Psalms — Chapter 19

Mat. 7. em 25, condemning the wicked to eternaldamnation: by vvrath , Gods fatherlie chaftice- ment corre ding finners, whom he faucth.WheruponS, Gregorie teacheth that the, faithful foule not only feareth furic, bur alfo wrath: becaufe after she death of she flesh , fome are depused so.eternal torments , fome paffe to life through the fire of ourgation. Waich dodtrine the fame holy father confirmeth , by the. iudgement of S. Auguftine more ancient. Who likewife affrmeth , thar al thofe which hauenor laid Chrift their foundation, are rebuked in furie, becaufe they are tormented in eternal fire : and chofe waica vpon right foundation ( of true fuiah in Chrift ) haue buile vvo-d, hay, fisbbl-, are chafttfed in wrath , becaufe they are brouvhr to reg of, bearitude, but purged by fire. Let therforethe faithful foule ( confidering, what she hath done , and contemplating what she shal receiuc ) fay: Lerd rebuke me nor sin thy Furie: nor chafface-me in thyvvrath, As if she faid more plainely : This only with my whole intention of hart I craue , this inceflantly with al my defiresI couete, chat inthe dreadful iudgement,thou neither ftrike me with the reprobate,nor afdid me withthofe, that shalbe purged in burning flames, Thus S, Gregorie, in Pfalm, oenssems. U. 1. PSALME. in Pfal. 27. 1.Cor.3. i. 1.Par, 128. dere.ry, 17. OF PSALMES, 25 PSALME VII, . . . . . tf . pauid in confidence of his mt caufe , and ‘youft perjecution , prayeth for Gods helpe, +. and mt remenge of lis enenes: 15. diferibing their malscsous inien- tion , and ruine.

(b) thatal Ifrael ( 1. Reg. {15.-v.13.) with al their hart foloweth Abfolom. Se againit Chrift , the Pricfts, the People, & Gentiles al confpired..

(f) To him that vfeth Gods grace wel, more grace is continually given, _

his face ; he fhal (7) rele ouer al his ene- mics, (x) The wicked doth dominier for atime,and thinketh heshal doe fo fil.

Burial,& Refurre@ion.As appeareth, Ioan.2. v.22. Where the Euan- gelrft faith : thar after Chrifts Refurrection ;his difciples beliewed the fewipenre , wo wit, thi, and other like prophecies.For otherwife the old Teftament doth not fo exprefly declare fuch Mv fteries,as the Ghofpel doth :-but one thing in the proper and-gram- matical fignification of the words, and.an other thing in shadowes andfigures, and both literal. Werenpon S. Gregory teacheth (i.20., 1. Mferal, ) that holte Scriprure, (among ft other incomparable excellencies ) furpaffeth al other doGrines , mm. the veric manner of {peaking : becaufe by onc and the fame fpeach, it reporteth a thing done , and proclameth a Myfterie:fo relating things paft ,that withthe verie fare! words , it foresheweth things to come. PSALME, IITI. The! okie Prophet teacheth,by his o-v-yne example,to fly te.God in al tribulation: 3 d that other refuges are infufficient, 9.and Gods helpe moft affured. Ci when 1, Pfalme of Dawid.) Allnterpreters agrcably teach, that King Dawid made i tidles of the- the titles, which are before the Pfalmes. Nenertheles they arc autbentical, asen -Deaimes added by Efdras and 3 ne Sergi Fiue things to! . is enoted in the titles. _ Why this is called the P falmie of Da- ud. Thetime and bccafion of making this Pfahmne. King Danid preficured Chrift, ‘The fame Seripture hath). diuers literal , fenfes. A od-nocchasy The pernad ; The fignifica~ tion of this of Pfalmes. jyou ( g ) vanitie, and {eeke (b) lying? {poral wealth in the old teftament.

(b) by final fentence of eternal domnation. Thy bioudic and aeceitrul man our Lord wil abhorre: -

Ad Pe- ti. li, 2, ‘Ye. 92, eAd Gand. A pos. 2. OF PSALMES. 17 S Acne of me,and wil gine (n) thee the Gentiles , forthyne inberi- tance, and thy pofk flion (0) the ends of the earth, (n) Chrift as man hath the Church for huis inheritance. (») Spred through the “whole world. _

but after it-is hard, ie cannot be made whole againe. So finners are more eafily reftored to grace shortly repen— ting, then long obdurate : yerthar which.is-vnpoffible tomaa , is:poffible 20 God. Mat.10, For as clay in the potters hand , foare you inmy hind , faith eur Lord , Tere, 18. 10 Ye Kings underfland. Not onlieinnumerable other people of al nations y but alfo after a while, Kings and Emperours belieued in Chrift.And fuch.as.at firft' per fecuted, became moit Chriftian, Catholike, Defenders of the faith.

