A Necessary Admonition out of the Prophet Joel, Admonition (2 of 2)

A Necessary Admonition out of the Prophet Joel · Admonition (2 of 2)

p. 9316 Now to returne to our Prophet againe, Of thoſe better things that upon their repentance were towards thē.that better eſtate, that afterwarde (upon their repentance) by the goodnes p. 94of God they were to enjoy, is of ſo great and ſpeciall importance, that it ought to weigh very farre with them towards the working forth of their repentance, when as they were to enjoy ſuch bleſſinges thereby. And if wé likewiſe may aſſure our ſelves of the like mercies, when ſo ever we ſhall turne unto him, although I know that our hearts bee very heavie to ſuch a purpoſe: yet dare I before hand ſet downe this for moſt certaine, both that the benefites them ſelves which are promiſed here, are of ſuch importance, and that we are (in theſe dayes of the Goſpell) in ſo likely a way to obteine them, that even this conſideration onelyonly ought to be of that account with us, as that we ſhould neede nothing elſe to moove us to ſuch a publike repentance, as in this place the Prophet doth call them unto. Therefore concerning that better eſtate of theirs, firſt ll2:18.the Prophet himſelfe doth promiſe it unto them generally: then, for the better aſſurance thereof, and the better to ſtrengthen them therein, he medleth no further him ſelfe in that matter, but only mm2:18-31 21.alle ageth how the Lord hath anſwered already concerning the ſame. p. 95In that the Prophet him ſelfe doth aſſure them of it generally we are to note, both what affection the Prophet declareth the Lord to beare towards his people: & how favourably he is determined to deal with thē. Firſt of what affection God was towards thē.His affection he noteth to be as jelouſie, that ſo they may the better ſee how unfeinedly he loveth thē, & how hardly he cā abide that any hurt ſhould lie upō thē: & that, according to this his inward affection; he meaneth to deal favourably, he ſheweth likewiſe, that notwithſtāding they have otherwiſe deſerved; yet will he ſpare them, or be gracious unto thē. Then cōming to ſhew thē what the Lord hath anſwered for that matter nn2:19-27.firſt he ſheweth what the Lorde hath anſwered cōcerning the removing or taking away of their praeſent calamitie: oo2:28-3:21.then concerning certain other bleſſings beſides of greater importance, which the Lorde, the better to ſtrengthen them in the aſſurance of this his promiſe, declareth himſelfe to be fully minded (in time to come) to beſtow upon them. Concerning the remooving of their praeſent calamitie, pp2:19, 20.firſt he telleth them what he will doe: qq2:22-27:then he raiſeth up the hearts of them all to the aſſurance of it. p. 96That which he will doe, Then what proceeded out of the ſame: firſt how that praeſent calamity of theirs ſhould be takē away.tendeth to their helpe as touching the calamity that then they were in: and firſt as touching the needefull reliefe of their bodies; then as touching the reproach that therewithall they ſuſteined (of which alſo rr2:17:themſelues had complained before) by having ſuch a plague caſt upon them. Concerning the needful relief of their bodies ſſ2:19. Both that they ſhuld have convenient reliefe: & be rid of the reproach alſo.he doth not onelyonly promiſe to ſende them corne, wine, and oile: but alſo in ſo plentifull maner, that notwithſtanding this their famine now, yet thén that they be fully ſatisfied. Concerning the reproach that thereby they ſuſteined, firſt he ſpeaketh thereof unto them for the time to come generally: then more ſpecially of their deliverie from that reproach that then they were in. Generally hee telleth them tt2:19.that he wil no more make them a reproach among the heathen. More ſpecially concerning this reproach that now they were in, firſt he telleth them howe they ſhall be delivered from it: then hee remooveth out of the way a doubt that otherwiſe might trouble them, or ſheweth a reaſon why he will ſo doe. In telling them how they ſhall be delivered vv2:20.he giveth p. 97them to underſtand, that he will make ſuch a diſpatch of that army of noyſome creatures, as that both themſelves ſhall be delivered from their annoyance: and that, the better to aboliſh this reproach from them, it ſhall be done in ſuch ſort, as that it may plainely appeare, that the Lord hath done it on behalfe of his people, both by ſcattering them away into the North, South, Eaſt, and Weſt; and for that their ſtinch or corruption ſhall bee great. That the ſenſe of the other is divers, it hangeth vppon the diuers reading. For if wee reade, xx1:20:although it hath exalted it ſelfe (that is, the armie aforeſaid) to doe this, then doth he remove out of the way a doubt that otherwiſe might trouble them. But if we read, becauſe it hath exalted it ſelfe, &c. then is it a reaſon, why the Lorde would ſo deſtroy them. Either of which may ſtand very well, and to the comfort of thoſe that were diſtreſſed thereby. The better to raiſe up the hearts of them all to the aſſurance of it, he altogether directeth his ſpeach to that end: and firſt to the creatures from whom a good part of this their reliefe ſhould come; and then unto p. 98the people themſelves. Thoſe creatures that he ſpeaketh unto, are firſt the earth: then, next thereunto, the beaſt of the field. Speaking to the earth yy2:22.both hee forbiddeth it to Fear, and alſo willeth it to be glad and reioyce: and addeth a (generall) reaſon why, that this, becauſe the Lord will doe most woonderfully. Speaking to the beastes of the fielde likewiſe, zz2:22.both he forbiddeth them to fear: and addeth a reaſon that is more ſpeciall, but one part of it verie neere, that is, becauſe the pastures, even of the wildernes, ſhould be greene; the other ſomewhat farther óf, that is to ſay, becauſe the tree ſhould beare her fruite, the fig tree and vine ſhould give their forcé. Then comming to ſpeake to the people themſelves, therein have we to conſider, who they are to whom he now ſpeaketh ſo comfortably: then what it is he ſaith unto thē. Thoſe to whom he ſpeaketh ſo comfortably, are aa2:23.the children of Zion, or the repentant and faithful people. That which he ſpeaketh unto them, doth moſt of all concerne his mercies towardes them for this praeſent time: but ſome part of it is, of the extending foorth of the ſame to p. 99the time to come. That which concerneth the praeſent time reſteth in two principall points: firſt exhorting them to rejoice; then ſhewing foorth divers good reaſons why they ſhoulde ſo doe. In that he exhorteth them to rejoice, we are to note, that he doth bb2:23.not onelyonly will them to reioicé and be glad: but alſo that hee praeſcribeth unto them the manner of it; that is, that it muſt be in the Lord.

The reaſons he addeth to tende to this ende, to ſhewe howe notably he meaneth to refreſh them: firſt ſhewing that hee will give them victuals againe; then alſo declaring, in how plentifull manner he will doe it. The better to confirme them in the former, firſt he aſſureth them of ſeaſonable weather: then hee telleth them howe fruitfull thoſe yeares ſhall bee thereby. Concerning the weather, he ſaith, that he will give unto them cc2:23.raine and ſhowers juſt in their ſeaſon, and ſo ſoone as ever neede requireth. Concerning the other, he ſheweth that thoſe yeres ſhould be ſo fruitfull, dd2:24.that their barnes ſhoulde be full of wheate; and their preſſes runne p. 100over with wine and oile. The better to ſhewe foorth in howe plentifull manner he will doe it, hee telleth them, that he will doe it ſo plentifully, that them ſelves ſhall ee2:25.both be recompenced for the loſſe that they had by that great hoſt of his of thoſe noyſome creatures: and ff2:26.eating continually ſhall be ſatiſfied; and that in ſuch ſort, that they ſhall praiſe the name of the Lord their God that dealt ſo marvelouſly with them. In that which tendeth to ſhew how this his merciemercy is extended foorth to the time to come, we are to conſider, firſt what it is that hee ſaith of that matter: then how he repeateth ſome part of it againe. That which he ſaith of that matter, is gg2:26.firſt that his people ſhall never be aſhamed: then, on the other ſide, that hh2:27.they ſhall knowe, that hee is in the middeſt of Iſrael; that he is the Lord their God, and that there is noné other. That which he repeateth again, is, that ii2:27.his people ſhall never after be confounded again.

