Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 11 (2 of 3)

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 11 (2 of 3)

p. 2465 Those other particulars which doe touch but certaine of them, are two; Aboth of them witnessing great corruption and disorder among them: one of them, chiefly in matters of Religion; the other in life and conuersation. That which chiefly tendeth to shew what corruption was among them in Religion, seemeth most … aime at this, to shew how it came to passe, that Dan was one of those places in which Ieroboam afterward placed the one of those two golden Calues that hee 1. King. 12: …9.1 Kgs 12:9erected: belike, as a needfull helpe to that his new inuention, to make choyce of that place, for that it was a place of deuotion or publike worshipping long before; especially, seeing it was at an out-side from the rest of the people, and so had neede, so much the more, otherwise to be of some speciall credite. And this may bee a good patterne to vsus, in what manner such places of adulterate worship, did first growe vp vntounto that credit that since they were in. So the Story declareth, first in what sort that adulterate corrupt kind of worshipping grew vp in the Family of one man: then how it came to passe, it was afterward receiued of one whole Citty. To finde out how it grew vp in the Family of one Man, wee are first to consider what it was that was done: then, at what time it may seeme to hauehave beene. That which was done, was, that in one priuate house there was gotten vp an house of Gods, or a priuate Oratory or Chappell: and so to that end, both Images themselues and their furniture ordained; and a Priest prouided for them. In the ordaining of the Images themselues and of their furniture, we are to consider, from whom that deuise did first proceede: and in what manner the same was prosecuted. It proceeded of a Woman Iud. 17: 1-5.Judg 17:1–5of Ephraim, as it seemeth: in whom we see there was a kinde of deuotion; and yet great impaciency withall. A Fountaine of no speciall likely-hood to yeelde pure Waters of this kind: God hauing appointed, not the Ephraemites, but the Leuites to teach the people; and his vsuall manner beeing in those matters, to deale by Men, and not by Women. In the manner of prosecuting of it, it seemeth, that first there was an intent or purpose so to doe, that for a time lay but in meaning onelyonly: but yet was effected after. While there was but onelyonly an intent of such a matter, it was but onelyonly in the Woman: and then there came such an accident betwixt, as shee by Bmost likely-hood might hauehave taken to hauehave beene a checke from God to that her purpose, because that Money-nest of hers, by which she made her reckoning to doe it, was (while she had that meaning) conuayed from her. When afterward it was effected, it was then done not onelyonly by the Woman, but also by a Man, Micha her Sonne: but then are we to marke, what infirmity wee finde in each of them before; then, how they agreed in this notwithstanding. In Michah we finde, that he priuily tooke, or stale away that Money-nest of his Mothers, being eleauen hundred Sickles of Siluer, eueryevery Sickle being almost halfe an ounce sterling with vsus. In his Mother we finde great impaciency, cruelly curssing and banning him that had taken it from her. VntoUnto their agreeing afterward in it, it dooth appertaine; first, how the Mony came home again: then, how they ioyntly dispatched the businesse intended. The Mony did Michah himselfe bring in vntounto her vponupon the feare that he had of those her cursses: thereby shewing himselfe to hauehave a more pliable heart to amend whatsoeuer he had done amisse in that kind, than many of vsus in these dayes hauehave, in higher matters a great deale, of the selfesame kind. For many of vsus hauehave taken away much of that, which already was well dedicated (and not onelyonly purposed) not vntounto Idolatry, but to the true worship of God: & cannot be ignorant but that by the word of God it is an accursed thing so to do; and that the wisest and most godly learned in all ages since, hauehave by their actuall and publike denunciation, giuen sufficient warning thereof vntounto all. And yet neither is there any such reuerend regard in them toward their Mother the Church, nor to the glory of God, or Soules-health of others, nor any such feare of the cursse wherwith they are already strucken, as with a sentence of condemnation, and which ere long must hauehave execution accordingly done (if so they persist) as that they are by the one allured, or by the terror of the other vrged, iustly to bring in againe, that which they hauehave wrongfully taken away: but, on the other side, most of that crewe still holde on the same course; yea, more and more; and by theyr example lead on many others to doe the like, that all may see how infectious p. 247a blame Sacrilege is. It beeing so brought in, they both ioyned in the Cbusinesse that was intended: bestowing, as it seemeth, nine hundered of those Lyr. in …d. 17▪ …. C…. Pel. …n Iud. 17: 1-5 Ibid. 17: …. IbidJudg 17:1–5Sicles on mettall and stuffe for the Images and thinges thereunto appertaining; and the other two hundred for the woorkemanshippe of them. Which when they had thus gotten together, then did they set them vp in some such roome …s to such purpose they thought the meetest. For a Priest to attend these new gods of theirs, they helde themselues at the first contented with one of their owne (and good ynough for gods of their owne making) one of the Sonnes of Michah aforesaide: but afterward, a stragling spaught or yong man of the Tribe of Leuie, racking Ibid. 7-12.on that way to seeke some seruice (the same Ionathan it seemeth, that is afterward spoken of) they hired him, and made no question but that all was well now, when Ibid. 8.they had gotten one of the Leuites to Priest-it with them. But it seemeth there were of the Leuites (and not onelyonly such youths as this, but of the Elder sort also) as likewise there be such like among vsus, that, though they should be leaders to others in al true godlinesse, yet those were and ours are ready inough for aduantage, to lend their hand to Idolatry also. As touching the time it is plaine that it was, when they had no King among them: and thereby it seemeth, it was when they had no Iudge neither. Which being granted, then falleth it out, by al likelyhood, to be immediately Ibid. 6.after the dayes of Iosuah. For afterward it is saide, that this Idolatry, being after transported to the Citty of Dan continued there al the time the house Iud. 18: 31.Judg 18:31of God was in Siloh, which beganne, as we saw before, somewhat before the death of Iosuah, and ended soone after the death of Elie. Againe it is plaine, that this was before the next Story ensuing, both by the placing in the Text, and for that the Citty of Dan was then possessed by the Israelites. But that Story was soone afterward also, as, when we come to it, will better appeare. Others there bee that doe Iud. 20. 1. Tremel. Iun Iud. 17: 1.Judg 20:1Judg 17:1otherwise gather this Story of Michah to be about that time, by another coniecture: namely, because that Ionathan (this Priest) is saide to be the Sonne of Gershom, the Sonne of Manasseth, and that Manasseth to be the Sonne of Moses. A coniecture altogether without warrant, so farre as yet I was able to find. True it is, that, Dby some, Moses is set in the place of Manasseth: and so the reading made to bee Vulg. ae…ti…. Lyr. Conrad. Pellic. in his Genealogie. num. 47-53. Ari. Mont. C…r Pel. Fr. Vatab.that this Ionathan was the Sonne of Gershom, the Sonne of Moses. And by the iudgment of those two former, Master Broughton, as it seemeth (for he alleageth no other authoritie but this: and that is very strange vntounto me, that he should be of that minde also) maketh Ionathan to be the Sonne of Manasseth the Sonne of Gershom, the Sonne of Moses, euen of these others. But in the Originall it is Manasseth not Moseh: sauing (that is set a little higher by the most (it seemeth); and cleane ouer the head, by some, vponupon such reasons) as are there aleaged, needles to be recited heere. And one other before, that wrote of the Genealogie of Christ long before Master Broughton medled with it, and a very carefull man, it seemeth, Camman…us Flinspachi…, in Genealogia Christs, Geneal 6 a. pa. 39.hath no such matter, but setteth downe Subael to be the Sonne of Gershom (as he there dooth call him) and goeth no farther in that Line. That afterward this Idolatrie was receiued into one whole Citty, it shall bee good first to consider, that so it was: then in what sort the same was performed. In that so it was, we may see how contagious Idolatry is: and that may we see so much the more in the example that now we are in, because we see it had so inconsiderate and base a beginning. But such is the corruption of our nature, that nothing can bee of that kind so senselesse and base, but that soone may it get into credit with vsus. It being of the nature of fire, to feede on such things as are apt matter for it (so that euen some little sparkes sometimes hauehave growne to that head, that they hauehave consumed or defaced whole Citties:) wee, on the other side, are as apt and meete to receiue it, as it is by nature inclined to worke vponupon vsus. The manner wherein the same was performed, was therefore (wee neede not doubt) easie enough: but such withall, as wherein we may see the iust iudgement of God to hauehave concurred. Easie enough we shall finde it to bee, if wee marke in the Story how it proceeded. The Story is this. The tribe of Dan, one of the greatest Tribes of all, beeing so Ios. 19: …7. Adricom. I… Dan.Josh 19:7placed at the first, that they were streightened on eueryevery side, by Iudah on the East, p. 248by Simeon on the South, by the Philistims on the West (by strong hand keeping a great part of that, which to the Danites was allotted) and by Ephraim and Beniamin on the North, sent forth fiue of their company, to search and discouer some other Iud. 18: 1-7.Judg 18:1–7place for them, whither some of them might goe to inhabit. Those fiue in their way light on the Priest of these new Idols; desire him to inquier what successe Ethey should hauehave in their businesse; hauehave answere to their good contentment; and so proceede on in their iourney. They light on a Citty, for the site of it, and commodiousnesse for habitation, to their desire: and such as they see they may easily get. They returne, and bring word to those that sent them: who preaesently sent Ibid. 8-21.forth from among them, sixe hundred able men with their families, there to inhabit. By the way (admonished by those fiue that were their guides) they stay a while till those go in, and take forth of Micahs house, those new Gods and all their furniture, and perswade the Priest that did attend them, to go with them also: and then go on in their iourney again. Micah heard of it; followed after an angry man; Ibid. 22-26.called for his Gods, but might not hauehave them; and was aduised to keepe him quiet. He therefore seeing, hee was no party, to deall with so many, was faine to giuegive ouer. They goe on; come to the Citty; easily get it; make it their owne; and there set vp those new-found Gods that thus they brought with them: and, like enough, as giuing them the honour, that they had sped so well in this. So these were in credit, and sought vntounto, a long time after. In which, if wee marke, we find it plaine, that it was by the meanes of those fiue men that were sent before: they making the motion of it; and the residue consenting vntounto it. Of all which Iud. 18: 14-21.Judg 18:14–21company there were none of the Priests of the Leuites, nor any of the Leuites neyther (for they were but of the tribe of Dan;) neyther were there any of them that had any religious regard that we reade of, but most likely to be men of baser quality a great deale: one sort of them, subtill to spy out, where others were weake; the residue, as readie to take the aduantage. And yet notwithstanding, it must needs be strange, that, of all that company we reade of none that stoode against it, nor so much as did disswade it. The iust iudgement of God to hauehave concurred, is plaine likewise, for that when those fiue men would needes hauehave that Idol-Priest to inquire of his Idols, what successe they should hauehave in their iourney, they were encouraged I…id. 5, 6.to go on, and plainely tould, that the Lord would guide them: God so ordering the matter therein, that seeing they would needes seeke to those Idols, they should light on that, which might bring them in bondage vntounto them. And yet the euill spirit that gaue the answere (though not vnlikely but he would gratifie them too, so to keepe them more regardfull to those his Idols) may well bee supposed, to hauehave done it, rather to hauehave set them on forward to shed the blood of the people of Lais than to hauehave done that pleasure to them, being, as they were in Fduty, & themselues professed, the people of God. At least, themselues might plainly hauehave seene, that now they were brought in meere bondage vntounto those Idols: when as that foolish and paltry Idolatry began with them so soone, and afterward raigned so long with them. For it is plaine, that this Idolatry had place there, in that Citty of Dan, all the while the house of God was in Siloh: and it is before recorded, that Iudah, Ephraim, and the other halfe of Manasses, hauing their portions Iud. 18: 31.Judg 18:31before set out, while the Tabernacle was in Gilgal, the other seauen that remayned, had not their partes set out vntounto them, till the people had brought the Tabernacle to Sect pag.Siloh, which was in the dayes of Iosuah himselfe, Which being brought thither in Iosuahs time, was there in the daies of Helie also: of whose time it is recorded, and Ibid. 18. 1.very nere to the end therof, that the Arke was brought thence into the field vntounto the people, to aid them against the Philistims, then. After which time, because the Ark was then taken thence, & fel into the hands of the Phlistims, and so, was kept else-where 1. Sam. 4: 3, 4.1 Sam 4:31 Sam 4:4many years after, it seemeth, that it also after decayed. Insomuch that Samuell immediatly after gathered the people, not to Siloh now, but vntounto Mizpa: and Salomon at his first comming to his Kingdome, went to worship the Lord, not to Siloh neither, 1. Sam. 7▪ 5, 6. 1. King. 3: 4. 2. Chro. 1: 3, 5.1 Sam 7:51 Sam 7:61 Kgs 3:42 Chr 1:32 Chr 1:5but vntounto Gedeon, the Tabernacle it selfe, and the Altar of Burnt-offeringes then beeing there. That which sheweth what corruption was among them for life and p. 249conuersation, is the Story next ensuing, wherein are many things worth the marking: some, I grant, but of lesse importance; but others, of greater. Of lesse importance I account a couple, both of them found in such dealing, as diuers times passeth betwixt friendes, and giuing one good lesson to eyther: both vntounto him that giueth entertainement; and to him that is entertained. It is the manner of such as giuegive entertainment, to be sometimes so importunate with their friendes, as in no good time to let them depart: and of such againe as are entertained, to bee so resolute on theyr departure, as that they will in no wise bee stayed, though by lingering their time before, they see they hauehave not time left them, nowe to set foorth without some danger. Heere we hauehave an example of both. The Leuites Wife (by occasion) went to her Iud. 19: 1-9Judg 19:1–9friendes before: the Leuite himselfe shortly after goeth thither also to bring her home. He is very welcome, and so doth stay accordingly with them. But when Gnowe they were to depart, and were gotten vp betime for the purpose, needes they must stay yet somewhat longer, at least till they had gotten their Breake-fast. That being done, then was it to late for them to goe forward that night. So they must needes stay till the morning, and then be doing so soone as they would. That morning being come, yet might they in no wise goe, till they had eaten: and then was it againe to late, that night to set forward. So those that gaue entertainment, were loath to part with them. Now the Leuite that was entertained, commeth in to play his part also. What occasion he had we cannot tell: but we see that here, both he & his might hauehave bin welcome. Yet he would in no wise stay any longer now: but, Ibid. 10.late though it were, would needes bee going. So taking the time of his setting forth so late as he did, he was faine to lodge by the way, which otherwise he needed Ibid. 11-1….not to hauehave doone: and, as the estate of the Countrey was then, hee could not tell where to bee safe; but needes would ayme it so well as he could. The Issue was Ibid. 16-….this: notwithstanding the courtisie and helpe that hee found where hee tooke vp his lodging, much more than himselfe might well hauehave expected, in pittifull sort hee lost his Wife, and was faine to take with him her dead Corpes home; and was in great danger himselfe besides. Those that are of greater importance, are diuers: most of them discommendable; but yet certaine commendable in them. Of those that are discommendable in them, some there are that are cleere out of quaestion for that matter: others, that are not so very euident, and yet hauehave good probability with them so to be taken. Those that are cleere out of quaestion for that matter▪ are certaine detestable sinnes by them committed, and by the iust iudgementes of GOD accordingly punnished: one, of one particular person; the other, of many. That one particular person was the Leuites Wife: and her sinne was, that detestable Ibid. 2.sinne of Adultery, the abuse of her body in wanton lust. The iudgement of GOD that shortly after did befall her, was, that shortly shee was by a certaine kinde of necessity, to withstand a great villany, giuen into the handes of so Ibid. 22-27.many to be abused, that her life was not able to beare it, but was faine to giuegive place vntounto it. A fearefull iudgement: and so much the rather to be marked of all, as they finde those vnbrideled lusts of theirs to be strong vppon them. Those that were Hmany, were two sorts of the Beniamites: one, those beastly Rake-Hels of Gibeah; the other, the Heads-men, or chiefe among them. Those beastly Rake-Hels of Ibid. 22-26.Gibeah, did first require the Leuite himselfe, that they might against nature hauehave had the abuse of his body: but obtaining his Concubine onelyonly, her they abused all the night, insomuch that praesently shee dyed thereof, in a manner vnderunder their handes. Those that were the Heads-men or chiefe among them, did two waies offend: one, in that themselues had not their people in better order; the other, that when the rest of their Bretheren would hauehave had them to punish, they would rather be enemies to those their Bretheren, and suffer it to be a quarrell of Mortall Warre, than deliuer in Ibid. 20▪ 3, 14, 21.those offenders vntounto thē. The iudgement of God that hereupon did fall vponupon them, was, that soone after the whole Tribe without regard of Sex or age, together with their Citties and goods were all destroyed, excepting sixe hundred Men onelyonly, they Ibid. 41-48.hauing then brought forth to the field six and twenty thousand, & seauen hundred, Ibid 15. 