religion and reformed the manners of private living and of publik government God still employing towards both kingdoms excellent Prophets using sundry punishments and visitations to bring back the people from their errors and strayings which through his mercie was never without fruit and amendment in Iudah where the holy seed and the Church of God was preserved But in the ten Tribes it served to no other end but onely to gather together some remnants of Gods elect and to reprove the peoples unbrideled malice to assure them of their approaching condemnation and to justifie Gods judgments after his long patience CHAP. I. VERS I. WAs old because hee was almost seventy years of age 2 Sam. 5. 4. V. 3. A Shunamite of Shunem a Citie of Issacar Ios. 19. 18. V. 5. I will be King because that after the death of Ammon and Absalom he was the eldest but God the Soveraign Lord of the people had long before named Salomon to bee Davids Successor 1 Chron. 22. 9. he prepared as Absalom had done 2 Sam. 15. 1. V. 6. Very goodly and therefore beloved of the people and peradventure of David himself his mother by birth-right he was next to Absalom though by another mother 2 Sam. 3. 4. and therefore David took no notice of Adonijahs desire reserving the relating of his own will which was agreeing with the will of God in the behalfe of Salomon untill the ending of his dayes because hee would avoid troubles V. 9. En-rogâ—l some place neere Ierusalem to the Eastward see Ios. 15. 7. and 18. 16. 2 Sam. 17. 17. V. 12. Save for it was cleare by Salomons being excluded from this feast that Adonijah had a great jealousie of him which jealousie was grounded upon the notice hee had of Gods Oracle concerning the succession ordained to be Salomons V. 21. With his Fathers see Gen. 15. 15. and 47. 30. offenders as having desired the Kingdom and secretly sought for thy good will against his right of first-borne V. 23. Hee was come Bathshebah being gone out at that instant as it appeareth by vers 28. V. 31. Let my Lord might it have pleased God would this change had never been but that thou mightest have lived and raigned perpetually Dan. 2. 4. V. 33. The servants the houshold servants garders and officers belonging to me your King shall even from this time belong to Salomon mine own a token of communicating or transferring of the Royall dignitie Gen. 41. 43. Est. 6. 8. to Gihon it was a hill neere Ierusalem on the West side opposite to Rogel where Adonijah had gathered his Associates together and was chosen out by David for this act of consecration to shew the contrarietie of these two Parties and to avoid any encounter which might have bred a tumult or skirmish see upon 1 Chron. 29. 22. the reiterated and solemne confirmation of this consecration which was here but summarily done V. 36. Say so too let the Lord be pleased to ratifie by his Soveraign will and decree that which thou hast now made known to us for to be thy will V. 39. A horne see upon 1 Sam. 10. 1. out of the Tabernable not Moses his Tabernaâ—le which was yet in Gibeon 1 Chron. 16. 39. and 21. 29. but that which David had set up for the Arke 2 Sam. 6. 17. V. 47. To blesse to congratulate with him for this his happy succession and to testifie their joy therfore by vowes and wishes and to give him thanks for having nominated a successor freeing them by that meanes of all care and the Kingdome of divisions and revolts bowed himself hath confirmed all this by an expresse thanksgiving to God as Gen. 47. 31. V. 50. Caught hold either going to Gibeon where Moses his Altar was at that time 1 Chron 21. 29. or to Davids Altar which he had set up in Araunahs threshing floore 2 Sam. 24. 25. Now though there were no law for the freedome of malefactors in that place yet custome had brought up this refuge to avoid any present violence and also for a signe of craving mercie in Gods name who by the sacrifices made there layed open his mercie to sinners see Exod. 21. 14. 1 Kings 2. 28. CHAP. II. VERS II. I Goe as Ios. 23. 14. a man wisely valiantly like a man of ripe and full age making good by thy vertues thy want of years thou being yet but young 1 Chron. 22. 5. V. 4 There shall not there shall never want some of thine issue which was verified in Christ Ier. 33. 17. V. 5. Put the blood putting his bloody sword up into his scabbard and wearing it so at his girdle and his shoes also all bloody in a bold and publick way as it were bragging of his murthers V. 6. In peace by a naturall and peaceable kind of death V. 7. So they came using such kindnesse towards me as I desire should be used towards them V. 9. Hold him not examine and look well into his actions for his malice will yeeld thee occasion enough to adde that old fault of his to other new ones which he will questionlesse commit so that thou maist punish him for both together V. 13. Peaceably with a friendly intent or for some good as 1 Sam. 16. 4. speaking thus because she knew Adonijah had reason to be angry with her for having procured the Kingdome for Solomon her Son V. 15. Was mine by order of birth-right being I was the elder brother V. 6. And now being frustrate of those great pretences obtaine me for my comfort this small request of Solomon and I will rest satisfied therewith V. 19. On his right as the most honourable place next to the regall throne see upon Psal. 110. 1. V. 22. Aske for him Solomon by divine inspiration perceived whereto Adonijahs request tended namely to trouble him and contend with him for the Kingdom and for to gaine the great ones good wills with whom Abisha was very gracious and besides it was the successors right for to have the deceased Kings concubines 2 Sam. 3. 7. and 12. 8. and 16. 21. For he is doe not you perceive that by this meanes he meaneth again to revive his pretences by reason of his eldership even against Gods expresse command For Abiathar the Priest for all those of his party who will strengthen him and egge him on to the destruction of me and all mine V. 24. Hath made me hath given me a firme and lasting â—â—ate which shall passe to my posterity by a lawfull succession 2 Sam. 7. 26. V. 26. Anathoth a city belonging to the Priests Iâ—sh 21. 18. Thou barest thou wer 't High Priest and didst alwayes adhere to my Father even in his greatest dangers when it was needfull to transport Gods Arke as 2 Sam. 15. 24. at which time the High Priest was of necessity to be present as a President and Superintendent Num. 4. 15 19 27. V. 28. The Tabernacle it is likely that it was Moses his Tabernacle that was in Gibeon with
by the heavenly Fathers adoption She hath no the time prefixed by Gods providence is not yet come wherein shee may be capable to bee joyned in spirituall matrimonie to Christ or be incorporated into the Church Ezech. 16. 7. What shall wee doe what graces shall shee receive from thee O Christ by the ministery of me that am the Church When she shall when wilt thou call her to the communion of the Covenant of grace by the preaching of the Gospel V. 9. If she bee the Bridegroome replyeth as if hee should say if you consider her body as one of the two walls whereof I am the corner stone that doe binde the Iewes and Gentiles together Ephes. 2. 20. I will upon that wall build the palace of my abode in grace and everlasting glory If you consider her ministery which is as the doore of this Temple or Palace I will endow her and strengthen her with excellent graces of my Spirit to the end that the gates of Hell may never prevaile against her V. 10. I am the Bride saith that shee is the Congregation of Saints composed of divers living stones joyned together with the ciment of faith and of the spirit whereof is built a Temple holy to the Lord Ephes. 2. 21. and that her ministery is to feed Gods children which are borne in her with her breasts which are the Old and New Testament Like Towers a similitude which is not answerable to the figure but to the thing figured namely Gods word which is most firme and invariable 2 Pet. 1. 19. whose manifestation and use is maintained by the Church 1 Tim. 3. 15. Then was I that is to say when I namely the Iewish Church was well ordered and whilst I did performe the true 〈◊〉 of a mother I was and shall bee I so long as I continue such in Gods favour Intimating by this speech that when shee should goe astray shee should bee reproved and cast off V. 11. Solomon that is to say Christ sigured by Solomon hath committed the care of his Church to his Servants Mat. 21. 33. not to appropriate the fruit of glory and service to themselves but to referre it to God only Baathamon that is to say the plaine of the multitude which might be some fruitfull plaine not mentioned elsewhere Or it is a name fained according to the signification of the word a Isa 5. 1. Vnto 〈…〉 ers whereby are understood all other duties belonging to good 〈◊〉 dressers V. 12. My Vineyard the Bridegroome declareth that though hee hath given such a commission to his Servants yet he himselfe hath also a continuall care of his Church which is his own proper Inheritance Isa. 27. 3. Or that hee continually enjoyeth the fruites of this vineyard which are alwayes presented unto him by his saithfull servants must have the Bride sheweth that the chiefē revenew of this Vine namely the glory and service must be reserved for Christ who neverthelesse will reward his servants in this life and in the life everlasting with some degree of grace and glory Dan. 12. 3. V. 13. Thou that this is the Bridegroome which speaketh to the Church which he hath brought cut of the wildernesse of the world into places consecrated by him as into orchards and fruit-bearing gardens and admonisheth her never to give over causing her voyce to sound in prayer and preaching whereat the Angels the Bridegroomes friends are present and give eare unto see Eccles. 5. 6. 1 Cor. 11. 10. Ephes. 3. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 20. V. 14. Make hast the Bride saith that though shee much desireth that Christs presence might bee perpetuall yet shee doth accept of and is contented with this enjoying of it at times Cant. 2. 17. Vpon the mountaines that is to say in heaven see Cant. 2. 17. 6. 2. 