Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 8

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 8

p. 170CHAP. 8.

1 TO frame them all in particular vntounto such a course as wherein they might bee most acceptable to God, it seemeth to me, that hee was Acarefull to teach them but two Lessons onelyonly: one, in such sort to carry themselues in all their wayes (in holinesse and righteousnesse before him) as might become the profession they held; the other, so to moderate their affections within, that howsoeuer God may seem to deale hardly with them, yet that they do quietly beare it. But these things do, in their particulars so much appertaine to matter of Doctrine, that hauing another place fitter for them, we are heere, for this time to let them alone, and to reserue them to that other place more proper for them. Now therefore as touching their remouing hence, and going forward in their iourney againe, till they so offended, that they were turned backe into the Wildernesse, there, with a long and irksome Pilgrimage, to reape the fruites of that their disobedience and vnbeleefe, wee are first to consider of this their iournying: then, of such thinges as fell out therein. In this their ioyurnying likewise we hauehave occasion giuen vsus, first to consider, who they were that now tooke their iourney we speake of: th…, of the iourney it selfe. Considering who they were; first, there is no question of the people of Israell themselues; but that now they all tooke their iourney together generally. But others there bee that went with them also, of whom wee hauehave heere eyther no mention at all, or else but doubtfull. Those of whom we hauehave no mention at all heere, were a great multitude of sundry sortes of people, who as it seemeth, nowe also went with them, though heere wee hauehave no mention of them. For it is certaine, that such ioyned themselues to this people when first they came out of Aegypt; and shortly after Exod. 12: 38.Exod 12:38dooth the Story make mention of such againe to bee among them: and wee hauehave no mention at all of any departing away againe of those that came first; N…m. 11: 4.nor of the comming in of any others, who might bee those that are mentioned Eafter. Those of whom wee hauehave but doubtfull mention heere, are the Father in Lawe of Moses and his company: and the doubtfulnesse that wee hauehave of him and his, for their beeing heere nowe among them, is, for that beeing now when they were to set forth, desired by Moses to go with them, we read he gaue him N…m. 10: 33.a plain nay, but read not of his returne vntounto him again; and yet hauehave we diuers places p. 171that afterward seeme much to import, that now he went with them. Some therefore do so take it, as though this request of Moses had been made before, when he Tremel. I….came vntounto Moses first, and that this answere of his, giuing him the nay, was then also giuen him: and that not simply or absolutely denying to go with them then, but Exod. 18: 1-7.Exod 18:1–7taking this course, that first he would go home and take order for his thinges there, and then returne to them againe. But, seeing when first he came, it is certain that then he returned againe, by the Text; and that heere hee made no promise of comming backe to them againe, but that themselues by adding a word, did thinke good Exod. 1…: 27.Exod 1:27so to interpret (which neither the vulgar, nor any English, nor Fra. Vatablus, nor Arias Montanus, nor any other, that I know, hauehave doone:) in both these respectes I thinke it the safest, to make no certaine reckoning, that he and his company did now go with them. That afterward we finde some of that Kindred to be among them, it importeth no more, but that sometime or other they came vntounto them: and it may bee, after these had past their pilgrimage, as likely as now. Moses Father in Law must by all likely-hood now bee well strucken in yeares, Moses him-selfe that married his Daughter being now some-what better than foure-score yeares old: & then as Barzillay (at those yeares saide to be a very aged man) did afterward excuse Sam. 19: 32-37.himselfe to Dauid, but yet sent Chimham his Sonne with him; so in this also is it not vnlikely, but that the olde man himselfe woulde resolutely free himselfe from such iournying now, and rather encline to finish his dayes among his owne people at Cal…. in Har….home, and yet send some of his line to enioy such fauours as Moses and the people of Israel would bestow vponupon them in the Lande of Canaan when them-selues came there. Tnis inclination of all the elder sort generally, seemeth to me to be the most learned Interpreter of all, for all such places. So it it certaine, that the Israelites were of this company; and in a maner certaine too, that those other Straungers (or many of them) that came out of Egypt with them, were with them now also: but for Hobab and his company, such at the least as he thought good to take with him back again, I see no great likelyhood to find them heere now in this their iourney. As touching the iourney it selfe, that nowe they went three dayes iourney, and the people in that order that before is described, there is no question: the Text it selfe is plaine for them both. But whether at the first they trauelled all that whole time Num. 10: 33. 14-28.Num 10:33Num 10:14–28without intermission, or taking any rest betwixt; or trauelled but in the day time Conelyonly, and in that sort three dayes together: it is not in the Text so plainly decided; and probabilities it seemeth, there be for both. For seeing the people murmured immediately after, it may seeme therby that their iournying now was great: though that also might be vponupon their trauelling three dayes together, though they had the nights to rest in, hauing layde in one place before so long as they did. On the other Num. 10: 33, 36.Num 10:33Num 10:36side, because the Prayer which a little after Moses is sayde to hauehave made, when the Arke went forward, and when it rested, is so set downe, as if at such times Moses was wont to vse it, and not for once onelyonly: he could not so hauehave vsed it yet at seuerall times, if this had beene but one entire iourney, all those three dayes and three nights, without intermission. Their Cattle also, especially such as were young, or were with young, and their young children, and the more aged and weaker sort among them may seeme not to be able any way to performe it, but with some intermission or rest betwixt. So likewise, in what sort the Arke went in this iourney, is not conceiued alike withall. For whereas the Hebrew word, (…) as Arias Montanus doth Interpret it, doth signifie Before them, (as also the vulgar translation did interpret it before, our English Bibles, Vatablus and Caluine since; and, that most is to be marked, both Tremellius and Iunius too:) now, since at that time, Iunius Anno. Dom. 1585.doth varry, and hauing first set downe a note of his owne (as before I noted) that the Leuites should so go in the midst of all the people, as that none should go before them, but onelyonly on either hand besides them; now framing his Interpretation heere to his purpose in that also, he dooth interpret it, In their sight, and then bearing vsus in hand, that the Arke went there also in the midst of the Campe, hee Anno. Dom. 1593.referreth vsus to that place for our warrant therein. So hee is of minde now, that the Arke did not go before them, but in the midst of them and in their sight: and p. 172that so good company of it among them, did make the people go that three daies iourney all at once without intermission. But it seemeth to mee, that the generall iudgement of others besides how to take the Originall therein, the practise of it by Iosuah and the Priests after, and his owne taking it so before, while hee was Ios. 3: 3, 4, 6, 11, 14, 17.Josh 3:3Josh 3:4Josh 3:6Josh 3:11Josh 3:14Josh 3:17by that more likely direction hedged. in vntounto it, might well hauehave beene sufficient to hauehave stayed him where he was before: or at least to satisfie vsus, rather to rest with him in his former iudgement, than to varry with him in the latter. The thinges that did fall out therein, are nothing else in a manner, but onelyonly a naughty murmuring against God and Moses for this his gouernment, and for their estate there: for the which first he chasteneth but certaine of them; but then afterward he doth punnish them all together. When he chasteneth but certaine of them, hee was Dnotwithstanding prouoked vntounto it first by the whole people generally: then, by certaine of the chiefest of them. By them all generally, twice: first, as it seemeth, for being now led so painefull a iourney; then, about their victuals againe. When N…m. 11: 1-3they murmured, as it seemeth, for this their iourney, the Lord kindled a Fyre among them, and consumed of the vtter-most of them: but when they cryed vntounto Moses, and he to the Lord, the fire was quenched; but such a name was left to the place, as might afterward be a warning vntounto them. In that wherein they murmured about their victualles, there fell out another matter thereon, of speciall moment: so are we first to consider of that in it selfe; then, of that other that fell out vponupon it. In that their murmuring it selfe, we are likewise to note, first their fault: then their punnishment. In their fault likewise, first the occasion of it: then what it was that by that occasion they fell into. The occasion of it was, those strangers that came foorth with them out of Egypt; who hauing kept themselues now a long N…m. 11: 4.time reasonable well (for ought we heare of them) beginning to murmure about their victuals, make the rest of their people to murmure also. As among vsus, such as hauehave beene before brought vp in ignorance and error, though for a time sometimes they hold: yet easily and soone they fall out againe. That which the people by this occasion fell into, was that the rest of the people murmured also, yea Ibid. 4-9.and wept besides in the griefe of their harts that they were so dealt with: as indeed it was an irkesome thing to flesh and blood, all the whole yeare to be kept to one kinde of sustenance without any change; enough to make the most daintiest food that could be conceiued, at length to be loathed. Their punnishment was, euen in the thing that they desired: God giuing flesh vntounto them to their owne desire in great aboundance; but then sending his plague withall. So we also, if wee hold Ibid. 18-23. 31-34.not our selues content with some lower and meaner estate that God hath giuen vsus, may indeede oftentimes obtaine some better: but then let vsus also take heede, that some fearefull hand of God do not follow vponupon it immediately after. That other thing that came in heereupon, was, a farther augmentation vntounto the gouernment that already they had among them: in which also we are first to consider of the occasion of it; then, what it was that was done thereby. The occasion was, that now also Moses became impatient, and in his impatiency did expostulate with God, and Ibid. 10-15.finde himselfe much grieued, that God shoulde still so trouble him with the Gouernment of that vnruly people. In that which was done thereby, wee are not Eto consider, what it was: but also to note the maner of it. It was a supply of many moe wise and discreet men, such also as otherwise were of speciall reckoning among Ibid. 16, 17, 24, 30.the people for their prehaeminence and dignity among them, to assist Moses in the gouernment of the people, to the number of three-score and ten in all: a forme of gouernement, that, as it seemeth (and for much of the time is apparant enough) did hence-forward stand and continue with them (especially when they had no Kings of their owne) so long as the people themselues did stand. The maner of it was, that God did take off the same Spirit or measure of grace, where-with Ibid. 25, 26.he had to that end before endued Moses, and diuided to eueryevery of them apart thereof, so to enable them vntounto that businesse together with him. Which as it was a snub vntounto Moses, for charging God to ouer-charge him aboue the ability that hee had giuen him: so is it a lesson to vsus, not to repine at any burthen that God layeth p. 173on vsus, but assuredly to know, that euer he giueth ability correspondent; they all hauing no more now (and yet the same working mightily in them) than onelyonly Moses had before, though himselfe now had not that consideration, that so wee may euer now and then finde, that Aliquando bonus dormitat Homerus. The offence that was made by certaine of the chiefest of them, was that same which shortly after wee finde was committed by Mirian or Mary, the Sister of Moses, and a Prophetesse Exod. 15: 20.Exod 15:20her selfe: and by Aaron the High-Priest his Brother. What their fault was, seemeth not to bee in the Text it selfe fully declared. For whereas it seemeth there were two principall branches of it, one about a marriage of Moses, and the other about his preheminence, the former of them is wrapt vp in silence, and the latter only imparted vntounto vsus. Concerning the former, the most (and the best that I doo know) are out of doubt that the Aethyopian wife that heere is spoken of, was none other but Zipporah: and the reasons they giuegive, why being a Midianite, hee should Antiq. lib. 2. cap. 5.be called an Aethyopian, are some of them good. But when Iosephus doth plainly say, that while he was a great man in Aegypt, hee married an Aethyopian Ladie indeede: I do not see, but that this might rather bee meant of her; and finde withall, Lyra. ibid.that others hauehave beene of the same minde also. And this seemeth to stand, not so much on the report of Iosephus, as vponupon the Text it selfe. For after that Moses hath tolde vsus, that they murmured or spake against him, because of a woman of Aethyopia that he had maried: he addeth again, for he had married a woman of Aethyopia. which forme or manner of speaking he doth not seeme so much to speake of Zipporah whom he had there, a woman (no doubt) sufficiently knowne to them all (especially FIbid.if she were so rare a woman as there be of the Hebrewes that report she was) as of some other of whom they all had not so perfect knowledge, and therefore himselfe doth now acknowledge it also: namely, that such an one sometimes hee had. Tremellius and Iunius do indeede something incline their Translation vntounto the sence that they conceiue, in that second member of it; and the vulgar translation dooth leaue it cleane out: but the Originall hath it; and so doth our English, Arias Montanus, Ʋatablus, and Caluin plainly distinguish. Now what it is, that, as touching her, they charge him withall, neither is it set downe, neither then do we need to vse any ghesses of our owne: but for any thing that I do finde, if in Aethyopia hee did so marry, it were harde I thinke for any to say, that euer hee did come at her againe, though well we may hope, it was some reasonable course that therein he