A Complete Christian Dictionary, Dictionary · Part VI – Part UM
V I.
Vial]
A vessel narrow at the bottom, and wide above, wherein incense was offered up to God, Rev. 5. 8. The matter is gold, Ibid. In respect of the form it represents the heart, which is narrow and pointed at the lower end, but wider above, to signifie, that it should be open towards God and heaven, but closed towards the world.
In respect of the matter, it signifieth that the heart which praises God should be holy and pure, and that such hearts are honourable in the sight of God; for a vessel of gold, and a vessel of honour, are put for the same, 2 Tim. 2. 20, 21.
It is put for the prayers of the Saints. Rev. 5. 8. by a double metonymie,
1 Of the continent for the thing contained.
2 Of the signe for the thing signified.
Vials of the wrath of God]
signifie, the Judgements of God, Rev. 15. 7. & 16. 1, 2, 3, 4.
1. Because they are the means and instruments whereby God executes his judgements upon the wicked, even as is a vessel out of the which wine is poured to be drunk.
2. Because God pours out his judgements in a certain measure, such as himself hath determined.
3. Because the judgements of God are just, free from any blot or injustice, as the gold whereof the Vial is made is pure and free from drosse.
The vials of the wrath of God, Rev. 16. 1. These Vials were for the destruction of Popish Rome, as the seals were for the overthrow of the heathen Romane Empire. There is a great agreement between the trumpets, that weakened the Christian Romane Empire, and these Vials, that shall ruine the Popish Church. The evill of the first trumpet, and vial, lighteth on the earth; the second on the Sea, &c. The one sheweth that the Popish Church shall be destroyed, as sure as the Heathen Empire was: the other, that it shall be destroyed by such like judgements, as the Heathen Empire was weakened. Annot.
As Antichrist rose by seven trumpets in the 8th. chapter, so he shall fall by seven vials, (the vials are of large extent, but of narrow mouths; they poure out slowly, but drench deeply, and distill effectually the wrath of God; they are vessels of full and just measure, as all these judgements are dispensed in weight and measure) they shall be poured on the whore of Babylon. Papists and we agree in this, but differ in the other, who shall be the whore. We say the Church of Rome, and some of them also. Destruction comes upon all those that joyn with Rome; the earth, the common people; the sea, the Romane dominion; Rivers, those that carry abroad her trumperies; the sun, the highest authority that holds on Rome. These vials import not only temporall and bodily plagues, but spirituall also. Leighs Annot.
Victory]
is taken, I. Properly, for that victory obtained against common enemies in war.
It it sometime expressed by the word battle, Eccl. 9. 11. By a Metonymie of the antecedent for the consequent, by saving, Judg. 7. 2. deliverance, Ibid. 15. 18.
The efficient first cause is God, Josh. 14. 12. 1 Sam. 7. 11. 13. & 14. 45.
For 1. it is obtained by prayers put up unto him, 1 King. 8. 44, 45. 2 Chr. 6. 34, 35. Exod. 17. 11.
2. By a holy, and strong confidence in his name, 1 Sam. 14. 6, 10, 12. compared with 13. & 17. 37, 45, 46. 2 Chron. 13. 11, 12. & 14. 11, 12. & 20. 15, 17, 18, 20. & 32. 8.
3. Because a few men, without strength, often obtain the victory against multitudes, exceeding in strength and all warlike furniture, Gen. 14. 14, 15, 16, 19, 20. Judg. 7. 2, 7. 1 Sam. 14. 6, 13. & 17. 45, 46, 47, 5. Psal. 33. 16, 17. & 147. 10. Prov. 21. 31. So that the battle is not alwayes given to the strong, Eccl. 9. 11.
4. The victory is promised and given of God as a great benefit, Gen. 22. 17. Exod. 23. 27. Lev. 26. 7, 8. Deut. 11. 23. & 28. 7.
5. Because we are commanded to ascribe it to God, Judg. 15. 8. 1 Sam. 7. 12. & 11. 13. 2 Sam. 5. 20. and to praise him, and give him thanks for it, Genes. 14. 19, 20. Exod. 15. 1. to 21. Judg. 5. 2. 2 Chr. 20. 26.
6. Because they that trust to themselves are often disappointed of their hope, Exod. 15. 9, 10. Judg. 5. 28, 29, 30. 1 Sam. 17. 44, 49, 51. 1 King. 20. 3, 10, 18. Wherefore men should not triumph before the victory, 1 King. 20. 11.
The parties that obtain this victory, are,
1. The Church against her enemies, Exod. 17. 11. Numb. 31. 49, 50. Josh. 10. 11. Judg. 7. 11.
2. The enemies against the Church, Deut. 32. 30. Josh. 7. 4, 5. Judg. 3. 12, 13. 1 Sam. 4. 2, 10. 2 King. 23. 29. 2 Chr. 35. 21. Psal. 44 10, 11. and that either,
1 Because of the just judgement of God for the sins of his people, as appeareth by the mentioned places. Or then,
2 For the tryall of his people, and the purging them from their sins, Dan. 8. 10. & 11. 35.
3. The Church one against another, Judg. 20. 35. 2 Chr. 13. 16. Isa. 10. 13.
4. The enemies of the Church one against another, 2 King. 24. 7. 1 King. 1. 16, 22.
II. It is taken improperly, for the victory of Christ against the devil, the world, sin, and death, Joh. 16. 33. Rev. 3. 21. & 5. 5. & 6. 2. according to the promise, Gen. 3. 15. Col. 2. 15. Heb. 2 14. 1 Joh. 3. 8.
2. For the victory that the faithfull obtain against the devil, world, and the flesh; against Hereticks, false Teachers, and Antichrist, Rom. 8. 36. 1 Cor. 15. 54, 55. Isa. 25. 8. Hos. 13. 14. 1 Joh. 3. 13, 14. & 4. 4. & 5. 4, 5. Rev. 2. 7, 11, 17. & 3. 5, 21. & 21. 7.
Faith is … victory, 1 Joh. 5. 4. not for the worthinesse of it; but,
1. By … us into the Covenant of God, and espousing us to Christ; for it makes Christ, and all his victory ours.
2. By drawing virtue from Christ, as the branch from the root.
3. By receiving as by a hand, all from God, and Christ; especially, the promise, …, and graces of the Spirit, which makes us invincible.
Victory]
2 Sam. 19. 2. Heb. salvation or deliverance, marg. Prov. 21. 31. or safety. Comp. the marg. with the text.
Victory of the Beast]
;;A prevailing … Antichrist, even by a full and absolute victory; for which cause here be reckoned up with the Beast, his Image, Mark, and Number of his name. All which these Conquerors shall abhor, and have in utter execration. Rev. 15. 2. And them that had gotten victory of the Beast, and of his …, …, and Name.
