next of kinne of the same Family as Kohath was of V. 8. Elizaphan that was one of the sonnes of Vzziell the son of Kohath Exo. 6. 22. whose posterity was named after his name whereas the other Kohathiâ—â—s kept the name of Kohath their first Father V. 9. Of Hebron who was also one of Kohaths children Exod 6. 18. V. 10. Of Vzziel of his other sonnes besides Elizaphans whose children were set down before V. 11. The Priests Abiathar was high Priest and Zadock was his great Deputy 2 Sam. 8. 17. 1 Kin. 2. 27. according to the order established Num. 3. 32. Now sometimes there were two of these second Priests as 2 Chron. 35. 8. whereby one might say that this Abiathar is he who is called Abimelech 2 Sam. 8. 17. 1 Chron. 24. 3. and thereunto seemeth to be referred that which is said 1 Kings 4. 4. V. 12. Sanctifie your selves prepare your selves for this holy work with ceremoniall purifications accompanied with the inward purifications of the soul V. 13. A breaâ—h by the death of Uzzah sought him not we had not religiously examined what hee required of us by his Law in this caâ—e Or wee had not presented our selves before him to performe this service rightly according to his wiâ—l V. 16. Sounding joyning and according the vocal musick with the instrumentall From hence it appeares that this sacred musick was in use even before Davids time though there be no mention made of it in the Law but David did afterwards ilâ—ustrate and ordaine it 1 Chron. 25. V. 18. Of the second of holy Musitians under the three foresaid heads Ben hee is left out verse 20 and 21. wherefore some believe that he had two names and that hee is the same as is called Azzâ—zâ—ah verse 21. V. 20. Alamoth a terme of musick whose signification is uncertaine see upon Psal. 46. 1. V. 21. Shemineth see upon Psal. 6. 1. to excell the Italian for songs of victory upon occasion of some notable victory or deliverance to magnifie the Lord and rejoyce or to guide the song or as they say to hâ—ld the Descant V. 22. Chiefe or hee was the chiefe amongst the Levites in the carrying of the Ark or he had the superintendencie of them which carried it V. 23. Doore-keepers did the office of doore-keepers to hinder people from c 〈…〉 ing neer to it like to two others who went behinde v. 24. for the same occasion V. 26. Helped the Levites by some not specified declaration hee caused the Priests which bare the Arke to stay â—nd others succeeded in their places Now 2 Sam. 6. 13. it is said that David sacrificed an Oxe and a Sheep at every six places going here therefore are to be understood greater pauses V. 27. All the Levites see upon Psal. 32. 16. an â—phed see upon 1 Sam. 2. 18. CHAP. XVI VERS IIII. TO record unto the Church Gods benefits and wonders and to make unto him a perpetual aknowledgement of them V. 7. First the first Psalme or holy Song which hee gave them was this for afterwards hee composed and gave them many more see 2 Sam. 23. 1. V. 11. His strength that is to say his glory according to the use of the holy language as if he should say Seek his glorious presence in his Temple where he doth manifest himselfe in grace and power V. 12. The judgements his Lawes or the executions of his justice upon his enemies he pronouncing the sentence and putting it in execution by his Almighty Word V. 14. Are in all the fame of what he hath done for us is spread overall the World V. 22. Mine annointed namely persons consecrated to my service in which consecration the externall unction was alwayes employed as a sign Prophets according as the Lord revealed himselfe to the Patriarchs by dreames and visions Gen. 20. 7. V. 27. Strength or glory or the effects of his Soveraigne power for the safety of his V. 28. And Strength acknowledgement and praise for it V. 30 The world by the spirituall reign of the Messias figured by Davids shall bee restored in the Church gathered out of the whole world all the ruines and disorders which have happened in it through sinne and the state of it shall bee unmoveable and eternall V. 33. To judge to rule and governe it V. 35. In thy praise in thy marvellous works woâ—thy to be highly solemnized V. 39. The Tabernacle that of Moses which was then in Gibeon with the Altar 1 Chron. 21. 29. 2 Chron. 1. 3. V. 41. Because using these words by an intercalar verse of all the holy praises 2 Chorn. 5. 13. and 7. 3. Ezr. 3. 11. Ier. 33. 11. V. 42. Of God that is to say holy V. 43. To blesse to pray and doe his devotions to the Lord amongst his houshold in the quality of a Father of a Family as hee had done publikely in the quality of a King or to celebrate the same Festivall and joy amongst his own folks as hee had already celebrated amongst all the people CHAP. XVII VERS V. FRom Tent whether he have a regard to the new one which was set up by David besides Moses his or whether he meaneth Moses his alone which had never stood still but was alwayes removed from place to place CHAP. XVIII VERS VIII TIbbhath citiâ—s called Bâ—rah and Berothai 2 Sam. 8. 8. V. 10. Hadoram called Ioram in Samuel V. 16. Abimelech called Abimelech in Samuel Shausha called there Seraiah CHAP. XXI VER I. STood up troubled their rest and hindered the course of Gods blessings and renewed his combats with the people assaulting of David their head V. 3. Are they not this numbering of them will not binde them by stricter bonds nor make them more faithfull to thee as your mustered souldiers have in that kinde a more peculiar Oath ministred unto them of trespasse he saith this perceiving that there was sinne in this enterprise of the Kings which could not chuse according to the custome of Kings sinnes but cause some great calamitie to the people V. 5. And all they of all the other Tribes besides Iudah which was numbred by it selfe and Benjamin and Levi which were not numbred at all ver 6. V. 8. Said before the plague began V. 18. The Angel not the destroying Angell but the Sonne of God himselfe who did appear to the Prophets V. 20. The Angel this it is likely was the destroying Angel ver 16. V. 26. Answered him hee declared by this sign of fire descending from heaven that hee accepted of his sacrifice see Lev. 9. 24. Iudg. 6. 21. 1 Kings 18 38. 2 Chron. 〈◊〉 1. V. 28. He sacrificed he sacrificed there ordinarily besides that first sacrifice which hee sacrificed there being commanded by God V. 30. Could not by reason of the great haste he had to appease the Lord and to deliver Jerusalem from the scourge of mortality to enquire to crare his grace and pardon by prayere and seacrifices CHAP. XXII VER I. THis is this
it bee adorned with divine graces even in this world yet it is like unto abride which is yet at home untill her solemne going forth when shee goeth to her husband Rev. 19. 7. 8. which signifieth that shee doth not outwardly make shew of what shee is as yet 1 Iohn 3. 2. or that her ornaments are spirituall and internall not worldly Cant. 1. 5. 1 Pet. 3. 3. V. 14. Shall bee brought that of altogether may be composed the intire body of the universall Church V. 15. Pallace first into the communion of the Church in this world and afterwards into heavenly glory V. 16. Thy children as if hee said O Christ in stead of the Iewish nation out of which thou shalt come according to the slesh the whole Christian Church shall bee thy people which is made so by thy word and spirit Heb. 2. 13. princes by some degree and measure of particitation of Christs spirituall and everlasting Kingdome and glory Mat. 19. 28. Luke 22. 29. 1 Cor. 6. 3. Ephes. 2. 6. PSAL. XLVI THE title Alamoth see 1 Chron. 15. 20. and upon Psal. 6. in the title V. 4. A river the Church shall enjoy her sweet rest and security though it have in it selfe but weak meanes meant by those smaâ—l streames and torrents where with Ierusalem was watered opposite to great rivers and seas that is to say the power and greatnesse of the world see Isa. 8. 6. V. 5. Right early the Italian when the morning appeareth that is to say just in the point and very moment of the greatest danger even as when after the dangers of the night with the day the assalt is expected as God hath done in diverse a 〈…〉 ctions of his people Exod. 14. 24. 27. 2 Chron. 20. 20. Psa. 30. 5. V. 6. The heathen this may bee understood of some singular deliverance as that of 2 Chron. 14. 12. and 20. 23 and 32. 2â— or of such ordinary ones as God sendeth to his Church hee uttered a figurative description of Gods miraculous assistance without any humane meanes as Psa. 18. 6. 7. V. 8. Hee hath made or hee hath sent desolations upon the earth that is to say hee hath destroyed the Kingdomes of the world which were his enemies V. 10. Be still Gods words to his enemies to exhort them to repentance or to denounce perdition to them if they continue PSAL. XLVII VER 2 FOr the Lord that is to say the everlasting sonne of God being gone up to heaven hath taâ—en possession of the universall Kingdome which God his father hath given him V. 3. Hee shall subdue this must bee understood of the spirituall subjection of the whole world to Christs Kingdome in whom the Church hath part as being his body see Isa. 49. 23. V. 4. Hee shall the Italian hee hath that is to say hee hath by his free election given us an excellent inheritance chosen out above all other wherein consists all our glory namely the Kingdome of heaven V. 5. Is gone up this may figuratively be understood of the arke of the covenant in which God did shew himselfe present which was by David transported with great pompe and solemnity into his city 2 Sam. 6. â—2 or by Solomon into the Temple 1 Kings 8. 6. But spiritually and chiefely it ought to be refâ—rred to Christs asscension into heaven as Psa. 68. 24. 25. V. 8. The throne namely the arke figuâ—atively 1 Chron. 28. 18. Psa 80. 1. and 99. 1. and heaven in truth and mistically Heb. 8. 1. and 12. 2. V. 9. The people namely of two they have been made one only people a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles unto God hee is the only protectâ—r and governor of the universe and therefore it is fitting and just that all men should acknowledge him and serve him CHAP. XLVIII THE title Of Psalme see upon the title of Psal. 30. V. 2. Beautifull for scituation not so much for temporall blessings for which shee was called the Queen of the East as for the spirituall ones God being present there and his service truly established there and the promise being that the Messias should there accomplish the worke of our redemption of the great King which God had chosen for his Royall residence where all his people are to come to receive his commands and to yeelde him hommage and service V. 4. The Kings he speaks of some notable enterprise which was against the Church as Psal 46. 6 V. 7. Thou breakest the Italian they were broken as the East wind breaketh the Ships of Tarshish thou dost overthrow all the preparations of men in the Sea of this world Of Tarshish of the great Sea either Mâ—dâ—terranean of Ocean With an East winde which is a tempestuous winde in those countreys Ier. 18. 17. V. 8. As we have heard that is to say this deliverance of ours is equall to those ancient deliverances whereof we have heard report Or we have so and the effects to be according to thy words and promise V. 10. According to thy thou makest thy selfe to be known such as indeed thou art and like unto such a one art thou praised and glorified V. 11. The daughters the cities of the Tribe of Iudah called daughters in respect of Ierusalem which was the Metâ—opolis V. 12. Walk about a poeticall representation by which the world is invited to consider the inpregnable strength and magnificence of the Church by reason of the presence of her God even as singularities of the Fort or Castle of a City are shewed to Travellers to the end that the may spread the fame thereof into forraign parts a great way off PSAL. XLIX VER 3. OF wisedome Hebrew wisedomes namely concerning the true knowledge and apprehension of the end of man that hee may lead his life accordingly V. 4. I will encline a terme taken from Musitians who leane to their eare when they are tuning their instruments meaning that he will instruct himselfe as well or better then any other can V. 5. The iniquity that is to say the congregation of the wicked or the calamities which God useth to inflict upon his children for the punishing of sinne V. 8. Precious the Italian cannot be found or it is deare or rare to be gotten V. 11. They call seeing themselves to be mortall they think for to immortalize themselves by meanes of their lands and Lordships which they call by their owne names V. 12. The beasts as much as concerneth the body and this present life Eccles. 3. 19. V. 13. Their sayings Hebrew their mouth the meaning is that although the sonnes of worldly men see the vanity of their fathers confidence yet they will follow their example Others translate it they doe approve of it with their mouths that is say doe with words prayse that kinde of life and doe follow it with their deeds V. 14. Feed on them the Italian shall pasture them a poeticall kinde of speech that is to say being laid in the eâ—rth like unto a
execute his will the Apostle Heb. 1. 7. gathereth out of this comparison that Angels are but creatures and ministring spirits V. 5. Laid the foundations the Italian founded the earth upon her bases figurative termes for the earth hath no other foundation but only its proper weight by meanes of which it remaines immoveable in the center of the universe Iob 26. 7. V. 6. Thou coveredst it according to some in the first creation but it is most likely that this is meant by the generall deluge Gen. 7. 19. for it is not likely that in the masse of the first creation there were hils and valleys ready framed V. 8. By the valleys hee calleth all channels beds of rivers and other hollow places wherein waters are gathered by this name V. 10. Into the valleyes hee causeth them to rise above the earth out of the great abisse through certaine issues or vents by some kinde of subterraneall boyling V. 13. The fruit namely with the benefit of the raine dew c. which thou bringest forth V. 15. His face according to the custome of those times and places which was to annoint the face with sweet smelling oyles upon occasions of feasts or of rejoycing V. 16. Of the Lord namely that grow of themselves without any help of man through Gods onely will Others believe that this addition was given them for nothing but onely to describe the heigth of these kinds of plants as Psal. 80. 10. Are full of sap the Italian are satisfied therewith namely with those raines ver 13. V. 19. For seasons namely to distinguish the months whereby are set forth the seasons of naturall things and the times set down for sacred and civil affaires Knoweth he never misses comming to the end of his compasse which he altereth every day Job 38. 12. 19. V. 21. And seek the Italian aske a figurative terme to signifie that as the roating of those beasts is a naturall signe that they want food so God the author of nature and generall provider for all things answereth them as Iob 39. 3. V. 24. How manifold the Italian how great either in greatnesse or number V. 25. Creeping namely beasts that move not with their bodies upright upon their legs but that creep along upon the ground or glide in the water see Gen. 1. 20. V. 26. Leviathan a generall name for all great sea-fishes V. 27. Wait the Italian hope by a secret instinct of nature without discourse or understanding V. 29. Hidest that is to say thou takest away and keepest back thy vertue To their dust into the earth from whence they were taken and framed Gen. 1. 24. though the name of earth may be taken for all other elements see upon Gen. 2. 7. V. 30. Thy Spirit namely that quickning power which preserveth all those things which are created in their being and it is an effect proper to the holy Ghosts person Created that is to say put into new life and vigour V. 31. Shall rejoyce let his works be acceptable unto him seeing them employed to his glory and service and not to sinne through the malice of man and let him thereby bee moved to blesse and preserve them see Gen. 1. 4. 31. V. 35. The Sinners namely the wicked which divert Gods love from his creatures which they most wickedly abuse and who doe not acknowledge nor worship the soveraign Majesty of this great Creator and Governour of the world Prayse yee the Lord the Italian Hallujah an Hebrew word which signifieth praise the Lord and hath been retained in the Christian Church as well as many other words Rev. 19. 1. 3. PSAL. CV GLory yee let all your honour and glory be in him who is and calleth himselfe your God and honoureth you with the title of his people That seek that doe fervently desire his grace and study to preserve it and to bring themselves further and further into it at the last to come into his sight and presence for ever and to be perfectly joyned to him in his Kingdome V. 4. His strength namely his glory whereof the Ark was a sign and pledge and therefore is called the Ark of Gods strength 2 Chron. 6. 41. Psal 132. 8. V. 5. The judgements that is to say his Lawes and statutes or sentences pronounced against the wicked and put in execution by his Almighty word V. 8. He commanded which hee appointed by his Soveraigne and irrevocable decree V. 11. The lot Hebrew the cord an instrument which was used in the dividing of lands see Psal. 16. 6. V. 15. Annointed that is to say sacred persons seeing oile was emplyed anciently in consecrations though wee doe not read that this ceremony was really used in the Patriarchs persons V. 19. His word came which was revealed to Ioseph in dreames The word namely Gods providence and appointment V. 23. Of Ham see Psal. 78. 51. V. 24. Stronger namely in numerous issue V. 25. He turned he suffered envie false feare and other evill affections to induce the Aegyptians to hate the people as much as before they had loved them Now the evill work is attributed to God not because hee is authour of it which were as abominable to think as it is impossible to bee but because hee not restraining the the malice of man and suffering the divell to tempt him with strong objects occasions and provocations it must needs produce its proper effects which God would have to fall out so for some good end though hee reprove the wickednesse and perversnesse of it V. 27. They namely Moses and Aron Psal 99. 6. V. 36. The chiefe namely the first-borne Gen. 49. 3. Psal. 78. 51. V. 37. Feeble person they were all lusty and healthfull which was opposite to the Egyptians last plague Exod. 11. 7. V. 41. They ran the Italian brooks ran see upon Psal. 78. 16. PSAL. CVI. VER 2 THe mighty acts his high and powerfull acts V. 7. The red Sea it seemeth hee meanes that even when they were come in the very place where the sea did runne walking over dry land they did still continue their murmuring and rebellions V. 8. For his name sake not regarding them but of his own meere free-will to performe his will and promises and by this meanes to maintaine his glory and make it to shine V. 13. They waited not they did not submit through faith humility and patience unto Gods providence to expect the accomplishment of their deliverance at his appointed time see Psal. 78 41. V. 15. But sent taking away his blessing from this food they were not nourished nor fed thereby but it brought leanenesse and distastefulnesse with it an infirmity which often comes from fulnesse whence proceeds that loathing which the Lord hath threatned them with Num. 11. 20. V. 16. The Saint whose person was consecrated to be the Lords Priest V. 20. Their glory namely their glorious God Ier. 2. 11. who did also clothe them with glory by his presence vertue and benefits which they lost by
shall adde himselfe to the Church by the profession of Gods true service See Exod. 12. 44. 48. But if there were any servants that were not converted to God the Sacrament had beene prophaned if it had beene communicated unto them V. 14. Cut off By capitall punishment by the Magistrate if the fact be notorious by excommunication if the delinquent be out of the reach of him or by the judgement of God if the fact be secret Exo. 31. 14. Lev. 17. 4. 18. 29. Now this is not to bee understood of Children but of those who by their age were capable of voluntary rebellion refusing or contemning the use of this Sacrament V. 15. Sarai Sarai signifieth my Lady as if it were sayd Lady onely of her family but Sarah signifieth Lady absolutely and without limitation because that Abraham being established father of the faithfull of all nations God would have his wife also to participate of this title V. 17. Laughed Not through unbeliefe not believing a thing which he judged to be strange and impossible as Sarah did Gen. 18. 12 13. but through a godly rejoycing and said Through admiration not through diffidence which he could never be blamed for Now at a hundred yeares of age in those dayes they were not quite unapt for generation But it was strange that Abraham should at that time begin to get children and especially by a woman that was barren and past age V. 18. Might live Thy promises doe surpasse my desires it would doe sufficient for me if Ismael might live under thy protection and bee alwayes in thy favour V. 19. Isaac That is the son of laughter V. 20. As for I doe grant thee my temporall blessing for Ishmael as Gen. 27. 39. but as for the spirituall one for to be heire of the promise of grace and Patriarch of the blessed off-spring and to have my Covenant in his posterity I doe reserve it particularly for Isaac V. 22. Went up He caused the externall signes of his presence to vanish away carrying them up to heaven as Gen. 35. 13. Jud. 13. 20. to shew that is the place of the perfect and eternall manifestation of his glory CHAP. XVIII VERS 1. PLaines Or Thickets and groves of Oaks V. 2. Three â—en That is to say three Angels in human sâ—ape whereof the chiefe and most honourable was the sonne of God himselfe as Gen. 16. 7. and at the first arrivall Abraham did not know them V. 3. My Lord He doth direct his speech to the chiefest V. 4. Wash According to the fashion of the ancients when they came out of the fields or from journeying for they used for the most part Sandalls or soles laced upon their bare feet V. 5. Therefore A common manner of speaking as Genesis 19. 8. and 33. 10. The meaning is your comming bindeth me to this duty and I could not bee contented if I should not performe it towards you V. 10. And he The Lord doth here begin to make himselfe knowne Behind Or the tent was behinde him that is the Angel stood with his back towards the tent whilst he was talking with Abraham V. 12. Laughed Gods reproving of her sheweth that it was not a laughter of joy as Abrahams was Gen. 17. 17. but of some doubting and irreverence in a thing that was so strange and seemed within it selfe to include an absurdity in nature which notwithstanding was presently overcome by her faith Heb. 11. 11. being awakened by the word of the Lord. V. 18. Seeing that Since that I have made him head and father of all my Church it is fitting hee should bee instructed concerning this judgement of mine that by him my Church may receive necessary instructions therein V. 19. I know him Chosen and destinyed him for mine owne Justice and judgment Termes set downe in Scripture taken from the duty of Judges which is to doe good men right and to punish the wicked So every faithfull man is bound to avoyd the evill and do that which is good That the Lord That they on their part observing and keeping the conditions of my Covenant it may for ever stand firme to them according to my promise made to Abraham V. 20. The crie A figurative terme used in Scripture to shew how Gods judgments are provoked by exorbitant sins V. 21. Goe downe Humane kinds of speeches to shew that he will proceed with entire justice after he hath diligently examined the cause V. 22. From thence From Abrahams habitation Before Before him which amongst the three Angels was the Sonne of God knowne and worshipped by him who stayed yet a little while with Abraham the other two going before V. 23. The righteous The good man according to humane condition the man who is innocent of those sins for which thou wilt destroy Sodom V. 24. And not spare Not that this is a perpetuall and generall rule in Gods judgments in this world Ezek 14. 18. but here God through especiall grace yeelds to Abrahams request V. 27. Now I have A preface of humility and of correcting himselfe as if he should say shall I dare to assume so much liberty to my selfe CHAP. XIX VERS 1. TVVO Angels Two of those which had appeared to Abraham Genesis 18. 2. For the Sonne of God who was the third did not goe into Sodom Genesis Chapter 18. verse 22. and Chapter 19. ver 27. V. 2. Nay To make tryall of Lots words and to kindle his good affection the more V. 5. Know them A terme of wicked and infamous meaning in this place as Judg. 19. 22. V. 8. I have two Lot astonished at this cruell injury inconsiderably propoundeth unto them this blamefull meanes of satisfying their lusts or doth in earnest thinke that he avoydeth a greater evill by a lesser and by reason of a great weakenesse in faith constancy and wisedome sheweth at least his true charity in preferring the strangers honours before his owne Therefore See Gen. 18. 5. V. 9. They pressed sore Even to force him to that execrable act V. 14. Which married The Italian hath Which were to be married That is were espoused according to that laudable custome whereby they were wont to leave some time betweene the espousing or contracting and the consummation of Matrimony See the two and twentieth Chapter of Deuteronomy and the three and twentieth verse and the first Chapter of Matthew and the eighteenth verse V. 15. In the iniquity In the punishment of their wickednesses V. 17. That hee The Italian hath it The Lord It is likelyer that the Sonne of God one of the three which was not gone into Sodom came here to meete the other two and made himselfe knowne to Lot For thy lise The Italian hath it Upon thy soule as thou lovest thy life See Deut. 4. 15. Jos. 23. 11. Jer. 17 21. V. 18. Oh not so Make me not goe so farre lest my weaknesse hinder me from enjoying thy benefits words expressing the weaknesse of his faith V. 20. A little one And
denunciation with oath That is to say before a Judge not to be sworne to witnesse any thing concerning a fact which is already questioned wherein there wants nothing but proof but it is meant by a generall denuntiation from the rulers to reveale some secret fact wherein one may have to do with men of respect or that are to be feared whereby a man may erre through weaknesse Or knowne of it By other mens relation Shall beare Such a one is guilty and subject to divine punishment if he doth not redeem himself by his sacrifice V. 2 Uncleane See concerning these legall and ceremoniall uncleannesses Lev. 11. and the following chapters Guilty That is to say bound to expiate this chance to be restored to corporall purity required by the ceremoniall Law though the conscience be not stained by casualties nor foulenesse of the body Mat. 15. 11. 18. but all this was but to teach us to seek in Christ the pardon for those sins which are unknown to men Psa. 19. 13. 1. John 3. 20. V. 3 When he knoweth From that time he is bound to give satisfaction to teach us not that sin is no sin untill we have a knowledge and feeling of it but that so soone as God awaketh us we are presently bound to hasten to make our peace with him or else our sin cleaveth unto us Joh. 9. 41. Act. 17. 30. V. 4 Sweare Inconsideratly violently without examining whether the thing be just or no whether it lye in his power or no see 1 Saâ— 25. 22. It be hid He thinks no more of it it is out of his memory He knoweth it Being told or put in mind of it by others In one Of this kinde of sin whereof there are three sorts weaknesse v. 1. ignorance of the fact v. 2. and inconsideratnesse v. 3. pointed at in the three cases specified in the precedent verses V. 5 He shall confesse Publikely in the Church thâ— he is guilty of such and such a sin for which such a sacrifice is required yet not specifying any thing of any particular confession nor of the circumstances of the sinne V. 6 His trespasse offering To shew us that neither weaknesse nor inconsiderate ignorance excuseth from sinne V. 7 One for the The sacrifice for sin was for that particular sin the burnt offering was for all â—is sins in generall that did offer it The particular was to be first expiated as most pressing and that provoked God most hindered the acceptance of the common service and to teach us also that we must not confound expressed sins with common ones V. 9 It is a Now in this kinde of sacrifices the bloud was spilt by command Lev. 4. 7. 18. 30. 34 V. 11 No oile As these things were added in your voluntarily meat offerings Lev. 2. 1. now the cause of this forbidding is touched Num. 5. 15. because this offering caused a remembrance of iniquity before the Lord and not the sweetnesse of voluntary service V. 12 A memoriall See Lev. 2. 2. According to the The Italian hath it Above the burnt offerings See Lev. 3. 5. and 4. 35 V. 15 With thy estimation The Priests did use to make these rates Lev. 23. 8. 12. 14. but here and elsewhere the word is directed to Moses who held the Priests place in these first ordinances V. 17 Shall beare See upon v. 1. CHAP. VI. VERS 2. AGainst the Lord Whose Majesty is offended likewise by our sinning against our neighbours Gen. 20. 6. and 39 9. Psa. 51. 6. especially by secret sins whereof God alone is witnesse and where the fraud redounds to his content Act. 5. 4. and so much the more when the sin is aggravated with perâ—ury Delivered him To trade with for common profit and at common adventure of lossâ— or for to trade with it sincerely V. 4 Hath sinned Secretly there being no proofe thereof but only his own oath by which if he refused to purge himselfe he was held as guilty and paid double Exod. 22. 7 8. 11. and againe if he swore falsly and afterwards repented himself and confessâ—d his fault voluntarily he was included within this punishment without incurring any other penalty V. 6 With thy estimation See Lev. 5. 14. V. 9 Of the burnt offering As well of the publick and continuall ones as of the particular ones The meaning is that nothing must be stirred off from the altar from one morning to the other but the burnt offerings must be burned one upon another untill the next morning at which time the Priest that waiteth must take away the ashes and kindle up the perpetuall fire and lay the wood and the sacrifice upon it The fire Namely the perpetuall fire which at first fell from heaven Lev. 9. 24 V. 14 The Law Of some particular rites besides those which are set down Lev. 2. V. 20 This is the The generall Law of this offering at a consecration was already given Exod. 29. 2. 24 25. and here are only added some particular circumstances Anointed For high Priest Exod. 40. Lev. 15. 33. Perpetuall That is to say at every consecration of a new high Priest V. 21 Bring it in He whosoever it is that is then consecrated V. 23. It shall not be eaten In the peoples offerings the Priest took his share with the altar as for a recompence of his service which could not take place when he offered for himself V. 25 The Law Touching that particular what might be eaten thereof by the Priest because that this Law in generall is largely set down Lev. 4. V. 26 Offereth for sin For some of the chief or for the people for then the bloud was not carried into the Tabernacle Lev. 4. 22. 27. It be eaten Namely the flesh after the bloud hath been spilt and the fat burned V. 27 There is sprinkled All this aimed at the holding of the bloud of the sacrifices in great respect keeping it altogether from any common or prophane use or touch A figure of the most perfect holinesse of Christs bloud severed from sins Heb. 7. 26. V. 30 Any of the bloud Such were the offerings that were offered for the high Priest or for the whole Congregation Lev. 4. 7. 18. and in the days of the yearly expiation Lev. 16 27. CHAP. VII VERS 1. THe Law An addition to the ceremonies that are to be used in these kindes of sacrifices whereof the generall Law was given Lev. 8. 5. V. 3 All the fat See upon Lev 3. 16. V. 6 Every male That is cleane from ceremoniall uncleannesse v. 19 20. Holy place In the Court of the Tabernacle It is See upon Lev. 2. 3. V. 9 Shall be the After that hath been taken off which must be consumed upon the altar Lev. 2. 2 9. V. 10 And dry Without any oile or incense Lev. 5. 11 Num. 5. 15. V. 11 The Law An addition to the generall Law of Lev. 3. 1. Now of these sacrifices which were not for expiation of sin but for an acknowledgement
