Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 20 (3 of 4)

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 20 (3 of 4)

p. 53316 The wals being now all repaired, and the gates in their places renued Aand set vp, his next care was, to hauehave those gates orderly kept; and shortly after the Citie to be better peopled also: these wauls likewise and gates would he hauehave, in some solemne and publike manner, to be dedicated vntounto the Lorde. Al which are so neere of kin the one to the other, as that we might looke, that in course of history p. 534they should followe immediatly, and each one of them after another: but so they doe not. That the Gates bee orderly kept, hee taketh care praesently, soone after that they were erected: but then, aduising himselfe next, of getting the Citty better peopled, the Story twineth, as it were, a-side to other matters first; and then afterward commeth both to the peopling of the Citty, and to the dedication of the wals now lately erected. For the orderlie keeping of the Gates, it followeth immediatly after, that ste committed the opening of them in the morning, and the shutting vppe of them at night againe, vntounto certaine men of speciall Neh. 7: 1-3.Neh 7:1–3trust: and appointed Warders besides throughout the Citty. When he next aduised him-selfe of getting the Citty peopled, the Story continueth in this course but a while: but, like to a Riuer that sometimes leaueth the wonted chanel, and a good while holdeth that new course, before it returne to the wonted chanel againe; so doth this Story now take vntounto it another course than wherein it first began, and yet aftet returneth vntounto it againe. For hitherto it hath gone in the name of Nehemiah, him-selfe all this while speaking vntounto vsus in his owne person; and Bso yet goeth it a little farther: but then altogether it leaueth that course, and although diuers times after it speaketh of him (thrice out of quaestion in plaine Ne. 8: 10. 10: 1 12▪ 26. Neh. 7: 65, 70. Bibl. Angl.Neh 7:65Neh 7:70tearmes, and twice more, as it is the iudgement of some of good reckoning) yet neuer is it but onelyonly in the third person vntill it come to the one and thirtith verse of the twelfth Chapter; which I doe not yet finde that others hauehave noted. Yet true it is, that some there are that note fiue Chapters heere to come in by anticipation Tremel. Iun.or praeoccupation as it is commonly tearmed: neuerthelesse not noting vntounto vsus which they are; whereas indeede those that wee speake of are al-most sixe, beeing the most of this seauenth Chapter, and most of the twelfth, and those foure that are betwixt. But if Ezra were the writer of this Booke also, as it is by the learned resolued, and farther, if this were all one with the former among Bib. An. in arg.the Auncient Haebrewes, these two Bookes with them making but one, then the likelyest seemeth to bee, that Ezra, in compyling this whole Story, tooke Conr. Pellie.his light from Nehemiah himselfe for so much of it as most properly concerned him, and that desiring him-selfe to set it downe as most priuy thereto, and then hee setting it downe after his manner in his owne person, but in such sort as notably testifieth an excellent Spirite, and great simplicity withall, Ezra then did so insert it, euen in his owne wordes, into his Storie, in such places as him-selfe did finde that most conueniently it might come in. So may wee take most of this that commeth betwixt, as a kinde of digression: and so are wee first to consider of it; then of the residue, when the Story commeth to that his former course againe. VVhile it is yet for a time in the former course, as before I noted, Neh. 7: 4, 5Neh 7:4Neh 7:5Nehemiah first noteth that the Citty was large, and the people but fewe: then, casting how to amend it, hee acknowledgeth that GOD did shewe him a Ibid. 6-73good way vntounto it; and, for the residue of that Chapter, dooth make recitall of it. The effect whereof is (for although some there bee that allot the foure last Verses Vulg. edid. Tremel Iun. Ioā. wolphius. Lyr. Con. Pellicto the time of Nehemiah, that nowe wee are in: yet seeing others are of other iudgement therein, and Saint Hierom him-selfe noted to bee so too, I thought it the safest, so to leaue it; so much the rather, because our Bybles doe so likewise) that getting a Catalogue of those that with Zorobabell came from Babylon, first, he conceiued that by the helpe of it, seeing it sorted them into their seuerall Families, hee might be able to finde, who might best bee called vppon, and vrged too (if neede were) to come to Hierusalem to inhabit there. But we doe not afterward find, that which was done therin, to be done by the help of that catalogue, Cnor by Nehemiah neyther, as, when we come to the place, wee are then farther to see. But now, whereas the people yet were so few in Hierusalem, yea euen when the Walles were builded, and the Gates set vp (for it was lesse maruaile, if they made no hast theither before) when as notwithstanding the Temple (and so the only place of worshipping) was there, & the same (as we saw before) richly endowed, it plainely argueth one of these two: either, that the daies were very doubtfull p. 535yet, there to inhabit, notwithstanding all those grauntes they had before; or else, that the people were nothing religious, so generally planting themselues so farre from the Temple. We also may hauehave by our superiors, in some sort, very good countenance borne in Religion, when neuerthelesse in diuers things wee finde no security to be any thing forward therein: as also on the other side, many of vsus regard but litle to be any thing forward in the sincerity of our profession, how plainly so euer we see, that we most safely do it.

