Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 14

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 14

p. 335CHAP. 14.

1 SAlomon was the next of those vnderunder whom the people continued Atogether vnderunder one Kingdome and State: immediatly after diuiding themselues (though abiding one people still) yet into two seuerall Kingdomes. Being therefore now to consider of Salomons Story, in him doe we finde iust cause to consider, not onelyonly of his life: but also of his death. As touching his life, in it doe wee finde great variety betwixt the former, and the latter part of his raigne: the former part of it being such, as, in figure, might well resemble the glory and excellency of the Kingdome p. 336of Christ; but the latter of it, so odding againe the contrary way, that well may it teach vsus, to looke for no perfection heere. It might well in figure resemble the glory and excellency of the Kingdome of Christ, because it was for that time, B(especially when it was come vntounto the grouth that GOD would giuegive it; yea, and in the time of encreasing too, so farre as was needefull for it) a comfortable estate vntounto the people, and uery gloryous at home and abroad. In so much, that immedialy after his first enterance into his Kingdome, it is sayde, that the Lord was with 1. King. 2: 12. 2. Chr. 1: 1.1 Kgs 2:122 Chr 1:1him and magnyfied him, and that his Kingdome was mightily established. Neuerthelesse, as in reason wee may conceiue, that it had a beginning and time to grow to a setled estate: so the course of the Story dooth likewise lead vsus, first, to such thinges as did appertaine vntounto the beginning of it: then, vntounto others that belonged vntounto it, when it was come to a setled Estate. Those thinges that did appertaine vntounto the beginning of it, before it grewe to a setled Estate, were certaine ciuill affaires of his owne: and then a religious seeking of GOD. Those ciuill affaires of his owne, were, first the cleering of himselfe of certaine ill members: then, how hee disposed himselfe to marriage. Of those ill members, one of them was very dangerous vntounto his Tytle and Estate in the Kingdome: the residue, though they were great offenders too, yet not in so high a degree as the other, in respect of the State it selfe. Hee that was so daungerous vntounto his Tytle or Estate in the Kingdome, was Adoniah his elder Brother: who would hauehave stepped (as wee saw before) betwixt Salomon and the Kingdome, in the dayes of Dauid his Father. But 1 King. 1: 5-9.1 Kgs 1:5–9when hee vnderstood that Salomon was by Dauid appointed and proclaymed, hee then submitted himselfe, and craued pardon: which also hee obtained vppon condition, Ibid. 50-53.that he should after become of good and dutifull alleagiance. Neuerthelesse, beeing now a while after taken away in such sort as hee was, wee are the rather to consider on it, both for the Story it selfe: and for another thing thereof arising. In the Story it selfe, wee are first to consider of his offence: then, of the punnishment of it. In his offence likewise, first what it was: then, howe it came to Salomons knowledge. His offence was, some part of it, open and plaine: but some other, that lay more secret. That which was open and plain, was such an impotency in fleshly Ibid. 2: 17.desire, that hee was not ashamed to seeke to defile his Fathers Bed; desiring Abisag a Concubine of his, to bee in marryage giuen vntounto him. True it is, that Dauid had not her, till it may bee probably thought, that hee was not of ability to hauehave Ibid. 1: 1▪4.carnall Copulation with her: but yet not to bee denyed withall, but that hee had her Ccompany day and night, and that they were together as Man and Wife, sauing onelyonly for the Act it selfe of carnall knowledge. That which lay more secret, was, as it seemeth, that thereby hee thought to get him a step to the Kingdome, as vouchsased one of his Fathers Wiues; beeing, as hee was, the elder Brother besides: yet so much the greater fault in him, if that were his meaning, for that hee did know, that the Lorde himselfe had appointed Salomon to succeede his Father in the Kingdome. Ibid. 2: 15.How this desire of his came to Salomons knowledge, is so much the more woorthy the marking, for that it seemeth to carry with it a very iust iudgement of God: that whereas he had not the honesty, nor that Childe-like reuerence vntounto his Father, as to suppresse so beastly a motion; so neyther should hee hauehave the wit to conceale it, but himselfe must make it knowne to the King. For hee commeth to Bethsabe the Kinges Mother, and entreateth her to mooue the King in it: which also shee did, Ibid. 13-18. Ibid 19-21. Ibid. 22-25.and her-selfe besought the King to graunt it. In his punnishment, wee hauehave first set downe the Kinges determination of it: then, the execution soone after ensuing. Whereof, as in the one wee may see a quicknesse and readinesse in Salomon to espy, that his elder Brother was yet aspyring: so in the other wee may likewise see, that his wisedome thought good, to take the aduantage of his former offence (though hee were his Brother) euen for this doubt of aspyring that nowe brake foorth of him; albeit it was not certaine that thence it proceeded, and it may bee it was but the louelove Ibid. 1: 4.he had to the party, being so beautifull as she was. That other thing heereof arising, is, that whereas in the dayes of our late ignorance, this speech of Salomon: Aske on my Mother, for I will not say thee nay, was applyed (or wrested rather) as to p. 337Ibid. 2: 20.be spoken by Christ to his Mother; so to beare people in hand, that the blessed Virgine could readily attaine for vsus at the handes of Christ whatsoeuer she would: here may wee see so hard a successe of that course taken, that in reason it should rather terrrify others from it, than allure any vntounto it. For though Salomon did great reuerence vntounto his Mother, arising out of his Throne, meeting her by the way, bowing himselfe vntounto her, and causing her to sit downe on the right hand of him; and told her withall, when hee perceiued that shee had a suite vntounto him, that hee would not say vntounto her nay: yet when hee conceiued, that that request was but so farre derogatory to his Crowne and Dignity (and yet not certaine, but onelyonly as himselfe Dsuspected: whereas that seeking to the blessed Virgine that was vsed by vsus, and yet is by diuers of vsus, was vndoubtedly derogatory to the Crowne and Dignitiy of Christ) hee quickly tooke in his word againe, and made the onelyonly moouing of that matter vntounto him, to cost the party himselfe his life, that first did mooue it. Of the residue that were great offenders too, yet not in so high a degree as this other was conceiued to be, whereas there were three of them in all, one there was whom the King did otherwise punish: but he did put the two others to death. That one whom he did otherwise punnish, was Abiathar (the High-Priest, it seemeth, at that time:) Cummā. Flinso. in Geneal. Christi Geneal. …. 1. King. 1: 7. 2: 22.1 Kgs 1:71 Kgs 1:21 Kgs 1:22concerning whom wee are to consider; first, of his fault; then, of his punnishment. His fault was, that hee was with Adoniah in his vsurpation: whereby it may seeme, that eyther it was not then so well knowne, that Salomon was to succeede; or else that his fault was so much the grearer, both to doe it in the dayes of him that then was, and against him that was to succeede. In his punnishment wee are to consider what it was: and what farther cause there was, why it was inflicted on him. His punnishment was, that hee and his Line were remooued from the Priest-hood; Ibid. 2: 26, 27.and himselfe appointed to keepe his House: beeing then also giuen to vnderstand, that hee had deserued death, but that he was spared therein, for the seruice hee did to Dauid before. That farther cause why it was inflicted on him, was the sinne 1. Sa 2▪ 2-36. Ge. Chr. Ge. 61 Sam 2:2–36of Ely before (the fourth aboue him, or great Graund-Father vntounto his Father) as then it was denounced vntounto him, for suffering his Sonnes to growe so loose as they did: according as Ahimelek his Father, and many others of that Race with him, (as wee saw before) had a sharpe scourge for that matter also. Those two others Pag.that hee put to death, were Ioab, and Shimey: Ioab at this praesent, when hee displaced Abiathar (vppon this motion of Adoniah, hauing spared them hitherto, it seemeth;) 1. King. 2: 22, 26, 28.1 Kgs 2:221 Kgs 2:261 Kgs 2:28but Shemey not till three yeares after. But seeing hee also had his iudgement nowe, though his execution were not yet, therefore it shall bee very good now to dispatch the one with the other while wee hauehave it in hand. As touching Ioab, when hee heard that Adoniah was executed, and Abiathar put from his Dignity, Ibid. 28-34.he suspecting that which was towardes him indeede, would hauehave saued himselfe or put off his death for a time, by taking Sanctuary (as we tearme it:) but it would not auaile him now, when hee before had so fouly cast at his heeles the feare Eand reuerence of that GOD, by whose Altar hee would hauehave beene spared. As Ibid. 36-46.for Shimey, the King sent for him, and charged him to keepe in Hierusalem: giuing him to vnderstand withall, that hee should dye for it, if euer hee stepped out thence. At which time hee liked it well, as glad that the King had giuen him that sparing, and as it seemeth tooke his Oath to obserue the same: but his owne iniquity before, and Salomons resolutenesse now, not to pardon that aduantage vntounto him, would not suffer him long to enioy it. And so shortly after, comming in danger, at least of the latter of that his restraint, the aduantage was taken, and hee executed: but whether, onelyonly to take away a badde man by such opportunity as may bee obtained (as indeede a crooked cast, needeth oft-times a crooked measure) or that some straine of reuenge was mingled withall (for there is no quaestion, but men are men) though it be the parts of all to thinke the best, yet may there be no hurt to leaue it vntounto the freedome of eueryevery mans iudgement therein. Hauing thus cleered himselfe of these bad members, the next that wee read of, is, how hee disposeth himselfe to marriage: but as in the Text it is tearmed making of affinyty with Pharaoh King of Aegypt, by taking his Daughter to Wife, and seeing p. 3381. King. 3: 1.1 Kgs 3:1after we finde, he had many Wiues and Concubines besides, it seemeth to me, that bid. 11: 3.this also was more for affinities sake, than onelyonly or chiefly for marriage it selfe. For it appeareth he was married already, about two yeares before the death of his Father, his Sonne Rehoboam that did succeede him, being one and fourty yeares old Ibid. 14. 21.when hee came to the Kingdome, and so about a yeare old when Salomon himselfe began his raigne, which was the space of fourty yeares. Being therefore married so lately before, and making no conscience to take so many Wiues and Concubines, it may well seeme, that many of them, and this for one, were but to make affinity with the Princes and Nobles about him: plurality of being of no more censcience with many then, than plurality of benefices in the Church of Rome since, or plurality of Lordships, Offices, Farmes, or other liuings (not of the guift of God, but by their owne busie and guilty industry, and though others want neuer so much) with the children of the world now; and to Princes and great men, not the least part of their pomp or magnificent ostentation in the eyes of others. But now concerning Fthis and such like affinity of his (for though wee hauehave no mo so specially noted, yet hauehave we good probability of many) it shall be good to note something as touching himselfe: and something againe as touching others. As touching himselfe, it seemeth to me he did much offend therein: and yet I am not ignorant, but that others there bee, that are better perswaded of him for this matter. It seemeth to mee he much offended, first in matching with the Heathenish people: then, in that he matched with many. In that he matched with those that were Heathenish, he had not that care, eyther of himselfe or of his posterity (so farre as it seemeth) that he ought to hauehave. That himselfe might bee corrupted by them, the common weaknesse of vsus al doth witnesse, by oft & pittifull experience: and was verified in himselfe shortly after. His posterity must needes be endangered likewise, not onelyonly by that common infirmity in them as well as in others, but so much the more, for that they were like to be ouer-weighed so ill by the surer side whereof they came: and yet notwithstanding was the case such with him, that in many respectes he ought to hauehave had a singular care thereof. Insomuch that whereas it is noted, that the naturall line of Salomon reached not to Iesus Christ in the flesh, but was broken off before, it is lesse Cum. Flinsb: in. Gen. Chr, Geneal. 16. pag. 56, 57. Brought. Concent. in an. 2990.maruell, when so he mingled himselfe before with so many Idolatrous people: In that he matched with so many, besides that it was a manifest token of great incontinency or pompous vanity, and withal that he made no reckoning of yeelding coniugall duty vntounto the first, and to all the former sort of them, when he brought in the latter vponupon them (a plaine breach likewise of that branch of aequity) hee had the word of God directly against him: reasonable plainely, as hee was but one of the people; but much more, as he was now in the Throne of the Kingdome. As he was but one of the people, he had the first institution of marriage against him; and the Law afterward giuen: of neyther of which he might be ignorant, but with breach of his duty therein, for that eueryevery King of that people was charged diligently to study that Booke of God. In the first institution of marriage he could not but see, Deut. 17: 18-20. Gen. 2: 22. Ibid 4 19.Deut 17:18–20Gen 2:22that God made but one for one: and that the corruption of that institution for this point, was first found in the line of accursed Kain. In the Lawe, it had beene an easie matter for him to hauehave found, by the propriety of his own mother tongue (the Gwant whereof hath made many great men since vnable to find it) that a man hauing Leuit. 18: 18Lev 18:18a Wife already, might not take another vntounto her duting her life; and though there were no other cause, yet euen for the vexation onelyonly that such dealing might breed to the former: especially, that other vnderstanding of it (of naturall Sisters) being Ibid. 16.sufficiently, by the like, decided a little before. As hee was now in the Throne of the Kingdome, hee might find himselfe, euen as it were by name, forbiden to hauehave any mo but one: and a good reason thereunto annexed. That others are better perswaded Deut. 17: 17Deut 17:17of him for this his doing, is a matter sufficiently known: my selfe finding none of other opinion; and some that professe the defense of him in it. But the chiefe and principall reasons they vse, mee thinke are to weake to such a purpose: one, that Lyr. Conr. Pel Pet, Martyr. Tremel. Iun.she was conuerted first to the Iewes profession; the other, that as yet hee loued the Lord. As touching the former, first they hauehave no warrant thereof, that so it was: p. 339then, that also would not serue, though so shee were, Naamah his former Wife yet remaining, as there is no knowledge yet of her death, nor sufficient cause to suspect 1. King. 14: 21, 31.1 Kgs 14:211 Kgs 14:31it, beeing marryed so late as they were. As touching the latter of them, that yet he loued the Lord, and walked in the ordinances of Dauid his Father, so might hee doe, at least in some measure, and yet bee wanting in this point of duty, as also his Father was before, and yet other-wise hath good Testimony towardes God likewise. 2. Sam. 2: 2. 3: 2-5. Psal. 45.2 Sam 2:22 Sam 2:32 Sam 2:2–5Ps 45As touching others, there is one of the Psalmes which goeth vnderunder the Name of Dauid together with the rest, though for some of them wee doe not know who were the Inditers of them, and diuers of them do beare (in their beginning) the Names of others that made them: but it is of that argument, that well it might become Dauid himselfe to hauehave indited it, and to hauehave vsed it to this very purpose. For in his time it was, that Salomon his Sonne marryed with Naamah afore-said: and she 1. King. 14: 21. 31.1 Kgs 14:211 Kgs 14:31beeing an Ammonite, of an Heathen and an Idolatrous Race likewise, there was good cause why Dauid should exhort her to forget her owne people, and her Fathers house, when now she was to be Salomons Wife: and praesupposing that she was Psal. 45: 10.Ps 45:10Daughter to the King of the Ammonites (as was most likely) the residue of the Psalme would very fitly agree to her also. But if it were indited but about this his marriage with the King of Aegypts Daughter, as a figure of the Espousals betwixt HChrist and his Church (as it is the most common iudgement of all) it is then out Conr. Pellic. Fran. Vatab Tremel. Iun. Bibl. Angl.of quaestion, that it was after Dauids time: and it may seeme, that some of the godly noting him to hauehave marryed with an Heathen Princesse before, and now to bee in hand with the like againe, doubting whereunto such marriages might growe in the ende, and yet conceiuing how well they might figure that other Mystery betweene theyr Messiah and his chosen people, did to their vse for that praesent, and in that praesent case of theirs, indite that Psalme, and to the vse and benefite of the Church that then was, or at any time should afterward be. Which if so it were, is a token sufficient, that some there were in those daies also that did not like it, but rather stood in some speciall feare of it. But now, that some there bee of speciall reckoning, who are of opinion, that seeing hee did marry her, therefore it is not to be doubted, Tremel. Iun.but that first she yeelded to their profession, because that yet hee loued the Lord, affirming, that otherwise he might not hauehave doone it, by the vertue of that prohibition which wee hauehave in the seauenth of Douteromy: I cannot see, but that they are very Deut 7: 3.Deut 7:3wide therein, because that prohibition is not of all Heathen folke generally but only of those seauen Nations that inhabited the Land of Canaan, being there set down Ibid. 1-3.namely on them; the Aegyptians being sufficiently knowne to bee none of that people, but of another Countrey and Nation. And else-where it is plaine, that GOD permitteth them to marry with Women of other Nations, onelyonly after some Ceremoniall Deut. 21: 10-13.Deut 21:10–13purging; and doth not enioyne them to tarry till they be instructed in the knowledge of God, and till they yeeld to that profession: leauing them rather, it seemeth, to win them in time, by sound instruction and kinde vsage ioyned together; than forbidding them till then to take them. And yet it is certaine, that there were no Nations about them, but such as were Heathenish and Idolatrous too. Whereunto the very Psalme it selfe seemeth to beare sufficient witnesse, in the witnesse, in the Psal. 45: 10-16Ps 45:10–16case that now we are in, for that, so effectually calling vponupon her, to forget her owne people and Fathers house, it seemeth to teach vsus, that as then she had not done it. In that his religious seeking to God, we are to note, what it was done by him: and how IGod accepted of it. That which was done by him, was, that he gathered together all the Princes, Captaines, and Gouernours of the people, euen all the chiefe of the Land, and went to to Gibeon where the Tabernacle was, to worship, and did offer a 1. King. 3: 4. 2 Chr. 1. 1-6.1 Kgs 3:42 Chr 1:1–6thousand Burnt-offeringes on the Brazen Altar there. It pleased God so to accept thereof, that in a dreame that night hee appeared vntounto him, and offered vntounto him a 1. King. 3: 5. 2. Chr. 1: 7.1 Kgs 3:52 Chr 1:7very special and a singular fauor: namely to aske, whatsoeuer it was he most desired, to the end he might giuegive it vntounto him. Whereupon Salomon made his choyce so, that therein againe he pleased the Lord maruellous well: and so it shall bee good for vsus more specially to marke, what it was that Salomon craued; and how far the Lord did like on him therein. That which he craued, was, that whereas God, according to p. 340his promise to Dauid his Father, had now placed him in the kingdome; and the people 1. King. 3▪6-9. 2. Chr. 1: 8-101 Kgs 3:6–92 Chr 1:8–10thereunto appertaining, were so many, that to gouerne them aright hee had nothing neere that furniture of wisedome and knowledge that would bee needfull: it would please him to giuegive him an vnderstanding heart, or the guift of wisedome and knowledge, whereby he might rightly determine of all such causes as to the gouernment of that his people should appertaine. Wherein it shall bee good for vsus to marke, what kinde of wisedome it was, that, it seemeth, hee did desire: then, how it came to passe hee desired the same. As touching the former, it seemeth it was but such wisedome and vnderstanding, as may stand cleare of the knowledge and feare of God, and of the sincerity or truth in Religion: and but such as the Children of the World, and Heathnish Polititians oft-times hauehave. For neyther can there necessarily bee any more gathered of the wordes themselues: and seeing afterward it followeth, that God gaue him (in plentiful measure) that which he asked, his great and strange fall that followed may sufficiently shew, that it was no more that he desired; it may bee, as making no doubt (for the opinion, that wee hauehave such power in our selues, doth naturally grow in the hearts of vsus all) but that hee could well enough order himselfe for that matter. How it came to passe, that hee made his choyce of wisedome, is so much the rather to bee considered, for that it seemeth to carry the cause with it: & yet is not so noted by others. For the cause seemeth to be, that he was wise-hearted already; and thereuppon most desired wisedome: common experience Keuer teaching, that the wiser that any hauehave beene, the more hauehave they desired to hauehave more wisedome; and the more they hauehave beene lapt vp in the swatheling-clouts of follie, the lesse hauehave they made any reckoning of it. And as Dauid his Father commending vntounto him the causes of Ioab and Shimey, before made reckoning of speciall 1 King. 2. 6, 9.1 Kgs 2:61 Kgs 2:9wisedome in him: so himselfe also, in taking them away so as he did, did sufficiently verify that opinion of Dauid of him. Yet notwithstanding it goeth for currant with all the Children of the World, that they are none of the wisest, that most of all couet the best and purest wisedome that is: and yet (of their courtesie) they will not deny them, but that they may be honest and plaine, simple and well-meaning men; but yet still withall, none of the wisest. Whereas notwithstanding, the true and best wisedome of all, is neuer desired but onelyonly of such as are wise-hearted indeede: all Aesops Cockes ioying more in a Barley Corne, than in the most Orient precious stone that can be conceiued. How farre the Lord did like on him herein, may soone be conceiued, by al things in a manner that afterward ensued, concerning him & his estate, during the time that he aboad in the feare of God. But because most of those doe concerne the maine part of the Story, therefore is it meetest, that for this matter we rest on those thinges onelyonly, that do immediately follow heereupon, and most properly belong to the place that now we are in: first, the comfortable wordes that God thereuppon did giuegive vntounto him; then, a praesent experiment, howe effectually he obtained that which he desired. The wordes that thereuppon God did giuegive him, were so comfortable vntounto him, that hauing done at Gibeon, and returning to Hierusalem, there he did the much like also. For at this time the Lorde did affure him absolutely, not onelyonly of that which he asked, in very liberall and plentiful 1. King. 3: 10-14. 2. Chr. 1▪ 11, 12: 1. King. 3: 151 Kgs 3:10–142 Chr 1:112 Chr 1:121 Kgs 3:15measure; but of riches and honour besides in great abundance; and on condition that he would diligently walke in his wayes, then of farther fauour besides. Returning to Hierusalem, there hee worshipped againe before the Arke, first offering Burnt-offeringes there againe, and Peace-offeringes besides: then also, feasting all Lhis Seruants. That praesent experiment, which sheweth how effectually hee obtayned that which he desired, was in the cause of those two Women that stroue so busily Ibid. 16-28.about the dead and the liuing Childe: hee readily finding out by his wisedome, without any witnesses, the true Mother, both of the dead Child which they both refused, and of the liuing, which both of them challenged, onelyonly by that naturall affection that Parents doe commonly beare vntounto their Children. In both which Stories of his wee may doe well to marke, in the former of them, how much wee also might please God and benefite ourselues at his hands, if we should aboue all worldly thinges heere couet to doe him the best seruice we could, eueryevery one in our seuerall p. 341callings: and in the latter, how vndoubtedly we were like to bee discarded from the number of true Fathers and Mothers, to those that are vnderunder our charge, if our Salomon Iesus Christ should make tryall of vsus, by our hearty affection towards them.

