him for the same THE ARGVMENT OF THE BOOKE OF GENESIS THIS first Booke of holie Sripture called Genesis which signifieth birth or beginning was written by Moyses when he was designed by God to instruct rule the children of Israel As also the other foure bookes folowing The Author and authoritie of al which fiue bookes were euer acknowledged by the faithful both of the old and new Testament and so accounted and estemed by tradition til Christ and his Apostles who also confirmed them by their testimonies and allegations of the same as of holie Scriptures From the creation vntil Moyses writ which was aboue two thousand and foure hundred yeares the Church exercised Religion by Reuelations made to certaine Patriarches and by Traditions from man to man without anie Scriptures or Law written But the peculiar people of God being more visibly separated from other nations manie errors abunding in the world God would for correction confutation therof haue his wil made fuâ—â—her knowen to his children and so remaine amongst them in written record by his faithful seruant and Prophet Moyses VVho therfore declareth the Author and beginning of al thinges that is How al creatures were made by God and of him haue their being and by him only are conserued He teacheth expresly that there is one onlie God against those that imagined and brought into the phantasies of men manie goddes That the whole or vniuersal substance of heauen and earth with their ornaments and accidents were made in time against those that thought the first fundation therof had euer benne That God doth gouerne the same against those that say al is ruled by dâ—stenie or by the starres and not by the continual prouidence of God That God is a rewarder of the good and a punisher of euil which sinners seme either not to know or grosly to forgete And that God created al for mans vse and benefite which should make vs grateful VVherfore holie Moyses more particularly describeth the beginning of man what he was at first how he fel how al mankind is come of one man deducing the Genealogie of Adam especially to Noe. Then how men being more and more defiled vpon the earth with wicked especially carnal sinnes were by Gods iust wrath drowned with an vniuersal floud Againe how a few reserued persons multiplied the world a new But this of spring also falling into manie sinnes especially Idolatrie and spiritual fornication as those of the first age did to carnal offences God stil conserued some faithful true seruants Of which Moyses specially pursueth the line of Noe by Sem his first begotten sonne Then describeth the particular vocations liues maners notable sayings and noble factes with sincere religion of Abraham Isaac Iacob Ioseph other holie Patriarches who liued before the written lavv Likevvise vpon vvhat occasion in vvhat maneâ— Iacob otherwise called Israel with al his progenie descended from the Land of Canaan into Aegypt and were there entertayned So this booke contayneth the historie of two thousand three hundred odde yeares And it may be diuided into eight partes The first contayneth the Creation of Heauen and Earth other Creatures and lastly of Man chap. 1. 2. The second part is of the trangression fal of man his casting out of Paradise of multiplication of mâ—n and of sinne though stil some were iust of the general floud that drowned al except eight persons few other liuing creatures of the earth from the third chap. to the 8. The third part is of the new increase multiplication of the same from the 8. chap. to the 11. The fourth of the confusion of tongues the diuision of nations in the 11. chap. The fift relateth Abrahams going forth of his countrie Gods promise that in his seede al Nations should be blessed the commandment of Circumcision from the 12. chap. to the 21. The sixth part recounteth the progenie and other blessings especially the great vertues of Abraham Isaac and Iaâ—ob from the 21. chap. to the 37. The seuenth part reporteth the felling of Ioseph into Aegypt and his aduancement there from the 37. chap. to the 46. The eight and last part is of Iacob and his progenies going into Aegypt their intertainment there and of Iacobs and finally of Iosephs death in the fiue last cahpters The signification of the markes here vsed for direction of the reader The numbers in the argumentes of chapters point to the verse where the matter mentioned beginneth This forme of crosse †in the text sheweth the beginning of euerie verse The numbers in the inner margent ouer against the crosse shew the number of verses in the same chapter This marke signifieth that there foloweth an Annotation after the chapter vpon the word or wordes wherto it is adioyned The number also of the same verse is prefixed to the Annotation These foure prickes shew that there is an Annotation in the margent vpon that place And when manie occurre the first answereth to the first marcke the second to the second and so forth In like maner the citations of places in the inner margent are applied to the authores alleaged But when there be more such marginal annotations then may easely be applied we vse the letters of the Alphabete for direction This forme of a starre * in the text or annotations pointeth to the explication of some word or wordes in the margent Sometimes we put the Concordance of other Scriptures in the inner margent of the text VVe haue also noted in the margent when the Bookes of holie Scripture or partes thereof are read in the Churches Seruice For their sakes that desire to reâ—d the same in order of the Ecclesiastical Office THE BOOKE OF GENESIS IN HEBREW BERESITH CHAP. 1. God createth heauen and earth and al things therin distinguishing and bevvtyfying the same 26. last of al the sixth day he createth man to vvhom he subiecteth al corporal things of this inferior vvorld N THE beginning GOD created heauen and earth †And the earth was voide vacant and darkenes was vpon the face of the deapth and the Spirite of God moued ouer the waters †And God said Be light made And light was made †And God saw the light that it was good he diuided the light from the darkenes †And he called the light Day and the darkenes Night and there was euening morning that made one day †God also said Be a firmament made amidst the waters and let it diuide betwene waters waters †And God made a firmament and diuided the waters that were vnder the firmament from those that were aboue the firmament And it was so done †And God called the firmament Heauen and there was euening morning that made the second day †God also said Let the waters that are vnder the heauen be gathered together into one
quickly diuided after Salomons death and a smal part left to his sonne Roboam And after the captiuitie in Babilon his seede bad onlie title and right without possession of royal throne Againe 2. Reg. 22. The same royal prophet in his Canticle of thankes geuing and last prophetical wordes chap. 23. much preferreth the spiritual kingdome of Christ before the earthlie kingdome of the Iewes But most specially and plainly in the Psalmes Psal 2. Why did the Gentiles rage peoples meditate vaine thinges Signifying that the furie of al aduersaries rageth in vaine against Christ and his Church For I am appointed by him King sayth Christ to his Father ouer Sion his holie hil I wil geue thee sayth God to his Sonne the Gentiles for thine inheritance and thy possession the endes of the earth Psal 17. A people which I knew not hath serued me Psal 44. The Queene the Church stood on thy right hand in golden rayment compassed with varietie of vertues and diuers sortes of holie professions Psal 47. Mount Sion is founded with the exultation of the whole earth For euer and euer he Christ shal rule vs euermore Psal 86. Glorious thinges are sayd of thee ô citie of God But omitting innumerable other such textes the 88. Psalme conteyneth a large prophecie of Christ and his Church where S. Augustin geueth vs this brief admonition Christiani estis Christum agnoscite You are Christians agnize Christ I wil put joyth God his hand in the sea Christs dominion in the Gentiles and his right hand in the riuers al sortes shal serue him He shal be high aboue the kinges of the earth Of the Church he addeth I wil put his seede for euer and euer and his throne as the dayes of heauen Neither do sinnes frustrate this promise of God therfore it foloweth But if his children shal forsake my law and wil not walke in my iudgements If they shal profane my iustices and not keepe my commandements VVhat then wil Christ for al this abandon his Church as he did the old Synagogue of which God sayth Deut. 32. They haue prouoked me in that which was no God and I wil prouoke them in that which is no people Not so How then I wil visite sayth our Lord their iniquities with a rodde and their sinnes with stripes But my mercie I wil not take away from him This is a strong Firmament sayth S. Augustin God promiseth yea sweareth and vvil not lie to Dauid that his seede shal continew for euer His throne as the Sunne in Gods sight and the Moone perfected for euer So this great Doctor â—heweth by holie Scriptures against the Donatistes and in them against Protestantes that the militant Church of Christ hath benne stil and shal be visible during this transitorie world CHAP. VII Salomons palace 2. his house in the forrest 8. and the quenes house is built 13. Two great brasen pillers 23. asea or lauer 27. tenne brasen ferte 38. tenne lesse lauatorics and other vessels and implementes pertaining to the Temple adorned vvith images of Angels and other creatures are further described AND his owne house Salomon built in thirtene yeares and brough it to perfection †He built also the house of the forest of Libanus of an hundred cubites in length and fiftie cubites in bredth and thirtie cubites in height and foure score galleries betwen pillers of ceder for he had cut ceder trees into pillers †And he decked the whole vaut with bordes of ceder which was held vp with fiue and fourtie pillers And one order had fiften pillers †set one against an other †and looked one ouer against an other with equal space betwen the pillers and ouer the pillers square beames in al equal †And the porche of the pillers he made of fiftie cubites in length and thirtie cubites in bredth and an other porche before the greater porche and pillers and toppes vpon the pillers †He made also the porche of the throne wherein the seate of iudgement is and couered it with ceder wood from the pauement vnto the toppe †And the litle house where they sate in iudgement was in the middes of the porche of like worke He made also a house for the daughter of Pharao which Salomon had taken to wife of such worke as also this porche †Al of chosen stones which were sawed by a certain rule measure both within without from the fundation to the toppe of the walles without vnto the greater courte †And the fundations of chosen stones great stones of ten or eight cubites †And aboue there were hewed chosen stones of equal measure and in like maner of ceder †And the greater court round with three rewes of hewed stones and one rew of planed ceder moreouer also in the inner court of the house of our Lord and in the porche of the house †King Salomon also sent and tooke Hiram from Tyre †the sonne of a widow woman of the tribe of Nepthali his father a Tyrian an artificer in brasse and ful of wisdom and intelligence and skil to make al worke of brasse Who when he was come to king Salomon made al his worke †And he cast two brasen pillers of eightene cubites in height one piller and a line of twelue cubites compassed both pillers †He made also two litle heades which should be put vpon the heades of the pillers cast of brasse fiue cubites high one litle head and fiue cubites the other litle head †and as it were in maner of a nette and of cheynes knitte one to the other with maruelous worke Both litle heades of the pillers were cast seuen rewes of litle nettes in one litle head seuen litle nettes in the other litle head †And finished the pillers and two rewes round about euerie nette that they might couer the litle heades which were ouer the toppe of the pomegranates in like maner did he also to the second litle head †And the litle heades that were vpon the heades of the pillers were made as it were with lilie worke in the porche of foure cubites †And againe other litle heades in the toppe of the pillers about according to the measure of the piller against the litle nettes and of the pomegranates were two hundred rewes round about the second litle head †And he sette two pillers in the porche of the temple and when he had erected the piller on the right hand he called the name therof Iachin in like maner he erected the second piller and called the name therof Booz †And vpon the heades of the pillers he put a worke in maner of a lilie and the worke of the pyllers was perfected †He made also a sea of founders worke of ten cubites from brimme to brimme round in coÌ„passe the height therof was of fiue cubites and a corde of thirtie cubites did compasse it round about †And the grauing vnder the briÌ„me
desiderable aboue al vvorldlie riches or pleasures So by these and like spiritual motiues the soule freely desiteth accepteth vndertaketh endureth and by continual assistance of grace obserueth Gods lavv and so meriteth the great revvard vvhich is promised for keping it v. 12. 2. Tim. 4. v. 6. PSALME XIX Faithful people ioyne their prayer for their Prince or Prelate 4. with sacrifice offered for his preseruation and prosperous successe †Vnto the end the Psalme of Dauid OVR Lord heare thee in the day of tribulation the name of the God of Iacob protect thee †Send he ayde to thee from the holie place and from Sion defend he thee †Be he mindeful of al thy sacrifice and be thy holocaust made fatte †Geue he vnto thee according to thy hart and confirme he al thy counsel †We shal reioyce in thy saluation and in the name of our God we shal be magnified †Our Lord accomplish al thy petitions now haue I knowen that our Lord hath saued his CHRIST He shal heare him from his holie heauen the faluation of his righthand is in powers †These in chariotes and these in horses but we wil inuocate in the name of the Lord our God †They are bound and haue fallen but we haue risen and are set vpright †Lord saue the king and heare vs in the day that we shal inuocate thee PSALME XX. Praise to God for Christs exaltation after his passion 9. and depression of his enemies †Vnto the end the Psalme of Dauid LORD in thy power the king shal be glad and vpon thy saluation he shal reioyce excedingly The desire of his hart thou hast geuen him and of the wil of his lippes thou hast not defrauded him †Because thou hast preuented him in blessinges of sweetnesse thou hast put on his head a crowne of preâ—ious stone †He asked life of thee and thou gauest him length of daies for euer and for euer and euer †Great is his glorie in thy saluation glorie and great beautie thou shalt put vpon him †Because thou shalt geue him to be a blessing for euer and euer thou shalt make him ioyful in gladenesse with thy countenance Because the king hopeth in our Lord and in the mercie of the Highest he shal not be moued †Let thy hand be found of al thy enemies let thy righthand find al that hate thee †Thou shalt put them as an ouen of fyre in the time of thy countenance our Lord in his wrath shal truble them and fyre shal deuoure them Their fruite thou shalt destroy from the land and their seede from the children of men Because they haue turned the euils vpon thee they haue deuised counsels which they could not establish Because thou shalt put them backe in thy remnantes thou â—â— shalt prepare their countenance Be exalted Lord in thy powre we wil chaunte and sing thy powers PSALME XXI Christ prayeth in his Passion 7. describeth the acerbitie therof 20. foresheweth by way of prayer his Resurection 23. more clerly the fundation and propagation of his Church 27. 30. interposing the singular foode of the most blessed Sacrament euen to the endes of the earth in al nations †Vnto the end “ for the morning enterprise the Psalme of Dauid GOD my God haue respect to me why hast thou forsaken me far from my saluation are the wordes of my sinnes My God I shal crie by day and “ thou wilt not heare and by night and not for follie vnto me †But thou dwellest in the holie place the prayse of Israel †In thee our fathers haue hoped they hoped and thou didst deliuer them They cried to thee and were saued they hoped in thee and were not confounded †But I am a worme and no man a reproch of men and outcast of the people †Al that see me haue scorned me they haue spoken with the lippes and wagged the head †He hoped in the Lord let him deliuer him let him saue him because he wil him †Because thou art he that hast drawen me out of the wombe my hope from the brestes of my mother †Vpon thee I haue bene cast from the matrice from my mothers wombe thou art my God †depart not from me Because tribulation is verie nigh because there is not that wil helpe †Manie calues haue compassed me fatte bulles haue besieged me †They haue opened their mouth vpon me as a lion rauening and roaring †As water I am powred out and al my bones are dispersed My hart is made as waxe melting in the middes of my bellie †My strength is withered as a pot-shard and my tongue cleaued to my iawes and thou hast brought me downe into the dust of death †Because manie dogges haue compassed me the counsel of the malignant hath besieged me They “ haue digged my handes and my feete †they haue numbered al my bones But themselues haue considered and beheld me †they haue deuided my garmentes among them and vpon my vesture they haue cast lot †But thou Lord prolong not thy helpe from me looke toward my defense †Deliuer ô God my soule from the sword and myne onlie one from the hand of the dog †Saue me out of the lions mouth and my humilitie from the hornes of vnicornes †“ I wil declare thy name to my bretheren “ in the middes of the Church I wil prayse thee †Ye that feare our Lord praise him al the seede of Iacob glorifie ye him †Let al the seede of Israel feare him because he hath not contemned nor despised the petition of the poore Neither hath he turned away his face from me and when I cried to him he heard me †With thee is my praise in the great Church I wil render my vowes in the sight of them that feare him †“ The poore shal eate and shal be filled and they shal praise our Lord that seeke after him their hartes shal liue for euer and euer †Al the endes of the earth shal remember and be conuerted to our Lord †And al the families of the Gentiles shal adore in his sight †Because the kingdome is our Lords and he shal haue dominion ouer the Gentiles †Al the fatte ones of the earth haue eaten and adored in his sight shal al fal that descend into the earth †And my soule shal liue to him and my seede shal serue him †The generation to come shal be shewed to our Lord and the heauens shal shew forth his iustice to the
