Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 17 (3 of 3)

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 17 (3 of 3)

p. 49514 He that did in full measure bring in that same corrupt estate that was so long AAhaz. 12.declining before, onelyonly tottering then, but falling downe now, was Ahaz, the Son 2 King. 1…▪ 38 16: 1, 2 2 Chr. 27: 9. 28: … C…nr. Pe…ic. I…ā. wo…phius Bibl. Angl.2 Kgs 1:382 Chr 27:92 Chr 27:28of Iotham: who succeeding his Father in the kingdome, sixteene yeares also he raigned therein, like to his Father in nothing else but onelyonly in that. For though his Father was none of the best (though I deny not, but that others there be, that make speciall reckoning of him for that matter: and my-selfe desire not to impaire any part of his glory; but yet must still say, that I see no cause to varry) nor Vzziah the Father of Iotham, nor Amaziah his Grand-father neither: yet this on the other side was so very ill, that it seemeth he inhaerited no part of the good that any of them had, but that all their euill (and much more) was descended vntounto him, and that hee was (as it were) their heire only in that. So that in his Story it seemeth to me, it is not sufficient, to consider onelyonly of himselfe; but to hauehave some reference to those others his ancesters besides: and that, both in the euill waies that he held; and in those punishments which befell him from the same. As touching those ill waies that he held, we hauehave the same deliuered vntounto vsus, by one kinde of speach that is (as it seemeth to mee) some-what strange: but the others are vsuall, and plaine enough in themselues. That which seemeth to me somewhat strange, is notwithstanding (I readily grant) to good purpose vsed, and of speciall good instruction as it may bee taken: and yet notwithstanding eyther cleane omitted by others; or not sufficiently considered vponupon, as I doe take it. The speach is, that whereas this Ahaz was a very bad one (if not the worst of all the Kinges of Iudah that were before him) yet, at the first the Text dooth seeme but to mince at the matter (as me do tearme it) and nothing neere to note, that which was in him indeed. For at the first he telleth vsus no more, but that hee did not vprightly in the sight of the Lord, like Dauid his Father: and in both places the selfe-same speach 2 King. 16: 2 2 Chr 28: 12 Kgs 16:22 Chr 28:1is praecisely vsed. Which kind of speach, we might thinke, were not properly to be vsed, but onelyonly of such as hauehave done reasonably well, and yet not like to Dauid before. So the strangnes is, that whereas indeed Ahaz was a very bad one, & so described by and by after: yet at the first the Text seemeth to stand so far of from him, as though it meant not to touch him any thing neere, to speake of; or, that with any thing almost he were to be iustly touched. Of Amaziah it granteth before, that he did not like to 2 King. 14: 3 2 C…r. 25: 22 Kgs 14:3Dauid his Father; and else-where in the same sense, that that which he did, hee did not with a perfect hart: but it notwithstanding commend him, that hee did vprightly in the sight of the Lord. Of both the others that next succeeded it so speaketh likewise, as plainely chargeth them with such defect, referring them (in such sort as it 2 Kin 1…: 3. …4 2 Chr. 2…. 27: 2.2 Kgs 1:32 Kgs 1:42 Chr 2:272 Chr 2:2dooth) vntounto their Parents: but yet it seemeth well to their commendation withall. BNowe in this place, comming to speake of a very bad one, yet notwithstanding, it saith no more of him (in effect) at the first, than it spake before (thrice together) of those others whom it commendeth. This is cleane omitted by the most that yet I hauehave seene: as not espying or at least not noting, whereupon it may seeme to be, that this Lyr. Vatabl. B…bl. Angl. Tremel. Iun.speach is heere againe vsed in so vnlike a case to the former. But some there bee that do note it: one, that doth but onelyonly note it, but that he doth in both places of it; and one other, that doth not onelyonly note it, but withall considereth vppon it. For him that doth but onelyonly note it, it seemeth he thought that there was some speciall matter Conr. Pellic.in it, though belike he did distrust, that he did not conceiue it: but that might giuegive occasion to others to think farther of it; especially seeing so praecisely he doth it, in both places of it. That which the other gathereth thereon, is, that thereby is generally noted, Ioā. wolphius.that hee did nothing right before God; as if whereas it is saide, that hee did not p. 460vprightly in the fight of the Lord, this difference of speach (to be saide of him, that he did not vprightly; of other ill Kinges, that they did ill) should hauehave this meaning, that whereas they were not charged but to hauehave done diuers thinges ill, this heereby is charged that he did nothing well. This doe I take to bee some-thing forced: though otherwise he be a very learned and diligent Interpreter, and right worthy to follow him that he dooth, to finish that, which the other, praeuented with death, was not able to reach vntounto. Another sense there is, which, I graunt, is (as it were) some-what far fetcht: and yet so agreeable to other Scriptures, as that it is not amisse to thinke of it also. Some-what far fetcht we may account it to be, for that taking it so, the meaning should be, that euen in this place, where it may seem that the spirit of God meaneth no more, but to set downe the Story of Ahaz: yet would he giuegive vntounto vsus, in his example, a generall rule of a speciall good point of doctrine for all, & for all ages ensuing: namely, that whosoeuer they are that goe but negligently to worke, and doe not endeuour to bee with the best: those by the iust iudgements of God, may very well be, euen of the worst; and so euer are, but so farre as it pleaseth God to stay them, that thinges be not among vsus too too farre out of order. And so the meaning to bee, that seeing Ahaz did not regard to walke vprightly before the Lord, as Dauid before had doone, therefore may no man thinke it strange, nor impertinent to the course wherein he was, if then he should quickly become the worst man liuing: and so, this to be noted (as it were) the Fountaine, out of which the other C(euen all that naughtinesse of his whatsoeuer) did proceede, and so might rightly and kindly doe, though it had beene a thousand times more than it was. For the wordes if wee marke them, deliuer vntounto vsus two principall pointes: one, in plaine tearmes; the other likewise, if not necessarily, yet very probably implyed. In plain tearmes it telleth vsus, what wayes he held: such as wherein he did not vprightly in the eyes of the Lord, as his Father Dauid before had doone. It implyeth, euen heere, not going any farther, very probably, that hee had no care neyther, so to doe: and whatsoeuer wanteth of the certainety of it here, that is fully supplyed by that which followeth, because he imployed himselfe so ill. For a man might hauehave a will to doe well; and yet by infirmity faile very much in doing of it: but to be altogether occupyed in so bad and base workes, as the Text immediatly after declareth he was, doth necessarily import, that he had no due regard vntounto the other; namely, to do vprightly in the fight of the Lord, as did his Father Dauid before. Those other Scriptures whereunto it agreeth, are many: but some may serue to make demonstration of it. To the breach of the Sabbaoth it is knowne well enough, that the Lord appointed death, euen when hee required that free-will offering towardes the building of the Tabernacle; and when the Worke-men were to set in hand with their working on it, Exo. 31: 12-17 Ibid. 35: 1-3 Nū. 15: 32-36Exod 31:12–17(Church-worke as plaine, as possibly may be:) as also that once he caused execution to be done on one who gathered stickes thereon. In which whosoeuer can marke, that the breach of the Sabbaoth commeth of vngodlinesse, and that wheresoeuer vngodlinesse lodgeth, there is all vngodlinesse besides, but so farre as it pleaseth God specially to stay, he can easily see good Co-haerence in that iudgement of God therein, and can more readily yeelde his heart vntounto the full iustifying of it: as a iudgment but very easie for all such parties, as in whom it is certaine, that there is lodged so great iniquity. In the first Psalme likewise the Prophet setting downe certaine degrees Psal. 1: 1.Ps 1:1in finning, doth immediatly after the vngodly person set downe the Sinner: to giuegive vsus to vnderstand, that no man can be vngodly or godlesse, but one way or other, hee must bee some detestable Sinner withall. The Apostle in