CHAP. I. David comes to Nob; Doeg spies him there; hastens to Saul, tels him all his observations, yet can lay nothing to the Priests charge, but what was the Priests duty to doe. Doeg tels truth, yet loved ly­ing. The Edomites now, more shamelesse.

DAvid comes to Nob to Abimelech the Priest there, 1 Sam. 21. intreats a courtesie of him, and the Priest does him a Hawfull favour (whereof we shall heare more anon) Doeg the Edomite, Sauls chiefe Heardsman was there, for Saul had a Scout to spy every where, but none did his master better service (to Sauls liking) then Doeg did; he was an Edomite, (that I would have noted) and now, being in Israels Land, he was of his Religion too [for that is a thing easily taken up] and being at Nob, has a faire pretence for that also, as you may reade, Religion called him thither, and held him there: a pretence only, and no more; for that bloudy wretch mindes not Religion, not the solemne Acts thereabout: he mindes only all that which passed betwixt Abimeleth and David, that so he might doe mischiefe, a mighty man that way. And now having fed his eye, and filled his mouth with observations, hee hastened to his master Saul, 1 Sam. 22.6. findes him in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his speare in his hand, and all his servants standing about him.

It is worth the noting by the way, what mischiefe this evill and perverse will actuated by his evill spirit, has done unto Saul; It had drowne him from his owne house, and Court, where he might have rested in peace with his servants about him; he is now, even Saul the King, under a Tree with a speare in his hand, when no enemy is neere him but himselfe, and his evill spirit, which he entertaines and hugges as his best friend, though the worst enemy to Saul, next to himselfe, and the peace of the kingdome. It is a true saying. A man findes no such enemy in the world, as he may finde himselfe to be to himselfe. Chrysost. The Greek Father has a full Treatise upon that matter: I re­turne to the Tree againe, where Doeg found his master, him, that had lost himselfe, and heard him complaine bitterly to his servants, That they had all conspired against him. Why? because they had not yet be­trayed innocent David, and delivered him as a prey up unto their ma­sters hands: This Saul calls a conspiracy with his sonne Ionathan, a good man, who withholds his fathers hands as long as he could from shed­ding innocent bloud, and does, according to Gods Commandement, his utmost to deliver the innocent; This Saul calls a stirring up his servant (he meanes David) against him, Verse 9. to lye in wait as at this day. It fol­lowes, [Page 3] Then answered Doeg. The Edomite takes the words out of Sauls mouth, as spoken to himselfe: they were very pleasing to him, and answers before he was asked, for sure Saul does not question the Edo­mites readinesse in that service. But he answers, assureth Saul, that hee is none of those conspirators with Ionathan, in behalfe of David, not he; and he gives good testimony thereof, for he tells all that, which passed betwixt Abimelech and David there; he tells all, just as David knew it would be, when he heard that Doeg the Edomite had spied him there. Verse 22. We may observe Davids Psalme touching this matter; and by the way, how well fitted a cruell master is with a bloudy servant. And so let it passe; Psal. 52. noting only this in this place, and touching that Edomite; how Doeg impleads Abimelech, and what he layes to his charge; he tells all, and yet he tels nothing at all, but what stands upon everlasting record to the Edomites shame, and the Priests glory: for this he sayes, I saw the sonne of Iesse, [he meanes David] but speakes as contemptibly of him as he thought fit at that time; yet not so wickedly as the Edomites now adayes call David, for they call him by as vile a name as David, vile in his owne eyes, but the more pretious in Gods eyes, cals himselfe, a dog.]

I saw the sonne of Iesse come to Nob to Abimelech there. [Well, 1 Sam. 22.9. whither should David goe, persecuted by a cruell Lord, but to a good Priest for direction from Gods mouth? there was no hurt, but good in all that] The Priest enquired of the Lord for him.] [It was well he did, for hee did but his duty,] and gave David bread.] The Priest was bound to doe as much to his enemy, much more to David, for who so faithfull as David in all the kingdome. Nay, had he not done it (though sacred bread) he had destroyed David; as bloudy men have done in Oxford, denying the hungry soule bread there, and suffering them to dye for want of water.] And gave David the sword of Goliab the Philistine. [And that was it, but the greatest reason for that in the world. David had slaine the Philistine with the sword, then carries it away as lawfull prize; but, that God might have all the glory, he layes it up before the Lord; and now, after enquiring at Gods mouth, it is given David.] But this is all the Edomite has to say; And I know not what he could have said more to the Priest his commendation. Blessed be God, that the Edomite has not whereof to accuse the good Priest; all he speaks is for his commendation; and surely so is the will of God, that, with well doing, Priests then, and Ministers now, and people also (and it is their glory) may put to silence, 1 Pet. 2.16. [muzzle the mouths of beastly men] we reade, silence the ignorance of foolish men. And so, by the will and grace of God, have and doe Ministers, and people at this day, even put to silence the ignorance of wicked men: Many and grievious things are laid to their charge, but no more proved then was against David [Page 4]or Paul after him. Therefore wee must note here, that the Edomite then, though a bloudy wretch, and mighty to doe mischief, and could, like the Spider, turne Balsome into Poison; yet was he a very mo­dest informer: I doe not remember, that the Bishops had such ano­ther in any of their Courts; and truly he shames the Edomites of these dayes: This Edomite tels Saul the truth, and nothing but the truth, and so shames the Devill: That Abimelech enquired of the Lord for Da­vid; so he did; That he gave David bread; so he did too: and a sword; so he did also. The Edomite accuseth the Priest of no more but what the Priest did, and the Edomite saw done. The children of E­dom in these daies are more gracelesse and impudent a great deale: they sweare, and curse; and blaspheme, and doe not utter more words then lyes, against David, the upright in heart; what devouring words heare we from their mouthes! what horrible blasphemies from Liechfields Presse in Oxford! how doe they charge David with those things he knowes not? nay abhorres to thinke of, as contrary to his foule and spirit, as were those things charged upon Iob in his two and twentieth Chapter.

This is all wee will note, touching the Edomite in this Chapter; we shall enquire more of him anon. We see here, he was a very man­nerly civill fellow, in comparison of the Edomites now a dayes; not so much of the Divill in him as these have, who rage now amongst us, breaking bands, and casting away cords, as possessed men in an­cient times. And yet before I shut up this Chapter, I must satisfie a small doubt. Psal. 52.3. David in his Psalme of Instructions, tells us that Doeg loved sying; So hee did, for when Saul complained, that all his Ser­vants conspired against him; M [...] to in­forme the under­standing touch­ing the Edomite, and this time. they do indeed, said Doeg, Abimelech conspi­reth against thee too; and so he accuseth the Priest, materially, not one false word in the whole Accusation: But intentionally, lyes all, and devouring words; he intended as much mischiefe to Abimelech, as hee could have done him, had he spoken against him never a word true. We may exemplifie it thus.

An Edomite now, (for we shall prove anon, that the Papist now, and the Edomites then, are brothers) came to the King, tells his Majestie, that the Ammunition was removed from Hull. That is true; and yet lying and devouring words, intentionally spoke to enrage the King against his best Subjects. It is all in all with what minde words are spoken, if with a mind to murther and destroy, they are lying and devouring words, though never a word false: and so I will shut up this Chapter, Vers 4. Thou lovest all devouring words, O deceitfull man!

CHAP. II. Saul impleads Abimelech; he makes answer for himselfe, which clears the case of all the righteous now, and the great case now in question. Saul is not satisfied with reason, but, notwithstanding reason and Law both, command also from Gods mouth for what Abimelech did, Saul slayeth Abimelech, and destroy's the City of Priests.

SAul will be discovered anon, his owne hand will take off the Vaile, wherewith he has covered the eyes of Priests and People: the very intents of his heart touching David will be laid naked before the people; his owne hand will now give in cleare evidence, how bloody his thoughts were alwayes towards David. And indeed the hand is a sure witnesse, and tells us evermore whitherto thoughts tend, as the casting the Water-mans Armes tells us whither hee tends, and not the setting of his face. When Diotrephes did reach forth his hand to Excommunication, casting the Brethren out of the Church, then the old Servant of the Lord must needs tell against whom the malitious words were pointed or prated; Against us, 3. Epist. Ioh. 10. [...]. saith Saint John, for against them the hand went our also. I speak not this, as if I thought it so hard a matter to ken which way malicious de­vouring words doe tend; or that I thinke the thoughts, projects, con­trivances of the wicked against the godly are so indiscernable; though we must grant that there are many intricacies and perplexities in their wayes, the turnings and windings of the crooked Serpent; for the wicked (like harmfull beasts) doe love confusa vestigia. The wic­ked man forgeth and hammereth forth deceit, Fabricatur, Pro. 6.14. and while his thoughts and imaginations are thus busily employed, he thinks no eye is upon him, but that he is (as some Pioner or Gun-powder-man) hid un­der ground: and indeed from the eye of man hee is hid. For our thoughts are but the transactions or discussions of the minde, within that inward closet and privie Chamber there, and therefore they must needs want forme and shape; but the office of the tongue is to stamp a forme, to give a shape unto them, and then our thoughts are le­gible.

