oyle and yet drawn swords as we read But when we see the hand besmeared with bloud then we certainly conclude that the thoughts were of a scarlet colour and this is the sight or prospect we shall take a view of presently A bloudy execution done upon Nob yet bloudy though it be Saul pretends hee does it by helpe of God and the Law by the knowne Lawes of the Kingdome which that we may examine we will handle it not as an execution done but ready to be done else Saul might be said to doe as the Judge at Lidford who hanged a man in the forenoone and then heard his inditement and passed sentence over him in the afternoone not called the knowne Law of the kingdome then Mr. Iueil defence but Lidford Law to this day Saul was not to bad as to do so he hath slaine Abimelech but hee impleaded him first objects against him and heares what hee can say for himselfe Saul hath this to say against him That Abimelech and the son of Iesse Saul meanes David Ob. whom hee names with as little honour as can be were confederate together and had conspired against him 1 Sam. 22.13 Why have ye conspired against me thou and the sonne of Iesse A sore accusation Ans but of no weight validity or strength from Sauls mouth who calls all conspirators who will not shew Saul where David is that so he may shed innocent bloud according to the power in his hands Vers 8. that so he may shed innocent bloud according to the power in his hands Vers 13. All of you have conspired against me But what had the Priest done which might be called a Conspiracy a taking part with David That he should rise against Saul to lye in wait as it is at this day Thus Saul sayes and so he impleads Abimelech In that thou hast given bread Ob. and a sword and hast enquired of God for him We will take the last first Ans enquired of God for David It was the Priests office so to do nor was that the first time that the Priest enquired of the Lord for David Vers 15. nor did the Priest know the second amongst the many thousands of Israel who deserved better from the hands of Saul and all Israel then Dauid did and therefore why might not Abimelech enquire of the Lord for him There is all Reason and Law both that so the Priest should doe enquire of the Lord for David but reason will not serve nor the resolution of the Lord neither The enquiry was saith Iunius about the Shew-bread c Vt cognoseeree an sacros panes tantùm Sacerdotibus concessos gladium semel Deo sacratum ad alios usus transferre fas esset lawfull for the Priests onely to eat and the Sword consecrated to God Whether that or this might be translated unto other uses whereunto no doubt the Priest had full satisfaction That they might In such an extremity David might refresh his hungry soule with that bread and in such a danger which God was privie to hee might take Goliah sword to defend himself therewith and to prevent Saul from seizing upon it first 1 Sam. 21 10. the more easily thereby to further his bloudy designe upon David But yet there is some more question touching the Sword as for the bread it was made for man and not man for bread That is a cleared case from the Lord Christs owne mouth Touching the Sword there is all the question now Saul a King pretends himselfe Master of the same as of Keilah for all the strong holds and ammunition there did belong to Saul they were all his proper goods and therefore Abimelech giving the sword to David he did it that he should use it against Saul to lye in wait So Saul forceth the accusation Whereunto Abimeleth makes a faire and full answer That Saul was no more Lord of the one then of the other he had no more propriety or right in the sword then in the bread nor the one nor the other were Sauls but the Lords laid-up both before the Lord and consecrated to Him But the Lord hath no nead of bread or of a sword His people Israel have need of both and as their need required so Israel might take the Bread thereby to sustaine life and the Sword thereby to defend life David tooke it for that end and according to the minde and will of God whose intent was cleare That Goliabs sword now lawfully wrested out of his hand and in Davids hand then layed up before the Lord should be for the defence of Israel and to fortifie Israel against their enemies to the worlds end And so the case is resolved about Keilah too a City that had gates and bartes not Sauls City now to batter downe though he would presume so farre about Davids eares but His City whose the kingdome was the Lords kingdome and trusted onely to Saul for the defence of Israel and no further And yet that Abimelech may deliver no more to Saul but what is justifiable by the Law of heaven and earth he assureth him that what he sayes is from Gods Mouth for there he enquired and received answer as aforesaid and thereupon his warrant to give David Bread and Sword both Moreover he addes be it far from him 1 Sam. 22.14 the Priest of the Lord to entertaine a disloyall thought against his Master the Lords Anointed enquiring of the Lord for David and giving him bread and a sword he knew David to be a faithfull person none like him in all Sauls house nor more honourable being the Kings Son-in-Law and for any thing else hee knew nothing lesse or more As honest and satisfying an answere had it been spoken to any mans eare but Sauls as ever came from a Priests mouth for it was taken from Gods Mouth but Saul is resolved before hand upon the Question for nothing can satisfie Sauls thirst but Davids bloud and because Abimelech stood in Sauls way and for reliefe of David Saul will have the Priests bloud Vers 16. And the King said thou shalt surely dye Abimelech See! There is an argument Abimelech cannot answere when a man drives furiously onward in a bloudy way neither law nor reason shall stop him nor the Angel with his drawne sword in the way Nay Saul stops not there he speaks more bloudy words yet and will doe as he speakes What I am loth to mention it from the mouth of a King and King of Israel the great Fiductary of the kingdome there I had rather a Philistin said it such an unkingly word so devoid of all reason and humanity but yet Israels King sayes it and we must repeat it after him Thou and all thy fathers house Ah Lord what a bloudy word is this what a bloudy man is that An Evill spirit came upon Saul indeed haunts him still and drives him on Lord deliver us from him for the man is
mad with rage Thou and all thy fathers house 1 Sam. 2.23 True it is it was the burden of the Lord upon Elies house and cause there was just enough why God should doe to that house as he threatned Yea and just cause too though not so cleare to dim eyes Wherefore Nob should be so smitten men women and children there We have concluded The cause is just for God is righteous And yet no cause not the least title of reason why Saul should doe it why he should seale a Commission to an Edomite to doe such an horrible execution Saul I say the great Eiductary of the kingdom intrusted with the lives of all the Priests people there no reason why Saul should so say and so do being as aforesaid but all the reason in the world why he should stop his eare from hearing of bloud much more his hand from shedding the same But Saul will do as he said Thou shalt surely dye Abimelech thou and all thy fathers house See! Saul will be chief and fore-man in this bloudy worke to make the City of Priests an Acheldama that it may be called no more Nob but a Field of bloud or HORMAH Num. 21.3 utter destruction Saul is the chiefe Actor here for he commands his servants first Turne ye and slay the Priests his servants would not Saul will have it done then he turned to Doeg a Right-man and said as much to him no sooner said but it was done And Doeg the Edomite turned fell upon the Priests and slew Marke it for though here is a miserable destruction bodies and garments too rolled in bloud yet here is comfort to every true Israelite What is that To see a City lye in ashes Priests and people wallowing in blood is there comfort in this No and yet God will bring comfort and good out of all this to his Israel anon Now this is the comfort that there are but two Actors in this Tragedy Saul and his Edomite only these specified by name True it is we shall reade anon in the third Section of Three thousand chosen men out of Israel whom Saul called together to guard his person he said being affraid of David as the Bird of Prey is of the Partridge But nothing they did not a drop of blood shed by them These only are the Active Men these two skilfull to destroy Saul and his Edomite Thanke God for this Wickednesse proceeds from the wicked man