b no better then bulles with kyne that is captaines and popular people c endeuoring to alienate the constant proued confessors from their faith d A prophecie that manie should be conuerted to Christ in Aegypt and Aethiopia as appeareth by the innumerable multitude of religious Monkes Nunnes in those countries shortly after the Apostles dayes e The like afterwards in al other nations whom therfore the prophet inuiteth to praise God for so inestimable benefites in the whole world f Christ wil come to iudge in terrour of voice and vvith magnificence accompanied vvith holie Angels and other Sainctes Markes of the Church Visibilitie Sanctitie Vnitie Perpetuitie Assured veritie No other pretended Church hath the marke of vnitie or the rest Christs afflictions and victorie the 5. key a Perteyning to the nevv Testament b for gentiles conuerted to Christianitie and from vice to vertue c prefigured in Dauid d Vehement afflictions inuir on my hart e I am as one intangled vvith quickesand or quadmyre in the bottom of a great vvaâ—â—â— f Our Lord svveat bloud for anguish in his prayer and vvas not deliuered from his Passion neither are his seruantes presently deliuered from tribulations but as is most to Gods honour and their ovvne good Ioan. 15. g Our Sauiour who had no sinne pay de the ransom for al sinnes h O God thou knovvest that this vvhich semeth follie to vvorldlie men is true vvisdom i and though men charge me vvith offences thou knovvest that I am innocent k Suffer not the weake to be scandalized in my passions l The zele of seeking God honour in propagaring and aduancing his Church is the cause of persecution As vve see those are lesse persecuted vvhich haue lesse godlie zele Ioan. 2. Rom. 15. m The vvicked do reproch those that mortifie themselues n The great men and iudges also the drunkards and rascalitie of the people o But I direct my prayer to thee p Expecting the time of thy good pleasure q â—ribulations r Though Christ died and vvas buried and in soule descended into hel yet he could not be holden in his sepulchre nor in limbo but rose againe Å¿ That they may either be conuerted or confounded and so do no more hurt t Not anie that could mitigate our Sauiours affliction vvould shevv compassion tovvards him â—at 27. v But contrativvise vvhen he complained of thirst they gaue him gal and vinegre to drinke â—an 19. vv A prophecie of the destruction of the Ievves at the time of Pasch vvhen they should thinkâ— to eate their paschal lamb vvith ioy â—om 11. x They are also blinde in hart that they vvil not see the truth of Christs doctrine y but bovv themselues to earthlie thinges and vvorldlie gaines euen to this day 〈◊〉 1. z Christ vvhom God of this mercie designed to suffer death for redemption of mankind the Ievves of mere enuie and malice persecuted to death a A prophecie that God would suffer them to fal from one iniquitie to an other b In the end of their liues they shal not be found in the booke of life vvhere they suppose themseelues to be vvritten c The voice of Christ humbling himselfe to death euen to death of the Crosse d from which he rose againe e Deuout praise and thankesgeuing please God more then sacrifices of the most tender calues which vvere othervvise also gratful sacrifices f God doth assuredly comfort al such as are imprisoned for professing the truth g Al the creatures of God h God wil alvvayes establish and protect the Catholique Church i and particular Churches members of the vniuersal shal also prosper k Perpetuâ—l succession of the Catholique Church Dauids prayer in persecutioÌ„ the 8. key a An apt prayer also for the afflicted in the nevvv Testament b from the danger of Absolom 2. Reg. 18. or from anie persecutor c Al men at al times nede Gods helpe d but most present nede in present dangers The rest of this Psalme is conteyned in the 39. Psalme from the 15. verse but there the whole Church prayeth for helpe the world being almost drowned in sinnes here Dauid or other particular persons or peoples pray in their seueral distresses Psal 39. A prayer for perseuerance in vertue the 7. key a Though this Psalme as also diuers others is intitled to or for Dauid it proueth not that some other was the author therof but the Seuentie Interpreters in sinuate hereby that it perteyneth in more particular sorte to Dauid growing old b they adde also the sonnes of Ionadab a most holie familie c who for their singular pietie were suffered to remaine in Ierusalem in the first captiuitie Ierem. 35. d The wordes of Dauid or anie faithful iust person e God of his iustice reuengeth the iniuries Psal 30. done to his seruantes Christ our king Iudge the 5. key a This Psalme is of Christ perfigured by Salomon whose kingdom was most glorious of al the kinges of Gods people for of king Salomon himselfe manie thinges in this Psalme can not be truly vnderstood S. Aug. b O God most blessed Trinitie geue powre and authoritie to the Sonne of Man God incarnate King of al kinges c the Sonne of king Dauid to iudge for mankind against the diuel d Christ paying ransom for al mankind and so man renouncing the diuel and seruing God is iustly not iniuriously deliuered from captiuitie of sionâ— and of the diuel e A prophecie of the Apostles receiuing powre to preach Christs Gospel of peace and reconciliation of men to God by penance f and of other Apostolical men that folow theâ—â— steppes g Salomon in figure of Christ was for a time a iust and good king h But only Christ not Salomon nor anie other king of that people contineweth or reigneth for euer i The maner of Christs Incarnation most silent swete and gratful k Agane the prophet inculcateth that Christs kingdom his Church shal continew for euer l The Church is not only vniuersal in al times but also in places Isaiae 6â— m The three Sages or Kinges which adored our Sauiour and offered gold frankencense and myrrh were the first that fulfilled this prophecie and afterwards Constantin the great and other Emperors Kinges and Princes n Amongst other Ilandes great Bryttannie the greatest of Europe was conuerted to Christ according to this prophecie first some few in the Apostles time Metaphrastes apud Surium Theodoret epist ad Timoth. Sophronius Ser. de Nat. Apost alij More in the time of Eleutherius Lastly our Englisc nation by S. Augustin and others sent by S. Gregorie Mat. â— :: How is this prophecie verified except the Church be alwayes visible o No miracles can be donne but by Gods powre p Aboue al other desires the holie prophet wished Gods glorie and praises in al the earth as it is in heauen q It semeth by this appendix added by Esdras that this Psalme was last composed though not put in the last place
and long The name Cedar is interpreted blackenes and obscuritie which signifieth darkenes of error and sinne g The wicked afflict those that geue no cause of offence Gods protection the 3. key a Towardes Ierusalme and towards heauen b Al helpe cometh from heauen that is from God who of his diuine ordinance especially heareth prayers made in holie places 3. Reg 7. c The iust speaketh and wisheth wel to his owne soule Especially the vvhole Church reioyceth in Gods assured protection d The militant Church e Prosperitie f nor aduersitie can ouerthrow the Church g spiritual life Ioyes of heauen promised to the iust the 10. key a Diuers Prophetes told the Iewes in captiuitie that they should returne to Ierusalem Al Prophetes Christ also and his Apostles and Priestes preach the entrance and ioyes of heauen to the iust Al vvhich the Psalmist savv in prophetical spirite and reioyced b The Ievves coÌ„sider that sometimes they vvere ioyful in the Temple of Ierusalem Christians reioyce in the comforte they haue in the militant Church c Communitie and participation of spiritual graces is a great ioy to Catholiques vvherof the â—amâ— Prophet speaketh Psal 118. v. 6â— and often elsvvhere d Al the tvvelue Tribes frequented Ierusalem e and al nations of the vvorld do come to the Catholique Church f Seates of Iudgement vvere placed in Ierusalem g and seates of Iudgement in the Catholique Church h of Christ i Christ exhorteth to aâ—ke k and promiseth to geue that is rightly asked Christians also inuite each other to pray for the Church Matt. â—â— v. 22. l Christ prayeth for his Church m and gaue his peace to the Apostles and in them to their successors n For in heauenlie Ierusalem al good thinges are prepared are geuen to Sainctes reigning there foreuer A praâ—eâ— in afflict oâ— the 7. key a Seruantes expecting necessaries at their masters handes are commonly very attentiue to receiue that vvhich they hope for so must the faithful praying God be very attentiue and not distracted in their prayers b An other example of handmaides who generally are more diligent then men c Though God suffer his seruantes to sustaine some affliction and reprech yet he heareth and deliuereth them before they be oppressed d Seing persecution stil increase or continevv long the faithful are then specially to conceiue hope of speedie â—â—l eâ—c Gods protection the 3. key a If God had not sent his helpe and defence to vs b we could not haue escaped the force of our enimies c The vvord perhaps doth not here import a doubt or vncertanitie but in modest maner of asseueration leaueth the iudgement of the euent that should hapen if God did not protect his seruantes to their ovvne consideration vvhich is an vsual phrase in most languages d So sudainly should the vveake vvithout Gods protection be destroyed as men are deuoured svvalovved vp by rauening vvild beasts euen before they be throughly dead So vvas Ionas svvalovved into the vvhales bellie e Furious persecution f Suddaine great trubles g Mans subteltie often deceiueth an other man but there is no counsel able to circumuent God Gods protection the 3. key a Thâ—se that confidently trust in God are in such securitie as is mount Sion vvhich is a hil defended also vvith other hilles round about b An other thing required to this securitie is to dvvel vvithin Ierusalem not the terrestrial citie for as S. Augustin obserueth the levves that dwelt therin are destroyed or made captiues and hitherto reiected of God but in the Catholique Church c God wil not alwayes nor finally leaue his seruants in tribulation but only a vvhile for their good d This prayer is also an asseueration for it is certaine that God wil defend and reward the good and right of hart e And no lesse assuredly God wil punish not only the notorious wicked and principal auctors of wickednes but also al those that for feare or for commoditie or for anie other cause decline into obligations bondes couenants or anie vvay consent in external shew with the wicked against God as in outward profession of Heresie or Schisme though such temporizers do not thincke in their hart that the pretended religion is true wherto they are drawne to yeld external conformitie For as the Psalmist here teacheth our Lord wil bring al such accessarie offenders to the same iudgement and punishment vvith the principal vvorkers of iniquitie f Al vvhich being punished then Ierusalem the Catholique Church shal haue peace The deliuered from captiuitie reioyce the 7. key a The Ievves released from captiuitie vvere excedingly and almost incredibly comforted as men for great and vnexpected sundaine ioy thinke it rather a dreame then a truth that they are deliuered from miseries So S. Peter vvhen he vvas deliuered out of prison by an Angel thought it rather a vision then a true deliuerie Such spiritual ioy deuoute soules haue vvhen they are deliuered from sinne Act. 1â— b VVheras in the tvvo former verses and very commonly the Prophet speaketh in the preter tense for the assurance of that he foreshevveth as if it vvere already donne yet here he vt eâ—eâ—h his prophecie in the future tense that the Gentiles wil confesse that God dealeth magnifically vvith his people c The people also themselues gratfully confesse that God dealeth magnifically vvith them d The Prophet forseing al this in spirite prayeth for the performance hereof e And that it may spedely be done as a torrent that runneth in the south part of the vvorld is commonly very great much desired but scarse expected f This is the ordinarie disposition of God that his seruants shal make their seeding vvhich is doe good vvorkes saith S. Augustin vvith teares in tribulation vpon earth g and reape a plentiful haruest the revvard of their suffering and vvel vvorking in the next life In assured hope vvherof the Psalmist and the vvhole Church joyfully conclude this Psalme vvith the tvvo verses folovving Gods helpe in al good vvorkes the 3. key a God not permitting Dauid to build the Temple promised that his sonne should build it and therfore besides other good admonitions geuen to his sonne Salomon he directeth this Psalme to him to be songue vvith others in the dedication of the Temple 3. Reg. 8. 2. Par. 5. b Vnlesse God be the principal Agent no vvorke can prosper c It is vaine to atempt anie thing vvithout Gods grace assisting d they that so doing thincking they haue done something rest e after their painful trauel must rise againe beginne anevv because that vvhich they seme to haue done vvel is nothing vvorth nor shal haue revvard f Contrarivvise vvhere God geuing grace those that truly loue him do good vvorkes g vvith great ease and dilight as they take their sleepe h they merite inheritance in heauen i for their good vvorkes k the revvard is promised to the true children of God borne to him in the
which the Lord thy God wil geue thee †Thou shalt not murder †Thou shalt not committe aduoâ—â—rie †Thou shalt not steale †Thou shalt not speake against thy neighbour â—â—lfe testimonie †Thou shalt not couet thy neigbours house neither shalt thou desire his wife nor seruant nor handmaide nor oxe nor asse nor any hing that is his †And al the people saw the voices and the â—â—ames and the sound of the trumper and the mount smoking and being â—â—ighted and stroken with feare they stoode a farre of †saying to Moyses Speake thou to vs and we wil heare let not our Lord speake to vs lest perhappes we die †And Moyses said to the people Feare not for God came to proue you and that his tâ—rrour might be in you and you should not sinne †And the people stoode a faâ—re of But Moyses went â—nto the darke cloud wherein God was †Our Lord said moreouer to Moyses This shalt thou say to the children of Israel You haue seene that from heauen I haue spoken to you †You shal not make goddes of siluer nor goddes of gold shal you make to you †An Altar of earth you shal make to me and you shal offer vpon it vour holocastes and pacifiques your sheepe and oxen in euerie place where the memorie of my name shal be I wil come to thee and wil blesse thee †And if thou make an Altar of stone vnto me thou shalt not build it of hewed stones for if thou lift vp thy knife ouer it it shal be polluted †Thou shalt not goe vp by grieses vnto myne Altar lest thy turpitude be discouered ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XX. 3. Strange goddes Protestants pretend here to proue that al Catholiques are Idolaters for honoring Sainctes and their Reliques and Images And they haue so defamed Catholique Religion in this behalfe that the vulgar sorte of deceiued people otherwise knowing Catholiques to be ordinarily of moderate conuersation in life of iust dealing towardes their neighboures addicted to prayer fasting almes and manie good woorkes more wanting among them selues yet supposing them notwitstanding these laudable qualities to be Idolaters are therby auerted from Catholique Religion And surely it were a iust cause if it were true As wel therfore to purge our selues of so haynous an imputed crime as to remoue this dangerous block of erronious conceipt we shal here note some of the Protestants egregious lies against the whole Church militant and blasphemous reproches against the the glorious Sainctes then briefly declare the true and sincere doctrine and practise of the Catholike Church in this point Luther in his posul vpon the Gospel of our Lordes Incarnation sayth Papistâ— Virginem Mariam Deum constituunt Omnipotentiam â—i in caelo in terra tribuunt The Papists saith he make the Virgin Marie God they attribute to her omnipotencie in heauen and in earth In Papistrie al expected more fauour and grace from her then from Christ himself His scholar Melancton in locis commâ—â—â— postilling the first Precept saith Papistes inuocate Sainctes and worship Images in heathnish maner Caluin li. de necess refor Eccles saith those of the Emperours religion meaning al Catholiques so diuide Gods offices among Sainctes that they ioyne them to the Soueraigne God as collegues in which multitude God lieth hidden Against the most glorious virgin mother the same Luther ser de natali virg Mar. feared not to say that he estemed no more of the prayer of S Marie then of anie one of the people And his reason is worse then his wicked assertion for that saith he al that beleue in Christ are as iust and as holie as the virgin Marâ—e or anie other Sainct how great soeuer The Magdeburgian Centuriators li. 1. Cent. 1. affirme that the virgin Marie sinned greuously yea compare her imagined faultes with the sinne of Eue in paradise li. 2. They charge S. Peter and S Paul also after their conuersions with diuers great crimes Caluin li. 3. Inst c 2. parag 31. condemneth Sara and Rebecca of great sinnes c. 4. reprehendeth Iudas Machabeus for superstitious and preposterous zeale in causing Sacrifice to be offered for the dead In his commentarie in 32. Exodi he accuseth most holie and meke Moyses of arrogancie and pride And li. 3 Instit c. 20. pa. 27. he scuruely scoffeth at al Sainctes in general saying If they heare mortal mens prayers they must haue eares so long as from heauen to earth And calleth them not only homines mortuos dead men which S. Hierom reproued in Vigilantius but also vmbras laruas colluuiem shadovves night goblins stincking silth yet more li. de vera refor Eccles rat he calleth them Monstra carnifices bestias monsters hangmen beastes These and like blasphemies modest men can not but abhore and detest Their lies also are conuinced by S. Hierom handling this matter of purpose against Vigilantius by S. Augustin touching it by occasion li. 20. c. 21. against Faustus the Manachey Thomas VValdensis To. 3. tit 13 de Sacramentalibus against wiclif by al Catechismes and Christian Instructions teaching nothing like but quite contrarie to these mens reportes In summe they al teach that Sainctes are to be honored with religious honour which is greater then ciuil but infinitly inferiour to diuine as the excellencie of God surmounteth al excellencie created For better declaration wherof it is to be considered that seing by the law of God and nature honour is due to excellencie there must be so manie distinct kindes of honour as there be general kindes of excellencie which are three The first of God infinite and incomparably aboue al the second is supernatural but created as of grace and glorie the third is humane or natural consisting in natural giftes or worldlie powre and dignitie al three as distinct as God heauen and earth To these three general kindes of excellencie perteine therfore other three as distinct kindes of honour to wit Diuine due to God only called by vse and appropriation of a greeke world Latria the second Dulia belonging to Sainctes and other holie things eleuated by God aboue the course of nature in diuers degrees but within the ranck of creatures the third is ciuil honour due to humane and worldlie excellencie according to diuers states and qualities of men The first of these which is diuine may in no case be geuen to anie creature how excellent soeuer The third which is ciuil as both Catholiques and Protestants hold for certaine is not competent nor agreable to Sainctes but to mortal worldlie men in respect of temporal excellencie Al the controuersie therfore is about the second VVhich Caluin li. 1. Instit c 11. 12. and al protestant writers denie reiect and so would haue no honour at al geuen to Sainctes Obiecting as old heretikes did that Catholiques do al the same external actes as standing bare head bowing kneeling praying and the like to Sainctes as to God himself VVe
and patterne of a sincere and hartie penitent bewayling confessing and punishing his owne sinnes The ninth is the end and renouation of this world with the general Resurrection and Iudgement The tenth is eternal felicitie and punishment according as euerie one deserueth in this life These are the tenne keyes of this holie Booke and tenne stringes of this Diuine Psalter Moreouer to finde which of these is the proper key and principal string of euerie Psalme lerned Diuines vse foure especial wayes First by the title added by Esdras or the Seuentie two Interpreters for an introduction to the sense of the same Psalme So it appeareth that the third Psalme treateth literally of Dauids danger and deliuerie from his sonne Absalon which is the eight key though mystically it signifieth Christs Persecution Passion Resurrection which is the fifth key Secondly if there be no title or if it declare not sufficiently the key or principal matter conteyned it may some times be found by allegation and application of some special part thereof in the new Testament So it is euident Act. 4. v. 25. c. 13. v. 33. Heb. 1. v. 5. Heb. 5. v. 5. that the second Psalme perteyneth to Christ impugned and persecuted by diuers aduersaries VVhich is the fiftkey Thirdly when greater thinges are affirmed of anie person or people as of Dauid Salomon Iewish nation or the like then can be verified of them it must necessarily be vnderstood of Christ or his Church in the new Testament or in Heauen So the conclusion of the 14. Psalme He that doth these thinges shal not be moued for euer can not be verified of the tabernacle nor temple of the Iewes but of eternal Beatitude in heauen VVhich is the tenth key Though the greater part of the Psalme sheweth that iust and true dealing towards our neighboures is necessarie for attayning of eternal Glorie Fourtly when both the title and Psalme or part thereof seme hard and obscure some part being more cleare the true sense of al may be gethered by that which is more euident According to S. Augustins rule li. 2. c. 9. li. 3. c. 26. Doct. Christ So the title and former part of the fifth Psalme being more obscure are explaned by the last verses shewing plainly that God wil iustly iudge al men both iust and wicked in the end of this world VVhich is the ninth key By these and like meanes the principal key being found it wil more easily appeare what other keyes belong to the same and what other stringes are also touched At least the studious may by these helpes make some entrance and for more exact knowlege search the iudgement of ancient Fathers and other learned Doctours But besides this singular great commoditie of compendious handling much Diuine matter in smal rowme this booke hath an other special excellencie in the kind of stile and maner of vttering which is Meeter and Verse in the original Hebrew tongue And though in Greke Latin and other languages the same could not in like forme be exactly translated yet the number and distinction of verses is so obserued that it is apt for musike as wel voices as instruments and to al other vses of Gods seruants Neither is musical maner of vttering Gods word and praises lesse to be esteemed because profane Poetes haue in this kind of stile vttered light vaine and false thinges For the abuse of good thinges doth not derogate from the goodnes therof but rather commendeth the same which others desire to imitate And clere it is that this holie Psalmodie was before anie profane poetrie now extant For Homer the most ancient of that sorte writte his poeme at least two hundred and fourtie yeares after the destruction of Troy as Apolidorus witnesseth others namely Solinus Herodotus and Cornelius Nepos say longer VVheras kind Dauid our Diuine Psalmist reigned within one hundred years after the Troianes warres There were in dede Amphion Orpheus and Muscus before Dauid but their verses either were not written or shortly perished only a confuse memorie remaining of them recited altered and corrupted by word of mouth but before them were the sacred Historie of Iob almost al in verse and the two Canticles of Moyses Exodi 15. and Deut. 32. It is moreouer recorded that Iâ—bal long before Noes floud was the father of them that sang on harpe and organ Musike therfore is maruelous ancient But sacred Poetrie is in manie other respectes most excellent and most profitable This holie Psalmodie saith S. Augustin is a medecine to old spiritual sores it bringeth present remedie to nev vvvoundes it maketh the good to perseuere in vvel doing it cureth at once al predominating passions vvhich vexe mens soules A little after Psalmodie driueth avvay euil spirites iuuiteth good Angels to helpe vs it is a shield in night terrors a refreshing of day trauels a guard to children an ornament to yongmen a comforte to oldmen a most seemlie grace to vvemen Vnto beginners it is an introduction an augmentation to them that goe forvvard in vertue a stable firmament to the perfect It conioyneth the vvhole Church militant in one voice and is the spiritual eternal svvete perfume of the celestial Armies al Sainctes and Angels in heauen To al this we may adde other causes which moued the Royal Prophete to write this diuine poetrie First he had from his youth by Gods special prouidence a natural inclination to Musike wherin he shortly so excelled that before al the Musitians in Israel he was selected to recreate king Saul whom an euil spirite vexed And his skil together with his deuotion had such effect that vvhen he playde on the harpe Saul vvas refreshed and vvaxed better For the euil spirite departed from him saith the holie text VVherfore he made these Psalmes that him selfe and others might by singing them imploy this gift of God to his more honour Secondly verse being more easie to lerne more firmly kept in mind and more pleasant in practise for as wine so musike doth recreate the hart of man the Holie Ghost condescending to mans natural disposition inspired Dauid to write these Psalmes in meeter mixing the povvre of diuine doctrin vvith delectable melodie of song that vvhiles the eare is allured vvith svvete harmonie of musike the hart is indued vvith heauenlie knovvlege pleasant to the mind and profitable to the soule Thirdly Dauid singularly illuminated with knowlege of great and most diuine Mysteries indued also with most gracious disposition of mind the man chosen according to Gods ovvne hart 1. Reg. 13. would vtter the same Mysteries with godlie instructions and praises of God in the most exquisite kind of stile that is in verse For otherwise he was also very eloquent in prose as wel appeareth by sundrie his excellent and effectual discourses in the books of Kinges and Paralipomenon For which cause Moyses also described the
