The Coronation of David, Table of contents (2 of 3)
How David was afterward brought to the kingdome.8 How it pleaſed God, notwithſtanding theſe perſecutions, to bring David at length to the kingdome is now to bee ſeene: and firſt how he brought him to one part of it; and then how he brought him to all the reſt. VntoUnto ſome part of the kingdome we finde that he brought him,Firſt but vntounto ſome part of it immediatly after the death of Saul: but not to the reſt til Iſhboſheth alſo ye ſonne of Saul was taken away. In the former of which we are to note, how conuenient a way he made him vntounto it a little before he was to enter, and then how he brought him to the fruition, or vntounto the reall poſſeſſion of it. He made him a conuenient way to enter, both in ſuch things as concerned the preparing of David vntounto it:What way was made vntounto it. Firſt preparing David vntounto it. and then in remoouing certeyne others out of the way, that otherwiſe might be an hinderance vntounto him. He prepared David vntounto it, both in preſeruing him from ſuch things as were agaynſt him: and in prouiding him one ſpeciall helpe which made to his purpoſe. Thoſe things that made agaynſt him, were two: one, the perill of his perſon: the other, the hazard of his good name. For the preſeruation of his perſon, the Lord was ſo good and gracious vntounto him, thata27.1.2. when he was afrayd to tarie in Iudea, and thereupon fled vntounto Achiſh (one of the Princes of the Philiſtims) the Lord neuertheleſſe gaue him ſafetie there alſo: when as notwithſtanding David b27.8.9.11ſo behaued himſelfe there, that it was great marueile that he brought not himſelfe into greater daunger there, then he was in before in Iurie: as after we ſhall hauehave more conuenient place to declare. The perill that his good name was in, was, for that being now among the enemies of Saul, and beingc28.2. readie to go to the field with them agaynſt him, the Lord neuertheleſſed.28.2.11. ſo prouided, that he ſhould not bee in the field that day that Saul ſhould bee ouerthrowne: whereas otherwiſe, either himſelf might hauehave been ſome cauſe of his ouerthrowe: or els at leaſt he had been more open to that reproach. That ſpeciall helpe that it pleaſed God to beſtowe vponupon him, and which made ſo much to his purpoſe at that preſent, conſiſted in two principall poynts: wherof the former wase30.20. a great bootie or pray, which (by occaſion that then fell out) he got from certeyne of the Amalekites: the other was a greater power of men that at that time alſo drew vntounto him. With his bootie hef30.26.31. remembred his friends in Iury, where he and his men were wont to haunt: to the number of thirteene cities by name, and to certeyne others beſides: a very good preparatiue to make his friends faſter vntounto him, now that he was (very ſoone after) to ſtand in neede of their helpe for the kingdome. That greater power of men that came vntounto him*1. Chro. 12.1.22. were diuers of the tribes of Benjamin, Gad, Iudah, & Manaſſes: all actiue, valiant, and expert men, and meet for the warres. Who are ſayd to hauehave reſorted to him*Ib. 1.20. at Ziklag: but becauſe there is no mention but only of his former ſixe hundred at his returne from the Amalekites, therefore it is likely that they came not vntounto him, till he was returned thether agayne, and that the ſame was ſhortly after that Saul receiued the ouerthrow. At which time comming as they did, they came very fitly for Davids purpoſe, now that he was to enter the poſſeſſion of ſome part of the Kingdome. Thoſe others that might bee ſome hinderance vntounto him,Then by taking others out of the way, that would, or might hauehave been ſome hinderance vntounto him. are eſpecially Saul, and his ſonnes: then alſo as many of the armie beſides, as being that way affected, were there ouerthrowne. That Saul himſelf would hauehave been an enemie to David in that quarell, all his doings do ſo fully witneſſe, that wee need not to ſtand vponupon that poynt of the matter: and yet ſhall it bee good to conſider more ſpecially, in what manner he, the greateſt enemie that David had, and the ſtrongeſt hinderance vntounto his kingdom was remooued. The manner whereof reſteth in two principall poynts: one, how he might vnderſtand himſelf to be altogether forſaken now before his death: the other, how he was accordingly brought to a miſerable end. He might vnderſtand him ſelf to be altogether forſaken, both in the ſtraungeneſſe that he found in the Lord towards him, when (after a ſort) he ſought to hauehave ſome direction of him what he ſhould do, when now the Philiſtims came in agayne ſo ſtrong vponupon him: and in that anſwer that was giuen by ſuch, as he in that caſe thought good to ſéeke vntounto. The ſtraungenes that he found in the Lord towards him, was ſuch, as that nowg28.5.15. in this great daunger approching, and when he was ſo heartily afrayd thereof, and he in this his diſtreſſeh28.6. ſought vntounto him, neuertheleſſe the Lord gaue himiIbid. no anſwer at all: neither immediatly, by dreames; nor by the miniſterie of others, either ordinarie as by Urim, or extraordinarie as by any Prophet. And good reaſon it was, that he whichk13.8.13.15.9. twiſe before had made ſo light account of the word of the Lord; and now at this preſent did ſo hotely perſecute David, directly agaynſtl… 21. his owne knowledge of the ordinance of God leaning to David; and that in ſo cruell and rageous manner, as that for his ſake, and otherwiſe for no cauſe at all,m22.18. he ſlew ſo many Prieſtes of the Lord, ſhould at no hand finde any anſwer at the mouth of the Lord in this his diſtreſſe, or whenſoeuer he moſt ſhould neede, or fayneſt would. The Lord ſo eſtraunging him ſelf vntounto him, he did not humble himſelf before his face, nor ſo much the more earneſtly ſeeke his fauour: but preſently turned aſide to ſuch as gaue themſelues to ill artes, and ſuch as for that cauſe himſelf hadn28.3 9. before deſtroyed ſo farre as he could. And the anſwer that ſo he receiued was altogether euill:o28.15.19. that the Lord was his enimie, for that he did not execute his fierce wrath vponupon the Amalekites: and that now the Lord would deliuer him and his, both his ſonnes and his people into the hands of the Philiſtims. Which heauie ſentence was notwithſtandingp28.19. the next day afterq31 1 7. fully performed. Ionathan, r23.17.18.it ſeemeth (of himſelf) would neuer hauehave moleſted David for the kingdome: but fully would hauehave contented himſelf, to hauehave been as a friend neere about him. But yet were it likely, that thoſe that were of Saules faction would hauehave laboured, for to hauehave ſet him vp agaynſt David: or, if he would not, then ſome other of his brethren: as notwithſtandingſ2.8.9. Iſhboſheth was ſhortly after ſet vp agaynſt him. So that this way, though not of himſelf, yet by the ſolicitation of others, it was likely enough that Ionathan alſo might hauehave been ſinne hinderance vntounto him. As for Abinadab and Malchiſhua, his other ſonnes,t31.2. that together with Ionathan at that field were ſlaine, they were more likely to hauehave been an hinderance to David, becauſe that as they were the ſonnes of Saul, ſo do we reade of no ſuch fauour that they bare vntounto David that were like to ſtay them from encombring of him in that action. Thoſe of the armie that in that quarell or controuerſie held with Saul, and with him were there ouerthrowne, would no doubt, if they had liued, hauehave wrought what comber they could vntounto David about the kingdome: as afterward alſo thoſe that remaynedu2.8.9. readily did, and therewithall ſhewed what might be feared in the others. That it pleaſed God therefore to take away thoſe, we may ſee that thereby he made a readier way vntounto David to come to the kingdome. To finde out how he brought him to the fruition of it, it is to be noted,The performance of the firſt part of the kingdome unto him. that now that this way was prepared vntounto it, and the time was come, wherein God was purpoſed to bring him to ſome part of the kingdome it ſelf, he wrought foorth ſuch things as thereto apperteyned, both in David himſelf: and in the whole tribe of Iudah likewiſe. In David now agayne he wroughtx2.1. to ſeeke vntounto him for his direction, (both whether it was his pleaſure that now he ſhould enter vntounto his kingdome, and where he ſhould begin the ſame) and withally2.1. he gaue him direct and plaine anſwer to both thoſe queſtions (willing him now to enter into it, and telling him likewiſe where to begin it) and wrought in himz2.2.3. to do accordingly. In the whole tribe of Iudah likewiſe he ſo wrought, that of their owne accord they*2.4. came and made him their King: at which time David was now agayne by them thereunto annoynted. To finde out how he brought him to all the reſt,Afterward he brought him unto the whole. Divers wayes exerciſing him for a ſeaſon. wee are to conſider, that here agayne wee hauehave noted vntounto vsus, firſt how it pleaſed God to exerciſe him for a time: and then how it pleaſed him in the end to bring him vntounto it. As touching that exerciſe of his in the meane ſeaſon, it reſteth in two principall poynts: one, the ſubſtance or nature of it: the other, the time of the continuance. The ſubſtance or nature of it is ſuch, as hath two principall poynts of hardneſſe: the one, that he