17 In that digression that we speake of, first we hauehave religious, and then ciuill matters intended. As touching religious, I see not whereon one of speciall Areckoning should account, that now they solemnized the Feast of Trumpets, Io. Wolph. in Neh. 8. in …gū. Neh. 8: 2. Leu. 25: …-10Neh 8Neh 8:2Lev 25this that heere is spoken of beeing the first day of the seauenth month, and that being appointed to be on the tenth day of the same. True it is, that blowing or sounding of the Trumpets did, as a solemnity, fall for that day too, as it was the New-Moone, or first day of the month: but the other was it, as I take it, that properly Num. 10. 10.Num 10:10was so called. But it is cleere, that now the people were very religious: and that the speciall zeale where-with they were touched then, did soone after sort it selfe to speciall good effect too. That they were religiously giuen, it appeareth first in all the people generally: then in certaine of them, and the residue agayne ioyning with them therein. In all the people generally it appeared the first daie Neh. 8: 1-12.Neh 8:1–12of the month, they all desiring Ezra to reade the Law of God vntounto them, and to acquaint them with it: and, when they had heard it, beeing so effectually touched therewith as they were. For they did so weepe and sorrow, belike in respect that their Elders and they had so much offended, that whereas at that time, as their case was then, they were in duty to reioyce and giuegive thankes, that both Nehemiah and Ezra them-selues, and many others of the chiefe men besides, were faine to stay them, and to turne that their mourning, vntounto a publike ioy and reioycing: and, it seemeth, had much a-doe to obtaine it of them. In certaine Bof them, and in the residue againe ioyning with them therein, it appeareth, in that Ibid. 13-1…the chiefe Fathers of all the people, together with the Priestes and Leuites, came the next day againe to be farther instructed: and then vnderstanding that the selfe-same month there was a speciall feast to bee solemnized, both they and the rest of the people now did very well hold it; and onelyonly making their aboad for the time in Bowers and Arbours (as the Nature of that feast required, being as it was the feast of Tabernacles) but in daily exercise of the word of GOD, wherein it varryed from other such feastes held before, and did much exceed them. How this good zeale of theirs did soone after sort it selfe to speciall good effect too, is likewise very plainely declared, in that within very few dayes of that solemnity already passed, Ibid. 9: 1-10: 29.they in such sort praesented themselues againe, abandoning their vnlawfull marryages (so many of them, belike, as yet remained) and confessing all their other sins generally, so diligently exercising themselues like-wise in the word of God, that thereby perceiuing, now better then before, that they had exceeding much on their part broken the Couenant, they now thought good, on their part to renue it again, in some actuall and solemne manner: which also they did, accursing al that did not; and binding themselues, both by sealing and swearing vntounto it. In which it shall be good more specially to consider, first of that their excercise in the word of God: then, of the points of this their Couenant. Of that their exercise in the word of God, seeing it seemeth to bee implyed to hauehave beene daily for the time, whether three houres at once, or the fourth part of the day, as some doe take it, may not as well stand by the propriety of that tongue: as foure times a-day, which is for the Tremel. I…. Lyr. Vatabl. Ari. Montan. Bibl. Angl. Io. wolph.most part conceiued by others. For foure times a-day, is without example; and as it seemeth double to that which God appointed, hee not vrging his people, by sacrificing, to any publique worshipping of his, but onelyonly twice aday, morning and euening: hard also to be drawne into vse, or to be followed by others, for that our bodily necessities are so many and great, as by strict necessity can hardly afford at any time lightly (for any space together) so much laisure to that kind of exercise. p. 536But the fourth part of the day, or three houres together, is so much the more likely, as it may be more conuenently had (especially, at some time of more vrgent necessity) euen for many daies together, if neede so require. One there is, that seemeth to conceiue it to hauehave beene, not that all of them so came foure times a day: Conr. Pellic.but alternis v…cibus, one sort of them, as it seemeth his meaning is, after another, CAs with vsus also it is diuers times in our Cathedrall Churches and Colleges, in some of our Parishes also, and in houses that are of greatest Families, especially for the morning, that there is, and to very good purpose, Diuine Seruice celebrated twice: once, somewhat timely for Officers and seruants; the other more lately, at the most conuenient time of the morning, for all others generally. But this seemeth to hauehave no sufficient warrant in the Text: and much lesse, that he, following belike another before, taketh in the night, to this reckoning also. Another there is, that now by himselfe (for he did not so, when he ioyned with his fore-man before) is Lyr…. …. I…iu…of mind that they tooke out two fourth parts of the day to this exercise, one three houres in the time of the Morning-Sacrifice, till High-noone; the other, from thence to three of the clocke in the after-noone, close to the time when the Eeuening-Sacrifice was to beginne: allotting the former of them to the hearing of the word first, and the latter of them to their worshipping of God after; so disioyning the hearing of the word of God to one part of the day, and their worshipping to another. An opinion more odding from the iudgement of others, than standing on warrant of the Text it selfe: or can well agree with the nature of those Sacrifices that were of thankes-giuing, wherein, after the oblation, they were to dresse for themselues, and therewith to Feast before the Lord. Those points of the Couenant, were, one of them more generall: the others, more speciall. That which was more generall, was, that thenceforward they would walke in the Law of God, Neh. 10: 29Neh 10:29and obserue and do all such thinges as he appointed. Those that were more speciall, were concerning certaine duties, whereunto, as their case then was, they need to hauehave some speciall regard: some of them being but concerning their owne priuate waies; others, the Publique Seruice of God. Those that concerned their own priuate waies, were one of them to praeuent that they did not degenerate into a base or mungrell people; the others, of certaine duties to them appertaining, as they stoode cleere the people of God. To praeuent that they did not degenerate, they now did couenant, that they would not thenceforward make any marriages with Ibid. 30.the people of the Land. Those other duties to them appertaining, as they stoode cleere the people of God, which now they make part of their couenant, were two: one concerning one speciall day; another concerning one speciall yeare. That speciall day, was the Sabboath: concerning which they now did couenant, that if Ibid. 31.the people of the Land should thenceforward bring any wares or victuals on the DSabboath day (as before they were wont) they would in no wise take any of them; a very good kind of checke to such profaine Merchants, victualers and to all such as vse to sell, if, when themselues will not be ruled, the people then would take nothing of them, but make them carry it home againe. That speciall yeare was the Ibid. …1.Seauenth, wherein their land was to lie, and to be common to all: and yet euen then also were they to forbeare their debters; and as some doe take it quite to forgiue them, at least, if they were poore, which in like sort they promised to obserue from that time forward. But whether, eyther themselues promised, or the Law required, vtterly or cleane to forgiue what was owing vntounto them, and they could not get vp before, or but onelyonly for that yeare to spare them: that is a point that seemeth not perfectly yet to be cleered. For most of our Interpreters that yet I meete-with, Con. Pel. Vatabl, Ioan. wolph, Lyr. Bibl. Angl in D…. 15 …2.seeme to take it of cleere acquiting and forgiuing: but some of them there be, who interpret that onelyonly for the poorer sort, such as are vnable to pay; and some of them seeme to restraine it too, but for that yeare. Now it is plaine, that that which they promise heere is for all their debts indifferently; not excepting the rich more than the poore: and it seemeth they were in so good minde now, that indeede they yeelded to that which the Lawe required of them. But by all likelihoode there were many of them whose estate was not able to beare to forgiue all, both one and other, p. 537euen the great as well as the small: and so it was not their meaning, and yet that they meant so much as the Lawe required of him. In the Law also it selfe, though our translations seeme to import, that such a kind remitting is meant, as that hee to Deut 15: 1-4.Deut 15:1–4whom it was due, might neuer so much as afterward aske it: yet the Hebrew word is noted so to bind vponupon hard and streight dealing, that it seemeth there is no asking Ari, Monton.of it after forbidden, but such as hath hard dealing in it. So it seemeth rather to be the safer of the two, that wee go no farther heerein, than to conceiue, that the Lawe did before require, and that they now did couenant, but onelyonly, that, as for that yeare they would not take benefite of their owne Land to their owne priuate vse, but forbeare it then; so, whatsoeuer debts were owing vntounto them, they would not that yeare vrge them of any: but then, on the other side againe, that as the Lawe did not forbid them, afterward to take vse of their Land as before, neyther did they meane to abandon their right to the vse thereof farther than so; so neyther did they take it, that the Law did require, neyther did themselues meane, but afterward in good manner to looke for such debts as were due vntounto them, where they might conueniently and Dorderly hauehave them. And this so much the rather, for that there is another Law for releeuing of those that were decaied or in neede among them. Out of which notwithstanding it may bee obiected, that the respect of the seauenth yeare is so mentioned there, as if it might seeme that it should bee the losse of it cleane. It is so indeede: but yet may it aswell signifie no more, but onelyonly the drift of time, that so hee should be put of a yeare longer, before hee should see his owne againe; which with Money-men, is it selfe a matter irksome enough. Neyther yet is it to bee denied, but that, as in the fiftieth yeares institution, God would so moderate the desires of such as would buy Land out right, or take for yeares, as that they should not extend their desires therein but onelyonly vntounto that fiftieth yeare: so, it might please God to hauehave it his mind for this also (as a rudiment, or point of discipline, wherein he would hauehave his people to exercise their obedience vntounto him) that such debts as they could not well get vp before, they should then cleane remit; which if they could not wel beare, then might they accordingly moderate their lending before. But in respect of that which already is said, it is not amisse to take heede to a marginall note that wee hauehave in some of our English Bibles, seeming to import, that of the richer sort euen in the 1594. in Deut 15…4. b.Deut 15:4seauenth yeare might men require their debts, and that such might be then also constrained to pay them: whereas if that note goe no farther but onelyonly to the time ensuing, it may so very well stand; for that so there is no quaestion of it. So likewise, that it is conceiued, that such debts should be to the poorer sort cleane remitted, to praeserue Lyr. in Deut. 15.Deut 15them from Idolatry, for that poore men being hardly vrged, might easily take occasion thereby to flee the Land, and to seate themselues among Idolatrous people, and so become Idolatrous themselues: first there is no such thing set down in the Text; then also that consideration dooth not infer, that men may not looke for their owne, but that they may not, to get it againe, deale hardly with any. Of those that concerned the Publique Seruice of God, there be two sorts: the former of them for neh. 10: 32-34 Ibid. 33-39the performance of the Seruice it selfe; the latter, for the maintainance of those that should do it. These matters are plaine enough in the Text, and leaue two good lessons vntounto vsus. One, that we do not truely repent, or turne vntounto God, but so farre as we hauehave care that his worship bee well performed among vsus: the other, that wee hauehave no sufficient regard of it neyther, but so farre as we restore to the Ministery the maintainance that is due vntounto them.

