulnes let him knowe that al this proceedeth from hence that hee is mindful of the promise that he hath made and by the same mercie that he was moued to promise it by the same he is moued to perfourme it in deede that he might shew himselfe most bountiful in verie deede vnto al men to the vttermost borders of the earth 4 Go to then al ye inhabitants of the earth blowe vp the trumpets vnto God sound out the instruments sing a triumphant song vnto him sing praises vnto him 5 Sing vnto the Lord both with the harps and with voices by order and course 6 Go before the King Iehouah with sounding trumpets and shalmes 7 Let the sea how wide soeuer sound againe and also the whole world with the song of al the inhabitants of the earth 8 Let the verie flouds sound round about with their noise and the verie mountaines with triumphant songs 9 Before the Lord that shal vndertake the gouernement of the world and shal gouerne the people most iustlie and vprightlie PSALME XCIX The Argument This Psalme was set foorth that the people what storme soeuer should arise turning vnto God should learne to set foorth the promise of the Messiah against al terrours of whome he so plainlie speaketh as though he had bene now present at the same time commanding al men euen to behold him in the visible sacraments set before them because they were no vaine signes of his most present fauour being euen the same in signification that ours are seeing there is but one and the same Christ whether he be to be shewed or alreadie exhibited although their signes were differing from ours Furthermore he adioineth the testimonies of three most godlie men Moses Aaron and Samuel whose office was to praie vnto God for the people both that whilest that priesthood appointed of God should remaine in authoritie the people should surelie iudge that the same God should be present with them who was with them of old as also they which desired to be heard might followe the same waie of faith and godlines that they did vnto the which doctrine of the publike and ecclesiastical praiers that is to be applied which Paule writeth 1. Timoth. 2 1. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 NOw I beseech you why should we feare the force or threatenings of anie man seeing we haue the Lord himselfe to be our King let the people fret as much as they lust yea let the earth wauer the foundations being shaken it is enough that he is with vs that inhabiteth the Cherubims 2 Verelie the Lord hath declared abundantlie the greatnes of his power in Sion and al the people nil they wil they shal be subiect to his power 3 Let vs therefore neither feare nor yet doubt but rather trusting vpon the most assured protection of God magnifie that his mightie and terrible name to the enimies for it is holie and therefore al honour is due vnto it 4 For is not this our King as he is indued with most great power so also the louer of iustice wherefore we neede to seeke none other succour besides him neither neede we to doubt but that he wil punish most sharplie al them of whome we are vniustlie oppressed For it is not possible that he should suffer their wickednes vnaduenged who is the authour of equitie it selfe hath set downe the verie rule of iustice vnto the posteritie of Iacob 5 Go to then praise ye the Lord our God and falling downe before his footestoole worship him for he is holie 6 For this cause did he consecrate Moses and Aaron of old and set Samuel also amongst them who did exercise the office of the mediator for the people the which thing whilest they did carefullie praieng vnto God they were heard of the Lord. Why then should wee doubt seeing that same priesthoode is of force but that we folowing their example should now also be heard 7 And also he did speake to those our fathers of old out of the cloudie piller vnto whome because they should keepe his commandements he prescribed the rites of
Psalme doth belong to those times that were most miserable of al other in the which that captiuitie of the seuentie yeares was finished so that it seemeth vnto me to answere on the contrarie vnto that excellent praier which is conteined in the 9. Chapter of Daniel And there be foure parts thereof one from the 1. verse vnto the 11. doth describe a most lamentable mourning of the Church more like to a dead carcase than to a liuing bodie euen as it is resembled in Ezechiel Chapter 37. adioining so liuelie and apt similitudes that in my iudgement there is no writing treating of the same argument comparable with it The second part from the 12. verse vnto the 15. setteth forth the arguments of most sure comforts partlie drawne from the most constant nature of God himselfe partlie of the oracle vttered by the mouth of Iâ—remie and other Prophets concerning the restoring of the Citie The third part from the 16. verse vnto the 23. is the amplifieng of the second part in the which the â—r nâ—tâ—o honour of the second temple that is to saiâ— of the spiritual and eternal whereof that stonie tâ—mple was a figure that is euen of the Church to be spread with most great maiestie