11. ⧠THE BOOKE OF THE Prophet ISAIAH ARGUMENT BEsides the Priests and Levites which God had anciently established in the ministery of his Church he did also almost at all times send Prophets unto her extraordinarily raised without any distinction of lineage or profession who were immediately called and endowed with supernaturall knowledge of Gods secrets by divine revelations and inspirations and with a perpetuall and infallible conduct of the Holy Ghost in every particular of their Office and authorized by undoubted proofes of the divine motion which wrought in them and by the demonstration of Christs Spirit which spoke by them The summaries of their speeches and Sermons set downe in writing by themselves were kept in the Temple and added to other holy Bookes to stand for Divine and Authenticall Scripture and to be made use of in Ecclesiasticall Lectures and Expositions Yet their ministery was no way concerning the ceremoniall and ordinary service nor the common guide and government of the Church but was directed to these three generall ends First to maintaine by preaching and by the word the religion and customes in their ancient purity and integrity to correct and purge the vices and corruptions which crept in amonst them from time to time to oppose all humane power which should be contrary to Gods power and finally to keep or set againe all things into their former state by the same spirit as they were first established in the beginning The second was to keep alwaies alive the memory of the promises of the Messias and to keepe the faith and expectation of the faithfull alwaies bent towards him and to comfort and strengthen the Church in her sufferings by setting before her the promise of her restauration by Christs spirituall Kingdome The third to be the Ministers of Gods Oracles in many particular occurrences for the revealing of his secret will for to give resolution in perplexities or direction and counsell in difficult cases or for to denounce threatnings to beate downe the pride of the rebellious and for to bring beleevers to repentance Finally they were instruments of Gods continuall communication with his Church and of His Soveraigne power and government over her the strengthening of the ordinary Ministery and a remedy against disorders and growing evils Now one of the most noted amongst these was Isaiah endowed with a propheticke spirit in a most eminent degree for variety of visions sublimenesse of sences for power of demonstration and for a most incomparable Majesty of stile being diversly carried according to the variety of the times which he met with being sometimes under most evill and wicked Kings sometimes under pious and vertuous ones and sometimes under indifferent ones And according to their occasions he hath framed his Sermons the substance whereof is contained in this booke and may be referred to these two generall heads namely of the Law and of the Gospel In the first he doth discover accuse and severely condemne the sinnes of the people in all sorts and conditions of persons In the last he applieth unto the penitent and residue of the elect the onely remedy of Gods grace and the comfort of the promise of eternall
consecration of the Levites did disburthen themselves from doing the service of God which otherwise every one was bound to yield unto him their owne proper persons V. 11. An offering The Italian hath it A wave offering in the manner of the ordinary offerings which were so shifted out of one hand into the other See the nine and twentieth chapter of Exod. and the four and twentieth verse The Levites also were presented unto the Lord by making them turne themselves towards the fore parts of heaven V. 12 Lay their An ordinary ceremony in sacrifices See upon Exodus 29. 16. 19. Lev. 1. 4. and 3. 2. and 4. 4. Of the Bullocks here and elsewhere the burnt Offering is for the explation of the sinnes of the person corrupt in his owne nature and the sinne offering for the actuall sinnes See Exodus chapt 19. vers 14. 18. Numbers 6. 14. V. 13. Shalt set After Aaron hath presented them unto God doe thou Moses offer them to him giving them for perpetuall assistants and under-ministers to his Priests as in many offerings that which was not consumed by fire did irrevocably belongunto God being possessed by his Priest See Nu. 3. 6. 9. V. 16. Wholly given The Hebrew gifts or presents given purchased to be my proper and perpetuall servants dedicated unto me by their owne and all the peoples consent V. 19 The service To which they should otherwise be tyed in their owne persons See upon the third Chapter of Numbers and the seventh verse And to make That my service beeing done by them which are persons consecrated by mee bee lovingly accepted and I not moved to revenge the contempt of my glory upon the people if they had pressed upon it rashly or unreverently V. 22 Before Aaron Under their direction and command V. 24 Twenty and five Numbers chapt 4. vers 3. 47. The age of the Levites that they should begin to serve at is set downe at thirty yeares This difference may be composed first because here it is spoken of any kind of service in the other place for to carry the sacred Ornaments and here the Levites goe onely in service from which may be inferred that for the space of five yeares they should stay in the function under some discipline in that other passage they are admitted to the compleat Ministery V. 25. Shall serve no more Of an ordinary service and constant and for obligation and necessity in the workes and actions of labour V. 26 Shall minister The Italian hath it To serve Helpe them in small services and in counsaile and direction CHAP. IX VERS 6. THey cou'd not keep Although there should bee no expres law which should exclude such persons from the Passeover neverthelesse this was a publike scruple builded upon that that God in any religious and sacred acts required purity in the person which wrought or participited See 2 Chron. 3â— 18. Came before Because the custome of the Law Num. 5. 2. to put such persons out of the camp was not yet introduced V. 7 To offer See upon Exod. 12. 27. V. 1P Of a dead Under this kind of ceremoniall immunity it seemeth one should include all the other for which they were to bee separate from the Num. 5. 2. or shut up in their houses Lev. 12. 2. and 15. 19. or sequestred from the conversation and approach of other men Lev 11 24. V. 11 Bitter herbes The Italian hath it wild Lettute See upon Exod. 12. 8. V. 13. Cut off See upon Gen. 17. 14. V. 14 A stranger thâ—â— hath been circumcised and incorporated into the Church by voluntary profession of the Râ—liâ—ion Exod. 12. 48. V. 15 Naâ—â—â—y 〈◊〉 Tent The Italian hath it above the tent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 part was the Sanctuary with the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where yet especially the cloudy pillar did did st 〈…〉 l. v. 16. 2. V. 19 Kept Which requiring some time in setting up the Tabernacle and making ready the deckings thereof could not be performed marching CHAP. X. VERS 5. AN alarm The Italian hath it a shrill sound as when they â—ound alarm or for joy V. 7 You shall not Bee with an out-stretched and even sound such as they use at any publike Proclamations See upon Exod. 19. 13. V. 9 Be remembred A humane kind of phrase as if the Lord were awakned and warned by this sound to signifie unto us that the sacred signes which were appoynted by him and were lawfully used were alwayes accompanyed with the effect of his grace in the power of his promise and appoyntment And besides that the prayer of faith figured by this sound is the onely meanes to draw on his assistance V. 11 Second yeare After the comming out of Egypt V. 13 According to Concerning the order which should be observed therein Num. 2 and at the sound of the Trumpets V. 14 Of the camp This was the squadron of the three Tribes which marched under Judah's Sandard as the ensuing word of Armies is taken for the squadron V. 21 Os each Tribe Bearing upon their shoulders according as they were commanded N 〈…〉 4. 4. 7. The other Namely the Gershonites and Merarites Nu. 1. 51. V. 28 The joueneyings The order which they observed in removing the Campe in the Wildernesse V. 29. Hobab This same name is found Judg. 4. 11. and some doe judge that to be the same Jethro which after returned to his Countrey Exo. 18. 27. should come againe to find Moses encamped in the wildernesse which was neare to the Countrey of Madian and that he should also perswade himselfe to stay with the people together with his family the progeny of which was after propagated amongst the people of Israel Judg. 1. 16. and 4. 11. 1 Sam. 15. 6. Others do believe that this Hobag should be the sonne of Jethro and brother to Zippora and that here and Judg. 4. 11 the Hebrew word of Father in Law may be understood also for his brother in law and that Raguel was as second name of Jethro as Exo. 2. 18. V. 31 Knowest As Midianites neere to those deserts in the which those people did conduct to pasture their owne flocks and oftentimes also did travail further see Gen. 37. 28. Ex. 3 1 Of eyes of guid and of counsaile in certain particularities and circumstances those that God shall not have revealed unto me because otherwise the generall guide was the pillar of the cloud V. 33. Of the Lord See above Exo. 3. 1. Three dayes journey Without encamping or pitching their Tents but it is likely that they did take some rest in the night and in the houres of eating Before them Not that he should goe in the head of the Army as it is apparent from v. 21. But because the Lord through the cloud which did rest upon the Ark did give to all the Camp the signe of moving themselves or resting themselves like Generall Captain of the Army To search out a resting place The Iral. hath it For to search diligently A
unlesse he be an idolatrous and vicious man but if he become a proselite receive him into the communion of the Church or if they have by thy meanes any issue which persevereth in the true religion incorporate it wholly into thy commonwealth Thy brother that is to say a people come out of Edom your father Jacobs brother V. 8. The children Namely if their great grandfathers have embraced the true religion V. 9. Wicked thing Abominable uncleane vicious and unlawfull V. 10. That chaâ—ceth him See Lev. 15. 16. V. 15. Deliver It should seem that this was spoken to the Magistrates who were to judge whether the servant were unlawfully persecuted by his Master or no For in case that the servant were guilty it was not likely that the Lord would have yeelded him any assistance or freedom especially the question being concerning his totall departure from his masters house The servant it appeareth by the following verse that this ought to be understood of the servants of strange Nations who being evill entreated by their masters did fly for protection to Gods people V. 17. Whore Namely common whore for some such there were amongst Gods people but ordinarily they were strangers Or if they were Israelites they were excommunicated and held as strangers See Prov. 2. 16. and 6. 24. and 7. 5. V. 18. A dog It should seem that male is by a kind of detestation thus called who endureth that abominable kind of lust V. 19. That is lent For there are some things lent out of which one may reape benefit without usury as for horse hire houses goods c. which by common use and sense are not contained within this prohibition V. 20. A stranger See Deut. 15. 