of words God destroyed the whole race and of-spring of Saule excepting the posteritie of Ionathas so an vniuersal destruction oppressed the whole race of King Alexander The whole progenie of the Kings of Syria and Egipt for their heynous offences was pluckt vp by the rootes Let therefore not onely obscure and base persons feare the iudgement of the Lord but also euen they which excell in power for there is no power so great nor so florishing in glory wealth but God can easily turne topsituruie or vpside-downe as the historie of all ages doo shew Verse 16. The righteous cry and the Lord heareth them And deliuereth them out of all theyr troubles Verse 17. The Lorde is nigh vnto them that are of a contrite hart and will saue such as be of an humble Spirit Howe hard it is to embrace in calamitie thys consolation experience teacheth for mans reason iudgeth not that GOD is present with wretched persons but the doctrine of the Gospell witnesseth that men are not cast away from God by reason of theyr miserie but rather that God euen then promiseth helpe and mittigation and deliueraunce from mischifes Let vs therefore gather héere some promises of helpe mittigation of punishments presence and deliuerance of God The Lord is good and as a strong hold in the day of trouble and he knoweth them that trust in him Nabum 1. verse 7. Turne vnto the Lord your God for he is gracious and mercifull slow to anger and of great kindnes and repenteth him of the euill Ioel 2 13. The Lord healeth those that are broken in hart and bindeth vp theyr sores Psal 147. verse 3. Call vpon me in the day of trouble and I will heare thee and thou shalt glorifie me Psal 50. verse 15. Dwelling with the broken and humble spirit that he may quicken the harts of the sorrowful Esay 57. To him will I looke euen to him that is poore of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my words Esay 66. verse 2. That is a contrite and humble heart is the store-house of GOD. Verse 18. Great are the troubles of the righteous but the Lord deliuereth him out of all Verse 19. Hee keepeth all his bones so that not one of thē is broken GOD at length deliuereth hys Church out of all miseries but in meane time while we liue héere needefull it is that we obey in some calamities because hee will haue hys Church subiect vnto persecution and yet deliuereth he manie dailie yea euen out of corporall miseries and when he dooth not altogether deliuer yet hée mittigateth theyr punishments Thys mittigation dooth the Prophet often describe and pray for and let vs learne also to pray for the same For this weake nature of man were not able to abide the greatnesse of Gods wrath if he shoulde be hotely angry against vs as our sinnes deserue Therefore cryeth Dauid out in the 6. Psalme Lorde reprooue me not in thy wrath Againe in the hundred and thirtie Psalme If thou Lorde wilt be extreame to marke what is doone amisse ô Lord who may abide it verse 3. Verse 20. But mis-fortune shall sley the vngodlie and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate All mans lyfe long is full of examples which confirme and sette foorth this sorrowfull sentence but now for breuitie sake I will be content with the History of Marcus Crassus Marcus Crassus purposing to fight against the Parthians came into Syria the next yéere after his Consulship the yeere fiftie and one before Christ our Sauiour was borne Thys Crassus when hee had vnderstoode that there was a greate masse of money hidden in the Temple of the Iewes went to Ierusalem and hauing leaue to come into the secrete places of the Temple against his promise made vnto them tooke away from thence more then a thousande Talents that is thréescore tunnes of Golde but within a while after thys extraordinary Consull most couetous as he was payd the price of hys periurie and sacrilidge together with his sonne Publius a most excellent young man beeing slaine himselfe more then threescore yeeres olde where with him thirtie thousand Romane Souldiours were ouerthrowne and taken prisoners Verse 21. The Lorde deliuereth the soules of his seruants and all they that put theyr trust in him shall not be destitute The most part of men doo openly despise hate the Gospell after that the Ministerie that is the office of teaching doo they iudge to be the fyer-brand of seditions and of the scattering of al mankind And truely S. Paule himselfe with notable words describeth the bitternesse of mens hatred against the Teachers of the Gospell where hee saith The Apostles are reputed as men appointed to death and are made a gazing stocke vnto the world 1. Cor. 4. verse 9. That is for execrable forlorne persons wherewith God is angry without pacifying from whom all and euery creature abhorreth and whose shadow hurteth as it were a contagion the whole societie of men but although the greater part of the worlde burdeneth and ouerchargeth the Gospell with these exceeding crymes yet S. Paule with a mightie minde cryeth out against these false iudgements I am not ashamed of the Gospell of Christ for it is the power of God vnto saluation to euery one that beleeueth Rom. 1 verse 16. So Dauid with hys voice confirmeth vs All they that put theyr trust in him shall not be destitute With thys consolation let all good men especially they which haue authority in the Church comfort themselues against vnrighteous iudgements and let them knowe that God hath care ouer them who shall doubtlesse deliuer the soules of his Seruants So bée it FINIS Psalm 9. verse 14. That I may shewe all thy prayses within the ports of the daughter of Syon I will reioyce in thy saluation Ecclus. 14. verse 16. Giue and take and sanctifie thy soule c. Reuel 19. verse 1. Hallelu-iah Saluation and glory honor and power be to the Lord our God Radiantem Solem non restringam Per me Ric. Robinson Faults escaped thus corrected PAge 27. for vacantibus reade vocantibus Page 29. for arcem reade acrem Page 112. for vnfeeble reade t'enfeeble Page idem for disertus reade desertus 1 Sam. 16.7 Dan. 7. cap. verses 4. 5.6.7 Iudges 5.9 Hest 15.22 Iudith 13.4.9 Luk. 10. * Or the Hynde of the Morning this was the name of som cōmon song Leu. 16.12 Gene. 39.7 13.20.21 Mat. 1.20 Luk. 1.38.44 Luke 2.19 Math 2.16 Simile in Psal 71 5. Gen. 4.13 Ioh. 19.28 * Esa 40.11 Ierem. 23.5 Eze. 34.23 Ioh. 10.11 1. Pet. 2.25 Titus 3.4 1. Reg. 3.9 Luke 15.12 1 Reg. 18 1. Reg 19 4.5 Gene. 14.17 Gene 20.2 * Deu. 10.14 Iob. 28.24 1. Cor 10 16. Prou. 18. 2. Chro. 22 11.12 Gene. 39. ver 1.13.21 Dan. 9.7.8 Gene. 9. Exod. 14.23 * 2. Sam. 7.2 Deut. 20 5 Gene. 37.20 and 39 13 Iere 38 13 1. Sam. 23 14 Psalm 71.1 2. Sa. 15.14 2. Reg. 25.7 1. Reg. 18 4 1 Mac. 7.35 2. Mac. 15.30 1. Sam. 21 11 2. Sam. 3.1 2 Sam. 7.13