16.and hauing many of these very able to doe speciall good seruice against the Enemy. p. 250Those offences of theirs that are not so euident, but yet hauehave such probability with them, that they are most likely so to be taken, are first againe, of one particular person: then, of many. That one particular person was the Leuite, who, in the iudgement of some, himselfe abuzed that Concubine of his, shee not beeing his lawfull Wife. Not that I account, that the reason that there they vse for it, is sound, namely, T…l. Ion. in Iud. 29: 2.that then they had not consent of her Parentes, nor that they hauehave any warrant to gather, that as yet they had it not, but soone after had: but that he was so desirous in so short a time after to hauehave her againe, himselfe going for her, and that hee tooke it so ill when shee was thereby destroyed; and that the originall it selfe dooth charge her, both to be his Wife or Concubine, and at that time to hauehave plaid the Harlot too. Whereupon it seemeth to mee, that if she were but his Concubine, and played the Harlot, and seeing the Text it selfe dooth not lay it to any other, it were then most like, that their Copulation was not lawfull: but diuers there are that doe interpret it a Wife; and one, more specially considering of it (and the same very skilfull in the originall) V…lg▪ …dit. Bibl. A…gl. Ar. Mon…. Co…r. Pellic.doth say that indeede shee is saide to hauehave beene his Concubine, but yet that it Kseemeth she was his Wife. That I hold not their reason sufficient, it is vppon this that the most and best Diuines doe rather hold, that the consent of Parentes or principall friendes, is rather of the decency, than of the substance of Matrimony, (meaning, that it is conuenient in most cases it should so be; yet that as the case may be, marriage may be lawfull without it:) and that the Law dooth so determine. And as for that place that they bring in for it, it doth not shew, that there can be no marrige …o. 22: 16, 17without the consent of Parents: but that, when another had abused any mans daughter, albe it so doing hee ought to marry her; yet in that case is it left to the election of the Father, whether hee will so bestow her or not. Otherwise if a leud Fellowe could intice a young Woman to be naught with him, so might he get her to bee his Wife also, were she neuer so much to good a match for a much better than he. So the Fathers consent is there set, as a barre to such bad dealing: and not to shew, that absolutely it must be had in all lawfull marriages whatsoeuer. But to returne to the Leuite againe, it may very well bee, and is most likely, that hee it was that offended with her: and then lesse maruaile, that himselfe afterward came into such danger to bee abused; and that others should execute that, euen to the deapth of all iniquity, that he had begun vntounto them before. That he tooke it so very ill when she was destroyed, Iud. 19: 29.Judg 19:29and was so enraged with it, that not regarding humanity now, nor womanhood neither, hee did so deuide her, bones and all, and sent her abroad, to shewe what villany was done vntounto her, and the better to stirre them vp to reuenge, as it is like enough to witnesse, that he would not hauehave had that affection to her that should so enrage him now, if she had imparted her body to any other but to himselfe: so neuerthelesse he seemeth to be faulty also, at least inconsiderate, so to set the whole people on fire about it. For we doe not read, that hee sought to the Heads-men of the Beniamites first; but vntounto all the people generally: nor that he sought vntounto them, according to any orderly course of proceeding, but by a strange and barbarous Fact, hewing the dead body of a Woman in peeces, and sending to eueryevery Tribe a-peece, to witnesse, that she was forced to death. For I doe not see that it is warranted, as it seemeth it is conceiued by some, that it should bee such a like matter, as was the Con. Pollic. in Iud. 19: 28.Judg 19:28zeale of Phineas before: this hauing so great interest in the party destroyed, after an Lhumane and carnall manner; and the other nothing at all in that kinde, in eyther of those whome hee then tooke in so naughty manner. These many are, euen all the whole company of the Children of Israell generally: and first in some part of theyr doinges against the Beniamites; then, in some others, against the inhabitants of Iabes-Giliad. In their dealing against the Beniamites, it seemeth, they had some slip or other, because the hand of God was against them so much as it was; and if wee take that hand of God against them, to lead vsus to that assurance, that some way or other they did offend, then hauehave we diuers things in them, that may well be called in question: euen their assembling together at the first; and much of their proceeding after. When they assembled together at the first, we do not reade, that either they sought vntounto the Lord to knowe whether they should so doe or not; or sent to their p. 251Bretheren the chiefe and principall Fathers of the Beniamites, to see first, whether they would not take some order in it: but that themselues, without either of these, Iud. 19: 30. 20▪ 1, 2.Judg 19:30Judg 19:20Judg 19:1Judg 19:2did venture at it, at the onelyonly instigation of him, who probably might bee intended to hauehave vrged them so vntounto it, altogether as much of priuate affection in his owne gelous indignation, as of any louelove of Iustice, or to hauehave disorder punished; whom also they might doubt, by sending his Concubine peece-meall vntounto them, to bee out of temper, and of whom they had not yet heard, that he had sought vntounto the Heads-men of the Beniamites first. Neither can I aduise mee selfe where they had any direction or warrant, so to assemble themselues together in such a case as this. If any Deut. 13: 12 18.Deut 13:12should forsake the Lord, and fall to Idolatry, they had good direction to do it: but for the administration of ordinary Iustice, in deciding of causes, and punishing disorders, they had eueryevery where Magistrates of their owne appointed (at least, were directed Deut. 16: 18.Deut 16:18so to hauehave) and we do not reade, that if one Magistrate neglect his duty, the rest were then to set vponupon him to force him vntounto it. That part of their proceeding after, which now I speake of, was part of it, in what sort they sought vntounto God about that matter: and part of it, how they resolued with themselues. They sought vntounto God about that matter, in such sort as may seeme to bee faulty, twice. First, which of them should first lead against those Beniamites: not asking the Lord, whether MIud. 10: 18.Judg 10:18they should go against them, or not (hauing already determined that of themselues) but what order they should (in that disorderly attempt which they had) for that point obserued therein. So lesse maruell, when they tooke so much to themselues, Ibid. 19-21.and left so little to God, both his aunswere, and their successe, where correspondent. The other time they came indeede before the Lord and wept, before Ibid. 23.they would encounter the Beniamites againe: but first they had pluckt vp their hearts Ibid. 22.and encouraged themselues to set on them againe; yea and set their battell in aray against them, euen in that place also where they were foyled before; and, when they had of themselues gone thus farre at first, then did they aske of God after, whether they should go forward with it or not. Therefore lesse maruell hoere againe, as they mended their waies but little, so both their answere and their successe were but little better than it was before: now being allowed to goe (but without any promise of victory) and then leesing but eighteene thousand. The Parenthesis therefore in the Englsh Bible; the reading and ordering of the Text it selfe in the vulgar 1554. Heuten. 1 69. Fr. Vatab. Tremel. Iun.translation, both in the other verse going before, and in this immediately following; and the changing of the tense in others (all to make, that they sought to the Lord at this time, before they addressed themselues to battell, so to make their doings more orderly) are, as I take it, disagreeable vntounto the sense of the Text: as also the originall is by some, both deliuered, and interpreted also. That resolution in themselues Ari. Mont. Co…r. Pellic.that now I speake of, rested in two principall pointes: one, very plaine in it selfe; the other, that out of it may bee gathered. That which is plaine in it selfe, is, that they bound themselues with an Oath that none of them should giuegive his Daughter Iud 21: 1.Judg 21:1to be Wife to any of the Beniamites: which notwithstanding they themselues did in effect afterward breake, when they taught them how to speede themselues of Ibid. 16-22.the yong women of Siloh. That which may be gathered thereof, was, that they were before purposed to slay (without merciemercy) not onelyonly the men, but the women also, and to leaue none of them liuing. Yet women and children were nothing culpable of the outrage committed on the Leuites wife, which before was all the quarrell they had: but now, being enraged, thus farre they exceede their bounds therein. In their dealing against Iabes-Giliad they behaued themselues much like NIbid. 8: 11.also, altogether destroying man, woman and child, sauing onelyonly the yong women to be wiues for the Beniamites: and yet neither children, nor marryed women, nor impotent folke, were any of those that should hauehave come vp to Mizpah vntounto them to hauehave gone with them against the Beniamites. But so farre hauehave they let loose to themselues, in this their hot blood▪ the bridle now. Thus farre, may their doings be called in question by good warrant of the Rules that we hauehave, as I doe take it, and I doe thinke it so much the more needfull to marke it, because others, not heeding these, charge them with other things, without any warrant, so the better to p. 252iustifie GOD, for those two ouerthrowes that they had. Namely, that they trusted too much to their owne greater forces: and that themselues, one way V…lg. …dit. Lyr. Bibl. Angl. C…r. Pellic. Tremel. I…. Bibl. Angl. Fr. V…abin. I…d. 20: 23. Hos. 9: 9 1019.Hos 9:9or other, were as great sinners as the Beniamites, and therefore should hauehave clensed themselues from their owne sin first, before they should deale with others in theirs. One also I finde, that sticketh not resolutely to set downe, that so they perished, because of the Idolatry then in Dan. But whether these were the things that the Prophet did charge their posterity with, or not, it appertaineth not to this place to beat out: but as likely as any, that these were part of the Prophets meaning; because not the Beniamites only, but the whole people are charged therwith. Now thogh these thinges were reproueable, yet were there others commendable in them: first, euen when they were so moued against their Bretheren; then, when their griefe was afterward slaked. When they were so moued against them, euen therby it appeareth, that they had a detestation of the villany done, and thereupon so readily came together; and tooke order for their continuance there, till they had done the good Iud. 19: 30. 20: 1, 2 3 11. Ibid. 8-10. Ibid. 3-7. Ibid. 12, 13. Ibid. 18, 23. Ibid. 26-28. Ibid 21: 2-4 6, 15. Ibid. 5, 7-14, 16-24. Ibid. 5, 8-11.Judg 19:30Judg 19:20Judg 19:1Judg 19:2they had intended: and that they might more orderly doe it, both they inquired of the party himselfe, how the truth of the matter was, and accordingly sent to their Brethren for the offenders; and when that way no good would be done, but they saw it needfull to repaire vntounto God for his direction, part of their direction they tooke of him at the first, and afterward yeelded themselues wholie vntounto it. When their grief was afterward slaked, both they were sorry, that they had almost destroied one Tribe from among them; and therefore sought now to raise them againe: & whereas the Inhabitants of Iabes Gilead had disobeyed the publicke authority of Othem all, they did well in that seruice also, so farre as to a iust chastising of them was needfull. Which good things were notwithstanding so ouerlayed in them with ill, that herein hauehave we a good patterne, how a multitude or a meere popular Ibid. 19: 1. 21: 35.state (we might feare) would deal in matters of Iustice, though otherwise they were such as had some speciall regard to God: so confusedly sometimes, and so much on the spleene, that irkesome it were, and a pitifull thing, so to be yoked.

6 That other particular, in that other Booke next ensuing, is of Ruth, a Moabitish Woman, whom it pleased God to bring in to be one of the Ancestors of Iesus AChrist according to the flesh. But seeing it hath pleased God in this Story to set downe, not onelyonly the thing it selfe, but also the meanes whereby it was compassed, therefore is it meetest for vsus to consider of both: both of the meanes that were vsed therin; and how the thing it selfe was in the end performed. The meanes that were vsed therein, were some of them such, as it pleased God often to vse towards his children: and some them againe, such as seemed to come of the common infirmitie of our nature. Those that were such as God often vseth towards his children, were that he exercised them with calamity before: both with the want of bodily necessities; and with the want of other succours besides. In that he touched them with the want of bodily necessities, we are to consider, first, how hee touched them therewith: then, what helpe he gaue them withall. He touched them therewith, first, out of question, when they were faine to leaue their Country because of Ruth. 1: 1, 2.Ruth 1:1Ruth 1:2that famin, and from thence to be tenne yeares together: then also, as it seemeth, when the Widdow her selfe was returned, because the people seemeth to wonder Ibid. 19. Ibid. 2: 2.at that her present estate; and because her daughter, with the priuitie and consent (when they were come home) went forth a gleaning. The helpe that it pleased God to giuegive them withall, was, first in the land of Moab: then, in their owne Country when they were returned. In the Land of Moab they found present helpe for the time, but as it seemeth to the great impouerishing of them. For when they came home it seemeth they were very poore, in that they holpe themselues with Ibid. Ibid. 1: 20, 21.that kinde of libertie, that was giuen to the poore; and it may be part of the meaning of her owne wordes also: and yet when they went forth, it seemeth they were of wealth or in good estate, because they were of so speciall a stock in that City; and BIbid. 2: 1. Ibid. 4: 3.because yet they had Land remaining when they were againe returned. In their p. 253owne Country when they were returned, though there they might not now bee, as they were before, in wealthy estate; but must hauehave what they had by begging: yet so it pleased God, in Booz to giuegive them very speciall good helpe and fauour, not onelyonly allowing Ruth, the daughter in Law vntounto the Widdow, freely to g…ther Ibid. 2: 3▪ 23.there, but also allowing her many fauours, for the bettering of her gleaning, and for her owne meate besides so long as haruest lasted. So hauehave we in him a very good patterne, how liberall, buxom and cheerefull the richer sort should be in such case vntounto the poore: especially, so oft as they hauehave cause to conceiue so well of them, as Booz had at that time of Ruth that yong Widdow, for being so dutifull to her Husband Ibid. 11.before, and to her mother in Law after; and in translating her selfe from her owne Country, where they were but heathen people, and ioyning herselfe to the people of God. Those other succours that God tooke from them besides, were all Ibid 1: 3, 5their Husbands: the Father himselfe and both his Sonnes, and these without issue. And so it pleaseth God oft-times, where his meaning is to do good, there to bring in one calamitie on another before: and then in the end to deo them that good hee meaneth vntounto them. But as this losse touched them, some of them more, others lesse, so did they beare it in some reasonable measure: both Naomie the Mother; and the daughters besides. The mother had the greatest losse, because shee lost first her Husband, then both her Sonnes: and yet bare it so quietly, that she still retained special good wil to those her daughters in Law, and thereupon for their good, was earnest with them to stay in their owne Country when shee her selfe Ibid. 6-13.meant to returne. The others had a great losse also, because they lo… their Father in Law and both their Husbands: and yet tooke their losse so quietly also that both of them offered to leaue their owne Country to goe with their Mother; and one of them would in no wise bee put off, but went with her indeede, namely, Ruth, Ibid. 14-18,whom this Story most concerneth. Those that were such as seemed to come of the common infirmitie of our nature, were that deuise of the Mother, and practise of the daughter (after they had so well tasted of the liberalitie and kindnesse of Booz) Cto winde him in, of her to raise vp seede to his kinsman deceased. Which was not, in good and orderly manner to mooue the matter vntounto him: but secretly in the darke to conueigh her selfe to his bed where he lay al night, when there should bee Ibid. 3: 1-5, 6-9.none but they two together; and then to craue of him the vse of his body, to raise vp issue to her former Husband, his kinsman aforesaide. Wherein although shee gaue reasonable good testimony, that the lust of flesh was not her arrant (at least not the cheife) for that he of necessity must now bee olde, and shee, it seemeth, Tremel. I…n. in Ruth 1: 1.Ruth 1:1was but yong, and then might hauehave made her match much more to her contentment in that respect, if that had beene the thing that shee chiefly sought: yet was that a dangerous bait, had not the man beene of speciall good stay, though he had beene neuer so old (as he was supposed to be an hundred) so long as hee was neuerthelesse able to raise vp issue; and there were many more orderly meanes that might hauehave beene vsed, to compasse a matter so lawful as it. But Booz indeed (as his wordes declare) did not otherwise take it; and so commended her for that regard Ruth. 3: 10-18:Ruth 3:10–18to her former Husband, and that she followed not young folke now; and promised withal, that if another, neerer than hee, would not looke to hauehave her before him, then would himselfe take her to wife. Wherein, besides the equity whereto in that case hee yeelded, he gaue a notable example of continency too, so to forbeare as in that case he did. It was in the end performed, first, by giuing that other Kinsman of his the choise: and when he refused, by taking her vntounto himselfe; Ibid. 4: 1-17.& so begetting Obed of her, one of the ancesters of Iesus Christ. An example comfortable ynough in it selfe, that Christ should be a Sauiour of the Gentiles too, seeing now againe it pleaseth him to take flesh of them: but so much the more comfortable if wee cal to minde, that this Nation of the Gentiles of whom Ruth did come, was, in one respect, one of the most accursed of all others, for that they were not Deut. 23▪ 3.Deut 23:3allowed to come into the Congregation, or to be any of that corporation or body of that people of God, no not vntounto the tenth Generation.