the glorie of © Chrift, The Church: neuer failcth, 4 Cuftome in finne more ° hardly cured. Kings conuer- ted to Chri- ftianitie. Defend Ca- tholikes and lauoached , thatChriftianitie neuer found Kin gs but enuious:, enimies,, and perfecu- ters. To whom, Auguftine anfwereth in feueral books:, that Chriftian Kings and (Princes are not enemies to Chriftianitie : but are enemies to heretikes,the rebelles lof (Chrift and his Church. For according to this prophecie of King Dauid , Chri- 1.2.0.26,'ftian Kings ave inffrutied, and know itis their dutic, in the feruice of God , to defend kes and fchif- G tikes, ‘Apoftataes fa- { the punish here-. vour hereri-_ matikes ; be~ caufe they hate al Chri- © ftians. oy-and feare. Dauid Perfe- cured by his fonne. The 8. key. 38 THE BOOK the Church againft Heretikes , and omer Infidels. And it isthe propertie of Apo- ftataes to fauour heretikes:-e good Conftantin the Great maintained Catholike jwnitie sand Iulian the Apoftata to make greater dinifion, tooke Churches from Ca- tholikes.and gauethem to Donatiftes ,to nourish diffention , and fo to ouerthrow al Chriftians. But God til proteéteth the true Church , againft al furch furtle , and malicious denifes : because it is Chriffs inheritance. ° ° _ T1eReoyce vvith srembling. ) Gods feruice is tempered with two affections: vith joy, 1n confideration-of his goodnes , mercie, & mecknes;and with feare, inrefpea of his iuftice,and feuerc indgement. The onc isa remedic againft defperation: the other againftprefumption. PSALME, III. King Dawid recoanteth bis danger ,-vrben his fonne Abfalom confpired againft him : 4. and thanketh God for his delinerie: 9. acknoVvledging al belpe to be from- God. atifticall;, Chrifts perfecusion, Death; Burtal,and Refurrection. 1, The” Pfalme of Dauid,” when he fied fromthe face of Abfalom his fonne ( 2, Reg. 35.)

(p) deceitfully with their tongs, (4) iudge them o God, oo. (0) yealding lothfome ftinch,bitrernes,and rancor,(p) vet they flatter with feined good words. (q) Albcitthe iuft defire the conuerfion of the wicked, yer if they wil notrepent,then the iuft conforme their defires £0 Gods iuft iudgement : which shal be manifefted in the end of the world. —_— 42, Let (1) The faithful iuft foule that oucrcommeth her enimics by vertuc. (2) eternal, ‘Pat, a Rom, 3. Pla 37 OF PSALMES. 23 iz. Lettheu taie of ihe cogitations , according to the muilticude<f their impicties expel them, becaule they haue prouoxed theeo Lord. —

(t) wil I contefseto thee, ( f )Finally in this my good ftate ()1 shal aiwayes.confcdle and praife thee. H3 PSALME 4 rows 62 THE BOOK — PSALME XXxX, {How to pray prayer of 4 14ft man exceedingly affstted, fl confident in God.11, Deferibing in afdlidtion, his manse calamities (inre[pest of bis enermes ) “yndeferued, 18. prayer! for The 7. key. his owne delimerie,and thesr nf? punishment. 20,Praserh andthanksth God for bis goodnes.2 4,exhortetio al others to doe the fame.

» but in abftaynin from euil and doing good: yetrequiring and prefuppofing true faith, vithout which }no Workes are auaylable ro iuftice , nor to eucrlafting life. PSALME XXXIIII. Dauid in figure of Chri , propherscally byway of inuocating Godshelpe , fore- sheweth bs perfecution . and the inft reuenge ypon his perfecutours , 9. with praife to God. 13. Hu charitse towards his cruel aduerfarses, 17. whom newertheles God punssveth, 20.° for pretending peace in words, andin fad perfecuting : 23, rendring to al as they deferue.

He hath openeda pit,and digged it vp : and he is fallen into the ditch, w hich he made,

18, (-y) IfT have beheld iniquitie in my hart, our Lord wil not heare, (¥) Whofocuer wil be heardin prayer, muft repent of his finnes,

(d) when thou shalt doe him good, (¢) Temporally: (¢) fo long as he enioyeth wordlie profits, he wil feeme grate ‘fulzoGod. : . 20, He-shal enter in, euen to the progenies of his fathers ; and he shal {e) nor-fee light for euer. ] (e) But they shal not fee the true lightof heauen, 21,Man

(r) thefonne of Ieffe. are ended, pofedthough.not purin the laft place, but as 3c. cameto his hands. (r) Dauidthe na. tural fonne of seffe, made no more Hy mnes, thar. is,no more mufical praifes of God- after this Pfalme,but:the prefigured Dauid Chrift our Sauiour,the Sonne of God, in ‘hisbodie the Church, Gingeth stulnew praifes.S,Aug.in enarrat.Pfal.fequentis.72. Koz. PSALME phecie: firft fome sew ia the Apoftles ume (Metaphraftes apud Surium, Theodoret,

of meeter, or flaring icinto Englishle feemeth to moft Interpreters to be added as a note to ftirre yp atcention.And it occurreth often, not only inthe end of Pfalmes , but alfo ino- ther places.For itis thrife in the third Pfalme. And therefore maketh no argument that this Pfalme should be diuided. And thofe which dinide this into two , ioyne two in the 147.Pfalme.So that al agree in thenumber of 150. Pfalines ia the whele (g/Proueth by rribulatiés.(6;Continuacc in finne bringeth damnatié to the foule Erifi ad Marcel cAnno, 1§77. reed. 1603. Abatr. ‘Pro. 30. Bric. Ql .cin, \ OF PSALMES, 31 (¢) He shal rayne fares vpon finners:tyre and brimitone , and biaft of formes the portion of their cup, g for the time at laft mutt needs of inftice punish feuerely. ;) God fparia ofan 18 Beeaule our Lord is iuft and hath loued iuftice: his countenance hath {een equitic, PSALME XI. The Prophes defcribeth the passcity of iuf? men,and aboundance of wick ed, both at Cis firSE comming in flesh,6.and fecond sn marefhie,in the end of the world.