18 Those that were ciuill, were chiefly two: one the peopling of Ierusalem; the other, about the dedication of the Walles lately builded. VntoUnto the peopling of AIerusalem wee hauehave some other thinges annexed, by occasion thereof, as it seemeth: so that first we are to consider of that matter it selfe; then, of those others, that by occasion heere of seeme to be thereunto annexed. As touching that matter it selfe, as it did of old appertaine to the Tribes of Iudah and Beniamin, the Citty it selfe standing part of it in the one Tribe, and part in the other: so it was for them to hauehave a speciall regard vntounto the inhabiting of it, as their owne proper possession. The Priests p. 538also and the Leuites were to hauehave the like regard thereunto, because the Temple was Bby Gods appointment erected there, and because the seruice therein to be done, did by the same appointment of God belong vntounto them. So, what by naturall inclination to our ancient right, that commonly raigneth in vsus: and by the duty that in such case, men of any reckoning doe acknowldge they ow vntounto God, it is very strange, that Ierusalem the head Citty of all the Land, and so specially graced by the Temple there, should neuerthelesse hauehave speciall care imployed about it, to get so many people there to inhabit, as might bee conuenient to furnish the Citty. But such is the rage of enemies oft-times against the people of God, and so dogged displeasures they euer cast to doe vntounto them so oft as they may, that many good men are thereby driuen, both to abandon their owne right, and that which otherwise they could most comfortably of all other things enioy: and withall to withdraw themselues from such duties in Gods holy Temple among vsus erected, as otherwise neyther in conscience they could, nor, if with any quietnes they might be so imploied, willingly would. Neuerthelesse diuers there were, both of the chiefe and principall Fathers of all sorts of Neh. 11: 1, 2Neh 11:1Neh 11:2them, and of the people that of their owne accord willingly yeelded there to inhabit: but yet was it a thing, though otherwise needfull, so full of danger and trouble, that all the rest thanked them much, and counted themselues beholding vntounto them therein. But because these were nothing neere enow, they were faine to take some farther order: and because to do it by lots, culling out the tenth of them all, was most indifferent, they so resolued, and did accordingly. At which time we finde that by this meane there were taken-in of the people to dwell there, almost three thousand: Ibid. 3-19. 468. 528. 119…. 40…. 2994.of the Tribe of Iudah, foure hundred threescore and eight; of the Tribe of Beniamin (greater it seemeth now than the other) nine hundred twenty and eight; of the Priests (in three seuerall companies) one thousand one hundred fourscore and twelue; and of the Leuites (in two companies) foure hundred and sixe. Elsewhere wee hauehave a reckoning of mo that there did now inhabit, of some of the other Tribes also (such belike as escaping the euils that fell on their bretheren now in conscience and zeale 1 Chro. 9: 1-13, 17-221 Chr 9:1–131 Chr 9:17–22assembled themselues thither:) and greater numbers of these also that now we hauehave spoken of, for certaine of them. But it seemeth, that not onelyonly such as were taken in by lot, are there named, but others also that voluntarily inhabited there. In which Tremel. Iun. Ibid …. Ibid. 9 Ibid. 13. Ibid 22.place we hauehave note of sixe hundred fourscore and ten persons of the Tribe of Iudah; nine hundred fifty and sixe, of the Tribe of Beniamin; one thousand seauen hundred and threescore Priestes; and of Porters (but one company of the Leuites, the others Cnot being numbred there) two hundred and twelue. Those other matters that are heereunto annexed, and, as it seemeth by this occasion, are two other recitals or Catalogues: one, of those that dwelt in the Countrey (when the Citty was thus farre furnished) the other of those that were in the Priest-hoode among them for a certaine season. That which is of those that dwelt in the Countrey, is, first of the Neh. 11: 20-24. Ibid. 25-30. 31-36. Ibid. 23, 24.Neh 11:20–24Priestes and Leuites: then, of those two Tribes Iudah, and Beniamin. In the former of which, towards the end, there is a relation of some thinges more particularly: one, the regard that the King had for the maintainance of Musicke in the Diuine Seruice of God; the other, of speciall Authority, as it seemeth, committed to one Pethahiah of the Tribe of Iudah. Musicke in Diuine Seruice, is not by many thought to bee so very needfull, but that well enough it might be spared. But then, if this Heathen Prince could hauehave that regard to the Seruice of God, that hee would not onelyonly hauehave such things as are absolutely needfull, but euen that also that in the iudgement of many (and those not ill) might well bee spared: how can it bee, but that Christian Princes that professe the Gospell, and yet doe not farther it with thinges most needefull, and (sometimes without any vrgent necessity) still with-hold that which in aequitye it ought to hauehave, may finde their zeale by this example of his shrewdly checked, if it bee not euen mated also? In that the sayde Pethahiah is noted to hauehave had so great Authority from the King, if the meaning may bee restrained as it is commonly taken, to the maintainance of those that were so to bee imployed in Diuine Seruice, then is there no difficulty in it: the meaning then being plaine, that the King had such care thereof, that hee would hauehave his Officer p. 539there ready at hand, still to giuegive their pension vntounto them, that so there might be no default therein, for want of it in due season. Which belike was a more easie and readier course for those Pensioners or Stipendaries then (and a great deal lesse chargeable too, when the K. was so carefull to hauehave it so readily done) than such Pentioners & Stipendaries as in these daies we hauehave in the Ministery, do find by such kind of Officers now. But if as the words seeme to import, he was for the King in all affaires toward the people, then is it somewhat hard, that there should be any other in the times of Ezra and Nehemiah, in so great authority there: vnlesse it should be vnderstood of some time that toucheth not their aforesaid gouernment; or els be restrained as afore, which for this cause also it may seeme so much the rather to be.

