Psalme doth belong to those times that were most miserable of al other in the which that captiuitie of the seuentie yeares was finished so that it seemeth vnto me to answere on the contrarie vnto that excellent praier which is conteined in the 9. Chapter of Daniel And there be foure parts thereof one from the 1. verse vnto the 11. doth describe a most lamentable mourning of the Church more like to a dead carcase than to a liuing bodie euen as it is resembled in Ezechiel Chapter 37. adioining so liuelie and apt similitudes that in my iudgement there is no writing treating of the same argument comparable with it The second part from the 12. verse vnto the 15. setteth forth the arguments of most sure comforts partlie drawne from the most constant nature of God himselfe partlie of the oracle vttered by the mouth of Iâ—remie and other Prophets concerning the restoring of the Citie The third part from the 16. verse vnto the 23. is the amplifieng of the second part in the which the â—r nâ—tâ—o honour of the second temple that is to saiâ— of the spiritual and eternal whereof that stonie tâ—mple was a figure that is euen of the Church to be spread with most great maiestie throgh the whole world vnder Christ the head is described by the spirit of prophesie Finâ—llie the fourth part from the 24. verse vnto the end of the Psalme the Church as a conquerour singeth a song of triumph THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HEare my praiers ô Lord and let nothing hinder that my cries come not euen vnto thee 2 Turne not thy face from me in such miserable times but rather giue eare and answere speedilie to me that crie 3 For behold my life is consumed as the smoke and I am withered and without al moisture al my strength being consumed like the stone vnder the fire 4 My heart is withered like the hearbe cut downe with the syth and loatheth al meate 5 My bones consumed with sorowe sticke hard vnto my flesh 6 I am like the Pellicane or the Bitter dumping in the desert like the Owle mourning in the wildernesse 7 I passe the nightes like a bird vnder the house eaues bereaued of her mate or spoiled of her yong ones taken foorth of the nest 8 For mine enimies lie in wait for me poore miser and with intollerable pride they abuse the example of my calamitie if they wish euil or curse anie 9 Wherefore I being cast downe vpon the earth can not tel whether I do eate bread or dust and I mixe my drinke with teares 10 For how can I do otherwaies thou beeing so sore displeased with me in that thou maist seeme therefore to haue exalted me that I should fal with so much sorer ruine 11 Wherefore to conclude al in few words I vanish awaie like a shadowe when the sunne setteth and wither like the haie 12 But thou ô Lord vpon whose power notwithstanding and promises I do rest continuest stil the same and thy memorie which thou hast appointed to be with vs must needes be eternal 13 Therefore seeing thou hast so long bin as it were an idle beholder of the miseries of Sion so manie yeares thou wilt arise I knowe wel and haue compassion vpon it when the appointed time shal come 14 Neither shalt thou want seruants which shal beare good affection towards the rammel thereof and haue pitie thereon when it is beaten into dust 15 Yea it is so far off that it should alwaies lie prostrate that contrariwise ô Lord the Gentiles which in the former ages were alienate from thee shal now feare thy name and al the kings of the world shal magnifie thy Maiestie 16 Because thou ô Lord whose worke this is onlie hast built Sion againe and hast shewed thy selfe there much more glorious than at anie time before 17 Not despising the praiers of thy most miserable people but rather hearing them in verie deede 18 For thou shalt do a worke worthie to be set forth in writing to euerlasting memorie and a new people created by thee shal sing forth thy praises 19 Because that from thy most high and holie throne euen from the heauens thou hast looked downe vpon the earth 20 To heare the mourning of the prisoners and to loose them forth of their bonds of whose life it was despaired 21 That in Sion againe thy name ô Lord that thy praise I saie in Ierusalem may be published manie nations and kingdomes running together to worship thee 22 Howbeit thou in the meane season I grant whilest this so great goodnes is waited for doest greeuouslie afflict vs and doest as it were cut off the thred of our life 23 But in this extreame distresse ô God I did flie vnto thee and I praied thee with plaine words that thou wouldest not take me awaie hastilie before that I had run the race of my life 24 And why should not I trust that it wil certainelie come to passe that thou hast promised vnto vs for thou art not like vs who are changed by time but thou abidest stable throughout al worlds 25 And the verie earth was most firmelie established by thee long ago when thou madest it and this mightie compas of heauen standeth vnshaken vnto this daie which was framed by thine onelie hands 26 But their stabilitie is nothing to that thine vnchangable firmitie for they also by little little do faile but thou endurest al one Al these things I saie how stable so euer they seeme are worne by little little as the garment is by long vse whilest that at the length they be changed by thee from the forme that we now see as a garment cast off 27 Yet thou art the selfe-same altogether subiect to no tearme of yeares and time 28 Therefore that thy kingdome which thou hast raised for thy selfe amongst thy people shal also be for euer and that posteritie of thy seruants with whome thou hast made an euerlasting couenant howsoeuer it be tossed with manie and most sharpe tempests yet it being staide by thy wil and vnchangeable power shal remaine for euer PSALME CIII The Argument Dauid did write this Psalme being rauished as it were out of himselfe into heauen in the which he stirreth vp not himselfe onlie but the verie heauenlie spirits also to sing praises vnto God taking the chiefe occasion of that great and vnspeakeable benefite of God which he bestowed on his Church by reuealing both the right waie of righteousnes and the free forgiuenes of sinnes not forgetting his most abundant liberalitie in giuing vs those things most bountifullie which belong to this present life which benefits he setteth forth with most excellent similitudes most sincete sentences adioining herevnto a most magnificent description of the diuine Maiestie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to my deare soule and mine inward bowels giue thankes vnto God with al your power 2 Praise the Lord my soule and declare thy selfe that thou art mindful of al his benefites
die how oft haue I bene striken with terrours sent by thee euen from my very youth how oft haue I stood amazed 16 Thy most bitter wrath hath ouerwhelmed me thy terrours haue shut me in on euerie side 17 A floud of waters as it were ouerflowing al and compassing me round about doe close me in 18 Thou hast remoued al my friends and companions farre from me that I see nothing anie-where but meere darknes PSALME LXXXIX The Argument Ethan the Esrait as also Heman were named by their countrie as J iudge vnto the which Ethan this excellent Psalme is intituled It is the same whose genealogie 〈◊〉 deriued from Merari 1. Chron. 6 44. a man of singular wisedome 1. King 4.31 And I do agree with them that thinke that he did liue after Salomon and that he lamenteth in this Psalme both the falling awaie of the ten tribes from the house of Dauid and also that horrible inuasion and spoile of the land of Iuda and of the house of God and of the kings house which was made by Zesak king of Aegypt as it is declared 2. Chron. 12. Jt conteineth a most greeuous and pitiful lamentation in the which yet he is not discouraged but in the verie beginning ouercomming by faith he doth couragiouslie lift vp himselfe ouer infidelitie and though he seeme somtimes to languish and faint in the battel at the length yet like a conquerour he triumpheth he commeth foorth then as a valiant champion armed with faith and hope both twaine being grounded of most certaine and sure foundations euen of the vnmoueable stabilitie of the decrees of God first considered generallie that is in the adoption of the seede of Abraham then particularlie in the promise confirmed with Dauid And he bringeth foorth two most certaine testimonies thereof euen the innumerable benefits verse 1. and the verie frame of heauen verse 2. in the which he saith that God hath ingrauen the truth of his promise not so much for the stable substance of the heauens and also most certaine course but much more as I suppose because the Lord making a couenant with Abraham would haue the heauens which he commanded him to behold to be as a sacrament of his couenant But in the other part that is in the league made with Dauid of the eternitie of his kingdome he chieflie laboureth verse 4. and 5. and that worthilie because that the whole foundation of the faith of the saints resteth vpon this sonne of Dauid For if he be an eternal King the Church also which is the kingdome of heauen must of necessitie be eternal and euerlasting and therefore without al danger to perish The second foundation of this faith and hope is the infinite power of God whereof he bringeth also a double testimonie one that shâ—neth foorth in the gouernement of things both aboue and beneath the other declaring it selfe in the manifold deliuerances of the Church from the 6. verse to the 15. the third foundation of these twaine is the nature of God himselfe who must needes be both merciful towards his by the couenant of his gratious and free promise and a iust aduenger of their enimies the which place he doth amplifie with an excellent poëtical inuention borrowed of the thrones of kings verse 14 and 15. these things being set downe as though the battel were finished he singeth the triumph verse 16. and in the three next following But here contrariwise the enimie rebelleth who seemed to haue bene ouercome and verelie which is strange he vseth the same weapons wherewith chieflie he was ouercome For he granted the couenant made with Dauid yea euen so that he bringeth foorth the verie tables of the couenant and requireth euerie word of them to be pondered that he may gather thereby by present experience that that couenant is frustrate euen because it was violated and broken by the posteritie of Dauid and therefore that their hope is vaine which rested vpon the stabilitie thereof And this is the greatest battel of faith namelie whereas the promises are granted generalie and the controuersie is brought of the particular applicationâ— the assault of the enimie is conteined verse 20 c. vnto the 46. verse Finallie there followeth a most feruent praier in the which he rising vp who seemed to be ouerthrowne resting stil notwithstanding vpon those three things whereof we haue spoken he concludeth that it were a great absurditie and that it is farre from the wil of God reuealed that he should alwaie be angrie with his verse 47. then doth he lament the miseries of mankind which perisheth euen of his owne follie verse 48 49. and in the end he concludeth the Psalme with a most godlie triumph bringing in againe the league made with Dauid and declaring on the one side the greatnes of the present miserie and on the other side putting God in remembrance that it standeth not so much of the preseruation of the miserable as of the maintenance of his owne glorie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 ALthough we be afflicted on euerie side with so great calamities as we thinke can come to anie yet God forbid that I should expostulate with him naie rather I wil celebrate with continual songs how manie and how great his benefits are towards vs and I wil neuer cease to praise his euerlasting constancie in perfourming his promises 2 For although that thing be interrupted sometimes which he hath begun yet must we determine that that must alwaies remaine vnmooueable which he promising of his great mercie hath said shal continue taking the heauens themselues to witnesse 3 But the effect of this couenant doth depend altogether of that which I wil not let to declare by the voice of God himselfe Thus then he saith Behold I doe sweare that I wil perfourme this my couenant begun with your fathers vnto that same chosen man euen vnto Dauid this my seruant 4 That is to saie that a child shal spring out of him whome I wil endue with eternitie and that his kingdome shal be perpetual 5 And euen that stable frame of the heauens that endureth so manie ages doth declare that God wil bring to passe and worke that thing which passeth the condition of mankind and the state of al kingdomes but especiallie that companie of holie spirits which celebrate the truth of God 6 For who in those regions that are aboue vs may be compared with the Lord the maker and which of those most mightie spirits shal we saie to be like the Lord 7 For there is none of al these that stand about him which doe not feare at the sight of God and doth not confesse that he is to be reuerenced aboue al. 8 Oh Lord God the emperour of those heauenlie armies who can saie that he is equal to thee in power and thy truth is no lesse stable than thy power is mightie 9 And that thou wilt doe what thou art able for thine thou hast testified now of old when thou hast bridled the raging sea
And also being assured of his prophetical spâ—rit that this kingdome how florishing so euer was but onlie a figure and patterne of that eternal kingdome of Messiah who should be borne of him therefore doeth he extend his speach therevnto and prophesieth that al people of the earth shal receiue him for their King as the Apostle Paule doth interpret it Rom. 15.9 10 11 12. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord my strength I doe loue thee from the bottome of my heart 2 The Lord is my rocke and my fortresse my deliuerer my God my mount my refuge my shield the horne wherewith I driue away the enimie and my high tower of defence 3 I haue praised the Lord and called vpon him and he hath deliuered me from al mine enimies 4 The bands of death had compassed me round about and bound me most wicked men like most raging flouds made mee afraide enuironing me round about 5 I did lie as it were wrapped in my winding sheete euen snarled with the snares of death 6 I called vpon the Lord in these extremities I called vpon my God I saie and he heard my voice out of his high palace and receiued into his eares the crie that I made vnto him 7 Then began the earth to quake and tremble the verie foundations of the mountaines to shake and shudder 8 And he breathed out smoke from his nostrels spitting foorth fire out of his mouth yea casting foorth euen coles of fire 9 He bowed the heauens and came downe the darkenes beeing spred al abroade vnder his feete 10 He did ride vpon the wings of the Angels and was caried with the wings of the winde 11 Blacke darkenes enuironed his tabernacle round about and he was couered with most darke and thicke cloudes 12 Vntil his glistering brightnes did breake those cloudes and the flames of fire did flash on euerie side 13 At the length he thundered from heauen and filled al places with his mightie sounding voice and with hailestones and lightnings 14 He shot foorth his firie dartes and increasing his lightnings he terrified mine enimies and destroied them 15 Then the deepe bottomes of the waters appeared and the foundations of the world were discouered at thy rebuke ô Lord and at the blustering winde of thy wrath 16 So then hath he stretching his right hand downe from the heauen taken me and drawne me out of the bottome of the deepe waters 17 From that mightie enimie I saie and from the other enimies by whose power I was oppressed 18 For they verilie had almost cast mee downe and destroied me at the sudden but he was my staffe that staied me 19 And he hath drawne me out of these straights and placed me in an open and large place because it so pleased him without my deseruing to fauour me 20 For he had regard in deede of me that was oppressed of these men without cause and granted these things to me being guiltles 21 For I haue folowed the waie that the Lord hath appointed me howsoeuer these men vexed me neither could I be drawne by anie of their iniuries that I should faile from my God as the wicked vse 22 For I had al his lawes before mine eies neither did I put his statutes foorth of my sight 23 But I behaued my selfe without hypocrisie with him neither did I folowe mine affections which else would easilie haue carried me forth of the waie 24 Therefore had the Lord regard of me that was oppressed of them without anie cause and fauoured me the innocent partie 25 For thou ô Lord wilt shewe thy selfe good vnto the good and vpright to them that deale vprightlie 26 And as thou shewest thy selfe sincere with them that deale sincerelie so the craftie men shal perceiue thee to be more cunning 27 For although manie times thy seruants be sore vexed yet doest thou preserue them and doest cast downe those that behaue themselues so proudlie 28 Hence haue I my light whereby thou causest me to shine and driuest away my darkenes 29 Thou hast made me to ouercome these dangers easilie and to leape ouer the walles and lets that were in my waie 30 For the waie whereby God leadeth vs is plaine the word of God is most pure the Lord doth defend al that trust in him as with a shield 31 For who is God but the Lord and who is mightie but our God onlie 32 He hath girded mee with power and hath made my waie safe 33 He hath made me as swift as the Hindes and hath placed me in most high and safe places 34 He hath taught mine hands to fight and he hath giuen me so great strength that I am able to breake a bowe of brasse with these mine armes 35 Thou hast preserued me with the protection of thy shield and thou hast staied me with thy right hand when I was readie to fal through thy great mercie 36 Thou hast caused me to go safelie without danger and thou hast staied my sliding steps 37 Therefore haue I pursued mine enimies and taken them and I haue not turned backe til I haue destroied them 38 I haue so beaten them downe and troden them vnder foote that they were not able to raise themselues againe 39 For thou verelie hast giuen me such strength that they which haue risen against me haue fallen headlong at my feete 40 Thou hast giuen me power to strike off their heads and that I might destroie them that pursued me 41 Yet Lord I graunt they cried vnto thee but thou hast not deliuered them neither wouldest heare their crie 42 Therefore did I beate them smal like the dust that the winde scattereth abroad and I did tread them like the mire which is trampled vnder the feete of them that walke the streetes 43 Yea also thou hast deliuered me from domestical and inward troubles and thou hast giuen me dominion ouer the nations that I neuer knew before 44 Vnknowne people I say obey my commandement and strangers be compelled for feare to submit themselues vnto me 45 The hearts of the strangers haue failed so that they fal downe for feare in their strongest forts 46 Let the Lord liue and let him that is my defence be knowledged and worshipped of al as he worthilie deserueth let God my deliuerer be praised euerie-where 47 Euen God I say who is mine aduenger who hath subdued so manie people vnder me 48 Thou hast saued me from mine enimies thou hast deliuered me from them that rose vp against me especialie from that cruel man 49 Therefore wil I praise thee euen among the prophane nations and I wil sing vnto thy maiestie 50 For verelie thou hast maruelouslie preserued thy king and not onlie Dauid himselfe whom thou hast annointed king but also thou hast shewed singular fauour to his seed that shal remaine for euer PSALME XIX The Argument This Psalme doth teach vs the summe of al true diuinitie the end whereof is that we haue that knowledge both of God himselfe and of the worship
