then spiritual cogitations of faith and religion and therfore it is compared to a woman traueling with child who hath moâ—â— careful and greuous paines k In vvhich great confflict of mans spirite God by his grace geueth force to breake through the contrarie assaultes of our enimie to remoue al impediments and to ouercome the difficulties l This consideration that al is now done that was of old prophecied is a meruelous confirmation and consolation to Christians m Grace and mercie is only granted to those that are vvithin or come vnto the Catholique Church n As God is praised for his mercie so also for his iustice which do neuer preiudice the one the other o Consider the fortresses of the Church which are the holie Fathers and Doctors that watch and defend her vvalles p So rest you assured for al matters of faith in this pillar of truth q obserue and marke diligently how manie particular Churches were spedely founded in the world r and declare this to other generations that they may also hold fast the same faith or returne vnto it if they be relapsed or at last embrace it if sowner they haue not Å¿ Christ God incarnate that vvorketh al this is our very God and Sauiour not for a few yeares an hundred six hundred or a thousand but for euer and euer t he shal rule as a king and consequently haue a kingdom his militant Church euermore to the very end of this vvorld As he shal like vvise haue his triumphant Church in eternitie Exhortation â—o flee from sinne for feare of hel The 7. key a In this and diuers other titles both before and ye ensuing is said To the sonnes or for the sonnes of Core a Psalme or Canticle or vnderstanding the like but in no place a Psalme Canticle c. of the sonnes of Core vvhich no way proueth that they vvere the authores of such Psalmes but rather the contrarie b Al ye nations and sortes of people c that dwel vpon the earth lerne this lesson vvhich I wil teach you d Holie Dauid harkened to God inspiring him e and declared to others that vvhich he receiued from God f not only by his penne or tongue but also for better instilling it into their mindes he sounded it vpon the instrument called the Psalter vvhich had tâ—nne stringes signifying the obseruation of the tenne commandments g What especial thing is there in this life vvhy or for vvhich I or anie haue cause to feare â—he dreadful day of iudgement h Marry this we must feare iniquitie by which any supplanteth defraudeth oppresseth or anie vvay wrongeth others for that vvil inuolue the offender in the sentence of eternal damnation i Such be they that trust in their present powre riches or other wordlie thing k A mans owne brother can not helpe a sinner in that day l much lesse anie other man so the Hebrew phraise by zeugma vnderstandeth an other negatiue particle m stil suffer paine n and not dye but liue in eternal torments o Al both wise and foolish do dye temporally but the wise liuing in eternal ioy the foolish liue in eternal paine p those that beleue not anie other life after this q and those that beleuing an other life yet liue badly in this shal perish in eternal damnation r They shal neuer returne from their sepulchers Å¿ to enioy againe their houses and earthlie possessions t which vainely they labour to establish in their posteritie v A most pithie and brief consideration for man to thinke how absurdly he being endewed with reason vnderstanding free wil like vnto Angels and capable of eternal glorie setteth his vvhole studie and care vpon corporal and temporal thinges so making himselfe like vnto brute beastes vv This care of wordlie thinges is the stumbling block and cause of eternal ruine x yet they shal be obstinate and praise their owne desires stil persisting therin y Amongst other creatures a sheepe can least helpe her selfe in miserie euen so the damned in hel are altogether vnable to deliuer themselues from thence or to get any relief z in the general resurrection they shal be most of al in miserie as euer dying and neuer dead the iust vvhom they vvronged shal be their iudges al freindes shal faile them after they haue passed their glorie and pleasure in this vvorld a The confidence of the iust b He shal leaue al worldlie thinges and take nothing with him c temporally d so long as he enioyeth wordlie profites he wil seme gratful to God e but they shal not see the true light of heauen f Remember and consider ô worldlie man that God made thee an excellent creature which thou neglecting makest thyself like to a beast As v. 13. General Iudgement the 9. Key a To be songue or tuned by Asaph a maister of musike b God almightie who is greater then are al falsly supposed goddes or holie persons that patticipating of his goodnes are called goddes as Kinges Priestes Iudges coming into this world in mans nature calleth al men to saluation c The Church of Christ began in Sion d Christ that came in humilitie and more obscurely to suffer and to redeme vs vvil come iâ— maiestie and manifestly to iudge e Immediately before the general iudgement fire shal burne al transitorie thinges f Geue signes in the firmament g and in earth h VVhich know that to keepe Gods commandments in folowing vertues is aboue the oblation of external sacrifice i God instructeth his people k Sacrifices are gratful to God l but in regard that God needeth not these earthly thinges he rather requireth a gratful mind For otherwise man in dede can geue nothing to God seing al that is in the whole world is Gods owne in proprietie m Spiritual sacrifice of prayse n due payment of voluntarie vowes made in honour of God o and praying to him for helpe in tribulation are most grateful p He that wil teach others must especially flee from sinne serue God sincerly q God is honored by mans gratitude and other good workes Sacrifice of praise disposeth men to the fruit of external sacrifice The Sacrifice of the Eu harist prophecied The fourth penitential Psalme The 7. key a Pertayning not only to Dauid but also to al penitentes especially of the new testament b My sinnes being very great nede thy great mercie c Yea manie sortes of thy mercies not only remission of the crimes but also mitigation of the paines due for the same Thy merciful grace to be truly sorie to make some part of satisfaction to beware hereafter not to fal againe to geue better example of penance and of vertuous life and to perseuer to the end d O God thou hast forgeuen me and taken away my sinnes as thy prophet hath told me 2. Reg. 12. v. 13. but my soule so fouly polluted nedeth yet more washing e cleanse also the dregges that remaine and al
fiction of the author That is If anie error could be committed by the authores of Scriptures either through ignorance obliuion or anie other humane frailtie what soeuer were produced exception might be taken and question made whether the author had eâ—red or no True it is that some of these bookes as we shal particularly discusse in their places were sometimes doubted of by some Catholiques and called Apochrypal in that sense as the word properly signifieth hidden or not apparent So S. Ierom in his Prologue before the Latin Bible calleth diuers bookes Apochryphal being not so euident whether they were Diuine scripture because they were not in the lewes Canon nor at first in the Churches Canon but were neuer reiected as false or erronious In which sense the Prayer of Manasses the third booke of Esdras and third of Machabees are yet called Apochryphal As for the fourth of Esdras and fourth of Machabees there is more doubt But diuers others as the booke ascribed to Enoch the Gospels of S. Andrew S. Thomas S. Bartholmew and the like recited by S. Gelasius Decreto de libris Ecclesiasticis dist 15. Can. Sancta Romana S. Innocentius the first Epist. 3. S. Ierom Ep ad Laetam S. Augustin li. 15. cap. 23. de ciuit Dei Origen homis 2. in Cantica are in a worse sense called Apochryphal are reiected as conteyning manifest errors or fained by Heretikes Neither can a Christian Catholique he otherwise assured Which Bookes are Diuine and Canonical Scriptures but by declaration of the Catholique Church which without interruption succedeth the Apostles to whom our Sauiour promised and sent the Holie Ghost to teach al truth For if in anie thing more then others assuredly one chief and most necessarie point is to know and declare which Bookes are Gods holie Word being of most singular importance THE SVMME OF THE OLD TESTAment as it is distinguished from the new Not withstanding the subiect general argument of both Testaments is one the same in substance as is already said yet they differ in time in maner of vttering of Mysteries in varietie of precepts promises also in meanes to obserue the thinges exacted to attayne to the end proposed In regard wherof S. Ierome saith Lex Moysi omne vetus instrumentum elementa mundi intelliguntur quibus quasi elementis Religionis exordijs Deum discimus The law of Moyses and al the old Testament are vnderstood the elements of the world by which as by first rudiments beginnings we lerne to know God For that in it we haue first the Law of nature and asterwards a law written with promises of temporal rewardes as long life land flowiug with milke honie the like but it brought nothing to perfection as S. Paul saith when giftes hostes were offered which could not according to conscience make the obseruer perfect For the helpes of that time were but infirma egena elemeÌ„ta Weake poore elements Likewise in general touching the punishments that sometimes happened to the people of the old Testament when they transgressed the same Apostle affirmeth that al the same chanced to them in figure are written for our correption vpon whom the ends of the world are come so that the old Testament or Law was but our pedagogue in Christ Yet it setteth forth to vs the whole course of Gods Church for the space of foure thousand yeares that is from the beginning of the world vntil Christ our Redemer which Diuines diuide into six ages wherein was varietie change of her state three vnder the Law of nature and three others vnder the written Law The seuenth last age being this time of grace wherin we now are from Christ to the day of general Iudgement as the world was made in six dayes and in the seuenth God is said to haue rested and therfore sanctified it in other sort then the former six The eight wil be after the Resurrection during for al eternitie VVhich six ages of the ancient Church old Testament are thus distributed The first from the Creation to Noes floud conteyning the space of 1656. yeares The second from the floud to the going of Abraham out of his countrie 368. or counting Cainan Gen. 11. iuxta 72. Luc. 3. 398. yeares The third from Abraham his going forth of his countrie to the parting of the children of Israel out of Aegypt VVhich-some count to haue continued 720. yeares others whom we folow but 430. And thus farre in the law of nature before the written law The fourth age dured 480. yeares from the deliuerie of the children of Israel forth of Aegypt to the fundation of the Temple in Ierusalem The fifth age was from the fundation of the Temple to the captiuitie transmigration of the Iewes into Babylon about 430. yeares And the sixth age dured about 640. yeares from the Captiuitie of Babylon to Christ In al which times God was acknowledged and rightly serued by a continual visible Church with true Religion the same no other which now that Church holdeth that is called and knowen by she name of Catholique As we intend by Gods assistance to shew by briefe Annotations concerning diuers particular points now in Controuersie as the holie Text geueth occasion And especially by way of Recapitulation after euerie one of the six ages when we come to those passages in the Historie where the same are ended OF MOYSES THE AVTHOR OF THE fiue first bookes MOyses so called because he was taken from the water as the name signifieth was borne in Aegypt the sonne of Amram the sonne of Caath the sonne of Leui the Patriarch and so of Iacob Isaac and Abraham His maruelous deliuerie from drowning his education excellent forme singular wisdome heroical vertues rare dexteritie in al affayres whole life most admirable are gathered out of holie Scriptures by S. Gregorie Bishop of Nissen into a briefe Summe most worthie to be read but to large for this place He was borne about the yeare of the world two thousand foure hundred long before al prophane writers yea before manie of the Painimes false goddes as S. Augustin declareth in diuers places of his most excellent booke intituled of the Citie of God He liued in this world 120. yeares Of which 40. were in Pharaos court as the adopted sonne of Pharaos daughter fourtie in banishment from Aegypt in Madian and fourtie more he gouerned the people of Israel His singular prayses are also briefly touched in the last chapter of Deuteromie added by Iosue and in the booke of Ecclesiâ—sticus He died in the desert and was buried in the vaâ—le of Moab so secretly that no mortal man knew his sepulchre lest the Iewes who were very prone to Idolatrie should haue adored his bodie with diuine honour for the greatnes and multitude of his miracles and for the singular estimation they had of
put it vpon their shoulders †And the children of Israel did as Moyses had commanded and they asked of the Aegyptians vessels of siluer and gold and very much rayment †And our Lord gaue grace to the people before the Aegyptians that they did lend them and they spoyled the Aegyptians †And the children of Israel sette forward from Ramesse into Socoth almost six hundred thousand of foote men beside litle ones †But also the common people of al sortes innumerable went vp with them sheepe and heardes and beastes of diuerse kindes exceding manie †And they baked the meale which a litle before they had taken out of Aegypt tempered and made hearth cakes vnleauened for it could not be leauened the Aegyptians vrging them to depart not suffering them to make any tarriance neither did they thinke vpon preparing any meate †And the dwelling of the children of Israel that they abode in Aegypt was foure hundred thirty yeares †The which being expired the same day al the armie of our Lord went forth out of the Land of Aegypt †This is the obseruable night of our Lord when he brought them forth out of the Land of Aegypt this night al the children of Israel must obserue in their generations †And our Lord said to Moyses and Aaron This is the religion of the Phase No aliene shal eate of it †And euerie bought seruant shal be circumcised and so shal eate †The stranger and the hireling shal not eate therof †In one house shal it be eaten neither shal you carrie forth of the flesh therof out of the house neither shal you breake a bone therof †Al the assemblie of the children of Israel shal make it †And if any of the soiourners be willing to dwel among you and make the Phase of the Lord first al the male that he hath shal be circumcised and then shal he celebrate it according to the rite he shal be as he that is borne in the land but if there be any man vncircumcised he shal not eate therof †Al one law shal be to him that is borne in the land and to the prose lyte that soiourneth with you †And al the children of Israel did as our Lord had commanded Moyses and Aaron †And the same day our Lord brought forth the children of Israel out of the Land of Aegypt by their troupes ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XII 3. The tenth day Our Sauiour Christ instituting the Sacrament of the Eucharist after the celebration of the Paschal lambe whiles they were at supper the night before his death therby sufficiently declared that this old Pasch was a figure not only of his Passion and Sacrifice on the Crosse but also of that he then did so solemnly with his Apostles whom also in that action he made Priests commanding them and their successors to do the same in commemoâ—ation of him til the end of the world Other circumstances likewise and conference of the one with the other make it more clere that as in some respectes it more resembled Christs Passion and Sacrifice on the Crosse so in others it more expressed the Eucharist and mystical commemoration of his death though also in manie it profigured Christ in both places For example The preparing of the lambe the tenth day signified our Sauiours coming into Hierusalem the same tenth day of the first moone now represented in the Church on Palmesunday Also the choise qualities of the lambe vvithout spotte a male of the first yeare foreshewed in general the puritie fortitude meeknes and al perfection of the true Lambe of God that taâ—eth avvay the sinne of the vvorlde More particularly the killing and bereuing the Paschal Lambe of natural life the sprinkling of his bloud on the dore-postes the â—â—stâ—â—â— at tâ—e â—ire and not breaking anie bâ—ne therof most specially expressed Christs death on the Crosse But the fourtenth day the euining agree only with the Eucharist instituted the night before our Lords Passion which he suffered the fiftenth being the ful moore and at midday as ancient S. Dionyse of Ariopagite in two Episties to Policâ—rpus and to Appollophanes testifieth admiring the miracle of the sunnes Eclipâ—e that hapned the same time Neither did the â—ating of the Lambe directly prefigurate the oblation on the Crosse for Christ was not crucified to be eaten but the Sacrament in formes and bread and vvine was expresly figured by eating the lambe with vnleauened bread and drinking the cuppe therto idioyned Luc. 2â— v 17. In like sorte the Lambe immolated in commemoration of the deliuerie of Israel from death and from seruitude when the-first-borne of Aegypt were slaine most aptly prefigured the Eucharist which is a perpetuat commemoration of mans redemption and deliuerie from eternal death and from bondage of the diuel and sinne by Christes death on the Crosse which death in dede was the very redemption and deliuerie of mankind and not a commemoration therof Finally the immolating of the Lambe vvithin the house with precise commandment to carie nothing therof forth perteined particularly to the Eucharist which our Lord celebrated vvithin the house wherby S. Cyprian lib. de vnit Eccles proueth that the B. Sacrament must not be giuen to anie ouâ— of the Catholique Church though Christs Passion be extended to al the world as wel to bring such as are without into the Church as to saue those that are already entred in In this sorte the most ancient and best expositors of holie Scripture explicate this special figure of the Paschal Lambe As we shalhere produce some witnesses in confirmation of this truth Tertulian lib. 4. contra Marcionem expounding our Sauiours wordes VVith desire I haue desired to eate this Pasch vvith you before I suffer saieth Christ coueted not veruecinam Iudaeorum the mutton of the Iewes but professing that with desire he desired to eate the Pasch as his owne for it was vnmete that God should couete anie thing not his owne the bread which he toooke and gaue to his disciples he made his owne bodie saying This is my bodie that is a figure of my bodie Figura autem nonsuisset nisi veritatis esset corpus But it had not bene a figure saith he onles it vvâ—re a bodies of veritie or a verie bodie to wit not phantastical as the heretike Marcion imagined because the figures in the old Testament were not figures except a true bodie answered vnto them So the Sacramentaries sense that Tertullian should cal the Eucharist a figure is quite against his meaning and maketh him conclude nothing against Marcion wheras his whole drift is by the figures of the old Testament to proue that in the Eucharist is the true real bodie of Christ and that consequently Christ hath a true and real bodie Origen in 26. Mat. teacheth that in the great parlar where Christ did eaâ—e the Paschal Lambe he also made his new Pasch S. Cyprian