Israel can wash their hands in the innocency of their hearts and say They are free touching this matter for which will be more cleare anon Israel cannot charge any more then two amongst those three thousand their King and his Edomite More were guilty of that bloodshed that is certaine for the Edomite was not singular but plurall as will appeare by and by but no more could Israel charge with the bloodshed that their hands had shed it but Saul and his Edomite only And the charge lay heavy upon Saul like as a heavy burthen unsupportable as a Milstone pressing him downe upon his owne sword and then Lower He had shed blood to his power and blood pursued him till it had made a more cleane riddance of him and his house then he made at Nob for there one Priest escaped his butchers knife here not one shall escape This we may reade in a Book I have seen called the Kings Chronicle And so God reckoned with Saul to the last drop 1. Sect. p. 26.27 which he hath shed for God has barrelled-up the spilt Blood of the Righteous as he bottles-up their Teares CHAP. 3. The Priests Arraignment impleadings and Answers run-up paerallell with ours in these times so does the upshot or determination of the businesse for there was Peace in proposition but none in conclusion betwixt Saul and David So here Saul has shed blood which runs-up to these times too but with a fuller stream of bloods yet the voice of Blood cryes louder then does the voice of Bloods SO now Saul has done execution and God has dealt with Saul according as He threatens When we thinke thereon we have cause to say and feel the vertue of what we say My heart trembleth because of Thee and I feare for thy judgements Before I will relate to these Times I will tell one thing very briefly which shall relate to the present and parallel it selfe Here has beene a faire and peaceable parley betwixt Saul and Abimelech touching David He impleaded Abimelech and gives him leave to make answer which the Priest has done as we heard the clearest and fullest that ever was heard Was there not a sweet agreement betwixt them No it was never intended Proposition it as we say Tender propositions of Peace betwixt Saul and David while the Evill spirit is upon Saul and the Edomite in Sauls Bosom It is to no purpose vanity of vanitie's the greatest vanity To wish or thinke of an Accommodation betwixt Saul and David rebus sic stantibus that must be remembred the Evill spirit in his place and the Edomite in his and Saul quite out of himselfe for so it was then No you will say Let the Priest call-back David take from him the Sword he should have had an hard pull of it then give it unto Saul and the matter is ended No As sure as the Sunne did shine then and does shine now so sure it is That this would not have contented Saul but this would have wonderously contented him If the Priest would have called back David demanded the Sword and being given into his hand have sheathed it into Davids Bowels or have given it Saul that he might doe that horrid execution with his owne hands Then the Priest had been a Right-man for Sauls service Then here had beene Peace betwixt Saul and the Priest such as would have pleased all three The Divel Saul and the Edomite too Then Saul would have blessed the Priest in The Name of the Lord saying Thou hast compassion on me Doe I speake without the Book No it is every word sacred Truth you shall heare more of it in a fitter place We must see now how the lines of this Accusation put up by Saul against Abimelech run parallel with the Kings accusation suggested to him by his vile Councellours against his faithfull Servants at this day The King pleads Law for what he does so did Saul too for he chargeth this heavily upon Abimelech That he enquired of the Lord for David gave Bread to Davids mouth and the sword into his hand All this was against the knowne lawes of the Land as Saul seemes to conceive These are the Kings charges too I will speake thereof in order The first Charge is 1. That Abimelech enquired of The LORD So should Saul have done then and so should the King have done now not hearkning to vile Councellours whose graves The LORD has made for they are vile a Nahum 2.44 hee must not advise with them rather let them
flie to the Pit He that ruleth over men must be just ruling in the feare of God b 1 Sam. 23.3 Therefore made He thee King over them c 2 Chro. 9.8 Psal 72.2 Wherefore To doe judgement and justice He shall judge THY People with Righteousnesse and THY Poore with Iudgement There is a must and a shall for the greatest King that ever was It is very emphaticall too and as notable Thy People Thy Poore GODS People and GODS Poore must be judged with Righteous Judgement But so it cannot be but by enquiring of The LORD what He saith taking Counsell from His Mouth and from His Law-Booke which the King stands charged to write for himselfe for it must be with him Deut. 17.18.19 and therein be must reade all the dayes of his life that he may learne to feare The LORD his GOD to keepe all the words of the Law and the statutes to doe them This the Parliament doe They enquire of The Lord by prayer and fasting They take direction from His Law-book which is continually with them wherein they reade and whereby they order the great affaires of The Kingdome Great use of a Law-booke and to have it continually with them before their eyes And this is all the Crime that can be objected and proved against them They enquire of The LORD and consult with This Law-booke It is well they doe They can thanke God for that Sauls accusation runs on 2. The Priest has given David Bread The King by his wicked Counsell accuseth his Parliament even so They have given his good People bread that is life in our sense which by a Figure we may call bread They have given a poore dead People life againe and bread to maintaine life They have given we thanke them heartily life to their lawes life to their liberties life to the soule of their life to their Religion and this they had not done but by enquiring of the LORD and doing all by Statute Law and this we call bread There has been something like this bread given to the People Shew bread rather bread in shew stone indeed and something they had given them like a fish but indeed a Serpent Now the Kings good People will desire no more of their King but that he would give his People Bread bread under this figure which we may call life or bread indeed and properly so called which more then too cruelly was and is denyed to David The third charge followes and that is grievous 3. And a sword sayes Saul then That seemes to be the quarrell now and but seemes that the Sword Forts Castles Townes Ships Ammunition of the Kingdome all which we understand by the Sword is put into Davids hand Trusty welbeloved and faithfull Well and well indeed may we poore people say that the Sword is given into Davids hand the Parliaments hand for they will manage it for our good to defend us and offend the Philistines The Parliament will not cut our throats we are very assured and confident thereof But the Edomite wee shall know him anon if wee know him not yet would have cut our throats before this time all their throats that had their hand with David had he had the Sword delivered into his hand We can confide in none but David no wise man will blame us for him we know a man after Gods owne heart and the Edomite we know and shall know him better anon a Right man for he is the right hand of the Devill We are glad that the Sword is in Davids hand But yet this was charged against the Priest then and the Parliament now that David had the sword And what shall I say to this whereunto GOD Nature and Law speakes Reason and more that so it ought to be the Sword ought to be given into Davids hand a faithfull Man in whom the people may confide A Man will trust no other in shutting-in the windowes doores and gates of his house great Reason there should be the same care had about the great house and Trust of the Kingdome the frontier-Towns there But why given out of his Majesties hand and given into Davids hand Because the Sword was never in the Kings hand as his proper right there any more then the Sword was in Sauls hand as his proper goods there Therefore we speake not properly given-out The Sword is Israels Sword the Common Trust of the Kingdome belonging indeed to the great Fiduciary there and yet is the Sword not out of the Kings hands but given into Davids hands for a second Reason 2. Because as the Edomite was nearest to Sauls hand and heart too at that time So the Papist is so neare to the Kings heart now that he is as