ô Lord and I do seeke thy face 9 Turne not away ô Lord neither reiect thy seruant in thine anger thou wilt yet helpe me leaue me not neither forsake me ô my sauiour 10 Though I be destitute of al mans helpe yea euen forsaken of my verie parents yet thou ô Lord wilt succour me 11 Teach me the waie that I should walke and make plaine the path-way vnto me against whom so manie enimies do lie in wait 12 Giue me not vp to the lust of mine enimies for they are risen vp against me which are not ashamed to lie or to commit anie wickednes 13 Yet I trust that I shal be safe and comfortablie enioie the Lords benefites 14 Go to Dauid waite vpon the Lord with a couragious and constant heart waite vpon the Lord I saie PSALME XXVIII The Argument Dauid in this Psalme susteining the person not of a priuate man but of a publike euen of a king appointed by God himselfe praieth for himselfe and for Gods people with such confidence although he could not liue safelie no not as a priuate person in the kingdome of Saul that he giueth thankes for his petition graunted alreadie And he addeth certaine praiers vndoutedlie by the spirit of prophesie against al such as persecute the Church not by ignorance or sudden affection but of set purpose and obstinate malice Wherevnto appertaine those things that are written 1. Sam. 23.17 and 24.21 THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Call vpon thee ô Lord my defence be not deafe at my crie for if thou keepe silence I shal differ nothing from them that die and are laied in the earth 2 Heare my praiers therefore whilest I may crie and regard me that stretch vp my hands to that thy most holie sanctuarie 3 Count not me ô Lord amongest these wicked men who reioice in wickednes who wil offer in words al duties of friendship and to be at commandement but in their hearts they haue most wicked deuises 4 Giue vnto them their worthie reward euen that which their wicked deedes deserue recompence them I saie according to their desert 5 For seeing they hinder the worke that thou hast determined to bring to passe both willinglie and wittinglie certainelie thou wilt destroie them ô Lord much lesse wilt thou increase them with thy blessings 6 I giue thankes therefore vnto the Lord which hath heard my praiers 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield this is he in whom my heart doth rest hauing experience of his support he for ful conclusion comforteth my heart him wil I praise 8 The Lord strengtheneth his seruants neither wil thine annointed trust to anie other 9 Deliuer thy people ô God and declare thy fauour towards them whom thou hast chosen peculiarlie to be thine feede them and extoll them vp for euer PSALME XXIX The Argument Whereas no men commonlie vse to be more proud and to shew themselues in the end despisers of the verie maiestie of God than they to whome God hath made others subiect to be gouerned by them so that they chalenge vnto themselues to be honoured as gods and suppose that they may do what they lust vnto others this Psalme teacheth Kings and Princes peculiarlie by the comparison of their power how great soeuer it be with that infinite power of GOD which doth vtter it selfe in the terrible thunders and other tempestes and their effects to remember rather how farre they are abased vnder his power and of whome and vpon what condition they haue receiued their authoritie rather than to be proud that they are aboue a few mortal men for a little season Againe seeing that the kings them-selues are oftentimes sotted and demented by the flatterie of the people he admonisheth them that be of God that they be content to obey their magistrates as Gods ministers yet that they learne to depend onlie of God and to wait for al good things from him THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Ye kings and al ye of power giue place vnto the Lord giue vnto the Lord I saie the honour of al glorie and power 2 Giue vnto the Lord the maiestie and glorie due vnto his name and fal downe and worship him in that his most beautiful temple 3 This is that Lord whose voice thundering foorth of the midst of the waters doth witnesse himselfe with such a lowd sounding voice to be the verie God of glorie euen by that voice I saie which breaketh foorth of the midst of the clouds driuen by tempests 4 The voice of the Lord is verie mightie the voice of the Lord is ful of maiestie 5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the most high Ceders of Libanus 6 And he plucketh them vp by the rootes and causeth them to skip like a wanton bullocke and he causeth those most mightie mountaines to tremble and to shake 7 The voice of the Lord doth cast foorth fire striken out of the verie clouds 8 The voice of the Lord doth shake the horrible wildernes and the high rockes of the Arabians 9 The voice of the Lord causeth the hindes to cast their calues and maketh the woods bare by casting downe their trees with terrible noise the godlie in the meane season praising him in his temple 10 By him commeth the horrible flouds of waters but â—o that he sitteth as gouernour ouer them for the Lord is King for euer 11 This is he that giueth power to his people euen the Lord that blesseth his people with continual benefites PSALME XXX The Argument Jt is verie probable that Dauid made this Psalme when Abshalom and Sheba were slaine and he returned into the citie as it is declared 2. Sam. 20. when he would purge his house and as it were consecrate it a new vnto God that was polluted by the incest of his sonne and other wickednes wherein there appeareth some ceremonie to haue bin vsed as appeareth by the historie of Nehemia in dedicating the walles of the citie and by dedicating the house Deut. 20 5. And he giueth great thankes therefore vnto God to whose onlie mercie he doth giue the praise of this his restoring to his kingdome so sudden euen done as it were in a moment And he doth also confesse that it came to passe by his owne foolish securitie that GOD did breake off the continuance of publike peace and other his benefites THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Wil magnifie thee ô Lord my deliuerer which hast not suffered mine enimies to triumph ouer me 2 I haue cried vnto thee ô Lord my God and thou hast saued me that was readie to die 3 Thou hast deliuered me ô Lord from the verie graue and hast restored life vnto me who should else haue gone downe into the pit 4 Sing with me vnto the Lord al ye that are receiued to his mercie and celebrate his memorie with perpetual praise 5 For in one moment doth his anger end but his fauour endureth to the end of our life so that if we go to bed in the euening with sorowe in the
trust in him 4 O blessed is that man who putting al his confidence in the Lord turneth awaie from men that are puffed vp with most vaine and deceitful confidence 5 O Lord my God! how manie and maruellous are thy works who is able to comprehend in his mind or to declare and vtter thy thoughts towards vs seeing they are innumerable 6 Howbeit this doth chieflie set forth the greatnes of thy benefites that al this doth proceed freelie of thine vnspeakeable mercie For thou hast not required of me the oblations and sacrifices of the law as though I could satisfie thee by them which were a madnes for anie man to persuade himselfe but thou hast required this one thing for al maner of oblations and offering that I should heare thee the which thing also thou hast graunted vnto mee making me apt and readie to heare thee 7 Wherefore I trusting to this thy grace haue streightwaies againe answered within my selfe Lo I am here for in the verie beginning of the booke of thy lawe I doe heare my selfe thus called when thou saiest Heare ô Israël 8 Neither dost thou command vs ô my God to heare thee for anie other cause but that we should obeie thee when thou speakest Seeing thou hast graunted vnto me ô Lord this wil I haue testified my wil and that thy lawe is setled in the secret of my heart 9 Neither haue I done this dissemblinglie for I haue openlie declared thy righteousnes neither wil I euer cease to declare it for feare of anie peril of the which my wil thou art witnesse ô Lord vnto me 10 I haue not kept secret I saie thy righteousnes which I did knowe in my heart but I haue most plainlie professed how faithful thou art in thy promise and that al our saluation doth consist in this thine onlie goodnes I haue testified thy mercie truth also before al the assemblie of thy people 11 Now thou againe my God seeing that new enimies do arise continue as thou hast done hitherto to haue mercie vpon me and ioine neare vnto me those thy faithful keepers euen thy mercie and fidelitie in keeping thy promises 12 For innumerable troubles doe againe hang ouer my head and so manie and so great punishments due vnto my sinnes do presse me that I can scarselie behold them a farre off with mine eies for they are aboue the number of the haires of mine head and my verie heart faileth me 13 Let it please thee therefore ô Lord to deliuer me ô Lord I saie make haste to helpe me 14 Cause them to be confounded ashamed and frustrate of their expectation that seeke my death and let them be turned backe with shame voide of their purpose which bend themselues wholie to hurt me 15 Let them suffer the same blot of infamie for a reward of their wickednes wherewith they would haue spotted me which cried Ha ha in my miserie 16 But contrariwise let al that seeke thee being confirmed comforted by mine example reioice and they that haue set al their hope of saluation in thee let them exhort one another to praise thee I was miserable and destitute of al mens helpe but the Lord prouided for me and mine affaires Thou wast my helper thou wast my deliuerer and now ô my God I beseech thee make no delaie PSALME XLI The Argument This is a most greeuous temptation which was the occasion of the making of this Psalme treating the same matter with the booke of Job wherein this question is handled to wit whether seeing God is iust and al the miseries wherevnto men are subiect doe come for our sinnes we may determine of the wrath of God and of the condemnation of anie by the present miseries wherewith they are oppressed For it is the common iudgement of the world supposing of the contrarie that they are in Gods fauour which doe abound with the commodities of this life And both these are false as God himselfe doth decide the controuersie betweene Job and his friendes and Salomon also in his booke called Ecclesiastes Now this temptation is most greeuous for it openeth the doore to blasphemie and desperation and this euil iudgement is the more greeuous when it proceedeth from faithlesse and churlish persons of whom chiefly we looked for comfort Thus was Dauid maruellouslie vexed of them who liked not his sincere and vpright dealing and seueritie of discipline as it appeareth by the historie that the son was drawen away froÌ„ his father by the practise of wicked Achitophel and others and driuen to that horrible conspiracie Moreouer these faithles persons had an horrible disease in their hearts which increased the desire of alteration in them for they supposed when Dauid should be taken awaie that they could raise vp one who would satisfie their lustes and would set them at more libertie Dauid therefore greeued with so manie sorrowes acknowledgeth himselfe a sinner and both by faith resting vpon God and vpon an vpright conscience towardes these traitors flieth vnto God and wisheth wel vnto them that had a better opinion of him and powreth foorth most feruent praiers for the safetie of himselfe and his kingdome of the good issue whereof he is so sure as he might wel be hauing a particular promise of God that he giueth thanks for the performance of the same And heerein there is a maruellous figure both of Dauid compared with Christ and of Achitophel with Judas as the verse of this Psalme is cited Iohn 13 18. For like as Dauid being betraied chased awaie by his sonne dâ—d yet recouer the kingdome euen so Christ betraied of his disciple and nailed vpon the crosse by the malice of his owne people did then verelie begin his kingdome and both the traitors had the like and the same end THE PARAPHRASIS 1 BVT wel may it be vnto you that iudge more vprightlie of me being in most great miserie for surelie the Lord wil deliuer me forth of this calamitie 2 The Lord wil not faile to prouide for me and wil restore me to life againe yea whatsoeuer these do prattle God wil againe blesse me neither wil he suffer mine enimies to satisfie their lustes vpon me 3 The Lord rather wil strengthen me though I be throwen downe with the greatnes of my sorowes and he wil go about my verie bed 4 For I haue called vpon him with these words which cannot be frustrate I knowledge ô Lord that I haue sinned against thee and am therefore punished most iustlie but thou hauing compassion vpon me heale me being wounded much more in mind than in bodie 5 Behold these churlish and faithles persons doe not cease to cursse me wish nothing more than my destruction When saie they shal he once perish and his name be wholie extinguished 6 If anie man come vnto me vnder the colour of friendship he may wel testifie amitie in his words but he meaneth in his heart to hurt me casting manie subtile fetches in his mind and