be able to dye in his favour by vertue of his covenant and of his promises V. 13. From whence thou mayest see them Namely all wholly either because he beleeved that the fight of all the people was necessary for the magick operation which he desired or that there might be some conjurations and witchcrafts which are put in practice by the sight or that he would induce Balaam to stronger conjurations by reason of a higher object or that he purposed to affright Balaam himselfe by the apearance of danger shewing him such a multitude of people V. 14. The field It was some little plaine a top of the hill where the watches stood at the beacons or watch towers which the Hebrew word Zophim signifieth V. 15. Meet the Lord The Italian hath it only Meet with God and some revelation from him or with the devill and some of his magicall apparitions V. 19. Lye In his promises made to his people V. 21. He hath not beheld This may be understood of Gods publick service publikely pure from idolatry though there were many private and secret ones Amos 5. 26. Acts 7. 42. or by comparing them to other people which were given over to all impiety and wickednesse Or God hath not beheld c. that is to say he pardoneth them all their sins through his grace and purifieth them by his word and spirit And the shout there is a continuall cause of security and mirth by the blessings and safveguard of their God and through the manifold victories which he granteth them over their enemies V 23. Against Jacob The Italian hath it In Jacob O Balaam this people is not idolatrous nor given to divelish arts as thou art through Gods power he puts by and undoeth all the devils plots So God puts Balaams condemnation in his own mouth According to this time The Italian addeth Within a yeare according c. because that within the compasse of that time the people went over Jordan and tooke Jericho by miracle Others expound it in his time or within a certain time V. 24. Shall rise up They shall undergo their warlike attempts and shall not give them over until they have destroyed and conquered their enemies A great Lion because there are of two kinds See upon Job 28. 8. V. 27. Peradventure Words of a superstitious man as though divine aspects were more or lesse favorable as the Starres aspects are according to Astrologians traditions V. 28. Peor The name of a hill from which the Idoll Baal-Peor had his name Deu. 34. 6. CHAP. XXIV VERS 1. INchaâ—tmen's Or spels that is to say communications with the devill to learn or to receive from him meanes to satisfie Balak See Num. 23. 1. 15. He set without stirring or looking for any solitary place to call up evill spirits The wildernesse where the people were encamped V. 2. Aâ—iding Lodged in their camp which was ordered in manner of a City The spirit There came a revelation and propheticall motion unto him V. 3. Whose eyes are open The Italian hath it Whose eye is shut who from time to time and even at this present hath poeticall raptures and extasies through which the eyes and senses were lulled at rest and abstracted See Num. 12. 6. V. 4. Falling This also hath a reference to those trances and faintings which happened to them that were taken with the spirit of prophecie See 1 of Sam. 19. 24. Ezech. 1. 28. Dan. 8. 18. and 10. 16. Rev. 1. 17. Having his understanding is supernaturally enlightned by divine inspiration V. 6. Of lign-Aloes The Italian hath it Santaâ—i Aromatick and sweet smelling trees which grow in the East in great and thick woods Others understand the Hebrew word for the tree called Agallochum or Lign-aloes Hath planted that is to say hath created the kind of them through his omnipotency and preserveth it thróugh his providence without human art or labour Psa. 104. 16. V. 7. He shall powre God shall water his Churches garden with his abundant blessings having sowen his gifts and graces in it A metaphâ—r taken from the precedent of orchards and gardens Buckets Such as are used in engines and watermils to water gardens And his king Namely the King of Gods people Agag a common name of the Kings of Amaleck 1 Sam. 15. 8. from whence also the whole nation took its name Est. 3. 1 10. and 9. 24. Now this prophecy which according to the letter was accomplished in the destruction of King Agag and his people by Saul 1 Sam. 15. doth also comprehend Christs victories over his enemies who is the great monarch of his Church V. 9. He couched The Italian When is couched that is to say when he hath conquered that country which is allotted him by God and shall have settled himself in it and shall have established his state who shall be able to trouble or assault him Gen. 49. 9. V. 10. He smote In token of great anger as Ezek. 21. 17. and 22. 13. V. 14. I will advertise Here questionlesse Balaam gave that pestilent counsell of misleading the people to idolatry through the company of women to draw Gods vengeance upon it and withdraw his grace and aide from it See Num. 25. 1. and 31. 16. Revel 2. 14. The meaning of the words is that the Moabites at this time ought not to feare the children of Israel because God had commanded them not to set upon them Deut. 2. 9. they will subdue them a great while hence all the advice I can give thee to prevent this evill is that thou shouldst insnare this people into idolatry to the end that God himself may destroy them V. 17. I shall see him The Italian I see him by the spirit and by prophetick revelation I see that which I foretell as if it were now present though the event be yet a great way off A star David shining in glory who shall subdue the Moabites 2 Sam. 8. 2. Psal. 60. 10. whereby they shall be made tributary to his successors 2 Kings 3. 4. Now under this temporall domination is understood Christs spirituall dommation who is the true morning star Rev. 22. 16. and his Churches dominion over her enemies such as the Moabites had been to Israel See Zepha 2. 9 10. The children It seemeth he meanes all those that had part in the Meabites government which were many as it appeareth Num. 23. 6. Amos 2. 3. A state being as 〈◊〉 building whose foundation that beareth it up and bindeth it together is the Prince so the precedent words of Prince in the Italian for in the English it is Corners is taken from the corners of a fabrick and the word Destroy from the throwing down of a wall The meaning is the supreame power shall be cast down and the nation shall become tributary 2 Sam. 8. 2. yet it shall not be quite waste It may also be expounded children of rest that is to say a nation that hath lived a long time at rest and hath not
Iudah Iudg. 1. 8. But there remained yet the rock of Sion and one part of the city which David tooke in his time 2. Samuel chapter 5. verse 7. CHAP. XVI VERS 1. BY Iericho See Numb 22. 1. The water It might be some particular place called by this name which is specified because that the Easterne border of the Ephramites did not extend it self all along that part of Iordan which carried the name of Iericho yea onely to this place as it appeareth in the eighteenth chapter of Ioshua and the twelfth verse From the bounds of Benjamin which bordered with Ephraim V. 4 Manasseh The halfe of this tribe which had not had its share beyond Iordan V. 5. On the east side Namely on the North-east side V. 7 To Jericho Within the Territories thereof for otherwise the city of Iericho fell to Benjamins lot Ioshua the eighteenth chapter and the one and twentieth verse CHAP. XVII VERS 1. FOR he was Though hee was the first borne yet Ephraim which was the youngest was preferred by Iacobs appoyntment Genesis the eight and fortieth chapter verse the tenth As well in dignity being first drawne in the division As also in great largenesse of Countrey proportioned to the greater Number of Ephraims issue Because he was Wherefore they freely archieved the conquest of the land which Moses had given them Numbers 32. 39. and for the same reason they were chosen by him to inhabite in that place to stand as it were in defence of that dangerous frontier Gilead The one halfe of it as it appeareth Deuteronomy chapter 3. vers 12 13. V. 2 By their Whereof each one was a head of a nation which carried their name V. 5 Ten portions Five for the five brothers verse the second and five more for the five daughters of Zelophelâ—d the son of Hefer who was the sixth brother V. 6 The Daughters In this Tribe the division was not made onely according to the number of the males as in other Tribes but also of the females V 10 Met together The Italian Bordered These two Tribes descending both from one Patriarch Joseph being joyned together for otherwise if you did divide them Manasseh bordered upon the other two tribes V. 11 The Inhabitants who because they could not be driven out were brought into bondage as it is said afterwards V. 12 Would dwell Resolved to stand upon their owne defence to be admitted to capitulation that they might dwell in their owne Cities V. 14 The children Namely of the two Tribes Ephraim and Manasseh One lot They did indeed receive two severall portions but they would say that they both were worth but one in regard of their great multitude and that one of their tribes was sufficient to people them both especially seeing that a great part thereof was yet enjoyed and possessed by the Canaanites V. 15 To the wood Countrey It was some great wood between these two tribes V. 16 The hill The hilly part which wee have hitherto conquered and as for the plaine the Canaanites have the advantage of us by reason of their warre Charets Judges 1. 19. and 4. 3. Of Iron It was thought they were Charets for warre the axle trees armed with Iron-hooks and trimmed up every where with Iron both for offence and defence V. 17 Thou shalt not have As there is good reason thou shouldest have as much land as two Tribes so thou must employ a double strength in conquering of 〈◊〉 V. 18 For it is The Italian If it be If the rest of the countrey be a wood the best remedy is to cut it Thou shalt drive out with the help of God which will not faile thee so that thou employest thy sâ—fe in it valiantly and put thy confidence in him and his promises CHAP. XVIII VERS 4. DEscribe it Thou shalt take a note of the countrey and of the situation of it the bignesse of it and number of the Cities and Castles to make the shares equall V. 6 Yee shall therefore Joshua's words to the Deputies which were already chosen The Lord that is to say before the Ark. V. 7 The Priest-hood They have their portions assigned them out of the things which are offered and consecrated to God in recompence of their service V. 19 The North bay The salt sea or lake of Sodome stretched it self from the North and South and at the two heads it did restraine it selfe into two great poynts whereof the Northern was the end of the Land of Benjamin and the Southerne one of that of Judah Josh. chapter 15. verse 2. and the mouth of Jordan which went out into this lake was Southernly in regard of the head thereof which was northerly CHAP. XIX VERS 2. BEer-sheba This City and that which followeth next were both but one City divided by some river or wall otherwise in stead of thirteen Cities there would bee fourteen See 1 Chronicles 4. 28. V. 9. The Inheritance See upon Josh. chapt 15. verse 32. V. 11 The River Called Kishon Judg. chap. 4 verse 7. V. 15 Bethlehem This is another City of the same name as that which was in Judah where the Lord was borne yet it is not the same Twelve the whole number of the Cities which are named is sixteen But we must imagine that amongst this number there were some which were not of Simeons portion but did onely border upon it V. 27 Cabul This is not the name of a City for then in stead of two and twenty there would be three and twenty but it is the name of some Countrey lying in the outermost bounds of Palestina 1 Kings 9. 13. V. 34 To Iudah Jordan was the Eastern border of this tribe and of all the rest of the Tribes which lay upon it untill it came to Judah V. 38. Nineteen See how this number must bee understood upon v. 2. 15. V. 47. Went up That is to say afterwards After the death of Joshua Judges 18. where Lesem is called Lais which was at the Northerne end of the Countrey whereby Dan is after set downe for the northerne head opposite to Beer-sheba the southern head V. 50. Built Repaired it from the ruines of the warres increased it and made it fitting for his own use CHAP. XX. VERS 1. SPake In a sensible apparition as Jos. 5. 14. or in a prophetick revelation V. 4 His cause The true relation of the fact for his owne justification Take him Namely if they doe not find him guilty of wilfull murther V. 8 Assigned Confirmed and ratified that which was already appoynted by Moses Deuteronomy 4. 43. V. 9 Untill hee Till that after the death of the high Priest he did present himselfe before the great assembly of the people to be re-established in his owne house under the security of publike protection after his innocence was made knowne and the avengers wrath abated and qualified CHAP. XXI VERS 11. OF Anak The Italian hath it Anoe commonly called Anak V. 12 The fields Beyond the two thousand cubits
to the last potnt of his punishment so that hee lost a Battaile wherein three of his sonnes were killed and he slew himselfe These two Bookes are called Samuel's by reason that the one part of the subject is his owne history written as it is likely by himselfe and all the rest is of two Kings by him consecrated and settled in their Kingdomes ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. VERS 4. RAmathaim The city of Rama it selfe often mentioned in Samuâ—ls history and the Hebrew termmation seemes to intimate that it was once divided into two cities the word Sophim joyned thereunto signifieth Watch-houses or towers as it is very likely that watch-towers were set in high places of the Countrey as Rama was according to the signification of its name being upon the border of three Tribes as Num 23. 14. Some beleeve that it was some Schoole of Prophets who are called watch-men in diverse places of Scripture Jer. 6. 17. Ezech. 3. 17. Hos. 9. 8. An Ephrathite That is to say one that dwelt in the land of Ephraim though he were a Levite 1 Chron 6. 33. For the Levites were scattered all over Israel V. 3. Yeerely At the feast of the Passeover with all his family 1 Sam. 2. 19. Luke 2. 41. but for himselfe it is very likely he did observe the Law so strictly that he came thither all the three solemne fâ—asts Exo. 23. 17. Of Eli There is no mention made of this Eli any where else But it appeares by 2 Sam. 8. 17. 1 Chron. 24. 3. that he was one of Itamars posterity who was Aarons second-borne and that for sâ—me unknown cause there had been some interruption in the succession of the priesthood in Eleazar the first borne his line which was afterwards re-established in Sadock 2 Sam. 15. 27. 1 Chron. 6. 8. according to Gods promise Numb 25. 13. Priests Second Priests under the high Priest who as his Vicars and substitutes did do many things for him which hee himselfe had not been able to performe alone ' as 2 Samuel 8. 17. See Numbers 3. 32. and 2 Kings 25. 18. V. 4. When the time was The Italian hath it When the day das one of the seven dayes of the Passcover Offered Sacrifices of thankesgiving portions according to the ancient manner of feasts V. 5. A worthy The Italian A double others expound it the most principall and the most honorable portion See Gen. 43. 34. 1 Sam. 9. 23 24. V. 6. Adversary Namely Peninnah who was her rivall To make her purposing and taking a delight in urging of her to some unseemely disturbance of mind or to some distaste and murmuring against her husband and peradventure against God himselfe set concerning such inhumanity Job 24. 31. V. 9. After they had After the holy meale of the sacrifices which was eaten in the Court of the Tabernacle Rose up going to the place of worship and prayer right against the most-holy place Ascat the high Priest or the Judge his seat 1 Sam. 4. 13. A poste it is likely that the Tabernacle which was made by Moles was set in Siloh within the compasse of some solid building which had gates 1 Sam. 3. 15. for otherwise the Tabernacle had neither gates nor postes but only a carpet hanged up at the entry Exodus 26. 36. V. 11. She vowed And whether her husband then consented to it or did according to the Law ratifie it afterwards Num. 30. 7. No razâ—r I dedicate him to God for a perpetuall Nazarite Num. 6. 5. Judg. 13. 5. V. 14. Put away Be sober before thou present thy selfe in this holy place and action V. 16. Poured out See Psalm 142. 2. Mysoule my grievances and inward desires V. 18. Find I recommend my selfe to thy fatherly favour and good will Sad The Italian hath it As it was before namely sad and sickly which alteration happened through an inward comfort of Gods Spirit which informed her heart that her prayers were heard which the Priest blessing did also certifie her of V. 20. Samuel That is to say asked of God V. 21. The yearly sacrifice The Paschall Lambe is often so called in Scripture see Exo. 12. 27. and 34. 25. And his vow it was some sacrifice vowed to God for the childs happy birth V. 22. That he may Hence it appcares that she had told her husband of her vow and that he had approved of it Abide to serve in certain inferior offices in the Tabernacle which belonged to a Levite 1 Sam. 2. 11. and 3. 15. For ever without intermission or without any relieving by turnes as the other Levites were weekly Now it is plaine by 1 Sam. 7 16 17. that Samuel dwelt in Ramah there judged Israel which happened either after the age of fifty years which was a time prefixed for the Levites service Numb 18. 25. or by Gods wil who dispensed with his vow to make him a Magistrate V. 23. His Word That extraordinary thing which he seemeth to have appointed concerning this childe which he hath miraculously bestowed upon us V. 28. Lent him That is to say dedicated him to his service But she saith lent because that the Hebrew word from which Samuels name is derived signifieth asking and lending As who should say I have asked him to that end that he might by me be bestowed upon the Lord. CHAP II. VERS 1. PRayed By prayer is often meant thankesgiving which in this place is chiefly meant My heart in this Canticle as in many others Gods Spirit dâ—eth not rest upon the first motion or upon the occasion of the singular and temporall benefit but ravisheth Hannah into contemplation of the universall spirituall and eternall benefits of the Church which are here set down by her Mine horne a terme of war whereof see Psa. 75. 5. and 89. 17. the meaning is I am become victorious and triumphant My mouth I have a large subject of magnifying the Lord of glorying in him and insulting over mine enemies through the great joy which I conceive for the eternall safety of the Church and for all the particular deliverances which depend thereon V. 2. Rock That is to say an inpregnable for t Gods very frequent name Deuteronomy chapter 32. v. 4. 31. V. 3. Talke no more Upon the occasions of her rivals insulting she woundeth the boldnesse of all those who are enemies to the humble and distressâ—d faithfull ones Is a God as he perfectly knoweth right and justice and mens counsâ—ls and actions So doth he accordingly dispose and governe all the events of them V. 5. Seven That is to say a great number as Ruth 4. 15 Jer. 15. 9. V. 8. The pillars He alone by his power beares up the naturall being of the world and by his providence the order of the governâ—mâ—nt of it see Hâ—b 1. 3 V. 9. In darkenesse Nam ly of horrible calam 〈…〉 s in this world anâ— finally in hâ—ll V. 10. Shall ju ge This prâ—vidence shall be dis pensed by the Messias to whom the
I am Gods Prophet and treat in his name I cannot absolve nor free you as you have freed me For I am innocent towards you but you are guilty towards God by transgressing his law and in being ungratefull for his infinite benefits V. 8. And made them conducted them safe to the borders of this countrey and set them in the way of taking possession thereof V. 11. Bedan there is no mention of this Judge in the history some have imagined that it is Jair Judg. 10. 3. Others Sampson V. 14. Following shrowded under his conduct and protection V. 16. This great thing this miracle of thunder and sudden raine by which ye shall perceive that the desiring of a King hath been displeasing unto him V. 17. Wheat harvest a season wherein it seldome raines in Palestina Proverbs Chapter 26. verse 1. V. 18. Sent thunder In some unaccustomed and terrible manner which affrighted the people for to confute them and bring them to repentance as Exodus 10. 9. V. 21. After vaine things An ordinary epithet given to idols V. 23. I should sin Failing in my duty of Prophet in not praying for you Or by being moved with some revengefull spirit for your refusing of me CHAP. XIII VERS 1. ONe yeare The Italian addeth When these things happened namely Sauls confirmation and Samuels speeches V. 2. Three thousand Distributed into certain places of abode to have them always by him and ready upon any occasion V. 4. Saul He hath again raised war against the Philistims which had been intermitted for a while 1 Sam. 7. 14. V. 6. Distressed Greatly weakened by the Philistims tyranny disarmed v. 19. and unable to maintaine war High places Of high towers or sorts V. 9. Bring hither To implore Gods helpe in this pressing danger which suffereth no delay He offered or caused it to bee offered by some Priest which was there 1 Sam. 14. 18. for if he had attempted to do it himselfe it had beene a double sin which Samuel notwithstanding doeth not here taxe him for V. 11. Thou camest not Sauls rashnesse and disobedience was in not staying for Samuel untill the end of the seventh day which day Samuel came V. 12. I forced my selfe That is to say forcedly and against my will I have transgressed thy command V. 13. For now This triall hath discovered thy heart to be evill disposed towards obedience to thy God and to the putting of thy confidence in him by which thy Kingdom might now have been established For ever without interruption untill the end of the time prefixed by God for Israels temporall Kingdom to last V. 14. Hath sought him A phrase taken from men that is to say he hath wisely appointed and of himselfe prepared one that should be â—itting for this office V. 15. That were present Namely after a great number of them three thousand verse 2. was departed verse 8. V. 19 There was The Philistims after they had gotten the command of the Israelites for to disarme them had slain or carried away prisoners all the smiths 2 Kings Chapter 24. verse 14. Jeremiah 24. 1. See Judges 5. 8. V. 21. File in stead of forges when they could not goe into the land of the Philistines V. 23. The passage It seemeth it was some narrow place betweene the two hils of Michmash where the Philistines were and Gibeah where the Israelites were and that this was kept by Sauls men 1 Samuel 14. 4. CHAP. XIV VERS 3. AHiah which is the same Abimelech that is spoken of 1 Sam. 22. 9. 11. 20. Brother this specification seemes to be added because that in the history of Eli there was onely mention made of Ichabod 1 Sam. 4. 21. and not of Ahitub Wearing he was there in the campe with tâ—e Arke v. 18. as High Pâ—iest in pontificall ornaments the chiefe whereof was the Ephod with the breastplate Exod. 28. 4. to enquire of God by Urim and Thummim Numbers 27. 21. V. 10. A signe unto us the event sheweth that this was a divine motion to be assured of his being called in so dangerous an Act. See upon Genesis 24. 14. V. 13. They fell through a feare sent upon them by God V. 14. That first the beginning of the Philistines overthrow which was afterwards followed by Saul within as it were this is added here to make the miracle the more evident the Philistines standing in array and close together noâ— scattored nor flying V. 15. All the people namely the Philistines V. 18. Bring hither You Priests bring the Ark hither that Ahiah may stand before it and enquire of the Lord by Urim and Thummim With the children in the campe being sometimes brought thither upon some dangerous occasion for aide and for a direction and to stirre men to prayer and to call upon God Num 31. 6. 1 Sam. 4. 3. V. 19. Withdraw forbeare a while to enquire of the Lord the urgent occasion will not now permit us nor give us time to do it words of prophane impiety V. 21. The Hebrewes slaves or others who having their habitations families and goods amongst the Philistines were forced to fâ—llow them in the wars against theer brethren Before that time according to the Philistines custome during the time that they were Lords and Masters V. 23. The â—aâ—â—ell That is to say the pursuit of the men which fled V. 24. Adjured It was an irrevocable kinde of submitting ones selfe to death used in those dayes Now there was a raihnesse and inconsideratenesse in Saul through a blinde desire he had of following the victory without resting and was lawfull for the governours to take those oathes and therewith binde the people also See Jos. 6. 17. Judg 11. 31. Cursed let him be rooted out as an accursed thing V. 27. Heard not Peradventure he did not returne to the campe after he had assaulted the Philistines His eyes He was revived which appeared by his eyes which were enlightned and cleered V. 29. Hath troubled hath caused the people to be mightily hindered from obtaining a full victorie V. 32. With the blood Having not the patience to presse the blood out or to give it time to runne cleane out according to the law Levit. 17. 10. 19. 26. V. 33. Stone Of which it should seeme he made an Altar v. 35. Vnto me that I may see how you shy your cattell that you may let out the blood exactly V. 35. An Altar either onely for a monument as Josh. 22. 10. Judg. 6. 24. Or for some extraordinary sacrifice Exod. 20. 24. Deut. 27. 5. by Gods speciall approbation V. 36. Let us draw neer let us present our selves before the Ark to enquire by Urim Num. â—7 21. V. 37. Answered him not a signe that God was angry as 1 Sam. 28. 6. not with Jonathan who was innocent but against Sauls temerity who was the author of that foolish oath only to shew the religious respect which was due to the oath V. 38. The chiefe the Italian All the communally namely
no remorse to thy conscience Remember Thou wilt be glad that I have kept thee from this outrage V. 36. Like the feast According to the custome upon such occasions Genesis 38. 12. 2 Samuel 13. 23. V. 37. Dyed with extreame feare to which was also joyned some divine or supernaturall kinde of weakning V. 44. But Saul Or now Saul had given c. Phalti called also Phaltiel 2 Sam. 3. 15. CHAP. XXVI VERS 1. CAme the second time after the first 〈◊〉 Samuel 23. 19. V. 2. Ziph see Josh. 15. 55. V. 5. Arose In the night time Trench see upon i Sam 17. 20. V. 6. The Hittite either because he was a Proselyte of the Hittites nation as 2 Sam. 11. 3. 15. 18. 19. or he had gotten this sirname for some other unknowne cause Zerviah a womans name which was Davids sister 1 Chron. 2. 16. V. 9. Be guiltlesse see upon 1 Sam. 24. 7. V. 10. Shall smite him shall cause him to dye by some supernaturall plague or accident sent by his owne hand V. 19. Let him accept Heb. Let him smell thine offering See Gen. 8 21. Driven mee out they have sought by the meanes of this persecution to put me out of the communion of the Church and they doe their good wils to have me run my selfe into a totall apostacie V. 20. Before the face Let the Lord be judge and revenger of my death if so be he doth give way to â—â—ve me bereaved of life CHAP. XXVII VERS 1. SAid Through weaknesse of faith and through carnall wisdome V. 2. Achish Of whom it is likely he took good assurance not to fall into the same danger as he was when he first retired thither 1 Sam. 21. 12. V. 5. Let them give to avoide the dangers of body and soule which he might runne into by living at Court Why should My present estate doth not deserve it and besides my dwelling at Court might fill thee with distrusts and suspicions and me with hatreds and jealousies V. 6. Ziklag This City was of Judahs portion Josh. 15. 31. Then it was given to Simeon Josh. 19. 5. And when the Philistines had dominion over Israel they took it and David having here gotten it of them never restored it more for after he came to be King he recovered all that the Philistines had gotten from the Israelites V. 8. Geshurites These three nations were the Prophets enemies the two first towards the North and the Amalekites towards the South Gâ—zerites It is thought they were the same that in other places are called Ghergeshites Amalekites Of whom it seemeth that Saul destroyed only the chiefe City and the places about it 1 Sam. 15. 7. V. 9. Smote Warred against it with fire and sword V. 10. Ierahmeelites Which were of the Tribe of Judah 1 Chron. 2. 7. Of the Kenites see Num. 24. 21. Iudg. 1. 16. V. 11. Saved Which he could doe thus secretly by reason that those places which he invaded were farre off solitary and scattered in the wildernesse And so will be the Italian So was Or and such hath been c. As though they were words spoken by people that could have complained CHAP. XXVIII VERS 3. IN his owne It seemeth he meaneth Naioth which was part of the City of Ramah where Samuel resided and kept his schoole of Prophets 1 Samuel 19. 18. V. 4. In Shâ—u em A City of the Tribe of Issachar Iosh 19. 18. V. 6. Inquired The Ephod being brought to David 1 Sam. 23. 6. 9. Saul could not enquire of the Lord by Urim and Thummim Num. 27. 21. Well might he have some Prophet by him as Ier. 37. 17. Answered him not Which was a token of Gods extreame wrath 1 Sam. 14. 37. Lam. 2. 9. V. 7. That hath That is to say a Witch though she did not proceed properly by the spirit called Pithon who spake from within the belly of them which were possessed by him in the meane time tying their tongues which is called Engastrimancy But she wrought by Necromancy that is to say by apparitions and dead mens ghosts as Isay 8. 19. V. 8. Bring me him up call forth and cause the spirit of a dead man whom I shall name to appeare unto me Words proceeding from a grosse ignorance which accompanied Sauls impiety V. 9. Layest thou Why goest thou about to induce me to doe any thing which may make me deserve death V. 12. Samuel A divellish apparition in the likenesse and forme of Samuel by which the witch knew him to be Saul V. 13. What sawest thou Because the apparition did not at first appeare to Saul but to the woman only Gods the Italian An Angell The shape of a divine and heavenly man in all points So the Devill transformes himselfe into an Angell of light 2 Cor. 11. 14. Others a God in the same sence V. 14. Covered Which might be some speciall manner of garment that Samuel used or all the Prophets in generall see a Kings 1. 8. Zech. 13. 4. Perceived that it was After that the Devill had thus appeared to the woman the same apparition came neer to Saul who knew Samuel better and then it spake to him hand to hand no body hearing their talke Now Saul through Gods judgement was by this illusion induced to worship the Devill which is the aime of the evill spirit to all those which seeke after him V. 15. Why A continuation of the Devils lye to insnare Saul so much the more V. 19. With mee That is to say dead as the true Samuel was who was here represented by the Devill who by these words imprinteth this error in Saul that the soules of all men as well good as bad go to the same place for to blot out of him all knowledge and apprehension of eternall life CHAP. XXIX VERS 1. THeir armies the Italian hath it Their principalities The armies of the five Principalities of the Philistims distinguished in their severall bands Others have it the Princes with their severall hundreds and thousands V. 4. Be an adversary the Italian â—oerevolt as those other Hebrewes had done 1 Sam. 14. 21. V. 6. As the Lord liveth It is marvellous that a heathen should sweare by the true God but he did it either to flatter with David or according to the Pagans opinion and false ceremonies who beleeve that each nation hath its severall God living and reigning over his people as others doe over theirs V. 8. But what Feigned words CHAP. XXX VERS 1. SMitten Forced it and sacked it V. 7. Bring me hither Come hither into my presence to enquire of the Lord having the breast-plate which is upon the Ephod about thee as 1 Sam. 23. 9. V. 14. Cherethites It was a nation neere to the Philistines or else part of them See Ezek. 25. 16. Zeph. 2. 5. Of Caleb of the countrey belonging to Calebs posterity Josh. 14. 13. 15. 13. V. 16. Spread abroad the Italian addeth Without any watch Heb. at randome V. 17. Vpon Camels
little finger I have as much and more absolute power over your persons and goods than ever my father had and can force you according to my will And since I see the rashnesse of your demands I will use you with extreame rigor V. 20. But the tribe see upon 1. Kings 11. 32. V. 25. Shechem restored it from the desolation which had happened to it Iudg. 9. 45. Penuel which had also been destroyed Iudg. 8. 17. V. 28. Two calves questionlesse in imitation of that which was made in the wildernesse and to the same end to worship the true God in those visible signes appointed according to their own willâ— see Exod. 32. 4. V. 29. Bethel these two places were in the two uttermost bounds of the ten tribes countrey according to the length of it V. 32 Vnto the feast namely the feast of the â—bernacles V. 33. Hee bad devised for God had appointed the seventh moneth Levit. 23 34. Numb 29. 12. the children like unto that feast which God had appointed them CHAP. XIII VERS I. BY the word the Italian with the word having a propheticall revelation to propound openly others have it by the word that is to say by Gods command V. 2. In the word that what I have prophecied is the true word of God Or whereof the Lord hath spoken that is to say which hee hath commanded mee to propound unto you V. 4. From the that is to say using some charme or doing some other act upon the altar hee withdrew his hand to make some signe that the prophet should bee laid hold on V. 11. An old prophet who had oftentimes propheticall visions and revelations but in this act hee was a liar v. 8. though with some good and kind intent to give the other prophet some refreshing V. 12. had seen that is to say did knew and had taken notice of it V. 17. By the word namely by divine revelation V. 20. Came unto by some internall inspiration or prophetick extacy whereby hee was forced to condemne himselfe for deceipt as well as the other prophet for disobedience V. 28. Had not for a more expresse proofe that all was done by Gods singular providence for the execution of his judgement V. 32. The houses or the temples Samaria so called here by anticipation 1. Kings 16. 24. V. 33. Whosoever would or hee consâ—â—rated whom hee pleased V. 34. This thing the Italian in this in this manner hee brought in an example of impiety which being followed by his successors was the cause of their totall ruine CHAP. XIV VERS III. TAke with thee see upon 1. Sam. 7. 9. V. 5. The Lord said by propheticall revelation V. 14. But what this prophecy is not of things that shall happen after a long time but shall bee fulfilled within a very short time V. 14. The river namely Euphrates groves a kind of idolatry Exo. 34. 13. Deut. 16. 21. under which are comprehended all other idolatries V. 17. Tirza a City of the royall residence of the King of the ten tribes before Samaria was built and dedicated to that use 1. Kings 16. 24. Cant. 6. 4. V. 19. Of the Chronicles it seemeth that they were Annals or publick Records out of which were composed the books of Chronicles inserted among the holy books V. 21. To put see upon 1. Kings 11. 36. V. 24. Sodomites males who did abandon their bodies to suffer abominable lust see 1. Kings 15. 12. and 22. 46. 2. Kings 23. 7. wickednesse which often was joyned with idolatries and pagan superstitions V. 28. The guard chamber see 2. Kings 11. 6. 19. V. 31. Abijam who is the same as Abijah 2. Chron. 12. 16. CHAP. XV VERS II. MAachah it is the same as Micajah the daughter of Vriel 2. Chron. 13. 2. V. 4. Give him suffered not his name to be quite extinguished nor his Kingdome to faile V. 10. His mothers that is to say his grandmothers v. 2. V. 14. High places the people could not bee brought to offer sacrifices in that place which was only consecrated to Gods service though they performed the same in all purenesse as well for the object which was the true God as for the meanes according to his ordinances Now this was either through the peoples obstinacy or through the Kings negligence who did not make use of his Soveraign power to force them to it or through some difficulty ni the performance V. 17. Built that is to say fortified it might not suffer to hinder his subjects from having any correspondency with those of Iudah especially in matters of religion see 1. Kings 12 27. V. 20. Smote that is to say took these cities by force and used all manner of hostility in them All Cinneroth which is all the countrey adjoyning to the sen of Chinneroth Ios. 12. 3. V. 23. Diseased this is noted not only to shew that his happinesse was interrupted and disturbed but also to shew that upon this occasion hee did in his disease vary from his wâ—nted piety 2. Chron 16. 12. V. 27. To the Philistines being by them taken from the tribe of Dan to which tribe it did belong Ios. 19. 44. CHAP. XVI VERS VII ANd because the very death of Nadab was imputed as a sinne to Baasa for following of his sinnes that which hee had done could not bee â—ermed an act of justice or zeale but plaine murther for covetousnesse of reigning see Hos. 1. 〈◊〉 V. 13. Their vanities the Italian hath it idols the Hebr. vanities a common epithet for false gods which have nither reality of essence nor power and whose deity consisteth in nothing but in the idolaters vaine opinion Deut. 32. 21. 1. Sam. 12. 21. 1. Cor. 8. 4. V. 23. Thirty and one since it is said V. 15. that Zimri began to reigne in the seven and twentieth yeare of Asa and that hee reigned but seven dayes wee must conclude that Omri who immediately succeeded him reigned from the same seven and twentieth yeare but the Kingdome having been divided into two parts Omri began to reigne peaceably alone in the one and thirtieth yeare after hee had overthrown Tibui his competitor twelve in all with the foure yeares which hee reigned before the death of Tibui V. 24. Talents the talent weighed one hundred and five and twenty pounds at twelve ounces in the pound see upon Exod. 38. 25. V. 31. Baal a common name to all the Sidonian idols Now this idolatry was farre worser than that of the calves because that in this they professed the worshiping of the true God though it was in a vitious manner but in the other they meerely worshipped the creature or idoll CHAP. XVII VERS I. Tishbite hee was so called from the place of his birth which is not mentioned in Scripture inhabitants the Italian hath it of the new inhabitants described 1. Cron. 5. 22. Others translate it strangers which dwelt in Gilead by which they meane certaine Israelites which went to Gilead to dwell for some unknown cause