diutded by the wrath of his countenance;and (4) his hart hath appreched, (3) They harden their harts againft his threatned wrath: (4) but Gods prouiderce illuminateth others to know and teach the truth,when it is impugned or concemned, (1) His words are made ‘ofter then oile:and (m) rhe fame are darts, (L) Gods words, which in themfelues are meeke and fweere » (m) arehardto the incr:dalo.ts,& as darts that wound tem, Chrift faid (loan, 6.) Vinnie. one eate my flesh & drinke my bload , be shal nor hane life in him, which the Capnearnaites not vnderftanding faid onc to another: Tisis isa hard fpeach , Who ean sbide it? which S.Auguftin here foirh was the firft herehe s9siattour Sauiours preaching. Ir was not Jhardto S.Peter,whoin the'name or the reitjanfwered, thar Chrifi hed the w ords of Tom. 2, @) (tC ids: --- PAGE 1133 --- eat in danger. The 8 key. 106 THE BOOR eternal lize.He yet vnderftocd not the fecret of our Lords fpeach, but he pioufly be- icucd char the words were good, which he vnderftood not. 23, (n) Caftthy care yponour.Lord : and he wil nourish thee: he wil not giue (0) fluctuation tothe iuft-tor euer. ficulties which furpafie thy weaknes,caft thy care vpon our Lord, and he wil nourish thee. “o Hewil not fuffer the iuftto remaine alwayes in fu@uation,that is,in doubt. ful dangerous,and wauering thoughts or perplexities as when a ship is coffed in the waues of the fea, but wil giue quict repoie of mind,as in afure hauen without dan- ger or drowning. ction, (p) Contrariwife the wicked and obftinate shal fal into deftru&ion. hopein thee,o Lord. ¢q) Often or for moft part bloud-fuckers dye before the courfe of nature requi~ reth,as Saul,Abfolon,Achitopbel, Achab, Lezabel,and the like. PSALME LY, Dauids prayer pauid being in danger before Achis King of Geth, confidently smplareth Gods hel pe.againft the great malice and power of lis enimies; 8 foretheweth their ruine,hss owne exaltation, 1 2.and offereth praifes and thanks.

witot diuels, was pride, and mans finne was b of the diuel. (p; Neither of which could cfeape punishment, was by perfwafion Tom, 2. K (p) neither y PSALME XXXVI. An exhortatio Amexbortation not to ensie nov imiiate t’e enl, eho for moff part pro{per inshés to contempt of this world. The7. key. world , and are damned eternally : but to flre euil and doe good, du!, conjiae- ring that God diuer[ly permitteth and punishethese wicked,and likewife com- forterd and aff lieth the sft, al for sherr good, Tnis Pfalme is compofed in order of the Alphabet. cucriediftick beginning with's a larger commentarie. i A Palme (4) to David himfelf, (2) ForDauids andeuery iuftmans inftrudtion, JyAve (b) no emulation toward the maligsant : neither enuie them I chat doe iniquitie, (6) Neither be thou offended thatthe wicked doc profper in this world , nor imi- tate them that thou maiit alfo prefper. ,

When (/\ heshal fal, he shal not be brufed : becaufe our Lord put- teth his hand vnder. (Ky Though the iuft fal of frailtie or ignorance into verial finne , yet Gods grace shal ftay. him that he falnot into mortal. Theiuft falleth feuen times inthe day, & rifeth. Prou. 24. ——

(w) hart take courage, al ye that (x) hope in our Lord, . { (w) Longanimitie,(x) and final perfeucrance to the end. PSALME 64 THE BOOK — : PsaLME.. MAXI. Thr fecond . - ; _ {penitential Forgswenes of finnes isa happte thing:3.wherto manie are brought by affithion gr- Pfalme. uing them “ynderftanding, o mousing them to confere their firmes,6.pray for re The 7, key. mi[ston,10.not defpatre , but Lope in Gods merce, and fo resoyce with fsncere bart. 1,70 (4) Dauid himfelfe ” vnderftanding, (a) This Pfalme sheweth how Dauid was brought to ynderftand his finnes, to coafeffe,bewayle,and obraine remithon of them, B Le ssep are they,(b) whofe iniquities are forgiuen: and” whofe fin- nes ¢; be couered,. (4) The firft blefsing ofa finner is the forgiuenes of his finnes. (c) By charitie, which couereth the multitude of finnes.1.Pet.4.

