1 HOw great broyles at this day are ray­sed in these parts of Christendome a­gaynst the Ghospell of Iesus Christ, What is like to be the end of these troubles that are for the Gospels sake. and how (as yet) they are like to con­tinue, because that new and fresh trou­bles do continually follow hard vpon such as are gone before: is a thing in it self so plain and euident, that no body at al, would he neuer so fayn, can be ignorant of it. Insomuch that as in the lake Genazereth the wind and the sea did both together seeme to conspire agaynst that Bark, wherein Christ was with his disciples, for to haue drenshed and drowned them al; the wind stirring vp and raysing the sea, the sea getting vp and growing rageous, and both together furiously beating with al their might on that seely vessel: euen so now also, euer synce it pleased the Lord to vouchsafe vs the Ghospel agayn in so plentiful maner, al the powers and states of the world haue re­dily bent themselues agaynst it, those that are especially led by the spirit of error, and haue a mouth giuen them to speake proud things, stirring vp both Princes and their people agaynst the truth; those Princes likewise, and their people with them, wil­lingly taking that quarel in hand, and both together, with might and mayn rushing vpon the word of life, and earnestly labouring (al that they may) cleane to suppresse and extinguish the same. Which whosoeuer doth with aduisement consider, he in reason might easily be in daunger to think, both that there were some special great cause in this profession, why it should be so much [Page 2] maligned; and that, ere long, needs must it be destroyed also. Howbeit the truth is, that neyther is there in it any cause at al, why they should so rage agaynst it: neyther shall any, nor al to­gether, in such sort preuayle agaynst it, when they haue done al that they can. Neuerthelesse it cannot be denied, but that there are of the weaker sort, that can hardly conceaue so good assu­rance of the inuinciblenes of the cause it self: and others agayn so much presuming of the goodnes of the cause, that they regard not much, what carelesnes or iniquity of theirs they mingle withal; and hope notwithstanding that al shalbe wel, laying al on the goodnes of the cause. For which cause I think it a work not vnworthy the labour, and very meete for the present tyme, that such as are the Lords watchmen commend vnto the peo­ple of God such places of Scripture as best may serue, both to describe and to lay forth these matters vnto them, and withal to teach them, what shalbe the yssue therof in the end, and how to behaue themselues therein. An example of the like, a­mong the Iewes at Ieru­salem. Ruffin. lib. 1. cap. 37. Socr. lib. 3. cap. 20. & Sozom. lib. 5. cap. 2. And so may we read in auncient tyme, as of many others, so namely of Cyril the Bishop of Ie­rusalem, that when the like occasion was offered vnto him, he also tooke the self same course. The like occasion that was offe­red vnto him, was a great fear that many of the people of God in those parts conceaued, that Christian religion hauing alredy bene receaued and planted there by publike authoritie, should af­ter giue place to Iudaisme agayn. For Iulian the Emperour, himself professing the faith at the first, and finding the same al­redy established by publike authoritie (fourty yeres before that he came to the Crown, by Constantine the great and Con­stantius his sonne) and hauing a secret intent with him to set vp heathnish idolatrie agayn, among other practises that he vsed to crosse the faith of Christ, and those that did professe it, so much as he could, gaue libertie, comfort, and ayd vnto the Iewes to build vp the Temple at Ierusalem agayn, and there to sacrifice, and obserue the law as before they were wont. Whereupon great multitudes of the Iewes assembled themselues together out of al quarters; set in hand with their busines in great confi­dence; prepared things needful for the building in great pentie, had (in a brauerie) many of their working instruments of siluer, [Page 3] euen to their baskets, spades, and mattokes; before hand threat­ned the Christians there, how néere they would sit vnto them ere long: and in al things had held such a course therein for the time, as that it seemed vnto many, that the faith of Christ should be abolished there, and Iudaism set vp agayn. But Cyril the Bi­shop, perceauing what offence this might breed vnto many, and that diuers were not a litle dismayed thereat (and therfore much weakened in the faith thereby) calling to mind what things Da­niel and Christ himself before had spoken of the vtter ouerthrow of that Temple and citie, did resolutely set down vnto the faith­ful, euen when the matter was at the highest, and their new buil­ding in greatest likelihood to go forward, that yet notwithstan­ding it should not prosper, but go back agayn, and come to no proofe in the end. And so it came to passe immediatly after. For the lime and the sand they had gotten together in great heapes, was with mightie winds so blown away, that they knew not where to finde it: the old foundation, when they had taken the rubble from it, and now were redy (the next day after) to haue begun their new building theron, was in the night by a straunge and mightie earthquake so clene turned vp and shaken in pée­ces, that there was not left one stone vpon an other, that was not shaken out of his place: & as for the timber and stone which they had prouided (and that in great quantitie) and their instru­ments or tooles wherewithal they should haue wrought, (and many of the people themselues) they were destroyed by fier, such as the Lord in extraordinarie maner cast vpon them. As there­fore Cyril at that time was able, out of the Scriptures to mini­ster sound comfort to the people of God, agaynst that discomfor­table case of theirs; and, as he was able, accordingly did it: so the godly in these dayes also haue (in great plenty) wherewithal to comfort those that are weake, and that in their weaknes doubt very much whereunto these broyles may grow. For now also these Iewes of ours haue obteyned y ^e comfort and ayd of certeyn Iulians, that they hope ere long to banish the Ghospel, and to set vp Poperie agayne: they haue also contriued, and complotted their matters so, that nothing they hope, shal frustrate their vayn presumption therin. But he that dwelleth in the heauens doth [Page 4] laugh them to scorne: the Lord will haue them in derision. Let the Lords watchmen but looke about them, and they shalbe able to finde (and that in very plentifull measure) wherwithal sound­ly to comfort, and fully to establish the hearts of those, that in their weakenesse so readilie feare, that when tyrants begin to threaten, and make preparation to do some mischief, then is the Gospell not like to escape it, and the power of darknesse (that of late ouerwhelmed the face of the earth) like to preuayle agaynst vs agayne. To the which end, as I wish those that can rightly do it, diligently to beate out this poynt of doctrine to the people of God: so my self also haue thought good to take in hand some such argument at this present, and among so many places of Scripture that yéeld for this matter most singular comfort, to deliuer some one to the instruction and comfort of those, that in these dayes of ours do in such sort need to be called vpon. For which cause I haue made choyce of that part of the storie of Da­vid, wherein we haue set foorth vnto vs, how, being ordeyned to be King ouer Israel, he was kept backe, and notably exercised for a time, and yet notwithstanding fully possessed thereof in the end. For seeing that David was a figure of Christ, and such as was the estate of Christ here on the earth, such also must be the state of the Gospell whensoeuer the same is sent vnto vs: there­fore must it needes follow, that as in that part of Davids histo­rie, wee may see a liuely description of those matters in Christ, both how he was kept backe for the time, and how in the end he was aduaunced; so may we likewise therein behold the estate of the Gospell in these our dayes, for both those matters: that is, how great resistance for a time it findeth among vs; and how notwithstanding it is most sure to preuayle in the end. The text therefore being so pregnant, and so effectuall to such a purpose, that I likewise may the better finde out (in some good measure) whatsoeuer doth belong therunto, I humbly beseech that sonne of David, our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ, to vouchsafe me that mercie, that I may so do it, as may soundly tend, both to the aduancement of his eternall and only trueth, and to the comfort of all those that vnfeignedly loue and embrace the same.

2 And so being purposed (by the goodnes, and grace of God) in such sort to vnfold that part of the storie of David, What comfort we have, in that which is alreadie done on behalfe of the Gospell. as that our selues may now also the better sée, what to thinke of those broiles that now are for the Ghospels sake, and how we are to demeane our selues in the meane season, it shalbe good first to consider how far-forth we are holpen forward to good assurance by the accord that we find in that which is alreadie done héere among vs, with that which in this historie of David we find to haue bin done before: and then to aduise our selues further, of the hope that we may conceiue, of the full accomplishment of it, for the time to come. The good assurance whereunto we are holpen by the accord that we find, in that which is alreadie done among vs, with that which in this historie of David we find to haue bin done before, wil best appeare, if we shall first set downe the chiefe and principall parts of the historie it self: and then lay vnto it, from point to point, such things as we find in these our dayes to agree thereunto. The chiefe and principall points of the Storie it selfe, are two: how it pleased God to bring him foorth to be in a readines for that matter: and afterward, how he brought him vnto it. That it pleased God first to bring him foorth to be in a readines for that matter, may sufficiently ap­peare, first by the maner that he vsed to make the matter known to David himselfe: and then, for that he did so effectually com­mend him to others. Vnto himselfe he made it knowne, for that by the ministerie of Samuel the Prophet, he did annoint him thereunto. In which his Annointing we are first to consider, The Annoin­ting of David vnto the King­dome. how it standeth with a certaine Propheticall direction that was giuen forth long before: and then of certaine other things which to that present time apperteined. That Propheticall direction that I now speake of, was giuen forth by Jaakob himself on his deathbed, among other blessings of his, to his children: name­ly, Gen. 49.8, 10. that the chiefe gouernment should be in the tribe of Judah. Whereas therfore Ishai the father of David was of the tribe of Judah which had the promis, it is so much the more likely that some one might be taken thence, vnto whome the Kingdome should be established: then of the family of Kish the father of Saul, being of the tribe of Benjamin, vnto whome no such pro­mis [Page 6] was made. Insomuch that whereas it had pleased God, now for a time to call Saul vnto the kingdom, it may séeme that it was no more, but to make a readier way vnto the other that was to stand: and therewithal to set downe a patterne vnto all Princes that were to follow. A readier way might be made thereby vnto the other that was to stand, both for that thereby they should now be inured to some obedience: and for that they were woont to obey, not only a meane man by parentage, and of the least tribe among them all: but also in such hard cases som­times, as wilful regiment is wont to yeeld. A patterne likewise may therein be left to all Princes whatsoeuer, to take good heed to their maner of gouernment, when as they may see, with what seueritie the Lord did punish those two faults in the first King of Israel, in whom there were many good things otherwise found: that so they may the better vnderstand, that although God doth put vp many greater matters at their hands since for a time; yet may they before hand see, how they are like to be dealt withall, when the day of vengeance shall come, vnlesse they prouide for it before. Those other things which to that present time apperteined, are two, his outward annointing, and the inward grace that was giuen withall. 1. Sam. In his outward an­nointing we are to consider, that it was but 16.1.5.13. priuatly done, in the house of Ishai (or at the most, but only in that one towne, which was but little in respect of the whole people) and yet not­withstanding a sufficient testimonie vnto himselfe, and to those that knewe it: and that both his father 16.10.11. left out him, in that ac­count, and Samuel the Prophet also 16.6. could well haue setled his choice in one of the other. The inward grace that was giuen withall, was the 16.13. Spirit of the Lord which then came vpon him, and wherewith, from that day forward, he was endewed. How effectually God did commend him to others, may like­wise appeare, How benefi­ciall David was made, both to the King, and to the people. for that shortly after he wrought forth of him some speciall benefit vnto others: and in others likewise a spe­ciall fauour to him againe. The benefit that it pleased God to worke forth of him vnto others, did partly respect Saul himself: and partly y ^e whole hoast of Israel. That which respecteth Saul himselfe was, that 16.23. by his instrument he sometimes eased the [Page 7] Kings mind, when by the euill spirit of the Lord, he was vexed with his melancholy passions. That which respected the whole hoast of Israel generally, was y ^e slaughter of Goliath. Concer­ning which, to the end that the benefit, that it pleased God to worke forth of David in that action, vnto them all generally, may better appeare, it shalbe good, more specially to consider, both how sore an enemie that Goliath was vnto them: and how notably David deliuered them from him. How sore an enemie he was vnto them, may soone appeare, whether we consider, what terror might iustly proceede from him to the children of Israel: or whether we regard the great feare that they had of him. The terror that might iustly proceede from him to them­wards, doth partly arise out of the consideration of himselfe a­lone: but chiefly of him and his companie together. He alone was not only of 17.4. extraordinarie stature, and strength (farre ex­céeding the ordinarie proportion of others) and 17.5.7. furnished with armour, and weapon accordingly: but also, both a naturall e­nemie to the people of God, and to their religion; and so confi­dent in himselfe and his companie, that he 17.10.45. defied the hoast of Israel, and God himselfe. His companie also might well be ter­rible to the people of Israel, both because that they also were na­turall enemies, both to themselues, and to the truth that they professed: and sometimes before had the children of Israel in strong subiection. The children of Israel were so afraid of him, that 17.11.24. they did not only feare to encounter him: but also shrank aside at his presence for verie feare. How notably David deliue­red the people from these their enemies, may likewise appeare, not only in that which he did, but also in the maner of doing it. That which he did, was, that he destroyed 17.49.51. that outgrowne monster Goliath: and therewithall stroke such a terror into the hearts of all the other Philistims, that forthwith 17.51. they turned their backs, and fled. His maner of doing the same was notable, both for vndertaking the attempt at the first, and afterward in the performance of it. In his vndertaking of it at the first, we are to consider, how strong temptation he had against it: and whereby notwithstanding he conceiued vndoubted hope to pre­uaile. The temptation that he had so strong against it, was [Page 8] partly in Eliab his eldest brother, and partly in Saul the King himselfe. In his brother Eliab he found 17.28. himselfe reuiled and disdained in plentifull measure, only for that he did so much as talke of the matter: in Saul likewise 17.33. his attempt condemned, as altogether impossible, for him to bring to any good proofe. The thing whereby he strengthned himself against these temp­tations was an inuincible faith 17.34.37. vpon the experience of Gods goodnes towards him, in two such like attempts before. In his performance of it we sée likewise, that he notably behaued him­selfe both in his preparation towards it: and in the execution it selfe, when he came vnto it. In his preparation we see, that he 17.39. refused Sauls armour, and all the ordinarie furniture of war, and tooke vnto him but only his 17.40. Sling, and a fewe stones for the same. In the execution it selfe we plainly see, that first he did notably 17.45.47. rebuke the insolencie and pride of that mighty Gi­ant, and then though he had no other weapon but only his Sling, yet did he 17.48. hasten with maruelous courage to encoun­ter with him. What favour it pleased God to worke in o­thers to Da­vid againe. That speciall fauour that it pleased God to worke forth in others to him againe, was partly found in the first be­nefit that redounded to Saul alone: but much better in this that redounded to all. In his first benefit that redounded to Saul a­lone, we find thus much, both that he did 16.21. loue him verie well, & gaue therewithall good tokens of it: one, that he 16.21. made him his harnes-bearer, the other, that he 16.22. sent to his father to haue him still (though 17.15.55. as it seemeth, David taried not long there.) In his latter that redounded to all, we find that God procured him fauour, both with certaine speciall persons, and with the whole multitude also. Those speciall persons were, Saul him­selfe, and two of his children. In Saul we find, that 18.2. now he would suffer him to returne no more vnto his father: and that 18.5. both he vsed him in diuers of his affaires, and set him ouer his men of war. Those two children of Saul, in whose hearts God had wrought forth a fauour to Dauid, were Jonathan his son, and Michal his daughter. In Jonathan was wrought a verie singular and rare good will: insomuch that he is 18.1.3. said, not on­ly to loue David as his owne soule, but also to haue expressed the same by notable tokens. One was, that he 18.3. made a coue­nant [Page 9] with him; and that of loue: the other, that he 18.4. tooke from his owne bodie, and bestowed on him, both abiliments of ho­nour, and furniture to the field likewise. In Michal likewise was wrought such good will, that both at the first she 18.20. loued him, as one whom she would be glad to make her husband (that so wheras Saul 17.25. before had promised to giue one of his daugh­ters in mariage to him that should slay Goliath, now he might the better performe it, and David might thereby haue a readier way to that whereunto God had called him a little before) and 19.11.12. after saued his life likewise. In the multitude we also finde, not only that they thought very well of him for this his victo­rie: but also that they did the like of his other behauiour besides, in such things as were now at the first commended vnto him. For this is his victorie 18.6.7. they do not only welcome him home in very good manner, out of all their cities, and with their instru­stuments of musick: but also 18.7. rightly apportion the commenda­tion thereof, yeelding to Saul, the ordinary power, the prayse of one thousand; but vnto David, or to the extraordinary goodnes of God, no lesse than ten thousand. And as for his other beha­uiour likewise, in all such things wherein it pleased Saul to im­ploy him, 18.5. it is also recorded, that he was accepted, or highly ē ­stéemed in the sight of all the people: and, that is more, euen in the sight of Sauls seruants also.

3 Whether the Lord haue in like sort dealt in these dayes of ours, is now to bee seene: that is, That such a like thing is in these dayes done, on be­halfe of the Gospell like­wise. whether in such sort he hath brought in any David (vpon the want that is found in others) as that by the nature and course of his dealing therein, we may hope to see the same David, to be by him not only aduaunced, but established also for euer. Concerning which it is most cer­teyne, that in these dayes also he hath begun to aduance such a David, and so fitly agreeing to the patterne that is here set downe, as that wee may vpon good ground looke to see the full accomplishment thereof in his good time. For whereas Christ and his Gospell can in no wise bee parted, and seeing that the Gospell is the scepter of his kingdome here on earth, whatsoe­uer wisedome and power of God we finde in the manner of Da­vids aduancement, looke by what right wee may translate the [Page 10] same from David vnto the person of Christ, as from the figure vnto the trueth, by as good right may wee translate it vnto the Gospell likewise, the only Scepter of his kingdome on earth. First therefore néedes must it also be so inseperably annexed vn­to the gouernment that was promised to the tribe of Iudah, that by vertue of the promise made vnto it, wee may looke for the accomplishment in this likewise. And it may be, that for that cause especially God hath for so long a time (in the late power of darknesse) inured Christendome vnto so base and hard a go­uernment (much worse then was that same of Saules) that so the lawfull, and most blessed regiment of the Gospel (otherwise irksome to flesh and blood) might be more welcome, not only to the children of God, but euen to the common multitude also. It may be also, that seeing that Princes haue gouerned so ill, as for the most part they haue al done (few of them so tollerably as did King Saul) therefore the Lord doth now begin to aduance the Gospell, that so those godlesse and careles Princes may bet­ter see what their gouernment was, that now by the Gospell they finde to bee so playnlie called vnto the checke, and in many things so sharply reprooued, and so flatly condemned likewise. For it is meete, that if the casting away of Saul will not serue to bee a warning vnto them, then that they, and their gouern­ment also should be remooued, so farre as is néedfull, that they be no hinderance to the Gospell of Christ. In what sort it is annoynted. In the outward an­noynting, that the Gospell hath had in these dayes of ours, though wee denie not but great fault is found: yet in effect is it none other, but such as was in Davids also. For if they say, that the Gospell (with vs) was not at the first receiued by any pub­like consent of all: no more was it at the beginning in the time of Christ and his Apostles; neither had David at the first any such annoynting. If they say, that the wiser and greater sort made but little reckoning of it, and had better liking to their owne profession: yet therein also they alleage nothing els, but the same that before we did see, to be the portion of David like­wise. And seeing that the Gospell now, hath the inward testi­monie of the spirit in so plentifull measure (for that now also the blind do see, the deaffe do heare, the lame do go, the sicke are cu­red, [Page 11] the dead are raysed, and such like; and the same, not only in particular persons, and seuerall congregations, but in whole States, and diuers mightie Kingdomes likewise) such petite quarels about the outward annoynting, can be no great matter, when as the outward is by the inward so throughly confirmed. But to make it more out of doubt, may we not see (if wee looke well about vs) that God hath made a way to the Gospell, euen as before he did vnto David? And though his wisedome and power be infinite, and so he were able to deuise and vse many o­ther wayes whatsoeuer: yet may we not see, that he hath done it in the self same maner, that he vsed for David before; that so by the former, we might the sooner acknowledg his hand in the latter? For first we may see, How benefi­ciall the Go­spell is made vnto divers. First in com­forting our troubled mindes. that by the Gospell hee hath besto­wed great benefits on many: and namely such, as it pleased him by the hands of David to bestowe vpon others. It pleased God, by the instrument, and musik of David, to giue vnto Saul some ease in those mad fits of his? And doth hee not much more ap­pease the troubled and desperate conscience of man with that spirituall and heauenly musik, which by his Gospell hee brin­geth vnto vs: and by that notable Harmony that is betwixt the old Testament, and the new, in those great mercies of God towards all beléeuers now, aswell as to the Patriarkes & Pro­phets before, and by the vertue of that Communion, wherby he hath coupled all the Saints together in one? And in what man­ner or measure soeuer the euill spirit departed from Saul, and gaue him some respit, whensoeuer David played on his Harpe vnto him: sure wee are, that when as now the sonne of David playeth on his instrument vnto vs by the preaching of the Gos­pell, wee haue not only a great refreshing in our inward man, but also are cleane rid of many euill spirits that before did much molest vs. The seruants of Saul taking his maladie to be but naturall, thought of no other helpe but naturall also: yet did it please the goodnes of God, to blesse the naturall helpe that they sought, with supernatural operation. So now likewise, though many that know not their owne estate, giue eare to the Gospell but only in some earthly respects: yet those also oftimes are vouchsafed an extraordinarie and speciall blessing thereby, ac­companied [Page 12] with euerlasting peace. Then in the o­verthrow of certeyne of our Philistims, and of their Goliah withall. As for the other benefite of David, that belonged to the whole host of Israel, by the ouer­throw of Goliath, and consequently of the whole armie of the Philistims besides, that is (among vs) so euidently and plainly performed by the Gospell of Christ, that I shall not neede to stand to declare it. For our Philistims also haue their Goliath, an outgrowne monster, of merueilous stature, much greater a great deale (as his Canonistes say; and vsurpation, wee knowe hath brought him vnto) then the greatest of the great men of the earth: his furniture likewise, strong, and fearefull: a naturall e­nemie to the people of God, and to God himselfe: his mouth speaking proud and cruell things agaynst God and his people: comming into the field with a mightie armie, all enemies vnto the Trueth, and to all the professors of it: such as heretofore haue had the people of God in great subiection: of whom also the children of Israel haue been so afrayd, that they durst not a­bide their presence, but haue fled from them by heapes: none of them al hauing the heart to encounter with that strong & migh­tie Giant, so fearfully armed, and blustering out so terrible spea­ches. But now we also (God be praysed) haue our David in the power of the Gospell, that Iesus Christ (the sonne of David) hath now in these dayes sent vnto vs. When our brethren dis­dayned to heare vs talke of any such matter; when the wiser sort thought it impossible; without Saules armour, without any earthly helpe whatsoeuer: vpon assurance of such like matters before atchieued, with a sting & a stone, is Goliath with great courage incountered, and with as good successe, in a manner cleane ouerthrowne, euen when the attempt was either distru­sted, or scorned of all. The residue also of those godlesse and ido­latrous Philistims, seeing their champion so little able to stand before David, are likewise discomfited, and seeke to saue them selues by flight, Such favours likewise shew­ed foorth to the Gospell, as were shewed to David be­fore. so well as they can. The fauours also, that by the goodnesse of God are shewed, to the Gospell, and to those that professe it, are not inferiour to those that were (as before is declared) shewed to David. For (God be thanked) there be di­uers euen of our earthly Princes (such as are no better then Saul) that seeing the dignitie and mightie working of the Go­spell [Page 13] of Christ in these dayes of ours, are so taken with the ma­iestie of it, that themselues loue both it, and many of those that professe it also, as much as Saul at that time loued David, and that was, as the text sayth, very well: and, to confirme the same the better, both desire to reteyne it still; and bestowe honorable roomes, and of speciall credit, on those that professe it. Some Ionathans also, and godly Princes we haue besides, that loue the Gospell most entirely: and, for the Gospels sake, and for the loue that they beare thereunto, do gladly make a couenant with it, and with those that professe it; and from their owne backes most freely bestow vpon it, and on those that professe it, both or­naments of honor, and conuenient furniture likewise. Neither doth the Gospell altogether want those Michals neither, that is, such godly and Christian soules, as though they be according to the flesh descended of Saul, yet beare they so speciall a loue vnto David, that both they desire to bee ioyned together in ma­riage with him: and are readie at al times, as need shall require, to saue the liues of those that are of the Trueth (wheresoeuer they come to any such daunger) how neere soeuer they bee vnto them, by whom such persecution is mooued. And so farre as Mi­chals good will may stand in stead, in time to come to helpe to the kingdome, so farre also she doth not sticke, now to bestowe the same vpon him. Amongst the multitude also many there be, that are heartily glad to see our Philistims also with their Go­liath, to bee so much brought downe as they are; to whom our David in that respect is merueilous welcome: who also haue learned so to distinguish, betwixt the speciall working of God, and the secondary meanes that he vseth, that although they giue vnto Saule his thousand also, yet do they euer keepe their ten thousand for David alone. Neither do they thus solemnize only this victorie of the Gospell; but also conceiue a speciall good li­king of the whole course and proceeding of it: and not only those that are the freest, and so may safelier like as they list, without controulment; but many of the seruants of our Sauls likewise, such as on their maisters behalf haue no such cause to like of Da­vid. Where we see thus much already, there may we hope there is more behind, and in due time to be accomplished.