2 Those thinges that belonged vntounto it when it grew to a setled estate, were Amany and diuers: and yet none other in effect, but such as shewed, to what power and glory it pleased God to bring that Kingdome or State of his vntounto. And the power and glory whereunto it pleased God to bring it, was by his religious regard of God, wherein for a time he was very commendable: and so are wee first to see, what was that religious regard of his towardes God; then, to consider withall, what was the glory wherwith it pleased God to cloth him. That religious regard of his towards God we most of all find, in that chiefe and principall work that he had to do, and did most properly belong vntounto him: then also, in som others besides, which were common to him and others. That chiefe and principal work that he had to do, & did most properly belong vntounto him, was about the Temple that he had to build or set vp vntounto the Lord: & first to dispatch the workmanship of it; then, to consecrate or to giuegive vp the same to his vse, by whose appointment, and to whose vse, he had ordained it. That the worke-manship of it might be the better dispatched, it was needfull there were some good fore-casting before; and so we finde there was: first praeparing things meet for the purpose; then, setting in hand with the businesse it selfe. That there was such praeparation Bbefore, we hauehave first some likelihood of it: then also, good testimony, that so it was. The likelihood we hauehave, is, that it was in the minde of Salomon, or that 2. Chr. 2: 1.2 Chr 2:1he determined to build an House vntounto the Lord. For wise-men, or that are of any fore-cast, when once they are determined of speciall businesse, then doe they also prouide accordingly. The Testimony we hauehave that so it was, doth not onelyonly shew, what it is was doone: but withall, howe effectuall it was besides. That which was done, was partly abroad: and partly at home. Abroad he laide a tribute on all generally, that were subiect to his Dominions: and more specially dealt with Hiram King of Tyre, for his helpe in this businesse. The tribute hee raised, was not onelyonly for the House of the Lord, but for diuers other works besides, which he had in mind 1. King 9: 15-19.1 Kgs 9:15–19to doe: but the house, the chiefest and greatest of them. As for Hiram King of Tyrus (a Citty and Territory of great reckoning thereby, North of Palestine, on the Ptol. Asia Tab. 4. Adrichom. … Asser. 84. 1. King. 5: 1.1 Kgs 5:1Sea-Coast, and of speciall opportunity for Traffique too and fro, from the East to the West) he for the louelove hee bare to Dauid before, sent vntounto Salomon, hearing they had annointed him King in stead of his Father, belike (as the manner is) to congratulate that his dignity vntounto him. Heereupon it seemeth, Salomon nowe dealt more effectually with him, for his helpe in the matter. Certaine it is, that hee craued his helpe, both for Timber; and some speciall woorke-men besides. The Timber he desired, was of the Caedars of Libanus, the largest and fayrest Timber in all those Ibid. 2-11. 2. Chr. 2: 3-16.2 Chr 2:3–16Countries: in the felling and woorking of which, King Hirams people, dwelling neere thereunto, were much more skilfull by their experience, than any of Salomons people were. Salomon therefore gaue vntounto Hiram for his helpe in this matter, 20000. measures of Wheat: and of three commodities besides, which were, Barly, Wine and Oyle, of eueryevery of these the like quantity, eueryevery yeare, so long as they were occupyed in this his businesse. Which measure of theyrs is noted to bee of that In Tract. Thomas. de Pond. M…rsur. et…. Num. 117.quantity with them, as in one quarter, one Bushell, one pecke and an halfe, one quart and seauen ounces, with vsus: and so the greater quantitie that it commeth vntounto, the greater dooth it shewe that prouision of his to hauehave beene for Timber thence; and, that the whole woorke it selfe was like to bee of great Magnificence. Of those speciall workemen besides, whom of him he desired; one was one Hiram 1 King. 7: 13, 14.1 Kgs 7:131 Kgs 7:14also; a workeman of rare and speciall skill, in the casting and working of brasse: and himselfe doth not name any other, but onelyonly craueth that he would sende him some such as should hauehave speciall skill, in the working of Gold, Siluer, B…sse, Iron; 2. Chr. 2: 7.2 Chr 2:7Crimsin, Purple, Blew silke, and grauing. At home hee tooke order to imploy in this businesse, both such of the Canaanites as were yet left in the land: and certain of his owne people besides. Of those Canaanites or strangers, causing the number p. 342to be taken, he found that they came to one hundred fifty three thousand, and 2. Chr. 2: 2, 17-18. 1 King. 5: 15-18. 1. King. 5: 13, 14.2 Chr 2:22 Chr 2:17–181 Kgs 5:15–181 Kgs 5:131 Kgs 5:14sixe hundred. Of those he appointed 70000. to beare Burthens, 80000. Masons to hew stones, and 3600. to be ouer-seers of them. Of his owne people besides, he tooke out thirty thousand to this businesse: appointing them to work by course ten thousand eueryevery monethmonth; so leauing to eueryevery one, two months liberty, for one months labour. How effectuall this his fore-casting or prouiding before-hand was is likewise reasonable plainly declared, in that it is in such sort commended, as 2. Chr. …: 16if his prouision were such, that euen from the first beginning, vntounto the end or finishing of it, it still went forward without any stay. When we are to see how they did set in hand with the worke it selfe for which all this prouision was, wee are to know, that whereas God would now hauehave a Temple or fixed place of worship reared vntounto him, there must needs be many other things thereunto appertaining: and so are we first to consider of the place it selfe, where he would be worshipped; then of the things that belonged vntounto it. The place that God would hauehave to this purpose, is for the most part called the Temple: but then vnderunder it wee are to consider both of the House that was then to be reared, and of the Courts thereunto appertaining. As touching which House and Courts, thereunto appertaining, wee first hauehave certaine circumstances going before: then in what manner the same was builded. The circumstances are two: one of the place; another of the time. The place where it was to be set, and where accordingly they first laide the foundation and building thereon, was a part of Ierusalim which of olde was of the boundes of 2. Chr. 3: 1. Ge. 22: 2, 9, 122 Chr 3:1Moriah, where Isaac in the time of Abraham was laide on the Altar to be sacrificed, though God gaue him home with his fathers againe: but, a little before this time 2. Sa. 24: 18-24. 1. King. 61. 2. Chr. 3: 2.2 Sam 24:18–242 Chr 3:2the threshing flower of a Iebusite then dwelling there; which Dauid, to this purpose bought of him, as we saw before. The time when this building began, was in the fourth yeare of Salamon: and foure hundred and fourscore yeares, after they Dcame out of Aegypt, and were fully setled in the land. The former of which limitations seemeth to import, that Salomon bestowed the time before in making prouision La…. Codoman. in an. 3112.for the building; and then may his example therein teach vsus to cast before hand for whatsoeuer seruice of God we hauehave, to do it in the best manner wee can: and the latter of them doth plainly declare, that the Temple was not absolutely so needfull a thing to the people of God, when as they were nine hundred yeares together his people without it; as wee also neede not to doubt, but that hauing the word and Sacraments, we may well be the people of God, without that outwarde magnificence and pompe, that in the iudgement of some is so needfull. For the manner of the building of it, wee are first to consider of some difficulties that are therein: then, what may seeme to hauehave beene the manner of it. The difficulties that are therein, are all about the house it selfe, and do all arise out of the variety of mens iudgements thereon: some about the measure of the whole; but most about the manner of building the seuerall parts. About the measure of the whole, there Tremellius. and Iunius. …n 1. King. 6: 2.1 Kgs 6:2be some that be of opinion, that they were not the ordinary but double cubits that in this building were meant and vsed, and their reasons are two: one as it were, on the Text it selfe; the other, on probability only. That which is gathred as vponupon the Text it selfe, resteth on two principal places, both where these things are repeated againe: one, where it is saide, that Salomon began to lay the foundation according 2. Chr. 3: 3.2 Chr 3:3to threescore cubits in length, and twenty in breadth, After the first measure; the Ibid. 15.other, where the two pillers are in such sort for their heigth described, that it may seeme the places agree not, vnlesse the measure be such as they hauehave conceiued. In Vulg. edit. Lyr. Con. Pel. Fr. Vatab. Ari. Montan. Bibl. Anglthe former therefore they do not translate, as others doo, Mensuram primam, but Primariam: and interpret that to be double to that which was ordinary; supposing also, that to that very end it was so named. Howbeit, both the sence of this place may be otherwise: and there is another soone after ensuing, that cannot wel brook this interpretation. The fence of this place may bee, that both these houses were cast together in laying out the foundation of them, threescore cubits in length, and twenty in bredth, being lined or laid foorth on the earth for them both, on the outside whereof they had to open the earth▪ so farre as the thicknesse of the wall, and p. 343the laying of the foundation of it should require: and that this being first doone, ESalomon began to builde, or to reare vp the worke, according to this proportion first laid. And seeing all buildings, that are of any reckoning, are in such sort laid forth before, to direct the workemen how to lay their foundations, therefore may Fr. Vatab. Conr. Pell. Bibl. Angl. 2. Chr. 4: 1.2 Chr 4:1such laying forth thereof be well accounted the first measure: as also this place i… by others expounded. That other ensuing, which could not well brook the aforesaide interpretation, is the measure of the Brazen Altar, noted to be ten cubites in height: ouer great a measure by far, for the vse whereunto it was ordained, if the cubit should be double, as they conceiued in the other. In that of the pillers their reasoning is, that there speaking but of the ordinary measure, and but of the length of one of them onelyonly, it doth fitly agree with the other relation before, if so it bee taken, but otherwise varieth much: the one of those places setting down the height 2. King. 7: 15. 2. Chr. 3: 15.2 Kgs 7:152 Chr 3:15of those two pillers to be but eighteene cubits; and the other, thirty and fiue. For one cubit they conceiue to be hid in the base or foot of the piller beneath. Which one being added vntounto the other 35. making 36. should be the iust measure of the other eighteen; they being taken for double cubits, & these for single. But in this also not onelyonly others are of other opinion, namely, that the measure in both places Conr. Pel. Fra. Vatab. Bibl. Angl.is one, and that the oddes is no more but this, that in the former the length of one is noted by it selfe, and in the latter the length of both (so much as was seene without their bases beneath) was ioyned together: but also, taking the measure in both places to be one, if but one of them should be fiue and thirty Cubits high, and the Temple it selfe but thirty (as wee hauehave that measure set downe for it) that were not so 1. King. 6: 2. Tremel. Iun. in 1▪ King. 7: 2.1 Kgs 6:21 Kgs 7:2meete a proportion for it. That reason of theirs which resteth on probability onelyonly, is, that otherwise the house that he built in Libanus, should bee greater than this House of the Lord; it being an hundred Cubits long; & this but threescore: whereas if these be accounted double, and the other but single, then would these sunnount the other by twenty; no great matter to answere the oddes that in proportion was betwixt the owners of them, God the Lord, and Salomon his Seruaunt. Againe, though so it might gaine the aduantage in length; yet could in not (by that meanes Fneyther) reach it in breadth: the breadth of the Temple being but twenty Cubites; 1. King. 6: 2.1 Kgs 6:2and so not able to make but fourty in all, though they were doubled; whereas the breadth of the other was fifty. But that house in the Fortest of Libanus was an house 1. King. 7: 2.1 Kgs 7:2of pleasure, for Salomon to recreate himselfe in, when hee was disposed: who being a magnificent Prince, and hauing many attendants and great affaires, had need more roome (euen at the streightest) than the Lord should neede to hauehave in his house, for one Priest onelyonly, or at any time but very few, to doe that little seruice that there hee required. And so is that reason of no great force to this purpose. About the manner of building, the difficulties are, both about the house it selfe, and about the Porch. For the house it selfe, it is thought by many (and I wonder by what warrant) that this whole building of threescore Cubits in length, and twenty in breadth, was an hundred and twentie in height. For so doth Lyra set it downe, and according to the On 1 King. 6. in the letters c, d. and e. 1594 on 2. Chr 3: 4. d. 2. Chro. 3: 4. Cour. Pellic. in 1. Reg. 6: 3. Tremel. Iun. in 2. Chro. 3: 4.1 Kgs 62 Chr 3:41 Kgs 6:3Doctors of the Church, as he conceiueth: and those that hauehave set foorth some of our English Bibles (what is done in the rest I know not) seeme to be of the same opinion also, by a marginall note thereto annexed. And true it is, that such an heigth is spoken off in the Text: but in that part of it that treateth of the Porch; and in such sort there, as seemeth rather (and so is distinguished by some of good reckoning) to be spoken of that part onelyonly, than of the whole. Which heigth of an hundred and twenty Cubites when they hauehave giuen vntounto it, then, without any coulour of warrent that I can find the Text to yeeld them, doe they make two heights or losts aboue the nethermost roomes, one aboue another, and of the selfe same length and breadth: giuing those thirty Cubites that are spoken of for the heigth, onelyonly vntounto the lowest roomes; and the like quantity of heigth againe to the next, and double as much to the heighest of those lofts that they conceiue to hauehave beene aboue. A thing that may probably seeme to be very vnlikely (and so is it taken by others) that any such roomes should bee aboue a place of that reckoning, as should occasion any to bee Conr. Pell. Pet M…rt…r.trampling aboue it, as needes they must, if any way they made any vse of them. Againe, p. 344seeing that it is plaine that the Galeries, Chambers, or walkes were but three, G1. King. 6: 5, 6, 10.1 Kgs 6:51 Kgs 6:61 Kgs 6:10and but fiue Cubites high a peece, one aboue another, and so but fifteene Cubites in all, the whole heigth to bee but thirty is a meeter proportion, than if these Galeries still being but fifteene, yet the residue of the heigth aboue should neuerthelesse be an hundred and fiue: as also the breadth of the house within, might seeme to bee much ouermatched in proportion (as also it is so noted by some) with so great an heigth Conr. Pellic. in 1. Reg. 6: 3.1 Kgs 6:3aboue, vnlesse it were one way or other taken off from it, as they do conceiue by those two Lofts; but then we see not, how they can be there by any good warrant. Neither is it altogether to be neglected, that whereas it should be a figure of Christ, and of his Church (at least of the truer members thereof) it should outwardly bee but of reasonable reckoning, both for the quantity and fairnesse of it; and yet of rare and wonderfull beauty within: as also, that the beauty or glory it had within, should not be communicable but onelyonly to the eyes of few; others beeing left to their choyce, whether they would beleeue it or not, when as see it they should not. As touching the Porch, though we reade but of two thinges onelyonly therein, which were those two faire and speciall Pillars: yet therein also hauehave wee some difficulty, both as touching the Porch it selfe; and the Pillars that were therein. In the Porch it selfe no more but this, that it is not (that I find) described by any; but onelyonly for the length and breadth, rhe heigth being altogether omitted: and not onelyonly by those that giuegive so great heigth vntounto the Temple; but also by those that dare not bee so liberall therein, as are the others. Of those that giuegive so great heigth vntounto the Temple, it is the lesse to be expected, not onelyonly for hauing giuen so much to the one, they may well hauehave the lesse to giuegive to another: but much rather, for that if they should make it of one heigth with the other, both they were without warrant (but onelyonly for it selfe) and could not finde any vse for it, hauing attributed that to their Lofts before. But as for those that conceiue not the Temple it selfe to be but thirty cubits high, they might hauehave found so good vse of the heigth of the Porch, that it is more strange that they also omit it. For Vatablus hath a faire description of the Temple and Chambers On 1. K. 6.thereunto appertaining, and giueth but thirty Cubites heigth vntounto the Temple: Hbut altogether omitteth the heigth of the Porch. Diuers of our English Bibles likewise (especially those that were set foorth by such of the learned of our owne Countrey, as were at Geneua in the daies of Queene Mary, and which they published in the beginning of her Maiesties raigne that last was) hauehave the like discription in them likewise, and so like, that whereas that of Vatablus was newly set foorth but a little before by Robertus Stephanus 1557. it may seeme that ours tooke their direction thence: which doe in like manner altogether omit (so far as yet I hauehave seene) the aforesaide heigth of the Porch. And then, whence are others to take their light, when such Torches as these do neuerthelesse in that point burne so dim? As touching the Pillars, the difficulty concerning them, is onelyonly (to speake off) about the heigth of them, for that the Text doth tell vsus, but of eighteene Cubites in one place, and of thirty fiue 1. King▪ 7. 15. 2. Chr. 3: 15.1 Kgs 7:152 Chr 3:15in another: and so there bee that hold opinion, some, that the Pillars themselues with their Bases beneath, Chapters aboue, and their Ornaments on the tops of those their Chapters, were indeede thirty and fiue Cubites high, and yet the Pillars themselues Lyr. in 3. Reg. 7 in. lit. d.1 Kgs 7but eighteene, so reconciling those places together (others) that the Pillars themselues, besides their Bases, Chapters, and top-ornaments, were sixe and thirty Cubits Tremel. Iun. in. 1. Reg. 7: 15.1 Kgs 7:15high, sauing that one Cubit was hid in the Base beneath, and so but fiue and thirty in sight. But, if we looke a little into the matter, we quickly meete with some doubt therein: both in respect of the Temple it selfe; and in respect of the measure that of them is giuen vsus. In respect of the Temple it selfe we find, that if the Pillers were fiue and thirty Cubites high, and the Temple but thirty of the selfe-same measure, as I thinke it is likely to proue to bee, then, whether the Cubites were double as some hauehave conceiued, or but single, as I thinke will fall out to bee the more sure, yet were they fiue Cubites higher than it: which seemeth to be no due proportion. In respect of the measure that of them is giuen vsus, it is certaine, they had but ten Cubites square to stand in, and if it be like to proue to be but of the ordinary Cubit, as it seemeth it 1. King. 6: 3.1 Kgs 6:3will, then the measure it selfe for the bottom, will help to show, whether of these two p. 335were likelyest to be the height of them. For the pillers themselues beeing foure cubits thicke would leaue but three cubits on any side betwixt them and the Wall, Iboth for their Bases to stand in, and as is most likely, for conuenient passage about them. Which being so, then foure times and an halfe their thickenesse, is as it seemeth more like to be their height, than eight times and three quarters, where the roome it selfe would beare no greater a Base: especially, when besides the bodyes 1. King. 7: 16, 17. 2. Chr. 3: 15, 16.1 Kgs 7:161 Kgs 7:172 Chr 3:152 Chr 3:16of the pillars, eyther of them had Chapters or heades of fiue cubits a piece aboue, and much other worke besides for ornaments sake reaching much higher.

