Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 13

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 13

p. 302CHAP. 13.

1 WHEN they began to diuide themselues, neuerthelesse it pleased God Aotherwise in those dayes so to blesse them, that in that age was the Church or people of God farther enriched with godly knowledge, than they were before: and so are we first to see the Stories of those that to this time appertaine; then, what farther knowledge in their age redounded vntounto the Church or people of GOD. As touching their Story, the diuision that wee speake off, was first in the dayes of him that next succeeded; though soone after made vp againe: but then, not long after that, many of them eft-soones doing it; and neuer after returning againe. He that next succceded was Dauid, for the most part of whose time: & for all the time of him that next did follow, they continued one people: but then diuided themselues for euer. The diuision likewise that in his time they beganne to make, was but in the first part of his raigne: and so are we to see, first what this diuision was; then, how they were againe vnited. To finde out what this diuision was, seeing it was in his time, wee are first to see, how himselfe did come to the Kingdome: then, how it was, that certaine of them did diuide themselues from the rest. VntoUnto his comming to the Kingdome, it dooth appertaine, first to consider in what sort hee vnderstood that it was fallen vntounto him: then, how hee addressed himselfe to enter into the possession of it. Hee vnderstood that it was fallen vntounto him, by one that was fled out of the battle, who himselfe (by his owne confession) had helpt to dispatch Saule (but at …. Sa. 1▪ 1-10.his owne request) and …ought the Crowne that was on his head away for a token▪ together with some other Ornamentes besides, as now by right appertaining to Dauid. Hee did so addresse himselfe to enter into the possession of it, that his doing therein did argue great moderation in him: first in some things he did before; then when he set in hand with that thing it selfe. Those that hee did before were Bof two sortes: some of them apperraining to the praesent case as then it stood; one other, a prouision for the time ensuing. Appertaining to the praesent case as then it stood, were two: one, his lamentation for the losse afore-sayde: the other, the execution of the Messenger. As touching his lamentation, first, it is set downe but breefely: but then, more at large. Breefely it is sayde, that hee and his men rent theyr cloathes, and mourned, wept, and fasted till euen, for the King and his Sonne, Ibid. 11, 12.and for the people that so were lost. More at large wee hauehave afterward set downe the forme and manner of that his lamentation, composed as (it seemeth) by Dauid Ibi. 17, 19-26. Ibid. 13-16.himselfe on that occasion. In the execution of the Messenger he gaue a good Testimony that he was innocent of the death of Saul, though a Mortall Enemy to him; and it behooued him as the case stood then, that the people should be so perswaded of him: but as yet he was not es…b…shed in the Kingdome (for it is …, th… he inquired of the Lord, whether now he should … the Kingdom … not▪) and … wel be, that the p…ty had no m…therous …, but only yeelded to rid him out of his paine, & that at his owne request, it may be also with … to do it, … the other did desire it. That which was but a pro…on for the …; i… that … Ibid. 18.that heere is mentioned of him, of …ing others how to h…dle their Bow …ight… 1. Sam. 31: 3.1 Sam 31:3and it may be, as warned by the Issue of that l…st b…ttle, for th…t Saul by that kinde of weapon was so much distressed. When he set in hand with the thing it selfe, … would not bee his owne C…ruer therein, but first enquired of the Lord twice: and … did as he was directed. He asked of the Lord first, whether now he should go … … ry 2. Sam. 2: 1.2 Sam 2:1(there to enter into the Kingdome:) and then, when it was gr… vntounto h…, whether it was that first he should goe. Whereunto when he was …swe…d, that now he might go, and that he should go to Hebron, thither he went, he & al his company Ibid. 2. 3.with him, themselues and their Housholds: himselfe and his Family dwelling in Hebron it selfe; and the rest of his company in the Citties thereto appertaining. And according as he then yeelded himselfe to doe as God should direct him, so found hee the Issue aunswerable vntounto it: his owne Tribe (that is, the Tribe of Iudah) readyly Ibid. 4. Ibid. 8, 9. 3: ….comming in, and annointing him to be their King; but as yet none other, but onelyonly that one Tribe comming in and yeelding their alleageance vntounto him. Howe it was that certaine of them diuided themselues, wee are to know, that it was but for a Ctime; and that then they grew together one people again: and so we are first to consider of that time; then, of their vniting againe. Considering but of that time, it seemeth that Dauid perceiued such a thing towards, and that he did seeke to praeuent it: but yet that his endeuor sorted to no effect therein. It seemeth that he did see such a thing towards, & that he did seeke to praeuent it, in that by occasion hearing how the Inhabitants of Iabesh-Gilead had so well remembred their duty to Saul, he sent vntounto them to thank them for it, and to let them vnderstand it should bee remembred: and Ibid. 21 4-7.by that occasion, he giueth them to vnderstand withall, that the house of Iudah had made him K. ouer them, and thence seemeth to raise som comfort vntounto them, though their former Master, the late King, was now gone. Whether he had any such meaning therein or not, we cannot tell; knowing notwithstanding that in such case our common infirmity is ready enough to yeelde such fruits: but whether he did meane it or not, sure we are, it did him no good; & God doth often with-hold such earthly helps from those that are his, to teach them, euer, and in all thinges, to depend vponupon him. The better to see, how that his endeuour (if so it were) sorted it selfe to no effect, wee need but to mark the diuision it selfe: concerning which we hauehave something said only of that part of the people, who diuided themselues from the rest: and somewhat againe that concerneth them both. Of that part of the people that diuided it selfe from the rest, it is saide, that Abner, the Generall or chiefe Captaine of Saule did set vp Ibid. 12-16.Ishboseth one of Saules Sonne, to be King ouer all the rest of the people: and that he raigned ouer those, seauen yeares and sixe months. Which fact of his now (which it may be, was no more, but to keep his owne place still, which hee was not so like to doe vnderunder another) may well be a great part of the occasion of that long and perpetuall diuision that afterward followed, in that he thus opened this gap first: and then God knoweth, for what dissention, disorder, wrath, and bloud (which afterward by that occasion fell out among them) he may be made answerable for it, in the iudgements of God. That which concerneth them both, is first but one particular: then, a relation of them both generally. The particular is, that Abner comming with the forces of Ishboseth to the poole of Gibeon, & there meeting certain of the forces of Dauid also vnderunder the hand of Ioab, glorying belike in his greater forces, vrged Ioab to let some of his company to come and buckle with some of his, & to make proofe of their valour, and so to make some pastime to sit downe and behold the combate. Which DIbid. 17-32.when Ioab accepted, it proceeded not only to the slaughter of the first combators, but to become an exceeding sore battle betwixt all their forces, & that Abner the beginner of it and his men were so beaten, that himselfe was faine to intreat Ioab to pursue them no farther: at which time, though neither party gained (and no maruell, seeing p. 304they would hauehave so needlesse a co…, and so bloudy pastime) y… Abn…r lost three hundred and threescore of his company, for nineteene and one speciall man of the others. The relation that wee hauehave of both the peoples generally, is, that there Ibid. 3: 1.was long warre betwixt Dauid and the house of S…l…▪ but that the house of Dauid waxed stronger, and contrary wife, that the house of Saul did … waxe weaker. In which Story of theirs, first standing so long out against the kingdome of Dauid, and yet comming in in the end, we hauehave a good patterne how people in all ages yeelde vntounto Christ, or to the Gospell, the Scepter of his kingdome among vsus: Namely, that first such do come vntounto him (with the Tribe of Iudah, and readily they) as are touched inwardly with the selfe-same Spirit, and so of Kin to Christ himselfe: then, that others also do come in at length, but themselues weakned first, and by other experiments finding, that will they nill they, he is to preuaile. Comming to the time when they were vnited, and so became one people againe, w…e are first to see, in what sort they now came in vntounto Dauid their lawfull King: then, what was the estate or manner of his gouernment ouer them all, after that so they were vnited together. In what sort all the rest now came in, is so much the rather to be marked, for that it ca…eth needful instruction with it: and so are we first to consider of the Story; then, of the instruction that it yeeldeth vntounto vsus. In the Story we may see, that first it was somewhat attempted, but not so obtained: then, that it came in, immediately after, euen of it selfe. Attempted it was (besides that of Dauids before in his message to them of Iabesh-Gilead, wherein it seemeth, as before is noted, that he was not without some such meaning) both by Abner, and Dauid together: but Abner making that offer vntounto him; and Dauid going no farther therein, but onelyonly yeelding his acceptance of it, or at least giuing no nay or refusall vntounto it. In the offer that Abner made vntounto Dauid for that matter, because the occasion whereon he did it is also noted, we are first to …e what occasion hee tooke vntounto it: then, in what sort he wrought vponupon it. The occasion that he tooke vntounto it, was, that Ishbos…eth, his Lord and Maister (for so had he made him) sound fault with him (whether truely or not, we hauehave not declared) for abusing of Rizpah his Fathers Concubine: Ibid. 7.and yet might he see, when he tooke it so ill as he did, that Isbosheth his Lord Ibid. 11.was affraid to say any more vntounto him, or to vrge him any farther therein. So dangerous Ea thing it is to reproue great men of their sinnes, or but vniustly to charge them with …dious things, that euen Princes themselues may bring their own estate in the Kingdome into present perill thereby; and a iust iudgement it is of God besides, that such as vniustly step vp to Soueraigne place, by the power of such as are factious, should afterward also stand at their curtesie, whether they should continue still, or be remoued. How he wrought vponupon this occasion we may better perceiue, if first we marke how he resolued at that present then how hee did performe it after. He tooke that his reproofe so…l that presently he resolued, told Ishbosheth Ibid. 8-10.to his face, and bound it with a greeuous Oath, that as God had appointed Dauid to raigne (which hitherto notwithstanding he had neglected, but now can be content to make it a ground-worke for the execution of his owne griefe and rancour against his Lord:) so would he now go about to performe, and not rest vntill hee had done it indeed. To performe it after, first he sent to Dauid about it: and then went himselfe also. When he sent about it, we are not onelyonly to consider what his message was: but also, in what sort it was entertained of Dauid. His message was, Ibid. 13.that Dauid of right was to hauehave the whole kingdome: and that he, if Dauid would enter into couenant with him (belike to forgiue him that which was past, & thenceforward to esteeme of him as he should now shew himselfe towardes him) would now doe his faithfull endeuour to turne the whole people vntounto him, and had no doubt but soone to performe it. As this message was entertained of Dauid, he did not onelyonly respect the offer that now was made to him, but another matter besides. As touching the offer that now was made vntounto him, he promiseth to do as Abner had mooued. The other matter besides, is a matter of speciall note, as it may bee Ibid. 13.to diuers applyed: and so are we to see, first what the matter it selfe is; then, howe it may be applyed to others. In the matter it selfe we likewise hauehave deliuered vntounto p. 305vsus, first what it was that Dauid required: then, howe it was yeelded vntounto him. That which hee desired was to hauehave his Wife Michal againe: to which Ibid. Ibid. 14.ende both hee gaue a speciall charge to Abner, not to come to him without her; and sent Messengers to Ishbosheth besides to send her vntounto him. His demaund was so readily yeelded unto him, that Ishbosbeth sent and tooke her away Ibid. 15.from the party to whom Saul had giuen her, in despight of Dauid to whom hee had giuen her before: and when Abner came vntounto Dauid, he brought her with him. FIbid. 16.Wherein whatsoeuer it was that Dauid respected, whether by taking againe the Daughter of Saul to be more gracious to all that party, or that being before married vntounto her he would not now breake Wedlocke with her or both together: that Ishbosheth did so readily yeeld vntounto it, though it may bee hee thought it no wisedome to keepe her, least Dauid should make it an occasion against him; yet may it likewise be, that he had that regard to equity, that albeit Dauid was his enemy, he would notwithstanding affoord him his right. That which others may doe well to apply to themselues, is, partly out of Ishbosheth: but most out of Dauid. Of Ishbosheth they may doe well to learne, to hauehave none so mortall an enemy vntounto them, no not in the case of a Kingdome, but that euer they affoord them that which is right. Of Dauid a couple: one, as she was the Daughter of Saul; the other as she was married to him before. As she was Sauls Daughter, it was likely to make the party of Saul more to affect him: and then, though God had made him great promises, yet in him may wee see, that it is not good to neglect such good and lawfull meanes, if God doe at any time giuegive them vntounto vsus. As shee was his wife before, though another had had her since, yet Dauid gaue not such place to his iealousie, that therefore hee would now break of wedlocke with her: much lesse was of mind, that now he might hauehave no fellowship with her, but that therein he should sinne, because she was by another polluted. A needfull lesson too, both for such as are more irefull and reuenging in such case among vsus: and for such as are so nicely conceited. When hee went himselfe about it, wee hauehave declared what course hee tooke: and to what effect it came in the end. The course that he tooke, was, that first he dealt with the Israelites at home: and then went to Dauid himselfe. As touching the Israelites hee did not onelyonly Ibid. 17-19.deale with them all generaly, but with the Tribe of Beniamin more specially, because they by Saul and Ishbosheth were yet possessed of the Crowne, and so did most concerne them: and his dealing with them all was, to induce them to make Dauid their King, wherein it seemeth he much praeuailed. Comming then to Dauid, hee found Ibid. 20.him likewise so ready in that case to receing him to fauour, and to giuegive him and his such entertainment, as that the matter (it seemeth) was to both their likings quickly agreed vponupon: insomuch that Abner soone returned againe to goe and effect it, as GIbid. 21.they had agreed. The effect whereunto it came in the end was such, that it may make their agreement and purpose suspected; and yet notwithstanding there might bee other cause of it too: but whatsoeuer was the cause of it, it was grieuous to Dauid that so it failed. So are we first to consider of that failing of it: then, of Dauids sorrow thereon. In that failing of it likewise, it shall be good to see how farre it failed: and, what may seeme to be the occasion of it. It fayled so farre, that it was altogether broken or defeated cleane: Abner neuer reaching home to contriue it, whatsoeuer in particular it was. For being peaceably dismissed by Dauid, and with speciall Ibi. 22-27, 30.fauour, it seemeth Ioab, new come home and hearing of it, told the King he had done very ill to send him away, sent for him againe, and (by the helpe of Abishay his Brother) treacherously slew him. The occasion of it, so farre as is set downe vntounto vsus, was for that Abner had before slayne Hasael another of his bretheren: but that was in the field in open hostility. And so it may bee, that Abner had some meaning now to deliuet the Kingdome to Dauid by some ill dealing with Ishbosheth his Maister (neither was there any likelihood, that he could otherwise doe it) such as whereby God did not like to bring Dauid vntounto the Kingdome, and therefore would not prosper them in it. The sorrowe of Dauid was such, that himselfe mourned for him, and Ibid. 28-39.made his seruants do so likewise, as for a Prince of speciall worth vntounto him: and gaue so good testimony, that he did it vnfeinedly indeed, that all the people were resolued, p. 306that he was …o way guilty of it, but had an hearty de…e…tion of it. How it came … (euen by it selfe) being now to bee seene, the Story sheweth, th… one speciall let was first remoued: then, the thing it selfe fully effected. The speciall let which was first remoued, was Is…, the sonne of Saul, yet reigning … them … King: but now already in great perplexity by the death of Abn…r, and shortly after treacherously murthered of his owne people. In that h… was in such Ibid. 4: 1-….perplexity by the death of A…, it seemeth that now he had lesse hear… to contend with Dauid about the Kingdome: and yet seeing his vsurped estate to decay or to be …c…ning, h…e hadde not the Grace to surrender it vppe into the handes of Dauid the right Hey…e; and therefore was cle…e taken away soone after. In that he was so treacherously murthered by some of his owne, wee …re first to consider of the H… it selfe: then of certaine Circumstances thereunto appertaining. In the … it selfe, somewhat of their so treacherous dealing: then howe they were rewarded for it. In that they dealt so Treacherously with him, though on their parts it were exceeding great Villanie so to deale: yet on his part it was but the iust iudgment of God, to be so treacherously oppressed by those, whom before he did so iniuriously oppose against so great and sacred a right; being (as they were) not onelyonly his people by vsurpation, but also two of his Captaines by his own speciall appointment. Ibid. 2.The reward they had for it, was nothing neere to their expectation; but yet notwithstanding such as was more due vntounto them: iustly executed by death of him, for whose Ibid. 9-12sake so treacherously they slew their owne Lord and Maister. The circumstances are two: one, of the time; another, of the person. That which is of the time, is of the Raigne of him that now for the time had beene in place, who is saide to hauehave raigned but two yeares, and yet that Dauid was kept from that part of the Kingdome seauen yeares and six months. Whereof, although there be diuers other opinions, yet it seemeth most likely, that Ishbosheth was not at the first set vppe to raigne, but some reasonable time after; and that the rest of the people came not in immediatly after the slaughter of Ishbosheth neither. That Ishbosheth was set vp soone after that Dauid began to solicite (as it seemed) the Inhabitants of Iabesh-Gilead (as before we heard) to draw them vntounto him, seemeth to bee very agreeable vntounto the Text: but then it seemeth withall, that it was some good time after, that Dauid came to Hebron first, and there by them was annointed King; as if Dauid expected them some good time (or at least had no dealing with them) but afterward by that occasion sent vntounto them. So likewise it may probably bee, that the residue of the people came not in to Dauid immediatly after that Ishbosheth was taken away, but that then or shortly after, some of them began to be dropping vntounto him, and so increased, till at length they came al, yet not but in some good processe of time. Both which coniectures seeme to be groūded in this, that Ishbosheth reigned but two yeares, and yet that Dauid was not made King ouer them all, vntill that he after the death of Saul had raigned in Hebron seauen yeares and better. That other circumstance which is of the person, is, that Mephibosheth the sonne of Ionathan, was then also remaining, of the direct line of Saul, IIbid. 4.by whom they might feare to hauehave the bloud of Ishbosheth auenged: but because hee was but yong, and lame withall, therefore it may be they had lesse regard of him? yet (God be thanked for it) although they founde no such Iustice there, as their fact deserued, where it was most to be feared: yet neuerthelesse they got it, where (it is most likely) they thought it farthest from them, and conceiued great hope of some speciall fauour besides. Howe the thing it selfe was fully effected, that we may the better perceiue; wee are to note, whoe they were that now came in; and in what manner they did it. They that now came in, were all the residue, euen al the Tribes of Israell generally: and though it bee more specially attributed vntounto the Elders of Ibid. 5▪ 1-3. 1. Chr. 11: 1-3. 12: 23-40.1 Chr 11:1–31 Chr 11:121 Chr 11:23–40them, and else-where but to a certaine number of eueryevery Tribe; yet, seeing it is ascribed to them all too, and where but certaine Numbers are noted that came, there it is saide, that all the rest of Israell were of accord with them therein, therefore it may be put cleere out of question, that all of them in a manner came now Ibid. 12: 38.in, and submitted themselues and theyr Allegiance vntounto him. VntoUnto the manner of dooing it, it dooeth appertaine, whereuppon it was that they didde it, p. 307and how far themselues did yeeld vntounto that good motion in them. That which moued them thereunto, was partly but beneath: but partly from aboue. Beneath i… was that they accounted themselues his own people, & nere vntounto him; and that when Saul Ibid. …: 1, 2. Ibid. 2. Ibid. 2.was their King, yet hee for the most was their Leader. It was from aboue, that (… now they acknowledge) the Lord himselfe had appointed him to hauehave the gouernment of them. Themselues so yeelded to this good motion, that we may plainelie note in them, both a speciall readinesse in that their duty: and some warinesse or wisdome ioyned therewith. Readinesse of duty, in that they came all with one record, 1. Chron. 1…: 38-40.1 Chr 1:38–40made prouision for three dayes to tarry and to make merry with him, and that there was a generall and common reioycing among them: warinesse withall, that they made a Couenant with him, and that before the Lord; whereby as it seemeth, they 2. Sam. …: …. 1. Chr. 11: 3.1 Chr 11:3did not onelyonly submit themselues vntounto him, but required withall, that they might bee gouerned in such sort as they ought to be, according to the Law of God. The instruction that this Story of their comming in yeeldeth vntounto vsus, is no more but that Kwhich experience in these daies doth teach vsus: namely, that we may not looke, that all shall come in at once to the profession of the Gospell of Christe, neyther vntounto sound obedience of the truth of it now; but that in time such as now are Enemies vntounto it, may afterward be maruellous dutifull thereunto, and of a singular zeale besides, and so in patience to be expected.

