Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 18

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 18

p. 473CHAP. 18.

1 THE Kingdome of Iudah beeing thus recouered againe by the gouernment Aof this good King, and this recouery being begun while yet the Kingdome of Israell stood, and continuing many yeares after: now are wee to see, in what case they stood, after that they had so faire a warning in their Bretheren (and so strong, they being now cast off for euer;) and when God, after that reiection of their Brethren, had giuen themselues about one hundred thirty & three years to settle them in, and to take better hold. But heerein we shall see, that neither this sharpe warning that now God had giuen them, neyther this good time that after it they had to settle themselues vntounto better, did much auaile them; but that still they were afterward such as they were before: first, for the time that immediatly followed; then, for all the rest of their time that after ensued. In the time that immediatly followed, was the raigne of Manasseth, succeeding his Father Hezechias in the Kingdome. In whose time, Manasseh. 14.by the reason of their King that so did lead them, they did notably fall away againe; and were for the same accordingly punished: but how long that reuoulting of theirs continued, wee hauehave no where declared. It is plainely set downe, that the King 2 King. 20: 21. 21: 1. 2 Chr. 32: 33-34: 1. 2 King 21: 1, 9, 11, 16. 2 Chr. 33: 1-9 2. Chr. 3…: 12, 1…. Ioā. wolph. in 2 Reg. 21. 1.2 Kgs 20:212 Kgs 20:12 Chr 32:33–342 Chr 32:12 Kgs 21:12 Kgs 21:92 Kgs 21:112 Kgs 21:162 Chr 33:1–92 Chr 3:122 Chr 3:1himselfe did lead them vntounto it: and that he did raigne very long, longer than any of his Progenitors before, euen fiue and fifty yeares; and, that he was but twelue years old when he beganne. But then we hauehave it deliuered withall, that afterward he repented him of his Idolatry and looser waies, and restored the true worship of God againe: but neither is it plainely set downe, neyther may it (so farre as I see yet) by circumstance be gathered about what time of his raigne it was that so hee repented. The Hobrewes are of opinion, and S. Hierom, it seemeth, by them, that a long time he was in that his amendment. But seeing in the Bookes of the Kinges there is no mention at all of his repentance, but altogether of his foule Apostasie and sin, and 2 King. …1: 6. 2 Chr. 33: 62 Kgs 1:62 Chr 33:6when hee had Children (which for certaine yeares after first he began to raigne, hee could not hauehave) hee then committed foule Idolatry with them, it may se me rather thereby, that that his sinne was the most praedominant, or the most conspicuous thing in his raigne, because it onelyonly is spoken of there: and then, that his repentance and Bamendment is more likely thereby to hauehave beene towardes the end of his raigne. So likewise, seeing himselfe was not able to gouerne his Kingdome when first hee came to it, being then but twelue yeares old; and we heard noted before, that Hezechiah his Father was not the man towardes God that he ought to hauehave beene, after al those fauours receiued: hence may it seeme, that Hezechiah himselfe, towards the ende of his raigne, did grow more carelesse of Religion than before; both for that hee left so corrupt men behinde him to hauehave the gouernment of his Sonne, as, it seemeth he did; and for that there is such probability as there is, that his Sonne also was no better instructed. Who at those yeares, with reasonable industry or paines taking, might other-wise hauehave beene brought to some reasonable good vnderstanding and knowledge of the truth: and, if his Father had been resolute and forward it is most likely (by the vsuall course of Gods dealing) to some special good liking therof also. In what sort he offended, during the time (whether it were lesse or more) that he aboade in that his since, wee hauehave not onelyonly set downe what his sinne … it selfe was: but withall, how offensiue it was vntounto God. That wee may the better see, what his sinne it selfe was, we are to marke, that first we hauehave relation of that wherein he drew in the people also to offend with him; then, of such others, … did more specially concerne but himselfe: and, that is order is twice obserued. In the former of which, beginning with those wherein he drew in the people also to bee offenders with him, p. 474first wee hauehave his sinne set downe but generally: but then, in diuers particulars besides. Generally it is saide, that hee did euill in the fight of the Lord, after the … King. 21: 2 2 Chr 33: 2.2 Chr 33:2abhomination of the Heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the Children of Israell. In that which is set downe more specially of him, first wee hauehave noted what he did else-where in all other places besides: then, what hee did in the house of the Lord. In his doinges else-where, hee is first noted to bee contrary to his Father, building vp the High-places againe, that his Father had broken downe before; Ibid. 3. 2 Chr. 33: 32 Chr 33:3and to bee like vntounto Ahab, both in erecting Altars to Baal, and making a Groue (a degenerate Imp in the meane season:) and that besides, hee worshipped all the hoast of Heauen, and serued them. Comming to the House of the Lorde, first for the House it selfe, he built Altars (to others) there (as we in our Churches, Ibid. 4, 5. 2 Chr. 33: 4, 52 Chr 33:42 Chr 33:5hauehave worshipped others also) which house was ordained onelyonly for him: then, in both the Courts of the house, he built Altars also, euen to all the Hoast of Heauen. Such as in this place did more specially concerne himselfe, are the next that follow: Cand therein hauehave wee noted, first what those thinges were; then, as it seemeth, in what measure he imployed himselfe therein. They were, that he caused his Sons Ibid 6. 2 Chr. …: 6 Ibid.to passe thorough the fire: and gaue himselfe to Witch-craft and Sorcery; and vsed those that had familiar Spirites, and South-saiers. The measure by which it seemeth he imployed himselfe therein, belike was great, for that it is said he wrought much euill (therein it seemeth, or at least it may be so taken too, if otherwise it bee not more generall) in the sight of the Lord, to anger him withall. In the latter of them, there is but one thing noted wherein he drew in the people to offend with him: but in this, wee hauehave not onelyonly that particular fault of his; but also how the Lord was offended with him and the people, for this and the rest. In his fault we hauehave noted likewise, not onelyonly what that fault of his was: but, more plainely heere than before, how he drew in the people with him. His fault now was, that hauing made a certaine Image of a Groue, that did hee set in house of the Lord likewise. Ibid. 7. 2 Chr. 33: 7 Ibid. 7. 2 Chr. 33: 7 Ibid. …. 2 Chr. 33: 8 Ibid. 9. 2 Chr. 33: 9 Ibid. 10 15▪ 2 Chr. …3: 102 Chr 33:72 Chr 33:82 Chr 33:92 Chr 3:10Which sinne of his, is againe amplyfied by the originall vse of the place: first towardes GOD, that it was properly dedicated to him; then, on behalfe of the people, that it was a pledge vntounto them, that they should neuer remooue thence againe, if they obserued for their part the couenant betwixt them. He so drew in the people with him, that they obeyed not (according to their couenant before) but were led out of the way by him, to doe more wickedly than the Heathen people whom the Lord (for their wickednesse) destroyed before the Children of Israel. The Lord was so offended with him and the people for this and the rest, that hee tooke purpose to bring heauy iudgments on them for it: and to that end by certain of his Seruants the Prophets he acquainted them with it, and namely, that he wold deale with them as he had done with Samaria and the house of Ahab before, euen vtterly forsaking them, and deliuering them ouer to their enemies on eueryevery side; but they made no reckoning thereof. That which in this place did more specially concerne himselfe, was, that he shed much innocent bloud, and, as it were, euen Ibid. 16.filled Hierusalem with it. In which point, the Hebrewes do more specially charge him, that notwithstanding hee had married the Prophet Isaies Daughter (as they also conceiue) yet he spared not him neyther, but most cruelly put him to death among others. But it may probably seeme, that if it were so, it would hauehave beene mentioned heere, both for the strangenesse of the fact, and for the dignity of Esaies person, being so notable a Prophet long as he had beene, and of such Parent age as it seemeth hee was. The punnishment that at this time they had for this, is but Dbreefely described; as if all were shut vp in the person of the King: namely, that the Lord brought vppon them the Captaines of the Hoast of the King of Ashur, who 2 Chr. 33: 112 Chr 33:11tooke Manasses, and put him in Fetters, and bound him with Chaines, and so carried him to Babel. But when as so they dealt with the King, wee may well conceiue, that there were many others that smarted besides. In the rest of their time that after ensued, they were twice set vp againe; but stood no better than before: so that in eyther of them wee are to see, first how they were againe set vp; then, how ill it was that they stood. The former of these was in the daies of him that now wee p. 475speake of; and of his Sonne who next succeeded him in his King …: they being againe set vp in the former of them; and falling downe againe in the latter. As touching their setting vp again by Manasses the former of the… that now we speak of, we are giuen to vnderstand, that in that his tribulation he humbled himselfe vntounto the Lord, and in such sort sought vntounto him, that the Lord was intreated of him, 2 Chro. 33: 12, 13. Ibid. 14-172 Chr 33:122 Chr 33:13and so brought him home againe, and restored him vntounto his Kingdome: and that he thereupon (besides some other workes that hee did) …olished the Idolatry hee had set vp, and aduaunced the true worship of God again; and yet not …o …, but that the people did sacrifice still in the High-places, though to none other now but onelyonly to God. A kinde of reformation that in some part … that is to be seene in ouer many of the greater sort of ours also: especially, so farre as our seuerall Churches may bee resembled to that Temple of theirs; and the greater sort among vsus to that whole people of them. For albeit, that among vsus also corrupt Religion be much abolished, and the true worship of God againe restored: yet the greater sort among vsus eueryevery where almost, do but few of them, and seldome repaire to their Parish-Churches, there to worship with the rest of their bretheren in the congregation, to help forward others by their example; but onelyonly worship, or hauehave Diuine Seruice at home in their owne houses (and that sometimes by Lads too, or some base seruant of theirs) in such High-places as they hauehave there, yet (God bee thanked) doing their worship onelyonly to God. But now for the people of Iudah generally, seeing Idolatry was now abolished, and the true worship of God restored vntounto them, they might not deny, but that now they were in good measure set vp or restored againe: though yet notwithstanding his credit was not so raised among his owne people, but that (whatsoeuer conceit they had of him) when hee died, they did not vouchsafe to bury him among the Kinges his praedecessors, but 2 King. 20: 18 2 Chr. 33: 202 Kgs 20:182 Chr 33:20onelyonly in his owne Garden at home.