3 These difficulties being thus farre cleared, and now being to see what may seeme to be the manner of it; I hold it best for most mens vnderstanding, that first Awe consider of the out-side of it: then, of the inside also. On the outside of it, it seemeth to me, that it was to see too, much like (at the first blush) to the woonted or most accustomed manner of Churches or Chappels with vsus, sauing that in the erecting of it, and entrance into it, it did much varry from ours. In the erecting of it, it varried, first in the coast towards which it was erected: then in the place it self Lyr. 3. Reg. 6. in …it. …. Co…r. Pell. Ibid. in vers. 3:1 Kgs 6where it stood. As touching the coast towards which it was erected, it was erected from the East to the West, as ours are from the West to the East. That it was erected from the East to the West, I finde not on what reason it was, sauing onelyonly that so it pleased God. But the Tabernacle was so erected before: and it may be, Exod. 26: 27. 27: 12▪16. …8 12. Leu. 16: 14Exod 26:27Exod 26:12Exod 26:16Exod 26:8Lev 16:14that God thereby would as it were point to the Coast, whither afterward he would specially direct the course of his word, and the knowledge of him; as the Sun likewise hath his course from the East to the West. And if Christian Princes themselues first receyuing the Gospell, according to the trueth and purity of it, sundered from all corruption of men, would endeuour on zeale towardes God, and louelove to their Neighbors, to aduance the course of the Gospel in some such measure, as that the Westerne people from vsus might bee well and orderly lightened with it: there were good hope that from them also it woulde proceede farther, euen vntounto those that are Westerne from them also, and Easterne from vsus. In the place it selfe where it stood, it varried likewise, for that it was set vp in the far-part of the ground to it alotted, whereas ours for the most part are set in the midst, so neare as may be. The entrance into it also was but one, and the same at the East end of it, whereas ours for the most part hauehave mo, and (lightly to such vse) none at the ends. It was otherwise much like vntounto the most accustomed manner of our Churches, for that it had Bone maine roofe, house, or building, of free-stone without, at one end thereof shut vp with a Tower, as most of our Churches are with our Steeples: and with such like additions or buildings on the sides, as in many of our Churches the Iles or Eelings thereof are. But then if we consider more specially of it, wee finde that the 1. K…ig. 6: 2-4 2. Chr. 3: 3, 42 Chr 3:32 Chr 3:4maine or chiefe part of the building was of no great quantity, in comparison of many of ours, as not passing (for the largenesse of it) the middle sort of our Parish-Churches; thogh large & big enough for the vse wherunto it was ordained; but yet (to see to) twice so high as those lower buildinges or Eelings were, that to it were annexed: as also, that the Tower we speake of was about foure times so high as any part of the building besides. That those lower buildings or Eelings likewise, being 1. King. 6: 5 6, 8, 10.1 Kgs 6:5but halfe so high as the maine part of the House it selfe, appeared to be of three stories or heights, and about two yards and an halfe in height one aboue another: compassing the House round about, sauing onelyonly at the East end of it, that they all likewise were outwardly euen, or eueryevery Story lying forth as much other, but inwardly reaching, the middle-most of them one cubit farther than the lowest, and the highest one cubit more than the middlemost towards the out-side of the wal of the house and close vntounto it; yet not let in into it, but resting on it, by a sole-tree Ibid. 6.laide on a shoulder of the wall, the wall being of purpose made so thicke beneath, that it might bee taken in one cubite more on the out side of it to eueryevery of these, three cubits in all, and yet bee thicke enough for the building. The maine part therefore of the Howse it selfe being so high aboue these lower Eeelings, lay better open to the …ght of all; and besides had conuenient roome for Windowes to let in p. 346light to the houses within: as also it was appointed, that there they should bee, and 1. King. 6▪ 4.1 Kgs 6:4that they should in such sort be made, as was meetest to such a purpose. How this house and the Tower of it together with those Eelings beneath were couered aboue, we hauehave not described: but by the proportion of the residue of the worke besides, we may safely conceyne that the couering of them was suteable also vntounto the rest, both for good workeman-ship and beauty too. And seeing it was the manner there, to Leu. 3: 40, 42. Neh▪ 8: 16. & in the Margent h. Deut. 22: 8.Lev 3:40Lev 3:42Neh 8:16Deut 22:8build with flat roofes, and that thereon they were wont much to keepe, while they solemnized the feast of Tabernacles; and seeing their houses generally were to hauehave battlements: it is not vnlike, but that in those things it was much like vntounto many of our Churches also; sauing that both in matter and workeman-ship, it farre exceeded. Neyther hauehave wee particularly set downe, what was the front or outwarde workeman-shippe and shew of these three lower Stories or heigthes of the Eelings; nor what was the vse or partition of them: but yet that they had winding staires from one to another. Whereof notwithstanding wee may conceiue CLyr. Pet. Mart.is also men do, that there was speciall good vse, either as of needfull roomes, for such as ministred there, or to lay vp thinges needfull, or as of Galeries to walke in for pleasure, or some part of them for one vse, and some for another; and that the Workmanshippe or outward shew of them was very faire, and sutable vntounto the rest of the building. Wee reade but of one onelyonly doore, and that at one of the ends of them on the East, for enterance to all. But now hauing viewed these buildings without, and being desirous to draw somewhat neerer, and to see them within, we are first to come by the Courts: one, that was common vntounto the people; another that was proper vntounto the Priests. Concerning which, it is certaine that they both lay before the house it selfe on the East: but whether they reached but to the Porch of the Temple it selfe, and closed vp there, as some there bee that doe discribe it, or whether they closed in Fr. Vatab. Bibl Angl. Lyr. in 3 Reg. 6. in lit …. Chr. Adricom. in descript. Ierusal. n…m. 87. … 101 1. King. 6: 12.1 Kgs 61 Kgs 6:12the Temple round about, as others do take it, I do not find that that may be decided out of the Text. But because God himselfe had giuen them example before, in ordaining the Court of the Tabernacle, to compasse all the Sanctuary it selfe, and seeing it seemeth that otherwise the Temple should hauehave stoode nakedly and bare, and not with that dignity that was due vntounto it: therefore it seemeth to be the likelier, that they compassed the whole Temple; and that the wordes round about, that are vsed in the description of the great Court, are to be taken, not onelyonly to shew howe that and the inner were taken in, but also what they were in respect of the Temple, as on eueryevery side also compassing it. Notwithstanding a doubt there is, that my selfe hauehave conceyued, and do not see well how to cleare it: namely, that in the same place, the like seemeth to be set downe for the Porch also. But whereas these two Courtes were open, and so such taking in as there is spoken of might well become them; vnlesse the Porch were open too, it seemeth that this would not in like sort be sayde of that: and so, that either the Porch was open also, or else that such wormanship as this would not bee attributed vntounto it. Yet not denying, but that such might bee the workmanship of it likewise, so farre as was needfull to be suteable vntounto the other: albeit that afterward it was reared higher (and it may be of the same worke still) vntill it came to the heigth to it appointed; and then was couered. Howsoeuer it was, two Courts there were, of what measure or quantity we know not, but such no doubt 1. King. 6: 36 7: 12. 2. Chr. 4: 9.1 Kgs 6:362 Chr 4:9as were proportionable vntounto the rest of the building, and meete for the vse to which Dthey were taken: taken in with three rewes of fayre polished stones, and one of Cedar fayrely wrought. Entering from the East into these, we come to the Porch, the front or first part of house it selfe: a Tower of no great roome within, but answerable and ioyning to the rest of the building, ten yardes one way, and fiue another, but twice so high (as the better opinion seemeth to be) as the residue of the house was 1. King. 6: 3. 2 Chr. 3: 4. 1594 on 1. King 6: 3 on the let c▪ In 3. Reg. 6. in lit. g.1 Kgs 6:32 Chr 3:42 Chr 3:1591 Kgs 6long, and couered ouer aboue. In which respect, a note in some of our English Bibles had need to be heeded; and would deserue, as I do take it, when once it should be wel examined, then to be amended also: and so that description of Ʋatablus too, which seemeth to hauehave led the way vntounto ours; and that not onelyonly for the leauing of it vncouered (which that kind of description could not beare) but also for the want of due proportion betwixr the pillars & roome that they stand in, in both his figures. p. 347Which roome within, beeing but the Porch or entrance vntounto the house it selfe, was 1. King. 6: 3. 2. Chr. 3: 4. Chr. Adricom. in descript. Ierusal. num. 87.1 Kgs 6:32 Chr 3:4neuerthelesse, as it seemeth, ouer-layde within with pure Gold. But whereas afterward it is noted to hauehave had three large double Gates of Siluer (but then the description of that, dooth in diuers thinges varry from this) at this time it seemeth, by the proportion of the Pillars, and roome that they stood in (the bignesse filled the room so neere, as, by other occasion, wee sawe before) that it had but one Gate onelyonly, and that towards the East. Againe, in this sort taking it to bee a couered building, and so high, it may probably seeme, although thc Text make no such mention (as, in particular, it omitteth many thinges besides) that after a conuenient height for the lowest roome, wherein the Pillars stood, such as in proportion might be answerable to them, it had some lofts aboue for necessary vses, with conuenient way or passage into them: and that Windowes were in conuenient places disposed, both in the lower and higher roomes, as was most meete for beauty and vse. But whether those Chambers aboue, were to be accounted any of those that Dauid spake of vnderunder the 1. Chr. 28: 1…. 2. Chr. 3: 9. Ibid. 4.1 Chr 28:12 Chr 3:9name of Closets and Chambers, and of those that Salomon likewise is saide to hauehave ouer-layde with Gold, it is not certainely to bee affirmed: but so farre, as that which may seeme to be spoken of that whole Tower, may be in particular to those applyed. Neuerthelesse, seeing but very few persons (which were but a fewe of the Priestes themselues were allowed to come into the Temple, and but the High-Priest onelyonly, and but once in the yeare, into the Holiest of all; and yet the Nature of man inclyneth, when they hauehave any speciall excellency, some way or other to acquaint others Ewith it, or at the least with some part of it: it may probably bee, that as Salomon had sufficient declaration of his Magnificence in his Houses, Throne, and such like, in ciuill account, so would hee in this also (especially so farre as GOD would allowe him to doe it; and by these other thinges wee may see, that GOD gaue him great liberty for that matter) that concerned Religion, hauehave some such roomes to impart vntounto others, as might (together with the residue) plentifully witnesse that speciall fauour of GOD towardes him. The next heereunto was the Holy-place, 1. King. 6: 2, 9. 17. 18, 21, 22, 29, 30, 33-35. 2 Chr. 3: 3, 5-7. 4: 22, 1. King. 7: 50.1 Kgs 6:21 Kgs 6:91 Kgs 6:171 Kgs 6:181 Kgs 6:211 Kgs 6:221 Kgs 6:291 Kgs 6:301 Kgs 6:33–352 Chr 3:32 Chr 3:5–72 Chr 3:42 Chr 3:221 Kgs 7:50that which properly was called the Temple: the enterance whereinto, was no baser than a double doore of Firre or Caedar fairely wrought, and couered ouer with beaten Gold: the Henges also no meaner than Gold. The space or roome of it within, about twenty yardes long, ten broad, and fifteene high: the Lights or Windowes thereof beeing onelyonly in the vpper part of the Wals thereof: all the Walles thereof beeing first reared, and the Flower couered with Stone, in very substantiall and beautifull manner: but then all seeled ouer with Caedar, on the Wals imbossed and curiously wroght: and both the sides and floure beneath, and the Timber of the Roofe aboue, all ouer-laide or couered ouer with beaten Gold, of Worke-manship sutable vntounto the Mettal, and richly adorned with many precious stones besides. That which remaineth is the Holyest of all. Where againe we hauehave, besides a faire and 1. King. 6: 31, 32, 7▪ 50. 2. Chr. 3: 14. 4: 22.1 Kgs 6:311 Kgs 6:321 Kgs 6:71 Kgs 6:502 Chr 3:142 Chr 3:42 Chr 3:22rich Vayle, another doore whereby to enter, of Oliue-Tree, both the sides of it fairely wrought, and couered with Gold: the Henges also of pure Gold. But where-about this doore was set it is not declared: and we shal afterward hauehave better occasion to inquire of it. The roome within, altogether of the same matter and worke-manshippe that the other was of, for the sides, floure, and roofe, for the stone 1. King. 6: 9, 15, 19, 19, 20. 2. Chr. 3: 8. Ibi. 2. Chr. 3: 81 Kgs 6:91 Kgs 6:151 Kgs 6:191 Kgs 6:202 Chr 3:8Timber. Seeling, and worke-manshippe of it, and eueryevery where ouer-layd with gold: but then but halfe so great as the other, holding onelyonly tenne yardes square. And yet doe wee reade of sixe hundred Talents of Gold to hauehave beene bestowed onelyonly on it: as also, that whereas they had occasion to vse Nayles for the better setting forth of the work, for the doores and other places ouer-laid with Gold, there were they so little spating of their Gold, that one onelyonly of the Nailes of Golde that they 2. Chr. 3. 9.2 Chr 3:9vsed therein, was the waight of about fifty ounces with vsus. As touching all which building that now we hauehave spoken of, although being begunne in the fourth yeare 1. King. 6: 1, 37, 38. 2. Chr. 3: 2.1 Kgs 6:11 Kgs 6:371 Kgs 6:382 Chr 3:2of the raigne of Salomon, it was not finished but in the eleauenth, and so was seauen yeare in building (which plainely argueth the exceeding great beautie of it. Considering how many were imployed about it; and yet it may not be denied, but that many other thinges were doone besides, of which as yet we hauehave not spoken:) p. 348yet all thinges were made so ready before, the Stone at the Quarry, and Timber 1. King. 6: 7.1 Kgs 6:7at the Wood, that there was no hewing or cutting there; but onelyonly setting vp that which was doone. A comfortable figure, that howsoeuer wee be exercised heere with any kinde of tribulation to make vsus fit for the building then: yet at that time Conr. Pellic. in 1. Reg. 6: 7.1 Kgs 6:7we shall be fully acquited of all affliction, and quietly and readily made vp together, into a ioyful and gloryous habitation: and a matter of good instruction withal, that Pet Martyr. in 1. Reg. 6: 7.1 Kgs 6:7in the building of Gods Temple heere all thinges should be so well praepared, and in such readinesse before, especially the hearts of those that are to be builded, yea and of the builders too, towards those whom they build, and among themselues) that while we are setting vp of the worke, there bee no noice eyther of sorrowfull crying, or of bitter contending among vsus.

