Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 20 (1 of 4)

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 20 (1 of 4)

p. 500CHAP. 20.

1 IN what case they afterwarde stoode vntill the comming of Iesus Christ, being now to be seene, it shall be good not onelyonly to search Aout what that estate of theirs was: but also to enter into some consideration withall, how to resolue our selues, as touching certaine doubts which out of the same may arise vntounto vsus. Searching out, Bwhat that estate of theirs was, it shall be good likewise, that heere againe wee consider, first but generally thereof: then, that wee come more specially vntounto it. Generally it is no more but this, that still they were in subiection to others. For though now they were sent home from Babylon, yet were they still to bee in subiection to those that did deliuer them from thence: and so, to pay them tribute; and to hold their allegeance to them. When afterward also it pleased God to pull downe any of those States that for a time bare sway in the world, and to set vp others in their roome, then were they also to atturne (as it were) vntounto them, and to bee in allegeance to them. So, this people of God themselues, albeit they had that praerogatiue, that they were the onelyonly people of God: yet neuer were they vouchsafed that earthly fauour (in all this time that now we speake of) that they p. 501should grow to be a mighty State ouer others (as diuers there were, in this time that now we are in) but that others should hauehave that preheminence, and these should be in subiection vntounto them. So may we be the people and children of God; and so out of quaestion, very deare vntounto him: and yet neuer bee vouchsafed such earthly fauour, as others are. Which consideration some-times hath sitten so hard to diuers, that they hauehave beene much dismaied at it: for which cause it is so much more needfull that it be we well digested of vsus; least we also thereupon doubt of his fauour towards vsus. God meaning those that are his indeede, much better things than are these matters heere, he therefore bestoweth these vponupon others, but euer reserueth the better things to those that are his. Highnesse of minde, such as ariseth from the corruption of our nature, is that which maketh vsus so to prease vntounto praeheminence: but that is to bee abased and humility to bee planted in steede thereof. Another highnesse of minde there is, vnfainedly ioyned to humility heere, which descending from aboue, maketh small reckoning of those thinges that are beneath: and so teacheth those with whom it lodgeth, not much to care in how meane estate they are heere; but to set their most affections on those better things that are promised there.

2 More specially it seemeth needfull heere, that first we consider, somewhat of Athe compasse of time that this Story dooth lie in: then, of the estate of the people therein. The compasse of time that this Story doth lie in, is not so plainly set down in the Text, but that the learned doe yet vary about it: and it would aske a speciall Treatice, to beat out the likelier opinion of them. Which because the course that now we are in, doth not allow, therefore it shall be to our purpose sufficient, but onelyonly Bto consider of the Story, and of such time as we noted therein: especially seeing we make no quaestion, but that so much onelyonly is sufficient for vsus, as it hath pleased God to leaue vsus. As touching the estate of the people therein, wee finde, that for the most part of that time, we hauehave it set downe by the word of God, and in the way of History, as for other matters besides: but, for the residue of it, but by the way of Prophecy, and the same very briefly too. While we hauehave it set by the way of History, whereas but part of the people now returned, and many of them yet tarried behind, we hauehave some Story of both sortes of them: first of those that now returned; then, of those that yet tarried behind. As touching those that now returned, their Story first noteth in what estate or case they were generally: then doth it deliuer vntounto vsus, one speciall imployment of theirs besides. Generally no more but this, that they had vnderunder them both the freedome of their Religion and Lawes; and a Deputy or Gouernour, one of themselues: but yet that they were in subiection vntounto them, and did pay them tribute withall. That one speciall imployment of theirs, was the reedifying or building againe of the House of God. In the Story of which we hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, first how themselues were occupied about it: then, how it pleased God, in the end to finish it. Themselues were so occupied about it, that they did for a time maruelous well; but nothing so commendable, a little after. For, when first they came home, we reade of diuers thinges very well done, both of certaine of the chiefe among them: and of all the whole company too. Certaine of the chiefe among them gaue towards the building of the House of God, of their owne accord, Ezr. 2: 68-70 1 Esdr. 5: 44, 45.Ezra 2:68–70threescore and one thousand drams of Gold, fiue thousand peeces of Siluer, and an hundred Garments for the Priestes to vse in their ministration: the summe of which Gold and Siluer that so they did so willingly giuegive, being accounted, in our Coine, to Bibl. angl 1594amount to somewhat aboue fourscore and fourteene thousand, foure hundred fourscore and thirteene pounds; a notable contribution, if wee marke, in respect of those that gaue it. For they were but newly come out of captiuity: and men are not wont to let those that are of that sort, to grow to any speciall wealth among them: and whereas they were, besides their seruants, but a few aboue two and fourty thousand, this came to aboue forty shillings a peece, one with another. An example to bee marked of vsus so much the more, for that it seemeth it would be hard to match it with any such liberality of the greater sort among vsus: though we also hauehave now these many yeares had in hand the building vp of Gods House among vsus againe. Many of p. 502the greater sort among vsus, it may be, we might finde, and too too many of the meaner Ctoo, who one way or other hauehave possessed themselues of many of those thinges that should goe to the setting vp of the house of God among vsus, or at least were needfull for it: but for any such liberality wee are so defectiue, that it may bee very wel doubted, we hauehave no great meaning to get vp that building. Of all the whole company of them there are good things noted likewise, both of their present deuotion towards God: and of the care they had too, of the businesse or worke they had in hand. As touching their present deuotion then towards God, it is noted, Ezr. 3: 1-6. 1 Esdr. 5: 47-53Ezra 3:1–6Ezra 3:1that against the seauenth month the first of their festiuall times, it seemeth, they had, after that now they were returned, they all came together to Ierusalem, made ready the Altar, offered thereon in very good mannner, and kept withall the feast of Tabernacles according as by the law was appointed: and though it seemeth it was the feare of the people among whome they were, that much quickned vp their deuotion Ezr. 3: 3.Ezra 3:3nowe; yet seemeth it likewise, that with good courage they did performe 1 Esdr. 5: 50it, though the people of the Countrey did seeke to trouble them much therein. As touching the businesse they had in hand, then also they gaue money, and made prouision, Ezr. 3: 7. 1 Esdr. 5▪ 54, 55Ezra 3:7Ezra 3:1that so they might set in hand with the worke so soone as might be: and in the second month of the next yeare, they began the worke it selfe, laying the foundation Ezr. 3: 8-11 1 Esdr. 5: 56-62.Ezra 3:8–11and building thereon; ioyning withall, in very good manner, giuing of thanks and praises to God. At which time there fell out among them an accident very strange, till it be seen what reason it had. For when they had laid the foundation, and reared vp some building theron, as it was a ioyful sight to most of the company, Ezr. 3: 12, 13 1 Esdr. 5: 63-65.Ezra 3:12Ezra 3:13who shouted so for the ioy they conceiued, that farre off it was heard: so was it likewise so sorrowfull a sight to diuers of the company, such as were of the most ancient of them, who had seene the former Temple, out-liued the Captiuity, and were now come home againe, that they wept a-pace for sorrow, to see that this was neuer like to come neere to the former; and the cry of these (many of the others no doubt now ioyning with them, for the reuerence of their yeares and place among them) was likewise so great, that it could not bee discerned, whether the noyse of their mirth, or sorrow were greater. Wee also hauehave had many yeares nowe, the house of God rearing vp among vsus: but so very vnlikely euer to come to that beauty that were to be wished, for that the maintenance thereof is so strongly with-held by many; and that which remaineth, so hauked in still more and more, that although Dmany reioice for that which is already done (and good cause hauehave we, God be thanked, so to doe) yet many of the godlier and wiser sort, who see well inough that this kinde of building will neuer growe to any such beauty, as great reason it were it should, and can rightly decipher whereunto such glorious shewes as sometimes we hauehave doe closely tend, do heartily sorrow, to see it so intangled in a kinde of fatall necessity, that they can neuer look to see it out of the briers. But God be thanked, that whether wee reioice for that which is already done, or whether wee sorrow for that which wanteth and is like to want still, all is on behalfe of the Church of God. For we hauehave certaine others among vsus, that hauehave herein no sorrow at al, but to see the house of God aduanced among vsus so much as it is: nor any ioy, but to see it rise vp so slowly as it doth, & not likely neither to make better speed. That they did nothing so commendably a little after, was that they grew cold and slacke in this their businesse: which notwithstanding we doe not finde in the story, in that compasse of time that now we are in, namely, soone after they were returned; but yet are assured that so it was, because the Prophet Agg…s or Haggay doeth afterward from the lord so charge them. But that we do not lay any more to their charge Agg…. 