was wrongfully kept from the greateſt part of his kingdome: the other, that when opportunitie was offered, as David tooke it, to come to his full right therein, although he was readie for to hauehave taken the benefite of ſuch opportunitie, yet he found that it came to no proofe in the end. He was wrongfully kept from the greateſt part of his kingdome, becauſe thata2.8.9. Iſhboſheth was ſet vp by Abner, directly contrary to the ordinance of God: and becauſe thatb2.10. but one tribe only claue vntounto David, and all the others were drawne vntounto Iſhboſheth the ſonne of Saul, and yet no better then a plaine vſurper now. The opportunities that David was ſo ready for to hauehave taken, to hauehave come to his right thereby, but yet came to no proofe in the end, were two: whereof the one was but only for a part of that which yet ſtood foorth agaynſt him: the other ſeemed to offer the whole. That which was but only for ſome part of it, was,c2.4. that the inhabitants of Iabeſh-Gilead hauing buried Saul, d2.5.7.David thereupon taking occaſion to ſend vntounto them, to giuegive them thankes for it, and to aſſure them of a good turne at his hands, if it came in his way, did withall ſomewhat inuite them to take him for their King, as the tribe of Iudah had done alreadie. Bute2.8.9. Abner, belike fearing that the ſame ambaſſage of David was like enough to take effect, if it were not in time preuented, forth-with ſpeedeth himſelf to thoſe parts, & there ſetteth vp Iſhboſheth to be their King, and to rule not only ouer thoſe two tribes and an halfe beyond Iorden, but alſo ouer all the reſt: and ſo was David herein preuented. That which ſeemed to offer the whole, was whē Abner f3.8.being grieued with Iſhboſheth his Lord and Soueraigne (vntounto whom he had plight his alleageance) for that he was by him iuſtly reproued for a fault that he made (and yet, it may be, ouer-ſlenderly eſteemed alſo)g3.12.20. came vntounto David for to bring the whole kingdome vntounto him: being falſe vntounto him, whom he had ſet vp a little before. Neuertheleſſe David h3.20.21.was content, ſo to hauehave receiued it, if ſo it had falne out. But God that had determined of a more orderly courſe for David to come vntounto it, gaue no ſucceſſe to that inordinate way. For Abner i3.26.27.was ſlaine before he could returne to do it: and ſo was David in that alſo defeared. The time of continuancek2.11. was ſomewhat better then ſeauen yeares: during which timel3.1. the houſe of Saul and the houſe of David were at variance about the Kingdome, and euer among tried their quarell by the ſword.But then bringing him vntounto the full fruition of it. How it pleaſed God to bring him to the whole in the end, hath likewiſe two principall points: firſt how he made him ſome way vntounto it, then how he put him in poſſeſſion of it. The why that he made him vntounto it, was partly in that which concerned the eſtate of both the Kingdomes generally: and partly in that which concerned David more ſpecially. That which did concerne the eſtate of both the Kingdoms generally, wasm3.1. that the kingdom of Iudah euer increaſed: and the houſe of Saul waxed weaker, and weaker. That which concerned David more ſpecially, was that hen3.28.39. made it ſo well knowne, how cleere he was from the bloud of Abner, and that many of the contrary parto5.2. did know that it was David (and none other) that was thereunto appointed of God. He put him in poſſeſſion of it, by taking away Iſhboſheth that had ſet vp himſelfe againſt him: and putting into the harts of the people now to yeeld their obedience vntounto him. Iſhboſheth was taken awayp4.2.5.8. by two of his owne Captaines, (without the conſent, or knowledge of David) and, on their parts, in verie ill and treacherous maner: for the which David q4.9.12.put them to death, ſo ſoone as they brought that tidings vntounto him. Which being done, then whole Iſrael r4.1.being firſt ſtriken with a great feare, as vponupon the death of Abner before, ſo now vponupon the death of Iſhboſheth alſo,ſ5.1.3. no all come in (to the number oft1. Chro. 12.23.40. aboue three hundred forty and fiue thouſand, and thoſe alſouIb. 38. with conſent of the reſt) and making a couenant with him, do annoint him King ouer all: and ſo is David entered now into the poſſeſſion of the whole.
9 If now againe we returne to our ſelues, there may we find that in theſe daies alſo God hath ſuch a worke in hand among vsus.That God hath ſo dealt for the Goſpel likewiſe. It hath pleaſed him alreadie to bring the Goſpel to ſome part of the Kingdome thereunto apperteining: and we truſt that in the end he will bring it vntounto the whole. And this we hope ſo much the rather, for that he obſtrueth a much like courſe now as he did before: and, walking as it were in the ſelfe-ſame path, giueth vsus before hand to vnderſtand thereby, whether he meaneth to come in the end.That firſt he maketh a way unto it. For firſt we ſee, that he maketh now as conuenient away vntounto the Goſpell, and to the ſpirituall Kingdome of Chriſt, as he did vntounto David before: partly in ſuch things as concerne the preparing of thoſe that do aduance the Goſpel, to be the meeter inſtruments to ſuch a purpoſe: but eſpecially in remouing out of the way many of thoſe that would be againſt it.By preparing thoſe that are to aduance the Goſpell. For to the end that ſuch as are to aduance the Goſpell, may be the meeter to do the thing for the which they are ordeined, he preſerueth, not only their perſons to be in a readines againſt the time that they are to be imploied: but their good name alſo in that point of dutie to their ſuperiours (for the moſt part of them, though otherwiſe it is not vnlikely, but that ſome particulars may in a great number be found, that by infirmitie haſten thereunto ſomewhat faſter then it were meete that they ſhould.) So likewiſe he putteth into their hands, wherewithall to make them ſuch friends as they neede, againſt the time that they ſhall hauehave occaſion to vſe them: and ſendeth in vntounto them a further power, to help to bring them vntounto their right.And by removing others out of the way Thoſe alſo whome he hath remoued out of the way, and daily yet doth more and more, are both ſuch as are the chiefe reſiſters of this ordinance of God: and their adherents together withall. In thoſe that are the chiefe, as they are the greateſt cauſe of offence, ſo may we ſee the hand of God heauieſt on them. For we may verie plainly ſee, that the Lord denieth to giuegive any anſwer vntounto them: either immediatly betwixt him and them, by ſecret inſpiration, or by inclining their hearts to ſuch a courſe, as it were meete for them to walke in, or by the miniſterie of any of thoſe, whome it pleaſeth him in ſuch caſe to vſe. For being deſtitute of the miniſterie that hauehave their annointing in Ieſus Chriſt, needs muſt they be deſtitute of Urim alſo: and ſo can they hauehave no anſwer by ſuch. An idolatrous, and a maſſing Prieſthood they hauehave, that ſtandeth vponupon the inuention of man, and vponupon their owne vſurpation withall: and for the better credit thereof, they hauehave an outward kind of ointment alſo, ſuch as ſtandeth on no ordinance of God, and therefore is deſtitute of the inward grace without any queſtion. But ſuch a miniſterie as Chriſt himſelfe did leaue vntounto vsus, and by the Apoſtles his ſeruants was afterward deliuered vntounto the Church, faithfully diſtributing the word of life vntounto the people, and holding themſelues contented there, that is altogether wanting in them, and therefore hauehave they (in their greateſt affaires) no anſwer by Urim, nor by the ordinarie miniſterie of the word. As for that which is extraordinarie, it pleaſeth not God now to vſe the ſame to his children, but very ſeldome: much leſſe to thoſe that are without. For they hauehave deſtroyed the Prieſtes of the Lord, with all the crueltie that can bee deuiſed: and that for no fault at all on their parts: but only vponupon pretenced quarels, and cauſeles furmiſes of their owne. And as the Lord doth in this ſort before hand, by ſuch eſtraunging of himſelf from them, giuegive them to vnderſtand, how much he is offended with them (and iuſtly too:) ſo may we ſee, that in the end likewiſe he taketh them away in ſuch ſort, as may well betoken his diſpleaſure therein alſo: and many of them, in as miſerable and deſperate manner, as he tooke away Saul. For as in the end he ſpared not himſelf, whom Davids hands ofttimes had ſpared before: ſo many of thoſe, that in theſe dayes of ours hauehave been principall doers, in the perſecuting of the Goſpell of Chriſt, and contriuing trecheries agaynſt thoſe that profeſſe it, being often ſpared before, by thoſe that iuſtly might hauehave been reuenged of them for thoſe their trecheries, hauehave at the length layd hands of themſelues: and ſo the iuſt iudgements of God, that others in compaſſion and pitie would not, themſelues hauehave executed in moſt deſperat manner vponupon themſelues. Among the adherents of theſe wee may ſee likewiſe, that not only ſuch, as of whom there was no better hope, are taken away: but alſo that ſome of our Ionathans likewiſe, are wrapped vp together with them in the ſame iudgements: ſuch I meane, as though they did beare good will themſelues to the Goſpel of Chriſt: yet ſome way or other were ſuch notwithſtanding, as by whom