2 Their falling away at this time is not plainely set down, but onelyonly imployed: Anamely, that Manasses being departed Amon his sonne succeeded him in his Kingdome; Amon. 15.and raigned two yeares; and was a very bad one, after the former waies of his 2 King. 21: 18. 19. 2 Chr. 33: 20, 21.2 Kgs 21:182 Kgs 21:192 Chr 33:202 Chr 33:21Father. So, for his departure or falling away, there is nothing spoken, but onelyonly of the King himselfe: but when the King himselfe is so corruptly giuen, wee may easily conceiue, that the people did soone follow after. As touching his Story, his raign, we see, was but short: and so we may easily conceiue, that his Story will not be long. In it we hauehave, first how he sinned: then, how he was punnished. His sin wee hauehave set downe, first generally: then, more specially. Generally, that he did euill in thē 2 King. 21: 20 2 Chr. 33: 22 2 King. 21: 21, 22. 2 Chr. 33: 22, 23. 2 King. 21: 23, 24. 2 Chr. 33: 24, 25.2 Kgs 21:202 Chr 33:222 Kgs 21:212 Kgs 21:222 Chr 33:232 Kgs 21:232 Kgs 21:242 Chr 33:242 Chr 33:25sight of the Lord, as his Father Manasses did. More specially hee is noted, to hauehave followed the waies of his father in his Idolatry, and that to hauehave done more & more; but neuer to hauehave repented himselfe thereof as his Father had done: and farther to hauehave added, that he quite forsooke the Lord God of his Fathers, and walked not in his way. His punnishment was, that his seruants conspired against him, and slew him in his owne house: which fact notwithstanding the Lord so auenged by others soone after, that when it had done his iust iudgement on one that had so much prouoked his wrath against him, it might not then stand as an vnpunnished example to others.

3 The latter of these reacheth throughout the Story of all that follow: and Afirst againe, how they were yet once more restored; then, how fouly they fel away after. Restored they were by him who next succeeded, Iosiah his Sonne, whom the Iosiah, 16:people made King in stead of his father: who being so taken to the kingdome when 2 King. 21: 26. …2: 1. 2 Chr. 33: 25. 34: 1.2 Kgs 21:262 Kgs 21:22 Kgs 21:12 Chr 33:252 Chr 33:342 Chr 33:1he was but young, beeing then but a very child, of eight yeares age, held thē Kingdome indeed a good time, one and thirty yeares; but yet by his owne aduenture was soone cut off in the flower of his age, so that he neuer came vntounto sorry. Of which his one and thirty yeares raigne, eight yeares there are, in which it seemeth, we hauehave no Story of him, namely till he was sixteene yeares old, which was the eight yeare of his raigne: during which time it may well be, that the estate of the people was but pitifull p. 476still, much like … Amon his Father did leaue it; yet now (by likelihood) growing … better. Insomuch that whereas it is saide of his whole gouernment generally, … King. 22: … 2 Chr. 34: 22 Chr 34:2that he did vprightly in the fight of the Lord, and walked in all the waies of Dauid his Father, and bowed neyther to the right hand nor to the left, it seemeth to appertaine Bbut to that part of his raigne, wherein growing to discretion and iudgement, himselfe began to deale in the affaires of his Kingdome. Which when hee did, wee hauehave noted vntounto vsus, both how he made his enterance thereinto at the first: and how well he did imploy himselfe therein afterward also. When hee made his enterance thereinto at the first, the first thing that we reade of, was, that hee began to seeke after 2 Chr. 34: 32 Chr 34:3the God of Dauid his Father: and that so hee did while yet bee was but a child; which also is there noted to bee, in the eight yeare of his raigne, when hee was about sixteene yeares old. Those good imployments of his that followed after, are sorted to two speciall times of his raigne: some to the twelfth yeare of his raigne, when himselfe was twenty yeares old; others, to the eighteenth of his raigne, when himselfe was sixe and twenty. VntoUnto the twelfth yeare of his raigne we hauehave some thinges very plainely ascribed: but then hauehave wee some others besides, that are not knowne then to be done, but onelyonly by something that followeth after. Those that are in plaine tearmes to it ascribed, are, that hee destroyed Idols and Idolatry, first in 2 Chr. 34: 3-72 Chr 34:3–7Iudah and Ierusalem: then, in many Citties of Israell besides, such it seemeth as had ioyned themselues to Iudah. Those others besides which were done then also, or Tremel. Iun.thereabout (betwixt that, and the eighteenth following) and yet are not knowne then to bee done but by something that followeth after, is the order that was taken for a collection to get in Money for the repairing of the Temple. For in the eighteenth yeare order being taken for the bestowing of it, being come in somewhat afore, 2 King. 22: 3-9 2 chr. 34: 8-132 Kgs 22:3–9there may be no quaestion of it, but that order was likewise taken before how it might be first gotten in. VntoUnto the eighteenth yeare of his raigne, when he was of the age of sixe and twenty, are diuers thinges ascribed: some that the King had in purpose to do; others that fell out by occasion. That which hee had in purpose to doe; was, that by that time hauing gotten some reasonable quantity of Money in, 2 King. 22▪ 3. 23: 23. 2 Chr. 34: 8. 35: 19.2 Kgs 22:32 Kgs 22:232 Chr 34:82 Chr 34:352 Chr 34:19they set in hand with repairing of the Lordes House: and that as themselues had so good a care of it, so it pleased God to blesse them with such workmen, as dealt very well and faithfully with them in the businesse to them committed. In that which fell out by occasion, we are to consider, first, of the occasion we speake of: then, of that which was done thereupon. The occasion was in that the High-Priest, finding a Booke of the Lawe, as hee was repairing or clensing the Temple, acquainted the 2 King. 22: 8-10. 2 Chr. 34▪ 14-18.2 Kgs 22:8–102 Chr 34:14–18King therewith, by those Messengers that the King had sent vntounto him about other businesse. That which was done thereunto, was, first to vnderstand the will and Cpleasure of God therein: then, to doe thereafter so neere as he could. To vnderstand the will and pleasure of God therein, first he sought but vntounto the Booke that so was sent him: but then hee sought farther to the Lord himselfe. He sought but vntounto the Booke that was sent him, when he gaue eare to the reading of it: but that 2 King. 22: 10, 11. 2 Chr. 34: 16-19.2 Kgs 22:102 Kgs 22:112 Chr 34:16–19it appeareth, he effectually did (a good example, of what force euen Reading also is, with those that are zealous indeede) both for that hee did conceiue that sorrow thereon; & because he did so specially sent about farther enquiry. In that farther inquiry about which he sent, it shall be good for vsus to marke what course was held therein: and how to apply it to our vse also. The course that was held therein, was, first on the Kings part, both that he sent very speciall men about it; and that his direction 2 King. …: 12-20. 2 Chr. 34: 20-2….2 Chr 34:20vntounto them was, that they should enquire of the Lord: then, on theirs, that they went to one Huldah, a woman, then also in the estate of Wedlock, it seemeth, but a Prophetesse, to inquire of her concerning this matter; & hauing conferred with her about it, they so returned to the K. againe, bringing to him her iudgement thereon. To our vse we may apply it, if we also doe so resolue, that to inquire of those with whom we see the spirit of God in such sort to be, as that they hauehave a reuerend regard to his holy word, and are of an humble and peaceable temper withall, first in the ordinary Ministery that he hath giuen vsus; then also, if it faile there, in any other whatsoeuer, is to inquire of the Lord (at least, so farre as there is nothing p. 477deliuered by them, but that which agreeth with the word it selfe:) and heere, in this Story, we may see, that we hauehave the iudgement and course of a sort of speciall men, chosen by a godly and a vertuous King, one of them also the High-Priest himselfe, concurring with vsus. Neyther at this time did the Prophetesse her-selfe say any more, than any of the Priests or Leuites, or any other that had diligently and in good manner exercised themselues in the Book of the Law, might out of it as fully hauehave done: sauing onelyonly, that shee applyed the promise that was made generally to all, to him that now sent to inquire of