1: 1-4than iustly wee may, we must withall confesse, that indeed they had some occasion giuen that they went not forward: but yet not such, as for all that time might hold them excused. The occasion they had, that they went not forwarde with the building that they beganne, was for the fore-part of the time but easie: but stronger after. While the occasion was but easie, neuerthelesse it seemeth, they suffered themselues to bee very long hindered thereby, euen threescore and tenne yeares, or thereabout. For as yet I see not the time so cleered by the Learned p. 503themselues, that wee may safely set downe the certainty of it: as neyther the Text it selfe doth tell vsus (as a matter belike that the wisedome of God did not thinke so needefull for vsus) what time it was that they left … building. But seeing it seemeth to bee so long an intermission as nowe wee hauehave …, it shall bee good, that so much the rather wee doe consider, both of the occasion they h…de vntounto it; and of their fault that thereon they made: that so wee may (…o our owne instruction) more distinctly see, first, how farre they were occasioned to surcease from that their buisinesse; then, how farre we may account they offended therein: They were occasioned to surcease from their busines, but more easily (as I said) at the first: but after, more strongly. When they were but easily hindred we are again to consider, first what the same hinderance was: then, what vse the Iewes made of it vntounto themselues. The hindrance that they had, was by certain neighbors of theirs neere Evntounto them, those mungrel-Israelites that we spake of before: the people that Salmanasor 2 kin. 17: 6, 24brought out of his own countries, and placed in the citties of Israel; taking away those that were left of the Israelites in deed, and placing those in certain citties of his. These, as we heard had the hand of God in such sort vponupon them at their first inhabiting there, that thereby they were brought to the feare and worship of the Lord: but yet not so fully not so sincerely, but that they worshipped then wonted Idols withall. The businesse that these did make to the Iewes, was first as friends: but then, as enemies. As friends, they came vntounto them offering themselues to help to build with them, as being of the same profession for Religion that the Iewes were Ezr 4: 1, 2 1 Esdr. 5: 66-69.Ezra 4:1Ezra 4:2of: themselues belike seeing no ods, but that seeing they woorshipped after a sort the Lord too, their profession was as good as the profession of the others, though they woorshipped their wonted Idols besides. And wee hauehave diuers such among vsus also, professing Christianity, but mingling their Idol-woorshipping withall (though, it may be, not altogether in so a high degree as those others, and yet in effect not farre of from them) who neuerthelesse themselues will not seeme to see but that they are as good Christians as any, yea and the onelyonly Catholiques all Christendome ouer. But the people of GOD were wise enough, for them, and so gaue them their aunswere accordingly: namely, that they had nothing to doe Ezr. 4: 3. 1 Esdr 5: 70, 71.Ezra 4:3Ezra 4:1in that businesse, but that it was to them the Iewes onelyonly committed; and so that themselues onelyonly woulde accordingly doe it. Apoynte of wisedome and resolute dealing that hath beene long ouer-much wanting with vsus, allowing those mungrell-Christians of ours to beare ouer-great sway in the Common-wealth among vsus, beeing now as it is so woorthy a member of the house or Church of God. For woe woorth the building, that they would hauehave builded: it would soone hauehave beene seene, what kinde of building theirs would hauehave beene. For so are wee sure, by playne experience, that ours hauehave doone. Beeing once allowed to beare any sway, in Court or Countrey, on Bench, or at Barre, the trueth of the Gospell, and the better professors of it, were euer sure, if they came in their way, to hauehave the shrewdest nip that they could giuegive them. God euer keepe them from the Counsell-Table: it is not to say, how wonderfull much mis-chiefe they might doe there. When these good Catholiques sawe themselues so plainely deciphered, and could not that way attaine to any part of their desire, then did they not sticke to shewe Fthemselues as thty were indeed, themselues pulling of their visards then, and shewing themselues to be plaine enemies, that seemed to be such frends before: and that which they did, first by themselues; then also, by others. By themselues, they so terrified and discouraged the builders, and so troubled them in their businesse, that Ezr. 4: 4. 1 Esdr. 5: 72Ezra 4:4Ezra 4:1the building of the Temple was thereby very much hindered. As we also hauehave seen by our companions of that rank, that when they might not themselues hauehave bin fingering as they thought good, then would they be so troblesome vntounto them one way or other, and cast in their way such terrors withall, as that thereby our building also hath thriued but ill, in comparison of that which otherwise it might hauehave done. By others they did it, first by hiering Counsellours against them: then, by seeking to Ezr. 4: ….Ezra 4weigh the King himselfe to their bent also. That they hired Counsellors against them, it was that they should bee a meanes to hinder the building: themselues belike p. 504seeing, that they did hinder it nothing so much, as their good Catholique hearts desired; and therefore seeking vntounto those others, that (they knewe well enough) could giuegive it a deadlyer gripe than they. And let Princes hauehave any such about them, wee neede not to doubt, but that our Catholiques too, will bee sure to wage them: and the Gospell may beshrewe theyr vnhappy Pates, that hauehave spyed that aduantage so much as they hauehave. To weigh the King to theyr bent also, it seemeth, that first themselues did write: then, that they got the Gouernours of those partes to doe the like. For first it is sayde, that themselues wrote an accusation against the Inhabitants of Iudah, and of Hierusalem: then it followeth immediatly after, that the Gouernours of those partes did also write against them. Of that which is attributed vntounto themselues, wee hauehave no more sayde, but onelyonly that they wrote to the King against them: but the other is set downe at large; and is indeede a greeuous letter against them. Of the former, though there bee no more sayde in particular: yet, as the effect thereof is set downe vntounto vsus, it implyeth matter enough against …. 4: 6,them, and that they spared not any particulars that might seeme to make for theyr purpose. But in the other, the Gouernours of those Countries, do so charge that Citty with rebellion and troublesomnesse to Kinges and Princes before, and …. 4: 6-23put the King in such feare of leesing all his Dominions there, if that Citty get vppe againe; and so referre themselues to the auncient recordes therein, that they readily Gobtaine inhibition to stay it: and when they hauehave gotten it, do as readily speed themselues to Ierusalem, to compell the Iewes to stay their building; and so the work now for long time ceaseth.Ibid. 23▪ 24

3 The Iewes, beeing thus farre occasioned, did now giuegive ouer (wee may may easily conceiue) at least for a time, theyr building there. But if wee marke, Awe reade of no inhibition till now; and this seemeth to bee much longer since they returned, than dyuers doe take it: and then had they time enough, to hauehave finished their woorke long before this. Whereas therefore the Prophet dooth charge them, that they had lingered in their businesse; and for that cause it was, that God Ag. 1: 1-4 Ibid. 5-11.had sent him a Famine among them: hence wee are very probably directed to gather, that first they hadde a long time lingered; then, that they were forbidden besides. Which is so much the rather to be considered, that we charge them no farther than iustly we may. So it seemeth, that that charge of the Prophet after, appertayneth but onelyonly to that time, when as yet they were not by Soueraigne authority forbidden to builde: and that then it was, that they so busily went about theyr owne priuate; and accounted it no time as yet, to build on forward the house of the Lord. A matter, so much the rather to be considered, first, for the better auoiding of one peece of danger that is in our way heere: then for certaine other generall doctrines besides. That one peece of daunger that is in our way heere, is a note in some of our Bybles that may seeme to import, that although Soueraigne authority Bibl. …gl 1594 in Ezr, 4: 24. …,did forbid them to goe any farther yet in their building; neuerthelesse being willed by their Prophets still to be doing, it was their partes in that case, rather to disobey their King than their Prophets. Indeede it followeth immediatly after, that a couple of Prophets did encourage them to bee doing: and that accordingly they did then set in hand with theyr businesse againe. But that is another Chapter, Ezr. 5: 1, 2.Ezra 5:1Ezra 5:2though next to it ensuing, and so not necessary to be vnderstood of the time that is spoken of in the Chapter before; as also we hauehave in the Text it selfe diuers good reasons that doe other-wise direct vsus to take it: both in these two Chapters that nowe we are in; and in the Story of those Prophets themselues that are spoken of heere. In these two Chapters that now we are in wee hauehave two reasons, one, arising out of them both: the other, in the latter of them. That which ariseth out of them both, Bis, that neyther wee hauehave the same King, nor those Gouernours in the one that we hauehave in the other: as by conferring them together dooth plainely appeare. If Ezr. 4: 6, 7, 11, 23. Ibid. 5: 5, 7.Ezra 4:6Ezra 4:7Ezra 4:11Ezra 4:23there bee not the same King in the latter that was in the former (as, though otherwise it bee very playne, yet if there were no more but that alteration of Gouernours p. 505that there wee finde, euen that onelyonly were sufficient to direct vsus to Ezr. 4: 7-9, 17, 23 Ibid. 5: 3, 6Ezra 4:7–9Ezra 4:17Ezra 4:23gather, that they were two seuerall times that were spoken of heere) then though the former did forbid them to builde, yet hadde they no such cause to stay vnderunder the latter: especially, beeing then so called vppon by those their Prophets as they were. That which ariseth out of the latter of them, is, that the time Ezr. 4: 6. 