shall eat flesh of the blood of the slaine and captivitie from the beginning of revenges vpon the enemie Yee nations praise his people for hee will auenge the blood of his servants and render vengeance to his adversaries and will be mercifull to his land and to his people Paraphrase 1. IF you people will not hearken to my words the Heavens and Earth all creatures other shall be witnesses against you 2. If my people bee a soft soyle and good ground my doctrine shall be fruit full in young and olde in weake and strong 3. Glorifie God in hearkening to his word for I will make him manifest to you who howbeit hee be alwayes infinite yet hee abases him to be our God his will I will declare 4. To whome will yee goe from this God who is so stronge so righteous in all his actions so true in all his wordes and in whom no defect can bee found 5. Yet Israel hath corrupted his owne wayes which proveth they are not the children of GOD but a wicked and perverse generation 6. Is this the reward where with ye recoÌ„pence God who hath adopted you to be his children when ye were his enemies passing by the rest of mankinde who were as sib to him by creation as you who hath redeemed you from the bondage of Egypt hath magnified you above other people when you were worse than nothing 7. The historie of Abraham Isaak and sacob and of the rest of your predecessors shewes your small be ginning Gods great mercy goodnes toward you 8. When God in his providence allotted to everi nation a dwelling place he had minde of Israel and appointed for their number a place most convenient and most excellent 9. For hee had freelie chosen the posteritie of Iacob to bee his peculiar people beside all the World 10. When they were in a Wildernesse where there was neither bread nor water nor other thing to sustaine their life GOD fed them and clad them and because of their infidelitie he caused them go about the Wildernesse fourtie yeares during the which time hee taught them by his benefites and chastisments yet hee had exceeding great care of them to keep them from all hurt 11. And look whaâ— care the Eagle or any other fowle have of their young ones in hatching them covering them vntill they can come foorth or flee and guiding them from the nest such care had God of his people 12. Hee needed not the helpe of any other besyde himselfe would haue none for hee would haue the guyding of his people to himselfe alone 13. Hee placed him in Canaan an hillie countrie full of fertill valleyes whose craigie places were noâ— barren but there was to bee found honnie there olyves grew and it was a land flowing with milke and honny 14. Nothing was wanting for delicate meate and drinke as butter milke fat lambs rams choyse wheat most excellent claret wyne all these the LORD gaue liberallie to Israell 15. For all this Israell who should haue beene vpright became vnthankfull to GOD in their prosperitie like bruit beasts misâ—enning their maisters they rebelled against their maker and redeemer 16. Lyke vyle harlots they made the LORD their husband angrie committing sprituall whooredome with strange gods abhominable Idols 17. They came to the hiest degree of idolatry to giue the worship propper to GOD to devils yea they were so foolish that leaving the God whom they knew or rather who knew them they worshipped vnknowne gods and did not follow their holy fathers footsteps 18. All this thou didest not of simple but of wilfull ignorance after so great experience of Gods loue to thee and care for thee 19. After that the Lord considered this their apostasie hee cast off these that before by outward calâ—ing appeared to bee his children 20. Then hee said I will misken them I am wearie of them there is no good to be looked for from them they will in end perish miserably 21. As they haue done to me so shal I doe to them they forsooke mee and followed idols I shall forsake them set other nations aboue them yea the Gentiles whom they despyse I will take in their place to be my people and cast them off 22 I shall be to them a consuming fyre hie nor low shal not escape my wrath their land and all the increase thereof will I destroy 23 I will multiply my plagues vpon them as arrows out of my quiver shotte at them 24. Namelie famine pestilence wyld beasts Serpents so openly and secretly without and within they shall bee plagued 25 No sort of person no sex neither younge nor old without or within shall bee free from the feare and stroake of the sword of the enemie 26. Whereas I had made theÌ„ as the starres in number and glorie I purpose to put them in obscure places and roote them out 27. If I had no respect to my glorie that it should not be the subject of blasphemie of the Gentils I should vtterly haue destroyed them 28. Their madnes is vncurable why should I spaire them no counsell will they follow neither haue they any wit 29. It is a pittie to see the hardnesse of their heart that after so long experience of punishment they cannot consider their case nor what will be their end 30. So long as I fought for them and was with them no multituds could resist them now while as man of them are overcome by few it is evident they want my protection 31. I take to witnesse the infidels who by experience of my power finde that I am not lyke their idols 32. Moreover they their workes are wicked as if they had beene the seed of Sodom and Gomorah venemous and bitter fruit bring they foorth 33. No nation so wicked as they being lyker to Dragons and Aspes nor men 34. This their wickednesse is laid vp in store with mee and treasured vp in the treasure of my wrath against the day thereof and revelation of my righteous judgement 35. I am judge of all the world it is my office to punish howbeit I seeme to delay you shall fall in due tyme your destruction bee the evill that shall come vpon you at hand 36. Albeit the LORD shall judge his people yet at last hee shall be appeased and moved with repentance to mitigate the rigor of his wrath when hee shall see all their strength gone and all almost destroyed at home and abroade 37. Then shall they say to their enemies where are your gods where are your rocks your particular patrons in whom ye trusted 38. Before whoÌ„ the Priests did eat the fat of the sacrifice and dranke the wine of their drinke offering let those idols helpe you now and take your protection 39. Let them who haue eyes to see behold mee and make no gods my companion for I haue power to kill and to keepe aliue to wound make heale let them in all changes trust in mee
whiles cryed out why stayes he so long what can bee his stay 28. Her ladies essayed al their wits to comfort her yea even shee comforted her self with his owne words saying 29. They haue found their prey they are parting the spoyle even damosels to everie man and the colloured partie coloured garments sowed with nedle worke made to be ornaments for their neckes 30. This may bee a document to all ages that all the enemies of GOD shall perish and those that loue him shall shine as the sun at noone day The argument and analysis of this song AFter the death of Ehud who slew Eglon king of Moab and delyvered Israel out of the hands of Moabits whom they had served eighteene yeares before Israel had rest from enemies for the space of foure score yeares But againe Israel wrought wickednesse in the sight of the LORD therefore he delivered them over into the hands of Iabin king of the Canaanits the generall of whose armie was called Sisera who oppressed Israel the space of twentie yeares Then Israel repented them of their sinnes humbled themselfe and cryed to the Lord and hee heard them And Deborah Barak Iabel he made instruments to deliver them This deliverance is the argument of this Song sung by Deborah a Prophetesse There bee three chiefe and principall parts of this song 1 The exordium or beginning of this song vers 1. 