throgh the whole world vnder Christ the head is described by the spirit of prophesie Finâ—llie the fourth part from the 24. verse vnto the end of the Psalme the Church as a conquerour singeth a song of triumph THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HEare my praiers ô Lord and let nothing hinder that my cries come not euen vnto thee 2 Turne not thy face from me in such miserable times but rather giue eare and answere speedilie to me that crie 3 For behold my life is consumed as the smoke and I am withered and without al moisture al my strength being consumed like the stone vnder the fire 4 My heart is withered like the hearbe cut downe with the syth and loatheth al meate 5 My bones consumed with sorowe sticke hard vnto my flesh 6 I am like the Pellicane or the Bitter dumping in the desert like the Owle mourning in the wildernesse 7 I passe the nightes like a bird vnder the house eaues bereaued of her mate or spoiled of her yong ones taken foorth of the nest 8 For mine enimies lie in wait for me poore miser and with intollerable pride they abuse the example of my calamitie if they wish euil or curse anie 9 Wherefore I being cast downe vpon the earth can not tel whether I do eate bread or dust and I mixe my drinke with teares 10 For how can I do otherwaies thou beeing so sore displeased with me in that thou maist seeme therefore to haue exalted me that I should fal with so much sorer ruine 11 Wherefore to conclude al in few words I vanish awaie like a shadowe when the sunne setteth and wither like the haie 12 But thou ô Lord vpon whose power notwithstanding and promises I do rest continuest stil the same and thy memorie which thou hast appointed to be with vs must needes be eternal 13 Therefore seeing thou hast so long bin as it were an idle beholder of the miseries of Sion so manie yeares thou wilt arise I knowe wel and haue compassion vpon it when the appointed time shal come 14 Neither shalt thou want seruants which shal beare good affection towards the rammel thereof and haue pitie thereon when it is beaten into dust 15 Yea it is so far off that it should alwaies lie prostrate that contrariwise ô Lord the Gentiles which in the former ages were alienate from thee shal now feare thy name and al the kings of the world shal magnifie thy Maiestie 16 Because thou ô Lord whose worke this is onlie hast built Sion againe and hast shewed thy selfe there much more glorious than at anie time before 17 Not despising the praiers of thy most miserable people but rather hearing them in verie deede 18 For thou shalt do a worke worthie to be set forth in writing to euerlasting memorie and a new people created by thee shal sing forth thy praises 19 Because that from thy most high and holie throne euen from the heauens thou hast looked downe vpon the earth 20 To heare the mourning of the prisoners and to loose them forth of their bonds of whose life it was despaired 21 That in Sion againe thy name ô Lord that thy praise I saie in Ierusalem may be published manie nations and kingdomes running together to worship thee 22 Howbeit thou in the meane season I grant whilest this so great goodnes is waited for doest greeuouslie afflict vs and doest as it were cut off the thred of our life 23 But in this extreame distresse ô God I did flie vnto thee and I praied thee with plaine words that thou wouldest not take me awaie hastilie before that I had run the race of my life 24 And why should not I trust that it wil certainelie come to passe that thou hast promised vnto vs for thou art not like vs who are changed by time but thou abidest stable throughout al worlds 25 And the verie earth was most firmelie established by thee long ago when thou madest it and this mightie compas of heauen standeth vnshaken vnto this daie which was framed by thine onelie hands 26 But their stabilitie is nothing to that thine vnchangable firmitie for they also by little little do faile but thou endurest al one Al these things I saie how stable so euer they seeme are worne by little little as the garment is by long vse whilest that at the length they be changed by thee from the forme that we now see as a garment cast off 27 Yet thou art the selfe-same altogether subiect to no tearme of yeares and time 28 Therefore that thy kingdome which thou hast raised for thy selfe amongst thy people shal also be for euer and that posteritie of thy seruants with whome thou hast made an euerlasting couenant howsoeuer it be tossed with manie and most sharpe tempests yet it being staide by thy wil and vnchangeable power shal remaine for euer PSALME CIII The Argument Dauid did write this Psalme being rauished as it were out of himselfe into heauen in the which he stirreth vp not himselfe onlie but the verie heauenlie spirits also to sing praises vnto God taking the chiefe occasion of that great and vnspeakeable benefite of God which he bestowed on his Church by reuealing both the right waie of righteousnes and the free forgiuenes of sinnes not forgetting his most abundant liberalitie in giuing vs those things most bountifullie which belong to this present life which benefits he setteth forth with most excellent similitudes most sincete sentences adioining herevnto a most magnificent description of the diuine Maiestie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to my deare soule and mine inward bowels giue thankes vnto God with al your power 2 Praise the Lord my soule and declare thy selfe that thou art mindful of al his benefites
