and poore 2 Preserue the life of him that is promoted by thy benefite preserue ô my God I saie thy seruant that flieth vnto thee 3 Haue mercie vpon me ô Lord crieng dailie vnto thee 4 Refresh the soule of thy seruant for vnto thee alone ô Lord my soule doth lift it selfe 5 For thou ô Lord art verelie good and merciful and vsest great clemencie and kindnes towards them that cal vpon thee 6 Giue eare vnto my praiers ô Lord and receiue the words of him that praieth vnto thee 7 Neither doe I crie without cause vnto thee but being in most extreame miserie therefore thou wilt heare me 8 For verelie amongst al those feined gods vnto whome the mad men doe attribute so much who is to be compared vnto thee ô Lord and who is able to doe like vnto thee 9 Wherefore al nations in the end shal cast awaie their false gods and shal knowledge thee their creator and reuerencing thee shal giue thee al praise 10 For thou verelie art great thou onelie art God the author and worker of maruellous works 11 Teach me ô Lord the waie that thou hast appointed that I may shew my selfe faithful and trulie obedient vnto thee and cleauing wholie vnto thee may set my mind to serue thee 12 O Lord my God I wil praise thee with my whole heart and magnifie thy name for euer 13 Seeing I haue the experience of thine infinite goodnes in my selfe and am deliuered from the lowest pit of the graue by thee 14 Thou seest doubtles how cruel and proud men do arise vp against me and how such as regard nothing lesse than thee doe labour with al power to take my life from me 15 But thou ô Lord God vpon whome onlie I do depend wholie art verelie merciful and pitiful and art not hastie vnto anger most merciful I saie and most ful of truth 16 Take care of me therefore for thine infinite mercie and helpe thy bond-seruant 17 Grant finallie that I may manifestlie knowe that thou louest me that mine enimies may be ashamed of themselues when they see that thou dost helpe and comfort me PSALME LXXXVII The Argument Manie do applie this Psalme to the time of the second temple but I had rather to attribute it to that time of the kingdome of Dauid when he set vp a tabernacle for the Arke of the Lord in that part of the citie that bare his name euen the mount Sion whilest that the temple was builded Howsoeuer it is besides the prophesie of spreading the Church of God thoughout the whole world this Psalme doth teach vs with a maruellous and diuine breuitie vnder the figure of that earthlie either temple or tabernacle either first or second that the worke of the building of the spiritual temple of God which is made of liuely stones euen the Church is altogither diuine and that the foundation thereof is onelie the good pleasure of God and that the Church is not bound to one place alone and that nothing is more stable and durable than the Church finallie that the true and euerlasting ioie doth onlie there remaine as hauing the promises both of this life and of the life to come THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THe Lord minding to build vnto himselfe a firme and stable habitation hath chosen these hils consecrated them to himselfe 2 And he hath preferred the gates of Sion aboue al the habitations of Iacob because it so pleased him 3 Wherfore excellent things are decreed of thee ô citie of God 4 For behold saith the Lord I wil account both Aegypt and Babylon amongst my people so that they shal be no more enimies vnto thee and the verie Philistins the Tyrians and Arabians shal be numbred amongst thy citizens 5 Finallie men of al nations shal not be as aliens and strangers but they shal be the natiue citizens of Sion the which God wil establish from aboue 6 For God accounting the people wil write them al in his booke 7 There shal al sound with singers and shawmes there saith the Lord al the fountaines of my benefits shal flowe foorth PSALME LXXXVIII The Argument The Hebrue title doth testifie that the writer of this Psalme was Heman by his countrie surnamed Esrait a kinsman and fellowe of Asaph of whome most honourable mention is made 1. Chron. 6 33. and 15 4. where it is said that he was a Prophet to the king and a singer and of singular wisedome 2. Kings 4.31 So that I thinke they are deceiued who refer this Psalme to the time of Joakim the last king of Iu l◠saue one who was captiue in Babylon And it conteineth such a lamentation as there is none more lamentable and pitiful in the whole Psalmes the which the whole Church and the families and also euerie priuate man may vse both in publike and priuate miseries Therefore was this Psalme afore-time named amongst the penitentials as they called them and was sung at the publike confession of the excommunicate persons the which Psalmes afterward we haue seene to be applied foolishlie and without reason to a daily and priuate babbling without respect either of time or person THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord GOD of whome I doe wait for my deliuerance I cal for thy helpe daie and night 2 Let my praiers I beseech thee come vnto thee and giue eare vnto my crie 3 My soule is ful of miserie neither is my life far from the graue 4 For I am more like to a dead than to a liuing man by the iudgement of al that doe behold me 5 And as though I had no part with the liuing I am now counted amongst the dead and amongst them that lie in graue of whose life there is none account as those whome thy hand hath cut off at once 6 And I am cast by thee as into the lowest darke and deepe pit 7 Thy wrath lieth vpon me and thou hast ouerwhelmed me with al thy flouds 8 Thou hast put al my familiars from mee vnto whome I am so loathsome not without thy knowledge so that I keepe my selfe within my house as it were in a prison and dare not go one foot forth 9 Mine eies are consumed through sorowe yet cal I vpon thee dailie ô Lord spreading foorth my hands 10 And wil there be time to exercise thy great power when men are dead wilt thou restore them to life againe that they may giue thee praise 11 Shal they that lie in graue set foorth thy mercie there and shal they that are dead set foorth thy truth againe here 12 Shal those that lie buried in the darknes of death knowe thy woonderful workes and they whose memorie death hath blotted out from the liuing acknowledge thy righteousnes 13 Wherfore I cease not to cal vpon thee ô Lord and I doe preuent the morning light in powring foorth my praiers 14 Why dost thou refuse mine oppressed soule ô Lord why doest thou turne awaie thy face from mee 15 Ah! I am miserable and readie to
10 But the innocents whome these men without cause laboured to oppresse shal more ioifullie praise the name of God and shal flie vnto him more boldlie hereafter al I saie that be of good conscience shal take occasion of a certaine holie boasting and glorieng hereby PSALME LXV The Argument This Psalme or hymne written to the praise of God first teacheth vs that his benefites are neuer anie where rightlie knowledged and praised but onlie in his holie congregations Then he biddeth vs to marke three special things and to praise God for them One and that for the greatest that God doth gather a Church vnto himselfe in the which he wil be praised where he heareth them that do praie where he doth forgiue sinne the which finallie he neuer ceasseth to blesse with the multitude of his benefites and most mightilie to defend Secondlie that he doth mainteine the societie of mâ—n by appointing and preseruing the policies and gouernements in the midst of so great hurlieburlies Thirdlie that he doth minister from heauen al things that are necessarie for this life so abundantlie and liberallie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THou certeinlie art onlie he to whome once vttering thy pleasure al men must worthily yeeld but this praise ô God is giuen vnto thee in the onlie mount of Sion where onlie vowes are paied vnto thee aright 2 And thou againe there doest despise the praiers of none that flie vnto thee 3 There doest thou purge the sinnes wherewith else we being vtterlie ouerwhelmed durst not lift vp our faces before thee 4 O blessed is he therefore whome so euer thou so fauourest that thou commandest him to come vnto thee and whome thou feedest abundantlie with those true good things of thy house and most holie palace after thou hast receiued him into the number of thy houshold seruants 5 For although no men seeme to be more in danger yet experience it selfe doth declare that none are more sure whiles that thou in verie deede dost declare thy selfe terrible to al their enimies for the perfourmance of thy promise so oft as they cal vpon thee so that euen to the vtmost coastes of the earth and the farthest part of the sea the same of thy name being spread al men are compelled to looke vp vnto thee 6 Thou art he by whose power consisteth whatsoeuer is high in the world euen by thy might which as it establisheth these mountaines which we see and the kingdomes also and the policies whereby mankind is preserued 7 And like as thou doest calme the stormes of the sea and the sounding tempests so also thou doest breake and bridle the fiercenes of the raging multitude 8 By these