17 Herein alſo to remember our ſelves, The like affection of God towards ús.firſt as touching that affection of God towards them, it was in deede very p. 101great, that he could put on the whole power of Ielouſié on their behalfe, and that in ſuch ſort as it doth apperteine unto his nature, that is, very fully, or in the higheſt degree that can be. Yet notwithſtanding, if we conſider the great and ſingular bleſſinges that he hath alreadie in theſe daies of the Goſpel beſtowed upon us, & how many wais he hath already oft times declared his favour towards us, both at home among ourſelves, and a broade aagainſt our enemies by ſea, and by land; in peace, and in warre; in Religion, and matters of State; and how ſo ever elſe: it ought (no doubt) to be ſo farre óf, for any man to thinke it over bolde a part, for us to account of the like favour of his towardes ús alſo, (if we truely turne unto him) that rather we offende if wee doe it not, and doe over much call into quaeſtion his goodnes towardes us, when hee hath already ſo many waies ſo much declared the ſame. And if he be ſo well inclined towards us; we neede not doubt, but that in theſe, and al things els, he wil be readie to deale with us accordingly. Thē as touching the remooving of thoſe evils, that of late were, or yet are hanging p. 102upon us, as he did aſſure thém, How likely it is that God will now deliver ús alſo, from this hand of his upō us.that ſo far as it concerned the releef of their bodies, he would not only eaſe them of that extreame famine, but alſo bleſſe them with great plenty: ſo likewiſe we may cōceave, that he may be induced in ſuch ſort to deale with us alſo upon our repentance, not only becauſe that he ever is very gracious to all that turne unto him; but alſo becauſe he hath already eaſed us of a good part of our ſcarcity, & for this yere that now cometh in, he hath hitherto given (his name be ever bleſſed therefore) as great tokens of ſpeciall plenty, as at any time heretofore for theſe many yeres we have lightly had. In like maner, whereas he promiſed, to deliver thém of that reproach, for thát matter he is before-hand with us; partly for that he hath holpen us ſo far alredy, and our ſcarcity when it was at the worſt, yet was it not ſo extreme (by any want that God hath ſent us, but only by the hardnes of greedy men) as that any way it might turn us, or our profeſſion unto reproach; and partly for that others of our neighbours that are about us, and ſubject unto Popery yet (from whom our reproach doth ever ariſe, whē ſoever p. 103they have any advantage againſt us, were then, & yet are, as it is ſaid, much more ſtreightned by it, thē we. And as, to the end that he might better lift up the harts of that people to the aſſurāce of theſe his promiſes, he turneth his talk unto the earth, & to the creatures that are therin, willing them no more to fear, but to rejoice in reſpect of that plenty that now was towards them: ſo may we ſee, that already he hath in ſuch ſort ſpoken unto the earth on our behalf, that wel it may rejoice our hearts now to behold it; & therby alſo doth ſo comfort & cheere thoſe creatures that ar therin, that they alſo muſt needs be joiful to ſee the earth in that likelihood, to be ſo well repleniſhed with alſuch things as they do need. But where as he promiſed them, that he would make ſo clean a riddance of thoſe noyſome creatures that they ſhould be ſcattred into all quarters far from them, & that their ſtinch ſhould ariſe up unto heaven; although we cannot ſee the ſame in this caſe of ours, be cauſe our ſcarcitie did not come by ſuch noyſome creatures, but onelyonly by that immoderate moyſture in ſeede time & harveſt: yet may we ſee, that in effect he hath done it in eaſing us therof ſo much as we ſee alredy he hath done, and the p. 104performance thereof we may hope, both in this, & in the reſidue of thoſe evils that now are on us, or otherwiſe may ſeeme to hang over our heads, & to be in a redines to fall upō us. Then if we come to the people thē ſelves to whom he doth ſo comfortably ſpeake, we alſo muſt note, that where as they are none others but the children of Zion; neither may wé look to find that favour with him, unles we ſort our ſelves to that cōpany. The mercies of God towards his are great: but ever (lightly) reſtrained withall to thoſe that are his. Though the tree be never ſo full of ſap: yet no part of it is lightly imparted, but only unto ſuch boughs & branches as belong therunto. As for the reſidue, wherein he promiſeth to relieve their neceſſity, & to doe it in ſo plentifull maner, we may very wel, upō our repentāce, aſſure our ſelves of that point of favour alſo, both becauſe he is a God of ſo great favour towards thoſe that ſeek him, & becauſe that in helping us ſo far already, he hath put us in hope, that he meaneth the full performance of it: & if we cōtinue in his feare, that he will never give us up unto the reproach of any of our enemies whatſoever.

18 Concerning thoſe other greater bleſſinges, which the Lord for their better p. 105ſtrengthening in this, Of thoſe other bleſſings beſides.did, now de clare himſelfe to be fully purpoſed (in time to come) to beſtowe upon them, the Prophet nameth a couple: kk…:28-32.a further manifeſtation of the truth; and therewith all ll3:1-21.a notable protection from their enemies. As touching that further manifeſtation of the Truth becauſe that whenſoever it cometh abroad into the world, A further manifeſtation of the Truth.it doth come, not only in mercy to them that beleeve, but alſo in judgement to thoſe that are incredulous & diſobedient (and that on behalfe of his people alſo) therefore doth the Prophet in this place declare, in what ſort it ſhall be given to both thoſe ſorts: mm2:28, 29.how mercifully and graciouſly towards thoſe that beleeve; and nn2:30-32.in how ſtrange, and fearful maner to thoſe that beleeve not. How mercifully towards thē that beleeve.How mercifully and graciouſly it doth proceede towardes thoſe that beleeve, we may gather, both in reſpect of the thing it ſelfe: and in reſpect of the effect that in them it ſhould worke. The thing it ſelf doth notably witnes the mercy of God; both in reſpect of the nature of it; and becauſe it is ſo abundantly given. In reſpect of the nature of it, it is ſaid to be the oo1:28.gift of the Spirit: and the p. 106ſame the Spirit of God. It is alſo abundantly given, for that it is ſaid to be pp2:2….poured forth: and upon al fleſh. The effect that in them it worketh, is firſt ſet downe generally: then more ſpecially. Generally it is ſaid, that qq2:28.their ſonnes and their daughters ſhould prophecie: that is, that the generation that was to come ſhould be al generally endewed with that light of the truth, that they ſhoulde be able to prophecié, both in reſpect of the truth of the thing it ſelf; and eſpecially, in reſpect of that meaſure of knowledge, that in thoſe daies of former time God vouchſafed for to beſtow on the children of men. More ſpecially it is deſcribed, both in reſpect of the excellencie of the knowledge it ſelf that is givē unto them: and in reſpect of the perſons to whom it is given. The excellencie of the knowledge it ſelf is noted to be great, in that it is rr2:28.compared to thoſe dreames and viſions ſſNum. …:….whereby it pleaſed God of old, to make himſelf, and his wil and pleaſure known to his people. In reſpect of the perſons to whom it is given, it is alſo commended, when as it is ſaid to be ſo generally given forth unto al, as that al eſtates ſhall be p. 107very fully poſſeſſed of it. To that ende he nameth not only tt12:….the old and yong, which are, for the moſt part, moſt eſtrāged from ſuch matters: but alſo even their very … 2:29.bond-men, and bond-women, who are yet further óf then the others, both becauſe their Maſters make no ſuch account of them; and becauſe that them ſelves, being in that miſerie that commonly they are in, have no joy in any ſuch matter to attaine unto it. In ſetting foorth how ſtrangely and fearefully this manifeſtation of the truth ſhall appeare unto others (which alſo he doth to their comfort, as before is noted) xx2:30, 31.firſt he ſetteth downe how ſorrowfull a portion they ſhall have therein: and yy2:32.then howe the faithfull, in this execution of heavie judgements on thoſe, ſhall notwithſtanding them ſelves eſcape or be in ſafety. In how ſtrange, & fearefull maner to thoſe that beleeve not.The portion that thoſe others, that is, the incredulous and diſobedient, ſhall have therein, is ſet foorth by the nature of the things them ſelves: and by the limitation of time that is put unto them. The things them ſelves are of that nature, as that they boade unto thém great confuſion: which is ſet downe firſt generally; p. 108then more ſpecially. Generally it is ſaide, that there ſhall be zz2:30.wonders or ſignes in the heavens, and in the earth, that is, that on every ſide, or which way ſo ever they ſhall turne them ſelves, whether they caſt their eyes but about them on the earth, or whether they turne them up unto heaven, they ſhall ſee that they are compaſſed about with confuſion: with evident teſtimonies, both that ſuch manifeſtation is of God; and that them ſelves are compaſſed in with the judgements of God, becauſe they do not obey the truth. More ſpecially certain are reckoned up, firſt in the earth: then in the heavens. In the earth firſt he reckoneth a couple: then he proſecuteth the one of them a litle further. Thoſe that he doth firſt recken, are aa2:30.blood and fier: by which ſome ſpeciall deſtructiō is cōmonly ſignified, as we alſo in our toung do mean the like by fier & ſword, ſpeaches not much unlike unto them. He doth proſecute the one a litle further, by adding to the fier that which hee ſpeaketh of bb2:30.pillers of ſmoké, or the breaking out and riſing up of ſmoke: by which it ſemeth that he doth mean, both that the fier ſhal have plēty of p. 109matter to conſume, wherupon that ſmoke ſhal come; and that them ſelves, that is, the incredulous ſhal have no part of the Truth light unto them, but al to be as dark as ſmoke. In the heavens likewiſe are other two: that even the cc2:31.Sun it ſelf ſhould be turned into darknes; & the Moone into blood. By which darknes of the Sun he may ſignifie to thē, that they ſhal ſee no light at al in the light it ſelf: & by which bloodines of the Moone, it may be likewiſe that he doth ſignifie, that whereas the Moone is ordeined of God to be the inſtrument, to ſend over to us ſome part of the light of the Sun in the night ſeaſon, now becauſe they refuſed the light of the Sun it ſelf, and winked at it, it ſhould ſigniſie nothing but blood or deſtruction to thém, for their unbelief. The limitation of time that is put hereunto, is, … ….…1.before the great and terrible day of the Lord doe come. Whereby it ſeemeth the Prophet doth mean, both that by theſe things the Lord will make a way to thoſe his judgements in that great and terrible day, when he ſhall judge the quick and the dead, and the world by fier: and that the Lord wil not keepe in all his vengeance till thén. p. 110but wil be doing in the meane while, to the confuſion of his enemies; and to the comfort of his ſervants. Concerning the ſafety of the faithful, in thoſe heauy judgements againſt unbeleevers, firſt the Prophet doth ſet it down: then he confirmeth or prooueth the ſame. He ſetteth it down when as he ſaith, that ee2:32.whoſoever ſhall call on the name of the Lorde ſhall be ſafe. Whereby he teacheth, not only that all ſuch ſhal be ſafe: but alſo that to call on the name of the Lord, is the note or mark of the people of God, and which ſhould in thoſe daies be ſafe. His proofe or confirmation there of he buildeth on the priviledge of the place: and on the ſpeciall calling of God. Concerning the place, both he nameth ff2:32.mount Zion, and the whole citie Ieruſalem: and aſſureth them of that deliverance, that the Lord before had promiſed. As touching the other, gg2:32.both he noteth, that it ſhall be thoſe whom the Lord ſhall call: and, that thoſe ſhal be but a remnant neither.