7. 5: 3, 5, 7Ezra 4:6Ezra 4:7Ezra 4:5Ezra 4:3when those Prophetes did encourage them to bee doing, and they thereuppon did returne vntounto it againe, was the same, when Tatnay and his Fellowes came to quaestion with them about it to informe the King, which was Darius, and not Ahash…erosh or Art…sh…sht then. In the Story of the Prophets themselues it is plaine, that it was in the dayes of a newe King that they did prophecy▪ not in the dayes of Ahash…erosh or Art…sh…sht that did commaund theyr building to cease, but in the dayes of Darius succeeding; and not till the second yeare of his raigne neyther, and the sixt month of the same for the one, and the eyght for the other. H…g. 1: 1. Zach. 1▪ 1Zech 1:1In which time there might bee some reasonable good knowledge had, whether hee were like to incline to theyr fauour or not: at least, when GOD was disposed to set these Prophets a-worke, then could hee frame the Kinges heart also, to be correspondent thereunto. Which consideration of the variety of times and the raigne of those Princes, might easily hauehave shewed, that such a note there could neuer seeme to hauehave any sufficient warrantice for it. But some, not other-wise euill, were then also, (it may seeme) so possessed with that opinion, that people were so much to regard the Presbyteries, that in such thinges the Regall eminency was to yeelde vntounto it, that euen that point of praeiudyce onelyonly, might make them the rather stumble at this: and so made themselues some-what bolde, in such sort to lay downe that note, as if men neede not feare to take that from the one, and to giuegive it vntounto the other. A point so per…lous, that it might not in duty bee omitted, but that others were to bee warned of it. Those other generall doctrines besides, that arise out of this, are two: one, appertaining to all; the other, to the greater sort chiefely. That which dooth appertaine to all, is of two principall branches: one, the notice of a speciall point of infirmity in vsus; the other, a course that God in such case, may be doubted, will take. That speciall point of infirmity in vsus that hence we may learne, is, how easily we slip (if wee take not the better heede) our greater businesse, in respect of some lesse: and not onelyonly such as Care but of ordinary or common temper therein; but euen of the better sort too. For this people, when first they returned, did maruellous well: with great deuotion they first worshipped God; and then for that their peculiar businesse, they liberally made prouision for it, and readily set in hand with the woorke it selfe. And yet soone after wee finde they were very slacke therein: and (it seemeth) a long time too. If a people for that time so forwarde and zealous, could neuerthelesse so soone fall off from it againe, a great deale more are many of vsus in danger of it. If wee inquire what it was that hindered them, wee doe not finde them other-wise charged, but with that vnseasonable regard of their owne priuate: but that dooth imply withall, that they had but a slender regard of the publique; for that a speciall regard, both of the one and of the other, doe neuer in any (or but very seldome) inhabit together. This may wee easily see in all publique good thinges whatsoeuer: but especially, as this case was, whensoeuer the house of God decayed, is to bee reared vp among vsus againe. For then (say wee) the time serueth not yet, that so we may with better colour goe about our priuate. Since the time it pleased God to vouchsafe vsus the Gospell, wee had plaine experience of it: then, beeing brought home againe from the Captiuity wherein wee were; and, for a while, at the first beginning well. But then our proceedings (sauing that still we vpheld, what wee had done at the first (were nothing so answerable to that beginginning as were to be wished. There was no time then (thought we) to proceed any farther: and yet before God, there was nothing at all, it seemeth, that hindred indeed (other things, I grant, might then be praetended) but onelyonly the immoderate louelove we had then to our priuate; but that may we see was thoroughly followed▪ by those that were in any place of such aduantage. Of that which since hath bin so busily p. 506followed to the vse of the whole, more than in the daies of those our elders th… liued before, I grant there may be some doubt conceiued, for that it might euer seeme to be carried by a care of the publique good of v… all: and so was … indeede, so far as there was no more done, than for the defense, maintainance and honour of the State was needfull to be. But if there were any needlesse burthens imposed on the lower, to raise vp some needlesse helpes to some higher (a doubt that in these our daies lay not far of to be conceiued) then was that publique but priuate also. The course that in such case God vseth to take, is, that when folke wil not, they shal not: as heere we may see he dealt with the Iewes. For when as hauing such time as they had, they neuerthelesse were so easily hindered, that so they might the rather go about their priuate, God then so ordained, that they should bee hindered indeede, Dwhich was by that inhibition giuen them. A generall warning to vsus all, to take time when it pleaseth God to giuegive it; else not to thinke much if hee also take it from vsus again: and to hauehave this circumspection, as in all things else, so especially in reedifying the Temple of God. We, in those daies that lately we spake of, had indeed many rubs cast in the way: but if wee marke, neyther were they, till first our selues lingered; and, from that time forward, they did still increase vponupon vsus. So that slipping time when we might, hardly came it after so fitly againe. God grant that yet, if so it may stand with the good pleasure of God, it may be euer taken as it ariseth. That which appertaineth to the greater sort chiefly, is, that the House of the Lord is not so easily repaired, as many it seemeth doe thinke that it is. Cyrus, hauing giuen them leaue, and some helpe vntounto it, and hauing done that in so good manner as indeede he had done, thought as it seemeth, that it would hauehave serued: himselfe would prosecute his good successe to the enlarging of those his Dominions; and so hee did. Himselfe acknowledged, that God had commanded him to build him an House in Ierusalem: and he implyed a plaine grant withall, that God had waged him already right well, to doe it, hauing giuen him, as himselfe told vsus, all the Kingdomes of the earth. And he hauing done that which he did, belike he thought, that therein hee had done as much as God would hauehave looked for at his hands. But he was deceiued: he was without quaestion a notable Prince, and many good things we find in him; but he was not well acquainted (as yet) with God. He was but an Heathen man: and knew not how striktly God would looke, that what he commanded, should with all diligence, and to the full, hauehave beene performed. Hee did not consider, that God commanding that vntounto him, did withall imply a Supersedeas to all thinges else, or Sequestration from them, till that were don: hee thought God would bee more easily answered; or that hee might in the meane season prosecute those his other affaires, and greater too (as it seemeth hee tooke them; and it is certaine, that others do) and afterward do this at more laisure. But God would not be so dealt withall by him: seeing hee no better did that which hee should; he did soone cut him off from that which he would. God had giuen him so much glory already, that it was not for him now to looke for any such augmentation thereof at the hands of him, whose glory in this so much he neglected: but rather to hauehave resolued on this, and to hauehave assured himselfe thereof, that heerein aduauncing (the best that he could) the glory of him that had brought him thus far already, he should that way soonest hauehave attained to all that glory, and those Dominions that yet abode him. But he leauing this the open and the readiest way, Eand that which was to him enioyned, he tooke another much more sutable to flesh and blood, and thereafter, in pitifull manner, perished in it. This might he hauehave done, without any hazzard at all of the blood of any, his owne, or others (if not to the sauing of very much which otherwise might be easily spilt:) that course that he tooke, could not be any way performed, but with much hazzard of blood; and, as it fell out, there was very much blood-sheading about it. It was first indeede but the blood of others; but by and by after, euen to the full, required with his: and that in dishonourable manner too, after that first the honour of God was so lightly regarded. A iudgement of God of speciall moment, euer to be before the eyes of those that hauehave charge: euer to account it their chiefe and principall businesse, to p. 507reare vp an ho… Temple to God, … of the… requiseth; and not to … that any thing else should … they hauehave done, in some good …, their duty in th….