Princes came before (/jioyned with themrriiat fang,in the middes (t)of yong women playmgontimbrels, (r) The Apoftles fowing the firft feed of Euangeiical do@rine, (() with whom o- ther Apoftolical men;(¢) and-other fouls of al nations conuersed by their preaching, moft ioy fully fing cogether in hart,voice,& inftruments: efpecially in good works, shew their grarcful affeG&ions to our Redeemer.

them reioyce and be glad,that wil my iuftice : and let them fay alwayes : Our Lord be magnified, that wil the peace of his feruant. (6) The Bleffed in eternal gloric. 28, And my tong fhal meditate thy inftice, thy prayfe al the day, PSALME XXXV. The Prophet deferibeth the wicked malsce of objsinate finners. 6. Againft which he oppofeth Gods infinite goodnes, 9. withbhis prowident mercie towards the sworft< and inft reward of she geod 12. praying to efcape the dangeroms gulfe of pride.

(x) $, Paul 07 Iacobs yongeftfonne Beniamin , laft calledtoApoftleship , was chiefly fent tothe Gentils. (y} Fhe Princes of luda their leaders: the Princes.of Zabulon , the Princes of Nephthali. . ; { 'y) Other Apoftles-or diuers tribes fent firftrothelewes., fecondarily to-Gen tils.

Butrhe iuft shal inherite the land: and shal inhabite for euer and euer vpon it,

(d)thy faluation, o God, hath receiued me, («) The voice of Chrift, humbling himfelfe to death, euen ro death ofthe Croffe: (4) trom which he rofe againe,

PSALMES. 201 SAULME .— CIX, Cort rifing and afcending into heauen fitteth.on toe sight hand ef God: 2 bee 'c hs exal. ginning in leru/alem rei neth inthe Church of the whole earth: 4, vfeth she The. ke ; Prieftsood of Meichi/edec.ss order to the end of the world. 6. And shal indee ies. key. the-world. 1APfalme of Dauid, Ma.22 7-\ VR (4) Lord fayd (6) to my Lord: Sit om my right hand : (c) til AG. 2. O I make thine enemies, the foo:- {tole of thy feere, t'Cor. (4)God the Father.( b ) To God the Sonne,the Lord of Dauid,and of +1 mankind, 3 §. Hea. yer the fonneof Dautd,according to his humanitie.(c) He limiteth northe time,but 4U-@TO. excludegh altame,wherin the entmre might imagine, that Chrifts kingdom should lceafesfignitying that Chrift shal rcigne, til al his enimics befubdued , much more iatterwards inal eternitie, - j2. Our Lord wil fend forth the rod ofthy {trength *d) from Sion: rule Ithou-inthe middes of thine enemies, (d) The Church of Chri ft beginning in lerufalem on whitfunday , the fifti-h day from is Refurrection,continuetn evermore. .

(e) in fourtie ycares aboue fix hundred thoufand died.

Expeét our Lord,and keep his way: and he wil exaltthee, that thou mavit inherice the land: when the finners shal petish:hou shal: {ce,

their owne {words enter into their harts + and Jet their bowe : be brome. of imprecation(as in manic other places) the P ropher foreshew'eth that wicked men shal fal into the euils, whichthey prepare for others l

(s) the cities of Iuda fhal be built wp. (h) obi wil alwayes eftablish and prorect the Catholike Church ; (i) and parti- cular Churches,members of the voiuerfa), shal alfo profper. And they shal inhabire there,& by inheritance they thal get ir,

remaynes for the peaceable man, (pd) Rewards,

thou hak not denied to fend Chritt, but differred- him. 40, Thou hait ouerchrowne thereitament of thy 1eruant: thou haft pro- raned his {anctuarie on rhe earth, 41, Thou haft deftroyed al the hedges therof :thou haft made the firma- 163 Dauid and his the Tewes in tamilie.1. Reg. 16.1.Reg.s. and ether pla- ces. Which was performed asin > figure, put more fully} in Chrift. Ad,

He diuided the rock , and waters flowed : rivers ranne -in the drie .6. ground, ; ‘ 42, Becaufe hewas mindful of ‘his holie word , which he had ytrered to aAbraham his feruant. 43. And he brought forth his people inexultation, and:his ele in ioy. . And he gaue them the countries of the Nations: andthey pofleffed the labours of peoples.

(e) haue found vs exceedingly, (c) Al refuge is not fecure,for one man is noz able alwayes to defend an other: but God is a fure and ftrong refuge. (d) Euer able and in conuenient time willing to helpe. (e} This whole world 1s ful of tribulations,but the Church fuffered the grea- teftin the firft perfecutions,& shal fuffer as great in the time of Antichrift. English ‘Catholikes fuffer moft of al nations in this age,and can not be fupprefied, but ftil in~ .creafe in number and fortitude. .