his Epistle to the Hebrewes, willeth vsus to leaue now the principles of Religion, which hee calleth the doctrine Heb. 6: 1-6Heb 6:1–6of the beginning of Christ, and to be led to farther perfection; and his reason is, that if we fall away, then are we in pittiful & hard estate: so teaching vsus to gather, Dthat if wee doe not still endeauour our selues to goe on to farther perfection, then are we in praesent danger to fall away also. The like vntounto which he hath else-where besides soone after following, eyther to draw neere with assurance of Fayth in the Ibid. 10: 22-26time of grace, or else to bee in speciall great danger, of giuing ouer the whole profession, and to returne to our vomit againe. Saint Iude likewise, exhorting the people p. 461Iude. 3-7.Jude 1:3–7of his time, earnestly to labour for the maintenance of the Fayth once giuen vntounto the Saintes, vseth such fearefull examples to mooue them thereto, as appertaine not but vntounto such as fall away from it againe, eyther in the profession it selfe, or ioyning a reprobate life vntounto it. So God telling vsus in the Story of Ahaz, that he had no regard of doing vprightly in the fight of GOD, as Dauid his Father before had done (as his owne doinges sufficiently declared) may very well meane, to teach vsus thereby to gather, that thence it proceeded, that he became so bad as he was. On the Land if we iourney, we may stay and rest a… our selues thinke good; and leese thereby no part of the way that before we hauehave gone: but on the Water, where we hauehave eyther Winde or Tide, or streame against vsus, if in such case we doe not labour to go forward, then it is certaine that wee goe backe-ward. Such is the case that nowe we speake of: euer hauing mighty force against vsus, in all good proceedinges whatsoeuer (the sway or vsuall course of the World, and the temptation of Sathan without; the corruption also of our owne Nature within:) so that if we doe not earnestly labour, in the best manner we can, to goe forward; then fall wee backe-ward still more and more, but so farre as it pleaseth God to stay vsus. Those other speaches, whereby the ill wayes of Ahaz are deliuered vntounto vsus, and which speaches are vsuall and plaine, doe note vntounto vsus diuers sortes of ill wayes in him: some, that seeme to be referred to all his raigne generally; others, that arose but at some time onelyonly, and vppon some speciall occasion. Those that seeme to bee referred to all his raigne generally, doe witnesse indeede, that hee was exceeding wrong: and leaue vsus thus much withall, that neuerthelesse he was very deuout and zealous in his kinde. Exceeding wrong hee was both in the wayes of Israell, and in Heathenish Idolatry besides. The wayes of Israell were, the seruice of those golden Calues: ascribed especially to the Kinges of Israell, for that they were the deuisers and maintainers of 2 King. 16: 3 2 Chr. 28: 22 Kgs 16:32 Chr 28:2them, as the onelyonly vpholders of that Kingdome of theirs. And because the vse of those Calues was to maintaine that state of theirs in their Apostacy or falling away from the Tribe of Iudah and Line of Dauid: therefore was Ahaz the King of EIudah so much the more to blame for worshipping them, not onelyonly because that also was abhominable Idolatry; but withall, because they were so directly contrary to his owne State, and so strongly with-helde the greatest part of his Kingdome and people from him. In his Heathenish Idolatry hee both passed all others that were before him: and yet would hauehave the vse of theirs also. Hee passed all others that 2 King 26: 3 2 Chr. 28: 32 Chr 28:3were before him, in that he spared not his owne Children, but did such worship to Idols by them, as Heathenish Idolaters vsed some-times to do. That Hearthenish Idolatry that some of his Fathers had vsed before, and whereof himselfe would hauehave the vse now, was the worshipping of Baalim: and that hee offered sacrifice and 2 King. 16: 4 2. Chr. 28: 2, 42 Kgs 16:42 Chr 28:22 Chr 28:4burnt Incense in the High-places, on the hils, and vnderunder eueryevery greene Tree. That he was very deuout and zealous in his kinde, there can bee at all no quaestion of it; these thinges doe so plainely and fully witnesse the same: but it is good that wee doe marke it, that so wee may the better perceiue, that in the most corrupt Religion that is, there may be a very deuout and earnest zeale; and therefore that no body rest in his zeale, vnlesse he know the same to be right. Those other bad waies of his that arose but at some time onelyonly, and vppon some speciall occasion, were certaine offences or slips that hee made: one of them, when trouble began to grow against him; others, when he had safely passed a good part of that danger. The slip that hee made when trouble began to grow against him, was in a bad refusing of speciall good sauour offered vntounto him: and a base betaking himselfe vntounto an earthly fuccour rather. In which his refusing of that fauour offered, wee are first to consider what it was: then, whereuppon it may seeme, that it was so offered vntounto him. It was, that Isa. 7: 2-12Isa 7:2–12when Ahaz vnderstood that the Kinges of Syria and Israell had ioyned together to come against him and his people, hee and his people beeing in great perplexity and seare thereuppon, the Lorde by his Seruant the Prophet Esay bad him bee of good comfort, assuring him that they should not in such sort praeuaile against him: and, for his farther assurance therein, willed him not to spare but aske a signe of the Lorde, whatsoeuer hee woulde, eyther in the depth beneath, or in the heigth p. 462aboue. But Ahaz being so bad a man as he was, it seemeth strange, that GOD should hauehave such dealing with him by his seruant the Prophet: and not rather to reprooue him sharply for that his great Idolatry; and for it to denounce heauy iudgements against him. Neyther is it vnlikely, but that the Prophet had such dealing with him also. But those two Kings were purposed, to depose Ahaz, or cleane to Fdestroy him, and to set vp another in his roome: a purpose directly against the ordinance Ibid. 6.of God, hauing before giuen that Kingdome to the line or posterity of Dauid. So it seemeth, that God in that respect, would defend him against them: and thereupon vse this gracious dealing towardes him, by faire meanes the rather to win him vntounto some better waies. How beit Ahaz had brought himselfe so farre in bondage to his owne bad nature, that he would looke for no such goodnesse at the handes of God, and so withall vtterly refused that gracious offer. That earthly succour whereunto he did rather betake himselfe, and that basely enough too, was to seeke helpe of 2 Kin. 16: 7. 8 2 Chr. 28: 16 21.2 Kgs 16:72 Kgs 16:82 Chr 28:16the King of Assyria, now growing vp to some speciall greatnesse: and, to speede the better at his hands, he both abased himselfe so farre, as to tearme himselfe to bee his seruant, and his Son; an I withall sent him such a praesent, so hardly gotten together, as bewraied himselfe to be too too fearefull of them, euen in seruile and abiect manner. He safely passed a good part of that danger, when the King of Assyria accordingly came, tooke Damascus, the head-Citty of Syria, and slew the King: for by 2 King. 16. 9 2 Chr. 28: 202 Kgs 16:92 Chr 28:20this, the King was deliuered from one great part of his feare. At which time againe we find, that he fouly slipped: first but onelyonly in the fashion of an Altar; but then otherwise, a great deale more grosly. When it was but in the fashion of an Altar, yet euen that also was grose enough, both in being so new-fangled, that hee must hauehave 2 King. 16: 10-142 Kgs 16:10–14such an one in the house of the Lord at Ierusalem, as hee had seene at Damascus an Idolatrous Citty: and in placing it so as hee did when once he had gotten it ready; wherein also it is not amisse to note, that the High-Priest then, was as ready to prouide it, as he to require it. Like lips, like Lettice. When otherwise hee offended more grosly, wee hauehave it noted vntounto vsus, first in respect of the time when so hee did: then, in respect of that which he did therein. The time is noted to be, when he was 2 Chr. 28: 222 Chr 28:22in tribulation: so hardly are wee any thing mended thereby, vnlesse it please God to vouchsafe vsus that mercy. That which then hee did, was first concerning some in particular: then, certaine others at large. Those that his doing concerned in particular were the Gods of Damascus: and the Lord himselfe. The Gods of Damascus, those foolish and absurd Idols, neuerthelesse found such fauour with him, that Ibid. 23.now he became a worshipper of them; yea notwithstanding that they (as hee tooke it) had plagued him: and his reason was, for that they (as he would needes bee perswaded of them) had so well holpen that people against him (not considering that it was the Lord, who for his Idolatry sent them in vponupon him, and gaue them power against him) they would no doubt helpe him likewise, if hee were a worshipper of them. But as for the Lord, hee found so little fauour with him, that diuers thinges that appertained to the House of the Lord, and to his worship there, he did alter and Gdeface at his pleasure: in one speciall thing, hauing the High Priest aforesayde concurring with him; doing the others but himselfe alone. He had the High-Priest concurring with him, both in taking-in this new Altar, for the vse of it, into the place of the former: and, in abasing the other. Into the place of the former this new Altar was taken for that the King commanded all those thinges to be done thereon, which 2 King. 16: 15. 