her; of which another, onelyonly by the word, might also hauehave giuen a very good hope, though not such certainty as she then did, in that particular, the heartes and truth of the wayes of men being knowne onelyonly to God, and to whom it shall please him to reueale them. For the Lord had so opened his mind before for such matters, by the Mynistery of Moses, in two seuerall places, to that Leu. 26: 3-45 Deut▪ 28: 1-6…Lev 26:3–45Deut 28:1–6end specially directed (besides all others that else-where came in by occasion) that euen out of those only might that censure be gathered, that the Prophetesse now gaue Dvntounto them: especially, if we lay thereunto, that which God himselfe deliuered to Salomon, when he had builded, and did dedicate the Temple vntounto him; which it (it may 1 King. 9: 2 9 2 chr. 7: 11-221 Kgs 9:2be) was then also written and added to that Coppy of the Booke of the Law, if not, yet must it of necessity bee of fresh remembrance of them, so many as had regard to such matters. It may be also, that God had not acquainted the Prophetesse howe Iosias should in the end ouerthrow himselfe, and by his folly fall into the handes of his Enemies: and that hee opened no more vntounto her, but for those matters about which he sent, that none of those should fall in his time; but that, for any thing that thereof should fal vponupon him, he should be brought to his Graue in peace. Thus vnderstanding the will and pleasure of God for that matter, and therein, that his wrath was sore bent against the whole Land for those Idolatryes of theirs, and other sinnes which they had committed, he setteth in had to make redresse for those matters now: first by gathering the whole people to make a new couenant with God; then, by doing certaine speciall seruices besides. To gather the whole people to make a newe 2 king. 23: 1-3 2 Chr. 34: 29-32.2 Chr 34:29–32couenant with God, hee first sent for, and gathered together to Hierusalem all the Elders, and the people great and small; and himselfe read, as it seemeth, or at least caused to be read, in the eares of the people, the Booke of the Couenant: then, both himselfe first entered into the couenant, or made couenant with the Lorde, that thence-forward he would doe according to the Lawes and ordinances in that Book praescribed vntounto them; and then caused all the people there assembled to do the like. In those speciall seruices that he did vntounto God besides, we are to consider, first what they were: then, that although they were speciall seruices indeede, yet did they not praeuaile so farre with God, as we might easily conceiue that they should. To finde out that they were speciall good seruices to God, if we mark, we may note, that they were of two sorts: one, the abolishing of much of the euill that was among them; the other, that he likewise set in hand with some speciall worship of God. The euill that he abolished, was, for the most part, Idolatry, and such things as did belong vntounto it; but partly also, both that sinne against nature, and Diabolicall Arts and practises 2 King. 23: 4▪ 20, 24. 2 Chr. 34: 33 2 King. 23: 92 Kgs 23:42 Kgs 23:202 Kgs 23:242 Chr 34:332 Kgs 23:9besides: and not onelyonly for Idolatry, but for other corrupt worshipping also, hee was so resolute (for by his direction it is most likely to bee) that the Priestes of the High-places might not after minister in the House of the Lord (though they in those high places had worshipped none other but onelyonly the Lorde, and not any Idols: for then had their case beene all one with the others) but onelyonly, on theyr conformity, Ewere allowed to hauehave their sustenance with the rest of the Priestes, of the auailes that out of the offerings of the people were allotted vntounto them. That speciall worship of God wherewith likewise he did set in hand now, was the ordinary Seruice of God there in the Temple: and holding of a Passe-ouer vntounto the Lord. But the former of these is in such sort enterlaced in the Story of the other, that it seemeth, the latter of them was his principall intention: and the former of them, but for the better performance 2 Chr. 35: 2-6, 10, 11, 15, 16 Ibi. 1, 6-9, 11-14, 16. 17. 2 King. 23: 212 Chr 35:2–62 Chr 35:102 Chr 35:112 Chr 35:152 Chr 35:162 Kgs 23:21of the other. Neuerthelesse it is plaine, that he tooke good order for the former too: and that it was accordingly performed. But the latter of them was performed in very rare manner: not onelyonly the King and his Nobles, the Priestes and p. 478Leuites beeing praesent at it, but the Inhabitantes of Hierusalem also, and all Iudah and many of these Israelites that then remained; and what by the King and his Nobles, and certaine other principall Fathers, there were giuen vntounto it three thousand eyght hundred Bullockes, and of lesser Cattle, Sheepe, Goates, Lambes, and Kids, thirty seauen thousand and sixe hundred. Insomuch that it is plainely saide, that 2 King. 23: 22 2 Chr. 35: 182 Kgs 23:222 Chr 35:18since the daies of Samuell, there was neuer the like: nor, that any of the Kings, euer at any time, kept any such. That neuertheles these good seruices of his, did not so much praeuaile with God, as we might easily conceiue that they should, it shall be good for vsus not onelyonly to note, what it is which heere to that purpose is said: but that our selues doe marke likewise, whether wee may not espy some such defect therein, as that wee may the rather account that it is no maruell if they praeuailed no farther than they did. That which here to that purpose is said, is, that when it is before acknowledged, that none of the Kinges before him were in godly disposition like vntounto him: yet dooth it 2 King. 23: 25 Ibid. 26, 272 Kgs 23:25follow immediatly after, that the Lord notwithstanding turned not frō the fiercenes of his wrath; but held on his purpose still to put Iudah out of his sight, as he had don Israell before (which was, after the time of Christ, fully performed) and therewithal, euen Hierusalem the head Citty thereof, and the Temple it selfe. The defect that we may see in this his seruice to God, is no more but this: that whereas wee hauehave so speciall mention of this one Passe-ouer held, it seemeth hee held no moe; especially, seeing he and others were at so great charges with it. But it is plaine, that the Law of God required it to be yearely done: and so it may seeme, that although himselfe were passing well minded (as hee hath indeede notable testimony giuen him therein) yet the sway of former disusage dazled his eyes so farre, that himselfe also could rest contented, if he could obtaine of his people, that they would hold one such Passe-ouer vntounto the Lord, as now he had done. And true it is indeede, that Fwhen some generall corruption hath once ouer-flowed any people, and for some time hath lien vponupon them: then may there be among such, diuers of them sincerely giuen, and maruelous well minded; and yet notwithstanding very defectiue, euen in their best seruices whatsoeuer. But then may this teach vsus withall, that it is not sufficient to be passing well mi…ed in our selues, vnlesse wee farther endeuour, to get our selues in all thinges (appertaining to our duty to God) fully intormed of the will and pleasure of God; and that then we set in hand to do accordingly: and we are farther to take heede in our selues (though we finde no reason to charge Iosias with it; but good testimony to cleere him rather) that we neuer thinke to make some one pompaticall peece of seruice, that we will more specially doe vntounto God, to stand in steede of such ordinary seruice as he requireth. LoueLove mee a little, and louelove mee long (a prouerb oft times vsed among vsus) may well bee allowed to hauehave some place in such thinges also: experience it selfe so often teaching, that many (of the greater sort, especially) among vsus (and of the meaner too, that in their kinde would, some way or other, be as great as they could) although after a sort they do professe, and seeme to be well minded also, yet seldome doe they frequent the publique exercise of our Religion, but onelyonly after a portly manner; and yet looke that those seldome repairings of theirs vntounto it, should by the weight of the pomp or portlinesse of them, counterpois the vsuall repairings of others, nothing indeede so great in shew, but in simplicity and plaine dealing, eueryevery of them (for the most part) as good as theirs.