19 As touching our ſelves, Wé alſo ought to account this a ſpeciall bleſſing.as the Prophet doth here make mention hereof unto them, in the way of a ſpeciall bleſſing; ſo are wé to take it likewiſe (as very well p. 111we may throughout the whole if we enter into any ſpeciall conſideration of it:) both in reſpect that it is a further manifeſtation of the Truth; and for that it proceedeth or cometh in ſuch manner as it doth. Both in reſpect of the thing it ſelf.For conſidering no more, but only that it is a further manifeſtation of the Truth, yet herein onelyonly we may perceave it, becauſe that fleſh and blood, and the whole power of man may labour long to attain unto it; and yet never obtein it: as we in theſe daies may plainly behold; firſt in our ſelves, then alſo in others. For how gladly would our godly fore-fathers have ſeen theſe daies, that we now ſee, and yet they could not: & how earneſtly do many in theſe daies wiſh, ſome of us any kind of reformation what ſo ever, others again a much better then yet we have, & ſuch as is here deſcribed unto us; and yet who knoweth not how ſhort we are yet from either of both? If therefore our true and harty repentance now (upon this occaſion) might procure us ſo great a bleſſing beſides, there is no man but ſeeth, how earneſtly it were to be laboured of us all: both to obtein the thing it ſelf; & to ſave much of that unprofitable labour, that otherwiſe p. 112we have beſtowed about it to litle purpoſe, & yet may, we know not how long, nor how vnprofitably, unleſſe we take that courſe, that the Prophet here praeſcribeth unto us. And in reſpect of that moner, wherby it proceedeth.But if we conſider in what maner this reformatiō proceedeth, that in this place the Prophet doth ſpeak of, or what kinde of manifeſtation it is there may we much more plainly ſee, how much this bleſſing is to be wiſhed: not only becauſe that it doth proceede in ſo gracious maner towards thoſe that receave it; but alſo in reſpect of thoſe things likewiſe, that do appertein to thoſe that refuſe it. For as touching thoſe that receve it, Towards thoſe that receave it.we ſee it is in ſuch ſort beſtowed on them, as they are made able therby to prophecy & not only al the ſort of them generally, but eſpecially alſo, ſuch as no body would look for, the old & the yōg, &, that which is moſt, evē the very bond-ſlaues thē ſelves. With ús yet, the elder ſort are too old to learn; & the yonger are over wanton, and care not for it: but the poorer ſort eſpecially (ſuch as lived before like men, & now by their unmerciful Lords are brought ſo low, that they may rather be accounted bond; then free) are in ſo great and urgent p. 113diſtreſſe, in reſpect of their bodily neceſſities, that as they have no hearts unto it, being ſo much overwhelmed with their miſerable eſtate as they are; ſo have they not ſo much as any convenient laiſure, nor comfort neither, to goe about it, would they never ſo fain. It is long therefore, in the courſe that we are, before that the elder and yonger ſort with ús, and eſpecially thoſe that are ſo fleeſed or ſpoiled by others, will bee able to attaine to the light that nowe is ſpoken of, in ſuch meaſure as here is deſcribed. It were well if they underſtoode (in ſome reaſonable manner) ſuch thinges as were good and needefull for them to know: but to be able to teach others likewiſe, that is a point ſo far beyond al likelihood for them to attaine unto, that we may rather wiſh it with great doubt never to ſee it; then with hope expect it, as though we might to the full obtaine it, But if we could truly repent us of our former ill waies and turne to the Lord, as by this aforeſaide occaſion we may juſtly finde our ſelves provoked to doe, then would the Lord, we neede not to doubt affoord us the ſame meaſure of goodnes p. 114that is promiſed here: then ſhould we all be able to prophecie; our olde men thén would dreame ſuch dreames, our young folke likewiſe would ſee viſions, and the Spirit of God ſhould reſt even on bonds or villains. And ſeeing that alreadie we have, in divers particulars, experience of it (and that in ſo comfortable meaſure, as many have) even thát onelyonly ought to be ſufficient to teach us, that the good work that is alreadie begun, ſhoulde ſoone be perfited, if our ſelves were no hinderance unto it. And thoſe that refuſe it.In thoſe things that doe appertaine to them that refuſe it, we may ſee that it woulde be a ſpeciall bleſſing likewiſe, partly in reſpect of the judgements that belong to the wicked: and partly in reſpect of the ſafety of the faithfull, in the middeſt of all thoſe dangers. In reſpect of the judgements that belong to the wicked we may perceave it, if not for that it is ſo noted by the Prophet here: yet becauſe that our ſelves alreadie have ſome experience of it. For now alſo may we in ſome meaſure ſee, that ſuch as are diſobedient unto this mercifull calling of God, are altogether in darkenes, and ſtand amaſed: and many waies pull downe upon p. 115them the fearefull, but juſt judgements of God. And becauſe that, by their incredulitie and hardnes of heart, the Sun it ſelfe is darkenes with them: why ſhould not the Moone be turned into blood likewiſe? It is not meete, that ſuch as ſo wilfully reſiſt the known and manifeſt truth, ſhould have any light to them derived, by ſuch meanes as God hath provided to that purpoſe: but much rather in ſteede thereof, ſhould have naught elſe, but manifeſt tokens of fearefull judgements. To whom therefore by their owne infidelitie, the Sun is darkened: to thoſe is it meete, in the juſtice of God, that the Moone ſhould be turned into blood likewiſe.

And becauſe that already wee ſee, in ſome meaſure this is done, as it is to the glorie of God, that the contempt of his Truth is ſo avenged, before that great and fearefull day; ſo is it to the ſtrengthening of the weake likewiſe, that thereby perceave, that there is a God whoſe throne is in heaven, and whoſe eyes conſider the children of men: and that he with cheerefull countenance beholdeth the juſt, and raineth on others p. 116ſnares and tempeſts, and many other tokens of his diſpleaſure, to be unto them a portion to drinke. But that the faithfull in all theſe daungers are ſtill praeſerved, that muſt needes very ſoone appeare to be a great and a ſpeciall bleſſing, both in reſpect of that ſafety that them ſelves enjoy: and in reſpect of the daunger that others are in, For it is no ſmall thing, to be exempted from ſuch perils, and to bee withdrawne from ſo heavie a wrath of God: but when we conſider howe thoſe others are overtaken therein, and howe faſt they are (as it were) chained up unto perdition, then is the ſafety of the faithfull ſo much the more an evident teſtimonie of the goodneſſe of GOD towardes them, and ſo much more comfortable vntounto them ſelves, that ſee what a difference GOD hath put put betwixt them and others. In which place alſo it is good to take it unto our ſelves, that to call on the name of the Lord, is by the Prophet here ſet downe, as a marke of thoſe that ſhall be ſafe: and that otherwiſe the privileges of the place, and outwarde calling, are to litle p. 117purpoſe, becauſe the Prophet doth joine or couple them ſo neere together. In ſomuch that we alſo may ſee, who they are unto whom this ſafetie is due: and that neither our Zion, nor Ieruſalem neither, nor yet our outwarde or common calling as we are Chriſtiās (or Catholicks rather, as ſome have better delight to ſpeake) are to any purpoſe to procure us this kind of ſafetie, but ſo far as we finde that inward truth concurring with all, that we are of the number of thoſe, that put by all others, and in all our neceſſities euer call on the name of the Lord. The privileges of Zion and of Ieruſalem were very great, and it was no ſmall matter, to hauehave beene an Iſraelite, or a Iewe, by lineal deſcent: but yet notwithſtanding they came to no proofe without that other; and without which they deceaved them ſelves, and ever had their greateſt glorie redounding backe upon them with double ſhame.

20 As touching the other bleſſing, A notable protection againſt their enemies.that is, that protection of theirs againſt their enemies, he followeth on that in all the third Chapter: and to the end he may better declare it, he ſetteth downe (as it were, in their right, and proper colours) p. 118both the hh3:1-17.wretched eſtate of the one; & the ii3:18-21. The wretched eſtate of the enemie.bleſſed eſtate of the other. Concerning the wretched eſtate of the enemie, kk3:1.8.firſt he ſetteth it down plaine in ſpeach: ll3:9…17.afterward hee doth more fully expreſſe and illuſtrate the ſame; by a figure of great dignitie. In that which he ſpeaketh plainely of them, firſt he ſpeaketh mm3:1-3.of all generally: then he directeth his talke to nn3:4-8.certaine of them more ſpecially. In that which he ſpeaketh of all generally, What he ſaith of all their enemies (for this matter) generally.firſt he ſetteth downe what he will doe: then he ſheweth what is the cauſe why he wil ſo doe. That which he will doe he deſcribeth unto us, both by the nature or ſubſtance of the thing it ſelfe: and by certaine circumſtances thereunto appertaining. The thing it ſelfe that he will doe, as touching the ſubſtance or nature of it, reſteth in two points: that oo3:2.he will gather all nations together; and plead with them for his people, and for his heritage the children of Iſrael. The circumſtances hereunto apperteining, are two: the one, of the time; the other, of the place. The time.In the circumſtance of the time he ſheweth, that it muſt be pp3:1.in thoſe daies (when he would poure foorth his Spirit, as before he declared:) p. 119and in that time, when he would bring againe the captivitie of Iudah and Ieruſalem. For firſt there was to come on that people a time of wrath becauſe of their ſinnes, in which they were to be poſſeſſed by the hand of their enemies: but afterward by the goodnes of God, they were to be brought home againe; which is the time that now he doth ſpeake of. Concerning the circūſtance of the place, The place.it is ſet downe that this ſhall be done in rr3:2.the vale of Iehoſhaphat: whereby may be noted, that the Lord would ſo deal with the enemies of his people, both before the faces of thē, to their greater comfort; & in wonderful triumphāt maner. It may note that he woulde execute his judgements on thē, even before the face of his people, becauſe that this vale of Iehoſhaphat was before the citie Ieruſalem & the mount of Zion that before he ſpake of. It may likewiſe note, that he would do it in wonderful triūphant maner; be cauſe that the ſtorie, whence that vallie tooke his name, importeth ſuch a matter very plainly, as the ſſa. Chro. 20: …-28.text it ſelf recordeth. For there Iehoſhaphat triumphed over the Ammonites, Moabites, & Idumaeās without p. 120any conflict; but only in praiſing the name of the Lord: and the ſpoile beſides was ſo great, that it held them occupied three daies to gather it. The cauſe why.The cauſe why he woulde ſo doe, is becauſe they have done ſuch wrong to the people of God: & made ſo light accoūt of them. Wrong they had done them, becauſe they tt3:2.had both ſcattered his people among the nations: and beſides, had parted their land among them. They made light of them likewiſe, vv3:3.both becauſe they caſt lots for them: and gave them for naught a boy for an harlot; and a girle for a cup of wine. In that wherein he directeth his talke to certain of them more ſpecially, What he ſaith unto ſome more ſpecially.we are to conſider, to whom he ſpeaketh: and what it is that he ſaith unto them. Thoſe to whom he ſpeaketh are xx3:4.certaine enemies bordering on them: two principall cities; and an whole country beſides. Thoſe principall cities were Tyrus, and Zidon, great Townes of Mart eſpecially the former: the Country was the Lande of Palestine, bordering upon them. That which he ſaith unto them is yy3:4 6.firſt concerning their fault wherewith hee doth charge them: and, p. 121zz3:7, 8.then concerning the puniſhment of it. The better to ſhew forth what their fault was, Firſt, as touching their fault.wherewith now he doth charge thē, firſt he ſheweth, that they had no cauſe ſo to doe: then, what it is that they have done. He ſheweth that they had no cauſe ſo to doe, becauſe he will not allow them any ſuch ſpeaches, as whereby they may ſeeme to impart, that they were firſt provoked by him: and further telleth them, that if they ſhould ſay ſo, then would he take further order with them. In that he wil not allow them ſuch ſpeaches, we are to note, firſt, what thoſe ſpeaches were, which for that cauſe he ſo rebuketh: then of théir uttering of ſuch like ſpeaches. What thoſe ſpeaches were we may beſt gather in that aa3:4.the Lord doth aske thē, what they had to do with him: and whether they would be avenged on him, or, as it were, recompence him, for ſome hurt that hé before had done them. If they uttered ſuch ſpeaches as theſe (as hereby it ſeemeth they did) then did they declare themſelves thereby, both to take in ill part his former chaſtiſement: and now alſo to forget themſelves very far. His former chaſtiſement they did take in ill p. 122part, becauſe they accounted it an hurt unto them, and ſuch as whereon they might juſtly looke to be avenged. Now alſo they forget themſelves very far, both becauſe they are ſo ſaw cie, as in ſuch ſort to deale with the Lord: and ſo fooliſh, as to overmatch themſelves ſo farre. In that he would take further order with them we may likewiſe note, both how offenſiue ſuch ſpeaches (or thoughts) are unto him: and what is the order that thereupon he taketh. That ſuch ſpecahes are offenſiue unto him, he plainely declareth, for that he ſheweth that he will provide further puniſhment for them. The order that hereupon he taketh, is bb3:4.that he then will be further avenged on thém: & that, both very ſwiftly; and upon their heads. That which they have done, doth partly concerne the ſubſtance or wealth of the lād: & partly the people that dwelt therein. Concerning the ſubſtance & wealth of the land, he chargeth them both with a wrongfull taking away at the firſt: and with a foule abuſe of it after. That which they wrongfully tooke away, cc3:5.was firſt, by name, ſilver and gold: and then generally, all precious, or pleaſant things beſides. p. 123The abuſe of them after, was that they dd3:5.carried them into their Temples: as though they had got them by the power of their idols; and offending in this alſo, that they ſought to advaunce the dignitie of their idols thereby. Concerning the people that dwelt in the land, he chargeth them likewiſe with ee3:6.double injury againſt them: one, that they did ſet them away, and that to the Graecians, an heathen people, and far of; the other, that to this end they ſolde them, to ſend them far from their own border. Then, as touching the puniſhment of it.Cōcerning their puniſhment for this fault, we are to conſider, firſt what is the puniſhment that is denounced: then, how the certainty thereof is confirmed. The puniſhment that is denounced, conſiſteth in two pointes: firſt that that which they had done, ſhould be undone againe; then, how their former doings to others, ſhould now be requited in them ſelves. As touching the undoing of that which they had done ff3:7.he plainly ſaith, that he will raiſe thē out of the place, where they had ſold them. As touching the other, that is, howe their former doinges to others, ſhould now be requited in them ſelves, p. 124firſt he ſetteth it downe generally: & then more ſpecially. Generally he ſaith that gg3:7.he will render their reward upon their own head More ſpecially hh3:8.he telleth them, both that hé would ſell their ſons & their daughters into the hands of the children of Iudah: and that they ſhould ſell them over againe unto the Sabaeans a farre óf. The certainty of this their puniſhment is, for that ii3:8.the Lord himſelfe hath ſpoken it.