2 What was the estate or manner of his gouernment ouer them all, after that Aso they were vnited together, beeing now to bee seene, whosoeuer marketh, it will soone appeare, that the first part of his raigne was very comfortable to all his people, 2. Sam. 5: 10. 1. Chr. 11▪ 9.2 Sam 5:101 Chr 11:9altogether vnderunder the good fauour and blessing of God: but the latter part of it, very troublesome. The fore-part of it was so farre vnderunder the good fauour and blessing of God, that it was victorious against the Enemy abroad, and comfortable as wee saide to his owne people at home: whereof they had a tast now at this praesent; and more plentifull experience after. At this praesent, when now they were so generally gathered together to make him King ouer them al, they went from Hebron, where 2. Sam 5: 6-9. 1. Chr. 11: 4-8.2 Sam 5:6–91 Chr 11:4–8yet he was, vntounto Hierusalem (some-what more towards the heart of the Land) to cleere it of the Iebusites that yet dwelt therein, and to make it the seate of his kingdome. C…. Pel. Ibid.At which time albeit the Iebusites made such reckoning of the safety and strength of the peece or Fort that they kept, that they thought it impregnable both for Dauid and all his company: yet they quickly got it; thence-forward field the possession of it, & being called Zion before, termed it now the Citty of Dauid. But two particulars there are therein, which are more specially to bee considered: one, of the confidence of the Iebusites; the other, of the praeferment of Ioab. The confidence of the Iebusites, was so great in the strength of the place, that whereas Dauid belike had vpbraided them before with their Idols, that they were but blinde and Lame 2. Sam 5▪ 6. 1. Chr. 11▪ 5.2 Sam 5:61 Chr 11:5Gods, now doe they confidently tell him, that he might neuer come there, til he had taken those away: as if they were sufficient to defend it against him. For so it seemeth … …ra. Vatablus …the rather to bee taken, than as others doe of blind and lame men, as sufficient to keepe the Fort against those forces, seeing it is plainely sayde in the Text, that Dauid in his heart did hate those Blind and Lame that there are spoken off, which is not so likely to be vnderstood of such impotent persons whom he was more likely to pi… ty, Bthan to hate, as of their Idoll Gods: and others there be that so doe take it. As touching the praeferment of Ioab; hee seemeth he was Dauids Captaine before, because …. 1594. Pet. Mar. 2. S…. 2: 12-27▪ Ibid. 3: …2. 23. 1. Chr. 2: 15. 16. …. Sam. …. …. 1. Chro. 11▪ …▪ 2 Sam …: 16 20▪ 23. 1 King 2: 35. 2 Sam. 3▪ 39.Mark 21 Chr 2:151 Chr 2:161 Chr 111 Kgs 2:352 Sam 3:39hee was the Leader of Dauids forces, both in that combate with Ishbosheth▪ partakers, which grew to a plaine battell ere they had done: and when hauing beene in some peece of seruice (for they brought a great prey with them) they returned with him, or …nder his gouernment rather, to Hebron againe, what time as Dauid had newly dismissed Abner from him. But as yet it seemeth, …t was but meerely arbitrary, albeit hee was neere of Kin to Dauid being his Sisters Son▪ but now (from this time) he had it by a speciall graunt from the King vppon a peece of seruice that now he did; and so kept that place still so long as Dauid liued. Whereas therefore Dauid did some-thing complaine on him and his Brother before, that they were to hard for him, and afterward found Ioab specially too bold or maisterfull for him to Ibid. 24, 25. 19: 5-7. 1. King. 2: 5, ….1 Kgs 2:5deale withall, insomuch that on his death-bed he thought it needfull to giuegive Salomon a speciall charge to put him to death (as also he did) for the cruell and Treacherous slaughter of two speciall men deare vntounto David: hence may both a warning bee taken, how readily a man may ouer-shoote himselfe by his word to his owne disaduantage if he take not heede, as it seemeth that Dauid now had, or else that he would not hauehave borne with him so much as he did; and a good lesson withall, that so far as well we may, we should euer performe that which we promise, though Dauid (it seemeth) deale more remisly with Ioab than he should, in sparing him so much as in those murthers hee did. In that more plentifull experience thereof which after they had, by course of the Story we find, that for a time he imployed himselfe as the praesent occasion required, and himselfe thought good: but afterwards as his function or calling was, and God appointed. He imployed himselfe as the praesent occasion required and himselfe thought good, first against the enemy: then, about Religion. The enemy at that time was the Philistims: who twice came in against Dauid; and were by him twice ouerthrowne. But the effect of this ouerthrow did not rest or die onelyonly with them: but did reach to others also. So that first we are to confider of it, as it did but rest with them: and then as it did reach vntounto others. As it did but rest with them, yet as they made two inuasions, and so were twice ouerthrowne: so are wee, seuerally to consider of either of them. In the former of them, wee hauehave not onelyonly that Story it selfe: but also another besides, that seemeth to belong thereunto. The Story it self is, first of the Philistims comming in: then, of their ouerthrow there. That Cwhich is of their comming in, is first of the ocasion of it: then how they tooke the occasion offered. The occasion of it was, for that they heard that Dauid was now annoynted King of all Israell: not much regarding them all belike, so long as they 2. Sam. 5: 17. 1. Chro. 14: 8.2 Sam 5:171 Chr 14:8stoode diuided; nor Dauids valour neither, so long as hee was but a petit King, ouer the Tribe of Iudah onelyonly. But now that the whole people of Israell grew together in one, and that vnderunder the gouernment of Dauid, they might well conceiue, that they had neeede to see vntounto it, if they could finde that they were able, yet to crop them at their pleasure. And so the enemies of the Gospell, though they seeme for a time not to regard the forces that are for it, so long as they are diuided or weake: yet if at any time they grow vnited, and so to be stronger, then hauehave they a mind if ability faile not, to fall a cropping, and to take them short betime. The better to take to their best aduantage, the occasion offered, all the Philistims came downe together: being Ibid.otherwise fiue Princes of them, and fiue seuerall Segniories; but now vniting themselues all together, against those two Kingdomes of the people of God, newly vnited. They came also with such confidence, that both they would seeke out Dauid Ibid. 2. Sam 5: 18. 1. Chr. 14: 9.2 Sam 5:181 Chr 14:9(whom neuerthelesse they found soone enough to their purpose) & did spread themselues all ouer a valley there. As touching their ouerthrow, it seemeth that first Dauid had a care of the safety of his owne person: but then, it is plaine, that he bent himselfe against them, and praeuailed. Hee seemed to hauehave a care of his owne person, in that so soone as he heard of their comming in, he went into a Fort or hould. He 2. Sam. 5: 17. 1. Chr. 11: 15.2 Sam 5:171 Chr 11:15bent himselfe notwithstanding against them, first by his seeking vntounto God: then, by dealing with the enemy himselfe. His seeking to God was, whether he should goe 2. Sam. 5: 19. 1. Chr. 14: 102 Sam 5:191 Chr 14:10and giuegive them battell: and whether God would so deliuer them into his handes. Whereunto hauing answere that hee should go, and that God would certainely deliuer them into his handes, he accordingly went and preuailed against them, so plainely Ibid. 20, 21. 11, 12and so thoroughly withall, that he thought it conuenient to leaue the place a name correspondent to the glory of him that so brake his enemies there: and whereas they had brought their Gods or Images with them, and left them there, those also hee burnt in the fire. In that other Story besides that seemeth to belong vntounto this, wee are first to consider of the Story it selfe: then how it seemeth to bee as a member appertaining to this. The Story it selfe is, that Dauid thirsting and wishing for a little D1. Chro. 11: 19-19.1 Chr 11:19water of the Well at Bethlehem, three of his company thereupon went thither, notwithstanding the Philistims then lay there, & venturing their liues, as it were a thousand to one, brought him water from thence: which notwithstanding he could not p. 309find in hir hart to drink when he had it, because it was gotten with so great hazard of their liues that did fetch it. A speciall good warming to many of vsus, that make no conscience to feed and cloath our selues with that, which we hauehave not but by the bloud of others. That this story appertaineth into the other, & is as it were a mēber of it may sufficiently apear by the description of the place & time, where & when it was done: Dauid being in the fort of Adullam (the same place whereunto he went Ibid. 15, 16.first for his safety) and the Philistims camping the selfe same time at Bathlehem also. In the latter of them we hauehave no speciall matter to speake of, but that Dauid asking 2 Sa. 5▪ 22-…5. 1. Chro. 14: 13-16.2 Sam 5:221 Chr 14:13–16counsell againe of the Lord, was more specially instructed, in what sort hee was to set on them now: and so againe gaue them a great ouerthrow. As the effect of these ouerthrowes did not rest onelyonly with them, but reached to others, it is 1. Chr. 14: 1….1 Chr 14:1plainly set downe, that heereupon the fame of Dauid, did spread forth it selfe to al the Countries thereabout, and that the Lorde did strike the feare of him into the hearts of all those peoples. When hee employed himselfe about Religion, it was for the aduancement of it: wherein notwithstanding as there was somthing which he was allowed to do; so was there something againe, which was plainly forbidden vntounto him. That also which he was allowed to do, was not (by a default therein) at the first receiued: but (the default being once amended) after it was. That which he was allowed to do, though it were not at the first receiued, was the bringing of the Arke vntounto Ierusalem: and so hauehave we therein to consider, first howe it was attempted and defeated; then, how it was againe attempted and performed. When it was first attempted, but not performed, we are to consider in what sort it was attempted: and how it came to passe it was not performed. VntoUnto the maner of attempting of it, there be two principall points appertaining: one, what consultation was vsed before; the other, how they did set in hand with their businesse after. The consultation was such, as was likely enough to hauehave sped well▪ for that in E2. Sam. 6: 1. 1. Chr. 13: 1-5.2 Sam 6:11 Chr 13:1–5one place we finde, that thirty thousand of the choise or chiefe of all Israel, were gathered together about it: in another, that Dauid tooke counsell therein with his Captains and all the Gouernors, to send for the rest of the people, & for the priests and the Leuites (for so is it interpreted by some of good reckoning, though others Vulg. edit. Conrad. Pell. Tremel. … I…. Bibl. Angl. Fr. Vatab. Ari. Montan.there be that go not so fully vntounto it, and the Originall it selfe be not so verie plaine therein, to ioyne together in that peece of seruice: that they all liked well of it; & that so it was accordingly done. A likely assembly to hauehave had it among them, how in all points they ought to hauehave dealt in that peece of seruice. Neuerthelesse when they did set in hand with that businesse after, though they did it with great alacrity and ioy among themselues: yet otherwise they missed so farre, that al came 2. Sam 6: 2▪ 5. 1. Chr. 13: 6-8.2 Sam 6:22 Sam 6:51 Chr 13:6–8to nothing in the end. They did it with great alacrity and ioy among themselues, for that generaliy they went so readily about it, and so furnished out the solemnine with Instruments of Musicke of so many kinds, ioyning their own reioycing withall. In that neuerthelesse they missed so farre, that all came to nothing in the end, we are to see, what it was wherein they missed: and how the whole solemnity was interrupted thereby. That wherein they missed, was, by all the company, one: and, by one seuerall person another. That which was missed by all the company, was, that they laid the Arke in a new Cart or cariage, so to be conuayed home: 2. Sam. 6: 3. 1. Chro. 13▪7.2 Sam 6:31 Chr 13:7whereas otherwise by the Law of God it ought to hauehave bin carried on mens shoulders. That which was missed by one seueral person, was by Vz…a, one of the Lenites that did attend it: and it was no more, but that he put vp his hand and stayed 2. Sam. 6: 6. 1. Chr. 13: 9.2 Sam 6:61 Chr 13:9the Arke, when as by the vneuennesse of the way it waltered or iogged in the carriage; whereas none by the Law might touch it but onelyonly the Priestes when they lapped it vp, and none of the Leuites, and Ʋzza was no more but a Leuite. A speciall good warning to vsus, how rude the people of God in short time may growe to be, and not onelyonly the meaner, but the better sort of them also, euen the Leuites and Priestes themselues. How it came to passe, that this their attempt was not performed, leadeth vsus to the consideration of these two things: one, that God did shew himselfe to be offended with them; the other, that Dauid did so take it, and so left off for that time. As God did shew himselfe offended with them, wee are to p. 310Fnote both his mercy …d seuerity too. His mercy appeareth, in that when all had offended generally, yet layeth he his hand, but onelyonly on that one man that did offend more specially: his seuerity likewise, in that he spared not that one in his transgression, though therein he had no ill meaning with him, but onelyonly did it to good purpose … he thought, and yet neuerthelesse was for it stroken downe with suddaine death. A 2. Sam. 6. 7. 1. C…. 13: 10.2 Sam 6:72 Sam 6:1sufficient testimony, how little defence we may looke to hauehave in any good intent or meaning of ours, in any such matters as wherein God hath plainely told vsus what it is he would hauehave vsus to do: and well, if we scape when he hath not told vsus, vnlesse then also we be carefull to search and to learne it out if we can. In that Dauid did so take 2. Sa. 6: 8-10. 1. Chr. 13: 11-13.2 Sam 6:8–101 Chr 13:11–13it, and so left off for that time, he did not onelyonly wisely on his owne behalfe, so to stay when he saw that God was offended, least he incurred some heauier displeasure: but withall he hath giuen a good example to others, not to run on in any rash or vnaduised attempts of theirs, if at any time they be so crossed therein, as that well they may doubt (and that may they do, when their businesse is not of any sufficient warrant) that God is against them therein. When this businesse was againe attempted, and performed, we are in like sort to mark, how it was now attempted by them: and how it was withal performed. Attempted it was in better manner now then before: & yet notwithstanding one good part of the action could not auoyd, but that needs it must be called in question. It was attempted in better manner now than before, bicause Dauid did now first learne what was to be done, before he set in hand to doe it. For now in the meane season he had learned, that none but the Leuites were to carry the 1. Chro. 15: 2.1 Chr 15:2Arke of God. And when he did set in hand with it afresh, we read of some preparation for it before: then that they set in hand with the businesse it selfe. The preparation for it before, was the place that Dauid prouided, and the Tent that he pitched for 1. Chr. 15. 1.1 Chr 15:1it. When hee set in hand with the businesse it selfe, first, we hauehave noted, what was the occasion of it: then in what manner he did it. The occasion of it was, that word was brought vntounto Dauid, that the Lord had blessed Obed-Edom, and all that he had, 2. Sa. 6: 11, 12. 1. Chr. 13: 14.2 Sam 6:112 Sam 6:121 Chr 13:14since the time that the Arke had beene with him: which notwithstanding was but three monthes in all. A comfortable token, if not an vndoubted assurance, that whosoeuer could rightly entertain the Gospell of Iesus Christ (the Arke of his testimony) Gin such sort as he ought, he also and his should be blessed therby. His manner of doing it, was according as now he had learned, and much more carefull than before: 1. Chr. 15: 15.1 Chr 15:15both of bringing it into Ierusalem; and in that which he did thereabout, when hee had it there. To bring it to Ierusalem, he gathered all Israell togither againe: and by the way, both offered sacrifice, and vsed such tokens of speciall reioicing as before; Ibid. 2. Sa. 6: 12-15. 1. Chr. 15: 4-14. 25-29.2 Sam 6:12–151 Chr 15:4–141 Chr 15:25–29especially Dauid himselfe, …uer now and then, leaping and dauncing for ioy, euen into the Citty, and to that part of it where the Arke it selfe was to be placed. When he had it there, he did not onelyonly for that present offer great Sacrifices, and distributed liberall portions to eueryevery one of the people: but also for the time to come 2. Sa. 6: 17-19 1. Chr 16: 1-3. 