Death is swallowed up in victory, 1 Cor. 15. 54. The Heb. phrase foreign, which is … rendred foreign, 2 Sam. 2. 26. Job 36. 7. Jer. 3. 5. Lam. 5. 20. … 1. 11. doth in all of them … for ever, and is rendred foreign, Isa. 13. 20. and foreign, to the end. Psal. 13. 2. and so it's in this place, Death shall be for ever (or perfectly, or finally) …. Dr. Ham. Annot. c.
To bring sorth judgment unto victory, …, To place righteousness in the world, against all the striving and impediments cast in by Satan to the hindring thereof. … upon Mat. …. 20.
Victual]
Meat and drink, Gen. 14. 11.
It is put for all necessaries for the life. Synecdoche. Psal 132. 15. Josh. 1. 11. & 9. 11. Mat. 14. 15. Luk. 9. 12.
Victuals]
Jer. 44. 17. Hebr. bread marg.
View]
To spie, Josh. 2. 1. To search and consider, Josh. 7. 2 Neh. 2. 13. Ezr. 8. 15.
View]
2 King. 2. 7. Hebr. in sight, or over against, marg.
Vigilant]
Watchfull. Which both Bishops must be, 1 Tim. 3. 2. and all others Christians, 1 …. 5. 8.
…]
;;That which is of no worth or price, being contrary to precious: as vile Sacrifice.
;;2. Base, rotten, corruptible, being set against glorious Phil. 3. 21. Our vile bodies shall be like his … body, &c.
;;3. It signifieth any niggardly person; … all such be vile, sprung from the dunghill, and … the …, Isa. 3a. 5.
Vile]
Abominable wickednesse, Judg. 19. 24. Hateful, 1 Sam. 3. 13. Humble, 2 Sam. 6. 22. …, …, Job. 18. 3. …, by reason of sin, Job 40. 4 Wicked, Psal. 15. 4. Isa. 32. 5, 6. Rom. 1. 26. …, Jam. 2. 2.
Vile]
So vile a thing, Judg. 19. 24. …. the matter of this folly, marg. 1 Sam 3. 13. or …, marg.
Vile person, Isa. 32. 5. The word is in … commonly used for a fool, as Deut. 32. 6. where wise and it … opposed, or (like a withered flower, or …, or …, … plant) of no reckoning or esteem, chap. 28 1, 4. & 64. 6. See chap. 14. 19. & 27. 11. and both … and … ones are persons of no worth, Prov. 10. 20. But in this place being opposed to a word that hath a notion of liberality in it, it seems rather to import tenacity and …; and our ancienter Versions, therefore render it, one of them, a niggard; another, a foolish niggard. ….
Vilely]
Disgracefully, …, 1 Sam. 1. 21.
…, or vile …, riotize. The word … here used is derived form … that is, a …, …, or … person, Deut. 21. 20. Prov. 23. 21. and consequently, one vile, contemptible, and nought …, opposed unto the precious, Jer. 15. 19. And … vilenesse or … may either be meant of the vice it self, or of vicious doctrine, opposed to Gods precious Word, before spoken of, vers. 16. or a vile and … per on may be so called for more vehemency sake, as pride sor the proud man, Psal. 36. 12. Aynsw.
Vilest men, Psal. 12. 8. Hebr. foreign, …, the abstract for the concrete, as often. Annot.
… thing exaited]
;;… and wickednesse is by wicked men extolled to the clouds, Psal. 12 9. … … … thing is exalted. Some … this to the …, and make this sense, that when evill and … men are lifted up to authority, then do the un, … … like Bees, and walk ;;securely: which is true, … … not sit to this place.
Viliage]
For one or … … … together in the Countrey, Gen. 25. 16. … … …. 1 …. 6 18.
2. For a place not …, … 1. …. … a City, Judg. 10 4.
Villages]
Numb 21. 25 Hebr. …, marg.
Villages]
;;At the … …, so it may be translated, Cant. 7 11 Let us remain … the …. See …, and Lodge.
…]
Sinfull words, either …, foolish, or …, Isa. 32. 6. or … …, …. 29. 23.
Vine]
;;A Tree or Plant, … grapes, … Wine is made.
;;2. A Countrey abounding with Vines and Pasture. Gen. 49. 11. He shall …. his … … to the ….
;;3. Christ who is … a Vine, … … in property, giving life of grace to all his members, as a … gives … and life to all his …. Joh. 15. 1. I am the true …. A Metaphor.
;;4. Particular men and women, which bring forth fruit (as grape.) according as the persons are good … bad. Deut. 32. 33. Their vine … the … of Sodom, &c.
;;5. The visible Church. Psal. 80. 9. Thou … brought a … out, &c. …. 14. Visit this …. Isa. 5. 1, 2, 3.
;;In the description of the … Church, by the similitude of a vine, all things … to the defence and prosperity of a Church (by the like a Vine) are elegantly … …, and in natural order.
;;1. There is choyce of …, or place, [ ….]
;;2. Gods … for a … or wall.
;;3. Casting out …, and …, with Idolatry, to answer the … out of stones.
;;4. Holy laws and …, like to … branches, or selected vines.
;;5. The … of Jerusalem, wherein (as in a Tower) Priests, Prophets, and Judges watched to … from ….
;;6. Their Doctrines and … … a Winepresse) to bring out all kindes of … as … ….
;;7. And pleasant …, like ….
;;All this the Lord to have done to this people, appears by …. 11. 1. Psal. 80. 9, 10, 11. …. 1. 2. and … without … an example, …. 157 10 …. 8. 5.
Vine]
;;The Church … … self, and fruitful as a Vine: also … the … and … of a …, … … and … it, …. 7 12 Let us see if the … …. The … that for … heart are like a Garden of …; yet when their … shall be wrought. will be as … and …, bring … sweet and wholesome fruits to the … of God and man. Cotton.
The people called of … and planted in the … of his Church, which … they flourish in a good …, doe after bring forth the fruits of good works to the … of Christ. …. en …. 6. 11. … … and … are apt to … wilde and …, … … …, and … …; so is the Church apt to … infected and … with all … … and …, … … watch over her, and send such … and labourers, as will oversee and … her. …. … Cant. 6. 11.
The … is for wood lesse … for building, then any … of the …; so that … … … so much as a … thereof for hanging any … …, but rather cast it … the sire and consume it, … 15. 1 2, &c. What substantial thing is there … our nature for which we should be depended upon? Behold we are … and lighter then vanity itself. The Vines and their fruit come to nothing, unless under-propped and list from the earth. Such are the … of our favory words, and the Grapes of our nourishing works, unlesse … be sustained with the … props of Grace. Take away the … of Preaching, Sacraments, Administring, Prayer, Alms, Fasting, &c. and all our … fall; our fruits …. Clapham on Cant. 2. 13.
