a ribbe of his side to be his mate and vnseparable companion as man and wife ioyned in Mariage with Gods blessing for increase and multiplication As appeareth in the two first chapters of this booke But God hauing made man right he intangled him selfe â—â— holie Scripture speaketh with infinite questions For the diuel enuying mans felicitie inâ—â—gled our mother Eâ—e with questions and lies and then by her first seduced and deceiued allured also Adam to the transgression of Gods commandment And so they lost original iustice which Adam had receiued for him selfe and al mankind and al proceeding from them by natural propagation are borne the children of wrath in original sinne contracted from Adam slaues of the diuel not only subiect to temporal death but also are excluded for euer from heauenly blisse and glorie except by Christs redemption particularly applied they be restored to grace iustice in this life And touching Adam and Eue whose sinne was not original but actual directly committed by them selues Gods mercie so reclamed them by new grace that they despared not as Cain and some orhers did afterwards but with hope of remission were sorie and penitent and accordingly receiued penance and redemption For God brought Adam from his sinne as holie writte testifieth and the same is collected of Eue God shewing the like signes of his prouident mercie towards them both of which we shal by and by note some for example Now let vs see the more principal points of faith and Religion professed and obserued by the Church of God before Noes floud First they beleeued in one Eternal and Omnipotent God who made the whole world and al things therin of nothing which is easely confessed of al that are not plaine Atheists and may be proued against them by reason And therfore Adam and other Patriarches could not erre in this Article nor others be ignorant therof except they were very wicked The Mysterie also of the Blessed Trinitie three Diuine Persons in one God though farre aboue the reach of mans reason yet was beleued more expresly by somâ— more implied by others and conserued from age to age by tradition at least amongst the chiefe heades and leaders wherupon Moyses afterwardes insinuated the same great Mysterie by diuers wordes and phraseâ— writing of God and his workes The two wordes God created if they be rightly considered importe so much For the word Elohim God in the plural number signifyeth pluralitie of Persons for manie Gods it can not signifie seeing there is but one God and the verbe bara created in the singular number signifyeth one God in nature and substance albeit three Persons For whatsoeuer God doth in creatures is the worke of the whole Trinitie though holie Scriptures do oftentimes appropriate some worke to one Diuine Person some to another which also proueth distinction of Persons in God So the wordes God created heauen and earth signifie the Father to whom powre is attributed In the beginning signifie the Sonne to whom wisdome is appropriated and the words The Sprite of God moued ouer the waters signifie the Holie Ghost by whose bountiful goodnes the waters were made fruictful Likewise Gods owne wordes Let vs make man signifie the pluralitie of Persons and Image and likenes in the singular number signifie one God Men also knew by faith manie things perteyning to them selues As that the bodie was made of the slime of the earth the soule not produced of anie thing formerly existing but created immediatly of nothing and naturally immortal that the soule of Adam was indued with grace and iustice that he fel from that happie state by yelding to tentation and breaking Gods commandment of abstinence that for the same sinne Adam and Eue were cast forth of Paradise and al mankind subiect to death and other calamities For remedie against sinne restauration to grace they beleeued in Christ promised to be borne of the womans seede who by his death should conquer the wicked serpent deliuer man from captiuitie and restore him to spiritual life And this is the cause of the perpetual enmitie betwen the woman especially the most blessed Virgin Mother of whom Christ tooke flesh and the serpent and betwen her seede the spiritual children of Christ and the serpents seede the whole companie of the wicked Of this battle and conquest Targhum Hierosolimitanum thus speaketh There shal be remedie and health to the children of wemen but to thee o serpent there shal be no medicine yea they shal tread thee vnder their feete in the latter dayes by the powre of Christ their King Likewise Gods familiar conuersation with diuers men in mans shape Gen. 2. 3. 4. 6. and 7. was a signe of Christs incarnation And The Sacrifices immolated did prefigurate his death in respect wherof it is said in the Apocalips The Lambâ— was slaine from the beginniing of the world But more expresly S. Paul testifieth that Abel Enoch and Noe beleeued in Christ naming them for example of the first age and others of other times and in the end concludeth that manie more being approued by the same faith receiued not the promise to wit in their life time God prouiding that they without others of the new Law should not be consummate that is not admitted into heauenlie ioyes fruition of God vntil the way of eternal glorie were opened by our Lords Passion and Asâ—ension Neither did the true seruants of God in those first dayes only beleeue in hart but they also professed their saith Religion by external Rites namely in offering of Sacrifice the most special homage seruice to God which is clerly testified cha 4. as wel bloudie in figure of Christs Passion as vnbloudie in figure of the holie Eucharist Also the accepting of the one rightly offered by Abel reiecting the other not donne sincerly by Cair was declared by external signes which Cain disdayning and enuying his brothers good worke knowing his owne to be naught of mere malice killed his brother Besides Sacrifice they had also other Rites in publique Assemblies praying and inuocating the name of our Lord in more solemne maner from Enos time and so forvvard according to that is recorded of him in the end of the fourth chapter for douteles Adam Abel and Seth did also pray and call vpon God and therfore it was some addition or increase of solemnitie in the seruice of God which is referred to Enos They had moreouer other ceremonies of the seuenth day particularly blessed and sanctified by God kept holie by Adam and other Patriarches as Abben Ezra witnesseth in his commentaries vpon the tenne commandements Of abstayning from meates for it semeth the more godlie sorte did eate no flesh before the floud which was after permitted Obseruation of cleane and vncleane beastes for Sacrifice Of peculiar places dedicated to religious vses where people mette together to pray Likwise diuers
death of his Saincts Hence also is proued that seeing in this life the good are afflicted and the bad oftentimes prosper temporally there must nedes be an other Court of exact Iustice and an other Reaconing day wherin euerie one shal receiue according as they haue donne good or euil which was sufficiently intimated by Gods discussing and manifesting Abels and Cains deserts which were hidden before and in part rewarding them accordingly yet reseruing the ful reward of the one and punishment of the other to the next world Of the Iudge and his sentence Enoch alleadged by S. Iude the Apostle proficied clerly saying Behold our Lord cometh in his holie thousands to doe iudgement aganst al and to reproue al the impions of al the workes of their impietie wherby they haue donne impiously and of al the hard things which impious sinners haue spoken against him Thus holie Enoch preached touching the wicked which thought there was no Iudgement to come nor Iudge to be feared At this Iudgement al shal appeare in bodie and soule returning to life For that Al men shal rise from death is proued by the immortalitie of mans soule which God did not make nor produce of corruptible matter but immediatly Breathed into his face the breath of life and man became a liuing soule so the soule being immortal and hauing a natural inclination to the bodie mans natural perfection requireth the coniunction of bodie and soule for neither soule nor bodie separated is a man but both ioyned in one subsistence are a man in so much that mankind should perish except the bodies shal rise againe and liue with the soules And then shal the bodies be qualified according to the state of the soules happie or miserable for euer Of Eternal life the translation of Enoch is a figure For seeing God preserueth his corruptible bodie so long from death and infirmitie it is a token and manifest signe that by the same powre of God the bodies of men shal at last day after that al men are once dead rise againe and remaine with the soules for euer The good in Eternal ioy the wicked in Eternal paine Both signified by the custodie of the gate of Paradise by Angels who for euer kepe out these that are stil defiled with sinne and so they depart into fire euerlasting and admit the innocent and iust into the kingdome of heauen which is euerlasting ioy and perfect felicitie Thus we see the face and briefe summe of Religion in the beginning of the world til the floud and the state of the Church which was alwayes Visible consisting of men good and bad with a continual Succession of Rulers as wel spiritual as temporal For the first borne were both Priestes and Princes in euerie familie And amongst the same one euer chief of al. From which ranke Cain was excluded or rather excluded him selfe by Going forth from the face of our Lord. Wherupon holie Moyses râ—â—teth this Monarchical succession of one chiefe and Supreme Head from Adam by the line of Seth Enos Cainan Malaleel Iared Enoch Mathusala Lamech and Noe. Neuertheles he setteth downe also the progenie of Cain the first beginner of a worldlie schismatical and heretical conuenticle opposite to the Citie of God He denied Gods prouidence as Thargum Hierosolomitanum testifieth protesting to Abel That there was no Iustice nor Iudge nor other world then this no reward for vertue nor punishment for sinne and so desperatly he killed Abel of these negatiue principles proceeded other like detestable opinions and most wicked life sauage and barbarous crueltie and al kind of impietie And in processe of time albeit manie remained in true faith and vnitie of the Church yet by conuersation with such miscreantes especially by occasion of Mariages betwen the faithful and infidels almost the whole world was corrupted in maners But Noe was iust and perfect In punishment therefore of so great and enormious sinnes God sent the general floud wherby al Cains progenie and al other infidels were wholly destroyed and extinguished and the true Church notably purged onlie iust Noe and his familie reserued By whom the same true Church was continued and the world againe replenished with men CHAP. VIII The waters diminishing by litle and litle 6. Noe sendeth forth a crow 8. after him a doue thrise 18. lastly goeth forth with al that were with him in the arke 20. erecteth an Altar and offereth Sacrifice AND God remembred Noe and al the beasts and al the cattle which were with him in the arke and brought a winde vpon the earth and the waters decreased †And the sountaines of the depth and the floud gates of heauen were shut vp and the rayne from heauen was stayd †And the waters returned from the earth going comming and they begane to decrease after a hundred fiftie dayes †And the arke rested the seauenth moneth the seauen twentith day of the moneth vpon the mountaines of Armenia †But the waters for al that were going and decreasing vntil the tenth moneth for in the tenth moneth the first day of the moneth the topps of the mountaines appeared †And after that fourtie dayes were passed Noe opening the windowe of the arke which he had made let forth a crowe †which went forth and did not returne til the waters were dried vpon the earth †He sent forth also a doue after him to see if the waters were ceased yet vpon the face of the earth †Which finding not where her foote might rest returned to him into the arke for the waters were vpon the whole earth and he stretched forth his hand and caught her and brought her into the arke †And hauing expected yet seauen moe dayes againe he let forth a doue out of the arke †But she came to him at euentide carrying a bough of an oliue tree that had greene leaues in her mouth Noe therfore vnderstood that the waters were ceased vpon the earth †And he expected yet neuertheles other seauen dayes and he sent forth a doue which returned not any more vnto him †Therfore in the sixt hundred and one yeare the first moneth the first day of the moneth the waters were cleane diminished vpon the earth and Noe opening the roofe of the arke looked and sawe that the face of the earth was dried †In the second moneth the seuen twentyth day of the moneth the earth was dried †And God spake to Noe saying †Goe forth of the arke thou thy wife thy sonnes and the wiues of thy sonnes with thee †Al cattle that are with thee of al flesh as wel in soules as in beastes al creepers that creepe vpon the earth bring out with thee goe yee vpon the earth increase and multiplie vpon it †Noe therfore went forth and his sonnes his wife and the wiues of his sonnes with him
are saide of thee ô cittie of God †I wil be mindeful of Raab and Babylon knowing me Behold the foreners and Tyre the people of the Aethiopians these were there †Shal it not be said of Sion Man and man is borne in her and the Highest himselfe founded her †Our Lord wil declare in scriptures of peoples and of princes of those that haue bene in her †The habitation in thee is as it were of al reioycing PSALME LXXXVII A faithful person sore and long afflicted lamentably complaineth praying God 15. not stil to repel him being leift desolate 19. without al consolation of freindes A Canticle of a Psalme to the children of Core vnto the end for Maheleth to answer of vnderstanding to Eman the Ezrahite O †Lord the God of my saluation in the day haue I cried and in the night before thee †Let my prayer enter in thy sight incline thine eare to my petition †Because my soule is replenished with euils and my life hath approched to hel †I am accounted with them that descend into the lake I am become as a man without helpe †free among the dead as the wounded sleeping in the sepulchres of whom thou art mindeful no more and they are cast of from thy hand †They haue put me in the lower lake in the darke places and in the shadowe of death †Thy furie is confirmed vpon me and al thy waues thou hast brought in vpon me †Thou hast made my familiars far from me they haue put me abomination to themselues I was deliuered and came not forth †myne eies languished for pouertie I cried to thee ô Lord al the day I stretched out my handes to thee †Wil t thou doe meruels to the dead or shal phisicians raise to life and they confesse to thee †Shal any in the sepulchre declare thy mercie and thy truth in perdition †Shal thy meruelous workes be knowne in darkenes and thy iustice in the land of obliuion †And I ô Lord haue cried to thee and in the morning shal my praier preuent thee †Why doest thou o Lord reiect my prayer turnest away thy face from me †I am poore and in labours from my youth and being exalted humbled and troubled †Thy wrathes haue passed vpon me and thy terrours haue trubled me †They haue compassed me as water al the day they compassed me together †Thou hast made frend and neighboure far from me and my familiars because of miserie PSALME LXXXVIII Gods mercie and truth with his great promises to Dauid 6. his powre in the whole world and iust iudgements are the true ioy of his seruantes 20. Christs kingdom shal remaine for euer 31. yea manie offending yet al shal not perish 39. but after great affliction 47. God wil respect mans infirmitie 50. his owne promise and the enimies reproching his seruantes and himselfe 53. who is blessed for euer Of vnderstanding to Ethan the Ezrahite THe mercies of our Lord I wil sing for euer In generation and generation I wil shewe forth thy truth in my mouth †Because thou saidst Mercie shal be built vp for euer in the heauens thy truth shal be prepared in them †I haue ordained a testament with mine elect I haue sworne to Dauid my seruant †for ever wil I prepare thy seede And I wil build thy seat vnto generation and generation †The heauens shal confesse thy meruelous workes ô Lord yea and thy truth in the church of saintes †For who in the cloudes shal be equal to our Lord shal be like to God among the sonnes of God †God who is glorified in the counsel of saintes great and terrible ouer al that are round about him †O Lord God of hoastes who is like to thee thou art mightie ô Lord and thy truth round about thee †Thou rulest ouer the powre of the sea and the mouing of the waues therof thou doest mitigate †Thou humbledst the proud one as one wounded in the arme of thy strength thou hast dispersed thine enimies †The heauens are thine and the earth is thine the round earth and the fulnes therof thou hast founded †the north and the sea thou hast created Thabor and Hermon shal reioice in thy name †thy arme is with might Let thy hand be confirmed and thy righthand exalted †iustice and iudgement is the preparation of thy seat Mercie and truth shal goe before thy face †blessed is the people that knoweth iubilation Lord they shal walke in the light of thy countinance †and in thy name they shal reioyce al the day and in thy iustice they shal be exalted †Because thou art the glorie of their streingth and in thy good pleasure shal our horne be exalted †Because our protection is of our Lord and of the holie one of Israel our king †Then didst thou speake in vision to thy saintes and saidst I haue put helpe on the mightie one and haue exalted an elect one of my people †I haue found Dauid my seruant with myne holie oyle haue I anointed him †For mine hand shal helpe him and myne arme shal strengthen him †The enimie shal nothing preuale in him and the sonne of iniquitie shal not adde to hurt him †And I wil cut downe his enimies before his face and them that hate him I wil put to flight †And my truth and my mercie with him and in my name shal his horne be exalted †And I wil put his hand in the sea and his righthand in the riuers †He shal inuocate me Thou art my Father my God and the protector of my saluation †And I wil put him the firstbegotten high aboue the kings of the earth †I Wil kepe my mercie vnto him for euer and my testament faithful to him †I wil put his seed for euer and euer and his throne as the daies of heauen †But if his children shal forsake my lawe and wil not walke in my Iudgementes †If they shal profane my iustices and not kepe my commandmentes †I wil visite their iniquities with a rod and their sinnes with stripes †But “ my mercie I wil not take away from him neither wil I hurt in my truth †Neither wil I profane my testament and the words that procede from my mouth I wil not make frustrate †Once I haue sworne in my holie if I lie to Dauid †his seede shal continewe for euer †And his throne as the Sunne in my sight and as the Moone perfect for euer and a faithful witnesse in heauen †“ But thou hast repelled and dispised thou hast differred thy Christ †Thou hast ouerthrowne the testament of thy seruant thou hast profaned his
in the hart of them that thinke euil thinges but ioy foloweth them that geue counsels of peace †It shal not make the iust sorie what soeuer shal fal to him but the impious shal be replenished with euil †Lying lippes are an abomination to our Lord but they that doe faithfully please him †A circumspect man concealeth knowlege and the hart of the vnwise prouoketh folie †The hand of the strong shal rule but that which is slothful shal serue vnder tributes †Pensifnesse in the hart of a man shal humble him with a good word he shal be made glad †He that neglecteth damage for a freind is iust but the way of the impious shal deceiue them †The fraudulent man shal not finde gayne and the substance of a man shal be the price of gold †In the path of iustice life but the by way leadeth to death CHAP. XIII A wise sonne is the doctrine of the father but he that is a scorner heareth not when he is rebuked †Of the fruite of his owne mouth man shal be filled with good thinges but the soule of the preuaricateurs is wicked †He that kepeth his mouth kepeth his soule but he that is vnaduised to speake shal feele euils †The sluggard wil and wil not but the soule of them that worke shal be made fatte †The iust shal detest a lying word but the impious confoundeth and shal be confounded †Iustice kepeth the way of the innocent but impietie supplanteth the sinner †There is one as it were with riches wheras he hath nothing and there is as it were poore wheras he is in much riches †The redemption of a mans life his riches but he that is poore beareth not reprehension †The light of the iust maketh glad but the candle of the impious shal be extinguished †Among the prowde there are alwayes brawles but they that doe al thinges with counsel are ruled by wisdom †Substance hastened shal be diminished but that which by litle and litle is gathered with the hand shal be multiplied †Hope that is differred afflicteth the soule a tree of life the desire of coning †Who so detracteth from any thing he byndeth himselfe for the time to come but he that feareth the precept shal conuers in peace Guilful soules erre in sinnes the iust are merciful haue pitie †The law of a wise man a fountaine of life that he may decline from the ruine of death †Good doctrine shal geue grace in the way of contemners a whirlepoole †The subtel man doth al thinges with counsel but he that is a foole openeth folie †The messenger of the impious shal fal into euil but a faithful legate is health †Pouertie and ignominie to him that forsaketh discipline but he that yeldeth to him that rebuketh shal be glorified †Desire if it be accomplished delighteth the soule fooles detest them that flee euil thinges †He that walketh with the wise shal be wise a freind of fooles shal be made like †Euil purseweth sinners and to the iust good thinges shal be repayed †The good man leaueth heyres sonnes and nephewes and the substance of the sinner is kept for the iust †Much meate in the tilled growndes of the fathers and to others they are gathered with our iudgement †He that spareth the rod hateth his childe but he that loueth him doth instantly nurture him †The iust eateth and filleth his soule but the bellie of the impious vnsatiable CHAP. XIIII A wise woman buildeth her house the vnwise wil with her handes destroy that also which is built †He that walketh in the right way feareth God is despised of him that goeth an infamous way †In the mouth of a foole the rod of pride but the lippes of the wise keepe them †Where oxen are not the stal is emptie but where much corne is there is the oxes strength manifest †A faithful witnesse wil not lie but a deceitful witnesse vttereth a lie †A scorner seeketh wisdom and findeth it not the doctrine of the prudent is easie †Goe against a foolish man and he knoweth not the lippes of prudence †The wisdom of a discrete man is to vnderstand his way and the imprudence of fooles erreth †A foole will â—ugh at sinne among the iust grace shal abide †The hart that knoweth the bitternes of his soule in his ioy shal not the stranger be mingled †The house of the impious shal be rased the tabernacles of the iust shal spring †“ There is a way which seemeth to a man iust but the later endes therof lead to death †Laughter shal be mingled with sorow and mourning occupieth the later endes of ioy †A foole shal be replenished with his wayes and the good man shal be aboue him †The innocent beleueth euerie word the discrete man considereth his steppes †A wise man feareth and declineth from euil the foole leapeth ouer and is confident †The impatient man shal worke folie and the subrel man is odious †The childish man shal possesse folie and the prudent shal expect knowlege †The euil shal lie downe before the good and the impious before the gates of the iust †The poore shal be odious euen to his neighbour but the freindes of the rich be manie †He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth but he that hath pitie on the poore shal be blessed †They erre that worke euil mercie and truth prepare good thinges †In euerie worke there shal be abundance but where manie wordes are there is oftentimes pouertie †The crowne of the wise their riches the sollie of fooles inprudence †A faithful witnes deliuereth soules and the dissenâ—bier vttereth lyes †In the feare of our Lord is confidence of strength and to his children there shal be hope †The feare of our Lord a fountaine of life that he may decline from the ruine of death †In the multitude of people the dignitie of the king and in fewnes of people the ignominie of the prince †He that is patient is gouerned with much wisdom but he that is impatient exalteth his foilie †“ Health of hart the life of the flesh enuie the putrefaction of the bones †He that doth calumniate the needie vpbraideth his maker but he honoreth him that hath pitie on the poore †The impious shal be expelled in his malice but the iust hopeth in his death †In the hart of the prudent resteth wisdom it shal instruct al the vnlerned †Iustice aduanceth a nation but sinne maketh peoples miserable †A
couenant that he had with him in the middes of Babylon shal he dye †And not in a great armie nor in much people shal Pharao make battel agaynst him in the casting vp of a ramper and in the building of bulworkes to kil manie soules †For he had despised the oath that he might breake the couenant and behold he gaue his hand and when he hath done al these thinges he shal not escape †Therfore thus saith our Lord God Liue I that the oath which he hath despised the couenant that he transgressed I wil lay on his head †And I wil spread my nette ouer him and he shal be taken in my nette and I wil bring him into Babylon and wil iudge him there in the preuerication wherby he hath despised me †And al his fugitiues with al their troupe shal fal by the sword and the residue shal be dispersed into euerie wind and you shal know that I the Lord haue spoken †Thus saith our Lord God And I wil take of the marow of the high ceder wil set it of the toppe of the boughes therof the tender one I wil strippe of and wil plant it vpon a mountaine high and eminent †On the high mountaines of Israel wil I plant it and it shal shoote forth into a budde and shal yelde fruite and it shal be into a great ceder and al birdes and euerie foule shal dwel vnder the shadow of the boughes therof and shal there make their nest †And al the trees of the countrie shal know that I the Lord haue humbled the high tree exalted the low tree and haue dried the greene tree and haue caused the drie tree to spring I the Lord haue spoken and haue done it CHAP. XVIII One shal not beare the sinnes of an other but euerie one their owne 21. If the wieked truly repent he shal be saued and if the iust leaue his iustice he shal be damned AND the word of our Lord was made to me saying †What is that among you you turne a parable into this prouer be in the land of Israel saying The fathers did eate a sowre grape and the teeth of the children are set on edge †Liue I saith our Lord God if this parable shal be vnto you any more for a prouerbe in Israel †Behold al soules are mine as the soule of the father so also the soule of the sonne is mine the soule that shal sinne the same shal dye †And a man if he shal be iust and hath done iudgement and iustice †hath not eaten on the mountaynes and not lifted vp his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel and hath not violated his neighbours wife and approched not to a menstruous woman †and made no man sorowful hath restored the pledge to the debter taken nothing away by violence hath geuen his bread to the hungrie and coueted the naked with a garment †hath not lent to vsurie and not taken more hath turned away his hand from iniquitie and done true iudgement betwen man and man †hath walked in my precepts and kept my iudgements to doe truth this man is iust liuing he shal liue saith our Lord God †And if he hath begotten a sonne that is a robber shedding bloud he doe one of these thinges †and that doth not in dede al these thinges but eateth on the mountaynes and defileth his neighbours wife †that maketh the needie and poore sorowful violently committeth robberies restoreth not the pledge lifteth his eyes to idols doth abomination †that geueth to vsurie and taketh more what shal he liue he shal not liue Wheras he hath done al these detestable thinges dying he shal dye his bloud shal be vpon him †But and if he hath begotten a sonne that seing al his fathers sinnes which he hath done is afrayd and shal not doe the like to them †hath not eaten vpon the mountaines and not lifted vp his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel and hath not violated his neighbours wife †and hath made no man sorowful hath not withheld the pledge and hath not violently committed robberie hath geuen his bread to the hungrie and couered the naked with clothing †hath turned away his hand from iniurie of the poore hath not taken vsurie and ouerplus hath done my iudgements hath walked in my preceptes this man shal not dye in the iniquitie of his father but liuing he shal liue †His father because he did calumniate and did violence to his brother and wrought euil in the middes of his people behold he is dead in his owne iniquitie †And you say Why hath not the sonne borne the iniquitie of his father Verely because the sonne hath wrought iudgement and iustice he hath kept al my precepts and done them liuing he shal liue †The soule that shal sinne the same shal dye the sonne shal not beare the iniquitie of the father and the father shal not beare the iniquitie of the sonne the iustice of the iust shal be vpon him and the impietie of he impious shal be vpon him †But if the impious shal doe penance from al his sinnes which he hath wrought and shal keepe al my precepts and doe iudgement and iustice liuing he shal liue and shal not dye †Al his iniquities which he hath wrought I wil not remember them in his iustice which he hath wrought he shal liue †Why “ is the death of a sinner my wil saith our Lord God and not that he conuert from his wayes and liue †But if the iust man shal turne away himselfe from his iustice and doe iniquitie according to al the abominations which the impious vseth to worke shal he liue al his iustices which he had done shal not be remembred in the preuarication which he hath preuaricated and in his sinne which he hath sinned in them he shal dye †And you haue said The way of our Lord is not right Heare ye therfore ô house of Israel What is not my way right and are not rather your wayes peruerse †For when the iust shal turne away himselfe from his iustice doth iniquitie he shal dye in them in the iniustice that he hath wrought he shal dye †And when the impious shal turne away himselfe from his impietie which he hath wrought shal doe iudgement and iustice he shal viâ—â—siâ—ate his soule †For considering turning away himself from al his iniquities which he hath wrought liuing he shal liue and not dye †And the children of Israel say The way of our Lord is not right What are not my wayes right ô house of Israel and not rather your wayes peruerse †Therfore wil I iudge euerie maÌ„ according to his wayes ô house of Israel saith our Lord God Conuert and doe penance from al your iniquities and iniquitie shal not be a ruine to you †Cast away from you
the middes of the slaine by the sword they shal fal the sword is geuen they haue drawen her and al her peoples †The most mightie of the strong shal speake to him from the middes of hel which went downe with his helpers and slept vncircumcised slame by the sword †There Assur and al his multitude round about him their graues al the slaine and they that fel by the sword †Whose graues were made in the lowest lakes and his multitude was made round about his graue al the slaine and they that fel by the sword which sometime had geuen feare in the land of the liuing †There Aelam and al the multitude therof round about her graue al these slaine and falling by the sword that went downe vncircumcised to the lowest earth which did put their terrour in the land of the liuing and they haue borne their ignominie with them that goe downe into the lake †In the middes of their slaine they haue set her couche among al her peoples round about him their graâ—e al these vncircumcised and slaine by the sword for they gaue their terrour in the land of the liuing and haue borne their ignominie with them that descend into the lake they are layde in the middes of the slaine †There Mosoch and Thubal and al their multitude round about him their graues al these vncircumcised and slaine and falling by the sword because they gaue their feare in the land of the liuing †And they shal not sleepe with the valients and them that fel and the vncircumcised that went downe to hel with their weapons and put their swordes vnder their heades and their iniquities were in their bones because they were made the terrour of the valients in the land of the liuing †And thou therfore shalt be destroyed in the middes of the vncircumcised and shalt sleepe with the slaine by the sword †There Idumea and her kinges al her princes which were geuen with their host with the slaine by the sword and which slept with the vncircumcised and with them that goe downe into the lake †There al the princes of the North and al the hunters which were brought downe with the slaine fearing and in their strength confounded which slept vncircumcised with the slaine by the sword and haue borne their ignominie with them that goe downe into the lake †Pharao saw them and he was comforted vpon al his multitude which was slaine by the sword Pharao and al his host saith our Lord God †because I gaue his terrour in the land of the liuing he slept in the middes of the vncircumcised with the slaine by the sword Pharao and al his multitude saith our Lord God CHAP. XXXIII By example of a watchman 7. God chargeth the prophet to declare whatsoeuer dangers he seeth imminent to the people 10. Sinners repenting shal be saued and if the iust leaue their iustice they shal be damned 21. The promise made to Abraham maketh not the Iewes secure 23. but for their enormious sinnes they shal be caried out captiues 33. Then they shal know that the prophet said the truth AND the word of our Lord was made to me saying †Sonne of man speake to the children of thy people and thou shalt say to them The land when I shal bring the sword in vpon it and the people of the land take a man one of their meanest make him a watchman ouer them †and he shal see the sword coming vpon the land and sound with the trumpet tel the people †and he that heareth the sound of the trumpet whosoeuer he be and doth not looke to himselfe and the sword come and take him his bloud shal be vpon his head †He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not looke to himself his bloud shal be on himself but if he shal looke to himself he shal saue his life †And if the watchman see the sword coming and sound not with the trumpet and the people looke not to them selues and the sword come and take a soule from among them he certes is caught in his iniquitie but his bloud I wil require of the hand of the watchman †And thou sonne of man I haue made thee a watchman to the house of Israel hearing therfore the word from my mouth thou shalt tel them from me †If when I say to the impious O thou impious dying thou shalt dye thou speake not that the impious may keepe himself from his way the impious himself shal dye in his iniquitie but his bloud I wil require at thy hand But if thou telling the impious that he conuert from his wayes he conuert not from his way he shal dye in his iniquitie but thou hast deliuered thy soule †Thou therfore ô sonne of man say to the house of Israel Thus you haue spoken saying Our iniquities and our sinnes are vpon vs in them we fade away how then can we liue †Say to them Liue I sayeth our Lord God I wil not the death of the impious but that the impious conuert from his way and liue Conuert conuert ye from your most euil wayes and why wil you dye ô house of Israel †Thou therfore sonne of man say to the children of thy people The iustice of the iust shal not deliuer him in what day soeuer he shal sinne and the impietie of the impious shal not hurt him in what day soeuer he shal conuert from his impietie and the iust can not liue in his iustice in what day soeuer he shal sinne †Yea if I shal say to the iust that liuing he shal liue and he trusting in his iustice doe iniquitie al his iustices shal be forgotten and in his iniquitie which he hath wrought in the same shal he dye †And if I shal say to the impious Dying thou shalt dye and he do penance from his sinne do iudgement and iustice †and the same impious restore pledge and render robberie walke in the commandments of life and doe not anie vniust thing liuing he shal liue shal not dye †Al his sinnes which he hath sinned shal not be imputed to him he hath done iudgement and iustice liuing he shal liue †And the children of thy people haue said The way of our Lord is nor of equal weight their owne way is vniust †For when the iust shal depart froÌ„ his iustice and doe iniquities he shal dye in them †And when the impious shal depart from his impictie and shal doe iudgements and iustice he shal liue in them †And you say The way of our Lord is not right euery one according to his wayes wil I iudge of you ô house of Israel †And it came to passe in the twelfth yeare in the tenth moneth in the fifth of the moneth of our transmigration there came to me one that was fled from Ierusalem saying The citie is made waste
is most faithful that he vvil forgeue sinners and receiue them into his fauoure againe when so euer they resoluing to serue him repent and cease to sinne h Thou ô God that hast care of al creatures not only of men but also of brute beastes art euer readie of thy part to saue both moderate men in vvhom the light of reason remaineth and also grosse senseles persons vvhich are become brutish like horse and mule or other beastes i For so our Lord multiplieth his mercie k Yet with condition that sensles or brutish men must become reasonable men the children of men not coltes whelpes pigges c. l Sinners thus conuerted shal not only haue al necessaries in this life as al liuing creatures haue in this world but also shal hope of spiritual heauenly eternal glorie prepared for Angels and children of men as in the verses folovving m Leâ—t anie impediment hinder the obtayning and possession of eternal revvard the iust must specially pray not to be infected vvith pride n nor be ouercome by the forcible tentations of other sinners by persvvasion not euil example o The first sinne tovvit of diuels vvas pride and mans sinne vvas by persvvasion of the diuel p neither of which could escape punishment An exhortatioÌ„ to contempt of this vvorld The 7. key This Psalme is composed in order of the Alphabet euerie distick beginning vvith a diuers letter to moue the reader to diligent attention which may serue in place of a larger coÌ„mentarie a For Dauids and euery iust mans instruction b Neither be thou offended that the wicked do prosper in this world nor imitate them that thou maist also prosper c For al this life and consequently the prosperitie therof is shorte and vncertaine d Put thy trust in God liuing content in this world e he wil geue thee that is necessarie f Commend al thyn affaireâ— to God g Partly making vertue appeare to the comfort of the vertuous and example of others in this life but especially in the next world h the land of the liuing Matâ— i By way of imprecation as in manie other places the prophet forsheweth that wicked men shal fal into the euils which they prepare for others k Though the iust fal of frailtie orignorance into venial sinne yet Gods grace shal stay him that he fal not into mortal The iust falleth seuen times in the day riseth Prou. 24. l So king Dauid obserued and it very rarely happeneth that the iust or their children are â—â—cle 2. destitute of necessarie sustenance in this vvorld If it chance in some it is to their greater merite and is manifestly recompensed in spiritual giftes In which sense S. Basil expoundeth that it is alwayes verified For God euer rewardeth good workes either temporally or spiritually or both wayes S. Augustin also conc 3. in hunc Psal exemplifieth in Abraham Isaac and Iacob with al his familie who were forced to goe into other countries by reason of famine and by Gods prouidence were there susta ned Gen. 12. 26 46 and S Paul among his other tribulations mentioneth famine and thirst 2. Cor. 11. v. 27. Seing therfore these so iust persons sought their bread in necessitie he expoundeth this holie Scripture in the Allegorical sense that the Church from her beginning in Ierusalem to the end of the world neuer wanteth the true word of God true faith and doctrin which is the spiritual bread vvher vvith the soule is nourished m In these tvvo priÌ„ciples declining froÌ„ euil and doing good true iustice consisteth n and he that finally obserueth these tvvo pointes merâ—teth and shal possesse heauen Pro. 31. Isa â—â— o to draw him to mortal sinne which is death of the soule p rewardes q mans iustice and wel doing is not of his owne powre but of Gods grace The third penitential Psalme The 7. key a In remembrance that by sinne â—â— lost the rest and peace which man had in the state of innocencie secondly we lost the peace of conscience thirdly the rest and peace of eternal felicitie b Condemne me not to eternal paine c nor punish me in purgatorie fire but purge me so in this life that the purging fite be not needful By which fire saith S Augustin though some shal be saued grauâ—or tamen erâ—t ille â—gnis quam quicquid potest homo paâ—â—n hac vita yet that fire shal be more greuous hen whatsoeuer a man can suffer in this â—â—ife S. Gregoâ—y also expoundeth this same place as if Dauid sayd thus I â—new it will coâ—e to passe that after the end of this life some shal be cleansed by purging flames some shal be vnder the senteâ—ce of eternal damnation But because I do esteme that transitorie fire more intolerable then al present tribulation I desire not only not to be rebuked in furie of eternal damnation but also I feare to be purged in the wrâ—th of transitorie correption Thou therfore ó Lord whom I serue in my spâ—â—iâ—â— whom I know to be the Sauiour of al men rebuke me not in furie of perpetual damnation not chatise me in wrath of purging punishment See Annotat. Psal 6. d Afflictions of mind and bodie sent by thy iust iudgement e thou hast strooke me with an heauie hand f I already feele in my flesh in al my bones and powreâ— great affliction g considering thy iustice h and my sinnes i which are excedingly increased almost ouerwhelming my spirite sinnes not washed away by penance by their weight carie the soule into more and more wickednes l stil corrupting those partes which were whole before as a pestered sore that is not cured m not able to goe streight to do anie good worke being guiltie of greuous sinne n concupiscence striuing in me o from the sorrow of my hart my voice hath broken out into clamour p â— God thou knowest my desire to be restored to thy fauour q those that were my freindes and companions in sinne are become myn enemies because I forsake them r sought by al meanes to intangle me againe Å¿ I now renouÌ„ce al sinne t I now relie vpon thee ô God v for this cause I am returned to thee and do pray that mine enemies may not preuail against me w I resigne my selfe to thee x though thou knowest al yet with mouth consession is made to saluation y and I meditate of that which my sinne hath deserued z one kind of detraction is in reueling secrete faultes an other in feaning and imputing false crimes the third here mentioned in calling vertue vice as penance hypochrisie a Graunt me Lord final perseueraÌ„ce in thy grace and seruice Gods prouidence The 3. key a Some expound this Psalme of the Iewes in captiuitie in Babylon but this title and the matter conteyned shew that it rather peteineth to the new Testament b to be songue by Idithun and his scholars successors or rather by Christianes c weake men in
other things in the first age were figures of Christs Sacraments the Spirite of God geuing powre to the waters as Tertullian S. Hierom and others expound it and the floud of Noe by S. Peters testimonie were figures of Baptisme Mariage instituted in Paradise is the very paterne of holie Matrimonie a Sacrament in the Church of Christ where one man and one wife are on lie lawful and not more at once in anie wise Christ reforming that which in Moyses law was tolerated for hardnes of mens hartes and for auoyding murther to put away one wife and take an other to this first institution as it was in the beginning two in one flesh not three nor more The repentance of Adam and Eue was a perfect and examplare figure of the Sacrament of Penance First they were ashamed couering their nakednes and hiding them selues which shewed their griefe and sorow for the sinne committed Secondly they confessed their fault and by what meanes it happened For God examining Adam he answered truly and simply saing The woman which thou gauest me to be my companion gaue me of the tree and I did eate Likwise Eue confessed sincerly saying The serpent deceiued me and I did eate Thirdly God gaue them penance besides death before threatned and other penalties annexed that Eue should in paine and trauel bring forth her children and Adam should eate his bread in the sweate of his face And withal cast them forth of Paradise But not forth of his fauoure as appeared by his making them garments of skinnes granting them and their posteritie the rest of the earth to liue and labour in especially to serue him and do penance with admonition to remember that of duct man was made and into dust he shal returne Al which were signes of loue and that finally he would bring them and manie more to eternal saluation The first borne and heades of families were Priests al the time of the law of nature vntil the law being changed God tooke Priests only of the stock of Aaron and the rest of the Leuites to assist them in that function Aaron his sonnes thou shalt appoint saith our Lord ouer the seruice of Priesthood for I haue taken the Leuites of the children of Israel for euerie first borne And ◠Paul teacheth that changing of Priesthood and changing of the law goe alwayes together shewing euidently that euerie lawful communitie or commonwealth vnder God hath external Priesthood So that if there had benne no distinct order of external Priesthood in the law of nature or now were none in the law of grace as Protestantes say there is not there were no law at al. See more of this point in the Annotations chap. 7. ad Hebre. Here we only obserue that Abel Seth Enos and other Patriarches were Priestes and exercised priestlie functions yea Cain also was a Priest though a bad one and offered Sacrifice But external offices or ministerie without a wel disposed mind and sincere vertues producing Good workes did neuer iustifie anie man And therfore Cains Sacrifice offered with a peruerse mind was not respected by God as Abels was wherupon he becoming worse and more malicious God sharply reproued his anger and enuie conceiued without iust cause saying If thou doest wel shalt thou not receiue againe but if thou doest il shal not thy sinne forwith be present at the dore clerly shewing that euerie one shal receiue according to his workes This place also euidently sheweth Freewil yea in a wicked man For this expostulation had neuer benne vttered by our most reasonable Lord and Maister if Cain had benne depriued of freewil For he might haue excused himselfe and must needes haue benne holden excused if he had benne forced to do as he did But God charged him as inexcusable and as one that knew or ought to know that he had freewil And doth further inculcate that he had and should haue powre and freewil ouer his concupiscence to correct the same if he would saying The lust therof shal be vnder thee and thou shalt haue domion ouer it So that no sinner be he neuer so wicked much lesse a iust man lacketh freewil yet Luther abhorreth the very word and Caluin wisheth it out of the world Temporal punishment is proued to be due for sinne remitted by that both death and other penalties are inflicted by Gods iustice vpon men after iustification and by the particular punishments laid vpon Adam and Eue confessing their faultes Purgatorie is also proued by the same iustice of God For when anie dieth penitent and yet haue not madeful satisfaction they must suffer for that remaineth after death and be purged before they can enter into rest which remnant of debt our B. Sauiour calleth The last farthing and saith it must be payed The lewes also at this day hold the doctrin of Purgatorie by tradition And consequently they Pray for soules departed not only to God but also to the ancient Patriarches which likewise sheweth Inuocation of Saincts in these wordes Yee fathers which sleepe in Hebron open to him the gates of Eden that is of Paradise which was planted in Eden And Hebron is the place where Adam was buried and his sepulcher religiously conserued in the time of Iosue aboue 1500 yeares after his death The same is the place which Abraham bought and there buried Sara where also him selfe and Isaac and Iacob were buried and to which finally the bodies of the twelue sonnes of Iacob were translated from Sichem As Iosephus writeth And sichem also was specially honored because such persons had benne buried there as S. Hierom witnesseth of his owne knowledge in his time Againe by religious care of burying the dead in this first age Enoch was more certainly knowen to be Translated aliue and not to be dead For the seuentie Interpreters and S. Paul say He was not found which importeth that they sought diligently for him and that his bodie could not be found for God translated him By al which we see mutual offices and communion of good workes amongst good men aliue and dead which is called Cōmunion of Saincts And herein Angels lacked not their offices For God set Cherubins to kepe the gate of Paradise that neither man should enter being iustly expelled for sinne nor diuels as S. Augustin noteth left they should take fruite of the tree of life and geuing it to men allure them to more sinne And now Saincts being exalted to Angels glorie haue like honorable offices towards other men as Angels haue Yea the bloud of Abel vniustly shed by Cain and iustly to be reuenged by God sheweth the peculiar honour which God bestoweth vpon his Saints for their vertues and merites in this life especially in their death For Precious in the sight of our Lord is the
aspes vnder their lippes Whose mouth is ful of cursing and bitternesse their feete swift to shee l bloud Destruction and infelicitie in their waies and the way of peace they haue not knowen there is no feare of God before their eies Shal not al they know that worke iniquitie that deuoure my people as foode of bread They haue not inuocated our Lard there haue they trembled for feare where no feare was †Because our Lord is in the iust generation you haue confounded the counsel of the poore man because our Lord is his hope Who wil geue from Sion the saluation of Israel when our Lord shal haue turned away the captiuitie of his people Iacob shal reioyce and Israel shal be glad ANNOTATIONS PSALME XIII 1. No not one S. Paul by this place and the like Isaie 59. v. 7. confirmeth his doctrin Rom. 3. that both the Iewes and the Gentils meaning al mankind were in that state that none no not one without the grace of Christ were iust nor could be iustified nor saued by the law of Nature nor of Moyses VVhich proueth the necessitie of faith But neither that only faith iustifieth nor that the iustest are stil wicked as Caluin and Beza falsly expound these Scriptures For the Prophets and S. Paul speake in these places of men before they be iustified teaching that al mankind was once in sinne and none could be iustified but by Christ Neuerthelesse they teach also that men being iustified must and may serue iustice vnto sanctification And that their workes are not then vnprofitable For being made free from sinne saith the same Apostle to the Romanes c. 6. and become seruants to God you haue your fruâ—ct vnto sanctification and the end is life euerlasting VVhich point of doctrin how man is iustified S. Augustin excellently briefly explicateth li. 1. de Spirituet lit c 9. in these wordes The iust are iustified freely by Christ his grace they are not therfore purified by the lavv they are not iustified by their proper wil but iustified freely by Christ his grace Not that it is done without our wil but by the law our wil is shevved weake that grace might cure the wil and the wil being cured might fulfil the law not being vnder the law not needing the law VVherto we may here adde and so saue labour of repeting this in other places an other document of the same Doctor in the same booke de spirit lit c 27. that the iust do not liue without some sinnes and yet remaine in state of saluation the wicked do sometimes certaine good workes ful remaine in state of damnation For euen as saith he venial sinnes without which this life it not ledde do not exclude the iust from eternal life so certaine good workes without which the life of the very worst is hardly found profite nothing the vniust man to eternal saluation but in euerlasting damnation some shal haue more and somelesse torment PSALME XIIII For attayning eternal glorie in heauen it is necessarie to flee from sinnes and do good workes †“ The Psalme of Dauid LORD who shal dwel in thy tabernacle or who shal rest in thy holie hil †He that walketh without spot and worketh iustice †He that speaketh truth in his d hart that hath not done guile in his tongue Nor hath done euil to his neighbour and hath not taken reproch against his neighbour The malignant is brought to nothing in his sight but them that feare our Lord he glorifieth he that sweareth to his neighbour and deceiueth not †that hath not geuen his money to vsurie and hath not taken k giftes vpon the innocent k Likewise doing wrong for bribes He that doeth “ these thinges shal “ not be moued for euer ANNOTATIONS PSALME XIIII 1. The Psalme of Dauid As the appropriating of the general name of Psalme vnto some doth not preiudice but that the rest are also Psalmes though they be called Prayers Canticles Testimonies and the like so the application of Dauids name to certaine Psalmes proueth not other authores of the rest But the name of Psalme sheweth a spiritual songue apt for musical instrument and the name of Dauid by interpretation signifieth that it particularly perteyneth to the beloued 5. He that doth these thinges wheras this or anie other place of holie Scripture attributeth saluation to certaine good workes neither faith nor other workes are therby excluded but presupposed as no lesse necessarie then those which are mentioned Especially faith is alwayes requisite without which it is impossible to please God and other vertues either in practise or in purpose and preparation of mind when and where occasion requireth 5. Shal not be mouâ—d for euer Al states of this world are mutable and only eternal felicitie in heauen shal continew for euer Therfore this Psalme can not be vnderstood of the Tabernacle nor Temple of the old Testament which were but figures of eternal glorie But if so much puritie was then requisite much more al sinceritie and great sanctitie are necessarie for entrance into heauen PSALME XV. Christ by the mouth of Dauid declareth his future victory and triumph ouer the world 9. and death †The inscription of the title to Dauid him self PRESERVE me ô Lord because I haue hoped in thee †I haue said to our Lord Thou art my God because thou needest not my goods †To the sainctes that are in his land he hath made al my willes meruclous in them †Their infirmities were multiplied afterward they made hast I wil not assemble their conuenticles of bloud neither wil I be mindful of their names by my lippes †Our Lord “ the portion of myne inheritance and of my cuppe thou art he that wil restore myne inheritance vnto me †Cordes are fallen to me in goodly places for mine inheritance is goodlie vnto me †I wil blesse our Lord who hath geuen me vnderstanding moreouer also euen til night my veines haue rebuked me I forsaw our Lord in my sight alwaies because he is at my right hand that I be not moued †For this thing my hart hath beene glad and my tongue hath reioyced moreouer also my flesh shal rest in hope †Because thou wilt “ not leaue my soule in hel neither wilt geue thy holie one to see corruption Thou hast made the waies of life knowen to me thou shalt make me ful of ioy with thy countenance delectations on thy right hand euen to the end ANNOTATIONS PSALME XV. 5. Out lord the portion of myn inheritance Christ whom the Iewes expected as an earthlie conquerour that should aduance himself and them temporally in this world was in dede as the
the Sabbath which is the seuenth day in the new we kepe our Lords day after the sabbath that is the eight which seuen and eight making fieftene multiplied by tenne signifying the Law of tenne commandments rise vnto 150. Againe euen multiplied by seuen make 49. wherto one to witte the eight being added make fieftie which multiplied by three signifying the B Trinitie make 150 Neither semed it without cause to this great Doctor that the fiâ—â—â— fieftie end with a Psalme of Paenance crauing mercie remission of sinnes the second with Mercie and Iustice which God ioyneth in the Redemption Iustification and Saluation of men the last with Diuine Praises signifying that by condemning sinnes in our selues through Gods mercie we may be iustified and so beginne in this life which is to be perfected in the next to praise our Lord as S. Paul admonisheth with Psalmes Hymnes and Spiritual Songues Concluding with the tvvo verses appointed by S Dama us Pope to be added in the end of al Psalmes and is obserued euer since his time by tradition in the vvhole Church Glorie to the Father and to the Sonne and to the Holie Ghost As it was in the beginning and now and euer into worldes of worldes in eternitie vvithout end Amen THE THIRD PART OF THE OLD TESTAMENT CONTEINING SAPIENTIAL BOOKES The argument of Sapiential Bookes Hitherto the Law and Historie of Gods peculiar people are set forth in the former partes of the holie Bible after which folowed the Booke of Psalmes which in maner of stile being al in verse is a distinct part but in substance of matter is an Epitome or briefe Summe of al holie Scripture most conueniently therfore placed in the middes of the rest as the Sunne amongst other Planetes a shining great light in a large house Now ensueth the third part conteining Diuine Instructions or Rules of good life A doctrine most agreable to Gods hiegh wisdom and most fitly commended to Man his reasonable creature in earth But besides this principal subiect as before is noted that each part participateth with others in their proper contents so here be manie precepts of the Law renewed sundrie examples of men and thinges past repeted and diuers prophecies vttered of thinges to come though in this part more specially is shewed the ground and as it were the very life or soule of the Law which is Reason the true Rule or Directorie wherin al good lawes are grounded For it both sheweth what ought to be done or auoided directeth mans iudgement to embrace that is good and to flee from al euil not only illuminating the vnderstanding to see that is right and iust but also disposing the internal affection to desire loue choose and preferre the right path of Gods law before whatsoeuer otherwise semeth pleasant or profitable so notwithstanding al dangers difficulties distresses worldlie calamites and death it self effectually perswading to perseuere to the end in holie conuersation Al which by a general name is called Wisdom comprising in one word al good desires holie vertues supernal giftes godlie endeuoures and the whole meanes wherby God is rightly knowen duly serued wherof these fiue Bookes teaching this most excellent and most necessarie maner of life are called Sapiential Neuertheles foure of them haue also other particular names as appareth in their titles Only the fourth is called the Booke of Wisdom by appropriation of the general name Al fiue are Canonical and assured holie Scripture as is shewed before and may be further proued of the two later which Protestants denie It is also euident that King Salomon was Auctor of the three former as S. Ierom S. Augustin and other Fathers proue by the holie text it selfe As it is likewise certaine that he either writte or at least by diuine inspiration vttered much more then is now extant For the holie Scripture 3. Reg. 4. testifieth that he spake three thousand Parables and his Songes were a thousand and fiue He disputed of the trees from the ceder that is in Libanus vnto the hyssop which cometh out of the wal and he discoursed of beastes and foules and creeping wormes and fishes Iosephus li. S. c. 2. Antiq. folowing some other Edition saith his songes were fiue thousand and parables as the ordinarie text hath three thousand For he deduced a parable saith Iosephus through out euerie kinde of trees from the hyssop to the ceder In the same maner he treated of beastes and other liuing creatures of the earth water and ayre For he was not ignorant of anie natural thing neither omitted to treate therof but clerly explicated al their natural proprieties Most briefly S. Ierom declareth both the Auctor and matter of these three bookes saying Salomon the Peaceable and amiable of our Lord correcteth maners teacheth the nature of creatures ioyneth the Church and Christ and singeth the swete bridal song of the holie Mariage THE ARGVMENT OF THE PROVERBES THE first booke called Prouerbes that is common vsual pithie sentences shorte in wordes ample in sense and Parables signifying likenes or similitudes wherby more important thinges are vnderstood then expressed instructeth and exhorteth new beginners to lerne and practise al sortes of vertues the only right way to true wisdome and eternal happines It may be diuided into foure partes In the first nine chapters the auctor interposing certaine general preceptes produceth wisdom her selfe inuiting al men to seeke her for the spiritual profite they shal therby enioy From thence to the 25. chap. he geueth sundrie more particular precepts as wel for embracing vertues as shunning of vices In the next fiue chapters more like precepts of the same auctor are added by the care of King Ezechias In the two last chapters either an other Auctor or rather the same vnder an other title commendeth to al men certaine most excellent precepts receiued of his mother wherto he adioyneth the praise of a right wise woman prophetically the Catholique Church THE BOOKE OF PROVERBES WHICH THE HERBREWES CAL MISLE CHAP. I. Parables are profitable to those that loue and wil lerne wisdom 10. Al are admonished not to folow the alurements of sinners 20. but to embrace wisdome 24. and ruine is threatned to the contemners THE Parables of Salomon the sonne of Dauid king of Israel †To know “ wisdom and discipline †to vnderstand the wordes of prudence and to receiue instruction of doctrine iustice and iudgement and equitie †that subtilitie may be geuen to litle ones knowlege and vnderstanding to the youngman †The wise man hearing shal be wiser and he that vnderstandeth shal possesse gouernementes †He shal vnderstand a parable and interpretation the wordes of the wise and their darke sayings †The feare of our Lord is the begynning of wisdom Fooles despise wisedom and doctrine †My sonne f heare the discipline of