this roring Lyon which seeketh to catch ouercome and carry away the same Fourthly he bringth into the right way and healeth those that goe astray and offende without contumacie or stubborne disobedience neyther casteth he vs away which are the shéepe of his pasture by reason of our infirmities but hanging about hys necke he louingly beareth vs and with hys blood washeth vs when we are filthy and deformed Thys admirable and almost incredible louing kindnes of our Shéepheard let it stirre vs vp So as we denying all vngodlines and worldly lusts may liue godly iustly and soberly in thys present worlde looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great GOD as S. Paule most sweetly wryteth in his second chapter to Titus verse 12. Lastly vnto all these hee addeth as it were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 viz. a surplus or superaboundance for the helping sustentations of this our life namely fruitfulnesse of the earth of the liuing creatures prosperous health liuing clothing meane dwelling places peace good Princes quiet and sweet wedlock necessarie gyfts in our calling good successe in our counsels studies prosperitie of our children and finally other good gifts which are innumerable But wilt thou vnderstande howe necessary the benefits of thys Pastor are then haue in thy mind the silly Sheepe and vnto her compare the great infirmitie of our own nature The silly Sheepe hath in herselfe neyther any wit nor counsell but the flesh wandereth at randome till she light into the Wolues iawes and what is the wandering sheepe when shee cannot without the Shéepeheards helpe be brought againe to the fold Furthermore she neither hath any courage nor defence wherwith she may or is able to resist or withstand the violence and assault of the Wolues Finally that I may manifest the matter in one word The shéepe is a beast foolish fearful weake and layd open for all iniuries of the Wolues if she be destitute of the Shéepheards watching and warding Neyther indéede is one Egge so like another or Milke like vnto Milke as the state of humane nature is resembling thys figure For in the darke places and in the darkesome night our mindes doo wander astray neither haue they any prouidence which respecteth life euerlasting we all like shéepe haue wandered out of the way which leadeth vnto eternall blessednesse yea except we be layd vpon Christes shoulders and be carried hanging about his necke we shall plunged headlong in darknesse and errours perrish euerlastingly And what in vs is there wherewith wee are able to resist the deuill when he assaulteth vs There is no such wisedome or power without GOD but the deuill is able to ouerthrow and quite extinguish it which things sith so indéede they be let vs in our daily prayers remember that we are the sheepe of this Shéepheard and let vs flée for succour vnto him and craue help defence and gouernment of him But in thys place some man woulde aske the question why the Shéepeheard of the Church ought to be Iehoua that is the true GOD Creator of heauen and earth There are many causes for which it is néedfull that the guide and Sheepeheard of the Church should not onely be man but also by nature GOD. The first is Nature onely which hath ende cannot destroy the workes of the deuill namely sinne and death and restore vnto the Church righteousnesse and life euerlasting The second is no creature can alwaies and euery where bee present with the Church and euery member thereof The thyrd is no creature can sée the sights of the hart and discerne true inuocation from hypocrisie And the fourth cause is no creature entreth into counsell with the diuine nature For these causes which els where are largely explained it is needfull that the Sheepeheard and Bishoppe of our soules be Iehoua that is GOD whose nature and power is eternal vnspeakable and infinite Thus farre haue I spoken of the first part of the Syllogisme indéede more breefe then for the greatnesse of the matter but as the manner of these Comments ought in truth to be now wyll I speake of the other part or member which of Logicians is called the Consequent I shall not lacke or nothing shall be lacking vnto me It is a most sure rule hee that hath the word of God he hath God himselfe hee y t hath God to him can nothing of the principall blessednes be lacking because God was before the worlde was made and by his word he made all things therefore the word of God maketh and bringeth all things vnto vs but contrariwise hee that hath not the word hee hath nothing but fainteth amidst the floodes like vnto Tantalus and as he séemeth most to haue any thing so yet within a while after euen that is taken away from him according to that saying of Christ To hym that hath shall be giuen and from him that hath not namelie the word euen this that he seemeth to haue shall be taken away from him Luke 19 verse 26. But although these spéeches are proudly scorned hatefully handled of prophane persons yet notwithstanding let vs beléeue Christ affirming them who is Trueth it selfe so to vs saying First seeke ye the Kingdome of God and all other things shall be giuen vnto you Math 6 33. As if he said if any man haue by Gods graunt and gyft the chéefe good things acknowledgment and calling vpon God consolation and gouernment of the holie Spirit obedience agreeable to the wyll of God and specially remission of sinnes and deliueraunce from the power of the deuill and from euerlasting death finally if he haue righteousnes and life euerlasting to him are none appurtenaunces lacking or helping sustentations of thys our mortall life and calling This sentence dooth the example of Salomon and the figure of the prodigall Sonne notably describe Salomon in the beginning of hys raigne required nothing of GOD but wisedom to acknowledge GOD with a true feare and fayth and to gouerne his Subiects according to Gods wil. This prayer so pleased God that he said vnto him I haue giuen thee a wise and vnderstanding hart so as not any one before thee was like vnto thee neither shal any be thy like after thee But these things also which thou hast not asked I haue giuen thee namely riches and honour so as there shall neuer be thy like at any time heereafter 3. Reg 3 12. The prodigall Sonne returning home required nothing els of hys Father but to be reconciled into his fauour and swéetly applauding himselfe héerein hee desired to be but placed amongst the basest hyrelings but what happened Hys Father by and by commanded a Ring to be giuen him a new Garment vpon his back and shooes to his féete and prepareth a delicate banquet wherewith he might entertaine his recouered and reconciled Sonne Let vs therefore followe the guide and good successe of thys our Shéepeheard and let vs not doubt but that in purpose and euent he will
