Asaph and others THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord mightie in battell how amiable are thy tabernacles 2 Wherefore for the desire of the visiting of thy courtes ô Lord which is vtterlie denied me I am wholie consumed coueting most earnestlie both in bodie and mind to come vnto thee ô God the authour of life 3 Oh alas is my condition worse than that of the sparowes and swalowes to whome it is permitted to finde some place where they may make their nests ô thine altars Lord of hosts my King and my God 4 O blessed are they that are permitted to dwel with thee and to set foorth thy praises continuallie 5 O blessed is that man to whome thou giuest grace to vse those thy sacraments appointed to strengthen their faith and who as he commeth in bodie vnto thy sanctuarie carrieth thy lawes grauen in his heart 6 Wherefore me thinkes I see the great multitudes of them that come vnto thee to go thorough the drie mores and wild figtrees affraid of no difficulties by the waie who rather than they should leaue off the iournie that they haue vndertaken do partlie dig pits with great diligence to receiue the running waters partlie do make cesternes with great labour to holde the raine-water 7 Neither do they ceasse but continue and increase in constancie whilest that one band and multitude meeting now and then with another they do come vnto thee ô high God into thy presence euen vnto Sion 8 O Lord of hosts heare my praiers giue eare vnto me poore miser ô God of Iacob 9 O God our defender behold me and regard the king whome thou hast annointed 10 For how far better is it to passe one daie in thy house than a thousand in anie place elsewhere therefore I wish rather my God to be the porter in thy house than to haue anie maner of condition amongst the prophane men polluted with sinne 11 For in other places there are continual and horrible darkenes but light is onelie with thee which art the verie true Sunne it selfe ô Lord and nothing is safe anie where else but in thee ô God the defender of thine there is most certaine safetie and the abundance of thy blessings which is appointed to them that trulie and sincerelie worship thee is infinite 12 O blessed is he Lord of hoasts which setteth al his confidence onlie in thee PSALME LXXXV The Argument This Psalme hauing the Korites for the authours thereof manie do refer to the time which folowed their returne from the captiuitie of Babylon when yet the building of the temple and the citie was letted by the Gentiles that dwelt about them But I leaue it to be considered whether it ought rather to be applied to the beginning of the kingdome of Dauid so that by the name of captiuitie not the carieng awaie of them from their habitation is to be vnderstood but the miserable seruitude of the people vnder the Palestines which had ouercome them after the death of Saule Howsoeuer it is we vnderstand by this Psalme that the Church is so pressed and vexed euen when God seemeth most iustlie to be angrie that yet it is not oppressed Furthermore this Psalme doth teach vs with what weapons chieflie the enimies being conquerours are repulsed euen by repentance and by praiers proceeding of faith whereof we haue heere a most excellent example Finallie there is added a verie cleare prophesie of the sending of Messiah in whom as Paule saith al the blessings are ratified that we may learne which are the proper and peculiar benefites of the Church and of the spiritual kingdome of Christ and to whome we must attribute the benefite of publike peace and tranquillitie when God doth grant it vnto vs. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord thou hast manie times shewed thy selfe merciful to the inhabitants of thy land thou hast restored the posteritie of Iacob from most miserable bondage vnto libertie 2 Thou hast taken awaie the iniquitie of thy people thou hast couered al their sinnes 3 Thou hast put awaie al thy wrath thou hast suppressed thy wrath I saie that it should not vtterlie flame foorth 4 Continue now therefore ô God our deliuerer to change our miserable condition and command thy wrath wholie to depart 5 I praie thee wilt thou be angrie for euer and wilt thou continue thy wrath vnto al ages 6 Wilt thou not rather restore vs to life againe and giue vs occasion againe to praise thee with great gladnes 7 Ah Lord graunt that thy mercie may appeare vnto vs and that we being deliuered may haue experience of thy great benignitie 8 But why should I vse manie words vnto God surelie it is better diligentlie to heare what God our Lord answereth vnto me For I nothing doubt but he wil answere most gentlie and promise al prosperitie to that his people towards whome it hath alwaie pleased him to vse so great liberalitie that they being admonished may be wise hereafter 9 For although al things seeme desperate deliuerance is not far off from them that worship him and that time is neere when our land now lieng in miserie shal recouer her former beautie 10 For the mercie of God shal shine vnto vs to whom also his truth shal ioine in societie Furthermore iustice and peace another noble match meeting together with mutual imbraceings shal receiue one another 11 Then the minds of men being changed againe from infidelitie vnto faithfulnes truth comming downe from heauen shal appeare in earth which the spirit of righteousnes shal make fruitful from aboue 12 So wil it come to passe that the Lord wil powre out al kind of good things vpon vs and the earth shal bring foorth her fruits abundantlie 13 Finallie al things shal be done in most due manner and order and euerie man shal frame his manners after the rule appointed of God PSALME LXXXVI The Argument This Psalme of Dauid doth also containe a verie notable example of most feruent praiers with most pretious sentences adioined partlie of the wil of God declared vnto vs and oftentimes experienced towards vs partlie drawne from his infinite power whereby wee may be comforted euen in the greatest miseries and most desperate Now the praier of Dauid is of two sorts one that he may be preserued in this life against his most cruel and most mightie enimies vnto this end that the name of God may be spread to the vttermost coasts of the earth namelie by the comming of Messiah which should be borne of him the which promise should come to naught vnlesse God did bridle the rage and madnes of the enimies another cause the chiefe is euen as the foundation of the former that God should not suffer him being broken with the greatnes of the dangers to fal awaie as it happeneth somtimes euen to them that are most strong vnlesse that God by the power of his spirit doe strengthen our wauering faith THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GIue eare vnto me ô Lord and heare mee that am oppressed
that put their trust in him 10 Thou chieflie the ofspring of Aaron which ought to go before others both in doctrine and example trust in the Lord the sure shield and defender of al that put their trust in him 11 Finallie how manie soeuer do professe to worship Iehouah trust you in the Lord who is the shield and defender of them that fixe their hope in him 12 The Lord doubt ye not careth for vs he wil blesse he wil blesse the posteritie of Israël he wil blesse the kindred of Aaron 13 The Lord is bountiful toward his true worshippers both toward the noble and also the most abiect 14 He wil heape you euen you I saie and your posteritie with new benefits more and more 15 For the Lord which hath made the heauen and the earth hath receiued you into his fauour 16 And he inhabiting those most high heauens from whence he ruleth al things hath granted the vse of the earth and of infinite good creatures wherewith he hath adorned it vnto men of his singular liberalitie 17 Euen for this purpose that they should publish his glorie in the earth the which thing verelie the dead can not perfourme vnto whome death it selfe taking awaie the vse of the tongue hath inioined silence 18 Deliuer vs therefore ô God that we may sing foorth thy glorie both now being aliue and for euer Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXVI The Argument Whether we refer this Psalme vnto Dauid whom we certainlie knowe to haue bene maruellouslie deliuered oftentimes by the Lord from most present death and also froÌ„ most great anguish of mind or to anie other it conteineth an example of a singular thankesgiuing whereby we may vnderstand how far sometime the best and most vpright men vse to be cast downe and vnto whom in such case we must flie finallie how happie an end there shal be of al temptations so that we refraine our impatience by the bridle of faith THE PARAPHRASIS 1 AL my loue is in the Lord hearing the voice of my praier 2 And giuing attentiue eares vnto mee wherefore also I wil cal vpon him so long as I liue 3 Behold I was bound in the chaines of death the verie anguish of the graue held me being ouercome with the sorrowes of my heart 4 Then I called vpon the name of the Lord I beseech thee ô Lord said I deliuer my most miserable soule 5 And what else should I say here than that which I streightwaies prooued in deed verelie that God is verie mild toward his and verie iust in perfourming his promises and that our God is most merciful 6 And that the Lord finallie doth defend those that walk plainlie vprightlie because he did help me so readilie when I was brought to extremitie 7 Go to therefore ô my seelie soule returne now vnto thy selfe and take rest seeing that so notable a change of thy state is wrought by the Lord. 8 For thou ô Lord hast deliuered my life from death thou hast staied the teares of mine eies thou hast established my feete that I did not fal 9 So that I may walke now safe and sound before thee among the liuing 10 For I beleeued the promises of the Lord and therefore did I speake euen my faith ministring voice and words to me being most sore oppressed with sorrowe 11 For I grant that I was so far cast downe that I knewe not whither to turne me and finding no staie anie-where did decline vnto this that I iudged with my selfe that both the very men and whatsoeuer they do is nothing 12 But ô Lord this most dangerous temptation being ouercome by thy power for how can that thing be vaine which is taken in hand by thine appointment or how can they be nothing with thee vpon whome thou hast bestowed thy grace what shal I giue againe vnto thee for al thy benefites which thou hast bestowed vpon me 13 Verelie I wil take in my hands the cup of thankful sacrifice and calling vpon thee by name ô Lord I wil testifie openlie that I knowledge this deliuerance to be of thee 14 And those things which I vowed vnto thee ô Lord when I was in danger wil I now paie in the presence of al the people 15 I acknowledge therefore and professe as the truth is that thou doest not despise those to whom thou hast once bin beneficial but louest them most deerelie and that thou wilt in no wise vnaduisedlie destroie them 16 Verelie therefore I am thy seruant thy seruant I saie euen thy bond seruant and therfore hast thou broken the bonds wherewith I was bound 17 And I againe as is meete doe render vnto thee this sacrifice of praise and cal vpon thy name 18 I paie the vowes vnto thee which I haue promised before the whole assemblie of the people 19 And that in the courts of thy house ô Lord and in the middest of the citie Ierusalem Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXVII The Argument The vocation of the Gentiles is prophesied in this most short but verie excellent Psalme as Paule interpreteth it Rom. 15 11. And also the summe of the Gospel is declared namelie the giuing of the grace and truth as Iohn doth expound it Iohn 1 17. and the end also namelie the worshipping of God in spirit and truth that we may knowe that the kingdome of Messiah is spiritual Finallie we are here taught what is the office of the subiects of this kingdome and what good things they ought to waite for THE PARAPHRASIS 1 PRaise ye now the Lord ô al ye Gentiles casting awaie al your fained Gods and al ye people set forth his praise 2 For now at the length that his great mercie hath ouercome and is powred downe vpon vs and the truth of that eternal saluation promised of the Lord is now perfourmed Praise the Lord. PSALME CXVIII The Argument J do agree vnto them that attribute this excellent Psalme vnto Dauid and do suppose that it was written at the first beginning of his kingdome when the nations about him were readie to inuade him either in the feast of passeouer or in the feâ—st of the Tabernacles both that he might giue thanks to God after he had ouercome so manie difficulties and also that they which had so long resisted him might knowe that they resisted God and again that the whole people might so much the more willingly receiue the king that was giuen them froÌ„ heauen And it appeareth that Dauid so wrote these things of himselfe and of things that were past that they did chieflie appertaine to the Messias of whome he was a figure Esaie 8 14. and 28 16. Math. 21 42. Acts. 4 11. Rom. 9.33 Ephes 2 20. 1. Pet. 2 7. And Ierome witnesseth that this Psalme was thus expounded in the synagogues by the ancient Iewes the which thing is manifestlie confirmed by those ioiful acclamations of the people taken out of this Psalme when as they receiued him at his last entrance into the
to stirre vp our dul hearts to the sense of our sinnes to feare Gods iudgements and to seeke for mercie betimes And if it please God to giue vs this grace thus to do vnfeignedlie and without al hypocrisie of this are we sure that though we can not turne awaie the general plagues that are threatned and seene to hang ouer England yet that al we that can be stirred vp with like affections with these saints of God our fathers and brethren of old to vtter our misliking and loathing of our owne sinnes and of the sinnes of the people and so seeke for Gods mercies shal be marked to saluation when the plague commeth as God himselfe hath promised Ezekiel 9. Yea though the perusing of these Psalmes can worke no more in vs but to cause vs to consider how far we are from that zeale of Gods glorie that desire of building his house that comfort of his word and sacraments that vprightnes of life that faith hope and patience in afflictions that was in Dauid and the other seruants of God that made these Psalmes and so bring vs to some more earnest desire and longing for the same vertues yet wil they be verie profitable vnto vs to be diligentlie read and wel weighed in our mindes And these Arguments and Paraphrasis giuing the true sense of the psalmes in so plaine words as no man hath done before wil greatlie further vs to such godlie meditations Now as the latine Psalmes of Beza belong to my most honorable Lord by right as dedicate and sent vnto him from farre so these english Psalmes translated at home by one of your seruants who is wholie my Lords and yours in the seruice of the great Lord do by as good right pertaine to your honour who but by some such meanes of translation can haue smal commoditie of the others although you haue some propertie therein because it is my Lords your husbands to whom if mine old forworne rude simplicitie vnfit for this fine world could haue brought forth anie thing worthie his honour I would not haue bin so long silent But I humblie beseech both your honours to take thus in good part this poore mite as that of the widowe which did testifie hir great good wil in a right smal matter And as I am most bound I wil praie for you both that God our merciful father for his Christes sake would vouchsafe to graunt you to reade the Psalmes of Dauid and to meditate them by the same spirit with Dauid whereby ye may feele true comfort in al troubles of mind and bodie as did Dauid and so in the end be crowned in the heauens with Dauid and reigne for euer with Christ our spiritual Dauid in euerlasting glorie Amen Ashbie 7. of March 1579. Your Honours most bound alwaies to commaund in the Lord Anthonie Gilbie THE EPISTLE TO the Reader SEEING among humane affaires those men which haue good causes and sound reasons for their enterprises are of greater authoritie and more able to persuade a reasonable man than they that can render no other account but either their owne affectionate opinion for a cause sufficient or their selfe wil how vnreasonable soeuer for an inuincible argument or in a word their headie rashnes for a lawe that may be in no wise gainesaied Therfore the Translator thinketh meete to shew some reason of his doings that that thing which was most forceable to drawe him to this translation who otherwise for his age is verie vnfit to take such paines might somewhat preuaile both to moue other that are more apt for such matters to do the like and thee also the Christian Reader to a more attentiue consideration of those things that are most diuinelie set foorth in this Booke Wherfore these two causes especiallie brought him to take this worke in hand First loue to his vnlearned countriemen Secondlie the excellencie of the worke it selfe For considering that the Psalmes in English are in manie places read rather for taske as it were and for fashion sake than for good deuotion and with vnderstanding which the spirit of God commandeth in al partes of diuine seruice and because that to reade that which a man neither yet vnderstandeth nor seeketh ordinarie meanes whereby hee may vnderstand is a plaine contempt of the thing that is read in that it noteth want of care and therefore defect of loue and consequentlie the hypocrisie of him that serueth God careleslie Againe such is the miserable state of our nation seeing that euerie congregation hath not a sufficient pastor to explane and interprete these Psalmes as also other places of scripture with liuelie voice of man the principal and chiefe way that ought to be in the Church to edifie the conscience and to build the faith therefore the Translator receiuing this Booke which was come from farre euen from a strange Countrie and in a language vnknowne to the multitude he was moued none otherwise than as a louing friend is wont to impart to his louers that thing which he knoweth may be profitable to manie and so set forth in our vulgar speach that thing wherof otherwaies they that haue greatest neede should haue reaped the least commoditie in so much as now euen the simplest poore man for a smal peece of monie may by diligent reading in this Booke of that rare man THEODORE BEZA atteine to a better vnderstanding of these holie Psalmes of Dauid than in old time by the report of the ancient the great learned men were able by the perusing of manie of the great Doctors of the Church Further sith we see this also by dailie experience that what so euer we knowe whether it be in flieng newes touching this or that matter whereof mans mind is so desirous or else euen in the Artes and Sciences which are gotten by great exercise and long practise a man taketh a little or no pleasure in them so long as he keepeth them to himselfe and maketh no man priuie to them but so soone as he vttereth them to others whome he loueth then his ioy and pleasure increaseth and he accounteth his owne knowledge so much the greater the more that he hath participated it vnto other Euen so this Translator hauing viewed this Booke through out could not be silent but receiuing so great comforts himselfe thereby tooke in hand God giuing thereto good successe to make it manifest also to the common sort that they might al reioice together in the Lord hauing found so precious a iewel which hath afore time bene hid from our forefathers and is in our daies reuealed vnto vs by the goodnes of God And he thinketh his labour wel bestowed and his knowledge and comfort greatlie augmented and aboundance of fruite redounding to himselfe if his godlie purpose be wel accepted that is if it be generalie receiued and reuerentlie embraced as by right it ought of them of whome chiefelie in his trauel he had respect Now as concerning the matter that is translated we
and to confirme them against imminent calamities which wil assured he fal vpon al them that vex the Church THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Wil praise the Lord with my whole heart and I wil shew foorth al his maruelous workes 2 I wil be ioiful and reioice in thee I wil sing vnto thy name ô God most high 3 For that mine enimies are turned backe are fallen downe and perish at thy presence 4 For thou hast mainteined the right of my cause and sitting vpon thy throne of iudgement thou hast declared thy selfe to be a iust iudge 5 Thou hast rebuked the multitude of the heathen and thou hast destroied them for euer 6 O enimie the destructions that thou diddest threaten doe no where appeare thou saiest forsooth that thou wilt destroie cities and the memorie of the inhabitants shal together be abolished with them 7 But the Lord hath an euerlasting dominion and sitteth alwaies to giue vnto euerie man his due right 8 It is he onlie that ruleth the whole world righteouslie and gouerneth the people with equitie 9 He is an high tower to the oppressed and a safe refuge to the afflicted 10 Wherfore al that knowe thy name wil trust in thee for thou neuer forsakest ô Lord them that seeke vnto thee 11 Sing praises to the Lord which dwelleth in Zion declare vnto the people his worthie actes 12 For he maketh inquisition for bloudshead and murther neuer vnmindful of his people neither forgetteth he the crie of the oppressed 13 Haue mercie vpon me ô Lord ô thou that hast deliuered me from deaths doore see what violence mine enimies do vse against me 14 That I maie shew foorth al thy praise and entering into Zion may with ioie declare that thou art my sauiour 15 The multitude of the enimies are drowned in the selfe-same ditch which they haue digged for me and they are snarled in the selfe-same snares the which they haue hid for me 16 The Lord is knowne by executing his iudgement by catching the wicked in their owne wiles and crafts 17 The wicked shal fal backward into hel and al they that forget God 18 Neither shal the poore be alwaies forgotten neither the hope of them that are oppressed shal faile them for euer 19 Rise vp ô Lord let not mortal men preuaile let these wicked people be punished by thine appointment 20 Cast them downe ô Lord let them al knowe that they be but men mortal PSALME X. The Argument The crueltie of the enimies of the Church is liuelie painted foorth in this Psalme and their carelesse securitie and they are described to be much like the Giants called of the Poets Cyclops yet al their enterprises in the end shal come to naught because God wil neuer forsake his Church nor suffer them to go vnpunished THE PARAPHRASIS 1 WHY departest thou far off ô Lord and why withdrawest thou thy selfe when most need is in the time of troble and calamitie 2 The wicked with crueltie doth rage against the good cause them to be snared in their owne craftie counsels 3 For the wicked delighteth in his owne lustes and the couetous man doth therein count himselfe blessed and contemneth God himselfe 4 He walketh with a proud countenance and careth for nothing and thinketh alwaie that there is no God 5 Al things fal out prosperouslie vnto him he putteth awaie thy iudgements farre from his sight he casteth downe his aduersaries as with his onelie breath 6 He thinketh in his heart alwaie that he shal neuer be moued neither suffer anie aduersitie 7 His mouth is ful of cursing griefe and iniurie doe lie vnder his tongue 8 He lieth in waite in the villages to kil the innocent in secret places with glieng eies he watcheth for the succourlesse 9 He lieth in waite in secret as the Lion doth in his denne he lieth in waite I saie that he may spoile the poore drawen into his net 10 He crowcheth lieth downe so that heapes of the poore fal as a praie into hi◠teeth nailes 11 He imagineth with himselfe that God forgetteth these things and doth not behold them or at the least doth not alwaies marke them 12 Rise vp ô Lorde lift vp thine hand ô most mightie and forget not the poore 13 For whie should the wicked aduaunce himselfe against God persuading himselfe that thou wilt neuer cal these things to accompts 14 But thou surelie doest behold these things thou doest obserue if anie man hurt or vexe an other that thou maist apprehend him and set him before thy iudgement seate the poore do rest vpon thee and thou hast taken vpon thee to defend the fatherles 15 Breake thou the power of this malicious and wicked person search out his wickednes that he being destroied suddenlie be seene no more 16 God the eternal King wil cast downe and destroie the wicked out of his land 17 O Lord thou hearest the desires of the poore thou comfortest their heart thou bendest thine eare vnto them 18 Deliuer the fatherles and the oppressed least these earthlie wretches do exercise a continual tyrannie ouer them PSALME XI The Argument The Prophet doeth heere teach that the godlie are in this world like vnto birds which are compelled to wander to and fro without certaine habitation for the foulers snares yet are not they to be heard which thinke that a man should leaue his calling either imagining that things are lead by fortune or that the godlie otherwaies should perish For the end wil declare it selfe that al and euerie particular thing is gouerned by Gods prouidence who wil neuer forsake them that trust in him neither wil suffer them vnpunished that dispise him And it seemeth that Dauid made this Psalme when the courtiers laboured vnder the colour of friendship to driue him out of the Court as though otherwaies he should be slaine by Saul the which thing he counted not meete to do vnlesse he were constrained by extreme necessitie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 IN the Lord put I my trust how saie yee then as men careful for my life Flee awaie into your mountaines 2 For lo saie ye the wicked haue bent their bowe and haue laid their arrowes vpon their string to shoote at those priuilie that are of vpright heart 3 And whereas the verie foundations are shaken what can the righteous do 4 The Lord sitteth in his holie temple the Lords throne is in the heauens his eies doe behold al things and he trieth mortal men with his eie lids 5 The Lord trieth both the good and the bad and he vtterlie hateth and abhorreth him that is giuen to wickednes 6 He wil raine vpon the wicked coles fire and brimstone and stormie tempests this is their portion appointed 7 For the iust God loueth righteousnes and he alwaies beholdeth them that do right PSALME XII The Argument When the Church is sometime brought into this extremitie that al men may be bold to doe al things either by force or by craft so that al things may