4 Hauing thus raigned till he came to the point of one and thirty yeares, we Aare now to see, how by his owne needlesse aduenturing, himselfe was slaine; and his Kingdome surprized by Forraigne power: one of the most pittifull accidents, that euer befell the Kingdome of Iudah; and such as was the very beginning of all their calamity, themselues neuer seeing so much as one good day after, so long as they stoode a people or state in their owne Land. But in it, it shall bee good to note, not onelyonly the Story it selfe: but howe it may bee to good vse applyed. The Story 2 King. 23: 29, 30. 2 Chr. 35▪ 20-24.2 Kgs 23:292 Kgs 23:302 Chr 35:20–24it selfe is in effect no more but this. The King of Egypt going to warfare against the King of Assyria, and purposing to goe vp against his enemie, euen to Carchemish, p. 479a Citty neere to the riuer Euphrates, and so to the heart (as it seemeth) of his dominions, or neere vntounto it: the King of Iudah would needes impeach his passage by the way, on no occasion that the Text recordeth, being also by the King of Egypt specially warned to the contrary, and, as he pretended, from God himselfe; and taking his deaths wound in the field, he was carried home to Ierusalem, and so Bdyed there, and was buried. In which his pittifull ouerthrow, the stranger that this iudgement of God is, that so good a Prince so soone miscarried, without any speciall offence of his that wee read of going before, though there be no question but that God had very iust cause so to cut him off: yet is it good for vsus, so much the rather to look into it, and to see whether we also may not espy, that as the case was, there could bee no better end expected of it. That, it seemeth, wee may gather, first for that the Text it selfe doth not shew, that hee had any iust cause so to aduenture himselfe as he did: then much rather, for that some things it hath, that seeme to conuince him of inordinate dealing therein. Seeing the Text it selfe doth not shew, that hee had any iust cause vntounto it, wee may well doubt that hee had not: although it be the most mens iudgements, that he feared (as in reason he might, if he Lyr. Va…a…. …ib. A…. Io. wolph.had not the better security one way or other) the surprizing of his owne Realme thereby; and that thereupon he went and gaue him battle. But what neede hee in such case to giuegive him battle when as to that end it had beene sufficient to hauehave beene there with his forces where he thought there might be danger; or so to hauehave disposed of them, as had been meetest to such a purpose: and not to hauehave strucken, till he had seene there had beene neede? Those things that are in the Text it selfe, are two: one, how Pharaoh endeuoured to satisfie him therein; the other, the manner of Pharaohs passage. He endeuoured to satisfie Iosias in that matter, very orderly and carefully, as it seemeth: both sending him word that he meant no 2 Chr. 35: 20, 21.2 Chr 35:202 Chr 35:21hurt vntounto him, and that GOD had sent him against those his enemies against whom hee went (the Text also bearing him witnesse, that hee sayde truely therein;) and warning him besides, not so farre to oppose himselfe against God, least hee sped thereafter. Now true it is, that Iosiah could not know him to say truely therein: but seeing hee disclaimed to hauehave any purpose against him, and farther praetended that the Lorde had sent him about that businesse, and willed him to make hast therein; it had beene no lesse than neighbour-hood or good dealing, betwixt man and man, had required, in such case to hauehave helde of his handes, till hee had seene farther cause to bee stirring. As touching Pharaohs passage, it is commonly taken, that he was to passe thorough the Kingdome of Iosias, or some parte of it (as by those before recited:) and true it is, that Iudea did lie much in the way. But wee doe not reade, that hee sent vntounto him for any passage that way as it is the manner of men in such case to doe: especially such, as meane no hurt vntounto them by whom they would passe, as it was professed by the King of Egypt in respect of the Kingdome of Iudah. So did Moses before: first of the Edomites; then, of the Amorites. CNum. 20: 14-21. 21: 21, 22Num 20:14–21Num 20:21Num 20:22And the truth is, that hee had other passages besides: both on the right hand; and on the left. By the right hand hee might hauehave passed, by the South ende of the dead-Sea; and so hauehave left all Iudah on his left hand: but it appeareth by the place where they me… that hee went not that way. By the left hand it is most likely hee went: and that might hee doe, eyther by Land, or by Sea. If hee would goe by Land, then was hee to goe along by the Sea-side, called by them the great Sea, and is the same which is called the Middle-Earth-Sea with vsus, or the p. 480Lenant Sea, by the ende of which all the Land of Israell is bounded on the West. Which way if he held, then hee was to goe by the Countrey of the Philistims, and through the Tribes: of Simeon and Dan, and by the west ends of Ephraim, and the one halfe of Manasses, before he should come to the place where Iosias was to stop his passage: and so all the way to hauehave had Iudah on his right hand. But I see no great probability that he went this way, becauses Iosias being purposed to be in his way, he might hauehave done that more to his aduantage a great deale much sooner, euen when first he came to the Philistims, and all the way after: whereas now he was first to go cleane out of the praecincts of all Iudah and Beniamin, and to passe through the whol Tribe of Ephraim, and all that halfe Tribe of Manasses, before hee could come to the place where hee gaue battle to the Aegiptians; but then could hauehave no colour at all to doe it, when as they had passed all the way so neere vntounto him before, and yet had neuer offered him any such dealing. So that the likeliest is, that whereas the Valley or Plaine of Megiddo, where the battle was giuen, was in the Tribe of Issachar, but indeede belonging to that halfe of Manasses that was neerest vntounto Ios. 17: 11. Christ. Adrichō i… Issachar. …. 28.Josh 17:11it, and neere vntounto that Sea side that lay towardes Aegipt, the King of Aegypt came with his Army thither by Sea: and that after he had taken Land to goe on his iourney (and this way lay very fit for him) he had this battle giuen by Iosias. This doe I thinke so much the more likely, for that it is sayde by the King of Aegypt, 2 Chr. 35: 252 Chr 35:25that God had commaunded him to make hast in that his voyage. For so might he free himselfe and his Army of diuers cumbrances in passage that other-wise hee was likely enough to hauehave by Land; and the better auoyde the rumor of his comming against his Enemies, which by this meanes was like to bee much lesse, than if hee had gone all his iourney by Land. If it were so, though Pharaoh, beeing landed there, might hauehave turned some-what backe vppon the Kingdome of Iosias, (for such thinges are some-times in pollicy doone:) yet by his landing so farre off from him, hee had the lesse apparant cause to doubt him: and wee reade of no intelligence he had to the contrary. The knowledge of the place whither the King of DAegypt was going with his Army, were likely to helpe vsus much to knowe the way that he tooke, if wee could attaine to the knowledge of it, neere vntounto what part of Euphrates it stood. But that (I thinke) dooth not appeare, not onelyonly by any of our commentaries, but also not by Pliny before, nor Ptolomy after, nor by our late Geographers since. There bee that hauehave thought this Carchemish to hauehave beene Tremel. I…. Fra. I…▪Zeugma; but one of them since dooth varry, and goeth to another which dooth much neere resemble the name: but neyther doth hee shew in what part of Euphrates it standeth; and it is knowne vntounto all, that the Riuer is of great length. But if it were Zeugma, as first they both agreed, it indeede stood very fit for the course that (it seemeth) Pharaoh was in: and it is noted, to yeelde a speciall good passage Plin. lib. 5. 6. 24ouer Euphrates. For it standeth from the place where the battle was strucken, in a manner, in right line beyonde Damascus: but that they say, it was the lowest Ortel. in Asia. Adric. in Theatro. …r sancte.passage ouer Euphrates, belike they hauehave their authority for it; other-wise so standing, that it leaueth a greater part of the Riuer (by farre) beneath it, than it is aboue. As also it seemeth much to crosse that other Cercusium which Mayster Iunius rather leaneth vntounto now, for that by the selfe-same place of Ammianus which there hee recyteth, it is most likely, that there also was passage ouer Euphrates, for that it was made a border-fortification to praeuent the dammage that before they had, by the incursion of the peoples adioyning: and then must it eyther be aboue the other (and then was it farther out of the way, and more vnlikely to bee the place that is spoken of heere) or else the other must not bee the lowest passage ouer that Riuer, but (rather of the two) leaue this to bee most likely to bee the place (if it were the lowest passage) though the other bee in name more like vntounto it, at least if there bee no more than yet appeareth. Endeauouring to apply it to good vse, wee may so doe, first generally to all: then, to one sort of people more specially. To all generally, first that such as are best of all giuen to the aduancement of Gods glory heere, are yet to take heede, that they not so account of Gods protection for the same, as that any way they put themselues in danger inordinately; p. 481himselfe hauing a promise before, that for those euils that were to come vponupon 2 King 2…: …0 2 Chr. 34: 282 Kgs 22 Chr 34:28the Land after his time, and about which hee sent to inquire) hee should bee brought to his Fathers in peace: then, that the sinne of men may bee so great, that though after they doe neuer so well, as Iosias now did, yet may not the course of Gods determinate iudgements euer bee stayed. That one sort of people whom it 2 King 22: 15 17. 2 Chr. 34: 23-25.2 Kgs 22:152 Chr 34:23–25concerneth more specially, are all Idolatrous and superstitious persons, who may Etake a speciall good warning here: namely, that they take good heed, that they conceiue not well of their Idolatry or superstition, if at any time they see, that such as hauehave opposed themselues against it, as Iosias mightily did, hauehave some hard end in the iudgement of the world, as he also had; though otherwise, in many respectes, eueryevery very fauourable also.