p. 2547 That other Booke ensuing, wherein we hauehave the Story of part of those that Awere their Iudges, is the first of Samuel, called also by some the first of the Kings; and they are but two of them of whom wee hauehave any Story there: of whom wee hauehave something to note of them both together; and something, of eyther seuerally. Of Bthem both together, that whereas they were Ecclesiasticall persons (as wee doe call them) and yet gouerned the whole people, it is not a thing so abhorring Nature as some hauehave taken it, that those two powers should at any time concurre together in one. But that will after appeare more plainely, in the Commission giuen vntounto Esra. Comming therefore to eyther of them more specially, we finde that one of them gouerned the people euen to his death: but the other, while himselfe liued, was discharged of it. He that gouerned them euen to his death, was Elie the High-Priest, who did not in his time so finish all, but that a remnant of that his gouernment continued something longer, that best may be to him also ascribed. So are wee first to consider of that which wee finde in the time of his life: then, of that remnant that extended it selfe somewhat after his death. That which we finde in the time of his life, is nothing at all of any publique gouernment: neither of his comming to that place of authority, nor in what manner he behaued himselfe therein; but onelyonly, that what time he finished his course, hee then had iudged the people forty yeares, and 1. Sam 4: 18.1 Sam 4:18was an old man when he dyed. So it seemeth, that his iudging of the people was but in such controuersies as were among them, and in such other matters as concerned thē seuerally, and were not of the greatest moment, the Philistims bearing so great a Iud. 13: 1.Judg 13:1sway among them as thē they did. For they had them in subiection as we saw before, forty yeares. In the next twenty ascribed to Sampson, wee saw that he did little against Ibid. 15: 20. 16: 31.them, but onelyonly in certaine odde priuate quarrels: and of this man wee hauehave, for those matters, nothing at all. But as he was the High-Priest withall, wee hauehave some Story of him, though nothing to his honour neyther: but that therein also hee so offended that it was the ruine of him, and almost of all his house besides. So are we first to consider, wherein he offended: then, what was his punnishment for it. His offence was, that his Sonnes were so disorderly: and so little restrained by him. Their disorder was, principally in that which they did to the derogation of the seruice of God (which he, by the vertue of his office, should hauehave amended:) but partly, in abusing themselues with others also. That which they did to the derogation of Gods seruice, was, that they so encroched vponupon the people for Fees in their offeringes Cand sacrifices, that they made the people to loath the seruice of God. They encroched vppon them two wayes: one, to hauehave more than their due; the other, to bee serued before that they should. To hauehave more than their due, they helde not 1. Sa. 2…: 13. 141 Sam 2:131 Sam 2:14themselues content with those Fees and emoluments which God had giuen them, but forced to themselues a greater commodity by vsurpation: chopping in a Flesh-hook of three teeth, and claiming for theirs whatsoeuer they might take vp at once thereby. To bee serued before they should, they would not tarry till the fat of the Sacrifice was first burnt on the Altar as God appointed: but woulde first hauehave those Ibid. 15, 16.Fees that to them were allotted, and so hauehave their partes before the Lorde their Maister had his. In making the people thereby to loath the seruice of God, their offence Ibid. 17.must needs be the greater, for that the people being euer slow enough of themselues to the worship of God, they should not be farther hindred by others. By al which they are concluded to hauehave beene very bad, and not to hauehave knowne the Lord, nor his Ibid. 12.seruice towards the people. Those others with whom they abused themselues, were certaine Women that repaired thither, and there awaited the seruice of God. A Co…. Pel.very leud part of them with any; especially themselues beeing married as they were: but chiefely in this, that they inticed those to so foule a sinne, that repaired thither Ibid. 22.to worship God, and to exercise themselues in their profession; themselues beeing appointed of God, not to such villanies, but to administer holy things vntounto his people, euen in the holiest manner they could. Howe little …lie himselfe did restraine them, may reasonably appeare, in that they became so bad Imps as they were: but yet more plainely, that when on all hands he heard so much else of them, yet did hee p. 255then also reprooue them so gently for it. In the punishment that was cast on him Ibid. 22-25for it, when first we hauehave considered of it as it was laid vponupon him: then, it shall not be amisse to aduise our selues also, how wee may best apply it to our selues. As it was laid vponupon him, we finde, that first it was fore-shewed: then after, executed vponupon him. It was fore-shewed twice: first, by one that purposely came vntounto him from the Lorde about that matter; then, by Samuell, then but a Childe, and but relating or reporting vntounto him (as Elie did charge him) what it was the Lord on a time had said vntounto him. When that man of God came purposely to him about that matter, we reade of no answer that Elie gaue him, nor of any thing else that at that time ensued thereon. So are we but to consider of the message it selfe, and therein; first, because the message Dthat he brought was heauy, what reason God had so to deale with him, and that God might neuerthelesse be iustifyed therein: then, in what sort hee was to bee dealt with. The reason resteth on two principall members: one, the fauours of God towardes him; the other, his ill dealing with God againe. His fauours were two: one, that he chose him aboue all others to be his Priest; the other, that he gaue 1. Sa. 2: 27, 28 Ibid. 29.1 Sam 2:271 Sam 2:28him all the offeringes of the Children of Israell made by fire. His ill dealing with God againe, that he made light of Gods seruice, for his Sonnes sake, to make themselues fat of the chiefe and principall partes of those thinges whereof was made oblation to God: as winking (belike) at that importunity of his Sonnes, vrging such customes to their owne aduantage, although hee might see, that beeing more than God allowed, it could not otherwise be, but that the people would be offended, and thereupon giuegive lesse regard to that seruice of God. In denouncing vntounto him, how he was to deale with him for the same; first, hee setteth himselfe free from a certaine former promise of fauour: and then commeth to those thinges that were ensuing. His former promise, he graunteth, was, that his Fathers house should euer stand with Ibid. 30.that Office, or should euer enioy the Priest-hood, but now he telleth him, it shall not be so; and giueth in this reason for it, that he will honour those that honour him, and that such as despise him, shall be despised. Comming to those things that were ensuing; first, he sheweth him, what they should bee: then, how he may bee assured of them. In shewing what they shall be, he denounceth indeede heauy things against him; but yet sheweth withall, that they shall be something allaied with mercy. Those heauy thinges that he denounceth against him, were, for the most part to be accomplished after his time: but one of them, in his owne dayes also. After his time, Ibid. 31-33.that the honour of his house should vtterly fall, and thence-forward be of no reckoning among the people: and that there should not be an old man of his Family, but that when they came to mans state, they should then commonly dye. That which Ibid. 32.should be in his owne dayes, was, that himselfe should see the Enemy to praeuaile and so to enioy the best thinges of the Land. The mercy that was promised withall, Ibid. 33.was, that hee would not so destroy his posterity, but that some of them should remaine, and be implyed in his seruice, in the office of the Priest-hood: and the reason thereof to be, that God will not cleane ouerwhelme him with sorrow, but leaue that Emeasure of comfort vntounto him. For the certainty of these thinges, that so hee may be assured of them; first, he giueth him a signe: and then resolueth him of a doubt that to the contrary might bee conceiued. The signe that hee did giuegive vntounto him, Ibid. 34.was, that both his Sonnes should in one day dye. The doubt that might bee to the contrary conceiued, was, that as yet there was none other appointed to attend his seruice. To that it is answered, that he will prouide himselfe of another, to his better Ibid. 35, 36.contentment: and that such as were left of his house, should in their pouerty seek vntounto him to be in some place of seruice about the Altar, that so they might be able to liue. When the denouncing of these heauy thinges was renewed vntounto him againe by the relation of Samuell, we finde, that Elie then gaue some answere thereto: and so are we first to consider, what it was that Samuell told him; then, what answere hee gaue vntounto it. That which Samuell tolde him was in effect, the same which was denounced vntounto him before: yet first but generally, not shewing what it should bee, but onelyonly some strange and heauy iudgement; but afterward, what it should bee in particular also. Generally, that it should be such a thing, as that whosoeuer should p. 2561. Sam. 3: 11.1 Sam 3:11heare of it, should be exceedingly astonished at it. More specially, that hee would Ibid. 12-14.certainely bring vponupon Elie, and vponupon his house, that which he had threatned before, because of that facility of his towardes his Sonnes so offending: and that for this matter, there should no sacrifice serue, but that the things already denounced should come vppon them. The aunswere of Elie to this, was, that it was the Lord: and …bid. 18.therefore yeelded himselfe and his, to be dealt withall, as himselfe should think good. And these two, that it is the Lord, and all thinges to be as pleaseth him, may well go together, in all our affaires, euen in those that concerne vsus neerest of all: and neuer ought to be put asunder. We should euer know, that all such thinges come of the Lord, and neuer should we repine at any thing he dooth vntounto vsus. The execution of it followed: on his Sonnes and him, very soone after, in the Story that now wee are in; on his posterity in the processe of time ensuing, without the compasse of this praesent Story. As touching that which this Story sheweth to be done to his Sons Fand him (wherewith we are for this time to bee contented) it was so annexed vntounto the estate of the whole people, ouer whom his gouernment for his time stood, that we cannot consider of the one, but that we must take in the other withal; but that to very good purpose too, euen in respect of Ely himselfe, because it was the fruit of his gouernment, and so to be in that respect to him ascribed. Neuerthelesse we shall not do amisse, in the Story distinctly to consider, what portion thereof redounded to his sons and him: and what to all the people besides. The Philistims therefore nowe comming 1. Sam. 4: 1, 2.1 Sam 4:11 Sam 4:2in againe, and the Israelites meeting them in the fielde, the Israelites were ouerthrowne, and lost to the number of foure thousand. Heereupon they thought Ibid. 3▪ 18good to send vntounto Siloh, to fetch the Arke out of the Tabernacle there, and to bring it into the fielde, and so to assay the Philistims againe, hoping that so they shoulde hauehave some hand against them. But so also they were ouerthrowne, much more grieuously than before, lost thirty thousand, and those that remained were faine to returne beaten home. And they being so offensiue to God as they were, it was but in vaine for them (so inordinately withall) to get into their company the Arke of his Couenant, which themselues so fouly had broken: much like to those Exorcists in the Apostles time, who not beleeuing in Christ themselues, would neuerthelesse assay, in his name to cast out Deuils, till they found, to their shame and hurt, that the Name Act. 19: 13-16.Acts 19:13–16of Iesus auailed not those that beleeued not in him. Which notwithstanding could not be such warning to vsus, but that in the dayes of our late ignorance, many of vsus ranne our Shippes on the selfe-same shelfe: not onelyonly in the Name of Iesus, but in many other such like besides. In this latter battle, both Hophnie and Phineas the sonnes of Elie, were slaine: and when himselfe heard of the euill successe of that field, being an old man and an heauy, being fourescore and eighteene yeares old, hee fell downe backeward, whereby also his necke was broken. That which redounded to the people besides, were, first these two ouerthrowes in the field: then also that their glory, the Arke of the Lord was taken, and carried away by the Philistims. Insomuch that the Wise of Phinehas at that time trauailing, and being deliuered of a sonne, would needes hauehave his name to bee No-glory, as if all glory were now vtterly Ibid. 19-22.departed from that people, when as the Arke was thus led captiue. And that people is without glory indeed, who professing God do so behaue themselues towards him, that he departeth and giueth them vp vntounto themselues. In the application of this his punishment vntounto our selues, it may be it would bee conceiued, that this were meetest to be applyed vntounto our Ministery: and true it is, that so farre as our Ministery is in such sort faulty, either encroaching vponupon the people in their oblations to God, or ouer-carelesse of the ill wayes of their Children, it may fitly be applyed vntounto them indeede. But as these dayes are, howsoeuer they also may be as much blinded in their affection towardes their Children as others are: yet in those thinges that hauehave beene well giuen vntounto God, and in aequity ought still to remaine vntounto him, wee may easily finde, that others are a great deale more faulty then they; and yet notwithstanding many of these faulty also. For as they are of the Laity onelyonly to speake of, that are so greedy vponupon Churchl-iuinges, that should bee to the maintenance of the Gospell among vsus, to conuert them to their owne proper vse, and the same but profane: p. 257so are there some of the Cleargy likewise, that are as ready for their owne priuate aduantage, to gratifie them therewith; and themselues sometimes to turne them to lay-fee, to the vse of their Children or friends, so farre as in such case they may bee able. By which kind of dealing of them both, it commeth to passe, that euen the most needfull Church-liuings that are, are so decayed, and that daily more and more, that the Churches thereby are spoyled of able men, and driuen oft-times to take in so base a kind to make supplie, that with vsus also the offering of the Lord, euen in these daies of the Gospell, is much abhorred by many, who otherwise it is likely might be reclaimed. In which case, who it is that must supply the person of Elie, is soone perceiued. For it is none but such onelyonly as are in Soueraigne Authority that in such case can helpe: and therefore it is they that must before God stand charged with it. Whosoeuer they are, that are their subiects, great or small, they are also their children, by their indulgence, take any such waies, as whereby they may make the seruice of God to be abhorred. That remnant of his gouernment that extended it selfe somewhat after his death, was about the Arke of the Lord. Concerning which wee hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, some Story of it, first from the time that now it was taken captiue of the Philistims, vntill the time that it was returned home againe: then, for some time afterward also, that did follow immediately after. From the time it was taken, vntill Hthe time that it was returned home againe, the Story of it sheweth, how mightily it praeuailed against the enemie in their owne Land: and how triumphantly it came home to his owne Countrey againe. As touching the former, although they had so offended, that God in his Iustice would vouchsafe no glory to them: yet did not himselfe let downe his owne glory thereby, but went, as it were, to the enemies land, there to beate them downe at home round about him, both their Gods, and the people withall, till at length they were glad to be rid of it, and themselues to send it home againe with honour. For placing it first in the Temple of Dagon one of their gods, 1. Sam. 5: 1-3.1 Sam 5:1–3as giuing him the glory ouer the God of Israell, the next morning they found that Dagon was fallen downe on his face before the Arke, so doing his homage to the God of Israell. Euen as in our time the Gospell no sooner tooke place among vsus, but that our wonted Idols were faine to bee packing. And setting him vppe in his Ibid. 4.place as before, the next morning likewise, they found him fallen before the Arke againe, and much worse now than before, his head and his handes being broken off on the threshold by his fall. As it falleth out with Popery in these daies of the Gospel: that the oftener the wel-willers thereof, in any of their seuerall territories, set it vppe againe, the sorer it falleth, till at length it hauehave neither head to deuise, nor hand to helpe it selfe with. Yet as the Priests of Dagon gathered no more thereon, but thenceforward neuer to step on the threshold of Dagon: so our Dagon-Priests likewise can Ibid. 5.espie no power of God therein, but vanish away in some Idle toy, one or other. How he executed his iudgements farther on their gods, in particular, we hauehave not deliuered vntounto vsus: but that his hand was sn heauie on them also, we finde by confession of some of themselues. The people we finde were grieuously plagued, both in Ibid. 6: 5.their persons, and in their grounds. In their persons they were plagued with the present death of diuers of them: and with one speciall disease besides. By death it appeareth Ibid. 5: 6, 9-12.that many of them were taken away: and so strangely withall, that readily they ascribed it to the hand of the Lord vponupon them. Such as died not, were stroken Ibid. 6, 9, 10, 12.with Hemrods in their secret parts, both small & great, in so painfull maner, that their cry was very great. How they were plagued in their grounds, we hauehave not the Story, but onelyonly a briefe recitall or reference of it: namely, that their land was destroyed IIbid. 