deare to him as he is neare even as his Right Arme and Right Eye eternally his for ought we can gather from his writ I will conclude this with the words of an honest Servant to an overbearing Master I will serve you Sir if you wil serve The Lord. You may command me when God commands you I will heartily obey your commands when you shall so obey Gods commands * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The head hath an Head All things shall be done as you will have it But you must command as God will have it Ignatius to a Priest Chryso I pray you heartily give me leave to be honest and faithfull If you will not so I will be whether you will or no. Doe you what you will I will do what I ought No man can dislike this except Saul and his Edomite I need say no more in a case which is so fully opened and cleared that all the Malignants in the world shall not be able to darken it to the worlds end I will not say looke upon Mr. Pryn's booke I will name him for honour sake and to spight the Devil reade him or choose you whether you will or not we must say Blessed be God for His servant who has stood-up in the gap by the power of His might and held up His hand for him ever since against the Mighty Blessed be God But notwithstanding all this is cleared to be all Truth Reason and Law and more yet and that is most of all a Command for all this the Parliament has done from Gods mouth too Yet such Evill Counsels over-rule the King and the case that he does now as Saul did then and much more kils the Priests and destroyes Cities So far as his Arme can reach he has overthrowne those Tunc vere victus quando tot vicis prudentes Walfing Edw. 2. p. â—5 whose hand is with David therein giving himself the greatest overthrow for no such victory against the King as for him to have victory against his good people as was said of Edward the second overcomming his Parliament once and destroying himselfe for ever Thus Saul did in his dayes thus and more the King seduced by Evill Counsell and acted by evill instruments
does in these dayes as followes and what Saul did first Saul was Davids Lord on earth but he hunts after Davids soule that hee might not live upon the ground Saul is Davids King and Davids persecutor The Priests King and the Priests murtherer by the hand of an Edomite Ah Lord who can expresse the miserable plight and how dolefull the condition is the evill spirit has driven Saul into He is Israels King and he is smiting Israels City The great Fiduciary of the Kingdome and the greatest Traytor there This tells us what is done now David is persecuted now and his King seduced by Edomites Davids adversaries persecutes him because who so faithfull as he in all the Kingdome A defendor of the Faith and by his evill Counsell a destroyer of the Faith A maintainer of the Gospel in profession and a persecutor of the faithfull Ministers publishers of the same the Messengers of the Church and the glory of Christ The great Fiduciary of the Kingdome yet seduced by an evill Councell he betrayes that great Trust Englands King and Englands destroyer The Lord of their Cities and waster of the same Are not these grievous words Yes they must be so plaine Truth direct and home what expectation of any good but from such-like-words If ever the King come to himselfe finde himselfe lost for murtherers have stolne him away then such words as these will be to his heart and may serve to usher-in Pardon peace and comfort for the sowrer the herbes the sweeter the Passeover whereas pleasing words from vile flatterers his Court Chaplaines have wounded their Master and left him more then halfe dead Such words as these may kill him out-right and by Gods grace quicken him againe to a life indeed I am glad I have spoken for first I have said no more but what is already told in Gath and published in the streets of Aschalon Secondly what if it were not told by me nor as aforesaid yet all created strength cannot stop the mouth of blouds so loud it cries Irelands bloud what an Ocean of bloud is there Cyciters bloud Burminghams bloud Banburies bloud shedding of this bloud was counted a fine device as Bristols bloud intended to be shed Oxfords bloud Bloud here and there and everywhere whereto the hand could reach O what a voice is here as the voice of many waters or Thunders Is there a voice that can out-cry I meane cry louder to Heaven and in the Eares of the Lord then can the voice of blouds yes the voice of bloud cries louder then the bloud of Abel or the blouds shed from righteous Abel unto this day and there is the hope of Israel concerning their King The voice of the bloud of sprinkling Heb. 12.24 that speakes better things then that of Abel Better things that cryed from the earth for a curse upon the earth and Cain there Gen. 4.12 This cries in Heaven for mercy to such sinners on earth who can say not with Cain My punishment but my sin is greater then I can beare yet not too great for Christ to beare a Redeemer that is strong a Saviour to the utmost There is hope in Israel concerning that And here is ground of hope too because these Stephens the slain all the day long can pray for their King all the day long crying with a loud voice not more for themselves at such a time then for their King saying Lord lay not this sinne to our Kings charge Amen Amen CHAP. 4. Quaeries touching the Edomite whether by the knowne Lawes of Israels Kingdome Saul might entertaine him in his Court grant him a Commission to smite a City of Priests whether any reason for that whether single or plurall and whether by any possible meanes an Edomite may be made serviceable to Israel How it relates to the present exemplifying the History of our Time VVHy does King Saul take an Edomite into his Court Qu. to be an Officer there It is answered in effect before Ans Saul is King and he knew himselfe so to be Qu. and will chuse his owne Officers may he not No indeed Ans he may not unlesse it be to be his Heardsman and there should be caution and some consultation about that too Questionlesse he must not chuse a servant to be chiefe in his house to transact the great affaires of his Kingdome there without the allowance and consent of All Israel because Saul does not chuse for himselfe but for the whole Kingdome But it is written Ob. Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite Yes Ans that is most true it is the charge of the Lord and we have the Reason Deut. 23.8 For he is thy brother Nor shalt thou ab or an Egyptian because thou wast a stranger in his land What is the meaning of this This we must not be unnaturall nor must we forget old favours But it does not follow from hence I hope that therefore Saul might take an Edomite make him a Chiefe Ruler in his house or that he might put considence in an Egyptian for the charge is contrary And if Saul will entertaine an intimacy and familiarity with an Edomite an old adversary to Israel as we have heard and seene and shall make it more legible yet It does plainly argue 3 Sect. Saul to be no true friend to Israel Sauls heart cannot be upright toward Israel when it cleaves to Israels adversary in love He cannot heartily desire the peace of Israel and heartily love an enemy to that peace I pray let us aske some more questions touching the Edomite I will answer by the Booke then good Law and Reason both Why did Saul make the Edomite Generall in this warre against David Qu. Saul gives someanswer to that with a little Reason Ans Because his sonne Ionathan stirred-up David to lye in wait for Saul as at this day 1. Sam. 22.8 As at this day indeed Qu. But this answer makes us more unresolved then before for all the world knowes that Ionathan was a good man and David as good as he besides we finde David fleeing away from the face of Saul like a Partridge and Saul hunting him like a Dog Let us heare Reason I pray you Was it not That the Edomite might recover the sword our of Davids hand No no that could not be it Ans for when Saul speakes out his minde freely as sometimes he did for a wicked heart will discover it selfe amongst his Servants he does not bid them fetch the sword from David but kill him And Saul spake to Ionathan and to all his servants 1 Sam. 19.1 that they should kill David It is Davids life not the sword that is aimed at And the Edomite was a Right man for that service for he was a mighty man mighty to do mischiefe and skilfull to destroy Whom David and All them that had an hand with David That is the direct Answer Saul indeed spake