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
Italian upon a Pillar wherof see 2 Kin. 11. 14. stood to the consented to it did openly protest that they would stand to it without varying V. 4. Of the second order these were two Priests which were in the next degree to the high Priest who were also his deputies see 2 Sam. 8. 17 2 Kin. 2. 518. â—ethelâ— where Iereboam had setup one of the Calves 1 Kin. 12. 29. Now Iosias caused this dust to be carried â—hither as an abominable uncleanness to profane the place take away all opinion of holiness from it V. 5. The Idolatrous Priests the Italian Camaries they were certain ministers of Idolatry different from the Priests which belonged to the Idols Zeph. 1. 4. The Iewes believe that it was a kinde of Monks so called either by reason that they lived cloistered up or because they used to wear smokie clothing of a darke colour Planets or the 12. signs of Zodiack V. 6. And cast the sign of detestation of Idols and Idolaters for these graves were the graves of them which had worshipped Idols 2 Chron. 34 4. of the children of the basâ—st and lowest degree amongst the people who being most sensuall are likely most enclined to Idolatrie and superstition V. 7. The houses they were little booths which served for brothell houses where they committed the abominable sin of lust against nature Idolatry being alwaies followed with these abominations fruits of the unclean spirit of lying Ro. 1. 23. 24. 27. see 1 Kin. 14. 24. 15 12. 22. 46. hangings the Italian hath it houses they might be some tents which were set up in that grove wherein those wickednesses were committed V. 8. All the Priests which worshipped the true God yet they do it in the high places and not in Ierusalem which was the only place approved by God defiled hee did by authority proclaim them to be unclean took away all signs of holinesse from them and brought them to â—ordid uses and defiled them with unclean things according to Law as with dead bodies bones and the like v. 4. 14 16. 20. from Geba which weâ—e the two bounds of the Land of Iudah in length of the gate set up near to the gates of the City according to the ancient custome of Idolaters for to have some Tutelar and Guarding God-head of Ioshua neither the man nor the gate are mentioned any where else it might be some Captain of that city or of some part of it who dwelling neare one of these gates had built some Chappel or place of devotion there V. 9. The Priests though they were of the Priestly race yet were they deposed from their Office but were notwithstanding suffered to feed upon the holy meaâ—s as of meat offerings wherein all manner of leaven was forbidden Lev. 2. 4. 5. 11. V. 10. Topleth it was a place on the East side of Jerusalem in the pleasant Valley of the children of Hinnon so called from Toâ— that is to say a Drum either by reason of the musick dances and other pastimes which were used there or by reason of the noise of drummes which was used there in the abominable Sacrifices of their children to deaffen the eares and dull the sences of the Spoctators see Ier. 7. 31. 19. 6. 11. V. 11. The horses they â—ere certain statues of horses chariots dedicated to the Sun as he was accustomed to be figured by the heathen mounted upoÌ„ a charet drawn with foure horses at the entring in it is thought to be either one or more gates of the first precinct of the Temple on the west side through which they went in to the court of the Gentiles in the suburbs the Italian hath it Pariâ—â—rim it seemeth to be the same place as is called Parbar 1 Chron. 26. 18. it is uncertain what place it was why it was so called the Hebrewes hold they were certain suburbs belonging to the temple towards the west see Ize 45. 2 V. 12. That were on see of this custome of those that worshipped the Stars Zeph. 1. 5. V. 13. Of corruption it is thought it was the mount of Olives or some other near unto it on the east side of Ierusalem that it is so called by allusion or equivocation of two Hebrew words whereof one signifieth annointing by reason of the Olives the other spoile or corruption by reason of these abominations V 15. The high place that is to say the Temple which was built there V. 16. Turned himselfe namely when hee was in Bethel which place though it was no part of the Kingdom of Iudah he did these things either as by right as being lawful Lord as he was Davidsâ—ighfull â—ighfull successor or in meer zeale in an abandoned country which in a manner had no Lord at all 2 Chro. 34. 6 V. 18. No man move the Italian preserve and doe not burn them as you have done the rest V. 21 In this book which was found in the Temple 2 Kings 22. 8. V. 22. Surely there was not this Passeover is here made mention of because it was celebrated with more concourse of people and greater purity then over it was since the time of the Iudges 2 Chro. 35. 18 V. 24. And the Idols the Hebrew word signifieth porperly little domessicall or houshold Idols Gen. 31. 19. V. 26. Turned not because that the people followed not the example of their King in converting themselves sincerely to the Lord as it appeared presently after the death of Iosias see Ier. 3. 10. V. 29. Of Assyria by this name seemeth to be understood Nabopolassar King of Babylon who had taken Assyria from the Meades who had subdued the Assyrians so oftentimes by the name of Assyrians by reason of the noblenesse of the Title are understood the Caldeans and afterwards the Persians who had conquered Assyria against him the cause might be to hinder him from going to provoke the King of Babylon for fear left his countrey which lay between the countrey of these Monarchs should be left to the Conquerors mercy and should be the place or field for their war â—â—ew him that is to say wounded him mortally for it seemeth he died in Jerusalem 2 Chron. 35 24. when he had at the first encounter V. 30. And the people some believe that this Ieâ—â—â—â—az was installed by popular faction and not according to birth-right seeing that he was but three and twenty years of age when he began to reign and reigned but three months whereas his brother Ie 〈…〉 im who succeeded him was five and twenty years of age when he began to reign v. 36. unlesse there were some vacancy or interregnum Iehoaâ—az called also Shallum Ier. 22. 11. V. 34. Turned for to shew his soveraignty there according to Ieremiah his prophecy Ier. 22. 11. CHAP. XXIIII VERS I. NEbuchadnezzar the sonne of Nabopolassar who raised up the old Empire of Babylon annexing Assyria unto it which he had conquered Gen. 10. 10. 2 Kings 23. 29. being yet
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
Nehemia some yeares after brought home the rest of the people and is here named and set down by anticipation Ez. 7. 1. Neh. 2. 1. V. 15. Adar the name of a month which was answerable to February Moon V. 17. Sinne affâ—ring see Levit. 4. 23. and 9. 5. 16. 5 V. 18. Divisions which were appointed by David 1 Chron. 24. and 25. and 26. V. 20. Killed the ministring Levites did help to â—kill and make ready the beasts and presented the blood of them to the Priests to poure it at the foot of the altar as 2 Chron. 30. 16. 17. and 35. 11. 12. V. 22. Of Assiria that is to say of Persia which had swallowed up the Empire of Assiria and Caldea whereupon sometimes the name of the one is taken for the other CHAP. VII VER III. SOnne of Meraiâ—th there is a great leap in this setting down wherein are over-skipped six of Ezra his ancestors see 1 Chron. 6. 6. 11. V. 6. Scribe a Doctor of holy scripture and this word is frequently used both in the old and new testament the hand according as the Lord favoured and prospered him V. 9. Began hee the Italian was appointed or was the beginning of the departure V. 12. King of Kings a proud title of those great Empires Ezec. 26. 7. Dan. 2. 37. V. 14. Seven these were seven princapall Noble-men that stood alwayes by the King of Persia and were his councellers in all great offairs see Est. 1. 10. 14. according to to know if things bee established and executed according to Gods Law whereof thou art Doctor and which I also give thee power to observe V. 16. Thou canst finde that thou canst gather amongst my subjects of their own free good will the people namely of Israel V. 18. To thy brethren namely the Colledge of Priests V. 23. Wrath namely from God of the King the Italian against the King or of the King and his children V. 27. Blessed these are Ezras words CHAP. VIII VER II. OF the sonnes descending from the two priestly loynes and branches namely from Elieazar by Phineas and from Ithamar see 1 Chron. 24. 3. 4. David it is likely to bee King David and this Hattush may be hee that is mentioned 1 Chron. 3. 22. V. 15. Ahaliah it is thought to bee the Adiabenes countâ—ey V. 17. The chiese having either by meanes of the Iewes poâ—itick government or by the King of Persia his commission some command in that place over the Iewes Casiphia the likenesse â—f the name seemeth to intimate this to be the Caspian countrey or the chiese city thereof V. 18. The sonnes his successors or p 〈…〉 sterity tie sonne meaning the grandchild Exod. 6. 16. 19. V. 20. Whom David in the division of the sacred offices there is no mention made of the Neâ—â—inims 1 Chron. 24. and 25. and 26. but wee must beleeve that David confirmed and new appointed that which had been anciently decreed concerning them Iosh. 9. 21. V. 21. Afflict our selves the Italian humble our selves or to afflict our persons An usuall kinde of speech to signifie a true fast of contrition of heart and repentance joyned with the bodily fast Levit. 16. 29. V. 25. There present that were present at the time of this gathering Or that were willing to give Or that had power to give CHAP. IX VER II. HAve taken though those women were not converted to the worship of the 〈◊〉 God therefore Gods command Deut. 7. 3. was broken and the Church degenerated even in its first beginning 〈◊〉 Gen. 6. 2. V. 3. My garment for anciently they did wear 〈◊〉 garments the outward longer than the inner 〈…〉 ckt off through just anger and bitternesse of heart and not through any superstition which was forbidden Lev. 9. 27. Deut. 14. 1. V. 5. My hands the Italian hath it the â—aimes 〈…〉 according to the Iewish manner of praying holding their armes abroad and their palmes open towards heaven V. 8. A naile that is to say some subject of hope and a prop to our faith in his Church even as nailes serve to fasten joyne or hang up many things see Isa. 22. 23. Or it is a proverbial way to signifie some small remainder of a thing as the naile or the pinne of a rich tent as the ancient Tabernacle was a signe of Gods being present in grace amiddest his people V. 9. Bond-men subjects and deprived of our ancient liberty and Kingdome a wall a little place of safety like unto a fold or a penne for a flock of sheep V. 15. Thou art as for thy part thou hast superabundantly fulfilled all thy promises and kept thy covenant with us having made us to subsist notwithstanding our sinnes all the fault is in us and wee confesse it and repent therefore in thy presence as for a fault which otherwise would make us in capable of thy grace and would deserve most heavie punishments CHAP. X. VER II. THere is hope if wee can repent and amend our selves and therefore moderate thine affliction and seek for to amend this busidesâ—e V. 3. VVith our God whom thou dost represent in this action to put away for these marriages with idolatrous and pagan women were of no force by Law seeing God had forbidden them and such as are the Italian the children as bastards borne in unlawfull copulation and therefore could not be incorporated amongst Gods people though it is likely that the parents did provide them food and other necessaries when they sent them away and of those namely who had abstâ—ined from any such mixture Ezra 9. 4. V. 4. Belongeth unto thee because thou art a Priest and hast a speciall command from the King to see that Gods Law be observed Ez. 7. 26. V. 8. Seporated hee should bee excommunicated out of the Church and forbidden the use of all holy things and held as a heathen and prophane man V. 9. The ninth which was the month of May counting September for the first after the manner of the Persians Est. 2. 16. in the street in the court of the people or in the Gentiles court great raine which being out of the accustomed season was somewhat prâ—digious and seemed to portend Gods wrath as 1 Sam. 12. 17. V. 12. So must wâ—â— or it is good to doe according to thy word and wee take upon us to doe it V. 14. Stand to frame a supreame counsell or consistorie the elders who after they had made an enquiry in each city were to make their relation As for example whether the woman were a Proselite before shee was married whither at the time of her marriage shee had made such abiurations and protestations as were requisite whither shee had not after defiled her selfe by ido latrie if she gave any proofe of true piety that according to these informations it might be judged whether the marriage were to be confirmed as sanctified by her profession be turned by annihilating what hath been done amisse and providing that hereafter no such
cattell appointed for sacrifices were brought in great number whereupon it was so called Iohn 5. 1. or at the least the old name revived see Gen. 3. 21. Mic. 4. 8. sanctified it that is to say repaired it and set it up in its former state and splendor and did also new dedicate it to its first use by prayers and devotions which use was more holy than that of the other gates whereupon the Priests did undertake the repairing of it and by their working upon it did gaine it the more respect as being a thing belonging to the Temple the tower of Meah the Italian the tower of one hundred that is to say of one hundred cubits â—igh unto the drawing towards the North for this tower was on the North East side see Ier. 37. 38. V. 2. Next unto him going on from the side of the said Tower towards the West the men the commonalty of the inhabitants of Iericho see Ezr. 2. 34. V. 3. The fish gate which was on the North side of Ierusalem and it is likely that it was so called by reason of the fish which was brought in that way for the provision of the city from the Se◠〈…〉 sts of Tyre and Sidon see Neh. 13. 16. the sonneâ— see Ez 2. 35. and it is doubtfull whether this Hass 〈…〉 aah be the name of a city so that by children be mâ—ant the inhabitants or the name of a man and so his posterity be meant V. 4. Repaired the walls and towers because that in this portion there was never a gate next unto them namely next unto Merimoth and his people V. 5. The Tekoites the inhabitants of Tekoah a city of Iudah 2 Sam. 14. 2. 2 Chron. 11. 6. put not their necks they were not partakers of this labour for the Lords service Others referre this word Lord unto Nehemiah the governour of the naâ—â—on or to this head of the commonalty of Tekoah V. 6. The old gate which was on the North side of the city V. 7. The throne the Pallace or Court V. 8. Fortified Ierusalem the Italian Ierusalem was left they did nothing to the wall from the above said place unto the corner gate because that there the wallhad not been ruined as in other places and according to some it was that soure hundred cubits of wall which Ieboash had pulled down and was buâ—lt up againe by Vzziah and made stronger and broader 2 Chron. 25. 23. see Neh. 12. 38. V. 9. And next next after them on the West side the foresaid space of wall being between of Ierusalem the Italian hath it the halfe part of Ierusalem Ierusalem was divided into severall parts or wards whereof each one had it Captaine The old Salem which was Melchisedechs seat which is here especially meant by Ierusalem had two parts whereof the other is mentioned v. 12. V. 11. The other peice the Italian a double space namely of foure hundred cubits whereas every one was to repair but two hundred namely from one tower to another the tower which was on the West side V. 12. His daughters it should seem this man had none but dâ—ughters who also employed their meanes and servants about this work V. 13. Zanoah a city of Iudab Ios. 15. 34. 56. 1 Chron. 4. 18. V. 14. The sonne of of the famous Family of the Rechabites Ier. 35. 2. Beth haccerem another part of Ierusalem V. 15. Siloah the Italian Sela this is the channell or small stream which came from the fountain of Gibon called elsewhere Siloah the staires which were at the turning from the West southward V. 16. Bethzur this name and the following names are names of severall parts of the city given for either unknown or unceâ—â—ain causes that was made so named to make a difference between it and other pooles which were naturall which poole within a great enclosure of strong walls held in the waters which came by that water-course and it seems to be that which is called the upper poole 2 Kings 18. 17. Isa. 7. 3. unto the house this was some place which is not mentioned any where else where those Captaines had their lodgings whom the King kept ordinarily neere to him 1 Chron. 27. 1. which also it should seeme was a place where youths were taught to handle their Armes Cant. 4. 4. V. 19. Mizpah the other halfe of that part of the city which was so called v. 15. at the turning the Italian at the corner this was some great corner of the wall on the South side of the city where the Arsenall or Armory had anciently been which afterwards was removed to the house of the forrest of Lebanon Isa. 22. 8. V. 20. Zabbai the Italian Zaccai or Zabbai V. 22. The men of the plaine the Italian which dwelt in the plaine who had their countrey houses and housholds in the plaine of Iericho neere Iordan though they had houses in Ierusalem also whether it were to people the city or to supply the wants of Gods service there being at that time but a small number of Priests V. 24. The turning namely from the South side to the East which turning came with the corner inwards into the city according to the naturall scituation of the rock and the valley V. 25. High house this was the Royall Pallace built by Solomon 1 Kings 7. 1. V. 26. Water-gate see Neh. 8. 1. and 12. 37. and it seemes to bee that which is mentioned Ier. 17. 19. called the water-gate because that neere unto it all the waters which were come into the city by water-courses or pipes under ground came into one channell and did runne into a deepe valley V. 27. The Tekoites namely the Priests which dwelt in Tekoah for the common sort of the Tekoites had been spoken of before v. 5. V. 29. The keeper see upon 1 Chron. 26. 14. and 31. 14. East-gate namely of the Temple V. 30. His chamber the Italian his chambers that part of chambers in the Porticoes of the Temple which was assigned to him and his for their habitations for it is to be supposed that hee was a Levite V. 31. Gold-smiths sonne or a gold-smith but consecrated and one of the Priests to make or mend the holy vessells merchants the Italian addeth merchants of spices or perfumes for there being such frequent use for such things in the Temple for unctions and perfumes these people had gotten them habitations neere unto it Miphkad the Italian of the prison see Neh. 12. 39. and it is likely that it was no close and darke prison but large and be onging to the Church for errours committed in Gods service in the Temple Ier. â—9 â—6 Acts 4. 6. and 5. 18. the going up the Italian the high hall it was some high roome for assemblies banquets or other uses when there was much company V. 32. The sheep-gate by which gate having begun 〈◊〉 hee there also ended the circuit of the whole city CHAP. IV. VER 2. HIs brethren people of his Family feeble
damnifie and deceive others V. 8. Of the villages A description of a high-way robber under which name are meant all violent and deceitfull men and their actions V. 9. Into his net into his traps and ambushes which hee hath laid for him V. 14. despight namely the malice and boldnesse of thine enemies in despighting thee to thy face or the injurie done to men with insulting over them V. 15 Seek out c. the Italian and then if thou seek out the wickednesse c. his meaning is these wicked men are incorrigible their malice will never have an end untillthey be rooted out therefore O Lord once rid the world of them V. 16. The heathen the Italian the nations that is to say the wicked and ungodly who are like heathens which have no God Or hee meaneth that God having rooted the accursed nations out of the land of Canaan had given a certaine signe and proofe that hee would suffer no wicked prophane people to be there V. 17. Of the humble or poore afflicted prepare the Italian establish namely by thy spirit with grace and strength to endure all assaults Others thou doest prepare namely them to call upon thee holily and righteously PSAL. XI VER 1. HOw say yee David speaketh to 〈◊〉 of Sauls courtiers who by violence or deceitfull speeches did seeke to send David far from the land of Iudah to free Saul from jelousie and doubts 1 Sam. 26. 19. Others take these words to bee touching some evill counsell of his friends wishing him to retire to his caves and rocks where hee was wont to lie and not come heere to Iudea which was Davids hearty desire V. 2. For loe it is true that I am in extreame dangers and that I can have no recourse to justice in this generall subversion of the state but yet upon the assurance of mine innocency I will have recourse to heaven and to Gods justice V. 3. The foundations that is to say all the state which ought to be founded upon piety and justice Psa. 75. 4. and 82. 5. Pro. 20. 28. and 29. 14. being subverted by the malice of mine enemies can the cause thereof bee imputed to mee guiltlesse man V. 4. His eye lids a manner of speech taken from those mens actions who being desimus to look upon a thing more fixedly doe winke with their eyes or close up one of them V. 5. His soule a humane kind of speech the meaning of which is he hateth them with all his heart V. 6. Shall reigne as in the destruction of Sodom Gen. 19. 24. snares the Italian embers others though not so well translate it snares the portion a similitude taken from banquets at which every one had his portion of meate and drink set out see Psa. 16. 5. and 75. 8. PSAL. XII THE title Sheminith see upon Psal. 6. in the title V. 4. Wee will wee will keep ourselves in favour with Saul and maintaine our greatnesse in his Kingdome by slandering of David and flattering of Saul For this Psalme seemeth to have a referrence ta those times which were infected with such plagues oùr lips our tongue is a meanes sufficient for to maintaine us which can neither be hindred nor taken away from us none hath any power thereon but only our selves V. 5. Puffeth at him the Italian against whom they speak boldly others from them that burst out in speeches against him namely through rage or contempt Psa. 10. 5. Others lay snares that is to say seek to entrap him with their courtly arts V. 6. The words namely the promises hee hath made mee to raise me to the Kingdome pâ—re from all falshood deceit and vanity which are the 〈…〉 rects of mens words for the Lords words are most true and most just V. 8. The wicked that is to say all manner of licentiousnesse and impunity reigneth when publick offices are enjoyed by unworthy and infamous persons such as Sauls officers were see Prov. 28. 12 18. and 29. 2. PSAL. XIII VER 2. TAke counsell that is to say advise how I shall doe to escape Or how long shall I be kept in care and troubles of the mind which daily troment mee V. 3. Lighten give mee the guide of thy spirit the joy and comfort of thy grace and re establish me by thy power least I sleep least I perish beyond all remedy like one that passeth immediately from sleep to death V. 6. Dea 〈…〉 bountifully hath given me the reward of mine innocency in this cause the wages of my paines and patience and the crown of glory for this combate PSAL. XIV VER 1. THe foole the sensuall and prophane man who is nor enlightened with the lively light of Gods-spirit who through the malice of his heart puts out as far as in him lieth the naturall lights of knowledge and of conscience concerning God his providence law and judgement that hee may run headlong to all manner of evill hath said his understanding being darkned hee doubteth whether there be a God or no and in his rebellious and perverse will he endeavoureth to confirme that beleef in himselfe though atheisme can never find a perfect continuall assent in the heart of man and so works without any feare of God as though hee were fully persuaded thereunto see Rom. 1. 21. 28. 1 Cor. 15. 34. V. 2. The children namely all men in their corrupt nature having not the gift of regeneration see Gen. 4. 26. and 6. 2. yea and a great part of Gods own people which had gone astray while King Saul reigned though there were yet a holy remnant amongst them which are afterwards namely v. 4. opposed to the wicked and therefore are excepted out of this generality by Gods grace and seek namely that made God and his service and glory the only end of all their actions and that did seek to gaine the true and lively knowledge of him and to be in his favour to come at the last to a perfect union with him Acts. 17. 27. V. 3. They are all gone aside the Italian they are all spoiled the Hebrew word is taken from wines that are grown sower see Isa 1. 22. Hos. 4. 18. as the word that followeth is taken from meat that is grown rotten or stinking V. 4. My people by this word are oftentimes meant the poore and needy whose only protectoris God Exod. 22. 25. Mic. 2. 9. V. 5. There namely before God and his judgement contrary to the judgement of the world Psa. 2. 6. see Eccl. 3. 17. V. 7. Come out of Sion that I David comming to reigne in Ierusalem may free the people from Sauls tiranny and his wicked officers But especially that the great Saviour of the world whose type I am may come to be incarnate in Ierusalem to gaine everlasting salvation for his Church PSAL. XV. VER WHo shall abide that is to say who shall bee true member of thy Church never to be cast out of it and who shall enter into thine everlasting
tabernacles of glory V. 4. In whose eyes who when he will judge of a man taketh God and his approbation for his rule and doth not voluntarily honour vice and impiety for flattery or any worldly respects see Psa. 16. 3. Ier. 15. 19. Iude. 6. he seemeth to touch those who flattered Saul whom God had rejected PSAL. XVI THe title Michtam it is not certainly known what the signification of this word is but it is certain that it is taken from another word which signifieth most pure gold whereupon it might bee translated a Psalme of gold or a pretious jewell V. 2. Thou art that is to say as in thee O soveraign Lord of all men is the spring and fountain of all goodnesse so canst thou not be prevented in any good nor recompenced for any benefits thy favours proceed from thy meere grace and that service which thou requirest at our hands is not for any profit that thou reapest thereby but for our own good and the reliefe of those that beleeve in thee V. 3. The excellent the Italian the honoured that is to say the true and noble children of God heires of his Kingdome and changed from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3. 8. 1 Pet. 4. 14. VV. 4. Drink offerings they were certaine offerings of wine under which is comprehended all the service done to idols of blood thry are abominable before God as the sacrifices of men and spilling of humane blood which was used by the pagans take up I will abhor even the very naming of them Exod. 23. 13. Deut. 12. 3. Hos. 2. 16. 17. see Ephes. 5. 3. V. 5. The portion that is to say amongst all the goods of the world where of every one ccooseth out his part I for my part take the grace of God with which I am sufficiently satisfied A phrase taken from those shares which every one had assigned unto him at feasts Gen 43. 34. Sam. 1. 4. 9. 23. see Psal. 11. 6. Maintainest thou hast not onely out of thy grace bestowed the chiefe of goods upon me but dost also preserve it unto me by thy power 2 Tim. 1. 12. 1 Pet. 1. 5. V. 6. The lines the Italian the lot Hebrew the 〈…〉 nes with which they measured land when they parted it see Deut. 32. 9. see concerning this lot off the Saints Acts 26. 18. Ephes. 1. 11. Colos. 1. 12. V. 7. Hath given mee councell who sweetly and powerfully inspireth mee to accept of this gift at Gods hands and to preferre it above all other gifts and for it to forsake all other things and strive to preserve and encrease it see Psal. 73. 23. My veines mine internall thoughts and secret motions of the soule enlightned sanctified and moved by the holy Ghost doe dictate and suggest unto me what I ought to doe and undertake see Psal 27. 8. In the night which is the time of rest and of the faithfulls more serious meditations and of most lively operation of Gods spirit in their hearts when they are wrapped in rest and silence free from wordly employments and all distraction of senses see Psal. 17. 3. Cant. 3. 1. Isa. 26. 9. V. 8. I have set that is to say I have had him alwayes present in my soule by faith by obedience I have set him before me for the scope and object of all my actions by sincerity for a witnesse and judge of them and by experience for a rewarder of my fidelity and chiefe aime of my happinesse V. 9. My glory the Italian my tongue Hebrew glory according to the custome of Scripture Gen. 49. 6. Psal. 30. 12. 57. 8. Yet others take it for the soule Iob 30. 15. Shall rest the Italian shall dwell namely in this world as in a waifairing lodging then in the grave as in a place of safeguard and repose an at last in heaven as in its true and eternall mansion V. 10 My soule namely I my person whose corporall part remaining dead the whole man cannot be said to be delivered Now Acts 2. 31. this passage seemeth to bee applyed to Christ who is the onely perfect Saint of God and to his resurrection by vertue of his most perfect justice which preserved his body from all putrefaction and corruption For though David have here some reflection upon himselfe and his deliverances from mortall dangers and to his hope of blessed resurrection Yet the termes are so high and pregnant that they cannot properly belong to any other but Christ even according to the internall meaning of the holy Ghost revealed unto the Apostles V. 11. Of life namely everlasting and glorious life In thy thy presence that is to say in thy grace which is called the presence of God in this world and in thy glory in heaven consisteth mans soveraigne happinesse And this good is communicated unto him in consolation through faith in in this life and in eternall joyes in the life to come by the presence and clear sight of God and all of his meer liberality and power who is the right hand of God This being applyed to Christ signifieth his glory received from the father after his ascension into heaven Psal. 45. 7. Heb. 12. 2. PSAL. XVII VER 1. THe right namely by declaring and defending my right and innocency oppressed by mine enemies Goeth not out of which is free from hypocrisie vaine boasting and malicious deceit V. 2. Proceed that is to say from the sentence which thou shalt give let it appeare that I am innocent which mine innocencie being known unto thee I beseech thee to defend it V. 3. In the night namely when hee was most private and retired when being hidden from all others hee was onely manifest to thee and being free from all worldly cares was all gathered within himselfe and having laid of the maske of worldly dissimulation hee appeared naked in his true being Tryed me thou hast proved me by thy severe examination as metall is tried in the furnace Nothing that was false or evill My mouth my words are all true loyall correspondent to the iuward thoughts of my heare V. 4. The works that is say in all my conversation and ordinary course of life by the word namely by it have I been guided and kept in V. 6. For thou wilt heare mee that is to say thou wert accustomed to heare me V. 7. By thy right hand Others thou that savest those which put their trust in thee from them that rise against thy right hand that is to say against thy Kingdom and will V. 10. They are their worldly prosperity ruffeth them up and makes them insensible and obdurate against all reason and just feare and the Scripture doth use this terme of a fattened heart in this sence because that the fat of man hath no feeling in it and those that are very fat are lesse subject to the passion of feare V. 14. Of the world whose heart is altogether set upon worldly things who raigning in this world make no account