For what other are our actions, but our very thoughts, our secret talkings and parleys of our minde, cast into a mould: onely we must observe (and it is but a common observation) That the hand giveth the truest shape, the hand maketh the perfectest mould. There are some, we know, who read not as they write, nor sing as they pricke, [Page 6]and many more who speake not as they thinke; but the hand varieth not from the Idea that was in the minde. If a man forgeth mischiefe upon his bed, then when he is up, and it be in the power of his hands, and there be no over-ruling hand, he will act it: The hand is a sure interpreter of our mind, and of the transactions there, an infallible witnesse that cannot lie: words may deceive, and many times are spoken for this very end, to darken the thoughts and intent of the mind, and to make them lesse legible; these may be smoother then but­ter, when warre is in his heart: these may be as soft as oyle, and yet drawn swords, as we read: But when we see the hand besmeared with bloud, then we certainly conclude, that the thoughts were of a scarlet co­lour; and this is the sight or prospect we shall take a view of pre­sently, A bloudy execution done upon Nob, yet bloudy though it be, Saul pretends hee does it by helpe of God and the Law, by the knowne Lawes of the Kingdome; which, that we may examine, we will handle it not as an execution done, but ready to be done, else Saul might be said to doe as the Judge at Lidford, who hanged a man in the forenoone, and then heard his inditement, and passed sentence over him in the afternoone, not called the knowne Law of the king­dome then, Mr. Iueil. defence. but Lidford Law to this day. Saul was not to bad as to do so, he hath slaine Abimelech, but hee impleaded him first, objects a­gainst him, and heares what hee can say for himselfe: Saul hath this to say against him.

That Abimelech and the son of Iesse ( Saul meanes David, Ob. whom hee names with as little honour as can be) were confederate together and had conspired against him; 1 Sam. 22.13. Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the sonne of Iesse?

A sore accusation, Ans. but of no weight, validity, or strength, from Sauls mouth, who calls all conspirators, who will not shew Saul where David is, that so he may shed innocent bloud according to the power in his hands, Vers. 8. that so he may shed innocent bloud according to the power in his hands, Vers. 13. All of you have conspired against me. But what had the Priest done which might be called a Conspiracy, a taking part with David, That he should rise against Saul, to lye in wait as it is at this day? Thus Saul sayes, and so he impleads Abimelech.

In that thou hast given bread, Ob. and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him.

We will take the last first, Ans. enquired of God for David: It was the Priests office so to do; nor was that the first time that the Priest enqui­red of the Lord for David, Vers. 15. nor did the Priest know the second amongst the many thousands of Israel, who deserved better from the hands of Saul and all Israel then Dauid did; and therefore why might not Abi­melech enquire of the Lord for him There is all Reason and Law both, that so the Priest should doe, enquire of the Lord for David; but [Page 7]reason will not serve, nor the resolution of the Lord neither. The enquiry was (saith Iunius) about the Shew-bread, Vt cognoseeree an sacros panes tantùm Sacerdo­tibus concessos, & gladium semel Deo sacratum, ad alios usus trans­ferre fas esset. lawfull for the Priests onely to eat; and the Sword consecrated to God, Whether that or this might be translated unto other uses? whereunto (no doubt) the Priest had full satisfaction, That they might; In such an extremity David might refresh his hungry soule with that bread; and in such a danger which God was privie to, hee might take Goliah sword, to defend himself therewith; and to prevent Saul from seizing upon it first, 1 Sam. 21 10. the more easily thereby to further his bloudy designe upon David.

But yet there is some more question touching the Sword; as for the bread, it was made for man, and not man for bread: That is a cleared case from the Lord Christs owne mouth. Touching the Sword there is all the question now: Saul (a King) pretends himselfe Master of the same, as of Keilah; for all the strong holds and ammunition there did belong to Saul, they were all his proper goods, and therefore Abi­melech giving the sword to David, he did it, that he should use it against Saul, to lye in wait: So Saul forceth the accusation.

Whereunto Abimeleth makes a faire and full answer: That Saul was no more Lord of the one then of the other; he had no more propriety or right in the sword then in the bread; nor the one, nor the other were Sauls, but the Lords, laid-up both before the Lord, and consecra­ted to Him: But the Lord hath no nead of bread or of a sword. His people Israel have need of both; and as their need required, so Israel might take the Bread, thereby to sustaine life, and the Sword, there­by to defend life. David tooke it for that end, and according to the minde and will of God, whose intent was cleare. That Goliabs sword, now lawfully wrested out of his hand, and in Davids hand, then lay­ed up before the Lord, should be for the defence of Israel, and to for­tifie Israel against their enemies to the worlds end. And so the case is resolved about Keilah too, a City that had gates and bartes, not Sauls City now to batter downe (though he would presume so farre) about Davids eares; but His City whose the kingdome was, the Lords kingdome, and trusted onely to Saul for the defence of Israel, and no further: And yet that Abimelech may deliver no more to Saul but what is justifiable by the Law of heaven and earth, he assureth him, that what he sayes is from Gods Mouth, for there he enquired, and received answer as aforesaid, and thereupon his warrant to give David Bread and Sword both. Moreover he addes, be it far from him, 1 Sam. 22.14. the Priest of the Lord, to entertaine a disloyall thought against his Ma­ster, the Lords Anointed, enquiring of the Lord for David, and giving him bread and a sword: he knew David to be a faithfull person, none like him in all Sauls house, nor more honourable, being the Kings Son-in-Law, and for any thing else hee knew nothing lesse or more. [Page 8]As honest and satisfying an answere, had it been spoken to any mans eare but Sauls, as ever came from a Priests mouth, for it was taken from Gods Mouth: but Saul is resolved before hand upon the Que­stion, for nothing can satisfie Sauls thirst but Davids bloud; and be­cause Abimelech stood in Sauls way, and for reliefe of David, Saul will have the Priests bloud; Vers. 16. And the King said, thou shalt surely dye Abime­lech: See! There is an argument Abimelech cannot answere: when a man drives furiously onward in a bloudy way, neither law nor rea­son shall stop him, nor the Angel with his drawne sword in the way. Nay, Saul stops not there, he speaks more bloudy words yet, and will doe as he speakes: What? I am loth to mention it from the mouth of a King, and King of Israel, the great Fiductary of the kingdome there; I had rather a Philistin said it, such an unkingly word, so devoid of all reason and humanity: but yet Israels King sayes it, and we must repeat it after him, Thou, and all thy fathers house: Ah Lord! what a bloudy word is this! what a bloudy man is that! An Evill spirit came upon Saul indeed, haunts him still, and drives him on: Lord de­liver us from him, for the man is mad with rage, Thou, and all thy fa­thers house. 1 Sam. 2.23. True it is it was the burden of the Lord upon Elies house, and cause there was just enough, why God should doe to that house as he threatned. Yea and just cause too, though not so cleare to dim eyes, Wherefore Nob should be so smitten, men, women, and chil­dren there. We have concluded, The cause is just, for God is righte­ous; And yet no cause, not the least title of reason, why Saul should doe it, why he should seale a Commission to an Edomite to doe such an horrible execution; Saul (I say) the great Eiductary of the kingdom, in­trusted with the lives of all the Priests & people there, no reason why Saul should so say, and so do, being as aforesaid; but all the reason in the world why he should stop his eare from hearing of bloud, much more his hand from shedding the same. But Saul will do as he said, Thou shalt surely dye Abimelech, thou and all thy fathers house: See! Saul will be chief and fore-man in this bloudy worke, to make the City of Priests an Acheldama, that it may be called no more Nob, but a Field of bloud, or HORMAH, Num. 21.3. utter destruction. Saul is the chiefe Actor here, for he commands his servants first, Turne ye and slay the Priests; his servants would not; Saul will have it done: then he turned to Doeg a Right­man, and said as much to him; no sooner said but it was done, And Doeg the Edomite turned, fell upon the Priests, and slew: Marke it, for though here is a miserable destruction, bodies and garments too rol­led in bloud; yet here is comfort to every true Israelite: What is that? To see a City lye in ashes, Priests and people wallowing in blood? is there comfort in this? No, and yet God will bring com­fort and good out of all this to his Israel anon: Now this is the com­fort, [Page 9]that there are but two Actors in this Tragedy, Saul and his Edo­mite; only these specified by name. True it is we shall reade anon in the third Section of Three thousand chosen men out of Israel, whom Saul called together to guard his person, he said, being affraid of Da­vid (as the Bird of Prey is of the Partridge.) But nothing they did, not a drop of blood shed by them; These only are the Active Men, these two, skilfull to destroy, Saul and his Edomite.

Thanke God for this; Wickednesse proceeds from the wicked man. Israel can wash their hands in the innocency of their hearts, and say, They are free touching this matter; for (which will be more cleare anon) Israel cannot charge any more, then two amongst those three thousand, their King, and his Edomite; More were guilty of that bloodshed, that is certaine; for the Edomite was not singular, but plurall, as will appeare by and by; but no more could Israel charge with the blood­shed, that their hands had shed it, but Saul and his Edomite only. And the charge lay heavy upon Saul, like as a heavy burthen unsupportable, as a Milstone, pressing him downe upon his owne sword, and then Lower. He had shed blood to his power, and blood pursued him, till it had made a more cleane riddance of him, and his house, then he made at Nob, for there one Priest escaped his butchers knife; here, not one shall escape. This we may reade in a Book I have seen called the Kings Chronicle. And so God reckoned with Saul to the last drop, 1. Sect. p. 26.27. which he hath shed; for God has barrelled-up the spilt Blood of the Righteous, as he bottles-up their Teares.