4. Hauing seene in what sort the … themselues were occupyed … Ait … that in effect they did … better but … therein, … what the … they had thereunto at the first, and how long a time, as it seemeth, they had vntounto it afterward (but so doe wee also in all good imployments … that n…w we speake of) … God in the … to … it; … i… seemeth he did, first … people occasion againe after the…e …; then, … very comfortable m…ner, giuing to his the victory of … were▪ occasion the Enemies, after theyr … to … against them by that speciall dealing that no… it pleased hi… people: first in the subs… also in the manner …. The … that Ezr. 5: 1, 2 1 Esdr 6: 1, 2 Hag 1: 1-14 Zach. 1: 1.Ezra 5:1Ezra 5:2Hag 1:1–14Zech 1:1now in the raigne of another King, hee both s… his Prophets … them vp, now againe to be doing: and withall did … of the people …o do accordingly. The manner of it was, that it was not confusedly b… done, but in such order as most beseemed: the Prophets beeing so specially directed to Hag. 1: 1. Zach. 4: 6 Fzr. 5: 2. 1 Esdr. 6: 2. Hag. 1: 12, 14Hag 1:1Zech 4:6Hag 1:12Hag 1:14two of the chiefe Rulers among the people; and they being the chiefe Leaders vntounto the rest. And so is it a good token that the Lord also dealeth with vsus, when hee both calleth vppon vsus by his Prophets, and mooueth our he…es doe there-after: and when this is likewise doone, not in any con…sed or praeposterous order, but according to this good patterne before vsus. For some-times it commeth to passe, that we hauehave spirites among vsus, that pr…tending …nd reformation doe neuerthelesse make but slendes account of their Superiors, though professors and maintainers of Bthe Gospell too; but rather turne to the rude and in constant people, working with them as they are able, sometimes against those their superious, and very often vn witting vntounto them: and this oft-times they doe (for Sathan is comming, and so can deale when he is disposed) with such a shew and resemblance of true zeale indeed, that it is hard for many to finde them, to bee such as they art; beeing …o better (for many of them) than deceiuers indeede, and such as seeke to drawe men into parties to theyr 2 Pet. 2: 10 Iud. 8.2 Pet 2:10Judg 8owne aduantage. For not onelyonly wee are taught, in plaine tearmes since, that they are praesumptuous, and stand in their owne conceite, that despise gouernment or speake euill of those that are in dignity; but of old likewise God so coupled all true deuotion and zeale towardes him, in the Ten Commaundements so fast together, with the due honouring of Father and Mother, that though there were no more but that onelyonly to decyphe… their meaning and course that they hold, yet that onelyonly were euer sufficient whereby to knowe them: and not onelyonly those of the Popish crew; but all others also whatsoeuer. The Iewes therefore did now no sooner, being thus stirred vp, fall vntounto their businesse againe, but that their enemies (not those that wee heard of before, but all of a Feather) the Gouernours of those Countries now (but all these were Heathen, and knew not GOD, and were no Gouernors of theyrs neyther) were by and by with them, and would needes know of them, how it came to passe, that now againe they would needes bee building. But now, belike doubting, that the inclination of theyr newe Prince was more fauourable towardes them, than they would hauehave wished that it shoulde hauehave beene, they deale with them accordingly, not so imperiously, nor so saucily as other-wise they would, (for that is the manner of all the Enemies of God and his people▪ to bee too too Ezr. 5: 3, 9, 10 1 Esdr. 6: 3, 4Ezra 5:3Ezra 5:9Ezra 5:10malapert so long as they are backt with earthly helpes; but other-wise to bee, as therein they are of a base kind, as seruile as may be;) but only asking whereupon they are afresh so building, and taking the names of the principall of them; so to terrifie them the more, so farre as they might. In the aunswere that the people doe giuegive them hereto it is good to marke, that they make no mention but onelyonly Exr. 5: 11-16 1 Esd. 6: 13-20of that which made for them, the authority of Cyrus which they had to builde; and neuer speake of the inhibition afterward giuen that might easily seeme to p. 508make against them, though that also might well be answered by them, as becomming …o…d by the …th of him that gaue it: so the rather to auoyd (it may seem) needlesse contention and businesse with them; all of that kind beeing …uer ready to make Mountaines of Mole-hils, so oft as they get neuer so little hold against Cthem, or but onelyonly some very shaddowe, where they faile of the body it selfe. The occasion being thus giuen and taken, and now beeing to see how comfortable manner it pleaseth God to giuegive vntounto his the victory of them, that they we see that hee plainely dooth, first (if wee marke) in the accusation or charge that was laid against them: then, in the processe of the cause ensuing. In the accusation or charge that was layd against them we may note it, for that God doth so ouer-rule them that they … but moderately in the cause: both with the people themselues Ezr. 5: 3-17 1 Esdr. 6: 3-22Ezra 5:3–17that were building; and when they write to the King about it. For that they deale no … with the Iewes themselues, we are to conceiue, that beeing of the kinde they were of, so naturall Enemyes to the people of God, and especially to the sincerity of their profession, there was some speciall hand of God in it that bridled them to that moderation. The like wee may see when they write to the King, for that they did but plainely write of the case as it was, without any mingling of any bitternesse or Gall against them: and very indifferently refer it vntounto him, whether it please him to cause search to bee made whether any such graunt was made them, or not; and what his pleasure was in that case to be done. Some way or other no doubt they were muzzeld, beeing so curst thinges as they were, and yet did so little offer to bite. In the processe of the cause ensuing the most of Gods dealing was with those others: but some part of it likewise with the Iewes. Those others were, the King himselfe, and those that (so farre as it was) offered themselues against the Iewes. The King, vponupon that letter of theirs Ezr. 6: 1-12 … Esdr. 6: 23-34.Ezra 6:1–12causing search to be made, and finding that Cyrus indeede had giuen them leaue so to builde, and out of his owne Coffers had allowed the expenses of it, then giueth his iudgement, and setteth downe his decree: first, for that time praesent; then, for all ages after ensuing. For that time praesent his decree was, that they should in no wise hinder it; but that whatsoeuer the Iewes should neede thereunto, eyether for the building it selfe, or for the seruice of God after, that should be giuen vntounto thē out of the kings Coffers there, as themselues should require, that so prayer might there be made for him and his: and that if any should alter this order, himselfe should be executed, and his house both razed and made a Dung-hill. For all ages ensuing, he putteth all Kinges and peoples vnderunder a greeuous and fearfull cursse, and the same to descend vntounto them from the selfe-same God that had Eput his name there, whosoeuer should after put to their handes to destroy that house of God at Hierusalem. A Story of great worth to be marked, not only in respect of that which he did: but also in respect of the person that he sustayned. In that which he did, one thing we may note throughout the whole: another, out of one part of it. Throughout the whole wee may see, that in that cause (which was the building vp againe of the house of God in Hierusalem) he did not temporize, but was very resolute: as not only Princes, but all others also, should euer be, in the cause of Religion. A matter so much the rather to bee marked, for that the vndoubted wisedome of God hath here set downe this for a patterne: whereas it is but onelyonly the wisdome of flesh and bloud that giueth that other direction vntounto vsus; heere also approoued by the effect that then ensued. That one part of it is, in that so hee thundereth against whatsoeuer Kinges and peoples should afterward goe about to impeach the house of God there: the truth whereof we hauehave in Iesus Christ, and in our Churches, wherein the name of God is called vponupon, and wherein his people hauehave the vse of his word and Sacraments. And seeing that it pleaseth God somtimes to vse but meane instruments to great good purposes (as when hee spake by Balaam himselfe, and by his Asse) the matter it selfe is of that Nature, that leadeth vsus to conceiue that it is of GOD: and then, both that it is a definitiue sentence of God himselfe, though vttered but by that King then; and that it incloseth within the daunger of it, all such as now also any p. 509way impeach the estate of the Church among vsus. In respect of the person that hee sustained, one thing is plaine: another, very probable too. That which is plaine, is, that he was but an Heathen man: and in that rude age of the World. A matter of iust condemnation to many Christians: nowe in this great light of the Gospell. That which is probable, is, that the King that wee speake of was a …astard, or one that was but base borne: the learned resoluing that it was hee that Fra. I…. in. Ezr. 4: 24Ezra 4:24was so called; and that so he was indeede. A very rare matter to hauehave any of that sort so well disposed towardes God, as many thinges heere doe shew this than to hauehave beene. Many of them other-wise hauehave beene notable then, and some in our dayes too, great …kers or