Vine in Baal-hamon]
;;A Vine planted in a fruitful soyl, or in a place so plenteous for Vines, as it bringeth forth a multitude of Vines, Cant. 8. 11. Solomon had a Vine in Baal-hamon. It's in our Translation Vineyard. See Baal-hamon.
Vines of Engedi]
;;Vines excellent and fruitfull, planted at Engedi, a Town neer unto the red Sea; whereunto the Church is resembled for her sweet smell and pleasant fruits, Cant. 1. 13. My wel beloved is as a Cluster of … unto me in the Vines of Engedi. Vineyards saith our Translation. See Engedi.
Empty vine]
;;The wicked Israelites, who resting from …, gathered strength to bring forth new wickednesse, in stead of being better by their corrections: even as Vines after grapes be gathered, being empty, renew their strength to bring forth more grapes next yeer. Hos. 10. 1. Israel is an empty Vine.
Vine flourishing]
;;The fruits of the graces of God in the Church, and the sign of the approaching of the marriage day, Cant. 7. 12. Let us see if the Vine flourish.
Vine-dresser]
He that labours in the …, Luk. 13 7. They had Overseers, 1 Chr. 27. 27. were of the lowest of the people, 2 King. 25. 12. Jer. 52. 16. In the Captivity of Babylon they were left behinde, They howle and weep for the scarsity of Wine, Joel 1. 11.
Improperly, for the Gentiles converted to Christ, Isa. 61. 5.
2. For the Ministers of the Gospel, Luk. 13. 7.
Vinegar]
;;A sharp, sowre, tart liquor, made of Wine. Mat. 27. 48. And presently when one of them running had filled a Sponge with vinegar.
;;2. Any bitternesse or grievous affliction of body or soul. Psal. 69. 21. In my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Spoken of such as vexed the afflicted.
Vinegar]
A sharp drink made of Wine, Beer, or any other strong drink; they used to dip their morsels in it, Ruth 2. 14. yet it was unlawfull for the Nazarites to drink of it, Numb. 6. 3.
The properties of it is,
1. That it is sowre and sharp.
2. It is troublesome to the teeth, and duls them, Prov. 10. 26.
3. It dissolves Nitre, and therefore compared to a Song putteth away sadnesse, Prov. 25. 20.
Vines (of the vineyards) of the earth]
;;The whole number of the Reprobate, whether Heathen, Jews, Turks, or heaps of Hypocrites and wicked within the Church; or Idolaters and Hereticks, which renounce the Church and name of Christ, though not in profession, yet in truth. Rev. 14. 19. And cut down (gathered) the vines (of the vineyards) of the earth. Some judge this prophesie not to be of the last judgement when all the wicked shall be cast into the large Wine-presse of the pit of hell, to be tormented (as clusters of grapes cut off, are cast into a Fat or Presse, where they be pressed) but to have been fulfilled in the yeer of our Lord, 1539. here in England, when Monasteries, Abbies, Fryeries, Nunneries, and other houses, (then falsly called religious) were pulled do …, their lands and revenues converted to other most honest and publick uses, by the advice and service of the Lord Cromwell, who (as a sharp sickle) served the providence of God, not to lop and prune, but to cut down the Vines, even the shining fat glory of the Pontificall Church, which had taken deep root, and spread it self far and neer in this rich and fruitfull Island. Such a cropping of the Vines happened in Garmany, much about the same time. Let the learned judge which sense best agreeth.
Vine-tree]
is the basest sort of wood, good for nothing (if …) but to be burnt, Ezek. 15. 2, 3.
It is put for the fruit thereof, Numb. 6. 4.
Vine-tree]
Numb. 6. 4. Hebr. vine of the vine, marg. Of Vines, some were Choyce, Isa. 5. 2. Flourishing, Cant. 7. 12. Fruitful, Psal 128 3. Goodly, Ezek. 17. 8. Noble 2. 21. Spreading, Ezek. 17. 6. Others, Empty, Hos. 10. 1. Undressed, Lev. 25. 5, 11. Waste and dryed, Joel 1. 7, 22. Wilde, 2 King. 4. 39.
Vineyard]
;;The visible Church in earth, like a Vineyard in many respects; as for spreading, fruitfulness, manner of …, exposition to danger, &c. Isa. 5. 12. Psal. 80. 15 … and visit this Vine.
;;2. Also the Common-wealth, Isa. 3. 14.
Vineyard is put for the fruit thereof, Cant. 1. 6. 1 Sam. 8. 15.
2. For the riches we possesse, Isa. 3. 14.
3. For the people of the Jews, Jer. 2. 21. & 12. 10. Mat. 20. 1.
Vineyard]
;;The true Church of Christ committed to faithful Ministers, as to the keepers of it, Cant. 8. 11. He gave the Vineyard unto keepers. An intellectual, mysticall Vineyard, planted by Gods right hand, grounded in faith, rooted in Charity, watered by the Word of the Preachers, digged and manured by the discipline of Magistrates, the Wine whereof hath the savour and taste of a good concience within, the colour and cure of an holy conversation without, and the Wine-presse by which it runneth abroad, is the tongue of open and thankful confession to the praise of God. Dr. Kings Sermon, pag. 3. See Keep, and Keeper.
To plant a Vineyard]
To exercise husbandry, sowing of Wheat, dressing Vines, or doing what else is to be done in the fields, for nourishing a family, Gen. 9 30.
Vineyard of red wine]
;;The people or Church of the Jews brought back to their own Countrey, and there planted, which God shall keep by his protection, as a wall, and water it by his Word, as by dew, making it bring forth good works, for their excellency like to red wine, which is the best and most generous wine, such as abounded in that Region. Isa. 27. 2, 3. A vineyard of red Wine.
;;In these five things chiefly the Church is likened to a Vineyard.
;;1. Because the Church is planted, and grows not of it self, as neither doth a Vine, 1 Cor. 3. 6, 7.
;;2. The Church being very weak, is yet very fruitful, by the power of God, like the Vine, Ezek. 15. 3. Judg. 9. 13. 2 Cor. 12. 9.
;;3. Men are called into the Church, (as into a Vineyard) at divers times, Mat. 20.
;;4. The Church is troubled with enemies, as Vineyards with Foxes and wilde beasts, Psal. 80. & 74.
;;Lastly, A Vine remaineth a Vine, though it have superfluous branches; so doth the Church.
Vintage]
;;The time of gathering, or the act of gathering grapes.
;;2. Many overcome in battle or fight. Judg. 8. 2. Are not the gleanings of the Ephrainites better then the vintage of the Abiezerites?
Viol]
A musical instrument, Isa. 5. 12. Amos 6. 5. used with the Harp, Tabret, and Pipe, Ibid. It was to stir up mirth, Isa. 14. 11. after victories, 2 Chr. 20. 28. in feasts Amos 6. 5. in praising of God, 1 Sam. 10. 5. 2 Sam. 6. 5. 1 King. 10. 12. and by Idolaters in their idolatrous worship, Amos 5. 23.