4 To find out now in what sort it pleased God to bring him to the kingdome, That for a time David was exercised with great af­fliction, before that he was brought unto the Kingdom. after that once he had annointed him vnto it, and so effectually commended him to others, we are to knowe, that he did not bring him vnto it, till first he had notably exerci­sed him with much affliction, sundrie trials, and many crosses cast in the way. So are we first to consider of those his afflicti­ons, and then how it pleased God notwithstanding, at length to bring him vnto the Kingdome. His afflictions were such persecutions and molestations, as it pleased Saul to stir vp a­gainst him. Concerning which it is to be knowne, that they were especially two: whereof the former was finished with a reconciliation that was made by Jonathans meanes: the other continued so long as Saul himself did liue. His former persecution. Concerning the for­mer of these two, we are first to sée vpon what occasion it was raised against him: and then what was the maner of it. The occasion of it was first his owne distemperature: The occasion of it. then the to­wardnes or likelyhood that David was in, to come to the King­dome. His owne distemperature (we may plainely sée) might well be great, not only because the euill spirit of the Lord 16.14. was sent vnto him, and 16.15.18.10.19.9. oft did vexe him: but also for that we may sée likewise, that 18.8.9.20.31. it gréeued him much to part with the King­dome. And then lesse marueile, if he were so far out of temper, and consequently so rageous withall, when as he did so impa­tiently take so great a losse: and sometimes also was extraor­dinarily vexed by that euill spirit, that from the Lord was sent vnto him. The towardnes or likelihood that David was in, to come to the Kingdom, was first in that sentence of God, that now it should be giuen to another: then for that David was likeliest to be that other that God did speake of. For the text doth not shew, that he knew as yet of Davids annointing: and, because that he neuer said any thing to Samuel about it, nor o­therwise maketh any mention of it, it is the most likely, that he did not knowe of it. Yet thus much he knew, that 13.14.15.23.26.28. Samuel had told him twise alreadie, that the Lord had cast him away, and now prouided himselfe of another: and he might well see, that David was likeliest to be that other, both for that 17.34.36.38.51. God had wrought such things by him, and for the 18.7. fauour that now he [Page 15] had gotten. Concerning the maner of this his first persecuti­on, first he sought by secret meanes, The maner of it. First in secret. to haue taken away the life of David: and then he set in hand more openly with it. Se­cretly he did attempt, first by his owne hands to haue done it: and then by the Philistims. By his owne hands he would first haue done it, at such time 18.10. as he was in one of his fits, as Da­vid was playing on his instrument to mitigate his passions, euen on the morrow after that they came home from the slaugh­ter of Goliath, and the Philistims: 18.11. twise together he had in his mind, for to haue executed this mischeuous purpose. A wonderfull thing that he should be so minded, though he had bin so minded but once: not only in respect of the fact it selfe, but also in respect of diuers circumstances thereunto apperteining. The fact it selfe must néedes haue bin wilfull murther: then the which there néeded no greater, both to haue conuinced him of great iniquitie before men, and vtterly to haue cast himselfe a­way before God. The circumstances that are, do chiefly apper­taine vnto their persons, but partly also vnto the time. The per­sons are two: Saul, and David. Saul being the King, and so consequently being ordeined to be the mainteiner of equitie, and a buckler and shield vnto the oppressed, ought not to haue made such a fault himselfe: besides that at that time, being in one of his fits, and sensibly féeling the hand of God vpon him for his former sinnes, he should rather haue vsed it to his further a­mendment, then so to take the aduantage of it, to a further mis­chiefe. David was not only innocent, but also had (in that verie matter for the which he should haue bin destroied) deserued marueilous well, both of all generally, for that he had giuen so great an ouerthrowe vnto the common enimie of all, and espe­cially of Saul, because they were, by reason of the person that he susteined, enemies to none so much as to him. The time when he would haue done this mischiefe, was the verie next day after that they were welcomed home from the victorie, the people re­ioicing and singing vnto them, that Saul had slaine his thou­sand, and David his ten thousand: as vnseasonable a time for such a purpose, as could be deuised, because that as yet the bene­fit that he had receiued was so fresh, that it ought so to haue fil­led [Page 16] all the powers of his mind with all thankefull remembrāce, as that there might haue bin no corner at all in his heart, where­in so much as a little spark of so great vnthankfulnes might find any place. In that he had this purpose twise, it doth both argue his vnthankfulnes and ill dealing to be so much the greater: and might be withall a warning to David not to thinke, that be­cause Saul had once failed, when first he attempted to do him that mischiefe, he would neuer for shame attempt it againe. When this way failed, he then thought good, that it should be done by the Philistims: his hand now should not be vpon him. And that by y ^e Philistims it might better be done, he 18.13. both gaue him the charge of a thousand men, and would needes 18.17.21. set him foorth one of his daughters in mariage also. In giuing him charge ouer such a band of souldiers, he would seeme, not only to put him in trust, but also to seeke his preferment and honour: and yet (in truth) he sought nothing else but his ouerthrow, ho­ping that by that occasion, more boldly encountering with the enemie, one time or other he should be ouerthrowne. In setting him forth one of his daughters in mariage, and in such sort as he did, (both 18.22.25. earnestly labouring it by such meanes as he vsed, and 18.25. requiring of him no other dowry, but an hundreth fore­skins of the Philistims) although (in truth) he sought 18.17.21.25. nothing else in this also, but only his ouerthrow: yet herein did he séeke it more cunningly (and therefore to David so much more dan­gerously) for that hereby he would seeme, both to beare a spe­ciall fauour to David, and, in the ouerthrow of the enemy, chiefly to respect the cause of religion. The former of them is plaine inough in it selfe. The latter also doth plainly appeare, for that he doth not require their heads, or other parts, but only their foreskins: which (in those dayes) was a speciall difference betwixt the people of God, and the heathen. When he had made some triall of those secret practises, Then openly. and found that they neuer came to any such proofe, as he desired (but on y ^e other side 18.27.28. that they were meanes to make David both much stronger, and more renouned then he was before) being able now to stay no longer, he 18.29.19.1. brake forth into open persecution, and gaue spe­ciall charge both vnto Jonathan, and to all his seruants, one [Page 17] way or other to make him away: wherein it seemeth, that he v­sed Ionathan, as one of whome he might be assured: the o­thers for the spedier dispatch of the matter. It might séeme that he might make sure of Ionathan, both because he was his sonne, and especially because that the cause was his, so néere as it was. For being the Kings sonne, and next to the Crowne by lineall descent, it was likely in reason, that he would haue bin as readie as Saul, to haue taken David out of the way. And his other seruants being many, it was likely also, that séeing he gaue the charge to them all, it must needs be quickly dispatcht: either for emulation among themselues; who should first grati­fie the King therein, or for that some one or other among so ma­nie was like to be found, that would attempt any mischiefe whatsoeuer, hauing once the Kings commandement for it. Howbeit, Ionathan héereupon so 19.4.5. laboured the King (after that 19.2.3. first he had warned David to keepe himselfe close) that he wrought a reconciliation betwixt them: and so this first perse­cution ceassed.

5 In which poynt if we come to our selues, That the Go­spell in these dayes is vnder the like perse­cution also. and to the estate of these our dayes wherein we liue, it is euident enough, that al­though the course of the Gospell be in such sort blessed alreadie, as that we may see that it is like to preuayle in the end: yet is it so crossed also by many, that it is not to be looked for of vs, but that it is to passe through great tribulation, before that it shall atteyne to the victorie that after ensueth. And as it was Saul the King of Israel, that so persecuted David, and held him back (so much as he could) from the estate that God had prouided for him: euen so we may see (at this day also) many Princes & great states of Christendome, much to hinder the course of the Go­spell; and, as they finde opportunitie to serue their turne, still to stirre vp persecution agaynst it. But to the end that all things may so much the better appeare in euery poynt, if wee consider the matter well, we may plainly see, The occasion of this persecu­tion to be al one with the other. that such as was the occa­sion, and such as was the manner of that persecution of his; such also is the occasion, and such is the manner of this persecution of theirs also. For first as touching the occasion of it, not only Saul was so much mooued vnto it by that euil spirit to persecute [Page 18] David: but these also, out of the selfsame solicitation, come forth with many of their persecutions agaynst the Gospell. For though by the common corruption of nature themselues also are bent agaynst it, euen of themselues, without the solicitation or helpe of an other: yet after that themselues are disposed still to abide in that corruption of theirs (refusing the Gospell, by which they should be begotten agayne the children of God) it is most certeyne, that they cannot bee alone in any such action of theirs as this. For he that goeth about like a roring Lion, see­king whom he may deuoure, finding them so fit instruments for his purpose, to trouble the course of the Gospell, and to mo­lest the professors thereof, will soone bee with them, and hurrie them headlong to and fro to his most aduantage. So that it neede not to be doubted, but is in it self so cleare as may be, that most of our persecutions also, that are by worldly and godlesse Princes raysed agaynst vs, may well bee referred to that euill spirit that reigneth in the world, and hath alreadie so strongly possessed these Saules of ours. Neither is it only by this euill spirit of the Lord, that these Saules of ours are so farre out of temper: but for that it gréeueth them also to part with their kingdome. Not that the Gospell doth any way meddle in the disposing of earthly kingdomes, or to encomber the title of any (whether it be by descent, or election; of one, or mo; or whatsoe­uer other forme their state may haue:) but for that it calleth to account their maner of gouernment, and sometime vrgeth them to make a plaine alteration of it. For commonly it findeth the Princes of the world so farre out of order in their maner of go­uernment (in matters of religion very often: and sometimes in such things also as do concerne their ciuill estate) that it cannot but strongly vrge them to make alteration therein. So farre therefore as they are wedded vnto their corrupt manner of go­uernment, and so farre as they account their kingdomes and states to stand therby: so farre also may they stand in some doubt of their kingdomes by reason of the Gospell, and feare that it will molest them therein. And then is it (in this respect also) no great merueile, if many of them be so ill minded towards the Gospell, as such discourtesies of theirs do import. On the other [Page 19] side, as the towardlinesse of David was one of the matters that so much did whet Saul agaynst him: so at this day also it is not the least, that mooueth Princes to bee so greeuous agaynst the Gospell, because they see that it is so likely to preuayle as it is. For they see well enough that the Gospell hath the selfe same likelihoods to preuayle that David had. For as touching that manner of gouernment which worldly Princes haue set vp of themselues, but not agreeable to the word of God, the text it self Ier. 23.1.8. Eze. 34.1.24. Nah. 3.17.19. Zec 11.8.15.17. Math. 15.13. 2. Cor. 10.5. &c. doth plainly witnesse (more often then twise) that it must be re­mooued, and a better brought in, in the place thereof. And that it is the kingdome of Christ, whereunto those others are to giue place, and which is to succeede in their roumes, is in like sort playnlie set downe Isay. 9.5.6. Dan. 2.44.45. in many places, or rather throughout the whole course of the Scripture, from the beginning vnto the en­ding: besides that in these dayes of ours, not only such great things are done thereby; but it hath gotten great fauour also. That such great things are done thereby, as before were done by David, may sufficiently appeare in that which is before set downe: and that it hath gotten such fauour with many, is playn­lie seene in these dayes of ours, when as many Princes and States haue wholly yeelded to the obedience of it, and not a fewe among those also that are most agaynst it. Neither is it materiall in this case of ours, that the annoynting of this our David hath not been in so publike manner, as flesh and bloud would conceiue had been most conuenient. Men may not looke to beare such a sway in the matters of God. The Gospell is not therefore to be refused by any, because they were not made pri­uie vnto the inauguration of it, nor called vnto it. God that is free, and in nothing to hang vpon any, is in such case especially to shewe it, and euer to vse his freedome therein. It proceedeth in the self same manner that was vsed in the other before. As touching the manner of their persecution, that vpon this occasion they haue raysed, therein also they do fitly answer the patterne that we find in the other. For first they labour themselues to do it in secret: then do they openly fall vnto it. In secret also sometimes they labour themselues to do it: First in secret. sometimes agayne they will haue it done by the hand of others. And euen as Saul being the King, would neuerthelesse by his owne hands haue taken him away [Page 20] in very ill manner: so are there diuers of our Princes also that haue not thought it vnseemly for them, to lend foorth their owne hands to the persecution of the Gospell, altogether in as ill ma­ner as Saul in that other. If that which Saul meant agaynst David were no lesse then murther: neither can these Saules of ours hold themselues contented with lesse. Insomuch that they which by vertue of their office ought to bee a shield and defence to all those that are oppressed, themselues are readie, euen with their owne hands to do that violence, that in no wise they should suffer to be offered by any. And, as they are as forward as Saul in this: so are they not behind in the other neither, for diuers of them. For on them also is layd the hand of God in sensible ma­ner, and in such sort (either on their owne person, or on their States) as doth plainly vrge them vnto repentance, and name­ly to striue no longer agaynst the Gospell offered vnto them: and yet being vnder some such speciall hand of God, they neuer­thelesse haue a secret intent, one way, or other to make away the Gospell of Christ, and vtterly to chace it away from the face of the earth. And as David had deserued merueilous well, in that very matter for the which he should haue been destroyed, both of all generally, and more specially of Saul: so the Gospel likewise of those that crosse it so much as they do, both generally of them altogether, and more specially of those that are the leaders of them. For the Gospell also in these our dayes, and before our eyes (wee standing by and looking thereon) hath ouerthrowne those Philistims of ours: which were both common enemies vnto all; and specially to Princes themselues. Common ene­mies they were vnto all, whether wee respect the slauerie that they held vs in; or whether wee respect the corruption of reli­gion and life, that they brought with them. Vnto Princes more specially they were so daungerous enemies, both because that they tooke them downe, and got aboue them: and for that the corruption that they bring with them is so contrary as it is, vn­to the right and orderly gouernment of any state. The time likewise is the same with these, that it was with Saul: imme­diatly after that they haue receiued, by the benefite of the Go­spell, so many good blessings, as ought to haue filled all the [Page 21] powers of them with most thankfull estimation thereof. And whereas Saul (as yet) had this purpose with him but twise, these of ours haue had it more often: and therewithall doe both shewe themselues more playnlie, and leaue a sufficient warning to o­thers, how little in such case they are to be trusted. But when themselues are not able so to performe their secret intents, then will they seeme busily to seeke the preferment of those, whom they would haue so fayne dispatched: then must they bee put in some speciall trust; then must there bee treatie of some speciall mariage. Which things are so cleare in themselues, that wee neede not take any paynes to shewe them: this only shalbe suffi­cient for vs, to knowe what they meane, when any of that sort, do offer such fauours to any of vs. Our selues may yet very well remember (and cannot forget it, would we neuer so fayne) what hurt the cause of religion susteyneth by accepting such courte­sies from them. And yet notwithstanding, as in some particular cases the cause of religion hath been for a time hindred thereby; so hath it been at other times (and that very often) by such kinde of dealing notably holpen, though full sore agaynst their wils: God, of his goodnesse, so disposing, that the same that they had layd as a baite or snare vnto vs, should turne to some great ad­uantage to the cause of the Gospell, & withall be a snare to those that layd it. And as Saul would seeme in that his preferment of David, not to seeke the ouerthrowe of any, but only of the com­mon enemie of both: so hath it been the manner of diuers among vs, with such colour to cast those into daunger, by whom they haue seene the cause of the Gospell to be mainteyned. To warre on the Turke for the holy land, was wont to bee an old tale to such a purpose: but that being knowne vnto all, and their deuise being growne much finer now, they handle their matters so much more cunningly, and so much the hardlier can bee espied. Whereby notwithstanding themselues do finde that they haue preuayled so little, Then openly. that as with Saul they haue walked in the darke for a time: so do they as readily with him also breake forth into open tyrannie. For howsoeuer it be the manner of such, to dispatch their purposes in secret, if they may: yet when in such sort they cannot come to the end of their wicked endeuours, then [Page 22] doe they fall openly in hande therewith, howsoeuer they can thinke, that any way is open vnto them. And as Saul gaue a more speciall charge vnto Ionathan for the execution of that matter, and then generally to all his seruaunts besides: so these likewise take the same course, that so they may the sooner attain vnto their desire. They specially stirre vp all such Ionathans as they haue among them, that is, all such, as may seeme to bee touched any thing nere, with the quarrell that they haue taken vpon them: hoping that the neerer that they are touched with it, the more willing and ready they will be, to ioyne with them in this kind of quarrel the best that they can. And to the end that it faile not to be done, they in like sort giue the same charge to all their seruaunts generally: that howsoeuer it may fall out, that some of them cannot be induced vnto it, and others may want such opportunities, or such other meanes as were needefull to such a purpose; yet among so many there might euer bee some, by whome it might bee as fully effected as themselues coulde desire. In which point, the likelihood in this case is so much the greater, as we may see, that the commaundement of a King to doe such a matter, is in it selfe neuer so strong, as when there is a perswasion conceiued, that the same hath a further warrant from the head of the church that cannot erre: and beeing done, as they thinke, on the behalfe of the catholicke Church, is not onely allowable, but commendable also, and meritorious. Princes we may thinke, may haue their infirmities, and be rea­dy somtimes, without any cause to take away such, as they are offended withall. But when it is further, not onely warranted, but strongly also vrged by him, that is thought to do all things by the onely direction of Gods holy spirite, that carieth such a colour with many, as that they thinke, they neede no more to excuse them for any thing, whatsoeuer it bee, euen before the iudgement seat of God himselfe.

