Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 17 (1 of 3)

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 17 (1 of 3)

p. 427CHAP. 17.

1 AS touching the kingdome of Iudah that stood the longest, whereas Athe estate of it was also variable (first for a time being in their wonted freedome, and a kingdome themselues; but afterward beeing in subiection to others) it shall be good for vsus, in such sort to consider of them: first so long as themselues were a kingdome; then, when they were in subiection to others. As they were a kingdom themselues, it shall be good, first to consider of it also, but generally, as we did of the kingdome of Israel before: then to come to a more speciall consideration of it. The generall consideration of it, or such as doth appertaine to the whole, resteth in two principall points: one, what time it stoode; the other, in what manner it was, or what was their estate therein. The time that they stood, or were in their wonted freedome, and a kingdome by themselues, was, from the diuision aforesayd, about 386. Functius.three hundred fourescore and sixe yeares (some diuersity of reckoning beeing conceiued by diuers, for a few yeares;) or, as some account (foure yeares more) Bthree hundered and ninety: and so, longer than the kingdome of Israel, by one Beroaldus Broughton. 133.hundred thirty and three yeares. The estate wherein these stood, wee may easily conceiue, euen at the first, was much more tollerable, than that wherein the Israelites were, of which we hauehave heard: first because of the promises made to the Tribe of Iudah, and line of Dauid; then, for that all this while they had no mo Kings that raigned ouer them, than had the other, and (one onelyonly Vsurper for a while excepted) all but of one line neither. More specially seeing we find, that this kingdom stood much longer than the other, it shall not be amisse, that we consider of it in what estate it stood, first, so long as the other continued with it: then, when the other was taken from it. In that compasse of time wherein the other continued with it, we finde, that once it pleased God to touch the line of Dauid, and the scepter of Iudah withall, by the vsurpation of an vngodly and bloudy woman, who neither was of the house of Dauid, nor of any of the Tribes of al the people, but a meer stranger vntounto them: but then soone after to make a riddance of her, and to bring in the Scepter of Iudah, and the Line of Dauid againe. So it shall not be amisse, first to consider of the estate of this kingdome, vntill the time that God gaue such a snub to the Scepter of Iudah, and line of Dauid: and then of the time when they were both restored againe. Before that snub was giuen vntounto them, we find likewise, that for a time the Kings of Iudah stoode cleare from all enter-course or dooings with the Kings of Israel: but afterward they grew into friendship with them. They stoode cleare of them for three of their first Kings: of which the two former were offensiue to God by their Idolatry; the other tooke a better course for that matter. The two former were Roboam, or Rehoboam, and Abiam his sonne. Roboam the Sonne of Salomon, vnderunder whome the kingdome, as we heard before, was Roboam.deuided, raigned seauenteene yeares: three of them reasonably well; but the residue, 1. Kings 14: 21-24. 2. Chro. 11: 17. 12: 1.1 Kgs 14:21–242 Chr 11:172 Chr 11:122 Chr 11:1ill. While he raigned reasonably well, we hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, first how he employed him-selfe: then, how it pleased God to blesse him. His employments p. 428were, first about that part of his kingdome which was then reuolted from him: then, about that which still aboad with him. About that part of his kingdome which reuolted from him, his employment was, to recouer it againe if hee might. But it is good, more carefully to keepe such blessinges as it pleaseth God to giuegive vsus, and better to see to them while we hauehave them: hard it is, when once (by our owne default) they are gone, to get them againe, in such sort as wee had them before. Esau might be a sufficient example to all ages ensuing: but vnthrifts and fooles will euer be doing notwithstanding. He sought to recouer it againe, first, Cas it seemeth, by making as though hee did not yet take it, that they were so mutimously disposed, as in their griefe they seemed to be: and so did but send his Officer 1 King. 12: 18 2 Chr. 10: 18 Conr. Pel…ic. Tremel. Iun.1 Kgs 12:182 Chr 10:18among them to gather vp his due; and the same, as it is thought, an ancient Officer of his Fathers before. But they then shewed, that they were in good-earnest and did not dally, being yet in such heat vponupon the answere the King had giuen them, that they killed his Officer, and put the King himselfe in such feare, that hee sped himselfe away so fast as he could vntounto Ierusalem. When this way would not serue, then he thought to do it by force: but therein also he was disappointed; and yet in that disappointing of his, he yeelded an example of good obedience. To the end that by force hee might doe it, being come to Ierusalem, hee gathered together an Ibid. 21. 2. Chr. 11: 1.2 Chr 11:1hundred and fourescore thousand able men, of the Tribes of Iudah and Beniamin (Beniamin now, one Tribe mo than before, ioyning it selfe to the line of Dauid) so to go against Ieroboam to recouer his Kingdome againe: but he was forbidden (he and all his people) to proceede therein, the Lord sending Shemaiah the Prophet in Ibid. 22-24. 2 Chr. 11: 2-42 Chr 11:2–4his name to forbid them, and to let them vnderstand, that it was of him, that so the Kingdome was now diuided. The obedience that hee and the residue yeelded thereunto, was, that they all accordingly ceased to proceede any farther therein, and so departed: giuing therein so much the better example of obedience vntounto the Prophet, in that the matter was altogether ciuill; and for no lesse, than for a Kingdome. About that part of his Kingdome that still aboad with him, his imployments were, all (to speake of) about fortifications: but yet one other thing there is besides, wherein he bestowed himselfe but ill; although notwithstanding it may be his meaning was, thereby also to make his state so much the stronger. For his fortifications hee is noted to hauehave builded and repaired many Citties in Iudah and Beniamin: and to hauehave furnished them, both with Victuals and Armour. That other 2 Chr. 11: 5-122 Chr 11:5–12thing wherein hee bestowed himselfe but ill, and yet might hauehave a meaning therein to make his state so much the stronger, was, that he gaue himselfe so much Ibid. 18-23.to the vse of women: hauing eighteene Wiues, and threescore Concubines; and begetting on them eight and twenty Sonnes, and threescore Daughters, whom he dispersed into the chiefe Citties, but making most reckoning of Abiah, called also Abiam who next succeeded him in the Kingdome. But whereas afterward wee heare that fouly hee fell, in this we may see, that it was no otherwise likely, being so loose a man in his Wedlocke, and so impotently giuen to the lusts of the flesh as hee was. It pleased God notwithstanding so to blesse him, that his Kingdome was soone after much encreased: and in such manner, as that out of the same we may Dprobably con…e another speciall matter besides. His Kingdome was soone after much encreased, first by the Priestes and Leuites, that were within the coastes or bounds of Israell: then also, by many others of the people withall. The Priestes and Leuites, being cast out by Ieroboam & his Sonnes, from ministring in the Priests Ibid. 13 1…, 17Office vntounto the Lord, came generally from their habitations and ioyned themselues to the Kingdome of Iudah. After them likewise came many of the people out of all Ibid. 16, 17.the Tribes of Israell, such as set their hearts to seeke the Lord: so ioining themselues to the Kingdome of Iudah, that they much encreased the strength and power of that estate. That other speciall matter besides, that out of it may be conceiued, is, that these the better sort of the people of Israell so gathering themselues to the Kingdome of Iudah (the Priests and Leuites generally all, and many of the others besides) it may probably seeme, as in such cases men are wont to iudge, that they did so withdraw themselues, not onelyonly in dislike of that departing that then was made from the Law p. 429of God, and from the promises made to the Tribe of Iudah and line of Dauid: but also on some speciall feare, that ere long there would bee some notable iudgement cast vppon them, euen to the vtter destruction of them; and yet notwithstanding that State did stande better then two hundered yeares after. So that in such case wee are not onelyonly to consider, what such hadde dealing of man deserueth: but how much it standeth with Gods glory, to shew his patience and long suffering, when himselfe is most deepely prouoked. When he gouerned ill, we hauehave likewise described vntounto vsus, what that ill gouernment of his was: and how they were punnished for it. That ill gouernment of his was, that he aboad vntounto 1. Kings. 14: 21-12. 2. Chro 11: 17, 12: 1.1 Kgs 14:212 Chr 11:172 Chr 11:122 Chr 11:1the Lord but three yeares onelyonly, and then turned to Idolatry, he and all his people with him: and himselfe hauing let loose the bridle to the lusts of the flesh so much as he did, now was hee accordingly rewarded with most beastly lusts by others of his people committed, euen cleane contrary to nature it selfe. The punnishment that was inflicted on them for the same, is most of it restrained to one speciall time: but some part of it seemeth to be extended through all the most part of his gouernment. That part of it that was restrained to one speciall time, seemeth to yeelde a close example of so speciall dealing of God, as deserueth well, of vsus to bee noted; Eand so are we to consider, what part of punishment it was that to one speciall time was so restrained; & what was the speciall dealing of God, that deserueth so much of vsus to be noted. That part of his punishment which to one speciall time was so restrained, came so strongly and so fearefully vppon them, that there-vppon they sought vntounto the Lord: and yet notwithstanding they could not obtaine a full deliuerance from it. For now in the fift yeare of Rehoboams raigne, Sisak the King of 2 King. 14▪ 25 2 Chr. 12: 2, 3, 4.2 Kgs 14:252 Chr 12:22 Chr 12:32 Chr 12:4Aegypt, came in vponupon them with a mighty army (one thousand and two hundered Charriot…, threescore thousand horse, and foot-men inumerable) gathered not only of his owne people of Aegypt, but of diuers other people of Affricke besides adioyning vntounto him: and so mightily praeuailed against them, that they tooke the strong Citties of Iudah; and made head against Ierusalem it selfe. Whereuppon 2. Chro. 12: 52 Chr 12:5the Princes of Iudah came to Ierusalem, belike there, together