or Ecclesiastae c. but stil Lectio libri Sapientiae The solution therfore is very probable that this booke of wisdom was written by Philo Iudeus not he that liued after Christ but an other of the same name nere two hundred yeares before And Ecclesiasticus by Iesus the sonne of Sirach Who not only imitated Salomon but also compiled their bookes for most part of Salomons sentences conserued til their times by tradition or in separated scrolles of papers yea they so vtter some sentences in his person as if himself had written them As touching the auctoritie of these two bookes and some others it is euident that the Iewes refuse them And therfore manie ancient Fathers writing against them spared sometimes to vrge such bookes as they knew would be reiected Especially hauing abundant testimonies of other holie Scriptures for deciding matters of faith against them Euen as our Sauiour himself proued the Resurrection of the dead against the Sadduces out of the bookes of Moyses which they confessed for Canonical Scripture denying other partes where the same point might otherwise haue bene more euidently shewed And so S. Ierom in respect of the Iewes saide these bookes were not Canonical Neuertheles he did often alleage testimonies of them as of other diuine Scriptures sometimes with this parenthesis si cui tamen placet librum recipere in cap. 8. 12. Zachariae other times especially in his last writinges absolutly without such restriction as in cap. 1. 56. Isaiae in 18. Ieremiae Where he professeth to alleage none but Canonical Scripture As for al the other ancient fathers here aboue mentioned ascribing this booke to Salomon and manie others cited by Doctor Iodocus Coccius To. 1. Thesauri li. 6. art 9. they make no doubt at al but that it is Canonical Scripture as appeareth by their expresse termes Diuine Scripture Diuine word Sacred letters Prophetical saying the Holie Ghost saith the like Finally aswel ancient General counsels namely that of Charthage an D. 419. With others as the later of Florence and Trent haue declared this booke to be Canonical And that conformably to the most ancient and lerned Fathers as S. Augustin not only iudgeth himself but also plainly testifieth li. de Pradestinat Sanct. c. 14. saying The sentence of the booke of wisdom ought not to be reiected by certaine inclining to Pelagianisme Which hath bene so long publiquely read in the Church of Christ and receiued of al Christians Byshops and others euen to the last of the Laitie Penitents and Catecumes cum veneratione diuinae auctoritatis With veneration of diuine auctoritie Which also the excellent writers next to the Apostles times alleaging for witnes nihil se adâ—ibere nisi diuinum testimonium crediderunt thought they alleaged nothing but diuine testimonie The summe and contents of this booke is an Instruction and Exhortation to Kinges and al Magistrates to minister iustice in the comonwealth teaching al sortes of vertues vnder the general names of iustice Wisdom With frequent Prophecies of Christs Coming Passion Resurrection other Christian Mysteries Al may be commodiously diuided into three partes In the six first chapters the auctor admonisheth al Superiors to loue and exercise iustice and wisdom In the next three he teacheth that Wisdom procedeth only from God is procured by prayer good life In the other tenne chapters he sheweth the excellent effects and vtilitie of wisdom and Iustice THE BOOKE OF WISDOM CHAP. I. Superiors are admonished to do iustice sincerely seking God 7. Who being euery where seeth al thinges 11. Murmuration detraction and lying bring to perdition 13. God created men to liue but they brought death vpon themselues LOVE iustice you that iudge the earth Thincke of our Lord in goodnes and in simplicitie of hart seeke him †because he is found of them that tempt him not and he appeareth to them that haue saith in him †For peruerse cogitations seperate from God and proued powre chasteneth the vnwise †because wisdom wil not enter into a malicious soule nor dwel in a bodie subiect to sinnes †For the Holie Ghost of discipline wil flie from him that feyneth and wil withdraw himselfe from the cogitations that are without vnderstanding and he shal be chastened of iniquitie â—niâ— wing †For the spirite of wisdom is gentle and wil no 〈…〉 the â—â— for from his lippes because God is witnes of 〈…〉 is a true searcher of his hart and an hâ—arâ—r 〈…〉 cause the Spirite of our Lord â—ath 〈…〉 who le world and that which contayneth al 〈…〉 â—udge of voice †For this cause he that speaketh â—â—â—â—st thinges can not be hid neither shal the chastising iudgment passe him †For in the cogitations of the impâ—ouâ— there shal be examination and the hearing of his workes shal come to God to the chastising of his iniquities †Because the eare of ielousie heareth al thinges and the tumult of murmurings shal not be hid †Kepe your selues therfore from murmuring which profiteth nothing and refraine your tongue from detraction because an obscure speache shal not passe in vaine and the mouth that lyeth killeth the soule †Zeale not death in the errour of your life neither procure ye perdition by the workes of your handes †Because God made not death neither doth he reioyce in the perdition of the liuing †For he created al thinges to be and he made the nations of the earth to health and there is no medicine of destruction in them nor kingdome of hel in the earth †For iustice is pâ—rpetual and immortal †But the impious with handes wordes haue prouoked it and esteming it a freind haue fallen to decay and haue made couenances with it because they are worthie to be of the part therof CHAP. II. Such as hope not of life to come 6. addict themselues to 〈…〉 â—â— and persecute the iust especially our Sauioâ—◠〈…〉 their wickednes 23. Death came vpon man by the 〈…〉 FOR they haue said thinking with the 〈…〉 Little and with tediousnes is the time of 〈…〉 the end of a man there is no recouâ—â—â—â— and 〈…〉 knowne that hath returned from hel †because oe of 〈…〉 were we borne and after this we shal be as if 〈…〉 bene because the breath is a smoke in our nosthrels â—â—â—â—ch a sparke to moue our hart †Which being extinguished our bodie shal be ashes and the spirit shal be powred abrode as soft ayre and our life shal passe as the trace of a cloude and shal be dissolued as a mist which is driuen away by the beames of the sunne and oppressed with the heate therof †and our name in time shal be forgotten and no man shal haue remembrance of our workes †For our time is the passing of a shadow and there is no returne of our end because it is sealed and no man returneth †Come therfore
and let vs enioy the good thinges that are and let vs quickly vse the creature as in youth †Let vs fil ourselues with precious wine and oyntments and let not the flowre of the time passe vs. †Let vs crowne ourselues with roses before they wither let there be no medow which our riote shal not passe through †Let none of vs be exempted from our rioteousnes euerie where let vs leaue signes of ioy because this is our portion and this our lot †Let vs oppresse the poore iust man and not spare the widow nor reuerence the oldmans grey head of long time †But let our strength be the law of iustice for that which is Weake is found vnprofitable †Let vs therfore circumuent the iust because he is vnprofitable to vs and he is contrarie to our workes and reprochfully obiecteth vnto vs the sinnes of the law and defameth in vs the sinnes of our discipline †He boasteth that he hath the knowlege of God and nameth himselfe the sonne of God †He is made vnto vs to the defaming of our cogitations †He is greuous vnto vs euen to behold because his life la vnlike to others and his wayes are changed †We are estemed of him as triflers and he absteyneth from our wayes as from vncleannes and he preferreth the later ends of the iust and glorieth that he hath God for his father †Let vs see therfore if his wordes be true and let vs proue what thinges shal come to him and we shal know what shal be his later ends †For if he be the true sonne of God he wil defend him wil deliuer him from the hands of the aduersaries †By contumelie and torment let vs examine him that we may know his reuerence and proue his patience †To a most shameful death let vs condemne him for there shal be respect had vnto him by his wordes †These thinges haue they thought and haue erred for their malice hath blinded them †And they haue not knowen the sacraments of God nor hoped for the reward of iustice nor estemed the honour of holie soules †For God created man incorruptible and to the image of his owne likenes he made him †But by the enuie of the diuel death entred into the world †and they folow him that are of his part CHAP. III The iust contemned by the wicked and proued by tentations are happie 10. and the wicked vnhappie 12. Chastitie shal be rewarded adulterous generations shal not prosper BVT the soules of the iust are in the hand of God and the torment of death shal not touch them †They semed in the eies of the vnwise to die and their decease was counted affliction †and that which with vs is the way is destruction but they are in peace †And though before men they suffered torments their hope is ful of immortalitie †Vexed in few thinges in many they shal be wel disposed of because God hath tempted them and hath found them worthie of him selfe †As gold in the furnace he hath proued them and as an host of holocaust he hath receiued them and in time there shal be respect of them †The iust shal shine and as sparkes in a place of reedes they shal runne abrode †They shal iudge nations haue dominion ouer peoples and their Lord shal reigne for euer †They that trust in him shal vnderstand truth and the faithful in loue shal rest in him because rest and peace is to his elect †But the impious according to the thinges which they haue thought shal haue correption which haue neglected the iust haue reuolted from our Lord. †For he that reiecteth wisdom and discipline is vnhappie and their hope is vaine and labours without fruite and their workes vnprofitable †Their wiues are sensles and their children most wicked †Cursed is their creature because happie is the barren woman and the vndefiled which hath not knowen bed in sinne she shal haue fruite in visitation of holie soules †and the eunuch that hath not wrought iniquitie with his hands nor thought most wicked things against God for the chosen gift of fayth shal be geuen to him and a most acceptable lot in the temple of God †For of good labour there is glorious fruite and the roote of wisdom which falleth not †But the children of adulterers shal be in consummation and the sede of the vnlawful bed shal be destroyed †And if certes they be of long life they shal be reputed for nothing their last oldage shal be without honour †And if they dye quickly they shal haue no hope nor speach of comfort in the day of acknowledging †For of a wicked nation the endes are cruel CHAP. IIII. Great difference betwen chaste and adulterous generations 7. Speedier death of the iust is recompensed by Gods prouidence 19. but the wicked incurre greater damnation by liuing long O How beautiful is the chaste generation with glorie for the memorie therof is immortal because it is knowen both with God and with men †When it is present they imitate it and they desire it when it hath withdrawen itself and it triumpheth crowned for euer winning the reward of vndefiled conflictes †But the multitude of the impious that hath manie children shal not be profitable and bastarde plants shal not take deepe roote nor lay sure fundation †And if in the boughes for a â—ime they shal spring being weakly set they shal be moued of the winde and by the vehemencie of the windes they shal be rooted out †For the vnperfect boughes shal be broken and their fruites shal be vnprofitable and sowre to eate and meete for nothing †For the children that be borne of wicked sleepes are witnesses of wickednes against the parents in their examination †But the iust if he be preuented with death shal be in a place of refreshing †For venerable oldage is not that of long time nor accounted by the number of yeares but the vnderstanding of a man are grey heares †and an immaculate life is old age †Pleasing God he is made beloued and liuing among sinners he was translated †“ He was taken away lest malice should change his vnderstanding or lest anie guile might deceiue his soule †For the bewitching of vanitie obscureth good thinges and the inconstancie of concupiscence peruerteth the vnderstanding that is without malice †Being consummate in short space he fulfilled much time †for his soule pleased God for this cause he hastened to bring him out of the middes of iniquiries but the peoples that are seing and not vnderstanding nor putting such thinges in their hartes †that the grace of God and mercie is toward his saintes and respect toward his elect †But the iust dead condemneth the impions aliue and youth soone ended the long life of the vniust †For they
thy soule a lie †Reuerence not thy neighbour in his offence †nor kepe in a word in time of saluation Hide not thy wisdom in the beautie thereof †For by the tongue wisdom is discerned and vnderstanding and knowlege and doctrine by the word of the wise and steedfastnes in the workes of iustice †Doe not gaynesay the word of truth by any meanes and be ashamed of the lie of thyne vnskilfulnes †Be not ashamed to confesse thy sinnes and submite not thy self to euerie man for sinne †Resist not against the face of the mightie neither labour against the streame of the riuer †For iustice contend for thy soule and vnto death striue for iustice and God wil ouerthrow thyne enemies for thee †Be not hastie in thy tongue and vnprofitable and remisse in thy workes †Be not as a lion in thy house ouerthrowing them of thy houshold and oppressing them that are subiect to thee †Let not thine hand be stretched out to receiue and closed to geue CHAP. V. Let not riches youth nor streingth hold thee in sinne 5. but do penance for sinnes remitted and adde not sinne vpon sinne 6. Neither presume to sinne because God is merciful 10. Be not couetous nor vnconstant 13. Be meeke in lerning and careful in teaching 16. not a batâ—maker nor duble tongued ATTEND not to vniust possessions and say not I haue sufficient liuelihood for it shal nothing profite in the time of vengeance affliction †Folow not in thy strength the concupiscence of thy hart †and say not How mightie am I and who shal bring me vnder for my factes for God reuenging wil reuenge †Say not I haue sinned and what sorowful thing hath chanced to me For the Highest is a patient rewarder †Of sinne forgeuen be not without feare neither adde thou sinne vpon sinne †And say not The mercie of our Lord is great he wil haue mercie on the multitude of my sinnes †For mercie and wrath quickly approch from God and his wrath looketh vpon sinners †Slacke not to be conuerted to our Lord and differre not from day to day †For his wrath shal come sodainly and in the time of vengeance he wil destroy thee †Be not careful in vniust riches for they shal not profite thee in the day of obduction and vengeance †Tosse not thy self into euerie winde and goe not into euerie way for so euerie sinner is proued by a duble tongue †Be stedfast in the way of our Lord in the truth of thy vndestanding and in knowlege and let the word of peace and iustice accompanie thee †Be milde to heare the word thou maist vnderstand and with wisdom vtter thou a true answer †If thou haue vnderstanding answer thy neighbour but if not let thine hand be vpon thy mouth lest thou be taken in an vnskilful word and be confounded †Honour and glorie in the word of the wise but the tongue of the vnwise is his subuersion †Be not called a whisperer and be not taken in thy tongue confounded †For vpon a theefe is confusion repentance and a verie euil condemnation vpon the duble tongued but to the whisperer hatred and emnitie and contumâ—lie †Iustifiâ— thou the litle one and the great alike CHAP. VI. Reproch enuie and ferocitie hinder from louing our neighbour 5. swetenes norisheth it 6. A trustie freind is much worth â—8 Seeke and kepe wisdom with al diligence 35. Frequent the companie of the wise and meditate in Gods law BE not for a frend made an enemie to thy neighbour for the euil man shal inherite reproch and contumelie and euerie sinner enuious and duble tongued †Extol not thyself in the cogitation of thy soule as it were a bul lest perhaps thy strength be quashed †and it eate thy leaues and destroy thy fruites and thou be leaft as a drie tree in the wildernes †For a wicked soule shal destroy him that hath it and it geueth him to be a ioy to his enemies and shal lead him into the lot of the impious †A sweete word multiplieth frends appeaseth enemies and a gratious tongue in a good man aboundeth †Let there be manie at peace with thee and let one of a thousand be thy counseler †If thou possesse a frend in tentation possesse him and not easely credite him †For he is a frend according to his owne time and wil not abide in the day of tribulation †And there is a frend that is turned to emnitie and there is a frend that wil disclose hatred and reproches †And there is a frend companion at the table and he wil not abide in the day of necessitie †A frend if he continew stedfast shal be to â—hee as an equal and in them of thy houshold shal deale confidently †if he humble himself against thee and hide himself from thy face thou shalt haue frendshippe of one accord for good †Be seperated from thine enemies take heede of thy frends †A faithful frend is a strong protection and he that hath found him hath found a treasure †To a faythful frend there is no comparison and there is no poyse of gold and siluer able to counteruaile the goodnes of his fidelitie †A faythful frend is the medecine of life immortalitie they that feare our Lord shal finde him †He that feareth God shal likewise haue good frendshipe because according to him shal his frend be †Sonne from thy youth receiue doctrine and euen to thy hoare heares thou shalt finde wisdom †As he that ploweth and that soweth goe to her and expect her good fruites †For in her worke thou shalt labour a litle and shalt quickly eate of her generation †How exceding sharpe is wisdom to the vnlerned men and the vnwise wil not continew in her †As the vertue of a stone she shal be a probation in them and they wil not stay to cast her forth †For the wisdom of doctrine is according to her name and she is not manifest to manie but to whom she is knowen she contineweth euen to the sight of God †Heare my sonne and take counsel of vnderstanding and cast not away my counsel †Thrust thy foote into her fetters and thy necke into her cheynes †put vnder thy shoulder and carie her and be not wearie of her bands †With al thy minde goe to her and with al thy strength keepe her wayes †Search her out and she shal be made manifest to thee and hauing obteyned her forsake her not †for in the later end thou shalt finde rest in her and she shal be turned vnto delectation †And her fetters shal be to thee for a protection of strength and foundation of powre her cheynes for a stole of glorie †For the beautie of life is in her and her bands are a healthful
al your preuarications wherin you haue preuaricated and make to yourselues a new hart and a new spirit and why wil you dye ô house of Israel †Because I wil not the death of him that dieth saith our Lord God returne ye and liue ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XVIII â—â— Is the death of a sinner my vvil In manie places of holie Scripture it is clâ—â—â— that Gods vvil is most assuredly fulfilled in al thinges vvhatsoeuer he vvould and none can resist his vvil c. Neuertheles here and in other places it is also expresly affirmed that God would haue al sinners to repent and none to dye in their sinnes vvhich semeth to repugne vvith the former doctrin For solution of vvhich difficultie S. Damascen li. 2. c. 29 de Orthodoxa side and other Doctors distinguish Gods vvil vvhich is either called Antecedent and conditional and so God vvould haue al men to be saued as appeareth by creating al to that end by his frequen admonitions preceptes threates temporal punishments and revvardes and especially by our Sauiours death and redemption of al mankind vvherby he merited most sufficient meanes and offereth his sufficient grace to euerie one that they may be saued if they vvil Othervvise Gods wil is called Consequent and absolute and so for iustice sake his diuine vvil is that impenitent sinners shal be damned and eternally punished for their sinnes As a iust Iudge condionally and antecedently vvould haue al men to obserue good lavves and to liue so long as they can by nature but absolutely consequently finding some to be murderers or othervvise pernicicious to the commonvvelth he panisheth them with death CHAP. XIX The Israelites calaminitie is described by two parables of lions 10. and of a vine planted and plucked vp AND thou take vp lamentation vpon the princes of Israel †and thou shalt say Why lay thy mother a lionesse among the lions in the middes of young lions brought vp her whelpes †And she brought out one of her young lions he became a lion and he lerned to catch prayes and to eate man †And the Gentils heard of him and not without their woundes they tooke him and they brought him in cheynes into the Land of Aegypt †Who when she saw that she was weakened and her expectation was lost she tooke one of her young lions she made him a lion †Who went among the lions and became a lion and he lerned to take praye and to deuoure men †He lerned to make widowes and to bring their cities into a desert and the land was made desolate and the fulnes therof by the voice of his roaring †And the Gentils came together against him on euerie side out of the prouinces they spred their nette vpon him in their wounds he was taken †And they put him into a caue in cheynes they brought him to the king of Babylon and they cast him into prison that his voice might no more be heard vpon the mountaines of Israel †Thy mother as it were a vine in thy bloud is planted vpon the water her fruit and her branches haue growen out of manie waters †And there were made to her strong roddes for the scepters of them that rule and her stature was exalted among the branches and she saw her height in the multitude of her branches †And she was plucked vp in wrath and cast on the ground and the burning winde hath dried vp her fruite the roddes of her strength are withered and dried vp fire hath eaten her †And now she is transplanted into the desert in a land not passable and drie †And there came forth fire from the rod of her boughes which hath eaten her fruite and there was not in her a strong rod the scepter of rulers Lamentation it is and it shal be into lamentation CHAP. XX. God wil not answer the elders of Israel asking by the prophet 4. but by him setteth his benefites before their eyes and their owne heynous sinnes 30. threatning yet greater punishments 40. but stil mixt with mercie AND it came to passe in the seuenth yeare in the fifth the tenth of the moneth there came men of the ancients of Israel to aske our Lord they sare before me †And the word of our Lord was made to me saying †Sonne of man speake to the ancients of Israel thou shalt say to them Thus saith our Lord God Why are you come to aske me Liue I that I wil not answer you saith our Lord God †Doest thou iudge them doest thou iudge ô sonne of man shew to them the abominations of their fathers †And thou shalt say to them Thus saith our Lord God In the day that I chose Israel lifted vp my hand for the stocke of the house of Iacob and appeared to them in the Land of Aegypt and lifted vp my hand for them saying I the Lord your God †in that day I lifted vp my hand for them that I might bring them out of the Land of Aegypt into a Land which I had prouided for them flowing with milke and honie which is excellent among al landes †And I said to them Let euerie man cast away the scandals of his eyes and in the idols of Aegypt be ye not polluted I the Lord your God †And they prouoked me and would not heare me euerie one did not cast away the abominations of his eyes neither did they leaue the idols of Aegypt and I said I would powre out mine indignation vpon them and fil my wrath in them in the middes of the Land of Aegypt †And I did for my name sake that it might not be violated before the Gentils in the middes of whom they were and among whom I appeared to them to bring them out of the Land of Aegypt †I cast them out therfore of the Land of Aegypt and brought them forth into the desert †And I gaue them my precepts and I shewed to them my iudgements which a man doing shal liue in them †Moreouer also my sabbathes I gaue to them to be a signe betwen me and them and that they might know that I am the Lord sanctifying them †And the houses of Israel prouoked me in the desert they walked not in my precepts and my iudgements they reiected which a man doing shal liue in them and my sabbathes they violated excedingly I said therfore I would powre out my furie vpon them in the desert and would consume them †And I did for my name sake lest it should be violated before the Gentils from which I cast them out in their sight †I therfore lifted vp my hand vpon them in the desert not to bring them into the Land which I gaue them flowing with milke and honie the chiefe of al landes †Because they reiected my iudgements and walked not in my precepts and violated my sabbathes
that such workes may be profitable and be conserued they must be donne in true faith in the Catholique faith in societie of the vnitie of the Church h VVorkes are good and rightly laide vp when they are donne in vnitie and participation of Gods Altares the most proper places of Diuine Seruice of external Sacrifice in this life and spiritual sacrifice of perâ—ect praises in eternal glorie whereal Sainctes without ceasing sing Holie holie holie Lord God of hoastes Isaiae 6. Apoc. 4. i The Catholique Church k The iust by Gods grace and helpe may resolue to ascend by steppes and degrees from vertue to vertue v. 8. euen to heauen l though he be now in this vaile of teares by reason of mans sinne who otherwise was before sinne in paradise a place of delight m Christ our lawgeuer n geueth abundance of graces o with continual increase p but our only omnipotent God is to be senne by this effect of his grace in the Church and not elswhere q Agreably to this the Church maketh al her petitions concluding al prayers By Christ our Lord. r In respect of the future retribution which euerie one shal receiue according to their desertes one day in Gods Church is better then thousands out of it Å¿ And better to be in the poorest state of Catholique Christians t then in greatest palaces or hieghest dignities amongst sinners v The Diuine wisdom so vseth mercie and veritie that neither may preiudice the other vv and so geueth grace in this life x and glorie in the â—ext y Besides innocencie conserued without sinne there is also innocencie after remission of sinne of which the prophet here speaketh Incarnation of Christ the 5. key a God bestowed manie great benefites vpon the people of Israel b he brought them out of the bondage of Aegypt c Remitted their manifold sinnes d pardoned also a great part of due punishment e As thou hast soared thy peculiar people so we besech thee ô God creator and general Sauiour of al mankind f mitigate thy wrath towards vs al g Til God first shew his mercie sinners lye dead in guilt of sinne but by his grace they are sturred vp and quickned h and ioyfully returne to God i The wordes of the prophet k signifying that God had reueled vnto him the redemption of mankind l Not al men are iustified and saued but those that are hartely and sincerely conuerted m Though al be not saued because manie wil not cooperate to Gods grace yet very manie hauing the feare of God which is the beginning of godlie wisdom freely accept of Gods mercie and so â—he Church is gloriously propagated n VVheras Gods mercie would saue al and his truth or iustice requireth that sinnes be duly punished by Christs Passion and death sufficient satisfaction is offered for al sinnes and thoâ—e that wil be partakers by penance and conformitie to Gods law may haue remission o and so iustice is obserued and peace made betwen God and his subiects p Integritie of conscience reigneth in good men q God sending iust meanes from heauen to saue them r God geueth grace Å¿ and so men yeld fruict t Yea they walke in iustice and right path of Gods law A prayer for continual grace the 7. key a A forme of prayer for king Dauid and for anie faithful person b There be sundrie iust causes which moue God to heare our prayers c first our necessitie requireth Gods helpe d Secondly because we professe and promise to lead a holie life e Thirdly because we trust and hope in God f Fourtly because we perseuere in prayer g Fiftly if we pray with attention of mind h Sixtly because God of his owne nature is benigne readie to bestow benefites i Seuently he is meeke to remitte offences k Eightly he is merciful to mitigate the punishment to those that make recourse vnto him l For these causes we pray as foloweth m Vocation of Gentiles n They shal come by faith o and glorifie God by good workes Mat. 5. v. 17. p Cofession of praise q From the state of eternal damnation r In performing al promises Å¿ A digression vsual to prophetes of Christs Empyre and Kingdom the Church geuen to him being the sonne of an immaculate virgin the handmaide of God t The chief and principal signe of Christs and his Churches glorie is his Resurrection praefigured in Ionas v VVherby al enimies are confounded either to their conuersion or to eternal damnation See 6. Augustin The Catholique Church glorious the 6. key a Christs Church was first founded in Ierusalem on whitsunday Act. 2. in mount Sion which hath two toppes in one of which the Temple stood in the other Dauids towre oâ— palace b The Prophet in the person of Christ saith he wil commend vnto his Apostles and other Apostolical men that they conuert al nations as our Sauiour gaue expresse commission and commandment Math. 28. Luc. 24. v. 47. Act. 1. v. 8. c naming here Raab which is Aegypt and Babylon d The Philistims Tyrians Aethiopians e the rest shal be regenerate in this Church which for the assured certaintie therof after the prophets maner of speaking is affirmed in the pretertence as if it were then donne f It shal be reported or one shal say to an other Loe this and that man al these and al these men are regenerate by Baptisme in the Church of Christ g God himselfe Christ God and Man founded this Church h The multitude of the elect is so great that only God knoweth the number i and the qualities of al sortes of Princes Prelates and Peoples k Great spiritual ioy with peace of conscience is in true Christian Catholiques in the militant Church but the blessed haue the most absolute secure ioy of al in the Church triumphant A prayer in long affliction the 7. key a An instrument of musike apt for lamentable songues Not expressed in the title of anie other Psalme Perhaps because this Psalme mixteth not anie consolation with mourning as other Psalmes do which are also prayers in affliction As the 30. 53. 63. 73. b Neither is this word in anie other title It is added here to admonish vs that as this Psalme and some others were songue by two quires one answering the other so we must in answer and imitation of Christ suffer long and great afflictions with patience seing he in his passion was leift without ordinarie coÌ„solation c By some interpreted his bretheren For Christ saith S. Augustin voutchsaffeth to make them his bretheren which vnderstand the mysterie of his Crosse and not only are not ashamed therof but also faithfully glorie therin d I haue cried to thee very often both by day and by night e I am almost dead f Accounted as dead and readie to be buried g If I were dead I should be free from these afflictions Especially it agreeth to Christ who was free yea of infinite
other reliques of Martyrs p casting them into the vilest planes they can willing if they could to throw them into hel q but the Church and al her members repose confidence in God * life r Therfore she prayeth that her children be not entrapped by guilful deceiptes Å¿ nor ouerthrowne by anie stumbling blocke cast in their way t In the end al persecuters and other wicked shal be caught in their ovvne nette of perdition v the Church is singularly protected euen to the end Dauids prayer in extreme distresse the 8. key a This Psalme in fotme of a prayer shevveth vvhat cogitations Dauid had in extreme danger b Not with exterior voice for so he should haue detected himselfe but with feruoure of spirite c VVhen by reason of extremitie I vvas not able to thinke hovv to helpe my selfe d thou ô God knovving my actions and demaneur didst deliuer me e I looked for helpe f and diligently looked about me g but none vvould seme to knovv me vvhen I required their helpe h Endeuoring to saue my self by flight I found no secure place for being in a caue or hole of a montaine the vvhole armie beseeged me al seeke to take avvay my life none to saue it i Thus leift desolate of al mans helpe and destitute of al vvorldlie shift I cried to thee ô Lord k my only hopeful refuge l neither do I desire to liue for anie vvorldlie respect but hauing chosen thee ô God for my portion and inheritance m I desire to be out of this desert place and to be in the land vvhere is right vse of religious diuine seruice n afflicted o Dauids desire of libertie was especially to this end that he might haue conuenient place and other meanes to serue and praise God p the good and vvel disposed people of Israel can not now serue thee as they desire but expect me q whom thou ô Lord vvilt aduance to the kingdom that then vve may serue thee more freely and more commodiously The prophetical sense of this Psalme The seuenth penitential Psalme the 7. key 2. Reg â—7 a God hauing so promised is bond by his truth b and his iustice to heare penitents praying for remission of sinnes c Deale not vvith me in rigour of iustice d for no mortal man is able of himselfe to be iustified abstracting from Gods mercie e sought my life f and brought it into great danger Spiritually the diuel as a roâ—ing lion stil seeking vvhom he may deuour hath tempted me vehemently g I am pressed with great calamities temporal or spiritual h In this case I consider how God hath hertofore shewed his goodnes towards me and others i Stretching forth handes a ceremonie in prayer wherby the supplicant is made more attentiue and also indureth some paine for part of satisfaction k mans mind vvithout Gods illumination is drie and barren l In great tentations Gods grace and helpe is more presently nedeful to preuent our weaknes lest vve yeld consent m If God leaue man vvithout special and continual grace he vvil fal n into sunne as into a deepe lake from vvhence vvithout helpe he can not rise vp againe o In the first assault of tentation p Seing by thy grace I haue begunne to pray vnto thee q The penitent thus humbling himselfe and praying may assuredly trust that God doth remitte his sinnes by the holie Sacraments and iustifieth him protecteth him and wil bring him out of al dangers of spiritual or temporal enemies King Dauid praiseth God for his victories the 8 key a Because this vvas Dauids first and a very notable victorie the Septuagint Interpreters make mention of Goliath in this title b God made Dauid a warier and victorer against Goliath without anie former training in armes c Made him afterwards king of a great people d Al mankind was vnvvorthie before Christ e that God should be reueled vnto them f especially that he should haue care of the progenie of men after their sinne g In dede man in himself in his ovvne nature and frailtie is but a vaine and transitorie creature passing from life to death as a shadovv that can not consist of it selfe neither can man vvithout God h By a poetical description he prayeth for Gods helpe as if God should make the heauens to bovv and so descend or make the montaines smoke as vvhen Moyses receiued the lavv or declare himself by Meteors as folovveth i Tribulations or tentations k Children of the Church l but of euil life m They speake in vanitie that promise to kepe Gods law and performe it not n In that principal instrument apt for a new songue and for extra ordinarie benefites o Both Ievves Christians that liue not vvel are as strangers that frame to themselues such a false felicite as is here described making riches or vvorldlie pleasures their God * transmigration p True happines consisteth not in vvorldlie thinges q But in preferring God before al. Gods Maiestie excelleth al thinges the 1. key a By this title Esdras signifieth that the Holie Ghost vvho indited al the Psalmes to Gods praise more specially in these seuen last suggested to Dauid and by him to al Gods seruants that al their other seruice must tend and be directed to the praise of God and that therin vve must continevv and finally rest as in the sabbath of the seuenth day signified as S. Beda supposeth by these seuen last Psalmes of praise eternally praising our Lord God For vvhich principal end both Angels and Men yea and al other creatures vvere made b King is the proper epitheton of Christ the Sonne of God to whom in his humanitie God the Father promised the Church of al nations for his kingdom Psal 2. in vvhom also the vvhole Blessed Trinitie is praised c Al the time of this vvorld they praise God d after in eternitie e Of vvonderful and miraculous thinges vvhich strike terrour into mens mindes f The effectes of Gods mercie in redeming and recallidg sinners are eminent aboue al other workes g Therfore the sanctified haue special cause to praise God h Christs kingdom the militant Church is magnifical but much more the triumphant vvhich is eternal i God is readie of his part to lift vp al. k He geueth necessarie thinges to al liuing creatures euen to brute beastes The seuen last Psalmes perteyne more specially to prayses This Psalme and other six are composed in order of the Alphabet It is probable that the Hebrevv text novv vvanteth a verse in this Psalme And therfore is not more certaâ—ne then the Greke or Latin Al are exhorred to praise God and trust in his assured prouidence they key a The Septuagint added â—he names of these tuo Prophetes for the like reason as they added Ieromie Psal 136. because Aggaeus and Zacharias prophecying in the reduction of the people from captiuitie exhorted them as here the Psalmist doth to trust in Gods prouidence and preferre
charitie God gaue him an other particular law that he should not eate of the tree of knovvlege of good and euil And that for two special reasons which S. Augustin noteth vpon this place First that God might declare him selfe to be Lord of man VVhich was absolutely necessarie for man and nothing at al profitable to God who nedeth not our seruice but we without his dominion should vtterly fal to nothing Nec enim ipso non creante c. For he not creating vs neither could vve haue bene noâ— he not conseruing vs could vve remayne nor he not gouerning vs could vve liue rightly VVherfore he onlie is our true Lord vvhom not for his but for our ovvne profite and saluation vve serue The other reason was that God might geue man matter wherin to exercise the vertue of obedience and to shew him selfe a subiect of God VVhich could not be so properly and effectually declared by keping other lawes nor the enormitie of disobedience appeare so euidently as by fulfilling of Gods wil commanding him or by doing his owne wil moued to the contrarie in a thing of it selfe indifferent only made vnlawful because it was forbid But let vs heare S. Augustins owne wordes Nec potuit melius aut diligentius coÌ„â—endâ—ri quantum malum sit sola inobedientia c. Neither could it saith this great Doctor be better nor more exactly signified how bad a thing sole disobedience is then where a man became guiltie of iniquitie because he touched that thing contrarie to prohibition which if he not forbidden had touched he had not sinned at al. For he that saith for example sake Touch not this herbe supposing it is poysenful and doth forwarne one of death if he touch it death assuredly falleth on the contemner of the precept yea though no man had prohibited and he had touched for he should dye because the same thing bereueth him of health and life whether it had benne forbidden him or no. Also when one forbiddeth that thing to be touched which would not in dede preiudice him that toucheth but him that forbiddeth as if one take an others money being forbid by him whose the money is it is a sinne in him that is forbidden because it is iniurie to him that forbiddeth But when that thing is touched which neither should hurt him that toucheth nor any other if it were not forbid wherfore is it prohibited but that the proper goodnes of obedience and the euil of disobedience might appeare Thus S. Augustin sheweth that disobedience is a sinne because it is against a precept though otherwise the thing that is done were not euil And amongst other good notes teacheth that true obedience inquireth not wherfore a thing is commanded but leauing that to the Superior promptly doth that is appointed 17. Of the tree eate thou not This example of our first parents transgression sheweth how friuolous an answer it is to say that breaking of commanded fastes or eating meates forbidden can not hurt vs the meate being good and holsome for so the fruite of the tree was good and should haue hurt no man if it had not benne forbidden Euen so al meates of their owne nature are good yet the precept of fasting foretold by our Sauiour in general and determined by his Church in particular and so of anie other like law though it be in things otherwise indifferent proceeding from lawful Superiors bindeth the subiects in conscience And the transgression is properly disobedience what other sinne soeuer may also be mixed therwith 17. Thou shalt dye the death Against the new doctrine denying that after sinne is remitted anie temporal punishment remaineth for the same this place declareth that death wherof God forewarned Adam if he should eate of the fruite forbidden remained due and was at last inflicted vpon him for his sinne which was presently remitted vpon his repentance Againe for so much as we are al subiect to death it proueth that we were al guiltie of this sinne by which death came vpon al men as S. Paul teacheth Els God should punish vs without our fault which is vnpossible that his goodnes should do Especially it appeareth in infants who dying before they come to vse of reason can neuer coÌ„mit other sinne for though they were circumcised or had Sacrifice offered or other remedie vsed for them before Christ or baptised since Christ yet they suffer as S. Augustin noteth both death and manie other penalties of sickenes cold heate hunger and the like which can neither be to them matter of merite as to others it may be nor profite them for auoiding of other sinnes seing they dye in their infancie Yea moreouer if they dyed without circumcisioÌ„ or other remedie of those former times their soules perished from their people and now without Baptisme can neuer enter into the kingdome of heauen which could not stand with Gods iustice if they were not guiltie of sinne CHAP. III. By the craft of the Diuel speaking in a serpent our first parents transgressed Gods commandment 7. who being ashamed vvould hide them selues 9 but are reproued by God 14. and besides other particular punishements yet with promise of a Redemer are cast out of Paradise BVT the serpent also was more subtile then al the beasts of the earth which our Lord God had made Which said to the woman Why hath God commanded you that you should not eate of euerie tree of Paradise †To whom the woman answered Of the fruite of the trees that are in paradise we doe eate †but of the fruite of the tree which is in the middes of paradise God hath commanded vs that we should not eate and that we should not touch it lest perhapes we die †And the serpent said to the woman No you shal not dye the death †For God doth know that in what day soeuer you shal eate therof your eyes shal be opened and you shal be as gods knowing good euil †The woman therfore sawe that the tree was good to eate and fayre to the eyes and delectable to behold and she tooke of the fruite therof and did eate and gaue to her husband who did eate †And the eyes of them both were opened and when they perceiued themselues to be naked they sowed togeather leaues of a figge tree and made themselues aprons †And hearing the voice of our Lord God walking in paradise at the after none ayre Adam hid himselfe and so did his wife from the face of our Lord God amidst the trees of paradise †And our Lord God called Adam and said to him Where art thou †Who said I heard thy voice in paradise and I feared because I was naked and I hid me †To whom he said And who hath told thee that thou wast naked but that thou hast eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eate †And Adam
Hebrew and Greke may be translated The male that doth not circumcise the flesh of his prepuce which can not be ment of an infant of eight dayes old This exposition is likewise confirmed by example Exodi 4. where Moyses was in danger to be slaine by an Angel because his sonne was not circumcised Neuertheles S. Augustin li. 3. c. 18. cont Inlian li. 16. c. 27. ciuit and in other places proueth that this commination pertained also to infants whose iudgement is confirmed by the 70. Interpreters adding for explication these wordes the eight day which necessarily include infants as subiect to this punishment not for that they could transgresse this precept or commit a new sinne but for lack of circumcision The reason wherof is for that God now determined this only remedie for original sinne in the male sex of Abrahams seede in place of sacrifice or other profession of faith vsed before and that in case it could conueniently be applied for otherwise the former remedies were stil aualable Concerning the other difficultie manie ancient fathers expound these wordes shal be destroyed out of his people of only temporal punishment either death as the like phrase signifieth Exodi 12. VVhosoeuer shal eate leuened bread his soul shal perish out of Israel or temporal separation from the people of God as Num. 19. Euerie one that toucheth the dead corse shal perish out of Israel But S. Augustin li. 3. c. 18. cont Iulian. li 5. hypog alibi S. Gregorie li. 4. Moral c. 2. 3. S. Prosper li. de promiss Dei p. 1. c. 14. S. Beda li. 2. in Lucam c. 8 and S. Bernard ser 3. de circum vnderstand this threatning not only of temporal punishment but also of eternal separation from God and the societie of Saints And that also infants are so secluded only for lack of this remedie as now children which dye without Baptisme cōmitting no new fault are depriued of the vision of God for their original sinne not remitted VVherupon is geathered that albeit Circumcision was principally instituted to distinguish the people of God which should come of Abrahams seede from other nations yet it was also for remission of original sinne not in al but in those to whom God appointed this particular remedie CHAP. XVIII Angels intertained as ghests by Abraham 10. tel when Sara shal beare a sonne wherat she laughing they cōfirme that they had said 16. They also fortel the destruction of Sodom 22. for which Abraham prayed six times ANd God appeared to him in the vale of mambre as he sat in the dore of his tent in the verie heat of the day †And when he had lifted vp his eyes there appeared to him three men standing nere vnto him whom after he had sene he ranne to meete them from the dore of his tent and adored to the ground †And He said Lord if I haue found grace in thy sight goe not past thy seruant †but I wil fetch a little water and wash ye your feete and rest ye vnder the tree †And I wil fet a morsel of bread and strengthen your hart afterward you shal passe for therfore are you come aside to your seruāt Who said Do as thou hast spoken †Abraham made hast into the tent to Sara and said to her Make hast temper togeather three measures of floure and make harth cakes †But him selfe ranne to the heard and tooke from thence a calfe verie tender and verie good and gaue it to a young man who made hast and boiled it †He tooke also butter and mylke and the calfe which he had boyled and set before them but him selfe did stand beside them vnder the tree †And when they had eaten they said to him Where is Sara thy wife He answered Loe she is in the tent †To whom he said Returning I wil come to thee at this time life accompaning and Sara thy wife shal haue a sonne Which when Sara heard she laughed behind the dore of the tent †And they were both aged and farre entred in yeares and it ceased to be with Sara after the maner of wemen †Who laughed secreatly saying After I am waxen old my Lord is an old one shal I geue my selfe to pleasure †And our Lord said to Abraham Why did Sara laugh saying Shal I an old woman beare a child in deed †Is there any thing hard to God According to appointment I wil returne to thee this verie selfe same time life accompaynig and Sara shal haue a sonne †Sara denied saying I laughed not being much afraid But our Lord It is not so saith he but thou didst laugh †When the men therfore were risen vp from thence they turned their eyes against Sodome and Abraham did goe with them bringing them on the way †And our Lord said Can I conceale from Abraham the things which I wil doe †wheras he shal be into a nation great and verie strong and in him are TO BE BLESSED al the nations of the earth †For I know that he wil commande his children and his house after him that they kepe the way of the Lord and doe iudgement and iustice that for Abrahams sake the Lord may bring to effect al the things that he hath spoken vnto him Therfore said our Lord. †The crye of Sodome and Gomorre is multiplied and their sinne is aggrauated excedingly †I wil descend and see whether they haue in acte accomplished the crye that is come to me or whether it be not so that I may know †And they turned them selues from thence and went their way to Sodome but Abraham as yet stood before our Lord. †And approching he said what wilt thou destroy the iust with the wicked †If there shal be fiftie iust persons in the citie shal they perish withal and wilt thou spare that place for fiftie iust if they be therin †Be it farre from thee that thou doe this thing and that thou kil the iust with the wicked and that the iust be in like case as the wicked this is not beseeming thee which iudgest al the earth no thou wilt not do this iudgement †And our Lord said to him If I shal find in Sodome fiftie iust persons within the citie I wil spare the whole place for their sake †And Abraham answered and said Because I haue once begunne I wil speake to my Lord wheras I am dust and ashes †What if there shal be fiue lesse then fiftie iust persons wilt thou for fortie fiue destroy the whole citie And he said I wil not destroy it if I shal finde fiue and fourtie †And againe he said vnto him But if fourtie shal be found there what wilt thou doe He said I wil not strike it for fourties sake †Lord saith he be not angrie I besech thee if I speake what if thirtie shal be founde there He answered I wil not doe it if I shal
for thee and for this cause called his name Phares †Afterward his brother came forth in whose hand was the skarelet string whom she called Zara. ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XXXVIII 8. Raise sede to thy brother By this it appeareth that in the law of nature when a maried man died without issue his brother might lawfully marie the widow whose first sonne should be counted and called the sonne and heyre of his vncle dead before The same was established by the law of Moyses Deut. 25 VVhich being now abrogated it remaineth in the Churches powre to constitute a law in this behalf and consequently to dispence in the same so farre as is agreable with the law of nature VVherof see more Leuit. 18. CHAP. XXXIX Ioseph being in great credite with his maister hath the whole charge of his house 7. Contemning his mystris solicitation to incontinencie 13. is falsly accused by her to his maister 20. and cast into prison 21. Where againe he getteth credite and hath the charge of al the prisoners THERFORE Ioseph was brought into Aegypt and Putiphar an Eunuch of Pharao prince of his armie a man of Aegypt bought him at the hand of the Ismaelites by whom he was brought †And our Lord was with him and he was a man that in al things did prosperously and he dwelt in his maisters house †who knewe verie wel that our Lord was with him and that al thinges which he did were directed by him in his hand †And Ioseph found grace before his maister and ministred to him by whom being made ruler ouer al his thinges he gouerned the house committed to him and al thinges that were deliuered vnto him †and our Lord blessed the house of the Aegyptian for Iosephes sake and multiplied as wel in houses as in landes al his substance †Neither knew he any other thing but the bread which he did eate And Ioseph was of beautiful countenance and comely fauored to behold †After manie dayes therfore his maistresse cast her eyes on Ioseph and said Sleepe with me †Who in no wise assenting to that wicked act said to her Behold my maister hauing deliuered al thinges vnto me knoweth not what he hath in his owne house †neither is there any thing which is not in my power or that he hath not deliuered to me beside thee that art his wife how therfore can I do this wicked thing and sinne against my God †With these kinde of wordes day by day both the woman was importune vpon the young man and he refused the aduoutrie †And it chanced on a certaine day that Ioseph went into the house and did some businesse without anie man with him †and â—he catching the skirte of his garment said Sleepe with me who leauing the cloke in her hand fled and went forth abroad †And when the woman sawe the garment in her handes and her selfe to be contemned †she called to her the men of her house and said to them See he hath brought in an Hebrew to delude vs he came vpon me for to lie with me and when I had cried our †and he heard my voice he left the cloake that I hold and fled forth †For an argument therfore of her credite she reserued the cloake and shewed it to her husband returning home †and said There came vnto me the Hebrew seruant whom thou didest bring hither for to delude me †and when he heard me crie he left the cloke which I held and fled forth †His maister hearing these thinges and geuing ouer light credite to his wiues wordes was very wrath †and deliuered Ioseph into prison where the kinges prisoners were kept and he was there shut vp †And our Lord was with Ioseph and hauing mercie vpon him gaue him grace in the sight of the chiefe of the prison †Who deliuered in his hand al the prisoners that were kept in custodie and whatsoeuer was done was vnder him †Neyther did himselfe knowe any thing hauing committed al things to him for our Lord was with him and directed al his workes CHAP. XL. Ioseph interpreteth the dreames of two Eunuches prisoners 12. that the one should be restored to his office 16. the other be hanged 20. The third day the euent declareth the interpretations to be true but Ioseph is forgotten THESE thinges being so done it chanced that two Eunuches the cupbearer of the king of Aegypt and his baker offended against their lord †And Pharao being wrath against them for the one was chiefe of the cupbearers the other chiefe baker †he sent them into the prison of the captaine of the souldiers in the which Ioseph also was prisoner †But the keeper of the prison deliuered them to Ioseph who also ministred to them some litle time was passed and they were kept in custodie †And they sawe ech of them both a dreame in one night according to an interpretation agreing to them selues †to whom when Ioseph was entred in the morning and saw them sad †he asked them saying Why is your countenance sadder to day then it was woont †Who answered We haue seene a dreame there is no bodie to interprete it to vs. And Ioseph said to them Why “ doth not interpretation belong to God Tel me what you haue seene †The chiefe of the cup-bearers first told his dreame I saw before me a vine †wherin were three branches growing by litle and litle into buddes and after the blossomes the grapes waxed ripe †and the cup of Pharao in my hand and I tooke the grapes and wrong them into the cup which I held and I gaue the cup to Pharao †Ioseph answered This is the interpretation of the dreame The three branches are yet three dayes †after the which Pharao wil remember thy seruice and wil restore thee to thy old degree and thou shalt geue him the cup according to thyne office as before thou haddest wont to doe †Only remember me when it shal be wel with thee and doe me this mercie to put Pharao in mind that he take me out of this prison †because I was taken away by stealth out of the land of the hebrewes and here an innocent was I cast into the lake †The maister of the bakers seing that he had wisely resolued the dreame he said And I also saw a dreame That I had three baskettes of meale vpon my head †and that in one basket that was the higher I caried al meates that are made by the art of baking and that the birds did eate out of it †Ioseph answered This is the interpretation of the dreame The three basketts are yet three dayes †after the which Pharao wil take thy head from thee and hang thee on the crosse and the foules shal teare thy flesh †The third day after this was the birth day of Pharao who making a great feast to his seruantes at the
and is made abominable before our Lord lest thou make thy Land to sinne which our Lord thy God shal deliuer thee to possesse †When a man hath lately taken a wife he shal not goe forth to battel neither shal any publique necessitie be inioyned him but he shal attend to his owne house without fault that one yeare he may reioyce with his wife †Thou shalt not take for a pledge the nether or the vpper milstone because he hath pledged his life to thee †If any man be taken soliciting his brother of the children of Israel and selling him take a price he shal be slaine and thou shalt take away the euil from the middes of thee †Obserue diligently that thou incurre not the plague of leprosie but thou shalt doe whatsoeuer the priestes of the Leuitical stocke shal teach thee according to that which I haue commanded them and fulfil thou it carefully †Remember what our Lord your God did to Marie in the way when you came out of Aegypt †When thou shalt require of thy neighbour any thing that he oweth thee thou shalt not enter into his house to take away a pledge †but thou shalt stand without and he shal bring forth to thee that which he hath †but if he be poore the pledge shal not lodge with thee that night †but forthwith thou shalt restore it to him before the going downe of the sunne that sleeping in his rayment he may blesse thee thou mayest haue iustice before our Lord thy God †Thou shalt not denie the hyre of the needie and poore man thy brother or the stranger that dwelleth with thee in the land and is within thy gates †but the same day thou shalt pay him the price of his labour before the going downe of the sunne because he is poore and there withal susteyneth his life lest he crie against thee to our Lord and it be reputed to thee for a sinne †The fathers shal not be slaine for the children nor the children for the fathers but cuerie one shal die for his owne sinne †Thou shalt not peruert the iudgement of the stranger and the pupil neither shalt thou take away the widowes rayment for a pledge †Remember that thou didst serue in Aegypt and our Lord thy God deliuered thee from thence Therfore I command thee that thou doe this thing †When thou hast reaped the corne in thy field and forgetting hast left a sheafe thou shalt not returne to take it away but thou shalt suffer the stranger and the pupil and the widow to take it away that our Lord thy God may blesse thee in al the worke of thy handes †If thou haue gathered the fruites of thy oliue trees whatsoeuer remaineth on the trees thou shalt not returne to gather it but shalt leaue it to the stranger the pupil and the widow †If thou make vintage of thy vineyard thou shalt not gather the clusters that remaine but they shal goe to the vses of the stranger the pupil and the widow †Remember that thou also didst serue in Aegypt and therfore I command thee that thou doe this thing ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XXIIII 1. Dimisse her VVhether this diuorce was tollerated as a lesse sinne to auoide a greater as S. Hierom. li. 1. in Mat. c. 5. li 3. in c. 19. S. Chrysostom ho. 12. in Mat. 5. and others teach or dispensed withal and so made lawful to the Iewes which is also probabtle for hat none of the holie Prophetes did euer reprehend it sure it is that Christ either by correcting a fault or by recalling a former dispensation restored the insolubilitie of mariage to the first institution saying Mat. 19. That vvhich God hath ioyned together let not man separate Further answering the Phareses concerning this law that Moyses for the hardnes of your hart permitted you to dimisse your vviues but from the beginning it vvas not so And albeit he alloweth separation of man and wife for fornication yet for no cause neither of them can marie againe so long as the other liueth As S. Augustin li. 1. de adulter coningijs c. 11. 12. by conference of three Euangelistes wordes touching this point plainly sheweth concluding that for so much as holie Scripture calleth him that taketh a woman so dimissed not a husband but an adulterer she is stil his vvife by vvhom for fornication she vvas dimissed Likewise he proueth by S. Paules doctrin Rom. 7. 1. Cor. 7. that though diuorce be made for adultrie yet neither the guiltie nor innocent partie can marie an other for the Apostle saieth a vvoman is vnder the lavv of her husband so long as he liueth if her husband be dead she is loosed from his lavv Therfore her husband liuing she shal be called an aduoutresse if she be vvith an other man If she part let her remaine vnmaried or be reconciled to her husband A vvoman is bond to the lavv so long time as her husband lieth c. These wordes of the Apostle sayeth he li. 2. c. 4. so often repeted so often incultated are true are liuclie are sound are plaine A woman beginneth not to be the wife of a later hushand except she cease to be the wife of the former And she caeseth to be the wife of the former if he die not if he or she committe adultrie Therfore a wife is lawfully dimissed for fornication but the bond of the former remaineth for which cause he is guiltie of adultrie that marieth her that is dimissed yea though it be for fornication Thus and much more sayeth S. Augustin in the same in other bookes And al the ancient fathers and lerned schoolmen teach vniformly that nothing but bodilie death can loose the band of Mariage consummate nor of vnconsummate but death or solemne vow in an approued rule of religion CHAP. XXV Punishment afflicted according to the fault but so that he which is beaten haue not aboue fourtie stripes 4. The oxes mouth not be mooseled that treadeth corne 5. A maried man dying without issue his brother must marie the widow 11. The wife that taketh her husbands aduersarie by priuities must lose her hand 13. no false weightes nor measures to be kept 17. Amelicites must be vtterly destroyed IF there be a controuersie betwen some and they cal vpon the iudges whom they shal perceiue to be iust to him they shal geue the price of iustice whom impious him they shal condemne of impietie †And if they see that the offender be worthie of stripes they shal cast him downe shal cause him to be beaten before them According to the measure of the sinne shal the measure also of the stripes be †yet so that they exceede not the number of fourtie lest thy brother depart fowly torne before thyne eies †Thou shalt not moosel the mouth of the oxe that treadeth out thy corne in the flore †When brethren shal dwel
deliuer and saue them First Othoniel of the tribe of Iuda then Aod of Beniamin after him Samgar the Scripture not signifying of what tribe then Barach with Debora of Ephraim Gedeon of Manasses Abimelech his basâ— sonne an vsurper Thola of Issachar Iair and Iephte of Manasses Abesan of Iuda Aialon of Zabulon Abdon of Ephraim Sampson of Dan and Heli who was also high priest of Aarons stocke otherwise called Zaraias 1. Paralip 6. and Samuel also of the tribe of Leut a Prophet In his time the people demanding and vrging to haue a King Saul of the tribe of Beniamin was annointed 1. Reg. 10. But for transgressing Gods commandments especially for exercising spiritual function without warrant 1. Reg. 13. and not destroying idolaters 1. Reg. 15. was deposed and Dauid of the tribe of Iuda was annointed King who after manie great trubles possessed the whole kingdome and died in peace leauing his sonne Salomon inuested and annointed king in his throne The Church being thus established in distinct states and orders albeit there were manie imperfections in al sortes of persons and great sinnes committed yet God so punished offenders and chastised the whole people that he stil conserued the greatest or chiefe part in true faith and religion For whiles they were in the desert they murmured very often against God and his Ministers their Superiours Exod. 17. Num. 11. 14 20. 21. Manie fel to idolatrie Exod. 32. Aaron not free from cooperating in the peoples sinne Nadab and Abiu Aarons sonnes and consecrated priestes offered strange fire Leuit. 10 Core Dathan and Abiron with their complices made a great schisme Num. 16. Manie committed carnal fornication with Infidels and were therby drawen to spiritual Num. 25. Of which and other like â—innes the Psalmist speaketh Psal 94. exhorting his people not to harden their hartes as in the desert their fathers had tempted God Fourtie yeares was I offended sayth God with that generation and sayd They alwayes erre in hart And therfore he sware in his wrath that the same generation should not enter into the promised land of Chanaan but their children entred and possessed it Num. 14. Iesue 3. A 〈…〉 the people falling to idolatrie and other sinnes were afflicted and sore pressâ—d by forraine enemies but repenting were deliuered and saued by certain capitaines called Iudges and Sauiours as appeareth in the booke of iudges They had also tribulations by some of their owne nation for among the Iudge one called Abimelee was a tyrannical vsurper Iudic. 9. Saul their first King falling from God vniustly persecuted Dauid 1. Reg. 18. â— Ambitious Absolom rebelled against the King his father 2. Reg. 15. and Seba of the tribe of Beniamin raised an other rebellion 2. Reg. 20. â—â—â—â—wise Adonias assisted by Abiathar the high priest and by Ioab general of the armie pretended to reigne his father Dauid yet liuing to preuent S 〈…〉 n of the kingdom 3. Reg. 1. So God both shewed his iustice in suffering suâ—â— afflictions to happen for punishment of sinne and his mercie in sauing hiâ— Church from ruine Moreouer for preseruatioÌ„ of the Church there were diuers diuine Ordinances prouided by the law For first al were strictly commanded not to coÌ„municate with Infidels in their idolatrie Ex. 23. nor with Schismatikes in their schisme Nu. 16. but to destroy al Idolaters Num. 33. and shunne al nouelties in religion as a sure marke of idolatrie or false doctrine Deut. 13. Further to conserue vnitie there was but one Tabernacle and one Altar for Sacrifice in the whole people of Israel VVherupon when the two tribes and halfe on the other side Iordan had made a seueral altar al the tribes that dwelt in Chanaan suspecting it was for sacrifice sent presently to admonish them and prepared to make warre against them except they destroyed their new altar but being aduertised that it was only an altar of monument and not for sacrifice were therwith satisfied Iosue 22. Afterwards the tribe of Dan setting vp idolatrie and the other tribes not correcting it they were al punished VVhich happened by occasion of an other enormous sinne committed and not corrected in the tribe of Beniamin For the other eleuen tribes making warre against them for this iust cause yea by Gods direction and warrant yet had the worse susteyning great slaughter of men in two conflictes and in the third Beniamin was almost destroyed Iudic. 20. Finally for decision of al controuersies and ending of strife the High Priest was expresly ordayned supreme Iudge Deut. 17. And al were commanded in paine of death to submitte their opinions and obey his sentence with promise of Gods assistance wherby his definitions were certaine and infallible For in consultations of doubtes and difficult cases God inspired him with doctrine of veritie Exod. 28. 29. Leuit. 8. Num. 3. 7. 9. 1. Reg. 23 30. VVhich iudgement Seate Christ admonished the Iewes to repayre vnto and folow Math. 23. though the Iudges themselues did not the thinges which they taught In so much that Caiphas through this assistance of Gods spirite being otherwise a wicked man yet pronounced the truth That one must die for the people VVhich therfore S. Iohn the Euangelist ascribeth to his Chayre and office because he was High priest that yeare Ioan. 11. Seing then Gods prouidence and continual assistance was so clere and assured in the Church of the old Testament much more is the Church of christ builded vpon a sure rocke assured of his perpetual assistance and always preserued from erring in Faith or in general practise of Religion And that by Gods like assured ordinance of one supreme head and Iudge S. Peter his Successour for vvhom our Sauiour prayed that his faith should not faile Further commanding him that he should confirme his brethren Al vvhich vvse see is performed in the Successours of S. Peter vvheras the successours of the other Apostles are al failed long since The same most assured stabilitie of the Church of Christ is further confirmed by the whole Lavv and Prophetes Namely Deut. 32. and 33. vvhere Moyses fortelleth more povver and grace in the Church to be collected in the Gentiles of al natioÌ„s then euer vvas in that of the Israelites or Iews Likewise 1. Reg. 2. The same vvas both prefigured and prophecied by holie Anna The hungrie those that desire Gods grace and glorie are filled vntil the barren woman the Church of the Gentiles bare verie manie she that had manie children was weakned Shewing that the Church of the Iewes had manie vntil the plenitude of Gentiles much more abounded Wherfore the Psalmist inuiteth al nations to praise God saying Psal 116. Praise our Lord al ye Gentiles praise him al ye peoples Also 2. Reg. 7. God promised Dauid saying Thy Kingdome for euer before thy face and thy throne shal be firme continually which was not verified in Dauids temporal kingdome For it was