4 Hauing thus considered of the place which Salomon ordayned for the worship of God, and beeing now to consider of such thinges as were therein to that Apurpose, it shall not be amisse, seeing we were last in the holiest place of all, there likewise now to begin, & so to come forth as we went in: sauing that we are first to know, that we are not to looke to hauehave all the roomes furnished with such as belonged vntounto them, because diuers of them were to bee brought in by the Priestes and Leuites, and that was not done till the time of the dedication, of which we are not to speake yet, but next vntounto this that now we are in. Now therefore we are but to looke for such things as it may seeme were to massie for men to beare conueniently, or such as the Priestes and Leuites were not charged withall; and therefore that Salomon made the Woorke-men to set them vp in theyr places as they were made, to bee in a readinesse against the time that they were to be vsed: and for the others that were to be brought in by the Priests and Leuites, not to looke to find them in their places, til Bthe time of the Dedication. Beginning then with the most Holy-place, there wee hauehave yet but the two Cherubims onelyonly, to the likenesse of young Men, standing 1. King. 6: 23-28. 2. Chr. 3: 10-13.1 Kgs 6:23–282 Chr 3:10–13on their feete, and their faces downe-ward, towardes those that came in, or towards the next Roome thereunto called the Temple, but hauing the Winges and appearance of Angels (not as they are in themselues beeing but Spirites, and not subiect to Mortall eie; but as it hath pleased God, that in his seruice they hauehave appeared to Men) themselues beeing about fiue yardes high, in such sort situate, and so stretching out theyr Winges side-wayes, that touching together with the point of theyr 1. King. 6: 19.1 Kgs 6:19Winges in the middest, with the others they reached, eyther of them to the Wall beside them. And true it is, that God hath giuen his Aungels charge, of all and eueryevery of those that are his; euen from one ende of the World to the other: not but that himselfe onelyonly praeserueth, maintaineth and quickneth all; but that it pleaseth him, to our comfort, to vse theer Mynistery also about vsus. But whereas the others on the Lidde of the Arke, reared vp on the endes thereof, were but little ones in comparison of these, but all of Gold: these beeing much bigger, were of Timber worke within, of the Wood of the Oliue; but ouer-layde with beaten Gold. VntoUnto the next roome without, the Temple or the Holy-place, did many thinges appertaine; but all of that Nature as I do take it, that were to be brought in and to be placed by the Priestes and Leuites: and therefore the relation of them meetest to be referred vntounto the time of the dedication. The next vntounto this was the Porch as wee sawe before: in which there was nothing that did appertaine to the charge of the Priestes or Leuites, nor any thing that might well bee carryed by men. For there were nothing therein, but onelyonly two great Pillars of Brasse, on eyther side one, both of one worke-manship, and very fayre: the bodies of the Pillars themselues 1. King. 7: 15, 21, 41, 42. 2. Chr. 3: 15-17. 4: 12, 13. Fran. Vatab Bibl. Angl.1 Kgs 7:151 Kgs 7:211 Kgs 7:411 Kgs 7:422 Chr 3:15–172 Chr 3:42 Chr 3:122 Chr 3:13beeing about nine yardes high, and two yardes thicke; theyr Chapters also, together with the furniture of them (which on eyther of them was a faire round Globe or Ball of Brasse likewise, but curiously wrought and adorned) about two yards and an halfe higher. What their Bases were, wee hauehave not described: but yet wee may well conceiue, that they were sutable vntounto the rest, not onelyonly in proportion, but in workemanship also. Which two faire and stately Pillars, beeing so placed as they were, betwixt that house of God on the one side, and those Courtes of the Priestes p. 349and people on the other, might well bee as two visible and perpetuall witnesses vntounto Cthem, that they obseruing their part of their couenant towardes him, hee also for his part would euer bee one towardes them againe. For in that significant names were giuen vntounto them, the people thereon might probably gather, that they carryed some signication with them: and in that both theyr Names point in effect, but Lyr. Co…r. Pel. Pet. M…yr. Fr. Vatab. Tremel. I…n. Bibl. Angl.to one onelyonly thing; namely, establishment or power to stand, they might thereon gather, that one thing rather to be substantially witnessed vntounto them (for two Witnesses are by the Law of God it selfe sufficient) than moe to be but only auowed, and not giuen vnderunder sufficient witnesse. The next vntounto this, is the Court of the Priestes, in which there were many thinges much belonging (at least by wonted vse, about the Tabernacle, vntill they came to rest in their promised Land) vntounto the Office of the Priestes and Leuites: but some of them (it seemeth) too chargeable now for them to deale with, and so most likely to bee set in theyr places by the Worke-men that made them. Those that seeme to bee to chargeable for them to deale with, were but two: the great Brazen Altar: and that great Vessell of Brasse called the Sea. The great brazen Altar was as long and broade, as the House it 2. Chr. 4: 1.2 Chr 4:1selfe was broad within, being about tenne yardes square, and fiue high, and was placed towardes the vpper end of the Court that now we speake of. That it was of so great a square; was no more than often it needed: as also it was too little sometimes, 1 King 8: 64. 2. Chr. 7: 7.1 Kgs 8:642 Chr 7:7for the sacrifices that were to bee offered thereon. The height also was no more, than the proportion of the breadth thereof did require: but nowe much more than the vse thereof might beare, but that it seemeth they were now allowed Exod. 10: 26.Exod 10:26to goe vp by steppes thereunto, which notwithstanding was forbidden before. But that prohibition was indeed somwhat before that God appointed the Priests to hauehave Exo. 28: 42, 43Exod 28:42Exod 28:43Linnen Garmentes vnderunder theyr other Cloathes to couer their Loynes, and to hide their priuities, so often as they ministred vntounto him: and so it seemeth, that now it is so much the more easily dispensed withall. Againe, by this meanes the people that should repaire thereunto, might euer better see what was doone: and so hauehave better exercise of their repentance & Faith therby, and so belike they ascended about foure yardes or better by steppes (which, it seemeth were of Brasse likewise, and fast to the Altar) that so they might more conueniently reach towardes the middest of Lyr. Exod. 20 in lit. m. et in. 2. Chr. 4. in lit b. Pet. Martyr. in 1. Reg. 7: 51.Exod 202 Chr 41 Kgs 7:51the Altar, to lay on such proportions or partes of each Sacrifice as was appointed. For that some of ours doe conceiue, by the direction of an Haebrew Rabbin, or Dat least incline thereunto, that they had an ascending thereunto, not by steppes, but by some kinde of ascent that did rise but by little and little, euen reason it selfe may teach, that though such ascent may bee conceiued, yet could it hardly fit both the place and the seruice well. For the more easily that the ascent did rise, the farther must it spread it selfe into all the Court besides: and the Altar bearing so great a square as it did, it was needfull the ascent should be so much the higher, which of necessity must needes take vp very much roome which way soeuer it lay. On the other side if the ascent were scanted in roome, then must it bee so much the branter, especially beeing without steppes:) and then ouer slipperie to passe too and fro as that seruice required. And whether it were the one or the other, yet so must the Altar be hidden thereby for most part of it, or rather as it were buryed in it, or swallowed vppe of it. But nowe put case that so it were, yet that were no helpe against the reason by the Lawe alleadged, why there should bee no ascending by Exod. 10: 26:Exod 10:26steppes to the Altar: because that beeing on such an height aboue the people, and so much within the power of the winde, it forceth not then whether they came thither by steppes, or by an height softly ascending; as the top of an house, Mast, or Tree, is no more in danger for that matter, then of some height of ground thereby, as high as the other. But these hauing giuen some iudgment thereon so well as they could hauehave doone more commendable as I doe take it, than others that hauehave left it Fr. Vatab. Tremel. & I…. and afterward I…. himselfe againe.at large, nothing at all helping to giuegive some light how it is to bee taken, but leauing al to perplexity in it: albeit that as themselues hauehave professed to hauehave had it their meaning to help others in the vnderstanding of the Text, so hauehave they indeed otherwise done so maruellous well therein, that a right good reader might in many things hauehave p. 350stucke, if we had not hauehave beene holpen by them. As also one other there is, that I do meete with, who is very plaine, that they were not to go vp thereunto by steps, Conr. Pell. 2. Chr. 4: ….2 Chr 4and yet doth nothing at all help the reader to conceiue how it might otherwise be well and orderly done: but so doth leaue him, and giuegive him ouer to shift for himselfe so well as hee can. Neither is it strange, that some of the Lawes of God are but for some speciall time, though there be no such limitation therein mentioned: as diuers of those ceremonies of eating the pascall Lambe at the first institution of Exo 12: 11, 22. Tremel. Iun. Exod. 20: 24. Exod. 38: 1 2. Chr. 4: 1. Exod. 25: 23-30, 31-40. 2. Chr. 4: 7, 8.Exod 12:11Exod 12:22Exod 20:24Exod 38:12 Chr 4:1Exod 25:23–30Exod 25:31–402 Chr 4:72 Chr 4:8it; the Altar of earth; the quantity of the Altar in the Tabernacle, by this in the Temple; one Table of Shew bread there, ten heere; one standing Candlesticke there, ten heere, and such like. And therefore lesse maruell, if hauing forbidden Esteps to his Altar before, when he had giuen them no such helpe to couer their nakednesse, and when he ordained no such Altar for breadth or heigth but that otherwise they might doe their seruice about it: now neuerthelesse hee appoint such an Altar for breadth and heigth, as by it selfe might argue, that now they were by steps to ascend vntounto it. For whensoeuer any thing is required, then are the meanes allowed also, without the which it cannot be done: and though those meanes were forbidden before, yet not in such case as this was now. And Christ himselfe, the Iohn. 3: 14. 12: 32, 33.John 3:14John 3:12John 3:32John 3:33onelyonly true sacrifice, told vsus plainely, the he must bee lifted vp: and so was his Altar aduaunced indeede. As also we, God be thanked for it, hauehave in him, a most large and beautifull Altar, whereon wee, and all the people of God together, may offer our sacrifice to GOD our Father: but so highly aduaunced withall, that wee must of necessity ascend, euen step by step, to do him that seruice. That great vessell of Brasse, called a Lake or Sea (according to the manner of the Hebrewes, calling all Pet Martyr. in- 1. Reg. 7: 26.1 Kgs 7:26aboundance or great gathering together of waters, a Lake or Sea) was likewise to chargeable (as I do take it) for any but the workemen themselues to deale withall: neither could they themselues deale with it (to remoue it to and fro) but onelyonly by engines and such labour withall, and that but so faire and softly, that it was not for the Priestes and Leuites to hauehave brought it in when the dedication was, nor such kinde of labour answerable then to that solemnity. For it was about fiue yards 1. K. 7: 23-26. 2. Chr. 4: 2-5. Rab. Sal. Lyr in 3. Reg. 7. g. Cour. Pellic. Ibid. Pet Mart Ibid.2 Chr 4:2–51 Kgs 7broad within, and halfe as deepe, out of quaestion round aboue, but thought by some to grow to a iust square in the bottom, and to be there ten Cubits square: and it was an hand breadth thicknesse of the mettele, fairly and substantially wrought; being seated, or standing vponupon twelue Oxen or Buls of Brasse, their heads and forepartes being outward, and directed three of them apeece towardes the foure seuerall Coasts of the earth, and all their hinder parts being inward, sustaining the burthen. The capacity of which great vessell or Sea is in two seuerall places diuersly noted, and in such sort, that though it be reconciled by some (others also inclining 1. King. 7: 26. 2. Chr. 4: 5. Pet, Martyr. Lyr. Con. Pelli. Tremel. Iun. Bibl. Ang.1 Kgs 7:262 Chr 4:5towards it) as if the lesser number we hauehave in the one place, were neuerthelesse as much as the greater we hauehave in the other: yet seemeth it rather, and so is it taken by others, that where the lesser measure is spoken off, that is meant which ordinarily was vsed to be put into it; and in the greater, the full measure of it euen to the brim. What the certainty of this measure was, is thought to be a thing that cannot Fnow be attained vntounto, for want of the iust knowledge of the Hebrew measures: Lyr. in 3. Reg. 7. g. Conr Pell. in 1. Reg. 7: 26.1 Kgs 71 Kgs 7:26neyther is it certaine vntounto vsus now what was the forme of it; though it may rather seeme to hauehave beene an Hemisphere, or halfe a Globe, concaue or hollow. Especially, being so as is conceiued, and the most likely, that they had the vse of the water Rab Sal. Lyr. Pet. Martyr.within, by certaine Cocks set towardes the bottom of the out side of it: and as some thinke, euen in the mouths of eueryevery of those Oxen, so that a dozen might at Pet. Martyr.once hauehave the vse of that water. For in such case a round plaine bottom, yea vessell descending aequaly round about vntounto it, was more likely of it selfe to keepe cleane, than if it had so many corners, and streighter passages, as of necessity needs it must hauehave, if it were square. But of this we might make reasonable sure, that if either the forme of this vessell, or the measure allotted vntounto it, were certainly known, they hauehave so good a reciprocatiue and mutuall respect one to another, that by the knowledge of either of them, wee might come to a reasonable guesse of the other also. For if wee certainely knew of what measure the Bath was that heere is spoken off: p. 355then might we thereby readily finde, whether of those two formes (the whole round throughout, or else to be round but aboue, and square beneath) it was like to hauehave had. So likewise if we knew the forme, then would it also quickly helpe vsus to finde, what was the Bath that heere is mentioned. But nowe if the Bath then were Calepin. ex Bud…o. Tho. Thomas. Idem.such, as it is now taken to bee, for threescore and twelue Sextaryes, and eueryevery Sextary to bee a pinte and a halfe of our measure; then eueryevery Bath falling out to bee thirteene Gallons and an halfe of our measure, so should wee hauehave (as I doe take it) in those two thousand Baths of theirs, seauen and twenty thousand Gallons of ours, which would make one hundred and fiue Tunnes) one Hoggeshed, one barrell, three Firkins, and two Gallons: as also the full measure of it beeing three thousand of theyr Bathes, woulde in like sort amount in our measure to one hundered fiftie and seauen Tunnes, two Hoggesheads, one Barrell, three Firkins and an halfe: eueryevery Firkinne, beeing eyght Gallons; eueryevery Barrell beeing foure Firkins, or thirty two Gallons; and eueryevery Hoggeshead, beeing two Barrels, or threescore and foure Gallons. So that if this were the measure of that great Vessell, needes must it bee much more than in such case was to bee dealt with, and not to bee placed so fitly, but onelyonly by the workemen themselues. But beeing thus made, by G1. King 7: 39. 2. Chr. 4: 10.1 Kgs 7:392 Chr 4:10whomsoeuer it was placed, placed it was at the entring into this Court of the Priests, on the left hand towards the South. And may well assure our selues, that although this vessell was very great, and many might wash at once about it, on the East, West, North, and South, euen out of the mouthes of those Oxen or Buls that bare it: yet the mercies of God by Iesus Christ in the Fountaine of regeneration are much greater, and many in all partes of the World doe wash together at it; euen in him, whom those silly Beastes, so vsually sacrificed there, did preach vntounto them. One there is, who may seeme to account that of the Tabernacle, and this of the Temple to hauehave Pet. Martyr. in. 1. Reg 7: 23-26.1 Kgs 7:23–26beene all one: but the greatnesse of his learning and iudgement may easily lead vsus to conceiue, that hee did account them but one in respect of the vse whereunto they were both ordained; that before, and this now. And as in the Altar, so in this also it seemeth, that God would enlarge the figures and Testimonies of his graces towards Exod 30: 17-21. 38: 8. 30-32.Exod 30:17–21Exod 30:38Exod 30:8Exod 30:30–32vsus: as the Sunne, the neerer he draweth towards his rising, the greater light he casteth among vsus. Otherwise they both were indeed one so much, that the vse of this is but breefely mentioned heere, and left to be gathered out of the other there; for such as would more fully hauehave it. The outward Court onelyonly remaineth, which the Temple now had more, than the Tabernacle had before. For it had but one Court for the Priestes before, wherein they were to do the seruice that to them was appointed: and if the people would offer any sacrifice, or make any Oblation to the Lord, they were to come to the doore of the Tabernacle, and there to deliuer it to Leu. 1: 3. 4: 4. 14. 8: 4. 9▪ 5, 12: 6. 14: 11, 15. 29. Num. 6: 13.Lev 1:3Lev 1:4Lev 1:14Lev 1:8Lev 1:9Lev 1:5Lev 1:12Lev 1:6Lev 1:11Lev 1:15Lev 1:29Num 6:13the Priest▪ that he might goe and praesent it farther: and not onelyonly the common sort of the people, but euen the Princes or chiefe of them, and the Priestes themselues, when they were to make any oblation. And so the people yet were not yet to meddle with the Court of the Priestes: but yet had they now another Court allowed vntounto them: and the same ioyning to that of the Priestes. As also God hath now not onelyonly taken in vsus Gentiles to bee of his people: but, in our High-Priest Iesus Christ, hath allowed vsus all to be Priestes vntounto him, and to hauehave our place in his holy Temple. So that this Court may well be taken before to insinuate vntounto vsus, that which the Prophet HIsa. 56: 3-7.Isa 56:3–7did afterward vtter in plainer speech, both of strangers and Eunucks too. In this Court there was nothing to speak off, as onelyonly for the vse of the people: and there it was wherein Salomon (now shortly after, when all thinges were ready) on a brasen Scaffold, to that end erected, did dedicate the Temple which hee had made vntounto the Fr. Vatah. 1. Reg. 7 in descript. in e. Bibl. Angl. Ibid. …▪ vers. 36. ….1 Kgs 7Lord. And vnlesse that Scaffold were left there after, wee finde nothing else to that Court appertaining: but heereupon it seemeth it was, that afterward it grew to bee called Salomons Porch, they tearming it a Porch, that we (in our language) more properly call a Yard or a Court.

