Balaams Prophesie, Numb. 24. 14. to the last verse of the Chapter.

THE Spirit of God that sate in the mouth of this wicked man, mastring and ouer-ruling his tongue, to speake things tending heighly to Gods praise, and the comfort of his people, doth heere vtter a Prophecie of the kingdome of Christ, to be set vp among the Iewes in the latter end of the world. It is (for the maine matter) one 6 Posit. Last dayes. [Page 10] entire prophecie: but broken off by seuerall proems. The summe of all is: that the Iewes shall destroy their enemies, But themselues must before that, endure a long and tedi­ous Vers. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19 20. 21. & 1 part of 22. & part of verse 22. thraldome: Notwithstanding which, God in the end will set them free, giue them a great and glorious victory, that the tyrant, who keepeth them in subiection, shall vt­terly be destroyed.

1. Wherein obserue the time, vers. 17. I see it (that vers. 23. 24. which I am to say) but not now: I behold it, but not neere. How is that? He spake it plainer, vers. 14. I will tell thee what this people shall doe to thy people in the last dayes. By which notation of time, these things that were to come so long after, are wont ordinarily to be expressed, Ezech. 38. 16. 8. Esay, 24. 22. This being the last and vttermost peri­od, of whatsoeuer the Scriptures doe foretell; for hitherto and no further, reach the holy Oracles of the Prophets, Reu. 10. 7. and 16. 17. So this Prophecie can not bee drawen to Dauids temporall kingdome.

2: Vnder the conquest of Moab and Edom, he pointeth 46 Posit. Enemies sub­dued. at that conuersion, which shall bee of the Gentiles, when the Iewes returning to seeke Christ, shall subdue and bring vnder his yoke, all nations that doe oppose, as Esay 11. 14. Ioel: 3. 19. Obadia vers. 18. Zack. 10. 11. To wit Moab, Edom, Amalek, Midian, noted by the Kenites, and by Kaine, the first father of that kindred.

3. Those that shall thus preuaile, and deale valiantly 7 Posit. Generall call. are Israel, and of Iacob; or the people of the Iewes, that very people out of whom the starre (Christ) should spring according to the flesh.

This Prophecie then, being of the Iewes, of the de­struction of their foes, and that in the last dayes, note in the fourth place he speaketh of bearing rule, of a Scepter 18 Posit. Conquest. or a kingdome, before which the enemies shall all fall, as it is said, Dan. 2. 44. It shall destroy and consume all other king­domes, but it selfe shall stand for euer. And againe, Dan. 7. 9. I saw till the thrones were taken away. Which euidently pointeth at the glory and greatnes of the Church that shall be among them.

[Page 11] 5. Is enterlaced their owne sore bondage, which shall be in the meane time, for the second part of the 22. verse, I read interrogatiuely, by an admiration, and apostrophe, or turning of his speach vnto the Israelites. How long shall Ashur hold thee (ô Eber, of whom he speaketh immediat­ly in the verses following, and whose troupes and squa­drons were then before his eyes) captiue? Notwithstan­ding, all the glory and happines that I now foretell, vnder the name of Ashur (then, in Balaams time the soueraigne Monarch, and the first who in truth deuoured Israel) comprehending the whole succession of Tyrants euen to this day, who consume his very bones, as Ieremie speaketh, Ier. 50. 17. Wherupon sixtly, hee breaketh forth into a lamentation, and yet triumphing in the end.

Alas, who shall liue, when the mighty God shall order this, that shippes from the coast of Cittim shall euen afflict Ashur who afflicted Eber, and also he shall for euer perish.

Hee that shall thus perish, is not Eber, or the Iew as 18 Posit. Conquest. some Interpreters of great note would haue it, (for that crosseth the whole scope of Balaams Prophecie) but it is the people that afflicted Eber, and consequently, this is a prohecie of the kingdome of the Iewes, who shall maister and ouercome that people, which is enough for our pur­pose. But yet in so difficult a piece of Scripture, wherein euery man is to haue his iudgement free, giue me leaue to doe my best, to bring some further light vnto it, first I hold it for certaine, that this is a Prophecie of the last condition of the Iewes, and of the affliction mentioned. Dan. 12. 1. Esay 26. 20. The lamentation in the Preface, and the de­struction of that oppressing people in the perclose or con­clusion, seeme to make that very euident, which being so, it cannot be vnderstood of the Greeke or Romane army, much lesse restrayned vnto Ashur properly called, whose glory fell in Senacharib so many yeares agoe: But in this 16 Posit. Sore distresse. place is specially meant of him, who last of all the tyrants shall so oppresse Gods heritage, that is to say, the Turke. Next by ships, that shall come from the coast of Cittim or [Page 12] Cilicia, I vnderstand the tribes transplanted into the cities of the Medes, 2 King, 17. 6. who out of those northerne climats, shall make their passage to Iudaea for their returne from the North is specially promised: Ier. 3. 12. This a­agreeth the better, because the word Isim, (which is ships) signifieth also men that dwell in farre remote places, Esay 23. 13. Psal. 72. 9.

Thirdly, the words which are commonly translated, shall afflict Ashur and afflict Eber, I render thus, shall euen afflict Ashur, who afflicted Heber.

This vse of the particle van, (and) to take it for the re­latiue, who you shall finde Esay 49. 7. and els-where: and is an Hebraim, which Luke himselfe, whose style is after the pure phrase of the most elegant Graecians, doth not make nice to follow, Act. 6. 6.

Lastly, the holy Ghost seemeth heere to point at the two steps of the Turkes ruine.

The first, when tidings from the East, and from the North, shall trouble him, Dan. 11. 44. which is his first de­clyning, that is meant in saying, They shall afflict Ashur.

The other his vtter and vnrecouerable downefall; when planting his Tabernacle in the glorious mount of holines, he shall come to his end, and none shall help him, Dan. 11. 45. This you haue in the last words: And also that people (that is to say, Ashur) shall for euer perish.

Deut. 32. 22. to verse 44.

THese words are a part of Moses song, and stand of three distinct branches.

The first foretelleth the sore calamity of the Iewes, which they haue felt now 2600. yeares, and shall come 4 Posit. Desolation. Vers. 22. to vers. 28. heauier vpon them in the very nicke, when God will bee pleased to shew them mercy. Dan. 12. 1.

In the second, their offence that prouoketh this feare­full 1 Posit. Refusing Christ. iudgement, hee doth in such a wonderfull manner [Page 13] aggrauate, and make it so odious, by sundry tropes, me­taphors, comparisons and similitudes, that both by the Vers: 28. to vers: 36. thing it selfe, and by that which went before, and followeth after, it may well bee thought, hee meaneth that high and supereminent sin, of refusing Christ.

The third hath the deliuery of this people from the hand of their vnmercifull foe, wherein you may note.

1. The time, when they are brought to the lowest ebb, 16. Posit. Sore distresse. that neither he that is shut vp, nor he that is left, that is, nei­ther he that is in hold, nor he that is abroad, and hath esca­ped the enemies hand, strong or weake, are able to doe any thing, As Esay 26. 18, 19. Vers: 36.

2. God taketh the whole glory to himselfe alone, As Esay 26. 13, 15. and 63. Vers: 37, 38, 39

3. He declareth the heauy Iudgement, that shall light 18 Posit. Conquest. vpon the Tyrant. As Esay 63. 2, 3, 4. Vers: 40. 41, 42.

4. The beleeuing Gentiles are exhorted to prayse God 7. Posit. Generall call. together with the Iewes, for so wonderfull a deliuery and mercy, shewed to them both, to beleeue. As Paul doth expound this place, Rom. 15. 10. In all this, no enemy at Vers: 43. all is named: onely in generall, the enemies and haters of God, Vers. 42. As all are, that are enemies to the name of Christ. But who this grand enemy in truth is, after-pro­phesies do declare.

Psalme 68. 23. &c. to the end of the Psalme.

THis Psalme, after the title, and the first three verses Deut. 32. vers. 36. and he that is shut vp, and he that is left, to be nothing. that goe before, as a Proeme, is all laudatiue, or an ex­hortation to praise God, By arguments taken.

1. From his owne person.

2. From his gracious gouernment and administration Vers: 4. in generall. Vers: 5, 6.

3. From the benefits bestowed vpon their Aucestours: in their iourneying out of Aegypt. In their inheriting of Vers: 7, 8. the Land, In the confounding of their enemies. Vers: 9, 10.

4. From the like fauour that God will shew in succee­ding Vers: 11, 12. [Page 14] ages: Poynting, as it seemeth, at the time of the Mac­cabees. Vers: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

5. From the root and fountaine of these, and all other of Gods blessings, both of the captiuating of Gods foes, and graces to his people. Which is Christs ascension into Heauen. Vers: 18, 19, 20, 21.

6. From the glorious things, which from thence for­wards he will effect in their behalfe. All reduced to fiue heads.

First, the bringing of them home from most extreme 16 Posit. Sore distresse. difficulties, naming Bashan, because of the slaughter spoken of, vers. 15. and the deepe of the sea, alluding to Exod. 14. 16. 13 Posit. Euphrates dry. Peraduenture, he meaneth the drying vp of Euphra­tes before them. For this first head aimeth at those times, Vers: 22. 12 Posit. Repaire to their Countrey. the beginning of the lewes repaire vnto their Countrey.

The second head is, the great and famous victory that God will giue. deliuering them out of those difficulties Posit. 18. Conquest. and distresses. As Esay 63, 1, 2, 3, 4. Vers: 23.

The third head is, the Iewes thorough conuersion, by 7. Posit. Generall call. occasion of that singular mercy of God. And the forme of a goodly Church (vnder the type of the old Synagogue) Vers: 24. set vp among Iacobs posterity. The ten Tribes, aswell as 31. Posit. Glorious Church. the Tribe of Iudah. Which is concluded, by acknowled­ging Vers: 25. their strength to come from God, a prayer to perfit 8. Posit. Ten tribes. his worke begunne. And a spur, to put into these Kings of the East (as they are also called, Reuel. 16. 12.) to present Vers: 26. in the Temple at Ierusalem (in the publike Congregation) Vers: 27. Vers: 28. testimonies of their thankfulnesse. Vers: 29.

The fourth head is, the taming of their proud e­nemies, 46. Posit. Enemies sub­dued. and forcing them at the least to counterfet a sub­iection. Vers: 30.

The fift head, is the generall calling of all the King­domes 44. Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. of the earth, to ioyne themselues vnto the Church of Christ. Which, as hath beene often sayd, shall follow the conuersion of the Iewes. And this he shutteth vp, with prouoking all nations to giue vnto God, the praises that are Vers: 31. due vnto him for it. And his owne particularly thankes­giuing. Vers: 32, 33, 34 Vers: 35.

[Page 15] Read the verses thus, vers. 24. They shall see, &c. a­mongst damosels, &c. Vers. 25. The singers goe before: after, the players on instruments. Vers. 26. Blesse God, &c. ô yee of the fountaine of Israel. Vers. 27. There little Beniamin (vnderstand, is, with the new English Translati­on, or shall be. Prophetically spoken, not in the time past.) Vers. 29. Out of thy Temple in Ierusalem, shall Kings bring presents vnto thee. (For, so I would rather translate then, because of thy Temple, as if it poynted at the Kings of the Gentiles: for that they are spoken of afterwards, vers. 31.

Psalme 69.

IT is euident, that this Psalme is written of Christ, by the sentences, which the story of the Gospell, Ioh. 2. 17. Matth. 27. 34. Ioh. 19. 29. and the Apostles, Acts 1. 19. Rom. 11. 9. doe apply vnto him.

The first part of the Psalme, is a prayer in the person of Christ, oppressed with that heauy burden of our sins, ly­ing vpon his shoulders. In the first 21, verses.

The second, an imprecation against the nation of the Vers: 22, 23, 24 25, 26, 27, 28. Iewes, for crucifying the Lord of life.

The third is gratulatory, or of thankesgiuing, in the be­halfe both of himselfe the head, and of his members, the Vers: 29, 30, 31. humble ones among the Iewes: that poore remnant, whom 3. Posit. Remnant. God will bee pleased to pull out of this distresse. Both re­uiuing, or putting a new life into them, by the ministery of 7. Posit. Generall call. the Gospell, and restoring their Cities and Countrey, to Vers: 32, 33. dwell in, that they may possesse the same for euer. 23. Posit. Dwell in their Countrey.

So this third part containeth a noble opposition to the former two.

Vers. 5. My foolishnesse, and my faults. That is, wher­with 26. Posit. Continue for euer. mine aduersaries doe vniustly charge me. Vers: 34, 35, 36.

Psalme 72. 9, 10, 11.

IT is a Prophesie of the fulnesse of the Gentiles. Which, 44. Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. as other Scriptures specifie, shall not come in, till the Iewes receiue the Gospell, Matth. 24. Reu. 21. 14. Esay 27. 13.

Psalme 110.

THis Psalme doth royally set forth the two offices of Christ his Kingdome and Preisthood.

His Kingdome, by the powerfull and great effects; Ge­nerally in subduing all things to himselfe. More particu­larly Vers: 1. first toward the Gentiles, vnto whom the Gospell shall spred out of Tsion, that is, from the Iewes, then toward Vers: 2. the Iewes themselues, whom hee calleth his owne people, 7. Posit. Generall call. as Deut. 32. 43. Opposed there to the Gentiles by name: here to the same Gentiles vnder the name of enemies, Thy Vers: 3. people most free-hearted, in the day of thy troopes: in the come­ly places of holinesse, from the wombe of the morning, to thee (shall come) the dew of thy youth. Wherein fiue things are giuen to vnderstand.

1. Their prompt and ready obedience, who shall not 37. Posit. Cheerefull obe­dience. pretend euery light excuse, when they are bid to the marri­age feast, as they did in the dayes of Christ, Matth. 22. But at the first hearing shall obey, Esay 66. 7, 8.

2. Their strength and power: For, in the day of thine ar­mies, 18. Posit. Conquest. not onely meaneth the spirituall mustring, when they shall be called together, by the Trumpet of the Word: but withall secretly doth import their troupes and armies, that nobly and couragiously shall fight for their liues, countrey, and religion in the last dayes.

The 3. thing is, what a glorious Church God will set vp 31. Posit. Glorious Church. among them: which he termeth, comely places of holinesse.

4. Their diligent and speedy turning to the Lord, when 37. Posit. Cheerefull obe­dience. once they shall bee summoned: As Esay 66. 8. From the wombe of the morning (saith our Psalmist) that is, assoone as [Page 17] the light of the Gospell shall but begin to peepe, whilest it is yet scarce breake of day.

5 The innumerable companie that shall be called, and 38. Posit. Multiplication of beleeuers. flocke to the Lords Assemblies, as the drops of dew that fall from heauen in the morning.