CHAP. 3. The Priests Arraignment, impleadings, and Answers run-up pae­rallell with ours in these times, so does the upshot or determination of the businesse; for there was Peace in proposition, but none in conclu­sion betwixt Saul and David. So here. Saul has shed blood, which runs-up to these times too, but with a fuller stream of bloods: yet the voice of Blood cryes louder, then does the voice of Bloods.

SO now Saul has done execution, and God has dealt with Saul accor­ding as He threatens. When we thinke thereon we have cause to say, and feel the vertue of what we say, My heart trembleth because of Thee, and I feare for thy judgements. Before I will relate to these Times, I will tell one thing very briefly, which shall relate to the pre­sent, and parallel it selfe. Here has beene a faire and peaceable parley betwixt Saul and Abimelech touching David. He impleaded Abimelech, [Page 10]and gives him leave to make answer; which the Priest has done, as we heard, the clearest and fullest that ever was heard. Was there not a sweet agreement betwixt them? No, it was never intended. Pro­position it! as we say, Tender propositions of Peace betwixt Saul and David, while the Evill spirit is upon Saul, and the Edomite in Sauls Bosom! It is to no purpose, vanity of vanitie's the greatest vanity; To wish or thinke of an Accommodation betwixt Saul and David, rebus sic stantibus, (that must be remembred) the Evill spirit in his place, and the Edo­mite in his, and Saul quite out of himselfe; for so it was then. No, you will say, Let the Priest call-back David, take from him the Sword (he should have had an hard pull of it) then give it unto Saul, and the matter is ended. No: As sure as the Sunne did shine then, and does shine now, so sure it is, That this would not have contented Saul; but this would have wonderously contented him. If the Priest would have called back David, demanded the Sword, and, being given into his hand, have sheathed it into Davids Bowels, or have given it Saul, that he might doe that horrid execution with his owne hands. Then the Priest had been a Right-man, for Sauls service: Then here had beene Peace betwixt Saul and the Priest, such as would have pleased all three. The Divel, Saul. and the Edomite too: Then Saul would have blessed the Priest in The Name of the Lord, saying, Thou hast compassion on me. Doe I speake without the Book? No, it is every word sacred Truth, you shall heare more of it in a fitter place. We must see now how the lines of this Accusation put up by Saul against Abimelech, run parallel with the Kings accusation, suggested to him by his vile Coun­cellours against his faithfull Servants at this day. The King pleads Law for what he does; so did Saul too: for he chargeth this heavily upon Abimelech, That he enquired of the Lord for David; gave Bread to Davids mouth, and the sword into his hand. All this was against the knowne lawes of the Land, as Saul seemes to conceive. These are the Kings charges too, I will speake thereof in order; The first Charge is,

1. That Abimelech enquired of The LORD. So should Saul have done then: and so should the King have done now; not hearkning to vile Councellours, whose graves The LORD has made, for they are vile Nahum. 2.44.; hee must not advise with them, rather let them flie to the Pit; He that ruleth over men must be just; ruling in the feare of God 1 Sam. 23.3; Therefore made He thee King over them 2 Chro. 9.8. Psal. 72.2.. Wherefore? To doe judgement and justice: He shall judge THY People with Righteousnesse, and THY Poore with Iudgement. There is a must and a shall for the greatest King that ever was. It is very em­phaticall too, and as notable; Thy People, Thy Poore; GODS People, and GODS Poore must be judged with Righteous Judgement. But so it cannot be but by enquiring of The LORD, what He saith, taking Counsell from His Mouth, and from His Law-Booke, which [Page 11]the King stands charged to write for himselfe, for it must be with him, Deut. 17.18.19. and therein be must reade all the dayes of his life, that he may learne to feare The LORD his GOD, to keepe all the words of the Law, and the statutes to doe them. This the Parliament doe, They enquire of The Lord by prayer, and fasting, They take direction from His Law-book, which is con­tinually with them, wherein they reade, and whereby they order the great affaires of The Kingdome. Great use of a Law-booke, and to have it continually with them, before their eyes. And this is all the Crime that can be objected and proved against them. They enquire of The LORD, and consult with This Law-booke. It is well they doe; They can thanke God for that. Sauls accusation runs on.

2. The Priest has given David Bread. The King by his wicked Coun­sell accuseth his Parliament even so; They have given his good Peo­ple bread, that is life in our sense, which, by a Figure, we may call bread. They have given a poore dead People life againe, and bread to main­taine life. They have given (we thanke them heartily) life to their lawes life to their liberties, life to the soule of their life, to their Reli­gion; and this they had not done, but by enquiring of the LORD, and doing all by Statute Law; and this we call bread. There has been something like this bread given to the People, Shew bread, rather bread in shew, stone indeed; and something they had given them like a fish, but indeed a Serpent Now the Kings good People will desire no more of their King, but that he would give his People Bread, bread under this figure which we may call life; or bread indeed, and properly so called, which more then too cruelly, was and is denyed to David. The third charge followes, and that is grievous.

3. And a sword, sayes Saul then; That seemes to be the quarrell now, (and but seemes) that the Sword, Forts, Castles, Townes, Ships, Am­munition of the Kingdome, (all which we understand by the Sword) is put into Davids hand, Trusty, welbeloved, and faithfull: Well, and well indeed, may we poore people say, that the Sword is given into Davids hand (the Parliaments hand) for they will manage it for our good to defend us, and offend the Philistines. The Parliament will not cut our throats, we are very assured and confident thereof. But the Edomite (wee shall know him anon, if wee know him not yet) would have cut our throats, before this time, all their throats that had their hand with David, had he had the Sword delivered into his hand. We can confide in none but David: no wise man will blame us, for him we know, a man after Gods owne heart; and the Edomite we know, and shall know him better anon, a Right man, for he is the right hand of the Devill. We are glad, that the Sword is in Davids hand. But yet this was charged against the Priest then and the Par­liament now, that David had the sword. And what shall I say to this? [Page 12]whereunto GOD, Nature, and Law speakes Reason and more, that so it ought to be; the Sword ought to be given into Davids hand, a faithfull Man, in whom the people may confide. A Man will trust no other in shutting-in the windowes, doores and gates of his house: great Reason there should be the same care had about the great house, and Trust of the Kingdome, the frontier-Towns there.

But why given out of his Majesties hand, and given into Davids hand?

Because the Sword was never in the Kings hand, as his proper right there, any more then the Sword was in Sauls hand, as his proper goods there. Therefore we speake not properly, given-out. The Sword is Is­raels Sword, the Common Trust of the Kingdome: belonging, indeed, to the great Fiduciary there; and yet is the Sword not out of the Kings hands, but given into Davids hands, for a second Reason.