and the slaughter of his people I therefore rather suppose that it was written of Dauid and euen in those times that were betwixt the death of Saule and the annointing of Dauid in Hebron For the Philistins being at that time conquerours and ciuil war being raised vp though Dauid behaued himselfe verie moderatelie yet it is manifest that the affaires of the Jsraëlites were verie sore vexed and no doubt manie captiues were caried awaie from sundrie places and sold and yet the historie doth not record that anie thing was then changed in religion But the circumstance of this time doth maruelouslie commend Dauids faith and his mind for the establishing of the kingdome of God not thinking of himselfe alone but inditing these praiers for the whole Church And as concerning the matter it selfe this Psalme teacheth vs that which we ought especiallie to knowe that is to saie that the Crosse is annexed with the doctrine of Christ crucified not for the trial of this or that man alone but also of the whole bodie of the Church as the 22. verse of this Psalme is recited of the Apostle Rom. 8.35 Although then that to suffer for righteousnes sake is a sure testimonie of our conformitie and likenes with the sonne of God for the which Christ commandeth vs to reioice yet seeing we are not iron hearted but the same Christ doth bid vs to suffer together in the priuate afflictions of our brethren and much more in the publike calamities of the Church it is needeful that our faith should then chieflie be kindled to praier by powring out sobs and sighes into the bosome of our father of the which praier this Psalme ministreth vnto vs a most notable example For it is an other thing to murmur against God as vniust and deceiueable as they vse to do which receiue the promises of God after a sort for their owne commoditie than to do as he doth not as one particular man but as the whole Church declaring and acknowledging the benefites of God alreadie receiued that we may determine though these inferiour things be changed yet God wil alwaies remaine like himselfe constant and that we so complaine both of the crueltie of the enimies and of these alterations that we stil remaining in faith take occasion thereby to praie so much more earnestlie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THis our present most miserable estate calleth into our remembrance ô God those former times of the which we haue heard of our elders for they haue declared vnto vs how manie and how great things thou hast done for our sakes of old 2 To wit that thou hast driuen out by thine owne hand the people which possessed this countrie that thou mightest place them heere and moreouer also that thou hast broken and consumed al that remained of those nations that this stocke or linage of our elders should spread far and wide 3 For surelie there was no cause why they should ascribe the atteining and winning of this countrie to their owne weapons or wherefore they should imagine that they haue resisted so manie and so mightie people by their owne power naie al this praise is thine because it so pleased thee of thine onlie mercie to strengthen vs by thine arme and thy right hand stretched out by the brightnes of thy countenance 4 Neither did thy mercie cease heere for it failed not to gouerne vs afterward and oh that thou wouldest continue to deliuer vs as al things are obedient at thy commandement 5 For of old it is plaine that we did driue awaie our enimies neither did anie rise against vs whom we haue not repulsed by calling vpon thy name 6 For neither by the trusting in our owne bowe or sword haue we obteined so manie victories 7 But thou thy selfe hast deliuered vs from our enimies and hast put them to shame 8 And we ô Lord dailie praise thee therefore and set foorth these thine innumerable benefits 9 But now ô God what alteration of our state and sudden change is this now doest thou reiect vs whome thou diddest defend now doest thou shame vs who diddest before fil our enimies with shame and confusion now doest thou forsake vs who before wast our captaine to go before our armies 10 Heereof now it commeth that we that haue so oft chased awaie our enimies whilest thou wast our captaine haue now fled from our enimies folowing vpon vs and haue bin exposed to their lust and spoile 11 Thou giuest vs vp then vnto them to be deuoured like sheepe they drawe vs into bondage and scatter vs amongst them 12 Thus hast thou sold thy people for most vile price and without anie chapman to increase the price thou hast sold them to anie that would buie them 13 Thus hast thou giuen occasion to our enimies to raile and ieast vpon vs so that of