by his mouth to Dauid my father in his owne handes hath perfected it saying †Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Aegypt I chose no citie of al the tribes of Israel that a house might be built and my name might be there but I chose Dauid to be ouer my people Israel †And Dauid my father would haue built a house to the name of our Lord the God of Israel †and our Lord sayd to Dauid my father In that thou hast thought in thy hart to build a house to my name thou hast done wel casting this same thing in thy mynd †Neuerthelesse thou shalt not build me a house but thy sonne that shal come forth of thy reynes he shal build a house to my name †Our Lord hath confirmed his word which he spake and I stand for Dauid my father and sitte vpon the throne of Israel as our Lord hath spoken and I haue built a house to the name of our Lord the God of Israel †And I haue appoynted there a place for the arke wherin the couenant of our Lord is which he made with our fathers when they came out of the Land of Aegypt †And Salomon stood before the altar of our Lord in the sight of the assemblie of Israel and extended his handes toward heauen †and sayd Lord God of Israel there is no God like to thee in heauen aboue and vpon the earth beneth which keepest couenant and mercie with thy seruantes that walke before thee in al their hart †Which hast kept to thy seruant Dauid my father the thinges that thou hast spoken to him by mouth thou didst speake and with thy handes thou hast accomplished as this day proueth †Now therfore Lord God of Israel keepe vnto thy seruant Dauid my father the thinges which thou hast spoken to him saying There shal not be taken away of thee a man before me which sitteth vpon the throne of Israel yet so if thy children shal keepe their way that they walke before me as thou hast walked in my sight †And now Lord God of Israel let thy wordes be established which thou hast spoken to thy seruant Dauid my father †Is it then to be thought that in deede God dwelleth vpon the earth for if heauen and the heauens of heauens can not conteyne thee how much more this house which I haue built †But looke toward the prayer of thy setuant and to his petitions ô Lord my God heare the hymne and the prayer which thy seruant prayeth before thee this day †that thy eies be opened vpon this house night and day vpon the house wherof thou sayest My name shal be there that thou heare the prayer which thy seruant prayeth in this place to thee †That thou heare the request of thy seruant and of thy people Israel whatsoeuer they shal pray for in this place and thou shalt heare in the place of thy habitation in heauen and when thou hast heard thou shalt be merciful †If a man shal sinne agaynst his neighbour and shal haue any oath wherwith he is held fast bound and shal come because of the oath before thine altar into thy house †thou shalt heare in heauen and shalt doe and iudge thy seruantes condemning the impious and rendring his way vpon his head and iustifying the iust and rewarding him according to his iustice †If thy people Israel shal flec their enemies because they wil sinne agaynst thee and doing penance and confessing to thy name shal come and pray and besech thee in this house †heare in heauen and forgeue the sinne of thy people Israel and thou shalt reduce them vnto the land which thou gauest to their fathers †If the heauen shal be shut and it rayne not because of their sinnes and praying in this place they doe penance to thy name and shal be conuerted from their sinnes through their affliction †heare them in heauen and forgeue the sinnes of thy seruantes and of thy people Israel and shew them a good way wherin they may walke and geue rayne vpon thy land which thou hast geuen to thy people in possession †If famine aryse in the land or pestilence or corrupt ayre or blasting or locust or rust and their enemie afflict them besieging the gates al plague al in firmity †al cursing and banning that shal chance to any man of thy people Israel if any man shal know the wound of his hart and shal spred forth his handes in this house †thou shalt heare in heauen in the place of thy habitation and shalt be merciful agayne and shalt so doe that thou geue to euerie one according to his wayes as thou shalt see his hart for thou onlie knowest the hart of al the children of men †that they feare thee al the dayes which they liue vpon the face of the land which thou hast geuen our fathers †Moreouer also the stranger which is not of thy people Israel when he shal come from a farre countrie for thy name for thy great name shal be heard of and thy strong hand †and thy stretched out arme euerie where when therfore he shal come and shal pray in this place †thou shalt heare in heauen in the firmament of thy habitation thou shalt doe al thinges for the which the stranger shal inuocate thee that al the peoples of the earth may lerne to feare thy name as thy people Israel and may proue that thy name is inuocated vpon this house which I haue built †If thy people shal goe forth to warre agaynst their enemies by the way whithersoeuer thou shalt send them they shal pray to thee agaynst the way of the citie which thou hast chosen and agaynst the house which I haue built to thy name †and thou shalt heare in heauen their prayers and their petitions and shalt doe iudgement for them †But if they shal sinne to thee for there is no man which sinneth not and thou being wrath shalt deliuer them to their enemies and they shal be led captiue into the land of their enemies farre or neere †and shal doe penance in their hart in the place of captiuirie and conuerted shal besech thee in their captiuitie saying We haue sinned we haue done wickedly we haue dealt impiously †and shal returne to thee in al their hart and al their soule in the land of their enemies to the which they shal be led captiue shal pray to thee agaynst the way of their land which thou gauest to their fathers and of the citie which thou hast chosen of the temple which I haue built to thy name †thou shalt heare in heauen in the firmament of thy throne their prayers and their petitions and shalt doe their iudgement for them †and shalt be merciful to thy people which sinned to thee and to al their iniquities where with they haue transgressed agaynst thee and thou
Arke but the two tables which Moyses had put in Horeb when our Lord gaue the law to the children of Israel coming out of Aegypt †And the Priestes being gone out of the Sanctuarie for al the priestes that could be found there were sanctified neither as yet at that time were the courses and the order of the ministeries deuided among them †as wel the Leuites as the singing men that is both they which were vnder Asaph and they which were vnder Heman and they which were vnder Idithun their sonnes brethren reuested with finne linnen clothes sounded on cymbals and psalteries and harpes standing at the East side of the Altar and with them Priestes an hundred twentie founding with trumpettes †Therfore al sounding together both with trumpettes and voyce and cymbals and organes and with diuerse kind of musical instrumentes and lifteng vp their voice on high the sound was heard far of so that when they began to prayse our Lord and to say Confesse to our Lord because he is good because his mercie is for euer the house of God was filled with a cloud †that the Priestes could not stand and minister for the darkenesse For the glorie of our Lord had filled the house of God CHAP. VI. Salomon blesseth the people 4. prayeth to God geuing thankes for benefites receiued 16. and requesting continual protection and that God wil heare the prayers of the people 32. yea also of strangers that pray in the Temple THEN Salomon sayd Our Lord promised that he would dwel in darkenesse †and I haue built a house to his name that he might dwel there for euer †And the king turned his face and blessed al the multitude of Israel for al the multitude stood attent and sayd †Blessed be our Lord the God of Israel who in worke hath accomplished that which he spake to Dauid my father saying †From the day that I brought my people out of the Land of Aegypt I chose not a citie of al the tribes of Israel that a house might be built in it to my name neither did I choose anie other man to be Duke in my people Israel †but I chose Ierusalem that my name may be in it and I chose Dauid that I might appoynt him ouer my people Israel †And wheras Dauid my father had meant to build a house to the name of our Lord the God of Israel †our Lord sayd to him Because thy wil was this that thou wouldest build a house to my name thou hast done wel certes to haue such a wil †howbeit thou shalt not build the house but thy sonne which shal come out of thy loynes he shal build a house to my name †Our Lord therfore hath accomplished his word which he spake and I am risen for Dauid my father and sit vpon the throne of Israel as our Lord hath spoken and haue built a house to the name of our Lord the God of Israel †And I haue put in it the Arke wherin is the couenant of our Lord which he made with the children of Israel †He therfore stoode before the Altar of our Lord ouer agaynst al the multitude of Israel and stretched forth his handes †For Salomon had made an eminent place of brasse and had put it in the middes of the Temple hauing fiue cubites of length bredth three of height he stoode vpon it afterward kn̄eeling ouer agaynst al the multitude of Israel and his handes lifted vp toward heauen †he sayd Lord God of Israel there is not the like God to thee in heauen and in earth which keepest couenant and mercie with thy seruantes that walke before thee in al their hart †which hast performed to thy seruant Dauid my father what thinges soeuer thou hadst spoken to him and the thinges that by mouth thou hadst promised in worke thou hast accomplished as also the present time proueth †Now therfore Lord God of Israel fulfil to thy seruant my father Dauid what soeuer thou didst speake to him saying There shal not fayle of thee a man before me to sitte vpon the throne of Israel yet so if thy children keepe their waies and walke in my law as thou also hast walked before me †And now Lord God of Israel be thy word confirmed which thou hast spoken to thy seruant Dauid †Is it credible then that God should dwel with men vpon the earth If heauen and the heauens of heauens doe not take thee how much more this house which I haue built †But to this end only it is made that thou shouldest respect the prayer of thy seruant and his supplication Lord my God and mayst heare the prayers which thy seruant powreth out before thee †that thou open thine eies vpon this house daies nightes vpon the place wherein thou hast promised that thy name should be inuocated †and wouldest heare the prayer which thy seruant prayeth in it and mayst heare the prayers of thy seruant and of thy people Israel Whosoeuer shal pray in this place heare out of thy habitation that is from the heauens and be propitious †If anie man shal sinne agaynst his neighbour and come readie to sweare agaynst him and binde himself with a curse before the altar in this house †thou shalt heare from heauen and shalt doe the iudgement of thy seruantes so that thou render to the vniust his way vpon his owne head and reuenge the iust rewarding him according to his iustice †If thy people Israel shal be ouercome of their enemies for they wil sinne to thee and conuerted shal doe penance and besech thy name and pray in this place †thou shalt heare from heauen and be thou propetious to the sinne of thy people Israel and reduce them into the land which thou gauest them and their fathers †If the heauen being shut there fal no rayne for the sinnes of the people and they shal besech thee in this place and shal confesse to thy name and shal be conuerted from their sinnes when thou shalt afflict them †heare from heauen ô Lord and forgeue the sinnes of thy seruantes and of thy people Israel and teach them the good way by the which they may goe and geue rayne to thy land which thou hast geuen thy people to possesse †If famine shal arise in the land and pestilence rust and blast and locust and bruche and the enemies wasting the countries shal besiege the gates of the citie and al plague and infirmitie shal presse them †if any of thy people Israel shal pray knowing their plague and infirmitie and shal spred forth their handes in this house †thou shalt heare from heauen to wit out of thy high habitation and be thou propitious and render to euerie one according to his wayes which thou knowest him to haue in his hart for thou onlie knowest the hartes of the children of men †that they may feare
his children with former wickednes and him as iniurious to God in his speaches of which if he would repent he should be healed and prosper as before Arguing in general that God neuer afflicteth the innocent nor assisteth the malignant Insinuating therby that Iob was an hypocrite wherto Iob answered chap. 9. 10 that in dede no man may compare nor iustifie himselse before God Neuertheles it standeth wel with Gods iustice powre wisdome that innocentes be sometimes exercised with tribulations more then their offences deserue Thirdly Sophar the third disputer assaulted Iob ch 11. imputing his speach and defence of himself to loquacitie and audacious temeritie in that he desired to know the causes of Gods prouidence in so grieuously afflicting him Of which faultes holie Iob purged himself in the three next chapters stil maintayning his innocencie according to his owne conscience better knowen to himself then to them desiring God to instruct him if he had anie vnknowen sinnes Discoursed also much more profoundly of Gods powre wisdome iustice and prouidence as weâ— in general as towards himself in particular and professed his faith and great confidence of the Resurrection Againe Eliphaz ch 15. more bitterly then before condemned Iob of presumption and blasphemie discoursed of mans corruptnes and prones to sinne describing the maners of hypochrites and other impious men with their miserable endes and argued Iob for such a one VVho in the next two chapters expostulated with these his freinds that they coming with pretence to comforth him did so violently afflict him by charging him with false and heynous crimes his owne conscience better knowing and testifying his former life and state of his soule then that their imaginations could alter his iudgement And so with contempt of this world desire of death and rest appealed to Gods iudgement against his three freindes touching the matter in controuersie In the meane time comforted himself with meditation of the next world Baldad likewise replied ch 18. with hote contention accusing Iob of insolent impatience inculcating the greuous punishmentes both of him and others for their impietie In answer wherto he lamented againe the wanâ— of expected comforth especially by such freindes Stil comforted himself with assured faith of the Resurrection Sophar also ch 20. attempted againe to coÌ„uince Iob of impietie and hypochrisie by the miserable and speedie fal of wicked men after prosperitie for so he imagined Iob to be fallen into irrecouerable miserie But Iob shewed the contrarie that some wicked men prosper long yea al their life and the same long and then in a moment goe downe to hel and so the argument of present affliction proued not their opinion against him Eliphaz disputed the third time ch 22. contending that the causes of affliction are not to be attributed to Gods secrete prouidence but to assured sinnes of the wicked Vpon whom only he supposed that afflictions fal inferring that Iob was guiltie of enormious crimes grosse errors Vrged him therfore to returne to God that he might be restored to former prosperitie Iob againe appealed to Gods sentence not in his terrour nor rigour of his iustice but against his aduersaries in this quarel describing Gods powre and wisdome by which he permitteth the innocent to be afflicted the wicked to prosper no man knowing how soone or how late al shal receiue as they deserue Moreouer Baldad disputed the third time very briefly ch 25. endeuouring to terrifie Iob from further answering and especially from appealing to Gods iudgement But Iob very largely in six ensuing chapters discoursed diuinely of Gods souereigne Maieste Powre Wisdom exact Iustice and infinite Mercie Also of wicked mens destruction of his owne former prosperitie and present calamitie together with his good workes and innocencie which he stil anouched in respect of great iniquities After that Iob and his three freindes ceassed nothing being agreed vpon in the point of controuersie the diuel yet ceassed not but sturred vp a yongman called Eliu proud and arrogant but not vnlerned who abruptly condemned them al to witte Iob of pertinacie the others of insufficiencie And therfore tooke vpon him to conuince Iob though the others could not Very like to late-rising Protestantes or Puritaines bragging that by new argumentes and proofes neuer heard of they wil ouerthrow the Papistes or Catholique Romaine Church and doctrin which al former enimies Iewes Pagaines Turkes and Heretikes nor Hel gates could not ouercome This yong Eliu therfore with his Priuate spirite wiser in his owne conceipt then al that went before him assaulted constant Iob ch 32. and fiue more ensuing with manie wordes and bragges often chalenging prouoking but not extorting anie answer from so graue a man to his friuolous and idle argumentes largely discoursing of thinges either not denied or so manifest false that euerie meane seruant of God could easely conuince them and neuer approching to the maine controuersie only railed against holie Iob charging him more furiously then anie had donne before with impietie impatience ignorance pride blasphemie and obstinacie vices farre from Iobs sanctitie dilating also of Gods iustice mercie wisdome powre and prouidence and that no man ought to contend nor expostulate with God that afflictions must be borne patiently and that God is iust and maruelous in his workes wherof no wiseman euer doubted and so Iob conuinced him with silence But God himself for decision of al from ch 38. to the end of the Booke first by way of examining instructed Iob more particularly reciting manie maruelous workes of nature shewing therby his Diuine Maiestie Powre and wisdome exercising Iob in more patience and withal perfecting him in humilitie So that with al reuerent feare and subiection he offered and submitted him selfe to Gods onlie good pleasure Then finally God gaue sentence that Iob had defended the truth his three freindes had erred VVhom after Sacrifice and Iobs prayer for them he pardoned restored Iob to health and to duble prosperitie of al he had lost before geuing him also long life and a happie end In this historie besides the literal sense shewing that Iob was iust and sincere and not for his sinnes as his freindes falsly supposed but for his more mereâ—e was most extremly afflicted and afterwards restored to health and wealth we haue also hâ—re in the Allegorical sense an especial figure of Christ who as he was absolutly most innocent most perfect so was he without coÌ„parison most afflicted of al mankind Likewise Iobs restauration to better state then before signified in the Anagogical sense the Resurrection and restâ—uratioÌ„ of better most glorious qualities in the blessed with fulnes of daies in eternal glorie Finally in the Moral sense which S. Gregorie most especially prosecuteth al Christians haue here a most notable example of al vertues namely of patience wherin Iob proceded by degrees to great perfection For he was first
Vnderstanding Praise of Canticle Alleluia Gradual Canticle Secondly in the titles of some Psalmes are the names of certaine persons which by S. Augustins iudgement cited in the Proemial Annotations and others proueth not the same persons to be authores of those Psalmes but signifieth some other thing Thirdly in some titles the time is signified when the Psalme was made or song Fourtly the matter conteyned in the Psalme or vpon what occasion it was made is expressed in some titles Fiftly diuers other termes are often vsed in the titles of sundrie Psalmes as To the end For the Octaue For presses and the like al which we shal briefly explicate where they first occurre First therfore this third Psalme is called the Psalme of Dauid not because he is author therof for he is also author of the former where his name is not expressed as is euident by the testimonie of al the Apostles Act. 4. v. 25. but because it treateth particularly and literally of him 1. VVhen he â—â—ed from the face of Absalon Here the time is signified when this Psalme was made to wiâ—e immediatly after the ouerthrow of his rebellious sonne Absalom mentioned 2. Reg. 18. before his returne to lerusalem For al beit of humaine natural and fatherlie affection he greatly lamented the death of his sonne yet he rendered thankes and praises to God as reason and dutie bond him 6. I haue slept and haue benne at rest and haue risen vp King Dauid by his sleeping in persecution and by his resting and deliuerie from his persecuters prefigured Christs Death Burial Resurrection As appeareth Ioan. 2. v. 22. VVhere the Euangelist â—aith that after Christs Resurrection his disciples beleued the scripture to witte this and other like prophecies For otherwise the old Testament doth not so expresly declare such Mysteries as the Gospel doth but one thing in the proper and grammatical signification of he wordes and an other thing in shadowes and figures and hoth literal VVhereupon S. Gregory teacheth li. 20. c. 1. Moral that holie Scripture amongst other incomparable excellences surpasseth al other doctrines in the verie maner of speaking because by one and the same speach it reporteth a thing donne and proclameth a Mysterie so relating thinges past that with the verie same wordes it foresheweth thinges to come PSALME IIII. The holie prophet teacheth by his owne example to flee to God in al tribulation 3. that other refugies are insufficient 9. and Gods helpe most assured Vnto “ the end in songues the Psalme of Dauid WHEN I inuocated the God of my iustice heard me in tribulation thou hast enlarged to me Haue mercie on me and heare my prayer †Ye sonnes of men how long are you of heauie hart why loue you vanitie and seeke lying †And know ye that our Lord hath made his holie one meruelous our Lord wil heare me when I shal crie to him †Be ye angrie and sinne not the thinges that you say in your hartes in your chambers be ye sorie for †Sacrifice ye the “ sacrifice of iustice and hope in our Lord. Manie say Who sheweth vs good thinges †The light of thy countenance ô Lord is signed vpon vs thou hast geuen gladnesse in my hart †By the fruite of their corne and wine and oile they are multiplied †In peace in the selfe same I wil sleepe and rest †Because thou Lord hast singularly setled me in hope ANNOTATIONS PSALME IIII. 1. Vnto the end The Hebrew word Lamnatsea signifieth to him that â—uercometh And so the Hebrewes interprete that the Psalmes which haue this word in their titles were directed either to him that excelled others in skil of musike or had authoritie ouer other musitians or to him whose office was to sing victories and triumphes But the Latin according to the Greeke hath In finem Vnto the end which most commonly signifying perpetuitie or continuance vnto the end of anie thing in the titles of the Psalmes rather signifieth that the matter conteyned in the Psalme perteineth to future times or persons especially to the new Testament And so S. Augustin expouÌ„deth it here of Christ who is the end or perfection of the lavv Not that the principal contentes belong to Christ in his owne Person but to his mystical bodie the Church and faithful people whom the Prophete here teacheth to haue confidence in God moderation in their affections patience in tribulation which is the seuenth key proposing his owne example prophetically Christs The same wherto Christ exhorteth saying Ioan. 16. v. vlt. Haue considence I haue ouercome the vvorld Signifying that his seruantes through his grace may also ouercome it 6. Sacrifice of Iustice Not only external Sacrifice of diuers kindes were necessarie in the law of nature and of Moyses and one most excellent and complement of al in the new Testament but also spiritual sacrifice was euer and is required and that of three sortes First Sacrifice of sorow and contrition for sinnes Psal 50. An afflicted spirite is a sacrifice to God The second is sacrifice of Iustice here mentioned The third is Sacrifice of praise Psal 49. Immolate to God the sacrifice of praise Concerning the second proposed in this place He offereth sacrifice of Iustice that rendereth to euery one that is due First to God as our Creator a resignation of our selues euen our liues at his diuine pleasure as to our Master we must render faith and beleefe in al that he proposeth as to our Father hope confidence reuerential seare as to our Lord and King payment of tribute that is obseruation of his law and commandments as to our Captaine the trauel of warfare in this life as to our Phisitian patience and toleration when he cureth our woundes by chasticement for sinnes as to our Spouse chastity of body and mind fleeing al carnal and spiritual fornication as to our Freind frequent conuersation in al actes of deuotion VVe owe to our selues that seing we consist of soule and bodie we keepe due subordination that the soule and reason command the bodie and inferiour appetite obey as the seruant must obey his master and the handmaide her mistris VVe owe to our neighbour loue from the hart inctruction also from the mouth and assistance by our helpe according to his necessitie and our abilitie yea though our neighbour be our enemie But to other enimies contrary thinges are due To the world contempt because the goodes of this world are smal few shorte vncertaine deceiptful not satisfying the mind and mixed with manie euils and dangers To the flesh we owe chasticement and daylie care so to seede it that it serue the soule rebel not To the diuel we must render the shame that cometh by sinne acknowledging our faults
people that shal be borne whom our Lord hath made ANNOTATIONS PSALME XXI 1. For the morning enterprise In respect of the end for which Christ suffered this Psalme is intitled for the morning enterprise that is for Christs glorious Resurrection and other effectes of his Passion VVhich holie Dauid by the spirite of prophecy so describeth here long before with diuers particular cicumstances as the Euangelistes haue since historically recorded that it may not vnfitly be called The Passion of Iesus Christ according to Dauid 3. Thou vvilt not heare Our B. Sauiour seing his most terrible death imminent prayde conditionally if it pleased his heauenlie Father to haue the same remoued from him and was not heard as the Psalmist here prophecieth The principal reason was because God of his diuine charitie had decreed that mankind should be redemed by this death of his Sonne Christ also him selfe of his excellent charitie consented here vnto therefore persisted not in his conditional prayer but added and absolutly prayed that not his owne wil but his Fathers might be fulfilled And in this he was heard to his owne more glorie and other infinite benefites of innumerable soules as it foloweth v. 25. vvhen I crieâ—d to him he heard me S. Paul also witnesseth Heb. 5. v. 7. that Christ offering prayers and supplications to him that could saue him from death vvas heard for his reuerence that is in respect of his inestimable merite in humane nature vnited in person to God An other cause why Christ was not deliuered from violent death as manie holie persons were when they cried to God in distresses as S Augustin sheweth Epist 120. c. 11. was for example to Christians whom God wil haue to suffer temporal afflictions and death for the glorie of life euerlasting according to S. Peters doctrin Christ suffered for vs leauing an example that you may folovv his steppes 18. They haue digged Of obstinate malice the Iewes haue corrupted this place and God knoweth how manie others in the Hebrew text of some editions reading caari which signifieth as a lion without al coherence of the sense for caaru they digged or pearced to auoid so plaine a prophecie of nailing Christs handes and feete to the crosse 23 I vvil declare thy name to my brethren Here it is euident that this Psalme is of Christ not of Dauid by S. Pauls allegation Heb. 2. v. 11. 12. saying He that sanctifieth towitt Christ disdaned not to cal the sanctified his bretheren 23. In the middes of the Church I vvil praise thee After Christs Passion and Resurrection in the rest of this Psalme other two principal pointes of Christian Religion are likewise prophecied His perpetual visible Church and the B. Sacrament of his bodie The former is here prophecied by way of inuiting al the seede of Iacob to glorifie God v. 24. al the seede of Israel to feare him v. 25. towit innumerable Christians the true Israelites the vniuersal Church in the whole world As for heretical partes or parcels in the world such as the Donatistes which going forth from the Catholique Church say Christ hath lost his great Church the diuel hath taken the whole world from him and he remaineth only in a part of Africa they do not praise God saith S. Augustin but dishonour God and Christ as if God were not faithful in his promise as if Christ were dispossessed of his kingdome the Catholique Church Lest anie should replie that Christ is praised though the Church be decaied or be very smal the Holie Ghost hath preuented such arguments saying v. 26 His praise is in the great Church VVhich could neither be verified in the part of Donatistes in Afrike nor now in the part of Protestantes since Luther in Europe Further S. Augustin explicateth vrgeth the verses folowing in this Psalme against the same blind deafe and obstinate Donatistes who did not or would not see not heare that al the endes of the earth shal remenber and be conuerted to our Lord. The holie Scripture saith not the endes of the earth but al the endes wel goe too saith this great Doctor peraduenture there is but one verse thou thoughtest vpon some thing els thou talkedst with thy brother when one read this marke he repeteth and knocketh vpon the deaf Al the families of the Gentiles shal adore in his sight Yet the heretike is deaf he heareth not let one knocke againe Because the kingdom is our Lords and he shal haue dominion ouer the Gentiles Hold these three verses bretheren Thus and more S. Augnstin against those that thinke the true Church may faile or become inuisible or obscure And though it be not in like prosperous state at al times and in al places yet it is alwayes conspicuous and more general then anie other congregation professing whatsoeuer pretensed religion 27. The poore shal eate Seing this Psalme is of Christ as is proued by S. Pauls allegation of 23 verse and by the concordance therof with the Euangelists it is necessarily deduced that the vovves mentioned in the former verse and these wordes the poore shal eate and be filled can not be referred to the sacrifices of the old Testament but to the blessed Sacrifice and Sacrament of the Eucharist which our Sauiour promised after he had replenished the people with fiue loaues and which he instituted at his last supper in presence of his Apostles So S. Augustin doubteth not to vnderstand it and to teach as wel in his duble expositioÌ„ of this Psalme as in his 120. Epistle c. 27. The poore that is the humble and poore in spirite shal eate befilled the fatte ones or the rich being proud do also adore and eate but are not filled They also are brought to the table of Christ and participate his bodie bloud but they adore only are not also filled because they do not imitate Christs humilitie they disdaine to be humble VVhere it is clere this holie father by Christs bodie and bloud meaneth not bread and wine as signes of his bodie and bloud for bread and wine can not be lawfully adored neither doth he meane our Lords bodie as it was on the crosse or is in heauen for so it is not eaten but as it is in formes of bread and wine on Christs table the Altar PASLME XXII A forme of thankesgeuing for al spiritual benefites described vnder the metaphor of temporal prosperitie euen from a sinners first conuersion to final perseuerance and eternal beatitude †The Psalme of Dauid OVR Lord ruleth me and nothing shal be wanting to me †in place of pasture there he hath placed me Vpon the water of refection he hath brought me vp †he hath conuerted my soule He hath conducted me vpon the pathes of iustice for his name †For although I shal walke in the middes of the shadow of death I wil not feare euils because thou
Caluin and his complices gether poyson of these holie wordes denying that sinnes are truly taken away but only couered and stil remayne say they in the iustest VVhich sense would make this Scripture contrarie to other places Isaie 6. thyn iniquitie shal be taken away and thy sinne shal be cleansed Ioan. 1. The lambe of God which taketh away the sinne of the world Act. 3. Be penitent and conuert that your sinnes may be put out 1. Cor. 6 you are washed you are sanctified you are iustified the like which shew the true real taking away of sinnes true sanctification and iustification As S. Ierom or some other ancient authentical autor explicateth this place saying Sinnes are so couered by baptisme penance that they are not to be reueled in the day of iudgement not imputed in him that diligently purgeth him selfe in this world or by martyrdom S. Augustin teacheth the same saying Sinnes are couered are wholly couered are abolished Neither must you vnderstand saith he that sinnes are couered as though stil they were and liued VVhy then did the prophet say sinnes are couered they are not to be punished More clerly li. 1. c 13. cont duas Epist Pelag. The Pelagians calumniating Catholiques as if they taught that sinnes are not taken away but shauen as heares are cut with a rasor the rootes remaining in he flesh vvhich he answereth none affirmeth but an infidel Likewise S. Gregorie teacheth that a sinner couereth his sinnes wel when with contrarie vertues he ouerwhelmeth former vices and with good deedes blotteth out former euil deedes He couereth them euil when either for shame or feare or obstinacie or desperation he concealeth his sinnes omitting to confesse them God couereth sinnes as a phisition couereth woundes by applying medicinal plaster which in deede cureth them Thus ancient lerned holie Fathers expound this text Further explicating that albeit thinges couered and only therby hidde from men do remaine as they were before they were hid yet whatsoeuer is hid to God is in dede vtterly taken away for nothing that is can be hid from God And the contrarie doctrin of Protestants is iniurious either to Gods powre if they say he can not quite take away sinnes or to his mercie if he wil not or to his iustice if he neuer punish sinnes euer remayning and to his truth if he repute otherwise then in deede the thing is It is also iniurious to Christ to say his bloud and death is not effectual to take away sinnes iniurious to innumerable places of holie Scripture which affirme plainly that sinnes by Gods grace are vtterly taken away Finally it is iniurious to Sainctes in heauen arguing them as stil infected with sinnes if in dede sinnes yet remaine in them which is most absurde and blasphemie to speake And yet foloweth by necessarie consequence For if the iustest liued died in sinne they should remaine eternally in sinne 2. Neither is there guile in his spirite In remission of sinnes the penitent necessarily must so cooperate that he haue no guile in his spirite or hart for if he haue then he faileth of the forsaide blessednes and his iniquities are not forgeuen nor his sinnes couered to God but to be imputed and punished Yet the repentance of a sinner be it neuer so sincere hartie and without guile doth not merite remission of sinne but only disposeth therto But after remission it is satisfactorie for the paine due for sinnes and meritorious of glorie According as S. Augustin here teacheth saying Good or meritorious workes goe not before faith and remission but folow the same PSALME XXXII The prophet exhorteth to praise God 4. describing his powre prouidence mercie and wisdom 16. no saluation but by him 20. and therfore prayeth for his helpe The Psalme of Dauid REIOYCE ye iust in our Lord praysing becometh the righteous †Confesse ye to our Lord on the harpe on a psalter of ten strings sing to him †Sing ye to him a new song sing wel to him in iubilation †Because the word of our Lord is right and al his workes are in faith †He loueth mercie and iudgement the earth is ful of the mercie of our Lord. †By the word of our Lord the heauens are established and by the spirit of his mouth al the power of them †Gathering together the waters of the sea as it were in a bottel putting the depthes in treasures †Let al the earth feare our Lord and let al the inhabitantes of the world be moued at him †Because he said and they were made he commanded and they were created †Our Lord l dissipateth the counsels of nations and he reproueth the cogitations of people and he reproueth the counsels of princes †But the counsel of our Lord abydeth for euer the cogitations of his hart in generation and generation †Blessed is the nation whose God is our Lord the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance †Our Lord hath looked from heauen he hath sene al the children of men †From his prepared habitation he hath looked vpon al that inhabite the earth †Who made their hartes seuerally who vnderstandeth al their workes †The king is not saued by much powre and the gyant shal not be saued in the multitude of his strength †The horse fayleth to safetie and in the abundance of his force he shal not be saued †Behold the eies of our Lord be vpon them that feare him and on them that hope vpon his mercie †That he may deliuer their soules from death and nourish them in famine †Our soule expecteth our Lord because he is our helper and protector Because in him our hart shal reioyce and we haue trusted in his holie name Let thy mercie ô Lord be made vpon vs as we haue hoped in thee PSALME XXXIII King Dauid by his owne example being deliuered from danger exhorteth al men to render thankes for Gods benefites 12. shewing wherin iustice consisteth 16. and Gods special prouidence towards the iust To Dauid when “ he changed his countenance before Abimelech and he dismist him and he went away 1. Reg. 21. I WIL blesâ—e our Lord at al time his prayse alwayes in my mouth †In our Lord my soule shal be praised let the milde heare and reioyce †Magnifie ye our Lord with me and let vs exalt his name for euer †I haue sought out our Lord and he hath heard me and from al my tribulations he hath deliuered me †Come ye to him and be illuminated and your faces shal not be confounded †This poore man hath cried and our Lord hath heard him and from al his tribulations he hath saued him †The Angel of our Lord shal put in him selfe about them that feare him and shal deliuer them †Tast
preserued for euer The vniust shal be punished and the seede of the impious shal perish †But the iust shal inherite the land and shal inhabite for euer and euer vpon it †The mouth of the iust shal meditate wisedome and his tong shal speake iudgement The law of his God in his hart and his steppes shal not be supplanted †The sinner considereth the iust and seeketh to murder him †But our Lord wil not leaue him in his handes neither wil he condemne him when iudgement shal be geuen of him †Expect our Lord and keepe his way and he wil exalt thee that thou mayst inherite the land when the sinners shal perish thou shalt see †I haue seene the impious highly exalted and aduanced as the ceders of Libanus †And I passed by and behold he was not and I sought him and his place was not found †Keepe innocencie and see equitie because there are remaynes for the peaceable man †But the vniust shal perish together the remaines of the impious shal perish †But the saluation of the iust is of our Lord and he is their potector in the time of tribulation †And our Lord wil helpe them and deliuer them and he wil take them away from sinners and saue them because they haue hoped in him PSALME XXXVII King Dauid or anie other penitent earnestly prayeth God to remitte his sinnes and mitigate the paines which he acknowledgeth him selfe to haue deserued 12 lamenting the afflictions which he suffereth by such as sometimes were his freindes 14. whose tentations h◠now resisteth trusting in God resigning himselfe to Gods wil confessing his owne iniquitie and humbly praying for Gods helpe A Psalme of Dauid in recordation of the sabbath LORD rebuke me nor in thy furie nor chastise me in thy wrath Because thy arrowes are fast sticked in me and thou hast fastened thy hand vpon me There is no health in my flesh at the face of thy wrath my bones haue no peace at the face of my sinnes Because mine iniquities are gone ouer my head and as a heauie burden are become heauie vpon me †My scarres are putrified and corrupted because of my folishnes I am become miserable and am made crooked euen to the end I went sorowful al the day Because my loynes are filled with illusions and there is no health in my flesh I am afflicted and am humbled excedingly I rored for the groning of my hart †Lord before thee is al my desire and my groning is not hid from thee †My hart is trubled my strength hath forsaken me and the light of mine eies and the same is not with me †My frendes and my neighbores haue approched stood against me And they that were neere me stood far of †and they did violence which sought my soule And they that sought me euils spake vanities and meditated guiles al the day †But I as one deafe did not heare and as one dumme not opening his mouth †And I became as a man not hearing and not hauing reproofes in his mouth †Because in thee ô Lord haue I hoped thou wilt heare me ô Lord my God †Because I said Lest sometime mine enemies reioyce ouer me and whiles my feete are moued they speake great thinges vpon me †Because I am readie for scourges and my sorow is in my sight alwaies †Because I wil declare my iniquitie and I wil thinke for my sinne †But mine enemies liue and are confirmed ouer me and they are multiplied that hate me vniustly †They that repay euil thinges for good detracted from me because I folowed goodnes †Forsake me not ô Lord my God depart not from me Attend vnto my help ô Lord the God of my saluation PSALME XXXVIII A iust man in remediles persecution resolueth to suffer al with peace and silence 5. praying God to take him from this world confessing the vanitie therof 8. and relying on Gods prouidence 11. who punisheth man for his sinnes prayeth for release †Vnto the end to Idithun him selfe a canticle of Dauid I HAVE said I wil keepe my waies that I offend not in my tongue I haue set a gard to my mouth when the sinner stood against me †I was dumme and humbled and kept silence from good thinges and my sorrow was renewed †My hart waxed hote within me and in my meditation a fyre shal burne †I haue spoken in my tongue Lord make mine end knowne to me And the number of my daies what it is that I may know what is lacking to me Behold thou hast put my daies measurable and my substance is as nothing before thee Doubtles al things are vanitie euerie man liuing †Surely man passeth as an image yea and he is trubled in vayne He gathereth treasure and knoweth not to whom he shal gather them †And now what is my expectation is not our Lord and my substance is with thee †From al mine iniquities deliuer me a reproch to the foolish thou hast geuen me †I was dumme and opened not my mouth because thou didst it †Remoue thy scourges from me †By the strength of thy hand I haue faynted in reprehensions for iniquitie thou hast chastised man And thou hast made his soule pyne away as a spider but vaynly is euerie man trubled †Heare my prayer ô Lord and my petition with thyne eares receiue my teares Keepe not silence because I am a stranger with thee and a pilgrime as my fathers †Forgeue me that I may be refreshed before I depart and shal be no more PSALME XXXIX Christs faithful members after long expectation congratulate his coming in flesh 6. He directing his speach to his Father professeth to performe the Redemption of manking and to denounce the same in the whole world 12. prayeth for his seruantes vndertaking to satisfie for their sinnes †Vnto the end a Psalme to Dauid himselfe †EXPECTING I expected our Lord and he hath attended to me †And he heard my prayers and brought me out of the lake of miserie and from the myre of dregges And hath set my feete vpon a rocke and hath directed my steppes †And he hath put a new canticle into my mouth a song to our God Manie shal see and shal feare and they shal hope in our Lord. †Blessed is the man whose hope is in the name of our Lord and hath not had regard to vanities and false madnes †Thou hast done manie thy meruelous thinges ◠Lord my God in thy cogitations there is none that may be like to thee I haue declared and haue spoken they multiplied aboue number †Sacrifice and oblation thou wouldest not but
geue ioy and gladnes and the bones humbled shal reioyce †Turne away thy face from my sinnes and wipe away al mine iniquities †Create a cleane hart in me ô God and renew a right spirit in my u bowels †Cast me not away from thy face and thy Holie spirit take not from me †Render vnto me the ioy of thy saluation and confirme me with the principal spirit †I Wil teach the vniust thy waies and the impious shal be conuerted to thee †Deliuer me from bloudes ô God the God of my saluation and my tongue shal exult for thy iustice †Lord thou 〈…〉 lt open my lippes my mouth shal shew forth thy prayse †Because if thou wouldest haue had sacrifice I had verily giuen it with holocaustes thou wilt not be delighted A “ sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit a contrite and humbled hait ô God thou wilt not despise Deale fauorably ô Lord in thy good wil with Sion that the walles of Ierusalem may be built vp Then shalt thou accept sacrifice of iustice oblations k holocaustes l then shal they lay calues vpon thyne altar ANNOTATIONS PSALME L. 2. VVhen Nathan came to Dauid As Nathan denouncing to Dauid that our Lord had vpon his repentance and confession taken away his sinne added neuertheles that because he had made the enimies of God to blaspheme his sonne should dye so Dauid knowing that more was required then only confession for that the bond of satisfaction remained after his sinnes were remitted persisted in penance praying lamenting and beseching God according to his great and mainfold mercies to take away his iniquitie albeit the prophet Nathan had now told him that our Lord had taken away his sinne because there yet remained temporal paine due for the same He prayeth also v. 4. that God wil vvash him more amply from his iniquitie and cleanse him from his sinne For albeit the guilt of mortal sinne be washed and taken away yet besides temporal punishment that is due the soule that was so polluted nedeth to be washed and cleansed from the euil habite or pronnes to fal againe gotten by the former custome or delectation in sinne 7. I VVas conceiued in iniquities An other reason why sinners after remission of al mortal sinnes neede to be washed and cleansed is because being borne in original sinne after remission therof there remaneth concupiscence that â—â—riueth against vertue and inclineth to sinne from which we must pray and labour to be more and more washed and cleansed 19 Sacrifice Holie Scriptures make often comparison betwen two kindes of sacrifices preferring internal before external as more gratful to God And of spiritual sacrifices this of a contrite spirite is first in order and maketh the way to the sacrifice of iustice because iustice presupposeth repentance and finally succedeth sacrifice of praise and thankesgeuing PSALME LI. Holie Dauid inueigheth against wicked Doeg a traitor 7. prophecieth his ruine 10. and his owne exaltation Vnto the end vnderstanding to Dauid †when Doeg the Idumeite came and told Saul Dauid is come into the house of Achimelech 1. Reg. 22. VVHY doest thou glorie in malice which art mightie in iniquitie †Al the day hath thy tongue thought iniustice as a sharp rasor thou hast done guile †Thou hast loued malice more then benignitie iniquitie rather then to speake equitie †Thou hast loued al wordes of precipitation a deceitful tongue †Therfore Wil God destroy thee for euer he wil plucke thee out remoue thee out of thy tabernacle thy roote out of the land of the liuing †The iust shal see and feare and shal laugh at him and they shal say Behold the man that hath not put God for his helper But hath hoped in the multitude of his riches and hath preualed in his vanitie †But I as a fruitful oliue tree in the house of God haue hoped in the mercie of God for euer and for euer and euer †I wil confesse to thee for euer because thou hast done it and I wil expect thy name because it is good in the sight of thy saints PSALME LII As in the thirtenth Psalme Christs Incarnation is prophecied after that sinne abunded in the world so here is foreshewed that after general wickednes 5. Christ wil come to iudge the bad 7. and deliuer the good Vnto the end for Maâ—leth vnderstandings of Dauid THE foole hath said in his hart There is no God †They are corrupte and become abominable in iniquities there is not that doth good †God hath looked forth from heauen vpon the children of men to see if there be that vnderstaÌ„deth or seeketh after God †Al haue declined they are become vnprofitable together there is not that doth good no there is not one Shal they not al know that worke iniquitie that deuoure my people as food of bread God they haue not inuocated there haue they trembled for feare where no feare was Because God hath dissipated the bones of them that please men they are confounded because God hath despised them Who wil geue out of Sion the saluation of Israel when God shal conuert the captiuitie of his people Iacob shal reioyce and Israel shal be glad PSALME LIII Dauid in distresse crieth to God for helpe 6. considently trusting therin 8. and promising sacrifice of thankesgeuing †Vnto the end in songs vnderstanding for Dauid †when the Zipheites were come and said to Saul Is not Dauid hid with vs 1. Reg. 1. 23. 26. O GOD saue me in thy name and in thy strength iudge me †O God heare my prayer with thine eares receiue the words of my mouth †Because straÌ„gers haue risen vp against me the strong haue sought my soule and they haue not set God before their eies †For behold God helpeth me and our Lord is the receiuer of my soule †Turne away the euils to mine enimies and in thy truth destroy them †I wil voluntarily sacrifice to thee and wil confesse to thy name ô Lord because it is good †Because thou hast deliuered me out of al tribulation and mine eie hath looked downe vpon mine enimies PSALME LIIII The prophet as wel in his owne as other iust mens person describeth great calamities suffered 10. prayeth against the wicked 13. lamenting especially that those which professe frendshipe are aduersaries 17. and declareth Gods prouidence in protecting the good and destroying the bad Vnto the end in songes vnderstanding to Dauid HEARE my prayer ô God despise not my petition †Attend to me and heare me †I am made sorowful in my exercise and am trubled at the voice of the enimie
to God †Ye kingdomes of the earth sing to God sing to our Lord †Sing ye to God that mounteth vpon the heauen of heauen to the East Behold he wil giue to his voice the voice of strength †giue you glorie to God vpon Israel his magnificence and his powre in the cloudes †God is meruelous in his saintes the God of Israel he wil giue powre and strength to his people God be blessed ANNOTATIONS PSALME LXVII 16. The mountaine of God For better discerning the true Church from other congregations the Prophet here describeth certaine proprieties therof for he calleth it a mountane because it is most visible to al men Secondly a fatte mountane that is replenished vvith al vertues and giftes of the Holie Ghost vvherof it is called Holie Thirdly it is crudded or consolidated in vnitie of faith and Religion vvhich conioyne the vvhole bodie making it solide and firme as the ruen turneth liquide milke into curde and so into cheese Fourtly it is the Congregation vvherin God alvvayes remaneth euen to the end for euer vvhich shevveth tvvo other proprieties that the Church neuer faileth nor erreth in doctrin God stil dvvelling therin and consequently conserueth it from error in doctrin 17. VVhy suppose you crudded montaines As for other congregations it is certaine and euident that they are not the Church of God because they are not crudded that is not vnited in the same pointes of faith but only in negatiue pointes and in general opposition against the Catholique Church and among themselues notoriously disagreing and diuided As they also vvant the other markes of the true Church PSALME LXVIII Christ in middes of afflictions as one in dangerous waters 5. describing the malice of persecutors and his owne true zele 14. prayeth his heauenlie Father for helpe 23. By way of iust imprecation forsheweth the seuere punishment of his aduersaries 30. his owne glorious Resurrection and prosperous building of his Church For which he inuiteth al creatures to praise God Vnto the end for them that shal be changed to Dauid SAVE me ô God because waters are entered into my soule †I sticke fast in the myre of the depth and there is no sure standing I am come into the depth of the sea and a tempest hath ouerwhelmed me †I haue labored crying my iawes are made hoarse my eies haue failed whiles I hope in my God †They are multiplied aboue the heares of my head that hate me without cause Mine enimies are made strong that haue persecuted me vniustly then did I pay the thinges that I tooke not †O God thou knowest my foolishnes and mine offences are not hide from thee †Let them not be ashamed vpon me which expect thee ô Lord Lord of hostes Let them not be confounded vpon me that seeke thee ô God of Israel †Because for thee haue I sustained reproch confusion hath couered my face †I am become a forener to my brethren and a stranger to the sonnes of my mother †Because the zele of thy house hath eaten me and the reproches of them that reproched thee fel vpon me †And I couered my soule in fasting and it was made a reproch to me And I put heare cloth my garment I became a parable to them †They spake aganst me that sat in the gate and they soong aganst me that dranke wine †But I my prayer to thee ô Lord a time of thy good pleasure ô God In the multitude of thy mercie heare me in the truth of thy saluation †Deliuer me out of the myre that I stick not fast deliuer me from them that hate me and from the depthes of waters †Let not the tempest of water drowne me nor the depth swallowe me neyther let the pit shut his mouth vpon me †Heare me ô Lord because thy mercie is benigne according to the multitude of thy commiserations haue respect to me †And turne not away thy face from thy seruant because I am in tribulation heare me speedily †Attend to my soule and deliuer it because of mine enimies deliuer me †Thou knowest my reproch my confusion my shame †In thy sight are al they that afflict me my hart hath looked for reproch and miserie And I expected some bodie that would be sorie together with me and there was none and that would confort me and I founde not †And they gaue gal for my meate in my thirst they gaue me vinegre to drinke †Let their table be made a snare before them for retributions and for a scandal †Let Their eies be darkned that they see not and make their backe crooked alwaies Poure out thy wrath vpon them and let the furie of thy wrath ouertake them Let their habitation be made desert and in their tabernacles let there be none to dwel Because whom thou hast striken they haue persecuted and vpon the sorrow of my wounds they haue added †Adde thou iniquitie vpon their iniquitie and let them not enter into thy iustice †Let them be put out of the booke of the liuing and with the iust let them not be written I am poore and sorowful thy saluation ô God hath receiued me †I wil praise the name of God with canticle and wil magnifie him in prayse †And it shal please God more then a young calfe that bringeth forth hornes and hoofes †Let the poore see and reioyce seeke ye God and your soule shal liue †Because our Lord hath heard the poore and he hath not despised his prisoners †Let the heauens and earth praise him the sea and al the creeping beastes in them †Because God wil saue Sion and the cities of Iuda shal be built vp And they shal inhabite there by inheritance they shal get it †And the seede of his seruants shal possesse it and they that loue his name shal dwel in it PSALME LXIX An other prayer of Dauid when he was persecuted by Absolom made in a Psalme after his deliuerie Vnto the end a Psalme of Dauid in remembrance that our Lord saued him O God intend vnto my helpe Lord make hast to helpe me †Let them be confounded and be ashamed that seeke my soule †Let them be turned away backeward and be ashamed that wil me euils Let them be turned away forthwith ashamed that say to me Wel wel †Let al that seeke thee reioyce and be glad in thee and let them say alwayes Our Lord be magnified which loue thy saluation †But I am needie and poore ô God helpe me thou art my helper and deliuerer ô Lord be not slacke PSALME LXX King Dauid or anie other iust person prayeth God to
the world haue obtained riches †And I saide Then haue I iustified my hart without cause and haue washed my handes amongst innocentes †And haue bene scourged al the day and my chastising in the morninges †If I saide I wil speake this behold I reproued the nation of thy children †I thought to know this thing it is labour before me †Vntil I may enter into the sanctuarie of God and may vnderstand concerning their latter endes †But yet for guiles thou hast put it to them thou hast cast them downe whiles they were eleuated †How are they brought into desolation they haue failed sodanely they haue perished for their iniquitie †As the dreame of them that rise ô Lord in thy citie thou shalt bring their image to nothing †Because my hart is inflamed and my reynes are changed And I am brought to nothing and knew not †As a beast am I become with thee and I alwaies with thee †Thou hast helde my right hand and in thy wil thou hast conducted me and with glorie thou hast receiued me †For what is to me in heauen and besides thee what would I vpon the earth †My flesh hath fainted and my hart God of my hart and God my portion for euer For behold they that make them selues faire from thee shal perish thou hast destroyed al that fornicate from thee †But it is good for me to cleaue to God to put my hope in our Lord God That I may shew forth al thy prayses in the gates of the daughter of Sion PSALME LXXIII Faithful people pressed with persecution lamentably complayning besecheth God to respect his owne inheritance cruelly afflicted â—â— and leift long without helpe 12. wheras heretofore he releeued his people in like distresses 18. And therfore confidently hopeth he wil renenge the blasphemers of his name Vnderstanding to Asaph VVHY hast thou ô God repelled for euer is thy furie wrath vpon the sheepe of thy pasture Be mindful of thy congregation which thou hast possessed from the beginning Thou hast redemed the rod of thine inheritanâ—â—e mount Sion in which thou hast dwelt †Lift vp thy handes vpon their prides for euer how great thinges hath the enimie done malignantly in the holy place †And they that hate thee haue gloried in the middes of thy solemnitie They haue sette their signes for signes †and haue not knowne as in the issue on high As in a wood of trees they haue with axes †cut out the gates therof together in hatchet and chippeaxe they haue cast it downe †They haue burnt thy sanctuarie with fire they haue polluted the tabernacle of thy name in the earth †Their kinred together haue saide in their hart Let vs make al the festiual daies of God to cease from the earth †Our signes we haue not seene there is now no prophet and he wil know vs no more †How long ô God shal the enimie vpbraide the aduersarie prouoke thy name for euer †Why doest thou turne away thy hand and thy right hand out of the middes of thy bosome for euer †But God our king before the worldes he hath wrought saluation in the middes of the earth †Thou in thy strength hast confirmed the sea thou hast crushed the head of Dragons in the waters †Thou hast broken the heads of the dragon thou hast giuen him for meate to the peoples of the Aethiopians †Thou hast broken vp fountanes and torrentes thou hast dried the riuers of Ethan †The day is thine and the night is thine thou hast made the morning and the sunne †Thou hast made al the coasts of the earth the summer and the spring thou hast formed them †Be mindeful of this the enimie hath vpbraided our Lord and a foolish people hath prouoked thy name †Deliuer not to beasts the soules that confesse to thee and the soules of thy poore forget not for euer †Haue respect vnto thy testament because they that are obscure of the earth are filled with houses of iniquities †Let not the humble be turned away being confounded the poore and needy shal praise thy name †Arise God iudge thy cause be mindful of those thy reproches that are from the foolish man al the day †Forget not the voices of thine enimies the pride of them that hate thee hath ascended alwaies PSALME LXXIIII Christ with his Assessors wil iudge the whole world at the last day in the meane time exhorteth sinners to amend their life 7. for none shal escape iust iudgement 1â— The wicked shal be punished and the good rewarded Vnto the end Corrupt not a Psalme of Canticle to Asaph VVE wil confesse to thee ô God we wil confesse and wil inuocate thy name We wil tel thy meruelouse workes †when I shal take a time I wil iudge iustices †The earth is melted and al that dwel in it I haue confirmed the pillers thereof †I said to the wicked doe not wickedly and to them that offend Exalt not the horne †Exalt not your horne on high speake not iniquitie aganst God †For neither from the East nor from the West nor from the desert mountanes †because God is Iudge This man he humbleth and him he exalteth †because there is a cuppe in the hand of our Lord of mere wine ful of mixture And he hath powred it out of this into that but yet the dregges therof are not emptied al the sinners of the earth shal drinke †But I wil shewforth for euer I wil sing to the God of Iacob †And I wil breake al the hornes of sinners and the hornes of the iust shal be exalted PSALME LXXV The royal prophet singeth Gods praises for his particular prouidence towards the Iewes 10. further to be extended to al the meeke of the whole earth Vnto the end in prayses a Psalme to Asaph a Canticle to the Assirians God is knowne in Iewrie in Israel his name is great †And his place is made in peace and his habitation in Sion †There he brake the powres of bowes the shilde the sword and the battle †Thou doest illuminate meruelousely from the eternal mountaynes †al the foolish of hart were trubled †They slept their sleepe and al the men of riches found nothing in their handes †At thy reprehension ô God of Iacob they haue al slumbered that mounted on horses †Thou art terrible and who shal resist thee from that time thy wrath †From heauen thou hast made thy iudgement hearde the earth trembled and was quiet When God arose vnto iudgement