passage of Israel forth of Aegypt through the read sea in a Canticle after that he had related the same whole historie more at large in prose that al might sing and so render thankes with melodious voice and musical instruments praising God Likewise in an other Canticle he comprised the whole law a litle before his death So also Barac and Debora and after them Iudith song praises to God for their victories in verse Salomon writte the end of his Prouerbes and a whole booke intituled Canticles the Prophet Ieremie his Lamentations in verse Anna hauing obtained her prayer for a sonne gaue thankes to God with a Canticle The like did king Ezechias for recouerie of health The Prophets Isaias Ezechiel Ionas A bacuc and the three children in the fornace againe in the new Testament the B. virgin mother iust Zacharie deuout Simeon gaue thankes sang praises to God in Canticles Fourthly albeit the holie King was not permitted to build the gorgious Temple for Gods feruice as he greatly desired to haue done yet he prouided both store of muâ—itians foure thousand in number of which 288. were maisters to teach made these Psalmes as godlie dirties for this holie purpose in al solemnities of feastes and daylie sacrifice when the Temple should afterward be built Fiftly he made these Psalmes not only for his owne others priuate deuotion nor yet so especially for the publique Diuine seruice in the Temple and other Synagogues of the Iewes but most principally for the Christian Catholique Church which he knew should be spred in the whole earth Forseing the maruelous great and frequent vse therof in the Christian Clergie and Religious people of both sexes As he prophecieth in diuers Psalmes Al the earth sing to thee sing Psalmes to thy name Againe I vvil sing Psalmes to thee ô God in the Gentiles in al peoples and Nations VVhich him selfe neuer did but his Psalmes are euer since Christ song by Christians conuerted from gentilitie as we see in the Churches Seruice For the whole Psalter is distributed to be song in the ordinarie office of our Breuiarie euerie weke And though extraordinarily for the varietie of times and feastes there is often alteration yet stil the greater part is in Psalmes Certayne also of the same Psalmes are without change or intermission repeted euerie day And such as haue obligation to the Canonical Houres must at least read the whole Office priuatly if they be not present where it is song The Office also of Masse ordinarily beginneth with a Psalme In Litanies and almost al publique Prayers and in administration of other Sacraments and Sacramentals either whole Psalmes or frequent verses are inserted Likewise the greatest part of the Offices of our B. Ladie and for the dead are Psalmes Besides the seuen Poenitential and fiftene Gradual Psalmes at certaine times So that Clergie mens daly office consisteth much in singing or reading Psalmes And therfore al Byshops especially are strictly bond by a particular Conon Dist 38. cap. Omnes psallentes to be skilful in the Psalmes of Dauid and to see that other Clergiè men be wel instructed therin According to the Holie Ghosts admonition by the pen of the same Royal Prophet Psal 46. Psallite sapienter Or intelligenter that is Sing Psalmes vvith knovvlege and vnderstanding them Not that euerie one is bond to know and be able to discusse al difficulties but competently according to their charge vndertaken in Gods Church Otherwise euerie one that is or intendeth to be a Priest may remember what God denounceth to him by the Prophet Osee c. 4. Because thou hast repelled knovvlege I vvil repel thee that thou do not the function of Priesthood vnto me Thus much touching the Author the contentes the poetical stile final cause of this holie Psalter As for the name S. Ierom S. Augustin and other Fathers â—each that wheras amongst innumerable musical instruments six were more specially vsed in Dauids time mentioned by him in the last Psalme Trumpet Psalter Harpe Timbrel Organ and Cimbal This booke hath his name of the instrument called Psalter which hath tenne strings signifying the tenne commandements and is made in forme as S. Ierom and S. Bede suppose of the Greke letter Λ delta because as that instrument rendreth sound from aboue so we should attend to heauenlie vertues which come from aboue Likewise vsing the harpe which signifyeth mortification of the flesh other instruments which signifie and teach other vertues we must finally referre al to Gods glorie reioyce spiritually in hart and render al praise to God Concerning interpretation of holie Scriptures AS Prophecie or other holie Scripture was not at anie time by mans wil but the Prophetes holie men of God spake inspired by the Holie Ghost so no prophecie nor explication of Scripture is made by priuate interpretation 2. Pet. 1. but by the same Spirite wherwith it was written which our Sauiour gaue to the Church to abide for euer the Spirite of truth to teach al truth Ioan. 14. 16. Neither perteyneth it to euerie one to discerne the true spirite but to some 1. Cor. 12. Holie Scriptures consist not in reading but in vnderstanding S. Ierom Dialogo aduers Luciferianos The wordes of holie Scripture are so to be vnderstood as holie men the Sainctes of God haue vnderstood them S. Aug Ser. 18. de verb. Domini Men must lerne of men not expect knowlege immediatly of God nor only by Angels Idem in prologo Doct. Christ There be some thinges mentioned in holie Scripture which God wil haue hidden and those are not to be curiously searched S. Amb. li. 1. c. 7. de vocat Gentium By those thinges which to vs are hidden in holie Scripture our humilitie is proued S. Greg. ho. 17. super Ezech. THE BOOKE OF PSALMES PSALME I. The Royal prophet Dauid placed this Psalme as a Preface to the rest conteyning 1 true happines which consisteth in flying sinnes and seruing God 3. The good doe prosper 5. not the wicked 6. as wil appeare in the end of this world BLESSED is the man that “ hath not gone in the counsel of the impious hath not “ stoode in the way of sinners and hath not “ sitte in the chayre of pestilence †But his “ wil is in the way of our Lord and in his law he wil meditate day and night †And he shal be as a tree that is planted nigh to the streames of waters which shal geue his fruite in his time †And his leafe shal not fal and al thinges whatsoeuer he shal doe shal prosper †The impious not so but as dust which the winde driueth from the face of the earth †Therfore the impious shal not rise againe in iudgement nor sinners in the councel of the iust
both good euil nn this life :: Feare on mans paâ—t and hope in God do wel consist together So both presumption and desperation are auoided :: Holie Iob knowing it to be vnpossible that God calumniateth anie man inquireth what is the cause why his goodnes afflicteth the iust :: In that I am thy creature thou maist iustly destroy me but in deede because I am thy creature thou 〈◊〉 spare me through thy mâ—â—c◠〈◊〉 me thy grace which if I vse wel thou wilt also geue me eternal rest :: Repentance is alwayes necessarie but most especially at the houre of death The third conflict :: Sophar might haue applied the vice of much speaking to himself and his felowes alleaging manie thinges which proued not their opinion wheras Iobs allegations proued directly that which he affirmed :: Iobs owne conscience affirmed the contrarie c. 6. v. 3. :: He could not iustly confesse iniqeitie which he had not coÌ„mitted :: God suffereth his simple true meaning seruantes to be scorned for the time but afterward the wicked shal be forced to confesse that those whom they derided are worthily in honour before God Sap. 5. â— 3. :: Craftie plotters of deuises at last by Gods iust punishement commit so great absurdites that the meanest may see their foâ—lie :: Iobs state of sinne or innocencie was best knowen to God next to his owne conscience not at al to his aduersaries that presumed to iudge therof :: It semed to his aduersaries that of desperation he would teaâ— his flesh and so kil himself and to be so nere death as if one held his soule in his hand readie to bet it sâ—l from him :: He was in extreme anguish but stil trusted in God :: He denieth that he is guiltie in conscience but desireth to know of God if he haue anie hiâ— sinnes which himself knoweth not :: Al children taking their sâ—bstance from the mother and hauing only a temporal life continually tending to death can not but be subieâ—t to â—anie 〈◊〉 â—â—â—s 〈…〉 itselfe though it may some long is a limited thin◠〈…〉 is very 〈…〉 yea 〈…〉 proportion in respect of eternitie which is infinite yet God hath care to bring this weake creature to life eternal :: The parentes after death are not afflicted with the state of their children as they be in this life The fourt conflict :: Eliphaz not able to answer Iobs solide reasons raileth against him as if he were iniurious to God or taught others to cast away feare :: It is a very rare priuilege to be without spot :: But spot of venial sinnes may be in a iust man :: Al these miseries are incident to the wicked but are falsly applied to holie Iob who â—ndede was iust :: True and freindlie comforters ought to heare the afflicted with patience and not vnmercifully charge him with crimes which they neither know nor his conscience is guiltie of :: A great affliction when one ful of paine and distres is also forced to defend his owne innocencie against calumniators :: As the aduersaries stil obiect great iniquitie to him so he yeldeth them the same true answer :: Not hauing committed such sinnes as he was charged withal in this duble bitternes of corporal paine and calumniation his eye was stil vpon God expecting to be deliuered * Seâ—l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Infernus :: This texâ— sheweth euidently that there was a place of rest called hel The fifth conflict :: Baldad perceiuing Iob to speake confidently as the common doctrin of manie opposeth him self neuertheles against him and al that thincke as he doth and so speaketh as to manie in the plural number vvil ye speake and of himselfe his felowes are vve reputed c. So holie Iob a figure of the Church defended the common cause his aduersaries a figure of here tâ—kes speaking some truthes mixed false thinges therwith S. Greg. li. 14. c. 1. :: Blessed Iob saith S. Gregorie li. 14. c. 16. 17 looking sincerly on his owne life saw that his affliction was greater then his sinnes deserued and in that respect was not equal yet it was iust for God being iust geueth a iust reward a crowne of iustice as S. Paul speaketh of himself 2. Tim. 4 :: Al refused holie Iob in his affliction euen those whom he had loued most who therfore ought most to haue loued him againe :: An expresse profession of his faith of the Resurrection :: VVe shal rise againe not as one tree riseth in place of an other but the self same persones changed in qualities not in substance The sixth conflict :: Al mans life is short and as a moment in comparison of eternitie but it is not alwayes true that thewiked are shortly punished in respect of this life as this disputer applieth it to proue Iob to impious Therfore Iob answereth in the next chapter â— 13. That ordinarily the wicked lead their dayes to witt their whole life in vvealth and then in a moment goe downe to hel So the rest of these mens assertions are for most part true in some sense but il applied :: Though he disputed with three men yet it was concerning diuine thinges not humaine but of Gods prouidence and iustice of the resurrection of eternal life and punishment :: See ch 20. v 5. :: The same word is in Hebrew Greke and Latin for hel as in the 7 and 17. chap. other places which sheweth that besides hel of the daÌ„ned the resting place also of holie fathers in the old Testament was called by the general name of hel * a riuer of hel The seuenth conflict :: In dede wheÌ„ a iust man hath donne his dutie he is vnprofitable to God but he is profitable to himself which greatly pleaseth God who desireth mans good and it redoundeth to Gods glorie that he hath such seruantes â—â—at 5. v. 17. :: After imputation of false crimes this 〈…〉 chargeth 〈…〉 also with 〈◊〉 a 〈…〉 error of the Aegyptians that God hath no prouidence of men in this world Aristotel li. dâ— mundo textu 84. So some heretikes in their phrensic accuse Catholiques of condemned heresies :: VVhiles he expected some comforth of his freindes they stil afflicted him more and more chargeing him with falâ—â— crimes and so aggrauating his grief both of bodie and mind :: Therfore he appealeth to Gods iudgement seate for sentence :: Gods seruantes know that he wil punish wickednes but know not when the wicked presume that he wil neuer punish them :: Heretikes doing and teaching against their owne knowledge are afterward striken with blindnes that they can not see the truth S. Greg. li. 16. c. 26. :: Sinners running into both extremes of defect and excesse are likewise punished with contrarie tormentes :: Man by powre of free wil ofteÌ„ presumeth to spend the time in sinning which God granteth him to do penance for former sinnes Rom. 2. The eight conflict :: Iob answered before ch 9. yet blind
Mystically the Gentiles were iudged by Salomon better then the Iewes S. Ierom. :: Base vicions meâ— mixt with the good corrups the whole companie much more a mortal sinne in a mans soule destroyeth al the vertues that were there before :: Euil men aduanced seme to prosper :: But they fal into their owne trappes :: Such as seke by sense and reason to obtaine true knowlege enter not into the citie the Church They labour in vaine and are afflicted in studie of Scriptures when they walke in the desert and can not finde the citie S. Ierom. This text and manie others haue two senses 1. In kinges and al superiors are required mature age diligent care of the coÌ„mon good 2. Antiquitie in matter of faith and religion is to be folowed not noueltie Iya. 8. Dan 7. Apoc. 1. Iere. 1. Also mortification and labour is required in Pastors not delicacie nor ease The B. Virgin Marie more free from sinne then the Patriarches Cant. 2. The 3. part An exhortation to beginne quickly and perseuere in Gods seruice a Of al vertues the workes of mercie corporal and spiritual most auaile for obtaining eternal felicitie Mat. 25. b So the same be grounded in true faith beleuing al that is written in the old and new testament signified by seuen eight c After deâ—th none ca 〈…〉 either â—â—erite or demerite d Both in youth and old age do good workes :: An admonition to al in general to liue wel in this world remembring the day of general iudgement before which such signes shal come as are described here and by our Sauiour Mat. 24. And likewise euerie one is admonished in particular to serue God diligently whiles he hath time before death come when al his senses former helpes shal faile * The preachet :: This is the brife summe of al proficable doctrine Feare God kepe his commandments * Hidden or obscure thing Proem in Eccle. King Salomon according to his three names writte and intitled his three bookes Salomon Pacifier king of Israel Ecclesiastes Preacher king of Ierusalem Idida Beloued This Canticle doth excel other Canticles Al are not mete to read it Heb. 5. Best methode in lerning is to beginne with doctrine of good life then studie to know natural thinges and finally contemplate diuine mysteries A sacred dialogue or Enterlude * Forma dramatis God Christ the Spous or Bridgrome Three spouses The General The special and Singular Ephes 5. Origen S. Ierom. S. Aug. lib. 8. de Gen. adli S. Greg. S. Beda S. Tho. Aâ—bor Geneb Del Rio. The particular contents are sette in the margent of euerie chapter a The Church of the old testament desireth Christs coming in flesh and the Christian Church prayeth for his coming in glorie b The Church outwardly afflicted is inwardly fayre c Christ encorageth his spouse the Church d She meditateth of his Passion and Resurrection e Christ praiseth his spouse f She againe praiseth him g VVith thankes for her repose and present consolation a Christ professeth himself the floure of mankinde yea Lord of al creatures b The Church excelleth al other societies In the Church the godlie excel sinners Among the innocent and holie the virgin Marie surpasseth al. c The Church praising Christ resteth secure vnder his protectioÌ„ d He for the weakes sake permitteth her not to be molested til she be prepared to suffer vvith patience e She feeling Christs assistance confesseth preacheth boldly his Gospel truth against al Paganes and Heretikes f VVho though he shew not himself visibly g yet encorageth her to approch vnto him h commandeth his pastors to destroy heresies i And so she reposeth in him a The Church finding Christ not in darke ignorance nor in philosophie but by his reueâ—ling him selfe to her holdeth him for euer b euen til the lewes shal at last also find him c Christ speaketh as before ch 2. v. 7 d The Church of Christ admireth her owne conuersion from Gentilitie e now ful of good workes f She also professeth that the ascending to eternal rest is by fighting manfully in obseruing the ten commandments in the six dayes of this life g euen to bloud if nedâ— be h which is the highest degree of charitie i And inuiteth al others to come vnto Christ k who in the flesh which he tooke of his mother was crowned in heauen after his Passion a Christ againe praiâ—eth the beautie of his Church b Sincere and simple intention c Al her temporal occupations directed to Gods glorie d Pastors who like nurces geue bread of good doctrine to litle ones e Faith and good workes f Preaching Christs passion g And not ashamed to professe Christ Crucified h Administration of Sacraments wherby the Church Christs mystical bodie is ioyned to him her head i which is an inexpugnable fortresse k Both Iewes and Gentiles are fed with the principles of Christian doctrin l Christ dwelleth in mortified and deuout mindes m The Church triumphant is without spotte and euerie particular soule entring into heauen the B virgin mother was also in this life alwayes immaculate n Al tentations whether they be in manifest crueltie or in flatering sureltie make constant soules more gratful to God a The spouse condescending to Gods vvil is vvel content to suffer persecution b Christ againâ— shevveth his good liking in his spouses patience c and vvilleth the glorious Sainctes to congratulate vvith the patient d The spouse desireth to rest in meditation e but is called vpon to helpe others f and vrged by Christs owne example working for al mankind g And so she imployeth herself also in actiue life h Stil conseruing a desire to returne vnto contemplation i The deuout confer together describing the excellencies of Christ k And resolue to seke him whersoeuer he be a The Church teacheth her children that Christ is delighted with the godlie desires and fructful vvorkes of the faithful b Christ gâ—â—â—â—e commendeth his Church wel composed of distinct orders some gouerning some retired in cloâ—sters from this world the rest also exercising vvorkes of mercie in the trubles of this life al together making a complete armie terrible to al enimies c The more anie contemplate Gods Maiestie the better they perceiue that he is incomprensensible d Manie true pastores e more hyrelinges that also preach truth but for temporal commoditie f And innumerable faithful soules in the Church g Al vvhich are but one bodie in vnitie of â—aith h The voice of the old synagogue admiring the beautie of Christs Church i The Church of Christ exhorteth the Synagogue of the Ievves to returne to Christ a Christ interposeth his commendation of the Ievves vvho at last shal returne to him vvith great seruoure of faith and deuotion b And so iointly praiseth his Church consisting of both peoples c The Church as it vvere taking the vvoid out of Christs mouth vvhiles he
which is forbid by the law of nature and the reuenge therof here and in other places seuerly threatned yet it was specially geuen both immediatly after the floud and in the law of Moyses with manie the like to exercise men in obedience And the same was renewed for a time by the Apostles to appease a controuersie in the primitiue Church For that the Iewes conuerted to Christ hauing benne long accustomed to this obseruation could not indure to see it broken by themselues or other Christians and being no great burden for the Gentiles it was decreed that al should kepe it And so peace was made Neuertheles it was abolished when the cause ceassed As S. Augustin declareth against Faustus the Manichee Sach is the authoritie of the Church to decree and againe to disanul an obseruation of a thing of it selfe indifferent 21. Druâ—e Noe sinned not by the common iudgement of ancient Fathers in that he was ouercome with wine because he knew not the force therof hauing drunck only water al his life before But this external rebuke and worldlie disgrace happened to Noe in figure of Christ naked on the Crosse As S. Cyprian Epist 63. ad Coecilium S. Augustin li. 16. de ciuit c. 2. li. 12. contra Faustum Manicheum c. 23. 24 Eucherius Repertus and others vpon this place do teach And likwise that Sem and Iapheth were a figure of the Church consisting of Iewes and Gentiles and Cham of Heretikes and other Infidels that deride the infirmities which our Sauiour sustayned Goe to now yee Manichees saith S. Augustin obiect calumnies to the ancient holie Scriptures doe so yee children of Cham to whom naked flesh semeth vile by which your selues were begotten For neither could yee by anie meanes haue benne called Christians except Christs as he was fortold by the Prophetes had come into the world had drunck that cuppe of his vinyard which could not passe from him had slept in his passion as in drunkennes of folie which is wiser then men and so the infirmitie of mortal flesh which is stronger then men had become naked by the secret counsel of God which infirmitie vnles the WORD OF GOD had taken vpon him the very name Christian wherof yee also glorie had not benne at al in the earth 25. Cursed be Chanaan VVhy Chanaan the sonne is cursed and not his father Cham diuers yeld diuers reasons S. Theodoretus reporteth out of the Hebrew Doctors that Chanaan a boy first saw his grandfathers nakednes and told the same to his father and so they both derided that they should haue couered Chams other sonnes not offending and therfore not his whole progenie but only Chanaan his posteritie were here cursed by Noe. S. Chrisostome supposeth that for so much as God had blessed Noe his three sonnes coming forth of the Arke he could not presume to curse anie of those whom God had blessed therfore cursed Chanaan who in wickednes was like to his father S. Gregorie bringeth this for example of wicked men escaping punishment in this life and are punished in the next and in their posteritie folowing their vices VVhat meaneth it saith he that C ham sinning Chanaan his sonne had sentence of reuenge but that the sinnes of the reprobate prosper here in this life vnreuenged and are punished aftervvards And clere it is that Chanaans most wicked posteritie were subdued in the end and most of them destroied by the children of Israel who were of Sem vnder the conduct of Iosue according to Noes prophetical blessing of Sem and cursing of Chanaan 27. God enlarge This blessing of Iapheth was literaly fulfilled when according to his name which signifieth Latitude or enlargement his plentiful issue possessed most ample countries both in the Continent and Ilandes But mystically it had effect As S. Hierom. S. Augustin Rupertus and others expeund it when the Apostles being Iewes of the race of Sem first builded the Christian Church wherin the most part of that nation refused to dwel contemning Christs Gospel grace and the fulnes of Gentiles entred in and were made inheriters Finally Chanaan is seruant to both Sem and Iapheth in that Heretikes being vnder the Iurisdiction of the Church geathered of Iewes and Gentiles serue to stur vp Catholiques diligence to more exact knowledge of al truth and their patience to more merite and glorie CHAP. X. The genealogie of Noes children by whom the World was increased againe after the floud THESE are the generations of the sonnes of Noe Sem Cham and Iapheth and children were borne to them after the floud †The children of Iapheth Gomer and Magog and Madai and Iauan and Thubal and Mosoch and Thiras †Moreouer the children of Gomer Ascenez and Riphath and Thogorma †And the sonnes of Iauan Elisa and Tharsis the Cetims and the Dodanims †Of these were diuided the Iles of Nations in their countries ech one according to his tongue and their families in their nations †And the sonnes of Cham Chus and Mesraim and Phut and Chanaan †And the sonnes of Chus Saba and Heuila Sabatha and Regma Sabathaca The sonnes of Regma Saba and Dadan †Moreouer Chus begat “ Nemrod he began to be mightie in the earth †and he was a valiaunt hunter before our Lord. Therof rose a prouerbe As it were Nemrod the valiaunt hunter before our Lord. †And the beginning of his kingdome was Babylon and Arach and Achad and Chalanne in the land of Sennaar †Out of that land came forth “ Assur and builded Niniue and the streets of the citie and Chale †Resen also betwen Niniue and Chale this is the great citie †But Mesraim also begat the Ludims the Anamims the Laabims the Nephthuims †and the Phetrusims and the Casluims of whom came forth the Philistims the Caphtorims †And Canaan begat Sidon his first begotten Hethaeus †and Iebusaeus and Amorrhaeus and Gergesaeus †Heuaeus and Aracaeus Sinaeus ' †and Aradius Samaraeus and Hamathaeus and afterwardes were spred the people of the Chananits †And the limitts of Chanaan were from Sidon as we come to Gerara euen to Gaza vntil thou enter to Sodoma Gomorrha and Adama Seboim euen to Lesa †These are the children of Cham in their kinreds and tongues and generations lands and nations †Of Sem also father of al the children of Herber the elder brother of Iapheth were borne †The children of Sem Aelam and Assur and Arphaxad and Lud and Aram. †The children of Aram Vs and Hul and Gether and Mes. †And Arphaxad also begat Sale of whom was borne Heber †And to Heber were borne two sonnes the name of the one was Phaleg because that in his dayes was the earth diuided and his brothers name was Iectan †The which Iectan begat â—lmodad and Saleph and Asarmoth