21 And now to come to our ſelves again, How we alſo may hope for the like againſt óur enemies.and to ſearch out what inſtruction or comfort may out of this ariſe unto us, whereas in theſe daies we are not a litle moleſted by many on behalf of the Goſpell, or for our profeſſions ſake, if the ſecuritie and mighty protection that here is promiſed unto thém, may alſo be derived to ús, in ſuch ſort that wé likewiſe may be aſſured, upon our repentance, to have that ſafety from all our enemies, that is a matter of ſuch importance, as that we muſt needes account it a ſpeciall good bleſſing and aeſteeme accordingly of it. Whereas therfore God is ever one, & cō tinually hath that care of his people, that before he was woont to have, and can as p. 125eaſily be kindled now againſt their enemies, as heretofore at any time he hath beene; there is no cauſe for us to doubt, neither yet can there be any, but that if truely, either by this occaſion, or howſoever elſe, we ſeeke unto him, he alſo will be as readily found ofús, and as eaſily intreated, as he was woont to be of others: eſpecially now, this age being part of the time, that himſelfe did promiſe to crowne with this kind of bleſſing; and whereunto he did with ſo undoubted certaintie aſſure the ſame. So that, whatſoever hee is ſaide againſt the enemies of his people thén, that alſo may be (as touching the ſenſe and meaning thereof) as fitly tranſlated to our enemies now, ſo farre as they are in enmitie with us for the Goſpell of Chriſt. The vale of Ieho…haphat.Firſt therefore where as he ſaith, that he will gather them all together, into the vallie of Iehoſhaphat, and pleade with them there, for his people: and that eſpecially, when he bringeth againe the Captivitie of Iudah & Ieruſalem: we alſo may hope, that, ſeeing that now he hath begun to bring backe againe our late captivitie, he will in like manner vouchſafe ús that merciemercy, that he will alſo gather our enemies p. 126together, and into ſome vallie of Iehoſhaphat alſo, & plead with them there on behalfe of his people now, as he did with thoſe others of old, on behalfe of his then. But there at that time he ſo ordered the matter, that falling at variance among themſelves, two parts of them fell on the third, & when they had utterly deſtroyed thém, then fell they each one on the other alſo, and ſo made a cleane riddance of all: and left the victorie (and ſpoile together) to the people of God, without any ſtroke, as they were but comming towardes them, and with inſtruments and voice praiſing the Lord. And ſeeing the Lord calleth this but pleadings, and yet appointeth the place of hearing to be in the vallie of ſo famous an execution, as hereby he gave them to underſtand that their cauſe was ſo naught, that it ſhould no ſooner come to hearing, but that a ſharpe execution thereupon ſhould bee done: ſo we alſo, finding the cauſe of theſe ſo bad as it is, may very well hope, that it ſhall no ſooner come to the hearing before the Lord, but that they alſo ſhall be caſt, & have execution accordingly done; as alſo in theſe daies, if we looke about us, p. 127we may eaſily finde many things, that are of that nature, and do plainly witnes the ſame. For the reaſon that held with thém, doth in like maner hold with theſe likewiſe. How iniurious they have beene to us likewiſeFor who ſeeth not, that they alſo have ſcattered the people of God among the nations, and have parted their land among them ſelves. Scattering us abroad.They have ſcattered the people among the nations, partly by the broiles that they have made whereby they have ſo afflicted Chriſtendome, and toſt it up and downe like a foot-bale at their pleaſure: but eſpecially, becauſe that by the corruption of doctrine that they have brought into the Church, they have diſperſed the people of God, almoſt into all the errors of the heathen that have beene about us. And that they have parted the lande of the people of God among them, it appeareth alſo very plainely, in that they had ſo much conſumed them from the face of the earth, and placed them ſelves in their roomes: inſomuch that, of a woorthy and honourable aſſemblie of many good and godly people in the Church of God, they had nowe of late brought it to a diſordered multitude of ſuch a p. 128people, as moſt notoriouſly of all others did utterly abandon in Religion and life, what ſo ever is good, and in them both betooke them ſelves moſt impotently to that which is ill. Having us in vile contempt.But as for that vile contempt that thoſe enemies had of the people of GOD, when as they gave the boy of an harlot, and the girle for a cup of wine, that may we finde to be very farre out matched by theſe. For it is no ſtraunge, nor great matter (to ſpeake of) among ſouldiers, when they have conquered others, and taken the ſpoile of them at their pleaſure, and come laden home with the pray, to give ſuch captives as they taken for very trifles, if they have many: when they come ſo eaſily by them, they can be content oft times to affoorde a good peniwoorth of them: eſpecially thoſe that are the looſer, and the more prodigall ſort that are amonge them. But theſe were the pillers and ſtaies of the people; they were their leaders and guides in their pilgrimage: they were their ſpirituall Paſtors and Fathers; and had them of truſt, and with ſpeciall charge, committed unto them. p. 129And yet have theſe alſo made ſo light of the people of God, The boy, for an harlot: the girle, for a cup of wine.of whom they had this ſpeciall charge, & whom they tooke unto their gouernement, that for the accompliſhment of their foul and ſhameful luſt, and for their bellies, they have freely parted, not onelyonly with the boyes & girles, the ſmalleſt and meaneſt of the people of God; but with men and women alſo, the aged and honourable, and greateſt of all: nor that onelyonly at ſome ſpeciall time, or done but of ſome few of them; but it was the generall courſe of them all, and ſuch as ſtandeth with the ſubſtance of their profeſſion, and is commonly found with them all, even from the higheſt unto the loweſt. Taking frō us all …ich and pleaſant thingsOut of that likewiſe wherein he directeth his ſpeach more ſpecially to certain of them, we alſo may note, that theſe our Tyrians, Sidomians, and Philiſtins have done as fondly as did thoſe others, and daily yet doe: and yet have no better cauſe of this their doing then had thoſe others. For theſe alſo have taken away out of the Church, the citie of the great king, and from among the people of God, their ſilver and gold, and all precious things: and that not onelyonly in the literall p. 130or neereſt ſenſe; but much more, if we goe to a further meaning. Both the maintenance of the miniſterie.For even in the literall or neereſt ſenſe, they had ſpoiled all Chriſtendome (and yet do, where they may be allowed) of a great part of their treaſure, ſilver, and gold, and of all ſuch things as were moſt precious, or of greateſt aeſtimation among them. Inſomuch that they have not ſpared the Church-livings them ſelves: which were all that the people had, and were like to have, to maintaine inſtruction among them, to the glory of God, and their own ſalvation. And, that worſe is, theſe things have they not only taken away from the people of God; but have imployed them to the uſe of jdolatry: and that ſo groſſe, as ſeldome at any time coulde bee overmatched among the gentiles. And all our treaſures in Chriſt himſelfe.If we go to a further ſenſe, thē muſt we charge them, that they hauehave not onelyonly ſpoiled us of our earthly treaſures (which notwithſtanding is no ſmall injury, beſides the griefe that doth juſtly ariſe to them abuſed ſo far as they are) but that they have ſpoiled us alſo, almoſt of al thoſe our ſpirituall treaſures or graces that we had in Chriſt: of his Word, and Sacraments, that p. 131ſhould have directed and comforted us here; and of the force of the merits and paſſion of Chriſt, that were to bring us to the kingdome of God. And whatſoever there was, that apperteined to true holines, or to our redemption in Chriſt (the greateſt riches that ever were, and the inaeſtimable treaſure of the church of God) that have they either altogether taken away from the Church, or in ſuch ſort corrupted and defiled the ſame one way or other, that they have bereaved the people of God, of the comfort, and uſe thereof. And as thoſe others ſold away the children of Iudah unto the Graecians, Selling u… far away for bondſlaves.to ſend them farre from their owne country: ſo have thoſe alſo ſolde away the people of God to palpable darkenes; and all to get them farre from the Truth, that they might never be able to eſpie the ſame, and ſo to returne to their country again. Neither have they onelyonly ſo done heretofore; but to this day alſo they labour it ſtil, and ever hold on the ſelf ſame courſe, whereſoever they may: labouring alſo, to bring backe again the people of God to their former captivity, and ſeeking daily to be avenged on thoſe, that have delivered p. 132any part of thē out of their hands. So that herein alſo they match thoſe others, Briſtling againſt the Lord,in aſſembling their forces together againſt the Lord; and accounting it a ſufficient provocation, for them to briſtle ſo as they do, for that the Lord hath already foiled them in divers of their waies, & begun to deliver his peculiar people out of their hands: having refuſed the mercifull viſitation of God ſo long, that now they have not the grace to conſider, that ſuch handes of God are laide upon them for their former juſt deſerts; but wickedly account that they are a juſt quarrel to thém, to rage and ſcorne ſo much as they doe. How juſtly theſe doings of theirs may pull dovvn the like judgemēts againſt them.When theſe thinges therefore are ſo plainely and fully found in them, may we yet doubt, that they are ſo farre from thoſe heauie judgements that heere are denounced? may wee thinke, that when they have done all this wickedneſſe againſt the aeternall Majeſtie of GOD, and againſt thoſe annointed of his, for whoſe ſakes he was woont to rebuke even the mightieſt Princes that were; and when as it is evident that they have not onelyonly done thoſe things, but ſtil perſiſt and continue therein: p. 133that yet notwithſtanding, the Lord will ſpare them, and let them goe cleerely away with this, and never call them to account for the ſame? Or at leaſt may we thinke ſo nów, when we ſee that the Lord hath already entered into the like judgements with them, Eſpecially vvhen vve ſee the ſame to be begun alreadie.that he promiſed here unto theſe? For now may we plainely ſee, that he hath undone much of that which they had done: and himſelfe hath ſold diners of their children unto his people, to be ſent away unto the Sabaeans where they can never get them againe. For he hath ſo opened the eyes of many thouſandes of them, that nowe they have left the waies of their fathers, and are joyned unto the people of God. They have ſo truly with the Queene of Saba, and with the Sabaeans that came with her, given eare to the wiſedome of our Salomon Ieſus Chriſt, that now they meane ſtill to make their abode there: and cannot ſufficiently wonder, that their fathers, and they them ſelves, have beene ſo long, ſo farre deceaved. And if it were inough to ſtand for ſufficient confirmation here of unto thém, only for that the Lord had ſpoken it: how much rather ought wé to be p. 134raiſed unto an vndoubted expectation of it, when as we ſee, not only that the Lord of ours he hath already begun with the woorke it ſelfe, and hath done great and wonderfull things therein already?