19 That which is of those that were of the Priest-hood is, as it seemeth, but Aonelyonly certaine seuerall notes of them, in this place recorded, that so the memory of them might the rather continue, & the same to very good purpose, as the case may diuers times be: some conceiuing, that therfore they are recited here, for that the dedication of the wals which next after followeth, was to be performed especially Lyr. Conr, Pel. Ioan. wolph. Tremel. Iun.by them, and that therefore they were to be recited first; others, and the more likely of the two, as I doe take it, that it was by occasion of reciting those others before, that inhabited Ierusalem, and of those also that dwell in the Countrey. But it is the manner of the Scripture very often, while it is in other matter of Story, to Gen. 5, 10, 22: 20-24. 25: 12-18. 36: 9-30Gen 5:10Gen 5:22Gen 5:20–24Gen 5:25Gen 5:12–18Gen 5:36Gen 5:9–30breake off for the time, and then to take in matter of Genealogy: and so lesse maruell, if we hauehave it heere, or any where else, not on praesent occasion offered there, but to serue the purpose some where else. But whereas here we hauehave so speciall recitall of the Priest-hood, thus much may we bee bold together, that for that time, (& so likewise so oft as we hauehave the like testimony for any time els) it pleased God to be gracious vntounto them in that he had his Ministery among them, and a continuall succession of it. As we also may in like sort reckon of the fauour or displeasure of God, as it pleaseth him to vouchsafe vsus that externall meane of our good estate in him. For the order of these notes here, we may note thus much, that whereas those that appertained to the Priest-hood, were either Priests or Leuites, we first hauehave relation of both together; then of certaine of them a-part by themselues: & that this order is obserued twice. In the former of these our first note is, both of Neh. 12: 1-7.Neh 12:1–7Priests and Leuites, such as first came with Zorobabel out of their Captiuity from Babylon: first shewing what the Priests were who then returned; then comming to the Leuites also. Those others of whom we hauehave note heere apart by themselues, Ibid. 8, 9.are onelyonly Priests: and first of the High-Priests onelyonly; then of others, such as were of special reckoning too. The note that is of the High-priests, is of so many of them Ibid. 10, 11. Ioseph. Antiq. lib. 11. cap. 7, 8as successiuely did reach the whole time frō their return out of Captiuity to be beyond the time that yet wee are in, euen to the time of Alexander the great, a fewe yeares after the Story of Nehemiah: who in all that time were sixe, one after another by lineall descent. The note that we hauehave of other Priestes besides, who also were of good reckoning among them, is not of any such large compasse of time, BIbid. 12-21.but of such as liued, in a manner, all together: and were in place, in the time of Ioakim, the second of those sixe High-Priestes that we spake of, the Sonne of Ieshua, Ezra. 2: 2.Ezra 2:2who was the High-Priest when they returned; that time beeing noted to be twenty and eyght yeares, Ioakim himselfe beeing High-Priest so long after the Fanct. Chronol. in an. 3492.death of his Father, in whose absence hee had occupyed the place before. But in it wee may note two thinges: one, as touching the estate or degree that they were of; the other, of the number of them. For the estate or degree that they were of, they are plainely saide to be chiefe Fathers: and yet were all these vnderunder others, and such as were no High-Priestes neyther. There are if we mark, in the note of those that returned with Ieshuah (as wee sawe in the first note heere placed) two and twenty seuerall persons that were all Priestes: and all sayde to bee chiefe Priestes or principall men in that function, and yet not the High-Priestes Ibid. 7.neyther, as there also is noted. And these others that now wee speake of were all vnderunder them; eueryevery of them vnderunder one of those others: and all them in the selfe-same order, but for some varryance in some fewe of theyr Names; p. 540and in one of them it faileth clean. The names do varry most, in the fift, seauenth, eight, and ninth of the first note: and a little in two or three afterward following. That, wherein it faileth cleane, is in the sixt of the first note also: all the others being s…ed, euen in the same order after, wherein before they are set downe. Which variety of their names, in two places so neere together, and wherein the latter hath so speciall relation vntounto the former, may well bee thought to giuegive great probabilitie, both that these are seuerall notes, and that they were not put together by one and the selfe same person; yet both of GOD, sometime vsing one instrument in such seruice of his, and sometimes another: the variety of many of the Hebrewe Lir. in N…. 120 Conr. Pell. in Neh. 12: 10-26 Io. Wolph. Ibid.Neh 12:10–26names, making no difference in the person; and that there should bee moe dooers herein th…n one, being also conceaued before by others. But that these are saide to hauehave beene vnderunder those others, it is not to be denied, but that it is not so taken of all. For some there bee that so setteth them downe, as coupling together indifferently, Lyr. Conr. Pel.both those that came at the first with Ieshua, and those that now we speake of, as if they were all alike: others againe, some that seeme to make these the issue Tremel. Iun.of those others; others, that doe plainely set them downe, as beeing theirs, belonging vntounto them, or beeing vnderunder them. So much the harder to bee conceaued, Vulg …i. Vat. Ari Mon. Bib. Angl. 1594. Io…. Wolph.that one of speciall good reckoning for his learning, and labour in that booke of CScripture, notwithstanding this variety in others, yet passeth ouer those tenne verses of the Text, with onelyonly two lines of his Commentarie: and plainely professeth that hee seeth no difficultie in them. In that one wherein that course faileth cleane, that otherwise is obserued in them both throughout, is that note of the number of them: and it is no more but this. That whereas Dauid ordeined foure and twenty courses for the better seruice of GOD, and that so it might bee lesse 1. Chro. 24: 1-31, 25: 1-311 Chr 24:1–311 Chr 24:25troublesome to the parties themselues, in the former of these two notes that nowe I speake of, there bee but two and twenty; and but twenty and one in the latter: the sixt in the former, hauing none vnderunder him in the latter, as all the residue of his fellowes hauehave. Whereby it may seeme, that some of their courses were yet wanting, till they were supplyed or renewed againe: and a faire blessing of GOD it was, that in so troublesome and corrupt times as they were in, there was no greater decay than so. Yet on the other side, seeing they had one fewer in the dayes of Ioakim the Sonne, than they had in the dayes of Ieshua his Father, and euen then, when that Father of his came first from Babylon, when as notwithstanding himselfe was afterward High-Priest (as it is noted) thirty and sixe yeares by himselfe, and F…n Chr. in an. 3427-3490.eight and twenty yeares more, his place being for the first eight of these supplied by his Sonne, for the other twenty himselfe seruing the place againe alone, vnlesse hee tooke his Sonne in with him: hereby it seemeth, that they made no great hast to fill vp those courses that then were wanting. But it may seeme rather to be, that Religion and the worshippe of God was by those Princes so little aduanced, when as it was so long before the Temple might bee builded: rather than by any slackenes in them; but that already they were enough and enough to that purpose there, yea and twenty times mo than were needfull yet for any such businesse as was there to bee done. As with vsus also, if learning bee not so followed as it should, where most it ought, so to supply the roomes that want, the fault is not there where it seemeth to lye, but in those that giuegive the occasion of it, discouraging much good proceeding in learning, by keeping away so much of the reward thereunto appertayning, and impayring the rest so fast as they doe. A matrer so much the rather to bee marked of those, that seeke to the Authour aforesaide that found no difficultie herein (and sure an Authour right worthy to be sought vntounto, both for learning and godly wisedome, both in this Booke and diuers others: but Homer himselfe slumbreth Dsometimes) for that in the same place also hee professeth, hee sawe nothing woorthy the marking for our instruction. In the latter of those, our first note is Neh. 12: 22.Neh 12:22both of Priestes and Leuites together, as before; but nowe wee hauehave no recitall of them here, as in the others, but onelyonly a remembraunce that such a note there was taken of them; and therein the Leuites (who were the inferiours, if they were no more than Leuites; but many of them were) first named, before the Priestes that p. 541were the superiours. In this note wee may marke, first that whereas already wee hauehave note of such as were in the dayes of Ieshua and Ioakim two of the first of those sixe High-Priests whose Genealogy or lineall descent we had before, now is this of all such as followed after in the daies of the last foure of them, Eliasib, Ioiada, Iohanan, and Iaddua: and that, seeing this note was taken in the raigne of Darius King of Persia, it referreth vsus to the last of that name whom Alexander ouerthrew, none Tremel. Iun.other of that name reaching vntounto the time of Iaddua, one of those that here is named. Then that seeing it did not please God here to recite them; nor to reserue vntounto vsus that note where they were entered into record, it is not absolutely needefull for the Church of God to hauehave the Story of succession, in particularities to bee still continued. Hauing promised that he will be with his euen to the end, so we make vndonbted assurance of it, the matter is lesse if we doe not euer distinctly know by whom he hath done it, or from time to time doth it yet. Of the Leuites, a-part by themselues, we hauehave two notes moe: one, much like to this other of the Leuites & Priests together; the other, therein varrying from them. For the former of them Neh. 12: 23.Neh 12:23is no more but only a remembrance here, that such a note is else-where taken; and that, of the chiefe and principall Fathers of the Leuites: but this note heere, both referreth vsus to the Booke of the Chronicles; and telleth vsus, that there we hauehave all, euen to the time of the last but one, of those sixe High-Priests afore-said. What Booke of Chronicles is it that here he meaneth, himselfe dooth not shew. But true it is, that in the Book of Chronicles which we hauehave extant, there hauehave we the principall Fathers of the Leuites expressed, and their courses withall; by the rule and patterne where of such as followed were euer to repaire their courses decaied: and so is it by diuers taken, that that is the meaning of the Text heere. But seeing hee doth so praecisely note by the person, a man well knowne, how farre that Register Lyr. Trem. Iun.should extend; and seeing those other notes are of the chiefe Fathers in particular: it seemeth rather, that he pointeth to some such Booke of Chronicles as now wee Ehauehave not; and that God hath not thought good to reserue it vntounto vsus, as wee know it hath pleased him to deale with many other Monuments besides. Another Testymony, that particular succession neede not to be so knowne vntounto vsus. That which herein varryeth from both those last before, is the same that followeth next, and is the last of them all: it both noting the persons themselues, and their seuerall functions Ne. 12: 24-26(one sort of them to be imployed in giuing of thankes and such like, and the others to keep the gates;) and shewing besides, in whose daies they serued, namely, in the daies of Ioiakim the second of those High-Priestes afore-said, and in the daies of Nehemiah and Ezra that now we speake of.