of oath †And Abimelech arose and Phicol the general of his armie and they returned to the land of the Palestines But Abraham planted a groue in Bersabee and called therupon the name of our Lord God eternal †And he was a seiorner in the land of the Palestines manie dayes ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XXI 12. Let it not It semed so hard inhumaine and vniust to cast Agar and Ismael out of the house that Abraham would not haue done it onles God had commanded him in this to heare the voice of Sara But when he knew Gods wil therin not respecting flesh and bloud nor disputing further of the lawfulnes of the fact sent them both away commending them to Gods protection and so by this separation the familie was made quiet It represented also a notable Mysterie of the Synagog of the Iewes Church of Christ As S. Augustin doth excellently expound the same according to S. Paul Gal. 4. That Ismaels playing with Isaac was persecution because it tended to peruert him shewing it to be a greater iniurie to delude and deceiue anie in drawing them to new and particular companies then corporally to persecute them and that the Church and Catholique Princes punish heretikes for their good to make them returne to the truth or finally to cease from seducing others Ecce libera afflixit ancillam non illam vocat persecutionem Apostolus ludit seruus cum domino persecutionem vocat Afflictio ista non vocatur persecutio lusi◠illa vocatur persecutio Behold the freewoman afflicted the handmaide and the Apostle calleth it not persecution the seruant playeth with the maister and he calleth it persecution This affliction is not called persecution and that play is called persecution Againe he sayeth of Sara Illusionem vidit in illo lusu animaduertit serui superbiam displicuit illi eiecit soras She saw foule play in that play she noted the seruants pride it displeased her she cast him forth of the dores S. Hierom also teacheth that the spiritual neuer persecuteth the carnal but spareth him as his rustical brother knowing that he may in time be profitable CHAP. XXII The faith and obedience of Abraham is proued in his redines to sacrifice his sonne Isaac 11. He is stayed from the act by an Angel 16. Former promises are renewed to him 20. And his brother Nachor hath also much issue VVHICH things being done God “ tempted Abraham and said to him Abraham Abraham But he answered Here I am †He said to him Take thy only begotten sonne whom thou louest Isaac and goe into the Land of vision and there thou shalt offer him for an holocaust vpon one of the mountaines which I wil shew thee †Therfore Abraham rising vp in the night sadled his asse taking with him two young men and Isaac his sonne and when he had cut wood for the holocaust he went his way to the place which God had commanded him †And the third day lifting vp his eyes he sawe the place afarre of †and he said to his young men Tarie you here with the asse I and the boy going with spede as farre as yonder after we haue adored wil returne to you †He tooke also the wood of the holocaust and laid it vpon Isaac his sonne and him selfe caried in his hands fire and a sword And as they went on together †Isaac said to his father My father And he answered What wilt thou sonne Behold saith he fire and wood where is the victime of the holocaust †And Abraham said God wil prouide vnto him selfe the victime of the holocaust my sonne They went on therfore together †and they came to the place which God had shewed him wherin he builed an altar and laid the wood in order vpon it and when he had bound Isaac his sonne he laid him on the altar vpon the pile of wood †And he stretched forth his hand and caught the sword for to sacrifice his sonne †And behold an angel of our Lord from heauen cried saying Abraham Abraham Who answered Here I am †And he said to him Stretch not forth thy hand vpon the boy neither doe thou any thing to him now haue I knowen that thou fearest God and hast not spared thine onlie begotten sonne for my sake †Abraham lifted vp his eyes and saw behind his backe a ramme amongst the briers sticking fast by the hornes which he tooke and offered an holocaust in stede of his sonne †And he called the name of that place Our Lord seeth Wherupon euen to this day it is said In the mountaine our Lord wil see †And the angel of our Lord called Abraham the second time from heauen saying †By my owne selfe haue I sworne saith the Lord because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared thine onlie begotten sonne for my sake †I wil blesse thee and I wil multiplie thy sede as the starres of heauen and as the sand that is by the sea shore thy sede shal possesse the gates of his enemies †and in thy sede SHAL BE BLESSED al the nations of the earth because thou hast obeyed my voice †Abraham returned to his young men and they went to Bersabee together and he dwelt there †These things so being done it was told Abraham that Melca also had borne children to Nachor his brother †Hus the first be gotten Buz his brother and Camuel the father of the Sirians †and Cased and Azau. Pheldas also Iedlaph †and Bathuel of whom was borne Rebecca these eight did Melcha beare to Nachor Abrahams brother †And his concubine named Roma bare Tabee and Gaham and Tahas and Maacha ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XXII 1. Tempted God tempteth none to euil as S. Iames teacheth but by trial and experiment maketh men knowen to the world as here Abrahams faith and singular obedience were manifested when he doubted not To offer his only begotten in Sacrifice accounting that God is able to raise vp euen from the dead VVherupon he receiued his sonne againe in parable that is in figure and mysterie of Christ dead and aliue againe Isaac also in this action signified the diuinitie of Christ which suffered not and the ramme among the briers figured his humanitie that should be offered in Sacrifice to God CHAP. XXIII Sara dying Abraham solemnizeth her funeral 4. byeth a field with a duble caue of Ephron 15. for four hundreth sicles 19. and there burieth her AND Sara liued an hundred twentie seuen yeares †And she died in the citie of Arbee which is Hebron in the land of Chanaan And Abraham came to mourne and weepe for her †And after that he was risen vp from the funeral obsequies he spake to the children of Heth saying †I am a stranger and pilgrime among you geue me the right of a sepulchre with you that I may burie my dead †The
the man vnto me he came to the man which stoode beside the camels and nighe to the fountaine of water †and said to him Come in thou blessed of our Lord Why standest thou without I haue prepared the house and a place for the camels †And he brought him in into his lodging and he vnharnessed the camels and gaue strawe and hay and water to wash his feet and of the men that were come with him †And bread was set before him Who said I wil not eate til I speake my message He answered him Speake †And he said I am the seruant of Abraham †and our Lord hath blessed my lord wonderfully and he is magnified and he hath geuen him sheepe and oxen siluer and gold men seruants and wemen seruants camels and asses †And Sara my lordes wife hath borne my lord a sonne in her old age and he hath â—euen him al things that he had †And my lord adiured me saying Thou shalt not take a wife for my sonne of the Chananites in whose land I dwel †but thou shalt goe to my fathers house and of mine owne kinred shalt thou take a wife for my sonne †but I answered my Lord What if the woman wil not come with me †Our Lord saith he in whose sight I walke wil send his angel with thee and wil direct thy way and thou shalt take a wife for my sonne of myne owne kinred and of my fathers house †Thou shalt be innocent from my curse when thou shalt come to my kinne and they wil not geue her thee †I came therfore to day to the wel of water and said O Lord God of my lord Abraham if thou hast directed my way wherin I now walke †behold I stand besides the wel of water and the virgin that shal come forth to drawe water when she shal heare me say Geue me a litle water to drinke of thy tankard †and she shal say to me Drinke both thou and for thy camels I wil drawe also that is the woman which our Lord hath prepared for my maisters sonne †And whilest I pondered these things secretly with my selfe Rebecca appeared comming with a tankard which she caried vpon her shoulder and she went downe to the fountaine drew water And I said to her Geue me a litle to drinke †Who spedelie let downe the tankard from her shoulder and said to me Drinke both thou and to thy camels I wil geue drinke I dranke and she watered the cammels †And I asked her and said Whose daughter art thou who answered I am the daughter of Bathuel the sonne of Nachor whom Melcha bare him I hoong therfore earelettes to adorne her face and I put braceletts vpon her hands †And prostrate I adored our Lord blessing the Lord God of my lord Abraham who hath brought me the straight way to take the daughter of my lords brother for his sonne †Wherfore if you doe according to mercie and truth with my lord shew me but if it please you otherwise that also tel me that I may goe to the right hand or to the left †And Laban and Bathuel answered From our Lord the word hath proceded we can not speake any other thing with thee besides his pleasure †Behold Rebecca is before thee take her and goe thy waies and let her be the wife of thy lords sonne as our Lord hath spoken †Which when Abrahams seruant heard falling downe he adored our Lord to the grounde †And taking forth vessel of siluer and gold and garments gaue them to Rebecca for a present To her brothers also and to her mother he offred giftes †A banket was made and eating and drinking togeather they lodged there And in the morning the seruant arose and said Dismisse me that I may goe to my lord †And her brother and mother answered Let the maide tarie at the least tenne days with vs and after she shal depart †Stay me not said he because our Lord hath directed my way dismisse me that I may goe on to my lord †And they said Let vs cal the maid and aske her wil. †And being called when she was come they asked Wilt thou goe with this man who said I wil goe †They dismissed her therfore and her nurce and Abrahams seruant and his companie †wishing prosperitie to their sister and saying Thou art our sister encrease thou into thousand thousands and thy seed possesse the gates of their enemies †Therfore Rebecca and her maides being set vpon camels folowed the man who with speed returned vnto his lord and †the same time Isaac walked along the way that leadeth to the wel of the Liuing and the seing so called for he dwelt in the south countrie †and he was gone forth to meditate in the field the day nowe being wel spent and when he had cast vp his eyes he saw camels coming a farre of †Rebecca also when she saw Isaac lighted of the camel †and said to the seruant Who is that man which cometh towards vs along the field And he said to her The same is my lord But she quickly taking her cloake couered her selfe †And the seruant told Isaac al things that he hed done †Who brought her into the tent of Sara his mother and tooke her to wife and he loued her so much that it did moderate the sorrowe which was chanced of his mothers death ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XXIIII 14. The maide to vvhom I shal say Obseruation of speaches called ominous which are interpreted to signifie good or euil luck are sometimes supersticious suggested by euil spirites who now then telling or insinuating some truth get credite and so allure men to attend to such vaine vncertaine and vnlawful signes as S. Augustin testifieth li. 2. de Gen. ad lit c. 17. li. 12. c. 22. Neuertheles such signes are sometimes lawfully obserued desired from God as the same Doctor disputeth li. quest super Gen q. 53 and S. Chrisostome teacheth more clerly ho. 45. in Gen likewise S. Theodoret q. 73. in Gen But whosoeuer wil not erre in particular cases must folow either expresse Scripture or the iudgement of the Church which is alwayes directed by the spirite of truth And touching this prayer of Abrahams seruant and his desire of this determinate signe to know the maide whom God had prouided to be Isaachs wife the fathers generally hold that it was religious deuout and discrete For he being careful of his masters busines and not trusting his owne iudgement but relying vpon that Abraham had said Our Lord shal send his Angel before thee commended so weightie a cause to God by prayer the Angel suggesting both to him to desire and to the maide to performe as the euent sheweth such qualities and vertues in her as were most agreable to the great charitie and hospitalitie dayly practised in Abrahams house most conuenient
punishing oftenders in that behalfe 3. Reg. 15. 4. Reg. 18. 23. they did the same without preiudice of the High Priestes supremâ—cie in spirituall causes and their godlie actes make nothing for the English Paradox of Laiheadshippe For superior authoritie and ordinarie povvre is not proued by factes good or euil but rather by Gods ordinance and institution For as the factes of vsurpers make no lawfull prescription so neither the factes of good men do change Gods general ordinance and law But are done either by waie of execution or sometimes by dispensation Often also by commission and special inspiration of God As king Dauid by dispensation did eate the holie bread which was ordained for Priests onlie 1. Reg 21. He disposed of Priestes and Leuites offices about the Arke of God Par. 15. 19. by way of execution according to the law And of the like offices in the Temple when it should be built 1. Par. 23. 24. 25. 26. by diuine inspiration And Salomon by commission from God deposed Abiathar the High Priest from his office and put Sadoc in his place 3. Reg. 2. VVherefore albeit good kinges did excellentlie well in calling together the Priestes and disposing them in their offices for execution of Gods seruice yea in commanding what they should do 4. Reg. 18. 19. 22. and in punishing Priestes 4. Reg. 23. yet they did such thinges as Gods Commissioners not as ordinarie Superiors in spiritual causes and still the ordinarie subordination made by the law Deut. 17. Num. 27. stood firme and inuiolable the High Priest supreme Iudge of all doubtes in faith causes and quarels in religion when other subordinate inferior Iudges varied in their iudgmentes Of which offices Malachias the Propher cap. 2. admonished Priestes in his time that whereas they were negligent not performing their dutie their sinne was the greater for that their authoritie stil remained and the perpetual Rule of the lavv that the lippes of the Priest shal kepe knowlege and they other men generally shal require the law of his mouth because he is the Angel of the Lord of hostes And al Princes others were to receiue the law at the priestes haÌ„d of the Leuitical Tribe This vvas the vvarrant of stabilitie in truth of the Synagogue in the old Testament Much more the Church and Spouse of Christ vvhose excellencie and singular priuileges Salomon describeth in his canticle of canticles hath such vvarrant Of this spouse al the Prophets write that more plaâ—nlie then of Christ himselfe forseing more aduersaries bending their forces against her as S. Augustine obserueth then against Christ her head And the same holie father in manie places teacheth that she neither perisheth nor loseth her beutie for the mixture of euil members in respect of whom she is blacke but fayre in respect of the good Cantiâ— 1. Notwithstanding therfore sinners remaining within the Church schismatikes and heretickes breaking from the Church stil she remaineth the pillar and firmament of truth the virgin daughter of Sion THE ARGVMENT OF THE BOOKES OF ESDRAS ESDRAS a holie Priest and Scribe of the stocke of Aaron by the line of Eleazar vvriteth the historie of Gods people in and presently after their captiuitie in Babilon vvhich Nehemias an other godlie Priest prosecuteth vvhose booke is also called the second of Esdras because in the Hebrevv and Greke they are but one booke relating the acts of them both The other two books called the third and fourth of Esdras touching the same matter are not in the Hebrew nor receiued into the Canon of holie Scripture though the Greke Church hold the third booke as Canonicall and plaâ—eth it first because it conteyneth thinges donne before the other In the two here folowing vvhich are vndoubtedly holie Scripture S. Ierom sayth that Esdras and Nehemias to witte the Helper and Comforter from God restored the Temple and built the walles of the citie adding that al the troope of the people returning into their countrie also the description of Priestes Leuites Israelites Proselites and the workes of walles and to wres diuided by seueral families aliud in cortice praeferunt aliud in medulla retinent shew one thing in the barke kepe an other thing in the marrow signifying that this historie hath both a literal and a mystical sense According to the letter this first booke shevveth the reduction of Gods people from Babylon In the first six chapters In the other soure their instruction by Esdras after their returne THE FIRST BOOKE OF ESDRAS CHAP. I. Cyrus king of Persia moued by divine inspiration releaseth Gods people from captiuitie with license to returne and build the Temple in Ierusalem 7. restoring the holie vessel which Nabuchodonesor had taken from thence IN THE first yeare of Cyrus king of the Persians that the word of our Lord by the mouth of Ieremie might be accomplishd our Lord raysed vp the spirit of Cyrus king of Persians and he made proclamation in al his kingdom yea by wryting saying †Thus sayth Cyrus king of the Persians Al the kingdomes of the earth hath the Lord the God of heauen geuen me he hath commanded me that I should build him a house in Ierusalem which is in Iewrie †Who is there among you of al his people His God be with him Let him goe vp into Ierusalem which is in Iewrie and build the house of the Lord the God of Israel he is the God that is in Ierusalem †And let al the rest in al places whersoeuer they dwel let euery man of his place helpe him with siluer and gold and substance and cattel besides that which they offer voluntarily to the temple of God which is in Ierusalem †And there rose vp the princes of the fathers of Iuda and Beniamin the Priestes and Leuites and euerie one whose spirit God raysed vp to goe vp to build the temple of our Lord which was in Ierusalem †And al that were round about did helpe their handes in vessels of siluer and of gold in substance and beastes in furniture besides those thinges which they had offered voluntarily †King Cyrus also brought forth the vessels of the temple of our Lord which Nabuchodonosor had taken of Ierusalem and had put them in the temple of his God †But Cyrus the king of Persians brought them forth by the hand of Mithridates the sonne of Gazabar numbred them to Sassabasar the prince of Iuda †And this is the number of them Phials of gold thirtie phials of siluer a thousand kniues twentie nine goblettes of gold thirtie †goblettes of siluer of the second order foure hundred tenne other vessels a thousand †Al the vessels of gold and siluer fiue thousand foure hundred Sassabasar tooke al with them that went vp from the transmigration of Babylon into Ierusalem CHAP. II. The names and number of special men which returned vnder the conduct of Zorobabel into lerusalem 66.
