he is the head of his Church and also in regard of the state of celestiall life and glory to which he was ordained by God his father and of which he hath taken possession from thence to power doune his spirit upon all those who are his V. 49. We have borne beeing engendered by him we have bin like him in nature and qualities shall also bâ—eing regenerated by him wee shall be also made like him in glory V. 50. Now this as the vicious nature of of man signified by these termes of flesh and bloud ought to be changed by the gift of the holy Ghost to have entrance into Gods kingdome so the body ought to be spoiled of its corruptible mortall and animall qualities before it can enjoy the everlasting and glorious life 2. Cor. 5. 1. 4. V. 51. We shall not all those beleevers which shall bee found aliue at CHRISTS last comming shall not die a naturall death which is with sicknesse sorrow and perishing of the body but in stead thereof there shall be in them a sodaine change of qualities V. 52. we shall be namely those beleevers who shall be then living And the Apostle speakes thus to teach every one to be prepared expecting that day every moment 1 Thess. 4. 15. 17. V. 54. Swallowed up destroyed and brought to nothing Rev. 20. 14. in victory that is to say eternally according to the meaning of this phrase amongst the Hebrews from whom it is taken V. 56. The sâ—ing namely that thing which armeth and gives death and hell strength and victory over us The strength namely that by vertue of which sinne produceth utter condemnation and death upon man namely in so much as he transgresseth the law Rom. 4. 15. which besides beeing unable to correct mans wickednesse doth kindle and exasperate it Rom. 5. 20. and 7. 5. 8. 9. 13 V. 57. Through Our lord iâ— as much as through his satisfaction condemnation is disannulled and through his spirit of regeneration the kingdome of sinne is ouerthrowne Rom. 8. 1. 2. 3 and by his coâ—porall death he freeth vs from the reliques of sinne and by his resurrection he freeth vs from all manner of Subiection to death V. 58. In the worke in all actions belonging to your heauenly vocation and to the servâ—ce of God Not in vaine namelie without fruit or reward seeing there is a resurrection eternall happinesse In the Lord that is â—o say iâ—respeect of God and of Christ and accordinge to the manner and order as he vseth in rewarding those who are his with spirituall and everlasting goods which is spoken in opposition of the world in which beleevers ought not to looke for there reward CHAP. XVI VER 1. COllection namelie contribution of almes For the Saints namelie for the Churches of Ierusalem and Iudea V. 2. The first day which was the Sunday which after the Lords resurection and his appearings upon that day Iohn 20. 19. 26. was dedicated to sacred actions and assemblies in stead of the ancient Sabbath Acts 20. 7. Reu. 1. 10. Haâ—â— prospâ—ed as he shall iudge fitting to be done according to reason Or according to the prospering of 〈◊〉 estate V. 6. That ye may desiring to have some of you to beare me companie in my voyages becausâ— of the great confidance I have in you I will stay till the season and time of yeare be sitting because I will not vrge you to any discommoditie V. 9. Doore namelie an occasion of preaching and advancing the worke of the Gospell namelie in Ephesus Acts 19. 1. 9. 23. V. 10. Come to you because that he had given him aduice to goe theither 1. Cor. 4. 17. V. 11. Dispisâ— him for his youth 1 Tim. 4. 12. Jâ—peace louinglie or saâ—elie With the brethren be seemes to meane other brethren who accompanied Timothie V. 15. Adâ—cted themselues nameliâ— to the ministrie of the Gospell as it seemes to be set foorth in the verse following Oâ— in the office of Deacon V. 16. Submâ—tt as to lawfull guides of the Church And labouâ—eth in the holie ministrie which is common to vs all V. 17. That which was namelie the comfort of the spirit or pereadventure bodilie assistance which by reason of your remoâ—enesse I can not re 〈…〉 from you Philip. 2. 〈◊〉 Philp. 13. V. 18. My spirit namely my soule which 〈…〉 holly yours by a sincere and perfect love V. 19. In the Lord that is to say with a spirituall affection in the communion of Christ. V. 21. With mine owne The Apostle employing some scribes for to write his epistles Rom. â—6 22. was wont in the end of them to write something with his owne hand which was well knowen to the Châ—rches to prevent supposed epistles and keep the Church from being deceived Such are this ver and the two following in the first of which he excludes the false brethren who are Christâ— and his churches enemies not only from these his testimonies of charity but even from the communion of Saints V. 22. Anathema a greeke word used in solemne excommunications which signifieth curse and execration See 1. Cor. 12. 3. Maranatha A Syriack word which signifie the Lord commeth vsed amongst Christians in the highest and greatest excommunications in imitation of other equivalent termes which was alwayes used amongst the Iewes to signifie a citing of the excommunicate person before the terrible judgment Seat of God at the last comming of the sonne of God See Iude 15. V. 24. My love I present my good will unto you and all mine intimate affections in the spirituall communion of Christ. The Second Epistle Of Saint Paule the Apostle to the Corinthians Argument THe former epistle having brought forth great fruit of correction in the Church of Corinth yet there remaining many disorderly persons amongst them who on set purpose and to the utmost of their powers did vilifie Saint Pauls â—uthority to with draw the Corinthians love respect and â—bedience from him he writs unto them this second epistle to exhort them to accomplish the reformation which they had so happily begun And at the very first beginning he writes unto them of his troubles combates and dangers and likâ—wise of his deliverances and comforts and desireth to be assisted by their prayers and to bee by 〈◊〉 seconded in his thansgivings Excusing himself for that he had not yet in person visited them according as he had given them hope that he would which was not by reason of any incon 〈…〉 cie in him but onely because he would give them time to sett their Church in such state that he might not at his comming he forced to use and Apoctolicall rigor to the common grief of them and him Commending them in the meane time for their obediâ—cce in the incâ—stuous mans case who bâ—eing becom 〈…〉 penitent upon the first admontion he exhorteth them to receive him again into the peace and communion of the Church giving his Apostolicall vote to the said absolution And he relates unto them how that
Towards thy holy habitation That is to say the land of Canaan where thou hast determined to set thy holy temple and the habitation of the signes of thy presence in grace and power V. 14. Shall â—eare The Italian Have heard it He speaketh of times to come in words signifying times past according to the manner of Prophets V. 16. As still The Hebrew hath it quiet and mute See Gen. 35. 5. Psa. 76. 6. V. 17. The mountaine that is to say the hilly countrey of Canaan which thou hast chosen for the place of thy service and for the habitation of thy people Deut. 32. 8. 9. especially mount Moriah destinated for the building of the Temple Psa. 75. V. 20. The Prophetesse See Num. 12. 2. A timbrell according to the manner of publick rejoycings Judg. 11. 34. 1 Sam. 18 6. Psa. 68. 26. Dancâ—s That is to say mounting motions of the body in token of rejoycing exultation and rapture of the mind without any lasciviousnes or lightnes See 2 Sam. 6. 14. 21. others translate it Flutes V. 21. Answered In manner of an antheme as 1 Chron. 16. 41. 2 Cron. 5. 18. Esdras 3. 11. Jer. 33. 11. V. 23. Marah That is to say bitternesse or a bitter thing V. 25. Atree Either that this naturall property was in the wood increased peradventure and strengthen'd by miracle or that all the vertue proceeded immediatly from God and that the wood was but only a token appointed by Gods will as 2 Kings 2. 20. and 4. 41. to which it pleased him to joyne his power to exercise the peoples and Moses faith and obedience Made he began to give them straiter lawes of obedience having by the meeting with these waters had a triall of their perversenesse and by the miraculous changing of them given them sufficient cause to depend wholly upon his providence Exod. 16. 4. Deut. 8. 16. V. 26 Diseases And other plagues Healeth Or preserveth 2 Cron. 30. 20. CHAP. XVI VERS 3. BY the hand by these miraculous plagues wherewith the Lord smote the Egyptians V. 4. From Heaven a food created by God in the aire wherefore it is called the corne of Heaven and Angels Psa. 78. 24 25. and 105. 40. V. 5. Prepare Because that Manna might be prepared diverse waies V. 23. Num. 11. 8. which was forbidden on the Sabbath day Ex. 35. 3. Bring in for the Sabbath dayes meales V. 6. That the Lord and not we of our own proper motion V. 7. The glory A miraculous effect of his soveraign power namely Manna V. 9. Before towards the pillar of cloud which was a token of Gods presence V. 10. The glory Some extraordinary and divine brightnesse Lev. 9. 6. 23. Num. 14. 10. V. 12. At even The Italian hath it Betweene the two evens see upon Exo. 12. 6. V. 13. The dew The Italian hath A floure of dew this was a superficies of a liquid and aereall substance which through the coolenes of the morning was congealed into little coâ—nes which were Manna V. 14. Gone up The Italian Vanished that liquid body beeing turned into cornes V. 15. Manna It should seeme that at that time Manna was the name of the airy honey or honied dew which to this day is to be found in diverse places like to that of the wildernes which was always so called by the Easterlings But Moses presently sheweth the difference namely that this was produced and sent by miracle for the time of their pilgrimage in the desert whereas the other is naturall and falleth only in certain places and at certain seasons V. 16. â—o his eating That is to say his own and his families An Omer A kind of measure containing the tenth part of an Epha v. 36. V. 20. Left of it either through distrust or curiosity V. 22. Same this sheweth that the people made this provision of their own accord to the end that they might observe the Sabbath and that Moses had not as yet declared unto them Gods command concerning that in the v. 5. wherefore the rulers feared the people had transgressed the commandment which was to gather no more but an Oâ—â—er a day V. 23. Bake For Manna was to be dressed these two ways Num. 11. 8. V. 25. Unto the Lord Dedicated to his service laying aside al other businesses V. 29. Let not man go out To gather Manna or to do any servile work because he was to be at the holy assemblies Lev. 23. 3 4. and it was lawfull to go a Sabbath dayes journey Act. 12. to walk upon lawfull occasions V. 33. Said unto After the Tabernacle was set up a Pot which was of gold Heb. 9. 4. Before the before the Aâ—ke which afterwards was the expressest and holiest signe of Gods presence V. 35. The testimony That is the Arke called of the testimony because that within it were the Tables of the Law Exo. 25. 25. Deut. 10. 5. wherein the Lord hath testified that is to say declared his will concerning mans duty and the Tables thereof are the sacred monument of his covenant Deut. 31. 26. CHAP. XVII VERS 1. Commandment Declared unto them by the standing still or moving of the pillar Exod. 13. 21. Now between Sin and Rephidim there were two resting places in Dophea and Alus Num. 33. 12 13. V. 2. Dâ— ye tempt Make a rash triall of his power and truth through incredulitie and of his patience through malice and boldnesse The Lord the son of God who was personally present in the middest of the people and did conduct them See Exo. 13. 21. 23. 21. and so the Apostle expound it 1 Cor. 10. 9. V. 5. Elders See Exo 3. 16. Now they were to bee eye witnesses of the miracle which was denied the people either by reason of their incredulity or to cause them to beare more reverence to the wonderful works of God see Exo. 24. 1. 9. V. 6. I will stand I will cause the pillar to stand there in token that in that very place I will shew forth the power of my presence V. 7. Massa and Meriba Temptation and strife see another Meriba Num. 20. 13. V. 9. I will Thou Joshua shalt do what belongeth to a Captain and I will look to my office of Prophet to mediate with God for his assistance and to use the rod the instrument of his miracles to dispense that grace and supernaturall power unto thee which I shall have obtained by my prayers V. 10. Hâ—r which sheweth that he was the head of the tribe of Judah which had the precedency of the other see Exo. â—4 14. 1 Chron 2. 19. So Hur was under Moses the chief politick magistrate as Aaron was chief of the Ecclesiasticall order and by these three was represented the whole body of the people when they joyned in prayer for the publick welfare V. 11 Held up with the rod in it For a token as well of the perseverance and fervour in prayer as of Gods action which followed in saving the people As
out For this seven dayes pollution Num. 19. 11. he shall not exclude himself out of the sanctuary where he must do me dayly service or going into it let him not pollute it Of the anointing oile consecrated by the anointing oile applied to the Priest having this crown upon his head Lev. 8. 9. 12. V. 15 Neither shall he prophane Through marriages unfitting for his degree and contrary unto my will Do sanctifie him I have conferred this sacred honour and office upon him which he must therefore preserve in its inviolable purity V. 17 Any blemish Have any defect deformity or naturall or accidentall imperfection V. 20 A blemish Some think that he toucheth specially two impediments of the eyes when all the humours of the eyes are mingled and when the christalline humour is become white V. 22 Most holy As were the shew bread the meat offerings the parts of sin offerings and trespasse offering see Lev. 2. 3. Holy Such as were the first fruits tithes and offerings of thanksgiving V. 23 He shall not go He shall not performe any part of the Priests office whereof one was to offer sacrifices upon the Altar in the Court the other was to carry the bloud of them into the holy place before the curtaine and there burne incense upon the golden Altar For I the Lord These holy places are sanctified by my presence and by the service which therein is performed to me and therefore none as I dislike ought to be admitted there as deficient or maimed persons CHAP. XXII VERS 2. SEparate themselves When they shall be uncleane by some ceremoniall pollution Prophane not That they faile not to beare due reverence unto my most sacred Majesty which reverence consists in punctually executing of my will V. 3 That goth unto To eat of them or to touch them Cut off See upon Gen. 17. 14. V. 7 His food His lawfull portion or estate for to maintaine him V 9 Do sanctifie them I have chosen them and called them unto an office the holinesse of which dependeth upon my self and therefore the prophanation thereof is both against my command and against mine honour and therefore deserves the greater punishment V. 10 Stranger That is not a Priest Of the Priests That sojournes in his house or feedeth at his table yet is none of his family V. 14 With the holy thing With the value of it V. 15 They shall not prophane Namely the Priests to whom all this is spoken v. 2. V. 24 shall ye make Gold none your selves nor do not buy any gâ—lt to offer in sacrifice V. 29 At your own will Observing strictly the Law of such sacrifices with all their rites described Lev. 7. 12. 15. for obedience was that which 〈◊〉 〈…〉 ices acceptable 1 Sam. 15. 22. V. 32 Shall ye prophane Contemne not my Majesty by violating of my commandements Be hallowed Making my self venerable and causing my self to be acknowledged holy and inviolable in my Majesty through my judgements Lev. 10. 3. Isa. 26. 15. If I have not been so with you through my commandements Which hallow you Who having given you a rule by my Law of all purity and innocency and the forme of inward holinesse by my Spirit will also revenge as a most just and most holy God the transgression of the one and the rejecting of the other CHAP XXIII VERS 2. PRoclaime By the sound of holy Trumpets sounded by the Priests Num. 10. 8. My feasts which I command and accept of and which are and may be truly dedicated to mine honour and service V. 7 No servile Corporall and painefull which employes the person such as masters use to employ their slaves in V. 10 Shallreape As soon as ye shall put the sickle into the corne which in those Countries was done the day after Easter Deut. 16. 9. V. 11 To be accepted That the Lord having received this homage and service from you may receive you you into favour and blesse you in all the rest of your harvest The Sabbath That is to say the feast of Easter v. 5. for so are called all the feasts which are made holy V. 14 Bread Made of new wheate Green eares Which were much used in those places either raw rubbed out or parched see Math. 12. 1. V. 16 Even unto Which was the day of Pentecost A new That is to say of new bread V. 17 Habitations It seemeth that this ought not to be understood of private houses but of Cities Castles Townes c. With leaven See upon Levit. 7. 13. V. 18 Young bullock Num. 28. 27. in stead of one bullock and two rammes there are two bullocks and one ramme whereby it seemes it was left to free choice of what sort they would offer two V. 20 They shall be Let all these things that are offered for first fruits be held as food sacred to the Lord and the parts thereof must be distributed the fat and kidneyes c. must be burnt upon the Altar and the rest must be for the high Priest and his family Num. 18. 12. no part thereof belonging to the private offerers as there doth in other sacrifices of thanksgiving V. 21 Proclaime With sound of Trumpet and publick acclamations as all other feasts were Exo. 32. 5 Num. 10. 2. 10 V. 24 Seventh moneth Which was the beginning of the civill and common yeare see upon Exod. 12. 2. and therefore it was the solemnest of all the new moones which were all kept holy A memoriall A holy day which shall bring into memory the benefits received from God the yeare before and also the preparations required for the holy duties which happened that moneth And a signe of Gods remembring his in his grace renewed by new sacrifices and devotions as by a warning with the sound of Trumpet see Num. 10. 10. V. 32 At Even Which was the end of the ninth day joyning upon the tenth Now all solemne feasts did take in some part of the precedent day for the preparation see upon Exo. 12. 6. 18. V. 34 Of Tabernacles Bowers or arbours to stand under at covert see Neh. 8. 15. V. 36 On the eighth day Which was not reckoned with the seven aforesaid for that day they did not observe the ceremonies of standing under those bowers but the people went into the Tabernacle or into the Temple in the City A solemne The Hebrew word signifiethan inclosure restraintor prohibition so were all the last days of your chief days that had many called festivall days Deut. 16. 8. because they closed up the feast and the people was then kept in holy places for the celebration of those days wherein all other work was forbidden V. 39 Also in the Moses comes againe to speak of the Tabernacles to set down some particular rites and circumstances thereof The fruit Of the fields vineyards and trees whose fruits were the last that were gathered V. 40 The boughes The Italian hath The fruit The boughes whereon the fruit yet hangeth Of goodlie trees
comfort and joy to men Shall fear so that they shall not dare to attempt any more against it seeing by proofs that God was present in it by the miraculous communication of his graces V. 13. The â—locks he hath a relation to the custom of shepherds namely to count their sheep one by one at their comming out of the sheepcoat or pen and at their comming in again with a wand in their hand see Levit. 27. 32. Ezech. 20. 37. and thereby is shewed the peaceable estate of a country yet he thereby chiefly meaneth Christs spirituall conduct who knoweth all his sheepe and calleth them by their names John 10. 3 11 12. V. 16. Be called not that the Christian Church is called so literally but the meaning is that all true beleevers whereof the Church is composed shall be justified before Christ by Christs onely righteousnesse who is the true everlasting God see Isa. 62. 4. Ezech. 48. 35. V. 17. Shall never want that is to say Christ the true Son of David according to the flesh shall live and reigne eternally V. 18. The Priests that is to say Christ who was figured by the ancient Priests shall continue for ever exercising his spirituall priesthood by his perpetuall intercession with God And the inferiour parts belonging to the said office namely praises beneficence c. shall be performed continually under him by his Elect made priests by him and especially by his sacred Ministers by the preaching of his Word and all true Evangelicall service V. 22. The seed namely all true beleevers made spirituall Kings and Priests by Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5 9. Revel 1. 6. and 5. 10. V. 24. Two families namely the principall branches of the people of Israel to wit the ten tribes and Judah Despised they make no account of the small remainder of people as if it were incredible that they should ever spring up again to be a Nation in form of state and common-wealth CHAP. XXXIIII Vers. 5. IN pâ—â—â—e that is to say by a naturall death and not a violent one Burne odours see 2 Chron. 16. 14. and 21. 19. V. 8. Had made that is to say when he had solemnly bound the people by oath every one to observe Gods Law in this point Proclaim by the fourteenth verse it appears that that yeer was the Sabbathicall yeer in which bondmen were to be set at liberty Exod. 21. 2. Deut. 15. 12. Now this Law being but badly observed was renewed in this distresse of the siege in manner of a publike repentance V. 11. Afterward thinking they were out of danger because that the Chaldeans had retired themselves from the siege vers 21. to goe as it is likely to fight with the reliefe that was comming out of Egypt Jer. 37. 7 11. V. 13. I made that is to say I gave them this command with the rest joyned with promises and threatnings V. 16. Polluted namely violated the sacred honour which was due unto me by your perjury and sleighting of the promise which you made in this Temple V. 17. I proclaim that is to say I doe give you over to these scourges I doe renounce all title of property in you and leave you to your own protection V. 18. Passed see concerning this Ceremony Gen. 15. 9 10 17. the meaning whereof it seems was to shew the correspondency of wills to which the contracters did binde themselves and the punishment of a violent death to which they submitted themselves in case they brake their promises vers 20. V. 19. Eunuchs or officers of the court V. 21. Gone up for a small time see upon v. 11. CHAP. XXXV Vers. 2. REchabites it was one of the families of the Kenites which descended from Jethro Moses his father in law which inhabited amongst those of the tribe of Judah see Jud. 1. 16 and 4. 11. 1 Chr. 2. â—5 The chambers of one of the great Porticoes which went about the courts of the Temple V. 4. Of the sons certainly it seems to be some family of Priests or other sacred Officers whose turn it was to wait upon the service that week according to the custom see 2 King 11. 5. Man of God namely a Prophet or peradventure the same man as is spoken of 2 Chron. 16. 7. Princes namely the two chief Priests under the high Priest or the chiefe of those who were in service that week Keeper that is to say one of the porters 1 Chron. 26. 1. and because the porters of the Temple had also the keeping of the holy vessels some have translated it The keeper of the holy vessels and ornaments V. 5. And said onely for to try them V. 6. Jonadab some think it was the same as was mentioned 2 King 10. 15. and so the word Father was to be taken for one that was born before him Others think it was their father indeed and that that order was but newly made Drinke no wine this was not enjoyned to establish any new arbitrary service or any rule of greater perfection of life but onely in imitation of the Nazarites Numb 6. 3. for to certaine his posterity in a discipline of life free from delights and enticements of the flesh and more conformable to the pastorall life of the M dianites who were their ancestors and more befitting them who professed to study and meditare upon holy things 1 Cor. 2. 55. Now their obedience to this humane command did aggravate the Jews rebellion against the Law of God V. 7. Strangers for being Midianites they were incorporated into the body of Gods people and grafted upon that stock Judg. 1. 16. V. 11. When this is added to shew that it was not of free will but compelled through necessity that they were come into Jerusalem V. 19. To stand those that were of Hamaths posterity from whom the Rechabites came had continually much applied themselves to the study of holy Writ 1 Chr. 2. 55. and did teach it publikely in the Temple see Jer. 36. 10. and therefore many of them were there very frequently And the continuation of this gift is here promised to the Rechabites together with Gods blessing CHAP. XXXVI Vers. 2. A Roll according to the old fashion of making books of long lists of skins rolled about a stick see Isa. 8. 1. V. 5. Shut up in the house and may not goe forth The cause is not set down and peradventure it was by reason of some legall pollution for the cleansing of which there were certain dayes prefixed Numb 19. 11. V. 6. Fasting day it was some extraordinary fast which was to be proclaimed afterwards v. 9. V. 7. Will present the Italian their prayer will fall before the Lord that is to say It will be presented by them with humility and shall be lovingly accepted at Gods hands V. 9. The ninth namely of the yeer current and not the yeer of Jehoiakims reign whose fifth yeere began but then as it appeares by vers 1. and 22. and this moneth was the November moon V.