“ 60 nor personally be present with them in the exercise of their false pretended religions PSALME XXVI Dauid being in great distresse through persecution and hauing assured confidence in God describeth the great securitie of Gods protection 7. sheweth the same experienced in him self 12. prayeth for continuance therof 13. and incorageth his owne soule in hope of life euerlasting to perseuer in vertue †The Psalme of Dauid before he was annoynted OVR Lord is my illumination and my saluation whom shal I feare Our Lord is the protectour of my life of whom shal I be afrayd †Whiles the harmeful approch vpon me to eate my flesh Mine enemies that truble me them selues are weakened and are fallen †If campes stand together against me my hart shal not feare If battel rise vp against me in this wil I hope †One thing I haue asked of our Lord this wil I seeke for that I may dwel in the house of our Lord al the dayes of my life That I may see the pleasentnes of our Lord and visite his temple †Because he hath hid me in his tabernacle in the day of euils he hath protected me â—in the secrete of his tabernacle †In a rocke he hath exalted me and now he hath exalted my head ouer mine enemies I haue gone round about and haue immolated in his tabernacle an host of iubilation I wil sing and say a Psalme to our Lord. †Heare ô Lord my voice wherwith I haue cried to thee haue mercie on me and heare me †My hart hath sayd to thee my face hath sought thee out thy face ô Lord I wil seeke †Turne not away thy face from me decline not in wrath from thy seruant Be thou my helper forsake me not neither despise me ô God my Sauiour Because my father and my mother haue forsaken me but our Lord hath taken me †Geue me a law ô Lord in thy way and direct me in the right path because of mine enemies †Deliuer me not into the soules of them that truble me because vniust witnesses haue risen vp against me and iniquity hath lyed to it selfe †I beleue to see the good things of our Lord in the land of the liuing †Expect our Lord doe manfully and let thy hart take courage and expect thou our Lord. PSALME XXVII Dauid prayeth to be defended from the eternal destruction of the wicked which by way of imprecation or conformitie to Gods iustice he prophecieth 6. Feeling by inspiration that his prayer is heard rendereth thankes to God 9. and prayeth for al the people A Psalme to Dauid him selfe TO THEE ô Lord wil crie my God keepe not silence from me lest at any time thou hold thy peace from me and I shal be like to them that goe downe into the lake †Heare ô Lord the voice of my petition whiles I pray to thee whiles I lift vp my handes to thy holie temple †Draw me not together with sinners and with them that worke iniquitie destroy me not Which speake peace with their neighbour but euils in their hartes †Geue them according to their workes and according to the wickednesse of their inuentions According to the workes of their handes geue vnto them render them their retribution †Because they haue not vnderstood the workes of our Lord and in the workes of his handes thou shalt destroy them and not build them vp †Blessed be our Lord because he hath heard the voice of my petition †Our Lord is my helper and my protectour in him my hart hath hoped and I was holpen And my flesh florished againe and with my wil I wil confesse to him †Our Lord is the strength of his people and he is the protector of the saluations of his annoynted †Saue thy people ô Lord and blesse thine inheritance and rule them and extol them for euer PSALME XXVIII The royal prophet seing in spirite the most sacred Mysteries brought by Christ into this world inuiteth al to offer their best thinges euen themselues wholly as sacrifice of thankes for so excellent benefites preached with magnificence 5. VVherby innumerable are gethered into his Church here replenished with grace and in heauen with glorie †The Psalme of Dauid “ in the consummation of the tabernacle ANNOTATIONS 1. In consummation of the tabernacle The seuentie Interpreters testifie by adding this title that king Dauid made this Psalme as he did also some others when the Arke of God was brought into the tabernacle which he had pitched for it in Sion 2 Reg. 6. 1. Paral. 16. VVherin he saw by prophetical spirite and here vttereth other farre greater mysteries more excellent benefites brought into the world by Christ and preached by him and his Apostles then agreed to the Arke or the time of the old Testament but are verified in the admirable fruite of innumerable people of al nations and of manie great Potentates conuerted to Christianitie BRING to our Lord ye children of God bring to our Lord the sonnes of rammes †Bring to our Lord glorie and honour bring to our Lord glorie vnto his name adore ye our Lord in his holie court The voice of our Lord vpon waters the God of maiestie hath thundered Our Lord vpon manie waters †The voice of our Lord in powre the voice of our Lord in magnificence †The voice of our Lord breaking ceders and our Lord shal breake the ceders of Libanus †And he shal breake them in peeces as a calfe of Libanus and the heloued as the sonne of vnicornes The voice of our Lord diuiding the flame of fire †The voice of our Lord shaking the desert and our Lord shal moue t the desert of Cades The voice of our Lord v preparing hartes and he shal discouer thicke woodes and in x in his temple al shal say glorie †Our Lord maketh y to inhabite the floud and our Lord z shal sit king for euer Our Lord a wil geue strength to his people our Lord b wil blesse his people in peace PSALME XXIX King Dauid by voice and instrument rendereth thankes to God for his peaceable state in the kingdom 5. inuiteth others to reioyce in Gods benefites teaching by his owne example that God sometimes geueth more conforth sometimes sheweth his wrath but al for our good †A Psalme of Canticle in the dedication of Dauids house I WIL exalt thee ô Lord because thou hast receiued me neither hast e delighted myne enemies ouer me †O Lord my God I haue cried to thee and thou hast healed me †Lord thou hast brought forth my soule out of hel thou hast saued
Ammon and Amalec the for eners with the inhabitantes of Tyre †Yea and Assur also is come with them they are made an aide to the children of Lot †Doe to them as to Madian and Sisara as to Iabin in the torrent Cisson †They perished in Endor they were made as the dung of the earth †Put their princes as Oreb and Zeb and Zebee and Salmana Al their princes †which haue saide Let vs possesse the Sanctuarie of God for an inheritance †My God put them as a wheele and as stubble before the face of the winde †Euen as fire that burneth a wood as a flame that burneth the mountaines †So shalt thou pursew them in thy tempest and in thy wrath thou shalt truble them †Fil their faces with ignominie and they wil seeke thy name ô Lord. †Let them be ashamed and trubled for euer and euer and let them be confounded and perish †And let them know that Lord is thy name thou onlie the Highest in al the earth PSALME LXXXIII Deuout persons feruently desire eternal glorie 6. accounting it in the meane time a happie state to be in the militant Church 12. where God first geuing grace wil geue glorie in the triumphant †Vnto the end for wine presses t the children of Core a Psalme HOW beloued are thy tabernacles ô Lord of hoastes †my soule coueteth and fainteth vnto the courtes of our Lord. My hart and my flesh haue reioyced toward the liuing God †For the sparow also hath found her an house and the turtledoue a nest for her selfe where she may lay her young ones Thine altars ô Lord of hoastes my King and my God †Blessed are they that dwel in thy house ô Lord for euer and euer they shal praise thee †Blessed is the man whose helpe is from thee he hath disposed ascension in his hart †in the vaile of teares in the place which he hath appointed †For the lawgeuer shal geue blessing they shal goe from vertue into vertue the God of goddes shal be seene in Sion †Lord God of hoastes heare my prayer receiue with thine eare ô God of Iacob †Behold ô God our protectour and looke vpon the face of thy Christ †Because better is one day in thy courtes aboue thousands I haue chosen to be an abiect in the house of my God rather then to dwel t in the tabernacles of sinners †Because God loueth mercie and truth our Lord wil geue grace and glorie †He wil not depriue them of good thinges that walke in innocencie ô Lord of hoastes blessed is the man that hopeth in thee PSALME LXXXIIII With commemoration of Gods former benefites 5. Christs Incarnation is prophecied 9. bringing peace and saluation 11. mercie and iustice concurring together Vnto the end to the children of Core a Psalme O Lord thou hast blessed thy land thou hast turned away the captiuitie of Iacob †Thou hast forgeuen the iniquitie of thy people thou hast couered al their sinnes †Thou hast mitigated al thy wrath thou hast turned away from the wrath of thine indignation †Conuert vs ô God our sauiour and auert thy wrath from vs. †Wil t thou be wrath with vs for euer or wilt thou extend thy wrath from generation vnto generation †O God thou being turned shalt quicken vs and thy people shal reioyce in thee †Shew vs ô Lord thy mercie and giue vs thy saluation †I wil heare what our Lord God wil speake in me because he wil speake peace vpon his people And vpon his saincts and vpon them that are conuerted to the hart †But yet his saluation is nigh to them that feare him that glorie may inhabite in our land †Mercie and truth haue met each other iustice and peace haue kissed †Truth is risen out of the earth and iustice hath looked downe from heauen †For our Lord certes wil geue benignitie and our land shal giue her fruite †Iustice shal walke before him and shal set his steppes in the way PSALME LXXXV In consideration of his owne imperfections the royal prophet or other faithful person prayeth God 5. according to his mercie and goodnes 9. shewed in conuerting Gentiles 13. and in deliuering the supplicant him self from the state of damnation 16. that he wil stil direct and defend him against al enimies †A praier to Dauid him selfe Incline thine eare ô Lord and heare me because I am needie and poore †Keepe my soule because I am holie saue thy seruant my God that hopeth in thee †Haue mercie on me ô Lord because I haue cried to thee al the day †make ioyful the soule of thy seruant because to thee ô Lord haue I lifted vp my soule †Because thou ô Lord art swete and milde and of much mercie to al that inuocate thee †Receiue ô Lord my praier with thine ears and attend to the voice of my petition †In the day of my tribulation I haue called to thee because thou hast heard me †There is not the like to thee amongst goddes ò Lord and there is not according to thy workes †Al nations what soeuer thou hast made shal come and shal adore before thee ô Lord and they shal glorifie thy name †Because thou art great and doing meruelous thinges thou onlie art God †Conduct me ô Lord in thy way and I wil walke in thy truth let my hart reioyce that it may feare thy name †I wil confesse to thee ô Lord my God with al my hart and wil glorifie thy name for euer †Because thy mercie is great vpon me and thou hast deliuered my soule out of the lower hel †O God the wicked are risen vp vpon me and the synagogue of the mightie haue sought my soule and they haue not set thee in their sight †And thou ô Lord the God of compassion and merciful patient and of much mercie and true †Haue respect to me and haue mercie on me giue thine empire to thy seruant and saue the sonne of thy handmaide †Make with me a signe vnto God that they may see which hate me and may be confounded because thou ô Lord hast holpen me PSALME LXXXVI The Church of Christ beginning in Ierusalem 3. is extended to al Nations 5. glorious 6. and permanent 7. in holie ioy To the children of Core a Psalme of Canticle THE fundations thereof in the holie mountaynes †our Lord loueth the gates of Sion aboue al the tabernacles of Iacob †Glorious thinges
laide oppen before prophane persons S. Gregorie also alleageth an other reason ho. 17. in Ezech. that occasion of humilitie may be geuen vs by those thinges which are hidden in holie Scriptures And increase also of merite by beleuing more then we vnderstand because faith hath not merite where reason geueth experiment THE ARGVMENT OF THE PROPHECIE OF ISAIE ISaie the sonne of Aâ—os and nephew as S. Ierom insinuateth to king Amasias prophecied in the times of Osias Ioathan Achaz Ezechias and in the beginning of Manasses Kinges of Iuda in al aboue three score yeares and was cruelly put to death sawed into partes by commandment of Manasses He is commonly called the Euangelical Prophet for his ample and particular speaches of Christ more large and more plaine then in aâ—â—e other of the old Prophetes His stile is high and eloquent according to his liberal education being of the royal bloud For so it pleaseth the Holie Ghost to vtter his diuine prophecies diuersly according to the qualities and conditions of the persons by whom he speaketh by Isaie in a loftie and by Amos in a meane stile as a musitian soundeth the same songue by a simple pipe by a corneâ— trumpet or other musical instrument Which S. Paul also witnesseth saying Diuersly and by diuers meanes God spake to the fathers in the Prophetes Isaie therfore conuersing in the kingdom of Iuda especially in the Emperial and Metropolitan citie of Ierusalem preached prophecied manie thinges perteyning to the Tribes of Iuda and Beniamin as also to the tribe of Leui. Which after the schisme of Ieroboam repayred in maner al to the kingdom of Iuda where God was rightly serued He prophecied also of the tenne Tribes the kingdom of Israel of the future captiuities of them both and of the reduction of Iuda Also he prophecied of other nations and peoples with whom the Iewes had either emnitie or freindlie conuersation and of al the world But most especially of the coming of Christ to redeme and deliuer mankind from captiuitie of sinne The whole prophecie conteyneth two general partes First more principally the Prophet admonisheth and threatneth the people that they shal be punished for their manifold sinnes in the 39. former chapters In the other 27. he comforteth them signifying that God of his mercie wil after chatisment their repentance deliuer them from their aduersaries Yet so that ech part participateth of the principal contents with the other More particularly the whole booke may be diuided into eight partes In the twelue first chapters the Prophet admonisheth alsortes in the kingdom of Iuda of their ingratitude towards God with manie other sinnes and of iust punishment but mixt with consolation of Gods mercie and thanksegeuing for the same In eleuen chapters folowing he directeth his speach to other Nations aduersaries to the Iewes In foure more he extendeth his admonitions to al the world stil intermixing some consolations In other foure he reprehendeth both the kingdoms of Israel and Iuda for seeking helpe of strange nations In the next eight chapters he prophecieth of diuers dangers immineÌ„t to the kingdom of Iuda of their captiuitie in Babylon of Gods benignitie deliuering them very much in euerie part of Christ and his Church Then in fiue chapters he prophecieth very particularly of the comfortable deliuerie from sinne by Christ In other foure from temporal captiuitie by Cyrus King of Assirians And finally in the last eightene chapters he prophecieth largely of the perfect deliuerie by Christ conuersion of al Nations reiection of the Iewes til nere the end of the world when they shal also returne to Christ THE PROPHECIE OF ISAIE CHAP. I. Isaie prophecying in the dayes of foure kinges of Iuda 2. admonisheth both princes and people of their ingratitude and other sinnes against God 7. for which they shal be led captiue 11. Neither shal sacrifices nor prayers saue them 16. except they cleanse their soules from sinnes 20. which they not doing shal be seuerely punished 26. Wherby the reliques shal be purged and the Church shal flourish THE vision of Isaie the sonne of Amos which he sawe concerning Iuda and Ierusalem in the dayes of Ozias Ioathan Achaz and Ezechias kinges of Iuda †Heare ye heauens geue eare ô earth because our Lord hath spoken I haue brought vp children and exalted them but they haue despised me †The oxe hath knowen his owner and the asse his masters crib but Israel hath not knowen me and my people hath not vnderstood †Woe to the sinful nation the people loden with greeuous iniquitie the wicked seede vngracious children they haue forsaken our Lord they haue blasphemed the holie one of Israel they are reuolted backewards †For what shal I strike you anie more which adde preuarication euerie head is sicke euerie hart in heauines †From the sole of the foote vnto the toppe of the head there is no health therein wound and wayle and swelling stroke it is not bound vp nor cured with medicine nor mollified with oile †Your land is desolate your cities burnt with fire your countrie strangers deuoure before your face and it shal be made desolate as in the spoile of enemies †And the daughter of Sion shal be left as a vineyard and as a cottage in a place of cucumbers and as a citie that is wasted †Vnlesse the Lord of hostes had lefte vs seed we had beene as Sodom and we should be like to Gomorrha †Heare the word of our Lord ye princes of Sodom geue eare to the law of our God ye people of Gomorrha †To what purpose do you offer me the multitude of your victimes saith our Lord I am ful the holocaust oframmes and the fatte of fatlings and the bloud of calues and lambes and buck goates I haue not desired †When you should haue come before my sight who sought for these thinges at your handes that you should walke in my courtes †Offer sacrifice no more in vaine incense is abomination to me The Newe moone and the Sabbath and other sestiuities I wil not abide your assemblies are wicked †My soule hateth your Calendes and your solemnities they are become tedious to me I haue laboured in susteyning †And when you shal streach forth your hands I wil turne away mine eies from you when you shal multiplie prayer I wil not heare for your handes are ful of bloud †Wash you be cleane take away the euil of your cogitations from mine eies cease to doe peruersely †Lerne to doe good seeke iudgement succour the oppressed iudge for the pupil defend the widow †And come and accuse me sayth our Lord if your sinnes shal be as scarlet they shal be made white as snow and if they be red as vermelon they shal be white as wooll †If you be willing and wil heare me you shal eate the good thinges