eares thou hast perfited to me Holocaust and for sinne thou didst not require †then said I Behold I come In the head of the booke it is written of me †that I should doe thy wil my God I would and thy law in the middes of my hart †I haue declared thy iustice in the great Church loe I wil not stay my lippes Lord thou hast knowen it †Thy iustice I haue not hid in my hart thy truth and thy saluation I haue spoken I haue not hid thy mercie and thy truth from the great councel †But thou ô Lord make not thy commiserations farre from me thy mercie and thy truth haue alwayes receiued me †Because euils haue compassed me which haue no number mine iniquities haue ouertaken me I was not able to see They are multiplied aboue the heares of my head and my hart hath forsaken me †It may please thee ô Lord to deliuer me Lord haue respect to helpe me Let them be confounded and ashamed together that seeke my soule to take it away Let them be turned backward and be ashamed that wil me euils Let them forth with receiue their confusion that say to me Wel wel †Let al that seeke thee reioyce and be glad vpon thee and let them that loue thy saluation say alwayes Our Lord be magnified †But I am a begger and poore Our Lord is careful of me Thou art my helper my protector my God be not slacke PSALME XL. The prophet pronounceth them happie that wil beleue in Christ coming in humilitie and pouertie 5. Christ describeth his owne poore afflicted state in this life by reason he is to satisfie for the sinnes of the world the malice of his aduersaries 10. especially of Iudas 11. and by way of prayer prophecieth his owne Resurrect on †Vnto the end a Psalme to Dauid him selfe BLESSED is the man that vnderstandeth concerning the needie and the poore in the euil day our Lord wil deliuer him †Our Lord preserue him and geue him life and make him blessed in the land and deliuer him not vnto the wil of his enemies †Our Lord helpe him vpon the bed of his sorow thou hast turned al his couche in his infirmitie †I said Lord haue haue mercie on me heale my soule because I haue sinned to thee †Mine enemies haue spoken euils to me When shal he die and his name perish †And if he came in to see he spake vayne thinges his hart hath gathered together iniquitie to him selfe He went forth and spake together †Al mine enemies whispered against me they did thinke euils to me They haue determined an vniust word against me Shal not he that sleepeth adde to ryse againe †For the man also of my peace in whom I hoped who did eate my breades hath greatly troden me vnder foote †But thou ô Lord haue mercie vpon me and raise me vp againe and I wil repay them †In this I haue knowen that thou wouldest me because mine enemie shal not reioyce ouer me †But me thou hast receiued because of innocencie and thou hast confirmed me in thy sight for euer †Blessed be our Lord the God of Israel from the beginning of the world and for euermore Be it be it PSALME XLI The feruent desire of the iust 6. much afflicted in this life 12. and assured hope of eternal ioy †Vnto the end vnderstanding to the sonnes of Core EVEN as the harte desireth after the fountaines of waters so doth my soule desire after thee ô God †My soule hath thirsted after God the strong liuing when shal I come and appeare before the face of God †My teares haue beene breades vnto me day and night whiles it is said to me dayly Where is thy God †These thinges haue I remembred and haue powred out my soule in me because I shal passe into the place of a meruelous tabernacle euen to the house of God In the yoyce of exultation and confession the sound of one feasting †Why art thou sorowful my soule and why dost thou truble me Hope in God because yet I wil confesse to him the saluation of my countenance †and my God My soule is trubled toward my selfe therfore wil I be mindful of thee from the land of Iordan and Hermoniim from the litle mountaine †Depth calleth on depth in the voice of thy flould-gates Al thy high thinges and thy waues haue passed ouer me †In the day our Lord hath commanded his mercie and in the night a song of him With me is prayer to the God of my life †I wil say to God Thou art my defender Why hast thou forgotten me and why goe I sorowful whiles mine enemie afflicteth me †Whiles my bones are broken mine enemies that truble me haue vpbrayded me Whiles they say to me day by day Where is thy God †Why art thou heauie ô my soule wh◠dost thou truble me Hope in God because yet I wil confesse to him the saluation of my countenance and my God PSALME XLII The iust inuocateth Gods sentence against the deceiptful that seeke his spiritual ouerthrow 4. acknowledgeth his helpe from almightie God the B. Trinitie in whose vision glorie consisteth †A Psalme of Dauid IVDGE me ô God discerne my cause from the nation not holie from the vniust and deceitful man deliuer me †Because thou art God my strength why hast thou repelled me and why goe I sorowful whiles the enemie afflicteth me Send forth thy light and thy truth they haue conducted me and haue brought me into thy holy hil and into thy tabernacles †And I wil goe in to the altar of God to God which maketh my youth ioyful †I'wil confesse to thee on the harpe ô God my God why art thou sorowful ô my soule and dost thou trubel me †Hope in God because yet wil I cōfesse to him the saluation of my countenance and my God PSALME XLIII The prophet describeth the first calling and difficulte state of the Iewish nation 6. their prosperitie at other times 10. Againe their afflictions in captiuitie and persecutions †Vnto the end for the sonnes of Core to vnderstanding O GOD we haue heard with our eares our fathers haue declared to vs. The worke that thou hast wrought in their dayes and in the dayes of old †Thy hand destroyed the nations and thou didst plant them thou didst afflict the peoples and expel them †For not by their owne sword did they possesse the land and their owne arme did not saue them But thy right hand
and thyne arme and the illumination of thy countenance because thou wast pleased in them †Thou art the same my king and my God which commandest the saluations of Iacob †In thee we shal turne out our enemies with the horne in thy name we shal contemne them that ryse vp against vs. †For I wil not hope in my bowe and my sword wil not saue me †For thou hast saued vs from them that afflict vs and them that hate vs thou hast confounded †In God we shal be praysed al the day and in thy name we wil confesse for euer †But now thou hast repelled and confounded vs and thou wilt not goe forth ô God in our hostes †Thou hast turned vs backe behind our enemies and they that hated vs spoyled for themselues †Thou hast geuen vs as sheepe that are to be eaten and thou hast dispersed vs among the nations †Thou hast sold thy people without price and there was no multitude in the exchanges of them †Thou hast made vs a reproche to our neighbours a scorne and mocking stocke to them that are round about vs. †Thou hast made vs for a parable to the Gentiles a wagging of the head among the peoples †Al the day my shame is against me and the confusion of my face hath couered me †At the voyce of the vpbrayder and the reprocher at the face of the enemie and persecutor †Al these thinges haue come vpon vs neither haue we forgotten thee and we haue not done wickedly in thy testament †And our hart hath not reuolted backward and thou hast declined our pathes from thy way †Because thou hast humbled vs in the place of affliction and the shadow of death hath couered vs. †If we haue forgotten the name of our God and if we haue spred forth our handes to a strange God †Wil not God enquire of these thinges For he knoweth the secretes of the hart Because for thee we are killed al the day we are estemed as sheepe of slaughter †Arise why sleepest thou ô Lord Arise and expel vs not to the end †Why dost thou turne away thy face forgettest our pouertie and our tribulation †Because our soule is humbled in the dust our bellie is glâ—wed in the earth †Arise Lord helpe vs and redeme vs for thy name PSALME XLIIII Dauid singularly moued in hart and tongue 3. prophecieth Christs excellencie indowing his Church with most worthie dowries 11. by way of exhortation forshewing her internal and external beautie 17. with perpetual succession of Pastors feeding the flock euen to the worlds end †Vnto the end for them that shal be changed to the sonnes of Core for vnderstanding a Canticle for the beloued MY hart hath vttered a good word I tel my workes to the king My tongue is the penne of a scribe that writeth swiftly †Goodly of beautie aboue the sonnes of men grace is powred abrode in thy lippes therfore hath God blessed thee for euer †Be girded with thy sword vpon thy thigh ô most mightie †With thy beautie and fayrnesse intend procede prosperousely and reigne Because of truth and mildenesse and iustice and thy right hand shal conduct thee meruelously Thy sharpe arrowes the peoples vnderneth thee shal fal into the hartes of the kings enemies †“ Thy seate ô God for euer and euer a rod of direction the rod of thy kingdom Thou hast loued iustice and hast hated iniquitie therfore God thy God hath annoynted thee with the oile of gladnes aboue thy felowes †Myrâ—he and Aloes and Cassia from thy garmentes from houses of yuorie out of the which †the daughter of kinges haue delighted thee in thy honour The Queene stood on thy right hand in golden rayment compassed with varietie Heare daughter and see and incline thyne eare and forget thy people and the house of thy father †And the king wil couet thy beautie because he is the Lord thy God and they shal adore him †And the daughters of Tyre with giftes al the rich of the people shal besech thy countenance †Al the glorie of that daughter of the king is within in borders of gold †clothed round about with varieties Virgins shal be brought to the king after her her neighbours shal be brought to thee †They shal be brought in ioy and exultation “ they shal be brought into the temple of the king †“ For thy fathers there are borne sonnes to thee thou shalt make them princes ouer al the earth †They shal be mindeful of thy name in al generation and generation Therfore shal peoples confesse to thee for euer and for euer and euer ANNOTATIONS PSALME XLIIII 7. Thy seate Ô God for euer and euer Seing S. Paul Heb. 1. v. 8. affirmeth expresly that these wordes are spoken of the Sonne of God Christ our Sauiour and therby proueth his excellencie aboue Angels Iohn Caluin is wonderful bold to auouch that in the simple proper sense Dauid spake of his sonne Salomon and the daughter of Pharao as if that were the literal sense and S. Paul only expounded it mystically But first the solemne preface in the two first verses importeth farre greater thinges then agree to anie terrestrial king Secondly this excellent beautie described v. 3. aboue the sonnes of men can not be verified of Salomon for Absalom 2. Reg. 14. v 25. and Adonias were also very beautiful 3. Reg. 1. v. 6. As for Salomons wisdom or other vertues he perseuered not therin and so he was not blessed for euer Thirdly the prophet here calleth the person of whom and to whom he speaketh God v. 7. 12. Fourtly not only the ancient Fathers and Doctors of the Church but also the Hebrew Rabbins and the Chaldee paraphrasis expound this Psalme literally of the promised Messias and his kingdom the Church 16. They shal be brought into the temple of the king The temple of the king saith S. Augustin is the Church the temple of the king is in vnity the temple of the king is not ruinous not cut insunder not diuided the ioyning of liuing stones is charitie Nothing is more euidenr Attend now the verie temple of the king for from thence he speaketh because of the vnitie spread in the round earth For those that vvould be virgins faithful soules vnles they be brought into the temple of the king the Catholique Church they can not please the bridgrome 17. For thy fathers there are borne sonnes to thee The Apostles begotte thee ô Christian Church they were sent they preached they are the fathers But could they be
not returne neithet shal they apprehend the pathes of life †That thou mayst walke in a good way and mayst keepe the pathes of the iust †For they that are right shal dwel in the earth and the simple shal continue in it †But the impious shal be destroyed from the earth and they that doe vniustly shal be taken away from it ANNOTATIONS CHAP. II. 13. VVho leaue the right vvay Generally this description of wicked men agreeth to al that committe and persist in mortal sinne whether they walked right at anie time before or no but most especially sheweth the properties of heretikes who forsake and leaue the direct ancient beaten knovvne vvay of the Catholique Church and teach nevv obscure doctrines not heard of or not approued in our forefathers time Secondly v. 14 they glorie in their ovvne deuises and reioyce in most vvicked thinges as in seducing multitude of peoples to rebel against their Catholique Princes and other Superiors spiritual and temporal in breaking vovves in despising good vvorkes trusting to only faith and that not the Catholique faith of al true Christians but euerie one his particular persvvasion that himself is iust shal be saued vvhich by their ovvne doctrin none is bond to beleue of an others state but of his owne only In so much that the chiefest point of a Protestants imagined faith is not a general Article which al do or should beleue but a most particular and singular phantasie which each one must conceiue of himself or herself Thirdly v. 16. Heresie called here the strange and forrene woman tempereth her vvordes to please the itching eares of her auditorie framing her doctrine to the humour of those vvhom she seeketh to peruert The same vvich the Apostle saith in other vvordes by svvere speaches and benedictions they seduce the hartes of innocents Fourthly v. 19. Those that do enter into error of heresie shal not returne that is very hardly and rarely returne into the right vvay of life the reason whereof the same Apostle yeldeth because an heretike is condemned by his ovvne iudgement For being in error and admitting no iudge but himself he parteth from the Church excludeth the meanes of better iustruction through his erronious iudgement remaineth in damnable opinion and so in the state of damnation CHAP. III. Wisdom exhorteth to kepe Gods law geuing long life to obserue mercie and truth 5. to confide in God 7. to feare 9. and honour him 11. to take his correction gladly 13. for al good thinges folow wisdom 27. to releue the needie without delay 30. not to contend with the wicked nor to imitate them 33. The euil shal faile and the godlie shal prosper MY sonne forget not my law and let thy hart keepe my precepts †For they shal adde to thee length of dayes and yeares of life and peace †Let not mercie and truth leaue thee put them about thy throte and write them in the tables of thy hart †and thou shalt finde grace and good discipline before God and men †Haue confidence in our Lord with al thy hart and leane not vpon thyne owne prudence †In al thy wayes thinke on him and he wil direct thy steppes †Be not wise in thyne owne conceipte feare God and depart from euil †for it shal be health to thy nauil and watering of thy bones †Honour our Lord with thy substance and geue to him of the first of al thy fruites †and thy barnes shal be replenished with fulnes and thy presses shal runouer with wine †My sonne cast not away the discipline of our Lord neither doe thou faint when thou art chasteâ—â—d of him †for whom our Lord loueth he chasticeth and as a father in the sonne he pleaseth himself †Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom and floweth with prudence †better is the purchasing therof then marchandise of siluer and her fruite then chiefe and the purest gold †she is more precious then al riches and al thinges that are desired are not able to be compared with her †Length of dayes in her right hand in her left hand riches and glorie †Her wayes are beautiful wayes and al her pathes peaceable †She is a tree of life to them that shal apprehend her and he that shal hold her is blessed †Our Lord by wisdom founded the earth established the heauens by prudence †By his wisdom the depthes haue broken forth and the cloudes waxe thicke with dew †My sonne let not these thinges depart from thyne eies kepe the law counsel †and there shal be life to thy soule and grace to thy iawes †Then shalt thou walke confidently in thy way and thy foote shal not stumble †if thou sleepe thou shalt not feare thou shalt rest and thy sleepe shal be sweete †Dread not at soden terrour and the power of the impious falling vpon thee †For our Lord wil be at thy side and wil keepe thy foote that thou be not taken †Doe not prohibite him to doe good that is able if thou be able thy selfe also doe good †Say not to thy frend goe and returne and tomorow I wil geue to thee wheras thou mayest geue forth with †Practise not euil against thy freind when he hath affiance in thee †Contend not against man without cause wheras he hath done thee no euil †Doe not enuie an vniust man nor imitate his waies †because euerie deluder is an abomination of our Lord and his communication is with the simple †There is pouertie from our Lord in the house of the impious but the habitations of the iust shal be blessed †He shal delude the deluders and to the milde he wil geue grace †The wise shal possesse glorie the exaltation of fooles ignominie CHAP. IIII. The wiseman exhorteth others by his owne example to seeke wisdom 14. to decline from the wicked and to imitate the iust 23. to guide wel the hart mouth and feete CHILDREN heare ye the fathers discipline and attend that you may knowe prudence †I wil geue you a good gift forsake not my law †For I also was the sonne of my father tender and as onlie begotten in my mothers sight †and he taught me sayd Let thy hart receiue my wordes kepe my preceptes and thou shalt liue †Possesse wisedom possesse prudence forget not neither decline from the wordes of my mouth †Leaue her not and she wil keepe thee loue her and she wil preserue thee †The beginning of wisdom possesse wisdom and in al thy possession purchase prudence †take quickly and she wil exalt thee thou shalt be glorified of her when thou shalt embrace her †She wil geue to thy head increase of graces and with a noble crowne she wil protect thee †Heare my sonne and receiue my wordes that yeares of life may be multiplied to
our Lord in iustice †And the sacrifice of Iuda and Ierusalem shal please our Lord as the dayes of the world and as the yeares of old †And I wil come to you in iudgement and wil be a swift witnes to sorcerers and aduouterers and to the periured and them that calumniate the hyre of the hyred man the widowes and pupils and oppresse the stranger nor haue feared me sayth the Lord of hosts †For I the Lord and I am not changed and ye sonnes of Iacob are not consumed †For from the dayes of your fathers you haue departed from mine ordinances and haue not kept them Returne to me and I wil returne to you sayth the Lord of hosts And you haue sayd Wherin shal we returne †Shal man fasten God because you do fasten me And you haue sayd Wherein do we fasten thee In tithes and in first fruites †And in penurie you are accursed and you your whole nation fasten me †Bring in al the tithe into the barne and let there be meare in my house and proue me vpon this sayth our Lord if I open not vnto you the fludgates of heauen and powre you out blessing euen to abundance †and I wil rebuke for you the deuourer and he shal not corrupt the fruite of your land neither shal the vine in the filde be barren sayth the Lord of hosts †And al Nations shal cal you blessed for you shal be a land worthie to be desired sayth the Lord of hosts †Your wordes haue bene forcible vpon me sayth the Lord. †And you sayd What haue we spoken against thee You haue sayd He is vayne that serueth God and what profite is it that we haue kept his precepts and that we haue walked sorowful before the Lord of host †Therfore now we cal the arrogant blessed for they that doe impietie are builded and they haue tempted God and are made safe †Then spake they that feared our Lord euerie one with his neighbour and our Lord attended and heard and a booke of monument was writen before him for them that feare our Lord and thinke on his name †And they shal be to me saith the Lord of hosts in the day that I doe to my peculiat and I wil spare them as a man spareth his sonne seruing him †And you shal conuert and shal see what is betwen the iust and the impious and betwen him that serueth God and serueth him not CHAP. IIII. In the terrible day of iudgement the wicked shal be condemned and the iust eternally rewarded 5. Before which time Elias shal returne and conuert the Iewes to Christ FOR behold the day shal come kindled as a furnace and al the proude and al that doe impietie shal be stubble and the day coming shal inflame them sayth the Lord of hosts which shal not leaue them roote and spring †And there shal rise to you that feare my name the Sunne of iustice and health in his winges and you shal goe forth and shal leape as calues of the heard †And you shal treade the impious when they shal be ashes vnder the sole of your feete in the day that I doe sayth the Lord of hosts †Remember ye the law of Moyses my seruant which I commanded him in Horeb to al Israel precepts iudgements †Behold I wil send you Elias the prophete before the day of our Lord come great and dreadful †And he shal conuert the hart of the fathers to the children the hart of the children to their fathers lest perhaps I come and strike the earth with anathema The end of the Prophetical Bookes THE BOOKES OF MACHABEES PERTEYNING TO THE HISTORICAL PART OF THE OLD TESTAMENT The argument of the bookes of Machabees with other prooemial Annotations BEFORE we declare the contents the reader perhaps wil require to know why they are called the Bookes of MACHABEES how manie they be who writ them in what language especially whether al or anie or which of them are Canonical Scripture For satisfaction of al which demandes distinguishing betwen certaine and vncertaine we shal briefly shew that which semeth more probable in the doubtful pointes and the assured certaintie of that which is decided by the Catholique Church of Christ Concerning therefore the name and inscription S. Ierom very probably supposeth that these Bookes haue their title of Iudas MACHABEVS the narration of whose heroical vertues and noble Actâ—s occupieth the greatest part of this whole historie And this surname Machabeus signifying valient of streingth or by an vsual hebrew contraction Mobi more explicated Milchamach Coach bihuda that is Force of battel or Streingth in Iuda was geuen him by his father Mathathias when before his death disposing of his sonnes exhorting them he sayd to them al You my sonnes take corege and doe manfully in the law because in it you shal be glorious And behold Simon your brother I know that he is a man of counsel heare ye him alwayes and he shal be father to you Next headdeth And Iudas Machabeus valient of streingth from his youth let him be to you the prince of warfayre and he shal manage the battel of the people And from him this name was also ascribed to his bretheren and to al the rest that ioyned with them either in the holie warres or otherwise shewed their valure professing Gods law in spiritual combate euen to death As Nicetas writeth in Orat. 22. S. Greg. Nazian VVherupon old Eleazarus and the seuen young bretheren with their mother are also called Machabees There be in al foure bookes called Machabees The first S. Ierom found in Hebrew the second in Greke as he testifieth Epist 106. The third is also extant in Greke and Latin in Biblijs Complutensibus The fourth semeth to be that which is mentioned in the end of the first booke And either the same or an other vnder that title is also extant in Greke as testifieth Sixtus Senensis li. 1. Bibliothecae VVho writte them is more vncertaine but most probable euerie one had a diuers auctor Neither are the two last approued for Canonical by anie authentical auctoritie It resteth therfore to speake of the two first which the Iewes and Protestants denie because they are not in the Hebrew Canon The Protestants further alleaging that they are not in the former Canon of the Church before S. Ieroms time Moreouer obiecting certaine places of these bookes which they say are contrarie to sound doctrine to the truth of other authentical histories or contradictorie in themselues None of which thinges can procede from the Holie Ghost the principal auctor of al Diuine Scriptures Al which textes we shal more conueniently explicate according to their true sense in their proper places As for the exception that these bookes are not in the Canon of the Iewes it is answered