2. Because, as the Edomite was nearest to Sauls hand, and heart too at that time: So the Papist is so neare to the Kings heart now, that he is as deare to him, as he is neare, even as his Right Arme, and Right Eye, eternally his, for ought we can gather from his writ. I will con­clude this with the words of an honest Servant to an overbearing Master: ‘I will serve you (Sir) if you wil serve The Lord.You may command me, when God commands you. I will heartily obey your commands, when you shall so obey Gods commands [...], The head hath an Head; All things shall be done as you will have it; But you must command as God will have it. Ignatius to a Priest Chryso.. I pray you heartily give me leave to be honest and faithfull: If you will not, so I will be whether you will or no. Doe you what you will, I will do what I ought.’ No man can dislike this, except Saul, and his Edomite; I need say no more in a case which is so fully opened and cleared, that all the Malignants in the world shall not be able to darken it to the worlds end. I will not say, looke upon Mr. Pryn's booke, (I will name him for honour sake, and to spight the Devil) reade him, or choose you whether you will or not; we must say, Blessed be God for His servant, who has stood-up in the gap by the power of His might, and held up His hand for him ever since against the Mighty, Blessed be God. But notwithstanding all this is cleared, to be all Truth, Reason, and Law, and more yet, and that is most of all, a Command for all this, the Parliament has done, from Gods mouth too. Yet such Evill Coun­sels over-rule the King and the case that he does now as Saul did then, and much more, kils the Priests, and destroyes Cities. So far as his Arme can reach he has overthrowne those, Tunc vere victus quando tot vicis prudentes. Wal­fing. Edw. 2. p. [...]5. whose hand is with David; therein giving himself the greatest overthrow, for, no such victory against the King, as for him to have victory against his good people, as was said of Edward the second overcomming his Parliament once, and destroying himselfe for ever. Thus Saul did in his dayes; thus and more the King, seduced by Evill Counsell, and acted by evill instru­ments, [Page 13]does in these dayes; as followes, and what Saul did first. Saul was Davids Lord on earth, but he hunts after Davids soule, that hee might not live upon the ground. Saul is Davids King, and Davids per­secutor. The Priests King, and the Priests murtherer, by the hand of an Edomite. Ah Lord, who can expresse the miserable plight, and how dolefull the condition is, the evill spirit has driven Saul into! He is Is­raels King, and he is smiting Israels City! The great Fiduciary of the Kingdome, and the greatest Traytor there. This tells us what is done now. David is persecuted now; and his King, seduced by Edomites, Davids adversaries, persecutes him because who so faithfull as he in all the Kingdome! A defendor of the Faith, and, by his evill Counsell, a de­stroyer of the Faith. A maintainer of the Gospel in profession, and a persecutor of the faithfull Ministers publishers of the same, the Mes­sengers of the Church and the glory of Christ. The great Fiduciary of the Kingdome, yet, seduced by an evill Councell, he betrayes that great Trust. Englands King, and Englands destroyer; The Lord of their Cities, and waster of the same. Are not these grievous words? Yes, they must be so, plaine Truth, direct and home; what expectation of any good, but from such-like-words. If ever the King come to himselfe, finde himselfe lost, (for murtherers have stolne him away) then such words as these will be to his heart, and may serve to usher-in Pardon, peace, and comfort: for the sowrer the herbes, the sweeter the Passeover: whereas pleasing words from vile flatterers, his Court Chaplaines, have wounded their Master, and left him more then halfe dead. Such words as these may kill him out-right, and, by Gods grace quicken him againe to a life indeed. I am glad I have spoken; for first, I have said no more, but what is already told in Gath, and published in the streets of Aschalon. Secondly, what if it were not told by me, nor as aforesaid, yet all created strength cannot stop the mouth of blouds, so loud it cries; Irelands bloud, what an Ocean of bloud is there? Cyciters bloud; Burminghams bloud; Banburies bloud, (shedding of this bloud, was counted a fine device, as Bristols bloud intended to be shed) Oxfords bloud; Bloud here, and there, and everywhere, whereto the hand could reach; O what a voice is here, as the voice of many waters; or, Thunders! Is there a voice that can out-cry, I meane, cry louder to Heaven, and in the Eares of the Lord, then can the voice of blouds? yes the voice of bloud, cries louder then the bloud of Abel, or the blouds shed from righteous Abel unto this day; and there is the hope of Is­rael concerning their King; The voice of the bloud of sprinkling, Heb. 12.24. that speakes better things then that of Abel; Better things; that cryed from the earth for a curse upon the earth, and Cain there: Gen. 4.12. This cries in Hea­ven for mercy to such sinners on earth, who can say, not with Cain, My punishment, but, my sin is greater then I can beare, yet not too great [Page 14]for Christ to beare, a Redeemer that is strong, a Saviour to the utmost; There is hope in Israel concerning that. And here is ground of hope too, because these Stephens, the slain all the day long, can pray for their King all the day long, crying with a loud voice, not more for them­selves at such a time, then for their King, saying, Lord lay not this sinne to our Kings charge. Amen. Amen.

CHAP. 4. Quaeries touching the Edomite, whether by the knowne Lawes of Israels Kingdome, Saul might entertaine him in his Court; grant him a Commission to smite a City of Priests; whether any reason for that; whether single or plurall; and whether by any possible meanes an Edomite may be made serviceable to Israel; How it relates to the present, exemplifying the History of our Time.

VVHy does King Saul take an Edomite into his Court, Qu. to be an Officer there?

It is answered in effect before; Ans. Saul is King and he knew himselfe so to be, Qu. and will chuse his owne Officers; may he not?

No indeed, Ans. he may not unlesse it be to be his Heardsman, and there should be caution, and some consultation about that too. Question­lesse he must not chuse a servant to be chiefe in his house; to transact the great affaires of his Kingdome there, without the allowance and consent of All Israel, because Saul does not chuse for himselfe, but for the whole Kingdome.

But it is written, Ob. Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite.

Yes, Ans. that is most true; it is the charge of the Lord, and we have the Reason; Deut. 23.8. For he is thy brother: Nor shalt thou ab or an Egyptian, because thou wast a stranger in his land. What is the meaning of this? This; we must not be unnaturall: nor must we forget old favours. But it does not follow from hence, I hope, that therefore Saul might take an Edomite, make him a Chiefe Ruler in his house; or that, he might put consi­dence in an Egyptian; for the charge is contrary. And if Saul will entertaine an intimacy, and familiarity with an Edomite an old ad­versary to Israel, (as we have heard and seene, and shall make it more legible yet) It does plainly argue, 3 Sect. Saul to be no true friend to Israel. Sauls heart cannot be upright toward Israel, when it cleaves to Israels ad­versary in love: He cannot heartily desire the peace of Israel, and hear­tily love an enemy to that peace. I pray let us aske some more que­stions touching the Edomite; I will answer by the Booke, then good Law and Reason both.

Why did Saul make the Edomite Generall in this warre against David? Qu.

Saul gives someanswer to that, with a little Reason, Ans. Because his sonne Ionathan stirred-up David to lye in wait for Saul as at this day. 1. Sam. 22.8.

As at this day indeed. Qu. But this answer makes us more unresolved then before; for all the world knowes, that Ionathan was a good man; and David as good as he; besides, we finde David fleeing away from the face of Saul like a Partridge; and Saul hunting him like a Dog. Let us heare Reason, I pray you. Was it not, That the Edomite might re­cover the sword our of Davids hand?

No, no, that could not be it; Ans. for when Saul speakes out his minde freely, as sometimes he did, (for a wicked heart will discover it selfe) amongst his Servants; he does not bid them, fetch the sword from Da­vid, but kill him: And Saul spake to Ionathan, and to all his servants, 1 Sam. 19.1. that they should kill David. It is Davids life, not the sword, that is aimed at. And the Edomite was a Right man for that service, for he was a mighty man, mighty to do mischiefe, and skilfull to destroy; Whom? David, and All them that had an hand with David. That is the direct An­swer. Saul indeed spake merrily to the people as he went along by the way, and would make them beleeve, that he had taken the Edomite to his side, and sealed him a Commission, because he is affraid of David; he tells them more then twice, David lay in wait to kill him; therefore he tooke the Edomite to his side; for, who so faithfull as he to defend his master from Davids violence! (a poor-hunted Partridge:) or a more Right, handed man to execute his masters command against David? True it was, David never durst stand to it, till hee came to Keilah, and there, had not the Inhabitants proved themselves ingrate­full and treacherous— he had guarded himselfe and fenced his throat, and hazarded Sauls. But Saul feared David no more, then the Birds of Prey a hunted Partridge, (that is the expression;) And kill David, that was his charge. There is one doubt more, and occasions another question.

Was this Edomite singular or plurall? Qu.

The singular number sure. Doeg was but one. But let us note, Ans. that One is mentioned sometimes, not to exclude a second, but to imply the first, chiefest in place; and so more mighty, and principall then the se­cond, because of his place; as Iehoram is said to compell Iudah to commit fornication. When Athaliah was as masculine, and imperious, yea as mischievous that way, and yet not named in that verse, because shee acted by power from her husband, not so cleare to every mans eye: And so Doeg the Edomite is mentioned single, as if he did all, because the chiefest in favour with his King. The meaning of the question then is, Was there but one Edomite imployed in that war, or were there more?

There were more sure; Ans. for it is not imaginable, that Doeg alone could destroy the City of Priests, men, women and children there; doubt­lesse there were more Edomites there, or bastard Israelites, as Right-men for Sauls service (as the word is, if men can be Right, who are the seed of the Crooked Serpent) as Doeg was; Nay it is probable there were many in Sauls Camp Right-men, Edomites I meane, of that genera­tion: for thus it is; When a Doeg is entertained at Court, is favou­red there, he will work for his Country-men what he can and accor­ding to his power, that they may have place, and respect thereabouts that they may be of use and service, when the King shall rise-up a­gainst David. One question more, with a resolution, touching the Edomite.

Saul his master has entertained him: Qu. Is there no meanes to be ta­ken, whereby he may be made a faithfull servant to Israel?

No, Ans. by no meanes.

What! Qu. not possible to make him a Right-man?

No, Ans. not to Israel; but to Sauls service he will be right and straight.

Me thinkes Israel might have dealt with him, Qu. as we with Papists, bring him to Church; might they not have done so?

Yes; Ans. and to no purpose at all; for he will goe to the house of Abi­melech himselfe, (that is, to the Church, as we too commonly call it) and a mischievous person though he be, yet he will sit there close to his solemne service, and pretend there, he has a vow upon him; you can­not worke upon him that way, to make him Right for Israel.

Then try him another way; Qu. give him, as we to the Papists, the Oath of Allegeance; sweare him faithfull to God and his King; an Oath is a sacred band, that will binde him to Israel sure, will it not? an Oath I meane, such a sacred Band?

Hang him: Ans. for like the possessed man, no Bands will hold him; he will breake all Cords, such a childe of Belial is he, except one, and that the Hangman must pluck-up-close to his neck, then turne him downe, for by no meanes can you make an Edomite stand right to Israel.