By all which appeareth, that this is not to be accom­plished till their last conuersion. And the second and third verse haue the very same dependance that you finde Esay 2. 2, 3, 4, 5. Mica 4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

The Priesthood is set out with great glory vers. 4. from the which he resorteth againe to the power of Christs kingdome, in the three verses following. Which may be taken generally of all enemies whatsoeuer, and whereso­euer opposing against Christ. Neither is there I confesse any necessitie to stretch them further. Yet when I consider all the circumstances and the waight of euery word, day of his wrath, dashing to peeces of Kings, iudging the Heathen, filling the places with dead carcases, dashing in peeces the head, 18. Posit. Conquest. I am drawne to beleeue that hereby is meant the destructi­on of some one grand enemie that shall dominere ouer Gods people, and be subdued in the last dayes by the be­leeuing Iewes: whereupon Christ is said to lift vp his head in victorie and in triumph. And hereunto the very order of the Psalme may lead vs, that speaketh of these things in time after the Iewes conuersion. So doth the phrase of breaking of the head. Which as it is elegantly vsed to note a thorough conquest, so secretly it seemeth to point at the Grand Signior himselfe. And (erets rabba) which we translate great Countries, the Psalmist taketh vp of purpose, closely and couertly vnder an ambiguous kinde of speech, to intimate the Land of Rabba, the cheife Citie of the Ammonites, which Dauid conquered, 2 Sam. 12. thereby vnderstanding these enemies of Gods people Gog and Magog, as they are else where vnder the name of Moab and Edom, the Ammonites cosin germanes.

Such doubtfull speeches that carie a currant and cleare meaning, and yet haue an other thing infolded, which time [Page 18] and euent of the Prophecies will reueale, the ancient Pro­phets delighted to vse. As that good Father Iacob, Gen. 48. 22. I giue thee one portion aboue thy brethren, one hill or piece of ground more then they. But the word is Sechem, or City of the Sechemites, which was the floure of the por­cion assigned to the house of Ioseph. So Esay 11. 1. A graffe shall grow out of the rootes of Ishai. Netser, which in He­brew is a graffe, closely noteth a Nazaraean, or one borne in Nazareth.

Cantic. 8. 10. I being a wall, and my brests towers, then shall I be in his eyes as one that findeth peace.

Vers. 8. First, Salomon foreseeing in spirit the calling of the Gentiles, doth in the person of the Church consult with 7 Posit. Generall call. Christ of some good course to be taken, for the furthe­rance of their Faith: by her in helping and administring, by him in giuing an encrease and blessing.

Verse 9. Christ and shee both doe signifie when those dayes doe come, how graciously they meane to deale.

Whereupon the Church in this third verse professeth she is so ioyfull of her younger sisters good, that shee her selfe the Church of the Iewes wil account it her perfection, 6. Posit. Call in the last dayes. to grow at the last into one and the same body as a princi­pall & most glorious part of that spirituall building. This therefore is an euident prophecie of the Iewes conuersion in the end of the world.

Esay, Chapters 2. 3. 4.

The foure first verses of the second chapter are of the spreading of the Gospell out of Tsion to the Gentiles. Whereupon he prouoketh the Iewes to a holy emulation. Vers: 5. His exhortation is a Prophecie, that so it shall be in the 7. Posit. Generall call. last dayes, as Psalm. 110. 2. 3. Mica 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. But first, for reiecting Christ, the people shall be cast off, and a 4 Posit. Desolation. From the fift verse to the second verse of the fourth chapter. most wonderfull desolation, anarchie and confusion brought vpon them: yet will God haue mercy, & set vp a [Page 19] glorious Church among them, in that very day when the period of their desolation is at an end: that you may know what is the desolation which before he spake of, euen that the end whereof is the beginning of their greatnesse. 31 Posit. Glorious Church.

Esay, Chapter 6. 9. &c. to the end of the Chapter. Verse 2.

The hardning of the peoples heart was fulfilled vpon Verse 9. & 10. Christs preaching of the Gospell, and is meant of those times; for thither the Euangelist doth referre it, Ioh. 12 41. These things said Esaias when he saw his (Christs) glory, and spake of him. Wherefore you must take heed of applying this to the Babylonian, or any other captiuity that went before. But not to contend in that, certaine it is that this hardnesse (at what time soeuer you assigne the beginning) not only endured to the Apostles times, Act 28. 25. 26. but yet now endureth and shall endure till the fulnesse of the Gentiles become in, Rom. 11. 25.

So the fearefull desolation here spoken of, comprehen­deth 4 Posit. Desolation. all that time: and therefore the thirteenth verse, an euident prophesie of their conuersion: which I thus read. Vers: 11. & 12. But yet there shall be in it a tenth part, which againe shall be ea­ten 7. Posit. Generall call. vp: neuerthelesse, as an Elme and as an Oake, which when they are rammed in, the fastning is in them; so the holie seed is the fastning thereof, that is, of that tenth part.

By the tenth part is meant a small remnant, through the election of Grace that shall be left in the middest of this de­reliction, 3. Posit. Remnant. Esay 24. 13. and 65. 8. which againe shall be eaten 16 Posit. Sore desires. vp. He meaneth that when once they begin to make head, embracing Christ, and returning towards their own coun­trie, Gog and Magog shall afflict them most extreamly, Esay 26. 20. Dan. 12. 1. But as hard and durable trees that are rammed into the ground on both sides of a Cawsey, doe keepe the earth fast from falling downe: so the holy seed shall fasten them. By holy Seed I vnderstand not the poore remnant of the godly among them; for whose sake God will spare the rest; for the holy seed is sayd heere to be the [Page 20] stay of that remnant or tenth part, and it were vnproper to make the remnant the stay of the remnant: hee meaneth therefore the blessed seed, or seed of the woman, Christ Ie­sus, who shall then after a wonderfull manner put life and vigour into his people, holding them vp in the middest of that grieuous conflict: from whence a generall doctrine is easie to be gathered for the comfort of all Gods people.

To conclude, I parallel this place in all points with Dan. 12. 1. That Michael there spoken of, so named to note his Deity, is this blessed seed, according to the flesh or humane nature.

Esay, Chap. 11. 1. 12, &c. to the end of the 12. chapter.

This 11 ^th. Chapter (which is a part of the Sermon be­gunne in the eight, as the xij. chapter is an Appendix vnto this) hath a further and a more noble comfort, added to those that went before, from the benefit wee haue by Christ. Whose person is first described in his pedigree, ac­cording to the flesh, outward condicion, the place of his birth, vers. 1. and gifts of the spirit resting vpon him. Se­condly, Verse 2. in the manner of his princely Gouernment, and the fruit that redoundeth from it, which is of two kindes, Vers. 3. 4. 5. one peace among his subiects; the other, the gathering to­gether Vers. 6. 7, 8, 9. and vniting of the Saints, both the Gentiles and the Verse 10. Iewes. Concerning the Iewes, these things are spoken in In this 11. vers & so forward. order.

1. Their generall Call, and the bringing of them home 7. Posit. Generall Call. againe out of all the places of their dispersion. Verse 11.

2. It shall bee of all the Tribes, Israell as well as Iudah. 8 Posit. Ten Tribes.

3. The vnion of their mindes which shall no more bee rent asunder, but make one entire kingdome, as Ezech. 37. Verse 12. 29 Posit. One Kingdome. 19. &c.

4. The enemies of the Church by them shall be subdued Verse 13. and brought vnto subiection of Christ and of his people, 46 Posit. Enemies sub­dued. as Numb. 24. 17. Obadiah vers. 18. Zach. 10. 11.

5. Gods myraculous hand and power in their deliuerie, Verse 14. and leading them to their country; who as he layd the red 11. Posit. Euphratet dry. [Page 21] Sea dry, when he brought the Israelites out of Egypt: so once againe will do the like vnto the riuer (the riuer which Verse 15. 16. the Scripture is wont to call, the great Riuer, the Riuer Eu­phrates, Gen. 15. 18.) when the people lending their care to 12. Posit. Repayr towards their country. the Call of Christ, shall make head and repaire towards their former seates, Esay 51. 10. 11. and Reuel. 16. 12. and for explaning of the terme Riuer, in this place compare Esay 27. 14. 2. Chron. 9. 26.

6. The Churches magnifying of God for so great a Chapter 12. mercie.

Esay, Chapter 14. 1. 2.

By occasion of the Iewes restoring from the captiuity of Babel, the Prophet enterlaceth a comfort of their spiritu. all deliuery from the thraldome of sinne and Sathan: when the Gentiles being added to the folde, the Iewes in Verse 1. the end shall ioyn with them, & beare the soueraigne sway 7. Posit. Generall call. in the Church of Christ, They shall take the people them­selues, and bring them to their owne place, and the house of Is­raell 46. Posit. Enemies pos­sessed. shall make themselues possessors of them in the land of Ie­houa, for seruants and for handmaids: and they shall hold those Verse 2. Captiues that captiuated them, and beare rule ouer their op­pressors. See Esay 61. 5.

Esay, Chapter 19. 18. 19. &c. to the end of the Chapter.

A Prophesie of the Kingdome of Christ, to be set vp in 44. Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. Egypt, and of the spirituall Communion betweene Egypt, Ashur, and the people of Israell, which pointeth out the last dayes, when after the calling of the Iewes, the Gospell shall be receiued throughout the world, as appeareth Esay 27. 13. Zach. 10. 13. and in diuers otherplaces.

Esay Chapters 24, 25, 26, 27.

Vpon these foure Chapters hauing laboured heretofore [Page 22] an Exposition by it selfe, with some few obseruations; I re­fer you for the same to the end of the Booke: because I would not interrupt the course that is here begun.

Esay 30. 19. &c. to the end of the 31 ^th Chapter.

This 19. verse to the end of the chapter is all of Evange­gelicall promises made to the people which shall dwell at 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. Tsion and in Ierusalem, that is in their owne land. Where­by it is easie to gather to what times you must refer it.

The promises generally propounded in the beginning, are of two sorts. Vers: 19.

1. The meanes of their restoring: which is the mini­sterie of the word. Vers: 20, 21.

2. The conversion it selfe. (vers. 22.) 7 Posit. Generall call.

3. The fruitfulnesse of their soyle: amplified by the circumstance of time when this shall be; namely, in the 27 Posit. Fruitfulnes of the land. day of the great slaughter, when the Towers, the mightie top-gallant enemies of the Church shall fall; who can that Vers: 23, 24. to the beginning of vers. 25. be but the Assyrian mentioned afterwards?

4. The glorious light that shall shine in their Church: as Esay 24. 23. Rev. 21. 23. & 22. 5. 22 Posit. Time of con­quest.

5. The ruine of the enemie that shall oppresse them; named the Assyrian, but manifest by the whole argument In the end of the 25 vers. to be the Turke. But he speaketh of the Assyrian, because of Gods great hand and power euidently seene in his late 31 Posit. Glorious church ouerthrow. Vers: 26.

In this part you haue 18 Posit. Conquest.

1. The author. The maiestie of God full of wrath and indignation.

2. The time; when in the iudgement of flesh & blood he was far off; and had of a long time (1600 yeares) with­drawne himselfe from them. These two are vers: 27, 28.

3. The Churches hymne and song to Gods praise.

4. The weapons that God shall fight withall against Vers: 29. them; haile-stones and coales of fire, as before Esay 27. 3. 19 Posit. Gods fighting. Ezech. 38. & 39. Rev. 20. 8, 9, 10. Vers: 30.

[Page 23] 5. The generalitie of this destruction that shall light vpon him. (vers. 31, 32.)

6. The eternitie of Gods decree, fore-appointing him to this punishment. And as the Iudgement should be mar­ueilous and singular, so he bestoweth a word vpon him, neuer else-where vsed in such an argument. As he doth Dan. 11. 45. (the beginning of the 33 vers.)

7. There is a kinde of distribution. The King himselfe, 18 Posit. Conquest. the grand Signior aswell as the rest of the people shall fall in this destruction. (in the second part of the vers.)

8. Lastly, is expressed the heauinesse of the Iudgement. In the end of the 33 vers. The 31 chapter, which is added as a conclusion, shortly comprehendeth the effect of the former chapter: wherein after threatning of the Iewes, and those in whom they put Vers: 1, 2, 3. their confidence, he resorteth to the promises made vnto the Church, being in three steps or degrees.

1. Gods zeale for his people in the praeparation to help Vers: 4. them, and in their blessed and happy deliuerie. Vers: 5.

2. Their conuersion and turning vnto him, vttered 7 Posit. Generall call. exhortation-wise, but yet as a prophesie of what should fall out indeed, which the verse following doth more clearely Vers. 6. expresse. Vers: 7.

3. The downefall of that mightie tyrant, their enemie 18 Posit. Conquest. and oppressor of whom hee spake, chap. 30. 31. which is declared by foure circumstances.

First, it shall be by a iudgement of God from Heauen, 19 Posit. Gods fighting. not by mans strength or power, as Reuel. 20. 8. 9. 10. Ezech. 38. and 39. first part of vers. 8.

Secondly, his followers, all those gallant Begs and Ba­shaws shall fall with him, come downe and be brought into second part of vers. 8. subiection.

Thirdly, it shall be vnrecouerable; all refuge shall faile first part of vers: 9. him.

Fourthly, the reason of all this, comprehending the se­condarie or instrumentall cause. Tsion and Ierusalem (God now dwelling there) shall be made as a fire and bur­ning furnace to consume all that are aduersaries to the second part of vers. 10. Church.

Esay Chapt. 32.

The first 8 verses are of the kingdome of Christ. In the verse following is threatned an extreme desolation, which shall continue, till by the Spirit from aboue an o­ther 4. Posit. Desolation. heart be put into this people, to regenerate and make them new creatures. vers. 15.

The fruit whereof is Righteousnes, vers. 16. Peace, vers. 17, 18 and Ioy in the Holy Ghost, vers. 19, 20. As Rom. 36. Posit. Spirituall gra­ces. 14. 10. All which things, expressed by terrene similitudes, include as well outward blessings as inward graces. And so by the premises and conclusion a certaine inference may 39. Posit. Prosperitie. be gathered, what are the times that this desolation doth point vnto.

Esay chap. 33. 34. & 35.

These three chapters are all of one argument. The 18. verse, which the Apostle 1 Cor. 1. 10. applieth to the times of the Gospell, is a key to open the sense and vnderstan­ding of them.

First, you haue the generall proposition. He that ma­keth such waste and hauocke of Gods people, the Iewes, 18. Posit. Conquest. when the period which God hath set to his tyrannic, is runne out, shall himself be brought vnto confusion. vers. 1. wherefore to this grand enemie all the rest of the prophe­cie hath respect.

Which proposition is inlarged by a prayer of the whole Church, that in so perilous a time, wherein all humane helpe shall faile, God would be an arme of defense for 18. Posit. Conquest. them all and euery one, vers. 2. and a discomfit to their foes, both scattering their persons, vers 3. and enriching his people with their spoiles. vers. 4.

After which followeth a branching of the proposition in two diuided members. The iudgement which God will execute for the reuenge of his Church, vers. 5. and 18 Posit. Conquest. [Page 25] the stabilitie of the Iewish Synagogue (conuerted to 42. Posit. Stabilitie of the Church. Christ) thorough faith and the feare of God. (vers. 6.)

The former comprehendeth the Iewes extremities, and Gods setting of them free.

Their extremities:

1. No peace to be had at their enemies hands, what equall conditions soeuer they do propound. Which shall 16. Posit. Sore distresse. make euen the valiantest among them (him whose heart is as the heart of a Lion) to weepe bitterly, (vers. 7.) and all trauailing to and fro to cease, (vers. 8.)

2. The country shall lye all waste, vers. 9. for though I doe not denie but the Prophet might frame the mould of his speech by the things that fell out when Senacharib so dominierd ouer Gods heritage: yet I hold this to be a prophecie not an historie, and to respect that sore time of affliction Dan. 12. 1. for the auerting whereof it cannot be thought but the Iewes will seeke all meanes that may be of peace and quietnesse, which the proud Turke will scorne and set at naught, as that Tyrant did, to bring iudge­ment vpon his owne head.