outward professors of the Gospell: but very fewe good men of them all; and euen those Gospellers also (it may be feared for diuers of them) Church-robbers rather than Church-rearers. Let all sorts be careful, euer to keepe both their bodyes and beds vndefiled. That part of his dealing Ezr. 6: 13-…2 1 Esdr. 7: 1-15Ezra 6:13that was with the Iewes, was, that they beeing so farre encouraged and holpen then (euen those Gouernors themselues readily and roundly now comming in to Etheir helpe) and the Prophets so calling vppon them besides, and so now hauing, as it were, both the Sunne and the Moone to giuegive them light, or both heauen and earth assistant vntounto them, the worke was soone dispatched by them: and then, that beeing finished, and at such time of the yeare, as that the Feast of the Passe-ouer soone after approached, they first solemnized the dedication of it in very good manner, and with great gladnesse and ioy; and helde the Feast of the Passe-ouer, and vnleauened Bread very orderly too. In which Gouernours aforesaide wee hauehave withall a very good patterne, what hope we might hauehave of such like among vsus, Enemies yet to the Gospell of Christ, and to the building vppe againe of his Temple heere: namely, that although yet, so long as they see that they are but dallyed withall, they praetend full smoothly, that their conscience forsooth will not suffer thē to come to the church, or at least, not to communicate; yet were they kindly dealt with indeed, as these others were here, conscience or no conscience, then would they come. For though their praetence or outward appearance for the time beare a faire shew, in certaine of them, as though in no wise they might be mooued: yet seeing that lighly they hauehave (among all the sort of them) no conscience at all, but such as resteth not on the word of God but vppon pollicy, priuate combinations, and both vnaduised and wicked oaths, we need not to doubt, but that that kind of conscience is of so good fellow-like a nature, that it will readily go with them whither soeuer themselues list, hither and thither, to this side & that, yea forward and back-ward, euen as they will; and will euer bee loath, goe which way they list, to tarry behind them.

5 As touching those that tarryed behind when these others returned, we are first to consider who they were: then, what is the Story of them. It is therefore Agood to consider who they were, because wee finde some that are named for this returne, whom notwithstanding we reckon to bee of those that tarryed behind: namely, Nehemiah, and Mordecay. As touching Nehemiah wee hauehave indeede Ezr. 2: 2. 1 Esdr. 5: ….Ezra 2:2Ezra 2:1good Story, that he came afterward: but it seemeth he came not yet, except he returned backe againe. For, being so great a man as he was, named heere in the third place also, it is not vnlike, but that now we should hauehave had some Story of him: and certaine it is that long after this hee was in the Court, in the Pallace Nehem. 1: 1. 2: 1.Neh 1:1Neh 1:2of Susan, attending the King there, in a speciall office. As for Mardocheus or BMordecay, we do not else-where find, that he came at all: but afterward we hauehave some Story of him there. So it is thought by some, that although they came Tremel. I…n.not now, yet they gaue in their names at Babylon, to bee of the number of those that would returne: and more specially for Mordecay, that the Mordecay that is Bibl. Angl.named heere, was not the same of whom wee hauehave the Story after. Howbeit seeing the Text nameth two such heere to hauehave returned with the rest, it is most likely that they also returned with their Bretheren, but then went backe to Babylon againe. It is the manner of the best natured men to accompany their friends p. 510in speciall iournies, at the least for a good part of them: and the wiser sort hauehave euer thought it wisedome, that so many as were men of speciall reckoning, should in all such actions as they would hauehave to go forward, be formost themselues, or … least by their praesence or partaking with them, to giuegive some countenance … credit vntounto them. So it may very well be, that these also, eyther in kindnesse as they were bretheren and good men besides, or else for example to draw the mo with them, being of such account among them as they were, did now also returne although we hauehave yet no Story of them: as also we may easily conceiue, that there w…e none others so called, that should be vouchsafed …o hauehave such place heere among the chiefe and principall Fathers, any thing so likely as those of whom wee afterward hauehave so speciall Stories. Yet because wee hauehave no Story of them yet; and that by likelihoode when they had brought their bretheren home, they returned backe againe for the good of those their bretheren: therefore hauehave I also for this time thought good, to make no other reckoning of them, than as yet remaining behind; and of those the Story will afterward shew, that there were many others besides of whom we hauehave no particular mention.

6 Now therefore as touching the Story of these, we may well conceiue that Athere were two sortes of them: some that staied there for the good of the people; others, but in worldly respects. Of those that seeme to hauehave stayed there for the good of the people, one there is of very great and speciall account, that, for ought that wee reade, staied there still: but others, that afterward came home to their bretheren. He that was of speciall account, and for ought that we reade of, stayed there still, was Daniell the Prophet. On whom although wee hauehave already Bheard somewhat in the proper place thereunto appertaining, as then the consideration of him was but a part of the Story of the whole people: yet now that wee are to consider thereof as his own proper Story, in this place, in that respect, it shall not be amisse to consider somewhat more fully of it, his case therefore was such, as that soone after the Persian Monarchie got vp there, he was brought into great perill of his life: but wonderfully deliuered againe. So it shall bee good for vsus to consider, first of his perill: then, how he was deliuered from it. In his perill wee are likewise to consider, first of the occasion of it: then, of the danger it selfe. The occasion of it consisted, if we marke, of two principall branches: one, the fauour the King did vouchsafe him; the other, the enuie of the Nobles against him. The fauour that the King did vouchsafe him, was very great; and besides hee meant greater vntounto him: and the reason was, the excellency of the spirit, or, as wee commonly Dan. 6: 1-3Dan 6:1–3speake, the great worth or worthinesse that the King noted in him; as also it may probably be, that the fame that before might iustly go on him, especially by his late praediction of Balthasars fall, might occasion the King first to cast his eye vntounto him. A matter so much the more worthie to be considered, if we marke what honour it was the King did vouchsafe him: and whereupon the King did vouchsafe the same vntounto him. The honour he did vouchsafe him was, to be one of the chiefe in the affaires of all his Dominions, hauing then an hundred and twenty Kingdomes or Prouinces vnderunder him; so placing a Prophet in very high place in matters of state: a very absurd thing, in the distempered humors of many; but heere not onelyonly put in yre (and to great good purpose too) by that Heathen King, but left enrouled to our instruction by God himselfe. If we marke whereupon the King did it, we finde that it was, not for any cunning or fetching head, or for that hee could deepely dissemble, much lesse for any bad deuises he had to wring in the wealth of others, and to keepe all low but themselues; but for the excellency of the Spirit that was in him: a speciall good patterne to shew vntounto Princes, in what ranke of people they may soonest finde such as are for them; so that withall they euer take heede of humorous mixtures oft-times concurring. Whereupon the enuy of the Nobles did arise against him we hauehave not expressed, being belike left vsus as a matter of that facility, that eueryevery one himselfe may finde it: but that it was great, is very plainely noted vntounto vsus. In that it is left to our selues to gather, whence it arose, we are by it p. 511onelyonly sufficiently taught, that none lightly can hauehave any speciall place of honour or fauour about a Prince, but that others will take it ill, & seeke to vndermine him therein; especially being such as he was, a stranger then, and a captiue before: and that no Cworthinesse of the party whatsoeuer, can bee against all a protection vntounto him; all others (to speake of) accounting themselues, though neuer so meane, yet to be of reasonable good worthinesse too. How great this enuy of theirs was against him, we hauehave by two thinges set downe vntounto vsus: one, that they sought no lesse than his life; the other, that they did it, when neuerthelesse themselues could finde no fault at all with him. In that no lesse than his life would please them, we may see how plainly they aduenture their liues, that prease to the higher places in Court: thereby making themselues a marke for others to aim-at. In that they did it, when neuerthelesse they could finde no fault with him, and thereupon did cast otherwise to intrap him, we are not onelyonly to marke, as afore, that innocency in such case doth not euer secure vsus; but farther to consider withall, of that speciall deuise of theirs that they had to intrap him: and first, what they concluded among themselues; then, what they obtained of the King. Themselues