6: 5. Ibid. 5: 6. Co…r. Pellic. L…. in lit. l.with Mise. For as for that which we hauehave in the vulgar Translation, in the Chapter before▪ in the end of the sixt verse, it is not in the Originall: and it is the iudgement of some, that it was taken out of the Greeke; of other, that out of the Margent it was by some vnskilfull body put into the Text, as many other places, saith he, besides. But that Mise did so destroy the Land, there is no question, both because it is plainely so said, and because they so made their offering also, as wee are now shortly to see. VntoUnto the triumphant returning of it againe it doth appertayne, first that he so wrought in the hearts of the Philistims, that now they were p. 258weary of it, and affraide any longer to keepe it: then, that it returned so as it did. Being weary of it now, and affraide any longer to keepe it, they call for their Priests and Sooth sayers, and inquier of them, what they shal do with the Arke of the Lord, and how they shall send it home againe. The question hath two principall parts, as it is very plaine to all; but the answere is giuen to the latter only; thereby shewing 1. Sam. 6: 2.1 Sam 6:2vsus, that the Philistims themselues were resolued on the former. To the latter part of it therefore their answere was giuen; and that in such sort, as is right worthy to be marked of vsus: both for the direction that by it they gaue vntounto the Philistims; and for that it was so well by them obeyed. For the direction they gaue them tended to this end, that they should humble themselues vntounto God, and acknowledge it to be his hand vponupon them: and they doe not onelyonly tel them, that so they should doe, but exhort them likewise to doe it. In telling them what they should doe, first they tell them that they may not send it away emptie: then, what it must be wherewith they must furnish it. That doe they tel them, first but generally, that it must be some kind of Sinne-offering, to acknowledge their sinne against Ibid. 3-5.the Lord; then, vponupon their farther inquiry, they tell them more specially, what it must be, namely, the similitude of fiue of their hinder-parts annoyed with Emrods, and of fiue Mise besides, according to the number of their seuerall Princes or States; and al these to bee of gold. Whereby they set them in a very good course for the hand of God vponupon them, both on their persons and on their Land: but as for the hand of God vponupon them in their Gods, that doe they but huddle-vp together with the rest in words, and doe not deuise them some memorial of it also; KIbid. 5and that may be, because a good part of their maintenance and credit might lie vponupon it. A true patterne of such acknowledging of sinne, as for the most part is found among vsus: granting with such as our selues doe make least reckoning of; and suppressing that which is dearest vntounto vsus. The exhortation that they had hereunto, is good likewise so farre as it goeth: disswading them from hardening their hearts, as the Egyptians before had done; and exhorting them to yeeld indeed, and so to Ibid. 6. Ibid 7-9. Ibid. 10, 11.send away the Arke accordingly. The obedience of the Philistims was such at this time, that in al things they did as they were directed: both in that acknowledging of their sinne, and of the hand of God vponupon them for it; and in sending home the Arke againe, and in such manner as was appointed. The Arke being thus Ibid. 12.dismissed, as it came directly home againe, so if we marke, we may quickly see, that it came very triumphantly also: first, because it so came home by it selfe; then, because it came with the spoil of they enemy. It came home by it selfe, for that it had none other helpe at al, but rather to the contrary to keepe it there stil: yet not denying, Ibid. 12-16.but that the Philistims did attend it, or followed after, euen to the Coasts of Bethshemes it selfe. But that might be to some other purpose: as to see the strangnesse of the thing; and not of any mind in them to helpe it forward, as by the order that for it they tooke, may well appeare. For neither were the Kie that should hauehave it home, vsed to the yoke, and so nothing likely to yeeld it such helpe Ibid. 7.to such a purpose as others might hauehave done that had been vsed to draw: and they were such besides, as had new calued, and had their calues taken from them and kept behind, the greatest prouocation they could hauehave had, to hauehave staide them there also, and neuer to hauehave offered one foote forward. Whereby it seemeth, that the Philistims were not yet so fully resolued (neither the Princes and people on the one side, nor on the other the Priests themselues (that it was the Lord that thus had laide his hand vponupon them, or that this visible testimony of his went euer by his direction or power; or else that it was for detayning or seazing of it, that they were thus plagued: But that now they would see this miraclous dealing to confirme them in it; or at least put it vntounto the tryall, to get home by it selfe if it would. Of which the former was token plaine inough of such weakenesse in Lthem: and the latter, of worse heart than so, ioyned withal. And yet were it well, if those that hauehave so greedily seazed on the needful and lawfull maintenance of the Ministery, and detaine it yet, would in some good time so remember themselues therein, as to afford it though but such meanes to returne againe, as the Philistims p. 259heere did vntounto the Arke: but otherwise may they account themselues more Philistim-like than the Philistims themselues, if they cannot finde in their hearts to put it to so easie an aduenture as this. The Philistims no doubt might hauehave had the Israelites themselues, and the Priests and the Leuites, to hauehave fetcht home the Arke vntounto them: but belike they were not so resolutely determined to part with it so cleerely; but only to put it to this aduenture. So might ours hauehave the ancient owners themselues to fetch home those thinges with right good-will, if so it might stand with their good pleasure: but as those owners themselues will graunt, that it is more than they doe looke for; so let these Philistims of ours also consider, if they affoord no way at all vntounto it, how they doe therein discharge any one part of that duty to God. It came home likewise with the spoile of the Enemy, for that in a Casket by the side of it, Ibid. 8, 11, 17, 18.it brought home with it those Iewels aforesaide; Iewels I say, not so much because they were of Gold; as for that they were Eye-witnesses (at least, in part) what execution he had done among them, and how hee had driuen them to acknowledge his hand therein. It may be also, that if our Philistims will in no good time remember themselues in that other aforesaide Arke of Gods Testimony, but still detaine it captiue to their profane desires: God may hauehave some good time wherein he wil do such execution on them and theirs, that as thereby both he will driue them (will they, nill they) to acknowledge his iudgements on them, though fearefull, yet iust; and, in the end, to giuegive him the glory. For the time that now did follow immediatly after that the Arke was returned home againe, wee hauehave little Story of it, but onelyonly for that praesent when it was first returned: at which time it was a while at Bethshemes; but soone after had to Kiriahjarim. Bethshemes was the first Citty of the people of Adrichom. in Dan. 14.God in that Coast towards that part of the Philistims Countrey (as it seemeth) where the Arke of God then was: and to the fieldes thereof did those two Kie (though still lowing after their Calues behinde) bring the Arke, and stayed there. In which M1. Sam. 6: 14.1 Sam 6:14place we are to make; first, how the Arke was intertained of the people there: then, how the Lord shewed himselfe to be offended. Of the people it was diuersly entertained: some shewing a good affection towardes it; others making too bold with it. Those that shewed a good affection towardes it, were those, that beeing reaping Ibid. 13.their Corne in the fields, reioyced so soone as they saw it: and they withall, that with the Wood of the Cart wherein it was, offered in Sacrifice the Kie that brought it thither; Ibid. 14. Ibid. 15.and, as it seemeth, made other Sacrifice also besides. Those that made ouer bold with it, were certaine of the Inhabitants of Bethshemes, who eyther looked into, as most doe reade, or at least beheld or looked on the Arke of the Lord, as some Fran. Vatab. Ar. Mont. Trem. I…n. Vulg. edit. Co…. Pel. Fr. Vatab. in 1. Sam. 6: 19.1 Sam 6:19others doe read. Yet one is noted (of speciall skill in the Hebrewe too) who alleageth others to hauehave a third reading besides: namely, that those that heere are spoken of did make light of, or despised the Arke being thus returned. But nowe as this third reading noteth a plaine sinne in it selfe, if so they might be iustly charged: so by the order that before was taken, they might plainely offend by eyther of the other also. That the Lord shewed himselfe to be offended, is very plaine and cleane out of Num. 4: 5, 6, 15.Num 4:5Num 4:6Num 4:15quaestion: but what the cause was, that dooth not so plainely appeare. That some way or other hee was offended, it is very cleere, because hee destroyed so soone after 1. Sam. 6: 19.1 Sam 6:19his returne, so much of the people, euen threescore and ten persons, and fifty thousand besides: for so are these two summes, in the Original, seuerally placed; and the Ari. Montan.lesse, before the greater. What was the cause why he was offended, or why hee destroyed all his people, as it is not cleered by the Text, but for certaine of them: so are there diuers opinions thereof. Tremelius and Iunius taking both the numbers Anno. Dom. 1585.together, and that the Coast…s about Bethshemes were not able to yeelde that number, conceiued it to be meant of the Philistims: but Iunius since hath for them both 1593. In 1. Sam. 6: 19.1 Sam 6:19retracted the same. But whereas they both before builded on the Inhabitantes of the Cittie, that because they were of the Seede of Aaron, and so by likelyhoode Priestes withall (as indeede that was one of their Citties) therefore it Ios. 21: 10, 16, 19.Josh 21:10Josh 21:16Josh 21:19was no fault in them to bee so boulde with the Arke, appertaining vntounto them so much as it did to deale there-with; and because that Iunius since graunteth Nthem to be Priests and therefore findeth no fault with them, but that they came vnuerently p. 260Ibid.vntounto it (which the Text doth not yeeld him, but so farre as looking into it, was vnreuerency in it selfe): therefore it shal not be amisse, here againe to remember (as before is noted) least any man be deceiued heere, that though diuers of the Sonnes of Aaron dwelt heere, as in others of their Citties (which Citties were thirteene in al) yet were not those Citties peopled onelyonly with them, but with the other Ios. 21. 19.Josh 21:19Tribe to whose lot they fel for the most part, and but with some fewe of these. And therfore they might be others thā Priests or of the line of Aaron, that now did look into the Arke, for which the Lord was so offended; as also by their manner of Sacrificing it seemeth, because it was not in the place appointed; It may bee, that otherwise also it was not so orderly dene: as if others than Priests of the line of Aaron were medlers in it; or, that these did beare no such great sway in the matter, but that others did therein as pleased them. Others there be of their opinion: but 1. Sam. 6: 15.1 Sam 6:15scantly worth the citing, as I doe take it: and the same not warranted by the Text neither. And albeit my selfe do not see how to conceiue of it, yet had I rather so to leaue it, than to endeauour to force any sence vponupon it, that were not conuenient. But first I take it, that the Text doth leade vsus, not to take the number of people that here are spoken of, to be one entire Summe as there be that take it, and so make the Summe to be fifty thousand threescore and tenne persons; neither yet to transpose Tremel. Iun. 1585. Fran. Iun. 1593. Bibl. Angl. 1594 Vulg. edit. Vatab. Co…. Pel. Ari. Mont. 1. Sam. 6: 191 Sam 6:19the numbers, setting downe the fifty thousand first, and the threescore and tenne after, as there be others that do: but to take them as two seueral Sums, and the lesser to be the before greater, as most men do both take them, and set them. Then also it seemeth the likeliest to me, and most agreeable vntounto the Originall, that these threescore and tenne persons should be of Bethshemes: and that those fifty thousand should bee of all the people besides. Againe, that it is plaine ynough in the Text, why, those threescore and tenne men were strooken: so that the difficulty (to speak of) is, but onelyonly in the other fifty thousand who were not there, and therefore not partaking with that Sawcinesse of the Bethshamites. But it is no new thing, many to be punished, by occasion of some fewe; as the whole Host of Israel, for the Sinne of one. Againe, if that reading may stand, which we heard before to be giuen in OIos. 7. 1, 4, 5, 25. Ex Fr. Vatab.Josh 7:1Josh 7:4Josh 7:5Josh 7:25by some that are more specially seene in the Hebrew, namely, that those Bethshamits despised the Arke, or made but light reckoning of it when it was returned (as, but letting it there to abide where the Leuites had set it on that great stone, or any such like) then it is certaine, that among the people these Bethshamites had many fellows and then being partakers with them in their sinne, it is no maruell if they be made partakers with them in their punishment also. For the Arke of the Lord had now beene helde captiue by the Philistims seauen monthes: and all this while wee doe not reade, that euer they made any meanes to get it home againe, neither by strong 1. Sam. 6: 11 Sam 6:1hand, nor by intreatie. Now whether that reading may stand or not, that must I referre vntounto others. But though it may not (for the residue that I doe know, of best skil in the tongue, do plainely read otherwise; and therefore may it well be doubted) Co…r. Pel. Fr. Vat. Tre. Iun. Ari. Mont. Vulg. ad. Bibl. Angl.yet this doe I thinke was such a fault in all the people, that it deserued well to be punished: and that the time was fittest also, so soone as this visible testimony of the Lord was now returned, to be auenged on those that made so little reckoning of his so long absence from them; especially, when as they might easily conceiue, that of the Heathen (and those both Idolatrous, and enemies too) many indignities would, in that meane while, be offered vntounto him. Princes being taken prisoners in the field, hauehave neuer lightly wanted subiects that were so carefull for them, but that either by force or composition they would quickly set in hand to deliuer them. Citties and Castles suddenly and strangely lost, hauehave often had those that presently would venture their liues to get them againe. When battails hauehave found an end in the field, and parties hauehave beene withdrawing to their Tents againe, yet finding then, that some man of worth, or but their colours were carying away, which might be recouered, euen that onelyonly hath often renewed the fight, and beaten downe many a valiant man, till they had their desire. The world is full of such examples: but the Church of God, the people of Israel, often at other times maruellous vallerous, hauehave now shamed themselues for euer. They hauehave suffered the Arke of the p. 261Lord, the visible testimonie of his presence among them, the comfort and glory of all the faithfull, the chiefe it well of all the Sanctuary, not onelyonly to be led away, but also to be held captiue there so long together; and, for ought that they could conceiue, in the most despightfull manner that might be deuised: and, all this while, made no Pmeanes at all to get it deliuered. In so much that now also the Lord was faine to treade the Vine-presse of his wrath himselfe alone, and had none to helpe, but Isa. 63: 1-6.Isa 63:1–6was faine to stand by his owne strength. But when now he thus commeth from B…zra, himselfe and his garments so bespinckled with blood, by the slaughter of the enemie, may it be thought strange, if now he be, in that his hotte blood, so farre auenged on those his ingratefull subiects also? it is more maruell that any of them liue, than that those (fewe, to speake of) were so destroyed. And seeing their fault was in it selfe so open and plaine, what neede was there, the Text should set downe in plaine tearmes wherefore it was? Thus therefore I take it, that whereas the Text first setteth downe two strikings of the Lord, one of the Bethshemes and addeth the cause for Ari. Mont.looking into the Arke, the other of the people (which seemeth to bee the rest of the Israelites) and there addeth no cause; and immediately after setteth downe the number of those that were stroken in two seuerall summes, the lesse first, and most agreeable to one Cittie, the greater last; and most agreeable to all the people: it is most likely, that onelyonly those threescore and tenne men of Bethshemes were so stroken for looking into the Arke at that present; and that the Lord, hauing begunne so to chastice his owne people there, immediately vponupon this his returne, would now proceede to the residue also, and in like sort dispatch with them. In which case, though it bee not saide wherefore it was: yet laying their so fowle, and so long neglecting of him, and this his new returne together, may seeme vntounto me, resonable plainely to point vntounto it. The place indeede, I grant, is hard: and if any doe see farther into it, it is great reason it be accordingly regarded. But so it hath beene among vsus also. The Holy-Bible may wee account to hauehave beene vntounto vsus, as the Arke was vntounto them. This Arke of ours when time was, was taken away by certaine Philistims of ours, and helde in captiuitie long: and in the time of that captiuitie many indignities hauehave beene done vntounto it. All which time both Princes and peoples hauehave forgotten themselues so farre, for most part of them, that they neuer attempted any way to recouer it againe, but helde themselues quiet, as though therein they had neyther disgrace nor losse at all. Now in these dayes it is returned vntounto vsus againe, appearing to vsus when Isa. 65: 1.Isa 65:1we asked not for it. Lesse maruell therefore, if hauing drawne blood in plentifull measure on the enemie already, and daily doing it more and more, he enter into iudgment Qwith such of vsus likewise, as all that while cared so little for him: that so men may the better learne, what euils soeuer they hauehave with the Gospell not to impute them (as they are wont) to the Gospell it selfe, but to that prophane carelesnesse of theirs before, when the truth of God was as little by them desired, as it was troden cleane vnderunder foote by that cursed enemie.