testimonies of thy most mightie power the inhabitants of the earth being conuinced do tremble and keepe silence and thus peace being restored thou causest that men againe do leade their life both daie and night in comfortable peace and tranquillitie 9 For thou takest care of the earth euen from the heauens watering it and making it fruiteful with plentious showres which are thy verie gift wherwith it being soupled and prepared doth reteine the seede committed vnto it 10 Afterward thou waterest the sorrowes of the fields thou breakest the clots thou mollifiest the ground with mild and timelie showres sent downe from aboue thou cherishest and bringest forth the seede with their buds 11 Finallie thus thou crownest the earth most bountifullie with al kinde of fruites yearelie the fatnes dropping downe from aboue from thy steps which waie soeuer thou walkest 12 Yea and the pastures of the wildernes doest thou cherish with dew and thou fillest the high hilles also with gladnes 13 So are the pastures clad with sheepe the vallies are clothed with corne finallie al places do sound together with ioiful shoutes and songs PSALME LXVI The Argument This Psalme and also certaine other do seeme to be written for the perpetual vse of the Church although they haue some priuate occasion partlie to renew the memorie of so manie old deliuerances and partlie to giue thankes vnto God so oft as anie occasion doth offer it selfe either priuatelie or publikelie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Al ye inhabitants of the earth sing vnto the Lord a triumphant song 2 Praise his name with songs praise him with glorie and maiestie 3 Saie in his presence O how terrible and feareful doest thou shew thy selfe in verie deede for euen thine enimies ouercome by the greatnes of thy power are compelled to acknowledge thee and to dissemble at the least that they feare thee 4 Therfore shal al the earth worship thee it shal sing praises vnto thee and celebrate thy name 5 Go to come hither al you behold the things that God hath done and with how great miracles he hath declared himselfe terrible to mortal men 6 This is he that dried vp the sea in a moment and made the floud passable vnto our feete for the which benefit we his people euen at this daie do reioice 7 This is the almightie Lord of the whole world beholding from heauen al the nations scattered throughout the world not suffering them that forsake him to exalt themselues at their pleasure 8 O praise the Lord ô ye tribes and kindreds consecrate vnto him sound forth his glorie far and wide 9 For he hath restored our life when it was lost and he onlie hath staied that we should not fal with sliding steps 10 For thou wouldest not haue vs to be lost ô God but onlie hast tried vs and fined vs as the siluer put in the fornace 11 Thou hast snared vs and cast vs bound with chaines into most streight distresse 12 Thou hast suffered that our enimies hauing ouercome vs did abuse vs with reproches and scoffes as though we had bin beastes we haue tasted the heate of the fire and the force of the water but thou afterward hast sent comfort and refreshed vs. 13 Wherefore I am present in thy house with offerings to performe my vowes 14 Which I haue fullie vowed in my miserie and spoken them with my mouth 15 Therefore haue I determined to offer vnto thee fat offerings euen the fat of rams and bullockes and goates 16 And you also al others that feare God come hither I praie you with me and giue eare vnto me rehearsing the benefits bestowed by him vpon me 17 I haue called for his helpe with my mouth and haue praised him with my tongue 18 And that with a mind free from al euil imagination for else he would not haue heard me 19 Therefore the Lord hath heard me and gaue eare vnto my praier 20 Praise then be vnto God who refused not my praiers neither did withdrawe his mercie from me PSALME LXVII The Argument The Prophet doth attribute vnto the onlie mercie of God both the spiritual blessings which are peculiar vnto the Church and also the corporal whereof he desireth the continuance and also doth prophesie the spreading of the Church that should be vnder Messiâ—h and so exhorteth al the
this battel but thou hast graunted vnto him a life that shal neuer faile 5 So great glorie hath he atteined by this thy defence and so great is the glistering of this honour wherewith thou hast crowned him 6 For surelie thou hast made him to be a singular and euerlasting example of thy mercie to al men and thou beholding him with thy pleasant countenance hast wonderfullie comforted him 7 Seeing therefore the king doth trust in the Lord alone and doth depend wholie of the mercie of the most high God surelie his throne shal neuer be shaken 8 Thine hand hath taken thine enimies ô King thy right hand I say shal apprehend thine enimies that hate thee 9 Thou in thy wrath shalt cast them into the flaming fornace that the Lord may consume them vtterlie destroie them by the heate of his wrath 10 Yea and thou shalt vtterlie destroie their children that they shal neuer appeare among men 11 For thou art he against whome they haue intended al these euils against whome they haue inuented that which they could not bring to passe 12 Thou shalt cause them to turne their backes vnto thee by directing thy dartes against their faces 13 Graunt ô Lord that thy mightie power may appeare which we may sing foorth with thy great praise and celebrate in Psalmes PSALME XXII The Argument Whereas we can neuer sufficientlie consider that battel of Christ wherevpon our victorie dependeth and wherein onlie we may plainelie behold both how horrible a thing it is to fal into the hand of God our iudge and how great the mercie of God is toward his Church and finallie how high the mysterie of the wisedome of GOD is surelie this Psalme among others is worthie neuer to be out of our hands and memorie For it so painteth foorth the abasing of the sonne of God that we may almost see him with our verie eies and heare him with our verie eares as yet hanging vpon the Crosse and casting foorth those most sorowful sighes in that conflict with Sathan with our sinnes and with death and as it were wrestling foorth out of the verie bottome of the helles Furthermore this Psalme describeth plainelie and euidentlie also the famous victorie of his resurrection and the euerlasting office of the eternal Bishop and Doctour which he shal exercise vnto the end of the world by his Ambassadours for to gather his Church out of al nations and to preserue it and thus do the foure Euangelistes interprete this Psalme in the historie of the Passion and the Apostle also in the Epistle to the Hebrewes THE PARAPHRASIS 1 MY God my God why doest thou forsake me and withdrawest thy selfe so farre from my crie that thou shouldest not deliuer me 2 I crie ô my God in the day time yet doest thou not heare me although I also crie in the night season without anie ceasing 3 Howbeit thou art that same holie God that doest inhabit that sanctuarie which is appointed for Israël to set foorth thy praises therein 4 For thou art he in whome al our fathers haue set al their hope and not without cause for thou hast deliuered them 5 For they haue cried vnto thee and thou hast deliuered them neither failed they at anie time of their hope 6 But I am so miserable that I may be called a worme rather than a man euerie-where exposed to the mocking of al men and to contempt 7 Al that behold me mocked me and wagged their heads skoffinglie deriding me 8 Go to now say they he rested vpon the Lord let him deliuer him let him saue him if he do so fauour him 9 But thou art he that hast drawne me out of my mothers wombe and hast had a special care ouer me so that thou hast caused me to looke vp vnto thee when I did hang on my mothers brests 10 So soone as I came foorth into the world I was committed vnto thee euen then thou diddest declare thy selfe to be my God 11 Now then when so great miserie doth approch vnto me be not thou farre from me which am destitute of al manner of succour besides 12 For mightie bulles do enuiron me great bulles and cruel do compasse me about 13 And they run vpon me with gaping mouthes like raging and roaring lions 14 I slide away like water al my bones are wrested out of ioint my hart melteth like waxe within mee 15 Al the comfortable moisture of my bodie is dried vp so that I am like a dried potsheard my tongue cleaueth to the roofe of my mouth and I seeme now to lie in the dust of the graue without life 16 Dogs stand about me and barke against me on euerie side I am compassed about with multitudes of most wicked men they haue striken through my hands and my feete 17 One might easilie number al the bones of my bodie so stretched out the which thing they behold careleslie and with pleasure 18 Moreouer they parted my garments amongst them and cast lots for my robe 19 But thou ô Lord forsake me not but rather thou that art my strength hasten to helpe me 20 Deliuer my soule from this their rage and rid me out of the power of these dogs which is forsaken of al. 21 Deliuer me I saie out of the iawes of the lions and from the hornes of these most cruel beastes 22 