Violate]
To pollute, Act. 21. 28. Profane, Neh. 13. 18. To transgress, Ezek. 22. 26.
Violence]
Force, Lev. 6. 2.
2. For great sins of all sorts, Gen. 6. 11. Particularly, for injury and oppression, Psal. 11. 5. & 55. 9. & 72. 14. & 73. 6. Prov. 4. 17. For the fury of an enemy, Jer. 6. 7. & 20. 8. For the punishment of oppressors, Prov. 13. 2.
It is put for goods gotten by violence, Amos 3. 10. Natural strength, Heb. 11. 34.
Violence]
Jer. 22. 17. or incursion, marg.
Do violence to no man, Luk. 3. 14. or put no man in fear, marg.
The Kingdome of heaven sussereth violence, Mat. 11. 12. or is gotten by force, marg. This is a strange phrase, if it should be exacted by our manner of expressing; but for the manner of the speech it is to be referred to this Tradition of the Elders: Two men had an inheritance divided between them by equali portions; and it's said of one of them, that he carryed away his own part, and his fellows too; therefore they called him Ben-Hamtsen, or the Son of violence, untill the day of his death, &c. By the Kingdom of heaven is plainly meant the Inheritance of the Saints, and the means whereby to purchase it. The Gospel of the Kingdom, as it is therefore so called, Mat. 9. 35. Comp. with Luk. 16. 16. This Inheritance was bequeathed to, and equally divided betwixt the Jew and the Gentile, in a Christian way of Gavelkin. It was first offered to the Jew, to take his half, but (which the Jew refusing to do) the Apostles cast off the dust of their shooes, and turned to the Gentiles; and so the Gentiles like a good Ben-hamtsen, or Son of violence,, took his own share and the Jews too. Mr. Gregorie's Notes and Observ. p. 27, 28. See Dr. Hamm. Annot f.
Violent]
;;Such as be made to believe by the forcible working of the Spirit, causing them zealously to continue in the faith, Mat. 11. 12. Luk. 16. 16.
Violent]
One injurious unto others, from such the Lord delivers his servants, 2 Sam. 22. 49. and preserves them, Psal. 18. 49. & 140. 2, 5. The godly pray against them, Ib. 12. They shall be punished by God, Job 27. 13. Psal. 11. 5. They ought not to be envyed, nor their wayes followed, Prov. 3. 31. They are deceitful, and draw others into wickedness, Prov. 16. 29.
Violent man]
Psal. 18. 48. Heb. man of violence, marg. Psal. 86. 14. Heb. terrible, marg.
The violent take it by force, Mat. 11. 12. These words are restrictive and promissive. The violent, and only they, take it by force, as a Castle is taken by a storm. Leigh's Annot.
Only they who with ardent …, overcoming all that stands in their way, presse into it, do, and shall attain possession thereof: The violent, or they that thrust on men, marg. as in storming a Town, one thrusts another to get before him into it; so the people were so encouraged by John's preaching to come to Christ, that every one was ambitious to come first. Aanot.
foreign notes a thing being taken by one that hath no legall acknowledged right in it. The Gospel being first by appointment preacht to the Jews, the chief Cities thereof, …, Bethsaida, and Capernaum; nay, Jerusalem it self were not so careful to look after it, especially the principal persons among them, Doctors, and High-Priests, &c. but continued to contradict and oppose it, and then the multitude and meaner sort of the Jews, the people, which (say the Doctors) know not the Law, and are accursed; and those that dwelt in Idumea, Tyre and Sidon (See chap. 12. 15. comp. with Mark 3. 8.) and of Galilce, so despised by the Pharisees, that they said proverbially, No good thing comes out from thence (and besides them the Publicans and Sinners) they carry all away, and proportionably are called here foreign violent persons; and the Gospel, which pri marily, and (as it was by them conceived) legally belonged not to them (and therefore it's one of the Pharisees arguments against Christs being the Messias, Have any of the Rulers or … believed on him? but these people, &c. And another, that he eat with Publicans and Sinners) is now wholly enclosed and engross'd by them. Dr. Hamm. Annot. s.
Violently]
By force, Gen. 21. 25. Levit. 6. 4. Job 20. 19. Lam. 2. 6. Headlong, Mat. 8. 32. Mar. 5. 13. Luk. 8. 33.
Viper]
;;A poysonful creature so called, which is brought forth very violently with the death of the Dam, by gnawing out her ….
;;2. Cruel, unnatural, and ungrateful men, which wrong their Parents, Teachers, and Benefactors, &c. Mat. 3. 7 O generation of Vipers!
Viper]
A kinde of … very venemous, Act. 28. 3, 4. It killeth with the rongue, Job 20. 16.
It is put for that which is dangerous and deadly, Isa. 30. 6. & 59. 5. For wicked men, Mat. 3. 7. & 12. 34 & 23. 33.
Viper]
It conceiveth at the mouth, and the Ancients are all of opinion, that in the act of copulation the female biteth off the males head, which the young ones revenge at their birth, by breaking in sunder the belly of their Dam. But later Writers asfirm, that they conceive with out the death of any of them, and that the female bringeth forth above twenty at one time. Mans fasting spittle is death unto them; so is Garleek, unless they eat Rue. Nor can it abide the Yew-tree, or Mustard-seed. They love no other creatures but their own kinde. It's said that they have no ears, and that their passage for egestion exceedeth not the eye of a Needle. They are insatiable of Wine, which when they have drunk, they may be easily taken without harm. Being angry, they thrust forth their venome more fully, and thereby it worketh more deadly. Their biting is deadly, yet could the Lord preserve Paul therefrom, Act. 28. 3. They only amongst Serpents build in the earth, others do in hollow rocks or trees. The Scythians dip their Arrow heads with the venome hereof, mixed with mans bloud, that they whom they wound may die. It's more to be feared, though it do but hisse, then the Lyon, though it roar. When it coupleth with the Lamprey, it layeth aside its poyson, which afterward it gathereth up again. It's said to delight in Balsam, which yet is a remedy against poyson. (Hereticks and false Teachers abuse the Scriptures, but are soiled thereby.)
Though the Viper be so poysonous, yet it is used by Physicians as the choycest Antidote against poyson.
Virgin]
;;One that keepeth herself chaste in a single life. 1 Cor. 7. 37. And hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his Virgin. The High-Priest must marry a Virgin only, Lev. 21. 14. One not defiled with either corporal or spiritual adultery, Rev. 14. 3, 4.
;;The reason why the High-Priest might marry none but a Virgin, was to signifie thereby, that the Church is to be presented to Christ, as a Virgin without spot, 2 Cor. 11. 2.
;;2. One who keeps himself to Christ, by pure belief, and uncorrupt doctrine; either person or particular Church. 2 Cor. 11. 2. To present you as a pure Virgin to Christ. Thus every godly person is a Virgin.