helde, notwithstanding it be vnknowne vntounto vsus. Concerning the latter, that do we finde to shew it selfe more plainly vntounto vsus: namely, that it was aemulation in them, not taking it well, that he should, as it were ingrosse all the doings vntounto himselfe. As in this Num. 12: 2.Num 12:2age of ours we also hauehave seene combining together, of some not so vehement, but of other importunate spirits mingled withall: who notwithstanding hauehave both sorts of them ioyned together, against such as God himselfe hath placed, euen for the fathers of the Church among vsus. But as such repining at his greater place of those that were so neere vntounto him, might well put him-selfe in minde how vnaduisedly he charged God to lay ouer heauy a burthen on him: so might the people as plainly see, that it was no packe among themselues, that those two Brethren had the two chiefe places betwixt them; the one, the Gouernment, the other the Priest-hood. But because in this Mary onelyonly was punished, as also in this action she is first named; and Ibid. 5-15.Aaron is but onelyonly reprooued, and besides was bolde to make intercession for Mary when he saw that shee was strucken: therefore it seemeth we may safely gather, that for this matter the greatest fault was onelyonly in her. When he doth punish them altogether, therein also we are to consider, first of their fault: then of their punnishment. Their fault had two principall heads: one, that they would send in some of their owne to search the Land; the other, that then they plainly refused to enter at all, and would needs turne backe to Aegypt againe. In that they woulde send in some of their owne to search the Land their fault likewise (no doubt) was double: Deut. 1▪ 22. Numb. 13: 2.Deut 1:22Num 13:2first, in that themselues did first desire it; then, in that they refused the Lande when God was content to yeelde it vntounto them. For in that they did first desire to hauehave that search, it was a plaine token of their Infidelity, and a manifest fruite of the same, p. 174God hauing already tolde them, both that the Land it selfe was good; and that he Gwould giuegive it vntounto them. Now therefore dooing thus, they put God on his triall, to be tryed by a Iury of theirs, whether he sayde truely or not: much like to a sort of false-hearted Christians among vsus also, who hauehave likewise as slender respect to the word of God, vnlesse they hauehave some of their owne to approue it. Neuerthelesse, seeing so they would hauehave it, he yeeldeth vntounto it, and himselfe dooth set Moses about it: and Moses, acknowledging that he also liked the motion well, Num. 13: 2, 3 Deut. 1: 23.Num 13:2Num 13:3Deut 1:23accordingly setteth in hand with it too. But they might hauehave done a great deale better, therein to hauehave giuen such another example, as Dauid afterward did about the waters of the Well of Bethlehem: which though in his thirst hee earnestly desired, 2. …2. 23: 15-17yet when he saw into what icopardy those three Worthies of his had put theyr liues to fetch it, his heart would not serue him then to drinke it. So, though these had made that motion before, and resolutely were bent with themselues so to hauehave it, yet when they had time to bethinke themselues better, and consider what indignity thereby they should offer to the Truth of God (of which they had already had so great experience, and of his great goodnesse withall vntounto them) to put it to the triall of lying men, and to be of no farther account with them, than they shold approue it: what could hauehave beene more agreeable to their duty, then, how could they hauehave giuen a better example to those that followed, wherein could they more hauehave glorifyed God, and what could hauehave beene more honorable vntounto themselues, than vtterly to hauehave relinquished that request of theirs nowe, themselues to hauehave stamped it vnderunder their feet, and altogether with one voice, with blubbred eies, & bleeding hearts, to hauehave desired God to forgiue them, that euer they made it, that euer they thought it? But that other fault of theirs that followed heereon, farre exceeded. For therein they actually gaue, euen as it were, diffinitiue sentence against God himselfe: preferring that vngratefull, and false, and blasphemous, and vile report of those searchers of theirs, vntounto that which God himselfe in his most certaine, and inviolable truth, had before deliuered vntounto them. And then breaking through the bounds of all loyalty, yea and of all modesty, and of all good nature Deut. 1: 27Deut 1:27too, they charge God that hee hath done it of hatred vntounto them to destroy them, and to make their wiues and their children a pray to that people: wishing Num. 14: 1-4. 10. Deut. 1: 28Num 14:1–4Num 14:10Deut 1:28rather they had dyed before they came thither; mutinously banding themselues to make them a Captaine to lead them backe to Aegypt againe; and ready to stone all that should stand in their way therein. When he came to punnish, as their faults were two: so were they punnished two wayes also. For whereas first they did not Hrest on that which God had saide vntounto them, but leaned so much to the iudgement of men first God himselfe did yeelde that course vntounto them, that so they might eat Num. …3: 2, 3.Num 3:2Num 3:3of the fruits of their owne faithlesse wayes: then, also, those that them-selues so trusted (though they had a couple of their whole Iury that gaue in a better verdit; … 7 …0 32 3… …. 1… 26. N…m …-21 …4 …-9. Num. …4▪ 11. 12 20 21 23, 2…▪30. 35-37. Deut. …: 35. Ibid. 31▪34 Deut. 1▪39. Ibi. 24. 30. 38 Deut. 1. …6. 38. Num. 14 5. 13 19. Ibid. 39. 40. Deut. 1. 41.Num 4:11Num 4:12Deut 1:39Deut 1:6Deut 1:38Num 14:5Num 14:13Deut 1:41and though the rest were choise men also, and by Moses instructed, and brought a good token) euen they did beguile them (a notable Caueat to vsus that followe) and hardened their hearts to that disobedience that then they shewed. Then also, whereas they refused now to goe in, when they might (besides that then they endangered themselues with present destruction) they were by the finall decree of God excluded for euer: yet with this great moderation and mercy, that their children (after they had borne the iniquity of their parents in that wildernesse fortie yeares, as in their vnbeliefe they had beene searching the Land forty daies) should enter thereinto, and enioy it; all the rest perishing there in the wildernesse, sauing onelyonly those two, Iosuah, and Caleb, that gaue the land a good report, and encouraged the people vntounto it. And though Moses and Aaron became very earnest sutors to God on their behalfe; and the next morning the people them-selues forethought what they had done, and offered themselues now to go in: yet would not God by any meanes reuerse that part of his Sentence, but bad them back into the wildernesse againe; and, when yet notwithstanding they would needs aduenture, Nu 2… 41-45 Deut. 1: 40, 46 4…-45.Deut 1:40Deut 1:46he, to the ouerthrow of many of them, gaue sufficient proofe vntounto them, that he was resolued firmely to keepe, that which now he had determined of them. So p. 175now are they returned into the Wildernesse againe, there to consume their daies in dishonor and heart-breake, for that their infidelity and wilfulnesse: so to receiue a due, though an irksome reward to themselues; and in all ages to bee a patterne to such, in what case they doe vndoubtedly stand before God.

2. As touching the residue of their time in the Wildernesse, which GOD now A(by their prouocation) hath taken, before hee will bring them into the Lande of Promise, there bee two principall partes of it: one, in a manner altogether voyde of any Story in comparison of the quantity of it; the other, that wherein the Story is plentifully reuiued againe. That which is so voyde of History, is almost all the residue of their time in the Wildernesse, vntill the last, or fortith yeare: insomuch that whereas there is yet but one yeare spent, and a little more of the next, since they came out of Aegypt, there must yet remaine almost eyght and thirty yeares, before the fortith yeare begin to come in. VntoUnto which time we find no more of the Text to BDeut. …: 14.appertaine originally, that we may vndoubtedly thinke, to bee thereunto ascribed, but onelyonly fiue Chapters of the Booke of Numbers: beginning with the fifteenth, and ending with the nineteeth of them. Within which compasse, first we hauehave some thinges that may seeme to come in, partly by occasion of this last Story going before: then, certaine others, that hauehave no relation at all, or respect vntounto it. Those that seeme to come in, partly by occasion of this last Story going before, are certaine Lawes that immedialy follow: in which we are to consider; first, how they may seem partly to come in, in respect of that last Story aforesaide; then, what they are. They may seem to come in, partly in respect of that Story going before, because they are so specially named to bee such, as doe appertaine vntounto that time, when they shall come into the Land which God shall giuegive them. For being no doubt in great heauinesse now (so many of them as had the grace to consider accordingly of it) as by theyr Nu. 15: 1, 2, 18owne folly, excluded that good Land which now they might hauehave entered into: it might bee a speciall comfort vntounto them, that heereby God did so plainely giuegive them to vnderstand, that neuerthelesse he would in time giuegive it vntounto them. And it may very well be, and is most likely, that God himselfe had the selfe-same meaning with him: being euer wont, in the midst of his wrath, to remember his goodnesse, and still to mingle his Iudgements with Mercy. What the Lawes themselues are, appertaineth to another place rather to consider: and so wee are heere to leaue them. Those others that hauehave no relation or respect at all vntounto the Story going before, are two Stories, with such thinges as are to them appertaining: one, of him that gathered Stickes on the Sabbaoth-day; the other, of a speciall mutinie among them. In Ibid. 3…-34.the former it is to bee noted, that both those that espyed him so doing, did not conceale it, but brought him to the Magistrates: and againe, the Magistrates, though as yet they were not fully resolued, as it seemeth, that hee had thereby broken the Sabbaoth, yet doe they not let him goe neyther, and bid him doe no more so, but put him in Ward, till they might be farther informed of the Lords pleasure therein: and Ibid. 35 36.that the Lord did plainely for it condemne him to death; and so was he accordinglie executed. Heereunto belongeth, as it seemeth, the Law that immediatly after followeth Ibid. 37-41.of hauing Fringes and Ribands on the edge of their Garments, to bee a remembrance vntounto them, not to follow after their owne wayes, but to take good heed to doe all that he requireth: so to be some preseruatiue vntounto them for the time ensuing to keepe them from sinne. And the better vse that men might so make of such trimming vp of their Garments: the more strange and pittifull it is, that for the most part such as most doe in such sort trim-vp their Garments, seeme of all others least to regard to frame their waies according to the Lawes of God. The latter is a larger CStory, and hath much more thereunto appertaining: but first of the Story it selfe; then, of those thinges that belong vntounto it. In the Story it selfe; first, their fault: then, their punnishment. Their fault was, the most part of it, apparant or plaine: but it may be doubted, that there was more, which neuerthelesse dooth not plainely appeare. That which is apparant or plaine, is, that in so mutinous sort they banded themselues together, and came and stroue about the Priest-hood, making light p. 176Num. 16: 1-15Num 16:1–15of Moses and Aaron, and hauing them in contempt withall; and putting forth themselues vntounto it: and then, when they were by Moses reprooued, yet neuerthelesse persisted in that their ambition, and in contumacy against him besides. That which doth not so plainely appeare, and yet may be doubted to hauehave lurked in some of them also, is the desire of the gouernment too, because they were of the Tribe of Ruben, Ibid. 1.that were pertakers in this action (Ruben being by his birth, the eldest Son of Iacob, and so hauing some pretence that way, to be somthing forth-putting about it) & because these did find fault with Moses gouernment: and so is it the iudgment of some. Their punishment was, for the greater sort of them (sauing that we hauehave heerein no Ibid. 13, 14. Lyr. I….mention of On, who was one of them) that the earth opened and swallowed vp those three great Captaines, themselues and theirs, and all that they had: and Fire comming from the presence of the Lorde, destroyed those other two hundred and Nu. 16: 23-34fifty: and for the rest of the people, who the next day murmured against Moses and Ibid. 16-22, 3…-40. Ibid. 41-50.Aaron as destroying the people of God, he presently sent a quicke and ready plague among them, destroying them very fast, till Aaron by the direction of Moses did step in among them, and (therein bearing a figure of Christ) made attonement for them, and did stay it, hauing already destroyed 14700. of them. A good patterne to be kept in remembrance of all such as are rebellious or mutinous persons, and of all their adhaerentes with them. Of those thinges that belong to this Story, one there is, that necessarily and plainely belongeth vntounto it: and others besides, that lesse or more may seeme likewise to hauehave their dependance on it. That which necessarily and plainely belongeth vntounto it, is the same that next doth follow: how God by the Miracle of Aarons Rodde or Braunch in one night flourishing, all the others remaining Num. 17: 1-11Num 17:1–11voyde as they were before, did establish the Priest-hood vntounto him. A very good figure, that the Priest-hood or Mediation betwixt God and Man, is to bee left to Christ alone: who onelyonly flourisheth in the beauty and fruitfulnesse of holinesse and righteousnesse; all others being but helplesse stayes, fruitlesse branches, and rotten stickes before him. Those others besides that seeme to hauehave lesse or more their Ddependance hereon, are all that remaine of these fiue Chapters: and first, howe the people may seeme to be by these thinges affected; then, what course it pleased God to take thereupon. The people seeing these iudgements of God poured foorth so roundly on those offenders, were, as it seemeth, in great consternation or amazednesse at it: doubting they could not approach to the Lord, but to put themselues in Nu. 17: 12, 13. Trem. I…n.danger of his displeasure. The course that hereupon (as it seemeth) it pleased God to take, was that which followeth: first, about the Priest-hoode; then, about the purifying of them all generally. But these againe doe so properly appertaine to matter of Doctrine, that wee are to reserue them to another place more fitter for them.