5 How he did consecrate or giuegive vp the house it selfe, and the things thereunto Aapperiaining vntounto his vse, by whose appointment, and to whose vse he had ordained p. 356them, being now to be seene, we are first directed to consider of the time: then, of the businesse it selfe. The time is noted by two limitations: one, that all things were first made ready; the other, what time it was of his raigne. As touching the finishing of all thinges first, that is a thing that is not onelyonly recorded, but hath added withall, that it was done in very goodmanner: all things needfull being made 1. Kin. 6: 14. 7: 51. 2. Chr. 4: 16. 18, 19. 5: 1. 7: 11. 1. King. 7: 47. 1. King 6: 1 2 Chr 3: 2 Exod 12: 2 1 Kin 6: 37, 38 2 Chr 5: 31 Kgs 6:141 Kgs 6:71 Kgs 6:512 Chr 4:162 Chr 4:182 Chr 4:192 Chr 4:52 Chr 4:12 Chr 4:72 Chr 4:111 Kgs 7:471 Kgs 6:12 Chr 3:2Exod 12:21 Kgs 6:371 Kgs 6:382 Chr 5:3in great abundance: and such thinges as were made of Brasse, to be so large and many, that the weight or valew thereof could not be reckoned. For the time of his raign it is likewise noted, that being begun in the fourth yeare of his raign, the second day, & the second month of that yeare (they beginning, in this account, when the dayes and nights are of a length in the Spring of the yeare, some few dayes lightly before the midst of March with vsus; and so by that reckoning about the midst of our Aprill) it was finished in the eleauenth yeare of his raigne, and in the seauenth month thereof; and that the dedication thereof was in the same month also. In the businesse it selfe, whereas Salomon was purposed to hauehave it doone with speciall solemnity, and to that end gathered together all the chiefe of the Land, wee are first to consider of their gathering together vntounto that businesse: then, of their dismissing againe when it was done. In their gathering together vntounto that businesse, we are first to see, in what sort they were so assembled: then, how the businesse was performed, for which they were so gathered together. They were so assembled, for that Salomon sent for the Elders of Israell, to come vntounto him to Hierusalem about that businesse: and B1 King 8: 1-3 2 Chr 5: 2-41 Kgs 8:1–32 Chr 5:2–4they accordingly repaired vntounto him. The performance of the businesse, that being so gathered together, they all did their parts in some good measure wel, for any thing that we read to the contrary: and we hauehave good likelihood that so they did, because it pleased God to take it so graciously as he did. And then were they more happie than Dauid, in his first attempt of bringing the Arke vntounto Hierusalem: hee hauing that whole solemnity dasht by some ouer-sights therein committed. But these we 2. Sa. 6: 1-10.2 Sam 6:1–10may account to hauehave done their parts well, both in the substance of the busines they had in hand: and in the manner of doing it. The substance of their businesse was, first to bring in such thinges to the Temple as now they had for it: then, to worship in such sort withall, as to such action did appertaine. In bringing in such thinges to the Temple as now they had for it, some there were on whom that seruice did chiefely lye: and others besides, that by their praesence did put to their handes to helpe forward the solemnity of it so well as they could. Those on whom that seruice did for the most part lye, were those that had the charge of the Tabernacle before: and Exod. 28: 1. Num. 3: 5-9.Exod 28:1Num 3:5–9they were the Priestes and Leuites. And the thinges that were to bee brought in, were most of them such, as wherewith such of the Leuites as were not Priestes might deale withall, for any thing that seemeth to be to the contrary: but some other such, as now belonged to the charge of the Priestes alone, as is most likely. Such of the Leuites, as were not Priestes might deale, it seemeth, with all such thinges as belonged to most of the Temple: namely, vntounto the inner Court; and to the outward part of the Temple it selfe, called also the Holy-place. VntoUnto the inner Court appertayned all the Pots, Basons, Fleshookes, Ash-pans, and Beezoms; yea, and all the Instruments of Musicke also (of this kinde: for some of them were of Gold, but not vnlikely, but that some were of Brasse also) to the Temple belonging, if they had any moe (as not vnlikely but that in such abundance of other thinges they had:) and all those ten Bases, together with their Caldrons on them. As for those Pots, Basons, and such like, yea, and those Instruments of Musicke also, wee hauehave no speciall 1 King. 7: 45, 50. 2. Chr. 4: 11, 16, 18, 19.1 Kgs 7:451 Kgs 7:502 Chr 4:112 Chr 4:162 Chr 4:182 Chr 4:19description of them, neither for the forme nor number of them: but wee may well conceiue, that they were proportionable to those that are described, and then, both that they were very beautifull or faire, and that they had great plenty of them. More Cspecially mee finde, that although all generally to this place appertaining were of Brasse; yet most of those Basons of Gold, if not all (and wee read of an hundred of 2. Chr. 4: 8.2 Chr 4:8them) did appertaine to this place also: and whereas their Beesoms are noted to bee of Brasse also, it seemeth, that all such Instrumentes are meant thereby, as whereby such places or Courts, yards, or streets, are wont to be clensed (and this place though it were well & fair paued, and though they had many vessels to receiue the water they p. 357vsed, and the blood of the sacrifices that they shed, yet when they had great doings, as often as they had, needs must it grow foule thereby:) and that such as properly goe vnderunder the name of Beesoms with vsus, were so deuised with them, that in stead of Twigs, theyr Bushy part was of Brasen Wire, and of such temper as would be flexible, and yet returne to the place againe. These thinges it seemeth, were all brought in by the Leuites, and in faire and decent manner (because all thinges were, by all likelyhood, orderly here) but yet, as it seemeth, in the first place withall, as giuing place to others that were of more speciall regard. In the next place, it seemeth to mee, came 1. King. 7: 27-38. 43. 2. Chr. 4: 6, 14.1 Kgs 7:27–381 Kgs 7:432 Chr 4:62 Chr 4:14those Bases, together with their Caldrons on them: all of Brasse, all going on wheels, and eueryevery of them hauing four wheels a-peece for the more easie cariage of them, being otherwise very Massie and heauy. For the Caldrons themselues were about two yards wide, and, it seemeth, halfe so deepe: and containing forty Baths a-peece, they were of our measure, by our former reckoning, two Tun (allowing two hundred fifty sixe gallons to a Tunne) one barrell (allowing foure Firkings, of eyght Gallons a-peece to a Barrell) and two gallons besides. Their Bases likewise or frames, were square, about one yard and an halfe high, and two yardes square aboue: fairelie wrought, and hauing faire and fit stayes, both in the the midst, and at eueryevery corner of the frame besides, for those Caldrons to rest vponupon, and all of Brasse. The wheels, on each side two, were but halfe so high as the frame it selfe, but of brasse likewise. And so, though they were chargeable and heauy, yet being made so fit for carryage, Dto be drawne too and fro, as a man would hauehave them, the Leuites also being so many as they were, they might in such sort lead these with them, as would bee nothing vnseemely for the best solemnity of that so honourable and holy an action. These being on their way, it seemeth those did follow next, who carryed the holy thinges of the Temple: of which againe it seemeth, there were many thinges, though rich in themselues, and to speciall good vse; yet not altogether of such regard as were some other. So in this company also, it seemeth to me, that these were likeliest to make the way vntounto the others. Of these wee hauehave two sortes now: one, of such as then were, as it were, Antiquate, as hauing their date out already; the other of such, as then were most to bee vsed. Such as were then, as it were, antiquate, as hauing their date out already, were the Tabernacle, and such thinges (the Arke excepted) 1. King. 8: 4. 2. Chr. 5: 5.1 Kgs 8:42 Chr 5:5as thereunto appertained, were neuerthelesse nowe on their way to bee had in into the Temple, and there to be for euer reposed. Those that were then most to bee vsed, were of two sortes likewise: some that were, as it were but voluntary; others that were of stricter necessity. Those we may account to be but voluntary, that Dauid before had dedicated to the vse of the Temple; which Salomon also is noted to 1. King 7: 51. 2. Chr. 5: 1.1 Kgs 7:512 Chr 5:1hauehave brought in: and so it seemeth, that these also had place in this solemnity, as well worthy they were, beeing at it seemeth both Plate and Treasure (and by likelyhood in no scant or sparing measure;) and not vnlikely as I take it, but that their place might bee heere-about also. Those that were of stricter necessity, were all those that God had commaunded, and Salomon had now made, as necessary appurtenaunces (in the serurce of God) vntounto all the principall thinges to the holy place belonging: as Incense-Cups, Basons, Boales, Lamps, Snuffers, Ash-pannes, and such like, 1. King. 7: 50, 51. 2. Chr. 4: 21. 22. 1. King. 7: 48, 49. 2. Chr. 4▪ 19, 20.1 Kgs 7:501 Kgs 7:512 Chr 4:212 Chr 4:221 Kgs 7:481 Kgs 7:492 Chr 4:192 Chr 4:20and diuers Instruments of Musicke heere also it seemeth, all which things heere were of pure Gold. Those others that were of more speciall regard to this place appertaining, were the Golden Altar, which was for Incense or sweete perfume to bee burnt thereon; the ten golden Tables of Shew-bread, fiue to be on the one side, and fiue on the other; and tenne Golden Candlestickes, with their Lampes thereon, in which there should be lights to burn before the Lord, and to giuegive light to the house beneath, all the Windowes beeing aboue, That which I take to appertaine to the EPriestes alone, which also dooth onelyonly remaine, and may seeme to come in last, and to shut vp (for those matters) the whole solemnity, and was the chiefe thing to the Temple belonging, was the Arke of Testimony, appertaining to the in-most or most 1. King. 8: 3, 4. 2. Chr. 5: 4, 5.1 Kgs 8:31 Kgs 8:42 Chr 5:42 Chr 5:5holy place, add the onelyonly Iewell or glory of it; the two Cherubims there awayting, and attending the comming of it; and so was it also accordingly carried.

p. 3586 With these thinges therefore approaching the place where they were to Abe bestowed, and first comming to make their deliuery of such thinges as they had for the inner Court which was for the Priestes, there may we conceiue, that whatsoeuer vessels, or instruments they had, eyther for those thinges that were there before (as for the great brasen Altar for the better or more seemely dispatch of their sacrifice, or for the great Sea for the readier supplying of it with water so oft as neede should be) or for those Caldrons that now they brought with them for the readier supplying of them likewise: all those and eueryevery of them did they there bestow in their places, as to eueryevery one did appertaine. Those ten Caldrons also did they bestow in their places, fiue on the one side, and fiue on the other: so furnishing the whole 1. King. 7: 39. 2. Cht. 4: 6, 14.1 Kgs 7:391 Kgs 7:2roome, with great plenty, and readinesse to wash as neede should require. And blessed bee God, that we also, in Iesus Christ, are so prouided and hauehave such facility of making our oblations and sacrifices to God our Father: and that, when eueryevery where, and in all thinges we do so readily offend, in him likewise we hauehave eueryevery where such aboundance of water, and in such readinesse to clense vsus againe. And whether those wheeles of theirs were the more readily to beare them some little way foorth or not, when they were empty (for the more honour of the place) there to be filled, & then to come in readily againe: certaine it is, that we can no sooner hauehave any sensible feeling of our vncleannesse, with a sound desire to be clensed therefro, but that we hauehave a readier and speedier clensing in him, than for any earthly thing whatsoeuer, any earthly wheeles could helpe vsus vntounto. But this is sure, that whereas by the holy Commandements of God, wee finde our selues to be foule, obseruing not one, but guilty in all, as they be ten, and eueryevery of them charging vsus with great vncleanesse: so heere hauehave we ten vessels likewise, eueryevery of them yeelding great plenty of water, and Baltogether, a great deale more, to clense vsus withall. Then holding on their way by those two vntainted, credible, and standing witnesses, that cleauing to God, hee faileth not vsus, and passing into the Temple or Holy-place, though there they finde great riches, & excellent beauty: yet do these bring those things with them, in which those riches, and all that beauty, hauehave, as it were, euen all their being. For these bring with them, all those Tables of Shew-bread, those Candlesticks also, and the 1. King. 7. 48, 49. Tremel. Iun. 2. Chr. 4: 7, 8, 19-21. 1. King. 6: 20, 22.1 Kgs 7:481 Kgs 7:492 Chr 4:72 Chr 4:82 Chr 4:19–211 Kgs 6:201 Kgs 6:22Altar of sweete perfume: all being of gold themselues, or richly ouer-laid therewith; and all pointing to Iesus Christ, the honour and glory of all the whole building, and of all things therein. By those Tables of Shrew-bread, giuing vsus to vnderstand, that euer there is sustenance in the Church of God: by those Candlestickes and their Lampes burning on them, that the people of God euer hauehave light; and by that Altar of sweete perfume, that our selues though otherwise odious, and our seruice to him, though otherwise exceeding vnsauoury in it selfe, are neuerthelesse made acceptable in him: and whereas there was but one Table of Shew-bread before, and but one Candlesticke also, and of either ten now (fiue for the one side, and fiue for the other, that both those Mysteries might on both sides be witnessed vntounto vsus) we may therein plainly behold, laying our experience thereto, that in those matters the goodnesse of God is very much enlarged vntounto vsus. Neither are we to doubt, but that as the Tables and Candlesticks do in number answere the Commandements now: so do eueryevery of the Commandements minister both food and light vntounto vsus; especially leading vsus vntounto Christ, in whom we hauehave both in plentifull measure. All which as they bring in, so do they set in their places likewise, & whatsoeuer vessels and other instruments belonged vntounto them, or to the place where now we are: all which were of pure gold. 1. King. 7: 50. 2 Chr. 4: 8, 22. 2. Chr. 5: 5. 1. King 7: 51. 2. Chr. 5: 1.1 Kgs 7:502 Chr 4:82 Chr 4:222 Chr 5:51 Kgs 7:512 Chr 5:1They bring in likewise the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and all the holy vesselles thereof: and the things that Dauid had dedicated. In that the Tabernacle and the holy things thereof were now brought in, it may seeme, that now they shoulde rest, hauing serued their tlme already: the Temple and the things thereof beeing now to succeed, and to serue for the time ensuing, as they had serued before till now. We also, we trust, when we hauehave serued our time, shall then be laide vp in a blessed fruition of eternall glory. In that the things that Dauid had dedicated were now brought in, we neede not to doubt, but that we can dedicate neyther our selues nor any thing else vntounto the Lord, according as he hath taught vsus to doe, but that in time, both wee p. 355Cand ours shall be brought in: and that where Religion was indeede, there dedicated things before were truly brought in; and not either with-held or withdrawn, as they are since ouer often with vsus. Where these things were laide vp, or how they were placed, it is not declared: but in the most Holy-place there was reasonable good roome also, besides the place that now we are in; and in the vpper part of the Porch, as it seemeth. Of the vpper part of the Porch there is noted before sufficient for this matter. The Temple or Holy-place that now we are in, was twice so big as the Most-holy: but then had it many things therein. The Most-holy beeing but halfe so bigge, was neuerthelesse tenne yardes square, and otherwise had nothing therein but onelyonly the two Cherubimmes as yet: whome wee may conceyue to be set so neere to the Temple or Holye-place, that they left beyonde them, better than two parts of the three, of the whole roome voyde beyond them. For the Cherubims must so stand, that they might spread their in-most winges ouer the 1. King. 8: 6-8. 2. Chr. 5. 7. 9. Exod. 25: 10. 1. King. 8: 8. 2. Chr. 5. 