the courſe of the Goſpell might hauehave been hindered. But what may thoſe that are enemies hope for, when as ſuch as (for their owne parts) are faithfull friends, are notwithſtanding by God himſelf ſometimes remooued: & yet for no malice in them; but for that by ſome other circumſtance they might be offenſiue to the kingdom of Chriſt. Which courſe, if wee ſee that the Lord hath at any time taken, wee neede not to doubt, but that now he meaneth to hauehave the kingdome of Chriſt more fully aduanced, when as wee ſee that he doth ſo much remooue whatſoeuer offences are in the way. We may ſee likewiſe,Then that he hath given in ſome good meaſure, the thing it ſelfe. that he hath not only made away vntounto it, but that alreadie he hath in ſome good meaſure aduanced that kingdome of his among vsus. For as then he did put into the heart of David to ſeeke vntounto him, and wholly to referre himſelf to his direction; and then ſtirred vp the whole tribe of Iudah to receiue him likewiſe: ſo now in like manner he hath both put into the hearts of diuers Princes to ſeeke the Lord, and to take their direction of him; and withall hath ſtirred vp many, therein to yéeld their alleageance vntounto them. But as then it was no other tribe among them all, that at the firſt did ſo readily yeeld to the kingdome of David, but only the tribe of Iudah, whereof David him ſelf came, and which had the greateſt promiſe of ſpirituall bleſſing: ſo now likewiſe we finde not, that all generally receiue the Goſpell, at leaſt not ſo readily when the ſame is firſt preached vntounto vsus; but that it is only thoſe that are of the ſpirituall linage in Chriſt, and to whom God hath vouchſafed (in thoſe things that apperteyne to the kingdome of God) a more ſpeciall bleſſing then otherwiſe he hath done to many others. This being done,That we are in ſuch ſort exerciſed before. before that God bring all the whole generally vntounto the obedience of the ſcepter of Chriſt, wee may finde likewiſe, that God is diſpoſed to exerciſe vsus, euen as he exerciſed him before: both in reſpect of the nature of that his exerciſe, and in the reſpect of the continuance alſo. For as touching the nature of it, diuers hopes and likelihoods are likewiſe giuen to thoſe that do earneſtly wiſhe the aduauncement of the kingdome of Chriſt, which notwithſtanding come to no proofe in the ende. Sometimes it ſeemeth, that when ſome hauehave yéelded their obedience alreadie, others thereupon might bee more eaſily perſwaded to come in alſo. But that courſe can no ſooner be taken, but that ſome Abner or other will quickly croſſe it, and in no wiſe ſuffer Iabeſh-Gilead to come in ſo ſoone. And they on the other ſide may well be readie, and very forward to do ſuch a poynt of ciuil duetie, as to commit the bodie of Saul to buriall: and yet notwithſtanding bee nothing the néerer to any ſincere louelove of the Goſpell. Inſomuch, that as David, when he ſawe that noble minde in them, thereupon belike conceiuing good hope, that they might eaſily hauehave been induced to his alleageance, was notwithſtanding deceiued therein: ſo wee likewiſe may be as farre to ſeeke, if where wee finde in ſuch ciuill dueties ſo heroicall mindes, wee hope that they alſo might ſoone bee wonne to the Goſpell of Chriſt. It is very true, that (for the moſt part) of baſe mindes little good may be looked for to the kingdome of Chriſt: and that our beſt hope (for ſuch matters) lieth in thoſe that are more nobly minded: which alſo, it may be, was a good ſecondarie cauſe, why ſo many Capteynes and Souldiers (who for the moſt part are more nobly minded, at leaſt if it be their owne diſpoſition that hath brought them to that kinde of life) are found in the Bible, but eſpecially in the new Teſtament, ſo readily to hauehave imbraced the trueth, and to hauehave ioyned themſelues vntounto the profeſſors of it. But yet in ſuch alſo may we bee often deceiued, if we relie ouermuch vntounto it. Sometimes agayne there is hope conceiued, that if Iſhboſheth and Abner fall out, and Abner thereupon bee purpoſed to reuoult, and to reduce the kingdome to David: then will the matter be ſoone at an end, and that it muſt needes bee a ſure and a readie way, to put David in poſſeſſion of the whole. But that courſe alſo doth not finde ſo good ſucceſſe in the ende, as to fleſh and bloud it might ſeeme that it would. God is moſt honorable in all his doings: and though ſometimes he turneth ſuch deuiſes to good in the end, yet to thoſe that awayt him in godly patience, he layeth foorth (in his good time) more orderly meanes to atteyne to the thing that they deſire: eſpecially when the matter concerneth the aduancement of his kingdome here on earth. As for the time it is not ſo much as to be expected, that the Goſpell ſhould by and by be ſpread abroad ouer all. As it had a time to come to ſo low an ebbe, as in theſe dayes of ours we hauehave found it to be at: ſo muſt it hauehave a time agayne to get vp to that heighth that we would gladly wiſh to ſee it in, if ſo it might ſtand with the pleaſure of God.And that the likelihoods are great, that the Goſpell is ere long to bee much more aduanced. But as David after that he had reigned ouer one part only for the time, was afterward brought vntounto the whole: ſo our truſt is, that our Iſraelites alſo that now ſtand out, will at length remember themſelues, and with one conſent ſubmit themſelues vntounto the ſcepter and kingdome of Chriſt. Their leaders they may find, although that they be the contrary partie, yet to bee innocent of the bloud of all ſuch Abners, as oppoſing themſelues agaynſt the kingdome of Chriſt, hauehave iuſtly falne (but not by the hand, or conſent of David) into the like iudgements of God. At leaſt though men be ſo ſubiect vntounto their owne infirmitie, and ſo caried away ſometimes by their affections, that euer in ſuch poynts all can not be ſo fully excuſed: yet thoſe alſo are ſo free herein, that any reaſonable man may hold himſelf therein contented; and whatſoeuer thereof wanteth in man, that is fully ſupplied by Chriſt. For he came not into the world to condemne the world, but that the world through him might bee ſaued: and ſo is there no man that needeth to doubt, but that he is abſolutely free from the bloud of all. Neither may theſe Iſraelites of ours ſee only that David is free from the bloud of ſuch Abners, as otherwiſe of themſelues, or by the hands of others hauehave iuſtly periſhed: but alſo that it is he that ought to reigne, and that is ordeyned of God to bee their King. Of which they hauehave ſo euident proofe, both in the word, and many other wayes beſides, that we need not to ſtand vponupon it: eſpecially if the compariſon bée betwixt thoſe baſe ordinances of man which they would hauehave ſo highly aduanced; and the excellencie of the glorious Goſpell of Chriſt, vntounto whom all power is giuen, in heauen, in earth, and alſo in hell. If therefore the children of Iſrael were by ſuch things in David induced to make a couenant with him, and to yeeld their alleageance vntounto him: how much rather may theſe Iſraelites of ours be induced therby, to make a couenant with Ieſus Chriſt, and to yeeld themſelues to his kingdome? For if David were free from Abners bloud, and if he were ordeyned of God to bee their King (as in trueth he was) and if the matter were ſo euident in him, that now they all did playnlie perceiue it: much more muſt thoſe things be in Chriſt, and in his Goſpell, in farre greater meaſure without compariſon; and ſo conſequently much more euident alſo in him. And ſo it is not to bee doubted, that how farre of ſoeuer theſe Iſraelites of ours, do yet ſtand out agaynſt Chriſt and his word: yet is there a time which God hath appoynted when as they ſhall miſlike their folly, and with one conſent make him their king, that ſo he may enter into ye whole. For if the children of Iſrael were ſo effectually touched (at the length) to yeeld vp their obedience to David, that they came with ſo great a number, and thoſe the principal men of them al, and with the conſent of all the reſt: it may not bee doubted, but that Chriſt alſo, & his eternall trueth ſhal hauehave the ſame in ſome good time performed likewiſe. And ſeeing that David was but a figure, & Ieſus Chriſt is the trueth it ſelf, ſo much the rather may we hope, that as wee ſawe the glorie of Chriſt at the comming in of the Gentiles, a great deale greater then was this of David at the cōming in of al the Iſraelites: ſo we may now alſo atteyne to ſée the like general aſſent in ſome good time yéelded to the Goſpell of Chriſt, by the ſtates & people of Chriſtendome, that in ſome good meaſure may proportionably anſwer the comfortable patterne that we hauehave ſeene alreadie in Chriſt.