is strong and a ielous God which cannot abide any societie betwéene Christ and Belial which doubtlesse is impossible so let vs flée from and beware of all succours of felowships or partakings séeing that saying of Sophocles is most true Hostium dona non sunt dona et non sunt vtilia The gyfts of our enemies no gyfts at all be Nor ought doe auaile our state or degree For when the enemy speaketh flatteringly and with a comicall countenaunce works his tragedy we must not trust him at any hande Because there are seauen abhominations lurking secretly in his hart as Salomon sayth in his Prouerbs chap. 26. verse 25. I would say more to this purpose had not our Country Germanie to her great losse learned howe much credite is to be giuen and attributed vnto sophisticall fellowships Last of all we must not colour vp the matter with our enemies eyther for peace or profit sake as some now adaies hauing a right perceiuerance in the true doctrine by sinister sleights practise to win the aduersaries good wils vnto them For the aduersaries are not appeased nor healed with such fayre spéeches but are euen much the more stirred vppe and conceiue good hope the time will come that these guileful flatterers leauing y e true Church at randon wil againe take thēselues vnto theyr Tents of mischiefes But let not vs sitte with vaine persons neither keepe company with the craftie or fraudulent dealers which comes to passe eyther by neglecting to refute the enemies errours or vsing a dissembling fellowship in opinions or with vngodly suggestion or colluding with the aduersaries but let vs beare a most bitter hatred against the murthering Congregation of Caines deuotion least we be polluted with the societie of theyr madde worshipping and crueltie but let vs wash our hands in innocencie that we may walke about the Altar of the Lord. Verse 7. That I may shew the voice of thanksgiuing and tell of all thy wondrous works Hée reciteth a finall cause whereunto is to be referred the ioyning together with the true Church therefore saith hee doo I desire to be a member and Cittizen of the most prayse woorthy Country the Church that I may performe the worshippings which GOD most seuerely requireth as in calling vpon him in thanksgiuing teaching and confessing For in the Church onely are exercised the true calling vppon God thanksgiuing and other workes of the first Table many other vertues as temperance gentlenes c. are also found euen in them which know not God as in Pomponius of Athens and other such like But true prayer is only proper to the Church and in truth is the speciall or cheefe wall of the Church as Salomon saith The Name of the Lorde is a strong Tower That is true calling vpon God But let vs discerne the degrées for eyther we craue some thing of God or we giue thanks for benefits receiued that is we witnesse that God vnfeinedly helpeth vs and so we giue him thanks and by the celebracion of this benefit we stirre vp our selues and others vnto the feare of GOD fayth in him and true calling vpon him But of these vertues proper to the Church I haue elsewhere spoken oftentimes Verse 8. Lord I haue loued the habitation of thine house and the place where thine honour dwelleth The whole Psalme is a Sermon which bids vs flee from the enemies of the true doctrine and the true Church and to embrace the true doctrine to loue helpe and aduaunce the true Church To thys effect also apertaineth this little verse I haue loued thy Church which is the Church and house wherein GOD dwelleth and which with true prayses worshippeth God To the cherishing helping and maintayning of thys Church I employ my studies counsels and labours For God will haue vs to loue his Church which teacheth aright and will haue vs manifest our zeale thereunto and hée will haue the Ministerie of the Gospell to be reuerenced and helped like as in the 122. Psalme he commaundeth saying Pray for the peace of Ierusalem verse 6. And straight is added his promise of reward They shal prosper that loue thee verse Idem Like as therefore in the honey Hiues euery Bée bestoweth his labour for the common profit of all so let euerie one of vs employ all our endeuours and duties for the safetie and tranquilitie of those societies which teach the Gospell aright and let vs helpe and further godly studies so as the pure doctrine touching God and our Lord Iesus Christ may bee aduaunced and preferred euen vnto our posterity Verse 9. O shutte not vp my soule with the sinners nor my life with the blood-thirstie Verse 10. In whose hands is wickednesse and theyr right hand is full of gyfts Hée not onely craueth thys that hee may be defended against the crueltie of enemies but another thing also namelie that he might not be defiled or stained with the societie of Idolaters and Manquellers wherewith the enemies of the Gospell doo defile themselues and he prayeth also that he may not be ensnared in their punishments For many there bee which are not ignoraunt of the true doctrine but yet for feare they dissemble theyr opinion and with theyr dissimulation doo confirme the rage of Tyrants Let such know there must needes be a manifest confession both for the glory of God and for to deliuer others which for confession of their fayth are violently carried to torments But heere must the Reader be admonished of the propper names of the enemies of the Gospel to the end he may learne to shunne them before in thys Psalme hee paynts them out with foure proper tearmes calling them vaine crafty malignant and vngodly persons Heere he precisely termeth them sinners blood-thirsty practisers of euill counsels and corrupt Iudges or money men I meane not to stay long vpon these least any man should thinke me to take pleasure in reproching them but I am mooued to exhort the godly ones that they woulde consider what manner of monsters the enemies of the Gospell are whom the holy Ghost heere affirmeth to be compact and framed of so many and so great vices and mischiefes Verse 11. But as for me I will walke innocently O Lorde deliuer me and be mercifull vnto me Hée repeateth his prayer for defence amplified vnto the Antithesis or contrarietie seeing with all my hart I doe eschewe and tremble to followe the vngodlinesse and mischiefes of the enemies of the Gospell and with a good conscience professe the true doctrine of thée doo I craue and from thée doo I looke for defence For I well know that I am not enuironed or fortefied with any power against the cruelty of the Enemies but am openly layd foorth to all theyr weapons except it please thee to be my protector and defender Verse 12. My foote standeth aright I will praise the Lord in the Congregations In the very last verse there is added a finall cause why he craueth to be preserued namely that