9.1 Kgs 8:6–82 Chr 5:72 Chr 5:9Exod 25:101 Kgs 8:8Arke: and the Arke, it selfe being but about an ell long (and to stand long-wise, is the most aduantage for it that now wee speake of) must be placed so neere to the partition betwixt these two houses, that the barres of the Arke being drawne but a little forthward might hauehave the ends of them seene in the Holy place or Temple, whereinto the Priests were daily to come. So much then of the roome of this house remaining so voide, it is not vnlikely (for any thing that I do see to the contrary) but that these things might there be reposed: especially the Tabernacle and the holy things thereof, of which there was no farther vse now to be had; and this place it selfe though the Most-holy, not too good for it neither, in respect of the reckoning it was of before, and the vse that then it yeelded. For therein also was the Most-holy: and the likelier it is that it should rather sanctifie the residue that was all one with it; than that the residue should be any abasing at all vntounto it. And God be thanked for it, it is no doubt with vsus, but that if he do vouchsafe vsus to be of his Holy-place heere, he will also receiue vsus vntounto the fruition of those eternall and most glorious habitations of his there, such also as cannot be but Most-holy. As for those things which Dauid had dedicated, though those were most likely to be elsewhere bestowed, because it seemeth they were holy Vessels or treasure, such as Dsometimes they should neede to vse: yet so farre as such vse of them should not occasion any other repairing thither than was allowed, euen those also were like enough to bee of that dignity with them, that there also they might hauehave place, or some part of them, if the trust and charge of them were to the High-priest onelyonly committed, and if there were no farther businesse with them, than without impeachment to his other seruice he might dispatch when orderly he was to come in. Howbeit it seemeth rather, that they were such things as were diuers times to bee vsed: and so to bee elsewhere bestowed. But we neede not to doubt, but that if truly we consecrate or dedicate our selues vntounto God, he will accept of vsus in so gracious manner, as that euen the holyest place of al shall at no time be barred vntounto vsus. 1. King. 8: 6-8. 2 Chr. 5: 7-9.1 Kgs 8:6–82 Chr 5:7–9Hauing done heere, then were the Priests to set the Arke in the place for it prouided, a little within the Most-holy place, vnderunder the winges of the two Cherubims: and then to draw forthward (from the West to the East) the endes of the barres so farre, as that they might somthing appeare in the Holy-place without, and yet the other ends not forsaking their rings neyther. At which time it is plainely noted, 1. King. 8: 9. 2. Chr. 5: 10. Hebr. 9: 4.1 Kgs 8:92 Chr 5:10Heb 9:4that there was nothing in the Arke, but onelyonly those two Tables of stone of the Ten Commaundements; about which diuers of our Writers trouble themselues more than needeth, because of a place of the Apostle, which seemeth to say: that other things were there besides. But the Apostle speaketh of a former time: & because these were not so needefull as these, nor so propper to that very place originally; therefore, is it lesse maruell, if since they were lost, or elsewhere bestowed. A matter that may seeme to teach vsus, that God would not alwayes hauehave his people to depend on such rudiments (as that pot of Manna, and Aarons rod, were Testimonies how God had fed their Fathers, and how he detested that any should approach as Priest vntounto him but onelyonly such as him-selfe allowed) but that hee would hauehave the word onelyonly to suffice them now: and withall, that he hauing a greater care for our p. 356sakes for the preseruation thereof, than of the others (though those also were rich Iewels) we in like sort, to his glory, should be more regardfull to his worde, and carefull to keepe it, than any other Treasure of earthly wisedome, or whatsoeuer goodthings of that kinde besides. But as touching this manner of placing the EArke in the place Most-holy, in such sort that the barres thereof should appeare a little within the Temple adioyning vntounto it, as it behooueth vsus to consider of the meaning of it: so is there iust occasion giuen likewise, not to omit the maner neyther. For the meaning of it, I thinke it best, that we begin with the first institution of it. So do we finde, that the Arke was ordained for those two Tables of stone wherein the Ten-Commandements were written: and that, whereas while Exod. 25: 14-16.Exod 25:14–16they were in the wildernesse and trauelling there, they had euer to carry the same with them, the barres likewise whereby it was to be carried, were euer to bee in their places ready. A plaine document to them, that they were to hauehave a speciall regard vntounto those Commandements, to obserue and keepe them in all their waies, so neere as they could. All which time of their trauell there, and diuers times in their Countrey after, they had such sight of the Arke, as might renew that regard vntounto them. … now at this time it was to be shut vp generally from the sight of them all: for that the people were to come but onelyonly vntounto the outward Court as it seemeth, and but the Priests and Leuites into the inward; and but the Priestes onelyonly into the Temple or Holy-place, and that but by course, when their time was to serue; and but the High Priest onelyonly into the Most-Holy or inmost place of the Temple, & but once in the yeare neither, where that Arke was to be reposed now. In which case wee may readily see, that it was to very good purpose, that the ends of the barres, being euer in a readinesse for the carriage of the Arke if need should bee, should neuerthelesse be so disposed, as that withall they might cast themselues (or some part of them) into the eies or sight of the Priests, that still by course and order came in, to doe such seruice in the Temple as was appointed: that they being the teachers of the people, might so be put in mind by those two witnesses, how carefully they ought to teach the people to hauehave speciall regard in all their waies to those holy Commandements. And whereas it is noted by diuers, and reason it selfe teacheth that so it must be, that those ends of the barres reaching out to the vaile, and butting somewhat hardly vppon it, should in those two places beare it forth more than in others, and so make those two places of the vaile somewhat like to a womans breasts: true it is, that if the Priestes Fshould take so good regard thereat, that they thereupon would more diligently teach the people those Commaundements, so might those two swellings of the vaile, made by those two ends of the barres, be iustly accounted as very motherly papes indeede, yeelding foorth such milke to the Children. The manner of it is somewhat harder: yet not in it selfe, for any thing that I can find therein; but onelyonly by the inordiate hast of such as hauehave written thereon, setting downe their iudgement of diuers particulars, before they hauehave considered of altogether, and thē framing their iudgement of those that follow, by others mistaken going before. For amending of which, the best way to me seemeth to be, first to set downe that which is certaine and plainely declared: then, thereby to determine of that which is not so plainely set downe, and therefore left more vncertaine vntounto vsus. Certaine it is and plainely declared, that those two Cherubins which Salomon made, were so set in the inner House, or the Most Holy-place, that as with their outward wings they reached to the wals or sides of the house, 2. K. 6: 23-28. 2. Chr. 5: 7-10. 1. King. 8: 7-8. Chr. 5: 7, 8.2 Chr 5:7–101 Kgs 8:7–8so their inward Wings meeting together should bee directly ouer the Arke, and the barres thereof aboue. But now if the inner Wings of the Cherubins did where they met, couer the Arke and the bares thereof aboue, then must the Arke of necessity be vnderunder their wings so meeting together. Certaine it is againe, that the Arke it selfe was but two Cubits and an halfe long, or about an ell with vsus. How long the barres Exod. 25: 10. 37: 1. 39: 42, 43.Exod 25:10Exod 25:37Exod 25:1Exod 25:39Exod 25:42Exod 25:43thereof were, it is not declared: but then wee are to conceiue, that they were of such length as was most conuenient. For as touching that that is reported by some, that certaine of the Hebrews held them to bee ten Cubites or fiue yardes long, which, it Co…r. Pell. in 3. Reg. 8: 8. Pet. Mart. ibid.1 Kgs 8:8seemeth was much more than needed, or for swaying was conuenient: by other that they were but two Cubites long, which was too short, though it had beene carried to p. 357the greatest aduantage to that purpose, I thinke we do best when we least trouble our selues therewith; though for the latter of these, it seemeth to be an err…e in the print, and not to be that which the Author himselfe did meane. But if wee consider what may be a conuenient length for the bars, we are first to determine, which way it may seeme most likely that it was carried, whether end-long, or flat-long, as we do tearme it: for that diuers there are that varry heerein▪ some on the … GLyr. in Exod. 25. in …t. k. Conr. Pellic. in. Exod. 25: 15.Exod 25Exod 25:15side, and some on the other. Howsoeuer it were carried, it seemeth that two Cubits, or two cubits and an halfe at most, were large enough to be at both endes of them without the Arke it selfe: and that as if they were too short, they could not well beare it for want of length; so if they were too long, either they must sway vndecently in the bearing, or else they must be the heauier burthen. Supposing Exod. 25: 12, 14. Lyr. in Exod. 25. in lit. k.Exod 25:12Exod 25:14Exod 25then that it was carried end-long (for the Ringe must be on the sides of the Arke: & the barres likewise, being put through the Rings, must be on the sides. As for the reasons that do mooue some to the contrary, they are not so forcible, for though sometime the ends are accounted sides too; yet▪ neither so vsually, nor so propperly: and though two men a-front could not so well carry together in so narrowe a roome, to employ which shoulder they would to their businesse, yet ye…ding their inward shoulders vntounto it, well they might, as we hauehave daily experience carrying a dead corpes on the Beere; and they were for the most part, enow to shift so ofte as they would) and allowing the barres to bee an Ell long at each ende, longer than the Arke it selfe, so hauehave we the length of three Elles in all, or of three yardes, and three quarters: and being so set in the Most-Holy place vnderunder the winges of the Cherubims, that the East end of the Barres being drawne forth Eastward, so far as they may, not being drawne from within those other Rings of the Arke at the West end of it, so hauehave we two Els of those bars Eastward from the East end of the Arke, and nothing remaining at the other. And so the Arke, being thus placed, should be full two yards within the Most-holy, leauing the other cubit or halfe yarde (of the barres) to pierce into the Temple or out-most place: and so should the Cherubims that Salomon made, stand (in the midst, from side to side) about halfe an Ell farther within, that so the meeting of their in-most winges might be iust ouer the midst of the Arke, and of the barres aboue or vpper ends of them, & ouer the meeting of the wings of those others that were on the lid that was made by Moses. So likewise if the sides of the Arke be taken more generally to signifie both the sides Hand the ends, and so the barres being put through rings at the ends, the Ark it selfe was flat-long carried and placed heere (for that is the iudgement of diuers) then the Lyr. Con. Pelli. ut supra. Fran. Vatab. in Exo. 25. pag. 74. Fran. Vatab. in 1. Reg. 6. fol. 106. b.Exod 251 Kgs 6Arke being but little more than halfe an Ell broad, if we suppose the residue of the bars to be as long for carriage as before, so must the Arke and Salomons Cherubims too (for those of Moses euer went with the Ark it selfe, & so I doubt are il omitted by some) be so much neerer vntounto the Temple or outmost place, and so much lesse within the Most-holy: but otherwise the meeting of those in-most wings of Salomons Cherubims, should this way also be ouer the midst of the Arke, and ouer the bars aboue at the West end of them. But the former of these I should thinke most likely, sauing that one place there is, that seemeth rather to make for the latter; namely, the sprinckling of the bloud East-ward, on the Mercy-seat once a year by Leu. 16: 14.Lev 16:14the High-Priest: which seemeth more meete to hauehave beene on the full side thereof than on the end, which should hauehave beene, if long-way it stood East and West. Those thar are not so plainly set downe, but that by those others that are more certaine, we neede to gather not our determination of these, are two: one the partition betwixt those two Houses; the other, the enterance into the Most-holy. The Pet. Martyr. Conr. Pell. Tremel. Iun. Ari. Montan Fr. Vatab. Tremel. Iun. in. Margine. Bibl. Angl. in marg. 2. Chr. 3: 14.2 Chr 3:14partition by diuers is accounted a wall: but it seemeth rather to be of the Nature of a Lattice, tralice, or grate (& so the word it selfe doth seeme to import) whereby the ends of the bars might be put through vntounto the vaile that hung within betwixt the two houses likewise; & being made of wood, to be couered ouer with beaten gold. On the East of which▪ and close vntounto it, within the Temple or outmost place, did a rich and faire Vaile of wrought worke hang, ouer the whole partition from the one side to the other, all euen (as such hangings may bee) sauing where the ends of bars did beare it a little out, and as it were, in these two places imbossed the same. That the … therunto was a doore of two leaues (as we terme it) made of Timber but of faire workemanship, and ouerlaid with beaten Gold, there is no quaestion with any: no… for so many as I hauehave seene, but that it stoode in the midst of the parti…on. But it seemeth rather to hauehave beene …t one of the ends of it, and at the North end as I should thinke most meete: not taking the right hand of it, but comming vponupon the left hand rather. For if it were in the midst, the cōming in must hauehave Ibeen vponupon the Arke, and the barres by likelihood must hauehave beene put backe first: else should the doore hauehave opened outward vponupon the Vaile, which was not likely; and inwardly it could not open, the barres so mingling with it, vnlesse they were put backe before. In the Tabernacle before, I take it, there is no quaestion with any; but that both the ends were loose, and neither of them made fast to the wall by which they hung; and that, as so it affoorded enterance at either end of the vaile, so it was there likewise taken: as also it is the manner in al such roomes as are hung, so to cast the hangings, as that in such sort they fall fit with the doores that are to bee vsed. And so was it in much like manner with the enterance both into the Court of t… Tabernacle and into the Holy-place it selfe: both of them being shut Exo. 27: 13-16 Ibi. 26: 36, 37.Exod 27:13–16vp with hangings, and hauing the enterance, not in the midst, but at the endes of those hangings onelyonly. And that the vaile that now we speake of did rend in two, from the top to the bottom, at the death of Christ, and likely enough about the Mat. 27: 51.Matt 27:51midst, that was not to patronage any enterance thereby now, but to shew that the true High-Priest was otherwise entered once for all, and to abolish that vaile for euer. The Cherubims also I grant, if there heigth be not considered, may seeme to barre all enterance that way, in stretching out their Wings so close to the wall: but so would they doe eueryevery where else besides. Howbeit for this matter there is 1. King. 6: 27.1 Kgs 6:27no doubt to be conceiued. These Cherubs we speake of, were as it were young men 2. Chr. 3: 10-13.2 Chr 3:10–13standing on their feete boult vpright hauing their faces towardes the people, and towards the whole seruice of God there, stretching out their wings as armes, on either side of them, out-right from them: which, by due proportion must be accomplished Alb…rtus durer… de Symmetria partium etcin the vpmost fourth part of their stature. Being therefore ten Cubites or fiue yardes high, or foure elles, and this their stretching out of their wings being finished (for the most part of the length of their wings) very fully in the vppermost ell, or in the vppermost yard and one quarter, so hauehave we three yardes and three quarters, or, which is all one, three elles remaining for men to goe vnderunder almost twice so much as the ordinary stature of men doth require. And true it is, that as God by the wings of his Angels giueth, in his Holy-place, protection to all: so giueth hee liberty or freedome of accesse vntounto all, euen from the lowest vntounto the highest.