6 As touching the latter of those persecutiōs that against Da­vid were raised by Saul, His latter per­cecution. as it was by Saul more egerly follow­ed then the former: so God on y ^e other side afforded David a litle more help in this, then he did in the other. So are we here to cō ­sider; first of the persecutiō it felf, as it was raised against him by [Page 23] Saul: and then of that helpe, What the per­secution it selfe was. The occasion of it. that herein it pleased God to giue him. In the persecution it selfe we are again to consider the oc­casion of it, and then the maner of it likewise. The occasion of it was in a maner the same that was before: Davids good suc­cesse against the Philistims, and for that the euill spirite of the Lorde, was nowe againe come vpon Saul. That Davids good successe against the Philistims should be some part of the occa­sion, that now again he raised this persecution against him, may well appeare, for that it goeth immediatly before in the text, that 19.8. the warre began again with the Philistims, and that Da­vid, going foorth against them, put them to flight, and slewe them with a great slaughter. For Saul must needes perceiue thereby, that as that victory was honourable vnto him: so must it make him the stronger also. That the returne of the euill spi­rite of the Lord vnto him againe, was an other part of the occa­sion also, may likewise appeare, for that it followeth immediat­ly after, (and before that any thing is noted of the maner of this persecution) 19.9. that the euil spirit of the Lord was vpon him, at such time, as when he first began this persecution. The maner of it. As touching the maner of it, it is to be knowne, that euen as first he went a­bout to do it in secret, & afterward openly: euen so now also hee still obserueth the same course. In his secret practising of it, Secretly first. we are to note, that first himselfe pursueth David: and then ceasing for a time from that pursuit, awaiteth when David, by the opor­tunitie of a special time, should vnwittingly come into his hands of his own accord. Himselfe pursueth him, first at hand: and then somewhat further of a sunder. At hand he did it, as before; when 19.9.10. David was playing on his instrument, something to ease him of those his passions: at which time Saul was secretly determi­ned with himselfe, with his Iaueling that he had in his hande, suddenly to haue stroken him vnto the wall; and came so neere to the effecting of his purpose, that he stroke at him, & smote his speare into the wall where David sate. Somewhat further of he did it, immediatly after, when as David hereupon did flee, to saue himself: and that he did first by certaine messengers, and then by himself. By messengers he pursued him twise: 19.11.17. first to his own house, whether he had escaped at that present; and then soone after 19.18.21. to Naioth in Ramah, whither he fledde, after that [Page 24] he was fayne to leaue his own house to saue his life. In the for­mer of these his pursuites of David, by his messengers, he doth plainly shew himselfe to be egerly bent to haue his life, both by his dealing with those his messengers, so long as he stoode in hope to obtayne the pray hee desired: and by his dealing with Michal his daughter, Davids wife, after that he saw he was es­caped. That dealing of his with those his messengers, that con­uinceth him to bee greedily bent to haue his life, resteth in two principall points: first that 19.11. he gaue them charge to kill him, when as he knew not how he himselfe might be able to reache him; then, when they brought him word that hee was in his bed sicke, that 19.15. he sent them againe to see him, and to bring him a­way bed and all, that he might slay him. His dealing with Mi­chal resteth likewise in these two pointes: that 19.17. hee rebuketh her for sending him away, and counteth himselfe mocked ther­in. And yet, both she was his owne daughter: and now also gi­uen by himselfe in mariage to David. Of which two conside­rations, as the former of them might well haue pacified him (in such a case as this) euen onely for that she was his daughter: so the other ought to haue made him ashamed also, that he should so much as looke for, that she, being his wife now, shoulde haue bene so trecherous vnto her husband. In the latter of his pur­suits of David whē he heard that he was at Naioth in Ramah, in one point he doth better cloake that greedinesse of his to haue his blood; but in another he bewrayeth himselfe playnly again. He cloaketh his greedinesse somewhat better, in that nowe 19.20. hee giueth no further charge (that we read off) but only to take him, and to bring him vnto him: which, it may be, was for the reue­rence he bare vnto Samuel 19.18. with whom David soiourned now. That other point, wherein notwithstanding hee plainly decla­red, how greedily he was bent to haue him, is, for that hee sent 19.20.22. so often for him, (by three seuerall companies): & that, 19.20. when as he vnderstood in how wonderful maner the first sort of them were defeated, and strongly eluded (and yet in very gracious manner) by the mightie power of God. By himself hee manned foorth this his pursuit, when as he saw that his messengers had not done, as he would haue them: For then 19 22. he went himselfe [Page 25] also: loath to leese so goodly a pray, when now hee did so cer­tainly know where to haue him. A straunge, and yet a pitifull sight, to see the King himselfe, that should be a defence vnto the oppressed, so greedily to followe vpon innocent bloode: and of such a one too, as both had deserued well before, and whome he might so playnly see, to be by the mighty hand of God defended now. When so 19.23.24 he was, in his owne person, in like sort defea­ted (as all his three companies of catchpoles were before) then he ceased for a time from that pursuit, and awaited when David, by the oportunitie of a speciall time, should vnwittingly come into his handes of his owne accord. Which speciall time was the 20.5.18. new moone, or the beginning of the moneth next appro­ching: and the opportunity which that time brought with it, was, for that at such times 20.6. they held of custom solemne feasts vnto the Lorde, and David at such times 20.5.18. was to sit at meate with the king. That Saul did secretely awayte this opportuni­ty, the text it selfe doth not directly say: but yet may it bee ga­thered that so hee did, both because that 20.5.7. David conceiued that doubt of him, and 20.5. thereupon absented himselfe to preuent the perill, and for that Saul 20.30.31.33. was so very angry that hee was not there, and 20.31. therewithall commaunded Ionathan forthwith to send for him thither, that he might slay him. That all this while hitherto Saul in this sort pursued David but in secrete maner, sauing onely that he did impart his meaning to those whom he vsed to that purpose (so needes he must, or at least a good part of it) may hereby appeare, both for that 20.2.9. Ionathan was so igno­raunt of it, and thereupon would needes assure David that his father had no such purpose: and for that David himselfe 20.5.6. did not as yet openly shunne him, but absented himselfe vnder co­lour of other businesse. Openly after. But being now againe in this sort defea­ted of all his secret practises, he thereupon setteth in hand again to lay all coulours aside now, and openly to rush vpon it, howso­euer he may. Wherein we haue set downe vnto vs, first how he rageth against others for Davids sake: then how hee persecu­teth him self likewise. His rage against others for Davids sake, First raging against others for Davids sake. did partly appear, euen at that instant, when Ionathan excused that absence of David: but much more a litle after. It did then [Page 26] partly appeare, Against Iona­than. because at that time both 20.30. he fowly reuiled Io­nathan his sonne: and besides that 20.33. cast his speare at him to haue slayne him. A little after it did more fully appeare, both in a certain speeche of his to his seruants: & in his cruelty against certain others. In that speech of his to his seruants, hee layeth greeuous things to the charge, partly of them al that were pre­sent: but especially of David, and Ionathan also, who then was absent. Vnto the charge of his seruaunts hee layeth, that 20.8. they also, and they all had conspired against him (because they tolde him not, Against his seruaunts. that his sonne had made a couenaunt with Da­vid, and had stirred vp David against him,) and that none of them were sory for him; and 20.7. that by all likelihoode they were wonne thereunto by some great promises of David, both of commodities, and of preferments. Vnto the charge of Dauid and Ionathan he layeth 20.8. that the one had conspired against him, Against the Priests of the Lord. and to lye in wayte for him: and that the other had made a couenant with him, and set him on. These others against whom he shewed such cruelty, were certaine Priests of the Lorde, and many others together with them. Concerning which we are to note, both how great cruelty he shewed: and vpon howe small occasion. His cruelty appeared for that he 22.18. slew so many priests of the Lorde, euen fourescore and fiue: (which his 22.17. owne men abhorred so much, that he could not get them to be executioners of his bloody commaundement) and 22.19. destroyed besides both men, women, and children, Oxen, Asses, and Sheepe, and the whole city of Nob where those Priestes had their aboade. The occasion was small, because the fault (if any there were) was but in 22.9.10. one man, Ahimelech only, and that none other, but that ( 22 14.15. not knowing then, but that David was in high fauour with Saul) 22.10. he both asked counsell for him of the Lord, and did a little relieue him with some victuals, and with a sworde, such as David had good right vnto, hauing wonne it of Goliath be­fore in the field: and all this, 22.9.22. but vpon the accusation onely of one euill person, Then against David himself. Doeg an Edomite. After that so he had raged against others, then doth he follow on David himselfe: and that in such sort, that it may appeare hee was egerly set, not onely by the nature of those his pursuits in themselues, but also by one speciall circumstance theron depending. As touching the nature [Page 27] of those his pursuits in themselues, it is set downe how he did follow vpon him, first when David vpon certaine occasion, was now gotten into a citie: and then failing of his purpose there, afterwards in the fields at large. The citie was 23.1. Keilah, Ios. 15.22. in the tribe of Iudah, whether 23.5. David went to fight against the Philistims that came against it, & spoyled theraboutes: whom when David had ouerthrowne, he remained with the citizens of Keilah for a certaine season. But when 23.7.8. Saul came against him, hoping now that he had him sure, 23.12.13. David vnderstanding that the lords of Keilah would not stand fast vnto him, got him thence, and so defeated Saul in that his enterprise. How hee fol­lowed on him in the fields, we haue the same first set downe ge­nerally: then certaine of those his pursuits more specially. Con­cerning the former, there is no more set downe but this, 23.14 that he sought him euery day. Concerning the other, there are set downe three speciall pursuites: one of them broken of, by the comming in of the Philistims: the other two by the kindnes & faithfull caling of David himselfe. That which was broken of by the comming of the Philistims, did hassard David very sore: partly for that the Ziphims (who, 1. Par. 2.42. as it seemeth, were of that Ziph that was sonne to Caleb, and then were they of one tribe with David) 23.19.20. vndertooke to betray him: and for that 23.26. Saul, hauing got that aduantage, did so hotly pursue him, that being for a time but on the one side of the hill, while they were on the other, at the length hee had compassed them in (but, as it see­meth vnwitting to him) on euery side. But then on the sudden 23.27. he was fayne to breake off, because he had word, that the Phi­listims had entred already. Of those others that were broken of by the kindnesse and faythfull dealing of David himselfe, the former of them was in Engedi: the other in Ziph. In the wil­dernes of Engedi it was that he pursued David so hotly (euen 24.2. among the tops of the rocks, where no body els but only wild goats were wont to bee) that in the ende 24.45 12. he fell into Davids hands, entering into a caue where David was: and there fin­ding that David had spared him when hee was in his handes, thereupon 24.22. he left of pursuing him for that present. But hauing as yet his wonted blood-thirstinesse remaining in him (though 24.16.22. it were for a time somewhat flaked, by that great and singular [Page 28] fauour that he found at the hands of David on his part altoge­ther as much vnlooked for, as vndeserued) hee doth no sooner get opportunitie, but foorthwith he returneth vnto his olde bias againe. Heere therefore it is good to consider, not onely how he came in with this his other pursuite: but also howe fayre likeli­hoods he had giuen, that hee would neuer haue done it againe. He came foorth with his other pursuit, by occasion of the Zi­phims, 26.1. who nowe againe came and tolde him where David was: whereupon 26.2. he came foorth again with 3000 chosen men to set vpon him. But David 26.7. priuily comming into his campe, when he, and his company were fast a sleep, 26.12. tooke thence such tokens with him, as whereby he was able to shew, that hee had the king in his handes, to haue done with him whatsoeuer hee woulde. Which when the king perceiued 26.21.25 he was now againe for the time so mooued with it, that presently hee brake of this his pursuit, and so returned home againe. The likelihoodes that Saul had giuen, that he would neuer haue offered to David so hard measure againe, were, 24.22. that he did acknowledge his fault in pursuing of him, and besought his fauour vnto his seede: and these with teares. That speciall circumstaunce that dependeth heereon, and somewhat better helpeth forward to shewe howe egerly he was set vpon David, was, that so much hee followed on him, when as it had bene a great deale meeter to haue deale with the Philistims the common enimie, because that they, 23.1. both came vnto Keilah, and fought against it, and 23.27.28 afterward againe came into the land, during the time of this his pursuing of innocent David. The litle helpe that in this persecution God did giue him, What helpe it pleased God to afford him in this persecuti­on. was in the company that came vnto him for his defence, when hee was in distresse by that persecution, to the number of sixe hundred men in all. Whereof 22.1.2. fower hundred came vnto him while he was at Adullam, and other two hun­dred mo a while after. For we haue mention of sixe hundred in all, 23.13. both when he departed from Keilah: and 30.10. when he went against the Amalekites that had spoyled Ziklag. The first fower hundred 22.1.2. were, some of his kindred: the residue such as were in debt or timber. Of the other, there is no speciall thing reported: not so much as the time when they came vnto him. [Page 29] Sauing that, séeing they are found with David when he depar­ted from Keilah, and we haue no mention of them before, it may seeme that they came vnto him while he was there. And likely inough, that seeing that David was knowne to be of great va­lour, that such as were disposed to giue themselues to such ad­uenture, would easily vpon such occasion resort vnto him.

7 All which things if in these dayes we shall apply to our selues, and lay thē to such doings, as our eies haue often seene, That this lat­ter persecution of Davids, is rightly exem­plified in these dayes also a­gainst the Gospell. and dayly yet sée: we shall find them to agrée so fitly together, as could be deuised, and sufficiently to teach vs, both what to looke for at the hands of many, and how warily to behaue our selues in the meane season: whether we respect the occasion of this his persecution, or else but the maner whereby it procée­deth. For if we respect the occasion of it, The occasion whereon this persecution of ours is raysed. what is it else that so much offendeth, and so greuously incenseth the Sauls of our time, but only the good successe of the sonne of David against these Philistims of ours: and for that same euill spirit of the Lord, doth hereupon help to kindle the furious rage of them a­gainst vs: For seeing that the Gospell euer now and then get­teth (in these daies of ours) some good hand against all those that seeke to suppresse it, they see verie well, that if it may still hold on this course, it were like shortly to come to passe, not only that their craft should be in perill to be set at naught: Act. 19.27.37. but also that the Temple of their great Goddesse Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroied, whome (al­most) all Europe, and (as they would haue it thought) the world did worship; whereunto if they haue any speciall fit of that euill spirit of the Lord adioined, it is lesse maruell then, if all the companie of them thereupon growe to some rageous vprore: no maruell then if they be full of wrath, and cry out (as if they were mad) Great is Diana of the Ephesians. No maruell then if in their furie, they rush together into the com­mon Hall, if they catch, and hurrie with them Gaius and Ari­starchus, Pauls companions: if some of them draw forth Alex­ander, out of the multitude, and others thrust him forward as fast, that getting him forth, they may there dispatch him as they list: if it be a sufficient cause for them all to stop their [Page 30] eares, to whatsoeuer he were able to say for his defence, only for that he was a Iew: and, if hauing no cause at all of any concourse, much lesse of such a tumultuous vprore, yet notwith­standing a shout almost for two howers among them doth rise, crying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And when once they are set on such a gog, it is not then to say, in how eager maner they are like to follow on the seruants of God: nor how outrageous crueltie they are like to practise against all such, as on the behalfe of the Gospell of Christ shall stand in their way. And yet notwithstanding if we come to the maner of such dea­ling of theirs, In what ma­ner it is prose­cuted. we shall commonly find, that for the most part they euer proceede, in such sort, as the patterne before prescri­beth vnto vs, and almost euen after the selfesame manner that before they find in the other. First in secret. For first they do euer desire to do it in secret maner, so neere as they can: and then if they find that so they cannot, they stick not likewise to rush vpon it, howsoe­uer they thinke occasion offered. And as Saul would now again first haue done it by his owne hands, in another mad fit of his, so to haue coloured the matter the better, and now came verie néere vnto it, belike because that David did ouermuch trust the oath that he did take to the contrarie a little before: euen so we may see that our Sauls also would not stick with their owne hands to put such things in execution, especially, the case being such, as would affoord them any reasonable coulour vnto it: whereunto they also come oftimes ouer néere, for that vpon their promises and oathes they are ouermuch trusted. When themselues are not able to do it, then do they imploy others a­bout it, and that howsoeuer oportunitie is offered: neither spa­ring such as be sick, but séeking to haue them bed and all, nor so much as able either to hold pacience with any (though neuer so néere) that any way frustrate their wicked attempts, or to find any other meaning if so they should, but that they are mocked therein. And that which is more, when they find themselues in such sort defeated, as that they may plainly perceiue, that it is no meaner then God himselfe that doth resist them: and though he do the same also in neuer so good and gracious maner, yet will they neuer be warned thereby, nor any thing staied in their [Page 31] wicked attempts, but euer run on to the vttermost point that they are able to reach. Neither are they able to denie, but that by the selfe same spirit, which in others they persecute with all extremities, many of themselues are so taken, that they also prophecie in manie things, in respect of that palpable error that both we and they were in before, and of that knowledge that now we haue common vnto vs both. In which case also if any man thinke, that they should so reuerence, either that speciall gift of Prophecie (an euident worke of the spirit of God) or his great goodnes to them, 2. King. 1.9.12 in that he doth not cast some feare­full iudgement vpon them (as, in the like case, fire from heauen vpon many of those that came for Eliiah) but doth so graciously compas them in, or rather imbrace them with the armes of his rare and singular mercie: this one example of Saul in this case, (a man, no doubt, nothing so ill as most of them) may suffici­ently teach, how far such an one may be deceiued. If that will not, the daily experience of these daies of ours, is so passing fruitfull in such examples, that it only may put it cleane out of question. And as Saul, when he saw that he did no good in pur­suing of him, withdrew himselfe for a time, to await some such opportunitie, as that David might of himselfe haue falne into his hands, and for that purpose stooke not to take a time appoin­ted to speciall deuotion, for to accomplish his bloudie enterprise: so these likewise both await such opportunities, and stick not for any solemnitie of the time whatsoeuer, but can redily find in their hearts, then to commit any iniquitie whatsoeuer, when as the time doth specially call them, vtterly to abandon all vngod­lines, and with all sinceritie and holines of mind to sanctifie themselues vnto the Lord. Then openly. Comming vnto their open practi­ses, there also we find that their rage is so great, that first others féele it for Davids sake: and then, Against others for the Gospels sake. that they pursue David him­selfe likewise all that they can. And among others that find of their outrageous crueltie for Davids sake, sometime Jonathan himselfe is not frée. For néerenes of bloud in this case helpeth but little oftentimes: and it were no hard matter to find a great Prince among vs, that not only attempted vpon the like occa­sion to destroy his owne sonne, but most vnnaturally and most [Page 32] vngodly did it in déede. Neither can they be perswaded, but that so many as fauour any thing at all the righteous cause of those that are oppressed, and are sorie to sée such vnreasonable crueltie practised against them (and such especially as professe the Go­spell themselues, and are entered into a couenant with it) do all conspire their ouerthrowe, and set vp their owne seruants a­gainst them. Insomuch that not their owne retinue can be void of this suspition, but that they also conspire against them, vn­lesse they be euer whispering in their eares whatsoeuer naugh­tines they can deuise, both against the truth it selfe, and against the professors of it. But as for the Priests of the Lord, they are euer sure to pay for it, whensoeuer any quarell can be pretended against them: no regard being had of the multitude, nor of such as are innocent among them, nor how iustly any thing they haue done might be excused: nor how slender an accusation (ei­ther in respect of the partie, or thing it selfe) is brought against them. In what case they were in his time, how poore and néedy, he little regarded: and it may be, he did not so much as knowe it neither. And yet must it néeds be verie apparant, when as A­himelech the high Priest had neither sustenance, 21.4.9. wherewithall to releeue a man if neede were, nor so much as a weapon for his iust defence, but was faine to take of the Shew-bread for the one, and the Sword of Goliath for the other, that, as it see­meth by the place it was in, had now bin consecrated vnto the Lord. This without question he might haue perceiued, and of dutie he should haue amended. But heere he is blind, and seeth nothing: and yet in the other he is so verie sharp, that for an hillok he hath quickly found no lesse then a mountaine. Where­in also the Sauls of our time are nothing behind. They neuer cast how to take any good order, for the needfull & honest main­tenance of the true seruants of God: and likely inough, that they do not so much as conceiue, that they haue any such want. But if those seruants of God at any time slip, if they tread their shoe awry neuer so little, or, if they haue not offended at all, but only by vniust and hard construction: yet if an accuser may once he found, if any thing may be surmised against them, it is i­nough: by and by they must heare, thou shalt surely dye Ahi­melech, [Page 33] thou and all thy fathers house. Against the Gospel it selfe. In their pursuites of our David also we may see, that they follow the steps of the o­ther. If he be in a walled Citie, he is forthwith shut vp in their hands, and then must they make all the hast that they can, that they leese not such an opportunitie as it. All good deserts must then be forgotten, and either must the Lords of Keilah falsly be­tray him that saued them and their Citie, and treacherously de­liuer him vp to the hands of his enemies, or cast their Citie, and themselues withall, into the perill of present destruction, Saul being so furiously bent as he was. If we wote not what is be­come of him, yet must he be fought for euery day, that so in this matter we leese no time, but so little as may be. If any get knowledge where he haunteth, and how we may come to ob­teine our desired pray, then are they the blessed of the Lord, and they forsooth haue compassion on vs: and though they be such as could not detect him, but that withall they must condemne themselues to be naught; and to betray the godly, and iust, yet must such treachery be couered ouer with so goodly a name. And if once we be in the chace, and néere to our pray, hardly can any thing turne vs aside whatsoeuer it be. Neither doth it any thing auaile, though David witnes plainly inough his owne integri­tie, though our selues haue neuer so good experience of it, and though for a time our hearts do breake, and teares gush out, to thinke how vnkindly we haue gone about to take away the life of him, that so faithfully hath preserued ours. It is no more but a morning clowd: and we can no sooner heare of any other op­portunitie offered, but by and by we returne to our former bent, and persecute David as freshly againe as euer we did. Howso­euer we may seeme to leaue off, so long as we see not how to preuaile: yet if once we get but some glimse of any good hope, by and by we rush vnto it againe, nothing at all regarding how far we misliked sometimes our owne doings therein, nor what we promised to the contrarie. Not only in labouring for King­doms, but in this quarel also, oathes must be no oathes with vs now. And that which is more, this hideous quarell must so be manned, and toughly followed, that the common enemie must rather be suffered, to do what he will, then so much as a latchet [Page 34] wanting in this. But as God then also gaue David some little helpe, Such a like helpe as was affoorded to David before, affoorded vn­to the Gospell now. in the companie that came vnto him: so it pleaseth him now also, not altogether to leaue those destitute, whom the Saules of our time so busily persecute for the Gospels sake. Those that are of the kindred of David, and others besides that feele themselues indebted to God; and are of a broken or trou­bled spirit, will now and then be stealing to David, do Saul (in the meane time) what he can to the contrary: and so much the more, as they see David so valiantly to imploy himself agaynst the Philistims.