being caried by an Angel from Iurie into Babylon brought meate to Daniel in the lions denne b 809. 858. Happines in this life consisteth in fleeing sinne and seruing God b 15. 16. 267. 317. Happines eternal is in seeing God a 247. b 38. 317. Hardnes of hart a 164. 171. 201. Hayle did not extinguish the fire a 180. b 367. Head of the Church in the Law of nature was by sucession of Patriarches a 35. 50. 206. In the written Law by succession of Highpriestes a 277. 327. 713. 939. b 1004. See the historical table One head is necessarie of euerie communitie a 350. b 284. 920. Heauen not open to men before Christ a 31. 118. 202. 293. 396. 407. 515. 711. Heber consented not to build Babel a 45. Hebrew was the only tongue of al men before Babel ibidem Hebrew Bibles now extant are not more certaine then the Latin a Prefat b 260. Hel often signifieth the place of soules called Limbus not graue a 118. 130. 131. 1081. 1085. b 37. 39â— 877. Heli was punished for not correcting his sonnes a 584. Heliodorus a sacrilegious commissioner was seuerely beaten by Angels b 952. 953. Heresie and idolatrie breede manie sectes a 49. 798. b 202. 421. It is described by the resemblance of a wicked woman b 410. Heretikes and false prophetes are knowen by going forth from the Church a 18. They are proud a 45. b 272. 588. They seke to destroy a 695. b 461. 955. They peruert the truth by wrangling b. 605. 691. 693. 694. 837. They teach manie absurdities a 1071. They foolishly compare their errors with Catholique Religion a 801. They allure most by temporal and carnal motiues a 374. 386. Heretical seruice sermons not to be heard a 356. 359. See Schisme Herod the first stranger king of the Iewes b 1003. Histories haue a mystical sense a 571. 943. 945. 956. 1000. 1002. 1005. The Holie Ghost was sent the fiftith day after Pasch a 219 b 828. The seuen giftes of the Holie Ghost are most eminent in Christ b 467. Holie thinges a 616. 706. 770. 874. See places Holofernes presuming in strength of his armie a 1019. was slaine by Iudith a 1029. Honour is due to Kinges though they be wicked a 1046. Hospitalitie is meritorious a 69. Houres of the Churches seruice b 231. disliked by Heretikes but defended by the Scriptures and holie Fathers b 232. Humilitie most necessarie in greatest auctoritie b 419. Hyperbola is a frequent figure in holie Scriptures a 53. 417. 871. 1069. b 582. 593. 629. 654. 732. 929. Hypochrisie is often ioyned with crueltie b. 624. I Iacob the Patriarch was a plaine sincere man a 84. replenished with manie vertues a 106. He lawfully bought the firstbirthright a 85. was content with meane estate a 94. His prophecies and blessinges a 149. He was blessed in Abraham b 438. Idoles and Images at large a 217. 314. 465. Diuers sortes of idoles b 209. 360. 361. 365. 565. 630. 671. They can not helpe themselues not others a 464. b 209. 514. 634. 639. 686. Iechonias king of Iuda was preserued in Babylon a 817. b 586. 997. Iehoua is none of the right names of God a 168. Iephte sinned in vowing rashly not in performing his vow a 542. Ieremie a Priest Prophet Virgin Martyr b. 548. 575. prophecied in Ierusalem and Aegypt b. 998. He hidde himselfe from his persecuters b. 615. which God approoued b. 616. He hidde holie fire the Arke and Altar of incense b. 949. Iericho walles fel miraculously a 480. Ieroboam rebelled against Salomon a 731. He lawfully possessed the kingdom of tenne tribes ibidem But most wickedly raised schisme and idolatrie a 734. Ierusalem hath foure significations a. 4. It was first called Iebus a. 497. 503. 557. Afterward Ierusalem ibid. and was the chosen Citie of God a. 609. 645. 730. c. b 101. 117. 124. c. Often impugned and protected a. 684. 787. 790. 802. c. b. 149. 236. 238. 249. At last destroyed by the Chaldees a. 815. 933. b. 563. 596. 599 647. 703. Yet not al the people destroyed a. 815. b. 565. 655. Reedified a. 965. c. It was most wicked in the time of Christ b. 454. Lastly destroyed by the Romaines b. 489. 545. Iesus the sonne of Sirach writte the booke of Ecclesiasticus An other Iesus his nephewe translated it into Greke b 343. 373. Iethro prefigured the wisdom of Christian Gentiles a. 213. Iewes the peculiar people of God a. 43. 161. 194. 462. b. 140. 142. 191. 699. 822. 884. They murmured tenne times more notoriously b. 148. 607. and very often b. 833. 888. Their reiection a. 146. 453. 575. b. 69. 119. 455. 489. 527. 543. 544. 560. Made contemptible b. 544. 627. 740. 836. 873. 880. 885. They persecuted Christ b. 346. and his Church b. 880. Their ruine described by a metaphor of proud wemen b. 457. They shal be conuerted in the end of the world a. 408. 540. b. 340. 702. 813. 834. 849. 878. 996. Iezabel most wicked a 754. perished miserably a 781. Ilandes among other nations shal be conuerted to Christ b 483. 508. 537. Images of false gods are Idoles a. 103. 245. 412. 553. 556. 906. b. 195. 364. 776. Image of a dead man honoured with diuine honour was the beginning of Idolatrie b. 364. Images of Cherubimes a. 229. 254. 711. b. 813. Image or statua of a man a. 612. Images of palmetrees and other thinges a. 700. 720. 935. Imprecations are oftentimes zelous and lawful desires b. 265. or prophecies b. 127. 823. Incense vsed amongst especial ceremonies a 239. 259. 294. 337. b 254. Indulgences a. 1070. Induration of hart a. 170. 171. c. 404. 582. Infidelitie or spiritual fornication obscureth the vnderstanding b. 814. Ingratitude aggrauateth other sinnes b. 819. it was great in the Iewes b. 851. Iniurie to be remitted with three conditions b. 414. Intention excuseth some errours b. 289. Iob probably of Esaus progenie a. 114. was a King or an absolute Prince a. 1059. His booke most part in verse a. 1060. He was an admirable example of patience a. 1059. 1062. 1114. His afflictions encreased by degrees a. 1111. He was a right plaine man a. 1063. His wife signified carnal cogitations a. 1064. His freindes erred a. 1064. 1108. He sinned not in complaining of his afflictions a. 1065. He prefigured Christ a. 1060. 1069. 1094. He had nine conflictes with his aduersaries a. 1066. c. 1111. He conuinced Eliu with silence a. 1103. In some thinges he sinned venially a. 1106. 1108. and did penance a. 1109. His cause was iustified against his aduersaries ibid. They were pardoned for his sake and himselfe rewarded a. 1109. Ioel prophecied before the captiuitie of the tenne Tribes b. 824. S. Iohn Baptist was foreshewed by Isaie b. 507. by Malachie b. 887. Iohn Hyrcanus sonne of Simon was Highpriest after the warres of the Machabees b. 946. 1003. 1004. Ioiada Highpriest caused Q. Athalia to be slaine and Ioas to be crowned King
Protestantes communion a 210. Mansions and trauels of the Israelites signified the trauels for eternal life a 390. Mardocheus detected traitors a 1040. b 998. He was in extreme danger a 1044. but deliuered and aduanced a 1045. 1048. 1051. Marie the most B. virgin bruseth the serpents head a 12. she was prefigured by Aarons rodde a 359. by Iael 524. 526. by Gedeons fleece a 529. by Iudith a 1032. by Esther a 1051. Of her manie Prophetes foretold b 462. 467. 603. 757. 758. 992. She was free from al sinne a 12. b 331. she was not bound to the law of Purification a 284. she excelled in al perfection b 336. 338. 342. Mariage not commanded to euerie person a 6. Pluralitie of wiues lawful in the Patriarches not in Christians a 62. 63. 84. 97. 433. Mariage was forbidde by the law of Moyses in certaine degrees of kindred a 121. 297. 298. 302. 378. 498. Other impediments of mariage a 397. Mariage of the brothers wife deceased without issue was lawful in the law of nature a 121. 299. and was ordayned by the law of Moyses a 448. 570. Mariage forbidde to be made with Infideles a 78. 248. 730. 958. 981. Yet sometimes dispenced withal in the old Testament a 547. 570. 641. 1039. 1056. Mariage in the newe Testament is a Sacrament prefigured in the law of nature a 32. Maried persons haue a notable example in Tobias and Sara a 1003. Martyres of the Machabes b 893. 956. c. to 965. and 1001. Matthathias Highpriest and general captaine b 897. 982. 1002. Meditation requireth foure preparations b 430. Melchisedec a King a Priest a 55. supposed to be a distinct person from Sem a 56. He offered sacrifice in bread and wine a 58. and therin was a figure of Christ a 56. Mercie of God electeth whom he wil saue otherwise al should be damned a 85. b 199. It is neuertheles mixed with iustice b 938. S. Michael Patron of the Church b 798. Michas of the tribe of Ephraim made and adored an idol a 553. Micheas prophecied before the captiuitie of the tenne tribes b 845. Ministers amongst Heretiques are contemptible a 554. Miracles are testimonies of truth a 164. 175. 360. 376. 748. b 781. 808. Falseprophetes may doe strange thinges but not true miracles a 175. 748. b 589. Modestie in familiar conuersation prescribed b 389. Monarchie of the Assyrians was begunne by Ninus a 42. Monarchie of the Chaldees by Nabucodonosor b 628. 771. Monarchie of the Medes and Persians was set vp by Darius b 788. 988. Monarachie of the Grecians by Alexander b 892. 999. Monarchie of the Romanes by Pompeius b 792. 1003. Moyses was protected by Gods special prouidence a 157. His killing of the Aegyptian was lawful but not to be imitated a 159. He was as the God of Pharao a 170. He was a Priest a 275. b 181. Chiefe gouernour of the people both temporal and spiritual a 164. 206. 275. So long as he held vp his handes in prayer the people preuailed in battle a 211. He sawe more Mysteries then other Prophetes a 247. b 438. His face appeared glorious a 249. He was buried by Angels a 468. His praises b. 438. Murmuration seuerly punished a 348. 350. 355. 379. 1020. Musique is of great force a 604. gratful in Diuine seruice a 860. b 10. c. Mysteries are spiritual hid thinges aboue natural capacitie a 91. 141. 196. 320. See Names Numbers Scriptures N Naamans example excuseth not English Schismatiques a 771. Naboth was vniustly slaine by Iezabels procurement a 755 Nabuchodonosor vainly purposed to subdue al the earth a 1012. He confessed no God but himselfe a 1014. 1018. Nabuchodonosor was not changed into the substance of a beast but in shape b 785 787. It is probable that he is eternally saued b 785. Nachors progenie from whom Israel descended by Rebecca a 76. 82. â—13 Nadab and Abiu were burnt to death for offering strange fire a 280. Nahum prophecied the destruction of Niniue after Ionas b 853. Name of God most proper is HE WHICH IS a 162. Names were geuen to al corporal creatures by Adam a 7. Names are sometimes mystical a 65. 76. 105. 111. 112. 349. 977. Names are sometimes translated according to their signification a 832. Nations and principal tongues seuentie two a 43. Nazareites a Religious order a 335. 545. 709. Nehemias writte the booke which is also called the secoÌ„d of Esdras a 962. His commiseration of his countries calamities a 963. by his especial industrie Ierusalem was reedified 964. c. Nemrod an Arch heretique a 42. 45. 48. Afterwards called Saturnus the father of goddes a 49. Nigardnes is iniurie to manie b. 393. Niniuites repenting fasted were spared from ruine b 844. The greatnes of the citie ibid. at last it was destroyed b 855. 856. 863. Noe a iust man a 21. 24. 26. and perfect a 24. b 438. a figure of Christ a 40. Noes floud a notorious example of Gods iustice a 28. his sacrifice was very gratful to God a 37. 47. Noueltie in Religion is a marke of Infidelitie and heresie a 429. It pleaseth carnal men a 462. Numbers are sometimes mystical a 141. 267. 320. 327. 328. 1110. b 234. 266. 670. 830. O Obedience ought to be prompt and sometimes blinde â— 9. 602. b 397. 477. 5â—7 Obstinate sinners doe rarely repent in the end b 378. but become desperate b 488. 533. Occasion of sinne must be auoided a 88. 138. 1095. b 379. 386. 435. Olimpiades beganne to be counted about the yeare of the world 3247. b. 1089. Ominous speach a 82 598. Onias a most godlie Highpriest b 951. and Martyr b 956. Oolla and Ooliba the kingdomes of Israel and Iuda b 715. Oratories in priuate houses a 1023. Origens heresie that al shal be saued b 188 Original sinne is contracted from Adam a 9 30. b 99. 396. 431. 513. Osee prophecied of the captiuitie of both the kingdomes b 810. Othes false or of vnlawful thinges doe not binde a 269. Othes by false goddes are vnlawful a 421. Othes require truth iustice and consideration b 406. 554. 556. Oyle vsed in consecration of Altars a 59. 101. of Priestes a 95. 277. of Kinges a 590. 604. 639. 645. Oyles were of two sortes a 95. Ozâ— was striken dead for touching the Arke a 647. P Parables are pithie Allegorical sentences a 1092. b 268. 281. Paradise is defended by Angeles fire and sword a 13. Paralipomenon signifieth a supplement of thinges omitted a 817. Parentes must be honoured and loued first of al neighbours a 216. b 373. Partialitie is iniustice b 391. Paschal lambe with the rites and signification a 184. was a figure of Christs real presence in the B. Sacrament a 187. Paschal feast a 225. 307. 381. 430. Pasch made very solemnely by King Iosias a 812. 930. Pastors shal alwaies be amongst the faithful people b 539. 697. 738. 850. Their office is to feede and to rule b 850. 85â— 886. They must doe as they teach
and the new Testament shew the same God Christ Church and other Mysteries of Religion The old more obscurely with lesle helpes The new more expresly and yeldeth more grace In both Testaments are foure sortes of Bookes Legal Historical Sapiential Prophetical Al these books recited are Canonical and of infallible truth Cone Carth. An. Dni 419. Conc. Laodic cap. 59. Florent Instruct Armen decret 7. Trident Sess 4. S. Atha in Synop. S. Aug. li. 2. doct Christ c. 8 Isider li. 6. Elymol c. I. alibi Nicep li. li. 4. cap. 15. Euseb li. 5. c. 8. Apochryphal of two sortes 1. Not declared canonical 2. Reiected as erronious The Holie Ghost declareth by the Church which Bookes are Diuine Scriptures Mat. 28. Ioan. 14. 16. Act. 2. 20 1. Tim. 3. The old and new Testament differ in time In maner of vttering Varietie of Precepss Promises Meanes Temo 3. quest 10 Algasiae Heb. 7. 9. 10. Gal. 4. The old Testament conteyneth figures of the new A continual visible Church from the beginning of the world to Christ The same Mystical bodie but different in state Diuided into six ages The first age continued 1656. yeares 1. Cor. 10 Gal. 3 Gen. 1. The second 368. or 398. The third about 4â—0 Gen. 8. Gen 12. Genebrard Chronolog S. Aug. li. 15. c. 8. ciuit Gal. 3. Exo. 16. 3. Reg. 6. 3 Reg. 7. 1. Esdiae 1. The fourth 480. The fifth 4â—0 The sixth nere 640. Al the time from the creation to Christ aboue 4000. yeares MOYSES signifieth taken from the water Exod. 6. Nâ—m 26. 1. Par. 6. Ioseph li. 2 Antiq. cap. 9. S. Aug ser 88. de temp S. Greg. oratio in laudem Basilij magni S. Aug. li. 18. ciuit c. 39. The excellencie of Moyses Deut. 34. Eccli 45. Glos ord His sepulchre not knowen â—o anie man Genesis written by Moyses Alwayes authentical So knowen by Tradition confirmed by Christ Alleaged also by the Apostles Religion reueled to special persons and so obserued by Traditions Mat. 19. Heb. 11. Iacob 2. 1. Pet. 2. 2. Pet. 2. S. Aug. quest vet noui Testam cap. 3. VVhy Scripture was written VVhat Moyses specially sheweth in this booke Man most particularly described The right line from Adam to Noe. The principal Patriarches from Noe to the 12. sonnes of Iâ—cael Gen. 10. This booke diuided into eight partes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The first part Of the creatioÌ„ of al things The Church readeth this booke in her Office from Septuagesima til Passion Sunday Also this first chapter beginning of the second on Easter Eue before Masse Act. 14 15. 17 24. Psalm 32 6. 135 5. Eccli 10 1. â—eb 11 3. :: The firmament is al the space from the earth to the hieghest starres the lowest part diuideth betwene the waters on the earth and the waters in the ayer S. Aug. li. II. de Gen. ad lit c. 4 Iob. 38. Ier. 10 13. :: Likewise heaueÌ„ is al the space aboue the earth in whose lowest part are birdes and waters in the higher part starres the hieghest is the Empyrial heauen Esa 66. :: The lights made the first day are disposed the fourth day in their proper courses for more distinction of times S. Dionys ca. 4. de diuin nom S. Tho. p. 1. q. 67. a. 4. q. 70. a. 2. :: The SuÌ„ne Moone for though the moone be the least visible starre except Mercurie yet it geueth more light on the earth by reason it is nerer and so Moyses speaketh according to the vulgar capacitie and vse of things S. Aug. li. 2. de Gen. ad lit ca. 16. Col. 3 10. Mat. 19 4. :: Euerie creature in nature is good but al considered together make the whole world perfect most apt to mans vse and Gods glorie S. Aug. li. 1 de Gen. cont Manich. ca. 21. The Church had only Traditions no Scripture aboue 2400. yeares Traditionâ— necessarie for three causes 1 â—â—â— Epist â—und c. â—5 2 Scripture of most eminent authoritie Luc. 10 16. Act. 15 28. 2. Thess 2. Origen super Gen. c. 1. Aug. li. 2. de Gen. cont Manich. ca. 2. â— Scriptures hard lib. 1. c. 18. lib. 8. c. 2. Bas ho. 9. in Genes Chrisost epist 44. Amb. Beda in examen Ieron Epistol ad Eustoch Gen. 1. v. 3. 14. Exo. 20 5. 18 v. 20. Ioan. 8 25. Rom. â— why Scriptures are hard Three spiritual senses besides the Literal Allegorical Moral Anagogical â— Ieron Epistol 8â— ad Ocea Tert. dâ— Baptis A figure of Baptisme Christians called fishes Light being an accident remayned without subiect by the iudgement of some lerned Fathers The accidents of breade and wine can remaine by Gods power without their subiectes Tenne prerogatiues of man in his creation 1. made like to God 2. The Mysterie of the B. Trinitie insinuated in his creation 3. produced by God him selfe 4. placed in paradise 5. Lord of al earthlie creatures 6. innocencie 7. excellent knowlege 8. powre to liue euer 9. gift of prophecie 10. God conuersed familiarly with man Gods blessing alwayes effectual Especially in the holie Eucharist Not al men â—emen commanded to marie God createth not new kindes of creatures yet stil worketh Io. 5 17. conseruing gouerning al things and creatch soules grace and glorie of the same kind S. Aug. li 4 de Gen. adlit â— 12. Exod. 20 11. Deut. 5 14. Heb. 4 4. :: Mans soule is immediatly created by God not produced of other substance as the soules of beastes and plants are 1. Cor. 15 45 :: Vvhether this paradise be now extant is vncertayne though it be certaine that Enoch and Elias are yet liuing in earth S. Aug. li. 2. cont Pelagi c. 23. See Perereus li. 3. q. 5. li. 7. q. vltima Mat. 19 5. Mar. 10 7. 1. Cor. 6 16. Eph. 5 31. :: As we say brick is made of earth and a house is built of bricke so Adam was made of earth and Eue built of a ribbe of Adam And that of one ribbe as if God should build a house of one bricke or as in dede he fed 5000. men with fiue loaues Chris ho. 15. S. Aug. Tract 24. in Ioan. S. Tho. p. 1. q. 92. a. 3. :: Not three nor foure nor more for then two were chaÌ„ged to an other number S. Ier. li. 1. cont loui Obseruation of holie dayes by Gods institution â—â— Psal 6. 11. Act. 13 14. Leuit. 23. ObseruatioÌ„ of festiual dayes is religious not Iudaical nor heathnish Honour of Sainctes is to the greater honour of Christ Honâ—â— in 40. Martyrâ—s VVhy a particular positiue law besides the general lawes of God nature was geuen to man first reason lib. 8. de Gen. ad lit c. 11. Psal 15. â— reason The sinne of disobedience Ioyned with damage to him that disobeyeth Ioyned with damage of him that forbiddeth True obedience is blind and prompt Not meate but the diâ—obedience hurteth him that transgresseth the precept of abstinence Lawes in
the ministerie of Priests The ancient fathers proue that Melchisedech offered Sacrifice in bread wine in figure of Christ and of other Priests of the new Testament Caluin coÌ„temneth al the ancient fathers in ca. 9. Heb. Bible 1579. Heretical translation Heb. 7 Iosue 8. 22. 3 Reg. 8. The greatter blesseth the lesse Paying of tithes in the law of nature Ro. 4. Gal. 3. Iac. 2. :: These three kindes of beastes and two of birdes signifie that the Israelites should be three generations in a strange land the fourth in the desert the fifth in possession of Chanaan Theod. q. 65. in Gen. Act. 17. :: Abraham and his seed werein strange land 400 and odde yeares but in seruitude and affliction about 140. Exo. 12. :: God deferreth to punish either that the wicked may amend or the good be exercised by them S Aug. Psal 54. or because the iniquity is not come to that great measure which his wisdome forâ—eeth and wil punish in the end to his owne more glorie and more good of others S. Greg. ho. 11. in 3. Ezech. To beleue Gods word without staggering is an act of iustice Not workes before faith but ioyned with faith are meritorious Onlie faith doth not iustifie :: Some obey whilest they are rude or in low state but hauiÌ„g got a litle knowlege or aduancement disdaine their aduancers S. Gregorie li. 21. in 1. Reg. 3. Manichees condemned pluralitie of wiues in the Patriarches Luther alloweth it in Christians Other Protestants in some case S. Aug. li. 22. c. 47. cont Faust Luther propsit 62. 65. et 66. S. Aug. de bono coniugali ca. 17. Two sortes of preceptsin the law of nature Pluralitie of wiues sometimes allowed Deut. 21. By the law of Christ in no case lawful Math. 19. Gen. 2. :: He is perfect in this life that sincerly diligently tendeth towards perfection of the next life And this God here commanded to Abraham Christ to al Christians Math. 5. S. Aug. li. de perfect cont Caelest See Gen. 6. v. 9 :: Circumcision and name receiued the eight day signified the association of Saints in heauen after the seuen dayes trauel of this world Ser. de circum apud S. Cyprian :: Abraham laughed not doubting but reioycing S. Ambro. li. de Abraham c. 4. S. Aug. li. 16 c. 26. de ciuit :: Temporal blessings were common to Ismael but spiritual pertained properly to Isaac and Israel their successessors :: Conformitie in Religion conserueth peace in euery familie Tho. Anglus in hunc locum Changing of names is mystical S. Aug. li. 16 c. 28 39. ciuit S. Hierom Tradit Hebraicis Gal. 4. Isa 54. Abraham natural father of foure nations spiritual father of al that do beleue in Christ Rom. 4 11. The Church of Christ euer consisteth of many nations Circumcision a figure of Baptisme Baptisme excelleth Circumcision Two difficulties To whom the punishment pertained wheÌ„ circumcision was omitted what punishment was threatned Circumcision instituted to distinguish the people of God and for remedie of original sinne in some persons but not in al. :: Abraham saw three and adored one professing three diuine persons and one God S. Aug. li. 16. c. 29. ciuit Heb. 13. Rom. 9. :: Abraham laughing with admiration for ioy was not reprehended but Sara laughing of diffidence was reprehended by him that seeth the hart S. Aug. q. 36. in Gen. li. 16. c. 31 ciuit :: what a wall are iust men to their countrie their faith saueth vs their iustice defendeth vs from destruction S. Amb. li. 1. de Abraham c. 6. :: Abraham Lot by hospitalitie metâ—ted to receiue Angels in steed of meÌ„ Heb. 1â— :: This sinne crieth to heauen for reuenge a litle one :: Lots wife turned into salt admonisheth the seruants of God to procede in vertue not to looke back to vice Luc. 17. S. Aug. li. 16. c. 30. ciuit :: Lot neither perfect nor very wicked was deliuered for Abrahams â—â—â—e S. Aug. â— 45 in Gen. :: Moabites Ammonites were two distinct nations perhaps of the 72. See p. 43. :: See pag. 52. :: Not his fathers owne daughter but of his progenie S. Aug. li. 22. cont Faust c. 35. li. 16. c. 19. 30. de ciuit :: Kinges of the earth esteming the Church only for a laudable people of God seeke to subiect her to them selues but knowing her to be the inuiolable spouse of Christ subiect them selues to her and offer to her most honorable giftes S. Aug. il 22. cont Faust c. 38. The sixt part of this booke Of the progenie other blessings of Abraham Isaac and Iacob :: Abraham Sara laughed he admiring she doubting at the ioyful promise of a sonne therfore he is called Isaac which signifieth laughter S. Aug li. 16. c. 31. ciuit :: See chap. 17. v. 21. Rom. 9. Heb. 11. * vvel of oath Separation to be made in families when iust cause requireth Mystical sense li. 15. c. 2. ciuit The true Church doth not persecute but iustly punisheth offenders Heretikes and other infidels do persecute when either by word or sword they impugne the truth Epist 48. 50. Tract 11. in Ioan. Tract 〈◊〉 in 4. Gal. The third prophecie in the office before Masse on Easter eue And the first on whitsuneue Iudith 8. Heb. 112. :: This historie is clere and a most notorious example of perfect obedience :: It is a gratful and religious thing by naming of places to coÌ„serue the memorie of Gods benefites that posteritie may know them S. Chrisost ho. 48. in Gen. :: Nachors progenie is here mentioned to shew whence Rebecca came whom Isaac maried God tempteth not to euil but by experience maketh knowen what vertue is in men Isaac figured Chists diuinitie the RaÌ„me his humanitie Iac. 1. 13. Heb. 11 19. S. Aug. li. 16. c. 32. ciuit Theod. q. 72. in Gen. :: A cleare example of religious office in burying the dead See 2. Reg. 1. and 2. Paral. 35. :: Adoration vsed for reuerence done to men See also c. 27. v. 29. c 33. v 37 and S. Aug. q. 6â— in Gen. :: In choosing a wife a vertuous stock and familie especially true faith and religion are before al other things to be considered preferred S. Amb. li. 1. c. 9. de Abrah S. Chrisost ho. 48. in Gen. :: Her father hauing perhaps manie wiues and euerie one a seueral house she went to her mother house :: As children ought not to mary without their parents good liking so the parties owne consent is most necessarie S. Amb. Epist 43. :: Suach signifieth to speake consideratly with hart or mouth Here S. Ambrose li. 1. c. 1. de Isaac and S. Aug. q. 69. in Gen vnderstand it of mental prayeâ— Ominous speaches sometimes supersticious Some times lawful Holie scripture and the Church are iudges of doubtful obseruations Ioan. 14. Eliezers prayer for a particular signe was lawful deuout and discrete Iudic. 7. 1. Reg. 14 Act. 1.