with the King, to humble themselues vntounto the Lord, in this their distresse to obtaine his fauor: when as notwithstanding the Lord at the first did send them word by the Prophet Shemaiah, that they had forsaken the Lorde, and therefore the Lorde had thus giuen them to the hands of Sisak. But then, when they did acknowledge, that they had Ibid. 6-….iustly deserued what the Lord had done vntounto them, the Lorde then told the Prophet that he would shortly helpe them: but that in the meane season they shoulde be in subiection to Sisak, to let them see, what oddes there was betwixt his seruice, and to serue the Princes of the world. So their enemies came-on against them, & preuailing, tooke away with them all the Treasure of the House of the Lorde and of the Kings pallace, together with those three hundred shields of beaten Golde, Ibid. 9: 16.which Salomon had made, three hundred siccles of golde going to euerie of them, and the Siccle of the Sanctuary being about our Ounce. But whereas there were Ibid. 15.two hundred Targets besides (of double waight to these) of those we read nothing heere: but it is not vnlikely, but that these went with their fellowes, beeing so rich a prey as they were, and the others now set on the spoile. That special dealing of God which now we speake of, doth part of it respect the Aegyptians: and part, the Israelites. That which respecteth the Aegyptians, is, that whereas the Children of FIsrael, had by the appointment and by the working of God himselfe, the spoyle of Aegypt at their departure thence, better than hue hundred yeares before this; now it pleaseth God, as it seemeth, to make them some amends for it againe, giuing vntounto them the first spoile of one good part of the Israelites, after that once they were come to any speciall wealth, which was not at any time so much as in the dayes of Salomon now immediately past a little before. For in the wildernesse, where they were forty yeares next after they came out of Aegypt, they had no meanes to get any wealth then. When they came into the land, though they had the spoyle of it, yet wee reade not of any speciall wealth they got thereby: and such as they got, being so often ouer-runne as they were in the time of the Iudges, by the old inhabitants of the Land and the people about them, wee may easily conceiue that among them they lost it all, and almost whatsoeuer they had besides: But now by the many and great victoryes of DAVID, and the most glorious raigne of Salomon for the first part of it, they were come to speciall great wealth, insomuch that Siluer was little set-by in the daies of Salomon▪ and now hath the King of Egypt the first spoyle of all this their great aboundance. So gracious is God euen vntounto the Heathen also, that if at some time hee hauehave dealt, as occasion was offered, somewhat strictly with them, yet lightly doth hee take some time or other to requite it againe. That which respecteth the Israelites, is, that when God had now giuen them a speciall tast of the great glory of the estate or Kingdome of their promised Sauiour, that all might thirst after the same, and make no reckoning of the greatest excellencies in all the world in comparison of it; then did he immediately after (as it were of purpose) dash all in peeces, to the end that none should any thing at all rest in that earthly felicity or glory, but altogether turne vp their affections vntounto the other, and euer be in expectation of it: a reasonable plaine token, not onelyonly that he would not hauehave that greater glory to be darkened to them with the lesse; but withall, that he (in his wisedome) dooth not thinke the felicity of earthly thinges to bee meete for his children long to enioy heere, but that hee rather vseth them, to giuegive them some little tast sometimes (when himselfe thinketh good) of those better thinges that he doth meane them. That part of his punnishment that seemeth to be extended throughout the most part of his raigne, is, that all his time, to speake of, there was such warring betwixt him and Ieroboam: which seemeth to G1 Kings. 14: 30 15: 6. 2 Chr. 12: 15 Lyr.1 Kgs 14:302 Chr 12:15be about the right of eyther of them in diuers particulars, although God had before staied the Warre that was towardes, for the recouery of the whole. Whereby it seemeth that Ieroboam was most in fault, who hauing the greatest part of the Kingdome giuen him, did neuerthelesse still encroach vponupon the other: and so gaue occasion of the warre; and was so much the meeter to punnish Rehoboams Idolatry, when as hee that had already bereft him of the most part of his Kingdome by farre, neuerthelesse could not yet let him be quiet with that which remained. For seeing Rehoboam did so readily yeeld to leaue of warre for the whole, it is not so likely that hee would enter into it for any particular which he did not account to be his. And we see by experience among our selues, that such as get into the possession of others, though by such meanes as they hauehave vsed, they hauehave gotten the most part already: yet, so long as any part thereof remaineth, they giuegive the former owner but little sparing till they get all.

2 Abiam or Abiah his Sonne (for by both those names he is called) succeeding Ahim in the Kingdome, raigned but three yeares; and in his Story wee hauehave but Abiam.two thinges onelyonly that are memorable: one, as touching his estate towardes God; 1 King. 14▪ 31 15: 1-8. 2 Chr. 12: 16. 13: 1, 2.1 Kgs 14:312 Chr 12:162 Chr 12:132 Chr 12:12 Chr 12:2the other, a great ouerthrow that he gaue to the Kingdome of Israell. As touching his estate towardes God, it is noted first but generally, that he walked in all the sinnes of his Father, not naming any, but meaning chiefly the Idolatrey that he committed; and yet notwithstanding, that for Dauids sake God was fauourable vntounto him: but then more specially, that he also was much giuen to the lusts of the flesh, so that 2 Cor. 13: 21.2 Cor 13:21he married foureteene Wiues, and begat two and twenty Sons, and sixteene Daughters. But whereas it appeareth that Rehoboam had two Wiues before he had the Ibi. 11: 18-20Mother of Abiam, and that he had Sonnes▪ by them also, and yet made more of him than of the others, and in his life time purposed to make him King: it appeareth thereby, both that Rehoboam made no great reckoning either of his Sonnes Religion towards God that was to succeede him in the Kingdome, or of doing that right to the Sonne of the former wife, that the Law of God requireth; and that Abiam himselfe Deut. 21: 15-17.Deut 21:15–17made no conscience to step to the Kingdome before those his elder bretheren. BA kinde of dealing that among vsus also is sometimes found in those meaner matters that we are to deale with: the Father then making no conscience, to make his choice where he list himselfe to his owne best liking; and the brother regarding as little, to take the aduantage when it is offered, against the Brother. The ouerthrow that he p. 431gaue the kingdome of Israell was in the field, both parties there being gathered together 2 Chr. 13: 3.2 Chr 13:3to try their right by the sword: at which time whereas there was some dealing betwixt them before the battailes ioyned, we are first giuen to vnderstand what dealing it was that first passed betwixt them; then, what was the issue of the incounter when once the battailes ioyned together. The dealing that first passed betwixt them, was diuers: one kind of dealing by Abiam; and another, by Ieroboam. Abiam labored, by debating the matter to reduce both him and the people to better aduisement: first making a way to a disswasion he vsed vntounto them; then, comming to the disswasion it selfe. Making a way thereunto, first he frameth his speech but onelyonly of the Israelites: but then he speaketh both of those and the Iewes together. Framing his speech but only of the Israelites, first he sheweth them what was meet for thē to hauehave knowne: then, how contrary a course it is whereunto they hauehave since betaken themselues. He telleth them they ought to hauehave knowne, that God had giuen that Kingdome Ibid. 4, 5.to Dauid, and to his line for euer. The course whereunto they had betaken themselues since, he sheweth to bee contrary thereunto, first in that they did before: Ibid. 6. 7.then in that which they conceiued now. That which they did before, was, first but seuerally of Ieroboam onelyonly, that he being but onelyonly the Seruant of Salomon before, had now risen vp in rebellion against his son for the kingdome; and of his company or followers, that lose and bad men had gathered vntounto him: then of them both together, that by occasion of Rehoboams simplicity, they grew so strong that hee could not resist them. In that which they conceiued now, he noteth not onelyonly what it was that now they conceiued: but withall (howbeit, in scorne, as it seemeth, at least, for one part of it) whereupon they so conceiued. That which they conceiued, he noteth Ibid. 8.to bee, that they thought themselues able to maintaine their cause against the Kingdome of Dauid: and that they did it in confidence of their strength, for that Cthey were the greater party; and for that they had on their side the golden Calues which Ieroboam had made them for Gods. Speaking of these and themselues together, Ibid. 9.the Israelites first he chargeth, that they had chaced away the lawfull and true Priesthood, and had taken in a very base one in stead thereof; such notwithstanding as was good enough for those that were no Gods: but then comming to themselues, Ibid. 10. 12.he pleadeth first for the time past to that praesent, that they had kept vntounto the Lord, & that by his Priesthood his seruice was done among them; then, for that praesent, that the same God now tooke their partes against them, and that those his Priestes whom they had abandoned, were there in a readinesse to sound their Trumpets against them too. The disswasion it selfe that hee vsed vntounto them, was, that they would not fight Ibid. 12.against the Lord God of their Fathers: and his reason was, that, if so they did, they should not prosper. Ieroboam, while Abiam was thus occupyed with them, was deuising Ibid. 13.how to intrap him and his people: and to that end sent an Ambush of men to get beyond them, so to get them in betwixt them to their owne best aduantage. So the Hoast of Iudah espying, that they had their enemies both before and behind, cried Ibid. 14-20vntounto the Lord: which being done, the Priests blew the Trumpets, and the hoast of Iudah gaue a shout as hastening now to encounter their enemies; at which time the Lord so smote Ieroboam and the hoast of Israell, that praesently they fled before the hoast of Iudah, and lost in the field the greatest part of that their great army, euen fiue hundred thousand of them, together with diuers of their Citties, and neuer after were able to recouer themselues againe in the daies of Abiah.