1. Chr. 15: 16-24. 16▪ 4 42.2 Sam 6:17–191 Chr 16:1–31 Chr 15:16–241 Chr 15:161 Chr 15:4thence forward, he tooke very good order, to hauehave the Arke by the Priests and Leuites euer attended. That part of the action that could not auoyd but that needes it must be called in question, was, that speciall reioycing of Dauid: but yet notwithstanding by himselfe defended. It was called in question, and very hardlie (euen scornfully) censured by Michal his wife, the daughter of Saul: who not conceiuing, 2. Sa. 6: 16-20. 1. Chr. 15. 29.2 Sam 6:16–201 Chr 15:29how a rare and extraordinary zeale might make strange motions in a man, and yet of no base quality withall, could take it none otherwise, but that he in lightnesse and vanity of mind, did that, which pure zeale, it seemeth rather, had wrought foorth in him, and had mede him so far to forget, to sustaine or beare vp a Princelike Maiestie among his people. For such a thing we finde in Christ himselfe, when he draue out Iohn. 2. 14-16▪John 2:14–16the buyers and sellers out of the Temple: his Disciples maruelling (as it seemeth) that therein he grew so very hot, till they remembred such a place of the Psalmes, as Ibid. 17.put them in mind, that an extraordinary and speciall zeale, might readily put a man out of the wonted tenor or course of his wayes. The defence that Dauid vsed therin, was much confirmed by God himselfe: and so are we first to note, what was the defence that therin he vsed: then, how we may find it confirmed by God. The defence that therein he vsed, tendeth not only to iustifie that which he had don, because God p. 3112. Sa. 6: 21, 22.2 Sam 6:212 Sam 6:22had giuen him great cause so to reioyce, and therein to abase himselfe much more than yet he had done, and so he would: but something also to touch her, in that her Father and all his House was reiected, and hee placed there in his steede. Confirmed it was by God, in that she was made barren for it. For though the Originall do HIbid. 23.import no more, but only that she was barren (sauing that being remembred there, and immediatly vponupon the other, it may seeme to be remembred as … punishment of it) Ari. Mo…t…. Vulg. C…. P…l… Fran. Vatab. … M…ty…, Tremel. I…. Bibl. A…gl. 1594.at least, as it is by one (of speciall reckoning therein) interpreted: yet i… it so interpreted by others generally, of speciall good reckoning …o, as if that were the very cause, why she had that chasticement cast vponupon her, …ot meete to hauehave any Children, that could hauehave so base a conceit of that Seruant of God, in that his extraordinary ioy in God, and not lightly going without some profane or base account of the worship of God withall. Forbidden vntounto him it was, that shortly after hee would hauehave built a Temple to God: a purpose (to see too) so good in it selfe, and so commendable generally withall men, that therein it shall be good more specially to consider, how likely it was, that his would hauehave beene accepted; and in what sort it was refused. Likely it was, that his purpose would hauehave beene accepted, first in it selfe: then as it had other faire and likely commendation besides. In it selfe, the purpose was likely to be well accepted, as a token that he was desirous that God should dwel among them: and whereas he had but a Tent before, while the people were in theyr trauaile, and the people had houses now, who likewise had but Tentes before, it was in reason seemely and meete, that hee also now had an house among them. Those other faire and likely commendations it had besides, were two: one, arising from Dauid himselfe; the other, from the Prophet Nathan. That which arose from Dauid himselfe, was, that he had a good mind in it, as appeareth by the words that hee vttered thereon: shewing thereby, that he had respect to the glory of God; and that 2. Sam 7: 1, 2. 1. Chr. 17: 1.2 Sam 7:12 Sam 7:21 Chr 17:1in the way of thankfulnesse also, for that God had giuen him so conuenient a dwelling, and such as the Arke it selfe had not yet. That which arose from the Prophet Nathan, was, that he did like well of his purpose, and bad him do all that was in his 2. Sam. 7: 3. 1. Chr. 17: 2.2 Sam 7:31 Chr 17:2hart, for that God was with him. It was not therefore simply refused as a thing euill in it selfe, but in such sort as that Dauid counted, that the Lord dealt very graciously with him. First therefore of the refusall: then how well Dauid himselfe did take it. The refusal of it was not grieuous it selfe: and mingled besides with special comfort. It was not grieuous it self either in the matter: or in the maner of deliuery. In the matter it was not, for that God did not refuse it, on his part, but as neuer vsing any such I2. Sa. 7: 6, 7. 1. Chr. 17: …, 6. 2. Chr. 6: 8. 2. Chr 28: 3.2 Sam 7:62 Sam 7:71 Chr 172 Chr 6:82 Chr 28:3before, and not so much as hauing at any time spoken of it; otherwise liking it wel, that he had that purpose with him: on Dauids, for that he was a man of war, and had shed bloud. Which refusal may teach vsus also, that whatsoeuer God himselfe doth not require, that is no matter for any of his people, to trouble their heads about: & that, as such as hauehave shed bloud, are not meete men to build an house vntounto the Lord; so if they be but men of war, that businesse were meet first to be finished, before the other might wel be dealt in. In the manner of deliuery, it was not grieuous neither, because it was refused the next day, before that Dauid had any time to set in hand with it, or 2. Sam. 7: 4, 5. 1 Chr. 17: 3. 4.2 Sam 7:42 Sam 7:51 Chr 17:31 Chr 17:4much to settle himselfe vntounto it: and because the message was sent him by the Prophet a man of sufficient credit vntounto him. That speciall comfort where-with it was mingled besides, was the signification of so speciall fauours of God, which was then imparted vntounto him: both for himselfe; and for his posterity. For himselfe, that as God had bin 2. Sa. 7: 8-12. 1. Chr. 17: 7-10.2 Sam 7:8–121 Chr 17:7–10fauourable vntounto him already, bringing him to the estate wherein he was, and hauing brought downe his enemies: so would he proceed in like fauours towardes him still. For his posterity, both that a Son of his should builde him an house: and that if that 2. Sa. 7: 12-17. 1. Chro. 17: 11-15. 2. Sa. 7: 18-24, 1. Chro. 17: 16-12. 2. Sa. 7: 25-29. 1. Chro. 17: 23-27.2 Sam 7:12–171 Chr 17:11–152 Sam 7:18–241 Chr 17:162 Sam 7:25–291 Chr 17:23–27line of his offended, he would but chastice them, and not reiect them as he had done with Saul before: a notable figure of Christ in both; as of neither wee hauehave the full accomplishment but onelyonly in him. Dauid therefore tooke this refusall (mingled with so comfortable signification of such fauours towardes him and his) so very well, that he went in before the Lord, and both gaue harty thankes for all those his fauours bestowed on him: and humbly besought him for the continuance of it.

p. 3123 How afterward hee imployed himselfe as his calling was and God appointed, Athat we may the better see, we are first to consider what his function and calling was, and how it may appeare, that God appointed him thereunto: then, how himselfe was employed therein. To finde what his function or calling was, wee neede goe no farther, but onelyonly to marke how it pleased God himselfe to put him in mind thereof, when now he would needs hauehave builded a Temple to him: namely, that hee had already 2. …. 7: 8, 10. 11. 1. Chr. 1…: …, 9, 10.1 Chr 1taken him to be King …er his people Israell; and he would (by him) so order the matter for the time ensuing, that wicked people should no more vex the Israelites as before they had done, but that he would giuegive them rest from them, and beat down all his Enemies. Where, if we marke, God hath laid forth what his imployments must be, both towards his owne people, and towards the enemy: towards his owne Bpeople, to be their King and gouernor; and towards the enemy, euer to be working vponupon him, at home and abroad, vntill he be cleane subdued. Of which two, as the former is alwaies needfull: so is the other as needfull also, before the building of any Temple should be medled with. And so were these the things that he should imploy himselfe in: and these were thus appointed vntounto him by God himselfe. Dauid hauing his businesse in this sort set foorth vntounto him, did set in hand accordingly with it: first, with his enemies; then, with his peaceable estate at home. Against his Enemies he so 2. Sa. 8: 1-14. 1. Chro. 18: 1-13.2 Sam 8:1–141 Chr 18:1–13praeuailed, and the Lord did so prosper him therein, that hee subdued the Philistims, Moabites, Id…m…ans, and Syrians: and extended the bounds of his dominions to the Riuer Euphrates, as God before had promised so farre to enlarge them. Ais peaceable estate is first set downe but very briefely: but some thinges thereof, a little after, some-thing more largely. Briefely it is saide, that hee raigned ouer all Israell, and 2. Sam. 8: 15. 1. Chr. 18: 14.2 Sam 8:151 Chr 18:14did execute iudgement and Iustice, to all his people. Those things that are set downe more largely, are two, and both of them works of thankfulnes, vntounto certaine friends of his deceased: one, to Ionathan the Son of Saule, but a very faithfull friend to him; the other, to Nahash the late K. of the Ammonites. To Ionathan he bare so thankfull 2. Sa. 9: 1-13.2 Sam 9:1–13an hart, that he enquired for some of Sauls line, to whom he might shew some special fauour for Ionathans sake: and when by aspeciall seruant of Saul, he had come to the knowledge of Miphibosheth the son of Ionathan, he both restored him to the lands of Saul; and though he were but a lame man of both his feet, and so not so meete for a Princes Table, yet he allowed him at his owne boord for all his life long. And Christian Princes hauehave found that friendship in Iesus Christ, and daily yet doe, that they ought to hauehave a speciall regard vntounto the Ministery he hath left behinde him; and not to omit for some infirmity in them, at least to restore them to their ancient right, such as their Praedecessors iustly enioyed before; and not to abhor their company neither. Miphibosheth also, though hee were but a Cripple, yet was he a better Ornament at Dauids Table, than many other more personable men were able to bee, considering whereuppon it was that Dauid had him there: and the matter is plaine enough in it selfe, how it might be to that other applied. That which he did for Nahash his sake, the late King of the Ammonites, was not so well taken, as it was meant by him, and Cso bred much businesse after: but such notwithstanding, as many of vsus may fitly apply to our selues. So are wee first to consider of the Story it selfe: and then to see how it may be to vsus applyed. In the Story it selfe we are likewise to see, first, what it was that Dauid did: then, what businesse thereon ensued. That which Dauid did, was, that in friendship he would send Ambassadours to the new King Hanun, to comfort 2. Sa. 10: 1, 2. 1. Chr. 19: 1, 2.2 Sam 10:12 Sam 10:21 Chr 19:11 Chr 19:2him for the death of his Father. The businesse that ensued thereon, was, that they dealt very badly with Dauid againe: and that they were sharply punnished for it. Those that dealt so badly with him, were, first, the Princes of the Ammonites: then, Hanun the King himselfe. The Princes of the Ammonites put into the eare of the young King, that Dauid did not maane that friendship that he praetended: but vnderunder 2. Sam. 10▪ 3. 1. Chr. 19: 3.2 Sam 10:31 Chr 19:3praetense of sending in the way of friendship, did but meane to spy out where the City was weakest, so to surptize it at some aduantage. The King vppon this their bad suggestion, giuing credite vntounto them, did put them to a shamefull and vile disgrace, 2. Sam. 10: 4▪ 1. Chr. 19: 4.2 Sam 10:41 Chr 19:4passing all humanity therein: cutting off halfe their Beardes on the one side of them, p. 313and curtayling their Garmentes by the middle, euen to their secrets; and so sending them away in a scorne. The punishment that for this they had, was like to bee great, for that Dauid himselfe tooke so ill with it, that he also (it seemeth) was ashamed they 2. Sa. 10: 5, 6. 1. Chr. 19: 5, 6.2 Sam 10:52 Sam 10:61 Chr 19:51 Chr 19:6should returne till their Beards were growne againe, and so willed them to stay till then; and for that the Ammonites perceiued, that they had made themselues thereby exceeding odious vntounto Dauid: and so was indeede, partly …t that praesent; but especially the next yeare after. At that present, or immediatly vponupon that occasion giuen; though the Ammonites put themselues to the charge of … thousand Talents of Siluer 2. Sa. 10▪ 7-19. 1. Chro. 19: 7-19.2 Sam 10:7–191 Chr 19:7–19to hire Souldiers to helpe them, and so got vntounto them (one way, or other) … great forces; yet were they cleane ouerthrowne, and many destroyed: and when those forces of theirs renewed themselues againe, and would wil maintaine their former quarrell, they were againe so cleane ouerthrowne, that so many a… remained, yeelded thēselues now vntounto Dauid, and would help the Ammonites no more. The next yeare after, 2. Sam. 11: 1. 12: 26-31. 1. Chr. 20: 1-32 Sam 11:12 Sam 11:122 Sam 11:26–311 Chr 20:1–3Dauid sent in his forces againe, to be farther …uenged for the reproach and dishonor done to those his Ambassadors, who destroyed the Countrey and people, so that they came to Rabbath their chiefe Citty: which when Ioab had streightned so, that it was not able long to hold out, he sent vntounto Dauid to come and take the honour of the victory, who thereupon comming, not onelyonly tooke that Citty (and the Crowne from the Kings head, being all of Gold and precious stones, & weighing about halfe Dan hundred weight) but prosecuting the victory, tooke the residue of their Citties also, & the spoile of them all, and by many sundry and grieuous torments destroied the people to them appertaining. How it may be to vsus applyed, may soone be seene, first for the offence: then also, for the punishment of it. The offence with vsus, is, that when Iesus Christ doth send vntounto vsus Ambassadours, in very peaceable and louing manner, especially now in these daies of the Gospell, wee already hauehave dealt much like with them, and dayly yet deale, as the Ammonites then did with those of Dauids: abasing theyr persons to the scornefull attempt of others, and controling their iust and needfull liuinges; and that so farre, that shame it is to see, to what pouerty and nakednesse many of them are thereby brought. And as with them, it was first begunne by the Princes, and after prosecuted by the King: so it is to bee doubted, that there were of our great men also, that could so ill abide, that those Seruaunts of GOD were so well prouided for as before they were, and yet no better than of right they ought (for of others wee speake not) that they were a great part of the cause, that they hauehave beene so abased and fleesed, as since they hauehave beene. But then our Princes may well bee discharged, that they hauehave not doone it in hatred of him that dooth send them: though for those also, it may bee doubted, that for theyr benefite they hauehave suffered themselues sometimes to be ouer-ruled therein; at least for the benefite of diuers of those that did attend them, or any way were in fauour with them. As for the punishment (God be thanked for it) we hauehave yet escaped reasonably well: a day being already appointed, in which he will iudge the World by Fire. But well may wee doubt, that the Sonne of Dauid, Iesus Christ, may well hauehave some straine of his Father therein; detesting sinne, and giuen to Iustice, incomparably more than Dauid was: and then, without quaestion it will bee hard to aunswere it there. That many great houses also are since ouerthrowne, and none of that Line to inhaerit the Crowne, though there may bee other causes besides, yet may it prooue hard, to find any greater in eyther of them. There were good thinges in him (euen before God) who was first induced so to deale with his Cleargy here: and God likewise did vouchsafe him this fauour, that all his Children successiuely came to the Crowne. The like course hath beene continued since, vnderunder both Ethose that were of sounder profession: and, as it were, without intermission, but only in the daies of the middle-most of them, who though otherwise shee was not of so sound a profession, as either her Brother before, or her Sister after, yet may it seeme, that shee was as farre before them in speciall regard not to diminish the maintenance of Religion generally: as they were before her in the more speciall profession of it. Howsoeuer it were, they all offended, eyther in the one, or in the other: and as two of them tarryed but a short time among vsus; so the other left no p. 314Issue behinde to inhaerit. A blessing that God is wont to giuegive vntounto those that truely seeke the aduancement of his glory heere: and oft-times to deny it to those; that seeme to hauehave that …re also, but yet giuegive it the slip some way or other.