How David was afterward brought to the kingdome.8 How it pleased God, notwithstanding these persecutions, to bring David at length to the kingdome is now to bee seene: and first how he brought him to one part of it; and then how he brought him to all the rest. Vnto some part of the kingdome we finde that he brought him, First but vnto some part of it immediatly after the death of Saul: but not to the rest til Ishbosheth also y ^e sonne of Saul was taken away. In the former of which we are to note, how conue­nient a way he made him vnto it a little before he was to enter, and then how he brought him to the fruition, or vnto the reall possession of it. He made him a conuenient way to enter, both in such things as concerned the preparing of David vnto it: What way was made vn­to it. First preparing David vnto it. and then in remoouing certeyne others out of the way, that other­wise might be an hinderance vnto him. He prepared David vn­to it, both in preseruing him from such things as were agaynst him: and in prouiding him one speciall helpe which made to his purpose. Those things that made agaynst him, were two: one, the perill of his person: the other, the hazard of his good name. For the preseruation of his person, the Lord was so good and gracious vnto him, that 27.1.2. when he was afrayd to tarie in Iu­dea, and thereupon fled vnto Achish (one of the Princes of the Philistims) the Lord neuerthelesse gaue him safetie there also: when as notwithstanding David 27.8.9.11 so behaued himselfe there, that it was great marueile that he brought not himselfe into greater daunger there, then he was in before in Iurie: as after we shall haue more conuenient place to declare. The perill that his good name was in, was, for that being now among the ene­mies of Saul, and being 28.2. readie to go to the field with them a­gaynst [Page 35] him, the Lord neuerthelesse 28.2.11. so prouided, that he should not bee in the field that day that Saul should bee ouerthrowne: whereas otherwise, either himself might haue been some cause of his ouerthrowe: or els at least he had been more open to that reproach. That speciall helpe that it pleased God to bestowe vpon him, and which made so much to his purpose at that pre­sent, consisted in two principall poynts: wherof the former was 30.20. a great bootie or pray, which (by occasion that then fell out) he got from certeyne of the Amalekites: the other was a greater power of men that at that time also drew vnto him. With his bootie he 30.26.31. remembred his friends in Iury, where he and his men were wont to haunt: to the number of thirteene cities by name, and to certeyne others besides: a very good preparatiue to make his friends faster vnto him, now that he was (very soone after) to stand in neede of their helpe for the kingdome. That greater power of men that came vnto him 1. Chro. 12.1.22. were diuers of the tribes of Benjamin, Gad, Iudah, & Manasses: all actiue, valiant, and ex­pert men, and meet for the warres. Who are sayd to haue re­sorted to him Ib. 1.20. at Ziklag: but because there is no mention but only of his former sixe hundred at his returne from the Amale­kites, therefore it is likely that they came not vnto him, till he was returned thether agayne, and that the same was shortly af­ter that Saul receiued the ouerthrow. At which time comming as they did, they came very fitly for Davids purpose, now that he was to enter the possession of some part of the Kingdome. Those others that might bee some hinderance vnto him, Then by ta­king others out of the way, that would, or might haue been some hinderance vnto him. are e­specially Saul, and his sonnes: then also as many of the armie besides, as being that way affected, were there ouerthrowne. That Saul himself would haue been an enemie to David in that quarell, all his doings do so fully witnesse, that wee need not to stand vpon that poynt of the matter: and yet shall it bee good to consider more specially, in what manner he, the greatest enemie that David had, and the strongest hinderance vnto his kingdom was remooued. The manner whereof resteth in two principall poynts: one, how he might vnderstand himself to be altogether forsaken now before his death: the other, how he was accor­dingly brought to a miserable end. He might vnderstand him [Page 36] self to be altogether forsaken, both in the straungenesse that he found in the Lord towards him, when (after a sort) he sought to haue some direction of him what he should do, when now the Philistims came in agayne so strong vpon him: and in that an­swer that was giuen by such, as he in that case thought good to séeke vnto. The straungenes that he found in the Lord towards him, was such, as that now 28.5.15. in this great daunger approching, and when he was so heartily afrayd thereof, and he in this his distresse 28.6. sought vnto him, neuerthelesse the Lord gaue him Ibid. no answer at all: neither immediatly, by dreames; nor by the mini­sterie of others, either ordinarie as by Urim, or extraordinarie as by any Prophet. And good reason it was, that he which 13.8.13.15.9. twise before had made so light account of the word of the Lord; and now at this present did so hotely persecute David, directly agaynst [...] 21. his owne knowledge of the ordinance of God leaning to David; and that in so cruell and rageous manner, as that for his sake, and otherwise for no cause at all, 22.18. he slew so many Priestes of the Lord, should at no hand finde any answer at the mouth of the Lord in this his distresse, or whensoeuer he most should neede, or faynest would. The Lord so estraunging him self vnto him, he did not humble himself before his face, nor so much the more earnestly seeke his fauour: but presently turned aside to such as gaue themselues to ill artes, and such as for that cause himself had 28.3 9. before destroyed so farre as he could. And the answer that so he receiued was altogether euill: 28.15.19. that the Lord was his enimie, for that he did not execute his fierce wrath vpon the Amalekites: and that now the Lord would deliuer him and his, both his sonnes and his people into the hands of the Phili­stims. Which heauie sentence was notwithstanding 28.19. the next day after 31 1 7. fully performed. Ionathan, 23.17.18. it seemeth (of himself) would neuer haue molested David for the kingdome: but fully would haue contented himself, to haue been as a friend neere a­bout him. But yet were it likely, that those that were of Saules faction would haue laboured, for to haue set him vp agaynst David: or, if he would not, then some other of his brethren: as notwithstanding 2.8.9. Ishbosheth was shortly after set vp agaynst him. So that this way, though not of himself, yet by the solici­tation [Page 37] of others, it was likely enough that Ionathan also might haue been sinne hinderance vnto him. As for Abinadab and Malchishua, his other sonnes, 31.2. that together with Ionathan at that field were slaine, they were more likely to haue been an hin­derance to David, because that as they were the sonnes of Saul, so do we reade of no such fauour that they bare vnto David that were like to stay them from encombring of him in that action. Those of the armie that in that quarell or controuersie held with Saul, and with him were there ouerthrowne, would no doubt, if they had liued, haue wrought what comber they could vnto David about the kingdome: as afterward also those that remayned 2.8.9. readily did, and therewithall shewed what might be feared in the others. That it pleased God therefore to take a­way those, we may see that thereby he made a readier way vnto David to come to the kingdome. To finde out how he brought him to the fruition of it, it is to be noted, The perfor­mance of the first part of the kingdome un­to him. that now that this way was prepared vnto it, and the time was come, wherein God was purposed to bring him to some part of the kingdome it self, he wrought foorth such things as thereto apperteyned, both in David himself: and in the whole tribe of Iudah likewise. In David now agayne he wrought 2.1. to seeke vnto him for his di­rection, (both whether it was his pleasure that now he should enter vnto his kingdome, and where he should begin the same) and withall 2.1. he gaue him direct and plaine answer to both those questions (willing him now to enter into it, and telling him likewise where to begin it) and wrought in him 2.2.3. to do accor­dingly. In the whole tribe of Iudah likewise he so wrought, that of their owne accord they 2.4. came and made him their King: at which time David was now agayne by them thereunto an­noynted. To finde out how he brought him to all the rest, Afterward he brought him unto the whole. Divers wayes exercising him for a season. wee are to consider, that here agayne wee haue noted vnto vs, first how it pleased God to exercise him for a time: and then how it pleased him in the end to bring him vnto it. As touching that exercise of his in the meane season, it resteth in two principall poynts: one, the substance or nature of it: the other, the time of the continuance. The substance or nature of it is such, as hath two principall poynts of hardnesse: the one, that he was wrong­fully [Page 38] kept from the greatest part of his kingdome: the other, that when opportunitie was offered, as David tooke it, to come to his full right therein, although he was readie for to haue ta­ken the benefite of such opportunitie, yet he found that it came to no proofe in the end. He was wrongfully kept from the grea­test part of his kingdome, because that 2.8.9. Ishbosheth was set vp by Abner, directly contrary to the ordinance of God: and be­cause that 2.10. but one tribe only claue vnto David, and all the o­thers were drawne vnto Ishbosheth the sonne of Saul, and yet no better then a plaine vsurper now. The opportunities that David was so ready for to haue taken, to haue come to his right thereby, but yet came to no proofe in the end, were two: whereof the one was but only for a part of that which yet stood foorth a­gaynst him: the other seemed to offer the whole. That which was but only for some part of it, was, 2.4. that the inhabitants of Iabesh-Gilead hauing buried Saul, 2.5.7. David thereupon taking occasion to send vnto them, to giue them thankes for it, and to assure them of a good turne at his hands, if it came in his way, did withall somewhat inuite them to take him for their King, as the tribe of Iudah had done alreadie. But 2.8.9. Abner, belike fearing that the same ambassage of David was like enough to take effect, if it were not in time preuented, forth-with speedeth himself to those parts, & there setteth vp Ishbosheth to be their King, and to rule not only ouer those two tribes and an halfe beyond Iorden, but also ouer all the rest: and so was David herein preuented. That which seemed to offer the whole, was whē Abner 3.8. being grieued with Ishbosheth his Lord and So­ueraigne (vnto whom he had plight his alleageance) for that he was by him iustly reproued for a fault that he made (and yet, it may be, ouer-slenderly esteemed also) 3.12.20. came vnto David for to bring the whole kingdome vnto him: being false vnto him, whom he had set vp a little before. Neuerthelesse David 3.20.21. was content, so to haue receiued it, if so it had falne out. But God that had determined of a more orderly course for David to come vnto it, gaue no successe to that inordinate way. For Abner 3.26.27. was slaine before he could returne to do it: and so was David in that also defeared. The time of continuance 2.11. was somewhat [Page 39] better then seauen yeares: during which time 3.1. the house of Saul and the house of David were at variance about the Kingdome, and euer among tried their quarell by the sword. But then brin­ging him vnto the full fruiti­on of it. How it plea­sed God to bring him to the whole in the end, hath likewise two principall points: first how he made him some way vnto it, then how he put him in possession of it. The why that he made him vnto it, was partly in that which concerned the estate of both the Kingdomes generally: and partly in that which con­cerned David more specially. That which did concerne the e­state of both the Kingdoms generally, was 3.1. that the kingdom of Iudah euer increased: and the house of Saul waxed weaker, and weaker. That which concerned David more specially, was that he 3.28.39. made it so well knowne, how cleere he was from the bloud of Abner, and that many of the contrary part 5.2. did know that it was David (and none other) that was thereunto appoin­ted of God. He put him in possession of it, by taking away Ish­bosheth that had set vp himselfe against him: and putting into the harts of the people now to yeeld their obedience vnto him. Ishbosheth was taken away 4.2.5.8. by two of his owne Captaines, (without the consent, or knowledge of David) and, on their parts, in verie ill and treacherous maner: for the which David 4.9.12. put them to death, so soone as they brought that tidings vnto him. Which being done, then whole Israel 4.1. being first striken with a great feare, as vpon the death of Abner before, so now vpon the death of Ishbosheth also, 5.1.3. no all come in (to the num­ber of 1. Chro. 12.23.40. aboue three hundred forty and fiue thousand, and those also Ib. 38. with consent of the rest) and making a couenant with him, do annoint him King ouer all: and so is David entered now into the possession of the whole.

9 If now againe we returne to our selues, there may we find that in these daies also God hath such a worke in hand a­mong vs. That God hath so dealt for the Gospel likewise. It hath pleased him alreadie to bring the Gospel to some part of the Kingdome thereunto apperteining: and we trust that in the end he will bring it vnto the whole. And this we hope so much the rather, for that he obstrueth a much like course now as he did before: and, walking as it were in the selfe-same path, giueth vs before hand to vnderstand thereby, [Page 40] whether he meaneth to come in the end. That first he maketh a way unto it. For first we see, that he maketh now as conuenient away vnto the Gospell, and to the spirituall Kingdome of Christ, as he did vnto David before: partly in such things as concerne the preparing of those that do aduance the Gospel, to be the meeter instruments to such a pur­pose: but especially in remouing out of the way many of those that would be against it. By preparing those that are to aduance the Gospell. For to the end that such as are to ad­uance the Gospell, may be the meeter to do the thing for the which they are ordeined, he preserueth, not only their persons to be in a readines against the time that they are to be imploied: but their good name also in that point of dutie to their superi­ours (for the most part of them, though otherwise it is not vn­likely, but that some particulars may in a great number be found, that by infirmitie hasten thereunto somewhat faster then it were meete that they should.) So likewise he putteth into their hands, wherewithall to make them such friends as they neede, against the time that they shall haue occasion to vse them: and sendeth in vnto them a further power, to help to bring them vnto their right. And by remo­ving others out of the way Those also whome he hath remoued out of the way, and daily yet doth more and more, are both such as are the chiefe resisters of this ordinance of God: and their adherents together withall. In those that are the chiefe, as they are the greatest cause of offence, so may we see the hand of God hea­uiest on them. For we may verie plainly see, that the Lord de­nieth to giue any answer vnto them: either immediatly betwixt him and them, by secret inspiration, or by inclining their hearts to such a course, as it were meete for them to walke in, or by the ministerie of any of those, whome it pleaseth him in such case to vse. For being destitute of the ministerie that haue their annoin­ting in Iesus Christ, needs must they be destitute of Urim also: and so can they haue no answer by such. An idolatrous, and a massing Priesthood they haue, that standeth vpon the inuention of man, and vpon their owne vsurpation withall: and for the better credit thereof, they haue an outward kind of ointment al­so, such as standeth on no ordinance of God, and therefore is destitute of the inward grace without any question. But such a ministerie as Christ himselfe did leaue vnto vs, and by the A­postles [Page 41] his seruants was afterward deliuered vnto the Church, faithfully distributing the word of life vnto the people, and hol­ding themselues contented there, that is altogether wanting in them, and therefore haue they (in their greatest affaires) no an­swer by Urim, nor by the ordinarie ministerie of the word. As for that which is extraordinarie, it pleaseth not God now to vse the same to his children, but very seldome: much lesse to those that are without. For they haue destroyed the Priestes of the Lord, with all the crueltie that can bee deuised: and that for no fault at all on their parts: but only vpon pretenced quarels, and causeles furmises of their owne. And as the Lord doth in this sort before hand, by such estraunging of himself from them, giue them to vnderstand, how much he is offended with them (and iustly too:) so may we see, that in the end likewise he taketh them away in such sort, as may well betoken his displeasure therein also: and many of them, in as miserable and desperate manner, as he tooke away Saul. For as in the end he spared not himself, whom Davids hands ofttimes had spared before: so many of those, that in these dayes of ours haue been principall doers, in the persecuting of the Gospell of Christ, and contriuing treche­ries agaynst those that professe it, being often spared before, by those that iustly might haue been reuenged of them for those their trecheries, haue at the length layd hands of themselues: and so the iust iudgements of God, that others in compassion and pitie would not, themselues haue executed in most desperat manner vpon themselues. Among the adherents of these wee may see likewise, that not only such, as of whom there was no better hope, are taken away: but also that some of our Iona­thans likewise, are wrapped vp together with them in the same iudgements: such I meane, as though they did beare good will themselues to the Gospel of Christ: yet some way or other were such notwithstanding, as by whom the course of the Gospell might haue been hindered. But what may those that are ene­mies hope for, when as such as (for their owne parts) are faith­full friends, are notwithstanding by God himself sometimes re­mooued: & yet for no malice in them; but for that by some other circumstance they might be offensiue to the kingdom of Christ. [Page 42] Which course, if wee see that the Lord hath at any time taken, wee neede not to doubt, but that now he meaneth to haue the kingdome of Christ more fully aduanced, when as wee see that he doth so much remooue whatsoeuer offences are in the way. We may see likewise, Then that he hath given in some good measure, the thing it selfe. that he hath not only made away vnto it, but that alreadie he hath in some good measure aduanced that kingdome of his among vs. For as then he did put into the heart of David to seeke vnto him, and wholly to referre himself to his direction; and then stirred vp the whole tribe of Iudah to receiue him likewise: so now in like manner he hath both put into the hearts of diuers Princes to seeke the Lord, and to take their di­rection of him; and withall hath stirred vp many, therein to yéeld their alleageance vnto them. But as then it was no other tribe among them all, that at the first did so readily yeeld to the king­dome of David, but only the tribe of Iudah, whereof David him self came, and which had the greatest promise of spirituall bles­sing: so now likewise we finde not, that all generally receiue the Gospell, at least not so readily when the same is first preached vnto vs; but that it is only those that are of the spirituall linage in Christ, and to whom God hath vouchsafed (in those things that apperteyne to the kingdome of God) a more speciall bles­sing then otherwise he hath done to many others. This being done, That we are in such sort ex­ercised before. before that God bring all the whole generally vnto the o­bedience of the scepter of Christ, wee may finde likewise, that God is disposed to exercise vs, euen as he exercised him before: both in respect of the nature of that his exercise, and in the re­spect of the continuance also. For as touching the nature of it, diuers hopes and likelihoods are likewise giuen to those that do earnestly wishe the aduauncement of the kingdome of Christ, which notwithstanding come to no proofe in the ende. Some­times it seemeth, that when some haue yéelded their obedience alreadie, others thereupon might bee more easily perswaded to come in also. But that course can no sooner be taken, but that some Abner or other will quickly crosse it, and in no wise suffer Iabesh-Gilead to come in so soone. And they on the other side may well be readie, and very forward to do such a poynt of ciuil duetie, as to commit the bodie of Saul to buriall: and yet not­withstanding [Page 43] bee nothing the néerer to any sincere loue of the Gospell. Insomuch, that as David, when he sawe that noble minde in them, thereupon belike conceiuing good hope, that they might easily haue been induced to his alleageance, was not­withstanding deceiued therein: so wee likewise may be as farre to seeke, if where wee finde in such ciuill dueties so heroicall mindes, wee hope that they also might soone bee wonne to the Gospell of Christ. It is very true, that (for the most part) of base mindes little good may be looked for to the kingdome of Christ: and that our best hope (for such matters) lieth in those that are more nobly minded: which also, it may be, was a good seconda­rie cause, why so many Capteynes and Souldiers (who for the most part are more nobly minded, at least if it be their owne dis­position that hath brought them to that kinde of life) are found in the Bible, but especially in the new Testament, so readily to haue imbraced the trueth, and to haue ioyned themselues vnto the professors of it. But yet in such also may we bee often decei­ued, if we relie ouermuch vnto it. Sometimes agayne there is hope conceiued, that if Ishbosheth and Abner fall out, and Ab­ner thereupon bee purposed to reuoult, and to reduce the king­dome to David: then will the matter be soone at an end, and that it must needes bee a sure and a readie way, to put David in pos­session of the whole. But that course also doth not finde so good successe in the ende, as to flesh and bloud it might seeme that it would. God is most honorable in all his doings: and though sometimes he turneth such deuises to good in the end, yet to those that awayt him in godly patience, he layeth foorth (in his good time) more orderly meanes to atteyne to the thing that they de­sire: especially when the matter concerneth the aduancement of his kingdome here on earth. As for the time it is not so much as to be expected, that the Gospell should by and by be spread abroad ouer all. As it had a time to come to so low an ebbe, as in these dayes of ours we haue found it to be at: so must it haue a time a­gayne to get vp to that heighth that we would gladly wish to see it in, if so it might stand with the pleasure of God. And that the likelihoods are great, that the Gospell is ere long to bee much more aduanced. But as David after that he had reigned ouer one part only for the time, was af­terward brought vnto the whole: so our trust is, that our Israe­lites [Page 44] also that now stand out, will at length remember them­selues, and with one consent submit themselues vnto the scepter and kingdome of Christ. Their leaders they may find, although that they be the contrary partie, yet to bee innocent of the bloud of all such Abners, as opposing themselues agaynst the king­dome of Christ, haue iustly falne (but not by the hand, or consent of David) into the like iudgements of God. At least though men be so subiect vnto their owne infirmitie, and so caried away sometimes by their affections, that euer in such poynts all can not be so fully excused: yet those also are so free herein, that any reasonable man may hold himself therein contented; and what­soeuer thereof wanteth in man, that is fully supplied by Christ. For he came not into the world to condemne the world, but that the world through him might bee saued: and so is there no man that needeth to doubt, but that he is absolutely free from the bloud of all. Neither may these Israelites of ours see only that David is free from the bloud of such Abners, as otherwise of themselues, or by the hands of others haue iustly perished: but also that it is he that ought to reigne, and that is ordeyned of God to bee their King. Of which they haue so euident proofe, both in the word, and many other wayes besides, that we need not to stand vpon it: especially if the comparison bée betwixt those base ordinances of man which they would haue so highly aduanced; and the excellencie of the glorious Gospell of Christ, vnto whom all power is giuen, in heauen, in earth, and also in hell. If therefore the children of Israel were by such things in David induced to make a couenant with him, and to yeeld their alleageance vnto him: how much rather may these Israelites of ours be induced therby, to make a couenant with Iesus Christ, and to yeeld themselues to his kingdome? For if David were free from Abners bloud, and if he were ordeyned of God to bee their King (as in trueth he was) and if the matter were so eui­dent in him, that now they all did playnlie perceiue it: much more must those things be in Christ, and in his Gospell, in farre greater measure without comparison; and so consequently much more euident also in him. And so it is not to bee doubted, that how farre of soeuer these Israelites of ours, do yet stand out a­gaynst [Page 45] Christ and his word: yet is there a time which God hath appoynted when as they shall mislike their folly, and with one consent make him their king, that so he may enter into y ^e whole. For if the children of Israel were so effectually touched (at the length) to yeeld vp their obedience to David, that they came with so great a number, and those the principal men of them al, and with the consent of all the rest: it may not bee doubted, but that Christ also, & his eternall trueth shal haue the same in some good time performed likewise. And seeing that David was but a figure, & Iesus Christ is the trueth it self, so much the rather may we hope, that as wee sawe the glorie of Christ at the com­ming in of the Gentiles, a great deale greater then was this of David at the cōming in of al the Israelites: so we may now also atteyne to sée the like general assent in some good time yéelded to the Gospell of Christ, by the states & people of Christendome, that in some good measure may proportionably answer the com­fortable patterne that we haue seene alreadie in Christ.