word V. 6. I will wash I doe endeavour to bee pure in all my actions because that the service which I doe thee may not bee defiled with an evill conscience A phrase taken from those washings which were appointed for the Priests to use when they came neere to the Altar Exod. 30. 19. 20. I compasse a ceremony used at solemne thanksgivings whilst they offered sacrifices of prayse or after they were offered see Psalme 43. 4. 1 Kings 18. 26. V. 8. Where thine honour dwelleth the Italian of the Tabernacle of thy glory namely the seat of the glorious signes of thy presence on earth in grace and power which was the Arke called also the glory of God 1 Sam. 4. 21. Psal 78. 61. V. 9. Gather not doe not ensold mee in the same ruine and curse see the contrary 1 Sam. 35. 29. V. 10. Of bribeâ— the Italian of presents that is to say of injustice corruption and prevarication V. 12. Standeth the Italian standeth firme by saith I doe already hold my selfe victorious over mine enemies freed from all dangers and difficulties and settled in secure happinesse PSAL. XXVII VER 1. MY light all my councell guide and direction my joy and comfort hee that dissolveth all my inward clouds of trouble and confusion and externall oneâ— of dangers and calamities V. 3. IN this namely that the Lord is my light salvation and strength V. 4. May dwell that I may perpetually both upon earth and in heaven live in the happy communion of his Church Psal. 91. 1. The beauty the excellencie and 〈…〉 esnesse of his grace truth and other perfections which hee maketh manifest in his Church by his word And besides that his glory which hee shall fully reveale in heaven things which were represented by the magnificence of Gods Tabernacle and farre more afterwards by the glory of Solomons Temple V. 5. Shall hide mee namely in this communion with the Church shall I bee safe and secure upon a rock into a place and condition most secure V. 6. Mine head that is to say I shall have a glorious victory Psal. 3. 3. Of joy the Italian with joy with voices of joy used in sacrifices of thanks-giving together with the sound of holy trumpets Num. 10. 10. Psal. 26. 7. and 43. 4. V. 8. When thou saidst seek yee my face my heart said c. the Italian hath it my heart saith from thee seeke yee my face seek yee thou and all the faithfull direct your selves to 〈…〉 e in my Temple where I doe reveale my selfe in grace and power and seeke to have me alwayes present with you faith and in spirit and aspire to the full manifestation of my glory in heaven My heart moved and inspired by thy spirit V. 11. Teach me inspire and strengthen me constantly to follow thy holy will in patience and faith so that mine enemies may not cause me to goe astray but that by this secure way I may escape their ambushes V. 13. Vnlesse I had the Italian oh unlesse I had we should adde I had beene overcome in my troubles and combats or woe is me or I should have fainted unlesse c. see Psal. 119. 91. to see that is to say to be before my death re-establiâ—hed in the fruition of Gods benefits in his Church which are a certaine pledge of the eternall happinesses V. 14. Waite Davids words to himselfe and all the faithfull CHAP. XXVIII VER 1. MY rock see Deut. 32. 4. V. 2. Oracle this was the most inward and secret place of the Tabernacle and Temple in which the Ark was and out of which the Lord answered being enquired of by Vrim and Thummim see Num. 27. 21. 1 Kings 6. 5. V. 3. Draw me not doe not cause me to die the death of the wicked which is alwayes forced and violent in regard of their worldly affections and being an execution of punishment on Gods behalfe Whereas the death of Gods children is a sweet gathering up and voluntary departure 1 Sam. 25. 29. Psal. 52. 5. 125. 5. V. 5. Regard not through contemnt and prophanenesse they reject all meanes of conversion as can be offered unto them by the Lords works And not build that is to say their ruine shall be eternall and irreparable Others let him destroy them and never build them up againe V. 8. Their strength namely the strength of his people and inheritance V. 9. His annointed namely me David who was consecrated by him PSAL. XXIX VER 1. O Yee mightie the Italian yee sonnes of the mightie let there bee no greatnesse nor heighth in the world that doth not humble it selfe before the great and terrible God V. 3. Vpon the waters upon the clouds where the thunder is engendered Ezech. 10. 5. or upon the sea over which the thunder maketh a noise and runneth for a long time V. 6. To skip that is to say hee hath made the splinterâ— and broken peeces of trees that have been strucken with thunder to flie up into the ayre Or when they have been shaken by the wind or stormes or by earth-quakes Sirion a hill neer unto Lebanon Deut. 2. 9. V. 7. Flames namely lightning and thunder V. 8. Kadesh this is the great wildernesse between Egypt and Palestine V. 9. In his Temple God indeed makes manifest unto all the world the effects of his power and majesty but hee is no where acknowledged nor worshipped but in his Church Or these things which make God terrible to all the world are arguments and inducements to his Church to prayse and blesse him V. 10. Upon the flood that is to say in these terrible tempests which seeme to turne the earth upside down God is a peaceable Commander of the universe governing all these accidents through his providence and by his Soveraigne power some think that he meaneth the generall deluge PSAL. XXX THE title and song the Italian Canticle it is thought that when these two words of Psalme and Canticle or Song are both put in the titles of Psalmes it is meant that the sound of instruments was to be joyned with the voyce when they were sung in the Temple and that the voyce went before when it is said Canticle and Psalme and did come afer when it is Psalme and Canticle Dedication see of these dedications of houses Deut. 20. 5. here is meant the purification of Davids house when he came to dwell in it againe after the death of Absolom who had defiled it with incests and other wickednesse see 2 Sam. 20. 4. V. 1 Lifted me up farre from any assault or danger Psal. 20. 2. V. 2. Healed me freed me from all evils restored and re-established me V. 5. His anger namely his fatherly anger and saving correction which hee giveth his children Psal. 103. 9. A moment namely with his grace which never faileth And also because that all temporall things and accidents are but as a small moment in comparison of eternity 〈…〉 se the Italian lasteth a whole life an
to all thy regenerate elect doth thy law speake with fruit and efficacie producing in them the true effect of obedience and not to unbeleevers to whom it is unprofitable and doth oftentimes increase their rebellion V. 8. Within my heart the Italian in the middest of my bowels it is rooted in my heart not only by knowledge but also by a lively loâ—e my heart is imprinted with it and it is written upon it see Ier. 31. 33. 2 Cor. 3. 3. V. 9. I have this is the second kinde of spirituall sacrifices namely of thanksgiving Hos. 14. 2. Heb. 13. â—5 righteousnesse he meaneth theâ— vangelicall righteousnesse which is no hing but Gods grâ—ce and all the effects thereof accordâ—ng to his justice and loyalty in all his promises and convenant see Psa. 22. 3. Rom. 3. 21. 22. V. 11. VVith-held not doe not hinder them from comming â—â—owring down upon mee preserve mâ—e doe thou employ them in protecting of mee V. 12. Mine iniquities the punishments of them have suddenly overtaken me see Num. 32. 23. Iob. 8. 4. faileth mee through horror and feare of thy judgement V. 15. Aha scorning and insulting over my miseries V. 16. Such as love that doe fervently desire it and use the right meanes to obtaine it PSAL. XLI VER 1. COnsidâ—reth the the Italian carrieth himselfe wisely towards the as well in judging soberly and charitably of the hidden causes of their affliction as in words and acts of humanity and mercy the Lord this is a promise of requiting the mercifull Mat. 5. 7. Or a reproof of mens false judgements and a comfort to the faithfull contrary unto their said judgements to whom David promiseth in Gods name that they shall bee aâ—ed and have a happy issue V. 3. Make the Italian turne a figurative terme taken from the making of a bed for a poor sick man that is to say thou wilt stirre up his bed Others thou wilt change his bed namely from a bed of sicknesse to a bed of rest V. 6. Speaketh vaâ—ity the Italian speaketh lyingly that is to say maketh a false shew of friend-ship and good will gathereth out of all that he seeth or perceiveth in mee hee gathereth matter of evill and sinister thoughts V. 9. Mine own familiar hee speakes of some perfidious traitour who was the figure of Iudas lift up a figutative terme taken from the kicking of beasts V. 10. Requite them as I am a King and lawfull magistrate I will by way of justice requite their wicked treacheries and not out of any private passion which is alwayes condemned V. 11. Because mine because thou hast already abated his pride and confounded his hopes by beginning to restore mee V. 12. In mine my sicknesse and calamities have not endammaged nor diminished mine estate before thy being alwayes under thy safeguard and care as thy servant V. 13. from everlasting the Italian from one age that is to say in all ages to the end or from this present age to that which is to come that is to say from this time evermore PSAL. XLII THE title Maschil see Psa. 32. of Korah Heman one of the three heads of the holy musicians was one of Korah the Levites posterity 1 Chron. 6. 33. and 25. 5. 6. And these three Psalmes beare his name not that hee made them but because they were particularly sent to him for to keep them and play and sing them when his turne came to waite upon Gods service V. 1. The hart at all times by reason of his hot and dry nature which makes him extreame thirstie at a certaine season of the yeare but especially when hee is hunted my soule I servently desire to bee in thy tabernacle before thine Arke where thou art present in the tokens and effects of thy grace and vertue whereas I am now farre from them by reason of mine enemies persecutions and especially Sauls see Sam. 26. 19. V. 3. Where is seeing hee appeares no where to thy reliefe it is a signe that either hee hath no power or that hee hath cast thee off and is no longer thy God and that therefore if thou hopest in him thy hopes are all vaine V. 4. I power out that is to say my spirits are scattered and emptie themselves in teares and sorrow see Iob 30. 16. for I had gone with when I went to the house of God with a great company of people rejoycing according to the manner of solemne feasts see Isa. 30. 29. V. 5. For I shall yet I doe assure my selfe by faith that hee will give mee new cause to praise him when hee shall in grace turne towards mee whereon dependeth the salvation of all his elect Others expound it I will yet praise him and his salvation c. Or for his salvation V. 6. Remember thee I take comfort representing unto my selfe by faith in spirit thy presence and grace in thy Temple from which I am now absent from the land from the countrey which is neere the heads of Iordan meaning that great row of hills which is generally called Hermon Num. 34. 7. where David lay hadden during Sauls persecutions Missar the name of a hill not mentioned elsewhere V. 7. Deep calleth unto a figurative description of his calamities the meaning is that as after the thunder in the clouds there fall great showers of raine so thy wrath is followed by a whole deluge of afflictions which shower downe one after another without cease or end V. 8. VVill command the Italian will send that is to say I hope that after this fullnesse of calamities hee wiâ—l send forth a commission and con mand of grace sor to set mee free Psal 44. 4. and 68. 28. whereby the day shall be filled with his loving kindnesses and the night shall be employed in meditating upon them acknowledging them and setting them forth of my life the only author defender and preserver of it V. 9. I will say now in the state of affliction wherein I sinde my selfe at this present I will persevere in prayers expecting hereafter the effect of my Faith V. 11. The health the Italian the compleate safety the only author and perfect cause of my deliverance through which I hope yet one day I 〈◊〉 all be able to lift up my head freely and shew my countenance cleared through gladnesse and honour PSAL. XLIII VER 3. SEnd out according to the truth of ahy promises let mee againe behold the brightenesse of thy countenance namely of thy grate and favour which may disperse all the clouds of my calamities and may bring mee againe into thy Church out of which I am now driven by the violence of mine enemies PSAL. XLIV VER 〈◊〉 ANd cast them out the Italian and caused our fathers to grow that is to say thou causedst them to prosper and grow like vines or other plants which doe grow and spread abroad V. 3. Their own sword which though they did employ with much valour by Gods command yet it could not have wrought
the Lord doth enlighten his by the light of his word spirit grace and favour whereby they are made truly happy Or if they doe fall into any evils the Lord returneth at his appointed time and causeth them to behold his countenance in joy and salvation V. 6. Remembrance with men for to bee praised for it and with God to receive the promised reward V. 7. Of evill of evill reports of slanders reproaches or evill newes V. 10. The desire that which they desire shall never come to passe their desires shall bee all in vaine Or that good and happinesse which they have so much desired shall vanish away when they are in the heigth of their pleasures PSAL. CXIII VER 3. PRaised all creatures set forth his honour that is to say doe yeeld abundant matter for to praise him V. 6. To behold hee doth not disdaine from his high seat of glory to provide for all creatures both celestiall and terrestriall PSAL. CXIV VER 2. IVdah namely the whole Nation of Israel divided before the separation of the tenne Tribes into Israel and Iudah by reason of this Tribes preheminency which by reason of their deliverance were a proper peculiar and holy Nation to God Exod. 6. 7. 19. 6. V. 3. Saw it namely the Lord appearing in his power in the cloudy pillar And fled that is to say retired suddenly back as it were to make way for the Lord Poeticaâ—l termes V. 4. The mountaines a description of the shaking of Mount Sinai Exod. 19. 18. Psal. 68. 8. PSAL. CXV VER 1. NOt unto us O Lord accomplish and fulfill our salvation not having any regard unto us or our work nor yet making use of any humane meanes therein whereby any part of glory may bee diverted and taken away from thee to bee imputed or given to us But doe it by thine onely grace and power that thy loving kindnesse towards us wretched sinners and thy truth in thy promises may by thee be used and by men acknowledged and adored V. 8. Are like the Italian Let them be like that is to say let God take away all understanding and use of reason from them seeing they doe so unworthily abuse it to his dishonour Rom. 1. 23. 28. Others translate it they are like unto them that is to say the Idolaters are as stupid and blind in feigning to themselves any godhead in the Idols as the Idols themselves are V. 15. You are or shall be V. 16. The Lords namely to be the seat of his glory Matth. 5. 34. 23. 22. Hath given namely the use of it depending from his providence and supreme dominion nor any absolute proprietie V. 18. But we being redeemed preserved alive and re-established by him PSAL. CXVI VER 1. HAth heard he doth continually heare mee and never faileth me V. 3. The sorrowes Italian the bounds according to others the sorrowes see upon Psal. 18. 5. V. 5. Righteous in delivering his children from unjust oppression V. 7. Dealt bountifully the Italian rewarded thee namely for thy faith and patience Or he hath done thee good V. 9. I will walk with all acknowledgment and gratitude I will consecrate my whole life unto thy service having thee alwayes before mine eyes to depend upon thee by faith and to frame all mine actions according to thy holy will V. 10. Have I spoken Italian I wil speak that is to say I have trusted in Gods promises and therefore having found the effects thereof I will not bee dumb like one that is dismayed having failed in his hopes but I will speak glorifying my selfe in God giving him thanâ—s and making open profession of my trust in him V. 11. I said see upon Psa. 31. 22. Are lyars he seemes to have a relation to Samuel his message that he brought him from the Lord concerning Gods promises to him and finding himself far from the effects of them hee had made some doubt of the Prophets truth Or the meaning may be plainly thus What can I hope for seeing every man betrayeth me and that I can trust no body V. 13. I will talk I will solemnly and joyfully acknowledge him a phrase taken from the custome observed in sacrifices of thanksgiving after which they made a feast wherein the father of the family for the honour of God to stirre up all the assistants to joyne in mirth and praysing of the Lord did take a cup in his hand and used a certaine forme of blessing and having drank caused the cup to passe round to all the rest And from that Christ took the ceremony of the holy communion 1 Cor. 10. 16. V. 15. Precious namely for to defend them from it and to revenge it if it happen by any violence of men and to be pleased with it as with a sacrifice and to remunerate it as a triall and victory of their faith and an accomplishment of their obedience see Psal 72. 14. Of his Saints or of good and godly men PSAL. CXVIII VER 6. ON my side or with me or neare me V. 10. Compassed had begirâ— me round V. 2. Fire of thornes which lasts but for a blast and leave no â—mbers nor coales see Eccles. 7. 6. V. 14. And song he is the author and subject of my mirth and praâ—ses V 18. The Lord or the Lord hath punished mee grievously V. 19. The gates namely of Gods temple where the law of God which is the rule of righteousnesse is preached and taught and where the chiefe part of it namely Gods service is performed and where we ought not to come in without an upright and sanctified soule V. 20. Of the Lord namely of his house through which man draweth neere unto him he being there present in the signes and pledges of his grace The righteous for to such and not to prophane persons it belongeth to enter in there see Isa. 35. 8. Revel 21. 27. and 22. 15. Or the meaning is God will not suffer good men alwayes to bee kept aloofe off from his house as I have beene during Sauls persecutions see Ecâ—les 8. 10. V. 22. The stone figurative termes to shew first and litterally Davids miraculous exaltation to the Kingdom though the chiefe of the people did contemne and reject him Then spiritually and prophetically Christs establishment God making him the foundation of his Church though the Priests and other chief of the people to whom the building of the ancient Church was committed did reject and withstand him V. 25. Save now this is the signification of the Hebrew word Hâ—sanna which was an acclamation they were wont to make to new Kings which was also made to Christ Matth. 21. 9. Send now namely to our King and to us through him V. 26. That commeth whom God sendeth to be King over us being consecrated and elected by him to be as it were his Deputy Acclamations made by the Priests and people when David came into the Temple and likewise to Christ whose figure David was We have we Priests
L v. 7. 16. and having to day paid my vowes I 〈…〉 ve made a feast with the flesh of those sacrifices for to entertaine thee V 20. The day appointed the Italian The new Moon see concerning the Hebrew phrase used in this place Upon Psal. 81. 3. V. 22. As an One Being ensnared by this womans allurements he had no power to unbinde himselfe he was faine to run to his perdition like the Oxe that is tyed and drawne to the slaughter and being voluntarily foolish God suffered him to fall into the hand of sinne as mad men are put into the stocks to stay and punish them V. 26. Cast downe A figurative terme taken from wrestlings that is to say she hath cast them out of the state of vertue and holinesse and hath throwne them into perdition Many that is to say of those who have beene overthrowne by women the greatest part of them have beene great men for valour knowledge dignity and vertue Or in this warre mans valour is overcome by the subtilty of women CHAP. VIII VERS 4. THe sons of man the Italian The common people See Psal. 49. 2. V. 9. They are all Their uprightnesse is cleere and evident to all such as are enlightned by the holy Ghost though your sensuall and carnall men doe judge otherwise of it See Romans 7. 22. 1 Corinth 1. 18. V. 12. Dwellwith I doe enjoy and have by me and doe bestow upon all my true Disciples good and wholesome counsels and needfull prudence for their whole life V. 13. The feare Which is the beginning of all true wisdome which I teach Prov 17. 7. V. 14. Sound See concerning this word Proverbs 2. 7. V. 15. By me I the eternall Sonne of God who am the Fathers subsisting wisdome Prov. 1. 20. and supreme Lord of the world doe appoint Kings and Princes by such wayes and meanes as I please they all have their authority and power from me as my servants and deputies Neither can they justly execute their offices but by following of my lawes See concerning this true wisdome Luke 11. 49. Decree justice or give sentences V. 18. Righteousnesse That is to say a just guide defence and recompence or according to the custome of the Hebrewes liberality and beneficence V. 20. I lead The Italian I walke or I leade and direct V. 21. Substance Italian The true being namely true life and subsistence in Gods grace in this world and afterwards the glorious life of heaven V. 22. Possessed me that is to say I the Sonne was in the Father and by him in the unspeakable unity of â—sence and in the union of the persons Iohn 1. 1. Of his way that is to say of his workes to performe which workes hee is as one should say come forth of his eternall rest and the mansion of his glory V. 23. I was By the everlasting decree of the Father I the Son have been established Lord and Governour of the world for to represent my Fathers Majestie who hath bin alwayes hidden in his inaccessible glory John 5. 22. Col. 1. 18. Heb. 1. 2. Set up Or consecrated as Psalme 2. 6. Or ever From everlasting before any time which began but only with the creatures See Psal. 90. 2. V. 24 I was brought forth That is to say engendred of the Fathers owne essence V. 25 Setled Like to great workes or buildings which have deep foundations V. 26. The highest part Namely this admirable superficies of the earth so adorned various copious and fruitfull V. 27. I was there Working with him as a joynt equall and cooperating cause John 1. 3. Col. 1. 16. Heb 1. 2. when beâ—â—t When he gave a round forme to the masse of the Elements yet all mixed together called the deepe Genesis 1. 2. which round forme remained to the universe after the Elements were severed V. 28. The clouds The Italian The Heaven The Hebrew word signifieth properly that aethereall part which is above the Elementall which Moses calleth the upper waters Genesis 1. 6 7. Strengthened When hee shut them up within the great concavities of the earth as in strong and well barred fences from whence they cannot issue forth as they did in the floud See Genesis 7. 11. V. 29. Appointed Namely when he fixed the earth in the center of the universe where it standeth immoveable through its own proper weight Job 26. 7. and 38. 4. Psalme 104. 5. V. 30. By him Figurative termes to expresse in some kinde the unspeakeable union betweene the Father and the Sonne and the Fathers perfect love towards him Iohn 1. 18. V. 31. Rejoycing As the propertie of my person is to worke upon outward things so all my delight is in preserving and keeping the world whole and in it to governe enlighten and doe good to men Iohn 1. 4. V. 34. Watching For to attend continually upon my service and study and meditate upon my word A figurative terme taken from Princes guards on from the Levites which watched in the Temple CHAP. IX VERS 1. HAth builded That is to say the Sonne of God hath laid the foundation of his house himselfe and perfectly established his Church Heb. 3. 3 4. and in it he unfoldeth all his treasures for the getting and preserving of the spirituall and everlasting life to the participation of which hee inviteth all men by the ministery of his word See a like parable Mat. 22. 2. V. 2. Mingled Or made ready-according to the custome of those Countries where they did use to mingle their wine with water as well to please the taste as for wholsomenesse V. 3. The highest They were high places or little terraces done about with railes and Parapets in the highest parts of the Citie which were used to make Proclamations upon give sentences and other like publike â—ctions Iohn 19 13. V. 4. Who so is simple O all you men who are naturally ignorant and idiots and subject to the deceipts of the flesh and the Devill V. 6. The foolish The Italian Foolishnesses Namely the actions of foolish and overseene worldly mâ—n V. 7. Hee that reproveth The meaning is of men that are altogether ignorant and void of understanding there are of two sorts some are prophane hardened and scornefull men the other are wise and understanding in that they know their owne defect and seeke to amend it to the first the word of God serveth for nothing but only to provoke their wrath in blaspheming him and committing outrages against his servants Matthew 7. 6. in the latter it fructifieth to salvation A scorner See upon Psal. 1. verse 1. V. 10. The holy Namely that which the true elect who are sanctified by Gods spirit learne by his word Understanding Namely the true solid and spirituall understanding V. 13. A foolish woman Hee opposeth the world the flesh and all their allurements represented by the actions and baites of a dishonest woman to celestiall wisdome and godly perswasions to signifie that all the delight and love of the soule
bee quite freed thereof in heaven see Num. 23. 21. Isa. 1. 18. Ephes. 5. 26. 27. V. 8. Come with mee raise thy selfe up through faith and desire to mee and my heavenly Kingdome Cant. 2. 10. 13. From amidst the world which is likened to those high hills that are full of wilde beasts and so is the world full of violence and cruelty against the Church see Psal. 76. 4. Zach. 4. 7. V. 9. Thou hast ravished thy lively faith in mee hath caused mee to bestow my whole heart and love upon thee Psa. 45. 10. 11. With one chaine to shew that those gifts which are acceptable to Christ in his Church are those gifts of grace which hee hath bestowed upon her and adorned her with and not her naturall gifts of themselves Cant. 1. 10. and 7. 1. Ezech. 16. 10. 11. 12. V. 10. My sister as well by reason of the communion of humane nature as by the heavenly fathers adoption Ioh. 20. 17. Heb. 2. 11. thine Ointments that is to say the exercises of the gifts of the holy Ghost which are poured down upon the Elect and figured by the unctions used in ancient times 2 Cor. 1. 21. and 2. 15. Philip. 4. 18. 1 Iohn 2. 20. 27. V. 11. Thy lips thy sanctified mouth bringeth forth words of invocation praise and confession and preacheth my word which are things most pleasing to mee and doe much edifie and comfort the faithfull Of thy garments namely of the gifts of the holy Ghost with which I have cloathed thee see Gen. 27. 27. Psal. 45. 13. 14. Ezech. 16. 11. 13. Lebanon a hill of Cedars and other odoriferous plants Hos. 14. 6. 7. V. 12. A garden a description of the Churches inviolable spirituall chastity of Gods secure watch which hee guardeth her with V. 13. Thy plants namely the true Elect which are now termed young and tender in comparison of the ripenesse and perfection which they shall attaine unto in the Kingdome of Heaven see Isa. 5. 7. and 60. 21. and 61. 3. Camphire the Italian Cypresse see upon Cant. 1. 14. Now by those aromatick plants joyned to fruits to eat is meant the variety and sufficiencie of the Churches graces and vocations whereof some are more ordinary but necessary other some more rare and exquisite for the Churches ornament recreation and enrichment but especially for the glory of God see 1 Cor. 4. 7. and 12. 7. 8. V. 15. A fountaine the Italian O fountaine here the Bride speaks and it is an exclamation of the Church who acknowledgeth herâ— life and spirituall nourishment 〈…〉 her gifts and vâ—rtues to proceed from her Bride-groomes grace who is to her as a living spring in a garden which he had termed her to bee verse 12. Now Christ may be termed a spring in his eternall Godhead a well in his Office of Mediator the Father having gathered together in him all the waters of grace and all the running streames in the communication of the spirit Isa. 12. 3. V. 16. Awake that is to say O holy Ghost doe thou animate and vivifie in me the gifts and vertues which I have received from my bridegroome that they may not remaine idle and buried in me but may be stirred up to beare fruits pleasing to God untill they come to full ripenesse and perfection seeing they are imprinted in mee by thy power see 2 Tim. 1. 6. North South by these two wiâ—deâ— of opposite qualities is signified the same spirit working either coolnesse and refreshment of comfort or heat and servencie of zeale CHAP. V. VER 1. MY Spouse this is the bride groome who answering his brides precedent desires comes by a speciall grace to visit her taking a singular delight in her good works proceeding from the ground of his grace and the manuring of his Spirit whereby they are properly his own and consecrated unto him by the Church O friends that is to say yee holy Angels and blessed Spirits rejoyee with mee for the fruits which my Church Militant bringeth forth in the world Luk. 15. 7. Iohn 3. 29. Yea drink abundantly the Italian be drunken with love that is to say receive yee new matter of being ravished in the love of God in that eternall glory which you are in by considering the grace and vertues which are in your brethren and members upon earth and by the enjoying of that common happinesse with them in perfect charity V. 2. I sleep this is the bride which relateth a new visit of the bridegroomes with circumstances differing from the other the meaning whereof is I had a little laid aside my divine thoughts and meditations still keeping the eye of faith open and the care of the heart attentive when the Lord returned That knocketh moving my heart by secret inspirations to give full admittance and entrance to his grace and vertues Revel 3. 20. Open to me receive mee in thine heart by a lively act of faith for it is mine onely place of refuge and abode upon earth out of which I finde nothing but annoyance and displeasure in the world V. 3. I have put off I have for a time laid aside this deep meditation wherein my soule was wholly enfolded how can I then betake my selfe to it againe so soone my weaknesse in this life will hardly endure it I have washed like a traveller that is newly come home The meaning is how should I then so suddenly fall a running after thee which thou doest exhort mee to doe in all thy visites V. 4. Put in his hands a description of Christs power to work that inwardly by his Spirit in a faithfull man which he outwardly commandeth by his word Acts 16. 14. which notwithstanding he never accomplisheth unlesse the faithfull man doe concurre thereunto with his will and action as is set down afterwards My bowels all my affections being stirred up by this working of God were moved to answer to his call see Luke 24. 32. V. 5. My hands this signifieth that the grace of the holy Ghost doth alwayes accompany these endeavours of the faithfull in these actions of faith even as a look that is oyled openeth the easier V. 6. My beloved or Christ did suspend and keep back this rich communication of his grace and spirit which hee offered me if so bee I had received it in time My soule â—aâ—â—ed repenâ—ances and confessions of her defect of spirituall understanding for that shee had not in time taken notice of Gods visite as Psal. 73. 2â— Luk. 19. 44. V. 7. The watchmen that is to say the great ones and Princes of the world and preservers of the peace thereof Cant. 3. 3. Seeing mee inflamed with zeale to seek after Christ did persecute and torment me through Gods permission for punishment of my negligence V. 8. I charge you the Italian I adjure you words of the generall body of the Church directed to the faithfull souls or to the particular Churches to which sometimes the Lord doth particularly communicate himselfe whilest the