viuendum ferunt nec suspensa aliorum aut bono casu aut contrario pendere ex alterius euentis et errare coguntur huic optime viuendi ratio comparata est viz For vnto what man all things are of hys owne industrie at his vse which serue to a blessed life not suspended eyther with the good or sinister fortune of others are not compelled to depende of another mans haps so to fayle this man hath gotten a rule of the best kinde of life Thys sentence dooth the thirtie one Psalme notably interprete discerning a true hope from a carnall hope For as Pluto warneth vs that all our hope or confidences should not depende vpon the benefits of fortune or of humane friendships the same doth this Psalme allowe But wheras it bringeth vs to the consideration of our own vertues that part of Platoes sentence doth this Psalme reiect refuse for we must be brought to the consideration of Gods goodnes seeing many things happen vnto man when mans vertue with out Gods helpe vtterly fayleth Therefore it commaundeth that God be of vs acknowledged and called vpon and it promiseth helpe but the whole Psalme shall be more excellent in vse if the figure of some godly Pastor or Teacher banished for the confession of hys fayth be heere represented For like as Christ in the time of his passion was not onely cruelly handled of his enemies but also forsaken of his friends falling from him for very feare so godly exiled persons doe feele both the crueltie of enemies and vnfaithfulnes of theyr owne friendes for it is most truly written by Tyrteus the Musitian Curat nemo vagos et laedere nemo veretur Non Exul curae ducitur esse Deo No man cares for the wandring wight To hurt him none dooth feare Men thinke that God forgetteth quite Poore Exiles liuing heere What then shall the godly man doe in such a case whether shall hee flee for succour Hee shall haue in minde and mouth the promises and consolations of thys Psalme The Lord preserueth them that are faithful Againe In thee O Lorde haue I put my trust let me neuer be put to confusion verse 1. That this is no vaine Rethorick we shall well prooue if in vnfained sorrow which the crueltie of enemies causeth vs and the forsaking of friends we shall call vpon God Thys our age seeth the examples of good men who being driuen from theyr abyding places for the constancie of theyr confession are meruailously defended and preserued of God Wherefore trusting in the helpe of God let vs not cast awaie our confession of the true doctrine but let vs preach the same constantlie for the glorie of God and for the saluation of our soules and let vs commende vnto God all the euents of our businesses who suffereth vs not to be ashamed but in hys righteousnesse will deliuer all them that call vpon him ⧠The Psalme and exposition thereof Verse 1. In thee ô Lorde haue I put my trust let me neuer be put to confusion deliuer mee in thy righteousnesse THere is a notable Emphasis in the particles In thy righteousnesse as if he sayd many trust in theyr money some mighty persons in the fauour of Friendes and some in theyr wisedome and righteousnes But I trust not in visible things thē which nothing is more vncertaine nor any thing more fading but all hope of welfare I doo repose in God and I craue that I may be hearde not for my righteousnes which is eyther none at all or indeede stained but for the righteousnes of God himselfe made knowne in the Law of the which the Law and the Prophets doe beare witnes And it is the righteousnes of God which the Gospell hath made knowne and Fayth apprehendeth frée remission of sinnes and the acceptation vnto life euerlasting Thys hope is not confounded but surely obtaineth deliuerance according to the purpose of God But some man wold obiect I sée not how Iohn Baptist Paule Stephen and Laurence were at all deliuered which were most cruelly slaine of Tyrants The aunswer is not difficult to such as vnderstand the doctrine of the Church concerning the causes of calamities for although they were put to death for theyr confession yet they felt ioy in theyr harts which is the ouercommer of death and their death is glorious in the sight of the Lord not onely because it setteth forth adorneth the glory of God but also because it shal haue a glorious end in the life euerlasting where God shal fully and wholie deliuer his Elect from sinne and death and shall be all in all Let therefore the obiects be discerned concerning which Hope is exercised for although eternall life is assuredlie for the Sonne of Gods sake to be looked yet notwithstanding there are other deliuerances according to the purpose of God in this life to be looked for Let vs also haue alwaies in our sight the most graue and most godly sentence which Iob in hys thirtéenth Chapter reciteth Yea though he shoulde kyll me yet will I trust in him and he shall be my Sauiour These cannot be vnderstoode of men liuing in idlenes pleasures but in vnfained sorrowe when we are assaulted as the stone with the Sea waues euery where beaten vpon Hic animis opus est opus est hic pectore firmo vincente omnia spectra quae in occulos incurrentos fidem langue-faciunt viz. Heere courage needfull is and constant hart likewise All Goblins rushing in our sight Our fayth vnfeeble for to conquer quite Verse 2. Bow downe thine eare to me make haste to deliuer mee Verse 3. And be thou my strong Rocke and the house of defence that thou maist saue me The Poet sayth Dole tantum sponte disertus eris Onely sorrowfull if thou be Thou art distressed willingly For the Prophet heere is not satis-fied with the worde Deliuer but enlargeth his Prayer with moe wordes As if hee sayd gyue not eare vnto my Prayers as though thou wert in hande with an other matter doe not deferre thy helpe but with great listening know my cause and béeing euen at the first oppressed and suffering not my deserts deliuer thou me be vnto me a well defenced forte whereunto I may safely flee for succour and wherin I may safely hyde me Verse 4. For thou art my strong Rocke my Castle bee thou also my guide leade me for thy Names sake The rule of hys prayer is borrowed out of the first precept I am the Lord thy God Exod. 20. As if the Prophet here sayd seeing thou hast made thy selfe knowne vnto vs of thy great goodnes and hast giuen vs thy word and wilt not that the same shall be extinguished preserue and defende vs that some Congregation of GOD may alwaies remaine vppon earth that there may be both Teachers and learners least doctrine be extingushed least learning doo perrish For so oft as mencion is made of Gods Name let vs comprehende the causes impulsiue and finall For