10 But so beeing come to good opportunity to treat of the hope that we may conceiue of this matter, that is, What course it is, wherein we may iustly conceive this hope afore­saide. of a further accomplishment of the kingdome of Christ by his worde, we are to consider, first what is the course wherein wee may conceiue the hope aforesayde: then howe to aunswere that which may seeme to goe against it. Concerning the former of these two, we are to knowe, that if wee woulde exactly haue it, we are to ga­ther it, not onely out of this booke of the historie, but also out of all such Psalmes, as belong vnto this compasse of time. But because the historie will be sufficient for this matter, and more agreeable vnto the order that hitherto we haue obserued, we shal holde our selues contented therewith: and yet, because that out of those Psalmes we may learne, howe to exercise our selues to good purpose in these our troubles, in the end wee shall consider of those also, both to see how David exercised him selfe therein, and how we may doe the like our selues. Keeping our selues therefore, but vnto the historie at this present, wee are there to marke, what is the course that David held in these matters: and then, how wee may in these dayes of ours, apply the same vnto our selues. In the course that David helde in these matters, we [Page 46] are to consider, what minde he caried, first towardes God: and then towards others. What mind David caried towards God. Seeking after spirituall com­fort. Towardes God wee may finde that hee bare a very good minde so soone as euer this persecution was raysed agaynst him: and in the course of all his dealings after­ward also. For at the first, so soone as euer persecution was raysed against him, hee being forced to steppe aside to auoid the present daunger, forthwith got him to the godlier sort: first vnto Samuel at Ramah, and then vnto Ahimelech the Priest. Vnto 19 18. Samuel hee came when Saul had mist of him 19.10. himselfe, and thereupon presently 19 11. sent vnto his house to ouertake him there, and to dispatch him. Whereupon being driuen to saue himselfe by flight, he tooke his course to Samuel the Prophet, there (belike) in this distresse to seeke some comfort in the Lorde. Shortly after vnderstanding more fully by the helpe of Iona­than, that Saul was fully bent to destroy him, being then occa­sioned again to saue him selfe by flight, 22.1. he came to Ahimelech the Priest: belike to worship the Lorde there, and to see what comfort so he might finde, in this his perillous and troublesome case. And as thus he began, when persecution was first raised a­gainst him, so held he on, in al y ^e course of his dealings besides. For wheras Abiathar one of the Priests and sonne to Ahime­lech, escaping that great & cruell slaughter that Saul did make of al the whole company of the Priests at Nob, for his safetie and succour came vnto David, althoughe it were a dangerous matter for him, to giue any entertainment vnto him: beeing so far in displeasure himselfe as he was: yet 22 23. did he not only re­ceiue him, but (such loue bare he to the Priests of the Lorde) he willed him also to be of good comfort, and told him plainly, y ^e with him he should not miscary so far as he should be able to help. Ever inquiring of the Lord, in all his great and doubtfull affayres. And hauing so gotten one of the pristes of the Lord vnto him, accustomably in his waighty affairs he asked consel of the Lord: that so he might be able to direct his waies the bet­ter to the good liking and pleasure of God. As for example, when word was brought him that the Philistims were come a­gainst Keilah 23.2. he asked counsell of the Lord whether he should goe against them, or not. At which time although the Lord bad him go, yet because that his company made further question [Page 47] 23.4. he asked the Lord of the same point agayne, and agayne recei­ued the same aunswere of him. So likewise during the time that he was at Keilah, after that hee had deliuered them from their enimies, hearing that Saul was determined to come a­gainst him, and then wisely premeditating with himselfe in what daunger he was like to bee, if the Lords of Keilah would not stand fast vnto him, although in reason he might haue presu­med, that after so good deserts of his: hee needed not to doubt of any of them, especially so very soone after: yet knowing how easily he might be deceiued, if he should rest ouermuch in men, there againe 23.10.12. he sought to the Lord, to know in deede, whether Saul would come thither, and if he came, whether the Lordes of Keilah would deliuer him and his men into his hands. Where­unto the Lord aunswered, both that Saul would come in deede: and that the Lordes of Keilah, notwithstanding his former de­serts, would deliuer him, if there he taried, into his handes. In like manner, when at his returne he found Ziklag spoiled, and his souldiers in their impatience were about to haue stoned him 30.6.8. he in this distresse pluckt vp his heart, and again asked coun­sell of the Lord, whether hee shoulde followe on those that had done it: and whether that voyage shoulde bee prosperous vnto him. And so, receiuing aunswere to his desire, hee set in hande with the voyage, and not onely recouered all they had lost: but also gained much more vnto it. Afterwarde againe when worde was brought him, that Saul and his sonnes were slayne in the fielde, so that nowe the kingdome was deuolued vnto him, and the time came that he was to enter into the possession of it (in which case there are not many, of the moste godly that these dayes) haue that would awayt any playner or further calling yet would he in no wise take that course, or be so bolde as to step one foote towardes it, vntill the time that he had 2. Sam. 2.1. first inqui­red of the Lord: both whether it was his pleasure, that now he shoulde make any entrie into the kingdome, and in what city he shoulde begin. But being aunswered in both these pointes, he them foorthwith addressed himselfe to doe accordingly. It may be also that when hee was with Ahimelech, hee did there likewise, by the ministery of Ahimelech, aske counsell of the [Page 48] Lord: both because that 22.10. Doeg doth so charge Ahimelech and because that 22.15. Ahimelech doth net deny it. But other­wise wee haue no mention in the Text it selfe, that so hee did. And yet notwithstanding Ahimelechs aunswere doth wel import, that at other times before he had done it: & so conse­quently, that it was an vsuall exercise with David, so to doe. Neither did hee onely thus religiously hang on the Lorde him­selfe, Obeying the Prophets of the Lord. but also on a time 22.5. when the Prophet Gad, but one of the seruauntes of the Lorde came vnto him, willing him not to abide in the holde (which for a time he had taken in the land of Moab for his owne safety, and with the Kinges good licence therein first obteined) but to returne into Iury againe, him also in this point hee redily obeyed. And yet was it, but such as wee terme a matter of state, and in reason, full of daunger, and so consequently no good aduice: neither doth the text declare, that it was the worde of the Lorde, but onely that the Prophet did will him so to doe. Longing after the Sanctuary. Neither was he so deuoutly giuen to re­uerence God himselfe and his seruauntes, but euen the place it selfe of Gods worship, and the assembly of the people of God were so dear vnto him, that 26.19. he specialy complained of the want therof vnto Saul, as the greatest, and most grieuous part of al his troubles: as Psal. 84.3. elswhere also he doeth very grieuousslye complaine of that matter, not vnto Saul (who might thinke it to be nothing els but of ostentation) but to God himself apart from men, that in that point his estate was so miserable, that the estate of the birds of the ayre, What minde he caried to­wards others. Towardes his enimies. that might approche the sanctu­ary of the Lorde, was better then his. How good a minde he ca­ried to others, may likewise appeare two speciall wayes: first and principally by his dealing with his enimies, but partly al­so by his dealing with others besides. His enimies that nowe we speake of, who were the causers of these his troubles, were (to make account of) none other but Saul for his time: and, af­ter him, Ishbosheth his sonne, and Abner the generall of his army. Against all which he so defended himselfe, that neuerthe­lesse he neuer sought, by any yll meanes to take away them, so to ease himselfe of his troubles the sooner. For his own neede­full and iust defence, we finde, that 18.11.19.10. euer he tooke diligent heed [Page 49] vnto Saul, that he did him no displeasure on the suddayne: and that 18.14.30. wisely he behaued him selfe in all his wayes. Then also, not despising the helpe of others, such as it pleased God to offer vnto him, we finde likewise that 22.2. he tooke such aydes as came vnto him of their owne accord, though otherwise many of them were so infamous and base, as many (of a nice kind of holines) would haue disdayned: and both 20.5.8. vsed the help of Ionathan his friende, and 23.18. renued his bond of amity with him. But as tou­ching any euill practise against any of those his enimies, first as touching Saul, we finde that he spared him 24.3.7.26.7.11. twice, when as not onely himselfe might haue done it very easily, without any dan­ger to his owne person, or shedding any mans bloud besides, but also, if hee woulde but haue suffered them, others woulde haue done it for him: and that, when as without his knowledge one had destroyed him in the fielde, and brought him word of it, hee 2. Sam. 1.2.16. both auenged the death of the one with the death of the other: and besides that Ibid. 17.27. mourned heartily for him. As for the others, he likewise both 3.31.35. mourned for Abner, and 4.9.12. auenged Ishbo­sheths death y ^t hough these had hitherto kept a great part of his kingdome from him, and nowe that these were ta­ken away, hee mght well perceiue, that it must needes pre­sently come all to his handes. Those others besides, with whome David is founde heere to haue dealt so well, are part­ly straungers, or those that were further of from him: and partly his friendes, or those that were neerer vnto him: Towardes the oppressed. Of the former sort we may account the Citizens of Keilah: and such of the country, as among whome he soiourned. With the Citizens of Keilah his dealing was, that although 23.3. hee was in distresse himselfe, and it was daungerous for him to bee ac­knowen where hee was: yet 23.5. both readily hee came to their helpe, and valiantly deliuered them also. With those others of the countrie among whome hee soiourned, howe hee dealt, Towardes those among whome he so­iourned. wee haue it not so playnely set downe. But so farre as one sto­rie may be some helpe to gather it, and one circumstaunce of likelihood besides, we may well conceiue that he dealt very wel with them. That one storie that I speake of, is of his good dea­ling towardes Nabal: by whome while he soiourned, 25.7.15.21. hee did [Page 50] not suffer his souldiers to pray vpon him, or to take any thing from him (thought 25.2.3. he were but a churle, and very wealthy) but moreouer 25.16. was a wall or defence vnto him and to all that hee had, both day and night against any that would. So that if this were his manner of dealing with others also by whome hee soiourned, no doubt it was maruellous good. That cir­cumstaunce of likelihood that I doe meane, is, that when he got that bootie from the Amalekites 30.26.31 hee did so friendly re­member many of his friendes, and about thirteene Cities by name, where hee, and his men in time of their distresse were wont to haunt. For seeing that David shewed such friendship to them be like they shewed, when he was among them, friend­ship to him. But it is not likely, that they woulde shewe him any such friendship if hee had liued on the spoyle among them. Whereas on the other side if hee dealt with them, as hee did with Nabal, and when hee had neede, made his moane vnto them to obteine such helpe at their handes, as hee might with their fauour: then was there no reason, but that, if there were any good nature in them, they must needs both help him for the time so well as they coulde, and euer after also bee friendly vn­to him. Those that were more neare vnto him, were his souldi­ers: and those his friends that nowe wee speake of. His soul­diers 30.22 15. hee did not defraude of a liberall portion of the pray they had taken, Towards his souldiers. and when there were of the company that woulde haue allowed nothing to some of their fellowes that for 33 10.21.24. wea­rinesse taried behinde, and thereupon were left to keepe their stuffe, hee woulde not suffer them to bee defrauded of any part of their portion neither. Of his friendes also wee see, that hee reteined so thankfull remembraunce, that so soone as God sent him wherewithall to remember them, Towards his friends. 30.26.31 he by and by sent a re­membraunce vnto them: and seeing that hee sent to so many, and the text it selfe doth playnely say, that hee sent vnto all places whether hee and his men were wont to resort, it seemeth that hee coulde not content him selfe to remember some fewe of them, How to derive this good course of Da­vid vnto our selves. but woulde haue beene loath for to haue missed any one of them all.

11 Howe to apply the same in these dayes of ours vnto [Page 51] our selues, is nowe to bee seene: and first as touching his de­uotion towardes God: What minde to carie to­wards God. and then as touching his good dealing with others also. And out of his deuotion towardes God wee may doe well to take to our selues, in our distresse or griefe of minde to seeke to good company, vnto the Prophetes and Priestes of the Lorde: with them, and by their helpe, the bet­ter to exercise our selues in the comfort of Scripture, and in worshipping toward his holy temple. And in trueth, howsoe­uer that the vaine pleasures of the worlde are otherwise plea­saunt to flesh and blood, and that not onely to the children of the world, but also in some measure to the children of God: yet notwithstanding, whensoeuer wee are in distresse, in such sort that in any good measure wee are humbled thereby, and that wee finde kindely indeede, that the worlde doth hate vs, and and wee are fallen out with the worlde agayne, or, as the Apo­stle doth vtter it, that we are crucified to the worlde, and the worlde vnto vs, then is there nothing sweeter, than in such case to flee to the Lorde, neyther is there any sound comfort, but onely in him, then the heart doth gladly prease to the soyle, and neuer can rest till hee come there. The children of the worlde do in such case seeke, to some worldly comfort or other: but it is because they knowe no better. And seeing that such hauock is already made of the seruauntes of God (by the Ro­mane state of long, and by the confederates thereof yet) that skantly haue they left vnto vs some one Abiathar, or other, that hath saued himselfe by flight (in comparison of those, that otherwise the church of God might haue enioyed, to their great and singular comfort) what coulde bee more seemely for the Davids of our time, those Princes I meane that professe the Gospell, then to receiue into their protection such Abiathars as are escaped? wherein coulde they better expresse their zeale towards God, wherein may they take a better course for them selues? For David hauing Abiathar with him, now vpon eue­ry occasion had oportunity (and oft times did accordingly vse it) to inquire of the Lord what he had to doe: when the Phi­listims inuade Keilah, and when Saul doth cast to surprise him, when his owne City is spoyled, and himselfe in peril to bee sto­ned [Page 52] for it, when hee is to goe to his kingdome, and where he is to make his entrie. And (no doubt) by these Abiathars of ours, our Davids also may in all thinges vnderstande, what is the good will and pleasure of God, in whatsoeuer it is that they haue to doe. Where that annointing is, there the Lorde will aunswere by Urim, there is no question. And blessed be God, that as he vouchsafed that mercy to David, in that his distresse to send vnto him such an Abiathar with the Ephod with him, as by whome hee might bee safely guided in all his actions, in those troublesome and daungerous affayres: so nowe also hee hath prouided our Princes likewise of the selfe same helpe, by such as he hath to the selfe same vse of his goodnesse preserued from all such massakers as heeretofore haue bene of the Lords seruauntes, when as by the wicked it was intended, vtterly to haue destroyed them all, if by any meanes they coulde haue per­formed it. And seeing that so good oportunitie is offered, of so ready and sure aduice, farre be it from any of our Davids, that any of them shoulde so much forget, or so little esteeme so good an helpe, Iosh. 6.3.16. as not take the benefiet of it. Ioshua him selfe, and all the Princes and Elders of Israel, and generally the whole peo­ple besides (whome Moses did a little before so much aduaunce for vnderstanding and wisedome, Deut. 4.6.8. in respect of those most wor­thy and excellent lawes that were giuen vnto them; and be­cause that the Lorde was in all things so neere vnto them, and so present with them in all their affayres) were notwithstanding notably ouer-reacht by the Gibeonites, when as they inquired not of the Lorde what they were to doe in that matter, vpon a wrong supposall, that themselues had already espied the bot­tome of it. And the trueth is, that if euer wee take our aduice of the Lorde, then can we neuer be deceiued, howe simple soeuer wee are besides: but if wee leaue him, and rest in our selues, then are wee much and often deceiued, howe great soeuer our wisedome may bee, in whatsoeuer wee haue to deale. Much like hereunto it is, that he did so easily yeelde to the Prophet Gad, in so great a matter as it was vnto him: and it were much better for many of vs likewise, to giue eare to our Prophetes (such as wee finde to be of the Lorde) than otherwise to runne [Page 53] the course that wee doe. Let all things be done by the rule of the worde of God, and it is the thing, that, for this matter, is the vt­termoste that can bee desired. In which word the more that a­ny body is faythfully and effectually exercised, the meeter is hee (if other things want not) to such a purpose: and our Prophets (except their calling) are nothing meet or then any others (by the ordinary course of Gods dealing with vs nowe) but onely so farre, as in this point they haue the aduantage, and there by are better inabled then others are. The lesser that Princes them selues are exercised in Gods holy word, the vnlikelier they are to gouerne their affayres by the leuell thereof: and the vnlike­lier they are themselues to doe it, the more doe they neede to haue the helpe of those that can. And, for the most part, wee see it to be the maner of God; that giuing the soueraignty or stroke vnto one, direction and counsell hee giueth oft times more ful­ly to others. In his want that he felt in that his banishment of the exercise of religion, in that thereby he was kept from the ta­bernacle, and from the publique worship of God, as it sheweth a notable good disposition in him, so may it teach as like wise, howe precious a treasure wee ought to account it, to haue ac­cesse to the Temple of God: and euer to haue a part in those thinges that there are done: but in the publique seruice of God, and for our owne instruction besides. And the more plain­ly that we may finde it to bee our manner, that the greater we are, the more doe we for the moste part absent our selues from those assemblies, and either breake vs (for our honour, or ease) vnto our priuate chapels at home, or altogether absent our selues from all places of publique worship, the more needefull is it, that wee shoulde remember what David was in that re­spect: a man of great honour and calling, imployed about great and waighty affayres, and so deepely in daunger of his life for a long time nowe, that hee had ynough to one, to keepe him selfe from the iawes of death: and yet complayning moste of this, that he was kept from the house of the Lord, and from his inheritance there. In the mind that he caried towardes others, What minde to carie to­wards others. & first towards his enimies we find that although he was care­ful of his owne safety: yet against them might hee neuer vse any [Page 54] euill practise. Out of his care for his owne safety wee also may learn to take this lesson, not only that it is lawful for such, to de­fend themselues against vniust violence: but also that it is expe­dient that so they should. It is meet that we take good heede, y ^t the Sauls of our time in any of their mad moodes do vs not some displeasure on the sudden: it is meete also, y ^t we behaue our selus wisely in al things, so much the rather, for that the enimy doth diligētly await al such occasions, as wherby he may be able any way to annoy vs, & so to come to any part of his desire. And as for such helps as draw vnto those, that in such case are now mo­lested, it may be also that some-times they are such, as of whom in some respects they might be ashamed: & yet in no wise to bee refused, being such as the Lord thinketh good to sēd vs. And see­ing y ^t Christ himself hath none other, we are, so much y ^e rather, for to content our selues with the like: especially, when as we may hope, that he that giueth so few, & simple at the first, wil at length giue mo and better, as we sée that heere-tofore he dealt with David himselfe. If God also vouchsafe (of his goodnes) to bestow any Jonathans on vs, such as will deale faithfully for vs, and themselues are desirous and readie to be in league with vs: it is our parts again, both to vse their help as occasion ser­ueth, & not to refuse to be in league of friendship with such. But as we may vse such lawfull meanes for our owne defense: so must we take heed, that we lay no violent hands on any of the Lords annointed; such I meane, as are his annointed to vs, and vnto whome we are none other but meere subiects. Inso­much that if God at any time bring them into our hands, and neuer so eagerly bent vpon vs: yet are we to know, that they are not therefore brought into our hands, that we should take them at that aduantage; but that by sparing them, we should declare, how much we abhor to séeke our own safetie or peace by inordi­nate wayes. Neither are we to content ourselues, only to bear them no heauier minds, but that we can be cōtent to spare thē: but also to beare them so sound good will, as that we do in hart detest any violence done vnto them; and vnfeignedly mourne when their ease is such as any way deserueth to be lamented. Then also comming to others, we are to haue that care of the [Page 55] hard estate or distresse of others, that although we be in hard case our selues, yet should we be ready if it lye in vs, to help such others as are in néede. If any of these Philistims of ours, come and spoile any Keilah of our neighbours adioyning, though we haue busines inough of our owne, yet if it be in vs to help those distressed neighbours of ours, we may not slip from their iust defence in time of néede. But being in armes, then are we espe­cially for to take heede, that we and our companie be not grie­uous to those among whom we abide, or by whom we passe as occasion serueth. Better a great deale, so to vse them, that both we may do our selues good, and still they may be our faithfull friends, then by ill dealing to make them our enemies, and to hurt our selues withall. A rule that is so little regarded with vs, whēsoeuer we are in armes, that lightly we do more hurt to our neighbours and friends in lying by them, then to our enemies in warring vpon them. Our souldiers also are much forgotten, and haue their due inter-cepted by those that are their leaders. Though euer we send them foorth like men, yet seldom find we, but that they are beggars when they returne. But, besides that is no wisedom, so hardly to vse so néedfull helps, it is iniurie al­so and great oppression, so far to defraud those that lay downe their liues in our quarell: and the greater that the cause is, a­bout which we are to imploy them, the more doth it aggreuate, whether our folly, or else our fault, wherewithall in this case we are to be charged. As for our friends, I trust, I néede not speak for them: but sure it is, that if they be not from time to time wel remembred, as abilitie and opportunitie serueth: and that, not only that so we may the better keepe them to our own benefit, but also of the inward and vnfeigned thankfulnes of the heart: we are in great ieopardie with God, that seethe our in-most thoughts, iustly to leese, those that we do so loosely keepe. In both these therefore, if we regard to hold on that course that David did, or but in needfull maner to help forward the cause it selfe that we haue in hand (which as we know is of more price, then to be hassarded by the want of either of these) we must be liberall vnto the one, and thankfull also vnto the other.