Ammon and Amalec the for eners with the inhabitantes of Tyre †Yea and Assur also is come with them they are made an aide to the children of Lot †Doe to them as to Madian and Sisara as to Iabin in the torrent Cisson †They perished in Endor they were made as the dung of the earth †Put their princes as Oreb and Zeb and Zebee and Salmana Al their princes †which haue saide Let vs possesse the Sanctuarie of God for an inheritance †My God put them as a wheele and as stubble before the face of the winde †Euen as fire that burneth a wood as a flame that burneth the mountaines †So shalt thou pursew them in thy tempest and in thy wrath thou shalt truble them †Fil their faces with ignominie and they wil seeke thy name ô Lord. †Let them be ashamed and trubled for euer and euer and let them be confounded and perish †And let them know that Lord is thy name thou onlie the Highest in al the earth PSALME LXXXIII Deuout persons feruently desire eternal glorie 6. accounting it in the meane time a happie state to be in the militant Church 12. where God first geuing grace wil geue glorie in the triumphant †Vnto the end for wine presses t the children of Core a Psalme HOW beloued are thy tabernacles ô Lord of hoastes †my soule coueteth and fainteth vnto the courtes of our Lord. My hart and my flesh haue reioyced toward the liuing God †For the sparow also hath found her an house and the turtledoue a nest for her selfe where she may lay her young ones Thine altars ô Lord of hoastes my King and my God †Blessed are they that dwel in thy house ô Lord for euer and euer they shal praise thee †Blessed is the man whose helpe is from thee he hath disposed ascension in his hart †in the vaile of teares in the place which he hath appointed †For the lawgeuer shal geue blessing they shal goe from vertue into vertue the God of goddes shal be seene in Sion †Lord God of hoastes heare my prayer receiue with thine eare ô God of Iacob †Behold ô God our protectour and looke vpon the face of thy Christ †Because better is one day in thy courtes aboue thousands I haue chosen to be an abiect in the house of my God rather then to dwel t in the tabernacles of sinners †Because God loueth mercie and truth our Lord wil geue grace and glorie †He wil not depriue them of good thinges that walke in innocencie ô Lord of hoastes blessed is the man that hopeth in thee PSALME LXXXIIII With commemoration of Gods former benefites 5. Christs Incarnation is prophecied 9. bringing peace and saluation 11. mercie and iustice concurring together Vnto the end to the children of Core a Psalme O Lord thou hast blessed thy land thou hast turned away the captiuitie of Iacob †Thou hast forgeuen the iniquitie of thy people thou hast couered al their sinnes †Thou hast mitigated al thy wrath thou hast turned away from the wrath of thine indignation †Conuert vs ô God our sauiour and auert thy wrath from vs. †Wil t thou be wrath with vs for euer or wilt thou extend thy wrath from generation vnto generation †O God thou being turned shalt quicken vs and thy people shal reioyce in thee †Shew vs ô Lord thy mercie and giue vs thy saluation †I wil heare what our Lord God wil speake in me because he wil speake peace vpon his people And vpon his saincts and vpon them that are conuerted to the hart †But yet his saluation is nigh to them that feare him that glorie may inhabite in our land †Mercie and truth haue met each other iustice and peace haue kissed †Truth is risen out of the earth and iustice hath looked downe from heauen †For our Lord certes wil geue benignitie and our land shal giue her fruite †Iustice shal walke before him and shal set his steppes in the way PSALME LXXXV In consideration of his owne imperfections the royal prophet or other faithful person prayeth God 5. according to his mercie and goodnes 9. shewed in conuerting Gentiles 13. and in deliuering the supplicant him self from the state of damnation 16. that he wil stil direct and defend him against al enimies †A praier to Dauid him selfe Incline thine eare ô Lord and heare me because I am needie and poore †Keepe my soule because I am holie saue thy seruant my God that hopeth in thee †Haue mercie on me ô Lord because I haue cried to thee al the day †make ioyful the soule of thy seruant because to thee ô Lord haue I lifted vp my soule †Because thou ô Lord art swete and milde and of much mercie to al that inuocate thee †Receiue ô Lord my praier with thine ears and attend to the voice of my petition †In the day of my tribulation I haue called to thee because thou hast heard me †There is not the like to thee amongst goddes ò Lord and there is not according to thy workes †Al nations what soeuer thou hast made shal come and shal adore before thee ô Lord and they shal glorifie thy name †Because thou art great and doing meruelous thinges thou onlie art God †Conduct me ô Lord in thy way and I wil walke in thy truth let my hart reioyce that it may feare thy name †I wil confesse to thee ô Lord my God with al my hart and wil glorifie thy name for euer †Because thy mercie is great vpon me and thou hast deliuered my soule out of the lower hel †O God the wicked are risen vp vpon me and the synagogue of the mightie haue sought my soule and they haue not set thee in their sight †And thou ô Lord the God of compassion and merciful patient and of much mercie and true †Haue respect to me and haue mercie on me giue thine empire to thy seruant and saue the sonne of thy handmaide †Make with me a signe vnto God that they may see which hate me and may be confounded because thou ô Lord hast holpen me PSALME LXXXVI The Church of Christ beginning in Ierusalem 3. is extended to al Nations 5. glorious 6. and permanent 7. in holie ioy To the children of Core a Psalme of Canticle THE fundations thereof in the holie mountaynes †our Lord loueth the gates of Sion aboue al the tabernacles of Iacob †Glorious thinges
to our Lord a new song because he hath done meruelous thinges His righthand hath wrought saluation to himselfe and his arme is holie †Our Lord hath made knowne his saluation in the sight of the Gentiles he hath reueled his iustice †He hath remembred his mercie and his truth to the house of Israel Al the ends of the earth haue seene the saluation of our God †Make ye iubilation to God al the earth chaunt and reioyce and sing †Sing to our Lord on harpe on harpe and voice of psalme †on long drawen trumpets and voice of cornet of horne Make iubilation in the sight of the king our Lord †let the sea be moued and the fulnes therof the round world and they that dwel therin †The riuers shal clappe with hand the mountaynes together shal reioyce †at the sight of our Lord because he cometh to iudge the earth He wil iudge the round earth in iustice and the peoples in equitie PSALME XCVIII Christ reigneth notwithstanding his enimies repine is adored 5. also his footestoole 6. whom ancient Prophetes did inuocate A Psalme to Dauid himselfe OVR Lord hath reigned let peoples be angrie he that sitteth vpon the Cherubs let the earth be moued †Our Lord great in Sion and high aboue al peoples †Let them confesse to thy great name because it is terrible and holie †And the honour of the king loueth iudgement Thou hast prepared directions thou hast done iudgement and iustice in Iacob †Exalt ye the Lord our God and “ adore his footstoole because it is holie †Moyses and Aaron in his priestes and Samuel among them that inuocate his name They inuocated our Lord and he heard them †in a piller of a cloud he spake to them They kept his testimonies the precept which he gaue them †O Lord our God thou heardest them God thou wast propitious to them and taking vengeance vpon al their inuentions Exalt ye the Lord our God and adore ye in his holie mount because the Lord our God is holie ANNOTATIONS PSALME XCIX 5. Adore his footestoole For so much as al Expositors also the Hebrevv Rabbins affirme that the Psalmist here prophecieth of Christ the promised Messias that should redeme mankind and seing the Arke of couenant perteyneth not to the seruice of Christ but vvas only a figure of him the footestoole of Messias here mentioned must nedes be something perteyning to him and therfore most ancient Fathers expound it of Christs humanitie And because the Prophet speaketh of perpetual adoration not only of the shorte time he conuersed vvith men in this life vvhen very fevv adored him the same fathers vnderstand here the adoration of Christ in the blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist Which S Ambrose teacheth lib. 3. de Spiritu Sancto c. 12. in these plaine vvordes By the footstoole must be vnderstood the earth by the earth the flesh of Christ VVhich vve also at this day adore in the Mysteries and vvhich the Apostles adored in our Lord Iesus S. Augustin more largely vpon this Psalme I am made doubtful saith he I feare to adore the earth lest he condeme me that made heauen and earth Againe I feare not to adore the footstoole of my Lord because the Psalme saith to me Adore his footstoole I seeke vvhat is his footstoole and the Scripture Isaiae 66. telleth me the earth is his footstoole Doubtful I turne myself vnto Christ because I seeke him here and I finde hovv vvithout impietie the earth may be adored vvithout impietie his footstoole may be adored For he tooke earth of earth because flesh is of earth and he tooke flesh of the flesh of the B. virgin Marie And because he vvalked here in the same flesh and gaue the very flesh to vs to eate vnto saluation and no man eateth that flesh onles he first adore it it is found hovv such a footstoole of our Lord may be adored and not only vve doe not sinne in adoring but vve should sinne in not adoring Thus farre S. Augustin Further instructing not to coÌ„ceâ—ue of Christs flesh as â—he Capharnaites did that he would cute it in peeces from his bodie and geue them portions therof His very flesh is geuen and eaten not in fleshlie maner but in sacramental See Annotations Ioan. 6. PSALME XCIX Al are inuited to reioyce in God Creator of al. A Psalme in confession MAKE ye iubilation to God al the earth serue ye our Lord in gladnesse Enter ye in before his sight in exultation †Know ye that our Lord he is God he made vs and not we ourselues His people and the sheepe of his pasture †enter ye into his gates in confession his courtes in hymnes confesse ye to him Praise ye his name †because our Lord is sweete his mercie for euer and his truth euen vnto generation and generation PSALME C. King Dauid gratfully celebrateth the two general diuine vertues Mercie and Iustice 2. by his owne example exhorteth al especially Superiors to direct their wayes in sinceritie 4. and to seperate the wicked from conuersation of the good A Psalme to Dauid himselfe MERCIE and iudgement I wil sing to thee â— Lord I wil sing †and I shal vnderstand in the immaculate way when thou shalt come to me I walked through in the inocencie of my hart in the middes of my house †I did not propose before mine eies any vniust thing I hated them that do preuarication †A peruerse hart hath not cleaued to me the malignant declining from me I knew not †One secretly detracting from his neighbour him did I persecute One of a proud eye and vnsatiable hart with him I did not eate †Mine eies are towards the faithful of the earth that they may sit with me A man that walketh in the immaculate way he did minister to me †He that doth proudly shal not dwel in the middes of my house he that speaketh vniust thinges hath not directed in the sight of mine eies †In the morning did I kil al the sinners of the earth that I might destroy out of the citie of our Lord al those that worke iniquitie PSALMES CI. A sinner in affliction of mind prayeth God to deliuer him 10. desolate of al other helpe 13. conceiueth comforth in Gods eternal goodnes and singular mercie in redeming mankind and propagating the Church 24. Prayeth to be made mature in vertue before he dye that he may liue with God 26. who only and wholly being immutable establisheth his seruantes for euer The prayer of the poore when he shal be anxious and shal make his petition before our Lord. LORD heare my prayer and let my crie come to thee †Turne not away thy face from me in what
Idumea †Wil t not thou ô God which hast repelled vs and wilt not thou goeforth ô God in our hoastes †Geue vs helpe out of tribulation because mans saluation is vayne †In God we shal doe strength and he wil bring our enemies to nothing PSALME CVIII Christ by the mouth of Dauid requesteth of God to be iustly declared innocent and his enimies punished 6. particularly describing Iudas the traitors malice 21. and his owne temporal afflictions 26. prayeth 30. and praiseth God for his deliuerie †Vnto the end a Psalme of Dauid O God conceale not my prayse because the mouth of the sinner and the mouth of the deceitful man is open vpon me †They haue spoken against me with deceitful tongue and with wordes of hatred they haue compassed me and they haue impugned me without cause †For that they should loue me they backbited me but I prayed †And they set against me euil thinges for good and hatred for my loue Appoint a sinner ouer him and let the diuel stand on his righthand †When he is iudged let him comeforth condemned and let his prayer be turned into sinne †Let his dayes be made fewe and let an other take his bishopricke †Let his children be made orphans and his wife a widow †Let his children be transported wandering and let them begge and let them be cast out of their habitations †Let the vsurer search al his substance and let strangers spoile his labours †Let there be none to helpe him neither let there be anie to haue pittie on his pupilles †Let his children come to destruction in one generation let his name be cleane put out †Let the iniquitie of his fathers returne to memorie in the sight of our Lord and let not the sinne of his mother be blotted out †Let them be before our Lord alwayes and let the memorie of them perish out of the earth †For that he remembred not to doe mercie †And he persecuted the poore and needie man and the compunct in hart to kil him †And he loued cursing and it shal come to him and he would not blessing and it shal be far from him And he put on cursing as a garment and it entred as water into his inner partes and as oile in his bones †Be it to him as a garment wherwith he is couered and as a girdle wherwith he is alwayes girded †This is the worke of them that detract from me before our Lord and that speake euils against my soule †And thou Lord Lord doe with me for thy names sake because thy mercie is swete Deliuer me †because I am needie and poore and my hart is trubled within me †As a shadow when it declineth am I taken away and I am shaken as locustes †My knees are weakened with fasting and my flesh is changed by reason of oile †And I am made a reproch to them they saw me and wagged their heades †Helpe me ô Lord my God saue me according to thy mercie †And let them know that this is thy hand and thou ô Lord hast done it †They wil curse and thou shalt blesse let them that rise vp against me be confounded but thy seruant shal reioyce †Let them that detract from me be clothed with shame and let them be couered with their confusion as with a duble patched cloke †I wil confesse to our Lord excedingly with my mouth and in the middes of manie I wil prayse him †Because he hath stood on the righthand of the poore that he might saue my soule from the persecutors PSALME CIX Christ rising and ascending into heauen sitteth on the right hand of God 2. beginning in Ierusalem reigneth in the Church of the whole earth 4. vseth the Priesthood of Melchisedechs order to the end of the world 6. and shal iudge the world †A psalme of Dauid OVR Lord sayd to my Lord Sitte on my right hand til I make thine enemies thy footestoole of thy feete †Our Lord wil sendforth the rod of thy strength from Sion rule thou in the middes of thine enemies †With thee the beginning in the day of thy strength in the brightnes of holie thinges from the wombe before the day starre I begat thee †Our Lord sware and it shal not repent him Thou art “ a Priest for euer “ according to the order of Melchisedech †Our Lord on thy righthand hath broken kinges in the day of his wrath †He shal iudge in nations he shal fil ruines he shal crush the heads in the land of manie †Of the torrent in the way he shal drinke therfore shal he exalt the head ANNOTATIONS CIX 4. A Priest for euer In two respectes Christ is a Priest for euer in that from the first instant of his incarnation he was and remaneth a Priest now also in heauen and al other Priestes are his ministerial vicares not successors So that al priestlie functions which they doe he by them doth the same as the principal Priest VVherupon saith S. Paul 1. Cor 4. So let a man thincke of vs as of the ministers of Christ and dispensers of the mysteries of God Secondly Christ dayly offering Sacrifice by the handes of his Priestes doth continually pacifie Gods wrath in behalf of those sinners for whom it is duly applied euen to the end of the world VVheras the Priesthood of Aaron and of al others in the old Testament ceassed by their deathes both in the office and in the effect 4 According to the order of Melchisedech As Melchisedech king of peace and iustice without father mother or genealogie expressed in holie Scriptures or otherwise knowen to the world was Priest or the Hieghest offered bread and wine an vnbloudie sacrifice communicating with both Chananeites and Hebrewes blessed Abraham and tooke tithes of him and his subiectes so Christ the true King of peace iustice without father of his humanity without mother of his Diuinitie the Sonne of God of ineffable genealogie borne of a virgin in his humanitie the Priest of God offereth Sacrifice not only bloudie on the Crosse but also vnbloudie in the formes of bread and wine continueth the same by the ministerie of other Priestes maketh al nations partakers therof blesseth them and receiueth of them al dutiful and rellgious seruice as of his subiectes PSALME CX Praise of God for benefites 4. especially for the B. Sacrament of the Eucharist 6 with other graces imperted to the Catholique Church Alleluia I Wil confesse to thee ô Lord with al my hart in the counsel of the iust and b the congregation †The workes of our Lord are great exquisite according to al his willes †Confession and magnificence his worke
sorte of al is the Idolatrie vvhich the Pâ—almist here describeth vvhen Imagees made by mens handes are immediatly honored as goddes in themselues For such goddes the Gentiles had and of them the Prophet here speaketh Compaâ—ing these visible sensles imagined goddes vvith the one eternal inuisible God vvho is made notorious by his diuine conspicuous vvorkes vvheras these idols by hovv much they are more visible so much more they are contemptible because being fashioned vvith mouth eyes eares nose handes feete throte and other members they are altogether sensles not able to speake vvith their mouth and therin more base in nature then the men that made them nor able to see heare smel taist feele to vvalke to moue nor to crie al vvhich beastes can doe And therfore these that make them or haue confidence in them as the Prophet here signifieth that some haue v. 16. are most absurde becoming like to the same idols in their vnderstanding and internal cogitations as these idols are voide of external sense And al Idolaters are most vvicked geuing diuine honour to anie creature are therin seruantes of diuels VVhether they immediatly honour diuels as vvhen sorcerers and vvitches making pact vvith the diuel adore him and he for the same doth some thing vvhich they demand or that they honour some other creature vvherin by the diuels false persvvasion they thincke there is diuine poore Both vvhich vvares diuels vsurpe Gods honour and therfore the same Prophet saide in an other Psalme Al the goddes of Gentiles are diuels PSALME CXIIII The prayer of a iust man in tribulation with confidence and gratitude towards God Allelu ia I haue loued because our Lord wil heare the voice of my prayer †Because he hath inclined his eare to me and in my daies I wil inuocate †The sorowes of death haue compassed me and the perils of hel haue found me I haue found tribulation and sorow †and I inuocated the name of our Lord. O Lord deliuer my soule †our Lord is merciful and iust and our God doth mercie †Our Lord kepeth litle ones I was humbled and he hath deliuered me †Turne ô my soule into thy rest because our Lord hath done good to thee †Because he hath deliuered my soule from death mine eies from teares my feete from sliding †I wil please our Lord in the countrie of the liuing PSALME CXV A iust man acknowledging that spiritual life beginneth by faith and by publique profession therof 4. gratfully accepteth of Christs Redemption 5. dedicateth his life and al he hath to Gods seruice Allelu ia I beleued for which cause I spake but I was humbled excedingly †I said in mine excesse Euerie man is a lyer †What shal I render to our Lord for al thinges that he hath rendred to me †I wil take the chalice of saluation and I wil inuocat the name of our Lord. †I wil render my vowes to our Lord before al his people †precious in the sight of our Lord is the death of his Sainctes †O Lord because I am thy seruant I am thy seruant and the sonne of thy hand maide Thou hast broken my bondes †I wil sacrifice to thee the hoast of praise and I wil inuocate the name of our Lord. †I wil render my vowes to our Lord in the sight of al his people †in the courtes of the house of our Lord in the middes of thee ô Ierusalem PSALME CXVI Gods mercie is largely extended to al Gentiles by Christ and his promise withal is performed to the Iewes Allelu ia PRAYSE our Lord al ye Gentiles prayse him al ye peoples †Because his mercie is confirmed vpon vs and his truth remaineth for euer PSALME CXVII Faithful people collected in the Church of Christ exhorte each other to render thankes to God for their deliuerie from spiritual and temporal tribulations 16. The Laitie demand participation of Christs Mysteries promising to serue him duly 25. Which the Pastors freely impert and together with the people solemnely celebrate Gods praise Allelu ia CONFESSE ye to our Lord because he is good because his mercie is for euer †Let Israel now say that he is good that his mercie is for euer †Let the house of Aaron now say that his mercie is for euer †Let them now say which feare our Lord that his mercie is for euer †From tribulation I inuocated our Lord and our Lord heard me in largenes †Our Lord is my helper I wil not feare what man can doe to me †Our Lord is my helper and I wil looke ouer mine enemies †It is good to hope in our Lord rather then to hope in man †It is good to hope in our Lord rather then to hope in princes †Al nations haue compassed me and in the name of our Lord am I reuenged on them †Compassing they haue compassed me and in the name of our Lord I was reuenged on them †They compassed me as bees and were inflamed as fyre in thornes and in the name of our Lord I was reuenged on them †Being thrust I was ouerturned to fal and our Lord receiued me †Our Lord is my strength and my prayse and he is made my saluation The voice of exultation and of saluation in the tabernacles of the iust †The right hand of our Lord hath wrought strength the right hand of our Lord hath exalted me the right hand of our Lord hath wrought strength †I shal not die but shal liue and I wil tel the workes of our Lord. †Our Lord chastising hath chastised me and to death he hath not deliuered me †Open ye the gates of iustice to me being entred into them I wil confesse to our Lord †this is the gate of our Lord the iust shal enter into it †I wil confesse to thee because thou hast heard me and art become my saluation †The stone which the builders reiected the same is made into the head of the corner †This was done by our Lord and it is meruelous id our eies †This is the day which our Lord made let vs reioice and be glad therein †O Lord saue me ô Lord geue good successe Blessed be he that cometh in the name of our Lord. †We haue blessed you of the house of our Lord †our Lord is God and he hath geuen light to vs. Appoint a solemne day with thicke bowes euen to the horne of the altar †Thou art my God and I wil confesse to thee thou art my God and I wil exalt thee I wil confesse to thee because thou hast heard me and art become my saluation
vvhom vve haue accesse to the euerlasting kingdom Or thus not transposing the vvordes By vocation of Christ the Head through distinct voice of signes for vvordes are signes shevving the mind vve are conducted to the eternal kingdom the happines vvhich al men desire VVhat I pray thee saith this holie Doctor is more sacred then this mysterie vvhat more pleasant then this delight VVhat meate vvhat honey are svveeter then to knovv Gods vvisdom to enter into his secrecte closset◠to behold the sense of our Creator and to teach the vvordes of thy Lord God ful of spiritual vvisdom vvhich are derided by the vvise of this vvorld VVe must also aduertise the reader of the like discourses of ancient Fathers ouer long to be here recited concerning the manifold hiegh praises of Gods Lavv conteyned in this Psalme vvith frequent repetitiō of certaine Synonyma vvordes signifying the same thing in al fourtene tovvitte The Lavv of God his VVayes Testimonies Commandments Precepts Statutes Iustifications Iudgements Iustice Equitie Veritie VVordes Speaches Sermons of vvhich there is commonly one in euerie verse and somtimes tvvo or three in the same verse But our English tongue hardly sufficing rightly to distinguish the three last which in latin are Verba Eloquia Sermones we translate VVORDES only adding in the margen Eloquia and Sermones when they occurre Leauing therfore larger commentaries to others we shal prosecute our wonted maner of briefe glosses Only here premonishing the diligent readers especially Clergimen our selues and our brethren who euerie day sing or read this whole Psalme in the Canonical houres to obserue two particular pointes of Christian doctrine euidently proued by manie places of this Psalme The one against the Pelagians heresie denying the necessitie of Gods special grace in meritorious workes For the Psalmist often here inculcateth mans insufficiencie that of himselfe and by natural forces he can not kepe the commandments of God but needeth alwayes the particular grace of God as vvel to beleue in him to repent for sinnes and to beginne good vvorkes as to procede and perseuere in good state to the end The other against the heresie of our time denying merite by grace freewil For here it is also manifest that Gods grace maketh man able to kepe his commandments and by keeping them to become iust in this life and so to merite eternal glorie Sundrie other principal Articles of Christian Catholique Religion are likevvise comprised in this one Psalme but especially Moral doctrin Alleluja Aleph Doctrine BLESSED are the immaculate in the way which walke in the law of our Lord. †Blessed are they that search his testimonies that seeke after him with al their hart †For they that worke iniquitie haue not walked in his waies †Thou hast very much commanded thy commandmentes to be kept †Would God my waies might be directed to keepe thy iustifications †Then shal I not be confounded when I shal looke throughly in al thy commandmentes †I wil confesse to thee in direction of hart in that I haue lerned the iudgements of thy iustice †I wil keepe thy iustifications forsake me not wholy Beth. House †Wherein doth a yongman correct his way in keeping thy wordes †With my whole hart I haue sought after thee repel me not from thy commandmentes †In my hart I haue hid thy wordes that I may not sinne to thee †Blessed art thou ô Lord teach me thy iustifications †In my lippes I haue pronounced al the iudgementes of thy mouth †I am delighted in the way of thy testimonies as in al riches †I wil be exercised in thy commandmentes and I wil consider thy waies †I wil meditate in thy iustifications I wil not forget thy wordes Gimel Fulnes †Render to thy seruant quicken me and I shal keepe thy wordes †Reuele mine eies and I shal consider the meruelous thinges of thy law †I am a seiourner in the land hide not thy commandmentes from me †My soule hath coueted to desire thy iustifications at al time †Thou hast rebuked the prowde cursed are they that decline from thy commandmentes †Take from me reproch and contempt because I haue sought after thy testimonies †For princes sate and they spake against me but thy seruant was exercised in thy iustifications †For both thy testimonies are my meditation and thy iustifications my counsel Daleth Of Tables †My soule hath cleaued to the pauement quicken me according to thy word †I haue vttered my wayes and thou hast heard me teach me thy iustifications †Instruct me the way of thy iustifications and I shal be exercised in thy meruelous workes †My soule hath slumbered for tediousnes confirme me in thy wordes †Remoue from me the way of iniquitie and according to thy law haue mercie on me †I haue chosen the way of truth I haue not forgotten thy iudgements †I haue cleaued to thy testimonies ô Lord do not confound me †I ranne the way of thy commandments when thou didst dilate my hart He. This thing Set me a law ô Lord the way of thy iustifications and I wil seeke after it alwayes †Geue me vnderstanding and I wil search thy law and I wil keepe it with my whole hart †Conduct me into the path of thy commandments because I would it †Incline my hart into thy testimonies and not into auarice †Turne away mine eies that they see not vanitie in thy way quicken me †Establish thy word to thy seruant in thy feare †Take away my reproch which I haue feared because thy iudgements are pleasant †Behold I haue coueted thy commandments in thine equitie quicken me Vau. And. †And let thy mercie come vpon me ô Lord thy saluation according to thy word †And I shal answer a word to them that vpbrayde me because I haue hoped in thy wordes †And take not away out of my mouth the word of truth vtterly because I haue much hoped in thy iudgementes †And I wil keepe thy law alwayes for euer and for euer and euer †And I walked in largenesse because I haue sought after thy commandments †And I spake of thy testimonies in the sight of kinges and was not confounded †And I meditated in thy commandments which I loued †And I haue lifted vp my handes to thy commandments which I loued and I was exercised in thy iustifications Zain This. †Be mindeful of thy word to thy seruant wherein thou hast
is time to doe ô Lord they haue dissipated thy law †Therfore haue I loued thy commandementes aboue gold and topazius †Therfore was I directed to al thy commandements al wicked way I haue hated Phe. Mouth †Thy testimonies are meruelous therfore hath my soule searched them †The declaration of thy wordes doth illuminate and geueth vnderstanding to litle ones †I opened my mouth and drew breath because I desired thy commandments †Looke vpon me and haue mercie on me according to the iudgement of them that loue thy name †Direct my steppes according to thy Word and let not anie iniustice haue domination ouer me †Redeme me from the calumnies of men that I may kepe thy commondmentes †Illuminate thy face vpon thy seruant and teach me thy iustifications †Mine eies haue gushed forth issues of waters because they haue not kept thy law Sade Iustice †Thou art iust ô Lord and thy iudgement is right †Thou hast commanded iustice thy testimonies and thy veritie excedingly †My Zele hath made me to pine away because mine enimies haue forgotten thy wordes †Thy word is fired excedingly and thy seruant hath loued it †I am a yongman and contemned I haue not forgotten thy iustifications †Thy iustice is iustice for euer and thy law is veritie †Tribulation and distresse haue found me thy commandments are my meditation †Thy testimonies are equitie for euer geue me vnderstanding and I shal liue Coph Vocation †I haue cried in my whole hart heare me ô Lord I wil seeke after thy iustifications †I haue cried to thee saue me that I may keepe thy commandmentes †I haue preuented in maturitie and haue cried because I hoped much in thy wordes †Minecies haue preuented early vnto thee that I might meditate thy wordes †Heare my voice according to thy mercie ô Lord and according to thy iudgement quicken me †They that persecute me haue approched to iniquitie but from thy law they are made far of †Thou art nigh ô Lord and al thy wayes are truth †From the beginning I knewe of thy testimonies that thou hast founded them for euer †See my humiliation and deliuer me because I haue not forgotten thy law †Iudge my iudgement redeme me for thy word quicken thou me †Saluation is far from sinners because they haue not sought after thy iustifications †Thy mercies are manie ô Lord according to thy iudgement quicken me †There are manie that persecute me and afflict me I haue not declined from thy testimonies †I saw the preuaricatours and I pyned away because they kept not thy wordes †See that I haue loued thy commandmentes ô Lord in thy mercie quicken me The beginning of thy wordes is truth al the iudgementes of thy iustice are for euer Sin Tooth †Princes haue persecuted me without cause and my hart hath bene afrayd of thy wordes †I wil reioyce at thy wordes as he that findeth manie spoyles †I haue hated iniquitie and abhorred it but thy law I haue loued ††There is much peace to them that loue thy law there is no scandal to them †I expected thy saluation ô Lord and haue loued thy commandmentes †My soule hath kept thy testimonies and hath loued them excedindgly †I haue kept thy commandmentes and thy testimonies because al my waies are in thy sight Tau Signe †Let my petition approch in thy sight ô Lord according to thy word giue me vnderstanding †Let my request enter in thy sight according to thy word deliuer me †My lippes shal vtter an hymne when thou shalt teach me thy iustifications †My tongue shal pronounce thy word because al thy commandmentes are equitie †Let thy hand be to saue me because I haue chosen thy commandmentes †I haue coneted thy saluation ô Lord and thy law is my meditation †My soule shal liue and shal prayse thee and thy iudgementes shal helpe me †I haue strayed as a sheepe that is lost seeke thy seruant because I haue not forgotten thy commandmentes A BRIEFE NOTE CONCERNING the Gradual Psalmes Here folow in order fifetene Psalmes intitled Gradual Canticles The Hebrew word Mahaloâ—h signifieth Steppes or Ascensions The reason wherof Aadias and some other Rabbins veld for that they were songue with hieghest eleuated notes that can be â—â— Musike The Talmud saith they are so called because they were songue in the fifetene steppes going vp into the Temple But S Augustin S. Basil and other Christian Fathers expound them according to the historie and immediate prophetical sense of the deliuerie of the Iewes from captiuitie of Babylon ascending into Ierusalem which is so situated on montaines that the way from al partes was by ascending vnto it According to the Mystical sense of ascending spiritually by vertues to perfection and to eternal felicitie For the way tending to vertue saith S. Basil is like to certaine steppes or degrees by litle and litle bringing the mâ—n that loueth wisdome vnto heauen These Canticles therefore are prayers mixed with consolations for the ioyful deliuerie of Gods people from that great captiuitie in Babylon which the Psalmist King Dauid saw in prophetical spiritie and which his posteritie felt and sometime indured VVhich againe as a figure signifieth thâ—â—eturne and ascending of mankind from sinne to grace and from the miserable state of this world into heauen VVherupon S. Augustin interpreteth this prophecie of the ascension or eleuation of the hart from the vaile of teares In the meane time whiles we are in this world these Psalmes aâ—e consolatorâ—e prayers and prophetical assurance that Gods people Catholique Christian shal be deliuered from thraldom and persecution of Paganes Turkes and Heretikes â—s partly we see by the deliuerie from the Romane persecuting Emperors from the Vandals Gothes and Hunnes therfore with assured confidence we hope and expect the like deliuerie from Turkes and al Heretikes of Luthers broode PSALME CXIX The Iewes in captiuitie of Babylon Christians in persecution or other great tribulation pray with confidence to be deliuered from danger and sclander of wicked tongues 5. lamenting their long indurance A gradual Canticle VVHEN I was in tribulation I cried to our Lord and he heard me †O Lord deliuer my soule from vniust lippes and from a deceiptful tongue †What may be geuen thee or what may be added vnto thee to a deceiptful tongue †The sharpe arrowes of the mightie with coales of desolation †Woe is to me that my seiourning is prolonged I haue dwelte with the inhabitantes of Cedar †My soule hath
backe they haue prolonged their iniquitie †Our iust Lord wil cut the neckes of sinners †let them al be confounded and turned backward that hate Sion †Let them be made as grasse in the toppes of houses which is withered before it be plucked vp †Wherof the reaper hath not filled his hand and he that gathereth the sheaues his bosome †And they sayd not that passed by The blessing of our Lord be vpon you we haue blessed you in the name of our Lord. PSALME CXXIX The Iewes or other people in tribulation for sinne or temporal captiuitie crie to God to be deliuered 4. trusting and encoreging ech other in Gods accustomed mercie assuredly hoping that he wil redeme deliuer them A gradual Canticle FROM the depthes I haue cried to thee ô Lord †Lord heare my voice Let thine eares be intent to the voice of my petition †If thou shalt obserue iniquities ô Lord Lord who shal susteyne it †Because with thee there is propiciation and for thy law I haue expected thee ô Lord. My soule hath expected in his word †my soule hath hoped in our Lord. †From the morning watch euen vntil night let Israel hope in our Lord. †Because with our Lord there is mercie and with him plenteous redemption †And he shal redeme Israel from al his iniquities PSALME CXXX Anie iust soule in humble confidence offereth his innocencie as a spiritual and gratful sacrifice to God 3. exhorting al Gods seruants euer to hope in him A gradual Canticle of Dauid LORD my hart is not exalted neither are mine eies loftie Neither haue I walked in great matters nor in meruelous thinges aboue me †If I was not humbly mynded but exalted my soule As the weaned childe is toward his mother so retribution in my soule †Let Israel hope in our Lord from henceforth now and for euer PSALME CXXXI The Psalmist earnestly prayeth God to geue him leaue to shew him where to build a Temple But more especially prayeth for and prophecieth the coming of Christ the promised Sonne of Dauid 14. signifying Gods promise therof and of establishing his Church A gradual Canticle REMEMBER Dauid ô Lord and al his meekenes †As he sware to our Lord vowed a vowe to the God of Iacob †If I shal enter into the tabernacle of my house if I shal ascend into the bed of my couch †If I shal geue sleepe to mine eies and slumbering to mine eie liddes †And rest to my temples vntil I finde a place for our Lord a tabernacle for the God of Iacob †Behold we haue heard of it in Ephrata we haue found it in the fildes of the wood †We wil enter into his tabernacle we wil adore in the place where his feete stood †Arise Lord into thy rest thou and the arke of thy sanctification †Let thy Priestes be clothed with iustice let thy sainctes reioyce †For Dauid thy seruants sake turne not away the face of thy Christ †Our Lord hath sworne truth to Dauid and he wil not disapoint it Of the fruite of thy wombe I wil set vpon thy seate †If thy children shal keepe my testament and these my testimonies which I wil teach them Their children also euen for euer shal sit vpon thy seate †Because our Lord hath chosen Sion he hath chosen it for an habitation to himself †This is my rest for euer and euer here wil I dwel because I haue chosen it †Blessing I wil blesse her widow her poore I wil fil with breades †Her Priestes I wil clothe with saluation and her sainctes shal reioyce with ioyfulnes †Thither wil I bring forth a horne to Dauid I haue prepared a lampe to my Christ †His enemies I wil clothe with confusion but vpon him shal my sanctification florish PSALME CXXXII Fraternal concord is commended to al in the Church as necessarie and delectable in it self and blessed of God A gradual Canticle of Dauid BEHOLD how good and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwel in one †As oyntement on the head which ranne downe vpon the beard the beard of Aaron which ranne downe vnto the hemme of his garment †As the dew of Hermon which runneth downe vpon mount Sion Because there hath our Lord commanded blessing and life euen for euer PSALME CXXXIII Al and especially clergie men that serue the Church are inuited to prayse God by day and by night so shal they be blessed of God A gradual Canticle LOE now blesse our Lord al ye the seruantes of our Lord Which stand in the house of our Lord in the courtes of the house of our God †In the nightes lift vp your handes vnto the holie places and blesse ye our Lord. Our Lord out of Sion blesse thee who made heauen and earth PSALME CXXXIIII God who only is omnipotent and fountaine of algoodnes is of al to be praised 8. He is the special protector of his elected people 15. Contrariwise false goddes are impotent vaine and can not helpe those that serue them 19. Only the Church doth rightly praise him Alleluia PRAYSE ye the name of our Lord ye seruantes prayse our Lord. †Ye that stand in the house of our Lord in the courtes of the house of our God †Prayse ye our Lord because our Lord is good sing ye to his name because it is sweete †Because our Lord hath chosen Iacob to himself Israel for his owne possession †Because I haue knowne that our Lord is great and our God aboue al goddes †Al thinges whatsoeuer our Lord would he hath done in heauen in earth in the sea and in al the depthes †Bringing forth clowdes from the vttermost of the earth lightenings he hath turned into rayne Who bringeth forth the windes out of his treasures †who stroke the first begotten of Aegypt from man euen to beast †He sent â—orth signes and wonders in the middes of thee ô Aegypt vpon Pharao and vpon al his seruantes †Who stroke manie nations and slew strong kinges †Sehon the king of the Amorrheites Og the king of Basan and al the kingdomes of Chanaan †And he gaue their land for inheritance for an inheritance to Israel his people †Lord thy name is for euer Lord thy memorial is vnto generation and generation †Because our Lord shal iudge his people and wil be intreated toward his seruantes †The idoles of the Gentiles are siluer and gold the workes of mens handes †They haue mouth and shal not speake they haue eies and shal not see †They haue eares and shal
thee because thou art terribly magnified thy workes are meruelous my soule knoweth excedingly †My bone is not hid from thee which thou madest in secrete and my substance in the lower pattes of the earth †Mine imperfection thine eies haue sene in thy booke al shal be written daies shal be formed no man in them †But to me thy frendes ô God are become honorable excedingly their principalitie is excedingly strengthned †I wil number them and they shal be multiplied aboue the sand I rose vp and I am yet with thee †If thou shalt kil sinners ô God ye men of blood depart from me †Because you say in thought they shal receiue thy cities in vayne †Did not I hate them that hate thee ô Lord and pyned away because of thine enemies †with perfect hatred did I hate them they are become enemies to me †Proue me ô God and know my hart examine me and know my pathes And see if the way of iniquitie be in me and conduct me in the euerlasting way PSALME CXXXIX The iust diuersly afflicted by the wicked pray to be defended 7. repose their confidence in God 10. who wil adiudge the reprobate to eternal punishment 13. and reward the good with the fruition of himself Vnto the end a Psalme of Dauid DELIVER me ô Lord from the euil man from the vniust man rescue me †Which haue deuised iniquitie in their hart al the day they did appoint battels They haue whet their tongues as that of a serpent †the venome of aspes is vnder their lippes †Kepe me ô Lord from the hand of the sinner and from vniust men deliuer me †Who haue deuised to supplant my steppes †the proude haue hid a snare for me And they haue streched out ropes for a snare they haue layd a stumbling blocke for me nere the way †I sayd to our Lord Thou art my God heare ô Lord the voice of my petition †O Lord Lord the strength of my saluation thou hast ouershadowed my head in the day of battel †Yeld me not ô Lord from my desire to the sinner they haue deuised against me forsake me not lest they perhaps be proude †The head of their compase the labour of their lippes shal couer them †Coales shal fal vpon them thou shalt cast them downe into fyre in miseries they shal not stand vp †A man ful of tongue shal not be directed in the earth euils shal take the vniust man into destruction †I haue knowne that our Lord wil do the iudgement of the needie and the reuenge of the poore †But as for the iust they shal confesse to thy name and the righteous shal dwel with thy countenance PSALME CXL The Church prayeth that her children may auoide sinful wordes 4. not make excuses of sinnes committed not communicate with others in sinne nor to harken to slatterers 6 but to pray that they may amend the Psalmist by the way prophecieth that manie shal be conuerted 8. though sometimes persecution be great the Church faileth not A Psalme of Dauid LORD I haue cried to thee heare me attend to my voice when I shal crie to thee †Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight the eleuation of my handes as euening sacrifice †Set ô Lord a watch to my mouth and a doore round about to my lippes †Decline not my hart into wordes of malice to make excuses in sinnes With men that worke iniquitie and I wil not communicate with the chiefe of them †The iust shal rebuke me in mercie and shal reprehend me but let not the oyle of a sinner fatte my head Because yet also my prayer is in their good pleasures †their iudges are swalowed vp ioyned to the rocke They shal heare my wordes because they haue preuailed †as the grossenes of the earth is broken out vpon the earth Our bones are dissipated nere to hel †for to thee ô Lord Lord are mine eies in thee haue I hoped take not away my soule †Keepe me from the snare which they haue set for me and from the scandals of them that worke iniquitie †Sinners shal fal in his net I am alone vntil I passe PSALME CXLI Holie Dauid being fled into a caue and beseeged round about by Sauls armie explicating his distresse 6. prayeth to be deliuered Of vnderstanding to Dauid when he was in the caue a prayer 1. Reg. 24. VVITH my voice I haue cried to our Lord with my voice I haue prayed to our Lord †I powre out my prayer in his sight and I pronounce my tribulation before him †When my spirit faileth of myself and thou hast knowne my pathes In this way which I walked they hid a snare for me †I looked toward the right hand and saw and there was none that would know me Flight hath failed me and there is none to require my soule †I haue cried to thee ô Lord I haue sayd Thou art my hope my portion in the land of the liuing †Attend to my petition because I am humbled excedingly Deliuer me from them that persecute me because they are made strong ouer me †Bring forth my soule out of prison to confesse vnto thy name the iust expect me til thou reward me Al this happened in figure of Christ of vvhom prophetically S. Augustin S. Hilarie Cassiams Cassiodorus and others expound the vvhole Psalme Amongst others S Beda briefly in these vvordes VVheras in the title Vnderstanding is premised to Prayer therby as signified that Dauid in his distresses and in the denne whither he fled vnderstood vvhat our Lord should suffer of the Ievves and hovv he vvould pray to his Father In the first part our Lord crieth to his Father complaining of the detestable deceiptes of Iudas the persecutor In the second he prayeth to be deliuered from the prison of hel Limbus vvhere he vvas free because the faith of al the Sainctes depended on his Resurrection PSALME CXLII King Dauid or anie other in spiritual or temporal tribulation not trusting in his owne iustice layeth open his calamitie 5. considering Gods benignitie 6. prayeth to be spedely deliuered 11. and confidently assureth himselfe therof A Psalme of Dauid when Absalom his sonne persecuted him LORD heare my prayer with thine eares receiue my petition in thy truth heare me in thy iustice †And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant because no man liuing shal be iustified in thy sight †Because the enemie hath persecuted
that vttereth contumelie is vnwise †In much talke there shal not want sinne but he that moderateth his lippes is most wise †The tongue of the iust is chosen siluer but the hart of the impious is nothing worth †The lippes of the iust teach verie many but they that are vntaught shal die in the penurie of witte †The blessing of our Lord maketh men rich neither shal affliction be ioyned to them †A foole worketh mischeefe as it were by laughter but wisdom is prudence to a man †That which the impious feareth shal come vpon him to the iust their desire shal be geuen †As a tempest passing the impious shal not be but the iust as an euerlasting fundation †As vinegre to the teeth and smoke to the eies so a sluggard to them that sent him †The feare of our Lord shal adde dayes and the yeares of the impious shal be shortened †The expectation of the iust is ioy but the hope of the impious shal perish †The strength of the simple the way of our Lord and feare is to them that worke euil †The iust for euer shal not be moued but the impious shal not dwel on the earth †The mouth of the iust shal bring forth wisdom the tongue of the froward shal perish †The lippes of the iust consider grateful thinges and the mouth of the impious peruerse thinges CHAP. XI A deceitful balance is abomination before God and an equal weight is his wil. †Where pride shal be there shal be contumelie also but where humilitie there also wisdom †The simplicitie of the iust shal direct them and the supplanting of the peruers shal waste them †Riches shal not profit in the day of reuenge but iustice shal deliuer from death †The iustice of the simple shal direct his way and the impious shal fal in his impietie †The iustice of the righteous shal deliuer them and the vniust shal be caught in their deceitful practises †The impious man being dead there shal be no hope any more and the expectation of the careful shal perish †The iust is deliuered from distresse and the impious shal be geuen for him †The dissembler with his mouth deceiueth his freind but the iust shal be deliuered by knowlege †In the good thinges of the iust the citie shal reioyce and in the destruction of the impious there shal be prayse †With the benediction of the iust the citie shal be exalted and by the mouth of the impious it shal be subuerted †He that despiseth his freind lacketh hart but the wise man wil hold his peace †He that walketh fraudulently reueleth secretes but he that is faithful concealeth the thing comitted of his freind †Where there is no gouernour the people shal fal but there is health where is much counsel †He shal be afflicted with euil that is suretie for a stranger but he that is ware of the snares shal be secure †A gracious woman shal finde glorie and the strong shal haue riches †A merciful man doth good to his kinred also †The impious maketh an vnstable worke but to him that soweth iustice is a faythful reward †Clemencie prepareth life the pursewing of euil thinges death †A peruers hart is abominable to our Lord and his wil is in them that walke simply †Hand in hand the euil man shal not be innocent but the seede of the iust shal be saued †A ring of gold in a swines snoute a fayre woman a foole †The desire of the iust is al good the expectation of the impious furie †Some diuide their owne goodes and are made richer others take violently not their owne and are alwayes in pouertie †The soule which blesseth shal be made fatte and he that inebriateth himself shal also be inebriated †He that hydeth corne shal be cursed among the peoples but blessing vpon the head of them that sel †Wel riseth he early who seeketh good thinges but he that is a searcher after euil thinges shal be oppressed of them †He that trusteth in his riches shal fal but the iust shal spring as a greene leafe †He that trubleth his house shal possesse the windes and he that is a foole shal serue the wise †The fruite of the iust man a tree of life and he that gaineth soules is wise †If the iust man receiue in the earth how much more the impious and sinner CHAP. XII HE that loueth discipline loueth knowlege but he that hateth reprehensions is vnwise †He that is good shal draw grace from our Lord but he that trusteth in his owne cogitation doth impiously †Man shal not be strengthened by impietie and the roote of the iust shal not be moued †A diligent woman is a crowne to her husband and putrefaction in his bones she that doth thinges worthie of confusion †The cogitations of the iust are iudgements the counsels of the impious are fraudulent †The wordes of the impious lie in wayte for bloud the mouth of the iust shal deliuer them †Turne the impious and they shal not be but the house of the iust shal be permanent †A man shal be knowen by his doctrine but he that is vaine and foolish shallye open to contempt †Better is the poore and sufficient to himself then he that is glorious and wanteth bread †The iust knoweth the liues of his beastes but the bowels of the impious are cruel †He that tilleth his land shal be filled with breads but he that purseweth idlenes is a verie foole He that is delighted in much quaffing of wine leaueth contumelie in his munitions †The desire of the impious is the muniment of the most wicked but the roote of the iust shal prosper †For the sinnes of the lippes ruine approcheth to the euil man but the iust escapeth out of distresse †Of the fruite of his owne mouth shal euerie man be replenisded with good thinges and according to the workes of his handes it shal be repayed him †The way of a foole is right in his eies but he that is wise heareth counsels †A foole by by she weth his anger but he that dissembleth iniuries is wise †He that speaketh that which he knoweth is an vâ—rerer of iustice but he that lyeth is a fraudulent witnesse †There is that promiseth and is pricked as it were with the sword of conscience but the tongue of the wise is health †The lippe of truth shal be stable for euer but he that is an hastie witnesse frameth a tongue of lying †Guile is
about †Before he be broken the hart of a man is exalted and before he be glorified it is humbled †He that answereth before he heare sheweth him self to be a foole and worthie of confusion †The spirit of a man vpholdeth his imbecilitie but a spirit that is casie to be angrie who can susteyne †A wise hart shal possesse knowlege and the eare of the wise seeketh doctrine †The gift of a man enlargeth his way maketh him roome before princes †The iust is first accuser of himself his frend commeth and shal search him †Lotte suppresseth contradictions and betwen the mightie also it determineth †Brother that is holpen of brother is as a strong citie and iudgements are as the barres of cities †Of the fruite of mans mouth his bellie shal be filled and the ofsprings of his lippes shal fil him †Death and life in the hand of the tongue they that loue it shal eate the fruites therof †He that hath found a good wife hath found a good thing and hath receiued a pleasure of our Lord. †The poore speaketh with supplications and the rich wil speake roughly †A man amiable to societie shal be more frendlie then a brother CHAP. XIX BEtter is a poore man that walketh in his simplicitie then a rich writhing his lippes and vnwise †Where is no knowlege of the soule is not good and he that is hastie with his feete shal stumble †The follie of a man supplanteth his steppes and he boileth in his minde against God †Riches adde manie frendes but from the poore they also which he had are separated †A false witnes shal not be vnpunished he that speaketh lies shal not escape †Manie worshipe the person of the mightie and are frendes of him that geueth giftes †The brethren of the poore man hate him more ouer also his frendes haue departed far from him †He that purse weth wordes only shal haue nothing but he that is possessour of the minde loueth his soule and the keper of prudence shal finde good thinges †A false witnesse shal not be vnpunished and he that speaketh lies shal perish †Delicacies become not a foole not a seruant to rule ouer princes †The doctrine of man is knowen by patience and his glorie is to ouerpasse vniust thinges †As the roaring of a lion so also the anger of a king and as dew vpon grasse so also his cherefulnes †The sorow of the father a foolish sonne and roofes continually dropping through a woman ful of brawling †House and riches are geuen of the parents but of our Lord properly a prudent wife †Slothfulnesse bringeth drousinesse and a dissolute soule shal be an hungred †He that kepeth the commandement kepeth his soule but he that neglecteth his way shal die †He lendeth our Lord that hath mercie on the poore and he wil repay him the like †Nurter thy sonne despayre not but to the killing of him set not thy soule †He that is impatient shal susteyne damage and when he shal take away violently he shal adde an other thing †Heare counsel and receiue discipline that thou mayst be wise in thy later endes †Manie cogitations in the hart of a man but the wil of our Lord shal be permanent †A needie man is merciful and better is the poore then the lying man †The feare of our Lord vnto life and in fulnes he shal abide without the visitation most noysome †The slothful hideth his hand vnder the armehole neither doth he put it to his mouth †The pestilent man being whipped the foole shal be wiser but if thou rebuke a wiseman he wil vnderstand discipline †He that afflicteth his father and fleeth from his mother is ignominious and vnhappie †Cease not ô sonne to heare doctrine neither be ignorant of the wordes of knowlege †An vniust witnes scorneth iudgement and the mouth of the impious deuoureth iniquitie †Iudgements are prepared for scorners hammers striking for the bodies of fooles CHAP. XX. VVIne is a luxurious thing drunkenes tumultuous whosoeuer is delighted therwith shal not be wise †As the roaring of a lyon so also the terrour of a king he that prouoketh him sinneth also against his owne soule †It is honour to a man that separateth himself from contentions but al fooles medle with contumelies †Because of cold the slothful would not plowe he shal begge therfore in the summer and it shal not be geuen him †As deepe water so counsel in the hart of a man but a wise man shal draw it out †Manie men are called merciful but a faithful man who shal fynd †The iust that walketh in his simplicitie shal leaue blessed children †The king that sitteth in the throne of iudgement dissipateth al euil with his looke †Who can say My hart is cleane I am pure from sinne †Weight and weight measure and measure both are abominable before God †By his conuersation a child is perceiued if his workes be cleane and right †The eare hearing and the eie seing our Lord made both †Loue not sleepe lest pouertie oppresse thee open thyne eies and be filled with breades †It is naught it is naught sayth euerie byer and when he is departed he wil boast †There is gold and multitude of pearles but a precious vessel the lippes of knowlege †Take his garment that was the suretie of a stranger and for strangers take a pledge from him †The bread of lying is swete to a man and afterward his mouth shal be filled with the grauelstone †Cogirations are strengthened by counsels and battels are to be handled by gouernmentes †Medle not with him that reuealeth mysteries and walketh fraudulently and dilateth his lippes †He that curseth his father and mother his lampe shal be extinquished in the middes of darkenes †The inheritance wherunto haste is made in the beginning in the later end shal lacke blessing †Say not I wil requit euil expect our Lord and he wil deliuer thee †Weight and weight are abomination with our Lord a deceitful balance is not good †The steppes of man are directed of our Lord but who of men can vnderstand his owne way †It is ruine to a man to deuoure saintes and afterward to retracte the vowes †A wise king dissipateth the impious and bendeth ouer them a triumphant arch †The lampe of our Lord the breath of a man which searcheth al the secretes of the bellie †Mercie truth kepe the king and his throne is strengthened by clemencie †The ioy of
not his meates †Because after the similitude of a southsayer and diuiner he esteemeth that which he knoweth not Eate and drinke wil he say to thee and his minde is not with thee †The meates which thou hadst eaten thou shalt vomite vp and shalt lose thy beautiful wordes †Speake not in the eares of the vnwise because they wil despise the doctrine of thy speach †Touch not the boundes of litle ones and into the filde of pupils enter not †For their nerekinsman is strong and he wil iudge their cause against thee †Let thy hart enter into doctrin and thyne eares to wordes of knowlege †Withdrawe not discipline from a childe for if thou shalt strike him with the rod he shal not die †Thou shalt strike him with the rod and deliuer his soule from hel †My sonne if thy minde shal be wise my hart shal be glad with thee †And my reines shal reioyce when thy lippes shal speake right thinges †Let not thy hart enuie sinners but in the feare of our Lord be thou al the day †because thou shalt haue hope in the later end and thyn exaltation shal not be taken away †Heare my sonne be wise direct thy minde in the way †Be not in the feastes of great drinkers nor in their comessations which contribute flesh together to eate †because they that are geuen to drinking and that pay shottes shal be consumed and drousines shal be clothed with ragges †Heare thy father that begot thee and contemne not thy mother when she is old †Bye truth and sel not wisedom and doctrine and intelligence †The father of the iust reioyceth with gladnes he that hath begotten a wiseman shal reioyce in him †Let thy father be glad and thy mother and let her reioyce that bare thee †My sonne geue me thy hart let thyne eies kepe my wayes †For an harlot is a deepe dich a strange woman a narrow pitte †She lyeth in wayt in the way as a robber and whom she shal see not circumspect she wil kil †To whom is woe to whose father woe to whom browles to whom diches to whom woundes without cause to whom bloud sheeding eies †Is it not to them that passe their time in wine and studie to drinke out their cuppes †Behold not wine when it waxeth yelow when the colour therof shal shine in the glasse it goeth in pleasantly †but in the end it wil bite like a snake and as a basiliske it wil powre abrode poysones †Thine eies shal see strange wemen and thy hart shal speake peruerse thinges †And thou shalt be as one sleeping in the middes of the sea and as the gouernour fast a sleepe the sterne being lost †And thou shalt say They haue beaten me but I was not greeued they drew me and I felt not When shal I awake and finde wines againe CHAP. XXIIII EMVLATE not euil men neither desire thou to be with them †because their mind doth meditate robberies and their lippes speake deceites †By wisedom the house shal be built and by prudence it shal be strengthened †In doctrine the cellars shal be replenished with al precious and most beâ—utiful substance †A wiseman is strong and a lerned man strong and valiant †Because warre is managed by due ordering there shal be saluation where manie counsels are †Wisedom is high for a foole in the gate he shal not open his mouth †He that thinketh to doe euils shal be called a foole †The cogitation of a foole is sinne and a detracter the abomination of men †If thou despaire being wearie in the day of distresse thy strength shal be diminished †Deliuer them that are led to death and those that are drawen to death cease not to deliuer †If thou say I am not of force he that seeth into the hart he vnderstandeth and nothing deceiueth the keeper of thy soule and he shal render to a man according to his workes †Eate honie my sonne because it is good and the honie-combe most sweete to thy throte †so also the doctrine of wisedom to thy soule which when thou shalt finde thou shalt haue hope in the later end and thy hope shal not perish †Lie not in wayte nor seeke impietie in the house of the iust nor spoile his rest †For “ seuen times shal the iust fal and shal rise againe but the impious shal fal into euil †When thine enemie shal fal be not glad and in his ruine let not thy hart reioyce †Lest perhaps our Lord see and it displease him and he take away his wrath from him †Contend not with the most wicked nor emulate the impious †because euil men haue not hope of thinges to come and the lampe of the impious shal be extinguished †Feare our Lord my sonne and the king with detracters medle not †because their perdition shal sodenly rise and the ruine of both who knoweth †These thinges also to the wise to know a person in iudgement is not good †They that say to the impious Thou art iust peoples shal curse them and tribes shal detest them †They that rebuke him shal be praysed and blessing shal come vpon them †He shal kisse the lippes who answereth right wordes †Prepare thy worke abrode and diligently til thy ground that afterward thou mayst build thy house †Be not witnes without cause against thy neighbour neither alure any man with thy lippes †Say not As he hath done to me so wil I doe to him I wil render to euerie one according to his worke †I passed by the filde of a slothful man and by the vineyard of a foolish man †and behold nettels had filled it wholy and thornes had couered the face therof and the wal of stones was destroyed †Which when I had seene I layd it in my hart and by the example I lerned discipline †A litle I say thou shalt sleepe a litle thou shalt slumber a litle shalt thou ioyne thy handes together to rest †and as a poste pouertie shal come to thee beggerie as a man armed ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XXIIII 16. Seuen times shal the iust sal A iust man that is to say Gods true seruant free from mortal sinne is subiect during this life to manie tentations imperfections and may often fal into venial sinnes and not lose iustice nor the true title of a iust man as here he is called nor become the diuels seruant nor Gods enemie but through Gods grace helping his weaknes he riseth agaâ—ne from smal sinnes stil perseuering in Gods fauoure wheras contrariwise the impious falleth into euil towitte into more and more sinne through malice and lacke of grace riseth not so easily