the chiefe Magistrate of the people Num. 11. 16 17 24. V. 5. The feast day in the dayes of unleavened bread presently after the Passeover which were no festivall dayes The Iewes observe in their writings that their noted executions were reserved untill those solemne dayes to cause the greater terrour and example by reason of the great concourse of people to the feast but here the Priests advise not to proceed that way for feare of the peoples rising V. 6. Bethany See Mat. 21. 17. The Leper the cause of this sirname is unknowne peradventure he had bin cured of the leprosie by the Lord. V. 7. There came by Iohn the 12. 1 2. 12. it appeares that this hapned before Christs entrance into Ierusalem It may be that S. Matthew reserved this history for this place to make a continued narration of Iudas his treason after the first occasion of it which he took upon the losing of the price of this oile whereby he hoped to reape some benefit Powred it to honour him according to the custome of those times V. 8. His Disciples Iohn 124. this is especially referred to Iudas who it is likely was the author of this murmuring V. 1â— Alwayes the meaning is you have alwayes oportunity enough to releeve the poore but as for me who shall shortly dye for you and my corporall presence shortly after bee taken away from you will not know how to yeeld me any more humane service this woman hath done me as it were the last correspondent to that which they doe to dead bodies imbalming them which seeing it could not be done after my death see upon Mark 16. 1. she hath as one should say anticipated the doing of it in my life time So Christ doth esteeme of this deed more then the woman her selfe expected he would V. 15. Thirty peeces the Italian thirty sheckels according to the prophesie of Zech. 11. 12. and because that was the set price for servants that were killed Exod. 21. 32. it seemes there was some hidden mistery in this number Christ having taken upon him the forme of a servant V. 17. The first day namely the fourteenth day of the first moneth in the end of which they were to eat the Paschall Lambe Exod. 12. 18. Luke 22. 7. which Christ strictly observed But the Iewes by an ancient tradition even from that time that they dwelt in Babylon as it is thought when a great feast especially the Passeover was immediately before the Sabbath as it hapned at our Saviours passion they rejourned the feast untill the Sabbath to avoid the great incommodity of having two festivall dayes one after another and therefore in this Passeover they did eat the Lambe a day after the Lord had eaten it as it appears by Iohn 18. 28. and 19. 14. wherupon also that Sabbath is called the great day that is to say the yeerly feast Iohn 19. 31. V. 18. My time some important affaire urgeth me to celebrate the Passeover before the rest of the people though peradventure the man did not understand this secret and it should seeme that it was lawfull for any man that would to eat the Passeover the proper appointed day if he pleased to burthen himselfe with the observing of two festivall dayes together V. 23. That dippeth that ordinarily and now at this present also eateth with me Marke 14. 18. according to the prophesie of Psal. 41. 9. V. 24. Goeth to his death or shall shortly die V. 26. Were eating that is to say whilest they were yet at table Others expound it after they had eaten namely the Paschall Lambe Luke 22. 20. 1 Cor. 11. 25. Tooke bread a part of the bread or of the unleavened cake whereof they had eaten with the Lambe Here Christ ordaineth the new Sacrament of the Christian Church which is the holy Communion correspondent in its sense and use to the ancient Passeover which was also cancelled by this Now as the Iewes divided this Paschall Supper into two parts in the first they did eat the Lamb and in the second they did eat all round of an unleavened cake dipt in a sawâ—e made with bitter herbes and did drinke of the same cup called the cup of praise Psal. 116. 13. and it is likely that all this was done by our Saviour after that second part Luke 22. 20. and that the ceremonies were taken from thence Blessed it using the ordinary act of prayer at meales which was done here by Christ not so much in regard of the food of the body as in regard of the food of the soule to true beleevers by himselfe whereof this corporall bread was to be the Sacrament and seale Mark 14. 22. Luke 22. 17. 19. Or as Saint Paul saith 1 Cor. 10. 16. he blessed the bread that is to say he changed the ordinary and naturall use thereof into a Sacrament of the souls food and desired of God that this ceremony might be verified by his grace and spirit in the souls of beleevers and the true effect produced in them Break it in remembrance of the breaking of Christs body 1 Cor. 11. 24. by the piercing of it upon the Crosse or by his sufferances both in soule and body all the while that he was man This is this bread which is consecrated by me is the sacrament of my body offered as an expiatory sacrifice for you So oftentimes the spirituall names are attributed to these corporall parts of the Sacraments as are correspondent to them as well by the analogie of the signification as by the vertue of sealing and by the reality of the spirituall thing given and effected by God together with the use of the signe in true beleevers See Gen. 17. 10. Exod. 12. 11. and 40. 15. 1 Cor. 10. 4. 16. Ephes. 5. 26. My body that is to say my flesh Iohn 6. 53 54. to which Christ afterwards distinctly addeth his blood not only to represent himselfe whole by these two parts as Heb 2. 14. but chiefly to shew that his body in this Sacrament ought to be considered and apprehended by faith not so much living or glorified as offered in true sacrifice of expiation in which the blood was to be spilt and the thing offered to be cut in peeces verse 28. 〈◊〉 Cor. 11. 24. Finally under these two words Christ comprehendeth his whole person with his merit obedience vertue and benefits wherein consists the true pasture of the soul receaved to a spirituall and everlasting life by the mouth of it which is faith which also unites Christ unto it as food is united to the body V. 28. For this a reason why he commandeth them to participate of this cup because that it is the true Sacrament of the blood of the covenant of grace opposite to the figurative blood of the ancient covenant of the law Exod. 24. 8. Of the new upon which is grounded the everlasting covenant of God with men manifested and given out in a new manner more cleerly powerfully and fully under
indeterminable eternity of the Sonne of God equall with the Father in essence and glory vers 4. V. 9. Patience the Italian sufferance which he commands and brings forth in those who are his by his Spirit to his own likenesse see 2 Cor. 15. Others in the patient expecting of Christ. Patmos an Iland in the Archipelagâ— in these dayes by some called Palmosa into which Saint John was conâ—ined by Domitian the Emperour for the Gospel and the preaching thereof V. 10. In the Spirit that is to say In an extasie and rapture of minde in which all the senses were suspended and bound up by a supernaturall power and the understanding fixed and raised up to the contemplation of divine objects represented in the vision see Ezech. 11. 24. On the Lords day the Italian that is to say The day of the Lord So was the first day of the week called even from the Apostles time because that day the Lord was risen whereupon it was consecrated to exercises of piety in stead of the Sabbath see Acts 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 2. V. 12. I turned namely in vision The voyce namely him from whom it proceeded V. 13. Unto the Sonne the Italian unto a Sonne that is to say unto a man Dan. 7. 13. and 10. 1â— Revel 14. 14. and was Christ himself Revel 2. 18. who in vision shewed to Saint Iohn a likenesse of his humanity which is resident in Heaven V. 15. His feet see the explication of this upon Cant. 5. 15. Ezech. 1. 7. Dan. 10. 6. Fine brasse the Italian Calcolibano that is to say a kinde of most fine and bright brasse see Ezech. 1. 4. V. 16. Sword a figure of the most effectuall and penetrant power of Gods word in the destroying of his enemies and overcomming the world V. 18. Amen that is to say This is an everlasting truth which every one ought to acknowledge and worship The keyes namely the absolute power over these things to condemn unto them and to free from them at my pleasure V. 20. Are that is to say do signifie and represent The Angels that is to say the Bishops or the chiefe ministers honoured sometimes in Scripture with this title by reason of the resemblance of theirs and the Angels office concerning beleevers salvations see Eccles. 5. 6. Mal. 3. 1. The seven by which are meant the particular Churches because the Lord hath set in them the gift of his Spirit which is in stead of oil and faith which is in stead of fire to carry and hold up before all men the lamp of truth and knowledge of God and make it to shine before the eyes of the world by works see Zech. 4. 〈◊〉 Matth. 5. 15. Philip. 2. 15. CHAP. II. Vers. 1. THe Angel that is to say The Pastor or Bishop under whose person ought to be understood the whole Church That holdeth who is the soveraign Lord and master of all the Pastors who have no authority but from him who onely doth establish them and likewise can depose them according to their works Who walketh that is alwayes present and working in his Church in the power of his Spirit to preserve the light of his power and the oil of his grace in it as anciently the Priestâ— had the charge of the great Candlestick to make it clean and keep the lamps lighted in it all the night see Exod. 27. 20. and 30. 8. Levit. 24. 3. V. 3. Hast born the Italian hast born the burden namely those sufferings and that yoke which I have laid upon thee V. 5. Will reâ—â—â—ve that is to say I will deprive thee of every qualitie title and property of a Church transporting my grace and truth elsewhere Matth. 21. 21 41 43. V. 6. Nicolaitans most ancient hereticks who permitted the community of women and eating of idols sacrifices it is thought the name came from Nicolas a Deacon Actâ— 6. 5. and that the heresie was grounded upon an act and saying of his misunderstood if Histories be true V. 7. That overcommeth that is to say that perseveres unto the end against all assaules and temptations by a lively faith in me Will I give that is to say I will cause them to enjoy the everlasting goods of my glory Figurative termes taken from the earthly Paradiâ—e Gen. 2. 8 9. see Revel 22. 2 14. Paradice see Luke 23. 43. V. 9. Rich namely in spirituall goods see Luke 12. 21. James 2. 5. The blasphemie or sâ—anders and calumâ—ies And are not are not the true people of God in Spirit and faith John 8. 39. 44. Rom. 2. 28. and 9. 6. V. 10. Dayes some take these dayes for yeers as Dan. 9. 24. V. 11. Second death which is the everlasting and totall separation of the whole man from God and from his life to be abyssed into everlasting torments after the corporall death V. 13. Where Sataâ—s namely where he reigns powerfully be it by false religion or by wickednesse of life or by persecution of the Gospell My name namely the pure profession of my Gospel in which I have fully manifested my self V. 15. Nicolaitans who by such decâ—its did lead Christians astray 2 Pet. 2. 18. V. 16. Will fight that is to say I will destroy them by my judgements pronounced by my mouth and executed by my power and withall imprinting the feeling of their condemnation in their hearts by my word V. 17. Will I give that is to say I will cause him to enjoy the everlasting goods of my heavenly kingdom teaâ—ms taken from the Manna which was kept in the Sanctuary Exod. 16. 32 33. Psal. 65. 4. see Iohn 6. 31 35 48 51. A white stone the sigure of the new heart puâ—iâ—ied and made sound by faith which God bestoweth upon those who are his and whereon by his Spirit he engraves and seals the testimonie of their adoption by which they obtain the new name and right of the children of God Iohn 1. 12. Revel 3. 12. the certain judgement and knowledge whereof lieth in the closet of the beleevers conscience and is not manifested but onely by the effects Rom. 8. 16. V. 19. Service the Italian ministerie namely in alms assistances and other duties of charitie V. 20. Iezâ—â—â—â— whether this were that womans proper name or that for the resemblance of the old Iâ—zebel an impious dishonest and wicked Queene of Israel here be meant some false Prophetesâ—e of the Nicolaitans or some such like heretiâ—ke sects V. 21. Fornication namely bodily fornication and likewise the spirituall of idolatry V. 22. That commit adultery this may likewise bee understood spiritually of the communicating with that womans false doctrine V. 24. Aâ— have not as have no way assented to that devillish doctrine which those hereticks did qualifie with the name of great and deep mysteries of Gods Spirit 1 Cor. 2. 10. though indeed it was nothing but a gulph of abominations and hollow illusions of the divell Burthen or calamities or threatnings V. 26. My workes the faith and
The Italian hath it Of Cedar So the Jews commonly expound the word which in their language signifieth a faire and goodly tree Thicketrees The Italian hath it Mirtle tree The Hebrew word signifieth a thicke tree but your ancient Jews have especially understood it of the mirtle tree CHAP. XXIV VERS 3. OF the testimony Drawn before the Arke where the tables of the Law were which were called the testimony Exo. 25. 16. V. 4 The pure Made of pure gold and kept exceeding pure V. 6 The pure table Covered over with pure gold Exo. 25. 24. V. 7 Purefrankircense See upon Exod. 30. 34. A memoriall For that part of the offering which belonged to God for the remainder was the Priests see upon Lev. 2. 2. V. 8 Everlasting covenant That is to say by my command and your own voluntary agreement to obey it V. 9 Andit shall be After he hath put new ones there upon the Sabbath day Most holy See upon Lev. 2. 3 V. 11 The name That singular essentiall and glorious name of everlasting Lord by which name he had revealed himself to his people by Moses Exo. 3. 14. V. 14 Lay their hands For a confirmation of their witnesse Stone him The ordinary punishment for blasphemers Deut. 7. 5. 1 King 21. 13. V. 22 For I am I command you by vertue of the absolute power which I have over you and I will have you herein to be imitators of my indifferent Justice free from all acceptation of persons CHAP. XXV VERS 2. VVHen ye come The beginning of these Sabbaticall yeares was taken from the six and fourtieth yeare after the peoples comming out of Egypt the sixth yeare after their comming into the Land of Canaan when the Land was divided as it appeareth by Jos. 14. 7. 10. Shall the Land The Italian hath it The Land shall have its rest It shall not be plowed nor fruit A Sabbath Not for any naturall or oeconomicall respect to let the tired Land get strength but with a holy rest dedicated to my service for a more expresse document besides the Sabbath of the dayes of eternall rest particular to every faithfull at his death and afterwards generall at the blessed resurrection when there shall be a generall enfâ—anchizement of all Gods children and their new entrance into their heavenly inheritance V. 4 For the Lord Sacred and religious to him V. 5 Undressed In the Hebrew Nazaritish to the resemblance of the Nazarites who did not cut their haire Num. 6. 5. V. 8 Shall be meat Indifferently for any one as shall come to it upon the place without laying it up or making any bundle of it by way of harvest or vintage V. 9 The seventh Which was the first of the civill yeare Exod. 12. 2. Lev. 23. 24. according to whose moneths they counted the times of politick affaires to the order of which the Jubile was for the most part referred though with some instruction for divine and eternall things The Trumpet Which was the ordinary signe of festivall dayes Numb 10. 10. and 29. 1. V. 10 Hallow Distinguish it from all other common yeares to execute in it those commandements which I enjoyne you and shall be a sacred signe unto you of the acceptable yeare of the Lord under the Messias Isa. 61. 2. 2 Cor. 6. 2. The fiftieth Seeing the Jubile was only the revolution of seven weekes of yeares and that in the verse 20 concerning the Jubile there is nothing spoken but onely of the seventh yeare and that besides it would have been a hard matter to let Lands lie still for two yeares together and that the Jewes never reckoned the Jubile but by the seventh Sabbaticall yeare we must understand the number of fifty in that vulgar manner comprehending the yeare of the precedent Jubile Since that indeed from one Jubile to another there was but nine and fourty yeares Liberty Libertie from all slaverie for the Israelites see Exod. 21. 6. Iubile This word is by many interpreted to signifie a rammes horne to sound with But it seemeth that it signifieth rather a consort of many such hornes trumpets and such like loud-sounding instruments And it may be that this name was derived from the first Inventer of Musicall instruments called Jabal Gen. 4. 21. see Exod. 19. 13. Jos. 6. 4. Possession Which hath been sold and alienated Family From which he is gone away having sold himselfe for a slave or being sold by his father v. 39. V. 12 Out of the field And not out of a garner cellar or other store-houses v. 6. V. 14 Oppresse Let him not take an occasion by reason of his poverty to dispossesse him of his inheritance V. 15 Jubile Namely the last part Of the fruits The Italian hath it Oâ— the rent That is to say of the fruits more or lesse which thou mayest gather out of his Land for the yeares to come out of the next Jubile V. 21 For three yeares That is to say for the end of the sixth all the whole seventh and the eighth untill harvest time see 2 King 19. 29. Isa. 37. 30. V. 22 Of old fruit Of the sixth yeare The Italian addeth Of that harvest V. 23 For ever The Italian hath it Absolutely That is to say quite cut off without leaving any hope to the seller ever to redeem it Is mine I reserve unto my self the right of property in it and grant you nothing but the bare use of it therefore I will not have you alienate it at your pleasure neither will I suffer you to bargaine for any things but onely for the fruits but as for the Land it selfe it must alwayes remaine as by perpetuall lease unto those persons and families to whom I have given it V. 25 Possession In the fields for there was another Law for houses in Cities v. 29. Any of The Italian hath it The next of See Ruth 3. 2. 9. 12. Jer. 32. 7. V. 27 The over-plus Of the price of the yeares which are yet to come before the Jubile according to the number of which yeares he had made his sale V 32 Of the Cities Of which see Num. 35. 2. Jos. 21. 4. V 33 And if a man purchase The Italian hath And he amongst the Levites that shall redeem That is to say the next of kinne thaâ— hath between Jubile and Jubile redeemed that house by reason of the kinred For the houses Seeing the Levites have no other proper inheritance but only their Cities and some places about them Num. 35. 2. without any Lands or other possessions because they lived by tithes Num. 18. 24. their houses may not be alienated no more than the Lands of other Israelites V. 34 But the field They were certaine places of a thousand cubites in the suburbs or places adjoyning to the Levites Cities for them to keep and feed their cattel in Num. 35. 4. which being all undivided and lying in common no particular person had any power to make any bargaine for it as he might