Gods wonderfull deliuerance of his people and the set­ting 18. Posit. Conquest. of them free, ruining their foes, is vers. 10. 11, 12.

In the second part, whereunto he moueth attention, by proclaiming the excellencie of the worke, (vers. 13.) are all the memorable things, whereof euery where in the Scripture promises are made vnto the Iewes, to wit, their first call, the ouerthrow of their enemie, and the glorious Church that shall be set vp among them.

In their call: 7. Posit. Generall call.

First, by reason of a Prolepsis or Obiection of certaine hypocrites, vnder the maske of counterfeit humilitie, co­louring their want of Faith, and beleeuing of Gods promi­ses (for all shall not receiue the grace offred) (vers. 14.) he 9 Posit. Refractaries. describeth the badge and markes of the persons whom God will vouchsafe to call (vers. 15.)

Secondly, he setteth downe the promises themselues, which are of six sorts.

[Page 26] 1. Their stabilitie. (vers. 16.) 42 Posit. Stabilitie of the Church.

2. The beauty of Christ dwelling among them. (vers 17.)

3. The large spread of the Gospell. Their eyes (saith 32 Posit. Churches beauty he) shall behold the most remote nations, ioyning in the professi­on 44 Posit. All Nations embracing Christ. of the same faith and subiect to them. (second part of vers. 17.)

4. Safetie and securitie, voide of all feare. Well may they think vpon the dangers past, and call them to minde, 46 Posit. Enemies posses­sed. as ministring matter enough to scorne such attempts, the counsels, purses, and forces of their enemies; but neuer 41 Posit. Safety of the Church. shall they neede to stand in feare of such or the like any more. (vers. 18, 19.)

5. The excellencie of the Church (vers. 20.) by reason of Christs dwelling there. (vers. 21, 22.)

6 The fruit and benefit that shall come to euery one, euen the seeliest and meanest. (vers. 23, 24.)

The ruine and ouerthrow of their enemies (which com­meth in the second place) is Chap. 34. In it you haue a 18 Posit. Conquest. terrible and fearefull iudgement, both against their per­sons (vers. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.) and the Land it selfe for their sake. (vers. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.) All confirmed from the most certaine and inviolable decree of God the Father, Sonne, and Holy Spirit. (vers. 16, 17.)

In the third place Chap. 35. is declared the excellencie of Christs kingdome, that shall then be set vp among the Iewes. Wherein these six things are reckoned vp.

1. The making of all things new both the sencelesse creatures, (vers. 1, 2.) and men, (vers. 3, 4, 5. & 1. part of vers. 6.) vttered by hyperbolicall & excessiue speeches. 36 Posit. Spirituall gra­ses.

The efficient cause whereof is the Spirit of God aboun­dantly shed vpon them. (2 part of vers. 6. & vers. 7.) 12 Posit. Repair to wards their country.

2. The Church of the Iewes repaire towards her owne home and former seates. (1. part of vers. 8.) 33 Posit. Sanctitie.

3. The sanctitie of the Church so returning and ma­king home-wards. (2 part of vers. 8.) 41 Posit. Safety of the Church.

4. Their safetie and securitie. (3 part of vers. 8. & vers. 9.)

[Page 27] 5. The setling of the Church in TSion, that is, in their 23 Posit. Dwell in their countrey. owne countrey. (1 part of vers. 10.)

6. The ioy, and that a perpetuall ioy, of the Church brought backe. (2 part of vers. 10.) 40 Posit. Joy.

Esay 41. 15. to the end of the Chapter.

THe 40 ^th Chapter propoundeth comfort thorough the promises of God in Christ to his people the Iewes, after those long and tedious calamities which they had endured in the Babylonian captiuitie, and the hard times that followed after. (vers. 1, 2.)

The parts of it are,

1. The ministerie of Iohn Baptist a Cryar to prepare his way. (vers. 3, 4, 5.)

2. The Apostolicall ministerie of all the Preachers of the Gospell, teaching repentance (vers. 6, 7, 8.) and faith in Christ. (vers. 9.)

3. The generall administration of Christs kingdome, subduing rebels, (vers. 10.) and most kindly entreating his. (vers. 11.)

4. Euangelicall promises particular to the seede of Iacob, which because they are of a high and marueylous nature, first he layeth the ground of them, by the conside­ration of the nature of God the Creator. (vers. 12. to the end of the Chap.) and of his speciall fauours to Abraham and all the Church. (Chap. 41. to the 15. vers.)

Secondly, he commeth to the promises themselues, being of two sorts.

1. The power of God in their weaknesse to throw downe all that shall oppose. (vers. 15, 16.) 18 Posit. Conquest.

2. The singular graces of his regenerating and sancti­fying 36 Posit. Spirituall gra­ces. Spirit which he will bestow. (vers. 17, 18, 19, 20.)

Thirdly, he amplifieth and confirmeth the same by three arguments.

One is by opposing to Idols that are able to do nothing (vers. 21, 22, 23, 24.) the Church of the Iewes, that making [Page 28] head to repaire to their owne countrey shall trample the 12 Posit. Repair towards their Country. greatest Potentates vnder feete. Where naming the North and East, he sheweth from what quarters the first Iewes are to come that shall terrifie the Turkish forces, as Dau. 18 Posit. Conquest. 11. 44. (vers. 25.) 10 Posit. First conuerted.

A second argument is by opposing to the same Idols, Christ, the wisedome of God and the power of God, in whom God alone worketh all that hath beene said, after his owne pleasure. (vers. 26, 27.)

The third argument is by remouing all other meanes whatsoeuer. (vers. 28, 29.)

Esay, chap. 42.

THe 42 ^th chapter first describeth the gracious and sweete cariage of Christ (vers. 1, 2, 3, 4.) in the office enioyned him or his Father, (vers. 5, 6, 7.) being one God with the Father, (vers. 8) and the onely Prophet that from the beginning hath reuealed to the Church whatso­euer is or shall be. (vers. 9.)

Secondly, all nations of the world are herevpon in­uited to celebrate Gods praises, (vers. 10, 11, 12.) the Pro­phet reciting what wonderfull workes God will doe in their behalfe. (vers. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) Wherefore this second part belongeth to the calling of the Gentiles.

The third part toucheth the Iewes. It expresseth first the hardnes of their heart and vnbeleefe, [vers. 18, 19, 20.] 2 Posit. Reiection. (notwithstanding all the mercy they were for­merly vouchsafed, God hauing loued them and taken delight in them, giuen his law vnto them, and done [Page 29] most great and glorious things for their sakes) (vers. 21.) which vnbeleefe of theirs shall draw vpon their head most 4. Posit. Desolation. heauy indgements. (vers. 22, 23, 24, 25.) Secondly, their conuersion and turning vnto God, (chap. 43. 1.) whereup­on 5. Posit. Call. followeth Gods wonderfull care ouer them in foure steps or degrees.

1. Protection, in the middest of their greatest dangers. (vers. 2.)

2. Bringing of other nations vnder their dominion. 45. Posit. Nations honou­ring of them. (vers. 3. 4.)

3. The gathering of them out of all quarters, whether they were dispersed, East, West, North, & South. (ver. 5. 6) 23. Posit. Dwelling in their country.

4. The great and glorious graces which he will royally enrich them with, (vers. 7.) opposed to their former infi­delity. 36. Posit. Spiritual graces (vers. 8.)

All which things being to come so long after, and wher­of all the world is not able before hand to signifie any one, (vers. 9.) are verified by the most sacred testimony of God the Father in his Sonne. (vers. 10. 11. 12. 13.)

Esay Chapter 43. vers. 14. to the 6. verse of the 44. chapter (which because of the Argument some make a chap­ter by it selfe, but I follow in the verses the receiued distinction.)

IN this Text you haue the summe of all that followeth, to the end of the book. The two first verses (vers. 14. 15) speake of the returne of the Iewes out of the Captiuitie of Babell, and are explicated in the 44. 45, 46. 47. and 48, chapters. Therest of the chapter, from the 16. verse to the 21. verse of the 44. chapter, is all of Euangelicall promises to that people, explicated in the 49. and the chapters fol­lowing. The promises in this chapter are;

1. Gods making of a path in the Sea, meaning (as I con­ceiue) the drying vp that shall be of the Riuer Euphrates, 13 Posit. Euphrates dry. for the people to passe vnto their country. (vers. 16.)

2. The ruine and ouerthrow of the mighty foe that 18. Posit. Conquest. shall be aduerse vnto them, the Turke and his whole Ar­mie. (vers. 17.)

3. Which for the greatnesse and nouelty of the worke may worthily obscure and blot out the memory of former acts: (vers. 18. and the first part of the 19.) the watering of the dry and barren Desert with the dew of his grace, (the se­cond 5 Posit. Call. part of vers. 19. and vers. 20.) that is, the framing and fashioning of this people (so long cast off) anew to the ho­nour and praise of God, (vers. 21.) whose gracious and mercifull dealing in this behalfe is garnished and set forth two manner of waies.

1. Notwithstanding they serued not the true God (for God is not worshipped but in Christ) (vers. 22. 23. 24) yet he onely for himselfe, that is for his goodnesse sake, will haue mercy on them. (vers. 25.)

2. (Which their owne Consciences cannot but accuse them of) (vers. 26.) though for their transgressions, the 2 Posit. Reiection. transgressions of their forefathers, and of their chiefe prin­cipall persons that should be the Interpreters of the Will [Page 31] of God among them, (vers. 27.) he had worthily cast them 4. Posit. Desolation. off, and exposed them to reproch: (vers. 28.) yet hee will performe most large and ample promises, in powring a­boundantly 36. Posit. Spirituall Gra­ces. vpon them, the graces of his Spirit. (chap. 44. vers. 1. 2. 3. 4.)

4. A fourth and last promise is, the ioyning of other 44. Posit. All Nations embracing Christ. Nations vnto them, in the socity of the Gospell: whereby is intimated the full comming in of the Gentiles. (ver. 5.)

Esay, Chapter 49.

IT describeth the calling of Christ from all eternity to the Office of Mediation, (vers. 1. 2.) and the benefit that shall thereby redound to others; both the offer of saluati­on to the Iewes (vers. 3.) and vpon their refusall (vers. 4. 5) the calling of the Gentiles. (vers. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.) And lastly, that the Iewes themselues after a long desolati­on, (vers. 14.) shall be thought vpon: (vers. 15.) where­fore 4. Posit. Desolation. touching the Iewes, these things are deliuered in 5 Posit. Call. Order.

1. Gods care and affection to them. (1. part of vers. 16.)

2. Their conuersion and building vp. (2. part of verse 12. Posit. Repayr towards their Country. 16. and vers. 17.)

3. The repaire to their old seates. (1. part of verse 18.)

4. The surpassing glory & excellency of their Church. 31. Posit. Glorious Church. 2. part of vers. 18.)

5. The multitudes that shall ioyn themselues to Christ. 38. Posit. Multitude of Beleeuers. (vers. 19. 20. 21.

6. Their continuall concourse from out of the most re­mote parts. (vers. 22.)

7. The honour which the Nations shall do vnto them. (vers. 23.) 45. Posit. Nations honou­ring them.

8. The ruine and destruction of the mighty Tyrant, (who can that be but the Turke?) that now holdeth them 18. Posit. Conquest. captiues. (vers. 24. 25. 26.)

Esay, Chapter 50. and 51.

THe parts of this Prophesie are three.

In the first, Christ sheweth the Iewes diuorce, and Gods casting of them off, to be most iust, and their owne 2. Posit. Reiection. fault in refusing him. (vers. 1.) 1. Posit. Refusing Christ.

In the second, he wondreth that his own people should set him so light, (1. part of vers. 2.) seeing hee is as able as euer hee was to helpe them, (2 part of vers. 2. and verse 3.) and as ready, being furnished of his Father with all need­full graces, fulnesse of the spirit, and powerfull doctrine: (vers. 4.) obedience, (vers. 5.) patience, (vers. 6.) and con­stancie, (vers. 7.) and last his cause being so good and iust, (vers. 8. 9.)

In the third part hee turneth his speech to the Iewes. wherein;

1. He quickneth the poor remnant, such among them them as should receiue Christ (vers. 10.) 3. Posit. Remnant.

2. Hee pronounceth against those that refuse Christ, sentence of obduration from God. (vers. 11.) 2. Posit. Reiection.

3. By the example of his mercies to Abraham & Sara, from whom they were descended, (chap. 51. vers. 1. 2.) hee 5. Posit. Call. doth assure them that hee will comfort and conuert their 31 Posit. Glorious Church. soules, (1. part of vers. 3.) which conuersion is set out by the excellency and happinesse of it, (2. part of vers. 3.) and in that it shall draw with it the full comming in of the Gen­tiles. 44 Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. (vers. 4. 5.)

4. He promiseth the destruction of their enemies, who 18. Posit. Conquest. being so powerfull and mighty, and so sharpe set against them, hee vseth many arguments to hearten and encou­rage the Iewes, that they should not be afraid.

First Argument, God will dissolue heauen and earth, (vers. 6.) Why then should they feare? (vers. 7.) for he can much more make the enemies of the Church to melt be­fore his face. (vers. 8.)

Second Argument, is from the power of God in him­selfe, [Page 33] and from his owne mighty and outstretched arme. (1. part of vers. 9.)

Third Argument from former examples. His iudge­ments vpon Pharaoh and the Land of Egypt, (2. part of vers. 9.) and the drying vp of the red Sea for the people to passe. (verse 10) The like whereof he will doe for the re­demption of the Iewes, when they shall returne to Tsion. 13 Posit. Euphrates dry. (vers. 11.)

Fourth Argument from the nature of God our Com­forter. (vers. 12.)

Fifth Argument from his mighty & powerfull workes, who made heauen and earth, (1. part of vers. 13.) bridleth the furie of the wicked, that their hands are able to doe no­thing, (2. part of vers. 13. and vers. 14.) and stilleth the ra­ging Sea. (vers. 15.)

Sixth Argument from his word and couenant with this people. (vers. 16.)

Seuenth Argument by comparing the former tyranni­zing of their enemies, (vers. 17. 18. 19. 20.) with Gods gracious deliuerance of them. (vers. 21. 22. 23.)

Esay, Chapter 52. to the 13. verse.

THis Chapter (if it be a seuerall Sermon of it selfe, and not a part of the former) is all in promises to the peo­ple of the Iewes.

First is the freeing of them from the tyranny of their e­nemies: 18. Posit. Conquest. to wit, Gog and Magog, (vers. 1. 2. 3.) which is am­plified by setting before them the like examples of Gods former mercies. The Aegyptians, saith hee, whether the people went downe to soiourne, causelesly oppressed them, and I set them free. So if the Assyrians, that is to say, the Babilonians. (vers. 4.) The like will I doe to these oppres­sors. (vers. 5.)

The second promise is, the communication of the 5. Posit. Call. knowledge of Iehouah Christ, the speaker or Interpreter of his Fathers will. (vers. 6.)

[Page 34] Thirdly, the ioy and cheerfulnesse of the Church of the 37. Posit. Cheerefull obe­dience. Iewes receiuing the Gospell of peace, the Gospell of the Kingdome. (vers. 7. 8. 9.)

Fourthly, the large spread of the Gospell throughout the world. (vers. 10.) 44 Posit. All Nations embracing Christ.