10 But the innocents whome these men without cause laboured to oppresse shal more ioifullie praise the name of God and shal flie vnto him more boldlie hereafter al I saie that be of good conscience shal take occasion of a certaine holie boasting and glorieng hereby PSALME LXV The Argument This Psalme or hymne written to the praise of God first teacheth vs that his benefites are neuer anie where rightlie knowledged and praised but onlie in his holie congregations Then he biddeth vs to marke three special things and to praise God for them One and that for the greatest that God doth gather a Church vnto himselfe in the which he wil be praised where he heareth them that do praie where he doth forgiue sinne the which finallie he neuer ceasseth to blesse with the multitude of his benefites and most mightilie to defend Secondlie that he doth mainteine the societie of mâ—n by appointing and preseruing the policies and gouernements in the midst of so great hurlieburlies Thirdlie that he doth minister from heauen al things that are necessarie for this life so abundantlie and liberallie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THou certeinlie art onlie he to whome once vttering thy pleasure al men must worthily yeeld but this praise ô God is giuen vnto thee in the onlie mount of Sion where onlie vowes are paied vnto thee aright 2 And thou againe there doest despise the praiers of none that flie vnto thee 3 There doest thou purge the sinnes wherewith else we being vtterlie ouerwhelmed durst not lift vp our faces before thee 4 O blessed is he therefore whome so euer thou so fauourest that thou commandest him to come vnto thee and whome thou feedest abundantlie with those true good things of thy house and most holie palace after thou hast receiued him into the number of thy houshold seruants 5 For although no men seeme to be more in danger yet experience it selfe doth declare that none are more sure whiles that thou in verie deede dost declare thy selfe terrible to al their enimies for the perfourmance of thy promise so oft as they cal vpon thee so that euen to the vtmost coastes of the earth and the farthest part of the sea the same of thy name being spread al men are compelled to looke vp vnto thee 6 Thou art he by whose power consisteth whatsoeuer is high in the world euen by thy might which as it establisheth these mountaines which we see and the kingdomes also and the policies whereby mankind is preserued 7 And like as thou doest calme the stormes of the sea and the sounding tempests so also thou doest breake and bridle the fiercenes of the raging multitude 8 By these testimonies of thy most mightie power the inhabitants of the earth being conuinced do tremble and keepe silence and thus peace being restored thou causest that men againe do leade their life both daie and night in comfortable peace and tranquillitie 9 For thou takest care of the earth euen from the heauens watering it and making it fruiteful with plentious showres which are thy verie gift wherwith it being soupled and prepared doth reteine the seede committed vnto it 10 Afterward thou waterest the sorrowes of the fields thou breakest the clots thou mollifiest the ground with mild and timelie showres sent downe from aboue thou cherishest and bringest forth the seede with their buds 11 Finallie thus thou crownest the earth most bountifullie with al kinde of fruites yearelie the fatnes dropping downe from aboue from thy steps which waie soeuer thou walkest 12 Yea and the pastures of the wildernes doest thou cherish with dew and thou fillest the high hilles also with gladnes 13 So are the pastures clad with sheepe the vallies are clothed with corne finallie al places do sound together with ioiful shoutes and songs PSALME LXVI The Argument This Psalme and also certaine other do seeme to be written for the perpetual vse of the Church although they haue some priuate occasion partlie to renew the memorie of so manie old deliuerances and partlie to giue thankes vnto God so oft as anie occasion doth offer it selfe either priuatelie or publikelie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Al ye inhabitants of the earth sing vnto the Lord a triumphant song 2 Praise his name with songs praise him with glorie and maiestie 3 Saie in his presence O how terrible and feareful doest thou shew thy selfe in verie deede for euen thine enimies ouercome by the greatnes of thy power are compelled to acknowledge thee and to dissemble at the least that they feare thee 4 Therfore shal al the earth worship thee it shal sing praises vnto thee and celebrate thy name 5 Go to come hither al you behold the things that God hath done and with how great miracles he hath declared himselfe terrible to mortal men 6 This is he that dried vp the sea in a moment and made the floud passable vnto our feete for the which benefit we his people euen at this daie do reioice 7 This is the almightie Lord of the whole world beholding from heauen al the nations scattered throughout the world not suffering them that forsake him to exalt themselues at their pleasure 8 O praise the Lord ô ye tribes and kindreds consecrate vnto him sound forth his glorie far and wide 9 For he hath restored our life when it was lost and he onlie hath staied that we should not fal with sliding steps 10 For thou wouldest not haue vs to be lost ô God but onlie hast tried vs and fined vs as the siluer put in the fornace 11 Thou hast snared vs and cast vs bound with chaines into most streight distresse 12 Thou hast suffered that our enimies hauing ouercome vs did abuse vs with reproches and scoffes as though we had bin beastes we haue tasted the heate of the fire and the force of the water but thou afterward hast sent comfort and refreshed vs. 13 Wherefore I am present in thy house with offerings to performe my vowes 14 Which I haue fullie vowed in my miserie and spoken them with my mouth 15 Therefore haue I determined to offer vnto thee fat offerings euen the fat of rams and bullockes and goates 16 And you also al others that feare God come hither I praie you with me and giue eare vnto me rehearsing the benefits bestowed by him vpon me 17 I haue called for his helpe with my mouth and haue praised him with my tongue 18 And that with a mind free from al euil imagination for else he would not haue heard me 19 Therefore the Lord hath heard me and gaue eare vnto my praier 20 Praise then be vnto God who refused not my praiers neither did withdrawe his mercie from me PSALME LXVII The Argument The Prophet doth attribute vnto the onlie mercie of God both the spiritual blessings which are peculiar vnto the Church and also the corporal whereof he desireth the continuance and also doth prophesie the spreading of the Church that should be vnder Messiâ—h and so exhorteth al the
Psalme and other foure that followe haue neither the name of the writer nor the occasion of the writing set before them in Hebrue but they seeme altogether to be written by Dauid which thing is noted in the Greeke and that at the same time when he brought in the Arke of the Lord into his citie as it is written 1. Chron. 15. whereof we did speake vpon the Psalme 47. either verelie when he dâ—clared the building of the temple of the Lord a little before the death of Salomon which historie is written 1. Chron. 29. and it doth conteine the doctrine of the true vse of the temple of al the holie rites wherewith both Messiah himsâ—lfe and al his office was shadowed Therefore notable and plaine prophesies are adioined of his comming and of that spreading of his spiritual kingdome throughout the whole world so that Christ did not vnworthilie admonish the senselesse Jewes with these words Search the scriptures for they beare witnes of me THE PARAPHRASIS 1 SIng vnto the Lord a new song sing vnto the Lord al ye inhabitants of the earth 2 Sing I saie vnto the Lord giue him thanks shew foorth without ceasing the saluation that he hath wrought 3 Rehearse vnto the Gentiles and to al people his excellent and maruellous works 4 For the Lord alone is great and no praise is sufficient for him and he is to be feared worthilie but not those false and feigned gods 5 For they verelie are vaine though the people do worship them so deuoutlie but the Lord hath created the verie heauens 6 Maiestie and honour doe go befoâ—e him shining foorth in his works and it is declared in his sanctuarie both how great his power and glorie is 7 Giue therefore vnto the Lord al ye people assembled together giue I saie vnto the Lord the praise of power and glorie 8 Giue honour vnto the Lord due vnto his name and take an oblation and enter into the courts consecrated vnto him 9 Worship the Lord sitting in that his renowmed sanctuarie al ye inhabitants of the earth reuerence his Maiestie 10 Proclame on euerie side ô ye criers Now is the Lord come to reigne ouer the whole earth now verelie the world shal be established now shal the people be gouerned with a iust and righteous gouernement 11 Let the heauens be glad and the earth reioice and the roring sea how wide soeuer it lieth testifie her ioie 12 Let the fields leape for ioie and whatsoeuer is in the fields finallie let al the trees of the wood now reioice 13 Before the Lord for lo he commeth he commeth to gouerne the earth to gouerne the world I saie and al the people with the scepter of his iustice and truth PSALME XCVII The Argument Jt falleth out in the Psalmes as in a doubtful feast that thou canst not easilie iudge which to prefer before another This Psalme verely is most worthie for al the godlie to meditate most diligentlie as a most diuine briefe summe of al the mysterie of the Gospel and these are the chiefe places thereof First the diuinitie of Christ by the repeating of the name Iehouah sixe times and by attributing al glorie and power vnto him verse 2 5 6 9 10. finallie by worshipping of the verie Angels verse 7. it is most manifestlie confirmed as the Apostle doth interpret it Heb. 1 6. Secondlie his humanitie as the same Apostle doth interpret it which thing is also prooued hereby that here it is treated of that kingdome as it were first then to be begun verse 1 2 6 9. wherby it is plaine that it cannot be referred onelie to his godhead but that it apperteineth necessarilie vnto the King that should be borne of the stocke of Dauid which should so be God that he should also be man and so also man that he should be verie God Thirdlie a plaine prophesie of the spreading of the spiritual kingdome throughout the whole world verse 1 5 6. wherevnto Christ himselfe had regard Ioh. 5 22. Mat. 28 18. Fourthly the rebellion of verie manie vnto whom the Gospel should be now is the sauor of death vnto death verse 2 3 4 5 wherevnto Christ had respect Luke 12 49. For J had rather interpret these things thus than to applie them to the preaching of the lawe Fiftlie that incredible power of the spirit of God which should declare it selfe in the ministerie of the Apostles verse 1 6 7 9. the which thing Christ also foretold before Iohn 12 32. and 14 12. Sixtlie the exaltation of the verie person of Christ verse 9. wherevnto the Apostle manifestlie alluded Ephe. 4 10. and Philip. 2.9 Seuenthlie faith by bearing the word in the elect and the vnspeakable ioie of the conscience that shal folowe thereof verse 8. Eightlie the office of those that are iustified and sanctified verse 10. Ninthlie the crosse is like a certaine apparitor attending vpon the promises of the Gospel which yet shal haue a most ioiful end verse 11. and 12. Wherevnto the Apostle most manifestlie alluded Philip. 4.4 THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THe Lord being so long inclosed as it were within the smal and narrowe bounds of one people now at the length he beginneth his kingdome ouer al the world wherefore let the earth reioice and al ye most great countries euen beyond the seas be ye ioiful 2 For he is come although verie mild and meeke towards his yet to be reuerenced of his owne both for his diuine Maiestie and also terrible to his enimies how fierce soeuer they be euen compassed about with the blacke darknes of the clouds and sitting vpon a throne staied as it were with two vnmoueable pillers namelie iustice which he sheweth in keeping promise with his owne and defending them by his couenant and most seuere iudgement whereby he punisheth his aduersaries 3 A flaming fire shal then go before him and shal take hold on his enimies on euerie side 4 The lightenings breaking forth from his iudgement seate shal fil the world with glittering light they shal see this in the end euen against their wils which are most blind and they shal tremble thoroughout the compasse of the earth 5 The hils at the sight of the Lord at the sight I saie of the Lord of al the earth shal melt 6 But vnto others that are willing to be taught and readie to obeie he wil shew himselfe so iust and minful of his mercie promised that the verie heauens being astonished with so great so glorious bountie powred out by him vpon al people as farre as the heauens are extended shal set foorth this so great a benefite as it were with a sounding voice 7 Go to then be ye ashamed of your most filthie seruitude ô ye slaues of the idols but ô ye euen the verie Angels worship him as your Lord and King 8 But who wil heare these things verelie the true Sion who with the residue of the cities of her dominion as a mother with her daughters
Psalme doth belong to those times that were most miserable of al other in the which that captiuitie of the seuentie yeares was finished so that it seemeth vnto me to answere on the contrarie vnto that excellent praier which is conteined in the 9. Chapter of Daniel And there be foure parts thereof one from the 1. verse vnto the 11. doth describe a most lamentable mourning of the Church more like to a dead carcase than to a liuing bodie euen as it is resembled in Ezechiel Chapter 37. adioining so liuelie and apt similitudes that in my iudgement there is no writing treating of the same argument comparable with it The second part from the 12. verse vnto the 15. setteth forth the arguments of most sure comforts partlie drawne from the most constant nature of God himselfe partlie of the oracle vttered by the mouth of Iâ—remie and other Prophets concerning the restoring of the Citie The third part from the 16. verse vnto the 23. is the amplifieng of the second part in the which the â—r nâ—tâ—o honour of the second temple that is to saiâ— of the spiritual and eternal whereof that stonie tâ—mple was a figure that is euen of the Church to be spread with most great maiestie throgh the whole world vnder Christ the head is described by the spirit of prophesie Finâ—llie the fourth part from the 24. verse vnto the end of the Psalme the Church as a conquerour singeth a song of triumph THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HEare my praiers ô Lord and let nothing hinder that my cries come not euen vnto thee 2 Turne not thy face from me in such miserable times but rather giue eare and answere speedilie to me that crie 3 For behold my life is consumed as the smoke and I am withered and without al moisture al my strength being consumed like the stone vnder the fire 4 My heart is withered like the hearbe cut downe with the syth and loatheth al meate 5 My bones consumed with sorowe sticke hard vnto my flesh 6 I am like the Pellicane or the Bitter dumping in the desert like the Owle mourning in the wildernesse 7 I passe the nightes like a bird vnder the house eaues bereaued of her mate or spoiled of her yong ones taken foorth of the nest 8 For mine enimies lie in wait for me poore miser and with intollerable pride they abuse the example of my calamitie if they wish euil or curse anie 9 Wherefore I being cast downe vpon the earth can not tel whether I do eate bread or dust and I mixe my drinke with teares 10 For how can I do otherwaies thou beeing so sore displeased with me in that thou maist seeme therefore to haue exalted me that I should fal with so much sorer ruine 11 Wherefore to conclude al in few words I vanish awaie like a shadowe when the sunne setteth and wither like the haie 12 But thou ô Lord vpon whose power notwithstanding and promises I do rest continuest stil the same and thy memorie which thou hast appointed to be with vs must needes be eternal 13 Therefore seeing thou hast so long bin as it were an idle beholder of the miseries of Sion so manie yeares thou wilt arise I knowe wel and haue compassion vpon it when the appointed time shal come 14 Neither shalt thou want seruants which shal beare good affection towards the rammel thereof and haue pitie thereon when it is beaten into dust 15 Yea it is so far off that it should alwaies lie prostrate that contrariwise ô Lord the Gentiles which in the former ages were alienate from thee shal now feare thy name and al the kings of the world shal magnifie thy Maiestie 16 Because thou ô Lord whose worke this is onlie hast built Sion againe and hast shewed thy selfe there much more glorious than at anie time before 17 Not despising the praiers of thy most miserable people but rather hearing them in verie deede 18 For thou shalt do a worke worthie to be set forth in writing to euerlasting memorie and a new people created by thee shal sing forth thy praises 19 Because that from thy most high and holie throne euen from the heauens thou hast looked downe vpon the earth 20 To heare the mourning of the prisoners and to loose them forth of their bonds of whose life it was despaired 21 That in Sion againe thy name ô Lord that thy praise I saie in Ierusalem may be published manie nations and kingdomes running together to worship thee 22 Howbeit thou in the meane season I grant whilest this so great goodnes is waited for doest greeuouslie afflict vs and doest as it were cut off the thred of our life 23 But in this extreame distresse ô God I did flie vnto thee and I praied thee with plaine words that thou wouldest not take me awaie hastilie before that I had run the race of my life 24 And why should not I trust that it wil certainelie come to passe that thou hast promised vnto vs for thou art not like vs who are changed by time but thou abidest stable throughout al worlds 25 And the verie earth was most firmelie established by thee long ago when thou madest it and this mightie compas of heauen standeth vnshaken vnto this daie which was framed by thine onelie hands 26 But their stabilitie is nothing to that thine vnchangable firmitie for they also by little little do faile but thou endurest al one Al these things I saie how stable so euer they seeme are worne by little little as the garment is by long vse whilest that at the length they be changed by thee from the forme that we now see as a garment cast off 27 Yet thou art the selfe-same altogether subiect to no tearme of yeares and time 28 Therefore that thy kingdome which thou hast raised for thy selfe amongst thy people shal also be for euer and that posteritie of thy seruants with whome thou hast made an euerlasting couenant howsoeuer it be tossed with manie and most sharpe tempests yet it being staide by thy wil and vnchangeable power shal remaine for euer PSALME CIII The Argument Dauid did write this Psalme being rauished as it were out of himselfe into heauen in the which he stirreth vp not himselfe onlie but the verie heauenlie spirits also to sing praises vnto God taking the chiefe occasion of that great and vnspeakeable benefite of God which he bestowed on his Church by reuealing both the right waie of righteousnes and the free forgiuenes of sinnes not forgetting his most abundant liberalitie in giuing vs those things most bountifullie which belong to this present life which benefits he setteth forth with most excellent similitudes most sincete sentences adioining herevnto a most magnificent description of the diuine Maiestie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to my deare soule and mine inward bowels giue thankes vnto God with al your power 2 Praise the Lord my soule and declare thy selfe that thou art mindful of al his benefites
slumber much lesse wil he be so deepe in sleepe that he wil suffer you to be oppressed 5 Therefore let this be as a thing certainelie determined vnto thee and be thou confirmed with this onelie hope in al distresse that the Lord is thy keeper that the Lord is a shadowe for thee against al stormes and that he is present by thee and wil neuer faile thee 6 And as he was present of old when thou returnedst out of Aegypt so now also that he wil be present with thee against the heate of the sunne in the daie time and against the noisome humours which the moone vseth to raise in the night time 7 Finallie the Lord wil preserue thee safe against al discommodities he I saie wil defend thy life 8 And to conclude which waie so euer thou shalt go he wil be with thee when thou goest forth into one place and wil be with thee when thou goest into another place neither in this iournie onlie but for euer he wil guide and gouerne thee PSALME CXXII The Argument The people of God are brought in in this Psalme reioising one with another for the reedifieng of the citie which either was streightwaies to be begunne or else alreadie begun and therevnto drawing this Psalme written by Dauid aforetimes when as that citie which should be both the sanctuarie of God and also the head of the kingdome was first builded And verelie this was the double dignitie of that citie so yet that the sanctuarie was manifestlie preferred before the ciuil policie seeing this was a benefite generallie common vnto the Church of God euen with manie prophane people but the other was a proper and peculiar blessing vnto the Church Onelie would to God that the cities and states to whome that is giuen from God aboue in our memorie would acknowledge and carefullie keepe both these giftes THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Happie and ioiful tidings the house of the Lord shal be sanctified into the which we shal go 2 We wil go to visit thee and wil stand in thy porches ô Ierusalem 3 Neither shalt thou now seeme like a village dispearsed thy houses being scattered here and there but built vp with houses ioined one to another like a citie 4 But especiallie that that people which is holie vnto God might assemble together by tribes after the manner appointed of God to celebrate the name of the God of Israël 5 Furthermore because that the tribunal seates I meane the tribunal seates are there placed of God for Dauid and his posteritie to minister iustice to euerie one 6 Wherefore seeing the safetie of the whole people seemeth to consist in the preseruation of this citie go to let vs praie for Ierusalem and for the safetie and welfare of al them that loue and fauour it 7 Be thou at peace within and without and filled with al maner of good things on euerie side round about thy towers 8 Neither do I powre foorth these praiers for thy safetie without cause seeing the preseruation of al the families of our nation is set in thee 9 Finallie seeing the Lord our God hath set his house in thee that his pure worship might be exercised there I wil labour to preserue and to amplifie thee with as great care as is possible PSALME CXXIII The Argument The weake people of God is brought in in this Psalme praieng most earnestlie vnto the most mightie and merciful God against the infinite iniuries of the mightie gouernours of the countries about them the which historie is abundantlie written in Ezra Nehemiah and would God that the Church would vse the same counsel and remedie in these our times most like vnto theirs THE PARAPHRASIS 1 ALthough al things are contrarie vnto me in the earth yet wil I not despaire but I do lift vp the eies both of my minde and bodie vnto thee that sittest in the heauens 2 For vnto whome should the seruants rather flee than vnto the helpe of their maisters and to whome should the handmaidens rather turne to desire aide than at the hand of their mistresse euen so do we cast our eies and looke vnto the Lord our God and wil not cease before he haue compassion vpon vs. 3 Go to yet ô Lord haue mercie I saie haue mercie vpon vs for trulie nothing can be imagined more contemptible than we 4 And wee are filled inough and more than inough with the scoffes and reproches of these mightie men that are most proud PSALME CXXIIII The Argument Like as in the former Psalme the people as it were fainting vnder the burthen did lament sigh euen so now they are brought in reioising giuing God thankes being erected in faith both for that they had receiued a more comfortable message from the kings of the Persians and also that they had escaped the conspiracies of their enimies by the praiâ—rs wisedome and fortitude of Ezra Nehemiah we haue sâ—ne manie such like examples of the goodnes of God in this our age how miserable soeuer our posteritie doubtles in their time shal see the same THE PARAPHRASIS 1 LEt Israël now confesse and franklie publish that without the Lord who was present with vs that were destitute of al mans aide 2 Without the Lord who was present with vs that else were vtterlie lost when men rose vp so speedilie against vs 3 Doubtles they had swalowed vs vp quicke their rage was so furiouslie kindled against vs 4 I saie they had alreadie ouerthrowne vs like most violent waters and would as it were haue caried vs quite awaie beeing ouerwhelmed with the vehement force of a swift streame 5 The most tempestuous stormes would euen then haue couered vs that were cast downe 6 Praised be the Lord that hath forbidden letted that these sauage and cruel beastes taking vs in their pawes and tearing vs with their most fierce teeth do not deuoure vs. 7 Verelie our life is saued like a bird that is deliuered from the net of these foulers trulie their snares are broken and we are deliuered 8 And we must attribute this whole benefit to the bountie of the Lord alone who is the maker both of heauen and earth PSALME CXXV The Argument The citie being now at the length repaired and the policie againe established the people againe is taught vpon what foundation they ought to rest hereafter by an argument drawne of the situation of the citie which was a figure both of the power of God and of his fauour alreadie declared which would moue him that he should mitigate euen his seueritie with most moderate correction But this is added that this thing belongeth to them onlie which testifie their religion in deede whereas al other shal suffer iust punishment none other waies than the heathen Gentiles although they did dwel in the middest of the citie of God THE PARAPHRASIS 1 AS vnmoueable as we behold the verie hil of Sion to stand through his great and heauie masse so certaine do assure