Thus I being preserued by thee wil declare thy renowmed power whereof I haue had experience vnto my brethren and I wil praise thee with these words in the middest of their assemblie 23 Al ye that worship the Lord come hither al the seede of Iakob praise him al the posteritie of Israël I saie glorifie and reuerence the Lord. 24 For he hath not cast awaie nor despised a man most miserable of al others neither hath he turned awaie his countenance from him but rather hath heard him when he called vnto him 25 I wil praise thee ô Lord in the most populous assemblie and I wil paie my vowes in the sight of al them that feare thee 26 Then the most miserable whosoeuer they be shal be fed with meate abundantlie then they that seeke the Lord shal be refreshed not for a moment onlie but shal praise him receiuing the inward comfort of euerlasting life 27 Al men euen to the vttermost coastes of the earth shal make mention of him and being turned vnto the Lord whome they had forgotten al nations I saie shal worship thee ô Lord. 28 For then shal the Lord chalenge vnto himselfe the authoritie of his kingdome ouer al nations 29 Finalie then the mightiest of al men shal hasten to his feast and worship him euen they that are readie to die and whose life was thought past recouerie shal fal downe and worship him 30 Neither shal this benefit be ended by their life but their posteritie also shal serue the Lord whom he wil reckon in his familie from age to age 31 For one sort succeeding another shal declaâ—e the righteousnes of the
onlie by his word and commandement euen that great compas of the heauens how wide and vnmeasurable so euer togither with that infinite number of starres and both the great lightes of the Sunne and the Moone wherewith he hath beautified that frame of the heauenlie firmament as with a great armie set in most comelie order was formed and made by the commandement of his eternal word and by the vnspeakeable power of his spirite also which proceedeth from him 7 Now to come vnto the creatures more neare vnto vs it is the selfe-same power that hangeth ouer vs that liquid and euer flowing element of water and heapeth it vp in it selfe and holdeth it inclosed in certaine secret gulfes and doth keepe it backe that it doth not drowne the world againe 8 Go to then let al them that dwel in the world feare and reuerence such a workemaister and tremble at his workes 9 And learne to followe the examples of those things though they want both sense and vnderstanding who yet so soone as he had spoken the word they stoode foorth and were obedient vnto him do now stil remaine at his commandement 10 It is he the same also although verie manie not onlie particular persons but also whole multitudes conspire togither outragiouslie to their own destruction and labour to bring al things to vtter confusion that yet doth ouerthrowe and breake their wicked practises and craftie counsels because he is the mainteiner and preseruer of ciuil policie and natural equitie whereby mankinde is kept in safetie 11 For it can not be that anie thing that the Lord hath determined can at anie time be made frustrate and voide but rather must alwaies and in al ages remaine stable and vnmoueable 12 But ô most blessed and happie nation to whome the Lord sheweth himselfe their God before others euen by taking a singular and peculiar care ouer them O thou trulie art an happie people if thou didst knowe thine owne blessed state whome he hath chosen to himselfe as his peculiar heritage 13 For God is not an idle beholder of the things that he hath created neither doth he suffer them to be carried at al aduentures but he doth behold al things with a watchful eie and most chieflie doth he obserue al mankind 14 And from his most hie throne he doth behold al the inhabitants of the world wheresoeuer they are placed 15 God forbid that we should thinke that he that hath created the hearts of al men and hath put into them the power of affections of reason could not consider and vnderstand what they thinke and enterprise 16 Wherefore they are doting mad how proud and mightie soeuer they be who dreame that they are able to do anie thing by their owne power seeing that al kingdomes are planted and subuerted by Gods onelie appointment 17 Wherefore their hope is deceiueable vaine who abusing the meanes giuen them by God doe depend of anie other thing than of his power alone not vnlike to the horsemen who trust to the strength of those horses which haue oftentimes ouerthrowne them 18 So then they perish through their owne fault but contrariwise them doth the Lord behold assuredlie keepe and defend which feare him and haue onelie regard vnto his mercie 19 For although al things seeme to threaten their destruction being destitute of al other helpe and sometimes both heauen and earth denie them their bodilie foode yet the Lord preserueth them safe and sound and doth minister vnto them in due season sufficientlie to passe thorough the course of their life 20 Let vs therefore earnestlie run vnto the Lord alone as he worthilie deserueth being our onelie defence and succour 21 And surelie our expectation shal not faile vs for vndoubtedlie it wil come to passe that after some sharpe assaults of these miseries he wil comfort vs with most certaine and true ioies Therfore let vs neuer cease to rest vpon the promises that he hath reuealed vnto vs and neuer faile at anie time to cal vpon his holie name 22 And thou againe ô Lord defend vs by thy mercie that we haue so oft felt from the heauens as thou commandest vs to hope and we trust that thou wilt performe PSALME XXXIIII The Argument This Psalme was written by Dauid as the title declareth for the wonderful deliuerance foorth of the hands of king Achis by dissembling madnes as is written 1. Sam. 21. And it declareth what is our dutie when we haue receiued Gods benefites that is not onlie to giue thanks vnto God and to confirme our selues in faith and hope against other temptations by such like experience but also to exhort others to doe the same by setting foorth these examples that they may belieue that these deliuerings from dangers are not special priuiledges granted to anie one man but that they are so manie preachings as it were and sermons which do appertaine both to the whole Church and to euerie membâ—r of the samâ— Howbeit the Prophet doth ad this one thing that these benefites yet do appertaine to none other but vnto them who after they be deliuered forth of dangers doe repent of their sinnes and doe feare God more seriouslie Also he admonisheth that we should ioine the deliuerance of the godlie with the destruction of the wicked that we make not God as the mockers and scorners doe onlie to see of the one side and so to be merciful that he should forget his iudgements Finallie this Psalme is so furnished with eloquent wordes and so great glistering of most graue sentences that amongest others this is wel worthie to be committed vnto memorie by al the godlie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Wil giue thankes vnto the Lord without ceasing and I wil neuer leaue off to haue his praise in my mouth 2 I wil extol the benefits of the Lord I saie from the bottome of my heart that al the afflicted when they heare this may be thereby comforted 3 Go to then praise and magnifie the Lord together with me and let vs altogether extol and praise his name as he deserueth 4 For I haue sought the Lord and he accomplishing my desire hath deliuered mee from al that troubled me 5 Therefore shal they be bold also moued by my example to turne their eies vnto him and to make haste to run vnto him and shal not be repulsed 6 For Behold shal they saie this miserable man was heard when he called vpon the Lord who deliuered him out of al his miseries 7 And this is a sure case for like as they that feare God are assaulted of euerie side not onlie of other men but also of Sathan and his angels euen so the Lord againe doth campe about them with the inuincible armies of his Angels that they may so be preserued 8 I beseech you therefore doe not careleslie behold this great goodnes of the Lord but rather thinke vpon it againe and againe taste his most comfortable sweetnes and crie together with me O blessed is