2. Next the purpose from the 3. verse to the 30. Thirdly the conclusion of the song verse 30. The exordium containes in it 2. exhortations with their reasons The 1. exhortation is to Gods people to praise God the reason thereof is taken from their present deliverie verse 1. The 2 exhortation is to al kings and princes to bee attentiue to the words of this Song The reason thereof is taken from the purpose of the Prophetesse in this song to wit to praise and make manifest the onely true God v. 2. see the like Ps 2. The purpose of the song containes in it chiefely 5. things 1. a narration of things bygone from the 3 verse to the 8. Next an exhortation to praise God from the 8. vers to the 13. Thirdly a narration of the battell betwixt the Israelites and Cananits from the 13. to the 22. Fourthly a curse and blessing from the 22. verse to the 27. Fifthly a prettie prosopopeia from the 27. verse to the 30. The narration of things bygone containes 2. things 1. Gods wonderfull power in bringing his people through the wildernesse to the land of promise ver 3.4 Next the great miserie wherein Israel was of late with the reason thereof verse 13. that they had served new gods idols 5.6.7 The exhortation to praise God hath in it 4. things 1. the governours of this people verse 8. Next to merchants verse 9. Third to the commons verse 10. the reason thereof is their libertie The fourth part is to her selfe and Barak verse 11. with the reason thereof verse 12. The narration of the battell containes in it 1. the praise of the tribes of Israell who came to fight and the dispraise of such as lay abacke from the 13. verse to the 18. Secondly is set downe the part of the Canaanites verse 18. Thirdly the part of God and his people verse 19.20.21 The curse is vpon Meroz and his inhabitants with the reason thereof verse 22. The blessing is vpon Iahel with a narration on of her part and the event thereof from the 22. ver to the 27 the prosopopeia is of Sisera his mother her ladies talking to gether from the 27. verse to the 30. The conclusion which is the last part of the song containes a prayer for the confusion of the enemies of God and of his Church and for the prosperitie of all those who truely loue GOD verse 30. Annotations vpon this song IT was the custome of Lyrick Poets in giving of thanks to GOD to vse solemne verses as wee may read in Orpheus Linus Pindarus Horace so the priests of Mars among the Romans called Salij All these did so by the light of nature but holy men and women did the lyke by the inspiration of the holy spirit Verse 1. Revenge In Hebrew in revenging revenges Willing That is not all Israell but such onely as followed Barak who at the time had no authority in Israel Verse 2. The earth c. Hyperbolicall speaches signifying the power of Gods presence working in all his creatures Verse 4. Sinai That is to say not onely creatures which were as it were before GOD in his presence but also such as it were behind him were mooved Verse 6. Mother so called because beeing endued with the spirit of prophecie as a mother to her childrē so prophets were called fathers their disciples their sonnes Verse 7. Gates or ports signifying that the enemie was master of all for in the ports of cities judges sat and the munition of the citie lay there Verse 9. Whyte asses This may bee exponed either of merchants or great men as after chap. 10.4 12.14 Vers 13. EPHRAIM It may be meant of Deborah for chap. 4.5 it is said she dwelt in mount Ephraim Verse 14. A dish that is to say aboundantlie for the Hebrew word signifieth a veshell cup like appointed to be vsed at great sacrifices as chap. 6.38 Butter That is to say new milk new severed from the butter Observations of grounds for vse and doctrine Obs 1. DEBORAH conceived and sung this Song by a prophetick spirit the very daye when the benefite was gotten teaching vs heereby to giue thankes to God for his benefites without delaye not lingering with Iacob to go to Bethel and performe his vowes neither beeing vnthankfull altogether as the nyne lepers were to Christ The Ethnicks sung their Paeans immediatly after victorie over their enemies Obs 2. It is God who revengeth the wrongs done to his servants for it is his office Deut. 32. which when we find we should praise him Psal 18.47 neither should wee avenge our self Pro. 25.21 Ro. 12.10 Obs 3. v. 1. All true fortitude comes of God and is his gift as the right vse of it and good event Psal 18 for our actions are not in our power Ier. 10.23 This doctrine refuteth the errour of mans free-will Obs 4. Whatsoever is writen in holy Scripture serveth not only for the age when it was written but also for the posteritie Rom. 15.4 1. Cor. 10.11 Obs 5. Kings Princes and potentates haue neede to bee exhorted to marke the judgements of God vpon their Peeres for pride so blinds their mindes that they mis-ken both God man Ps 2.10 Ps 70.12 Ps 82.6 Obs 6. Wee should remember Gods works of olde that wee may praise him trust in him and be comforted in the day of trouble Psal 77.11 Obs 7. vers 3.4 All creatures in heaven earth serve God only the Devils and mankind are rebellious Obs 8. Peace is a great benefite of God to Church common-wealth and Warre a great
Esay and is doing accordingly I will never forget this heavie hand of God vpon mee 7. Vpon such meditations the godly shall be comforted in time of sicknesse death as I now hoping yet for life and health from thee O Lord. 8 In place of peace health which I had God layd vpon me sore sicknesse and trouble of Spirit yet hee loves mee because howbeit hee hath afflicted mee sore yet hath hee not delivered mee to death Psal 118. but hath forgiven my sinnes and set mee away with peace 9. And this thou hast done that yet I might worship thee in the land of the living which bodies dead and buried cannot doe 10. But man living as I am yet shall praise thee and one generation shall deliver thy trueth vnto another 11. The Lord was readie to saue mee Therefore my song shall bee sung even this song tuned played vpon musicall instrumēts in witnesse of mee and my peoples thankfulnesse to God for this my deliverance The argument and analysis of this song HEzechiah king of Iudah beeing sicke of a desperat disease which the learned thinke to haue bene a pestilentious fever because mention is made of Byle It was Gods will that the Prophet Esay should say to him hee should die be that disease This messenger did much commoue Hezechiah partly because hee was then a younge man and had no child partly because he beeing tormented both in body and spirit seared death But chiefely because hee having long before resolved to serve God and doe good to his Church this good intention would faile Being in this estate hee prayed and weeped sore and the Lord heard and pittied him Therfore he sent againe to him the Prophet Esay with another more comportable commission then the first namely that hee should not die at this time but haue fifteene yeares added to his yeares hee had lived alreadie hee being thus comforted beganne to recognosce his thoughts in time of his sicknesse and to consider Gods great mercie toward him for the which he promised to bee thankfull all the dayes of his life These things after hee had convalesced hee put in write and makes the argument of this song The parts of the song are three The 1. is a recognoscing of his thoghts and words in tyme of his sicknesse from the 1. verse to the 6. The 2. is the consolation wherewith he comforted himselfe from the 6. verse to the 11. The 3. is the conclusion of the song verse 11. As to the 1. part hee sayeth his thoughts and words were these 1. hee thought and said hee would die of this disease verse 1. Next hee thought and said hee would haue no more tyme place or occasion to serue GOD among men living vpon the earth verse 2. Thirdly hee repeats his thoughts of death in similitude taken from sheepe-heards and weavers verse 3 4. Fourthly by the similitude of Crane swallowes doues hee expresseth his paine prayer verse 5. As for the 2. part to wit his conclusion the grounds thereof are these 1. that GOD declared to him his will by the Prophet that he should die and it was GODS hand vpon him 2. his resolution to passe the rest of his time in humilitie and repentance verse 6. Thirdly he comforts himfelf with Gods promise verse 7. Fourthly he comforteth himself with Gods mercie set downe with the motive thereof that God may bee honoured by his servants living vpon earth verse 8.9.10 The conclusion is that hee wil praise God while he liveth verse 11. Annotations vpon this Song Verse 1. I said through impatience I thought with my selfe I shall goe a description of death Rest of my yeares which by the course of nature I might have looked for Verse 2. I shall not see I shall be deprived of Gods visible presence in his Church I AH I AH This doubling showeth his great loue to God and his worship Verse 3. My habitation hee compareth the life of man to a tent and webbe Verse 4. I resolved That is I layd my compt A Lyon the like Iob David Christ felt Verse 5. Chattered being weake in body wounded in Spirit I could not vtter many words in prayer Verse 6. What shall I say to wit to my Maker see the like chap. 39.8 Iob 1.21 Heli 1. Sam. 3.18 David Psal 39 9 murmuring the contrare condemned Verse 7. These he meaneth Gods word and works Verse 8. For the grave so David Psal 6. Observations of grounds for vse and doctrine Obs 1. HEZECHIAH left behinde him this song as a monument of Gods mercie towards him so did David many Psalmes and God honoured both with place in holy Scripture which shall not bee forgot or lost so long as the world shall last I will honour those that honour mee saith the LORD 1. Sam. 2.30 Obs 2. verse 1.2.3.4 Hee complaines not for feare of death as loving this life so well