3. CHAP. XXIV VERS 1. VNcleannesse Some displeasant and noisome defect either in the body or in the behaviour besides fornication or adultery for which there were other laws Send her Let it be lawfull for him to send her away A judiciall Law which doth regulate the licence of divorces by policy yet doth not approve of them in conscience Mal. 2. 16. Matth. 19. 5. V. 4. Defiled By cohabiting with another during the life of her first and only lawfull husband So he declareth that these divorces were unlawfull with God though he tolerated them by reason of the hardnesse of the peoples heart who could not submit themselves to the rigor of the first order Abomination For so it appeared that there was but a small cause for a divorce Seeing that the husband having already tryed her was willing to take her again Now this toleration of God did detest and abhorre to have these inconstancies and confusions cloaked with the sacred name of matrimony Mal. 2. 16. and the divorce followed or seconded by the marriage of another was in a manner the death of one in regard of the other Thou shalt not These misdeeds ought not to bee suffered nor tolerated for feare of drawing of Gods Iudgement upon the whole countrey V. 5. Businesse Nor personall and publicke office which may draw him away from the joyfull society and company which he ought to keepe with his wife V. 6. The nether The Italian hath it Grinding stones of your hand-mils under which name are contained all manner of implements necessary for living Exo. 22. 26. Life Namely an instrument needfull for the maintenance of it V. 8. In the plague For to keep all the orders for the judging of it the separations and purifications appointed Lev. 13. 14. V. 9. Remember To consider by the example of Miriam that leprosie is an expresse punishment of God and that it requireth a separation without any respect or exception of condition or dignity see 2 Chr. 26. 19 21. V. 10. To fetch At thy choice or pleasure or by violence but thou must be content to take that pawn as he shall be willing to give thee so it be sufficient to satisfie thee V. 12. Pledge Which cannot chuse he being poore but bee a thing needfull for his sustâ—nance V. 13. It shall be God in his fatherly love shall approve of this act as of a good and godly work and as such a one he will reward it See Psalme 106. verse 31. V. 15. At his day The same day that he hath done his labour or at the certaine and appointed day as by the weeke or otherwise His heart all his helpe and reliefe in time of necessity consists in his dayly labour V. 18. A â—oâ—d man In a wretched estate and depending upon other mens wages which ought to induce thee likewise to have compassion upon others who are wretched CHAP. XXV VERS 1. COntroversie This sheweth that here is chiefly treated of criminall causes Justifie Absolve him and pronounce him guiltlesse and also to adjudge and give unto him that which the Law appointeth V. 3. Fourty By the 2 Cor. 11. 24. you may see that the Jews used to give but nine and thirthy stripes having made the number lesse by one for to containe themselves so much the better within the number which was set down Seeme vile that is to say too unworthily handled without respect of humanity which should not suffer him to be used like a beast and to fellowship of religion which requireth mercy as towards a child of Gods houshold and a brother on the same side V. 5. Dwell Are not yet divided into severall housholds having not married each one a wife and living together under the head of the family namely the father or the elder brother This thing was in use before Moses time by custome Gen. 38. 8. but here it is established by law Her husbands brother the next in degree of birth to him that is dead or for want of such a one another brother or the nearest kinsman so that he be not a married man see Ruth 4. 5. Now God in this case restraineth by his supreame power the Law of Lev. 18. 16. V. 6. Shall succeed The Italian Shall be borne that is to say shall come into the world bâ—aring the name of him that is dead and having right to represent his person as his own child V. 7. To raise To cause his memory to revive by a child begotten in his name that his memory may not be extinguished V. 8. Stand to it And persist in his saying V. 9. Loose his shoe In signe that she doth strip him of all the right which he might pretend in the goods of the deceased which she will transfer upon another kinsman that will marry her and beget upon her a successor to him whose name he must beare And spit in token that as he scorneth to take her to wife so she renounceth him for ever Build A Scripture phrase which signifieth the begeâ—ting of issue and by that meanes the establishment and preservation of a family see 1 King 11. 38. 1 Chr. 17. 25. V. 13. A great To buy with and a small to sel by V. 14. Measures The Italian hath Epha's a measure for dry things V.
Church in generall doth want these comforts and they also sometimes by their prayers doe represent unto God the faith and sufferings of it V. 9. What is these are the brides companions who ask the Church this question to trie whether shee doth continue in the true knowledge of Christ and in the choyee which shee hath made of him amongst all other religions and in her faith and love towards him Or to shew that every faithfull person learnes to know Christ of the Church Cant. 6. 1. V. 10. My beloved this is the bride who by the divine prayses of the bridegroome testifieth that shee knoweth him from others and that her love is wholly settled upon him Is white a mixture of the colours of a lively beauty Psal. 45. 2. which may be applyed thus namely that Christ came with bloud to expiate sinnes and with water to wash away the spots of it and amend the defaults of it 1 Iohn 5. 6. The chiefest the Italian carrying the standard that is to say a man of note and eminency amongst all the other heads of people Cant. 1. 7. and 2. 3. Or he is the head of the militant Church Exod. 17. 15. Cant. 2. 4. V. 11. Fine gold that is to say it glistereth in divine glory Black as smooth and shining as a Raven in the Sunne V. 12. His eyes that is to say his judgement is most pure Isa 11. 3 Or his looks are most gracious and amiable Cant. 1. 15. and 4. 1. By the rivers washing and cleansing themselves from dust and all other manner of uncleannesse Fiâ—ly set the Italian set as it were in in the foile of a ring being in his divine face they are like unto a precious jemme curiously set in a â—ing of great value V. 13. His cheeks that is to say his aspect apprehended by faith in this world and by cleer sight in life everlasting containes in it the fulnesse of life and joy Psal. 16. 11. and 17. 15. and 42. 5. Lillies namely in candidnesse of perfect purity and truth and in sweetnesse of benignity and odor of divine grace Psal. 45. 2. Esay 50. 4. V. 14. His hands a signe of his possession and distribution that is to say he hath those precious jewels namely the gifts of his holy Spirit in his own hands and doth most liberally bestow and distribute them Psal. 16. 11. His belly the seat of his bowels and signe of most tender naturall affections Isa. 16. 11. Ier. 4. 19. which in Christ are most pure and abundant in precious gifts V. 15. His legs a signe of Christs firmnesse in his Kingdom works words and government and of his strength to trample upon his enemies and of his untired power to accomplish the course of his office Lebanon a high and famous hill full of excellent plants V. 16. His mouth the Italian his palate namely his word and Spirit which is as it were the breath of Christs mouth CHAP. VI. VER 1. WHither is the brides companions that is to say all true believers and the particular Churches answering to the brides question Cant. 5. 8. by saying they have no other guide to bring them to Christ out the Church its selfe and their communion with her And that the spirit of zeale which works in the whole body is the same as works in every particular member V. 2. My beloved this is the bride who teacheth every true believer that they ought to seek Christ in heaven whither hee is gone perfectly to enjoy his everlasting goods and from thence soveraignly to governe his Church Luk. 24. 5. Col 3. 1. Gone down a terme taken from the scituation of Solomons gardens in Ierusalem which were in the low valley of Hinnom whereas his palace stood in the higher parts of the City see Neb. 3. 15. Of spices which in this book are taken for a figure of spirituall and celestiall goods it being the property of spices to preserve from putrefaction To â—eed the Italian addeth his flock see upon Cant. 2. 16. V. 4. O my love the bridegroome who is here brought in shewing himselfe to the Churches faith in heaven it selfe where she hath sought for him together with all believers And in this act of faith and zeal accepting and praysing her as a fine City a mighty Army and a compleat body politick which are the three principall qualities of the Church answerable to Christs three properties he being her Head chief Captaine and king Tizab a City belonging to the Tribe of Manasseh faire and pleasant by reason of the excellencie of her scituation for which cause it was made choyce of to be the abode of the Kings of Israel 1 Kings 14. 17. and 15. 21. and 16. 6. 18. Terrible namely to her enemies as she is delightfull to her children see concerning this mixture and conjunction of beauty and force Cant. 1. 9. 4. 4. 7. 4. V. 5. Turne away poeticall termes which signifie nothing but Christs extreame love moved or rather as one should say forced thereunto by the Churches faith V. 8. There are to shew the excellencie of the Church above all other Nations of the world over which also Christ reigneth in his power Solomon useth these kinds of speech taken from his own Court in which at that time as hee composed this Canticle hee might have this number of married wives called Queens and so many Concubines V. 9. Is but one and incomparable above any other assembly in my love and favour in the gifts of my Spirit see Psal 147. â—0 Of her Mother she is only in all the generation of men Amongst whom there is no other holy Nation joyned to God by a Covenant of peace but onely the Church The daughters this may be referred to the knowledge that other Nations had of the Church by meanes of the Gospel whereby they were drawne to joyne themselves to her V. 10. Who is she words of admiration uttered by these daughters namely the Nations of the world V. 11. I went here the bride sets down her motion through faith into the heavenly Paradise seeing shee could not finde her bride-groome upon earth Down as verse 2. Of nuts namely nutmegs by which name are understood all other sorts of aromatick plants verse 2. To see the that is to say to taste by a lively faith the first fruits of eternall life and to advance my selfe towards it by the lifting up of my heart and by a holy desire Phil. 3. 14. V. 12. Or ever I was I felt my selfe beyond mine expectation ravished up into heaven by an unspeakable violence of the spirit Ephes. 5. 20. Amminadib this should seeme to be some famous Chariot driver of Solomons who in the race of horses and Chariots could out drive all the rest see Cant. 1. 9. V. 13. Returne the brides companions which are those Nations or persons that desire to bee joyned unto her and therefore desire that shee may not bee so soone gathered up into heaven without