be thy lawfull wives which are called after their husbands name Take away for it was a disâ—onourable thing especially in those dayes for a young woman to be unmarried Psal. 78. 63. 1. Cor. 7. 36. V. 2. In that day after God shall have executed his foresaid judgements upon the Jews The branch the Italian the bud the promised Messias so called Jer. 23. 5. and 33. 15. Zach. 3. 8. and 6. 1â— because that in him is the beginning spring life and subsistency of the Church and was then contained within Gods promises as a bud hidden in the ground untill such time as it grew forth The meaning is Christ shall restore the remainder of his spirituall Israel to glory and honour by his salvation and grace The fruit namely the body of the Church which is as the plant that groweth out of that bud meaning that the small remainder of that corporall Israel shall be magnified by the Spir 〈…〉 ll â—tate to which it shall be transported by Christ under the Gospell Others doâ— apply this name also to Christ as if he were called the Lords bud in respect of his Godhead and fruit of the earth in respect of his humanitie see Isai. 11. 1. and 53. 2. V. 3. That he that is that is to say all the members of the mysticall Church shall be sanctified by Christs Spirit see Isa. 35. 8. 1 Cor. 1. 2. Every one that is to say all Gods Elect shall be called regenerated and incorporated into the spirituall Jerusalem Psal. 87. 5 6. Gal. 4. 26. Heb. 12. 22. Written a phrase taken from Registers and muster-Rolls Exod. 32. 32. Psal. 69. 28. Dan. 12. 1. Luk. 10. 20. Revel 20. 12. that is to say those who by Gods will and his immutable decree are chosen and predestinated to eternall life wherein Gods will stands in stead of writing and his minde in stead of a book V. 4. When after hee shall have purged his Church by the foresaid judgements Of the daughters that is to say of the members of the Church in this world The blood that is to say the abominable uncleannesse as Psal. 51. 14. for in the Law the touch of mans blood that was spilt did defile By the Spirit namely by divine power of separating good from evill which is an act of judgement and to exterminating of evill which is proper to the fire see Matth. 3. 12. V. 5. Will creare a description of Gods protection of his Church by a similitude taken from the cloudy and fi 〈…〉 pillar in the desert Exod. 13. 21. A defence the Italian a covering as formerly in the wildernesse God having filled the inside of the Tabernacle with signes of his glorie covered the outside of it with a thicke cloud Exod. 40. 34. Numb 9. 15. so will he repaire his Church which is his glorious habitation by his grace and Spirit V. 6. A tabernacle the Italian a tens he hath reference to the outward tent which covered the whole body of the holy tabernacle Exod. 26. 7. to signifie the same protection that hath been spoken of before CHAP. V. Vers. 1. WIll I sing that is taken from the songs of mirth which were used in the vineyards in the time of vintage Isa. 16. 10. and 27. 2. the meaning is Even as friends do use to rejoyce with one another if they have had an abundant vintage so it is fitting for me Isaiah who am a servant and as it were a friend of the bridegrooms to sing a mournfull song by reason of the ingratitude of Gods vineyard and the losse of his labours and hopes Unlesse they be God the Pathers words to his beloved Sonne who is the Lord of and Heire to the Vineyard which is his Church A vineyard an ordinary expression signifying the Church by reason of the excellency of the Vineyard above other fields of her lowly and feeble condition in respect of fruit-trees of the continuall neede shee hath of being watched and dressed of the great value of her fruit and of the little worth of her stemme if it beat no fruit and other such like considerations V. 2. Wilde grapes a figure of hypocrisie which makes shew of piety in the outward service without any inward vertue goodnesse or truth of the Spirit V. 7. Oppression the Italian Leprosie that is to say malignant inveterate habituall generall and incurable times which are the properties of a Leprosie And the Prophet made choice of this word in the Hebrew to make an opposite word to Judgement or righteousnesse A cry namely of tumult or violence or of complaining by reason of the oppression of others wherein there iâ— such an allusion as the former V. 9. In mine eare namely by secret inspiration V. 10. One bath a small measure of liquid things which was as understanding men say a perfect square of half a cubit every way An Ephah a measure of drie things of the same quantitie the bath was being the tenth part of an Omer Ezek. 45. 11. the meaning is the earth shall yeeld but the tenth part of what was sown the seasons shall be so unâ—â—uitfull V. 12. The work namely his judgements and the preparations and wayes made to them V. 14. Hell the Italian the grave a poeticall description of a great mortalitie That rejoyceth namely that drown all their seares and cares in carnall pleasures vers 11. 12. V. 16. Sanctified that is to say religiously acknowledged approved of and worshipped as an enemie to sinne and an upright Judge because of his most just judgements V. 17. The lambs in the midst of this generall desolation God shall preserve some small number of his Elect who by reason of their mildenesse and humilitie are likened to Lambs for whom he shall provide necessary sustenance Strangers the Italian pilgrims that is to say that poore remainder which lieth scattered and wandring up and down shall be fed by the Lord in the midst of the ruines of the countrey where the rich and mighty lived heretofore in all manner of ease and plenty V. 18. That draw that is to say That doe through their impenitency draw the punishment justly due for their sinnes upon them being still enticed by vain hopes false delights and foolish presumption Iniquity or the punishment of it V. 19. Let him make speed words of prophane contempt and insensible security The counsell namely the judgements by him determined and pronounced against us V. 20. That call the Italian That say concerning evill it is good either through unjust judgement or through flattery or by way of calumnie or meerly out of delight in telling of lies V. 24. Their root a proverbiall kinde of speech as Job 18. 16. and 29. 19. Amos 2. 9. that is to say Their counsels and manner of government which are as it were the root being vicious and wicked cannot bring forth any good effects which are as the increase and fruits thereof Or they shall be deprived of the grace of God in all things they
shall not the Italian it is because you are not certain of it by some signe of the truth or by Gods promise V. 10. Spake again namely 〈…〉 y Isa. ah V. 11. Thy God to whom thou makest a shew of being servant unto as indeed thou oughtest truly to be seeing thou art King over his people Or in the height that is to say on earth or in heaven V. 12. I will not ask this did not proceed from any abundance or strength of saith against which two vertues may be comitted the sinne of tempting God but it did proceed from hypocrisie wherewith he covered the vain contempt of Gods promises to which he gave no faith nor did not desire to be confirmed in them V. 13. Men namely with your tyrannies and unjust dealings and especially the prophets with your persecutions My God namely by the refusall and contempt of his grace when it is profered you see Psal. 78. 40. and 95. 10. Isa 63 10. V. 14. Therefore seeing thou wilt desire none the Lord shall give thee one of his own proper motion A signe Christs birth was not the proper signe of this present deliverance for that is set down v. 16. But because that God would give a little childe for assurance of this deliverance the Prophet upon this occasion saith that another childe that is to say Christ should be the cause and signe of eternall salvation upon which are also grounded all the temporall deliverances of the Church Isa. 8. 10. and besides he sets downe an infallible argument of the preservation of the Jewish nation being that it was in a manner great with childe with Christ and with Gods promises in him Revel 12. 2. and therefore could not perish before Christ were come into the world according to the prophecie Gen. 49. 10. A virgin namely the blessed Virgin mother of the Lord Jesus according to Gods first promise Gen 3. 15. see Mich. 5. 3. Shall conceive not by the work or operation of man but after an unspeakable manner by the power of the holy Ghost Luke 1. 45. Shalt call the Italian thou shalt call the propertie of the holy language sheweth that this speech is directed to the holy Virgin as Luke 1. 31. not onely because the women did ordinarily use to name the children Gen 4. 1 25. and 16. 11. and 29. 32. and 30. 6 8. 1 Sam. 4. 21. but also to shew that she had good reason so to doe being a mother without any father Immanuel that is to say God with us not because Christ made any use of this name but because the substance of the signification of it was in him he being true God and true man he having dwelt with men in the flesh Joh. 1. 14. and remaining amongst them for ever in grace spirit power and glory and finally he being the onely tye and conjunction of God with men V. 15. Shall be eat that is to say though he must be born miraculously and not after the manner of other men yet shall he be true man as it shall appeare by the food he shall take which shall be like to that of other children and by the properties belonging to a very man growing in stature and knowledge Luke 2. 52. V. 16. For that is to say O Ahaz I have set thee downe this argument and foundation of eternall salvation because there is some similitude between that signe and the signe which God will presently give thee of the present temporall deliverance for they are either of them litle children tender and growing up in yeeres Before this is the proper signe of this present deliverance as Isa. 8. 4. The child namely Shearjashub the sonne of Isaiah whom he had brought with him to Ahaz v. 3. see Isa. 8. 18. and likely he was at that time but very young and according to this signe these Kings dyed few yeeres after 2 King 15. 30. and 16. 9 The Land namely the Land of Syria and Israel which are thine open and rofessed enemies shall lose their two Kings Shall be forsaken see such another manner of speech Isa. 17 9. V. 17. The Lord the prophecie of the evils which God would bring upon Ahaz by meanes of the Assyrians whom he called to assist him but all in vaine for they did contrariwise bring him into great distresse 2 Cor. 28. 20 22. and from thenceforth did alwaies infest the Land of Judea V. 18. Shall hisse that is to say he shall cause Armies to come in which shall be like Flies and Bees in number Deut. 1. 44. Psal. 118. 12. from Egypt and Assyria which Kingdomes warring often one against another did lay waste the Land of Judea Which lay between them and did oftentimes take part with one against the other see 2 King 18. 21. 33 29 33 34. 24. 7. Jer. 37. 5. Of the Rivers namely divere branches and channels of the River Nilus V. 19. Desolate valleys amongst the hills and valleys in the Land of Judea spoiled and made desolate by the precedent warres V. 20. Shave that is to say shall spoile and destroy see 5. 1. That is hired this hath a reference to that which Ahaz did when he hired the King of Assyria with a great sum of money to come and ayd him 2 King 16. 7 8. which Assyrians did ever after afflict Judea The River namely Euphrates Of the feet of the lower parts of the body both great and small V. 21. And it shall come to passe a figurative comfort for the remainder of the Church by a promise that Gods grace and blessing should not faile it in these publique calamities and desolations V. 23. Every place that is to say fat and fruitfull places shall be made Wildernesses and Wildernesses shall become fruitfull v. 25. that is to say God shall spare and helpe the weake and lowly and shall destroy the great and mighty ones see Jer. 39. 10. V. 24. With A 〈…〉 to h 〈…〉 wilde 〈◊〉 which shall flie thither for refuge as into a Co 〈…〉 y overgrowne with woods and bushes CHAP. VIII Vers. 1. Roll of Paper or some other thing fit to write upon to set up the ensuing words in some publique place and peradventure upon the gates of the Temple to assure the ruine of these two confederate Kings see Isa. â—0 8. With a mans pen the Italian With a mans stile that is to say with an ordinary manner of writing as Heb. 2. 2. for some times the Lord haâ— his revelations set downe in such manner of writing 〈◊〉 could be understood by none but the Prophet as Dâ—â— 5. 5. 7. Concerning a propheticall and short description of the destrustion of Syria and Israel by the Assyrians V. 2. I tooke I would have these great persons to be present when I did set up this writing in some publique place that they might informe every one that I have done it and what the meaning thereof was which questionlesse the Prophet had explained to them V. 3.
Maher these are the very Hebrew words which were written in the roll it being the Lords will that this prediction should be remembred by all men by the name of his child V. 6. This people namely this Army of Assyrians and Israelites The waters that is to say the small meanes and strength of the Church sigured by the small streame which the Fountaine of Shiloah did send into the City of Jerusalem which had no great River see Psal. 46. 4. And rejoyce in the Hebrew there is an allusion between these two words contemning and rejoycing His meaning is he hath glorified himselfe or hath been proud of the might of these two Kings and hath triumphed as though he had been sure to overcome the Jewes V. 7. Of the River namely Euphrates the chiefe River of Assyria a figure of the power of that Empire And all his glory namely his power and his Armies V. 8. Passe thorow Judah this happened in the daies of Hezekiah 2 Kin. 18. 23. To the necke even to Jerusalem which is the head of Judah A figure taken from one that is like to be drowned in some great floud see Isa. 30. 28. Hab. 3. 13. Of his wings that is to say his Armies as Isa. 18. 1 Of thy Land namely of the Land of Judea within which was restrained the Church and the Kingdome of the promised Messias Isa. 7. 14. by whom she should also be delivered from this invasion v. 10. V. 9. Associate as the two Kings of Syria and Israel had done against Jerusalem Isa. 7. 2. V. 10. God is with us this is the exposition of the name Immâ—nuel Isa. 7. 14. V. 11. With a strong hand that is to say accompanying of his word with the power of his holy Spirit in me and in all true beleevers against the generall terrors of the unbeleeving and diffident people which feared these two confederate Kings V. 12. Say ye not as though ye were affrighted at this league taking it to be invincible V. 13. Sanctifie give him the glory that is due unto him putting your trust in him as in the holy one of Israel namely he whose Kingdome and Majesty cannot be violated nor overthrown V. 14. For a Sanctuary for a sacred and inviolable place of refuge for the true elect and faithfull see Ezek. 1â— 16. A stone namely an occasion of ruine for their rebellion and incredulity To both the to the whole body of the unbeleeving and carnall Israelites which were divided into two branches namely Judah and the ten Tribes V. 16. Bind up these are Gods words to the Prophet the meaning whereof is When thou preachest the doctrine and testimony of my grace especially concerning the Messias it shall be like unto closed and sealed Letters to all save onely to true beleevers and them which are enlightened by my Spirit who alone shall understand them and beleeve them for the rest shall reject them see Isai. 29. 11. Mic. 2. 6. V. 17. And I wil that is to say since it hath pleased God to reveale unto me this which he hath decreed against his ungratefull and rebellious people I will peaceably submit unto his will in the exercise of mine Office hoping that I shal be acknowledged and approved of by him though men reject me That hideth namely that hath taken his grace and Spirit from him who had so long withstood it V. 18. Behold O ye faithfull looke upon me whom God hath confirmed and strengthned by propheticke revelation in all this common terror v. 11. and upon these my little children whose mysterious and propheticke names assure us of the good which God will doe unto you and of the evill which he will send upon your enemies Isa 7. 3. 8. 3. 10. 21. for to stengthen you in faith see upon Heb. 2. 13 14. V. 19. And when they shall if the wicked will draw you away from these my Prophecies after divellish southsayings which wickednesses were very frequent amongst the people Iâ—a 2. 6. Familiar spirits see Lev. 19 31. That pâ—epe the Italian that whisper according to the manner of Magicians see Isa. 29. 4. and also the word Magician seemes to be of Hebrew originall and signifies a murmurer or whisperer From the living that is to say should he use Necromancy which is done by calling up of the spirits of dead men to take advice of them for the safeguard of his life in stead of calling upon the living God the onely author giver and preserver of mans life see Deut. 8. 11. 1 Sam. 28. 8 12. V. 20. To the Law that is to say turne to God alone who by his Law declares his will unto you which you must observe and by his Prophets he witnesseth his good will unto you whereupon you must hope There is no light because he speaketh by the Prince of darknesse and not by the Spirit of God and hath no divine illumination wherefore he can give no assured comfort nor faithfull counsell see Mich. 3. 6. V. 21. They shall passe all those that have committed any such manner of wickednesse and shall have beleeved therein shall in the end be grievously punished for it falling through extreame calamities into despaire and madnesse Their God namely that Idol whom they had sought after for these southsayings Isai. 2. 8. or peradventure also the true God of that people whereof this wicked man was And looke to see if any ayd will come to him from Heaven 2 Sam. 22 42. CHAP. IX Vers. 1. IN her vexation namely the Nation or the Land of Israel shall suffer a more grievous desolation then that of the two Kings of Assyria was who are spoken of hereafter At the first namely when Pul made an inrode into the Countrey at the first and then for money went away againe 2 King 15. 19. And afterward namely by Tiglathpilezer 2 King 15. 29. who though he were not yet come at that time as Isaiah prophesied these things yet he is here spoken of as though he were come already according to the manner of Prophets More grievously with more grievous warre and fiercer onset The Sea of Genezareth or Tiberias Beyond Jordan namely in Gilead and other Countries Of the Nations the Italian Of the Gentiles Galilee is so called because it was in the confines of the Tirians and Sidonians and therefore the people were there mingled with the Pagans 1 King 9. 11. V. 2. The people a prophecie of Gods grace through the Messias to man who lay buried in darknesse of ignorance and extreame misery such as the state of the people of Israel was set down here before by Isaiah Now he sets down this gift which was to come as if it were come already In the Land as who should say in the infernall cloisters of death under the earth V. 3. Thou hast multiplied by joyning the Gentiles unto it having called them by the Gospell V. 4. Thou hast freed her from the bondage of sin the divell and other spirituall
Sacraments and Works V. 9. In the night amidst the horridest darknesse of affliction words of every beleever who is taught by the Lords punishments to turne to him and have a perfect confidence in him Psal. 119. 67 71. whereas the wicked take an occasion through Gods patience to grow worse V. 10. In the land namely in the Church where justice and holinesse of life ought to reign and where the right way to God is Psal. 143. 10. V. 11. Thy hand thou doest wondrous workes in the defence of thy children but the prophane and the hypocrites take no notice thereof nor are not touched therewith no more then with a thing unknown But they shallsee they shall feele the effects of thy soveraigne Majestie in thy just punishments Their envy at the people the Italian thy jealousie for thy people that is to say They shall perish through thy just indignation against all those amongst thy people that are disloyall unto thee and by the rigour wherewith thou persecutest thine enemies V. 13. Will we make mention out of thy pure grace and goodnesse hast thou given us occasion to remember thee for ever in praise and thanksgiving V. 14. They are dead namely those Tyrants of thy Church Therefore hast thou namely for the persecuting of thy Church V. 15. Glorified thou hast maintained thy glory by punishing even thine owne people who had violated it see Levit. 10. 3. V. 16. A prayer the Italian a secret lamentation as well for the grievousnesse of their sins as for the confusion of their consciences and mindes V. 18. We have been we have used great endeavours and conceived great hopes that we should be able to free our selves from our evils but it was all in vain Neither have that is to say we have not been able to overcome our enemies V. 19. Thy dead that is to say O God thy Church and thine Elect which seem to have beene destroyed by thee beyond hope of recovery shall be miraculously re-established as it were by a kinde of resurrection see Rom. 11. 15. which is opposite to that he had said of the enemies irrevocable death vers 14. My dead bodie words of each particular beleever who by faith applieth unto himselfe Gods generall promises see Job 19. 27. As the dew which caused the herbs of the earth to live and grow green when they were dry and withered Thy dew namely thy grace and power and especially thy spirituall grace in Christ Psal. 72. 6. V. 20. Come my Gods exhortation to his Elect to beare all his visitations silently and patiently which shall be but short in regard of the eternity of heavenly blessings which he hath promised V. 21. Commeth out he shall take open vengeance from Heaven of his enemies for the death of his elect Shall disclose as desiring vengeance in open judgement that is to say God shall require accompt in Heaven of what shall seem hidden on earth under the vaile of his patience CHAP. XXVII Vers. 1 SHall punish shall destroy the devill and his kingdom and all his instruments With his with the spirituall and invincible power of his word Isa 66. 16. Rev. 1. 16. and 19. 15 21. Leviathan a generall name for all great fishes and sea monsters Job 41. 1. by which here is meant the devill as hee is elsewhere called Serpent and the great dragon Revâ—l 12. 9. and 20. 2. The Dragon the Italian the Whale wheâ—eby may also bee meant the great Potentates of the world which are the Churches enemies as the. King of Egypt who was her first persecuter is called Psal. 74. 13. Isa. 51. 9. Ezek 29. 3. and 32. 2. V. 2. Singye that is to say all beleevers have great cause to celebrate the Churches happinesse to the glory of God whose Vineyard she is Iâ—a 5. 1. Ofred wine of excellent and rich wine V. 4. Fury is nâ—t I will then shew my selfe to be quite at peace with my Church Who would sâ—t who shall that bee amongst men that are but aâ—â—â—ornes and bushes before me who am a devouring fire that shall will or dare to assault my Church any more it being under my protection V. 5. Let him takâ— held the Italian Can any one take hold who will be so rash as to imagine that he can overcome me He may make peace let every one of mine enemies humble himselfe and flie to my grace which is the onely way to overcome me or else he must necessarily be destroyed see Job 22. 21. V. 7. Hath he God hath moderated those punishments which he inflâ—cts upâ—n his Church and doth not use extreame rigor with them as he doth with the wicked whom he meanes â—o â—uine but doth at the last happily restore them Others translate it Hath he smitten them with the strokes of them that smote him hath he been slaine with the slaughter of them which were slaine by him that is to say God hath not imitated the unappeasable and unsatiable cruelty of those men that are enemies to his Church see 2 Sam. 24. 14. Or hath he smitten him as he smites those that persecute him namely with a bar of Iron to send them into utter perdition V. 8. In measure not comming to a rigorous account with her nor equalling the punishments to the greatnesse of her iniquities but tempering them so that they may but correct her being no greater then she may be able to beare 1 Cor. 10. 13. Debate with it namely with thy Church which is as thy wife driven by her misdeeds out of the Land of Israel which is as thy house Isa. 50. 1. V. 9. By this by these punishments I will satisfie a fathers just severity for the misdeeds of his children The fruit namely of these my corrections and visitations To take away that being converted from their idolatries which is the wel-spring of other sinnes I may make them feele the pardon of their sins and the effects of my grace Altar dedicated to idols Groves employed in idolatrous uses Lev 26 30. Isa. 1. 29. V. 10. Yet the the Italian therefore the he gives a reason for what he had said that the sinnes of the people should be purged that is to say they should be punished to the utmost with a just correction when they were come to the height of excesse V. 11. When the boughes a continuation of the figure of an utter destruction as if a tree when it is green should be eaten and sed upon by Cattell or be burned when it is drie Will not have namely to spare them so faire as the discipline of fatherly rigour wâ—ll extend which is no way contrary to that which is spoken vers 7 8. for there he speaketh of the punishment of damning and accursing and God judgements upon his children doe never â—eâ—ch so far V. 12. In tâ—at dry namely at the time of those punishments Shall beat off a terme taken from Trees when the fruit is gathered Isai. 17. 6. 24 13. From the channell namely
Italian married that is to say returned into favour and communion with her husband which is God V. 5. Thy Sonnes that is to say thou shalt have Princes and Magistrates of thine owne Nâ—tion and not strangers Jer. 30. 21. under the supreame command of God and his Christ. V. 6. I have set Gods Word that is to say I have given thee Prophets who are like watchmen upon the wals to admonish thee by their preaching and to preserve thee by their prayers to God Isa. 21. 11. Ezek. 13. 17. 38. 7. Ye that Isaiah his words That make mention the Italian that remember the Lord that doe keep the knowledge and service of God amongst his people and the remembrance of his grace and promises by your preaching V. 7. And give him never let your fervencie and perseverance in praying grow slacke V. 8. By his right hand that is to say as true as he is almighty Give thy Corne thou shalt be no more exposed for a prey Figurative termes to shew the Churches security and spirituall tranquillity under the Messias his Kingdom A promise contrary to the threatning Deuâ— 28. 31. Jer. 5. 17. V. 9. In the Courts that is to say in my Church and as it were in my presence with thanksgiving He hath a relation to those sacred feasts which were kept in the Court of the Temple to give thankes unto the Lord in holy mirth see Deut. 12. 12. 14. 26. 16. 11 14. 26. 11. V. 10. Goe thorow that is to say O you beleevers which are already gathered into the Church goe and meet the Gentilesâ— whom God purposeth to bring into it And make their conversion â—he easier by your doctrine example and charity take away all stumbling blocks and le ts out of the way Gather out or pave the waies with stones V. 11. The Lord God hath appointed this to be publiquely declared by us Prophets that all men may receive him when he appeares His worke that is to say his redemption and salvation Or the recompence which he wil give to his V. 12. They shall call them namely those that shal joyne themselves to the Church vers 10. And thou namely O thou Church in general Sought out namely by God thy husband after he had cast thee off Isa. 54. 6 7. Now this terme sheweth that the beginning of conversion commeth from God CHAP. LXIII Vers. 1. WHo is this the Prophets words or the Churches brought in here wondring at Christs glorious triumph over all his enemies figured by the Idumeans the Jewes perpetual adversaries Bozrah a chiefe City of Edom. Died namely with blood I Christs answer That speake who have faithfully promised everlasting salvation to my Church and wil powerfully perform my promise V. 3. I have namely I have without the help or assistance of any man executed Gods just vengeance upon his enemies often set downe under the name of Vintage Lam. 1. 15. Revel 14. 19 20. 19. 15. V. 4. The yeere namely the time of the Gospel figured out by the yeere of Jubile in which every one re-obtained his liberty and his patrimony V. 5. I looked he sheweth how that the whole glory of this victory belonged to Christ alone see John 16. 32. My fury all my weapons and aid were nothing but my justice provoked and zeale for my Fathers glory V. 6. Make them drunke as who should say drowned in their own blood see Rev. 16. 6. V. 7. I will mention Isaiah or the Churches words giving God thankes for his infinite goodnesse V. 8. He said namely God said formerly when he brought his people out of Egypt Surely they he brings God in as a father conceiving good hopes of his children V. 9. In all he had a lively feeling of all those evils which were done to his people see Zach. 2. 8. Acts 9. 4. The Angel namely the Sonne of God in whom the father hath at all times revealed himselfe as being â—he lively Image of God who is invinsible see Exod. 23. 20 21. and 33. 14. Col. 1. 15. V. 11. Remembred namely in many deliverances of his afflicte people Moses namely his covâ—nant in which Moses had been the Mediator Or Moses his vehement intercession that he had used upon the like occasion Exod. 32. 11. Saying the Italian but now namely in Isaiah his time in the peoples great distresse neere the time of the Babylonian captivity Where is that is to say God seemeth to have given over the conduct of his people the outward conduct by his Word and the inward conduct by his Spirit With the shepherd the Italian with the shepherds namely by the ministerie of Moses and Aaron Exod. 34. 10. Psal. 77. 20. V. 12. With his that is to say he accompanied Moses his ministerie with his glorious and divine power V. 15. The sounding the Italian the commotion the fervency of that fatherly affection which thou formerly shewest V. 16. Though Abrabam though we are so much degenerate that if Abraham were alive againe he would hardly acknowledge us to be his children V. 17. Made us to erre that is to say thou hast by thy just judgement taken away the conduct of thy Spirit from us and hast forsaken and left us to our own blinde lusts and for a height of punishment hast given us over to the spirit of error see Job 12 16. Thyservants sake namely the ancient Fathers with whom God made his Covenant and who did also faithfully keep it for whose sake he prayeth God to be mercifull to their posterity V. 18. Have possessed it namely the countrey which thou hadst promised us we should enjoy for ever V. 19. Not called not accepted for thine own nor called by thy Name as children are by their fathers name CHAP. LXIIII. Vers. 1. OH that the Churches prayer to God that hee would bee pleased to shew his divine power for her deliverance as he did formerly when he brought her out of Egypt and gave her his Law Psal. 68. 8. V. 3. When thou didst namely in the old daies in the deliverance out of Egypt in the bringing of thy people through the wildernesse and in the bringing of them into the land of Canaan V. 5. Thou meetest thou wert most bountifull of thy favours towards this people that did endeavour to serve thee and doe good works with a willing heart Remember Isaiah his words the meaning is when thou hast executed thy judgements upon thy people by the Babylonians they will turn unto thee in their captivity and will call upon thee with a sincere confession of their sinnes Levit. 26. 39. Dan. 9. 4. V. 6. He are all we acknowledge that our persons and our actions even the most praise worthy of them namely those wherewith we did thy service were all contaminated with hypocrisie prophanenesse or some other vices wherefore thou hast rejected us as abominable Taken us away namely out of thy sight out of the blessed country into captivity V. 7. For thou hast because