This is very sutable to the time; But for the first Questions: How farre the Kings power reacheth for the choice of his owne Ministers, I leave, as in manners I ought, to the determination of the High Court, which is this, That the King must choose such Ministers as his good people may con­fide in: and by no meanes such, who are sworne enemies to the peace of the King, and prosperity of the Kingdome. A mans private judgement may be steeped in his affections: he may cleave more in love to a private per­son, then to a whole Kingdome; and in choice of persons to places, he may stand byassed to his owne will and ends, which All Israel, a Parliament there, cannot doe. Therefore it is against the knowne lawes of Israels Kingdome, That Israels King should, by himself alone, make [Page 17]choice of Persons to high place there, for it is against the SU­PREME LAW, the welfare of the People: And Saul, taking that liberty against that knowne Law, had destroyed the Cities of Iudah, and had slaine David too, had not the Lord interposed His Almighty Arme.

To the other, which I should not make a question, whether by any meanes a Papist, may be made serviceable to Israel?

It is Answered as before; by no meanes, which man can use: You cannot change the Ethiopians Skin, not the Leopards spots. Ier. 13.23. He will goe to Church as the Edomite to Abimilechs House, and yet be mighty to doe mischiefe: You may sweare him to the King and Kingdome: Bind him with that Sacred Band, he will bee willingly bound, for he was a reservation; Or if you presse him hard, hee is informed very well, That he cannot be bound to Heretickes, (as he cals them) in any bands; you may put bands upon him, he will beake them as easily, as you can breake burnt Flaxe. The Doctrine of his Church and her Lawes (written in blood) doe absolve, and set free This Child of Belial, from all bandsand at liberty to doe all manner of mischiefe. And so he has done, and it is the very purpose of his heart to doe, ac­cording to the Power in his hand. All the mischiefe as his manner is, to Israel, being the fruitfull Parent of all the Rebellions, Treasons, Massacres, (and so forth, for there is no end) That have beene acted thorow the Christian World, as at this day. You may then pro­claime them Traytors, to the Peace and Crowne of the King and Kingdome: for so is every Papist, (said a great States man in our Kingdom) holding to the Tenets of the Romish Church; Traytors in hand, or in heart; in action, or affection. And so said Luther of himself (once an Aug. Moncke) and of all his fraternity, or Brother-hood there ‘ Wee are all Men of Blood, Nemo nostrum non erat vir san­guinum, si non o­pete tamen corde Abhorrebam vel ipsum Nomen. W. Hus in Galas. Cap. 1. p. 15. sayes hee wee hate a true Protestant (such an one as Iohn Huss) with our heart, and we will presecute him with our hand, to the death. We abhorretheir very Name: we would not have a man of that profession to live upon the Earth;’ so said Luther having his eyes shut up, and living in Monkery. Why then, when they are declared to bee so, So Rebellious to the Lawes of the King of Heaven: So Trayterous to the Crowne of the King and Kingdome: Let it bee done unto him according to the Judgement of our Law, The Hangman must doe his Office: see what that cord will doe.

To the other Questions, Wherefore the King taketh the Edomites, A­theists, and Papists (Davids Enemies) all To his side? Why his heart cleaveth to such Enemies as these in love? His Answer is (advising with pernicious Counsellors, in whose hand he is) as Sauls was, Be­cause he is perswaded These are Men faithfull to his Person, and Right for [Page 18]his Service (so they are indeed) and will defend him from David, who (as he seems to say) lyes in wait for him, as it is at this day: and as David lay in wait for Saul in those dayes. So we may mocke men, but God will not be mocked. It were endlesse, and needlesse, to tell stories, touch­ing this matter, how Right-handed-men Papists have beene to their Kings, and their Kingdomes in all Ages. Thank Master Prynne (I will name him againe being resolved to anger the Divell, and all his Bishops) he has told us enough, and abundantly satisfied us at this point. I proceed; Saul may say, David lay in wait to take away his life, therefore he tooke the Edomite to his side, to defend him from Davids sword; when the truth was, Saul persecuted David thorough the Thou­sands of Israel: and that he might doe to David according to all the de­sire of his soule, he tooke the Edomite to his side, a Mighty Adversary to Israel and as Skilfull to destroy.

The very same Reason, and no other now, wherefore the King (in the hands of bloudy, and pernicious Adversaries) takes Atheists, and Papists to him now, why he cleaves to them in love? Because they are mighty to doe mischiefe, skilfull to shed bloud, as is legible now in Ireland and England both.

But this we must note; Though Sauls excuse for taking to himselfe such a guard, and such a Captaine over them, was not so specious, as it was ridiculous; yet there was bloodshed in good earnest, which was charged heavily upon Saul, for it ruined him and all his house, and all together, as we reade. We must apply this now, and approve our selves faithfull to the Soul of our King, That his Conscience may speak-out before it be too late, and he speechlesse, (then commonly the Consci­ence speakes loudest.) That the Conscience may speak-out, and in season, we apply and reade on; So will the bloud-shed in Ireland, and England by the Edomites in both places, bee charged upon the King, whose servants they are, and whose Commission they have, (such a pernicious Counsell he has;) Turne thou and fall upon the Priest, and people all, whose hand is with David: and the Edomite turned, &c. This is the Edomites Commission now against all that have an hand with Da­vid; And therefore all the Bloud they have shed there or here, shall be charged upon the King.

Not the bloud of Ireland sure, Ob. not a drop.

Yes every drop, Ans. though it be an Occan a.

He called them Rebels, Ob. and caused them to be proclaimed so in forty Papers at least; and Rebels with an accent.

We remember some such matter, Ans. and as it harpened, saw the Pro­clamation; but it was not hearty; if so, then not onely the Publique Cryer, but every Post and Pillar, had proclaimed them Rebels, for so the Kings best Subjects were proclaimed the yeare before: We un­derstand The bloud, a Ruler commands to be shed, or suf­fers to be shed, The Lord char­geth upon the Rulers score. Thou hast killed. 2 Sam. 12.9. 2 Kings 21.19. [Page]well when a thing is done heartily, for then the whole Land shall ring of it; every City and Towne there, every Church and Chappell: nor so onely, Stockes and Stones shall be taught to speake, and to proclaime Rebels: so good Subjects were proclaimed Rebels; Re­bels indeed, as those in Ireland, not so proclaimed, but coldly and faintly, God He knowes.

His Majesty made offer to goe himselfe and fight with the Rebels, B. his stomack did so rise against them.

We remember his Secretary wrote some such matter; A. but the Se­cretary knew, the stomack of his wicked Counsell rose against Hull, and was cager upon that place to take the Ammunition thence, which they would have had first, and have gone to suppresse the Rebels after­wards; we remember this very well.

And his Majesty sayes, his soule bleedeth over the bloudshed in Ireland. B.

We doe not certainly know what his Majesty sayes, A. for we cannot thinke that we reade his words. His Secretary has told us so much, and truly I can forbeare him no longer; he is one of the vilest Hypo­crites in all the world: one of the vile Counsellours sure, who perswaded the King to intercept the provision of Cloathes, and other things sen­ding over to a poore, peeled, naked people; and then would make us beleeve, They pirty the peoples nakednesse, and their soules bleed over their misery. The Kings party make all supplyes over to the Rebels there, to make them the more able for the shedding of more bloud, and then tells us, The Kings heart bleeds over the bloodshed there. They call them Rebels there, and call them over hither to do the like execution here; and here they doe it with all their might; and yet the Secretary tels us The Kings soule bleeds over this bloudshed. O hellish blas­phemy; horrible hypocrisie!

If the Secretaries bloud, and all the bloud, that runnes in the veins of that Hellish Counsell about his Majesty, were shed, it would not redeeme the wrong they have done to the King their Master, I doe not adde, and the Kindome, by these notorious Blasphemies, Contra­dictions. Remonstrances, and Contra-Remonstrances; declaring one thing with the Tongue, and then the contrary with the Hand; so making us beleeve, That the King their Master is as one of them, Obeb. 11. (which we tremble to think-of,) as notorious an Hypocrite as was he, wee have often read of, and we have never read the like till this day, whose foot stood in the path of the destroyer, did drive-on furiously there, weeping all along as he went; (That is the expression, Jer. 41.6.) as if his soule had bled over the bodies, which he had slaine: when yet he went-on fu­riously resolved to slay more; and so many he had slaine, that he has filled a great Pit with the slame. GOD beholds all this and will re­quire it. Rebels in Ireland, howsoever proclaimed against for fashion [Page 20]sake are the Kings good Subjects here, helping on the Designe: And they, who opposed their Bloody Designes here and there, not in de­signe onely, but in execution, are called Traytors and Rebells both and all heartily. Here is a double Iniquity. We do not pray for, we de­precat against the Judgement, but the Lord lookes upon this and will Require it: He will not indure, to have evill cal'd good, and good evill. For three transgressions of Edom, &c. But of that anon. So much for re­solution to the Queries touching the Edomite, his taking into the Court, Designing unto Office there, The granting him a Commissi­on to destroy Neb; Now, see wee how stoutly and with what a good will he performed it; Sauls Command was to the Edomites heart, and heartily he executes it; So Saul shall see That the Edomite is a Right Man, 1 Sam. 22.17.18. no sooner Saul had said, Turne and slay the Priests of the Lord, be­cause their hand also was with David, and they knew when he fled and did not shew it me; No sooner this was spoken to the Edomite, but he turned and did accordingly: he fell upon the Priests, and slew, and shewed no pitty. Then Men did groane out of the City, and the Soule of the wounded Cryed-out: Yet GOD layeth not folly to these murtherers, Though they are of those, that Rebell against the light, Iob 24.12, 13. saies Iob, offended at those very things our eyes behold at this Day: The Lord, who cleares His Servants Righte­ousnesse, as the Morning, will cleare His owne Righteousnesse as the Noone Day; And though we are but dim-sighted, yet we shall dis­cern it anon I will shut up this Chapter, as David begins his Psalme; Why boastest thou thy selfe in mischiefe, Psal. 52.1. O Mighty Man? The goodnesse of God endureth Continually.