thy Names sake that is for thy promise wherein thou affirmest that thou wilt helpe them that call vpon thee and for thy glories sake For the acceptable glory of God is spred abroade of the godly ones who after theyr deliuerances are true iust as I haue elsewhere oftentimes said also the blasphemous clamors of the enemies are refuted when examples are proponed which doe shew that God hath care of the poore and needie Congregation trusting in the Name of the Lord. Verse 5. Drawe me out of the nette that they haue priuilie layd for me for thou art my strength Hée craueth to be defended not onely against manifest violence but also against vngodly fraude of the enemies of the Gospell for there is no man so wise which without the safegard of the Sonne of God can eschew all the snares and deceypts which are layde by the enemies of the true doctrine for they know how to colour smoothe and faire causes wyth vniust dealings and with soft spéech how to dissemble Therfore there is no watchfull warinesse equall vnto the most craftie practises of the enemies but it hath neede of the Sonne of GOD to safegard and preserue the same Verse 6. Into thy handes I commende my Spirit for thou hast redeemed mee ô Lord thou God of truth A conclusion full of Fayth as if he sayd I doo well consider that I am not sufficiently furnished and armed against the violence and craft of the enemies Therefore béeing destitute of mans counsaile and helpe I flée to thee for refuge and yeeld my selfe wholly vnto thee in thy hand I repose all that I haue for I know that thou wilt keepe thy purpose with a firme fayth séeing also thou hast oftentimes before deliuered me For fayth béeing confirmed with remembrance of former deliueraunces beleeueth that God is not onely rich in those things promised but beleeueth also that he most aboundantly performeth the same hee hath promised and conceiueth a most assured hope of his deliuerances in time to come But seeing the Sonne of God rehearsed this verse a little before the seperation of the soule from the body who doubteth the same forme of words is to be vsed not onely in other dangers of life but also in the midst of death For then must we cry out with Stephen Lorde Iesus receiue my Spirit Acts. 7. verse 59. For Christ our Lorde not onely will but also can with a mighty hand plucke and deliuer our soule flitting out of thys frayle mansion and set the same free from the deadly assault of the deuils themselues séeing hee is both the Creator and Redeemer of our soules according to that saying I giue them eternall life and no man shall take them out of mine handes because I and the Father am one John 10. verse 28. Into thys hande therefore excelling in fayth and power let vs deliuer our selues wholy without doubting which when wee shall doo the thing it selfe shall shewe they are not vaine delectations which are said in this verse Thou hast redeemed mee ô Lord God of truth Verse 7. I haue hated them that tolde of supersticious vanities and my trust hath beene in the Lord. He amplifieth the proposition of y e Psalme by comparison of contraries that is of a True hope and Carnall hope for like as a true hope is not cōfounded because it dependeth of God so all other hopes are frustrate which depende vpon a rotten thredde for so humane helps seeme woorthily to be called for their incertainty and vnconstancie but if any man doo iudge these to be vaine delectations let him heare the complaints of wisemen confirming the purpose which I haue sette downe Cicero in his ninth Booke of Epistles concerning Pompeyes defences writeth thus Thou knowest well that Cnaius Pompeyus was neither safe in the glorie of hys fame nor of his acts nor with the sutes and seruices of Kings and kingdoms which he was oftentimes wont to boast of c. Cicero plainely affirmeth that Pompey was neyther wyth his owne possessions nor hys friends helps safely enough preserued against the assault of fortune for what so is sayde of the likenesse or forme the same euen in like manner may be sayd of the whole nature or kinde of any thing for al humane helps hold by a slender thred and things which haue beene of force suddainly fall to decay We shall therefore remember that against confidence in humane helps there are many sentences deliuered vs from God as in the 146. Psalme Trust not in Princes nor in the Sonnes of men in whom there is no helpe verse 2. And in that of Ieremie Chap. 17. Cursed is euerie one which putteth his trust in man Verse 8. I will be glad and reioyce in thy mercie for thou hast considered my trouble hast known my soule in aduersities Verse 9. Thou hast not shut me vp into the hande of the enemie but hast sette my feete in a large roome The effects of a true hope are heere descrbed wyth great excellencie of words Pompey béeing ouercome of Caesar was ouerwhelmed into Epicuriall opinions disputing as it were that God cared not for mens matters But Dauid beeing banished from hys kingdome beleeued that God both regarded and helped him with thys fayth when he is supported there followeth a consolation and a féeling of gladnesse For he was not shutte vp in the hands of hys Sonne Absalon like as K. Zedechias in his fleeing away was brought backe againe and at the Conquerours commaundement had his eyes put out but he was restored into his kingdome Therefore it is farre better to trust in God then in humane helps for God considereth both the painefull trauaile and the sorrow of the godly ones as it is written in the tenth Psalme and knoweth the way of the iust that is he not onely alloweth but also helpeth them And as furthermore S. Peter sayth The Lorde knoweth howe to deliuer his out of trouble or tentation 2. Peter 2. verse 9. Verse 10. Haue mercy vpon me ô Lorde for I am in trouble and mine eye is consumed for very heauinesse yea my soule and my body Verse 11. For my lyfe is wexen olde with heauinesse and my yeeres with mourning Verse 12. My strength fayleth me because of mine iniquitie and my bones are consumed Albeit the name of tribulation dooth comprehend all these words which in effect may happen vnto a miserable man Yet is it lesse to say the whole then all to effect lesse perceth as it were this breefe messenger Wherefore he layeth open all things that are included in one word to the end he may shew his miseries vnto God For as the onely daughter poureth out into her Fathers bosome her cares and griefes and orderly rehearseth euery euill affected part so Dauid and all the godly ones doo open themselues wholy vnto God and make manifest particularly the greefe or sorrowe of euery member vnto him But some man will heere obiect what needeth all this recitall seeing