5 But though Iosias himselfe nowe perrished; yet left hee the people in good case for the truth of Religion, and of the worshippe of God among them: Athough very soone after they left it againe; and so continued in the daies of all theyr Kinges that next succeeded. Concerning whom, such is the Story now succeeding, as may iustly seeme to require, first that it bee some-thing considered vppon generally: but then that wee come to the Story of eueryevery of them more specially. Generally no more but this, that from this praesent, the estate of the Kingdome of Iudah was very pittifull, and a right patterne of a people vntounto whom GOD did lay theyr sinnes to theyr charge, though nothing so deepely as they deserued, yet in great measure too. Now, that their owne sinnes had so deserued, is a matter so plaine, that no body can be ignorant of it. But another thing there is, that it may be, would not bee espyed of many; and yet is right woorthy to bee marked of all: namely, that all this calamity, after a sort, and in some respect descended from Iosias too; very plainely in respect of his owne person, and to bee doubted too in respect of his Children. In respect of owne person, it was very playnely, for that hee was so prodigall of his owne safety, or did venture it so farre as hee 2 Chr. 35: 24, 25.2 Chr 35:242 Chr 35:25did: and therefore no maruayle, that all Iudah and Hierusalem generally, the Prophet Ieremie, and many others in particular, did so much bewayle that pittyfull accident of his miscarrying. A very speciall good warning to all that hauehave charge, or vppon whom the good estate of any dependeth, not to bee so carelesse of theyr own safety, as many are (euen good Princes too some-times:) least that so they make themselues aunswerable, for whatsoeuer calamity thereby commeth in to others on them depending. In respect of his Children it may be doubted, because he had so many of them that came to the stand, and not one of them all of any valew to that purpose: and yet had they better than two and twenty yeares among them, wherein to shew foorth what vertues they had, if they had any; the estate of the Kingdome so long standing, though after that needlesse conflict of Iosias, but after a ruine-like and weltering manner. For this praesent Story maketh mention of three of them that came to the Kingdome: and one other place there is that maketh mention of the fourth also sometime to hauehave raigned. Those three B2 King. 23: 30, 34. 2 Chr. 36: 1. 4, 10.2 Kgs 23:302 Kgs 23:342 Chr 36:12 Chr 36:42 Chr 36:10are, Iehoahaz (who is called Iohanan) set vppe by the people, and then Eliakim and Mattaniah called also Zedechia, both of them set vp by forraigne power: the one, by the King of Aegipt; the other, by the King of Babylon. The fourth that wee speake of, is Shallum, noted also to be the Son of Iosiah, and that he raigned for Iosiah 1 Chr. 3: 15. Ier. 22: 11.1 Chr 3:15Jer 22:11his Father. But seeing the time that followed the raigne of Iosias, till the time that the kingdome was cleane ouerthrowne, is by the Story successiuely ascribed to the other three, therfore is it conceiued that it might be this was the eldest, although he be Laur. Codomā. in A…ali…. in ā. 3512 fol. 38 1 King. 1: 51 Kgs 1:5last named in the former of those two places, or otherwise on whatsoeuer motiue stept vp to the kingdom immediatly after the death of his Father (as Adoniah did when his father seemed to be past recouery, so to praeuent Salomon therein) but that it was held for naught, the people annointing Iehoahaz so soone as they did: &, because it is recorded by a later Story, that the King of Egipt, when he tooke away Iehoahaz, tooke 1 Esdr. 1: 38away withal, not onelyonly such as he had placed in authority about him, but a Brother of his also (though there he varieth in the name) and that Ieremy speaking of the carrying away of Shallum, and dying in the place whether hee should be carried, seemeth Ier. 22: 11, 12Jer 22:11Jer 22:12to meane it of that passage into Egypt when Iehoahaz was carried thither, therefore it may be so much the more likely that hee also raigned some little time by his owne vsurpation, till the people did set vp his brother against him. I knowe there be other interpretations of this Shallum, nothing at all agreeing to this; but yet thus much may be alleadged for the sense aforesaid: and seeing we hauehave so vndoubted warrant, both that Iosias had such a sonne, and that he raigned after his Father, put case it bee not in all poyntes the best exposition, yet is it sufficient for the matter that now we are in. So Iosias, that good King, had foure sonnes; and they all came to the kingdome after their Father (three of them without exception, the fourth also by great probability:) and not one good of them all. It is a thing that may befal l…ne best man in the world: and we are to leaue vntounto God the secrecie of his iudgements therein. But it is much to bee feared, though Iosias was a good man himselfe, yet that he had not altogether so speciall care of the good education of his Children, as he ought to hauehave had: at least, it is ouer sleightly regarded of vsus, not onelyonly of the common people, but euen of our great professors too. So may good men, if they take not speciall good heed, be noysome fountaines of some speciall calamity to others.

6. But now to come to the Story of eueryevery of them more specially, of those three ASonnes of Iosiah that without exception came to the kingdome after their Father, one there was, that came to the Crown somewhat disorderly, as it seemeth: but the others came more orderly vntounto it. He that, it seemeth, came vntounto it somewhat disorderly, was the next that succeeded, Iehoahaz, one of the sonnes of Iosias, whome Iehoahaz. 17. 2 King. 23: 30, 31. 2 Khr. 36: 1, 22 Kgs 23:302 Kgs 23:312 Kgs 23:2the people after the death of his Father annointed to bee their King: but that outward ceremony of their anointing could little auaile, vnlesse he brought with him a better title, or were of better mind towardes God, than, it seemeth, the Story will yeeld him to be. As touching him therefore we are to consider, first of his comming to the kingdome; then, of his raigne therein. His comming to the Crowne is therefore the rather to be considered, for that it seemeth he came not orderly vntounto it: and yet is not so noted by some. That he came not orderly vntounto it, may be gathered, first by the estate of the Countrey at that present: then also, by the yeares of his age. The estate of the Countrey at that present was such, as that by likelyhood and common reason, none should take that title vponupon them, without the consent of the King of Egipt hauing then so lately preuailed among them somuch as he did. Yet I deny not, but that it may well be that they might. For the text doeth 2 Chr. 35: 21, 24.2 Chr 35:212 Chr 35:24witnes these two: one, that Pharaoh was to make hast in that his voyage; the other that Iosias being wounded in the fielde, was had to Ierusalem, and there died. If Pharaoh were to make hast, it may very well be, and is the likliest, that hauing then cut in sunder that hinderance to his ready passage by his sword, he would not desire to make any longer stay there; especially, if yet he knew not, that Iosias died so soon of the wounds that there was giuen him (as it may very well be he did not:) and it is plaine we hauehave no story of any thing hee did there at this time; which is likely enough we should, if here he had done any thing else. His good successe also that Ioā. wolph. in 2 Reg. 23: 31-372 Kgs 23:31–37is noted he had in this voiage (namely, that he preuailed against his enemy, and so returned a Conqueror homewards) may be some probability, that he made no tarrying here, but went on forward about his businesse. Which if he did, then was not hee to take it so ill, if in that his absence the people did servppe another King: though it had beene the surer and better way, seeing by his sword hee had gotten that interest in them that now he had, to hauehave sent to him first to hauehave knowne hys pleasure. And therefore that Ieoahaz might not in that case so easily take so much vppon him though the people did freely so bestowe it: for that they, in reasonable good intendment, were not their owne men now to such a purpose, so far as might warrant that his acceptance of it, to stand by any good right vntounto him. By the yeares of his age it seemeth to be very plaine, that though hee also were the sonne p. 483of Iosias, yet had hee then liuing an elder Brother, to whom by common right the Kingdome did rather belong, than to him. So that in him wee may see a right patterne of many of vsus: especially where a second marryage so farre praeuayleth (and else-where too) as that the Heire of the former is put by from his Fathers possessions, and the Childe of the latter taken in to that fauour. In all which cases lightly neyther doth the Father nor Mother vse that iniurious or hard measure with so resolute mindes, as the Brother taketh the benefite of it, neuer making quaestion of the lawfulnesse of his Title vntounto it: and yet there is a Story recordeth, that Tz…hanger a Turkish historie, in S…Turke, one of the Sonnes by a second Wife, tooke it so heauily, that Mustapha his elder Brother by a former, was by the policie of his Mother, and so by the commandement of the great Turke his Father made away, to make the way for some of those others to the Empire, that he cried out against his Father for that indignity, and himselfe rather chose to dye with his dead Brother, than to reserue himselfe to those honours and treasures that in such sort were procured and offered vntounto him. And true it is, that receiuors oft-times do easily make theeues. Of those that do not so take it, I find as yet but onelyonly three; but all of good iudgment, sauing that in this I do not see what warrant they hauehave so to conceiue: one of them going no farther, but onelyonly as it Conr. Pel. in 2. Reg. 23-36, 372 Kgs 23were by the way, tearming Eliakim who next succeeded the second Son of Iosias (it may be, not marking what years are ascribed vntounto the age of eyther of those two that are in quaestion, but onelyonly how they came to the Kingdome, and making no doubt but that had beene right;) the other two ioyning theyr labours together, doe both Tremel. I…. i… 2 Keg. 23: 30. 