make stir against him PSALME CXXVIII The Argument This Psalme pertaining to the same purpose with the former euen that the people of God being againe restored should vnderstand and haue set foorth as in certaine tables what was their dutie is wholie oeconomical that is for priuate families and it doth teach two chiefe and principal precepts of the right gouernement of the familie to wit the feare of God openlie testified and diligent labour of the bodie of the which twaine the one part doth bind al the godlie without exception but this later part is so to be taken not as though bodilie labour were commanded to euerie one but that we may knowe that idlenes and slouthfulnes is forbidden vnto al not that euerie one hath strength of bodie or wit particularlie attributed vnto him whereby he may get his liuing or may vse the thing rightlie that is alreadie gotten But this also is to be obserued that al men are here spoken vnto as though they were maried because this is the ordinarie vocation from the which how vnlawful it is for a man vnaduisedlie to depart much lesse to saie that the deuelish vowes are anie where approued of sole life either in the scriptures or in the example of anie the miserable condition of them doth declare which haue transformed the world into a Sodome and Gomorrha or euen into some worse thing THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THis is the right waie to leade a blessed life that a man knowe the true worship of God liue accordinglie 2 For whosoeuer thou art that dost thus although thou be in so poore estate that thou must liue vpon thy handie labour euerie daie yet God wil bring to passe that thou shalt haue a competent liuing therby and he wil grant vnto thee that thou shalt so liue wel and happilie 3 Yea he wil cause thy generation to spread also for thy wife shal be like a fruitful vine in thy house euen bringing foorth most pleasant fruit vnto thee whome thou shalt see placed in order at thy table like oliue branches 4 Behold therefore thus wil the Lord blesse al them that feare him 5 The Lord I saie wil blesse thee from the tower of Sion whosoeuer doest thus behaue thy selfe and he wil bring to passe that thou shalt see Ierusalem flourishing so long as thou doest liue 6 And thou shalt then behold both thine ofspring to be spread abroad at home and also publikelie Israël to enioie great peace and tranquillitie PSALME CXXIX The Argument The people of God being restored after so manie calamities giueth thanks vnto God for so great benefits as the onlie authour of them and promising themselues the same in time to come doth contrariwise foreshew that a certaine destruction doth hang ouer their enimies THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to let Israël now say by iust cause These haue vexed me oftentimes from my verie youth 2 They haue vexed me oftentimes from my youth yet could they not ouercome me as it is plaine by experience 3 For they verelie I grant haue wounded me as it were plowing ouer me and drawing long furrowes on euerie side 4 But that most true and iust aduenger of his euen the Lord hath cut in sunder at the length al the bands of the wicked 5 Thus certainlie al the enimies of Sion being filled with shame shal turne their backs their enterprises being frustrate 6 And they shal be proud in shew and flourishing for a little time but they shal be like the herbe that groweth on the top of the houses which withereth before it come to the highest 7 The which neither anie man doth sheare by handful neither doth he laie it in order by handfuls which heapeth vp the haruest 8 Neither for the cause thereof shal the passengers at anie time crie vnto the reapers The Lord blesse you from heauen with most plentiful haruest and by the power of the Lord let your labours haue good successe PSALME CXXX The Argument The people of God being careful to retaine the possession of their countrie and citie restored yet trusting to the promises of God and his mercie whereof they had experience doe comfort themselues in this Psalme which was counted aforetime amongest the penitentials that is amongest those Psalmes which they vsed to sing when the penitent persons were publikelie reconciled vnto the assemblie of the Church the which afterward the Romanists applied foolishlie to the praiers for the dead by no more probable pretence as I thinke than because it is said in the beginning De profundis clamaui that is Out of the depth haue I called so great was the power of the spirit of errour manie yeeres THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord I crie vnto thee from the deepe bottome of my heart and from the deepe gulfe wherein I am plunged 2 Heare me ô Lord that cal vpon thee and giue eare to my lowd sounding praiers 3 I grant ô God that I haue deserued al extreme punishment for what can I else saie but if thou ô Lord do marke our sinnes who is able at anie time to abide thy most iust wrath 4 But the matter standeth far otherwise for else could there be no worship of thee anie-where amongst men therefore doth thy mercie ouercome the sinnes of men For thou hast found out and deliuered vnto vs the meanes of attaining thy fauor that thou maist be acknowledged and reuerenced amongst men 5 Wherefore though I be most wicked yet wait I for the helpe of the Lord I wait assuredlie for the helpe of the Lord I saie for he hath testified by his word that he wil helpe me wherevnto I trust vndoubtedlie 6 Therefore there is no night watcher no man I saie that watcheth in the night that loketh for the dawning of the daie more desirouslie or more assuredlie than I doe looke for the comming of the Lord to helpe me 7 Go to then ô Israël wait vpon the Lord with assured hope vpon the Lord I saie most merciful and whom thou hast experienced so oft to be thy deliuerer and aduenger 8 This is he doubtles who wil deliuer Israël now also and forgiue him al his sinnes at once PSALME CXXXI The Argument This Psalme compared with the historie of Dauid wherevnto it is applied in the Hebrue title doth set foorthe plaine example of true modestie which they commonlie cal humilitie euen of that man which fearing God and despising no man doth remaine within the bounds of his calling and afterward this same Psalme is appointed to the people being returned that like as in the formeâ— Psalme they were admonished that they should not be discouraged in aduersitie so contrarâ—wise they shoâ—â—d take heed vnto themselues least they should waxe prâ—â—d in prosperitie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Take thee to witnes ô Lord against the flanders of al men that I neither laboured that I should be brought vnto this dignitie nor thâ—â— I am now proud being promoted by thee therevnto nor that I haue bent mine eies to high
abide 18 And he also againe so soone as he commandeth doth melt the things that are frosen and the waters streightwaie flowe foorth againe as though their bands were losed 19 And these things verelie do testifie most plainelie both his infinite goodnes and power yet surelie they are nothing in comparison of that benefite which he bestowed vpon his Israël when he deliuered vnto him the doctrine of saluation and the rule to leade his life both godlie and honestlie 20 Neither is there any nation vnder heauen with whome he hath so dealt but he hath left other men without this most true and most iust doctrine PSALME CXLVIII The Argument The scope and end of this Psalme most ful of maiestie euen written with a heauenlie feruencie is whereas there be extant so manie most cleare witnesses of Gods wisedome of his power and goodnes as there be things created to cal vpon al those things high lowe and of the middle sort to set foorth the praise of God with common consent For though manie of them are without both vnderstanding and sense yet they al after their maner although they be silent are said to sound foorth the glorie of God though men which haue reason and for whose cause they are made ought properlie both in their owne name and in their name to do this dutie and chieflie the godlie ought to set foorth continuallie that incomparable benefite whereby they are chosen into the felowship of the sonne of God THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to let them found forth the praises of the Lord euen from the most high heauens 2 O al ye holie spirits the apparitors of his Maiestie which are diuided into innumerable garrisons go ye before others in this his praise 3 Thou Sunne and Moone and al ye Starres shining in the heauens shewe forth the praise of your Maker 4 O ye most high spheares of the heauens praise ye him ye vawts of waters which hang on high 5 Let al these things I saie praise the Lord for they began to haue their being by his onlie commandement 6 And they are placed by his appointment in the same place and order where they stand most stable and they are set in order with certaine spaces and bounds which they can not passe ouer by anie meanes though they would 7 And let the earthlie things againe answer vnto the heauenlie and the creeping wormes in the hollowe holes of the earth and also the depths of waters 8 And ye flames of lightnings also hailes snowes vapours lifted vp whirlewinds and other tempests which al haue your being and are moued by his commandement 9 Mountaines and al hils trees laden with fruits the Cedars mounting vp with such maruelous height 10 Ye wild beasts also and ye that be tame whatsoeuer creepeth vpon the ground and whatsoeuer fleeth through the aire 11 But chieflie both the kings and their people subiect vnto them the princes and the gouernours of the earth 12 Yong men and old yong maides also and children 13 Praise ye the name of the Lord for he alone deserueth most high praise as he that is more deepe than the very earth more high than the heauens 14 But this becommeth chieflie the people whom God of his vnspeakable fauour hath consecrated vnto himselfe and brought them into the most high state of dignitie aboue others therefore it becommeth those that haue receiued such benefits of God to set forth his praises euen the posteritie of Israël the which people God hath chosen to be his owne familie and houshold PSALME CXLIX The Argument The interpretation of this Psalme seemeth to be more plaine and more agreeable to the holie historie if it be applied vnto the kingdome of Dauid rather than to the last times of the captiuitie of Babylon Wherefore in ny iudgement the people recouering themselues from so manie miseries which they had suffered both in the times of the iudges and of Saule himselfe both the religion of God being first restored and also the policie set in good order is taught by this Psalme to giue thankes vnto God and not to abuse his so great benefits Wherein Dauid himselfe giueth them example acknowledging the Lord God to be the King together with them And as concerning the musical instruments here named it was a part of the seruice of the lawe which is abolished notwithstanding no man vnlesse such a one as is worthie to be counted amongst beastes can denie but that there is a great power both of musicke when it is sung and also in instruments to moue mens minds yet the examples both of the former Church and the horrible abuses that streightwaies followed do teach sufficientlie how vnprofitable it is to bring in such musicke and instruments into the Church of Christ as hath bin of late And a prophesie is also added which the verie end did confirme so manie victories being granted vnto Dauid and the bounds of his kingdome being spread euen vnto Euphrates that then the promise was fulfilled at the length which was made vnto Abraham as concerning the figure for it can not be doubted but that these things were the figures of the kingdome of Christ and of his spiritual victories and of that horrible iudgement which shal be most fullie in the end at the last daie and which now and then God executeth vpon al the rebellious THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to al ye that haue receiued benefites of the Lord sing vnto him a new and excellent song being deliuered from so manie not dangers but deaths 2 Euen thou ô Israël delight thy selfe in setting forth his praises whose worke thou art as it were newlie formed O ye citizens of Sion reioice ye trusting in the Lord your King Gouernor which belongeth to none other nation vnder heauen 3 Set foorth his praises far and wide not onelie priuatelie but also publikelie not onlie with voice but also with fluites and timbrels and with al kind of musical instruments 4 Euen because it hath pleased the Lord of his infinite mercie to consecrate this people vnto himselfe and as the matter it selfe maketh it manifest when they seemed vtterlie to be lost to make them honourable and of most high dignitie 5 Wherefore these glorious people vpon whom he hath bestowed so manie benefites do now reioice and shal reioice hereafter and with great quietnes shal sing a triumph 6 Praising the Lord indeede with their exclamations cries but armed with double edged swords in their hands 7 Wherewith they may punish the prophane Gentiles and auenge the crueltie of the people 8 And also may drawe their kings nobles bound in chaines and iron setters 9 Euen to execute the iudgement appointed and commanded by the Lord and this verelie is the dignitie and the honour of al them whome God hath receiued to his fauour PSALME CL. The Argument Jt is probable that the holie singing men of the temple did stir vp one another with this Psalme ful of maruelous zeale We
neede not speake manie words it of it selfe being plentifullie garnished with most heauenlie sentences as with most precious margarites and furnished with al things necessarie either for instruction touching this present life or for a preparation to the world to come is sufficientlie able to commend it selfe to the godlie Reader onelie this I saie that whereas there be two special kinds of explaning the Scriptures one in long Commentaries another by Paraphrasis that is by giuing the ful sense and meaning of the holie Ghost in other words as briefelie as may be this later is verie ancient as we may see by that most ancient Chalde Paraphrast who seemeth to haue written before anie of the Hebrew Rabbines and most safe to certifie the consciences when euerie thing appeareth plainelie to answere the verie text and original and must needes be most profitable because it giueth that matter in few words which manie times can not be learned by long Commentaries Therefore I do exhort you good Christian Readers deepelie to consider and thankefullie to receiue this Paraphrasis of that great and godlie learned man THEODORE BEZA as a most profitable Booke for the vnderstanding of the Psalmes So shal both your owne knowledge reaped of the labours of others be much augmented and manie to take the like paines wil be encouraged when they shal perceiue a godlie commoditie arising to counteruaile and recompence their trauel emploied for the increase of the kingdome of Christ whome I beseech to direct al his poore flocke in the whole time of their pilgrimage to cleaue vnto him their shepeheard and safe keeper and that he would send it comfort sufficient to strengthen the hearts of his children against al the miseries and calamities that may befal Amen THE PSALMES DIGESTED INTO A briefe Table and brought to certaine principal heades according to the direction of M. Beza The general matter of this whole Booke of PSALMES concerneth Doctrine onelie as Psalme 1.14.15.19.24.29.32.36.37.45.49.50.53.73.77.87.90.95.107.110.125.127.133.134 Doctrine Political as Psalme 72.101 Ecclesiastical as Psalme 78. Domestical as Psalme 128. Prophesie as Psalme 2.117 Doctrine and Prophesie as Psalme 40.97.98 Praier as Psalme 3.5.6.7.12.13.17.20.25.26.28.31..35.38.43.44.51.54.55.56.57.59.70.71.74.79.80.83.84.85.86.88.89.109.115.119.120.123.130.132.140.141.142.143 Prophesie and Praier as Psalme 22.69 Consolation as Psalme 4.11.27.39.42.52.58.93.94.99.102.106.112.121.122.131.137.139 Praier and Consolation as Psalme 10. Thankesgiuing as Psalme 8.9.21.23.30.67.75.76.81.82.92.100.103.104.105.111.113.114.116.118.124.126.129.135.136.144.145.146.147.148.149.150 Doctrine and thankesgiuing as Psalme 34. Thankesgiuing prophesie as Psa 16.18.96 Victories or Triumphes as Psalme 46.48 The residue of the Psalmes which be not particularlie applied to anie of the former heads by BEZA haue this relation by TREMELLIVS to Doctrine 62.91 Praier and Doctrine 63.64 Praier 60.61.108 Praier and Praise 41.138 Praise 65. Thankesgiuing and Praise 66. ✚ AWAY FRO ME YE WICKED FOR I WIL KEPE THE COMMANDEMENTS OF MY GOD. Psal 119 verse ii5 THE PSALMES OF the princelie Prophet Dauid as they are set foorth by that most excellent man of this age Theodore Beza PSALME I. The Argument This Psalme is a declaration of mans chiefe felicitie whereof these be the principal pointes 1 That they go farre astraie from the marke of true blessednes as manie as go the waie that men commonlie walke because men are euil of their owne nature and of euil become wicked and at the length they grow to be contemners of the Lord himselfe 2 That we must learne that right waie of God alone and that out of the doctrine which he hath giuen vs wherein we ought to meditate daie and night 3 That verie manie and mightie stormes and tempests do assaile him which is entred into this waie but he is like a goodlie faire tree planted by the riuer of waters which being watered with continual moistnes is alwaies greene and bringeth foorth fruit in due season and al things turne to his commoditie 4 On the contrarie part that the wicked are like vnto chaffe which euen the least blast of wind scattereth abroade 5 That then this difference shal truelie appeare when God sitting on his iudgement seate shal giue vnto the iust eternal blisse and felicitie but as for other they shal not be able to abide the sight of the Iudge neither shal they stand in the assemblie of the righteous 6 That it standeth for a certaintie that God is iust and therefore aloweth the manners of the godlie but the waie of the wicked bringeth them to euerlasting destruction THE PARAPHRASIS 1 BLESSED is the man that neither asketh counsel of euil men for the framing of his life nor standeth in that waie that is vsed of the wicked nor sitteth with those that deride the Lord. 2 But whos 's whole delight is fixed in the lawe of the Lord the which he considereth in his mind day and night 3 Such one is like to a tree planted by the riuer of waters which beareth fruit in due season and neuer fadeth or corrupteth and whatsoeuer hee doth hath a prosperous end and successe 4 The wicked are in a far other case being like to chaffe which the wind driueth here and there 5 For neither the vngodlie shal be able to stand before God the Iudge nor the wicked in the assemblie of the righteous 6 For God approoueth and aloweth the life of good men but the life of the vngodlie leadeth them to perdition PSALME II. The Argument This Psalme vndoubtedlie is a prophesie of Christ vnder the figure of Dauid as the Apostles do expound the same Actes 4 15. and 5 33. and Hebr. 1 5. and 5 5. declaring and prophesieng that like as Dauid after manie and long battels at the length atteined the kingdome promised the borders thereof being farre abroade dilated euen so is Christ verie God and verie man appointed by his father to be the king of the whole world Yet shal al sorts of men high and lowe conspire and band themselues together to hinder that decree but in a moment they shal be ouercome and he shal be crowned in the verie citie of Ierusalem euen vpon the throne of his crosse and shal arise againe and ouercome death and shal spread the borders of his Empire to the vttermost coastes of the world Wherefore they shal al perish who so euer shal not willinglie come vnder his obedience and they shal be most blessed who shal embrace him with due reuerence This Psalme then doth apperteine to euerie member of the Church in as much as al the godlie must be conformed to Christ their head THE PARAPHRASIS 1 WHY doe the heathen rage and the people mutter vaine things 2 Why doe the Kings and earthlie Lords assemble and the Princes consult against the Lord and against the King that he hath appointed 3 Let vs breake their bonds saie they and shake off their yoke 4 But he that inhabiteth the heauens derideth them the Lord I saie wil mocke them and deride them 5 Then in his wrath wil he cal vnto them and terrifie them in great rage 6 For I shal
vnto this grace by an earnest abasing and casting downe of themselues with a true knowledging of sinne that they may obteine forgiuenesse in Christ apprehended by faith by feruent and continual praier Finalie that al this conflict shal turne in the end to the glorie of God and most great commoditie of the saints so that the other part of repentance which is the amendment of life do folowe and that we must desire to be deliuered from those euils to this end that we may be the instruments to set foorth the praise of God THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord rebuke me not in thine anger neither chastise me in thy wrath 2 Haue mercie vpon me ô Lord that am vtterlie without al strength heale me ô Lord for my verie bones are shaken 3 Yea and my soule is vtterlie amazed but thou ô Lord how long 4 Turne againe ô Lord and behold me deliuer my soule saue me of thy free mercie 5 For the dead can not remember thee neither can he set foorth thy praise in the graue 6 I am wearie with sighing my bed swimmeth euerie night washed with my teares 7 Sorowe doth consume my face I waxe wrinkled and old by reason of the miseries wherewith I am oppressed 8 Hence from mee al ye wicked for the Lord hath heard my lamentable crie 9 The Lord I saie bâ—â—h heard my praier the Lord hath receiued me his humble suppliant 10 Let al mine enimies bee ashamed and dismaied and flie awaie suddenlie confounded PSALME VII The Argument Whereas reprochful slaunders do most trouble men so that it is hard for them therein to bridle their anger and other euils that folowe especialie when we can find no comfort in the lawful defence of the magistrate we are taught in this Psalme to set the defence of God against men but so that we commit without al outrage of affections the defence of our innocencie vnto God alone the most seuere punisher of slaunderous tongues And the circumstances and causes of the writing of this Psalme are diligentlie to be considered whether it be referred to Saul or to Semei which historie is written 2. Sam. 16. or to anie other of Saules kinred that we may learne how that in the most greeuous slaunders and accusations wherein both our good name and our life also is dangered that we must yet keepe this moderation of mind and brideling of our affections And this doctrine doth chieflie apperteine to the whole Church and the gouernours thereof whome Sathan and his ministers do chieflie strike with these darts THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Trust in thee ô Lord my God preserue me and deliuer me from al those that persecute me 2 Let him not deuoure me aliue like a Lion and teare me in peeces hauing none to deliuer me 3 O my Lord God if I haue committed this wickednesse if my hands haue committed anie such mischiefe 4 If I haue rendered euil to anie man yea if I haue not deliuered this same man from danger that doth persecute me without anie cause 5 Let the enimie pursue me vnto death let him take me and cast me downe and spoile me of my life and burie al mine honour and credit with me 6 Arise ô Lord in thine anger and come downe with thy power against al mine enimies awake ô Lord for my sake to execute that iudgement that thou hast appointed 7 Let the assemblie of people come about thee and turne thee vnto them from thine high throne 8 Lord execute iudgement among the people iudge me ô Lord euen as I am innocent giltles 9 Let the wickednes of the wicked I beseech thee come to an end and establish the iust For thou ô iust God doest search the hearts inward thoughts of man 10 My defence is in my God who defendeth the vpright in heart 11 God doth deliuer the iust and the same God is dailie angrie 12 So that vnlesse this wicked man repent God hath sharpened his sword he hath bent his bowe and made it readie 13 He hath also prepared his deadlie weapons and shooteth his arrowes against them that do so hotlie persecute me 14 Behold he traueleth with mischiefe he hath conceiued within himselfe to molest me but he shal bring foorth nothing 15 He hath digged a deepe pit but he shal fal into the pit that he hath digged 16 The euil that he hath deuised against me shal fal vpon his owne head and the hurt that he hath wrought against me shal fal vpon his owne pate 17 I wil praise the Lord as he iustlie deserueth and I wil sing praise to the name of the Lord most high PSALME VIII The Argument This Psalme is a thankesgiuing vnto God for two most excellent benefites bestowed vpon mankind that is for our creation in Adam and our restauration and redemption in Christ. And although that man by his owne fault did fal from that high dignitie wherein he was created yet there doe remaine certaine notes and markes of that dignitie and excellencie both in that he is the Lord ouer al the beastes and hath a certaine power of life and death ouer them and also in that singular prouidence wherewith God in mercie ordereth mankinde but that other state wherevnto the eternal sonne of God hath exalted mans nature being assumpted into the vnitie of his person al the infirmitie thereof laid aside that he might make al that beleeue partakers of his excellent glorie to whome onlie also he graunteth this that in this life they should haue the light of the true wisedome and that they may vse al the creatures of God in this world with safe conscience is the chiefe end of this Psalme as the holie Ghost doth interprete it Matth. 21 15. 1. Cor. 15 27 and Hebr. 2 8. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord our God how excellent is thy name throughout al the earth aduancing thy glorie aboue the verie heauens 2 The verie mouths of infants sucklings confirme thy power so that al they that oppresse others or do rise vp against thee shal come to naught 3 For when I behelde those thy heauens the worke of thy fingers the Moone and the Starres so cunninglie set in order 4 O what is man saie I that thou art mindful of him that he being borne of mortal parents thou shouldest regard him 5 Thou hast made him little inferior to the Angels and hast crowned him with glorie and honor 6 Thou hast made him Lord ouer al the workes of thine hands thou causest al to serue him 7 Al sheepe cattel and the verie wilde beasts 8 The foules fleeing in the aire and the fishes swimming in the seas 9 O Lord our GOD how excellent is thy name throughout al the earth PSALME IX The Argument The Prophet doth teach the Church in this ix Psalme continualie to giue thankes for the benefites receiued at Gods handes which do testifie both his infinit power and singular fauor and by these examples both to comfort themselues in present miseries