3. That other part of their Pilgrimage, wherein the Story is plentifully reuiued Aagaine, dooth likewise diuide it selfe into two principall partes: one, the first tenne months of it; the other, the two last. And these first ten months may we best diuide according to the manner of their iournying in them. For first they came, as they were then in the Wildernesse, parting with Ezion-gabar, and Elath the tvvo Nu. 33: 36, 37 Deut. 2: 3, 8. Adrich… in Phar….Deut 2:3Deut 2:8and thirtith, directly North-ward (in a manner) to the Wildernesse of Zin and Kadesh, their three and thirtith Station; and so on forward to Mount Hor their foure and thirtith Station, bearing on that Coast still: so holding on their course then, that if they had so continued, they should hauehave butted or falne vponupon the South end of the Land of Canaan, where afterward the Tribe of Iudah was placed, and ouer-against Mount Carmel there. But, from thence, the course and Coast of their iournying Num 20: 21. 33: 41, 42. Deut. 2: 5. Adrich… Ibid.Num 20:21Num 20:33Num 20:41Num 20:42Deut 2:5was altered; they beeing turned East-ward for a while; then after, North-ward againe: so to compasse these three, a part of Edom, that corner of the Land it selfe, and the dead Sea about; and to make their entry on the East-side of the Land, as after they did. So are wee first to consider, what thinges fell out in this Northe…lie part of their iourney nowe: then, to come to that other part of it, when they were twined to another Coast. In this Notherly part of their iourney they had two Stations: p. 177this present, where they are nowe; and the next that immediatly followed. Where they are nowe; first, wee hauehave some Story of certaine of themselues onelyonly there: then, of some dealing they had with others. Of themselues, onelyonly two Stories: one, of one person only; the other, of many. That which is of one person only, Num. 20: 1.Num 20:1is of Miriam, or Marie, the Sister of Moses & Aaron; whose Story is, that now shee died heere: a patterne and warning what others might looke for, that yet remained of the old people, when as God now beginneth to lay downe those that were neerest vntounto him. But if it were she that watched Moses, when being a child he was laide Exod. 2: 4. In Hor…. v…t. test. in Num. 20: 1 Deut 34: 7.Exod 2:4Num 20:1Deut 34:7in a basket in the water, as Master Caluine is of opinion, then must she be of so great Bage now (Moses being at this time, …t the point of sixescore yeares olde) that it is more strange that she liued so long, then that she should die now. Neuerthelesse, there be that are of opinion that she was such an one indeed, as we may well if shee were such (and it is certaine she was a Prophetesse) account her to be very deare vntounto Exod. 15: 20. Rab. Salomon. Lyr: in Num. 20: 1.Exod 15:20Num 20:1God. For they say she was a very good one: and that for her sake we do not find of a long time before, but that the people had water inough, whereas now immediately after her death they wanted. That which is of many, doth follow immediately after: a speciall great murmuring againe for want of water; but their neede quickly and strangely supplied. Their murmuring now did not only touch themselues: but it set Moses also out of temper, driuing him to some impaciencie too. As it touched themselues onelyonly, their fault was great: not seeking to the Lord in Num. 20. 2-8Num 20:2–8that their necessity; but misliking of his gouernment, despairing of his goodnesse, and laying the blame on those his seruants. Whereupon Moses and Aaron, humbling Ibid. 6. 8. Ibid 9-11.themselues vntounto the Lord, were by and by directed what course to take, to make supply. But being thus directed, and readily setting in hand to make supply, thetein they did so farre offend, that now they also are for it excluded the Land: though notwithstanding the people had their necessitie releeued. But two things there are, that here wold be more specially noted: one, what was this fault of Moses & Aaron; the other, that neuertheles the people were holpen. What was their fault it is good to marke, seeing they were for it excluded, as well as the others that more offended. In searching out what their fault should be, so farre as it respecteth the Rod that was now to be vsed, the matter is not great, that there is some difference Tremel. I…n.betwixt the learned: some accounted it to be the Rod of Aaron that now they were willed to take; the residue making no question of it, but that it was that other of Moses, by which great workes were done before. They account it to be the Rod of Aaron, because it was appointed to be laid vp by the Arke for Nu. 17: 10. 11. Ibid. 20: 9.a memoriall: and because it is saide, that they did take that Rod that they tooke, from before the Lord. And it is not vnlikely, but that, because this had lately budded and flowred, and had brought forth ripe fruite all in a night, and was of fresher remembrance than was the other, and not otherwise brought forth to vse againe Num. 17. 10.Num 17:10that we do read of (and yet was willed before to be kept for a remembrance to the children of Israel, and to cause their murmuring to cease) this indeed might well be the Rod that is spoken of now: though it be not vnlikely neither, but that Moses after that he saw that it pleased God so to worke by that other Rod or staffe of his, Che would not afterward make any vse of it, but leaue it there ready before the Lord still to be vsed as it should please him to appoint it. The Translation of those two former is such, as seemeth rather to point to Aarons Rod: but neither the vulgar Ibid.before, nor Fra. Vatablus, Arias Montanus, nor Master Caluine since, doe finde any matter in the originall. But the fault of Moses was his behauiour at the Rocke. For wheras they were willed to take that Rod with them, and, in the sight and hearing of the Elders of Israel, to speake to the Rocke to giuegive the people water, as very well assured that it should so be: Moses now doth not speake to the rocke as he Num. 20: 7. 11Num 20:7Num 20:11was directed, but mooued with the peoples vnrulines in that perturbation of his mind within, himselfe did make some doubt of it, whether they shold do it or not, and together with his impatient and doubfull speeches with the Rod that then hee had, he smote the rocke twice, wherevpon gushed out plenty of water; and Aaron all this while being by, did nothing at all better that defectiue course of his brother. p. 178So farre were they both at that time from going about their businesse, with that moderation towards the people and confidence in God; and therefore charged, that they did not glorifie him: as giuing them to vnderstand thereby, that though all the people had thus murmured, and were euer doubtfull that God did forget them; yet should they as better acquainted with his waies, and most assured of his mindfulnesse of them, most resolutely and with a mighty courage assure them, that he could not forget them, and now did no more but onelyonly make some proofe of their faith, and occasion them to call vponupon him. If Moses and Aaron were excluded for this, many of vsus had neede to take heede. That, notwithstanding Moses and Aaron were so defectiue heere, yet pleased it God euen by their Ministery so farre slipped by them, or at least so hardly performed, to supply the want of the people, it is a very good lesson to vsus, that neither in the worde nor Sacraments, is the force of Gods operation to vsus-ward impaired, though the Ministers them-selues bee vnwoorthy. In the dealing that heere they had with others, we are to learne, moderately to put vp such vnkindnesse as others may offer vntounto vsus, farre otherwise than wee would thinke that we should. Which that we may the better perceiue, we are to note, what cause they had to bee offended: and, how they did quietly put it vp notwithstanding. The cause that they had Dto be offended, was, that sending first to the Edomites their Bretheren (for those Nu. 20: 14-18were a people descended of Esau, as these of Iacob) to obtaine license to passe thorough their Lande, because it was a great deale their neerest way; and when the Edomites made danger at it, either on behalfe of the Canaanites their neighbours dwelling within them, or of their own security in it, then they assured them besides, Ibid. 19-21.that they would but passe the high street only, & truly pay for whatsoeuer they had or tooke, euen for the water that themselues and their Cattle did drink: yet, notwithstanding that their consanguinity before, & their reasonable offer now, they would in no wise affoord them that courtesie and kindnesse that now they desired. That they did quietly put it vp notwithstanding, it appeareth not onelyonly in this, that then they quietly turned a-side from thence, and went that farther way about: but Ibid. 21.also for that when the Lord had warned them before, that they should not meddle with any part of their Dominions, yet neuerthelesse telling them then, that he Deut. 2: 4, 5. Ibid. 6, 7.Deut 2:4Deut 2:5hauing blessed them so as he had, they should truly pay for whatsoeuer they should neede or take of them as they passed, out of this they might with some probability Cal…. in Harm. …n Deut. 2: 4.Deut 2:4hauehave gathered, that if such curtesie were denyed vntounto them, then might they hauehave made so much the bolder with them. In which respect, both the Translation it selfe some-what, and the Marginall note in some of our English Bibles, is so much Deut. 2: 4,Deut 2:4the rather to be heeded: the translation, for that it may seeme to import that they should go thorough the Land of the Edomites which we do not finde they did, but Lyr. ibi. in …. 2.onelyonly along by the borders of it; and the Marginall note, for that it maketh two seuerall motions of this matter, and this that we are in of the Booke of Numbers to be the former, whereas we do neither read of any moe, and diuers circumstances of the Text declare, that that which Moses afterward speaketh of, was the same and none other. Therefore others doo better note thereon, that Moses there doth not obserue the order of times as things were done. And that which occasioned Tr…l. & I…. in Deut. 2: 3. Lyra.Deut 2:3those that did it, to set such a note there, may seeme to be, that diuers hauehave beene of opinion, that either this or such another message was sent from Kades-Barnea, whence they sent their espyals to search the Land before: and that Franciscus Vatablus may seeme to bee of much like opinion also. But both Mayster In Deut. 2: 3. In Harm.Deut 2:3Caluin ioyneth both these in one, this of the Numbers, as the Original that of Deuteronomy as a recitall of it againe: and the Text is plaine, that their sending thus to the Edomites, was not till they had beene at the farthest part of their iourny backward, EEsion-gabar, on the Red-Sea side, and were now come vp thence Northward Nu. 33: 35-39againe to the Wildernesse of Zin, called Kadesh also, and that their next iourney thence, was to Hur, where Aaron dyed. But Kadesh-Barnea is set to be neere to Deut. 1: 19. Christ. Adri…. i… P….Deut 1:19the borders of the Land of Canaan, and to be a period or principall stay of their first iournying after that the Law was giuen: insomuch that though it bee not named p. 179among their Stations (it belike being a Citty then, and so graunted to bee a Adric. in Paran I…i… … Num 13 26. Num. 11: 34, 35. …3 …1.Num 13:26Num 11:34Num 11:35Num 11:3while after, and they camping but some-what towards it) yet hauehave we no mo Stations named, before they sent those Searchers thence, but onelyonly Kibroth-Hataana, Hazeroth, and the Wildernesse of Paran, which by a note in one of our English Bibles, is interpreted to be that, which indeede doth follow next after in the text where the recitall is set downe of them, namely, Rithmah. In which respect, not Numb. 33: 18Num 33:18onelyonly the description or Map that we hauehave in diuers of our English Bibles, annexed to the three and thirtith Chapter of the Booke of Numbers: but both Tremelius and Iunius together, are to be farther examined, as I do take it, and Iunius likewise by himselfe againe. For first that plot in our English Bibles doth hold them but about the midst of the wildernesse for all those thirty and eight yeares which they spent there after that for their infidelity and disobedience they were turned backe into it againe to finish out full forty yeares, as in that Infidelity of theirs they had beene searching the Land forty dayes. But it dooth not bring them backe againe Numb: 33: 35 Deut. 2: ….Deut 2so farre as to the Red-Sea: and yet it is certaine, that thither they came. For they came to Esion-gabar and Elath. But now we read that Ezeon-gabar was (as it seemeth) an Hauen-Towne on the Red-Sea, and that Eloth was besides it: for that 1. King. 9: 26. & 22. 48. 2. Chr. 8: 17. 20: 36.1 Kgs 9:261 Kgs 22:482 Chr 8:172 Chr 8:202 Chr 8:36Salomon first had his Nauy there, and after him Iehoshaphat also, which by other occasion was there also crushed or broken, so that it was made vnmeete for the iourney that was intended. Tremellius and Iunius likewise, make in one place manie, … Bibl. 1585. In N…. 13; 1, 26in another, eighteene Stations betwixt this and Kadesh-Barnea: whereas that Story of sending in their espyals, doth not come in after many, nor after few, but immediately after this present Station in Paran, Rithmah as it seemeth, where nowe they are. Iunius by himselfe doth afterward refer this Story to the selfe same place Anno. 1594.of the Booke of Numbers that now we are in: which they both did by a Marginall quotion before; and now himselfe in plaine tearmes after. So it seemeth to In Nu. 33: 36. In Nu. 13: 26.me, that they conceiue but one place onelyonly to beare the name of Kadesh: and rather make their choise to hauehave it the same that is spoken of the twentieth Chapter of Fthe Booke of Numbers, than to hauehave it this that is spoken of in the thirteenth. But the order of the Story, and diuers circumstances besides, are, as it seemeth vntounto me, plainly against it: and themselues against themselues too so farre, that I do not see how they may be reconciled. For in the beginning of the twentith Chapter they graunt (as the truth is) that now it was the fortieth yeare. But certaine it is, In Num. …0: 1 Num. 14: 34. Deut. 2▪ 14. Deut. 1: 2, 46. and 2: 1Num 14:34Deut 2:14Deut 1:2Deut 1:46Deut 2:1that from that Kadesh that is spoken of in the thirteenth Chapter, more than eight and thirty of those fourty yeares were then to come: and themselues do make the people of Israel, by occasion that Moses did first set downe, that it was but eleuen dayes iourney from Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea, and after-ward tolde them that they had tarried a long time there at Kadesh, to make their aboad at that Kadesh of theirs In Deut. 1: 2, and 47.Deut 1:2Deut 1:47those eight and thirtie yeares afore-saide. And Christianus Adrichomius Delphus purposely writing of that Countrey and places adioyning, so farre as appertaineth to this purpose, maketh two speciall places of that name, one to bee betwixt their In Theatr… ter sanct. in Paran. 22, 24.fifteenth and sixteenth Stations; the other to be the three and thirtith: and setteth all their Stations downe much more likely, as it seemeth to me, to agree with the Text, than any other that I do know of. Now, whereas they talke of thirty eight eight yeares spent in their Kadesh, it seemeth to me, that the gesse of others, though there be no certainty therein neyther, yet is the more likely for the other Kadesh-Barnea, the former of them, on the latter part of the last Verse of the first of Deuteronomy, which the vulgar Translation leaueth out cleane: namely, that they rested Deut. 1: 46. Rab. Salomon. Lyr.Deut 1:46as long there as they did spend in al their other Stations that followed. Which diuiding the whole time of 38. yeares afore-saide, left nineteene yeares to eyther of them. That other Station that was the next, and immediately followed after this, was by the mountaine Hor, where two speciall matters befell them: one, the death of Aaron; the other, the hostility that then they had with one of the next Num. 20: 22Num 20:22Kings of Canaan. As touching the death of Aaron, it was now imposed vppon him as a punnishment or chasticement rather, for his fault with Moses at Meribah: Nu. 20: 23. 28.but he was of great yeares now, 123. yeares old; and so the chastisement so much p. 180the more easie. Againe, as he went vp, the High-Priest in his honourable Robes, so Eleazar his son came down in the same apparell and office: a good figure to vsus, of the Ibid. 28.aeternity of the Priest-hood of Christ, of which those things being but a shadow, doe notwithstanding, euen in death it selfe, ioyn so closely together. And though the people Ibid. 27.did often beare thēselues hard against him before: yet make they great mourning for him now. As touching the other, K. Arad, one of the Kinges of the Canaanites, Num. 21: 1-3. Tr…el. I…n.Num 21:1–3dwelling thereby, came out against them, and howsoeuer he vsed the matter (belike by ambushments) tooke many Prisoners of them: at which the rest of the people were so netled, that presently they vowed vntounto the Lord, that if it would please him to giuegive them an hand against them, they would then take no part of the spoyle to themselues, but vtterly destroy them and their Citties. And so the Lord giuing his people victory against them, they performed their promise so fully, that the place it selfe did afterward take the name thereof, as a place accursed vntounto the Lorde, or for his sake altogether abandoned to vtter destruction. A good patterne vntounto them, how farre the people of God by such bad dealing (for they did not prouoke them first) may bee so far enraged, that resolutely they may bend themselues to the vtter destruction of such Enemies of theirs: and that God himselfe, that is most mercifull, may neuerthelesse in such case abandon all Mercy too: and that, if now they were so little able to stand in their hands, when yet they were not to enter in, much lesse should they afterward doe it when that time came; and therefore a faire call of them to repentance nowe. Againe, it seemeth wee may probably gather thereby, that although the Edomites would in no wise suffer the Israelites to passe by them to the Land that God would giuegive them: yet were they content to let those Canaanites passe by them, so to assault the Israelites as they did. For this was the very next Station to that, whence they sent to craue passage before, where they were denyed, & Num. 20: 22. 33, 37. Chro. adrichom in Paran: Salmona, P…on, Ob…th. Num 33: 37. Num. 21: 4.Num 20:22Num 20:33Num 20:37Num 33:37Num 21:4by the description of those Countries, the Land of the Edomites was in that place also, betwixt the Israelites & the Land of Cannan: and for two or three Stations more besides. But as for this their Station at Hor, it is plainely set downe in the Text, that it was in the edge of the Land of Edom: as also the Text doth probably imply, that those three that follow the next after, were on the borders of Edom also, not onelyonly because then they were said to compasse the Land of Edom; but also, because it doth not name any to be of another Coast, till it commeth to the Iie-abarim the the fourth Station after, which indeede it tearmeth to be on the borders of Moab. And this is often seene in the Worlde, that the Children thereof are a great deale Num▪ 21: 11. 33. 41-44.Num 21:11Num 21:33Num 21:41–44more fauourable to their owne kinde, though in bloud farther remooued, than to those that are of God indeede, though in blood they be neerer vntounto them.