consecration of the Levites did disburthen themselves from doing the service of God which otherwise every one was bound to yield unto him their owne proper persons V. 11. An offering The Italian hath it A wave offering in the manner of the ordinary offerings which were so shifted out of one hand into the other See the nine and twentieth chapter of Exod. and the four and twentieth verse The Levites also were presented unto the Lord by making them turne themselves towards the fore parts of heaven V. 12 Lay their An ordinary ceremony in sacrifices See upon Exodus 29. 16. 19. Lev. 1. 4. and 3. 2. and 4. 4. Of the Bullocks here and elsewhere the burnt Offering is for the explation of the sinnes of the person corrupt in his owne nature and the sinne offering for the actuall sinnes See Exodus chapt 19. vers 14. 18. Numbers 6. 14. V. 13. Shalt set After Aaron hath presented them unto God doe thou Moses offer them to him giving them for perpetuall assistants and under-ministers to his Priests as in many offerings that which was not consumed by fire did irrevocably belongunto God being possessed by his Priest See Nu. 3. 6. 9. V. 16. Wholly given The Hebrew gifts or presents given purchased to be my proper and perpetuall servants dedicated unto me by their owne and all the peoples consent V. 19 The service To which they should otherwise be tyed in their owne persons See upon the third Chapter of Numbers and the seventh verse And to make That my service beeing done by them which are persons consecrated by mee bee lovingly accepted and I not moved to revenge the contempt of my glory upon the people if they had pressed upon it rashly or unreverently V. 22 Before Aaron Under their direction and command V. 24 Twenty and five Numbers chapt 4. vers 3. 47. The age of the Levites that they should begin to serve at is set downe at thirty yeares This difference may be composed first because here it is spoken of any kind of service in the other place for to carry the sacred Ornaments and here the Levites goe onely in service from which may be inferred that for the space of five yeares they should stay in the function under some discipline in that other passage they are admitted to the compleat Ministery V. 25. Shall serve no more Of an ordinary service and constant and for obligation and necessity in the workes and actions of labour V. 26 Shall minister The Italian hath it To serve Helpe them in small services and in counsaile and direction CHAP. IX VERS 6. THey cou'd not keep Although there should bee no expres law which should exclude such persons from the Passeover neverthelesse this was a publike scruple builded upon that that God in any religious and sacred acts required purity in the person which wrought or participited See 2 Chron. 3â— 18. Came before Because the custome of the Law Num. 5. 2. to put such persons out of the camp was not yet introduced V. 7 To offer See upon Exod. 12. 27. V. 1P Of a dead Under this kind of ceremoniall immunity it seemeth one should include all the other for which they were to bee separate from the Num. 5. 2. or shut up in their houses Lev. 12. 2. and 15. 19. or sequestred from the conversation and approach of other men Lev 11 24. V. 11 Bitter herbes The Italian hath it wild Lettute See upon Exod. 12. 8. V. 13. Cut off See upon Gen. 17. 14. V. 14 A stranger thâ—â— hath been circumcised and incorporated into the Church by voluntary profession of the Râ—liâ—ion Exod. 12. 48. V. 15 Naâ—â—â—y 〈◊〉 Tent The Italian hath it above the tent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 part was the Sanctuary with the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where yet especially the cloudy pillar did did st 〈…〉 l. v. 16. 2. V. 19 Kept Which requiring some time in setting up the Tabernacle and making ready the deckings thereof could not be performed marching CHAP. X. VERS 5. AN alarm The Italian hath it a shrill sound as when they â—ound alarm or for joy V. 7 You shall not Bee with an out-stretched and even sound such as they use at any publike Proclamations See upon Exod. 19. 13. V. 9 Be remembred A humane kind of phrase as if the Lord were awakned and warned by this sound to signifie unto us that the sacred signes which were appoynted by him and were lawfully used were alwayes accompanyed with the effect of his grace in the power of his promise and appoyntment And besides that the prayer of faith figured by this sound is the onely meanes to draw on his assistance V. 11 Second yeare After the comming out of Egypt V. 13 According to Concerning the order which should be observed therein Num. 2 and at the sound of the Trumpets V. 14 Of the camp This was the squadron of the three Tribes which marched under Judah's Sandard as the ensuing word of Armies is taken for the squadron V. 21 Os each Tribe Bearing upon their shoulders according as they were commanded N 〈…〉 4. 4. 7. The other Namely the Gershonites and Merarites Nu. 1. 51. V. 28 The joueneyings The order which they observed in removing the Campe in the Wildernesse V. 29. Hobab This same name is found Judg. 4. 11. and some doe judge that to be the same Jethro which after returned to his Countrey Exo. 18. 27. should come againe to find Moses encamped in the wildernesse which was neare to the Countrey of Madian and that he should also perswade himselfe to stay with the people together with his family the progeny of which was after propagated amongst the people of Israel Judg. 1. 16. and 4. 11. 1 Sam. 15. 6. Others do believe that this Hobag should be the sonne of Jethro and brother to Zippora and that here and Judg. 4. 11 the Hebrew word of Father in Law may be understood also for his brother in law and that Raguel was as second name of Jethro as Exo. 2. 18. V. 31 Knowest As Midianites neere to those deserts in the which those people did conduct to pasture their owne flocks and oftentimes also did travail further see Gen. 37. 28. Ex. 3 1 Of eyes of guid and of counsaile in certain particularities and circumstances those that God shall not have revealed unto me because otherwise the generall guide was the pillar of the cloud V. 33. Of the Lord See above Exo. 3. 1. Three dayes journey Without encamping or pitching their Tents but it is likely that they did take some rest in the night and in the houres of eating Before them Not that he should goe in the head of the Army as it is apparent from v. 21. But because the Lord through the cloud which did rest upon the Ark did give to all the Camp the signe of moving themselves or resting themselves like Generall Captain of the Army To search out a resting place The Iral. hath it For to search diligently A
That which is left Of the sacrifice of thankes-giving Since I have said since I appointed this feast V. 25. The top of the house Of his own house which was made flat in manner of a terrace according to the fashion and it was a commodious place to treat of s 〈…〉 affaires out of other mens fight and hearing V. 26. To the top The Italian hath it That was on the top the meaning is that Saul being told by Samuel that he would speake with him privately was gone up to the top of the house but that Samuel called him down and did and said unto him what he intended to do and say as they were waâ—â—ing without the City CHAP. X. VERS 1. OF oyle An ordinary ceremony in the consecrations of the old Testament grounded upon the communication of the gifts of the holy Ghost figured by the oyle Now it is not said that it was any other but ordinary oile as 2 King 9. 1. for the Priests holy oile was not to be used about any other persons Exod. 30. 32. Yet it is likely that the horne of oyle wherewith David was anointed 1 Sam. 16. 1. was afterwards kept in the Tabernacle and other Kings when occasion served were afterwards anointed therewith 1 King 1. 39. Kissed him in signe of congratulation or of homage Gen. 41. 40. Inheritance Namely his own people Deut. 32. 9. V. 2. When Tokens to assure Saul of the truth of his calling For my son to finde him V. 3. To Bethel The Italian to the house of God it is a question whether Siloh be meant here for it hath not yet been said that the Tabernacle or the Altar were removed as afterwards 1 Chron. 16. 39. and 21. 29. 2 Chro. 1 3. or whither he meant Kiriath-Jearim where the Arke was 1 Sam. 7. 1. V. 5. The bill Upon the which Kiriath-Jearim stood where the Arke was at that time or some other place where there was a colledge of Prophets The garrison See upon 1 Sam. 7. 13. Of Prophets they were certain chosen persons consecrated to God and prepared by continuall meditations studie and exercises of piety to receiue of God propheticall inspirations and revelations under the conduct of Sam. 1 Sam. 19. 20. such were afterwards called the children of the Prophets Psaltery according to the custome of moving the soule of man by meanes of musick to raise it selfe to heavenly and spirituall things 2 Kin. 3 15. Prophecy they shall be in a propheticall action and motion moved thereunto by a divine and supernaturall spirit in all their actions and gestures see Numbers 11. 25. V. 6. Turned Thou shalt upon a suddaine miraculously be filled with new and divine gifts qualities and motions V. 7. That thou do Undertake thou thy lawfull calling for the Lord will accompany thee wâ—th his power V. 8. Shalt thou tarry After thou shalt be come to Gilgal 1 Samuel 13. 8. An expresse command to try Sauls obedience which he breaking discovered his rebellious heart 1 Samuel Chapter 13. verse 13. V. 12. But who is The inferiour Prophets were called children and the head such as Samuel was at that time was called father Now Samuel being absent at this time it seemeth they would say see yâ—â— not that Saul holds the first degree amongst them and leadeth them as their head and he hath a soveraign Majesty with more abundance and strength of gifts which did increase the miracle A proverbe to expresse a strange and miraculous thing V. 13. To the high place Where the Tabernacle and Altar were then namely either in Siloh or in Gibâ—on 1 Kin. 3. 4. though the history make no mention of the time that it was brought to this last place see 1 Sam. 9. 12. V. 17. Unto the Lord Who is present and governeth the assemblies of his Church where his name is called upon see Judges 11. 11. and 20. 1. Unlesse peradventure the Arke were carried thither as 1 Samuel 14. 18. To Mizpeh See 1 Samuel chapter 7. verse 5. V. 19. Ye have See 1 Samuel chapter 8. verses 7 19. Present your selves To draw lots as Joshua 7. 14. Thousands According to the divisions of the tribeâ— into thousands of families made by Moses Exodus 18. 25. V. 22. Enquired By Urim and Thummim Num. 27. 21. V. 25. The manner As who should say the fundamentall laws of the Kingdome inspired by God to temper monarchy with a liberty befitting Gods people and with equity towards a nation which of its own free will did chuse a King and with a benignity of government of brethren of the same race Deuteronomy 17. 20. by this meanes to withstand the abuse of an absolute power which the peoples blind desire might have caused the new King to runne into 1 Samuel chapter 8. v. 11. Before the Lord in the Tabernacle before the Arke V. 27. Brought him no present In signe of homage to a new King 1 Kings chapter 10. verse 25. 2 Chron. 17. 5. CHAP. XI VERS 1. THe Ammonite That is to say King of Ammon 1 Samuel 12. 12. Came up by the 1 of Samuel Chapter 12. verse 12. it appeares that this preparation of warre made so long before hand by Nahas was a cause that the people demanded a King V. 3. We will come out Wee will yeeld unto these covenants see concerning the Ammonites pretences upon Gilead Judg. 11. 13. V. 4. Gibeah it is the same City which in other places is called Gibeah of Benjamin which after Saul was King who was borne therein bore his name in honour him V. 5. After the herd for he had yet no Court non state appointed in him V. 6. The Spirit in an instant the Spirit of God inspired into his heart a supernaturall strength of minde and a majesty of command and put him on by a mighty and heroick motion to undertake this deliverance see Iudg. 3. 10. 6. 34. 11. 19 13. 25. 14. 6. V. 7. Samuel who accompanied Saul in this enterprize as a Judge and a Prophet As Jâ—dg 4 9. V. 10. Tomorrow to blinde and â—ull 〈◊〉 the Ammonites and keepe secret the newes of their reliefe which in such a case is but a lawfull dissimulation in warre V. 11. The morning watch when they use to relieve the watch upon the break of day V. 14. Renew let us by a generall consent of all renew Sauls election now 〈◊〉 is authorized by this victory for to cut off all pretence of rebellion V. 15. Before the Lord see 1 Sam. 10. 17. CHAP. XII VERS 2. VVAlketh he guideth and governeth you And J seeing that I through mine age can no more undertake the publick government and that my sonnes are reduced to a private life I require of you a publick approbation of mine innocency that my memory may not remaine blemished nor spotted by your taking a distaste at me and desiring a King V. 3. To blinde to cloake his misdeed and let him escape unpunished V. 7. Now therefore I as
did present those things to the Prophets who supplied a great part of their charge and office twenty it is likely that the loaves were very small or else it would have been no miracle V. 43. And shall leave as Matth. 14. 10. and 15. 37. CHAP. V. VERS I. GReat man in dignity wealth power and favâ—ur V. 3. In Samaria not that his ordinary abode and dwelling were there but because hee was often there Vnlesse that by the head city the whole Kingdome be meant V. 7. Heerent detesting such an impious opinion as that hee shou'd have the power of God and for feare least under this so impertinent a demand there should bee some plot or traine hidden V. 10. Wash see upon 2. Kings 4. 41. V. 16. Hee refused prophets did use to accept of some small presents which came from aa honâ—st kinde of liberality or of things necessary for â—â—stenance See upon 1 Sam 9. 7. but here there were great reasons to disswade him from it as not to let the pagan conceive that he was avaâ—itious to not seeme to sell the gift of God Mat. 10. 8 Acts 8. 18. and to not make himselfe beholding to any great worldly man c. V. 17. Of earth of this countrey earth which countrey is consecrated to the Lord that I may offer sacrifices thereon and keepe it as a pawne of my communion with his people A demand which had a shew of good zeale but it was without knowledge for the holinesse of the service was not annexed to the materiall earth but to the observing of Gods command which was for worship by sacrifice in that place only V. 18. I bow though it bee without any intent of idolatrizing but only for a ceremony of honour to the King my Lords presence and devotion So hee acknowledgeth that he did sin in that through the remorse or doubt hee hath of it Rimmon an Idol of the Syrians V. 19. Goe in peace the Prophet doth not approve of this dissimulation or division of the heart and the act of the body but it seemes that the Lord having given him no commission nor revealed unto him that hee should instruct him any further in the true religion or incorporate him into the body of his people hee only takes his leave of him without otherwise answering his question As saying content thy selfe with the benifit which thou hast already received a little way the Italian a mile or a stadium see upon Gen. 35. 16. V. 24. Tower the Italian the rock it might bee some Fort standing upon the high-way or peradventure the place it selfe where Elisha dwelt V. 26. Mine heart hath not God revealed the act unto mee in spirit as well as if I had been there bodily present is it a time was this a proper occasion to shew thine avarice taking a present to enrich thy selfe couldest thou not perceive by my resusing of it that the thing was unlawfull Or at this time wherein true Prophets ought to glorify God and justifie their function by vortue which is contrary to false prophets vices wouldest thou staine my house and mine office Or in these times of the Churches desolation wouldest thou think upon thy private dishonest gaines V. 27. VVhite see Exod. 4. 6. Num. 12. 10. CHAP. VI. VERS I. THe place out Schoole or Colledge V. 2. May dwell others where wee may sit that is to say keep our Colledge and doe our exercises V. 6. Cast it see upon 2 Kings 2. 21. V. 8. My camp I will there lie in wait V. 10. Sent to know the truth of it V. 11. VVhich of us or who is it that holds with Israel or taketh their paâ—t V. 13. Dothan a City neare to Shâ—â—hem Gen. 37. 17. V. 15. The servant if it be still Gehazi as may be gathered by 2 Kings 8. 4. 5. wee must beleeve that his leprosie 2 Kings 5. 27. was not of that kinde as that it should hinder his conversation with other men the whitenesse being generall over all the holy Levit 13. 13. V. 17. Open make him see and know by some corporall and apparant vision the true and reall though invisible protection of thy holy Angels see Psalm 34. 8. V. 17. Came down that is to say assaulted the City or came into it V. 19. This is not see of the converting of a narrative truth without offence of conscience for the good even of them who are perswaded to this falshood upon Exod. 1. 19. 20. Open free them from this blindnesse which indeed did not quite take away their sight but did only hinder them from plainly seeing that which was before their eyes V. 22. Those whom how much lesse then oughtest thou to slay them who are faln into thine hands by Gods meere miracle who by mee forbids thee to hurt them V. 23. No more to robbe or make inrodes only for they did come againe with whole armies V. 25. A cab it was a measure of dry things containing as it is thought so much corne as a man could eat in a day doves dung by meanes of which there is alwayes some small corne sound cut of which one may gather some nourishment or salt in extream want Others understand the Hebrew word for the maw where there might bee peradventure found some corne not digested V. 27. If the Lord the Italian hath it let not the Lord save thee words of anger as if hee should say the Lord confound thee thou wicked woman how wouldest thou have mee to helpe thee with bread or wine which I have not V. 30. Upon the wall where there was much people to guard and defend the City sack cloth which might bee seene after hee had rent his garment Now hee were it in signe of griefe and in a superstiticus way of humblenesse yet without any true repentance as first Kings 21. 27. V. 31. If the head hee imputed all these evills to Elisha as having cursed the people and threatned them with these mischances or for refusing to pray for them or to work some miracle for their deliverance imagining it was in his power to doe it when hee would V. 32. The Elders some godly magistrates of the City who were comforting and encouraging one another with the Prophet being come to him to desire and intreat Gods assistance by meanes of his prayers this sonne of namâ—ly Ioram the sonne of Ahab who had murthered Naboth and so many Prophets shut the doore to keep out Iâ—ram who is comming to see mee put to death in his presence hold him namely Ioram who commeth after the messenger V. 33 Hee said as from the King meaning to keepe the Prophet in talke untill the King came which was presently after as it appeares by 2 Kings 7. 2. this evill all thy talk tends to having us put our trust in the Lord and to returne to him by prayer but all is in vaine for the Lord will have us overthrown words of a prophane desperate man CHAP. VII VERS I. SAid to
hee had caused Iudah to goe astray Others hee had made Iudah naked namely of Gods protection as Exod. 32. 25. V. 20. Distressed him or burthened him V. 23. Which smote him not truely or really but according to Ahaz his prophane opinion see a contrary example 2 Chron. 25. 14. V. 27. The city that is to say the city of David CHAP. XXIX VER III. OPened Ahaz having shut them up in his daies to hinder the people from comming to serve the Lord in the Temple 2 Chron. 28. 24. and v. 7. V. 4. Into the East street it is likely that here is meant the East side of the court of the Gentiles V. 5. Sanctfie by abstaining from womon and by other ceremoniall purifications and by prayers works of piety and spirituall devotions prepare your selves to doe your office as you ought to doe it and sanctifie take every unclean thing out of it unlesse hee here meanes some consecration like unto that of Levit. 8. 10. the filthinesse employed by Ahaz to idolatrous uses and polluted by their abominable use V. 12. The sonnes the issue that was descended from them V. 15. By the words in his name and according to his expresse will taken out of the written Law or at that time inspired to Hezekiah or upon things which belonged to the Lord and to his service V. 16. Into the court seeing they began to cleanse the porticoes which were about the body of the Temple it is very likely that by this court is meant the Gentiles court V. 17. The house the very body of the Temple consisting of the porch the holy and most holy place V. 14. Did cast away had taken out of their places and from their sacred uses V. 21. For the sanctuary namely to purifie it from Ahaz his contamination and consecrate it a new see upon Exod. 29. 36. V. 25. The commandâ—ment concerning the insttiution of the holy Musick V. 30. with the words taking for their subjects the Psalmes of David and of Asaph who was also a composer of holy songs inspired by God V. 31. Of a free heart this is specified in your burnt offerings for there was more devotion in offering holocaustes which were wholly burnt in the honour and service of God then in the offerings of thanks giving in which the party offering had his share V. 33. Consecrated by vow by voluntary offering and by sacrifices of thanksgiving V. 34. Slay the Italian flea which notwithstanding was part of their charge see Lev. 7. 8. were more they carried themselves with greater zeal and diligence CHAP. XXX VERS I. SEnt commanding them that were his Subjects wrote by way of invitation and exhortation to Ephraim to the other Israelites which were not under his command V. 3. In the second which was lawfull upon extraordinary occasions and chances Num. 9. 11. V. 3. At that time in the first moneth appointed Exod. 12 6. at which time the Temple also was purified 2 Chron. 29. 17. for it could not be made an end of purifying the fourteenth day but the sixteenth because there were not Priests enow sufficiently prepared because the now at the Passeover there were many sacrifices offered Num. 28. 19. and the Priests ought to poure out the bloud of the Lambes at the foot of the Altar verse 16. and burne the fat and other sacrifices 2 Chron. 35. 11. 12. V. 5. Of a long time the Italian before times or a long time before in the manner as it was written namely in the Law in such sort the Italian with such store of company for every male was bound to be at the three solemne Feasts V. 6. The Kings namely of Pul of Tiglath-Pileser for it is likely that the last captivity under Shalmanezer had not as yet been V. 8. Yeeld your selves the Italian give your hands yeeld and submit your selves unto him and call upon him for mercy V. 12. The hand God wrought powerfully in their hearts that they should cheerefully obey the Kings godly commands V. 15. The Passeover namely the Lambes and Kiddes which were appointed for it the Priests those which had not sanctified themselves the first moneth 2 Chron. 29. 34. V. 17. The Levites whereas ordinarily each father of a family did kill the Passeover for his owne family Exod. 12. 3. see 2. Chron. 35. 1â— V. 18. Written see upon Num. 9. 6. V. 19. Of the Sanctuary a request which every one made who came into the Temple being all to come there at these feasts see Lev. 15. 31. V. 20. Healed that is to say held them as purified through his grace and by his gracious pardon and preserved them from such diseases and plagues as such a disobedience was accustomed to provoke and bring upon them Exod 15. 26. V. 21. Vnto the Lord the Italian of the glory of the Lord Heb. of the strength for the Hebrews were oâ—ten wont to change these words that is as much as to say by which instruments his strength and power was exalted V. 22. That taught the Italian which well understood who being the eldest and having most experience had preheminence over the rest and were their guides whereupon Hezekiah comforted them 〈◊〉 having a laborious charge laid upon them V. 24. A thousand to offer sacrifices of thanks-giving a great number who therefore were sufficient to offer all these sacrifices V. 25. The strangers they of other Tribes who by reason of the religion had settled themselves in Iudah CHAP. XXXI VER I. IN Ephraim in the part of these Tribes which were under the command of Hezekiah 2 Chron. 13. 19. and 15. 8. V. 2. Their courses appointed by David 1 Chron. 24. and 25. and 26. and were divided into these foure Offices Priests ministring Levites Singers and Porters of the tents the Italian of the Camp that is to say of the Temple which by reason of the severall functions number and order of Ministers was like an Army see Num. 4. 3. V. 3. Portion to relieve and help out the peoples poverty as Ezr. 6. 9. for these burnt offerings were to be taken out of the peoples offerings which were laid up in the treasures of the Temple 1 Chro. 26 20. Neh. 10. 33. V. 4. The Portion whereof see Num. 18. 8. encouraged should willingly employ themselves in Gods service V. 5. Honey the Hebrewes doe hereby meane Dates for there were no Tithes but of the fruites of beasts and plants V. 6. The Tithe these might bee Tithes that were voluntarily consecrated without any expresse Law as of the spoyles of waâ—re gaines of marchandize c. Gen. 14. 20. and 28. 22. Num. 31. 28. 30. V. 7. The third namely from the beginning of harvest which happened in the third month untill the end there of which is in the seventh see Exod. â—3 16. V. 10. Chiese it appeareth by v. 13. that he was but only one of the high Priests great Deputies there being ordinarily two of them of Eliazar his two lines out of which were come the