4 As touching the latter part of Dauids raigne, which, as I sayd, was very Atroublesome, i… i… to b…e knowne, that although the most part of it were so troublesome indeed: yet had he a little calme to close it vp in the end. So are we first to con… of that part of it that … so troublesome▪ then, of that little calme in the end. The troubles hee had were …ll in a manner by his owne demerites, and so as himselfe was the occasion of them: but one little businesse there was, which was occasioned by another. Of those that were occasioned by himselfe, he gaue the occasion so grossely i… the one, th… no body could but see him to be very faulty therein: in others his offence was not so apparant, but that in the iudgement of men, it were likely enough to hauehave gone vntouched. In that wherein hee offended so grossely, as that it was ap…ant to all, we are first to consider wherein hee did offend: then, what trouble b… him for it. His offence was, the fault that he made with Ʋriahs Wife, ioyn…g Adultery and Murther together: in both which, considering of eyther of them a-part by themselues, we hauehave in particular diuers thinges worthy the marking. In his Adultery, first, how hee sell into it: then, how foule the fault was, by some other circumstances thereunto appertaining. It is plaine, that he fell into it, by want of good gouernment in himselfe: and first, as it seemeth, for that hee left ouer-much liberty and roome to the passion of lust to spring vp in him; then for that hee yeelded so much vntounto it when it was sprung vp. It seemeth he left ouermuch Bliberty to the passion of lust to spring vp in him, by sequestring him-selfe from all good imploymentes so farre, that in the after-noone hee could take his bed, and 2. Sa. 11: 1, 2.2 Sam 11:12 Sam 11:2rest him there: his forces being then against the Ammonites, and he remaining at Ierusalem. It may be indeede, hee had iust occasion so to doe; and that hee did it but moderately: but because such euill did followe on it, it may rather bee doubted, that himselfe was faulty therein. In that he yeelded so much to his passion when it was sprung vp, we hauehave noted vntounto vsus, first how it sprang vp: then, how he did yeeld vntounto it. It sprang vp in him, partly by the vnaduised or inconsiderate doing of another: and partly, by his owne folly concurring therewith. That inconsiderate doing Ibid. 2, 3.of another, was, that Vriahs Wife so washed or bathed her selfe, though (belike) but in her owne priuate, yet not so warily, but that Dauid from the roofe of his house, did espy her so washing. His owne follie concurring with that fact of hers, was, Ibid. 3, 4.that she fed his eyes with the view of her nakednesse and beauty, and so kindled such a lust in him, that he inquired of her, sent for her vntounto him, and had the vnlawfull vse of her body. The circumstances that made this fact of his the fouler, are two: one, the consideration of the partie to whom this wrong was done; the other, that hee did it not so secretly, but that he made certaine of his owne, halfe-priuy vntounto it. The party was an Hittite, one of the former people of the Land; but his Subiect nowe, Ibid. 3, 11, 13.occupyed in his Warres abroad; and, as it seemeth, and as he is accounted by others, the same that was one of his speciall Captaines. As hee was an Hittite, hee 2. Sam. 23: 39. Lyr. Ib. in lit. …. Co…r. Pell. Ibid. in vers. 2.2 Sam 23:39might the more easily be offended: as hee was his Subiect, and so well imployed on his behalfe nowe, hee should hauehave beene, if neede had required, a protection vntounto him against others, and not hauehave done him that wrong himselfe. Those that were sent for her, in reason might very wel suspect what was the matter; and so far by himselfe were made priuy vntounto it: who likewise might bee offended at it, finding thereby, Pet Martyr, Ibid. in vers. 4.that hee was another manner of man, than they had otherwise thought him to hauehave beene. In the murther that he committed because it was done (and yet but in vaine) to hide his other sinne of Adultery, therefore hauehave wee set downe vntounto vsus, first, how he laboured otherwise to hide it: then, when otherwise he could not, how Che attempted that way to doe it. When he attempted otherwise to doe it, first, wee hauehave the occasion noted: then, in what manner hee did it. The occasion was, that 2. Sam. 11: 5.2 Sam 11:5Bethsabe sent him word, that she had conceiued; so that now the matter was like to come forth, if some remedy were not prouided: wherein if she had any ill meaning p. 315against her Husband, it is betwixt God and her; but sure it is, that such as are false to their Husbands, oft-times hauehave, and so might she hauehave also in this. The manner wherein he would hauehave done it, was to deuise, how it might be reputed her husbands: but because he failed therein, we are more specially to consider, first, how he attempted it; then, how neuerthelesse he failed in it. He attempted it, by sending for her Ibid. 11: 6.Husband home from the Campe, as if he would vnderstand of him how things went there: and hauing talked with him (for a shew) a while of those matters, hee dismist Ibid. 7, 8.him home, and bad him rest and refresh himselfe there for the time; and when he perceiued that he went not home then, against the next night he vsed an inordinate Ibid. 12, 13.meane to bring him vntounto it. He failed in it, by a rare and straunge perswasion that Ʋriah had, God (as it seemeth) purposely crossing Dauid thereby: namely, that seeing the Arke of the Lorde was but in a Tent, and that Ioab the Generall, and all Ibid. 9-11.the Hoast lay in the fieldes, hee would not goe to his owne house to refreshe himselfe there, but take such part as the others did. A rare example, and sildome practised, much lesse matched, by those that professe themselues to bee Souldiors, vnderunder the standard of Iesus Christ: as if Ioab therein should be much more happy then Christ himselfe; he hauing of his small Companies one, and Christ of many multitudes none. When this way would not serue the turne, then he resolued on the other, pitifully destroying a rare honest man, to hide his foule and loathsome sinne; Ibid. 14-25and that in such sort (ouershaddowing all with colours) as if there were no God in Heauen to discipher it out: and yet notwithstanding had so little hold of himselfe in that his impotent and vnbrideled lust, that the daies of her mourning for her husband Ibid. 26, 27.were no sooner past, but that he sent for her, and made her his wife: and so made it reasonable plaine, what was the body of all his other shaddowes before. A notable patterne, to how great iniquity men may fall, if they take not heed: and Dhow obdurate they may bee therein, so long as GOD doth not vouchsafe them some speciall feeling. The trouble that befell him for this, is▪ first but denounced vntounto him: but afterward executed on him. Why it was but denounced vntounto him; first, there is as it were a way made thereunto: and then are those iudgements themselues denounced. The way that is made thereunto, is, by charging him with his sinne, or conuincing him of it: at which time, because it was acknowledged by Dauid, therefore are wee first to see, howe hee was conuinced of it; then, how it was acknowledged by him. Hee was conuinced of it, by the parable that Nathan the Prophet (beeing sent of the Lord, being now offended with Ibid. 11: 27, 12: 1.him for this his sin) did put vntounto him: a parable of great force, to conuince vsus also, in most of the thinges wherein wee offend. The parable was of a rich and poore man Ibid, 12: 1-4dwelling together, the rich man hauing great plenty of Cattle, both great and small, the poore man hauing but one poore I ambe, bought with his Mony, and nourished vp in his house: neuerthelesse, that the rich man hauing occasion to giuegive entertainement to a stranger that came vntounto him, could not finde in his heart to take any of his owne, but tooke that poore mans sheep and dressed it to entertain his Guest withall. As also it is the manner of vsus, not to hold our selues contented with the plenty that God hath giuen vsus, but still to extend our desires farther, and sometimes to the poore store of those that are in meanest estate of all: as in those liuings that of right belong to the Cleargy, we hauehave a cleere and plaine example, very often invaded by others, and for the most part, by those that otherwise are best prouided; and lightly vnderunder this pretence, that otherwise they cannot keepe house. It was acknowledged by Dauid, first in this figure that was propounded: then shortly after, in the thinge it Ibid. 5-9, 13selfe. So was hee by degrees induced vntounto it: and so must wee, otherwise likely neuer to yeeld, be we neuer so plainely conuinced. The iudgements that were denounced against him, as at this time they were but denounced: so were they afterward executed also. As now they were but only denounced, they were mitigated or alayed with mercy: and so are wee seuerally to consider of both. In the denunciation of the Iudgementes likewise, wee hauehave the Iudgementes themselues, and the reason… thereof giuen. The Iudgementes themselues, were some of them threatened vntounto him before hee professed any Repentaunce: and one of them p. 316after. Those that were threatned vntounto him before he professed any repentance, are two: one, that the sword should ueuer depart from his house, all the daies of his life: Ibid. 10. Ibid. 11.the other, that GOD would raise euill vntounto him out of his owne House; and one branch of it to be, an open & shamelesse abuse of his wiues. And though these would bee heauy enough in themselues, going no farther but onelyonly vntounto the substaunce of them; yet is there such a manner of executing of them threatned withall, as dooth make them much more heauy: namely, that they should be openly done, a thing not onelyonly irksome in it selfe to any offender, but so much the more grieuous to him, because Ibid. 12.he was so careful as hee was, to hauehave kept his dooings from other mens eies. That other of them that was denounced vntounto him after that he did professe repentance, was that ouer and besides the others, the Childe whom so hee had gotten of Ʋriahs Wife, should certainely dye. The reasons giuen of those his iudgements, are two, namely, that so dooing hee despised the LORD, and made the Ibid. 14.enemies to blaspheme: accounting (belike) that to bee despising of him, when Ibid 10, 16.that which GOD had giuen him, would not content him, but that hee would transgresse his worde for more; and that therefore the Enemies were made to blaspheme, because in that peece of seruice (the Ammonites, it seemeth, are meant, who then had hostility with them) they had by his so ordering the matter, praeuailed against them. In that these his iudgments were mitigated or alayed with mercy, wee hauehave specially noted, whereupon he was assured of any such fauour: and, what was the mercy or fauour assured vntounto him. It was vponupon the acknowledging of his sinne: and so are we, first to find that we do acknowledge our sinnes, before we make bold Ibid. 13.to looke for any such fauour towards vsus. The mercy or fauour assured vntounto him, was, Ibid.that the Lord likewise had pardoned that sinne vntounto him, so that hee should not dye for it, or that he would not cast him off therefore: but yet directing him withal to gather, Ibid. 14.his offence to be such, as that those iudgements were so needfull chasticements for him, as that he was not to looke to escape them. Out of which our selues had Fneede to gather, that though we be neuer so much the Children of God, yet if wee offend we may not look to escape chasticement here: and withall that God may and dooth fully forgiue the sinnes of those that are his, as touching aeternall wrath in the World to come; and yet in this World chastice them too, as to his wisedome from time to time, shall seeme most meet. When those iudgements came to be executed on him, we find that which was last denounced; first to be executed: and the cariage of Dauid to be such therein, as giueth good instruction to all. The execution of it Ibid 15.was, that Nathan being departed, the Lord strucke the Child that Ʋriahs Wife had borne him, so that it sickned, and a sennight after died. At which time the carriage Ibid. 16-23.of Dauid was such, that while the Child was sicke, Dauid gaue himselfe to fasting and Prayer: earnestly sorrowing for the Childe; and desiring God to giuegive it recouery, if so it might stand with his good pleasure. But when the Childe was dead (contrary to the expectation of his attendants) he then gaue ouer, and cheered himselfe; called for meate, and fell vntounto it. A very good patterne, both to conuince of disorderly dealing to the contrary vsage: and to teach others, how to carry themselues in all such cases. As touching the others, namely, that the Sword should not depart from his house, and that, of his owne, trouble should arise vntounto him, and both these not in secret manner, but in the open light of the Sun, we finde the same accomplished indeede by two of his Sons: Ammon the one; and Absolom the other. For Ammon fell into a vile and vnnaturall louelove towards one of his own Sisters, by subtilty got her 2. Sa. 13▪ 1-19.2 Sam 13:1–19within his danger, by force tooke his beastly pleasure of her, and hating her extreamly after, sent her away with great despight, euen forcibly thrusting her out of his praesence. But so requited he his Fathers Adultery in another mans house, with abhominable Incest in his owne. The Story of Absolom is much the larger, being as he was more styrring of Nature, euer opposing himselfe against some: first, indeede, but against his aequals onelyonly; but then against his Father and Soueraigne. His aequals we may account to be, his Brother Ammon: and his Fathers Generall of all his Anny, or chiefe Captaine, Ioab. His Brother Ammon, as we heard, had defloured by force his Sister Thamar, but halfe-Sister to him, and whole Sister to Absolom. p. 317Ibid. 20-28.Absolom therefore hating his Brother extreamely for it, but yet dissembling till hee could get some fit opportunity, in the end, inviting him to a Feast, treacherously and Gcruelly slew him; and himselfe for a time fled thereuppon: leauing not onelyonly sorrow to his Father for the losse of his Sonne; but a good patterne withal, how inordinately priuate men will oft-times auenge out-raies committed, when Princes or Magistrates (on some priuate respect) forbeare to do it, by orderly Iustice. And if such a slip in Dauid (when also it was his owne Son, on whom Iustice was to be done) was thus corrected, it may be a good warning to others, to stand so much the cleerer in al such cases. That which hee did against Ioab was nothing so grieuous; but yet notwithstanding much more, than he had deserued at his hands: and yet withall, both a reasonable good proofe of his bad and dangerous Nature; and a iust requitall to Ioab, who had endeauoured (not seeing his misdemeanor punnished first) to reconcile so vngracious an Imp to his Father againe. First therefore, how Ioab laboured his reconciliation: then, how he was requited for it. When he laboured it, he first had noted Dauid himselfe to be inclinable thereunto: & thereupon began to set in hand Ibid. 39. 14: 1.with it. In that Dauid was so inclinable thereunto, it is an example of the louelove of Parents towards their Children, though they bee euill, or hauehave prouoked them much: and a good argument of the louelove of God to bee much greater towardes vsus, though we our selues be very much offensiue to him. Though thereupon he had good heart to set in hand with it, yet hee vseth the best meanes hee can, both in deuising what course should be held therein: and prouiding a fit Instrument to bee Actor in it. The course he deuised, was, to hauehave such a like thing to bee propounded vntounto the King, wherennto he was like more readily to giuegive his consent: and that his consent, so giuen in that, he might the rather be concluded in the other. So the deuice was, that Ibid. 14: 2-24.a Woman should come vntounto him, feigning her selfe to be a Widow, to hauehave left by her Husband two Sonnes onelyonly, that falling out, the one of them slewe the other, that he that remained, was now earnestly required to be deliuered, to be put to death for slaying his Brother, that so shee should bee destitute of them both, and that her Husbands stocke should be extinct among the people, he leauing no other Issue behinde him: therefore, that it would please the King, to vouchsafe his protection vntounto that Sonne of hers that remained, as not slaying his Brother, but in such case as wherein by the Lawe of God it was not necessary that hee must dye; and therefore that the King might pardon it vntounto him. Ioab therefore prouiding a Woman fit for such purpose, and so instructing her before, and she handling the matter accordingly, it fell out as he desired: Dauid yeelding himselfe now to be reconciled to Absolom again, though he suspected it to be the deuice of Ioab, and afterward found it was indeede; Hand so allowing him to returne, euen to Hierusalem, but not to come in his sight as yet. How Ioab was for this requited, it followeth soone after. For the aspyring and restlesse nature of Absolom could not there stay, but needes must hee bee Ibid. 28-33.receiued into farther fauour: for the which cause sending for Ioab twice, and hee not comming thereon vntounto him, hee sendeth his Seruants to burne vp a fielde of Corne that there he had neere vntounto him. Whereuppon Ioab comming vntounto him, and vnderstanding his desire, he set in hand to obtaine that also, and did obtaine it; so that Absolom now was restored to his former fauour with his Father againe.

5 How hee bent himselfe against his Father and Soueraigne, is a matter of Agreater importance, wherein, after a sort, hee passed himselfe. For the businesse and trouble that he made his Father in his vngracious life, endured somewhat longer than himselfe, and was not extinct till after his death: and so may we account that which remained, to bee as it were an appurtenance vntounto his owne Pageants going before. So to speake of his owne doinges first, they were of such Nature, that it pleased GOD notably to exercise and chasten his Father there-with: but yet hee praeserued him in the meane season; and fully acquited him thereof in the ende. Beeing of such Nature as might prooue so good and speciall an exercise and Chasticement to his Father, howsoeuer it was hee wrought against him, hee must needes bee a bad and a gracelesse Childe: a matter to bee so much p. 318the more regarded, for that otherwise he is noted to be so goodly a man for person bid. 25. 27.& beauty, and to hauehave had comfortable Issue besides. But so it is diuers times seene, that very much euill is found in the goodliest persons that are: and that althogh the regard of their Issue should in such thinges bee a bridle vntounto them, yet doth it little praeuaile with many. The working he had against his Father, was first but in secret: but afterward very open and plaine. While it was but in secret, he tooke vponupon him more than any of the sonnes either of Saul or of Dauid (that we reade of) had done before, and busily sought to creepe into credit with the people. He tooke vponupon him more than others, in that hee got him Chariots and Horses, and a Gard of fifty men Ibid. 15: 1to run before him. Hee sought to creepe into credit with the people, by behauing Ibid. 2-6.himselfe popularly, praetending a speciall care of all their affaires, and imparting curtuous salutations to all. When hee meant to breake forth into open Rebellion, and to shew himselfe in his coulours, he thought good to get him out of Ierusalem where his being then was, and to be somewhat farther from his Father and from the Court: and then set in hand with his businesse. So vnderunder praetense of going to performe a Bvow he had made when he was in banishment, hee got without suspicion to Hebron: Ibid. 7-9, 11, 12.and by the same praetense got many thither besides, such as he hoped would conceiue well of the course he had in hand. Being gotten thither, first he began his businesse there: then, forthwith he went to Ierusalem, there to follow further vponupon it, as already hee had begun it. At Hebron he so dealt with his confederates by priuy Messengers, that it then appeared to be a strong packe that he had made: himselfe then Ibid. 10-12.making open claime to the Kingdome; and the people repairing fast vntounto him. Among whom some there were whom he specially invited thither vntounto that praetended feast of his: two huudred of the inhabitants of Ierusalem; and Achitophel, one of Dauids Counsellers. Those of Ierusalem hee called with him▪ belike but as it were Ibid. 11.for a stale: that being once noyced, that so many of Ierusalem were with him▪ others might be the readier to come in too. For the Text doth beare them witnesse that they knew not of it before. Achitophel likewise it seemeth he was desirous to Ibi. 12. 