8 He that gouerned the people of God for a time, but afterward was in his Aowne dayes discharged of it, was Samuell the Prophet. Concerning whom, the Story goeth first on his Parents: then on himselfe. His Parents were Helcanah and Hannah 1. 1: 1, 2.In Helcanah his Father we hauehave something commendable: and something reprouable. Commendable it was, that yeerely he went vp to Siloh to worship and Sacrifice: and euen then, when those bad Sonnes of Elie did minister there. It was reprouable, Ibid. 3-5.both that he went thither no oftner (for God had appointed thrice): and, that he had two wines. Of Hannah it is noted, that she was something distressed for Ibid. 2.a time: but yet not withstanding, not forsaken in it. Her distresse was, that for a time Idid. 2, 5. 10. Ibid 6, 7. Ibid. 5, 8.she was barren: and that her aduersary did vpbraide her with it. Shee was not forsaken in it, but had comfort giuen her partly by her Husband: but especially by God. Her Husband seeing her sorrowfull for it, did louingly and kindly vse her: and assured of such good affection in him towards her although she bare him no children▪ that that matter need to trouble her nothing at all. The comfort that she had of the Lord, was not onelyonly in giuing this vntounto her that now she desired: but in greater p. 262fauours which she did not desire, yet he afterward bestowed on her. In that which she desired, wee hauehave noted, first that she sought it: then how she obtained. In her seeking of it, we hauehave not onelyonly that deliuered vntounto vsus: but another speciall accident withall, that came in by occasion of it. She sought it by earnest prayer, beseeching God to remember her therein: and vowing withal, that if it were a Sonne, she would Ibid. 9-13.freely giuegive him vntounto the Lord, to be a Nazarit vntounto him. That other accident, that by occasion of it came in withall, was that same misiudging of Elie, reputing her Ibid. 9, 14-18.as a drunken Woman, and reprouing her accordingly: but vppon her quiet and modest answere, better perswaded of her soone after. The best men of all doe sometimes Bmisiudg of others: but, it is well, when they can come to a better bent so easily as wee see that Elie did. VntoUnto her obtaining of that which she sought, there is another thing belonging: and so first of that her obtaining: then, of that other belonging Ibid. 19, 20.vntounto it. That which she obtained was, that shortly after she conceiued, and hauing a Sonne, called his name Samuell. That other belonging vntounto it, was, in what sort she now performed her vow of bestowing him freely on the Lorde: which she did very well, both in her first bestowing of him; and, that sometimes after shee did visite him so as shee did. In her first bestowing of him, both shee brought the Childe himselfe, so soone as he was any thing meete to such a purpose: and withall, gaue speciall thankes vntounto God. In her first bringing of her Sonne to the Lord, we are to note, not onelyonly what it was that in truth she did: but also, how it may appear in the Text that so she did. That which in truth shee did, was, that she brought Ibid. 21-28.him then to the Lord, when he was by his age reasonable able to serue the Lord. To finde out, how it may appeare in the Text that so she did, wee neede no more but to consider the nature of one word onelyonly, that which commonly is taken for Waining: as though that then shee had brought him to Elie, so soone as shee had wained him from her breast. For though for the most part that word be so interpreted: yet are Vulg. edit. Bibl. Angl. C…. Pel. Fr. V…. A…. Mont. Trem. I…. Num. 17: 8. 1. King. 11: 20.Num 17:81 Kgs 11:20there others, that marking how that word is in the Scripture vsed in diuers places besides, doe finde, that it dooth not signifie waining from Milke onelyonly; but also bringing vp to farther proofe. As where it is saide, that Aarons branch brought foorth, not onelyonly Buds, leaues, and flowers, but ripe Almonds also: and that Tahpenes, the Queene of Aegypt, nourished and brought vp Ge…bath, her Sisters Sonne, in Pharaohs house, and among the Sonnes of Pharaoh. Where not onelyonly in the former, but euen in the latter place also, bringing vp to some proofe is more likely to bee the meaning of the word, than onelyonly to waine. In which point the diligence of these is so much the more commendable, for that the others, by giuing that other signification of the word in those other places (at least, for most of them) yet in this place where the sense doth so necessarily require it, they were not so well aduised, as so to yeeld it. For it had beene to no purpose, that the Childe should bee brought thither before he was capable of such thinges as he was to learne there; and but a trouble and charge vntounto Elie, when hee was able to doe him no seruice, and must further be tended by others: as also it was a better tryall of the Parents themselues, when in Chis Childe-hood they might see such towardlinesse in him (as, by his proofe after, it seemeth that then they might) yet then to part with him. Her Thankes-giuing, it seemeth, was some part of it but doubtfull: but the other, cleane out of quaestion. That which was but doubtfull, was concerning those Bullockes, Flower, and Wine, 1. Sam. 1: 24.1 Sam 1:24that she brought withall, whether any part of them were specially offered in sacrifice to God in this respect or not: a thing that was likely enough, and yet is not so ouerruled in the Text; though there be that hauehave their ghesses. That other that is clean Lyr. Pellic.out of quaestion, is, that her thankes-giuing by word of mouth, that there is set downe: wherein first treating of the praesent matter: then she; by that occasion falleth to some discourse of such others besides. As touching the praesent matter then, she expresseth her owne ioy: and acknowledgeth God onelyonly to be the Author of it. 1. Sam. 2: 1. ….1 Sam 2:1Those that were such others besides, of which shee afterward falleth into some farther discourse, are two: one, the insolency of the aduersary in such like cases: the other, Ibid 3-5. Ibid. 6-10. Ibid. 18, 19.how the Lorde is wont to deale, both with the one sort of them, and with the other. Her visiting him after, as shee did, was, that eueryevery yeare comming to worship, p. 263she did vse to bring him withall a little Coate: and so declared thereby (so farre as that extended) that it was not to disburthen her-selfe of the charge of him, that she so bestowed him on Ely to the Lordes vse; but euen of meere louelove to the Lorde for vouchsafing to giuegive him vntounto her, and therefore contributing (as it were) thus far also, towardes his maintenance in the Lordes seruice. Those other fauours which she did not desire, yet God did after bestow vponupon her, were such as did plainly shew, that she was no leeser in bestowing that Sonne of hers vponupon God: and therefore it shall be good to consider heere, first, what those fauours were; then, to leaue this to bee marked withall, whether shee were not well rewarded. Those other fauours were two: one, that he made that Childe of hers to bee of rare and speciall account; the other, that he gaue her Children besides. He made this Childe of hers of speciall account; first in his Child-hood: then when hee came to mans estate. In his Ibid. 20, 26. 3: 20.child-hood, for that Ely himselfe was so pleased with him: and that the people made speciall reckoning of him. When he came to mans estate, hee was not onelyonly a notable Ibid & 7: 15. Ibid. 12: 3, 4.Prophet, and the chiefe Gouernour of the people: but (that more is) a very good man towardes God also. Those other Children that God gaue her besides, were, as it seemeth, fiue: three Sonnes, and two Daughters. For there is no quaestion, D1. Sam. 2: 21.1 Sam 2:21but of one of the Sonnes, whether Samuell bee to bee accounted one of the three or not: but there be that read, that shee conceiued and bare three Sonnes and two Daughters, While the Childe Samuell grewe vp towardes the Lord; which if it Tremel. Iun.may stand, maketh the matter cleane out of quaestion. If now the quaestion bee, whether she were not well rewarded, the matter is so plaine in it selfe, that it leaueth this comfort vntounto vsus, that we cannot truely giuegive our selues or ours vntounto the Lord, but that we are like (he euer continuing all one) to be richly at his handes rewarded for it. The Story comming now to Samuell himselfe, something it dooth deliuer vntounto vsus of his child-hood: but more, of his gouernment. Of his Childe-hoode, that the Lorde appeared vntounto him: and that the same was knowne to the people. That the Lord appeared vntounto him, though it bee glorious enough in it selfe, yet first there is another circumstance also remembred, which doth much more commend it vntounto vsus. So first of that circumstance: then, of the Lordes appearance vntounto him. That 1. Sam. 3: 1.1 Sam 3:1circumstance was, that in those dayes the Lord did not vouchsafe to appeare vntounto any: insomuch that such manifestation of his will and pleasure vntounto him, was now very rare and precious among them. And a speciall good token is it of his fauour to any, when it pleaseth him to impart his will and pleasure vntounto them: as on the other side, it is likewise a token of his great displeasure, when there are none among vsus, by whom it will please him to speake vntounto vsus. As touching the Lordes appearing to him, it shall bee good first to consider that hee did so appeare vntounto him: then of the businesse about which it pleased him so to appeare. That hee did so appeare vntounto him, to impart a peece of his minde vntounto him in a matter that hee meant one day to doe, is in it selfe a token of speciall fauour: as when one friende breaketh his minde to another, in such thinges as he would not doe, but vntounto such as were inward with him. As touching the businesse about which hee did appeare vntounto him, it was most concerning Ely his Mayster: and in effect none other but the same of which God had sent word before to Ely himselfe. But here hauehave wee to consider, not onelyonly what it was: but also in what sort Ely did take it. It was no more but this, that whereas before hee had sent him word of heauy iudgements towardes him, for that he suffered his Sons so to abuse themselues as they did, now he telleth this Child also, that he is fully determined so to doe: but yet he speaketh in such sort of it now as that others also were to hauehave some heauy part of those his iudgements; and so doth the Story, that after followeth, shew that they had. So are wee first to consider, what Eportion of those his iudgments may seeme to respect others withall: then, what they are, that doe more properly concerne him. Those that respect others withall, may seeme to be those two ouerthrowes that the Philistims afterward gaue to the people 1. Sam. 4: 1, 2.1 Sam 4:11 Sam 4:2of God: especially the latter of them: and, at that time, the taking away of the Arke Ibid. 10, 11.withall. It may seeme so to bee, for that himselfe doth make it so generall a confusion to all, that whosoeuer should heare thereof, both his eares should tingle at it. Those p. 2641. Sam. 3: 1….1 Sam 3:1that doe more properly concerne him, are some of them but the effect of that which was threatned vntounto him before: but one thing more there is, which is added nowe. Those that are but the effect of those thinges that were threatned before, are what Ibid. 12. 13.iudgementes he will bring vponupon him, and why. That which is added more nowe, Ibid. 14.is, that Oblations and Sacrifices shall not bee accepted of him, to stay the execution, that hee is nowe resolued to doe vppon him. And there is no quaestion, but that men may so farre incurre the displeasure of GOD, as that there can in no wise bee remission so fully obtained, but that needes their sinne must be punnished: and this being found in that sinne of Elie, maketh it a plaine matter to all, that such as hauehave the charge of others doe grieuously offend God, if they doe not with iust seueritie chastice such misdemeanor in them; though otherwise they bee as affectionate towards them, as louing Parents are to their children. To finde out in what sort Elie did take it, we had neede first to marke in what sort it came to his knowledge: then, how patiently he did digest it. We are therefore the rather to marke in what sort it came to his knowledge, for that we doe not find, that God willed the Boy to carry any such word to his Master; and the matter was of that nature, that the Boy of himselfe was not like to hauehave done it, if he might hauehave chosen: but yet, that God so ordered 1. Sam. 3: 4-9.1 Sam 3:4–9the matter, that needs it must come to his knowledge; in such sort calling on the Boy, that he still running vntounto his Master, his Master must needs at the length perceiue that it was the Lord, and so that the Lord would say somewhat vntounto him. A course of that kind, as that it seemeth God was disposed therein to vse both mercy, and iustice: mercy, in that againe he putteth him in mind what iudgments were towards him; Iustice, in that he would not seeme, himselfe himselfe to hauehave any thing to do with him now, after that once before he had sent him warning, and he, as it seemeth, made but smal reckoning of it. And we must take heed, if at any time it please God to vouchsafe vsus a warning, that wee doe not so vse the matter, as that thereby we giuegive him occasion, neuer Fto speake vntounto vsus againe. But he being holpen so farre as he was, easily came to the knowledge of it: earnestly charging the Boy to tell him what the Lord had saide vntounto him; and to conceale no part of it. Wherevpon the Boy, though of himselfe Ibid. 16, 17.hee did not before goe to his Master to tell him of it; yet now hee imparted all vntounto Ibid. 15. Ibid. 18.him: leauing a good example behinde him, not onelyonly to children vnderunder obedience, to tell the truth when they are asked, though in such case, as themselues would bee loath to doe it; but also, to all others besides, as the case oftimes falleth out betwixt the neerest friends that are. In Elias patient digesting of it, we are to note two special points: and those first as they may be taken seuerally; then, as they are ioyned together. As they may be taken seueraly, we find, that first he acknowledgeth it is the Lord: then he yeeldeth himselfe and his to be dealt withall as pleaseth him. As they are ioyned together, they giuegive vsus this lesson, that wee must first hauehave it setled in vsus, Ibid. 18.that all such things come of God, before wee can quietly take them: but after that once we can feelingly say, it is the Lord, then is there nothing so hard or geeuous, but that we can (in some little measure) dispose our selues patiently to beare it so well as we can. In the knowledge here of that is attributed vntounto the people, we are first to consider, what kinde of knowledge it was that heere is spoken of: then, to admonish of a little mistaking that seemeth to bee in the deliuery of it. The knowledge that here is spoken of, seemeth not only a bare knowledge, but to cary an acknowledging withal: as a thing not only let into them from God, but also proceeding from them againe towards God and men, which kinde of knowledge is absolutely needfull for al the people of God, as touching those that are sent vntounto them, that so they do make some good vse of them, which otherwise they wuld certainely misse: euen as many of that peculier people of God did in the time of Christ & his Apostles, neuer knowing (with any sensible feeling) who Christ and his Apostles were, though otherwise they could not but know that they were of God, by those workes that themselues did see they did before them. As touching the mistaking that I speake of, wheras this knowledge that the people are saide to hauehave of him, is in two places noted, one towards the end of the third Chapter, the other in the beginning of the fourth, in the latter Ibid. 19, 20, Ibid. 4: 1.of these it is, that the mistaking that I speake of seemeth to bee: and it is no more p. 265but this, that by occasion of some of the Hebrew writers, some of ours do set downe, GIran. Vatab. Bibl. Angl. 15…4. in margthat the warre which the people of Israell had with the Philistims now, seemed to be taken in hand by the commandement or appointment of Samuel. But we doe not read, that Samuel medled with any gouernmēt of them, til the people did afterward lament and seeke vntounto God: and it seemeth to be better expounded by others, that 1. Sam. 7: 2, 3. Tremel. I…n.1 Sam 7:21 Sam 7:3al Israel knew that Samuel had before shewed from the mouth of the Lord, that such things were to befall vntounto them; as another doth in like sort plainely reiect Cour. Pellie.that opinion of the Hebrews that this war was taken in hand by Samuels appointment. And whereas the vulgar translation taketh in that peece of the first verse of Vulg. odit in 1. Sam. 3: 21.1 Sam 3:21the fourth Chapter, vntounto the end of the last verse of the third chapter going before, as the last before named liketh that distinction better than that of the Hebrews: so, in my iudgement, it seemeth to be therefore added to that which goeth before, as to be of one sense therewith; and not to hauehave so farre to doe with that which followeth, as those Hebrew Interpreters would hauehave it. As touching his gouernment, it did not reach to the end of his life, by the reason that Saul was in his time chosen King, and so tooke vponupon him the gouernement of the people. So first we are to consider of the time of his gouernement: then, of his Story for the residue of his life ensuing The time of his Gouernment how long it continued wee hauehave not set downe in the Story: but this is plaine, that part of the Story which is of his gouernment doth stand by it selfe; and part of it mingleth with the Story of Saul. That part of the Story which standeth by it selfe, is the most part of it, for so long as Samuel was able in his person to gouerne: but some part of it, when as for age he was faine to take other helpe vntounto him. For so long as Samuell was able to gouerne, we hauehave but these two things set downe vntounto vsus: one in what sort he beganne to gouerne among them; the other what was the course that after he held. In that part of the Story, that sheweth in what sort he began, it shall be good to note, first how hee dealt with the people themselues: then, how hee dealt against the Philistims their enemies. He dealt with the people themselues, twice; first, as it seemeth, at Ramah (for there was his house, and there for the most part, he iudged Israel); then 1. Sam. 7: 17.1 Sam 7:17at Mizpah. In that which he did, as it seemeth, in Ramah, we first hauehave the occasion set downe: then, what he thervpon did. The occasion was that the people seeing HIbid. 