bring her to me to liue together knowing that she wil communicate vnto me of good thinges and wil be a comfort of my cogitation tediousnes †I shal haue for her sake glorie with the multitudes and honour with the ancient being yong †and I shâ—â— be â—â—â—nd sharpe in iudgement and in the sight of the mightie I shal be meruelous and the faces of princes wil meruel at me †Holding my peace they shal expect me and whiles I speake manie wordes they shallay their hands on their mouth †Moreouer by her I shal haue immortalitie and I shal leaue an eternal memorie to them that shal be after me †I shal dispose peoples and nations shal be subiect to me †Horrible kings hearing shal feare me in the multitude I shal seme good and in battel strong †Entring into my house I shal rest with her for her conuersation hath no bitternes nor her companie tediousnes but ioy and gladnesse †Thinking these thinges with myselfe and recording in my hart that immortalitie is in the kindred of wisedom †and good delectation in her frendship and in the workes of her handes honestie without defect and wisdom in the disputation of her talke and glorie in the communication of her wordes I went about seeking that I might take her to me †And I was a wittie childe and had gotten a good soule †And wheras I was more good I came to a bodie vndefield †And as I knew that I could not otherwise be continent vnlesse God gaue it this verie thing also was wisdom to know whose this gift was I went to our Lord and besought him and said from my whole hart CHAP. IX A prayer made by Salomon for wisdom 9. wherby Superiors are able to gouerne 13. Which by only humane wisdom they can not rightly performe GOD of my fathers and Lord of mercie which madest al thinges with thy word †and by thy wisdom didst appoint man that he should haue dominion of the creature that was made by thee †that he should dispose the round-world in equitie and iustice and execute iudgement in direction of hart †geue me wisdom the assistant of thy seates and repel me not from thy children †because I am thy seruant and the sonne of thy handmaide a weake man and of smal time and lesse to the vnderstanding of iudgement and lawes †And if one be perfect among the children of men and thy wisdom be absent from him he shal be counted for nothing †Thou hast chosen me king to thy people and iudge of thy sonnes and daughters †and badst me build a temple in thy holie mount and an altar in the citie of thy habitation a similitude of thy holie tabernacle which thou didst prepare from the beginning †and thy wisdom with thee which knew thy workes which then also was present when thou madest the roundworld and knew what was pleasing to thyne eyes and what was direct in thy precepts †Send her from thy holy heauens and from the seate of thy greatnes that she may be with me and may labour with me that I may know what is acceptable with thee †for she knoweth al thinges vnderstandeth and shal conduct me in my workes soberly shal keepe me with her might †And my workes shal be acceptable and I shal gouerne thy people iustly and shal be worthie of the seates of my father †For who of men is able to know the counsel of God or who can thinke what God wil †For the cogitations of mortal men be fearful and our prouidences vncertaine †For the bodie that is corrupted burdeneth the soule and the earthlie habitation presseth downe the vnderstanding that thinketh manie thinges †And we doe hardly coniecture the thinges that are in the earth and the thinges that are in sight we finde with labour But the thinges that are in the heauens who shal search out †And thy sense who shal know vnles thou geue wisdom and send thy holie spirit from on high †and so the pathes of them that are on the earth may be corrected and men lerne the thinges that please thee †For by wisdom they were healed whoseouer haue pleased thee ô Lord from the begynning CHAP. X. The benefites of wisdom are declared by examples in Adam 4. Noe 5. Abraham 6. Lot 10. Iacob 13. Ioseph 15. And the people of Israel SHE kept him that was first made of God father of the world when he was created alone †and she brought him out of his sinne and gaue him powre to conteyne al thinges †After the vniust departed in his anger from her by the furie of brothers man slaughter perished †For whose cause when water destroyed the earth wisdom healed it againe gouerning the iust by contemptible wood †She euen in the consent of wickednes when the nations had confederated themselues knewe the iust and preserued him without blame to God and in his sonnes mercie kept the strong †She deliuered the iust fleing from the impious that perished when the fyre came downe vpon Pentapolis †to whom for a witnes of their wickednes the desert land standeth smoking and trees hauing fruites at vncertain season and the memorie of an incredulous soule a standing piller of salt †For pretermitting wisdom they did not only slippe in this that they were ignorant of good thinges but they left also vnto men a memorie of their foolishnes that in those thinges in which they sinned in they could not be hid neither †But wisdom hath deliuered them that obserue her from sorowes †And the iust fleing his brothers wrath she conducted by the right wayes and shewed him the kingdom of God and gaue him the knowlege of the holie did honest him in labours and accomplised his labours †In the fraude of the circumuenters of him she was present with him and made him honorable †She kept him from the enemies and from seducers she defended him and from seducers she defended him and gaue him a strong fight thas he might ouercome and know that wisdom is mightier then al. †She forsooke not the iust being sold but deliuered him from sinners and she went downe with him into the pitte †and in bands leaft him not til she brought him the scepter of a kingdome and might against them that oppressed him and shewed them to be lyers that spotted him and gaue him eternal glorie †The iust people and seede without blame she deliuered from the nations that oppressed them †She entered into the soule of the seruant of God and stood against dreadful kinges in wonders and signes †And she rendred to the iust the hope of their labours and conducted them in a meruelous way and she was vnto them for a couerr in the day and for the
alike †For that which is made with him that made it shal suffer torments †For this cause also in the idol of the nations there shal be no respect because the creatures of God were made to hatred and for tentation to the soules of men and for a snare to the feete of the vnwise †For the begynning of fornication is the deuising of idols and the inuenting of them is the corruption of life †For neither were they from the begynning neither shal they be for euer †For this vanitie of men came into the world and therfore there is found a short end of them †For “ the father being sorowful with bitter moorning made vnto himself the image of his sonne quickly taken away and him that then was a dead man now he began to worshipe as god and appointed holie thinges and sacrifices among his seruants †Afterward by succession of time the wicked custom preuayling this errour was kept as a law and thinges grauen were worshipped by the commandement af tyrants †And those whom openly men could not honour for that they were far of their figure being brought from a far they made an euident image of the king whom they would honour that by their carefulnes they might honour as present him that was absent †And to the worshipping of these the excellent diligence also of the artificer holpe them forward that were ignorant †For he willing to please him that entertained him laboured by his art to fashion the similitude in better sort †And the multitude of men caried away by the beautie of the worke him that a little before had bene honoured as a man now they estemed for a god †And this was the deceyuing of mans life because men seruing either affection or kinges gaue the name that is not communicable to stones and wood †And it was not sufficient that they erred about the knowlege of God but also liuing in a great battail of ignorance so manie and so great euils they cal peace †For either sacrificing their children or making abscure sacrifices or hauing watches ful of madnes †they now neither keepe life nor mariage cleane but one killeth an other by enuie or playing the adulterer maketh him sorowful †and al thinges are mingled together bloud manslaughter theft and fiction corruption and infidelitie truble and pâ—â—iutie disquieting of the good †forgetfulnes of God inquination of soules immutation of natiuitie inconstancie of mariage disorder of adulterie and vnchastnes †For the worshippe of idols not to be named is the cause of al euil and the beginning and end †For either when they reioyce they are madde or certes prophecie false thinges or liue vniustly or quickly forsweare themselues †For whiles they trust in idols which are without soule swearing amisse they hope not to be hurt †Two euil thinges therfore shal happen to them worthely because they haue thought euil of God attending to idols and haue sworne vniustly in guile contemning iustice †For it is not the powre of them that are sworne by but the punishment of them that sinne goeth alwayes through the trangression of the vniust ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XIIII 15. The father made vnto himself the image of his sonne Caluin here chargeth this booke with error in affirming that idolatrie begane by supersticiously honoring images of the dead Against which he alleageth that Labans idoles and others more ancient were before anie images of dead men were honoured But he argueth vpon a false ground For labans idols were images as the Hebrew word Teraphim signifieth and is so translated in the English Bibles 1552. and 1577. but because they were images of false goddes and for that Laban called them his goddes a later Bible 1603. rranslateth it better idoles as the Latin and Greke haue idola It is also certaine that Ninus king of Assirians long before Laban yea before Abraham sette vp the image of his Father Belus otherwise called Iuppiter to be publikly honored by the people as S. Cyril sheweth li. 3. in Iulianum nere the end and S. Ambrose or an other graue Auctor writeth the same in cap. 1. ad Romanos Likewise S. Cyprian li. de Idolorum vanitate S. Chrysostom ho. 87. in Matth. and Egesippus apud S. Ieronym li. de Viris Illustrib testifie that the making of mens images in memorie of the dead was the occasion and beginning of idolâ—tric according as this place repotteth that a Father sorovving for the death of his sonne made an image in his memorie begane to worshippe him as a god causing his seruants also to honour his dead sonne vvith rites and sacrifices VVhich priuate idolatrie vvas absolutely the first that is recorded in holie Scripture or anie other good auctor And the first publique is counted by most auctors that of Ninus vvorshipping the image of his father Belus vvith diuine honour who also pardoned al offenders how enormious soeuer their crimes were that fled vnto that image VVhich allurment together vvith so great a kinges auctotitie drevv innumerable to publique idolatrie VVherupon S. Ierom noteth in cap. 2. Oseae that Ninus became so great and glorious as to make his father to be honored as a god CHAP. XV. The wise gratfully praise the swetenes and mercie of God by whom they are deliuered from idolatrie 6. detesting the makers worshippers of idols BVT ô thou our God art sweete and true patient and disposing al thinges in mercie †For if we sinne we are thine knowing thy greatnes and if we sinne not we know that we are counted with thee †For to know thee is absolute iustice and to know iustice and thy powre is the roote of immortalitie †For mens inuention of euil art hath not brought vs into errour nor the shadow of a picture being a labour without fruite a shape grauen by diuerse colours †the sight wherof geueth concupiscence to the sensles and and he loueth the shape without life of a deade image †The louers of euils are worthie to haue their hope in such thinges both they that make them and that loue and that worshippe them †Yea and the potter pressing softe earth with labour fashioneth euerie vessel to our vses and of the same clay maketh the vessels that are cleane to vse and in like maner them that are contrarie to these but what the vse of these vessels is the potter is iudge †And with vaine labour he fashioneth a god of the same clay he which a litle before was made of earth and a litle after returneth backe whence he was taken being exacted the debte of the life which he had †But his care is not because he shal labour nor because he hath a short life but he contendeth with goldsmithes and siluer smithes yea and he imitateth the copper smithes and counteth it a glorie because he maketh vaine thinges †For his hart is ashes
Honour of parents procureth Gods blessing 11. dishonoring them his curse 19. Mekenes and modestie auaile much but curiositie to know secret mysteries is dangerous 27. A charitable sincere and docile hart 33. with workes of mercie merite reward THE children of wisdom are the Church of the iust and their nation obedience and loue †Heare your fathers iudgement ò children and so doe that you may be saued †For God hath honoured the father in the children and inquiring of the mothers iudgement hath confirmed it vpon the children †He that loueth God praying shal obteyne for sinnes and shal refrayne himself from them and shal be heard in the prayer of dayes †And as he that gathereth treasure so he also that honoureth his mother †He that honoureth his father shal haue ioy in children and in the day of his prayer he shal be heard †He that honoureth his father shal liue the longer life he that obeyeth the father shal refresh the mother †He that feareth our Lord honoureth his parents and as his lordes he wil serue them that begat him †In worke and word al patience honour thy father †that blessing may come vpon thee from him his blessing may remayne in the later end †The fathers blessing establisheth the houses of the children but the mothers curse rooteth vp the foundation †Glorie not in the contumelie of thy father for his confusion is no glorie to thee †For the glorie of a man is by the honour of his father and the father without honour is the dishonour of the sonne †Sonne receiue the old age of thy father and make him not sorowful in his life †and if he fayle in vnderstanding pardon him and despise him not in thy strength for the almes to the father shal not be in obliuion †For good shal be restored thee for the sinne of thy mother †and in iustice it shal be builded to thee and in the day of tribulation there shal be remembrance of thee and as yee in the clere weather shal thy sinnes melt away †Of what an euil fame is he that forsaketh his father and he is cursed of God that doth exasperate his mother †Sonne doe thy workes in meekenes and thou shalt be beloued aboue the glorie of men †The greater thou art humble thy self in al thinges and thou shalt finde grace before God †because the might of God onlie is great and he is honoured of the humble †Seeke not thinges higher then thy self and search not thinges stronger then thy habilitie but the thinges that God hath commanded thee thincke on them alwayes and in manie of his workes be not curious †For it is not necessarie for thee to see with thyne eies those thinges that are hid †In superfluous thinges search not manie wayes and in manie of his workes thou shalt not be curious †For verie manie thinges are shewed to thee aboue the vnderstanding of men †Manie also haue their suspicion supplanted and haue held their senses in vanitie †A hard hart shal fare il in the later end and he that loueth danger shal perish in it †A hart that goeth two wayes shal not haue successe and the peruerse of hart shal be scandalized in them †A wicked hart shal be laden with sorowes and the sinner wil adde to commit sinne †To the synagogue of the proude there shal be no health for the shrubbe of sinne shal be rooted vp in them and it shal not be perceiued †The hart of the wise is vnderstood in wisdom and a good eare wil heare wisdom with al desire †A wise hart and that which hath vnderstanding wil absteyne it self from sinnes and in the workes of iustice shal haue successe †Water quencheth burning fyre and almes resisteth sinnes †and God is the beholder of him that rendreth grace he remembreth him afterward and in the time of his fal he shal finde a sure stay CHAP. IIII. An exhortation to practise workes of mercie 12. With commendation of wisdom 23. obseruing due times not to omite for anie feare or sham fastnes to say the truth 34. also to be diligent meke and liberal SONNE defraude not the almes of the poore and turne not away thyne eies from the poore †Despise not the hungrie soule and exasperate not the poore in his pouertie †Afflict not the hart of the needie and deferre not the gift to him that is in distresse †Reiect not the petition of him that is afflicted and turne not away thy face from the needie †From the poore turne not away thine eies for anger and leaue not to them that aske of thee to curse thee behinde thy backe †For the prayer of him that curseth thee in the bitternes of his soule shal be heard and he that made him wil heare him †Make thyself affable to the congregation of the poore and to the ancient humble thy soule and to a great man bow thy head †Bow downe thyne eare to the poore without sadnesse and render thy debt and answer him peaceable wordes in mildenes †Deliuer him that suffereth iniurie out of the hand of the proud and be not faynt harted in thy soule †In iudging be merciful to pupils as a father as an husband to their mother †and thou shalt be as the obedient sonne of the Highest and he wil haue mercie on thee more then a mother †Wisdom inspireth life to her children and receaueth them that seeke after her and wil goe before them in the way of iustice †And he that loueth her loueth life and they that shal watch to her shal embrace her sweetnes †They that shal hold her shal inherite life and whither soeuer he shal enter God wil blesse him †They that serue her shal be seruants to the holie and them that loue her God loueth †He that heareth her shal iudge nations and he that beholdeth her shal remayne confident †If he beleue her he shal inherite her and her creatures shal be in confirmation †because in tentation she walketh with him and first of al she chooseth him †Feare and dread and probation she wil bring vpon him and she wil torment him in the tribulation of her doctrine til she trie him in her cogitations and credite his soule †And she wil establish him and make a direct way vnto him and reioyce him †and wil disclose her secretes to him and wil heape vpon him as treasures knowlege and vnderstanding of iustice †But if he goe amis she wil forsake him and deliuer him into the handes of his enimie †Sonne obserue time and avoyd from euil For thy soule be not ashamed to say the truth †For there is shame that bringeth sinne there is shame that bringeth glorie and grace †Accept no face against thine owne face nor against
wil haue pittie vpon the inchanter stricking of a serpent or of anie that come nere to beastes so also he that kepeth companie with a wicked man and is wrapped in his sinnes †For one houre he wil tarie with thee but if thou decline he wil not abide it †In his lippes the enimie speaketh swetely and in his hart he lyeth in wayte that he may ouerthrow thee into the pitte †In his eyes the enimie weepeth and if he may finde a time he wil not be satisfied with bloud †and if euils happen to thee thou shalt finde him there first †In his eyes the enimie weepeth and as it were helping thee he wil vndermine thy feete †He wil shake his head and clappe his hand and whispering manie thinges he wil change his countenance CHAP. XIII Conuersation with the proud rich and potent is dangerous 9. Relie vpon Gods helpe 11. Beware of pusillanimitie of presumption 19. A meane is necessarie and the companie of equals is most secure HE that toucheth pitch shal be defiled with it and he that communicateth with the proud shal put on pride †He shal take a burden vpon him that communicateth with one more honorable then himself And be not companion with one richer then thyself †What societie shal the caudron haue with the earthen potte for when they shal knock one against the other it shal be broken †The rich man hath done vniustly and he wil fume but the poore man being hurt wil hold his peace †If thou geue he wil take thee and if thou haue not he wil forsake thee †If thou haue he wil liue with thee and wil emptie thee and he wil not be sorie for thee †If thou be necessarie for him he wil supplant thee and smiling wil put thee in hope telling thee good thinges and wil say What wantest thou †And he wil confound thee in his meates til he emptie thee twise thrise and at the last he wil mocke thee and afterward seeing he wil forsake thee and wil shake his head at thee †Humble thyself to God and expect his handes †Take heede lest seduced into follie thou be humbled †Be not humble in thy wisdom lest hmbled thou be seduced into follie †Being called of the mightier depart for by this he wil cal thee the more †Be not importune lest thou be reiected and be not farre from him lest thou goe into obliuion †Stay not to speake felowlike with him neither credite his manie wordes For by much talke he wil proue thee and smiling wil examine thee of thy secretes †His cruel mind wil kepe thy wordes and he wil not spare for malice and for bandes †Take heede to thyself and attend diligently to thyn hearing because thou walkest with thy subuersion †But hearing those thinges see as it were in sleepe and thou shalt watch †Loue God al thy life and inuocate him for thy saluation †Euerie beast loueth the like to it self so also euerie man the nerest to himself †Al flesh wil match with the like to itself and euerie man wil associate himself to his like †If the woolfshal at anie time communicate with the lambe so the sinner with the iust †What fellowshippe hath an holy man with a dogge or what part hath the riche with the poore †The wilde asse in the deserte is the lyons pray so the poore are also the pastures of the riche †And as humilitie is abomination to the proude so also the poore man is the execration of the riche †The riche man being moued is confirmed by his frendes but the humble when he is fallen shal be thrust out euen of his familiars †To the rich deceeued there are many recouerers he hath spoken proud wordes and they haue iustified him †The humble was deceiued he moreouer is rebuked also he hath spoken wisely and place was not geuen vnto him †The rich man spake and al helde their peace and they wil carry his worde euen to the cloudes †The poore man spake and they say Who is this and if he stumble they wil ouerthrowe him †Substance is good to him that hath no sinne in his conscience and pouertie is most wicked in the mouth of the impious †The hart of a man altereth his countenance either into good or into euil †The token of a good hart and a good countenance thou shalt hardly finde and with labour CHAP. XIIII Offence of the tongue is a frequent and dangerous sinne 3. Riches are hurtful to a couetous and to an enuious mind 11. workes of mercie necessarie 22. and perseuerance in wisdom BLESSED is the man that hath not offended in a worde out of his mouth and is not pricked with the sorrow of sinne †Happie is he that hath not had heauines of his minde and hath not fallen from his hope †Substance is without reason to the couetous man and niggard and for the spiteful enuious man to what purpose is gold †He that heapeth together from his hart vniustly gathereth for others and in his goodes an other wil kepe riote †He that is wicked to himselfe to what other man wil he be good and he shal haue no pleasure in his goodes †He that enuieth himselfe nothing is worse then he and this is the reward of his malice †and if he doe good he doth yt ignorantly and not willing and at the last he manifesteth his malice †The eye of the enuious is wicked and turneth away his face and despiseth his owne soule †The eye of the couteous man insatiable in a portion of iniquitie wil not be satisfied til he consume his owne soule withering it †An euil eye is towards euil thinges he shal haue his fil of bread needie in heauines shal he be at his table †Sonne if thou haue it doe good to thyselfe and offer to God worthie oblations †Be mindful that death slacketh not and that the couenant of hel hath beene shewed thee for the couenant of this world shal dye the death †Before death do good to thy freind and according to thine abilitie stretching out thy hand geue to the poore †Be not defrauded of thy good day and let not a litle portion of a good gift ouerpasse the. †Shalt thou not leaue to others thy sorrowes labours in the deuision of the lotte †Geue and take and iustifie thy soule †Before thy death worke iustice for in hel there can not meat be found †Al flesh shal waxe olde as grasse and as the leafe fructifying on a greene tree †Some grow and some are shaken of so the generation of flesh and bloude one is ended and an other is borne †Al corruptible worke shal faile in the end and he that worketh it shal goe therwith †And euerie excellent worke shal be iustified and he that
incredulous to his word †After this God looked vpon the earth filled it with his good thinges †And the soule of euerie liuing thing shal shew before the face thereof and into it againe is their returne CHAP. XVII God creating man to his owne image gaue him gifies 9. and precepts 14. chose the Israelites for his peculiar people 18. Workes of mercie are commended to al men 20. Repentance to sinners 28. mercie is offered to al. GOD created man of the earth and after his owne image he made him †And againe he turned him into it and conformable to himselfe clothed him with strength †He gaue him a number of daies and time and gaue him power of those thinges that are vpon the earth †He put his feare ouer al flesh and he had dominion of beastes and fowles †He created of him an helper like to himself he gaue them counsel and tongue and eies eares and hart to deuise and he filled them with the discipline of vnderstanding †He created in them the knowlege of the spirit he filled their hart with vnderstanding and euil and good he shewed them †He set his eie vpon their hartes to shew them the great thinges of his workes †that they might praise the name of sanctification and glorie in his meruelous workes that thy might declare the glorious thinges of his workes †He added discipline vnto them and made them inherite the lawe of life †He made an euerlasting testament with them he shewed them iustice and his iudgementes †And their eie saw the glorious thinges of his honour and their eares heard the honour of his voice and he said to them Beware of euerie vniust thing †And he gaue them commandment euerie one concerning his neighbour †Their wayes are before him alwaies they are not hid from his eies †Ouer eucrie nation he appointed a ruler †And Israel was made the manifest portion of God †And al their workes as the sunne in the sight of God and his eies without intermission looking on their wayes †The testamentes were not hid by their iniquitie and al their iniquities are in the sight of God †The almes of a man is as a seale with him and shal preserue the grace of a man as the apple of the eâ—e †And afterward he shal arise and shal render them reward to euerie one vpon their head and shal turne into the inner partes of the earth †But to the penitent he hath geuen the way of iustice and he hath confirmed them that faile to susteine and hath appointed to them the lot of truth †Turne to our Lord and forsake thy sinnes †pray before the face of our Lord and diminish offences †Returne to our Lord and turne away from thine iniustice and hate excedingly abomination †and know the iniustices and iudgementes of God and stand in the lot of thy purpose and of praier of the most high God †Goe into the partes of the holie world with the liuing and them that geue praise to God †Tarie not in the errour of the impious before death confesse From the dead as nothing confession perisheth †Thou shalt confesse liuing aliue and in health thou shalt confesse and shalt praise God and shalt glorie in his mercies †How great is the mercie of our Lord and his propitiation to them that turne to him †For al thinges can not be in men because the sonne of man is not immortal and they haue delighted in the vanitie of malice †What is brighter then the sunne it shal faile Or what more wicked then that which flesh and bloud hath inuented and this shal be reproued †He beholdeth the powre of the height of heauen and al men be earth and ashes CHAP. XVIII Gods wonderful workes excede mans capacitie 7. Our weaknes is streingthened by grace 15. wherto man must cooperate 19. by purging his conscience 22. by prayer 24. by meditating Gods iudgements 30. and by mortifying his owne concupiscence HE that liueth for euer created al thinges together God onlie shal be iustified and remaineth an inuincible king for euer †Who is sufficient to declare his workes †For who shal search out his glorious thinges †and who shal shew forth the powre of his greatnesse or who shal adde to declare his mercie †It is not possible to diminish nor adde neither is it possible to finde the glorious workes of God †When a man shal haue done then shal he beginne and when he shal rest he shal worke †What is man and what is his grace and what is his good or what his euil †The number of the daies of men at the most an hundred yeares as droppes of the water of the sea they are reputed and as the grauel stone of the sand so a few yeares in the day of eternitie †For this cause God is patient toward them and powreth out his mercie vpon them †He hath senne the presumption of their hart that it is naught and hath knowen their subuersion that it is euil †Therefore hath he fulfilled his propitiation toward them and hath shewed them the way of equitie †Mans compassion is touching his neigbour but the mercie of God is vpon al flesh †He that hath mercie teacheth and instructeth as a pastour his flocke †He hath mercie on him that receiueth the doctrine of compassion and he that hasteneth in his iudgementes †Sonne in good deedes geue no blame and in euerie gift geue not the sadnes of an euil word †Shal not the dew colle heate so also a word better then a gift †Is not a word aboue a good gift but both are with a iustified man †A foole wil vpbraide bitterly and the gift of one vntaught maketh the eies to drie away †Before iudgement prepare thee iustice and before thou speake lerne †Before sickenes take medicine and before iudgement examine thyself and in the sight of God thou shalt finde propitiation †Before sickenes humble thy self and in time of infirmitie shew thy conuersation †Be not hindered to pray alwayes feare not to be iustified euen to death because the reward of God abideth for euer †Before praier prepare thy soule and be not as a man that tempteth God †Remember the wrath in the day of consummation and the time of reward in conuersation of the face †Remember pouertie in the time of abundance and the necessities of pouertie in the day of riches †From morning vnto euening time shal be changed al these are sowne in the eies of God †A wise man in al thinges wil feare in the daies of offences wil be ware of sloth †Euerie subtile man knoweth wisdom and to him that findeth her he wil geue prayse †The wise in wordes and they also haue done wisely and haue vnderstood truth and iustice
whom shal he be resembled †The feare of God is the beginning of his loue and the beginning of faith is to be fast ioyned vnto it †The heauines of the hart is al plague al malice the wickednes of a woman †And he wil see al plague and not the plague of the hart †al wickednes not the wickednes of a woman †and al obduction and not the obduction of them that hate him †and al reuenge and not the reuenge of the enemies †There is no head worse then the head of a serpent †and there is no anger aboue the anger of woman It shal be more pleasant to abide with a lyon and dragon then to dwel with a wicked woman †The wickednes of a woman changeth her face and darkeneth her countenace as a beare and wil shew it as a sacke In the middes of her neighbours †her husband groned and hearing he sighed a litle †Al malice is short to the malice of a woman the lot of sinners fal vpon her †As the goeing vp a grauelie way in the feete of the aged so a woman ful of tongue to a quiet man †Looke not vpon a womans beautie and desire not a woman for beautie †A womans anger and impudencie and confusion is great †A woman if she haue superioritie is contrarie to her husband †An humbled hart and heauie countenance and plague of hart is a wicked woman †Feeble handes and disiointed knees a woman that doth not make her husband happie †From woman came the beginning of sinne and by her we doe al die †Geue not issue to thy water no not a litle nor to a wicked woman leaue to goe forth †If she walke not at thine hand she wil confound thee in the sight of thyn enemies †Cut her of from thy flesh lest she alwaies abuse â—hee CHAP. XXVI The praises of a good woman 5. The betraying of a citie mutenie of people and falâ—e accusation are terrible but a ielous woman is more greuouâ— 10. Diuers il qualities of a bad woman 16. More commendations of a good woman 25. A doleful thing to see a valiant warier wanting liuelihood a wiseman not regarded and greatest griefe to see a iust man become wicked 28. A man ful of busines hardly careth for his soule and aâ—â— Inns keper often sinneth in wordes THE husband of a good wife is happie for the number of his yeares is duble †A strong woman delighteth her husband and shal accomplish the yeares of his life in peace †A good woman is a good portion in the good portion of them that feare God shal she be geuen to a man for good deedes †And the hart of rich and poore is good at al time their countenance is merie †Of three thinges my hart hath bene afraid and at the fourth my face hath trembled †The betraying of a citie and a gethering together of the people †false calumnie al more greuous then death †A ielous woman is the sorow and moorning of the hart †In a ielous woman is a scourge of the tongue communicating with al. †As a yoke of oxen that is moued so also a wicked woman he that holdeth her is as he that taketh hold of a scorpion †A woman geuen to drunkennes is great anger her contumelie and turpitude shal not be hid †The fornication of a woman shal be knowen in the lifting vp of her eies and in her eieliddes †On thy daughter that turneth not away her self set sure watche lest occasion found she abuse herself †Take heede of the impudencie of her eies and meruel not if she contemne thee †As a wayfaring man that thirsteth wil she open her mouth to the fountaine and wil drinke of euerie water that is next and wil sit against euerie hedge and open her quiuer against euerie arrow vntil she faile †The grace of a diligent woman shal delight her husband and shal farte his bones †Her discipline is the gift of God †A wise and stil woman there is no exchange for a soule instructed †A holie and shamefast woman is grace vpon grace †And al weight is not worthie a continent soule †As the sunne rysing to the world in the highest places of God so is the beautie of a good woman for an ornament of her house †A lampe shyning vpon the holie candlesticke the beautie of the face vpon stayed age †Pillars of gold vpon feete of siluer and stable feete vpon the soules of a stayed woman †Eternal fundations vpon a sound rocke and the commandments of God in the hart of a holie woman †At two thinges my hart is greeued and at the third anger is come vpon me †A man of warre decaying by pouertie and a wise man contemned †and he that transgresseth from iustice to sinne God hath prepared him to the sword †Two sortes haue appeared vnto me hard and dangerous a merchant is hardly rid of negligence and a viteler shal not be iustified from the sinnes of the lippes CHAP. XXVII For want and desire of riches manie committe sinne 4. from which the feare of God preserueth 6. Tentation proueth who is iust 12. constant and modest 17. Freindes are bond to secresie 25. and fidelitie THROVGH pouertie manie haue offended and he that seeketh to be made rich turneth away his eie †As a stake is fastened in the middes of stones compact together so also in the middes of selling and buying sinne shal be straytened †Sinne shal be destroyed with the sinner †If thou hold not thyselfinstantly in the feare of our Lord thy house shal quickly be subuerted †As in the shaking of a sieue the dust wil remaine so the perplexitie of a man in his cogitation †The fornace tryeth the potters vessels and the tentation of tribulation iust men †As the husbandrie about a tree sheweth the fruite thereof so a word out of the thought of the hart of man †Prayse not a man before ful discourse for this is the trial of men †If thou folow iustice thou shalt apprehend it and shalt put it on as a long to be of honour and thou shalt dwel with it and it shal protect thee for euer and in the day of knowleging thou shalt finde stedfastnes †The foules flocke together to their like and truth shal returne to them that worke it †The lion alwayes lyeth in wayte for a pray so sinnes for them that worke iniquities †A holie man continueth in wisdom as the sunne for a foole is changed as the moone †In the middes of the vnwise keepe the word til his time but in the middes of deepe considerers be continually †The narration of sinners is odious their laugther is in the deligthes of sinne †Speach that sweareth much shal make the heare of the head
excel an other and one light an other and one yeare an other yeare of the sunne †By the knowlege of our Lord they were seperated the sunne being made and keeping the precept †And he changed times and the festiual daies thereof and in the same they celebrated the festiual daies at an houre †Of them God exalted and magnified and of them he put into the number of daies And al men are of the ground and of the earth from whence Adam was created †In the multitude of the discipline of our Lord he separated them and changed their waies †Of them he blessed and exalted and of them he sanctified and applied to himself and of them he cursed and humbled and conuerted them from their separation †As potters clay is in his hand to fashion and dispose it †Al his wayes according to his disposition so man in the hand of him and he wil render to him according to his iudgement †Against euil is good and against death life so also against a iust man a sinner †And so looke vpon al the workes of the Highest Two against two and one against one †And I awaked last and as he that gathereth bearies after the grape gatherers †In the blessing of God I also haue hoped and as he that gathereth grapes haue I filled the wine presse †See that I haue not laboured for myself only but for al that seeke out discipline †Heare me ye great men and al peoples and ye rulers of the Church karken with your eares †To sonne and wife brother and freind geue not power ouer ther in thy life and geue not thy possession to an other lest perhaps thou repent thee and thou entreate for them †Whiles thou art yet aliue and takest breath al flesh shal not change thee †For it is better that thy children aske of thee then that thou looke toward the hands of thy children †In al thy workes be exquisite †Geue no staine to thy glorie In the day of the consummation of the dayes of thy life and in the time of thy decease distribute thine inheritance †Fodder and wande and burden for an asse bread and discipline and worke for a seruant †He worketh in discipline and seeketh to rest release him his handes and he seeketh libertie †The yoke and the reyne bend a stiff necke and continual workes do bowe a seruant †For a malicious seruant torment fetters send him into worke that he be not idle †For idlenes hath taught much naughtines †Set him to worke for so it becometh him And if he be not obedient bow him with fetters and exceede not ouer al flesh but without iudgement doe no greuous thing †If thou haue a faithful seruant let him be vnto thee as thy soule as a brother so entreate him because in the bloud of thy soule thou hast gotten him †If thou hurt him vniustly he wil runne away †if rising vp he depart thou knowest not whom to aske and what way to seeke him CHAP. XXXIIII Trust not vaine dreames southsayinges nor lies 9. Much good is got by experience 14. and more by fearing God 21. God reiecteth the oblation of the wicked 24. Defrauding the poore is like to manslaughter 28. Destroy not that an other buildeth 30. Repentance without amendment is nothing worth VAINE hope lying is to a foolish man dreames extol the vnwise †As he that apprehendeth a shadow and pursueth the winde so is he also that attendeth to lying visions †According to this is the vision of dreames as a mans similitude before the face of a man †Of the vncleane what shal be made cleane and of a lyer what truth shal be said †Diuination of errour and lying southsayinges and the dreames of them that do euil are vanitie †And as a woman that traueleth thy hart suffereth phantasies vnlesse it be a vision sent forth from the Highest set not thy hart vpon them †For dreames haue made manie to erre and they that hoped in them haue failed †The word of the law shal be fulfilled without lying and wisedom in the mouth of the faithful shal be made plaine †He that hath not bene proued what knoweth he A man expert in manie thinges shal thinck manie thinges and he that hath lerned manie thinges shal declare vnderstanding †He that is not tryed knoweth few thinges and he that hath bene in manie things multiplyeth wickednes †He that hath not bene proued what maner of thinges knoweth he He that is deceiued shal abound with wickednes †I haue seene manie thinges in wandring to and fro and very manie fashions of words †Some times I haue bene in danger vnto death for these thinges and I was deliuered by the grace of God †The spirit of them that feare God is sought at his sight shal be blessed †For their hope is on him that saueth them and the eies of God vpon them that loue him †He that feareth our Lord shal tremble at nothing and shal not dread because he is his hope †His soule is blessed that feareth our Lord. †To whom doth he looke and who is his strength †The eies of our Lord are vpon them that feare him a protectour of might a stay of strength a couer from the heate and shadow for the noone time †a sauing from offence and helpe from falling exalting the soule and illuminating the eies geuing health and life and blessing †The oblation of him that immolateth of an vniust thing is spotted and the scorninges of the vniust are not acceptable †Our Lord is onlie theirs that expect him in the way of truth and iustice †The Highest alloweth not the giftes of the wicked neither hath he regard to the oblations of the vniust neither wil he be made propitious for sinnes by the multitude of their sacrifices †He that offereth sacrifice of poore mens substance is as he that sacrificeth the sonne in the presence of his father The bread of the needie is the life of the poore he that defraudeth it is a man of bloud †He that taketh away bread in swet is as he that killeth his neighbour †He that sheddeth bloud and that defraudeth the hired man are bretheren †One building and an other destroing what profite haue they but the labour †One praying and an other cursing whethers voice wil God heare †He that is washed from the dead and toucheth him againe what doth his washing profit †so a man that fasteth in his sinnes and doing the same againe what doth he profite in humbling himself who wil heare his prayer CHAP. XXXV Obseruation of the commandments 4. and sacrifice of the iust please God 12. not the sacrifice of the wicked 14. God protecteth the poore and desolate 19. heareth the prayer of the humble and rendereth to alas they deserue HE that keepeth
the way of thy steppes †Our Lord standeth to iudge and he standeth to iudge peoples †Our Lord shal come to iudgement with the ancients of his people and his princes for you haue deuoured the vineyard and the spoile of the poore is in your house †Why do you consume my people and grinde the faces of the poore sayth our Lord the God of hostes †And our Lord sayd for that the daughters of Sion are haughtie and haue walked with stretched out necke and went with twinglings of eies and clapped their handes walked on their feete and ietted in a set pace †Our Lord shal make balde the crowne of the daughters of Sion and our Lord shal discouer their haire †In that day shal our Lord take away the ornament of shoes and litle moones †And cheynes and ouches and bracelettes and bonnettes †And the sheading combes and sloppes and tablettes and sweete balles and earlets †And ringes and pearles hanging on the forehead †And changes of apparel and shorte clokes and the fine linen and nedles †and loking glasses and launes and headbands and bonegraces †And for swete sauour there shal be stinke and for a girdle a corde and for frisled haire baldnes and for stomacher hairecloth †Thy fayrest men also shal fal by the sworde and thy strong ones in battle †And her gates shal lament and moorne and she shal sit desolate on the ground CHAP. IIII. After the destruction of the Iewes manie wemen shal seeke to marie with one man 2. but the reliques repenting of their sinnes shal returne to God 5. and florish vnder his protection AND seuen wemen shal take hold of one man in that day saying We wil eate our owne bread and be couered with our garments only let thy name be called vpon vs take away our reproch †In that day the bud of our Lord shal be in magnificence and glorie and the fruite of the earth high and exultation to them that shal be saued of Israel †And it shal be Euerie one that shal be leaft in Sion and shal remaine in Ierusalem shal be called holie euerie one that is written in life in Ierusalem †If our Lord shal cleanse the filth of the daughters of Sion and shal wash the bloud of Ierusalem out of the middes thereof in the spirit of iudgement and spirit of heate †And our Lord shal create vpon euerie place of mount Sion and where he is inuocated a clowde by day and smoke and the brightnes of flaming fyre in the night for vpon al glorie protection †And there shal be a tabernacle for a place of shadow in the day from the heate and for securitie and couert from the whyrle wind and from rayne CHAP. V. Vnder the figure of a barren vineyard is prophecied the reiection of the Iewes 7. for their sinnes of auarice 11. intemperance other wickednes 18. one iniquitie drawing an other 20. iudging good to be euil and euil good 25. for which the Gentiles of diuers nations shal afflict them I wil sing to my beloued the canticle of my cosin concerning his vinyard A vineyard was made to my beloued in horne the sonne of oile †And he hedged it and chose stones out of it and planted it elect and built a towre in the middes thereof and set vp a presse therein and looked that it should yeld grapes and it yelded wilde grapes †Now therfore ye inhabitants of Ierusalem and men of Iuda iudge betwen me and my vineyard †What is there that I ought to doe more to my vineyard and haue not done to it Whether that I looked it should yeld grapes and it hath yelded wilde grapes †And now I wil shew you what I wil doe to my vineyard I wil take away the hedge therof and it shal be into spoile I wil throw downe the wal thereof and it shal be to be troden vpon †And I wil lay it waist it shal not be pruned and it shal not be digged and bryers and thornes shal ouergrowe it and I wil command the cloudes that they rayne no shower vpon it †For the vineyarde of the Lord of hostes is the house of Israel and the man of Iuda his delectable bud I looked that it should doe iudgement and behold iniquitie and iustice and behold clamour †Woe to you that ioyne house to house and lay filde to filde euen to the end of the place why shal you alone dwel in the middes of the earth †These thinges are in my eares sayth the Lord of hostes vnles manie great and fayre houses become desolate without an inhabiter †For ten acres of the vineyards shal yeld one litle flagon and thirtie busheles of seede shal yeld three busheles †Woe to you that rise vp earely to folow drunkennes and to drinke euen vntil euening that you may be inflamed with wine †Harpe and viole timbrel and shalme and wine in your feastes and the worke of our Lord you regard not nor consider the workes of his handes †Therfore is my people led away captiue because they had not knowlege and their nobles died with famine and the multitude thereof dried away with thirst †Therfore hath hel dilated his soule and opened his mouth without anie limite and their strong ones and their people and their high and glorious ones shal descend into it †And man shal be bowed and man shal be humbled and the eies of the loftie shal be brought law †And the Lord of hostes shal be exalted in iudgement and the holie God shal be sanctified in iustice †And the lambes shal feede according to their order and strangers shal eate the deserts turned into frutefulnes †Woe to you that draw iniquitie in cordes of vanitie sinne as the linke of a wayne †Which say let him make hast let his worke come quickly that we may see it let the counsel of the holie one of Israel come and we shal know it †Woe vnto you that cal euil good and good euil putting darknes light and light darknes putting bitter for swete swete for bitter †Woe to you that are wise in your owne eies and prudent before yourselues †Woe to you that are mightie to drinke wine stout men in drunkennes †Which iustifie the impious for giftes and take away the iustice of the iust from them †For this euen as the tongue of fire deuoureth stuble and the heate of the flame burneth it vp so shal their roote be as isles and their bud shal rise vp as dust for they haue cast away the law of the Lord of hostes and haue blasphemed the word of the holie one of Israel †Therfore is the furie of our Lord wrath against his people and he hath stretched out his hand vpon them and striken them and the mountaines were trubled and their carcasses were made as dung in the
Because thus sayth our Lord that created the heauens the verie God that formed the earth and made it the verie maker therof he did not create it in vaine to be inhabited he formed it I the Lord and there is none other †I haue not spoken in secrete in a darke place of the earth I haue not sayd to the seede of Iacob Seeke me in vayne I the Lord that speake iustice that declare right thinges †Gather ye together and come and approch together ye that are saued of the Gentiles they haue bene ignorant that lift vp the wood of their grauen worke and aske of a God that saueth not †Declare ye and come and consult together who hath made this to be heard from the begynning from that time foretold this Haue not I the Lord and there is no God besides but I A iust God and that saueth there is none beside me †Be conuerted to me and you shal be saued al ye endes of the earth because I am God and there is none other †I haue sworne by myself the word of iustice shal procede out of my mouth and shal not returne because euerie knee shal be bowed to me and euerie tongue shal sweare †Therfore in our Lord shal he say are my iustices and empire they shal come to him and al that resist him shal be confounded †In our Lord shal al the seede of Israel be iustified and praysed CHAP. XLVI Bel Nabo and other idoles shal be destroyed 3. Wherupon the Iewes are admonished to returne from sinne to Gods true seruice 12. And saluation is promised by Christ. BEL is broken Nabo is destroyed their idols are made to beastes and cattel your burdens of heauie weight euen vnto wearines †They haue melted away and are broken together they could not saue him that caried them and their soule shal goe into captiuitie †Heare me ô house of Iacob al the remnant of the house of Israel which are caried of my wombe are borne vp of my matrice †Euen vnto old age I am the same and vnto hoare heares I wil carie I haue made and I wil beare I wil carie and wil saue †Wherto haue you resembled me and made me equal and compared me and made me like †You that contribute gold out of the bag and weigh siluer with balance hyring a goldsmith to make a god and they fal downe and adore †They beare him on their shoulders carying and setting him in his place he shal stand and shal not moue out of his place Yea when they shal crie also vnto him he shal not heare from tribulation he shal not saue them †Remember this be confounded returne ye transgressors to the hart †Remember the former world because I am God and there is no God beside neither is there the like to me †Which shew the last thing from the beginning and from the begynning the thinges that as yet were not done saying My counsel shal stand and al my wil shal be done †Which cal a bird from the east and from a farre countrie the man of mine owne wil and I haue spoken and wil bring it I haue created and wil doe it †Heare me ye hard harted which are far from iustice †I haue made my iustice neere it shal not be far of my saluation shal not tarie I wil geue saluation in Sion and my glorie to Israel CHAP. XLVII The destruction of Babylon is further prophecied for their pride 8. arroganeie 10. and sorcerie COME downe sitte in the dust ô Virgin daughter of Babylon sitte on the ground there is no throne for the daughter of the Chaldees because thou shalt no more be called nice and tender †Take a mil and grinde meale make bare thy turpitude discouer the shoulder vncouer the thighes passe the riuers †Thyne ignominie shal be discouered and thy reproch shal be seene I wil take vengeance and no man shal resist me †Our redemer the Lord of hostes is his name the holie one of Israel †Sitte holding thy peace and enter into darkenes ô daughter of the Chaldees because thou shalt no more be called the ladie of kingdomes †I was angrie agaynst my people I haue contaminated mine inheritance and haue geuen them into thy hand thou hast not shewed mercies to them vpon the ancient thou hast made thy yoke exceding heauie †And thou hast sayd I wil be a ladie for euer thou hast not put these thinges vpon thy hart neither hast thou remembred thy later end †And now heare these thinges thou that art delicate and dwellest confidently that sayest in thy hart I am and there is none eles beside me I shal not sitte a widow and I shal not know barrennesse †These two thinges shal come to thee sodenly in one day barrennesse and widowhood Al thinges are come vpon thee because of the multitude of thy sorceries and for the vehement hardnes of thine inchanters †And thou hast confidence in thy malice hast sayd There is none that seeth me Thy wisdome and thy knowlege this hath deceiued thee And thou hast sayd inâ—thy hart I am and beside me there is none other †Euil shal come vpon thee and thou shalt not know the rysing therof and calamitie shal fal violently vpon thee which thou canst not expiate miserie shal come vpon thee sodenly which thou shalt not know †Stand with thine inchanters and with the multitude of thy sorceries in which thou hast traueled from thy youth if perhaps it may profite thee any thing or if thou mayst become stronger †Thou hast fayled in the multitude of thy counsels let the astrologers of the heauen stand and saue thee which did contemplate the starres and count the monethes that by them they might tel thinges that shal come to thee †Behold they are become as stuble fire hath burnt them they shal not deliuer their soule from the hand of the flame there are no coles wherwith they may be warmed nor fire that they may sitte therat †So are the thinges become vnto thee in whatsoeuer thou hast traueled thy merchants from thy youth euerie one hath erred in his owne way there is none that can saue thee CHAP. XLVIII The prophet inueigheth against the Iewes vaine boasting of the name of Israel not hauing true vertues 3. Onlie God not idoles foresheweth thinges to come 9. for his owne names sake conserueth his people 16. Inuiteth them to repent and to be gratful for his benefites HEARE ye these thinges ô house of Iacob which are called by the name of Israel and are come out of the waters of Iuda which sweare in the name of our Lord are mindful of the God of Israel not in truth nor in iustice †For they are called of the holie citie and are established vpon the God of Israel the Lord of hostes is his name †The former
where is he that brought them out of the sea with the pastours of his flocke Where is he that put in the middes of him the spirit of his holie one †He that brought out Moyses to the right hand by the arme of his maiestie that diuided the waters before them that he might make to himself an euerlasting name †He that brought them out through the depthes as an horse in the desert that stumbled not †As the beast that goeth downe in the plaine filde the spirit of our Lord was their conductor so didst thou bring thy people that thou mightest make thee a name of glorie †Attend from heauen and looke from thy holie habitation of thy glorie where is thy zele and thy strength the multitude of thy bowels and of thy mercies they haue held backe them selues toward me †For thou art our father and “ Abraham hath not knowen vs and Israel hath bene ignorant of vs thou ô Lord art our father our redemer from the begynning is thy name †Why hast thou made vs erre ô Lord from thy waies hast thou hardned our hart that we feared not thee Returne for thy seruants the tribes of thine inheritance †As nothing haue they possessed thy holie people our enemies haue troden downe thy sanctification †We are become as in the begynning when thou didst not rule ouer vs neither was thy name inuocated vpon vs. ANNOTATIONS CHAP. LXIII 16. Abraham hath not knovvne vs. The faithful people considering their ovvne great frequent inueterate sinnes vvith the extreme calamities wherinto they vvere fallen for the same supposed that their progenitor Abraham vvhom God had particularly called out of his countrie Iacob of vvhose tvvelue sonnes the vvhole nation vvas propagated did no longer acknowlege them for their children because they had so greuously offended God vvere not vvorthie of anie fauour Al vvhich notwithstanding yet they hoped in Gods incomparable mercie that his diuine goodnes being Creator of al who had elected them for his peculiar people brought them out of Aegypt and often deliuered them from sundrie afflictions vvould againe reduce them from captiâ—itie and as their merciful father remitte their sinnes and releue their miseries though Abraham Iacob and other Patriarches had iustly reiected them as lost children This being the proper literal sense of this place according to S. Ieroms and other ancient Doctors explication it maketh nothing at al for the old and new heresie of Vigilantius Luther denying that Sainctes in an other life do knovv vvhat is donne in this vvorld For albeit the Patriarches in zele of iustice did not acknovvlege their carnal posteritie because of their great sinnes for their children yet they knevv their state as S. Augustin li. de cura pro mortuis interpreting this and other places of holie Scripture teacheth partly by relation of such as passed from hence to them partly by holie Angels and especially by diuine inspirations As it is clere that Abraham knevv the state of poore Lazarus of the rich glutton describing vvhat ech of them had deserued and consequently receiued Much more both the old Patriarches and al other Sainctes in eternal glorie knovv â—â—h other though neuer sene nor knovvne before in this vvorld as S. Gregorie teacheth li 4 c. 33. Dialogi The glorified Sainctes see also in God that vvhich perteyneth to their clientes that pray vnto them in earth so farre as God doth ordaine more clerly by light of glorie then prophetes see by light of prophecie as S. Augustin teacheth But touching the maner he saith it exceeded the reach of his vnderstanding hovv Martyrs do helpe those vvho it is certaine are holpen by them So discoursing at large of the vncertaine maner shevveth that there is no doubt at al of the thing it selfe that Sainctes in heauen do knovv mortal mens necessities heaâ—e their prayers and helpe them by their intercession and merites vvhich he confirmeth also li. 20. c. 21. cont Faust Tract 8. in Ioan. Ser. 5. de Sanctis Likevvise S. Ierom against Vigilanâ—ius S. Gregorie li. 3. Epist ep â—0 li. 7. ep 126. li. 9. ep 38 and others in manie places CHAP. LXIIII. The Iewes in captiuitie pray to God for release 4. acknowleging his former great benefites and their owne sinnes fleing now to his mercie VVOVLD God thou wouldest breake the heauens in sunder and wouldst descend at thy presence the mountaines should melt away †As the burning of fyre would they melt the waters would burne with fyre that thy name might be made knowen to thine enemies at thy presence the nations should be trubled †When thou shalt doe meruelous thinges we shal not sustayne thou art descended and at thy presence the mountaines are melted †From the begynning of the world they haue not heard nor receiued with the eares the eie hath not seene ô God beside thee what thinges thou hast prepared for them that expect thee †Thou hast mette him that reioyceth and doth iustice in thy waies they shal remember thee behold thou art angrie and we haue sinned we haue bene alwayes in them and we shal be saued †And al we are become as one vncleane and al our iustices as the cloth of a menstrued woman and we haue al fallen as a leafe and our iniquities as the winde haue taken vs away †There is none that inuocateth thy name that ryseth vp and holdeth thee thou hast hid thy face from vs and hast dashed vs in the hand of our iniquitie †And now Lord thou art our father and we clay and thou art our maker and al we the workes of thy handes †Be not angrie ô Lord ynough and remember no more our iniquitie loe regard al we are thy people †The citie of thy holie one is made desert Sion is made desert Ierusalem is become desolate †The house of our sanctification and of our glorie where our fathers praysed thee is turned into the burning of fyre and al our thinges worthie to be desired are turned into ruines †Wilâ— thou vpon these thinges conteyne thyself ô Lord wilt thou hold thy peace and afflict vs vehemently CHAP. LXV The gentiles shal seeke and finde Christ 2. Whom the Iewes wil persecute and shal be reiected only a few reliques reserued 13. So the Church shal multiplie and abound in graces THEY haue sought me that before asked not they haue found that sought me not I said Behold me behold me to a Gentilitie that did not inuocate my name †I haue spred foâ—th mine handes al the day to an incredulous people which goeth in a way not good after their owne cogitations †A people that prouoke me to anger before my face alwayes that immolate in gardens and sacrifice vpon brickes †That dwel in sepulchers and sleepe in temples of idols that eate swines flesh and profane potage in their vessels †That say
thou shalt finde eate eate this volume and going speake to the children of Israel †And I opened my mouth and he fed me with that volume †and he said to me Sonne of man thy bellie shal eate and thy bowels shal be filled with this volume which I geue thee And I did eate it and it was made in my mouth sweete as honie †And he said to me Sonne of man goe to the house of Israel and thou shalt speake my wordes to them †For not to a people of profound speach and of an vnknowne tongue art thou sent to the house of Israel †Neither to manie peoples of profonnd speach of an vnknowne tongue whose wordes thou canst not heare and if thou were sent to them they would heare thee †But the house of Israel wil not heare thee because they wil not heare me for al the house of Israel is of a shameles forehead and hard harted †Behold I haue made thy face stronger then their faces and thy forehead harder then their foreheads †As the adamant and as the flint stone haue I made thy face feare them not neither be afrayd of their face because it is an exasperating house †And he said to me Sonne of man al my wordes which I speake to thee take in thy hart and heare with thine eares †And goe enter into the transmigration to the children of of thy people and thou shalt speake to them and shalt say to them Thus saith our Lord God if perhaps they wil heare and be quiet †And the spirit tooke me vp and I heard behinde me the voice of a great commotion Blessed be the glorie of our Lord from his place †and the voice of the winges of liuing creatures striking one against an other the voice of wheeles folowing the liuing creatures and the voice of a great commotion †The spirit also lifted me tooke me vp I went away bitter in the indignation of my spirit for the hand of our Lord was with me strengthening me †And I came to the transmigration to the heape of new corne to them that dwelt by the riuer Chobar and I sate where they sate and I taried there seuen dayes mourning in the middes of them †And when seuen dayes were passed the word of our Lord was made to me saying †Sonne of man a watchman to the house of Israel haue I geuen thee and thou shalt heare the word out of my mouth and shalt tel it them from me †If when I say to the impious Dying thou shalt dye thou tel him not nor speake that he may be turned away from his impious way and liue the same impious man shal dye in his iniquitie but his bloud I wil requyre at thy hand †But if thou denounce to the impious and he be not conuerted from his impietie and from his impious way he verely shal dye in his iniquitie but thou hast deliuered thy soule †Yea and if the iust shal be turned from his iustice shal doe iniquitie I wil lay a stumbling blocke before him he shal dye because thou hast not told him he shal dye in his sinne and his iustices which he hath done shal not be in memorie but his bloud I wil require at thy hand †But if thou warne the iust that the iust sinne not and he doe not sinne liuing he shal liue because thou hast warned him and thou hast deliuered thy soule †And the hand of our Lord was made vpon me and he said to me Rising goe out into the fielde and there I wil speake with thee †And rising I went out into the filde and behold the glorie of our Lord stood there as it were the glorie which I saw by the riuer Chobar and I fel on my face †And the spirit entered into me and set me vpon my feete and he spake to me and sayd to me Goe in and be shut vp in the middes of thy house †And thou sonne of man behold bandes are geuen vpon thee and they shal binde thee in them and thou shalt not goe forth from the middes of them †And I wil make thy tongue cleaue to the roofe of thy mouth and thou shalt be dumme not as a man controwling because it is an exasperating house †But when I shal speake to thee I wil open thy mouth and thou shalt say to them Thus saith our Lord God He that heareth let him heare and he that is quiet let him be quiet because it is an exasperating house CHAP. IIII. The future siege of Ierusalem is discribed in a bricke 4. The time of captiuitie of Israel and of Iuda is signified by sleeping 390. dayes on the left side and fourtie on the right 9. Famine is also signified by bread sprinkled with dung AND thou sonne of man take thee a bricke thou shalt put it before thee and thou shalt draw in it the citie of Ierusalem †And thou shalt lay siege against it and shalt build munitions and cast vp a bancke and pitch campes against it and place engines round about †And thou take thee an yron frying panne and thou shalt set it as an yron wal betwen thee the citie and thou shalt set thy face stedely toward it and it shal be besieged and thou shalt compasse it which is a signe to the house of Israel †And thou shalt sleepe vpon thy left side and shalt put the iniquities of the house of Israel vpon it according to the number of the daies that thou shalt sleepe vpon it and thou shalt take their iniquitie †And I haue geuen thee the yeares of their iniquitie according to the number of daies three hundred and ninetie daies and thou shalt beare the iniquitie of the house of Israel †And when thou hast accomplished these thinges thou shalt sleepe vpon thy right side the second time and thou shalt take the iniquitie of the house of Iuda fourtie daies a day for a yeare a day I say for a yeare I haue geuen thee †And thou shalt turne thy face to the siege of Ierusalem and thine arme shal be streched out and thou shalt prophecie against it †Behold I haue compassed thee with bandes and thou shalt not turne thy self from thy side vnto the other side til thou accomplish the daies of thy siege †And thou take thee wheate and barley and beanes and lintiles and millet and fitches and thou shalt put them into one vessel and make thee loaues according to the number of the daies that thou shalt sleepe vpon thy side three hundred and ninetie daies shalt thou eate it †And thy meate that thou shalt eate shal be in weight twentie staters a day from time to time thou shalt eate it †And water by measure thou shalt drinke the sixt part of an hin from time to time thou shalt drinke it †And as hearth baken barley bread thou shalt eate