euerie side we could heare nothing of those people that dwel about vs but scoffings and reproches 14 To conclude we are a common talke vnto al men and we are mocked of the prophane nations which wag their heads at vs. 15 Neither is this for one daie but no daie passeth wherein we do not behold these things so that we dare scarselie looke vp for shame 16 Whilest on the one side reproches and railings are increased and of the other side our most cruel enimies gape ouer vs. 17 Notwithstanding yet though we be striken with so manie and great miseries we are not vnmindful of thee neither do we forsake the couenant that thou hast made with vs. 18 We haue not turned awaie our heart and loue from thee to anie other neither hath anie crueltie drawne vs awaie from the worshipping of thee as thou hast appointed vs. 19 Although thou hast cast vs awaie as it were into wildernesses ful of dragons hast ouerwhelmed vs as with the shadowe of death 20 But if it be otherwaies and that we haue forgotten thy name ô our God and are knowne to haue worshipped anie strange or feined God 21 Thou ô God that beholdest the verie secrets of the heart go to cal vs to accomptes for this wickednes 22 Therefore for thy sake alone are we killed euerie daie neither are we in anie better condition than sheepe appointed of butchers to the slaughter 23 Now then ô Lord rise vp at the length for how shal we saie that it commeth to passe that in so great miserie of thy people thou seemest to sleepe awake ô Lord neither put vs away for euer 24 Shouldest thou turne awaie thy face from vs that are thine shouldest thou haue no regard of this our miserie and oppression 25 Surelie we are cast downe vpon the earth by the burthen of our miseries and lie downe flat cleauing to the earth 26 Come forth therfore and helpe vs and for thy singular mercie redeeme vs. PSALME XLV The Argument This whole Psalme is altogether allegorical and hath the selfe-same argument that the song of Salomon hath but I cannot consent vnto those which thinke
faile to be worshipped 6 And thou againe wilt powre downe vpon thy people from heauen al good things like a showre comming downe vpon the new mowne medowes and none otherwise than thou vsest to water the earth with showres in due season 7 Whilest he reigneth the iust shal flourish and great peace shal be so continued as is the firme course of the starres 8 And the king himselfe shal haue dominion from the one sea to the other euen from Euphrates to the farthest coastes of the earth 9 The inhabitants of the countries of the desert shal come vnder his yoake falling downe vnder his feete and his enimies falling downe before him shal licke the dust of the earth 10 The kings of Silicia and of the Islands shal offer presents vnto him the Aethiopians also and the Arabians shal bring him giftes 11 Finallie al kings shal worship him al nations shal serue him 12 For his righteousnes shal be praised throughout the whole world for that he heareth the crie of the poore and doth defend the needie forsaken of others 13 He hath mercie on them that are needie and he refresheth those that are in danger of their life 14 He defendeth the poore against the iniurie of the mightie neither doth he suffer the violence done vnto them to be vnreuenged 15 God also wil keepe him safe and gold shal bee brought vnto him out of the middest of Arabia al men shal make praiers for his life and safetie and shal dailie wish al prosperitie vnto him 16 Then shal wheate be shorne euerie-where with ful handfuls in the verie mountaine tops the corne growing as high as the trees of Libanus and there shal be such a multitude of inhabitants in the cities that they may almost seeme like plants springing out of the earth 17 Therefore his memorie shal be for euer euen durable as the Sunne and this king shal be an example of al felicitie vnto al nations which shal account him blessed 18 But vnto thee ô Lord the Prince of the heauenlie companie the Author of al things so wonderful let al praise be giuen 19 The same of thy glorie be praised for euer that it may fil al the earth so euen so shal it be ¶ Here end the praiers of DAVID sonne of Jshai PSALME LXXIII The Argument That which is written in the end of the former Psalme is not so to be taken as though the Psalmes of Dauid were al ended here as it is euident seeing that diuers of them that folowe haue his name set before them and some of them that go before are without anie title but those 11. that folowe are attributed to Asaph an excellent Prophet and Leuite one of the singers of whome mention is made in manie other places and chiefelie 2. Chro. 29 30. vnlesse we had rather saie that there were diuers men of that name or that his posteritie were called by that name And in this Psalme is dâ—scribed the victorie of the spirit against the flesh the which the Sophisters and Papists do falselie imagine to be that which is taught by the Philosophers when they dispute of the strife betwixt reason and the affections whereas yet in those things which peculiarlie belong vnto God there is nothing that