it be by death or by anie other meanes that he wil câ—l them to an accounts of al their words and deedes euen as he doth al other mortal men Afterward he condemneth another thing wherein they fault and faile most commonlie to wit the parcialitie and fauouring one person more than another Finallie because the Prophets had oft preached this to men that would not heare them the Prophet praieth that that righteous King would come to put an end to this disorder the which thing also we did see came to passe when the political gouernement of the Iewes ceased and was abolished Now in our times and especiallie after the preaching of the Gospel is restored whereas we see these euils to growe aboue measure so that in manie places there is no regard at al either of Gods law or the law of man what must we now rather desire than that that last daie should speedilie come wherein the Lord may restore al things as it is promised vnto vs by the mouth of Peter Actes 3 21. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 YOV sit indeede I confesse in a higher place aboue other men that are your subiects but I the most high God am present in that your assemblie who haue not debarred my selfe of mine authoritie ouer you neither am I present as an idle beholder but as your Iudge also 2 I praie you then how long shal I suffer you thus to abuse this authoritie giuen vnto you by me vnder certaine lawes and conditions and to exercise iudgements not by right and equitie but as you fauour the wicked partie 3 But I haue placed you in this seate vpon this condition and giuen it vnto you in plaine commandement that you should relieue them that are spoiled by violence that you should defend the fatherles and mainteine the poore against the iniuries of the rich 4 That you should deliuer I saie the miserable and the poore from the hands of the wicked 5 But what hath it auailed to haue spoken these things vnto you I do see that you do care for nothing lesse than to knowe what is your dutie and therefore are more vnwilling to do your dutie Wherefore al things are out of order and none otherwise confounded together than if al men were in most extreame darkenes so that the verie foundations of the earth are moued foorth of their places For what can remaine safe amongst men when the difference of right and wrong is taken awaie 6 Heare therefore ye kings and magistrates who are so negligent what sentence is giuen vpon you You are honoured in deede with that name wherby mine authoritie ouer al men is declared and I haue embraced you with special fauour as a father his children 7 Howbeit I haue not exempted you from my power and authoritie Therefore you are kings I saie but mortal euen as other men you shal die ô ye princes and you shal stand at my iudgement seate as euerie most vile and poore man to giue account of al things 8 O God arise and seeing thou art the onelie Lorde by ful right and authoritie of al men thou thy selfe gouerne the empires and the kingdoms PSALME LXXXIII The Argument This Psalme seemeth then to be made when Dauid had begunne to reigne and had great warres against manie nations whereof mention is made 2. Sam. 8. 1. Chron. 18. And it declareth that there shal neuer want neither foreine nor domestical enimies vnto the Church and by what weapons they are chieflie ouercome the which doctrine how necessarie it is to our times especiallie would God that al to whome it belongeth would consider THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to now come foorth ô God neither keepe silence stil ô God 2 For those that are rather thine enimies than ours conspiring together were neuer more outragious neither did they euer rage with more furie 3 They did neuer take more craftie counsels and that against thy people I saie euen them whome thou hast receiued to protection flieng vnder thine onlie shadowe of defence 4 Neither do they deuise anie light assault against vs but exciting and stirring vp one another Come saie they and let vs destroie these men al at once that we may abolish the name and al memorie of the people of Israël 5 Thus then with one accord haue they made a solemne league against thee 6 The Edomites I saie comming foorth of their tabernacles the Ismaëlites Moabites Agarens 7 Gebalites Ammonites Amalekites Palestines and Tyrians 8 And also the Assyrians confederate with the sonnes of Lot 9 But thou ô God so deale with these as thou diddest with the Midianites of old and with Sisara and Iabin at the brooke of Kison 10 Whome thou diddest destroie at the citie of Endor and madest their lands to be dunghils 11 Do so to their princes as thou didst in old time to Oreb and Zecb and also to Zeba and Salmuna the ringleaders of thine enimies 12 Who euen as these men had the same purpose euen to driue thee awaie and to occupie thy place 13 Whurle them awaie therefore like a ball and tosse them like stubble before the winde 14 And like as the fire burning vp some great wood and the flame consuming the tops of the mountaines 15 So fal thou vpon them with a great storme and pursue them and terrifie them with thy whirlewinde 16 Ouerwhelme them with infamie and shame that they may be compelled against their willes to aske Who is this so mightie a Lord 17 Cause them to be ashamed and to tremble seeing their purposes more and more disappointed and let them perish miserablie in the end 18 That al men may vnderstand that thou art both in name and in deede the onelie Lord which rulest from heauen far and broade throughout al the earth PSALME LXXXIIII The Argument There is the same argument and the same vse of this notable Psalme and of the 42. For the Prophet doth bewaâ—le and lament his miserable condition that for the rage of his enimies he could not go with others into the house of the Lord and there enioie the commodities of the outward holie ministerie The which thing he doth testifie to be more deare vnto him than al other most excellent commodities so far was he from following their example who being conuersant in the verie bosome of the Church do despise the holie assemblies and the vse of the sacraments or else do willinglie go into such places where they can not come together to the true worship of God And in my iudgement this Psalme was written by Dauid himselfe and after was deliuered to the Korites to be sung chiefelie in the solemne feast of the tabernacles that the zeale and desire of the people assembling together might be stirred vp by this notable example oftentimes repeated either that it was written of the Korites themselues of whome as it is verie probable some did ioine themselues vnto Dauid after the Priestes were slaine by Saule and were partakers of his calamities as was Nathan and
being for this cause replenished with ioie and comforted with thy iudgements ô Lord wil reioice 9 Go to then ô Lord sitting vpon thy most high throne rule thou the whole earth and exalt thy selfe aboue al that is aloft anie-where 10 And ye that loue the Lord continue to hate that which is euil and doubt nothing but that he which hath freelie embraced you with so great fauour wil defend you also most mightilie and wil deliuer you from the wicked 11 And though this light of the mercie of God doth not streightwaie shine vnto the godlie let them remember that like as the seedes which are sowen in the earth do not foorthwith spring vp naie though they lie longer hid in the bowels of the earth yet they come forth more plentifullie euen so the light of righteousnes is sowen for them that loue that light whereby it shal wholie come to passe that al they that leade an vpright life are replenished with incredible ioie 12 Reioice ye therefore in the Lord so great a King ô al ye iust and magnifie the holie remembrance of him continuallie PSALME XCVIII The Argument This Psalme is the same almost with the ninetie and sixe and it conteineth the prophesie of the spreading of the kingdome of the Messiah and repeateth it againe of the which prophesie Simeon Zacharie and Marie the mother of the Lord in those their most famous hymnes are most diuine interpreters vsing almost the selfe-same words But this Psalme doth teach three things of most great importance euen in three verses One verse 1. that Christ our mediatour in this worke of our redemption hath no coadiutor at al nor partener the which heauenlie doctrine doth confute that diuelish dotage of the merits of saints as they cal them with what painted colours soeuer it be intruded and it giueth to God alone his due glorie as wel in the redemption as in the creation of man The second verse 2. that al this redemption consisteth in the iustice of Christ himselfe which verelie can not be made ours but by imputation The third verse 3. that al this benefit doth flowe foorth from the onelie free promise and truth of God himselfe THE PARAPHRASIS 1 SIng vnto the Lord a new song for he hath now shewed foorth al that his maruellous power by ouercomming al his enimies by his owne right hand onelie and by his owne arme alone 2 And now in the end he setteth foorth to be seene before al nations this benefit of so great a deliuerance which was so long looked for of our fathers and now at the length is performed which did lie hid before as in a corner euen his owne iustice wherewith they being indued shal not onlie escape the damnation which their vnrighteousnes deserueth but also shal obteine the crowne of iustice promised 3 And if anie demand what hath mooued him at the length to so great bountifulnes let him knowe that al this proceedeth from hence that hee is mindful of the promise that he hath made and by the same mercie that he was moued to promise it by the same he is moued to perfourme it in deede that he might shew himselfe most bountiful in verie deede vnto al men to the vttermost borders of the earth 4 Go to then al ye inhabitants of the earth blowe vp the trumpets vnto God sound out the instruments sing a triumphant song vnto him sing praises vnto him 5 Sing vnto the Lord both with the harps and with voices by order and course 6 Go before the King Iehouah with sounding