eyes the same is the first king †But wheras that being broken there rose vp foure for it foure kinges shal rise vp of his nation but not in his strength †And after their reigne when iniquities shal be increased there shal arise a king impudent of face and vnderstanding propositions †And his strength shal be made strong but not in his owne strength and more then can be beleued shal he waste al thinges and shal prosper and doe And he shal kil the strong and the people of the saints †according to his wil and craft shal be directed in his hand and he shal magnifie his hart and in the abundance of al thinges he shal murder very manie agaynst the prince of princes shal he arise without hand he shal be destroyed †the vision of the euening and the morning which hath bene sayd is true thou therfore seale the vision because it shal be after manie dayes †And I Daniel languished and was sicke for certaine dayes and when I was risen vp I did the kings workes and was astonied at the vision and there was none that could interprete it CHAP. IX Daniel confessing that they are iustly afflicted for their sinnes 15. prayeth for speedie mercie 20. An Angel signifieth to him that within seuentie wekes of yeares Christ wil come 26. and be slayne his people the Iewes denying him whom he wil therfore reiect IN the first yeare of Darius the sonne of Assuerus of the seede of the Medes who reigned ouer the kingdom of the Chaldees †the first yeare of his kingdom I Daniel vnderstood in bookes the number of the yeares wherof the word of our Lord was made to Ieremie the prophete that seuentie yeares should be accomplished of the desolation of Ierusalem †And I sette my face to our Lord my God to pray and besech in fastinges sackcloth and ashes †And I prayed our Lord my God and I confessed and said I besech thee ô Lord God great and terrible which keepest couenant mercie to them that loue thee and keepe thy commandements †We haue sinned we haue done iniquitie we haue dealt impiously and haue reuolted we haue declined from thy commandments and iudgements †We haue not obeyed thy seruants the prophets that haue spoken in thy name to our kinges to our princes to our fathers and to al the people of the land †To thee ô Lord iustice but to vs confusion of face as is to day to the man of Iuda and to the inhabiters of Ierusalem and to al Israel to them that are nere and to them that are farre of in al the landes to which thou hast cast them out for their iniquities in which they haue sinned against thee †O Lord to vs confusion of face to our princes to our fathers that haue sinned †But to thee Lord our God mercie and propiciation because we haue reuolted from the †and haue not heard the voice of the Lord our God to walke in his law which he gaue vs by his seruants the prophetes †And al Israel haue transgressed thy law and haue declined from hearing thy voice and the malediction hath distilled vpon vs the detestation which is written in the booke of Moyses the seruant of God because we haue sinned to him †And he hath established his wordes which he spake vpon vs and vpon our princes that iudged vs that he would bring in vpon vs a great euil such as neuer was vnder al the heauen according to that which hath bene done in Iersalem †As it is written in the law of Moyses al this euil is come vpon vs and we besought not thy face ô Lord our God that we might returne from our iniquities might thinke on thy truth †And our Lord hath watched vpon the malice and hath brought it vpon vs iust is the Lord our God in al his workes which he hath done for we haue not heard his voice †And now ô Lord our God which broughtest forth thy people out of the Land of Aegypt in a strong hand madst thee a name according to this day we haue sinned we haue done iniquitie †O Lord according to al thy iustice but let thy wrath be turned away I besech thee and thy furie from thy citie Ierusalem from thy holie mount For by reason of our sinnes and the iniquities of our fathers Ierusalem and thy people are a reproch to al round about vs. †Now therfore heare ô our God the petition of thy seruant his prayers and shew thy face vpon thy sanctuarie which is desert for thyne owne sake †Incline my God thine eare heare open thine eyes and see our desolation the citie vpon which thy name is inuocated for neither in our iustifications doe we prostrate prayers before thy face but in thy manie commiserations †Heare ô Lord be pacified ô Lord attend doe delay not for thine owne sake my God because thy name is inuocated vpon thy citie vpon thy people †And when I yet spake prayed and confessed my sinnes and the sinnes of my people of Israel and did prostrate my prayers in the sight of my God for the holie mount of my God †as I was yet speaking in prayer loe the man Gabriel whom I had sene in the vision from the beginning quickly flying touched me in the time of the euening sacrifice †And he taught me and spake to me sayd Daniel now am I come forth to teach thee and that thou mighst vnderstand †From the beginning of thy prayers the word came forth and I am come to shew it to thee because thou art a man of desires and doe thou marke the word and vnderstand the vision †Seuentie weekes are abbridged vpon thy people vpon thy holie citie that preuarication may be consummate and sinne take an end iniquitie be abolished and euerlasting iustice be brought vision be accomplished and prophecie the Holie one of holies be anointed †Know therfore marke From the going forth of the word that Ierusalem be built againe vnto Christ the prince there shal be seuen weekes sixtie two weekes the streete shal be built againe the walles in * straitnes of the times †And after sixty two weekes Christ shal be slaine and it shal not be his people that shal denie him And the city the sanctuary shal the people dissipate with the prince to come the end therof waste after the end of the battel the appoynted desolation †And he wil confirme the couenant to manie one weeke and in the halfe of the weeke shal the hoste the sacrifice fayle and there shal be in the temple the abomination of desolation euen to the consummation and to the end shal the desolation endure CHAP. X. After fasting other voluntarie afflictions 4. Daniel seing a
our Lord in iustice †And the sacrifice of Iuda and Ierusalem shal please our Lord as the dayes of the world and as the yeares of old †And I wil come to you in iudgement and wil be a swift witnes to sorcerers and aduouterers and to the periured and them that calumniate the hyre of the hyred man the widowes and pupils and oppresse the stranger nor haue feared me sayth the Lord of hosts †For I the Lord and I am not changed and ye sonnes of Iacob are not consumed †For from the dayes of your fathers you haue departed from mine ordinances and haue not kept them Returne to me and I wil returne to you sayth the Lord of hosts And you haue sayd Wherin shal we returne †Shal man fasten God because you do fasten me And you haue sayd Wherein do we fasten thee In tithes and in first fruites †And in penurie you are accursed and you your whole nation fasten me †Bring in al the tithe into the barne and let there be meare in my house and proue me vpon this sayth our Lord if I open not vnto you the fludgates of heauen and powre you out blessing euen to abundance †and I wil rebuke for you the deuourer and he shal not corrupt the fruite of your land neither shal the vine in the filde be barren sayth the Lord of hosts †And al Nations shal cal you blessed for you shal be a land worthie to be desired sayth the Lord of hosts †Your wordes haue bene forcible vpon me sayth the Lord. †And you sayd What haue we spoken against thee You haue sayd He is vayne that serueth God and what profite is it that we haue kept his precepts and that we haue walked sorowful before the Lord of host †Therfore now we cal the arrogant blessed for they that doe impietie are builded and they haue tempted God and are made safe †Then spake they that feared our Lord euerie one with his neighbour and our Lord attended and heard and a booke of monument was writen before him for them that feare our Lord and thinke on his name †And they shal be to me saith the Lord of hosts in the day that I doe to my peculiat and I wil spare them as a man spareth his sonne seruing him †And you shal conuert and shal see what is betwen the iust and the impious and betwen him that serueth God and serueth him not CHAP. IIII. In the terrible day of iudgement the wicked shal be condemned and the iust eternally rewarded 5. Before which time Elias shal returne and conuert the Iewes to Christ FOR behold the day shal come kindled as a furnace and al the proude and al that doe impietie shal be stubble and the day coming shal inflame them sayth the Lord of hosts which shal not leaue them roote and spring †And there shal rise to you that feare my name the Sunne of iustice and health in his winges and you shal goe forth and shal leape as calues of the heard †And you shal treade the impious when they shal be ashes vnder the sole of your feete in the day that I doe sayth the Lord of hosts †Remember ye the law of Moyses my seruant which I commanded him in Horeb to al Israel precepts iudgements †Behold I wil send you Elias the prophete before the day of our Lord come great and dreadful †And he shal conuert the hart of the fathers to the children the hart of the children to their fathers lest perhaps I come and strike the earth with anathema The end of the Prophetical Bookes THE BOOKES OF MACHABEES PERTEYNING TO THE HISTORICAL PART OF THE OLD TESTAMENT The argument of the bookes of Machabees with other prooemial Annotations BEFORE we declare the contents the reader perhaps wil require to know why they are called the Bookes of MACHABEES how manie they be who writ them in what language especially whether al or anie or which of them are Canonical Scripture For satisfaction of al which demandes distinguishing betwen certaine and vncertaine we shal briefly shew that which semeth more probable in the doubtful pointes and the assured certaintie of that which is decided by the Catholique Church of Christ Concerning therefore the name and inscription S. Ierom very probably supposeth that these Bookes haue their title of Iudas MACHABEVS the narration of whose heroical vertues and noble Actâ—s occupieth the greatest part of this whole historie And this surname Machabeus signifying valient of streingth or by an vsual hebrew contraction Mobi more explicated Milchamach Coach bihuda that is Force of battel or Streingth in Iuda was geuen him by his father Mathathias when before his death disposing of his sonnes exhorting them he sayd to them al You my sonnes take corege and doe manfully in the law because in it you shal be glorious And behold Simon your brother I know that he is a man of counsel heare ye him alwayes and he shal be father to you Next headdeth And Iudas Machabeus valient of streingth from his youth let him be to you the prince of warfayre and he shal manage the battel of the people And from him this name was also ascribed to his bretheren and to al the rest that ioyned with them either in the holie warres or otherwise shewed their valure professing Gods law in spiritual combate euen to death As Nicetas writeth in Orat. 22. S. Greg. Nazian VVherupon old Eleazarus and the seuen young bretheren with their mother are also called Machabees There be in al foure bookes called Machabees The first S. Ierom found in Hebrew the second in Greke as he testifieth Epist 106. The third is also extant in Greke and Latin in Biblijs Complutensibus The fourth semeth to be that which is mentioned in the end of the first booke And either the same or an other vnder that title is also extant in Greke as testifieth Sixtus Senensis li. 1. Bibliothecae VVho writte them is more vncertaine but most probable euerie one had a diuers auctor Neither are the two last approued for Canonical by anie authentical auctoritie It resteth therfore to speake of the two first which the Iewes and Protestants denie because they are not in the Hebrew Canon The Protestants further alleaging that they are not in the former Canon of the Church before S. Ieroms time Moreouer obiecting certaine places of these bookes which they say are contrarie to sound doctrine to the truth of other authentical histories or contradictorie in themselues None of which thinges can procede from the Holie Ghost the principal auctor of al Diuine Scriptures Al which textes we shal more conueniently explicate according to their true sense in their proper places As for the exception that these bookes are not in the Canon of the Iewes it is answered
of Iuda a 785. Ionas being sent to preach in Niniue fled from that function b. 842. in a tempest was cast into the sea and swallowed by a whale ibid. He prayed in the whalles bellie and was cast safe on the land b. 843. He preached the destruction of Niniue the comming of Christ conuersion of al Nations b. 841. He was a figure of Christs Resurrection b. 845. Ionathas Highpriest and general gouernour b. 920. 1003. Ioram slaine by Iehu a. 780. Iosaphat the place where probably shal be the General Iudgement b. 828. Ioseph endued with manie vertues a. 121. suddenly aduanced a. 127. called the Sauiour of the world a. 128. was a figure of Christ a. 151. a Prophet a. 152. b. 445. He had duble portion a. 499. 826. Iosias king of Iuda destroyed Idolatrie and made a great Pasche a. 810. was very deuout and liberal a. 812. Iosue gouernour of Israel a. 468. He conquered and diuided the land of Chanaan a 473. c. in al his booke b 440. He slew one and thirtie kinges a 493. exhorted and blessed the people a 509. Iron did swimme vpon the water a 773. Irregularities a 304. Isaac borne by promise a 72. prefigured Christ a 76. He and Iacob were blessed in Abraham b 438. He blessed Iacob in place of Esau a 89. Isaias an Euangelical Prophet b 452. also an Apostolical announcing Christ his Church b 460. 521. seq In the former part of his prophecie he admonisheth and threatneth the people for their sinnes in the latter part he comforteth them b 452. He went naked when God so commanded him b 477. He inueigheth against euil Pastors b 530. Israelites chosen not for their merite but by mere grace a â—61 They encreased exceedingly a 323. were guided by a cloud and pillar of fire a 191. 345. Iubiley yeare a 312. Iudgement and Iustice what they signifie in holy scripture b 495. 529. Iudgement general a. 34. 48. 203. 576. 712. 936. 1095. b 22. 97. 138. 178. 498. 828. 888. 996. Iudgement beginneth at the house of God or with the Clergie b 687. Iudges of Israel were figures of Christ a 516. They were extraordinaryly raised to saue the people a 520. They were finally holiemen a 516. b 440. Iudges are called gods a 221. 223. they ought not to be partial a 437. Iudiths booke Canonical Scripture a 989. 1010. 1023. b 999. she was a figure of the Blessed Virgin and of the Church a 1032. she ledde a most holy life a 1021. 1025. 1033. and a special example of holy widowhood a 1034. Iurisdiction perteineth to the Ordinary Clergie a 433. to Prophets by extraordinarie commission a 692. b 449. Iust men alwayes some in the Church a 21. 24. 26. 35. 48. 201. 204. 465. b 453. 682. Iustice necessarie a 481. 559. 560. 754. Iustice and mercie must be mixed a 563. b 199. Iustice consisteth in declining from euil doing good b 76. 529. 550. Iustice may consist with venial sinnes a 1066. 1079. b 34. 35. Iustification by faith good woorkes a 472. b 43. K Kinges shal be conuerted to Christ a 72. b 17. 522. A King desired by the Iewes a 585. was disliked by God a 586. 594. Kinges haue priuileges aboue Dukes a 533. 587. They are annointed with oile a 590. 604. 639. 645. 779. They receiue spiritual grace therby a 591. Good Kinges are called the Kinges of God a 884. They are bound to destroy Idolatrie and infidelity a 810. 891. 901. 916. 927. 942 b 17. 344. and to aduaunce Religion a. 918. b 17. Kinges honoured wth glorious titles for their zele in religion a 475. They receiue the law at the Priests handes a. 433. and direction in principal actions a 620. 633. Badde Kinges b 17. Kinges of Iuda had continual succession a 939. Kinges of the tenne tribes with their families were destroyed a 937. Kinges ought to vse manie counselers not to relie much vpon one a 1054. 1058. Kingdomes are often changed b 478. 513. Kingdomes of great powre hardly agree b 574. Knowlege of al thinges in God taketh not away free wil a 604. 620. b 349. Knowlege of the truth in controuersies is a priuilege of the High-priest a 433. 715. Humaine knowlege is vnperfect a 1103. it can not comprehend Gods workes b 374. it is a good knowlege to knowe that we are ignorant b 755. Knowlege of God includeth the keeping of his precepts b 814. L Laban sinned in geuing Lia for Rachel to Iacob a 96. also in pursuing and threatning Iacob a 100. 448. and more greeuously in Idolatrie a 103. Lacedemonians descended from Abraham b 923. 958. Laiheads hippe of the Church is reiected by most Heretiques and by al Catholiques b 410. Lamentations of Ieremie are composed in verse in order of the Hebreu Alphabet and conteine manie Mysteries b 650. Lamentations a Song and Woe b. 677. Lampes in the Tabernacle a 233. in the Temple a 720. Last foure thinges to be remembred b 384. L%%ria is honour due to God only a 219. 411. Law of God is most excellent wisedom a 406. 463. It maketh his people most renowmed a 460. b 373. it is outwardly sharp but inwardly swete b 548. Lawes positiue doe bind in conscience a 8. Good lawes are the safety of the commonwealth wicked lawes the ruine b 465. Law of like paine a 311. 437. b 790. Law of Moyses ceased after Christ but the New Law is to the end of the world b 665. Leauen not offered in Sacrifice a 25. 265. 273. Lending is a worke of mercie b 415. Lents fast is in imitation of Moyses Elias and Christ a 249. 749. 9%4 Leprosie iudged by Priests a 285. Leui liued longest of al his brethren a 167 b 1080. Leuiathan a huge fish signifying the diuel a 1107. Light an accident made the first day a 2. Limbus or Abrahams bosome a 515. 711. See Hel. Loaues of proposition a 229. 310. Lot receiued Angels in his house a 69. his wife turned into a pillar of salt a 70. Of him proceded the two families of Moabites and Ammonites a 43. 71. Lotte in trial diuision or election is guided by God a 296. 482. 502. 591. Loue but beleeue not enemies b 390. M Machabees so called of Iudas Machabeus b 889. and Iudas had this title of his valiant strength b 899. Two bookes of Machabees Canonical b 890. the auctor asketh pardon for his stile not doubting of the truth b 987. Both the bookes in great part conteine the same historie b 891. Seuen brothers Machabees Martyres b 962. and their mother b 965. Magistrates a 213. 346. b 154. Malachias the Prophet is supposed by some to be Esdras b 883. He prophecied after the Temple was reedified b 883. 999. Man made to Gods image a 2. 5. 17. Man in his creation had tenne prerogatiues a 5. Manasses King of Iuda repented in captiuitie a 807. 926. Manna had twelue miracles a 209 al which are more eminent in the B. Sacrament none at al in the
the ministerie of Priests The ancient fathers proue that Melchisedech offered Sacrifice in bread wine in figure of Christ and of other Priests of the new Testament Caluin coÌ„temneth al the ancient fathers in ca. 9. Heb. Bible 1579. Heretical translation Heb. 7 Iosue 8. 22. 3 Reg. 8. The greatter blesseth the lesse Paying of tithes in the law of nature Ro. 4. Gal. 3. Iac. 2. :: These three kindes of beastes and two of birdes signifie that the Israelites should be three generations in a strange land the fourth in the desert the fifth in possession of Chanaan Theod. q. 65. in Gen. Act. 17. :: Abraham and his seed werein strange land 400 and odde yeares but in seruitude and affliction about 140. Exo. 12. :: God deferreth to punish either that the wicked may amend or the good be exercised by them S Aug. Psal 54. or because the iniquity is not come to that great measure which his wisdome forâ—eeth and wil punish in the end to his owne more glorie and more good of others S. Greg. ho. 11. in 3. Ezech. To beleue Gods word without staggering is an act of iustice Not workes before faith but ioyned with faith are meritorious Onlie faith doth not iustifie :: Some obey whilest they are rude or in low state but hauiÌ„g got a litle knowlege or aduancement disdaine their aduancers S. Gregorie li. 21. in 1. Reg. 3. Manichees condemned pluralitie of wiues in the Patriarches Luther alloweth it in Christians Other Protestants in some case S. Aug. li. 22. c. 47. cont Faust Luther propsit 62. 65. et 66. S. Aug. de bono coniugali ca. 17. Two sortes of preceptsin the law of nature Pluralitie of wiues sometimes allowed Deut. 21. By the law of Christ in no case lawful Math. 19. Gen. 2. :: He is perfect in this life that sincerly diligently tendeth towards perfection of the next life And this God here commanded to Abraham Christ to al Christians Math. 5. S. Aug. li. de perfect cont Caelest See Gen. 6. v. 9 :: Circumcision and name receiued the eight day signified the association of Saints in heauen after the seuen dayes trauel of this world Ser. de circum apud S. Cyprian :: Abraham laughed not doubting but reioycing S. Ambro. li. de Abraham c. 4. S. Aug. li. 16 c. 26. de ciuit :: Temporal blessings were common to Ismael but spiritual pertained properly to Isaac and Israel their successessors :: Conformitie in Religion conserueth peace in euery familie Tho. Anglus in hunc locum Changing of names is mystical S. Aug. li. 16 c. 28 39. ciuit S. Hierom Tradit Hebraicis Gal. 4. Isa 54. Abraham natural father of foure nations spiritual father of al that do beleue in Christ Rom. 4 11. The Church of Christ euer consisteth of many nations Circumcision a figure of Baptisme Baptisme excelleth Circumcision Two difficulties To whom the punishment pertained wheÌ„ circumcision was omitted what punishment was threatned Circumcision instituted to distinguish the people of God and for remedie of original sinne in some persons but not in al. :: Abraham saw three and adored one professing three diuine persons and one God S. Aug. li. 16. c. 29. ciuit Heb. 13. Rom. 9. :: Abraham laughing with admiration for ioy was not reprehended but Sara laughing of diffidence was reprehended by him that seeth the hart S. Aug. q. 36. in Gen. li. 16. c. 31 ciuit :: what a wall are iust men to their countrie their faith saueth vs their iustice defendeth vs from destruction S. Amb. li. 1. de Abraham c. 6. :: Abraham Lot by hospitalitie metâ—ted to receiue Angels in steed of meÌ„ Heb. 1â— :: This sinne crieth to heauen for reuenge a litle one :: Lots wife turned into salt admonisheth the seruants of God to procede in vertue not to looke back to vice Luc. 17. S. Aug. li. 16. c. 30. ciuit :: Lot neither perfect nor very wicked was deliuered for Abrahams â—â—â—e S. Aug. â— 45 in Gen. :: Moabites Ammonites were two distinct nations perhaps of the 72. See p. 43. :: See pag. 52. :: Not his fathers owne daughter but of his progenie S. Aug. li. 22. cont Faust c. 35. li. 16. c. 19. 30. de ciuit :: Kinges of the earth esteming the Church only for a laudable people of God seeke to subiect her to them selues but knowing her to be the inuiolable spouse of Christ subiect them selues to her and offer to her most honorable giftes S. Aug. il 22. cont Faust c. 38. The sixt part of this booke Of the progenie other blessings of Abraham Isaac and Iacob :: Abraham Sara laughed he admiring she doubting at the ioyful promise of a sonne therfore he is called Isaac which signifieth laughter S. Aug li. 16. c. 31. ciuit :: See chap. 17. v. 21. Rom. 9. Heb. 11. * vvel of oath Separation to be made in families when iust cause requireth Mystical sense li. 15. c. 2. ciuit The true Church doth not persecute but iustly punisheth offenders Heretikes and other infidels do persecute when either by word or sword they impugne the truth Epist 48. 50. Tract 11. in Ioan. Tract 〈◊〉 in 4. Gal. The third prophecie in the office before Masse on Easter eue And the first on whitsuneue Iudith 8. Heb. 112. :: This historie is clere and a most notorious example of perfect obedience :: It is a gratful and religious thing by naming of places to coÌ„serue the memorie of Gods benefites that posteritie may know them S. Chrisost ho. 48. in Gen. :: Nachors progenie is here mentioned to shew whence Rebecca came whom Isaac maried God tempteth not to euil but by experience maketh knowen what vertue is in men Isaac figured Chists diuinitie the RaÌ„me his humanitie Iac. 1. 13. Heb. 11 19. S. Aug. li. 16. c. 32. ciuit Theod. q. 72. in Gen. :: A cleare example of religious office in burying the dead See 2. Reg. 1. and 2. Paral. 35. :: Adoration vsed for reuerence done to men See also c. 27. v. 29. c 33. v 37 and S. Aug. q. 6â— in Gen. :: In choosing a wife a vertuous stock and familie especially true faith and religion are before al other things to be considered preferred S. Amb. li. 1. c. 9. de Abrah S. Chrisost ho. 48. in Gen. :: Her father hauing perhaps manie wiues and euerie one a seueral house she went to her mother house :: As children ought not to mary without their parents good liking so the parties owne consent is most necessarie S. Amb. Epist 43. :: Suach signifieth to speake consideratly with hart or mouth Here S. Ambrose li. 1. c. 1. de Isaac and S. Aug. q. 69. in Gen vnderstand it of mental prayeâ— Ominous speaches sometimes supersticious Some times lawful Holie scripture and the Church are iudges of doubtful obseruations Ioan. 14. Eliezers prayer for a particular signe was lawful deuout and discrete Iudic. 7. 1. Reg. 14 Act. 1.
vp the soule and assisting the same to the end The second lesson in Masse on Imber Saturday in Lent :: God worketh and we cooperate for he taketh not away but helpeth free wil. S. Aug. q. 15. in Deut. :: Peculiar place appropriate to Gods seruice :: In the deseâ—â— they could not obserue the ceremonies of the Law but comming to rest they were bound to kepe al one sette forme of holie rites No hostes lawful in sacrifice but such as the law appointed New precepts may be added not contrarie to the former :: Noueltie in Religion is a marke of idolatrie or heresie :: Euerie priuat man is not commanded nor warrented by this to kil but euerie one is bound to informe the Magistrate and so by order of iustice to procede against the wicked Such as wil not indure discipline are called children of Beâ—lial that is vvithout yoke :: If these thiÌ„gs were vncleane by nature they were not lawful for anie nation to eate but being only forbid to the Iewes sheweth that this prohibition was ceremonial only for that time and people :: Al shew of crueltie to be auoided Mystically this presigured that Christ for the similitude of sinful flesh signified by a kidde should not be slaine in his infancie â— Tho. 1. 2. q. 102. â— 6. ad 4. :: The Israelites were bouÌ„d to do their endeuour that none should be needie among them notwithstanding for exercise of loue charitie Gods prouidence suffered some to be poore â— 7. 11. :: He that can and wil not feede his neighboure in extremitie killeth him S. Amb. li. 2. de Offic. c. 7. The rest of the feastes are mentioned Leuit. 23. Num. 28. 29. :: Here only three of the principal 1. Pasch 2. Pentecost 3. Feast of Tabernacles :: It is not ynough to doe that is iust except it be donne iustly to a good end for loue of iustice :: In the councel of Priestes one supreme Iudge which was the High Priest v. 12. :: There were not manie presidentes at once but in succession one after an other :: Pluralitie of wiue is not here forbid for king Dauid transgressed not this precept hauing more then one or two but Salomon offended in multiplying manie wiues S. Aug. q. 27. in Deut. :: Temporal good Princes take the law and word of God at the Priests handes Supreme Iuge of controuersies Sentence of the Iewes consistorie infallible The high priest was chief Iudge Protestantes friuolous euasion English Bible 1603. Pride in priuate opinion punished with death :: This sorte of false prophets signified Heretikes that preach false things in Christs name :: These prefigured Apostataes which renouncing Christ expresly professe false goddes The same wordes may haue diuers literal senses :: The way to the cities of refuge were paued and markes set for direction that he which fled might not erre in his way :: This was sayd to the whole people who must not intreate for the murderers pardon but the kinsmen of him that was slaine might remitte the punishment :: This pertained to the Iudge who without partialitie must do iustice :: Men possessed with such desires haue not like valure to good souldiars And by worde or example often discorege others So in spiritual warfare we must not be addicted to worldlie profites or pleasures :: By this ceremonie and abiuration they purged them selues that they were not negligent in doing iustice :: Mystically he is cursed that persisteth in sinne as it were hanging on the tree by which our first parents sinned :: Their houses had flat roofes as manie of our churches pallaces and castles where battlements are necessarie for danger of falling when anie walke theron :: For correction of so couetous a mind the whole fruicte must be offered to pious vses Theodoret. q. 23. in Deut. :: Such as are barreÌ„ in good workes can not enter into Gods house Theod. q. 25. in Deut. :: These natioÌ„s not able to hurt the children of Israel neither by denying ordinarie curtesies nor by force nor by hyring BalaaÌ„ to curse them yet inuegling them with carnal sinnes signified obstinate peruerse sinners that nouer amending can neuer be rightly receiued into the Church of God :: Onlie lawful enemies are here called strangers where therfore is iust cause of warre there only it is lawful to exercise vsurie S. Amb. li. de Tobia c. 15. :: Vowes binde where otherwise was no obligation :: This hebrew phrase signifieth that pledging the thing wherin the meanes of life consisteth is as if he pledged his life :: In case the laborer susteyneth his life by his dailie wages then not to pay him is in effect to kil him and such sinne crieth to God for reuenge VVhether the band of mariage could be â—oosed or no in the old law amongst ChristiaÌ„s it can not be dissolued No not for adultrie Only before consummatioÌ„ Mariage is dissolued by solemne vow in Religion :: S. Paul expoundeth this of the spiritual laborer in Gods Church that he must haue his main tenaÌ„ce for his trauel 1. Cor. 9. 1. Tim. 5 It was also ment of oxen so it hath two literalseÌ„ses Theod. q 31. in Deut. :: He that disdaineth to honour his brother is iustly despised :: A lasie familie vnprofitable to the coÌ„moÌ„wealth Mystically Pastors and Doctors must beget spiritual children to Christ not to themselues so they are called Christians not Paulians whom S. Paul conuerted And he that is elected by the church to spiritual functioÌ„ neglecteth his dutie is worthie of reproch and in famie S. Aug. li. 32. c. 10. cont Faust Manich. :: Amalec first impugned Israel after they had passed the redsea Exo. 17. Mariage with the brothers wife he dying without issue Rutâ— 3. 4. The third lesson in Masse on Imber Saturday in whit funweke :: Laban pursued Iacob when he parted from Mesopothamia of Syria Gen. 27. The first lessoÌ„ in Masse on Imber Saturday in Lent :: The people payed euerie yeare two â—â—thes first to the Leuites the second for entertaining trauelers to from IerusaleÌ„ euerie third yeare a third tith for relief of the poore inhabitantes :: Mutual pact betwen God his peoples that they seruing him he wil reward them The third part Gods promises threates for keeping or breaking his commandments :: The ancientes of euerie tribe :: The Leuites proper office was to blesse :: But by occasion of sinne their office was also to pronounce curses :: Though the sinnes were secrete yet the offenders were cursed publique sinnes were also publikely punished :: Temporal blessings belonged to sensual people of the old testament now the poore in spirite are blessed that mourne and suffer persecution for truth and iustice :: The poore beiÌ„g releeued of thy superfluitie shal blesse thee :: Thou shalt rule ouer others none ouer thee :: Yet alwaies with this condition if thou serue God :: Thus most coÌ„monly sinners were
wherupon they begaÌ„ne to detest Abimelec and so hatred grew betwen him them which is a most euil spirite but their former sinne not God was the cause therof S. Aug. q. 45. in Iudic. :: For more reuenge he sowed the citie with salte which maketh ground barren Theod. q. 17. in lib. Iudie :: Euels shal betide the vniust man to destruction Psal 139. Vngtatful people render iniuries for benefites Infidels promote wicked men to authoritie Abimelech a figure of Antichrist 2. Thess 2. :: Not euerie one that sayeth Lord Lord but he thaâ— doth the wil of God c. Mat. 7. :: The hebrew word Zâ—nah signifieth also â—n â—n keeper :: If they had not concurred to his expulsion it might haue sufficed to haue sent for him but in this case the ancientes iudged it meete to goe in person and to in treat him So Christ was reiected by the Iewes and returneth not to them til in the end of the world they shal seeke vnto him â— Aug. q. 49. in Iudic. postâ—eâ—iuÌ„ Num. 20 :: In the opinion of infidels it semed that they possessâ—d countries by the helpe of false goddes and so they thought them selues to haue iust title Much more iust is the title when God almighty geueth victorie of conquest S. Aug. q. 48. in Iudie :: He argueth vpon prescription of 300. yeares being nere so much for there wanted scarce thirtie being from the conquest made by Moyses Num. 21. til the time of Iephte about 270. yeares :: This vow was vnlawful for the law forbiddeth to offer man or woman in sacrifice Exo. 34. v. 20. Deut. 12. v. 31. :: In the old testament mariage was ordinarily preferred before single life but in the new it is better to kepe virginity 1. Cor. â— â— 38. Iephte offended in vowing vndiscretly But not in performing his vow as ancient fathers thinke more probable S. Augustin S. Ambrose S. Hierom. S. Chrysostom S. Gregorie Nazianzen Theodoret. Bible â—603 Protestants censure :: That is exposeâ— my self to danger trusting to Gods helpe â—â—yâ— owne handes when others would not assist me :: Iephte being of Manasses tribe the Ephraites enuied his glorie and calumniously obiected that he and his followers were fugitiues so raised a tumulte to their owne â—â—â—â—e :: Abstinence not only from thinges vncleane by the law but also from wine and sider was a preparation to the childe who should abstaine from them al his life :: Other Nazerites obserued a prescripte rule of abstinence for a time only Num. 6. but Samson al his life as a more perfect figure of Christ :: Manue taking the Angel for a holie prophete iustly thought he would not admitte not coÌ„mand anie thing but that was lawful And so did as the Angel appointed him though he was no priest nor the place proper to sacrifice but by extraordinarie dispensation :: Though Manue saw not God in his owne person yet seing him in his messenger feared death S. Aug. q. 54. in Iudiâ— Protestantes either contradict themselues or teach Arrianisme Bible 1603. :: It was prohibited Deut. 7. v. 3. to make mariage with the Gentiles but God some times dispensed as here it appeareth he did v. 4. :: By threates they made heâ— betray her husband and neuertheles destroyed both her and her father cha â—5 v. 6. so persecuters of the Church deale with such as trayterously or of frailtie serue their turne :: Being Iudge of the people he had helpe of others to â—ake so manie foxes with â—â—â—â—es or otherwise being great store in that countrie :: A notorious miracle to kil so manie with so meane a weapon without other helpe of man And by common reason as vncredible as the great mysteries of Catholique Religion :: It was a greater miracle to draw water out of a drie bone then out of the earth or stones but al things are possible to God which he pleaseth to do * or an Inâ—eâ—per :: For such admirable streingth the heth â—iâ—h people thought Samson to be Hercules S. Aug. li. 18. c. 19. ciuit But he was indeede farre stronger then they feaned of Hercules who they said was not able to fight against two whereas Samson alone killed a thousand with the iaw bone of an asse c. 15. v. 15. :: Supernatural streingth or grace departeth when any leaue the rule of their profession :: He desired to be reuenged not of rancour of mind but of zele of iustice And so al the elect glorified Sainctes desire reueÌ„ge Luc. 18. v. 8. Apoc. 6. v. 10. Samson excused in killing himselfe wiÌ„th his enemies Samson a figure of Christ The third part Of certaine accidentes which happened in the time of the Iudges :: In hebrew pesel vmassecah in Latin sculptile constatile a grauen molten thing an image or forme made in mettle for a god and so called v. 5. was in dede an idol of Gentilitie and nothing at al against sacred Images of Christ and his Sainctes in the Catholique Church wherof more is noted Gen. 31. Exo. 20. :: Annointed his haÌ„des with oyle as was prescribed Exo. 29. Leu. 8 But such an apish imitation was of no value where was neither true vocation in the annointed for he descended not of Aâ—ton but of Moyses chap. 18. v. 30. nor authoritie in him that vsed this ceremony b An Apostata Leuite was accounted more sufficient then an idolatrical priest to serue an idol so he that is a Priest of a Deacon once catholikly consecrated is a sufficient yea too sufficient a minister with protestantes c Their whole portioÌ„ was assigned Ios 19 but through their owne â—â—outh they possessed litle of it so that hitherto the greatest part was not receiued d They ment the false god which the apostata Leuite serued e The diuel answered as his maner is obscurly sometimes truly sometimes falsly :: Pesel eidolon sculptile the grauen thing falsly called god c. 17. v. 5. :: She was his lawful wife and so called v. â— â— 9. et also is called concubine because she had no dawrie nor as yet enioyed the priuiledges of a mistris in her husbands house :: Omission contempâ— to punish hainous â—â—imes is a 〈…〉 cause to make wâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 :: One of the tribe of Iuda :: Being farre more in number hauing the iust cause yet had the worse because they trusted in their owne streingth :: God also punished al Israel by this ciuil warre for suffering idolattie in the tribe of Dan. cha 18. v. 30. which they ought to haue punished Deut. 13. v. 12. :: By this it appeareth that this historie happened not long after the death of Eleazarus Ios 24. v. 33. to whom hissonne Phinees succeded in the spiritual Supremacie of the Church :: Lest either iustice be ouer sharpe or mercie too relaxe with great art of discretion gouernours must obserue mercie iustly aduising and discipline piously châ—sticings S. Greg. li 1. Epist 24. :: In the time of the Iudges
Gods commandments â—os â— f To him that vseth Gods grace wel more grace is continually geuen â—â—â—e 17. g Through such grace he shal perseuer h al thinges worke to the good of them that loue God sincerely i The wicked are carried with euery light tentation k Al rysing at the last day the wicked shal not rise with hope nor comforth but in desolation l the happie congregation of the blessed m approueth rewardeth n in eternal damnation They are happie in hope that decline from euil Iustice consisteth in fleing euil and doing good Of Christ the 5. key Also of his Church the 6. key a Both geÌ„tiles b and Iewes striue invaine against Christ Act. 4. c Pilate and Herod d Annas and Caiphas e The voice of wicked men f especially libertines striuing to shake of al discipline g God for al this wil turne the haries of manie h seuerly reprehend i and iustly punish the obstinate k Christ shal reigne in his kingdome the Church l God the Father speaketh to m God the Sonne Act. 13. Heb. 1. 5. n Christ as man hath the Church for his inheritance o Spred through the whole world p Gods inâ—â—exwiâ— powre Apoc. 2. 19. q A prophecie that kinges shal be conuerted and submit themselues to Christs discipline r None is secure before death Å¿ Some fal from the way of saluation t God wil iudge iustly in the end of this short life both the euil and good So this Psalme concludeth with the ninth key Persecution cannot hinder the glorie of Christ The Church neuer faileth in hâ—ne Psal Custome in sinne more hardly cured Kinges conuerted to Christianitie Defend Catholiques and punish heretikes Apostataes fauoure heretikes and schismatikes because they hate al Christians Ad Petil li. 2. c. 92. Ad Gaud li. 2. c. 26. Ioy and feare Dauid persecuted by his sonne The 8. key a O God let me know how greuiously I haue sinned b that al Israel 1. Reg. 15. v. 13. with al their hart foloweth Absolom So against Christ the Priestes the People Gentiles al conspired Ioan â—â— c my life d he can not escape e But I auouch that God alwaies defendeth me f geuing me victorie g coÌ„firming my kingdom h heauen i I lay downe k and rested in expectation of thy helpe l And am deliuered Christ dyed was buried rose againe m I know thou wilt help me and so I besech thee to do n The streÌ„gth and furie o health and saftie coÌ„meth from God p Abundance of grace promised to Gods seruantes Titles of the Psalmes added by â—â—â—â—as and the Septuagint â—iue thinges to be noted â—â— the titles Psal 4. 6. 8. 15. 16. c. VVhy this is called the Psalme of Dauid The time and occasion of making this Psalme King Dauid prefigured Christ The same Scripture hath diuers literal senses Confidence in God necessary The 7. key a In an instrument apt for verses b This Psalme perteyneth to the beloued signified by the word Dauid S. Aug. li. 17. c. 14. ciuit S. Beda in Psal c VVhen Saul vniustly persecuted iust Dauid God heard his prayers d being straictly beseeged 1. Reg. 23. 26. e Likewise helpe me when soeuer I shal nede f Why do you stil harden your hartes g honour and transitorie glorie h false and deceiptful riches Ephos 4. i Euery godly soule k Rich with vertues l Euerie iust soule hath confidence in God that he wil heare his crie m Iust anger is good necessarie agaiÌ„st sinne n but then is most nede to beware not to excede in passion haue therfore a continual purpose neuer to sinne o Euil cogitations p bewaile repent before you sleepe q Not only external but most especially internal sacrifice of iustice and obseruation of Gods commandments is most necessarie r The solide rewardes promised by God Å¿ reason and grace are freely geuen to man wherby he may know that God wil reward the iust Heb. II. v. 6. t VVherin a iust man inwardly reioyceth v For example and in figure of heauenlie rewardes God gaue temporal wealth in the old testament w For example and in figure of heauenlie rewardes God gaue temporal wealth in the old testament x For example and in figure of heauenlie rewardes God gaue temporal wealth in the old testament y In this confideÌ„ce the iust may rest contented z God so promiseth euerie iust person in particular The signification of this phrase To the end in tâ— etitles of Psalmes 1. Par. 15. Rom. 10. Three spiritual sacrifices necessarie Of penance Iustice Praise VVhat is due to God To our selues To our neighbour To our enemies The world The flesh The diuel To sinne Light of reason sheweth there is a God that rewardeth The general iudgement The 9. key a The faithful iust soule that ouer coÌ„meth her enimies by vertue b eternal glorie c The praier of the whole Church or of anie faithful euer beloued soule d Gods helpe is presently granted of his part though it be sometimes differred for the more good of his seruantes e Before al other affayres we must pray to God S. Ciprian in fine orat Dominicae f The wicked and wickednes haue noe conuersation with God g in the day of iudgement h by final sentence of eternal daÌ„nation i Not in mans powre but in Gods mercie must the iust man trust k In the Church of God l with reuerential feare as in Gods presence m No true nor solide goodnes in the wicked n They thinke nothing but vanitie and mischiefe o yelding lothsome stinâ—h bitternes and rancor p yet they flatter with feaned good wordes Psal 13. Rom. 3. q Albeit the iust desire the conuersion of the wicked yet if they wil not repeÌ„t then the iust conforme their desires to Gods iust iudgement which shal be manifested in the end of the world r The iust shal receiue sentence of eternal glorie God is not author nor cause of sinne A pathetical praier of a sinner the first penitential Pâ—alme the 7. key a This Psalme perteyneth also to penitentes in the new testament b condemneme not eternally c Spare me also for part of the temporal paine which I deserue Psal 37. d Geue me the medicine of grace e My sorow hath inwardly pearced me euen to the bones f with feare of thyiust wrath g leauest thou me in this calamitie h Shew againe thy fauorable contenance i from this fearful affliction k Though my sinnes haue deserued the contrary yet shew thy mercy l This life is the time of repentance after death no cenuersion m In hel nothing but blasphemie n I haue in part lameÌ„ted o I wil adde more sorow penance p I wil persist in my penance til I be throughly watered with thy grace q myn eyes are dimme with weeping for feare of thy iust iudgement r my heares are gray with sorrow Å¿
life we must desire more and more knowledge of true doctrin h from the first vse of reason at which time manie are careles i negligent to lerne how to serue God k As God is sweete in geuing good motions l so he is seuere to them that resist his grace m God mercifully p euenteth with his grace n and iustly rewardeth good workes o Gods law is his couenant with man p and testimon e of his wil. q sinne in respect of auersien from God is great nedeth â—e grace r He that feareth God which is the beginning of wisdome receiueth fiue spiritual commodities here mentioned 1 God iustructeth him by his law 2 bestoweth al necessaries vpon him 3 others shalimitate his good example 4 God wil protect him 5 According to Gods couenant he shal enioy the manifest sight of God for his eternal reward â—mans weaknes without Gods helpe t TribulatioÌ„s can not be aâ—oâ—deâ— but must necessarily be suffered therfore ô God gâ—ue vs grace to passe through them without sinne v myn affliction w take away the cause and affliction wil be mitigated Ioan. 15. x wicked men of â—â—ured do end â—our to draw others into sinne y Those that hope in God shal neuer be confounded z Al The letters of the Alphebet being complete in this Psalme this last verse beginneth with Pere Redeeme praying God to redeme and deliuer Israel that is the whole Church from tribulations Dauids prayer distressed in persecution The 8. key a This Psalme is also a counenient prayer for anie Christian in tribulation b Be thou ô God arbiter of the cause bet 〈…〉 Saul and me thou knowest myn innocencie in this behalfe though I am uniustly charged by Saul and his freindes c Lest perhaps I be not so innocent as I desire and as in respect of Saul I hope that I am do thou O God proue me as thou wilt by tribulations d Dauid in confidence of a good conscience and zele against the wicked alleageth his sincere proceding more then ordinarie men may do God so inspiring him extraordinarily e The rest of this Psalme euerie Priest reciteth in Masse before he offer the holie Sacrifice professing putting him selfe in memorie that he must only communicate with the innocent or of pure conscience f and so approch to the Altar prefigured Leuit. 16. v. 4. g Shutting the eares of my hart from euil and vaine thoughtes I wil attend to godlie inspirations h and so with mental prayer and external voice as the holie order of this sacred office requireth praise thee ô God in thy meruelous workes Epi. â—â—â— c. 11. i I can not but singularly loue the excellencie of this place dedicated to thy seruice where is true faith vnitie and charitie of thy people the guard of holie Angels the administratioÌ„ of sacred mysteries assistance of the Holie Ghost real presence of Christ our Lord al replenished with Diuine maiestie k This representeth vnto me the glorious heauenlie kingdom of God and al Sainctes l Suffer me not therfore to be contaminate by the wicked nor to be deuoured with them m They are stil readie to committe more and more iniquities n themselues being corrupted endeuour by giftes of wordly commodities to corrupt others o Euerie one ought so to purge his conscience that he may be innocent or free from great sinne p deliuer me from this necessitie of dwelling among the wicked q I intend to walke right r I desire â—â— praise thee amongst thy true faithful seruantes A singular great afflictioÌ„ to be hindered from Gods true seruice Christians must abhorre and abstaine from al conuenticles of Heretikes and other Infidels An other confident prayer of Dauid in tribulation The 3. Key a Before his second annointing as is probable 2. Reg. 2. b Against ignorance God illuminateth his seruantes c against infirmitie he geueth streingth d so he nedeth not to feare anic mans malice suteltie nor force Luc. 21. v. 15. e How special a benefite Dauid estemed it to be in the Catholique Church the only true house of God! f Albeit the spiritual or carnal enemie seke to ouerthrow me yet I am secure in the Catholique Church g God either suffereth not the enemie to find his seruant h or not to be able to hurt him spiritually i wheÌ„ a martyr or confessour dieth then he getteth the victorie against the perseâ—ntors k Diligently recounting al thy benefites I render thankes by sacrifice and praise l not only in hart but also singing with loud voice and instrument m In my inward sincere cogitation I desire and seeke that I may see thee n face to face 1. Cor. 13. v. 12. o In the meane time ô Lord grant me thy fauour p leaue me not though thou be angrie with me q He speaketh in the person of orphanes r Though car nal parentes forsake the iust man in tribulation yet God hath then most special care of him Å¿ Establish my hart in thy law t conserue me in the right way which thou hast already taught me and it is the more necessarie because myne enemies labour to peruert me v the willes vv false witnesses accused Dauid others accused Christ Mat. 26. others do stil accuse the iust Mat 5. x the wicked please themselues in lying but the chief hurt finally turneth vpon themselues y The prophet and al iust men are comforted by God and hope of reward in heauen z The iust exhorteth his owne soule to patience a fortitude b and longanimitie Psal 30. An other prayer of Dauid for deliuerie from euils The 8. key a Omitte not to comfort me b Suffer me not to be ouercome for God tempteth none to euil Iac 1. c The iust in zele of iustice pray that sinne may be punished d Ignorance doth not excuse when men may and wil not vnderstand e God saueth not without our cooperation with his grace f being comforted in spirite my bodie is as it were refreshed g freely and gladly h God protecteth and prospereth the kings good endeuoures for his people i As Psal 19. and often elswhere the subiectes pray for their Superior so mutually the superior prayeth for the subiectes The Church of Christ endowed with excellent mysteries The 6. key a 2. Reg. 6. v. 17. 1. Par. 16. v. 1. â—04 105. c Mysteries of the Catholique Church prophecied in this Psalme b Offer sacrifice of thankes for the singular benefites after recounted in this Psalme c Rammes were of the more principal thinges that were offered in the law of Moyses But the sonnes of rammes importe in mystical sense better hostes then rammes d The first thing in sacrifice is to glorifie honour and adore God in sinceritie of spirite e in his holie Catholique Chuâ—h f Here is a greater matter intimated then happened in the bringing of the Arke into a tabernacle prepared in Sion when Dauid danced and offered hostes for sacrifice others ioyning with
affliction not able to deliuer them selues seeke reuenge by murmuring and other euil speaches but the perfect resolue to rule their tongues d euen to forbeare sometimes from their owne iust defence e though therby they indure more persecution f sorow suppressed maketh the hart to burne with zele and indignation g If it may please thee let me know how long I shal liue desiring to dye as Elias desired 3. Reg. 19. h my life and al that I haue is as nothing compared to thy eternitie i as a shadow or image appearing in a glasse which is quickly forgotte k therfore there is no cause man should be trubled in mind for temporal miseries l Thou hast suffered me to be reproched by the foolish that prosper in this world m I know my tribulation is by thy prouidence o my life decayeth as a spider hauing spent al her moysture p Almen are strangers in this life heauen being our home q that I may recouer spiritual streingth in this life r after which I shal not be in state to do frceworkes of satisfaction nor merite Christs comming and redeming of manking The 5 key a perteyning vnto the new Testament b the faithful of the old and new Testament reioyce in the coming of Christ c Christ by him seâ—â—e and by others preached the Gospel of saluation d the multiplication of Christians therbâ— e â—â— sacrifice of the old testament sufficed â—o satisfie Gods iustice for the sinne of man f Christ by the eare of obedience performed the redemption of man by his death as was determined from eternitie S. Paul for eares â—aith bodie See Annotations Heb. 10. Heb. 10. g The summe of holie Scripture is of Christs Incarnation death for redemption of man h Againe Christ inculcateth the preaching and receiuing of his Gospel in the whole world i In the greatest and wisest congregations of this world Christ concealeth not his mercie and truth So himselfe professed before Annas Caiphas Pilate and their councels S. Paul preached Christ at Atheâ—s and in manie nations and so the other Apostles For their voice went into al the coastes of the earth k The prophet now speaketh in the name of Christs mystical bodie the Church praying to be made partaker of mercie and to be deliuered from euâ—les l the sinnes also of those which beleue in Christ are so manie that they can not be fully sene in particular m I almost faint in considering so manie and so great iniquities amongst those that professe Christ n The whole Church prayeth in the name of al for the infirme members o The prophet foresheweth that the reprobate for their obstinate malice seeking to hurt others shal be confounded p that skornfully say wel wel wishing al euil to good men q which not only in mouth and outward profession but also in sinceritie of hart seeke thee may with confidence reioyce and praise God r Christ speaketh in the name of sinners truly repenting whose sinnes he vndertaketh to redeme and wash away by his passion Å¿ The faithful of the old testament pray for Christs first coming into this world and the faithful now pray for his second coming to purge his Church and to reward the good Christs Passion and Resurrection The 5 key a Perteyning to the new testament as appeareth by the 10. verse alleaged by our Sauiour This Psalme is also applied by the Church in the office of the sick whom whosoeuer assisteth in that case may hope to haue assistance in their owne like necessitie Io. 13. v. 18. b He is happie that is not scandalized in Christ Luc. 7. v. 23. coming in pouertie and suffering extreme afflictions c He that trusteth in Christ notwithstanding the contrarie motiues of his wordlie miserie shal be deliuered by him in al distresse d Our Lord wil geue to such seruantes more grace in this life and glorie in the next e not suffer him to be ouercome in tentations f when such constant seruantes are sick to death Christ wil most especially comforte and helpe them g Christ in the behalf of his mystical bodie confesseth their sinnes and prayeth for them h After death suffered for mankind Christ riseth and his name and kingdom is glorious i Those that came not of good wil but of malice to obserue Christs deedes and wordes carped at both sometimes saying he taught against the law and against Moyses sometymes that he â—ast out diuels in the powre of Beelse bub k At last they resolued that he should die l But they could not so suppresse his powre for he rose againe in glorie m By our Sauiours application of this verse it is certaine that the traitor Iudas is here described Ioa. 13. v. 18. Io. 11. Act. 1. n in the day of iudgement Christ Iudge of al wil render to euerie one as they deserue o As before in respect of sinners Christ Iudge of al wil render to euerie one so here in his owne person he auoucheth his owne innocencie which made him apt to satisfie for others p For this mercie of Almightie God in sauing the elect by his Sonnes death he is to be praised for euer eternally q Al the blessed agree in this that God is eternally to be praised and therto say Amen So be it so be it Some diuide the Psalmes into fiue bookes supposing the first booke to end here with these wordes Be it be it not obseruing that the last Psalme hath not this ending S Ierom confuteth this opinion by our Sauiours and S. Peters naming it the booke not bookes of Psalmes Luc. 20. v. 42. Act. 1. Moreouer if this were the end of one booke then the Psalme folowing should not be called the 41. Psalme but the first Psalme of the second booke Eternal glory The 10. key a The sonnes of Core repented and departed from their fathers schisme and so escaped miraculosly the horrible pitte of damnation inâ—o which heir father and his complices fel. Num. 26. v. 10. By which example al seduced and deceiued Christians are admonished not to persist in schisme or other sinnes And wordlie men â—mbicious of honour be warned to desire seke God aboue al thinges first of al the kingdome of heauen â—o be liuing mâ—mbeâ—s of the Catholique Church and the iustice therof to seke thinges whâ—â—h are aboue 〈◊〉 which are vpon the earth lest hel deuoure them as it denoured the complices of Core Num 1â— v. 31. b A harte waxing old and burdened with much heare and great hornes draweth a serpent into his nosethrels so being infected with poyson desireth most ardently to drinke and afterwards casteth his hornes and heare and becometh as it were yong againe c with such feruent desire a true penitent feeling himselfe infected with poyson of sinnes seeketh the water of Gods grace d God is omnipotent and in dede the only true liuing God diuels who are honored in idols ca do no more then God permitteth and so they can
habites and inclinations to sinne So our Sauiour afterwards taught Ioan. 13. v. 10. He that is washed nedeth not sauing to wash his feere il affections and reliques of former sinnes but is cleane wholy f VVhiles I did not know not consider nor acknowledge my sinnes I could not be forgeuen but now I know and acknowledge them g and I cease not to consider of them with sorow h Principally for so this particle only here signifieth the enormities of my sinnes consist in that I haue offended thy Diuine Goodnes and Maiestie the King of the worldes immortal inuisible onlie God to whom is due al honour and glorie for euer and euer 1. Tim. 1. v. 17. i Thou which hast promised forgeuenes to al sinners that truly conuert shal herein be iustified by receiuing me againe to grace k and ouerthrow thy calumniators that iudge wickedly of thy proceedings as if either thy iustice or mercie were peruerted l I and al are burne in original sinne the reliques wherof concupiscence and weakenes incline vs to other sinneâ— which we haue added In regard of which our infirmitie thy mercie is readie to recal vs and help vs. m Besides thou hast also geuen me knowledge of true faith and right doctrine which thou euer louest and art accustomed to reduce and direct such into the true way of penance n yea thou hast moreouer shewed to me thinges vncertaine or vnknowen to manie others geuen me the gift and spirit of prophecie to know hidde mysteries and to euerie one God geueth some particular benefites which he loueth in him and is ready of his part to confirme and maintaine the same that they be not lost o Most merciful Lord thou wilt as I see in the spirit of prophecie sprinkle me and al men with thy bloud from the Crosse where they shal geue thee vinegre about hyssoppe to drinke Ioan. 19. p by which washing I shal be cleane from sinne and become in time pure yea whiter then snow A figure of this hyssope was obserued in Moyses Law Num. 19. signifying the liuelie heat of Christs infinite charitie q When myn affections shal be cleane purged I shal take singular great delight to heare of thee r and al my powres of mind and bodie which are now afflicted shal reioyce Å¿ Leaue of thy cogitation of punishing to which purpose first take away myn iniquities â—oâ— otherwise if they remaine Gods iustice can not but punish them t Create in me new grace wherby my hart shal be pure So S. Paul calleth a iust soul a new creature Galat. 6. v. 15. v v In my invvard thoughtes w suffer me not so to fal againe that thy grace depart from me x which I had before my fal of Christ promised of my seede and alter not the same for my â—â—nâ—es Dauid also and other penitents pray here that God wil restore vnto them the ioy which they had in the state of grace of eternal saluation promised y confirme conserue in â—e hereafter a strong constant and willing spirite to perseuere z No way can a penitent better shew him self gratful to God for remission of his sinnes theâ— by instructing exhorting and perswading other sinners to repentance to leaue their former il wayes and turne to God a From the guilt and punishment of murder causing Vrias and others with him to be slaine Other penitents pray to be deliuered from what sinnes soeuer they haue committed by sheding bloud or other â—â—â—â—gs and iniuries promising to praise Gods iustice in offering and geuing grace accordâ—â—◠〈…〉 promise to sinners that they may repent b Thou â— God first sâ—â—rring me vp opening my lippes which of my selfe I can not do then my tongue and 〈…〉 wil praise thee c If thou wouldest especially legal sacrifice I would easily haue offered great store d but the best of that kind is not sufficient e true contrition of hart pleaseth thee farre better f After a penitent hath remission of his owne sinnes he must pray for the whole Church g The Church prospering her faithful children shal offer h the sacrifice of iustice rendering to euerie one that is due i also free offeringes without obligation k yea holocaustes which is the chiefest â—caâ—â—es and like hostes vpon the altar according to the state of the old law but in the law of Christ the most B. Sacrifice by him instituted Temporal punishment is due after remission of sinnes Custome of sinne maketh more pronnes to fal againe CoÌ„cupiscence remaineth after original sinne Spiritual sacrifice prefeâ—red before external Dauids inuectiue against Doeg the 8. key a Of the race of Esau half a Ievv but either an Infidel or fautor of Infidels a spie for Saul a persecutor of Dauid a murderer of Innocents 2. Reg. 22. v. 9. 18. b High priest slaine with 84. more Priestes and others because they were supposed to fauour Dauid ibidem c Thou persecutor Doeg why art thou so malicious to abuse thy credite with king Saul to the murdering of innocents d playing the part of a spie in betraying to Saul that I was with Achimelech e Though he told a truth yet it was iniquitie to betray innocents f Thou shalt vtterly be destroyed g al thy race h for a short time in this world i Dauid prophecieth his owne exaltation and conseruation of his seede in the kingdom of Israel k Sing praise and â—aâ—kes to thee l thy Goodnes which agreeth to thy name The general Iudgement the 9. key a Weakenes or mourning b S. Augustin expoundeth this Psalme as an instruction to those that suffer persecution and iniuries especially nere the end of the world c God wil ouerthrow al the counsels and forces d of worldlie politiques e The true Church afflicted desireth Christs coming to deliuer the oppressed A praier in distresse the 7. key a Though historically this Psalme b was song by Dauid the author therof shewing how he prayd in dauger and rendered thankes for his deliuerie c when vpon notice geuen that he abode in the mountaines Saul straictly beseged him with a great armie but the Philistims inuading the countrie Saul was forced to leaue Dauid and to turne his forces against them 1. Reg. 23 yet iâ— perceyneth also literally to al iust men in distresse especially to the Church of Christ praying in like dangers and God by his like prouidence deliuering his seruantes in extremities d For the glorie of thy name e for the iustnes of my cause defend me f Barbarous highland men haue betraide the place of myne abode to the persecuters g But I feare them not because I am in Gods protection h A iust prayer that God wil turne intended mischief vpon the deuisers heades i according to his promise that he wil defend the innocent k Offering voluntarie sacrifice more then is commanded l and praise thee ô God m as I am bond n I reioyce in thy iust iudgements against the wicked Gods