4. When they were turned to another Coast; first, for a time they bare East-ward Aonelyonly, so to leaue Edom vntouched; but then afterward, Northerly againe: and so doing, they left the Dead-Sea, and the South part of the Land that they were Bto goe into, on their left hand, and were to come in now on the East-side of it. In which their iourney, they had no notable stay till they came to the plaine of Moab, Num 21: 4, 10 20, 36: 13.Num 21:4Num 21:10ouer against Iericho, where they were to make their entry: but for our part of this meane time betwixt, some part of that sentence or iudgement of God of their perrishing there in the Wildernesse, seeme to remained as yet vnaccomplished; but then shortly after it seemeth, that it was performed vntounto them. Vntill the time it was accomplished, they tasted now and then of some seuerity as they gaue occasion: but after that, it seemeth his Iustice was satisfied for that matter; he still dealt so graciously with them. They tasted of some seuerity as they gaue occasion, at two seuerall times: one, in the beginning of this their iourney; the other, after they were come to the plaine of Moab aforesaide. In the beginning of this their iourney, they murmured againe, because of the way; but then, as their manner was, they put in Num. 21: 4. 5.Num 21:4Num 21:5their other discontentments withall: as that they were brought out of Aegypt; and had neither Bread nor Water there; and that they were so cloyed with Manna, that now their stomackes did vtterly loath it. But seeing it was the way, whereat they tooke occasion first to murmure, it may seeme to be, that they were grieued that they p. 181might not make their entrance into the Land there where they were now, hauing made so good an impression into it already, by vanquishing King Arad, and destroying his Citties: but now must leaue that faire opportunity, and all that labour, and go about again they cannot tell whither. But the truth is, that God therein prouided better for them, than they were aware of, by this meanes giuing them two other Ibid 24, 25, 31, 35.Kingdomes more than he promised, as afterward the Story will shew; yet so long as this was vnknown vntounto them, needs must it be a strong temptation, but only to such as were very well assured of the goodnesse of God towards them. Their punishment Num. 21: 6.Num 21:6for this matter was, that there was sent in vponupon them a kind of Serpent (that which is properly called the Dipsas,) as it seemeth beeing a Greeke word, and comming of foreign signifying to thirst: for that this kind of Serpent is saide, by his poyson so to Lucar. Lib. 9.consume all moysture in those whom he byteth, that he setteth them all in an extream thirst and heate; and so destroyed many of them. A strange and fearefull kinde of punishment: but yet so much the meeter for those that hauing so good experience of the wisedome and goodnesse of God to them-wards, could onelyonly vponupon the sence of their owne reason so hardly censure his gouernment of them, and so vily reproach it besides. At length they were sorry and sought his fauour. Yet then, though Moses CNum. 21: 7-9Num 21:7–9entreated for them, he would not take those Serpents from them, as he had quite remooued other plagues before: but onelyonly would giuegive them a remedy against them, by that brazen Serpent which hee willed Moses to erect for them; vouchsafing, that all that were stung with those fiery Serpents, as soone as they looked on this, should then recouer. A needefull document, in some good time to make an ende of sinning, least God at the length take such a course with vsus also: not at any time to take away from vsus any such plague, as for our sinne he casteth vponupon vsus, but onelyonly to helpe so many as seeke vntounto him; and not these neither, till so they doe. A notable Figure of Christ likewise; who beeing altogether without sinne, yet in the similitude of sinfull Flesh, hath by his death destroyed the power of sinne (vntounto those, that here in the Wildernesse of this World, themselues feeling the burthen of sinne, seeke vntounto him to be eased of it:) but afterward is the abolishing or breaking of it, recorded among the vertues of one of the good Kinges of Iudah, for that the people had then 2. King. 18: 4.2 Kgs 18:4vsed to doe worship vntounto it; and so teacheth vsus thereby, that our Superiors also doe wel, when they remooue such stumbling blockes out of the way. How they tasted Num. 22: 1.Num 22:1of his seuerity againe in the plaine of Moab, is a larger Storie, hauing many other thinges going before, as the occasion of that their sinne, and punishment of it. So are wee first to consider of the occasion of it: then, of that their falling into the displeasure of God. The occasion of it was, that vnhappy counsell that Balaam is saide to hauehave giuen against the people of God, when Balak the King of Moab, had a little before sent for him to some such purpose. Where againe we are to consider, what it was that occasioned the King of Moab so to doe: and what it was that hee and others did thereuppon. That which occasioned him thereunto, was the ouerthrow of those two Kinges that dwelt neere vntounto him: Sihon, King of the Ammorites; and Og, the King of Basan. Whose Story is this. When the people came to the boarders of those Amorites, they sent vntounto one of those Kinges, to him that Nu 21: 21, 22.was next them, to craue licence to passe through his Land in peaceable manner. Who not onelyonly denied them, but also came foorth with his forces against them. So was Ibid. 24-32.he and his people ouerthrowne, and his Citties and Townes, with all the spoyle, faln into the handes of the Israelites. After which the people going on forward towards Bashan, Og the King thereof came out likewise against them with all his power, Ibid. 33-35.whom also they slew, and possessed themselues of al that they had. That which the K. of Moab did heereupon, was, that doubting he could not make his part good Num. 22: 2-4Num 22:2–4with them by plaine force, he would assay (as that great Vsurper at Rome doth, against Dthose Princes and peoples that professe the Gospell) what hee could doe by other secret and wicked practises. He aduiseth himselfe of a certaine Prophet as it seemeth, in Mesopotamia, but he belike making no other reckoning of him, than as of Wizzard or Wise-man (as we commonly tearm them) whom he thought to be very skilfull in the Blacke-Art (as we tearme it) or very expert to be witch or enchant as pleased p. 182him: and so he would see, whether he in this case could any way helpe him. Hee communieateth this his aduice with the Midianites his Neighbours by: who liking well of it, ioyne with him therein. So they send vntounto him men of speciall reckoning in both those Nations, with the accustomed reward of Sooth-saying (so Ibid. 5-7.much, no doubt, more liberall now, as they thought it lay them in hand, now to obtaine of him the best helpe that he had) to bestow vponupon him for that present, and to loade Ibid. 37. Ibid. 8-14.him with great promises besides (as it seemeth) for the time to come. They come vntounto him, hee enquireth of the Lord (whereby it seemeth, hee was a Prophet indeede, though not so good a man, as best might become so holy a calling) and finding that God was in no wise willing that he should accurse them, hee refuseth to goe with them, and doth so dismisse them. The King, not so content, sendeth againe, Ibid. 15-21and greater Personages than before; and with great promises besides: the Prophet would faine goe; but not vnlesse the Lord would giuegive him leaue. He tryeth againe, and doth obtaine it: but yet on condition, he should goe no farther than hee did allow him. The Prophet is a glad Man; hee getteth vp betime, and goeth Ibid 21-35.with them: as a Bloodhound on his game, he hotly pursueth the scent of promotion. But nowe the Lorde thought good to schoole him by the way, and to bring him to better temper: and so hee did, vsing also the Ministery of his Asse therein. Balak Ibid. 36-41.being aduertised that Balaam was comming, be goeth to the vtmost borders of his Land to meete him (a rare honour in these dayes, by such great States, to bee done to such Seruants of God:) he expostulateth with him his not comming before; but taketh him home with him, and the next day they set in hand with their businesse. Their manner of working was, by many sacrificings, now in one place, now in another, and by much deuotion of that kinde, to assay if they could obtaine the fauour of God, to ioyne with them in this their desire. But they could not obtaine it: and in stead of cursing that was intented, they were faine to yeelde them (when they had Ibid. 23, 24: 13.often assaied, and done therein what they were able) a very great, and immutable blessing. Such, no doubt, is, and long hath beene, euen our case also: euen of all Esuch, as nowe in these daies more sincerely professe the Gospell. Many times, and very busily hauehave the aduersaries beene attempting against vsus, and by much baser and more wicked meanes than these: as for Massinges in eueryevery corner, and Ora pro nobis, in the open audience of all, there hath no store of them beene wanting. But as yet, (God be thanked) it will not be: and neuer, …e trust, as they would hauehave it. Neyther Ibi. 24. 14-24did Balaam onelyonly discharge himselfe wel in this: but further also did giuegive them to vnderstand, as touching many of their Neighbours about them, and themselues withal, that many heauy iudgment; were towards them. In al which things, the King of Moab was so little pleased that now his Mountains, by a strong consumption, were so cleane turned to Mole-hils, that he dismisseth his Prophet with no such promotion Ibi. 10, 11, …5as before he spake of, but, as it seemeth, iust with nothing, & telleth him besides, it was the Lord that kept him frō honor. Neither is it an easie matter I thinke, for any Menpleasers of ours, to come into any special fauor with that sort of people, though indeed they had the guift of prophesie as much as Balaā here we see had: vnlesse either already they serue euen the basest humors they hauehave; or put thē in hope, that so they will. Hitherto we find no worse thing in Balaā, but only that hauing, as we vse to speake, a speciall good guift, he also gaped for promotion: a common disease with many of vsus much meaner than he. But now before he departed it appeareth after, he gaue thē very vnhappy and shreud aduice: to lay some such baite for the Israelites, as whereby Num. 24: 14 31: 16.Num 24:14to entangle them in sinne; that so they might hauehave some hand against them. Which also it is most likely he did (for that is the manner of such Prophets with vsus, euen against their owne Brethren & Fathers too) eyther for some reward that some of them Ibid. 13: 8.gaue him; or, thereby the rather to mooue them to hauehave that regard vntounto him: and afterward had his reward with those, that by his aduice did put it in practice. Certain light Women therefore of Moab and Midian, intice diuers of the Israelites, by affording Ibid. 25: 1-3. 17, 18.them the vnlawfull vse of their bodies, to bee with them at their Idol-feasts also, and so to commit Idolatry to Baal in Mount Peor. And one especially among others of the Children of Israell (Z…s by name) one of the chiefest of the Tribe p. 183Ibid. 6, 14, 15.of Simeon, very andaciously in the sight of all the people, to the great offence of many, did then also bring in with him, one Cosbi, a Midianit… Lady, into his tent, there to take their pleasure togither, euen to the full. But Phinebas the son of Eleazar Fbeing exceedingly moued to see so shameles a part, caught a Iauelin, ran after, & Ibid. 7, 8.thrust thē both thorough their bellies, as it seemeth, euen as they were in that their sin. By which extraordinary zeale of his, the Lord was so pleased, that euen for it he Ibid. 10-13.did highly rewarde him, and besides that, remitted a great part of his indignation against the people that so greeuously had offended now: and yet notwithstanding he would hauehave some farther Iustice done vponupon the greatest offenders: and so there Ibid. 4, 5, 9.perrished, for that sinne, to the number of foure, and twentie thousand. This being done, it seemeth his Iustice was now satisfied towards his people, for that their infidelity and disobedience (almost forty years since) at Kadesh. Barnea, for that now hence-forward we hauehave no me so fearefull and grieuous executions of them, but very milde and gracious dealing a long time after, all his dealing with them (in a manner) boading now, that he had kept them long enough in the Wildernes, and that now he would straight-way bring them into the Land that long before hee promised vntounto them: some of his dealing (notwithstanding) not so plainely as yet shewing the same; but other tending more directly vntounto it. Such of his dealing with them since, as doth not so plainly import that matter, is part of it such order as he tooke in diuers things now: and partly in certaine Lawes which it pleased him now to giuegive them, or at least to put them in minde thereof being giuen before. The order that now it pleased him to take in diuers things, was most of it publickly or openly done: but more priuately the other. That which was more publickly done, was first concerning the whole people: then, concerning certain of them. Nu. 26: 1-4.That which concerned the whole people, was, that now the number of them must be taken againe: a good probable token, that now there was not any great execution to be done on them heereafter; when GOD is now disposed to let them see how many he hath left them, notwithstanding all those executions that one way or other he had done vntounto them before. Being therefore numbered, they fall out to be as many as before, and somewhat moe: the Tribe of Ruben, 43730: Simeon, Ibid. 5-11. 12-14. 15-18. 19 12. 23-25. 26, 27, 28-34, 35-37, 38. 41. 42, 43-44. 47. 48-50. 51. Ibid. 57-62. Ibid 62. Ibid. 52-56.22200; Gad, 40500; Iudah, 76500; Issachar, 64300; Zebulun, 60500; Manasseh, 52700; Ephraim, 32500; Beniamin, 45600; Dan, 64400; Asher, 53400; Nephthali, 45400; in all, 601730. besides the Leuites, who notwithstanding were numbred a-part by themselues, all the males of them from a month old vpward: and were found to be 23000. These were numbred by themselues, for that they were not to hauehave any part of the land with the others: but to those others Gwhich were now growne vppe instead of their Fathers that were numbred before, was the whole land to be diuided; more of it to those that were moe, and lesse of it to those that were fewer, but yet by Lot. Wherein also we hauehave one thing specially noted vntounto vsus: namely, that of all these thus numbred by Moses and Eleazar Ibid. 63-65.now, there was not one man left of those that were numbered before, sauing onelyonly those two that had that promise before made them, Iosuah and Caleb. That which concerned certaine of them, was, that by occasion that Zelophehad, one of Ibi 33. 