in our dangers 2 Therefore we wil not feare at al though the earth be shaken from her foundations and the mountaines be carried into the middest of the sea 3 Though al the stormes of waters sound about vs with most horrible noise and mounting vp doe shake the verie mountaines 4 Yet the citie of God which the most high hath consecrated vnto himselfe for his habitation doth rest in the meane time safe and comforted with his most gentle and pleasant riuers 5 For seeing that God himselfe doth dwel in it how can it be subuerted nay as oft as neede is he wil wake earlie in the twi-light and wil helpe it 6 Behold the nations did rage on euerie side and the kingdomes had prepared battel euerie-where against vs but as soone as he thundered out his voice al their fiercenes although they filled the land with their multitude did fal downe their hearts melting for feare 7 For the Lord hauing farre other armies is on our side that God I saie of Iacob is our defence 8 Come hither I praie you if anie doubt of this matter or negligentlie regard these thinges and consider with me the workes of the Lord namelie what destruction and desolation is now come vpon those countries which did rage so mightilie against vs. 9 Behold how sudden these battels and tumults are ceased on euerie side behold how he hath broken the bowes and hath cut in sunder the speares and burnt al their chariots with fire 10 Heare the Lord himselfe finalie setting forth this example and thus calling vpon your enimies O ye mad men leaue off these things and learne at the least by these your miseries that I am GOD whom ye haue wounded by the sides of my people and whose name ye labour in vaine to abolish But it is so farre from your power to doe this that contrariwise I wil once dilate my glorie wide broad throughout the whole world 11 Finalie let vs conclude this fullie that the Lord being furnished with innumerable and most mightie armies standeth on our side and that that God of Iacob is a most sure defence vnto vs. PSALME XLVII The Argument The verie order of this Psalme chieflie the fift verse seemeth vnto me manifestlie to declare that this song was written by Dauid ful of most feruent zeale and sung of the sonnes of Corah in that pompe most ful of maiestie wherein he brought the Arke of the Lord at the length into the citie which was called after his owne name the which excellent storie is set downe 2. Sam. 6 1. Chro. 15. And this song of praise doth teach foure principal things 1 With how feruent zeale we are bound to seeke the glorie of God 2 How careful the princes chieflie ought to be to establish the publike holie ministerie and to amplifie it 3 What great difference there is betwixt the people chosen of God and other nations proceeding only of the mercie of God Last of al that other nations also in the end shal be partakers of this so great mercie Of these foure there is no part which doth not much more appertaine vnto vs than to the old people now when this prophesie is fulfilled at length and Christ him selfe is come vnto vs. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Al ye people being gathered together clap your hands and praise God with most ioiful voices 2 For this is that Iehouah not closed vp in this Arke for he is higher than the verie heauens notwithstanding he setteth before our eies this testimonie of his presence and mercie this I saie is the King shewing himself terrible against his enimies this is the Lord of the whole earth 3 This is hee that wil bring into subiection the people that lie neare vnto vs ouer whome we shal haue authoritie 4 This is he that hath giuen vs that most excellent heritage by whose power we may worthilie glorie of our dignitie and honour and that by his singular benefite for none other cause but that it hath pleased him to receiue vs into his fauour 5 Behold God commeth vp to his holie mountaine with triumph the Lord commeth with sound of trumpets 6 Sing vnto God sing I saie sing praises to our King sing praises 7 For this is the greatest King by farre euen the Monarch of the whole world sing al you that can sing 8 Praise God I saie who is not onelie our King but the King of al people sitting vpon his holie throne 9 For the verie gouernours of the people shal submit themselues to the people of the God of Abraham for he is onelie the Lord of the whole world and the preseruer of the same farre higher than al powers beside PSALME XLVIII The Argument There is the same argument of this Psalme and of the 46. although it seeme to haue bene written long after in the daies of Josaphat as may appeare and is to be referred to the storie which is written 1. Chron. 20. there is added therfore the praise of the citie of Ierusalem which was a figure of the Church by the beautiful situation and by the strength of the wals and forts whereby yet the Prophet doth not saie that the safetie thereof doth stand but by God alone the Lord of the citie that we may vnderstand that the Church is preserued by the same onlie defence although so oft as it so pleaseth God it is not destitute of mans armour and defence THE PARAPHRASIS 1 DOubtles the Lord doth shew himselfe great and most worthie of al praise euery-where but this is seene chieflie in that his owne citie which knowledgeth him for their God and worshippeth him in his holie mountaine 2 For this is that mount Sion of most pleasant situation looking towards the north the ornament and ioie of the whole earth the citie of the great King 3 For there verelie God dwelleth as in his palace and there is he knowledged againe to be the onlie defence thereof 4 Neither neede we to fetch anie farre proofe of this most plaine thing for behold the kings associate together were about to set vpon it 5 The which so soone as they did behold being striken with the admiration of it fled awaie speedilie 6 For so wonderful terrour and so sudden came vpon them as the pangs of a woman that trauelleth with child 7 And as the most raging violence of the wind vseth to shake the ships sailing in the deepe seas 8 Therefore we our selues haue seene the woonders which we heard of our elders of old that were done by God to deliuer them done also in the citie of the most mightie Iehouah the citie I saie of our God the which being now defended of him he wil from hencefoorth also preserue for euer 9 Surelie ô God thou hast not disappointed vs calling for thy mercie in thy palace with ful confidence 10 And the fame of this thing whither soeuer it shal come shal stir vp al men euen to the vttermost coastes of the earth to set
with another but now turne thee againe vnto vs. 2 For what haue we not suffered For thou hast shaken the verie earth so that it doth euen cracke and gape therefore fil the clifts thereof and restore it being sore shaken 3 Thou hast caused vs thy people to taste most heauie things and hast made vs to drinke as it were a cup of giddinesse 4 But now againe of the contrarie such is thy mercie when thou giuest vnto vs being conuerted vnto thee thy standard and thy truth to go before vs and commandest vs to folowe our captaine and bring foorth the armie 5 Defend thy beloued and by stretching out thy right hand heare them and preserue them 6 And why should we douâ—t I praie you that this thing should so come to passe seeing God hath spoken vnto vs forth of his sanctuarie wherefore I do wholie reioice being certeine alreadie of the victorie For God wil graunt vnto me verelie that I shal compose and set my kingdome in order ouer-comming al mine enimies I wil diuide therefore the fields of the Sichemites and wil measure the vallie of Succoth 7 I shal obteine my Gilead and Manasseh beyond Iordan peaceablie the Gentiles round about being chased awaie Ephraim shal be the chiefe part of mine armie I wil place in Iudah the throne of iudgement 8 But the strangers how fierce soeuer they be shal do al seruile worke vnto me the Moabites shal hold the basen to wash my feete I wil cause the Idumites to take vp my shooes being shaken off and cast vpon their heads and thou proud Palestina prepare triumphes for me and ioiful songs as thou hast a little before triumphed ouer vs. 9 But by what captaine shal I win so many strong cities and by what power shal I be strengthened to come vnto Idumea 10 Verelie thou being my guide and trusting to thine onelie power my God although thou hast beaten vs backe hertofore and hast refused a great while to go foorth before our armies 11 Therefore be present with vs ô Lord after the miseries of so manie yeeres for that helpe is vaine which is hoped for of men 12 We trusting vnto thee ô God shal doe valiantlie he alone wil tread vnder foote al our enimies PSALME LXI The Argument Dauid being an exile declareth by this Psalme that like as there is a continual battel betwixt the world and the saints Iames. 4.4 so that the hope of the saints is nourished by a continual remembrance of former benefits for the decree of God concerning the preseruation of his is not changeable yet here be some things which do rest vpon the singular promise of God not common vnto al men as those things which Dauid doth promise to himselfe for the atteining of the kingdome and for long life trusting verelie to the word of God as is written Psal 89 11. c. and 130 11. and most fullie 2. Sam. 7. Notwithstanding so farre doe these promises belong vnto euerie one of the saints that they are sure generallie that godlines hath the promises both of this life and of the life to come and so may cast their care of particular euents of their affaires onlie vpon God Furthermore that which the Prophet promiseth vnto himselfe of the eternitie of his kingdome seeing it is referred vnto the kingdome of the Messiah which is both the sonne and the Lord of Dauid which kingdome is not of this world as it is applied by the Angel Gabriel Luke 1. it bringeth great comfort and most certeine to the Church and to euerie member thereof in al miseries how sore and extreame soeuer because that the honour of the king can not stand but in the safetie of the subiects THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HEare my crie ô God and giue eare vnto my praiers seeing the greatnes and multitude of my dangers do so require 2 For though I be driuen farre awaie from thy sanctuarie and doe carrie a mind oppressed with cares notwithstanding I crie vnto thee requiring that thou wouldest now take me into that high tower whither I cannot come by anie meanes but by thine onelie power 3 For hitherto thou hast bene vnto me a most safe refuge and a most sure tower against the enimie 4 Therefore I doubt not but it shal come to passe that though I be now farre absent from thy tabernacle yet at the length I shal be placed againe therein and I shal rest there vnder the defence of thy wings 5 For thou ô God hast graunted my desire and hast appointed me the king of thy holie people 6 And also thou wilt bring to passe I knowe wel that prolonging the life vnto the king whom thou hast appointed his age shal bee as it were doubled 7 Yea this his throne shal be eternal before thee but I beseech thee giue vnto him two keepers vpon whome he may onlie trust euen thy mercie and thy truth 8 I then being restored againe wil praise thy name for euer and wil paie my vowes dailie vnto thee PSALME LXII The Argument Dauid being cast from his throne by the conspiracie of his sonne and being compelled to flie with an handful of men beyond Jordan as may be gathered by the 8. verse striuing with a most greeuous temptation namelie by so great and sudden a change of things tempted either to prooue vnlawful things or to fal to desperation doth conclude that he wil notwithstanding perseuere and continue constantlie in waiting for the helpe of God and he confirmeth those that did cleaue vnto him by his example and that with so great so liuelie a courage of heart wherevnto the verie words and sentences doe answere that whosoeuer hath this Psalme in memorie it seemeth that he can be ouercome with no kind of temptation THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HOwsoeuer it is and what thing soeuer and after what sort soeuer it seemeth to threaten me my heart doth rest no-where else but onlie in the power of God and his wil declared vnto me and for a ful conclusion I wil wait for deliuerance from him alone 2 Furthermore whatsoeuer commeth vnto me on the contrarie God is my fortresse my saluation my tower and I knowe this that though I be tossed long and much more and more yet shal I neuer fal 3 But yee ô wicked men wil yee neuer cease to conspire altogether against mee with vncessant fiercenes and to driue me downe whome yee account like a wal readie to fal of it owne accord or an heape of stones sliding downe 4 For these men are afraid least I be raised vp againe and therefore they are wholie occupied in this that they may vtterlie cast me downe and there is no craft which they doe not inuent against me faining friendship in their words but deuising destruction against me as appeareth in verie deed 5 But go to my seelie soule looke vp vnto God and quietlie rest in him for I doe depend wholie vpon him alone 6 Finallie with what weapon soeuer I am inuaded seeing
which he did of old when he preserued our elders putting to flight the kings of Basan and brought them through the deepe streames of the sea 23 Wherefore then ô people thou didst walke through the middest of the heapes of thine enimies that were slaine dogs licking their bloud 24 Then ô God our elders did see thee going ô my God they did see thee going I saie within thy holie tabernacle ô my King 25 The singers went before thee the trumpetters folowing thee the companie of damsels also did plaie vpon the timbrels on euerie side one sort exhorting an other by course with this maner of song 26 Go to praise God with courage praise the Lord by course ye that come of Israël 27 Beniamin on the one side which was the youngest hath mightilie ouercome the enimie Iuda on the other side hath destroied them with stones also the valiantnes and noble victorie of the princes of Zabulon and Ephraim is famous 28 And as we knowledge al this power to haue proceeded from thee alone so disposing it so doe we now praie ô God that thou wilt confirme it more and more vnto vs. 29 And we doubt not but thou wilt so doe much more hereafter than euer before foorth of thy holie palace which thou hast chosen vnto thee at Ierusalem whither the verie kings also shal once come and shal offer gifts vnto thee 30 Represse therefore and bridle with thy terrible rebuke those cruel beasts that breake foorth of their holes and dens fierce rankes of buls and scatter the people that are like wanton calues that go proudlie decked in siluer euen the people that couet wars 31 Surelie the time wil come when the princes of Aegypt shal run hither vnto thee the Aethiopians with great haste shal hold vp their hands humblie vnto thee 32 Go to then ye kingdomes scattered through the earth praise God with melodie and sing vnto the Lord 33 Euen vnto the Lord that sitteth vpon those most high heauens from al eternitie as it were vpon a chariot and maketh a terrible and most mightie sound from thence 34 Acknowledge ye his power the maiestie wherof doth no lesse shine foorth in Israël than the thunders sounding in the clouds 35 For this is that sanctuarie ô God out of the which thou declarest thy selfe terrible vnto thine enimies but vnto thine ô God of Israël thou wilt minister power and strength therefore al praise and glorie be giuen vnto thee for euer PSALME LXIX The Argument Although this Psalme is altogether agreeable with the 22 Psalme written in the forme of a praier and no doubt by the occasion which either the flieng of Dauid out of the court of Saule seemeth to offer when the chastitie of his wife was not preserued safe vnto him who was married vnto an other husband much lesse did they spare his goods to the which opinion I doe incline or the treason of Absalom yet is it certaine that the holie Ghost did so gouerne the mind and the hand of the Prophet that he seemeth to haue regarded those things rather whereof he was a figure than himselfe if not in euerie place of the Psalme yet surelie in the most part thereof So then is Christ our mediatour rather brought in complaining vnto God of the crueltie of his people which could be ouercome by none of his benefits than Dauid complaining of his enimies and he also wisheth and forewarneth those punishment which the people of the Jewes did worthilie suffer for their ingratitude wherewith we also now see that they are punished of the which mystical interpretation we haue most cleare witnesses Matth. 27 48. Luke 1 20. Iohn 2 18. and 19 28. Last of al Paule Rom. 11 9. and 15 3. And seeing the members must be conformed vnto the head it followeth that there wil be great vse and commoditie of this Psalme so long as the Church shal soiourne vpon earth THE PARAPHRASIS 1 DEliuer me ô God euen now readie to be swallowed with these streames of water 2 For I am now cast downe into the most deepe mirie pit where I can by no meanes fasten my foote and I am drowned with most deepe waters flowing vpon me on euerie side 3 I am wearied with crieng my iawes are pained with hoarsenes also mine eies haue failed while I earnestlie wait for my God 4 Furthermore I may more easilie tel the haires of mine head than the multitude of mine enimies which hate me causelesse yea and the number of them that hate me deadlie is increased dailie and which thing is most greeuous of al those that spoile my goods deale so with me as though I had first spoiled others 5 But thou ô God knowest verie wel whether I haue behaued my selfe vprightlie and wiselie or no and whether I be a wicked man as these doe slander me 6 What then if I be forsaken of thee verelie they must needs also be ashamed who haue ioined them selues with me trusting to the promises that thou hast made vnto me O most mightie Lord staie thou this thing that it come not to passe neither suffer that they faile of their hope which seeke thee the God of Israël in the defence of my cause 7 For doubtles whatsoeuer they pretend they would wound not me but thee by my side and for thy cause alone am I so railed vpon and doe lie downe couered with reproch 8 Neither am I forsaken of strangers onelie but also my kinsemen and mine owne brethren doe despise me as an vnknowne person and as I were not ioined vnto them with any bond of consanguinitie 9 For euen so oft as I perceiued thy glorie to be diminished I burnt with sorrowe the which thing I neither would nor could dissemble and I accounted my self to be wounded with the reproches cast out against me 10 Wherefore I being in great heauines haue absteined euen from my meate for sorrowe the which my care these men had in derision 11 I laid downe my garment I saie and tooke vnto me haire cloth the which thing these men turned into scoffes 12 So that in the publike assemblies also they ceased not to prate on me and feasting merilie they made songs of me 13 What shal I do then Verelie ô Lord I doe notwithstanding powre out my praiers vnto thee being nothing afraid either of the power or of the pride of these men For though thou hast now loosed the raines to their dissolute wickednes I doe knowe that thou hast appointed a time againe when thou wilt bridle them and wilt declare in deed how much thou louest thine Wherefore I beseech thee ô God by that thine infinite mercie that of thy great and most assured goodnes thou wilt heare me when I crie 14 Deliuer me I beseech thee from this deuouring pit least I be wholie swallowed vp deliuer me from mine enimies and from the floud of so manie miseries 15 Forbid I beseech thee least I be ouerwhelmed vtterlie by the abundance of waters least