also bee partakers of the publick mirth Deut. 16. 11. 14. Est. 9. 19. Revel 11. 10. the joy the culy meanes to encourage you against all feares and strengthen you in all your labours is faith and trust in God filling your hearts with divine and spirituall joy through the lively apprehension of his grace V. 15. And that they should for all solemne feasts were to bee published and publickly proclaimed Levit. 23. 4. boothes the Italian tabernacles or bowers V. 16. The roose made after the manner of an open terrace according to the fashion there V. 17. For since this is to give a reason why here is such expresse and particular mention made of the solemnity of this feast done so having never celebrared the said feast with so much devotion and perseverance being come together every one of the seven dayes to heare the Law Whereas Moses Levit. 23. 35. 36. did suffer the people to goe home the six middle dayes feasting only the first and the last CHAP. IX VER 1. EArth a custome observed in great mournings Iosh. 7. 6. Iob 2. 12. V. 6. The hoste namely the holy Angels V. 8. Thou art righteous loyall and constant in all thy promises and covenants V. 14. Madest known thou diddest teach them the true meaning and use of the Sabbath which hath a reference to the sanctification of that people which thou hast peculiarly gotten to thy selfe Exo. 31. 13. Ezek. 20. 12. V. 22. Into corners the Italian into parts assigning to some tribes a severall countrey on the other side Iordan V. 29. Withdrew they have not volutnarily brought themselvos to thy obedience and service A phrase taken from plough-oxen and other drawing cattell Zac. 7. 11. V. 32. Seeme little look upon it as upon a trouble which though it bee moderate in respect of our sinnes yet is grievous in respect of our weaknesse V. 38. And because being through our afflictions brought to a true repentance and because that through thy mercy our evils may bee lessened CHAP. X. VER 14. PArosh they are almost the same heads as are named Ez. 2. 3. Neh. 7. 8. and because between that first numbring and these dayes of Nehemiah there were above one hundred and fifty yeares the same persons could not be alive by these names we must understand those heads who had succeeded the former in the same dignity and degree V. 28. That had separated that were come againe cut of Babylon and other Provinces to serve the Lord according to his Law V. 29. They clave they consented to what their chiefe had done in the name of all V. 31. Would not buy it seeing that we our selves were subjects and could not hinder the Gentiles from bringing in their wares on the Sabbath day nor could not cause them to observe the Iewish Lawes we agreed amongst our selves to buy none see Noh 13. 15. 16. and so to keep the holinesse of the day leave the seventh the Italian let the land lie still the seventh without sowing or reaping Exod. 23. 11. Lev 25. 4. V. 32. We made ordinances this was a contribution answerable to that of 2 Chron. 24. 5. for the service that is to say for the work V. 33. The continuall meat these things were anciently gotten out of the treasuries of the Temple 1 Chron. 26. 20. then the Kings contributed their shares for the ease of the people 2 Chron. 31. 3 here the people offered money to the same end the holy things it seemes we must take these to be the publike sacrifices of thanksgiving see Levit. 21. 22. sinne offerings which were common for all the people Levit. 4. 13. V. 34 We cast lots there is no mention made of this wood offering but only here and Neh. 13. 31. whereupon it is conjectured that the use thereof was first brought up after the captivitie and that before the Kings had provided for it Now it seems that in this establishment the furnishing of this offering was divided between the Priests the Levites and the people to doe it each one for the third part of a yeare by lot according to the order of the time or amongst the families of the fathers divided into equall parts to make provision thereof monethly In the ensuing times it appeares by the Histories that the whole masse of wood was gathered together in August and upon the fourteenth day of the same Moneth the feast was celebrated called the carrying of the wood V. 36. The first born who were to be redeemed and the money to bee delivered to the Priest Num. 18. 15. 16. cattell the Italian carrying or drawing cattell horses asses mules which were not good to offer and therefore were to be redeemed as the first born of men the firstlings which were to be offered without any redemption Lev. 27. 26. Num. 18. 17. V. 37. Our offerings whereof see upon Deut. 12. 6. V. 39. We will not forsake wee will continue the frequenting of it and doe the service required therein and will furnish all things necessary for the maintenance of the place and service CHAP. XI VER 2. BLessed as they who exposed themselves to the greatest dangers and toileâ— by reason of the enemies who were jealous of the Cities greatnesse And who without regarding their private interests did most for the publick good repairing repeopling keeping and governing the head City of the countrey offered themselves besides those others which were drawn by lot V. 3. Of the Province of Iudea now reduced into a Provine subject to the Kings of Persia or which were come from Babylon chiefe Province of that great Empire as Ez. 2. 1. V. 4. Athaiah who might be some head of some great Nation which is also comprehended under him the children the issue and posterity of this sonne of Iudah Gen. 38. 29. V. 9. Overseer as an inferiour Magistrate and head over a thousand according to the ancient order Exod. 18. 25. second as Leivtenant to the former It might bee also translated that he was appointed to be over the second City of which 2 Kings 24. 14. V. 11. The Ruler one of the high Priests great deputies see Num. 3. 31. 1 Chron. 9. 11. 2 Chron. 19. 11. and 31. 13. and 35. 8. V. 12. The work or the service V. 17. In prayer the Italian in time of prayer for there were three houres appointed for daily prayers see Psal. 55. 18. Dan. 6. 10. Acts 3. 1. and 10. 3. 9. 10. But here it seemes are particularly to be understood the times of morning and evening sacrifices at which the holy Singers were present Chron. 9. 33. and 23. 30. V. 19. The gates of the Temple V. 22. Were over the Italian were continually to bee present were to bee continually assisting to Gods service for being so few in number they could not by turnes relieve one another as they did in former times 1 Chron. 25. and therefore they were maintained out of they royall revenewes and they had dwellings built them neere to Ierusalem
captivity see Psal. 122. upon the Title V. 1. Afflictions labours and difficulties which he hath gone through for the establishment of thy service V. 2. Sware this Oath is not mentioned any where else in Scripture The mighty namely God who is the strength of his people Gen. 49. 24. V. 5. Vntill these seeme to be Davids thoughts and protestations before he had taken the rock of Sion from the Iebusites 2 Sam. 5. 6. where he knew by revelation that God hath made choyce of a settled abode for his Arke wherein he was present in grace and power V. 6. Wee heard in former times the ark was settled in Siloh Iosh. 18. 1. a place belonging to the Tribe of Ephraim Iosh. 16. 6. Psal. 78. 60. then it was transported to Kiriath-jearim that is to say a city of woods here called fields of the wood by reason of the great plaine of woods where this City stood 1 Sam. 7. 1. V. 7. Wee will goe the Italian let us goe now that I Solomon have built the Temple let all the people come thither to doe Gods service see Psal. 122. 1. 2. V. 8. Arise these three verses are part of Solomons prayer at the dedication of the Temple 2 Chron. 6 41. Into thy rest that isto say into thy firme habitation opposite to those moving ones which it had in former ages Of thy strength that is to say of thy glory namely where thou art present in thy glorious power for the safety of thy Church V. 9. Be cloathed that is say clothed with inward purity and holinesse represented by the holy garments Or cloathed with holiday garments by reason of thy deliverances and benefits often meant by the word righteousnesse and with this sense agreeth the phrase of being clothed with deliverance or salvation used 2 Chon 6. 41. V. 10. Thine annointed namely thy King whom thou hast consecrated and endowed with the gift of thy Spirit sitting for his office V. 15. Her poore wherewith the Church hath abounded in all ages see Isa. 14 32 Zach. 11. 7. V. 16. With salvation the Italian with clothes of deliverance that is to say with garments of joy and feasting because of my deliverances see upon Psal. 149. 4. V. 17. To bud that is to say to spring up strongly as from a lively root or blossome and grow out into a power and magnificent glory expressed by the word horn which anciently warriours did weare in their helmets see Psal. 75. 5. 10. and 148. 14. A lamp that is to say one of posterity in whom the glory of his Kingdome may live and shine 2 Sam. 21. 17. which was chiefly and most perfectly accomplished in Christ of Davids race according to the flesh PSAL. CXXXIII VER 2. IT is like this holy concord is not onely most pleasant but it must also be considered as an effect of the Spirit of grace and peace which being most plenteously poured out upon Christ who is head of the Churchâ— runnes down upon all the members of his body and is the bond of the spirituall union figured by the holy oyle wherewith Aaron and his successors high Priests were annointed Exod. 30. 30. V. 3. Of Hermon along ridge of hills in Palestine Psalm 42. 6. which were the highest in all the countrey from whence in a manner the dew and moistnesse did run down upon the lower hills such as Sion and other neighbouring hils were Commanded the Italian appointed see of this manner of speech Psal. 42. 8. and 44. 4. and 71. 3. PSAL. CXXXIV VER 1. BY night namely you Levites which not onely by day doe service in the Temple but also watch by night therein by turnes according to your appointed times see 1 Chro. 9. 33. V. 2. Lift up to pray unto to praise and blesse the Lord. V. 3. Blesse thee this seemeth to be an answer of the Levites and sacred Officers to the precedent exhortation with a blessing upon the King as Psal. 118. 26. or upon all the people PSAL. CXXXV VER 2. THat stand it seemeth that here are distinctly set down the Priests which did Gods service in the Temple and the Levites which performed their functions in the court V. 3. It is pleasant the Italian amiable as Psal. 92. 1. and 147. 1. V. 5. Above all namely above all things which are called gods here upon earth be it either by resemblance of dignitie or by the false opinions of men V. 7. For the raine that is to say for a signe or peradventure one of the causes of the ensuing raine and such as seeme to bring the faine after them Out of his treasuries or store-houses see Iob 8. 22. V. 14. Will judge that is to say will punish and visite them Others because that the Lord will doe his people right and will be appeased with his servants will repent that is to say he will change his effects of severity into effects of mildenesle a phrase taken from men which is very frequent in Scripture PSAL. CXXXVI VER 1. FOr his by 1 Chron. 16. 41. It appeareth that these words were an antiphâ—ra or burthen of the sacred Song and praises which were sung in the Temple V. 5. By wisdome the Italian with understanding that is to say through his supreame wisedome Prov. 3. 19. and 8. 27. 27. Ier. 10. 12. 51. 15. PSAL. CXXXVII VER 1. THe rivers he hath a relation to certaine Cities in Caldea set down in the Histories which were assigned to the Iewes for their habitation during the captivity where they held their Synagogues Schooles and places to performe the worship of God in and they were neer to the river Euphrates in low and waâ—ie places V. 2. Wee they seeme to be the words of the holy Leviticall singers which dwelt in those Cities Vpon the willowes those being waâ—ry countreys V. 3. Required of us through a prophane curiositie or in scorne That wasted us the Italian that made us howle singing as Isa. 52. 5. Or that had wasted us bringing our City and countrey as it were into heaps of ruines Psal 79. 1. Or that had sacked us V. 5. If I forget although we will not prophane the holy songs to make these Idolaters pastime and though we at this present so grieved at heart that we cannot think upon singing yet our desire and intent shall alwayes bee good whensoever the the Lord shall deliver us Let my right hand the Italian if my right hand with which I play upon these instruments V 6. If I do not if when it pleaseth God to deliver us and restore us if I doe not shew it by my congratulating songs towards thee and my songs of praises to God that the soveraign joy of my soule consist in thee V. 7. The children who through an inbred hatred against the â—â—wes joyned with the Babylonians and did set them on to the totall destruction of Ierusalem and maliciously rejoyced thereat Lam 4. 11. Ezech. 〈◊〉 12. Obad. 11. V. 8. O daughter as much
undertake and of his blessing in the issues and successe of what they undertook V. 25. The hills an hyperbolicall description of Gods judgements the meaning is no high or eminent condition of state could keep them from being ruined V. 26. Will life up to call them to execute his judgements upon his people V. 27. The girdle they shall be all ready to march and performe warlike duties Or they shall neither be base nor faint-hearted which is signified by loose reins Dan. 5. 6. nor busie about any other work which is signified by the loose latchet of the shoe V. 30. If one looke all humaue help shall faile and all hope of comfort and aid from the Lord shall be cut off The light namely the day from the very morning Darkned every thing shall be overwhelmed with horrible darknesse of calamites which shall come from God neither shall there appeare any light of hope or comfort CHAP. VI. Vers. 1. THe Lord namely Gods everlasting Sonne a great King of the Church in his own person John 12. 41. V. 2. The Seraphims a name of blessed Angels which signifieth servent and fiery as well in regard of their office as of their substance who are here assistants as Ministers of Gods judgements His face by this covering of the face is meant adoration and deep reverence by the covering of their feet immaculate holinesse and by their flying with two wings promptitude and zeale to obey V. 4. The posts or thresholds namely the upper and lower threshold in which the two axels whereon the doors did turn were fixed With smoak or chick cloud and dark mist a thing which was ordinary when God appeared in glory to hide his majestie and to strike a terrour in mens hearts Exod. 19. 16. and 40. 34. Numb 9. 15. 1 King 8. 10. V. 5. Wo is me the ordinary feare of the faithfull when God appeared to them in glory see Gen. 16. 13. Deut. 5. 24. Jud. 6. 22. and 13. 22. feeling of their own weaknesse and knowing their owne naturall corruption Unclean thereby signifying that sinne which is most frequent amongst and most avoidable for men namely the sinne of the tongue Jam. 3. 2. or because even in his own calling he found himselfe defective many wayes And I dwell that is to say I doe too much participate of the contagion of sin living thus amongst sinners V. 6. A live coale a figure of the gift of the holy Ghost proceeding from Christ who is the true spirituall altar of expiation and intercession for the Church Which Spirit workes in the manner of fire for the purging of sin Matth. 3. 11. V. 7. Laid it upon the Italian brought it neer see Jer. 1. 9. Dan. 10. 16. Thine iniquity not that Isaiah was purged from all remainder of sinne as concerning his person but onely concerning his office of Prophet he received the gift of the infallible conduct of the holy Ghost that he might not erre through ignorance nor prevaricate through malice in the receiving and preaching of his prophecies A promise contrary to that which Isaiah had confessed namely to be of unclean lips V. 8. For us see of this unspeakable manner of consultation held by the sacred Trinitie Gen. 1. 26. and 3. 22. and 11. 7 Here am I an effect of the holy Ghost who after he hath conferred the gift which is necessary for the calling doth also powerfully give the will to cause him employ himselfe therein vigorously and cheerfully V. 9. Understand not that is to say Hereafter I will not send my word unto you for to convert and save you but to convince and condemne you for seeing I have deservedly taken away my Spirit from you which you have so long withstood that you have utterly extinguished it the sound of my word hereafter shall but astonish you and this light shall but dazell and blinde you so much the more V. 10. Make the heart preach my word powerfully to this rebellious and profane people that their wickednesse being thereby provoked they may become more stupid insensible and hardned a signe whereof is the fatnesse of the heart see Psal. 119. 70. see Deuter. 29. 4. Isa. 63. 17. John 8. 43. 2 Thess. 2. 11 12. Be healed namely that they may not be saved delivered from all evil and re-established in a happy state V. 11. How long is there no stay nor no end of this rejection of thy people that it may not come to the uttermost extremity V. 13. A tenth he seemeth to meane that little remnant which was left in the countrey in the generall captivity which was at last likewise destroyed for its rebellion CHAP. VII Vers. 2. THe house namely the King and Princes of the blood royall and chiefe Officers of the Crown and Court Syria the King of Syria hath undertaken to besiege Jerusalem being encouraged thereunto by the league which he had made with the King of the ten Tribes the chiefe of which is the Tribe of Ephraim and as sures himselfe that hee shall overcome by reason of the great assistance he hopes to have from thence V. 3. Shear-Jashub it should appear by Isa. 8. 12. and 10. 21. that this name which signifieth the remnant shall be converted or shall be re-established was given to that childe for a signe of the deliverance of the rest of the people which should bee converted to God Upper poole this was a great poole of water that came from the fountain Gihon called the upper as a King 18. 17. because it was in the high Citie of Sion neer the City of David on the south-side Nehem. 3. 15. and to distingush it from the lower poole Isai. 22. 9. which was in the lower part of the City on the east-side V. 4. The two tails a name of contempt to shew that there was more smoak that is to say pride and outward appearance in them then strength and power V. 6. Vex it the Italian divide it that is to say Let each of us seize upon that part which lieth most conveniently for us and let us see a King over the rest which may be a vassall to us both The Sonne one whose name is not mentioned elsewhere V. 8. Damascus I have bounded these Kingdoms and have set a King over every one of them and I will not suffer them to passe their bounds nor take anothers countrey Within threescore the common opinion is That one must count these yeers not from the time that Isaiah did foretell these things but from the first prophecie of the latter ruine of the ten tribes which might be Amos his Prophesie 7. 8 9 see a Kings 14. 27 about the eighteenth yeere of Jeroboam the son of Joash after whom untill the last captivity of the ten Tribes is just sixty five yeers V. 9. Of Ephraim namely of the ten Tribes whereof Ephraim was chiefe If ye will not beleeve the Italian Doe ye not beleeve it the prophet reproveth the people because of their incredulitie Ye