12 That which may séeme to go against that hope of ours [Page 56] that expecteth a further accomplishment of these things to vs, That this goodnes of God towards David, was not founded on Davids ex­cellencie. is the difference that is supposed to be, betwixt David to whom it was performed before, and all those is whom the application that we haue made doth séeme to promis the same now. Con­cerning which difference, first it is to be knowne, that though such a difference there be, yet may it not abolish this hope that we speake of: and then are we more specially to examin, what is the difference that is betwixt vs. That although such a diffe­rence there be, yet is it not to abolish the hope that we speake of, may sufficiently appeare, for that such mercie of God to­wards vs is not measured forth vnto vs, according to the mea­sure of our deserts, but so far-forth as he in his wisedome is de­termined for to aduance his honor among vs. For if the case be of that nature, that the worthines or vnworthines of the per­sons be not respected, then, though the difference that is betwixt vs were much greater then it is, yet may it not bar vs of that hope, That God is purposed of himselfe, euer more and more to in­crease his goodnes to­wards vs: and that thence ariseth great hope unto us. that in such case may arise vnto vs. But thus rather we are to gather, that the Lord is so fully purposed, more and more to shew or open himselfe to the world, that he will still hold on that course of himselfe, not respecting whether those on whom he bestoweth such further manifestation of his glorie, deserue it or not. And yet notwithstāding he doth oftimes withall auenge himselfe with great seueritie, on many of those that do receiue the grace of God in vaine. Howbeit for this time it shall be suf­ficient for vs to consider, how we may find him to hold this course, that euer as the world groweth néerer to the consuma­tion thereof, and so consequently the full aduancement of the kingdome of God the more approacheth: so doth he likewise more and more aduance his glorie on earth, not respecting the desert or worthines of those that liue, whether they were better or worse then those that were before, or after in their seuerall times do follow. This may we see in the whole course of the world generally: and in both those sorts of people, the Iewes, and the Gentiles, with whome it pleased God to deale more specially. This to be ap­parant, in the whole course of the world generally. In the whole course of the world generally we may behold, that he was much more gracious vnto the world, when he chose vnto him one people among them all, and bestowed the [Page 57] Law vpon them: then, for the space of two thousand yéeres al­most, he was to those that liued before, among whome he chose to himselfe no one people, stock, or familie that we do reade of, but only a few seuerall persons, on whom also he bestowed no such knowledge, as afterward he did on those others. So like­wise when afterward he vouchsafed to enlarge the kingdome of God to all nations, and to their better instruction to bestow the Gospell vpon them, we may plainly perceiue, that heerein he was much better to the world now, then he was before vnto it: for that now he hath taken in all nations indifferently, and giuen vnto them the truth it selfe, whereas before he tooke but one, and gaue vnto thē but figures also. But shall we therefore say, that those ages that haue succéeded, are better then those that were before? Or may we not herein plainly perceiue, that he in such case doth nothing respect, either the worthines, or the vn­worthines of those on whom he bestoweth such mercies, but on­ly that himselfe at all times doth, euen as he in himselfe hath or­deined? To come to the Iewes, In his dealing with the Iewes that first were chosen the pecu­liar people of God, Abraham, Izhak, and Iaakob had but the promises made: but their posteritie, in proces of time, had the accomplishmēt of all those promises. The people that came out of Aegypt perished in the wildernes: but those which followed came into the land of promis. Moses could but sée it from the top of a mountaine, a far off: but to Joshua was it giuen to en­ter in, to make a conquest of it, and to diuide it vnto the people. For a time they had in a maner but a popular state: but after­ward they grew to a Kingdome. At the first they had but the Law: but afterward had they the Prophets also. Christ was for a time but verie obscurely propounded vnto them, by those figures and shadowes of the Law: but afterwards, by the prea­ching of the Prophets, a great deale more plainly opened vnto them. The glorie of the first Temple was verie great, but could not in any wise compare with the latter. The Kingdome of Christ was much aduanced among the Iewes, by his own prea­ching and works, while he was on the earth among them: but nothing like to that which afterward folowed, by the ministerie of the Apostles, when himself was taken vp from among them. [Page 58] Should we therefore hereupō prefer, before Abraham, Izhak, & Iaakob, that imbased posteritie of theirs that after followed, Ioshua, before Moses, and the Disciples of Christ, before Christ himselfe? Or should a popular estate, be preferred be­fore a Kingdome: the former Temple, before the latter: the ce­remonies and shadows of the Law, before the plainnes & truth of the Gospel? Yet so must it be, if God should haue bestowed those greater blessings according to the dignitie of the persons: or if he held not a set course to make his goodnes more appa­rantly knowne to those that follow after, then vnto those that went before. In his dealing with the Gen­tiles. Among the Gentiles we may sée the selfe-same course obserued also. For though there were not many of thē at the first got into y ^e faith of Christ, yet a while after they were innumerable, though for a time they were excedingly hated, and vnder most bitter persecution, yet shortly after they were hono­red of all, and enioied the faith in peace. After which time, ma­nie of those Churches were caried away with error againe, and in those which remained, the truth of God was verie much cor­rupted also, according as the scripture foreshewed before, and as the sinne of the world had iustly deserued. Whereupon God in mercie disposed to call back certain of those Churches againe vnto their former faith in him, and to that end raising vp to the world notable men, mightily furnished with his holie spirit, although we find that vnto them and to many others of his people then he gaue a notable light: yet find we also, that the light which he gaue vnto thē, was far inferior vnto that which now he hath giuen forth to many others, otherwise far inferior vnto them. In which case we are not in deserts or worthines to prefer those that follow, vnto those that were before, as though that God for that cause were so much better to them, because he found them better then others, but euer to ascribe all to the meere goodnes of God, nothing at all in such case respecting whether men are worthy or not, whome euer he should find, without question, to be of themselues as void of all deserts and woorthines, as could be deuised. But thus rather we are to ga­ther, that as the Sunne, the neerer it is to his rising, the more light it spreadeth forth on the face of the earth: so Christ also [Page 59] the Sonne of righteousnes, the néerer that he is to aduance his glorious Kingdome, vnto that fulnes that is due vnto it, and that the faithfull are put in hope once to behold, the more doth he increase his comfortable blessings in the meane season, that so we may be so much the better prepared thereunto, against the time that he shall bestow that fulnes vpon vs. Among all the men of the world that euer were, are, or shalbe (Christ only ex­cepted) there is not one of that desert or worthines in him-selfe before God, that might procure any such speciall blessing of him: nor, till God him-selfe of speciall fauour hath otherwise wrought it, not one of vs all, any thing better than any other. The enlarging of his goodnes vnto the world, is altogether his owne, and none of ours: it proceedeth nothing at all from vs, but altogether, and only from him.

13 But now more specially to examin what is the differēce that is betwixt vs, we are to consider, That on Da­vids part, there is no such dif­ferēce betwixt him at that time, and the children of God since. whether it be such as may iustly import, that although God were so gracious to him, yet is there no cause for vs to thinke, that well may he be as graci­ous to vs. But the truth is, that we find no such difference be­twixt vs, as maketh any odds for this matter: whether we re­spect but those things only, that concerne his owne person, or the occasion, whereupon it pleased God to bring him to the Kingdome. For if we respect those things that concerned his owne person, the euent it selfe will plainly declare, that he had not all those mercies of God bestowed vpon him, so much for himselfe, as for the people whom he was to gouerne. Insomuch that whether David were without his infirmities, or not, and those that on the behalfe of the Gospell were to be aduanced now, had their infirmities many and great, yet were not such odds betwixt the persons of any such force, as might bar vs of the hope before described. But it cannot be denied, but that Da­vid had his infirmities: and that as he notwithstanding other­wise had good cause to await the full accomplishment of those great mercies that God had begun to bestowe vpon him, so we also haue such reason for vs, as that in like maner we may looke to enioy a further manifestation of the Kingdome of Christ, that in some measure alreadie is aduanced among vs. The infirmi­ties [Page 60] of David (such as belong to the compas of time that now we speake of: Of Davids in­firmities. for we are not in this case to search any further) are of two sorts: some of them such, as in some sense might be excused: others againe so apparantly euill, as in no wise may be defended. Such as in some sense might be ex­cused. Those that in some sense might be excused, do most of them arise out of the troubles that he had in hand: but one there is, that was nothing at all (so far as we read) occasio­ned thereby. Those also that arose out of his troubles, are some of them belonging to that compas of time wherein Saul him­selfe liued: one to the time of Ishbosheth his sonne. Of those that belong to the time of Saul, two there were, when first for altogether he fled the presence of Saul: and two others also shortly after, when now he had openly professed to flye his pre­sence for his owne safetie. Eating of the Shew-bread. The two former are, that he did eate 21.4.6. the Shew-bread: and that he did take back again the 21.87.9. sword of Goliath to his owne priuate vse. For the Shew-bread, it may seeme, that he is in some measure Mat. 12.3.4. Mar. 2.25.26. Luc. 6.3.4. excused by Christ. And yet because it is by the Law plainly Lev. 24.9. Exo. 29.33. set downe, that only the Priest might eate thereof, and Christ himselfe in the places al­leadged doth so acknowledge: it cannot be auoided, but that néedes it must be, either a breach of the law of God, or that Da­vids face therein was extraordinarie. If it were a breach of the law of God, then do not those words of Christ tend to excuse him: but only to put them in mind, how themselues might he able to find, how great their malice was towards Christ and his Disciples, that could so easily put vp that in David, and so hardly exact this of them. As whē the Ioh. 8.3.7. adulteresse was brought vnto him, and he willed that whosoeuer he were among them that was without sin, he should cast the first stone at her: he did not therby excuse her lewdnes, or made no reckoning of y ^e Law, of God, but himselfe not medling to be her iudge, rebuked thē also that they were so prying into other folks sinnes, and so for­getfull of then owne. But his fact might verie well be extraor­dinarie also, and so no breach of the law of God, nor to be recko­ned among his infirmities, if we could any way be certaine that so it were: such as that Nomb. 25.7.8. knowne fact of Phinehas is most com­monly taken to be: and such as was that fact of Christ himselfe [Page 61] (as he came in the forme of a seruant) when he Ioh. 2.14.17 Math. 21.12.13. scourged the buiers and sellers out of the Temple. For so it pleaseth God sometimes so thoroughly to seize vp to holie vses, and so fully to possesse the children of God, that in their zeale they are caried beyond the bounds that the Law prescribeth: and yet in no wise to the impeachment or derogation of the Law prescribed to all. In which sense whether David, in that want of other victuals did it, or not: yet do those words of our Sauiour teach, that the same fact Math. 12.2. which the Pharises misliked in the Disciples might be of that kind, for ought that they did knowe to the contrarie, and that such an other they had long before in David himselfe. And seeing that David was a man subiect to infirmitie as o­thers were, and seeing that it is not vnlikely, but that these words of Christ may rather shewe, in what sense David might haue done it well, then precisely in what sense it was done in deede: therefore it remayneth that this also might come of his infirmitie, and so be gathered to that account. Taking agayn the sword of Goliath to his private vse. As touching his sword, it Pet. Mar in 1. Sam. 21.9. may well be, that he had consecrated it to the Lord, to the honour and prayse of God. If so he had, then was there Leui. 27.28. a law, that nothing altogether separate vnto the Lord, might a­gayne be taken to common vse. So that it may be, that in this also he did offend, vnlesse he were holpen by the self same war­rant, that we may suppose he was in the other. But because that that doth not so appeare, and otherwise the law was directly a­gaynst it, wee cannot well hold him excused herein, vnlesse wee had some further warrant: although notwithstanding we do not denie, but that it may be, that in this also he was excusable. The two latter are, that he 22.2. enterteyned such a band of infamous persons for his defence: and that, Interteyning infamous per­sons: & swea­ring to Saul. at the request of Saul 24.21.22. he was content to sweare, not to destroy his seede after him. In both which although it may be, that some gouerned himself in them both, as that in them also he was vnreprouable: yet is it not to be denied, but that the case might also be such, as that he might haue offended therein. In the former of them, for that he enter­teyned forces now, especially so infamous as many of them were: in the latter, for that he could not be ignorant, but that the Lord had cast away Saul, & raysed him to gouerne in his place; [Page 62] and so consequently was in likelihood to bee called to such ac­tions, as were likely to accord but ill with the oath he had takē. That which belonged vnto the time of Ishbosheth the sonne of Saul, Not refusing the falshood of Abner. was that when Abner, being falne out with Ishbosheth (aforesayd) his Lord and maister, thereupon came vnto David, and offered to bring the whole kingdome vnto him: although this offer were of that condition that he could not performe it, without some kinde of il dealing with him that put him in trust, yet 3.20. did he accept of him, and enterteyned him with solemne feasting. Wherein although it might bee, he did no more, but that which he might in all poynts iustifie (the place it self being his owne, and for that the meanes wherby Abner would seeme vnto him to go about to bring it to passe, might also bee good:) yet because that the other also might be, and is as likely, there­fore in this also, it may seeme vnto vs, that his doing therein might proceede of infirmitie. His Polyga­mie. That one that we noted to be no­thing at all (so farre as wee reade) occasioned by those troubles that now he susteyned, was 25.41.43. his Poligamy, in that he had so many wiues: first, with Michall the daughter of Saul, Ahinoam also; and, when Saul had bestowed his daughter in these his troubles vpon an other (it may be, not only for hatred of him in his principall quarell, but also for that David held not himselfe contented with her, but tooke vnto him an other besides) Abi­gail also, the widowe of Nabal, but a little before deceased. In which, although he did manifestly corrupt the first institution of that holy ordinance (as Math. 19.4.6. Mar. 10.5.11.9. Christ himself did afterward more ful­ly teach vs) and hauing one alreadie, could not take an other vn­to her, but that needs he must do a manifest wrong vnto the for­mer (as the 1. Cor. 7.3.5. Apostle also did in like sort afterward witnesse:) yet because that it was in those dayes ouer common a fault with many of the Fathers, and so little either forbidden by the lawe, or rebuked by the Prophets, that most men hold it as tollerated of God himself vnto that people (for the time) in other respects, therefore haue I placed it here among those his infirmities, that in some sense might be excused: whereas otherwise if we should seperate it from that people, and from that time, it were in no wise to be allowed so easie a censure. Those others that are so [Page 63] apparantly euill, as that in no wise they may bee defended, Such as were apparantly evill. are some of them agayne not so immoderate as others of them: but certeyne of them very immoderate, and such as no man might looke for in him. Some not to immoderate. Those that were not so immoderate were im­ployed about his owne defence: first at home; and then abroad. At home, he 20.5.6. both directeth Ionathan how to excuse him by an vntrueth: and 21.2. himself also maketh an vntrue report of his com­ming to Ahimelech the Priest in such sort as he did. Abroad there were two. First flying to Achis, one of the Kings of the Philistims (to escape the present daunger that he was in) there also espying himself to bee in daunger 21.10.15. he fell to dissemble, and in very dishonorable manner for such an one as he was) fayned himselfe to bee out of his wits: and shortly after 22.3.5. flying to the King of Moab, there to leaue his father and mother till he sawe what the Lord would do with him, by the Prophet Gad he was forbidden there to abide, and willed to returne into Iudea again; and so found that course of his to be wrong likewise. Others verie immoderate. Those that were so very immoderate, and such as none might looke for in him, were especially two: one, that cruell reuenge that he had intended agaynst Nabal, and all his familie: the other, about his owne flight now the second time to Achish agayne. His inten­ded crueltie agaynst Nabal was such, His intended revenge a­gainst Nabal. as that for his chorlishnes shewed vnto him, when he sent certeyne of his men vnto him, to desire him to help him with some victuals 25.22.34. he thought forthwith to haue destroyed him, and all his, with the edge of the sword: whereas notwithstanding there was one of that familie, whom shortly after he tooke to himself, vnto the neerest friendship that could be. His second flight vnto A­chish: and his doings there. In his second flight vnto Achish we may finde diuers things, that a man would bee sorie to finde in him: both in the manner of his fléeing thether, and in his demeanour while he was there. In the manner of his fléeing thether, we are to note, that it was not of a sodeyne now, as it was before, to auoyde a present daunger: but that it was 27.1.2. with deliberate aduise: and then must it needes be so much the worse, both because he fled to that idolatrous Prince, a naturall enemie to the people of God: and for that he did it vpon distrust of the prouidence of God to be safe at home. In his demeanour while he was there we find, [Page 64] that he did not only 27.8.9.11 deale very ill with certeyne of the people of those quarters (the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites) destroying man, woman, and child, leauing none to complayne of his doings; and, the better to couer his doings from Achish his friend, 27.10. deepely dissembled the same vnto him: but also that 28.2. & 29.8. he was content and readie, to go to the field vnder Achish, a­gaynst the Israelites his owne countrimen and the people of GOD, That hereby may appeare, that our infir­mities also can not iustly hin­der his good hope in us, of the accom­plishment of that, which al­readie he hath begun. and agaynst the King his maister. The reason why wee may looke to enioy a further manifestation of the king­dome of Christ, that in some measure alreadie is aduaunced among vs, is so dispersed throughout this whole discourse of the historie wee haue in hand, that heere we shall not néede to stande thereupon specially. But this is the thing that héere I would note, that if such were the purpose of God then, to aduance his owne glorie, and to do his people good, that not­withstanding these imperfections of David, yet he would not be hindered thereby, but went on forward vnto the end: there is no cause why we neede to doubt of the same purpose of God now likewise for the aduancement of his truth, when we see that it should so plainly tend to his glorie, and to the benefit of his people: and in this David of ours, that is in the Gospell of Iesus Christ there cannot be found, not only no so grosse infir­mities, but also no blemish at all, no not the least that can be conceiued. And as for those that now do wish the aduancement of it, both professing it themselues, and commending the same vnto others the best that they can, although they be sinners: yet, seeing that David also was not exempted, and this worke stan­deth not on the desert or merit of man, as we haue great cause to hope it, if we respect the excellencie of the Gospell it selfe, so (in this case) haue we no great cause to doubt it neither, though we do find no small infirmities in those that professe it.

What want there was in the govern­ment then, why David should be brought to the kingdome.14 The occasion whereupon David was brought to the kingdome, was the want that was found in Saul that reigned before him. Which that we may the better perceiue, we need to consider but these two things: in how ill estate the common wealth of Israel was, when he came vnto it: and how slenderly he set in hand to redresse the same. That the common wealth of [Page 65] Israel was in ill case, The hard e­state of the cōmon wealth of Israel, when Saul came to it. Subiect unto a forreyne peo­ple. it appeareth sufficiently in these two things: that the people were so much ouerlayd by grieuous ser­uitude to a forreyne nation: and that the forreyne people to whom they were subiect, were so idolatrous, or so cleane contra­rie to them in religion. How much they were ouerlayd by gree­uous seruitude, may likewise appeare, both for that the text it self doth plainly say it: and by other vndoubted tokens that there are found. The text it self doth plainly say it, for that it telleth vs 13.6. that at that time the people were in great distresse. Those o­ther vndoubted tokens thereof are two: one, how the people at that time demeaned themselues: the other, what want there was of such warlike furniture as was conuenient. The peoples demeanour at that time was, that they had not the heart to looke their enemie in the face, but that some of them 13.6. hid themselues in caues, and in holes, and in rockes, and in towers, and in pits on that side of Iordan that was next to the Philistims: some o­thers agayne did leaue that part of the countrie, and 13.7. went o­uer Iordan vnto the land of Gad and Gilead, so to bee farther from the daunger of them. The want that they had of such war­like furniture as was conuenient, was very great: both for that the Philistims did not suffer any 13.19. Smith or Cutler to dwell a­mong them, by whom they might haue had some weapons made (no 13.20.21. not so much as for their instruments of husbandrie, but either must carie them to the Philistims to bee mended or sharpened there, or els might not haue but only the helpe of the file at home) and for that among all the people that followed Saul to withstand the enemie (which also were but very fewe, but only about 13.15. sixe hundred in all, when the others were gone that 13.8.11. gat themselues away for feare) there 13.22. was not so much, as either a sword, or a speare found, but only with the King him self, and his sonne. That the people to whom they were subiect were idolatrous, and directly contrary to them in religion, And those idolatrous. is most apparant, not only for that they were none of the people of Israel, but of the Gentiles, and enemies vnto the people of God: but also for that the text doth make particular mention, both of one speciall Idol that they worshipped; and of their blas­phemous dealing agaynst the true and liuing God. That one [Page 66] speciall Idoll that they worshipped, was Iud. 16.23 Dagon, being as the learned do note, 1. Sam. 5.2. for the vpper parts like to a beautifull woman: and for the nether like to a fish: as the text also doth ascribe to the vpper parts both 5.4. head and hands; and saith that the residue that remayned (as Tremelius translateth) representeth a Ibid. fish. Their blasphemous dealing agaynst the true and liuing Lord, doth not only appeare in their deliuering vp of the Arke of the Lord 5.2. into the Temple of their Idoll Dagon, as though that their Idoll had been the better, and that by his power they had then preuayled agaynst the God of Israel: but also in that ⁿ Da­vid doth charge that great monsterous beast, their champion Goliath, for to haue rayled on the God of the host of Israel. And though he were but one man, yet seeing he was their common champion, and came foorth in the name of them all, they may all by good right be charged therewith. And then, when themselues are not only so corrupt in the highest matter of all, euen in reli­gion, but also so contrarie vnto the Trueth, and so blasphemous to GOD himself, it could not bee otherwise, but that in these things the common wealth of Israel must needes be in hard and pitifull case, that was in such thraldome vnto so ill a people as these. How little they were hol­pen by him. How slenderly he set in hand to séeke redresse in these mat­ters, may sufficiently appeare, if we do but vnfould his doings herein, and consider of them. For certeyne it is that somewhat he did, and such as might beare a reasonable shew: and yet not­withstanding, his doings being better considered, he did in a manner nothing at all. That some­what he did. That which might beare some reasona­ble shewe, was first on behalfe of some part of the people: then afterward somewhat that he did on behalfe of them all. That which he did on behalfe of some part of them, was that peece of seruice that he did at 11.1.13. Iabesh Gilead, one of the the Cities be­yond Iorden, which Nahash the King of the Ammonites had strongly besieged, and when the Citizens sued for peace, he would in no wise graunt it vnto them, but vpon a very cruell and dishonorable condition: which was, that he might thrust out the right eye of euery one of them, and so bring a perpetuall re­proach vpon them, and vpon the whole nation withall. Where­vpon the spirit of the Lord comming vpon Saule, he sent foorth [Page 67] his messengers to commaund the people forth-with to followe; he quickly got a great number together; made haste to Iabesh; raysed the siege; and gaue a notable ouerthrowe to the enemie. Insomuch that whereas before certeyne euill persons made light account of him, which also was easily put vp of the rest, now were the people generally so farre in loue with this their new King, that had not Saul himself stayed them, needes would they haue had those ill persons to haue been sought out, and for that their former contempt to be put to death now. That which afterward he did on behalfe of them all, was some part of it of his owne accord: and some part agayne, by the direct comman­dement of God. Of his owne accord both he did somewhat at the first entrie into his kingdome: and afterward he proceeded somewhat further also. At his first entrie into his kingdom both 13.2. he chose out 3000. men to haue in a readinesse vpon all occa­sions (two thousand to attend vpon himselfe, and the other thou­sand on Ionathan his sonne:) and 13.5. when the Philistims now began to inuade them agayne, he did not only 13.35.16. addresse himselfe to giue them battaile: but also when as 14.1.15. by other meanes they were discomfited, he 14.20. followed vpon them and gaue vnto them a great ouerthrow. That which somewhat after he did, was in effect no more but this, that he did his endeuour (in some mea­sure) to deliuer his countrie from their enemies. Which thing is deliuered vnto vs by two speciall poynts: one, how he estee­med of such as were meet for the warres: the other, in what sort he dealt with the enemie. Concerning the former, 14 52. it is sayd that he made much of them. Concerning the latter, it is sayd first generally, that 14.47. not only he did still warre vpon them on euery side (and that 14.52. right sore agaynst the Philistims) but also that he 14.4. euer put them all to the worse, and did 14.48. much rid his people out of the hands of those that spoyled them. More spe­cially there are numbred among them, not only those of whom we haue some storie set downe, as the Ammonites, Philistims, and the Amalekites: but others also of whom we haue no fur­ther storie, as the Moabites, Idumeans, and the Kings of Zo­ba. That which he did by the speciall commaundement of God, was his expedition 15.1.9. agaynst the Amalekites, at such time as [Page 68] God was disposed to be auenged on them for an old iniurie, that almost 400. yeres before they had done to the children of Israel, as in the Wildernesse they were passing on to the land of pro­mise. In which expedition although he did not execute the iudg­ment of God agaynst them, so strictly and fully as he was com­maunded to do: yet 15.7.8. made he a great destruction of the enemie: and besides that, 15.6. had a speciall care of the Kenites, certeyne auncient friends of the children of Israel to get them out of the way, But, that it was nothing to speake of. that they perished not with the other. That yet (notwith­standing all these goodly shewes) he did in a manner nothing at all, it appeareth in this, for that the Lord doth flatly reiect him for the want that he found in him. Which want of his was of the chiefe and principall matter of all: that is, of an heart, or set­led purpose, in al things to awayt the Lords direction, and then to frame his doings thereafter. For seeing that now he was chosen to bee King of Israel, that is, both to susteyne the person of God among them, and to gouerne them, not as his owne, but only as the people of God: how could he but see, that now of necessitie he must needes resigne himselfe vnto God, euer to seeke his direction of him, and in all things to do as he should appoynt? That so he did not, we haue deliuered vnto vs by two examples, that playnlie declare how short he was in those two poynts: one, in that 13.9. he awayted not the comming of Samuel: the other, in that 15.9. he did not execute the sentence of GOD a­gaynst the Amalekites, with that seueritie that was appoyn­ted. In both which notwithstanding we may see that he grewe so néere to his full duetie in those two poynts, that a reasonable man would thinke, he had done very well; and yet in trueth he came very short of that which he ought to haue done in deede. For as touching the former of them, that is, the awayting of Samuels comming, the storie is this, that Samuel promised to come thether vnto him; 10.8. both to instruct further what he should do, and 11.14. to renew or establish the kingdome vnto him, with the generall consent of all before the Lord: and therefore willed him there to abide till he came vnto him, 10.8. naming in deed but seauen dayes, (after the manner of their kinde of speach) but yet not meaning any determinate number, but that if he thought he ta­ried [Page 69] somewhat long, yet not to be wearie for so small a matter. This platforme being layd forth vnto him, now are wee to see how néere it is that he seemeth to come vnto it: and how farre in trueth he commeth short of it. He may seeme to come néere vn­to it, both in that he taried so long as he did: and in that he had so good cause as he had, then to breake vp. He taried 13.8. vntill the seauenth day: and, as it seemeth, vntil the time of the euening sacrifice of that day: it may be also, that he taried fully the seauen dayes outright: and so consequently, altogether so long, as the Prophet (in strict letter) required of him. The cause that himself alleadgeth, why he was so bolde as to breake vp then, was 13.11.12. for that the people began to steale away apace: and seeing that the enemies lay so neere as they did, he thought he might seene bee driuen to encounter with them: and that he would bee loath to do, before he had sacrificed vnto the Lord. But it may bee fur­ther, that seeing he was 10.6.9.10. & 11.6. before endued, in some good measure, with the Spirit of God, and his kingdome so much established as 11.12. before it was (both by his victorie against the Ammonites, and for that the people there, vpō that occasion accepted of him) he was now perswaded, that neither he needed any further in­struction of the Prophet, nor any further inauguration by his ministerie before the Lord: especially at such a time, when as those other considerations (in reason) required such hast as they did. Short he came 13.13.14. for that he awayted not that further in­struction, and that further renewing or establishing of the king­dome to him before the Lord: notwithstanding that the Pro­phet taried so long as he did: and notwithstanding those reasons he had so much to hasten. Now as touching the latter of them (wherein his doings do lye more open, than in the other) he might seeme to haue gon very néere to the Lords commaunde­ment, for that he 15.8.9.10. destroyed so much as he did: and for that the residue that they did not destroy, yet 15.15. brought they away, and to 15.15. offer in sacrifice vnto the Lord. But yet was he short, 15.18.19.22.23. for that vpon his owne reason, and the liking of those that were with him, he did not execute the sentence of God to the vttermost poynt that was commanded: and withall turned vnto the pray, or greedily sought some aduantage therby.