27: 1-7the Tribe of Manasses, had no Sonnes but Daughters onelyonly, and they (being fiue) came and made request to Moses and Eleazar, and to the Princes of the people, that they might not be neglected, but hauehave some portion of the Land vntounto them as others had: it was by the Lord himselfe ordained, both that they shoulde hauehave Ibi. 27: 8-11.their part of the Land aswell as the rest; and that it should be a perpetuall Law among them, that if any had no Sonnes but Daughters, then should his Daughters inhaerit before any other of his Kindred or bloode. A manifest checke vntounto the course that the Children of this world do commonly vse: rather to make choise of some of their name, though they be not so neere in blood; than to suffer their lands to descend vntounto their daughters. And whereas the Lorde him-selfe acknowledgeth, that the Daughters of Zelophehad, demanded no more but their right therein: it may be the other course is before God a manifest wrong. At least it is an vnkindly course (for a foolish pompe and pride of the world) so to prefer others p. 184before their owne naturall Children, so long as there is no cause in them so to varry: praeposterously chusing, that looke what blessings it pleaseth God to allot vntounto them h…re (whether authority, riches, or honor) such as are of their name though farther, than those that are of their blood and neerer, shoulde hauehave the fruition or benefit of them. A kinde of vnkindlynesse, that (I thinke) we finde not in any liuing creature besides: and a s…re charge withall; that pride and vanity do clean ouer-rule, the instinct of Nature and aequity too, in those that doo it. Now, in that it pleased God, by that occasion to take that order at this present, it might be enough to lift vp their minds to this good hope, that now shortly the Land was to be diuided among them. That which was more priuately done, was, that Moses Ibid. 12-17:being tolde by the Lord, that shortly now hee should go vp to the Mount Abarim and there die, when first he had seene the Lande that God would giuegive vntounto the people, Moses then besought the Lord to aduise himselfe of one to gouern the people after him: and the Lord againe told him whom he would hauehave, & in what Ibid. 18-23.sort he should be called vntounto it. The Lawes that it pleased him now to giuegive them, Hwere most of them as touching his publicke worship in the Sanctuary: but some of them, but onelyonly about their priuat deuotion at home: but as we sayd of the others before, so are we to resolue of these also; namely, to reserue them to another place much fitter for them. Such of the Lords dealing with them as more directly tendeth to shew, that they were shortly now to enter the Land promised vntounto them, doth first concerne some of the people of those parts by them: then, their owne affayres about the same. The people by them, whom first this dealing of his concerneth, were the Midianites: concerning whom, wee are first to see the story it selfe; then, some orders (in the nature of Lawes) that then were taken. As touching the Story it selfe God willeth Moses to take reuenge of them on the behalfe of the Children of Israel, before hee dye: that is, to execute his iudgement on Num. 31: 1, 2 Ibid. 3. Ibid. 4 12.Num 31:1Num 31:2them, for their bad dealing with his people. Whereuppon of eueryevery Tribe one thousand, 12000. in all, are sent against them vnderunder the conducting of Phinehas the Priest, who notably preuailed against them, destroying all the males, and fiue Kings of them, and Balaam withall, burning their Citties, and bringing home with them a very great booty: Beeues, 72000. Asses, 61000. Sheepe 675000. and Ibid. 32-35.young Women, 32000. And notwithstanding the great destruction that they made of the people, and this great spoile that they brought away with them, together with aboundance of Iewelles besides, when the Captaines tooke muster of their Companies to deliuer them home againe, or to dismisse them, they founde not one man of them all wanting: and thereupon, perceiuing the great fauour of God towards them in that his preseruation of them, they voluntarily brought in Ibid. 48-54.a great offering vntounto the Lord of the Iewels that they had gotten for their owne part, besides all such as their Souldiers had to themselues, 16750. Shekels of gold. Another example of the seuerity of Gods Iustice, against such as are greeuous vntounto his people: as these enticing them vntounto sinne, made many of them to bee destroyed. The order that now (in the Nature of Lawes) was in diuers thinges taken with them, was some part of it such as wherein it seemeth the Lordes minde was, that in such cases so they should do afterward also: some part again, but such as was prescribed but in this case only, but such as out of which themselues might well take direction in other such like cases besides. Those that in such case were, as it seemeth, to stand stil, were two: one, for themselues that came from the wars; the other, for the booty that they brought with them. As touching themselues Ithat came from the warre, because they had saued the married women and men-children aliue, it seemeth as yet, Moses was offended with them, and bad them go Nu. 31: 13-20▪ 24.and slay them also: and, for a time to tarry without the hoast, and to purify themselues and their garments too, according to the Lawe. As touching the bootie which they brought with them, it it no more but this, that Eleazar she Priest doth shew them how it also was to bee purged: the mettall by fire (a good way withall to abolish such superstition, wantonnesse, and vanity, as it is not vnlikely but that Nu. 31. 21-23many of their Iewels were stained withall) the rest by water. That which it seemeth p. 185was but for that time onelyonly, but out of which themselues might well take direction in such other cases besides, was the diuision of the rest of their bootie (or that which was left, after that they tarried out of the hoast as was appointed:) and therein, how the High-Priest was to be considered out of the one part of it; & the Leuites out of the other. It was to be parted into two equall parts: one, to the Souldiers themselues; the other, vntounto the rest of the people. Of that which Ibid. 25. 41.fell vntounto the Souldiers, the High-Priest was to hauehave, of eueryevery fiue hundred, one: and so his part was 675. Sheepe; 72. Beeues; 61. Asses; young women. 32. Of that which fell to the rest of the people, the Leuites were to hauehave, one of euerie fifty, Ibid. 42-47.and so ten times so much among them all, as Eleazar had to himselfe alone: that is, of Sheepe, 6750; of Beeues, 720; of Asses, 610; yong women, 320. Such of the Lords dealing as concerned their owne affaires there, did partly respect that side of the Countrey where now they were: but chiefely the other which was beyond Iordan, whether shortly they were to go. As it respected that side of the Countrey where now they were, some part of it was about the setling of some of them there: and some part againe, about that long iourney of theirs, that now they were at a point to finish. About the setling of some there, it was that two Tribes and an halfe were allowed, on certaine conditions, to hauehave their portions on that Nu. 32: 1-4…side of the Riuer: a good and probable likely-hoode, that now the rest also were soone to be placed, when as these had their places allowed heere. But as it may seeme, it was not so well moued by these: nor so well graunted by the others neyther. Not so well moued by these, because they diuided themselues thereby (so farre as they did) from the rest of their Brethren: and there-in from the Tribe of Iudah, and from the exercise of their Religion. Not so well granted of the others neither, because they knew not yet, what people they should neede to inhabit the Countrey on the other side: and needfull it was, that they had enow to inhabit it, that so they might better expell the Canaanites, euen by their multitude, not leauing them place to inhabit there. If any had spared, they might hauehave taken the best to themselues, and hauehave left the rest vntounto them: but so themselues might hauehave Kkept and dwelt together, which in many good respects had been the meetest; both for the one, and for the other. And not onelyonly Moses did nowe soone after tell Deu. 7: 1. 9: 11Deut 7:1Deut 7:9Deut 7:11them, that those which inhabited there before, were a greater people than they, (and then were all those few enow there to inhabit:) but God himselfe also tolde them in effect as much before, by giuing them to vnderstand, that they had neede Exo. 23: 29. 30Exod 23:29Exod 23:30to bee encreased to a greater number before they should bee enow to furnish the Land with Inhabitants sufficient for it to beare. That which was about that long iourney of theirs that now they were at a point to finish, was, that now by Gods Nu. 33: 1-49.appointment all their iourneyes and places of their aboad or Stations, were to be set duwne by Moses, which also hee did: a very good token to them, that now their iournying was almost at an end, when thus their iournies were to be set downe; as in casting an account, it is a Token, that the particulars are all come in, when the totall summe is gathering. A good patterne also to them and to vsus too, what manner of Pilgrimage we hauehave heere in this worlde: oft changing our Stations, but eueryevery where (lightly) leauing some token of our folly behinde vsus: would God it were so, that we neuer remoued nor setled againe, but onelyonly as the Lorde should direct vsus. Such of his dealings as respect the other side, whether now shortly they were to go, doo some of them concerne the whole people: and some, but certaine of them onelyonly. Those of his dealinges with them that concerne them all generally, are two: one, about the ridding of the Lande from the former Inhabitants of it; the other, about diuiding or parting of it among themselues. If the charge be now so specially giuen them to destroy or driue out al the inhabitants of the Land, it is a plaine token, that God doth meane them it nowe: Nu. 33: 50-56.and in that they were willed to driue them out for their owne good, it is a speciall good warning to vsus when we come to professe Christ, so to deale with our home-enemies, the motions of our corrupt Nature; and to all Magistrates besides, to cleere their people (so much as they may) of all the enemies of the Gospell among p. 186them. For the diuiding of it among them, he first dooth shew them what it is, Ibid. 34: 1-15 Ibid. 16-29.that so they might diuide it among them: then, who they are that should diuide it. If now they hauehave so speciall charge of diuiding it among themselues, that also is an euident probability, that now shortly they are to enioy it. And seeing the bounds that are set downe vntounto it, doo plainly shew, that the whole Land that God did yet meane them, lay on the West side of Iordan, and the Dead-Sea, extending vntounto the great Sea (which since is called the Middle-earth-Sea) Westward; as also, from Edom on the South, to Lib…s on the North: hence may wee more fully see, that the two Tribes and an halfe that seated themselues on the East Lside of Iordan, and that Dead sea, may account themselues, to be much of their own placing; and that therein they did not so well for them-selues, as other-wise they D…. 1: 7. 11: 24. Ios. 1: 4.Josh 1:4might hauehave done. For although the bounds of the Land be extended East-ward sometimes to Euphrates, yet, because now, when they are to enter, and to diuide so much among them as the Lord dooth meane them, it is all on the West side of Iordan, that he speaketh of vntounto them: it rather seemeth, that those places are not to be taken, as though the dwelling of the body of the people should at any time extend so farre, or any thing neere (for then, for the truth of the promise of God, by likely-hood there would hauehave beene some order now also taken for it) but only, that a time should be, when their Dominions should be so farre extended, as afterward 2. Sam. 8: 3. 1. King. 4: 21 2. Chro. 9: 16. Esra, 4: 20.2 Sam 8:31 Kgs 4:212 Chr 9:16it is true they were, albeit the same lasted but for a while. True it is, that Moses to the people, and God vntounto Iosuah in those places before recited, doo both so farre extend the boundes of the Land, after that the two Tribes of Ruben and Gad, and that halfe Tribe of Manasseh had made their request for that part of the Land on the East of Iordan, and had the same granted vntounto them: & so might some conceiue, that the bounding of the Land on the West side of Iordan was framed accordingly, on presupposall, that those others should hauehave their places before, and it should be onelyonly for the nine Tribes and an halfe that remained. But the truth is, that although Moses did vtter those words after, yet in the former of those two places of his, he doth but recite the speech of the Lord which was vttered long before, almost in the beginning of the second yeare of that their pilgrimage, as it appeareth by the next verse immediately going before. So it seemeth Deut. 1: 6.Deut 1:6that the abounding of the land on the West of Iordan, was not, as onelyonly for those nine Tribes and an halfe that remained: but for them all, for the bodie of their dwelling; and so for those other two and an halfe also if so they would, but that they now had rather hauehave their place on that other side of Iordan as is declared. And so do their owne words seeme to import also, when as they make so speciall sute for it, and in that respect renounce their part beyond Iordan: plainly implying, Num. 32▪ 5, 19, 32.Num 32:5Num 32:19Num 32:32that that part onelyonly which was beyond Iordan, was that which was ordained for them; for all the whole people generally, and so for them also among the rest. Those his dealings with them, that respect but certaine of them onelyonly were, first, for the Leuites: then, for the Daughters of Zelophehad. For the Leuites, the order that it pleased him to take, was, that whereas they should now come vntounto all the Citties of the Canaanites (which are noted to be about sixe hundred) they C…man. Fli…shpa. de N…sc. M…ss…a. L…b. 3. Cap. 3. Num. 35: 1-5 7, 8.Num 35:1–5should set out eight and forty of them, wherein the Leuites should dwell with the others that dwelt therein, and hauehave certaine grounds about the same, whereon to keepe their Cattle, which grounds the Text calleth by the name of Subburbs. But Mas touching these grounds or Subburbs, the Text it selfe is so hard to vnderstand, that there be diuers opinions of it: the Text first setting downe one thousand Cubits onelyonly, out-right from the walles round about, to be for those grounds or Subburbs; and by and by setting downe two thousand mo (as it seemeth) in like sort also. In which variety, it seemeth to me, that out of Rabbi Salomon we may best Lyra in Numb 35. Li…ra. G.Num 35gather the meaning of it: namely, that the Leuites Subburbs or Grounds should be those thousand that are spoken of first; and that the second two thousand that are spoken of after, is but to shew, in what sort or manner they were to bee layde out. Which was, that measuring out two thousand Cubits right from the walles, the next halfe of these, or one thousand of them next to the walles, should bee to p. 187the common vse of all the Citty, but not to build on, but to reserue such a space about them to other vses, and for their exercise and pleasure: and the farther thousand of these two, to bee for the Leuites, peculiar and propper to them for theyr Cattle. Out of which Leuiticall Citties hee ordained likewise, that there should bee sixe of Num. 35: 6, 9-15.Num 35:6Num 35:9–15them (three on the one side, and three on the other of the Riuer Iordan) set out also for Citties of refuge: and setting downe the vse of them; he doth by that occasion set downe certaine thinges likewise concerning the shedding of bloud. The vse of them was, that if it shoulde at any time so fall out (as it was like ouer often to be) one man should slay another, then might he, for his owne safety, hauehave some place of refuge, till his cause might come to indifferent hearing: and not be tumultuously slaine by some Kinsman and friend of the other party, in that their heate, as otherwise it is often seen. But whereas we see here, that there are allowed as many Citties of refuge to the East-side of Iordan, as to the west (in length, indeed, teaching almost as far as the other, but in breadth, but about the fourth part of it, &, as it seemeth, scantly so much) out of this may be probably gathered, both that there was like to bee as much disorder of that kinde, in that one quarter as in all the rest besides (and that might bee so the rather, for that the chiefe publike exercise of their Religion was to to be on the other side, whereunto they could not, as now they placed themselues, so well repaire:) and that this might hauehave beene a faire warning vntounto them, not so easily to diuide themselues so far from their Bretheren as now they did, euen in that respect also, though there had beene none other but it. Those thinges, that by this occasion are set downe concerning the shedding of bloud, are in effect but to shew, in what case such protection by those Cities of refuge was to be allowed: &, in what case not. But then by occasion thereof, there are diuers particulars besides: some Nof them most respecting such as should iudge of those cases; others, most respecting the parties themselues. To such as should Iudge in those cases it was prescribed, that if any might seeme vntounto them, rather to hauehave deserued death, than to hauehave such protection allowed, yet that no man should be so condemned, vppon the witnesse of Ibid. 30.one man onelyonly: and when they had found, whether a man were to dye, or to bee allowed that protection, then were they to doe execution accordingly, and in no wise Ibid. 31-34▪to take any ransome or fine of such offenders, eyther for sparing of their liues, or to enlarge them from the praecinctes of their refuge-Citties. For the parties themselues it was prouided, that they had no protection, but onelyonly within the praecinctes of those Citties: and, that there they were to abide during the the life of the High-Priest Ibid. 26-28. Ibi 25. 28, 32that then was. A comfortable figure of the death of Christ our High-Priest, to all such as are distressed about their sinne: and, a reasonable plaine warning withall, that the more wee are partakers of that annointing with him, the readier should wee bee hence to depart, when as by affoording such Malefactors the benefite of his Ibid. 25.death, his life must needes be so much the more in danger by this. For the daughters of Zelophead, the order that was taken, was, not onelyonly for them, but for all others also that should afterward bee in such like case, as wherein these were now: namely, that whereas, by order taken before, they did inherit, now was it prouided Nu. 36: 1-22for likewise, that they should not marry out of their own Tribe (and that so it should be for all others also) that so the Land of any one Tribe, might neuer goe foorth to be ioyned vntounto another. Which, it may be, might likewise proue a notable good bar, to the immeasurable greedinesse of diuers, if in other States, or among other peoples it were vsed likewise, that by such means no land should be as it were transported, out of one Prouince, county, or Shire, vntounto those that hauehave their chiefe aboad in another.