that hee had no knowledge faith or hope of a better life after this but heereby he showes what paines he had in his body what agony in his souse beeing sensible of his sins and of Gods anger yet there betwo things that make men willing to die some earthly thing whervnto their heart is teathered or want of knowledge of the joyes of Heaven Obs 3. vers 5. Hee could vtter few words in prayer for griefe and paine yet God saw his teares heard his pittifull sighs and groanes This should teach vs in greatest troubles yea in the midst of the shaddow of death to hold fast our confidence in God Ps 23.4 Heb. 10.35 Obs 4. vers 6. The grounds that Hezeckiah laid for his comfort wee should vse to the lyke end see the analysis Obs 5. The LORD wounds and heales againe kils giues life therefore wee should alwayes feare serue and trust in him 1. Sam. 2.6 Obs 6. The chiefe end of mans lyfe is to know God and serue him therefore this should bee the principall cause of our desire to liue Obs 7. Death is a web of our owne spinning because by sinne wee brought it on vs yet God is said to cut out the web of our life because he begins it promoves it ends it when hee pleases This may bee the moralitie of the Poets fable of the three weirdsisters Obs 8. When God forgiueth a man his sinne hee takes away the punishment also as Hezechiah testifieth by his experience and this refuteth the doctrine of Romanists of remission of sinne and reservation of punishment where vpon they build purgatorie Obs 9.7.8 9.10.11 verse When God hath afflicted vs and delivered vs againe we should be humble thankfull penitent praying for perseverence least wee fall againe with Hezechiah Es 3.9 This song paraphrased in English meeter to the tune of the 102. Psalme Verse 1. WHen that I thought my dayes were cut I said vnto the graue I 'me put My yeares are spent no moe remaine 2. GOD in this life to see againe No longer men I say behold Heere vpon earth
although I would 3. My tabernacle now is rent I flit as sheepheards doe from tent My web like weaver I cut out My like I meane for thou but doubt Will mee cut off O LORD with noy And mee from day to night destroy No rest I get into the night 4. And in the morning by his might Lyke to a lyon hee mee breakes Both day and night so sore hee shakes 5. As Crane or Swallow or lyke Doue I murne I sigh I chatter now I lift my eyes I say this best LORD I am weake giue thou mee rest 6. I hold my peace because that hee Both said and did all this to mee With sorrow humble will I goe Spending my life heereafter so 7. Vpon thy promise wee depend And on thy mercie without end These are the life of this my spirit To make mee heale thou thinks it meete 8. In place of peace I had great paine Thou lov'd my soule brought it againe From pit for all my sinnes past Behind thy backe now thou hast cast 9. Man gone to graue cannot confesse Nor praise thy name there more or lesse Nor can they trust more in thy treuth 10 But such on earth whom thou hast reuth As I this day now living doe Thy trueth their seed will tell vnto 11. The LORD was readie mee to saue The song of the blessed Virgin Marie Luk. chap. 1. MY soule magnifieth the LORD And my spirit leaps for joy in GOD my Saviour Because hee hath looked vnto the humilitie of his hand-maid for behold from this time all nations shall call mee blessed For hee who is mighty hath done vnto me great things and holy is his Name And his mercie to generations of generations to them that feare him Hee hath done a powerfull worke with his arme hee hath scattered the proude with the discourse of their heart Hee hath pulled the mightie out of thrones and hath exalted the humble Hee filled the hungry with good things and hath sent the rich away emptie Hee hath taken vp Israel his child to remember his mercie As hee spake to our fathers Abraham and his seed for ever 1. I Am so ravished with admiration of the mercie goodnesse and power of GOD toward mee that all the powers of my soule concurre with my tounge to praise him 2. And this is the cause of the exceeding great joy of my spirit even to thinke vpon GOD my Saviour 3. Who hath looked vpon mee his handmaid of low degree and hath honored me so that now in al tims to come all people shall proclaime mee a blessed woman the mother of that blessed seed 4 For the strong and holie GOD hath done great and wonderfull things by me 5. And he is not onely good to me but also to all that loue him and serue him in all ages 6. By his mightie power he hath wroght a great work he hath dissipat the proud and all their devyces 7. God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble exalting them which will be seene shortly vpon my Sonne me and Herod 8. Such as were poore and in hard estate as my husband and I he hath made aboundantly content And vpō rich men as Herod he is bringing great miserie and male-contentment 9. With his owne hand hee hath lifted vp Israel his servant and exalted him who before was despised remembring his covenant of grace made with Abraham Isaac and Iacob our fathers 10 Even that everlasting covenant concerning the seed of Abraham The argument and analysis of this song MARIE having harkned to the message of the Angell Gabriel hasted to Hebron a towne of the trybe of Iudah pertaining to the Levits situat among the mountaines where Zachariah Elisabeth her coosin dwelt to show her this mervelous worke of God with her that she a virgin not knowing man had conceived by the holy Ghost that child who should bee the Messias promised to the fathers Now so soone as Mary came to Elisabeth and saluted her At the voyce of Maries salutation Iohn the Baptist who was to bee the forerunner of CHRIST leapt within the wombe of Elisabeth And Elisabeth beeing filled with the holy Ghost told Marie the tydings she came to tell her before Marie vttered a word more then the salutation and shee proclaimed Marie to bee a blessed woman the mother of her LORD the fruite of her wombe blessed and shew her that so soone as shee heard the voyce of her salutation her owne child leapt for joy within her bellie Even Iohn sayeth Augustine moving saluteth Christ whom as yet hee could not salute with words And Elisabeth assured Marie that that should come to passe which was told her from the Lord by his Angell Then Marie moved by the holie Spirit vttered the words of this song containing the praise of GOD for his great mercie and goodnesse towards her and towards all his servants in all ages and for his wise just powerfull providence for his Church and against the enemies thereof according to his covenant with Abraham and his seed for ever The parts of the song are 2. the 1. containeth a proposition of her praising of GOD and rejoycing in him verse 1.2 The 2. containeth reasons of the proposition which are 7. in number The 1. is taken from GODS goodnesse towards her and the consequent thereof that hence foorth all ages shall call her blessed verse 3. The 2 is taken from GODS wonderfull power in working with her and his holinesse verse 4. The 3. is taken from the continuing of Gods mercie to his servants their posteritie verse 5. The 4. is taken from Gods power over the enemies of his Church verse 6. The 5. is taken from GODS power and justice over wicked men bee they never so mightie and his power goodnesse grace to such as in humilitie serue him verse 7. The 6. is taken from Gods compassion vpon poore ones his dispysing of the rich who trust in their riches The 7. is taken from Gods goodnesse to his people Israell and the efficient cause thereof to wit his covenant with their fathers verse 9.10 Annotations vpon this Song Verse 1. MAgnifieth that is inlarges it self to think of his greatnesse and goodnesse for no creature can comprehend GOD fully farre lesse adde to his perfection Verse 2. In or for and this sheweth the efficient cause and verie object of her joy My Saviour The Syriak interpretation is quickning mee Verse 3. Looked that is favourablie accepted Gen. 4. chap. v. 4.5 Humilitie The word imports a low and despysed estate not the merite of vertue in her as they alledge who mantaine that divine worship is due to Marie in a hy degree But Theophylactus exponing these words sayeth better I shall bee called blessed not for my vertue but because GOD hath done great things for me Verse 5. To generations according to the promise Exod. 20.6 Psal 103.17 Feare him feare in holy Scripture oft signifyeth all duety wee owe to GOD and