Fifthly, the sanctitie of the new Ierusalem. (vers. 11.)

Sixtly, their safety and security through Gods protecti­on, in a more glorious sort then when they came out of Ae­gypt. 33. Posit. Sanctity. (vers. 12.) 41. Posit. Safety of the Church.

Esay, Chapter 54.

THE barren one whom the Prophet addresseth his speech vnto, is the Church of the Iewes in their deso­lation. 4. Posit. Desolation. For first, the fourth verse speaketh of her widdow­head, as of one that once had beene a Church, but now di­uorced, as chap. 50. 1 More plainely in the sixt verse shee is termed a wife forsaken, and the wife of the youth; none of which agree eyther to the Church of the Gentiles, or the Catholike Church: secondly, in the 11. verse shee is sayd to be humbled, tossed, not comforted: how fitting is that to their estate? Thirdly, the glorious things verse. 11. 12. &c. are neuer spoken, but of their Church renued. But how then doth the Apostle Gal. 4. 26. 27. Make vs Gen­tiles children of this Church, and calleth the same Ierusa­lem aboue? Rightly is shee called Ierusalem aboue, the spi­rituall and heauenly Ierusalem, cast into a new mould, and framed and fashioned from aboue to embrace Christ, and to seeke righteousnesse, peace, and reconciliation through him alone, whose children are free: by opposition to thee then Ierusalem, that sought righteousnesse and life by the Law, and therfore engendred children vnto bondage And this new Ierusalem is indeed the mother of vs all. Why? for it is the same very Church, and no other, polished, fi­ned, and wonderfully adorned, which was in the time of the Apostles, when the Law that is the doctrine of Iesus Christ, which is the Gospell, came out of Sion, and the Word [Page 35] of the Lord out of Ierusalem, That whosoeuer will be saued, must acknowledge himselfe a childe of this Mother, Reue­lat. 22. 22.

This doubt cleered, the rest of the chapter hath no dif­ficultie: there be in it promises of three kindes.

1. Fruitfulnesse of the Church. (vers. 1. 2. 3.) 38. Posit. Multitude of belieuers.

2. Gods Couenant with them of remission of sinnes, (vers. 4.) reconciliation, (vers. 5. 6.) and life euerlasting. (vers. 7. 8. 9. 10.) 35. Posit. Couenant.

3. The surpassing glory of their Church for exceeding beauty, (vers. 11. 12.) Excellency of knowledge, (1. part of 32. Posit. Churches beauty 13. verse.) Aboundance of peace, (2. part of verse 13.) Secu­ritie, 36 Posit. Spiritual grace. (vers. 14.) Safety. (vers. 15. 16. 17.) 39. Posit. Prosperitie.

Esay, Chapter 59 verse 16. to the end of the 60. chapter. 41. Posit. Safetie.

AFfter declaration of the peoples hypocrisie, and other sinnes which brought vpon them so many calami­ties; hee commeth now to cheere vp their heart with the promises of the Gospell: setting forth,

1. The power of Christs kingdome for the saluation of his children, (vers. 16.) and to reuenge all disobedience, (vers. 17. and 1. part. of 18.)

2. The calling of the Gentiles. (2. part of vers. 18. and 19.)

3. The conuersion of the Iewes, that they together with the belieuing Gentiles, embracing the Gospell, all Israell 5 Posit. Call. may be saued: for so Paul, Rom. 11. 26. expoundeth this 44. Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. place, (vers. 20.)

All which things are shut vp with a most sure ground­worke, 35. Posit. Couenant. the faithfull Couenant of God which hee hath made with his Church to dwell among them for euer, by his Word, and the power of his Spirit. (vers. 21.)

4. The glorious Church that shall bee among them, 31. Posit. Glorious Church. (chap. 60. vers. 1. 2.)

5. The Gospell flowing thence to all other places. 44. Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. (vers. 3.)

[Page 36] 6. The nations honouring of them with their wealth 45. Posit. Nations honou­ring of them. and substance. (vers. 7. to the 18.)

7. Their safety and protection from danger. (vers. 18.)

8. Their happinesse. (vers. 19. 20.) 41. Posit. Safety of the Church.

9. They shall inherit the land for euer. (vers. 21.)

10. Their increase, both for multitude and strength. 39. Posit. Prosperity. (verse 22.)

Chapter 61. and 62. and 63. and 64. and 65. 26. Posit. Continue for euer.

THe Sermon of these fiue chapters after the foundation 28 Posit. Country popu­lous. layd in the calling and annointment of Christ vnto his office of teaching and comforting Gods people, (chap. 61. verse. 1. 2. first part of vers. 3.) is wholly spent in the fruit and benefit that thence shall redound to the Iewes. It stan­deth of two parts. First is a particular enumeration of the fauours that God will bestow vpon them: all which may be reduced to two heads. Blessings vpon themselues, and the destruction of their capitall enemy.

The blessings vpon themselues are these that follow:

1. The renuing of them in holinesse and righteousnes, 5. Posit. Call. that is to say, their conuersion. (2. part of vers. 3.)

2. The restoring of the fruitfulnesse of their Country, 27. Posit. Fruitfulnesse of the land. that so long lay waste and desolate. (vers. 4.)

3. There shall be in them a soueraignty ouer other Na­tions: whom their arme and power shall master, and bring 46 Posit. Enemies pos­sessed. to yeeld obedience to Christ and his Gospell, (vers. 5. As Esay 14. 2. 45. Posit Nations honou­ring them.

4. The wealth of other Churches shall be to doe them seruice. (vers. 6.)

5. Their former double (that is to say exceeding great) 40 Posit. Glorious Church. reproach, shall be turned into double ioy & gladnes (v. 7) Read Verse 7. thus. ‘ Instead of your double shame, and the confusion which they (the enemies of the Church) with shouting proclaimed to be their portion, therefore in their own land they shall inherit double, &c.’

[Page 37] 6. An euerlasting couenant with this people to direct 35 Posit. Couenant. them in all integritie. (vers. 8.)

7. The liuely marks and prints of Gods blessing vpon them, which shall make them famous among all nations. 45 Posit. Nations honou­ring them. (vers. 9.)

8. The glory of their Church. (vers. 10, 11. chap. 62. vers. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.) for which the Lords remembrancers are 31 Posit. Glorious church willed continually to make suite vnto him. (vers. 6, 7.)

9. Their securitie from foreine enemies. (vers. 8, 9.)

10. The returne vnto their countrey, all lets remoued that may hinder it. (vers. 10.)

11. Gods redeeming and setting of them free. (vers. 11, 12.)

The destruction of their capitall enemie, (vndoubtedly he meaneth the Turke) signified by Edom, and attributed 18 Posit. Conquest. to Christ Iesus, (for it is the worke of God himselfe) (chap. 63. vers. 1.) is amplified two wayes.

1. That there was not any enemie so strong that could or durst withstand him. ^a (vers. 2, 3.)

2. That he did it alone without any helpe. (vers. 4, 5, 6, 7.) 19 Posit. Gods fighting.

The second part of the Sermon is the Churches prai­sing of God for this his constant kindnes, notwithstan­ding their most extreme ingratitude: (vers. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.) and a suite and request which thereupon they make to Christ, with his answer to it.

The suite, that in regard of his couenant and former kindnesses both promised & performed, (vers. 15, 16, 17.) and the insufferable insolencie of Gods enemies & theirs, (vers. 18, 19.) he would from heauen powerfully shew forth his wrath to the dismaying of his foes ^b (vers. 1, 2, 3. 18 Posit. Conquest. Chapt. 64.) and good of the Church, in the glorious pro­mulgation [Page 38] of the Gospell through Christ; (vers. 4.) for so doth Paul 1 Cor. 2. 9. expound this place of the wisedome of God reuealed in the Gospel, not of the heauenly glory. This suite they confirme and giue assurance to their soules of the obtayning of it, by considering the mercy of God towards repentant sinners, desirous to walke in a new course of righteousnesse, (1. part of vers. 5.) and the pro­fession of their owne true repentance; (2 part of vers. 5. & vers. 6, 7.) whereupon they resort againe to the summe of their former petition. (vers. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.)

Christs answer (Chapt. 65.) setteth forth

1. The calling of the Gentiles. (vers. 1.)

2. The obduration of the Iewes. (vers. 2, 3, 4, 5.) Both these points we learne from Pauls opposition of this text, 2 Posit. Reiection. Rom. 10. 21.

3. Gods iust punishment vpon them for it, mea­ning the casting of them off, and their long desolation. 4 Posit. Desolation. (vers. 6, 7.)

4. Promise of a remnant a holy seede in the meane 3 Posit. Remnant. time to be left. as Esay 6. 13. & 24. 13. (vers. 8.)

5. That of them God will in the end gather a Church, who shall dwell in their owne countrey. (vers. 9.) 5 Posit. Call.

6. The X. Tribes as well as Iudah shall returne home. For Sharon was in Gilead which belonged to Manasse. 8 Posit. X. Tribes. 1 Cron. 5. 16. the valley of Achor (parcell of the tract of Iericho) in the tribe of Iudah. (vers. 10.)

7. The happinesse and felicitie of this people. Ampli­fied 9 Posit. Wrath against refractarie Iewes. 1. By a godly opposition of the contrary state of the refractarie Iewes: for it seemeth all shall not lay hold on the grace offred, ioyne hands and professe the faith. Some shall remaine obstinate, how cleare arguments so­euer Christ do manifest of his glory. Dan. 12. 2. Rev. 21. 8. (vers. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.)

2. By enumeration of the particulars: which are, A 34 Posit. Puritie. new face of things in their glorious and blessed renovation. Antiquating of the ceremonies by the ministerie of the Gospell. (vers. 17.) As Rev. 22. 1. gladnes (vers. 18, 19.) 40 Posit. Joy. [Page 39] life, (vers. 20.) peace and prosperitie (vers. 21, 22, 23, 24.) 39 Posit. Prosperitie.

Esay chap. 66.

IN this Chapter, which is as it were the last farewell that Christ taketh of the old synagogue, he leaueth them three remembrances.

First, an instruction how the Iewish Church should de­meane themselues in his worship; who delighteth not in the Temple-obseruances but in spirituall seruice. (vers. 1, 2, 3.)

Secondly, what heauy iudgements shall come vpon 4 Posit. Desolation. the Iewes for sticking obstinately and hypocritically to the legall rites. (vers. 4)

Thirdly, the state and constitution of the Church, which shall bee set vp among them: conteyning these things.

1. The restoring of them; which shall be to the excee­ding ioy of his children and confusion of those hypo­crites. 31 Posit. Glorious church (vers. 5.)

2. The terror and affright vnto their foes, vpon the report of their repairing home, as Dan. 11. 44. (vers. 6.)

3. Their prompt and ready embracing of the Gospell, 37 Posit. Cheerefull obedience. by an allegorie from the manner of naturall child bearing. (vers. 78.) The author whereof is God himselfe. (vers. 9.) 45 Posit. Nations honou­ring them.

4. The nations reioycing in their behalfe, and doing homage to them. (vers. 10, 11, 12.

5. The ioy and happinesse of this people. (vers. 13. 39 & 40 Position. Joy & Prospe­ritie. [...] part of 14.)

6. The great ouerthrow that God will giue both to open enemies (2 part of vers. 14. & vers. 15, 16.) and secret 18 Posit. Conquest. hypocrites. (vers. 17.) 44 Posit. All Nations embracing Christ.

7. The Gospell to be preached among the most re­mote nations. (vers. 18, 19, 20, 21.)

8. The perpetuitie of Gods loue and blessings vpon them. (vers. 22.) 31 Posit. Glorious church

[Page 40] 9. Their constant and continuall seruing of him. (vers. 23.)

10. The Churches triumph ouer Gods enemies and theirs, slaine by the reuenging hand of God, a fore-runner 18 Posit. Conquest. of eternall damnation. (vers. 24.)

Ieremie, chap. 3. 12. to the 19.

GOd hauing aggrauated the sinne of Iudah, and made it greater then the sinne of their sister Israel, whose abhominations and Gods iustice vpon her for the same, they saw euident before their eyes, and yet iustified her by their practise: doth now will the Prophet to publish the promise of reconciliation euen vnto them, whom he had exiled so farre from their owne countrey. Wherein obserue,

1. This is a direct prophesie of the X. tribes bringing home (vers. 12.) vpon their repentance and acknowledge­ment 8 Posit. X. Tribes. of their fault. (vers. 13, 14.)

And note he speaketh of the North, as Ier. 16. 15. & 23. 8. for thence it seemeth the first conuerted Iewes shall 10 Posit. First conuerted. come.

2. The graces of Gods Spirit in them. (vers. 15.)

3. The fruitfull increase of the Church. (1 part of 36 Posit. Glorious church Spirituall gra­ces. vers. 16.)

4. The glory and excellencie of it. That in compa­rison thereof, the Arke of the Couenant, the visible signe 36 Posit. Multiplication of beleeuers. of Gods presence, shall not be spoken of or thought vpon. (2 part of vers. 16. 31 Posit. Glorious church

6. The propagation of the Gospell among all Nations. (vers. 17.) 44 Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ.

7. Iudah and Israel shall both ioyne in one. (1 part of vers. 18.) 39 Posit. One kingdome.

8. They shall dwell in their owne Land. (2 part of vers. 18) 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey.

Ieremie 16, 14, 15.

SPeaketh of this setling of the people in their owne 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. land from out of all the parts of their dispersion; prae­ferring this deliuerance before that out of the land of Ae­gypt. And here also he nameth the North, as Ier. 3. 12. 10 Posit. First conuerted.

Ieremie chap. 23. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

IS the same very argument with some more amplifica­tion 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. of words.

Ieremie chap. 30. & 31. 10 Posit. First conuerted.

THe summe of these two Chapters, which you haue vers. 3. is a promise of restoring the Iewes out of thral­dome and seating them in their owne country. Not meant 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. of the captiuitie of Babel, but of their long and tedious desolation, as is euident in that both the Chapters are meere evangelicall. (vers. 1, 2, 3, 4) it is set forth by these particulars. 4 Posit. Desolation.

1. The heauinesse of their former calamities. (vers. 5, 5. Posit. Call. 6. 1 part of 7.

2. Gods setting of them free. (1 part of vers. 7. & 41 Posit. Safety of the Church. vers. 8.)

3. Their conversion to Christ. (vers. 9.) 4 Posit. Desolation.

4. Their safetie. (vers. 10, 11.)

5. The former miseries are repeated, (vers. 12, 13, 14, 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. 15.) the more to magnifie Gods iustice in taking venge­ance of their oppressors, (vers. 16.) and his goodnesse in 31 Posit. Glorious church curing and healing them. (vers. 17.)

6. They shall dwell as before in their owne countrey. 42 & 43 Pos. Stabilitie of the Church. Perpetuitie. (vers. 18.)

7. Their reioycing, multitude & honour. (vers. 19.)

8. The establishment and perpetuitie of them. (v. 20.) 30 Posit. Flourishing Commonwealth.

9. The state of the Common-wealth flourishing. (vers. 21.)

10. The Couenant of God renued. (vers. 22.) 35 Posit. Couenant.

[Page 42] 11. The vtter ruine of their enemies. (vers. 23, 1 part vers. 24.) 18 Posit. Conquest.

12. All this shall be in the last dayes. which are vsuall 6 Posit. Last dayes. words to expresse this mysterie. (2 part of verse 24.)