2.the hand of God so strong against them, beganne now more soundly to enter into the consideration of their former wayes, to be sorry for them, and to seeke vntounto the Lord. In that which Samuel did heerevpon, we are to note, that something he did for the present, time: and something for a time ensuing. In that which hee did for the time present we are to consider, not onelyonly what was done by him; but also, what effect it tooke with them. That which was done by him, was, that first he exhorted them, if truely they turned vntounto the Lord, to put away the strange Gods from among them; and truely to giuegive themselues vntounto the seruice of God alone: Ibid. 3. Ibid. 4.and then assured them, that so doing, God would deliuer them out of the hands of the Philistims. In that which he did for a time ensuing, wee are to note, not onelyonly what it was that he did: but also what may seeme to be his meaning therein. That which he did was no more, but that now he appointed a generall assembly of all the people at Mizpah, and promised withall that he would pray for them. What his Ibid. 5.meaning was hereing we hauehave not set downe: but it seemeth, that vponupon this repentance of the people, he conceiued good hope (if he were not some way or other by God assured) that now God would send some helpe to the people. For hee could not be ignorant, but that vponupon that their assembly, the Philistims would come in vponupon them: and so it was to good purpose, that hee willed all the people there to assemble, that so if it pleased God to giuegive them any hand against their enemies, they might be ready to take vntounto them the benefit of it. In that which was done at Mizpah, we are likewise to note, first what occasion was there giuen him: then, how farre himselfe dealt with them therein. The occasion that there was giuen him, was, Ibid. 6.that the people being there assembled did in speciall good manner bewayle that they had so sore offended. That which he thervpon did, was that then (as it seemeth) he took vponupon him the gouernment of them, or did more fully buckle himself vntounto it. p. 266In which respect, I thinke it not amisse, to take some heede to that Parenthesis of foure verses together, to frame them to a former time passed before: which Tremelius 1585. 1593.and Iunius before had vsed, and Iunius by himselfe hath taken backe since, and is not vsed by any others that I doe know. In his dealing against the Philistims theyr Enemies, wee may likewise note; first, what it was: then, of what effect it was against them. To finde out what it was, we hauehave first set downe, how hee was occasioned to doe as hee did: then, what it was that so he did. Occasioned he was, first by the Philistims: then by his owne people. By the Philistims hee was occasioned, IIbid. 7, 10.for that so soone as they heard the people of Israell were so assembled together at Mispeh, the Princes of the Philistims came in with their forces, to the great dismaying and terrifying of the people, ouer whom they had exercised theyr tyrranny so long: by his owne people likewise, both by that theyr great feare; and for that Ibid. 8.they called so earnestly on him to pray to God for them, that he would saue them out of the handes of the Philistims. That which so hee did, consisted in two speciall pointes: one, his offering; the other, his Prayer. His offering was an whole Ibid. 9.Burnt-offering, yeelding all vntounto the Lorde, reseruing nothing vntounto themselues. His Prayer was, an earnest crying vntounto the Lorde. The effect it tooke, was first aboue: then, beneath. Aboue, that God heard him: and from thence thundered Ibid. 9, 10.on the Philistims. Beneath, first for that praesent: then for the time ensuying. For that praesent, that they were thereby scattered: and the heartes of the people so raised Ibid. 10, 11, 13. Ibid. 12-14.vp against them, that they pursued vponupon them, slewe many of them, and brought them vnderunder. For the time ensuing, Samuell to Gods glory erected a Monument for memorie of it: and the Philistims so found the hand of GOD against them for Samuels time, that so long as hee had the gouernment, they came in no more against the Israelites; and besides that, restored vntounto them such Cittyes as they had taken away from them before. In the course that after hee helde, the most that we read of, is about ciuill gouernment onelyonly: but one thing there is, that respecteth Religion. In that which is about ciuill gouernment, it seemeth to mee, that as wee hauehave one thing of speciall good comfort plainelie set downe: so hauehave wee another that boadeth not well, which is but implyed. That which is of speciall good comfort, and is plainely set downe, is, that hauing thus begunne his gouernment, and beeing thereby established in it towardes the people, hee tooke such order for hearing and determining their Controuersies, and to see that order were eueryevery where obserued among them, and put himselfe to such paines withall to ease the people therein, that, by all likely-hood▪ the people had for those matters a speciall good blessing by him. For though hee resided and dwelt Ibid. 16, 17.for the most part in one place himselfe: yet did hee eueryevery yeare personally repaire to those others also, so to administer Iustice vntounto them to theyr least trouble. That which boadeth ill, and is but implyed, is that which ariseth out of the consideration of the places, of which hee made choyce wherein to minister Iustice vntounto Kthem. For whereas the Land lyeth long-wise, from the South towardes the North, as it were three partes of it on the West of Iordan, and but a fourth part on the East (yet both of a length, and to the length of Iordan it selfe;) and the length of it is some-what more, than twice and a halfe the breadth of it: hence it might seeme, that those places which Samuell made his choyce of, for the aforesaid administration of Iustice, were such as stood most fit and indifferent to such purpose; especially hauing an example before him from God himselfe, in the Cittyes Deut. 4: 41-43. Ios. 20: 1-9.Deut 4:41–43Josh 20:1–9of refuge that were so placed, three on the one side of Iordan, and three on the other. And because all those were Leuiticall citties, that is, into the which the Leuites among others were sorted, and because offenders were like to be there, therefore it seemeth, that these also had beene the meetest to such a purpose: for that beeing Leuiticall, there might they hauehave had, if at any time neede should hauehave beene, a more perfect knowledge (at least, by all likelihood) of the Law of God; and men-slayers hauing liberty to fly thither, and being vnderunder protection there, till they might come to indifferent triall, those Citties were as like to hauehave worke for Iudges as most of the others. But now these Citties that hee made choyce of to this purpose, were onelyonly in the p. 267West part of the Land, and none of them in the East; and not beeing cast to the length of it neither, but ouerthwart towardes the midst of it, and almost in a right line to (speak of) from the East to the West. For Ramah where he dwelt was in the Christi. Adrichom. in Theat. sanct.vtmost part of the Land in a manner on the West, and so was Gilgal on the East; the other two were in a manner right betwixt them (sauing that Mospah stood a little more towardes the South) and in much like distance one from another; as Mispah from Ramah, and Bethel from Gilgall. And so did this line leaue to the South, almost all Beniamin, Iudah wholly (vnlesse it were the very edge of it, and that Adrichom. in trib. Ephra. num. 79.but in one place onelyonly) and both the others, Simeon and Dan: to the North, almost all Ephraim, the one halfe of Manasses, all Issachar, Zabulon, Asser, and Nephthalie; besides those other portions of Ruben, Gad, and the halfe of Manasses on the East. Out of which may this doubt (in my minde) bee conceiued, if Samuell were so industryous as it seemeth hee was, that much of the Countrey was growne halfe wilde, when as the administration of Iustice did spread foorth no farther, but kept it selfe so neere to the heart of the Land as it did. But nowe some there Tremel. I…n. in 1. Sam. 7: 15.1 Sam 7:15are, that, contrary to all others that I doe know, doe strike out Bethel, and take in Kiriath-jarim in steede thereof: as if Bethel that heere is mentioned, were not that Citty that properly is so called; but that it should signifie Kiriath-jarim, because L1. Sam. 7: 2.1 Sam 7:2the Arke was now there, as The House of the Mightie GOD. But as there is no warrant for this, so is there no likely-hoode neither, that all the rest should bee taken as proper, and this among the rest as the appellatiue onelyonly. But on the other side, if wee marke that opinion well, wee may soone finde, that it hath no good agreement, eyther with the situation of those places, or with the Text it selfe. As touching the situation of those places, Mispah was neyther in the midst of the Land, as touching the length, but had twice so much North-ward, as it had towards Chr. Adrichom.the South: neyther was it in the edge of the Land towardes the West, but that Ramah, one of the foure, and where Samuell himselfe dwelt, a great deale more Westmerly than it. Againe, whereas Mispah standeth as it were a fourth part or more of the breadth of the Land from Ramah East-ward, and Kiriath-jarim, is but a little way from it (a great deale neerer than Mispah and Ramah are) by that reckoning it should come to passe, that Samuell had taken three places, all towards the West, where the Philistims and the Sea did quickly inclose them: and but one towards the East, where besides so much of the breadth of the Land as thence they had betwixt them and Iordan, they had a great part of the people beyonde. Ibid.As touching the Text, they relye but on two places cheefely, Gilgall and Mispah, and yet in the Text it is cleere, that hee iudged Israell in Ramah by Name, 1. Sam. 7: 16.1 Sam 7:16and in all those foure places before named; and that themselues hauehave translated, not in Those two (whereon notwithstanding they chiefely relye, as before I sayde) but in All those places, as also the Originall it selfe requireth they shoulde. That Ibid. 17.which respecteth Religion, is, that hee built an Altar there vntounto the Lorde: an vndoubted token of some kind of deuotion in him; and that hee would ioyne together ciuill gouernment, and Religion towardes GOD. But whether it was lawfull for him so to doe (as hee is by all that I doe knowe defended in it, and very Lyr. Co…r. Pel. Bibl. Angl.great reason wee thinke the best of him) or but some stayne of the great corruption that then was growne vp among them; or, as some others conceiue, whether Trem. Iun.this were not at Ramah, but at Kiriath-jarim that the Altar shoulde bee builded because the Arke was there then: both these doe I leaue to others for to iudge of, as themselues thinke good in the feare of GOD; sauing that the former I take to bee more likely to holde, than the latter. When for his age hee was faine to take other helpe vntounto him, hauing two Sonnes, hee made them Iudges in Israell: but they did not followe the good wayes of their Father, but M1 Sam. 8: 1-31 Sam 8:1–3beeing worldly minded, they tooke rewardes and peruerted Iudgement. Wherein it shall bee good to marke something, as touching the matter it selfe: and some-thing as touching the manner of deliuering the same vntounto vsus. In the matter it selfe, some thinges there are to bee considered in them, as there was some relation betwixt their Father and them: and one thing besides in themselues, without p. 268respect of such relation. As there was some relation betwixt their Father and them, it may well bee, that the Father had some priuate respect in appointing them rather than others: and wee see, they did degenerate. If he had any such priuate respect, it came so much more iustly vppon him, that, for their degenerating from his better wales, himselfe was soone after by the people (in some sort) reiected, and that whole forme of gouernment with him: especially, hauing in his old Mayster so fresh an example of the Lordes indignation against the loosenesse of his two Sonnes before remembred. In that they did so plainely degenerate, both wee see it often renewed, that good Parents hauehave ill children: and it doth not onelyonly serue to shew, that the good guifts of God doe not go by any naturall propagation; but also we finde it well recompenced oft-times, when bad Parentes leaue vsus so blessed Children. In themselues, without respect of such relation, it is good to note, howe the desire of worldly lucre, or taking of rewardes (one of the branches of it) and corruption of iudgement or peruerting of right, are ioyned together: as teaching vsus to gather, not onelyonly that so it was in them now, but that we neuer finde it otherwise, but that so many as hunt after lucre or take reward, whatsoeuer good guiftes they may seeme to hauehave, or howe closely soeuer they carry it, the truth notwithstanding is, that iudgement is by them corrupted. In the manner of deliuering the same vntounto vsus, it is specially said, that these were Iudges in Beersheba: which is a Citty in the vtmost part of the Land Southward, and towardes the West corner of it, in the Tribe of Simeon; Adrichom.and so a strange matter, that they should bee appointed to minister Iustice vntounto the people, and yet reside in one remote corner of all the Land. VntoUnto this diuers say nothing at all: others there be, that doe otherwise gather thereof, one imputing it a Lyr. Vatab. Bibl. Angl. Con. Pel.fault vntounto them, that would be so chargeable and troublesome vntounto the people, as to make them traile so farre to hauehave their matters decided (and that indeede is the manner of diuers, when they are in such place to take their owne pleasure or case; and little to regard, how the people wring for the same;) others accounting it a defectiue Tremel. Iun. Iud. 20: 1.Judg 20:1or figuratiue speach, & to be supplyed by another, where it is said from Dan to Beersheba, Nas not meaning thereby, that they did reside or lye onelyonly in Beersheba, but that they were appointed ouer all, euen to Beersheba. And true it is, both that the Text here doth say they were appointed Iudges to Israell, and so to the whole people, and not vntounto some one part only: and that such description of the whole people, as to say from Dan to Beersheba, is not vsed onelyonly in that place of the Iudges, but in many other places besides. In that part of his gouernment that mingleth with the Story 1. Sam. 3: 20. 2. Sam. 3: 12. 17: 11. 24: 2, 15. 1. King. 4: 15. 1. Chr. 21: 2. 