trumpets and shalmes 7 Let the sea how wide soeuer sound againe and also the whole world with the song of al the inhabitants of the earth 8 Let the verie flouds sound round about with their noise and the verie mountaines with triumphant songs 9 Before the Lord that shal vndertake the gouernement of the world and shal gouerne the people most iustlie and vprightlie PSALME XCIX The Argument This Psalme was set foorth that the people what storme soeuer should arise turning vnto God should learne to set foorth the promise of the Messiah against al terrours of whome he so plainlie speaketh as though he had bene now present at the same time commanding al men euen to behold him in the visible sacraments set before them because they were no vaine signes of his most present fauour being euen the same in signification that ours are seeing there is but one and the same Christ whether he be to be shewed or alreadie exhibited although their signes were differing from ours Furthermore he adioineth the testimonies of three most godlie men Moses Aaron and Samuel whose office was to praie vnto God for the people both that whilest that priesthood appointed of God should remaine in authoritie the people should surelie iudge that the same God should be present with them who was with them of old as also they which desired to be heard might followe the same waie of faith and godlines that they did vnto the which doctrine of the publike and ecclesiastical praiers that is to be applied which Paule writeth 1. Timoth. 2 1. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 NOw I beseech you why should we feare the force or threatenings of anie man seeing we haue the Lord himselfe to be our King let the people fret as much as they lust yea let the earth wauer the foundations being shaken it is enough that he is with vs that inhabiteth the Cherubims 2 Verelie the Lord hath declared abundantlie the greatnes of his power in Sion and al the people nil they wil they shal be subiect to his power 3 Let vs therefore neither feare nor yet doubt but rather trusting vpon the most assured protection of God magnifie that his mightie and terrible name to the enimies for it is holie and therefore al honour is due vnto it 4 For is not this our King as he is indued with most great power so also the louer of iustice wherefore we neede to seeke none other succour besides him neither neede we to doubt but that he wil punish most sharplie al them of whome we are vniustlie oppressed For it is not possible that he should suffer their wickednes vnaduenged who is the authour of equitie it selfe hath set downe the verie rule of iustice vnto the posteritie of Iacob 5 Go to then praise ye the Lord our God and falling downe before his footestoole worship him for he is holie 6 For this cause did he consecrate Moses and Aaron of old and set Samuel also amongst them who did exercise the office of the mediator for the people the which thing whilest they did carefullie praieng vnto God they were heard of the Lord. Why then should wee doubt seeing that same priesthoode is of force but that we folowing their example should now also be heard 7 And also he did speake to those our fathers of old out of the cloudie piller vnto whome because they should keepe his commandements he prescribed the rites of
Psalme doth belong to those times that were most miserable of al other in the which that captiuitie of the seuentie yeares was finished so that it seemeth vnto me to answere on the contrarie vnto that excellent praier which is conteined in the 9. Chapter of Daniel And there be foure parts thereof one from the 1. verse vnto the 11. doth describe a most lamentable mourning of the Church more like to a dead carcase than to a liuing bodie euen as it is resembled in Ezechiel Chapter 37. adioining so liuelie and apt similitudes that in my iudgement there is no writing treating of the same argument comparable with it The second part from the 12. verse vnto the 15. setteth forth the arguments of most sure comforts partlie drawne from the most constant nature of God himselfe partlie of the oracle vttered by the mouth of Iâ—remie and other Prophets concerning the restoring of the Citie The third part from the 16. verse vnto the 23. is the amplifieng of the second part in the which the â—r nâ—tâ—o honour of the second temple that is to saiâ— of the spiritual and eternal whereof that stonie tâ—mple was a figure that is euen of the Church to be spread with most great maiestie throgh the whole world vnder Christ the head is described by the spirit of prophesie Finâ—llie the fourth part from the 24. verse vnto the end of the Psalme the Church as a conquerour singeth a song of triumph THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HEare my praiers ô Lord and let nothing hinder that my cries come not euen vnto thee 2 Turne not thy face from me in such miserable times but rather giue eare and answere speedilie to me that crie 3 For behold my life is consumed as the smoke and I am withered and without al moisture al my strength being consumed like the stone vnder the fire 4 My heart is withered like the hearbe cut downe with the syth and loatheth al meate 5 My bones consumed with sorowe sticke hard vnto my flesh 6 I am like the Pellicane or the Bitter dumping in the desert like the Owle mourning in the wildernesse 7 I passe the nightes like a bird vnder the house eaues bereaued of her mate or spoiled of her yong ones taken foorth of the nest 8 For mine enimies lie in wait for me poore miser and with intollerable pride they abuse the example of my calamitie if they wish euil or curse anie 9 Wherefore I being cast downe vpon the earth can not tel whether I do eate bread or dust and I mixe my drinke with teares 10 For how can I do otherwaies thou beeing so sore displeased with me in that thou maist seeme therefore to haue exalted me that I should fal with so much sorer ruine 11 Wherefore to conclude al in few words I vanish awaie like a shadowe when the sunne setteth and wither like the haie 12 But thou ô Lord vpon whose power notwithstanding and promises I do rest continuest stil the same and thy memorie which thou hast appointed to be with vs must needes be eternal 13 Therefore seeing thou hast so long bin as it were an idle beholder of the miseries of Sion so manie yeares thou wilt arise I knowe wel and haue compassion vpon it when the appointed time shal come 14 Neither shalt thou want seruants which shal beare good affection towards the rammel thereof and haue pitie thereon when it is beaten into dust 15 Yea it is so far off that it should alwaies lie prostrate that contrariwise ô Lord the Gentiles which in the former ages were alienate from thee shal now feare thy name and al the kings of the world shal magnifie thy Maiestie 16 Because thou ô Lord whose worke this is onlie hast built Sion againe and hast shewed thy selfe there much more glorious than at anie time before 17 Not despising the praiers of thy most miserable people but rather hearing them in verie deede 18 For thou shalt do a worke worthie to be set forth in writing to euerlasting memorie and a new people created by thee shal sing forth thy praises 19 Because that from thy most high and holie throne euen from the heauens thou hast looked downe vpon the earth 20 To heare the mourning of the prisoners and to loose them forth of their bonds of whose life it was despaired 21 That in Sion againe thy name ô Lord that thy praise I saie in Ierusalem may be published manie nations and kingdomes running together to worship thee 22 Howbeit thou in the meane season I grant whilest this so great goodnes is waited for doest greeuouslie afflict vs and doest as it were cut off the thred of our life 23 But in this extreame distresse ô God I did flie vnto thee and I praied thee with plaine words that thou wouldest not take me awaie hastilie before that I had run the race of my life 24 And why should not I trust that it wil certainelie come to passe that thou hast promised vnto vs for thou art not like vs who are changed by time but thou abidest stable throughout al worlds 25 And the verie earth was most firmelie established by thee long ago when thou madest it and this mightie compas of heauen standeth vnshaken vnto this daie which was framed by thine onelie hands 26 But their stabilitie is nothing to that thine vnchangable firmitie for they also by little little do faile but thou endurest al one Al these things I saie how stable so euer they seeme are worne by little little as the garment is by long vse whilest that at the length they be changed by thee from the forme that we now see as a garment cast off 27 Yet thou art the selfe-same altogether subiect to no tearme of yeares and time 28 Therefore that thy kingdome which thou hast raised for thy selfe amongst thy people shal also be for euer and that posteritie of thy seruants with whome thou hast made an euerlasting couenant howsoeuer it be tossed with manie and most sharpe tempests yet it being staide by thy wil and vnchangeable power shal remaine for euer PSALME CIII The Argument Dauid did write this Psalme being rauished as it were out of himselfe into heauen in the which he stirreth vp not himselfe onlie but the verie heauenlie spirits also to sing praises vnto God taking the chiefe occasion of that great and vnspeakeable benefite of God which he bestowed on his Church by reuealing both the right waie of righteousnes and the free forgiuenes of sinnes not forgetting his most abundant liberalitie in giuing vs those things most bountifullie which belong to this present life which benefits he setteth forth with most excellent similitudes most sincete sentences adioining herevnto a most magnificent description of the diuine Maiestie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to my deare soule and mine inward bowels giue thankes vnto God with al your power 2 Praise the Lord my soule and declare thy selfe that thou art mindful of al his benefites