20 About the dedication of the walles we hauehave some-thing noted vntounto vsus (before ANeh. 12: 27-30Neh 12:27–30the Story dooth yet returne vntounto his wonted course again) concerning diuers of those that should be speciall Agents therein: & first what was done, as touching them; then, what certaine of them did. Those that should be speciall Agents in this businesse, were the Priestes and Leuites; and that which was done concerning them, rested in two principall points: one, that against this time, and against this businesse, they were from all places diligently gathered together vntounto Hierusalem; the other, that they were purified also. That they were so diligently gathered together, it seemeth to arise, not onelyonly of those that so did call them together: but also, of themselues that so readily came in thereupon. Those that called them together, seeme to bee all the Princes, Fathers, or Leaders of the people generally, or the whole Congregation of them: as yet hauing no mention (as soone after we hauehave) of Nehemiah, as any doer in this matter. Being then the deede of the whole company generally, it is a very good example to all: in all our speciall & chiefe affairs, to ta…e our light and help and course of action of those, whom it hath pleased God to giuegive vsus to such purpose, and whose labours wee may best hope wee will blesse therein. Dauid (they might remember) had beene about such a worke before: he 2 Sam. 6: 1-10 1 Chr. 15: 11-….2 Sam 6:1–101 Chr 15:11and all the Nobles of Israell, and much of the people: but missed in this point; and so had his successe according, till he had taken better aduisement. Th…se hauing the p. 542like businesse in hand now, doo take a better order therein: euen seeking out the Priests and Leuites, wheresoeuer they dwelt in the Countrey about them. There were many at Ierusalem already, as we heard before: but those will not serue (such Bis their zeale now;) they will hauehave all. Yet was it but Thankes-giuing and Praier, that was the substance of this businesse: a matter that many thinke they can sufficiently performe, euen by themselues; some conceyuing farther, that those seruices are of the kind, that they neede not be so careful to performe them in best manner, God himselfe being euer readye, by the very Nature of them to take them, though our selues bee not so carefull to praesent the same vntounto him so well as wee might. It may be likewise, that euen Dauids company, at least many of them, made no great reckoning to hauehave the Priests and Leuites with them, in that first attempt of Dauid. For the Text it selfe doth witnesse, that Dauid at the first so ordered 1. Chr. 13: 1, 21 Chr 13:11 Chr 13:2his speech to his Nobles and Captaines about that matter, that it seemeth his plaine meaning was (it seemeth I meane, by the Originall, Ʋatablus, and our English Translation; and is plaine by others) to hauehave the Priests and Leuites wyth the rest to hauehave beene assembled vntounto it: and yet in another place notwithstanding, that Dauid chargeth the chiefe of the Priests and of the Leuites, that they were not 1595. Vulg. edit. Lyr. Con. Pellic Tremel Iun. 1. Chron. 15: 11-13.1 Chr 15:11–13at that time with them. Being then so, that Dauid would hauehave had them, & yet that they were not there (and both these by very good warrant) that they were not there, it seemeth to lye betwixt the Priests and Leuites themselues on the one side: and those Nobles and Captaines of Dauid, on the other. First for the Priests and Leuites, it is not likely that the fault was in them: first because the honor & nature of the action and all probability besides, leadeth vsus to thinke, that if they had bin sent for or called to that solemnity, they would not hauehave fayled but to hauehave come; then also because Dauid was no more offended with them, which by all likelyhood he would hauehave beene, if they had so farre disobeyed, especially the case falling out as it did, that by their absence the good action it selfe was defeated, and all that whole solemnity pittifully disgraced besides. But then as touching the Nobles and Captaines, albeit we may well hope, that many of them also were verie honourably minded heerein: yet may it well like-wise bee doubted, that many of them were yet irreligious; and such not vnlikely some way or other to disapoynt the hauing of the Priests and Leuites with them in that peece of businesse. That many of them were yet irreligious was likely enough to bee, for that Dauid was but newe come to his kingdome: and that in the dayes of Saule few or none sought after the Lord. If many of them were irreligious, it may be, that some of them were otherwise 1. Chr. 13: 3.1 Chr 13:3notwithstanding in such fauour with Dauid, hauing so lately yeelded their allegiance vntounto him, or for some other good parts in them, that they might ouertreat CDauid therein, by arguments of the needlesnesse of their company, or some such like: or else so frame the Letters were sent, or so deale with the Messengers that went, that the Priests and Leuites should bee sure to hauehave no warning. For such is the generall corruption of vsus all, that wee hauehave a naturall dislike of those that are on the behalfe of God towards vsus; euen as people that are vnderunder obedience to a forraign Prince against their wils, do hardly brook his Officers also: and when any earthly praeheminence, cōmeth in withal, as of blood, possessions, fauour & such like, then do such things stir vp that natural dislike that is in vsus to be the more vehement, & when occasion is offred, or we hauehave fit matter, to work accordingly. If any of thē so defeated the Priests & Leuites at that present to be partakers of that solemnitie, both Dauid himselfe and all the company were little beholding vntounto them for it, as the matter fell out in the end: and yet fell it out none otherwise, than such dealing had iustly deserued. God indeede had made speciall choise of these to such purposes; and Dauid had distributed them into certaine courses, and assigned to eueryevery one wherein more specially to employ them-selues: but yet all this to the vse of Diuine Seruice, publickely to bee perfourmed, first in the Tabernacle, then in the Temple after. This should be publicke too; yet but voluntary, and in nature inferiour some-what vntounto the other, and so more freely left to the liberty of themselues: yet such as were appointed for the other, those thought they (and so let vsus p. 543conceaue too) would be meetest for this also; and those would they hauehave, euen in the best plenty they could, to be their chiefe Leaders and dealers herein. As this ready assembling of them together, came of the Priests and Leuites themselues (as we may probably thinke, because it was their owne cause also, that partly it did) therein hauehave they giuen all of that sort a good example in all such cases to be ready to put too their hand to al good actions (though none of those whereto they were chiefly ordained) and to help forward the same the best that they can: and that so much the rather, for that the good and orderly performing of such actions cannot be intended to proceede from any, more than from them. In that it is noted they were purified also, though the action or doing of it lay altogether on themselues: yet the manner of speech seemeth to import, that it was the desire and motion of others also. As also it doth very naturally arise, that when people are bent to any good action, and would hauehave it performed so well as might be, then to call vponupon such as are to bee the speciall actors, to addresse themselues vntounto it in the best Dmaner that they are able, and to be earnest with them therein: and that the others being so stirred vp by the whole company, as accounting themselues to be interessed in it, and then considering their owne duty strongly to vrge it vntounto them besides, doe thereupon more earnestly stir vp themselues to set in hand with their businesse in the best manner they are able. A very good example to vsus, both for the whole company, and for all our principall agents, in all our actions, that are of moment, to bee carefull to performe them in the best manner wee may, and each sort therein to put to our hands the best that we can. That which these did, when thus they were gathered together, and when thus they had purified or praepared themselues, was, that they did the same to certaine others also, to whom in that case it appertained: praeparing them first, or making them ready vntounto the businesse they hadde in hand. Concerning which, the truth is, that by the Lawe of God both men themselues, besides the vncleannesse they got by sin, might other-wise also be Legaly vncleane before God: & so might other things about them besides, as their houses, garments, and vessels; as we do more fully shew when we hauehave those laws in hand. True it is also, that by such ceremonial or legall vncleanes, either in people themselues, or in thinges to them appertaining, if any such should be by their default, men might very grieuously offend God, and pluck down on themselues some heauy iudgement: not because such things (for many of them) were otherwise ill of themselues; but onelyonly that God had set that burne vponupon them & thereby would teach them, in all things to depend on his will and pleasure to them deliuered, and euer to take notice of their vncleannesse. Now therefore was it the part of these Priests and Leuites, thus gathered together to this solemnity, so soone as first they had clensed themselues, then to aduise themselues of others also: and then, seeing the people especially, then also euen the wals & the gates, might some way or other be in some pollution, they were likewise to hauehave an eye vntounto them, and to see them all praepared in the best manner they could; least that otherwise, by the slip of some one, it might so fall out, that God might be offended with all. So first, beginning with the people, they were to put them in mind of all such things as might in such case defile them, and earnestly to labour them to put away all such things whatsoeuer: and then were they themselues also to clense them as was appointed. Then comming to the wals and gates, there were they to see, there were nothing that by Law might make them vncleane, nor those that should bee imploied about them: Ethen to clense them also Legally, as they did the people before. All which it is here said that they did. A good example for vsus too, in all our assemblies, and in all such actions to take good heede, that nothing be, so neere as we can, offensiue to God: but euer first beginning with our selues; and then after comming to others.