Jerusalem seeing that the Lord is there present in his Temple and that there is a King of the seed of David to whom was promised a perpetuall Kingdom Why have they the Lords answer by an admiration on the other side V. 20. The harvest namely the season wherein we hoped for some case and deliverance V. 22. Is there no is it possible that in the Church which is as it were a storehose of all spirituall remedies there should be no means to cure the peoples sins and deliver them from these desolations as in Gilead grew a baâ—some good to make plaisters and salves for all sores and wounds Gen. 37. 25. CHAP. IX Vers. 2. ADulterers both bodily and spiritually V. 3. They are not valiant they doe not care for strengthning and defending themselves against all dangers and chances by righteousnesse and loyaltie but onely by frauds and deceits From evil as who should say doing one kinde of wickednesse at one time and another at another sometimes using violence and sometimes deceit V. 4. With slanders slandering accusing and backbiting V. 6. Thine habitation that is to say O Jeremiah thou dwellest amongst a people that is full of hypocrisie towards me and frauds and deceits and trusting in their own cunning are carelesse of turning to me V. 7. Melt them namely lay grievous afflictions upon them by which the vanity of humane deceit and malices and discovered and the Church purged of them Jer. 6. 29. How shall I doe there is no way to helpe the Church in these extream evils but by applying of extream remedies thereunto V. 10. Will I take up Jeremiahs words The fowl a figurative description of an universall desolation V. 15. I will feed them that is to say I will send them most bitter and deadly afflictions V. 17. Call the ancient custome at burials was to hire certain persons especially women to goe along with the corpse and sing certain mournfull songs with fained cries and â—amentations 2 Chron. 35. 25. Job 3. 8. Amos 5. 16. Now God without approving of this vanity or affectation would say plainly that he would give great cause of weeping and lamenting V. 23. The wise that is to say Let all mans pride and confidence bee cast downe at these my threatnings and on the other side let every man trust in my goodnesse and mercy which I delight to use towards mine Elect. Oâ— let him make a buckler and a defence of a good Conscience grounded upon the true knowledge of me which may produce in him the imitation of these my vertues to which are joyned the promises of my grace V. 25. Circumcised namely all the hypocrites and false Jews who bear circumcision in their bodies which is a mark of my Covenant but have not the truth of itâ— keeping still and nourishing in themselves their naturall wickednesse signified by the fore-skin of the uncircumcised Rom. 2. 25 28. V. 26. Egypt he nameth these nations because that they also were circumcised But circumcision was no way profitable to them they having no part in Gods grace nor Covenant To shew that the Jews which went astray had no more priviledge then these nations had CHAP. X. Vers. 2. DIsmayed that is to say Do not worship the stars through a vain superstition which is but a false and irregular religious fear vers 5. Others refer this to Astrologers prognosticks concerning accidents which are meerly casuall and absolutely depending upon Gods will and can no way be caused nor signified by the celestiall bodies as men have falsly given rules for it to which God doth sometimes give way and suffereth them to fall out right onely to punish their curiositie V. 3. The customs namely their customs and ordinances concerning Religion as may be observed more evidently in the adoration of idols which have no other essence but their corruptible matter nor no otheâ— forme but that which maâ— at his pleasure giveth them V. 5. Upright these idols are framed high and straight V. 8. The stock the idol doth imprint in man false opinions concerning God and concerning his essence and service and vaine passions and hopes through which a man becomes sencelesse and stupâ—d like to his idol V. 9. Uphaz the name of a place whereof there is no certainty V. 11. Thus this verse is written in the Caldaick tongue which seemeth to have been done to put the Jewes in minde and as it were in their mouthes that they should shortly be carried away captives to Babylon A kinde of formulary in detestation of idolatry whereof they should see frequent examples in Babylon V. 13. Rain see upon Psal. 135. 7. V. 14. Every man that is to say Idolatry hath taken such deep root in the minds of men by reason of their admiring the art of carving Is confounded the Italian is become infamous that is to say execrable using his art by the means of idolatry which is a spirituall fornication and infamy Jer. 3. 24. Others translate it ashamed finding himselfe at the lâ—st deluded of the hope which he had fixed upon his idol as Isa. 42. 17. and 44. 11. and 45. 16. V. 15. In the time for when God shall punish the idolatrous Nations their idols shall also perish He hath a relation to victorious Pagans who â—id break or carry into captivity the idols of those Nations which they had conquered Isa. 46. 1. V. 16. The portion namely the true everlasting God who hath given himself to his people particularly having forsaken all other nations see Deut. 29. 26. Psal. 16. 5. and 119. 57. V. 17. Inhabitant a prophesie of the ruine of the Countrey and captivity of the people The meaning is Let the people that are in Jerusalem save themselves and their goods if they can though the place be strong both by nature and art for there commeth an enemie whom no power will be able to withstand Jer. 6. 1. Ezek. 12. 3. V. 19. But I said that is to say I did not think the ruine would have been so extream I presumed that I might have escaped with some small losse V. 20. My tabernacle the Italian my tents that is to say I was heretofore the fruitfull pasture of the Lords flocks with their tents stalls and sheep-coats which were the particular congregations of the Elect now every thing lieth waste through the negligence and fault of the shepherds that is to say The Governours as well Politicke as Ecclesiasticall V. 23 I know the Prophets words in the Churches name the meaning is I know that this enterprise of the Chaldeans as well as all other humane enterprises lieth in thy hands and the issue thereof is as thou pleasest thou canst moderate it limit it and direct it according to thy wisdom and pleasure Wherefore Lord doe not give them the reins to let them execute their wicked wils to the uttermost and give them at last their just punishment to their utter ruine CHAP. XI Vers. 2. HEare ye it seems that Jeremiah had charge from
ruine but the people themselves V. 11. A name even as the girdle is an ornament to the body The meaning is To the end that I might be glorified through their obedience and also by reason of the wonders which I should doe in their behalfe V. 12. Every bottle that is to say this people thinke to have a great vintage to make themselves merry and drunke tell them that I will send them another kind of drunkennesse namely my wrath which shall astonish them and make them rage like drunken persons see Isa. 51. 17 21. 63. 6. Jer. 25. 27. 51. 7. V. 14. Dash them that is to say I will suffer the Land to be filled with factions and divisions and let them thrust at and overthrow one another V. 16. Give glory namely by confession and repentance see Jos. 7. 19. Darknesse namely the fore-said calamities â—â—umble termes taken from such as goe by night over high and craggy places V. 17. My soule that is to say I Jeremiah shall be able to doe no more but retire into some solitary place and there lament for your inevitable ruine Lam. 1. 26. V. 18. The King namely Jehoiakim the sonne of Josias as it is likely The Queen namely the Kings wife or mother 2 Kin 23. 3â— For your or that which you weare on your heads V. 19. Of the South namely of Iudah which in respect of the other Tribes lay Southward Shut up because they are besieged or because they are desolate and no man dwelleth in them V. 20. That come namely the Chaldeans which were Northward from Iudea Where is or O Iehoiakim where is that people thou didst glory so much in see Prov 14. 28. V. 21. Wilt thou say the property of the Hebrew word sheweth that this was spoken to a woman which might be the Queene or the whole Comunalty of the Jewes When he namely God or the King of the foresaid Northerne Nations Thou namely thou O mother of Jehoiakim by the counsell which it is likeliest thou gavest thy sonne to make himselfe a vassall to Nebuchadnezzar hast gotten the Chaldeans the right of Soveraignty over the Kingdome of Judah 2 King 24. 2. Oâ— thou Nation hast subjected thy selfe to the Babylonians by infamous submissions or unlawfull covenants V. 22. Thy skirts that is to say thou hast been carried into a shamefull and disgracefull bondage and slavery see Isa. 20. 4. 47. 2. Made bare with the irons and stocks V. 23. The Ethiopian you are altogether incorrigible no admonition nor exhortation will prevaile with you or doe any good and therefore I will destroy you without any remission V. 25. The portion a terme taken for the parting or dividing of fields and possessions In falshood namely in idols false doings and vaine hopes V. 27. Thy neighings a terme taken from Horses when they are in heaâ—e of lust Whoredome namely spirituall whoredome through idolatry When what time wilt thou take for thy conversion CHAP. XIV Vers. 1. THe dearth the Italian the drought it seemes that it was some extraordinary dry time that hapned in those daies whereupon ensued famine and dearth V. 2. Gates that is to say their Cities and inhabitants which held their assemblies in market places and Courts which were ordinarily by the City gates V. 3. Covered a custome in those daies in time of mourning and shame see 2 Sam 15. 30. V. 6. Snuffed namely to quench their thirst or panting and fetching their breath short see Ier. 2. 24. V. 7. Doe thou it shew the effects of thy grace and power for thou art wonderfully good and mercifull Or to make all men know thee to be such by the effects V. 8. Why seeing thou hast established and setled by habitation amongst thy people why shouldest thou give over caring for them as if thou didst not dwell at home but in some strange place and as a passenger V. 9. Thy name that is to say we beare thy name as thy children and thy people and we have been consecrated to thee by calling upon thy holy name when thou receivest us at our comming into thy Church V. 10. Thus have they that is to say I doe reward them according to their errors strayings and unbridled licentiousnesse V. 13. Ah Lord Lord take pity upon this poore people for they continue in their errours by reason of their false Prophets V. 16. Their wickednesse that is to say the punishment which they have deserved for their wickednesse V. 17. The Virgin namely the commonalty of my people which heretofore remained in her ancient state and liberty as in her own fathers house and was never subdued by any stranger nor never led into captivity V. 18. Goe begging their bread or flying from these miseries V. 21. The throne the Arke of the covenant is often so called and by the name of that is meant the whole Temple V. 22. Are there that is to say we flie to thee in this extreame necessity and drought for thou alone canst helpe us by granting us some raine The vanities namely the idols CHAP. XV. Vers. 1. MOses and Samuel by whose prayers and intercessions God was formerly appeased with his people Exod. 32. 14. 1 Sam. 7. 9. Psal. 99. 6. Cast them out tell them that I have cast them off and that I will heare them no more nor no others for them V. 3. Foure namely kindes of living creatures that shall destroy them The Sword that is to say their enemies that shall execute the full rigor and rage of warre upon them V. 6. I am weary that is to say I have so often put off my judgements and revoked my threatnings that unlesse I should wrong my justice I can doe so no more a humane kind of speech Gen. 〈◊〉 6. V. 7. Fâ—â— them a terme taken from Corne lying upon the floore The meaning is though I have already scattered a great part of the people by the meanes of the ten Tribes captivity which were upon the confines of the Countrey see Lev. 26. 33. V. 8. I have brought I have brought against Judea the mother of so many valiant warriours the Chaldeans who by open force like a thiefe that ravisheth a thing at noone day are come to assault her V. 9. She that namely that most fruitfull Nation of the Jewes as by way of proverbe they were wont to say a woman the mother of seven children Ruth 4. 15. 1 Sam. 2. 5. to signifie the great fruitfulnesse of a woman Suâ—â—e that is to say her calamities are come upon her suddenly whilst she yet was in hope of some worldly ayd and meanes V. 10. Woe is me the Prophets complaint seeing that his prophecies did produce nothing but contradiction and rebellion against his word and deadly hatred against his person I have that is to say I have neither had strife nor contention with them but all is by reason of mine office V. 11. The Lord I have not set forth any thing of mine owne will nor
stoodest in the plaine field High places namely all mountaines hils and cliffs are filled with idols temples chappels and altars V. 4. For ever namely for a long time continually untill the determined end V. 5. Cursed this is added because of them that trusted to mens helpe against the Prophets threatnings Flesh namely mortall man so called by contempt in respect of God who is an everlasting Spirit Isa. 31. 3. Hâ—◠〈…〉 e namely his prop and strength V. 6. Heath a bastard kinde of plant which is good for nothing but onely for the fire that is to say he shall have no part in the grace of regeneration he shall not be manured nor dressed by Gods Word in his Church he shall beare no fruits of good works and his end shall be everlasting perdition V. 9. The heart he seems to touch another false support which men trust to namely carnall wisdom and cunâ—ing contrary to faith simplicity and sincerity Wicked the Italian incurable as diseases impostâ—umes and hidden ulcers are hee means that mens hypocrisie and falshood makes it impossible for any one save onely God to cure their souls Others translate it perverse or obstinate and desperate or unsearchable V. 11. The p 〈…〉 ridge of which it is written that she gathereth other Partridges and other birds eggs and hatcheth them as her own but the young ones being once hatched flie away to the right dam so soon as they hear her voyce Others expound it like the Partridge which gathereth together many eggs but doth not hatch them for the cock Partridge findeth them out and breaketh them So wealth evil gotten either returneth to the right owner or is quite lost That getteth mans third false confidence namely in riches V. 12. Throne that is to say the glorious seat of Gods presence amongst men which is also inaccessible and imprâ—gâ—â—ble to men The place mans fourth false confidence namely in the materiall Temple Jer. 7. 4. V. 13. They that namely turâ—ing to other false and vain hopes Written that is to say condemned to perish with the earth in which they have put all their trust heart and hope and shall have no part nor right to eternall life which is proper for the Elect whose names are written in Heaven Luke 10. 20. see Psal. 17. 14. V. 14. Heal me Jeremiahs words as much as to say Comfort and strengthen me in my vocation amidst so many dangers and combats My praise namely the Lord in whose support and grace I doe onely glorifie my selfe Or who is the onely subject of my praises V. 15. They say namely the prophane which are amongst the people making a scoffe of my predictions and threatnings V. 16. I have not the meaning seems to be thus Mine adversaries doe accuse me that by my prayers to thee I doe purchase their ruine thou knowest that therein I never went beyond the zeale of a true Pastor and a faithfull Prophet Others I have not hastened nor intruded my selfe after thee more then was befitting a true Pastor that is to say I have followed thy Commandments step by step as thy servant and have attempted nothing by any rash boldnesse V. 17. Be not that is to say Doe not suffer me to be in continuall danger and terrour by reason of doing thy service V. 18. Double namely a most heavy doubled and entire destruction V. 19. The gate he seems to meane that gate which was called the water-gate Neh. 3. 26. neer unto which was a great market place called the Eastern-place at the end of which was the Kings Palace built by Solomon and therefore it was the ordinary gate at which the Kings went out and came in and where the people did use to come together because it was neer the Court and therefore it is here called the gate of the children of the people see 2 Chron. 29. 3 4. and 32. 6. Neh. 8. 1. 16. V. 21. Selves even as you tender the salvation of your souls upon pain of incurring Gods judgements in your persons Deut. 4. 15. Jos. 23. 11. V. 25. Enter that is to say The City and Kingdom and people shall be kept in their estates V. 26. About the land of Judah is ofâ—â—imes divided into these parts as are here specified CHAP. XVIII Vers. 2. THere that is to say I will there send thee a new propheticall revelation by vision or by internall revelation onely V. 7. What instant that is to say Unlooky for when men shall least think upon it V. 13. Uirgin namely the people of Israel who having hitherto been kept and maintained in their ancient state and liberty in my house as it were in their Fathers house were therefore bound to keep their honesty and virginall chastity towards me in the purenesse of my service V. 14. Of Lebanon the Italian the snâ—wie Lebanon for a stone of the field that is to say There is no more equalitie between Idols and me who am the rocke and strength of all ages Deut. 32. 4. Isa. 26. 4. then there is between the stone of a field and mount Lebanon wherefore my people did very ill to forsake me to follow them Waters namely that are brought a great way from some pure and fresh spring whereunto must be supplied for the water of some pond or standing pool V. 15. To vanity namely to idols Caused them that is to say They have been seduced by false teachers and induced by evil examples to stray from Gods true service which is the great road which hath formerly beene laid out and travelled in Mal. 2. 8. V. 16. Hissing that is to say a subject of detestation and scorn Isai. 37. 22. V. 17. Easâ—wind which was the most tempestuous winde in those countries see Psal. 48. 7. V. 18. For the the meaning is Jeremiah is a false prophet seeing that all those who are in authority in the Church as the Priests ancients of the people and the colledge of Prophets doe all contradict him they being the oracles of truth who have the understanding of the Law and the Spirit of good counsell Deut. 17. 9. and 18. 15. Smite him let us lay false accusations against him and overcome him with slanders see Jeâ— 6. 28. and 20. 10. V. 20. To speak that is to say to pray for them V. 21. Deliver up prophetick imprecations inspired by Gods Spirit and not proceeding fâ—om any carnall passion as Psalm 69. 22. and 109. 6. 7. Hos. 9. 14. CHAP. XIX Vers. 2. EAst-g 〈…〉 the Italian the po 〈…〉 ers gate some translate it The gate of the sunne V. 〈◊〉 Estranged Hebr. made strange that is to say they have done so that I doe not accept of it nor acknowledge it any more for a place consecrated to me nor for my temple Of innocents namely of little children whom they offered to Molech Psal. 106. 38. who was worshipped in this valley of Hinnom at the comming out of this Potâ—ers or East gate V. 7. The councell that is I say All their
he hath already executed upon other Nations to call his people to repentance See 2 Chron. 36. 15 and 11. 7. and 2â— 3. V. 6. â—heir towers Heb. Corners See Zeph. 1. 16 The Hebrew word may also be taken for Princes and Lords V. 7. Howsoever Though I brought them into great miseries by reason of their sins yet will I save Jerusalem from finall ruine if so be shee will be converted But they rose They have studied nothing but evill doing or as fast as I called them to repentance every morning they returned to their evill doings V. 8. Waite yee O yee remainder of true Believers comfort your selves still with the hope of my vengeance upon your enemies and of the deliverance which I shall send you in the Messias his time for then will I gather all the nations together to serve me as heretofore I have gathered them together to punish them V. 9. For them He gives a reason of the former reason for under the Messias the face of the earth shall be changed by the conversion of the Gentiles and by their sanctification of hearts and tongues See Isa. 19. 18. With one consent Heb. With one shoulder A phrase taken from oxen which are yoaked together See Zech. 7. 11. V. 10. From beyond Even by the furthermost countries which have least knowledge of Me and of my Grace will I be served and worshipped See Isa. 18. 7. Acts 8. 27. My dispersed Mine Elect dispersed through out the world V. 11. Shalt thou not O my Church I will take away that ignominy from thee wherewith I had heretofore punished thee for thy sinnes and especially for the pride which thou wert growne to by reason of the great prerogatives which I had bestowed upon thee of my presence and abode with thee V. 12. I will also leave Out of the carnall and reproved Israâ—l and out of lost man-kind will I deliver mine Elect and Believers which are poore and wretched in the worlds esteeme See Isa. 14. 32. Zech. 11. 11. and 13. 9. V. 13. The remnant The true Believers chosen out of all the world being regenerated by the Holy Ghost shall live in purity sincerity and innocence like Christs true people fed by the Word of truth and kept safe under his protection and not by any devices or cunnings V. 15. Judgements namely Punishments and visitations The King namely Jesus Christ the true everlasting God shall alwayes be with â—hee in the power and grace of his Spirit V. 16. Let not Be not discouraged strengthen thy selfe in faith and in perseverance in all the duties of thy calling not fearing any ha 〈…〉 as may happen to thee V. 17. Rejoyce His delight shall be in thee in loving thee and doing thee good Jer. 32. 41. Ezek. 20. 40. V. 18. That are namely The poore Jewes led into captivity and afflicted chiefly by the cessation of Gods service whereby whereas God at first was honoured by offerings and sacrifices he was dishonoured and blasphemed by his enemies A figure of the Elects being gathered together in the Church and of which there is no true service of God V. 20. Bring you againe Into your countrey which is the figure of the Church The Booke of the Prophet HAGGAI ARGUMENT AFter the Babilonian Captivitie God yet for a time raised other Prophets amongst his people and amongst the rest Haggai and Zechariah for to exhort them to re-edifie the Temple and re-establish Gods pure service which was interrupted through their negligence in restoring and re-edifying of the Temple and was divers wayes pollutèd by their vices and evill customes for which things the Prophet grievously reproveth them calling them to repentance through the consideration of Gods former judgements and strengthening them with the promises of his Grace when they freely and couragously performed both those duties Then he falleth to comforting of the Elect who were grieved to see this second Temple farre lesse stately then the first assuring them that for this second was reserved the incomparable glory of Christs comming in the flesh who was appointed by the Father to be the universall King of the World who should overthrow all Powers contrary to His and should perfectly glorifie his Church which was figured by that materiall building CHAP. I. Vers. 1. DArius called by Historians the bastard Eâ—dr 4. 24. The Sonne that is to say The Nephew 1 Chro. 3. 17. Governour Made Governour of the Jewes by the Kings of Persia after the returne out of captivity See Ez. 1 8. and 2. 63. V. 2. The time Feigned excuses of the Jewes who were negligent in the re-edifying of the Temple As if by those lets which had been a hinderance to them God had shewen that hee would have the worke put off till another time whereas the true reason of their intermission was the contempt of Gods service and their carnall affection to their owne eases V. 4. Seiled houses Re-edifyed with seilings and timber-worke put to the ancient walls V. 5. Your wayes Your carelesnesse whereby you have provoked my judgements V. 6. He that You have not reaped any proâ—tor benefit of all your labours See Zech. 8. 10. V. 8. Will be glorified I will shew my glorious power in blessing and defending you and will give You cause to honour and serve me and mine enemies to feare me V. 9. Yee looked You hoped for a great harv 〈…〉 by reason of the great likelihood there was of it but your hopes were in vain Yee runne Every one is most carefull of building up his own house and looking to his owne particular businesses V. 12. Obeyed thee And went freely about the re-edifying of the Temple Ez. 5. 2. CHAP. II. Verse 1. THe seventh moneth Of the second yeere of Darius his raigne Hag. 1. 1. V. 3. Who is left See Ez. 3. 12. The meaning is If any of you have lived ever since the destruction of the first Temple till now which was impossible it being one hundred and seventy yeeres since V. 5. My spirit Of grace light vertue and holinesse see Isa 63. 11. V. 6. I will shake as formerly when I gave my law I appeared in terrible majestie so in the Messias his time I will unfold the Almighty power of my Spirit by the preaching of the Gospell from whence shall follow great commotions to the ruine of the Devils kingdome and the confirming of Christs by the calling and gathering together all mine Elect. See Joel 3 16. Heb. 12. 26 27. V. 7. The desire the Italian The choice Heb. The desire namely those that are deere and pretious to me which are my true Elect. This house this re-edified Temple shall be honoured with Christs bodily presence And the spirituall Temple which is the Church shall be honoured by my presence in spirit the abundance of my graces the light of my word and power of my Spirit V. 8. The silver if I pleased it were a 〈…〉 matter for me to beautifie this Temple with pretious ornaments equall
And by v 10 it seems may be conjectured that it is of the same frame subject and scope as the book of Baruch The History of Susanna THis narration and the next which Saint Hieâ—ome without any respect â—alleth fables were anciently by the Greekes joyned to the booke of Daniel though many powerfull reasons doe take away from them the quality not onely of Divine writings but also of true histories For first there is no likelihood of attributing the things which are here spoken of to Daniel the great Prophet seeing that hee is here called childe at which age he was indeed carryed to Babylon but in that small number of yeeres in which that name could be fitting for him the publike and private state of the Jewes in Babylon could not have attained to that peace authority and commodiousnesse as is set downe in this narration Besides that Daniel living in the palace and in the Kings service ordinarily and being afterwards employed in the chiefest affaires of the Kingdome it is not likely that hee could be an ordinary Judge of his people in quality of an Elder as it is here set downe The faining of another Daniel as some doe is also a presumptuous thing which overthrowes the authority of these writings chiefly grounded upon the name of the true Daniel and likewise there is not any proofe else where that the Jewes in Babyion had any absolute power in capitall judgements And finally the allusion of the Greeke names of the trees under which usannâ— is accused to have commited the fact certifie that this is some Greek's invention seeing that the Hebrew and Chaldean tongue in which the true Daniel wriâ— had no such resemblance The History of Bel and the Dragon THis Narration is also of the same make as the former altogether Apocryphall and fabulous as appeareth by that as is spoken in the true history of Danel concerning the reason of the hatred of the great ones of Babylon against him to cause him to be throwne into the Lyons denne altogether different from that which is here set downe The Prayer of Manasseh THis Prayer though pious and holy was never received nor seene by the Jewish Church and truly it is more likely to be a generall formulary of a great Kings Prayers or a repentant sinner a Prince as Manasseh who had beene King of Judah and therefore was taken prisoner and carryed to Babylon rather then a Prayer made by himselfe The first Booke of Maccabees THe title of this Booke is taken from Judas surname whose heroick acts for the deliverance of the Jewish Nation from Antiochus King of Assyris his cruell wicked perfecution is the chief subject of it and it is doubtfull what this word Maccabee signifieth which plainly appeares to be an Hebrew word some thinke it was a warlike title signifying Destroyer or Slayer Others with more likelihood hold that it was framed of foure Hebrew letters which were the first letters of these words Who is like unto thee amongst the Gods O Lord whereof Iuda had made his military motto taken from Exod 15. 11. for otherwise the generall name of that race of Priests whereby God delivered his people miraculously and afterwards governed them untill the time of Christs comming in the flesh drew neer was the Asmoneans of the name of the father or grandfather of Matthias the father of Iudas Maccabeeus and his brethren And because this name Asmonean signifies in Hebrew Baron or great Lord it is likely that they kept it for a signe of a modest honour and domination which notwithstanding grew to the heighth of Soveraignty in Simon one of the foresaid brothers his time and afterwards of royalty joyned with the high Priest-hood in his successors Now concerning the author of the said booke whosoever it was it cannot be justified upon any ground that he was endowed with Propheticall inspiration because that a long time before that gift was ceased amongst the Jewes and therefore the booke cannot be put into number of the canonicall and divine it is indeed acknowledged to be of a profitable subject and very necessary for the understanding of Daniels and some other prophecies and also of a grave and pure stile though now in these dayes we have but onely the Greeke translation the Hebrew originall being lost The second booke of Maccabees THis second booke of Maccabees containeth two parts whereof the first is contained in the first Chaptâ—r and in a part of the second the subject whereof is nothing but onely two letters written by the Jewes of Jerusalem to them of Egypt to exhort them to celebrate with them at the appointed times the feasts of the Tabernacles and of the purification of the Temple Upon which letters there are so many difficulties in the times and persons that are mentioned therein and there is so little ground for the narrations of the holy fire found after the captivity of the Arke the Tabernacle and of the Altar hidden by Ieremiah that one may suspect them to be meere Jewish fables bearing no character of Scripture divinely inspired The other part which beginneth Chap. 2. v. 20. is the summary of a long story of Iason â—irencan of the persecutions of Antiochus and of the peoples deliverance by Iudas Maccabeus untill the discomfiture and death of Nicanor but amongst these there are divers things which doe not well agree with the first booke which is assuredly the truer and most certaine as the death of Antiochus set downe Chap. 9. very different from what is spoken of it in the first booke Chap. 6. besides many other singularities and especially there are some heads which cannot well stand to the triall of the doctrine of holy Scripture as the commending of Raziah who run himselfe into voluntary death Chap 14. and the false judgement which the author gives concerning Iudas sacrifies and prayers for the expiation of the misdeeds committed by some of his army to turne away Gods wrath from the whole body of it as if that had been done for their benefit who were dead for their owne sins Chap. 12 44 An opinion which hath neither ground nor approbation in holy Scripture wherein there are no sacrifices nor prayers appointed to be used for the dead And therefore with very good reason this booke which is but an â—pitome of a history which is not holy and is penned in a stile no way agreeing with Gods spirit was rejected amongst the Apocrypha of least esteeme FINIS THE HOLY GOSPELL OF OVR LORD JESVS CHRIST ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW GOD who would have his law which was given by Moses and therest of holy doctrine which he had revealed by his Prophets set downe in writing by them hath also observed the same in the New Testament inspiring his Apostles by the same spirit which had formerly guided them when they preached by word of mouth for to indite bookes thereof by which it might be prescrved and transmitted to all ages in its originall truth and
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
these lewish Exorcists mentioned also in other histories did operate by any gift of God and calling upon his name or by some unlawfull art Christ also doth not approve of them nor reprove theÌ„ but is content with confuting his adversaries by the example of these V. 28. But if I if you do plainly perceave that I dispossesse the Devill of the tyrannie which he hath usurped over soules and bodies Acknowledge that I am that great and onely King of the Church who onely have power to subdue mine enemie and take away his prey from him which otherwayes and to every other man would be impossible V. 29. Or else if the kingdome of God were not come the devill could not be overcome and consequently could not be spoiled Enter words taken out of Isay 49. 24. V. 30. He that here Christ begins another discourse The meaning is all those that are not joyned to me are mine enemies there is no mean between these two waies yet some sin through ignorance and those may be pardoned 1 Tim. 1. 13. others through hatred and malice against the light motion of the H. Ghost and in such the sin is irremissible Gathereth not he that doth not concurre with me in my work doth spoile and undoe it as far as in him lieth Or he that seekes his salvation any where but in me shall lose it everlastingly V. 31. Wherefore because that in this contrariety between you me you may fall in an extream degree which is irremissible I will give you notice of what nature this sin is that you may take heed of it Forgiven may be pardoned by true conversion in faith and repentance Against the that is to say against his action and proper operation which is to enlighten inwardly and to seale Gods truth within the heart giving it some relish there of and exciting some motion of Gods grace in it See Heb. 6. 4. 10 29. Shall not the cause whereof is Gods will who hath not appointed two regenerations or spirituall resurrections Nor hath not promised to begin again the work of his grace which was brought so farre as the gift of the Spirit when it is once destroyed by a generall apostacy and utter extinguishing of the gift V. 32. Speaketh shall out of his ignorance without illumination of the Spirit have thought or uttered blasphemy against Christ. See 〈◊〉 Tim 1. 13. Against the Son not only against his person and his offices but chiefly against that which iâ— his proper operation namely his word which he doth outwardly reveal and teach as being the word and wisdome of God But whosoever that hath loosened the reines to the extreame wickednesse of his heart in words of blasphemy and outrage against God and his truth of which he hath had the seale and knowledge in his heart by Gods Spirit which is the extreame sinne of the devill and the damned and the very height of the wickeds malice Neither in this world that is to say never as S. Mark saith Or in this world by the effectuall application of the ministery of the Gospell and by finding the peace of conscience nor in the other by Christ his sentence at the last judgement See Acts 3. 19. 1 Thess 3. 13. U. 33. Make the that is to say put the case or grant that the tree be good or bad the fruits will be like it therefore seeing you are perverse you can neither thinke nor speak but perversely of me and of my workes V. 36. Idle word vaine and unprofitable word which serveth neither for the glory of God nor for the edifying of ones neighbour how much more then of blasphemous words V. 37. By thy this seemes to be taken from such judgements in which malefactors are absolved or condemned according to their answers and confessions But the Lord doth extend it to a more generall sense namely that in Gods judgement man shall be judged by his words as the neerest and most ordinary effects and signes of what is in his heart V. 38. We would see a demand for curiosity or for a prophane cloak for their incredulity As much as to say worke some miracle as may be beyond all exception doubt or contradiction V. 39. Adulterous that is to say disloyall in Gods service Isay 57. 3. or a bastard and degenerate generation But the signe instead of the miracle which you desire I will give you an instruction by the figure of Ionah For as he after he had beene three dayes in the fishes belly went out to preach the will of God to the Ninivites so three dayes after my death I will rise againe Or by my resurrection Rom. 1. 4. I will convince all that shall contradict me and it shall be an undoubted evidence of the truth of my word V. 40. In the heart that is to say in the earth a popular kinde of speech for Christs sepulcher being hewne out of a rock was rather above then under ground V. 41. Shall condemne it that is to say their example shall serve to aggravate this peoples rebellion See Ier. 3. 11. Ezek. 16. 51. Rom. 2 27. V. 43. When the after Christ had confuted his malignant adversaries upon the occasion of the possessed mans deliverance he instructeth the people wishing them to beware that the devill have not any occasion to returne by Gods just judgement upon any new sinne for in that case the precedent benefit will aggravate the new ingratitude And under this figure he teacheth all them who have been delivered from the devils spirituall tyranny to beware left they fall into it againe for that he being driven out of his old habitation will endeavour to come into it againe with greater fury and ruine Now this threatning set forth to terrifie all men takes effect in none but only in such whose faith is but only for a time not lively nor soundly rooted as the elects is in whom Christ dwelleth and never departeth from them Dry places receptacles of evill spirits which are driven out of heaven and are not yet shut up in the infernall cloisters See Isay 13. 21. and 34. 19. Rev. 18. 2. and wandring in this lower part of the world to tempt seduce and hurt men taking no delight nor rest but in doing evill See 1 Pet. 5. 8. V 44. Empty Of Christ and of his Spirit to whoÌ„ as to the stronger he had yeelded the place Swept figurative tearmes as much as to say made ready to receive him all vertues which are hinderances and odious to the devill being rooted out and vices established thereâ—n instead of them V. 45. Seven that is to say a great number many spirits often possessing one body See Mark 5. 9. and 16. 9. V. 46. His brethren according to some they were his neerest kinsmen But yet some ancient write 〈◊〉 have beleeved they were some of Iosephs children which he had by a former wise and so commonly held to be Iesus his brethren seeing that Ioseph was held to be his