a whirlewind to render his furie in indignation and his rebuking in flame of fyre †because our Lord shal iudge in fyre and in his sword to al flesh and the slaine of our Lord shal be multiplied †they that were sanctified and thought them selues cleane in the gardens behind the gate within they that did eate swines flesh and abomination and the mouse they shal be confounded sayth our Lord. †But I know their workes and their cogitations I come that I may gather together with al nations and tongues and they shal come and shal see my glorie †And I wil put a signe in them and I wil send of them that shal be saued to the Gentiles into the sea into Afrike and Lydia them that hold the arrow into Italie and Greece to the ilandes farre of to them that haue not heard of me and haue not sene my glorie And they shal shew forth my glorie to the Gentiles †and they shal bring al your brethren of al nations a gift to our Lord vpon horses and in chariotes in horse litters on mules and in coches to my holie mountaine Ierusalem sayth our Lord as if the children of Israel should bring in a gift in a cleane vessel into the house of our Lord. †And “ I wil take of them to be priestes and leuites sayth our Lord. †Because as new heauens and a new earth which I make to stand before me sayth our Lord so shal your sede stand and your name †And there shal be moneth after moneth and sabbath after sabbath al flesh shal come to adore before my face sayth our Lord. †And they shal goe out and see the carcasses of the men that haue transgressed against me their worme shal not die and their fyre shal not be quenched and they shal be euen vnto satietie of sight to al flesh ANNOTATIONS CHAP. LXVI 1. Heauen is my seate Lest anie should interprete these prophetical promises as the Ievves doe only of the restauration reedification of Ierusalem and the Temple the Prophet here shevveth that albeit God sanctified the temple and granted manie benefites to those that serued him therein yet his proper seate is not in anie material temple or terrestrial place but in heauen And therfore Temples and Churches are in deede ordayned for faithful people to serue him in to signifie that as these places are more holie then ordinarie houses so heauen is infinitely more glorious then anie earthlie palace yet God is not conteyned in anie place but exceedeth al. To which purpose S. Steuen Act. 7 alleageth and vrgeth this place and also S. Paul Act 17. that God dvvelleth not or is not concluded in temples neither needeth them for his ovvne vse but is rightly serued in them by those that lift vp their mindes to him as dwelling in heauen replenishing al places 21. I vvil take of them to be Priestes In the Lavv of Moyses Priestes and Leuites vvere al of one Tribe by succession of natural kinred nor by election but the lavv being changed necessarily also Priesthood is changed And Byshopes Priestes Deacons and other Clergie men are taken and ordained not by uerenes of bloud but by election according to their merites of vertues THE ARGVMENT OF THE BOOKES OF IEREMIE IEREMIE the sonne of Helcias Priest and Prophete being sanctified in his mothers wombe begane to prophecie as yet a childe in Iuda in the thirtenth yeare of the reigne of king Iosias continued the rest of his time which was nintene yeares more and the eleuen yeares of Ioakim wherin are counted the three monethes of Ioachaz and other three of Iechonias otherwise called Ioachin and eleuen yeares of Sedecias in al fourtie one yeares before he went into Aegypt Where he also prophecied and finally was stoned to death by the people in the citie of Taphnis His whole worke conteyneth two distinct Bookes besides an Epistle which foloweth after the Prophecie of Baruch The former booke is called his Prophecie the other his Lamentations S. Ierom comprehendeth the summe of al briefly saying Ieremie connecteth a nuttie or watching rodde and a potte boyling hote from the face of the north the leopard spoyled of his coloures and the fourefold Alphabet in diuers meeters Signifiing that God wil correct his people with a rodde in his hote furie from the north to witte by the king of Babylon for their pertinacitie in sundrie kindes of sinnes Al which the Prophet lamenteth with his doleful verse of diuers meeter The Prophecie may be diuided into fiue partes First he sheweth the conditions and qualities of himselfe with the maner of his mission then Gods great clemencie in recalling the people from sinne denouncing dangers imminent for their obstinacie in the twelue first chapters Secondly in the eight chapters folowing by diuers Metaphorical and other figuratiue descriptions he declareth the ingratitude other sinnes of the people threatning punishment for which they persecute him Thirdly in other eight chapters he reprehendeth the inhabitantes of Ierusalem especially the King euil Priestes and falseprophetes some being already caried into captiuitie for which free preaching he is againe persecuted Fourtly in the next eleuen chapters he mixteth consolations threates especially the destruction of Ierusalem captiuitie of king and people and their release after seuentie yeares Fiftly in the other thirtene chapters he prophecieth the destruction of the Iewes that goe into Aegypt and of sundrie nations for their idolatrie and for their crueltie against the Iewes In euerie part interposeth manie prophecies of Christ and his Church besides the mystycal sense included in the historical THE PROPHECIE OF IEREMIE CHAP. I. Ieremie prophecied in the times of Iosias Ioakim and Sedecias Kinges of Iuda 5. being sanctified in his mothers wombe is sent in his tender age to prophecie 11. the destruction of Ierusalem 17. God geuing him corege against his persecutors THE wordes of Ieremie the sonne of Helcias of the priestes that were in Anathoth in the land of Beniamin †The word of our Lord which was made to him in the daies of Iosias the sonne of Amon king of Iuda in the thirteenth yeare of his kingdome †And the word was made in the daies of Ioakim the sonne of Iosias king of Iuda vnto the end of the eleuenth yeare of Sedecias the sonne of Iosias king of Iuda euen vnto the transmigration of Ierusalem in the fifth moneth †And the word of our Lord was made to me saying †Before I formed thee in the wombe I knewe thee and before thou camest forth of the matrice I sanctified thee and a prophete in the Gentiles I gaue thee †And I sayd A a a ô Lord God Behold I can not speake because I am a childe †And our Lord said vnto me Say not I am a childe for to al thinges to which I shal send thee thou shalt goe
also varied on me †And I sayd I wil not feede you that which dieth let it dye and that which is cut of be it cut of and let the rest deuoure euerie one his neighbours flesh †I tooke my rod that was called beautie and I cut it of to make voyd my couenant which I made with al peoples †And it was made voyd in that day and so the poore of the slocke that keepe for me vnderstood that it is the word of the Lord †And I sayd to them If it be good in your eyes bring hither my hyre and if not be quiet And they weighed my hyre thirtie peeces of siluer †And our Lord sayd to me cast it forth to the statuarie a goodlie price that I was priced at by them And I tooke the thirtie peeces of siluer I threw them into the house of our Lord to the statuarie †And I cut of my second rod that was called Corde that I might dissolue the brotherhood betwen Iuda and Israel †And our Lord sayd to me As yet take to thee the vessels of a foolish pastour †Because loe I wil rayse vp a pastour in the land which shal not visite thinges forsaken the thing dispersed he shal not seeke and the broken he shal not heale that which standeth he shal not nourish and he shal eate the flesh of the fat ones and their hoofes he shal dissolue †O pastour and idol leauing the flocke the sword vpon his arme vpon his right eye his arme shal be dried with withering and his right eye waxing darke shal be obscured CHAP. XII The Iewes persecuting Christ and his Church shal be sore afflicted 6. The Church stil prospering 11. the incredulous shal be condemned THE burden of the word of our Lord vpon Israel Sayth our Lord extending the heauen founding the earth forming the spirit of man in him †Behold I wil make Ierusalem a lintel of surfet to al peoples round about yea Iuda shal be in the siege against Ierusalem †And it shal be In that day I wil make Ierusalem a stone of burden to al peoples al that shal lift it shal be torne with tearing and al the kingdoms of the earth shal de gathered agaynst her †In that day sayth our Lord I wil strike euerie horse into astonishment and his rider into madnes and vpon the house of Iuda I wil open mine eyes and euerie horse of the peoples I wil strike with blindnes †And the dukes of Iuda shal say in their hart Let the inhabitants of Ierusalem be strengthened for me in the Lord of hosts their God †In that day I wil make the dukes of Iuda as a furnace of fyre amongst stickes and as a brand of fire in hay and they shal deuoure to the right hand to the left al people round about and Ierusalem shal be inhabited agayne in her place in Ierusalem †And our Lord shal saue the tabernacles of Iuda as in the begynning that the house of Dauid glorie not magnifically and the glorie of them that inhabite Ierusalem agaynst Iuda †In that day shal our Lord protect the inhabitants of Ierusalem and he that offended of them in that day shal be as Dauid and the house of Dauid as of God as an Angel of our Lord in their sight †And it shal be in that day I wil seeke to destroy al Nations that come against Ierusalem †And I wil powre out vpon the house of Dauid vpon the inhabitants of Ierusalem the spirit of grace and of prayers and they shal looke toward me whom they pearced and they shal lament him with lamentation as it were vpon an only begotten and they shal sorow vpon him as the maner is to be sorowful in the death of the first begotten †In that day shal be great lamentation in Ierusalem as the lamentation of Adadremmon in the filde of Mageddon †And the land shal lament families and families apart the families of the house of Dauid apart and their wemen apart †the families of the house of Nathan apart and their wemen apart the families of the house of Leui apart and their wemen apart the families of Semei apart and their wemen apart †Al the rest of the families families and families apart and their wemen apart CHAP. XIII In the Church of Christ al idolatrie shal be abolished 6. In his passion his Apostles shal be dispersed and they and others shal be proued by tribulations IN that day shal be a fountayne lying open to the house of Dauid and to the inhabitants of Ierusalem for the ablution of the sinner and of the menstruous woman †And it shal be in that day sayth the Lord of hosts I wil destroy the names of idols our of the earth they shal be remembred no more and the false prophetes and the vncleane spirit I wil take away out of the earth †And it shal be when any man shal prophecie any more his father his mother that begot him shal say to him Thou shalt not liue because thou hast spoken a lie in the name of our Lord. And his father his mother his parents shal strike him when he shal prophecie †And it shal be in that day the prophets shal be confounded euerie one by his owne vision when he shal prophecie neither shal they be couered with cloke of sackcloth to lie †But he shal say I am no prophet an husbandman am I because Adam my example from my youth †And it shal be sayd to him What are these wounds in the middes of thy handes And he shal say With these was I wounded in the house of them that loued me †Sword be thou raysed vp vpon my pastour and vpon the man that cleaueth to me sayth the Lord of hosts Strike the pastour and the sheepe shal be dispersed and I wil turne my hand to the litle ones †And there shal be in al the earth sayth our Lord two parts in it shal be destroyed and shal fayle and the third part shal be left in it †And I wil bring the third part through fyre and wil burne them as siluer is burnt and I wil trie them as gold is tried They shal cal my name and I wil heare them I wil say Thou art my people and they shal say Our Lord my God CHAP. XIIII Ierusalem shal be destroyed manie Iewes slaine the rest made captiues 3. Christs Church shal florish 8. especially in the Gentils 12. Persecuters shal be finally punished 20. and the godlie procede in grace BEHOLD the dayes of our Lord shal come and thy spoyles shal be diuided in the middes of thee †And I wil gather together al nations to Ierusalem into battel and the citie shal be taken and the houses shal be wasted and the wemen shal be defiled
subuersion the wrath of indignation †Now therfore ô my sonnes be ye emulatours of the law geue your liues for the testament of your fathers †And remember the workes of the fathers which they haue done in their generations you shal receiue great glorie and an eternal name †Abraham was he not in tentation found faythful and it was reputed to him vnto iustice †Ioseph in the time of his distresse kept the commandment and he was made lord of Aegypt †Phinees our father feruent in the zele of God receiued the testament of an euerlasting priesthood †Iesus whiles he accomplished the word was made the duke in Israel †Caleb whiles he testifieth in the church receiued an inheritance †Dauid in his mercie obteyned the seate of the kingdom for euer †Elias whiles he zeleth the zele of the law was receiued into heauen †Ananias and Azarias and Misael beleuing were deliuered out of the flame †Daniel in his simplicitie was deliuered out of the lions mouth †And so thinke ye through generation generation that al that hope in him are not weakened †And of the wordes of the sinful man be not afrayd because his glorie is dung worme †to day he is extolled to morow he shal not be found because he is turned into his earth his cogitation is perished †You therfore my sonnes take courege doe manfully in the law because in it you shal be glorious †And behold Simon your brother I know that he is a man of counsel heare ye him alwayes he shal be a father to you †And Iudas Machabeus valiant of strength from his youth let him be to you the prince of warfare he shal manage the battel of the people †And you shal bring to you al the doers of the law and reuenge ye the reuenge of your people †Repay retribution to the Gentiles and attend to the precept of the law †And he blessed them and was layd to his fathers †And he died the hundreth and six and fourtith yeare and he was buried by his sonnes in the sepulchers of his fathers in Modin and al Israel lamented him with great lamentation CHAP. III. Iudas Machabeus punisheth the wicked 10. killeth Apollonius in battel 13. Seron braggeth but is also ouerthrowen 25. Antiochus furiously incensed 29. gathereth money in Persis 32. leauing Lysias viceroy 38. who sending a great armie against the Israelites 42. Iudas and his bretheren commending the cause to God by prayer and penance 54. resolue to fight against their enemies AND Iudas that was called Machabeus his sonne arose in his steed †and al his bretheren helped him and al that had ioyned themselues to his father and they fought the battel of Israel with ioy †And he dilated glorie to his people and put on him a brigantine as a giant and girded about him his warlie armour in battels and protected the campe with his sword †He became like a lion in his actes and as a lions whelpe roaring in hunting †And he persecuted the wicked enquiring them out and such as trubled his people them he burnt with fyre †and his enemies were repelled for feare of him al the workers of iniquitie were trubled and saluation was directed in his hand †And he exasperated manie kinges and reioyced Iacob in his workes and for euer his memorie is in benediction †And he walked through the cities of Iuda and destroyed the impious out of them and turned away wrath from Israel †And he was renowned euen to the vttermost part of the earth he gathered theÌ„ that perished †And Apollonius gathered together the Gentils and from Samaria a powre much and great to make battel against Israel †And Iudas vnderstood it and wentforth to meete him and he stroke and killed him and there fel manie wounded and the rest fled away †And he tooke the spoiles of them and the sword of Apollonius Iudas tooke away and he fought with it al his dayes †And Seron capitaine of the armie of Syria heard that Iudas gathered a congregation of the faithful and an assemblie with him †and he sayd I wil make me a name wil be glorified in kingdom wil ouerthrow Iudas and those that are with him that despised the word of the king †And he prepared himself and there went vp with him a campe of the impious strong helpers to doe vengeance vpon the children of Israel †And they approched euen as far as Bethoron Iudas went forth to meete him with few †But as they saw the armie coming to meete them they sayd to Iudas How shal we a few be able to fight against so great a multitude and so strong and we are wearied with fasting to day †And Iudas sayd It is an easie matter for manie to be inclosed in the hand of few there is no difference in the sight of the God of heauen to deliuer in manie and in few †Because not in the multitude of the armie is the victorie of battel but from heauen is the strength †They come to vs in an obstinate multitude and in pride to destroy vs and our wiues and our children and to spoile vs. †But we wil fight for our liues and our lawes †and our Lord himself wil destroy them before our face but you feare them not †And as he ceased to speake he flew vpon them sodenly and Seron was destroyed and his host in his sight †and he pursewed him in the descent of Bethoron euen to the playne and there fel of them eight hundred men and the rest fled into the land of the Phylisthims †And the feare of Iudas and of his bretheren and the dread fâ—l vpon al the nations round about them †And his name came to the king and al nations told of the battels of Iudas †And as king Antiochus heard these wordes he was wrath in his mind and he sent and gathered the armie of al his kingdom a campe exceding strong †and he opened his treasurie and gaue wages to the armie for a yeare and he commanded them that they should be readie at al assayes †And he saw that money fayled out of his treasures and the tributes of the region smal because of the dissension and the plague that he had made in the land to take away the ordinances that were from the first dayes †and he feared lest he should not haue as once and twise for costs and gifts which he had geuen before with a large hand and he had abunded aboue the kinges that had bene before him †And he was excedingly astonied in minde purposed to goe into Persis and to take the tributes of the regions and to gather together much siluer †And he left Lysias a noble man of the bloud royal ouer the kings affayres from the
they resolued to fight and to encounter manfully that manhood might decide the matter because the holie citie and the temple were in danger †For there was lesse care for their wiues and children and also for their bretheren and kinsemen but the greatest and principal feare was for the holines of the temple †And they also that were in the citie tooke no litle care for them that were to ioyne battel †And when they did al hope that iudgement would be geuen and the enimies were present and the armie was set in aray the beastes horsemen disposed in conuenient place †Machabeus considering the coming of the multitude and the varietie of the prouision of armour and the fiercenes of the beastes stretching forth his handes vnto heauen he inuocated our Lord that worketh wonders who not according to the might of armes but according as it pleaseth him geueth victorie to the worthie †And he sayd inuocating in this maner Thou Lord which didst send thyne Angel in the time of Ezechias king of Iuda and didst kil an hundred eightie fiue thousand of the campe of Sennacharib †now ô Dominatour of the heauens send thy good Angel before vs in feare and trembling of the greatnes of thyne arme †that they may be afrayde which with blasphemie come against thyne holie people And he in dede ended his prayer thus †But Nicanor and they that were with him with trumpets songues came nere †But Iudas and they that were with him inuocating God by prayers ioyned battel †with the hand in dede fighting but in their hartes praying to our Lord they ouerthrew no lesse then fiue and thirtie thousand being greatly delighted with the presence of God †And when they had ceased and returned with ioy they vnderstood that Nicanor was slaine for al his armour †A shout therfore being made and a great crie they blessed the Almightie Lord in their countrie language †And Iudas who by al meanes was in bodie and mind readie to dye for his citizens commanded that Nicanors head and hand with the shoulder being cut of should be caried to Ierusalem †Whither when he was come hauing called his countrimen and the Priestes to the altar he sent also for them that were in the castel †And shewing them the head of Nicanor the wicked hand which he stretching forth against holie house of almightie God had mightely bragged †The tongue also of impious Nicanor being cut out he commanded to be geuen pecemeale to the birdes and the hand of the furious man to be hanged vp against the temple †Al therfore blessed the Lord of heauen saying Blessed be he that hath kept his place vndefiled †And he hung vp Nicanors head in the toppe of the castel that it might be an euident manifest signe of the helpe of God †Therfore al by common counsel decreed by no meanes to let passe this day without solemnitie †but to kepe the solemnitie the thirtenth day of the moneth Adar which is called in the Syrian language the day before Mardocheus day * These thinges therefore being done concerning Nicanor from that time the citie being possessed of the Hebrewes I also in these wil make an end of speaking †And if wel and as is competent for a storie that myself also would but “ if not so worthely it resteth to be pardoned me †For as to drinke alwayes wine or alwayes water is hurtful but to vse now one now an other is delectable so to the readers if the speach be alwayes exact it wil not be gratful Here therefore it shal be ended ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XV. 12. Onias prayed for al the people And. v. 14. Ieremie prayeth for the people As against prayer of the faithful for the dead Ch 12. so against prayer of Saincts for the militant Church Protestants haue no better euasion vvhen they are pressed with these examples then by denying the auctoritie of the Bookes For seing the Prophet Ieremie and the Highpriest Onias being in Limbo patrum no holie soules ascending into heauen before Christ did pray for the vvhole people of the Ievves it is also certaine that they and other Sainctes in glorie do of their excellent charitie pray for those that are in this mortallife Yet neither do vve Catholiques vrge this place as though vve had no other to alleage for vve shevv the same doctrine by other holie Scriptures Gen. 48. Exo 32. Iere. 15. Luc. 16. 2 Petri 1. Apoc. 5. 6 8. and others neither must vve omite these bookes because our aduersaries denie them seing the lerned Doctores and holie Fathers confirme the same doctrine by those Scriptures Among others ancient Origen tomo 18 in Ioan. sayth it appeareth that Sainctes departed from this life haue care of the people as it is written sayth he in the Actes of the Machabees manie yeares after the death of Ieremie this is Ieremie the prophet of God vvo prayeth much for the people Likervvise S. Bernard Ser. 3. vigil Natiuit Domini Ser. 11. againe Ser. 76. in Cantica admonisheth that a good religious man is like to this Onias who prayeth to God for al the people 39. If not se vvorthely He demandeth not pardon as though he suspected any error in his doctrine or in the history but of his vnpolished stile in writing As S Paul sayth that himself vvas rude in speach yet not in knovvlege 2. Cor. 11. v. 6. But we who by Gods great goodnes haue passed now to the end of this English old Testament iustly fearing that we haue not worthely discharged so great a worke and in no wise presuming that we haue auoided al errors as wel of doctrine as historie much more we acknowlege that our stile is rude and vnpolished And therfore we necessarily and vvith al humilitie craue pardon of God and al his glorious Sainctes Likevvise of the Chruch militant and particularly of you right vvelbeloued English readers to vvhom as at the beginning vve directed and dedicated these our endeuoures so to you vve offer the rest of our laboures euen to the end of our liues in our B. Sauiour IESVS Christ to vvhom be al praise and glorie Amen THE CONTINVANCE OF THE CHVRCH AND RELIGION IN THE SIXTH AGE from the captiuitie in Babylon to the coming of our Sauiour nere the space of 640. yeares SVCH is the prouidence of Almightie God that not obscurely or at sometimes only but manifestly and without intermission his Diuine Maiestie is acknowleged his name glorified his Religion professed and his preceptes obserued by a visible knowne Church from the beginning of the world to the end therof as we haue already shewed in the other fiue ages and shal no lesse clerly declare the same in this sixth For albeit the peculiar people of God were for their sinnes caried forth of their countrie and held captiues in Babylon seuentie yeares and after their reduction