10 But ſo beeing come to good opportunity to treat of the hope that we may conceiue of this matter, that is,What courſe it is, wherein we may iuſtly conceive this hope aforeſaide. of a further accompliſhment of the kingdome of Chriſt by his worde, we are to conſider, firſt what is the courſe wherein wee may conceiue the hope aforeſayde: then howe to aunſwere that which may ſeeme to goe againſt it. Concerning the former of theſe two, we are to knowe, that if wee woulde exactly hauehave it, we are to gather it, not onelyonly out of this booke of the hiſtorie, but alſo out of all ſuch Pſalmes, as belong vntounto this compaſſe of time. But becauſe the hiſtorie will be ſufficient for this matter, and more agreeable vntounto the order that hitherto we hauehave obſerued, we ſhal holde our ſelues contented therewith: and yet, becauſe that out of thoſe Pſalmes we may learne, howe to exerciſe our ſelues to good purpoſe in theſe our troubles, in the end wee ſhall conſider of thoſe alſo, both to ſee how David exerciſed him ſelfe therein, and how we may doe the like our ſelues. Keeping our ſelues therefore, but vntounto the hiſtorie at this preſent, wee are there to marke, what is the courſe that David held in theſe matters: and then, how wee may in theſe dayes of ours, apply the ſame vntounto our ſelues. In the courſe that David helde in theſe matters, we are to conſider, what minde he caried, firſt towardes God: and then towards others.What mind David caried towards God. Seeking after ſpirituall comfort. Towardes God wee may finde that hee bare a very good minde ſo ſoone as euer this perſecution was rayſed agaynſt him: and in the courſe of all his dealings afterward alſo. For at the firſt, ſo ſoone as euer perſecution was rayſed againſt him, hee being forced to ſteppe aſide to auoid the preſent daunger, forthwith got him to the godlier ſort: firſt vntounto Samuel at Ramah, and then vntounto Ahimelech the Prieſt. VntoUntoa19 18. Samuel hee came when Saul had miſt of himb19.10. himſelfe, and thereupon preſentlyc19 11. ſent vntounto his houſe to ouertake him there, and to diſpatch him. Whereupon being driuen to ſaue himſelfe by flight, he tooke his courſe to Samuel the Prophet, there (belike) in this diſtreſſe to ſeeke ſome comfort in the Lorde. Shortly after vnderſtanding more fully by the helpe of Ionathan, that Saul was fully bent to deſtroy him, being then occaſioned again to ſaue him ſelfe by flight,d22.1. he came to Ahimelech the Prieſt: belike to worſhip the Lorde there, and to ſee what comfort ſo he might finde, in this his perillous and troubleſome caſe. And as thus he began, when perſecution was firſt raiſed againſt him, ſo held he on, in al ye courſe of his dealings beſides. For wheras Abiathar one of the Prieſts and ſonne to Ahimelech, eſcaping that great & cruell ſlaughter that Saul did make of al the whole company of the Prieſts at Nob, for his ſafetie and ſuccour came vntounto David, althoughe it were a dangerous matter for him, to giuegive any entertainment vntounto him: beeing ſo far in diſpleaſure himſelfe as he was: yete22 23. did he not only receiue him, but (ſuch louelove bare he to the Prieſts of the Lorde) he willed him alſo to be of good comfort, and told him plainly, ye with him he ſhould not miſcary ſo far as he ſhould be able to help.Ever inquiring of the Lord, in all his great and doubtfull affayres. And hauing ſo gotten one of the priſtes of the Lord vntounto him, accuſtomably in his waighty affairs he aſked conſel of the Lord: that ſo he might be able to direct his waies the better to the good liking and pleaſure of God. As for example, when word was brought him that the Philiſtims were come againſt Keilah f23.2.he aſked counſell of the Lord whether he ſhould goe againſt them, or not. At which time although the Lord bad him go, yet becauſe that his company made further queſtion g23.4.he aſked the Lord of the ſame point agayne, and agayne receiued the ſame aunſwere of him. So likewiſe during the time that he was at Keilah, after that hee had deliuered them from their enimies, hearing that Saul was determined to come againſt him, and then wiſely premeditating with himſelfe in what daunger he was like to bee, if the Lords of Keilah would not ſtand faſt vntounto him, although in reaſon he might hauehave preſumed, that after ſo good deſerts of his: hee needed not to doubt of any of them, eſpecially ſo very ſoone after: yet knowing how eaſily he might be deceiued, if he ſhould reſt ouermuch in men, there againeh23.10.12. he ſought to the Lord, to know in deede, whether Saul would come thither, and if he came, whether the Lordes of Keilah would deliuer him and his men into his hands. Whereunto the Lord aunſwered, both that Saul would come in deede: and that the Lordes of Keilah, notwithſtanding his former deſerts, would deliuer him, if there he taried, into his handes. In like manner, when at his returne he found Ziklag ſpoiled, and his ſouldiers in their impatience were about to hauehave ſtoned him*30.6.8. he in this diſtreſſe pluckt vp his heart, and again aſked counſell of the Lord, whether hee ſhoulde followe on thoſe that had done it: and whether that voyage ſhoulde bee proſperous vntounto him. And ſo, receiuing aunſwere to his deſire, hee ſet in hande with the voyage, and not onelyonly recouered all they had loſt: but alſo gained much more vntounto it. Afterwarde againe when worde was brought him, that Saul and his ſonnes were ſlayne in the fielde, ſo that nowe the kingdome was deuolued vntounto him, and the time came that he was to enter into the poſſeſſion of it (in which caſe there are not many, of the moſte godly that theſe dayes) hauehave that would awayt any playner or further calling yet would he in no wiſe take that courſe, or be ſo bolde as to ſtep one foote towardes it, vntill the time that he hadi2. Sam. 2.1. firſt inquired of the Lord: both whether it was his pleaſure, that now he ſhoulde make any entrie into the kingdome, and in what city he ſhoulde begin. But being aunſwered in both theſe pointes, he them foorthwith addreſſed himſelfe to doe accordingly. It may be alſo that when hee was with Ahimelech, hee did there likewiſe, by the miniſtery of Ahimelech, aſke counſell of the Lord: both becauſe that*22.10. Doeg doth ſo charge Ahimelech and becauſe that*22.15. Ahimelech doth net deny it. But otherwiſe wee hauehave no mention in the Text it ſelfe, that ſo hee did. And yet notwithſtanding Ahimelechs aunſwere doth wel import, that at other times before he had done it: & ſo conſequently, that it was an vſuall exerciſe with David, ſo to doe. Neither did hee onelyonly thus religiouſly hang on the Lorde himſelfe,Obeying the Prophets of the Lord. but alſo on a timek22.5. when the Prophet Gad, but one of the ſeruauntes of the Lorde came vntounto him, willing him not to abide in the holde (which for a time he had taken in the land of Moab for his owne ſafety, and with the Kinges good licence therein firſt obteined) but to returne into Iury againe, him alſo in this point hee redily obeyed. And yet was it, but ſuch as wee terme a matter of ſtate, and in reaſon, full of daunger, and ſo conſequently no good aduice: neither doth the text declare, that it was the worde of the Lorde, but onelyonly that the Prophet did will him ſo to doe.Longing after the Sanctuary. Neither was he ſo deuoutly giuen to reuerence God himſelfe and his ſeruauntes, but euen the place it ſelfe of Gods worſhip, and the aſſembly of the people of God were ſo dear vntounto him, thatl26.19. he ſpecialy complained of the want therof vntounto Saul, as the greateſt, and moſt grieuous part of al his troubles: asmPſal. 84.3. elſwhere alſo he doeth very grieuouſſlye complaine of that matter, not vntounto Saul (who might thinke it to be nothing els but of oſtentation) but to God himſelf apart from men, that in that point his eſtate was ſo miſerable, that the eſtate of the birds of the ayre,What minde he caried towards others. Towardes his enimies. that might approche the ſanctuary of the Lorde, was better then his. How good a minde he caried to others, may likewiſe appeare two ſpeciall wayes: firſt and principally by his dealing with his enimies, but partly alſo by his dealing with others beſides. His enimies that nowe we ſpeake of, who were the cauſers of theſe his troubles, were (to make account of) none other but Saul for his time: and, after him, Iſhboſheth his ſonne, and Abner the generall of his army. Againſt all which he ſo defended himſelfe, that neuertheleſſe he neuer ſought, by any yll meanes to take away them, ſo to eaſe himſelfe of his troubles the ſooner. For his own needefull and iuſt defence, we finde, thatn18.11.19.10. euer he tooke diligent heed vntounto Saul, that he did him no diſpleaſure on the ſuddayne: and thato18.14.30. wiſely he behaued him ſelfe in all his wayes. Then alſo, not deſpiſing the helpe of others, ſuch as it pleaſed God to offer vntounto him, we finde likewiſe thatp22.2. he tooke ſuch aydes as came vntounto him of their owne accord, though otherwiſe many of them were ſo infamous and baſe, as many (of a nice kind of holines) would hauehave diſdayned: and bothq20.5.8. vſed the help of Ionathan his friende, andr23.18. renued his bond of amity with him. But as touching any euill practiſe againſt any of thoſe his enimies, firſt as touching Saul, we finde that he ſpared himſ24.3.7.26.7.11. twice, when as not onelyonly himſelfe might hauehave done it very eaſily, without any danger to his owne perſon, or ſhedding any mans bloud beſides, but alſo, if hee woulde but hauehave ſuffered them, others woulde hauehave done it for him: and that, when as without his knowledge one had deſtroyed him in the fielde, and brought him word of it, heet2. Sam. 1.2.16. both auenged the death of the one with the death of the other: and beſides thatuIbid. 