Iewes See page 12. n Gods benefites bestowed vpon Dauid and vpon faithful Christians prefigured by him are for euer to be praised by al peoples and nations Gods prouidence in suffering euil the 3. key a This Psalme was made vpon the same occasion and to the same purpose as the former b to exhorte the iust and innocent to patience c by Dauids memorable example d Few are so wicked but they speake and pretend iust thinges e but neither thincke wel f nor do wel but both contrarie which feaned sanctitie is duble iniquitie g These wicked sinners that flatter and incite king Saul seme to haue spent al their life from their infancie in malice h Their furie is vnquiet til they may wound the innocent with their poisonful sting i neither wil they harken to good admonitions but stoppe their eares like an aspe that layeth one eare close to the ground and stoppeth the other with his taile k But God wil breake their cruel force l though it semeth most strong and in superable m Gods iust determination of punishing the wicked stil remaineth bent and readie though execution be some while differred n That force and powre which is now inuincible hard and strong like a lions strongest teeth shal then be as impotent and soft as waxe o Gods wrath like fire the most forcible element shal fil vpon them and they shal be cast into vtter darkenes depriued of the sunne and al comfortable light p Before their malice can bring to effect the great mischieffes which they plotte and purpose God suddainly cutteth them of before they fully vnderstand of either sicknes or death casteth them as it were aliue into hel q The iust reioyce in the punishment of the wicked for three causes first in zele of iustice conforming his wil and mind to Gods iudgement secondly for that himselfe through Gods mercie hath escaped that terrible damnation thirdly for that he is now deliuered from molestation and continual tribulation r The iust seing or by faith knowing what punishment remaineth for the wicked is therby assured that the good shal reape fruict for his wel doing and that in the meane time God ruleth and iudgeth on the earth though as yet it appeareth not so euidently An other prayer of Dauid in danger the 8. key a King Saul hauing thrise attempted in vaine to kil Dauid 1. Reg. 18 v 11. c. 19. v. 9. sene some of his guard to feâ—ch him from his owne house that he might be slaine but God moued the mind of Michol to admonish him of the danger and to helpe him away in saftie though Saul thought she would haue bene a scandal vnto him or cause of ruine by the handes of the Philistians 1. Reg. 18. v. 21. Vpon which occasion Dauid made this Psalme As he also made others for perpetual memorie of Gods like benefites in deliuering him in iminent dangers VVhen Saul sent three troupes of serieants to kil him and solowed them himselfe 1. Reg. 19. v. 20 likevvise vvhen he vvas knovven and bevvrayed before Achis king of Geth 1. Reg. 21. also in Ceila in the deserts of Ziph and of Maon c. 23 in Engaddi c. 24. in Hachila c. 26. and againe amongst the Philistians c. 27. and 30. b They haue so straictly beseged me that it is now in their haudes to take away my life c Of my part I haue committed no sault against myn enimies for which they can haue aâ—ie iust cause to persecute me d The prophet soreseing in spirite that the Catholique Church shal be vniustly persecuted prayeth and teacheth others to pray that God wil mercifully visite his faithful people of al nations e and not spare obstinate persecuters f Persecuters laboring how much or how long soeuer shal at night that is in the end of al their wicked endeuoures be vnsatisfied in their desires g as hungrie dogges that runne hunting al the day night also stil seeking not finding wherwith to fil their rauenous mouthes and deuouring bellies h They threaten and determine to vse al crueltie i as if there were no God that heareth and wil punish it k Through Gods grace the Church is stil strong and the vertuous do perseuere l God suffereth afflictions to fal vpon his seruants to kepe them exercised lest in prosperitie they forgete their duties to him m Depriue them of powre that they may not do so much euil as they desire n After that their iniquitie is complete o they shal be accused and punished for their blasphemies and lies p As. v. 7. q They shal in vaine seeke oyle for their lampes with the foolish virgins repent with Iudas and finding no helpe r shal continually blaspheme in hel Å¿ In the resurrection King Dauids thankes for victories the 8. key a The change of state from aduersitie to prosperitie in the people of Israel was a figure of the like change in the Church of Christ b worthie to be remembred c for the instruction d of Gods beloued e as the same are more largely recorded in the bookes of kinges f God suffereth his people to be afflicted as wel for their sinnes as for exercise in vertue g after sheweth his mercie in pardoning and fauour in aduancing them h by punishiÌ„g sinners i VVarning them to ameÌ„d k and then restoreth them to former good state l God also as he hath promised by his holie oracle m hath aduanced king Dauid in his temporal kingdom and doth much more aduance him and other elect in euerlasting life n As a vessel for meaner vses o Bring it vnder my dominion p As God doth sometimes punish q so he also rewardeth r strongly with fortitude A confident prayer for Christs Incarnation the 5. k. â—y a In songues of praise and thankes to God b From al coastes of the earth faithful people pray to God c the Church builded vpon an assured fundation is exalted to great powre and dignitie d God conducteth defendeth and deliuereth those that confidently trust in him e in the Church a place of assured protection f Christâ— kingdome the Church perpetual to the end of this world and eternal after the general Resurrection g Who is able to vnderstand or explicate how great Christs mercie is in redeming vs h and his truth in performing his promised rewardes i For so imestimable benefites I wil alwayes praise thee with Psalmes Canticles or other thankes in this life k and eternally in the life to come Exhortation to good life in respect of reward or punishment the 7. key a Directed to Idithun one of the masters of musike to sing it or to make tune for it b The wicked threating to ruinate others Dauid or anie iust man feareth them not because his soule is subiect to God c Therfore I firmely purpose neuer to be moued from God d In vaine do you myn aduersaries stil assault me e though ye be al confederate to kil me f
forced to promise libertie to the children of Israel vvhich he aftervvards denied e The read sea f when Iosue brought the people ouer Iordan g in remembring and reciting these singular benefites h Gods chosen people the Iewes did often exasperate God by their ingratitude murmuring and other sinnes whom the prophet therfore admonisheth i not to be proud lest they be subdued and brought lowe k By way of inuitation the Psalmist prophecieth the conuersion of Gentiles l The voice of the whole Church confessing Gods prouidence and protection that she neuer faileth for the Iewes falling from Christ the Gentiles beleued in him and some nations or countries falling from Religion others are conuerted m God suffereth his Church to be persecuted with al kindes of tribulation as some are here recited n But through Gods assistance his seruants passe through and ouercome al tentations o Sacrifice of thankes p and voluntarie vowes q that which anie promiseth to God in tribulation they must performe accordingly r Thâ—se were the best external sacrifices of the old law Å¿ But both then and now the internal sacrifices of contrite hart of iustice and of diuine praise best please God t from the hart which is vnder the tongue and directeth the tongue what to speake v VVhosoeuer wil be heard in prayer must repent of his sinnes Propagation of the Church the 6. key a This Psalme beginning to be songue by voices instruments were adioyned b God first remitte our sinnes c then geue vs thy manifold graces d grant faith and repentance e and so forgeuenes of sinnes f Al nations shal be conuerted g God the Fater h God the Sonne i God the Holie Ghost saue the peoples of al nations by Euangelical preaching of thee the most Blessed Trinitie The Church stil conserued The 6. key a In maner of praying that God wil vouchsafe to defend the Church the Psalmist prophecieth that God wil arise b and the enimies shal flee away not daring to abide the combate c As God is terrible to the wicked so he is comfortable to the iust d Resist not Gods inspiration but receiue it with ioy and thankes e who triumpheth ouer death f God is Lord not only of these or those nations countries or other creatures but absolutly and vniuersally of al. g That is the true holie Church which hath h vnitie in doctrin touching faith and maâ—ers i That be bond in sinne S. Cypr. ep 76. k euen rebellious willes are altered by Gods mercie and freely embrace his law l also the dead and drie hartes that cared not for spiritual thinges are softened and quickned with new grace m The benefites bestowed on the Israelites are written in the bookes of Moyses Iosue and Iudges n Not mans deseruing but Gods mere good wil and free grace caused Christ to come and by himselfe and his Apostles to preach the Euangelical doctrin which watereth the whole world o God chose the weake but made them strong p Those whom thou hast chosen and so made thyn owne peculiar people shal enioy this grace q Thou gauest Manna in the desert the B Sacrament in the new testament r God geueth to the preacher what to speake Å¿ and to some he geueth also powre to worke miracles in confirmation of their doctrin Mar. 16. t Some potent king or as it is in the Hebrew kinges being beloued of the beloued of God the only Sonne of God shal yeld themselues to the same beloued Sonne of God v which shal redound to the glorie and beautie of his Church gayning such spiritual prayes from the diuel w If you be in such danger that the aduersaries cast dice oâ— lottes for your persons and goodes yet you shal be deliuered as if a doue with her glistering fethers like siluer and gold flie away into a secure place without losse or diminution but rather with increase of vertues x VVhen the heauenlie king determineth thus of earthlie kinges y they shal be purged from their sinnes and made white like snow that falleth in mount Selmon which is a shadowed hil thicke with trees in mount Ephraim nere to Iordan z The Church of God is visible and durable like to a mountane a Combined or ioyned together as when milke is turned into curde and so into cheese b fructful enriched by spiritual giftes of the Holie Ghost c ye that are not of this Church do in vaine and erroniously imagine that anie other mountaines are vnited d Innumerable Angels ministers of Gods wil do continually attend vpon his Diuine Maiestie as if he who otherwise nedeth no seruice were caried by them as in a chariotte of infinite magnificence Dan 7. e So God appeared in Maiestie when he gaue his law in mount Sinai f Christ ascended with innumerable Angels attending vpon him g caried with him the fathers of the old testament that had benne captiue Ephes 4. h as man he receiued giftes of God in and for men his faithful seruantes i yea also he receiued for his merite that innumerable which before were incredulous were conuerted and God dwelt in their soules k Our Lord I say our Lord and none but he could ouercome death by dying l Though Christ died to deliuer al men from death yet he wil geue capital sentence of eternal death to al that obstinatly remaine his enimies and multiplie sinnes vpon sinnes to the end of their temporal life m Euen of the iudest barbarous nations manie shal be conuerted to Christiantie n namely Gods grace is extended into the Ilandes of the Ocean and other seas o But such seuere slaughter shal fal vpon the obstinate contemners of this grace that mens feete shal be defiled in their bloud and dogges shal lappe it Exiâ—iâ—â—â—â— ab â—â—â— p Manie haue sene or knowen in general but the faithful more exactly know how Christ came into this world his conuersation therin and his going forth q his reigning now in heauen our Mediatour by whom al other intercessors haue accesse to God r The Apostles sowing the first seede of Euangelical doctrin Å¿ with whom other Apostolical men t and other soules of al nations conuerted by their preaching most ioyfully sing together in hart voice and instruments especially in good workes shew their gratful affections to our Redeemer v And al this in the particular Churches of diuers Kingdomes and partes of the world vv beginning with the Israelites in Ierusalem and so proceding into al furie and Samaria and to the vt most of the earth Act. 1. x S. Paul of Iacobs yongest sonne Beniamin last called to Apostleship was chiefly sent to the Gentiles y Other Apostles of diuers tribes sent first to the Iewes secondarily to Gentiles z As the Church begane by the omnipotent powre of God so by the same only powre it is conserued a Chastice therfore ô God al persecuters of thy Church who are but as weake wauering reedes in comparison of thy powre
powre amongst the dead h Myn enimies haue endeuored not only to beleue me of temporal life wherby I should goe into limbus but also to kil my soule spiritually wherby I should descend into the lower hel of the damned i Thy iust wrath also ô God hath excedingly afflicted me k O God deliuer me whiles I am yet liuing for I may not looke for extraordinarie and miraculous helpe as to be raised againe after death l When I shal be dead buried I can not denounce thy praises as now I can to mortal men m Much lesse shal the damned praise thee in eternal perdition n As wel young o as waxing elder I haue bene stil afflicted p My miserable estate hath alienated al freindes neighboures acquantances from me The Church of Christ neuer faileth the 6. key a Otherwise called Idithun 1. Paral. 25. or rather Ethan who was very wise mentioned with others to whom Salomon is preferred for wisdom 3. Reg. 4. v. 31 and signifieth strong applied here to those that are strong in assured hope of Christs promises notwithstanding it semeth sometimes to the weake that his promises are not performed b In al generations c The heauens shal rather fal then Gods truth faâ—le Mystically in the Apostles and by their preaching the Church of Christ is built for euer d Dauids seede conserued til Christ was borne of his virgin mother and in his spiritual seede his kingdom the Church is for euer conserued Otherwise not verified of Dauids temporal kingdom which decayed in the captiuitie of Babylon and is now wholly destroyed e The Angels f The prophet aludeth to the plagues and miracles in Aegypt and in other enimies g Conuersion of Gentiles h VVhether God punish as with the left hand i or bestow benefites as with the right hand al is to his glorie and according to mercie and truth k They are spiritually happie that do thus consider of Gods meruelous procedings praise the same and reioyce therin l powre and kingdom :: Thus God promised to establish the kingdom of the Iewes in Dauid and his familie 1 Reg. 16. 2. Reg. 5. and other places which was performed aâ— in a figure but more fully in Christ Act. 13. v. 22. * I vvil not lie m Christian iust soules as the sunne n and as the perfect or full moone See the first Tome page 716. S. Augustin also expoundeth this verse in the Anagogical sense of the iust after the Resurrection in glorie where the soule shal be like the sunne and the bodie which now is mutable shal be like the moone not as now alwayes changing but as the ful moone alwayes perfect :: God hauing promised al the aforsaide the prophet in the person of the weake lamenteth that the contrarie shal happen as wel in the temporal kingdom oppressed by the Assirians Babylonians Persians Grecians and Romanes as in the Church impugned by innumerable sortes of Heretikes and other Infidels o Amongst manie pensiue thinges this one word doth comforte vs thy promise remaineth thou hast not denied to send Christ but differred him p From the use of Sacrifice and Sacraments wherby sinners were wount to be cleansed :: The Psalmist prayeth and prophecieth that God wil respect the weaknes of man maintaine his Church in mante natioÌ„s saue manie soules q As though Christivere changed and turned from vs. r So we wish and pray that al may blesse and praise thee Amen Though Christians do sinne yet Christ loseth not his Church Hard places explicated by the cleare Gods Promises to Dauid were not fulfilled in Salomon but in Christ Defectes in the lewes supplied in the Gentiles Man rightly created fel by sinne into miseries the 2. key a Some Expositors thincke Moyses was the author of this Psalme and of the tenne next folowing But others hold that Dauid vvas author of al and that Moyses his name is here put in the title by Esdras because this Psalme is like to the prayer of Moyses vvhen the people prouoked Gods vvrath by their sinnes in the desert And because mans creation fal punishmeÌ„t and Gods mercie to vvards him are here described which Moyles first vvritte as going before the vvritten lavv And that Moyses made not this Pialme is probably gethered by the 10. verse where the ordinarie age of men is described to be in streingth and vigore senentie yeares or of some fourscore and the greater part of the one or the other is in labour and sorovv And it is euident Deut. 34. that Moyses liued in al an hundred and tvventie yeares and his eye was not dimme neither vvere his reeth moued So Aaron Iosue and others commonly liued longer then is here mentioned But Dauid vvas old and impotent at seuentie yeares 3. Reg. 1. S. Hâ—larion liuing neere seuentie yeares in his heremitage S Remigius gouerning the Church of Rhemes seuentie yeares and the like are accounted to haue bene ful of dayes and such as liued longer are reputed extraord narie Agane it is more euidenly proued that Moyses vvas not author of the 94. and 95. Psalmes b Alwayes from the beginning of the world to the end c The Prophet sheweth that the world was created in and with time not eternal d And that only God is eternal e God hath often saide that he vvould not the death of sinners but rather that they be connerted and liue for euer f Though some liued long none for al that did reach to a thousand yeares yet it is nothing before God and in respect of eternitie g The youth of man quickly passeth h old age can not last long vvherof cometh our English prouerb A young man may dye sovvne an old man can not liue long i Sinne the cause of shortnes of mans life * Seculum k Mans life as brickle as a spiders vveb or mans life vvasteth continually as a spider vvasteth her self by spinning and consuming her ovvne substance l These numbers literarly shew the shortnes of the longer sorte of mens liues Mystically seuen signifie the rest after laboures of this vvorld and perteyn to the old testament eight signifie the revvard in the resurrection perteyning to the nevv testament VVhich multiplied by tenne a perfect number make seuentie and eightie VVhich ioyned together make an hundred and fiftie The number of al these Psalmes m These numbers literarly shew the shortnes of the longer sorte of mens liues Mystically seuen signifie the rest after laboures of this vvorld and perteyn to the old testament eight signifie the revvard in the resurrection perteyning to the nevv testament VVhich multiplied by tenne a perfect number make seuentie and eightie VVhich ioyned together make an hundred and fiftie The number of al these Psalmes n It is of Gods milde prouidence that mans life is short for that manie if they vvere sure or had probabilitie to liue long vvould presume to sinne more o Seing God of his iustice punished al mankind for one sinne of our first
parente his vvrath must nedes be very great to euerie sinner for his ovvne proper sinnes p The hope of glorious resurrection turneth our calamities into spiritual ioy q Yea the more we suffer in this life for the truth the greater is our comforth in hope of reward r Not only in that we are thy creatures but also in that we are thy seruants we are thy proper worke therfore in both these respectes ô God looke vpon vs with clemencie ſ lead also our posteritie into the right way and make them thy seruantes t O God illuminate our vnderstanding v make our actions by thy grace profitable to vs. vv and make perfect in vs the worke of charitie In which one worke al good workes are included and to which al other are directed For then workes are right sayth S. Angustin when they are directed to this one end Gods prouidence the 3. key a Praise of Gods prouidence with thankes b Which Dauid songue with voice c He that firmely relieth and resteth vpon Gods prouidence is assuredly protected by him d Al secret and sutle machinations e and from al crueltie of tyrants f Terrors obscurly suggested by euil men or spirites with erronions conceipte that men are not bond in time of temporal dangers to confesse the truth g Open persecution threatning present death except men denie the truth which they know h circumuention of craftie enimies by sutle arguing and drawing men into error and so to decline from Catholique Religion i long torments euen to death except Gods seruants wil relent and denie the truth which they assuredly beleue and know in their conscience that they are bond to professe it k On thy left side in aduersitie manie fal from God l on thy right side in prosperitie manie more forgete and forsake God m In sincerely sayng thou art my hope thou makest God thy refuge n Angels haue protection of men by Gods ordinance o The diuel corruptly alleageth this scripture Mat. 4 omitting the latter part of this verse which sheweth when Angels protect iust men towitte when they walke in a right path obseruing ordinarie course in their actions not in geuing themselues headlong into needles danger as the same diuel proposed to our Sauiour to cast himself downe from the pinnacle of the temple Such falling is not the way of the iust but of Lucifer that fel from heauen So S. Bernard noteth Ser. 15. in hunc Psal p God speaketh the rest that foloweth in this Psalme q In eternal saluation Foure sortes of persecution for the Catholique faith 1. 2. 3 4 God leaueth none but those that first leaue him The vvorkes of God admirable the 2. key a Voices beginning instrumentes prosecute this song b when we rest from worke then especially vve ought to thincke vpon Gods vvorkes praise and thanke him for the same c To geue thankes d In prosperitie e in aduersitie f On euerie instrument of tenne stringes signifying the obseruation of the tenne commandments g namely on the Psalter h also on the harpe which signifieth mortification i Carnal and sensual man k he that thinketh only of present thinges not of future l The iust in confidence of a good conscience expect exaltation of their powre m and great consolation in the end of their life n Then shal the iust see their enimies depressed and themselues florish like the palme and ceder trees as folovveth o Militant Church p triumphant q Publikly professe Gods praeises as in the wordes folowing Perpetuitie of the Church the 6. key a Praise to be songue vvith voice b composed by Dauid c the sixth day of the weeke vvhich is our friday d in vvhich day the Church of Christ vvas founded by his bloud shed on the crosse f gloriously escending in soule into limbus and in bodie to his graue g he then put on al armour of strength strength to reforme the world and to inlarge his kingdom according to his owne prediction where he saide If I be exalted from the earth I wil draw al thinges vnto myselfe Ioan. 12. v. 31. Our Sauiour founding his Church by his death begane then to reigne therin h Not only in Iurie and Samaria but the whole earth i and the same Church shal not be destroyed k Christ being eternal hath an euerlasting Church l Al sortes of persecuters the High priestes who sometimes vvatered the spiritual land like riuers vvith Scribes Pharises and other incredulous Ievves also Paganes Turkes and Heretikes haue oppugned the Church m With more force then anie persecutions in the old Testament n but though al these assaultes be great and meruelous yet Christ in protecting his Church is more meruelous o Articles of faith are not euidently apparent to knovvlege but euident to credibilitie to those that are disposed by Gods grace illuminating their vnderstanding and mouing their free vvil to geue consent of beleefe if they vvil p It behoueth therfore al members of the Church to conuerse piously and religiously in this life seing she hath so excellent a spouse protector and instructor q euen to the end of the vvorld Eternal saluation and damnation the 10. key a The Hebrevv letter Lamed vvhich ordinarily is prefixed to the datiue case or signifieth to being set before proper names is a signe of the genetiue case Yet the Septuagint expresse it by the datiue and so doth the latin ipsi Dauid and consequently our English hath to Dauid himselfe to shevv a difference betvven sacred and profane vvriters For in humane bookes the vvriter and auctor is al one but in diuine the Holie Ghost is the proper auctor and a man is the vvriter To signifie therfore the principal auctor Dauid is sometimes named as the instrumental cause to vvhom the Holie Ghost inspired this and other Psalmes and by vvhom they vvere vvritten And vvhen the titles expresse othervvise A Psalme of Dauid yet it is so to be vnderstood that the Holie Ghost is alvvayes the principal auctor and Dauid the instrumental ministerial or secondarie auctor But vvhen other names are expressed either in the genetiue or datiue case or hovvsoeuer it proueth not that those men vvere the vvriters of the same Psalmes but importeth some other thing as by S. Augustins iudgement vve noted in the proemial Annotations page 3. 4. vvherby is proued that this Psalme vvas not written nor composed by Moyses as Hebrevv Rabbins suppose but by the Royal Psalmist Dauid b Made and ordinarily songue in the sourth day of the vveke our vvenesday in vvhich day Iudas the traitor sold our Sauiour Christ to his enimies The reuenge of vvhich vvickednes and of al other sinnes is here prophecied c God more commonly called the God of mercie vvhich vertue in him is aboue al his vvorkes Psal 144 is also the God of reuenges according to his iustice d He procedeth in iudgement resolutly not depending nor fearing not respecting anie person povvre
vvombe of the Catholique Church l Moreouer as a strong archer striketh deepe with his arrovves so they that patiently suffer much in this vvorld m do multiplie good vvorkes n Such shal be very happie o very easily ansvver al that can be obiected against them p in the day of Iudgement Feare of God the vvay to happines the 7. key a If such seruants of God be maried they shal ordinarily haue issue and succession in their fa 〈…〉 but especially the soules of such shal bring forth manie meritorious vvorkes b in the bâ—â—ome of the Catholique Church vvhich vvas founded in Christs side c Children also signifie good workes d Revvard in heauen for good vvorkes in earth The Church stil firme in persecution the 6. key a Israel vvhich is the Church of God reioycing saith that enimies haue often b euen from the beginning of the world persecuted me as when Cain persecuted Abel other wicked persecuted Seth Enoch Noe the Chalders persecuted Abraham the Aegyptians persecuted the Israelites and so in other generations c But they haue neuer ouercome me So the Psalmist testifieth for al times past prophecieth the same for times to come d Persecuters not being able to ouerthrow or suppresse the Church haue laide great weightie burdens of tribulations vpon her backe which she hath patiently and strongly borne e they haue stil persisted one sorte after an other but with long animitie the Church hath stood fast and constantly passed through al distresses In moral sense sinners build iniquitie vpon the back of the Church yea and vpon Gods back when they presume to sinne trusting in the end to be absolued by vertue of holie Sacraments leift in the Church Likewise when they excuse their sinnes imputing the cause to other creatures of God vvherby they are allured vvhich is in effect saith S. Augustin to accuse God and to build iniquities on Gods back vvho made those creatures f God therfore who is iust vvil at last cast such presumptuous sinners from his back and breake their stiffe neckes g then shal they be confounded h separated eternally from God become like fruitles and vvithered grasse cast avvay despised yea cursed of al and blessed by none as the Prophet denounceth in the next verses The sixth penitential Psalme the 7. key a This prayer agreeth to al true penitents crying to God for helpe being â—â— her in depth of sorovv for sinne and so it is one of the Penitential Psalmes or the depth of feruent desire to ascend tovvards perfection in vertue and from this vaile of miserie into heauen and so it is a Gradual Psalme or in the depth of temporal paines and so it is a special prayer for soules in Purgatorie offered by the Church in their behalfe b None is able to abide the rigour of Gods iustice c But al must relie vpon his mercie d For thy promises made in the law that thou wilt remitte sinnes to the penitent geue more grace to them that seeke it and mitigate also the paines due for sinnes e The hope of penitents is like to the watches of the day time from morning vntil night vvhich are more comfortable then vvatches of the night f The greatest comforth is in Christ our Redemer vvhose plentiful Redemption bringeth more abundance of grace g Christs Redemption being sufficient for al the vvorld is effectual only to true liuing members of the Catholique Church Confidence of innocencie the 7. key a Dauid by Gods special grace hauing a sincere minde tovvards al men euen tovvards his enimies and an humble hart not desiring anie thing ambiciously but al to the honour of God proposeth his ovvne example for others to imitate that they may vvith him offer the sacrifice of humilitie and innocencie vnto God from vvhom al good thinges procede b Al this vvith a thankful mind to God vvho gaue this grace c As children after they are vveaned come stil vvillingly to their mother so doth the childe of God relie vpon Gods helpe though he alvvayes feele not the same svvetnes d according to his demaneur herein he expecteth revvard e King Dauid or anie other being for his vertue aduanced and revvarded by God is a good example to moue others to do the like so shal they receiue like revvard Christs coming to restore man the 5. key a It is an vsual thing that Dauid Moyses other Prophetes speake of themselues in the third person b King Dauid desiring and so farre as lay in him promising to build a Temple to God vvith great instance prayed that he might persorme the same But God disposing othervvise that not he but his sonne should build it he neuertheles prepared the matter vvorkemen and money shevved the forme and disposed the Leuites hovv to serue therin c Moreouer by vovv depriued himself of entering into his ovvne house or taking his ordinarie rest til he might if it so pleased God knovv the place vvhere it should be built d It vvas reueled to Dauid that the Temple should be built in that part of Ierusalem vvhich looketh tovvards Bethleem othervvise called Ephrata vvhere our Sauiour vvas borne e VVithin Ierusalem vvhich is compassed vvith vvoodes In this vision also the vvhole forme of the Temple vvas reueled vnto him as he testifieth 1. Par. 28. v. 19. Al thinges quoth he came vvritten vvith the hand of our Lord vnto me that I might vnderstand al the vvorkes of the paterne f Holie Dauid moued vvith exceding deuotion repared to the place vvhere Gods Temple should be built g adored God vvhere the Propitiatorie as a footstoole representing Gods presence should stand VVhat meruel then if deuotion moue Christians to visite the holie places vvhere our Sauiour God and Man vvas Incarnare vvas borne suffered death vvas buried ascended into heauen or anie other place vvhere his feete stood h O God leauing Silo Gabaon and the like places come into thy holie Temple i VVith the Arke of couenant vvhere thou sanctifiest thy people And here againe the Prophet illuminated vvith a higher Mysterie and inflamed vvith more deuotion prayeth for Christes coming into the vvorld and that after his Passion he vvil rise not only in glorie of soule but also of bodie prefigured by the Arke of testimonie vvhich vvas in the tabernacle and after in the Temple k Grant therfore that thy Priestes vvhich must offer sacrifice in this sacred place be indued vvith vertues and good life vvorthie of their degree l and the Leuites vvho are ordained to serue there be likevvise made fitte for their diuers functions both in the old and nevv Testament m And seing thou hast geuen such meeknes deuotion zele sinceritie and other vertues making him a man according to thyne ovvne hart and therupon promised to establish his sede n differ not to send thy promised Messias Christ our Redemer o Henceforth to the end of this Psalme the Prophet relateth Gods reuelation to him That he hath truly
of the diuel :: Al occasions of sinne especially probable are to be shunned :: Theift is also mortal sinne against the seuenth coÌ„mandment but not so great as adâ—lterie :: Because tentations stil occurre in this life and man is fraile good exhortations and earnest admonitions must also be continually inculcated as here the vvisman often repeteth and much vrgeth the same good and necessarie aduises to embrace vvisdom and to vvalke stil in the vvay of vertue especially to flee from vices and dangers of sinne :: Sinners after consent geuen to tentations are as inconsiderate of their ovvne state of their perile and ruine as an oxe vvhen he is ledde to the shamles or a â—â—rd allured vvith a baâ—e that â—â—â—eth into the snare or nâ—â—te :: True vvisdom directing to good life so to eternal saluation is only found in the visible Church standing vpon a mountaine not hidde in corners or obscure places :: These singular praises perteine to the increated wisdom God himself from whom procedeth wisdom geuen to men by the Holie Ghost See Annot. ch 1. v. 2. :: God much preferreth man before al other corporal creatures :: S. Cyprian li. 2. ep 3. citeth this whole passage of Christs Sacrifice in the formes of bread and vvine :: VVhere is no hope of amendment prudence directeth vs not to admonish nor rebuke sinners leâ—t without anâ—e 〈◊〉 â—e procure emnitie charitie also requireth rather to expect better opportunitie lest the offender become worse by our admonition :: But when there is hope of good euerie one is bond especially superiors to correct offenders S. Aug. li. 1. c. 9. de ciuit S. Basil regulis fuse disput 158. God built his Church with spiritual Pastors Rites of Religion in the old Testament Prou. 8. v. 3â— Psal 74. Galat. 2. The same are more excellent in the Church of Christ 1. Cor. 1. The second part Sentencious moral precepts How these Parables folowing differ from the former VVhy the contents of the twentie chapters folowing are put in the margent VVisdom in general Iustice Confidence in God Industrie Truth Diligence Equitie Good fame Desire to lerne Sinceritie Vnfained freindshipe VVhol some talke Charitie Prudent speach Discretion inspeaking Iust gaine Iust intention Loue to be corrected Internal and external charitie Moderate speâ—â—h Sinceritie of hart Loue of doctrin Spiritual riches Sorow for sinne Remorfe of conscience Iustice in general Diligence Feare of God Pietie Obseruation of Gods lavv fulfulling al iustice Speaking and Meditating good thinges Equitie Humilitie Sinceritie Spiritual riches Pietie Iustice Care of the other life Future ioy Truth in wordes Common good Publique ioy True freindshipe Fidelitie Good gouernment Prudence in suretishipe Diligence Mercie Iustice Clemencie Sinceritie Iust dealing Internal vertue Expectation of glorie Almes dedes Beneuolence Care of the poore Good desires Trust in Gods goodnes Frugalitie Spiritual instruction Straict way of saluation Loue of discipline Progresse in vertue Pietie Diligent industrie Desire of iustice Sinceritie in vvordes Iustice Sound doctrine Contentment of minde Compassion Diligent trauel Temperance * defence Iust punishment of the wicked Guard of the tongue Godlie instructions and good dedes Yelding to good counsel Toleration of iniuries True testimonie Aduised promising Considerate testimonie Pacification Iustice in general Fidelitie Prudent silence Resistance of tentation Alacritie in good workes Freindshipe Honest industrie * a 〈…〉 man Good life â—â—â—al feare Sound doctâ—e Discretion in speach Constant endeuour Truth in wordes and dedes Iustice True acknowlegement of tempâ— al state Mediocritie of riches Sincere conscience Humilitie Iust gaine Speedie performance of promise Good reporte Plaine dealing Good instruction True doctrine Prudence Faithful message Desire to lerne Hate of sinne Conuersation with the good Iustice Succession Frugalitie Chatisment Contentment of state Frugal industrie Feare of God Gnard of the tongue Diligent labores Truth in al speach Seke wisdom modestly Feloshipe with the wise Knowlege of ourselues Detestation of sâ—ane Internal comforth Contempt of thir world The Catholique faith Spiritual ioy Reward of workes Beleue not al reportes Mature consideration Patience Desire of solide knowlege 1. Cor. 14. v. 20. Pietie shal be â—evvarded Compassion of the poore Almes dedes Mercie and 〈◊〉 Good dedes with few wordes Right vse of riches * Versipâ—â—â— a 〈◊〉 â—â—turnetrait Tiue testimonie as v. 5. Feare to offend God preuen 〈…〉 Procu 〈…〉 and fid 〈…〉 in subiectes Patience Sincere intention Compassion Confidence in iustice Instruction of the ignorant Publique iustice Industrie in euerie man VVithout true faith none can be saued Sincere intention excuieth some errors S. Greg. li. 5. c. 34. Moral Meeknes Discretion Gods omniscience Caulmnes of speach Loue to be corrected Desire to fulfil al iustice Diligence in teaching others Puritie of hart Lerne of good men Al secretes knowen to God Harken to good admonitions A cherful hart is deâ—â—â—ous to â—erne A quiet mind Contentment wâ—â—h sufficiencie Patience Diligence Hâ—â—our of parents Dâ—â—â—râ—â—â—on Desire to liue wel Counsel in season :: To him that is wel trained in good workes heauen gates are open Honest thoughts and wordes A liberal mind Mercie and iustice Obedience God assisteth the iust VVordes of edification Loue of discipline and Admonition Humilitie Gods grace necessarie in euerie good action Mans iudgement is not secure Commend thyne affayres to God Gods prouidence Punishment of sinne Equitie * vâ—puâ—ished Mercie Deuotion Iust gaine Necessitie of Gods grace :: God assisteth superiors in gouerning their subiectes Iust balance do please God good kinges Righteousnes Feare and reuerence of authoritie Loue of wisdom Iustice in general Humilitie Meknes Hope in God Mildnes Teaching others Sincere hart Sweetnes in conuersation True faith Religion 〈…〉 12. Proper industrie Charitie Common good True freindshipe Sincere thoughts Holie oldage Patience Gods prouidence A general rule that one place of holie Scripture is not contrarie to an other li 2. c. 8. cont dâ—as Epistolas Palag Ioan. 15. 2. Cor. 3. Gods grace is necessarie both to begine and to prosecute anie good worke Peace VVisdom in general Purification Feloshipe with the good Commiseration Succession Grauitie in speach Desire of eternal life Remitting offences Discrete correction Concord Gentienes Gratitude Conseruation of peace Iust censure Spiritual riches Humilitie Constancie Carefulnes in promising Concord Sinceritie Education of youth Alacritie of hart Iust iudgement Contempt of the world â—â—lial obedience Obedience to Magistrates Discretion in speaking Moderate silence Constantamitie Harken to good counsel Speedie repentance * a vviseman VVise discourse Equitie Studie of peace Guard of the tongue Auoid secrete bate makers Fortitude Constant labour Confidence in God Spiritual riches Humilitie Consideration in answering Quietnes of spirite Desire to lerne Almes dedes Acknowleging of faultes Vse of lote to make agreement â—â—â—ternal concord Godhe instructions Right vse of the tongue A wiues vertue is her best dowrie Meeknes Amitie with 〈…〉 Honest pouertie Knowlege of ourselues Man 's owne wil the cause of euil Spiritual riches
secure True testimonie Liberalitie Industrious trauel Solide doctrine True testimonie VVise fitte magistrates Pa 〈…〉 ce â—â— teachers â—oyâ—ltie to kinges and Prâ—nâ—es Don estical peace A good wife is Gods gift Diligence Obedience Almes dedes Moderate chastâ—â—meâ—t Patience Folow good counsel Trust in God Good wil to helpe the poore Feare of God Diligent trauel Iust correction Honour of parents Desire to lerne True testimonie Feare of eternal punishment Sobrietie Obedience to Princes Concord Industrie Profound counsel Fidelitie Sinceritie Execution of Iustice Neceâ—sitie of grace â—â—quitie Good toward â—â—â—es Right vse of senses Diligent trauel Prudence Knowlege is 〈…〉 ewel Secu 〈…〉 in â—â—eâ—â—snipe Truth Counsel in warre Consult with the faithful Honour of parents Law ful gaine Meeknes Equitie Trust in Gods prouidence Performance of vowes Publique iustice Puritie of minde Three kinglie vertues Prudence with fortitude Punishment of sinnes Gods prouidence ch 14. v. 12. 16 v. 2. Mercie and iudgement Humilitie Fortitude Truth Equitie Right in hart Domestical peace Commiseration Chastisment of sinne Charitie Almes dedes Almes in secrete Iust punishment Obseruation of orders Temperance paâ—cimonie Pietie Domestical peace Frugalitie Iustice and mercie Fortitude Guard of the tongue Modestie Diligent trauel Liberalitie Sinceritie in religion True testimonie and found doctrine Amendment of faultes Conformitie to Gods wil. Gods grace necessarie Honest fame Contentment with out state Prudence Pouertie of spirite Care of the soules health Good custome in vertues Diligent trauel Equitie Almes dedes Better to geue then to take Expel the incorrigible Cleanes of hart The godlie prosper Fortitude Care of chastitie Chatisment Compassion :: Rules of wisdom are necessarie profitable and vpon practise found pleasant rightly directing al our thougtes wordes and dedes Care of the poore because they are deare to God Flee from euil companie which may corrupt thee Auoide suretishipe leâ—t thou fal into distresse Kepe ancient traditions Diligent trauel Modestie and discretion at the table of great persons Mediocritie of riches and contentment with meane state Eate not with a niggard lest he be secretly greued ouâ—wardly dissembling and thyself repent it Aduise not the vncapable Hurt not orphanes for they are deare to God Diligent studie of wisdom Moderate chatisment profiteth youth Vertues of children are ioyful to the parentes Contentment with Gods wil. Hope of reward Lerne and practise vvisdom Sobrietie and Temperance Honour of parents VVisdom most precious See v. 15. and 16. Bodelie and spiritual puritie So brietie alvvayes necessarie Detest drunkennes Drunkennes is deceiptful dangerous beastlie hurtful to others senselesse and vnsatiable Flee euil companie lest thou be alured to vice VVisdom and vertues not wickednes do prosper temporally and spiritually Counsel in warres and other great affayres Good purposes Report wel of others Fortitude VVorkes of mercie according to our ha biliue VVisdom is swete and geueth hope Toleration of others imperfections * Oftentimes S. Aug. li. 11. c. 31. ciust VVith out which none liueth Charitie towards enemies Haue peace with al so much as may be Loialâ—ie to God king Equitie in iudgement condemning the guiltie deliuering the innocent is very gratful to al. Order in al affaires Discretion in bearing witnes Reuenge not Diligent labour and vigilance to prouide necessaâ—ies and to auoide beggerie A iust man falling into venial sinnes is not therby vniust nor Gods enimie Al sinnes are not mortal The 2. part More Parables of Salomon gathered by others Gods workes are not al reueled Kinges haue some secretes Publique iustice and punishment of sinne Modestie and Humilitie Care of others fame Compose controuersies secretly rather then contend in publique court Speake in due time Prudent admonition Diligence in publique affaires Performance of promised industrie Meeknes * 〈…〉 â—eare Temperance Modestie True testimonie Trust not a dissembler * A consuming 〈◊〉 hard earth Striue not with the incorrigible Alacritie Charitie towards enimies Rom. 12. Heare not detraction Domestical peace Ioy of wel doing Profession of truth Humilitie in knowlege Gouernment of the tongue Aduance not the vicious Patience in false sclander Chastisment Answer a foole wisely detecting his follie Place fitte men in office VVise men in authoritie Vertuous in honour and Lerned to teach Make fooles to kepe silence Returne not to sormer sinnes Humble opinion of thy self Fortitude Profitable laboures At least some good worke Loue not idlenes 2. Pet. 2. Intermedle not in brawles Vnfained friendshipe especially in familiar acquantance Punish batemakers Pacific the wrathful Heare not whisperers of euil reportes Flee from hypocrites VVhose flaterie and soft speach are suspicious they wil fal at last into their owne trappes truth preuailing Trust not to future vncertainties Praise not thyself Beware of a fooles wrath for it hath no mercie Loue freindlie seueritie not enemies flaterie Temperance in meate Iust care of thy familie Esteme freindlie counsel Old friendes are better surer then a kinsman Be wise euen for thy fathers sake Foresee and preuent dangers Trust not enimies Suspect extraordinarie curtesie Tolerate incorrigible brawlers with patience lest they become worse by thy striuing to amend them Conserue that is good Conscience is best witnes Contentment with our state Humilitie desireth not praise Right of hart Strine not to teach a foole Discharge thy dutie VVhiles thou art in this life Be content with thinges necessarie and they shal be geuen to thee Mat 6. v. 33. Innocencie is without feare General pietie of the people procureth Gods fauour Neighbourlie compassion Zele of iustice Remember the day of iudgement Honestie and pouertie No want nor waste Just gaine in traffike Obedience to magistrates Geue counsel sincerely Humilitie in authoritie Place the godlie in office Acknowlege thy faultes Feare to offend Clemencie in princes and prudent liberalitie Reuenge bloudshed Harmles life Diligent labour Iust dealing Iust iudgement Moderate gaine Freindlie correption To robbe parents is a greuous crime â—â—alt not thyself Trust not thyne owne iudgement Almes dedes Godlie magistrates Loue to â—â—e corrrected Choose godlie magistrates Loue wisdom Iust and liberal magistrates Sincere amitie Iust joy of the wickeds fal Compassion of the poore Care of common good Contend not with a foole Defend the iust Discretion in iust anger Derestation of lying Contentment in state of life Equitie in iudgement Chastisment of youth God neuer permitteth al to be euil Instruct children Pray to haue good Pastors Compel the froward to obey Consideration in speaking Subdue the flesh to the spirite Meeknes Humilitie Participate not with sinne Feare not men in Gods cause remembring that God is Iudge of al. Hate al wickednes Obey spiritual and temporal parents The fourth part Other singular precepts with prayse of a prudent woman :: The wisest man best knoweth that he wanteth much of perfect wisdom yet in his humilitie supposeth that others haue attained some what more then himself :: Christ the Sonne of God is wisdom it self and as the Sonne of man hath perfect wisdom :: Bondslades are to be
praised her she returneth al the praise to him d Praying him to come and stil remaine vvith her e Acknovvleging him to be the only Sauiour of both old and nevv testament a The Synagogue prosecuteth her prayer desiring Christs Incarnation b Christ admonisheth vvordlie men not to molest those that serue him in contemplation other spiritual vertues c Angels and other Sainctes of the triumphant Church admire the beautie of the Câ—nâ—les conuerted which is also vnderstood of euerie holie soule ascending from this world into heauen And more singularly of the most glorious virgin mother of God f The Church of Gentiles reioyceth in the strong defence vvhervvith her Sauiour hath established her g Keepers of this vinyard vvere the Prophetes and Apostles and their Successors are stil the kepers therof h Christ shevveth that together vvith the pastors himself especially hath care of his Church alvvayes assisting the visible gouerners therof vvith his inuisible grace i The vvhole Church militant vvel contented yea desiring Christs Ascension into heauen for the good of al that here serue him prayeth him from thence to send abundance of his grace that vve may ascend the high mountaines of perfect charitie and zele of Gods honour that he vvil make our soules such hilles the garden of al vertues so voutsafe to dwel therin Amen d The Synagogue of the Iewes was corrupt vnder the tree of Christs Crosse when they cried Crucifie him Crucifie him And againe His bloud be vpon vs and vpon our children Againe VVe haue no King but Caesar c. e Christ againe sheweth his affection towards his Church of the Gentiles calling her his owne sister and the Synagogs sister promising and bestowing on her manie excellent benefites Both the auctor auctoritie of this booke were sometimes doubtful The same doubt is of Ecclesiasticus It is most probable that Philo a Iew writte this booke collecting manie sentences of Salomons Argum. lib. Reg. Fiue Sapiential bookes of the old testament Chap. 7. 8. 9. The Iewes denie these bookes to be Canonical Mat. 22. Exo. 3. They are iudged by very manie ancient fathers and afterwards defined by the Church to be Canonical Scriptures Et li. 17. c. 20. â—â—â—â— The contents Diuided into three patts The 1. part An admonition to loue and practise iustice 3. Reg. 3. Isa 56. 2. Par. 1â— :: Mortal sinnes are not only committed in dedes vvordes but also in though tes :: He that maliciously curseth sâ—uâ—sed of God â—al 5. v. 22. :: Be not cause of your owne eternal death by euil life :: Desperate death deliuereth not the wicked from calamities :: Neither are anâ—e damned vvhile they are in thâ—â— life :: But sinners not repenting being etâ—â—nal 〈…〉 them 〈…〉 〈…〉 be 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 be after death fal to these prophane thoughts and speaches of infidelitie :: Of infidelitie touching paine or reward after death procedeth the Epicures life :: Infidels are not content to liue in riote but doe also enuie and persecute the iust vvhose good examples vexe their mindes sturred therto by the diuel :: An euident prophecie of the Iewes malice persecuting our Sauiour Fulfilled by the chief Priestes Scribes and Ancientes recorded dy the Euangelists Mat. 27. v. 41. Mar 14. v. 53. Mat. 27. v. 43. :: vvant of beleuing diuine Mysteries namely the reward of the iust punishmeÌ„t of the wic ked is cause of dissolute life and of hatred against the good :: Temporal death of the iust is the way to eternal life vvhere damnation called here the tormeÌ„t of death shal not touch them :: For albelt Martyrs seme in the eyes of the vnwise to dye or to be extinguished they passe in dede into eternal and vnspeakeable glorie Chap. 5. v. 4 Mat. 13. v. 43. :: Al the iust shal approue Gods iudgmeÌ„t condemning the wicked :: Literally is vnderstood that the wiues of adulterers often become adultresses their children wicked Morally their sensualitie al their vvorkes are wholly corrupted * See S. Ierom. in Isa 56. v. 4. :: Chastitie of the bodie is a singular great vertue spiritual chastitie of true faith and religion is greatter and more generally commended as the roote and fundation of al vertues For vvithout faith it is vnpossible to please God :: VVhen soeuer the iust dieth it is profitable for him dying yong his immaculate life is more commendable then old age in the wicked v. 16. :: The damned shal be vvithout al excuse vtterly confounded in their owne consciences Gods prescience dâ—â—th not preiudice mans free wil. â—tl 17. â— 30. ciuit :: VVicked men in their false conceipt iudge the trauels of the iust to be vaine fructles :: Repentance of the damned is only for the losse paine whereinto they are fallen not of loue towards God or vertue nor of hate towards sinne therfore is fructles bringing no comforte nor helpe at al but euerlasting torment and anguish of mind Chap. 3. v. 2. Pro. â—0 v. 19. :: For the certaintie of thinges that shal be Prophetes do very often speake in the pretertence of thinges to come as if they vvere already past :: As the ioy of the blessed so contrariwise the miserie of the damned is meruelous great for euer vnchangeable Eccle. 9. v. 18. :: Al powre is from God therfore to be respected though the magistrates sometimes abuse their auctoritie Rom. 1â— v. 1. :: As euerie ones charge is more or lesse so his account is easier or har der and the punishment if he offend smaller or greater S. Gre. ho. 9. in Euang. :: VVisdom is attained by this gradation and so from first to last a resolute desire ioyneth faithful soules to God v. 21. The second part VVisdom procedeth from God and is procured by prayer :: The perfectest children are borne in the beginning of the tenth moneth :: Children in the mothers wombe are as in slepe :: Salomon whose sayinges are here recited praied for wisdom obtained it 3. Reg. 3. 3. Reg â— v. 9. :: God first gaue him grace to desire wisdom before al other thinges as he explicateth plainly cap. 8. v. 21. :: Salomon was a most excellent Philosopher :: Proper Epithetons of the spirite of wisdom :: See the Annotation Prouerb 1. v. 2. Heb. 1. v. 3. :: God the increated wisdom is infinite and wisdom created is also most excellent amongst Gods giftes 3. Reg. 3. Prou. â— :: This is also the speach of Salomon recited by the writer of this booke :: Of Salomons wisdom riches glorie renowmed fame not only the bookes of Kinges Paralipomenon but also our Sauiour doth witnes Mat. 6. 12. :: It is not certaine that Salomon hath immortal glorie but rather by immortalitie is here vnderstood that his glorious fame remaineth to the end of this world :: Neuertheles wisdom of her part geueth life and glorie euerlasting to al that perseuere to the end of this life :: It is
certaine that Salomon was sometime innocent and holie but was peruerted by wemen 3. Reg. 11. 3 Reg. 3. v 9. 12. :: Here againe it is euident that the Auctor reporteth Salomons speaches 1. Paral. 28. v. 5. 2. Par. 1. v. 9. :: VVisdom increated is with God yea is God him selfe Prou. 8. v. 22. :: VVisdom vvhich is geuen to men procedeth from God as a gift created :: Mans wisdom vvithout special wisdom from God is not sufficient to gouerne ourselues much lesse others The 3. part The excellent effectes of wisdom iustice :: Adam Gen. 1. v. 27. :: By this it is certaine that our first pareÌ„t Adam truly repented and had remission of his sinne Gen. 4. v. 8. Gen. 6. :: Noe. :: Abraham Gen. 19. :: Lot :: In al trees about Sodom there is only shew of fruite which when it is touched falleth into dust :: Lots wife an example of inconstancie :: Iacob Gen. 28. Gen. 37. :: Ioseph Gen. 41. :: Gods peculiar people Exo. 1. Exo. 3. Exo. 14. Exo. 12. Exo. 15. :: Moyses Exo. 16. Exo. 27. :: The Amalachites Exo. 17. Num 20. :: VVhen the Israelites wanted water God gaue them abundance out of rockes :: But turned the Aegyptians waters into blood :: After affliction the benefite of peace is more gratful :: Moyses was reiected when he iudged betwen his bretheren Exo. 2. :: 14. but was afterwards the deliuer of the whole people Act. 7. v. 45. Leuit. 26. v. 22. Iere. 8. v. 17. â— Aegyptians seruing beasts for goddes were plaged by frogges stuiphes flees and locustes :: God made no creature euil as the Manichees foolishly imagined neither is there any God but one who alone created al thinges :: From the land of Iurie called sacred because God was there tightly serued in the old testament and mans redemption vvas wrought there by Christ Exo. 23. Deut. 7. :: By custom malice became as it were natural after that nature was corrupted :: Gods powre being almightie is only limited by his vvil Rom. 1. v. 23. :: Serpents battes moles like beastes which seme not only super fluous in the world but also hurtful yet were estemed as goddes :: Knowing him to be the only true God by vvhom they saw their false goddes destroyed yet they did not serue him as God :: Gods most proper name is HE WHICH 1â— Exo. 3. v. 14. Rom. 1. Deut. 4. :: Seing no creature how excellent soeuer is or may be estemed a god it is more foolish to thinke an Image or statua or anie thing framed by mans handes can be God Isa 4. Iere. 10. God is the beginning of al thinges absolute and independing :: Great madnes to inuocate a wodden idol more base commonly more corruptible then the wood of a shippe :: As the Israelites went through the redsea :: The auctor prophetically alludeth to the wood of the Crosse on which our Sauiour redemed mankind :: From whole death procedeth mans iustification :: Inuention of Idols brought men to spiritual fornications corruption of maners :: This first idolatrie was only prâ—uâ—tly exercised by the father and his seruants at their masters coÌ„mandment by which occasion publique idolatrie came into the world wicked custom in time preuailing :: The name GOD in the proper signification can not be geuen to anie creature Manie enormious crimes procede from dolatrie :: Two sort es of periurie swearing by false goddes and swearing vntruthes Caluin falsly chargeth this booke vvith â—râ—or Gen. 31. Images of false goddes are rightly called idols Idolatrie begane by vvorshipping images of dead men vvith diuine honour Priuate idolatrie was before publique :: Of the diueâ—s sortes of idols and â—dolaters see our brife Annotion vpon the 113. Psal :: Idolaters hauing forsaken and forgot the onlie true God become as Atheists making their temporal gaine of false goddes :: And so waxing insolent contemte and persecute the seruants of God :: Some idolaters worshipped brute beastes for goddes as being better then sensles images but al are abominable :: The Aegyptians were plagued for their idolatrie :: And that by beastes because they worshipped beastes for goddes and by death of their first begotten for their crueltie against Gods people :: God punished his owne people as a father for their amendment :: The brasen serpent not by anie vertue inherent but as a signe of Gods fauoure vvas the meanes of curing the people Num. 21. :: VVith the plague of haile there vvas also fire mixed Exo. 9. v. 24. VVhich destroyed the profitable cattle :: But burnt not other beastes that plagued the Aegyptians :: Haile did not extinguish the fire by Gods povvre aboue nature :: See the miracles of Manna Annoe Exod 16. :: He speaketh againe of Manna :: The vaine imagination of the vvicked that himself shal be saued vvil faile him Exo. â— 10. :: Literally the 〈…〉 s â—â—â—â—a knes thâ—er dayes together Exo 10. v. 22. Morally they other gâ—nâ— les vvere in darknes vvithout faith in God til Christs Resurrection the third day :: A trubled conscience is a great torment :: This signified the conuersion of al nations to Christ :: The Church is called holie because it professeth holines and hath alwayes some holie men without the Church there is no sanctitie :: VVhen the Aegyptians drowned the Hebrews children Moyses was saued and reserued to guide the Israelites when the Aegyptians were drowned :: A prophecie of Christ comming into this world when there was temporal peace but extreme darkenes of â—gnorance :: An other example of difference in Gods punishing his people for their â—mendment and of the obstinate vnto their â—uine Exo 14. â— â—8 Num. 16. â— 46. Num 10 :: God foreseing the Aegyptians malice permitted them to persecute his people but was no way the cause nor auctor of their sinne Exo. 14. Exo. 16. :: The Amorrheites refused to grant them passage Num 21. v. 21. The Aegyptians brought them into seruitude Exo. 1. God changing the natural properties of elementes by them wrought iustice on sinners S. Greg. â—â— 35. in Euang. Exo. 9. v. 24. Exo. 16. v. 2â— Particular testimonies that this booke is holie Scripture It was written in Hebrew translated into Greke Difference betwen Ecclesiasticus and Ecclesiastes Panaretos The contents diuided into two partes By reason of a more perfect law the people of Israel were more renowmed then anie other nation in the world Deut. 4. :: Translations into other languages hardly expresse the seâ—se of the original tongue The 1. part Praises and preceptes of vvisdom :: Mans vvisdom is not able to comprehend the vvorkes of God :: Eternal glorie is the fruicte of the feare of our Lord not that this one vertue sufficeth but it is the beginning grounded in true faith and bringeth forth other vertues diuine giftes vvith the fruites of the Holie Ghost a ioyful crowne in the end Prou. 1. 9. :: Men drowned in
sinne thincke the seruice of God a most tedâ—ous loathsome thing :: Desire not to dye that thou maist therby be couered from vvorldlâ—e miseries for that is a desperate desire but haue patience in this lâ—fe that thou maist fiâ—de rest in God * Coâ—â—â—ing :: As vertues are to be revvarded so al sinnes shal be punished Namely external pretence of holines vvith secrete euil intention Distrust in God Impatience and the like :: The progenie of Gods children bring forth the fruite of obedience and loue :: Honour and estimation of parents is the chiefest obligation that man hath towardes his neighbour the first after his dutie to God Exo. 20. Deut. 5. Gen. 27. 49. :: Almes geuen or prayer made or sacrifice offered for parents doth merite reward at Gods hand :: Al greatnes in men proceding from God bindeth them so much the more to humilitie VVhich vertue God most specially loueth that so they may shew gratitude for his benefites Philip. 2. Pro. â—â— v. â— :: Those that dare liue in sinful state tempting God euen to the last houre commonly perish therin Dan 4. v. 24. :: Geue not occasion by thy hard dealing with the poore that they curse thee :: For if thou geue cause God who is their protector wil reuenge them against thee :: They that folow wisdom shal be safe :: Through shamfastnes to yeld vnto sinne or not to reproue sinne is vicious :: But to be ashamed and to abhorre sinne is very good and necessarie :: Al men are bonde to say the truth at conuenient times v 23. And euer bond to auoide vntruthes :: Euerie one is bond â—ather to lose his lâ—fe then to do against iustice oâ— to denie the truth Though thou be so potent that no man can hinder thy euil de signment yet do it not because God wil punish it :: After that sinne is forgeuen there remaineth ofâ—eâ— times punishment for satisfaction * Couering or death Prou 10. v. 4. :: Constancie in good purpose meriteth :: the promised peace and iust reward :: So Gedeon pacified the Ephraimites that were incensed against him Iudic. 8 :: Manie preferre lerning before pietie which S. Augustin reproueth preferring the godlie before the lerned that are lesse vertuous The vnlerned rise sayth he and take the kingdom of heauen and we with our lernings without halt loe how we tumble in the durt li. 8. c. 8. Consess :: what soeuer anie soweth that he shal reape and the wicked shal eate the fruites of his owne workes Iob. 9. Psal 142 Eccle. 7. :: Great prudence and sortitude are required in al Iudges spiritual and temporal :: In hel are two punishments fire burning and the worme of conscience vering the soule both are eternal Leuit. â—â— Tâ—b â— Deut. 1â— Leuit. â— Num â—â— :: VVorkes of mercie are also profitable to the dead as prayer almes and sacrifice for soules in purgatorie Rom 1â— v. 15. :: A most especial preseruatiue from sinne :: Briberie sometimes corrupteth kinges much more other inferior Iudges And therfore it is better to suffer damage then to contend by law against the rich Gal 6. Prou. 26. Prou. 22. v. 24. :: In al consultations conferre with the skilful for the blinde can not iudge of colours the dease of musike the sicke of taist nor worldlie mâ—n of spiritual thinges :: Seing ielosie betwen man wife is dangerous much more vnnecessarie conuersation betwen other men and wemen especially probable occasions of sinne must be auoided Prou. â— :: Constancie in good thinges namely in freindshippe is very necessarie :: A sinner that prospereth is like to a somer floure in the filde that is quickly cut downe and withereth :: Example of rulers is of greate efficacie Prou. 29. Dan. 4. :: The causes of translating kingdomes dominions :: Couetuosnes is the roote of al euiles 1. Tim. 6. in that for lucie manie fal into al sortes of sinnes euen into schisme and heresie erring from the faith ibidem v. 1â— :: Neuertheles pride is the beginning of al sinne as this text expresly testifieth and the reason is for that mans inordinate self loue is the cause of declining from Gods commandments they which runne on in that course cast themselues headlong into the depth of al mischief and of eternal miserie Prou. 17. Prou. 1â— :: A wisman humbling himself by penance as Daniel did or being vniustly humbled by others as Ioseph was shal be exalted by God :: Expect the end of an other mans speach before you beginne to answer :: Expect also if anie that is elder or better able wil answer first Deut. 13. Iob. 42. :: One punishment of sinne is blindnes of hart Especially where is no remorse of conscience :: In prosperitie is feare and in aduersitie hope of change :: It is rather crueltie then mercie to nourish a wicked man persisting in sinne for so he runneth stil into more wickednes and into eternal damnation :: but the penitent is to be comforted and assisted :: Euerie one is bond to loue his enemie of charitie but in prudence it be houeth not to credite him According to our Sauiours rule Be wise as serpents and simple as dooues Mat. 10 Deut. 7. :: He that conuerseth with a greater man then himself except it be with vertuous is forced often to suffer much and to yeld to manie inconueniences :: Pusill animitie in a superior maketh him omite his dutie committe errors fearing to do that perteyneth to his office which his auctoritie requireth :: Acception of persous hindereth manie good counsels promoteth manie euil thinges Iac. 3. :: He that can not afforde nourishment to his owne bodie by such meanes as he hath sinneth against God abusing his benefites against himself whom he vniustly afflicteth and against his neighbour whom he scandalizeth Prou. 27. v. â—0 :: In the old testament al descended into some part of hel Isa 40. v. 7. :: There shal be particular reward of euerie good worke :: VVho so euer shal resolue with himself to liue iustly shal be sure to haue grace for God preuenteth our weakenes and so continueth to helpe al that acccept his grace :: He doth iniurie to God to his word that preacheth wel and liueth euil :: Beza sayeth God ordained Adams fall but to a good end and that God iustly decreed that which men vniustly haue done in refut 2. calumnae ad Castel But this holie Scripture teacheth the contrarie that God gaue man both freewil and sufficient grace that he might if he would haue kept his preceps The same is also clerely taught Deut 7. 11. 30. and other places Gen. 2. Mat. 19. v. 17. Ier. 2. v. 8. :: Fire of concupiscence if it be not ouercome in this life wil procure the fire of Gods wrath which shal neuer be extinguished Gen. 6. Num. 26. Rom. 2. v. 6. :: Euen a dish of colde water geuen in almes shal be rewarded Mat. 10.