Common-wealthes and Schooles honest and quiet wedlocks learning and finally other helping reléefes almost innumerable for our vocation and life So often therfore as we enter into cogitation both of thys plentie and pleasure of benefits let vs say aloude with Dauid O taste see how gracious the Lord is and let vs repose all our inward cares vpon so great goodnes according to that saying of S. Peter Cast thy care vpon the Lord and he shall nourish thee 1. Peter 5 verse 7. Verse 9. O feare the Lorde yee that be his Saints for they that feare him lack nothing Thys verse containeth a precept and a promise for hee exhorteth the godly ones that they woulde liue in the feare of the Lord whereunto fayth is adioyned or rather most neere and vnto these he promiseth plenty of all things necessary and wholesome The examples of Abraham Isaack and Iacob are knowne whom God in greatest scarcitie of victuals nourished Also let there be in our sight thrée causes for which God deliuered his promises touching corporall things The first is that we imagine not these benefits are brought vs by chance but let vs beléeue that they are distributed vnto vs by the vnspeakeable goodnesse of God The seconde is that wee may know God will alwaies preserue some Congregation which will kéepe his doctrine who doubtlesse hath néede of harbourings and other helpes The thirde cause is that we may in prayer and expectation of and for such helps exercise our faith but these were wont to be more plentifully discussed vpon in the summe of Christian doctrine Verse 10. The Lyons doe lack and suffer hunger but they which seeke the Lord shall want no maner of thing that is good Hée amplifieth a promise with a contrarietie the rich which lyonlike doo seaze vpon all things for themselues are oftentimes shaken out of all theyr possessions some also pine away with hunger as Pithius who was Purueyor of the victuals for Xerxes hoast is said to haue dyed with very hunger But the godly ones which seeke the Kingdome of God and hys righteousnesse are not destitute of necessary benefits for the body that is are by God nourished and defended meruailously Like as in the time of Ierusalems destruction sixe thousand of the godly ones at the forewarning and bidding of an Angell departed into the Cittie Pella within the Countrey of Decapolis and were there preserued and defended against all mens opinion So at thys day amongst so manie troubles of Germanie God preserueth the néedy and poore Congregation trusting in the Name of the Lord. Verse 11. Come yee children and harken vnto mee I will teach you the feare of the Lord. Verse 12. What man is hee that lusteth to lyue and would fayne see good daies keepe thy tongue from euill and thy lips that they speeake no guile Verse 13. Eschewe euill and doe good seeke peace and ensue it In the holy Scripture are thrée thinges specially deliueuered First doctrine touching the Articles of our faith Next vnto that consolations which are the remedies of sorrowes Last of all precepts of actions As therfore in other Psalmes sentences are sette downe touching the true acknowledgement and calling vpon God besides consolations so in thys Psalme are rules touching life and manners which shine as it were certaine precious stones and the sum of the precepts are these So runne that thou maist haue an eye to thy mark take good choyse of the meanes leading thee to the mark Let the Marke of our studies labours be the glory of God and the flourishing and peaceable state of the Church the meanes or waies leading vnto this Make let be the studies of the heauenly doctrine conioyned with the loue of righteousnesse chastitie truth and publique concorde for the safe and sure estate of the Church touching which I haue sayde cannot without these and many other vertues eyther be ordered or retained in right course The foundation of thys excellent and most beautiful estate is the swéete agréement in the true doctrine and a bitter hatred of Sophisticall or cauilling doctrine Therfore the Sonne of God Christ Iesus prayeth for the Church Father sanctifie them with thy truth thy word is truth John 17 verse 17. Vnto thys studie of truth let loue of vniuersall righteousnes be adioyned which is the auoyding of vices and studie of well dooing finally let vs haue such moderation of mindes that we may be able to suffer and beare with certaine inconueniences though against our wils to the end that publique concord be not thereby disquieted These most wise and most chéefely wholesome precepts are deliuered in two little verses Keepe thy tongue from euill and thy lips that they speake no guile Eschewe euill and doe good seeke peace and ensue it Verse 14. The eyes of the Lord are ouer the righteous and his eares heareth theyr prayers A most sweet promise describing the prouidence of God beholding and hearing his Church and all the godlie ones In Creete men say there was Iupiters Image made without eares which a certaine Epicure there sette vp as he signified God to be deafe and did not heare mens prayers Against these vile obscurities or absurdities Dauid confirmeth vs nay sayth he God is neyther deafe nor dumbe but séeth and heareth all things which are doone in the Church neyther is hee an idle beholder of mens matters but vnfainedlie careth for kéepeth gouerneth and defendeth his Church For it cannot be that hee which with meruailous workmanshyp made both the eye and the eare should be voide of séeing and hearing according to that saying in the 94. Psalme He that planted the eare shall he not heare or hee that made the eye shall he not see verse 9. But who be righteous that must bée learned out of the Gospell for the worde of the Gospell dooth teach we are righteous not in our owne sinceritie séeing all are sinners and haue neede of the glory of God but by imputation for the Sonne of Gods sake thys consolation must we sette against our owne vnworthines which driueth vs away from praying vnto God Verse 15. The countenaunce of the Lorde is against them that doe euill to roote out the remembrance of thē from the earth It should be too long a Catalogue if we héere recited the destinies of mightie personages which were horribly ouerthrowne and came to vtter ruine as of Hercules Achilles Aiax Iason Phillip of Macaedonia Pompey Caesar Anthonie and others innumerable the tragicall endes of these personages doo well declare thys sentence or verse The countenaunce of the Lord is against them that doe euill to roote out the memorie of them from the earth And although it may be disputed vpon why he sayth To roote out the memory of the vngodly when of truth in sacred prophane histories there are long descriptions of the vngodly ones yet notwithstanding the explication or meaning héereof is simple plain if vnto theyr vniuersall end or destruction you will apply thys forme