1 Kin. 22. 7. Jer. 21. 2. and 42. 2 20. V. 3. Your shame proving vain and unprofitable to you Jer. 37. 5 7. V. 4. His Princes namely of Zedekiah King of Judah Zâ—an Hanes chiefe cities of Egypt called by the Authors Tanes and Dâ—pâ—â—e V. 6. The burthen a prophesie of threatnings and curses against this sending of Ambassadours and Presents into Egypt which lieth South of Judea to desire aid Hosâ— 14. 3. Of trouble the Italian Distresse he alludes to the Hebrew name of Egypt which signifieth straitnesse or distresse to put the people in remembrance of their ancient oppression in Egypt and to admonish them that this aid in this present necessity would serve for nothing but to incense the King of Babylon so much the more and provoke him to their utter destruction From whence namely the people of Africa subject or confederate with Egypt whose Countrey brought forth those harmfull beasts shewing figuratively that Egypt never brought nothing but hurt and damage to Gods people Serpent see Numb 21. 6. Deut. 8. 15. V. 7. Have I namely I Isaiah in Gods name Their strength the Italian the true Rahab this is an ordinary name in the holy Language for Egypt and signifieth height and strength the meaning is it were better then any glory or strength whereof Egypt hath but a name to rest in faith and grace upon Gods assistance To sit still he seems to have a relation to that which Moses said to the people Exod. 14. 14. V. 8. Write namely the foresaid motto or sentence with some addition of explication as Isaiah 8. 1. for these Prophesies were not set downe at large in thâ—se books V. 9. The Law particularly in this point never to return into Egypt Dâ—ut 17. 16. V. 10. Which â—â—y that have forbidden my Prophets to relate truly unto them what I declared and commanded them in vision or have commanded them to prophesie according to their mindes and wils V. 11. Get ye out that is to say apply your selves unto us doe not perform your charge with so much strictnesse and uprightnesse Cause the doe not speak so much to us in his name V. 12. This word namely the word of my Prophets V. 14. Break it namely these iniquities and false means whereon you trust vers 12. Or all your designes that you have built upon V. 15. And rest quietly holding your selves to Gods commandments and resting upon his promises V. 16. We will â—lee he hath a relation to Hezekiahs flight Jer. 39. 4. or to the remnant of the people of Jerusalem their retreat into Egypt Jer. 43. V. 17. As a beaâ—on the Italian as a ship mast that is to say in very small number having no means nor wealth left you as signes of Gods Justice upon the whole body of the Nation and of his mercy upon the residue such signes and markes being ordinarily set up in high places V. 18. And therefore namely to the end that his threatnings may be fully executed he shall stay the return of his grace which he shall afterwards gloriously set forth when he shall be pacified again Of judgement in chastizing his children and afterwards punishing of his enemies for their unreasonable and unmeasurable persecutions V. 19. Shall dwell that is to say they shall be delivered out of the captivitie of Babylon to enjoy peace and libertie again in their own countrey Under this figure is comprehended the spirituall restauration of the Church by Jesus Christ. V. 20. Though the Lord that is to say notwithstanding these favours and graces God shall hold you in a strait discipline of afflictions but you shall be comforted by Gods Word and by his Spirit to be guided in all your wayes whether they be of affliction or of prosperity which are the right and left hand of this life see Isa. 59. 21. V. 22. Desile that is to say You shall heartily renounce all manner of idolatrie you shall abhor it and hold it in abomination which was verified in the Jewish Church after their returne from Babylon The covering by this may be understood the leafe silver wherewith their idols were silvered over being under that of some other baser mettall or stuffe V. 23. Shall â—e give a figurative description of Gods superabundant blessing namely the spirituall blessing V. 25. In the day namely after the Lord shall have discomfited his enemies and beaten downe their haughtinesse Isa. 2. 15. V. 26. The light that is to say under the Gospel the light of knowledge faith and glory shall be very great and infinitely increased in regard of what it was under the old Testament V. 27. Behold a new prophesie of the Assyrians overthrow by the Angel The name namely God of whom there is neither image nor representation did make himselfe known by his name or the glorious and renowned God Commeth he appeareth suddenly after his enemies have judged him to be absent and a great way off The burthen namely the punishment which he layeth upon them with whom he is angry V. 28. His breath namely his wrath armed with divine strength Causing them that is to say it overthrowes and confounds all their designes and turneth them in despight of them for to do contrarie to their intentions V. 29. Ye shall have that is to say You beleeving Jews seeing the miraculous slaughter of the Assyrians shall have a joyfull subject to magnifie the Lord. As in the night hee hath a relation to the night which was before the day of the Passeover in which the people rejoyced and feasted in remembrance of their deliverance out of Egypt see Exod. 12. 42. As when one for upon solemne feast dayes they did use to come to the Temple a far way with songs and musick Psal. 42. 4. V. 32. Every place the Italian every passing he hath a relation to the song of triumph which was sung by the Israelites in the same place as they passed the Red sea after Moses had divided it with his rod Exod. 15. 20 Psal. 66. 6. that is to say the very place of this miraculous overthrow shall bee frequented with publique joy and feasting The grounded this word seemeth to be added for to make a distinction betweene the rod of correction which doth not remain for ever upon the lot of the righteous Psal. 125. 3. from the rod of iron which is irrevocable and destroyeth for ever Of shaking the Italian of an heaved up hand that is to say with open force displaying his divine strength as Isa. 19. 16. With it thâ— Italian against them or with it namely the rod. V. 33. Tophet it was a place neer Jerusalem where the Idolaters did use to burne their children to Moloch whereupon by a similitude it is often taken for hell fire as in this place see Isa. 14. 9. Ezech. 32. 18. For the King namely Sennacherib CHAP. XXXI Vers. 1. HOrses wherein Egypt abounded Deuter. 17. 16. 1 King 10. 28. Ezekiel 17. 15. V. 2. Is wise this wisdome of God
they shall persevere unto the end of their vocation to bear the true fruits of the spirit Psal 92. 14. for which they shall receive the reward of everlasting life V. 23. They shall not labour this reason hath a relation to vers 21. Trouble namely of children who by chance of war might be slain or taken prisoners Deut. 28. 41. Hos. 9. 12. or for whom the fathers may stand in continuall fear in the time of publike calamities With them the Italian addeth and they shall have their off-spring with them which is opposite to the carrying away of children from their pareâ—ts in the time of war V. 25. Dust that is to say He shall be held to his first condemnation which was to lick the dust Gen. 3. 14. without touching either plants or beasts a figure of the Devil whose power is limited within the world and the children thereof Ephes. 2. 2. and cannot exercise it to the ruine of Gods children who are citizens of Heaven Luke 10. 17 18. 1 John 5. 18. CHAP LXVI Vers. 1. WHere is the house as much as to say Thinke you then O carnall Jews to keep me shut up in your Temple so that I shall not bee able to part from thence for your sinnes V. 2. Mine hand I am the creator and consequently owner and possessor of all my creatures and therefore make no account of hypocrites offerings but doe respect the true repentance and humble faith and devotion of true beleevers V. 3. He that killeth that is to say All your ceremonies and sacrifices are abominable to me and as distastefull as offences by reason of your hypocrisie and internall impiety see Prov. 15. 8. and 21. 27. Isa. 1. 11. Have chosen seeing they have purposely given themselves to follow their owne senses and vicious inclinations forsaking my Law V. 4. I also I will use them according to their deeds see Levit. 26. 28. V. 5. Heare this speech is directed to the remainder of good beleeving Jews under the Gospel who were persecuted by their owne brethren for their faith in Christ 1 Thess. 2. 14. Said in a prophane kinde of scorn as if they did require of Christ some glorious signe of his deitie or making a mocke at those things which he foretold concerning his last comming in glory see Isa. 5. 19. 2 Pet. 3. 3 4. V. 6. A voice of a propheticall description of the last destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romanes V. 7. She brought forth namely the spirituall Jerusalem which is the Christian Church hath by her preaching in very small time converted an innumerable company of Gentiles to God in the place of the unbeleeving Jewes Of a man-childe namely good and bold Christians strong in faith figurative termes unlesse he means Christ himself who is formed by faith in every beleevers heart Galat. 4. 19. V. 9. Shall I bring that is to say this wonder ought to cease if ye consider mine infinite power whereof there appears small beams in the order of nature V. 11. That ye may suck that ye may be â—ursed and brought up in faith knowledge and other Christian vertues in the militant Church untill you attain to the glory of the triumphant Church in Heaven V. 12. Peace that is to say all manner of happinesse Ye shall be born upon like little tender babes by your mother the Church and by all those that shall be employed in her and your service V. 14. And your bones you shall be revived and strengthened where as before you were dead and like dry bones see Ezek. 27. 1 4 11. V. 15. The Lord will come this may be understood of Gods particular judgements but it is fully and principally meant of the last and generall judgement To render that is to say to pronounce the sentence and execute the condemnation upon the ungodly Rom. 2. 8. V. 17. They that under these idolatrous abominations wherewith the people defiled themselves in the dayes of Isaiah are comprehended all the unbeleeving Jews sinnes and their apostasie as Isaiah 65. 3 4. Behinde one tree the Italian after Ahad that is to say following the idolatry of Ahad which was a Syrian idol that represented the sunne Others expound it behinde Ahad that is to say behinde his Temple In the midst as who should say that do wash openly in all mens sight for your pagan superstitions were often times contrary to naturall honesty Swines slesh that is to say unclean things strictly forbidden in the Law Levit. 11. 7 29. Deutâ— 14. 8. V. 18. For I know seeing my people have defiled themselves to the uttermost I will shortly reprove them and call the Gentiles in their place to whom I will reveal my grace and glorious salvation acquired by the Messias see 2 Cor. 4. 6. V. 19. And I will set that is to say I will save those whom I have chosen amongst the Jews of which he had spoken vers 5. which shall be marked with my mark Ephes. 1. 13. 2 Tim. 2. 19. Rev. 7. 3. and amongst them will I chuse mine Apostles as mine Ambassadors who shall carry my banners that is to say the undoubted proofs of my Spirit Hebr. 2. 4. to go and preach my Gospel to the Gentiles Tarshish namely the great sea Pul is a nation towards the south Lud or Lidia towards the east Gen. 10. 22. Tubal towards the north Gen. 10. 2. and Javan that is to say Greece towards the west and by these is meant the whole world Seen my glory namely my glorious deliverance the revelation of my soveraign mercy the manifestation of my Kingdom in my Sons person and the destruction of all false gods V. 20. They shall bring that is to say they shall gather all the beleevers spirituall brothers to the true Israelites into the universall Church which is the heavenly Jerusalem the Lord lending all means and helps which shall be needfull for this conversion which means are here set down in figurative tearms For an offering see Rom. 15. 16. Phil. 2. 17. V. 21. Take of them I will even amongst the Gentiles chuse Ministers of my Gospel and Pastors of my Church V. 22. Remain that is to say the true beleevers begotten by the incorruptible seed of Gods Word in the Church shall for ever remain in my favour even as the glory and state of happinesse which I have prepared for them is also eternall V. 23. That from one the Italian that from new moon to new c. that is to say all Nations shall continually serve me in my Church in spirit and truth termes taken from the solemne and publike service which was yeelded to God on festivall dayes V. 24. And look upon they shall be spectators of my judgements upon the wicked and especially of the finall and universall judgement Their worm he calls the inward gnawing of the Conscience so accompanied with eternall torments ⧠THE BOOKE OF THE Prophet IEREMIAH ARGUMENT AS the Lord never failed in raising up of great
as if it should say it was so indeed in those daies but the times are now altered God doth not now shew himselfe such towards me Yea the Lords answer namely that he is alwaies the same towards his Church Psa. 44. 4. 74. 12. V. 4. Thou shalt that is to say thou shalt flourish in all manner of joy Prophecies which began to come to passe at the returne from Babylon and were spiritually accomplished in Christ. V. 5. Yet thou shalt restore the ruines of a desolate Countrey tilling it and planting it with good plants V. 6. A day that is to say the time will come that the difference of Nations being once taken away by Christ the ten Tribes meant by Ephraim which were fallen away from Gods covenant shall be called into it againe by the Gospell signified by the Watch-mens cries and the Watch-towers set upon the high places of the Countrey see Isa. 62. 6. V. 7. Sing that is to say let every one rejoyce at the salvation which God will send his Church by the Messias whose figure and beginning shall be the Babylonian deliverance and let them purchase it by vowes and prayers V. 8. The North Countrey namely Caldea which is Northerly from Judea The blind and no infirmity shall let them from comming together I will afford them all strength to come bodily to Ierusalem and spiritually into my Church under the Messias see Isa. 35. 5 6. 42. 16. V. 9. Supplications under this word are comprehended all acts of piety thankesgivings prayers vowes c. Rivers namely the abundance of my graces scattered in my Church Psa. 23. 2 3. Isa. 35. 7 8. Ephraim that is to say Israel according to the Spirit and converted to Christs faith to whom in the Christian Church shall be reserved the title of birth-right above other Nations Exod. 4. 22. The name Ephraim is used here because that the ten Tribes did march under Ephraims ensignes and were governed by Ephraim V. 10. Heare let all the world heare and beare witnesse of the promises which I make to my people V. 1â— They shall come that is to say mine elect gathered out of my Church shall be for ever comforted and most abundantly enjoy all my favours V. 14. Saâ—iate the Italian make drunken termes taken from the good and fat parts of the Sacrifices which were allotted for the Priests such as in Spirit are the faithfull under the Gospel V. 15. A voyce Richel was the mother of Joseph and Bâ—niâ—â—in By Joseph and Ephraim his sonne are meant the ten Trilies And under Benjamin is also comprehended Judab with whom Benjamin remained joyned 2 Chro 11. 12. and therefore the Prophet seemes to represent in this place by the common mothers teares the desolation of the whole Countrey and Nation Now because Rachel was buried by Bethlehem Gen. 35. 19. The Holy Ghost hath also here aimed at the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem by Herod Matth. 2. 18. and this hidden sence was brought forth and set down by the Evangelist V. 16. Rewarded in stead of the sorrowes which thou hast had God will give thee comfort and bring thy children backe againe into his Church V. 17. Thine end after the time of thine afflictions shall be accomplished V. 18. I have surely heard the Propher represents the future conversion of the Jewes after the calamities which they have suffered V. 19. I repented that is to say God working in me by his Spirit of conversion I will also cooperate with his grace feeling a lively sorrow for my sins and striving for newnesse of life I smote a signe of sorrow and repentance as Ezek. 21. 17. Of my youth that is to say of my sinnes and excesses committed as it were by errour and heate of youth in the flowre of mine age and in the time of my greatest vigor V. 20 Is Ephraim Gods answer Since I for all my judgements and threatnings yet I did never cast him quite off My boâ—els my fatherly affection is awakened and enflamed towards him V. 21. Sâ—â— thee up to marke the way well The meaning is I will surely bring thee home out of thy captivity and exile into thine own Countrey and there I will re-establish thee V. 22. Goe about running as mad after idols and idolaters see Jer. 2. 18 23 36. Or seeking after mens assistance and making false leagues with them Created namely hath by his just judgement abandoned his people to the infamous purchasing of these forraigne and prophane leagues and friend-ships which is the same thing as if a woman did not stay for to be requested but should solicite the man see Jer. 2. 24. Ezek iâ— â—3 34. Hos. 8. 9. And this is more likely to be the meaning then the common construction which referreth this to the blessed Virgin big with Christ by the onely power of the Holy Ghost Compasse that is to say doth hang about him to daâ—ly with him to obtaine his love doth solicite him seeke after him or embrace him V. 24. They that goe namely shepheards that have no firme abode but sold their sheep here and there looking after their pastures V. 26. I awaked that is to say I Jeremiah considering the Churches most happy state which was revealed to me in a propheticke dreame found my selfe recreated and comforted as by a very sweet sleepe V. 27. Will sow that is to say I will againe populate and cause to be inhabited their waste and desolate Countrey and spiritually will raise up many believers in my Church V. 28 Like as I my providence shall labour for their restorement as well as it hath been employed in punishing of them V. 29. The fathers an ordinary proverbe Ezek. 18. 2. to blame as it were Gods judgements by an oblique and indirect way as if they did punish the innocent children for the fathers offences The meaning is the old sinnes of the Nation shall lie buried from thenceforth and if any one sinneth he shall be punished And finally under the Gospel God shall shew more favour then under the Law where oftentimes one mans fault did draw the punishment upon all and the sins of the fathers were required at the childrens hands V. 31. A new not in substance for that hath alwaies been the same but in the dispensing of it which shall be done more clearely freely effectually and spiritually under the Gospell like to a son that is out of tâ—telage being of full age in comparison of a pupill who is under age and hath not knowledge nor full possession nor free administration of those things which by right belong to him nor hath not such familiar accesse nor communication with the father see Gal. 4 1 3 4. V. 32. Although I was the Italian whereupon I regarded them not saith c. for so the Greeke translation hath â—ranslated it with which agreeth that of the Apostle Hebr. 8. 9. Others translate it though I had married them Jâ—â— 3. 14. V. 33. I will put my Law that
V. 3. For now Within a very short time What then should Though we had one yet he could not free us or defend us V. 4. Swâ—aring To God and promising him conversion and service Or to their King â—inding themselves to be faithfull to him Or to the King of Assyria being subject to him 2 King 17. 3 4. Thus judgement Gods punishments shall multiply like Cicuta or other poysonous herbes which grow in abundance in the fields V. 5 Because of Seeing their Idols taken and carried away by the enemies The 〈…〉 thâ— Iâ—alian The 〈…〉 ves He calleth those 〈…〉 so in contempt Of Bethâ—avâ—n See Hos. 4 15. 〈…〉 of the Italian Of the Câ—lfe A people that deserves no more to be called Gods people but â—he Câ—lfe their Idols people See Numb 21. 29. Fâ—r the glory Because it shall be no more worshipped nor reverenced as a God V. 6. It shall be namely That Calfe according to the custome of carrying away the Idols of those Nations which were conquered by warre see Isa. 46. 2. To King Iarâ—b the Italian To the King â—rotector namely The King of Assyria whom the Iraelites have chosen for their Protector and Defendor Hos. 5. 13. Ephraim Or shame shal overtake Ephraim Of his namely Of that which he hath undertaken of his owne mind beyond and against the will of God Psal. 106. 43. Hos. 11. 6. V. 7. The some the Italian A bubble Which is suddenly framed upon the water when it raines or when the water boyles and passeth away also in an instant V. 8. Of Aven Which is the same as Beth-aven The sinne The object and instruments of Idolatry Deut. 9. 21. Cover us Words of such persons as desire death for feare of evils that are greater than death and of such as are in despaire V. 9. From the dayes that is to say The horrible sinnes of Gibeah Judg. 19. 22. which were then so severly punished doe still continue and increase in thee They stood Though their fathers were no better then they of Gibeah against whom they warred because of their infamous wickednesses yet the Lord delivered them out of those bloody battels V. 10. Chastice them Now that they have heaped up their measure I will satisfie my wrath with their just punishment Two furrowes This hath a relation to the two invasions of the King of Assyria 2 Kings 15. 29. and 17. 3. And because the Assyrians had beene as the lovers of the children of Israel Hos. 8. 9 10. the Prophet useth a word which signifieth an appointment of some unchaste meeting V. 11. And Ephraim As a lusty Heyfer which is used to thresh corne upon the floore loues that trade partly because she is free from the yoake and doth not take much paines partly because she hath good food even so my people would enjoy my blessings but would not be subject to the yoake of mine obedience and discipline But I passed I will tame her and bring her into subjection V. 12. Sowe to your selves Endevour your selves to doe good workes and the Lord shall be propitious to you prepare your hearts which are like a waste ground by true repentance to receive Gods grace which is like a shâ—wâ—e of raine In righteâ—usnesse namely In his grace and blessing according to the truth of his promises Others doe understand this to be spoken by Christ who brought the true righteousnesse into the world Dan 9. 24. To receive which the preparation of the heart is necessarily required V. 13. Have plowed By Art and Endevour you have stâ—rred up and practised your native malice to cause it to produce many evill acts Wickednesse namely The just punishment thereof Have eaten You have in effect tried what vanity there was in your hopes grounded upon your wickednesses and upon humane strength V. 14. Sâ—alman This history is mentioned no where else some hold this to be the same as Shalmaneser 2 Kin. 17. 3. and Betharbel to be the name of some city taken and destroyed by him 1 Mac. 9. 2. There is mention made of Arbela which may be the same as this The mother A proverbiall kind of speech to describe a totall destruction See Gen. 32. 11. V. 15. So shall Your Idolatry which you run headlong into the chiefe place whereof is Bethel shall be the cause of your destruction in the same kind In a morning As soone as the day prefixed for Gods judgements to light upon him shall appeare CHAP. XI Vers. 1. WHen Israel In its first beginnings namely When it first began to be a Nation in Egypt Jerem. 2. 2. Ezek. 16. 22. V. 2. Called them namely My Prophets exhorted them to repentance and to my true service which was the chiefe end for which they were called out of Egypt Exod. 4. 23. V. 3. I taught I have been as a nurse to him Deut. 32. 10 11. Healed them that is to say Delivered them from all evill Exod. 15. 26. and 23. 25. V. 4. I drew them A phrase taken from cattell bred up to carry or draw which by a good Master are used gently and brought to their labour without any violence The yoake By which must be understood the musroll for otherwise a yoake doth not use to be laid upon the jawes V. 5. Returne The body of this nation shall not goe for fafety into Egypt which a friends conntrey but they shall goe into captivity to Assyria an enemies countrey and herein will I enforce them to obey my command Deut. 17. 16. V. 6. His branches All his forces and defences as wel those which consist in strong towns as those which consist in the valor of men Counsels Their actions and enterprizes which they have undertaken by their own advice Psal. 106. 43. Hos. 10. 6. V. 7. Are bent They desire and expect that I should turne in favour to them and relieve them whereas they should turne to me by repentance which they will not doe V. 8. Give thee up Though thou deservest to be irrevocably destroyed as those wicked cities were Gen. 19. 24. Deut. 29. 23. yet my mercy will not suffer it and therefore I promise thee re-establishment by meanes of the Messias Are kindled together the Italian Are moved or Are heated see Gen. 43. 30. Lam. 1. 20. V. 9. I will not With extremity of rigor and without remission I will not returne to save the remnant of mine elect amongst the people I will not consume them wholly by a redoubling of evils I am God And therefore most true and invariable in all my promises Numb 23. 19. The holy one I will be in the midst of thee in grace and spirit as thy true God-head object of all thy Devotion Religion and worship and the wel-spring and author of all thy holinesse and I will not be there any more as thine enemy V. 10. After the Lord Who shall manifest himselfe to them in grace and salvation in Christ. Roare He shall cause the powerfull voyce of his Gospel to sound all the