Asaph and others THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord mightie in battell how amiable are thy tabernacles 2 Wherefore for the desire of the visiting of thy courtes ô Lord which is vtterlie denied me I am wholie consumed coueting most earnestlie both in bodie and mind to come vnto thee ô God the authour of life 3 Oh alas is my condition worse than that of the sparowes and swalowes to whome it is permitted to finde some place where they may make their nests ô thine altars Lord of hosts my King and my God 4 O blessed are they that are permitted to dwel with thee and to set foorth thy praises continuallie 5 O blessed is that man to whome thou giuest grace to vse those thy sacraments appointed to strengthen their faith and who as he commeth in bodie vnto thy sanctuarie carrieth thy lawes grauen in his heart 6 Wherefore me thinkes I see the great multitudes of them that come vnto thee to go thorough the drie mores and wild figtrees affraid of no difficulties by the waie who rather than they should leaue off the iournie that they haue vndertaken do partlie dig pits with great diligence to receiue the running waters partlie do make cesternes with great labour to holde the raine-water 7 Neither do they ceasse but continue and increase in constancie whilest that one band and multitude meeting now and then with another they do come vnto thee ô high God into thy presence euen vnto Sion 8 O Lord of hosts heare my praiers giue eare vnto me poore miser ô God of Iacob 9 O God our defender behold me and regard the king whome thou hast annointed 10 For how far better is it to passe one daie in thy house than a thousand in anie place elsewhere therefore I wish rather my God to be the porter in thy house than to haue anie maner of condition amongst the prophane men polluted with sinne 11 For in other places there are continual and horrible darkenes but light is onelie with thee which art the verie true Sunne it selfe ô Lord and nothing is safe anie where else but in thee ô God the defender of thine there is most certaine safetie and the abundance of thy blessings which is appointed to them that trulie and sincerelie worship thee is infinite 12 O blessed is he Lord of hoasts which setteth al his confidence onlie in thee PSALME LXXXV The Argument This Psalme hauing the Korites for the authours thereof manie do refer to the time which folowed their returne from the captiuitie of Babylon when yet the building of the temple and the citie was letted by the Gentiles that dwelt about them But I leaue it to be considered whether it ought rather to be applied to the beginning of the kingdome of Dauid so that by the name of captiuitie not the carieng awaie of them from their habitation is to be vnderstood but the miserable seruitude of the people vnder the Palestines which had ouercome them after the death of Saule Howsoeuer it is we vnderstand by this Psalme that the Church is so pressed and vexed euen when God seemeth most iustlie to be angrie that yet it is not oppressed Furthermore this Psalme doth teach vs with what weapons chieflie the enimies being conquerours are repulsed euen by repentance and by praiers proceeding of faith whereof we haue heere a most excellent example Finallie there is added a verie cleare prophesie of the sending of Messiah in whom as Paule saith al the blessings are ratified that we may learne which are the proper and peculiar benefites of the Church and of the spiritual kingdome of Christ and to whome we must attribute the benefite of publike peace and tranquillitie when God doth grant it vnto vs. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord thou hast manie times shewed thy selfe merciful to the inhabitants of thy land thou hast restored the posteritie of Iacob from most miserable bondage vnto libertie 2 Thou hast taken awaie the iniquitie of thy people thou hast couered al their sinnes 3 Thou hast put awaie al thy wrath thou hast suppressed thy wrath I saie that it should not vtterlie flame foorth 4 Continue now therefore ô God our deliuerer to change our miserable condition and command thy wrath wholie to depart 5 I praie thee wilt thou be angrie for euer and wilt thou continue thy wrath vnto al ages 6 Wilt thou not rather restore vs to life againe and giue vs occasion againe to praise thee with great gladnes 7 Ah Lord graunt that thy mercie may appeare vnto vs and that we being deliuered may haue experience of thy great benignitie 8 But why should I vse manie words vnto God surelie it is better diligentlie to heare what God our Lord answereth vnto me For I nothing doubt but he wil answere most gentlie and promise al prosperitie to that his people towards whome it hath alwaie pleased him to vse so great liberalitie that they being admonished may be wise hereafter 9 For although al things seeme desperate deliuerance is not far off from them that worship him and that time is neere when our land now lieng in miserie shal recouer her former beautie 10 For the mercie of God shal shine vnto vs to whom also his truth shal ioine in societie Furthermore iustice and peace another noble match meeting together with mutual imbraceings shal receiue one another 11 Then the minds of men being changed againe from infidelitie vnto faithfulnes truth comming downe from heauen shal appeare in earth which the spirit of righteousnes shal make fruitful from aboue 12 So wil it come to passe that the Lord wil powre out al kind of good things vpon vs and the earth shal bring foorth her fruits abundantlie 13 Finallie al things shal be done in most due manner and order and euerie man shal frame his manners after the rule appointed of God PSALME LXXXVI The Argument This Psalme of Dauid doth also containe a verie notable example of most feruent praiers with most pretious sentences adioined partlie of the wil of God declared vnto vs and oftentimes experienced towards vs partlie drawne from his infinite power whereby wee may be comforted euen in the greatest miseries and most desperate Now the praier of Dauid is of two sorts one that he may be preserued in this life against his most cruel and most mightie enimies vnto this end that the name of God may be spread to the vttermost coasts of the earth namelie by the comming of Messiah which should be borne of him the which promise should come to naught vnlesse God did bridle the rage and madnes of the enimies another cause the chiefe is euen as the foundation of the former that God should not suffer him being broken with the greatnes of the dangers to fal awaie as it happeneth somtimes euen to them that are most strong vnlesse that God by the power of his spirit doe strengthen our wauering faith THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GIue eare vnto me ô Lord and heare mee that am oppressed
and poore 2 Preserue the life of him that is promoted by thy benefite preserue ô my God I saie thy seruant that flieth vnto thee 3 Haue mercie vpon me ô Lord crieng dailie vnto thee 4 Refresh the soule of thy seruant for vnto thee alone ô Lord my soule doth lift it selfe 5 For thou ô Lord art verelie good and merciful and vsest great clemencie and kindnes towards them that cal vpon thee 6 Giue eare vnto my praiers ô Lord and receiue the words of him that praieth vnto thee 7 Neither doe I crie without cause vnto thee but being in most extreame miserie therefore thou wilt heare me 8 For verelie amongst al those feined gods vnto whome the mad men doe attribute so much who is to be compared vnto thee ô Lord and who is able to doe like vnto thee 9 Wherefore al nations in the end shal cast awaie their false gods and shal knowledge thee their creator and reuerencing thee shal giue thee al praise 10 For thou verelie art great thou onelie art God the author and worker of maruellous works 11 Teach me ô Lord the waie that thou hast appointed that I may shew my selfe faithful and trulie obedient vnto thee and cleauing wholie vnto thee may set my mind to serue thee 12 O Lord my God I wil praise thee with my whole heart and magnifie thy name for euer 13 Seeing I haue the experience of thine infinite goodnes in my selfe and am deliuered from the lowest pit of the graue by thee 14 Thou seest doubtles how cruel and proud men do arise vp against me and how such as regard nothing lesse than thee doe labour with al power to take my life from me 15 But thou ô Lord God vpon whome onlie I do depend wholie art verelie merciful and pitiful and art not hastie vnto anger most merciful I saie and most ful of truth 16 Take care of me therefore for thine infinite mercie and helpe thy bond-seruant 17 Grant finallie that I may manifestlie knowe that thou louest me that mine enimies may be ashamed of themselues when they see that thou dost helpe and comfort me PSALME LXXXVII The Argument Manie do applie this Psalme to the time of the second temple but I had rather to attribute it to that time of the kingdome of Dauid when he set vp a tabernacle for the Arke of the Lord in that part of the citie that bare his name euen the mount Sion whilest that the temple was builded Howsoeuer it is besides the prophesie of spreading the Church of God thoughout the whole world this Psalme doth teach vs with a maruellous and diuine breuitie vnder the figure of that earthlie either temple or tabernacle either first or second that the worke of the building of the spiritual temple of God which is made of liuely stones euen the Church is altogither diuine and that the foundation thereof is onelie the good pleasure of God and that the Church is not bound to one place alone and that nothing is more stable and durable than the Church finallie that the true and euerlasting ioie doth onlie there remaine as hauing the promises both of this life and of the life to come THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THe Lord minding to build vnto himselfe a firme and stable habitation hath chosen these hils consecrated them to himselfe 2 And he hath preferred the gates of Sion aboue al the habitations of Iacob because it so pleased him 3 Wherfore excellent things are decreed of thee ô citie of God 4 For behold saith the Lord I wil account both Aegypt and Babylon amongst my people so that they shal be no more enimies vnto thee and the verie Philistins the Tyrians and Arabians shal be numbred amongst thy citizens 5 Finallie men of al nations shal not be as aliens and strangers but they shal be the natiue citizens of Sion the which God wil establish from aboue 6 For God accounting the people wil write them al in his booke 7 There shal al sound with singers and shawmes there saith the Lord al the fountaines of my benefits shal flowe foorth PSALME LXXXVIII The Argument The Hebrue title doth testifie that the writer of this Psalme was Heman by his countrie surnamed Esrait a kinsman and fellowe of Asaph of whome most honourable mention is made 1. Chron. 6 33. and 15 4. where it is said that he was a Prophet to the king and a singer and of singular wisedome 2. Kings 4.31 So that I thinke they are deceiued who refer this Psalme to the time of Joakim the last king of Iu l◠saue one who was captiue in Babylon And it conteineth such a lamentation as there is none more lamentable and pitiful in the whole Psalmes the which the whole Church and the families and also euerie priuate man may vse both in publike and priuate miseries Therefore was this Psalme afore-time named amongst the penitentials as they called them and was sung at the publike confession of the excommunicate persons the which Psalmes afterward we haue seene to be applied foolishlie and without reason to a daily and priuate babbling without respect either of time or person THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Lord GOD of whome I doe wait for my deliuerance I cal for thy helpe daie and night 2 Let my praiers I beseech thee come vnto thee and giue eare vnto my crie 3 My soule is ful of miserie neither is my life far from the graue 4 For I am more like to a dead than to a liuing man by the iudgement of al that doe behold me 5 And as though I had no part with the liuing I am now counted amongst the dead and amongst them that lie in graue of whose life there is none account as those whome thy hand hath cut off at once 6 And I am cast by thee as into the lowest darke and deepe pit 7 Thy wrath lieth vpon me and thou hast ouerwhelmed me with al thy flouds 8 Thou hast put al my familiars from mee vnto whome I am so loathsome not without thy knowledge so that I keepe my selfe within my house as it were in a prison and dare not go one foot forth 9 Mine eies are consumed through sorowe yet cal I vpon thee dailie ô Lord spreading foorth my hands 10 And wil there be time to exercise thy great power when men are dead wilt thou restore them to life againe that they may giue thee praise 11 Shal they that lie in graue set foorth thy mercie there and shal they that are dead set foorth thy truth againe here 12 Shal those that lie buried in the darknes of death knowe thy woonderful workes and they whose memorie death hath blotted out from the liuing acknowledge thy righteousnes 13 Wherfore I cease not to cal vpon thee ô Lord and I doe preuent the morning light in powring foorth my praiers 14 Why dost thou refuse mine oppressed soule ô Lord why doest thou turne awaie thy face from mee 15 Ah! I am miserable and readie to
by thy power and hast stilled the most deepe surges thereof that there might be a passage to thy people 10 And by the same thy mightie arme thou hast cast downe Aegypt euen thine enimies wounded to death 11 And how can it be but thou art able to doe it vnto whome the heauen and the earth as to their onlie Creator are subiect 12 And which hast defended with a certaine special power the land which thou hast chosen and giuen vnto thine For thou certainlie hast appointed the north and south borders thereof and hast set Tabor at the west and Hermon at the east 13 Wherefore seeing thou hast a power neither weake nor idle surelie thou wilt declare thy strength and wilt lift vp thy right hand 14 Finallie thou wilt declare thy selfe in deede to be the King whose throne that most moderate equitie whereby thou gouernest thine assemblie and that seueritie of iudgement whereby thou punishest thine enimies and the enimies of thy people doe hold vp as it were two pillers vnto whome also sitting vpon this throne mercie and truth are seene to stand before him 15 O blessed is the people who being stirred vp with the sound of thy trumpets ô Lord doth go foorth the light of thy countenance shewing them the waie 16 And praising thee dailie and trusting of thy iustice doth reioice 17 For thou art both the honour and also the strength both of them and vs and we lift vp our head trusting vpon thy most merciful goodnes 18 For our defender our king I saie vpon whom we set our eies who is ordeiâ—ed ouer vs by thee ô Lord which hast consecrated and separated thine Israël forth of al people vnto thee is stablished by thy power 19 For thou at what time it pleased thee to bestowe this so great benefite vpon vs didst appeare vnto men whome thou louedst most dearelie and didst speake vnto them in these words I haue raised vp this most valiant man chosen out of the whole people by whose power my people may be defended 20 Dauid I saiâ— hath it pleased me to take onlie out of al the rest whose endeuour I would vse in that busines and therefore haue I consecrated him with my holie oile to be the king 21 Therefore my hand shal establish him with mine arme I saie wil I strengthen him 22 No enimie shal ouercome him by subtiltie neither shal anie wicked man oppresse him by force 23 For I wil destroie al that would oppresse him before his face and I wil staie al his enimies 24 My mercie shal neuer faile him my truth shal neuer forsake him and he trusting to my fauour shal lift vp his head most high 25 I wil cause him to haue one hand vpon the sea and another vpon the flouds 26 And he shal name me his father his God and his safe tower 27 And I wil place him againe as my first begotten sonne in the whole familie of the kings of the whole world euen in a throne most high aboue others 28 I wil defend him with euerlasting mercie and my couenant made with him shal be stable for euer 29 I wil cause that his generation shal be eternal and his throne as stable and euerlasting as heauen it selfe 30 For though his posteritie shal saile from my lawe neither order themselues by the rules of the lawe prescribed vnto them 31 But violate the ordinances that I haue appointed and keepe not my commandements 32 I wil then take the rod and correct their faults and punish their wickednes 33 But I wil not suffer them to be without al sense of my mercie neither wil I therefore breake my