bee gyuen vnto you Math 6 33. Verse 2. For he hath founded it vppon the Seas and prepared it vpon the floodes Hée amplifieth the wisedome and power of the Heade of the Church which shineth and is notably seene in the framing and preseruation of the world for who woulde not be astonished thinking that the earth could without props be setled at rest in the midst of the world Who meruaileth not by right that the Sea sith it is farre greater then the lande dooth not ouerwhelme all mankind with the ouerflowing therof Furthermore who can without great admiration beholde the Heauen and the Clowdes aboue vs wandering without pyllers to support such a mightie masse and varietie of bodies These are the works of the Workmaisters vnspeakeable wisedome and power the consideration whereof might mooue vs to thys purpose that we shoulde beleeue the Church is preserued and defended by God without visible helpes safegards For if God on this manner nowe sustaine these creatures sencelesse and which shall perrish in the consuming of thys world by fire who doubteth that the Church which is Gods heritage and shall worshyp him in all eternities shall be by Gods mighty hande nourished and sustained as most swéetly it is sayde in the forty sixe Chapter of Esay You are borne of me from the wombe and brought vppe of mee from the byrth verse 3. I haue made you I will also beare you and I will carry you and I will deliuer you verse 14. I omitte to speake of the Philosophers disputations touching the setling or stay of the earth least I heere seeme to be rather reasoning philosophically then diuinely Verse 3. Who shall ascend into the Hill of the Lorde or who shall rise vp in his holie place Verse 4. Euen he that hath cleene handes and a pure hart and that hath not lift vp his minde vnto vanitie nor sworne to deceiue his Neighbour Hée proponeth a question concerning a matter the greatest of all others namely which what a one and where the true Church of GOD is and thereunto maketh aunswer The Church saith hee is a Congregation embracing the word deliuered from GOD and acknowledging calling vppon and worshipping God according to the rule of his word and abhorring from all opinions and worshippings which agree not with that rule Thys description is made more notable by considering an Antithesis or contrariety betweene the true Church and the pontificall crew which for riches and promotions falsely challenge vnto themselues the most holy name of the Church For in thys pontificall crewe first dooth vanitie florish and rule the rost that is confusion of opinions and worshippings for who knoweth not how filthy things are Idoles prayer for the dead and the prophaning of the Lords Supper in funeral Masses and Masses for money It is manifest also that their Bookes touching canonicall satis-factions are full of errors darkning the light of the Gospell Finally sure it is that theyr Bookes speake not rightly touching remission of sinnes and to be the suppression of faith embracing remission of sinnes yea and that by thē a contrarie opinion is defended viz. That men ought alwaies to doubt of the remission of sinnes Moreouer the harts of hypocrits are vncleane that is without true feare of GOD and without fayth because they are proude with the perswasion of theyr wisedome and righteousnesse in loue with themselues and debase despise others farre vnder themselues as did the Pharisie in the 18. of S. Lukes Gospell These sinnes with a malignant countenaunce repugne the feare of God and the confidence in the mercie of GOD. Thirdly theyr tongue is full of periuries that is blasphemies against the true doctrine which they vniustly condemne of herisie and sedition Last of all their hands are imbrued with the blood of the godly ones which they sley for the profession of the Gospell and for the reprehending of theyr Idolatry Nowe on the contrary part let the Image of the true Church be considered First of all the true Church embraceth the Gospell giuen by Christ and declineth not vnto vanitie that is dooth not corrupt the doctrine mingling therevnto lewde opinions and worshyppings but shunneth and with all her hart trembleth to haue corruption of doctrine and voluntary seruing of God Moreouer she hath a cleane hart that is as S. Peter interpreteth it A hart purified by Fayth 1. Peter 1.22 And as S. Paule sayth commeth with boldnesse vnto the throne of Grace Heb. 4.16 Finally she hath not a blasphemous tongue nor hands defiled with the bloode of the holy ones but rather suffereth the vnrighteous iudgements of the world and is layd open to al chaunces of suddaine dangers But heere is a necessary admonition to be repeated that thys description of the Church so properly called is not sette downe as touching hypocrites intermingled with the true Church in outward societie for although they of the true Church professe true doctrine and are not polluted with manifest Idoles yet in hart they are carelesse and without repentance Such a great multitude are there alwaies in the Church like as the Parable of the seede signifieth Math. 13. Verse 5. Hee shall receiue the blessing from the Lord and righteousnes from the God of his saluation When we see the Church to be oppressed with a greater weight or force of calamities thē the rest of the skom of mankinde is we were wont to aske the question what peculiar good gyfts or what treasures had the Church for it seemeth a thing absurd that the Church dare promise vnto her hearers great benefits when she herselfe is ouerlayd with greatest miseries With thys obiection heere he méeteth thus affirming that the Church receiueth excellent gyfts of God viz. Righteousnes blessing and euerlasting saluation Let vs suffer the Heathen people the Mahometists and the Popish sectaries to preache and extoll theyr promotions riches and pleasures we will highly magnifie thys prerogatiue of the Church that in thys certaine Congregation righteousnesse blessing and euerlasting saluation is bestowed But let the word of righteousnesse be vnderstoode not of discipline which is an vncleane hypocrisie but of the imputation of righteousnesse in thys life and of the righteousnesse finished or consumate after this life which shall be such as the Lawe requireth namely the excellent acknowledgement of GOD and the loue vndefiled Blessing is opposed against cursing and signifieth deliuerance from Gods wrath destruction of sinne and of death and the gyft of the holy Ghost beginning in vs newe light sanctifying vs vnto life euerlasting In the name of saluation are contained all merueilous deliuerances of y e Church euen frō the very first beginning and the raysing from death vnto glorie and life euerlasting Let vs therefore meruaile at and highly aduaunce these proper benefits of the Church and for them let vs render thankes vnto God and let vs not followe the foolishnes of Glaucus who preferred brasen Armour before golden Let vs not more loue pleasure