to whom the Prophets had denounced their extreame desolation Isay 23. Ezek 26 and 27. and 28. Repented not with a generall internall and spirituall repentance which the working of miracles cannot bring forth but is an effect of Gods Spirit co-operating with his word but only with an exteriour and disciplinary kinde of repentance which is nothing but being displeased and a forsaking of those great grievous sins which do fight against nature and civill and morall justice and do violate common society for which sins the Lord destroyed those nations Now this was sufficient to condemne the Iewes insensible and inflexible rebellion V. 22. But I say we must suppose those nations aâ—e indeed perished for their grâ—evous sins but at the last judgement the malignâ—ty of these rebels shall appear to be more cruâ—l shall be severely punished V. 23. Exalted by that incomparable blessing of having bin the place of aboad and ordinary conversation of the worlds Saviour V. 25. I thanke thee to the glory of thy divine Majestie I acknowledge thy Soveraigne power accompanied with justice wisdome and mercy in so much that thou hast not wrought upon the mindes and hearts of wise worldly men to give them a lively light of the mysteries of eternall salvation but upon soules of a weake understanding in worldly matters upon simple weake ignorant and contemptible people 1 Cor. 1. 27. V 26. Even so I doe not only acknowledge this truth but do also consent unto it and approve of it V. 27. Are delivered he meanes the universall Kingdome which he hath receaved from God his Father in the qualitie of a Mediator and especially over his Church to accomplish the salvation of it according to the Fathers everlasting decree No man knoweth namely the mystery of the sonnes person and consequently of the Holy Trinity As likewise his In carnation and all the properties of his office of Mediator is onely knowne by God by a proper naturall and perfect knowledge And all that men and Angells know thereof they know it but only of his meere good will and that which is revealed is done by the Sonne to whom it onely belongeth to reveale it as knowne to him by knowledge of nature and he onely having that property of being the Word of God Iohn 1. 1. and revealer of his secrets Psa. 2. 7. Iohn 1. 8. 1. V. 28. That labour in your soules and consciences by a lively feeling of your sins by the terrour of Gods judgments and the hardnesse of his scourges and punishments And also by a painefull and fruitlesse enquirie how you might satisfie Gods justice and obtaine his favour by your own proper works Isa. 55. 2 V. 29. Take Yeeld and submit your selves to me by obedience of saith laying aside all pride and rebellion 1 Cor 7. 22. and 9. 21. 1 Pet. 2. 16 Learne imitate my example in these vertues which are fitting and necessary for every Christian. V. 30. Is easie the Italian is pleasing or easie Namely to those that are regenerate whose sanctified will enclined by Gods Spirit doth no more oppose Christs Law which in the corrupt man is the only cause of the lawes severity towards him but rather consents unto it and sets his whole delight therin Rom. 7. 22. and 8. 7. and this yoake of Christs is opposite to the rigorous yoake of the law unsufferable withâ—u Christ Acts 15. 10. to the intolerable yoke of Pharisaicall orders Matth 23 4. and to the cruell and tyrannicall yoake of the Princes of the world Isa. 9. 3. and 10. 27. CHAP. XII VER 1. TO plucke according to the permission of the Law Deut 23. 25. V. 2. Is not the law did forbid them to dresse anâ— food upon the Sabbath day Exod. 16. 23. which the Pharisees did superstitiously extend to these petty actions of plucking and rubbing of eares of corne V. 3. Have ye not the meaning is the rigorous observation of ceremonies must yeeld to necessity when there is no contempt nor profane rebellion as David did without being reproved for it V. 5. Or have ye not Seeing God hâ—th not tied the officers of his Temple to the observation of the Sabbath they doing that day their most painfull and laborious services my servants and officers following me and serving me may also be free from the observation of it seeing that I am true God with my father and that my service sanctifieth these actions as the service of the Temple sanctified those V. 6. Is one namely I my selfe everliving God Lord of the Temple and the Messias who really and in truth am all that was figured by the Temple and the service belonging to it V. 7. If ye had another reason which hath a relation to the Pharisees cruell hypocrisie who thorow an ostentation of externall discipline went against charity not pittying the Apostles distresse who did eat ears of corne for meer necessity V. 8. For the he yeelds a reason for the Apostles innocency for if there were any sin in their act he was to judge of it being the Soveraigne Lord of all exteriour service and of the due observance of it And therefore since he did not finde fault with it they were not to cavill about it V. 10. To heale The Pharisaicall tradition did forbid the use of artificiall and naturall phisick upon the Sabbath day unlesse it were in cases of extreame necessity and now they doe superstitiously and malignantly apply the same to miraculous cures and healings See Luke 13. 14. Iohn 9. 16. V. 15. Them all that had need of being healed V. 16. And charged See upon Mat. 8. 4. V. 19. Not strive he shall not seek after worldly glory whereupon arise great strifes in the world hee shall proceed in all humility in himselfe and mildnesse towards others V. 20. Till he send till he be entred into possession of his everlasting kingdome to overcome and subdue all his enemies Vnto victory or everlastingly according to the phrase of the holy language V. 22. Blinde by the meanes of the devill which possessed him as Mat. 9 32. 17. 15. Luke 13. 11. V. 23. The Son the Ital. addeth the Christ the Son namely the promised Messias of Davids progeny V. 25. Beclzebub See upon Mat. 10. 25. V. 26. If Sathan the ground of this reason is because the Lord did drive devils out of mens souls by his saving doctrine as well as out of their bodies by his Almighty word wherefore one could not imagine that there was any collusion with the evill Spirit as Impostors often times do at whose instance the Devill comes out of a body to gaine any soules by seduction superstition false doctrine c. V 27. If I You shew your malice in judging evill of me because that having exorcists of your own nation which make profession of driving Devils out of men Acts 19. 15 and do not condemn them though you have no more reason to condemn mine actions thentheirs Now it is uncertain whether
effects of these my predictions And if these evils doe last long persevere in saith and be watchfull to expect my comming ever◠houre and to prepare your selves for 〈◊〉 for my words shall be fulfilled I give you no particular signe of the moment of it for that is a secret which God will not have revealed to men V. 36. My father Mark 13. 32 The sonne excludes himselfe from this knowledge not that he wanteth any divine perfections 〈◊〉 of knowledge or any other Iohn 5 20 but because his office of Doctor of the Church would not beare him out in the declaring of it V. 40. Then shall there shall be this dissimilitude betweene these dayes and Noahs dayes that the distinction of those who shall be saved and of those who shall perish shall not be by companies or families as Noah and Lot saved all their families but every one shall be saved by his own faith and pure conscience and shall perish by the vices which are contrary thereunto See Hab. 2. 4. Matth. 25. 9. Be taken gathered up by the Angels into the kingdome of heaven V. 41. Be grinding according to the custome of those dayes which was to imploy their bondmen and bondwomen in grinding at handmils Exod. 11. 5. Isay 47. 2. Now it seems that the Lord would shew that Gods election doth extend it selfe to all sorts of persons and separates the most joyned V. 42. Watch be in a perpetuall actuall exercise of faith and be fittingly prepared to receive your Saviour V. 43. What watch See upon Mat. 14. 25. V. 45. Hath made these words are directed to the pastors of the Church and teachers of Gods word and ministery of his grace Matth. 16. 19. whereof the two principall vertues are also pointed at faithfulnesse in the substance of the ministery and prudency in the manner of exercising of it to salvation and edifying V. 47. Shall make him by the figure of the custome of men in preferring faithfull servants to be overseers of a great houshold he points at the state of glory to which faithfull sheepherds shall be exalted in the kingdome of heaven above the ordinary members of the Church V. 48. If that evill the Lord seemes to point at some singular particular person that should usurpe a tyrannie over the Church and should change the spirituall service into a temporall domination and carnall delights Rev. 18. 7. V. 51. Cut him asunder from all communion of his house and from his favour See Deut. 29. 21. With the hypocrite who having been till then mixed with the true beleevers and hidden under faire shewes like unto that disloyall servant under the cloak of being Christs minister shall be punished with eternall punishments See Mat. 25. 32. CHAP. XXV VER 1. THe kingdome namely the state of the Church wherein God reigneth in his Sonnes person Tenne Virgins a similitude taken from the fashion used at weddings at which anciently the maidens which were the brides kinswomen and acquaintances went forth with Lampes and Lights in great troopes to meet the bride-groome when hee came to the brides house to have her away to his owne house which was commonly done in the night time Now the bride-groome is Christ the time of the wedding is at his last comming the night is the Churches estate in the world the Virgins are they that make profession of the purity of the Gospell the wise Virgins are they that are provided in their hearts with instructions in faith and prety and with the gift of the Spirit which is the oyle that burneth not howsoever alwayes in actuall exercise The foolish ones are they that have neglected to gaine or preserve the foresaid gift of the Spirit in the Church the lampes are the hearts the sleeping and slumbering is the slackning or ceasing from continuall exercises of piety and expecting of Christ which is caused by the infirmity of the flesh thorow Christs long staying V. 9. Not so whereby is shewed that every one shall live by his owne faith and not by other mens Hab. 2. 4. Goe ye provide some yet if you can from him that furnisheth every one namely from God for every one receaveth onely for his owne share Not that that minute of time will suffer any such new providing And buy see upon Isay 55. 1. V. 14. Travelling into this voyage is a figure of Christs ascent and abode in heaven Matth. 21. 33. And delivered whereby is showne Christ his distribution of the gifts and graces of his Spirit 1 Cor. 12. 7. Ephes. 4. 8. to be imployed to the advancement of Gods glory to the edification of his Church and increase of gifts in him that hath them◠whereof at his comming must be given a most strict account V. 15. According to proportionably according to his calling accompanied with some speciall gift for to manage it V. 21. Into the joy namely into everlasting happinesse Heb. 1◠2. V. 24. That thou art this is spoken onely for the making up and framing of the parable and cannot be any wise applyed to Christ unlesse it be to shew that he is a severe judge against those that lose or do not cause his graces to increase unlesse here be some mark of Gods right in demanding of man obedience and service at the fruit of originall justice which was conferred upon Adam in his first creation which he lost by his owne default though God do not give it againe to every one as he commeth into the world V. 27. Thou oughtest this also is only spoken for to make up the similitude V. 34. From the an ordinary phrase to say from all eternity before any time was Ephes. 1. 4. 2 Tim. 1. 9. V. 35. For I was not that workes are indeed the cause of salvation Rom. 3. 20. Ephes. 2. 9. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Tit. 3. 5. but because they are the true fruit of a lively faith in Christ the onely author of salvation in whom and by whom the faithfull are the children of God and their persons are made acceptable and their works brought forth by Christs Spirit are approved of and crowned through grace V. 37. When saw we to shew that the Lord worketh in this reward of grace beyond all humane apprehension and imagination and how much more beyond the worth of any worke and without any merit of the person See Ephes. 3. 20. V. 40. Vnto me for you have done it for my sake and in regard of me Mat. 10. 40. 42. and that all beleevers are one and the same spirituall body with Christ their head V. 41. For the devill from hence as well as from other passages may be gathered that there is a chiefe of the apostated and evill spirits See Mat. 12. 24. CHAP. XXVI VER 3. Assembled together in publike Senate or great Councell which judged of the most weighty matters as of a false Prophet such an one as they judged Christ to be And this Senate consisted of seventy Iudges besides the High Priest and
this wine was given to condemned men in mercy to dull their sences The other was given by the souldiers in mockery and insolency Vnlesse we should say that these wicked men mingled all together Received it not as well to preserve and keepe himselfe in his entire senses to the last to make his sufferings perfectly voluntary as because he would not abate any thing of his torments willing to beare them all thorow obedience and overcome them by his onely vertue uprightnesse and innocency V. 25. The third namely of cleere day which was divided into twelve even hours Iohn 11. 9. and therefore this third houre was correspondent to our nine a clock in the morning See touching the houre of our Lords death upon Iohn 19. 14. V. 32. And they that is as much as to say one of them Luke 23. 39. V. 39. That he so the Italian that after he had cried so though there were some apparent causes to judge that in this death there was some supernaturall thing it being cleere that it was a voluntary death seeing he was yet full of life yeelding so strong a cry and that he had no other wound but onely the piercing of his hands and his feet whereupon Pilate also marvelled that he should be dead already Yet for all that we must beleeve that the Centurion had some divine instinct to beleeve and speake in that kinde V. 40. The lesse so sirnamed either by reason of his stature or for some other unknowne reason to distinguish him from the other two Iames of Alpheus and Zebedeus the Apostles V. 42. Because it was it should seeme that this was the occasion which moved Ioseph to make such haste by reason of nights drawing on namely because at the selfesame time he began the preparation of the feast which lasted from nine houres untill the beginning of the day which was before the feast of which three houres there was at the least one festivall The preparation see upon Matthew 27. 62. V. 43. Counsellor Senator or member of that great Councell of seventy two The kingdome namely the restauration of the spirituall kingdome of the Church by the Messias See Luke 2. 25. 38. CHAP. XVI VER 1. HAd bought namely in the three last houres of the day in which our Lord was crucified Psal. 16. 9. See upon Iohn 19. 40. V. 4. For it was so that it was impossible to remove it out of the place without rouling of iâ— Or we must suppose that they wondered that it should be so rolled away being a very great stone V. 5. Into the sepulchre cut out in the rock in the manner of a cave A young man an Angell in that wonted forme to represent that this age was the condition of the blessed life alwaies equal like to the splendor and glory of the angels and their vigor and swiftnesse in their service and motion V. 7. And Pâ—â—er whether it were to preserve Peter in the honour of being in the first order amongst the Apostles or to comfort him particularly after his repentance Or because Peter with Iohn had shewed himselfe most zealous of inquiring out the truth of the businesse by comming to the Sepulchre and going into it Iohn 20. 3 6. and that therefore the Angell would free him from his anxiety V. 8. Neither said they that is to say they stayed not to talke with any one but runne in haste to relate it to the Disciples Mat. 28. 8. Luke 24. 9. V. 12. In another forme severall from that in which he appeared to Mary Magdalen or from that which he was in before his resurrection or in regard of his habit Iohn 20. 15. or in regard of the splendor of his countenance after his resurrection or that their eyes were dazled by a divine power Luke 24. 16. V. 14. At meat after their meale in their talke and holy conversation a good while before night Iohn 20. 19. V. 16. And is baptized that is to say hath added himselfe to my Church being baptized taking it as a token and signall of the open profession of faith which is necessary to salvation Rom. 10. 〈◊〉 V. 17. These signes this promise is especiall for those first times of the Gospels preaching and belonged onely to those who had the gift of working of miracles either in generall as the Apostles or in particular as others of the Church 1 Cor. 12. 7. 8 10 28. V. 19. Had spoken severall times Acts 1. 2 3. THE HOLY GOSPELL OF OVR LORD JESVS CHRIST ACCORDING TO SAINT LVKE Argument QUestionlesse the writer of this Gospell is that Luke of whom Saint Paul speaketh in diverse places of his Epistles calling him sometimes the most beloved Physitian Col. 4. 14. Sometimes his faithfull companion who hath not forsaken 〈◊〉 in all his labours 2 Tim. 4. 11. Sometimes his fellow labourer in the Lords work Phile. 24. Thouâ—h it be not specified any where who or whence he was nor when be was converted to the faith which notwithstanding seemes to be after our Saviours ascent into heaven nor what office he hath borne in the Church But howsoever it is likely that he was one of the Evangelists whereof the Apostles had alwayes some one under them to send and imploy for 〈◊〉 planting and ordering of Churches in particular Provinces or to manure maintaine and set forward the Gospell in those places where the Apostles had first sowne thâ— seed of it for which purpose the Evangelists were endowed with the infallible conduct of the Holy Ghost in their word and writing Such an one was S. Luke 〈…〉 der S. Paul who also seemeth to have compiled this Evangelicall history for the use of the Gentile Churches for which the Apostle was eâ—pecially appointed having to that end indited it in a stile which retainteth the character and property of the pure Greek tongue more then the rest of the Evangelists Now he therein relates by way of summary the greatest part of the doctrines and notable acts which the other had touched and addeth thereunto diverse parts which do illustrate and make up the body of the history exceeding well Especially touching the miraculous birth of John the Baptist and of Iesus Christ And many other heads from which the Church may draw great increase of knowledge and edification CHAP. I. VER 1. Aâ— many it is likely that he meanes the holy and true Evangelists and not the other false ones The meaning is seeing that Gods providence would raise up diverse writers of the Gospell I also moved by the same Spirit do freely undertake the same worke V. 2. Of â—he word namely of the Gospell or of Christ himselfe called the word Iohn 1. 1. V. 3. To me by divine inspiration See Acts 15. 19 25 28. 1 〈◊〉 40. Theophilus a noted personage in the Church in those dayes Acts 1. 1. V. 5. Of the course the Priests being divided in severall courses or turnes to do their ministery in the Temple by week 1 Chron. 24. 3.