said Luther having his eyes shut up and living in Monkery Why then when they are declared to bee so So Rebellious to the Lawes of the King of Heaven So Trayterous to the Crowne of the King and Kingdome Let it bee done unto him according to the Judgement of our Law The Hangman must doe his Office see what that cord will doe To the other Questions Wherefore the King taketh the Edomites Atheists and Papists Davids Enemies all To his side Why his heart cleaveth to such Enemies as these in love His Answer is advising with pernicious Counsellors in whose hand he is as Sauls was Because he is perswaded These are Men faithfull to his Person and Right for his Service so they are indeed and will defend him from David who as he seems to say lyes in wait for him as it is at this day and as David lay in wait for Saul in those dayes So we may mocke men but God will not be mocked It were endlesse and needlesse to tell stories touching this matter how Right-handed-men Papists have beene to their Kings and their Kingdomes in all Ages Thank Master Prynne I will name him againe being resolved to anger the Divell and all his Bishops he has told us enough and abundantly satisfied us at this point I proceed Saul may say David lay in wait to take away his life therefore he tooke the Edomite to his side to defend him from Davids sword when the truth was Saul persecuted David thorough the Thousands of Israel and that he might doe to David according to all the desire of his soule he tooke the Edomite to his side a Mighty Adversary to Israel and as Skilfull to destroy The very same Reason and no other now wherefore the King in the hands of bloudy and pernicious Adversaries takes Atheists and Papists to him now why he cleaves to them in love Because they are mighty to doe mischiefe skilfull to shed bloud as is legible now in Ireland and England both But this we must note Though Sauls excuse for taking to himselfe such a guard and such a Captaine over them was not so specious as it was ridiculous yet there was bloodshed in good earnest which was charged heavily upon Saul for it ruined him and all his house and all together as we reade We must apply this now and approve our selves faithfull to the Soul of our King That his Conscience may speak-out before it be too late and he speechlesse then commonly the Conscience speakes loudest That the Conscience may speak-out and in season we apply and reade on So will the bloud-shed in Ireland and England by the Edomites in both places bee charged upon the King whose servants they are and whose Commission they have such a pernicious Counsell he has Turne thou and fall upon the Priest and people all whose hand is with David and the Edomite turned c. This is the Edomites Commission now against all that have an hand with David And therefore all the Bloud they have shed there or here shall be charged upon the King Not the bloud of Ireland sure Ob. not a drop Yes every drop Ans though it be an Occan a. He called them Rebels Ob. and caused them to be proclaimed so in forty Papers at least and Rebels with an accent We remember some such matter Ans and as it harpened saw the Proclamation but it was not hearty if so then not onely the Publique Cryer but every Post and Pillar had proclaimed them Rebels for so the Kings best Subjects were proclaimed the yeare before We understand a The bloud a Ruler commands to be shed or suffers to be shed The Lord chargeth upon the Rulers score Thou hast killed 2 Sam. 12.9 2 Kings 21.19 well when a thing is done heartily for then the whole Land shall ring of it every City and Towne there every Church and Chappell nor so onely Stockes and Stones shall be taught to speake and to proclaime Rebels so good Subjects were proclaimed Rebels Rebels indeed as those in Ireland not so proclaimed but coldly and faintly God He knowes His Majesty made offer to goe himselfe and fight with the Rebels B. his stomack did so rise against them We remember his Secretary wrote some such matter A. but the Secretary knew the stomack of his wicked Counsell rose against Hull and was cager upon that place to take the Ammunition thence which they would have had first and have gone to suppresse the Rebels afterwards we remember this very well And his Majesty sayes his soule bleedeth over the bloudshed in Ireland B. We doe not certainly know what his Majesty sayes A. for we cannot thinke that we reade his words His Secretary has told us so much and truly I can forbeare him no longer he is one of the vilest Hypocrites in all the world one of the vile Counsellours sure who perswaded the King to intercept the provision of Cloathes and other things sending over to a poore peeled naked people and then would make us beleeve They pirty the peoples nakednesse and their soules bleed over their misery The Kings party make all supplyes over to the Rebels there to make them the more able for the shedding of more bloud and then tells us The Kings heart bleeds over the bloodshed there They call them Rebels there and call them over hither to do the like execution here and here they doe it with all their might and yet the Secretary tels us The Kings soule bleeds over this bloudshed O hellish blasphemy horrible hypocrisie If the Secretaries bloud and all the bloud that runnes in the veins of that Hellish Counsell about his Majesty were shed it would not redeeme the wrong they have done to the King their Master I doe not adde and the Kindome by these notorious Blasphemies Contradictions Remonstrances and Contra-Remonstrances declaring one thing with the Tongue and then the contrary with the Hand so making us beleeve That the King their Master is as one of them Obeb 11. which we tremble to think-of as notorious an Hypocrite as was he wee have often read of and we have never read the like till this day whose foot stood in the path of the destroyer did drive-on furiously there weeping all along as he went That is the expression Jer. 41.6 as if his soule had bled over the bodies which he had slaine when yet he went-on furiously resolved to slay more and so many he had slaine that he has filled a great Pit with the slame GOD beholds all this and will require it Rebels in Ireland howsoever proclaimed against for fashion sake are the Kings good Subjects here helping on the Designe And they who opposed their Bloody Designes here and there not in designe onely but in execution are called Traytors and Rebells both and all heartily Here is a double Iniquity We do not pray for we deprecat against the Judgement but the Lord lookes upon this and
Reason why David could not bee delivered one day sooner then he was which being handled as I hope by Gods strength it may bee will give mighty establishment and encouragement to Israel touching the distractions of this present time My question will be this first VVhat might hold back neighbouring Israel from comming-in to help their Brethren and Sisters now in the day of their trouble and tredding downe by the foot of pride The answere to this question is CONSCIENCE did with-hold Israel then and the same CONSCIENCE must with-hold Israel now in the very same case from comming-in to succour their oppressed Brethren So sayes Doctor Ferne I will name him to comfort and refresh the Divel and his Servants his Edomites in their war against the LAMB for they shall have hot service of it and to honour their cause that they have not onely a Master but a Doctor in Israel on their side a conscientious man who is as he sayes and makes men beleeve a man of a tender spirit he can behold Cities wasted Townes fired Men VVomen Children Sucklings Oxe Asse Sheep slaughtered there and tender Soul he is moved as much as a Rocke beaten upon with the waves But if so be one or more shall lift up their hand for David and to help him in the day of his distresse with Bread and with a Sword or lift up the sword for David then the good man melts and good soule his conscience is troubled O! sayes he beware what yu doe yu resist the King Clap your hand upon the breast consult with CONSCIENCE remember the Battle and doe no more so A man of a tender spirit no doubt Let him alone we know him well enough he is wiser in his owne conceit then seven men Prov. 26.16 that can render SCRIPTVRE and REASON both for what they doe I shall not goe a step out of my way to meet with this good man that has so tender a conscience Onely this for the History leads me directly to it I must necessarily doe and by GODS helpe and His good WORD I shall doe it to purpose and make good That had Israels hand beene with David now and beene so bold and strong as to have been able to have wrested the Commission out of Sauls hand which he was giving into the Edomites hand and the Sword out of the Edomites