promise 34 Nor wil violate my couenant or wil change anie thing of those things that I haue spoken 35 For I the holie one haue once sworne by mine owne selfe If I lie at anie time vnto Dauid 36 His generation shal stand for euer and his throne shal be as the sunne before me 37 And it shal continue euen as the moone in al ages they both being faithful witnesses of this my promise in the heauens 38 Thou hast euen promised these things of old ô Lord how shal I now saie then that it is come to passe that thou being angrie hast refused and cast awaie this thy king 39 Wherefore I praie thee hast thou abrogated thy league made with thy seruant wherefore hast thou laid open to the reproch of al men his crowne cast vpon the ground 40 Al his forts being ouerthrowne and al his fortresses destroied 41 Thou hast laid him open to be spoiled by al that passe by at their pleasure and to be derided of al his neighbours about him 42 Thou hast ministred power and cause of ioie to al his aduersaries 43 Thou hast made blunt the edge of his sword thou hast taken awaie al courage from him that he is not able to stand against the force of his enimie 44 And thou hast blotted out al his honour and hast cast downe his throne euen vnto the ground 45 In the verie flower of his youth thou hast cut off his strength hast couered him with al shame 46 Oh Lord wilt thou withdraw thy selfe from vs for euer shal thine anger thus like a most raging flame breake foorth against vs 47 Remember how short the space of mans life is although it should be the whole time continued And shal we thinke that thou hast made men for no purpose but to take them awaie suddenlie 48 What neede anie violence I praie you to destroie vs seeing there is no man who doth not perish of his owne selfe and no man is able to exempt him selfe from the graue 49 Where are now those thine old benefits ô Lord which thou hast sworne vnto Dauid that they should remaine for euer 50 But to what purpose do I make these complaints Thou knowest most certainelie the purpose of thy counsels and be it far from me that I should doubt of thy fidelitie Onlie I beseech thee ô Lord consider with thy selfe how thy seruants are rebuked especiallie how manie reproches so manie people do vomit into my bosome 51 Euen what these thine enimies rather than ours haue reprochfullie laide vnto thy charge ô Lord and with what ieasting taunts they aunswere those things which are rehearsed by vs of the king and kingdome that thou hast established 52 Howbeit ô Lord howsoeuer these men dote and which waie soeuer thou leadest vs to and fro al land and euerlasting glorie apperteineth vnto thee And so vndoubtedlie without al faile wil it come to passe PSALME XC The Argument Moses doth here preach of the miseries of mankind speciallie of death wherof the Philosophers do teach manie things but falselie and foolishlie For they vnderstoode nothing of the creation of man nor of his fal much lesse of the true comforts against al the miseries of this life Hereof did these wicked voices arise that It was the best either not to be borne at al or to die
do flourish which argument is treated in manie other places it admonisheth least the godlie should turne themselues to folowe the wicked that we may not esteeme the loue or hatred of God by prosperitie or aduersitie or that we should therefore denie the prouidence of God as though anie thing came by chance or yet be discouraged but rather to adore the wisedome of God and his power also who concerning the wicked wil recompence the delaie of the punishment with the greeuousnes thereof but wil defend his that is those that are grafted trulâ—e into the Church euen vnto the end THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HOw excellent a thing is it to praise the Lord and to sing vnto his most high name 2 And to rise in the morning earelie to praise thy goodnes ô God and to praise thy truth at the night as we are admonished both by the morning and euening sacrifices ordeined by thee 3 Vpon the instrument of ten strings vpon the viol and with song and with the harpe 4 For the workes that thou hast done minister an argument of most great ioie vnto me that I can not but with reioicing haue them in admiration 5 For how wonderful are thy workes ô Lord and how secret and hid are the reasons of thy counsels 6 Therefore the foolish and mad men who onlie seeme to themselues and to others to be wise do not perceiue what this thing meaneth 7 That the euil and most wicked men do growe vp and flourish therefore they wickedlie condemne that which they do not vnderstand as though either the state of men were gouerned by chance or that God did fauour wickednes euen because they do not vnderstand that these wicked men are like hearbes so greene and flourishing that streightwaies they die vp by the roots 8 For although these inferiour things be subiect to maruellous changes yet thou the most wise and most iust gouernour of al them sitting on high art not changed but art the same and doest remaine like thy selfe ô Lord. 9 What alteration then of things or time soeuer do fal yet must this end of necessitie folowe that thine enimies thine enimies I saie ô Lord must perish and that al which are obstinatelie bent vpon wickednes because those are thine enimies howsoeuer they flourish for a time in the end shal be scattered and vanish 10 But thou contrariwise wilt lift vp this mine head as it were of an vnicorne being annointed by thee with fresh oile and laden with new benefites continuallie 11 Wherefore there wil be a time when we shal see and heare that this is come vpon them which they deserue who rising out of their ambushments seeke to destroie vs by al meanes 12 But the iust men do not onlie not faint vnder the burthen of miseries but also they gather strength like the palme tree and like those high cedars of Libanus which cannot be consumed with rottennes or age but dailie growe vp more great 13 For they are planted in a most fat and wealthie place euen in the house of the Lord himselfe in the courts whereof let them flourish 14 And that with such power that they may be greene bud foorth and be ful of sap euen in their verie age 15 And this is the onelie end of these benefites and the marke that we may feele and professe the Lord to be our onlie towre and the most righteous gouernour in the world who departeth not one iot from that which is most iust PSALME XCIII The Argument This Psalme trulie is verie short but it conteineth al in one word that is necessarie to confirme our faith when he saith that God reigneth that is to saie that he is a King not in name alone but in verie deede the most mightie defender of his and the auenger of their enimies And seing that the father hath giuen al iudgment to his sonne euen as he is man Iohn 5.22 and the Church is therefore called the kingdome of heauen it is euident that this Psalme hath respect vnto Messiah whose verie true godhead is prooued heereby manifestlie that the name of Jehouah is attributed vnto him THE PARAPHRASIS 1 HOwsoeuer the wicked freat and disturbe al things as much as lieth in them yet reigneth the Lord ful of maiestie and power which thing the verie sight of the heauens do declare Neither doth he sit there idlelie but if we diligentlie consider with how great wisedome and also power he doth gouerne al things howsoeuer they be disordered by the wickednes of men he is alwaies armed with those weapons wherewith he both defendeth his and brideleth their enimies For how can he not do this thing who vpholdeth this huge masse of the verie earth by his onlie power so ballanced that it can neither wauer to the one part nor to the other 2 Therefore is his kingdome much more stable and vnmoueable as it hath alwaies bin and shal be 3 How great is the rage of the flowing waters how terrible is the roaring of the stormes that do rise vp and beate one against another 4 But al these how lowd sounding and raging tempestes soeuer are nothing verelie compared with the infinite power of Iehouah thundering forth of his high throne and repressing al this tumult by his onelie becke and how much more easilie can he calme selie men be they neuer so outragious 5 And the assemblie of the saints which continueth stable now from the beginning of the world declareth the matter to be thus For it is necessarie that the promises made by God should bee sure and altogether vnchangeable Therefore howsoeuer the world doe sreat and how great stormes soeuer it do stir vp against thy house ô Lord that holines ful of most excellent beautie wherewith thou doest adorne it shal be euerlasting PSALME XCIIII The Argument This most excellent Psalme is a displaieng of the tyrannie of Sathan by whose furies the most mightie princes of the world being stirred vp doe violate al the lawes of God and man especiallie when they rise vp against the godlie euen as though there were no God or that he had no prouidence at al of which horrible rage and wickednes the chiefe kingdomes of Europa giue vs an example at this daie But most effectual comforts are afterward annexed drawne forth of the vnchangable nature of God himselfe and of his prouidence and are described with great maiestie the godly are commanded to read and meditate diligentlie the holie scriptures that they may knowe these things whereby they shal vnderstand euen by innumerablâ— and most certaine testimonies that al these tempests and stormes shal turne to the commoditie of the godlie but to the destruction of the wicked the which thing euen the Prophet proueth by his own example and the Church verelie neuer triumphed but vnder the crosse THE PARAPHRASIS 1 SHine vnto vs in so great and horrible confused darknes ô Lord the auenger of wickednes and most iust iudge 2 Go vp vnto thy iudgement seat ô thou
Psalme and other foure that followe haue neither the name of the writer nor the occasion of the writing set before them in Hebrue but they seeme altogether to be written by Dauid which thing is noted in the Greeke and that at the same time when he brought in the Arke of the Lord into his citie as it is written 1. Chron. 15. whereof we did speake vpon the Psalme 47. either verelie when he dâ—clared the building of the temple of the Lord a little before the death of Salomon which historie is written 1. Chron. 29. and it doth conteine the doctrine of the true vse of the temple of al the holie rites wherewith both Messiah himsâ—lfe and al his office was shadowed Therefore notable and plaine prophesies are adioined of his comming and of that spreading of his spiritual kingdome throughout the whole world so that Christ did not vnworthilie admonish the senselesse Jewes with these words Search the scriptures for they beare witnes of me THE PARAPHRASIS 1 SIng vnto the Lord a new song sing vnto the Lord al ye inhabitants of the earth 2 Sing I saie vnto the Lord giue him thanks shew foorth without ceasing the saluation that he hath wrought 3 Rehearse vnto the Gentiles and to al people his excellent and maruellous works 4 For the Lord alone is great and no praise is sufficient for him and he is to be feared worthilie but not those false and feigned gods 5 For they verelie are vaine though the people do worship them so deuoutlie but the Lord hath created the verie heauens 6 Maiestie and honour doe go befoâ—e him shining foorth in his works and it is declared in his sanctuarie both how great his power and glorie is 7 Giue therefore vnto the Lord al ye people assembled together giue I saie vnto the Lord the praise of power and glorie 8 Giue honour vnto the Lord due vnto his name and take an oblation and enter into the courts consecrated vnto him 9 Worship the Lord sitting in that his renowmed sanctuarie al ye inhabitants of the earth reuerence his Maiestie 10 Proclame on euerie side ô ye criers Now is the Lord come to reigne ouer the whole earth now verelie the world shal be established now shal the people be gouerned with a iust and righteous gouernement 11 Let the heauens be glad and the earth reioice and the roring sea how wide soeuer it lieth testifie her ioie 12 Let the fields leape for ioie and whatsoeuer is in the fields finallie let al the trees of the wood now reioice 13 Before the Lord for lo he commeth he commeth to gouerne the earth to gouerne the world I saie and al the people with the scepter of his iustice and truth PSALME XCVII The Argument Jt falleth out in the Psalmes as in a doubtful feast that thou canst not easilie iudge which to prefer before another This Psalme verely is most worthie for al the godlie to meditate most diligentlie as a most diuine briefe summe of al the mysterie of the Gospel and these are the chiefe places thereof First the diuinitie of Christ by the repeating of the name Iehouah sixe times and by attributing al glorie and power vnto him verse 2 5 6 9 10. finallie by worshipping of the verie Angels verse 7. it is most manifestlie confirmed as the Apostle doth interpret it Heb. 1 6. Secondlie his humanitie as the same Apostle doth interpret it which thing is also prooued hereby that here it is treated of that kingdome as it were first then to be begun verse 1 2 6 9. wherby it is plaine that it cannot be referred onelie to his godhead but that it apperteineth necessarilie vnto the King that should be borne of the stocke of Dauid which should so be God that he should also be man and so also man that he should be verie God Thirdlie a plaine prophesie of the spreading of the spiritual kingdome throughout the whole world verse 1 5 6. wherevnto Christ himselfe had regard Ioh. 5 22. Mat. 28 18. Fourthly the rebellion of verie manie vnto whom the Gospel should be now is the sauor of death vnto death verse 2 3 4 5 wherevnto Christ had respect Luke 12 49. For J had rather interpret these things thus than to applie them to the preaching of the lawe Fiftlie that incredible power of the spirit of God which should declare it selfe in the ministerie of the Apostles verse 1 6 7 9. the which thing Christ also foretold before Iohn 12 32. and 14 12. Sixtlie the exaltation of the verie person of Christ verse 9. wherevnto the Apostle manifestlie alluded Ephe. 4 10. and Philip. 2.9 Seuenthlie faith by bearing the word in the elect and the vnspeakable ioie of the conscience that shal folowe thereof verse 8. Eightlie the office of those that are iustified and sanctified verse 10. Ninthlie the crosse is like a certaine apparitor attending vpon the promises of the Gospel which yet shal haue a most ioiful end verse 11. and 12. Wherevnto the Apostle most manifestlie alluded Philip. 4.4 THE PARAPHRASIS 1 THe Lord being so long inclosed as it were within the smal and narrowe bounds of one people now at the length he beginneth his kingdome ouer al the world wherefore let the earth reioice and al ye most great countries euen beyond the seas be ye ioiful 2 For he is come although verie mild and meeke towards his yet to be reuerenced of his owne both for his diuine Maiestie and also terrible to his enimies how fierce soeuer they be euen compassed about with the blacke darknes of the clouds and sitting vpon a throne staied as it were with two vnmoueable pillers namelie iustice which he sheweth in keeping promise with his owne and defending them by his couenant and most seuere iudgement whereby he punisheth his aduersaries 3 A flaming fire shal then go before him and shal take hold on his enimies on euerie side 4 The lightenings breaking forth from his iudgement seate shal fil the world with glittering light they shal see this in the end euen against their wils which are most blind and they shal tremble thoroughout the compasse of the earth 5 The hils at the sight of the Lord at the sight I saie of the Lord of al the earth shal melt 6 But vnto others that are willing to be taught and readie to obeie he wil shew himselfe so iust and minful of his mercie promised that the verie heauens being astonished with so great so glorious bountie powred out by him vpon al people as farre as the heauens are extended shal set foorth this so great a benefite as it were with a sounding voice 7 Go to then be ye ashamed of your most filthie seruitude ô ye slaues of the idols but ô ye euen the verie Angels worship him as your Lord and King 8 But who wil heare these things verelie the true Sion who with the residue of the cities of her dominion as a mother with her daughters