13. This couenant renued shall be with all the Families of Israel. So the X. tribes as well as Iudah haue their part 8 Posit. X. Tribes. in it. (chap. 31. vers. 1.)

14. Their flourishing and happy estate. By way of a prolepsis or obiection. (vers. 2, 3.) which he remoueth, 39 Posit. Prosperitie. (vers. 4, 5)

15. The instrumentall cause is the preaching of the Gospell, (vers. 6.) and prayer to God. (vers. 7.)

16. The place whence they shall come, the North &c. (1 part of vers. 8.) 10 Posit. First conuerted.

17. The generalitie of their call. Not any one, the meanest or of least account, shall be left behinde. None 7 Posit. Generall call. shall perish that God the Father hath giuen to his Sonne. (2 part of vers. 8.)

18. The innumerable multitude that shall returne. (3 part of vers. 8.) 38 Posit. Multitude of Beleeuers.

19. Gods directing & leading them in the way. (v. 9.)

20. The praise that shall redound to God by the most remote Nations, celebrating his great and glorious name 45 Posit. Nations honou­ring them. in this behalfe. (vers. 10, 11.)

21. The testimonies of the thankfulnesse which the Iewes shall manifest. (1 part of vers. 12.)

22. The fulnes of their Ioy. (2 part of vers. 12. & ver. 13, 14.) 40 Posit. Joy.

These things thus laid downe; now he amplifieth the fame by a double argument: ech in the nature of a pro­lepsis or obiection.

1. It is true, great afflictions shall befall the faithfull, euen as soone as Christ commeth into the world, the poore Innocents murdered &c. (vers. 15.) Howbeit the successe shall be prosperous and happy, children shall be borne to the Church euery day, euen out of the enemies country, that is, pulled out of the kingdome of Sinne and [Page 43] Sathan. (vers. 16, 17.)

2. But much greater shall the lamentation be in the last dayes, when Ephraim, that is, the Israelites, in the sense 8 Posit. X. Tribes. of their many miseries, and conscience of their sinnes, the cause of it, shall mourne bitterly, and with teares of vnsei­ned repentance, seeke vnto the Lord. (vers. 18, 19.) whom God will most graciously take tender pitie and com­passion 5 Posit. Call. of, as a father doth of his dearling sonne. (vers. 20.)

Whereupon he taketh vp againe the blessings which God will powre vpon this people of the Iewes returning vnto God.

The 23 ^th therefore is, The bringing of them home 23 Posit. Dwell in their Country. vnto their Cities to dwell in. (vers. 21.)

The 24 vttered by way of encouragement, is the won­derfull and miraculous ouerthrow of their mighty ene­mies 18 Posit. Conquest. by such sillie meanes as they. Why (saith he) shouldst thou delay repentance, and be afraid to ioyne thy selfe vnto me; seeing for thee, and by thee, the Lord will worke a strange and wonderfull worke. A woman, the feeble na­tion of the Iewes, shall compasse, that is, besiege and bring into straights and difficulties a valiant man, the great and mighty tyrant their oppressor. (vers. 22.) So I interpret this place, the same in effect which by an other allegorie is spoken Esay 26. 6.

The 25. The glorious Church that shall be among 31 Posit. Glorious church them, testified by others suffrages, to be the habitation of the righteous and a hill of sanctitie. (vers. 23.) 33 Posit. Sanctitie.

The 26 the thorough inhabiting and replenishing of 24 Posit. Inhabit all the Land. the country. (vers. 24.)

The 27 the aboundance of Gods blessings. (vers. 25.)

The 28 Gods speciall loue and fauour (the cause of all 36 Posit. Spirituall gra­ces. the rest) who sleeping and waking hath euer a specall care ouer his Church. (vers. 26.) 38. Posit. Multitude of belieuers.

The 29 the multiplying of the people. (vers. 27.)

The 30 Gods watching ouer them to doe them good. (vers. 28.) 9 Posit. Wrath against refractarie Iewes.

The 31 his punishments vpon the refractarie Iewes [Page 44] that will not beleeue. (vers. 29, 30.)

The 32 is the couenant of God most gloriously rati­fied 35. Posit. Couenant. and stablished with this people. Which is here set forth by many arguments and amplifications. (vers. 31, 32, 33, 34.)

Now all these promises so great and excellent, he doth confirme by two most noble comparisons.

1. They are as certaine as the ordinance of the Sunne, the Moone, the Starres, and the tides of the Sea. (vers. 35, 36.)

2 It is as impossible they should faile, as it is impossible to measure the heauens, or to search the foundations of the earth. (vers. 37.)

The 33 is the reedifying of the Citie of Ierusalem 24 Posit. Inhabit all the Land. from one end vnto an other. (vers. 38, 39. first part of 40.)

The 34 and the last, the perpetuall continuance of this their flourishing and happy estate. (2 part of vers. 40.) 26 Posit. Continue for euer.

Ieremie, Chap. 33.

IN this Chapter are many excellent promises, whereunto a preparation is first made, (vers. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.) and then the promises themselues laid downe: 5 Posit. Call.

Which are; 39 Posit. Prosperitie.

1. The restoring of them. (1. part of vers. 6.)

2. Aboundance of Gods blessings. (2 part of vers. 6.) 8 Posit. X. Tribes.

3. It shall be both of Israel and Iudah. (vers. 7.)

4. Forgiuenesse of sinnes. (vers. 8.) 45 Posit. Nations honou­ring them.

5. Other Nations reioycing and blessing God for it. (vers. 9.) 40 & 39 Pos. Joy & Prospe­ritie.

6. The ioy and happines of the people. (vers. 10, 11.)

7. The inhabiting of the Country, and the fruitfulnes 23 Posit. Dwell in their Country. thereof. (vers. 12, 13.)

8. (which is the ground and foundation of all) The making of Christ to flourish amongst them; by their 27 Posit. Fruitfulnes of the Land. embracing of Gods promises of peace and righteousnesse thorough him. (vers. 14, 15, 16.) 31 Posit. Glorious church

[Page 45] 9. The flourishing state of the kingdome and weale­publicke, 26 Posit. Cōtinue for euer in a perpetuall succession of Princes. (vers. 17.)

10. The flourishing state of the Church, in a perpetu­all 32. Posit. Churches beauty succession of Pastors and Teachers. (vers. 18.)

Lastly, the certainty of these two promises that went last before, is verified much by the same arguments that were vsed to that purpose, Ierem. 32. (vers. 19. to the end of the chapter.)

Ezechiel 16.

THis Chapter doth maruellously fet forth the excee­ding mercy and goodnesse of God in his first fauours vnto the Iewes, vouchsafing to receiue them into the spiri­tuall marriage bed (in the first 14. verses.) and how many wayes they dealt most perfidiously and falsly with him (from thence to the 52. verse) for the which hee threatneth vtterly to cast them off, (vers. 52. to verse 59.) recompen­cing vnto them according to their wayes; for as they made no reckoning of the curse annexed to the transgression of the Law, and brake the Couenant made with God: so would he break his Couenant made with them: (vers. 59.) yet (such is the riches of his mercy) to their posterity, the generation that should come after, a remnant according to election of grace, he would extend grace and fauour. And so he falleth to the sweet promises of the Gospell: wherein you haue,

1. The fundamentall cause and ground of all the rest, Gods free gracious and euerlasting couenant. (vers. 60.)

2. The meanes, their serious and true Repentance. (1. part of vers. 61.) 5 Posit. Call.

3. Samaria, that is the X. Tribes shall be called as well 8 Posit. X. Tribes. as they. (2. part of vers. 61.)

4. The Gentiles also shall be receiued into participati­on of the Couenant, and become sonnes and daughters of 44. Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. the Church, begotten by the Word of the Gospell: (3 part of vers. 61.) for by the younger sister is meant Sodome, of [Page 46] the posterity of wicked Canaan.

5. The instrument or hand of the soule to lay hold vp­on 36 Posit. Spiritual graces the Couenant, is Faith, which standeth in the true and effectuall knowledge of God, and wherewith they shall plentifully be indued, (vers. 62.)

6. The end of all is, that being ashamed and confoun­ded in themselues, they may embrace the onely expiation which is to be had in the bloud of Christ. (vers. 63.)

Ezech. Chap. 20. 32. &c, to the end of the chapter.

THe Iewes obstinate and froward heart, their hypocri­sie and rebellion, (vers. 32.) ministreth occasion to the Prophet to fall into consideration of the kingdome of Christ, who shall with an hard hand ouer-rule the sturdi­nesse of the wicked, their insolent and proud stomacke: (vers. 33.) and contrariwise shew mercy and kindnesse to his people: wherefore these things are heere handled in order.

1. The gathering of them out of the countries where they were dispersed, that they may make head to returne 12. Posit. Repayr towards their Country. to Tsion. (vers. 34.)

2. The difficulties they shall meet with in the way: al­luding to the tediousnesse of their iourneis in the Wil­dernesse, 16. Posit. Sore distresse. when they came out of Aegypt, and the iudge­ments that befell them there: which were partly touched before in this chapter, vers. 25. The very same similitude you haue, Hosh. 2. 14. (vers. 35. 36.)

3. His couenant with a few, some small remnant. To which end he saith he wil make them goe vnder the rodde, 3. Posit. A Remnant. [Page 47] that so he may picke & cull out the good, to receiue them into Couenant, as into his fould: as a good Sheepheard that numbreth his sheepe by tale, Leuit. 27. 32. (vers. 37.) putting a maine difference betweene the wicked that shall neuer come into the Land of Promise, and them (vers. 38) 9. Posit. Wrath against refractaries. And then goe to, let the wicked runne on in their euill and sinfull waies, euen after all this shall come vpon them, and take that which followeth of it. (vers. 39.)

4. The bringing of them to inhabite in their owne Land, and there to set vp the spirituall worship and seruice 23. Posit. Dwelling in their country. of God, shadowed by the types of the Old Law. (vers. 40. 41. 42. 43.) 31. Posit. Glorious Church.

5. The Prime cause of all this, resting only in the truth, faithfulnesse, and goodnesse of God, which their own con­science shall conuince them of, they being most vnworthy in themselue. (vers. 44)

Ezekiel 21. verse 26. 27.

THe consideration of the prophane wickednesse of the Prince of Israell, (vers. 25.) kindleth the Pro­phets zeale to meditate both of the fall of that pollu­ted principality, and of a holy and firme principality that shall be set vp in and through Christ; for these are the two parts of this Prophecie. The fall of that principality, or the 4. Posit. Desolation. vtter ruine and desolation of the whole land of Iudaea, hath three steps or parts.

1. The kindome shall be taken from them: no Crown, no Diadem there. (1. part of vers. 26.)

2. The Common-wealth shall not be as now it is. All shall be turned vpside downe. (2. part of verse 26.) Read Verse 26. the latter part of it, thus. ‘ That which is low, exalt: and that which is high, bring downe. Iust the same that Cambyses threatned vnto Aegypt, [...]. Herodot. lib. 2.’

[Page 48] 3. The whole state shall be ruined and weeried, with blow vpon blow, one mischiefe vpon the backe of another. (1. part of verse 27.)

The firme and stable principality which shall bee in 5. Posit. Call. Christ, is brieflly touched when he saith that this wofull desolation shall last, till Messias come, whose the right of the Kingdome is, and that he be stablished in it: (2. part of vers. 27.) for the comming here spoken of, is neyther his first comming in the flesh, nor his second comming vnto Iudgement, but his comming in the brightnesse of the Gospell: when Antichrist consumed with the spirit of his mouth, shall be abolished by his bright appearance, 2. Thes. 2. 8. and our brethren, the Iewes conuerted vnto Christ, Math. 24. 39. Reuel. 1. 7. To conclude, this Prophecie is in effect the very same (and no other) that you haue, Math. 23. 38. 39.

Ezech, Chap. 34. vers. 20. to the end of the chapter.

BEcause of the lazie and deuouring Shepheards against whom hee had inueighed from the beginning of the chapter, God saith now hee will take the matter into his owne hands to helpe and to reforme it: (vers. 20. 21. 22.) and therupon breaketh into these most sweet and heauenly promises. 5. Posit. Call.

1. Sending of Christ the good Shepheard among them. (vers. 23. 41. Posit. Safety of the Church.

2. Their embracing of him by faith. (vers. 24.)

3. Security from their enemies: which three are in a 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. manner ioyntly knit together. (vers. 25. 26. 27. 28. and 29.)

4, The inhabiting of their owne country.

5. The fruitfulnesse of the soyle. 27. Posit. Fruitfulnesse of the land.

6. The Couenant to be manifested in and vpon them. (vers. 30.) 5. Posit. Call.

7. The associating of the Gntiles vnto them, (vers. 31.) When ye, ye I say men (that is not the Israelites also, but all 44 Posit. All Nations embracing Christ. Nations knit vnto Christ by Faith) shall be my flocke, &c.

Ezech. Chap. 36.

THis Chapter hath two parts, and as it were two seue­rall Sermons: The first part promiseth, First the de­struction of their enemies, noted by Edom. (vers. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.) Secondly, the fruitfulnesse of the land. (ver. 8. 9.) Thirdly, the inhabiting of it againe, and that by the 18 Posit. Conquest. whole house of Israell, meaning the X. Tribes as well as the other two, (vers. 10.) which promises are amplified two 27. Posit. Fruitfulnesse of the land. waies.

1. That they shall be in more excellent manner than e­uer 23 Posit. Dwell in tlxir Church. before. (vers. 11.)

2. By the perpetuity of these blessings which shall ne­uer any more faile. (vers. 12. 13. 14. 15.) 8 Posit. X. Tribes.

In the second part of the Chapter are other glorious 31. Posit. Glorious Church. promises, which God wil bestow for his owne names sake, though they bee most vnworthy. (vers. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 26 Posit. Cōtinue for euer

The first promise is the bringing of them out of all the 23. Posit. Dwell in their Country. places where they were dispersed vnto their owneland a­gaine. (vers. 24.)

2. Iustification. (vers. 25.)

3. Regeneration and Sanctification. (vers. 26. 1. part of verse 27.)

4. The fruits of holinesse. (2. part of vers. 28.)

5. The Couenant of God with them. (vers. 28.)

6. The blessing of outward fruitfulnesse. (vers. 29. 30.) 27 Posit. Fruitfulnesse of the land.

7. Vnfayned sorrow and repentance for their sinnes. (vers. 31.) 5 Posit. Call.

Then is the cause and the end touched againe, not their worthinesse, (vers. 32.) but to glorifie Gods great and holy name, which by them was prophaned. ((vers. 33. 34. 35. 36.)

8. The multitudes of them that shall inhabit the land, 38 Posit. Multiplication of beleeuers. beleeue in Christ, and be the flocke of his pasture. (verse. 37. 38.

Ezechiell, Chapter 37.

ALl from hence to the end of the booke, is excellent­ly to this purpose: It hath foure steppes or degrees. The first step is the lewes first conuersion, which the Apo­stle 5 Posit. Call. calleth Life from the dead, Rom. 11. 15. a kinde of resur­rection, and here is set forth by alluding thereunto (in the first 14 verses.) The second step in a further progresse of their conversion, vnder a parable or similitude of two sticks, (vers. 15. 16. 17.) comprehendeth many noble be­nefits; the application whereof hath,

1. The conuersion of the X. Tribes as well as Iudah, (vers. 18. and 1. part of verse. 19.) 8. Posit. Ten Tribes.

2. The vniting of them both into one. (2. part of verse 19.) 26 Posit. One kingdome.

3. The bringing of them to their owne country from 23. Posit. Dwelling in their country. all the places where they were scattered. (vers. 20. 21.)