true Christians made Priests by him Rer. 1. 6. to offer unto God spirituall sacrifices Rom. 12. 1. which were figured by the Ceremoniall sacrifices as Mal. 1. 11. In righteousnes rightly lawfully and according to his ordinance without any default See Psal. 51. 19. V. 5. Come neare to you my Spirit shall effectually redargue all sinners Isa. 4. 4. John 16. 8. and the execution shall speedily follow that inward redargution V. 6. For I am under the Gospell I will proceed with a speedy operation of my Spirit and judgement whereas now I doe use a great deale of clemency and patience out of my meere loyalty and constancy in my promises See Lam. 3. 22. 23. V. 7. Wherein wherein have we sinned that we should returne V. 8. In tythes keeping those things back which are my right and are to furnish out my service and for the maintenance of mine Officers Neh. 13. 10. V. 10. The store-house of the Temple 1 Chron. 26. 20. See the performance of this Commandement Neh. 13. 12. Prove me whither if you obey my Commandements I will faile in my promises I will not open A figurative terme to signifie as it were a deluge of goods See Gen. 7. 11. 2 King 72. 19. V. 11. The devourer the Italian the beasts namely those insects which doe spoile the fruits of the earth Cast her fruit they shall not lose their fruit by any accident V. 12. A delighâ— sâ—me A most happy Land and abounding in all things as can be desired in the world V. 14. Walked moâ—rnfull the Italian gone mourning as Job 30. 28. Psal. 38 6. he seemes to have relation to those Fasts which are set down Zech 7. 3. V. 15. The proud an ordinary title given to the most grievous sinners who sinne maliciously and boldly Set up established and preserved in lasting happinesse V. 16. Spake whilest the wicked did blaspheme in this manner the true beleevers opposed themselves against them and strengthened themselves against those temptations A Booke God shall remember them in due time and reward them for their faith and constancy Termes taken from men Psal. 56. 9. That thought that have his feare alwayes in their hearts and before their eyes that meditate upon his grace and his commandements have a care to call upon him and doe actually remember him in all their works V 17. Make up namely execute my judgements upon the wicked Spare I will love them and preserve them carefully V. 18. Returne you doe wrongfully impute to God that he doth not reward those that serve him serve you him heartily and uprightly and then you shall finde the effect of his promises whereas now you deprive your selves of it because your service is defiled with hypocrisie and impiety CHAP. IV. Ver. 1. THe day of Christs comming wherof he had spoken Mal. 3 2 3. Neither root A proverbiall terme as Job 18. 16. and 29. 19. Isa 5. 24. Amos. 2 9. V. 2. Ariâ—e by faith you shall know and enjoy Christ who shall be a devouring fire to the wicked but unto his Elect a Son of yeelding a vivifying and comfortable heate by vertue of his perfect righteousnes by which he will reconcile them to God his Father and obtaine his Spirit for them which shall regenerate sanctifie and save them perfectly See Isa. 60. 1 2 19. Goe forth A description of the liberty of Spirit in the Elect in joy vigor and promptitude of spirituall motions V. 3. Tread down A representation of the Churches victory over her spirituall enemies which is very frequent in the Prophets V. 5. Eliah that is to say John the Baptist who shall come in the Spirit and power of Eliah Luke 1. 17. The great that stately apparition of the Sonne of God in the flesh accompanied with the consuming power set downe before Mal. 3. 2. 4 1. Especially in regard of the Jewes who shall be destroyed by him by reason of their rebellion and ingratitude V. 6. Shall turne his preaching shall be for 〈◊〉 bring backe the children of Israel that are gone astray to the true faith and piety of their fore-fathers whereby their fathers as Abraham Isaac and Jacob who as one may say did not know them againe Isa. 29. 22 23. shall re-accept them for their lawfull posterity which thing failing I will finally and totally destroy the whole Nation FINIS An Advertisement concerning the Books which are called Apocrypha IT is most certaine that in the ancient Jewish Church to which Gods Oracles were sent and lay deposited the Books of the Law and the Prophets having bin faithfully kept there untill such time as the gift of Prophecying and the Prophets Ministry ceasing there was a Register or authenticall Catalogue made of all the said Books gathered into one volume by Ezra either alone or with the assistance of other Prophets which lived in his time being guided therein by the same infallible conduct of the Holy-Ghost by which they had composed their owne writings This Volume being gathered together was the firme rule of the Church at that time the only modell of all its Religion and rule of divine worship the foundation of all their hopes the forme and soveraigne Law of their customes and government and the only subject of all their Expositions and Lectures which were made in their Assemblies And though there were even at that time many other Books of pious subjects as Ecclesiasticus and the Books of Maccabees and some also of more antiquity as the Prophecye of Enoch mentioned in Saint Jude his Epistle and also some History out of which Saint Paul had the names of Jâ—nnes and Jambres 2 Tim. 〈◊〉 8. yet the Jewish Church never gave place for publicke uses to any other Books but such as were divine and sacred and comprehended within their Catalogue The same care of the divine Providence was also shewed in the Christian Church For the last Apostles and especially Saint John who outlived all the rest made also as ancient writers relate such a Catalogue of the Holy Books of the New Testament for the same end as there had been one made of the old And it seemes that Saint John in the last Chapter of his Revelation would seale and shut up the close of it by His Apostolicall Authority and by His terrible protestations But the Christian Church after the death of the Apostles did not use the same scrupulous circumspection as the Jewish Church did For many writings of seeming piety passing through the Churches hands under the name of divine Books The care and severity in discerning cutting off the supposed ones was not used but only in such as were most notoriously false and did most dangerously corrupt Christian Doctrine as containe false Gospels and Epistles which were written in the name of the Apostles Being the worke of some Jewes which were turned Christians or of some Heretickes which were reproved and banished even in their first beginnings But a greater toleration was used with other Books
not that singular gift from God to preserve themselves in holinesse and purenesse of body and spirit without the remedy of marriage Then to burne with a carâ—all desire which God doth not give every one the gift to quench without marriage whereby man is troubled in minde and hindered in his spirituall actions which require a tranquillity of all passions V. 10. Not I not by a new doctrine or law 〈◊〉 yet by meere councell and advice of wisdome as ver 25 40. but by Christs expresse command Mat. 5. 32. and 19. 6. 9. Depart namely by divorse unlesse it be for the only lawfull cause which is adultry which was very frequent amongst the Grekeâ— and the Romans and from them this abuse did also partly creep in amongst the Iewes though the law of Moses gave the wife no power at al to be divorced from her husband See Marke 10. 12. 〈◊〉 Tiâ— 5. 9. V. 11. Let her remaine this is not to say that this separation without marrying again is lawfull v. 3. 4 5. but if the woman can not be induced or forced to live with her husband or that there be some invincible leâ—â— The Law of God doth absolutely forbid her to marry another V. 12. To the rest spoken of in the letter which you sent to me namely beleevers married with unbeleevers Speake I guided in this mine opinion by the Holy Ghost ver 15. 40. though without Gods expresse command in his word Ver. 13. The woman namely the believing and Christian woman Ver. 14. Is sanctified though the unbelieving partie be uncleane before God yet the use of maâ—â—monie with her is holy unto the believing party thorow the mediation of faith and invocation Tiâ— 1 15 and Gods approâ—ation and blessing no otherwise then if both parties weare holy So he answeareth them who thought themselves to be defiled by these maâ—iâ—ges with infidels contracted before their conversion and by reason of this scruple sought for 〈◊〉 separation Yâ—u Children borne of such unequall marriages Unclâ—ane that is to say they would not from their birth bee comprehended within Gods coâ—â—â—ant made with the fathers and with the sons Geâ— 17. 7. nor endowed with the spirit of sanctification And would by the Church he held as profane â—cap ab le of baptisme untill such timeas being come to age they were admitted thereunto by their owne faith Holy namely members of the Church and partakers of the grace of regeneration which Saint Paul speakes by Apostolicall declaration according to which such little children were admitted to baptisme V. 15. Depart be divorced for hatred to the religion oâ— that shee marrieth another Or that all possible and reasonable remedies having beene used and a convenient time allotted for that purpose the unbelieving party cannot be induced to a due conjunction A brother namely the beleeving party is loosâ—ed from the bond being thus forsaken by the unbelieving party But God but the believers they are 〈◊〉 by Gods command to endeavour to maintain by 〈◊〉 and concord the matrimony which they 〈◊〉 contracted Ver. 16. Thou shalt save whither thou staying with him mayest be the instrument of his conversion 〈◊〉 salvation by word holy conversation example prayers c. V. 17. Buâ— as howsoever it be if the Inâ—idell be 〈◊〉 coâ—verted yet let the believer remaine in the state 〈◊〉 condition which his person is in be it marriage 〈◊〉 otherwise and in that ordinary course of life which God had appointed him before he called him to be a Christian because these things may very well 〈◊〉 together V. 18. Let him not become as some used to doe by Câ—irurgerie to cancell in their bodies all signes of Iâ—daisme which they had renounced 1 Mac. 1. 