21 The Story nowe returning to his former course, bringing in Nehemiah, Aspeaking vntounto vsus again in his owne person, hauing a while vsed that course, it seemeth soone to turne from it againe. So are we againe to consider, what it is that in the person of Nehemiah it deliuereth vntounto vsus: and what it giueth vntounto vsus besides, as in the person of some other. In the person of Nehemiah it deliuereth vntounto vsus, how, p. 544when the praeparation was in such sort made as we heard before, then he dedicated Ne. 13: 31-43the wals, and with them, not onelyonly the Gates, but euen the whole Citty also vntounto the Lord, as committing the same to his protection, and desiring him to extend his fauor towards it. But as touching the maner of doing it, though some things there be plaine enough; yet others there are somwhat hard to be conceiued: and in this case, as I do take it, it shall be good more specially to consider of both. First, as touching that which is plaine, their purpose was, in some set and solemne manner to giuegive thanks and praise vntounto God, for that which he had done for them already; and to solace themselues therein, euen in the face of all their enemies round about them: and to make praier withall, for the continuance of that his fauour towards them and that Citty, and euen to the Wals and Gates thereof which now in some sort they had repaired. This did Nehemiah conceiue might best be done, for some part of it, by deuiding themselues into seueral companies: and other some part, by vniting them together againe. Seeing some part of it may best be done by diuiding themselues into seuerall companies, and Nehemiah did so accordingly, we are first to consider what he to that end did: then, what was done therein by them. Hee first diuided them into such companies; and then sent them forward about theyr businesse, appointing to each of them the way they should take. The companyes were, first of the Priests and Leuites: then of the residue of the people. The Priests and Leuites he diuided into two companies: the residue of the people likewise, at least the chiefe and principall of them to other two. Those two companies of the Priests and Leuites were to go before, and in the name of all the companie to giuegive thanks and praise vntounto God, both with their voyces & Instruments too: and those other two compaaies of the people were to follow after; one part of them following Bthe former, Nehemiah himselfe and the residue following the latter. That which was done by these companies therein, is no more, but that they did as was appointed. That which was to bee done, by vniting them together againe, was, that both companies both of the Priests and Leuites, and of the rest of the people, comming all to the Temple, there they worshipped in very good manner, and to the speciall reioycing of all. These things are plain enough vntounto al: and these are the substance of all their doings. But now whereas the Text doth farther tell vsus, which were the waies that each of these companies tooke, and we hauehave certaine reports & descriptions of the forme and manner of that Citty, some of them of more auncient time, others more late; whereas also diuers of the learned hauehave commented or written hereon, both in former ages, & in these our daies also: yet the way that these companies kept, is not onelyonly, not as yet described by any of them (that yet I hauehave seen) but not so much as medled withall neither, but slipped of all, as past their reach, and yet not so acknowledged neither. And there is no quaestion of this, but that time is euer wont to make such alteration of Cities, either to the better, or to the worse, or some way or other transposing the particular estate of most part of them: as that it may well be, that this report that heere wee hauehave of certaine particular places of that Citty then, can in no wise agree to such descriptions thereof as hauehave reached to vsus, for that when those descriptions were taken, it was not in those particulars such then, as it was at the time that now we speak of. It may be also conceiued, that it is not materiall or needfull, to hauehave this direction that we hauehave here, to be answered by such descriptions as we hauehave of that City since: as indeed it is not, absolutely. But seeing it hath pleased God, that wee should hauehave these particular places so specially noted vntounto vsus, it is not vnlikely, but that hee would hauehave vsus make vse of them also: and, it may be, that as it was a figure of a better Citty aboue, ordayned for vsus in Iesus Christ, so would I hauehave the forme thereof, so much the more carefully to that end praeserued, albeit, that now we otherwise hauehave little vse of it. And seeing there be diuers of the learned that hauehave trauailed to describe the same vntounto vsus, and it may be, that yet there are others that will bestow some labour therein: it is not amisse, in that respect also, out of this to note, what defects may bee already in those that we hauehave, and how some others might be therein amended. Of those descriptions that we hauehave, although there be diuers commended vntounto vsus: yet is it not p. 545vnlikely, but that that wee hauehave of Christianus Adrichomius, as it is of faire and CIo. W… Neh. …. fol. 26. … Theat…m … sa…ct.seemely workmanship, and well furnished (for the most part of it) with the authority of the word of God; so is it also the best of those that yet are extant. Which if it be, then might those others and it also, by this be amended, as it seemeth, in diuers of the particulars of it that here are remembred. It may be also, that being in diuers things, in that description of his, more superstitious, than becommeth a man professing learning in the light of these daies of the Gospell, both that he, the more he hath heeded that, the lesse hath he heeded matters more needfull: and that GOD hath the lesse prospered his labour in some part of it, the lesse that he hath set God before his eies in some other. In it therefore if we examine how those particulars are answered that are noted vntounto vsus here, we shall soone find, as I take it, that as in diuers of them it doth well answere the Text; so seemeth it likewise much to varry in diuers others: & this to be, both in the way that was appointed for the former of these two companies; and especially in the way of the latter of them. Which that we may the better finde, I thinke it the readiest way first to set downe some little Modell whereby such as hauehave the Map it selfe may more easily goe to such places therein as whereunto the Text will direct vsus; and such as hauehave not, may yet somewhat perceiue in what sort they are placed there: & then to consider of those two waies that now we speake of. The Modell I speake of may well be this.

Ierusalem.

A. Sion, or Citty of Dauid

B. Daughter of Sion, or … neather Citty.

C. The Temple.

D. The second Citie.

E. The New-Cittie.

F. The Dong-gate.

G. The gate of the Fountaine or Water-gate.

H. The place, whence, it seemeth, they went.

I The tower of the Furnaces

K. The gate … Ephraim.

L The Old gate.

M. The Fish-gate.

N. The tower of H…n…neel.

O. The tower Meah.

P The Sheep…▪gate

Q. The gate of the Ward.

R R. The Sta…es to the Cittie of Dauid.

22 To find out those two waies that we speak of, first we know that the Rendyvous, Aor place of meeting again, was the temple or house of God, there to worship: and then if we can find, where they did first set forth, we may so much the more easily ghesse at the way, though we had no other direction vntounto it. Where they did set forth or began to enter into that solemnity, we hauehave not by name or particularlie set down vntounto vsus: but yet it seemeth, it may well be gathered. For Nehemiah plainly Btelleth vsus, that he brought the Princes of Iudah (& the rest withall, as that which Neh. 12: 31Neh 12:31followeth of appointing his two companies there, doth imply) vp, vntounto some part of the wal which stood high: and from whence, that one of the companies that he appointed to go towards the Dung-gate, should go on the right hand of the wall, as they held their way thither. To find out likewise what Coast should lye to their right hand, we must conceiue how then they stood, which by all likely-hood was, their faces bent towards the Temple, whither now they were to take their way. So falleth it out, that now they were come together to the North end of the citty, neer to the wal there, thence to set forth in that their intended solemnity vntounto the temple. But whereas the most of our translations, and the very originall it selfe, doe so speake of the wall heere, as if this company stood, and thence went forward, on the Wall it selfe: it is more significantly set downe by others, that they were but Tremel Iun.brought vppe vntounto it, and not vppon it. For neyther could any such part of quantitie of the Wall contayne such a multitude of people, all to stand at once p. 546vponupon it: neither doth it agree with other words of the Text it selfe, setting them to goe on the right hand of it; and then not vponupon the wall it selfe. The other company also, by that strict interpretation should goe (and Nehemiah himselfe) vppon Ibid. 38, 39.many Gates and Towers that were in their way, before they came to their iournies end. But it standeth by good consent, that the North end of the Citty that nowe Ioan. wolph. …ol 26. b. Adrichom pag. 166. col. 2. … 14…. Trem. Iun in Neh. 12: 31.Neh 12:31we speake of, was high; being one of the chiefe hilles (those being foure in all) that Ierusalem did stand on: and so that Nehemiah his bringing vp of the people vntounto the wall, was not according to the strictnesse of the wordes themselues, vppon the wall, but onelyonly vp to the side of it. By which also we may see, that it was not the out-side of the wall by which they went, because so the first company should hauehave gon on the left hand of it: and the ditches being so broad as they were, would hauehave kept them a good way from the wal, and hauehave giuen oportunity to the enemy, both against themselues and their Citty. So are they yet at the North-end of the Citty, neare to the wals, but yet within them. Againe, seeing the former of these two companies must make their way by the Dung-gate, and the latter of them was to goe by the Tower of the Furnaces, thereby are we led to conceaue, that nowe they Tremel. Iunwere betwixt both those, when as parting companies they were to take their way by them. Whereas therefore the Dung-gate is noted to bee on the East-side of CAdrichom. pag. 168. …. 163.the Citty, and as it were somewhat better than at one quarter of the length of the Citty from the North to the South, and the Tower of the Furnaces in the north end Ibid. num. 172of the Citty, and somewhat better than at one halfe of the length of the end from the West towards the East, so are we led to conceaue, that now the whole company was, as at the North end of the Citty, so in that part of it which lay towardes the East: and true it is that there was a speciall heigth of the Citty, where the Assirians before, and the Romanes afterward pitched their Tents, after that once they had Adrichom. pag. 160. num. 148, 149.gotten within one of the walles. Hauing so found whether they were assembled from thence to begin that their solemnitie, nowe are wee to consider of the w… of either of these two companies. The first place that we hauehave named to the former of them is that Dung-gate before mentioned, being in their way towards the Temple, euer keeping on the right hand of the wall by which they went; and the gate of the Fountaine and the Water-gate, are the next: both which Adrichomius doth Neh. 12: 37Neh 12:37make but one, and placeth it on the East-side of the Citty; but, from whence they set foorth, about halfe so farre beyond the Temple, as they wanted of it when they Pag 167 num. 158.were at the Dung-gate aforesaide. Which may seeme to imply, that they were to hold on their way by the wall, farther than the Temple stoode from them at their first setting forth. So likewise, as touching the staires of the Citty of Dauid, and those at the going vp of the wal beyond the house of Dauid, of such Adricomius maketh no mētion in the outmost wall, which notwithstanding was beyond the house of Dauid (from whence they set forth:) but it may seeme and meane, as if they had for their part to go about the one halfe of the wals from whence they set forth; yet not full out the one halfe of the wals neither. But true it is, that if from the gate of the Fountain or waters, they twined then into the Citty and left the wals, then had they staires iust before them in two seuerall places going vp South-ward to the city of Dauid. But that seemeth not to hauehave beene their course, for that so they should hauehave left the wals, when they had gon but the quantity of one side onelyonly, and shold leaue all the rest vntounto the others. In the way that the other company was to hold, the particuler places that therein are named are many mo than in the other: and for a while fitly answered by Adrichomius in this his description; but not so in any of Dthe others. For the tower of the furnaces, and the gate of Ephraim that first are named, Neh. 12: 38. 39 Adrichom. pag. 168. …, 172 pag. 167. …. 157. pag. 168. …. 166. pag. 167. …. 162Neh 12:38Neh 12:39were both in their way (in the north end of the city) … they twined down west ward: the olde gate also, and the fish-gate which are mentioned next, both in the west-side of the citty; one, as it were, at one quarter, and the other at three quarters of the length of that side, from the north to the south. But now the others that follow, as many in number as yet we hauehave had of these, do nothing at all answer to the course that these were in: those being all in the east-side of the Citty, and not all so placed there neither, as here they are named. For the tower of Hananel is set to be, at p. 547scant the one halfe of the first quarter of the length of the East-side from the north to the South. So that by that course, when this second company had passed all their part to the North end, and three quarters of the West-side, then were they to come backe, and to begin almost at the North-ende of the East-side, to take their way all along that side also, so farre as the Temple it selfe did reach there: the Tower Adrichom. … 16…. 174 165, 6…. Tremel. Iunof Hananeel being, as I said, almost at the end of that side; the Tower of Meah (which out of the signification of the originall, some doe tearme as of an hundred, being indeede said to be an hundred cubits in height) almost at the midst of that side; The Sheepe-gate beeing indeed next to this but behinde it, and so, turning them so farre backe againe, North-ward; and the Gate of the Ward, where it is sayde they stood, beeing neere to the South-east corner of the Temple, and almost as farre as the Water-Gate, other-wise also called the Gate of the Fountain, the vtmost point that by this description, we find that the other company went, so long as they held their way by the Wals. By this reckoning also, the Walles of the residue of that East ende of the Citty, of all the South of it, and as it were of one quarter of the West-side also, should be by both companies omitted: euen al the whole Citty of Dauid, other-wise called Mount Sion, the principall part (but for the Temple) of all Ierusalem.