17.27. mourned heartily for him. As for the others, he likewiſe bothx3.31.35. mourned for Abner, andy4.9.12. auenged Iſhboſheths death yt hough theſe had hitherto kept a great part of his kingdome from him, and nowe that theſe were taken away, hee mght well perceiue, that it muſt needes preſently come all to his handes. Thoſe others beſides, with whome David is founde heere to hauehave dealt ſo well, are partly ſtraungers, or thoſe that were further of from him: and partly his friendes, or thoſe that were neerer vntounto him:Towardes the oppreſſed. Of the former ſort we may account the Citizens of Keilah: and ſuch of the country, as among whome he ſoiourned. With the Citizens of Keilah his dealing was, that althoughz23.3. hee was in diſtreſſe himſelfe, and it was daungerous for him to bee acknowen where hee was: yeta23.5. both readily hee came to their helpe, and valiantly deliuered them alſo. With thoſe others of the countrie among whome hee ſoiourned, howe hee dealt,Towardes thoſe among whome he ſoiourned. wee hauehave it not ſo playnely ſet downe. But ſo farre as one ſtorie may be ſome helpe to gather it, and one circumſtaunce of likelihood beſides, we may well conceiue that he dealt very wel with them. That one ſtorie that I ſpeake of, is of his good dealing towardes Nabal: by whome while he ſoiourned,b25.7.15.21. hee did not ſuffer his ſouldiers to pray vponupon him, or to take any thing from him (thoughtc25.2.3. he were but a churle, and very wealthy) but moreouerd25.16. was a wall or defence vntounto him and to all that hee had, both day and night againſt any that would. So that if this were his manner of dealing with others alſo by whome hee ſoiourned, no doubt it was maruellous good. That circumſtaunce of likelihood that I doe meane, is, that when he got that bootie from the Amalekites e30.26.31hee did ſo friendly remember many of his friendes, and about thirteene Cities by name, where hee, and his men in time of their diſtreſſe were wont to haunt. For ſeeing that David ſhewed ſuch friendſhip to them be like they ſhewed, when he was among them, friendſhip to him. But it is not likely, that they woulde ſhewe him any ſuch friendſhip if hee had liued on the ſpoyle among them. Whereas on the other ſide if hee dealt with them, as hee did with Nabal, and when hee had neede, made his moane vntounto them to obteine ſuch helpe at their handes, as hee might with their fauour: then was there no reaſon, but that, if there were any good nature in them, they muſt needs both help him for the time ſo well as they coulde, and euer after alſo bee friendly vntounto him. Thoſe that were more neare vntounto him, were his ſouldiers: and thoſe his friends that nowe wee ſpeake of. His ſouldiersf30.22 15. hee did not defraude of a liberall portion of the pray they had taken,Towards his ſouldiers. and when there were of the company that woulde hauehave allowed nothing to ſome of their fellowes that forg33 10.21.24. wearineſſe taried behinde, and thereupon were left to keepe their ſtuffe, hee woulde not ſuffer them to bee defrauded of any part of their portion neither. Of his friendes alſo wee ſee, that hee reteined ſo thankfull remembraunce, that ſo ſoone as God ſent him wherewithall to remember them,Towards his friends. h30.26.31he by and by ſent a remembraunce vntounto them: and ſeeing that hee ſent to ſo many, and the text it ſelfe doth playnely ſay, that hee ſent vntounto all places whether hee and his men were wont to reſort, it ſeemeth that hee coulde not content him ſelfe to remember ſome fewe of them,How to derive this good courſe of David vntounto our ſelves. but woulde hauehave beene loath for to hauehave miſſed any one of them all.
11 Howe to apply the ſame in theſe dayes of ours vntounto our ſelues, is nowe to bee ſeene: and firſt as touching his deuotion towardes God:What minde to carie towards God. and then as touching his good dealing with others alſo. And out of his deuotion towardes God wee may doe well to take to our ſelues, in our diſtreſſe or griefe of minde to ſeeke to good company, vntounto the Prophetes and Prieſtes of the Lorde: with them, and by their helpe, the better to exerciſe our ſelues in the comfort of Scripture, and in worſhipping toward his holy temple. And in trueth, howſoeuer that the vaine pleaſures of the worlde are otherwiſe pleaſaunt to fleſh and blood, and that not onelyonly to the children of the world, but alſo in ſome meaſure to the children of God: yet notwithſtanding, whenſoeuer wee are in diſtreſſe, in ſuch ſort that in any good meaſure wee are humbled thereby, and that wee finde kindely indeede, that the worlde doth hate vsus, and and wee are fallen out with the worlde agayne, or, as the Apoſtle doth vtter it, that we are crucified to the worlde, and the worlde vntounto vsus, then is there nothing ſweeter, than in ſuch caſe to flee to the Lorde, neyther is there any ſound comfort, but onelyonly in him, then the heart doth gladly preaſe to the ſoyle, and neuer can reſt till hee come there. The children of the worlde do in ſuch caſe ſeeke, to ſome worldly comfort or other: but it is becauſe they knowe no better. And ſeeing that ſuch hauock is already made of the ſeruauntes of God (by the Romane ſtate of long, and by the confederates thereof yet) that ſkantly hauehave they left vntounto vsus ſome one Abiathar, or other, that hath ſaued himſelfe by flight (in compariſon of thoſe, that otherwiſe the church of God might hauehave enioyed, to their great and ſingular comfort) what coulde bee more ſeemely for the Davids of our time, thoſe Princes I meane that profeſſe the Goſpell, then to receiue into their protection ſuch Abiathars as are eſcaped? wherein coulde they better expreſſe their zeale towards God, wherein may they take a better courſe for them ſelues? For David hauing Abiathar with him, now vponupon eueryevery occaſion had oportunity (and oft times did accordingly vſe it) to inquire of the Lord what he had to doe: when the Philiſtims inuade Keilah, and when Saul doth caſt to ſurpriſe him, when his owne City is ſpoyled, and himſelfe in peril to bee ſtoned for it, when hee is to goe to his kingdome, and where he is to make his entrie. And (no doubt) by theſe Abiathars of ours, our Davids alſo may in all thinges vnderſtande, what is the good will and pleaſure of God, in whatſoeuer it is that they hauehave to doe. Where that annointing is, there the Lorde will aunſwere by Urim, there is no queſtion. And bleſſed be God, that as he vouchſafed that mercy to David, in that his diſtreſſe to ſend vntounto him ſuch an Abiathar with the Ephod with him, as by whome hee might bee ſafely guided in all his actions, in thoſe troubleſome and daungerous affayres: ſo nowe alſo hee hath prouided our Princes likewiſe of the ſelfe ſame helpe, by ſuch as he hath to the ſelfe ſame vſe of his goodneſſe preſerued from all ſuch maſſakers as heeretofore hauehave bene of the Lords ſeruauntes, when as by the wicked it was intended, vtterly to hauehave deſtroyed them all, if by any meanes they coulde hauehave performed it. And ſeeing that ſo good oportunitie is offered, of ſo ready and ſure aduice, farre be it from any of our Davids, that any of them ſhoulde ſo much forget, or ſo little eſteeme ſo good an helpe,Ioſh. 6.3.16. as not take the benefiet of it. Ioſhua him ſelfe, and all the Princes and Elders of Iſrael, and generally the whole people beſides (whome Moſes did a little before ſo much aduaunce for vnderſtanding and wiſedome,Deut. 4.6.8. in reſpect of thoſe moſt worthy and excellent lawes that were giuen vntounto them; and becauſe that the Lorde was in all things ſo neere vntounto them, and ſo preſent with them in all their affayres) were notwithſtanding notably ouer-reacht by the Gibeonites, when as they inquired not of the Lorde what they were to doe in that matter, vponupon a wrong ſuppoſall, that themſelues had already eſpied the bottome of it. And the trueth is, that if euer wee take our aduice of the Lorde, then can we neuer be deceiued, howe ſimple ſoeuer wee are beſides: but if wee leaue him, and reſt in our ſelues, then are wee much and often deceiued, howe great ſoeuer our wiſedome may bee, in whatſoeuer wee hauehave to deale. Much like hereunto it is, that he did ſo eaſily yeelde to the Prophet Gad, in ſo great a matter as it was vntounto him: and it were much better for many of vsus likewiſe, to giuegive eare to our Prophetes (ſuch as wee finde to be of the Lorde) than otherwiſe to runne the courſe that wee doe. Let all things be done by the rule of the worde of God, and it is the thing, that, for this matter, is the vttermoſte that can bee deſired. In which word the more that any body is faythfully and effectually exerciſed, the meeter is hee (if other things want not) to ſuch a purpoſe: and our Prophets (except their calling) are nothing meet or then any others (by the ordinary courſe of Gods dealing with vsus nowe) but onelyonly ſo farre, as in this point they hauehave the aduantage, and there by are better inabled then others are. The leſſer that Princes them ſelues are exerciſed in Gods holy word, the vnlikelier they are to gouerne their affayres by the leuell thereof: and the vnlikelier they are themſelues to doe it, the more doe they neede to hauehave the helpe of thoſe that can. And, for the moſt part, wee ſee it to be the maner of God; that giuing the ſoueraignty or ſtroke vntounto one, direction and counſell hee giueth oft times more fully to others. In his want that he felt in that his baniſhment of the exerciſe of religion, in that thereby