CHAP. 5. Sad Cases examined and tryed before the Lord, and resolved from His Mouth; which may silence a Poore People, slaine all the day long by the hurtfull and oppressing Sword, now in the hand of bloody Edomites.

NOw here is a case to be tryed before the Lord touching these slain Priests, and their destroyed City, which, I hope, will give us good satisfaction at least silence us, when our spirits are stirred with­in us beholding the villanous Butcheries the notorious violences ac­ted by our Turks (I never yetcal'd them Cavaliers, & never will by that Gentile Name in our Land upon our Ministers, and good People (all that have their hand with David) & our so wasted Towns, and Cities. Touching the Priests first.

God is Righteous, so we have concluded, Ier. 12.1. Hab. 1.13.14. yet the Righteous say now as once they did: Wherefore lookest Thou upon them that deale treacherously, and holdest Thy Tongue, when the wicked devoureth the Man that is more Righteous then hee? And makest men as the Fishes of the Sea, as the Creeping things, that have no Ruler over them? Nay, they speake now almost as foolishly as once they did, it is in vaine to serve GOD, and what profit is it, that we have kept the Ordinances? The Proud are happy, for they that tempt GOD are set up, Mal. 3.13, 14. while they that serve Him truely are cast downe and destroyed: This was Abimilechs Case; he has done his duty, the Edo­mite himselfe being witnesse, by direction from Gods Mouth, for hee enquired of the LORD for David, &c. Yet he is cut off from the Earth with, 84. more, the Priests of The Lord, as not sit to live upon the ground. So the Priests were dealt with then, and so now, So Cruelly. And what then? Yet the Potsheards must not strive with their Maker; but if they will strive (the Servants of The LORD, must not strive, but if they will strive) then with the worke of their owne hands, the Pot­sheards, with the Potsheards of the Earth. The LORD is Righteous, and His Judgements as the great deep. The Glory of His worke, even of His Strange worke, exceeds infinitely the glory of the Sunne, which yet we cannot pry into; and doth ever shine cleare, though sometimes we see it not, and the blind man never. The Cause of His Judge­ments may be secret, but ever Just. So we have Concluded. But be­cause I would cleare the Sad Condition of our good Ministers now I say. 2. There be Sinnes in these Best Ministers (for none other are persecuted) and though but little Sins in Comparison of others of their Tribe ( Great and Mighty Sinners before The Lord, for Men ab­horre the offering of the Lord for their Sakes) yet are they Sinnes, and the greater in them because they are indeed the Messengers of the Churches, and the glory of Christ (The more Glory, The Lord puts upon them, The greater their Sinne) And these Sinnes must be pur­ged in them by Fire. But Blessed be God; That wheras He might have punished them For their Evill doings. hee makes them suffer from the hands of wicked men for Righteousnesse sake; and so honours them with the Glory of Martyrdome, as it is at this day: for doubtlesse The Ministers now suffer for the Cause of Christ, if ever any suffered for his Cause since the beginning of the VVorld.

But why were the 84. Priests slaine at the same Time? As for Abimilech hee might Transgresse, as a Man: and yet that cannot bee granted in this Case, for hee enquired of the LORD, did all by di­rection, from His Mouth: hee could call God to Record upon his Soule, that he did, what he did, by Statute-law, the knowne Law of the Kingdome. But yet suppose, That Abimilech did Transgresse in [Page 22]giving forth the sword, yet why were the fourescore and foure Priests slaine?

It is not possible for man to speake Reason here; Ans. though, indeed, there is some reason given in the Text, the same, and as good reason as is given now, because their hands also is with David: Speak Reason; and speake out; with whom should she Priests be but with David, who had wrought such salvation for Israel? and upon whom, next to God, Israel had rouled themselves, and all their concernments? yet this was the reason then, and this is all the reason now of this hor­rible persecution, because their hand is with David (the Worthies, the faith­full of the Lord there,) therefore destroy the Priests, because their hand is with David; thus we see man can give no reason, only God can, as a­foresaid; And wee must note still, That these were cut off with the Sword of an Edomite, not because they were greater sinners then any other Priests were, but because they were godly and conscientious of their duty, that enrageth the Edomite against them. There is another reason also which The Lord giveth, That other Priests might be war­ned thereby; For note we, the greatest sinners are not the greatest sufferers in this life, I meane, they have not the greatest afflictions. Nay, it is most commonly cleane contrary, they have no changes in their life; when as the godly have changes of sorrowes.

True it is, and we will not make it a question, Destruction is to the wicked, and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity. But wee must note, That to be slaine with the sword of an Edomite, is no strange pu­nishment; but the lot of the righteous, their lot to be smitten with the hand of violence, and made the portion of Foxes. It is so, and the will of The Lord, it should be so, for note we; where the Lord gives Com­mission to the Sword to goe forth, Ezek. 9.5. spare and pitty none, neither old nor young; neither man nor woman: He does say, Come not neare any man upon whom is the marke, (i. e.) to hurt them) He does not say, Come not neare My Sanctuaries, the Priests, or their Cities; The Holy Ghost chargeth the Sword to beginne there; And begin at my Sanctuary. We cannot be ignorant, what the use is, the Apostle Peter would have Priests, and people, 1 Pet 4.17.18.19. good and bad make hereof: If judgement must begin at the house of GOD, what shall the end bee of them, that obey not the Gospell of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly appeare? It strikes terrour to the wicked, but strong consolation to the godly; Wherefore let them that suffer, according to the will of God, commit their soules to Him in well doing, as unto A Faithfull Creator. But with them and their house, the Sword begins; for note we, who is the Butt of the Edomites malice Si fuerit sub­limis fit despica­bilis, &c. Si bo­nus est quispiam quasi m [...]lus sper­nitar. Si malns est quasi bonus honorat [...]r. Salv. li. 4. p. 113. against whom then and now, he drawes his Arrow with all his strength? It is that he may shoot at and kill the upright in heart; The Priests of The Lord then, the servants of The Lord now. Is there [Page 23]any one, whose hand is with David? any one, who feares God above many? any one, who, as his Lord and Master, loveth Righteousnesse, and hateth Iniquity? Is he such an one? beat him, stone him, slay him, hang-him; he is a deg, use him like a Dog; the Parliaments Dog, his hand is with David, that is Reason enough with an Edomite, turne about and stay him, for he is no friend to Caesar. Blessed be God, That this man can count his cost, and account the reproach of Christ great riches. And blessed be God, that, according to their sufferings shall their con­solations be, full measure, pressing downe, and running over; he re­members his masters words, in the world tribulation; What more? that which makes amends for all, in Me peace, that's enough, Iohn 16.33. But let me aske these Edomites this question; Have they a Warrant for what they doe? Yes, they will say, they have a Commission from the King under the Great Seale of England, [An honest man is the KEEPER the while,] which runnes evermore thus, For the doing of these [notorious violences] this commission shall be to you, and them, and every one of them, a sufficient warrant. But O that they could remember, That God is an a­venger of these things; and when He makes Inquisition for bloud, then he that granted this Commission, and hee that executed it, Ezek. 22.14. shall fall both together; Their heart cannot endure, nor can their hands bee strong in the day The LORD shall deale with them; and with the KEEPER too, who hath wickedly betrayed the great trust of the Kingdome. Come we now to the people.

1. The children and sucklings there, they were slaine. The Edomite has made the like slaughter in our dayes, for he has slaine the mother and the childe together, I thinke the childe in the mothers wombe: We need say very little more unto it then this, The Sword was in the Edomites hand then; it is in his hand now, (the Papist I meane still) as bloudy now and ever, as the Edomite ever was, and what hee was you shall heare anon.