23 The manner of the dedication being thus deliuered vntounto vsus by Nehemiah Ahimselfe or in his person, the Story nowe deliuereth the residue that of this part remaineth, as in the person of some other. And the matters that so we hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, are two; both of them to the good commendation of the people: in the former of them, Nehemiah, towards the end of it, being spoken of (together with Zorobabell) but in the third person onelyonly; in the latter, nothing at Ball remembred. That wherein we hauehave Nehemiah in such sort remembred, is altogether about the Ministery: and part of it appertaining to that praesent time: but part of it, vntounto other times besides. That which appertaineth to that praesent time; is likewise some part of it, of the people: and some part againe, of certaine of the Ministery. That which is of the people, is, that then they took order for the gathering in of all such maintenance as was due to the Priests and Leuites: and Neh. 12: 44.Neh 12:44the reason added withall, is, for that then the people reioyced that the Priestes and Leuites were now occupied in their ministration. A good cause for much people of Christendome to reioyce likewise, that now the Ministery, in these daies of the Gospel, we are also imploied in the ministration to them appertaining: but wheras the Iewes were carefull thereupon to get in that which was due vntounto thē, so do not many of ours; yet many of them professors too, but still hold that which they hauehave, and scamble for more; than the which they need no better proofe, that as yet they truely ioy not in their ministration. Those of the Ministery, of whom we hauehave some Ibid. 45. 46Story too, are certaine of the Leuites such as were to attend about the Temple, and eyther to sound foorth the praises of God with voyce and Instrument; or as Porters to attend the doores, and to keepe out all vncleane whatsoeuer: as touching whom, both it is noted that they did well performe theyr duty; and that the vse of Musicke in such case did stand, by the example of godly ancients before. Those other times besides, whereunto wee hauehave some part of this appertaining, are, first a time that was before when Zorobabell gouerned: then the residue of the time of Nehemiahs gouernment among them. As touching both which it is recorded, that during their time, there was that regard to the worship of God, that euen those Singers also were maintained: and that the Leuites had their due so truely paid, that they also were able to giuegive their due to the Sons of Aaron; and that accordingly so they did. A report, as it may seeme, importing, that so oft as there bee good Gouernours, the cause of Religion is so truely regarded, that euen the matters of lesse importance, are not for sparing with-held from it; and that such as are of greater moment, are to the full, yeelded vntounto it: and that they are neuer good Gouernours indeede, where that course is not obserued. That wherein Nehemiah in nothing at all remembred, is, that the people (about that time) hearing p. 548(out of the Law of God read vntounto them) how far they were to estrange themselues from the Ammonites and Moabites, or to stand of from them, did thereupon make Ca seperation from diuers that were mingled among them. In which it shall bee good to consider, first of that point of the Lawe of God: then of that pliablenesse in the people. In that point of the Lawe of God we hauehave noted vntounto vsus, how far God doth exclude them from his people: and what was the cause why so hee did. He exculded them so farre from his people, as that neyther should they euer hauehave any Neh. 13: 1-3 Deut. 23: 3-…Neh 13:1–3Deut 23:3speciall place among them, not so much as to bee any member of their society or body politically: and that the people of Israell were discharged, if neuer they did specially seeke the good or welfare of any of them. Truely a strange and heauy iudgement, that the people of God themselues, who are euer generally taught to be good vntounto all (and are not allowed to do those any hurt neyther, nor to nourish in their hearts any malice against them) neuerthelesse are allowed to be so inexorable to these, that they neuer suffer them to get vp among them, nor any way imploy themselues, in any speciall maner, about the good of their earthly estate heere: but that they bestow that care on others, to whom they are allowed to doe it. The reasons are two: one, because they did not vse them kindly as they passed by them when they came out of Egypt; the other, because they would hauehave done them hurt by Balaam but that they were not able to doe it. Many of vsus vse little kindnesse to such of our bretheren; and some of vsus would by the Romish Balaams of our time, hauehave done them hurt too, though one way or other we were not able: and then, so …biding, we may hardly hope that God will at any time vouchsafe vsus to be (though but so only we had offended) of the society of his people; or that any thing that is in them, example, Doctrine, or such like, shall at any time be auailable to vsus, or sort it selfe to good effect in vsus. The pliablenesse of the people was notable heerein, that so readily they made such separation, as the case did then require: which at this time seemeth to be but from such society with those peoples as the Law of God required; though it may well be, that by occasion thereof they proceeded further to others also. Ezra wee saw before, was much troubled about such a matter; and hardly with many sobs, sighs and teares, could hee obtaine it in the end: but these now readily do it; and without any speciall Leader that we do reade of. Wee also are many times called vponupon in matters that concerne vsus as much as this, and ofttimes too, euen for hauing ouer great society with such among vsus, or for being too inward with them: but seldome wee doe so readily amend as these did heere. In which pliablenesse of these, likewise wee hauehave a good experiment, how forcible Deuen the Reading onelyonly of the word of God is to so many as duly regard it: a matter that of late was much called in quaestion among vsus; and, that is more strange, euen by some of those that professed the Gospell themselues; sauing that themselues do sufficiently by their waies declare, that so far as they mislike such Readers, euen themselues so far are no followers.