Our Lord wil redeeme the foules of his feruants: and al chat hope in him(n)shal not offend. (w) Contrariwife thofe that accept of his grace , shal fiaally not offend. ANNOTATIONS. PSALME, XXXIIIL

their riuers into bloud , & their (0) showers that they might not drinke, () The firft plague. (0) Pooles, lakes,and al forts of water, yea showers,or raine water which feldome happeneth in Agypt. jeermeee 45-He a ee --- PAGE 1171 --- cee a eae pam phason siren tte aber, aa one eee ene 56.And (g) they tempted, and exefperated God thehigheft, andthey 144 THE BOOK

a * fwarme of flies, and it cate them: and (4) * ceno the frog, and it deftroyed them, (p) The fourth plague , inorder as theyare recited in Exodus, (q) The fecond plague. ;

(f) the locuft, (rv) This was a leffe plague,not mentioned in Exodus ,with the greater.( [The eighe plague. 47, And he killed their vineyards with (+) haile ; andtheir mulberie trees with ()hoare-froft. . (+) The feuenth plague. (v) This alfo is omitted in Exodus. '

:: Saue vs,o Lord our God: and gather vs out of the Nations, That we may contefle to thy holie name:& may gierie,in thy prayfe, 48, Bleffed be our Lordthe God of Ifrael from cuerlafting vnto eucr- jafting: and al the people shal fay : Beit, be it, ANNO- ‘Ne. 10. Ust. L2, Deut. 2. y.2. OP I2. Vode es 3. ‘VTudic.2. v1 12, Tadic. 3. v.56. {oC ifererg, v5. --- PAGE 1222 --- 1.Par, 16.¥. mire OF PSALMES, 195 ANNOTATIONS, PSALME CY. this redemption ? Or is it a prophecie, thatthis was done in figure of Baprifme, where we areredeemed from the hand of the diuel by agreat price , whichtis the. bloud of Chrift? Wherupon it was more conueniently figured, net by what fea

their be aft to haile : and their poffeffion (x) to fire, (wv ) Not only al trees , and plants , but alfobeafts were fubie& tothe haile, (x) and to firie lightnings. 49- He fentvpon them -(y) the wrath of his indignation: indignation, & wrath, andtribulation: immiffions (7) by euil Angels, (y) In thefe general termes , of wrath , indignation , and tribulation, the Praphet comprchendeth al the other plagues, towit, the third of fcinifes , the fifth or pefti- lence, the fixt of boyles in men and beafts,the ninth of darknes three dayes together. (=; Al which God fent by the minifterie of diuels , euil Angels.

thy * word -hath quickened me, (6) Expe@ation of thy promife hath ginen me courage, gu. The (¢) proud did vniuitly exceedingly: (d) but I declined not from thy law. (c) Proud contemners of Gods law,hauc cuerie way molefted me,by detracting, deriding, calumniating , and violently perfecuting me. (d) Al which Lhaue borne patiently, and not declined from thy Law. —

he ftruck al the firft-borne inthe land of Aegypt: the firft truits of al their labours in thetabernacles(b) of Cham, (4) The tenthand greareft plague, Exod.s1-v. :& ¢. 12. v..29.(b) Egyptians alfo cended trom Cham,by his fonne Mefraim. Gen 10. v.6.

tooke away his people as fheep : and ledthem as a flock in the defer, : (¢) After that Aegyps was thus plagued, God brought Ifrael out of their feruitude, as a shepheard leadeth his sheepe, anddefendeth them. _ 53- And he brought them torth in.hope, and they teared not: and the fea couered their enemies, . 54- And he broughr them into (d) the mount of his (¢) fan@ification, the mount, which his right hand purchafed, (dj Iudeaa hillie countrie. (¢) Intothat countrie which God chofe , and endowed with man ze bleffings, And he caft (/) out the gentils from their face : and by lot he diuided the land of them ina cord of diftribution: 55And he made the tribes of Irae] to.dwel in their tabernacles, imyham, ——— kept not histeftimonies. (g) After the conqueft and quiet poffeffion, the Ifraelitcs often fel into groffe finnes, efpecially in the time ot Ludges, 57-And they turned away themfelues, & kepr northe couenant: euen as their fathers,chey were turned asa (b) crooked bow. (>) A crooked bow deceiueth tHe archer, fo this people failed to ferue God, and de- cciued themfclues.

Faynting poffeffled me_, becaufe of inners forfaking thy Law, (b) Ocherwife if I had not feen thy iuftice , my zcle againft.contemners of thy law would haue killed me.

Thy iuftifications were fong by.me,in the place of .my peregri- nation, (i) In this. place of my poregrination from heauen , I am.comforted by remem- bring , celebrating ,.and finging thy 1uft commandments and lawes , which make . Lhaue been mindful in (4) the night of thy name., o Lord: and haue kept thy law, ( k In perfecution , and inaltribulation , I kept thy law , becaufe I would not dishonour thy name: tions, (1) And my tribulation efpecially fel vpon me, becaufe I fought ro be iuftified by keeping thy law. . Heth, Lite,

tribulation, as appeareth in the booke oF Iudges. 66, Andhe reieéted the tabernacle (m) of Silo, his tabernacle, (n) where he dwelt among men, (m) The Arke of God fometime kept in Silo , lofue 1. irrthe tribe of Ephraim, was taken by the Philiftijms. 1. Reg. 4.and neuer returned thither againe.(n) But wherfocuer the Arke was, there God more efpecially heard their petitions , and gaue anfwers.