16: 23.hauehave, for the great opinion that was conceiued of the sharpnesse and depth of his iudgement, in giuing aduise; and so it was both with Dauid before, and with Absolom after: who accordingly came, and ioyned with him. At Ierusalem (whither it seemeth, they presently sped themselues, to surprize the King ere he should be aware: Ibi. 16: 15, 20.for, hee being already fled, Achitophel would hauehave followed after, in hope to hauehave gotten him the selfe same might) laying their heads together what was to be done, they resolued on the course they would hould, for two principall matters: one, that the people who tooke Absoloms part neede not to doubt any reconciliation betwixt the Father and …he Sonne, so to make them faster to Absolom; the other, how they might best persue the King, being (as he was) fled from Ierusalem already, and they not knowing as yet where to hauehave him. For the former of th…se, the aduise of Achitophel onelyonly was taken: namely, that whereas Dauid had left certaine Concubines of Ibid. 15▪ 16.his to keepe his house in his absence, Absolom should go and take the vse of their bodies Ibi. 16: 21, 22.in so open and shamelesse manner, that the people might be out of doubt, that he had don his Father that vilany indeede; and so not likely euer to be reconciled again. A very good patterne how naughty matters once taken in hand, must often hauehave very Codious and vnnaturall villanies committed too, to helpe them forward, or to prop vp their proper bodies, least praesently they ruinate themselues or come to the ground. The latter of them came to further deliberation, Achitophel giuing aduise, praesently to follow vponupon him; and offering his owne seruice therein: which course had Absolom Ibid. 17: 1-4.taken, it had beene very likely that Dauid indeede had beene deuoured thereby. But then Chusay (being a secret friend vntounto Dauid) aduised them rather to take Ibid. 5-13.more time, shewing how so they might worke so surely, that hee could in no wife escape them: and that the other which Achitophel moued, stoode ouermuch on doubtfull hazard. Which aduise was no sooner by him giuen, but that it was forthwith preferred Ibid. 14.before that other of Achitophels, and receiued of all to be the course that they would follow: God so disposing, that they should refuse the better aduise of Achitophel (better I meane, for the effecting of their bad purpose▪ otherwise wicked before p. 319God & the world, tending to so great a mischiefe as it did) & better like of that worse aduise of Chusay; who gaue the same on behalfe of Dauid, that …e in the mean season might g…t into safety, & might hauehave time for his people to be think thē selues better, & to stand with him against his enimies, offering so vile dealing to him as now they Ibid. 15-21.did. But Chusay did not only thus stay … dange… course against Dauid there, but pr…sently sent him word to … him … stay, so to preuent the danger of it that way also: and Achitophel on the otherrside, seeing now that the successe of these thinges was not like to be such as he desired, went home, set his house in order, and hanged himselfe; and so did a speciall pleasure to Dauid also. But now hauing seene what Ibid. 23.was intended against him, we are likewise to see, howe it pleased God to preserue him: first, that he was not surprized … Ierusalem; then, that he was not that night ouertaken in the way as he fled. That hee was not surprized in Ierusalem, these were two meanes whereby it pleased God to preserue him: one, the intelligence that was brought him, when the conspiracy brake out at Hebron; the other, his present flight thereupon. In that he had so ready worde of it, when first it began, it is rather to be altogether and wholy imputed vntounto the meere prouidence of God, Ibid. 15: 13.than any thing at all to Dauids watchfulnesse, who was so affectionate vntounto his son, that it is most likely, hee neuer suspected any such thing by him: and it sheweth Dwithall, that Absolom was in this case nothing so wary, in such sort to hauehave kept the Citty, as that no word might hauehave been carried out of it to the hinderance of their businesse, as Iehu afterward in the like case was; though he had time to hauehave cast 2. King. 9: 15.2 Kgs 9:15for it before, and Iehn did it euen then on the sudden. In his flight we are to consider that it pleased God that way to preserue him: and then, in what manner it was. That God woulde but that way preserue him, it is plaine, that God was disposed much to humble him thereby: all flight beeing in it selfe so dishonourable; but in this no lesse, than the King to flee from the face of his subiect, and the father from the face of his childe. As touching the manner of it, his flight was, so farre as belongeth to this part of the story, till hee was gotten ouer Iordan; so hauing two principall parts, first to Bahurim; then, ouer Iordan. Bahurim was a Towne, as it Christi. Ad-i… in Beniamin.is described East from Ierusalem, beyond Mount Oliuet from it, and beyond Bethania, almost so farre beyond it, as it is distant from Ierusalem, and as it seemeth not past foure miles from Ierusalem it selfe. VntoUnto which place wee hauehave appertaining diuers particular stories; but none in his passage then ouer Iordan. As he went to Bahurim, besides the addressing himselfe to his iourney at Ierusalem, hee was most of all occupied in parting with friends till he came to the top of Mount Oliuet: but after that, he had certaine occurrents of another kind. Addressing himself to his way, he vsed speede (both he and the company he had about him) leauing the custody 2. Sam. 15: 14-18. Ibid 23-30.2 Sam 15:14–18of his house to certaine women his Concubines, taking his way ouer Kedron vntounto Mount Oliuet: the people weeping at his departure, he & his company weeping also, and himselfe bare-foot besides. Whether a figure heerein of Christ, or not I cannot say: but Christ followed the selfesame way in sorrow after, he and his Apostles together; that Dauid and his company, weeping, and sorrowing, thus traced before. Of those friends that hee was to part withall, one there was that would in no wise leaue him: but others there were, that did. He that would in no wise leaue him was Ittay a stranger, hauing sixe hundered men vnderunder his charge: Ibid. 19-22.who, as it seemeth, came of good-will but a little before to see the King, and that therfore the King was sorry he should light on so troublesom a time, and thereupon desired him now to returne; which notwithstanding he constantly refused to doo. A matter worth the marking also, that whereas his owne people▪ yea and his sonne Ewhom himselfe did so dearely affect, so vnnaturally bent themselues against him, God gaue him so faithfull an heart in this stranger, that, to die for it, hee would not forsake him, nor by any entreaty of the King himselfe, leaue him in the case that now he was in. The Priests and Chusay were the others, that, beeing dismissed did accordingly take their leaues of him. In the dismissing of the Priestes we hauehave one other little matter, that seemeth to appertaine to their story also. The Storie of their dismissing was no more but this, that whereas they and their company attended p. 320Ibid. 24-…9.him with the Arke of the Lord to hauehave carried the same with him, he would not hauehave the body of the people destrauded of that ordinary benefite of the Arke, and the Priestes residing among them, for that his owne priuate vse of them now: but yet directing them withall, how to vse their good-will and faithfulnes towards him; …ely, by intelligence, as occasion and need should require. That other particular that seemeth to belong to their … also, is, that Dauid was now aduertised (it is thought Ibid. 31.by one of these, and it may so be) of Achitophels loyning with Absolom in this conspiracy: Tr…l. I….whereupon Dauid turning to prayer, desired God to turne his counsell into foolishnesse. A good course for vsus all to follow, when by the wilinesse and subtelty of others, wee doe find our selues in danger: and a patterne that ministereth good hope withall, that if rightly we can so d…e, as God did graunt vntounto Dauid the thing that he desired then, so would hee yet do for vsus likewise. Chusay was one of the Counsellers before, and now it seemeth, he followed after: so that Dauid now hauing gotten the top of the Hill, and turning (towards the Arke) to giuegive GOD Ibid. 32-37.thankes, as it seemeth did by that occasion so meete him there, and wished him likewise againe to returne; but yet did giuegive him direction withall, how to vse his goodwill towardes him, not onelyonly as hee did to the others before, but further taught him to seeme to stand altogether with the new vsurping King, and yet to bee faithfull to him notwithstanding. Being now past the top of mount Olinet, wee are first to see what was done by the way: then, what was done at Bahurim, where he made some little aboad. By the way, he was haunted with two false Varlets, both appertaining before to the house of Saul: Ziba, and Shimey. Ziba it seemeth by that which followeth, did falsly accuse Miphibosheth his Maister, to reioyce at those troubles of Dauid, Ibid. 16: 1-4.as making a ready way to his owne aduancement: and so cuningly handled Dauid Fwithall, that giuing him credit, he now gaue all vntounto him, that hee had giuen to his Maister before. An example of greater credulity without further tryall, than were to be wished in any so rare a man as he. Shimey sought for naught at his hands, but onelyonly to disgorge, as it seemeth (hauing then gotten the aduantage of the place) Ibid. 5-13.his long hidden malice against him, and the vile conceit he had taken of him, as touching his comming vntounto his Kingdome: railing vponupon him about the same, exceeding fouly; and accompanying his wordes with actuall behauiour correspondent. Insomuch that there were of Dauids company, that would gladly hauehave gone, to hauehave beene reuenged of him, but that Dauid would not suffer them. Wherein wee hauehave, both a notable patterne of Dauids patience: and how easily the best of all are deeply oft-times condemned of others without any cause; especially, in the day of their affliction, as it was with Iob, euen by his friends. Being thus past the way to Bahurim, there they refreshed themselues, and rested awhile: but then vnderstanding of danger Ibid. 14.towards him if he continued there, he presently dislodged, trauelled all the night, Ibid. 17: 22.and by the dawning of the day, got ouer Iordan, he, and all his companies.

6 How it pleased God, hauing praeserued Dauid hitherto fully to acquite him of this businesse in the end, that wee may the better find, wee are first to consider, to Ahow strong an head it grew against him: then, how it pleased God, neuerthelesse to rid him of it. It grew to so strong an head against him, that when Dauid had giuen place vntounto them, not onelyonly getting him ouer Iordan, but there also leauing them two partes of three, of that part of the Countrey that was on the other side: yet needes would they follow him, and by force ouerlay him there. In what number they came against him, it is not set downe particularly: but it is said generally, that all the men of Israell came with Absolom ouer Iordan, that hee made Amasa his Generall ouer Ibid. 24-26.his Army, & pitched in Gilead, South, as it seemeth, from the Citty Manahim where Dauid was, in the most Northerly part of Gilead. At which time neyther can we tell what company had repaired to Dauid. But first there were certaine principall men Ibid. 27-29. 19: 32.in those partes (one of the Ammonites, and two of the Israelites) that did helpe to maintaine him and his company there; and he had so many, that he made three battels BIbi. 18: 1-4, 6.of them, and stoode in so little feare of the contrary part, that he would himselfe hauehave gone to the fielde with them, but that his people entreated him to stay, as also p. 321his forces themselues went forth to giuegive battaile vntounto the others. And as in these comforts, in the meane season, it pleased God to giuegive him good hope of riddance now, so did hee a little after performe it: making a faire riddance of his enimies; and so framing the hearts of the people, that soone after they sought vntounto him againe. In the ouerthrowe of his enemies, though God vouchsafed him speciall fauour: yet himselfe, by his immoderate affections, had almost missed of the benefit of it. The fauour that God did shew him therein, was both in the Captaine; and in the people. In the Captaine, that as he had giuen a strange example, an vnworthy sonne so insolently to rise vp against his so worthy a Father and Soueraign; so should he be a patterne to others for the strangenesse of his death an Oak taking Ibid. 18: 9 19.him vp by the heire of the head (those locket of his being euen the chiefe flowe… or pride of his person) and holding him vp to the eye of the world, till he might hauehave some farther iudgement so iustly deserued. In the people, that twenty thousand of Ibid. 7, 8.them were likewise staine: and whereas it is said, that the wood (which was neer to the battell, and whither it seemeth most of them fled when once they were broken) deuoured moe that day then the sword, though we may conceiue, that fleeing thither they were so entangled, that their enemies had the greater aduantage of them; yet if the residue of the trees and bushes in some strange manner, one way or other followed the example of that which dealt with Absolom first, then was the iudgement so much the stranger. For it seemeth to me, that it was not like to be so full Lyr. Co…. Pel. Fr. Vatab. Tremel. I…n. Bibl. Angl. Ibid. 18: 5.of wilde Beasts and pits, as some do take it, because euen the same that were Authors of it, doo say likewise, that the Ephraemites vsed to feede their Cattle there. Those immoderate affections in Dauid that we speake of, whereby hee had almost lost the benefit of this victory, were, of the louelove that he had to his sonne: first charging them all to spare him if he came in their handes; then, so pittifully bewailing Ibid 33.his death when he was slaine. For if he had been spared, it is not like, that so long as he had liued, Dauid could hauehave beene quiet in his kingdome. And bewailing Ibid. 19: 2-4. Ibid. 1, 5-8.him so much as he did, he discouraged the hearts of all his good subiects: till admonished by Ioab, he moderated himselfe, and after a sort bound vp the wounders that before he had made. But in this immoderate louelove of Dauid towards so vngracious a sonne of his, we may so much the more plainly see, what exceeding great louelove we may expect at the hands of God: and not onelyonly the better sort of vsus, but euen the greatest sinners that are, after that once they can truely turne vntounto him. CFor if there could bee such louelove in Dauid, much greater must that bee (beyond all comparison) that is in God. That God likewise framed the hearts of the people to seeke to him ageine, the Text doth witnesse he did it so fully, that they so reasoned Ibid. 9, 10.the matter out among themselues, that of necessity they must needs conclude, that they must againe submit themselues to his allegiance: and shortly after, accordingly they did it. The appurtenance that followed, after this Pageant of Absoloms going before, was that other businesse that fell out immediately after, when much of the people reuolted afresh Dauid againe. Concerning which, because it dependeth vponupon some part of the Story of Dauids returne to Ierusalem again, therefore are we first to consider of that part of his returne: and then to take this other in the place where it selfe ariseth. Dauid therefore now bethinking himself of his returne, and fearing that his owne Tribe (which was the Tribe of Iudah) woulde come somewhat short, because of those aforesaide reasonings which he had hearde Ibid. 11-13the Israelites had of him before, sent vntounto Zadok and Abiathar the Priests, both to put the Tribe of Iudah, that they were not slacke in that point of duty: and to assure Amasa, the sate Generall of Absoloms forces, of speciall fauour at his handes also. Which dealing of his tooke such effect, that first the whole Tribe of Iudah yeelded Ibid. 14. Ibid. 20: 4, 5.to receiue him againe, and sent him word to addresse himselfe homeward: Amasa also it seemeth, was thereby won vntounto him, for that a little after we finde that hee was in speciall credit with Dauid. Not much vnlike vntounto it, it is, that in these daies of the Gospell, Christ doth admonish the people of Christendom (that are neerest to him by profession) by the Ministry of his Priests, to take heede that they be not slacke, now to receiue him againe, comming (as he doth) in his worde vntounto them, p. 322least they bee praeuented by others, which could not bee but vntounto great dishonour to them. It may bee also, that hee hath some such speciall dealing with certaine principall Leaders of the Turkes and Heathen, as may bring in many of them and much people them in such sort, as that first wee may see them to bee in speciall place with him, before that euer wee heare of their comming in vntounto him. By this meanes the Tribe of Iudah (and some others with them) came so speedily in (God grant to these others such readinesse also) that they both came to the King before he came ouer Iordan, and praeuented the Israelites therein: the most of them indeede to do this point of duty; but some of them hauing another errant besides. Those that came to do this point of duty indeede, were the Tribe of Iudah; specially Dstirred vp therunto from the King himselfe, though but by the Ministery of the Priests: Ibi. 19: 15, 17.but yet accompanied with halfe of the children of Israell (such belike as had taken Ibid. 40.part with him against Absolom, and so were with the King before) one of their company being of speciall reckoning besides. Those that had some other arrant were Shimey, certainely for the one; and Ziba, it seemeth, for the other: the former of Ibid. 16, 17.them bringing a thousand men with him, of his owne Tribe the Ttibe of Beniamin: Ibid. 17.the other also something ruffling it, as it seemeth, with his fifteene Sons and twenty Seruants. For Shimey came to begge pardon for his life, for that hee had so rayled on the King before, which also he did and obtained: and Ziba it seemeth, with that Ibid. 18-23.officiousnesse of his, would retaine that fauour with the King, which before hee had naughtily gotten, by accusing his Maister falsely vntounto him. That one man of the Israelites, which was of speciall reckoning besides, was Barzillai, one of the Tribe of Gad, who had done much for the King in this his distresse, and now with the rest attended him ouer Iordan also. Of this man wee hauehave two thinges specially noted: one, of his age; another of his good moderation. Of his age it is sayd, that he was a very old man, and yet but fourscore yeares old: whereby wee may see, that it is not so cleere (as wee are commonly perswaded) that in the former ages before vsus, men Ibid. 32.liued longer than they do now generally: when as at that time fourscore yeares were counted so great an age. His moderation was such, that though hee had deserued very well of the King, and the King accordingly would hauehave had him to the Court, Ibid. 32-39.to requite his good-will with kindly cherishing of him there: yet beeing of those yeares he did wisely refuse it, as a thing more meete for him then, to learne to dye at home, than to begin at the Court so freshly (as it were) to liue againe. A iust and needfull reproofe vntounto the dotage of many of vsus, that hauehave so greene tops in so rotten stockes, as with vsus oft-times it is seene. The King being thus brought ouer Iordan went thence to Gilgal: attended thither by the Tribe of Iudah, and by halfe of the Ibid. 40.Israelites besides. At whih time and place began the broyle that now wee speake off: concerning which we are to see, first how it was begun; then, how it was ended againe. It was begun, partly by all the whole company generally: then, by one of them more specially. Of all the whole company the Israelites first expostulated with Ethe King and their brethren of the Tribe of Iudah, that they praeuented them in bringing Ibid. 41, 43.home the King, before they had made them priuy vntounto it, that so they might hauehave done it with the generall consent of all, and none to hauehave beene more forward therein than their fellowes: especially they being the greater part, & so hauing more interest in the King than the others. The Tribe of Iudah did stand vponupon their neerer affinity, as well as they might: but then they added more fiercenesse of speach Ibid. 42, 43.then they needed, or was wisedome for them to hauehave done; especially, hauing, as they had, the better end of the cause it selfe. That one man to whom the beginning of it may bee more specially imputed, was Sheba, of the Tribe of Beniamin, a man of speciall reckoning with the rest, as it seemeth, but factious withall: who blowing the trumpet, and stirring vppe the people to renounce Dauid and to depart to their Ibid. 20: 1, 2.tents againe, so praeuailed he with all the whole multitude of the Israelites, that they all followed him, and left the Tribe of Iudah onelyonly remaining with Dauid. So that now those also, it seemeth, that before tooke part with Dauid, did cleane giuegive him ouer, and went with the rest: insomuch that now the Beniamites also (it seemeth) left him, who were wont to cleaue to the house of Dauid before. For Sheba the Ring-leader p. 323was of that Tribe, and so the likelier to draw them away: and the whole multitude of the Israelites, before accounting but of ten partes onelyonly, doe in a manner Ibid. 19: 43plainely grant, that Beniamin was with Iudah then. But now the Text saith (and Ibid. 20: 2. …ri. M…ta….so is the originall) that eueryevery man of the house of Israell went from Dauid, and followed Sheba: and his owne Tribe are likely enough for his sake to hauehave beene of the formost. So hauehave we heare a speciall example of the great brittlenesse and mutability that is in man: one sort of thē reasoning a little before, that Dauid ought to be Ibid. 19: 9, 10.their K. and so concluding against themselues, but vponupon a trifling occasion forsaking him nowe; the residue of them venturing their liues with Dauid before against all their Bretheren, and now reuolting with that one man onelyonly (and he but a bad one) Ibid. 20: 1.vponupon no vrgent necessity at all. Neuerthelesse this great storme was reasonable easily ouer-blowne; and yet it shall be good to note the manner of it: the most of the Story thereunto appertaining, shewing but in what sort it was suppressed or quenched againe; but part of it deliuering another accident that fell out in the dooing of it. That part of the Storie that goeth no farther but onelyonly to shew howe it was suppressed, dooth first shewe what time was taken vntounto it: then, in what manner Fit was accomplished. The time was so taken, that neyther did Dauid foorthwith make after him at that praesent: neyther yet did hee put it off any long time after. If praesently hee had doone it, it had not beene vnlike, but that much blood had beene shed about it, in that hot blood wherein they were then: and therefore wee read, that hee went to Hierusalem first, before hee did any thing against them; Ibid. 3.but by likely-hoode hee sped himselfe thither without delay, as also the Tent maketh no mention of any thing that fell out in the way. But comming to Hierusalem Ibid.he did but first shut vppe those Concubines of his with whom Absolom had laine, so to continue to the day of theyr death (a matter of no long nor busie dispatch) but that praesently he tooke order for the other: first willing Amasa (who in the businesse Ibid. 4, 5.of Absolom was against him, and the Generall of all his forces) to assemble his Forces of the Tribe of Iudah in three dayes, and himselfe then to repaire vntounto him againe; then, when Amasa came not at the time appointed, and doubting least Ibid. 6.Sheba by drift of time should grow harder to be dealt withall, appointing Abishay, Ioabs Brother, to take such as were ready at hand, and to followe vppon that Rebell to cut him off, before hee grewe to farther strength. So it seemeth, that Dauid could so ill brooke Ioab nowe for Absoloms sake, that as yet hee could not commit Ibid. 7.the charge vntounto him. So Abishay went for-ward, and with him all such (belike) as were then ready. For wee read, that both Amasa, and Ioab too, were in this expedition: but it seemeth, that Amasa came in with those that he had gotten somewhat after, and yet but a little; and that Ioab himselfe (for his companyes went with his Brother) went now as voluntary, eyther to helpe forward the seruice it selfe or to recouer his fauour with Dauid againe. Nowe Sheba whom they sought, was not found of them till they came to Abell, a Citty in the Tribe of Nepthalim, almost Ibid. 14: Chr. Adricho. in N…phth.in the vtter-most part of the Land: vntounto which place whether hee had fled at the first, or whether hee were now driuen thyther by these Forces comming downe vponupon him, it is not declared. But finding him there, they praesently besiedged Ibid. 14, 15.the Cittie, and in such sort fell to their businesse, that the Inhabitantes perceiued they might looke for no mercy nor fauour to themselues nor theyr Citty, vnlesse they tooke some order with them to theyr contentment. A certaine Woman Ibid. 16-19.therefore comming to the Wals, put Ioab in minde, with what moderation such as warred vppon any Citty should by the Lawe of GOD prosecute the same. For Gthough Abishay were appointed by the King: yet Ioab, it seemeth, as he was indeed better knowne, and of greatest reckoning in Martiall affaires, so was hee most accounted of heere. Whereas now therefore they came in such heat against the Rebell, that they besiedged the Citty, and began to ruinate or ouer-throw the Walles, before they had any way assayed, whether they would in peaceable manner yeelde their demaund: they amend that course now, and promise to proceede no farther in Ibid. 20, 21.hostile manner against them, if they will deliuer the Rebell vntounto them. Whereupon the Woman going to the Cittizen… so perswaded with them, that they did soone p. 324Ibid. 22.cut off the head of Sheba, and cast it ouer the Wall to Ioab: and he likewise hauing so dispatched his businesse, blew the retrait, and so departed. That other accident that fell out in the doing of this, was, that by the way as they were going in this expedition, Ioab, perceiuing belike, that Amasa now was like to be in such place with Dauid, as wherein he was before, treacherously slew him by the way. The subtilty Ibid. 8-10.whereby he sought to compasse it, was, as it seemeth, of purpose to hauehave such a weapon about him then, as easily would fall out of the Sheath, that so walking with Amasa, when his Weapon should seem by chance to fall out, he might take opportunity to speed Amasa with it before he was ware, as also hee did: whereas if he had at any time but offered to hauehave drawn it, as in such case men commonly do, it is not vnlikely but that Amasa thereupon would hauehave espyed it, and so hauehave stood to his own defence. But yet that this accident should not any thing hinder the seruice, by the peoples staying about that, hee did not forget euen then to take order: which also Ibid. 11-13.was accordingly obserued.