Gen. 24. :: Iosue being a prophet saw some of their hartes inclined to idoles though exteriorly they then had none among them S. Aug. q. 29. in Iosue :: This renouation of the same couenaÌ„t presigured the law of the new Testament S. Aug. q. 30. in Iosue :: To the more confusion of reasonable creatures wilfully offending vnsensible things are made witnesses because they euer obey Gods wil which is the best maner of hearing Theod. q. 19. in Iosue :: If Iosue writ the rest of this booke then Samuel added these last verses Hist Sâ—hol :: Iosephs Mausoleum oâ— famous sepulchre remained in Sichem in S. Hieroms time as he wit nesseth Tradit Hebra in Gen. prope sinem Gen. 5â— â—xo 13. Thare sometime serued false goddes but Abraham neuer Before Christ none entered into heauen A rule for reading historical bookes The Iudges of Israel figures of Christs Apostles They were al finally holie men Eâ—â—li 4â— The Contents of this booke Diuided into three partes The first part A geneâ—al recapitulation of the peoples state :: The maner of consulting our Lord was by the High priest praying in the tabernacle Exo. 29. v. 42. :: The first general captaine after Iosue and diuers of the Iudges were of the tribe of Iuda but not al as appeareth in this booke :: Strong weapons crooked like sickles made fast to the chariottes which cut in peeces men horses and other chariottes that came in their way :: An Angel taking the forme of a man as before to Iosue ch 5. so now appearing to the people spake to them in the name of God whose messenger he was :: By special dispensation sacrifice was sometimes lawfully offered in other places though the Tabernacle and afterward the Temple was the onlie place commanded Deut. 12. Iosue 22. S. Aug. q. 36. in Iudic. :: These Iudges were extraordinarily raised vp to deliuer the people repenting when they were fallen into afflictioÌ„s for their sinnes The second part Of the common peoples often falling to idolatrie their repentance and deliuetie :: In manie places we see the worde sauiour and like titles geuen to men as the seruantes and officers of God who is the proper and principal Sauiour of al. S. Aug. q. 18. in Iudic. :: In these 40. yeares are included the eight yeares of their seruitude v. 8. so in the rest of this historie otherwise the number of yeres agreeth not with the count 3. Reg. 6. v. 1. :: Aod hauing special inspiration from God to do this fact as S. Augustin noteth vpon these wordes q 20. in Iudic. is not to be imitated by priuat men See Num. 25. v. 11. :: Being a prophetesse she resolued hard and obscure thinges but exercised no iurisdiction in anie causes for that belonged to the councel of Priestes and of seuentie ancientes where the high priest was the chief Iudge Num. 11. Deut. 17. Spiritually Debbora signified the Church Barac christian Princes who are directed in their warres and other actions by spiritual superiors as Origen and other ancient writers expouud this historie :: VVho is this woman ful of confidence piercing the temples of the enimies head with a naile but the faith of the Church destroying the diuels kingdomes with the crosse of christ S. Aug. li. 12. â— 32. cont Iaust Manich. Iabel also prefigured our B. Ladie who crushed the serpentes head :: The greater blesse the lesse by imparting spiritual benefites so God and superiors blesse their subiectes Men blesse God the lesse their betters by geuing thankes and prayses :: She inculcateth that she must so much more praise God for this victorie because he forshewed it by her by her directed the general captaine Barac lest it might be ascribed either to wisdome or valure of anie man :: Those that subdew their bodies to the spirite ride vpon fayre asses Origen hom 6. in c. 5. Iudic. :: Iahel the figure was blessed amongst wemen much more the most holie virgin mother of God is blessed aboue alwemen :: S. Augustin q 31. in Iudic. supposeth that this messenger sent from God called a man a prophete for the forme wherin he appeared was the same Angel which sate vnder the oke and sent Gedeon to deliuer Israel v. 11. 12. c. :: He meant not to offer sacrifice to the Angel but that either the Angel or himselfe in presence of the Angel should offer it to God and so in dede the Angel partly directed him what to do partly executed the office himselfe by touching the oblation with his rodde and miraculously bringing fire to consume the sacrifice :: An altar for a monument not for sacrifice :: The strength of Baal or stronger then Baal :: Dew first in the fleece and after on the ground signified grace and true religion first in one people after in al nations Sainct Amb. Ser. 13. de Natal Dom. Venr Beda qq in Iudic. c. 4. Also Christs Incarnation without detriment of his mothers virginitie of whose grace al are replenished S. Bernard ho. 2. in Missus est :: Obseruation of dreames is generally forbid Leuit. 19. v. 26. Deut. 18 v. 10. yet here and in other places it is euident God would haue some obserued See Annot. Gen. 40. :: These thinges were ridiculous saieth venerab Beda c. 5. qq in Iudic. if they had not bene terrible to the enemies :: It is no derogation to God that honour is also geuen to his seruantes :: Trumpetes signified preachers of Christ pitchers the bodies of Martyres lampes their vertues and miracles Vener Beda qq in Iudic. c. 5. :: A soft answer breaketh anger hard speach stirreth vp furie Prou. 15. :: Zebee and Salmana were not of anie of the seuen nations whom God commanded to destroy and therfore Gedeon might haue spared their liues if he would :: Kinges may do ante thing not contrarie to the law but Iudges Dukes may onlie do according to the law See 1. Reg. 8. :: His handmaide oâ— seruant not a harlotte to wit such a one as had not the priuiledge of a wife as Gen. 25. v. 6. :: This sonne of Gedeon by his seruant prefigured Antichrist who wil persecute the Church and reigne for a while but in the end shal be destroyed S. Beda c. 6. qq in Iudic. :: True pastores in the time of Antichrist wil still auouch the truth and the right of the Church :: Oyle spiritually signifieth the grace of the Holie Ghost making peace of conscience in mens soules towardes God :: The swetnes of Gods law producing good workes :: Contemtible in outward shew but bringing forth liquour of meruelous force which sorte of workes God is most delighted withal and men most admire Psal 85 :: The rhamnus signifieth base and ambicious men * brierre bramble â—rthistle :: God doth suggest only good cogitations as remoâ—â—e of conscience in the secheâ—â—tes for their ingratitude towardes Gedeon and for so wicked and cruel a murder of his sonnes
to fight for them See Iosue 23. Psal 135. :: He destroyed the places where sacrifice was offered to idoles ch 17. v. 6. but tolerated other places where the people offered to God our Lord without the temple not being able to reduce al to perfection 4. Reg. 8. :: Elias was assumpted from ordinarie conuersation with mortal men the eighttenth yeare of king Iosaphat 4. Reg. 2. 3. who reigned twentie fiue yeares 3. Reg. 22. v. 42. So he shewed this special care of Ioram and his kingdom after his assumption seuen yeares 4. Reg. 8. v. 25. ch 9. :: To wit when he beganne to reigne alone for he reigned together with his father at the age of 22. 4. Reg. 8. v. 26. And after his fathers death but one yeare :: See 4. Reg. 8. v. 18. :: Human hope failed but Gods prouidence vsed meanes to conserue some of Dauids issue to sitte in his throne yea to continue the succession 〈◊〉 Christ Mat. 1. 4. Reg. 11. :: Gods promise being absolute and certayne yet humane meanes were neuertheles required * the vveâ—eliâ— vvatch :: In case of right and necessitie we see here what the high Priest could do and did by his authoritie who otherwise intermedled not in the kings affayres ch 19 v 11. :: They are wilfully blind that wil not see difference betwen images of Baal of Christ or of Sainctes * simulâ—â—ra :: By the law euerie one payed yearly halfe a sicle towards the repayring of the tabernacle and so afterwardes of the temple Ex. 30. Ma◠〈◊〉 :: He that killed his spiritual father was slaine by his owne seruantes 4. Reg. 14. Dâ—â—t 24 4. Reg. 8. :: Obduration of hart for former sinne :: So long as this king obserued the ordinance of God to be directed by the high priest Nâ— 27. v 2â— he prospered in his affayres :: For vsurping spiritual authority which pertayned not to him the high priest with his assistantes opposed themselues against the king and God confirmed their sentence by striking the same king with leprosie And so he was not only cast out of the temple but also out of his kingdom and common conuersation with other men forced to dwel in a separet house without the citie according to the law Leuit. 13. v. 46. :: Neither could he be buried in the propet sepulchres of the kinges 4. Reg. 15. 4. Reg. 16. VVicked policie auaileth nothing but hurteth much 4. Reg. 18. :: Being peniteÌ„t in haâ—t for their sinnes Gods dispensation might be sappâ—sed foâ— legal purification iâ— case of â—â—ce â—ine which otherwise was stâ—â—â—ly commaâ—â—â—â— Lâ—â—â—t 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Deut. 27. c. :: Voluntarie workes of superetogation more then was commanded :: Besides consession of sinnes there is also coÌ„fession of Gods excellencie goodnes 4. Râ—g 18. Isaie 36. :: â—ore danger of pâ—â—â—e in prosperitie then in aduersitie 4. Reg. 21. :: A pregnant example of the effect of harty repentance :: This prayer is not extant in the Hebrew but in Greke Latin as yet neither receiued for canonical by the Church noâ— refused 4. Reg. 22. â— Reg. 12. :: Geuen by the hand of Moyses :: It is a benefite to be taken out of this world before generaâ— miseâ—â—e come vpon the people :: This Phase o 〈…〉 h made by Ioâ—â—as is fanious partly for that this feast had bene omitted some yeares but specially for the great and extraordinarie solemnitie made at this umâ— 4. Reg. 16. :: Iosias thought that the king of Aegypt intended to inuade his kingdome And it was Gods wil he should be slaine and not see the euiles that should happen to the people :: Solemne exequies with lamentations and musike :: Hitherto from K. Danids death the sonne had euer succeded to his father â—â—re 25. :: It is like that Esdras added this coÌ„clusion when he restored the holie Scriptures that were lost for he beginneth his owne booke with the same wordes The end of the fifth age The Church stil visible and the same faith as before One God Three Persons Christ Sacrifices Sacramentes to be changed by Christ Fruict of penance Abstinence Fastes Lent Feastes Place of the Temple designed long before Synagogues Sanctuarie Sette forme of prayers Ministerie of Angeles Honour and Intercession of Sainctes Reliques Images Good workes meâ—itorions Euangelical counselles pre figured Chastitie of clergie men religious orders Mat. 19 1 Cor. 7. Act. 5. 1. Tim. 5. Solemne Exequies for the dead Gen. 5. Resurrection Iudgement Eternal glorie or paine Church without interruption Ieraboams wicked policie Prophets inspired by God to resist Schisme and Heresie 4. Reg. 23. The often change of Kinges and euil successe in the kingdoÌ„ of Israel The first familie reigned but 24. yeares The second newe familie 26. The third but 7. daies The fourth 48. yeares The fifth 103. The sixth one moneth The seuenth 12. yeares The eight 20. yeares The ninthnine yeares Then ouerthrowen and the kingdom neuer restored The kingdom of Iuda for Dauids sake conserued in his sede Succession of Priestes continued Extraordinary mission of Prophetes Great effectes of their preaching and miracles Elias his miracles Eliseus his miracles Religion not wholly destroyed in the kingdom of Israel Heresies in the kingdom of Israel Ieroboamites Manie constant in true religion Iezabelites Samaritaniteâ— diuided into manie Sectes Tobias neues yelded to Schisme The Kingdom of Iuda more free from herefie King Achaz Vrias high priest King Ioram and others committing idolatrie in fact manie others stil professed true Religion Authoritie depending vpon diuine ordinance is not changed by factes or practise Good kinges defended and promoted religion not as chiefe in spiritual causes but by way of execution dispensation oâ— coÌ„mission Mat. 1â— Priestes by their negligeÌ„ce do sinne but lose not their authoritie Deut. 17. v. 〈◊〉 The Church of the old Testament conserued in truth Much more the Church of Christ â—â— Psal 30. conc â— li. 3. â— 32. de doctrin christ â— Tim. 3 4. Reg. 19. â— Esâ—r 7 The two bookes of Esdras and Nehemias are but one in the Hebrew The third and fourth are not canonical Epist ad Paulin. This historie hath also a spiritual sense First booke diuided into two partes The first part The returne of gods people from Babylon Isaiae 44. 45 Ierem. 25. 29. :: Liberally gaue such thinges into their handes :: This enumeration of the Israelites which aseended into Ierusalem signifieth the Elect which ascend from the militant Chuch to the triumphant :: Such as say they are priestes and can not shew their vocatioÌ„ must not exercise that functon ... Al aboue numbred of the tribes of Iuda Beniamin Leui do not amouÌ„t to 30. thousand three hundred So in this general number are contained aboue twelue thousand of other tribes not recited among the rest as Rabbi Salomoa explicateth the difficultie :: Notwithstanding the terrour of infideles Gods seruantes too 〈◊〉 corage to offer sacrifice :: By the ordinance of Dauid
kil the soules that consent vnto their tentation but can not restore spirituall fe againe e God is omnipotent and in dede the only true liuing God diuels who are honored in idols ca do no more then God permitteth and so they can kil the soules that consent vnto their tentation but can not restore spirituall fe againe f The soule being iustified and stil assaulted with new tentations desireth to be with God g I haue had no other refection but to leâ—ifie my sorow with weping h The wicked exprobate the iust as though God would neuer helpe them because he suffereth them to be sometimes long in tribulation i King Dauid was not permitted to build the temple much lesse did he enter into anie such meruelous tabernacle in his mortal life but must nedes be vnderstood to speake here of the heauenlie tabernacle prepared by Christ for his seruants k The prophet conforteth him selfe or anie iust soule in the hope of euerlasting ioy l render thankes and praises m Al this life is like to the smal straict place betwene Iordan and a litle hil called Hermoniim but from this straictnes the hope of the iust is to be placed in heauen n One tentation stâ—l succedeth an other o and the same so great as if God opened the gates and suffered them to ouerflow like floudes of water p But God helpeth in opportunitie not suffering his seruantes to be tempted aboue their streingth geuing them fruit with tentations q yea in the greatest tribulation he geueth ordinarily most comfort making them sing spiritually in hart if not also in voice r one special meanes to procure diuine consolation is prayer in distresse Å¿ Stil the iust soule taketh comforth in assured hope of saluation the eternal vision of God One God thâ— B Trinitie The 1. key a Holie Dauid often prefiguring Christ here representeth euerie faithful seruant of God and particularly when they beginne a great and holie worke as when Priestes celebrate the diuine Sacrifice they with their assistantes recive by interchangeable verses this Psalme b After that we haue examined and prepared our selues to the most holie Sacrifice and Sacrament according to S Paules admonition let a man proue himselfe and so eate this bread and drinke this chalâ—ce 1 Cor 11 we pray God to iudge betwen our true sincere intention and the vniust deceipful endeuoures of our enimie c and so to deliuer and protect vs from sutle malice d VVith thee I can do anie thing without thee nothing e thou semest sometimes not to regard â—e f whiles tentations are more sensible then thy grace g As thou hast sent Christ the light and truth into this world grâ—nt vs the same now in particular h These two giftes of God the light of knowing our duties and truth with sincere intention to performe the same haue brought vs into thy Church and vnto thy Altar i Accompanied with light of truth and sincere intention we confidently approch to thyâ— Altar ô God k vvho changest our old corruption into newnes of liâ—e l But to this purpose we praise God on the harpe mortisying our affections m The former word is of the plural number in hebrevv Eloim the other of the singular signifying the Blessed Trinitie one God n The former word is of the plural number in hebrevv Eloim the other of the singular signifying the Blessed Trinitie one God o Thou needest not therfore my soule be pensiue or desolate p But trust in God q praise him r vvhom I hope to see face to face Å¿ the true eternal God The state of the Ievves The 4. key a Though this Psalme doth first and literally pertayne to the people of Israel yet al thinges happening to them vvere in figure of the Christian Catholique Church vvhich begane vvith difficulties aftervvards prospered and againe suffereth much persecution b Core signifieth caluus bauld also caluarâ—a a scul or place of sculles the name of the place vvhere our Sauiour vvas crucified so the children of Core signifie the children of Christ S. Aug. c The particular calling of Abraham out of Chaldea protection of him and Isaac and Iacob the deliuerie of al Israel out of Aegypt and establishing them in the promised land of Chanaan with innumerable great and strange thinges donne for them d The Israelites conquered not by ordinarie povvre but by the miraculous hand of God See Iosue 2â— e Not that this people deserued of themselues but of Gods free election al the vvorld being vvicked he gaue peculiar grace to Abraham Isaac Iacob and some others and then for their â—akes protected the vvhole people in them conseruing a visible Church f As in former examples so in Dauids time not mans streingth but Gods hand gaue them great victories g As an oxe vvith his horne casteth a smal thing into the vvind Ios 24. â— Râ— 17. 2. Reg. 8. h The prophet forâ—eileâ—h that after prosperitie God vvould suffer the Ievves to saâ—â—e into captiuitie manie afflictions which also sign fied allegorically diuers states of Christs Church i The Iewes are now meruelously dispersed and depressed k In the destruction of Ierusalem the remnant of the people were sold for smal as it wree for no price They had sold Christ for thirtie pence l and now no multitude nor number of money at al was geuen for them but thirtie of them were sold for one pennie Iosephus de bello Iudaico m Vntil Christs passion the Jewish people did not wholly fal from God and true religion And of them were chosen the Apostles and manie others that founded and propagated the Church of Christ n The negatiue particle is here vnderstood by zeugma according to the hebrew thus our hart hath not reuolted backward neither hast thou suffered our pathes to decline froÌ„ thy way o An other hebrew phraise If we haue for we haue not p The Prophetes and others persecuted partly before Christ much more the Apostles and other Christians in the new Testament Rom. â— q A prayer in affliction r We are at death dore readie to become dust Å¿ lying as groueling sorowing on the earth t til thou deliuer vs from these tribulations Christ most excellently indowing his Church The 6. key a Perteyning to the new Testament b Gentiles conuerted from paganisme to Christianitie c and al others returning from schisme or other sinnes d for their instruction e this Psalme is a mariage songue of the beloued bridgrome and bride Christ and his Church f I haue receiued by diuine inspiraâ—ion in my hart and cogitation g a most high Mysterie h To the honour therfore and glorie of this king vvhom I secretly see in my hart I vtter and referre al my vvorkes and this particular Caâ—tâ—cle i From the abundance of my hart my tongue also speaketh k that presently without delay l Description of Christ most excellent in al internal and external giftes m The prophet seing in