hand too had any Israelite done so he had shewn as great a kindnesse to Saul the King and done as great a service to his Kingdome as is imaginable Therefore CONSCIENCE could not hold backe Israel from helping The LORD against the mighty But this with much more as I doe conceive not without the Booke of high and excellent concernment now and will occasion a large discourse I must referre to the next Section unto which I shall hasten as fast as I can Because I have a strong hope and confidence That I shall be inabled therein to nonplus the Divell and put his Edomite cleane out of office if Law will bee hearkned to and the best Reason For as Law and Reason both did call-in and authorize all Israel to rise-up in armes in succour of David at the last when Gods time was come so it followes That all Israel will move now upon the same grounds and will not be slacke And yet they shall have no allowance to Resist their King but allowance granted them from Heaven and Earth to resist the evill Spirit working mightily now-a-dayes with the Kings of the earth and with their Edomites there carrying-on their great designe to dethrone The LORD JESUS CHRIST But when I have all done I have little hope That I shall sati fie the tender hearted-man I meane Doctor Fearnes Tender Conscience I suspect rather I shall leave his Conscience as I found it if not asleep then seared That I may begin I will end with this Doe we that which is before us our worke and duty with all our might Set we our hands and our hearts thereunto it is to help The LORD against the mighty and we will not dare to make question for Conscience sake 1 Pet. 3.16 having a good Conscience That whereas they speak of us as of evill doers they may be ashamed that falsly accuse our good conversation in Christ Finis secundae Sectionis
ENGLANDS SECOND Alarm to VVar Against the Beast Saul with his Edomite has shed blood to his power He smites Israels City and destroyes his owne house overcame his People once and overthrew himselfe for ever It relates to what is done now Grave questions touching the Edomite his admission to Court and into office there how it relates to Papists now He has a Commission to destroy a City of Priests which he does with an utter destruction Excellent Reasons why The Lord suffered such a destruction to be executed upon Israel then And why he suffers the same now And why by an Edomites hand then and now Lament 4.21 Rejoyce and be glad It is a bitter mockery i.e. weepe and howle O Daughter Edom The Cup also shall passe thorow unto thee Thou shalt be drunken and shalt make thy selfe naked Isa 49.25.26 For thus saith The LORD The prey of the Terrible shall be delivered I will contend with him that contendeth with Thee I will feed them that spoile Thee with their owne flesh and they shall be drunken with their owne blood as with sweet wine LONDON Printed for Thomas Vnderhil in the second yeare of the Beasts wounding warring against The Lamb and those that are with Him Called Chosen and Faithfull 1643. ENGLANDS ALARM TO VVar against the Beast SECT II. THe Edomite is Sauls Scout now and his Generall in the Field anon Davids enemy alwaies The Priests accuser but can charge him with no more but what was his office to do therefore not so impudent as are the Edomites in our dayes Saul impleads the Priest gives him leave to make answer for himselfe which he doth clearly and fully and then is destroyed he and a City of Priests man woman and childe there and beast also This relates fully to our times Quaeries touching the Edomite Sauls taking him into his Court assigning him to office there and giving him commission to smite a City of Priests Quaeries touching that miserable destruction Gods judgements secret but just and righteous upon Ireland and England Yet the mischiefe done by man shall returne upon his owne head and his violent dealing upon his owne pate CHAP. I. David comes to Nob Doeg spies him there hastens to Saul tels him all his observations yet can lay nothing to the Priests charge but what was the Priests duty to doe Doeg tels truth yet loved lying The Edomites now more shamelesse DAvid comes to Nob to Abimelech the Priest there 1 Sam. 21. intreats a courtesie of him and the Priest does him a Hawfull favour whereof we shall heare more anon Doeg the Edomite Sauls chiefe Heardsman was there for Saul had a Scout to spy every where but none did his master better service to Sauls liking then Doeg did he was an Edomite that I would have noted and now being in Israels Land he was of his Religion too for that is a thing easily taken up and being at Nob has a faire pretence for that also as you may reade Religion called him thither and held him there a pretence only and no more for that bloudy wretch mindes not Religion not the solemne Acts thereabout he mindes only all that which passed betwixt Abimeleth and David that so he might doe mischiefe a mighty man that way And now having fed his eye and filled his mouth with observations hee hastened to his master Saul 1 Sam. 22.6 findes him in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah having his speare in his hand and all his servants standing about him It is worth the noting by the way what mischiefe this evill and perverse will actuated by his evill spirit has done unto Saul It had drowne him from his owne house and Court where he might have rested in peace with his servants about him he is now even Saul the King under a Tree with a speare in his hand when no enemy is neere him but himselfe and his evill spirit which he entertaines and hugges as his best friend though the worst enemy to Saul next to himselfe and the peace of the kingdome It is a true saying A man findes no such enemy in the world as he may finde himselfe to be to himselfe Chrysost The Greek Father has a full Treatise upon that matter I returne to the Tree againe where Doeg found his master him that had lost himselfe and heard him complaine bitterly to his servants That they had all conspired against him Why because they had not yet betrayed innocent David and delivered him as a prey up unto their masters hands This Saul calls a conspiracy with his sonne Ionathan a good man who withholds his fathers hands as long as he could from shedding innocent bloud and does according to Gods Commandement his utmost to deliver the innocent This Saul calls a stirring up his servant he meanes David against him Verse 9. to lye in wait as at this day It followes Then answered Doeg The Edomite takes the words out of Sauls mouth as spoken to himselfe they were very pleasing to him and answers before he was asked for sure Saul does not question the Edomites readinesse in that service But he answers assureth Saul that hee is none of those conspirators with Ionathan in behalfe of David not he and he gives good testimony thereof for he tells all that which passed betwixt Abimelech and David there he tells all just as David knew it would be when he heard that Doeg the Edomite had spied him there Verse 22. We may observe Davids Psalme touching this matter and by the way how well fitted a cruell master is with a bloudy servant And so let it passe Psal 52. noting only this in this place and touching that Edomite how Doeg impleads Abimelech and what he layes to his charge he tells all and yet he tels nothing at all but what stands upon everlasting record to the Edomites shame and the Priests glory for this he sayes I saw the sonne of Iesse he meanes David but speakes as contemptibly of him as he thought fit at that time yet not so wickedly as the Edomites now adayes call David for they call him by as vile a name as David vile in his owne eyes but the more pretious in Gods eyes cals himselfe a dog I saw the sonne of Iesse come to Nob to Abimelech there Well 1 Sam. 22.9 whither should David goe persecuted by a cruell Lord but to a good Priest for direction from Gods mouth there was no hurt but good in all that The Priest enquired of the Lord for him It was well he did for hee did but his duty and gave David bread The Priest was bound to doe as much to his enemy much more to David for who so faithfull as David in all the kingdome Nay had he not done it though sacred bread he had destroyed David as bloudy men have done in Oxford denying the hungry soule bread there and suffering them to dye for want of water And gave David the sword of Goliab