concluded, when they had wacht him long before, that they Dan. 6: 4, 5Dan 6:4Dan 6:5should neuer finde any fault with him, as touching the discharge of the trust to him committied in the place he was in: and that the onelyonly way to intrap him would bee, some way or other to seeke to do it by the Lawe of his God that he professed; and so resolued first to make a decree for their purpose, and then to moue the King therein. Daniell then was an happy man, that walked so euen in all his waies, in so great a charge, in so high a place, ouer so many Countries, and in such fauour with his Prince, that none of them all, though gladly they would, was able to lay any thing to his charge: a wonder rather than a Story to vsus, who cannot hauehave any so little such place of aduantage, but that we are so farre from walking so euen that no body can charge vsus; as that wee hauehave much a-doe to stop the mouthes of whole Countries, that they cry not out against vsus. On the other side, if any would lay a plot to catch vsus, by any constancy or deuotion in vsus in our Religion, and wee any way vnderstoode that that way were laid some plot to catch vsus, wee then could walke so iust and euen betwixt heauen and earth, that Foulers could neuer liue by their Trade, if they could no better deale with the wiliest foule that is, than these other Birders could at any time preuaile against vsus: Long might they fast, if needes they would still keepe their stomacke for so dainty a dish. That which they obtained of the King, was as touching the decree that they had made: and so are wee first to consider of that decree; then, how they did in the end obtaine it. In that decree wee are to consider, not onelyonly what it was in it selfe: but much rather what it was in respect of the vse whereunto it was ordained. What it was in it selfe, is plain enough in the Text: namely, that none DDan. 6: 4-7Dan 6:4–7should for thirty daies space, make any request to God or man, but onelyonly vntounto the King himselfe; and, if any did, that then he should be cast into the den of Lyons. In respect of the vse, whereunto it was ordained, first wee may plainely see, that great Counsellers sometimes, are but meanly occupied, and become trap-makers too: and not euer but some of them of lesse reckoning; but euen all the whole company of them (for so they plead, that it was the doing of them all) and so consequently, euen the flower of them withall. Then, that for the more easie obtaining of it, they sticke not to seeme to hauehave it their meaning, to defie their King, or to make a God of him: and yet that they do it in wisedome too, not vrging to the people too much at once, and therefore appointing (for the first time yet) but thirty daies onelyonly. In that these great Counsellers heere, do so lie in wait, by the helpe of the King to intrap Daniell, Princes hauehave a reasonable good warning to take good heede, that of those that are the greatest about them, if any be more faithfull than the rest, the others do not abuse their help to intrap them: and in the other, that if in their greatnesse they cannot bee content still to be men, lightly they hauehave such about them, as (for one purpose, or other) will not sticke soone to make them to swallow. How in the end they did obtaine it, that we may the better see, we are to note, that one part of it they easily got: but hardly the other. That which they did easily get, was to hauehave the King to confirme Dan. 6: 8, 9Dan 6:8Dan 6:9it, or to establish it: which they did no sooner moue, but that he readily granted, p. 512adding his confirmation or seale vntounto it. A patterne plaine enough in it selfe, both how readily such as are in high place about Princes, will sometimes abuse them: and how easily Princes themselues if they take not good heede, are by those that they trust abused. That which they did more hardly obtaine, was the execution of it: concerning which, first wee are to see how there was an offense found to bee committed; then, how the execution thereon was obtained. The offense that was found to bee committed, was, in that Daniell vsed prayer still after his wonted manner: Dan. …: 10, 11.and they purposely watching, tooke him so doing. Whereby it seemeth first very plaine that Daniell was wont to vse prayer: and, not altogether vnlikely (sauing that none but himselfe, was thereupon accused or troubled) to bee with his Family also, for that they did so well know it, and wrought thereupon; and for that now they could so readily come vponupon him when hee was so occupied. Otherwise, if it were such prayer as himselfe vsed alone, it is not vnlikely, but to such purpose hee would hauehave taken some place more priuate: as both the nature of that Ekinde of prayer requireth; and it is the manner of the best men to doe, as Christ also himselfe dooth afterward teach. For that the window towardes Ierusalem in Mat. …: 6.the place where hee was at prayer, was open, it is not needefull that so wee take it, as if purposely hee did it not caring who saw what they did; or that so hee would doe, purposely to crosse that wicked decree: but that the place where hee was wont to bee at prayer, was so coasted, that it was open towardes Ierusalem, that so he and his Family vsing to direct themselues towardes it in their prayer (as Salomon had 1 King. 8: 46. 53.1 Kgs 8:461 Kgs 8:53conceiued before, that in such case the faithfull would doe, and withall had desired that God would then heare them) might more earnestly bee stirred vp thereby vntounto prayer, and seeke to meete with such fauour of GOD in the way that for it was thus farre praescribed vntounto them. Where also it is to bee noted, that now they were in their enemies Land, where there was no publique prayer or exercise of true Religion to God: and that therefore it was more meete for Daniell to hauehave it at home, for him and his. For where Religion is professed and the Publike exercise thereof allowed, there should the Publique place by all bee frequented: and the rather, both to the better leading on of others; and to praeuent the wilinesse and distempered zeale of some, who vnderunder praetense of prayer in priuate houses, vndermine the peoples regard to the publique, and besides breede in diuers thinges, sects and diuision. The execution heereon was obtained, by their great importunity with Dan. 6: 12-18Dan 6:12–18the King, who otherwise would gladly hauehave deliuered Daniell, but that they were so importunate with him, vrging the stricktnesse of the Lawes of the Medes and Persians, that being once made, they might not for any mans cause bee broken: and so in the ende Daniell according to that new Lawe, onelyonly for that cause purposely made, was cast into the den of the Lyons; but sore against the minde of the King, if with the consent of his Nobles hee might hauehave done it. In which strictnesse of the Lawes of the Medes and the Persians it shall bee good for vsus more specially to marke, one thing that is very commendable in them: another that is as defectiue too. Commendable it is, that they had so speciall care of putting their Lawes in due execution when once they were made: not sparing the greater sort therein, apartiality that is too vsuall with vsus. But defectiue they were in that there was not praerogatiue left in the handes of the King, to dispense with such thinges, as came not within the sense or meaning of the Lawe; but onelyonly within the letter of it. Not that wee may account this Lawe that wee speake of to be altogether of that nature: Fbut that the resolutnesse of their speaches importeth that there was no such helpe reserued. For in this Law that we speak of, it was the chiefe meaning of those Nobles, to giuegive that stranger such a chirt among them: and though it were sore against the Kings mind, that when Daniell was come within the danger of it, it should bee executed on him; yet can we not so properly thereupon say, that the King had no such meaning, as that the King was by them ouer-reached, and did ouerslip himselfe in it, including that he neuer thought of. His deliuerance out of this danger was such, as very effectually wrought with the King besides: but first of that his deliuerance; then, in what sort it wrought with the King. Againe his deliuerance it selfe was such, p. 513that he was not onelyonly deliuered from those sauage Lyons: but also to the destruction of those that caused him to bee cast in vntounto them, as sauage as they. That hee was deliuered from the Lyons the King himselfe found the next morning betime; & Dan. 6▪ 19-24Dan 6:19–24so was he taken out from them againe: and, on the other side, the others cast in, not onelyonly themselues, but also their Wiues and Children with them; to whom the Lions then gaue no sparing, but made a ready and quicke dispatch of them all. Which example of Gods great and wonderfull protection of Daniell, and the seuerity of his Iustice on those his Enemies, so wrought with the King, that not onelyonly him-selfe gaue glory to GOD: but also commaunded all his Dominions to doe the like; acquainting Dan. 6: 25-27Dan 6:25–27them with that which at this time he had for Daniell done. A great condemnation to many of vsus, that an Heathen King shoulde bee so ready for this one great worke to publish the name of the Lord: and we being Christians, and thereby made acquainted with great numbers of such workes of his towardes vsus and others, neuerthelesse are nothing so ready to acquaint others there-with to his glory, not onelyonly such as are farther of, but not so much as our neerest friends or neighbours, no nor those of whom we hauehave charge, our Children and Seruants.