4. Their making of one entire kingdome. (vers. 22.)

5. The Couenant of God with them of peace and re­conciliation, 29. Posit. One Kingdome. (vers. 23.) through Christ. (1. part of ver. 24.) 35. Posit. Couenant.

6. The sanctifying of them to walke in his obedience. (2. part of vers. 24.)

7. The inhabiting in their country for euer. (vers. 25.) 26 Posit. Continue for euer.

8. The perpetuity of Gods Couenant, (vers. 26.) and worship among them. (vers. 27. 28.)

The third steppe or degree, is the destruction of their 43. Posit. Perpetuity. enemies in the 38. and 39. chapters. Wherefore;

1. The enemies are reckoned vp, the Grand enemy is 18. Posit. Conquest. Gog. out of the Land of Magog, Prince and head of Me­shech and Tuball, (chap. 38. vers. 1. 2 3.) that is to say, the Turke; for Magog is the Scythian Nation, from whom came the Turkes, Lords of Meshech and Tuball, that is, of Capadocia, and lberia, when they first began to raign, but whom now Asia the lesse, Syria, Mesopotamia, A rabia, Iudaea, Palestina, Aegypt, the Isles Greece, Macedonia, Thrace, &c. doe obey; with him are multitudes of Prin­ces his associates. (vers. 4. 5. 6.)

[Page 51] 2. Their preparation to come in the last daies vpon the Iewes. (vers. 7. 8 9.)

3. The arrogancie of their heart, and their proud de­signes. (vers. 10. 11. 12. 13.)

4. The comforts which God enterlaceth for the streng­thening of the hands & harts of his people, in that the end of all this is to glorifie Gods name in the destruction of 18. Posit. Conquest. their foes, (vers. 14. 15. 16.) and nothing commeth by chance, God hath spoken of this very man, and of his raging against the Church by the Prophets that were of old: (vers. 17.) for though by name Gog be not elsewhere mencioned, yet vnder other names this very tyrant is par­ticularly described.

5. The destruction of this enemy: where you haue; 19. Posit. Gods fighting.

First, Gods fighting against them from heauen, as Esay 26. (vers. 18. to the end of the Chapter.)

Secondly, their fall in the land of Israell. (Chap. 39. 17. Posit. Place of the conflict. vers. 1. 2. 3. 4 5.)

Thirdly, the vtter abolishing of the Turkish name, (ver. 18. Posit. Conquest. 6.) the end whereof is declared (Gods glory) [vers. 7.] and the certaintie. [vers. 8.]

Fourthly, the aboundance of spoile which the Iewes shall carry away. [vers. 9. 10.]

Fifthly, the wonderfull slaughter that shall bee made of them; for 1. they shall be seuen months in burying: [verse 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.] where, by the way, the place of this noble victory seemeth to be pointed at, the great blow or 21. Posit. Place of the ar­mies discomfit. ouerthrow of the maine Army at the Sea of Genezaret, o­therwise called the Lake of Tiberias, verse. 11. Part also at Ierusalem, vers. 16. which verse is to be rendred thus, 20. Posit. Place of Gogs Fall. And also the multitude thereof shall be a name vnto the Citie, that is, Ierusalem it selfe shall haue part of the honour, as Ioel. 3. 2. 2. Yet for all that, multitudes shall ye vnburied, to be meate for the fowles of the heauen, and the beasts of the earth: which is vttered by a solemn proclamation to these fowles and beasts [vers. 17. 18. 19. 20.] as Reuel. 19. 17. 18. in this very argument.

[Page 52] Lastly, this whole matter is shut vp with declaration of the end of all these things: to wit, Gods glory, (vers. 21. to the end of the chapter.)

After the defeat of Gog and Magog, commeth in the last eight chapters, a new prophecy, aptly depending vpon the former, concerning the Christian Iewish Church, setled in their owne land and Country, which is the fourth and last step. Christ, the builder of his temple, appearing in the forme of a man, like polished shining brasse, to prefi­gure the splendor of that Church. No maruell then if so great a matter require such a vehement and solemn charge to stirre vp the Prophet vnto attention. Sonne of man. see with thine eyes, and heare with thine eares, and set thine heart vpon all which I shall shew thee. Hardly in the whole booke of God shall you finde such an other. (chap. 40. 1. 2. 3. 4.)

The thing it selfe is thus expressed:

1. There shall a new Church be erected by the prea­ching of the Gospell: which the measuring of the house, 7. Posit. Generall call. (vers. 5. to the end of the chapter.) the temple, (chap. 41.) and the courts, (chap. 42.) and of all the parts noteth. But both these measurements, and whatsoeuer followeth touching the diuision of the land, the seates of the Tribes, the por­tions allotted to the Prince, Priests, and Leuites, the man­ner of their sacrifices and oblations, or all new, varying from that which is in Moses (though for their weakenesse by those outward things hee shadoweth heauenly) to shew the abrogating of the legall ceremonies.

2. The Lord who had left the Temple and the Citie, Ezech. 10. doth now return, and filleth this house with the 31. Posit. Glorious church glory of his presence (chap. 43. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.)

3. The sanctitie of the Church purged from Idolatry, Superstition, and Will-worship. They shall not, saith he, 34. Posit. Puritie. defile my house any more with their spiritual whoredoms, nor with the carcasses of their Kings in their high places (that is the sacrifices of mans flesh, as Ieremy 16. 18. which they offered to Moloch, Leuit. 18. 21. whom they called their King, Amos 5. 56. after the manner of the Ammonites, [Page 53] whose Idoll it was) and so by their owne iniquities making a wall of separation betweene me and them. (Chap. 43. 6, 7, 8, 9.)

And this sanctitie of the Church he doth afterwards inlarge by the types of the ceremoniall seruice. (Chap. 43. 10. to the end of the Chapter.)

4. The refining of the ministerie and discipline of the Church, with the same charge in regard of the excellencie 33 Posit. Sanctitie. of the matter, repeated for attention. (chap. 44. 1. to ver. 17.) and lawes prescribed to that purpose. (vers. 17. to the end of the Chapter.)

5. Prouision for the Church-seruice. Which this peo­ple shall be most zealous of. Allotting before any divi­dent of the land, a portion to be set apart for the house of the Lord, the Priests, the Leuites, the people, & the Prince. (chap. 45. 1. to vers. 9.) That both Prince & people might haue whereof to make oblations, (vers. 9, 10, 11, 12.) with lawes also concerning these matters. (vers. 13. to the end of the Chapter.)

6. The fruitfulnes of the land, by the waters flowing 36 Posit. Spirituall gra­ces. aboundantly out of the Temple, that is, by the blessing of God dwelling among them. Wherein is set forth,

1. The rising and increase of these waters (figuring the graces of Gods Spirit in his Church). First, ancle-deepe, then vp to the knees, after to the loynes, lastly not passable. A man might swim in them. (Chap. 47. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

2. This blessing should be ouer all the land. for The waters should issue vnto Galilee, (the vpper part of Iudaea) and so go downe into the plaine, where Iericho stood. (vers. 6, 7. & 1 part of 8.)

3. The fruit hereof is singular. It bringeth life, health, and all good things: it healeth and putteth away all euill. Insomuch as these waters running from the plaine of Ie­richo to the Sea (the dead Sea, or the Lake called Asphal­tites, the salt Lake, (where nothing was wont to grow) the same shall now from one end to an other (from En­gedie to En-eglaim) abound with fish and store of com­modities. [Page 54] Yea euen, the mirie places thereof and the marishes thereof, which were not (before that time) healed, but were employed to salt: neither yeelding of themselues fruit, fish, or other profit, nor by any industrie or skill of man able to be brought vnto it, shall become fruitfull. (2 part of vers. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.)

7. The bounds of the land shall be full as large, if not larger then before. Compare Numb. 24. (vers. 13 to the 24 Posit. Inhabit all the Land. end of the Chapter.)

8. The diuiding of the land, and what seats shall be assigned to euery Tribe. (chap. 48. 1. to vers. 30.) 8 Posit. X. Tribes.

9. The elegancie of the Holy Citie, newly to be re-ede­fied. (vers. 30, 31, 32, 33, 34.) 31 Posit. Glorious church

10. The perpetuitie of it. God will abide therein for euer. From that day forward, the name of the Citie shall be, 43 Posit. Perpetuitie of the Church. Iehovah Shammah or Iehovah there. (vers. 35.) The truth of that which the Temple, whilest it stood, as a type or figure did represent, This is my rest for euer. Here will I dwell. Psal. 132. 14.

Dan. chap. 2. vers. 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45.

THe fourth kingdome is the Romane Empire, whose leggs are of iron. (vers. 40.)

The feete and toes part of iron and part of clay, (vers. 41, 42, 43.) are the Roman Empire yet continuing; but weaker then it was before, whilest it consisted of leggs of iron, being now but of feet and toes. And this Empire is diuided, as the feet and toes are. One part is the kingdom of the Pope in the West (for he is the 7 ^th head of the beast Rev. 17. 10, 11. He whom we call the Emperor, hath no­thing to do with the Empire, which was of Rome). The other part is the Turke in the East, before whom 3 of the hornes of the Empire are rooted out. See Dan. 7. 8. It is euident that these feete and toes are part of the Romane Empire: for the Image describeth onely 4. Kingdomes. [Page 55] But if the feete and toes were a distinct kingdome from the leggs, there should be fiue.

The kingdome raised vp in those dayes, which shall 46 Posit. Enemies subdu­ed. not be destroyed for euer, but shall destroy all other king­domes, is the kingdome of the Iewes. (vers. 44, 45.)

Whose Church is the stone hewen out of the moun­taine without hands. Till which time the Romane Em­pire shall endure, and then wholly be destroyed.

Chap. 7.

THE 4 beasts (vers. 3.) are 4 kingdomes, as it is expounded vers. 17. whereof, The first beast a Lion, is the kingdome of the Assyrians, extinct, and gone before Daniel saw the Vision. (vers. 4)

The second a Beare, is the Persian Monarchie. (v. 5.)

The third, a Leopard, the Greeke Monarchie or the Kingdome of the Macedonians. (vers. 6.)

The fourth is, the Romane Empire: whose X. hornes (vers. 7.) are 10 kingdomes not diuers from that of the beast. For then there should be 5. Kingdomes, contrary to that is said here vers. 17. And these 10 Kingdomes are the 10 hornes of the Dragon. Rev. 12. 3.

The litle horne that grew out among them (1 part of vers. 8.) is the Turke, the Dragon of the sixt Viale Revel. 16. 13. Of whom onely, and of the rest of the enemies that should oppresse the Iewes, Daniel speaketh without any respect to the west Antichrist.

By this litle horne three of those hornes were rooted out. (2 part of vers. 8.) That is, a third part of the Romane Empire subdued; which yet retaineth 7 hornes, whereof the Turke shall neuer be Lord and Maister, further then as he may by some sodaine storme for a while oppresse them. This third part of the Romane Empire so to be de­stroyed, is intended from East to West, not from South to North. For therein the Turke possesseth more then euer the Romanes had.

[Page 56] This litle horne must raigne till the thrones be taken away, 18 Posit. Conquest. and the auncient of dayes sit. (vers. 9.) That is, till after all the kingdomes of the world destroyed, the whole principalitie remaine with Christ; as presently it shall, af­ter this blasphemous horne, the Turke, cut of. And till that time, the fourth beast is not to haue an end.

The continuance of the Turkish tyrannie, shal be, a time, times, and a diuision of times. (vers. 25.) that is, a set time, set 11 Posit. Time of first conversion. times and a halfe; as it is explaned Dan. 12. 7. Of what length that is, may be vnderstood by Rev. 9. 13. that giueth him an houre, a day, a moneth and a yeare: which in all (ac­counting a day for a yeare) commeth to 395 dayes. A time then is 100 yeares: times, 200 yeares: halfe a time, 50 yeares. So the whole space, if you account from the beginning of the Turkish power, which all histories place Anno 1300, will end at they yeare 1650. But that you will say commeth short of that, which is in the Reuelation, by 45 yeares. The reason is, because the Reuelation setteth downe the vttermost period of the Turkish name; but the Angell here, and Dan. 12. 7. noteth his first declining, which shall be 45 yeares before, as is apparant Dan. 12. 11, 12. So Dan. 11. 44. tidings shall first trouble him, and then a few yeares after followeth his vtter destruction in the land of comelinesse. The distribution therefore of time, both here and Dan. 12. 7. reacheth no further then to those tidings. And then shall the people of the Iewes de­stroy 18 Posit. Conquest. him. (vers. 26.) After which shall be set vp a glorious both kingdome and Church among them. 30 Posit. Flourishing Commonwealth. (vers. 27.)

Dan. 9. 24. &c. to the end of the Chapter. 31 Posit. Glorious church

DANIELS weekes (as they are commonly termed) belong in part to this Argument: for in them is fore­told the destruction of the Citie and Temple at Ierusalem, for the Iewes contempt in reiecting the Messiah. But this [Page 57] requireth some larger Tractate. And therefore I refer it to the end of the Booke.

Dan. chapters 11. & 12.

THese two Chapters are a prophecie of the manifold oppression of Gods people the Iewes, and of the happy issue, which God shall send.

Oppressors there are fiue.

First, the Persian Monarchie. (ve. 1, 2.)

Secondly, the Graecians, to wit, Alexander the Great, his foure successors, the Ptolomees and Antiochus. (vers. 3. to the 36 verse.)

Thirdly, the Romane Empire: vnder the name of that King. (vers. 36, to vers. 40.)

Fourthly, the Saracens pointed at vnder the name of the King of the South. Who in the time of the end, mea­ning towards the end of the glory of the Roman Empire, hauing Mahomet for their Captaine, assaulted the Roman territories out of Arabia, and other meere Southerly countries. (1 part of vers. 40.)

Lastly, the King of the North. That is, the Turke, whom the furthest northerne parts sent into the world thorough the Caspian gates. (2 part of vers. 40.)

Him you haue described,

First by his prospering against the Saracens & Romans, (3 part of vers. 40.) against Iudaea, the land of comeli­nesse, and other adioyning countries, (vers. 41.) Aegypt, Lybia and Aethiopia. (vers. 42, 43.)

Secondly, by his ruine and downefall. Whereof two steps are noted.

One, his first declining vpon the Iewes of the East and 10 Posit. First conuerted. North countries, conuerted to the Christian faith. Which must needs terribly affright him, being then beset before with vs Christians of the West, and behinde by the new Christian Iewes. (vers. 44.)

The other his vtter ouerthrow by warre in the land of [Page 58] Iudaea; which is here described by two notes: one in say­ing, betweene the Seas, meaning Euphrates (which the 17 Posit. Place of con­flict. Scripture is wont to call a Sea) and the Syrian Creeke of the Mediterranean Sea. The other, at the holy mount of Comelinesse, (as Iudaea is called the Comelinesse of all Coun­tries. 20 Posit. Place of Gogs fall. Ezech. 20. 6, 15.) which doth explane the former, and more particularly designe the place where the Grand Signior himself shal fall, at the holy mountaine, as Esay 24. 25. whose fall is first closely and couertly pointed at by a rare and extraordinarie word (tents of the ire of his Iudgement) vsed for this onely purpose, to note his extraordinarie and heauy punishment. (1 part of vers. 45.) as Esay 30. 33. Then it is in expresse words laid forth, and the manner also signified how he shall come to his end, there shall be none to helpe him. As if he would say, his ouerthrow shall come 19 Posit. Gods fighting. not so much from the force of man, as by Gods owne arme from heauen stretched out against him. (2 part of vers. 45.)