24 This being all the Story of his former being at Ierusalem, and now being Ato come to the latter, one thing there is, that is not set downe vntounto vsus: others there be, that are plainely enough declared. That which is not set downe vntounto vsus, is, what time hee now returned, and how long hee was in place of gouernment among them. Which I rather note, because some of speciall account, notwithstanding the great variety of iudgement as touching the certainety of the time whereunto these Stories doe appertaine (as not being certainely knowne that they doe appertaine to the daies of those Kinges to whom they are for the most part ascribed, but on the other side, that there is great likeli-hood that they doe appertaine to others) do neuerthelesse set downe some compasse of time, whereunto this Story must needes be referred as they do take it; and yet very diuers among themselues: insomuch that although they agree in the King (and that against a likelyer opinion too) yet therein also they varry, one ascribing foure and forty yeares to the raigne of that King, and about twelue yeares wherein this Story is to be seated; Ioan. wolph. in Neh. 1316. Tremel. Iun. in Neh. 13▪ 8. …, I…s. Ed, … in his Persian Chronologi…▪Neh 13:8others giuing but thirty and seauen yeares to his raigne, and fiue yeares for p. 549the seate of this Story. One of them since. I graunt hath varied; and it, from vsus or one of ours, strongly confirmed therein: but th… which … set downe before, in this greater light of the Gospell, and by men of so speciall reckoning (for I speake not of others that had not the opportunity and meanes then, that are salue to others since) might easily breede some preiudice that were not priuie …ow the ma…r hath bin farther examined sin…. It pleaseth God, that we hauehave the story left vntounto vsus, and thereof may singuler good vse be made; though praecisely wee knowe not the time wherunto it belonged: if any of vsus do as any time place it not so …tly as we should, it derogateth nothing from the Storie it selfe; and yet are wee farther behoulding to God, when hee sheweth vsus, to what time we may much better referre it. Those that are plainely inough declared, are of certaine disorders that in his absence were crept in among them, and how he at his returne did reforme them againe. Wherein, if we marke, wee may distinctly note, that first he dealt with one that concerned but some fewe seuerall persons; but then soone after, that hee dealt with another that concerned many, if not the whole people generally. Those few seuerall persons whome that disorder most concerned, were Eliashib the High-Priest, and Tobiah BNehe. 13. 4-6.an Ammonite, and, as it seemeth, at that time also the Gouernor ouer them vnderunder the King: and the disorder was, that part of those roomes that belonged to the Temple for holy vses, were by the High-Priest himselfe imparted to the said Tobiah vponupon some alliance that was betwixt them. Not much vnlike to that which in many parts of Christendome, euen in these dayes of the Gospell we hauehave among vsus (but in much greater measure) that so many of our Church-liuings, both the houses themselues, and the maintenance thereunto appertaining (whereas Tobiah, that we read of, had no more but house-roome onelyonly) are so inuested as they are to profane and Lay-vses, and still so strongly with-held thereunto: & that many of the chiefe Fathers of the Clergy, hauehave had their handes deeply enough in that matter. But when Nehemiah returned, hee was so grieued at it, that hee could in no wise abide Ibid. 7-9.it: and so dispossessed that vnnaturall and vnlawfull occupier, and restored those roomes to their former vse againe. Such Nehemiahs are dainty Gouernours on earth among is. Tobiah indeed was an Heathen man, at least not knowne to bee a conuert to sound Religion: ours, by generall profession are; but otherwise many of them either knowne to bee corrupt therein, or at least not vndoubtedly knowne to beare any friendly hearts vntounto it. Howbeit, that, wee may see was not the matter: for that when hee tooke it from him, hee did not then place some of their Nobles or Gentle-men in it; but onelyonly restored it to the former vse againe. Tobiah likewise was a man of speciall reckoning: and hee had, that which hee had, by the authority of the High-Priest himselfe. Being a man of such reckoning, and yet ioyning affinity with one of them, it might argue some good-will in him towardes them: and so giuegive them better hope, of the more quietnesse, the better they helde friendship with him; and reasonable plaine notice withall, that if they did not, they should breed themselues more trouble by it. In that he had it by the authoritie of the High-Priest, it might seeme to make a sufficient right; …t least to let that passe for this once, and to take better heede to others: especially, seeing he had but only the roome; and most likely that they at this time had more, than yet they could occupy. But these things doe nothing moue him; he onelyonly considered, what aequity and duty in that case required; that onelyonly should be the course he would hould. Those many were the whole people to speake of, who now in the absence of Nehemiah were so slacke in bringing in their tithes and other duties, that such as were to serue in the Temple were faine to leaue their duty there, and to take to some other Clabour whereby they might be able to liue. This when he went about to reform, of that which he did therin, he did but some part at this present: then more a while after. He did but part at this present, belike because hee espied other matters also that might not be slipped: and so, as it were, stepped aside to them also. In that which at this time he did, wee finde that hee ioyned prayer thereto in the end. So first of that which he did; then, of his prayer also. That which he did, was of such force, that it wrought much with others; and so occasioned him thereupon to goe p. 550somewhat f…ther. That which first he did of himselfe, was, that hee reproued the Ibid. 10, 11.Rulers, who had suffered the House of God to bee so forsaken: and gathered in the Priestes and Leuites againe to their wonted businesse. In that which farther hee did on occasion, first the occasion was, that the people then did well bring in their Tithes: Ibid. 12. Ibid. 13.then that which hee did thereupon, was, that hee ordained such as were accounted faithfull, to be as Treasurers and Officers, to take those things into their custody, and to distribute the same to their bretheren. In his prayer, hee desireth God so to accept Ibid. 14.of his seruice therein, that he remember him in mercy: so declaring withall, that he had sincerely dealt in that matter, when he could so appeale to God therein. We also hauehave a Nehemiah, who one day wil reprooue such rulers as hauehave so little cared to see his holy worship maintained; and, it may be, not forget them neyther, one way or other, in the meane season: as also, though wee may hauehave, and hauehave such Gouernours, as are doing something therein, and thinke besides, that they do well; yet can they neuer plead on sincerity, vnlesse they hauehave dealt according to their patterne giuen them. And while others are in effect but shadowes, those are the kindly Officers of the Kingdome of God indeede, that gather together the Priestes and Leuites vntounto their places and duties: and see that they hauehave their due maintainance also. Those other matters whereunto as it were hee …ppeth a-side before he deale any farther in this, are two: one, of the Sabboath; the other, of marriage. That of the Sabboath, was, that in his absence, it grew to bee much profained among them: in which likewise, first hee sheweth vsus what hee did therein; and then falleth againe to prayer. That which hee did, was first about the abolishing of that praesent profanation: then, for the praeuenting of the like afterward. For the abolishing of that profanation which already was, hee found the fault both with his owne people: and with strangers. His owne people hee roundly reproued: and yet Dnot onelyonly for greater profanations that hee espied, euen in Ierusalem; but also Ibid. 15.euen for buying and selling of victuals. For that which hee found in strangers, hee first reproued but the Rulers for bearing with them therein, and caused the Gates to be shut against them: but then, when diuers of them were yet vnruly, hee threatned Ibid. 16-21the next time to lay hold on them; and so got them at length to giuegive ouer. For praeuenting of the like afterward hee caused certaine of the Leuites to keepe the Gates: Ibid. 22.and thereto also to sanctifie themselues first, so to bee more carefull therein. His prayer now againe was, that God would remember him in this, and padon him according Ibin. 22.to his great mercy. That other of marriage, was, that in his absence likewise diuers of them had taken strange wiues againe: and one man of speciall account among them. Concerning whom, first hee noteth, what his dealing was with eyther of them: then what was the effect of his dealing with them all. Setting in hand to shew what his dealing was with eyther of them, in those that had made this fault Ibid. 23-27generally, first he noteth what mungrell-children they had thereby: then also he reproued and punnished certaine of them, and tooke an Oath of them, that they should no more do it. That one of speciall reckoning among them, was one of the Sons of Ioiada, the sonne of Eliashib the High-Priest; whom therefore hee chaced away Ibid. 28, 29.from him: and accounted that dealing, so great an indignity offered to that holy function, that he earnestly prayeth against all those that any way defile that holy calling. The effect of his dealing with them all, was, that hee clensed them from all the strangers that were among them. In that which farther hee did about the Diuine Seruice Ibid. 30.of God, first he sheweth what it was: and then againe falleth to prayer. That which he did, was, first he appointed the Wards or courses of the Priests and Leuites, eueryevery one in his office (which belike was now more deliberately done, and better Ibid. 30.established, than hee could doe on the suddaine before: and that heerein it varied from that other:) then, that hee made prouision for them besides. Wherein, because hee doth so specially name those two particulars that there he nameth, belike those were such thinges as came hardliest in: the Countrey it selfe hardly yeelding Ibid. 31.the former: and mens hearts as hardly yeelding the latter. For as touching the former, Abraham many hundred yeares before this, comming to doe sacrifice there, is EGen. 22: 3, 6, 7Gen 22:3Gen 22:6Gen 22:7noted to hauehave taken wood from home with him (which by likelihoode he would not p. 551hauehave done, but that then also it was scant in those partes:) and we hauehave Story of our time, in some of those hotter Countries, of seeing Wood thirty miles, and In the English Nauigations: in the storie of Tho. Sanders pag. 196 Ibid. 31.plucking vp Iuniper, and such like by the rootes, and laying the same on Camels backes, for the scantnesse of it. And as for the other we may easily finde our hearts so straight laced for such matters, that we may bee expositors to our selues, wherefore Nehemiah tooke so speciall order about it. His prayer now is, much like as before, that God would remember him in goodnesse. Wee also, when we hauehave done all that we can, and though we hauehave doone vntounto God speciall good seruice, in comparison of thousandes of others: yet neuer doe we any thing at all, that is worth remembrance with God; or any other fauour at his handes. Insomuch that euen the best that is, needeth earnestly to entreat God to remember him, and those poore iobs of seruice that he hath doone him; and none otherwise to deale with him, not with the seruice that he hath doone him, but onelyonly in the depth of his mercy: Nehemiah, a notable patterne, hauing so plainely led vsus the way hereunto. For whosoeuer considereth of those seruices that this Story recordeth of him, shall quickly finde (if his sight bee any thing good; and, in this last Chapter especially, it is by one very worthily noted) that he was a most excellent Ioan. wolph. in arg…ment….man, and a notable Mirror to all Princes and Gouernours, and that he did vntounto God very rare and singular seruice: and yet that himselfe findeth nothing worth memory with God, nothing of that quantity that may bee discerned, nothing of that worth that may be regarded, vnlesse it please God, in the depth of his mercy, to vouchsafe him that fauour.