he was kept from the tabernacle, and from the publique worſhip of God, as it ſheweth a notable good diſpoſition in him, ſo may it teach as like wiſe, howe precious a treaſure wee ought to account it, to hauehave acceſſe to the Temple of God: and euer to hauehave a part in thoſe thinges that there are done: but in the publique ſeruice of God, and for our owne inſtruction beſides. And the more plainly that we may finde it to bee our manner, that the greater we are, the more doe we for the moſte part abſent our ſelues from thoſe aſſemblies, and either breake vsus (for our honour, or eaſe) vntounto our priuate chapels at home, or altogether abſent our ſelues from all places of publique worſhip, the more needefull is it, that wee ſhoulde remember what David was in that reſpect: a man of great honour and calling, imployed about great and waighty affayres, and ſo deepely in daunger of his life for a long time nowe, that hee had ynough to one, to keepe him ſelfe from the iawes of death: and yet complayning moſte of this, that he was kept from the houſe of the Lord, and from his inheritance there. In the mind that he caried towardes others,What minde to carie towards others. & firſt towards his enimies we find that although he was careful of his owne ſafety: yet againſt them might hee neuer vſe any euill practiſe. Out of his care for his owne ſafety wee alſo may learn to take this leſſon, not only that it is lawful for ſuch, to defend themſelues againſt vniuſt violence: but alſo that it is expedient that ſo they ſhould. It is meet that we take good heede, yt the Sauls of our time in any of their mad moodes do vsus not ſome diſpleaſure on the ſudden: it is meete alſo, yt we behaue our ſelus wiſely in al things, ſo much the rather, for that the enimy doth diligētly await al ſuch occaſions, as wherby he may be able any way to annoy vsus, & ſo to come to any part of his deſire. And as for ſuch helps as draw vntounto thoſe, that in ſuch caſe are now moleſted, it may be alſo that ſome-times they are ſuch, as of whom in ſome reſpects they might be aſhamed: & yet in no wiſe to bee refuſed, being ſuch as the Lord thinketh good to ſēd vsus. And ſeeing yt Chriſt himſelf hath none other, we are, ſo much ye rather, for to content our ſelues with the like: eſpecially, when as we may hope, that he that giueth ſo few, & ſimple at the firſt, wil at length giuegive mo and better, as we ſée that heere-tofore he dealt with David himſelfe. If God alſo vouchſafe (of his goodnes) to beſtow any Jonathans on vsus, ſuch as will deale faithfully for vsus, and themſelues are deſirous and readie to be in league with vsus: it is our parts again, both to vſe their help as occaſion ſerueth, & not to refuſe to be in league of friendſhip with ſuch. But as we may vſe ſuch lawfull meanes for our owne defenſe: ſo muſt we take heed, that we lay no violent hands on any of the Lords annointed; ſuch I meane, as are his annointed to vsus, and vntounto whome we are none other but meere ſubiects. Inſomuch that if God at any time bring them into our hands, and neuer ſo eagerly bent vponupon vsus: yet are we to know, that they are not therefore brought into our hands, that we ſhould take them at that aduantage; but that by ſparing them, we ſhould declare, how much we abhor to ſéeke our own ſafetie or peace by inordinate wayes. Neither are we to content ourſelues, only to bear them no heauier minds, but that we can be cōtent to ſpare thē: but alſo to beare them ſo ſound good will, as that we do in hart deteſt any violence done vntounto them; and vnfeignedly mourne when their eaſe is ſuch as any way deſerueth to be lamented. Then alſo comming to others, we are to hauehave that care of the hard eſtate or diſtreſſe of others, that although we be in hard caſe our ſelues, yet ſhould we be ready if it lye in vsus, to help ſuch others as are in néede. If any of theſe Philiſtims of ours, come and ſpoile any Keilah of our neighbours adioyning, though we hauehave buſines inough of our owne, yet if it be in vsus to help thoſe diſtreſſed neighbours of ours, we may not ſlip from their iuſt defence in time of néede. But being in armes, then are we eſpecially for to take heede, that we and our companie be not grieuous to thoſe among whom we abide, or by whom we paſſe as occaſion ſerueth. Better a great deale, ſo to vſe them, that both we may do our ſelues good, and ſtill they may be our faithfull friends, then by ill dealing to make them our enemies, and to hurt our ſelues withall. A rule that is ſo little regarded with vsus, whēſoeuer we are in armes, that lightly we do more hurt to our neighbours and friends in lying by them, then to our enemies in warring vponupon them. Our ſouldiers alſo are much forgotten, and hauehave their due inter-cepted by thoſe that are their leaders. Though euer we ſend them foorth like men, yet ſeldom find we, but that they are beggars when they returne. But, beſides that is no wiſedom, ſo hardly to vſe ſo néedfull helps, it is iniurie alſo and great oppreſſion, ſo far to defraud thoſe that lay downe their liues in our quarell: and the greater that the cauſe is, about which we are to imploy them, the more doth it aggreuate, whether our folly, or elſe our fault, wherewithall in this caſe we are to be charged. As for our friends, I truſt, I néede not ſpeak for them: but ſure it is, that if they be not from time to time wel remembred, as abilitie and opportunitie ſerueth: and that, not only that ſo we may the better keepe them to our own benefit, but alſo of the inward and vnfeigned thankfulnes of the heart: we are in great ieopardie with God, that ſeethe our in-moſt thoughts, iuſtly to leeſe, thoſe that we do ſo looſely keepe. In both theſe therefore, if we regard to hold on that courſe that David did, or but in needfull maner to help forward the cauſe it ſelfe that we hauehave in hand (which as we know is of more price, then to be haſſarded by the want of either of theſe) we muſt be liberall vntounto the one, and thankfull alſo vntounto the other.
12 That which may ſéeme to go againſt that hope of ours that expecteth a further accompliſhment of theſe things to vsus,That this goodnes of God towards David, was not founded on Davids excellencie. is the difference that is ſuppoſed to be, betwixt David to whom it was performed before, and all thoſe is whom the application that we hauehave made doth ſéeme to promis the ſame now. Concerning which difference, firſt it is to be knowne, that though ſuch a difference there be, yet may it not aboliſh this hope that we ſpeake of: and then are we more ſpecially to examin, what is the difference that is betwixt vsus. That although ſuch a difference there be, yet is it not to aboliſh the hope that we ſpeake of, may ſufficiently appeare, for that ſuch merciemercy of God towards vsus is not meaſured forth vntounto vsus, according to the meaſure of our deſerts, but ſo far-forth as he in his wiſedome is determined for to aduance his honor among vsus. For if the caſe be of that nature, that the worthines or vnworthines of the perſons be not reſpected, then, though the difference that is betwixt vsus were much greater then it is, yet may it not bar vsus of that hope,That God is purpoſed of himſelfe, euer more and more to increaſe his goodnes towards vsus: and that thence ariſeth great hope unto us. that in ſuch caſe may ariſe vntounto vsus. But thus rather we are to gather, that the Lord is ſo fully purpoſed, more and more to ſhew or open himſelfe to the world, that he will ſtill hold on that courſe of himſelfe, not reſpecting whether thoſe on whom he beſtoweth ſuch further manifeſtation of his glorie, deſerue it or not. And yet notwithſtāding he doth oftimes withall auenge himſelfe with great ſeueritie, on many of thoſe that do receiue the grace of God in vaine. Howbeit for this time it ſhall be ſufficient for vsus to conſider, how we may find him to hold this courſe, that euer as the world groweth néerer to the conſumation thereof, and ſo conſequently the full aduancement of the kingdome of God the more approacheth: ſo doth he likewiſe more and more aduance his glorie on earth, not reſpecting the deſert or worthines of thoſe that liue, whether they were better or worſe then thoſe that were before, or after in their ſeuerall times do follow. This may we ſee in the whole courſe of the world generally: and in both thoſe ſorts of people, the Iewes, and the Gentiles, with whome it pleaſed God to deale more ſpecially.This to be apparant, in the whole courſe of the world generally. In the whole courſe of the world generally we may behold, that he was much more gracious vntounto the world, when he choſe vntounto him one people among them all, and beſtowed the Law vponupon them: then, for the ſpace of two thouſand yéeres almoſt, he was to thoſe that liued before, among whome he choſe to himſelfe no one people, ſtock, or familie that we do reade of, but only a few ſeuerall perſons, on whom alſo he beſtowed no ſuch knowledge, as afterward he did on thoſe others. So likewiſe when afterward he vouchſafed to enlarge the kingdome of God to all nations, and to their better inſtruction to beſtow the Goſpell vponupon them, we may plainly perceiue, that heerein he was much better to the world now, then he was before vntounto it: for that now he hath taken in all nations indifferently, and giuen vntounto them the truth it