Hitherto of the oppression of the Iewes. The ioyfull and happy issue conteyneth foure things.

1. A wonderfull deliuerance from the sorest time of affliction that euer was. (chap. 12. vers. 1.) 16 Posit. Sore distresse.

2. The full restoring of the Nation of the Iewes, and 7 Posit. Generall call. the calling of them to faith in Christ, meant here, by their awaking out of the dustie earth. (1 part of vers. 2.) Of the last resurrection you cannot take it. For the certaine time when this shall be is defined in the 11 & 12 verses.

But withall a certaine qualification is made, that some which shall awake and be so deliuered, shall awake to euerla­sting 9 Posit. Wrath against refractaries. shame and destruction. For all the Iewes shall not agree in the same truth, some shall persist in their former hardnes, notwithstanding all the euident testimonies that God shall giue vnto his Sonne. For whom there remaineth Read Verse 45. the first part of it thus. ‘And he shall plant the tents of the wrath of his iudgement, betweene the Seas &c.’ [Page 59] no further promise of grace. (2 part of vers. 2.)

3. Their glorious Church. Those that are wise, that is, 31 Posit. Glorious church the whole companie of the faithfull, shall shine as the firma­ment. But the teachers, those that make other righteous, by teaching, exhorting, reprouing, comforting, as the more lightsome part of their orbe, like shining stars shall beauti­fie this firmament. (vers. 3.) For it is said here, they that be wise and do make righteous, in the present, not in the time past. Which is a proofe that he speaketh not of the last resurrection.

4. The time when all this shall be. (vers. 4.)

Which time is doubly designed.

First in generall, by an Angels question vnto Christ. (vers. 5, 6) and Christs answer with a solemne oath, that 11 Posit. Time of first conversion. the end of these marueilous things shall be at a time, two times, and halfe a time. Which words being generall and vncertaine, and to be applied to any time, are in the words following reduced to one certaine and definite time: namely, when he shall make an end of scattering the holy peo­ple. The meaning therefore is, that this end shall be, when the blasphemous kingdome of the Turkes is at an end: that is, after 350 yeares of the Turkish power, which hath his expiration about Anno 1650. At what time God will leaue scattering of his holy people, and of further powring out his wrath vpon them. For then shall the Turkes first declining come. (vers. 7.)

Secondly, it is set forth in more particular manner, and diuidedly, vpon Daniels humble suite. (vers. 8.) yet not for his vnderstanding from whom these things were shut vp, (vers. 9.) but for the Elects sake in succeeding ages, in whom these things amidst their many trials may breede constancie and sweet comfort, and who about the end of these things shall be diligent to search out the truth here­of. (vers. 10.)

First therefore he maketh one common beginning of the account. From the daily sacrifice taken away, (which was done by the death of Christ) and from the laying of the [Page 60] abhomination desolate. for so I would translate these words. (1 part of vers. 11.) By abhomination he meaneth the Iewes sacrificings; which were impious and abhominable after Christ by his death had set an end to them. The laying of this abhomination desolate, was by the last publike ouerthrow of the legall seruice in the destruction of Ieru­salem. Not that by Vespasian, but in the time of Iulian, when the Apostata, in hatred of the Christian name, giuing the Iewes leaue to repaire the Temple, and that at the publike charge. God by an earth-quake did vtterly throw downe the old foundations, that neuer afterwards any thing could be attempted in that kinde. This was about the yeare 360.

From hence groweth a twofold period or a double ap­pointed terme. One 1290 dayes, (2 part of vers. 11.) 11 Posit. Time of first conversion. that is to say, yeares. (for morning and euening are not set downe to note them to be naturall dayes, as before chap. 8. 11.) Adding therfore 1290 to 360, there will arise 1650. which is the yeare of the Turkish power first declining, and perfectly accomplished in the time, times, and halfe a time before vers. 7.

The second period or praefixed time (vers. 12.) is 1335 dayes or yeares, which addeth 45 yeares to the former, 22 Posit. Time of con­quest. and endeth at the yeare 1695. Being that space of an houre, day, moneth, and a yeare Rev. 9. 15. when the Turkish tyrannie shall be vtterly extinct and rooted out. And blessed indeed are they that attaine this time, as the Angell here saith. For this is the glorious resurrection spoken of vers. 2. and the greatest felicitie that it is possible for Gods Saints to come vnto vpon earth.

HOSHEA.

THE three first Chapters of Hoshea, and the soure last, are spent in this Argument. An entire expli­cation of the whole Prophecie, I purposely reserue to the end of the Booke.

Ioel, according to the common distinction which we follow, chap. 2. verse 28. to the end of the booke.

THE Prophet from temporall things leadeth the peo­ple to the consideration of spirituall blessings, which are;

1. The graces of the Spirit that vpon Christs ascension shall be powred vpon the Church, for so the Apostle inter­preteth this place, Act. 2. (chap. 2. vers. 28. 29. 30. 31.)

2. A holy seed or remnant to remaine among the Iewes. (1. part of vers. 32.)

3. The Gentiles to participate of Christ. (2. part of ver. 32.) 3 Posit. Remnant.

4. Gods mercy towards the Iewes in the last daies. Set­ting forth;

First, their restoring. (chap. 3. vers. 1.)

Secondly, the destruction of their enemies: wherein are specified.

1. The place, The valley of Iehoshaphat, which was in the 5 Posit. Call. view of Ierusalem, 2. Chron. 20. For Gog and Magog shall 18 Posit. Conquest. compasse the beloued City, and there shall fire from hea­uen deuoure them, Reu. 20. 9. (1. part of vers. 2.) 17. Posit. Place of conflict.

2. The cause of this iudgement, their ill entreating of his people. (2. part of vers. 2. and vers. 3)

3. An enumeration of some particular foes, (vers. 4.) whose hard dealing with the people is likewise reckoned, (vers. 5. 6.) and their iust retribution: (vers. 7.) for as they sold the children of Iuda and Ierusalem to the Gręcians, that they might be carried farre from their borders: so will God sell their sonnes and daughters into the hands of the 46 Posit. Enemies pos­sessed. children of Iuda, who shall sell them to the Sabaeans, fa­mous Marchants, that will vent them into remote Coun­tries: (vers. 8.) whereby is intimated the sway which the Iewes shall haue in the Church of Christ, by conuerting of the Gentiles, as Esay 14. 2.

4 He proclaimeth open war, and encourageth men vn­to it. (vers. 9. 10. 11. 12.)

5. He assureth them of victory. (vers. 13.) 18 Posit. Conquest.

[Page 62] 6. He sheweth what a multitude shall be slaine, as Ezec. 39. (verse 14)

7. He denounceth the vtter downfall and ruine of this 18 Posit. Conquest. mightie Monarchie, by such Metaphors as with the Scrip­ture is vsuall, the ruine of potent and flourishing king­domes, (vers. 15. 16.)

8. The holinesse and sanctitie of the new Ierusalem, 33. Posit. Sanctity. (vers. 17.)

9. The fruitfulnesse of the land. (1. part. of vers. 18.) 27. Posit. Fruitfulnesse of the land.

10. The aboundance of Spiritual graces, as Amos 9. 13. (2. part of vers. 18.)

11. Other nations, associate to the profession of the 36. Posit. Spiritual graces Gospell, (2. part of vers. 18.) for by the valley of Shittim, which was in the playnes of Moab, Numb. 25. 1. the Gen­tiles 44. Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. are vnderstood, and their subiection vnto Christ, by the laying of them waste and desolate: (vers. 19.) As Zach. 46 Posit. Enemies sub­dued. 10. 11.

12. Perpetuity of the Church of God in Iudah and Ie­rusalem. 26 Posit. Continue for euer. (vers. 20.)

13. The cause of all this is expressed, (vers. 21.) Be­cause Iehouah, Christ dwelleth there. 31. Posit. Glorious church

Amos 9. 8. to the end of the Prophesie.

THese words containe the threatning of an extream de­solation, 4. Posit. Desolation. (vers. 8. 9. 10.) with some comfort enterlaced (in the end of the 8. verse,) of a little remaine to be left. Se­condly, 3 Posit. Remnant. they containe promises of the Gospell: to wit, 5. Posit. Call

1. The setting vp (among the Iewes) of the kingdome of Dauid through Christ, as glorious as euer it was before, 31 Posit. Glorious Church. in the most flourishing times of Dauid or Salomon, (verse 11.) 44. Posit. All Nations embracing Christ.

2. All nations shall ioyne with them, and be made par­takers of one common inheritance. So doth Iames, Acts 15. 16. 17. expound it.

3. The chiefesway & soueraignty shal remain with the 46. Posit. Enemies posses­sed. Iewes, as Obadiah, vers. 19. (the 2. and 3. you haue vers. 12.)

[Page 63] 4. The fruitfulnesse of their land, as Ioel. 3. 18. (verse. 36 Posit. Spirituall gra­ces. 13.)

5. The inhabiting in their owne countrey. (vers. 14) 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey.

6. Perpetuity of their abode there. (vers. 15.) 26. Posit. Continue for euer.

Obadiah, verse 15.

IT is ordinarie with the Prophets, vpon occasion of the crueltie of the oppressors of Gods people to breake forth into meditation of the kingdome of Christ, and the glory of the new Ierusalem; so doth our Prophet here: His medi­tation containeth,

1. The destruction of the enemies of the Church in ge­nerall. 18. Posit. Conquest. (vers. 15.)

2. The time, after the Iewes haue drunke of the cup of 4 Posit. Desolation. Gods wrath: whereby he doth intimate their long desola­tion. (1. part of vers. 16.)

3. The vtter downfall, and vnrecouerable ruine of these enemies. (2. part of vers. 16.) 18 Posit. Conquest.

4. Aremnant, a holy seede that shall be left among the 3 Posit. Remnant. Iewes in the middest of their wofull desolation. (1. part of vers. 17.)

5. That of these a Church shall be gathered at the last. 5 Posit. Call. (2. part of vers. 17.)

6. They shall inherit their olde possessions. (3. part of 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. vers. 17.)

7. The vtter ruine of this particular enemy, the house of Esau: but by it is meant, that by the power of the Iewes 46 Posit. Enemies subdu­ed. they and the rest of the Gentiles, enemies to the Church, tamed and subdued, shall stoop vnto Christs obedience: 46 Posit. Enemies posses­sed. (vers. 18.) as Num. 24. 17. Esay 11. 14. The soueraignty o­uer other Nations that shall ioyne with them in the profes­sion of Christ, remaining with the Iewes, (1. part of vers. 19.) As Ioel 3. 12.)

[Page 64] 8. Iudah & Beniamin shall inhabit all their ancient boun­ders, 23. Posit. Dwell in their Country. (2. part of vers. 19.) and the X. Tribes theirs (verse. 20.)

9. The spreading of Christs Kingdome to all Nations 8 Posit. X. Tribes. of the world by the ministery of the Gospell, as Math. 24. 44 Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. 31. (vers. 21.)

Micah. 7. 7. to the end.

AFter complaint made of the iniquity of the times, the Prophet first exhorteth Gods people to faith, pati­ence and expectation of the promises, (vers. 7. 8. 9.) and then layeth downe comforts and consolations; which are of two sorts, the destruction of their enemies (which though it be spoken but in generality, yet the circumstances consi­dered 18 Posit. Conquest. may well be thought to haue an eye to the Tyrants that now hold the Iewes in subiection) [vers. 10.] and then fauours to his Church. Those fauours are,

1. The building of them vp, that is, their heauenly cal­ling. 5. Posit. Call. (1. part of verse 11.) Read Verse 11. thus. ‘ In the day that thy walls are to be built, that day shall the Decree got farre: He meaneth the Decree, which is Verse 14.’

[Page 65] 2. The publishing of the Gospell throughout the 44. Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. world, vttered first generally, that the Decree of God to build vp the Church, and to gather a holy people to him­selfe, shall goe forth and be proclaimed farre abroad, (2. part of vers. 11.) and afterwards in particular, reckoning vp A shur (East) Aegypt (South) to whose name the Originall doth elegantly allude in the word which we translate, for­tified Cities: and the Sea (West) as Hosh. 11. 10. 11. (vers. 12.)

3. The desolation that before that time shall befall 4 Posit. Desolation. them. (vers. 13.)

4. The inhabiting of the land againe. (vers. 14.) 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey.

5. Great and wonderfull things that God will shew for their deliuerance, euen as hee did when they came out of Aegypt. (vers. 15.) Like enough he meaneth the drying vp of Euphrates, fire and brimstone that shall come downe from heauen to deuoure Gog and Magog, &c. See Zach. 9. 12. which shal astonish all Nations, and cause them to yeeld 44. Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. subiection to the Iewes. (vers. 16. 17.)

Tsephania. Chap. 3. vers. 8. to the end.

THe Prophet here comforteth those in whom there is some grace and feare of God in the middest of corrupt and most depraued times, by propounding;

1. The destruction of their enemies, the same that are spoken of, Micah 7. 10. (vers. 8.) 18 Posit. Conquest.

2. The generall consent of all Nations in the profession 44 Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. of Christ. (vers. 9.)

3. The Iewes resorting from the furthest parts of the world, to set vp the spirituall worship of God. (vers. 10.) 7. Posit. Generall call.

4. The famous Church that shall be among them, full 33. Posit. Sanctity. of sanctitie, and ridde of all wicked ones. (vers. 11. 12. 13.)

5. The ioy and gladnesse that shall possesse their soules (vers. 14.) through Gods remouing of all cause of feare 40 Posit. Joy. from them. (vers. 15.) 45. Posit. Nations honou­ring them.

6. The incouragement they shall receiue from others. (vers. 16.

[Page 66] 7. Which is the cause of all this, the apparant argu­ments 31 Posit. Glorieus Church. of Gods great loue and fauour. (vers. 17.)

8. The qualitie of those that shall be receiued to be Ci­tizens of this new lerusalem: (vers. 18) Those (saith hee) that are heauy because of the solemn assembly (the Church and congregation of the Saints where God is worshipped, and where they are but strangers) I will gather, of thee are they (thy naturall children, true members of the Church) heauy I say, because of the burden layd vpon it (the Church) and reproach.

9. Thevtter rooting out of all their enemies. (1. part 18. Posit. Conquest. of vers. 19.)

10. The fame and dignity that the Church of the Iews 45 Posit. Nations honou­ring them. shall be of among all nations. (2. part of vers. 19. and vers. 20.)

Zachary, Chap. 2. vers. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

IT seemeth that the thirteenth verse cannot bee vnder­stood of the Babylonians that neuer were made a spoyle vnto the Iewes, but the promises of the Gospell which are annexed to it, leade vs by the hand to the finding out of the enemy that should be meant. Wherefore the Prophet in these foure verses setteth forth;

1. The Iewes subduing of the proud tyrant, vnder whom they now sigh and groane by the power of Christ. 18. Posit. Conquest. (vers. 9.)