spirite the perfections which he wisheth in Christ in maner of congratulating describeth his fortitude fighting against the diuel for the Church n purposing o prosecuting p and perfecting the conquest and so establishing thy spiritual kingdome q Not vvith warlike armour of this world but by assaulting the aduersarie with truth r defending thyseâ—fe and thy souldiers with the shield of mildnes Å¿ and striking the enemie with the sword of iustice VVhich right force of spiritual fight hath meruelous good successe t Preaching of Christs Gospel his grace mouing the hartes of the hearers is liuelie and forcible more pearcing then anie two edged sword v The example of people conuerted shal moue the hartes of the aduersaries to come also vnto the truth w Christs kingdom shal haue no end Luc 1. v. 33. x Thou defendest and rewardest the good finally forsakest and punishest the wicked y more peculiarly the God of Christ by hypostatical vnion z Diuers kinges as Dauid him selfe Iosaphat Ezechias and Iosias were as godlie as Salomon and perseuered good to the end which is doubted Salomon did not but Christ incomparably was annointed indued with al graces aboue al kinges a Mortification which conserueth from putrifying b humilitie aswaging pride c being smal in the first spring grovveth great d humanitie assumpted and sanctified persons in vvhom Christ dwelleth as in cleane shining odoriferous houses e sincere faithful soules more deare to their spouse Christ then daughters of temporal kinges f The Catholique Church in faith purified as gold g vvith varietie of states as Clergie Laity and diuers sortes of religious Orders and other professions al vnited in the same faith hope and charitie h carifully al that Christ thy spouse speaketh to thee by his Spirite i diligently put the same in practise k vvith al obedience and readines and returne not to former infidelitie noâ— to corrupt life l Christ loueth the Church adoined with his giftes m and mutually his true children loue and serue him n Manie of al nations submitle themselues and al that they haue to Christ o Internal vertues are most especial ornaments p exterior are required to edifie others in diuers sortes of vertues q By this meanes manie more are conuerted to christianitie r and one countrie inuiteth and draweth another Å¿ As Apostles came in place of Patriarches and Prophetes so stil Bishops and Priestes succede in the Church pastors and gouernours therof t These pastores shal stil teach the true Christian doctrin v and stil there shal be Christian people that wil folow and professe the same Caluin expoundeth this Psalme contratie to S. â—aul No saluation out of the Church Perpetual succession of Byshops in place of the Apostles The Church prospereth also in persecution The 6. key a Belonging to the Church of Christ b As wel the cause vvhy God suffereth his Church to be persecuted at his assured protection in difficulties are hidden secretes to the world c Al refuge is not secure for one man is not able alwayes to defend an other but God is a sure and strong refuge d euer able and in conuenient time vvilling to helpe e This whole vvorld is ful of tribulations but the Church suffered the greatest in the first persecutions shal suffer as great in the time of Antichrist English Catholiques suffer most of al nations in this age and can not be suppressed but stil increase in number and fortitude f Therfore al Catholiques may assuredly know that the whole Church can not faile g though very manie as now in England h and very eminent persons as some noblemen and some Priestes haue reuolted yet al vvil not i Such bad examples make the good to recollect themselues more diligently and to reiâ—ycâ— in Gods grace by which they stand fast k before the heate of persecution shal inuade al for the elect the dayes of tribulation are shortned l Sometimes one nation or kingdome rebelleth against the Church but can not destroy it m by the spirite of Christ Antichrist and al his members shal be destroyed n The Church sometimes hath great peace and tranquilitie o God himselfe restrayneth the wicked suddainly abating their furie or cutting of their forces Vocation of Gentiles The 6. key a For Christians that leaue the sinnes of their fathers and reioyce in Christ crucified See Annotation Psal 41. b True ioy of the hart sheweth it selâ—e both in voice of exultation and also in gesture of body by clapping of handes dancing as king Dauid did before the Arke 2 Reg â— likevvise vvith instruments c To al the wicked d not only of one or few kingdoms but of al the earth e VVhen kinges and countries become Christians they are made subiectes to the Church that vvas before not heades and rulers therfore f Christ God man after his Passion rose from death and ascended g not leauing his Church desolate but making her ioyful by an other comforter the Holie Ghost h The same Christ is our God by his Diuinitie i and our king by his Humanitie k Doe your endeuour to vnderstand vvhat you sing read or heare in Gods word At least to know the principal Mysteries and pointes of Christian doctrin euerie one according to their capacitie and state or profession l The faithful of the old and nevv Testament are vnited in the seruice of one and the same eternal God m In respect of the Blessed Trinitie holie Scripture here and in manie places vseth names of the plural number as Eloim Goddes not diuiding Gods substance vvhich is one but insinuating distinction of Diuine Persons The Father the Sonne and the Holie Ghost VVhich Mysterie is more expresly mentioned in Baptisme and professed by Christian gentils then it was by the people of the Ievves The Church founded and protected by God The 6. key a Voices beginning the musike instruments prosecuted b especially for the second day of the weke the day after the sabbath which is our Sunday called Dominica our Lords day c Ierusalem and mount Sion were most obliged to praise God for greatest benefites receiued so the Catholique Church therby prefigured and hauing receiued farre greatter is most of al bonden to be gratful d This can not be affirmed of Sion or Ierusalem but is only verified of the Catholique Christian Church e whose coastes do extend to the North and to al quarters of the round earth f The same one God one Christ one Faith and one Religion in al particular Churches of the vvhole militant Church g And this Vniuersalitie and Vnitie shal be after that Christ taking mans nature shal be ascended and shal send the Holie Ghost to found beginne this Church h For the assured certaintie of that is foreshewed the Prophet speaketh in the preteâ—â—ence as if it vvere already done in his time which he then savv in spirite i Nothing more moueth he hart affecteth al the bodie and soule
Iewes See page 12. n Gods benefites bestowed vpon Dauid and vpon faithful Christians prefigured by him are for euer to be praised by al peoples and nations Gods prouidence in suffering euil the 3. key a This Psalme was made vpon the same occasion and to the same purpose as the former b to exhorte the iust and innocent to patience c by Dauids memorable example d Few are so wicked but they speake and pretend iust thinges e but neither thincke wel f nor do wel but both contrarie which feaned sanctitie is duble iniquitie g These wicked sinners that flatter and incite king Saul seme to haue spent al their life from their infancie in malice h Their furie is vnquiet til they may wound the innocent with their poisonful sting i neither wil they harken to good admonitions but stoppe their eares like an aspe that layeth one eare close to the ground and stoppeth the other with his taile k But God wil breake their cruel force l though it semeth most strong and in superable m Gods iust determination of punishing the wicked stil remaineth bent and readie though execution be some while differred n That force and powre which is now inuincible hard and strong like a lions strongest teeth shal then be as impotent and soft as waxe o Gods wrath like fire the most forcible element shal fil vpon them and they shal be cast into vtter darkenes depriued of the sunne and al comfortable light p Before their malice can bring to effect the great mischieffes which they plotte and purpose God suddainly cutteth them of before they fully vnderstand of either sicknes or death casteth them as it were aliue into hel q The iust reioyce in the punishment of the wicked for three causes first in zele of iustice conforming his wil and mind to Gods iudgement secondly for that himselfe through Gods mercie hath escaped that terrible damnation thirdly for that he is now deliuered from molestation and continual tribulation r The iust seing or by faith knowing what punishment remaineth for the wicked is therby assured that the good shal reape fruict for his wel doing and that in the meane time God ruleth and iudgeth on the earth though as yet it appeareth not so euidently An other prayer of Dauid in danger the 8. key a King Saul hauing thrise attempted in vaine to kil Dauid 1. Reg. 18 v 11. c. 19. v. 9. sene some of his guard to feâ—ch him from his owne house that he might be slaine but God moued the mind of Michol to admonish him of the danger and to helpe him away in saftie though Saul thought she would haue bene a scandal vnto him or cause of ruine by the handes of the Philistians 1. Reg. 18. v. 21. Vpon which occasion Dauid made this Psalme As he also made others for perpetual memorie of Gods like benefites in deliuering him in iminent dangers VVhen Saul sent three troupes of serieants to kil him and solowed them himselfe 1. Reg. 19. v. 20 likevvise vvhen he vvas knovven and bevvrayed before Achis king of Geth 1. Reg. 21. also in Ceila in the deserts of Ziph and of Maon c. 23 in Engaddi c. 24. in Hachila c. 26. and againe amongst the Philistians c. 27. and 30. b They haue so straictly beseged me that it is now in their haudes to take away my life c Of my part I haue committed no sault against myn enimies for which they can haue aâ—ie iust cause to persecute me d The prophet soreseing in spirite that the Catholique Church shal be vniustly persecuted prayeth and teacheth others to pray that God wil mercifully visite his faithful people of al nations e and not spare obstinate persecuters f Persecuters laboring how much or how long soeuer shal at night that is in the end of al their wicked endeuoures be vnsatisfied in their desires g as hungrie dogges that runne hunting al the day night also stil seeking not finding wherwith to fil their rauenous mouthes and deuouring bellies h They threaten and determine to vse al crueltie i as if there were no God that heareth and wil punish it k Through Gods grace the Church is stil strong and the vertuous do perseuere l God suffereth afflictions to fal vpon his seruants to kepe them exercised lest in prosperitie they forgete their duties to him m Depriue them of powre that they may not do so much euil as they desire n After that their iniquitie is complete o they shal be accused and punished for their blasphemies and lies p As. v. 7. q They shal in vaine seeke oyle for their lampes with the foolish virgins repent with Iudas and finding no helpe r shal continually blaspheme in hel Å¿ In the resurrection King Dauids thankes for victories the 8. key a The change of state from aduersitie to prosperitie in the people of Israel was a figure of the like change in the Church of Christ b worthie to be remembred c for the instruction d of Gods beloued e as the same are more largely recorded in the bookes of kinges f God suffereth his people to be afflicted as wel for their sinnes as for exercise in vertue g after sheweth his mercie in pardoning and fauour in aduancing them h by punishiÌ„g sinners i VVarning them to ameÌ„d k and then restoreth them to former good state l God also as he hath promised by his holie oracle m hath aduanced king Dauid in his temporal kingdom and doth much more aduance him and other elect in euerlasting life n As a vessel for meaner vses o Bring it vnder my dominion p As God doth sometimes punish q so he also rewardeth r strongly with fortitude A confident prayer for Christs Incarnation the 5. k. â—y a In songues of praise and thankes to God b From al coastes of the earth faithful people pray to God c the Church builded vpon an assured fundation is exalted to great powre and dignitie d God conducteth defendeth and deliuereth those that confidently trust in him e in the Church a place of assured protection f Christâ— kingdome the Church perpetual to the end of this world and eternal after the general Resurrection g Who is able to vnderstand or explicate how great Christs mercie is in redeming vs h and his truth in performing his promised rewardes i For so imestimable benefites I wil alwayes praise thee with Psalmes Canticles or other thankes in this life k and eternally in the life to come Exhortation to good life in respect of reward or punishment the 7. key a Directed to Idithun one of the masters of musike to sing it or to make tune for it b The wicked threating to ruinate others Dauid or anie iust man feareth them not because his soule is subiect to God c Therfore I firmely purpose neuer to be moued from God d In vaine do you myn aduersaries stil assault me e though ye be al confederate to kil me f
that such workes may be profitable and be conserued they must be donne in true faith in the Catholique faith in societie of the vnitie of the Church h VVorkes are good and rightly laide vp when they are donne in vnitie and participation of Gods Altares the most proper places of Diuine Seruice of external Sacrifice in this life and spiritual sacrifice of perâ—ect praises in eternal glorie whereal Sainctes without ceasing sing Holie holie holie Lord God of hoastes Isaiae 6. Apoc. 4. i The Catholique Church k The iust by Gods grace and helpe may resolue to ascend by steppes and degrees from vertue to vertue v. 8. euen to heauen l though he be now in this vaile of teares by reason of mans sinne who otherwise was before sinne in paradise a place of delight m Christ our lawgeuer n geueth abundance of graces o with continual increase p but our only omnipotent God is to be senne by this effect of his grace in the Church and not elswhere q Agreably to this the Church maketh al her petitions concluding al prayers By Christ our Lord. r In respect of the future retribution which euerie one shal receiue according to their desertes one day in Gods Church is better then thousands out of it Å¿ And better to be in the poorest state of Catholique Christians t then in greatest palaces or hieghest dignities amongst sinners v The Diuine wisdom so vseth mercie and veritie that neither may preiudice the other vv and so geueth grace in this life x and glorie in the â—ext y Besides innocencie conserued without sinne there is also innocencie after remission of sinne of which the prophet here speaketh Incarnation of Christ the 5. key a God bestowed manie great benefites vpon the people of Israel b he brought them out of the bondage of Aegypt c Remitted their manifold sinnes d pardoned also a great part of due punishment e As thou hast soared thy peculiar people so we besech thee ô God creator and general Sauiour of al mankind f mitigate thy wrath towards vs al g Til God first shew his mercie sinners lye dead in guilt of sinne but by his grace they are sturred vp and quickned h and ioyfully returne to God i The wordes of the prophet k signifying that God had reueled vnto him the redemption of mankind l Not al men are iustified and saued but those that are hartely and sincerely conuerted m Though al be not saued because manie wil not cooperate to Gods grace yet very manie hauing the feare of God which is the beginning of godlie wisdom freely accept of Gods mercie and so â—he Church is gloriously propagated n VVheras Gods mercie would saue al and his truth or iustice requireth that sinnes be duly punished by Christs Passion and death sufficient satisfaction is offered for al sinnes and thoâ—e that wil be partakers by penance and conformitie to Gods law may haue remission o and so iustice is obserued and peace made betwen God and his subiects p Integritie of conscience reigneth in good men q God sending iust meanes from heauen to saue them r God geueth grace Å¿ and so men yeld fruict t Yea they walke in iustice and right path of Gods law A prayer for continual grace the 7. key a A forme of prayer for king Dauid and for anie faithful person b There be sundrie iust causes which moue God to heare our prayers c first our necessitie requireth Gods helpe d Secondly because we professe and promise to lead a holie life e Thirdly because we trust and hope in God f Fourtly because we perseuere in prayer g Fiftly if we pray with attention of mind h Sixtly because God of his owne nature is benigne readie to bestow benefites i Seuently he is meeke to remitte offences k Eightly he is merciful to mitigate the punishment to those that make recourse vnto him l For these causes we pray as foloweth m Vocation of Gentiles n They shal come by faith o and glorifie God by good workes Mat. 5. v. 17. p Cofession of praise q From the state of eternal damnation r In performing al promises Å¿ A digression vsual to prophetes of Christs Empyre and Kingdom the Church geuen to him being the sonne of an immaculate virgin the handmaide of God t The chief and principal signe of Christs and his Churches glorie is his Resurrection praefigured in Ionas v VVherby al enimies are confounded either to their conuersion or to eternal damnation See 6. Augustin The Catholique Church glorious the 6. key a Christs Church was first founded in Ierusalem on whitsunday Act. 2. in mount Sion which hath two toppes in one of which the Temple stood in the other Dauids towre oâ— palace b The Prophet in the person of Christ saith he wil commend vnto his Apostles and other Apostolical men that they conuert al nations as our Sauiour gaue expresse commission and commandment Math. 28. Luc. 24. v. 47. Act. 1. v. 8. c naming here Raab which is Aegypt and Babylon d The Philistims Tyrians Aethiopians e the rest shal be regenerate in this Church which for the assured certaintie therof after the prophets maner of speaking is affirmed in the pretertence as if it were then donne f It shal be reported or one shal say to an other Loe this and that man al these and al these men are regenerate by Baptisme in the Church of Christ g God himselfe Christ God and Man founded this Church h The multitude of the elect is so great that only God knoweth the number i and the qualities of al sortes of Princes Prelates and Peoples k Great spiritual ioy with peace of conscience is in true Christian Catholiques in the militant Church but the blessed haue the most absolute secure ioy of al in the Church triumphant A prayer in long affliction the 7. key a An instrument of musike apt for lamentable songues Not expressed in the title of anie other Psalme Perhaps because this Psalme mixteth not anie consolation with mourning as other Psalmes do which are also prayers in affliction As the 30. 53. 63. 73. b Neither is this word in anie other title It is added here to admonish vs that as this Psalme and some others were songue by two quires one answering the other so we must in answer and imitation of Christ suffer long and great afflictions with patience seing he in his passion was leift without ordinarie coÌ„solation c By some interpreted his bretheren For Christ saith S. Augustin voutchsaffeth to make them his bretheren which vnderstand the mysterie of his Crosse and not only are not ashamed therof but also faithfully glorie therin d I haue cried to thee very often both by day and by night e I am almost dead f Accounted as dead and readie to be buried g If I were dead I should be free from these afflictions Especially it agreeth to Christ who was free yea of infinite