And also being assured of his prophetical spâ—rit that this kingdome how florishing so euer was but onlie a figure and patterne of that eternal kingdome of Messiah who should be borne of him therefore doeth he extend his speach therevnto and prophesieth that al people of the earth shal receiue him for their King as the Apostle Paule doth interpret it Rom. 15.9 10 11 12. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord my strength I doe loue thee from the bottome of my heart 2 The Lord is my rocke and my fortresse my deliuerer my God my mount my refuge my shield the horne wherewith I driue away the enimie and my high tower of defence 3 I haue praised the Lord and called vpon him and he hath deliuered me from al mine enimies 4 The bands of death had compassed me round about and bound me most wicked men like most raging flouds made mee afraide enuironing me round about 5 I did lie as it were wrapped in my winding sheete euen snarled with the snares of death 6 I called vpon the Lord in these extremities I called vpon my God I saie and he heard my voice out of his high palace and receiued into his eares the crie that I made vnto him 7 Then began the earth to quake and tremble the verie foundations of the mountaines to shake and shudder 8 And he breathed out smoke from his nostrels spitting foorth fire out of his mouth yea casting foorth euen coles of fire 9 He bowed the heauens and came downe the darkenes beeing spred al abroade vnder his feete 10 He did ride vpon the wings of the Angels and was caried with the wings of the winde 11 Blacke darkenes enuironed his tabernacle round about and he was couered with most darke and thicke cloudes 12 Vntil his glistering brightnes did breake those cloudes and the flames of fire did flash on euerie side 13 At the length he thundered from heauen and filled al places with his mightie sounding voice and with hailestones and lightnings 14 He shot foorth his firie dartes and increasing his lightnings he terrified mine enimies and destroied them 15 Then the deepe bottomes of the waters appeared and the foundations of the world were discouered at thy rebuke ô Lord and at the blustering winde of thy wrath 16 So then hath he stretching his right hand downe from the heauen taken me and drawne me out of the bottome of the deepe waters 17 From that mightie enimie I saie and from the other enimies by whose power I was oppressed 18 For they verilie had almost cast mee downe and destroied me at the sudden but he was my staffe that staied me 19 And he hath drawne me out of these straights and placed me in an open and large place because it so pleased him without my deseruing to fauour me 20 For he had regard in deede of me that was oppressed of these men without cause and granted these things to me being guiltles 21 For I haue folowed the waie that the Lord hath appointed me howsoeuer these men vexed me neither could I be drawne by anie of their iniuries that I should faile from my God as the wicked vse 22 For I had al his lawes before mine eies neither did I put his statutes foorth of my sight 23 But I behaued my selfe without hypocrisie with him neither did I folowe mine affections which else would easilie haue carried me forth of the waie 24 Therefore had the Lord regard of me that was oppressed of them without anie cause and fauoured me the innocent partie 25 For thou ô Lord wilt shewe thy selfe good vnto the good and vpright to them that deale vprightlie 26 And as thou shewest thy selfe sincere with them that deale sincerelie so the craftie men shal perceiue thee to be more cunning 27 For although manie times thy seruants be sore vexed yet doest thou preserue them and doest cast downe those that behaue themselues so proudlie 28 Hence haue I my light whereby thou causest me to shine and driuest away my darkenes 29 Thou hast made me to ouercome these dangers easilie and to leape ouer the walles and lets that were in my waie 30 For the waie whereby God leadeth vs is plaine the word of God is most pure the Lord doth defend al that trust in him as with a shield 31 For who is God but the Lord and who is mightie but our God onlie 32 He hath girded mee with power and hath made my waie safe 33 He hath made me as swift as the Hindes and hath placed me in most high and safe places 34 He hath taught mine hands to fight and he hath giuen me so great strength that I am able to breake a bowe of brasse with these mine armes 35 Thou hast preserued me with the protection of thy shield and thou hast staied me with thy right hand when I was readie to fal through thy great mercie 36 Thou hast caused me to go safelie without danger and thou hast staied my sliding steps 37 Therefore haue I pursued mine enimies and taken them and I haue not turned backe til I haue destroied them 38 I haue so beaten them downe and troden them vnder foote that they were not able to raise themselues againe 39 For thou verelie hast giuen me such strength that they which haue risen against me haue fallen headlong at my feete 40 Thou hast giuen me power to strike off their heads and that I might destroie them that pursued me 41 Yet Lord I graunt they cried vnto thee but thou hast not deliuered them neither wouldest heare their crie 42 Therefore did I beate them smal like the dust that the winde scattereth abroad and I did tread them like the mire which is trampled vnder the feete of them that walke the streetes 43 Yea also thou hast deliuered me from domestical and inward troubles and thou hast giuen me dominion ouer the nations that I neuer knew before 44 Vnknowne people I say obey my commandement and strangers be compelled for feare to submit themselues vnto me 45 The hearts of the strangers haue failed so that they fal downe for feare in their strongest forts 46 Let the Lord liue and let him that is my defence be knowledged and worshipped of al as he worthilie deserueth let God my deliuerer be praised euerie-where 47 Euen God I say who is mine aduenger who hath subdued so manie people vnder me 48 Thou hast saued me from mine enimies thou hast deliuered me from them that rose vp against me especialie from that cruel man 49 Therefore wil I praise thee euen among the prophane nations and I wil sing vnto thy maiestie 50 For verelie thou hast maruelouslie preserued thy king and not onlie Dauid himselfe whom thou hast annointed king but also thou hast shewed singular fauour to his seed that shal remaine for euer PSALME XIX The Argument This Psalme doth teach vs the summe of al true diuinitie the end whereof is that we haue that knowledge both of God himselfe and of the worship
due vnto him whereby we may become partakers of euerlasting life Wherefore he saith that men are taught the glorie and maiestie of God that is as Paule interpreteth it Rom. 1.10 his eternal power and godhead by the beholding of the heauens by the orderlie changes of daies and nights but specialie by the golden beautie of the Sunne which shineth ouer the whole world with an vnspeakeable course so that no man can pretend the ignorance thereof The which place the Apostle treateth both in that Chapter cited before and also in the Actes 17.27 But the Prophet addeth that men do lacke a farre more perfect declaration which may shew foorth both those same things and besides them the wil of God to conclude which may quiet our consciences that are greeuouslie vexed with the deadlie wound of our sinnes as the Apostle teacheth plentifullie 1. Cor. 1.21 and afterwards And he affirmeth that these things are not taught vs any otherwhere than by that doctrine which is giuen vs of him from the heauens it printing in our hearts that true wisedome not in words alone but in deede also that it might comfort vs with euerlasting gladnes And seeing this power belongeth wholie to the Gospel it is manifest that Dauid speaketh principalie of this part of the written word of God and that he treateth of that free forgiuenes of sinnes which at that time was shadowed with the ceremonies of the lawe but now is expounded and vttered vnto vs most fullie and manifestlie both by Christ himselfe and also by the writings of the Apostles THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THE heauens declare the glorie of God and this wide stretched frame of the heauenlie spheres called the firmament doth plainlie testifie that they could not be created by anie other but by God himselfe 2 The interchangeable course of daie and night doth minister occasion to drawe out the power of that most wise creator by that most ample and neuer ceasing race as it were out of a liuely euer running fountaine 3 Yea the heauens do also speake as with an high sounding voice which may be vnderstood of al people of al maner of languages 4 For that same their most cunning workemanship and the orderlie mouing by most constant and certaine spaces wherewith chiefelie the Sunne is carried about by that huge bodie compassed and couered with the heauens as with a tabernacle calleth as with a lowde voice vpon al men from the one end of the world to the other 5 For the Sunne it selfe like a bridegrome comming foorth of his chamber glistering with gold and pretious stones or like a mightie champion stretching himselfe to runne his race 6 Doth runne foorth from the one vttermost border to the other without anie wearines and with a course incomprehensible and there is none that can be hid from his heate 7 But wee haue an other farre more excellent schoolemaister and teacher of this wisedome yea one that is perfect in deede euen the doctrine declared vnto vs from heauen and appointed of God which doth fullie restore vs to perfection By the which the Lord hath opened vnto vs plainelie al that appertaineth to our saluation and doth teach al men true wisedome so that they knowledging their want of wisedome should shew themselues willing to be taught 8 The doctrine I saie ordeined of God which teacheth the true waie of felicitie plainelie and euidentlie and doth comfort the mindes with true ioie and lighteneth the eies of the mind with true light 9 For this is it which declareth the pure and vnchangeable worship of God and the maner how to worship God most rightlie and sincerelie 10 A thing more pretious by much than al gold how pure so euer and more sweete than anie honie combe 11 For heereby thy seruants ô Lord are taught which waie they should walke and they that walke this waie shal feele thee in the end most merciful 12 But ah who can vnderstand his faults wherfore I beseech thee mercifullie to deliuer me from these faultes that I can not by anie meanes vnderstand 13 And suffer not me thy seruant to be ouercome of these vnbrideled affections but rather graunt that I may leade this life vpright and free from wickednes 14 That I neither speake anie thing nor thinke anie thing in my heart which may not be acceptable vnto thee in whose sight I stand vnto thee I say ô Lord my defender and deliuerer PSALME XX. The Argument Here is an example of the praier of godlie subiects for the preseruation of their magistrates especialie in the chiefest dangers such as this was which is supposed to haue bin the cause why this Psalme was made as is declared 2. Sam. 10. and 1. Paralip 19. Out of the which praier these principal points of doctrine are to be gathered 1 That God is the authour and preseruer of policies 2 That policies are established by Gods helpe not by fortune nor by the meere and alone wisedome of man 3 That some kind of warfare is both iust and necessarie 4 That there is great difference betwixt the confidence and trust of the wicked and of the godlie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THE Lord heare thee in these dangers and being called vpon by thee place thee in safetie 2 The Lord come down frō his sanctuarie to help thee euen from the mount Zion to strengthen thee 3 Let him declare that thine oblations are acceptable vnto him consuming thy burnt offerings with fire from the heauen 4 And graunt vnto thee that thy heart desireth and accomplish al thy purpose 5 That we may triumph being deliuered by thee ô Lord and that we may celebrate thee our God with banners displaied which hast graunted al the petitions of our king vnto him 6 For doubtles now thou hast preserued in deede the king that was annointed by thee thou hast heard him now out of thy heauenlie sanctuarie and hast defended him that trusted in the power of thy right hand which bringeth saluation 7 For they do trust in their chariots and in their horses but we do onlie remember thy name 8 Wherefore they are broken downe and fallen but we stand vpright 9 Assist vs ô Sauiour let that King heare vs when we cal vpon him PSALME XXI The Argument This Psalme dependeth of the former and namelie it conteineth a thanksgiuing for a notable victorie which was gotten the which victorie the Church imputeth to the bountiful clemencie of God alone who promiseth it the selfe-same helpe in al other distresses THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THou hast giuen cause of new ioie vnto thy king ô Lord which acknowledgeth himselfe preserued by thy power reioicing therein with al his heart 2 For thou hast giuen him his hearts desire and thou hast graunted vnto him that which he requested in his praiers 3 Yea thou hast preuented him with thy benefites thou hast crowned his head with a crowne of most pure gold 4 He required this thing onlie of thee that he might escape aliue and safe from
onlie by his word and commandement euen that great compas of the heauens how wide and vnmeasurable so euer togither with that infinite number of starres and both the great lightes of the Sunne and the Moone wherewith he hath beautified that frame of the heauenlie firmament as with a great armie set in most comelie order was formed and made by the commandement of his eternal word and by the vnspeakeable power of his spirite also which proceedeth from him 7 Now to come vnto the creatures more neare vnto vs it is the selfe-same power that hangeth ouer vs that liquid and euer flowing element of water and heapeth it vp in it selfe and holdeth it inclosed in certaine secret gulfes and doth keepe it backe that it doth not drowne the world againe 8 Go to then let al them that dwel in the world feare and reuerence such a workemaister and tremble at his workes 9 And learne to followe the examples of those things though they want both sense and vnderstanding who yet so soone as he had spoken the word they stoode foorth and were obedient vnto him do now stil remaine at his commandement 10 It is he the same also although verie manie not onlie particular persons but also whole multitudes conspire togither outragiouslie to their own destruction and labour to bring al things to vtter confusion that yet doth ouerthrowe and breake their wicked practises and craftie counsels because he is the mainteiner and preseruer of ciuil policie and natural equitie whereby mankinde is kept in safetie 11 For it can not be that anie thing that the Lord hath determined can at anie time be made frustrate and voide but rather must alwaies and in al ages remaine stable and vnmoueable 12 But ô most blessed and happie nation to whome the Lord sheweth himselfe their God before others euen by taking a singular and peculiar care ouer them O thou trulie art an happie people if thou didst knowe thine owne blessed state whome he hath chosen to himselfe as his peculiar heritage 13 For God is not an idle beholder of the things that he hath created neither doth he suffer them to be carried at al aduentures but he doth behold al things with a watchful eie and most chieflie doth he obserue al mankind 14 And from his most hie throne he doth behold al the inhabitants of the world wheresoeuer they are placed 15 God forbid that we should thinke that he that hath created the hearts of al men and hath put into them the power of affections of reason could not consider and vnderstand what they thinke and enterprise 16 Wherefore they are doting mad how proud and mightie soeuer they be who dreame that they are able to do anie thing by their owne power seeing that al kingdomes are planted and subuerted by Gods onelie appointment 17 Wherefore their hope is deceiueable vaine who abusing the meanes giuen them by God doe depend of anie other thing than of his power alone not vnlike to the horsemen who trust to the strength of those horses which haue oftentimes ouerthrowne them 18 So then they perish through their owne fault but contrariwise them doth the Lord behold assuredlie keepe and defend which feare him and haue onelie regard vnto his mercie 19 For although al things seeme to threaten their destruction being destitute of al other helpe and sometimes both heauen and earth denie them their bodilie foode yet the Lord preserueth them safe and sound and doth minister vnto them in due season sufficientlie to passe thorough the course of their life 20 Let vs therefore earnestlie run vnto the Lord alone as he worthilie deserueth being our onelie defence and succour 21 And surelie our expectation shal not faile vs for vndoubtedlie it wil come to passe that after some sharpe assaults of these miseries he wil comfort vs with most certaine and true ioies Therfore let vs neuer cease to rest vpon the promises that he hath reuealed vnto vs and neuer faile at anie time to cal vpon his holie name 22 And thou againe ô Lord defend vs by thy mercie that we haue so oft felt from the heauens as thou commandest vs to hope and we trust that thou wilt performe PSALME XXXIIII The Argument This Psalme was written by Dauid as the title declareth for the wonderful deliuerance foorth of the hands of king Achis by dissembling madnes as is written 1. Sam. 21. And it declareth what is our dutie when we haue receiued Gods benefites that is not onlie to giue thanks vnto God and to confirme our selues in faith and hope against other temptations by such like experience but also to exhort others to doe the same by setting foorth these examples that they may belieue that these deliuerings from dangers are not special priuiledges granted to anie one man but that they are so manie preachings as it were and sermons which do appertaine both to the whole Church and to euerie membâ—r of the samâ— Howbeit the Prophet doth ad this one thing that these benefites yet do appertaine to none other but vnto them who after they be deliuered forth of dangers doe repent of their sinnes and doe feare God more seriouslie Also he admonisheth that we should ioine the deliuerance of the godlie with the destruction of the wicked that we make not God as the mockers and scorners doe onlie to see of the one side and so to be merciful that he should forget his iudgements Finallie this Psalme is so furnished with eloquent wordes and so great glistering of most graue sentences that amongest others this is wel worthie to be committed vnto memorie by al the godlie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Wil giue thankes vnto the Lord without ceasing and I wil neuer leaue off to haue his praise in my mouth 2 I wil extol the benefits of the Lord I saie from the bottome of my heart that al the afflicted when they heare this may be thereby comforted 3 Go to then praise and magnifie the Lord together with me and let vs altogether extol and praise his name as he deserueth 4 For I haue sought the Lord and he accomplishing my desire hath deliuered mee from al that troubled me 5 Therefore shal they be bold also moued by my example to turne their eies vnto him and to make haste to run vnto him and shal not be repulsed 6 For Behold shal they saie this miserable man was heard when he called vpon the Lord who deliuered him out of al his miseries 7 And this is a sure case for like as they that feare God are assaulted of euerie side not onlie of other men but also of Sathan and his angels euen so the Lord againe doth campe about them with the inuincible armies of his Angels that they may so be preserued 8 I beseech you therefore doe not careleslie behold this great goodnes of the Lord but rather thinke vpon it againe and againe taste his most comfortable sweetnes and crie together with me O blessed is
in our dangers 2 Therefore we wil not feare at al though the earth be shaken from her foundations and the mountaines be carried into the middest of the sea 3 Though al the stormes of waters sound about vs with most horrible noise and mounting vp doe shake the verie mountaines 4 Yet the citie of God which the most high hath consecrated vnto himselfe for his habitation doth rest in the meane time safe and comforted with his most gentle and pleasant riuers 5 For seeing that God himselfe doth dwel in it how can it be subuerted nay as oft as neede is he wil wake earlie in the twi-light and wil helpe it 6 Behold the nations did rage on euerie side and the kingdomes had prepared battel euerie-where against vs but as soone as he thundered out his voice al their fiercenes although they filled the land with their multitude did fal downe their hearts melting for feare 7 For the Lord hauing farre other armies is on our side that God I saie of Iacob is our defence 8 Come hither I praie you if anie doubt of this matter or negligentlie regard these thinges and consider with me the workes of the Lord namelie what destruction and desolation is now come vpon those countries which did rage so mightilie against vs. 9 Behold how sudden these battels and tumults are ceased on euerie side behold how he hath broken the bowes and hath cut in sunder the speares and burnt al their chariots with fire 10 Heare the Lord himselfe finalie setting forth this example and thus calling vpon your enimies O ye mad men leaue off these things and learne at the least by these your miseries that I am GOD whom ye haue wounded by the sides of my people and whose name ye labour in vaine to abolish But it is so farre from your power to doe this that contrariwise I wil once dilate my glorie wide broad throughout the whole world 11 Finalie let vs conclude this fullie that the Lord being furnished with innumerable and most mightie armies standeth on our side and that that God of Iacob is a most sure defence vnto vs. PSALME XLVII The Argument The verie order of this Psalme chieflie the fift verse seemeth vnto me manifestlie to declare that this song was written by Dauid ful of most feruent zeale and sung of the sonnes of Corah in that pompe most ful of maiestie wherein he brought the Arke of the Lord at the length into the citie which was called after his owne name the which excellent storie is set downe 2. Sam. 6 1. Chro. 15. And this song of praise doth teach foure principal things 1 With how feruent zeale we are bound to seeke the glorie of God 2 How careful the princes chieflie ought to be to establish the publike holie ministerie and to amplifie it 3 What great difference there is betwixt the people chosen of God and other nations proceeding only of the mercie of God Last of al that other nations also in the end shal be partakers of this so great mercie Of these foure there is no part which doth not much more appertaine vnto vs than to the old people now when this prophesie is fulfilled at length and Christ him selfe is come vnto vs. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Al ye people being gathered together clap your hands and praise God with most ioiful voices 2 For this is that Iehouah not closed vp in this Arke for he is higher than the verie heauens notwithstanding he setteth before our eies this testimonie of his presence and mercie this I saie is the King shewing himself terrible against his enimies this is the Lord of the whole earth 3 This is hee that wil bring into subiection the people that lie neare vnto vs ouer whome we shal haue authoritie 4 This is he that hath giuen vs that most excellent heritage by whose power we may worthilie glorie of our dignitie and honour and that by his singular benefite for none other cause but that it hath pleased him to receiue vs into his fauour 5 Behold God commeth vp to his holie mountaine with triumph the Lord commeth with sound of trumpets 6 Sing vnto God sing I saie sing praises to our King sing praises 7 For this is the greatest King by farre euen the Monarch of the whole world sing al you that can sing 8 Praise God I saie who is not onelie our King but the King of al people sitting vpon his holie throne 9 For the verie gouernours of the people shal submit themselues to the people of the God of Abraham for he is onelie the Lord of the whole world and the preseruer of the same farre higher than al powers beside PSALME XLVIII The Argument There is the same argument of this Psalme and of the 46. although it seeme to haue bene written long after in the daies of Josaphat as may appeare and is to be referred to the storie which is written 1. Chron. 20. there is added therfore the praise of the citie of Ierusalem which was a figure of the Church by the beautiful situation and by the strength of the wals and forts whereby yet the Prophet doth not saie that the safetie thereof doth stand but by God alone the Lord of the citie that we may vnderstand that the Church is preserued by the same onlie defence although so oft as it so pleaseth God it is not destitute of mans armour and defence THE PARAPHRASIS 1 DOubtles the Lord doth shew himselfe great and most worthie of al praise euery-where but this is seene chieflie in that his owne citie which knowledgeth him for their God and worshippeth him in his holie mountaine 2 For this is that mount Sion of most pleasant situation looking towards the north the ornament and ioie of the whole earth the citie of the great King 3 For there verelie God dwelleth as in his palace and there is he knowledged againe to be the onlie defence thereof 4 Neither neede we to fetch anie farre proofe of this most plaine thing for behold the kings associate together were about to set vpon it 5 The which so soone as they did behold being striken with the admiration of it fled awaie speedilie 6 For so wonderful terrour and so sudden came vpon them as the pangs of a woman that trauelleth with child 7 And as the most raging violence of the wind vseth to shake the ships sailing in the deepe seas 8 Therefore we our selues haue seene the woonders which we heard of our elders of old that were done by God to deliuer them done also in the citie of the most mightie Iehouah the citie I saie of our God the which being now defended of him he wil from hencefoorth also preserue for euer 9 Surelie ô God thou hast not disappointed vs calling for thy mercie in thy palace with ful confidence 10 And the fame of this thing whither soeuer it shal come shal stir vp al men euen to the vttermost coastes of the earth to set