16.2 Kgs 16:152 Kgs 16:16God had before appointed to be done on the other: and Vriah the Priest did according to all that hee commanded. The other was abased, not onelyonly in that the new was taken in neerer to the Sanctuary it selfe, and was withall bereaued of those seruices Ibid. 16. Ibid. 17. 18 2 Chr. 28: 24. 29. 3, 7.2 Chr 28:242 Chr 28:292 Chr 28:32 Chr 28:7which God allotted vntounto it: but also in that it must be reserued, for the King (forsooth) for him thereby to inquire of God, wherein he would bee sure but little to trouble it. Those others that he did but by himselfe, were, first that hee did but deface, and vsed at his pleasure diuers thinges in the House of the Lord: and then, in the end, shut it vp cleane. So carefull was he to reserue that Altar onelyonly to himselfe, thereby to inquire of the Lord: much like to our late Ahazes of Rome, who were so long fingering the holy Scriptures, to alter and change the ordinances thereof at p. 463their pleasure, that at the length when they could not make them sufficiently to square to their purpose, then did they take them (in a manner) cleane away from vsus all, locking them vp in a strange tongue, and making bloody Lawes against the reading of them; and though they bare vsus in hand, that them selues woulde enquire of them, yet hauehave they made it plaine enough to the worlde, that they hauehave little enquired of the Lorde by them. The referrence that in these matters it is good that we hauehave to those other Ancestors of his (such I meane as went immediately next before him) is no more but this, that seeing they declined still so much as they did, not regarding to serue the Lord, but (as it were) in a secondary manner, therefore to them might it be in some measure imputed, that now they hauehave such a Successor following, as doth not so mince at the matter as they did, but ouerthroweth all at once, and maketh at all no Conscience of it: as also there is no better to be expected of the great estates of this age also, but that if themselues hauehave but a secondary care in the aduancement of the kingdom of Christ, while they are in place to do it, they will quickely so breede others ensuing, that will make at all no reckoning of it. The punnishment that befell him for this, was most of it in his life: but some part of it also in his buriall when hee was dead. That which was cast vppon him in his life, was to be ouer-runne with his enemies: which for the most part wee hauehave set downe but generally; but some part of it, more specially also. That which His set downe but generally, not deliuering any speciall story thereof vntounto vsus, is most of those to whom he made no meanes (that we read of) for any fauour: but part of it also, of such as he had well waged to stand friendly to him. As touching those to whom he made no meanes that we read of for any fauour, though wee hauehave no Story in what sort they came in vponupon him, and preuailed against him; yet hauehave we Story of some hurt that they did him: the Syrians both getting a Citty from him, and many ptisoners too; the Edomites and Philistims getting away also, the former 2 King 16: 6 2 Chr. 28. 5. 17 …8. 2 Chr. 28. 20, 212 Kgs 16:62 Chr 28:52 Chr 28:172 Chr 28:202 Chr 28:21certaine captiues, the latter, certaine Citties. Those that hee had well waged to stand friendly vntounto him (which was against the Syrians) are noted also, nothing at all to hane holpen him, but to hauehave troubled him: but it is not declared how. But meete it was, that he that was the professed seruaunt of God, and yet had broken with him so fowly now, should not finde such good dealing with men when he did neede it. That which is set downe more specially, is, how the Israelites preuayled against him: in whom notwithstanding we hauehave a notable example of obedience vntounto the word of the Lord deliuered vntounto them by one of his Prophets. In that the Israelites so preuailed against him, it is good first to note, how it may seeme that the encounter began betwixt them: then, what successe it was that the Israelites had therein. The encounter may seeme to beginne betwixt them, not til the King of Assyria had eased Ahaz the King of Iudah of one of his enemies the King of Syria: and that then, seeing the Israelites were come in against him, hee woulde needs giuegive them battell, whereas now it may be, that they could hauehave beene content, quyetly to hauehave departed home againe, seeing they were disappointed so much as they were, of their confederates. It may so seeme, because this battail was on both sides foughten so sore as it was: the Iewes stāding to it, to so great a slaughter of them; and the Israelites making such hauocke of them, and taking away so many Prisoners with them besides. A thing that was likely enough not to hauehave beene, if the Israelites could quietly hauehave departed againe, as not beeing so able now to deale with their enemies: and yet notwithstanding, that their enemies, accounting they had the aduantage of them, woulde not suffer them so to doo, but needs would take that aduantage of them. The successe that the Israelites had against the Iewes heerein, was very great: slaying downe-…ight in the field, one hundred 2 Chr 28: 6-82 Chr 28:6–8and twenty thousand (the reason being added, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their Fathers) and among them diuers of speciall account; and besides, tooke away prisoners with them, two hundered thousand, and a great spoile Ibesides. The example of their obedience vntounto a Prophet of the Lordes was such, that although the Prophet did not tell them, that he came that message vntounto them …n the name of the Lord, but spake vntounto them, as it were of himselfe, and althogh p. 464Ibid. 9-15he required of them that which would bee to their losse and hinderance now, and though the matter it selfe was in a manner but ciuill: yet the admonition of the Prophet so wrought with certaine of the principall Fathers, and with the whole Army, that they did not onelyonly dismisse them freely without any ransome; but withall both bestowed much of the spoyle on them in very good manner, & carried them home to their owne borders besides. That which befell him in his buriall when he was dead, was, that hee was not of his owne people vouchsafed that honour, as to bee 2 King. 16: 20 2 Chr. 28: 272 Kgs 16:202 Chr 28:27buried among the Kings: a right iudgement in it selfe; but so much the rather to be regarded, as at this time it might well proceede sincerely from them, without any priuate respect at all. For there is no reason, that such as so little regarded the glory of God, should afterward hauehave that honour with men, which otherwise by their place had bin due vntounto them: but rather, that all such should hold themselues fully contented, that while they liued, their people for feare did yeeld it vntounto them; and withdrew it again so soone as they hoped that without any danger they might. The reference that in these his punnishments wee are to hauehave to those ancesters of his, is no more but this, that whosoeuer they are that do wish well to their line, or to their children or Issue ensuing, it were good for them, not to hold themselues contented with a secondary care of Religion or aduancing the glory of God, but to imploy themselues about those things euen in the best manner they can: otherwise, that they are to make no quaestion, but that themselues do breede such a race, as, if they do not plucke on them some heauy iudgement, it is the speciall fauour of God that exempteth them from it, or otherwise reserueth them to endles torments against that great and fearefull day.