29 In the figure that he uſeth, the more fully to expreſſe, and to illuſtrate that, This wretched eſtate of the enimie more fully expreſſed by a notable figure.which he had in plaine ſpeach ſet downe before (which alſo he doth with great dignitie, and to the ſpeciall beautifying of the thing that he hath in hand) whereas yet he holdeth on his talke with his enemies, and willeth that proclamation be made among them concerning that matter, we are firſt to conſider, that he will have proclamation made: then what it is, that he will have proclamed unto them. That he would have proclamation made, it appeareth moſt plainely, for that himſelfe aa3:9.willeth, Proclamation, to gather thē all together.that the thing that he hath in hand be proclamed among the Gentiles. Whereby it ſeemeth that he would give them to underſtand, both that it is a matter fully determined with him: and, that he would have them all to know it. That which he would have proclamed unto them, reſteth in two principal points: one, that hebb3:9.11. ſtirreth them up p. 135unto battail; the other, that yet notwithſtanding himſelf doth withal cc3:12-17.denounce their overthrow. And in ſtirring of them up unto battail, firſt he doth it generally: and then he followeth upon the ſame more ſpecially. That which he doth generally, is no more, but that dd3:9.he willeth that war be proclamed, or that they do praepare themſelves unto war. In that which is more ſpecially ſet down of that matter, we are to note, not onelyonly how the Lord doth more fully follow upon it: but alſo how the Prophet, that hither hath ſtoode by himſelf, and hath but recited what the Lord hath ſaide, doth now (according to the interpretatiō of the beſt) put in a ſhort praier of his, ſuch as he thought the matter it ſelfe did now require. The Lord, in following more fully upon it, How they ſhould get themſelves in a readines at home, and ſo come againſt his people.calleth upō them ee3:9.10.firſt to get them in a readines at home: ff3:11.then to come foorth, and to ſettle them ſelves unto their buſines. To the end that they may be in a readines, firſt he calleth on thoſe, that in common ſenſe are meeteſt to ſuch a purpoſe, that is, to the battail: then he calleth on others alſo that are unmeete. Strong.Calling on thoſe that are meete to ſuch a purpoſe, gg3:9.firſt he willeth p. 136the mightie to awake, or to ſtirre up themſelves; and al the men of war to draw neere, and to come up to the muſter: then, to the ende they may all have weapons inow, or that there may be weapons inow for all, hh3:10.he willeth them to turne their inſtruments of husbandrie into weapons, their plow-ſhares into ſwoordes, and their ſiethes into ſpeares. And weakComming to thoſe that are unmeete for the warres, that is, the weake or feeble, to the ende that he may better ſhewe foorth, how faire a day the Heathen or enemies to the people of God, ſhall ſeeme to themſelves to have againſt them, and how ſure account they ſhall before hand make of the victorie, he woulde have thém alſo to chiere up themſelves to this buſines, and ii3:10.willeth them to ſay, that they are ſtrong, or, at leaſt, to wiſh that they were. When thus they are gotten into a readineſſe, he kk3:11.willeth them all, of what Countrie or Nation ſo ever they bee, to leave their owne Countrie now, and to come and joine their forces to gether againſt the Iewes, and to compaſſe them round about. The prayer that hereupon the Prophet doth make, is ^l that the Lords mightie hoſts, p. 137or men of warre, The Prophet prayeth.ſhould come down thither alſo, on behalf of his people: ſo oppoſing ſtrength, ll3:11.againſt ſtrength; the hoſts of the Lord, againſt all the forces of all the heathen. In denouncing their overthrow, he frameth his ſpeach in that ſort, that he may ſeem to have had in ſome reſpect unto that praier of the Prophet: & then to proceede in, or to holde on that courſe, that before he had intended. He may ſeeme to have reſpect unto the Prophet in that he ſaith, mm3:12.Let them be wakened, The Lord heareth.and let all theſe nations come up into the vallie of Iehoſhaphat: for there will I ſit to iudge all theſe nations round about. or, They ſhall be wakened, and all theſe nations ſhall come up, &c: but there will I ſit, &c. For wheras the Prophet immediately before declared himſelfe by that praier of his, to be very carefull on behalfe of the people of God (eſpecially when as he heard, that the Lord ſtirred up ſo many againſt thē, and of the mightieſt, and willed them to be furniſhed alſo) theſe words of the Lord are of that nature, and doe ſo fitly anſwer the quaeſtion, as that it may ſeeme that the Lord thereby did quiet and comfort the heart of the Prophet in that his carefulnes p. 138over the people: letting him underſtand, that he neede not to feare that they ſhould ſo be gathered together, for that it ſhould be in the vallie of Iehoſhaphat; & himſelf would there iudge them. In the reſidue of his ſpeach, wherein he ſeemeth for to holde on his former courſe, His iudgements againſt thē.nn3:13-16.hed o…th not onelyonly denounce his judgements againſt them: but alſo oo3:17.foreſheweth certaine ſpeciall effectes that ſhoulde come thereby. In denouncing his judgements againſt thē, firſt pp3:13.he doth direct his ſpeach to thoſe that ſhall be the executioners of this his vengeance: qq3:14, 16.then he diſcourſeth further thereof at large, not directing his ſpeach unto theſe ſpecially, but indifferently unto all. In directing his ſpeach unto thoſe, that were to execute his judgements, firſt he willeth them ſo to doe: then he giveth the reaſon why. He willeth them to ſet in hand with the execution of thoſe his judgements, by a figurative ſpeach, compating the enemies, firſt unto corn in the field: thē unto grapes that are in the preſſe. In reſpect that they are corn (though many in number, yet ſuch as may be eaſily cut downe) he willeth theſe his executioners rr3:13.to thrust in p. 139their ſickles: & giveth a reaſon, becauſe that now the corne was ripe, or the time of harveſt was come. In reſpect that they were as clusters of grapes in the preſſe, ff3:13.he willeth thoſe his executioners to come to their buſines, that is, to tred theſe grapes: & the reaſō is, becauſe grapes did not only run nów of thē ſelves (being ſo fully ripe) but alſo ran forth in plentiful meaſure into the ſtreetes. The reaſon that he giveth, why he would have ſuch execution done upon them, is becauſe tt3:13.their wickednes was great. In that part of his ſpeach wherein he diſcourſeth further of this matter, not ſpecially unto theſe, but indifferently unto all, vv3:14.firſt he ſpeaketh of their ſlaughter in particular: then xx3:15, 16.of their great diſtreſſe, generally. Concerning their ſlaughter, he ſheweth that it ſhalbe very great: & then doth note certaine circumſtances of it. He ſheweth that it ſhall be very great, both for that hee ſheweth that there ſhall bee yy3:14.great multitudes of thoſe that are ſlaine: and for that hee thereupon calleth it the zz3:14.vallie of threſhing, or of chopping them in peeces. The circumſtances are two: one, of the time; the other, of the place. For the time it is ſaide, that then it ſhoulde bee, p. 140when aa3:14.the day of the Lord (which himſelfe had appointed for this matter) ſhould be come. For the place, it is ſaid likewiſe, that it ſhould be, in the bb3:14.vallie of threſhing, or of chopping them in peeces. Concerning their great diſtreſſe generally, both the thing it ſelfe is deſcribed: and a reaſon thereof is given. In the deſcription of it we have ſet downe unto us, what it ſhall be: and when it ſhould come. It ſhould bee ſuch, as that unto them cc3:15.the Sun and the Moone ſhould be darkened: and the Stars ſhould withdraw their light. In the deſcription of the time it is not onelyonly declared dd3:16.that it ſhould bee when the Lorde ſhoulde roare out of Zion, &c. but alſo they are taught, whence that ſame diſtreſſe of theirs doth come, that is, from the roaring or diſpleaſure of the Lord, becauſe that it is ſaide withall, that ee3:16.the heavens and the earth are mooved by it. The reaſon is, becauſe that ff3:16.the Lord is ever a refuge unto his people: and the ſtrength of the children of Iſraell. The ſpeciall effects that ſhould come hereby, are two: gg3:17.one, that they ſhould know, that he is the Lord their God, dwelling in Zion his holy mountaine: the other, that Ieruſalem ſhoulde bee holie, p. 141and that ſtrangers ſhould paſſe through her no more.