5. In their Story of the last two monthes aforesaide, we are to see; first, howe AMoses maketh an end of his course: then, how Ioshuah beginneth his. As touching Moses, being already put out of doubt, that he should not goe in with them into the Land, and being very iealous of them, that after his time they would be in danger to fall away to Idolatry, he thought good, now to labour them so much as he could, to leaue them (as it were) fast vntounto God: and God likewise doth helpe him forward in the same course, before that he doth take him from among them. So are we first to p. 188Bconsider of those his imployments: then, how hee finished his course among them. Those his imploymentes were all of God, and all occasioned by the brittlenesse of the people, all being to this ende directed, so to establish and settle, and so to leaue the people with God, as best might helpe so to keep them, that neuer after they shold fal from him again: first, by such things, as he would presently hauehave to be done among them; then, by one other that he wold hauehave left vntounto thē for the time ensuing. Those things that he would presently hauehave to be done among them, were two: one, that they should be specially called vponupon, to keep fast vntounto God; the other, that he would hauehave the couenant, that was made betwixt God & them, now to be (on his part) renewed again. For the former, as God would hauehave it, so doth Moses set himself to performe D…. 1▪ 3-5.it, euen in the best manner he can: both by his owne speach vntounto them; and by his earnest prayer for them. By his owne speach vntounto them, he so laboureth them in it, that whosoeuer doth but a little enter into the consideration of it, may reasonable plainely perceiue therein, that he doth it not onelyonly as directed thereunto of God, but also, out of his owne most inward and heartie affection withall; bestowing a notable farewell vponupon them therein, and so earnestly labouring them about it, that it is most euident, himselfe was desirous of it. A very good example to all that are in yeares, or any way else finde themselues to bee wearing away, to be carefull, before they goe hence, to leaue all such as they leaue behind them, especially those of whom they hauehave a more speciall charge, as fast vntounto God as possibly they are able to doe: and not to bestow their whole care on that behalfe of those they hauehave, and that little time that then is left them, onelyonly about ordering (as most men doe) their earthlie affaires and estate vntounto them. But the common sort of men are so voide of godlinesse themselues, that it is no maruell if wee finde no such thing in their deathes when as their liues were altogether destitute of it. In what sort Moses did labour them in it, to the end that we may the better finde, we are more specially to looke into the course hee obserued therein, and so wee shall finde, that although hee diuers times intermingle one with another, as the earnest affection of his owne hart (both in good will towardes them, and for the louelove of the businesse hee had in hand) did now and then lead him: yet, for the most part hee dooth first earnestly exhort and labour them to continue in that their duty and seruice to God; and then dooth put them in minde likewise of many of those thinges, wherein that duty or seruice of theirs was to be performed. When he doth exhort and labour them in it, yet doth Chee both put them in minde of diuers fauours of God towardes them before: and himselfe earnestly mooueth them to doe their duty, and to persist and abide therein. The fauours of God towards them before, that he doth put them in minde of now, were, one of them in Aeygpt, and in the Wildernesse ioyned together: the others, in the Wildernesse onelyonly. That one in Aegypt, and in the Wildernesse ioyntly together, was, that whereas they went downe thither but onelyonly threescore and tenne Gen. 46: 27. Deut. 10: 22.Gen 46:27Deut 10:22persons, God had brought them now to bee like to the Starres of Heauen for multitude: being then, as wee saw before in the last Section but this, aboue 600000. able men to the fielde. Those others that were in the Wildernesse onelyonly, were, some of them of farther remembrance: and some, much neerer. Those that were of farther remembrance, we may account to be all such as were before they were turned backe againe into the Wildernesse, when otherwise they had liberty giuen them to hauehave entered into the Land of Promise, and were mooued so to hauehave done: and of these we finde, that he maketh mention of one which was before the Law also was giuen; and others after. That which hee mentioneth now, and yet was done before the Law was giuen, was that better order that hee tooke with them for the hearing and determining of their Causes and Controuersies, and for the better gouernment of them all generally, by aduise of Iethro his Father in Law, as we saw before. Those Ex. 18: 13-26 Deut. 1: 9-17.Exod 18:13–26Deut 1:9–17which were after the Lawe was giuen, were, some of them ensuing thereon: and some againe, about that their turning backe into the Wildernesse. Such as ensued the giuing of the Law, were two: one, about a motion that themselues then made; the other, about a great sinne, that shortly after they committed. The motion that themselues then made, was, that being affraid of that fearefull voice of God, they p. 189Ex. 20▪ 18-21.Exod 20:18–21now desired, that God would speake no more to them, but onelyonly shew his mind vntounto Deut. 1: 18. 4: 10▪ 14. 15: 22-27.Deut 1:18Deut 1:4Deut 1:10Deut 1:14Deut 1:15Deut 1:22–27Moses, and that they would doe, as he should direct them: which also was granted vntounto them. That which was about the sinne, that shortly after they committed, was, that when they had worshipped the golden Calfe, and the Lord was so offended with them, that hee would hauehave destroyed them for it, hee did earnestly entreat for Ex. 32: 11▪ 14, 31, …2, 34▪ 33: 1-3, 1…-17. 34 1 4. 9. 2…-35. Deut. 10: 1-11Exod 32:11Exod 32:14Exod 32:31Exod 32:2Exod 32:34Exod 32:33Exod 32:1–3Exod 32:1–17Deut 10:1–11them, attending the Lorde about that matter, forty dayes, and forty nightes, and at length, got pardon for them, had the Tables renewed, and liberty to goe forward in the iourney againe, with the Lordes good fauour. About their turning backe into the Wildernesse, hee putteth them in minde, how the Lord from Horeb woulde hauehave had them goe and enter the Land, how he departed from Horeb, and comming Nu. 13: 1-14: 4…. Deut. 1: 6. 8, 19-21. Ibid. 22-33. Ibid. 34 40. Ibid. 41-46.Deut 1:6Deut 1:8Deut 1:19–21to Kadesh-Barnea, hee offered and exhorted them to make their entry: but that they Dwould then hauehave Searchers, and, by their discouragement, did plainely refuse then to goe in: that thereupon the Lord was very sore displeased with them, and would not then giuegive it vntounto them: though the next day after they were sorry that so they had done, and offered to enter, but yet were repulsed; and that so they had continued there a long time. Those that were much neerer, or of latter memory, were of two sortes: some of them, appertaining to that time of Gods displeasure, after that they were turned backe to the Wildernesse againe, vntill the time that God gaue those two Kings of the Amorites into their handes; others, to the time ensuing, after that the said displeasure of God was now asswaged towardes them. During that time of his displeasure, and vntill the time came, that hee made them victorious against those their Enemies, and gaue their Land and Citties vntounto them, the things that now he putteth them in mind of, are but few: as, that from the time they were turned back to the Wildernesse againe, it was thirty eyght yeares before they could get ouer the Riuer Zared, in the Frontiers of the Kingdome of Sihon King of Basan, and entring into the Dead-Sea, about the midst and East-side of it; that Aaron in that time died, Deut. 2: 14, 15 …ro. adrici…. Deut 10: 6-9Deut 2:14Deut 2:15Deut 10:6–9Eleazar his Sonne succeeded; that the Leuites were taken to the Ministery, and should hauehave no portion among their Bretheren; that they were forbidden by the Lord to mooue Warre against the Edomites their Bretheren, as also against the Moabites Deut 2: 1-13. Ibi. 16-33, 37. Ibid. 24, 25.Deut 2:1–13and Ammonites, for that God would giuegive them no part of their Land; that yet neuerthelesse he would giuegive vntounto them the Land of Sihon, one of the Kinges of the Ammorites; and howe the Lord punnished those that did so fouly offend at Baal-Peor, and yet notwithstanding preserued the rest. When the time of that displeasure Deut. 4: 3, 4.Deut 4:3Deut 4:4was now ouer-blowne, the thinges that he mentioneth thereunto appertaining, were; first, the obtaining of that part of the Land on the East-side of Iordan: then, for the time that themselues did afterward lye therein. As touching the obtaining of it, hee putteth them in minde in what sort it pleased God to giuegive it vntounto them: as that sending to Shihon, first for leaue to passe quietly by, and not onelyonly being therein Nu. 21: 21-35 Deut. 2: 26-36. 3… 1-11.Deut 2:26–36Deut 2:3reiected, but with all his forces encountered also, being so prouoked they set vppon him, and preuailed against him; and so proceeding against Og likewise, comming against them with all his power, they ouerthrew him in like manner, as they had the the other before. For the time that themselues did afterward lie therein, which Deut▪ 3: 29.Deut 3:29was, as it seemeth, some reasonable time, hee maketh some farther recitall of that Land: and then speaketh of some others concerning the other whereunto they were going. The farther recitall that he maketh of that Land, is, but how it was bestowed ENu 32: 1-40. Deu 3: 12-20Deut 3:12–20on the Rubenites, Gadites, and halfe the Tribe of Manasses: and what Citties in it should be the Citties of refuge, which were, Bezar among the Rubenites, Rama…h-Gilead among the Gadites, and Golan in that halfe of Manasseth. Concerning the Deu 4: 41-43 Ibid. 1: 7-9. 12 10-12. Num. 20: 12. Deu▪ 3: 21-28 4: 21, 22. Ibid 11: 31. 7: 7. 8. Deut. 4: 1. 5: 1. 6: 1-3. 8. 1, 6.Deut 4:41–43Num 20:12Deut 3:21–28Deut 4:1Deut 4:5Deut 4:6Deut 4:1–3Deut 4:8Land whereunto they were going; first, as touching the Land it selfe, that it was a maruellous good Land: but then, as touching himselfe and the rest of the people, that himselfe was denyed for their sakes to enter in, but was willed to encourage Ioshua who should succeede him, which also hee did; but that they should goe i… and possesse that good Land, yet not because they were moe than others, but onelyonly of the louelove of God towardes them. Himselfe doth earnestly mooue them to do their duty, and to persist and abide therein; first, but generally: but then after more specially also. Generally, that they would hearken vntounto the ordinances and Lawes that p. 190he reposed vntounto them, and taught them; themselues and their Children: that it might goe well with them, and that their daies might be prolonged, and themselues mightily encreased, in the Land which the Lord God of their Fathers did giuegive them, and which flowed with Milke and Hony. More specially he willeth them to inquire, if Deu. 4: 32-38Deut 4:32–38euer any people had such fauours, and were so dealt with as they: so to be deliuered out of such bondage as they were in, and now to hauehave such Nations cast out before them, that they might be planted in their roomes, that neuerthelesse this was not for any worthinesse or righteousnesse in them (they being a very bad people, as their doings about that Calfe, and at Kades-Barnea might witnesse) but for that the Lorde Ibid. 9: 1-29.had a louelove vntounto them, as they might see in all the way that hee led them, wherein though hee might seeme sometimes to deale some-what hardly with them, to let Deut. …: 1-20themselues see what was in them, yet he did them no hurt, but as a Father nourtereth his Childe, euen so dealt he with them also. Then, that they did in no wise forget Deu. 4: 10-13 …: 1-5, 22-27.Deut 4:10–13Deut 4:1–5Deut 4:22–27that day wherein the Lorde in so strange and fearefull manner, gaue vntounto them his Commaundementes, and entered thereby into Couenant with them: at what time themselues were so affrighted at the fearefull thinges they saw and heard, that they desired that he would no more speake vntounto them in that fearefull manner of his, least then they died, as not able againe to abide it, but that he would deliuer his will vntounto him to bring vntounto them. Especially to remember, that the Lord is God alone: and Ibid. 4: 15-20. 23, 24. 25-31. 39-40. 6: 10-19▪ 7-25. 26. 8 7-20. 12: 1-7.seeing they saw no similitude, in no wise to make any Image of him, nor to worship any Idols, but vtterly to destroy them, they beeing deliuered out of Aegypt, to bee a peculiar people to him: otherwise assuring them, that they should vndoubtedly perrish, the Lord their God being a iealous God, and withall a consuming fire: and in no wise to doe after the waies of the former people, in any of their seruice to him: but to come to the place that the Lord should chuse, and there to worship: but as for Fthat people themselues and their Idols, not to spare the people, and vtterly to roote out their Idols, because that otherwise they should bee to their owne destruction. Ibid. 7: 1-26And not onelyonly to bestow all their Religion and zeale in detestation of Idolatry, but especially to giuegive themselues to performe and doe whatsoeuer the Lord requireth of them, framing all their waies agreeable thereunto: to which end hee doth not onelie oft-times exhort them vntounto it (and sometime ioyneth the Priestes and Leuites with him therein) but also giueth them to vnderstand, that it should bee for their owne Deut. 4: 1, 2. 5: 32, 33. 6: 3. (27: 9, 10) 11 22 28, 32. 26: 16-19. 28: 1-14, 15-68.Deut 4:1Deut 4:2Deut 4:5Deut 4:32Deut 4:33Deut 4:6Deut 4:3good, to the riddance of their Enemies, to the enlarging of their owne enioying of that good Land, and in all their wayes, and in all their affaires, to be most blessed, but otherwise to bee most miserable. Neyther doth hee onelyonly exhort them thus to do generally, but with all, doth put them in minde of some chiefe and principall branches thereunto appertaining: as, not onelyonly to feare him, and to walke in his wayes, De. 6. 4-6. 10▪ 12, 13, 16. 29. 11: 1. 12: 8-14and to that end to circumcise their heartes, and to harden their Neckes no more; but also to louelove him with all their heart, with all their Soule, and with all their might, to make much of those his ordinances and Lawes that now he gaue them, and when the Lord should in their promised Land chuse a place whither they should repaire vntounto him, thither then to bring their offeringes, and to reioyce in him, and, as it were to make merry with him. To which end hee doth put them in minde withall, that although Ibid. 10: 14. 15 1…: 2-12. 7▪12 15.the Heauen, and the Heauen of Heauens, were the Lorde their Gods, yet made he choyce of their Fathers and them, mightily deliuered them out of Aegypt, preserued them from the strange and fearefull ruyne of others, and nowe did giuegive them a notable good Land to dwell in: and assureth them besides, if they would so doe, that he also would set his heart vponupon them, encrease them, and blesse them, and remooue the plagues of Aegypt farre from them. Which that they may the better doe, he directeth them farther to certaine Actes of such nature as may better settle it in themselues, and deriue it to others besides: both at their first enterance into the Land; and for afterward also. At their first entrance into the Land, againe ioining Deu. 27: 1-8.Deut 27:1–8others with him, euen the Elders of Israell, hee directeth them to set vp great Stones, and to plaster them, and then to write the Lawes of God thereon, to bee a remembrance vntounto themselues how to walke there, and to bee a direction to others also: and comming to the Mountaines of Gerizim and Hebal (a little within the p. 191borders of the Lande, where they were to make their first entrie) there, besides Ibid. 11: 26-32. 27: 11-29the rearing vppe of such Stones, and an Altar vvithall, they shoulde in set and solemne manner, pronounce both the blessinges and cursses of the Lavv vppon themselues and others, the blessings on the one Mountaine, and the cursses on the other, themselues also being indifferently or equally parted on them, and by answering Amen to eueryevery of them, so to conclude vppon themselues, either to Gtheir good or euill, as their wayes or dooings should be. For afterwards also he Deut. 4: 5-9. 6: 6-9. 20-25 11: 18-21.Deut 4:5–9Deut 4:6Deut 4:6–9Deut 4:20–25protesteth vntounto them, that he had taught them such Ordinances and Lawes as the Lord had willed him to teach them; that they were their wisedome and vnderstanding (and their righteousnesse before God) in the sight of all people, who would readily graunt, that they onelyonly were a wise people, and of vnderstanding, and a great Nation; and that by those they so farre exceeded all other Nations, as that none of them all was compareable vntounto them: that therefore they shoulde write those Lawes of God on the poasts of their howses (as the best vp-holding of them, being well obserued withall) to make their vsuall talke of them, and diligently to teach them vntounto their children, yea and to sharpen them therein, that Tremel. I…. in Deut. 6: 7.Deut 6:7so they may afterward hauehave some good edge in them for such matters, and not to leaue them so dull or Leaden as in those matters al others commonly are. As touching those things wherein that duty or seruice of theirs was to be performed, and of which Moses doth put them in minde for many of them, they are most of them such as from God he had giuen them before: and yet because they are heere again remembred, therefore it is meetest for vsus heere againe to consider of them: especially, seeing that, before they are in the Text set downe, wee are so plainly admonished, Deu. 4▪ 44▪ 49 Nu. 22: 1. 33: 48▪ 50. Tremel. & Iun.Deut 4:44Deut 4:49that all these were giuen by Moses in that valley or plaine of Moab, ouer against Beth-Peor, on the East side of Iordan, after that they had subdued the Amorites there: which note there be of the learned, that refer to the Lawes that followed; though somewhat too much restraining the same to the repetition of the Commandements soone after ensuing. Whereas Moses in that note seemeth not so much to speake of the Commaundements themselues, which were giuen long before, and there but onelyonly repeated to them againe: as of those that after-warde followed, when first by reciting certaine fauours of God towards them, & by earnest exhortation thereupon to cleaue to the Lord, he had so much the better: prepared them to hauehave the more regarde vntounto them. But as touching those Lawes themselues, because we hauehave another place meeter for them, therefore do we referre them to it: and there-withall a farther consideration of that Prayer of Moses also. Of which at this time we consider no more, but onelyonly that by that his earnest Prayer for them, he did not only for that present so entreat God for them, but left the same in writing besides to remaine among them: therein first acknowledging Psal. 90.Ps 90the great goodnesse of God toward that his people, & withal bemoning their hard estate by their owne frailty at that praesent; but then entreating that GOD would take compassion on them, and renew them againe to his glory.