and long The name Cedar is interpreted blackenes and obscuritie which signifieth darkenes of error and sinne g The wicked afflict those that geue no cause of offence Gods protection the 3. key a Towardes Ierusalme and towards heauen b Al helpe cometh from heauen that is from God who of his diuine ordinance especially heareth prayers made in holie places 3. Reg 7. c The iust speaketh and wisheth wel to his owne soule Especially the vvhole Church reioyceth in Gods assured protection d The militant Church e Prosperitie f nor aduersitie can ouerthrow the Church g spiritual life Ioyes of heauen promised to the iust the 10. key a Diuers Prophetes told the Iewes in captiuitie that they should returne to Ierusalem Al Prophetes Christ also and his Apostles and Priestes preach the entrance and ioyes of heauen to the iust Al vvhich the Psalmist savv in prophetical spirite and reioyced b The Ievves coÌ„sider that sometimes they vvere ioyful in the Temple of Ierusalem Christians reioyce in the comforte they haue in the militant Church c Communitie and participation of spiritual graces is a great ioy to Catholiques vvherof the â—amâ— Prophet speaketh Psal 118. v. 6â— and often elsvvhere d Al the tvvelue Tribes frequented Ierusalem e and al nations of the vvorld do come to the Catholique Church f Seates of Iudgement vvere placed in Ierusalem g and seates of Iudgement in the Catholique Church h of Christ i Christ exhorteth to aâ—ke k and promiseth to geue that is rightly asked Christians also inuite each other to pray for the Church Matt. â—â— v. 22. l Christ prayeth for his Church m and gaue his peace to the Apostles and in them to their successors n For in heauenlie Ierusalem al good thinges are prepared are geuen to Sainctes reigning there foreuer A praâ—eâ— in afflict oâ— the 7. key a Seruantes expecting necessaries at their masters handes are commonly very attentiue to receiue that vvhich they hope for so must the faithful praying God be very attentiue and not distracted in their prayers b An other example of handmaides who generally are more diligent then men c Though God suffer his seruantes to sustaine some affliction and reprech yet he heareth and deliuereth them before they be oppressed d Seing persecution stil increase or continevv long the faithful are then specially to conceiue hope of speedie â—â—l eâ—c Gods protection the 3. key a If God had not sent his helpe and defence to vs b we could not haue escaped the force of our enimies c The vvord perhaps doth not here import a doubt or vncertanitie but in modest maner of asseueration leaueth the iudgement of the euent that should hapen if God did not protect his seruantes to their ovvne consideration vvhich is an vsual phrase in most languages d So sudainly should the vveake vvithout Gods protection be destroyed as men are deuoured svvalovved vp by rauening vvild beasts euen before they be throughly dead So vvas Ionas svvalovved into the vvhales bellie e Furious persecution f Suddaine great trubles g Mans subteltie often deceiueth an other man but there is no counsel able to circumuent God Gods protection the 3. key a Thâ—se that confidently trust in God are in such securitie as is mount Sion vvhich is a hil defended also vvith other hilles round about b An other thing required to this securitie is to dvvel vvithin Ierusalem not the terrestrial citie for as S. Augustin obserueth the levves that dwelt therin are destroyed or made captiues and hitherto reiected of God but in the Catholique Church c God wil not alwayes nor finally leaue his seruants in tribulation but only a vvhile for their good d This prayer is also an asseueration for it is certaine that God wil defend and reward the good and right of hart e And no lesse assuredly God wil punish not only the notorious wicked and principal auctors of wickednes but also al those that for feare or for commoditie or for anie other cause decline into obligations bondes couenants or anie vvay consent in external shew with the wicked against God as in outward profession of Heresie or Schisme though such temporizers do not thincke in their hart that the pretended religion is true wherto they are drawne to yeld external conformitie For as the Psalmist here teacheth our Lord wil bring al such accessarie offenders to the same iudgement and punishment vvith the principal vvorkers of iniquitie f Al vvhich being punished then Ierusalem the Catholique Church shal haue peace The deliuered from captiuitie reioyce the 7. key a The Ievves released from captiuitie vvere excedingly and almost incredibly comforted as men for great and vnexpected sundaine ioy thinke it rather a dreame then a truth that they are deliuered from miseries So S. Peter vvhen he vvas deliuered out of prison by an Angel thought it rather a vision then a true deliuerie Such spiritual ioy deuoute soules haue vvhen they are deliuered from sinne Act. 1â— b VVheras in the tvvo former verses and very commonly the Prophet speaketh in the preter tense for the assurance of that he foreshevveth as if it vvere already donne yet here he vt eâ—eâ—h his prophecie in the future tense that the Gentiles wil confesse that God dealeth magnifically vvith his people c The people also themselues gratfully confesse that God dealeth magnifically vvith them d The Prophet forseing al this in spirite prayeth for the performance hereof e And that it may spedely be done as a torrent that runneth in the south part of the vvorld is commonly very great much desired but scarse expected f This is the ordinarie disposition of God that his seruants shal make their seeding vvhich is doe good vvorkes saith S. Augustin vvith teares in tribulation vpon earth g and reape a plentiful haruest the revvard of their suffering and vvel vvorking in the next life In assured hope vvherof the Psalmist and the vvhole Church joyfully conclude this Psalme vvith the tvvo verses folovving Gods helpe in al good vvorkes the 3. key a God not permitting Dauid to build the Temple promised that his sonne should build it and therfore besides other good admonitions geuen to his sonne Salomon he directeth this Psalme to him to be songue vvith others in the dedication of the Temple 3. Reg. 8. 2. Par. 5. b Vnlesse God be the principal Agent no vvorke can prosper c It is vaine to atempt anie thing vvithout Gods grace assisting d they that so doing thincking they haue done something rest e after their painful trauel must rise againe beginne anevv because that vvhich they seme to haue done vvel is nothing vvorth nor shal haue revvard f Contrarivvise vvhere God geuing grace those that truly loue him do good vvorkes g vvith great ease and dilight as they take their sleepe h they merite inheritance in heauen i for their good vvorkes k the revvard is promised to the true children of God borne to him in the
of the diuel :: Al occasions of sinne especially probable are to be shunned :: Theift is also mortal sinne against the seuenth coÌ„mandment but not so great as adâ—lterie :: Because tentations stil occurre in this life and man is fraile good exhortations and earnest admonitions must also be continually inculcated as here the vvisman often repeteth and much vrgeth the same good and necessarie aduises to embrace vvisdom and to vvalke stil in the vvay of vertue especially to flee from vices and dangers of sinne :: Sinners after consent geuen to tentations are as inconsiderate of their ovvne state of their perile and ruine as an oxe vvhen he is ledde to the shamles or a â—â—rd allured vvith a baâ—e that â—â—â—eth into the snare or nâ—â—te :: True vvisdom directing to good life so to eternal saluation is only found in the visible Church standing vpon a mountaine not hidde in corners or obscure places :: These singular praises perteine to the increated wisdom God himself from whom procedeth wisdom geuen to men by the Holie Ghost See Annot. ch 1. v. 2. :: God much preferreth man before al other corporal creatures :: S. Cyprian li. 2. ep 3. citeth this whole passage of Christs Sacrifice in the formes of bread and vvine :: VVhere is no hope of amendment prudence directeth vs not to admonish nor rebuke sinners leâ—t without anâ—e 〈◊〉 â—e procure emnitie charitie also requireth rather to expect better opportunitie lest the offender become worse by our admonition :: But when there is hope of good euerie one is bond especially superiors to correct offenders S. Aug. li. 1. c. 9. de ciuit S. Basil regulis fuse disput 158. God built his Church with spiritual Pastors Rites of Religion in the old Testament Prou. 8. v. 3â— Psal 74. Galat. 2. The same are more excellent in the Church of Christ 1. Cor. 1. The second part Sentencious moral precepts How these Parables folowing differ from the former VVhy the contents of the twentie chapters folowing are put in the margent VVisdom in general Iustice Confidence in God Industrie Truth Diligence Equitie Good fame Desire to lerne Sinceritie Vnfained freindshipe VVhol some talke Charitie Prudent speach Discretion inspeaking Iust gaine Iust intention Loue to be corrected Internal and external charitie Moderate speâ—â—h Sinceritie of hart Loue of doctrin Spiritual riches Sorow for sinne Remorfe of conscience Iustice in general Diligence Feare of God Pietie Obseruation of Gods lavv fulfulling al iustice Speaking and Meditating good thinges Equitie Humilitie Sinceritie Spiritual riches Pietie Iustice Care of the other life Future ioy Truth in wordes Common good Publique ioy True freindshipe Fidelitie Good gouernment Prudence in suretishipe Diligence Mercie Iustice Clemencie Sinceritie Iust dealing Internal vertue Expectation of glorie Almes dedes Beneuolence Care of the poore Good desires Trust in Gods goodnes Frugalitie Spiritual instruction Straict way of saluation Loue of discipline Progresse in vertue Pietie Diligent industrie Desire of iustice Sinceritie in vvordes Iustice Sound doctrine Contentment of minde Compassion Diligent trauel Temperance * defence Iust punishment of the wicked Guard of the tongue Godlie instructions and good dedes Yelding to good counsel Toleration of iniuries True testimonie Aduised promising Considerate testimonie Pacification Iustice in general Fidelitie Prudent silence Resistance of tentation Alacritie in good workes Freindshipe Honest industrie * a 〈…〉 man Good life â—â—â—al feare Sound doctâ—e Discretion in speach Constant endeuour Truth in wordes and dedes Iustice True acknowlegement of tempâ— al state Mediocritie of riches Sincere conscience Humilitie Iust gaine Speedie performance of promise Good reporte Plaine dealing Good instruction True doctrine Prudence Faithful message Desire to lerne Hate of sinne Conuersation with the good Iustice Succession Frugalitie Chatisment Contentment of state Frugal industrie Feare of God Gnard of the tongue Diligent labores Truth in al speach Seke wisdom modestly Feloshipe with the wise Knowlege of ourselues Detestation of sâ—ane Internal comforth Contempt of thir world The Catholique faith Spiritual ioy Reward of workes Beleue not al reportes Mature consideration Patience Desire of solide knowlege 1. Cor. 14. v. 20. Pietie shal be â—evvarded Compassion of the poore Almes dedes Mercie and 〈◊〉 Good dedes with few wordes Right vse of riches * Versipâ—â—â— a 〈◊〉 â—â—turnetrait Tiue testimonie as v. 5. Feare to offend God preuen 〈…〉 Procu 〈…〉 and fid 〈…〉 in subiectes Patience Sincere intention Compassion Confidence in iustice Instruction of the ignorant Publique iustice Industrie in euerie man VVithout true faith none can be saued Sincere intention excuieth some errors S. Greg. li. 5. c. 34. Moral Meeknes Discretion Gods omniscience Caulmnes of speach Loue to be corrected Desire to fulfil al iustice Diligence in teaching others Puritie of hart Lerne of good men Al secretes knowen to God Harken to good admonitions A cherful hart is deâ—â—â—ous to â—erne A quiet mind Contentment wâ—â—h sufficiencie Patience Diligence Hâ—â—our of parents Dâ—â—â—râ—â—â—on Desire to liue wel Counsel in season :: To him that is wel trained in good workes heauen gates are open Honest thoughts and wordes A liberal mind Mercie and iustice Obedience God assisteth the iust VVordes of edification Loue of discipline and Admonition Humilitie Gods grace necessarie in euerie good action Mans iudgement is not secure Commend thyne affayres to God Gods prouidence Punishment of sinne Equitie * vâ—puâ—ished Mercie Deuotion Iust gaine Necessitie of Gods grace :: God assisteth superiors in gouerning their subiectes Iust balance do please God good kinges Righteousnes Feare and reuerence of authoritie Loue of wisdom Iustice in general Humilitie Meknes Hope in God Mildnes Teaching others Sincere hart Sweetnes in conuersation True faith Religion 〈…〉 12. Proper industrie Charitie Common good True freindshipe Sincere thoughts Holie oldage Patience Gods prouidence A general rule that one place of holie Scripture is not contrarie to an other li 2. c. 8. cont dâ—as Epistolas Palag Ioan. 15. 2. Cor. 3. Gods grace is necessarie both to begine and to prosecute anie good worke Peace VVisdom in general Purification Feloshipe with the good Commiseration Succession Grauitie in speach Desire of eternal life Remitting offences Discrete correction Concord Gentienes Gratitude Conseruation of peace Iust censure Spiritual riches Humilitie Constancie Carefulnes in promising Concord Sinceritie Education of youth Alacritie of hart Iust iudgement Contempt of the world â—â—lial obedience Obedience to Magistrates Discretion in speaking Moderate silence Constantamitie Harken to good counsel Speedie repentance * a vviseman VVise discourse Equitie Studie of peace Guard of the tongue Auoid secrete bate makers Fortitude Constant labour Confidence in God Spiritual riches Humilitie Consideration in answering Quietnes of spirite Desire to lerne Almes dedes Acknowleging of faultes Vse of lote to make agreement â—â—â—ternal concord Godhe instructions Right vse of the tongue A wiues vertue is her best dowrie Meeknes Amitie with 〈…〉 Honest pouertie Knowlege of ourselues Man 's owne wil the cause of euil Spiritual riches
good thinges not commanded deserue greater reward Mat. 21. Mar. 11. Luc 19. :: The prophet foreseing in spirit the careles negligence of some pastores of iust zele charitie inueigheth against them watning them of their greeuous punishment Iere. 6. 8. Sap. 2. Issue of children was a blessing of the old Testament Virginitie is a greater blessing in the Church of Christ Exo. 2â— Deut. â— Protestantes expositions of this place not true Bible 1603. The ancient fathers vnderstand this prophecie of vowed chastitie Preferring it before Mariage a Ipsi sunt qui habent in câ—â—lo praemia â—aeteris prestantiora b Gloriam prepriam excellentemque nec erit quid commune cum multis c In aeternae mansione silijs preferuntur :: Iust men dying seme to the vvicked to perish :: But they are gathered to the happie society of other blessed soules And commonly God so taketh away the iust when he wil punish the wicked people that they may not in this world see the general calamitie of others Isa 62. 7. 10. :: To the humble contrite penitents God sheweth al benignitie and granteth vvished good thinges as prosperous windes to sea faâ—ring traueâ—ers the like :: Those that persist obstinate can haue no remission of sinne Isa 46. v. 22. :: Many sinners are so fast a sleepe in their wickednes that they can not or rather wil not heare ordinarie admonitions to such therfore Gods preachers must crie and not cease to crie as with a loude trumpette exalt their voice opportunely importunely with al patience and longamitie til they make the dease to heare to beleue the truth and the duÌ„me to speake that is to prosesse vertue in word dede Mar. 7. Zach. 7. Ezec. 18. â—at 25. Isa â—1 Protestants de tract from the praise profite of fasting Cultus Des. Luc. 2. v. 37. Leuit 16. 33. This seripture reproueth not fasting but admonisheth to fast especially from sinne Num. 29. v. 6. 7. v. 8 Christs fast an example of the 40. dayes fast in Lent Dan 9. Ione 3. 3 Reg. 19. Exo. 24. 34. Num. 11. Isa 50. :: No defect is in God spowre nor wil that he deliuereth not the faithful from afflictions but their sinnes are the impedimen t for vvhich he punisheth them that they may repent then he wil deliuer them v. 20. Iob. 15. Prou. 1. Rom. 7. :: No pure man being able to redeme and deliuer mankind from captiuitie of sinne God became man to accomplish this worke Ephes 6. 1. Thes 5. Rom. â—â— :: The Church hath stil the spirit of truth and therfore can neuer erre :: God preuenting with his grace euerie one must cooperate by gratfully accepting this benefite and so dispose him self to iustification :: Only those that come into the Church receiue the light of true faith al others are in darkenes Isa 49. :: This prophecie began to be fulfilled when the 3. Sages came on swift beastes to adore Christ and offered giftes Mat 2. :: This is fulfilled in great Britanie Ireland other ilandes as Tertullian Origen S. Beda proue against the Iewes and S. Chrysostom against the Gentiles Apoc. 21. â— 25. :: This was accomplished when the Romane Emperours and other Monarches and nations receiued the faith of Christ :: S. Ierom compelled as he saith to leaue the histo rical sense because it is not conuenient to say the walles and sundation of Ierusalem were adorned with precious stones and the temple which should be most glorious was made of wood expoundeth this place of excelleÌ„t men The holie mosteloquent man Cyprian the Mar tyr and the confessor of our time Hilarius do they not seme to thee the high trees that haue built the Church of God Apoc. 21. v. 23. Apoc. 22. v. 5. :: Our Sauiour was not neither needed to be visibly annoynted as Aaron Dauid others were but inuisibly by God vvith oyle of gladnes aboue al others Ps 44. v. 8. vvith the Holie Ghost and with powre Act. 10. v. 39. of vvhose fulnes al others receiue Ioan. 1. v. 16. Luc. 4. v. 18. :: It was a griefe and sorow to the Apostles first preachers of Christs Gospel that both the Iewes departed from God Gentiles stâ—l folowed idolatrie but shortly after manie were conuerted :: And preferred their owne happie lotte before al other Iewes Gentiles :: True preachers and pastors cease not from preaching the truth for anie threates terrour or torment But say with this prophet For Sion that is for the good of the Church I vvil not cease c with S. Paul The vvord of God is not tied 2. Tim. 2. :: The Church of Christs is perpetually visible in her watchmen the pastors gouerners therof Mat. 21. Zach. 9. :: S. Dionyse Hâ—erâ—r caelest c 7. supposeth this to be the quaestion of the hieghest order of Angels admiring Christs beauty to be so excellent not withstanding that he is embâ—ewed with bloud ascending from Edom which signifieth terrestrial from Bosra a vvalled citie ouerthrovven that is from Ierusalem into heauen vvith triumph after a bloudie victorie Apoc. 19. v. 13. :: The Angel guardian of the Church which standeth before the face of God Christ testifying that also the particular guardians do alwayes see the face of his Father Mat. 18 Exo. 14. Deut. 26. â—a% 2. :: God is neuer the cause of error or harnes of hart but by indulgence not punishing sinners harden their ovvne hartes so S. Ierom. The Ievves supposed that for their sinnes the Patriarches did not acknovvlege them for their children Yet hoped that God of his mercie vvould releue them in distresse How the old patriarches knevv the state of men in this vvorld â—ap 15. Luc. 16. Sainctes in glorie see more cleâ—ly then Prophets in this life li. 22. c. 29. ciuit That Sainctes know helpe mortal mens necessities is certaine but the maner how is obscure â—ura pro mort c. 16. :: The good people with Priestes and Prophetes of the old Testament most feruently desired Christs comming 1. Cor. â— :: And signifieth for as Gen. 14 v. 18. And the English Bibles translate for in this place though the Hebrew text hath vaâ— that is and. But vve vvith S. Ierâ—m and other ancient Fathers folow the authentical Latin which hath eâ— in this place enim in the other :: Likewise the same particle and signifieth yet as if he had said yet vve â—â—al be saued Psal 78. :: This can not be meant of the Ievves but necessarily of the Gentiles Rom. 10. :: But this is euidently spoken of the Iewes and so S. Paul testifieth of both these places Ro. 10. v 20. 21. Prou. 1. Iere. 7. :: Nothing can be more plain lyvttered then is here the doctrine of mans freewil :: Likevvise of revvard punishment of good and euil workes :: The name of Iewes shal be exectable * Othe of execration :: And Gods seruantes shal be called Christians Apoc. 21. ::