wombe Ch. 33. v. 14. Behold the dayes wil come sayth our Lord and I wil rayse vp the good word v. 15. I wil make the spring of iustice to bud forth vnto Dauid he shal do iudgement and iustice in the earth Ieremies Lamentations are in greatest part of Christ and his Church And some part can hardly be applied to anie other ch 3. v. 30. He shal geue the cheke to him that striketh him he shal be filled with reproches ch 4. v. 20. Christ our Lord is taken in our sinnes Baruch 2. v. 35. God promising to reduce the people from Babylon addeth And I wil establish vnto them an other testament euerlasting by Christ whose kingdom is for euer that I be their God and they shal be my people Ch. 3. v. 36. This is our God and there shal none other be esteemed against him v. 38. After these thinges he was sene vpon the earth and was conueâ—sant with men Ezechiel peculiarly called by an Angel the sonne of man was therin a special figure of our Sauiour who so calleth him self And the same prophet hath in plaine termes foreshewed the office of Christ the true Pastor of al pastors eh 34. v. 25. I wil sayth God by this prophet rayse vp ouer them one Pastor who shal feede them my seruant Dauid that is Christ prefigured by Dauid His admirable visions in the three first chapters and nine last perteyne properly and principally to the new Testament of Christ and his Church shewing the abundance of grace and glorie geuen by him to the elect Daniel 7. v. 13. With the cloudes of heauen there came in as it were the Sonne of man and he came euen to the ancient of dayes and in his sight they offered him He came euen to the ancient of dayes because in his Diuinitie he is equal to the Father and in his humanitie he is offered to God in Sacrifice v. 14 His powre is eternal and his kingdom shal not be corrupted ch 9. v. 24. Seuentie wekes of yeares are abridged that sinnes may be forgeuen grace be infused prophecies be fulfilled and the Holie one of holies be annointed Al which belong only to Christ. v. 26. After sixtie two wekes Christ shal be slaine Aggeus 2. v. 8. The desired of al nations shal come Zach. 3. v. 8. I wil bring my seruant the Orient ch 13. v. 7. Strike the Pastour and the shepe shal be dispersed fulfilled in Christs Passion Mat. 26. v. 21. Malaâ—h 3. v. 2. Forthwith shal come to his temple the Dominator whom you seke the Angel of the testament whom ye desire The booke of wisdom ch 2. v. 12. describeth the malice of the wicked against Christ Let vs say they circumuent the iust because he is vnprofitable to vs and he is contrarie to our workes and reprochfully obiecteth to vs the sinnes of the law v. 13. He boasteth that he hath the knowlege of God and nameth him self the Sonne of God Ecclesiasticus 24. v. 34. God appointed to Dauid his seruant to raise vp a king of him most strong and sitting in the throne of honour for euer Which eternal king proceeding from Dauid can be none but Christ our Sauiour And al the praises of Paâ—riarches and Prophetes in the last eight chapters consist in their fayth and expectation of Christ Likewise the Priestes and people 1. Mach. 14. v. 28. 35. and 49. shewed their fayth of Christ to come when they established Simon and his progenie in the gouernment and highpriesthood for euer til there rise the faithful Prophet to witte the Prophet of whom al the prophetes did speake Luc. 24 v. 27. Amongst the rest Ieremie ch 31. v. 23. and Ezechiel ch 44. v. 2. make also especial mention of some singular priuileges of the most excellent virgin Mother of God Of whom also Iudith and Esther were apparent figures who receiued special graces for the benefite of their nation and so did this singular Virgin receiue of God most eminent giftes aboue al other mere creatures for the benefite of the whole Church Of Angels the celestial spirites is frequent mention in the holie Scriptures of this age Their multitude is innumerable and therfore are insinuated to men by general termes Daniel 7. v. 10. Thousandes of thousandes ministered to him and tenne thousand hundred thousandes assisted him And their powre is most great and to men most profitable An Angel defended the three children in the fornace walking with them in the fire Daniel 3. v. 49 95. Another defended Daniel from the lions ch 6. v. 22. The same or an other caried Habacuc from Iurie into Babylon Dan. 14. v. 35. and restored him in his place againe v. 38. The Archangel Gabriel instructed Daniel ch 8. v. 16. 17. ch 9. v. 21. And ch 10. v. 13. 20. Other Angels the Patrones or Guardians of the Persians and Grecians prayed for those countries and S. Michael v. 21. for the Iewes An Angle spake in Zacharie ch 1. v. 9. An other Angel went to mete him ch 2. v. 3. And in respect of Angelical offices both S. Iohn Baptist and our Sauiour himself are figuratiuely called Angeles Malach. 3. v. 1 No meruel therfore that Iudas Machabeus and his armie 2. Machab. 11. v 6. prayed for the assistance of a good Angel which was granted them v. 8. And so they went promptly hauing an helper from heauen v. 10. Their like prayer had the same effect in an other battel 2. Machab. 15 v. 27. Contrarie to these glorious Angeles are other spirites at first created in grace which falling into pride and most obstinate malice are perpetual enimies to God their Creator and to al mankind continually calumniating the workes of God and of al his seruantes wherof they are called Diuels or calumniators They neuer cease tempting al they can to euil so to bring men to eternal death For by the enuie of the diuel Sap. 2. v. 7. death both of soule bodie came into this world The iust stipend of sinne Al sinnes offend God and please the diuels But more particularly they desire to be honored as God with Sacrifice Which therfore they require to themselues and their idols And for this sinne of Idolatrie aboue al others God is most prouoked to wrath for the same most especially punished his people as the Prophet Baruch chap. 4. v. 6. signifieth to the people saying You are sold to the Gentils c. You are deliuered to their aduersaries and geuing the reason why he addeth v. 7. For you haue exasperated him that made you the eternal God immolating to diuels And not to God The same al the Prophetes teach and withal that Sacrifice is the souereigne seruice due to God only and not to any creature how excellent soeuer But of Sacrifice there is so much written that it were ouer long and nedeles to recite the places It importeth more
This Iechonias or Ioachin remained in prison til the death of Nabuchodonosor the space of thirtie seuen yeares and was then deliuered by Euilmerodach and by him entertayned courteously as a prince 4. Reg. 25. v. 27. He maried there and had issue Salathiel and Salathiel hâ—d Zorobabel Who together with Iosue sonne of Iosedech highpriest Esdras Nehemias others recited 1. Esd 2. conducted the children of Israel from Babylon into their countrie There were also in a former transmigration Daniel and the other three children Ananias Misael Azarias of the royal or principal bloud in the third yeare of Ioakim otherwise called Eliacim sonne of Iosias 4. Reg. 23. v. 34 king of Iuda Dan. 1. v. 1. 6. These with others were caried â—s hostages into Babylon and brought vp more liberally Where seruing God sincerely abstayning from vnlawful meates were protected by God much also estemed and promoted in that place For Daniel about the age of twelue yeares conuinced the two wicked Iudges and deliuered Susanna from their cruel handes Dan. 13. And afterwardes for declaring and interpreting the kings dreame Dan. 2. and excellent wisdom and gift of prophecie was admired by al aduanced by the king but maligned by certaine enuious sorcerers and great men Wherby he was sometimes in great danger but stil deliuered by Gods powre protecting him Dan. 6. 14. The other three children were likewise aduanced Dan. 2. v. 49. and therfore by diuers enuied and for refusing to adore an idol set vp by Nabuchodonosor were cast into a hote burning furnace and there preserued Dan. 3. Ieremie who before this time begane to prophecie whiles he was a childe Iere. 1. continued in the time of captiuitie in Ierusalem and Iurie with much affliction and stil prophecying finally dyed in Aegypt Baruch his scribe and also a Prophete went sometimes into Babylon and returned into Iurie Baruch 1. instructing and exhorting the people Ezechiel was caried with king Iechonias and Iosedech into Babylon and there prophecied ch 1. v. 2. part of the same time with Daniel in great part the same thinges with Ieremie And during the captiuitie king Iechonias Iosedech the highpriest Ieremie Baruch Ezechiel prophetes innumerable others some Martyres and manie Confessors parted from this world But Daniel yet liued And in place of Iosedech Highpriest Iosue succeded and the progenie of king Iechonias continuing in Salathiel and Zorobabel the nation â—ad them and other eminent men with temporal dependence vpon forreine princes in the next Monarchie of the Medes and Persians For when Darius king of Medes had slaine Baâ—â—azar king of the Chaldees and so possessed Babylon with the whole countrie he brought the Monarchie to the Medes Persians Dan. 5. v. 31. and within the space of one yeare he dyed and Cyrus succeding granted leaue to al the Iewes to returne into Iurie and there to build vp their temple and citie of Ierusalem which Nabuchodonosor had destroyed At which time Daniel had his vision that Christ our Sauiour should come into the world within seuentie weekes of seuen yeares to the weke that is in foure hundred ninetie yeares after the perfect finishing of the temple and citie Dan. 9. v. 24. 25. But when they were so built againe that the wekes beganne to be counted is very obscure as it was the wil of God that the prophecie being certayne in itself should not be ouer clere to euerie mans vnderstanding but as likewise manie other prophecies shut and sealed Dan. 12. v. 6. 9. 13. In this time of the Medes and Persians Monarchie Mardocheus remayning in Chaldea after the relaxation had that vision in a dreame Esther 11. after which folowed the historie of him Quene Esther and wicked Aman with the danger and deliuerie of al the Iewes in those partes Some thinke it likewise probable that the historie of Iudith happened after the captiuitie though others suppose that it was in the time of Manasses king of Iuda which not being our purpose to discusse and decide we wil passe to thinges more certayne The prophetes Aggeus Zachatias nere twentie yeares after the relaxation earnestly exhorted the princes people to build vp the temple which had bene begunne and now was neglected vpon vaine feare thincking the time was not yet come of building the house of our Lord. Aggeus 1. v. 2. Wherupon the prophet reproueth them expostulating thus Why is it time for you to dwel in embowed houses and this house of our Lord desert And assureth them v. 10. that their ground should remaine barren and ch 2. v. 15. their sacrifices vngratful til they should build the temple promising moreouer that this new temple should be more glorious by Christs personal presence therin then the former temple built by Salomon But especially the Church of Christ presigured by the temple should farre excel the Synagoge of the old testament ch 2. v. 10. Great shal be the glorie of this last house more then of the first Which Zacharie confirmeth inuiting the Gentiles to come and the Iewes to returne into Christs Church ch 2. v. 6. O flee out of the land of the North sayth our Lord because into the foure windes of heauen haue I dispersed you v. 7. O Sion flee thou that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon And by diuers other visions and prophecies they forshew the conuersion of the Gentiles and reiection of the Iewes for their obduration but in the end they also shal be conuerted Malachie prophecied after the finishing of the temple exhorting al to offer their sacrifices with puritie of hart reprehending both priestes and people for not so doing ch 1. He also foresheweth the reiection of the Iewes calling of the Gentiles with the change of the old sacrifices and institution of a new farre more excellent and more effectual to be offered euerie where v. 10. 11. He concludeth his prophecie ch 4. foretelling the terrible day of Iudgement and life or death euerlasting These later prophetes yet liuing as Iosephus Eusehius Theodoretus and others testifie in their histories the Grecians obtained so great a Monarchie by king Alexander the Great of Macedo that being parted after his death amongst manie yet al were great kingdomes some longer some shorter time In the beginning wherof when king Alexander came to Ierusalem as Iosephus writeth li. 11. c. 8. Antiquit. Iaddus the highpriest going forth in his pontifical attyre to mete him the same king straightwayes fel downe at his feete with al reuerence And being demanded by his freindes the princes of his armie why he so much honored the highpriest he answered that he honored noâ— the man for himself but for his office and God in him who had appeared to him in slepe in that very habite and ornaments when he in Macedonia discoursed in his minde of making battel against the Persians promising him assured victorie Shortly
expedient that one man dye for the people and the whole nation perish not vvhich the holie Euangelist ascribeth to his office being highpriest of that yeare he prophecied that IESVS should dye for the nation and not only for the nation but togather into one the children of God that were dispersed IESVS REDEMER correct in vs our errors gather the dispersed conserue them that are and shal be gathered make al one flocke in one fould vnder one Pastour thy selfe IESVS CHRIST To whom with the Father and the Holie Ghost be al thankes praise honour and glorie now and for euer and euer AMEN The prayer of Manasses vvith the second third Bookes of Esdras extant in most Latin and vulgare Bibles are here placed after al the Canonical bookes of the old Testament because they are not receiued into the Canon of Diuine Scriptures by the Catholique Church THE PRAYER OF MANASSES KING OF IVDA WHEN HE WAS HELD CAPTIVE IN BABYLON LORD omnipotent God of our fathers Abraham Isaac and Iacob and of their iust sede which didst make heauen and earth with al the ornamentes of them which hast bound the sea with the word of thy precept which hast shut vp the depth and sealed it with thy terrible and laudable name whom al thinges dread tremble at the countinance of thy powre because the magnificence of thy glorie is importable the wrath of thy threatning vpon sinners is intollerable but the mercie of thy promise is infinite and vnsearchable because thou art our Lord most high benigne long suffering and very merciful and penitent vpon the wickednes of men Thou Lord according to the multitude of thy goodnes hast promised penance and remission to them that haue sinned to thee and by the multitude of thy mercies thou hast decreed penance to sinners vnto saluation Thou therfore Lord God of the iust hast not appointed penance to the iust Abraham Isaac and Iacob them that haue not sinned to thee but hast appointed penance for me a sinner because I haue sinned aboue the number of the sand of the sea Myne iniquities Lord be multiplied mine iniquities be multiplied and I am not worthie to behold looke vpon the height of heauen for the multitude of mine iniquities I am made crooked with manie a band of yron that I can not lift vp my head and I haue not respiration because I haue stirred vp thy wrath and haue done euil before thee I haue not done thy wil and thy commandmentes I haue not kept I haue set vp abominations and multiplied offenses And now I bowe the knee of my hart beseeching goodnes of thee I haue sinned Lord I haue sinned I acknowlege myne iniquities Wherefore I beseech disiring thee forgeue me Lord forgeue me and destroy me not together with myne iniquities neither reserue thou for euer being angrie euils for me neither damme me into the lowest places of the earth because thou art God God I say of the penitent in me thou shalt shew al thy goodnes because thou shalt saue me vnworthie according to thy great mercie and I wil prayse thee alwayes al the dayes of my life because al the power of the heauens prayseth thee and to thee is glorie for euer and euer Amen THE THIRD BOOKE OF ESDRAS For helpe of the readers especially such as haue not leysure to read al vve haue gathered the contentes of the chapters but made no Annotations because the text it self is but as a Commentarie to the Canonical bookes and therfore we haue only added the concordance of other Scriptures in the margin CHAP. I. Iosias king of Iuda maketh a great Pasch 7. geuing manie hostes to such as wanted for sacrifice 14. the Priestes and Leuites performing their functions therin 22. in the eightenth yeare of his reigne 25. He is slayne in battel by the king of Aegypt 32. and much lamented by the Iewes 34. His sonne Ieconias succedeth 37. After him Ioacim 40. who is deposed by the king of Babylon 43. Ioachin reigneth three monethes and is caried into Babylon 46. Sedecias reigneth eleuen yeares wickedly 52. and he with his people is caried captiue into Babylon the citie and temple are destroyed 57. so remayned til the Monarchie of the Persians AND Iosias made a Pasch in Ierusalem to our Lord immolated the Phase the fourtenth moone of the moneth †appointing the Priestes by courses of dayes clothed with stoles in the temple of our Lord. †And he spake to the Leuites the sacred seruantes of Israel that they should sanctifie them selues to our Lord in the placing of the holie arke of our Lord in the house which king Salomon sonne of Dauid built †It shal not be for you to take it vpon your shoulders And now serue your Lord and take the care of that nation Israel in part according to your villages and tribes †according to the writing of Dauid king of Israel and according to the magnificence of Salomon his sonne al in the temple and according to your fathers portion of principalitie among them that stand in the sight of your brethren the children of Israel †Immolate the Pasch and prepare the sacrifices for your bretheren and doe according to the precept of our Lord which was geuen to Moyses †And Iosias gaue vnto the people that was found of sheepe lambes and kiddes and goates thirtie thousand calues three thousand †These thinges were geuen to the people of the kinges goodes according to promisse and to the priestes for the Phase sheepe in number two thousand and calues an hundred †And Iechonias and Semeias and Nathanael bretheren and Hasabias and Oziel and Coraba for the Phase sheepe fiue thousand calues fiue hundred †And when these thinges were done in good order the Priestes and the Leuites stood hauing azymes by tribes †And according to the portions of their fathers principalitie in the sight of the people they did offer to our Lord according to those thinges which were written in the booke of Moyses †and rosted the Phase with fire as it ought and the hostes they boyled in cauldrons and in pottes with beneuolence †and they brought to al that were of the people and afterward they prepared for them selues and the priestes †For the Priestes offered the fatte vntil the houre was ended and the Leuites prepared for them selues and their brethren the children of Aaron †And the sacred singing men the children of Asaph were by order according to the precept of Dauid and Asaph and Zacharias and Ieddimus which was from the king †And the porters at euerie gate so that none transgressed his owne for their brethren prepared for them †And the thinges were consummate that perteyned to the sacrifice of our Lord. †In that day they celebrated the Phase and offered hostes vpon the sacrifice of our Lord according to the precept of king Iosias †And the children of Israel that were found at that time