7 Of those on whom this seruice did not so properly lie, but yet now attended Ato helpe forward this solemnity, with their praesence so well as they could, there were, as it may seeme, two principall sorts: of which we hauehave certaine knowledge for the one sort of them; and but probability for the other. Those of whom wee 1. Kin. 8. 1-3. 2. Chr. 5: 2-4.1 Kgs 8:1–32 Chr 5:2–4hauehave certaine knowledge, were King Salomon himselfe, and those Elders & Heads of the Tribes, euen the flower of all the Land, that at this time hee had gathered together. For of those we hauehave it plainly set down, both that the King himselfe was there: and that those Elders together with the people did accordingly repaire vntounto Ibid. 5: 6. Ibid. 2, 3, 5. 3, 4, 6.him and attend him therein. Of those of whom we hauehave no certainety but onelyonly probability, some of them were of the same people: others, but strangers. Of that people it seemeth, that the Queene, King Pharoes Daughter, whom King Salomon 1. King. 3: 1.1 Kgs 3:1had married before, as also Naamah and Ammonitish woman but one of his Wiues (whom that he had married before hee was King, it appeareth, as before is noted, 1. King. 14: 211 Kgs 14:21by the age of Rehoboam, being one and thirty yeares old when he began to raigne, immediately after his Father, who had raigned but fourty yeares) and if hee had any others then (as it may well bee that he had) these I say it may seeme, were some part of this assembly, and by them, many other of the Princesses, Ladies, and chiefe p. 359women in Israel: because this assembly was not of any ciuill affaires, but altogether religious, and about a speciall seruice of God, wherein both the godlyer sort of the women them-selues would be desirous to bee partakers, and not vnlike, but that their husbands (at least the better sort of them) would hauehave a speciall regarde to it also. Of strangers likewise it seemeth that many were at this assembly, not onelie for the solemnity of it (as it is the manner of strangers, on such occasions oft to come in on eueryevery side, especially such as are well affectioned to the Princes or people to whom they come) but much rather because hee had rule ouer all those Kinges and 1. King. 4: 21. 2. Chr. 9: 26.1 Kgs 4:212 Chr 9:26kingdomes which lay betwixt the great Riuer Euphrates on the North and North-East, and the Lande of the Philistims and Egypt, on the South and South-West: which being about sixteene degrees from the West to the East, and about eyght Ptol. Tab. 4. Asi…. Ortel. fol. 65.from the North to the South, do make one hundred twenty and eight in all; and eueryevery degree being multiplyed by theescore miles, amount to the number of seauen thousand Bsixe hundred and foure-score miles, the square as it were of Salomons Dominions. And we may probably thinke, that where-as in duty they were to attend him, if he should call for them, both himselfe woulde take this opportunity to acquaint them with some knowledge of God now: & that many of themselues …uld be ready enough so to curry fauour with him. The assembly beeing in this sort gathered together, and all thinges beeing now in a readinesse, Salomon first belike setting 1. King 8: 5. 2. Chr. …: 6. 2. Chr. 6: 13.1 Kgs 8:52 Chr 6:13the Priestes and Leuites on worke to offer the Sacrifices that fell for the time, and that hee or any of the people did then bring in, gat him vp to the Scaffolde or Stage of Brasse, purposely made (but not so nakedly, as I shoulde take it, as is described, belike because the Scripture maketh no farther mention of the manner of it, but onelyonly of the heigth and breadth of it: which notwithstanding Fran. Vatab fol. 107. ….by likely-hoode had stayes aboue, both conuenient and fayre, as the rest of his worke was then) in the out-most Court which was for the people, hee first acknowledgeth the great goodnesse of GOD vntounto him, in that he 1. Ki. 8: 12-21 2. Chr 6: 1-112 Chr 6:1–11hath vouch-safed him that mercy, that now he hath built that House vntounto him: then hee desireth, that GOD would continue his mercies to him and his, and 1. King. 8: 22-33. 2. Chr. 6: 12-42.1 Kgs 8:22–332 Chr 6:12–42that in what distresse soeuer the people should at any time bee, it woulde please him in that place to heare them and to helpe them; and, if the case were at any time so, that them-selues could not in person be there, and then did turne theyr faces thyther in theyr Prayer, that in such case also hee would be mercifull vntounto them. Our selues in like manner are much beholding to GOD, if it please him at any time to vouch-safe vsus the fauour, to doe any speciall seruice vntounto him: so farre off is it, that hee is any way beholding to vsus, when wee doe him the best seruice that wee are able. And whether Salomon had respect or not, vntounto him whom that Temple did figure, Iesus Christ, when hee craued, that in that place GOD would be so fauourable vntounto the Prayers of his people: true it is, that in him it pleaseth GOD euer to heare vsus, and in none other in Heauen nor in Earth. When Salomon had thus farre dealt with the Lord, then turning to the people, hee C1. King. 8: 54-61.1 Kgs 8:54–61put them also in minde how deepely they were beholden vntounto God: and exhorted them euer to stand in his holy feare. Then proceeding in theyr Sacrifices, both the King and the people brought in so plentifully, that the Altar was for that time a great 1. King. 8: 64. 2. Chr. 7: 7.1 Kgs 8:642 Chr 7:7deale to little, and they were faine to vse therein a great part of the Court it selfe; euen theyr Peace-offeringes themselues were so many (of which there was but some little part of them burnt to the Lorde, and so the lesse roome would serue them▪ but for the great multitude of them:) insomuch, that those that are ascribed to Salomon onelyonly, were two and twenty thousand Beeues, and one hundred 1. King. 8: 62, 63. 2. Chr. 7: 4, 5.1 Kgs 8:621 Kgs 8:632 Chr 7:42 Chr 7:5and twentye thousand Muttons: and when account is made of those that not onelyonly Salomon offered, but wherein all the whole Congreation had theyr handes in besides, then it is sayde, that they could not bee numbred for multitudes. But 2. Chr. 5: 6.2 Chr 5:6all the charge was not in these, for that they were to adde to eueryevery of these a certaine quantity of very fine Flower, besides Wine, Oyle, Fanckensence, and Salt: the verie Flower which at that time was to goe with theyr Sacrifices onelyonly besides, p. 360that which was otherwise spent (allowing according to the Lawe, to eueryevery of those Num. 15: 1-12Num 15:1–12Beeues, as it were, three pottles of our measure, and to eueryevery of those Muttons two) comming to about two thousand three hundred fourescore and ten quarters or better. But as touching the multitude of these Sacrifices, being as they were but Peace-offeringes, there was but little of them to be consumed with fire, as the fat of the inwardes the Kidnies and Rumpes: all the rest going (the Priestes Fees onelyonly excepted) to the vse of those that brought in those Sacrifices, wherewithall to Feast themselues before the Lord. Insomuch, that whereas the more able sort did by likelyhood at this time sacrifice for themselues, and so feasted on their owne, that ouer-plus of Salomons Sacrifices, beeing so many as they were, might serue very well for great contentment to all the meaner sort of the people then gathered together. And true it is, that the true worshippe of God would euer hauehave liberality and Charity ioyned withall: and indeede, is not, but where it hath those also attending. This beeing the substance of their businesse, the manner of doing it that now we speake of, was no more but this, that there were a number of the Priestes and Leuites, that beeing D2. Chr. 5: 12, 23.2 Chr 5:122 Chr 5:23apparelled fit to such purpose, holpe forward this whole solemnity with the sound of Trumpets, with their voyce also, and with many Instrumentes of Musicke besides: so expressing the ioy of their owne heartes; and giuing glory to God withall. As with vsus also, we should not onelyonly hauehave our ioy in the Lord, when it so falleth out that we doe reioyce: but farther that wee should still endeauour our selues to ioy in him, and euer stirre vp our selues vntounto it. How graciously it pleased GOD to take it, wee hauehave declared vntounto vsus, both at that praesent, and the night ensuing besides. At that praesent, as the Priestes and Leuites were in theyr ministration, and Salomon 2. Chr 5: 13, 14. 7: 1-3. 1. K. 8: 10, 11.2 Chr 5:132 Chr 5:142 Chr 5:72 Chr 5:1–32 Chr 5:1withall had ended his Prayer, Fire came downe from Heauen, and consumed the Sacrifices, and the glory of the Lorde filled the House, so that the Priestes could not for a time performe theyr offices and duties. Insomuch, that all the company touched there-with (as it was great reason they should) gaue glory to GOD, for that so comfortable and plaine demonstration of his so gracious fauour towardes them: GOD so testifying, that hee graciously accepted of this theyr seruice, and would accept of them in him that was to come, by that house nowe repraesented vntounto them. The next night ensuing hee appeared to Salomon, and tolde him that hee 1. Kings. 6: 11-13. 9: 1-9. 2. Chro. 7: 11-22. Tremel. et Iun. in 2. Chr. 8▪ 2.1 Kgs 6:11–131 Kgs 6:91 Kgs 6:1–92 Chr 7:11–222 Chr 8:2had heard his Prayer, and accepted of the House hee had built vntounto him: and withall assured him of great fauour, if hee persisted in his holy feare; but otherwise, threatened very heauy and strange iudgements, both to his people, and to that fayre and gloryous House that hee had builded. Neyther are wee at any time so ready to serue the Lorde, as hee is, both to accept of, and to reward all such our seruice, if it bee right, and that in most gracious and liberall manner: and yet must wee take heede wee doe not praesume, hee beeing altogether as readie againe, seuerely to chastice if neede require. All which solemditie of this dedication, 1. King. 8: 65, 66.1 Kgs 8:651 Kgs 8:66continuing seauen dayes, and that with great ioy and feasting, not onelyonly at Hierusalem, but euen all the Countrey ouer, from the farthest boundes of it towardes the North, euen to the vttermost Coast in the South, reached vntounto the 2 Chr. 7: 8-102 Chr 7:8–10Feaste of Tabernacles, and ioyned close vntounto it; which also continued eyght dayes more, and was kept with great gladnesse on all handes likewise: and then the people beeing dismissed towardes the end of the last of these fifteene dayes, and Etaking their leaue of the King in dutifull manner, the next day following, returned home-ward. Out of which wee also may conceiue (because all thinges were so much in figures then) that a time will bee, when all the faithfull in Iesus Christ, shall Feast with him for euer in aeternall glorie: as now also, euen in this World, euen in the middest of all theyr labours and sufferinges, doe neuerthelesse in Spirite Feast with him now, euen all the World ouer. This erecting of the Temple beeing the Isa. 65: 13, 14Isa 65:13Isa 65:14chiefe and principall woorke that hee had to doe, and which did most properly belong vntounto him, those others besides, which were common to him and others, were, that we read of, of this kinde, but two. One, that himselfe (for a time) was a diligent Worshipper of God, offering Sacrifices vntounto God on the Altar that hee had 1 King. 9: 25 2 Chr. 8: 12, 131 Kgs 9:252 Chr 8:122 Chr 8:13made, in such sort, and at such times as the Lawe required: on the Sabbaoths, on p. 361theyr New-Moones, and on the three principall Feastes. The other, that he tooke order for the ordinary Seruice in the Temple to be executed by the Priestes and Leuites, 2 Chr. …: 14, 15according to that forme, and those courses, that Dauid had before praescribed: and that so effectually, that it is noted withall, that it was very well obserued. Which whether it were more commendable than the other, if there should bee a quaestion set, it might prooue some-what hard to decide against it, though the other be a worke, in the eye of most men, of greater glory. For as for such rare and singular workes, the more glorious they are in the eye of others, the more willingly can wee bee occupyed about them: but as for thinges that are more ordinary, and with most men not of that reckoning, though of as great moment as the other, yet seldome goe we so readily about them. But letting it alone whether of the two were the more commendable, both of them being the seruice of God, and by him required, certaine it is, that euen this also was very commendable, and a singular good proofe of his zeale and godlinesse then. And so with vsus also, it were a worke of rare aestimation (to bee aesteemed, as the worth of it would deserue) if such as sit at the sterne with vsus, would carefully vphold and maintaine, for the furtherance of Gods holy seruice, such things as were well disposed before by our good Elders, according to the word of God generally, and as God himselfe more specially led the way vntounto vsus by his example. But many of vsus are so impotently giuen to reare vp some new works of our owne deuise, and so egged on by the vnsatiable and profane greedinesse of others, that we rashly pull downe what we finde to such end set vp already, Fbefore that euer our dull heades can conceiue, to how good purpose the same was reared and left vntounto vsus.

8 As touching the glory where-with it pleased God to cloath him, there Abee strange thinges reported thereof: but therein also he was a figure of Christ; and blessed be God that hee would giuegive so comfortable a patterne in him, to shew what may be the the reward of well doing euen heere on earth, so farre, as the wisedome of God shall not at any time find it vnmeete for his Children heere. That which is spoken of his glory, dooth most of it but respect himselfe: but part of it, his people also. That which doth respect but himselfe, is, first in the thing that himselfe desired God to giuegive him: then, in that farther augmentation, that it pleased God (of his owne goodnesse) to giuegive him besides. The thing that himselfe desired God to giuegive him, was, as wee saw before, but wisedome: in which, what his glory was, we hauehave set downe, first, but simply in it selfe; but then, by the way of comparison also. Simply in it selfe it is said, that as God promised to giuegive him wisedome in great measure 1 King 4: 29. 5: 121 Kgs 4:291 Kgs 4:51 Kgs 4:12so did he indeede; insomuch that out of it, both hee indited or wrote three thousand parables or Prouerbes, sentences of profound and great wisedome, and 1 King. 4: 32, 331 Kgs 4:321 Kgs 4:33one thousand and fiue Songs or Sonnets, belike, by the help of those, the better to let in wisedome to others; and was able likewise, well to discourse of the property, Vertue, or Nature of all these inferiour Creatures. By the way of comparison it is sayde likewise, that in wisedome hee excelled, not onelyonly all the Kinges of the 1 King. 10: …3 2 Chr. 9: 22 1 King. 4: 311 Kgs 10:32 Chr 9:221 Kgs 4:31Earth: but those also that were otherwise of speciall reckoning for that matter. That farther augmentation that it pleased God of his owne goodnesse to giuegive him besides, was, of such thinges as most men doe most desire, and very often follow after, where there is some speciall measure of wisedome going before: a thing so much the rather in this case to bee noted, for that, although whatsoeuer of such thinges hee had, it all proceeded of the good guift of GOD vntounto him; yet for the obtaining, or farther aduancing of some part of it, he vsed the wisedome that God had giuen him. So it shall not bee amisse, distinctly to marke, both what it was that God did farther giuegive him; and, howe himselfe came to the fruition or benefite of it. That which God did farther giuegive him, wee may plainely finde in the promise that thereof hee made vntounto him: and so doe wee finde, that it consisted of Btwo principall fauours; Riches, and Honor. That he was specially blessed with riches, 1. King. 3: 13.1 Kgs 3:13that which his Father Dauid had left him, and that which already hee hath bestowed on the Temple (of both which wee hauehave heard already) may sufficiently p. 362witnesse. But besides those, hee did build an house or Pallace, peculiarly for the 1. K. 7: 8. 9: 24. 2. Chr. 8: 11.2 Chr 8:11Daughter of Pharaoh whom hee had marryed (and then brought her into it, there to dwell: as Iesus Christ also prouideth for his Spouse a glorious habitation in the heauenly Hierusalem, and will not faile, when all thinges are ready to bring her thither) and two others for himselfe, one, in Hierusalem, the other, in the Forrest of Libanus: 1 King. 7: 1-11. 9: 10. 2. Chr. 8: 2-6. 1 K. 10: 18-20 2. Chr. 9: 17-19.1 Kgs 7:1–111 Kgs 7:91 Kgs 7:102 Chr 8:2–62 Chr 8:12 Chr 9:17–19and besides these a speciall house for the administration of Iustice; and a Throne for himselfe, of great valew and beauty, such as then was thought not to be in the world besides. Of which, his own House or Pallace in Hierusalem is plainly noted to hauehave beene in building thirteene years (a great probability, that it was a very sumptuous thing) & not only his magnificence and correspondency of his other works do both of them boad, that all these his woorkes were, in their kinde, very sumptuous and faire, but the Text it self likewise doth so affirme it of some part of them, that we may 1. Kin. 7: 7-11.1 Kgs 7:7–11well conceiue the like of the whole. In like manner, those two hundred Targets, and three hundred Shieldes, or Bucklers (for these were the lighter) all of beaten 1. King. 10: 16 17. 2. Chr. 9: 15, 16. 2. Chr. 9: 20.1 Kgs 10:162 Chr 9:152 Chr 9:162 Chr 9:20Gold, eueryevery Target weighing better then eighteene poundes, and eueryevery Buckler better than nine (after two of these Sickles to an ounce sterling with vsus) and that all his drinking Vessell or Plate was of Gold, and all the Vessell of the Libanon (not only the Plate, but other necessary implements besides, it seemeth, that being an house of pleasure) of Gold likewise, are all great witnesses, that his riches or treasure was great: besides that, the Text it selfe dooth witnesse, that therein hee exceeded all the 1. King. 10: 23. 2. Chr. 9: 231 Kgs 10:232 Chr 9:23Kinges of the Earth; and then could it not bee, but that himselfe was very well sped. That in like sort hee was specially blessed with honour, although it followeth on the other so readily (as for the most part it doth) that the other going before, this dooth necessarily follow after; yet hauehave we more special declaration of it also: partly among Chis owne people at home; but especially with others abroad. At home he raigned ouer them all: and such of the Canaanites as his praedecessors could not expell, those 1. King. 4: 1. 1. K 9: 20, 21. 2. Chr. 8▪ 7. 8. 1. Ki. 4: 21, 24. 2. Chr. 9: 26. 2. Chr. 9: 24. 2. Chr. 9: 14. 1. King 10: 14, 15. 2. Ch. 9: 13, 14. 1 King. 9▪ 14, 1. King 4: 34, 10: 24, 25. 2 Ch. 9▪ 23. 24 1. King. 10: 1-13. 