striueth more against the true wisedome than doth the verie reason of man as he is natural and not regenerate yea euen then when he hath granted the true principles so true is it that the Apostle saith euen that mans wisedome doth end in foolishnes as appeareth also in this Argument For mans wisedome doth iudge and rightlie iudgeth that if men be gouerned by the prouidence of God it must go wel with good men and euil with euil men But where it gathereth thereby that therefore men are not gouerned by the prouidence of God and that their paines and trauel is in vaine which seeke vertue because the life of wicked men fâ—r the most part floweth with prosperitie but the life of the godlie is contrarilie ful of calamitie herein it sheweth it selfe to be most foolish For it should rather haue bin gathered by that same principle that we must determine otherwise of the ends of good and euil things than men vse to do because God doth bestowe euen vpon euil men certaine commodities his prouidence is not therefore abolished but rather his infinite goodnes and patience commended And that good men are exercised with diuers calamities in this life it commeth to passe partlie that they should not abuse the mercie of God partlie because they stand in neede of chastisement and also that they may learne to hope for better things and the more hard battels that they suffer so much the more excellent might the power of God appeare in their victories and the souldiers themselues might be rewarded with so much the greater reward Finallie which is the chiefest of al that it shal neuer go wel with the euil men and that by their owne fault Contrariwise that it shal neuer go euil with the good and that by the singular mercie of God For vnto the euil men good things are turned to euil and on the contrarie vnto the good men euen euil things turne to good This is a verie pretious doctrine which is handled oftentimes both in other Psalmes and in diuers places of the scripture especiallie in Job and the Prophet Abacuc but aboue al in this Psalme the which doctrine Asaph worthilie saith that it must be sought onlie in the sanctuarie of God whereas bare slender and sometime foolish things are taught in the scholes of the difference of good and euil things and of the vertues and of their causes and effects euen among those Philosophers which did count vertue their onlie meede and did iudge onlie the wise man to be alwaies blessed THE PARAPHRASIS 1 BVT whatsoeuer things are now brought on the contrarie it must needes be true and inuiolable that God can not be but fauourable vnto Israël that is to them that worship him purelie and deuoutlie 2 Howbeit I confesse that I could scarselie wrestle out at the length from contrarie cogitations so that I was verie like to fal and scarselie could I staie my selfe least I should fal downe headlong 3 For I was wholie set on fire beholding mad men so proud and puffed vp with prosperitie 4 For they are lustie so that thou wouldest saie that they were free from diseases and almost from death it selfe they are of so strong health 5 When others are in trouble and oppressed with manifold miseries these men haue the comforts of this life in readines whereby they auoide these miseries 6 Therefore are they haughtie and testifie with how great pride and fiercenes their heart swelleth by the verie apparel of their bodie adorned with chaines with gold and pretious stones 7 And their fat panch doth declare with what and how great delicates they abound and their eies sticke out with fatnes and if they desire anie thing they obteine also more than
that put their trust in him 10 Thou chieflie the ofspring of Aaron which ought to go before others both in doctrine and example trust in the Lord the sure shield and defender of al that put their trust in him 11 Finallie how manie soeuer do professe to worship Iehouah trust you in the Lord who is the shield and defender of them that fixe their hope in him 12 The Lord doubt ye not careth for vs he wil blesse he wil blesse the posteritie of Israël he wil blesse the kindred of Aaron 13 The Lord is bountiful toward his true worshippers both toward the noble and also the most abiect 14 He wil heape you euen you I saie and your posteritie with new benefits more and more 15 For the Lord which hath made the heauen and the earth hath receiued you into his fauour 16 And he inhabiting those most high heauens from whence he ruleth al things hath granted the vse of the earth and of infinite good creatures wherewith he hath adorned it vnto men of his singular liberalitie 17 Euen for this purpose that they should publish his glorie in the earth the which thing verelie the dead can not perfourme vnto whome death it selfe taking awaie the vse of the tongue hath inioined silence 18 Deliuer vs therefore ô God that we may sing foorth thy glorie both now being aliue and for euer Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXVI The Argument Whether we refer this Psalme vnto Dauid whom we certainlie knowe to haue bene maruellouslie deliuered oftentimes by the Lord