6. As touching the Couenant which was made with them before, and God Awould now hauehave renewed againe, we hauehave no actuall renewing of it on behalfe of the people: but onelyonly on the behalfe of God. And it may bee, that the actuall consent of the people, is not so much regarded now, because of their great frailtie or brittlenesse in cleauing to God, so often declared: and therefore, that God contenteth himselfe, by the Ministry of Moses to shew them, that he notwithstanding is the same towards them that he was before; and so now reneweth the selfe-same Couenant that he did make with them before. So first he putteth them in minde what experience they hauehave already had of him, as a thing that should so fully content them, as that now they should make no question of him: then, he laboureth them, that they would accordingly cleaue vntounto him. The experience that already they had of him, was part of it in their Fathers dayes: and part, in their own. That which was in their Fathers dayes was that woonderfull and fearefull dealing Deut. 26: 1-4.Deut 26:1–4of his, on their behalfe, in the Land of Aegypt: so verie notorious, that although p. 192none of those to speake of that then remained were them-selues priuy vntounto it, yet was the memorie thereof (euen to that day) so fresh among them, that none of them all could be ignorant of it; and yet that they were euen to that day so sencelesse therein, that they notwithstanding were little or nothing the better for it. That which they had in their owne time, and whereunto themselues were priuie, was part of it in that long iourney of theirs in the Wildernesse: and part of it there, where then they encamped. In the Wildernesse they had found, that notwithstanding they had beene held therein forty yeares; and all that time had no repaire Ibid. 5, 6.of apparrell, nor the helpe of ordinary sustenance: yet neither was that apparrell of theirs yet worne out, not themselues consumed, nor in ill liking for want of the sustenance which then they had not. In that place where then they were, they had found likewise, that God had deliuered those two Kinges of the Ammorites, Ibid. 7, 8.and all that whole Countrey of theirs, and their Citties into their hands: and that they had alreadie disposed of them, giuing all the same to the two Triber of Ruben and Gad, and to the one halfe of the Tribe of Manasses. Hauing put them in minde of so speciall good experience of him and comming now to labor them, that they would accordingly cleaue vntounto him, first he doth it but after an vsuall or ordinary manner, laying such matter before them, as might be of force to perswade them: but then he ascendeth to an higher kinde, or much more mightily ariseth vponupon them, by shutting vppe with earnest protestations. After an vsual and ordinary manner he doth it, laying such matter before them as might be of force to perswade them, first by vsing some exhortation, and othet good motiues, so to Bkeepe them vntounto him, as that neuer they fall away from him: and then, if neuerthelesse they should fall from him, that yet they would returne vntounto him againe. So to keepe them vntounto him, as that neuer they fall away from him, hee first exhorteth: and then, vseth some reasons to mooue them vntounto it. Hee exhorteth them, to hauehave speciall regarde to the wordes of that Couenant, both to obserue Ibid. 9.and keepe them well: and to practise them in all their wayes; that so they might prosper in all that they doo. His reasons are sorted vntounto the matter of the Couenant, which is first set dovvne but generally: then, more specially. Generally, there was no more required of them, but that they also would enter into Couenant vvith him: and to moue them to it, first he putteth them in minde of their ovvne readinesse thereunto; then, hovv God vvould graciously extend it to their children also. As touching their ovvne readinesse therevnto, he putteth them in minde, that novv they are all to that end assembled or gotten together, euen from the highest vntounto the lovvest: that hee may establish Ibid. 10-13.them to be a people vntounto himselfe; and that he may be, as before hee svvare vntounto their Fathers, a God vntounto them. As touching the extending of it vntounto their children, he novv also telleth them, that the benefit of this Couenant is not to redound to themselues onelyonly, but also to al their posterity ensuing, euen as fully as to themselues. Ibid. 14-15:More specially it vvas required, that they should not fall from him to any of the Goddes of those Nations: and to that end they vvere put in mind that themselues had seene the vanity and the abhomination of them; and that, if so they should, it would bee an heauy burthen vntounto them. As touching that knowledge Ibid. 16-18.of their owne, they are referred both vntounto Aegypt where they were borne & bred; & to certaine other Nations by which they passed in that their iourny: being now giuen to vnderstand, that God had therefore let them see the extreame folly and naughtinesse of them, that themselues should neuer make any reckoning of them. That if they should, it would certainly bee an heauy burthen vntounto them, it is first set downe but generally: then, more specially. Generally, that it would bee Ibid. 18.found to be a root, that would bring them forth Gaul and Worme-wood. More specially, first for eueryevery one particular person: then, for the whole, or most part of them. For particular persons, that though such an one might perswade himselfe, that neuerthelesse in so doing he might do well enough: yet certainly the wrath of the Lord should lye sore vponupon him, and vtterly root him out from among the people. Ibid. 19-21.In setting downe how heauy the wrath of God would be vntounto them, if the p. 193whole or most part of them should so offend, we are to note, not onelyonly what these iudgements are: but also, in what sort Moses slippeth into the mention heereof. CIn noting what the iudgements themselues are, we shall finde, that they are grieuous: and then, that whereas there might in the minds of some, arise a doubt thereof, Moses sore-warneth (as it may seeme) how to resolue it. They are noted to be so grieuous and fearefull, that the posterity to come, and very Strangers thereabout Ibid. 22-28.should all stand astonied thereat: and should readily ascribe it to the sinne of the people that dwelt therein. The doubt that might arise thereof, was, as it seemeth to me, that they had not so grieuously offended, as so grieuous punishments might seeme to import: and to that end it may seeme, that Moses doth so directly heere referre things secret to the Lord himselfe; and withall setteth downe the thinges reuealed Ibid. 29.to be the rule that we should follow. It may be also, that hee would giuegive them to vnderstand thereby, that howsouer they stood excused for all such matters as God had not reuealed vntounto them: yet for those that hee had reuealed (and such they were, that he spake of now) they were in no wise to be excused. That Moses Ibid. 21, 22.speaking but only of some one particular person or other before, doth neuerthelesse, euen in the next words of all, so speake of punishing the whole land, as if there were some generall Apostacy, of all or of most going before (which he dooth not lay to their charge) it may seeme to be therefore done, to giuegive them to vnderstand, that if any one of that kinde be borne with or spared, it may bee the ruine, if not of all generally, yet of so many, as may bring those plagues vponupon all. If neuerthelesse they should fall from him, that yet they would returne vntounto him againe, he doth not only exhort them thereunto: but also vseth a very good reason (out of the Doctrine it selfe) to moue them vntounto it. Being of mind to exhort them to return to the Lord againe, first he layeth a good Ground-worke before: and then, commeth in with Ibid. 30: 1-7.the exhortation it selfe. The Ground-worke that hee layeth for it before, is, that he putteth them in good assurance, that if then they shall returne vntounto him, he will most graciously receiue them againe. His exhortation thereupon is, that therefore Ibid. 8-10.they would turne vntounto him, that so in all things the Lord might blesse them, and do them good. The reason that hee vseth out of the Doctrine it selfe, is the facilitie Ibid. 11-14.and readinesse of it. He ascendeth vntounto an higher kinde, and much more mightily riseth vponupon them, by shutting vp with earnest protestations: first, by vrging them to consider, that he hath set before them life and good, death and euill: good if they Ibid. 15-1…. Ibid. 19, 20.should obey; otherwise most certaine euill, then, calling heauen and earth to witnesse, Dthat hee hath set before them life and death, blessing and cursing: exhorting them withall, so to make their choise, that euer it may go well with them.