of you by violence shal make the slaine to be meate for idols †And they that shal consent vnto them shal be to them in derision and in reproch and in conculcation †For there shal be place against places and against the next cities great insurrection vpon them that feare our Lord. †They shal be as it were madde sparing no bodie to spoyle and waste yet them that feare our Lord. †because they shal waste and spoyle the goodes and shal cast them out of their houses †Then shal appeare the probation of mine elect as gold that is proued by the fire †Heare my beloued sayth our Lord Behold the dayes of tribulation are come and out of them I wil deliuer you †Doe not feare nor stagger because God is your guide †And he that kepeth my commandmentes and precepts sayth our Lord God Let not your sinnes ouerway you nor your inquities be aduanced ouer you †Woe to them that are entangled with their sinnes and are couered with their iniquities as a filde is entangled with the wood the path therof couered with thornes by which no man passeth it is closed out cast to be deuoured of the fire FINIS A table of the Epistles taken forth of the old Testament vpon certayne festiual dayes The other feastes and al the sundayes haue their Epistles in the new Testament As is there noted In the feast of our Blessed Ladies Conception Prou. 8 v. 22 to the v. 36 S. Iohn Euangelist Eccli 15. v. 1. to v. 7. The Epiphanie Isaioe 60. v. 1. to v. 7. Candlemasse day Malach 3. v. 1. to v. 5. S. Thomas Aquinas Sap. 7. v. 7. to v. 15. The Annunciation of our B. Ladie Isaioe 7. v. 11. to v. 16. S. Marke Ezechiel 1. v. 5. to v. 14. S. Philippe and S. Iames. Sap. 5. v. 1. to v. 6. S Iohn ante portam Latinam the same The Natiuitie of S. Iohn Baptist Isa 49. v. 1. to v. 6. v. 23. Visitation of our B. Ladie Cant. 2. v. 8. to v. 15. The octaue of S. Peter and S. Paul Eccli 44. v. 10. to v. 16. S. Marie Magdalen Cant. 3. v. 2. to 6. ca. 8. v. 6. to 8. S. Anne Prouerb 31. v. 10. to the end of the chap. The Assumption of our B. Ladie Eccli 24. v. 11. to 21. Decollation of S. Iohn Baptist Iere. 1. v. 17. to the end The Natiuitie of our B. Ladie Prouerb 8. v. 22. to 36. S. Mathew Ezech. 1. v. 10. to 15. S. Martin Eccli 44. v. 25. ca. 45. v. 1. to v. 9. S. Cecilie Eccli 51. v. 13. to 18. S. Catherin Eccli 51. v. 1. to 13. In the Anniuersarie of the dead 2. Mach. 12. v. 42. to the end of the chapter Deo Gratias AN HISTORICAL TABLE OF THE TIMES SPECIAL PERSONS MOST NOT ABLE THINGES AND CANONICAL BOOKES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT Anni mundi Pattiarches Especial pointes of the sacred historie of Gods Church euer visible Schismes and infidelitie Canonical Scriptures a The first yeare first weeke Adam the first man of whom al mankind is propagated a Creation of heauen and earth and al thinges therin in six dayes Gen. 1. Man last created was made lord of al corporal creatures of this lower world placed in paradise Gen. 2. For transgressing Gods cōmandment Adam and Eue were cast out of paradise But by Gods grace repenting had promise of a Redemer Gen. 3.  Genesis conteyneth the historie of the visible Church from the beginning of the world to the death of Ioseph in the yeare of the world 2340. b 130. Seth borne Cain the first borne became a husbandman Abel next borne a shepheard Gen. 4. God respecting Abels sacrifice and not Cains Cain killed Abel Gen. 4.   c. 235. Enos borne Seths children and other faythful were called the sonnes of God to distinguish the true Church from the wicked citie begune by Cain Gen. 6. Cain wentforth from the face of our Lord begane a new city opposite to the Citie of God  d. 325. Cainan In the dayes of Enos begane publique prayers of manie assembling together besides Sacrifice which was before Gen. 4. v. 26. Gen. 4. v. 16. His generations in the right line to Lamech who slew him are these without notice of time when they were borne or dyed Enoch Irad Mauiael Mathusael Lamech Gen. 4. v. 17.  e 395. Malaleel    f 460. Iared    g 622. Enoch Mathusala Lamech Enoch a Prophet pleased God in al his wayes None borne in the earth like to Enoch Eccli 49. v. 16. Some declining from God and marchīg in mariage with Cains race begate those monstruous men huge of stature most wicked cruel called giantes  h 687. Noe bor k Adam dyed at the age of 930. yeares Gen. 5. v. 5. To whom Seth succeded chief Patriarch And so in the rest Gen. 6. v. 4.  i 874. Sem bor And the next two yeares Cham Iaphet l Enoch in the yeare of his age 365. was sene no more because God tooke him Gen. 5. v. 24. Enoch was translated that he should not see death Heb. 11. v. 5.   k 930.  m Seth dyed in the yeare of his age 912.   l 987.  o Enos dyed anno aetatis 905.   m 1042.  p Cainan dyed an aet 980.   n 1056.  q Malaleel dyed an aet 895.   o 1140.  r Iared dyed an aet 962.   p 1265.  s Noe the preacher of iustice forewarned al men that except they repented God would destroy them with a floud And by Gods commandement built an Arke or shippe wherin himself his familie with other liuing creatures were preserued from drowning   q 1290.  v Lamech dyed before his father in the yeare of his age 777.   r 1422.  w Mathusala dyed an aet 969. immediatly before the floud as semeth most probable   s 1536.     t 1556.     v 1651.     w 1656     x 1656.  x The same yeare of the world 1656. the 17. day of the second moneth Noe with his three sonnes his wife and their wiues in al eight persons and seuen payres of euerie kinde of cleane liuing creatures and two payres of vncleane entered into the Arke And presently it rayned fourtie dayes and nightes together Wherby al liuing creatures on the earth out of the arke were drowned Gen. 7. Al Cains race with other wicked infideles were vtterly destroyed by the flould Gen. 7.  THE END OF THE FIRST AGE AND BEGINNING OF THE SECOND y 1658. Arphaxad borne the sonne of Sem. The whole earth being couered with water Noe with his familie and other liuing creatures remained in the arke twelue monethes and ten dayes a iust yeare of the sunne then coming forth built an altar and offered
Elias had before a 763. His particular miracles a 940. Enchanters are sometimes suffered to doe meruelous thinges but not true miracles nor al they desire a 176. 177. 180. They sometimes confesse the power of God 178. 371. Enoch yet liueth a 19. b 437. Epicures beleue not eternal punishment nor reward b 346. Equiuocation is sometimes lawful a 52. 71. 89. 91. 777. 1026. b 964. Esther most humble and prudent a 10â—7 b 998 a figure of our B. Ladie and of the Church a 1051. The whole booke of Esther is Canonical Scripture a 1035. 1036. 1052. Eucharist a Sacrament and Sacrifice a 190. b 885. Prefigured by bloud a 228. by the loaues of proposition a 229. by al old sacrifices a 239. 264. 288. b 609. Christs real presence in the Eucharist a 150. 188. 210. b 50. 69. 181. See Paschal lambe and Manna Transubstantiation coÌ„fessed by Hebrew Rabbins b 993. Euangelistes signified by foure liuing creatures and by foure wheles b 676. 690. Eue was not borne but built of Adams ribbe a 7. She was a figure of the B. virgin a 11. Example in gouerners is of great importance b 387. 848. Examples ought to moue b 628. 818. Excommunication prefigured a 332. Exequies for the dead a 77. 202. 637. 711. 931. 936. b 978. Ezechias mortally sicke recouered miraculously a 805. b 504. Ezechiel a Priest a Prophet and a Martyr b 674. He prophecied in Chaldea b 998. the beginning and end of his prophecie is very hard 674. 711. He is often called the sonne of man b 677. His last vision perteyneth in some part to the Iewes but more principally to the Church of Christ b 749. 763. It can not be expouÌ„ded of the Iewes and their Temple b 753. 765. 767. F. Faith is aboue reason a 775. without faith none can be saued b 289. 348. Faith is the grouÌ„d of al true vertues a 60. b 411. there is no true faith but the Catholique faith of the whole Church b 536. Faith alone doth not iustifie a 61. 900. b. 70. Faith and good workes gaine heauen a 393. 410. b 34. 338. Fastes instituted and obserued a 382. 706. 899. 934. 957. 1006. 1029. 1045. b 534. 615. 795. 825. 827. 874. 895. 994 It is an act of religion b 514 great effectes therof ibidem Fathers and the holie Doctors doe build adorne the Church b 537. Faultes must be reueled or concealed with discretion b 400. 402. Feare of God is the first degree of wisdom b 269. It is the seede of al other vertues and of eternal glorie b 375. Feare of Superiors because they are Gods ministers is necessarie a 594. b 412. Feare not men commanding contraie to God b 313. Feare of God with the obseruation of his commandments is the summe of al godlie doctrine b 333. Feastes instituted and obserued a 7. 225. 307. 380. 430. 707. 934. 1050. 1059. b 153. 947. 972. 994. Fire sent miraculously a 15. 279. 528. 748. 761. 855. b 948. Fire perpetually kept in the tabernacle a 271. 279. Fire shal burne the world immediatly before the general iudgement b 97. 545. Foure miracles in the fire which Ieremie hidde b 948. 949. FirmameÌ„t signifieth the space from the highest starres to the earth a 1. Flaterie is ful of guile b 401. Fortitude consisteth more in suffering patiently then in repelling forces a 88. Fortitude contemneth imagined feare b 301. Fortitude required in Iudges b 383. Free consent is required in euerie couenant a 214. and in mans iustification b 323. Freewil is in man a 13. 15. 33. 191. 200. 207. 458. 459. 596. 703. 978. b 177. 217. 271. 323. 349. 418. 466. 526. 543. 567. 821. No sinne can be coÌ„mitted without consent of freewil a 11. 32. Luther abhorred the name of freewil Caluin disliked it a 16. Freindshipe is a strong band a 609. b 405 426 False freindshipe fayleth in aduersitie a 1046. G Gard of the outward senses a 972. Gedeon was confirmed by miracles a 528. encoraged by a dreame a 530. By a stratageme with a few he ouerthrew manie a 531. Genealogies are recited from Adam to Noe. a 18. 818. From Noe to Abraham a 44. 50. 819. From Abraham by Isaac and Iacob to Dauid a 821. From Dauid to Iosias a 823. and to his sonnes a 939. Also from his sonne Iechonias to Christ b 1004. Genealogies of Leui to Aaron and Moyses a 168. 828. 939. b 1004. Gentiles shal be conuerted to Christ a 51. 85. 146. 453. 463. 529. 681. 716. b 16. 119. 425. 484. 498. 521. 543. 544. 558. 636. 702. 743. 812. 813. 839. 872. Giantes before Noes floud a 22. 1033. 1090. others after the floud a 402. Gloria Patri c. added after euerie Psalme by Eclesiastical tradition b 266. Glorie eternal a 35. 712. b 34. 83. 156. 492. God is one in substance a 30. 47. 160. 196. 702. 934. b 41. 182. 362. 988. Knowne by his workes a 162. 178. 464. 1105. b 435. 436. 508. Onlie God knoweth al thinges a 1103 b 251. God calleth the whole world his Beautie and his peculiar people his Corde b 879. He would haue al to be saued b 706. 714. 735. 816. 822. 835. 847. His threates are conditional b 579. 844. He rewardeth al that kepe his law and punisheth the transgressors a 216. 401. 451. 1101. b 21. 22. 830. 831. Gods especial protection in distresses a 804. 924. 1019. 1044. 1051. 1090. 1107. b 27. 30. 37. 51. 56. 57. 61. 67. 255. 262. 487. 512. God figheth for his seruantes three wayes a 512. God tempteth not to euil a 76. He is neuer the cause of sinne a 153. 535. 666. 684. 758. 1024. 1061. b 23. 192. 541. 612. 822. His permission is sometimes called his fact b 653. 654. He made man right a 5. b 327. 550. He is ielous a 216. 1018. b 726. He speaketh by his Priestes Prophetes and Preachers a 194. b 861. God vseth his creatures to supernatural effectes a 163. 764. 998. 1005. And suspendeth their natural operation at his wil. b 781. Gods foreknowlege what wil happen or may happen doth not preiudice mans freewil b 349. Gog and Magog signifie Antichrist and his adherentes b 746. Goliath prouoking the Israelites was slaine by Dauid a 605. 608. Gospel is kowen by the Church a 989. Grace is necessarie otherwise none can merite a 245. b 65. 217. 293. 405. 512. 513. 520. 549. 667. 995. It requireth mans cooperation a 401. 422. 463. 603. 704. 892. b 33. 43. 217. 323. 394. 408. 528. 536. 603. 811. 869. 995. Grace is also necessarie to perseuere a 422. b 129. 293. 679. Grace sufficient is geuen to euery one effectual of Gods especial mercie to some b 678. Al grace is from the fulnes of Christ b 538. 881. It enableth man to kepe the commandments a 458. 704. b 584. 742. 865. Gradual Psalmes are prayers and prophecies b 234. Gratitude acknowlegeth benefites receiued b 447. H Habacuc prophecied before the captiuitie of Iuda b 857. An other Habacuc
him in that solemnitie But this voice of our Lord vpon vvaters is rather verified of our Blessed Sauiours owne preaching with g maiestie h thundering by his Apostles vpon i manie vvaters manie nations k in povvre of miracles l in magnificence preaching as hauing in dede powre not as the Sâ—râ—hes and Pharises Mat. 7. v. 29. m breaking cedars among innumerable others conuerting highest Potentates n of Libanus Emperoures kinges and greatest Princes of the world o as a calfe of Libanas so meekly submitting them selues to Christs yoke and spiritual obedience of his Church p Al which is done by Christ our Lord the beloved of God q as the sonne of vnicornes is most tenderly beloued by the parentes r This voice of our Lord diuiding the flame of fire the Holie Ghost proceding from the Father and the Sonne came vpon the Apostles as in diuided tongues of fire Å¿ wherwith the dâ—â—â—rt the Gentiles of the wide and wild world vvere shaken and moued t the desert of Cades some of the Iewes also compunct in hart with remorse of conscience hearing the voice of S. Peter and other Apostles v The same voice of our Lord preparing hartes inspiring the mindes of men with spede like hyndes and does to ascend the high hilles of free and perfect life in contemplatiue vertues vv So our Sauiour shal discouer the thicke vvoodes reueile the hidden Mysteries of the old Law by preaching Christian doctrine and vse of Christian Religion x in his holie Temple the Catholique Church wherin al true Christians shal glorifie God y making the great abundance of people who are like the sea vvhen it ouerflovveth the land to dwel in the same Church z Christ our Lord sitting ruling king ouer al foreuer a by his grace geuing streingth to his people to passe through the tentations of this life b and blesse the iust vvith eternal peace in heauen 〈…〉 Dauid rendereth thankes for his establishment in his kingdome The 8. key a The general name of Psalme common to this whole booke conteyning in al 150. is more particularelie appropriated to some which more specially were playde vpon musical instruments as on the Psalter Harpe c. Others are called Canticles which were most vsuallie songue with humaine voices So this called a Psalme of Canticle signifieth that voyces begane the musike and instruments were adioyned As contrariwise others are called Canticles of Psalmes where instruments begane and voices folowed b After manie great tribulations King Dauid prospering built an excellent house or palace 2. Reg. 5. v. 11. Paralip 14. v. 1. And at his first dwelling therein made this Psalme beginning himselfe to sing the same with voice other musitians ioyned with him in the praises of God and thankesgeuing for his benefites c Though God in himselfe is most high and neither nedeth nor can be exalted by men yet the royal prophet knew it vvas his dutie to sing thankes and praises to him d for his deliuerie from manie trubles and dangers e not suffering his enemies to be delighted in his ruine f conserued my bodie in health amoÌ„gst innumerable dangers g Preserued my soule from greater daÌ„gers of sinnes and so from hel h Ye that are iust and holie praise God for it from vvhom it cometh and not from your selues i confesse his mere goodnes vvithout your desertes k vvhen he is angrie l yet he meaneth vvel vnto vs. m The state of a iust mans life is often changed from sorovv to comforte and from comforte to sorovv n Though vve suppose our selues firmly established o yet God of his good vvil tovvardes vs sometimes geueth strength and corege p sometimes suffereth vs to our ovvne vveakenes q therfore we must stil crie and pray for Gods helpe r in manner here expressed of the like Å¿ finally in this my good state t I shal alvvayes confesse and praise thee How to pray in affliction The 7. key a Perteyning to the new Testament b especially to the iust trubled and almost distracted in mind in great affliction See v. 23. c How greuously soeuer I am afflicted yet I trust in thee d therfore I pray thus 〈◊〉 70. e I offer and resigne my selfe to thee f The first preceptis to lerne of our elders â—â—â— 23. g not suffered me to be shut vp h al my partes external and internal body and mind are trubled i My freindes dare not conuerse with me lest they incurre displeasure for my sake k Make thy â—â—â—ht so â—hine in my soule that I may vnderstand that is right l and through thy mercie deliuer me from the force of myne aduersaries m 〈…〉 ly â—â—hauing themselues â—â— if they had no superior neither in earth nor in heauen to whom they shal at last render account n and abusing their present powre and authoritie which they haue of God o As yet in this present life the reward of the iust is hidde p but shal be made manifest in sight of al men q In the meane time the iust is in great estimation in the secrete knowledge of God r title of honoure as we speake to a king your maiestie or to a noble man your Lordâ—hippe Å¿ in myn extreme affliction being almost distracted in my mind I said that in reason I would not haue sayd Holie Iob spake some thinges in such state of affliction ch 3. 42. t the prophet or other iust person exhorteth al the seruants of God v to constancie vv long animitie x and final perseuerance to the end The second poeâ—â—tential Psalme The 7. key a This Psalme sheweth how Dauid was brought to vnderstand his sinnes to confesse bewayle and obtaine remission of them b The first blessing of a sinner is the forgeuenes of his sinnes â—om 4. â— Pâ—â— 4. c by charitie which couereth themultitude of sinnes 1. Pet. 4. d Satisfaction beâ—â—g made e VVhen sinners repent sincerly without guile then God forgeueth without which cooperation nonâ— is iustified f because I acknowledged not my greuous sinnes I was stil sore afflicted “ Waxed as if they vvere old g though otherwise I ceased notto pray but without any fruict or good effect h thy diuine prouidence reducing me i by remorse of myn owne conscience which telleth me that I deserue al this affliction k therfore I do no longer disseÌ„ble with men nor am silent to thee but expresly acknowlege my sinnes l As I do now recal my selfe being stricken with Gods heauie hand so must euerie one that wil be purged from his sinnes and sanctified pray to thee when he is afflicted m Though calamities be meruelous great like to a diluge n yet they shal not opresse him that relieth vpon God o God speaketh promising by these tribulations to geue his seruants vnder standing and instruction p with perpetual protection q Be not therfore careles like to brute beastes but consideratiue of your actions r The Prophet or anie iust soul besecheth God to held this