7 Those others wherein Dauids offence was not so apparant, but that in the AIudgement of men it were likely enough to hauehave gone vntouched, were two: one, a want of a peece of Iustice; another, a kinde of glorying in the multitude of his people. In the former of which wee are to consider, what fault it was that Dauid made: and, how it pleased GOD to take it. To finde out the fault that hee made, we are first to consider what it was that he did: then, what respects or considerations Bthere were, that might seeme much to excuse him, or to lessen the fault vntounto him. That which hee did, was but of omission, or not doing a thing that was to be done: namely, that whereas Saul had destroyed certaine of the Gibeonites, on zeale to the Ibid. 21: 1, 2.people, or to please them; Dauid yet (all the time of his raigne hitherto) had doone no Iustice for the punnishment of it. Those considerations that might seeme to excuse Dauid, or much to lessen the fault vntounto him, were of two sorts: one of the time; others, of the thing it selfe. That one of the time, was, that it was done long before Dauids time: and then both he might bee ignorant of it; and, if he did know it, yet might he probably thinke, that he stood not charged with the punnishment of it. Those others that are of the thing it selfe, are two; one, arising of the consideration of those that should be auenged; the other, of the consideration of those on whom they were to bee auenged. Those that were to bee auenged, were none of the people of Israell themselues, but onelyonly a people that dwelt among them: such Ibid. 2. Ios 10: 2.Josh 10:2as by the generall direction that God had giuen his people before, should hauehave been cleane destroyed with the rest of the Cannanites (of which race they were) sauing that Iosuah and the rest of the Elders of Israell had long since made peace with them; Ios. 9: 3-15.Josh 9:3–15yet not otherwise but as with Strangers, and circumuented by their subtile dissimulation. Those on whom they were to be auenged, were the Issue of Saul: on whom hee might not doe any Iustice, especially such as might tend to take away their liues, but that it might probably be thought, that he did but pick a quarrel against them, to make his own estate more sure, by taking the line of the other away. Neuerthelesse it pleased the lord in such sort to take it, that both he plagued the whol land with dearth 1. Sa. 21: 1-14.1 Sam 21:1–14three yeares together, and yet neuer told them all that while (that we read of) what the cause was why he was so offended with them: and when Dauid at the length inquired of the Lord, what the cause should be (which also was not till the three years end: a good patterne, how long it is, in our distresse, before that euer we seek to the Lord; and if it were so long with Dauid, then is it like to be longer with vsus) he would not then with-draw his hand, vntill the fault were first amended. A good example to all to take heede both of dealing hardly with any, though they be not neere vntounto Cvsus; or but to be of such an humour towardes them, as that it pleaseth vsus well when they are hardly dealt with: and of breaking faith with any of those to whom wee hauehave giuen it, though otherwise our selues may conceiue, that some way or other they are vnwoorthy. More specially also, a faire warning it is, to moderate those profane courses of many that in these dayes are ouer-much vsed, dayly more and more decaying the Ministery: a Function and people, that in many good respectes, ought to be of much better account with vsus; than those Gibeonites needed to hauehave p. 325beene with them. That which I noted to bee of glorying in the multitude of his people, hath another speciall Story appertaining: so that first wee are to consider of this his glorying; then, of that other that hangeth on it. In his glorying therefore wee are first to consider, what was the fault that now hee made: then▪ what was the displeasure of GOD against him for it. In the fault that hee made, wee hauehave first set downe the occasion of it: then, the fault it selfe. The occasion of it was, that the LORD was againe offended with Israell: whereby we may see, that 2 Sam. 24: 1.2 Sam 24:1the offences or slidinges of Princes, are some-times occasioned by the sinne of the people. In the fault it selfe wee hauehave likewise set downe in this, how hee was inticed or tempted vntounto it: then, how he did accordingly yeeld. He was tempted vntounto it Ibid. &. 1. Chr. 21: 1.1 Chr 21:1by Sathan: who oft-times vseth the euill that is in vsus to our own ouerthrow; though wee also hauehave in our selues matter enough for all kinde of temptation, though hee neuer meddle to helpe vsus forward. VntoUnto which temptation Dauid did so fully yeeld, that he did not onelyonly set Ioab and, the Gouernours of the people a worke, to 2. Sa. 24: 3, 4. 1. Chr. 21: 2 4.2 Sam 24:32 Sam 24:41 Chr 21:2goe forth-with and number the people throughout the whole Land: but also, when Ioab was afraid it would turne ill to the King, and therefore endeuoured to disswade him from it, was so very peremtory notwithstanding therein, that Ioab and the others (though full sore against their wils) were faine to doe it. At which time it was found, that they came to the summe of able men meete for the Warres (notwithstanding 1. Chro. 21: 5.1 Chr 21:5all the destructions were made of them when so oft they offended vnderunder the Iudges, Samuell and Saul, and those that were spent in the warres of Dauid before: the Bush euer burning, but neuer consumed) fifteene hundred, threescore and ten thousand: besides many that they numbred not, because they had no list vntounto it. And Exod. 3: 2. 1. Chr. 21: 6. 27: 24. 2. Sa. 24: 9. Lyr. in lit b, i. Co…r. Pel. P…t, Martyr. Tremel. I…n.Exod 3:21 Chr 21:61 Chr 21:271 Chr 21:242 Sam 24:9whereas else-where the number of them dooth not amount to so many, it is reconciled by others, shewing that there such as were in ordinary seruice before were now omitted, as not needing to be mentioned, being already sufficiently knowne: or els, Dthat Ioab purposely broke off, and omitted many, because he would not giuegive vntounto Dauid so great matter of glorying as hee might hauehave done, as doubting that hee gloried therein so much already, that God would be offended with him. What was the displeasure of God against him for it, that we may the better find, we are to consider, that Dauid was in such case then, as that we may easily conceiue, that God would not be offended with him, and yet that he was: then, how far the same proceeded against him. Dauid was in such case then, as that wee might easily conceiue that God would not be offended with him, because himselfe was sorry for it immediatly after: & withall, 2. Sa. 24: 10. 1. Chr. 21: 8.2 Sam 24:101 Chr 21:8both confessed it plainely; and did aske forgiuenesse of it. The course that neuerthelesse God tooke against him, was, that hee would in no wise altogether spare him for it; but yet gaue him his choyce, whether he should chastice him with the selfe same scourge that was then on the Land: or that hee would take his choice of a couple of others. The scourge that was then on the Land, was that famine wee heard off before: which now had been on the Land three yeares already, and a good pecce of the fourth, as it seemeth, for that iustice was not done to the Gibeonites. Whereunto now should be added for this, three yeares mo: so to make vp seauen in all. The other 2. Sa 24: 11-13 1. Chro. 21: 7, 9-12. 2. Sam. 24, 14. 15 1. Chro. 21: 13, 142 Sam 24:11–131 Chr 21:71 Chr 21:9–122 Sam 24:142 Sam 24:151 Chr 21:131 Chr 21:14two whereof he might take his choyce likewise, were, eyther three monthes to fly before his enemies: or three daies Pestilence throughout the Land. Whereupon when Dauid made choyce of the Pestilence rather, so to fall in the hands of God, rather than into the hands of men, there dyed thereof in three dayes, threescore and ten thousands throughout the land. That other Story that hangeth on this, is, how it was found, that Ierusalem was the place spoken of before, that the Lord would make choice of it, to put his name there, and whether his people had to bring their Oblations Deut. 12: 5-7.Deut 12:5–7and sacrifices: the knowledge whereof seemeth to be farther imparted to Dauid, than now we hauehave any Scripture for it. First therefore wee are to see, what wee hauehave extant to induce him vntounto it: then, how hee, for that matter, resolueth. That which we finde extant now, which he had then to induce him vntounto it, resteth in two principall pointes: one, the direction hee had from the Prophet; the other, the successe he had from God. In the direction hee had from the Prophet, wee hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, first vppon what occasion it was: then, what was the direction p. 326it selfe. The occasion was, that the Angell of Gods wrath, who had now already destroyed those threescore and ten thousand by the pestilence, among the people, 2. Sam. 24: 16, 17. 1▪ Chro. 21: 15-17.2 Sam 24:162 Sam 24:171 Chr 21:15–17was now sent by God himselfe to Ierusalem also, to make the like destruction there: yet that the Lord had compassion, and stayed him; when Dauid acknowledged himselfe to be the offender, and desired God to spare them and lay it on him. The direction it selfe that heereupon Gad the Prophet gaue vntounto Dauid; was, as the Angell 2. Sa 24: 18. 1. Chro. 21: 25, 18.2 Sam 24:181 Chr 21:251 Chr 21:18bad him do in the name of the Lord: namely to go and erect an Alter vntounto the Lord, in the threshing flower of Araunab or Ornan the Iebusite, where the Angel then was. In the successe that Dauid had from God, we are are first to see, how he followed the direction giuen him, wherein he had the successe we speake off: then, the successe he had therein. His direction hee followed so well, that praesently hee went about it: 2. Sam. 24: 19-25 1. Chro. 21: 19-26.2 Sam 24:19–251 Chr 21:19–26and although the Iebusite would freely hauehave giuen him the ground it selfe and Sacrifices too, yet Dauid would not so, but would first giuegive him the valew threof, and so did; and then built his Alter there, and offered Sacrifices thereon. The successe that he had therein, was, that the Lord did graciously accept of his offerings at that 1. Chr. 21: 26. Leuit 9: 24 2. Sa. 24: 25. 1. Chr. 21: 27. 1. Chr. 22: 1-4.1 Chr 21:26Lev 9:242 Sam 24:251 Chr 21:271 Chr 22:1–4praesant, sending fire from heauen to receiue them, as he did when the Tabernacle was first erected: and was so appeased towardes the whole Land, that thenceforward the plague likewise ceased. The resolution of Dauid heereupon was, that that place was the house of the Lord, or the place where he would be worshipped, or where the Temple was to bee builded: and so accordingly hee forthwith set in hand to make prouision. That little businesse that was occasioned by another, was that Adoniah, one of Dauids Sonnes, and as it seemeth the eldest of them now (of 1. King. 1: 5-49.1 Kgs 1:5–49those that were left) with the aduise and helpe of Ioab Dauids chiefe Captaine, and Abiathar the Priestes, when Dauid was laid and not like to continue, without the consent or priuity of Dauid, began to vsurpe the Kingdome vntounto him: but when Dauid heard of it, hee appointed Salomon to bee annoynted King forthwith; and so did praesently ouerthrow the vsurpation of the other. In which Story it is not amisse more specially to note, first that Adoniah from his youth was so tenderly affected by Ibid. 6.his Father, that he could neuer find in his heart to displease him; and therefore lesse maruell, that now he could thus requite him againe: then, that there is so diuers a placing of certaine persons in this action, as if it were according to their regard of them, which is most like, thence also may we gather some peece of instruction. For in Adoniahs vsurpation, and with Adoniah himselfe, Ioab hath the first place, before Ibid. 7. Geneal. Christ. Tab. 6.Abiathar who ioyned with him also, and was then, as it is noted, the High-Priest: and so it may become vsurpers well, to regard Captaines or Martiall men most; Fwhich also is for the most part practised by all politician worldlings besides. But in the end it had the successe according. One the other side, when Dauid would more orderly place Salomon in the Kingdome, he first placeth both Zadok the Priest, Ibid. 32.and Nathan the Prophet, before Benaiah then to be as in Ioabs roome: so placing them both before the Captaine; and betwixt these two also, Zadok, though but one of the ordinary Priests then, before Nathan a speciall Prophet. And though Benaiah was of so speciall reckoning, that the Text it selfe doth set him elsewhere, Ibid. 8.before the Prophet and others of speciall account: yet there also doth it place Zadok before him, though, Abiathar being the High Priest then, he could bee but of the second ranke of the Priests.