15. Recouered they were againe by Ezechiah who next succeeded to Ahaz Ahis Father, now gone before; and raigned twenty and nine yeares: the last of al the Ezechiah. 13. 2 King. 16: 20. 18: 1, 2 2 Chr. 28: 27. 29: 1.2 Kgs 16:202 Kgs 16:182 Kgs 16:12 Kgs 16:22 Chr 28:272 Chr 28:292 Chr 28:1Kings of Iudah, while the Kingdome of Israell stood. Concerning whom, it is to be knowne, that he was a good one, and one of the best of them all: and yet that he was not without his infirmities neither. Considering of him as he was so good, we finde that he was (at the hands of God) accordingly blessed: and so are wee, first to consider of that his good seruice of God; then, how it pleased God to blesse Bhim for it. His good seruice to God wee hauehave first set downe but generally: but then, more specially. Generally it is said, that he did vprightly in the sight of the 2 King. 18: 3 2 Chr. 29: 2. 31: 20, 21. 2 King 18: 5 Ibid. 6.2 Kgs 18:32 Chr 29:22 Chr 29:312 Chr 29:202 Chr 29:212 Kgs 18:5Lord, according to all that Dauid his Father had done: his trust being such in the Lord, that neither after him nor before, there was any such among the Kings of Iudah; and cleauing so inseperably vntounto him, that hee obserued those his Commaundements, which he by Moses before had giuen. When the Story commeth to set downe the same more specially, it doth it in such sort, that as the Text a little before doth giuegive him commendation, that after him none was like him among al the Kings of Iudah, neyther that there were any such before him: so indeede may we see, that there was a maruelous excellent zeale in him, and such as was hardly out-matched by any. But for that kind of speech, because it is attributed to others also, as not onelyonly to Salomon for his wisedome, and for the glory of his Kingdome, but also to 1 Kin. 3: 12, 13 2 Chr. 1▪ 12 2 King. 23: 251 Kgs 3:121 Kgs 3:132 Chr 1:122 Kgs 23:25Iosias for an excellent zeale that was in him likewise: it may seeme that it was among them vsed, as noting such as excelled in their kinde, and not so strictly as the very words themselues doe otherwise import; or that therein they had respect but onelyonly to such, as within some vsuall or reasonable compasse of time (such as came within their memory or neere vntounto it) either were in place before, or after succeeded the Kings that they speake off. It may be also, that as it is agreed of all, that in Salomon it pleased God, in diuers of his excellencies, to giuegive them a figure of their Messias that was to come: so, in those good Kinges that followed, hee would now and then renew it vntounto them againe, so to keepe them still in some comfortable expectation of him, and not to suffer that so needfull an hope to be quenched among them. If so wee may take it, then in these also may we not looke onelyonly to themselues, but vntounto him whose figures they were, for the full accomplishment of those things that are there of them reported. And so is it maruelous true, euen in the vttermost p. 465reach of the wordes themselues, that euer none is like vntounto him, before or after, nor any way comparable vntounto the most absolute of all. And this do I think so much the more needfull to be marked here, for that most of our interpreters that Conr. Pellic. Fr. Vatab. Bibl. Angl. Tremel. Iun. Io. wolp Lyr. Pet. Matt. Fr. Vatabl. Lyr.yet I hauehave seene, doe cleane omit it, and doe not shew vsus in what sence it is to bee taken; and those that deale in it, in some of those places that giuegive occasion to speak of it, doe, as it were take vp ouer soone, or take, as wee terme it, that which commeth next to their hand: especially, in that which is said of Salomon, and of Iosias; and goe to certaine odde particulers in this as the breaking of that brasen Serpent, and that great and strange slaughter of the Assirians: But if wee marke what sinceritie Cand zeale doe very plainely shewe foorth themselues in the reformation that Ezechias now wrought, we may well affoord him, that speciall commendation be giuen vntounto him: and if in him also wee rayse vp our consideration to their Messiah then to come, Iesus Christ, it is a thing not onelyonly manifest in it selfe, and cleane beyond all exception, that none of those that were before him were like vntounto him, nor of those that followed him neyther. How needfull it was, that these close speeches, should be so plainly set in the text (euer to send out expectation further, than to those very parties themselues of whome then it spake) wee may sufficiently perceiue, first in the Iewes for resting on some that were before, as Moses and the Prophets,, much more than on Iesus the Sonne of Mary, that followed after, notwithstanding the great workes that he did among them: then in the Sarazens, Turkes; Persians, and the Church of Rome too, for resting somuch on others that followed after, Mahomet, the blessed Virgin, Angels and Saints. To all which purposes … was good and needfull, that euer (now and then) in the next, in the Stories of such as were the meetest to represent the person of Christ vntounto vsus, there should bee such speeches inserted, as might witnesse that sufficiencie and fulnesse in Christ, as that, in comparison of him, all others might giuegive place vntounto him. How notably therefore Ezechias now did his seruice to God, or how he abolished corruption, and aduanced the true worship of God againe, may sufficiently appeare, if wee consider, first what hee did for the time present: then, for the time after ensuing. For that time present hee was notably imployed, first for his owne kingdome onelyonly: then, for his owne and Israell together. That which hee did for his owne kingdome onelyonly, was a notable reformation, to set vp againe the true worship of God; in the Story wherof we hauehave most of it allotted to one speciall time: but one thing there is, that hath not the time allotted vntounto it; & it seemeth to hauehave followed after the other. In that which is allotted to one speciall time, we are directed, first to note the time when he did set in hand therewith; then, what it was that so he did. The 2 Chr. 29. 1, 3 2 King 18 2 Laur. Co…omā. in an. 3397.2 Chr 29:12 Chr 29:32 Kgs 18:2time is noted to bee the first MonethMonth of the yeare in that account: and it seemeth, that his owne raigne did likewise concurre, with the beginning of that first month; himselfe then being of the age of fiue and twenty yeares. So falleth it out, that so soone as euer hee came to his kingdome, and in the flower of his yongth, hee gaue himselfe to that seruice of God which after ensueth: a very rare example, and so much the rather to be regarded, as that experience doth commonly teach, that wee all generally at those yeares, especially such as are of greatest estate among vsus, are more youthfully giuen, and little regard such matters as those. That which so 2 Chr. 29: 3-11. Ibid. 12-192 Chr 29:3–11hee did, was that he opened the doores of the house of the Lord, which his Father DAchaz had shut vp before, called the Priests and Leuites together, and gaue charge of sanctifying themselues and clensing the place: and all this so effectually, that the Priestes and Leuites did presently set in hand therewith, and in sixeteen dayes performed the businesse. Which being done, then Hezechiah got vp betime, and together Ibid. 20-36with his Princes and Nobles presently offered sacrifice vntounto the Lord, and set vp that his seruice againe, in very good manner, to the great comfort and ioy of Hezechiah himselfe, and of all the assembly besides. In which his Story one particuler there is, of which, it seemeth to mee, there neede to be some warning giuen: and it is as touching the cleansing of the house of GOD, that heere wee reade of. Which is by diuers accounted to bee, that it was but from Idols, Lyr. Fra. Vat. Bibl. Angl.and from such thinges as to those Idols, and to theyr woorshipping appertayned. p. 466But seeing Ahaz did in the end shut vp the House of the Lord, as wee saw before, and yet was a great worshipper of Idols still, euen to his death, it is not like, that he would so sarre hauehave abandoned that house and the vse thereof, if he had had any of his Idols there, of which hee made any speciall reckoning. And yet not vnlikely, but that, as there he praeferred that new Altar of his (the fashion whereof hee sent from Damascus) vntounto the Altar that Salomon by Gods appointment had made, and caused the sacrifices to be offered thereon: so might he hauehave some of his Idols there too for a time, and some of his Idolatrous seruice there also vsed. But seeing it is plain that some time before his death he did quite shut-vp that House, and so it remained vntill the raigne of this Hezechiah; and seeing that by the speach of this King vntounto the Priestes and Leuites, it seemeth that the King and the people before 2 Chr. 29▪ 6, 72 Chr 29:62 Chr 29:7had altogether abandoned the vse of that House, together with the worshippe that was there to bee done: it seemeth most likely, that neither had they any of their Idols heere now, not so much as vsed now to sacrifice on that new brasen Altar neither; but that some other way they had defiled it, eyther by putting it to prophane vses (as we diuers times do vse such buildings or roomes, as we doe not like of) or else that of purpose they had carried in much baggage and homely matter into it, so to wreake their bad hearts vponupon it. Otherwaies the Idols are not like to hauehave been so many, nor their appurtenances so weighty, but that such a