2. Chr 9: 1 121 Kgs 4:12 Chr 8:72 Chr 8:82 Chr 8:12 Chr 9:262 Chr 9:242 Chr 9:141 Kgs 10:141 Kgs 10:151 Kgs 10:21 Kgs 9:141 Kgs 4:341 Kgs 4:101 Kgs 4:241 Kgs 4:251 Kgs 4:21 Kgs 10:1–132 Chr 9:1neuerthelesse did hee make tributaries vntounto him; such power it pleased God to giuegive him ouer them all. Abroad likewise hee raigned ouer all the Kings, from Euphrates vntounto the Philistims, and the Land of Aegypt: and it seemeth that the Kings round about him, eyther brought or sent in to Salomon their praesents yearely; euen all the Kinges of Arabie, and the Princes or great men of the Countrey there-about. At least he had comming in (from among them, it seemeth) sixe hundred threescore and sixe Talents of Gold yearely, besides that which the Merchants brought in, and the tribute of Hiram only, the King of Tyrus, is noted to hauehave beene one hundred and twenty Talentes of Gold likewise. And besides these that ought such duty vntounto him, both Princes and people came from all quarters to be acquainted with the wisedome of Salomon, and to see his honour and glory: and among others, one speciall example we hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus of the Queene of the South. But as her example is more specially set downe vntounto vsus, so hauehave wee more speciall instruction thereby likewise deliuered: first in that her comming vntounto him; then, that she was so well resolued. In that her comming vntounto him, that she came so painefull, and chargeable a iourney: and that she came with hard quaestions, or with such doubts, as wherein her selfe was not yet resolued. For so should we also, not sticke for paine nor charges, to attend the Gospell when we hauehave it among vsus: and thereunto bring whatsoeuer doubts we hauehave conceiued in matters towards God, and whatsoeuer hard points we light on, and seeke to bee thereby resolued. And true it is, that the Spouse of Christ heere in this World, a Queene likewise, and crowned with glory, and all the true members thereof, doe in such sort seeke vntounto Christ, and to the Gospell, as she did vntounto Salomon: and whosoeuer they are that doe not, themselues doe sufficiently shew thereby, without any other proofe at all, that they are none of that companie. In that she was so well resolued, both in her quaestions, that she had all made plaine vntounto her: and in that wisedome of his, that shee founde it much more than was reported, and therefore, that those Seruants of his, were happy that did attend him: Dwe may safely gather, both that so we might bee resolued in all our doubtes or hard points whatsoeuer; and that the wisedome thereof is a great deale deeper than wee were aware of, as also that it maketh those happy for euer that doe attend it. How p. 363himselfe came to the fruition or benefite of this that God so promised vntounto him, it is good so much the rather to marke, for that it may seeme that he sought the same immoderately: partly, in his dyet; but chiefely, in some others besides. In his dyet it seemeth, he was somewhat immoderate, in that he raised it to so great a proportion: his dayly expences being better than foure and thirty of our quarters of fine Flower, 1. King. 4: 22, 23.1 Kgs 4:221 Kgs 4:23threescore and eyght of Meale, ten Oxen stall-fed, twenty out of the pastures, and an hundred Weathers, besides Venison, Wilde-Foule, and all such like. In disposing Officers to that purpose in such sort as he did, and as it seemeth not dealing praecisely 1 Kings 4: 7-19, 27, 281 Kgs 4:7–191 Kgs 4:271 Kgs 4:28by the Tribes, but diuiding the whole land that should be liable thereunto into twelue seuerall partes, for eueryevery month one (of whom one of them had threescore walled Ibid 13, 19Citties in his part, another as much as two Kinges had before, whatsoeuer the others had of theirs) as also in his other Officers besides, no doubt his wisedome plainly appeared: 1 King 4: 2-6 9: 23. 2 Chr 8: 101 Kgs 4:2–62 Chr 8:10but he was very sumptuous; and his people after complayned, that hee was very chargeable vntounto them. And thing heerein noteth a speciall moderation, and it may be a godly care besides, that being so mighty a Prince as he was, and hauing so many Princes about him as would bee glad of his alliance, neuerthelesse hauing two Daughters that we read of, he marryed them to his owne subiectes, to two of those his Officers aforesaide. Those other thinges besides, wherein it may chiefely seem 1 Kin 4: 11, 151 Kgs 4:111 Kgs 4:15that he dealt for those earthly thinges immoderately, were the prouision he made for so many Horses and Charets: bb1 Kin 9: 26-28. 10: 22 2 Chr. 8: 17, 18. 9: 21 Kgs 9:26–281 Kgs 9:101 Kgs 9:222 Chr 8:172 Chr 8:182 Chr 8:92 Chr 8:2and his nauigations for Gold: ccDeut. 17: 16, 17. Mat. 6: 28, 29.Deut 17:16Deut 17:17Matt 6:28Matt 6:29both those beeing so 1 King 4: 26. 10: 26, 28, 29 2 Chr 1: …4, 16 17. 9: 2…, 261 Kgs 4:261 Kgs 4:101 Kgs 4:281 Kgs 4:292 Chr 1:42 Chr 1:16plainely forbidden as before they were. And though as yet Salomon hath good commendation for godlynesse, vntill that afterward he fell so fouly as hee did, and in many thinges gaue good proofe of the same; yet, seeing such warning was before so plainely giuen him, and himselfe so pittifully afterward fell (and in such sort, as was likely enough by his abundance to be something occasioned) and seeing it seemeth, that Christ therefore aduanced the beauty of a silly and common flower, aboue all that royalty of Salomon, as hauing but that beauty that God did giuegive it, and hee not contenting himselfe with it, but still endeuouring by the wisedome that God had giuen Dhim, and by his industry to aduance it farther: therefore is there great probability left vntounto vsus to doubt, that herein he some-thing passed those boundes of moderation that he ought to hauehave kept; not, but that God himselfe did meane both those vntounto him in very ample and great measure, but that he holpe forward the same more than for his part he should hauehave done. As for example, when seede was promised to Abraham, and the blessing to Iacob, neyther of them aboad so firme as they ought, expecting the performance at the handes of God; but eyther of them added their owne industry withall immoderately: the former, by getting Ismaell of Agar; the other, by praeuenting his Brother, and by circumuenting his Father. Or as it is the manner of the great men of the World to do, who, when God hath giuen them by descent or birth, lands, or goods in plentiful measure, do not so content themselues with that liberality of his towards them, that they nothing labour to better theyr estate therein, but rather to aduance the glory of him who hath so farre aduanced them: but on the other side, being gotten so high already, they make it a meane euer to get higher and higher, or still to lay more vntounto that which God before had giuen vntounto them. But as if Salomon, hauing so great and large a promise had nowe altogether sequaestred himselfe from those matters, letting GOD alone with them, and had giuen himselfe fully and wholy, to the aduancement of Gods glory and good of his people, he might so hauehave done much better seruice to God, and hauehave beene more answereable vntounto those speciall fauours of God towards him: euen so, might all our great men of the world do maruellous great seruice to God, and bee a blessing of wonderfull comfort vntounto their brethren, if being so well prouided already, they should altogether giuegive themselues to the aduancement of Gods glory, and to the good of their inferiors with whom they liue; and in such sort likewise might they become a great deale more answereable vntounto God for his fauors towards them, than by so busie endeuouring themselues as they do, either still to be climbing higher, or else to grow greater and greater. But such is the corruptinn of our Nature, and so vnlucky (as it were) are the Children of men to so speciall fauours heere, p. 364that seldome it is seene, that such as are most blessed of GOD, with the good things of the World, doo any good there-with to others that stand in need: Ebut altogether imploy them about themselues, or otherwise lauish them they care not how, rather than any way they shoulde bee auaileable to those that neede. That part of his glory that respected his people withall, consisteth in two principall points: one, that touched their persons neerer; others, that more appertained vntounto their estate. That which touched theyr persons neerer, was, that hee made 1 King. 9: 22 2 Chr. 8: 91 Kgs 9:222 Chr 8:9no bondmen of them, to bee imployed in seruile businesse, but that they were his men of War, Captaines or Officers, imployed in some good place or other. Those 1 King. 4: 20, 24, 251 Kgs 4:201 Kgs 4:241 Kgs 4:25that more appertained vntounto their estate, were, that the King himselfe being in peace with all his neighbors round about him; his people also liued in great peace all his dayes, grew very many, and comfortably enioyed their owne; and that in his dayes there was such plenty of Gold, that Siluer was then little esteemed; and 1 Kings 10: 21, 27 2 Chr 1: 15, 9: 20, 271 Kgs 10:211 Kgs 10:272 Chr 1:152 Chr 1:92 Chr 1:202 Chr 1:27that whereas Cedars were a rare and dainty wood with them before, he in his time brought them to be very rise among them. And true it is, that in the kingdome of Iesus Christ, the true Salomon, none of his people are seruily kept vnderunder the power of sinne; but in great peace and freedome, and in their great prosperity continually keepe feast in the Lord: also, that the pure gold of the holinesse and righteousnesse of Iesus Christ, is of so great plenty with them by faith in him, that the Siluer-righteousnesse euen of the Angels and best Saints in Heauen, is (in that reckoning) of no value with them. Much lesse do they (in that reckoning) account of their owne: and yet do they see and will not deny, but acknowledge to the glory and praise of God, that whereas the lande was eueryevery where pestered but with wilde Fig-trees in those dayes of their ignoraunce before, they finde it futnished with comfortable store of faire Cedars in these dayes of the Gospell now.

9 In that latter part of Salomons raigne, which did odde so farre contrary to the Aforepart of it, that therein we might learne, not to looke for any perfection heere, we hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, first in what sort he fell: then, howe it pleased God to chastice him for it. His fall was such, as did not rest in his owne person only; but ouer-threw others withall. His owne person was very much touched there-with, first by his loose carriage euen before men: but then soone after, euen before God. In his cariage before men, it could not be but a great touch and blemish vntounto him, and an euill example to others, partly, that he tooke pleasure so much in the things of this world: but especially in that hee married so many wiues, and those for the Bmost part idolatrous also, and such as God had forbidden to all his people. That he tooke his pleasure much in the things of this world, may sufficiently appeare, in that he gathered Treasure together so much as he did, and in all things so much aduanced his owne glory. Himselfe afterward granteth that so he did: but then addeth withall, that all was vanity. In matters of wedlocke, that hee would hauehave so Eccle. 211-11.many, it was great Intemperance, and a bad example to others: in that they were such as were so ill qualified for Religion, and such as God otherwise forbad, it argued 1 King. 11: 31 Kgs 11:3no regard of his owne safety, nor to that inhibition of God; and therein also was a dangerous example to others, such as might soone corrupt all generally. That soone after he became so offensiue to God also, that hee declared himselfe to bee highly offended with him therefore, we are to consider, not onelyonly what his offence was then: but also, what a speciall lesson is thereby giuen vntounto all. His offence was then, very foule and grosse idolatry, whereunto he was brought by those idolatrous wiues of his: they, notwithstanding all his wisedome, peruerting him sooner 1 Kin 11: 1-101 Kgs 11:1–10from the true God; than he thereby could conuert them from those vain Idols of theirs. That speciall lesson that by this so great a fall of his is giuen vntounto others, is, that if he could so ill weild so great prosperity and so high estate, being likewise so incomparably furnished as he was with wisedome: it is not to bee coueted so as it is, to grow more wealthy, or to be higher, because heereby it is made plaine vntounto vsus, that without all question it is a very dangerous estate for any man liuing to holde his feete in. That others were ouer-throwne by this fall of his, it doth not onelyonly appeare by the words of Ahijah the Prophet, but may easily bee other-wise p. 3651 King 11: 331 Kgs 11:33conceiued: both because any euill course in the Prince doth readily infect the people also; and because they also were partakers with him in the punishment that for it was cast vponupon him. But so both his …l and fault was the greater, because thereby he brought so heauy wrath vponupon many. The chasticement that it pleased God to cast on him for it, was part of it for his time: but most of it for the time ensuing. For his time, he was himselfe reprooued: and his state made more troublesome. In the reproofe that was giuen to himselfe, the Lord sheweth, that hee was much for Cthis offended: and denounceth heauie iudgements vntounto him besides; which should 1 King 11: 11-131 Kgs 11:11–13afterward come on him and his. In that hee shewed himselfe offended, euen that onelyonly ought to hauehave beene grieuous enough vntounto him, because hee had iustly deserued the same. The iudgements that were denounced vntounto him, though they were heauy in themselues: yet were they mingled with mercy withall. Heauy they were, that so faire and glorious a Kingdome should now bee rent off, or plucked away from him: especially, as the consequent there of did shew in the end, or … things fell out after, so many people being thereby carryed away so great Idolatry, and to most pittifull ruine thereby. They were mingled with mercy, in that he would not doe it in his time; nor take from his line all the whole people neyther: but that was but for Dauids sake, for the promise that hee had made vntounto him; a figure therein of Iesus Christ, in whom onelyonly it pleaseth God so to spare vsus. His estate was made more troublesome, by certaine enemies, and one dangerous Subiect, that it pleased God now (towardes the latter part of his raigne) to raise vp against him: of those Enemies, one in the South among the Edomites, the other, in the North among the Ibid. 14-22 Ibid. 23-25 Ibid. 26-40Syrians; Ieroboam, one of his owne Officers, beeing that dangerous Subiect wee spake off, to whom the Lord by one of his Prophets, had now already made promise of the greatest part of his Maysters Kingdome. Out of which our selues also may gather, that to keepe in the true seruice of God, preserueth best, both whole states, and priuate men also, from enemies without, and from disloyall and vndutifull members within: and that whensoeuer we faile of our duty therein, then doe we also let downe thereby our owne good estate in these thinges heere; and that our selues hauehave giuen the cause, of whatsoeuer such disorder or businesse we finde at any time to grow vp among vsus. That part of the chasticement which was for the time ensuing, was the maine part of that which God threatned vntounto him in his reproofe: the diuiding or renting in sunder of that Kingdome of his; and to giuegive away the greatest part of it vntounto his Seruaunt. A manifest token, that the sinne of Salomon, though it selfe were not of any long continuance to speake off; yet in the iust iudgementes of God, it deserued the punnishment of many ages: and though himselfe were sooner to goe to his corruption, yet his sinne suruiuing, the punnishment was to hauehave his course also. As wee in like manner neede not to doubt, but Dthat the renting in sunder of many other Kingdomes and great States, as also of meaner inhaeritances and patrimonies of priuate men, hauehave beene iustly occasioned by sinne going before; and that no man can so offend God, but that euen then hee worketh the ruine of his owne estate, to him and his for the time ensuing.

10 As touching Salomons death, something we hauehave very plainely set down: Abut some other left very doubtfull. That which is plainely set downe, is, that when be raigned forty yeares (and so out-liued, and out-raigned his own glory, and found 1 Kings 11: 40-431 Kgs 11:40–43his estate in his owne time declining, nor mended himselfe on Ieroboam who was to succeede him in the greatest part of his Kingdome, but was now fled into Egypt, out of his reach) hee then slept with his Fathers, and had his buryall among them: his Son Rehoboam raigning in his stead. That which is left doubtfull is, whether before his death, he repented and turned vntounto God again, or not: a matter that hath bin in quaestion among the Fathers of old, and so yet is among the learned of these daies also; but such as cannot be cleerely decided by the word of God. Certain probabilities there are; but none, it seemeth, that directly conclude the one, or the other; as by the search that hath bin made, by aaIn. 2. Reg 7: 12. in. c priore.2 Kgs 7:12Lyra before, & by bbI… 1. Reg. 11: 4-43.1 Kgs 11:4–43Pet. Martir since, may sufficiently appeare; both of them inclining vntounto the negatiue. Others there be p. 366of latter time than the latter of those, that are of opinion hee did repent: men of speciall reckoning among vsus, yet grounding their iudgement therein ouer weakly as I doe take it. For the places whereon they ground, are two: one, that whereas the Story sheweth, that the kingdome of Iudah stoode wel for three yeares after the diuision, but then …ell to Idolatry also, one place there is, that setteth down that their standing well for those three yeares, by affirming, that at that time they walked in the 2 Chr. 11: 17.2 Chr 11:17waies of Dauid and Salomon. Wherein because it is plaine, that by those wordes they are commended for wel doing, and Salomon is ioyned with Dauid in the pattern which yet they followed, thereon they gather, that it is likely, that Salomon repented, as otherwise vnmeete to be ioyned with Dauid in the patterne that they did follow. The other, that seeing he made a whole Booke in detestation of the vanities of the world, that also may seeme to be a good testimony, that towards his end he came to repentance. But for the former of these, it seemeth rather (as I should take it) by Bthe course of the Booke it selfe, that his meaning was, of the former part of Salomons raigne: because this Booke it selfe speaketh nothing of Salomons fall; but from his 2 Chr. 9: 27-31 Lyr. in prolog. Conr. Pellic. i… 1. p…r. 1: 1. 4. Fr. Vatab. Tremel. Iun. …. Bibl. Angl. i… s…. Quoque. arg…e…t…. Heb. 11: 32 Ibid. 12: 12 Chr 9:27–31Heb 11:32prosperity and glory, passeth immediately vntounto his death. If therefore Ezra gathered these Bookes of Chronicles, and that after they were returned from Babylon (as from Rabby Salomon, it is conceiued by many) and then altogether omitted the mention of Salomons fall: seeing hee laid before him nothing but the better part of his raigne, when he was in that part of his Story, it may well seeme, that now in this reference he had no respect but onelyonly to it. As afterward also wee hauehave diuers commended, as Gedeon, Samson, and Iephthe, and set forth as patterns vntounto vsus, for diuers good thinges that were in them, though otherwise they had their notorious imperfections withall. So likewise for the latter, seeing hee maketh so little mention of those thinges wherein most he offended, his marrying with Idolatrous women, and his owne Idolatry withall; and that, as King, he was by the Lawe of God so plainely forbidden, to hauehave such treasure, many Horses, Wiues: as it is plain, there is no great probability, that he made that Booke in the way of repentance of those his transgressions; so, by the whole course of it, it seemeth rather more generally to tend to discouer worldly vanity, and to gather all men to the regard and obedience of GOD. And though indeede it came to diuers particulars, yet still is it so far from those wherein he most offended, that still it barreth vsus of all hope of warrant so to take it. Neither doe others so take it, now especially, after that the light which God hath giuen vsus, hath made things more plaine now than they were before: as in diuers of them is to be seene, some of ancient time long before, and others of these latter times since. Hiero…y in prol. gal. et in epist. ad. Paul. Fr. Vatab. Bibl. Angl. Conr. Pellic. in. Eccle. 1: 1 Ibid.Eccl 1:1One there is, who with greater reason is of opinion, that this Booke is of the nature of the Prouerbs, consisting, for the most part, of seuerall sentences of great wisedome; but gathered together, sine diligentia exquisiti ordinis, not much respecting any precise order therein: and that so farre, that when such as hauehave laboured to interpret this Booke, hauehave withall endeuoured to make all to hang together in some set order, then hauehave they beene compelled, to force such a sense to diuers wordes as might not well stand with the nature of them. But one thing there is, of which the reader had Cneede to be admonished, that hee may the better vse the freedome of his iudgement heerein. One of those from whom wee hauehave those Annotations (and the chiefe, as I take it in that point of the labour) hath otherwise shewed, himselfe to be for that Iunius.new forme of Church-gouernment, which for the more credit of it they hauehave carefully commended to others vnderunder the name of discipline, as the onelyonly true discipline of the Church. One reach of which discipline is, to hauehave Princes more liable vntounto their censure, than they hauehave any warrant for them: though neuerthelesse Princes are euer to be admonished as neede shal require; and that they ought euer to cleere their duties therein. At this he seemeth to aime very faire, as if Salomon for those his transgressions were excommunicate out of the Church: and after, in penitentiall In Eccle. 1▪ 1.Eccl 1:1manner vttering these speaches, first, in the Church, and then setting them downe in writing, as a monument to all posterity of that his penitency, was reconciled to the Church againe. If it were so, the Presbytery then, was, it seemeth, much more easie to be pacified, than ours could yeeld vntounto now: so to receiue him into the lap of p. 368the Church againe, with so little acknowledging of those sinnes, wherein he had bin the most offensiue; vnlesse they thought good, because hee was so great a Prince, so farre to spare him.