;;3. Sometime some one notable and singular woman unknown to a man, namely, Mary the Mother of Christ, promised in Paradise, prophesied of by Isaiah, chap. 7. 14. See Matth. 1. 22. & Luk. 1. 30, & 48. And sometime a young Woman touched by a Man, and yet reputed still a Virgin, and so by herself avouched impudently, Prov. 30. 19.
Virgin is put, 4. For a Widow who is a young woman, Joel 1. 8.
When young men are joyned with it, it signifieth the inhabitants of a place, Isa. 23. 4. Zech. 9. 17.
5. It signifieth the professors of the Gospel in general, Mat. 25. 1, 7.
6. The whole City or Nation, 2 King. 19. 21. Isa. 37. 22. Jer. 14. 17. Amos 5. 2. especially such as flourish in wealth and honour, and that have not been subdued nor brought under by other people, Isa. 23. 12. & 47. 1. Jer. 46. 11.
7. The elect, who (Rev. 14. 14.) are said to follow the Lan b wheresoever he goeth, whereas the rest of the world follow the Beast. They follow the Lamb in two respects.
1 Of information, they know his voice, and will not follow a stranger, Joh. 10. 4, 5.
2. In respect of conforming themselves to his Will; if he forbid, they forbear; if he threaten, they tremble; if he go to the Mountain to teach, they go to hear him; if to the prison, or banishment, or to Mount Calvary to suffer, they go with him; they follow him in his Crosse here, and shall follow him in glory hereafter.
Their duty is,
1. To praise God, Psal. 148. 12, 13, 14. especially for his singular blessings bestowed upon his people, Psal. 68. 25. Zech. 9. 17.
2. To care for the things of the Lord, that they may be holy both in body and spirit, 2 Cor. 7. 34. and to be pure, 2 Cor. 11. 2.
3. To resist the temptations of wicked men, 2 Sam. 13. 11, 12, 13. Gen. 39. 7, 8, 9.
Virginity]
Maydenhead; whereof certain tokens were to be produced unto the Elders in the case of Slander, Deut. 22. 15.
And bewail my virginity, Judg. 11. 37. Whereby I shall be deprived of posterity. Annot.
Virgins]
;;Such as are purged from the corruptions of the world, but chiefly from Idolatry, which is spiritual whoredom. Rev. 14. 4. For they be virgins.
Pure worshippers of God, and not having committed Idolatry, or declined to crooked paths, to be corrupted in minde by Antichrist or his instruments, but have stuck unto Christ in the simplicity of the Gospel of truth, in the general Apostafie. In this case the Church is a chast Virgin to Christ, 2 Cor. 11. 2. and the whole company of the faithful are called Virgins, Psal. 45. 14. Bernard.
Free from all spot of Idolatry. For the reason of analogy doth altogether require, that these be called Virgins in the same sense, wherein the rest, the Kings and people, are said to play the … with …. Mede.
The Jesuites restrain this to … chastity, and to such as lead their single life, (what a shame is it to hear the … of … speak of the praise of …?) but by Virgins, the unmarried only are not here to be understood. ….
Virgins]
Therefore do the … is love thee, Cant. 1. 3. These are the fellow-friends of the Spouse, Psal. 45. 15. by which are meant all such as are chosen and called of God and faithful, (whether whole Churches, as 2 Cor. 11. 2. or particular persons) who with chast and pure mindes serve the Lord only, and worship him in spirit and truth, and stand with Christ on the Mount Sion, having his Fathers name written in their forcheads, Rev. 14. 1, 4. Aynsw.
Particular Churches which should be as Virgins, chaste and meek, and pure both in heart and conversation, 2 Cor. 11. 2. and who are called and chosen of God to be so, and who are washed and cleansed by the bloud of Christ from every spot and impurity. Annot.
The Virgins in this song are such as Christ hath not yet … unto himself, nor spoken for in way of marriage; such as carnal Jews, or the Gentiles. ….
As a sober Virgin abstaineth from all such things that might be offensive to her Beloved, so is it our duty (neither it we be of Christ can we be herein careless) to eschew all such misdemeanors as might bring a grievance to the Spirit of Jesus. Clapham.
Faithful souls which within the Church are by Baptism regenerated, 1 Pet. 2. 2. or such as by repentance as by a certain second Baptism are … and washed from their old sins. There's also in this name of Virgins insinuated, the incorruptions and purity of holy souls, which are not addicted to other loves, but love Christ only as their Spouse, with pure minde and devotion. Or, because of the savour of thy good ointments, even they who by reason of their tender age, are more laseivious and wanton, and more addicted to the world and the vanities thereof, and not expert in spiritual things, are drawn to love thee. Titleman.
These words make nothing for the Virginity of the body … to marriage, … are to be understood of spiritual … and chastity, which are contrary unto all impure affections and actions of the flesh, or old man. ….
The … whom the Scripture calleth … and adulteresses, Jam. 4. 4. because they do by giving their heart to the world, even to unclean lusts of the flesh, … spiritual … against God, are drowned and … in the … of filthy uncleanness, and cannot smell the sweet oyntments of Christ, and therefore they do not, nor cannot love him. ….
Mr. … understandeth hereby such as stood firm for David … all his troubles.
Virgins without number]
Cant. 6. 8. Damsels or maids waiting upon a Queen, or Concubine to a King, as in Psal. 45. 15. …. 2. 9. without number, or …, as some, as the phrase is used, Job 21. 33. or as others, of no number; that is, inconsiderable, and not to be esteemed. Annot.
Nullius …, of no reckening. Cotton. Which may very well be, if compared to the Dove, the true Church, who is but one, yet a choyce one, the only one of her mother, as it is in the following verse.
Visage]
The Countenance.
It is spoken of Christ in his sufferings, Isa. 52. 14.
2. Of the Church in her suffering, Lam. 4. 8.
3. … … in his anger, Dan. 3. 9. … ….
…]
… all the visible creatures, Col. 1. 16.
… … the … concerning the visibility or … … the Church, consider these following ….
A thing is visible either with the eyes of the minde, or of the body.
Visible with the eyes of the minde, is either … visible, (as … … not … there are elect vessels of mercy in the world, though we know not certainly in particular who they are) or distinctly, as we not only know that there is a God, but we know distinctly who this … … is.
Visible by the eyes of the body, is either immediately, and of it self visible; as colour, figure, and light, though in a divers respect: or then by accident; thus we see a man, for we see him not as he is a man, though none in his right wits will deny he sees a man: this comes to passe when we see with the eyes of the body such marks of things, as from thence the mind conceives another thing: or when the marks … such things which the minde only conceives, incurre into the senses, then are we said to see that outwardly which the minde only takes up of it self; and because the lineaments of a mans body, agree to no other creature, and these lineaments are discerned by the eye, Man also is said to be seen with the eyes of the body; but because these marks are of two sorts, for they are either such as cannot be separate from the thing whereof they are marks, or such as can be separate, either seldom, or for the most part. Hence this visibility … not alwayes a like certain knowledge; for if the marks be such as cannot be separate from the thing we see, then the knowledge is most certain; if they may only be seldom separated, then the knowledge is lesse certain, but if they may be separate for the most part, the knowledge is very uncertain.