16. V. 19. Is nothing Namely now under the Gospell it is of no force nor anyway considerable for Gods service or for mans salvation But the keeping the true Christian and spirituall vertues are not only sufficient but do likewise disannull and exclude under the Gospell all ceremonies of the Law Iohn 4. 23. Rom. 14. 17. V. 20 Abide hee may abide therein with a safe Conscience and ought not rashly to change it neither through superstition nor by doing another any wrong but if hee can doe it for any just causes or through any lawfull meanes it is then lawfull for him to dâ—â— it V. 21. Care not for it be not grieved at it nor doe not take it to heart as if it were a condition unworthy of a Christian or pernicious and unlawfull for him If thou mayest by lawfull and honest wayes V. 22 For he hee confirmeth the exhortation made to servants to beare their condition mildely thorow the comfort of their spirituall freeing from siâ—ne the Devill and death by â—esus Christ. In the Lord to the communion of his spirituall body and Church and to the participation of his grace Is Christs servant he is not master of himselfe not of his actions hee is subject to Christ his Lord. So in Christ all servants and distressed persons have matter of comfort and those who are free and live at ease have cause to humble and subject themselves V. 23. Be not yee if yee bee free doe notwilfully make your selves servants but keepe your selves wholly both body and soule for Christs service to which bodily service is a great disturbance in outward actions Or in your servitude remember alwayes that before anyother you are Christs servants therefore doe not doe any mens service which may bee contrary to Christs service Or as concerning your soule and conscience let not living man have any command over you depend upon Christ onely and upon his word See 2 Cor. 11. 20. Galath 2. 4. Col. 2. 18. V. 24. With God in the order and degree of service which he hath appointed for every one Ver. 25. Vergins namely daughters of families concerning whom the Corinthians had also written to the Apostle to know whither their Parents were oblieged to get matches for them or no. I have no God hath not declared any thing expressely concerning it in his word I give my as of a thing which of it selfe is free and indifferent I doe advise by wisdome enspired by the Holy Ghost what is most expedient according to the circumstances See 2 Cor. 8. 〈◊〉 10. That hath obtained being by especiall grace endowed with the infallible guide of the Holy Ghost not onely in truth but also in good and loyall councell See Isaiah 11. 2. 1 Cor. 7. 40. 1 Thes. 4. 8. V. 26. That this this seemes to shew his opinion concerning the Corinthians question namely whither it was good to keepe ones daughter at home without marrying This is good See ver 1. For the namely for the distresses and persecutions which the Church is falling into which are more difficult to be borne then when one is married then when one is not See Ier. 16. 1. and 29 6. I say that because the reason is generall for all manner of persons To be namely
namely because by the same they receive Christ who being pay-master for them to God hath borne his wrath and curse for them to give satisfaction to it and free them from it and to obtain Gods grace for them which is the spring of all blessing by his perfect righteousnesse 2 Corinthians 5. 21. V. 14. Of Abraham namely promised to Abraham and to his spirituall posteritie onely The Gentiles the Italian the Nations namely to all believers of all nations indifferently Through Iesus Christ that is to say by vertue of him and through the communion with him by Faith That we might that being so restored into Gods grace he might communicate his gifts unto us and especially that of the holie Ghost to regeneration which had been so often and so solemnly promised by the Prophets Isai 32. 15. and 44. 3. Iâ—r 31. 33. and 32. 40. Ezek. 11. 19. and 36. 27. Ioel 2. 29. Zech. 12. 10. V. 15. After the manner taking example from that which is by common reason observed amongst men in their covenants and contracts V. 16. The promises he hath a relation especially to that solemne forme of covenant which was made with Abraham Genes 17. 7. long time before the Law was given by Moses He saith not upon occasion of that passage he sheweth that seeing all nations at the appointed time were to have part in that blessing as they were Abrahams posteritie which is but onely one the naturall Jewes and the Gentiles who were children in spirit were to be united together now that is not done by conformitie of ceremonies nor by them the proselites which were of the Gentiles were incorporated into one and the same carnal nation with the Jewes but by the spiritual gathering together which Christ as Head makes of all his Believers into one sole bodie of a Church which is Abrahams true off-spring V. 7. See Ephes. 2. 14 15. and 3. 6. Christ namely his whole mysticall Bodie which is the Church which hath all its life and being from him and also participates of the glorie of his Name see 1 Cor. 12. 12. V. 17. In Christ that is to say of which covenant Christ already appointed and promised for a Mediatour was the onely foundation shewn and apprehended by the fathers The Law namely Moses his Law with all its dependencies The promise namely that Euangelicall promise of blessing to all nations and other such like which are all free promises Rom. 4. 13 14. V. 18. Forif we ought to suppose it would make the promise of none effect indeed if the inheritance and the blessing were by the Law for these two meanes are incompatible one with the other The inheritance namely the heavenly inheritance of which the Land of Canaan promised to Abraham and his seed was a figure Rom. 4. 13 16. V. 19. Wherefore namely seeing the blessing and the inheritance are absolutely given through grace and are received by faith the Law being no cause thereof neither in whole nor in part Because of namely to regulate mens lives and to represse the licentiousnesse and frequencie of misdeeds or to discover the horror and seal the condemnation thereof to drive men to seek the remedie of grace in the promised Messias Romans 3. 20. and 5. 20. 1 Tim 1. 9. Till the the use of this servile pedagogie wâ—s to last so long as the Church was yet in its infancie subject to fall easily into sin through weaknesse or ignorance but it was to cease at Christs comming in the flesh who gathering together the whole bodie of his Church from amongst the Jewes and the Gentiles and endowing it with abundant graces of his Spirit in knowledge and vertue hath made it by effects be known to be the blessed seed of Gods children V. 26. driven to love him and obey him by the spirit of adoption and libertie and not by the spirit of terror as it was anciently see Rom. 8. 15. It was ordained the Italian it was published God in the externall manner which he observed in giving his Law did shew that thereby man had no accesse to his Grace to obtain life and inheritance for God did then appear extremely terrible which was a qualitie contrary to a treatie of confederacie and because that at the peoples request who were not able to endure those terrours a signe of the guilt of their consciences Moses was fain to come in between as a mediatour of word and communication Exod. 20. 19. Deut. 5. 5. Acts 7. 38. Hebr. 12. 19. he was therein the figure of Christ the onely Mediatour of propitiation by whom we have accesse to God in confidence Hebr. 12. 24. By the Angels who were also mediatours on Gods side as Moses was on the peoples side V. 20. A Mediatour that is to say the Office which Moses then performed and which is not used but onely amongst disagreeing parties sheweth that by the Law God and man were contrary to one another as the delinquent and the Judge Is one he doth not varie one jot in his soveraigne justice which he hath set down in his Law and therefore these two parties could not be united but onely by the full satisfaction of Christ the Mediatour as the Apostle had said V. 13. V. 21. Is the Law By the foresaid things it appeares that God giving his Law by Moses would not bring in a meanes of acquiring righteousnesse and life which should be contrarie to his covenant of Grace but onely to guide men thereby to Christ For if he gives a reason why the Law hath not been contrarie to the promises of Grace namely because neither of it selfe nor by any order from God it had any power to restore man whâ— was dead in sin to life nor consequently to justifie him whereupon we ought to conclude that God would not imploy it to any disproportionable use to the prejudice of his Grace to which he had reserved that absolutely V. 22. But the Law is so far from having been given to justifie man that contrariwise it shewed and sealed to the very Jewes who were Gods people their condemnation Rom 3. 10. 20. and 4. 15. The Scripture namely God by his Law and Word Rom. 9. 17. Gal. 3. 8. hath declared that all men generally are sinners and in state of damnation to the end that the elect laying aside all confidence in their own righteousnesse might have recourse to Christ to obtain by faith in him the blessing and inheritance which are the subject of Gods promise V. 23 â—aith namely the time of the full manifestation and of the free exercise of Faith under the Gospell We namely the Church which was then restrained within the Jewish nation onely Kept under that is to say the severitie of the Law and the subjection to so many painfull observances kept us like children at school in perpetuall labours and discipline still attentively expecting Christ to keep us from going astray either in religion or in life and conversation beyond the bounds