that such workes may be profitable and be conserued they must be donne in true faith in the Catholique faith in societie of the vnitie of the Church h VVorkes are good and rightly laide vp when they are donne in vnitie and participation of Gods Altares the most proper places of Diuine Seruice of external Sacrifice in this life and spiritual sacrifice of perâ—ect praises in eternal glorie whereal Sainctes without ceasing sing Holie holie holie Lord God of hoastes Isaiae 6. Apoc. 4. i The Catholique Church k The iust by Gods grace and helpe may resolue to ascend by steppes and degrees from vertue to vertue v. 8. euen to heauen l though he be now in this vaile of teares by reason of mans sinne who otherwise was before sinne in paradise a place of delight m Christ our lawgeuer n geueth abundance of graces o with continual increase p but our only omnipotent God is to be senne by this effect of his grace in the Church and not elswhere q Agreably to this the Church maketh al her petitions concluding al prayers By Christ our Lord. r In respect of the future retribution which euerie one shal receiue according to their desertes one day in Gods Church is better then thousands out of it Å¿ And better to be in the poorest state of Catholique Christians t then in greatest palaces or hieghest dignities amongst sinners v The Diuine wisdom so vseth mercie and veritie that neither may preiudice the other vv and so geueth grace in this life x and glorie in the â—ext y Besides innocencie conserued without sinne there is also innocencie after remission of sinne of which the prophet here speaketh Incarnation of Christ the 5. key a God bestowed manie great benefites vpon the people of Israel b he brought them out of the bondage of Aegypt c Remitted their manifold sinnes d pardoned also a great part of due punishment e As thou hast soared thy peculiar people so we besech thee ô God creator and general Sauiour of al mankind f mitigate thy wrath towards vs al g Til God first shew his mercie sinners lye dead in guilt of sinne but by his grace they are sturred vp and quickned h and ioyfully returne to God i The wordes of the prophet k signifying that God had reueled vnto him the redemption of mankind l Not al men are iustified and saued but those that are hartely and sincerely conuerted m Though al be not saued because manie wil not cooperate to Gods grace yet very manie hauing the feare of God which is the beginning of godlie wisdom freely accept of Gods mercie and so â—he Church is gloriously propagated n VVheras Gods mercie would saue al and his truth or iustice requireth that sinnes be duly punished by Christs Passion and death sufficient satisfaction is offered for al sinnes and thoâ—e that wil be partakers by penance and conformitie to Gods law may haue remission o and so iustice is obserued and peace made betwen God and his subiects p Integritie of conscience reigneth in good men q God sending iust meanes from heauen to saue them r God geueth grace Å¿ and so men yeld fruict t Yea they walke in iustice and right path of Gods law A prayer for continual grace the 7. key a A forme of prayer for king Dauid and for anie faithful person b There be sundrie iust causes which moue God to heare our prayers c first our necessitie requireth Gods helpe d Secondly because we professe and promise to lead a holie life e Thirdly because we trust and hope in God f Fourtly because we perseuere in prayer g Fiftly if we pray with attention of mind h Sixtly because God of his owne nature is benigne readie to bestow benefites i Seuently he is meeke to remitte offences k Eightly he is merciful to mitigate the punishment to those that make recourse vnto him l For these causes we pray as foloweth m Vocation of Gentiles n They shal come by faith o and glorifie God by good workes Mat. 5. v. 17. p Cofession of praise q From the state of eternal damnation r In performing al promises Å¿ A digression vsual to prophetes of Christs Empyre and Kingdom the Church geuen to him being the sonne of an immaculate virgin the handmaide of God t The chief and principal signe of Christs and his Churches glorie is his Resurrection praefigured in Ionas v VVherby al enimies are confounded either to their conuersion or to eternal damnation See 6. Augustin The Catholique Church glorious the 6. key a Christs Church was first founded in Ierusalem on whitsunday Act. 2. in mount Sion which hath two toppes in one of which the Temple stood in the other Dauids towre oâ— palace b The Prophet in the person of Christ saith he wil commend vnto his Apostles and other Apostolical men that they conuert al nations as our Sauiour gaue expresse commission and commandment Math. 28. Luc. 24. v. 47. Act. 1. v. 8. c naming here Raab which is Aegypt and Babylon d The Philistims Tyrians Aethiopians e the rest shal be regenerate in this Church which for the assured certaintie therof after the prophets maner of speaking is affirmed in the pretertence as if it were then donne f It shal be reported or one shal say to an other Loe this and that man al these and al these men are regenerate by Baptisme in the Church of Christ g God himselfe Christ God and Man founded this Church h The multitude of the elect is so great that only God knoweth the number i and the qualities of al sortes of Princes Prelates and Peoples k Great spiritual ioy with peace of conscience is in true Christian Catholiques in the militant Church but the blessed haue the most absolute secure ioy of al in the Church triumphant A prayer in long affliction the 7. key a An instrument of musike apt for lamentable songues Not expressed in the title of anie other Psalme Perhaps because this Psalme mixteth not anie consolation with mourning as other Psalmes do which are also prayers in affliction As the 30. 53. 63. 73. b Neither is this word in anie other title It is added here to admonish vs that as this Psalme and some others were songue by two quires one answering the other so we must in answer and imitation of Christ suffer long and great afflictions with patience seing he in his passion was leift without ordinarie coÌ„solation c By some interpreted his bretheren For Christ saith S. Augustin voutchsaffeth to make them his bretheren which vnderstand the mysterie of his Crosse and not only are not ashamed therof but also faithfully glorie therin d I haue cried to thee very often both by day and by night e I am almost dead f Accounted as dead and readie to be buried g If I were dead I should be free from these afflictions Especially it agreeth to Christ who was free yea of infinite
vvombe of the Catholique Church l Moreouer as a strong archer striketh deepe with his arrovves so they that patiently suffer much in this vvorld m do multiplie good vvorkes n Such shal be very happie o very easily ansvver al that can be obiected against them p in the day of Iudgement Feare of God the vvay to happines the 7. key a If such seruants of God be maried they shal ordinarily haue issue and succession in their fa 〈…〉 but especially the soules of such shal bring forth manie meritorious vvorkes b in the bâ—â—ome of the Catholique Church vvhich vvas founded in Christs side c Children also signifie good workes d Revvard in heauen for good vvorkes in earth The Church stil firme in persecution the 6. key a Israel vvhich is the Church of God reioycing saith that enimies haue often b euen from the beginning of the world persecuted me as when Cain persecuted Abel other wicked persecuted Seth Enoch Noe the Chalders persecuted Abraham the Aegyptians persecuted the Israelites and so in other generations c But they haue neuer ouercome me So the Psalmist testifieth for al times past prophecieth the same for times to come d Persecuters not being able to ouerthrow or suppresse the Church haue laide great weightie burdens of tribulations vpon her backe which she hath patiently and strongly borne e they haue stil persisted one sorte after an other but with long animitie the Church hath stood fast and constantly passed through al distresses In moral sense sinners build iniquitie vpon the back of the Church yea and vpon Gods back when they presume to sinne trusting in the end to be absolued by vertue of holie Sacraments leift in the Church Likewise when they excuse their sinnes imputing the cause to other creatures of God vvherby they are allured vvhich is in effect saith S. Augustin to accuse God and to build iniquities on Gods back vvho made those creatures f God therfore who is iust vvil at last cast such presumptuous sinners from his back and breake their stiffe neckes g then shal they be confounded h separated eternally from God become like fruitles and vvithered grasse cast avvay despised yea cursed of al and blessed by none as the Prophet denounceth in the next verses The sixth penitential Psalme the 7. key a This prayer agreeth to al true penitents crying to God for helpe being â—â— her in depth of sorovv for sinne and so it is one of the Penitential Psalmes or the depth of feruent desire to ascend tovvards perfection in vertue and from this vaile of miserie into heauen and so it is a Gradual Psalme or in the depth of temporal paines and so it is a special prayer for soules in Purgatorie offered by the Church in their behalfe b None is able to abide the rigour of Gods iustice c But al must relie vpon his mercie d For thy promises made in the law that thou wilt remitte sinnes to the penitent geue more grace to them that seeke it and mitigate also the paines due for sinnes e The hope of penitents is like to the watches of the day time from morning vntil night vvhich are more comfortable then vvatches of the night f The greatest comforth is in Christ our Redemer vvhose plentiful Redemption bringeth more abundance of grace g Christs Redemption being sufficient for al the vvorld is effectual only to true liuing members of the Catholique Church Confidence of innocencie the 7. key a Dauid by Gods special grace hauing a sincere minde tovvards al men euen tovvards his enimies and an humble hart not desiring anie thing ambiciously but al to the honour of God proposeth his ovvne example for others to imitate that they may vvith him offer the sacrifice of humilitie and innocencie vnto God from vvhom al good thinges procede b Al this vvith a thankful mind to God vvho gaue this grace c As children after they are vveaned come stil vvillingly to their mother so doth the childe of God relie vpon Gods helpe though he alvvayes feele not the same svvetnes d according to his demaneur herein he expecteth revvard e King Dauid or anie other being for his vertue aduanced and revvarded by God is a good example to moue others to do the like so shal they receiue like revvard Christs coming to restore man the 5. key a It is an vsual thing that Dauid Moyses other Prophetes speake of themselues in the third person b King Dauid desiring and so farre as lay in him promising to build a Temple to God vvith great instance prayed that he might persorme the same But God disposing othervvise that not he but his sonne should build it he neuertheles prepared the matter vvorkemen and money shevved the forme and disposed the Leuites hovv to serue therin c Moreouer by vovv depriued himself of entering into his ovvne house or taking his ordinarie rest til he might if it so pleased God knovv the place vvhere it should be built d It vvas reueled to Dauid that the Temple should be built in that part of Ierusalem vvhich looketh tovvards Bethleem othervvise called Ephrata vvhere our Sauiour vvas borne e VVithin Ierusalem vvhich is compassed vvith vvoodes In this vision also the vvhole forme of the Temple vvas reueled vnto him as he testifieth 1. Par. 28. v. 19. Al thinges quoth he came vvritten vvith the hand of our Lord vnto me that I might vnderstand al the vvorkes of the paterne f Holie Dauid moued vvith exceding deuotion repared to the place vvhere Gods Temple should be built g adored God vvhere the Propitiatorie as a footstoole representing Gods presence should stand VVhat meruel then if deuotion moue Christians to visite the holie places vvhere our Sauiour God and Man vvas Incarnare vvas borne suffered death vvas buried ascended into heauen or anie other place vvhere his feete stood h O God leauing Silo Gabaon and the like places come into thy holie Temple i VVith the Arke of couenant vvhere thou sanctifiest thy people And here againe the Prophet illuminated vvith a higher Mysterie and inflamed vvith more deuotion prayeth for Christes coming into the vvorld and that after his Passion he vvil rise not only in glorie of soule but also of bodie prefigured by the Arke of testimonie vvhich vvas in the tabernacle and after in the Temple k Grant therfore that thy Priestes vvhich must offer sacrifice in this sacred place be indued vvith vertues and good life vvorthie of their degree l and the Leuites vvho are ordained to serue there be likevvise made fitte for their diuers functions both in the old and nevv Testament m And seing thou hast geuen such meeknes deuotion zele sinceritie and other vertues making him a man according to thyne ovvne hart and therupon promised to establish his sede n differ not to send thy promised Messias Christ our Redemer o Henceforth to the end of this Psalme the Prophet relateth Gods reuelation to him That he hath truly
promised vvith an oath p and vvil performe q to sette one of Dauids sonnes vpon his Throne vvhich vvas not only fulfilled in Salomon vvho reigned in great peace and builded the Temple but especially in Christ the Sonne of Dauid to vvhom our Lord God gaue the seate of Dauid his father he shal reigne in the house of Iacob for euer and of his kingdom there shal be no end Luc. 1. v. 32. 33. By this promise S. Peter also proueth Christs Resurrection Act. 2 v. 30. r Concerning the children of Christ members of his kingdom the Church the promise is conditional if they obserue Gods commandments they shal sit vpon his seate be coheyres of his kingdom Rom. 8 v. 17. Å¿ Sion the Catholique Church is a perpetual place where God dwelleth t The Church vvanting Christs visible presence is replenished vvith manie blessinges v and al her humble children are releeued vvith holie Sacraments w The Church hath alwayes some holie Priestes x and some holie people y Of this Church elected by God Christ is the Protector and strong defence z and the same Church shal be a perpetual lampe vvherby others may come to him Fraternal concord the 7. key a Dauid being a most peaceable man euen tovvard his enimies is added by Esdras in this title as an example for others to imitate b That concord is both good and pleasant nedeth no other proofe but only to conâ—ider to behold the fruict therof in euerie communitie and especially in the Church of God c The ointment vvhervvith Aaron and other High Priestes vvere consecrated vvas precious and most odoriâ—erous signifying grace bought by Christs blood and producing vertues vvhich make svvete sauoure d vvas povvred vpon the High Priests head vvho being head of the Church e vnitie and concord descended from him to other Priestes f and so to the people euen to the lovvest and meanest in Gods Church g An other similitude to declare the excellencie of concord As the devv of mount Hermon vvhich is perpetually couered vvith snovv that falleth from the heauen thence descending refresheth fructifieth the hil of Sion so mutual concord and fraternal charitie amongst the faithful nourisheth each other making them fructful in al good vvorkes h VVhere there is vnitie God geueth abundance of grace as vvhere the Apostles vvith other faithful vvere geathered and continued in prayer the Holie Ghost came vpon them al. And the multitude of beleuers then increasing had one hart and one soule Act 2. 4. v. 32. God continually to be praised the 1. key a This last Gradual Psalme as a conclusion exhorteth al to praise God b for to this end he made al creatures in heauen in earth Gods perfection and goodnes the 1. key a Gods seruantes b Clergie that serue in the Temple c and ye Laitie that attend to his seruice must praise him for these causes d â—â—â— goodnes e his benignitie f he hath adopted vs his children g he is omni potent as appeareth by his vvorkes here and elsvvhere recited and manie wayes knovvne to the vvorld Exo. 1â— Ios 12. Num. 21. Ios 13. Psal 113. Gods meruelous workes the 2. key a VVhose goodnes is incomparable b This second part of euerie verse first pronounced by the Priestes confessing praising Gods mercie aboue al his workes was stil repeted by musicians or other assistants in maner as now in Lâ—tanies ô Lord deliuer vs and VVe besech theeto heare vs And as Gloria Patri c. is added in the end of Psalmes and our Lords prayer and the Angelical salutation are often repeted in diuers Offices and in the Rosarie c VVhose diuine powre created al other thinges d By this inuitation to praise our Lord God thrise repeted we professe the blessed Trinitie who is one God in substance and three Diuine Persons e VVhose dominion is ouer al the world f Only God can do true miracles towit workes aboue the course of al nature g In admirable wisdom Gen. 1. h Made the waters aboue nature to remaine vvithin their bondes not to couer the earth Exo. 11. Exo. â—â— Exo. â—â— Num. â—â— i Al Gods benignitie as wel of particular benefites towards his people as general to them and al others procedeth from his mercie The Iewes lamentation in captiuitie the 4. key a By adding to this title for Ieremie the Septuagint Interpreters signifie that this Psalme treateth of the same captiuitie in which Ieremias writte his Lamentations b Nere the riuers in Chaldea wherof Babylon was the head citie c the Iewes remained mourning d remembring the holie rites and seruice of God which had bene in Sion wherof they were depriued in the captiuitie e Al their musical instruments as hauing no vse of them f Either in earnest or in scorne the Chaldees willed them to sing as they were accustomed in their countrie g They excused themselues and refused to sing sacred Psalmes before prophane people neither had they mind to sing in that mourning state of captiuitie h The people shew not only their feruent present desire to serue God in Ierusalem but also their firme purpose stil to desire the same wishing that if they forget it or lose this affection their right handes or what soeuer is most deare or necessarie for them may be forgotten not conserued but suffered to perish i If I lose this affection let me also lose the vse of my tongue k The Idomeans incensed the Chaldees to be cruel against the Iewes wherof they pray for iust reuenge and withal the Psalmist prophecieth that it wil be reuenged which Isaias also prophecieth c. 21. v. 11. l. for their reioycing in Ierusalems miserie m The voice of the Idumeans inciting the Babylonians vtterly to destroy Ierusalem n A prophecie that the people of Babylon should also be punished for their crueltie against the Iewes wherof Isaias likewise prophecieth c. 13. o God wil blesse or reward them that shal seuerly afflict the Babylonians p not sparing their children Morally he is blessed that mortifieth his owne passions cutteth of first il motions or punisheth venial sinnes that they grow not strong vvithin his soule and so draw it to committe mortal sinne S. Aug. hic S. Greg. in fine expos Psal 4. paeuit Thankes to God for benefites the 7. key a This Psalme is a fitte forme of thankes for Dauid or anie other seruant of God b I vvil render thankes and praise c God euer heareth the prayer that is rightly made for vvhich the supplicant is therfore to geue thankes d Angels are present vvhere the faithful pray obserue our prayers and offer them to God if they be sincere as the prayers of Tobias and Cornelius 1. Cor. 11. v. 10. Iob. 12. Act 10. Psal 24. v. 10. e VVhen there vvas not accesse to the Temple yet the Ievves praying in captiuitie turned themselues tovvards the Temple f The Name and Maiestie of GOD The VVORD which
his seâ—uâ—ce before vvorldlie cares b In one Sonne of Man Christ is saluation saith S. Augustin and in him not because he is the sonne of man but because he is the Sonne of God c He saith not that the spirit or soule shal turne into the earth but the soule shal depart from the bodie and so euerie one in whom worldlie men put their trust shal according to the bodie returne into his earth Gods excellencie in creating and gouerning the vvorld the 2. key a It is good to sing Psalmes of praise to God b A prophecâ—e of the estauratâ—on of Ierusalem after the captiuitie c Remitteth sinnes to the penitent d Besides experience of euerie one that shal behold the firmament in a clere night the holie Scripture Gen. 15. v. 5. sheweth that the starres are innumerable to man For albeit Pâ—olomaey other Astronomers numbereth certaine more notorious starres which serue especially for some knowlege in the science of Astronomie numbering 349. such in the Zodiach 316. in the South part therof and 360. on the North part which are in al 1025. Yet al acknowlege that no man can come nere to anie probable coniecture of the whole number nor is able to attaine anie perfect knovvlege of their natural influences and special proprietes And therfore the Psalmist proposeth here the admirable and vnsearchable knovvlege of God who both most exactly knovveth the number e and so perfectly their nature that his diuine Omniscience geueth to euerie starre a proper name according to their singular differences and proprieties f Thinges subiect to Gods knovvlege and vvisdom are innumerable g Al these and the like benefites do shevv Gods imcomparable greatnes vvisdom and goodnes h Both sacred and prophane auctors testifie that rauens seing their yong ones either vvithout fethers or to haue vvhitish vnlike to theirs as suspecting that they are not their ovvne birdes but of some other kinde leaue them destitute of meate therfore God the auctor of nature and conseruer of al kindes of creatures by his special prouidence feedeth them either by a certaine dew hanging nere them in the ayre as Isidorus supposeth or by litle beastes or flees sent by Gods prouidence vvhich they catching into their mouthes are nourished and brought vp as S. Chrysostom teacheth ser in Heliam or by vvhat other meanes soeuer al agree that yong rauens are neglected by their parents and are fedde meruelously by Gods ordinance by vvhich example the Psalmist shevveth that much more God hath care of men especially of Ho. in hunc Psalm such meu saith S. Chrysostom as honour him vvith hymnes and praises vvhom also he hath called to be his peculiar people and his ovvne portion or inheritance Gods prouidence especially tovvards the Church the 6. key a Ierusalem in the latter part of Dauids time al the time of Salomon and part of other kings reignes til the captiuitie had peace prospered Againe after the captiuitie the Citie was repared the Temple reedified and the whole land receiued and enioyed manie blessinges But al this was no more then a figure of the excellent benefites here prophecied and more euidently verified in Christs Catholique Church partly here militant in the whole world and especially in the glorious Ierusalem and Sion the perfect vision of peace and contemplation of God in eternal life The Hebrews ioyne this Psalme vvith the precedent b In comparison of other cities and peoples of the world the gates of Ierusalem were strongly fensed c and the citizens blessed much more the Church of Christ is built vpon a fure rock her faithful children indued with al spiritual graces and most of al heauen it â—â—lâ—â— is free from al danger of calamitie and the Sainctes are most secure most happie enioying eternal fruit on of God d Hath geuen peace in thy borders e and the very best corne and al other fruictes wine oyle milke honey and the rest Allegorically in the Church reconciliation with God by remission of sinnes and peace of conscience in the Sacraments of Baptisme Penance vvith the most spiritual food of Christs Bodie and Bloud in the Eucharist and graces of other Sacraments In heauen most assured peace and ioy without end f This perteyneth most specially to Euangelical doctrine preached g and quickely receiued in al the world Rom 10. v. 18. h Snow nourisheth the earth making it vvarme by Antiperistasis as is euident in natural Philosophie i and noysome ayre is changed into clere vveather In the Church by penance austere life men are purged from sinnes and vices euil spirites are also driuen avvay If your sinnes shal be as scarlet they shal be made vvhite as snovv and if they be redde as vermilion they shal be vvhite as vvool Isaâ—e 1. v. 18. k Yea some that are hardned in sinne as yse or chrystal shal be melted broken or made fitte to be ingraffed in Gods Church So S. Peter vvas admonished by a vision Act. â—0 v 1â— to kil and eate Othervvise vvithout Gods grace geuing remorse and sorovv no man can ouercome his ovvne vices m But Gods vvord preached n and his grace touching mens hartes o innumerable are conuerted p The Church only enioyeth these spiritual benefiâ—es q Considering that al mankind vvas in the masse of sinne and that God letteth manie iustly perish those to whom he geueth his grace to iustification are specially bond to praise him r And therfore the Prophet concludeth this Psalme and the rest folovving vvith Alleluia Our Creator to be praised by al creatures the 2. key a Al ye heauenlie spirites praise God for the excellencie of your nature b And for your innumerable multitude c Al creatures wanting sense or reason shewforth the Maiestie and excellencie of their Creator d Againe God is to be praised for the diuersitie of stares in men wherby the whole communitie is conserued gouerned e God only no false imagined god made disposed al thinges in order f More especially for that God hath so fortified his Church g Sanctified children h that by grace and free wil which he geueth them approch vnto him i Al this considered the Psalmist concluding with Alleluia inuiteth al to praise our Lord. The Church must euer praise God the 6. key a God our Lord whom al creatures are bond to praise only accepteth those mens praises that liue in his holie Church b eternal rest c Hieghest praises of God shal be continually vttered by Sainctes in glorie for stil as praises passe by their tongues and mouthes more like praises shal succede from their throte and hartie affection so out of the abundance of the hart their mouth shal stil speake Gods praise d Glorified Sainctes shal also haue iudiciarie povvre First al in general shal like and approue Gods iustice in punishing the vvicked Secondly the vvicked shal be iustly condemned in comparison of the blessed vvho passed through and ouercame the like yea and greater tribulations