These things being thus premised,
First it is not to be denyed, but the Church is visible by the eyes of the minde: and if at any time it be not all visible, (as in Elias time) it comes to pass from the weakness of faith, yet Elias doubted not but God had his Church in heaven; therefore it is to be granted, yea affirmed, that the Universal Church, both that which is in heaven, and that which is in earth, is visible by the eyes of the minde; but what is this way visible, is not incontinently distinctly so; as for example, we know that in every Nation there be men of a meek and quiet spirit, as in France or Germany, yet it may fall out, that we know not distinctly and in particular, what men in these Countreys are so, this way. It is not to be denyed, but many members of the Church are distinctly visible to the eye of the minde; as those unto whom God gives testimony in Scripture, Abraham, Job, David, and others: Therefore the Church this way in the whole will be confusedly visible; and in respect of certain members, distinctly visible, but with the eyes of the minde, not of the body; therefore we are said to believe the Catholick Church, but not to see it; for the Catholick Church is the Communion of Saints, which cannot be discerned with bodily eyes: This … is in two things, either with the head, 1 Joh. 1. (if we say we have fellowship with him, to wit, with Christ, and the Father through him, and so with the holy Ghost; for the Apostle Paul makes mention also of that communion) or among our selves, (as it is in the same chap.) that is, … which being invisible to the eyes … the …, is yet … to the eyes of the minde; for neither length … …, nor distance of place, can interrupt this ….
As to that visibility which ariseth from the marks that … into the …, the case is otherwise; for it is to be granted that the Church is visible, yet not simply, but only in some …, in some manner, at some time, and to some persons only; therefore it is not to be denyed,
1. But the Church in some respect is visible, with the eyes of the body; as if we understand that part which is militant in …, and so understand it to be visible not in the whole, but in the particular Churches, or particular members of the particular ….
2 It is also in some manner visible with the eyes of the body (by the eyes of the body. is to be understood, every sense whereby the marks of the Church may be perceived) but it is to be denyed that any part of the Church is visible of it self, only it is so by accident, because those things that incurre into the senses, are not of that nature, as to be necessarily of the essence of the Church, or necessarily to flow … the essence of it.
Again, it is to be denyed that the Church can be distinctly seen with the eyes of the body, but to be granted that it may be seen confusedly; i. e. those things are outwardly …, whereby we may gather that God hath a Church in this or that place; but those things are not seen, whereby we may gather this or that man to be a true member of the Church; the reason is, because all the outward marks of the Church, are common to the godly and hypocrites.
Moreover it is to be denyed that it can be distinctly and certainly known, which is the true Church, and the true members thereof; but yet it is to be granted that it may be distinctly and probably known; this knowledge commonly is called the judgement of charity; for when marks are obvious to the eye, whereby we may probably gather that this or that man belongeth to the Church, that such and such are the … (or saithful) Pastors of the Church; here is distinct knowledge; for so we not only know that there are true members, and true Pastors, but also we know this or that man for such; but this is opinion rather then certain knowledge. Hence the more illustrious, or obscure the notes of a true Pastor, or … of a true Church be, the more certain or uncertain, is the judgement of charity.
Hitherto is to be referred that distinction of the Church, in visible and invisible, which tendeth not to this (as Bellarmine calumniates, lib. 3. cap. 2. of The Militant Church) to make two Churches, the one visible, the other invisible, (which were very absurd, seeing the parts of the Division are oftentimes coincident; for the same Church which in … respect is visible, in another respect is … ) but this distinction is only of the name, not of the thing; i. e. sometimes the Church takes the denomination from those things which are invisible, and which constitute the essence thereof, and so it is called in visible; sometimes it takes the denomination from external things, which are obvious to the senses, and then it is called visible: and because these external things are common to hypocrites, hence it is that the name of the Church is ascribed unto hypocrites, to wit, in so far only as the Church hath her denomination from external things.
3. It is not to be denyed but sometimes the Church is visi ble with the eyes of the body, yea and that almost all wayes, to wit, confusedly, not distinctly, or distinctly in certain members; but yet that visibility begers not an infallible and certain knowledge; yea, it is not to be denyed but that she is almost alwayes visible this way; the reason is, because God ever hath a Church upon earth, for Christ cannot be a head, if he have not a body, yea and a part of this body upon earth, which continueth only that the Church may continue; and seeing the Church is both begotten and nourished by the Word, it is necessary that the Word be in the Church, which cannot be, except it be preached; and that cannot be, but that there must also be something incurring in the senses, therefore almost ever the Church is visible; we add almost, because God can by the instinct of his Spirit, without the Word, teach his people; but this is extraordinary; and men may also at home privately read the Scripture, in time of great persecution, but this also is extraordinary and rare. Yet it is to be observed that this visibility is not alwayes alike clear, but even as the Word is more or lesse clearly and purely preached; so is the visibility of the Church more or … clear.
Lastly, the Church is visible unto some persons, … it is not necessary that it be visible to all and every one; so Elias thought himself only left, yet it may be that the rest of the faithful who bowed not to Baal, held communion … themselves, and were known to one another. This (to speak so) invisibility of the Church, in regard whereof the members are not known to some, … from …, a general depravation of the truth, and idolatry; … it cometh to passe that the true worship of God is not retained, so much as in outward ….
This then is the state of the Question:
Whether or no the Church militant upon earth, if not in the whole, yet in its parts, be visible of it self, and primarily, distinctly, and alwayes, and certainly, and to some. The Papists affirm it. We deny it. Cameron of the Visibility of the Church.
Vision]
;;An … action of God, manifesting himself and his Will to his Prophets to be seen and throughly known of them. Numb. 12. 6. If there be a Prophet of the Lord among you, I will be known to him in vision, &c. Visions and Dreams signifies all kind of Prophesie, Dan. 1. 17.
;;2. An ordinary action of the Prophets and Ministers, declaring the minde of God to the people, that they may see and know it. Prov. 29. 18. When vision faileth, the people perish.
;;A Doctrine revealed from God immediately, sometime by signes and sights, as to Daniel and Ezekiel; and sometime by word, without visible representations, as to Abraham, Gen. 15. 1. To Isaiah, ch. 2. 1. It is therefore called a vision, because God revealed things to his Prophets so evidently, and delivered them with such certainty, as though they had presently seen before their eyes the things which they …. Hence Prophets which had such visions and clear revelations be called Secrs, as 1 Sam. 9. 9. For the meaning of this word Vision, see further in Numb. 24. 24.