24: 1.of them well marke that difference of yeares, and yet conceiue them so to bee taken, as that Iehoahaz must needes be the elder, and Eliakim the younger. His raigne was but short, continuing onelyonly but three monthes: and so if he got it inordinately, it is plaine that hee had little comfort of it. Neuerthelesse, in that short time that he had, he did sufficiently bewray himselfe what course he would hauehave held, if he might hauehave had longer continuance: and withall had of the fruite of his owne wayes in reasonable good measure for the time he continued. Hee bewrayed himselfe what he would hauehave beene, by doing so ill in the fight of the Lord, euen as his 2 King. 23: 322 Kgs 23:32elders before had done; and so making proofe in himselfe, that such as are readiest to step to better roomes, are not lightly the meetest for them. In those fruits of his own waies that he reaped thereby, we may well note the aequity of Gods iudgments vponupon him: not onelyonly for betaking himselfe to those bad wayes of his corrupt elders; but also for that his ambitious stepping vntounto the Kingdome. For the former, he could Cnot be ignorant how much God was offended with the whole Land for those Idolatries and other abhominations which they had already committed, and what iudgements he had determined vponupon them for the same: & therefore right worthy, so soon to be discarded, to be put in bonds, and to finish his dayes in dishonour and sorrow, for that he did not altogether abandon those waies that were so offensiue, and not seriously follow the steps of his Father and those better elders of his, so to hauehave turned aside (if it had beene possible, at least so much as in him was) those heauy iudgments threatned vntounto them. For the latter also (if he were an offender therein, as most do account him, and I see not how the Text may be otherwise cleered) whereas in that offence he had partners with him (for it is saide that the people of the Land did annoint 2 King. 23: 30 2 Chr. 36: 12 Kgs 23:302 Chr 36:1him King, or made him their King) so may we see that the punishment ensuing did in some sort meete with them both: first with the King that so tooke vppon him; then with the people that so much forgot themselues therein also, stepping in so far as they did betwixt that new Lord of theirs, and the right that hee might account himselfe to hauehave ouer them by that ouerthrow that he gaue them and their King when as vnprouoked by him, they crost him the way to impeach his passage. For this theyr new King he forth-with displaced, and put another in his roome: and did not onelyonly displace him, but also put him in bo…des, and tooke him away captiue with him to Aegipt, where soone after he dyed. A reward good enough for those that so vnreuerently rush into that sacred place of Supreame authority on earth: and meete also, that him-selfe should with his owne eyes see, to his owne disgrace, his elder Brother by right placed; whom he had put to such disgrace before, by stepping into p. 484the place before him. Which also is a good warning to all in such case, to take heede, that they doe not so inordinately prease to the higher places with the iniury of others, as that thereby they occasion God, that most high and righteous Iudge, to right those that were wronged by them, euen to the depth of reproach to themselues. For that which befell vntounto the people (that fine, as wee tearme it, that was imposed vppon them, of one hundred Talentes of Siluer and one Talent of Golde, to bee 2 King. 23: 35 2 Chr. 36. 3, 42 Kgs 23:352 Chr 36:32 Chr 36:4assessed by him whom they had reiected, but now was made King ouer them without any thankes vntounto them) I know it is taken by some, as though it should bee a yearely Bibl. Angl. in 2 Chr. 36: 3.2 Chr 36:3tribute: but it seemeth rather to bee in the way of an amercement or fine; for that their praesumptuous dealing (as hee might take it) in so high a matter, not vntounto them, but vntounto him now appertaining; and so is it taken by one of good iudgement also. Ioā. wolph. in 2 Reg. 23: 33-352 Kgs 23:33–35As also diuers thinges in the Text doe seeme to incline that way rather, as that he praesently deposed him whom they had set vp, and placed another whom they had refused; and that this imposition is not tearmed by the ordinary name of a tribute, but a Dpunnishment or condemnation, or as we tearme it, an amercement or fine, as imposed 2 Chr. 36: 3. Ari. Montan.2 Chr 36:3vponupon them for some fault that they had made: and wee reade of none other but onelyonly of this; besides that other of withstanding his passage, for which he had before a sufficient reuenge, in that he gaue them the ouerthrow, and slew their King. Which doing of his, so amending by aequity, that which they had done iniuriously before, may likewise be a warning to all peoples ensuing, that they doe not so iniuriously behaue themselues towardes any (as many hauehave done and yet doe vntounto the Ministery, so often as they entitle others vntounto their needefull and lawfull maintenance) as that thereby they occasion God, to send in strangers to right thinges againe. And there is faire probability for it (for men are men, and he that wee speake of was none of the best) that seeing Eliakim whom they had reiected, had the sessing of them, when 2 King. 23: 352 Kgs 23:35now he came to the gathering of it, both that hee would hauehave of them, much more than King Pharaoh was to hauehave of him: and that he would more specially remember besides, those that were the chiefe doers against him before, in praeferring his younger Brother to the kingdome, before him that was the elder.

7. Those that came to the Crowne more orderly, were the rest that follow: one Aof them, hauing it to him and his Sonne; the other hauing it, but onelyonly himselfe. He that had it to him and his Sonne, was Eliakim, elder than he whom he succeeded, Iehoiakim. 18.(at least as it seemeth) as we saw before: placed by the afore-saide King, by the right that now he had gotten ouer them by his Sword; and himselfe, as it seemeth, beeing next vntounto it by order of nature. But it pleased the King to change his name: and so called him Iehoiakim, as established of the Lord. But as the annointing of his 2 King. 23▪ 34 36. 2 Chr 36. 4, … …. Broughton in an. 3370.2 Kgs 23:342 Chr 36:4Brother that went before him, hauing no better right than hee had, did little auayle him, but that hee was more iustly deposed, than he was set vp before: so the glorious name that now was giuen vntounto this, will hardly bee found, by the Story ensuing, eyther to hauehave made him a better man, or to hauehave giuen any good assurance vntounto his estate. Which that we may the better perceiue, we are first to consider of the waies that he held: then, of the fruite he reaped thereby. The wayes that he held, as they are set down generally, were euil in the sight of the Lord, according to al that his Fathers 2 King. 23: 37 2 Chr. 36: 52 Kgs 23:372 Chr 36:5(the worse sort of them) had doone before. As wee are to consider of them more specially, one sinne of his there is, wherewith Ieremy dooth charge him, still to hauehave had all his life long: others I see not but such as appertaine to the time of his Bhard estate, wherein he was in subiection to others. That which Ieremy dooth so specially charge him withall, is, that hee had but little regard to the word of GOD: Ier. 22: 18, 21Jer 22:18Jer 22:21and, that that had beene his manner from his youth vp. Afaire warning to al those that make so light of the word of God, as it is the manner of many euer to doe. As touching those that doe appertaine to the time of his hard estate we are to note, that he serued two Kings successiuely, or held his kingdome first vnderunder one of them, then vnderunder the other: the former of them being the King of Aegipt; the latter, the King of Babylon. While he held of the King of Aegipt, wee hauehave some matters of certain knowledge: & one other, that may probably be gathered. Those that are of certaine knowledge, are two: one of them recorded heere; another, else-where. That p. 485which is recorded heere, is as touching that amercement or fine, that the King imposed 2 King. …3: 352 Kgs 3:35vponupon them: which he got vp of the people; and made payment thereof to the King. Wherunto what time was appointed, or what time he tooke vntounto …, we hauehave not deliuered vntounto vsus: but we may easily conceiue, that he had three yeares vntounto it, Ie…. 