is to bee vnderstood of the filial not servile feare Rom. 5.15 Verse 6. A powerfull thing the Syriak interprets this victorie Scattered as the whirle winde doth chaffe Psal 1. Verse 8. Hungrie she alluds to the words of Channa in her song Taken vp with his hand to deliver which the Greeke word properly signifieth as Galen witnesses and so is to bee exponed Heb. 3.16 and the consideration heereof giveth another meaning to that Scripture then commonly interpreters doe Child Syriak his servant as Esay 41 8.9 Observations of grounds for vse and doctrine Obs 1. THis the first song in the new Testament sung by the blessed Virgin Marie as the first song in the old Testament was sung by Marie Moses sister both about one time of the yeare both by women both by Maries and in many things the purposes of both agrees Obs 2. verse I. 2. The spirit of GOD in lightneth the eyes of the minds of his servants to see clearely his benefites and their greatnesse he fils their hearts with spirituall joy opens their mouth to praise while as the wicked are like to swyne who eat fruit falling from the tree but never looke where from it came Obs 3. vers 3. God is said in holy Scripture to respect or looke vpon men or women when he showes any token of his favour to them and by the contrare not to respect or looke vpon them when hee is angry the similitude is borrowed from parents or masters to their children or servants Obs 4 Marie heere in the verses following seemes to allude to the 98. Psalme teaching vs to bee well acquaint with holy Scripture that wee may make vse thereof in due time Obs 5. vers 4. 5. Gods promises to the godly import everlasting good things And therefore the per formance of his promise by temporall benefites should bee to vs pledges of his eternall loue Obs 6. Compare the verses following with Psal 1. Psal 63. Esay 29. Obs 7. GOD takes the wicked in their owne crafts making evill counsell worse to the giuer Obs 8. When God will put forth his hand to helpe he comforts his Church confounds his enemies Es 41.10 Obs 9. verse 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. God is faithfull and fails not his servants Ios 1.5 Heb. 13.6 This song paraphrased in English meeter to the tune of the 19. Psalme Verse 1. MY soule the Lord doth magnifie 2. and sprit in him rejoyce Hee is my GOD and Saviour To him I sing with noyse 3. For hee the poore estate of mee his hand-maid did respect And now from hence no people shall to call mee blest neglect 4. The mightie LORD to mee hath done things marvelous and great 5. His Name is holy and his grace sits in eternall seate To such as feare his holy Name and worship him in treuth 6. A mightie worke his arme hath wrought the Proude destroy'd but reuth 7. The mightie men out of their thrones hee pulled hath with strength And such as were of low degree exalted at the length 8. With good things hee the hungrie fils the rich sends poore away 9 His servant Israel hath hee tane for to protect alway For why hee hath remembered his covenant of grace 10. Which with our fathers hee did make and seed to come in place Of Abraham I chiefely meane and his posteritie That they should finde to them and theirs The Song of ZACHARIE Luke 1. Text. BLessed be the LORD the God of Israell because hee hath visited and made redemption to his people And hath raised vp the horne of salvation to vs in the house of David his child As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets which haue beene since the world beganne Salvation from our enemies from the hand of al that hate vs. To make mercie with our fathers and to remember his holy testament The oath which he swore to Abraham our father To giue vnto vs delivered from the hand of our enemies to serue him without feare In holynesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of our lyfe And thou babe shall bee called the Prophet of the most High for thou shall goe before before the face of the LORD to prepare his wayes To giue the knowledge of salvation to his people in the remission of their sinnes By the bowels of mercie of our GOD by the which he hath visited vs who comes from aboue To shine to them that sit in darknesse in the shaddow of death to direct our feete in the way of peace Paraphrase 1. Let God bee praised and preached most worthie of praise because that now hee hath declared that he was mindefull of his people in sending his Sonne to visit and redeeme them 2. And now while as the strength of Israel seemed to bee gone and the promise made to David to haue failed he hath raised vp his CHRIST who by his strength shall overthrow our enemies and establish the kingdome in the house of David 3. According to his promises by his servants continued in all ages since the beginning 4. Who prophecied that we should bee delivered from our enemies and from the power of all who hate vs. 5. And to performe his mercie promised to our fathers and shew hee did remember his covenant made seald to Abraham 6. By oath vision and circumcision 7. That wee beeing delivered from the power of our enemies might serue him willingly boldly 8. In holynesse and true righteousnesse in his sight continually who searches the hearts and raines so long as wee liue 9. But now thou my younge sonne though thou seeme litle worth yet thou shall be a great one even furriour of the great King and his forerunner to prepare his peoples hearts to receaue him 10. Opning to them the way of salvation in repentance and faith in the blood of Christ the Lambe of God who takes away the sins of the world 12. Which is the greatest mercie given vs by GOD manifesting his Sonne in the flesh who commeth from Heaven 13. Who also shall be a light to the Gentiles who now sit in darknesse and deadly ignorance lead both vs and them to true happinesse The argument and analysis of this song ZACHARIE the father of Iohn the Baptist a priest of the order of Abiah when hee was doing his office according to the order of his course in the temple of the LORD Gabriel the Angell appeared vnto him and told him that his wife Elisabeth should beare him a sonne commanded him to call his name Iohn Also hee shew him that hee should bee that Elias of whom Malachi prophecied chap 4. v. 5. Which message Zacharie doubted of considering that both hee and Elisabeth were old and she had beene all her dayes till then barren Therefore he was striken with dumbnesse vntill the day Iohn was borne so that vpon the eight day after when they were about the circumcision of the child they speared at him how the childe should be called
in the midst of the pryde and rage of the enemie in the hight of their confidence and hope to bring vs back to be their perpetuall slaves 10. But thou disapointed thē with a winde which made a dry way for thy people and with the sea which turned and drowned them all 11. Let all the mightie that ever were so accounted be rehearsed which of them may bee compared with thee O LORD in holines or goodnes in acts praise worthie and wonderfull 12. By thy mightie power the sea which drowned them was made the place of their buriall 13. Now hast thou begun to lead thy people whom of thy free mercie thou hast redeemed now thou hast begun to guyde thē to the place where thy holynesse promised to dwell in the mids of thē 14. This thy worke O Lord shall not rest heere but thou shal strik with feare other nations and with sorrow the Palestins whom thou hast appointed a prey for thy people 15. The Princes of Edom the strong men of Moab and all the heathen who know not and serue not thee shall feare chieflie the Canaanits cursed of olde and destinate to be rooted out by thy people Israell 16. Thou shall worke with them so powerfully that they shall bee as stones neither speaking nor moving vntill all thy people passe by thē whom thou hast set at liberty to place them in the land appointed for them 17. To holy Canaan shalt thou bring them which thou keepes as an inheritance for them where thou will dwell amongst them and by thy presence sanctifie establish both it and them 18. IEHOVAH who now hath kythed to bee our King of his Kingdome there shall bee no end The argument and analysis of this Song THis Song Moses and all Israel sung to the praise of God the day after the Lord led them through the red Sea on dry land and after the Lord caused the waters returne vpon Pharaohs chariots horsemen who persued and followed his people and therewith drowned them all The parts of this Song are three 1. a preface verse 1. next the purpose of the song from the 1. verse to the 18. Thirdly the conclusion verse 18. The preface containes three things 1. the maker and vptaker of the Song to wit Moses in these words I will sing 2. the person in whose praise this Song was made sung in these wordes to Iehovah 3. a reason of the making and vptaking of this song and praising of the Lord thereby and it hath two parts the 1 taken frō Gods excellencie generally in these wordes for hee hath excelled wonderfully the 2. taken from a present particular document of his excellency in these words the horse and his rider hath hee throwne in the Sea The purpose of this Song containes two thinges 1. the praise of God from the beginning of the 2. ver to the 14 Secondly a Prophesie