there was some passage over Iordan there as the Hebrew name importeth Others reade it Bethany but then it must be another besides that of Iohn 1 18. V. 29. The Lambe him whom God hath appointed to make expiation for sinne and take away the bond and kingdome and punishment of it by offering his own person in a sacrifice acceptable to God figured by the daily immolation of Lambes under the law the signification of all which hath been accomplished by him And it is more likely that the similitude is drawne from the Lambes of the daily sacrifices then from the Paschall Lambe which savoured more of a Sacrament in application of the expiation made then of an offering in making of it Now it should seeme that this meeting of Christ Iohn happened after Christs return out of the Desert where he was tempted by the Devill V. 31 I knew him not not by sight before God had revealed him to me when Christ came to my baptisme and did afterwards confirme it by the sight of the Dove The meaning is there is no collusion between us seeing that I did not know him but only by divine revelation which was given me because that I shou'd make him knowne V. 32. Bare record namely after the second manifestation of Christ by the token of the Dove V. 34. Is the Sonne whom the Prophets had declared should be the Messias Psal 2. 7. 12. Isay 9. 6. V. 39. The tenth so that there were but two houres of day more This seemes to be noted to shew the short stay that they made with him at that time and to distinguish this first degree of their vocation from the other Mat. 4. 18. after which they remained continually with the Lord. V. 41. First it should seeme he meanes that the afore said two Disciples being gone to look for Peter Andrew found him first V. 42. Cephas a Syriack word which signifieth stone See upon Matthew 16. 18. V. 45. Of Nazareth namely that hath his ordinary abode there V. 46. Said unto a him this is grounded upon this that Nazareth was in Galilee a countrey much mixed and infected with paganisme And also because the Galileans were a more grosse and idâ—otish people V. 49. Thou art the King a word proceeding from divine inspiration joyned to the admiration of that act of Deity namely for to see those things which are out of his presence V. 51. Hereafter that which I have told thee is but a smal essay of my Godhead which now after my baptisme when I shall have enâ—ed upon the publike exercise or mine office I will make to appeare more fully 〈◊〉 you by the ervice which the Angels shall do me continually Mat 4. 11. Luke 22. 43. Iohn 12. 29. And he seemes to allude to Iacobs ladder Gen. 28. 12. CHAP. II. VER 1. THe third day namely after the afore-said discourses or after his returne out of the wildernesse Iohn 1. 29. 43. Of Galilee an addition to distinguish this City from another of the same name which was in the Tribe of Asher Ioth 19. 28. Surnamed Cana the great V. 3. They have no this sheweth that the holy Virgin after Christs baptisme did more cleerely know his divine power which she desires him to shew in this present case of necessity V. 4. What have I Christ after his baptisme being come out of his private life and entred into the exercise of his sacred office did no more yeeld such humane submission to his mother as he did before Luke 2. 51. See Mat. 12. 48. and therefore he receives neither prayer nor admonition from her to shew that in the unfolding of his divine power he did use his own absolute free will according to his own wisdome and also that he is the onely intercessor towards his father and that none can be an intercessor towards him Mine hours I will doe the miracle which thou requirest but the moment of time prefixed by my Soveraigne will is not yet come See Iohn 7 8. V. 6. After the manner to serve for those frequent washings which were appointed by the law or were brought in by tradition Mark 7. 3 4. V. 11. Beleeved that is to say were confirmed in the faith which was as yet tender and feeble in them V. 12. His brethren See Mat. 12. 46. V. 13. Went up according to the law Exod. 23. 17. Deut. 16 16. V. 15. He drove them an act like to that Matth. 21. 12. yet not the same V. 18. What sign shew us thy calling and authority receaved from God to reforme customes in this kinde which have hitherto beene approved of Though indeed it was not a generall law that every Prophet should verifie his vocation by miracles Iohn 10. 41. V. 19. In three Christ will not shew them any miracle because the doing of it dependeth upon his good will and pleasure and because that in that act which he had done it being evidently good and laudable there needed no ex raordinary proofe and because they thorow their incredulity were unworthy of it And therefore hee referres them to his resuâ—rection and glorification by which the truth of his person and office would cleerely appeare See Mat. 12. 40. Rom. 1. 4. V. 20. This Temple some referre this to the restauration of the Temple made by Zorobabel others to the reparations and beautifyings which Herod added to it A worke which had already lasted six and forty yeares and lasted a long while after that V. 24. Did not commit knowing the hypoerisie and inconstancy of many of them he did not admit them into his ordinary society as he did his trusty Disciples but did keepe himselfe from them CHAP. III. VER 2. By night for feare of the Iewes persecution Iohn 7. 13. and 9. 22. and 12. 42. and 19. 38. V. 3. Except a man if of the sonne of Adam corrupt in his own nature and the sonne of wrath he doth not become the sonne of God by adoption of grace and regeneration of spirit V. 5. Of water he seemes to intimate two distinct and severall parts of this change and by water he meanes the expiation and remission of the sinne and by the Spirit the whole worke of regeneration and inward sanctification of man Or he sheweth the ordinary externall meanes of this regeneration which is baptisme and the internall power of the holy Ghost by which it hath all its efficacy V. 6. That which is a man who is naturally engendred by his father and mother who are defiled with sinne is also defiled for all things do participate of the quality of their originall and therefore hath in him the cause of death and no disposition to life Contrariwise man regenerate by the Spirit being made spirituall hath the seed of everlasting life in him according to the order and infallible consequence that the flesh is to death and the Spirit is to life Rom. 8. 13. Gal. 6. 8. Of the flesh this word signifieth here as well as in
the time of harvest Vnlesse one should say that these speeches were spoken the yeare following in some season which is not specified Look on by spirituall contemplation The fields namely the whole world sowne al over with the elect who are upon the point of being called and converted V. 36. Hee that reapeth though it should seeme that the Prophers have bin like the labourers and sowers enduring the hardest labour in respect of you Apostles who come to the harvest which is ready to be reaped which is the more easie and pleasant work yet there is a great reward layd up for you as well as for them in the heavenly happinesse common to the Prophets the Apostles and all Gods true servants Unto life of which labour the recompence is eternall life V. 37. That saying it might bee some ordinary proverb spoken of such men as doe reape the fruits of other mens labours V. 42. And know by the inward perswasion of the spirit which went a long with Christs word V. 43. Into Galilee namely to Cana v. 46. and not into Nazareth his own Citie out of which hee was driven Luk. 4 29. nor to Capernaum the place of his ordinary abode Mat. 4. 13. and 9. 1. Ver. 46. Noble man the Italian Royall officer namely one of Herod the Tetrarchs officers who yet usurped the title of King though hee were put by it by Augustus See upon Matth. 14 1. V. 48. Except yee see a reproofe made to the Galileans because of their incredulity V. 50. Liveth that is to say he is safe and sound Ver. 51. Going downe that is to say was pretty well on ward in his way going homeward V. 53. Beleeved that is to say made open profession of his beliefe in Christ. V. 54. The second the meaning is after hee was already returned into Cana where he had wrought his first miracle Iohn 2. 7 11. hee wrought this second miracle there also CHAP. V. VER 1. AFeast if Saint Iohn hath exactly followed the order of times this feast might bee Pentecost which immediately followed the Passeover Iohn 2. 13. Ver. 2. Sheep market the Italian Sheepe gate it was one of the gates of Ierusalem which stood neere the Temple and it is likely was called so because that thorow that gate cattel were brought into the Cuie See Nehemiah 3. 1. 32. and 12. 39. Others the sheepe-market but it is all one for this market was close by the Gate A poole a great place to keepe water in as there were many of them in Ierusalem into which the water of Gihon came by pipes under ground for to bathe themselves to wash or water their Cattel in or the like uses Nehemiah 2. 14. and 3. 16. Isaiah 7. 3. and 22. 9. 11. and â—6 2. Iohn 9. 7. Bethesda that is to say a house or place of pietie so called by reason of the miraculous healing which was there Others doe expound this name otherwise but this seemes to be the likelier sence Verse 4. An Angell by GODS will and power V. 10. It is not true it is that carrying of burthens was one of the bodily actions which were forbidden to be done on the Sabbath day Neh. 13. 19. Ier. 17. 21. but Christ being the Soveraigne Lord might exempt them from it and besides this act was not contrary to the meaning of the Law because it was not a labour but a publike signe of the deliverence to the glory of God and for the instruction of men V. 14. Sinne no nore turne from those thy sins which had moved Gods justice to so long a punishment Matth. 9. 2. Or seeing thou hast receaved this favour at Gods hands yeeld him a perpetual acknowledgement therefore in obedience and service V. 17. My Father as God is not subject to the Lawes of the Sabbath but operates incessantly though not to create a new world or any new species so I his everlasting son do operate at all times without any law or limitation as well in workes which are purely divine as in those which I doe in the qualitie of Mediatour V. 19. Can doe not by reason of any impotency but by reason of the unitie of the essence and the perfect union of will and operation which is betweene me and the father who is the spring and as it were the first pattern of al the aforesaid actions What he seeth a figurative term to shew the unspeakeable communion of wil wisedom and power between the Son and the Father in the internall order of the most holy Trinitie or the perfect dependencie and conformitie of the will of Christ as Mediatour to that of God his Father And his Fathers perpetuall conduct towards him Isa. 11. 3. Or the office of fulfilling all Gods secret councel Isai. 11. Or the office of fulfilling and performing Gods secret councell which was as it were the model of al Christs actions see the same orderof operation in the holy Ghost John 16. 13. V. 22. Judgeth no hee doth not governe the world nor his Church immediately as by the operation of his owne person but doth doe it in and by his Son to whom he hath given all power and by him doth operate and manifest all his power Phil. 2. 10. Col. 1. 18. Heb. 1. 2 3. V. 23. As they honour he means that religious reverence which is engraven naturallv in all men towards the God-head and which God by his word commandeth to bee yeelded to his Sonne who is his living subsistent and perfect Image Philippians 2 10 11. Verse 25. The dead namely those which are spiritually dead in sinne Ephesians 2. 1. Col. 2. 13. That heare with a lively faith in the Gospell Hebrewes 4. 2 Shall live in a spirituall life consisting in the participating of the grace and Spirit of GOD in CHRIST Rom. 6. 4 Ephes. z. 4. Col 3. 4. V. 26. Hath life Namely hee is the beginning and spring of all the naturall subsistency and life of every thing To the Sonne as hee is mediatour and head of the Church To have Namely to bee the Author and beginner of a spirituall and everlasting life to all his beleevers Ioh. 6. 56. V. 27. To execute judgement namely to rule and governe ver 22. Because he is not onely as hee is true everlosting God but also as hee is Mediatour having taken humane flesh upon him Acts 17. 31. 1 Cor. 25. 28. in which nature also he is his fathers deputy Dan. 7. 13. V. 28. Marvaile not Christ proves his power to work this spirituall resurrection by the resurrection of bodies which is an effect of the same power but more sensible V. 30. I can See upon ver 19. Mine own will not that indeed the Son of God as he was God had a will severall from his Fathers will but because it seemed so to men to whom he did speake See Ioh. 6. 38. and 7. 16. and 8. 50. Vnsesse this be understood of the will of his humane nature which though it were not
the new testament taken out of the greek translation of the Sâ—ptuâ—ginâ—e which was much in use amongst the Grecians in those dayes which for some cause not very well knowne varâ—eth ostentimes from the hebrew but it was sufficient to shew by it that there should be other nations which should be called the Lords Which is the meaning the of Amos layd downe as well in the greek as in the hebrew text V. 18. Unto God this prophecy and other like unto it about the calling of the Gentiles sheweth that this was Gods counsell which hee bringeth to passe in these dayes therefore wee must not finde it strange nor be offended at this novelty V. 19. Wherefore since it pleaseth God to cal them to his grace and Church it is not reasonable that wee should in the behalfe of men lay this stumbling block of the necessity of circumcision which is so much abhorred by them And besides seeing God hath taken away the distinction of nations by the communication of his coâ—enant we must not any more set up the marke of the former division See Ephes. 2. 14. 16. V. 20 They abstaiâ—e this is an Ecclesiasticall ordinance and as they say canonicall not so much to â—ule the conscience and the inward man as the externall actions for the peace comelinesse and order of the Church of those dayes in things which of their own nature were indifferent as the eating of bloodâ— or strangled meat or which the Gentiles by abuâ—â— hâ—â—d to be such as to eat of the flesh which was offere to Idols v. 2â— And committing fornication See 1. Cor 6 12 13. and 10. 20. Rev. 2. 14. 20. V. 21. For Moses this is ordained for the Gentiles for the Iewes are sufficiently instructed by the reading and exposition of the law in their observances and to that we doe remand them untill thorow a greater light and encrease of faith they leave these of that which is now of no vertue V. 22. Chosen men the greek heads or conductors that is to say pastors who bore office in the Church governement V. 24. Subverting stirring them from their faith and quiet and casting them into feare peâ— plexities and scruples V. 26. Have hazzarded to innumerable dangers and travells or have laâ—d aside all care of themselves to dedicate themselve wholly to Christs service V. 28. To â—he holy Ghost because they did treate of Ecclesiastiâ—â—ll orders concerning the quietnesse and order of the Church wherin Ecclesiastical authority hath place the assembly used this terme it seemed good to us which is not used neither in the Articles of â—aith nor in the commandements which meerely concerne the conscience And to shew that authority was with holy reason and wisedome there is added and to the holy Ghost who guided the Apostles in these outward things also 1. Cor. 7. 25. 40. The meaning is as the spirit of God hath dicâ—aâ—ed it to us so we doe ordaine it to you by the authority which God hath given us Necessary for the peace coâ—cord V. 30. The multitude namely the whole body of the Church Ver. 31. For the consolation for this meanes of â—oncord which was given them by the Apostles Others have it exhortation V. 32. Prophets See upon Actâ— 13. 1. V. 33. In peace in good love Or with a blessing Unto the Apostles namely to Ierusalem whither the Apostles went after their voyages and where it is likely some number of them resided continually Verse 38. Thought not good by discourse of reason for if there had beene any expresse revelation from God Barnabas who was also a man inspired would have knowne it and peradventure Paul had espiâ—d some defect in Marke which was concealed from Barnabas Or that hee did not judge it reasonable to make him partaker of the reaping and harvest of the Churches who would not bee with them at the sowing and that for a milde and just punishment Ver. 39. So sharpe thorow humane infirmitie and yet with a good intention in both of them They departed God made use of their separation to cause the Gospell to fructifie more as large in diverse places CHAP. XVI Vâ—â— 1. Dâ—sciple that is to say a Christian Beleeved that had embraced the faith of Christ. A Greeke a Gentile proselite who was not circuâ— ciâ—ed For if he had he would have caused his son to be circumcised likewise See upon Mat 13. 15. Acts 14. 1. V. 3. Circumcised not for a Sacrament of Gods Covenant wherein circumcision availed nothing Holy Bâ—â—tisme having beene substituted for that use but as for indifferent action to cause the Gospell to be the more easily accepted amongst the Iewes who held the uncircumcised in abomination untill greater illumination and confirmation in faith and in the doctrine of Christian libertie V 6. Of the Holy Ghost by an internall revelation from him Ver. 7. They assayed thorow â—ervencie of zeale they endavoured to overcome all difficulties but the Holy Ghost revealed unto them that the will of God was not so for that time as those divine persons were lunâ—ry times moved by discourse of reason to undertake many things from which they were diverted by Revelation See 2 Sam. 7. 3 4. The spirit The Italian addeth Of Jesus which hee only sends and distributes and by which he moves and inspires his beleeveâ—s Rom. 8. 9. and especially his Prophets and Apoâ—â—les to doe his worke 1 Pet 1. 11. V. 9. Come over crossing the Sea out of Asia iâ—to Europe V. 10. Endeavoured by ver 17. it appeares that Luke who writt this booke was then wâ—th Paul and Timothy Ver. 11. Samoâ—hâ—acia an Iland and Citie depending upon Thracia lying betweene Troas and Neapolis which was a Citie and harbour of Mâ—cedonia V. 12. A Colonie of Romans who had sent â—hither a plantation of their own Nation V. 13. Where by Statute and publicke authority to defend the Iewes from popular tumults and likewise to separate them from others Prayer was woâ—t they were certaine oratories where the Iewes mâ—â—â— for their quotidian prayers at the same houres as they offered the daily sacrifices in the Temple And for other exercises of pietie Which places according to some were the same as their Synagogues and stood likely by some running water because of the Iewish purifications V. 14. Worshipped Namely was a devout and religious proselyte Opened he enlightned her by his spirit and did inwardly incline her to believe and submit her selfe to the Gospell U. 16. A spirit it was some devill by which she was possessed or which served her for a familiar spirit speaking within her and revealing secret and future things See upon Lev. 19. 31. Ver. 18. Grieved it not being fitting that Gods truth should receave witnesse from the spirit of lies which would defile it and cause it to bee suspected See Mar. 1. 25 34. Verse 20. To the Magistrates The Italian Tâ— the Praâ—ors who were the chiefe Magiâ—â—ratâ—â— of the Roman Colonies otherwise called Duâ—â—viri V. 21. Which are
care to provide for the Apostles wants had sent Epaphroditus their Pastor to Rome to visit him and present unto him from them some honourable assistance whereby Saint Paul having by him understood the state of their Church thanks God for their faith and holy perseverance and declares unto them a hearty feeling of it with prayers unto God that the blessing may be firm and perpetuall to them as he doth firmely hope by reason of their former trials Then he telleth them of his sufferances and captivity and the great fruit which proceeded from thence for the advancement of the Gospel And his onely griefe for the perversnesse of some small preachers who took occasion through his imprisonment to falsifie the doctrine of the Gospell and to withdraw the Churches affections from the Apostle declaring notwithstanding what his faith constancy joy and firme disposition was against all events having neverthelesse some hope to see them again to take away from them all matter of offence to comfort assure and prepare them against the time of the like afflictions Then he exhorteth them to holinesse of life and especially to peace and concord modesty and humility by the most perfect example of Christ and staying untill such time as he could send Timothie unto them he sends back Epaphroditus to them adorned with deserved praises and recommendations Afterwards he warneth them to beware of false Apostles who imposed the necessity of Mosaicall Ceremonies upon them to gain favour and renown amongst the Iews and sheweth by his own example how much every beleever ought to contemn those carnall and externall observations to cleave to Christ onely aiming at the mark of the heavenly vocation in the communion of his life and resurrection And at the last having again exhorted them to concord and to the laudable imitating of him and to all Christian vertues thanking them for the relief they had sent him he blesseth and saluteth them CHAP. I. Vers. 1. THe Bishops it seemes that by this name ought to be understood such of the sacred Ministers whereof the Ecclesiasticall Senate was composed which had the government of the Church the censure of manners c. see Acts 20. 17 28. Rom. 12. 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 1 Tim 5. 17. And by Deacons not onely those who took care of the poor Acts 6. 2. Rom. 12. 7 8. 1 Tim. 3. 8 12. but also the plain ministers of the Church Deacons or ministers V. 3. Vpon every namely for all the good which I have known in you which I do most pleasingly keep in my memory Others â—every time I think upon you V. 5. Which you for the holy manner wherein you have participated of the doctrine and grace of the Gospel ever since it was preached to you V. 6. Vntill the day untill Christs last comming at which time the salvation of all beleevers shall be accomplished by the blessed resurrection ver 10 1 Thes. 3. 13. and 5. 23. Or he speaks thus because that every beleever ought to be prepared each moment for the comming of the Son of God as if he were thereby to finish the course of his life see 1 Cor. 15. 52. 1 Thes. 4. 15 17. V. 7. Are partakers have through a speciall favour and honour done you by God vers 29 30. suffered the same calamities for the Gospell as I have done and have maintained and sealed it by your faith and constancy or you have joyned with me by open profession and by all manner of Declarations and communications as well in my sufferings as in mine actions and speeches for the maintenance of the truth see Phil 4. 14. Heb 10. 33. V. 8. In the bowels with that intimate and boundlesse spirituall love as Christ engenders by his Spirit in all his members towards him and one towards the other which hath also no other foundation reason nor end but onely Christ himself V. 9. Judgement namely a sound and stedfast spirituall judgement in the truth of the Gospell Heb. 5. 14. or a lively apprehension experience and sensible application thereof V. 10. Without offence namely the offence which it gives to the sinner himselfe and is a trouble and hinderance to others in the course of their heavenly vocation Till the day the Italian for the day that you may then be approved of by the Lord and obtaine the reward promised to those who persevere in faith and holinesse Others untill the day as Ver. 6. V. 11. The fruits namely holy works and deeds by Jesus Christ namely which are brought forth by you and in you by veâ—tuâ— of the mysticall conjunction that you have with him through his Spirit which regenerates the person and guids its actions V. 12. The things which namely mine imprisonment and all that hath followed to this houre V. 13. My bonds the fame of me a prisoner hath spread it selfe abroad not by a popular cry nor by a human celebration or applause but by a cleere manifestation of Christs power which accompanieth me and worketh in me and by me The Pallace The Italian the Praetorium the Roman Emperours Palace see Phil. 4. 22. Or the Praetorian Fort where the cohorts or companies of the Emperours ordinary Guard were lodged as it is likely that the Souldiers which kept Saint Paul Acts 28. 16. did publish many great matters of him of his doctrine acts and miracles V. 14. In the Lord namely of that spirituall brotherhood whereof the common faith in Christ and he himselfe by his Spirit are the only tyes By my bonds namely by the example of me that am a prisoner and by the comfort of the Spirit and by the power of God which sheweth it selfe in me V. 15. Some he meanes some adversaries of his especially amongst the Jewes who were jealous of the degree which he held in the Church and were heads of faction against him who seeing him in prison shewed great zeale in preaching the Gospell to gaine themselves as much credit as Saint Paul had had wronging not onely his authority but even the very truth it selfe which they falsified Phil. 3. 2 18. Of good will with a godly and upright intention without any passion or proper interest Or for good will towards me to comfort me faithfully seconding my labours and joyning themselves with me in the cause for which I suffer V. 16. Not sincerely namely in regard as well of the substance wherein they were of a different opinion from the Apostle as of the perverse affection and intention V. 18. In pretence namely to cover their owne passions of ambition jealousie hatred avarice c. Oâ— upon occasion to make themselves a way of admittance to practice those passions V. 19. This shall namely that by these tryals God will confirme me in faith constancy and perseverance in my vocation to finish the course thereof for my salvation Through your as by a help appointed by God to obtaine the assistance of his Spirit from him whereby I may obtaine the power of persevering In Jesus