25: 1. Dan 1: 1.Dan 1:1because Nebucadnezzer King of Babylon came not in vponupon him, till the ende of the third, and beginning of the fourth yeare of his raigne; and, as it may seeme, but only making his praeparation in the third, and not comming in vponupon him till the fourth, and such season of the yeare as was meete for the Warres. That which wee hauehave else-where recorded of him while yet he held off the King of Aegypt, is of one Ʋriah, another Prophet in the dayes of Ieremiah, and in the beginning of the raigne of Ier. 26: 20-23Jer 26:20–23Iehoiakim, whom Iehoiakim flew for prophecying against Hierusalem and against Ibid. 1.the Land, as Ieremiah did: and heereupon he was so eagerly set, that when as Oriah vnderstanding the danger that he was in, fled into Aegipt, so to escape it, he sent for him thither, and so got him (belike by the friendship that he had there) and then took his pleasure on him. That which may be probably gathered, is, that towardes the end of the first yeare of his raigne, or about the beginning of his second, hee tooke his Sonne Ieconiah or Iehoiakim into the society of his Kingdome with him, when his Sonne was then but eyght yeares old. The probability is this, that in one place it is said, that he was eyghteen years old first when he began to raigne; and in another 2 King. 24: 82 Kgs 24:8place, that he began his raigne when he was but eyght yeares old; and yet both places 2 Chr. 36: 92 Chr 36:9agree that he raigned but three months; the one place adding the odde da…e… also. Whereby it may probably seeme, that the one place …aneth but onelyonly that time which immediatly followed his Fathers death: and the other, all the latter ten yeares of his Fathers raigne partly, or in some respect; but chiefely and properly, but onelyonly those three months and ten dayes, that next and immediatly after did followe. To which end it is to good purpose noted, that there is mention made of one Zedechia CLaur. Codoman Ier. 27: 1. 3.Jer 27:1Jer 27:3King of Iudah, in the beginning of the raigne of Iehoiakim: at which time there was none such; himselfe only raigning there then. But this might wel make him to doubt, that eyther his Brother who was so called, or some other of that name, was likely ere long to come in place, and to defeat his Son of the Kingdome (as Iehoahaz would hauehave defeated him before) vnlesse in time he did prouide the better for it: and that therefore he tooke it as the surest way, so to take him into the kingdome with himselfe before. When hee held of the King of Babylon, we are first to see by what occasion he came to hold of him: then, in what sort he carried himselfe vnderunder his obeysance. The occasion was, that the King of Babylon, did now so much praeuaile against the King of Aegipt, that he quite dispossessed him of all those Countries that hee had betwixt Euphrates and his owne Countrey of Aegipt; and so consequently dispossessed him of Iudeah too: and this he did so mightily and throughly (for God himselfe, that is the Lord of all, had now determined to giuegive them all into his hands Ier.; 27: 4-8to the third descent or generation; and so he caused word to be sent to many Princes in those partes) that the King of Aegipt came no more out of his owne Countrey, to 2 King. 24: 72 Kgs 24:7meddle with any of those Countries there. Being so atturned to a new Lord now, he so carryed himselfe vnderunder his obeysance, that for three yeares he aboad dutiful vntounto him: but then afterward rebelled against him. Yet in those three yeares wherein hee professed his alleagiance vntounto him, although the Text doe plainely say, that hee … King 24: 1becam his Seruant those three years, one thing there is notwithstanding, which then he did, which yeeldeth a great probability, that euen then also he was false at the hart, and so lesse maruell that afterward hee burst foorth into open rebellion: which was, that when there was read vntounto him, what the Lord had threatned vntounto them by the Ier. 36: 20-26Jer 36:20–26Prophet Ieremy, how the King of Babell should come and destroy that Land, and take thence both man and beast, he both cut the Scrole or Booke in peeces, and cast Ibid. 29.it in the fire that was before him (though by diuers of his Nobles hee was intreated to the contrary) and commaunded both Barak that wrote it, and the Prophet himselfe Ibid. 9. Dan. 1: 1, 2.Dan 1:1Dan 1:2to be apprehended. For this was in the fift yeare of his raigne: and he became his Seruant before. Where also it is not amisse to note, that whereas at that time they had proclaimed a generall fast at Hierusalem for all the people that repaired thiither p. 486that, although in that outward manner they seemed much to seeke to the Lorde; yet by this fact of his so dealing with she-word of God, and with his Seruants, hee bewrayeth plainely, that so farre as hee ioyned with the rest in obseruing that fast, it was nothing else but Hypocrisie in him: and sure it is, that whether hee shewed any ill heart heereby, or not towards him to whō he professed allegeance, he out of doubt Dshewed an ill heart towards God. These being his waies, we may easily conceiue, that the fruit which he reaped thereby, was correspondent: and first in that he was enforced now to change his old Maister, and to betake himselfe to a new: then, in that greater euill that hee found, when hee dealt ill with that new Maister of his. When he was enforced to change, and to betake himselfe to that his new Maister, 2 King. 24: 1 Dan. 1: 1, 22 Kgs 24:1Dan 1:1Dan 1:2seeing it was done by forcible meanes (for the Citty was besiedged) we may easily conceiue, that besides the dishonour, he receiued much damage thereby: and it is plainely recorded, that then the King of Babylon tooke away part of the Plate of the House of the Lord (which they neglected now) and put the same in the treasury of his owne Idols. At this time also, it seemeth (namely in the first yeare of Nabuchadnezzar, that yeare of his being part of the third, and more of the fourth of Iehoiakim) we are to begin the first Captiuity; and that Daniell, Ananias, Azarias and Misaell, with the rest of their fellowes (those children or youngths of the Dan. 1: 3.Dan 1:3seede of the King and of the Princes) were at that time taken away to Babylon: yea, and Iehoiakim the King himselfe too, though soone after, yeelding his allegeance, M. Broughton.hee were for that time sent backe againe. As also the Text it selfe doth not onelyonly testifie that he was bound in chaines, but sheweth withall, what was the intent or meaning therein: and that being the meaning then, it is like enough it was effected; at least, there is nothing in the Text against it. That greater euill that hee found when he dealt ill with this new Maister of his, was first by the hand of certaine peoples neere adioyning; then by the King of Babylon himselfe, comming with maine force against him. Those peoples adioyning were of the Caldees, Syrians, Moabites … King. 24: 2and Ammonites, no doubt the forces of the King of Babylon, as may be gathered by the first sort of them, and for that he had now subdued (three yeaes before this his rebellion) those Countries vntounto him: but yet specially sent in by the Lord, to the Ibid. 2-4destruction of Iudah, for their sinnes before committed, which the Lorde would now no longer beare at their hands. When the King of Babylon came in himselfe with maine force against him, and got him into his hands, wee hauehave noted vntounto vsus, first how he dealt with the persons of diuers of them: then, how he dealt with certaine other thinges besides. Of the persons we speake off, the first was the Kings: then certaine others. As touching the King, first it may be, that now also hee did 2 Chr. 36: 62 Chr 36:6put him in bonds, meaning so to carry him away to Babylon; but then it is sure that he altered his purpose, and both hee slew him there, and did not vouchsafe his body buriall: which latter member of his death, & of the despight don to his corps when Ehe was dead, is reported but by Iosephus; but very agreeable to that which Ieremy denounced vntounto him before: and if it be true that he there reporteth likewise, that Antiq. lib. 10. cap. 8. Ier. 22: 18, 19. 36: 30.Jer 22:18Jer 22:19Jer 22:36Jer 22:30Iehoiakim made no resistance, but did readily open vntounto him in peaceable manner, it must needs argue, eyther great iniustice and cruelty in Nebuchadnezzer, or (which is the more likely) that there was much infidelity and disloialty found in Iehoiakim, that being a King, and letting Nebuchadnezzer peaceably in, hee neuerthelesse first clapt him Irons, and praesently after both put him to death, and cast out his body in despight besides. As touching those others, we hauehave a report (and it is not more Ioseph. Ant. lib 10. cap. 8. Ier. 52: 28 Ioseph. …ntiq. lib 10. cap. 8. Bar…k. 1: 2. La…. Codoman in …. 3523. … Chr. 36: 7.Jer 52:28than in such cases is often done) that he slew withall a great sort of others besides of speciall reckoning: and at this time also, or at the least soone after, hee tooke away with him three thousand and three and twenty Iewes captiue to Babylon. For other things besides, it seemeth that at this time also they set fire on Ierusalem and burnt some part of it: but it is out of question, that he tooke away with him certaine of the Plate or vessell of the Temple, and put them in the Temple of his Idols at home. All which (and no doubt much more that accompanied these, as all such cases commonly are) did the King bring on himselfe and others, by that breach of his allegeance before, though afterward (not of true remorse of that his infidelity, as it may seeme, p. 487but to escape such farther mischiefe to him and his, as by Ieremie was before denounced vntounto him) he yeelded and opened vntounto him.