that moued him to that crueltie by whose rage to auoide their craftie snares he came into so great danger Howsoeuer it be this Psalme doth shew vnto vs the example of a singular faith and constancie especiallie if we consider the person of Dauid and from how great dignitie without anie fault committed of him he was throwne downe into so miserable condition THE PARAPHRASIS 1 AH my God! haue mercie vpon a man most miserable how neare was it that he should swalowe me neither doth he yet cease to beset me round about and to bring me to extremitie as if he would deuoure me 2 These men I saie whither soeuer I remooue or go lieng in wait most diligentlie haue a mind to deuoure me and a great multitude do fight against me ô God most high 3 Notwithstanding when feare commeth vpon me I flie vnto thee 4 And why should I not glorie of that thou hast spoken vnto me most boldlie Wherefore I trust in thee ô God and wil not be afraid For what can these mortal men do against me that rest vpon the power of God who hath testified his good wil vnto me 5 They are wholie bent vpon this that whatsoeuer I intend I speake or doe they may peruert it and therevpon take occasion falselie to accuse me 6 They go together closelie following me at the verie heeles seeking this one thing how they may take my life from me 7 Notwithstanding yet they hope by their crafts to escape thy hands but thou ô Lord how manie soeuer they be and how great soeuer their conspiracies be cast them downe I beseech thee 8 I knowe that thou hast al my wanderings to and fro in a reckoning I beseech thee gather my teares into thy bottels they are I trust registred in thy counting bookes 9 Wherefore so oft as I shal cal vpon thee mine enimies shal be put to flight For I knowe this assuredlie that thou art of my side 10 For I haue the word of God whereof I glorie the word of God I saie whereof I wil glorie 11 Wherefore resting vpon God what should I feare and what can anie mortal man doe against mee 12 O how greatlie do these so manie and so great benefits bind mee vnto thee but I wil paie that which onlie I am able namelie the continual magnifieng of thy mercie 13 For thou hast deliuered my life foorth of the most present doores of death and thou hast raised me when I was cast downe and that I liue now I may onlie thanke thee PSALME LVII The Argument Another most great daunger much like to the former which is sâ—t foorth 1. Sam. 24. gaue the occasion of writing this Psalme whereof we may gather that it lieth in the hand of God not onlie with how great but with how long miseries yea euen by wicked men he wil exercise his seruants and therfore that we must praie continuallie as wel for the gifts of constancie and perseuerance as for the gift of faith Jn other things this Psalme is to the same purpose as certeine other that went before and written of like occasion THE PARAPHRASIS 1 NOw at the length ô Lord it is high time that thou either looke vpon me or else I am vndone Wherefore haue mercie haue mercie vpon mee I saie ô God for this my soule doth onlie trust in thee and I flie onlie vnto thee vnder the shadow of whose wings I may lie hid so long whilest these great calamities do passe ouer 2 I crie vnto thee ô God most high that thou wouldest finish that which thou hast begun in me 3 And so doubtles wil it come to passe For the Lord wil send helpe from heauen because I find none in the earth and he wil not suffer mee so shamefullie to be deuoured For there wil come downe from the heauen to deliuer me two inuincible helpes for defence euen his mercie and that most high and sure faith which he declareth in the perfourming of his promises 4 In the meane season I graunt my selfe exposed of the one side to the pawes of the lions and the crueltie of most outragious men and of the other side to the false slanders of most shameles accusers whose teeth are like vnto speares and arrowes and their tong more hurtful than most sharpe swords 5 But thou ô God declare that thou dwellest euen aboue the heauens and cause that thy glorie may be published throughout the whole world 6 Whither soeuer I mooue my foote their net is spread to take me I doe lie as it were throwne downe vpon the earth I see before mine eies the pit into the which they hope to cast me downe headlong but the matter wil go otherwaies For they contrariwise shal fal into the selfe-same pit 7 Therefore ô God I being now prepared with my whole heart with my whole heart I saie haue great desire to praise thee both with my voice and harpe 8 Go to my tongue go to both lute and harpe awake with me in the morning 9 Euen the gentils most farre distant shal heare me declaring thy praises the people shal heare me sing vnto thee 10 For surelie thy goodnes extendeth it selfe vnto the heauens and thy truth vnto the clouds 11 Declare thy selfe ô God to sit aboue the verie heauens and shew forth thy glorie to the whole world PSALME LVIII The Argument Jt may be collected of this Psalme that Saul that he might haue some excuse to couer his hatred against Dauid did gather a councel of the states whereby he procured him being absent to be condemned as a publike enimie now there is no greater iniurie than that which doth oppresse vnder the cloake of lawe wherefore Dauid comforting himselfe and appealing to God doth paint forth those most corrupt iudges in their owne colours as one that knew them verie wel and also doth pronounce the sentence against them in the name of God himselfe not as a priuate man but as a Prophet and as a king alreadie allowed of God and he vseth similitudes most agreeable to the couetousnesse and ambition of such maner of men For where they haue this purpose chieflie that they may set themselues aloft and their children by these practises yet God doth oftentimes cut them off in the mid course of their couetous desires furthermore their posteritie cleane contrarie to the opinion of their fathers doth either consume awaie by little and little in the sight of al men or is destroied by some sudden rage THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Yee states and senatours tel me I praie you if there remaine anie sparkle of conscience in you Is this to decree iust iudgement O ye mortal men of how great dignitie soeuer ye be doe ye iudge aright 2 Naie surely seeing the matter it selfe declareth that inwardlie ye deuise al manner of wickednes outwardlie and openlie in al mens sight yee doe weigh nothing but iniurie in your ballance 3 Neither is this now the first time that ye do so for I
godlie to giue thankes and to celebrate the praise of God THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GOD from whose mercie so manie benefites do proceede vnto vs continue to blesse vs and chiefelie do cause his pleasant countenance to shine vpon vs. 2 That his waie which he hath declared vnto his people may be knowne as far as the borders of the earth are extended and that al nations may embrace the saluation promised by him 3 Let al people praise thee ô God let al the people praise thee 4 Let the people be glad and reioice For the time wil be when thou shalt gouerne the whole world with most iust and righteous iudgement 5 Let the people praise thee ô God let al the people praise thee 6 Command the earth also to bring foorth her fruites and continue ô God our God to heape thy benefites vpon vs. 7 Continue I saie ô God to blesse vs and let al the world againe acknowledge and worship thee PSALME LXVIII The Argument Dauid being about to carrie the Arke of the couenant which was the visible testimonie of the presence of God and of his mercie into the tower of Sion when he had ordeined a solemnitie whereof he himselfe was the ringleader than the which there was neuer anie in this nation more famous which is written plainlie 1. Chron. 15. he made certaine Psalmes vndoubtedlie by diuine inspiration wherewith he inflamed both himselfe and others doubtles to praise God maruelouslie And amongst other he did write this Psalme also than the which nothing could be written more diuinelie more ful of maiestie or more eloquentlie by anie man and he repeateth and calleth to memorie the former benefites of God and addeth maruellous artificial colours rather painting it forth than writing it But we must diligentlie marke this thing further that the Prophet stood not fixed onlie in that matter which was then in hand but by diuine inspiration did insinuate mysticallie as the times did then suffer the most excellent secrets of the kingdome of heauen and therfore by that Arke is mysticallie vnderstood that the sonne of God in whome the fulnesse of the Godhead remaineth hath put vpon him our flesh by Sion is meant the tabernacle not made with mans hand by bringing in of the Arke the ascension of Christ into heauen by leading awaie of the captiues that Sathan sinne death are ouercome lastlie by the temporal blessings continuallie powred vpon Jsraël the spiritual euerlasting giftes of Christ dailie bestowed vpon the Church by the holie ministerie worke of the Gospel is here figuratiuelie described as Paule witnesseth Ephes 4 8. and almost throughout the Epistle to the Hebrues THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to let God onlie arise and in a moment al his enimies shal flee awaie wandring and scattered abroade 2 For al the vngodlie must none otherwise vanish awaie at his sight and countenance than the smoake which being driuen with the winde is dispersed and the waxe that is laied before the fire is melted 3 But on the contrarie the righteous being maruelouslie refreshed by his countenance shal reioice and shal leape for gladnes 4 Go to then celebrate the Lord with songs sing vnto his name prepare the waie to him that hath long wandered in the wildernesse and comming now vnto vs praise him I saie who is eternal both in name and in deede and reioice before him 5 For he that is the father of the fatherles and the defender of the widowes hath now chosen amongst vs holie and stable habitations vnto himselfe 6 This is he that hath made fruiteful those barren persons of whome we had our beginning who hath losed vs from bonds being oppressed with most cruel bondage who hath cast out the rebels into drie and desert countries and regions 7 For thou ô God when thou wentest before the people leddest them by the horrible wildernes 8 The earth it selfe did tremble and the heauens being afraid by feeling of thy maiestie were dissolued as it were in a sweate and dropped downe when thou ô God the God of Israël didest sit presentlie vpon the top of mount Sinai 9 Furthermore thou hast not failed to water the countrie in the which thou hast placed thy people with the raine of thy large liberalitie and to refresh it when it was barren 10 Euen that thou mightest feede therein thy flocks to whome thou hast giuen it and mightest strengthen thine which else should haue perished through hunger 11 And also thou hast giuen the cause to the great multitudes of our virgins to reioice and sing of thy victories which should otherwaies haue bin vnthankeful vnlesse they had praised thee with hymnes 12 Behold the mightie euen the kings compassed about with their armies haue fled awaie they haue fled I saie and the women that vsed not to come out of the house haue diuided the spoile 13 O ye damsels ye haue liued hitherto amongst the soote of the pots euen sitting at home but now ye may come foorth shining and glittering no otherwise than the doues as white as snowe do cast foorth a certaine golden glistering as they flee in the aire 14 For when the strength of the enimies was scattered by the power of GOD a most cleare brightnes did shine vnto the earth euen like the snowe that lieth vpon the top of Salmon which dazeleth the eies of them that looke vpon it with the brightnes thereof 15 O mount Basan thou verelie art verie fat and art seene to haue manie tops of thy hilles but what canst thou do God hath not chosen thee but the mount Sion vnto himselfe 16 Why then should ye be proud why should ye lift vp the tops of your hilles for God hath chosen vnto himselfe this hil far lower than you in the which he wil dwel the Lord hath consecrated vnto himselfe this seate for euer 17 Here verelie he is caried in his chariots the which two millians both on this side and that side doe drawe and being inuironed with these armies as he did sit vpon the top of Sina of old so now he entreth the possession of this his holie place 18 Now therefore ô God thou doest verelie exalt thy selfe carrieng awaie thine enimies captiue taking the spoiles that thou maist giue to thine euen thus taming thine enimies how rebellious so euer and going vp to the tower of Sion that thou maist settle thine euerlasting habitation there 19 Wherefore euerlasting praise be vnto thee ô Lord ô God I saie our sauiour which doest heape vpon vs thy continual benefites 20 For this is that God who hath declared himselfe vnto vs to be the God our sauiour after a thousand sorts and the Lord hath approued in verie deede that deliuerance from death is set in him alone 21 Therefore so oft as neede is that same God wil breake the verie head of his enimies and wil cast downe the wicked which arrogantlie hold vp their long shagged haire 22 For he hath promised to do the same thing againe
which he did of old when he preserued our elders putting to flight the kings of Basan and brought them through the deepe streames of the sea 23 Wherefore then ô people thou didst walke through the middest of the heapes of thine enimies that were slaine dogs licking their bloud 24 Then ô God our elders did see thee going ô my God they did see thee going I saie within thy holie tabernacle ô my King 25 The singers went before thee the trumpetters folowing thee the companie of damsels also did plaie vpon the timbrels on euerie side one sort exhorting an other by course with this maner of song 26 Go to praise God with courage praise the Lord by course ye that come of Israël 27 Beniamin on the one side which was the youngest hath mightilie ouercome the enimie Iuda on the other side hath destroied them with stones also the valiantnes and noble victorie of the princes of Zabulon and Ephraim is famous 28 And as we knowledge al this power to haue proceeded from thee alone so disposing it so doe we now praie ô God that thou wilt confirme it more and more vnto vs. 29 And we doubt not but thou wilt so doe much more hereafter than euer before foorth of thy holie palace which thou hast chosen vnto thee at Ierusalem whither the verie kings also shal once come and shal offer gifts vnto thee 30 Represse therefore and bridle with thy terrible rebuke those cruel beasts that breake foorth of their holes and dens fierce rankes of buls and scatter the people that are like wanton calues that go proudlie decked in siluer euen the people that couet wars 31 Surelie the time wil come when the princes of Aegypt shal run hither vnto thee the Aethiopians with great haste shal hold vp their hands humblie vnto thee 32 Go to then ye kingdomes scattered through the earth praise God with melodie and sing vnto the Lord 33 Euen vnto the Lord that sitteth vpon those most high heauens from al eternitie as it were vpon a chariot and maketh a terrible and most mightie sound from thence 34 Acknowledge ye his power the maiestie wherof doth no lesse shine foorth in Israël than the thunders sounding in the clouds 35 For this is that sanctuarie ô God out of the which thou declarest thy selfe terrible vnto thine enimies but vnto thine ô God of Israël thou wilt minister power and strength therefore al praise and glorie be giuen vnto thee for euer PSALME LXIX The Argument Although this Psalme is altogether agreeable with the 22 Psalme written in the forme of a praier and no doubt by the occasion which either the flieng of Dauid out of the court of Saule seemeth to offer when the chastitie of his wife was not preserued safe vnto him who was married vnto an other husband much lesse did they spare his goods to the which opinion I doe incline or the treason of Absalom yet is it certaine that the holie Ghost did so gouerne the mind and the hand of the Prophet that he seemeth to haue regarded those things rather whereof he was a figure than himselfe if not in euerie place of the Psalme yet surelie in the most part thereof So then is Christ our mediatour rather brought in complaining vnto God of the crueltie of his people which could be ouercome by none of his benefits than Dauid complaining of his enimies and he also wisheth and forewarneth those punishment which the people of the Jewes did worthilie suffer for their ingratitude wherewith we also now see that they are punished of the which mystical interpretation we haue most cleare witnesses Matth. 27 48. Luke 1 20. Iohn 2 18. and 19 28. Last of al Paule Rom. 11 9. and 15 3. And seeing the members must be conformed vnto the head it followeth that there wil be great vse and commoditie of this Psalme so long as the Church shal soiourne vpon earth THE PARAPHRASIS 1 DEliuer me ô God euen now readie to be swallowed with these streames of water 2 For I am now cast downe into the most deepe mirie pit where I can by no meanes fasten my foote and I am drowned with most deepe waters flowing vpon me on euerie side 3 I am wearied with crieng my iawes are pained with hoarsenes also mine eies haue failed while I earnestlie wait for my God 4 Furthermore I may more easilie tel the haires of mine head than the multitude of mine enimies which hate me causelesse yea and the number of them that hate me deadlie is increased dailie and which thing is most greeuous of al those that spoile my goods deale so with me as though I had first spoiled others 5 But thou ô God knowest verie wel whether I haue behaued my selfe vprightlie and wiselie or no and whether I be a wicked man as these doe slander me 6 What then if I be forsaken of thee verelie they must needs also be ashamed who haue ioined them selues with me trusting to the promises that thou hast made vnto me O most mightie Lord staie thou this thing that it come not to passe neither suffer that they faile of their hope which seeke thee the God of Israël in the defence of my cause 7 For doubtles whatsoeuer they pretend they would wound not me but thee by my side and for thy cause alone am I so railed vpon and doe lie downe couered with reproch 8 Neither am I forsaken of strangers onelie but also my kinsemen and mine owne brethren doe despise me as an vnknowne person and as I were not ioined vnto them with any bond of consanguinitie 9 For euen so oft as I perceiued thy glorie to be diminished I burnt with sorrowe the which thing I neither would nor could dissemble and I accounted my self to be wounded with the reproches cast out against me 10 Wherefore I being in great heauines haue absteined euen from my meate for sorrowe the which my care these men had in derision 11 I laid downe my garment I saie and tooke vnto me haire cloth the which thing these men turned into scoffes 12 So that in the publike assemblies also they ceased not to prate on me and feasting merilie they made songs of me 13 What shal I do then Verelie ô Lord I doe notwithstanding powre out my praiers vnto thee being nothing afraid either of the power or of the pride of these men For though thou hast now loosed the raines to their dissolute wickednes I doe knowe that thou hast appointed a time againe when thou wilt bridle them and wilt declare in deed how much thou louest thine Wherefore I beseech thee ô God by that thine infinite mercie that of thy great and most assured goodnes thou wilt heare me when I crie 14 Deliuer me I beseech thee from this deuouring pit least I be wholie swallowed vp deliuer me from mine enimies and from the floud of so manie miseries 15 Forbid I beseech thee least I be ouerwhelmed vtterlie by the abundance of waters least
this most deepe streame swallowe me least I being deuoured in this deepe pit no hope of deliuerance be left vnto me 16 Graunt ô Lord of thy great mercie that I may prooue that my praiers were heard of thee and seeing thy mercies are infinite declare them by hauing regard of me 17 Doe not withdrawe thy selfe I beseech thee from thy seruant oppressed with so manie miseries but hasten ô Lord rather to heare me and to deliuer mee 18 Come vnto this my most miserable soule that thou maist deliuer it calling for thy helpe and redeeme me frō this multitude of most cruel enimies 19 Thou knowest more than al men with what and how false crimes I am charged and with what iniuries and reproches I am vexed neither can anie of mine aduersaries escape my sight 20 Ah! how sore doe these things vexe trouble and torment me especiallie seeing I haue so long waited but in vaine that some man should stand vp which should be moued with so many iniuries offered vnto me yet can there be found no-where anie man which would comfort me most miserable man with one word 21 Yea moreouer they labour to increase my miseries so much as lieth in them feeding mee with most bitter gal and they haue giuen me vineger to drinke they are so farre from comforting of me most miserable man 22 But cause thou againe that al thy benefits may turne to their destruction that they may be snared like beasts which are deceiued by the baits of meat set before them and let them find death there where they gaped for mirth and ioie 23 Take from them al the light of reason and vnderstanding and cut as it were al their sinewes that they may neither thinke nor perfourme anie thing that is good 24 Powre forth vpon them thine indignation and in the heate of thine anger correct them with iust punishment 25 Destroie their faire houses to the ground and waste al their dominion vtterlie 26 For they are so farre from hauing anie compassion on him whome it hath pleased thee to afflict so seuerelie that they haue also tormented him more greeuouslie and they haue laid new strokes one after another vpon him that thou haddest so greeuouslie wounded 27 Withdrawe therefore al thy helpe againe from them that they may heape wickednes vpon wickednes neither giue them at anie time the spirit of repentance to receiue them into thy fauour 28 And although that they insomuch as they are borne of those holie fathers may seeme to be counted amongest the number of thine to whome thou hast appointed the gift of the true life yet rase thou out their names foorth of thy booke neither count them amongst the iust 29 Let this then be the lot of those most wicked men but I ô God now being most miserable at the length shal be deliuered of thee and shal be exalted againe 30 Wherefore I wil then sing of thy name then wil I set foorth thy praises with great maiestie 31 And this I knowe wel shal be more pleasant vnto the Lord than the most great offering hauing hornes and hoofes 32 And al that are likewise vexed being comforted by mine example shal reioice and flieng vnto God by mine example shal be restored vnto life 33 For the Lord shal they saie wil heare the needie and doth not despise them who are bound in the chaines of miseries for his cause 34 Go to therefore let the verie heauens and also the huge lumpe of the earth the verie seas what things soeuer creepe in the waters let them set foorth the praises of the Lord. 35 For God wil preserue his Sion and wil build vp his cities appointed vnto Iuda and wil there assigne euerlasting habitation for his people 36 For the fathers shal sit ouer this heritage vnto their posteritie and this shal be the euerlasting possession of the seruants of God namelie of those that seeke his glorie carefullie PSALME LXX The Argument This Psalme doth conteine a praier which it is like that Dauid vsed in his banishment most commonlie and hath prescribed it vnto the Church afterward as a forme of dailie praier seeing that there neuer wanteth such enimies vnto the Church or at the least to manie of the members thereof as are here described THE PARAPHRASIS 1 COme speedilie ô God to deliuer me make haste to helpe me ô Lord. 2 Put them to shame that seeke my death command them to turne backe and to be couered with shame which desire nothing more than to see me destroied 3 Let them turne home with shame for a recompence being disappointed of their purpose which haue vaunted against me as though I had bene vtterlie vndone 4 And graunt thou of the contrarie that not I alone but al they also that haue a desire to worship thee and wait for an end of my miseries may be ioiful and reioice and that they may giue solemne and euerlasting thanks and praises vnto thee who hast deliuered me 5 In the meane season I stand here poore miser destitute of al succour make haste therfore ô God to helpe me For I depend vpon thy helpe alone ô God my deliuerer ô Lord I beseech thee delaie no longer PSALME LXXI The Argument This Psalme though it be without title in the Hebrue yet doth it seeme to be made by Dauid and written at that time when he now being aged was with so sudden and so great rage driuen from his roial seate and chased euen beyond Jordan chieflie by the treason of Achitophel and of his sonne whome he so deerelie loued And it is ful of most greeuous and iust complaints and it doth also set foorth an example of excellent constancie and of an inuincible faith And seeing the good seruants of God can looke for none other condition or state it is profitable oft to meditate this Psalme both least they should fondlie promise vnto themselues after they had ouercome manie troubles that their old age should be quiet and also least they should despaire when they shal be likewise vexed not onlie of strangers but also of them whome they haue cherished in their owne bosom but that they go forward in their vocation whilest they atteine the garland following the example of Dauid and other Prophets and of the Apostles as also of verie manie other faithful Bishops THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Flie vnto thee alone ô Lord suffer me not to be ouerwhelmed with shame for euer 2 Deliuer me rather from this calamitie as I haue had experience that thou art iust and mindful of thy promises heare me and deliuer me 3 Be thou vnto me also in the steede of a most strong tower into the which I may alwaies flie For seeing thou hast once already receiued me into thy defence where else shal I rather seeke for succour 4 Therefore my God graunt that I fal not into the hands of this most wicked and most craftie enimie which rusheth vpon me with so great rage 5 For I depend wholie
they desire 8 They speake openlie of oppressing others being of dissolute life and despise others looking downe as it were from the top of heauen and they terrifie al men with their proud speach 9 And also they set themselues against the heauen as though they would prescribe lawes to God himselfe and hold in subiection al things vpon the earth at their pleasure 10 Thus commeth it to passe that not a few of the verie people of God wearied by their long miseries do ioine themselues vnto them 11 For how saie they can we thinke that God knoweth these things or that there is anie God that careth for mans busines 12 Whereas we euen the people of God are assaulted with continual calamities and these wicked men abound so long with good things and their riches are increased more and more 13 Haue not I therefore endeuoured my selfe to godlines in vaine and kept my hands pure from al iniurie 14 Being alwaies miserable and seuerelie chastised euerie daie if I trespas in anie points 15 But contrariwise how can I so thinke or speake but I must sinne most greeuouslie for if the matter went so what should become of the sonnes of God yea and how great iniurie should I do vnto thee their most merciful Father and vnto them borne of thy spirit and preserued by thee so manie ages 16 Therefore I thought againe that I must more diligentlie consider the whole matter howbeit I could not rid my selfe of these most troublesome cogitations 17 Whilest that I entred into thy house the house of most holie and most true wisedome and did learne of thee what is the end of this so great prosperitie of the wicked 18 For there I learned that they whose condition I thought to haue bin the best were so far from standing in that most slipperie place that they were alwaies by sliding steps readie to fal not onlie because al these things are vanishing and transitorie which thing euen the prophane men taught by verie experience do confesse but as we are taught in thy schole onelie because they abusing thy benefites are cast downe headlong by thee into that deepe pit 19 Neither doest thou defer alwaies thy iudgements vnto that time so far out of our sight For how manie do we behold brought into extreame and vnrecouerable miseries in a moment from that top of shadowed felicitie how manie saie I do we see suddenlie taken awaie being horriblie cast downe with sudden terrors 20 Wherfore their state is like a dreame that vanisheth when a man awaketh For thus ô Lord doest thou shake off al imaginations as things most vaine and doest also waken their vaine securitie 21 Wherefore did I then so sore boile and was inwardlie pricked 22 Surelie I was mad and I was not a man but a beast without vnderstanding and reason when I thus doted and willinglie wearied my selfe 23 But I knowe that it is come to passe by thy singular benefit that I alwaies notwithstanding stood of thy side euen because it pleased thee to reach me out thy right hand who else should haue fallen 24 And thus no doubt thou wilt direct me in thy wisedome whilest by thy gift I may obteine a glorious victorie by ouercomming my selfe 25 Farewel earth oh that it were so and that I were now in heauen with thee ô God! For what is there in the earth that should retaine me neuer so little space 26 I haue experience how carnal and fleshlie and how vaine al things are that mortal men do thinke of themselues Thou therefore ô God be vnto me a true and sound wisedome wherein I may onlie and wholie rest 27 For howsoeuer al things are tossed vp and downe whosoeuer depart from thee shal perish and whosoeuer do forsake thee that is to saie whosoeuer do trust in anie other but in thee are destroied by thee 28 Therefore I do thus determine with my selfe neither wil I suffer my selfe at anie time to bee drawne from this iudgement that then shal al things go wel with me when I shal not depart one foote from God which waie soeuer he leadeth me ô Lord God al my hope is set vpon thee alone and I wil bestowe al my life in praising thy great workes PSALME LXXIIII The Argument Where this Psalme doth manifestlie speake of the subuersion of the temple either that same Asaph is to be supposed to haue spoken of it before by the spirit of prophesie and to haue indited this praier for the captiues that should be so long after carried into Chaldëa or else this Psalme must be referred to some other of his posteritie And it conteineth most feruent praiers against the spoilers of the Church whereof we haue too manie at this daie which do not onelie as foraine enimies most cruellie fight against it but also within the bowels and bosome thereof do vexe and torment it But the Prophet doth set before God first of al that euerlasting couenant which is in deede the staie and foundation of al our praiers then doth he touch the crueltie of the enimies and their wicked words and the greatnes of the present calamities and chiefelie the ceassing of the prophesie He doth also rehearse the benefites bestowed vppon the people of old and beseecheth him to continue his accustomed goodnes bringing in manifold examples of his power to proue that he can do what he wil. Finallie which is the greatest argument of al he doth testifie that the matter doth not stand so much for the deliuerance of the people as for the glorie and maiestie of God to be mainteined against the wicked enimies al the which things how they do agree to our times it is most euident euerie daie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 SHal we suppose ô God that thou hast vtterlie cast vs off and that thy wrath is kindled against thine owne flocke without anie hope of reconciliation 2 Naie rather remember that multitude which thou hast redeemed and purchased to thy selfe so manie yeares ago and be mindful of that heritage which thou hast measured out vnto thy selfe namelie of this mount Sion in the which thou hast built an house for thy selfe 3 Come forth speedilie and cast these men downe headlong that they neuer rise vp againe euen as these thine enimies haue left nothing safe in thy sanctuarie 4 For they openlie professing themselues to be thine enimies roaring against this thine owne house haue brought in their banners euen their prophane ensignes 5 And loe a man may behold them like the wood fellers in the woods so hewing with their axes and cutting downe that thine excellent building built and set vp with so great cunning 6 And they were so farre off from spareing the vawtes and most fine carued workes that they brake them downe most violentlie with axes and with maules 7 And what more they haue also burnt vp with fire that thy secret sanctuarie most ful of maiestie and most holie least anie part of thy house should remaine vndestroied 8 Finallie