8 These troubles of Dauid being thus ouer-blowne, and God vouchsafing him a little calme wherein to close vp his life in the end, we are now to see the Story Aof it. But whereas it is the most vsuall manner of History, first to lay downe the chiefe and principall matters thereof appertaining (and those according to the order of Story, so neere as their owne iudgement doth serue them) and then to remember such others also, as might not so well come in before; seeing that heere we hauehave, in diuers thinges, the like order obserued, it shall be good the same be accordingly followed: and so, first to consider of such thinges as we hauehave in this part of his Story, that belonged to a former time; then, of those that did appertaine to that present. Of those that belonged to a former time, some of them were such as p. 327did most concerne the whole estate: and some againe but particulars onelyonly, at least in comparison of the others. Of those likewise that concerned the whole, some did most respect the Ciuill estate: others, the Ecclesiasticall rather. Those that did most respect the Ciuill estate, were some of them for times that were troublesome: others, for peaceable. For troublesome times hee had in a readinesse for eueryevery month in the 1 Chr. 27: 1-15. 2. Sa. 23▪8-39.1 Chr 27:1–152 Sam 23:8–39yeare, a seuerall Army of soure and twenty thousand men: and Captaines or Leaders for them of special reckoning to such a purpose. Concerning whom, whereas they are specially named, & the total sum of them so gathered in the end, that it is not so ready to be perceiued how the particulars and total agree, but that there be diuers opinions thereof, it seemeth to mee we may best take them, as already some of good reckoning Tremel. I…n. in 2. Sam. 23: 24, 39.2 Sam 23:242 Sam 23:39hauehave done: namely (but then is the cōmon translation sometimes to giuegive place) that he which is vouchsafed the first place (but in the vulgar translation is not named but Bonelyonly described, but since is called Adino of Esni) must be the first, and Eleazar and Shammah, the residue of the first three, to whom the first place and greatest honour 2. Sa. 23: …. Fr. Vatab. A…. Montan. Bibl. Angl. 1594. 2. Sam. 23: 1… 17. Ibid. 18-24. 2. Sam. 8: 16. 20 …3. 1. Chr. 27: 24.2 Sam 232 Sam 23:12 Sam 8:162 Sam 8:201 Chr 27:24for worthinesse is ascribed; and, that these were those three, that had broken thorow the Hoast of the Philistims, and had brought Water from the Well of Bethlem for Dauid to drinke. Then, that Abishay, Benaiah, and Asahell, must be the next three, that are vouchsafed the second place for worthynesse and valour. After whom, seeing we hauehave thirty by name, and a knowne matter it was that Ioab was one, and the chiefe of them all (else-where also named to be the Leader, though hee bee omitted heere) if now we doe but bring him to his company, so hauehave wee iust thirty and seauen, the very totall that heere is named, which many hauehave much laboured to finde: Ioab to be the Generall ouer them all; those sixe worthies that first are named to be next vnderunder him, and eueryevery of those sixe, hauing fiue of those thirty (with their forces Tremel. Iun. vt supra.and officers) next vnderunder them. But now it shall not bee amisse to note some particulars heere: one, out of them all; others, out of certaine of them. Out of them all we may note thus much, both that Dauid hath giuen good example to cherish expert and valorous men, euen to the Sonne of Achitophell his Mortall Enemy, and to the 2. Sa. 23: 34. Ibid. 37.2 Sam 23:34Armour-Bearer of Ioab his Seruant: and that when God was purposed to make him victorious, and to enlarge the boundes of his Kingdome, he furnished him with such as were for his purpose. Such as wee gather of certaine of them doe all concerne Dauid one way or other: most of them indeede, to his commendation; but one of them, to his iust reproofe. To his commendation it was, that hee could moderate his affections so well as diuers of them doe witnesse hee did: first in the Story of the first three worthies; then, in the Story of some of the thirty. In the Story of the first three worthies, the same that is noted before, namely, that he would not drinke of any of that Water which so much he desired when hee vnderstood with what daunger Ibid. 16, 17.it was obtained for him: diuers of vsus making no conscience at all, if in our owne mindes we be something scanted, and not a few that hauehave great plenty neuerthelesse to prey on the needfull maintenance of the Ministery, thereby straining the blood of our Bretheren, and those very many, thorough our greedy, cruell, and cursed teeth. In the Story of the thirty, that hee could vouchsafe that place of honour to one of the Seruants of Ioah, Ioab himselfe beeing but one of his Seruants, and the same so maisterfull as he was, as in the slaughter of Abner and Amasa it appeared, and Dauid CIbid. 3: 39 1. King. 2 5, 6. Rab. Sal. … Lyr. lit. …. Co…r. Pel. Pet. Mart…r. 2. Sa. 23: 34. M. Broughtons. Concent. in a. 2987.1 Kgs 2:51 Kgs 2:62 Sam 23:34himselfe in the former of them complained, and afterward remembred both vntounto Salomon, and as some thinke, bewraying his secrets too in the cause of Ʋriah: and in like manner, that he could vouchsafe it vntounto the Sonne of Achitophell (as there also wee read that hee did) if it were so that hee enioyed it after his Father had taken part with Absolom against him. For, the conspiracy of Absolom is taken to bee but a little before the last yeare of Dauids raigne: and this relation of those his woorthies seemeth to bee of them as they stood a good while before, what time Achitophel himselfe, was in that neere and honourable place with Dauid. In which kinde 1. Chro. 27: 33, 34.1 Chr 27:331 Chr 27:34of cases our distemperature is such, that as in pride wee disdaine the meaner sorte though otherwise their deserts may be good: so doe we on stomacke stand off from those, whose neerest friendes hauehave beene against vsus. That other of them which … to his iust reproofe, was, that hee so made away Vriah, being, as it seemeth, the p. 328very same which is one of his worthies heere: a sufficient patterne to shew, how easily 2. Sa. 23: 39.2 Sam 23:39such perturbations in vsus, may worke the ruine of those that hauehave no way deserued, and otherwise ought to be deare vntounto vsus. Dauid now through vicious lust (and of pride detesting the shame of his owne waies) in bad manner contriuing the death of a notable Souldier and Captaine: and Alexander after, of insolent vanitie (but Cup-shot Qui…. Curtius.withall) with his owne handes slaying Clitus his dearest friend, and a notable Leader besides. For peaceable times he had Gouernours besides throughout them 1. Chro. 27. 16-22.1 Chr 27:16–22all; ouer eueryevery Tribe one: and indeede such as are Martiall, are not lightly so meete for peaceable gouernment; no more than such as meetest for peace, are but seldome meete for warres likewise. In those that respected the Ecclesiasticall estate rather, we are first to consider of the maine parts of the things themselues: and then of one particular thereunto appertaining. The maine partes of the things themselues were that whereas now he vnderstood, that shortly a Temple should bee builded, and the 2. Sa. 7: 12, 13. 1. Chr. 22: 9, 10 Ibid. 5.2 Sam 7:122 Sam 7:131 Chr 22:91 Chr 22:10same in rare and sumptuous manner, and such as (for the beauty of it) should bee of speciall note to all the Countries round about: he did in like manner thinke it meete, that there should bee some such order taken for the Ministration or Seruice there to be done, as should be sutable to the excellencie of the place it selfe. For the substance of it, God had taken order before, at the first erecting of the Tabernacle in Dthe Wildernesse: but since that time one great part of the Leuites businesse became 1. Chr. 23: 26.1 Chr 23:26voyde, which was the carrying of the Tabernacle with them (too and fro as they had to iourney) and all the implements thereunto appertaining. For now they had rest, and did not trauell, but had a setled habitation: and so should the Temple bee fixed 2. Sam. 7: 10. 1. Chr. 23: 25.2 Sam 7:101 Chr 23:25too. So that the Leuites were now deliuered from all those burthens: and therefore might be otherwise imployed, as the most honourable, and the best dispatch of the Seruice of God should then require. Dauid therefore aduising himselfe of some conuenient order now, and conferring with the Prophets, Gad and Nathan therein, or those Prophets comminig vntounto him with such direction from the Lord (for afterward it is plainely said, that the order now taken, was of the Lord, and by the ministery 2. Chr. 29: 25.2 Chr 29:25of those two Prophets) gathering together the Princes of Israell, and the Priestes, he caused all the Leuites to be numbred from thirty yeare old and vp-ward: 1 Chr. 23: 2-5.1 Chr 23:2–5and finding the number of them to amount to thirte and eyght thousand, he appointed foure and twenty thousand of them, to the chiefe and principall seruice of the Temple that should be; and of the other foureteene thousand remaining, foure thousand of them hee appointed to adorne and helpe forward that Seruice by Musicke, both by voyce and Instruments too, and other foure thousand to be Porters and Keepers, to see to the safty of them all, and of al things vntounto the Temple belonging. And to the end that all these should performe their parts the better, eueryevery one as his Lot should fall, or as otherwise hee should bee appointed, whereas yet there were of the whole summe sixe thousand remaining, those hee appointed to be ouer-seers, and to Ibid. 4iudge and determine such matters as shoulde fall out among them. Hauing thus made a generall distribution of all, then come they to the seuerall braunches: and first to those that were to bee occupyed in the Seruice within; then, to those others that were to keepe their watch abroad. Those that were to bee occupyed in the seruice within, were of two sorts: one company of them, as it were, about the substance of their businesse; another, about the manner of doing. The substance of their businesse was, to make oblation and sacrifices, to burne Incense, and such like, Eas by the Law was before appointed: withall which, by the nature of them, and with Ibid. 28, 29, 31, 32.eueryevery of them, there was to goe, eyther an acknowledging of their owne guiltynesse and Prayer thereon; or the remembrance of some fauour of God, and thanksgiuing withall. But at this time it seemeth, it was farther appointed, that eueryevery Morning and Euening there should be some set Thankesgiuing and praising of the Ibid. 30.Lord, and for all his fauours and mercies towards them. The manner of dooing these thinges afore-said, was to ioyne Musicke withall. VntoUnto the former of these were the Priestes appointed; and the Singers vntounto the other: but to eyther of them did appertaine other attendants; especially vntounto the Priestes, who could neuer performe their dutie but by the good help of those that did attend them, and often needed p. 329very many. First therefore, as touching the Priests, whereas there were found of Eleazar and Ithamar, those two Sonnes of Aaron that remained, sixteene Families Ibid. 4: 1-19.of the former, and eyght of the latter, and so foure and twenty in all: now he distributeth or diuideth them all into foure and twenty courses; and eueryevery of them to take their place therein by Lot. So that, whereas they had twelue moneths in the yeare, and these were foure and twenty seuerall Families of the Priestes, none of them were eyther excluded from that dignity of seruing in the house of the Lord, or anything at all burthened with it: comming to their course but twice in the yeare if they tooke but a sennight at once, and but once, if they tooke a fortnight. All which Families or courses, and eueryevery of them, were to be in like place now vnderunder the High-Priest Tremel I…. in. 1. Chr. 24: 19.1 Chr 24:19for the time being, as Eleazar and Ithamar were vnderunder Aaron their Father for his time: and to their better helpe in that their function, they had the rest of theyr 1. Chro. 24: 20-31.1 Chr 24:20–31Bretheren thereunto appertaining sorted in vntounto them. Then as touching the Singers, or those that had the charge to furnish out the Seruice with Instrument and voyce, as euer should be most seemely and meete, those also were diuided into foure and twenty courses or Families: a dozen of them, and their attendants, appertaining Ibid. 25: 1▪31. Ibid. 9-31. Ibid 23: 5.to eueryevery course. For albeit, that twelue of eueryevery course bee onelyonly noted, and yet they were foure thousand in all, seeing that twelue times foure and twenty make but two hundred eighty and eyght, needes must there be many attendants besides, vntounto eueryevery of these appertaining. Those others that were to keepe watch abroad, were most of them imployed about the Gates or passages into the Temple: but some of FIbid. 26: 1-19. Ibid. 20-29.them, about their Treasure also. In both which we finde but the chiefe or principal named, and not their companies that they had in their seruice attending. For these also were foure thousand; and yet hauehave wee no mention of the imployment but of Ibid. 23: 5.certaine of them: but of foure and twenty courses, as the others before. But here it is needfull, that some-thing bee saide more specially of these, because the Text it selfe dooth not so plainely set downe the number of them as in the other: and those that doe (that yet I hauehave seene) agree not fully together. Cornelius Bertramus, and Corn. Bert…. Carol. Sig….Carolus Sigonius, hauehave both written of this matter: the one 1574. the other, 1582. Both which agree, that there were foure and twenty courses of these also: but the particular summes of Sigonius are, seauen, eyght, sixe, & foure, which do exceed his de r…. H…r lib. 5. cap. 6. pa…. 247. de Polit Iudaica, cap. 15. pag. 128.owne number by one. The other espyed before, that by that reckoning there was one too many: and therefore putteth two of them in one, without any likely-hood of warrant that I doe finde, eyther in the Originall it selfe, or in any other thereon. To shew therefore how the reckoning may better bee gathered by the Text it selfe, we are to note, that for the first seauen, the Sonnes of Meshlemiah (whom Sigonius, Ibid.without any warrant also that I doe finde, calleth Selemia) and of the last foure, the Sonnes of Hosah, there is no quaestion: the Text it selfe keeping account of them. So that all the quaestion lyeth betwixt the next eyght, the Sonnes of Obed-Edom, and the sixe that follow immediatly after, the Sonnes of Shemaiah, the eldest Sonne of Obed-Edom: the eyght beeing numbred by the Text likewise; 1. Chr. 23: 4-7.1 Chr 23:4–7but not the sixe. Now because the eyght are numbred, it is easily conceiued that they must all stand: and because the sixe are not, it seemeth that might be some part of the cause that Bertram made lesse conscience to put two of those in one. But if we looke well vntounto it, we may soone perceiue, that Shemaiah is the Man (the eldest Son of Obed-Edom) that must in this reckoning be left out, all those his six Sons being taken in. Neyther may that be any derogation to him, when the leauing out of his owne person is so richly recompenced in sixe of his Sonnes taken in, in his roome: no more than Ioseph himselfe was iniured, when himselfe is neuer accounted one of twelue (in the recitall of the Tribes) when his two sons Ephraim & Manasses are taken in for him. So the seauen of Meshelemiah, the other seauen of Obed-Edom, the sixe of Shemaiah, and the foure of Hosah, as they do iustly make vp the number aforesaide: so are they the persons that by the warrant of the Text it selfe, and plaine demonstration Gare meetest for it. That one particular heereunto appertaining, is, whereas 1. Chr. 23: 3.1 Chr 23:3first it is said, that Dauid to this end tooke the number of the Leuites from the age of thirty yeares & vpward; and afterward twice, that he tooke them at the age of twenty p. 330Ibid. 24, 27.and aboue: as it is plaine, that both these waies hee tooke account of them, and that he had some speciall cause to moue him thereto; so it seemeth to mee the reason is good that is conceiued thereof by Innius himselfe, far better then, than when hee ioyned with Tremellius therein. For he conceiueth, that the Leuites especially were Catechized or taught euen from their yongth such thinges as belonged vntounto the Ministery: In 1. Chr. 23: 26.1 Chr 23:26but yet, that all that while they were accounted, but at vnderunder age, or children. But that from that time forward they were taken vntounto the publique ministration: yet for the next fiue yeares but onelyonly to the contemplation or behoulding of it, at fiue and twenty to some inferior seruice vnderunder others, and not to take farther vponupon them till they were thirty.

9 Those that are but perticulars onelyonly, at least in comparison of these more Agenerall matters going before, did some of them concerne in a manner, them all: and some againe did most respect Dauid himselfe. Those that concerned them all in a manner, are those battles that there are noted they had with the Giants: concerning which, seeing they are the last of this kind that we reade of, and wee hauehave set downe withall, that when God had deliuered him out of the handes of all his enemies, hee then gaue speciall thankes vntounto God, it shall be good, when we hauehave considered of these battels; then to consider somewhat of that same his thanksgiuing also. As touching the battels, one there is, wherein Dauid himselfe was in person; but we doe not reade that hee was in the others. In that wherein himselfe was in person, hee 2. Sam. 21: 15-172 Sam 21:15–17was also in great danger to hauehave beene slaine, by the Giant himselfe: but it pleased God to send him helpe by one of his Captaines, who stept in betwixt, and slue the Giant. Howbeit his people were so touched with that his danger, that then they tooke order, that himselfe should be no more in the field in his owne Person: as also it seemeth, that at that time his yeares were such, that according to the ordinary course of Souldiers he was to be priuileged by them. In the others, three other Giants were likewise slaine by Dauids men, in eueryevery of them one, by a seuerall person: 2. Sam. 21: 18-22. 1. Chr. 20: 4-8:2 Sam 21:18–221 Chr 20:4–8two of which battels were fought neere vntounto Gezer, in the Southwest side of the Tribe of Ephraim, not farre from the Philistims Land; and the other at Gath, in the land it selfe. As touching that thanksgiuing of his it is not onelyonly notable in it selfe, B2. Sa. 22: 1. 51.2 Sam 22:12 Sam 22:51ascribing, it wholy to God that he was preserued from all those dangers, and that his enemies were so brought vnderunder on eueryevery side: but also, he did commit it to writing, to remaine of record, to Godes glory in him, and to the instruction and comfort of Gods people in the ages ensuing; God hauing giuen that successe vntounto his godly care therein, that now we hauehave it in two seuerall places recorded, here first originally, then Psal. 18: 1-50.Ps 18:1–50among his Psalms afterward also. Such as most respected Dauid himselfe, were either of such as belonged vntounto him: or, of some good examples that himselfe did giuegive. Such as belonged vntounto him, were of two sorts: some that did attend his priuate; others 1. Chro. 27: 25-34.1 Chr 27:25–34that he had neerer vntounto himselfe. Of those wherein himselfe gaue some good examples, one was in a thing done by himselfe: another in some thinges to be done by Salomon. That which was done by himselfe, was, that by the regard that hee heard to be in Rizpah the Concubine of Saul, towards two of her Sons, and others of the line of Saul, he also, prouoked thereby, and as it seemeth, loath to bee ouercome 2. Sam. 21: 10-14.2 Sam 21:10–14by any in gracious regard, did specially honour the memory of Saule and Ionathan: though but Ionathan onelyonly were his friende, and Saule his Father his Mortall Enemy; not disdaining in any good to follow so base a person as she. In that other, which was in some things to be done by Salomon, we are first to see, on what ground that part of the Story is now to bee taken in heere: then, wherein it was, that Dauid gaue good example therein. The ground whereupon it is now to be taken heere, before that Salomon was yet appointed to be King, is this. Dauid, we see, doth moue 1. King. 2: 5, 6.1 Kgs 2:51 Kgs 2:6Salomon his sonne, to hauehave Ioab in mind and to cut him off. Whereunto that he may perswade him, he alleageth but old matters onelyonly: the wilfull and Treacherous murther of two Captaines and speciall men; and, at the most, but some other displeasure besides done to himselfe, which he not particularly name, and so is it taken to be none Fr. Vatab. P…t. Mar…. Tremel. Iun.other, but the murther of those two, and in that respect done vntounto him, for that hee p. 331had taken them (in some good sence) into his protection. Which, if it had been after that Salomon had beene appointed King, had beene nothing so meet to hauehave beene remembred (nor any thing needfull) as that fresh fault that he made in being 1. King. 1: 7:1 Kgs 1:7of Counsell with Adoniah, in vsurping the kingdome in Dauids time, and agaynst Salomon that was to succeede. And it is plaine, that Salomon was not there-vntounto actually appointed, but onelyonly vponupon that occasion of Adoniah, endeuouring to preuent him therein. So that although this Story of Dauids leauing that charge with Salomon, be placed immediately before Dauids death, and after that vsurpation of CAdoniah, yet it seemeth heereby to hauehave beene before: neuerthelesse not denying but that for the freshnesse of it, it might bee, that it was not mentioned then; but rather making choise of the other, as the better ground to builde vppon. That wherein Dauid gaue good example heerein, rested in two principall pointes: one, towards God, another among men; but both of them mingled (as it seemeth) with the common infirmity of vsus all. That which was commendable in him towardes 1. King 2: 1-4.1 Kgs 2:1–4God, was, that he did so well exhort Salomon his sonne to cleaue to the Lorde: in all his waies: though, making mention of establishing his owne estate thereby, it may be he had some respect to that also. That which may seeme to be of our common infirmity that mingled therewith, was, that hauing spared Ioab all his time, he Ibid. 5, 6.would now hauehave his son to remember him. Wherein though it may be, that he had but the care to hauehave Iustice executed; yet it may be doubted withall, that he had some priuate respect therein. It may be he sought no more but to hauehave iustice done, because Ioab indeede had very wickedly committed wilfull murther twice 2 Sa. 3▪ 3….2 Sam 3:3and yet was he too strong, in the opinion of Dauid himselfe, for him to deal with; and both those murthers were such, as wherein he might seeme, to hauehave had some speciall care of Dauids estate. For they were of two such persons, as were professed and great enemies to Dauid a little before; albe it at that time Dauid him-selfe 2. Sa. 2: 8-3: 27 Ibid. 17: 25. 