7 Those that after came home ta their Bretheren, were two: Esra the one; Nehemiah the other. The Story of Ezra is in effect no more but this, that considering AEzra.of the case of his Bretheren, and beeing himselfe able to instruct them in the knowledge of God, and hauing some fauour, as it seemeth, already with the King, he thought to see if he could be able to compasse, that so hee might bee by the King imployed: and speeding very well therein, he then got others vntounto him, and did make Bhis repaire accordingly; so to bestow his labour among his Bretheren that were already returned. So are wee first to consider of this his comming vntounto them: then, what he did when he came there. In this his comming vntounto them, we are likewise to consider; first, what was his purpose or meaning in it: then, howe it pleased God to prosper him therein. His purpose or meaning was for their good, much like to that of Moses, when he left the Court to go and see how his Brethren did vnderunder theyr burthens: and no doubt a speciall worke of Gods holy spirite in him. For hauing studyed Exod. 2: 11 Act. 7: 23. Ezr. 7: 1-10 1 Esdr. 8: 1-8Exod 2:11Acts 7:23Ezra 7:1–10befor the Law of God, and hauing attained vntounto good knowledge therein, he now resolued, or tooke purpose with himselfe, or, as there it is sayde, praepared his heart to some speciall seruice of God: namely, to seeke the Lord, or to doe him, as the case was then, the best seruice he could; and so determined, to goe into Iury to his Bretheren that were gone home before, and to teach them the knowledge and feare of GOD. A rare, and a speciall good Story: well to bee considered of all; and an example to great good vse in all ages among vsus. For his purpose was, to leaue the place where now he was seated (as we may probably conceiue, for that he tarryed so long behinde his Bretheren that went home first) and well too, it may seeme by his so long tarrying there, and the fauour we finde a little after he had with the King: and to goe into Iury to his Bretheren there, to bestow his labour, in that aforesaide instruction, on them. If wee marke the Story (and he was not like to bee ignorant of it) whereas there went not downe full out fifty thousand in all, of themselues and their Seruants, we finde, that foure thousand sixe hundred and thirty Ezr. 2: 64, 65 Ibid. 36-42.Ezra 2:64Ezra 2:65of them were Priestes and Leuites, all of them, by Gods ordinance and theyr owne profession, teachers of the people. So falleth it out, that they had so many Teachers (by profession) among them already, that eueryevery of them, one with another, had not full out fiue persons of all the rest to teach: and so might this purpose of his seeme to be needelesse; and to some, but onelyonly a weake conceite of his owne. But Esra belike, did much more deepely consider, than many others: both of that late desolation that was among them; & of their praesent estate at that iime also. For the late desolation that was among thē, hauing no exercise of their profession, conuersing with those that were Idolatrous, & ouer-ruled by them, must needs make such a dissipation of Religion, and all good order among them, as could hardly bee recouered againe many yeares after. Their praesent estate also could in no wise be, for such matters, but pittifull yet, the building of the Temple it selfe being hindered, and p. 514Cbeing in so great an hazzard, whether euer it should goe forward or not. For so we may be sure, the Priestes and Leuites were not yet restored to their needefull and wonted maintenance, but were compelled otherwise to helpe themselues, and to supply their owne necessities so well as they could: as also there may be no better hope conceiued, but that such as did imploy themselues in the ministery (& those by likelihood but few) neither had the people any thing well attendant, nor were themselues but faintly occupyed, or but after a secondary manner. Esra therefore might well conceiue, that in such case some body had need to bestow some speciall labour about them, and thereupon did yeeld himselfe to that seruice. And so among vsus it were to be wished, that seeing in the most of the greatest Parishes, the due and needefull maintenance of the Ministery is so strongly with-held from those Churches, that there can bee no maintenance had for an able man among them; and many of those able men that otherwise wee hauehave, seeing their people, (for want of stronger order taken) so carelesse, and all the whole sway of the people about them, so vniuersally carried to the praesent things of this world, do but easily follow their function also: it would please God to stir vp, and to send forth some such store of Esraes among vsus, as that at least the most desolate places might in some good measure be relieued thereby; and that some of the Issue or Stocke of those, that so with-hold the right of these Churches, would buckle themselues vntounto the Ministery, & on their owne charges make so good supply, as God should cable them to doe. This extraordinary course of his, especially beeing so vniuersall, or bending it selfe towardes the whole people generally, might bee some checke vntounto the easier labour of others, and by them therefore the hardlier censured: but it was the hand of God that was vppon therein, both a sufficient warrant Ezr. 7: 6. 1 Esdr. 8: 28Ezra 7:6Ezra 7:1in his owne conscience, and a strong defense against others. It pleased God to prosper him therein, both while yet he was in Babylon: and in his way home-ward too. While yet he was in Babylon, it pleased God so to worke (in a manner) in the hearts of all, that on eueryevery side he had great encouragement and helpe to that his good purpose, in plentifull measure: first of the King himselfe; then, also of others. It pleased God so to worke in the heart of the King himselfe, that hee dealt maruellous graciously with him: insomuch, that although it seemeth, that Ezra desired very much of him; yet was the King nothing behind in liberal granting. For that it was the request of Ezra, we need not to doubt, for that the Text it selfe doth doth so tearme it: and that the King was as free in granting, it appeareth Ezr. 7: 6. 1 E…dr. 8: 4.Ezra 7:6Ezra 7:1likewise, for that the Text doth also witnesse, that the King did grant him all his request. First therefore it shall be good to see what it was that Ezra desired, Dand the King did grant him: then, to mark what vse we may make thereof to our selues. What Ezra desired, wee hauehave not in particular noted vntounto vsus; but onelyonly what the King graunted vntounto him: but seeing we vnderstand already, that both are one, we need go no farther, but onelyonly to that which heere wee hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus. The King therefore we find to hauehave dealt very graciously with him, both in the authority & credence he gaue him: and by the aid that he did afford him out of his treasure besides. Authority and credence are in nature so linked together, especially the latter of them vntounto the former, that where it goeth before, there doth the other necessarily follow. Yet is Ezra in so speciall good liking with the King, that besides the authority that he doth giuegive him, hee diuers times in playne tearmes doth expresse how worthy a man he accounteth him to be, and what speciall Ezr. 7: 12, 14-16, 18, 21, 25 Ibid. …7. 28 1 Esdr. 8: 9-28Ezra 7:12Ezra 7:14–16Ezra 7:18Ezra 7:21Ezra 7:25trust he reposeth in him: as Ezra himselfe dooth afterward also very plainely acknowledge. A large proportion for the wisest and godliest Ministers of the Gospell, at any time to attaine vntounto, not onelyonly with the most Christian Princes that our age breedeth; but euen with much meaner men than they, yea with the meanest of all too: and therefore not amisse, that such examples should shew forth themselues vntounto vsus, when we come in their way, that so wee may the better learne what we are indeed, profaine or godlesse a great deale more than we are aware of. In the authority that now he gaue him, wee may see the King had a speciall good care, that Ezra might be very well furnished vntounto his iourney first: and then to do p. 515the businesse it selfe, when hee came home. To furnish him to his iourney first, Ezr. 7: 13, 15, 16. 