that put their trust in him 10 Thou chieflie the ofspring of Aaron which ought to go before others both in doctrine and example trust in the Lord the sure shield and defender of al that put their trust in him 11 Finallie how manie soeuer do professe to worship Iehouah trust you in the Lord who is the shield and defender of them that fixe their hope in him 12 The Lord doubt ye not careth for vs he wil blesse he wil blesse the posteritie of Israël he wil blesse the kindred of Aaron 13 The Lord is bountiful toward his true worshippers both toward the noble and also the most abiect 14 He wil heape you euen you I saie and your posteritie with new benefits more and more 15 For the Lord which hath made the heauen and the earth hath receiued you into his fauour 16 And he inhabiting those most high heauens from whence he ruleth al things hath granted the vse of the earth and of infinite good creatures wherewith he hath adorned it vnto men of his singular liberalitie 17 Euen for this purpose that they should publish his glorie in the earth the which thing verelie the dead can not perfourme vnto whome death it selfe taking awaie the vse of the tongue hath inioined silence 18 Deliuer vs therefore ô God that we may sing foorth thy glorie both now being aliue and for euer Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXVI The Argument Whether we refer this Psalme vnto Dauid whom we certainlie knowe to haue bene maruellouslie deliuered oftentimes by the Lord from most present death and also froÌ„ most great anguish of mind or to anie other it conteineth an example of a singular thankesgiuing whereby we may vnderstand how far sometime the best and most vpright men vse to be cast downe and vnto whom in such case we must flie finallie how happie an end there shal be of al temptations so that we refraine our impatience by the bridle of faith THE PARAPHRASIS 1 AL my loue is in the Lord hearing the voice of my praier 2 And giuing attentiue eares vnto mee wherefore also I wil cal vpon him so long as I liue 3 Behold I was bound in the chaines of death the verie anguish of the graue held me being ouercome with the sorrowes of my heart 4 Then I called vpon the name of the Lord I beseech thee ô Lord said I deliuer my most miserable soule 5 And what else should I say here than that which I streightwaies prooued in deed verelie that God is verie mild toward his and verie iust in perfourming his promises and that our God is most merciful 6 And that the Lord finallie doth defend those that walk plainlie vprightlie because he did help me so readilie when I was brought to extremitie 7 Go to therefore ô my seelie soule returne now vnto thy selfe and take rest seeing that so notable a change of thy state is wrought by the Lord. 8 For thou ô Lord hast deliuered my life from death thou hast staied the teares of mine eies thou hast established my feete that I did not fal 9 So that I may walke now safe and sound before thee among the liuing 10 For I beleeued the promises of the Lord and therefore did I speake euen my faith ministring voice and words to me being most sore oppressed with sorrowe 11 For I grant that I was so far cast downe that I knewe not whither to turne me and finding no staie anie-where did decline vnto this that I iudged with my selfe that both the very men and whatsoeuer they do is nothing 12 But ô Lord this most dangerous temptation being ouercome by thy power for how can that thing be vaine which is taken in hand by thine appointment or how can they be nothing with thee vpon whome thou hast bestowed thy grace what shal I giue againe vnto thee for al thy benefites which thou hast bestowed vpon me 13 Verelie I wil take in my hands the cup of thankful sacrifice and calling vpon thee by name ô Lord I wil testifie openlie that I knowledge this deliuerance to be of thee 14 And those things which I vowed vnto thee ô Lord when I was in danger wil I now paie in the presence of al the people 15 I acknowledge therefore and professe as the truth is that thou doest not despise those to whom thou hast once bin beneficial but louest them most deerelie and that thou wilt in no wise vnaduisedlie destroie them 16 Verelie therefore I am thy seruant thy seruant I saie euen thy bond seruant and therfore hast thou broken the bonds wherewith I was bound 17 And I againe as is meete doe render vnto thee this sacrifice of praise and cal vpon thy name 18 I paie the vowes vnto thee which I haue promised before the whole assemblie of the people 19 And that in the courts of thy house ô Lord and in the middest of the citie Ierusalem Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXVII The Argument The vocation of the Gentiles is prophesied in this most short but verie excellent Psalme as Paule interpreteth it Rom. 15 11. And also the summe of the Gospel is declared namelie the giuing of the grace and truth as Iohn doth expound it Iohn 1 17. and the end also namelie the worshipping of God in spirit and truth that we may knowe that the kingdome of Messiah is spiritual Finallie we are here taught what is the office of the subiects of this kingdome and what good things they ought to waite for THE PARAPHRASIS 1 PRaise ye now the Lord ô al ye Gentiles casting awaie al your fained Gods and al ye people set forth his praise 2 For now at the length that his great mercie hath ouercome and is powred downe vpon vs and the truth of that eternal saluation promised of the Lord is now perfourmed Praise the Lord. PSALME CXVIII The Argument J do agree vnto them that attribute this excellent Psalme vnto Dauid and do suppose that it was written at the first beginning of his kingdome when the nations about him were readie to inuade him either in the feast of passeouer or in the feâ—st of the Tabernacles both that he might giue thanks to God after he had ouercome so manie difficulties and also that they which had so long resisted him might knowe that they resisted God and again that the whole people might so much the more willingly receiue the king that was giuen them froÌ„ heauen And it appeareth that Dauid so wrote these things of himselfe and of things that were past that they did chieflie appertaine to the Messias of whome he was a figure Esaie 8 14. and 28 16. Math. 21 42. Acts. 4 11. Rom. 9.33 Ephes 2 20. 1. Pet. 2 7. And Ierome witnesseth that this Psalme was thus expounded in the synagogues by the ancient Iewes the which thing is manifestlie confirmed by those ioiful acclamations of the people taken out of this Psalme when as they receiued him at his last entrance into the
citie whom soone after at the persuasion of the priestes and elders they refused with so great outrage And the same state that was then of the head must be now also of the members so that it is no maruel though the godlie professors of the truth be reiected as blasphemers and Heretikes euen of those which would be counted the chiefe builders of the Church and at length also to be deliuered vp to Pilates to be crucified but yet againe that corner stone can neuer be ouerthrowne nor yet the building that is lud vpon it can by anie force policie or subtiltie be destroied THE PARAPHRASIS 1 OH acknowledge and declare ye openlie that the Lord is good for his bountious goodnes is for euer 2 Let Israël now confesse this thing for his bountious goodnes is for euer 3 Let the stocke of Aaron now confesse this that his louing kindnes is perpetual 4 Let al the sincere worshippers of the Lord now confesse this that his louing kindnes is perpetual 5 I doubtles being a notable example of his vnspeakable bountie haue not ceased as ye knowe to cal vpon him in my greatest extremitie and he as ye your selues see hauing heard me hath exalted me into this most large roome 6 Wherefore I hauing experience that the Lord worketh for me and that he is so neere at hand vnto me God forbid that I should feare the power or the threats of anie man 7 For the Lord himselfe is the chiefe leader of those that helpe me so that I can not doubt at al but that I shal see with these mine eies those enimies which remaine iustlie punished of him 8 Oh! how far better is it to trust in the Lord than in man 9 How far better is it to trust in the Lord than in anie men how excellent soeuer they be 10 Behold manie nations compasse me about but I calling vpon the Lord shal most vndoubtedlie destroie them 11 