3 The third of those Kings before spoken of, who was not so offensiue to God by Asa. 3.Idolatry, but tooke a better course for that matter, was Asa, the Son of Abiam: of Awhom we hauehave Story, not onelyonly of his life: but something as touching his death too. As touching his life, he was a man, in whom the grace of God did notably appeare; and yet not without his infirmities neither. He raigned one and forty yeares: but it 2 Kin. 15. 9, 102 Kgs 15:92 Kgs 15:10was the first part of his raigne wherein that grace of God did most appeare in him; & his infirmity in the latter. In that first part of his raigne he yeelded himselfe to bee led by the grace of God two seuerall times: first by himselfe, without any other externall Bmotion that we do read of; then again after, being stirred vp by one of the Prophets. p. 432When he did it by himself, he lost not by it, but was bountifully rewarded: and so are we first to consider of that his seruice of God; then, how he was rewarded for it. His seruice we hauehave setdown vntounto vsus first but generally: but then more specially. Generally it is said, that he did right in the eies of the Lord his God: euen as Dauid his Father. More specially hee is noted, both to hauehave purged the Land of much corruption Kings. 15: 11, 14. 2 Chro. 14 2. 15: 172 Chr 14:22 Chr 14:152 Chr 14:17that was therein: and to hauehave doone good thinges besides. The corruption that was therein, was some part of it such, as did but indifferently touch them all; but some other part of it such, as touched euen himselfe some-what neere. That part of it which touched but all indifferently, is partly a foule vncleanenesse of theyr bodies that was growne vp among them: but most of it their Idolatrous waies. That soule vncleannesse of theit bodies that was growne vp among them, was that sinne 1 King. 15: 121 Kgs 15:12against Nature, which he abolished throughout his whole land. Their Idolatrous waies, it seemeth were many, according to the Idols of the Nations about them, or (if any of them yet remained) that dwelt among them: but of whatsoeuer kind they were, 2 Chr. 14: 3, 52 Chr 14:32 Chr 14:5he both destroyed those Idols themselues; & the high places and Groues where they worshipped. But whereas, as touching the latter member of these, it is in one place said, that he did not put downe the high places, and in another, that he took away all 1 King. 15: 141 Kgs 15:14the high places out of the Citties of Iudah: these two places laid together doe shew 2. Chr. 14: 5. Ibid. 15: 172 Chr 14:5vsus, that though he tooke away many of them, especially in Iudah: yet did many of thē remaine, especially in those parts of Israell where-withall neuerthelesse he had some dealing. That part of it which touched himselfe somewhat neere, was of idolatry also: certaine Idols that his Father had made before; & certaine Idols of his Grandmother (there called his mother) which she maintained and worshipped yet. Those Idols that 1 King. 15: 131 Kgs 15:13his Father had made before, he now destroied: and not only destroied those Idols of his said Grand-mother, but for one of them which she had set vp in a groue (belike, Ibid. & 2. Chr. 15: 162 Chr 15:16one of the chief or principal of them) he deposed her from her estate or regency, brake that Idoll it selfe in pieces, and made an vtter destruction of it in the best manner hee could. The good things that he did besides, were either about religion: or about the state it self. That which he did about religion, was for the better aduancement of it. Of that kind we hauehave two things noted vntounto vsus: one of them no more, but only his direction vntounto the people; the other hauing some farther matter to it appertaining. That Cwhich was but his direction vntounto the people, was, that he commanded them to seeke 2 Chr. 14: 42 Chr 14:4the Lord God of their Fathers: and to do according to his praescript vntounto them. That which hath some other matters to it appertaining, is, that he brought in the holy vessels 1 King. 15: 151 Kgs 15:15of his Father, & the thinges that he had dedicated to the house of the Lord, treasure and plate. Those other matters hereunto appertaining are two: one, that hee did not take out or withdraw such things from the house of the Lord as his Father or himselfe had giuen before; as many of vsus in these daies do: the other, that whereas his father was no good worshipper of God before, as we saw when wee treated of him; it may probably be conceiued, that towards his death, either by the great successe that he had against the Israelites a little before, or by the meanes or good perswasion of this his son who was so well giuen himselfe, he was brought to some better bent than wherein he liued before. And then hauehave we an example heere (if it were by the latter of these two before conceiued) of some good wrought by a gracious son, towards the conuersion of his Idolatrous Father: a matter that would be in many of our cases, by vsus also assaied. That which he did about the estate it selfe was, that he builded certain … Chr. 14 6, 7strong Cities in Iudah: and exhorted the people likewise to imploy themselues in fortifications, now that the Lorde had giuen them so conuenient a time to the purpose. His reward for this his seruice was such, as that part of it arose vntounto him in the time of this his seruice: and part of it immediatly after. In the time of this his seruice it arose vntounto him, first generally, that his estate was prosperous: then more specially, that on Ibid. 7. Ibid. 1.all hands he enioyed peace for ten yeares together; and that in that compasse of time his people so encreased, that he had an army of fiue hundred and fourescore thousand Ibid. 8.able and valiant men. That part of his reward which arose vntounto him immediatly after, was that great and glorious victory which God did giuegive him against the Ethiopians: wherein it shall bee good not onelyonly to note what reward Asa had therein; but another p. 433thing also, that in this Story seemeth to be offered vntounto vsus. The reward that Asa had therein, was, that when the Ethiopians came in vponupon him with a thousand-thousand Ibid. 9-15.men, besides their Chariots, he neuerthelesse with his smaller company, seeking to the Lord, praeuailed against them: and had not onelyonly the glory of the field, but an exceeding great spoile withall. That which in this Story seemeth to bee offered vntounto vsus, is, that seeing the Egyptians sped so well a little before, in the daies of Rehoboam, Dit may be that these, being nere to the Egiptians, and confining vponupon them, but being a little farther off from Iury, towards the hart of their Countrey Affrike (who for many Ibid. 12: 3.of them, at that time also came in with the Egiptians) did now the rather come in vponupon them againe, because they sped so well before. B… the people of God had transgressed Ibid▪ 2before; and for that cause they were so strengthened against them: now had they departed from their Idolatry, and sought the Lord; and so were not these in reason to looke for the like successe against them. Such folly notwithstanding doe the Children of the World, enemies to the Gospell, euer now and then renue. yet in these daies also: because somtimes they hauehave had a faire hand against the better prosessors, for some prouocation that hath beene found in them against the Lord, thereon conceiuing, that so they should praeuaile still and hardly yet can learne any other, though often-times (God be thanked for it) it hath beene reasonably well beaten into them, or at least laid vponupon them. When he was stirred vp by one of the Prophets, wee are to consider, first, in what sort hee was so stirred vp: then, what seruice it was that thereuppon hee farther did vntounto the Lorde. The Prophet, whom it pleased the Lord in this seruice to vse, was Azariah or Obed (for by both those names he is called) 2 Chr. 15: 1, 82 Chr 15:12 Chr 15:8who, being specially endewed with the Spirite of God, came vntounto Asa, and to all the people of Iudah and Beniamin (euen then, as it seemeth by the Text it selfe, when they returned to Hierusalem from the slaughter and spoyle of the Aethiopians: Ibid. 14: 15. 15: 1.for as it doth immediatly follow, so the limitation of the time there noted, seemeth to hauehave reference thereunto) and notably dealt with them to that purpose: first crauing but audience of them; then comming to the matter it selfe. He craueth Ibid. 15: 1, 2audience both of the King himselfe, and of the people: it may be, to infinuate vntounto them, that both sortes of them were diligently to imploy themselues in this dutie; and that neyther of them coulde well doe it without the other. Comming to the matter it selfe, for the most part of it hee is occupyed in teaching: but in the end hee falleth to exhortation. His doctrine consisteth of two principall braunches: one, for that time praesent; the other, for the time ensuing. For that time praesent hee gaue them to vnderstand, that the Lorde was with them, now that they Ibid. ….were with the Lord. For the time ensuing, hee diuideth that likewise into two seuerall braunches: first propounding them both; then farther confirming the latter of them. Those two branches themselues were, that if they would seeke the Lord; Ibi 4. 2.the LORD woulde bee found of them: but that, if they should forsake him; Ehe also would then forsake them. He farther confirmeth the latter of them, by the example of their Brethren the kingdome of Israell. In whom likewise he noteth two thinges: first the estate of them all, by that theyr defection which they hadde made: then, that some of them neuerthelesse had sped better. The former of these first hee recyteth: then, when hee hath set downe the other also, hee treateth of it some-what farther. When he doth at the first but recite it, hee telleth Ibid. 3.them, that they had then for a long time beene, without the true GOD, aboue: and beneath, both without Priest to teach, and without the Law. Setting downe Ibid. 4.the other also, hee neuerthelesse addeth, that so many of them as returned in that theyr affliction to the Lord God of Israell, and sought him (as the Story hath shewed 2 Chr. 11: 13-16.2 Chr 11:13–16vsus already, that many of them did) he was found of them. Comming then to treat some-what farther of the former of these, hee sheweth them farther, that they Ibid. 15: 5, 6had no peace, but great trouble in all their wayes: for that one sort of them destroied another; and GOD himselfe was disposed to trouble them with much aduersitie. Falling in the ende to exhortation, hee willeth them therefore to bee Ibid. 7.strong, and not to suffer theyr handes to bee weake: assuring them, that theyr woorke shoulde hauehave a reward. The seruice that thereuppon hee farther did p. 434vntounto the Lord, was first to bring thinges to some better order than yet he had don: then, to leaue them so too, as might yeeld best hope so to stand for the time ensuing. To bring things to some better order than yet he had done, being now farther Ibid. 8.encouraged by the Prophet, first he tooke away all the abominations that yet remained, not onelyonly out of all the Land of Iudah and Beniamin; but also out of the Citties that hee had