Mystically the Gentiles were iudged by Salomon better then the Iewes S. Ierom. :: Base vicions meâ— mixt with the good corrups the whole companie much more a mortal sinne in a mans soule destroyeth al the vertues that were there before :: Euil men aduanced seme to prosper :: But they fal into their owne trappes :: Such as seke by sense and reason to obtaine true knowlege enter not into the citie the Church They labour in vaine and are afflicted in studie of Scriptures when they walke in the desert and can not finde the citie S. Ierom. This text and manie others haue two senses 1. In kinges and al superiors are required mature age diligent care of the coÌ„mon good 2. Antiquitie in matter of faith and religion is to be folowed not noueltie Iya. 8. Dan 7. Apoc. 1. Iere. 1. Also mortification and labour is required in Pastors not delicacie nor ease The B. Virgin Marie more free from sinne then the Patriarches Cant. 2. The 3. part An exhortation to beginne quickly and perseuere in Gods seruice a Of al vertues the workes of mercie corporal and spiritual most auaile for obtaining eternal felicitie Mat. 25. b So the same be grounded in true faith beleuing al that is written in the old and new testament signified by seuen eight c After deâ—th none ca 〈…〉 either â—â—erite or demerite d Both in youth and old age do good workes :: An admonition to al in general to liue wel in this world remembring the day of general iudgement before which such signes shal come as are described here and by our Sauiour Mat. 24. And likewise euerie one is admonished in particular to serue God diligently whiles he hath time before death come when al his senses former helpes shal faile * The preachet :: This is the brife summe of al proficable doctrine Feare God kepe his commandments * Hidden or obscure thing Proem in Eccle. King Salomon according to his three names writte and intitled his three bookes Salomon Pacifier king of Israel Ecclesiastes Preacher king of Ierusalem Idida Beloued This Canticle doth excel other Canticles Al are not mete to read it Heb. 5. Best methode in lerning is to beginne with doctrine of good life then studie to know natural thinges and finally contemplate diuine mysteries A sacred dialogue or Enterlude * Forma dramatis God Christ the Spous or Bridgrome Three spouses The General The special and Singular Ephes 5. Origen S. Ierom. S. Aug. lib. 8. de Gen. adli S. Greg. S. Beda S. Tho. Aâ—bor Geneb Del Rio. The particular contents are sette in the margent of euerie chapter a The Church of the old testament desireth Christs coming in flesh and the Christian Church prayeth for his coming in glorie b The Church outwardly afflicted is inwardly fayre c Christ encorageth his spouse the Church d She meditateth of his Passion and Resurrection e Christ praiseth his spouse f She againe praiseth him g VVith thankes for her repose and present consolation a Christ professeth himself the floure of mankinde yea Lord of al creatures b The Church excelleth al other societies In the Church the godlie excel sinners Among the innocent and holie the virgin Marie surpasseth al. c The Church praising Christ resteth secure vnder his protectioÌ„ d He for the weakes sake permitteth her not to be molested til she be prepared to suffer vvith patience e She feeling Christs assistance confesseth preacheth boldly his Gospel truth against al Paganes and Heretikes f VVho though he shew not himself visibly g yet encorageth her to approch vnto him h commandeth his pastors to destroy heresies i And so she reposeth in him a The Church finding Christ not in darke ignorance nor in philosophie but by his reueâ—ling him selfe to her holdeth him for euer b euen til the lewes shal at last also find him c Christ speaketh as before ch 2. v. 7 d The Church of Christ admireth her owne conuersion from Gentilitie e now ful of good workes f She also professeth that the ascending to eternal rest is by fighting manfully in obseruing the ten commandments in the six dayes of this life g euen to bloud if nedâ— be h which is the highest degree of charitie i And inuiteth al others to come vnto Christ k who in the flesh which he tooke of his mother was crowned in heauen after his Passion a Christ againe praiâ—eth the beautie of his Church b Sincere and simple intention c Al her temporal occupations directed to Gods glorie d Pastors who like nurces geue bread of good doctrine to litle ones e Faith and good workes f Preaching Christs passion g And not ashamed to professe Christ Crucified h Administration of Sacraments wherby the Church Christs mystical bodie is ioyned to him her head i which is an inexpugnable fortresse k Both Iewes and Gentiles are fed with the principles of Christian doctrin l Christ dwelleth in mortified and deuout mindes m The Church triumphant is without spotte and euerie particular soule entring into heauen the B virgin mother was also in this life alwayes immaculate n Al tentations whether they be in manifest crueltie or in flatering sureltie make constant soules more gratful to God a The spouse condescending to Gods vvil is vvel content to suffer persecution b Christ againâ— shevveth his good liking in his spouses patience c and vvilleth the glorious Sainctes to congratulate vvith the patient d The spouse desireth to rest in meditation e but is called vpon to helpe others f and vrged by Christs owne example working for al mankind g And so she imployeth herself also in actiue life h Stil conseruing a desire to returne vnto contemplation i The deuout confer together describing the excellencies of Christ k And resolue to seke him whersoeuer he be a The Church teacheth her children that Christ is delighted with the godlie desires and fructful vvorkes of the faithful b Christ gâ—â—â—â—e commendeth his Church wel composed of distinct orders some gouerning some retired in cloâ—sters from this world the rest also exercising vvorkes of mercie in the trubles of this life al together making a complete armie terrible to al enimies c The more anie contemplate Gods Maiestie the better they perceiue that he is incomprensensible d Manie true pastores e more hyrelinges that also preach truth but for temporal commoditie f And innumerable faithful soules in the Church g Al vvhich are but one bodie in vnitie of â—aith h The voice of the old synagogue admiring the beautie of Christs Church i The Church of Christ exhorteth the Synagogue of the Ievves to returne to Christ a Christ interposeth his commendation of the Ievves vvho at last shal returne to him vvith great seruoure of faith and deuotion b And so iointly praiseth his Church consisting of both peoples c The Church as it vvere taking the vvoid out of Christs mouth vvhiles he
praised her she returneth al the praise to him d Praying him to come and stil remaine vvith her e Acknovvleging him to be the only Sauiour of both old and nevv testament a The Synagogue prosecuteth her prayer desiring Christs Incarnation b Christ admonisheth vvordlie men not to molest those that serue him in contemplation other spiritual vertues c Angels and other Sainctes of the triumphant Church admire the beautie of the Câ—nâ—les conuerted which is also vnderstood of euerie holie soule ascending from this world into heauen And more singularly of the most glorious virgin mother of God f The Church of Gentiles reioyceth in the strong defence vvhervvith her Sauiour hath established her g Keepers of this vinyard vvere the Prophetes and Apostles and their Successors are stil the kepers therof h Christ shevveth that together vvith the pastors himself especially hath care of his Church alvvayes assisting the visible gouerners therof vvith his inuisible grace i The vvhole Church militant vvel contented yea desiring Christs Ascension into heauen for the good of al that here serue him prayeth him from thence to send abundance of his grace that vve may ascend the high mountaines of perfect charitie and zele of Gods honour that he vvil make our soules such hilles the garden of al vertues so voutsafe to dwel therin Amen d The Synagogue of the Iewes was corrupt vnder the tree of Christs Crosse when they cried Crucifie him Crucifie him And againe His bloud be vpon vs and vpon our children Againe VVe haue no King but Caesar c. e Christ againe sheweth his affection towards his Church of the Gentiles calling her his owne sister and the Synagogs sister promising and bestowing on her manie excellent benefites Both the auctor auctoritie of this booke were sometimes doubtful The same doubt is of Ecclesiasticus It is most probable that Philo a Iew writte this booke collecting manie sentences of Salomons Argum. lib. Reg. Fiue Sapiential bookes of the old testament Chap. 7. 8. 9. The Iewes denie these bookes to be Canonical Mat. 22. Exo. 3. They are iudged by very manie ancient fathers and afterwards defined by the Church to be Canonical Scriptures Et li. 17. c. 20. â—â—â—â— The contents Diuided into three patts The 1. part An admonition to loue and practise iustice 3. Reg. 3. Isa 56. 2. Par. 1â— :: Mortal sinnes are not only committed in dedes vvordes but also in though tes :: He that maliciously curseth sâ—uâ—sed of God â—al 5. v. 22. :: Be not cause of your owne eternal death by euil life :: Desperate death deliuereth not the wicked from calamities :: Neither are anâ—e damned vvhile they are in thâ—â— life :: But sinners not repenting being etâ—â—nal 〈…〉 them 〈…〉 〈…〉 be 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 be after death fal to these prophane thoughts and speaches of infidelitie :: Of infidelitie touching paine or reward after death procedeth the Epicures life :: Infidels are not content to liue in riote but doe also enuie and persecute the iust vvhose good examples vexe their mindes sturred therto by the diuel :: An euident prophecie of the Iewes malice persecuting our Sauiour Fulfilled by the chief Priestes Scribes and Ancientes recorded dy the Euangelists Mat. 27. v. 41. Mar 14. v. 53. Mat. 27. v. 43. :: vvant of beleuing diuine Mysteries namely the reward of the iust punishmeÌ„t of the wic ked is cause of dissolute life and of hatred against the good :: Temporal death of the iust is the way to eternal life vvhere damnation called here the tormeÌ„t of death shal not touch them :: For albelt Martyrs seme in the eyes of the vnwise to dye or to be extinguished they passe in dede into eternal and vnspeakeable glorie Chap. 5. v. 4 Mat. 13. v. 43. :: Al the iust shal approue Gods iudgmeÌ„t condemning the wicked :: Literally is vnderstood that the wiues of adulterers often become adultresses their children wicked Morally their sensualitie al their vvorkes are wholly corrupted * See S. Ierom. in Isa 56. v. 4. :: Chastitie of the bodie is a singular great vertue spiritual chastitie of true faith and religion is greatter and more generally commended as the roote and fundation of al vertues For vvithout faith it is vnpossible to please God :: VVhen soeuer the iust dieth it is profitable for him dying yong his immaculate life is more commendable then old age in the wicked v. 16. :: The damned shal be vvithout al excuse vtterly confounded in their owne consciences Gods prescience dâ—â—th not preiudice mans free wil. â—tl 17. â— 30. ciuit :: VVicked men in their false conceipt iudge the trauels of the iust to be vaine fructles :: Repentance of the damned is only for the losse paine whereinto they are fallen not of loue towards God or vertue nor of hate towards sinne therfore is fructles bringing no comforte nor helpe at al but euerlasting torment and anguish of mind Chap. 3. v. 2. Pro. â—0 v. 19. :: For the certaintie of thinges that shal be Prophetes do very often speake in the pretertence of thinges to come as if they vvere already past :: As the ioy of the blessed so contrariwise the miserie of the damned is meruelous great for euer vnchangeable Eccle. 9. v. 18. :: Al powre is from God therfore to be respected though the magistrates sometimes abuse their auctoritie Rom. 1â— v. 1. :: As euerie ones charge is more or lesse so his account is easier or har der and the punishment if he offend smaller or greater S. Gre. ho. 9. in Euang. :: VVisdom is attained by this gradation and so from first to last a resolute desire ioyneth faithful soules to God v. 21. The second part VVisdom procedeth from God and is procured by prayer :: The perfectest children are borne in the beginning of the tenth moneth :: Children in the mothers wombe are as in slepe :: Salomon whose sayinges are here recited praied for wisdom obtained it 3. Reg. 3. 3. Reg â— v. 9. :: God first gaue him grace to desire wisdom before al other thinges as he explicateth plainly cap. 8. v. 21. :: Salomon was a most excellent Philosopher :: Proper Epithetons of the spirite of wisdom :: See the Annotation Prouerb 1. v. 2. Heb. 1. v. 3. :: God the increated wisdom is infinite and wisdom created is also most excellent amongst Gods giftes 3. Reg. 3. Prou. â— :: This is also the speach of Salomon recited by the writer of this booke :: Of Salomons wisdom riches glorie renowmed fame not only the bookes of Kinges Paralipomenon but also our Sauiour doth witnes Mat. 6. 12. :: It is not certaine that Salomon hath immortal glorie but rather by immortalitie is here vnderstood that his glorious fame remaineth to the end of this world :: Neuertheles wisdom of her part geueth life and glorie euerlasting to al that perseuere to the end of this life :: It is
34. c Niniue exceeding glorious for antiquitie greatnes riches vvarlike prowese most large dominion vvas at last destroyed a Ierusalem vvithout proper merites preferred by Gods special grace before al other places sanctified adorned protected most singularly yet stil prouoked him to vvrath contemning his admonitions and persisting and multiplying sinnes can not but at last be seuerely punished Ezec â—â— Mich. â— * bring b About 40. yeares after Christs resurrection the most part of the Ievves persisting obstinate vvere brought to maruelous distresse and miseries vvhen Titus tooke destroyed Ierusalem which is also a figure of the destruction of this vvorld and of eternal punishment of the vvicked d Al nation shal inuocate one God in a chosen lippe or tongue in vnitie of fayth and vvith one shoulder of fortitude beare the yoke and burden of Christian life made svvete and light by Christs grace e Men of light conuersation contemners of Christ shal also be conuerted become graue greatly honour him Aggeus prophecied after the captiuitie of Christ and his Church S Ierom. Epist ad Paulin. a Zorobabel descending directly from the kinges of Iuda was now duke chiefe temporal gouerner of the Iewes by permission of Darius king of Persians c It behooueth without delay to set forward restauration of Gods seruice reductioÌ„ of soules from sinne amending of il maners because by foresâ—owing therof Gods honour is hindered and manie soules do eternally perish b In like sorte Iesus secceded in the office of high priest to Iosedec vvho vvas caried vvith others captiue into Babylon 1 Par. 6. v. 15. Deut. 28. Mich. â— d To incite the people to iust estimation of his preaching the prophet auoucheth that he is a messenger not coming of him self but sent by God a They beganne the new vvorke the 24. day of the sixt moneth b and the 21 of the 7 moneth the prophet had an other reuelation Heb. 12. c Iacob the Patriarch Gen. 49. prophecied that Christ should be the expectation of the Gentiles VVho is called the desired of al Nations because he vvas hertofore vvanting and alvvayes necessarie to al nations d That vvhich touched a holie thing vvas sanctified Leui. 6. v 18 but the thing so touched did not sanctifie other thinges so the people by touching the sacrifices vvere legally sanctified but not really and therfore their sacrifices were not gratful to God so long as they did not endeuour to build the temple as they ought to haue done Amos. 4. * sprâ—ng vp Al other kingdomes perishing the kingdom of Christ which is his Church is neuer destroyed Eccli â—â— The temple restored after the captiuitie vvas not so glorious as that which Salomon built But Christs Church of the nevv Testament in which he dvvelleth spiritually farre excelleth the material temple Zacharie begane to prophecie but two monethes after Aggeus S. Ierom. Epist ad Paulin. Mal. 3. Isa 21. Iere. 3. Ezec. 18. 20. Ose 14. Ioel 2. a VVhen God in the holie Scriptures sayth Conuert to me and I vvil conuert to you VVe are admonished that vve haue freewil And when vve ansvver Conuert vs o Lord to thee and vve shal be conuerted we confesse that Gods grace preuenteth vs. Conc. Trid. sess 6. c. 5. b That this was an Angel in the shape of a man is manifest v 11. c Seuentie yeares from the transmigration of Ioachin vvere complet in the first of Cytus Dan 9. Seuentie yeares were also complet from the destructioÌ„ of the temple in the second of Darius Histaspis and therfore the prophet novv prayeth God to inspire such as vvere able that they would build the temple againe Zach. 8 d From foure partes of the world to wite the Moabites Ammonites on the east of Iurie The Idumeans and Aegyptians on the south the Philisthims on the vveast the Assirians Chaldees on the North side had much molested the Ievves al vvhich vvere therfore plaged punished for the same * fabros a According to S Augustins rule in Psal 71. vvhen greater thinges are sayd then can be verified as the letter soundeth the same is literally to be vnderstood of the thing presigured And so this prophecie perteyneth to the Church of Christ rather then to the citie of Ierusalem b O ye Gentiles that remaine in confused Babylon of this world flee from it into the Church c And ye Iewes that haue feloship vvith Babylon leaue it and serue God sincerely a Literally this vision perteyned to the hiegh priest of thaâ— time b Vvhose fault is here taxed for that he admonished not the people to build the temple and to abstaine from marying vvemen of strange nations as 1. â—sd 8 9 10. c Angels are promised to assist the Prelates of the Church d Christ according to his manhâ—od is the seruant of God Of vvhó S Luke expoundeth this prophecie Luc. 1. â— 78. a Most Hebrevv Doctors some Christian expound this vision of the temple the old synagog but most others vnderstand it literally of Christ his Church b The candlesticke Metaphorically signifieth Christs Church c The lampe or light Christ d seuen lightes al the pastores of the Church e Tvvo oliues Enoch and Elias Apoc. 11. f VVhich vision vvas to be declared to Zorobabel for his consolation that he might knovv that God vvould protest his Church g Tvvo branches the diuine and humane natures of Christ a In this booke or roll of papers were writen the sinnes of the people and designed punishment b It appeared flying to signific that this decree of punishment came from heauen S. Chrysost ho. 27. ad popul c Excecation obduration fel vpon the Iewes for their auarice and periurie d Antichrist shal beginne his reigne vvhere Babylon vvas first built Gen. 11. a Foure Monarchies of the Chaldees the Medes and Persians the Grecians and the Romanes Dan. 2. b VVhen the prophet set the crovvne on the high priests head that he might withal signifie that it perteyned not him but as in figure of Christ he explicateth that God reueled this mysterie saying Behold a man vvho is also God called Orient that is Raising vp establishing the kingdom vvhich vvas promised to Dauid S. Iero. is bunc locum Luc. 1. r 78. a Because the temple vvas burned in the fift moneth Godolias slaine in the seuenth 4. Reg. 25. v. 8. 15 the Ievves fasted in those two monethes al the time of their captiuitie Isa 58. b VVhich fast vvas good but vnperfect wan ting vvorkes of mercie most especially required in fastes Isa 58 S. Greg. p. 3 past curae admonie 20. ho 16. in Euang. c And therfote the prophet admonisheth to fast from al sinnes Exo. 22. Isa 1. Iere. 5. a These benefites here prophecied are greater then euer vvere bestovved vpon the Ievves before Christ came therfore are rather to be vnderstood of the graces of the nevv testament Zach. 1. v. 14. b The tenne tribes vvere