portion, o Lord, I fayd to.keep thy law. _(4) The Prophet proceedeth {peaking inthe perfon ot the iuft tending to per- fe&tion , and faying : This is my happic choife,that I defire no other inheritance,nor poffeflion, but to keepe Gods Law.

hils: and in their * grauens pan , OMS, they, --- PAGE 1172 --- they prouoked hiin (k\ ro ernulation, (i) In their altars crected in hilsto Idols. (> By grauen images of Idols , they prouoked God to indignation. .

their force into captiumie: and their beautie into the hands of the enemie. . (e) For their fumes God fuffered the Arke to betaken, a 62, Andhe (p) thut vp his people inthe tword s.andhe diipifed his.in- herirance. (p) And the raelites to be foreaflided by theirenimies.

Fyre devoured their yong men : and their virgins were not la- mented, (q) The zele and tak wrath ef God fuffered thefe calamities to. happen.

Priedts fel bythe fword:and their widowes were not wept tor, (x, Ophni and Phinees the foanes of Heli flaine: and Heli himfelfe bearing that the Arke wastaken,tel from his ftoole and broke his neck. 1. Reg. 4. 65,.And (f) our Lord was railed vp as one that fieepeth vas amightie man hauing‘furfed of wine, . Cf) Neuertheles God plagued the infidels, and conferued his Church. 1. Reg:s. 6€.And he firucke his enimies on the hinder parts : an cuerlafting re- proch he gaue tothem,

mufitian , that ‘the people might ynderftand and confider Gods benefits. M Y people atrend-ye to(}):-my law: incline your eare ynto the words LV 2 of-‘my mouth, (6) Neither the law,nor the people was Dauids , but preferting Gods perfcn, he, fpeaketh in his name or authoritie , with whofe infpiration he was replenished. S Greg. Pretat. in Iob.¢. 2.

of lofeph : and the tribe of Ephtain he choie not. (t) As before.y. 60, 68, But he chofe the tribe (-v) of Juda,mount Sion which he loued, (v) After atime the Arke was brought into the tribe of luda.

Thou art good: and inthy goodnelle reach me thy iuftifications, 69, The iniquitie of (1) the prowd ismultiplied ypon me: (4) but lin al amy hart wil tearch thy commandments. (i, Contemners of thy law haue endeauoured to intan gleme, (k)but I perfiftin kceping thy commandments. As before.v. 1 61. 0, Their hart is (1) curded together as milke: (m) butt haue medi- tated thy law. (1) Though the wicked co‘nbine themfelues together againit me , (m) yet I con- fider, that it is neceffaric to perfeuer in thy law. . {71 Icis good for methat thou haft humbled me: that] may learne thy iuftificarions.

his fandtuarie as of vnicornesintheland , which: he hath founded for ever, (w) The Church+was firme, and ever preferued in the old teftament til Chrifi,and® from Chrifts time to the end of the world. 70, And (x ) he chofe Dauid his teruant, and tooke him from the flocks of fheepe: trom afrer the ewes with yong he tooke him, (x) Gods particular grace in choofing and exalting Dauid, was a fpecial benefite. to the Ifraelites.

feede Iacob his feruant, and Ifrael his inheritance, ' (y} To rule and gouerne the people of Ifrsel. '72,And he tec them in che innocencie of his hart: and in the vnder- ttandings of (%) his hands he conducted them, () Prademly-véng hispewerand authoriie.. T ANNO. --- PAGE 1173 --- The people of Ifrael ofcen Murmured-in the defert. Ten times' more notori- oufly. aPrraey ae Tee 146 THE BOOS ANNOTATIONS, PSALME LXXVIL

Letthy mercie be done to comfort me, according to thy * word * els- vnto thy feruant, . quinn.

fhalliue: becaufe.. thy law. is my meditation, (2) Who am.almoft dead in tribulation. -

Let the proud ( f }be confounded, becaufe they haue done vniuftly : toward me; but I wil be exercifed inthy commandments. (f)-The tuft alfo-prayeth that the wicked may be ashamed , and comerted , for fo the Hebrew word here fignifieth,though it is alfo lawtulto defire the iuft punihs- ment of obitinate finners.

Lerthem( g;be conuerted tome that fearethee: and that know thy teitimonies, (g) Heprayeth againe for conuerfion of the wicked,and to haue peace with them.

Let my hart be madeimmaculatein thy iuftifications , that] be nor, confounded; Caph. Hand , or Palmeof the hand, .

thy faluation: and] haue much hoped inthy word, (4) Manic iuft of the old ceftament moft fervently defired the comming, of Chritt : ourSauiour, as our Lord himfelfe reftifieth , Mat. 13. v. 17. And nowthe inft defire his comming in glorie. 2. Tim. 4. v. 8. 82,. Myne cies haucfayled for thy * word, faying: (b) When wilt thou * elo. comfort me? (b) Delayed hope affliteth.

asa bottel in the hoare froft:1 haue not fore gotten thy suftifications, (c) As aleather bottel made of a beafts skine , congealed with the froft,and after partched in fmoke, fo is the bodie of she inft mortified by diuers forts of affliGions, made a new borvel fitte to receiue new wine,thatis perfcG dodrine of Chriftian lite, as of 1afting , and other aufteritic, wherof our Sauiour fpeaketh. Mat.s.v.igz.

the daies. of thy: feruant : when wilt thou.doe iudgement on them-thar perfecute me? _— (4) Such is mans infirmitre, yea of tlre tuft, that he apprehendeth tribulations to” be very long , and therrore defirech confummation ; and that without, finne, fo he ftil fusmic his wiloG ods wils. 85, The vniuit have rold me (e) fables : but nor as thy law, (e) Frinolous idletailes, which are not according to Gods law. (help mre.