of the consequents of this great worke in bringing his people through the red Sea on dry land and drowning Pharoah and his whole armie who pursued his people The praise of God is expressed 1. by the causes presently moving to praise him 2. by a vowe heerafter by word and deede to be thankfull to him verse 2. Next they praise God by enumeration of argumēts of his praise from the 2. ver to the 14. Those arguments are eight in number the 1 is taken from his valour in these wordes the Lord is a mightie Warriour the 2. proving the 1. is taken from his Name in these wordes Iehovah is his Name This name imports his eternity his trueth in performing his promises his beeing to bee of himself and no other and that hee gives being to all creatures and therfore able to destroy them againe when he pleases ver 3. The third argument of his praise is taken from the worke presently done vpon Pharaoh and his hoste verse 4.5 The fourth argument of his praise is taken from his power conjunct with his justice in destroying his enemies and such as rose vp against him verse 6.7 The fifth argument of his praise is taken from his power conjunct with his goodnesse to his people verse 8. The sixth argument of his praise is taken from the comparison of this work of God with the presumption and pride of the enemy who thought and said all was in his power but God blew with his wind and caused the waters drown him and his armie verse 9.10 The 7. argument of his praise is taken from the supereminencie of GOD above all men in the world who seeme mightie and this supereminencie is set downe in three particulars Holinesse fearefullnesse wonderfulnesse all kything in this worke His holinesse in delivering his people from a mightie cruell Tyranne his fearefulnesse in destroying the tyran and his whole army together his wonderfulnesse in divyding the Sea making his people to goe through the middest of it vpon dry ground and making their enemies by wind and water therein to drowne verse 11.12 The 8. argument of his praise is taken from his mercie and trueth to his people beginning with this work to manifest the same and to confirme their faith and hope of performing his promise made to their fathers verse 13. The prophesie of the consequents of this work of God containes three things 1. concerning the nations by whose land the people of Israel should passe to the land of promise namely the Edomites and Moabites that feare and astonishment should fall vpon them force them to let his people passe by The 2. concernes the inhabitants of Palestina chiefly the Canaanits that their hearts should melt away for feare verse 14.15.16 The 3. thing in the prophecie concernes GODS people That God should bring them vnto possesse them in as their inheritāce the land promised to their fathers and dwell amongst them by the meanes of his publick visible worship verse 17. The conclusion of the song is that the Kingdome of God is everlasting Annotations vpon this Song Verse 1. I will sing not onlie for to witnesse our thankfulnese to God for our deliverance but also for confirmation of the trueth of this Historie for sixe hundreth thousand men with their wives and children bore witnesse in signing this Song Vnto Iehovah that is vnto his praise so Psal 106. ver 12. compare this song with the song Apoc. 15. ver 2.3.4 both sung at the Sea Harpes of timbrels in the singers hands The songs are of Moses and of the Lambe the one delivered from the bondage and persecution of Pharaoh the other from the beast Antichrist or the Pope Verse 2. IAH a proper name of God first mentioned on in holy Scripture next Psal 68.5 In Greek in the new Testament it is joyned to Halelu to make Haleluiah that is Praise yee the Lord the whole compond word is originally Hebrew see Apoc. 19.1.3.4.6 Strength so signifieth the Hebrew word properly yet seing it is joyned heere with these words sung it signifieth the strength
lead captiue thy captivitie thou sonne of Abinoam Then hee that remained ruled over the nobles of the people IEHOVAH shall beare rule to mee among the strong Out of Ephraim whose root streatches to Amalek after Beniamin among thy people out of Machir they came downe and out of Zebulon they that draw with the rod of the writer And the Princes of Isachar with Deborah and Isachar with Barak sent downe to the valley vpon his feete for the divisions of Reuben great thoughts of heart Why sate thou betwixt two folds to heare the bleeting of the flocks for the division of Reuben great searching of heart Gilead dwelt still in the other syde Iordan and why dwelt Dan in ships Asher sat at the sea shore dwelt vpon his Creeks Zebulon Naphtali were the people who did hazard their soule to die vpon the places of the field The Kings came then they fought the Kings of Canaan fought in Taanah at the waters of Megiddo their desire of silver they got not The starres faught from the Heavens out of their degrees fought they with Sisera The river Kison swept theÌ„ away that ancient river Kison My soule shall trample vpon the strong Then were the horsehoofes bruised by the strokes of the strong Curse ye Meroz said the Angell of IEHOVAH Cursing curse yee the inhabitants thereof because they came not to helpe IEHOVAH to helpe IEHOVAH among the strong Iahel the wife of Cheber the Kenite shall bee blessed aboue women aboue women in tent she shall be blessed Hee asked water and shee gaue him milke she broght him butter in a dish for nobles Her hand sent themselves to the naile and her right hand to the haÌ„mer of worke men and shee hammered Sisera she cut off his head shee pricked through and pearsed the temple of his head Betwixt her feete hee was bowed together hee fell hee sleept betwixt her feet hee bowed himselfe hee fell where hee bowed himselfe there hee fell spoyled The mother of Sisera looked through the window and cryed out at the open of the window Why tarryes his charet from comming why are the turning of his foure wheeles made slow Her wise ladies answered vnto her also shee her selfe turned her speaches to her selfe Haue they not found shall they not divyde the spoyle one damosell two damosels for everie man The spoyle of colours for Sisera himselfe the spoyle of party collours of needle worke two of spoyle for the necke So let thy enemies all perish IEHOVAH and let those that loue him bee as the sunne going foorth in his strength Paraphrase PRaise yee the LORD who both hath made you able to revenge your selfe vpon your enemies and given you courage to fight and power to overcome them 2. O yee Kings who trust in your might rulers who lift vp your selfe in pryde heare and hearken vnto the words of this song wherein the LORD the GOD of Israel is praised for it serveth to teach you 3 O LORD when thou led thy people from mount Seir and the land of Edom toward the land of Canaan all creatures in Heaven and earth were moved with thy presence among thy people 4 Yea the mountaines that seemd so solid melted before the face of the LORD even mount Sinai where thou gaue thy law 5. A long time before this our last deliverance our estate was so hard that from the death of Ehud vnto this tyme none durst goe abroad for feare of the enemie 6. And as the people durst not travell in hie wayes So might they not abyde in villages vntill the time that GOD raised mee vp to foretell and confirme the deliverance of his people 7. Because Israel chosed new gods God raised vp new enemies to sight against them and oppresse them so that no weapon was found among them 8. I rejoyce of the Princes of Israel and of the people who came willingly to battell Blesse ye the Lord. 9 Let al sort of people speak of this work of God but namely merchants judges way-faring folke where before hid them selues for feare of the enemie 10. Before for feare of the enemy they durst not come foorth to draw water nor inhabit villages nor minister justice now the case is altered by the righteous acts of the LORD which wee should proclaime 11. Thou Deborah a prophetesse ryse vp and sing thy song of praise to GOD. and thou Barak captaine of the Lords armie triumph over the Cananite 12. When wee were left few in number and dispysed our enemiâ—s were manie and mightie yet the Lord hath made vs rule over theÌ„ 13. To this battel came some of the tribe of Ephraim of Beniamin and of the familie of Machir of the tribe of Manasseh of the tribe of Zebulon men more wise learned then valourous warriours 14. The Princes of Isachar were also with Deborah And Isachars souldiers being footemen attended Barak in the valley It greived vs much that the Reubenites concurred not to helpe vs. 15. Why had thou greater pleasure in the care of thy flocks nor in the care of the commonwealth more care of thy beasts then of GODS people wee marveled much when we saw Reuben absent 16. Gilead came not Dan for feare