ſelfe, whereas before he tooke but one, and gaue vntounto thē but figures alſo. But ſhall we therefore ſay, that thoſe ages that hauehave ſuccéeded, are better then thoſe that were before? Or may we not herein plainly perceiue, that he in ſuch caſe doth nothing reſpect, either the worthines, or the vnworthines of thoſe on whom he beſtoweth ſuch mercies, but only that himſelfe at all times doth, euen as he in himſelfe hath ordeined? To come to the Iewes, In his dealing with the Iewesthat firſt were choſen the peculiar people of God, Abraham, Izhak, and Iaakob had but the promiſes made: but their poſteritie, in proces of time, had the accompliſhmēt of all thoſe promiſes. The people that came out of Aegypt periſhed in the wildernes: but thoſe which followed came into the land of promis. Moſes could but ſée it from the top of a mountaine, a far off: but to Joſhua was it giuen to enter in, to make a conqueſt of it, and to diuide it vntounto the people. For a time they had in a maner but a popular ſtate: but afterward they grew to a Kingdome. At the firſt they had but the Law: but afterward had they the Prophets alſo. Chriſt was for a time but verie obſcurely propounded vntounto them, by thoſe figures and ſhadowes of the Law: but afterwards, by the preaching of the Prophets, a great deale more plainly opened vntounto them. The glorie of the firſt Temple was verie great, but could not in any wiſe compare with the latter. The Kingdome of Chriſt was much aduanced among the Iewes, by his own preaching and works, while he was on the earth among them: but nothing like to that which afterward folowed, by the miniſterie of the Apoſtles, when himſelf was taken vp from among them. Should we therefore hereupō prefer, before Abraham, Izhak, & Iaakob, that imbaſed poſteritie of theirs that after followed, Ioſhua, before Moſes, and the Diſciples of Chriſt, before Chriſt himſelfe? Or ſhould a popular eſtate, be preferred before a Kingdome: the former Temple, before the latter: the ceremonies and ſhadows of the Law, before the plainnes & truth of the Goſpel? Yet ſo muſt it be, if God ſhould hauehave beſtowed thoſe greater bleſſings according to the dignitie of the perſons: or if he held not a ſet courſe to make his goodnes more apparantly knowne to thoſe that follow after, then vntounto thoſe that went before.In his dealing with the Gentiles. Among the Gentiles we may ſée the ſelfe-ſame courſe obſerued alſo. For though there were not many of thē at the firſt got into ye faith of Chriſt, yet a while after they were innumerable, though for a time they were excedingly hated, and vnderunder moſt bitter perſecution, yet ſhortly after they were honored of all, and enioied the faith in peace. After which time, manie of thoſe Churches were caried away with error againe, and in thoſe which remained, the truth of God was verie much corrupted alſo, according as the ſcripture foreſhewed before, and as the ſinne of the world had iuſtly deſerued. Whereupon God in merciemercy diſpoſed to call back certain of thoſe Churches againe vntounto their former faith in him, and to that end raiſing vp to the world notable men, mightily furniſhed with his holie ſpirit, although we find that vntounto them and to many others of his people then he gaue a notable light: yet find we alſo, that the light which he gaue vntounto thē, was far inferior vntounto that which now he hath giuen forth to many others, otherwiſe far inferior vntounto them. In which caſe we are not in deſerts or worthines to prefer thoſe that follow, vntounto thoſe that were before, as though that God for that cauſe were ſo much better to them, becauſe he found them better then others, but euer to aſcribe all to the meere goodnes of God, nothing at all in ſuch caſe reſpecting whether men are worthy or not, whome euer he ſhould find, without queſtion, to be of themſelues as void of all deſerts and woorthines, as could be deuiſed. But thus rather we are to gather, that as the Sunne, the neerer it is to his riſing, the more light it ſpreadeth forth on the face of the earth: ſo Chriſt alſo the Sonne of righteouſnes, the néerer that he is to aduance his glorious Kingdome, vntounto that fulnes that is due vntounto it, and that the faithfull are put in hope once to behold, the more doth he increaſe his comfortable bleſſings in the meane ſeaſon, that ſo we may be ſo much the better prepared thereunto, againſt the time that he ſhall beſtow that fulnes vponupon vsus. Among all the men of the world that euer were, are, or ſhalbe (Chriſt only excepted) there is not one of that deſert or worthines in him-ſelfe before God, that might procure any ſuch ſpeciall bleſſing of him: nor, till God him-ſelfe of ſpeciall fauour hath otherwiſe wrought it, not one of vsus all, any thing better than any other. The enlarging of his goodnes vntounto the world, is altogether his owne, and none of ours: it proceedeth nothing at all from vsus, but altogether, and only from him.
13 But now more ſpecially to examin what is the differēce that is betwixt vsus, we are to conſider,That on Davids part, there is no ſuch differēce betwixt him at that time, and the children of God ſince. whether it be ſuch as may iuſtly import, that although God were ſo gracious to him, yet is there no cauſe for vsus to thinke, that well may he be as gracious to vsus. But the truth is, that we find no ſuch difference betwixt vsus, as maketh any odds for this matter: whether we reſpect but thoſe things only, that concerne his owne perſon, or the occaſion, whereupon it pleaſed God to bring him to the Kingdome. For if we reſpect thoſe things that concerned his owne perſon, the euent it ſelfe will plainly declare, that he had not all thoſe mercies of God beſtowed vponupon him, ſo much for himſelfe, as for the people whom he was to gouerne. Inſomuch that whether David were without his infirmities, or not, and thoſe that on the behalfe of the Goſpell were to be aduanced now, had their infirmities many and great, yet were not ſuch odds betwixt the perſons of any ſuch force, as might bar vsus of the hope before deſcribed. But it cannot be denied, but that David had his infirmities: and that as he notwithſtanding otherwiſe had good cauſe to await the full accompliſhment of thoſe great mercies that God had begun to beſtowe vponupon him, ſo we alſo hauehave ſuch reaſon for vsus, as that in like maner we may looke to enioy a further manifeſtation of the Kingdome of Chriſt, that in ſome meaſure alreadie is aduanced among vsus. The infirmities of David (ſuch as belong to the compas of time that now we ſpeake of:Of Davids infirmities. for we are not in this caſe to ſearch any further) are of two ſorts: ſome of them ſuch, as in ſome ſenſe might be excuſed: others againe ſo apparantly euill, as in no wiſe may be defended.Such as in ſome ſenſe might be excuſed. Thoſe that in ſome ſenſe might be excuſed, do moſt of them ariſe out of the troubles that he had in hand: but one there is, that was nothing at all (ſo far as we read) occaſioned thereby. Thoſe alſo that aroſe out of his troubles, are ſome of them belonging to that compas of time wherein Saul himſelfe liued: one to the time of Iſhboſheth his ſonne. Of thoſe that belong to the time of Saul, two there were, when firſt for altogether he fled the preſence of Saul: and two others alſo ſhortly after, when now he had openly profeſſed to flye his preſence for his owne ſafetie.Eating of the Shew-bread. The two former are, that he did eatea21.4.6. the Shew-bread: and that he did take back again theb21.87.9. ſword of Goliath to his owne priuate vſe. For the Shew-bread, it may ſeeme, that he is in ſome meaſurecMat. 12.3.4. Mar. 2.25.26. Luc. 6.3.4. excuſed by Chriſt. And yet becauſe it is by the Law plainlydLev. 24.9. Exo. 29.33. ſet downe, that only the Prieſt might eate thereof, and Chriſt himſelfe in the places alleadged doth ſo acknowledge: it cannot be auoided, but that néedes it muſt be, either a breach of the law of God, or that Davids face therein was extraordinarie. If it were a breach of the law of God, then do not thoſe words of Chriſt tend to excuſe him: but only to put them in mind, how themſelues might he able to find, how great their malice was towards Chriſt and his Diſciples, that could ſo eaſily put vp that in David, and ſo hardly exact this of them. As whē theeIoh. 8.3.7. adultereſſe was brought vntounto him, and he willed that whoſoeuer he were among them that was without ſin, he ſhould caſt the firſt ſtone at her: he did not therby excuſe her lewdnes, or made no reckoning of ye Law, of God, but himſelfe not medling to be her iudge, rebuked thē alſo that they were ſo prying into other folks ſinnes, and ſo forgetfull of then owne. But his fact might verie well be extraordinarie alſo, and ſo no breach of the law of God, nor to be reckoned among his infirmities, if we could any way be certaine that ſo it were: ſuch as thatfNomb. 25.7.8. knowne fact of Phinehas is moſt commonly taken to be: and ſuch as was that fact of Chriſt himſelfe (as he came in the forme of a ſeruant) when hegIoh. 2.14.17 Math. 21.12.13. ſcourged the buiers and ſellers out of the Temple. For ſo it pleaſeth God ſometimes ſo thoroughly to ſeize vp to holie vſes, and ſo fully to poſſeſſe the children of God, that in their zeale they are caried beyond the bounds that the Law preſcribeth: and yet in no wiſe to the impeachment or derogation of the Law preſcribed to all. In which ſenſe whether David, in that want of other victuals did it, or not: yet do thoſe words of our Sauiour teach, that the ſame facthMath. 