2. Chr. 3: 5.1 Sam 3:202 Sam 3:122 Sam 3:172 Sam 3:112 Sam 3:242 Sam 3:22 Sam 3:151 Kgs 4:151 Chr 21:22 Chr 3:5of Saule, because Saule in his time, by his Ministery was appointed King, therefore was it most likely, that some time should goe betwixt, before the one coulde be fully discharged, and the other fully inuested in his office: in which meane time Samuell may best bee counted, to continue his gouernment still, vntill the other bee actually entered into his charge. In which meane time, first we hauehave but a treaty of hauing a King, at large: then, what course was held particularly about him that was now appointed vntounto them. While it went no farther, but onelyonly to bee a treaty of hauing a King, at large, wee are first to consider of it, as it was but onelyonly mooued: then, as it was more importunately demaunded, and resolutely determined with them. As it was but onelyonly mooued, we are first to consider how it was mooued by them: then how that motion was disliked by others. As it was mooued by them, we are first to consider of the occasion of it: then, of the motion it selfe. The occasion arose of two principall heades: one, the same that themselues doe alleadge; another, wherewith a little after Samuell doth charge them. That which themselues did alleadge, was, the ill gouernment of those that were in place already: a matter that 1. Sam. 8: 5.1 Sam 8:5oft-times is the cause of great alteration in states, & somtimes of the vtter ouerthrow of them for euer. That wherewith Samuell a little after doth charge thē, was, that they 1. Sam. 12: 12.1 Sam 12:12did of the feare that they had of the King of the Ammonites then warring on certaine of them. In the motion it selfe, wee hauehave both the substance, and manner of it. The substance is, that needes they would hauehave a King as other Nations had. In the manner of it wee hauehave two speciall pointes: one, commendable; the other, reprooueable. Commendable it was, that they would not set vp any of themselues: p. 269Ibid. 5.but referred themselues to the Prophet therein, whom they knew to be a faithfull seruant Oof God. Reproueable it was, that among all the company, euen of the Elders Ibid. 4, 5.of them, there were none that holpe to stay the rest in this matter, but all ioyned together in it. But so it is oft-times in the Church of God, that euen all the Elders, (none of them excepted) ioyne together in that which they should not, none of them all hauing the grace to moderate the vnbridled waies of the rest. Misliked it was, first by Samuell: then also, by God. Samuell, being offended at it, did also make his praier Ibid. 6. Ibid. 7-9.to God. God tolde him, that it was himselfe, and not Samuell, whom thereby they refused to rule ouer them: yet neuerthelesse willed him to yeeld it vntounto them. In what sense God so said, we may vnderstand by the like speech that we had of Gedeon Iud. 8: 22, 23.Judg 8:22Judg 8:23before: and so not needfull to be repeated heere againe. To finde out howe it was afterward notwithstanding more importunately demaunded, and resolutely determined with them, wee hauehave first set downe, what cause they had to hauehave moderated themselues better than so: then, how importunate they are notwithstanding. Good cause they had to hauehave moderated themselues better than so, both in this that is gone before: and in more that followeth after. This that is gone before, is, that both 1. Sam. 8: 6-8.1 Sam 8:6–8Samuell was displeased at it: and that God accounted it to bee a reiecting of him to raigne ouer them; and a branch of the wonted Apostasie of their rebellious forefathers before. Enough to hauehave stayed such as had any moderation in them. That more which followeth after, was in that message that God heereuppon sent them by Samuel, the effect whereof rested in two principall pointes: one, that Kinges would vse so hard a gouernment ouer them, as that themselues should then cry vntounto God about it; the other, that God would not then help them in it. The hardnesse of gouernment that they would vse ouer them, they are forwarned should partly but touch their earthle estate heere: but partly matters of greater importance. In such things as belonged to their earthly estate here, they would be giuen so freely to take at their owne pleasure, from any of their people whatsoeuer themselues listed, that they would not onelyonly take of their best thinges, and dearest vntounto them, as their Sons and 1. Sam. 8: 10-14, 16.1 Sam 8:10–141 Sam 8:16Daughters; and their ground whereon they should liue; yea, and the best of it also: but euen their Seruants, and Cattle too. Those other matters of greater importance, are, the glory of God, and good of the people, spiritually in their transitory life heere, aeternally in the World to come. All which depended much on the maintenance of the Leuites among them, which God appointed to bee by the tenth of all their encrease. Concerning which, God doth now tell them, that lightly they Pcan hauehave no Princes, though neuer so much they professe themselues to be of God, and to hauehave speciall regard vntounto him, and to the good estate of their people, but that yet notwithstanding beeing men, and thereby subiect to the common corruption of mans nature, euen that naturall inclination in them, once beeing armed with the power of authority, will make them so bold with those thinges aforesaide: and neuer in wisedome perceiue, neither of themselues nor by the wisest Sages they hauehave Ibid. 15. 17.about them, that they are wrong, nor that therein they worke against God and their people themselues, and all. An vsurpation so praegnant with vsus, that no honest heart I thinke but would be ashamed, euen in the darke, of diuers thinges of that kinde, that we notwithstanding hauehave done in the light, euen in this brightnesse of the Gospell it selfe: and altogether neglecting the glory of God; iniurious, and hurtfull, in the highest degree, to all his people. Which hard estate (into which heereby they were to fall) although it were hard enough in it selfe, and thereby sufficient to hauehave giuen them warning; yet was it made so much the harder, in that God doth nowe so Ibid. 18.plainely tell them before, that when they should call vntounto him for helpe therein, hee would in no wise helpe them in it: a good warning as possibly might be, beeing so plainely before-hand giuen them. All which notwithstanding the people are where they were before: needes must they hauehave a Vice-gerent, where (they saw) their Soueraigne Ibid. 19, 20.himselfe euer resided; needes must they be abased like other Nations, whom God had (euen therein also) aduanced, aboue all the peoples of the World. Which Ibid. 21, 22.when Samuell had related vntounto the Lord, and the Lord had willed him againe to let them so hauehave it, sith needes they would, and the Prophet thereon had willed them, p. 270because it would aske some time vntounto it) for that time to depart til they heard farther, they took this their dismission (dismissed indeed from an honorable & glorious estate before, vnderunder the comfortable blessing of God, vntounto the babishnes of their own seely choice, thenceforward to be a prey vntounto those whom they hauehave chosen to be their Champions) and so departed: nothing at all (that we doe read of) reuoluing in their minds, how fouly they hauehave ouerslipped themselues; much lesse retracting it, while yet they had some time to doe it. In that course that was now particulerly helde, Qabout him that in the end was appointed vntounto them, because yet we must keepe but vntounto the Story of Samuels Gouernement, and that it must end when Saule beginneth his Kingdome, therefore are we more precisely to marke, where we may most fitly account the reigne of Saul to begin, that so wee may the better see, where to finish the Gouernment of Samuel. This we hauehave not any where in my iudgement so plainly set downe, but that where I thinke we may best account it, yet there doe I wish it rather to be but thought most likely, than to make any certainty of it. And that seemeth to me to be when it is saide, that all the people went to Gilgall, and there made Saule 1. Sam. 11: 151 Sam 11:15King before the Lord: and so, that neyther it beganne so soone, as when he went to Iabes-Gilead against the Ammonites; neither was it so long before it beganne, as Ibid. 7-11. Ibid. 10: 8. 13: 8.vntill Samuel should come at the time appointed to Gilgal, and there shew him what to doe, For the former of these was but accidentary, or by occasion, as the present necessitie then required: and in the latter of them it seemeth, that Samuel was rather to doe the worke of a Prophet, than of a Gouernour, for which Saul was then to attend him; especially being made by all the people King before, euen by the direction of Samuel himselfe. This therefore beeing our compasse, Ibid. 11▪ 14.now we are to see, what we hauehave in this meane time that may be allotted to the gouernment of Samuel, that now doth mingle with the Story of Saul. Within which compasse, something we find to be done at Ramah, where hee dwelt and now was: and something at other places besides. At Ramah it was, where first he vnderstood who it was whom God would hauehave now to bee appointed King ouer his people. Concerning which, first we hauehave deliuered how it was dispatched heere: then, how closely the principall party kept it at home when hee came there. It was in such sort deliuered heere, that therein we hauehave a good example, how the prouidence of God (whensoeuer himselfe is so disposed) by small things leadeth vntounto matters of speciall moment: and that it may be an example vntounto vsus insteede of many, to that end (it seemeth) it is particularly set downe vntounto vsus. Wherein we hauehave declared, how it pleased God, when he was disposed to bring Saul to the Kingdome, to vse certaine meanes whereby to worke: first of inferiour creatures; then also of men. Those inferiour creatures by whom it pleased God now to worke, were poore seely Asses: and his working by them was, that they must goe astray, and for a time bee 1. Sam 9: 3.1 Sam 9:3wanting vntounto the owners of them. The men by whom it pleased him to worke, Rwere most of them such as imployed themselues about those lesse matters: but one of them was of more speciall reckoning, and reserued to bee imployed about greater. Those who imployed themselues about those lesse matters, were Cis or Kish the father, whose Asses they were: and Saul his Sonne, together with one of his seruants, that must goe seeke them. Of Cis it is saide, that he was a man of good account among his people the Tribe of Beniamin: and that hauing his Asses strayed, Ibid. 1, 2, 3,he sent both his Sonne and one of his seruants to seeke them. Of Saul and that seruant, that accordingly they sough: them in diuers places, but could not find them Ibid. 4-14. 18-20.and that by occasion thereof seeking to Samuel, there they find the end of their labour; and in much more comfortable maner, than they could looke for. And true it is, that often it pleaseth God, to make such inferiour creatures, yea and the losse and wanting of them, and our owne imployments about them, speciall good means of some greater workes of his prouidence towards vsus: and so likewise all other earthly things whatsoeuer; and all the imployments of men about them. But here it shall be good more specially to note, what is recorded of those two words, the Prophet and Seer: and in what sort Saule and his man at this time came vntounto Samuel. As touching the former, first it is cleare, that such as professe themselues to bee p. 271Ibid 9.Prophets, or to be in such place with the people now, as these Prophets were with the people then, should by ancient right be Seers: and therefore ought so to order themselues, not onelyonly that they hauehave no beames nor grosse moats in their own eies; but also, that no distemperature in them do so much as troble or darken their sight. Then also, whereas the word Prophet is not an Hebrew, but a Greeke word by Nature, though it be vsed much in translations, not onelyonly in the Greek, but also in the Latine: yet hauehave the Hebrewes their owne propper word for a Prophet, and hauehave still vsed the same. Insomuch, that whosoeuer will marke it, may easily find, that euen the last Prophets of all, as Haggai, Zachary, and Malachy, (the last Bookes also of the Old-Testament, and so of the vse of that tongue in the scriptures) though often they hauehave occasion to vse that word (especially the middlemost of them, being the longest) yet they neuer vse but onelyonly their owne: at that time hauing no conuersing at all with the Grecians, as after they had. In the maner that Saul & his Ibid. 5. 8, 10.man vsed to come to the Prophet, it seemeth they thought much baslier of him, than they should hauehave done: & yet in some measure acknowledged their duty notwithstanding. They thoght ouer basely of him, if they conceiued of him, but as of such as Swe cal wisemen, as able to tel of things lost as it seemeth they did, & sure it is, that euen the best seruant of God among vsus, is oft-times little better thought on by many of the vulgar people; and their helpe to such purpose oftener sought, than in those better, for which chiefely they are sent vntounto them. Their duty notwithstanding in some sort they acknowledged, in that they would not go empty vntounto him: and yet hauing beene their chiefe Gouernour so long as now hee had beene, they could not conceiue that he was in any such neede, as that they needed to present him with such a trifle. We not onelyonly hauehave no such regard to any of those Seruants of God that we know so to be fleeced (if our selues also hauehave not done it) that needs they must be in poore estate (so farre are we from such presenting of any such as we know to hauehave plentie, though otherwise the seruants of God neuer so much:) but also prey vponupon them stil, so oft as we are able to conceiue any hope of any thing yet to be gotten from them; and so farre are wee from shaming with it, that with an Harlots fore-head we daily follow it more and more. He that was of more special reckoning, and reserued to bee employed about greater matters, was Samuel the Prophet: and those greater matters wherunto he was reserued, were some of them now already past when Saule came to him; and some of them, soone after ensuing. Already past were two: one, that God tolde him the day before, that the next day Ibid. 15, 16.he would bring him in the man whom he should anoint to be King ouer Israel: the other, that being come at the time appointed, in the sight of Samuel, he told him, Ibid. 17.that that was the man that he did speak of. Those that ensued, were of two sorts: one, but such as Saule himselfe and his seruant might in reason hauehave expected; others, much more, than were within the reach of their expectation. That which they in reason might hauehave expected (in that reckoning that they made of him) was to vnderstand something of those Asses that they did seeke for; which also they did: namely, that both he tolde them that himselfe was the Seer, and what time Ibid. 19, 20.those Asses were lost; and willed him not to care any more for them, for that they were already found. Those others that were much more than within the reach of their expectation, were partly no more, but onelyonly some speciall and extraordinarie curtesie; but chieflie such others as more properly belonged vntounto the busines that was now most intended. It was speciall and extraordinarie curtesie, that he & his Idid. 19, 22-24.seruant were taken in to feast with those that were then gathered together: especially being so placed, and in such sort vsed, as then they were. Such as did more properly belong vntounto the businesse that was now most intended, were, that first he Tgaue him but an inkling of it: but then went directly and plainly vntounto it. When he gaue him but an inkling of it, that seemed to be in the presence and hearing of his man: but when he went more directly and plainely vntounto it, that was but priuately done to himselfe. Again, when he gaue him but an inkling … because Saul gaue some answere vntounto it, therefore are we to consider, not onelyonly what Samuel did say vntounto him, but also what was the answere that Saul did giuegive him. Samuell, hauing p. 272tolde him that the Asses were found, and hauing willed him not to care for them, now by that occasion farther telleth him, that himselfe was now growing to be (and, …bid. 20.for his sake, euen all his fathers house together with him) in that request with all Israel that he need not now to regard much greater matters then those. The answere that Saul did thereunto giuegive him, was in effect, that the Tribe whereof he came, being Ibid. 21.the least of all the Tribes of Israel; and his Fathers familie, one of the meanest of all that Tribe) there was no reason why he should vse any such speech vntounto him, or but put him in any such hope. Before the time of our knowledge that Samuel went plainely vntounto it, we finde that he talked priuately with him: but of what matter wee Ibid. 