and riches then GOD and good gyfts whereof I haue spoken Verse 6. Thys is the generation of them that seeke him euen of them that seeke thy face ô Iacob The difference betweene the Church and the vngodlie ones dooth specially sette foorth thys verse The vngodly ones séeke after pleasures and their instruments as in the verses of Mantuan it is said Ambitiosus honos opes et faeda voluptas Haec tria pro trino Numine mundus habet Desire of honour wealth and filthy pleasure The world these three for three Gods holdeth euer But the Church content with foode and rayment séeketh especially after GOD and least shée should stray a wrong way from GOD followeth the rule of his diuine manifestation in no poynt fayling her For it is the singuler wisedom of the Church not to séeke for God by any other means then by his worde and testimonies from him neither to call vpon any other God then vpon this very same GOD who hath made himselfe knowne vnto Iacob that is vnto hys Church Verse 7. Lyftvppe your heads ô yee gates and be yee lyft vppe yee euerlasting doores and the King of glorie shall come in It was the manner of the people in the East parts of the world to exercise theyr iudgement in the gates for as nowe the Senators doo méete and sitte together in the Court so in times past they which were about to consult vpon the causes of the Common wealth mette and satte in the gates The Prophet Dauid therefore exhorteth héere all Princes and Gouernours that they would giue harbour and succour vnto the Gospell and to the Church and to thinke that thys ought to be theyr first and speciall care that euery one of them bestowe in his place of calling hys counsaile and endeuour to retaine the Ministery of the Gospell in publique administration of the Churches to the nourishing of the necessary studies and exercises of the Church and to the defending and maintaining of the Ministers Teachers and Schollers in the Church and Schooles Manifestly it appeareth that in Kingdoms and Citties these Offices or duties are euery where neglected of the most Gouernours or Magistrates They séeke not for apt or fitte Pastors to theyr Churches there are not sallaries or meane wages gyuen vnto such as are able to serue in place there is not youth sufficiently employed vnto the necessary studies or exercises of the Church of GOD no rather in Princes Courts there be which fléese from the Preachers of the Gospell theyr due deserued wages and stipends and doo bestow the same vppon those whose helpe or dilligence they doe vse both in the Court and about theyr prophane busines These things doo I therefore recite to that ende onely that the saying of thys Psalme may be vnderstood and applyed vnto the same vse Wée therefore with this speech doo admonish Princes and Citties to haue care that the Gospell may be purely and rightly preached in their Churches and that we may comfort all those which suffer dangers and miseries for the aduauncement thereof Finally with thys very same spéech doo we accuse Tyrants which goe about to destroy the Ministery of the Gospell and others also which neglect the setting foorth of the same For if Gouernours or Rulers haue onely the ouersight charge and keeping of mens bodies and goods vndoubtedly I know not what difference there is betweene them and Heardesmen or Pastors Nay what are Cōmon weales flourishing with wealth and power wanting true acknowledgment and calling vpon God but Lanthornes without light and a certaine Ciclopicall hugenes hauing blinde and rash wandering motions of theyr mindes Let therfore Magistrates vnderstand and execute the offices of theyr vocations which els where in one word are comprehended where the Psalme sayth I sayd ye are Gods that is bearing Gods Office or béeing Gods Deputies and bestowing Gods benefits vpon men that is the doctrine of God righteousnesse and peace This testimony without long circumstaunces teacheth that it is the speciall cheefe worke of all Magistrates to aduaunce and preserue the knowledge of GOD in mankinde Verse 8. Who is the King of glorie it is the Lord strong and mightie euen the Lord mightie in battell Alwaies there hath béene are and shall be some Kings or mighty Princes enemies vnto the Gospell these mens good wils towards the Gospell hee finely setteth foorth saying who is the King of glory for these Princes despise the doctrine of the Gospell as a thing fabulous and many of thē practise the destruction thereof as if it were the firebrande of seditions and the plague of Common weales But although in manifold manner the aduauncement of the Gospel be hindered yet it wyll haue his operation notwithstanding according to those verses VT aggeribus ruptis cum spumens Amnis Exut oppositasque euicit gurgite moles Fertur in aruafurens cumulo Camposque Per omnes cum stabulis armenta trahit AS when a frothing foming floode the broken bancks ouer-runs And so contrary mighty stoppes by great increase ouer-comes Of violent force is carryed forth through all the fieldes euen there With folde or Cottage quite away the Cattell so doth beare So Christ the King of glory mighty in battell though whole Kingdomes repine and repugne thereat disperseth the sounde of the Gospell and gathereth him a Church and defendeth the same meruailously against Tyrants furthermore the meaning of thys saying shall be more notable and swéeter vnto vs if we doo consider the History as touching the restoring purifying of the Gospell by the ministry of the reuerend Father D. Martin Luther For who remembreth not what manner Decrées were published against the doctrine of the Gospel when it first grew vp again amongst vs. Neyther indeede did the Enemies onely bestow their counsel and endeuour to extinguish the light of the Gospell but also troublesome and vnquiet persons who would seeme to be professors of the Gospell with moouing seditions haue alienated many mens mindes from this doctrine but yet amongst so diuers chaunces and so many differences of things the pure doctrine of the Gospell is spreade néere and farre of against which the very gates of hell shall not preuaile For he that is in vs is stronger and mightier then the Prince of thys world Verse 9. Lyft vp your heads ô yee gates and be yee lyft vp ye euerlasting doores and the King of glory shal come in Verse 10. Who is the King of glory euen the Lorde of Hostes he is the King of glory The selfe same phrase of spéech vnto the Magistrates is not in vaine nor rashly repeated for first thys repeticion declareth with what seueritie God requireth that they which sitte at the helme in the Common weales may be mooued with care of helping forwarde the aduauncement of the Gospell moreouer it signifieth tender affection of very many Gouernours or Princes towardes the Church For some neglect the care for necessary doctrine others are of that sauage beastly blood-sucking and