being for this cause replenished with ioie and comforted with thy iudgements ô Lord wil reioice 9 Go to then ô Lord sitting vpon thy most high throne rule thou the whole earth and exalt thy selfe aboue al that is aloft anie-where 10 And ye that loue the Lord continue to hate that which is euil and doubt nothing but that he which hath freelie embraced you with so great fauour wil defend you also most mightilie and wil deliuer you from the wicked 11 And though this light of the mercie of God doth not streightwaie shine vnto the godlie let them remember that like as the seedes which are sowen in the earth do not foorthwith spring vp naie though they lie longer hid in the bowels of the earth yet they come forth more plentifullie euen so the light of righteousnes is sowen for them that loue that light whereby it shal wholie come to passe that al they that leade an vpright life are replenished with incredible ioie 12 Reioice ye therefore in the Lord so great a King ô al ye iust and magnifie the holie remembrance of him continuallie PSALME XCVIII The Argument This Psalme is the same almost with the ninetie and sixe and it conteineth the prophesie of the spreading of the kingdome of the Messiah and repeateth it againe of the which prophesie Simeon Zacharie and Marie the mother of the Lord in those their most famous hymnes are most diuine interpreters vsing almost the selfe-same words But this Psalme doth teach three things of most great importance euen in three verses One verse 1. that Christ our mediatour in this worke of our redemption hath no coadiutor at al nor partener the which heauenlie doctrine doth confute that diuelish dotage of the merits of saints as they cal them with what painted colours soeuer it be intruded and it giueth to God alone his due glorie as wel in the redemption as in the creation of man The second verse 2. that al this redemption consisteth in the iustice of Christ himselfe which verelie can not be made ours but by imputation The third verse 3. that al this benefit doth flowe foorth from the onelie free promise and truth of God himselfe THE PARAPHRASIS 1 SIng vnto the Lord a new song for he hath now shewed foorth al that his maruellous power by ouercomming al his enimies by his owne right hand onelie and by his owne arme alone 2 And now in the end he setteth foorth to be seene before al nations this benefit of so great a deliuerance which was so long looked for of our fathers and now at the length is performed which did lie hid before as in a corner euen his owne iustice wherewith they being indued shal not onlie escape the damnation which their vnrighteousnes deserueth but also shal obteine the crowne of iustice promised 3 And if anie demand what hath mooued him at the length to so great bountifulnes let him knowe that al this proceedeth from hence that hee is mindful of the promise that he hath made and by the same mercie that he was moued to promise it by the same he is moued to perfourme it in deede that he might shew himselfe most bountiful in verie deede vnto al men to the vttermost borders of the earth 4 Go to then al ye inhabitants of the earth blowe vp the trumpets vnto God sound out the instruments sing a triumphant song vnto him sing praises vnto him 5 Sing vnto the Lord both with the harps and with voices by order and course 6 Go before the King Iehouah with sounding trumpets and shalmes 7 Let the sea how wide soeuer sound againe and also the whole world with the song of al the inhabitants of the earth 8 Let the verie flouds sound round about with their noise and the verie mountaines with triumphant songs 9 Before the Lord that shal vndertake the gouernement of the world and shal gouerne the people most iustlie and vprightlie PSALME XCIX The Argument This Psalme was set foorth that the people what storme soeuer should arise turning vnto God should learne to set foorth the promise of the Messiah against al terrours of whome he so plainlie speaketh as though he had bene now present at the same time commanding al men euen to behold him in the visible sacraments set before them because they were no vaine signes of his most present fauour being euen the same in signification that ours are seeing there is but one and the same Christ whether he be to be shewed or alreadie exhibited although their signes were differing from ours Furthermore he adioineth the testimonies of three most godlie men Moses Aaron and Samuel whose office was to praie vnto God for the people both that whilest that priesthood appointed of God should remaine in authoritie the people should surelie iudge that the same God should be present with them who was with them of old as also they which desired to be heard might followe the same waie of faith and godlines that they did vnto the which doctrine of the publike and ecclesiastical praiers that is to be applied which Paule writeth 1. Timoth. 2 1. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 NOw I beseech you why should we feare the force or threatenings of anie man seeing we haue the Lord himselfe to be our King let the people fret as much as they lust yea let the earth wauer the foundations being shaken it is enough that he is with vs that inhabiteth the Cherubims 2 Verelie the Lord hath declared abundantlie the greatnes of his power in Sion and al the people nil they wil they shal be subiect to his power 3 Let vs therefore neither feare nor yet doubt but rather trusting vpon the most assured protection of God magnifie that his mightie and terrible name to the enimies for it is holie and therefore al honour is due vnto it 4 For is not this our King as he is indued with most great power so also the louer of iustice wherefore we neede to seeke none other succour besides him neither neede we to doubt but that he wil punish most sharplie al them of whome we are vniustlie oppressed For it is not possible that he should suffer their wickednes vnaduenged who is the authour of equitie it selfe hath set downe the verie rule of iustice vnto the posteritie of Iacob 5 Go to then praise ye the Lord our God and falling downe before his footestoole worship him for he is holie 6 For this cause did he consecrate Moses and Aaron of old and set Samuel also amongst them who did exercise the office of the mediator for the people the which thing whilest they did carefullie praieng vnto God they were heard of the Lord. Why then should wee doubt seeing that same priesthoode is of force but that we folowing their example should now also be heard 7 And also he did speake to those our fathers of old out of the cloudie piller vnto whome because they should keepe his commandements he prescribed the rites of
that put their trust in him 10 Thou chieflie the ofspring of Aaron which ought to go before others both in doctrine and example trust in the Lord the sure shield and defender of al that put their trust in him 11 Finallie how manie soeuer do professe to worship Iehouah trust you in the Lord who is the shield and defender of them that fixe their hope in him 12 The Lord doubt ye not careth for vs he wil blesse he wil blesse the posteritie of Israël he wil blesse the kindred of Aaron 13 The Lord is bountiful toward his true worshippers both toward the noble and also the most abiect 14 He wil heape you euen you I saie and your posteritie with new benefits more and more 15 For the Lord which hath made the heauen and the earth hath receiued you into his fauour 16 And he inhabiting those most high heauens from whence he ruleth al things hath granted the vse of the earth and of infinite good creatures wherewith he hath adorned it vnto men of his singular liberalitie 17 Euen for this purpose that they should publish his glorie in the earth the which thing verelie the dead can not perfourme vnto whome death it selfe taking awaie the vse of the tongue hath inioined silence 18 Deliuer vs therefore ô God that we may sing foorth thy glorie both now being aliue and for euer Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXVI The Argument Whether we refer this Psalme vnto Dauid whom we certainlie knowe to haue bene maruellouslie deliuered oftentimes by the Lord from most present death and also froÌ„ most great anguish of mind or to anie other it conteineth an example of a singular thankesgiuing whereby we may vnderstand how far sometime the best and most vpright men vse to be cast downe and vnto whom in such case we must flie finallie how happie an end there shal be of al temptations so that we refraine our impatience by the bridle of faith THE PARAPHRASIS 1 AL my loue is in the Lord hearing the voice of my praier 2 And giuing attentiue eares vnto mee wherefore also I wil cal vpon him so long as I liue 3 Behold I was bound in the chaines of death the verie anguish of the graue held me being ouercome with the sorrowes of my heart 4 Then I called vpon the name of the Lord I beseech thee ô Lord said I deliuer my most miserable soule 5 And what else should I say here than that which I streightwaies prooued in deed verelie that God is verie mild toward his and verie iust in perfourming his promises and that our God is most merciful 6 And that the Lord finallie doth defend those that walk plainlie vprightlie because he did help me so readilie when I was brought to extremitie 7 Go to therefore ô my seelie soule returne now vnto thy selfe and take rest seeing that so notable a change of thy state is wrought by the Lord. 8 For thou ô Lord hast deliuered my life from death thou hast staied the teares of mine eies thou hast established my feete that I did not fal 9 So that I may walke now safe and sound before thee among the liuing 10 For I beleeued the promises of the Lord and therefore did I speake euen my faith ministring voice and words to me being most sore oppressed with sorrowe 11 For I grant that I was so far cast downe that I knewe not whither to turne me and finding no staie anie-where did decline vnto this that I iudged with my selfe that both the very men and whatsoeuer they do is nothing 12 But ô Lord this most dangerous temptation being ouercome by thy power for how can that thing be vaine which is taken in hand by thine appointment or how can they be nothing with thee vpon whome thou hast bestowed thy grace what shal I giue againe vnto thee for al thy benefites which thou hast bestowed vpon me 13 Verelie I wil take in my hands the cup of thankful sacrifice and calling vpon thee by name ô Lord I wil testifie openlie that I knowledge this deliuerance to be of thee 14 And those things which I vowed vnto thee ô Lord when I was in danger wil I now paie in the presence of al the people 15 I acknowledge therefore and professe as the truth is that thou doest not despise those to whom thou hast once bin beneficial but louest them most deerelie and that thou wilt in no wise vnaduisedlie destroie them 16 Verelie therefore I am thy seruant thy seruant I saie euen thy bond seruant and therfore hast thou broken the bonds wherewith I was bound 17 And I againe as is meete doe render vnto thee this sacrifice of praise and cal vpon thy name 18 I paie the vowes vnto thee which I haue promised before the whole assemblie of the people 19 And that in the courts of thy house ô Lord and in the middest of the citie Ierusalem Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXVII The Argument The vocation of the Gentiles is prophesied in this most short but verie excellent Psalme as Paule interpreteth it Rom. 15 11. And also the summe of the Gospel is declared namelie the giuing of the grace and truth as Iohn doth expound it Iohn 1 17. and the end also namelie the worshipping of God in spirit and truth that we may knowe that the kingdome of Messiah is spiritual Finallie we are here taught what is the office of the subiects of this kingdome and what good things they ought to waite for THE PARAPHRASIS 1 PRaise ye now the Lord ô al ye Gentiles casting awaie al your fained Gods and al ye people set forth his praise 2 For now at the length that his great mercie hath ouercome and is powred downe vpon vs and the truth of that eternal saluation promised of the Lord is now perfourmed Praise the Lord. PSALME CXVIII The Argument J do agree vnto them that attribute this excellent Psalme vnto Dauid and do suppose that it was written at the first beginning of his kingdome when the nations about him were readie to inuade him either in the feast of passeouer or in the feâ—st of the Tabernacles both that he might giue thanks to God after he had ouercome so manie difficulties and also that they which had so long resisted him might knowe that they resisted God and again that the whole people might so much the more willingly receiue the king that was giuen them froÌ„ heauen And it appeareth that Dauid so wrote these things of himselfe and of things that were past that they did chieflie appertaine to the Messias of whome he was a figure Esaie 8 14. and 28 16. Math. 21 42. Acts. 4 11. Rom. 9.33 Ephes 2 20. 1. Pet. 2 7. And Ierome witnesseth that this Psalme was thus expounded in the synagogues by the ancient Iewes the which thing is manifestlie confirmed by those ioiful acclamations of the people taken out of this Psalme when as they receiued him at his last entrance into the
CXX The Argument The Hebrue title doth cal this Psalmâ— and the other 14. that followe next in order the Psalmes of Mahaloth that is of degrees as almost al men doe interpret it meaning by that name the slaiers wherevpon the Leuites stood from whence they were sung And that there were such degrees it is euiâ—ent by Nehemiah 9.4 J be it spoken without the preiudice or hinderance to anie man can not allow this opinion but J expound them to be Psalmes of ascensions which were peculiarlie consecrated to celebrate the returne of the Jsraëlâ—tes out of Babylon and that they are called Psalmes of ascensions in the plural number not ascension in the singular because the people returned not al together but some vnder Zorobabel and other some after vnder Ezra and lastlie other returned with Nehemiah at the which time at the length when the worship of God was newlie to be ordeined againe and ciuil gouernement to bâ— restored then is it supposed that both these Psalmes and the residue were gathered by Ezra into one volume and that these were appointed as most apt to declare this benefit the which also it is probable that they were afterward wonted to be sung chieflie of them that went vp to the temple at solemne feasts For it is manifest throughout the holie scriptures that they which went vp to Ierusalem were said to ascend both for the situation of the citie and also for the woorthines of the temple so that sometimes euen the name of Ierusalem is omitted as Acts 18 22. And why J should thus thinke J am principallie persuaded by this reason because as I shal shew in euerie argument these Psalmes are so dâ—uided that they seeme to bring in the people first preparing themselues to go then to be entred their iournie after that to be come to the citie and busie to repaire euerie thing lastlie after that the citie and temple were restored that they exhort and stir vp one another both to the holie and ciuil offices Neither is this anie hinderance to my words that the 3 5 12 13 14. of these Psalmes are attributed to Dauid and the 8. to Salomon For this is no let why these Psalmes being written long before by some other occasion or general argument by them or by others were afterward applied peculiarlie to celebrate this benefite as may plainelie be proued by the 7. Psalme of this order Wherefore the 1. of these Psalmes seemeth to me to represent the person of the people preparing themselues to go foorth of the countrie and partlie lamenting the miserie of their long captiuitie amongst the heathen nations partlie beseeching God that their returne being granted should not be letted by anie slanderous accusations of their enimies like as we reade that when the people returned into Iudëa the building of the citie was long letted by these craftes and he calleth these Gentiles to wit the Babylonians and the Persians not by their owne names but by the names of the most cruel people of Arabia that dwelt by them like as if we should cal at this daie verie manie people whose crueltie is wel knowne Turkes and Scythians And it is plaine that this must be taken so because the people of God was neuer caried captiue into Arabia neither can these things aptlâ—e be applied vnto Dauid And now also there is great vse of this Psalme seeing that the godlâ—e are compelled oftentimes to flee into far countries by the crueltie of the wicked And if it chance at anie time thus to bee or if that in the middest of our owne countrie yea and amongst our kindred and friends there be found Mezechites and Kedarens as the state of the Church is whilest it is in the world yet must we stil retaine godlines we must make continual praiers we must search where there is anie assemblie of the godlie finallie we must alwaies take heede least wee howling with the wolues at the length we our selues become of sheepe wolues THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Haue therefore lifted vp my voice vnto thee ô Lord in these miseries and thou hast heard me at last 2 But now furthermore least this benefit be frustrate this thing remaineth that thou wouldest deliuer mee from the deceiptful accusations of lieng men who do hinder by such craftes that thing which they can not obtaine by force 3 I praie thee whosoeuer thou art that doest so what commoditie or profit canst thou atteine of this deceipt 4 Yet I graunt that the dartes of the deceiptful tongues are verie sharpe and that the wounds that are made through the burning thereof are as hardlie extinguished as the coles of iuniper 5 Wo is me that I should continue so long banished foorth of my countrie amongst so prophane and cruel men of Meseck and Kedar 6 Oh most long and most greeuous continuance vnto my soule with these men so far from al peace and tranquillitie 7 For I though I seeke nought but peace yet the more I go about to pacifie them so much the more do I kindle their hatred and enimitie PSALME CXXI The Argument The people of God are brought in in this Psalme being entred into their iornie turning their eies to the moumtaines of Iudëa in the which the citie did lie ouerthrowne after the example of Daniel which is described Daniel 6. and furthermore comforting themselues against the difficulties of so long and troublesome a iournie by repeating a like example of the mercie of God when he did defend his people brought forth of Aegypt with a cloude in the daie time against the burning of the sunne and a piller of fire against the discommodities of the night Now seeing that al these things are the figures of that spiritual helpe wherwith the sonne of God doth maruellouslie preserue his Church traueling in this world and also are so manie pawnes and pledges that nothing shal want vnto vs in this life whatsoeuer is required to the necessitie thereof though in the most barren wildernes it may easilie be perceiued thereby how necessarie the doctrine conteined in this Psalme is to al the godlie THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O Ye mountaines I turne mine eies to you in these difficulties otherwise intollerable I labour to come vnto you I saie from whence I onlie trust that helpe wil come to me 2 Euen vnto the Lord who seeing he is the maker of the heauen and the earth he hath not inclosed his kingdome within those mountaines as it were certaine boundes but yet he hath chosen those mountaines vnto himselfe from whence he might shewe forth vnto vs a signe of his presence and mercie 3 Wherfore he wil neuer suffer that in this iournie thou shouldest so stumble that thou shouldest fal or be compelled to go backe and though manie do lie in wait for thy destruction yet he preuenting al dangers wil be our watchful keeper 4 For seeing that he hath taken in hand freelie and of his owne care to defend his Israël he wil not once