20: 10.2 Sam 2:8accepted of them, as vnfaignedly reconciled vntounto him: and Ioab himselfe was a dangerous man to be trusted now, hauing dealt so badly before; and especially, to the estate of Salomon, being so priuy as he was (by the cause of Ʋriah) to the adultry of Bethsabe his mother. Doubted it may be, that he had some priuat respect therein, because it is not vnlikely, but that Ioab had bewraid his secret in the cause of Ʋriah: & certain it is, that otherwise he had wounded his hart very sore. Vnlikely it is not, but that he bewraied Dauids offence in the cause of Ʋriah, not onelyonly because Rabby Lyr. Ibi. in l…t. … Conr. Tellic. Fran Vata…. Pet Martyr, Tremel. Iun. 2. Sa. 12: 14.2 Sam 12:14Salomon was of that mind, as it is alleaged, and others thinke it likely enough (albeit some others there be, that reiect it as a fixion, & do somwhat help the Text with their id est, to that end also:) but much rather, for that by Nathans speech vntounto Dauid, it seemeth it was then divulged or blowne abroad; and most likely to be done by Ioab. (for Dauid was carefull enough to keepe it close) eyther to excuse himselfe to the other DCaptaines, for that so easily he lost Ʋriah before, or for the affection he bare vntounto Adoniah against Salomon now: And the Originall it selfe doth rather lead vsus to Ari. Montan.conceiue, that they should bee two seuerall matters that are spoken off (one against Dauid himselfe, the other, the murther of those two Generals) than to make but one Vulg edit. Conr pel. Bibl. A…gl. Eccli. 22: 20-22.of them both; as others also besides the Originall, by their distinction or manner of reading doe seeme to incline. If therefore Ioab had so bewrayed Dauids secrets, lesse maruell then, if Dauid yet kept memory of it: when as otherwise wee are giuen to vnderstand, that it is an offence of that nature, as is very hard to bee reconciled. That wherein it is certaine, that hee had wounded Dauids heart very sore, was in the slaughter of Absolom his vngracious Sonne: of whom hee gaue so speciall a charge to all his Captaines. And not vnlikely, but that whereas Dauid was of minde by and by after to hauehave taken in Amasa into his roome, it was some fruit of his displeasure 2. Sa. 19: 132 Sam 19:13on that behalfe. Praesupposing then, that Dauids choler was not altogether yet setled against him, we may soundly gather, that vnlesse we take speciall paines to subdue the flesh vntounto the spirit, the best that are, may soone be found in diuers cases de… therein. That which was commendable in him among men and wherein … a good example vntounto vsus, was, that hee had so speciall care of the Sonnes of …▪ for the friendship that Barzillay their Father, in his aduersity had shewed p. 332vntounto him. A very good example to all, euer to bee mindfull of those, and to bee thankefull to them and theirs, whom it hath pleased God at any time to vse to our good. The infirmity that may be doubted to hauehave mingled withall (or at least to hauehave followed very soone after) was in that same his charge of Shimey: giuing his sonne in charge to hauehave an eye to cut him off also, for his wicked rayling on him before. Ibid. 8, 9.And true it is, that his rayling was passing ill: but, both he had submitted himselfe; 2. Sam. 16: …-8, 13. Ibi. 19: 16-23. 1. King. 2: ….2 Sam 161 Kgs 2and Dauid had assured him of pardon by Oath, as Dauid now also in this place confesseth. Wherein though it may bee, that Dauid did respect him also now, but as like to prooue a dangerous member vntounto the State: yet, because it may be otherwise also (for men are men, euen the best of vsus all) therefore, so praesupposing, this Emay be another example, how hardly such a great disgrace and speciall villany obtaineth pardon with those that may seeme to be more easie; and therefore to be a good warning to all, to take heede of the like. Of those that did appertaine to that praesent, one there is, that yeeldeth in this place but part of the Story, and hath the other part following after the others are accomplished heere. That which yeeldeth but 1. King. 1: 1-4.1 Kgs 1:1–4part of the Story heere, is that remedy that Dauid had, after that once he became so feeble: the rather to be marked, for that the more likelihood there is, that Dauid neuer had the vse of her body, being so weake as then he was, and the more certaine it is because the Text it selfe doth say it; the stronglier it teacheth in the end, how farre the Sonne should neuerthelesse reuerence his Fathers bed. Of those that are accomplished heere, some things there were of speciall purpose before: others, that did but then come in with the time it selfe. Those that were of speciall purpose before, were most about the building of the Temple that should be: but partly, a prayer for Salomons Kingdome. About the building of the Temple that should be, first hee dealt but himselfe therein: then hee endeuoureth to lay that charge on others also. His owne dealing therein was, that when he had found (as we saw before) what place it was that the Lord had chosen, then he did set Masons on worke to make stones ready: 1. Chr. 22: 1-5.1 Chr 22:1–5and made much prouision besides. Hee endeuoureth to lay that charge on others also, two seuerall times, as it seemeth: first while Salomon yet was but a priuate man vnderunder his Father; then againe, after that he had made him King. While yet he was but a priuate man, his Father neuerthelesse knowing that he had to succeed him, he now dealeth both with himselfe, & with the Princes of the people, about this matter. Himselfe he chargeth and exhorteth, to set in hand with it: both assuring him 1. Chr. 22: 6-161 Chr 22:6–16that the Lord would prosper him therein; and letting him vnderstand what himselfe had already gotten in a readinesse for it: which was, besides Brasse and Iron, Timber and Stone, matters of lesse moment, much Marble, and a great number of precious stones of all sorts, and withall, euen an hundred thousand talents of Gold, and a thousand thousand talents of Siluer: eueryevery talent being about halfe an hundred with vsus, Ibid. 29: 2.or threescore pounds weight. A rare example of the zeale of a Prince, towards the Faduauncement of Gods glory, in so great a Masse as this, so faire a meane in the eye of the world, to hauehave aduaunced his owne line, to some speciall heigth. The Princes of the people hee chargeth likewise to be assistant and helping therein: and sheweth Ibid. 17-19.them withall, that they hauehave a notable opportunity thereunto. That he did the like againe, after that Salomon was set in the Kingdome, because it is a thing somewhat rare the Sonne to be ordained King in the dayes of his Father, therefore it shall be good, first to consider, how it came to passe, that in his Fathers daies hee came to be King, on whom that charge was chiefly to rest: then, how he layd that charge among them. That Salomon should succeede him in the Kingdome he knew before, Ibid. 9, 10. & 28: 4-7. 1. Kin. 1: 5▪ 40. 1. Chr. 23: 1.1 Kgs 1:51 Kgs 1:401 Chr 23:1and so he was minded to leaue it vntounto him, as vntounto whom God himselfe had it appointed: but, by occasion that Adoniah was so forwarde, as to step vntounto it in his Fathers daies (as we saw before) when hee thought his Father vnlike to recouer, or to stay long among them, to breake that packe, and in his owne daies to put it of question, he praesently ordained Salomon King, and caused him to bee set on the Throne of his Kingdome, his Nobles and people then comming in, and yeelding their allegeance 1. Chro. 29: 22-25.1 Chr 29:22–25vntounto him. Hauing thus ordained him to bee King, then hee did set in hand in such sort with the matter againe, that it sorted to good effect in the end: and so are we first p. 333to consider, what it was that himselfe did now; then, how farre his desire was effected therein. That which he did, was first to get those together that were meetest to such a purpose: and when he had gotten them together, then to deal accordingly with them. Those that now he got together, as meetest to such a purpose 1. Chr. 28: 1, 9.1 Chr 28:11 Chr 28:9(Salomon his sonne, and newly made King, beeing with him already) were all the chiefe and principall men in all the land. His dealing with these, was first by gracions and louing speech: then, by such dooing of his owne besides, as serued vntounto the businesse he had in hand. His speech was such, as directly tended to get them of minde to set in hand with the building of the Temple, and to finish the same in the best manner that they were able: but first to them all generally, and then to Salomon Ibid. 2▪8. Ibid. 9, …0, 20, 21.more specially; to each of them so, as to such purpose was fittest for them. In that which he did besides, as fitly seruing vntounto the businesse he had in hand, we are not only to note what it was: but farther of some particulars thereto appertaining. GIt was no more but this, that first he gaue vntounto Salomon the patterne of the house it Ibid. 11-18.selfe, and of all things thereunto appertaining, after what manner they should bee made; giuing him withall to vnderstand, that him-selfe had receiued the same in Ibid. 19.writing from the Lord, to the end that he might better conceiue the meaning of it, and that so he made him to conceiue it: then, to the end that those his Nobles, officers, Ibid. 29: 1-5and principall men might yeelde to be more open-hearted in this businesse, and willingly giuegive some good contribution vntounto it, himselfe doth giuegive them a good example therein, contributing of his owne priuate substance, 3000. talents of pure Golde, and 7000. Talents of fined Siluer. The particulars heereunto appertaining, are two: one, appertaining vntounto the patterne that he gaue vntounto Salomon; the other vntounto his owne contribution. That which belongeth vntounto the pattern, is but a note in some of our Bibles, ouer-much restraining the direction that Dauid Bibl. Angl. 1594. in 1. Chr. 28: 19. k.1 Chr 28:19had for these matters, vntounto that which was set downe for the Tabernacle before, as though he did speake of no other direction there, but such as was giuen before for the other: whereas, when we come to the building of the temple, then it wil plainly appeare, that both it selfe, and the things thereunto appertaining, differed much from the Tabernacle, and the things that to it belonged; neither doo I find any other of that opinion besides. That which belongeth vntounto his owne contribution, is, that hauing prouided so much before, and yet now giuing thus much besides, it occasioneth vsus, first to consider, in what point these do varry: and, what our selues may gather on it. That these two contributions of his do some way varrie, there is no question, because they are so distinctly and seuerally set downe. And because this latter, of three thousand Talents of Gold, and seauen thousand of siluer, 1 Chr. 29▪ 3. 4 Ibid. 22: 14.1 Chr 29:31 Chr 29:4is tearmed so peculiarly his owne, when as notwithstanding it is saide of the other also, that he had prepared it, out of both these thus laide together, it seemeth, that the other great Masse of one hundered thousande Talents of Golde, one thousand thousand of Siluer, with all those precious stones of Brasse and Iron without number, was such as he (in his warres and spoile of the enemie, as also in the presents were brought him, or such other like wayes besides) had from time to time laide by to that very vse: and that this latter was but of such as before hee tooke to his owne vse; but now thought good thus to bestow it. It being so, then dowe Hplainly see two things heerein: one, a rare and wonderfull zeale in him, who hauing prepared so much before, would neuerthelesse adde this also now; the other, that he aymed at a wonderfull sumptuous building, on the which he did set downe to bestow such abundance of Gold & Siluer, besides such plenty of precious stones, and all things else that should go vntounto it. An euident, and a notable checke vntounto the prophane miserlings of our age, so greedily and so vncessantly spoyling the Church of God of those needfull things that others had giuen it before. His good desire was so well affected heerein, that then his Nobles and Officers both gaue plentifully: and that with great willingnesse also. Their liberality was such, that Ibid. 29: 6-8.they gaue (among them) fiue thousand Talents of gold, and 10000. peeces besides (this, belike in coine, and of the meaner sort of them; the other, in masse or Bullion) 10000. Talents of siluer, 18000. of brasse, and 100000. of Iron, and all the precious p. 334stones they had besides. As touching their willingnesse heerein (a matter of great moment in al such cases) first it is plainly said: thē are there good tokens besides. In that it is so plainely said as it it, it might well be sufficient for vsus: but that there be Ibid 9-20.other tokens also ensuing, may farther teach vsus, that where there is true willingnesse indeede, it sheweth it selfe plainely enough, one way or other. Those tokens were one in Dauid: another in thēselues. That which was in Dauid, was, that he did greatly reioyce to see it: and thereupon both gaue great thankes to God likewise, ioining Ibid. 9, 2…. Ibid. 1….prayer withall in the end, such as imported the same thing also; and exhorted them all to praise God for it. But Dauid, being of a liberall heart himselfe, could neuer so greatly hauehave reioyced in that their contribution, vnlesse hee had seene, that indeede they had done very well therein: neyther could hee otherwise so heartily hauehave praised God, nor hauehave prayed for the continuance of it; nor by likelihood would so readily hauehave exhorted them to praise God for it. Neyther can we cleere our selues to those that are liberall and godly indeede, with any base or bastardly shew of such liberality in those cases, howsoeuer our selues may please our selues in it, and others withall of as miserable deuotion as wee. That which was in themselues, was, that they also in like manner reioyced, and besides their Peace-offeringes, wherewithall IIbid. 20▪ 22.they feasted before the Lord with great ioy, the next day they offered Burnt-offerings in great aboundance (whereof there was no part to redound to themselues, but all to be consumed to the Lord) of young Bullocks, Rams, and other sheepe (Lambs belike) of eueryevery of those three sorts, euen a thousand. Neyther can we soundly reioyce before the Lord, vntill wee truely find, that in the aduauncement of his glory among vsus, wee do as it were (in our liberality) forget our selues, and vtterly detest and abandon all our worldly respects whatsoeuer. In the Prayen that we hauehave for Salomons Kingdome, considering that it is but one of the Psalmes, and that which is with vsus (and according to the originall, the Hebrew it selfe) the threescore & twelfth, Psal. 72.Ps 72seldome or neuer taken by any to belong to this place: therefore it shall bee good, first to aduise ourselues, how we may conceiue it to belong to the place that now we are in; then, to consider of the thing it selfe. That it should belong to this place there bee but few (yet some there are) that hauehave conceiued: all the residue that yet Tremel. I…n. Vulg. edit. Ari. Montan. Conr. Pell. Fr. Vatab. Bible. Angl.I hauehave seene, otherwise interpreting (some, one way, some another) the title of it, out of which it seemeth there should arise good probability, that it should indeed appertaine to the place we are in. For whereas some go no farther, but onelyonly that it was made to Salomons vse (and not resoluing, that Dauid made it) others, that it was made by Salomon himselfe: the last verse of it, shewing that there the prayers (or Psalmes) of Dauid do end, doth giuegive a faire probability, first that this was made by Dauid; then also towardes the end of his life, when he had put Salomon in the Kingdome already. But besides that those two aforesaid do so take it, seeing the Psalme is for the good estate and long cotinuance of the raigne of King Salomon (especially as it was a figure of the Kingdome of Christ) if it were Dauid that made the same (as the end, I said, is a faire probable witnesse) euen the whole course of the Psalme it selfe doth sufficiently witnesse, that to this place it doth rightly belong. The thing it selfe is no more but this, that God hauing made choyce of Salomon to succeed him 1. Chr. 28. 4, 5. 2. Sa. 7: 12-16.1 Chr 28:41 Chr 28:52 Sam 7:12–16in the Kingdome, and hauing made so large promises to him, as that the accomplishment of them was to be expected in a greater than he, of whom hee was but onelyonly a figure, Dauid also by occasion hauing set him in the Kingdome already: now hee specially commendeth him, and the estate of his Kingdome, to the good and gracious 1. King. 1: 28-49. 1. Chr. 23: 1.1 Kgs 1:28–491 Chr 23:1blessing of God; that, as it was of him, and of his meere and gracious goodnesse, so it might of him receiue stablishment, encrease, and all other good blessings meete Kfor the same. Therein both acknowledging the great mercies of God to him and his line: and notably raising vp the hearts of the faithfull to shew them what they may expect in Christ. But as he had that godly care of his posterity; so were it meete, that wee should learne to hauehave the like: and seeing hee did neuerthelesse by prayer seeke for the accomplishment of those things that were so firmly promised vntounto him; much rather should we seeke for such things by prayer likewise, that we neede to the glory of God, and our eternall comfort in him, when we otherwise see not any such p. 335assurance of them. Those that came in with the time it selfe, are but two: the last wordes that is noted to hauehave vttered a little before his death; and, his death ensuing thereon. In the last wordes of Dauid, it shall not bee amisse if wee consider of them, first, as they did proceede from him: then, … they may giuegive instruction to vsus. As they did proceede from him, it seemeth to mee, that they were some-thing troubled by his infirmity and wearing away: as diuers times it is seene, euen with the 2. Sa. 23: 1-7▪2 Sam 23:1–7best men that are, towardes their deathes; and some-times euen in theyr age too when it is great. But needes must hee bee of an excellent Spirite, and of an heart very well exercised in godly meditation, and especially in the assurance of the speciall fauour of GOD towardes him and his, that could in such case vtter so many good speeches of those matters, though in diuers places some-thing broken, as I doe take it, and not so knit or tyed together, as otherwise hee was wont to doe. He was before a sore broken man, when in his bed hee was faine to bee couered 1. King. 1: 1.1 Kgs 1:1by others: and wanting no Cloathes, yet could hee get no warmth thereby. But now beeing neerer to his dissolution, and so farre worne, that there was no hope but of small continuance (as wee may see by the vsurping of Adoniah, which was Ibid. 5, 7, 9.not without the aduice of Abiathar and Ioab principall men, nor in any dislike of many others neere vntounto Dauid) seeing that a body loaden with infirmity, is oft-times such a Clogge to the mind, that it suffereth it not in diuers thinges so orderly to proceede, as otherwise it could and would: lesse maruell it is, if some of these his speaches, though good in themselues, neuerthelesse bee not so orderly and full as well might bee, in other case, of him expected. It may bee likewise, that this was not a Lcontinued speech, but rather consisting of many particulars, thus gathered together, but seuerally vttered by him, as his godly minde was occupyed in that Meditation: calling to minde, now one thing, nowe another: and sometime, it may bee, vttering in word, but part of that which in heart hee conceiued. As they may giuegive instruction to vsus, thereby may we gather, how farre short wee are, of any good temper for those matters: when as, in our best estate, wee doe so hardly vtter any thing to any good purpose. So farre off are we, if our mindes should bee clogged with some speciall infirmity or paines of body (as it is certaine it was with Iob, and not vnlikely in some sort now to bee so with Dauid also) yet neuerthelesse to hauehave none other but so good Meditations and speaches as these. But some vessell of Wine there is, that keepeth his Verdure, and drinketh better, euen to the Leese, than others doe, when they are at the best. His death that ensued or followed thereon, 2. Sa. 5: 4, 5. 1. King. 10, 11.2 Sam 5:42 Sam 5:51 Kgs 10:11was at the age of seauenty yeares, when himselfe had raigned forty in all. A very good patterne, as lighly we hauehave any where else, both of the great corruption that is in vsus; and what good thinges may be lodged withall in the selfe-same breast, by the goodnesse and grace of God: and so likewise, that God doth not for euer cast off those that are his, though they doe very iustly deserue it; and yet (oft-times) that he doth not suffer their lesser offences to go vnpunished.