sorts to wit to bring vs into a deepe consideration of the constancie of God alwaies continued in the performing of his promises and of the other side of his wrath against the obstinate and stubborne breakers of his couenant The Prophet then doth declare this by this long and diligent rehearsal both of the chiefe benefites which God hath bestowed vpon this people euen from the first adoption and choosing of them euen vnto Dauid and also of the punishments which the people caused God euen as it were vnwillinglie to execute vpon them And would to God that al men could marke in their minds how necessarie this doctrine is in our times and how woonderful examples God hath set before vs to both these purposes by the space of these fortie yeeres euen as great as euer before THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HEare the master teaching ô my people and giue eare vnto him that wil speake nothing vnaduisedlie 2 I wil speake foorth most graue matters and I wil bring foorth things to be called into memorie euen from the ancient times 3 The which though we haue heard by report yet knowe we that they are most certaine and not fained by our elders which haue deliuered them vnto vs. 4 And as they had regard of vs so is it meete that wee should haue regard of our posteritie that the praises of the Lord and those woonderful acts whereby he hath testified his power vnto vs may be continued vnto al posteritie 5 For God hath established a certaine doctrine by his singular goodnes whereby he testifieth his wil to the ofspring of Iacob euen to Israël and hath commanded our fathers that euerie one should declare it to his children 6 And they againe to others their children that by this meanes the knowledge of the true God and of the worship of God might be continued from the fathers to the posteritie by the order of their generation 7 To this purpose that euerie one mindful of so great benefits of God might be taught to beleeue in God and to obeie his commandements 8 And that they should not followe those their elders a stubborne kind of men greeuous vnto God himselfe vnconstant dissembling and vnfaithful 9 The Ephramites for example being cunning archers in deede yet when they came to the battel they turned their backs 10 Vnmindful of the couenants of God and disdaining to walke the waie that he appointed 11 Forgetting his noble and wonderous works 12 For this is he that wrought so manie wonders before their elders in Aegypt and in the fieldes of Zoan 13 Who lead them through the waters diuided here and there heaped vp like mounts 14 Who lead them in the daie time with a cloud going before them and in the night by a flame glistering in the aire 15 Who brake the stonie rocks and gaue them waters most abundantlie to drinke 16 Drawing forth riuers euen forth of the flint that running streames did flowe from thence 17 Yet did they not cease to offend him for al this naie they continued to prouoke that high God 18 Yea and they durst trie his power whether he were able to satisfie their lust 19 For thus spake they against God Is he also so mightie that he can intertaine vs with a deintie feast in the wildernes 20 For he hath striken the rocke in deed whence so manie waters doe flowe that they are in abundance but can he also giue vs bread and can he giue vs here delicates 21 The Lord hearing this was verie angrie against Israël and that verie worthilie 22 Because they beleeued not God neither gaue themselues wholie to be gouerned by him 23 For he had commanded the clouds aboue that they should feede his people and he had opened the gates of heauen 24 And the cloudes being commanded did raine downe manna a most pleasant heauenlie bread 25 And he did giue to euerie one of them euen his bellie ful of bread so delicate that no prince be he neuer so mightie hath anie better 26 Wherefore he commanded by his authoritie that the east wind should blowe on the one side and the south wind on the other 27 And behold he rained downe euen quailes those deintie birdes with such abundance vpon them that they were like in number to the dust and sand of the sea 28 So that al the tents within and al round about them were filled with birds falling downe from heauen on euerie side 29 These then they did take and eate with al greedines to their fil God giuing them most abundantlie that which they desired 30 But behold whilest they did eate and whilest they did yet chawe the meate 31 The wrath of the Lord burnt against them and he destroied al the most excellent and chosen men amongest them 32 Yet could they not be amended with thess plagues nor brought to trust in him whose infinite power they had so oft tried 33 Wherefore he disappointed their hope worthilie and destroied them trembling with continual terror 34 For they then sought him when he threatened them with death and comming earlie did intreate him 35 They acknowledged that God was vnto them a most safe tower and they called him the high God and their deliuerer 36 But al these things were onelie vaine flatterings nor anie other things than words ful of falshood 37 For they did not speake with an vpright heart but such as shewed themselues nothing more faithful than before in perfourming the conditions of the couenant 38 Yet he pardoned them through his infinite mercie neither proceeded to deale with them rigorouslie and though they continued to prouoke him to anger yet powred not he al his wrath vpon them 39 For he remembred that men are indued with a fleshlie lumpe that passeth and vanisheth away and that their present life is like to a blast that passeth by and neuer returneth againe 40 Ah! how oft prouoked they him in the desert how oft were they troublesome vnto him in the wildernes 41 How oft by returning to their old manners haue they tempted God distrusting his power and mercie whereof they had so oft experience how oft haue they limited the bounds to the holie one of Israël 42 For they had forgotten his vnspeakable power which he had declared by deliuering them from the most cruel bondage of the Aegyptians 43 When he did so manie miracles in Aegypt and so manie woonders in the fields of Zoan 44 For he turned their flouds into bloud so that al Aegypt which is ful of pooles had no water to drinke 45 He brought vpon them swarmes of al kind of flies and wormes wherewith they were destroied and frogs wherewith they were consumed 46 He gaue al the fruits of their fields to the caterpillers and their fallowe grounds to the grashoppers 47 He destroied their vines with haile and their wild figtrees with lightenings 48 He killed their cattel with haile and their beasts with thunderbolts 49 Finallie he powred foorth al his furie and that
die how oft haue I bene striken with terrours sent by thee euen from my very youth how oft haue I stood amazed 16 Thy most bitter wrath hath ouerwhelmed me thy terrours haue shut me in on euerie side 17 A floud of waters as it were ouerflowing al and compassing me round about doe close me in 18 Thou hast remoued al my friends and companions farre from me that I see nothing anie-where but meere darknes PSALME LXXXIX The Argument Ethan the Esrait as also Heman were named by their countrie as J iudge vnto the which Ethan this excellent Psalme is intituled It is the same whose genealogie 〈◊〉 deriued from Merari 1. Chron. 6 44. a man of singular wisedome 1. King 4.31 And I do agree with them that thinke that he did liue after Salomon and that he lamenteth in this Psalme both the falling awaie of the ten tribes from the house of Dauid and also that horrible inuasion and spoile of the land of Iuda and of the house of God and of the kings house which was made by Zesak king of Aegypt as it is declared 2. Chron. 12. Jt conteineth a most greeuous and pitiful lamentation in the which yet he is not discouraged but in the verie beginning ouercomming by faith he doth couragiouslie lift vp himselfe ouer infidelitie and though he seeme somtimes to languish and faint in the battel at the length yet like a conquerour he triumpheth he commeth foorth then as a valiant champion armed with faith and hope both twaine being grounded of most certaine and sure foundations euen of the vnmoueable stabilitie of the decrees of God first considered generallie that is in the adoption of the seede of Abraham then particularlie in the promise confirmed with Dauid And he bringeth foorth two most certaine testimonies thereof euen the innumerable benefits verse 1. and the verie frame of heauen verse 2. in the which he saith that God hath ingrauen the truth of his promise not so much for the stable substance of the heauens and also most certaine course but much more as I suppose because the Lord making a couenant with Abraham would haue the heauens which he commanded him to behold to be as a sacrament of his couenant But in the other part that is in the league made with Dauid of the eternitie of his kingdome he chieflie laboureth verse 4. and 5. and that worthilie because that the whole foundation of the faith of the saints resteth vpon this sonne of Dauid For if he be an eternal King the Church also which is the kingdome of heauen must of necessitie be eternal and euerlasting and therefore without al danger to perish The second foundation of this faith and hope is the infinite power of God whereof he bringeth also a double testimonie one that shâ—neth foorth in the gouernement of things both aboue and beneath the other declaring it selfe in the manifold deliuerances of the Church from the 6. verse to the 15. the third foundation of these twaine is the nature of God himselfe who must needes be both merciful towards his by the couenant of his gratious and free promise and a iust aduenger of their enimies the which place he doth amplifie with an excellent poëtical inuention borrowed of the thrones of kings verse 14 and 15. these things being set downe as though the battel were finished he singeth the triumph verse 16. and in the three next following But here contrariwise the enimie rebelleth who seemed to haue bene ouercome and verelie which is strange he vseth the same weapons wherewith chieflie he was ouercome For he granted the couenant made with Dauid yea euen so that he bringeth foorth the verie tables of the couenant and requireth euerie word of them to be pondered that he may gather thereby by present experience that that couenant is frustrate euen because it was violated and broken by the posteritie of Dauid and therefore that their hope is vaine which rested vpon the stabilitie thereof And this is the greatest battel of faith namelie whereas the promises are granted generalie and the controuersie is brought of the particular applicationâ— the assault of the enimie is conteined verse 20 c. vnto the 46. verse Finallie there followeth a most feruent praier in the which he rising vp who seemed to be ouerthrowne resting stil notwithstanding vpon those three things whereof we haue spoken he concludeth that it were a great absurditie and that it is farre from the wil of God reuealed that he should alwaie be angrie with his verse 47. then doth he lament the miseries of mankind which perisheth euen of his owne follie verse 48 49. and in the end he concludeth the Psalme with a most godlie triumph bringing in againe the league made with Dauid and declaring on the one side the greatnes of the present miserie and on the other side putting God in remembrance that it standeth not so much of the preseruation of the miserable as of the maintenance of his owne glorie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 ALthough we be afflicted on euerie side with so great calamities as we thinke can come to anie yet God forbid that I should expostulate with him naie rather I wil celebrate with continual songs how manie and how great his benefits are towards vs and I wil neuer cease to praise his euerlasting constancie in perfourming his promises 2 For although that thing be interrupted sometimes which he hath begun yet must we determine that that must alwaies remaine vnmooueable which he promising of his great mercie hath said shal continue taking the heauens themselues to witnesse 3 But the effect of this couenant doth depend altogether of that which I wil not let to declare by the voice of God himselfe Thus then he saith Behold I doe sweare that I wil perfourme this my couenant begun with your fathers vnto that same chosen man euen vnto Dauid this my seruant 4 That is to saie that a child shal spring out of him whome I wil endue with eternitie and that his kingdome shal be perpetual 5 And euen that stable frame of the heauens that endureth so manie ages doth declare that God wil bring to passe and worke that thing which passeth the condition of mankind and the state of al kingdomes but especiallie that companie of holie spirits which celebrate the truth of God 6 For who in those regions that are aboue vs may be compared with the Lord the maker and which of those most mightie spirits shal we saie to be like the Lord 7 For there is none of al these that stand about him which doe not feare at the sight of God and doth not confesse that he is to be reuerenced aboue al. 8 Oh Lord God the emperour of those heauenlie armies who can saie that he is equal to thee in power and thy truth is no lesse stable than thy power is mightie 9 And that thou wilt doe what thou art able for thine thou hast testified now of old when thou hast bridled the raging sea
by thy power and hast stilled the most deepe surges thereof that there might be a passage to thy people 10 And by the same thy mightie arme thou hast cast downe Aegypt euen thine enimies wounded to death 11 And how can it be but thou art able to doe it vnto whome the heauen and the earth as to their onlie Creator are subiect 12 And which hast defended with a certaine special power the land which thou hast chosen and giuen vnto thine For thou certainlie hast appointed the north and south borders thereof and hast set Tabor at the west and Hermon at the east 13 Wherefore seeing thou hast a power neither weake nor idle surelie thou wilt declare thy strength and wilt lift vp thy right hand 14 Finallie thou wilt declare thy selfe in deede to be the King whose throne that most moderate equitie whereby thou gouernest thine assemblie and that seueritie of iudgement whereby thou punishest thine enimies and the enimies of thy people doe hold vp as it were two pillers vnto whome also sitting vpon this throne mercie and truth are seene to stand before him 15 O blessed is the people who being stirred vp with the sound of thy trumpets ô Lord doth go foorth the light of thy countenance shewing them the waie 16 And praising thee dailie and trusting of thy iustice doth reioice 17 For thou art both the honour and also the strength both of them and vs and we lift vp our head trusting vpon thy most merciful goodnes 18 For our defender our king I saie vpon whom we set our eies who is ordeiâ—ed ouer vs by thee ô Lord which hast consecrated and separated thine Israël forth of al people vnto thee is stablished by thy power 19 For thou at what time it pleased thee to bestowe this so great benefite vpon vs didst appeare vnto men whome thou louedst most dearelie and didst speake vnto them in these words I haue raised vp this most valiant man chosen out of the whole people by whose power my people may be defended 20 Dauid I saiâ— hath it pleased me to take onlie out of al the rest whose endeuour I would vse in that busines and therefore haue I consecrated him with my holie oile to be the king 21 Therefore my hand shal establish him with mine arme I saie wil I strengthen him 22 No enimie shal ouercome him by subtiltie neither shal anie wicked man oppresse him by force 23 For I wil destroie al that would oppresse him before his face and I wil staie al his enimies 24 My mercie shal neuer faile him my truth shal neuer forsake him and he trusting to my fauour shal lift vp his head most high 25 I wil cause him to haue one hand vpon the sea and another vpon the flouds 26 And he shal name me his father his God and his safe tower 27 And I wil place him againe as my first begotten sonne in the whole familie of the kings of the whole world euen in a throne most high aboue others 28 I wil defend him with euerlasting mercie and my couenant made with him shal be stable for euer 29 I wil cause that his generation shal be eternal and his throne as stable and euerlasting as heauen it selfe 30 For though his posteritie shal saile from my lawe neither order themselues by the rules of the lawe prescribed vnto them 31 But violate the ordinances that I haue appointed and keepe not my commandements 32 I wil then take the rod and correct their faults and punish their wickednes 33 But I wil not suffer them to be without al sense of my mercie neither wil I therefore breake my promise 34 Nor wil violate my couenant or wil change anie thing of those things that I haue spoken 35 For I the holie one haue once sworne by mine owne selfe If I lie at anie time vnto Dauid 36 His generation shal stand for euer and his throne shal be as the sunne before me 37 And it shal continue euen as the moone in al ages they both being faithful witnesses of this my promise in the heauens 38 Thou hast euen promised these things of old ô Lord how shal I now saie then that it is come to passe that thou being angrie hast refused and cast awaie this thy king 39 Wherefore I praie thee hast thou abrogated thy league made with thy seruant wherefore hast thou laid open to the reproch of al men his crowne cast vpon the ground 40 Al his forts being ouerthrowne and al his fortresses destroied 41 Thou hast laid him open to be spoiled by al that passe by at their pleasure and to be derided of al his neighbours about him 42 Thou hast ministred power and cause of ioie to al his aduersaries 43 Thou hast made blunt the edge of his sword thou hast taken awaie al courage from him that he is not able to stand against the force of his enimie 44 And thou hast blotted out al his honour and hast cast downe his throne euen vnto the ground 45 In the verie flower of his youth thou hast cut off his strength hast couered him with al shame 46 Oh Lord wilt thou withdraw thy selfe from vs for euer shal thine anger thus like a most raging flame breake foorth against vs 47 Remember how short the space of mans life is although it should be the whole time continued And shal we thinke that thou hast made men for no purpose but to take them awaie suddenlie 48 What neede anie violence I praie you to destroie vs seeing there is no man who doth not perish of his owne selfe and no man is able to exempt him selfe from the graue 49 Where are now those thine old benefits ô Lord which thou hast sworne vnto Dauid that they should remaine for euer 50 But to what purpose do I make these complaints Thou knowest most certainelie the purpose of thy counsels and be it far from me that I should doubt of thy fidelitie Onlie I beseech thee ô Lord consider with thy selfe how thy seruants are rebuked especiallie how manie reproches so manie people do vomit into my bosome 51 Euen what these thine enimies rather than ours haue reprochfullie laide vnto thy charge ô Lord and with what ieasting taunts they aunswere those things which are rehearsed by vs of the king and kingdome that thou hast established 52 Howbeit ô Lord howsoeuer these men dote and which waie soeuer thou leadest vs to and fro al land and euerlasting glorie apperteineth vnto thee And so vndoubtedlie without al faile wil it come to passe PSALME XC The Argument Moses doth here preach of the miseries of mankind speciallie of death wherof the Philosophers do teach manie things but falselie and foolishlie For they vnderstoode nothing of the creation of man nor of his fal much lesse of the true comforts against al the miseries of this life Hereof did these wicked voices arise that It was the best either not to be borne at al or to die
do flourish which argument is treated in manie other places it admonisheth least the godlie should turne themselues to folowe the wicked that we may not esteeme the loue or hatred of God by prosperitie or aduersitie or that we should therefore denie the prouidence of God as though anie thing came by chance or yet be discouraged but rather to adore the wisedome of God and his power also who concerning the wicked wil recompence the delaie of the punishment with the greeuousnes thereof but wil defend his that is those that are grafted trulâ—e into the Church euen vnto the end THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HOw excellent a thing is it to praise the Lord and to sing vnto his most high name 2 And to rise in the morning earelie to praise thy goodnes ô God and to praise thy truth at the night as we are admonished both by the morning and euening sacrifices ordeined by thee 3 Vpon the instrument of ten strings vpon the viol and with song and with the harpe 4 For the workes that thou hast done minister an argument of most great ioie vnto me that I can not but with reioicing haue them in admiration 5 For how wonderful are thy workes ô Lord and how secret and hid are the reasons of thy counsels 6 Therefore the foolish and mad men who onlie seeme to themselues and to others to be wise do not perceiue what this thing meaneth 7 That the euil and most wicked men do growe vp and flourish therefore they wickedlie condemne that which they do not vnderstand as though either the state of men were gouerned by chance or that God did fauour wickednes euen because they do not vnderstand that these wicked men are like hearbes so greene and flourishing that streightwaies they die vp by the roots 8 For although these inferiour things be subiect to maruellous changes yet thou the most wise and most iust gouernour of al them sitting on high art not changed but art the same and doest remaine like thy selfe ô Lord. 9 What alteration then of things or time soeuer do fal yet must this end of necessitie folowe that thine enimies thine enimies I saie ô Lord must perish and that al which are obstinatelie bent vpon wickednes because those are thine enimies howsoeuer they flourish for a time in the end shal be scattered and vanish 10 But thou contrariwise wilt lift vp this mine head as it were of an vnicorne being annointed by thee with fresh oile and laden with new benefites continuallie 11 Wherefore there wil be a time when we shal see and heare that this is come vpon them which they deserue who rising out of their ambushments seeke to destroie vs by al meanes 12 But the iust men do not onlie not faint vnder the burthen of miseries but also they gather strength like the palme tree and like those high cedars of Libanus which cannot be consumed with rottennes or age but dailie growe vp more great 13 For they are planted in a most fat and wealthie place euen in the house of the Lord himselfe in the courts whereof let them flourish 14 And that with such power that they may be greene bud foorth and be ful of sap euen in their verie age 15 And this is the onelie end of these benefites and the marke that we may feele and professe the Lord to be our onlie towre and the most righteous gouernour in the world who departeth not one iot from that which is most iust PSALME XCIII The Argument This Psalme trulie is verie short but it conteineth al in one word that is necessarie to confirme our faith when he saith that God reigneth that is to saie that he is a King not in name alone but in verie deede the most mightie defender of his and the auenger of their enimies And seing that the father hath giuen al iudgment to his sonne euen as he is man Iohn 5.22 and the Church is therefore called the kingdome of heauen it is euident that this Psalme hath respect vnto Messiah whose verie true godhead is prooued heereby manifestlie that the name of Jehouah is attributed vnto him THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HOwsoeuer the wicked freat and disturbe al things as much as lieth in them yet reigneth the Lord ful of maiestie and power which thing the verie sight of the heauens do declare Neither doth he sit there idlelie but if we diligentlie consider with how great wisedome and also power he doth gouerne al things howsoeuer they be disordered by the wickednes of men he is alwaies armed with those weapons wherewith he both defendeth his and brideleth their enimies For how can he not do this thing who vpholdeth this huge masse of the verie earth by his onlie power so ballanced that it can neither wauer to the one part nor to the other 2 Therefore is his kingdome much more stable and vnmoueable as it hath alwaies bin and shal be 3 How great is the rage of the flowing waters how terrible is the roaring of the stormes that do rise vp and beate one against another 4 But al these how lowd sounding and raging tempestes soeuer are nothing verelie compared with the infinite power of Iehouah thundering forth of his high throne and repressing al this tumult by his onelie becke and how much more easilie can he calme selie men be they neuer so outragious 5 And the assemblie of the saints which continueth stable now from the beginning of the world declareth the matter to be thus For it is necessarie that the promises made by God should bee sure and altogether vnchangeable Therefore howsoeuer the world doe sreat and how great stormes soeuer it do stir vp against thy house ô Lord that holines ful of most excellent beautie wherewith thou doest adorne it shal be euerlasting PSALME XCIIII The Argument This most excellent Psalme is a displaieng of the tyrannie of Sathan by whose furies the most mightie princes of the world being stirred vp doe violate al the lawes of God and man especiallie when they rise vp against the godlie euen as though there were no God or that he had no prouidence at al of which horrible rage and wickednes the chiefe kingdomes of Europa giue vs an example at this daie But most effectual comforts are afterward annexed drawne forth of the vnchangable nature of God himselfe and of his prouidence and are described with great maiestie the godly are commanded to read and meditate diligentlie the holie scriptures that they may knowe these things whereby they shal vnderstand euen by innumerablâ— and most certaine testimonies that al these tempests and stormes shal turne to the commoditie of the godlie but to the destruction of the wicked the which thing euen the Prophet proueth by his own example and the Church verelie neuer triumphed but vnder the crosse THE PARAPHRASIS 1 SHine vnto vs in so great and horrible confused darknes ô Lord the auenger of wickednes and most iust iudge 2 Go vp vnto thy iudgement seat ô thou