his owne desires and affections and having no regard at all of himselfe subject 〈◊〉 wholly to Gods will and prepare and dispose himself to all manner of sufferings for my sake And so he reproveth Peter for his two vices namely his presumption and feare of afflictions V. 26. For what this is a reason added to tâ—â— exhortation of ver 24. V. 27. Shall come that is to say hee shall appeare in his essentiall glory of everlasting Sonne of God which he hath from his Father by eternall generation and in the Majesty of King of the Church and Iudge of the world bestowed upon him by his Father as he is Mediatour and in the exaltation of his humane nature into celestiall glory V. 28. Comming that is to say go-up into heaven and by his glorious going up take possession of his Kingâ—ome and from thence manifest it and exercise it here in the world by his word and spirit CHAP. XVIL VER 2. TRansfigured not in his natural shape forme and stature of his body but in regard of a miraculous splendor with which hee was covered as it were for a proofe of his glory V. 3. Moses to signifie the consent and concordancie which was betweene Christ and the Law and the Prophets Now they were knowne to the Apostles either by mentall revelation or by their discourses V. 4. It is good words of a man in rapture not knowing what he said Luke 9. 33. dazeled with the Majestie of this glory transported with the present joy contrary to the terror of the death and passion of the Lord whereof Moses and Elias were talking with him Luke 9 31. V. 5. Overshadowed them Namely those representations of Moses and Elias which it is very likely was but in vision and vanished away this cloud covering them And Iesus remained alone appearing in his true body and reall substance V. 9. Tell the vision See the cause thereof upon Matth. 16. 20. V. 10. Why then Seeing that Elias who appeared even now hath againe withdrawne himselfe how can this agree with the common opinion of the Iewish Doctors grounded upon the Prophesie of Mal. 45. though evill understood that he must come into the world before the comming of the Messias shall he come another time and in another manner Or seeing thou art already come and hast revealed thy selfe in thy glory how doe they say that Elias ought to come before thee V. 11. And restore that is to say hee shall serve to conwert Gods people from their evill wayes and corruptions both in doctrine and manner of living and shall prepare them to receave Iesus Christ and so shall establish the state of the Church See Luke 1. 16 17. Verse 15. Lunaticke that is to say by the meere operation of the Devill or by a naturall disease accompanied with or aggravated by the possession of the Devill v. 18 See Mat. 9. 32. and 12. 22. V. 17. O faithlesse it appeares by Marke 9. 14. that he doth hereby reprove the Iewes who contended with the Disciples and contradicted their doctrine aâ— if they could not have verified it by this miracle It might also bee a generall reproofe to the father of the Child and to the Iewes for their incredulity and to the Disciples also because that for want of Faith in Christs speciall promise Matth. 10. 1. they had made themselves incapable of doing this miracle V. 20. If yee have saith seeing that the command of working miracles and the promise of Gods assistance to the working of them was not generall to all beleevers but particular to the Apostles and other persons of those primitive ages of the Christian Church to whom God revealed this his will Therefore by this word Faith must noâ— bee understood the common faith of all beleevers to the generall promises of Gods grace but the particular faith in those promises 1 Cor. 12. 9. and this faith was a condition which God required in that man whom he would asist with his power in the working of that miracle Te shall say if God hath made you any such promise Or if by secret inspiration it bee revealed unto you that it is convenient and necessary for the confirmation of the Gospell V. 21. This kind It seemes that from hence and Matth â—2 45. It may bee gathered that there are some Devills more malignant cruell and obstinate them others And others beleeve that the difference consists onely in the more or lesse power that God doth grant them By prayer not by a transistory act of faith but by a long and persevering exercise of it to obtaine at Gods hands the victory over so powerfull and rebellious an enomy of faith desiring Gods power by prayer and prayer being enflamed and purged by fasting V. 24. They that these it should seeme were the Collectors of the halfe Sheckellâ— that every Iew above twenty yeares of age did pay yearely after hee was once set downe in the roll of his Nation Exod. 30. 13. who under the Roman Empire and in Capernaum a Citie of Galilce where there was a mixture of Pagans and many Iewes which were not very religious and libertines gathered this money onely of those who voluntarily paid it without any enforcement or authority For the Romans under AUGUSTUS had assigned this money for the Capitoll though the most pious kinde of Iewes paid it also voluntarily to the Temple See Mat. 22. 17. Doth not that is to say is not your master one of those good and willing Iewes that of their owne accord pay this dutie to the Temple V. 16. The Children that is to say according to this common reason I the Sonne of God and Lord of the Temple should be free But seeing I am not yet knowen to 〈◊〉 such I will pay it because that this people shall not take me to be a contemner of Gods order and service V. 27. For mee and thee peradventure because the other Disciples were absent or because these Collectors had spoken to Peter lonely CHAP. XVIII VER 1. IN the Kingdome Namely in the kingdome of the Messias which is called of heaven that is to say spirituall and divine by reason of the Lawes and state thereof and by reason of the quality required in his subjects and of the last accomplishment of it in heaven Now the Disciples thorow ignorance imagined there should bee in it degrees of worldly greatnesse and from thence proceeded their question V. 3. As little in humility simplicitie feare innocencie docility c. See Mat. 11. 25. V. 5. One such namely a true Christian that shall have laid aside all worldly pride whereby hee is become abject in the fight of the world V. 6. Offended despising or wronging him for his simplicâ—â—y and humilitie and shall thereby have disturbed him in the course of his heavenly vocation and holy disposition and caused him to take evill councell and forsake it Or to conceave any sorrow therefore and grow faint therein A milstone the Italian addeth an asse
himselfe from her unlesse it be for adultery Mat. 19. 9. V. 12. If a woman the law of God makes no mention of divorces undertaken by women a thing which was unheard of amongst the people of God and contrary to all modestie yet in those dayes it was used in imitation of the Romans and Grecians See upon 1 Tim. 5. 9. V. 15. Shall not shall not submit himselfe by obedience of faith to the Gospell thorow which God re-establisheth his kingdome amongst men and mâ—keth them partakers of the good things thereof As a little laying aside all pride malice presumption of carnall wisdome and putting on the true humility docility simplicity and innocency which is in little children Sâ—e Psal. 131. 2. Mat. 18. 3. V. 21. Loved hâ—m he shewed him some signes of favour as congratulating with him for this outward and disciplinary holinesse not any way approving of his pride and hypocrisie nor being contented with this outward bark of action Neither that he dissembled against his thought but in a kinde of gracefull contempt of his vanity V. 32 Amazed by reason of his frequent predictions by which he foretold his aproaching sufferings and death in Ierusalem whâ—ther they saw him going V. 42. Which are accounted the Italian that account themselves who though they ought to acknowledge themselves to be Gods servants for the good profit of their people do attribute unto themselves thorow immoderate presumption an absolute power over them 1 Sam. 18. 11. Others which are accounted c. that is to say whose sovereignty is only in the false figure and appearance of the world and not in truth which is only in the kingdome of God V. 46. As he went out Saint Luke saith â—hat this hapned at his comming thither and not at his departure and S. Matthew speaks of two blinde men But this may be reconciled saying that the Lord staid some time in Iericho going out and comming in again that at one time being gon out comming in againe he met with two blinde men whereof this Bartimeus was of most note CHAP. XI VER 16. ANy vessell namely that was not wholly for the service of God but for these Merchants and other mens uses which was a kinde of prophanation See Nâ—h 7. 8. Zech. 14 20. 21. V. 17. Of all nations or for the use of all nations or amongst all nations V. 18. Destroy him secretly and by cunning See Mat. 21 46. and 26. 4. 5. 22. In God namely such a faith as he every way requireth in all parts and qualities and such an one as he ingendreth in his beleevers by his Spirit CHAP. XII VER 10. NOt read the meaning is That passage of the Psalme hath a reference to you as this my parable hath V. 15. Shall we give this repetition seemeth is not superfluous for the first question may be understood of the rigour of right and the other of what was expedient or decent by way of councell and advice V. 34. Thou art not because he was pliant to be taught by Christ and that the spirituall meaning of the law taking off the marke of the hypocrisie of externall Dâ—scipline is that which guideth and presseth the consciences to flye to Christ to be saved from the curse of the law which in this spirituall sense bindeth all men Rom. 3. 20. and 7. 7. From the kingdome namely from Gods grace in the Gospell by which he re-establisheth his kingdome in salvation and blessing which had beene violated by sin V. 38. In his See upon Mark 4. 2. V. 41. The treasury the Italian the chest of offerings there were two kinde of offerings offered in the Temple the one of money for the repairing of the building to buy the ordinary offerings for sacrifices and other uses Which in ancient times were put into the Priests hands and afterwards were by them carried into a chest in the inner court 2 Kings 12 9. But it is likely that ininsuing times to avoid â—l manner of fraud diverse chests were placed in some place not specified of the peoples Court where every one cast in what money he pleased as it is here said See Iohn 8. 20. The other kinde was of other goods which were laid up in certaine magazines belonging to the Temple Nehem. 10. 37 38. V. 44. Of her want of her exceeding small store as 2 Cor. 8. 2. CHAP. XIII VER 4. SHall be fulfilled namely these things which thou foretellest V. 6. I am Christ the Italian I am he namely the promised Messias the King of the Church See Mat. 24. 5. V. 27. Of heaven a popular terme For to the eye the heavens seeme to terminate the earth round about See upon Mat. 24 30. CHAP. XIV VER 12. WHen they the same day as according to the law they were to kill the Passeover though the Iews by tradition did transferre the feast to the day following Mat. 26 â—7 See why the Lambe is called a Sacrifice upon Exod. 〈◊〉 27. 2 Chro. 35. 11 12. V. 35. The houre that is to say that he might not come to that terrible point of his extreame sufferings V. 36. Abba it was a Syriack word which little children used to their fathers which was afterwards used in all affectionate prayers to God Himselfe See Rom. 8. 15. Gal. 4. 6. V. 41. It is enough so the Lord doth in earnest correct those words which before he had spoken ironically V. 50. They all namely his Disciples Ver. 51. A certaine there is no certainty either what this young man was or why hee followed the Lord in this habit Some conjecture that it might bee some of the servants of the house where Iesus had eaten the Passeover who for curiosity or for affection might rise out of his bed when he law the Lord goe forth in the night so to seâ— the issue of the words which he might heare from himselfe concerning his apprehension Others will have it be some one that did rise sodainly at the noise A linnen cloth it might bee his shirt or some oâ—her night raymenâ— The young men namely the Souldiers V. 55. Agreed not or were not sufficient V. 61. Of the blâ—ssed namely of God to whom all glory and praise is due And this was a name of God very frequent among the Iewes V. 62. Of power namely of the glorious God according to the Iewes custome See upon Mat. 26. 6â— V. 69. A maide the Italian the maide in Saint Matthew it is said that it was another but it may be that the first which was she that kept the doore Iohn 18. 17. told the other and she told the slanders by V. 72. He wept or he went out and wept CHAP. XV. VER 7. IN the insurrection he seemes to intimate some new and notable insurrection V. 21. Of Alexander knowne and famous persons in the Church at that time V. 23. Wine this should seeme to be another kinde of drinke besides the vineger mingled with gall Matth. 27. 34. For
it were so thou mightest gaine everlasting life by thy works but thou shalt find that it is not so Ro. 8. 3. and that the Law can not serve thee for any thing but onely to discover thy sinne and thy condemnation unto thee Rom. 3. 20. and 7. 7. Galath 3. 21. 22. Make use therefore of the Law to bee by it directed unto mee in whom is the accomplishment of it and justification to life Rom. 5. 18. See the like though not the same History Mat. 19. 17. V. 29. To Justifie Namely to shew that hee had kept the whole Law for if Christ had answered according to the doctrine of the Pharisees Mat. 5. 43. that by the word neighbour are meant friends kins-folkes neighbours by habitation or well deserving persons he would then have replyed that he had fulfilled that Commandement for his presumption was so extreame that hee made no difficulty of observing the first Table And if CHRISTS answer had on the other side beene according to his Doctine Mathew 5. ver 44. hee would have rejected it as contrary to common sence and would thereupon have appealed to the Doctors of the Church Verse 30. A certaine man A Iew. By this parable is shewne that all men even profelled enemies as the Iewes and the Samaritans were Iohn 4. 9 and strangers that knew not one another as this Iew was to this Samaritan are comprehended in the Law under this name of neighbour And besides that true Charitie consists not in any shew and profession of conjunction and affection but in the reall workes of doing good And moreover that the ignorance of many Pagansmoved by a simple naturall affection to doe the workes of the Law did convince the Iewe's great knowledge which was joyned with rebellion and carelesnesse Rom. 2. 27. Verse 31. Passed by without being moved to compassion or taking any care of him but going aloofe off with disdaine See Psalm 38. 11. Verse 36. Was Neighbour that is to say had done that which the Law had commanded judging truely of the meaning of it in what toucheth the loving of a neighbour Verse 41. Thou art carefull Christ reprehendeth two things in Martha One that shee was too busie in receaving and entertaining him too curiously according to the world The other that she had withdrawne her selfe from attentively hearing his word which is the most necessary entertainment that we ought to give Christ. Ver. 42. Hath chosen hath addicted her selfe to the true duty of receaving mee into her heart where I will remaine everlastingly whereas this my conversation in the flesh which thou so much standest upon will at the last bee taken away from thee by my departure out of the world Sec 2 Cor. 5. 16. CHAP. XI VER 1. ALso taught giving them some expresse forme of it Verse 14. And it was it did not onely say nothing within the man who was possessed but made him dumb also Verse 16. From Heaven Which might bee without doubt or contradiction For it is likely they said These miracles which thou dost here upon earth may either be false by illusion or seigned by some collusion with the evill spirit And howsoever it bee they are not to be compared with those high miracles which were wrought by Moses and the Prophets above whom thou exaltest thy selâ—e and thy doctrine V. 20. With the finger by Gods Almighty power see Exod 8. 19. V. 21. Are in pâ—â—câ— that is to say secure against all manner of invasion Ver. 30. Was a signe that is to say a divine warning by meanes of the miracle wrought upon his owne person being come forth of the â—ishes belly againe alive Which questionlesse Ionas had told the Ninivites of and was by them believed whereupon they were moved to Repentance Be to that is to say after my Resurrection I shall fully shew the truth of my person and the power of my word And whosoever shall not then turne to me shall bee inexcusable and condemned without any remission V. 33. No man Christ addeth this to his former discourse to shew that having in his life time proposed the doctrine of salvation he would put it in full evidence and power after his resurrection but that the light of his word outwardly presented could not be saving if it were not receaved by the inward soule which having no insight in heavenly things must bee enlightned and purged from all wicked affections by meanes of the Holy Ghost Ver. 36. If thy when thou shalt be not onely enlightned by Gods word outwardly but regenerated also by the holy Ghost in all the parts of thy soule then shalt thou bee capable of enjoying this divine light to salvation Ver. 38. Washed the Greeke word hath a relation to the Pharisees curious and superstitious kinds of washing for doubtlesse Christ observed all manner of civill honestie V. 39. Now doe yee thus doth the Lord peradventure point at the novelty of their traditions beyond that which was written in Gods Law V. 40. Hee that namely God that created both body and soule requireth also to bee served with the purity of both Observe that of the body according to the Law it is sufficient but be chiefly carefull of that of the Soule which you most impiously are carelesse off for hypocrisie is likely joyned with the prophanenesse of the heart Ver. 41. Give the washing of the dishes is not that which maketh the meate cleane and holy to the conscience of him that useth it but the right use therof especially in the way of charity Ver. 44. Appeare not which are covered at the top whereby the bones and carrions that are within them can not be seene Ver. 45. Of the Lawyers the Italian One of the Doctors of the Law See upon Mat. 22. 35. V. 48. For they this â—proveth not the consent of their imitation but a reproach of the wickednesse of their forefathers Seeing they honoured the Prophets by building them rich Sepulchers whereby they acknowledged that they had bin holy men and wrongfully slaine V. 49. The wisedome namely I my selfe who am the everlasting and subsisting wisdome of the Father Prov. 8. 12. V. 52. Ye have namely by your arts and usurpations ye have appropriated unto your selves the power of expounding the Law of God captivating mens consciences to your opinions and spoyling them of all liberty of judgment and knowledge CHAP. XII VER 〈◊〉 NOthing this generall sentence ought in this place to bee restrained to the publicke preaching of the Gospell which untill that time had been preached but to few in unfrequented and obscure places and that secretly and obscurely V. 4. My friends see Iohn 15. 14 15. Ver. 14. Who made Christ not willing to entermeddle with any part of secular governement doth notwithstanding herein doe his office instructing this man and all his hearers by giving them warning to take heed of covetousnesse which was the beginning of this contention V. 21. That layeth up namely he that heapeth up welth to
meane simple and milde manner Ver. 55. And sow this was a miraculous vision in which Steven by a supernaturall light and vertue did see into Heaven and behâ—ld that splendor and Majestie with which Christ is clothed there Vnlesse one will say that it was but a created image of of it which was represented to Sevens inward and outward sences See Acts 10. 11. V. 58. The witnessé who according to the law Deutrenomie 17. verse 7. were to throw the first stones V. 60. Hee fell a sleepe he quietly and sweetely breathed a Scripture phrase for the assured hope of the blessed Resurrection CHAP. VIII VER 1. ALL scattered namely the body of the Church for the most part V. 5. Philip it is likely it was the Deacon Acts 6. 5. rather than the Apostle who remained in Ierusalem with the rest ver 1. V. 9. Bewitched the Italian Seduced or astonished and besotted V. 10. The great power the greatest instrument of Gods power that can be remembred V. 12. Were bappized renouncing all manner of impietie and superstition especially that of Simon V. 13. Believed made outward profession of the saith Or gave some ascent to the doctrine but hypocritically not giving way to the inward operation of the Holy Ghost to a true conversion and lively regeneration V. 15. The Holy Ghost not only the inward gift thereof in light and grace but also the externall and miraculous ones which in those beginning were conferred upon many after baptisme especially upon those who were by God appointed for the sacred ministerie V. 17. Laid they See upon Acts 6. 6. V. 21. In this matter Namely in this sacred Office of the Gospell in which the laying on of hands is required to obtaine the grace of the Spirit Or in this faith and doctrine Or in this businesse Ver. 22. If perhaps this word sheweth the difficultie of the thing by reason of the grievousnesse of the sinne Without cutting off the hope of grace but rather to serve for a greater spurre to the sinner to bring him to repentance See 2 Tim. 2. 25. That thou art that thou art possessed with a most wicked malice and art a slave to the Devill for to do all manner of wickednesse V. 24. That none that the most unhappie estate of the soule which you describe unto mee may not drive mee into eternall perdition which you threaten me with V. 26. Which is desert this may bee referred to the Citie of Gaza which at that time was desolate and ruined or to the way which was thorow a disinhabited Country V. 27. Queene of for amongst the Aegyptians women might raigne See 1 King 11. 1. For to worship See 1 Kings 8. 4 1. Ioh 12 20. Uer. 29. Said by Revelation or secret inspiration V. 33. In his because hee voluntary humbled himselfe even to the death to which hee was condemned God did deliver him and hath Soveraignly exalted him Phil. 2. 8 9. V. 37. With all thine that is to say sincerely and firmely with all thine heart V. 39. Caught away that is to say carried him away by a swift and sodaine motion See 1 Kings 18. 12. Ezeck 3. 12 14. CHAP. IX V. 2. TO the Synagogues the Romans having taken Iudea suffered the Iewes to live according to their Law and Religion Whereupon the High Priest as head of the great Councell might imprison and judge of the quality of a Iewes crime but had reserved unto themselves the pronunciation of the judiciall sentence and the publike capitall execution Of this way the Italian Of this Sect or profession of Religion V. 5. Whom thou in my members from which I have nothing separate and in my doctrine service and glory It is hard a terme taken from restie Cattell which the more obstinate they are the worse they cause themselves to bee used and yet at the last are forced to obey To signifie unto Saul that for all his fiercenesse he could not withstand Gods motion and calling and that therefore hee ought to yeeld unto it quietly otherwise he should draw great plagues upon him See 1 Cor. 9. 16. V. 7. Hearing See Dan. 10. 7. Now Acts 11. 9. it is said that they saw the light but did not hear the voyce Wherefore we must say that they heard Sauls voyce but not Christs Or some confused sound Or the sound of the Hebrew words which the Lord used Acts 26. 14. but not the meaning as Matth. 27. 47 Ver. 8. Hee saw no man his eyes being dazeled with that heavenly light which by miracle or by condensation of the naturall humour of the eyes produced those scales which are afterwards spoken of to shew that he was altogether blinde in spiritual things and that he must renounce all presumption of of wisdome and become a child and a foole before God for to be made wise by him See upon Iohn 9. 6. 1 Cor. 3. 18. V. 9. Three dayes during which time it is likely hee had his raptures and revelations mentioned 2 Cor. 12 2. V. 11. For behold by verse 17. it appeares that God revealed unto Ananias the subject of Sauls prayer namely to be enlightened in body and in spirit to performe Gods will and that he was sent thither for to fulfill it V. 12. And hath seen God by another vision prepared Saul for the comming of Ananias and for the worke which by his meanes he would do upon him V. 15. To beare to give knowledge of me to preach the doctrine of my person and truth V. 16. For I will We may suppose Which hee shall freely doe notwithstanding all persecutions for I will instruct him and frame him to a most invincible patience V. 22. Proving the Greeke word signifieth to confirme a thing by comparing of reasons and authority and it is like that here is ment the comparing and conferring of prophisits See Acts. 17. 11 and 28. 23. V. 23. Manie namely three yeares Gal. 1. 18. V. 25. The disciples the beleeuers which were afterwards called Christians V. 27. Declared some referre this to Saul himselfe others to Barnabas who might live at Damascus where this act was well knowne or might elsewhere certainely have heard of it V. 28. With them Namely with Peter and Iames. Gal. 1. 18. 19. For the other Apostles were then absent V. 29. The Gracians See upon Acts. 6. 1. V. 31. Edefied Going forward in their spirituall estate with delight and content by interchangable instructions and holy examples which is the frequent sence of this word opposite to scandals and in the or they were filled with comfort c. V. 32. The Saints A common name to all beleevers sanctified by their calling by Faith and by the Spirit of regeneration Lydda a city or great Castle in the tribe of Ephraim called also Diospolis V. 35. Saron another city in the same tribe neere to Lydda V. 36. Joppa a Sea Towne neere to those othertownes in these dayes called Japha V. 37. Washed According to the customes of those dayes
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
habituated in all active and passive vertues V. 3. In hebavionâ— under this word is comprehended the habit behaviour gestures and all outward actions V. 5. Be not namely by unbeleevers who doe impute the vices of the persons to their doctrine and religion See Rom. 2. 24. 1 Tim. 6. 1. V. 8. Sound not infected with any falshood corruption or perverse affection altogether framed to edifying according to the truth 1 Tim. 6. 3. He that is of the Italian the adversary that is to say every enemy of the Gospel or the divel who is the chiefe of them all V. 9. In all things which belong to the lawful duty of servants See Ephes. 5. 24. Col. 3. 20. V. 10. The doctrine which they professe which profession is honoured by the good effects which it produceth in them V. 11. That bringeth which is to eternall salvation and redemption Others the saving grace of all men hath appeared To all men without distinction of Nations as formerly and of conditions for as wel may the bondman be happy as the Lord and the Lord be religious and pious as wel as the bondman V. 13. Blessed that eternal happinesse which hath so fervently been desired and hoped for of all the Church V. 14. Peculiar that should be as it were his treasure and jewel V. 15. With all authority in Gods name according to his Word and Will CHAP. III. Vers. 3. FOr we he gives a reason why beleevers should be mild and loving namely because the Lord hath shewed abundance of mercy to wards them being most corrupt and most wretched Or generally because that is to the end of their redemption V. 5. By the washing using the meanes of baptisme made effectual by the inward operation of the holy Ghost which applieth the blood of Christ for expiation of sinne to the beleevers soule whereby he is made a new creature in righteousnesse and holinesse V. 6. Through Jesus who hath acquired all those gifts for his Church and hath all the fulnesse of them in himselfe and likewise is the onely dispenser of them as head of the Church V. 7. Being justified that is to say absolved from the guilt and punishment of sinne and reputed righteous through Christs righteousnesse imputed unto us by grace According to or through the hope which makes this fruition of happinesse as present to us Rom. 8. 24. V. 8. Be carefull to maintaine the Greek terme signifieth to employ ones selfe carefully in a thing as if it were his particular worke and charge V. 9. Avoid or suppresse as 2 Tim. 2. 16. About the Law especially the ceremoniall Law V. 10. An hereticke an obstinate maintainer and sower of erroneous doctrines contrary to the ground of saith Admonition this word comprehends instruction the resolving of doubts the necessary confuting of errours charitable exhortation both publique and private Reject take not the paines to dispute with him any more hearken no more to his replies and objections and by vertue of thy publique charge excommunicate him and likewise in ordinary conversation hold him as one that is prophane and cut off from the body of the Church Rom. 16. 17. 1 Cor. 5. 11. Gal. 1. 8 9. 5. 12. 2 Thes. 3. 14. 2 John 10. V. 11. Subverted desperate and utterly perverted in understanding and wil as concerning matters of faith as a building which is ruined from the very foundation Condemned convinced by his own conscience V. 12. Nicopolis there were many Cities of this name in divers Provinces here it is likely is meant that of Epirus or Albany V. 13. Bring provide that they may have company and be fitted with all things necessary when they come away from thee The Lawyer namely of the Jewish law but converted to be a Christian See upon Matth. 22. 25. V. 14. Ours also namely the Christians who ought therein to imitate the Jewes most carefull observers of these duties towards people of note Unfruitfull he cals the workes of charity so they being sweet and profitable effects of faith and of the faithfuls regeneration Phil. 1. 11. 4. 17. V. 15. In the faith namely in the communion of faith in Christ as members of the same body Or loyalty Of Macedonia or of Albania or Epirus which depended also upon Macedonia and was comprehended under it THE EPISTLE OF St. PAUL THE Apostle to PHILEMON ARGUMENT ONesimus servant to Philemon who was as it is likely one of the Pastors of the Church of Colosse was runne away from his Master for some deceit or theft and afterwards upon some unknown occasion came to Saint Paul to Rome by whom he was instructed and converted to the Christian faith and had served him some time And the Apostle sends him backe with this Epistle to his master whom in a most hearty manner he reconciles to Onesimus and intreats him that he may with his leave and good will retaine him to be his houshold servant Vers. 2. IN thy house namely in Philemons house V. 5. Hearing this is the cause of the thankes which he had given him in the former verses as in the sixt verse is contained the end of the request Toward all this hath a relation to his charity V. 6. Communication namely the faith which thou hast common with other members of Christ may be lively and bring forth more and more its true effects whereby thou Philemon and all the rest of you to whom I write may duely acknowledge â—â—d give Christ the honour for all the good things which you professe through his benefit V. 7. The bowels thou hast relieved and assisted the faithfull with such a hearty love that besides the corporall assistance their hearts and spirits have been comforted and rejoyced V. 8. In Christ namely by my apostolicall authority which I have from Christ in his Church V. 9. Such a one namely an Apostle and Superiour to all the Ministers of the Church of inferiour degree The aged in the quality of a meer pastor of the Church in which I acknowledge thee to be my fellow vers 1. and as thou are such I treat with thee by way of intreaty A prisoner which should the rather incline thee to grant my request V. 10. My sonne of whose conversion and regeneration I have been the instrument having first instructed him in Christian doctrine 1 Cor. 4. 15. 1 Tim. 1. 2. V. 11. Unprofitable an epithite of an evil servant Matth. 25. 30. Luke 17. 10. that is to say negligent good for nothing disloyall an evil liver Profitable because that he may by thy consent doe me that service which thou shouldest and wouldest personally do if thou wert present v. 13. V. 12. Mine owne bowels namely my most deare and most tender child V. 13. In thy stead See 1 Cor. 16. 17. Phil. 2. 30. Of the Gospel In which bonds I am bound for preaching of it V. 14. Thy benefit namely of granting me thy servant Of necessity as it would have seemed to have been if I had kept