:: Reasonable soules if they folow reason and al sensible soules doe in their maner praise the prouidence of God in vsing al creatures to that end for which they were treated :: Man at first recemed original iustice by losing wherof we al fel into original sinne :: God gaue a precept to man to be obserued for exercise of his obedience so to be rewarded and vnder paine of punishment if he transgreded â—en 2. Rom. 13. :: Perseuerance in vertue to the end is necessarie which none can merite :: But must stil pray for it :: Al creatures according to their substantial forme in general were created together though they were afterwards formed in particular kindes as they are distinctly recited in Genesis with the order ornaments of the world S. Aug. li. 4. c. 33 34. de Gen. ad litter VVhere he expresly affirmeth that this Scripture was written by inspiration of the same spirite of truth wherby Genesis was written Psal 89. v. 10. 1. Cor. 11. :: They pray alwayes that pray at certaine conuenient times And stil haue intention so to frequent the same exercise al their life S. Aug. Epist 121. c. 9. ad Probam Luc. 18. 1. 1. Thes. 5. :: The best remedie against great sinnes is to auoide smal ones and not to contemne the least but diligently to amend al. 3. Reg. 11. Ios 22. :: That this document perteyneth to common conuersation with worldie men appeareth by the next verse But to reuele secrete sinnes to a spiritual father in sacramental confession is necessarie vvholesome and secure It is alâ—o very commendable and most lawful in holie religious Societies vvhere they willingly for their owne spiritual good submitte themselues to such a godlie rule Lâ—uit 1â— Mat. 15. Iac. 3. :: False pretence of pietie is hypocrisie :: And in a Superior to oppen his ovvne secrete fault to his subiects is pusillanimitie :: Discretion auoideth both by concealing and reueling faultes as reason directeth and iustice requireth Eccle. â— :: He that taketh reptchension in good part when he is faulty meriteth pardon and when he is not faultie he satifieth for his other sinnes and meriteth reward :: His intention is ful of guile that flattereth by shew of loue and of praise but he wil detract so much the more in the end reproch thee when he may gette probable aduantage against thee Prou. 12. Exo 23. Deut 16. :: VVisdom is to be shewed in vvordes and deedes vvhen it may profite others :: To conceale faultes so they be amended is most conuenient :: As a serpent deceiptfully approcheth stingeth the bodie so al sinnes inuegle and hurt the soule :: It is a signe that he is guiltie who contemneth freindly admonition :: He that truly feareth God wil diligently examine his ovvne actes defectes when he is vvarned :: As walles of stone built in the frost so riches or good name vniustly gotten wil not coÌ„tinue long :: Senseles or bad talke is tedious to al good men :: VVordes that may edifie are gratful to al godlie eares :: VVicked men condemning the diuel or anie other wicked do in dede condeme them selues And to them agreeth that sentence of our Sauiour By thyne owne mouth I iudge thee naughtie seruant Luc. 19. :: Contempt ignominie is the worldlie punishment of the slouthful besides his eternal damnation at the day of iudgement Mat. 25 â— 30 :: In this and other places is not vnderstood a foole that by defect of natural vvitte is ignorant or an ideote but he that is voide of grace ful of malice and wickednes For the wicked life of such a one is worse then his death v. 12. Gen 50. Prou. â—3 Prou â—â— :: A true freind wil not be lost for temporal damage noâ— danger :: But the vices of derision reproch and the like violate al freindshipe with wise and good mâ—n Ps 140. :: Man being weake and the enimie suttle strong he is not able to resist tentations without Gods special grace for which the vvisman therfore prayeth instructing al by his example to do the same :: Precepts how to gouerne the mouth and tongue :: Against rash vntrue vnlawful swearing Iere. 4. Mat. 5. :: In oathes God is called to witnes as he that can not lie but bâ—aâ—phemie attributeth thâ—t to God which perteyneth not him or attributeth to some creature that which only belongeth to God and so is a contrarie sinne to vnlawful swearing :: Both are mortal sinnes :: Admonition against sinnes of the tongue :: Reproch to parents and other neighboures :: Against couetousnes :: Fornication :: Adultrie Isa 29. :: Seing earnal adultrie shal be seuerely punished much more spiritual as schisme heresie and apostasie from Catholique Religion Leui 20. Deut. 22. :: Diuine wisdom the Second Person of the B. Trinitie begotten not created praiseth it self According to the phrase of speach Iere. 51. v. 14. The Lord of hostes hath svvorne by his soule that is by himself :: God offereth his grace but forceth not anie to accept it :: Creation is not here taken in the strict signification but for diuine production in that God the Father by vnderstanding begetteth God the Sonne As likewise the Father and the Sonne by loue produce the Holie Ghost :: in the Church only is effectual grace Psa â—â—â— :: The more grace any hath the more he desireth and receiueth :: In Dauids progenie God preserued the kinglie state til the captiuitie and the estimation of the royal bloud vnto Christ But in al this Dauid was a figure of Christ VVho sitteth in the Throne of honour absolutly for euâ—â— Iosâ— 3. :: Three very commendable thinges :: Other three detestable :: Nine happie thinges in this life Iac. 3. :: Al happines in this life is grounded in the feare of God :: The description of heresie vnder the figure of a wicked woman whose malice is secretly couered vnder pretence of truth and â—â—â—â—â—â— Prou â—â— :: Layheadshiâ—e in spiritual causes is so vnreasonab le and absurde that â—â—w heretikes 〈…〉 ure it :: An vnquâ—â—â— life depâ—iuâ—th a man of much comforth and therfore continual peace â—â— as a duble life :: As wheâ— oâ—â—n moâ—e the yoke oâ— their neckeâ— doth moue withal so a wicked woman to wittâ— heresie can not rest nor let others rest quiet :: The Catholique faith is the ground al al vertues :: Those that kepe innes or ailehouses are alwayes talking as willing to please al but in much talke wanteth not sinne Prou. 10. v. 19. 1. Tim 6. :: The soule is kept in good state by fearing God :: After that sinne is purged there remaine reliques in the soule as dust in a siene vvhen the chaffe is cast out til it be more purged or washed Psal 50. v. 4. Prou. 27. VVhether the sunne shineth forth or not it is alvvayes light so is a vvisman alvvayes vertuous vvhetherit appeaâ—â— outvvardly or no. A foole or vvicked man hath
vnpossible to finde true wisdom without Gods grace and by his grace it is easily â—ound Deut. 30. v. 1â— Mat. 11. v. 30. 1. Ioa. 5. v. 3. :: By this text most of the Fathers cited in the argument of this booke proue Christ to be God against Ievves Paganes and Heretikes :: VVisdom wherof he spake in the former chapter v. 12. is the lavv and commandment of God Deut. â—8 v. 49. Iere. â— v. 15. :: Ierusalem exhorteth her children to patience in their iust punishment assuring them of Gods mercie and relaxation :: Mercie is here called iustice in respect of Gods promise for although â—â— promise vvas of his only mercie yet the performance procedeth also from his iustice a Ieremie writte this Epistle before the common people were in Babylon but Baruch redde it vnto them in Babylon and so it was sent back to the rest which were yet in Ierusalem Iere 1â— v. 8. 9. c. b Tenne being the firstarticle number signifieth a general number and so seuen generations signifie seuen times tenne that is seuentie yeares Sometimes seuen â—â— signific a generalitie because this whole world is counted by seuen dayes sometimes 100. signifie the same as Gen. 15. v 16. 400. yeares are called four generations Isa 44. c The Angel which guided this people coming out of Aegypt Exo. 12. 33. protected them also in Babylon d The innumerable absurdities in forging and adoring false goddes here recited by the prophet shew how foolish sensles they are that serue idols or anie images for goddes :: Idolaters imagining that sensles idols had diuiue powre foolishly estemed them of great value price Is 46. v. â— Martyrol 10. Apri 1. Maij. Ezechiel and Ieremie like in manie respectes prophecied for most part the same thinges 4. Reg. 44. Ep. ad Paulin. Ch. 1. The contents diuided into fine partes The first part The prophets first vision mission to preach :: The coniunction And being the first word either ioyneth the context to the title or as S Gregorie expoundeth it the exterior wordes vttered to the interior reueled to the prophet in spirit :: Either the thirtith yeare of his age or the 30. since the captiuitie was prophecied in the reigne of Iosias 4. Reg. 22. v. 18. â—animahum :: They turned not about v. 12. but hauing faces on euery side were readie to goe euerie way :: S. Gregorie expounding this vision of the foure Euangelistes or of the whole new Testaments teacheth that the old new Testaments are each in the other both teaching the same thinges in diuers maners ho. 6. in Ezech. :: In this chapter the prophet descriheth foure partes of a vision which he saw at one time of a whirlewinde â— 4. of foure liuing creatures v 5 of foure vvheeles v 15. of a man sitting in a throne in the firmament v 16. For vnderstanding of al which lerned large commentaries do hardly suffice :: Our Sauiour of his great humilitie and his singular loue towards mankinde often calleth himself the Sonne of man but no other so called him Here the Angel most frequently calleth Ezechiel the Sonne of man as wel to distinguish betwen Angelical humane kind as in honour of Christ of whom this and other prophetes were figures but why Ezechiel and scarse anie other Dan. 8. v. 17. had this title is hard to explicate :: Lamentations perteine to the penitent :: Songue to the praises of God :: VVoe to the desperate damned :: By this Metaphor of eating a booke is signified that the prophet receiued reuelations from 〈…〉 as appeareth v. 10. c. :: By this place and the like Mat. 11. v. 21. it semeth that the same grace being offered to diuers persons some do accept it and some do not but the cause of difference is by more grace added to the former which was sufficient before and by this super addâ—dâ—tion is made effectual That God geueth this abundance to some is of his mercie and that he geueth it not to others is no iniurie Ro 9. :: I wil take away my grace from him in punishment of his reuolting from me :: A preachers office is as wel to warne the iust to perseuere in iustice as to admonish the wicked to repent returne to God The 2. part The destruction of Ierusalem and the Temple with the captiuitie of the people for their sinnes :: To make a banck a ditch is also made ordinarily aboue three foote depe so the earth cast vp towardes the towne besieged make couert passage about seuen foot in height by which trench men approch more safely towards the wal where they purpose to make batterie breach and assault It is very hard to explicate how the tenne tribes were 390. yeares in captiuitie :: And from what time the 40. yeares are counted seing it is certaine that the two tribes were in captiuitie 70. yeares See S. Ierom in Ezech. :: As a staffe aydeth the weake so bread sustaineth al men :: In other cities of Iuda nere Ierusalem :: Ieremie Lament 2 and Barâ—ch ch 2 prophecied of the same distresse by samine in the siege of Ierusalem :: Blasphemie is here taken improperly and signifieth that other nations shal not only reproch Ierusalem but also â—aâ—â—â— and scoffe at her miseries :: 〈…〉 was most especially committed in mountaines â—â—â—â—lles and therfore both idols and idolaters vvere destroyed in the same places :: Gods perpetual prouidence stil preserueth some reliques that serue him sincerely and before those depart from this vvorld :: others doe repent and returne to God :: By Israel is â—ere meant al the countrie of Iurie as appeareth by the generall peach folovving the foure quarters of the land :: In the yeare of Iubeley the landes vvhich vvere sold returned to the seller or to his heyres Leuit. 2â— but in the captiuitie there could be no such recouerie :: Adorning of idols with much gold was occasion that the Chaldees spoyled the citie more eageily * 〈…〉 :: This other like places signifie seaâ—sitâ—e of Priestes to teach the law in the captiuitie but not an vniuersal destruction or want of al. Ioâ— euen then also God conserued some reliques as appeareth Malach. 2. :: After that the prophet had ested in his house â—9â— dayes in which time when soeuer he sâ—â—pâ— he lay only on his left side 4â— dayes in like maner on his right side which was in al. 430. dayes which make one yeare two moneth and fiue dayes the next day he had this other vision before he went forth to preach â—â— 3. 7. â—â— :: VVicked men either do not beleue or litle consider Gods knovvlege and prouidence of al thinges and so fal into idolatrie :: Rabbi Dauid and Rabbi Salomon vvrite that the image of this idol being made of brasse had eyes of lead and vvhen the brasse was made hote by fire secretly put vnder the lead beginning to melt the image seemed to vvepe wherupon the vvemen
Ieremie prophecied ch 24. v. 9. I vvil geue them into reproch to be a parable and a prouerb c. :: Iewes by their sinnes prouoking God to punish them with captiuitie gaue occasion that other nations said God could not defend his people blaspheming against his powre when he exercised iustice :: Rabbi Dauid the Chaldee Paraphrasis expound this place of remission of sinne And al Christian Doctors vnderstand it of Baptisme which in dede is in water clensing sinnes Ephes 5. v. 26. â—it 3. v 5. :: An euident text that by Gods grace some men do kepe the commandments :: A duble prophecie of two great benefits the reduction of the Iewes from captiuitie and of the Gentiles from idolatrie to Christ wherein also is included the mysterie of resurrection a One cause of distrust that the people of Israel should not be restored from captiuitie was because they were like to drie bones b Secondly they had al generally lost their hope of restitution c Thirdly they semed like to trees or plantes cut of at the very root d Yet God by his powre and goodnes restored them e Before Christ ioyned the Gentils to his Church he first vnited the two kingdoms of Iuda Israel signifying that Catholiques which labour for conuersion of heretikes as now in England must first agree amongst themselues then shal their endeuoures be more effectual For so al shal sooner be made one fold vnder one shepheard :: Fulfilled by Christ the good Pastor who bringeth al nations into one folde vnder one pastor Ioan. 10. v. 16. :: Gog signifying hid or couered was the common surname of the Scithian kinges :: Mâ—gog out of the hid were the people and adherents of Gog persecuting the faithful :: Alluding to those that endeuoured to spoyle and oppresse the Iewes after their relaxation from captiuitie he prophecieth of Antichrist and al heretikes that seeke to peruert or to suppresse Catholique Christians who are deliuered rom the bondage of the diuel by Baptisme and other Sacraments of Christ :: Antichrist signified by Gog shal persecute the Church nere the end of the vvorld :: In euerie part of the vniuersal Church God wil at last destroy Antichrists powre confounding him and al his adherentes Gog and Magog the king and kingdom of Scithia Gâ—â— 10. Signifying al persecuters of the Church especially Antichrist Psal â— Isa 11. Dan. 1â— VVho shal be destroyed :: Antichrist persecuting the Church in al partes of the world shal be resisted by some in euerie place and at last vanquished :: Not vvith material fire but with zele and â—eruour Catholiques shal resist him and finally ouercome him :: Gods people vvere not made captiues by the povvre of their enimies as if God could not defend them but by his permission for punishment of their sinnes Foure expositions of this vision 1. Of the temple and citie reedified after the captiuitie 2. That Messias shal build a material temple and citie 3. That this prophetical vision was conditional ch 18 v. 23. ch 33. v. â—1 4. That it cannot al be expounded according to the historie but only mystically The fift part Restauration of the temple vvith thinges perteyning therto more especially the glorie of the Church militant triumphant :: Into the destroyed citie of Ierusalem :: Mount Sion :: called exceding heigh mystically in that it signifieth the Church of Christ for historically Sion vvas not so exceding hiegh :: In the Hebrevv text in the Chaldee Paraphrasis in the 70. Interpreters it is thus of six cubites in a cubite and a palme to signifie that these cubites vsed in measuring sacred thinges conteyned six palmes vvheras the ordinarie cubite conteineth but fiue palmes See ch 43. v. 13. :: Larger within then without to spread the light within the place to auoide the danger of hurt from abrode as the windowes of Salomons temple 3. Reg. 6. as also in casties and towres is commonly vsed In explicating this vision by reason of the obscuritie is great varietie amongst the expositors but al agree that God here reueled to the prophet that he vvil reward the good tevvitte in the old Testament temporally in the nevv spiritually first vvith grace in this life and with eternal glorie in life euerlasting :: To the gates of the vtter vval vvas ascent of seuen steppes but of the inner vval v. 32. of eight steppes to signifie that mâ—â—e perfection is required in the new Testament then was in the old for vvhich more grace is geuen and better revvard S. Greg. :: For that the pillers are not measured it semeth they were of the same height and bignes as the former vvere built by Salomon 3. Reg. 7. v. 1â— :: This description of the temple order of priesthood vvith the partition and fertilitie of the land is much more excellent then was in Salomons time the new temple reedified by Zorobabel was much meaner then Salomons and therfore this prophecie as likevvise the prophecies of Aggeus Zacharias cannot be vnderstood of the temple in Ierusalem but of the Church of Christ S. Ierom in ch 40 Ezec. S. Aug. li 18. c. 45. ciuit :: In the vval of the temple vvere interchangeably painted a Cherub signifying knovvlege a palmetree signifying victorie representing to men that they must be instructed in diuine knowlege â—o sight for victorie :: Signifying our Sauiour vvho in his humanitie suffered miseries but as a lion ouercame al enimies S. Ierom finding the Hebrevv text and the 70. interpreters and others to differ not only in vvordes but also in the sense explicating as semed to him most probable auoucheth vvithal that saying of Socrates Sciâ— quodnescio I knovv that I do not â—novv anie thing perfectly For it is a part of knovvlege saith he to â—novv that thou art ignorant :: Al the world is lightned by the preaching of Christs Apostles and their successors and the triumphant Church shal perfectly shine vvhen that vvhich is so vvne iâ— corruption â—hal â—â—â—e in incorruption â—â— c. 1. Cor. 1â— S. Ierom. S. Thomas also exponndeth this place of the â— virgin conceiuing the Sonne of God p 3. q 27. a 3. ch 9. ch 1. :: God hath left the house of the Ievves desolate â—aâ— 23. v. 38 but remaineth vvith the Church of Christ al dayes to the end of the vvorld Mat 28 v. 2â— And the perfect impolluted Church vvithout spoâ— or vvâ—â—ncle Eph 5 v. 27. is only the 〈…〉 hant Church :: The sacred cubite or cubite vsed in sacred thinges was longer then the common cubite by one palme :: The altar is called Ariel the lion of God because fire sometimes descending from God vpon the altar consumed the sacrifice as a lion consumeth his praye S. Ierom. S. Ierom expoundeth this of the hardnes of scripture which no man vnderstaÌ„ndeth fully but the sonne of God Mat. 11. v. 27. Likevvise of of our B. Ladie a perpeâ—ual virgin also
a By Israel is here vnderstood the whole people al the kinred or ofspring of Iacob deliuered from Aegypt b As tvvo men do not vvel trauel together except they agree so man can not walke vvith God vnles he agree with God keeping his commandments c Al euil of paine that is punishment for sinne is by Gods permission and ordinance either to bring sinners to repentance or if they dye in mortal sinne the beginning of etetnal punishment d The fayrest and strongest thinges that vvicked men haue shal at last be destroyed :: Rich hard-harted people vvho being vvelthie haue no compassion of the poore * places of Armenia :: After manie admonitions geuen in vaine God suffereth the idolaters to do al the vvickednes they list :: Al these afflictions God sent to the children of Israel for their good but they murmured vvere stil obstinate Agge 2. :: After long captiuitie Christ vvil offer himself to the Iewes and such as receiue him he vvil saue :: VVhen the people neither fele nor feare euil God forseing their calamities lamenteth the same in their behalâ— therby admonishing them to know their ovvne danger and by repentance to preuent it Soph. 1. Rom. 12. Psal 96. :: If men seeke good not euil God vvil assist them as in the former verie and in innumerable holie scriptures but it is here sayd perhaps God vvil haue mercie by reason of the difficultie of mans part who conuerteth not alvvayes perfectly as he hath freevvil to do by Gods grace assisting him Isa 13. Iere. 30. Ioel. 1. Soph. 1. Isa 1. Ier. 6. Mat. 2. :: In the first yeare of the 40 and beginning of the second they offered sacrifices to God Leuit. 8. 9. Num. 7. But not aftervvardes S. Aug. q. 47. in Exod. Act. 7. Psal â—4 :: It is a fowle odious fault vvhen rich men neglect the poore but most detestable vvhen the rich in Sâ—â—n welthie clergie men haue not compassion on them that vvant either spiritual or temporal helpe Iac 5. Iere. â—â— :: VVheras Iacob by humilitie patience manie other vertues became great in Gods â—auour novv his progenie by pride and delicacie become hateful to God in respect of these sinnes are therfore afflicted and miserably slaine and caried captiues :: To turne the vvorkes of iudgement and iustice into sinnes vvhich are bitter and vngratful is as contrarie to order as it is contrarie to the course of nature that horses should â—unne vpon craggierockes or wild buâ—les be brought to dravv the plough a Locustes svvarming in multitude signified the Assirian â—â—â—ldâ—ars inuading the tenne tribes as is recorded 4. Reg. 18. b Saâ—manasar king of Assirians hauing subdued the tenne tribes inuaded the kingdom of Iuda besieged Ierusalem but his armie was miraculously destroyed 4. Reg. 19. d This third vision signified the calamities vvhich the ten tribes suffered shortly after in the reigne of Manahem 4. Reg. 15 v. 20. c This second vision of sire signified the captiuitie of the two tribes caried into Babylon 4. Reg. 24. 25. e False prophets not induring the vvhol some preaching of true pastores falsely accuse them of rebellion treason and sedition f In this also the false prophetlyed for Amos sayd not Ieroboam shal dye by the svvord but that God would rise vpon the house of Ieroboam vvith the svvord v. 9. fulfilled vvhen Zacharias the sonne of Ieroboam was slaine by Sellum 4. Reg. 15 v 10. * â—yeduâ—â—tion a By this vision of a hooke is signified that not only the nerer partes of the tenne tribes should be brought into captiuitie vvhich is writen 4. Reg. 15. v. 29. but also the rest which vvere further of as fruite of trees vvhich can not be gathered vvith the hand is dravven vvith a hooke so al vvere caried avvay 4. Reg. 17. v. 6. b In their great prosperitie vvhen they least suspect calamities shal fal vpon them Deut. â— Iere 15. Tob. 2. Mar. 1. c It can not be doubted but in the siege there vvas vvant of bread drinke and of other victuals but greater vvant of spiritual foode a Destruction of the Altar b and the Temple importe the abolishing of sacrifice vvhen the two tribes vvere caried into Babylon Psal â—â— Iere. 44. c God who defendeth his Church as a strong bundel fast bond together vvil punish the vvicked vvith iust afflictions d Notvvithstanding the great ruine of the Ievves slaine ledde captiues yet God in them conserued the Church that it vvas not destroyed e S. Iames conformable to S. Peters doctrine interpreteth this place of the conuersion of the Gentiles to Christ Act. 15. v. 15. c. Act. 15. Ioel. 3. S Epiph. Iere. 49. :: God directed the cogitations of diuers other Gentiles to ioyne their forces against the Idumeans Isa 29. Gen. 2â— :: God admonisheth them vvhat they ought not to do but vvithal foreshevveth that they vvil dispise the levves heir bretheren vvil reioyce in their miseries :: Historically al this prosperitie vvas promised to the levves after their deliuerie from Babylon and so much therof performed as their nevv sinnes hindered not the rest is fulfilled in Christians S Ierom. ep ad Dardam :: The rest of this prophecie is only of Christ possessingal nations To vvhom al the prophetes geue testimonie that al receiue remission of sinnes by his name beleeuing in him Act. 10. v. 43. see S. Augustin li. 18. c 31. deciuit luc 1. v. 3. Mat. 12. Luc. 11. Ionas a figure of Christ prophecied saluation to al nations S. Ierom. Epost ad Paulin. a God creator and Lord of al the vvorld hath also care of al. Rom. 3. v. 29 therfore sent this prophet to the great citie Niniue as likevvise others prophecied to the Babylonians Aegyptians Moabites Ammonites Idumeans c. b Ionas shevveth the cause vvhy he fled ch 4. v. 2. fearing to be counted a fals prophet c The mariners seing no natural cause of so sudaine great a tempest sought to knovv the reason therof by lotte wherto the prophet agreed by Gods inspiration so was discouered d Sacrifice and vovves are knovvne to al men by the light of nature to be gratful to God a That this great fish vvas a vvhale our Sauiour plainly expresseth Mat. 12 v. 40. Mat. 12. Luc. 11. b The prophet doubtles prayed before vvhen they cast him out of the shippe and continued the same prayer being in the vvhales bellie vvith more confidence that he should be safly cast on the brie land v. 5 And therfore rendereth thankes vowing sacrifice of thankes geuing v 10. Psal 119. 129. c Fuâ—thest that can be from mountaines euen into the depth of the sea vvhich is lower then any other valleyes d Gods vvil is his vvord by vvhich al creatures vvere made and to vvhich as vvel liuing as sensles thinges obey a Diodorus Siculus li. 3. c 1. VVriteth that Niniue was in length 150. stadia or forloÌ„gs in
Niniue the beautiful great citie that is the terrestrial vvorld called cosmos beautful and then reward his Sainctes in eternal glorie b The Assirians accounting themselues assured to take and spoile Ierusalem and therupon banketting and drinking were defeated al in one night c To Senacherib succeded his sorne Asar haddon but presently after the vvhole lineage vvas destroyed â—â—g â—â— Isa 52 Rom. 10. a Nabuchodo nosor muading the territorie of Niniue vvasted al thinges and then assaulted and tooke the citie b The Assirians became more proud and insolent after they had spoiled the tvvo tribes caried the ten into captiuitie and therfore God vvil novv reuenge this pride c The people of Niniue vvhen the wal of the citie shal once be broken by the enemies vvil flee away as vvater runneth out of a pond or fish-poole vvhen the banke is broken d Although some of more corege wil exhortethe fugitiues to stay and sight for their citie it vvil not auaile because the most part vvil seeke to escape by running avvay Isa 2. e The king of Assirians like a furious lion gathered praye out of al countries and brought it into Niniue as into his denne but at last shal be spoyled of al. a Nemrod beganne vvith sheeding bloud to make himself great Gen 10. so Ninus who built Niniue and their successors vvere stil very bloudie and otherwise wicked but at last after 1200 yeares vnder Sardanapalus their Monarchie decayed much as most vvriters both Greke Latin testifie but yet continued longer florished againe as Doctor Ribera shevveth by the holie Scriptures continued in al from Ninus time til it vvas destroyed by the Chaldees about 1440. yeares yea vvas repayred againe vvas great after the relaxation of the Ievves from captiuitie As Eusebius S. Augustin S. Beda and others vvrite Bzee 14. Habac. 2. Isa 47. b This citie was first called No but being destroyed by the Chaldees and reedified by K. Alexander vvas then called by his name S. Ierom. Habacuc prophecied of the tvvo tribes of the Chaldees and of Christ a This prophet expresseth not against vvhat kingdom citie or person this burden is the reason vvherof semeth to be because it is against very manie and diuers yea against al persecuters of Gods seruantes Act 13. v. 41. b S. Paul alleageth this place in the mystical sense Act 13 in the literal the coherence is very obscure c The Chaldees vvere not yet comen to their greatnes and therfore this could not be the same Habacucmentioned Daniel 14. v. 32. d After that the Chaldees shal haue subdued the Assirians they shal also be ouerthrowne by others to witte by the Medes and Persians e The Chaldees and other victorious nations conquering other countries attribute al to their owne industrie forces honoring themselues and not God f Men of al nations a The wordes of the prophet expecting vvhat God wil further reuele vnto him Isa 2â— b He that cometh at the time appointed though it belong is not slacke c The principal comforte of the iust consisteth in their faith an I confidence of the vvorld to come VVherby they liue vvith consolation vvheras otherwise this miserable life vvere rather â— death Heb. 10. v. 38 Sec also S. Aug. li. 3. c. 5. cont duas epist Pe'ag li. 14. de â—rinit c. 12. de spiritu lit c. 9. 11. explicating vvith the Apostle that faith is the beginning of spiritual life by grace to vvhich workes of the lavv vvithout faith in Christ sufficed not Rom. 1. Gal. â— Ioan. â— Rom. 1. Gal. 3. Heb. 10. d For much bloudshed by the Chaldees for auarice in iustice other vvickednes they shal at last be ruined e Vvhiles thou thoughest by rapine auarice to eter nâ—ze thy familie kingdom thou hast merited the ruine therof Ezec. 24. Nahâ— 3. Psal 10. * Al sinnes in some sorte procede of ignorance for remission wherof the prophet prayeth in this Canticle that for the same Christs coming may not be differred 2. So prophecieth his Incarnation 3. Natiuitie 4. Miracles and Doctrine 5. Passion Resurrection and conuersion of Gentiles 16. The general Iudgement Glorie of the blessed damnation of the reprobate a For the great excellent and admirable mercie of God I was astonished as one afrayde seing God himself vvil take mans nature and therin pay ransom redeme mankind b in the time disigned for this purpose The 70. Interpreters reade betvven tvvo liuing creatures thou shalt be found and so the Church hath in the office of Christs Natiuitie and Circumcision betvven an oxe and an asse in the shall c From Bethlem vvhich is southvvard from IerusaleÌ„ * Sela. See Aâ—not Psal â— d In Madian a part of Aethiopia the people liued most in tentes not in houses so here is signified that in the tumulte of warres vvil be much remouing of skinnes that is of their tentes made of skinnes * Sela. e Antichrist the head of the malignant house or conuenticle shal be destroyed by Christ Isa 11 v. 4 2 Thes 2. * Sela. f Al afflictions are to be patiently sustayned that vve may haue rest in the day of iudgement Sophonias prophecied the captiuitie of the tvvo tribes their relaxation And Mysteries of Christ a In saying the vvord of our Lord the prophets signifie that they are not the principal auctors of that vvhich they preach or vvrite but the ministers by vvhom God speaketh b Gathering more coÌ„monly signifieth a benefite but by that vvhich folovveth from the face of the earth it is manifest that God here threatneth to destroy sinners the kingdom of Iuda d The day of punishment is commonly called the day of our Lord. Isa 2. Ioel. 2. 1. Cor. 3. 2. Thess 2. e Ioachaz vvas depriued of his kingdom and died in Aegypt 4. Reg. 23 Ioakim vvas continually vered by the Babylonians other nations 4. Reg. 24. at last slaine and his bodie cast out of the citie Iere. 22. Sedecias taken his eyes put out so caâ—â—ed into Babylon and al his sonnes slaine Iechonias otherwise called Ioachin was kept long prisoner in Babylon al the issue of Iosias afflicted c VVhosoeuer ioyneth false goddes vvith God Almightie in dede serueth not God * the valley nerâ— Ierusalem Amos â— f Al these afflictions are nere g Repeting and inculcating the same termes doth â—legantly describe the greatnes of the future calamities Iere. 3â— Ioel. 2. Amos. â— Ezech â— a Ye that deserue not Gods loue but rather to be reâ—ected yet by repentance returne to him and he vvil receiue you b It is very frequent in the prophetes â—o speake of thinges to come as if they were donne already for the certaintie therof And these prophecies of the destructions of other nations by the Chaldees do confirme that vvhich is threatned to the Ievves for al sinning al must be punished And God vvho is Lord of al wil sovvner or later geue to al as they deserue Isa
v. 3. :: This legate vvas sent almost two yeares before to Rome ch 14. v. 24. and now brought letters not only to the Ievves but also to sundrie kinges and peoples in their behalf :: Simon subdued these tvvo tovvnes because they anoyed the Ievves but because they othervvise perteyned not to Iurie he payed for them an hundred talentes :: By the riuer of Cedron ouer which Dauid passed 2. Reg â—â— v. 23. and our Sauiour Ioa. 18. a citie vvas novv built or rather repared being decayed before :: After Simons death his eldest sonne Iohn surnamed Hyrcanus succeeded him in gouernment spiritual and temporal v. 24. :: He beginning to gouerne in the yeare 170. ch 13. v. 41. 42. had difficulties the first last yeares in the rest they had peace To be inebriated signifieth no more but to be repâ—enished vvith drinke competently or abundantly vvithout excesse As Psal 64. v. 10 the earth inebriated and v. 11. riuers inebriated That is abundantly replenished vvithout excesse S. August q. 144. in Gen. :: Out of the booke here mentioned some thinke the fourth booke of Machabees vvas translated See Sixâ—us Seâ—en li. 1. Biblioth pag. â—â— * li. 2. â— â— v. â— This Appendix coÌ„cerning tvvo epistles of the Ievves vvas added to the historie of the first booke by him that vvritte this second e :: As they had vvritten before in their afflictions so novv they exhorte their bretheren to be thankful to God and amongst other meanes to shevv their gratful minde by celebrating the feast of dedication of the nevv altar li 2. â— 4. v. 7. :: It semeth that either this Iudas vvas the first sonne of Iohn Hyrâ—amus othervvise called Aristobolus or rather Iudas Essenus of vvhom ch 2. v. 14. and of vvhom Iosephus vvriteth li. 13. â— 19. :: Chaldea being nere to Persis is sometimes comprehended vnder the same name so Mamertinus in Panagerâ—ca ad Iulia reciteth Tigris and Euphrates amongst the riuers of Persi S. Chrysostom ho. 6. in Math. saith the Ievves vvere deliuered from captiuitie of Perâ—â—s meaning Babylon :: In this fire vvere foure miracles First it vvas not changed into ayre but into vvater v. 20. :: Secondly this vvater being cast on the hostes of sacrifice vvas kindled as fire v. 22. :: Thirdly it burned also being cast vpon stones v. 32. :: Fourth it vvas extinguished by the light that came from the altar v. 32. :: Nephthar signifieth deliuerie vvhich is the effect of purification for the temple other holie thinges being purified were deliuered from prophane vse :: S. Ambrose li 3. c. 14. Offic. vvriteth at large of this miracle Epis Iere. Baruc. 6. :: Neither the tabernacle nor the arke vvere caried avvay by Nabuchodonosor but vvere preserued by some meanes and most like besides the auctoritie of this scripture by Ieremie the propher vvho had spocial fauour of the Babylonians vvhen Ierusalem vvas taken Iere. 39. v. 11. Exâ— 40. 3. Râ—g 8. â—euit 9. 7. 24. :: This semeth to be the same Iudas Essenus vvho vvith others vvritte this epistle ch â— v. 10. * li. 2. c. 15. v. 38. :: After the auctor had written this Appendix to the former booke he resolued also to adde an abridgement of the vvhole historie vvherunto he maketh this Preface signifying the matter vvherof he vvil vvrite v. 20. in vvhat maner v. 24. and why v 25. auouching his diligence v. 26. vvith breuitie v. 29. A :: God assisting the vvtiâ—ers of diuine histories doth not alvvayes deliuer them from labour in seeking to knovv the same of sueh as knew particular thinges So S Luke vvritte the Gospel hauing diligently attained to al thinges Luc. 1. v. 3. * exact declaration * li. 1. c. 1. v. 1. The first part The persecution of the Church by Antiochus :: Three thinges make a coÌ„monwealth to be in good state C 1 Good agreement of principal men amongst themselues with the commonaltie 2 Exact obseruation of good lavves 3 And eminent vertue of the supreme gouernour vvith exercise of pietie and hate of sinnes Other three thinges do truble the state Obstinacie in offenders not content to be corrected 2 Inueterate malice seking reuenge against iust Superiors 3. and auarice of princes to robbe the holie or common treasure :: These virgins remained in places nere to the temple brought vp in exercises of pietie fasting and praying til they were despoused 1. Reg. 2. v. 22. S. Amb. li. 1. de virgine S. Greg. Nissen Orat. de Christ Natiuit S. Damas li. 4. c. 13. :: 4. Reg. 2. v. 11. A firie chariotte and firie horses caried Elias from Elizeus 4. Reg. 6. v. 17. And the mountaine appeared ful of horses and of firie chariots round about Elizeus no lesse strange then this vision See S. Ambrose li. 2. c 29. offic discoursing vpon this historie :: It is the common practise of al traytors to calumniate and defame good gouerners And the best remedie a gainst such seducers is by auctoritie of Superior povvre not by the people vvho are commonly more prone to fauour faction then iustice * li. 1. c. 1. v. 11. E :: VVhere true Religion is abolished most men neglect al shew of religion and rather applie themselues to vanities or woise sinnes * li. 1. c. 1. v. 17. G :: This king falsly pretended to restore his kinsman his sisters sonne to the kingdom being depriued by his younger brother Liuius li. 44 but the true cause of his sending Apolonius into Aegypt was to subdue that kingdom to himself 1. Mach. 1. v. 17. :: Menelaus brother of Simon v. 23 of the tribe of Beniamin ch 3. v. 4. vvas not by the law capable of the priesthood which only perteined to the progenie of Aaron of the tribe of Leui So in this trublesome time the right succession of high priestes was intermitted and restored in Mathathias li. 1. c. 2. :: True and solide vertue moued the common people to compassion the King himself to teares the Tyrians to honour the bodies of the innocent with costlie burial v. 49. :: Strange thinges aboue the ordinarie course of nature doe euer signifie Gods vvrath for mens transgression and are admonitions to turne from sinne vvith spede that vve may escape the heauie hand of Gods iustice So the Emperour Charles the Great interpreted the apparition of a great Comete as vvitnesseth Fasciculus temporum Lacedemonians othervvise called Spartians descended from the stocke of Abraham li. 1. c. 12. v. 2. * li. 1. c. 1. v. 21. I ch 3. v. 23. 27. :: Al rites of religion vvith temples and other holie thinges are ordayned to the Seruice of God and for mens spiritual good and therfore vvhen men cease to serue God as holie thinges are destroyed or taken avvay :: Iudas vvas the tenth lawful highpriest from the Monarchie of the Grecians :: Sanaballat in the time of Alexander the great procured a temple to be built in Garizim like to that in Ierusalem An other was
seruant that vnderstandeth is acceptable to the king he that is vnprofitable shal susteyne his anger ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XIIII 12. A vvay vvhich semeth iust If anie Iewes Turkes or Heretikes lead a moral good life in this world it semeth both to themselnes and to other rude people tha◠they are in a right way of saluation but their error in faith leadeth them to eternal damnation 30 Health of the hart As soundnes of the hart conserueth the rest of the same bodie in life so a pure intention often excuseth from mortal sinne as in errours committed of probable not of grosse nor affected ignorance But secrete enuie in the hart infecteth and putrifieth mans actions and destroyeth the workes that semed good which can no more endure strict examination in the day of iudgement then a rotten cloth can abide washing CHAP. XV. A soft answer breaketh anger and a hard word rayseth vp furie †The tongue of the wise adorneth knowlege the mouth of fooles boyleth forth follie †In euerie place the eies of our Lord behold the good and the euil †A peaceable tongue is a tree of life but that which is immoderate shal breake the spirite †A foole scorneth the discipline of his father but he that regardeth reprehensions shal become more prudent In abundant iustice there is greatest force but the cogitations of the impious shal be rooted out †The house of the iust is very much strength and in the fruites of the impious is perturbation †The lippes of the wise shal sow knowlege the hart of fooles shal be vnlike †The victimes of the impious are abominable to our Lord the vowes of the iust are acceptable †The way of the impious is abomination to our Lord he that foloweth iustice is beloued of him †The doctrine is euil of them that forsake the way of life he that hateth reprehensions shal dye †Hel and perdition are before our Lord how much more the hartes of the children of men †The pestilent man loueth not him that rebuketh him nor goeth to the wise †A glad hart cheereth the face in pensifnes of minde the spirit is cast downe †The hart of the wise seeketh doctrine and the mouth of fooles is fed with vnskilfulnes †Al the dayes of the poore are euil a secure minde is as it were a continual feast †Better is a litle with the feare of our Lord then great treasures and vnsatiable †It is better to be called to herbes with charitie then to a fatted calfe with hatred †An angrie man stirreth brawles he that is patient appeaseth those that are raised †The way of the slothsul is as an hedge of thornes the way of the iust is without offence †A wise sonne maketh the father ioyful and the foolish man despiseth his mother †Follie is ioy to a soole and the wiseman directeth his steppes †Cogitations are dissipated where there is no counsel but where manie counsellers are they are confirmed †A man reioyceth in the sentence of his mouth and a word in due time is best †The path of life aboue the lerned that he may decline from the lawest hel Our Lord wil destroy the house of the proude and wil make sure the borders of the widow †Euil cogitations are an abomination to our Lord and pure speach most beautiful shal be confirmed of him †He that pursueth auarice disturbeth his house but he that hateth giftes shal liue By mercie and faith sinnes are purged and by the feare of our Lord euerie one declineth from euil †The minde of the iust meditateth obedience the mouth of the impious redoundeth with euils †Our Lord is far from the impious and he wil heare the prayers of the iust †The light of the eies reioyceth the soule a good name fatteth the bones The eare that heareth the reprehensions of life shal abide in the middes of the wise †He that reiecteth discipline despiseth his soule but he that yeldeth to reprehensions is a possessour of the hart †The feare of our Lord the discipline of wisdom and humilitie goeth before glorie CHAP. XVI IT “ perteyneth to man to prepare the hart and to our Lord to gouerne the tongue †Al the wayes of man are open to his eies our Lord is the weigher of spirites †Reueale thy workes to our Lord and thy cogitations shal be directed †Our Lord hath wrought al thinges for himself the impious also to the euil day †Euerie arrogant man is an abomination to our Lord although hand shal be to hand he is not innocent The beginning of a good way is to doe iustice and it is more acceptable with God then to immolate hostes †By mercie and truth iniquitie is redemed and in the feare of our Lord euil is auoided †When the wayes of man shal please our Lord he wil conuert also his enemies to peace †Better is a litle with iustice then much fruite with iniquitie †The hart of man disposeth his way but it perteyneth to our Lord to direct his progresse †Diuination is in the lippes of the king his mouth shal not erre in iudgement †Weight and balance are iudgements of our Lord and his worke al the stones of the bagge †They are abominable to the king that doe impiously because the throne is established by iustice †The wil of kinges are iust lippes he that speaketh right thinges shal be beloued †The kings indignation messengers of death and the wise man wil pacifie it †In the cherfulnes of the kings countenance is life and his clemencie is as the later showre †Possesse wisdom because it is better then gold and gette prudence because it is more precious then siluer †The path of the iust auoideth euils the keper of his soule kepeth his way †Pride goeth before destruction and before ruine the spirit shal be exalted †It is better to be humbled with the meeke then to diuide spoyles with the proude †The lerned in word shal finde good thinges and he that hopeth in our Lord is blessed †He that is wise in hart shal be called prudent and he that is sweete in speach shal finde greater thinges †A fountaine of life the lerning of him that possesseth it the doctrine of fooles foolishnes †The hart of the wife shal instruct his mouth and shal adde grace to his lippes †Wel set wordes are a honie combe swetnes of the foule the health of the bones †There is a way that seemeth to a man right and the later endes therof lead to death †Thee soule of him that laboureth doth labour to himself because his mouth hath compelled him
yongmen their strength and the dignitie of oldmen a gray head †The blewnesse of the wound shal wipe away euils and stripes in the more secrete place of the bellie CHAP. XXI AS diuisions of waters so the hart of the king is in the hand of our Lord whither soeuer he wil he shal incline it †Euerie way of a man semeth to himself right but our Lord weigheth the hartes †To doe mercie and iudgement doth more please our Lord then victimes †Exaltation of the eies is the dilatation of the hart the lampe of the impious sinne †The cogitations of the strong are alwayes in abundance but euerie sluggard is alwayes in pouertie †He that gathereth treasures with a lying tongue is vaine and witles and shal stumble at the snares of death †The robberies of the impious shal draw them downe because they would not doe iudgement †The peruerse way of a man is strange but he that is cleane his worke is right †It is better to sitte in a corner of the house toppe then with a brawling woman and in a common house †The soule of the impious desireth euil he wil not haue pitie on his neighbour †The pestilent man being punished the litle one wil be wiser and if he folow the wiseman he wil take knowlege †The iust deuiseth concerning the house of the impious that he may draw the impious from euil †He that stoppeth his eare at the crie of the poore himself also shal crie and shal not be heard †A gift hid quencketh angers and a gift in the bosome the greatest indignation †It is a ioy to the iust to doe iudgement and dread to them that worke iniquitie †A man that shal erre from the way of doctrine shal abyde in the assemblie of giantes †He that loueth good cheere shal be in pouertie he that loueth wine and fatte thinges shal not be rich †The impious shal be geuen for the iust and the vniust for the righteous †It is better to dwel in a desert land then with a brawling and angrie woman †Treasure to be desired and oyle in the habitation of the iust and the vnwise man shal dissipate it †He that foloweth iustice and mercie shal finde life iustice and glorie †The wise hath scaled the citie of the strong and hath destroyed the confidence therof †He that kepeth his mouth and his tongue kepeth his soule from distresses †The proude and arrogant is called vnlerned which in anger worketh pride †Desires kil the slothful for his handes would not worke any thing †al the day he longeth and desireth but he that is iust wil geue and wil not cease †The hostes of the impious abominable because they are offered of wickednes †A lying witnes shal perish an obedient man shal speake victorie †The impious man malepertly hardeneth his countenauce but he that is righteous correcteth his way †There is no wisdom there is no prudence there is no counsel against our Lord. †The horse is prepared to the day of battel but our Lord geueth saluation CHAP. XXII BEtter is a good name then much riches aboue siluer and gold good grace †The rich and poore haue mette one an other our Lord is the maker of both †The subtel saw euil and hyd himself the innocent passed by and was afflicted with damage †The end of modestie the feare of our Lord riches and glorie and life †Armour and swordes in the way of the peruerse but the keper of his owne soule departeth far from them †It is a prouerbe A yongman according to his way when he is old wil not depart from it †The richman ruleth ouer the poore and he that boroweth is the seruant of him that lendeth †He that soweth iniquitie shal reape euils and with the rod of his wrath he shal be consumed †He that is prone to mercie shal be blessed for of his breades he hath geuen to the poore He that geueth giftes shal purchase victorie and honour but he that receiueth taketh away the soule of the geuer †Cast out the scorner and brawling shal goe forth with him and cause shal cease and contumelies †He that loueth cleanes of hart for the grace of his lippes shal haue the king his frend †The eies of our Lord keepe knowlege and the wordes of the iust are supplanted †The slothful sayth A lyon is without in the middes of the streates I am to be slayne †A deepe pitte the mouth of a strange woman he with whom our Lord is angrie shal fal into it †Follie is tyed together in the hart of a childe and the rod of discipline shal driue it away †He that doth calumniate the poore to increase his riches himself shal geue to a richer and shal be in neede †Incline thine eare and heare the wordes of wisemen and set thy hart to my doctrine †which shal be beautiful for thee when thou shalt kepe it in thy bellie and it shal flow in thy lippes †That thy confidence may be in our Lord wherfore I haue shewed also it to thee this day †Behold I haue described it to thee three maner of wayes in cogitations and knowledge †that I might shew thee the stabilitie and the wordes of truth out of these to answer them that sent thee †Doe not violence to the poore because he is poore neither oppresse the needie in the gate †because our Lord wil iudge his cause and wil pearse them that haue pearsed his soule †Be not frend to an angrie man nor walke with a furious man †lest perhaps thou lerne his pathes and take scandal to thy soule †Be not with them that sticke downe their handes and that offer themselues sureties for debts †for if thou haue not wherewith to restore what cause is there that he should take the couering from thy bed †Trangresse not the ancient boundes which thy fathers haue put †Hast thou sene a man quicke in his worke he shal stand before kinges neither shal be before the vnnoble CHAP. XXIII VVHEN thou shalt sitte to eate with a prince attend diligently what thinges are set before thy face †and set a knife in thy throte if notwithstanding thou haue thy soule in thine owne power †Desire not his meates in which is the bread of lying †Labour not to be rich but set a meane to thy prudence †Lift not vp thine eies to the riches which thou canst not haue because they shal make to themselues winges as of an eagle and shal flie into heauen †Eate not with an enuious man and desire