taken of Mount Ephraim: and then renewed the the Altar of the Lord, in the place to it appertaining. To leaue them so, as might yeeld best hope so to stand for the time ensuing, therein it is noted that both hee and the people ioyned together: and so are we first, to consider of their assembling; then, what they did when they were …ssembled. In their assembling wee hauehave noted vntounto vsus, in what sort they came together: and the time and place of that their assembly. To find in what sort they came together, that is first to be conceiued, which in the Text is last rehearsed; namely, that there fell many to him out of Israell, when they Ibid 9.saw that the Lord his God was with him: then is it to be taken in withall, that Asa Fseeing them so to draw vntounto him, gathered together, first all Iudah and Beniamin, and then such others of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon, as came vntounto him. The time and place of that their assembly, was, the fifteenth yeare of the raign of Asa: and at Ierusalem, the onelyonly place for that purpose, for which now they so assembled together. That which they did when they were there, was first well or in commendable manner performed by them: and then in good manner likewise rewarded by God. It was well and commendably performed by them, both in respect of that which they did: and in respect of the affection wherewith they did it. That which they did, was first about oblations and sacrifices which then they offered: then, about a couenant that then they made. For their offerings it is saide, that Ibid. 11.they offered then vntounto the Lord of the spoile of their enemies the Ethiopians, both Bullockes and sheeepe, of the Bullockes seauen hundred, and of the sheepe seauen thousand. The couenant that then they made, they first did make or agree vponupon: then, ratified it likewise so well as they could. That which they agreed vponupon, was, first for all themselues generally, that they would seeke the Lord the God of their Ibid. 12, 13Fathers, with all their heart, and with all their soule: then for others that would not, that they should bee put to death, whether they were small or great, man or woman. The latter of which, so farre as their example might iustly be example to others, would be strong against such recusancy, as among vsus we finde to be lodged with many. The ratifying of it that then they vsed, was by Oath: solemnly and Ibid. 14, 15earnestly swearing, that they would truely performe that, whereon they had in this sort agreed. The affection wherewith they did it was great: themselues testifying the same by the great ioy they made withall, and the Text bearing them witnesse, Ibid. Ibid. 15that they did it with all their heart. Their reward for this was, that the Lord gaue them rest round about: a matter that experience teacheth is seldome gotten, by the deepest worldly wisedome that is; and yet heere in great measure obtained, by vnfaigned turning vntounto the Lord. What his infirmities were, and how it pleased God to deale with him about them, might easily be seene, but that the matter is not cleered, vntounto what time they may best be referred: a matter neuerthelesse that were not greatly materiall, but that the Text it selfe is not yet found to bee so cleere therein, but that the learned are of sundry opinions for that matter. So that in this part of his Story wee are not onelyonly to consider of those his infirmities, the greatest part of his Story now remaining: but withall, of that circumstance of time besides, to know to what part of his raigne wee may best refer it. Comming to Ghis infirmities, there are wee to consider what they were: and how it pleased God then to deale with him, in that latter part of his raigne. Of his infirmities one there is, that as it appertaineth to the former part of his raigne, so hauehave we by other occasion, and in other manner, noted it before: the others doe all appertaine to the time ensuing. That which belongeth to the former part of his raigne, which by other occasion we hauehave noted before, is, that he suffered some of those High places 1 King. 19: 14 2 Chr. 14: 51 Kgs 19:142 Chr 14:5still to remaine, of which notwithstanding hee destroyed many: as also it is there reported, that neuerthelesse his heart was vpright with the Lord all his daies. And p. 435true it is, that many good Princes, such I meane as hauehave many good things in them, and vnfaignedly are giuen to performe their partes in very good and honourable manner, neuerthelesse hauehave not that care to fetch theyr direction and light from whence they should, nor in such measure as to such purpose were to be wished: and that thereuppon it is, not onelyonly among the Turkish and Heathen, but euen among Christians also (especially such as are intangled with the errours of the Church of Rome) that dyuers good Princes oft-times there are, who neuerthelesse come farre short of doing that good that themselues in some sort did ayme at. Those others that doe all appertaine to the time ensuing, are varrying in this: that one of them hath a propper chasticement thereto annexed; and none of the others so besides. That which hath a proper chasticement thereto annexed, giueth vsus occasion to consider, first of his fault, then of the chasticement that followed thereon. His fault was, 1 kin. 15: 17-19 2 Chr. 16: 1-32 Chr 16:1–3that when Baasa the King of Israell came in strongly vppon him, and would so hauehave fortified against him as he did not like of, and yet thought himselfe to weake to withstand him, hee sought vntounto Benhadad the King of Syria for his helpe therein, and to that end sent him such praesents withall, so to obtaine his helpe the rather, as plainely declared that he stood in very great feare of him: sending vntounto him, euen all the treasure of the House of the Lord, and all his owne treasure besides. His chasticement for this was, part of it plainely set downe: part of it as it were implyed. That which is plainely set downe, is, that by a Prophet of the Lord hee was plainely reprooued 2 Chr. 16: 7 92 Chr 16:7for it, and some-thing threatned withall. Reprooued hee was for that therein hee sought for his helpe of the King of Syria, and not of the Lorde, which hee plainely told him was foolishly doone: especially when the Lord a little before had giuen him so plaine experience howe ready and able hee was to helpe him against that Hgreat power of the Aethiopians, when hee sought vntounto him. Threatned hee was, Ibid. 9.that thence-foorth he should hauehave warres. That which was, but as it were implyed, was, that the Army of the Syrians which came to his helpe, were, as most of the Interpreters Vulg. edit. Eyr. Vatab. Pellic, Pet. Martyr. Bibl. Angl. Tremel. Iun.doe commonly reade, escaped his handes; as if, had hee sought vntounto the Lorde, whereas the Syrians were confederate with the Israelites, and so were like to hauehave taken their part in that action, hee might so hauehave praeuayled against them both: others, with-drawne themselues from him, as not meaning to helpe him any more, though now they had serued his turne in this. Seeing therefore it is alleaged as part of his chasticement, it dooth sufficiently imply, that eyther hee should hauehave praeuailed against them too, if hee had sought vntounto the Lord, but shoulde not now: or else, at least, that hee should hauehave had farther helpe of them. But so doe ours also lightly speede, so oft as they seeke for helpe to such Straungers as those. Those others besides are such, as after a sort hauehave some reference to this, that we hauehave spoken of last: but one there is of another kinde. Those that wee may account to hauehave some reference to this that last we spake of, are two: one of them very plainly thereunto appertaining; the other standing indifferent in the Text, but yet so taken also by some. That which appertaineth plainely vntounto it, is that Asa was so angry with the Prophet, that hee cast him in prison for it. And indeede it is not Ibid. 10.there sayde, that the Lorde did then send him about that matter; neyther dooth the Prophet then tell him, that he came vntounto him in the name of the Lord, as also it may be, that being a Prophet, and not onelyonly seeing the offence, but fore-seeing also what hurt would come of it, hee thought it his part so farre to discharge his duty therein; but (that wee reade of) had none other speciall calling vntounto it. And then may we see in this, that men oft-times, though otherwise good, and of speciall commendation therein, yet can hardly abide to bee reprooued in theyr owne speciall wayes, euen by the best men that are, whom themselues will graunt to bee the vndoubted Seruants of God. Could the Prophet hauehave saide vntounto him, thus saith the Lord, or as Samuell sayde to Saule, let mee tell thee what the Lord hath saide vntounto me, or any such like, there is good hope, Asa being so well giuen as he was, that he would hauehave 1 Sa 15: 161 Sam 15:16had more reuerence, and hauehave vsed more patience, though the message hadde beene much harder: but▪ as this case was, it was, left at liberty for Asa to conceiue, that as men are men, euen the best that are, so might this man, though p. 436Iindeede a Seer or Prophet, yet therein mingle some part of humaine perturbation with that his message; especially, if telling him it was foolishly doone, that word sounded any thing so hardly, or but so vnciuily with them, as it doth with vsus. Out of which we may also learne, not onelyonly such as are of the Ministery, but others also that are to reprooue, that we euer make sure that we take the word of God with vsus, both for the matter, and for the manner of deliuery too: otherwise, that we may iustly offend, euen the best that are, and leese the benefite of our reproofe. Asa notwithstanding can no way (as I take it) be excused therein, the reproofe beeing so iust as it was, though the Lorde had not then sent him by any speciall or extraordinary manner, being known as he was to be a Seer; and though being a man, subiect to infirmity as others are, he mingled some strain of his own perturbation therwith: sauing onelyonly vnlesse the King, duly reuerencing both the message it selfe, and the function and person of the Prophet, espying some inordinate dealing in it, did lay his chastycing hand onelyonly thereon, and that in good and orderly manner. For in such case there is no quaestion, but that Kinges may, yea and of duty ought to punish or chastice, euen the greatest Prophetes that at any time are, vnlesse there bee some other cause for which to spare them; as, least so they should lead theyr people not to hauehave that due regard to their doctrine, and them that ought to hauehave: in all which cases, the lesser euill is rather to be quietly passed ouer, than a greater to be admitted or letten in. But in this case that now wee are in, there is another matter in such sort, or so closely ioyned to this, that thereby they should seeme to be both of one nature: and sure we are, that that other was hard dealing indeede; and so boadeth this to be too, one way or other. That which standeth indifferent in the Text, but yet is so taken by some, is, that other hard dealing that last we spake