company as it seemeth Hezechiah got together at this time, would hauehave remooued in much lesse time than they did the vncleanesse that now they dealt-with. But that this House of God Emight fall into so deepe disgrace with them, as that in such sort they would abandon it, yea and vily prophane it too, as before is noted, wee may easily conceiue to be likely enough by the experience wee hauehave of those that are Image-worshippers with vsus, so greatly loathing the Church and true Seruice of God as they doe: and some of them, when they were on a gog, and had it in their hands to do as they list, so vily abusing the Communion-table, the Booke of Common-prayer, yea and the holy Bible it selfe, as they did. That which hee did for his owne Kingdome, and for the Kingdome of Israell withall, hath a certaine appendant to it appertaining: and so are we, first to consider of the thing it selfe that so hee did; then, of that appendant thereunto appertaining. The thing it selfe was, that hee did so well gather them altogether, to the holding of Passe-ouer vntounto the Lord, when the time was so farre spent as now it was. For it was to be celebrated the fourteenth day of the first month, at Eeuen, whereas these had now already spent sixteen daies of this Exod. 12: 6Exod 12:6first monethmonth in clensing the House, and were themselues legaly so farre polluted thereby, that they might not offer the Passe-ouer vntounto the Lord: but in such case were to rest vntill the fourteenth day of the second monethmonth, to be ready then to do it, and not to faile; as God by occasion had taken order long before. Now therefore the King, according to the liberty that God had giuen therein, determining to Num. 9: 6-14Num 9:6–14keepe that Feast vntounto the Lord, & desirous to gather thereunto not onelyonly the people of his owne Kingdome, but all the Israelites besides, sent speciall Messengers abroad to that purpose throughout all their quarters: wherein although he got but 2 chr. 30: 1-27a mocke for his labour of many of them; yet were there diuers of them that came in maruelous well, and putting-too their handes to destroy certaine Idolatry first, did in good manner performe the businesse they had in hand. Not but that many of them did it not altogether in so good manner as they ought to hauehave done, being Ibid. 17-20so disaccustomed thereunto as they were; but that they did it with good hearts, and so well as their skill did then serue them: and that the King, perceiuing that all was not so perfectly on all hands done as it ought to hauehave been, besought God for them, and obtained such fauour as that he did not lay those defects vntounto the charge of any of them. But otherwise the whole assembly were so zealously bent now, & both the King and the Princes were so liberall towards them, that needes they would holdon Ibid. 21-27this solemnity seauen daies more of their owne accord, worshipping the Lord, Fand reioycing together in him, so as neuer since Salomons time they had done before; and then were they by the Priestes and Leuites accordingly dismissed in very good manner: but not so content, before they would returne home againe, they p. 467went altogether throughout Iudah, Beniamin, Ephraim and Manasseh, and destroyed 2 Chr. 31: 14 2 King. 18:2 Chr 31:142 Kgs 18both the Idols yet remaining, and the High-places and Groues withall, and then returned. The appendant hereunto appertayning, is of the Israelites onelyonly, and it is no more but this, that notwithstanding that now they did come in so well vntounto the Lord as they did; yet shortly after, euen in the dayes of this Hezechiah, and in the fourth yeare of his raigne began that heauy iudgement of God to seaze vppon 2 kin 18: 9-12them, euen in the beginning of it, and before the sixt yeare of his raigne was ended, did fully possesse it selfe of them: namely, that the Assirians came in so strongly vponupon them, that they destroyed most of them, took away the rest captiue, & placed others in their roomes there; so that now they ceased, from this time forward, to bee any more a people. A good patterne to shewe, that when wee are euen at the best, yet then are wee odious inough vntounto GOD: and that the plague which Fathers hauehave before deserued, may iustly also fall on their Children, without any impeachment to the iustice of God. Yet is it a good warning withall, to all the Idolatrous sort whatsoeuer, that they doe not rashly iudge of the hand of GOD vppon his people: as here it may bee they would happily take it, as if that hand of God had beene so vppon them, for that now they had so turned to GOD, and put downe those idols, together with those High-places and groues, where the people did so corruptly woorshippe. For the time ensuing, hee likewise tooke order, both that 2 chr. 31: 2-21the Priestes and Leuites should doe their dutie; and that the people should bring them in their due, in such sort as God before had appointed: and this latter the people so readily did, that the parties themselues confessed they had great plenty. Whereuppon the King tooke farther order, that those roomes should be repayred which were to keepe that kind of prouision for the continuall maintenance of them, and that there all such thinges should be laid vp, so to bee in a readinesse for them. And what state or people soeuer they are, that woulde hauehave a Ministerie to serue, they also must accordingly prouide for their due maintenance too: the better Ministerie they will hauehave, the nearer to come to that allowance that GOD appoynted; and the farther they will stand of from it, or the more they will take it short when once it hath beene layde foorth vntounto them, the more must they want the blessing that otherwise GOD would hauehave bestowed on them thereby. As also it is good, Ghere to marke, that when now that wonted allowance which God had before prescribed vntounto thē, was discontinued, they did not cast by that occasion to abridge it or take it in, much lesse to withdraw it, and to set them downsome pention for it, or to leaue it to eueryevery mans iudgement to allowe them that which the giuers should think a competent stay: but cast their eies to the originall, marking what God himselfe had ordained, and framing out their allowance now by the pattern of it. That which hath not the time allotted vntounto it, and seemeth to hauehave followed after the other, Num 21: 8, 9Num 21:8Num 21:9is, how he dealt with that brasen Serpent which Moses by the appointment of God had set vp in the wildernes long before: namely, that it also he brake in pieces, 2 King 18: 42 Kgs 18:4because he vnderstood that before those daies the people had taken vp a dustom to b…r… incense vntounto it; and (belike when some did not seeme to conceiue well that so he did) said that it was but a piece of brasle. That it seemeth he did this after the other, doth probably arise, both out of the Text it selfe, and out of the nature of that abused creature. In the text it followeth after the other: first, but briefly, reciting or but going to the head of that, which elsewhere wee hauehave more fully described; and then more specially deliuering this. In the nature of the creature abused, wee may note, that those idols which hee destroyed were but the fictions of men; and those very absurd & foolish: but that this brazen Serpent was first erected by God himselfe; & that by it, when time was, God did miraculously giuegive present recouery to his people, such as were deadly stung with serpents when they did but look on it, so the better to lead vsus to him whose figure it was Most likely therfore it is, that he, minding reformation, woudl first begin with those grosse idols: and then come to this also in the end. But what time so euer he did it, though some thinges there bee that may seeme to make some question in it, whether hee did well therein or not: yet is it, beeing better considered, a fact that is woorthy of speciall p. 468regard. True it is, that it was first set vp by God, that by it, it pleased him to giuegive recouery to the people, and that therein it was an Image of Christ, and both an honourable and a liuely repraesentation of him: and true againe, that … plaine tearmes the Text dooth not commend him for it, but may seeme to leaue it in suspense whether he did well therein or not. But then it is plaine againe, that it is in the Text it selfe recited among his good works: and that his sincerity and zeale is there commended Haboue many others who neuerthelesse are commendable too, for that he destroyed the High-places and Groues, which those others suffered to stand. And as for the learned that followed, there is not any quaestion with any that yet I hauehave seen, (neither might there iustly be) but that it is there set downe to his commendation. So may we account this fact of his very commendable euen by the Text it selfe, though it be not in plaine tearmes commended: and so doth leaue vsus a good lesson, both for those that are in authority, and for the people: namely, that neyther those that are in authority do suffer such among their people, nor the people repine to hauehave such things abolished, as whose first & right vse is now extinct or determined, or at least but needlesse, and whereon since there is grown any such abuse as is dangerous to others: and herein not to regard, though the first institution of it were to speciall good purpose, and very honourably (as it were) descended withall; as the vse of this was once very great, and no meaner than God himselfe the Author of it?