from most present death and also froÌ„ most great anguish of mind or to anie other it conteineth an example of a singular thankesgiuing whereby we may vnderstand how far sometime the best and most vpright men vse to be cast downe and vnto whom in such case we must flie finallie how happie an end there shal be of al temptations so that we refraine our impatience by the bridle of faith THE PARAPHRASIS 1 AL my loue is in the Lord hearing the voice of my praier 2 And giuing attentiue eares vnto mee wherefore also I wil cal vpon him so long as I liue 3 Behold I was bound in the chaines of death the verie anguish of the graue held me being ouercome with the sorrowes of my heart 4 Then I called vpon the name of the Lord I beseech thee ô Lord said I deliuer my most miserable soule 5 And what else should I say here than that which I streightwaies prooued in deed verelie that God is verie mild toward his and verie iust in perfourming his promises and that our God is most merciful 6 And that the Lord finallie doth defend those that walk plainlie vprightlie because he did help me so readilie when I was brought to extremitie 7 Go to therefore ô my seelie soule returne now vnto thy selfe and take rest seeing that so notable a change of thy state is wrought by the Lord. 8 For thou ô Lord hast deliuered my life from death thou hast staied the teares of mine eies thou hast established my feete that I did not fal 9 So that I may walke now safe and sound before thee among the liuing 10 For I beleeued the promises of the Lord and therefore did I speake euen my faith ministring voice and words to me being most sore oppressed with sorrowe 11 For I grant that I was so far cast downe that I knewe not whither to turne me and finding no staie anie-where did decline vnto this that I iudged with my selfe that both the very men and whatsoeuer they do is nothing 12 But ô Lord this most dangerous temptation being ouercome by thy power for how can that thing be vaine which is taken in hand by thine appointment or how can they be nothing with thee vpon whome thou hast bestowed thy grace what shal I giue againe vnto thee for al thy benefites which thou hast bestowed vpon me 13 Verelie I wil take in my hands the cup of thankful sacrifice and calling vpon thee by name ô Lord I wil testifie openlie that I knowledge this deliuerance to be of thee 14 And those things which I vowed vnto thee ô Lord when I was in danger wil I now paie in the presence of al the people 15 I acknowledge therefore and professe as the truth is that thou doest not despise those to whom thou hast once bin beneficial but louest them most deerelie and that thou wilt in no wise vnaduisedlie destroie them 16 Verelie therefore I am thy seruant thy seruant I saie euen thy bond seruant and therfore hast thou broken the bonds wherewith I was bound 17 And I againe as is meete doe render vnto thee this sacrifice of praise and cal vpon thy name 18 I paie the vowes vnto thee which I haue promised before the whole assemblie of the people 19 And that in the courts of thy house ô Lord and in the middest of the citie Ierusalem Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXVII The Argument The vocation of the Gentiles is prophesied in this most short but verie excellent Psalme as Paule interpreteth it Rom. 15 11. And also the summe of the Gospel is declared namelie the giuing of the grace and truth as Iohn doth expound it Iohn 1 17. and the end also namelie the worshipping of God in spirit and truth that we may knowe that the kingdome of Messiah is spiritual Finallie we are here taught what is the office of the subiects of this kingdome and what good things they ought to waite for THE PARAPHRASIS 1 PRaise ye now the Lord ô al ye Gentiles casting awaie al your fained Gods and al ye people set forth his praise 2 For now at the length that his great mercie hath ouercome and is powred downe vpon vs and the truth of that eternal saluation promised of the Lord is now perfourmed Praise the Lord. PSALME CXVIII The Argument J do agree vnto them that attribute this excellent Psalme vnto Dauid and do suppose that it was written at the first beginning of his kingdome when the nations about him were readie to inuade him either in the feast of passeouer or in the feâ—st of the Tabernacles both that he might giue thanks to God after he had ouercome so manie difficulties and also that they which had so long resisted him might knowe that they resisted God and again that the whole people might so much the more willingly receiue the king that was giuen them froÌ„ heauen And it appeareth that Dauid so wrote these things of himselfe and of things that were past that they did chieflie appertaine to the Messias of whome he was a figure Esaie 8 14. and 28 16. Math. 21 42. Acts. 4 11. Rom. 9.33 Ephes 2 20. 1. Pet. 2 7. And Ierome witnesseth that this Psalme was thus expounded in the synagogues by the ancient Iewes the which thing is manifestlie confirmed by those ioiful acclamations of the people taken out of this Psalme when as they receiued him at his last entrance into the