things nor that I haue entangled my selfe willinglie with great things whereby I might winne vnto me the opinion of excellencie or vnto such things as were aboue my capacitie 2 But contrarilie vnlesse I haue bin content wiâ—â— my state and haue staied my mind to depend wholie on thee as they teach the weaned infant to forget the nurse and to regard the mother alone vâ—lesse I saie I haue so behaued my selfe as the weaned infant let me in deed be refused of thee 3 So thou Israël also rest in the Lord alone boâ—â— now and afterward for euer PSALME CXXXII The Argument Salomon consecrating the temple vnto Gâ—d 2. Chron. 6. dâ—â— vse three verses of this Psalme in the last end of his praier euen in the same words whereby it is plaine that thâ—â— Psalmâ— was afterward verie notorious and famous the which Dauid their did write when he had found a plaâ— wherein he might build the temple of God and did set before him euen then that time when the Arke was to be brought into the temple it selfe being built Wherefore when the temple and seruice of God was restored after their returne it was worthilie vsed againe and sang as it is verie probable with the Psalmes of ascension both before it and after it in that solemnitie which is described Nehemiah 12. And it containeth a plaine rehearsal both of the promise of the kingdome of Dauid and of building the temple and of a most ful setting in order of the Leuitical priesthood both the which it is manifest to haue bene figures both of the kingdome and of the priesthood of Christ euen as Dauid himselfe was a shadowe of verie Christ for the which causes this pretious Psalme must alwaies be vsed in the Church by whose testimonie our faith also may be confirmed We learne further by this Psalme the visible notes of the truâ— Church that is to saie the worship of God chieflie in two points to wit to consist in the sincere preaching of the word of God and the lawful ministring of the sacraments and againe which is the true word of God and which be the verie true sacraments euen they wherein Christ the true and onelie sauiour is set foorth vnto vs euen so as he himselfe hath declared himselfe vnto his Church and al the wil of his father most fullie concerning our saluation both by himselfe and by his Prophets and Apostles Finallie we are taught by this Psalmâ— that the blâ—ssings both of this life and the other are ordeined for the godlie by God and that al the enterprises of the wicked shal come to naught and how carefullie we are bound to praie for the spreading of the kingdome of Christ and for the preseruation of those Commonwealthes wherein harbour is giuen vnto the Church THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O LORD let it be seene that thou art mindful of the promises wherewith it pleased thee to bind thy selfe vnto Dauid and out of what great miseries thou hast deliuered him not for this purpose verelie that thou shouldst destroie him afterward but that thou shouldst perfourme the promises made vnto him 2 For he againe hath bound himselfe to thee with an oth being the Lord and mightie God of Iacob and therefore a most seuere punisher of periurie euen in these plaine words 3 If I enter at anie time into my house if I shal at anie time go to my bed 4 If mine eies shal take anie sleepe or mine eie-lids winke 5 Before that I haue found out the seate of the Lord which the mightie God of Iacob may inhabite 6 Behold then hitherto this seate hath bin changed from time to time for it was sometime as we haue heard saie towards Ephrata euen in Silo which is now destroied and there was a time when we did find it in the field of Iaër 7 But now hauing found a place at the length where it may remaine we wil go thither and there wil we worship him at his seate where he sitteth euen falling downe before his holie Arke 8 Go to then ô Lord come vp into that place iâ— the which thou maist make no short abode as before but where thou maiest remaine as in a stable habitation euen the Arke which is a sure token oâ— thy power being there placed 9 Therefore let the priests which be consecrate vnto thee and are beautified both with pure doctrine and holie conuersation execute their office dulie and those that haue receiued benefits of theâ— sing here a triumph vnto thee 10 Thou being mindful of thy promise made vnto Dauid thy seruant preserue here the kingdome established by thee in his posteritie 11 For thou hast sworne vnto Dauid ô Lord by a sure and vnchangeable decree in these words I wil place one that shal be borne of thee in thy throne 12 And if thy posteritie shal keepe my couenant and the statutes which I shal teach them I wil set vpon thy throne their posteritie also as one shal succeed another for euer 13 For the Lord hath chosen Sion vnto himselfe and hath appointed it to be his seate because it so pleased him euen in these plaine words 14 This shal be mine euerlasting rest and here wil I dwel as in a place acceptable vnto me because it seemeth so good vnto me 15 I wil prouide for her victuals most diligentlie and if there shal be anie poore there I wil neuer suffer them to want foode necessarie for this life 16 I wil defend on euerie side my holie ministers chieflie vnto whome besides no possessions are giuen and I wil dailie giue occasion of new ioie to them that I haue taken in hand to defend 17 There wil I cause that the top of Dauids head shal be lifted vp to be seene more and more and if at anie time his strength be diminished yet shal it spring vp againe the brightnes of the kingdome that can not be extinguished which is there set vp by me shal shine like a firebrand and shal once lighten the whole world 18 And al his enimies verelie shal be filled with shame but his crowne shal flourish in the end with most great glorie PSALME CXXXIII The Argument Dauid vnto whom this Psalme is attributed by the Hebrue title did write it vndoubtedly when after the ciuil wars of eight yeeres space al the tribes came together to annoint him their king 2. Sam. 5. 1. Chron. 11. euen that he might exhort them to laie downe al discord and to maintaine mutual amitie with al duties both publike and priuate So then was it thought good afterward by the repeating of this same Psalme to beate into al the people the desire of peace as a thing most necessarie seeing they were yet weake and were assaulted on euerie side both by force and by traiterous practises by the gouernours of the nations neare vnto them which were most angrie against them as appeareth by the histories of Ezra and Nehemiah And it conteineth an excellent and maruellous elegant praise not simplie
Og the king of Basan and al the kingdoms of Canaan 12 Whose countries giuen to them before he deliuered to be possessed of Israël 13 Wherefore doubtles ô Lord thou hast gotten vnto thy selfe a name of perpetual praise neither shal the remembrance of thee be extinguished for euer 14 And thou wilt chieflie more and more set forth thy glorie in the preseruation of thy people and in thy louing kindnes that is so prone and readie to pardon thy seruants 15 But euen these most gorgious and pretious images which the senseles nations do worship are nothing else but gold siluer made by the workmanship of man in this or that forme 16 They haue a mouth and yet are dumbe they haue eies but they see nothing therewith 17 They haue eares but can not heare and haue a nose but wanting breath 18 And verelie in this point the workemen and worshippers of them differ nothing from them 19 But ye the stocke of Israël praise the Lord ye the familie of Aaron go before others in praising the Lord. 20 Ye Leuites praise the Lord as manie as professe his worship praise the Lord. 21 Let the euerlasting inhabitants of Ierusalem sound foorth the praises of the Lord out of Sion PSALME CXXXVI The Argument There is the same argument and the same vse of this most magnificent Psalme as of the other but the benefites of God both toward the whole mankind and especiallie bestowed vpon his Church are heere more plainelie set forth and euerie where there is a singular verse often repeated partlie that we should certainlie iudge these benefites onlie to come of the most liberal bountie of God partlie that we should iudge not onelie that al things generallie but also euen particularlie euerie thing is as a testimonie and pledge of Gods fauour and mercie to our saluation although this his liberalitie turne to the destruction of the wicked And it appeareth by 1. Chro. 7. that Dauid was the authour of this song the which was sung with most great solemnitie both in their high feasts and in their triumphant victories euer repeating this singular verse by course as also the historie of Iehosaphat doth declare 2. Chron. 20. THE PARAPHRASIS 1 PRaise the Lord for his great goodnes for his mercie endureth for euer 2 Praise the God of gods for his mercie endureth for euer 3 Praise the Lord of lords for his mercie endureth for euer 4 Who by his onlie power bringeth to passe maruelous things because his mercy endureth for euer 5 Who hath created the heauens by his infinite wisedome for his mercie endureth for euer 6 Who hath commanded the earth to stand vp aboue the bankes of the waters being appointed to susteine and giue nourishment to the beasts of the earth and the soules of the aire for his mercie endureth for euer 7 Who hath created those two great lights for his mercie endureth for euer 8 The Sunne to rule the daie for his mercie endureth for euer 9 The Moone and the Starres to rule in the night for his mercie endureth for euer 10 Who smote Aegypt slaieng their first borne for his mercie endureth for euer 11 And deliuered Israël from thence for his mercie endureth for euer 12 And that with a strong force and as it were by lifting vp his arme on high for his mercie endureth for euer 13 Who did part in sunder the Rushie sea which is called the red sea that it should lie open vnto the people passing to and fro by multitudes for his mercie endureth for euer 14 And led Israël through the middest thereof for his mercie endureth for euer 15 And drowned Pharao and al his armies in the same for his mercie endureth for euer 16 Who led his people by the waste wildernes for his mercie endureth for euer 17 Who stroke great kings with plagues for his mercie endureth for euer 18 Who slue mightie kings for his mercie endureth for euer 19 Sihon king of the Amorites for his mercie endureth for euer 20 And Og the king of Basan for his mercie endureth for euer 21 And gaue their dominion to be possessed by others for his mercie endureth for euer 22 Euen to be possessed by Israël his seruant for his mercie endureth for euer 23 Who when we were oppressed was mindful of vs for his mercie endureth for euer 24 And deliuered vs from our enimies for his mercie endureth for euer 25 Who giueth foode to al liuing creatures for his mercie endureth for euer 26 Praise ye God the Lord of heauen for his mercie endureth for euer PSALME CXXXVII The Argument The holie Ghost would haue this excellent Psalme to be extant which no doubt was made by the Leuites the fingers in the time of the captiuitie that he might teach vs verie notable things and necessarie to our comfort to wit that there is a time of silence vnder the crosse when the power of darkenes hath his time notwithstanding that we must retaine alwaies our constancie not onelie in faith but also in zeale least we betraie the truth with our silence or forsake our dutie for feare of men The dogs verelie are vnworthie to haue anie holie thing offered to them but this same thing is not to be dissembled that they are dogs when it standeth vpon the glorie of God and that the oppressors of the Church shal neuer carie awaie their wickednes vnpunished and chieflie they which do inflame the crueltie of the mightie men against the innocent THE PARAPHRASIS 1 WE being caried awaie vnto that prophane Babylon euen auoiding so much as laie in vs the sight of the wicked enimies did confesse with most doleful silence euen with aboundance of teares both our sinne and our sorowe at the floud of Euphrates being mindful of Sion 2 And though we caried our harpes euen to be our comfort in so great calamitie yet seeing that it seemed vnto vs that we should rather mourne than sing in that time and place we did hang them vpon the sallowe trees making no noise in the sight of the Babylonians 3 When they themselues which had drawne vs awaie into this most miserable captiuitie outrageouslie mocking our miserie did require of vs that we should delight them with our songs and take againe into our hands the harps that we had hanged vp speaking these words Come off sing vnto vs those tunes of your Sion 4 But we did not agree vnto them bearing most heauilie this their derision as breaking out into the reproch of the Lord himselfe For with what countenance or with what conscience could we abandon the holie praises of the Lord to be derided of those wicked enimies 5 But be it far awaie and God forbid ô Ierusalem that though we be far separate from thee we should forget thee but let rather euerie one of our right hands forget al plaieng of instruments 6 Let the tongue of euerie one of vs rather cleaue to the roofe of our mouthes than that it being vnmindful of thee
earnestlie meditate THE PARAPHRASIS 1 I Doe render vnto thee ô Lord mine onelie strength the praise of al these victories by most worthie right For I doe attribute it vnto thee that these my hands haue fought so valiantlie and that my fingers haue handled my sword so cunninglie 2 For thou art hee by whose benefit I remaine aliue thou art my defence my tower my sauiour my shield my refuge finallie thou art he who onlie hast subdued al this people vnto me 3 For I praie thee what maner a thing is man that most miserable of al liuing things and most ful of calamities wherefore shouldst thou regard him what haue mortal men borne of those that are mortal in themselues that thou shouldst take care of them 4 Certainlie he himselfe is most like a thing of naught and his life is like a shadowe that passeth awaie most swiftlie 5 Be present therefore with me ô Lord without whose helpe I perish and come foorth terriblie from thy heauenlie tower and testifie thy presence with the tempests following thee and command the tops of the clouds being striken to cast foorth stormie whirlewinds 6 Let thunderbolts followe whereby thou maiest cast downe their troups let lightnings come thicke glistering like darts wherewith thou maiest disorder their whole armies 7 Finallie stretch foorth thy hand and deliuer me from these whirlepooles euen from the hands of these strangers 8 I doe cal them strangers because that although they be counted in thy familie yet do they nothing appertaine vnto thee seeing their mouth is ful of falshood and their hands are defiled with a thousand deceits 9 But euen these also thou wilt driue awaie therfore I wil sing a new song vnto thee both with my voice and with mine instruments 10 Vnto thee I saie which art the reuenger of roial dignitie and the defender of Dauid thy seruant euen now readie to be slaine with the sword of his aduersaries 11 Wherefore deliuer me and defend me out of the hands of these strangers whose mouth is ful of falshood and their hands are ful of deceit 12 For thus least I be thought to respect onelie mine owne commoditie our sonnes also shal be like the faire plants which growe vp speedilie at the verie beginning and our daughters being of a tal and comlie stature shal be like vnto pillers cunninglie polished or carued wherewith the entries of palaces are sustained 13 In our storehouses al kind of prouision shal abound manie millians of our cattel shal plentifullie fil our streets 14 Our heards shal be seene to be of a strong and wel knit bodie there shal no-where be anie inuasion of enimies which should neede to be repulsed with armies there shal no crie be heard throughout the cities 15 O happie people to whom thou shalt giue this thing ô blessed is