(f)made end ot me in the earth: but I have nor. forfaken thy commandments, Cf )1 was in greardaager ; but am not ouerthrowne.

According to ( gj thy mercie quicken me: and I shal keep the tefti- monies of thy mouth. (gy And by thy: merciful grace shal perfit.,. quinn. Lamed.. --- PAGE 1250 --- —_ ‘OF PSALMES. "223 ele Mist. 92.-(¢)- But that thy law.is my meditation : 1 had-then (d) pethaps peri- j alahe way ofiniquitie. , Lamed. Difcipline,

thy word is permanent in heaven, (a) The praife of Gods workes , which are firme and permanent in the order, wherin he ferrhem. go, Thy truth in generation and generation: thou haft founded the. earth, and iris permanent,

(b) Althings of this world,man exce pted, doe Gods wil. shed in my humiliation, (c) Man, except he meditate Gods law , ‘and therby be holden vp ,‘is in danger, (4) perhaps in-euerie tentation to perish eternally.For he can neuer rife out of mortal finne, by his owne power , and al should perish if Gods mercic did not {pare fome, and giue them new effectual grace to repent.

I wilnot forgetthy juitifications for euer ; becaufe in themthou haft quickned me.

obferue the commandments. 95.Sinners haue expected meto deftroy me:I vnderftood thy teltimonies,

Iknow, o Lord, that thy iudgements are equitie: and in thy truth thou haft humbled me. (d) (c) The inf being affliéted, and not fecing the particular canfetherof,vet knoweth and conteffeth, thar God doth it for moft iuft.caufe. (d) Andtherfore with patience prayeth for comrort, as foloweth:

(g)thy commandment is exceeding large. (f ) Al worldlie things haue their confummation and end:(g)Gods commandment continueth ever. Forwe are perpetually bound to loueand ferue God: to loue our neighbours, yea and enimies. The reward alfo for keeping Gods commandments, & punishment for breaking. them,are erernal without end. Mein, Of them,

How haue J loued thy law , o'Lord!al the day it is my meditation, (a) It is merueltoa perfeiuft man , that he hath fo much loued and-obferued Gods law. By acknowledging wherof,he yealdeth praife and thankes to God, whofe oulftitis.

Aboue mine enemies thou haft made me wife by thy command- ment: becaufe it is to.me for euet. -(b) The fruits-of obferning cods law are manie and great. Amongftothers , it maketh the obferuer wifer then his enimies.

al that taught me haue Lvnderftood: becaufe thy tefti- monies are my meditation. . (c) Itmaketh the obferuer wifer then his temporal maifters ,that thaught him, go wit,then thofe,that teach wel,aud doe not performe the fame. . 100, Aboue (d) ancients haue Ivnderfiood : becaufe 1 haue foughr thy comuiandments, (di yonger-in yeares that keep cods commandments , are wifer then the more ancient that keep them not. 101, I haue {taied my feete from al euil way : that} may keep thy words, 102.1 haue not declined fré the iudgemérs:becaufe thou haft fet mea law,

How f{weete are thy * words to my lawes, more then hanie. tomy mouth! (e) Another fruit is the fweetnes which the iuft feeleth in his owne foule. By thy commandments I haue vnderftood : therfore hauel (f) hated _(f) Iebrideth alfo 1aft hatred to finne. Nun. --- PAGE 1251 --- 224° THE BO OK Nun, Euerlafting.

Paftoars,or other Preachers; is the ordinarie nacanes. for others ro learnc, how’ to direét their wayes and adtions.

fware,and haue determined to keepe the indgements of thy iuitice, (b) Suck profefsion Gods people made in the olf law, in Circumcifion, or at other times: Chriftians make it in Baptifme.

perfon, burhis iniquitie, by whicly he isan enimie to Gods law, (6) which euerieinft man ioueth, _ 114, Thou art.my helper , and protectour : and vpon thy word I haue much hoped, 115 -(¢) Depart from.me ye malignant: and I wil fearch the command-} ments of my God, - (¢) Whofoeuer wil ferioufly and Securely fearcirthe law of God, muft auoide the } conuerfation of -eail men, 116, (d) Receiue me according to thy * word, (e) and I shal line: and (f) confound me not of mync expectation, (d) A general and very fit prayer, when we addié our felues by a firme refolution to ferue God, befeeching himroreceiue ys into his protedtion: (e) wherby fpiritual lire is conferued: (f) which we pray with great confidence , becaufe he hath promi~ fed to heare thofe thar feeke,aske,and knock at the dore of his grace. -