16 How it pleased God to blesse him for this and all other his good seruice to Ahim, is so much the rather to be marked, for that we shall find, that as he was indeede specially blessed: so was he notwithstanding held in speciall exercise too. Hee was specially blessed, for that it is plainely recorded, first but generally, that the Lord was 2 King. 18: 7 2 Chr. 31: 21 32: 2-8, 30. 2 King. 18: 8 2 Chr. 32: 2-8, 27-29.2 Kgs 18:72 Chr 31:212 Kgs 18:82 Chr 32:2–82 Chr 32:27–29with him, and that he prospered, euen in all things that he tooke in hand: then more specially, both that he praeuailed much against the Philistims; and was very great and mighty at home in honor and works that were sutable thereunto, and in great abundance of treasure and riches. That notwithstanding he was held in speciall exercise too, it is so much the rather to be marked, for that as yet we doe not find that any speciall way he offended: vnlesse it were in with-drawing himselfe and his people from 2 King. 18: 7 Ibid. 16: 7-92 Kgs 18:7that subiection wherein they were by his Father Ahaz before, which also wee doe not finde to be reprooued in him. For as touching that where-with he is charged, that he was not so thankfull to God, as hee ought to hauehave beene, that was not yet, 2 Chr. 33: 25 26.2 Chr 33:25but afterward onelyonly, as by the course of the Story it is deliuered vntounto vsus: namely, after that first he had beene sicke, and was now againe deliuered from that his sickenesse. Which that we may the better perceiue, we are to note, that for the first thirteene yeares of his raigne, it seemeth he was quiet (sauing that in that time the Israelites were taken away, as we read before) and occupyed, as we heard, in abolishing Idolatry, and in planting true Religion and the right worship of God againe. But now in the foureteenth yeare of his raigne, hee had, as it seemeth, all the exercise Bthat now we speake of: both the inuasion of the Assyrians; and his sicknesse. The Assyrian, it might seeme, inuaded the Land twice: first, till he was pacified by Ezechiah, and that which he sent him; then, when he besiedged Hierusalem it selfe, and departed not till he lost in one night the most part of his Army. When hee was pacified by Hezechiah, and the praesent that he did send him, it is plainely set downe, 2 King. 18: 13-16.2 Kgs 18:13–16that it was in the foureteenth yeare of his raigne. When he besiedged Hierusalem it selfe, and departed not but when he had that losse of his Army, is likewise set down Isai. 36: 1.Isa 36:1to bee in the same foureteenth yeare of his raigne. So it appeareth heereby, that both these inuasions were but one, or atleast came very nigh together, and had not Bibl. Angl. 1594. in mar. e.certaine yeares betwixt, as a Marginall note of diuers learned would hauehave vsus to conceiue: but that when Hezechiah assayed to pacifie Senacharib, by his submission and praesents hee sent him, the Assyrian tooke what was sent, but yet helde on his purpose still. As also the circumstance of the place dooth insinuate the same: 2 King. 18: 142 Kgs 18:14Lachis beeing the very place, whether Hezechiah sent to obtaine that fauour; and it beeing the place too, from whence Senacherib sent those his Captaines and Hoast Ibid 17. Isa. 36: 2 2 Chr. 32. 9Isa 36:22 Chr 32:9against Hierusalem, in that his supposed second inuasion. That the sickenesse of p. 469Hezechiah was this yeare also, appeareth by the number of yeares that after his recouery were added vntounto him: they being fifteene; which together with his foureteene 2 King. 20: … Isa 3…: ….2 Kgs 20Isa 3before, do make vp his full raigne of twenty and nine. Most likely also it is that this his sicknesse was, before Senacherib, and the hoast of the Assirians were 2 King. 20: 5, 6 Isa. 3…: 5, 6.2 Kgs 20:52 Kgs 20:6Isa 3:5Isa 3:6retired, because the Lord doth by the Prophet Isay, promise deliuerance, not onelyonly from that his sicknesse, but also himselfe and the Citty Ierusalem from the hands of the Assirians: though I know it be expounded by some, as if this his sicknesse were Bibl. Angl. … Isa. 3▪ ….Isa 3after that the Army of the Assyrians was gon, and then that hee would deliuer him from them, though they came againe to reuenge their former losses. So when Hezechiah had yet no way offended, but had done speciall good seruice to God, and had set himselfe in hand therewith euen at his first entering into his Kingdome, and that very zealously too, neuerthelesse it pleased GOD to exercise him with some kinde of tribulation withall, and into that sweete cup of prosperity that hee gaue him to drinke, to put in some bitter ingredients besides to mingle with it. Those were, first, by certaine of his enemies: then, by his owne bodily infirmity. Those enemies of his were the Assyrians, now growing vppe a-pace to a mighty state, to whom Ahaz his Father before had submitted himselfe and his Kingdome, to bee holpen by them against the Syrians then ioyning with Israell against him: and Cto whom it seemeth that Ezechiah also had yeelded some tribute (such as his Father had done before him) for some parte of his raigne (how long, wee know not;) but that after, when hee grew more mighty, hee denied to bee so farre in subiection, and leaned rather to the Aegyptians. For as touching the Assyrians, the Text dooth plainely say, both that hee rebelled against the King of Assyria and 2 King. 18: 172 Kgs 18:17serued him not, or acknowledged now no allegeance vntounto him; and that afterward Ezechiah himselfe confessed, that hee had offended, and now would yeelde Ibid. 14. Ibid. 21. 24 Isa. 36: 6, 9Isa 36:6Isa 36:9what should bee imposed on him: and as touching the Aegyptians, Rabsakeh doth plainely charge him (whether truely or not, wee cannot say) that hee leaned vntounto them. Now it may well bee, that Hezechiah conceiued, that seeing hee had so truly done his seruice to God, he might now safely withdraw his allegeance from the Assyrians; and that God would second him in it: but, if so he conceiued, he did but deceiue himselfe therein. For now the Assyrians came in so strongly vponupon 2 King. 18: 13-16.2 Kgs 18:13–16him, that he was fain to yeeld to very hard conditions to be rid of them againe; euen to yeeld himsefe to beare whatsoeuer they should lay vponupon him: which also went so hard with him (for he laid vponupon him three hundred Talents of siluer, and thirty Talents of Gold: able to wage an Army of sixe hundred thousand men, by the proportion Ibid 14.wee heard of hiering the Israelites before; the Golde in this beeing in valew 2 Chr. 25: 62 Chr 25:6aequiualent vntounto the Siluer) that hee was faine to empty all the Coffers both of the Lords House & of his owne; and because that would not serue, to riue or rent off those Plates of Gold that himselfe before had dedicated (an hard shift) to the House of the Lord. So that seeking to deliuer himselfe from that his chasticement, he now made it much harder vntounto him: and so it pleaseth GOD to deale some-times euen with the best Seruants hee hath, both to holde them vnderunder correction: and if they doe not quietly beare that, then to enlarge it farther vntounto them. Neyther was this all, as it seemeth, that came in vppon this, for that, as wee noted before, it seemeth that this was all one voyage, when now he came to Ierusalem also: and then, that though hee tooke what was sent (and that, belike now, but as part of his owne, and meaning to be his owne caruer for more) yet would hee not so rest, but held on his course in hostility still. In which second part of his voyage, it shal bee good for vsus to mark, first what is done by the parties themselues, or what it is that passeth betwixt them: then, how God in the end taketh vp the matter himselfe. The parties are, on the one side, Senacherib the King of the Assyrians, and certaine of his Captains with part of his Army: on the other, Hezechiah the King of Iudah, and certaine others besides with him. And these parties hauehave enter-course or matters passing betwixt them Dtwice: first, while the King of the Assyrians lay against Lachis, a strong Cittie of Iudah, neere vntounto the Westerne Sea (and so was hee already runne thorough the Ios. 15▪ 39. Chr. Adrichom. … Dan. num. 4.Josh 15:39hart of the Coun…rey:) then also, when he remoued thence to Libnah, another citty p. 470neere vntounto it. While as yet hee lay at Lachis, hee sent certaine Captaines of his 2 King. 18: 17 … chr. 32: 9-15 Isa. 36: 2.2 Kgs 18:17Isa 36:2with a good part of his Army, to Ierusalem, to make a proofe whether they could get King Hezechiah willingly to yeelde: and, to that end, to terrifie him and bring him in mind, that in no wise he was able to stand against him; and, among other terrible mists they should cast before him, that euen his God in whom he trusted, could not deliuer him out of his hands. His Captaines did according to his direction; and 2 King. 18: 17-38. 