They compasse me in I saie they beset mee round about but calling vpon the Lord I shal most vndoubtedlie destroie them 12 Mine enimies in great multitudes compasse me like swarmes of bees but I shal forthwith stifle them as though they were cast into the fire and calling vpon the Lord I shal most vndoubtedlie destroie them 13 For in deede before the most cruel enimie did so sore thrust at me that I seemed euen now readie to fal but as I was falling the Lord supported me 14 Therefore I account him mine onlie strength I knowledge him to be my sauiour and praise him in my song 15 Hereof come those voices of those that sing and reioice together with me out of their tabernacles Now doubtles the Lord hath aduanced the power of his most strong right hand 16 The Lord hath now exalted that his right hand Now the Lord hath shewed forth the power of his most strong right hand 17 Behold me then that am yet aliue and about to set forth the workes of God 18 For though he hath striken me verie sore yet hath he spared my life 19 I praie thee therefore let that gate now at the length be open vnto me which onlie the louers of righteousnes must go vnto that I being entred thither may praise the Lord. 20 For it is consecrate vnto the Lord therefore is it open to the iust alone 21 Here wil I praise thee ô Lord because thou giuing eare hast deliuered me 22 For the stone which the verie chiefe builden haue so stubbornlie as yet reiected as nothing fit is not onlie now counted in the building but euen as a principal it vpholdeth the whole weight of the verie building 23 Verelie it is a worke of God in deede which maketh al the beholders thereof to be amazed 24 Go to them seeing the Lord hath commanded this most ioiful daie to shine vnto vs let vs passe it wholie in mirth becomming Saints 25 I beseech thee ô Lord preserue the King that is giuen vs from heauen I praie thee I saie I praie thee ô LORD giue the King al prosperitie 26 Let him haue prosperitie and blisse that commeth to gouerne vs in the name and commandement of GOD we wish prosperitie to you also that are the neerer inhabitants of the house of the Lord. 27 Iehouah is the onelie God who shineth vnto vs bind ye the lambe with cords that is brought to the hornes of the altar 28 Thou art my God I wil praise thee thou art my God I wil sing thy praises most lowd 29 Confesse that the Lord is exceeding good for his bountious goodnes is euerlasting PSALME CXIX The Argument This is the principal end of this Psalme which the longer it is the more excellent it is and it is written with two and twentie Octonaries that is euerie part hauing eight verses whereof euerie one beginneth at one particular letter of the Hebrue alphabet that men might be entised to the careful studie of the heauenlie doctrine And the whole treatise is set foorth partlie generallie of absolute and certaine positions or sentences and partlie of special and more particular considerations the Prophet setting downe himselfe for example to them that he teacheth and mixing praiers complaintes comforts and thankesgiuings throughout the Psalme And the whole doctrine may be brought to these foure principal heads 1 That those things are signified by the name of the heauenlie doctrine which are reuealed of God himselfe and comprehended in the holie scriptures whether we vnderstand that part which commandeth that which wee ought to do and forbiddeth the contrarie the name of the Lawe beeing taken in a more streight signification or whether we vnderstand that other part wherein it is taught what wee must beleeue to saluation the which we call the Gospel 2 That this doctrine is declared from heauen not that wee should comprehend it in our vnderstanding onelie but that euerie one should folowe it with an earnest care without fainting as the rule of his whole life 3 That we may be both willing and able to embrace and folowe it wee must of necessitie praie for the spirit of God which may both driue awaie darkenes from our vnderstanding and amend our affections that are wholie corrupted 4 Though the world beeing terrified partlie with the feare of dangers partlie with the greatnes of calamities and partlie also deceiued with a fained shew of profit doth rather go some other waie yet they onelie do wiselie which sticke vnto that waie which is set downe in the word of God what difficulties so euer do offer themselues in this life so that at the last they shal haue the fruition of true and euerlasting life THE PARAPHRASIS Octonarie I. 1 O Blessed are they that are of an vpright and blamelesse life who walke after the rule of the doctrine prescribed by the Lord 2 Blessed are they I saie who do obserue that which he hath testified to please him who do seeke him sincerelie and carefullie 3 Doubtles they are not giuen to wickednes neither bend
of the natural loue and affection not of common friendship whereof the prophane writers haue spoken manie things also verie wel but of that holie charitie whereof the holie Ghost onelie is the authour which ioineth al the godlie vnto one heauenlie father in Christ the first born among manie brethren The which knot also not euerie kind of commoditie in regard wherof the poëts did adorne peace with maruellous epithetons so that they counted it as a goddesse but al the benefits of God both of this life and of the life to come do folowe it being euen powred downe vpon vs from him foorth of whose fulnes they are deriued downe vnto the vnder members cleauing vnto him Wherefore this charitie or loue is worthilie cōpared with the heauenlie dew that we may acknowledge it to be giuen vs from heauen and that freelie and also with the holie ointment of Aaron running downe from the head vnto the hem of his garment because that Aaron was a figure of Christ our eternal Priest that ointment did signifie the holie spirit powred foorth without measure vpon our head that is vpon Christ himselfe thereby sanctifieng his vnder members that is the whole Church by whose sweete smel also we are acceptable to our heauenlie father according to that saieng Ioh. 14 21. He that loueth me shal be loued of my father and I wil loue him c. Iohn 1 16. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 BEhold how beautiful and happie this change of our state is to wit because we see that brethren which before were at dissention both in bodies and minds are now most friendlie ioined in hearts Wherefore I would haue you continuallie to consider and marke that there is nothing either more profitable or more pleasant than your brotherlie amitie For besides that God would haue vs to be borne of one and the same father Abraham the which reason is of no smal moment he hath further called and chosen vs out into his familie by the same his holie spirit 2 Wherefore this brotherlie vnitie is plainlie like that sweete balme so pretious which being powred vpon the head of the high priest and vpon his beard did flowe downe euen to the hem of his holie garment 3 And we may compare it with that most sweet and most fruitful dew which falleth on the mountaines both of Hermon and Sion For where this concord is of force there at the commandement of God from heauen al commodities flowe downe and remaine for euer PSALME CXXXIIII The Argument After the manifold speeches pertaining vnto the people at the length a verie good end is made vnto that matter by an exhortation directed vnto the priestes and Leuites seeing the worship of God is the whole summe belonging vnto the Church Therefore the Leuites are admonished for what cause they are placed in the Church not that they should exercise dumbe ceremonies but that they should bestowe whole daies nights for the saluation of the people that is in teaching declaring the praises of God and in praieng THE PARAPHRASIS 1 LO ye blessed companie whom the Lord hath peculiarlie chosen out of the rest of the people and whose ministerie he vseth whilest yee appeare in his house before him daie and night first execute your office diligentlie in Gods sight carefullie labouring to set foorth his praises 2 Praie vnto the Lord I saie lifting vp your hands vnto his sanctuarie and praise him which is the principal part of his worship and the verie end of these ceremonies 3 Then commend the whole assemblie of the people vnto God sending them awaie after they haue sincerelie offered their sacrifices and haue bene instructed with holie doctrine praieng that the Lord who is the Creator of heauen and earth would enrich them al out of Sion with al kind of blessings PSALME CXXXV The Argument The Prophet doth chiefly exhort the priests and the Leuites also in this Psalme as in the former publikelie to set foorth the praise of God vnto whome yet he wil haue the people to ioine as to their ringleaders And the arguments of praise are taken partlie of the general works wherein God setteth foorth both his infinite power and goodnes euen as it were to be groped or handeled of al men partlie of his special benefits that are bestowed on his owne people and he adioineth an antithesis of the idols at large And we ought to confirme our selues at this daie stil with the same testimonie and to giue thanks vnto