Vision]
The visions whereby God of old appeared to men, in respect of the end thereof, are ….
1. Whereby God appeared unto men in their sleep, that he might inform them of his Will, or of things …, or to come, Job 7. 14.
2. Whereby he appeared unto men awake; and so it is one of the wayes whereby God was wont to manifest himself unto men, aflecting their minde with certain external objects, and sensible … and apparitions; in this respect God manifested himself to his Prophets both in the Old Testament, and in the New.
1. In the Old Testament to his Prophets, Gen. 15. 1. & 46. 2. Exod. 3. 2, 3. Act. 7. 30, 31. 1 Sam. 3. 15. Psal. 89. 20. 2 Sam. 7 7. Isa. 6. 1. Jer. 24. 1, 2, 3. Ezek. 1. 1, 4. Dan. 2. 19. Amos 7. 1, 4, 7. Zech. 3. 1. Hence they were called Secrs.
Note, that this … Vision did not alwayes arise from an external cause, and … the servants … the Lord see in the night as well as in the day, so that they only see the thing that is seen. Act. 23. 11. The Lord … by Paul, encouraging him; the Vision was not … an external shape, and therefore … notes it expresly, that it … out in the night; not that God left heaven to manifest himself to Paul upon earth; but to signifie, that Paul in the night was so affected, as if he did see God present before him.
So Act. 7. … saw the glory of God, and Christ standing at his right hand, vers. 55 56. doubtlesse Steven in the mean time was in the … … he beheld this spectacle, and therefore he could not see the heaven opened, (for he saw not the heaven) nor … Christ appear to the eyes of his body.
So Elisha (2 King. 6. 17.) saw companies of horses and chariots of fire, which his servant did not see (but upon the prayer of …:) which could not be, if that vision had been from an external shape. … upon Revel. 18. 4.
The false Prophets also did boast of these Visions, so that vision by way of concession is attributed unto them, Zech. 13. 4. which notwithstanding are called but visions of falsehood, Jer. 14. 14. of vanity, Ezek. 12. 24. & 13. 6, 7. the vision of their own …, devised by their own brains, Jerem. 23. 16. therefore they are … to … their own spirits, when they have seen nothing, Ezek. 13. 3.
These Visions were also … to other persons then Prophets; as to …, Gen. 16. 13. …, Job 4. 13. …. …. 2. 28. & 4. 5.
2. In the New …, in the beginning of the Gospel such Visions were …, Act. 9. 3. & 22. 6. & 10. 3. 11, 12, 19. & 11. 5, 6. 2 Cor. 12. 1. Rev. 1. 12. & 4. 2. & 5. 1.
These Visions have their denomination sometimes from God, the author of them, 2 Sam. 7. 17. 1 Chr. 17. 15. Lam. 2. 9. and are called, the … of God, 2 Chr. 26. 5. Ezek. 1. 1. & 8. 3. of the Almighty, Numb. 24. 4, 16. of the Lord, 2 Cor. 12. 1.
Sometimes in respect of the …, they take their denomination from him by whom they are seen, Dan. 7. 2.
It is sometime put for a … revelation of the Gospel, … 2. 28. Sometimes for a … or … apparition, Job 20. 8. whereunto vain hope is compared, Isa. 29. 7. Sometime for a spectacle, or the thing …, Heb. 12. 21. Mat. 17. 3.
I saw in the Vision, Rev. 9. 17. Before, he was said to be in the Spirit, Chap. 1. 10. & 4. 2. now, … seeth these in a vision. The former setteth forth his preparation; the latter, the manner of the revelation. His eyes were first taken off from gazing on worldly things, and then … on these heavenly apparitions. Annot.
Vision]
In the visions of God, 2 Chron. 26. 5. Heb. in the seeing of God, marg. There were four several wayes of Revelations among the Jews.
1. foreign, the holy Spirit.
2. foreign, the daughter of voyce, or a voice from …, brought by an Angel, by which any thing was made known to ….
3 foreign, … and Thummim, under the … Temple. the … stones in the Pectoral of the Highpriest (which was called Hoschen … ) the irradiation of which foretold many … to the …. This is by Josephus … foreign, the …, which (saith he) ceased to shine 200 yeers before he ….
4. foreign, prophecie, which under the second Temple, after the … of Haggai, …, and …, was taken away. This was of two sorts, either in time of sleep by way of dream; or when they were waking, by casting them into a … or extasie. where by way of vision, they saw some body saying this or that unto them; or else seeing no shape, only heard a voice. Both … sorts of Prophesie we have mentioned together, Joel 2. 28. Dreaming of dreams, and Seeing of …. Many examples of the vision or … we have here in this Book, Act. 9. 10, 12. & 10. 3, 10. & 16. 9. & 27. 23. See chap. 23. 11. Dr. Hamm. on Act. 23. 9. Annot. a.
To visit]
;;To performe some promised good thing. Gen 21. 1. God visited Sarah. Luk. 1. 68. Hath visited his peo ple, &c. that is, sent the Redeemer promised, Jer. 29. 10. Gen. 50. 24.
;; …. This word Visit, signifies remembrance, providence, care, and performance of that which was spoken, be it good, as Gen. 50. 24. Exod. 3. 16. or evill, and so it meaneth punishment, Numb. 16. 29. Psal. 89. 33.
;;2. To fulfil some threatned …, Exod. 20. 5. I will visit the … of the Fathers upon the children. Gods visiting us, is either by … or judgements, Isa. 26. 14. & 10. 3. Visitation for desolation.
;;3. To look into, and view throughly the estate of the flock, and charges under us, Act. 7. 13. Thus the Apostles visited Churches.
4. To pray unto God, Isa. 26. 16. so expounded in the ;;same verse.
Visit]
Properly, is often to see one, by going to, or meeting with him, in testimony of love, honour or care, 1 Sam. 15. 35. Gen. 37. 14. Exod. 2. 11. & 4. 18. Act. 7. 23. Judg. 15. 1.
Improperly, it is taken,
I. In good part.
1. In respect of men, where it signifieth, To be carefull of, to relieve and help them we visit, Jam. 1. 27.
2. It is taken for that visitation whereby men visit God; which is, To remember God, to implore his help, and to turn us unto him, Isa. 26. 16. To be careful to frequent the … of his servants, Psal. 27. 4. Or in respect of God, who visits in mercy, when he doth good, in bestowing his blessings temporal or spiritual, Gen. 21. 1. 1 Sam. 2. 21. Psal. 65. 10. Psal. 106. 4. Luk. 1 68, 78 & 19. 44. 1 Pet. 2, 12 or delivering his servants from their miseries, Gen. 50. 24. 25. Exod. 3. 16. & 4. 31. Psal. 80. 14, 15.