2 Chro. 32: 16, 18, 19. Isa 36: 2 202 Kgs 18:17–382 Chr 32:162 Chr 32:182 Chr 32:19Isa 36:2were so farre from slipping any part of that which was enioyned, as that they added more, and were therein more wicked than he: leading their A…y against Ierusalem, and in the parly they had with three of the Nobles of Ezechiah, whom at their demand he sent forth (to the walles) vntounto them, vpbraiding them with great weaknes in most insolent manner; and turning their speech to the people besides that were on the Wals, they laboured to terrifie them all that they could, and to allure them vntounto them. When those Commissioners of Hezechiah returned from that their parly, and certified the King of the manner of it, he was much troubled thereat: and thereupon 2 King. 18: 36. 37. 19: 1-4. Isa. 36: 21, 22 37: 1▪ 4. 2 Chr. 32: 20.2 Kgs 18:362 Kgs 18:372 Kgs 18:192 Kgs 18:1–4Isa 36:21Isa 36:222 Chr 32:20both he sent certaine of the chiefe about him, in Sacke-cloth, vntounto the Prophet Isaiah to pray for them; and himselfe in Sacke-cloth likewise (after their penitentiall manner) went vp to the House of the Lord, there to seeke for fauour of him. To this the Prophet Isaiah answered comfortably, that Hezechiah needed not to seare: 2 king. 19: 5-7 Isa. 37: 5-7 2 King. 19: 8-13. Isa 37: 8-13. 2 Chr. 32: 17Isa 37:5–72 Kgs 19:8–13Isa 37:8–132 Chr 32:17that his enemie should do no hurt there, but returne and perish at home. When Senacherib remoued from Lachis and went to Libnah (which was, as it seemeth, vponupon a feare that he conceiued, that the Ethiopians were cōming to ioyne with Hezechiah against him; and, it may be, as to a more conuenient place, to stop their passage, or to be better secured himselfe) then sent he other Messengers, and a letter with them, to the same end as before, but now to hasten him vntounto it, for feare that hee might not tarry about it. Which his letter when Hezechiah had receiued, and read, he againe went vp to the House of the Lord (he hauing all his refuge in him) and spread the letter 2 King. 19: 14-19. Isa. 37: 14-202 Kgs 19:14–19Isa 37:14–20before him, as acquainting him with the insolency and blasphemy of it, and defiring him to take notice of it: and, in that his distresse, to helpe him. We do not reade that now at this time he sent to the Prophet againe; but went himselfe directly to God by prayer: but God doth now by the Prophet send him a more comfortable 2 King. 19: 20-34. Isa. 37: 21-352 Kgs 19:20–34Isa 37:21–35message than before, being first more largely made, and confirmed by a signe; Ethen, for his farther confirmation repeated againe, and more expresly therein deliuered vntounto him. These thinges being passed betwixt the parties, and being now to see, how God in the end tooke vp the matter himselfe, we find that he made a quick 2 Kings. 19: 35-37. 2 Chro. 32: 21. 22. Isa. 37: 36-382 Kgs 19:35–372 Chr 32:212 Chr 32:22Isa 37:36–38and a ready dispatch of it there, in one night (and euen the same after which the Prophet had sent him this second message; and so the Lord made no long tarrying therin) destroying of the most valiant men of his Army, one hundred fourscore and fiue thousand, so that hee was faine to hast home with shame; and himselfe likewise at home, in the Temple of his owne Idoll, euen as hee was worshipping it, and by such as came of his owne bowels also. Which so effectually wrought in the hearts of others, that many brought offerings vntounto Ierusalem, there to offer them vntounto the 2 Chr. 32: 232 Chr 32:23Lord; and praesents likewise vntounto the King: so that now hee was, from this time forward, had in much more honour than before. That which was bee his bodily infirmity, was a grieuous sicknesse which that yeare also he had: as touching which his sickenesse, first we hauehave the Story of that his sicknesse it selfe set down vntounto vsus; then, of one other thing thereunto appertaining. In the Story of his sicknesse it selfe, we find for a time, that his life was despaired: but that soone after there was good hope of recouery againe. His life was a time despaired, first by the extremity of the sicknesse it selfe: then much more, by a message the Prophet brought him. The extremity 2 King. 20: 21 2 Chr. 32: 24 Isa. 38: 1.2 Kgs 20:212 Chr 32:24Isa 38:1of the sicknesse it selfe was such, that it is sayde he was sicke vntounto death, or so dead sicke, as we tearme it, that there was no hope of recouery in him. The message that the Prophet brought him, consisted of two principall partes; and both of the Lord: one, to put his house in order; the other, the reason why so he should do, namely, that he should not liue, but dy. A good order to bee obserued of all, and 2 King. 20: 1 Isa. 38: 1.2 Kgs 20:1Isa 38:1so much the rather, seeing the direction is from God himselfe, that wee should set things in order when we see that God is about to …ut vsus off heere: and, because that p. 471time is euer vncertaine, therefore euer to bee in a readinesse for that poynt also. In that hope of recouerie that soone after arose vntounto him, wee hauehave noted vntounto vsus, first whereuppon it arose vntounto him: then, what was the thing it selfe. It arose vntounto him (as out of a secondarie cause) out of his great sorrow thereon, and praier to God, that 2 King. 20: …, 3 2 Chr. 32 14 Isa. 38: …, 32 Kgs 202 Chr 32:14Isa 38it would please him to deale more fauorably with him. The thing it selfe was, that first hee had assurance giuen: and accordingly did recouer indeede. His assurance was, first by the word of the Prophet; then, by a signe: and both of GOD. The word was, that before the Prophet was yet gone out of the house, the Lord willed 2 king. 20: 4-6 2 Chr. 32: 24 Isa. 38: 4-62 Chr 32:24Isa 38:4–6him to returne againe, and to tell the King, that on those his teares and prayer he had Ftaken compassion on him: and both would giuegive him fifteene yeares longer; and deliuer him besides from those his enemies the Assyrians. The signe that was giuen him, was giuen vponupon the Kings demand; and wherein himselfe had some choice too: 1 kin 20: 8-11 2 Chr. 32: 24 Isa. 38: 7, 8, 1…2 Chr 32:24Isa 38:7Isa 38:8Isa 38:1and it was, that the shaddow in a Sunne-dyall there, should goe back ten such spaces or portions as in that Dyall were noted. But of what quantity of time those spaces were, whether full houres, or more or lesse; as also, whether but onelyonly the shaddow went backe so farre (which was sufficient for that purpose, beeing miraculous enough in it selfe) or whether the Sun it selfe went so farre backe too: as the Text it selfe dooth not declare it, so neyther are the learned agreed on it. According to 2 King. 20: 7 Isa. 38: 212 Kgs 20:7Isa 38:21which promise before, and confirmation after by the signe that was giuen, the King taking a Medicine that the Prophet praescribed, he did recouer. That one other thing heereunto