2. Christs dwelling among them, that is to say, their 5 Posit. Call. conuersion. (vers. 10.)

3. The multitude of Nations that shall ioyn themselues 38 Posit. Multiplication of beleeuers. to Christ. (vers. 11.)

4. The Iewes inhabiting in their owne land. (vers. 12.) And so this whole Prophesie is shut vp by a noble Epipho­nema, 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. setting forth the glory, holines, and maiesty of the worke. (vers. 13.)

Zacharie. Chap. 8. vers. 7. 8. and againe, vers. 20. 21. 22. 23.

THE conference of these latter verses with the former two teacheth the true sence & vnderstanding of them. The seuenth and eight containe a promise:

First, of the gathering of the Iewes to seeke Christ out 5. Posit. Call. of all the parts of the world where they bee scattered. (vers. 7.)

2. Of their dwelling and inhabiting in Ierusalem, their 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. owne Country. (1 part of vers. 8.)

3. Of Gods gracious and constant couenant with them. 35. Posit. Couenant. (2. part of ver. 8.)

The foure latter verses (20. 21. 22. 23.) speake of the Gentiles of all tongues and languages, ioyning with the 44. Posit. All Nations embracing Christ. Iewes in the worship of the same God: which respecteth the time of the Iewes conuersion, and of the full comming in of the Gentiles.

Zachary, Chapter 9. Vers. 10. to the end of the chapter.

TO the promise of Christs comming (vers. 9.) hee ad­deth others.

1. The Gentiles receiuing of him: I will take away, saith he, the instruments of warre: in the Church shall be all peace, and the Gentiles, yea the farthest and most re­mote shall be receiued into the fellowship and participati­on of that peace. (vers. 10.)

2. The Iewes partaking in the couenant of Christ, that 5. Posit. Call. is to say, their conuersion. (1. part of vers. 11.)

3. The exceeding thraldome, out of the which he will 4. Posit. Desolation. set them free. (2. part of vers. 11.)

4. The returne to their owne Country, the fort of Sion. 23. Posit. Dwell in their Country. (1. part of vers. 12.)

[Page 68] 5. The excellent worke that God will perform for them as Micah 7. 15. (2. part of vers. 12.) which in the verses fol­lowing he setteth downe in particular to be the ouerthrow by their hands, (the hands of Iudah and Ephraim, to note that all the XII. Tribes shall be called) of that Greek Ty­rant 8 Posit. X. Tribes. (the Turke Lord of Greece) [vers. 13.] God himselfe 18 Posit. Conquest. declaring by euident tokens, that he is their Captaine, Lea­der, (vers. 14.) and Protector, (1. part of vers. 15.) and gi­uing them a famous victory: (2. part of verse 15.) for which they shall be set a fire with the zeale of Gods glory, (3. part of vers. 15.) and render praise abundantly, (4. part of verse 15.) setting vp in Gods inheritance (their own natiue soyle for there this victory shall bee atchieued) Trophyes and Monuments of Gods deliuery, (vers. 16.) young men and maids filling themselues with the spoyles of their enemies. (verse. 17.)

By all layd together, it appeareth that these things are not to be referred to the story of the Maccabees.

Zachary, Chapter 10. vers. 2. to the end of the Chapter.

THis Chapter which may well be iudged but an en­largement of the former, setteth forth;

1. The Iewes scattering and dispersion, for em­bracing Idolatry, that is, refusing Christ. (vers. 2.) 2 Posit. Reiection.

2. Gods punishing of these Goates, the oppressors of his people, and visiting in mercy his poore flocke, arming 18 Posit. Conquest. them to be his hands, armor, and weapons to conquer their strong and mighty enemies: (vers. 3. 4. 5.) for so I referre [Page 69] these verses to the victorie they shall haue ouer their ene­mies, not which the enemies shall haue ouer them.

3. Iudah and Ephraim both (that is, all the Tribes) shall 8 Posit. X. Tribes. haue their part in Gods saluation. (1 part of vers. 6.)

4. They shall be placed in their country againe. (2 part 23 Posit. Dwell in their Countrey. of vers. 6.)

5. Their gladnes and ioy of heart in Christ. (vers. 7.)

6. The gathering of them out of all the places where 40 Posit. Joy. they were scattered. (1 part of vers. 8.) 5. Posit. Call.

7. The multitudes of the beleeuing Iewes, or their a­boundant multiplying. (2 part of vers. 8.) 38 Posit. Multitude of belieuers.

Both which propounded vers. 8. are declared after­wards more at large.

First, the bringing of them home. (vers. 9. & 1 part 23 Posit. Dwell in their Country. of 10.)

Then their multiplying, such as the Country shall not be able to hold them. The place (as he saith) shall not suf­fice 28 Posit. Country popu­lous. them. (2 part of vers. 10.) Whence commeth

8. Ashurs and Aegypts subiection to Christ, that is, all 44 Posit. All Nations embracing Christ. the Tract of the East and of the South. (vers. 11.)

9. Perpetuall establishment in the faith of Christ. (vers. 12.) 26 Posit. Continue for euer.

Zach. chap. 11. vers. 14, 15, 16, 17.

The rejection of the Iewes for refusing Christ. 2 Posit. Reiection.

Zach. chap. 12. & 13. & 14.

GOd being to informe his people of wonderfull things which he will doe for them, beginneth with a glori­ous and magnificent proeme of his owne greatnes, (v. 1.) and then numbreth the particulars.

1. The famous victorie which the men of Iudah and 18 Posit. Conquest. Ierusalem shall get of their enemies. He meaneth no doubt Gog and Magog. And this by diuers all egories [Page 70] and similitudes is notably inlarged. (vers. 2. to v. 97.) and the excellencie of strength and valour declared, which God will minister to them all equally for their defence, that none lift vp themselues aboue an other, but all alike ascribe the glory vnto God. (vers. 7, 8.)

2. The serious and vnfeyned repentance of the whole 5. Posit. Call. Nation, who shall powre forth riuers of teares, euery one seuerally and apart: God by his Spirit of grace effectually touching their hearts with a compunction of their for­mer sinne, in crucifying the Lord of glory. (vers. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.)

3. The riches of Gods mercy, washing away the foule­nesse of their horrible sinne, by the infinite vertue of Christs sacrifice. (Chap. 13. 1.) 34 Posit Puritie of do­ctrine.

4. The puritie of Religion and of the Gospell among them, purged from idolatrie (1 part of vers. 2.) and false doctrine. (2. part of vers. 2.) For such false Teachers shall either be put to death, yea euen by their owne father and mother, being the first accusers according to the law. Deut. 13. (so great shall be the zeale of this people tur­ning vnto God) [vers. 3.] or shall be forced to renounce their errors for shame (vers. 4, 5.) or punishment (vers. 6.)

Zach. chap. 13. vers. 7. to the end of the Prophecie.

THE Prophet either beginneth here a new Sermon, or taketh vp a-new the things which he spake be­fore: worthy againe and againe to be beaten vpon for the singular and vnspeakable comfort of his Nation. He maketh himselfe a passage to the things he meaneth to speake, by preuenting an obiection, the scandall of the death of Christ. whom all forsooke when he was betrayed. (1 part of vers. 7.) Yet (saith he) I will hold my hand ouer my litle ones, keepe and preserue my litle flocke vnto euerlasting life. (2 part of vers. 7.)

This obiection taken away, and the doubt cleared, now [Page 71] he reckoneth the good things that God will gratiously deale vnto the Iewes.

1. A holy remnant shall be left. (vers. 8.)

2. They shall be tryed and tryed againe; meaning their 3 Posit. Remnant. long time of desolation. (1 part of vers. 9.) 4 Posit. Desolation.

3. Of them will God gather a Church vnto himselfe. (2 part of vers. 9.) 5 Posit. Call.

4. Vpon their profession of Christ shall come the so­rest time of affliction that euer was; (Chap. 14. vers. 1.) 16 Posit. Sore distresse. when God and Magog with all his troupes and armies 17 Posit. Place of con­flict. shall compasse the beloued Citie. Rev. 20. 8, 9. (1 part of (vers. 2.)

5. The glorious conquest which for all that the Iewes 41 Posit. Conquest. shall haue. (last part of vers. 2.) For God himselfe from heauen will miraculously fight for them, (vers. 3, 4, & first 19 Posit. Gods fighting. part of 5.) with all the holy Angels, the ministers of his iudgements. (last part of vers. 5.)

6. The glorious Church they shall erect. There shall be no darknes but perpetuall light, as Esay 60 20. Rev. 21. 31 Posit. Glorious church 23. 25. It shall not be (saith he) sometimes cleare, some­times mistie, (variable and vncertaine weather, now faire, now foule) but one day, not of day and night: for in the euening when night is wont to come, it shall be light. As if he would say, it shall be alwayes day and no night. (vers. 6, 7.)

7. Aboundance of spirituall graces, noted by liuing wa­ters 36 Posit. Spirituall gra­ces. flowing out of Ierusalem to all the parts of the land. And that continually, neuer drie winter nor sommer. (vers. 8.) as Ezech. 47. Rev. 22.

8. From them the Gospell shall go out to all Nations of the world: who with one consent shall submit them­selues 44 Posit. All Nations embracing Christ. Read verse 5. the first part thus. ‘ Then yee shall flieby the valley of my mountaines, (when he (meaning God) shall draw neere the valley of the mountaines) to the place he hath selected. By valley of the mountaines, he meaneth the valley which God com­ming shall make of Mount Oliues parting asunder. And by the place he hath selected, Gods House and Temple.’ [Page 72] to Christ. (vers. 9.)

9. All the land shall be inhabited from one end vnto an 24 Posit. Inhabit all the Land. other.

10. And shall be more fruitfull then before. For euen the rough & rugged mountaines shall be as the pleasant 27 Posit. Fruitfulnes of the land. champions. Both these you haue vers. 10.

11. The sanctitie of the Church. (1 part of vers. 11.) 33 Posit. Sanctitie. For (saith he) there shall be no more curse, no execrable or ac­cursed thing there. So the word is to be rendred. As Rev. 22. 3.

12. The safetie and securitie. (2 part of vers. 11.) 41 Posit. Safety of the Church.

The praecedent promises that were so great and glori­ous, the Prophet now doth further in large and illustrate.

First the conquest of their enemies (which was the fifth point.) 18 Posit. Conquest.

1. By Gods strange iudgements vpon them. (vers. 12.)

2. By the meanes. Both, they shall thrust their sword ech into his neighbours side, (vers. 13.) and Iudah shall fight brauely. (1 part of vers. 14.)

3. Their wealth and substance shall become a prey. (2 part of vers. 14.)

4. Their horses of seruice and all the beasts they bring with them, shall be as strangely plagued as the men them­selues. (vers. 15.)

Secondly, is enlarged the profession of Christ among 44 Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ. all nations of the world (which was the eight point) [vers. 16, 17, 18, 19.]

And lastly, the sanctitie of the Church (which was the 33 Posit. Sanctitie. 11 ^th point.) [vers. 20, 21.]

Malachie, chap. 3. vers 17. to the 22.

MAy seeme to haue reference to the thorough con­uersion 5 Posit. Call. of the Iewish Nation and destruction of their enemies. 18 Posit. Conquest.

Matth. Chap. 23. vers. 38, 39. (And the same Luke Chap. 13. vers. 35.)

An euident prophecie,

1. OF the Iewes long desolation. (vers. 38.) 4 Posit. Desolation.

2. OF their conversion at the last. For he teacheth that these miseries shall endure, till seriously and from 5 Posit. Call. their heart, they embrace him the true Messias. (vers. 39.) See Ezech. 21. 31, 32.

Matth. 24. vers. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. (and the same Mark. 13. vers. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. and againe Luk. 21. vers. 24, 25, 26, 27.)

OF the signes mentioned in this Scripture, that are to fore-runne Christs comming vnto Iudgement, I haue written else where at large.

There be foure of them.

1. The Churches grieuous persecution vnder the Ro­mish Synagogue. Our Sauiour here (to make men the better to take heede) painting her out euen in her colours. (Matth. 24. vers. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. and the beginning of vers. 29.)

2. The ruine of the Turkish Empire. (vers. 29)

3. The calling of the Iewes. (vers. 30.) 5. Posit. Call.

Wherein obserue, 22 Posit. Time of con­quest.

The time, as soone as the Turke is ouerthrowne.

The glory of their Church, like the glory of Christ comming vnto iudgement. 31 Posit. Glorious church

The generalitie of their call, extending to all the Tribes. and lastly, 8 Posit. X. Tribes.

Their serious and true repentance. 5 Posit. Call.

4. The publishing of the Gospell thoroughout the world. (vers. 31.) 44 Posit. All nations em­bracing Christ.

I onely name the heads: you shall finde these things [Page 74] more fully opened in The Summe of Sacred Diuinitie. fol. 529.

Rom. 9. 27. to the end of the 11 ^th Chapter.

THree things the Apostle here debateth.

First is the rejecting of the Iewes to be no more 21 Posit. Retection. Gods people, for seeking righteousnesse by their owne workes, and not by faith in Christ. (which lasteth from Chap. 9. 27. to the 11. Chapter.)

The second, that God yet hath left a remnant, a holy 3 Posit. Remnant. seede, (chap. 11. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.) notwithstanding that Israel in generall be hardened. (vers. 7, 8, 9, 10.)

The third, that God will haue mercy vpon them, and receiue them at the last. Whereunto our Apostle com­meth 5 Posit. Call. by degrees.

1. He sheweth Gods purpose in casting them off. Not for their vtter ruine, (1 part of vers. 11.) but for a three­fold end. One that a way may be made for the Gentiles to be saued. (2 part of vers. 11.) An other, that thorough the grace offred to the Gentiles, themselues might be pro­uoked to a holy emulation. as Esay 2. 2, 3, 4. (last part of vers. 11.) A third, that their taking to at the last, may much more cause the Gospell to be published among all Nations. (vers. 12.) which two latter ends, the second and the third, are amplified in their order. (The second, vers. 13, 14. The third, vers. 15.)

2. He proueth it by a notable Argument. In that the roote being holy, the branches must needs be so. (vers. 16.)

3. He exhorteth the Gentiles not to insult vpon them. (vers. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.)

4. He declareth that God is able to graffe them in, (vers. 23.) by a greater example of Gods power vpon vs Gentiles. (vers. 24.)

5. He layeth downe the doctrine it selfe of Gods plea­sure and will to graffe them in indeed. (vers. 25.)

[Page 75] 6. He fortifieth the same by Scripture, (vers. 26, 27.) by Gods vnrepentant counsels, (vers. 28, 29.) and by the like example of the Gentiles. (vers. 30, 31.)

7. And lastly, he shutteth vp all with the admiration of Gods wisedome and vnsearchable iudgements in this behalfe. (vers. 32, 33, 34, 35, 36.)

2 Cor. 3. 16.

IS expresse, that as now they are hardned, so one day 2 Posit. Reiection. their heart shall turne vnto the Lord.

2 Thess. 2. 8. 5. Posit. Call.

THe destroying of that wicked one by the brightnes 31 Posit. Glorious church of Christs comming, is meant of the glory and ex­cellencie of Christ appearing in the Iewes conuer­sion, as Math. 24. 30. Rev. 1. 7. For though Rome shall be­fore that be ouerthrowne, yet till then, Poperie shall not wholy fall, nor Antichrist be vtterly done away. Of the end of the world it cannot be vnderstood, seeing it is euident the Turke shall hold out some-while after the beast and false Prophet, both triple crowne and Papall dignitie done away. Rev. 20. 8, 9, 10.