obtain all manner of grace and the holy Ghost for them whereby faith is engendred in them and the conformity of the members with the head is brought forth V. 22. In obeying namely in beleeving the Gospell or conforming your selves to the will of God by a sincere and filiall obedience Through the Spirit namely by the power and grace of the holy Ghost which may have a relation either to the foresaid obedience or to the purification of the souls because that both are the work of the holy Ghost Of the brethren which is the true end and naturall effect of the purification of the soul by faith Ephes. 1. 4. 1 John 3. 18 19. V. 23. By the word which is likened to the seed made actuall and fruitfull by the addition of the holy Ghost Which liveth which is endowed with an effectuall and spirituall power and is established and lasteth for ever whereby it is likewise apt to bring forth the spirituall and everlasting life in beleevers opposite to the mortall and transitory life which they had from their parents by the corporall generation which is described afterwards CHAP. II. Vers. 1. LAying aside or casting away Now this depends from that which is spoken Chap. 1. 23. for the regeneration which is spoken of there consists in renouncing of those and all other vices V. 2. As new born that is to say Being newly made Christians imitate little children in desiring the souls pasture which is Gods word which as it is the seed to give the life of the Spirit it is likewise the food to preserve and increase it The sincere namely the word of God which is the most sincere truth apt to purge man from all the fore-said deceits Or the Word of God not falsified with erroneous doctrines 2 Cor. 2. 7. 4. 2. V. 3. If so be he speakes this to signifie that all our desire proceeds from the rellish which God hath already given us of his grace by faith according to that unto him who hath is given if so be he doe aske it John 4. 10. V. 4. To whom that is to say being united to the Lord Jesus and made his members by a lively faith A living stone namely as to the foundation of the Church which hath an everlasting life and lastingnesse in it and is also soveraignly active by the communication of a spirituall life and vertue to all such as are built upon him by faith which is spoken in comparison or opposition to materiall foundations which though they be solid and sound yet can they not communicate their qualities to the stones which are laid above them V. 5. Lively stones namely participating of that foresaid life of Christ and therefore opposite to the dead stones of the materiall Temple Are built up or be ye built up An holy Priesthood that is to say a multitude and company of Priests By Jesus whose perfect righteousnesse and intercession gaineth all Gods grace to beleevers and to their workes V. 6. Be confounded that is to say he shall not fall from his hopes nor be deluded in his confidence V. 7. He is the Italian it is that precious thing namely that precious foundation whereof Isaiah speakes V. 8. Which stumble namely which striving against the doctrine of the Gospell through incredulity and rebellion are causes of their owne ruine and yet can no way stirre the Gospell Wherunto namely into which ruine God hath from everlasting and immutably determined to let them fall through their owne fault see 1 Thes. 5. 9. Jude 4. V. 9. A royall that is to say a company of Priests who are likewise Kings Exod. 19. 6. Priests to God-ward to whom beleevers doe yeeld spirituall worship v. 5. and Kings over the creatures over which Christ their head hath given them the dominion which they had lost in Adam and hath made them fellows in the glory of his Kingdome Matth. 19. 28. 1 Cor. 6. 2 3. Revel 1. 6. 2. 26 27. 3. 21. 5. 10. 20. 6. A peculiar which he hath purchased with a price and made his by a Soveraigne title to hold them for his owne people V. 10. Not a people namely Gods people for the ten Tribes to which the Apostle writes were formerly fallen away from Gods covenant V. 11. Pilgrimeâ— namely in this world a place of travell for us and not our owne native Countrey whereby the goods and delights thereof are not our owne proper goods and the too much staying and fixing our selves upon them hindereth our endeavour and care which we ought to take in this our voyage to Heaven V. 12. In the day when it shall please God to draw neere unto them communicating his knowledge and grace over them see Luke 19. 44. V. 13. To every namely to Princes Magistrates Governours made by men or amongst men by the civill conversation and guide of humane society For the Lords sake who is the author of governments and of all publique order who commands obedience to Magistrates and binds all mens consciences thereunto and therein is served and honoured Rom. 13. 5. To the King namely to the Roman Emperour sometimes called a King by forraigne Nations V. 16. As free spiritually freed from the bondage of sinne the divell and the world and also from the servile pedagogie of the Law which liberty many did abuse to the licentiousnesse of the flesh and to the shaking off all kind of yoke of worldly dominion V. 18. To the froward namely to such as are rough and cruell V. 19. Thankworthy the Italian pleasing namely to God who esteemes it an act of obedience done to him and of humble patience under his hand For conscience that is to say to obey him according to the duty which his conscience tels him of and bindes him to Being enlightned by his word and by his Spirit V. 20. Buffeted the Italian punished some translations have it buffeted which was an ignominious kind of punishment V. 21. Called in that the end of Gods vocation and election is to be made conformable to Christ as well in his sufferings as in his glory Rom. 8. 29. V. 24. Bore our sinnes to suffer the punishment of them to cancell the bond and annihilate the curse Col. 2. 14. Heb. 9. 28. In his owne body namely in his humane nature On the Tree namely upon the Crosse. V. 25. And Bishop namely Christ the Soveraigne Guardian Rector and spirituall Steward which are the signications of the name of Bishop CHAP. III. Vers. 1. O'Bey not or beleeve not Be won that is to say disposed and induced to thinke well of the Gospell to desire the knowledge of it and be converted unto it see Matth. 18. 15. 1 Cor. 9. 19 20 21 22. V. 2 With feare that is to say in holy modesty reverence and humility V. 4. The hidden man namely the whole state the vertues and qualities of the soule regenerated by the Holy Ghost the forme whereof doth not appeare to the outward sences but
servants see Heb. 10. 29. V. 2. Their pernicious waies the Italian their lasciviousnesse namely their false doctrines and evill examples which loosen the reines to all manner of licentiousnesse of the flesh under the pretence of Christian libety v. 18. Jude 4. Others their perditions that is to say their pestilent doctrines The way namely the profession of the Gospell shall be exposed to shame and to the reproaches of the adversaries see Acts 19. 9 23. V. 3. Through covetousnesse namely under a faigned kind of speech framed to a shew of piety mildnesse and charity they shall endeavour to lay hold on your goods with the ruine of your soules V. 4. Cast them downe the Italian abissed them that is to say having first driven them out of their heavenly habitation into the lowermost parts of the world he keepes them there like prisoners chained up in horrible darknesse without any light of grace joy and happinesse untill that they be at the last day driven into everlasting torments see Matth. 8. 19. Luke 8. 31. Ephes. 6. 12 V. 5. A preacher namely who whiles he was preparing the Arke exhorted and admonished the world to turne to the Lord and desire a free forgivenesse of their sinnes through faith in the promised Messias which was the true righteousnesse by faith by which himselfe was righteousnesse Heb. 11. 7. V. 9. Knoweth how to deliver that is to say shall indeed deliver Out of temptation namely out of all calamities troubles and dangers by which he trieth those that are his Jam. 1. 2. Rev. 3. 10. V. 10. After the flying out into a liberty of committing fornication and all manner of lust as those libertine hereticks which did arise in those daies both did and taught of which heretickes Jude also speakes Government as well the publique government of Magistrates as the private government of Masters as a thing unfitting to be enduced by beleevers who are the children of God guided by his Spirit and by himselfe freed from the Law So did those false Doctors turne spirituall liberty which consisted in the free and willing doing of such things as one ought to doe into a licentiousnesse of doing whatsoever they would without any respect of honesty or regard of government V. 11. Whereas this is spoken because that though the Angels were Gods Ministers on earth to withstand the rage of evill Princes and to execute Gods judgements upon them and be also as Gods assistants and messengers Dan. 4. 13. 17. Zech. 1. 10 11. Yet we never find in Scripture that they did raile against powers or offer them any injury but did still with all respect leave the judging of their actions to God Greater in the excellency of their nature and height of their office above all the Potentates of the Earth Rayling accusation that is to say injurious which is undecent for any grave and holy action of justice which is by such excesses prophaned V. 12. Made to be taken whose ordinary end is to be taken and slaine by Huntsmen Which these false Doctors are like as well in their bruitish sensuality as in their unbridled licenciousnesse and in their unfortunate end Of the things that is to say they take liberty to speake evill of and defame such things as they have neither knowledge nor understanding in especially your unbeleeving Princes and Magistrates being not able to discerne how that in their office they may be Gods Ministers though in their persons and abuse of their offices they be his enemies Corruption namely in their wicked and abominable life and conversation V. 13. That count it that doe put their chiefe good and delight in pleasures of the flesh Spots of the Church and of holy assemblies in the communion of which they professe themselves to be Sporting themselves working in such sort by their frauds and deceipst that they through your bounties doe get meanes to live deliciously being called to your feasts and sitting there in the chiefe seats While they especially in the ordinary feasts of charity called Agape see 1 Cor. 11. 20 21. Jude 12. V. 14. Having shewing by their lascivious looks their inward burning lust That cannot who doe not onely commit some sinfull act through weaknesse or inconsideratenesse but have gotten a habit and make an ordinary practice of it Beguiling drawing people that are not well grounded in faith and piety to be companions in their misdeeds and to assent unto their doctrines With covetous to use all the snares and deceipts of covetousnesse for to gaine wealth V. 16. The madnesse through which blinded with madnesse he did strive to goe on against the will of God but by the miracle of the Asses speaking his presumption was abated and confounded Of the Prophet that is to say of the Soothsayer Num. 23. 23. or he is called a Prophet because sometimes he had true divine revelations Num. 22. 20 38. 23. 5. 24. 2. V. 17. Wels that is so say men who in truth and substance have nothing of that whereof they beare the name and likenesse Carried with there being certaine clouds which yeeld no raine but onely bring forth tempests and stormes So these men carried by the divell and by their owne passions doe not inspire the Church with any pure and saving doctrine but disturbe it with schismes partialities and heresies The midst namely the horror of internall punishments which are opposite to the glorious light in which the Lord dwelleth and of which he makes all those that are his partakers V. 18. When they speake using a lofty and proud kind of stile in their manner of teaching which is neverthelesse voyd of truth and of any vertue of Gods Spirit Through the lusts which they suffer to be committed under the shadow of Christian liberty Those that were namely your novice Christians who were as yet weake in knowledge faith and practice Cleane escaped the Italian a little escaped other coppies have it those which were really and truely c. That is to say true beleevers who may be shaken by such temptations but not over-throwne Or those who by professing the Gospell had taken the true way of saving themselves from the perdition of the world V. 19. Is he brought for according to the ancient custome prisoners in the warres were the Conquerours slaves V. 20. For if after he proves that those who after they have received the light of the Gospell doe againe fall into the former state of sinne are slaves to the divell and sinne without any redemption like unto prisoners taken in the warres because that by the said light and faith they have in some manner and for a time fought against the divell and have at last been overcome by him whereby he hath for ever possessed himselfe of them Matth. 12. 43. whereas they who are under the divels peaceable and quiet possession without any opposition of Gods Spirit and being out of Gods Church Matth. 12. 29. may be delivered from it V. 21. The way namely
to the Magistrates either by information only for to have it enquired on or by sufficient proofe and in 〈◊〉 be condemned thou oughtest to be the first that shall put his condemnation into exe 〈…〉 Deuteronom 17. 6. V. 13 Are gone out Some from amongst you separating themselves from the Communion of the Church and from Gods services have caused a revolt see 1 John 2. 19. Jude 19. Saying We must suppose here And the inhabitants of the City consented thereunto And in is 〈◊〉 thru whosoever did oppose himselfe to that impiety by reason of his severe commandement of punishing the City was warned to come out of it in time for feare of being infolded in it V. 16 〈◊〉 the Lord To satisfie his Justice and command and to punish the 〈…〉 eason committed against his divine Majesty and for to 〈…〉 cisie his wrath CHAP. XIV VERS 1. THe children And therefore do not you imitate prophane nations in your mournings who by these furious and desperate fashions shew that they have no comfort in death through hope of eternall life which is given unto you as the inheritance of your heavenly father 1 Thess. l. 4. 13. Between your eyes In tho fore-part of your head over against that part which is betweene your eyes V. 3 Abominable Which may pollute you by that Law which I have set down to you of the differences of meates V. 5 Chamois Some translate it to bee a beast begotten betweene a camell and a panther but wee doe not reade that beast to bee fitting for food V. 7 That chew the cud Only but divide not the hoof nor likewise of those which divide the hoof only and do not chew the cud V. 19 Every creeping thing See an exception to this generality Lev. 11. 21. V. 22 Tithe This was the second tithe which was taken up after the Levites tithe and was to be employed in the sacred feasts at the three solemne festivals Deut. 12 6. 17. V. 23 That thou The use of these banquets in Gods presence was to make thee acknowledge that thou doesthold all thy goods of his grace and to the end thou mayest use them to his glory and honour with thanksgiving in all sobriety and purity as before his eyes which are the two principall acts of true piety V. 28 Tithe Some hold it to be a third kinde of tithe which was taken up every third yeare after the Levites Tithes and the tithes of the holy feasts in the Temple others will have it to be the same i the which for two yeares was still paid to the Levites and after the Temple was built and that the severall orders and offices of the Levites were established was carryed to Jerusalem 2 Chron. 31. 5 6 11 12. and the third year every one kept it at home and bestowed it any where indifferently upon the Levites and the poore CHAP. XV. VERS i. A Release or intermission this was the Sabattical yeare so called because that in it the lands were left at a stay and it was not lawfull to call in debts and the Jewish slaves were set at liberty V. 2 Shall release it It is is not-likely that this precept intended to make the creditor lose his debt quite but only to give for that year some release and repute to debtors from the troubles and taxes of their creditors V. 3 Of a sorraigner In Religion rather than in Nation so that in these offices of piety and brotherly charity God hath made some difference between those that are of the houshold of faith and strangers Deut. 23. 20 V. 4 There shall be Take heed lest through thy cruelty any one fal into extreame want and if he do provide thou so for his wants that hee be not driven to beg shamefully V. 9 The yeare Which yeare I shall not get mine owne at my pleasure verse 2. Thine eye doe not shew thy selfe cruell hard carelesse of other mens miseries or sorrowfull for their well-doing see Deut. 28. 54. 56. Prov. 23. 6. and 28. 22. Mat. 20. 15. V. 14 Wine-presse Or the Tun or Fat V. 17 For ever Untill the Jubile Exo. 21. 6. Maiâ—servant That is an Israelite Hènce it appeares that which was set downe Exod. 21. 7. Not to be an expresse command but onely a silent inducement and exhortation to the Master to espouse or cause to be espoused by his sonne the said maid-servant for the safeguard of her honesty V. 18 A double It is gathered by Isa. 16. 14. and 21 16. that the time of hiring mercenary servants was to be for a year at least and at the most for three years V. 19 The firstling What firstlings are here meant you may see Deut. 12. 6. V. 20. Year by year in solemne feasts Deu 16. â—i 14. V. 21 Ill blemish Not a small imperfection or accidentall or externall deformity but some ill disdisposition of the body or some notable defect as Deu 1◠〈◊〉 Sacrifice t 〈…〉 For a Sacrifice of thanksgiving of whose flesh these banquets or feasts were made CHAP. XVI VERS 2. SAcrifice See Exod. 12. 27. Of the flock The Italian sheep Besides the Paschall-lambe you shall offer other sacrifices specified Num. 28. 19. V. 3 With it With the lamb The bread of affliction Or of poverty as who should say poor folks bread who ordinarily for want of provision do eat ill leavened and ill prepared bread This as also the wild Lettuce were a memorial of the hard estate the people were in when they were in Egypt and likewise of the precipitate haste they were in to depart out of it V. 7 In the morning After the first day of the feast which was a festivall day untill the seventh day which was also festivall hee that would might goe home for the five middle days were not festivall Thy Tents The Italian hath it habitations the Heb. hath it Tents for Moses heeded most that time while the people were in the wildernesse in Tents and Pavilions V. 8 Six dayes seeing that every where else it is commanded to eat unleavened bread seven days Ex. 12. 15. Lev. 23. 6. Num. 28. 17. we must believe that by these six days must be understood the six days after the passeover which was celebrated the first day which is not reckoned here as elsewhere A solemn see up-Lev 23. 36. V. 9 From such time From the day after the passeover which day the first fruits were gathered for the wave offerings Lev. 23. 10 15. V. 10 Keep With holy meales and feasts Ofweeks Of Pentecost which was the fiftieth day af 〈…〉 the seven weeks compleat Ex. 34. â—2 Lev. 23. 16. Of thine hand The Italian addeth sufficiently largely according to thy wealth for to furnish those holy feasts V. 12 That thou wast For to rejoyce in the presence of God because thou hast been delivered out of it to give him thanks and to shew mercy to the wretched such as thou hast been V. 13 Seven dayes See upon Lev. 23. 36. Thy
wine The Italian hath it The tunne or the wine-press V. 15 Rejoyce Put away all sorrow and sadnesse to rejoyce fully in the Lord and to blesse him and laud him with all thy heart V. 19 â—râ—st S 〈…〉 upon Exod. 23. 8. V. 21 A grove Not to imitate any way the idolaters superstitions which did settle some opinion of divinity upon shady trees and groves see upon Ex. 34. 13. V. 22. Image The Italian A statue whether it have any representation or no as sometimes the idolaters did consecrate such stones and pillars without any effigies CHAP. XVII VERS 1. EVill favourednesse See upon Deu. 15. 21. V. 2. Wickednesse The Italian That which is unpleasing this circumlocution is especially referred unto idolatry V. 3. Either Not only Idols of human invention or fabulous fictions but even those excellent creatures which become mans idols when he attributeth unto them any divinity or yeeldeth any honour or worship to them see Job 31. 26. The host The stars see upon Gen 2. 1. V. 5. Gates Of the city which was the place where they held their courts of justice and their common counsels V. 7. The evill Or the evil man see upon Deu. 13. 5. V. 8. Too hard This is spoken to inferior judges magistrates Deu. 16. 18. who were enjoyned to go to the priests by way of consultation to be informed of the true sense and meaning of Gods Law And this is not spoken to the parties as if they should proceed by way of appeale for there is no such thing mencioned in Scripture Between bloud the Italian Between man-slaughter whether it was wilfull or casuall excusable or no Suffered by the Law or no see Exo. 21. 13 20. 22 28 and 22. 2. Num. 35. 11. 16 19. Deu. 19. 4 10. stroke the Italian Plague as for example what stroke was subject to be requited by the like pain Exo 21. 25 or by the word plague is ment the leprosie or other uncleane disease of which the inferior priests might take notice at their habitations yet in doubtfull cases they were bound to take advice from the high Priests which were resident in the publick place of Gods service see Lev. 13. 2. and 14. 3. V. 9. The priests Who were as the great Lawyers amongst the people practised in the meaning of Gods Law according to which judgement was to be given in all the cases comprehended therein see Jer. 18. 18. Mal. 2. 7. Unto the Judge this was the chiefe publick magistrate before the judges were established amongst the children of Israel He judged supreamly in things which were meerly civill and belonging to human positive right and in things of divine right the executing belonged to him after the priest had declared how it should be see Deu. 19. 17. 2 Chro. 19. 11. V. 15. Set him Acknowledge and install him whom God shall point out by expresse declaration of his wil having no absolute freedom to make choice of any person or family or to make any law of succession See 1 Samuel 9. 15. and 10. 24 and 16. 12. 1 Chron. 22. 10. V. 16. Multiply This commandement was transgressed by Salomon 1 Kings 4. 26. and 10. 26. The end therof is that the King of Gods people should not exalt himselfe in pride and tyranny nor should not put his confidence in humane means nor be corrupted with pleasures See Psal. 33 17. Prov. 21. 31. To Egypt from whence came abundance of good horses 1 Kin. 10. 28. and likewise horsemen for the warres Isa. 31. 1 3. And by this looking after such things the people might have been brought to frequent Egypt by trading or to demand ayd which might have obscured the benefit of their deliverance out of that accursed Countrey by which deliverance they were bound to cleave onely unto God renouncing the fellowship of and confidence in the world which was figured by Egypt Return This comandement is extant no where else But it should seem that Moses had a relation to that which was spoken Exo. 13. 17. and to some declaration made Num. 14. 3 4. see Jer. 42 15. V. 17 Turn not away Through disordered voluptuousnesse which blindeth the understanding or to idolatry and spirituall fornication which ordinarily followeth the bodily fornication V. 18 Put off that which is before The Italian out of the coppy which meaning the originall which was in the Priests custodies 2 Kin. 22. 8. CHAP. XVIII VERS 1. AND his Of all that which of right belongeth properly unto the Lord as tithes first fruits and other offerings V. 3 A sacrifice Of thanksgiving Lev. 7. 31. 33. Vnto the Priest the shoulder unto the high Priest and the other parts to him that ministreth See Lev. 7. 31. 33. Cheeks These two parts namely the cheeks and the maw are not mentioned Lev. 7. 32. Nu. 18. 18. And in stead of them is the breast and it seemeth that this diversity is to shew that it was in the Priests choyce to take either the two or the one V. 5 In the name By his command and commission with publike authority received from him as his Minister Or to the name that is to say in holy things which particlarly belong to his honour and glory V. 6 Come For some particular devotion or private businesse at his owne pleasure V. 7 Then he shall Though wee finde no expresse Law for the exchanging of Levites by turns before that David had ordered it 1 Chron. 23. yet by this place it is plaine that the Levites did do their services by turnes according to some orders following the degrees of their line or otherwise and those that were out of office returned to their own homes and Cities and if they were in Jerusalem upon any occasion out of the time of their office they might be admitted to doe service as assistants and in such a case they had their proportions of sacred food as well as the rest of the ordinary officers which stand Which in their order are in actuall employments about the Temple V. 8 To cal The Levites were all fed with tithes Numbers 18. 21. But it seems that they which were out of â—mployment did gather them up about their owne homes but for those that ministred there was a certaine quantity brought to the temple and reserved in store-houses to be distributed out in portions 2 Chron. 31 5. 11. The Italian addeth here According to their fathers faâ—xilies observing the distinction of their fathers families joyning themselves unto it the Keharite to the Keharite and the Gershonite to the Gershonite c. performing the service assigned to each one Which commeth of the sale It should seem that this ought to be understood of that kind of Tithes which might be converted into money which was to be employed in the sacred feasts upon holy dayes See Deuteron chap. 14. verse 25. V. 10 To passe By a superstitious and prophane purification or by an abominable offering Lev. 18. 21. V. 11. Familiar spirits The