keept the boats of Iordan to flee away Asher also did stay at home in his surest places for refuge 17 Such courage zeale was in the tribs of Zebulon Naphtali who being few in number in comparison with their enemies did venter 18 Many Kings of Canaan sent their forces with Sisera who fought in the plaine betwixt Taanah Megiddo They looked for greater spoyle riches but brought none away 19. GOD shew himselfe partie against the enemies of his people and caused the starres in their stations fight against them 20. Hee also caused the river Kison to swell drowne them and made his people stout to slay them 21. So sore were the horse put at in fighting and fleeing that they being strong and beating the ground with their feete brake all their hoofes 22. Barak the Lords messenger had good cause to curse and bide curse the inhabitants of Meroz who would not come foorth to helpe GODS people being so neare them 23. Iahel the wife of Cheber the Kenite shall bee much praised aboue other women who dwell in tents 24. When Sisera fled came to her tent to hyde himselfe hee called for water to quench his thirst shee gaue him milke and butter in pretious vessels like a freind or servant 25. But when shee saw him fast a sleepe shee tooke one of the nailes of the tent with a hammer in her right hand wherewith she drove the naile throgh the temples of his head fast in the ground 26. So that hee lay first sleeping next dead among her feete notwithstanding all his strugling in the agony of death So ended this great Captaine oppressor of others 27. Sisera his mother looking for his returne with victorie being impatient whiles looked out at the window
plague therefore we should pray for it Psal 122.6 1. Tim. 2.2 and praise God for it Obs 9. vers 5.6 Princes and Princesses should be nourishers of the Church of God Esay 49.23 parents to their subjects therefore even the Ethnickes by the the light of nature called them Patres patriae and their kins-fold patritios Obs 10. vers 7. God is a jealous God and will not suffer his honour to be given to another but punisheth Idolaters with new punishments whatsoever the Idolatrie bee and howsoever mans ingine laboureth to collour or defend it Obs 11. vers 8 9.10 Wee should bee feeling members of the Church rejoysing when they rejoyce murning when they mourne Rom. 12.15 provoking others to serve God Psal 51.13 Obs 12. There are none so eminent in the Church who have not neede to bee stirred vp to their dueties Heb. 10 24. 2. Tim. 1.6 Obs 13. To triumph over enemies overcoming in lawfull warre is lawfull all triumphs amongst Gods people before Christs death were but praeludes and types of Christs triumph vpon the Crosse over principalities and powers Col. 2.15 and of his members at the latter day 1. Cor. 2.3 Obs 14 vers 11. Deborah hath the Song named after her Barak the triumph after him shee was the Prophetesse hee the leader of the Armie Iustice giveth to everie one his owne Obs 15. verse 13.14 By sinne Gods people are made the taile by repentance and obedience they become the head againe Deut. 28.12 Obs 16. As their names who have beene zealous for the cause of God and of their countrie are registrated for their everlasting good memorie so such as by infidelitie or feare haue lyen aback are noted with shame Prov. 10.7 Obs 17. vers 15.16.17 Reuben the father of that tribe regarded more his pleasure than his honour and so was degraduat by his father Iacob Gen. 49.3 This sticks to his posterity now so some sins are hereditary Obs 18. verse 18 Man proponeth and God disponeth yea Princes haue no power to performe all their intentions Psal 146.4 Prov. 21.1 Obs 19. verse 19.20 All creatures as at GODS command to fight against his enemies the enemies of his servants therefore hee is called the LORD of Hostes Devils and wicked men disobey the one hee holds in chaines Iud. 6. and hee can put his hooke in the nosthirles of the other Es 37.29 Obs 20. verse 21. Man should put his trust in GOD onely and in none other Psal 20.7 Psalme 146.3 Obs 21. verse 22. Whatsoever is done to Gods servants be it good or evill God thinkes it done to himself Mat. 25.25 Acts. 9.4 Obs 22 Before wee curse or vse imprecations wee should trye by what spirit wee are led as Christ said to his Disciples Iohn and Iames. God can overthrow mightie champions by weake meane and instruments as Pharaoh his overthrow Sisera's and many moe prove Obs 23. Deborah a true Prophetesse as the event declared the best tryall of prophesies are by event Obs 24. verse 23.24 25.26 Through faith the Fathers were renowmed Barak because his faith was weake had little honour in his victorie so Zachariah chastised for infiidelitie Christs disciples oft rebuked Obs 25. verse 27.28.29 When the wicked crye peace peace then suddenly commeth their destruction 1. Thess 3.3 The hope of the wicked shall perish the thing they feare shall come vpon them Obs 26. verse 30. The petitions of Gods servants moved by his holy Spirit registrated in holy Scripture are equivalent to promises and beeing turned in propositions comfort the godly may affray the wicked howbeit the Lord hold his Church vnder the crosse for a while yet their outgate shall be comfortable their end peace Ps 37. This song paraphrased in English meeter to the tune of the 76. Psalme Verse 1. THE LORD our quarrell hath revengd And made our people willing fight Now our estate is meekle changd To blesse his Name wee haue good right Vers 2. Heare O yee Kings and Princes all For to IEHOVAH sing I shall To Iaakobs GOD the GOD of might Vers 3. When thou O Lord from Seir went out And marched foorth from Edoms land The earth the clowds the Sphears about Were moved all at thy command Vers 4. The mountaines fled before thy face The mount Sinai shooke for a space Of Israels GOD they felt the hand Vers 5. When Sangar yet was in this life Whose father Anach was by name And Iahel also Chebers wife Israel did sustaine great shame Vers 6. For all their wayes were stopt about Till I Deborah did step out Israel thraldome from to clame Verse 7. Israel to them new gods did chuse And warres were made within their ports When they their GOD did then refuse No speare nor shield had their cohorts Vers 8. I loved then the nobles all That helped Israel in this thrall Blesse yee the LORD who vs comforts Vers 9. Merchants whyte asses on who ryde And yee in judgement who doe sit You who doe travell time and tyde Keepe not silence but speake of it Verse 10. For feare such as no water drew GODS justice foorth now they doe shew No justice now will judge omit Vers 11. Ryse vp ryse vp againe vp ryse Thou Deborah thy song to sing And thou Barak also aryse With thy triumph make earth to ring Vers 12. Lately vile slaves our nobles serv'd Now we doe reigne and they are starv'd Should wee not then praise GOD our King Vers 13. Ephram that pleasant mightie tree Whose roote to Amalek doth reach Did then send foorth strong boughs with mee Which Benjamin did also teach And Machir then for to come downe With the strong men of Zebulon Faire writers all and good in speach Vers 14. With Deborah the princes were Of Isachar as Barak chiefe With whom were many foote-men there Reuben Alas made no reliefe Vers 15. Then did yee sit as still as stockes To heare the bleating of your flockes And came not foorth to chase the thiefe Verse 16. Gilead beyond the river bode Then Dan with boats did still remaine Ascher like to a wylie Tod Sat at the sea next to the plaine Verse 17. But Zebulon and Napthali Hazard their soules though they should die Vpon the mountaines of the maine Verse 18. The kings came foorth to fight that day Even Canaans kings in Tanah field Megiddo's waters neare I say No profit did their labour yeild Verse 19. For starres from Heaven against them fought Vers 20. And Kisons flud against them wroght Ver. 21. I tramp the strong horsehoofes in field Verse 22. Gods Angell said Meroz bee curst Curse bitterly her people all To helpe the LORD that day who durst Not come among men strong and tall Verse 23. Blessed bee Iahel Chebers wife Aboue the women all her life Dwelling in tents which wee doe call Verse 24. Water hee ask'd shee gaue him milk And butter in a lordly plate Betwixt her hands as soft as silke Verse 25. Vnto a hammer made by art