23 Out of which that our ſelves may take ſuch inſtruction as to us apperteineth, How litle we neede to feare them áll, if we can repent and turne to the Lord.whereas firſt the Lord willeth that proclamation be made among the Gentiles, to praepare them ſelves to the battaile, and then to come and ſet in hand with their enterpriſe, ſeeing that he doth ſo openly put them in mind of it, and beſides that doth ſo eg them unto it, we neede not to doubt it to be ſo perillous and daungerous a matter, if our enemies take up ſuch a purpoſe amōg themſelves, nor though they be ſo bold, as to attempt to bring to paſſe their wicked endevors. On the other ſide rather, if once they be known to beare an hoſtile mind againſt us for the Goſpels ſake, and thereupon to lie in waite for ſome opportunitie to break in upon us to their beſt advantage, out of this we may gather, that we might well be ſo voide of all feare of them, as that our ſelves might bid thē make haſt and ſoone come foorth with the woorſt that they could. We ought to take heed, that we never giuegive to the leaſt of them al any juſt occaſion of variance with us: but p. 142if they maligne us for the Goſpels ſake (which is all the quarrell that now they have with us) and for that only cauſe do caſt to annoy us, we neede not doubt to care a fig for them all, our ſelves may put thē in mind to be doing & tell them we long ſore to ſee the woorſt they can doe. In which reſpect it is not lightly to be paſſed over, that the Lord ſo earneſtly calleth on the beſt ſouldiers, & the moſt valiant warriors that were in the world: and would have no fewer, then áll of thē neither. Theſe would he have to incampe them ſelves about his people, and to cō paſſe them in on every ſide: theſe would he have to be a document unto themſelves and to al others that either then lived, or where to come, how litle able any power of man ſhould be to praevaile againſt the aeternall, and the invincible Truth of God. If they were but of the common ſort of ſouldiers, or if there were but fewe of them, that they could not (to their owne deſire) compaſſe in the other on every ſide, the matter were leſſe, if they could not attaine to that they deſiered: and though they were foiled or clean overthrowen, yet that alſo were ſhort of p. 143that portion of honour and comfort, that God in ſuch caſe would have beſtowed on ſo good cauſe, and on thoſe that ſincerely ſtand in the ſame. Nay, unleſſe he have them áll, in ſo much that none be wanting, even that alſo is more, then he, in ſuch caſe, can affoord unto them. What cauſe is there then, why we in theſe dayes (when God is diſpoſed, as before wee have heard, to bring againe our captivitie) ſhould be ſo afraide when we heare of any, that in this cauſe profeſſe enmitie towardes us: being, as they are, farre ſhort of áll; and, ſuch as they are, neither the beſt Warriours themſelves, nor yet ſo ſtrong, though all their forces were united together? But he doth not onelyonly call in their perſons, but putteth them in minde of their furniturealſo: and becauſe their proviſion of weapons might be over ſcant, when now they came all generally, to the end that therin alſo they have no want, he willeth them to frame their inſtruments of husbandry into weapōs alſo; that ſo all may be provided therof, to the uttermoſt of their owne deſire. And yet, when they come with al this furniture, thát alſo ſhall be but a ſeely poore p. 144help unto thē. Goliah was a mighty man; very well furniſhed for armour & weapō; & an expert ſouldier beſides: and David, on the other ſide, but a ſimple thing to be in the fielde; nothing at all furniſhed to ſuch a purpoſe; & never trained up thereunto. But ſo ſoone as they met, that great beaſt was laid flat on the ground: & David went away with his head, for all he could do. Neither is it to be omitted, that the Lord aſſureth of his ſucceſſe, though the odswere ſo great on our enimies part, and the likelihood ſo faire, that even the weaker ſort among them, in hope of the ſpoile, would ſtir up themſelves to goe to the field with the reſt: or at leaſt wiſh, that any way they might be able ſo to do. For whatſoever likelihood there is, that fleſh & blood may thinke to have found: yet can there be no ſooner a triall made, but that it wil moſt plainely appeare, that fleſh & blood was far deceaved. Yet nevertheleſſe it is to good purpoſe, a ſeemly & a needefull exerciſe to us, that with the Prophet we alſo ſhould in all ſuch gatherings of earthly forces, lift up our eyes & hearts unto heaven: and there deſire our moſt mighty and mercifull Father, to ſend p. 145downe thoſe greater forces of his, to encounter with them. Which if we ſhal do, we may likewiſe hope, to have that gracious and comfortable anſwere, that all the ſortes of óur enemies alſo ſhoulde be gathered together to that diſcomfortable and irckeſome vallie of Iehoſhaphat to their utter deſtruction: diſcomfortable and irckeſome, I ſay, to all the enemies of the people of God; but unto thoſe that profeſſe the Truth, and ſincerely hold it, a place of great honor and joy, a crowne of glorie, a mountaine of inaeſtimable high renowne, and no vallie at all of grief or reproach. As ſtalkes of corne and ripe grapes.But when the Lord compareth them further to the corn of the field, and the cluſters of grapes in the preſſe (whereof the one is ſo eaſily cut downe with a ſieth, or may well be gotten by whole handes-full at once with no more but a ſickle: the others, being once come to that ripenes, that they are meete to come to the preſſe, breake in ſunder and bleede of themſelves without any treading) who is there may doubt, but that, in ſuch caſe, even the beſt ſtrength that they have, is nothing elſe but miſerable weakenes: and their greateſt glorie not p. 146one jote better, then their open and aeternall ſhame? eſpecially, when as their wickednes now is ſo very great, and in open ſight much greater by farre, then can be matched in any other ſort of people; and when as the Lord alreadie hath begun ſo to roar out of Zion, & in ſuch ſort to give foorth his voice in Ieruſalem, that the heavens and earth are therewith mooved alreadie. And what reaſon is there, why it ſhoulde not be as ſeemely for his honour now, to be in theſe daies, both a refuge, and a ſtrength to his people, as heretofore it hath beene on behalfe of others? We our ſelves, I graunt, doe in no wiſe deſerve it (and no more did others that have beene before us, if God ſhould have entered into judgement with them) but it is meete, and very much to the honour of God, that in theſe daies alſo he ſhould be knowne to be a refuge and ſtrength to his people, as at any time heretofore it hath beene, without exception. If we therefore ſhall ſeeke unto him, in ſuch ſort as we before directed, there need to be no quaeſtion made nor doubt conceaved, but that in theſe daies alſo the Lorde will ſo bring downe our enemies, p. 147that now alſo it ſhall be made known unto all, that the Lord is óur God likewiſe: and that Ieruſalem ſhal henceforward be kept undefiled from ſuch corruption, as heretofore was brought into it; and that her enemies ſhall never hereafter ſo praevaile againſt it as they have done, nor make it a thorough-fare for them to paſſe & repaſſe at their pleaſure, as heretofore over-long they have done.