7. That one thing that he would hauehave left vntounto them for the time ensuing, Awas that Song that he appointed Moses to deliuer vntounto them. Concerning which because it was to serue their vse after his departure, and to bee deliuered vntounto them but a little before, therefore hauehave we some such things first set downe, as best may make the way vntounto it: then, we hauehave the thing it selfe. Those things that we hauehave first set downe, so to make the readier way vntounto it, are such as are first performed by Moses: then, some others performed by God. As touching Moses, as he knew that he was not long to tarry among them now, so doth he frame his doinges accordingly: first, as touching the Couenant aforesaide; then, as touching this Song ensuing. As touching the Couenant afore-saide, according as God before had willed him, so did he truely deliuer it vntounto the people. As touching the Song ensuing, Deut. 31: 1.Deut 31:1that so it may be more welcome vntounto them, as comming vntounto them in a time most needfull, when he should be taken away from them, he doth not onelyonly tell them of his departure: but doth so imploy himselfe besides, as is correspondent thereunto. In telling them of his departure, both he giueth good reason of it: and doth farther comfort them therein. The reason that for it he gaue them, was, first of his owne Ibid. 2.disability now, not able any more to do them that seruice he was wont to do, being now an hundred and twenty yeares old (whereas before himselfe had set down, that vsually the age of man was but three-score and ten, and that if his constitution or p. 194Psal 90▪ 16.Ps 90:16strength was such that he could reach to foure-score yeares, yet would that ouerplus be but labour and sorrow:) then, that the Lord had plainely tolde him, that he should not go ouer with them. The farther comfort that hee giueth them Deut. 31: 2. Ibid. 3.Deut 31:2therein, was, from aboue, that the Lord himselfe would go ouer before them, and destroy their enemies before their faces: from beneath, that Iosuah should succeed him and go ouer with them, and that the Lord would be with him; and, that they Ibid. 3-5.should certainly do vntounto the people on the other side, as on this side they had already done to those two Kings of the Ammorites. Whereuppon also hee willeth them to plucke vp their hearts: and to bee assured, that God will neither fayle nor Ibid. 6.forsake them. His employments besides correspondent heereunto, that is, such Bas did shew he was now drawing away, were two: one, that dealing of his with Iosuah; the other his dealing with the Priests the Leuites also. His dealing with Iosuah now was, that he called him before the people, and there assured him, that Ibid. 7, 8.he should go ouer with them, that the Lord would be with him, and that he should giuegive them the land which the Lorde before had promised to giuegive them. His dealing with the Priests the Leuites was, that whereas himselfe had alreadie set downe the Law of God in writing, now dooth he deliuer the same vntounto them to Ibid. 9-13, 24-27keepe, and chargeth them withall, that eueryevery seauenth yeare, in the Feast of Tabernacles, they gather together the whole people, men, women, and children, yea, and the strangers that soiourned with them also (so Lay-people then, yea women and children, were accounted such as were to be acquainted with the written word of God then, albeit those things of the Old-Testament, were much harder for their capacity▪ then any thing almost of the New-Testament is since) & that thē they read the Law vntounto them, that so the people might both heare it, & learne it of them, that so al things might prosper with them: giuing thē withall to vnderstand, that being so brittle as they were while yet he was with them, he could cōceiue no otherwise of them, but that after his death they wold much more shew themselues in their kind, than yet they had done. As touching God, he willed Moses to cal Iosuah, & then both to come together vntounto him: at which time the lord first dealt more Ibid 14, 15.specially with Moses; then, with Iosuah. His dealing with Moses was, to let him vnderstand, that the time being now at hand, that hee must sleepe with his Fathers, Ibi. 14, 16-21the people soone after would fall to Idolatry, and should be for the same grieuously punnished: therefore his pleasure was, that now they should hauehave some speciall warning giuen them thereof (so to preserue so many of them as should hauehave anie care to stand) and that this speciall warning for them should bee contriued into a Song which he would hauehave him set downe in writing, as he did there giuegive it vntounto him. Which Moses also accordingly did. His dealing with Iosuah was no more Ibid. 22.but onelyonly to encourage him, and to assure him, that he should bring the Children of Israel into the Land that he before had sworne to giuegive them. Comming then Ibid. 23.to the thing it selfe, first he getteth the people together: and then reciteth the song vntounto them. To get the people together he imposeth that charge on the Priests Ibid. 28, 29.the Sonnes of Leuy, but especially for the Elders and Officers of them: and giueth vntounto them the reason why, both out of their owne common frailty; and out of the wonted hand of God against such dealing. In reciting the Song vntounto them, we are to consider, not onelyonly howe Moses discharged his duty therein: but also, what is the effect or substance of it. That Moses discharged his duty therein, we CIbid. 30.are assured, that he deliuered by word of mouth, in the hearing of all the Congregation, the words of that Song vntill he had fully ended the same. The effect or substance of it is, to be a set admonition or warning vntounto that people, how euil their wayes were before God: and how bitter fruites in time they would yeelde vntounto themselues. Both which things that they might suffer to make deeper impression in their minds, and so might better conceiue the same, first hee vseth a Praeface or fore-speech thereunto: and then doth come to the matter it selfe. In the Praeface he purposely calleth on the heauens and earth to giuegive eare, as hauing no hope Deu. 32: 1-3Deut 32:1–3of conuenient audience among men; and appealing to all, whether hee hath not iust cause so to deale with them as he doth: and then both assureth them, that that p. 193which now he hath to say shall be vntounto them (if so they can take it) as the comfortable dewe of Heauen, to the Plantes that growe on the Earth, and vntounto the glory of God; and thereupon requireth of them, that they also giuegive glory to GOD. Comming vntounto the matter it selfe; first, hee setteth downe the same bat generally: but then doth prosecute it more specially. Generally, hee giueth them to vnderstand, Ibid. 4, 5.that GOD in all his iudgementes vppon them standeth so cleere, that hee in nothing is to bee charged: but that they had corrupted themselues towardes him; not beeing his Children, but a froward and crooked Generation. More specially; first, hee chargeth them with great sinne: and then denounceth heauy iudgements against them. To the ende they may finde out their sinne the better; first, he sheweth how graciously God hath dealt with them: then, how vnkindly they hauehave dealt with him againe. As touching the gracious dealing of God with them, he is no sooner entring into the consideration of it, but that hee wondereth, that so they could deale with him againe: and so beginneth with a greeuous expostulation with them about that matter. Then he willeth them to call to minde and to consider, Ibid. 6.that in his secret purpose he did not forget them in the distribution of possessions Ibid. 7-9.and Countries to other peoples, but at that time also, and nowe shortly to come to light, he prouided for them, though as yet he had not giuen it vntounto them: and that, Ibid. 10-14.when they were in neede and destitute, hee supplyed their necessity, and in the ende brought them vntounto a rich and wealthy estate. As touching their vnkinde dealing Ibid. 15-18.with him againe, he giueth them plainely to vnderstand, that when they were so wel reared, and growne fat & wel liking, then became they wanton & stubborne against him: and gaue themselues to so grosse Idolatry, that so they seemed cleane to forget him, and to cast the memory of him, and of all his benefits towardes them, in vile contempt, euen at their heeles. In denouncing his iudgements against them, we finde in the ende, that neuerthelesse he willeth other Nations to hauehave that people of his in speciall regard: so that belike he doth not otherwise finde how to demaund Diudgement against them; but that hee findeth much mercy mingled withall to those that are his. So it shall be good first to consider in what sort hee denounceth those iudgements against them: and then may we the better see, on what ground it is, and how far-forth it is required, that other Nations should make such a reckoning of that his people. In what sort he denounceth those iudgements against them, wee can no sooner endeuour to finde, but that we espy withall, that indeed he mingleth great mercy with them: and so are first to consider of those his iudgementes: then, of such mercies as wee finde to bee mingled there-with. The consideration of those his iudgements yeeldeth vntounto vsus two principall branches: one, whence they doe proceede; the other, what they are in themselues. As touching the former, they are shewed to come, of a resolute and determinate purpose of God. As touching the Ibid. 19, 20. IbiI. 21, 22.latter, they are of two sorts: one, that as they prouoked him with those that were no Gods, so would he prouoke them with those that were no people, and such a people too, as in whom there was no likelihood at all, euer to put them in hazzard of that their Dignity; the other, that both at home and abroad their estate should bee very heauy, euen of all the sort of them. The mercies that wee finde to bee mingled with these his iudgements, are of two sorts: first, that he dealeth not so hardly with Ibid. 23-25.them, as, but in some respect, hee otherwise would; then, that at length hee taketh part with them also, against their Enemies. In that hee dealeth not so hardly with them, as, but in some respect, he otherwise would, wee hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, what it is that otherwise he would hauehave doone vntounto them: and what reason hee had, both of that his forbearing of them; and that other-wise so hee might, and would hauehave dealt with them. That which otherwise he would hauehave done vntounto them, was, euen Ibid. 26.to hauehave scattered them abroad, and vtterly to hauehave abolished, from the face of the Earth, the memory of them. The reason why hee did forbeare them therein, was, Ibid 27.least theit enemies should waxe proud thereat, and not to impute the same to the Lord, but to their owne power against them. The reason that otherwise he might Ibid. 28-35.and would hauehave dealt so with them, was, that they were so foolish and euill (which also was a speciall hinderance vntounto them in the meane season:) and that the Lorde p. 194had vndoubted experience of it. That neuerthelsse at length (when he hath, to his good pleasure, humbled his people) he taketh part with them against their enemies, Ibid. 36. 42.that also is very plainly set downe: to the iust terror of those that at any time become enemies to the people of God; and to the singular comfort of those that are his. Ibid. 43.Out of which that warning in the end doth fitly arise, to all Nations besides, to make Especiall reckoning of the people of God: for that hee auengeth the blood of his Seruants, and is exceeding mercifull to them and their land; but of fearefull vengeance to all their aduersaries. Which Song when Moses had recited in the hearing of the Ibid. 44, 45.people, and in the presence of Iosuah, who now soone after was to succeede Moses in the gouernment of them, he farther willed them to hauehave a speciall regard thereunto, Ibid. 46.and not onelyonly to motion it, but euen to commaund it vntounto their Children: assuring them, that it was no matter so little concerning them, as that they needed not much Ibid. 47.to regard it; but that it was to great and singular good vse vntounto them.

8 How Moses finished his course among them being now to be seene, wee Aare to note; first, how he was called vponupon about it: then, how he also did readily addresse himselfe vntounto it. He was called vponupon about it, the selfe-same day, as it seemeth, wherein hee recited that Song vntounto them: being then directed whither to go, Ibid. 48. Ibid. 49, 50. Ibid. 51, 52.to behold the Land, and to finish his life; and being then told againe, what the cause was, why hee should not enter with the rest into it. Hee readily addressed himselfe vntounto it; first, by doing some thinges beneath before he ascended: then, by ascending thither vntounto it, as he was prescribed. The things that first he did heere beneath, were two: one, that he blessed the Tribes of Israell; the other, that he laid his handes on Ioshuah. In that his blessing of the Tribes of Israell, it shall bee good for vsus also more specially to marke, some thinges that belong vntounto them all▪ and some, that belong to certaine of them. For those that belong vntounto all, doe for many of them shew what estate wee also are like to hauehave vnderunder the gouernment and protection of God: such being (for that point) the Communion of Saintes, that what interest the people of God hauehave at any time had in the Lorde before, the same may any of the people of God looke to hauehave in him still, both nowe and euer, while the World endureth. And whereas, some of them there were, whose dignitie and function is yet (in diuers good & great respects) in force, it shall be good, that out of them also we gather, what we shal find to giuegive any needful Lessons to vsus. Omitting therefore such things as are peculiar to thē, and casting our eyes but vntounto such as doe more specially concern vsus also, & so first beginning with those that did concerne thē al, we find some things thereunto appertaining (as it were) in the Praeface, or in the beginning of that his blessing: and some again, in the conclusion or ending of it. In the Praeface or beginning Deut. 33: 1-5.Deut 33:1–5of it, he puts thē in mind how graciously the lord did vouchsafe to impart his cōfortable presence among thē more and more, euer since they came out of Egypt to Bthat present: as also it hath pleased him, since he set in hand with our deliuerance, out of that Aegyptiacall bondage, that of late the Church was in, euer more & more to cleere vp his gracious countenance towards vsus; and still to bestow new benefites on vsus. Towardes the end he assureth them, that being (as they were) vnderunder Gods protection, Ibid. 26-29.they were the happyest people vnderunder the Sunne; safe, and victorious against their Enemies, and notably furnished with earthly blessings: a very good and sound prouocation to all to come in, that yet stand out or hang off from the profession of the Gospell; seeing what benefites they may assure themselues to obtaine, if truely they can ioyne with their Bretheren therein. Those that belong to certaine of them, are those that wee finde in Iudah and Leuie; Iudah hauing the Scepter and Kingdome vntounto it, cheefely before allotted, and Leuie the Priest-hoode: matters of great and speciall moment at all times else; and so, by that reason, with vsus likewise. As touching Iudah, we are to note, what two thinges in him are coupled together: one, that praier is made for him; the other, that neuertheles there is great hope of safetie and victorie to him ascribed. In the Praier it is desired, that God Ibid. 7.would both heare him when he calleth vponupon him: and (belike when he hath to deale with the Enemy) bring him home safe to his people againe. The hope of safety p. 195and victory to him ascribed (as the original it self doth giuegive it) resteth in two principal …rias Mont. Ibid.points: one, that himself contendeth (with the Enemy, & doth not giuegive ouer, nor bear with him;) the other, that the Lord himself doth help him against al those that endeauour to straighten him. But these two doe well agree together. And so with vsus, although it be certaine, that such as are of the Kingdome of Christ, both themselues doe striue, and hauehave a sure helpe in the Lorde (for there are neuer want, that would straighten the boundes of his Kingdome:) yet is it needefull euer to ioyne Prayer withall, both that God would euer heare them; and euer bring them safe to theyr people againe. For Leuie, it seemeth, he is altogether in Prayer: but first, onelyonly for such thinges as doe more specially belong to his function: then, for such as are for his maintenance and function withall. As touching such thinges as do… more specially belong to his function, wee are to consider, what it is that on that behalfe hee dooth desire: and what reasons they are whereon hee pleadeth. The thinges for Ibid. 8.which he prayeth are, that integrity of life, and knowledge of Doctrine, may euer be with him. The reasons whereon he pleadeth, are eyther of Aaron the chiefest Cof them: or else of the Leuites themselues. Of Aaron, for that God had sanctified Ibid. 8.him vntounto it: and for that hee was so mooued with the vntowardnesse of the people, that then he brake the boundes of patience thereby. Of the Leuites, for that Ibid. 9, 10.they had before done that speciall seruice to God (nothing at all therein respecting their Kinsfolke or Friendes:) and for that they were to teach his people, and euer to Minister before the Lord. As touching such as were for their maintenance, & function withall: first, he desireth, that God would both blesse his substance, & accept of the Ibid. 11.work of his hands: then, whereas euer he should hauehave Enemies to both (both to his maintenance, & to his Ministery) it would please God, to smite thorough the loynes Ibid.of such as should rise vp against him, and of so many as did hate him, and that in such sort, that they neuer might hauehave eyther heart or power to rise vp againe. Wherein if we come to our Ministery also, there is no question, but that on all handes it were to be wished, that holinesse in life, and knowledge in doctrine might euer goe with it: if integrity of life, good trayning vp before, and good choyce after, may not be omitted; if some speciall learning withall, the reward of learning should not bee so curtold, as now it is. If none be meete for it, but such as can so far remoue from them all priuate respect, they are not those ordinary gallants, that will serue to such purpose: no nor so much as to take any paines to teach the people, or to attend theyr Ministery before the Lord. And no question at all, but that God needeth to blesse their substance, and to accept the worke of their handes, when as so commonly, euen among those that professe the Gospell, they are so fleesed in the one, and put to such disgrace in the other, as daily they are: as also there is no question, but that vnlesse God do mightily beat downe indeed such as are so grieuous vntounto them, it is not likely, that euer they would find (so long as there were any power in thē) but that still they might make as bold with it, as yet they doe. That Moses laid his handes on Ioshuah, though we hauehave not the originall Story heere; yet hauehave we a plaine relation of it: and thereby it appeareth, that as God had willed Moses so to doe, and as Deut. 34: 9. Nu. 27: 18-23Deut 34:9it is recorded there that so he did, so it may seeme (as being the fittest, and most likely) that now is the time that it was done, for that Moses was now to part with the gouernment cleane, and Iosuah to succeede him therein. So Moses tooke Iosuah, set him before Eleazar the Priest, and before the Congregation, laid his handes on Dhim so to commend him to God and to the people, & to inuest him in that his office, and than gaue him charge what hee was to doe. The which as it did come from God, it sheweth, that the care of succession is also of him: and as Moses readilie yeelded to put him in place, so should that bee, in such like case, grieuous to none. These thinges when he had done beneath, then, according as hee was directed, hee Deut. 34: 1-7Deut 34:1–7went vp to the Lord, who there did shew him the Land that the people were to enioy; but told him againe, that himselfe should not go with them into it: and so Moses died and was buryed there, at the age of 120. yeares; but the place of his buriall vnknowne to them all. A sufficient token, that God had no such liking, as many of vsus hauehave since conceiued, that it was so acceptable a thing vntounto him, to hauehave such relickes of the bodies or cloathes of the Saints departed.