That as good occasion hath bin offered, now to advāce the kingdome of Christ, in the want of government that was be­fore, and yet is: as before to advance the kingdome of David, for the want of go­vernment that was in Saul.15 To come to our selues, we are to consider, whether the estate of Christendome were in any such miserie now as the e­state of Israel was then: and, if it were, whether such as haue raigned among vs, and yet do, haue better imploied thēselues, then Saul did, vnto the redresse of whatsoeuer they find out of square. For if the estate of Christendome also were of late, or yet is in many places, as far out of square, as then the estate of Israel was, and those that haue reigned, or yet do, be in most places as short of their dutie, as Saul was then, it is not to be denied by any, but that the like occasion being offered now, as we find to be offered then, the like hope may be conceiued now also of the aduancement of the kingdome of Christ alreadie be­gun, as heerein we find of the kingdome of David, that vpon that occasion was now first aduanced. First therefore as towching the estate that Christendome was in, In what estate Christendom was, vnder Poperie, and yet is. before these daies of the Gospell, and yet is where the Gospell is not receiued, and among all those that after a sort receiue it, so far-forth as they do not soundly receiue it in effectuall maner, it may soone ap­peare, that it was altogether as ill, as was the estate of Israel then: as yet also it is, either fully agréeable thereunto, where the Gospell is so much reiected, or somewhat fauoring of it, where the Gospell is not so fully receiued, in such proportion as yet they hold it out from among them. For whereas the text said of them, that the people were in distresse, not only Math. 24.29 Luk. 21.25.26. 2. Tim. 3.1.5. Apo. 8.13.9.1.5. the text it selfe doth likewise fore-shew in many places, that such should be those daies of vengeance procéeding from the wrath of the Lord that now we speake of: but also both the histories do so plentifully witnes the same, and the experience of those daies hath made so sensible demonstration thereof vnto vs, that no body now can be either altogether ignorant, or but so much as doubtfull of it. So likewise where were there any then to be found, that durst looke those enimies of ours in the face? or ra­ther who did not, either hide themselues in the most secret pla­ces that they could thinke of: or else abandoning their owne countries, and houses, got them farther off out of danger? for such hath bin the power of those our Philistims of the Church of Rome for certain ages, that it was past the power of Princes [Page 71] (and much rather of meaner estates) to deale with them, after that by their slacknes before, they had now got the bridle into their téeth. As for any furniture against the wars, who kno­weth not, but that they swept all as cleane from vs, as euer the Philistims did from them? For whereas the word of God is the swoord of our warfare (as Math. 4.4.7.10. Christ in his owne person hath taught vs, and as the Ephes. 6.17. Apostle likewise doth call it) what part thereof did they leaue vnto vs in our mother-toong, or in such sort as we might be able in time of néede to attaine thereunto? neither the old Testament, nor the new: neither the Prophets, nor the Apostles, nor Christ himselfe: neither the preachings, nor yet the writings of any of their. And this haue they done in so greedie and watchfull maner, that as among the children of Israel only King Saul, and Jonathan his sonne were found to haue either sword or speare (and yet being but sixe hundred in all, it had bin but a small matter, if fo many had had wea­pons ynow thrée-fold ouer:) so likewise with vs, though in that corrupt time there were not many, that so much misliked the seruititude they were in, that they could be content to take part with their Princes, against those other Philistims of theirs, but that it had bin as small a matter for them to haue had wea­pons ynow: yet among them also but few were found, heere and there one with some rare and principall man, and otherwise not so much as one among them all. Neither were our Phili­stims content to spoile vs of our weapons only, but they tooke away all such artificers also, or men of learning, as were able to make any mo. Insomuch that as they for the repairing of their instruments of husbandrie, were faine to séeke vnto the Phili­stims, or else at home might neuer haue but the vse of a file (a seely, and a busie help for the mattok, coulter, and share:) so we likewise, euen for the artes and liberall sciences, were driuen to séeke vnto these Philistims of ours, that they only might giue the heate, and haue the hammering of all those matters. And if any of vs thought much, in those things to be so beholding to them, or would not take the paines to seeke so far, they had laid the coast so sure in all such cases, that what we were loath to take of them, we were sure but hardly to find any where else. [Page 72] And as a man may easily gesse why those Philistims allowed the Israelites to haue no weapons, nor any to make them: so is it as easie in these daies also, to say what the cause is why ours likewise allow not the people to haue the Scriptures among them, nor any to shew vs what they require, or to leade vs into the knowledge of them. They pretend, and boldly beare the peeple in hand, that the Scriptures are both hard, and dange­rous: but the truth is, they would keepe vs in bondage still, and therefore can they in no wise allowe vs to haue our wea­pons. They are hard in déede for them to answer: and therefore deale they so hardly with them. They know that to their estate they are dangerous and therefore make they so great danger to let vs haue them. But now if we come to the idolatrie and to the blasphemie of the Philistims, there will it most plainly ap­peare, that in both those points these our Philistims do far ex­céede, both in number of idols, and in multitude of blasphemies also. And then being so idolatrous as they are, and so blasphe­mous vnto the true and liuing God, looke how much more these two vices are found in them, so much more miserable must out estate be vnder these, then was that other of the children of Is­rael, vnder that other idolatrous people. In this case Christen­dome stoode, vnder that late power of darknes that ouerwhel­med the face of the earth: and wheresoeuer that power of dark­nes doth yet remaine, in the whole or in part, there may a man quickly find y ^e like miserie as yet remaining, so far as will serue to answer the other in due proportion. How little the most of our Princes have holpen this distresse of the people. Now therefore we are to consider, in what sort our Princes haue set in hand to come in with their help: and namely this one thing, whether they also haue not so slenderly done it, but that it may be as néedfull now, to haue the Gospel aduanced amōg vs, to supply the defect that is in them, as the wisdom of God found néedful then, to bring in David, Somewhat they have done. to supply whatsoeuer wanted in Saul. And first it is in no wise to be denied, but that diuers things they haue done, and daily do that are able to make a goody shew: and yet on the other side is it true againe, that few of them do better than Saul, and many much worse. Some few (God be thanked) there are, that haue deliuered the people that are vnder their charge, from that [Page 73] cruel Nahash of Rome, that in no wise yéeldeth to conditions of peace, vnlesse that he might thrust out our right eies (by depri­uing vs of the word of God) and so bring vpon vs perpetuall shame: and not only haue done it, but also haue done it in as va­liant maner, and with as feruent and quick a zeale, as euer Saul did accomplish the other. Others there be, that either mind it nothing at all, as little or nothing apperteining to them, or as a matter of small importance: or else but faintly, or very slenderly meddle therewith. Of those that help forward so bad a course, or do no more but only beare with it, I say nothing at this pre­fent: although of that companie there be not a few, that full ill represent the person they beare. Sith lesse will serue, we shall not néede so far to charge thē. In like sort we haue among vs, that before-hand prouide them of competent forces, to be im­ploied against the enimie as néede shall require, and to that end also make much of such men, as they find méete for the war that they haue in hand; and readily stand, when occasion is offered, in the face of the enimie: vsing also whatsoeuer aduantage fal­leth vnto them the best that they may. It may be also that there are some (but those are but few) that without intermission con­tinually war on all the enimies of the Gospell of Christ, on eue­rie side: especially against those our Philistims, and against all others by whom y ^e people of God are spoiled. And yet notwith­standing though so they do: yet vnlesse they euer put them to the worse likewise, in that point must they needs come short of Saul. Neither is it to be doubted of any, but that diuers of our Christian Princes there are, that by the vertue of Gods com­mandement, and in respect of iustice it selfe, alreadie haue exe­cuted, and daily yet do, the iudgements of God against all our Amalekites whatsoeuer, that heretofore haue bin so offensiue, or yet are, vnto any of the people of God, that at any time passe from the bondage of ignorance, error, or sin, by the wildernes of this present life, vnto the land of eternall promis, the kingdome of God: who being possessed with a speciall care on the behalfe of all that are friends to the people of God, do neuerthelesse de­stroy the enimie with a mightie destruction. These things no doubt at least in some measure, are found among our Christian [Page 74] Princes: and needs must they make, wheresoeuer they are, a great good shew of performing all that is required. But the chiefe thing is wan­ting. A full resigna­tion of them­selves. But then as in Saul the chiefe was wanting: so is it likely, in this case to be with vs likewise. For although they acknowledge that God hath called them thereunto, and that they are to gouerne in his name: yet are there not many, that altogether resigne thēselues vnto him, and fully determin or set down with themselues, than in all their waies they will be haue themselues, as those that re­present the person of God, and as those that haue the managing or gouernment, not of their owne, but only of his. Seldome is it seene, that in all things they purpose, and fully determin, euer to await the direction of God, and they is frame their doings according. Such an inward sound resolution is far to seeke in many of them. And as the compas of scripture that now we are in, sheweth the same to be wanting in Saul, but only by those two special points before rehearsed: so we likewise shall neede none other to find the same also to be wanting in vs. For there are not many, that in such case would await the comming of the Prophet to inuest them further in their kingdome, and better to instruct them what they should do: neither can they find in their hearts in such sort to punish certaine offendors, as God hath commanded that they should. Awaiting the Prophet. As for awaiting the Prophets comming, because it was (in one point especialy) but extraordi­narie, and peculiar to that case, therefore do they take no part thereof to belong to themselues. For though it were in that case méete, to haue the ministerie or help of the Prophet to his further inauguration at Gilgal, in a publike assemblie of the people: yet doth it not follow thereupon, that there is any vse of such help in their case also. It was meete for Saul, for that as yet he was not fully inuested in the Kingdome: notwith­standing that he was before 10.1. annointed by the Prophet at Ra­mah, 10.17.24. chosen by lot before the Lord in Mizpeh, 11.12. and with spe­ciall ioy and fauour acknowledged and accepted of the people at Iabesh-Gilead. For his annointing was but secret, 9.27. none o­ther being priuie thereto, but the Prophet, and him-selfe a­lone: but yet to him ward 10.2.10. notably confirmed by signes that followed: but election at Mizpeh was no more but 10.20.21. only an [Page 75] election, shewing vnto them who it was, whome the Lord would haue to be their King: and though he were ackowled­ged, and accepted of the people at Iabesh-Gilead, yet 11.7.8.12. was it but of a part of the people, only of those forces that were ga­thered together against the Ammonites (and yet to the num­ber of 330090.) And because all this was no full establishing of the Kingdom vnto him, therefore was he first to awaite a fur­ther solemnitie of inauguration in some general assemblie of al, and wherein y ^e ministerie of the Prophet was verie conuenient. Many of ours would haue thought, much lesse then thus much to be sufficient: especially whē as so vrgēt occasion should make them to hasten to enter into it, without so perfect inauguration. And yet Saul as it seemeth, did not of any greedinesse in him­selfe, so hasten his entry (for he awayted the Prophet seuen dayes, as before is declared) but onely for that hee tooke himself to bee very iustly called vnto it, or rather by strict necessitie strongly vrged. And as for instruction not many of vs, if in our iudgement our title were good, and so readie a way layde open vnto vs, woulde haue thought that a sufficient cause to haue a­wayted the Prophet so long: especially if our selues before had receiued the spirite of prophecie 10.10. as hee had done, and if wee had at that present 13.5. so weighty matters in hande besides. For it is the manner with vs, eyther altogether to shut out the Prophet, from all our aduices and councelles in such matters, euen of contempt or inwarde dislike that wee haue to such a course: or at least, vnder pretence of our owne sufficiencie, if so bee that wee haue any measure of knowledge: or else vpon euery slight and easie businesse, to holde our selues as iustly hindred. As for the other, that is, Punishment of offendors, such as God appointeth. in such sort to punish offen­dors as God appoynteth, that is such a matter, as hardly can wee frame our selues in diuers causes to come any thing near. Insomuch that although Saul were in this point so maruellous short, that chiefly for that cause hee cast him away: yet if wee consider that case of his, wee may finde that hee went much nearer to that which the Lorde did appoint him to doe, then wee in such case were like to haue done: whether wee respect the nature or substaunce of that case it selfe: or certayne cir­cumstaunces [Page 76] thereunto appertaining. Vnto the nature of the case it belongeth to consider that it was an execution: and the same very seuere. If wee haue to deale in an execution, com­mmonly we think, that some worke of mercy doth much better become vs. If it taste of seuerity, though neuer so iust, yet, if much it stande thereupon, as in this case it did (beeing 15.3. com­maunded to destroy both the people themselues, and all that did belong vnto them, both man, and woman, infant, and suck­ling, Oxe, and Sheepe, Camell, and Asse, and to haue no com­passion of them, and all this, for no cause else, but onely for that 15.2. certaine auncesters of theirs long before layde wayte for the Israelites in the way, as they came vp from Aegypt, and skir­mished with them) then doe wee seeke to giue it the slippe so much as we can, and euer lightly do but sliue it when we haue any such thing to doe. The circumstaunces are two: one of the time: an other of their persons. As for the time, it was almoste 400 yeares ago, when that fault was made that nowe was punished, And this execution was to bee done, when first he en­tred into his kindgome. As for their persons, the time it selfe sufficiently prooueth, that they were not the offendors them­selues: but their posteritie, very neare to the tenth generation. And yet notwithstanding although hee spared some, the Text it selfe doth beare him witnesse, that, those excepted, 15.8. hee vtter­ly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sworde: and himselfe addeth further, that 15.15. hee destroyed all the rest. Nei­ther doe wee reade that hee spared any thing, for any benefite to himselfe or his people, but 15.15.22. onely to offer them in sacrifice vnto the Lorde: though Samuel 15.19. doth tharge him, that in that case also hee did no better then turne to the pray: and did ex­ceeding wickedly before the Lorde. How much the rejection of Saul ought to touch our Christian Princes. But, O mercifull God, if Saul in thy iustice deserued for this to be cast away, as altoge­ther vnmeete to sitte in the throne of thy iudgement on earth: howe iustly haue our Princes also deserued to bee remooued, and to giue place to the worde of thy power, that trueth and equity may be established, and set vp for euer! And howe com­meth it to passe, that Saul beeing made so fearefull an example to vs, wee neuerthelesse do so much transgresse, wherein wee [Page 77] see that a small fault in him (in comparison of a thousande of ours) neuerthelesse had (and iustly to: it must needes be so) an heauie iudgement! But at this present wee néede no more, but so farre to consider of the want that was founde in Saul, as that if wee finde the like in our late gouernment also, wee then acknowledge it to bee so much the more likely, that God will now aduance the Gospell or kingdome of Christ, as we see that the want of good gouernment, in the Princes and States of Christendome, haue iustly occasioned that so he should.