in that he proves the foresaid things by the event namely because Christ doth now shew himselfe to his believers in effect powerfull enough to free them from temptations and from the terrors of death and judgement he himselfe having tried the same agonies for them and overcome them CHAP. III. Vers. 1. WHerefore Let the qualitie of King of the Church which Christ hath as hath been said before induce you to respect that of Prophet and Doctor which he begins to speak of now Consider be attentive and give reverence and obedience to Christ who hath been appointed by God to be the great Prophet to bring us tidings of the Gospel of which we all make profession and high Priest also Now in this Chapter and the next he talkes of the first which is the Prophetical Office and in the fith of the Priestly Office V. 2. Who was the Italian who of whom may be spoken in all perfection and in an higher sense that which was spoken of Moses Numb 12. 7. which seemes to be mentioned by the Apostle to shew the Hebrewes who were great admirers of Moses that by extolling of Christ he did not take any thing away from Moses but did onely teach how proportions should be kept and the degrees of honour due to each of them V. 3. For this is the reason of the exhortation verse 1. This man hath been by the Father placed in a degree and office beâ—itâ—ng the Highnesse of his Person In as much to draw the Hebrewes mildely away from their unmeasurable esteem which they held Moses and his Law in to the prejudice of Christ he sheweth that Moses in his person and office is infinitely inferior to Christ in as much as Moses is man Christ is God Moses is in Gods House as a member and servant Christ is the Builder and Lord of it as he is the Son vvhereupon he concludes verse 7. that Christ ought not to be disobeyed under pretence of any other authoritie seeing that no man is to be compared with Him V. 4. For every this comparison is grounded upon a thing which every one knoweth namely that every house must have a builder and was not made by it self and that the Architect is more excellent then the building So that if Moses hath been a beleever in the house of God this house must have had a builder and that is no man but Christ who therefore is far greater then Moses who in his own person hath been but a part of this building nor in his office any more then a servant All things namely all the parts of the Church Ephes. 1. 10 and 3. 9. as well in framing them by his word and Spirit as in gathering them together in himself Is God namely as he is of divine nature and not meerly man as Moses V. 5. For a testimonie truly to relate as a faithfull witnesse not his own words but those which he had heard of Christ Acts 7. 38. whereas Christ speaketh nothing but his own word vers 7. V. 6. Over his own that is to say He is not in Gods house onely as a servant and a steward but over it as his own like the Lord and master of it If we for perseverance is the true effect and mark of those who are living members of Christ and of his Church see Rom. 11. 22. Colâ—ss 1. 23. Heb. 3. 14 and 6. 11. The considence and rejoycing the Italian the freedom and boasting of the hope that is to say The free and constant profession of the faith through which upon the confidence of eternall goods you glory and triumph in the crosse and persecutions of this world Rom. 5. 3 4. He speaks this because that the greatest stumbling block the Hebrew Christians had was their Nations persecution V. 8. The provocation namely the cruell and exasperated contention V. 13. While it is while the time is that God calleth us and exhorâ—s us c. in the same manner as it is represented unto us Psal. 95. which is the time of grace patience and hope after which time all these things are cut off Psal. 32. 6. Isai. 55. 6. John 12. 35. 2 Cor. 6. 2. Be hardned allured and seduced by his own naturall corruption or by his carnall concâ—piscences Rom. 7. 11. James 1. 14. that he do not by little and little come obstâ—â—ately to refuse Gods grace and lose all manner of feeling of it and all true judgement of conscience and so rebell openly against God V. 14. For we are the great and chief cause which ought to move us to this duty is the soveraign benefit which we have received in the communion of Christ by faith If we see vers 6. The beginning namely the gift of Gods Spirit and Faith which is as the root by which we live and subsist spiritually in Christ Rom. 11. 18 20. Gal. 2. 20. or our first firmenesse and constant expectation V. 15. Whiles it is we ought to persevere unto the end for untill that time the word To day will take place V. 16. Howbeit not all for Caleb and Joshua are excepted Numb 14. 30. V. 19. We see the event did confirm Gods threatning as we all know CHAP. IV. Vers. 1. A Promise being left there is yet to day a promise left concerning a spirituall and everlasting rest of which the Apostle speaks afterwards besides of the rest in Canaan vers 9. Others translate it Lest that some of you having namely through incredulity or by a revolt forgon the promise of entring into his rest seem to be deprived of it Should seem not that he is indeed excluded through his own fault a kinde of speech to mitigate the hardnesse of the thing see Hebr. 12. 15. V. 2. For unto us he confirms the former exhortation for unto Christians is made a promise of grace as there was formerly to the ancient Jews Mixed the Italian incorporated the Apostle useth a terme which seems to be taken from food which is digested and therefore inseparably united to his body that eateth it So Gods word is the food of the soul which profiteth not unlesse it be applied by lively faith which is in stead of the mouth and other organs of nourishment see John 6. 35. V. 3. For we a continuation of the same confirmation If we have received a promise of the same kinde we shall likewise obtain the like effect of rest by means of a faith like unto that faith which was required in our Ancestours Do enter that is to say We have all those qualities which are required for to enter into it and shall assuredly enter into it and do already begin to enter into it even in this world by rest of conscience and by ceasing from sinne As he said we must supply but unbeleevers shall not enter into it according to this threatning of the Psal. 95. Although the that is to say Gods rest promised to beleevers is no more the land of Canaan but a rest correspondent unto that
opposing of the Law sacrifices whose impotencie in purging of sinnes he sheweth because they were alwayes to be reiterated to Christs onely one he proves that this ought to last for ever and that the others ought to cease and give place unto it A Shadow A darke and flying representation of Christs sacrifice which was to come and of its benefits Not the very namely not such an one as the Gospel sets forth in Christ between which and the Law there is the same difference as there is between a rough draught and a picture which is finished being drawn to the life with all its lineaments and colours Year by year He meanes the anniversary sacrifices of the day of expiations Lev. 22. 26. Numb 20. 8. which were a speciall figure of Christs sacrifice Make the commers the Italian sanctifie those that come neer namely that come neer to God by these sacrifices to be reconciled to him and have part in his grace and peace And the terme of comming neer was used in things concerning Religion and sacred acts Heb. 7. 25. and 11. 6. V. 2. Once purged this is grounded thereupon that the true purging is not onely in regard of sinnes that are past still leaving way to reiterate the same remedy for sinnes which may follow but it is a totall reconciliation of man with God whereby all his former and future faults are before God forgiven him once for all though the feeling and application thereof be dispensed unto him by degrees and at intermitted times Should have had their conscience would have been fully satisfied and certified of Gods grace without any further remorse or accusation which was the end and effect of expiatory sacrifices V. 3. But in those beleevers under the Law in those solemn sacrifices protested that they did not offer them onely for that yeers sins but also for all the sinnes of those yeers which were past though they were ceremonially purged by former sacrifices to shew that there was no reall nor perfect explation which they expected in Christ. Now the Apostle by the inspiration of the holy Ghost knew Gods intention in this anniversary institution though the thing had not been plainly unfolded by Moses V. 4. For it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say because expiation for sinne cannot be made without a voluntary satisfaction for 〈◊〉 punishment due therefore in the same nature as sinne was committed and besides this satisfaction must be made by an infinite merit before God which cannot be in the offerings of bruit beasts V. 5. When he co 〈…〉 〈◊〉 in Psal. 40. 6. brought in speaking of his obedience opposite to the sacrifice of beasts see Hebr. 1. 6. according to the holy Ghosts secret intention manifested by the Apostle and the Psalmists termes being so strong and pregnant are onely very convenient and fitting for Christ alone and can no way be applied to David but onely by a shadow and figure Hist thou in the Hebrew text it is thou hast pierced mine ear but S. Paul by Apostolicall authority hath alleaged the Greek translation which in effect agreeth with the originall sense because that the same word which signifieth To pierce signifieth also To prepare meat Now Christs preparation to be a true sacrifice hath been nothing else but his voluntary obedience to which his humane nature hath been framed by the sanctification of the holy Ghost V. 9. He taketh away the Psalmist doth here manifestly point at the disanulling of the Ceremonies to give way onely to Christs perfect obedience see Hebr. 7. 11. and 8. 11. V. 10. By the which will namely by Christs obedience to this will set downe in this Psalme which hath made Christs sacrifice acceptable to God and effectuall for men V. 11. And every having before opposed Christs Sacrifice to the anniversary sacrifices of the high Priests he now opposeth the same to the daily offerings of inferiour priests Standeth namely in a new action which is opposite to Christ sitting in Heaven after he had accomplished his onely sacrifice V. 14. 〈…〉 ected that is to say really and effectually purged the sinnes reconciled to God and justified all Gods children whom God justifieth by his vocation and by the regeneration of his Spirit V. 18. Now where when man hath once obtained the true and perfect end and effect of the sacrifice which is the forgivenesse of sinnes and reconciliation with God we need not reiterate it any more we ought to have recourse to that onely by faith and repentance V. 19. Having seeing that by means of our reconciliation with God we have free accesse to him in his heavenly glory shadowed by his ancient sanctuary Hebr. 9. 8. 1â— to present our selves to him with our prayers thanksgivings sighs laments and other acts of divine service whereas through sinne this entrance was shut up Gen. 3. 24. V. 20. A new that is to say The onely lasting and effectuall means opposite to the dead and corruptible blood of beasts which had no efficacy in it Consecrated solemnly appointed and made use of by him in his ascension into heaven Through the vail the meaning is that as anciently there was the great v 〈…〉 â—â—rtain before the Sanctuary which served for an entrance into it So beleevers when they would come to God in Heaven ought by a lively faith to represent unto themselves Christs flesh that is to say his humane nature with all that he hath in it done for them that so they may enter into the innermost fruition of Gods grace and glory V. 21. An high priest to present our prayers to God and to sanctifie them by his righteousnesse and intercession Revel 8. 3. V. 22. A true namely a sincere and loyall heart Having our being purified in body and soul by vertue of the holy Ghost working that inwardly in our hearts which is signified by the outward Baptisme John 3. 5. From an evil namely from that inward impuritie and corruption whereof every mans conscience is witnesse and judge see Heb. 9. 14. V. 25. The assembling he means the publike congregations of the Church to hear Gods Word participate of the Sacraments pray give thanks and perform other Acts of Gods publike service Ye see by the signes which the Lord had foretold The day of Christs comming to judgement in which he shall crown the persevering beleevers and punish the disloyall V. 26. For if I exhort you to take heed of the first degrees of impietie for by them you may fall into the extream which is the iâ—emissible sinne against the holy Ghost Wilfully by a totall apostacie and extinction of the holy Ghost done purposely through malice with delight and against the feeling of your own conscience not through me 〈…〉 ignorance inconâ—ideracâ—â— or infirmity 〈◊〉 through a strong temptation There remaineth seeing the onely true sacrifice is Christs when that is quite denied and rejected it can be no more reiterated neither can there any other be found elsewhere V. 28. Despised turning from Gods
that is to say Doe also signifie those same Kings who either through conversion to Christ or for some offences received or for some other reasons shall turn against the whore and shall destroy her And shall eat a figurative terme taken from wilde beasts which are taken in hunting V. 17. And give that is to say as he had for a time suffered them to submit themselves to the beast so when the terme of the accomplishment of Gods counsels and of the prophecies shall be come he shall stir them up to war against it V. 18. That great namely the state and empire that hath its seat there because otherwise the city is the beast and the woman is the state vers 3. CHAP. XVIII Vers. 2. SAying see upon Rev. 14. 8. V. 9. The kings whether we must take them to be some other Kings beside the ten Revel 17. 16. or some of those same ten V. 12. Thine the Italian all kinde of cedar the Greek word signifieth a wilde kinde of cedar very sweet and which doth not rot and hath a grained and curled root of which anciently they made works of great value V. 13. Souls of men that is to say Persons which seem to be added besides slaves because that anciently they made merchandize of persons not onely for slavery but also for pleasures or abominable delights V. 14 The fruits that is to say the delights of the earths yeelding which thou didst seek after with so much care and delight V. 22. Of a milstone for in ancient times they commonly used hand-mils which did make a great noise in the cities V. 23. Of a candle a great number of which were lighted at night-feasts and merry meetings For thy merchants for thou hast made use of Kings and Princes to doe thy businesse and to seek thy profit and hast bewitched the nations with false perswasions and seducements V. 24. In her that is to say she hath been sound guilty of it because that all the counsels instructions and inducements to persecutions have proceeded from her Prophets that is to say faithfull Doctors of the Church That were slain namely for the pure profession of the faith and for witnessing the truth of the Gospel CHAP. XIX Vers. 1. ALleleuia an Hebrew word frequent in the Psalms which together with many more hath passed to be used in other Languages in the service of God and signifieth Praise the Lord see Psal. 104. 35. V. 8. Was granted to shew that the sanctification of the Church which is all its ornament Psal. 45. 13. and 93. 5. is a meer gift of Christ her bride-groom Ephes. 5. 26 27. Rev. 3. 18. V. 10. At his feet the Italian addeth before him at his feet namely before the Angel which uttered this voyce For the testimony that is to say To me who am but a created Angel and Minister of Christ doth not belong the honour of these Propheticke Revelations but to Christ alone who is true God who hath witnessed that is to say revealed these secrets and counsels of his Fathers and who by his Spirit inspireth the light and certain knowledge thereof into his servants see Psal. 2. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 11. Revel 1. 1. 2. 5. and 22. 6. V. 11. He that namely Christ. V. 12. A name thus is his Godhead signified incomprehensible to any creature Judges 13. 18. Matth. 11. 27. Or the dignity of head of the Church which no man knoweth that is to say Possesseth not besides himselfe and is incommunicable to any other Phil. 2. 9. V. 13. In blood for a signe as well of his victories over his enemies as of his perfect righteousnesse and redemption acquired by the merit and in vertue of his death and passion V. 14. The armies that is to say the Angels V. 15. Treadeth the Italian shall tread that is to say Shall execute Gods vengeances upon his enemies gathered together as it were in a wine-presse V. 17. Unto the supper of the great God the Italian unto Gods great banquet that is to say Unto the great slaughter which he will make CHAP. XX. Vers. 4. ANd they the Italian persons namely the glorified Saints Iudgement namely power to judge the world as Christs adsessors and assistants who is the supreme judge see upon 1 Cor. 6. 2 3. That were that ha◠in any manner suffered martyrdom In all this Prophecie it is better and more sure to expectand stay for the explication by the event then to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without any certain ground V. 9. The camp namely the Church militant in the world by a figure taken from the children of Israel which encamped in the wildernesse V. 11. Him that namely Jesus Christ everlasting King of his Church and supreame judge of the world From whose face that is to say at the appearing of whose new Kingdom all this forme and state of the world was changed in an instant and vanished away V. 12. The books termes taken from the publike judgements here amongst men wherein are produced all the writings of the processe informations depositions of witnesses c. to shew that all actions even the most secret ones shall then be rehearsed and made manifest 1 Cor. 4. 5. Another book which represents the everlasting election to life and glory in Christ. V. 13. And hell namely the places under ground where the bodies are laid after they are dead V. 14. Death that is to say There was no more neither death nor sepulchre for Gods Elect the command of death over them was quite annihilated and remained upon the damned in whom death and the grave were changed into everlasting imprisonment and torments of hell CHAP. XXI Vers. 1. WEre passed that is to say Were changed in forme and state see upon Rom. 8. 21. V. 2. Holy city that is to say The Church in glory V. 3. The tabernacle that is to say God shall be present with them for ever a terme taken from the Tabernacle where the Arke was and the other signes of Gods presence in the midst of the people of Israel V. 6. It is done that is to say the end of the world is come all Gods words are accomplished V. 8. Fearfull that is to say cowardly in their spirituall combats who through carnall fear shall not dare to make profession of my truth or shall deny it Sorcerers or poisoners V. 10. In the Spirit namely in extasie and vision not corporally V. 11. Her light that is to say her sunne which enlightneth her V. 12. Angels namely of grace and peace contrary to the Cherubin set at the entrance of earthly paradice with a Sword to drive Adam out of it Gen. 3. 24. V. 16. The length and a figure of the perfect and everlasting stability of the Church in Heaven the cube or solid square being the most stable and equal figure of all V. 17. An hundred and forty and foure namely in thicknesse That is of that is according to the proportion of the resemblance of the body in which
tolle and labour Iob 20. 18. V. 13. Following the Italian in the second generation that is to say in a short time not continuing long in his posterity V. 14. Bee remembred namely against him to make him beare the full measure of punishment as hee hath heaped up the full measure of sinne Exod. 20. 5. V. 15. Of them namely of that wicked man and of his Ancestors V. 17. Cursing namely to curse others V. 20. That speak that talk or determine upon my death or doe raise deadly slanders upon me V. 21. For thy name sake see upon Psal. 106. 8. V. 27. That this namely this my deliverance which I desire and hope to obtaine at thy hands or my sufferances which depend upon thy meere will and no wayes upon mine enemies wills or powers which is much more verified in Christs sufferings figured out by Davids Isa. 53. 4. 10. V. 30. The multitude the Italian the great ones namely Kings and Princes I being of the same degree and dignity to extoll thy glory so much the more by their acknowledgement as Psal. 107. 32. 119. 46. 138. 1. Others amongst a multitude of people that is to say in the full assembly of thy Church V. 31. Stand to help him and hold him up as Psal. 16. 8. That condemn Hebrew that doe judge his soule PSAL. CX VER 1. THe Lord namely God the Father as chiefe in this councell hath from eternity decreed and in his appointed time hath made it manifest that his sonne who is true God and therefore as well by nature as by his office of King of the Church is Davids master Matth. â—2 should obtaine as Mediator in the union of his humane nature which he shall take upon him an universall Kingdome over all the world and as his Fathers great deputy and hee that representeth the Kingdome of Gods glory And that to this purpose his humanity should be exalted to the highest degree of heavenly glory under God So the next degree of dignity under the highest is signified by these words Sit thou at my right hand 1 Kings 2. 19. Psal. 45 9. see of this Kingdome of Christ Matth. 11. 27. 28 18. Mark 16. 19. Iohn 3. 35. 5. 22. Ephes. 1. 20. Colos 3. 1. Hob. 1. 3. 8. 1. 12. 2. 1 Pet. 3. 22. Vntill that is to say untill that by my power which thou hast from mee by vertue of thy being engendred from all eternity and by the unspeakable assistance of mine own person thou â—ast overthown all the enemies of thy Kingdome amongst which death shall be the last 1 Cor. 15. 26. Not that Christs Kingdome shall cease after that for it must be everlasting But onely the quality of the King shall first bee changed for he shall then reigne no more as Mediator and Deputie but as true God of the same essence with the Father Then the forme of reigning shall be changed for then he shall reign without any externall meanes without instruments without enemies or hinderances without any modification or voluntary restriction of his Almighty power justice c. without distinction of times or diversitie of operations and other circumstances proper to the government of his Kingdome in this world see 1 Cor. 15. 24. 28. V. 2. Shall send he shall cause this thy Kingdome which was founded amongst the Iewes by thy presence in the flesh to spread abroad from Ierusalem Isa. 2. 3. Mic. 4. 2. Luke 24. 47. throughout all the world by the preaching of the Gospel which is the power of God Rom. 1. 16. 1 Cor. 1. 18. with which as with a royall Scepter he governeth his Church V. 3. Thy people when thou by thy Gospel shalt come forth of Ierusalem like to a great King or Captaine to goe and conquer the world the elect shall voluntarily come under thy banners to follow and serve thee in these thine enterprises Of thy power the Italian when thou shalt muster thine Army or in the day of thy strength that is to say when thou shalt lay open thy strength by the sending forth of thy spirit and the power of it to convert the world by thy Gospel In the beauties of holinesse the Italian in thy stately sanctuary namely in Ierusalem where even then shall bee the seat of thy most glorious temple Psal. 96. 9. and shall have been superabundantly glorified by thy presence in the flesh Hag. 2. 9. The dew as at the dawning of the day the dew is engendred so at the first manifestation of thy Gospel an innumerable company of elect shall arise newly regenerated and a heavenly off-spring Isa. 53. 10. Mic. 5. 7. 1 Pet. 2. 2. who by faith and confession shall joyne themselves to thee V. 4. After the in a Priesthood which for the qualities of the person for the property of his office and the perpetuall lasting of it shall have no affinity nor conformity with the ordination of the Levites but onely with Melchisedechs singular ordination as it is brought in Gen. 14. 18. and as it is at large described by thy Apostle Heb. 7. V. 5. The Lord namely God the father as hee who being the origine and beginning of thine eternall being and the head of all this work of Redemption shall beare thee up by his divine power Isa. 42. 6. 49. 8. 51. 16. Thy right to assist and maintaine thee see Psal. 16. 8. 109. 31. shall namely Christ the Sonne of God verse 1. Davids words Strike through a figurative description of Christs spirituall victories Kings namely rebellious ones and such as are enemies â—nto him V. 6. The heads the Italian the head namely the Divell prince of the world Deut. 32. 42. Psal. 68. 21. Hab. 3. 13. and with him the great Empires the world which hee shall cause to rise and be instruments of his rebellion against Christ Revel 13. 2. PSAL. CXI VER 2. SOught out of the Italian Laid open before all them that is to say laid plainly open the great Theater of the Church Or worthy to be sought out or exquisite V. 3. Glorious the Italian glory exceeding glorious and honourable V. 5. He hath given he hath miraculously fed his people in the wildernesse V. 7. Sure as well for the meere declaration of his will as also for the loyall promise of mercy to them that shall keep them which promise is added to his said commandements V. 9. Redemption he eemes to have an especiall relation to the deliverance out of Egypt after which the law was given and the covenant solemnly renewed V. 10. The beginniâ—g namely the very foundation and origine His prayse namely the approbation and glâ—rious reward which man receives from God Rom. 2. 29. Or prayse of God himselfe PSAL. CXII VER 3. ANd his the fruit and reward thereof is assured to us in this world and shall be eternall in heaven V. 4. Ariseth through the middest of the darknesse of ignorance depravation and the miseries of this world
commit fornication the Scripture useth this terme onely to shew the concourse and mixture of strange Nations upon occasion onely of prophane commerce and of gain obtained by cunning and deceit see Ezek. 16. 17. Revel 17. 2. and 18. 3. Upon the namely with great pride and ostentation V. 18. And her the Italian but in the end her that is to say God by the Gospell shaâ—â— call the Tyrians also unto him Psal. 87 4. Acts 21. 3. and then their tâ—ading which before was defiled with avarice shall be sanctified by charâ—tie towards those which are of the houshold of faith see Zech. 14. 20. CHAP. XXIIII Vers 1. THe eaâ—th the Italian the coâ—ntrey namely Iudea V. 2. The priest that is to say as well the politick as the Ecclesiasticall order in which consists the order of the state shall be overthrown or all shall be dealt with alike great and little V. 5. Is defiled with blood murthers rapes and other cruelties and outrages of war and hath not beene kept with that respect as is due to a Country consecrated to God V. 6. The curse namely the curse of God or the punishment of their perjurie for violating the oath which they had made to God see Deut. 29. 20. Are burned are consumed by the combustion of warre or dried up like a river through an extream drought V. 11. For wine the Italian for want of wine because all occasions and meanes of mirth have been taken away The mirth since the peoples captivity all manner of mirth and pleasure hath ceased in the countrey V. 13. When thus that is to say that small remnant of people that shall escape the wars shall be all gathered together and carried away captive to Babylon or shall voluntarily exile it selfe into Egypt and so the land shall remain empty V. 14. They shall sing at the time of their deliverance For the majestie the Italian for the height namely for his glorious power shewed for their deliverance From the sea namely from those far Countries whither they were carried V. 16. Have we heard a description of the confession of their sins which the Jews should make in Babylon and of Gods Justice in visiting them see Dan. 9. 5. Isaid namely I Isaiah even at this time doe lament their grievous transgressions before the punishment fall upon them as they themselves shall afterwards confesse V. 18. He who slecth that is to say Hee that escapeth from one danger shall fall into a greater Amos 5. 19. The windows that is to say Gods Judgements shall come pouring downe upon the earth like a deluge Gen. 7. 11. Psal. 42. 7. and therefore there will be no way to avoid them V. 20. The transgression it shall be so overburthened with grievous punishments for our sinnes that the Lord shall even overthâ—ow it Not rise it shall not be able to stay the ruine nor know how to get out of it as it did in the former calamities though at last it shall please God to restore it wiâ—h his almighty hand V. 21. The bost namely the Church likened to the Stars of the firmament for the dignity of her heavenly vocation Dan. 8. 10. see Isa. 34. 4 5. Lam. 2. 1. The Kings namely of the world and all their might V. 22. Bee visued with Gods grace by Christs comming upon the earth who shall be the Sunne of righteousnesse and the day spring from above who with his soveraigne divine brightnesse shall darken all other inferiour and worldly lights as a great light dims a lesser see Luke 1. 78. V. 23. Shall reign in the person of his Sonne manifested to the world and raised up in glory Before his ancients gloriously the Italian there shall be glory before his ancients that is to say God in the glorious power of his Spirit shall bee present in his Church signified by the ancients or heads of the ancient people see Exodus 24. 9 10. Revelation 4. 4. CHAP. XXV Vers. 2. ACitie namely of the enemies of thy Church A palace the Italian Castles into strong places kept by forraign souldiers V. 3. Therefore in the time of the Messias thou shalt make these ruines of States and Nations serve for their conversion when they shall see thy Church though poore and weake subsist in the world against all oppositions V. 5. The noise namely the furious commotions and enterprises of thine enemies As the heat even as the greatest heat in the driest desert is abated by some cloud that shadoweth the air or is resolved into rain V. 6. Make unto ali he shall distribute unto all Nations gathered together in his Church his spirituall gifts and graces see Psal. 22. 26 29. Pro. 9. 2. Matth. 22. 2. Wines on the lees the Italian excellent wines the Hebrew word properly signifieth Wine that hath not been racked but is yet upon the lees see Jer. 48. 11. V. 7. The face of the namely the vail of blindnesse and want of knowledge of God and of his mysteries which naturally is in all men 2 Cor. 3. 15. V. 8. Swallow up or destroy that is to say Christ the true everlasting God shall by his death destroy the prince of death and death it selfe especially in the blessed resurrection so that it shall never more have any power over his members 1 Cor. 15. 26 54. 2 Tim. 1. 1â— Heb. 2. 14. Rev. 20. 14. and 21. 4. V. 10. The hand that is to say his power shall be for ever present and effectuall in his Church Moab by the name of this Nation is meant all other Nations that are deadly enemies to the Church by reason of the extream fiercenesse of that Nation see Isa. 16. 6. V. 11. Shall spread forth hee shall execute and worke his will at his owne pleasure without any opposition CHAP. XXVI Vers. 1. IN the land namely in the true Church under the Gospel We have that is to say the Church wherein we are is safe against all dangers for the eternall salvation which God hath given us through Christ is the cause and ground of our deliverance from all our enemies and from all evils V. 2. Open ye let all beleevers who are justied and sanctified by God have free entrance and abode therein indifferently without any distinction of Nations V. 5. Them that dwell namely all the powerfull enemies of the Church 2 Cor. 10. 〈◊〉 V. 6. The foot that is to say the beleevers though poor and weake according to the world shall tread upon all contrary powers which are overthrown by the power of God Rom. 16. 20. Rom. 2. 26. V. 7. The way thou guidest and directest him happily in all his affairs see Psal. 143. 10. Prov. 21. 8. V. 8. Have we namely we beleevers have alwayes had our hope and confidence in thee even then when thou hast wrought against us in the rigour of thy punishments To the remembrance of thee namely to all the signes gages and testimonials which thou hast given us of thy grace by thy Word