1 esdr. …▪ 10-18Ezra 7:13Ezra 7:15Ezra 7:16Ezra 7:1he gaue him leaue to take home with him, both so many of his Countrey-men the Iewes as were themselues willing to goe: and all such contribution and free-will-offering as eyther the King himselfe, or any of his Nobility or Counsell, or any of his owne people or of Iewes, should bee induced to giuegive towardes the Lordes House in Hierusalem. It is not here set downe what the King himselfe did giuegive, nor in particular that he did giuegive any thing at all; and so of all the others besides; but when heereupon it was gotten together, and afterward deliuered to certaine of the company of trust, to take the charge to carry it home, then it doth plainely appeare that they all had giuen very liberally. The better to do the businesse it selfe when he came home, he gaue him authority, from himselfe and his seauen Counsellers Ezr. 7: 14.Ezra 7:14(the highest authority of all that was there) to make first such inquiry and search how all things stood there: as that so finding al such wants or griefes as thē did vrge them, he might then so much the better prouide remedy for them. Hauing gatheted him to such aduisement first, then it seemeth by the course of the Commission it selfe he leadeth him, first to such things as concern certain of them Emore specially: rhen, vntounto such … concerne all generally. Those whom the Commission doth respect more specially, are first, such as appertaine to the Land of Iury: then, certaine that confine vponupon them. Of such as appertaine to the land of Iury, a couple there are that are so specially regarded: the Temple it selfe, & the due worship of God therein; & so many of the Iewes themselues as were imploied thereabout. For the Temple it selfe and the due seruice of God therein, the king doth by this his Commission, first prouide for certaine things more specially: then, for all together generally. Those that he prouideth for more specially, are, first for the right imploiment or vse of certain things they had already: then, for some others that might be wanting. The things they had already, were, the Treasure and Plate that they brought with them: of which treasure they were praesently to lay foorth Ezr. 7: 17, 18 1 Esdr. 8: 15-17Ezra 7:17Ezra 7:18what shold be needful, for al such sacrifices as were from time to time to be offered, and all the rest to be disposed as Ezra himselfe, and his Brethren should think good, to the vse of Gods seruice; & all the Plate or holy vessels, were to be placed Ezr. 7: 19 1 Esdr. 8: 18Ezra 7:19in the temple to the vse of Gods seruice, as to eueryevery sort of them should appertain. Those otaers that might be wanting, were such as the King and his Counsell conceiued might be mo than they could think of; and therefore took order for those Ezr. 7: 20-22 1 Esd. 8: 19-21Ezra 7:20–22things also: and that in such sort as is worthy the marking, both for the proportion in such case praescribed; and in what sort it should bee deliuered. For the proportion was very liberall: making no stay, so long as it did not exceede an hundered Talents of Siluer; and the like proportion (in theyr kinde) in Wheat, Wine, Oyle, and Salt. For the manner of the deliuery of it, the Deputies in the Countries adioyning were commaunded, in such sort to doe it, as that the Iewes could neuer hauehave wished a readier nor a better way: they beeing commaunded, that it should forth-with bee deliuered without delay; euen onelyonly vppon Esraes requaest, or when he should call for it. Not so content with these limitations, he farther commaundeth generallie, that whatsoeuer by Gods appointment is to bee Ezr. 7: 23. 1 Esdr. 8: 22Ezra 7:23Ezra 7:1done for the House of the Lord, that it be speedily done, least otherwise the wrath of God be bent against them: thereby seeming to imply, that already they had felt some hand of God vponupon them; and that it was, for that they had no better regard to the house of God. For so many of the Iewes as were imploied about the House of God, the order that he tooke, was, that no tole, tribute, or custome should be Ezr. 7: 24. 1 Esdr. 8: 23 Ezr. 7: 25 1 Esdr. 8: 24Ezra 7:24Ezra 7:1Ezra 7:25laid vponupon them. For those peoples that did confine vponupon them, he authorized Esra to appoint such Gouernours ouer them, as hee should like of: the King himselfe directing him therein to appoint such, so neere as hee could, as already knew the Flaw of the Lord; and to teach it to others that knew it not. Those things that concerned all generally, either the Iewes themselues, or those peoples that confined vponupon them, as also the Officers and Gouernors of eyther of them (but especially, it seemeth, of those other peoples) were none others but diuers sorts of punishments, Ezr. 7: 26 1 Esdr. 8: 25Ezra 7:26which at his own election or discretion, he had power to inflict on those that were p. 516disobedient, eyther to the Law of God, or vntounto the Law of the King: giuing him both authority and charge, to punish all such without delay. And those punnishments were, some to remooue the offenders from them, either altogether taking them away as by death; or but chasing them away out of the Countrey, as by banishment: or more easily punnishing them within the Land, as by confiscation of goodes, or imprisonment. This beeing the effect of the Kinges Commission, and the authority and credence that hee gaue vntounto Ezra, and we beeing now to see what vse wee may make heereof to our selues, wee are to know that best we may doe it, if heerein we shall duly marke, how farre the King condescended to him on the behalfe of the House of GOD: and what authoritie it was where-withall he did inuest him. On the behalfe of the House of God, it is plaine, that the King did yeelde maruellous farre: a speciall good matter to be considered vppon, both for all generally; and for certaine of vsus more specyally. All generally may note a very rare and a speciall zeale in this Heathen King towardes the House of God in Hierusalem: a great condemnation to all such Christian Princes, and other great ones besides, whom God hath enabled to such purpose, and yet, neglect their duty therein; and a faire patterne for all such men (and for all others in theyr measure) to lay before them, and out of it to learne, to what pitch or degree they ought to come in that case especially, if they would hauehave the Testimony of a good conscience, that they hauehave performed any thing neere that point of dutie. Certaine of vsus more specially might out of this learne, that wee should not be so Meale-mouthed as many of vsus are, so fearefull and doubtfull of any good successe in any motion for the House of GOD, that other-wise gladly wee would exihbit to the greater sort among vsus, but that wee doubt wee should not leese our labour in it: and then lightly wee cull out some odde trifle or other (a matter, I meane, of no moment to speake of in comparison of that which indeede were to bee doone) and make our motion or suit for it, as beeing the vtter-most that wee may in any wise hope to obtaine. So commeth it to passe, that when wee are so fearefull in moouing or demaunding that which is due, euen that onelyonly doth much enbolden Gthose that are the detainers of it to doe nothing at all; or at least with much a-doe, and as it were of great liberality, and much more than they needed, to grant vsus those trifles that so we demaund. Ezra did not so: but made a right large demand indeed (and yet no more, than was needfull for the businesse it selfe, and due to bee by the King performed) and God so prospered him therein, that, setting himselfe so well as hee did to glorify God, and no whit yeelding to part stakes therein, that he obtained all he desired, finding the King as ready to grant, as himselfe was to demaund. Wee had a matter some-what like in Moses before, when Pharaoh could bee content they went, so they left theyr Cattle behinde: Exod. 10: 24-26.Exod 10:24–26when Moses notwithstanding would not yeelde therein neyther, not so much as to leaue any one of them all, so to redeeme passage for the rest. And beeing so resolute, God did prosper him there-after: foorth-with giuing most open and free passage to all. On the other side, it was not the dignity of Moses and Aaron, nor the fauour that God did beare them, especially to Moses (no not when hee earnestly praied to bee released of it) that could acquite them of a speciall Nū. 20: 7-12chasticement that GOD would needes lay vppon them, onelyonly for that they were but doubtfull or timorous in an hard peece of seruice that hee had enioyned them, beeing a thing very vnlikely to come to passe as hee had directed them to expect: euen for that they did not speake to an hard dry Rocke thereby, euen in the praesence of the people, and as it were with authority, or imperiously commaunding it, to giuegive foorth abundance of Water to the vse of Gods people; as hard a case, as this of ours that nowe wee speake of. For, GOD bee thanked, our Princes and great men hauehave beene so long, and now are so well acquainted with the truth of God, that we may well hope, that there is more ability and readinesse in them to yeelde whatsoeuer is needefull to the aduancement of the glory of God among vsus: than in a dry Rocke, to yeeld forth, on the suddaine, p. 517such aboundance of water. The nature of the authority wherewith the King did inuest the person of Ezra, was for the most part, meerely ciuill; himselfe being but an Ecclesiasticall person onelyonly: a faire patterne, n… onelyonly that such persons may be inuested with such authority; but also, that the King himselfe, and his seauen Counsellors (the flower, belike, for experience and wisedome, so farre as he was able to iudge) in al his Dominions, which were many & great, in wisedom thought good to make choise of that man, & so to furnish him to that businesse. A matter of reasonable good satisfaction to those, that so hardly digest, that such persons should at any Htime hauehave any such power to them committed: and reasonable plainely emplying withall, whence it is that the cause of the Gospel, and estate of the Church, hauehave yet no better successe among vsus; and that it is neuer like to be better, so long as such as were likelyest to do it, are so carefully helde off from the assembly of those, whence our hope is, that it might be obtained.