now at this preent time are so strong now That is the Reason The Sripture gives and it is a full Reason Does the Enemy prevaile Israels Sinnes doe prevaile Sinnes are strong and hands are weake Mighty sinners and then mighty Adversaries Does the Edomites rage reach up to Heaven the Peoples Sinnes reach thither too Doubtlesse if the Edomite have successe in any Quarter of the Land God does not doe it to gratifie the Edomite but the more to confound the Adversary and to fit or make His People meet for Deliverance Does Deliverance stay It is That Praise may wait for GOD in zion when the Worke is done and Israel is humbled before his GOD then the Edomite shall fall and rise no more The Lord will utterly undoe him this belongs to the next Section The Edomite has not yet fully executed his Commission not compleated his Slaughter There are Oxen and asses and Sheepe Remaining and these he will smite with the Edge of the Sword in Revenge of David because hee has escaped his bloody Knife The Bruit Creatures fare the worse for Davia now but these groane under the Edomites hands The Oxe I cannot speake little of him therefore I will say nothing but much increase by the strength of the Oxe Prov. 14.4 And much good Service is done by the Asse The Sheepe Cloatheth us with her Fleece and feeds us with her flesh It is Man That hath sinned and done evill indeed but as for these Sheepe what have they done Sayes David grieved for his poore People slaine with a grievous Plague Gods Sword which he had called for to lessen the number of People wherein David boasted We may say as much now and without a Figure VVhat have these done VVas the Edomites Rage against these poore Creatures No it was against David or rather for so Davids Lord is pleased to take these Insolencies and wrongs done against David as done to Himselfe Thy Rage against Me. 2 Kin. 19.27 Therefore the Servants of the Lord have boldnesse and assured confidence That their Lord does even now deale with this Beast as he has done with his fellow Beast He puts an Hooke in his Nose and a Bridle in his Lips even Now. Verse 28. And His People will give their LORD no rest touching this matter saying Arise O Lord in Thine Anger lift up Thy selfe Psalm 7.6 because of the Rage of our Enemies and awake for us to the Iudgement which Thou hast commanded Amen CHAP. 6. Weighty Reasons Why The LORD suffers the Edomites to lay wast Israels Land how it Relates to this time If Wolves had not beene grievous to our Land they had not been destroyed out of the Land VVHy does GOD suffer an Edomite to destroy Israells Land Qu. Is there not a Cause Sayes David in another Case surely yes Ans and a Cause for this also an excellent Reason 1 Sam. 17.29 for what The Lord does or Suffers to be done though wee could give no accompt of it First 1. Because Israel may be growne wanton and carnally secure A little Rest from their Enemies will make Israel settle upon their Lees Israel cannot I say Israel Gods owne people cannot well and Thriftily husband their time and peace They may do it after they have felt the Edomites hand and have rest from his oppressing Sword Act. 9.31 Therefore Israel must have a Scourge a Thorn in his eye and a Goade in his side And none more pricking Briars nor any more grieving Thornes then an Edomite is Ezck. 28 24. That knowne Adversory to Israel Israel will not know the Service of their GOD 2 Chro. 12.8 Therefore he shall know the Service of a cruel Lord that delights in Proud Wrath An easie yoake made Israel wanton An Iron yoake shall make them groane Israel will bee stout with their God and comply with an Idolatrous People and learne the manners of the Heathen play away the LORDS day and snufe at His Service will Israel do so The LORD will meet with them for this Hee will deliver them into the hand of them whom Israel hateth into the hands of them from whom Israels Minde is ALIENATED Ezek. 23.28 Prelates Edomites Atheists Papists and the like and these shall deale hatefully with Israel they shall take away all Israels labour and shall leave Israel naked and bare This Relates it selfe I need not shew how it relates to this time 2. The Edomite must be a plague to Israel Why because the Edomite is become a Lord and Master in Israel that he is set over the Servants of Saul 1 Sam. 22.9 2 Chro. 12.6 2 Sam. 106. if you observe it he is next to the King the greatest man in Court who but the Edomite there he does all all must come through his hand The Edomite must be a plague to Israel it must be so Will Israel suffer their Master Saul to take an Edomite to his side To make him his right hand dominus factotum LORD do all as the Proverbe is will Israel suffer this They shall have enough of the Edomite that they shall and Israel shall see there is mighty reason it should be so and when they see their Cities burnt with fire and the Edomite a Israel saw with open eyes That Saul rising-up against David could not abide an honest man but his heart clave in love to the Edomite he should have the honour of Knighthood and of Lord Generall in the held slaughtering them like Sheep then they shall say The LORD is righteous yes and gracious to Israel too for 3. By suffering the Edomite to deale with Israel so hardly and according to all the desire of his soul The good LORD will make the Edomite hatefull to all Israel Israels mind shall be alienated from him he shall never be entertained at Court any more The Edomite shall well perceive as the Amonitedid That hee slanke before David and all Israel he has shamefully abused Israel this once hee shall never serve them so again he shall see how he stinkes before Israel Oh! there is mighty reason why the Edomite in these daies should deale so hatefully with Israel now for all the Reasons abovesaid which I will not recall and for this especially That he may STINK before David and all Israel so as Israel not abiding his savour any longer will joyne hand and shoulder and heart and all to thrust him out of the Land where they have committed such abominations and executed such wrath with such a rage Indeed it is good for Israel to feel the weight of the Edomites hand and the mischiefe of his counsell It was good for Israel then it is as good for Israel now to be so wasted by Edomites VVho but the Edomite before in Court City Countrey In the Court chiefe Commander there and Keeper of the great Seale hard by Recorder in the City and Lord Generall in the Field VVho but the Edomite all this Dominus
the Philistine And that was it but the greatest reason for that in the world David had slaine the Philistine with the sword then carries it away as lawfull prize but that God might have all the glory he layes it up before the Lord and now after enquiring at Gods mouth it is given David But this is all the Edomite has to say And I know not what he could have said more to the Priest his commendation Blessed be God that the Edomite has not whereof to accuse the good Priest all he speaks is for his commendation and surely so is the will of God that with well doing Priests then and Ministers now and people also and it is their glory may put to silence 1 Pet. 2.16 muzzle the mouths of beastly men we reade silence the ignorance of foolish men And so by the will and grace of God have and doe Ministers and people at this day even put to silence the ignorance of wicked men Many and grievious things are laid to their charge but no more proved then was against David or Paul after him Therefore wee must note here that the Edomite then though a bloudy wretch and mighty to doe mischief and could like the Spider turne Balsome into Poison yet was he a very modest informer I doe not remember that the Bishops had such another in any of their Courts and truly he shames the Edomites of these dayes This Edomite tels Saul the truth and nothing but the truth and so shames the Devill That Abimelech enquired of the Lord for David so he did That he gave David bread so he did too and a sword so he did also The Edomite accuseth the Priest of no more but what the Priest did and the Edomite saw done The children of Edom in these daies are more gracelesse and impudent a great deale they sweare and curse and blaspheme and doe not utter more words then lyes against David the upright in heart what devouring words heare we from their mouthes what horrible blasphemies from Liechfields Presse in Oxford how doe they charge David with those things he knowes not nay abhorres to thinke of as contrary to his foule and spirit as were those things charged upon Iob in his two and twentieth Chapter This is all wee will note touching the Edomite in this Chapter we shall enquire more of him anon We see here he was a very mannerly civill fellow in comparison of the Edomites now a dayes not so much of the Divill in him as these have who rage now amongst us breaking bands and casting away cords