24 Concerning the bleſſed eſtate of the other, The bleſſed eſtate of the godly.that is, of the Church or people of God aa3:18.firſt it is ſet downe ſimply, or in reſpect of it ſelf alone: bb3:19.21. In reſpect of it ſelf.then by compariſon, or in reſpect of certain others. In that which is but ſimply ſet down, or in reſpect of it ſelfe alone, we are to conſider, firſt of the time, wherein that bleſſed eſtate is promiſed: then what is that bleſſed eſtate, that thén is promiſed. For the time, there is relation had to that which cc3:….before was named, when God would bring againe the captivitie of Iudah, and of Ieruſalem: and therefore dd3:18.it is ſaide; in that daie. The bleſſed eſtate that then was promiſed, was concerning the lande wherein they dwelt: and firſt as touching the aboundance of fruites that it p. 148ſhould then yeelde; and then as touching the good watering of it. As touching the fruites, that then it ſhould ſo aboundantly yeelde, wee have ſette downe, both what partes of the Country they were that ſhould be ſo fruitfull: and then what ſhould be the fruitfulnes of them. Thoſe partes of the Country that ſhould be ſo fruitfull, are the very ee3:18.mountaines, and hilles: which for the moſt part, are nothing ſo fruitfull, as the vallies and plaines; and oft times the moſt barren of all. What ſhould be the fruitfulneſſe of them is likewiſe declared, both by the nature of the fruit they ſhoulde yeelde: and by their manner of yeelding the ſame. The fruites that they ſhoulde yeelde, are ff3:18.wine, and milke: and ſo conſequently of that nature or kinde, that is to ſpeciall uſe unto men. The manner of their yeelding theſe fruites, is in ſuch ſort ſette downe, as that wee are aſſured thereby, that it ſhoulde bee doone in moſt plentifull meaſure: in ſo much that gg3:18.thoſe mountaines are ſayde to droppe wine, and to flowe with milke. As touching the good watering of that p. 149land, firſt he ſpeaketh of all the rivers of Iudah generally: then of one ſpecial fountain. Concerning all the rivers of Iudah generally, we are to note, that as he promiſeth hh3:18.that all thoſe ſhall runne aboundantly with waters: ſo he doth in large that promiſe no further, but onelyonly to the rivers of Iudah. Concerning that one ſpeciall fountaine, it is to be noted, ii3:18.that he doth not onelyonly compare that grace that he meaneth, unto a fountain: but alſo (the better to declare the excellencie of it) doth ſhewe, whence it ſhall come; and what it ſhall doe. In that he compareth it unto a fountaine, he noteth that it ſhall be continuall: as alſo in declaring that it ſhal come foorth of the houſe of the Lord, and that it ſhall water that ſpeciall vallie of Cedars, he declareth both the dignity, and utility of it. In compariſon of others.In that part of his ſpeach wherein he advaunceth the eſtate of the people by compariſon, or in reſpect of divers others, we are to note, how either part of this compariſon is deſcribed unto us: and kk3:19.firſt as touching thoſe others, with whom they are compared; ll3:20, 21and then as touching themſelves, to whoſe comfort this compariſon is made. As touching p. 150thoſe others, we are to ſee who they are: and what it is, that is ſaide of them. Concerning the former, it is plainly ſaid, mm3:19.that they are Aegypt, and Edom: both of them floriſhing kingdoms, (eſpecially Aegypt) and ſuch as had ſometimes the people of God in ſubjection unto them. Concerning the latter, that is, what it is that is ſaid of thē, we are likewiſe to note, nn3:19.both what judgement is denounced againſt them: and what reaſon thereof is given. The judgement that is denounced againſt them) is that Aegypt ſhould be a waſt: and Edom a moſt deſolate wildernes. The reaſon that is given, is, generally, for the iniuries or violence that they had done to the children of Iudah: more ſpecially, for that in their land they had shed innocent blood. As touching thē ſelves, to whoſe cōfort this compariſon is made, we are in like ſort to conſider, who they are: and what it is that is ſaid of them. Concerning the former of theſe two, oo3:20.they are, the whole Country of Iudah: and, the chiefe or principall citie thereof, Ieruſalem. Concerning the other, we are here alſo to note, both what bleſſing is to them aſcribed: and what reaſons are given, to induce the doubtfull p. 151hearts of the people to be ſo perſwaded. The bleſſing that is to them aſcribed, is pp….that Iudah ſhould ſtand faſt for ever; and Ieruſalem from generation to generation. The reaſons are two: one, to take away out of their hearts, that which moſt commonly doth make men to doubt; the other, to confirme or ſettle them better, in the certainty of this promiſe made unto them. That which doth moſt commonly make men to doubt, is the guiltines of their owne ſin, or the knowledge of their own corruption of nature. Which that he may the better take away out of their hearts, that they neede not to thinke that it ſhould be any bar unto them to lay faſt holde on that good hope, he giveth them to underſtand qq3:21.that he will thére clenſe thoſe, whoſe blood before he had not clenſed: that ſo they might know, that although they had caſt themſelves out of the favour of God before, while their corruption of nature did over-rule them; yet it ſhould not be ſo now, when that corruptiō of nature was in a maner aboliſhed unto them, and ſo the cauſe of offence remooved. To confirme and ſettle them ſo much the better in the certainty of that p. 152promiſe, he rr3:21.giveth them to underſtand, that he the Lord will dwell in Zion: that ſo they may the rather aſſure themſelves not onelyonly that their blood is clenſed, when he vouchſafeth to dwell amōg them; but alſo, ſeeing that he hath choſē it to be his manſion, or dwelling-houſe, that he will alſo up-holde it, & not ſuffer it to come to the ground, or, as we ſay, to fall on our heads.

25 Which alſo that we may the better apply to our own proper uſe, That we alſo upon our repentance may looke for this bleſſing likewiſe.firſt whereas the time that hére was appointed, is the ſelf ſame that now we are in (being under the kingdome and manifeſtation of Ieſus Chriſt) whatſoever bleſſing is promiſed here, or what ſo ever good eſtate of the people is here ſet downe, all that may we aſſure our ſelves to be our owne, in that courſe that before is praeſcribed. For the more ſtricktly that any thing is reſtrained unto a ſpeciall time, the more may thoſe that are of that time, aſſure themſelves in théir time to ſee the performāce of it. Whereas thoſe bleſſings therefore concerned the lande wherein they dwelt, as, if we goe but onelyonly to the outwarde letter, yet in this, or any ſuch like time of ſcarcitie, upon our repentance and p. 153turning to God, we may hope to obteine our needefull reliefe in plentifull maner: ſo if we paſſe on to the inwarde ſenſe, that this place, and many others ſuch like doe yeelde, then may we further gather, that whereas that land was a figure of the Church of Chriſt, we neede not to doubt, but that being under the Goſpel now, wé alſo are neere unto all thoſe bleſſings, that by this or ſuch like are promiſed unto it. And ſeeing that the fruitfulnes of that land is ſo deſcribed, that it plainely doth appear thereby, tha… it ſhould yeeld great plentie of foode, and not onelyonly the beſt parts of it, but the moſt barren alſo, out of it may we likewiſe take double comfort unto our ſelves: firſt as touching our bodily ſuſtenance; and then much more in ſpirituall graces. In bodily ſuſtenanceFor as touching our bodily ſuſtenance, we alſo may hope (and all others beſides that doe apperteine to the kingdome of Chriſt) that he of his goodnes and woonted mercies wil rather bring to paſſe, that even the moſt barren places we have, ſhall bring foorth fruite in plentiful maner, then that we ſhall want things needefull to paſſe through this our pilgrimage here, in the feare and ſervice of him. p. 154Much rather if we come to thoſe ſpirituall graces, that are promiſed here, In ſpirituall graces.we may then aſſure our ſelves, that in the Church or kingdome of Chriſt, they are in ſo great and plentifull manner, that every where they doe abound: and that the meaneſt Churches or perſons therein, doe more abound in theſe matters; then elſe-where any others, of what eſtate, experience or learning ſo ever they be. As alſo when he commeth to ſhewe, how this land that he doth ſpeake of, is watered, as he telleth us, that the rivers ſhall be ful of water, and of a fountaine that ſhould water the vallie of Cedars: ſo he addeth withall, that they are but the rivers of Iudah that he doth ſpeak of; and that the fountaine did likewiſe proceede from the Houſe of the Lorde, and in truth, the faithfull have ſuch ſufficiency, and fulnes, and moſt plentifull abundance in Ieſus Chriſt, & in his holy word, and continually are ſo refreſhed & ſo repleniſhed with that fountaine proceeding from the houſe of the Lord, that not onelyonly all the rivers of Iudah are ever full of water, even to the brinkes: but even thoſe great and mighty Cedars alſo, of that rich and fruitfull vallie, are all watered p. 155even to the full. Otherwiſe with our enemies.But on the other ſide, if we caſt our eyes to any of our unneighbourly Aegypts or Edoms, ſuch countries or ſtates, as take part with Aegypt in their idolatries and ſuperſtitions, or with Edom in continuall hoſtilitie to the people of God, though we may finde them for a time to flouriſh, and ſometimes to getunder the people of God for a ſeaſon: yet is it ſure, and ſealed up in the irrevocable judgements of God, that they ſhall be made waſt, and become inhabitable, or as a wildernes without any to dwell therein, in compariſon of that which otherwiſe they might attaine unto, with the reſidue of thoſe that in ſpirit and truth do call upon God. And howſoever they may ſeeme to flouriſh for the time, and thereby to hinder the courſe of the Goſpell: yet may they be ſure, that it ſhall not be ſó with thē ſtill; but that needes they muſt come to judgement, for with-holding the Truth …n unrighteouſnes ſo long as alreadie they have done. For áll fleſh, is graſſe; and the glorie thereof, but even as the flower of the field: and though now they flouriſh as greene as the bay-tree, yet he that now paſſing by thē in that caſe doth leave thē, p. 156may at his returne not be able to finde the place where they were, though he make good haſt, and doe not tarrie, For in them is found innocent blood, and iniurie done to the people of GOD beyonde all meaſure. Wherein though others alſo have their parts: yet, of all others, that Whore of Babylon, that long ſince hath beene drunken with the bloode of Saints, muſt needes beare the bell, whereſoever ſhe cometh. Whē théy are waſted. Ieruſalem ſtandeth in good caſe.And as theſe muſt be laid waſt, ſo Ieruſalem and all Iudah muſt ſtand for ever: that when the enemies have doone what they can to overlay them, to put all to the ſwoorde, and to aboliſh the very name or memoriall of them from the face of the earth; yet muſt they finde in the ende, that they were in no wiſe able to performe their deſire, and that the more they have ſought to bring them downe, the more hath God oppoſed himſelf againſt their attempts & ſet thē up. Of which his goodnes becauſe we have had ſo large & plētiful experiēce in theſe daies of ours, ſo many waies, & in ſo great matters as we have had, ſo much the more may we aſſure our ſelves, that theſe are the daies, wherin we ſhal ſee (by p. 157the goodnes of God) the ful performance of theſe his mercies unto his people. We are our ſelves, I graunt, unworthy; and that may be denied by none: but he telleth us alſo, that hé will clenſe the blood of thoſe that are his. By which his clenſing it may well come to paſſe, that we may be ſo highly in the favour of God (by him that clenſeth us, Ieſus Chriſt) that he may well (even in his juſtice, after that once he hath affoorded us that way to his mercy) vouchſafe to eſtabliſh, and to uphold us, as here is promiſed: eſpecially, when as he telleth us further, that himſelfe will dwell among us. Exod. 32-34.Exod 32For as on a time when the children of Iſraell had greevouſly ſinned againſt the Lord, he withdrewe himſelfe from their company, till upon their repentance their ſinne was done away, but when they repented, and the Lord, by the interceſſion of Moſes, had forgiven their ſinne, he then adjoined himſelf unto their tents againe, and was content to keepe company with them in all their journeies, untill they came to the land of promiſe: ſo in this caſe likewiſe, how ſo ever the Lord hath heretofore eſtraunged himſelf from us, becauſe of our ſinne, yet if it ſo be, p. 158that now we repēt us of thoſe our ſins, we may be ſure, that by the interceſſion of our Moſes Ieſus Chriſt the onelyonly Mediatour of the New and laſt covenant, he alſo will ſo for give us our ſinnes, and ſo circumciſe our hearts withall, or clenſe our blood, that the lover of men will not account it unſeemely his honour to dwell among us. And becauſe that his dwelling or continuall aboade requireth likewiſe a dwelling-houſe, and that the ſame be ever mainteined, therefore ſo ſoone as it doth appeare, that the holy Ghoſt hath built is upon the foundation of the Apoſtles and Prophets Ieſus Chriſt being the Headcorner-ſtone, and ſo hath made us Temples to him, we alſo may aſſure our ſelves, that he wil not ſuffer us to miſcarry. Houſes are ſometimes overthrowne by outward force; ſometimes againe they decay of themſelves: but this Houſe or Temple of his wil he both defend againſt the force of all his enemies; and uphold likewiſe againſt ſuch decayes, An exhortation unto ſuch repentance as herein is required.as otherwiſe of it ſelfe would grow upon it.