2. We must say The LORD is righteous, and these sucklings had finned, though not after the similitude of Adams transgression. Indeed it is a sad sight, but we may shut the eye, yet see into this case as farre with our eye shut as open; for truly, now we are in the darke, wee are come to the secrets of GODS Decree, and there we leave these Sucklings and Children all. Only I will tell my thoughts, which have ground from holy Scripture; That Parents now, seeing their Sucklings snatched from their breasts, and their children from out of their deare armes, and from under their wings, because the Parents have an hand with David, (pray marke that) may take more comfort in such a vio­lent death, theirs or their childrens then if they had seen them dye on their bed: For I doe assure you, That I have read of some Parents, who have beene very ambitious of such a Martyrdome: Oh! to have [Page 24]an hand with David to help him against the mighty, and an heart with Christ and to suffer for this, and so it is at this Day, is a glorious kind of Martyrdome that it is:

3. The People are destroyed Men and Women there. Answ:

I will Answer againe, The Edomite did it, a sworne Enemy to Is­rael, as we have read once and againe; he did it, who does thirst after Bloud; and yet not he alone, It cannot bee reasonably conceived That he alone, a single man could act such an horrid execution, but helped and strengthned with Sauls bloudy Courtiers some more of that generation; or Bastard Israelites, as Cruell as the Edomite was every whit; And let me say too, for it must be observed, strengthened also with the Peoples Sinnes, I meane the Sinues of that City. The In­habitants there did doubtlesse strengthen the Edomite, and the Bast­ard Israelites against their City and their selves: Nostris peccatis Barbar [...] fortes sunt; nostris vitijs Romanus superat exercitus, Hiero. Epist. l. 2. [...]. Isid. Pelus. Ep. l. 1 Ep. 294, p. 66. ( a) The Peoples sins made the Edomite strong (we Include all Davids Enemies under that Name) against the People of Israel: Doubtlesse it was so, for I Read the like expression full for our Instruction, The Sinnes of Israel strength­ned Eglon Iudg. 3.14. against Israel; Marke it, Eglon then and the Edomite now had a Will alwaies (as the Divell has) to doe Israel mischiefe; But nor Eglon them, nor the Edomite now, no nor the Divell neither (mighty though he be) nor this Adversary, nor that, nor the other, have strength and power of themselves, To doe Israel mischiefe (for hurt they can­not doe) I say, Will they have still, Power they have none, of them­selves, till GOD lets it forth, till He strengthens them against His People, for their Sinnes against Him, The God of all Wisedome, Power, and Grace. So we Read: And the Children of Israel did Evill a­gaine in the fight of the Lord. [Observe that expression by the way, and you will observe That God Markes what is done amisse, Hee sees Sin in His People, for you Read here and every where, before the Eyes of The LORD, Iudg. 3.12. in the sight of the LORD.] And The LORD strengthe­ned Eglon against Israel. Why? It is repeated againe, Because Israel had done Evill in the Sight of The LORD: Therefore Eglon was so strong against Israel then, The Edomites after that time; and now at this pre­ent time, are so strong now. That is the Reason The Sripture gives and it is a full Reason. Does the Enemy prevaile? Israels Sinnes doe pre­vaile. Sinnes are strong, and hands are weake; Mighty sinners, and then mighty Adversaries! Does the Edomites rage reach up to Hea­ven, the Peoples Sinnes reach thither too. Doubtlesse if the Edo­mite have successe in any Quarter of the Land, God does not doe it to gratifie the Edomite, but the more to confound the Adversary, and to fit or make His People meet for Deliverance. Does Deliverance stay? It is That Praise may wait for GOD in zion; when the Worke is done, and Israel is humbled before his GOD, then the Edomite shall [Page 25]fall and rise no more: The Lord will utterly undoe him: this belongs to the next Section. The Edomite has not yet fully executed his Commission not compleated his Slaughter, There are Oxen, and asses, and Sheepe Remaining, and these he will smite with the Edge of the Sword in Revenge of David because hee has escaped his bloody Knife: The Bruit Creatures fare the worse for Davia now; but these groane under the Edomites hands. The Oxe, I cannot speake little of him, therefore I will say nothing, but much increase by the strength of the Oxe. Prov. 14.4. And much good Service is done by the Asse; The Sheepe Cloatheth us with her Fleece, and feeds us with her flesh, It is Man That hath sinned, and done evill indeed, but as for these Sheepe, what have they done? Sayes Da­vid grieved for his poore People slaine with a grievous Plague, Gods Sword, which he had called for to lessen the number of People, wherein David boasted. We may say as much now and without a Figure, VVhat have these done? VVas the Edomites Rage against these poore Creatures? No, it was against David, or rather, for so Da­vids Lord is pleased to take these Insolencies and wrongs done against David, as done to Himselfe, Thy Rage against Me. 2 Kin. 19.27. Therefore the Ser­vants of the Lord have boldnesse, and assured confidence, That their Lord does even now deale with this Beast, as he has done with his fel­low- Beast, He puts an Hooke in his Nose, and a Bridle in his Lips even Now. Verse 28. And His People will give their LORD no rest touching this matter, saying Arise O Lord in Thine Anger, lift up Thy selfe, Psalm. 7.6. because of the Rage of our Enemies, and awake for us to the Iudgement, which Thou hast commanded. Amen.

CHAP. 6. Weighty Reasons, Why The LORD suffers the Edomites to lay wast Israels Land; how it Relates to this time. If Wolves had not beene grievous to our Land, they had not been destroyed out of the Land.

VVHy does GOD suffer an Edomite to destroy Israells Land? Qu.

Is there not a Cause? Sayes David in another Case; surely yes, Ans. and a Cause for this also, an excellent Reason, 1 Sam. 17.29. for what The Lord does or Suffers to be done though wee could give no accompt of it. First,

1. Because Israel may be growne wanton and carnally secure. A little Rest from their Enemies, will make Israel settle upon their Lees: Israel cannot, I say Israel, Gods owne people, cannot well and Thrif­tily [Page 26]husband their time and peace. They may do it after they have felt the Edomites hand and have rest from his oppressing Sword. Act. 9.31. There­fore Israel must have a Scourge, a Thorn in his eye and a Goade in his side. And none more pricking Briars nor any more grieving Thornes, then an Edomite is, Ezck. 28 24. That knowne Adversory to Israel. Israel will not know the Service of their GOD: 2 Chro. 12.8. Therefore he shall know the Service of a cruel Lord, that delights in Proud Wrath; An easie yoake made Isra­el wanton. An Iron yoake shall make them groane. Israel will bee stout with their God, and comply with an Idolatrous People, and learne the manners of the Heathen, play away the LORDS day, and snufe at His Service; will Israel do so? The LORD will meet with them for this; Hee will deliver them into the hand of them, whom Israel hateth, into the hands of them, from whom Israels Minde is A­LIENATED, Ezek. 23.28. Prelates, Edomites, Atheists, Papists and the like, and these shall deale hatefully with Israel, they shall take away all Israels labour, and shall leave Israel naked and bare. This Relates it selfe, I need not shew how it relates to this time.

2. The Edomite must be a plague to Israel. Why? because the Edomite is become a Lord and Master in Israel, that he is set over the Servants of Saul, 1 Sam. 22.9. 2 Chro. 12.6. 2 Sam. 106. if you observe it, he is next to the King, the greatest man in Court, who but the Edomite there! he does all, all must come through his hand. The Edomite must be a plague to Israel, it must be so. Will Israel suffer their Master Saul to take an Edomite to his side, To make him his right hand, dominus factotum, LORD do all, as the Proverbe is; will Israel suffer this? They shall have enough of the Edomite, that they shall; and Israel shall see there is mighty reason it should be so; and when they see their Cities burnt with fire, and the Edomite Israel saw with open eyes, That Saul, rising-up against David, could not a­bide an honest man: but his heart clave in love to the Edo­mite, he should have the honour of Knighthood, and of Lord Ge­nerall in the held. slaughtering them like Sheep; then they shall say, The LORD is righteous; yes, and gracious to Israel too, for

3. By suffering the Edomite to deale with Israel so hardly, and ac­cording to all the desire of his soul, The good LORD will make the Edomite hatefull to all Israel, Israels mind shall be alienated from him; he shall never be entertained at Court any more; The Edomite shall well perceive as the Amonitedid, That hee slanke before David and all Israel: he has shamefully abused Israel this once, hee shall never serve them so again; he shall see how he stinkes before Israel.