that people which acknowledgeth the Lord to be his God and whome the Lord likewise acknowledgeth for his people PSALME CXLV The Argument Euen this one Psalme is most worthie that al men should choose also as a squire and rule how to giue true praise vnto God for nothing can be spoken either more grauelie or more honourablie both of the wisedome mercie iustice and power of God testified in al his works and especiallie of his singular and excellent benefits toward his Church so that this Psalme verely is a perfect example of that same reasonable worship of God which doth continue in the Church alone THE PARAPHRASIS 1 O My God my King I wil highlie extol thee and celebrate thy name for euer and euer 2 I wil consecrate al the daies of my life to set forth thy glorie and wil amplifie thy name with songs that neuer shal haue end 3 For thou art great ô Lord and no praise is sufficient for thee neither can anie man attaine to thy greatnes 4 For thy wonderful works endure not for one generation and age alone but as one age succeedeth another so likewise must some men commit the memorial of them vnto others vnles they wil be negligent in doing their dutie 5 Wherefore truelie be it far from me that anie thing should be of greater authoritie with me than that I should carefullie thinke that the brightnes of thy Maiestie which shineth vnto vs in the verie dailie vse of things and that thy deedes are greater than can be comprehended by the admiration or by the capacitie of al men 6 And doubtles though verie manie be most blockish and wonderful thanklesse yet can there neuer be wanting some which shal euen against their wils confesse at the least thy terrible power but admit that other be silent yet wil I neuer cease to declare thy greatnes 7 But God forbid that I alone should labour to doe this my dutie for verelie there wil be alwaies some assemblie which wil by al meanes testifie the remembrance of thy peculiar goodnes and thy most vndoubted promises 8 Namelie that thou art most merciful and most readie to exceeding mercie and of whome a man may almost doubt whether he be more slowe to wrath or more prone to pardon 9 For is there anie thing ô Lord void of thy goodnes naie what is there in this whole world anie-where which doth not testifie thy clemencie euen in this point that thou doest suffer so manie ages this world that is defiled so sundrie waies 10 Therefore ô Lord thou hast created nothing nothing was done of thee since the world was first made which doth not euen of it selfe set foorth thy glorie but onelie thy chosen people doe acknowledge thee and giue vnto thee due and conuenient praise 11 For these alone do knowe declare by experience what thy dominion is and what is thy power 12 That is to saie the publishers of thy most valiant acts committing the glorie of thy kingdome to their posteritie 13 For indeed thy kingdome is not limited in any bounds of time for that it alwaies endureth one and vnchangeable from al eternitie 14 And how iust and moderate this thy rule is hereof it is euident ô Lord because thou dost staie vp euerie one how vnworthie soeuer which else should fal and also liftest vp those that are alreadie fallen downe 15 And what maner of benefit is this of thine which is common to al that the life of al liuing creatures is attributed to thee their creator and preseruer and thou againe giuest them nourishment in their due and conuenient time 16 For whatsoeuer hath life liueth not by anie other means than herevpon that thou bestowest vpon euerie one as it were willinglie reaching foorth thine hand compelled by thine alone liberalitie 17 Neither doth both thy iustice and thy most bountious liberalitie lesse appeare in gouerning those things which thou hast made and directing them what waie soeuer thou wilt to the end appointed by thee 18 Yet thou manifesting thy selfe principalie and with a certaine peculiar testimonie of thy fauour in defending them carefulie which worship and reuerence thee with an
earnest affection of the heart thou dost as it were neuer depart from their sides 19 Insomuch that they can aske nothing of thee aright which thou dost not grant them and alwaies helpest them when they crie 20 And euen as thou safelie keepest al those that loue thee so thou destroiest al the wicked 21 Wherefore by good right ô Lord I wil declare thy praises euen with a sounding voice and it becommeth al men to whome thou grantest the vse of this life to doe this thing diligentlie and continuallie PSALME CXLVI The Argument The Prophet doth exhort al men in this Psalme to set forth the praises of God which consist chieflie in this point that al our confidence may be fixed in him alone as both in a most mightie most moderate and especiallie in a most merciful Lord of al things of whose both power equitie and clemencie he setteth foorth some notable examples those being proued by verie dailie experience THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to yet my seelie soule praise the Lord. 2 For I haue thus determined to bestowe the whole time of my life in praising the Lord and to set foorth my God so long as I liue 3 And this praise properlie belongeth vnto him that we fixe our whole confidence in him alone For whome wouldest thou rather trust to princes whose glorious shew vseth to dazel the sight of foolish men But seeing euen these mortal men be also borne of mortal parents that is to saie hauing neither firme strength nor stable wil safetie cannot consist in them 4 For euen their life consisteth in their breath of the which so soone as they are bereaued the soule departing out of their bodie they are resolued againe into dust and al their cogitations do vanish awaie together with them 5 But ô blessed is that man which trusteth in the helpe of the God of Iacob and whose whole hope is laid vp in the Lord his God! 6 For hereby it appeareth euen to blind men how good and how great his power is in that he created the heauen the earth the sea and al things that are comprehended in them and his excellent goodnes and fidelitie is herein euident that he neuer breaketh his promise 7 That he doth maintaine those that are vniustlie oppressed he feedeth the hungrie and looseth the prisoners from their bonds 8 He openeth the eies of the blind and of such as are vexed for want of counsel and lifteth vp those that faint vnder the burthen of miseries finallie the Lord loueth al that loue righteousnes 9 The Lord doth defend and nourish those that are destitute of mans helpe especiallie strangers and trauelers the fatherles and widowes but vtterlie ouerthroweth them that liue a wicked life 10 Last of al other dominions are trulie transitorie and subiect to destruction but the kingdome of the Lord alone is euerlasting thy God I saie ô Sion endureth for al ages Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXLVII The Argument The people did in this Psalme celebrate that most high benefit of their returne from Chaldëa which was like a new birth of the Church chieflie if we principallie regard the worship of God as it is conuenient and the testimonies of the mercies of God are annexed so elegantlie described as nothing can be more excellent the which though they be general yet do they properlie belong to the children of God because they onelie knowe from whome they proceed and giue vnto God his iust praise Therfore in the end of the Psalme he doth make mention of that most excellent and great benefit of al others wherewith God did bind his Church peculiarlie vnto him euen the knowledge of his wil which bringeth saluation And whereas that deliuerance from Chaldëa and the gathering together of Jsraël as the citie of Ierusalem it selfe also were figures the truth thereof is exhibited vnto vs in deede in the Gospel there is no doubt but the Christian Church is much more bound dailie to set foorth the benefit of our redemption whereby we are brought into the heauenlie countrie especiallie in these our last times wherein God hath begun to gather his Church from the other occidental Babylon THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to I beseech you praise the Lord for what should we rather doe than to giue thanks vnto God who besides that he is God and therefore hath bound al men vnto himselfe by good right hath bestowed vpon vs so manie peculiar benefits and againe what can be more ioiful and more to be desired than such a testimonie of his fatherlie loue 2 For behold ô God thou restorest Ierusalem being cast downe destroied subuerted and beaten into dust contrarie to the hope of al people and dost gather together thine Israël being scattered ful seuentie yeeres the which thing the worke it selfe doth testifie that thou wast onelie able to doe 3 Thou doest comfort them that are vtterlie desperate thou also doest heale the deadlie wounds that none could heale but thou 4 Euen because there is nothing which thou art not able to do for thou knowest the number of the verie stars the which as their Lord thou callest out by name 5 O our great Lord both of infinite power and also of vnderstanding 6 And which doth vse his infinit power nothing proudly or immoderatly but euen to helpe the oppressed to cast the wicked downe to the ground 7 Go to then praise the Lord that our God both with voice and with instruments 8 Which couereth the heauen with clouds from whence he draweth foorth the raine to water the earth and to cloth the tops of the mountaines with al kind of hearbs 9 With this food he feedeth the beasts and nourisheth the yong rauens when they crie being forsaken of their dams 10 Yet is there nothing in vs which should moue him to embrace vs far vnlike to those which approue an horse by beholding his beautie or courage or that doe regard a man that runneth for his swiftnes 11 For what can he find in anie man which he hath not giuen vnto him before Therefore al the benefits which are bestowed vpon them that feare him and who haue regard onlie to his mercie doe proceed of his liberalitie alone 12 Go to then Ierusalem praise thou the Lord go to Sion praise thou thy God 13 For he doth ward thy gates with bars he doth cherish and multiplie thy familie thy citizens I meane 14 He bringeth thee into amitie with thy neighbors he feedeth thee with the fine flower of wheat 15 For he needeth none armies or engins of war but so soone as he hath declared what his pleasure is his commandement goeth foorth through the whole world like a most swift post 16 He raineth downe the flakes of snowe as it were wool from the clouds he doth sprinkle the earth also with the smal hore frost as it were with dust 17 He casteth out the I se like morsels and he bindeth together al things with cold that no man is able to
abide 18 And he also againe so soone as he commandeth doth melt the things that are frosen and the waters streightwaie flowe foorth againe as though their bands were losed 19 And these things verelie do testifie most plainelie both his infinite goodnes and power yet surelie they are nothing in comparison of that benefite which he bestowed vpon his Israël when he deliuered vnto him the doctrine of saluation and the rule to leade his life both godlie and honestlie 20 Neither is there any nation vnder heauen with whome he hath so dealt but he hath left other men without this most true and most iust doctrine PSALME CXLVIII The Argument The scope and end of this Psalme most ful of maiestie euen written with a heauenlie feruencie is whereas there be extant so manie most cleare witnesses of Gods wisedome of his power and goodnes as there be things created to cal vpon al those things high lowe and of the middle sort to set foorth the praise of God with common consent For though manie of them are without both vnderstanding and sense yet they al after their maner although they be silent are said to sound foorth the glorie of God though men which haue reason and for whose cause they are made ought properlie both in their owne name and in their name to do this dutie and chieflie the godlie ought to set foorth continuallie that incomparable benefite whereby they are chosen into the felowship of the sonne of God THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to let them found forth the praises of the Lord euen from the most high heauens 2 O al ye holie spirits the apparitors of his Maiestie which are diuided into innumerable garrisons go ye before others in this his praise 3 Thou Sunne and Moone and al ye Starres shining in the heauens shewe forth the praise of your Maker 4 O ye most high spheares of the heauens praise ye him ye vawts of waters which hang on high 5 Let al these things I saie praise the Lord for they began to haue their being by his onlie commandement 6 And they are placed by his appointment in the same place and order where they stand most stable and they are set in order with certaine spaces and bounds which they can not passe ouer by anie meanes though they would 7 And let the earthlie things againe answer vnto the heauenlie and the creeping wormes in the hollowe holes of the earth and also the depths of waters 8 And ye flames of lightnings also hailes snowes vapours lifted vp whirlewinds and other tempests which al haue your being and are moued by his commandement 9 Mountaines and al hils trees laden with fruits the Cedars mounting vp with such maruelous height 10 Ye wild beasts also and ye that be tame whatsoeuer creepeth vpon the ground and whatsoeuer fleeth through the aire 11 But chieflie both the kings and their people subiect vnto them the princes and the gouernours of the earth 12 Yong men and old yong maides also and children 13 Praise ye the name of the Lord for he alone deserueth most high praise as he that is more deepe than the very earth more high than the heauens 14 But this becommeth chieflie the people whom God of his vnspeakable fauour hath consecrated vnto himselfe and brought them into the most high state of dignitie aboue others therefore it becommeth those that haue receiued such benefits of God to set forth his praises euen the posteritie of Israël the which people God hath chosen to be his owne familie and houshold PSALME CXLIX The Argument The interpretation of this Psalme seemeth to be more plaine and more agreeable to the holie historie if it be applied vnto the kingdome of Dauid rather than to the last times of the captiuitie of Babylon Wherefore in ny iudgement the people recouering themselues from so manie miseries which they had suffered both in the times of the iudges and of Saule himselfe both the religion of God being first restored and also the policie set in good order is taught by this Psalme to giue thankes vnto God and not to abuse his so great benefits Wherein Dauid himselfe giueth them example acknowledging the Lord God to be the King together with them And as concerning the musical instruments here named it was a part of the seruice of the lawe which is abolished notwithstanding no man vnlesse such a one as is worthie to be counted amongst beastes can denie but that there is a great power both of musicke when it is sung and also in instruments to moue mens minds yet the examples both of the former Church and the horrible abuses that streightwaies followed do teach sufficientlie how vnprofitable it is to bring in such musicke and instruments into the Church of Christ as hath bin of late And a prophesie is also added which the verie end did confirme so manie victories being granted vnto Dauid and the bounds of his kingdome being spread euen vnto Euphrates that then the promise was fulfilled at the length which was made vnto Abraham as concerning the figure for it can not be doubted but that these things were the figures of the kingdome of Christ and of his spiritual victories and of that horrible iudgement which shal be most fullie in the end at the last daie and which now and then God executeth vpon al the rebellious THE PARAPHRASIS 1 GO to al ye that haue receiued benefites of the Lord sing vnto him a new and excellent song being deliuered from so manie not dangers but deaths 2 Euen thou ô Israël delight thy selfe in setting forth his praises whose worke thou art as it were newlie formed O ye citizens of Sion reioice ye trusting in the Lord your King Gouernor which belongeth to none other nation vnder heauen 3 Set foorth his praises far and wide not onelie priuatelie but also publikelie not onlie with voice but also with fluites and timbrels and with al kind of musical instruments 4 Euen because it hath pleased the Lord of his infinite mercie to consecrate this people vnto himselfe and as the matter it selfe maketh it manifest when they seemed vtterlie to be lost to make them honourable and of most high dignitie 5 Wherefore these glorious people vpon whom he hath bestowed so manie benefites do now reioice and shal reioice hereafter and with great quietnes shal sing a triumph 6 Praising the Lord indeede with their exclamations cries but armed with double edged swords in their hands 7 Wherewith they may punish the prophane Gentiles and auenge the crueltie of the people 8 And also may drawe their kings nobles bound in chaines and iron setters 9 Euen to execute the iudgement appointed and commanded by the Lord and this verelie is the dignitie and the honour of al them whome God hath receiued to his fauour PSALME CL. The Argument Jt is probable that the holie singing men of the temple did stir vp one another with this Psalme ful of maruelous zeale We