II. It is taken in … part.
God is said to visit in his wrath, when he poureth down his judgements upon the wicked, Gen. 28. 21. Exod. 20. 5. This is expressed in Scripture by Gods … sin, Jer. 14. 10. To punish it, Isa. 10. 12. Hos. 12. 2. Jer. 44. 13. To take vengeance for the same, Jer. 5 9, 29. & 9. 9. & 23. 16. To swallow up alive, Numb. 16. 29. This is called, The day of calamity, Jer. 46 21. The yeer of visitation, Jer. 11. 23. & 23. 12. Hos. 9. 7. The time of visitation, Jer. 6. 15. & 8. 12. & 10. 15. In which sense not to be visited with any evill, is not to be afflicted, but to lead a quiet and happy life, Prov. 19. 23.
…]
Take away life, Jer. 32. 5. Do judgement, Jer. 51. 47. Comp. the text whith the marg. Avenge, Hos. 1. 4. See marg.
To visit fatherless and widows]
;;To exercise all works of mercy, noted by this here named, because therein shineth free charity; for who will look for recompence from such … miserable people? Jam. 1. 27. A Synecdoche.
To visit Sarah]
;;To give her strength ro conceive and bring forth, being barren and old, according to Gods promise contrary to the order of nature, Gen. 21. 7. To visit, is taken in good part, as here, and Exod. 4. 31. & Gen. 50. 25.
Vials golden]
;;The hearts of the faithful, filled by the Spirit with fervent prayers, which are pleasing to God through Christ (as … odours be to our sense) Rev. 5. 8. They had golden vials, full of sweet …, which are the prayers … the Saints. These words teach how precious vessels the hearts of … believers are, and how sweet the prayers be, which come from them, by allusion to the manner of the Temple at Jerusalem. Zac. 14. 20. Psal. 141. 2.
;;2. The holy minds, not of all the faithful, but of the true Servants and Ministers of Christ, filled, not with fervent pure prayers only, but with the severe judgements of God, which they are ready to denounce by threatning with integrity against and upon the Kingdom of Antichrist, and Popish worshippers: and because God is pure and holy, even in his judgements threatned and executed on the wicked, therefore those Vials are said to be of gold; and because God will be throughly avenged on his enemies, therefore the Vials are said to be full of wrath, which being the wrath of him who liveth for ever, amplifieth the grievousness of it. Rev. 15. 7. Seven golden vials, full of the wrath of God, which liveth for evermore. If the seven Angels spoken of in the former part of this ver. be properly taken, not for the Ministers of the Word, but for celestial Spirits, yet the matter is all one, that God is decreed to execute his vengeance silently and fully, as one would pour water out of Vials. Note, that the first events of Gods judgements in this Book, were called Seals, because they were for confirmation of the future: then trumpets succeeded, to shew that the judgements following were not only denounced with great noise, but … executed. Thirdly, Vials, which being capacious vessels of divine judgements, did serve as fit instruments to consummate the destruction of Antichristian enemies, on whom they should suddenly, rashly, and insensibly fall, to their utter …. Rev. 16. 1. also 21. 9. A Vial is a vessel greater then a Cup, and containeth so much liquor as a man can at a draught drink in.
Visitation]
For this there's a Day, Isa. 10. 3. Dayes, Hos. 9. 7. Time, Luk. 19. 44. Year, Jer. 11. 23. & 48. 44.
In the day of visitation, 1 Pet 2. 12. This word Visitation is in Scripture attributed both to Men and to God.
To Men; as,
1. To shepherds, who when they did specially survey their flock with intent to redress what was amiss, were said to visit them, Jer. 23. 2.
2. To … men as had the gathering of tribute; when they came to exact their tribute, to the great vexation of the people, they were said to visit them. So the word rendred exactors, …. 60. 17. in the Original is visitors, or visitations.
3. To visit was a term given to the Bishops and Apostles in the primitive Church, that went about through the Churches to take notice of the estate of the Churches, and to reform what was amisse, Act. 15. 36.
4. To … is reckoned amongst the works of courtesie and mercy, Jam. 1. 27. The Heb. word in the Old Testament signifies often to muster or number up he people, as 1 Chr. 21. 6. But in this place Visitation is not referred to men.
To God, who is said to visit, not only men, but other creatures; as the earth, when he makes it in an especial manner fruitful, Psal 65. 9. Images, by breaking them to pieces, and confounding them (Amos 3. 14.) The vessels of the Temple, by causing them to be brought again into the Temple, Jer. 27. 22. Leviathan the devil, by restraining his power, and disappointing his malice, Isa. 27. 1. But most usually, Gods visitation is spoken of in Scripture, as it concerneth men; and so God holdeth two sorts of visitations. The one is the visitation of all men, which concerns either life or death. Life, in that he doth by his daily providence give and preserve life till the appointed time, Job 10. 12. Death, when he causeth men to die, at the time thereunto appointed, Numb. 16. 29. The other of some men in special, when in a special providence he takes notice of certain men, and comes amongst them to work the redress of sin, and that is here meant. This visitation must be considered according to the kindes of it, being either in justice (for though God may spare wicked men long, and seem to wink at their faults, yet he will finde a day to visit them for their sins, Isa. 10. 3. Jer. 50. 27.) or in mercy, and that both in temporal things (as in the case of blessing, or … the case of afflictions) and in spiritual things, revealing his marvellous and everlasting mercies to his elect; he visited his people when he sent his Son to redeem them, Luk. 1. 68, 78. & 7. 16. Thus he visited the world, when he sent his Apostles unto all Nations preaching the Gospel. If we respect whole Congregations, the day of visitation is, when God sends them the powerful preaching of the Gospel, and doth thereby muster and presse a people to himself; if we respect particular persons, it is the day when God effectually cals them, and converts them. Byfield on Pet. p. 412, 413, 414, &c. The day of vengeance, desolation and destruction, which was to come on the unquiet, turbulent, and seditious Jews, by the Romane Armies. The Syriack here read, in the day of temptation, i. e. of affliction, coming on the Nation, the falling of which upon the obdurate unbelieving Jews, and the escaping of the Christians (as most remarkably they did by Gallus's raising the siege, and the Christians going out, and flying to Pella) could not but be taken notice of by the Heathens, and so be means of their acknowledging of Gods good providence and mercy toward the Christians, and glorifying God for this work of his. Dr. Hamm. on 1 Pet. 2. 12. Annot. g.
U L.
Vlai]
A River (Dan. 8. 2. 16.) in Persia.
Vlam]
A porch, gallery, strength, or foolishness of them. Mens names. The Father of Bedan, 1 Chr. 7. 17. The Son of Eshek, Ibid. 8. 39.
…]
Lifting up, a sacrifice killed on the Altar, an insant, a little one, or a leaf. 1 Chr. 7. 39. The Father of Urah.
U M.
Vmmah]
Darkened, covered, his people, or with him. A City, Josh. 29. 30.
Vmpire]
A Dayes-man, Job 9. 33. marg.