16 And so haue we heard, The conclusi­on: wherein, to the further raising up of the hope afore­said, divers ex­amples are brought to shew, that al­though for a time God hath suffered his people, and his glorie to be held under: yet in the end he hath advaun­ced them both. Izhak. Iaakob. that as it pleased God first to annoint David to be in readinesse, and to procure him the fa­uour of many, so hath hee doone in these dayes of ours for the Gospell also: and as afterwarde it pleased him, by many tribu­lations to bring him to the kingdome, so hath hee brought the Gospell likewise to so good a forwardnes for that matter, that well may we hope of the like successe in the end. We see also what is the course wherein wee are to awayt this goodnesse of God: and of howe little force it is, that out of the oddes betwixt David and vs, may bee obiected. What therefore remayneth nowe, but to lift vp our heades, and to awayte the full aduance­ment of that glorious kingdome of Christe among vs? In the house of Abraham, Ishmael for a time was grieuous to Iz­hak, because of the promise: but his mother and hee were for the same cast out in the ende. In the wombe of Rebekah, E­sau stroue against Iaakob his brother: but both it was tolde Rebekah by and by that the elder shoulde serue the yonger, and afterwarde it was brought to passe in deede that so hee did. Esau hated Iaakob agayne, because of the blessing wherewith Father Iahak had blessed him: and although him selfe had made but very slender account of it, yet when hee sawe that his brother had it, hee fully purposed to destroy him for it. But Iaa­kob was had to a place of safetie in the meane season, while his brothers wrath was asswaged, and his brother himselfe other­wise placed: and afterwarde was hee brought home in peace with abundance of riches, many children and a great familie, vnto the quiet and peaceable fruition of so much of that blessing of his, as that present estate of his was capable of: peaceably [Page 78] soiourning in that lande of promis (an earnest to him, and to his children of greater mercies intēted towards them) whence Esau and his were already remooued, Ioseph, Ioseph. for the speci­all knowledge that God had giuen him of great aduaunce­ment in time to come, was by his naturall (but vnnaturall) brethren soulde for a bond-slaue, and so by them cast, what was in them, into the moste yrkesome and grieuous miserie of per­petuall bondage and after againe by the false accusation of the wicked, and by the credulitie of such as had authoritie, was cast into prison: and there, for a time, both hee and his innocencie lay fast bound, and in a manner buried together. Yet in the end hee was deliuered: his innocencie made knowne, and himselfe brought to maruellous honour: vnto whome not onely the Ae­gyptians, but his owne brethren also, yeelded all the obeisance they coulde. The children of Israel in bondage. The children of Israel for a time were in bondage, and serued the Aegyptians a long season, and by them were kept in miserable slauerie: and when Moses himselfe pitying their estate, was very forwarde, and would haue holpen them somewhat before the time was come, though at that true hee was in great fauour in the court, and very mightie, yet was hee not able to bring it to passe: but, medling with it some­what to timely, made it worse then it was before. But after­warde, when the time was come, God himselfe required the King of Aegypt to let his people goe to serue him: and when hee woulde not, hee powred foorth his plagues vpon them in so plentifull manner, that hee made him fayne against his wil to let them goe: and to suffer them to take away with them all their iewels and precious thinges, euen all the spoyle of the Lande of Aegypt. Intangled. And when soone after hearing that the children of Israel were intangled in the Wildernes, so that he might haue them at great aduantage to destroy them euery one, hee repented nowe that hee had let them goe before, and sought for to get them into bondage agayne, or else to destroy them, hee quickly founde, that the date of the bondage of the people of God was nowe at end, and that hee might not in a­ny wise looke, not so much as to bring them nowe afresh into their former estate of bondage againe: much lesse to preuaile [Page 79] against their liues, although of long time they had so done be­fore. Their intangling in the wildernesse, was not to put them into their handes agayne: but to prouoke them to come out to receiue the vengeance that they had so iustly deserued: that, seeing they would in no time finde the good and mercifull cal­ling of God, leading them vnto a sounde repentaunce of the former oppression and cruelty, that they had exercised against the people of God, they might now in their most iust destruction giue matter of great comfort and ioy to the people of Israel then, and of better aduice and moderate dealing to all posteri­ties that were to come. In the wildernes as they passed by, In the wilder­nes. and hauing already nowe begun that long and tedious iourney of theirs, as they trauailed on (in their owne weakenesse, fayntly ynough) to the lande of promis, the Amalekites that dwelt thereby coulde not finde in their heartes to suffer them to passe so quietly by them: but must needes lay themselues in ambush to annoy them, and euer nowe and then cut of some straglers of them. But such order was taken with them, that both pre­sently they were beaten home, by a fewe souldiers that were sent to encounter them, and while Moses getting vp to an hill that was thereby, helde vp that staffe of his, whereby so many great workes haue beene done, as the standarde of the Lorde vnto his people: and had withall for the time to come an hea­uier iudgement denounced against them, that for this their dis­curtesie to the people of God, they shoulde afterwarde bee vt­terly destroyed from the face of the earth. A while after them­selues, Refusing to to enter into the land of promis. euen all the whole company of them (a very fewe se­uerall persons onely excepted) did so much offend the Lorde, for that they woulde not enter the lande, when the Lorde had layde it open vnto them, that now by oath, and sentence giuen, hee excluded them for euer, and woulde neuer suffer any of them all to goe in and see the goodnesse of it. But yet minde­full of his promise to Abraham, Izhak, and Iaakob, he after­ward brought in their children into it, (as many in number as their fathers were that were excluded, and somewhat me) after that they were growne vp to mans state, and had for a time born the punishment of their fathers sins. Towards the end of [Page 80] this their iourney, howe did the Moabites and Midia­nites together (when they sawe the children of Israel to bee a mightier people, Secretly assaul­ted by the wic­ked practises of the Moa­bites and Mi­dianites. then that by strong hande they coulde haue a­ny hope to preuayle against them) giue themselues to secrete practises: howe earnestly did they labour Balaam for that cause to come vnto them, howe many sacrifices did they willingly offer: howe earnestly and howe often did they intreate the high­est power of all, to haue giuen them some hande against the Israelites, the Israelites that meant no yll against them, and that quietly lay in their campe, little knowing how these were occupied? And yet, when they had done all that they coulde, they coulde doe nothing. Israel was blessed, and so must stand: it coulde not be altered. If they desired so to destroy them that they shoulde bee no people, or but a fewe: it was playnly tolde them, that they shoulde bee as the dust of the earth, that is, in­numerable. If they desired but to holde them vnder, for that point they had their aunswere also, that they had the strength of the Vnicorne, and that as a Lion, they shoulde anietly sende on their pray, Easilie distres­sed by others when the Lord was of­fended with them: but af­terward invin­cible whereso­ever they cam. and rise vp and lie downe at their pleasure. Du­ring the time that the Lorde was offended with them, and for that cause, woulde not giue them any entrie yet into the lande of promis, nor to preuaile against their enimies, a fewe of the Canaanites beate them away, when they approched but some­what neare to the border of them. But afterwarde, when the time of that his displeasure drewe towardes an ende, and that nowe hee was disposed to bring them in, and to make it known that they were his people, howe notably did they preuaile in whatsoeuer they tooke in hande. Nom. 21.3. They notably preuayled a­gainst certaine of the Canaanites that prouoked them in the way, Ib. 21.35. they vtterly destroyed the two kingdomes of the Amo­rites that denied them passage: and they did so great an execu­tion against the Midianites (who by their wiles had wonne certaine of the Israelites to idolatrie, Nom. 31.32.35.49.50.25. and whoredome) that be­ing but twelue thousande in all, they stewe the fiue kinges of the Midianits, and Balaam their, lewde Prophet with them, and tooke a notable pray besides, of sixe hundred threescore and fifteene thousand sheepe, threescore & twelue thousande beeues, [Page 81] threescore and one thousande asses, and thirtie and two thou­sand maidens, and yet notwithstanding lost not one man of their companie, whereupon they gaue a free-will offering of sixteene thousande, seuen hundred and fiftie shekels of golde, a­mounting vnto, in our coine, about 7468 ounces. When they were to make their entrie howe did Iordan that great wa­ter stay his course (beeing at that time strong, and great) and gaue them passage on the drie grounde: and immediatly after how did those strong and high walles of Iericho of themselues fall downe on euery side, as the people of Israel stoode about them? A while after again, when a great power of the enimies had gathered them selues together against the people of Is­rael, Iosh. 10.11.14. howe did the Lorde destroy a great number of them with haile from Heauen: and howe did both the Sunne and the Mooone stay their course, and stoode still where they were, at the commaundement of Ioshua, to giue them time and light, to make an vtter destruction of them? And so proceeding in the conquest, hee slewe one and thirtie Kings, tooke away their kingdomes, and parted the same among the people. But the whole course of the scriptures (besides) doe playnely witnes, that howsoeuer it hath pleased God oft times, to stay for a sea­son the iust and due aduancement of his owne glorie, and there­in to holde his children vnder some harde and grieuous disci­pline: yet in the ende, and when the time appointed was come, hee hath fully declared, what regarde hee had, both vnto the cause it selfe, and vnto those that tooke part with it. And seeing that by these fewe (not culled out of the whole, but taken as they lie together, within that compasse) it is apparant ynough, what comfort we might haue in the rest that are of this kinde: therefore it shall not bee needefull to prosecute all, but to holde our selues contented onely with these.

17 Wherein if (yet this once more) wee come in our selues, what letteth, The applicati­on of those former exam­ples unto our selves, and to the present e­state of the Church now. but that out of the examples before set downe, wee also might rayse vnto our selues the selfe same comfort that before wee spake of? Hath Ishmael beene so long grieuous to Izhak already, and yet may wee in no wise hope, that hee can bee cast out as yet? Shall Esau still bee so heauie [Page 82] to Iaakob, for the blessing that is bestowed on him, shall hee make him still to runne his countrie, and to serue in so harde a bondage else-where: and shall the Lorde playnely pronounce that the elder shoulde bee subiect vnto the yonger: and yet may we not, after so long and grieuous banishmentes endured, hope in the end to see the performaunce of that his promis: no, not nowe, when wee see that from Heauen hee hath giuen vs such helpes, and made vs so ready a way vnto it? May wee in Io­seph so plainly behold the very cause, why they haue bin so grie­uous vnto vs, liuely set forth in perfect colours: and yet may we in no wise hope to find the like issue likewise in the end? for what other cause haue they, but for that they doe perceiue, that God meaneth for to aduaunce the selfe same cause that wee haue in hande? And seeing that for a time they haue kept it vnder: why may we not hope, that there is a time likewise, when it is to preuayle against them, and to attayne vnto the ho­nour that is due vnto it? In bondage likewise long wee haue beene, with the children of Israel in the lande of Ae­gypt: and may wee not looke, with them also to bee deliuered? When the Lorde, wee see, hath sent his Moses and Aaron with the worde of his mightie power, when wee see that those his seruauntes faythfully doe their message to Pharaoh, and require him in the name of the Lorde to let his people goe, when wee see it is euident also that the Lorde so ioyneth with them, that notably hee sheweth foorth his power before them all, and strongly shaketh certayne of those states that stande a­gainst him: must wee notwithstanding be so farre out of heart without former oppression, that wee may in no case hope (al­though wee haue so pregnant tokens) that nowe the Lorde is in hande to worke foorth our wished deliueraunce? And what though nowe it doe repent many of them, that they haue set vs goe so much as they haue? what, though hearing that we are sometimes intangled in some wildernesse of theirs, thereupon they come foorth against vs with a freshe power, either to bring vs back into bondage againe, or else to put vs all to the sword? Is it of necessity that because they woulde so haue it, therefore it must bee so in deede? Can they in no wise otherwise take it, [Page 83] but that if once we bee entangled, then are they sure to preuaile agaynst vs? When they haue seene such iudgementes of God before, and themselues haue lately ynough sufficiently felt the hande of God in this quarrell, can they notwithstanding neuer suspect, that the wrath y ^t of Lord which they haue so many ways so iustly prouoked may by such meanes trayne them foorth to further vengeance? Or, if the oportunitie of the place giue heart vnto them (as sometimes hauing vs, in the cause that wee su­steine, at great aduantage, hauing the Sea before vs, our eni­mies behinde, and such rockes on eyther side, as doe yeelde no passage by them at al) can they in no wise so much as think, that in such case God knoweth howe to deliuer those that are his, and hath yet left him wayes ynow beyond the deuise and reach of man? If nowe they annoy vs, as wee are in our way, tra­uelling towardes the lande of promis, what doe they else, but as the Amalekites did before? and if they take part with them in their sinne: may wee not hope, that they shall bee made partakers of their vengeance also? Let Moses on the top of the hill, in the sight of the hoast of the Lord, and in the sight of all their enimies, aduaunce the Lordes Standard, if he bee olde, and therefore somewhat weake, and bee not able still to ad­uaunce it in such sort as hee shoulde, let Aaron and Hur bee supporters vnto him, that so the Lordes Standard may still be aduaunced: and then it neede not to bee doubted of any, but that our Amalekites also shall soone bee beaten backe, and taught to giue more quiet passage to the children of Israel, as they are (at the Lordes appointment) to passe by their bor­ders. And if these Amalekites of ours, in this large space of repentaunce that God doth giue them, will in no time turne to the Lorde, why may we not looke, but that on them the Lorde will at the length bring an vtter destruction, euen before our eyes in sight: vnlesse it please him, of mercie to spare them, or to reserue them to heauier iudgements against that day, when he shall call to account all the vngodly of the earth, for all their vngodly deedes which they haue vngodlie committed, and for all their cruell speakings which vngodly sinners haue spoken against him? That (as yet) wee are not so fully entered in­to [Page 84] the possession of our inheritance, whome may we thanke so much as our selues? For when God woulde haue brought vs in, wee made light account of it, and did not beleeue his good­nes towardes vs: wee woulde needes haue searchers to goe and see, whether it were so good a lande, and whether we should bee able to get it. God had already told vs, both that it was a notable land, and that hee woulde giue it vnto vs: but that woulde not serue. If men of our owne choyce did not tell vs so too, wee thought it no wisedome, so soone to yeelde vnto the bare worde of God alone: and wee were not ashamed, to put to his triall euen the trueth of God himselfe, and to make him to stande at our barres, and there to bee tried by the verdict of lying men. What reason therefore, but that, hauing done so great dishonour (or vilany rather) to the God of all trueth and glorie, wee should iustly hee excluded for a time from that com­fortable fruition of this land of promis that nowe wee would so fayn enioy. But seeing that wee the children of those our great auncestours haue so long beene kept out, and borne the iniqui­tie of our parentes refusall, what letteth but that nowe, when wee see that God beginneth to perfourme his mercies towards vs, wee may hope that the time of that wrath of his is almost expired, and that nowe hee is willing and reedie to bring, vs in, and to put vs in full possession? If wee also haue had our Mo­abites and Midianites, that haue busily sought to infringe our peace, and to make, a breach into the good estate that God hath giuen vs, and haue hiered their Balaams against vs, if not once or twice, but verie often they haue assayed, by secrete pra­ctises to doe vs some mischiefe: If they haue multiplied their masses against vs, and neuer so often reiterated that sacrifice of theirs which they call vnbloodie, but yet is bloddy and cru­ell in deede: must wee therefore doubt, that sometime or other they shall preuayle, and that the Lorde will cast vs head-long downe, into that insatiable gulfe of their blood-thirstinesse? Or many wee not rather hope, on behalfe of the quarrell that wee haue in hande, that as at that time he confounded all their deuices, and made frustrate all their attempts, and turned the cruell and deadly cursing that they had intended, into a ritche [Page 85] and speciall blessing: so nowe likewise hee will in like sort ac­curse all their open attemptes and secrete counsels, that neuer they shall bee able to preuayle against the cause that wee haue in hande, but that, euen by their owne endeuours, they must come downe more and more? Est. 6.18. If not onely the wiser friendes of Haman but euē Zaresh his wife likewise espied, that where­as they perceiued nowe, that Mordecai whose destruction hee sought, was founde to bee one of the people of God, he should neuer preuaile against him, but should certainly fall before him more and more: howe much rather ought wee to bee assured, and what dulnes were it not to perceiue, that, seeing they haue alreadie attempted the like crueltie against the people of God, vtterly to destroy them all, but now in these dayes haue begun to fall before them, they shoulde not nowe bee neare to their end, and dayly more and more come downe before those that they woulde haue deuoured, the inuincible race that is borne a newe, not of corruptible seede, but of incorruptible, the eter­nall trueth of the liuing God? And if wee coulde open but the eares of our mindes by fayth, no doubt wee might finde, that euen in their secrete corners among themselues, many of them haue such speaches one with another, complaining of their own ruinous state, and setting it downe for a verie truth, and that themselues do looke for no other, but that in this cause we are so blessed of God himself, as that their cursings can take no place, but that the cause we haue in hand must still preuaile, and that their impugning of it can be of no force, but against themselues. Not long since we graunt, that a few of them did verie often and very easily put to flight many of vs: and, if any stood against them, they easily bereft them of their libertie, lands, and life. But those were the daies of the heauie wrath of the Lord: and the time as then was not come, wherein God meant to shew forth his power on their behalf. But as the Israelites did short­ly after, when the time of vengeance was ouerblowne, notably preuaile against the Canaanites, Amorites, and Midianites, cleane beyond all expectation: so, what letteth, but that the Lord hauing alredie begun to worke so mightily for vs also, in the quarell we haue in hand, we may with good comfort lift vp our [Page 86] heads, and confidently looke for the full performance of it at his good pleasure? Iordan with vs also had filled the brinks, and séemed at the first vtterly to deny all passage to any that would attempt to enter: in earthly power they were so strong apart by themselues, and in this quarell so knit together the one with the other, the ecclesiasticall and ciuile together. But when now the time was come, the Priests that bare the Arke of the Lord, could no sooner by the commandement of Ioshua step into the riuer, and but profer to make their entrie, but that by and by (a wonder to see) the waters parted and gaue them passage on dry ground. Our Iericho also was verie strongly walled about. But are not the walles thereof in good part falne alreadie: and do they not yet daily fall more and more, at least wheresoeuer the Priests do sound their trumpets, and the people, according thereto, lift vp their voice, and cry them downe? Many Kings and Princes there are that haue gathered themselues together against our Ioshua also, so soone as euer he hath made his en­trie: and though it were in so wonderfull maner, that therein only they may plainly perceiue that his entrie was from aboue, by the mightie hand of God, yet were they not so touched there­with, but that still they would bend their forces against him so much as they could. But what haue they gained thereby? Di­uers of them haue sharply felt the mightie hand of God against them: and what letteth, but that we may looke to see these begin­nings, at the length to be brought to happy endings? Certain­ly our Ioshua is to preuaile, against all those that come against him, and to diuide the promised land to the children of Israel. Only let vs take héede to this, that when God is so redie as to bestow these mercies on vs, our selues be not so far to séeke whē we should receiue them, or do not endeuour in such sort to ad­dresse our selues thereunto, as our own good, and the nature of the cause doth require. Let there be no want in vs: and then shall we vndoubtedly sée the goodnes of God in the land of the liuing. For he is faithfull, that so hath promised.

18 And now, O Lord what els remayneth, A Prayer upon this whole sto­rie. but that as thou hast alreadie begun, to thy glorie and our comfort, thus farre to aduaunce thy kingdome among vs: euen so it would please thee to proceede vnto the ende, euen to the full accomplishment of it? The Gospell that thou hast sent vnto vs (and which as thou hast aduaunced alreadie in some good measure, so wee desire that it may be aduaunced still, euery day more and more) what is it els but the power, and very Scepter of thine annoynted? And what one is there among vs all, that may reasonably doubt, but that thine holy oyle is vpon it? When thy holye spirit worketh so mightily with it, euen that only doth sufficiently witnesse that it also is annoynted by thee. The benefite, that thereby redoun­deth to others, is so apparant and great, that in that respect also it may not be doubted, but that it procéedeth from thée, and right well deserueth to be further aduaunced, that so the benefite that commeth with it may be thereby enlarged to mo. For by it also our troubled spirits and doubtfull hearts towards God are no­tably appeased, and deepely setled in sound comfort and ioy: in that we vnderstand thereby, how thy wrath is appeased towards vs, and that there is no damnation to those that are in thee. And whereas wee also were as much in bondage to certayne of late, as thy Israel was to those Philistims then, and out faced like­wise with a monsterous Goliath, that defied thy saincts, and often brake foorth into most blasphemous speaches agaynst thy trueth, and of whom al thy people were so afrayd, that they durst not abide his presence: thou hast in these dayes, and before our eyes, by this the power of thy out-stretched and mightie arme, so notably ouerthrowne and trodden downe, that out-growne Champion of theirs, and therewithall put the whole power of them to such a flight, as that thereby thou hast deliuered many of thy people out of their hands, and so vnioynted their power ouer the residue also, that now it is no hard matter for any that will, to deliuer themselues from this their tyrannie. Neither can it bee denied but that in these dayes there are not a fewe that do beare it such a good will, as that thereby thou hast made vn­to it (in these secondarie meanes with vs) a readier way to come to the height that is due vnto it. For not only the people gene­rally [Page 88] do in many places beare good will vnto it, and leauing the glorie of a thousand to Saul, ascribe no lesse then ten thousand to it: but many Ionathans also there are, whose hearts thou hast in such sort touched, that they haue it in so great, not estimation only, but euen admiration also, that al they can do is too little for it. Neither their furniture, nor abiliments of honour are so deare vnto them, but that it must haue them all: and though it be their owne father that would do it any dishonor, or hurt: yet can they not suffer it at their hands neither, but still preuent it so much as they can. And whereas yet there are many likewise, that are enemies vnto it: yet doth not that enmitie of theirs proceede of other occasion, then that of Saul did agaynst David; nor yet is prosecuted in other manner. For what other thing is there, that so kindleth their hearts agaynst the Gospell, but only the ill temper that is in them, and for that they playnlie see, that it is the thing that thou art disposed now to aduance: and that them­selues, and their loose regiment must now come downe, and giue place vnto it? And that it might the better be knowne to bée of the same nature that the other was of, how doth it proceed after one and the selfe same manner: first in secret, and openly after; and yet very rageous not only agaynst David himself, but also agaynst many others for his sake, euen as their furie therein doth leade them? A thing that though themselues perceiue not, yet is it to vs, and to all that are able to see, a sufficient matter whereby to decipher, both what it is they do impugne, and who they are that do impugne it. We see likewise and must needes acknowledge (and as to our comfort we do behold it, so do wee right gladly acknowledge it also) that notably thou hast begun alreadie to aduaunce thy Gospell among vs: that thou hast made it a readie way, by preseruing, encreasing, and strengthning those, by whom it pleaseth thee to aduance it: and that thou hast alreadie subdued many countries and kingdomes vnto the obe­dience of the same, and much weakned diuers of those that stand agaynst it. In Hebron thou doest already reigne, ouer the tribe of Iudah thine owne kindred: and though Israel (for many of them) do as yet stand out agaynst thee: yet those also hast thou weakened much, and daily encreasest in strength agaynst them. [Page 89] But O Lord such is thy maiestie, and so worthie art thou to rule ouer all, that not only those that are neerest vnto thee, but the farthest also, euen to the vttermost ends of the earth, ought to yeeld their obedience to thee. True it is that in David we found very good things, and such as might well commend him to vs, vnto the place that thou at the length didst call him vnto: to­wards thee, a speciall good regard to thy will, and a delight in thee and thine: and towards others, a very good heart, not only to his acquaintance and friends, but euen to straungers and e­nemies also. But whence had David these, but from thee? In him they were but in some measure: and, in comparison, but in small portions neither: in thee they are immeasurable, and in greater aboundance, than can be conceiued. He was but a shep­heard at the first: though it pleased thee after to make him a King. The basenes of his estate before, might be no hinderance at all vnto him, to his further aduancement when the time was come, wherein thou diddest meane to bestowe it vpon him. Thy Sonne our Lord, hath been, thou knowest, a Shepheard alrea­die: he disdayned not to abase himselfe vnto it: and he stucke not for any traueile or paines, that did apperteyne to the full accom­plishment of it. And should he not haue as readie a way thence to the kingdome, as David had? Or could the sonne of Ishai bee so aduaunced: and shall not the eternall Sonne of the Father, the God of all power and glorie, and to whom only al kingdom and maiestie doth only belong, haue as readie a way vnto it? Our selues, we graunt, by whom we would haue this kingdom of thine to be aduanced, are farre short in al such graces as were meete for those that should bee vouchsafed that speciall fauour. But neither is there any flesh and bloud in thy sight found wor­thie of any such fauour: neither is it meete, that for our vnwor­thines, thy kingdome should not bee aduanced on earth; in such sort as to thy glorie doth apperteyne, and may stand with thy pleasure here on earth. And seeing that it pleased thee, in the face of thine annoynted to vouchsafe that fauour to David thy seruant, notwithstanding that of himselfe he was no better then any others, and notwithstanding those great infirmities of his that were found in him after his calling: wee humbly beseech [Page 90] thee, in those thy mercies so to couer whatsoeuer corruption is in vs, as that for it thou suffer not the aduancement of thy king­dome to be hindred among vs. Israel (thou seest, for a great part of vs) is yet in bondage vnto those Philistims of ours, and by them kept vnder, in miserable slauerie, and grosse idolatrie: and, such as thou hast set vp among vs, to proceede and go forward with this our deliuerance, do (for the most part) so little remem­ber that part of their duetie, that therein they do but very little: and many of them nothing at all. Saul did somewhat, and mer­ueilous well, in comparison of many of ours: not only, when his kingdome was better confirmed (as agaynst the Philistims, and Amalekites also) but euen at his first enterance likewise, when as he was but newly come to his kingdome, and the same did hang but loosely vnto him as yet, as in that valiant expedition of his agaynst the Ammonites at Iabesh-Gilead. But the lesse, O Lord, that they haue done, and are disposed as yet to do: the more needfull is it for thée, to take some further order for it, both for the reliefe of thy distressed people, and for the aduancement of thy kingdome among vs. The lesse likewise, that our meane and base estate here in this life, is capable of so great prosperi­tie and glorie, as to thy kingdome of right apperteyneth, the more we desire that it would please thee to hasten the time of the second comming of our Lord and Sauiour, that he taking downe this Tabernacle on earth, may set vp thy pallace for e­uer in heauen, and there aduaunce thy glorious kingdome euen to the full. The cause, O Father, wee knowe is thine; and wee are thine: and now hauing made our prayers to thee, we hum­bly beseech thee to heare the same, euen in the face of thine an­noynted, Iesus Christ thy Sonne our Lord, to whom with thee and the holy Ghost be ascribed al power, thanks, kingdome, and glorie, for euer and euer. Amen.