of, as ioyning very closely to this: namely, that Asa then also put to death (for so doe some reade) or at least Ibid. 10.oppressed diuers of the people, or dealt hardly with them one way or other; & those are by some taken to bee, such as misliked that his dealing with the Prophet. And Pet. Martyr.indeede that is a case, which experience oft reneweth, that whensoeuer the iust are by the mightier sort ouerlaid, then must all others eyther vtterly forsake their needefull and iust defence: or if any cannot find in their harts so to do, they must then determine with themselues to suffer with them. That which was of another kind, was, Kthat towardes his old age, or towardes the ende of his raigne, beeing much diseased 1 King. 15: 23 2 Chr. 16: 121 Kgs 15:232 Chr 16:12in his feete (which also is taken to hauehave beene the Gout, but it might bee some other disease besides) though his disease were extreame vponupon him, yer he sought not to the Lord for his help therein, but to the Phisitians: which being in him so plainly reproued, doth as plainly teach vsus, that such as are of speciall cōmendation in godlines may neuerthelesse somtime be greatly distressed, and yet not remember to seek vntounto God; and though secondary causes are not to bee neglected, and may bee vsed, yet are we in all such cases, first to seeke vntounto God, and then to come to those other secondary helpes, that hee hath vouchsafed (for the releefe of our necessities) to giuegive vntounto vsus. How it pleased God to deale with him in this latter part of his raigne, when these infirmities brake forth in him, we are so much the rather to consider, that so we may take the instruction thereof to our selues likewise. And so if wee marke, wee may find, that God most of all touched or laid his hand on the whole state: and partly, on his owne person withall. On the whole State first it seemeth, hee laid, that it should not come to that greatnesse, that otherwise it should hauehave doone: then it is certaine, that he made it to be troublesome vntounto them. It seemeth he laide vppon it, that it should not come to that greatnesse that otherwise it should hauehave doone▪ in that the Hoast of the Syrians was now escaped out of his handes: implying as it seemeth, as 2 Chr. 16: 72 Chr 16:7we saw before, that otherwise he should hauehave praeuailed against them also. Which had beene a great augmentation to their State, if then they could prosecute the same accordingly; as had beene a likely matter for them to doe, when once they had praeuailed against their Army or forces of them: especially, when as it was no more than God had promised before vntounto them, nor than Dauid also and Salomon had; nor all Deut. 11. 24 Ios. 1: 4. 2 Sa. 8: 5, 6. 1 King. 4: 21Deut 11:24Josh 1:42 Sam 8:52 Sam 8:61 Kgs 4:21that neyther. Certaine it is, that hee made the State to bee troublesome vntounto them, in that there was so long warre betwixt the Kingdome of Israell and them, euen all p. 437the time that Baasa and Asa liued together. That wherewithall his owne person 1 Kings. 15. 16, 32. 2 Chr. 16: 9. 1 King. 15▪ 23 2 Chr. 16: 12.1 Kgs 15:161 Kgs 15:322 Chr 16:91 Kgs 15:232 Chr 16:12was touched, was, that disease that in his old age he had in his feete, which as it seemeth, began with him about two yeares before his death, and did hold him very extreamely, till at length it tooke him away. And true it is, euen with vsus also, such States I mean as professe the Gospell, that, by likelyhood, some of them might hauehave com'd ere this to hauehave beene much greater than otherwise they hauehave attayned vntounto, if in such sort they had sought the Lorde as they ought to hauehave doone: whereas Lfor the want thereof, they hauehave not onelyonly missed of that encrease, but withall hauehave found more warre than otherwise they were like to hauehave doone; and hauehave beene shapely touched in theyr owne persons besides. A warning sufficient to those that follow.

4 To what part of his raigne these infirmities of his might best be referred being Anow to consider, there is no quaestion but that they all appertaine to the latter time of his raigne: but where that latter part of his raigne should begin, that is the thing that is hardest to be decided. The difficultie is this. First, it is sayd, that Baasa 1 Kings. 14: 28, 33. Ibid. 16, 32.1 Kgs 14:281 Kgs 14:33beganne his raigne ouer Israell, in the third yeare of Asa, and that hee raigned foure and twenty yeares: then also, that there was warre betweene Asa and Baasa all their dayes, or so long as they both liued together. It seemeth likewise that the Text it selfe dooth note, that the beginning of this warre was, that Baasha the King of Israell began to fortifie in Ramah, to hinder the passage of his people to the kingdome of Iudah. For, when first it is said, that there was warre betwixt them al their Ibid. 16, 27daies; then it followeth immediatly after, that Baasha did so fortifie in Ramah: and vnlesse the warres had begunne with the raigne of Baasa, there could not hauehave bin warres betwixt them all the time while they both raigned together. So by this reckoning, Ibid. 16: 8.the warres betwixt them should hauehave begunne in the third yeare of Asa, and not hauehave ended till the death of Baasha, which a little after is noted to be, by the comming in of Elah his Sonne vponupon the death of his Father, in the sixe and twentith year of the raigne of Asa. Whereby it appeareth, that the raigne of Baasha, and the wars betwixt them, began with the beginning of the third yeare of Asa, and ended with the expiration or ending of the 26. yeare of Asa his raigne. Whereupon it must follow, that that infirmity of Asa, in seeking to the King of Syria for help against the King of Israell, was about the very beginning of the third year of Asa his raigne. But then else-where it is saide, that Asa comming to the crowne, the Land was quiet ten 2 Chr. 14: 1, 6, 7. Ibid. 15: 10.2 Chr 14:12 Chr 14:62 Chr 14:7years, and that he took that opportunity to set in hand with that reformation, & with those buildinges that we heard of: and a while after, that the assembly that came vntounto him about that farther reformation, when the Prophet stirred vp both the King & the people, vponupon the ouerthrow of the Ethiopian Army, was in the fifteenth yeare of Bhis raigne. And as all this while we hauehave no mention of the war of Baasa the King of Israell against Iudah: so when soone after there is made some mention of it, it is allotted to the sixe and thirtith yeare of the raigne of Asa. But now if the sixe and Ibid. 16: 1.thirtith yeare shoulde bee taken according to the common account, and Baasa his raigne shoulde beginne in the third of the same, though it were in the very beginning of it, yet should Baasha be dead many yeares before the sixe and thirtith year aforesaid: a matter that seemeth to be of so doubfull vnderstanding, that some hauehave altogether omitted to speake of it; and others that speake of it, are of diuers opinions therein. As for those that omit to speake of it, euen in that also their iudgment Conr. Pellic. Bibl. Angl.is to be reuerenced, as not being satisfied belike with that which others before them had conceiued: and so chusing rather to say nothing, than to side themselues to that, wherein as yet they were not resolued. Of those that are of diuers opinions therein, there be two sorts: some that follow the most vsuall reckoning; others, that take another course. The most vsuall reckoning is, to take the years of the Kings (those that do concerne their raign) from the time that first they entered into their Kingdomes, and so doe diuers of good reckoning, accounting the yeares that are attrybuted to Asa his raigne, to begin at the death of Abiam his Father; and, by that reckoning, …uncti…s, Beroaldus. and M. Broughton.that Baasa the King of Israell came to his Kingdome likewise in that third yeare of p. 438Asaes raigne, which was the third from the death of Abiam. But this opinion or reckoning of these is called in quaestion by according two places of the Text together: and by two others that stand alone by themselues. Those two that being accorded together seeme to be strong against that opinion, are, one, that the first tenne yeares of the raigne of Asa the Lande was quiet and without Warre: the other, 2 Chr. 14: 1, 6. 7. 1 kin. 15: 16, 322 Chr 14:12 Chr 14:62 Chr 14:7that there was War betwixt Asa King of Iudah, and Baasa King of Israell, all their daies. If therefore Baasa began in the third yeare after that Asa himselfe began to raigne, and warred on Asa so soone as hee was come to the Kingdome, and so continued, where are then the ten first yeares of the raigne of Asa, that were quiet and without Warre? as on the other side, if Baasa did not warre on Asa till after those ten yeares, then how was there war betwixt them all their daies? Those two places that stand by themselues, and doe seeme either of them to bee strong against that opinion, are, one of them, that after the ouerthrow giuen to the Ethiopians, the King and the people were in such sort occupied as they were till the fifteenth yeare of his raigne: the other, that the warfare which Baasa began on Asa, is in plaine tearmes allotted to another yeare. The former of these witnessing that they were occupied, Cboth the King and the people, in very peaceable affaires, going on forward 2 Chro. 15: …-15.2 Chr 15with reformation, and then offering sacrifices vntounto the Lord, and making a set couenant with him, is very great probability, that at that time they were not troubled in matters of warfare; which notwithstanding was euen in the center or heart of that time, which they conceiue to hauehave beene Baasaes raigne: the latter of them, allotting the warfare of Baasa on the Kingdome of Iudah, to another yeare, namely, 2 Chr. 16: 12 Chr 16:1vntounto the sixe and thirtieth, such an one, as in no construction can accord to many of those that they do so attribute vntounto him, doth likewise yeeld great probability, that there opinion heere must needes bee defectiue, one way or other. Those that take another course, are of two sorts also: some that reckon from the ouerthrow of the Ethiopians; others from the diuision of the Kingdome, since the time that Iudah first began to be a distinct Kingdome from the Kingdome of Israell. Of those that reckon from the ouerthrow of the Ethiopians there be (in a manner) two sorts also: one, that in plaine tearmes acknowledgeth that reckoning; others, who though they reckon thence too in effect, yet do they giuegive it another title. He that in plaine tearmes reckoneth from the ouerthrow of the Ethiopians, conceiueth that ouerthrow to hauehave beene immediately after the ten yeares rest before remembred: Lyranus.and so, that the third yeare after, was that third yeare of Asa, wherein Baasa began to raigne and warre vponupon Iudah. To this end he noteth, that as for the most part In 2 Paral. 