God dailie now for them also seeing there hath bene alwaies and is stil one and the same Church as there is one God and one faith although the couenant be diuers in the manner and forme of reuelation which God hath made with his THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Al ye that are peculiarlie appointed to the ministerie of the Lord praise ye praise ye the Lord as he hath shewed himselfe in deede worthilie to be acknowledged 2 You I saie which are appointed to stand and to appeare euen in the house of the Lord and vnto whome the keeping of these courts of the Lord is committed 3 Praise God who is verie good and praise his name than the which nothing is more pleasant 4 For he hath of his onlie goodnes chosen Iacob to himselfe as his most chiefe treasure 5 And to speake no more of these special testimonies of his fauour why should not I affirme that thing which is most plaine and euident that the Lord euen our God is verie great although foolish men imagine to themselues gods he is mightier than al their gods although we should graunt that there were such as they doe dreame 6 For seeing that these men suppose that there are manie gods surelie they can make none of these almightie and some doe make them idle beholders of things others do bind them to inferiour causes others faine that most vile things and most wicked things are done openlie by them but the Lord as he hath created the heauen the earth the sea and al the depths thereof so also he vseth them at his pleasure 7 By whose commandements the clouds rising from the vttermost parts of the earth doe minister the matter of the firie flames and of the raines which burst foorth thence together and which bringeth foorth the winds out of his store 8 And least anie man should limit this infinite power of the Lord within the bounds of natural causes this is he which destroied in one night al the first borne both of men and beasts in Aegypt the which thing certainlie can not be attributed to the order of nature 9 He also ouerthrew Pharao in Aegypt and al the Aegyptians ouer dutiful-seruants to their king with signes and wonders whereof there is not one which doth not declare the infinite power of the Lord aboue al order of nature 10 Yea and not Pharao onlie and the Aegyptians but he also miserablie slue manie other nations and their most mightie kings 11 As Sehon king of the Amorites and
abide 18 And he also againe so soone as he commandeth doth melt the things that are frosen and the waters streightwaie flowe foorth againe as though their bands were losed 19 And these things verelie do testifie most plainelie both his infinite goodnes and power yet surelie they are nothing in comparison of that benefite which he bestowed vpon his Israël when he deliuered vnto him the doctrine of saluation and the rule to leade his life both godlie and honestlie 20 Neither is there any nation vnder heauen with whome he hath so dealt but he hath left other men without this most true and most iust doctrine PSALME CXLVIII The Argument The scope and end of this Psalme most ful of maiestie euen written with a heauenlie feruencie is whereas there be extant so manie most cleare witnesses of Gods wisedome of his power and goodnes as there be things created to cal vpon al those things high lowe and of the middle sort to set foorth the praise of God with common consent For though manie of them are without both vnderstanding and sense yet they al after their maner although they be silent are said to sound foorth the glorie of God though men which haue reason and for whose cause they are made ought properlie both in their owne name and in their name to do this dutie and chieflie the godlie ought to set foorth continuallie that incomparable benefite whereby they are chosen into the felowship of the sonne of God THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to let them found forth the praises of the Lord euen from the most high heauens 2 O al ye holie spirits the apparitors of his Maiestie which are diuided into innumerable garrisons go ye before others in this his praise 3 Thou Sunne and Moone and al ye Starres shining in the heauens shewe forth the praise of your Maker 4 O ye most high spheares of the heauens praise ye him ye vawts of waters which hang on high 5 Let al these things I saie praise the Lord for they began to haue their being by his onlie commandement 6 And they are placed by his appointment in the same place and order where they stand most stable and they are set in order with certaine spaces and bounds which they can not passe ouer by anie meanes though they would 7 And let the earthlie things againe answer vnto the heauenlie and the creeping wormes in the hollowe holes of the earth and also the depths of waters 8 And ye flames of lightnings also hailes snowes vapours lifted vp whirlewinds and other tempests which al haue your being and are moued by his commandement 9 Mountaines and al hils trees laden with fruits the Cedars mounting vp with such maruelous height 10 Ye wild beasts also and ye that be tame whatsoeuer creepeth vpon the ground and whatsoeuer fleeth through the aire 11 But chieflie both the kings and their people subiect vnto them the princes and the gouernours of the earth 12 Yong men and old yong maides also and children 13 Praise ye the name of the Lord for he alone deserueth most high praise as he that is more deepe than the very earth more high than the heauens 14 But this becommeth chieflie the people whom God of his vnspeakable fauour hath consecrated vnto himselfe and brought them into the most high state of dignitie aboue others therefore it becommeth those that haue receiued such benefits of God to set forth his praises euen the posteritie of Israël the which people God hath chosen to be his owne familie and houshold PSALME CXLIX The Argument The interpretation of this Psalme seemeth to be more plaine and more agreeable to the holie historie if it be applied vnto the kingdome of Dauid rather than to the last times of the captiuitie of Babylon Wherefore in ny iudgement the people recouering themselues from so manie miseries which they had suffered both in the times of the iudges and of Saule himselfe both the religion of God being first restored and also the policie set in good order is taught by this Psalme to giue thankes vnto God and not to abuse his so great benefits Wherein Dauid himselfe giueth them example acknowledging the Lord God to be the King together with them And as concerning the musical instruments here named it was a part of the seruice of the lawe which is abolished notwithstanding no man vnlesse such a one as is worthie to be counted amongst beastes can denie but that there is a great power both of musicke when it is sung and also in instruments to moue mens minds yet the examples both of the former Church and the horrible abuses that streightwaies followed do teach sufficientlie how vnprofitable it is to bring in such musicke and instruments into the Church of Christ as hath bin of late And a prophesie is also added which the verie end did confirme so manie victories being granted vnto Dauid and the bounds of his kingdome being spread euen vnto Euphrates that then the promise was fulfilled at the length which was made vnto Abraham as concerning the figure for it can not be doubted but that these things were the figures of the kingdome of Christ and of his spiritual victories and of that horrible iudgement which shal be most fullie in the end at the last daie and which now and then God executeth vpon al the rebellious THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to al ye that haue receiued benefites of the Lord sing vnto him a new and excellent song being deliuered from so manie not dangers but deaths 2 Euen thou ô Israël delight thy selfe in setting forth his praises whose worke thou art as it were newlie formed O ye citizens of Sion reioice ye trusting in the Lord your King Gouernor which belongeth to none other nation vnder heauen 3 Set foorth his praises far and wide not onelie priuatelie but also publikelie not onlie with voice but also with fluites and timbrels and with al kind of musical instruments 4 Euen because it hath pleased the Lord of his infinite mercie to consecrate this people vnto himselfe and as the matter it selfe maketh it manifest when they seemed vtterlie to be lost to make them honourable and of most high dignitie 5 Wherefore these glorious people vpon whom he hath bestowed so manie benefites do now reioice and shal reioice hereafter and with great quietnes shal sing a triumph 6 Praising the Lord indeede with their exclamations cries but armed with double edged swords in their hands 7 Wherewith they may punish the prophane Gentiles and auenge the crueltie of the people 8 And also may drawe their kings nobles bound in chaines and iron setters 9 Euen to execute the iudgement appointed and commanded by the Lord and this verelie is the dignitie and the honour of al them whome God hath receiued to his fauour PSALME CL. The Argument Jt is probable that the holie singing men of the temple did stir vp one another with this Psalme ful of maruelous zeale We