as possessed men in ancient times And yet before I shut up this Chapter I must satisfie a small doubt Psal 52.3 David in his Psalme of Instructions tells us that Doeg loved sying So hee did for when Saul complained that all his Servants conspired against him Mâ—â—â—â—â—â— to informe the understanding touching the Edomite and this time they do indeed said Doeg Abimelech conspireth against thee too and so he accuseth the Priest materially not one false word in the whole Accusation But intentionally lyes all and devouring words he intended as much mischiefe to Abimelech as hee could have done him had he spoken against him never a word true We may exemplifie it thus An Edomite now for we shall prove anon that the Papist now and the Edomites then are brothers came to the King tells his Majestie that the Ammunition was removed from Hull That is true and yet lying and devouring words intentionally spoke to enrage the King against his best Subjects It is all in all with what minde words are spoken if with a mind to murther and destroy they are lying and devouring words though never a word false and so I will shut up this Chapter Vers 4. Thou lovest all devouring words O deceitfull man CHAP. II. Saul impleads Abimelech he makes answer for himselfe which clears the case of all the righteous now and the great case now in question Saul is not satisfied with reason but notwithstanding reason and Law both command also from Gods mouth for what Abimelech did Saul slayeth Abimelech and destroy's the City of Priests SAul will be discovered anon his owne hand will take off the Vaile wherewith he has covered the eyes of Priests and People the very intents of his heart touching David will be laid naked before the people his owne hand will now give in cleare evidence how bloody his thoughts were alwayes towards David And indeed the hand is a sure witnesse and tells us evermore whitherto thoughts tend as the casting the Water-mans Armes tells us whither hee tends and not the setting of his face When Diotrephes did reach forth his hand to Excommunication casting the Brethren out of the Church then the old Servant of the Lord must needs tell against whom the malitious words were pointed or prated Against us 3. Epist Ioh. 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Saint John for against them the hand went our also I speak not this as if I thought it so hard a matter to ken which way malicious devouring words doe tend or that I thinke the thoughts projects contrivances of the wicked against the godly are so indiscernable though we must grant that there are many intricacies and perplexities in their wayes the turnings and windings of the crooked Serpent for the wicked like harmfull beasts doe love confusa vestigia The wicked man forgeth and hammereth forth deceit Fabricatur Pro. 6.14 and while his thoughts and imaginations are thus busily employed he thinks no eye is upon him but that he is as some Pioner or Gun-powder-man hid under ground and indeed from the eye of man hee is hid For our thoughts are but the transactions or discussions of the minde within that inward closet and privie Chamber there and therefore they must needs want forme and shape but the office of the tongue is to stamp a forme to give a shape unto them and then our thoughts are legible For what other are our actions but our very thoughts our secret talkings and parleys of our minde cast into a mould onely we must observe and it is but a common observation That the hand giveth the truest shape the hand maketh the perfectest mould There are some we know who read not as they write nor sing as they pricke and many more who speake not as they thinke but the hand varieth not from the Idea that was in the minde If a man forgeth mischiefe upon his bed then when he is up and it be in the power of his hands and there be no over-ruling hand he will act it The hand is a sure interpreter of our mind and of the transactions there an infallible witnesse that cannot lie words may deceive and many times are spoken for this very end to darken the thoughts and intent of the mind and to make them lesse legible these may be smoother then butter when warre is in his heart these may be as soft as
will Require it He will not indure to have evill cal'd good and good evill For three transgressions of Edom c. But of that anon So much for resolution to the Queries touching the Edomite his taking into the Court Designing unto Office there The granting him a Commission to destroy Neb Now see wee how stoutly and with what a good will he performed it Sauls Command was to the Edomites heart and heartily he executes it So Saul shall see That the Edomite is a Right Man 1 Sam. 22.17.18 no sooner Saul had said Turne and slay the Priests of the Lord because their hand also was with David and they knew when he fled and did not shew it me No sooner this was spoken to the Edomite but he turned and did accordingly he fell upon the Priests and slew and shewed no pitty Then Men did groane out of the City and the Soule of the wounded Cryed-out Yet GOD layeth not folly to these murtherers Though they are of those that Rebell against the light Iob 24.12 13. saies Iob offended at those very things our eyes behold at this Day The Lord who cleares His Servants Righteousnesse as the Morning will cleare His owne Righteousnesse as the Noone Day And though we are but dim-sighted yet we shall discern it anon I will shut up this Chapter as David begins his Psalme Why boastest thou thy selfe in mischiefe Psal 52.1 O Mighty Man The goodnesse of God endureth Continually CHAP. 5. Sad Cases examined and tryed before the Lord and resolved from His Mouth which may silence a Poore People slaine all the day long by the hurtfull and oppressing Sword now in the hand of bloody Edomites NOw here is a case to be tryed before the Lord touching these slain Priests and their destroyed City which I hope will give us good satisfaction at least silence us when our spirits are stirred within us beholding the villanous Butcheries the notorious violences acted by our Turks I never yetcal'd them Cavaliers never will by that Gentile Name in our Land upon our Ministers and good People all that have their hand with David our so wasted Towns and Cities Touching the Priests first God is Righteous so we have concluded Ier. 12.1 Hab. 1.13.14 yet the Righteous say now as once they did Wherefore lookest Thou upon them that deale treacherously and holdest Thy Tongue when the wicked devoureth the Man that is more Righteous then hee And makest men as the Fishes of the Sea as the Creeping things that have no Ruler over them Nay they speake now almost as foolishly as once they did it is in vaine to serve GOD and what profit is it that we have kept the Ordinances The Proud are happy for they that tempt GOD are set up Mal. 3.13 14. while they that serve Him truely are cast downe and destroyed This was Abimilechs Case he has done his duty the Edomite himselfe being witnesse by direction from Gods Mouth for hee enquired of the LORD for David c. Yet he is cut off from the Earth with 84. more the Priests of The Lord as not sit to live upon the ground So the Priests were dealt with then and so now So Cruelly And what then Yet the Potsheards must not strive with their Maker but if they will strive the Servants of The LORD must not strive but if they will strive then with the worke of their owne hands the Potsheards with the Potsheards of the Earth The LORD is Righteous and His Judgements as the great deep The Glory of His worke even of His Strange worke exceeds infinitely the glory of the Sunne which yet we cannot pry into and doth ever shine cleare though sometimes we see it not and the blind man never The Cause of His Judgements may be secret but ever Just So we have Concluded But because I would cleare the Sad Condition of our good Ministers now I say 2. There be Sinnes in these Best Ministers for none other are persecuted and though but little Sins in Comparison of others of their Tribe Great and Mighty Sinners before The Lord for Men abhorre the offering of the Lord for their Sakes yet are they Sinnes and the greater in them because they are indeed the Messengers of the Churches and the glory of Christ The more Glory The Lord puts upon them The greater their Sinne And these Sinnes must be purged in them by Fire But Blessed be God That wheras He might have punished them For their Evill doings hee makes them suffer from the hands of wicked men for Righteousnesse sake and so honours them with the Glory of Martyrdome as it is at this day for doubtlesse The Ministers now suffer for the