apostasie great number of followers and finall destruction he sets down encouraging notwithstanding the Thessalonians against the terrour of this horrible danger by their well-established election and vocation and at the last he reproves some of them who lived disorderly and idlely commanding the Thessalonians to separate them from the communion of Christ in case they shewed themselves disobedient untill such time as they should come to true repentance CHAP. I. Vers. 4. GLorie in you As in an excellent fruit of our ministerie V. 5. Which is that is to say which persecutions for the Name of Christ are assured and certain Arguments unto you that God the just Judge will give you the reward and rest for it in his Kingdom and to your enemies on the other side eternall punishments Worthy that is to say conveniently qualified to enter into the possession thereof according to Gods order that he that must be like unto Christ in his crowne and glory must also be like him first in combats and troubles See Rom. 8. 17. 2 Tim. 2. 11. V. 7. With his mighty Angels the Italian with the Angels of his might namely his Ministers to execute his Almighty power Or. by whom he is encompassed in his glorie and Majestie V. 9. From the presence being condemned by Christ himselfe who shall then appeare in glory and soveraigne power V. 10. To be glorified to manifest the glorious effects of his promises and of his infinite power in bringing of his to his heavenly glory notwithstanding all the oppositions of their enemies to be eternally glorified and praised in them and by them Because we must suppose amongst which number I surely place you by reason of the credit which you have given to my preaching Our testimony namely our preaching whereby we have truely related and confirmed Gods truth V. 11. Of this namelie of this last signe accomplishment and reward of your heavenly calling by meanes of your perseverance V. 12. In your as in a mirrour and subject of the manifestation of his soveraigne power In him as in the cause spring and foundation of all your glory CHAP. II. Vers. 1. BY the comming as you doe assuredly looke for him and as you desire that he may appeare to your glory and that he may gather his whole Church into his Kingdome V. 2. In mind the Italian from the mind namely from your wise and setled judgement and from your quietnesse of spirit either by straying from things revealed in Gods Word or by curious enquiring after those secret times which are not revealed By Spirit namely by any doctrine or opinion raised under a false pretence of inspiration of the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12. 10. 1 John 4. 1 2. Is at hand believers are indeed warned to watch continually as neither knowing the day nor the houre of Christs comming Matth. 24. 42. 25. 13. Rom. 13. 11 12. Jam. 5. 8. 1 Pet. 4. 7. but the Apostle doth here condemn certain determinations of approaching times by which mens minds were troubled and drawne away from their callings And the Gospel slaundereds when they were disapproved by a contrarie event V. 3. A falling away namely that great and generall revolt of the outward Church from the faith and profession of the pure truth of the Gospell Be revealed namely that untill Antichrist be risen and publiquely appeared and exercised his tyrannie and wickednesse whose sinne is in the highest degree because he is not onely a disloyall servant and open enemie but also an usurper of the Sonne of Gods Empire This Name is taken from the name which the Jewes gave to Antiochus The Sonne of namelie he that is condemned to everlasting perdition Rev. 19. â—0 see John 17. 12. V. 4. Who opposeth the Italian that adversary that great and deadly enemy of Christ and of his truth and Church Above or against This is also spoken of the resemblance between Antichrist and Antiochus Dan. 11. 36. who did not disanull all manner of religion but would onely allow of that which he himselfe had established and Antichrist was to doe the like All that is not onely above the true God but above Kings Potentates and others to whom the name of God is attributed for some resemblance see John 10. 34 35. Sitteth that is to say â—aignes and commands this circumstance is taken from what is spoken of the King of Tire Ezek 28. 2. In the Temple namelie in the middest of that assemblie which hath before been the true spirituall Temple of God namelie his Church and shall yet beare the name and the markes of it but with much corruption See 2 Cor. 6. 16. 1 Tim 3. 15. Shewing having made himselfe absolute Lord of consciences and bringing all things under his obedience and working them to his owne advantages not directing them â—o God alone in Christ by the pure preaching of his truth That he is by usurpation if not of the outward name yet at the least of Gods incommunicable qualities properties rights and preheminences V. 5. I told you by a propheticke spirit and divine revelation V. 6. Ye know by that I told you by word of mouth What Withholdeth namely what hindereth and keepes it backe at this present time untill the time which God hath prefixed According to the opinion of the most ancient Doctors of the Church we must understand it to be the Roman Empire whose subsistencie stayed the manifestation of Antichrist he being to build his tyrannie upon the ruines thereof Revel 13. 1. 11. 17. 9 10 11. and therefore the Christans in former times praied for the lasting of the Roman Empire though it was most cruell because after that they looked for a worse V. 7. For he gives a reason why he said that it was kept backe for even in those daies the Apostle saw in Spirit the first roots and foundations of the kingdome of Antichrist growing up which notwithstanding he doth not specifie peradventure he meanes the excesse of reverence given to the great City even in things belonging to Christianitie which in time would grow on to meere idolatrie and slavery See 1 John 4. 3. The mystery namely that great designe and wicked worke of usurping Christs dignities over his Church under the maske of piety and Christian Religion Rev. 13. 11. and 17. 5. 7. yet quite contrary to the Gospell which is the true mysterie of pietie 1 Tim. 3. 16 Worke it begins to frame and insinuate it selfe into the spirits and minds of men He who namely untill that the Roman Empire successively held by particular persons doe fall to decay It being evident that the degrees of the falling of the one have been the degrees of the exaltation and establishment of the other V. 8. Shall consume by the efficacie of his truth he shall overthrow the falshoods cunnings and practises thereof and shall give it a deadly and incurable wound which seemes to have a relation to what is spoken Rev. 14. 6 7 8. Shall destroy of this
for to maintaine them First to shew before the Church he burdened therewith v. 16. V. 5. That is worthy of such a name and of the respect that is due to such V. 6. Is dead in regard of the feelings motions and actions of the spirituall life which hath no vigor but when the flesh is brought low and mortified V. 7. These things besides such things as have been spoken of before chap. 4. 11. V. 8. But if any he confirmes that which he had spoken v. 4. Hath denied he doth an act utterly incompatible with the Christian faith of which he makes profession Infi 〈…〉 who oftentimes through a plain naturall light doe performe these duties and those which doe faile therein are more excusable then mercilesse Christians because they are not so well enlightened nor instructed V. 9. Be taken into namely into the number and colledge of such as giving over their owne particular affaires did dedicate themselves to the service of the poore the sicke and of strangers and they themselves were also maintained by publique almes See Acts 6. 1. Rom. 16. 1. Under three 〈…〉 as well to avoid all subject and suspition of scandall as likewise because that the poore should not want assistance if the younger widdows chanced to be married on a sudden Having been the wife that hath not been divorced from her husband without a lawfull cause and married another Marke 10. 12. Others understand it so that sh 〈…〉 hath remained a widdow after the death of her husband which was a 〈…〉 e of continencie and mortification as Luke 2. 36 37. V. 10. If sh 〈…〉 if she have shewed care charity patience in bringing up her family after the death of her husband or according to some if she have given them the breast her selfe If she have wished according to the custome of those times and places when one had been a journey and under this act of charity are comprehended all the rest V. 11. Refuse exclude them from this office and publique benefit When they have after they have renounced the inward mortification of the concupiscences of the flesh which the Spirit of Christ ingenders in all his true members and by which the soule is joyned to Christ as unto her true bride-groome they doe also pretend to cover this incontinencie with the vaile of matrimonie V. 12. Having they make themselves comdemnable beyond excuse in that having of their owne accord consecrated themselves to the service of the Church they doe impudently call backe their vow to satisfie their lust Or because that having beg 〈…〉 well by spirituall acts of faith and piety they end by acts of the flesh and lasciviousnesse which is the onely cause of these marriages whereupon they are also prophaned V. 13. And withall besides this first vice of incontinency the 〈…〉 is also that being by their Deaconship freed from the houshold cares and employments of mothers of families they bestow their idile times in these following vices V. 14. I will I doe appoint it to be so by Apostolicall authority 1. Tim. 2. 8. That the younger this is but onely to shew what is most convenient for that age and condition yet not to binde any one absolutely to doe so but with a lawfull respect to all circumstances 1 Cor. 7. 8 9. To the adversary namely to the divell and all his instruments deadly enemies of the Church 1 Tim. 3. 7. V. 15. Are already by running into luxurie whereof the divell is the chiefe authour Or by falling away from Christian Religion to abandon themselves the more licenciouslie to their owne lusts V. 16. Have widdows any daughter mother sister or other kinswoman that needeth helpe but hath not the qualities of Ecclesiasticall widdows V. 17. The Elders whereof some onely looked to the government and discipline of the Church the other both to preaching and government Do 〈…〉 e above any other member of the Church or above the Deacons and Deaconnesses vers 3. and under the name of honour is also comprehended honest maintenance as it appeares by the following verse V. 18. The labourer a proverbiall kind of speech and commonly used by the Lord himselfe V. 19. Receive not doe not lightly give credit to any such accusation to come suddenly to Ecclesiasticall censure and corrections before the fact be fully verified for this office is more subject to 〈…〉 ders and being sacred ought to be respected more then sleight suspitions or evill reports and such persons ought not prejudicately be thought capable of any grievous faults without certaine proofeâ— V. â—0 Them he seemes particularly to meane the foresaid Elders That sinne namely that commit any scandalous fault or notorious offence Before all in the full Assembly of the Governours of the Church Matth. 18. 17. 2 Câ—r 2. 6. Gal. 2. 14. V. 21. Without without passion and without being persecuted by any favour or affection or any disfavour not judge according to such passions but according to the righteousnesse and merit of the cause without preferring one before the other V. 22. Lâ—y hands doe not easily install any one into any Ecclesiasticall Office without sufficient examination and triall of his life and conversation Neither be partaker deale not in such sort that the dammage comming upon the Church by reason of persons indiscreetly promoted may be imputed to thee Or if others be the authours of this rashnesse do not thou consent unto it but rather oppose thy selfe V. 24. Some mens this is a confirmation of what he had said vers 22. namely not to runne headlong in disposing of Ecclesiasticall Offices for there are some whose former faults and vices ought to exclude them and in others they are more obscure and need to have longer time to discover them And likewise the piety and goodnesse of some is tryed in such sort that they may presently be received without feare of erring And some there are who are not so well approved of and delay will not any way cloud their vertue but wil cause it to be more manifestly shewen Psa. 37. 6. Mark 4. 22. Luke 8. 17. CHAP. VI. Vers. 1. BE not as if God by his Gospel were the authour of rebellions and of the subversion of order and civill bonds V. 2. Brethren namely spirituall brethren in Christ for that doth not disanull the degrees and states of the world Beloved of God and therefore ought to be served not onely through feare and constraint but for love and good wil. Partakers of namely that have by faith embraced Gods grace in Christ. V. 3. Wholsome which are not onely pure and sincere but doe also bring life and spiritual holinesse to the soule Psa. 19. 7. 1 Tim 1. 10. 2 Tim. 1. 13. Titus 1. 9. Which is which is conformable to the true service due to God and hath its whole relation thereunto 1 Tim. 3. 16. Tit. 1. 1. Heb. 5. 13. 2 Pet. 2. 22. V. 4. Doting the Italian languishing as on weake in Spirit through a