25, 26. Ibid. 27-10: 13.cannot tell, sauing that it was most likely to be of this. But bringing him a peece of his way, and causing him to send his man a little before him, then he tolde him the the whole matter, and gaue him good tokens of it, God also confirming the same, and Saul himselfe finding those tokens to fall out as it was told him before that they should. But these things would be more specially considered: both what was heere done vntounto Saul; and what himselfe did afterward finde. That which heere was done vntounto him, was partly by Samuell: and partly by God. By Samuel hee was dealt-with most of all for this present: partly also for another time after ensuing. For this present, both he imparted the matter vntounto him: and confirmed him in it. He imparted the matter vntounto him, when he tolde him, that the Lord had appointed him Ibid. 10: 1.to be gouernour ouer his inheritance. He confirmed him therein, first by that Vwhich then he did vntounto him: then by that which then he told him. That which hee did vntounto him, was, that he did annoint him to the Kingdome: that is, powred vponupon Ibid.him a viol of oyle of sweet perfume (such as in those parts many did vse) in assurance that God had appointed him, and would likewise enable him to gouerne his people. Which his annoynting, being a figure of the annoynting of Christ, doth teach vsus, that he is both appointed and enabled to be our Sauiour: and that, if he be appointed, we should not in dutie goe to any other; as also, that we need not, if he bee enabled. He told him of diuers good tokens to confirme him therein: first in others; then, in himselfe. Of others, that he should meete some but ciuilly, others religiously imployed. Ciuilly those two at the sepulchre of Rachell, that should tell him, that the Ibid. 2.Asses were found, and that his father now sorrowed for them: religiously those three Ibid. 3, 4. Ibid. 5.that were going vp to God, with their presents with them; and those Prophets with instruments of Musicke and Prophesying. The token that should be in himselfe, was that the Spirit of God should come vponupon him also, so that hee should Prophecy and become a new man, and might then doe as occasion should serue. For another ttme Ibid 6, 7.then ensuing, hee now instructeth him what to doe against that time: namely that whereas they were shorly after to hauehave a generall assembly at Gilgal, hee also must Ibid. 8.be there, and abide the comming of the Prophet seuen dayes, til he come and shew him what to doe. That which God did heere vntounto him, was, that when Samuel and Saul were parted, then did God giuegive a new heart vntounto Saul, or such vertues and graces as were meete for the function wherevnto now he was called. That which …bid. 9.himselfe did afterward finde, was, that al those tokens did come to passe, as the Prophet before had saide, both in those others, and in himselfe withal. The principall party that was thus set forth, was Saul, who returning home againe, was specially Ibid. 10-13. Ibid. 14-16.questioned withal by his Vncle of that his businesse: but Saul imparted nothing vntounto him as touching the kingdome. A speciall good token of the modestie of Saul, that hee neither made any vaunt of it when hee came home: nor, though his Vncle by likelyhood were a man that some way or other might helpe it forward, yet did he not seeke his helpe therein. Those other places besides were two: one, Mizpah; the other, Gilgal. That which was done at Mizpah, had some part of the complement of it a while after at Iabesh Gilead. So are wee first to consider of that which was doe at Mizpah: then, of that farther complement, soone after ensuing. In that which was done at Mizpah, we are first to consider of the course of Wproceeding that t…e was vsed: then, how the assembly was againe dismissed. The course of proceeding that there was vsed, was, that then hee was first made knowne to all the people generally, to be the man that God had appointed to bee p. 273their King: and that the people were diuersly affected towards him. So are we first to consider, how hee was so farre foorth made knowne vntounto them: then, howe the people were affected towardes him. Hee was so farre foorth made knowne vntounto them, partly by his election: and partly, by bringing him foorth in person before them. When they goe vntounto his election, Samuel, hauing gathered the people together, Ibid. 17.first reprooueth them for giuing him occasion of that businesse: but then neuerthelesse doth set in hand with it. His reproofe was, in the name of the Lord: and Ibid. 18, 19.it chargeth them, that whereas hee from time to time had deliuered them from all their enemies; yet that now, in effect, they did cast off him, in demanding a King to raigne ouer them. Setting in hand with the businesse it selfe, there both hee and Saul might see (for these were priuie to his annointing before) how wonderfully the Lord disposeth euen of Lots; a thing of as meere casualty, as can be conceiued: and this might they see, first in that wherein we see, what the oddes was; then also, in the residue of that businesse, wherein it is not knowne vntounto vsus what the oddes were. For first we see, that of all the Tribes of Israel, the Tribe of Beniamin was taken: and Ibid. 20.there the oddes were, eleauen to one. How many were the seueral Families of that Tribe; then also, how many were the seuerall persons of that family whereof Saule was, are both vnknowne vntounto vsus: but how many, or how few soeuer they were, onelyonly that family whereof Saule was; and of all the persons thereunto appertaining, it Ibid. 21.was Saule only that so was chosen. As touching the bringing of him foorth in person before them, he was so farre from awaiting of his election, and of being in a readinesse then to take the aduantage of it (as ambitious aspyring persons are woont to be) that being priuy to his annointing before, and thereby conceiuing how the lots Ibid. 21-24.were like to fall, he went aside out of the way, and so was hid til they enquired of the Lord concerning him, and so vnderstood where to hauehave him: whether when they went and brought him among them, both themselues did see, that he was a man of goodly personage, higher by the head than the rest of the people; and Samuel tooke occasion thereby to commend him vntounto them. The people for the most part were Xwell affected towards him: but some were not. Those that were well affected towards him, were the most part generally: and some, in particular. Generally, the Ibid. 24.most part reioyced in him, and desired God to blesse him. In particular, both there were diuers that now began to attend him (but a thing to be noted, none in this his Ibid. 26.simple beginning, as also in the first rising of the Gospell, but such as whose heartes Ibid. 27.God had touched:) and others, it seemeth, of the ablest sort, brought presents vntounto him. Those that were not so well affected towards him, stumbled, it seemeth at the meanes of his estate now at the first (as diuers hauehave done at the Gospell also) and Ibid 27.thereupon despised him; and brought him no presents: but it is to be noted withall, that they hauehave a speciall burne set vponupon them for the same (a thing that may be found in ours too) namely, that those were wicked men, or of the worst sort among them. As touching the dismissing of the assembly, Samuell first both by word of mouth did Ibid. 25.shew them what should be the manner of their estate now, both for their allegiance vntounto their King, and for his authority ouer them againe, and set the same downe in writing also, and laide it vp before the Lord: and then dismissed the whole assembly, sending them all away to their owne. The complement that this businesse had in Iabesh-Gilead, was, that then all the people generally agreed to make him K. ouer them; but as it were by certaine degrees: partly by the good successe that it pleased God to giuegive then vntounto him against certaine of their enemies; and partly, by the aduise of Samuell. What that good successe was, that it pleased God to giuegive him against certaine of their enemies, to the end we may the better perceiue, we are first to consider of such things as went before, then, of that good successe it selfe that immediatly followed. Those thinges that went before, were, the distresse of Iabesh-Gilead: and howe Saule addressed himselfe to helpe. The distresse of it by Nahash King of the 1. Sam. 11: 1, …1 Sam 11:1Ammonites, besiedging it was such, that they were faine to yeeld vntounto him, so that they might hauehave some reasonable conditions: but they could hauehave no conditions, but that hee might thrust out the right eye of euerie one of them, so to bring shame on all Israell. Much like to our mighty Ammonite of Rome, p. 274that cannot brooke to hauehave any peace with any Christian Prince whatsoeuer, nor with any seuerall persons, vnlesse they will suffer him to depriue them cleane of the best eye or sight that their soules hauehave, euen the word of God. That Saule addressed himselfe to help, it was by occasion of the ill tidings thereof that came vntounto others of the people: and so are we to see, first how those il tidings came vntounto them; then how YSaule thereupon set in hand to helpe them. Those ill tidings came by the meanes, that when the Inhabitants of Iabosh Gilead, could get no other conditions, and were Ibid. …-7.not able to make their part good with their enemies, they sent Messengers thereof to their Brethren: who comming to Gibeah (belike of purpose, that so it might come to their new made King) raised vp a great outcry and lamentation of the people there, to heare the pittifull estate of those their brethren. Whereupon Saul comming out of the fields, not yet taking vponupon him as King, but onelyonly liuing as a priuate man, was now notwithstanding so netled at this, that presently he stroke downe a yoak of Oxen, cut them in peeces, sent the peeces abroade among the people, and gaue them plainly to vnderstand (the spirit of God being now more specially come vponupon him) that whosoeuer followed not to that seruice, himselfe and Samuell going before, their Oxen should bee in such sort serued. VponUpon which God stroke such a feare in the Ibid. 7-11.hearts of the people, in this case to yeeld their obedience, that there assembled togither of the Israelites 300000. and of the Tribe of Iudah onelyonly 30000. all which hee diuided into three companies, and set vponupon the enemy betimes in the morning. The successe was, that he so ouer-threw them, fighting against them till the heate of the Ibid. 11.day, that most of them, it seemeth, fell in that place by the sword, and the rest that remained were so scaled or scattered, that scantly two of them were any where left together. By which their good successe, they came thus farre of their owne accord Ibid. 12, 13.at the first, that they would hauehave had those now put to death, who had despised him before: but that Saule himselfe stayed them therein, because the Lord had that day vouchsafed them so faire an hand against their enemies. The aduise that Samuel gaue Ibid. 14.them, was to go to Gilgal, and there to renew the kingdome, or againe to acknowledge their allegiance vntounto him, when as God had wrought in such sort by him, as that it was most likely, that none would now hauehave the face or heart to make any question of it, as diuers of them before had done: and this aduise of his wrought so well with them, that by that which followed soone after thereupon, it appeareth, that now they were resolued so to do. At Gilgal therefore first we hauehave this matter dispatched: then, another of Samuels besides. This was no more, but that as Samuel made the motion before, and the people, it seemeth, conceiued well of it; so now they al went Ibid. 15.thither, and there renewed the kingdome againe, or generally yeelded their alleagiance vntounto him: and that they did with so good hearts towards Saul now, that not onelyonly they offered Peace-offerings to God (a good token how well he had pleased them in vouchsafing to giuegive them him for their King;) but mutually so reioyced in ZIbid.each other, euen all the people in their King, and their King in them, that on both sides their ioy was exceeding great. That other of Samuels we hauehave more largely described vntounto vsus, and two principall matters therein: one, as touching his own former gouernment among them; the other, as touching that alteration that now they had made. As touching his owne former gouernment among them, whereas in his time they had made this alteration, to cleere himselfe of the suspition that hee did giuegive them no occasion vntounto it, he willeth them to say before the Lorde, and his Annointed 1. Sam. 12: 1-5.1 Sam 12:1–5there present, if euer he had abused his authority among them, to the hurt or wrong of any of them, or to raise any base aduantage vntounto himselfe. Of all which they did then cleere him so very well, that therein he left a very good example, both to him that was then there to succeede among them, and to all other Gouernors whatsoeuer. As touching that alteration that now they had made, he first laboreth them to vnderstand their fault therein: and then, vponupon their yeelding thereto, doth readily minister comfort vntounto them. Hee laboureth them to finde their fault in seeking to hauehave that alteration, first by their former experience of the Lord: then also, by an extraordinary worke, that then he would do before their eyes. Their former experience Ibid. 6-15.was, that he did euer readily helpe them when they stood in neede, and sought p. 275vntounto him: so that now they had no such need to hauehave done as they did; and yet, that if they would now keep to the Lord, they needed not to doubt, but that he would stil be gracious vntounto them, though otherwise they might look for no other, but that his hand would be against them. That extraordinary work that he would now do before their Ibid. 16-18.eies, was, that suddaine storme of thunder & raine, that at the praier of Samuel he then did send them, to be an assured signe vntounto them, that therein they had offended the Lord. Wherupon when the people yeelded themselues guilty, then he ministreth comfort vntounto them: assuring them, that the Lord will not faile them, if they truly cleaue vntounto him; and yet that otherwise both themselues and their K. are sure to perish. His Story, for the residue of his time ensuing, is most of it, of his life: but somewhat of his death. So much of it as is of his life, we may diuide into two principal parts: some part of it being of such his imploiments, as after that Saul took vponupon him as K. and before it pleased God to shew what his purpose was towards Dauid, we do find recorded of him; the residue, of such as were likewise in the time of Saul, but yet then beginning A. 2when it pleased God to make known vntounto others, what his purpose was concerning Dauid. Such as were of the former sort, were some of them such, as where about Prophets are ordinarily imploied; but one there is of that nature, as wherabout Prophets are but seldome imploied. Those that were of such nature, as where-about Prophets are vsually imploied, were, one of them at Sauls first entrance into his kingdome: and the others, a while after. At Sauls first entrance into his kingdome, Samuel, as a Prophet, 1 Sam. 13: 11-15.1 Sam 13:11–15both reproued his inordinate hast: denounced vntounto him the losse of his kingdom for the same. A while after he was again as a Prophet imploied, to direct the K. how to Ibid. 15: 1-3. Ibid. 10-23.deale against the Amalachites: and, at his returne, to reproue him likewise, for that he had no better regarded the charge that was giuen him; and, for that againe, to denounce Ibid. 24-31vntounto him the losse of his kingdome, at which time notwithstanding as a subiect he easily yeelded himselfe to be ouer-ruled to attend the King before the people. That which is of such nature as about which Prophets are sildome imploied, was, that he called for Agag the King of the Ammalekites, whom Saul and the people brought Ibid. 32, 33.home aliue, & there did hew him in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal: but then went home, and was sorry that God had reiected Saul, and mourned for him. Of the latter Ibid. 34. 35sort we hauehave but onelyonly two, and both of them such, as are wont to bee done by the Prophets: one, that he went at Gods commaundement to Bethlehem, and there annointed Ibid. 16: 1-13.Dauid to be King ouer Israel; the other, that with Dauid when he fled from Saul, he went to Naioth to abide there, and there did hold the exercise of Prophecy. Ibid 18, 20. 24. Ibid. 25▪ 1.That which is of his death, is no more but this, that he died, and that all Israell assembled themselues, and mourned for him, and buried him where he dwelt, at Ramath.