3 For it is he alone who forgiueth al thy sinnes of his vnspeakeable mercie and so plaieng the part of a Physician wiping away the woore of the deadlie woundes wherewith thou wast wounded thorough thy sinnes doth cure the verie diseases themselues to wit euen the original sinnes 4 This is he who when thou wast appointed to death did redeeme thee as his owne and hath adorned thee with benefites as testimonies of his singular goodnes and mercie 5 This is he who vseth to minister vnto thee most abundantlie meate to eate and to renew thee with giuing thee new and new strength like the eagle that liueth most long 6 This is he who being mindful of his promises doth defend the suppliants flieng vnto him for succour and doth punish seuerelie those that do anie iniurie vnto others 7 This is he who declared the waie vnto Moses wherein we should walke and hath preserued Israël shewing so manie miracles 8 This is finallie that Iehouah who euer was most readie to haue compassion vpon the miseries of his people and most readie to pardon them most slowe to anger ful of goodnes and mercie 9 Euen readie to forgiue and not retaining iniuries in memorie 10 For surelie he hath not so dealt with vs as our sinnes did deserue neither hath he rendred punishment agreeable to our wickednesse 11 Naie looke how much more greater the heauen is than the earth both in largenes and in height so much more doth his goodnes excell and as it were swalowe vp their sinnes who being penitent and sorowful for them do feare him 12 So far as the east is distant from the west so far hath he remoued our sinnes from vs. 13 With how great and how louing kindnes the parents are moued towards their children being in anie miserie with so great tender loue doth the Lord embrace those that feare him 14 For he knoweth that we are but earthen vessels he knoweth that our substance is made of the earth 15 For I praie thee vnto what thing rather shalt thou saie that the life of men is like though they flourish neuer so much than like a little plant or a little flower 16 For when as euen the least blast of hurtful weather doth touch this flower it perisheth so that thou canst not easilie knowe the place it selfe wherein it grew a little before 17 Howbeit thus flightsome then is mans life by it owne nature but the euerlasting mercie of God toward them that feare him and that tender affection to preserue his owne which is also extended to their posteritie doth redresse this miserable condition 18 Of them I saie that keepe his couenant and applie themselues diligentlie to obserue the statutes that he hath made 19 Finallie to passe ouer al these his benefites towards vs what honour is not the Lord worthie of whose seate is set in the heauens and whose dominion is stretched forth ouer al things without exception 20 Go to then with me you mightie spirits being his apparitours and the diligent executioners of his wil so soone as ye heare him speake celebrate ye the praises of the Lord. 21 O ye mightie armies of his most obedient souldiers praise the Lord I saie 22 Praise ye the Lord ô al his workes in what place so euer of his dominion you be Finallie thou my deare soule set thou foorth the praise of God PSALME CIIII. The Argument There is onelie this difference betwixt this Psalme and the former that in the other the particular benefites of God towards his Church but in this his general benefits towards al mankind are rehearsed namelie the creation of the world and of euerie part thereof and the gouernance thereof for mans sake both the which things he so amplifieth with such an excellencie of words and grauitie of sentences that nothing can be thought to be spoken either more elegantlie or more learnedlie than this heauenlie poëtical inuention THE PARAPHRASIS 1 PRaise the Lord ô my soule thou surelie my Lord God art ful of maiestie and art so accounted declaring thine honour and glorie wherewith thou art adorned in al thy workes 2 For the Lord shineth wholie as he were cloathed with most bright light the heauens beeing spread round about him as it were a most large and beautiful pauillion 3 He himselfe hath built a chamber vnto himselfe in the verie waters being staid onelie by his power he is caried vpon the cloudes as in a chariot he is caried and walketh vpon the wings of the windes 4 He vseth the windes none otherwise than his messengers and the lightnings as his ministers 5 Thou hast established the masse of the earth also to be vnmoued in her foundations by thy maruelous wisedome and power 6 And thou hadst couered it wholie in the beginning with the deapth of the waters which ran ouer the verie tops of the hils 7 But so soone as thou diddest rebuke them they fled awaie and being afraide by the terrible sound of thunder they departed hastilie 8 Wherefore the hils then did lift vp themselues and the vallies contrariwise did fal downe and go into the place appointed for them 9 But thou diddest shut vp the waters within their bounds that they should neuer returne to couer the face of the whole earth 10 Yet the fountaines and the riuers gathered of them meeting together came foorth to run by the bottoms of the mountaines at thy commaundement 11 Euen that the cattel might drinke of them and the wild asses and other wild beastes might quench their thirst 12 By the which the shril sounding birds should abide and sitting vpon the boughes euerie one should sing his owne tune 13 But on the other side euen from heauen thou waterest the mountaines powring downe raine from thy chambers and by that thy benefite it commeth to passe that the earth as it were drinking drinke to the fil doeth not deceiue the hope of the husbandman 14 That selfe-same power bringeth foorth of the bowels of the earth grasse and manie kinds of hearbs to nourish the beasts which are necessarie for the vse of men finallie it bringeth al kind of nourishment 15 Euen wine wherewith the strength of man is refreshed and oile whereby his face being annointed doth shine and bread wherewith the heart of man is strengthened 16 And also the verie trees of Libanus which we behold so high that it may seeme that God hath set and planted them with his owne hand because they growe so mightilie must attribute it vnto the moisture which the Lord doth send them most plentifullie from the heauens 17 There do the birds build there the storke maketh her house in the high fir trees 18 The tops of the most high hils also are for the goates and the rocks are a refuge for the conies 19 He also hath created the moone to change her forme by certaine seasons and the sunne also to haue the appointed time of his setting 20 And so soone as he setteth the darknes of the night
commeth vpon vs and then verelie the wild reuening beasts creepe foorth of their dens 21 Euen the young lions searching their praie with roring and requiring their meate as it were of God himselfe who hath kept them shut vp in the daie time for mans sake 22 But when the light returneth againe at the sun rising they get themselues into their dens againe as it were by a signe giuen from the heauen 23 So that man may returne vnto his labors which he had lest off and continue his trauel safelie vnto the euening 24 How maruellous therefore are thy works ô Lord how wiselie hast thou made al things with what and how great riches hast thou filled the earth 25 And this wide sea how large is it and how in numerable fishes are there how manie liuing creatures both of smal bodies and of monstrous greatnes doe swim therein 26 The ships also do run there through the seas and those huge beasts created of thee doe leape to and fro through the midst of the flouds as though they would plaie 27 And al these things as they haue receiued life of thee so also they wait for meate of thee wherewith they are nourished in their due time 28 Therefore thou giuest it vnto them and they receiue it and when thou openest thine hands they are satisfied 29 But if at anie time thou withdrawe thy selfe from them they stand euen astonished whilest that thou calling againe that liuelie strength which thou hadst giuen them they die at the length and returne to their dust 30 Yet for al this the kinds of things doe not decaie but whilest thou doest shew foorth that thy power which createth and preserueth al things thou causest that one of thy creatures comming into the place of another the verie face and furniture of the earth is renewed 31 Therefore euerlasting praise be giuen to the Lord and let the Lord continue to take his delight in his owne works 32 He is great I saie and verie mightie at whose angrie countenance the earth it selfe doth shake and tremble and by whome the mountaines being touched doe cast out smoke and flame 33 And as concerning me I wil consume al my life in praising him and so long as I shal remaine aliue I wil praise that my God 34 And would to God that my songs might be so acceptable vnto him as I with glad and cheereful mind doe celebrate his so manie and so great benefits 35 And contrariwise would to God that al the wicked that are stubborne against him might vtterlie be destroied But thou my soule praise thou the Lord and al ye others praise ye God PSALME CV The Argument Jt is euident by 1. Chron. 16. that the author of this Psalme was Dauid and that it was indited for Asaph to be sung when the Arke of the Lord was carried into the citie and there is the same vse of this as of the two former but the argument is diuers in this point that he doth celebrate two peculiar benefits of the Israëlites namelie the free adoption of that people and the bringing in of the same into the land promised Now seeing we haue a couenant more excellent than the former and our true Joshua is gone before into the verie heauen we may wel perceiue besides that now also the rehearsal of those old histories is most ioiful and most profitable so haue we so manie examples both of Gods mercie and truth whereby we may confirme our faith resting vpon the same foundations and are bound also much more than our fathers to celebrate these benefits and to continue in setting foorth the same THE PARAPHRASIS 1 PRaise the Lord cal vpon him and in the hearing of the people shew foorth his works 2 Sing vnto him praise him set foorth his maruellous acts 3 Glorie in his holie name you also that seeke the Lord reioice 4 Come ye vnto the Lord and diligentlie seeke this visible signe and pledge of his power and excellencie namelie this Arke 5 Cal to mind how manie and how great miracles and wonders he hath wrought for your sakes finallie what punishments he hath executed is iudgement of your enimies 6 For we are the children of Abraham his seruant and the ofspring of Iacob whome he hath choses to himselfe 7 And the Lord againe is the gouernour in deed and Lord ouer al the earth but he is our God by a peculiar right 8 Namelie for that he is mindful of that his couenant and word which shal be of force for euer by his commandement 9 Of that couenant I saie which he made first with Abraham and after with Isaac which was confirmed with a solemne oth 10 And further established with Iacob or Israël in these plaine words to stand for an vnchangeable and euerlasting decree 11 I wil giue you this land of Canaan as a possession by right of inheritance measured out by me 12 And that which he promised most freelie he hath perfourmed also most faithfullie For though they were verie few in number and of no strength and liued in that land as strangers 13 And changing their seates oftentimes wandering from nation to nation and remoued from one kingdome to another 14 Yet was it so farre off that he would suffer anie violence to be done vnto them by anie man that he also rebuked kings for their sakes 15 And hath written this decree as it were in these few words Let none touch mine annointed consecrate priests let no man hurt my prophets 16 But afterward he sent a famine vpon the earth as it were called by him and he did breake al the strength of bread that they might al seeme to be readie to perish streightwaies 17 But he sent a man before them when they should go into Aegypt long before by a most maruellous meane farre from al mans wisedome who should prepare them a place to soiourne in euen Ioseph who was first sold as a slaue in Aegypt 18 But afterward he was bound with iron fetters no lesse chained in mind than in bodie 19 Whilest at the last at the time appointed mention was made of him vnto the king and the wisedome which the Lord gaue vnto him did declare what maner of man and how excellent he was 20 Then therefore the king and lord of the Aegyptians did not onelie send messengers and loose him from his bonds 21 But also made him the steward of his court and so appointed the gouernement of al his affaires vnto him 22 Also an absolute authoritie was giuen vnto him ouer al the great princes of Aegypt that he should gouerne the verie magistrates of Aegypt by his wisedome and counsel 23 Therefore came Israël at length into Aegypt and Iacob did soiourne in the countrie of Cham. 24 And the Lord increased his familie there maruellouslie so that they became feareful for this cause vnto the Aegyptians that hated them 25 For God did change their minds against his people that they began to hate
them whome they loued so greatlie before and they now laboured by subtiltie to circumuent them 26 Yet did he neuer forsake them but when their case seemed vtterlie desperate he sent Moses his seruant and Aaron whom he had chosen to succour them 27 And they as they were commanded of God when they were sent did worke those great signes and wonders in the land of Cham. 28 Wherefore the Lord did send darknes vpon the Aegyptians which came so soone as the Lord commanded 29 He turned their waters into bloud and killed their fishes in the verie waters 30 Swarmes of frogs came streightwaie foorth of the earth at his commandement and went into the verie chambers of their king 31 At the voice of his commandement swarmes of flies and lice came foorth in al the coasts of Aegypt 32 He rained downe stones from heauen and horrible flames of lightnings did run through al Aegypt 33 With these darts he beat downe their vines and figtrees and he did breake downe al the trees that were set in those borders 34 By his commandement grashoppers and caterpillers being stirred vp came foorth without number and deuoured euerie herbe and consumed al the fruits of the earth 35 Moreouer he did slaie their first borne that is euen the chiefe of al their families 36 Finallie when al this was done he brought foorth his people loden with gold and siluer al healthful and indued with strength 37 Aegypt was glad at their departure which before was greatlie afraid of them 38 He couered them as they went foorth in the daie time with a cloud against the heat of the sun and in the night least they should wander to and fro he went before them and lead them with the brightnes of a shining firie piller 39 They desired quailes which were giuen at their desire and they were satiate with bread sent downe from heauen 40 God brake the rocks for them whence water did flowe yea euen riuers did run foorth 41 And this did he euen mindful of those things which he the holie one in times past had couenanted with his seruant Abraham 42 Thus then he brought foorth his people to wit his elect glad and ioiful 43 Vnto whom he gaue those countries that were possessed of sundrie people hauing obteined with great ease whatsoeuer the inhabitants thereof had gotten with great trauel and paines 44 Namelie that they being placed there because that the former inhabitants had prophaned the land with filthie superstitions and vile lusts they should obserue the statutes and lawes giuen them of the Lord. Praise ye the Lord therefore PSALME CVI. The Argument J suppose that this Psalme euen as the 126. is to be referred vnto those times when they which were brought from Babylon with Zorobabel or else with Ezra and Nehemiah praied for the residue who notwithstanding were either detained by cowardise or were afraid by the difficultie of the iournie either staied there stil for other causes And the Prophet beginneth at a thankesgiuing for the returne granted vnto that people streight after he descendeth to a plaine confession of the sinnes of the whole nation euen from the deliuerance out of Aegypt expressing also the circumstances euen of the times and places and fullie answering vnto that which we reade in the 9. of Nehemiah where also is repeated oftentimes that which is here set downe in the 4. verse the which would God in this our most miserable age in the which we almost see the patience of the most merciful and mightie God as it were ouercome with such like stubbornnes would God I saie that manie had rather followe this example both publikelie and priuatelie than to be so readie to teare one another in peeces THE PARAPHRASIS 1 PRaise yee the Lord and celebrate his name for he is of most excellent and euerlasting goodnes 2 Who is able to set foorth in words the wonderous works which he hath done for vs who is able sufficientlie to set foorth his praise 3 O blessed is that man who at al times and in what estate soeuer he is neuer declineth from vprightnes and iustice 4 But thou ô Lord be mindful of me of thine vnmeasurable mercie which thou hast alwaies shewed to thy people and regard me to make me partaker of thy saluation 5 That I being a witnes of thy bountie towards thine elect may ioie and reioice together with that thy people which thou hast chosen for thy peculiar heritage 6 We verelie I grant euen as our elders also haue erred haue sinned and haue done wickedlie 7 For to begin the matter from the first original those our fathers neither had anie regard of so manie miracles wrought in Aegypt neither were they mindful of the multitude of thy benefits for they did striue with thee at the red sea 8 Yet God ô the incredible goodnes that he might prouide for his owne glorie and testifie his owne power hath preserued them though most rebellious 9 For he rebuked the sea which incontinentlie dried vp and he led his by the surges of the waters euen as by the drie ground 10 So did they escape safe out of the enimies hands God deliuering them 11 But their oppressors being swallowed vp with the waters did perish so that not one of them remained aliue 12 And the Israëlites being ouercome by this fact began then verelie to beleeue in the Lord and did sing foorth his praises 13 But lo when this was scarse finished when they suddenlie forgetting al these things would not suffer themselues to be gouerned by the wil of God and his counsels 14 But with immoderate lust desired flesh in the wildernes and began to tempt and trie the power of the mightie God 15 Therefore he granted vnto them that thing which they so greedilie desired but to their great hurt for these delicates brought them leanenes and consumption 16 Yea and they went about through enuie to displace Moses himselfe and Aaron that holie priest of the Lord. 17 Therefore the earth gaped and swallowed vp Dathan and couered Abiram with the verie tabernacles 18 But the fire also beginning in the assemblie of the rebellious the flame did burne them vp together suddenlie 19 The same men made a calfe in the mount Horeb and worshipped when they had molten it 20 Changing that their honour and ornament euen the euerliuing God ô miserable men into a dead image of a bullocke that eateth haie 21 And casting awaie the memorie of God the sauiour which had shewed so manie wonders in Aegypt 22 Who had declared so manie miracles vnto them in the land of Cham and had done so horrible things at the red sea 23 Wherefore he was about to destroie them at once but that Moses deerlie beloued of him aboue other setting himselfe before God in the midst of the slaughter restrained his wrath that it should not be fierce to vtter destruction 24 What more when he was about to bring them into the countrie promised they not beleeuing
awaie al the cause of their deadlie disease and restored them to health 21 Let these men therefore praise this his so great mercie before the Lord also and publish his maruelous workes before other mortal men 22 Let them offer the sacrifices of praise vnto the Lord I saie and let them rehearse with great ioie what he hath done for them 23 But they which go vnto the seas by ship and there continue and are occupied in the waters 24 They surelie behold the great workes of the Lord and they may see with their eies how maruelous he doth shew himselfe in the mightie surges of the sea 25 For so sonne as he speaketh the windes do rise and streightwaies stir vp horrible tempests and the seas do swel with the raging stormes 26 The mariners with their ships are now lifted vp to heauen and now rolled downe to the lowe bottomes their minds fainting for feare 27 The whirlewindes do tosse them round about they stagger here and there like dronken men so that neither their cunning nor their strength hath anie place 28 Whome yet calling vnto him in this distresse the Lord deliuereth from these miseries wherwith they were vexed 29 For he which had raised the stormes doth calme them and the raging of the flouds doth suddenlie cease 30 But they when the flouds are asswaged being ioiful are at the length brought by him into the desired hauens 31 Go to then ye also set forth so great mercie of the Lord before him and declare vnto other mortal men his maruelous workes 32 Let these men I saie praise the Lord in the mid multitude of the people standing about them yea let them praise him in the assemblie of their chiefe men 33 For he the same so oft as he pleaseth turneth the wildernes into flouds and the wel warred places into a drie wildernes 34 And he turneth the most fruiteful countries into extreame barrennesse prouoked by the sinnes of the inhabitants 35 Contrariwise he bringeth in againe springs of waters flowing abundantlie vpon the deserts and countries not inhabited for their drinesse 36 And he placeth there men that liue most miserablie before who do also build most populous cities 37 Do sowe the fields do plant vines do reape corne in abundance 38 Euen because he of his singular mercie doth both multiplie them and doth increase their cattel maruelouslie 39 And they againe so doth he change the course of things are diminished and oppressed with anguish and are broken with al kinde of calamitie and miserie 40 He also maketh the princes which were terrible to others before by taking aware al their authoritie most contemptible and despised that they knowe not whither to turne them 41 He also raiseth vp the poore and oppressed and spreadeth their families like a flocke 42 Let al them therefore which are of vpright iudgement behold marke these things and take great pleasure thereof but contrariwise let al the wicked which raile against Gods prouidence being conuicted hold their peace 43 Lo then therefore whosoeuer is desirous of true wisedome let him giue himselfe wholie to consider these things that he may atteine vnto the knowledge of the infinite mercie of the Lord. PSALME CVIII The Argument This Psalme is gathered partlie of the 7 8 9 10 11 verses of the 57. Psalme partlie of the 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 verses of the 60. Psalme where ye may seeke the argument THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Being prepared with my whole heart ô God to praise thee desire to do it both with voice and instruments go to therefore my tongue 2 Go to viol and harpe awake with me in the morning 3 The nations most far off shal heare me publishing thy praises the people shal heare me singing vnto thee 4 For thy goodnes surelie hath extended it selfe vnto the verie heauens and thy truth euen vnto the clouds 5 Declare thy selfe ô God to sit aboue the heauens and shew thy glorie to the whole compas of the earth 6 That they may be deliuered whome thou louest saue them therefore by thy power and heare me 7 And doubtles it wil so come to passe God speaking vnto vs out of his sanctuarie Wherefore I wholie reioice now of the victorie for GOD wil graunt vnto mee that I shal set my kingdome in order and ouercome mine enimies Therefore I wil diuide the fieldes of the Sichemites and wil measure out the vallie of Succoth 8 I wil haue in possession my Gilead and Manasseh beyond Iordan driuing awaie the Gentiles that are about them Ephraim shal be the greatest part of mine armie I wil place the throne of iudgement in Iudah 9 But the strangers how stout soeuer shal do my seruile workes the Moabites shal hold vnder the basen to wash my feete I wil command the Idumëans to take vp my shooes being put off and cast vpon their heads I wil triumph ouer proud Palestina with ioiful acclamations as she hath triumphed ouer vs before 10 But by whose conduct shal I win so manie strong cities and what power shal I rest vpon to come into Idumëa 11 Verelie thou being our captaine and trusting vnto thy power ô my God though thou haue forsaken vs before and hast refused a long space to go before our armies 12 Therfore helpe thou vs ô Lord after the calamities of so manie yeares for the help is vaine that is hoped for of men 13 We trusting onlie vnto God shal do valiantlie he alone wil treade downe our enimies PSALME CIX The Argument This Psalme is written by Dauid with such a terrible and feareful stile as thou canst scarselie finde anie example in the whole scripture like vnto it wherefore it must be vsed in praier and also read with greate iudgement yet is there some vse thereof so that we adde these cautions Namelie first of al that we be not drawne with the spirit of vâ—ngeance or false zeale but that wee seeke rather the glorie of God onlie and that earnestlâ—e and as he himselfe commandeth then least we vse these and such like praiers vnaduisâ—dlie against certaine persons seeing that we can not easilie knowe who do sinne vnto death and we are bound to praie for the repentance and saluation of al. For otherwise that wee may make praiers indefinitelie and with the exception of the sâ—cret iudgements of God being led with the true zeale of God against the enimies who of desperate malice yeeld their seruice vnto Sathan and persecute Christ and his members cruellie with an euil conscience that he wil destroie those euil men as they deserue it is plaine hereby that Christ himselfe commandeth vs dulie to praie that his kingdome may come the which thing verelie can not come to passe but by the ouerthrowing of the kingdome of Antichrist and by destroieng al the desperate enimies of the Gospel and of the true Church Yea of such imprecations conceiued against certaine persons we haue not onelie this example and others also in the Psalmes but