Shee put her right hand and a naile In her left hand least shee should faile And through his temples causd it start Verse 26. Betwixt her feete hee bowed sore Hee fell hee sleept betwixt her feete Vntill in him was life no more And so to die for him was meete Verse 27. When his mother did then looke out To spye the fields round about Shee said my sonne stayes long in streete Verse 28. Her ladies wise did answere make And shee her selfe affirmed to Ver. 29. Now of the spoile their parts they take And so they haue now much ado So many damesels to divyde And colourd garments right well dy'de Right meete their shoulders all vnto Verse 30. O LORD let all those perish so That enemies are to thee and thine And such as loue thee moe and moe As cleare as sunne aboue to shine As cleare as sunne in his great strength So that thy Church may at the length Sing foorth thy praises with mee and myne The Song of CHANNAH 1. Samuel 2. Text. MY heart rejoyceth in IEHOVAH my horne is exalted in IEHOVAH my mouth is enlarged against my enemies for I rejoyce in thy salvation None holy like IEHOVAH for there is none but thou and no rocke like to our GOD. Multiplie not speaches highly highly let not the old come out of your mouth for IEHOVAH is a GOD of sciences and actions are not directed without him The bow of the strong is broken the weake is girded with strength They that were full of bread hath hyred themselfe and the hungrie hath ceased while the barren hath borne seven shee with many sonnes is weakned IEHOVAH kils and giues life casts downe to hell and makes to ascend IEHOVAH makes poore and rich hee causes to fall also hee exalts Hee raises the poore out of the dust hee lifts vp the beggar from the dung hill to make them sit with princes and makes them to inherit the throne of glorie for to IEHOVAH the pillars of the earth doe appertaine and he hath put vpon them the habitable world Hee will preserue the feete of his godly ones and the wicked shall bee silent in darknesse for a man shall not bee made strong by his owne strength IEHOVAH let their contentions be trampled vnder foote he shall thunder from Heaven vpon him IEHOVAH shall judge the ends of the earth and shall giue strength to his King and shall lift vp the horne of his CHRIST Paraphrase 1. OF this late and great benefite O LORD which thou hast bestowed vpon mee I haue conceaved so great joy that my heart which before was heavie now is light and my weakenesse made strong my mouth closed before is now opned against my enemies Pēinna others who reproached mee 2. In thee O LORD I rejoyce justlie who art most holy hath no companion neither is there any so able to saue 3. Speake not proudly as thou was wont to doe O my enemies for the LORD knowes all things and without him we can doe nothing 4 O Peninna thy strength is gone who insulted vpon my barrennesse and I who was weake am made strong 5. The case now is farre changed thou was full of prosperitie now thou must content thy selfe I was in great affliction when I had no child God hath now given to me one childe better nor seven more worth then all thine 6. The LORD is author of all changes can bring contrares out of contrares life out of death prosperitie out of adversitie light out of darknesse Gen. 1. 7. Povertie and riches are from the Lord low estate and honor comes frō him 8. None so poore whō God if hee will can not make rich none so vile but hee can make them honorable even companions to princes setting them in glorious thrones for the Lord hath set the pillars of the earth to it to stand vpon with the inhabitants there of which pillar is his word and power 9. All the wayes of the godly hee will direct and wicked men shall perish in darknesse for no man standeth in his owne strength 10. All who contend against GOD shall bee trode vnder foote hee shall thunder from Heaven against everie one of them the LORD shall judge the whole inhabitants of the world giving glory to his Sonne IESUS CHRIST the King of Kings The argument and analysis of this song CHANNAH the wife of Elkanah who also had another wife called Peninna beeing a long time barren which grieved her much for the Hebrew women knowing the promise of the seed of the woman to tread downe the head of the serpent Gen. 3. and that that seed should of the posteritie of Abraham their father esteemed barrennesse a great crosse And her companion Peninna having children to Elkanah insulting vpon her added affliction to the afflicted Therefore Channah prayed to God earnestly to comfort her to take away her reproach and giue her a son The Lord heard her prayer and gaue her a son whom therefore she called Samuell that is to say The strong God heard And shee beeing moved by the Spirit of GOD made and sung this song The parts of the song are 3. The 1 a proposition with the reason thereof verse 1.2 The 2. a dehortation with the reasons thereof from the 3. verse to the 9. The 3. the conclusion of the song verse 10. The proposition is of Channas joy in the LORD set foorth by the motives of her joy viz. the present benefite recaued and effect thereof her abilitie to answere Peninna and all other that vpbraided her before The reasons of the proposition are 2. the 1. taken frō the efficient joy to wit her deliverance from her griefe and reproach which shee ascribs to GOD and cals it hersalvation verse 1. The 2. reason is taken from the vnchangeable nature of GOD that hee is most holie most strong most true verse 2. The dehortation is proponed in the beginning of the 3. verse The summe of the proposition is That none specially Peninna bee any more proude or vtter loftie language which is the effect of pryde the reason of her dehortation are two The 1. is taken from Gods omniscience The 2. from his powerfull providence verse 3. The 2. reason is illustrat by the effects thereof 4.5.6.7.8 verse of which effects shee showeth the cause in the end of the 8. verse The conclusion of the song containes a pophecie of the salvation of the godly the destruction of the wicked with a reason 9. Next a petition conforme to the prophecie with a repetition more cleare of the prophecie verse 10. Annotations vpon this song AS this song begins so it cōtinues full of metaphors purposes flowing from great feeling and therefore wanting conjunctions In it also there be diverse apostrophees of al these the judicious reader may make vse Verse 1. Thy salvation so said Simeon in his song Luk. 3. for the saincts of old by temporall benefites as this was to Channa were stirred vp to thinke of the great salvation
shepheards watching their flocks in the night there appeared to them with the Angell a multitude of heavenly souldiers that is to say other Angels congratulating the nativitie of Christ and singing this song The parts of it are 3. The 1. concerneth God that the Angels in HEAVEN were praising him for manifesting his Sonne in the flesh The 2. concerneth mankynd vpon earth to whom peace is wished The 3. maketh mention of a greater benefite to them even GODS loving kindnesse Annotations vpon this song GOod will The Syriak exponeth a good message Peace For so it was then through all the world Men The Syriak exponeth the sonnes of man Observations for vse and doctrine IT is customable to earthly Princes to congratulate by their Ambassadors one another when children are procreated to them but the lyke of this was never heard before nor shall be heereafter That the eternall infinite everlasting GOD should send from Heaven a multitude of Angels his Ambassadours to congratulate the birth of a bairne teaching vs in what estimation GOD hath his sonne new manifested in the flesh how willing hee sent him in the world to redeeme vs. Obs 2. Outward peace is little worth where peace of conscience is away therefore to peace is well joyned Gods good will the sense whereof giveth peace inward This song paraphrased in English meeter to the tune of the 117. Psalme IN highest Heaven to GOD is glore Let men on earth yet praise him more For hee to vs his peace hath send In praising him our life to spend To men hath shew'd his great good will To laud his name should wee be still The song of Simeon Luke 2. Text. NOW LORD thou lettest goe thy servant in peace according to thy word For my eyes haue seene thy salvation Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glorie of thy people Israell Paraphrase 1. LORD thou said I should not depart froÌ„ this life vntill I had seene Messias now I haue seene him and am readie to die with peace and joy 2. Even with the eyes of body I haue seene him who shall saue vs. 3. Even Christ Iesus vpon whom both Iews Gentiles should looke and belieue in him their saviour 4. That light that was promised to bee revealed to the Gentiles and the glorie of the Iews being flesh of their flesh and bone of their bones The argument and analysis of this song SIMEON a just and godly man living in the dayes when IESUS CHRIST was borne had a revelation from the holy Ghost that hee should not see death before with his bodilie eyes hee had seene the LORDS CHRIST And when Ioseph and Mary brought Iesus to Ierusalem to present him to the LORD and offer according to the law of purification of women Simeon beeing mooved by the Spirit of GOD came to the Temple and tooke the babe IESUS in his armes and blessed GOD and vttered the words of this song shewing therewithall what child this was and what hee should bee