12.2. which the Phariſes miſliked in the Diſciples might be of that kind, for ought that they did knowe to the contrarie, and that ſuch an other they had long before in David himſelfe. And ſeeing that David was a man ſubiect to infirmitie as others were, and ſeeing that it is not vnlikely, but that theſe words of Chriſt may rather ſhewe, in what ſenſe David might hauehave done it well, then preciſely in what ſenſe it was done in deede: therefore it remayneth that this alſo might come of his infirmitie, and ſo be gathered to that account.Taking agayn the ſword of Goliath to his private vſe. As touching his ſword, itiPet. Mar in 1. Sam. 21.9. may well be, that he had conſecrated it to the Lord, to the honour and prayſe of God. If ſo he had, then was therekLeui. 27.28. a law, that nothing altogether ſeparate vntounto the Lord, might agayne be taken to common vſe. So that it may be, that in this alſo he did offend, vnleſſe he were holpen by the ſelf ſame warrant, that we may ſuppoſe he was in the other. But becauſe that that doth not ſo appeare, and otherwiſe the law was directly agaynſt it, wee cannot well hold him excuſed herein, vnleſſe wee had ſome further warrant: although notwithſtanding we do not denie, but that it may be, that in this alſo he was excuſable. The two latter are, that hel22.2. enterteyned ſuch a band of infamous perſons for his defence: and that,Interteyning infamous perſons: & ſwearing to Saul. at the requeſt of Saul m24.21.22.he was content to ſweare, not to deſtroy his ſeede after him. In both which although it may be, that ſome gouerned himſelf in them both, as that in them alſo he was vnreprouable: yet is it not to be denied, but that the caſe might alſo be ſuch, as that he might hauehave offended therein. In the former of them, for that he enterteyned forces now, eſpecially ſo infamous as many of them were: in the latter, for that he could not be ignorant, but that the Lord had caſt away Saul, & rayſed him to gouerne in his place; and ſo conſequently was in likelihood to bee called to ſuch actions, as were likely to accord but ill with the oath he had takē. That which belonged vntounto the time of Iſhboſheth the ſonne of Saul, Not refuſing the falſhood of Abner.was that when Abner, being falne out with Iſhboſheth (aforeſayd) his Lord and maiſter, thereupon came vntounto David, and offered to bring the whole kingdome vntounto him: although this offer were of that condition that he could not performe it, without ſome kinde of il dealing with him that put him in truſt, yetn3.20. did he accept of him, and enterteyned him with ſolemne feaſting. Wherein although it might bee, he did no more, but that which he might in all poynts iuſtifie (the place it ſelf being his owne, and for that the meanes wherby Abner would ſeeme vntounto him to go about to bring it to paſſe, might alſo bee good:) yet becauſe that the other alſo might be, and is as likely, therefore in this alſo, it may ſeeme vntounto vsus, that his doing therein might proceede of infirmitie.His Polygamie. That one that we noted to be nothing at all (ſo farre as wee reade) occaſioned by thoſe troubles that now he ſuſteyned, waso25.41.43. his Poligamy, in that he had ſo many wiues: firſt, with Michall the daughter of Saul, Ahinoam alſo; and, when Saul had beſtowed his daughter in theſe his troubles vponupon an other (it may be, not only for hatred of him in his principall quarell, but alſo for that David held not himſelfe contented with her, but tooke vntounto him an other beſides) Abigail alſo, the widowe of Nabal, but a little before deceaſed. In which, although he did manifeſtly corrupt the firſt inſtitution of that holy ordinance (aspMath. 19.4.6. Mar. 10.5.11.9. Chriſt himſelf did afterward more fully teach vsus) and hauing one alreadie, could not take an other vntounto her, but that needs he muſt do a manifeſt wrong vntounto the former (as theq1. Cor. 7.3.5. Apoſtle alſo did in like ſort afterward witneſſe:) yet becauſe that it was in thoſe dayes ouer common a fault with many of the Fathers, and ſo little either forbidden by the lawe, or rebuked by the Prophets, that moſt men hold it as tollerated of God himſelf vntounto that people (for the time) in other reſpects, therefore hauehave I placed it here among thoſe his infirmities, that in ſome ſenſe might be excuſed: whereas otherwiſe if we ſhould ſeperate it from that people, and from that time, it were in no wiſe to be allowed ſo eaſie a cenſure. Thoſe others that are ſo apparantly euill, as that in no wiſe they may bee defended,Such as were apparantly evill. are ſome of them agayne not ſo immoderate as others of them: but certeyne of them very immoderate, and ſuch as no man might looke for in him.Some not to immoderate. Thoſe that were not ſo immoderate were imployed about his owne defence: firſt at home; and then abroad. At home, her20.5.6. both directeth Ionathan how to excuſe him by an vntrueth: andſ21.2. himſelf alſo maketh an vntrue report of his comming to Ahimelech the Prieſt in ſuch ſort as he did. Abroad there were two. Firſt flying to Achis, one of the Kings of the Philiſtims (to eſcape the preſent daunger that he was in) there alſo eſpying himſelf to bee in daungert21.10.15. he fell to diſſemble, and in very diſhonorable manner for ſuch an one as he was) fayned himſelfe to bee out of his wits: and ſhortly after*22.3.5. flying to the King of Moab, there to leaue his father and mother till he ſawe what the Lord would do with him, by the Prophet Gad he was forbidden there to abide, and willed to returne into Iudea again; and ſo found that courſe of his to be wrong likewiſe.Others verie immoderate. Thoſe that were ſo very immoderate, and ſuch as none might looke for in him, were eſpecially two: one, that cruell reuenge that he had intended agaynſt Nabal, and all his familie: the other, about his owne flight now the ſecond time to Achiſh agayne. His intended crueltie agaynſt Nabal was ſuch,His intended revenge againſt Nabal. as that for his chorliſhnes ſhewed vntounto him, when he ſent certeyne of his men vntounto him, to deſire him to help him with ſome victualsu25.22.34. he thought forthwith to hauehave deſtroyed him, and all his, with the edge of the ſword: whereas notwithſtanding there was one of that familie, whom ſhortly after he tooke to himſelf, vntounto the neereſt friendſhip that could be.His ſecond flight vntounto Achiſh: and his doings there. In his ſecond flight vntounto Achiſh we may finde diuers things, that a man would bee ſorie to finde in him: both in the manner of his fléeing thether, and in his demeanour while he was there. In the manner of his fléeing thether, we are to note, that it was not of a ſodeyne now, as it was before, to auoyde a preſent daunger: but that it wasx27.1.2. with deliberate aduiſe: and then muſt it needes be ſo much the worſe, both becauſe he fled to that idolatrous Prince, a naturall enemie to the people of God: and for that he did it vponupon diſtruſt of the prouidence of God to be ſafe at home. In his demeanour while he was there we find, that he did not onlyy27.8.9.11 deale very ill with certeyne of the people of thoſe quarters (the Geſhurites, Girzites, and Amalekites) deſtroying man, woman, and child, leauing none to complayne of his doings; and, the better to couer his doings from Achiſh his friend,z27.10. deepely diſſembled the ſame vntounto him: but alſo thata28.2. & 29.8. he was content and readie, to go to the field vnderunder Achiſh, agaynſt the Iſraelites his owne countrimen and the people of GOD,That hereby may appeare, that our infirmities alſo can not iuſtly hinder his good hope in us, of the accompliſhment of that, which alreadie he hath begun. and agaynſt the King his maiſter. The reaſon why wee may looke to enioy a further manifeſtation of the kingdome of Chriſt, that in ſome meaſure alreadie is aduaunced among vsus, is ſo diſperſed throughout this whole diſcourſe of the hiſtorie wee hauehave in hand, that heere we ſhall not néede to ſtande thereupon ſpecially. But this is the thing that héere I would note, that if ſuch were the purpoſe of God then, to aduance his owne glorie, and to do his people good, that notwithſtanding theſe imperfections of David, yet he would not be hindered thereby, but went on forward vntounto the end: there is no cauſe why we neede to doubt of the ſame purpoſe of God now likewiſe for the aduancement of his truth, when we ſee that it ſhould ſo plainly tend to his glorie, and to the benefit of his people: and in this David of ours, that is in the Goſpell of Ieſus Chriſt there cannot be found, not only no ſo groſſe infirmities, but alſo no blemiſh at all, no not the leaſt that can be conceiued. And as for thoſe that now do wiſh the aduancement of it, both profeſſing it themſelues, and commending the ſame vntounto others the beſt that they can, although they be ſinners: yet, ſeeing that David alſo was not exempted, and this worke ſtandeth not on the deſert or merit of man, as we hauehave great cauſe to hope it, if we reſpect the excellencie of the Goſpell it ſelfe, ſo (in this caſe) hauehave we no great cauſe to doubt it neither, though we do find no ſmall infirmities in thoſe that profeſſe it.