the things that he hath iustlie gotten doe continue 4 That meeke merciful and iust God commandeth the light to arise vnto them that walke vprightlie in the midst of the darknes of calamities 5 A good man is also liberal he lendeth and gouerneth his things vprightlie and iustlie 6 Wherefore he shal neuer fai and his memorie shal be for euer 7 He shal be shaken with no slanders neither with anie euil tidings but setling his hope vpon the Lord shal constantlie confirme himselfe 8 By this meanes his heart being staied he wil couragiouslie wait whilest that he see his aduersaries suffer the iust reward of their wickednes 9 In what state soeuer he is he continueth to be liberal vnto the poore and remaineth iust wherefore he is increased dailie more and more with glorie and honour 10 The wicked seeing this his felicitie wil be greatlie greeued and wil gnash with their teeth but they shal consume awaie al their enterprises being brought to naught PSALME CXIII The Argument The Leuites which were appointed to sing do exhort themselues mutuallie in this Psalme to praise the loue of God towards man testified by manie benefits chieflie toward the miserable and poore such as were Ioseph Moses Dauid and Daniel vnto the which examples doubtles this Psalme hath respect like as that which treateth of the barren women verelie is to be referred to Sara Rebeccah Anna. But in the verie beginning streightwaies we are admonished that these praises are then onlie accepted when they proceed from the seruants of God and are giuen to that true God as he openeth himselfe in his word for this is meant by the name of Iehouah And seeing that the Leuitical priesthood is taken awaie and al we Christians are now consecrate to offer this sacrifice of praise before the throne of God it appeareth that this exhortation doth apperteine to al Christs Church THE PARAPHRASIS 1 PRaise ye praise ye I saie ô ye seruants of Iehouah the name of Iehouah 2 Let the blessed name of Iehouah be praised now and for euer 3 For most iust causes of praising and giuing vnto it al laud do declare themselues from the rising of the sun euerie-where vnto the setting of the same 4 The Lord doubtles hath a more high dominion than al the Gentiles and also he exalteth his glorie aboue the verie heauens 5 Is there anie like vnto the Lord our God which sitteth most gloriouslie in a most high place 6 And yet doth abase himselfe so lowe of his infinite goodnes that he beholdeth gouerneth both the things that are done in heauen and in earth 7 Wherefore this is he that raiseth vp the abiects and exalteth the miserable lieng in the dunghils 8 Whome he placeth among the princes among the princes I saie of his people 9 Finallie he causeth that they that were barren before and without comfort suddenlie being made mothers of manie children were filled with ioie Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXIIII The Argument Jt probable that this elegant and excellent Psalme was sung especiallie in the feast of the passeouer which was appointed peculiarlie to celebrate the deliuerance out of Aegypt and the bringing in of them into the land of promise the which things seeing they were the figures of that true and euerlasting deliuerance by Christ from the most miserable bondage of Sathan sinne and death and of the bringing of vs into the verie heauen it iâ— plainlie perceiued how much more we than the old people are bound to celebrate so great mercie of God especiallie in our holie feast of thankesgiuing THE PARAPHRASIS 1 WHen Israël came out of Aegypt euen the posteritie of Iacob from that cruel people 2 The Lord did consecrate Iudah to himselfe and Israël for a people ouer whom he would chieflie rule 3 The sea did flie at his sight comming foorth of Aegypt least it should hinder his passage Iordan driuing her waters backward made it selfe passeable that he might come ouer 4 The verie mountaines the tops of the rocks as it were the hornes of rams beating together and the hils like lambes did leape 5 And wherefore ô sea diddest thou flie wherefore ô Iordan diddest thou driue back the waters 6 Wherefore ye mountaines like rams and why did ye hils like lambes so leape 7 Verelie it was meete that thou ô earth shouldâ— tremble at the sight of the Lord going before his people at the sight I saie of the God of Iacob 8 Who turned the rocke into pooles euen the head rocke into flowing waters PSALME CXV The Argument This Psalme doth containe an example of publike praiers conceiued with great boldnes for the preseruation of the Commonwealth against prophane nations though it is not euident what battel this was and to what times this Psalme is to be referred I do applie it to the historie of Iehosaphat 2. Chron. 20. or else suppose that it was indited for the Chuâ—ch generallie to some such vse Now besides manie excellent sentences it conteineth a notable comparison of the true God with the false and it teacheth furthermore verie plainlie that the last and chiefe end of our praiers ought to be not anie commodities of our owne but the onlie glorie of the true God THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THat we desire deliuerance out of this peril of thee ô Lord be it far from vs that we should aske it as due vnto anie righteousnes of ours neither that anie glorie or dignitie should arise thereof to vs but that rather thou shouldest prouide for thine owne name that is to saie that it may appeare plainlie thereby how liberal thou art in promising and how true in perfourming thy promises 2 For I beseech thee why doest thou suffer these men anie longer to aske in derision Where is their God 3 Our God ô cursed men of whome ye demand where he is is in the heauens indued with far greater maiestie than anie earthlie prince by whose power and also most free wil al things were created in the beginning and are euen now gouerned 4 But your idols if the matter be considered are gold and siluer and therefore dead things without al sense but if regard be had of the workmanship they are made by the hands of men 5 They haue a mouth and are dumbe what can they then answere you they haue eies and are blind what can they then see what is done here 6 They haue eares and are deafe wherefore then do ye powre out praiers vnto them they haue noses and smel nothing wherevnto then serueth the perfume and smel of sacrifices 7 They haue hands but touch nothing what can they then giue you they haue feet and can not go how then can they make haste to helpe you 8 And to speake al at one word what letteth it but that you your selues that worship them be as witlesse and senselesse as the verie stocks stones in whome ye trust 9 But thou Israël trust in the Lord the sure shield and defender of al them
citie whom soone after at the persuasion of the priestes and elders they refused with so great outrage And the same state that was then of the head must be now also of the members so that it is no maruel though the godlie professors of the truth be reiected as blasphemers and Heretikes euen of those which would be counted the chiefe builders of the Church and at length also to be deliuered vp to Pilates to be crucified but yet againe that corner stone can neuer be ouerthrowne nor yet the building that is lud vpon it can by anie force policie or subtiltie be destroied THE PARAPHRASIS 1 OH acknowledge and declare ye openlie that the Lord is good for his bountious goodnes is for euer 2 Let Israël now confesse this thing for his bountious goodnes is for euer 3 Let the stocke of Aaron now confesse this that his louing kindnes is perpetual 4 Let al the sincere worshippers of the Lord now confesse this that his louing kindnes is perpetual 5 I doubtles being a notable example of his vnspeakable bountie haue not ceased as ye knowe to cal vpon him in my greatest extremitie and he as ye your selues see hauing heard me hath exalted me into this most large roome 6 Wherefore I hauing experience that the Lord worketh for me and that he is so neere at hand vnto me God forbid that I should feare the power or the threats of anie man 7 For the Lord himselfe is the chiefe leader of those that helpe me so that I can not doubt at al but that I shal see with these mine eies those enimies which remaine iustlie punished of him 8 Oh! how far better is it to trust in the Lord than in man 9 How far better is it to trust in the Lord than in anie men how excellent soeuer they be 10 Behold manie nations compasse me about but I calling vpon the Lord shal most vndoubtedlie destroie them 11 They compasse me in I saie they beset mee round about but calling vpon the Lord I shal most vndoubtedlie destroie them 12 Mine enimies in great multitudes compasse me like swarmes of bees but I shal forthwith stifle them as though they were cast into the fire and calling vpon the Lord I shal most vndoubtedlie destroie them 13 For in deede before the most cruel enimie did so sore thrust at me that I seemed euen now readie to fal but as I was falling the Lord supported me 14 Therefore I account him mine onlie strength I knowledge him to be my sauiour and praise him in my song 15 Hereof come those voices of those that sing and reioice together with me out of their tabernacles Now doubtles the Lord hath aduanced the power of his most strong right hand 16 The Lord hath now exalted that his right hand Now the Lord hath shewed forth the power of his most strong right hand 17 Behold me then that am yet aliue and about to set forth the workes of God 18 For though he hath striken me verie sore yet hath he spared my life 19 I praie thee therefore let that gate now at the length be open vnto me which onlie the louers of righteousnes must go vnto that I being entred thither may praise the Lord. 20 For it is consecrate vnto the Lord therefore is it open to the iust alone 21 Here wil I praise thee ô Lord because thou giuing eare hast deliuered me 22 For the stone which the verie chiefe builden haue so stubbornlie as yet reiected as nothing fit is not onlie now counted in the building but euen as a principal it vpholdeth the whole weight of the verie building 23 Verelie it is a worke of God in deede which maketh al the beholders thereof to be amazed 24 Go to them seeing the Lord hath commanded this most ioiful daie to shine vnto vs let vs passe it wholie in mirth becomming Saints 25 I beseech thee ô Lord preserue the King that is giuen vs from heauen I praie thee I saie I praie thee ô LORD giue the King al prosperitie 26 Let him haue prosperitie and blisse that commeth to gouerne vs in the name and commandement of GOD we wish prosperitie to you also that are the neerer inhabitants of the house of the Lord. 27 Iehouah is the onelie God who shineth vnto vs bind ye the lambe with cords that is brought to the hornes of the altar 28 Thou art my God I wil praise thee thou art my God I wil sing thy praises most lowd 29 Confesse that the Lord is exceeding good for his bountious goodnes is euerlasting PSALME CXIX The Argument This is the principal end of this Psalme which the longer it is the more excellent it is and it is written with two and twentie Octonaries that is euerie part hauing eight verses whereof euerie one beginneth at one particular letter of the Hebrue alphabet that men might be entised to the careful studie of the heauenlie doctrine And the whole treatise is set foorth partlie generallie of absolute and certaine positions or sentences and partlie of special and more particular considerations the Prophet setting downe himselfe for example to them that he teacheth and mixing praiers complaintes comforts and thankesgiuings throughout the Psalme And the whole doctrine may be brought to these foure principal heads 1 That those things are signified by the name of the heauenlie doctrine which are reuealed of God himselfe and comprehended in the holie scriptures whether we vnderstand that part which commandeth that which wee ought to do and forbiddeth the contrarie the name of the Lawe beeing taken in a more streight signification or whether we vnderstand that other part wherein it is taught what wee must beleeue to saluation the which we call the Gospel 2 That this doctrine is declared from heauen not that wee should comprehend it in our vnderstanding onelie but that euerie one should folowe it with an earnest care without fainting as the rule of his whole life 3 That we may be both willing and able to embrace and folowe it wee must of necessitie praie for the spirit of God which may both driue awaie darkenes from our vnderstanding and amend our affections that are wholie corrupted 4 Though the world beeing terrified partlie with the feare of dangers partlie with the greatnes of calamities and partlie also deceiued with a fained shew of profit doth rather go some other waie yet they onelie do wiselie which sticke vnto that waie which is set downe in the word of God what difficulties so euer do offer themselues in this life so that at the last they shal haue the fruition of true and euerlasting life THE PARAPHRASIS Octonarie I. 1 O Blessed are they that are of an vpright and blamelesse life who walke after the rule of the doctrine prescribed by the Lord 2 Blessed are they I saie who do obserue that which he hath testified to please him who do seeke him sincerelie and carefullie 3 Doubtles they are not giuen to wickednes neither bend
worke yet is it of far lesse importance than the saluation of thy people in the frame of the heauen I meane that there is as it were ingrauen a sure stabilitie of that thing which thou hast once spoken Wherefore though the companie of the godlie be tossed with infinit tempests vpon the earth yet shal it be firme and stable the which thing thou hast opened by thy word to be determined by thee of the euerlasting rest thereof in the heauens 90 Surelie thy truth shal faile in no age for euen that bodie of the earth doth so remaine as it was established by thee vpon her foundations 91 And al these things doe so continue as they were ordeined and appointed by thee from the beginning obeieng thee doubtles as their Lord. 92 But if I had not learned these things of the doctrine that thou hast deliuered vnto vs whereof doubtles I did take a maruellous pleasure verelie I had perished alreadie being ouerwhelmed with calamities 93 Therefore be it far away from me that I should forget thy commandements at anie time vnto whome I confesse that I doe owe my life 94 Saue me therefore seeing I am thine and a diligent obseruer of thy statutes 95 For the wicked do labour for this with al their power that they may destroie me but I giue my selfe wholie to consider those things which thou hast testified vnto vs. 96 For I see al the most absolute perfect works to come to an end onelie thy precepts are prolonged without measure and without anie end THE PARAPHRASIS Octo. XIII 97 O How do I loue thy doctrine surelie I consume whole daies in meditating of the same 98 And I doe find by experience that I haue not done this in vaine for I haue prooued to be much wiser by thy precepts than al mine aduersaries of how great dignitie or authoritie soeuer for I haue obteined a wisedome that wil neuer forsake me 99 Yea thou hast made me better learned than my verie teachers and maisters euen because I haue giuen my selfe wholie not to mans inuentions but to meditate those things onlie which thou hast giuen vnto vs for sound learning 100 Finalie I was more skilful than anie of the ancient euen because I was bent not onlie to knowe thy cōmandements but also to keepe them indeed 101 For I held backe my feete that I should not go the way that leadeth vnto euil but that I should alwaies rather hold the waie which thou hast taught vs by thy mouth 102 Neither did I turne from thy lawes but rested vpon thee my teacher and admonisher 103 And surelie I felt thy words more pleasant and sweet to my mouth than if I had tasted honie 104 Finallie thy precepts haue taught me true wisedome and therefore I abhor the other rules of the order of life as wicked and false THE PARAPHRASIS Octo. XIIII 105 WHerefore that thy word hath bene and shal be like a torch shining before me as I go and as a light shewing my path vnto me 106 For so haue I sworne euen by an oth that I would doe and that I would keepe thy most iust lawes the which thing I wil perfourme in deede 107 And thou againe ô Lord keepe me safe which am maruellouslie vexed as thy word promiseth 108 O Lord let the vowes and free promises of my mouth be accepted of thee and teach me thy lawes more and more 109 Behold my life is exposed to al casualties as though I did carrie it in my hand yet haue not I forgotten thy lawe 110 The wicked haue laid snares for me yet haue not I wandered from thy precepts 111 Those things that thou hast testified vnto vs are in the stead of an euerlasting inheritance that can neuer be alienate neither doe I take anie pleasure anie-where but of them onelie 112 Finalie I haue bound my whole hart for euer euen to my last gaspe to obserue thy statutes THE PARAPHRASIS Octo. XV. 113 I Abhorre the wauering and wanderers to and fro in religion and I account thy doctrine most deere 114 Thou art my refuge where I may hide my selfe thou art my shield whilest I rest vpon those things that thou hast said vnto me 115 Hence from me ye wicked that I may keepe the precepts of my God so much more purelie 116 Vphold thou me ô Lord as thou hast promised to doe otherwise I perish and doe not shame me by making my hope frustrate 117 But rather strengthen thou me that I safelie escaping may applie my selfe continuallie to thy statutes with great ioie 118 For verelie thou doest tread vnder foote prostrate vpon the earth al them that go astraie from thy statutes and their craft doth vanish 119 Thou doest cast awaie I saie al the wicked whereof this world is ful like drosse therefore is nothing more pleasant vnto me than the testimonie of thy wil. 120 Yet doe I wholie tremble for feare of thee and for that thy seueritie against the wicked THE PARAPHRASIS Octo. XVI 121 LEt them shameleslie imagine what they lust I haue so behaued my selfe that no man can worthilie complaine of me that I haue committed anie thing against him contrarie to right and equitie doe not deliuer me therefore I beseech thee to the lust of the slanderers 122 But rather laieng a pawne for my sake regard that I be not oppressed by these proud men 123 For my verie eies do faile me waiting for the deliuerance alreadie promised vnto me and for the perfourmance of thy most iust word 124 Neither when I desire this doe I desire anie thing that I haue deserued but this one thing rather that thou wouldest haue mercie vpon me thy poore seruant and teach me thy statutes 125 Go to I beseech thee seeing I am thy bond-seruant grant this vnto me that I may vnderstand and embrace those things that thou hast testified vnto vs so as it is conuenient 126 For the time it selfe requireth ô Lord that thou laie thy hand to the worke seeing that these men haue vtterlie ouerthrowne thy doctrine 127 But contrariwise thy precepts are more pretious vnto me than anie gold how much soeuer 128 For I doe affirme that al thy commandements are a most certaine rule of equitie and I abhor as a thing appointed to deceiue vs whatsoeuer leadeth vs from them THE PARAPHRASIS Octo. XVII 129 OH the maruellous things that are comprehended in those words that thou testifiest vnto vs so that I haue most iustlie giuen my selfe wholie to consider them most attentiuelie 130 For vnto them that enter within the threshold onelie to heare thee a certaine vnspeakeable light doth offer it selfe to be seene not so much dazeling the minds with glittering as lightening them with a ioiful brightnes and instructing them that knowledge their owne ignorance with true wisedome 131 Wherefore I haue greedilie swallowed thy precepts as thirstie men vse desiring them most earnestlie 132 Looke vpon me therefore and haue compassion on me that pant for breath
Christian faith as the Apostle doth testifie and interprete it Rom. 4.6 that is to saie that al our blessednes doth consist in the free forgiuenes of our sinnes For al other religions do deceiue men in this point chiefelie that they teach them to seeke saluation at their owne righteousnes which can no where be found But in the Gospel onlie Christ that our onlie mediator is declared vnto vs to be made righteousnes of God his Father The Prophet doth also teach in thâ—â— Psalme that this doctrine doth not bring in a foolish and careles securitie as the Papistes do falselie slaunder it as though the free imputation of the iustice of Christ should abolish the care and endeuour to do good workes For he contrariwise doth declare that the spirit of regeneration is alwaies annexed with the gift of righteousnes by imputation which is receiued by faith which doth kindle in the hearts of them that are iustified an earnest loathing of sinne hope true obedience and other vertues Whereof this followeth that the conscience being pacified doth enioie a true and perpetual ioie what stormes soeuer do arise Therfore this Psalme doth differ from the first because it sheweth the chiefe effectes whereby a man may be knowne to be blessed but thâ—â— doth declare the cause of that blessednes and also of the effects and by this consideration may Paule and Iames be reconciled THE PARAPHRASIS 1 BLessed is that man verilie whome being oppressed with the burthen of his sinne the Lord doth raise vp and whose offences are couered by Gods mercie 2 That man I saie verilie is blessed to whome the Lord doth not impute that which he hath done amisse and whose heart is free from falshood and hypocrisie 3 I do speake by experience for by dulling mine owne conscience and deceiuing my selfe at the length I came to this point that I did fal downe consuming whole daies in mourning in vaine and al my strength was wasted 4 For the weight of thy hand did oppresse me day and night more and more so that I being as it were burnt vp with the heate of the Sunne did lie parched and as it were without life 5 At the length therefore ô Lord I fullie determined with my selfe to confesse my selfe willinglie and plainlie guiltie before thee and to declare my sinnes and disclose al my wickednes without anie dissimulation the which thing so soone as I had done thou hast forgiuen me al mine offence 6 So must al they do whome thou receiuest to thy fauour euen to aske forgiuenes of thee taking the oportunitie of time when thou maiest be found for so shal it be that the flouds of great waters although they rage yet shal they neuer come neare them 7 Thou therefore art my refuge vnder the which I being hid do feare none euil that I being safe vnder thy defence may praise thee my Sauiour 8 Come hither therefore whosoeuer desirest to be blessed I wil teach thee what waie thou oughtest to walke and I wil direct thee faithfullie and neuer remoue mine eie from thee 9 Take heede ye be not like horses and mules beastes without reason striking with the heeles whose mouthes your selues do vse to bridle with bittes and snaffles least they rage against you 10 So are they in danger of infinite punishments whosoeuer go on in their sinnes contrariwise al they that turne to the Lord are compassed about with his goodnes on euerie side 11 Wherefore be glad and reioice in the Lord al ye righteous al ye I saie that loue righteousnes sing forth his praises PSALME XXXIII The Argument Nothing can be spoken more notablie than this Psalme wherein we are admonished to consecrate our whole life to the singing and setting forth the praises of God the which thing if men were persuaded to doe nothing were more happie vpon earth than mans life as by the contempt of the which doctrine it commeth to passe that nothing is more miserable than it But chieflie the order of this Psalme is maruelous for first it teacheth that sacrifices of praiers are not acceptable vnto God except the puritie of the heart do go before the word of the mouth to the which end also the lawes of outward purifiengs tended it addeth afterward that God is to be praised not for fashion sake but seriouslie and earnestlie then it bringeth most weightie reasons as wherwith almost the verie stones ought to be moued much lesse that men for whose sakes al this whole world was made should not do their dutie Wherefore it setteth forth in the beginning the wonderful wisedome and gratious goodnes of God which appeareth three manner of waies in the workemanship of the world namelie both in the creation thereof and also in the order of euerie part thereof and lastlie in such a maruelous gouerning of it so that al creatures especiallie man that is endued with reason and vnderstanding ought almost to tremble when he considereth these things Furthermore it goeth to a peculiar consideration of the prouidence and bountie of God in the presâ—ruation of mankind For although troublesome men do infinite waies seeke to destroie and ouerthrowe themselues yet God continueth to defend them hindering and bringing to naught the endeuours and practises of those that are seditious And the prophet doth ioine also some sentences against the madnes of those men which sticke in secondarie causes and against the doting follie of others who dreame that al things are carried about by fortune to the which things they binde the prouidence and mightie power of God But the third place is especialie to be noted wherein he speaketh of that peculiar loue wherewith he doth most mightilie pres rue through his mercie his Church most desperatelie assaulted by mightie and most cruel enimies against al calamities that do inuade them and againe he expresseth in few words which is the true Church that God wil neuer forsake that is to saie euen the assemblie of those which worship him truelie and boast of no merites of their owne but possessing their owne soules in hope and silence do looke to his mercie alone THE PARAPHRASIS 1 YOV that loue righteousnes magnifie the Lord for it is meete that he be praised altogither of them that loue iustice and goodnes 2 Praise ye the Lord therefore and sing vnto him with al kind of instruments 3 Sing hymnes I saie and psalmes one after another and testifie your ioie with most cheareful and lowd voices 4 For this most beautiful order of the whole world made and appointed by his word and ordinance whereof euerie part doth manifestlie testifie how great both his power and constancie is doth require the same of you 5 Againe I beseech you consider what iust and due order and moderation is manifestlie to be seene in his gouernement of the world so that the whole earth is ful and doth abound with his goodnes and bountie 6 Furthermore that al these things began to appeare and haue their being of nothing