8 That Sonne of his who next succeeded, was Iehoiachin, otherwise …ise called A…. 10. … 24: 6. … 8, 9 … …r. 3: 16 … 24, 28 … 10. ca. 8 Lyr … …. Reg. 24. … La…. Codoman …▪ in anno. …523. …r. Vata…l. …. …me…. Iun… Angl.Ieconiah, and Coniah, who raigned but onelyonly three moneths and a few daies besides: as touching whom wee are to consider, first how hee came to the Kingdome: then what was his estate therein. The former of these I do more specially …o… but onelyonly because it is conceiued by diuers, that the King of Babylon did …ke him K…g in steede of his Father: and one there is, who guesseth also at the time when hee did appoint him, as that the King had beene there with his Army about three weekes or better, before that he made Ioconiah King. What ground they hauehave for it I see not, vnlesse it bee, for that Iosephus hauing so led the way, others make that reckoning of him, that they also do follow therein. Otherwise there appeareth nothing in the Text it selfe, nor in diuers of our Interpreters, that yet I find, that inclineth to that opinion: but that he came to the Crowne by descent or succession (yet indeede these times were troublesome) as his other ancesters commonly did; his comming to his Kingdome being there none otherwise deliuered vntounto vsus, than the comming of others vntounto it commonly is. His estate therein was pitifull too, God ha… dy Bdetermined to set loose his iudgements vponupon them: and yet notwiths…n…g his owne sinne concurring withall. So, first of his sinne: then of those iudgements, …hat (in his time) came in vponupon him and his. His sinne is plainely noted to be, that hee 2 K…n…. 24: 9 2 C… 36: 9did ill in the sight of the Lorde, according to all that his Father had done before: a matter that is so much the more to bee noted in him for two speciall considerations. One, that in this time of affliction, hauing his Fathers great calamity so fresh and greene before his eyes, he neuerthelesse in so short a time as this, could so fully vtter himselfe, as that this censure might goe vponupon him: but a very good patterne how brittle we are; and how little affliction doth mend vsus, vnlesse it please God, that his speciall grace may also goe with it. The other, that whereas Iosephus giueth a Ant. li. 10. ca 9better report of him, as that he was both good and iust, we will not stand to reason it with him, but hence may wee gather, that men may bee of speciall good account with men, euen with the wiser and better sort; and yet be very odious to God: and therefore, that euer we ought for such matters to examine our selues by his vndoubted word; and neuer rest satisfied but onelyonly by it. Those iudgements that fell in his time, were indeed very grieuous: but yet notwithstanding mingled with some comfort withall. Grieuous they were, both vntounto the King himselfe; and vntounto diuers others besides: first, in their persons; then, in diuers things to them appertaining. In their persons, the King himselfe hauing raigned but verie little, had his enimies the 2 King. 24: 10-12. 2 Chr. 36: 102 Kgs 24:10–122 Chr 36:10Babylonians coming-in so forcibly vponupon him (and that without any desert of his towards them, that we read of) that he saw no better, but to yeeld himselfe and al that he had into their hands: an hard case, that he who had newlie begun his reign ouer others, sometime a most flourishing people, and acquainted with the waies of truth; should now subiect himselfe and his people to a new vp-start people, ignorant of the truth, and altogether possessed with error. Those also that were neerest vntounto the King in blood or degree of honour, accustomed to be rulers themselues, and euer to bee attended by many, and all others besides, especially the chiefe and principall of them, the more nobly-minded they were, so much the more to their greater griefe must they now themselues yeeld if not to soule and intollerable abuse, yet at least to a yoake a great deale more grieuous to the nature of some▪ than many deathes. The thinges these had to themselues appertaining were, the Temple, their Citties, their Treasure and substance: all which must lie open vntounto the pawes of the greedy gripers, without repining to serue their pleasure. All which being orderly done, neuerthelesse 2 King. 24: 13-16. 2 Chr. 36: 102 Kgs 24:13–162 Chr 36:10it might nothing auaile them, but that needes they must (ten thousand of the Cchiefest of them) go into captiuity: not sparing their treasure, nor precious things of the Temple it selfe. In all which bitternesse the comfort they had mingled therewith, was, for the time praesent, that neuertheles God made better reckoning of those I…r. 24: 1-10 Ibid. 25: 11, 12that went into captiuity than he did of the others that remained: and for the time to p. 488come, both that themselues (in their owne persons, or in their Children) should at seuentie yeares end returne againe; and that the wheele should then be turned vntounto their enemies.

9. He that had the kingdome but onelyonly himselfe, and no issue of his to succeed Ahim, was Mattaniah, one of the Sonnes of Iosiah, and Vnkle to the King that last Zedechiah. 20. 2 King. 24 17, 18. 2 Chr. 36: 10, 11. Ier. 37: 1. 52▪ 12 Kgs 24:172 Kgs 24:182 Chr 36:102 Chr 36:11Jer 37:1Jer 37:52was, now caried away to Babylon (or at least towardes that dolefull iourney:) but he came not to it as heire to his Nephew, but for that the King of Babylon bestowed it on him; and therewithall (belike, the rather to keepe him true vntounto him) gaue him a more honorable name, calling him Zedechiah, as the iustice of the Lord (such men lightly neuer accounting of any other iustice of the Lord, but such as altogether goeth on their side so much as may be.) Being so come to the kingdome, he held the same eleuen yeares: and so, being the last himselfe, hee shut vp the course of the Kings of Iudah. Wherein that wee may the better see the iustice of GOD cleered, in so dealing with him, in his dayes letting downe that noble kingdome, so potent and glorious as in time it had beene, hauing also so faire promises as (aboue all others) it had: it shall be good, in his story also to marke, first what wayes they were that he held; then, to what proofe they came in the end. Generally his 2 King. 24▪ 19 2 Chr. 36: … Ier. 52: 2.2 Kgs 24:192 Chr 36Jer 52:2wayes were, the same and no other, that his brethren and nephew held before: he also doing euill in the sight of the Lord, as those others before him had done. More specially wee may finde, that the euill of those dayes rested not in his owne person: but (euen from him, as it may very well be conceyued, for the most part of it) did much spread forth to many others. In himselfe was found, first towards God, that 2 Chr. 30: 12, 13. Ier 37: 2, 32 Chr 30:122 Chr 30:13Jer 37:2Jer 37:3he greatly neglected the word of God by the Prophet Ieremy, and neuer would be ruled thereby; and yet, on a time in his distresse, sent to Ieremy to pray for him and the people: then, towards the King of Babylon his Lord and Maister then, rebelling 2 King 24: 20 2 Chr. 36: 132 Kgs 24:202 Chr 36:13against him, against the trust reposed in him, and against the oath that himselfe had taken. In the people it was found likewise, that euen all the sort of them generally; and both the chiefe of the Priestes and of the people, and the Kings seruants, 2 Chr. 36: 14. 16. Ier. 37: 2.2 Chr 36:142 Chr 36:16Jer 37:2more specially, did make light of the word, that GOD by his Prophets did send Bthem: and withall (for many of them) mocked and misused the Prophets themselues. So perilous a thing is it when Princes, and the greater sort among the people, are themselues ill affected towards the word of God: for that it cannot be auoided then, but that the people will be such likewise, or rather worse. The proofe 2 King. 24: 20 25: 1-…2. 2 Chr. 36: 16-21. Ier. 52: 4-272 Kgs 24:202 Chr 36:16–21Jer 52:4–27whereunto those wayes of theirs came, was, though sutable vntounto them, yet dolefull enough: euen the vtter destruction of themselues, almost of the whole Nation, without regard of sex or age, and without any compassion; to the ouerthrow likewise and rifling of all their chiefe houses and Citties, euen of Ierusalem, and the Temple it selfe. So that euen the whole Land was at this time brought vntounto vtter desolation: sauing that some few, and those but of the poorest sort, were left to inhabit and Till the ground; and a Gouernor with them to keep them in order. And so here is an end of the kingdome of Iudah, and the story of that whole people, so long as they were a kingdome themselues: which was after the kingdome of Israel about one hundred three and thirty yeares. But whereas the story of them doth oftentimes refer vsus to such other monuments, as now we hauehave not extant among vsus, both in the kingdome As of Reho…o…m. 1 King. 14: 29 Abiam. 15: 7 A…. 23 N…dab …1 Baasha. 16: 5 Elah. 14. Z…m…. 20. Omrie, 27 Ahab, 22: …9 Ahaziah 2. King 1: 18. Ioram, 8: 23. Iehu. 10: 34. Ioash 12▪ 19. Iehoahaz, 13: 8. Ioash. 12. Iehoash. 14: 15. Amaziah. 18. Ierobo…m. …8. Az…ah, 15: 6. Zacharia. 11. Shallum …5. Men…hem, 21. Pec…ah 26. P…k…h 31. Iothā. 36 Ahaz, 16: 1… Hezechiah, …0 20 M…nase…, 2…. 17 Amon. 25. Iosiah. …3: 28. Iehoiakim, 24: 5. So in the Books of Chronicles also.1 Kgs 14:292 Kgs 1:18of Israell, and in the kingdome of Iudah too: out of it I note no more but this, that euen that consideration onelyonly, may well serue our turne both to withdraw our selues from the immoderate louelove of the world; and to acquaint vsus with such a care of God towards vsus, as is expedient for vsus to know. It may help to withdraw vsus frō the immoderate louelove of the world, for that therby we may see, that euen as a mighty earth-quake, doth easily shake down such buildings as were set thereon specially the slighter and weaker sort of them: so may Kings p. 489wee assure our selues, that tract of time will so deale much rather with vsus, and with all our pomps and labours here; seeing we see that it hath already so dealt with the Kings of Israell and Iudah, whose memory in all things was as like to be praeserued, as of any others whosoeuer. That care of God towardes vsus which is expedient for vsus to know, and wherewith it doth acquaint vsus, is, that God would not hauehave vsus ouercharged with ouer-many Stories, Monuments or writings: and therefore praeserued but onelyonly such, as his wisedome saw to be needfull for vsus. Out of which we are to learne this moderation: that as wee are not to long after those that his wisedome hath thought good to miscarry; so wee neglect not any of those that his wisedome hath thought good to praeserue vntounto vsus.