Oh! there is mighty reason why the Edomite in these daies should deale so hatefully with Israel now; for all the Reasons abovesaid, (which I will not recall) and for this especially, That he may STINK before David. and all Israel; so as Israel not abiding his savour any lon­ger will joyne hand, and shoulder, and heart and all to thrust him out of the Land, where they have committed such abominations and executed such wrath with such a rage. Indeed it is good for Israel to [Page 27]feel the weight of the Edomites hand; and the mischiefe of his coun­sell: It was good for Israel then, it is as good for Israel now, to be so wasted by Edomites. VVho but the Edomite, before, in Court, City, Countrey? In the Court chiefe Commander there, and Keeper of the great Seale hard by; Recorder in the City, and Lord Generall in the Field: VVho but the Edomite all this? Dominus fac totum, Lord Do-all as was said before. But the Edomite has smitten Cities, and burnt Townes, They stinke before David and all Israel now, and they must needs know it, that Israel will, in good time, rise up all as one man to thrust them out of their land. It is good for Israel that the Edomite has dealt so hatefully with them, wasting their Cities, and slaughter­ing their people. VVe would not lift up a sword against the Edomite, to drive them out of the land, without gaine of money, (not yet) which the heathen in ancient time, and now, scorne to take, fighting against Israel. The time will come very shortly, Iudges 5.19. after the Edomite has vexed us a little more, that we shall willingly offer our selves, and jeopard our lives to the death to be avenged of the Edomite for our two eyes, (he would have put them both out) our burnt Cities, and wasted Townes. It was commonly said, that there never were any VVolves in England, for that the Land would not beare them: Yes, there were VVolves in England sayes Camerartus, Cap. 28. and the Land yeelded the Wolves good and cleane feeding the best Mutton in all the Country, they feasted upon it every Night. This Man lost 20 Sheepe in a Night, another as many more. Grievous Wolves indeed. The People then did not stand looking one upon the other. Complai­ning of their losses; Nor did they commit the slaughter of these Wolves, so grievous, to their Shepheards, Those undertakers; who could looke to their owne safety, sleepe all Night, leave the Wolves to their Prey, and take gaine of money in the Morning. No it was not so; every Man stood-up for himself, To keep the Wolfe from his Doore, and from his Fold, Tooke his weapon in his hand, and so pursu'd the Wolves; And it was gaine sufficient to rid themselves of them, and secure their Folds. And so they did their worke quickly, being every Mans worke, and bestirring themselves about it. Only this help was granted them, That Offendors, so be they were not Mur­therers, Capitall Offendors should have their lives granted them and their liberty upon Condition, ‘That they would bring in so many wolves thier heads or their Tongues, else the People could not believe they were killed.’ By this meanes there was a cleane riddance of Wolves untill this day.

For ought I know, had not the VVolves been, after their manner, grievous, The Land had beene pestered and plagued with them as at this day. Blessed be GOD say I, That VVolves are grievous, whether [Page 28]they have foure feet, or but two, they are wolves, and grievous. Bles­sed be God for that; That the Prelates hands were so heavy; Their Yoke so unsupportable; Their Orders, Their Oaths, their Courts so vexatious, mischievous and unsufferable. Blessed be GOD, That Clergy and Laity, Ministers, and people both, did groane for anguish of Spirit, and Cruell Bondage, under those Taskmasters doing the worke of an IMPERIOUS WHORISH WOMAN. Ezek. 16. I verily believe we shall never see Prelate more in England, I say Prelate, A Diotrephes, I meane, (such as our Bishops were; Therefore the Name (though a good Name) is so hatefull, 3 Iohn 9. because so abused, so ill Answered) who love to have the preheminence, honour amongst Men, and therefore cannot love the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We shall never have such Bishops againe (That word will please best) they were so grievous once: Sith they were such grievous Thornes by nature it is well they were so in­deed, That the Thorne was thrust home. And so for these Edomites too. They will make their owne savour to bee abhorred in the Eyes and Nostrills of all Israel. They are about their worke as fast as they can, Blessed be GOD for it say I; for when there is no Peace to him that goes forth, nor to him that comes in: But great vexation shall be upon all the Inhabitants of the Countries. What then? Why then wolves are grievous, and then let the Country-Men alone, every one will stand in his place, The Man and his VVife both; Sonne and Daughter also, every one with their weapon in their hand; what it is I cannot tell, but what comes next to hand, that shall be a weapon good enough, for indignation against the Edomite, and his oppressi­on (which makes a Wise man mad, Eccles. 77.) will frame him a weapon sooner then all the Smiths forges in the Towne or City. Is it a discourage­ment thinke you, That their Armour is taken from them? None at all; Courage. Zeale for GOD, hatred of the Edomite, Love to their gaine and ease (I should not put that last) all this is Armour of proof, the best Armour in the World. Doubtlesse this was good to Israel, even to feele the weight of the Edomites hand, and the Mischiefe of his Counsell: That Israel might have no communion with him ever after. It was good for Israel then to be so wasted by Edomites, so it is with Israel at this day, for Israel will deale with Papists as with their sinnes, give entertainment to them, put them into Office, suffer them to beare rule, and sway all there, as you heard, and their hearts to cleave to them in love; even so with their sinnes, till they see and feele what mischiefe their sins have done them, what Lords, or lusts they have served, and so what Fightings they have caused without, what feare within: And when they see and feele all this, then they can abhorre their Sins and themselves, for giving such loving enter­tainment to their Sins so long. Israel must feel first, and their Adver­saries [Page 29]must be suffered to deale proudly, To prepare Instruments of death, and then to thrust them home even unto the heart of Israel. Then Israel will open their eyes and look about them, and not be­fore. To conclude. The Edomites must be as pricking Briars and grieving Thornes, before they shall be thrust away: They must bee not in some but in all places, as evening VVolves, before every Mans hand will be thrust out against them to thrust them to the heart: They must stinke before David and all Israel, and then Israel will rise up all as one man, to thrust them out, who say of Israels Kingdome at this day as in ancient dayes Rase it, rase it even to the ground.

But now here is a strange sight, Though the Edomite has dealt so cruelly with Israel as we heard, though he has laid waste Israels Ci­ty, and dwelling place, yet Israel, neighbouring thereabouts, come-not-in to helpe their Brethren, under the hands of a cruell Lord and a bloody Edomite. VVhat might hold backe the neighbouring Is­raelite from comming-in to succour their poore Brethren? That is the question, and I desire heartily to be understood in it. I shall not question, Why it was so long ere the Tribes came-all-in to deliver Da­vid, for then I should question the wisedome of God, wherein I am ful­ly satisfied, and do thinke I shall be able, by the Grace of God, to satis­fie others in that point, and to give excellent Reason why David could not bee delivered one day sooner then he was; which, being handled, as I hope by Gods strength it may bee, will give mighty establishment and encouragement to Israel, touching the distracti­ons of this present time.

My question will be this first, VVhat might hold back neigh­bouring Israel from comming-in to help their Brethren and Sisters now in the day of their trouble, and tredding downe by the foot of pride? The answere to this question is, CONSCIENCE did with-hold Israel then, and the same CONSCIENCE must with-hold Israel now, in the very same case, from comming-in to succour their oppressed Brethren; So sayes Doctor Ferne, I will name him to comfort and refresh the Divel and his Servants, his Edo­mites in their war against the LAMB (for they shall have hot ser­vice of it.) and to honour their cause, that they have not onely a Master but a Doctor in Israel on their side, a conscientious man, who is as he sayes, and makes men beleeve, a man of a tender spirit, he can behold Cities wasted, Townes fired, Men, VVomen, Children, Sucklings, Oxe, Asse, Sheep, slaughtered there, and, tender Soul! he is moved as much as a Rocke beaten upon with the waves: But if so be one or more shall lift up their hand for David, and to help him in the day of his distresse, with Bread and with a Sword; or lift up the sword for David, then the good man melts, and good soule his con­science [Page 30]is troubled; O! sayes he, beware what yu doe, yu resist the King: Clap your hand upon the breast, consult with CONSCIENCE, remember the Battle, and doe no more so. A man of a tender spirit no doubt! Let him alone, we know him well enough, he is wiser, in his owne conceit then seven men, Prov. 26.16. that can render SCRIPTVRE and REA­SON both for what they doe.

I shall not goe a step out of my way to meet with this good man, that has so tender a conscience. Onely this, (for the History leads me directly to it) I must necessarily doe, and by GODS helpe and His good WORD I shall doe it to purpose, and make good, ‘That, had Israels hand beene with David now, and beene so bold and strong, as to have been able to have wrested the Commission out of Sauls hand, which he was giving into the Edomites hand; and the Sword out of the Edomites hand too; had any Israelite done so, he had shewn as great a kindnesse to Saul the King, and done as great a service to his Kingdome, as is imaginable.’ Therefore CONSCIENCE could not hold backe Israel from helping The LORD against the mighty. But this with much more, as I doe conceive, not without the Booke, of high and excellent concernment now, and will occa­sion a large discourse, I must referre to the next Section, unto which I shall hasten as fast as I can; Because I have a strong hope and confi­dence, That I shall be inabled therein to nonplus the Divell, and put his Edomite cleane out of office, if Law will bee hearkned to, and the best Reason. For as Law and Reason both did call-in and authorize all Israel to rise-up in armes, in succour of David, (at the last, when Gods time was come:) so it followes, That all Israel will move now upon the same grounds, and will not be slacke; And yet they shall have no allowance, to Resist their King, but allowance granted them from Heaven and Earth, to resist the evill Spirit, working mightily now-a-dayes with the Kings of the earth, and with their Edomites there carrying-on their great designe, to dethrone The LORD JE­SUS CHRIST. But when I have all done, I have little hope, That I shall sati fie the tender hearted-man. I meane Doctor Fearnes Tender Conscience I suspect rather I shall leave his Conscience as I found it, if not asleep, then seared. That I may begin I will end with this; Doe we that, which is before us, our worke and duty, with all our might; Set we our hands and our hearts thereunto; it is to help The LORD against the mighty: and we will not dare to make que­stion for Conscience sake, 1 Pet. 3.16. having a good Conscience, That, whereas they speak of us, as of evill doers, they may be ashamed, that falsly accuse our good conversa­tion in Christ.