appertaining, is, that writing of Hezechiah which hee made vppon this his Isa. 38: 9-20Isa 38:9–20sicknesse and recouery againe: wherein hee seemeth to hauehave it a principall part of his meaning, to confesse against himselfe the great infirmity of his mind therein, taking it so discomfortably, yea and so vnquietly as he did, that hauing been so carefull as he was to serue God, neuerthelesse he must then bee so soone cut off in the flower of his yeares, when he was not yet forty yeares old, and had not raigned full fourteene yet; but in the end hee acknowledgeth the goodnesse of God therein, and promiseth to be thankfull for it. Wherein it seemeth, that we may very well note (as indeede it is true, that all men hauehave there wants, euen the best that are) two speciall defectes in this good King; one, that he had no better comfort in that his way-gate; the other, that he did no highlier extoll that so speciall fauour of God in his recouery. For as touching that Way-gate of his, or that his departure that was threatned vntounto him, God be thanked there are so faire promises made, & so great good things assured vntounto vsus, in the estate next after ensuing, that although the flesh may well be allowed by course of Nature, to abhorre and repine at our dissolution, especially if wee hauehave some good estate heere, as hee, it may bee, accounted hee had: yet may the faithfull bee very willing, if so it please God, to leaue and abandon whatsoeuer they hauehave heere, to attaine vntounto that which is prouided for them there; and not onelyonly willing, but euen glad and ioyfull, whensoeuer they see the time approaching, that they may bee allowed that happy passage. So likewise, that hee could not so rest in the word of the Prophet for his recouery, and yet could so easily doe it for his departure before, but that now hee must needes hauehave a signe, when neuerthelesse that Prophet was nowe of very speciall reckoning, and long had beene a Gknowne man among them, and knowne that God was wont to deale by him (for he had prophecied all the time of Ahaz his Father, Iotham his Grand-Father, and part Isa. 1: 1.Isa 1:1of the raigne of Ʋzziah his great Grand-Father also, all Kinges of Iudah) when as God now not only bare with that his great infirmity, but yeelded vntounto him and gaue him a signe, and that a very rare one too; and not onelyonly gaue him a speedy and a full recouery but added fifteene yeeres more to his life (a sauour that he neuer heard to bee vouchsafed to any before, nor wee since:) howe likely a thing is it, that any man (lightly) would in such case bee so affected with so strange and admyrable fauour, that hee could not tell, eyther how to beginne, or how to take vp in extolling of it; especially such an one, as was so troubled to heare of his departure before.

17 Neuerthelesse these are none of those infirmities that we spake of before: p. 472Athese latter beeing but onelyonly defects; and that other (his feare of death) so incident vntounto the nature of Man, that it is to be easily censured in any. But those infirmities that we spake of then, and of which wee are to consider now, are but onelyonly those, where-with he is afterward charged: and in those wee are to marke, not onelyonly what those his infirmities were; but withall, how the Lorde did remember him for them. Such as they were, they are, some of them onelyonly noted generally: but one of them, more specially. Those that are noted generally, are two: one, vnthankfulnesse; the other, as the Fountaine whence it proceeded, loftinesse of minde. Wherein he 2 Chr. 32: 252 Chr 32:25was vnthankfull wee hauehave not noted vntounto vsus, nor plaiuely to whom: but in that it is saide, that he did not render according to the reward or fauour that on him was bestowed, and wee read not of any such speciall fauour bestowed on him but onelyonly by God, and part of it by the Ministery of Isaiah the Prophet; out of this it may seeme that it may bee probably gathered, that one way or other hee was not so dutifull to God as be ought to hauehave beene, or not so regardfull to Isaiah. And true it is, that experience teacheth, that good Princes can hardly brooke sometimes, to bee in any thing crossed by a Prophet, as wee sawe in Asa and Amaziah before: and this Story 2 Chr. 15: 10. 25: 15, 16 2 Kings. 20: 16-18. Isa. 39: 5-72 Chr 15:102 Chr 15:252 Chr 15:152 Chr 15:162 Kgs 20:16–18Isa 39:5–7that now we are in, doth plainely shew, that shortly after this Prophet wee speake of came to Hezechiah, as sent from the Lord, and reprooued one speciall thing hee had done. So likewise, wherein his heart was so lifted vp, or wherein he had that loftinesse of minde, we hauehave not set downe vntounto vsus: but an vsuall thing it is, and very incident vntounto the Nature of Man, eyther in prosperity, or vppon any speciall endowment (yea and vponupon a vaine conceite of our owne too, that some such matter is in vsus Bthat is not) in all such cases to take vponupon vsus, not onelyonly before men, but ouer-often, euen before God too. For these it pleased God so to remember him and his people 2 Chr. 32: 25 26.2 Chr 32:25too, that wrath came both vponupon him, and vponupon Iudah and Hierusalem withall; notwithstanding, that they humbled themselues when they had so done: but not in the dayes of Hezechiah; neyther is it declared what that wrath was that heere is spoken of. But seeing that much wrath did afterward indeede fall vponupon them, in the daies of all the Kinges that followed, euen in the dayes of Iosiah, the best of them all (in the end of his raigne) but then especially when the people and their Citties were for the most part destroyed, and such of the people as remained, carryed away captiue to Babylon: hence may we learne, that euen the best men we hauehave, may by their slidings be some part of the cause, of those heauy iudgements that others more wicked doe plucke vponupon them. That one infirmity of his, which is more specially noted vntounto 2 Kings. 20: 12, 13. 2 Chr. 32: 31 Isa. 39: 1, 22 Kgs 20:122 Kgs 20:132 Chr 32:31Isa 39:1Isa 39:2vsus, is, that hee was so open vntounto the Ambassadors of the King and Princes of Babell, who came to congratulate his recouery vntounto him, and to inquire of that wonder that was a little before doone in the Lande (that, it seemeth, which was giuen him for a signe that hee should recouer) acquainting them very vnaduisedly with his whole estate, euen with his very treasure too: but noted withall, that the Lorde left him therein to himselfe; and so may teach vsus, how vndiscreetely the best of vsus all may carry our selues, when we are not specially assisted by God. The punnishment that he had for this, was, that the Prophet denounced vntounto him from the Lorde, that a time 2 Kings. 20: 14 19. Isa. 39: 3-82 Kgs 20:14Isa 39:3–8would come, when all those goodly rich thinges of his, and all that his Progenitors had to that day gathered together, shoulde goe as a prey to Babylon; and that his Seede should bee brought into subiection and seruice there: neuerthelesse, that this should not be till after his time; and the King was glad that it pleased God to vouchsafe him that fauour. A faire warning for all others much rather, not to rouse our selues in those earthly thinges that God dooth giuegive vsus; but to bee so much the more carefull to serue the giuer of them, and our selues to feare, or in humility of minde to beare a low saile in them: as also, that whereas we get so immoderately such thinges together to make our Children great, if our selues glory in them in the meane season, we may thereby ouerthrow all that prouision vntounto our Children, and bring them to Cslauery too. Neuerthelesse, Hezechiah for his time had such peace, and did so shut vp the course of his life, in so good account with his people, that in his buriall they did him the most honour they could.2 Chr. 32: 332 Chr 32:33