16 b2 Chr 16the raigne of Princes in the Scriptures is reckoned from the time that first they come to their Kingdomes: so is it sometimes also reckoned, from some speciall accident therein; as he conceiueth that ouerthrow of the Ethiopians to be, and that in this the account was thence taken. And whereas else-where he setteth downe diuers waies, In 3. Reg. 15. f.1 Kgs 15how to reconcile such places of reckoning as seeme to vary: although they bee not such as directly concerne this; yet in most cases they may yeeld good helpe vntounto vsus. But by this reckoning Baasa should not come to his Kingdome till the thirteenth yeare of Asa: that is, till he had raigned ten yeares in peace without warre, and was now in the third yeare after. Which third yeare seemeth, as we saw before, to hauehave beene in a more peaceable time, than he was like to hauehave any, after that Baasa came to the Kingdome, which by this reckoning he should now begin. Those that reckon in effect from hence too, and yet giuegive it another title, do tearme their reckning, Fra. Vatabl. Pet. Mart…r.from the time that warre began to be betwixt those two Kingdomes: and then conceiuing, Dthat immediately after the first ten yeares of peace, and that victory against the Ethiopians, Asa warred vponupon Nadab King of Israell about two yeares; and then, that Baasa rose vp the third yeare, and warred on him. But it seemeth, as is already noted, that these fiue yeares, next and immediately following the tenth of Asaes raigne, were otherwise occupied, and altogether peaceable, but onelyonly for that inuasion of the Ethiopians, and not for any thing that yet passed betwixt those two kingdomes of Iudah and Israel: neither do I see what other meaning that place can 2 Chr. 15: 19.2 Chr 15:19hauehave, where it is saide, that there was no warre vntounto the fiue and thirtieth yeare of p. 439Asaes raigne. In which place the vulgar translation is to bee taken heed-of, for that it reckoneth but thirty yeares; as by Lyranus and Vatablus it appeareth: sauing that since, in Hentenius his Bible, they hauehave put in the other fiue in the Margent; Christ. Planti… A…t…rp. 1569and yet there also they will not bee acknowne of any moe Copies, but one, where so they found it, whereas the Originall, they know well enough, is very plain thirty and fiue. Those that reckon from the diuision of the kingdome, do interpret Tremel. I…n. La…r. Codo. 2 Chr. 15: 19 16: 1. Tremel. Iun.2 Chr 15:19these two places, the one of the fiue and thirtith, the other of the sixe and thirtith of Asaes raigne, to bee reckoned thence: accounting that in these places the meaning is not from the beginning of Asaes raigne, but from the beginning of that kingdome which Asa now had. And thereuppon doo some of them note, that whereas it is commonly read in the former of those places, that there was no warre vntounto the fiue and thirtieth yeare of Asaes kingdome, it may aswell stande with the Originall to read, that there was no warre vntounto the kingdome of Asa, vntil the fiue and thirtieth yeare, meaning from the diuision aforesaide. And although the Biblioth Ges…eri In An. 3182.latter of these (who came about halfe a score yeares after the two others) bee very precise in his reckoning, yet doth he graunt, that he seeth now hee might otherwise take it. By this reckoning therefore, it falleth out, that after that Asa had raigned first those ten of his first yeares, altogether without warre, and then fiue years more (in which he gaue the Aethyopians that ouerthrow; and after that, being stirred vp by the Prophet, wrought farther reformation, and made the Couenant) then in the sixteenth yeare of his raigne, came Baasha to fortify Ramah against the kingdom of Iudah: and that this was the six and thirtieth yeare from the diuision of the kingdome of both peoples, or since the beginning of that kingdome which Asa nowe had; Rehoboam his Grand-father raigning seauenteene, Abiam his Father three, and this being the sixteenth of his, which plainely do make the sixe and thirtieth. EBut then those foure and twenty yeares that are giuen vntounto Baasha the K. of Israel, would reach to the fortieth yeare of Asa: a reckoning that no way (I am perswaded) can be accorded with other places heereunto appertaining, before and after. For before it is saide twice, that Baasha beganne his raigne in the third yeere of Asa 1 King. 15: 28, 33.1 Kgs 15:281 Kgs 15:33King of Iudah: and, after that Baasha had finished his course, wee hauehave the raigne of three Kings of Israel next succeeding, wholly comprehended within the residue of Asaes raigne; and the raigne of a fourth begun besides. Those three, were Elah, the Sonne of Baasa; and Zimri, and Omri, but Captaines only: and the fourth was Ahab the Sonne of Omri. Al which hauehave, the first three of them, both the beginning 1 King. 16: … Ibid. 15. Ibid 16, 23. Ibid. 29.1 Kgs 16and ending of their seuerall raignes encluded within the raigne of Asa, Elah, two yeares, beginning in the sixe and twentith yeare of Asa; Zimri, seauen dayes, beginning in the seauen and twentith; and Omri twelue, beginning in that yeare also: the last of them but onelyonly the beginning of his raigne, but the same allotted to the eight and thirteenth yeare of Asa. With foure Kinges of Israel were all excluded from these their proper places, and driuen to take them wee wote not where else, if the raigne of Baasha should thus be placed: and those Scriptures that hauehave so noted, be driuen to hauehave their Interpretation to be drawne from some places that we know not. Neither can the like bee auoyded, though not for all, yet for certayne of them, if the reckoning of those were receyued, who set the beginning of Basaaes raigne on the 13. yeare of Asa: for that so they should remoue the beginning of the raign of Elah, Zimri, and Omri (for of Tibni we make no mention, for that although hee also raigned with Omri about foure yeares, yet the Text maketh no mention of his enterance thereunto) out of those places by the Text is attributed vntounto them. For those twelue yeares whereby they driue him farther, would take vppe, not onelyonly the whole raigne of Elah and Zimri: but also, all that part of the raigne of Omri wherein Tibni stoode out against him, which was about Chro. lib 3. cap. 5. pag 135. 1 King. 16: 161 Kgs 16:16foure yeares (which while Beroaldus dooth make a vacancy, hee is faine to set the raigne of Ahab, so much within the raigne of his Father: whereas notwithstanding the Text is plaine, that all Israel then in the field, and he being their Generall, dyd make him King the same day, hearing that Zimri had slaine Elah; and then was Fthere no vacancy heere) and about seauen yeares more of that whereby he raigned p. 440by himselfe. So that neither of these two reckonings doe stand so cleere, but that diuers places of Scripture doe seeme much to crosse them: and yet seemeth very strange vntounto me, that such as hauehave so conceiued, did not first consider what cohearance they had with those other places before themselues would so resolue, & thereon deliuered them forth vntounto vsus. But if we marke, although we hauehave in this Booke of Chronicles diuers notable thinges in particular, appertaining to the Story of Asa: yet out of this Booke chiefly it is, that these doubts may seeme to arise, and that by the yeares that it praesupposeth. Whereas therefore this Booke is originally but a supplie of diuers thinges omitted, or not so fully set downe in Bookes of the Kinges Ari. Montan. Fran. Vatab. Conr. Pellic. 2 Chr. 36: 22, 23.2 Chr 36:222 Chr 36:23before, and whose Author in not knowne vnlesse it were Esra, and after the Captiuity gathered by him: albeit that Esra was a very good man and carefully giuen to the aduancement of Gods glory; yet may it be, that something is yet omitted, or not remembred by him, that should helpe to open this matter vntounto vsus. And seeing that these also are one degree lower with the Hebrewes, than either to be of the Lawe or the Prophets (whereas notwithstanding the Bookes of the Kings are allowed to bee Lyr in prolog. In Iosuā, …. …t in prolog. in Paralip.of the Prophets) therefore, in the meane time, till it shall please God to bring these thinges to farther light, it shall not be amisse, if we take these yeares as they are set in the Bookes of the Kings, and suspend our iudgement for the other till wee shall see farther therein: this being one of those difficulties, and the first of the three; that one Beroald. Chro. lib 3. cap. 5. pag. 133. By M. Edw L…lie in Chronol. of the Pres. monarchie, pag. 40. etc.of good reckoning in this kind (though hee bee since called in quaestion for some of his reckonings) accounteth to be harder than without some farther helpe from God may well be expounded. As touching his death wee hauehave nothing properly to his death it selfe appertaining, but as may be gathered by that which before is said, that hauing raigned one and fourety yeares, and being two yeares before diseased of his feete, he then died, and, as it seemeth, of that disease. But that which now we are to note as touching his death, is of the manner of his buriall, which as it seemeth, now declined from the wonted manner and moderation vsed among them, vntounto the manner of the Gentiles, and to immoderate pompe withall: some part of it neuerthelesse being in quaestion; and some other part being reasonable cleere. In quaestion it is, whether the corps it selfe were burned, or not. And the opinion of most is, that GLyr. Pet. Mart Fr. Vatab. Bibl. Angl. Tremel. Iun…us Vulg edit. Lyra Pellic. Vatabl. Bibl. Angl. Aria Montan.it was not the body it selfe that was burned, but onelyonly the spices and sweete odors which were to that end prouided: and therefore diuers of them doe not reade, that that they burnt him, or the bed or herse whereon he was laid; but that they burnt ouer him, or ouer that bed or herse of his. But the originall seemeth not to admit that word ouer, or as some doe reade for him: but rather (at least as it is interpreted by one of speciall reckoning in that kind) that they burnt either him, the corps it selfe, or (which is, in that case it seemeth all one) the bed or herse whereon hee was laide. And being as it was the manner of many of the Gentiles, it might now likewise be of them receiued. That which is reasonable cleere, is, that it was ouer pompously done, as the words themselues doe impott: especially as some doe reade. As touching 2 Chr. 16: 14. V…. edit. Pellic2 Chr 16:14which matter, although it be not to be denied, but that there may be care had, for such conuenient funeral decency, as to eueryevery ones degree appertaineth: yet must all men euer take heede of exceeding therein; neither hath godlinesse any good and sound hold there, where vanity is so praedominant too. One also there is, that out of this gathereth, that the fire of Purgatory was not belike kindled then, for that King Con, Pellic.Asa, who was so ready to bee at that charges for his body, as to prouide such place before for it, and such aboundance of sweete spices to bee then consumed, would no doubt hauehave had some care for his soule likewise, if the people of GOD had then knowne, that there had beene any such neede. But it is a strange, and a pitifull thing indeede, that when we hauehave so plaine summons for our departure hence, wee should then imploy our selues so busily, as wee commonly doe, in needelesse matters, and so much omit many much better, which then especially aboue all others were to bee thought on.