is to say help one another to preserve your selves from these dangers by a true christian and divine charity V. 22. Of some that is to say Of those that are simple weak and seduced V. 23. Others namely those that are hardned and perverse or the seducers themselves Save be as much as in you lieth instruments of their salvation by a profitable severity Rom. 11 14. 1 Tim. 4. 16. With fear namely of Gods judgements lively represented and darted into the conscience by the severe exercise of ecclesiasticall discipline Pulling them out doing what you can to draw them from perdition without any vain respects or considerations as they draw things out of the fire in any fashion or by what way they can Hating shewing that you extreamly detest the participation of such mens uncleannesse A phrase taken from legall impurities of garments by touching of which men were defiled ⧠THE APOCALYPSE OR REVELATION of St IOHN the Divine ARGUMENT THis Book hath the title of Apocalypse a Greek word which signifieth Revelation because the whole subject of it is of Propheticall Revelations by which to Saint John and by him to all the Church have been revealed the chief events of it after Christs first comming in the flesh to his last comming to judgement wherein this book is very like Daniels Prophecies from which also as well as from many other Prophets many termes and figures have been taken The writer hereof was Saint John the Apostle and Euangelist though he is here set down under the name of Divine which name was anciently attributed unto him for eminency because he had more loftily and expresly then any other Apostle taught and established the truth concerning the person and eternall Godhead of Christ against certain hereticks which were sprung up even in those dayes Now the three first Chapters are spent in describing a vision in which Christ appearing unto him gives him commission to write to the seven principall Churches of the lesser Asia amongst which Saint John had especially spent his Apostleship to instruct confirm praise and exhort and likewise to reprove threaten and correct every one of them as need did require From thence he goeth on to represent other visions concerning the universall state of the Church untill the end of the world wherein it seems one may observe this distinction that from the beginning of the fourth Chapter unto the end of the eleventh the said state is described as it were in the ideas of Gods heavenly decrees and in visions altogether Enigmaticall From the twelfth to the end of the Booke the executions and principall singularities thereof are more distinctly marked out by visions and descriptions which are more plain and neerer matched and fitted to the events In the first one may finde the description of Christs Kingdom in Heaven and the glorious administration of it Gods decrees concerning what should befall the Church in this world whereof Christ onely is the revealer and interpreter and the accomplishment whereof hath its limited times and the end whereof is the destruction of Christs and his Churches enemies and the present protection and everlasting salvation of the Church In the second is first represented the desolution of the Iewish nation by the Romans after it had brought forth Christ iâ— the flesh and withall the miraculous preservation of it for to have it converted in its due time Then the Roman Empire is summarily touched its tyranny and persecution against the Church and afterward its declination and ruine But the state of the Kingdome of Antichrist is yet more largely described his beginning his usurpation under a false vizard of Religion his blasphemies false doctrines deceitfull miracles persecutions violences frauds pride and enormities the blinde consent of Nations and Princes to subject themselves unto him and tocontribute to his exaltation the beginning of his fall by the pure preaching of the Gospell miraculously re-established in the world the everlasting happinesse of beleevers that shall fight with him and overcome him by their faith and patiexce and contrariwise the everlasting torments of his followers amongst whom at the last the Lord should raise most grievous alterations to make them become enemies unto him whereby it should happen that he and the triumphant City of his Kingdom and State should go to ruine and be destroyed by a sudden finall and horrible judgement of God easing the world of so great a plague glorifying his righteousnesse and giving those who are his cause of triumphant joy and enfolding his enemies in everlasting despair and ignominie After this is described a state of the Church upon earth very peaceable holy and happy Christ reigning in it and the Devill being repressed in his endeavours untill a certain time when as by a new kinde of enemies he should renew his assaults but should soon bee overcome and immediately after the end of the world and the last judgement should follow by which the Devill and all the â—hurches enemies being abyssed into hell the Church should be gathered up into heavenly glory to live and reign everlastingly with Christ and to enioy his presence and his goods in all fulnesse Now as amongst these Prophecies there are some so cleer by the event that one cannot be doubtfull nor ignorant of them but onely through a wilfull blindenesse so there are other some that are yet under Gods secret seal the explication whereof is as uncertain as the undertaking to give it is rash and therefore adoring that which as yet lieth hidden and meditating upon that which is manifest the Church hath large matter of instruction and comfort in this book looking for the full accomplishment which shall bring to light all the obscurities CHAP. I. Vers. 1. WHich God namely the Father See how this ought to be understood Iohn 3. 32. and 8. 26. and 12. 49. V. 2. Bare record by his preaching as he was an Apostle see Luke 24. 48. Acts 1. 8. and 26. 16. Of the testimonie namely of what Christ himself hath declared in the behalf of his Father see 1 Cor. 1. 6. V. 3. And keep namely in their minde and memory to compare the events therewith and by this means be confirmed in the faith and defended against all scandals and temptations The time namely of the accomplishment of these things V. 4. Asia namely the lesser called in these dayes Natolia From him namely from God the Father whose eternity is described by these three times according to the capacity of humane apprehension From the seven namely from the holy Ghost whose power is most perfect the number of seven in the Scripture intimating perfection and whose operations are very divers Isai. 11. 2. and Zech. 3. 9. and 4. 10. Rom. 4. 5. and 5. 6. V. 6. Dominion or power 1 Tim. 6. 16. V. 7. Even so Amen that is to say It shall certainly be so or so be it V. 8. Alpha names of the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet for to signifie the
servants see Heb. 10. 29. V. 2. Their pernicious waies the Italian their lasciviousnesse namely their false doctrines and evill examples which loosen the reines to all manner of licentiousnesse of the flesh under the pretence of Christian libety v. 18. Jude 4. Others their perditions that is to say their pestilent doctrines The way namely the profession of the Gospell shall be exposed to shame and to the reproaches of the adversaries see Acts 19. 9 23. V. 3. Through covetousnesse namely under a faigned kind of speech framed to a shew of piety mildnesse and charity they shall endeavour to lay hold on your goods with the ruine of your soules V. 4. Cast them downe the Italian abissed them that is to say having first driven them out of their heavenly habitation into the lowermost parts of the world he keepes them there like prisoners chained up in horrible darknesse without any light of grace joy and happinesse untill that they be at the last day driven into everlasting torments see Matth. 8. 19. Luke 8. 31. Ephes. 6. 12 V. 5. A preacher namely who whiles he was preparing the Arke exhorted and admonished the world to turne to the Lord and desire a free forgivenesse of their sinnes through faith in the promised Messias which was the true righteousnesse by faith by which himselfe was righteousnesse Heb. 11. 7. V. 9. Knoweth how to deliver that is to say shall indeed deliver Out of temptation namely out of all calamities troubles and dangers by which he trieth those that are his Jam. 1. 2. Rev. 3. 10. V. 10. After the flying out into a liberty of committing fornication and all manner of lust as those libertine hereticks which did arise in those daies both did and taught of which heretickes Jude also speakes Government as well the publique government of Magistrates as the private government of Masters as a thing unfitting to be enduced by beleevers who are the children of God guided by his Spirit and by himselfe freed from the Law So did those false Doctors turne spirituall liberty which consisted in the free and willing doing of such things as one ought to doe into a licentiousnesse of doing whatsoever they would without any respect of honesty or regard of government V. 11. Whereas this is spoken because that though the Angels were Gods Ministers on earth to withstand the rage of evill Princes and to execute Gods judgements upon them and be also as Gods assistants and messengers Dan. 4. 13. 17. Zech. 1. 