26 Now therefore to draw to an end, whereas it is cleare, that we alſo may find our ſelves to be touched with the ſelf ſame p. 159hande of God that was caſt upon them (though not in ſo large & plentifull meaſure) what were more ſeemely or meeter for us, then ſenſibly to be touched therewith, and to acknowledge it (as in deed it is, & can be none other) the ſpeciall hand of God upon us? Let the Heathen thinke (that knowe not God) that ſuch thinges come by chaunce or fortune: Becauſe we may ſee this to be the hād of God.let us acknowledge, and undoubtedly perſwade our ſelves, that it is of the Lord; & that he, for ſome ſpeciall cauſe, hath ſent it unto us. And if it be his doing, or come frō hím, may wé make ſo light of it, as not to ſuffer the ſame to take any holde of us? Or may we ſo eaſily paſſe it over, as not ſo much as in ſerious and earneſt manner to bethinke our ſelves, for what cauſe he ſhould ſende it unto us? Is there no remedie, but that needes we muſt be like unto them, that being provoked, in very ſtrong and forcible maner, to mourne: yet notwithſtanding wil in no wiſe lament, nor ſuffer ſuch calling to woorke upon them? Are ſuch things daily before our eyes, and have we hearts to beholde the ſame: and yet is our countnance nothing at all abaſhed thereat? Neede we ſome Ioel, againe to teach p. 160us, what this geare meaneth? Wé alſo have in like ſort ſinned.Belike becauſe we have among us no ſuch ſinnes, as for the which that hande of God was caſt upon thém. But Lord God, what thing was there ever more certaine then this? Who ever did more certainely know the day to be day, and the night to be night; the fier to be hote, and the water moiſt: then any man that hath any ſight at all may plainely perceave, that thoſe ſinnes are rife among ús; and growne alſo to a marvelous head? Or did ever the Sun in his brightnes ſhew it ſelf more clearely to the children of men, then thoſe thinges have made themſelves to be knowne to the children of God? Which way are we able to turne our eyes, where we ſhall not ſee oppreſſion, and ſacriledge uncondemned, and uncontrouled? where we ſhall not ſee the oppreſſed crying out for lacke of helpe, or comfort either; and the glorie of God cleane …odden downe, for filthy luker? And doe not theſe more juſtly deſerve a greater and a ſharper ſcourge, then ſo eaſie, and ſo gentle a warning, as now the Lord hath caſt upon us? Is it not meet that when we have ſo unmercifully taken frō others that which is theirs, we ſhould p. 161be ſo met-with in that which is ours? Or when we have taken, and ſtill withholde from the Lorde himſelfe his owne proper part, may we not thinke, that he is juſtly provoked, ſo far to accurſe it, & our owne that we mingle together? Or may we looke to deale ſo uncharitably with our neighbour, and ſo diſhonorably with God: and yet that he muſt ever let paſſe, and quietly put up both the one, and the other? Publike offences require publike repentanceNow if it ſo be, that we know well inough that we have ſo offended, and daily yet doe (as in deede it cannot in any wiſe be denied) is it then ſo ſmall a matter with us, that we cannot thinke it ſo needefull a courſe to repent us thereof, and to aſſemble or gather our ſelves into ſome publike profeſſion of it? If thoſe ſinnes of ours be publike, and offenſive to all: ſhould not our repentance be publike alſo, and ſuch as were meete to take away the offence ſo far, as before by them it was given. May we take to our ſelves the liberty to offend ſo openly: and yet muſt we count it ſo ſtraunge a matter, if it be required, that the profeſſion of our repentance be open alſo? Or is it wiſedome, ſo far to withdraw our impenitent and proude hearts from p. 162taking away the offence our ſelves, by ſome open acknowledging of it: that thereby we give ſome juſt occaſion to God, to take it away by caſting ſome publike vengeaunce upon us? Or, if in no wiſe our ſelves will doe it, may we after miſlike, if, to our further diſhonour and griefe, the Lord him ſelfe ſet in hand to amend it? Or, At leaſt, to obteine theſe mercies offered.if nothing elſe could moove us unto it, can we have ſo litle cō ſideration of the mercies of God now offered unto us, that when as upon our repentāce he is ſo ready to make them ours: yet we for want of this repentance, will leeſe them, and ſo fouly miſſe ſo faire opportunity as this? To obteine that further manifeſtatiō of the Truth.Is it a matter of ſo ſmall importance, to have the good Spirit of God in ſuch ſort poured forth among us, that old and yong, even ſervaunts and al, ſhould be ſo plentifully endued with the worde of Truth? Have we ſo long laboured it our ſelves, to ſo litle purpoſe: & yet can we now make ſo light of it, when the Lord himſelfe doth offer it unto us; and that for no greater a price then this? Or have we ſo litle care of the glorie of God that would come therby, that when we p. 163have ſo compendious a way to attain unto that whereby it might be notably advaunced: yet notwithſtanding we rather will ſuffer all to fall to the ground, then caſt our ſelves to be in a readines, to accept and to uſe the meanes that are offered? To get ſuch protection from our enemies.If we come unto thoſe that are our enemies for the Goſpels ſake, it is ſufficiently knowne unto all, that, for certain ages late overpaſſed, we have beene in miſerable bondage unto them, and have ſuffered at their hands whatſoever miſerable captives are woont; or the pride, ravin, riot, or crueltie of the conqueror is bold for to offer: and that they have laboured, by many ſtraunge and daungerous meanes, and yet doe, and daily will doe, to bring us backe to their handes againe, that ſo they might leade us that daunce a freſh and once againe claſpe that yoke of their bondage about our neckes, and then make it ſo ſure withall, that we might never be able to get out of their talents, or to recover the comfortable freedome that now we enjoy. And have we yet ſo litle remembrance of our former miſeries, and ſo litle care ſtil to uphold p. 164this our lawfull and needefull libertie, that when ſo eaſily we might get ſo faire an hand againſt all our enemies, yet notwithſtanding we will not take the opportunitie that leadeth unto it? Is their tyrannie become ſo eaſie, that now we doe ſo litle feare it? Is Religion with us of no greater importance, but that we could again be under ſo groſſe idolatrie? Have we ſo litle care of our poſteritie, that it is no matter to us, whether they be bond, or free, whether the Lord be glorified by them, or not? Can we be ſo ſenſeleſſe or ſo litle touched with the conſideration of theſe calamities, and many others depending thereon, that we will not redeeme our ſecuritie from them: when as now the opportunity ſerveth ſo wel; the Lord himſelfe ſo graciouſly offereth that favour unto us; and we may purchaſe the ſame to our ſelves for litle or nothing? Then muſt we pronounce againſt our ſelves, that we are right worthy to fall to the depth of all diſtreſſe, that ſo litle regard, whē ſo eaſily we may, in time to praevēt it. And how may we looke that God ſhould pity us, whē in the ſame we ſhould cry vntounto p. 165to him, Though we can hardly grow unto it: yet are we not therefore to ſhrinke away from it.whē as now we have ſo litle regard thereof our ſelves? Our hearts, I graunt, by the common corruptiō of nature, are very hard, and ſtrongly poſſeſſed by the ſinne of impenitencie; and, beſides this, we are ſo diſſolved into all exceſſe, lightnes, and vanity, by the peace and wealth that God hath given us, and for that we have taſted ſo litle of the rod, as now for a good time we have done: that it is leſſe marvaile, if hardly we can growe to any ſuch earneſt and publike ſorrowing; or, ſo much as like of the motion when it is made. But in this caſe alſo it is good to remember, that the wiſedome of a Chriſtian ought to be ſuch, as that whatſoever is an offence or hinderance unto us in the way of godlines, though it be as dear, as is our hand, or our foote: yet ought we rather to cut it óf, and caſt it away (though we ſhould be much mained thereby) then that we ſhould ſuffer our ſelves to be let or hindred by them. If therefore we have any ſenſe or feeling, of our great & manifold ſins, or of this gētle hand of God that for the ſame is caſt upon us; if we have any harty deſire to be partakers of thoſe great p. 166and inaeſtimable mercies of God, a more generall, and a further fruition of his aeternall Truth, and ſo comfortable ſecuritie from all our enemies: what is there then, that, with any colour, may ſtay us, from that which the Prophet doth here require; or, if in heart we conſent unto it, why ſhould not our deede alſo beare witneſſe, or rather expreſſe our meaning therein? Well may our dalliance deceave our ſelves: but others it cannot; eſpecially, God. The fruites that we beare, will plainely witneſſe what we are. If they be ill, or if they be none, either of thoſe doe plainely caſt us: if they be good (and ſuch as argue a ſounde reverence, and a readie obedience to the Worde of God) then doe we finde, to our ſingular comfort, that now in deede we are the children of God; and that our reward, without all quaeſtion, muſt needes be great. Long inough have we wallowed in careles ſecurity; it is time nów to looke about us, & to accept of thoſe more ſpeciall favours of God, that he, in this acceptable time of his, doth offer unto us. God give us grace ever to bee eaſie to bee admoniſhed, p. 167that he neede not to uſe any rougher meanes to quicken us up: and to take ſuch holde of thoſe good opportunities, that in theſe our daies he offereth unto us, that wee may in like ſort enjoy ſuch bleſſings as are tendered withall. God graunt the ſame, through Ieſus Chriſt his Sonne our Lorde, to the advauncement of his Kingdome among us, and to our own vnſpeakeable comfort.

FINIS.