Cause of Christ if ever any suffered for his Cause since the beginning of the VVorld But why were the 84. Priests slaine at the same Time As for Abimilech hee might Transgresse as a Man and yet that cannot bee granted in this Case for hee enquired of the LORD did all by direction from His Mouth hee could call God to Record upon his Soule that he did what he did by Statute-law the knowne Law of the Kingdome But yet suppose That Abimilech did Transgresse in giving forth the sword yet why were the fourescore and foure Priests slaine It is not possible for man to speake Reason here Ans though indeed there is some reason given in the Text the same and as good reason as is given now because their hands also is with David Speak Reason and speake out with whom should she Priests be but with David who had wrought such salvation for Israel and upon whom next to God Israel had rouled themselves and all their concernments yet this was the reason then and this is all the reason now of this horrible persecution because their hand is with David the Worthies the faithfull of the Lord there therefore destroy the Priests because their hand is with David thus we see man can give no reason only God can as aforesaid And wee must note still That these were cut off with the Sword of an Edomite not because they were greater sinners then any other Priests were but because they were godly and conscientious of their duty that enrageth the Edomite against them There is another reason also which The Lord giveth That other Priests might be warned thereby For note we the greatest sinners are not the greatest sufferers in this life I meane they have not the greatest afflictions Nay it is most commonly cleane contrary they have no changes in their life when as the godly have changes of sorrowes True it is and we will not make it a question Destruction is to the wicked and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity But wee must note That to be slaine with the sword of an Edomite is no strange punishment but the lot of the righteous their lot to be smitten with the hand of violence and made the portion of Foxes It is so and the
will of The Lord it should be so for note we where the Lord gives Commission to the Sword to goe forth Ezek. 9.5 spare and pitty none neither old nor young neither man nor woman He does say Come not neare any man upon whom is the marke i. e. to hurt them He does not say Come not neare My Sanctuaries the Priests or their Cities The Holy Ghost chargeth the Sword to beginne there And begin at my Sanctuary We cannot be ignorant what the use is the Apostle Peter would have Priests and people 1 Pet 4.17.18.19 good and bad make hereof If judgement must begin at the house of GOD what shall the end bee of them that obey not the Gospell of God And if the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the ungodly appeare It strikes terrour to the wicked but strong consolation to the godly Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit their soules to Him in well doing as unto A Faithfull Creator But with them and their house the Sword begins for note we who is the Butt of the Edomites malice b Si fuerit sublimis fit despicabilis c. Si bonus est quispiam quasi mâ—lus spernitar Si malns est quasi bonus honoratâ—r Salv. li. 4. p. 113. against whom then and now he drawes his Arrow with all his strength It is that he may shoot at and kill the upright in heart The Priests of The Lord then the servants of The Lord now Is there any one whose hand is with David any one who feares God above many any one who as his Lord and Master loveth Righteousnesse and hateth Iniquity Is he such an one beat him stone him slay him hang-him he is a deg use him like a Dog the Parliaments Dog his hand is with David that is Reason enough with an Edomite turne about and stay him for he is no friend to Caesar Blessed be God That this man can count his cost and account the reproach of Christ great riches And blessed be God that according to their sufferings shall their consolations be full measure pressing downe and running over he remembers his masters words in the world tribulation What more that which makes amends for all in Me peace that 's enough Iohn 16.33 But let me aske these Edomites this question Have they a Warrant for what they doe Yes they will say they have a Commission from the King under the Great Seale of England An honest man is the KEEPER the while which runnes evermore thus For the doing of these notorious violences this commission shall be to you and them and every one of them a sufficient warrant But O that they could remember That God is an avenger of these things and when He makes Inquisition for bloud then he that granted this Commission and hee that executed it Ezek. 22.14 shall fall both together Their heart cannot endure nor can their hands bee strong in the day The LORD shall deale with them and with the KEEPER too who hath wickedly betrayed the great trust of the Kingdome Come we now to the people 1. The children and sucklings there they were slaine The Edomite has made the like slaughter in our dayes for he has slaine the mother and the childe together I thinke the childe in the mothers wombe We need say very little more unto it then this The Sword was in the Edomites hand then it is in his hand now the Papist I meane still as bloudy now and ever as the Edomite ever was and what hee was you shall heare anon 2. We must say The LORD is righteous and these sucklings had finned though not after the similitude of Adams transgression Indeed it is a sad sight but we may shut the eye yet see into this case as farre with our eye shut as open for truly now we are in the darke wee are come to the secrets of GODS Decree and there we leave these Sucklings and Children all Only I will tell my thoughts which have ground from holy Scripture That Parents now seeing their Sucklings snatched from their breasts and their children from out of their deare armes and from under their wings because the Parents have an hand with David pray marke that may take more comfort in such a violent death theirs or their childrens then if they had seen them dye on their bed For I doe assure you That I have read of some Parents who have beene very ambitious of such a Martyrdome Oh! to have an hand with David to help him against the mighty and an heart with Christ and to suffer for this and so it is at this Day is a glorious kind of Martyrdome that it is 3. The People are destroyed Men and Women there Answ I will Answer againe The Edomite did it a sworne Enemy to Israel as we have read once and againe he did it who does thirst after Bloud and yet not he alone It cannot bee reasonably conceived That he alone a single man could act such an horrid execution but helped and strengthned with Sauls bloudy Courtiers some more of that generation or Bastard Israelites as Cruell as the Edomite was every whit And let me say too for it must be observed strengthened also with the Peoples Sinnes I meane the Sinues of that City The Inhabitants there did doubtlesse strengthen the Edomite and the Bastard Israelites against their City and their selves Nostris peccatis Barbarâ— fortes sunt nostris vitijs Romanus superat exercitus Hiero. Epist l. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Isid Pelus Ep. l. 1 Ep. 294 p. 66. a The Peoples sins made the Edomite strong we Include all Davids Enemies under that Name against the People of Israel Doubtlesse it was so for I Read the like expression full for our Instruction The Sinnes of Israel strengthned Eglon (b) Iudg. 3.14 against Israel Marke it Eglon then and the Edomite now had a Will alwaies as the Divell has to doe Israel mischiefe But nor Eglon them nor the Edomite now no nor the Divell neither mighty though he be nor this Adversary nor that nor the other have strength and power of themselves To doe Israel mischiefe for hurt they cannot doe I say Will they have still Power they have none of themselves till GOD lets it forth till He strengthens them against His People for their Sinnes against Him The God of all Wisedome Power and Grace So we Read And the Children of Israel did Evill againe in the fight of the Lord. Observe that expression by the way and you will observe That God Markes what is done amisse Hee sees Sin in His People for you Read here and every where before the Eyes of The LORD Iudg. 3.12 in the sight of the LORD And The LORD strengthened Eglon against Israel Why It is repeated againe Because Israel had done Evill in the Sight of The LORD Therefore Eglon was so strong against Israel then The Edomites after that time and