5 Of those Kings of Iudah that afterward grew into friendship with the Kings Aof Israell, Iehoshaphat was the first; and there were two others besides: but Iehoshaphat p. 441was one that feared God; & the two others were offensiue vntounto him. As touching Iehoshaphat. 4.Iehoshaphat, he was a very good one; and yet in some things faulty too: and the Story it selfe dooth lead vsus, first to consider of that which was good and commendable in him; then, of that other wherein he was not so well aduised. In that which was good and commendable in him we hauehave likewise noted vntounto vsus, not only what he did of that kinde: but also how it pleased God to blesse him for it. That Bwhich he did of that kinde, was first, as it were, of himselfe: then, being stirred-vp by a Prophet. That which hee did, as it were, of himselfe, was (all in a manner) when first he came to the kingdome: but one thing he did which was commendable also, many yeares after. Those that he did when first he came to his kinghom (what time as Asa his Father, hauing raigned one and forty yeares, was nowe deceased, 1 King. 22: 42 2 Chr. 17: 1.1 Kgs 22:422 Chr 17:1and himselfe was set on his Fathers throne, which also he held fiue & twenty yeares) are of two sorts: some, that seeme to hauehave appertained to all his life; and one thing besides, restrained to one speciall time. Those that seeme to hauehave appertained 1 Kings. 22: 43. 46. 2 Chr. 17: 3, 4, 61 Kgs 22:431 Kgs 22:462 Chr 17:32 Chr 17:42 Chr 17:6to all his whole life, were, that he sought not to Idolles, nor did after the wayes of the Israelites: but sought the Lorde, euen lifting vppe his heart vntounto the wayes of the Lord, and walked in his commandements, after the manner of his father Asa, and the first wayes of Dauid; taking away the high places and Groues, (yet not so but that he left some remaining) and cleane putting away the Sodomites out of the land, which remained in the dayes of Asa his father. That one thing 2 Chr. 17: 7-92 Chr 17:7–9besides, which was restrained to one speciall time, was, that in the thirde yeare of his raigue he sent fiue of his Nobles or Princes, and with them eleauen Priestes and Leuites, with the Booke of the law of the Lord, to teach throughout all the Citties of Iudah: which they also accordingly did. It pleased God to blesse him for it, at home: and abroad. How it pleased God to blesse him at home, is sometime set downe but generally: but then sometime againe, more specially. Generally it is Ibid. 3, 5, 12sayde, that the Lord was with him; and that the Lord established the kingdome in his hand: as also, that (thereby) he prospered and grew vp on high. More specially we hauehave some things set downe but briefely: but some others somewhat more largely. Briefely it is saide, that he had riches and honour in abundance; & some Ibid. 5. & 18: 1good part of his Riches or Treasure is noted to come by the good will of his owne people bringing presents vntounto him. That which wee hauehave set downe some-what more largely, is as touching his prouision against the enemy, which wee hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, first for the strength of his Citties; then, in the greatnesse of his army. For the strength of his Citties, it is sayde, that he had great workes in them, 2 Chr. 17: 2, 13. Ibid. 14-192 Chr 17:22 Chr 17:13and that he did put Garrisons in all the strong Cities of Iudah, and in Ierusalem: and that he set bands in the Land of Iudah, and in those Citties of Ephraim, which Asa his Father had taken. For the strength of his Army, it is noted likewise, that hee Chad great forces in a readynesse vnderunder the leading of diuers seueral Captains: some of Iudah; otherr of Beniamin. Ouer the forces of Iudah he had three Captaynes: two of them of no speciall note (but that no doubt they were valiant and woorthy men;) but one, of speciall note besides. VnderUnder the former of those that were of no speciall note, he had three hundred thousand valiant men: and vnderunder the latter, two hundred and fourescore thousand. He that was of speciall note, had specially giuen himselfe to the Lord, one way or other (and most likely, according to the order of the Nazarite, of which wee hauehave Iudah. 300000. 280000. 200000spoken before; a Token of speciall deuotion in him) and hee had vnderunder him likewise two hundered thousand: and so had hee least of the three, a matter worth note, the King himselfe being now so Religious; and yet was it very well, that so rare a man as this, of that sort, was of so good reckoning with him. Ouer his forces that were of Beniamin, hee had a couple: of which the former of them had vnderunder him, two hundred thousand; and the latter, one hundred and fourescore thousande. All which, besides those that were placed in Beniamin. 200000. 180000.Citties▪ were, one thousand thousand, and one hundered and threescore thousand: a very fair & a comfortable fruit of a religious seeking to God. How it 1160000pleased God to blesse him abroad, we hauehave set down, first for certain, who were neerer p. 442vntounto them: then, for others that were but strangers. Neerer vntounto them were the Israelites their bretheren: and the Edomites. Of the Israelites their bretheren Ibid.(and yet their most grieuous enemies now) it is sayde but generally, that hee praeuailed against them: deliuering vntounto vsus no Story thereof in particular. But this must needes bee a speciall blessing, that hee now by his owne forces praeuailed against them, when as Asa his Father accounted himselfe so vnable to withstand them, that he gaue all his owne treasure, and the treasure of the house of the Lord too, to the Syrians to help him against them, as already we hauehave seene. The Edomites were neere to them also, not so much for that they came of Esau the Sonne of Iacob; but much rather for that from Dauids time they were subiect to this Kingdome: and of those it is said, that as yet there was no King among them, but that the Deputy was 1 King. 22: 471 Kgs 22:47as King; so to note, that as yet they also were subiect vntounto Iehoshaphat. Comming to those others that were meere strangers vntounto them, the Story speaketh, first of all generally: then, of certaine of them more specially. Of all generally it saith, that the feare of the Lord fell vponupon all the Kingdomes of the Lands that were round about 2 Chr. 17: 102 Chr 17:10Iudah: and that they medled with no hostility against Iehoshaphat. Of certaine of them more specially it is said, that certaine of the Philistims brought him DIbid. 11.guifts, and tribute of Siluer: and that the Arabians (whether in the way of tribute, or of good-will, it is not declared; but conceiued by some to bee of good-will) Conr. Pellic.brought him in great store of Rammes and he-Goats, of eyther sort, seauen thousand and seauen hundred of them. That one thing that he did commendably also many yeares after, was towardes the end of Ahabs raigne, & about the seauenteenth yeare of his owne: at such time as he ioyned with Ahab in battell against the Syrians. For at that time, when Ahab would hauehave set forward in that expedition without inquiring 1 King. 22: 5. 2 Chr. 18: 4.1 Kgs 22:52 Chr 18:4of the Lord, he first mooued him to take the Lords aduise with them first: and againe when he saw that the King of Israell sought no farther but onelyonly to his owne Prophets, hee both got a Prophet of the Lord to bee sent for, and when hee saw his 1 King. 22: 7, 8 2 Chr. 18: 6, 71 Kgs 22:71 Kgs 22:82 Chr 18:62 Chr 18:7Lord was offended with him, he sought to pacifie him, and to hauehave better opinion of him. By which also he did not leese. For though he was indeede in great danger (the enemies making very forcibly towardes him) and the King of Israell himselfe 1. Kings. 22: 32, 33. 2 Chro. 18: 31, 32 19: 1. 2 Chr. 19: 11 Kgs 22:321 Kgs 22:332 Chr 18:312 Chr 18:322 Chr 19:1was slaine in the field: yet was God so mercifull to him, that he escaped and returned safe to Ierusalem. Stirred-vp he was by the Prophet, after that he was returned safe to Ierusalem from the field that Ahab lost to the Syrians: wherein againe we are to consider, not onelyonly what good seruice it was that then he did; but withall, that soon after wee hauehave mention made of so great fauour on him bestowed, as that it may seeme, it was to reward that seruice of his. His seruice was, that againe hee set in Ibid. 4.hand with bettering his State, both to the aduancement of Religion, and good of the people, first himselfe reducing his people to some good order: then vsing good meanes to keepe them therein. Himselfe reduced them to some good order, vsing Ibid. 4.as it were, a Regall Visitation, for the generall reformation of all the Land: going throughout al the land euen from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim, and bringing backe the people againe vntounto the Lord God of their Fathers. The meanes that he vsed to keepe them therein, was, to establish good gouernment among them: and that he did, first for eueryevery Citty by it selfe; then, by appointing another ouer the whole. For eueryevery Citty by it selfe, he ordained speciall Iudges: & gaue them great charge, Ibid. 5-7.diligently to see to their Office, and to performe it in the best manner that they were able. That other that he appointed ouer the whole, was at Ierusalem, the Ibid. 8-11head Citty of the Kingdome; and it was an higher Court aboue the others, for such matters as could not be decided, by the other Iudges at home: such a Court as God Deut. 17: 8-13Deut 17:8–13himselfe before appointed vntounto his people, to take final order for al such cases whēsoeuer they should arise; and ordained death for those that would not bee ruled thereby. That great fauour whereof we hauehave mention so soone after, that it may seeme it was to reward that seruice of his, was a notable and strange deliueraunce from a great power of enemies that came in against him. The enemies were three seuerall Nations, the Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites; and, by likelihoode, the 2 Chr. …0: 1, 2Syrians also, because it is plaine that these came thence: sauing that the Edomites, it p. 443may well be, did not ioyne themselues vntounto them till they were come into the Land; as also they dwelt towardes another Coast, and are not named at the beginning, Ibid. 10.but afterward by Iehoshaphat him-selfe put in with the rest. What quarrell they had, or what was the cause of their comming in, wee hauehave not mentioned: as also Antiq. …. 