10 11. Yet we never find in Scripture that they did raile against powers or offer them any injury but did still with all respect leave the judging of their actions to God Greater in the excellency of their nature and height of their office above all the Potentates of the Earth Rayling accusation that is to say injurious which is undecent for any grave and holy action of justice which is by such excesses prophaned V. 12. Made to be taken whose ordinary end is to be taken and slaine by Huntsmen Which these false Doctors are like as well in their bruitish sensuality as in their unbridled licenciousnesse and in their unfortunate end Of the things that is to say they take liberty to speake evill of and defame such things as they have neither knowledge nor understanding in especially your unbeleeving Princes and Magistrates being not able to discerne how that in their office they may be Gods Ministers though in their persons and abuse of their offices they be his enemies Corruption namely in their wicked and abominable life and conversation V. 13. That count it that doe put their chiefe good and delight in pleasures of the flesh Spots of the Church and of holy assemblies in the communion of which they professe themselves to be Sporting themselves working in such sort by their frauds and deceipst that they through your bounties doe get meanes to live deliciously being called to your feasts and sitting there in the chiefe seats While they especially in the ordinary feasts of charity called Agape see 1 Cor. 11. 20 21. Jude 12. V. 14. Having shewing by their lascivious looks their inward burning lust That cannot who doe not onely commit some sinfull act through weaknesse or inconsideratenesse but have gotten a habit and make an ordinary practice of it Beguiling drawing people that are not well grounded in faith and piety to be companions in their misdeeds and to assent unto their doctrines With covetous to use all the snares and deceipts of covetousnesse for to gaine wealth V. 16. The madnesse through which blinded with madnesse he did strive to goe on against the will of God but by the miracle of the Asses speaking his presumption was abated and confounded Of the Prophet that is to say of the Soothsayer Num. 23. 23. or he is called a Prophet because sometimes he had true divine revelations Num. 22. 20 38. 23. 5. 24. 2. V. 17. Wels that is so say men who in truth and substance have nothing of that whereof they beare the name and likenesse Carried with there being certaine clouds which yeeld no raine but onely bring forth tempests and stormes So these men carried by the divell and by their owne passions doe not inspire the Church with any pure and saving doctrine but disturbe it with schismes partialities and heresies The midst namely the horror of internall punishments which are opposite to the glorious light in which the Lord dwelleth and of which he makes all those that are his partakers V. 18. When they speake using a lofty and proud kind of stile in their manner of teaching which is neverthelesse voyd of truth and of any vertue of Gods Spirit Through the lusts which they suffer to be committed under the shadow of Christian liberty Those that were namely your novice Christians who were as yet weake in knowledge faith and practice Cleane escaped the Italian a little escaped other coppies have it those which were really and truely c. That is to say true beleevers who may be shaken by such temptations but not over-throwne Or those who by professing the Gospell had taken the true way of saving themselves from the perdition of the world V. 19. Is he brought for according to the ancient custome prisoners in the warres were the Conquerours slaves V. 20. For if after he proves that those who after they have received the light of the Gospell doe againe fall into the former state of sinne are slaves to the divell and sinne without any redemption like unto prisoners taken in the warres because that by the said light and faith they have in some manner and for a time fought against the divell and have at last been overcome by him whereby he hath for ever possessed himselfe of them Matth. 12. 43. whereas they who are under the divels peaceable and quiet possession without any opposition of Gods Spirit and being out of Gods Church Matth. 12. 29. may be delivered from it V. 21. The way namely
the doctrine and religion which teacheth true holinesse and righteousnesse pleasing to God according to which man ought to lead his life CHAP. III. Vers. 4. THe promise that is to say the effect and accomplishment of it V. 5. Willingly that is to say though they be sufficiently instructed by the holy Scripture yet either through neglect of thinking well upon it or through malicious extinguishing of this light they have no lively apprehension or doe utterly cast off the remembrance of it Were of old the Italian were made of old and consequently may be overthrown as God gave a proof and essay thereof in the destruction of the primitive world by the floud Out of the water for the Scripture placeth the deep of waters under the earth and the sea and rivers about it V. 6. Whereby namely by the waters under and about the earth Gen. 7. 11. V. 7. Which are now that is to say the world in its elementary parts high and low in the state which they have been in since the floud to shew by the comparison of these two worlds that the change which shall be made in this last world by fire shall be onely in the forme and qualities and not in the substance as it was in the first by the water V. 8. One day that God everlasting doth not judge of the lastingnesse of time after the same manner as men do who measuring it by division and succession of small parcels and besides referring it unto their own being and lasting do finde the termes of it to be very long whereas God comprehending all ages gathered together in the indivisible point of his eternitie and comparing it thereunto makes no distinction therein of short or long V. 9. Long suffering that is to say if there be any manner of sslacknesse in his comming as the flesh falsly conceiveth that is not through forgetfulnesse or slownesse but through long-suffering to give his elect time to be converted and so to make up the number and likewise to make the wicked inexcusable That any namely of us or of the elect who are his as we are V. 10. Shall melt not to be brought to nothing but to be changed in forme and qualitie see Job 14. 12. V. 11. Seeing then that is to say as well for fear of that terrible ruine of the present world as for desire of everlasting happinesse in the new world and through an holy disdain and contempt of the vanity of the present state of it which ought to be changed in this manner V. 12. Looking for that is to say persevering in patience untill the time which the Lord hath prefixed Hasting unto that is to say advancing your selves through a fervent zeal and desire in the course of your heavenly vocation to attain unto the perfection which shall then be Phil. 3. 11 12. V. 13. Wherein in which state of the world sin and the kingdom of it shall be altogether brought to nothing to give place unto the perfect righteousnesse which shall then be in the whole body of the Church Or into which new Heavens none shall come but onely true beleevers justified by Christs blood and sanctified by his Spirit Revel 21. 27. 22. 14 15. V. 15. Salvation that is to say a saving thing for you and for the whole Church Rom. 2. 4. Hath written unto you some thinke he meanes Saint Pauls Epistle written to the Hebrewes ⧠THE FIRST EPISTLE generall of St. JOHN the Apostle ARGUMENT THis Epistle containeth three principall parts dispersed up and downe in the Epistle without any speciall distinction or order The first of doctrine of the holy Trinity of Christs Person and of his Office of the benefit of redemption regeneration and glorification of beleevers and of the gift of the Holy Ghost and of his dwelling in them and of his power in enlightning their understandings encouraging their hearts and sanctifying them to newnesse of life and of faith and of calling upon God and of his love towards beleevers and of beleevers towards him Of the nature fruit and end of good workes Of the comming of Antichrist and of the sinne against the Holy Ghost The second is of exhortation to holinesse purenesse and obedience and especially to true brotherly charity The third is of admonition to beware of seducers back-sliders hereticks and Antichrists whom the Apostle biddeth them to discerne with great care by the light of the Holy Ghost and by the rule of Gods Word guarding and strengthning beleevers against the scandal and danger of such plagues CHAP. I. Vers. 1. WHich was namely the Sonne of God true everlasting God John 1. 1. who also hath taken human nature in which he hath manifested himselfe he is the subject of our preaching Which we have heard of whom we have been fully certified by all manner of proofes of sence of reason and of Gods Spirit Luke 1. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 16. Our hands a figurative speech the handling being done by an immediate application of the Organ to the object is the most certaine of all the sences Luke 24. 39. John 20. 25. Of the Word namely of the Sonne of God Iohn 1. 1. who hath not onely life in himselfe but is likewise the authour of life in men especially of the spirituall life John 1. 4. 5. 26. 1 John 5. 11. V. 2. For the life the Italian and the life namely he that is the onely spring and dispenser of life Was manifested namely in the flesh and the assumption of humane nature John 1. 14. 1 Tim. 3. 16. V. 3. May have fellowship or be by true faith united to the Church and Christ its head to be partakers of his goods and life and are by him perfectly united with God Iohn 17. 21. V. 4. That your joy that is to say that you may be the more confirmed in faith and by this meanes may have the fruition of that divine joy which consists in the feeling of Gods grace and in the comfort of the Spirit which may also increase in you untill it is come to its perfection 2 Iohn 12. V. 5. The message that is to say the summe of the Gospell consists in this that we have communion with the father that is to say that we are by him called to the participation of his grace life and glory which cannot be done but onely by meanes of regeneration to his likenesse in righteousnesse and glory No darknesse of ignorance error falshood and sinne V. 6. If we say this verse and those that follow are also concerning that message We lie because that the true union with God doth necessarily import a participation of his happinesse and likenesse of his vertues see 2 Cor. 3. 18. V. 7. He is in the he in his owne proper nature from everlasting possesseth the perfection of vertues which are meant by the light whereas beleevers doe but onely walke in the light that is to say they live and converse following that light of God which is