The parts of the song are 2. The 1. in substance a thanksgiving in forme an affirmatiue proposition containing beside the subject and attribute the circumstance of time in the word now and of manner in the words according to thy word verse 1. The 2 part is a reason of the thanksgiving or proposition because he had seene with his bodilie eyes the Messiah whom he describs calling him the Gentils light Israels glory Annotations vpon this song Vers 1. LEttest goe The Greeke word is a metaphor from ships lowsing from one place to another port the Syriak hath Now let mee goe In peace That is happilie with inward peace joy Verse 2. My eyes that is the eyes of my body for otherwayes Abraham long before Simeon saw Christ with the eye of saith Iohn 8. is that sight which the Prophets desired to see beside the sight of faith 1. Pet 1 My salvation That is IESUS the Saviour thy Son The Syriak hath thy gratious Verse 3. Before the face as a worke to looke vnto and a light to follow Glory because come of them according to the flesh Observations for vse and doctrine Obs 1. SImeon Swan-lyke for whyte haires sang this sweet song before his death As Moses did another Deut. 32. Obs 2. The dayes were verie evill wherein Simeon lived which did appearantly make him wearie of his lyfe So Elias Ieremiah and other holy men haue bene tempted with this tentation Obs 3. The metaphor froÌ„ Mariners hauing a cable cast fast where they minde not to stay and casting it lowse when they will goe home teacheth vs that the life of the godly is a voyage throgh many stormes their death a goâ—â—â— home to their Heaven their port their rest Obs 4. The houre of our death is appointed by God therefore wee should neither too much loue life not hasten or feare to die Obs 5. vers 1. The end of the godly is peace Ps 37. Es 57. but no peace to the wicked ibid. Obs 6. vers 3. Christ is set forth by the preaching of the Ghospell before all people yet some looke vpon him and offend others looke vpon him and belieue 1. Cor. 1.13 1. Pet. 2.8 7. This song in meeter to the tune of the 25. Ps 1. NOW lettest thou O LORD thy servant part in peace According to thy promise made to mee of thy good grace 2. For why my eyes haue seene my LORD and Saviour 3. Whom thou hast set before our face to looke on every houre And al 's before the face of other people all 4. For heer 's the light revealed now to Gentiles whom wee call In whom Isra'l may glore as beeing Abrahams feed And sent to them now in due time in time of their great need FINIS
by CHRIST which Simeon looked for and saw more clearely and nearelie then his forbeares Vers 2. None holy no rocke This most true for holinesse and power are in GOD essentially and perfyte in the creature by communication onely and in part being compared with GOD. Iob. 4.18 Verse 5. Hath ceased To wit to bee hungrie and are filled Seven that is many Ruth 4.11 Set out themself to wit for hyred servants for want of food Verse 8. The pillars See Iob. 48. v. 4. Psal 124. v. 8. Psal 112.26 and 104. verse 5. Verse 10. To his KING that is to say to CHRIST IE SUS to whom hee was to giue all power in Heaven and earth as his appointed King Psal 2. Observations of grounds for vse and doctrine Obs 1. THis song is called a prayer because it is spoken to GOD and in end hath a prayer but the purpose of it is a thanksgiving and so these well joyned according to the precept of the Apostle Phi. 4.6 Obs 2. It is easie to GOD when hee will to make a heavie heart light and joyfull a dispysed person honorable one silenced to speake boldly These things and other benefites are obtained by humiliation prayer Obs 3. verse 1. Whatsoever benefite GOD bestows vpon vs wee should not so much thinke of it or vse it as looke to GOD the giver of it and praise him not being as the swyoe who feed vpon fallen fruit but looke not vp to the tree Obs 4. We should labour to know Gods attributes by his word and workes wee should meditate therevpon that wee may loue feare trust him and obey his will alwayes Obs 5. verse 2. It is easier to tell what God is not or to deny any creature to bee like him then to tell what hee is for God beeing alwayes infinit cannot be defyned affirmatiuelie so well as negatiuelie Obs 6. Pryde is a hereditarie sicknesse in men and women yet GOD resisteth the proude and giveth grace to the humble Iam. 4.6 Obs 7. verse 3. to the 8. The providence of GOD rules all things maks all mutations among men Ps 107. Obs 8. Wee should not look vpon things and judge of them by present apperance for the earth is as a stage wee are players there vpon everie one is not that hee seemeth to bee in the play for a beggar there may represent a King a wise man a foole a wicked man a good but wee should abide patiently the catastrophe of the play staying till the morning when everie man putteth on his owne coat that is the morning of the resurrection Psal 49.14 1. Iohn 3.1 Obs 9. verse 9.10 The godly of old tooke their deliverances particular and of the Kirk in generall as types of their great salvation by Christ which they looked for 1. Pet. 1.10 This song paraphrased in English meeter to the tune of the 103. Psalme Verse 1. MY heart rejoyceth in the Lord in him my horne is hie My mouth is open wyde and large against my enemie In thy salvation I joye 2. none holy like to thee For there is none but thou O Lord a God a rocke to mee 3. Speake thou no more words arrogant as thou was wont before For God knowes all things very well and doth both lesse and more 4. The strong mans Bow is broken quyte the weake hath put on strength 5. The full beginne to begge their bread the hungrie eate at length The barren hath her seven borne the mother of sonnes is weake 6. The Lord hee kills and giveth life casts downe and vp doth take 7. Hee makes men poore and hee makes rich hee humbles and raiseth hie 8. Ev'n poore men from the dung and dust Princes equalls to bee For to the Lord the pillars of the earth doe appertaine And therevpon hath hee set fast the world and all therein 9. The feete hee will keepe of his Saints that they may never swerve The wicked shall in darknesse dwell as they do well deserve No man shall by his owne strength stand 10. O Lord stoppe all their strife The Lord will shoot his thunderbolts at him from heaven right rife The ends of earth the Lord shal judge his King hee shall make strong And hee shall his Anoynteds horne lift vp ere it bee long The Song of Hezechiah King of Iudah Esay 38. Text. I Said in the cutting of my dayes I shall goe to the ports of the grave I am deprived of the rest of my yeares I said I shall not see IAH Iah in the land of the living I shall not behold man more with the inhabitants of the world My habitation is gone and flitted from me as a sheep-heards tent I haue cut off as a weaver my lyfe he wil cut me off from the thrum from the daye to the night thou will destroy mee I resolved vnto the morning as a Lyon hee so bruised all my bones from the daye to the night thou consumes me As a crane a swallow I chettered I sighed like a dove myne eyes were lifted vp to the hight IEHOVAH I am weake give me rest What shall I saye both hee said to mee and he himself hath done it I shall goe on all my yeeres with the bitternesse of my soule Lord vpon these they shall live in all wherein the lyfe of my spirit is and thou wilt heale me and give me life Behold for peace I had bitternesse and thou hast loved my soule from the pit of rottennesse because thou hast cast all my sinnes behind thy back For the graue shal not confesse vnto thee death praise thee neither shall they hope who goe downe to the pit to thy trueth The living the living hee shall confesse vnto thee as I this day the father to the sonnes shall make knowne thy trueth IEHOVAH to saue mee Therefore my songs shall we play all the dayes of our lyfe in the House of IEHOVAH Paraphrase 1. VVHen I thought God was cutting the threed of my life by deaths knife I thought and said within my selfe I shall now die young and child-lesse 2. Then my greatest griefe was that my bodily eyes should not see God for a long time and presentlie to be deprived of the sight of him in the mirrour of his workes word and Sacraments 3. My dwelling place leaves mee and I it as a sheep-herd leaveth his tent the web of my life is cut out as the weaver cutteth out a web out of his loome for I made it short by sins God hath made it short in his justice and gives to mee no rest daye or night 4. After the nights vnrest I looked for no better in the morning but that hee cruelly wold destroy mee 5. The cranes and swallows cannot speak in their pain yet they chatter and the dove cheeps so vnder so great griefe and paine I could doe nothing but mourne sigh lift vp my eyes and heart to God 6. It is the Lord I can neither say good nor euill he hath spoken to mee by his servant