9 ca. 1Iosephus who writeth of this Story, and reckoneth the Arabians as part of the enemies, neuerthelesse, doth not shew whereupon they made this inuasion now. But 2 Ch. 20: 3-30whatsoeuer the occasion was, they came in so strong, that Iehoshaphat was affraide, and both he and the people together sought to the Lord, and had a notable day against them. In which it shall be good, that we doe more specially marke, something on the behalfe of the Enemy: and something againe of the goodnes of God towardes those his people then. In the Enemy wee may note, that although Iehoshaphat were a very good one; and of great forces withall: yet beeing so well occupyed as he was, in reformation and aduancing Religion, he could not be quyet, but was thus far maligned of many of the Nations about him. The goodnesse of God notwithstanding towardes his people was such, that first putting into their heartes to seeke vntounto him, hee then gaue them great and honourable successe against them, theyr Enemies falling at such varyance among themselues, and so slaughtering one another, that Iehoshaphat and his company needed not to strike one stroke; and were no farther troubled there-with, but onelyonly in sounding their praysings to God, and (when the Enemies had done among themselues) in gathering in their spoile to Hierusalem, which also was so much, that it cost them three dayes labour. A …errot FIbid. …9:to all peoples about them then: and so, the meeter to giuegive warning to all States and Potentates whatsoeuer, to take heede how they band themselues against such of their Neighbours, as reforme their waies (so neere as they can) according to the praescript of Gods holy word. Those things wherein he was not so well aduised, but in which he was faulty, are of two sorts: one of them, a defect in that reformation he made among the people; others, all appertaining to a slip that himselfe did make in his owne waies. That defect that we find in the reformation he made among the people, is the same that we something noted before: namely, that he tooke not away all 1 King. 22: 431 Kgs 22:43the high places, but, as it seemeth, in Iudah; and else-where left many of them yet remaining. In those others that are al appertaining to a slip that himself did make in his own waies, we are first to consider of that slip it selfe: then of other things depending thereon. That slip it selfe was such a thing, as wherein hee followed very plainely the course of the World, or the direction of flesh and bloud: namely, that the Israelites being so far falne from the true worship of God as they were, and King Ahab being giuen (by the meanes of Iesabell his Wife) to much Idolatry besides, neuerthelesse he married his eldest Son Iehoram, who was to succeed him in the kingdom, vntounto Athalia 2 Chr. 18: 1. 21 …, 6 22: 3 1 King. 22: 442 Chr 18:12 Chr 18:212 Chr 18:61 Kgs 22:44the Daughter of Achab; and made peace with the King himselfe. And this by likelihood hee did, so to ioyne kingdome to kingdome, and to hauehave those Neighbours more quiet: and not for any feare of their greatnesse now (wherein he might hauehave bin the rather excused, as vrged by necessity so to do) because hee had praeuailed against 2 Chr. 17: 12 Chr 17:1them already. A very great ouer-sight in him that so professed Religion himselfe: so to sow the Seeds with his owne hands of so manifest danger of so soule reuoulting from God as that might boad, euen in the next generation of al. But so easily may the best men of all forget themselues: & the cause of religion is on all hands so slenderly regarded; euen by the rarest patrons that lighly it hath. Those other things depending hereon, were all but a bitter fruit; and yet but the fruit of his owne waies: but yet so arising or growing, as that all came not to the Sickle in his time; but much of it came dropping in after. That which came to the Sickle in his time, or the fruite that himselfe did eate of, was partly in the dayes of Achab himselfe, with whom hee made this vnaduised affinity: and partly, in the dayes of one of his Sonnes. That which was in the dayes of Achab himselfe, was towardes the end of Achabs raigne: and it was some part of it, but (as it may seeme) a bruise or gall to his conscience; but another part againe, a speciall danger vntounto his person. That which G1 King. 2…: 2, 4, 29. 2. Chro. 18: 2, 3, 28.1 Kgs 2:21 Kgs 2:41 Kgs 2:292 Chr 18:22 Chr 18:32 Chr 18:28was but a bruise or gall to his conscience (at least as it may seem) was, that being come in good will to visit his Brother in law, Achab, the King of Israell, and being intreated p. 444by him to goe to warre with him against the Syrians, although hee then heard that voyage plainely misliked by the Prophet of the Lord (though it were iustyfied by others) and such an euent threatned vntounto it, as could not bee but very daunger our vntounto himselfe: yet made he so much of that his new affinity, that he would not hereon deny to ioyne with him in it, but helde on his course, though very likely it were, that his conscience was now against it. Else had hee done but like an Hypocrite, so to enquire for some Prophet of the Lorde: and then, not to regard his word when he heard it. But so many good men be entangled by worldlie frienshippe; themselues seeing they are led to that which they should not; and yet, hauing no heart to withstand it. That which was a speciall danger vntounto his person, was, that still holding on his purpose to goe with him, when once the battailes were ioyned, not onelyonly the King of Israell himselfe was slaine, but he also was in such danger, that 1. Kings. 22: 32, 37. 2. Chro. 18: 31. 34. 2 Chr. 19: 2, 31 Kgs 22:321 Kgs 22:372 Chr 18:312 Chr 18:342 Chr 19:22 Chr 19:3hee cryed out and fled, and so was dishonourably beaten out of the fielde: and besides all this, being come home, he was roundly reproued by the Prophet Iehu for it, and giuen to vnderstand, that the Lorde was so offended with him, for helping the wicked, that hee needed not thinke it strange that he was so foyled, and that he was more likely cleane to hauehave perished, but that diuers good thinges beeing found in him, the Lord dealt mercifully with him therein. That Sonne of Achab in whose daies he tasted more of the bitter fruites of his owne waies heerein, was Ahaziah, who next succeeded: with whom because he ioyned in a nauigation that hee intended 1. Kings. 22: 48, 49. 2 Chr. 20: 35, 36. Lyranus.1 Kgs 22:481 Kgs 22:492 Chr 20:352 Chr 20:36for Gold, his Nauy was so shattered and bruised by tempest, that it was not able to goe that voyage; Eliezer, a Prophet, telling him, that that was the cause of the losse of that his Nauy. But some there be that here conceiue, first that they be two nauigations that in these two places are spoken of; and that in the former Iehoshaphat admitted Ahaziah his partner, but would not in the latter when once he was reproued for it, and had sustained such hurt thereby (which, as I take it, may well stand with the Text:) then, that there was another cause besides why God would not prosper that voyage of his for Gold, because he had no such neede as Salomon before had HConr. Pellic.when God prospered him; and because God woulde not hauehave this good King any was grow worse thereby, which also agreeth with the Lawe that God himselfe to Kinges praescribed. That which came in dropping after, was partly by Iehoram Deut. 17: 17.Deut 17:17his Sonne: and partly by Athalia, that his Daughter in Law, for whom and by whom this affinity was. That which came in by Iehoram, his owne Son, was, that so soone as hee was established in his Kingdome, hee, euen hee, and not a stranger, slew all his 2 Chr. 21: 1-42 Chr 21:1–4Bretheren, being sixe, the Sonnes of Iehoshaphat aswell as himselfe: whom Iehoshaphat had tendred much, and placed well. But so belike it was meete in the iustice of God; that seeing he regarded so little to match his Sonne in so naughty a stocke; his owne yssue should so readily finde the inconuenience of it. That which came in by that Daughter in Lawe of his, for whom and by whom this affinity was, hath two maine branches of mischiefe: one, that on a small occasion she destroyed all the 2 King. 11: 1-3 2. Chro. 22: 10-12.2 Kgs 11:1–32 Chr 22:10–12blood royall, the Children of Iehoram her Husband and hers, and so many as yet remained of the Linage of Iehoshaphat (one only excepted which escaped her hands;) and then inuaded the Kingdome her selfe, and so held it from the line of Iehoshaphat the right heire, by that tyrannicall intrusion sixe yeares together. Now if God so auenged this inconsiderate match, on the Progenie of so good a King, on his owne Issue that otherwise hee had, and on his owne Nephewes from her descended; and that by the handes of her that so vndeseruedly was taken in to that honorable estate, and by the vertue thereof should hauehave beene a comfort and protection vntounto them, and indeede was no farther off, but the Sister in Law to the one sort of them (for it may well be doubted, by that which followed, that she had her hand in the slaughter of those also) and the very naturall Mother (but more vnnaturall a great deale) to all the rest: how may any others whatsoeuer, conceiue any hope of good successe of any such marriage, when God himselfe hath left vntounto vsus, in this one, so good a Seruaunt of his, so pregnant a warning to all ages ensuing?