Helpe me, and] shalbe faued : and I wil meditate in thy mifti-} cations alwayes, elo- BLT... ig; We --- PAGE 1252 --- quinm, * elo 128, (b)Therfore was directedtoalthy commandments:(+)al wicked OF PSALMES, 235 (2) We m2ft pray alfo thar he fuffer vs not tobe confounded , or made fruftrate of the reward which we expe ; tor hope confoundeth not , it charitie be pow'red in our harts,by the Holie Ghott which 1s guten vs. Rom. $.V.5. 118, Thou hatt (b) defpsfed al that reuolt trom thy indgements:-{ 7 ) be- caufe their cogitation is vniuft. (hb) God reteteth finners : (i) fo long as they thinke peruerfly : that is , yntil by his grace, fome returne to a better mind , which of themfelues they can neuer doe. 119, Al thefinners of the earth 1 haue (A) reputed preuaricatours: : herfore haue I houed thy teftimonies. (k) As God sccountethof finners, fo the iuft alfo-efteemeth them., conforming his iudgement to cods, 120, (1) Rearfeany flefh with thy feare: for Lam afrayd of thy indge- ments, (1) Seruil feare is profitable as this place maketh euident: though perfe& charitie arterwards fucceeding, expelicth that fearc, and moueth to doe wel for the loue of God. notfor reare ox punishment. -. Ioan. 4. Ain. A tountaine, or an eye. 121, I (4) haue done iudgement and iuftice : (b) deliuer me notto them that calumniate me, (4) The iaft againe in fernentzeale , not arrogantly , but confidently profefsine his innocencie, (b)- prayezhro be defended from cajumniatours. 122, Receiuethy feruant (c) vnto good: let not the proud calumniate me, (¢) Grant therfore, o God, the good and lawfid requeft which I demand. 123, Mine cies haue fayled (d ) after thy faluation: and tor the * word ot thy iuftice, (d) By long expecting to be delinred and faued from tribulation. 124, Doe.with thy feruant according to thy mercie : and teach me thy iuitifications.

Itistimeto doc,o Lord: ( f) they haue diffipaec thy Jaw. (e) Ivistime, and argh time, faith feruent zeale of the juft man , that God deliver the innocent: ( ¢ ). when the wicked hane not only perfecuted the good, but hauealfe contemptuoufly made houoke of Gods law andtrue religion.

Therto.e haue I loued thy commandments , aboue gold and topazius, (g) For this zeale of Gods law fo defpifed and diffipated, theiuft more and more loneth,that which the wicked fo deadly hate. 1 ' Way I haue hared,.. (4; Euen by the mortal hate of the wicked I faw that Geds law is mioft excellent, and therfore addicted my felfe fo much the more to loneit, (and to hate al wicked way es. Phe, Mouth, 129, Thy (4)-teltimonies are meruelous: ( b ) therfore hath my foute fearched them. (a) Gods meruclous-power and wifdom , teftified by his workes and command. ments, (b) worthily inuite inft foules to meditate and contempl..re the fame, Tom, 2. Ee 130, tne --- PAGE 1253 --- 226 THE BOOK

declaration of thy* words doth illuminate:and giueth vn- Ie Sermo: derftanding to litle ones. Inu, (¢)Firft entrance into'knowledge of holie Scripture, illuminateth the vnderftan- ding of the humble, wherby they proceede to know nore.

opened my mouth ., and drew breath :becaufe I defired thy commandments. (d)By this Metaphore,of gaping.or wide opening the month, and drawing breath, ~ the Prophet deferibeth the great defireor theinf, to knew and keepe Gods com- inandments. 132,Lookevponme,and haue merci¢e onte,accerding to (e) the ‘ud gee. ment ofthem rhat loue thy name, (¢) According to thy accuftomed equitic,in shewing mercie tothem that louethy name,

Thou haft made vs for aparabic to the Gentils: a wagging of the head among the peoples, 16, Althe day my thame is againft me, and the confulion of my face enemie and perfecurour, hath couered me, 17. At the voyce of the vpbrayder, andthe reprocher: at the face of the

Mine cies hane gushed iorth iflues of waters :-becaufe they haue not kept thy law. . (g}True repentance confifteth not only in purpofe to auoide finge hereafter, which indeed is firft required, but alfc in forow and lamentation for finnes paft. Sade. luitice, 13 7.Thou art iuft, o Lord:and (4) thy iudgementis tight, (4) God being effentially -iuft of himfelfe , makethmeniuft according to right iudgement,by giving them grace of mercie,wherwath they cooperating are iuft by iuftice in deed inherent in their foules,not by impwration only : tor it were not right iudgement£o impure,or account man iuft whe is not fo indeed,

quinn, 134,.Redeeme metrom the calumnies ofmen:that I may keepe thy com. mandments,

iufticethy ceftimonies: and thy veritie exceedingly, (b) The fame is more confirmed by thefe- three) fynonyma , Inftice, Teftimonies, Veritic,fignitying the law.of God,moft earncftly.commanded. 139.My Zeic hath-made -meto pine away : .becaufe.mine enimies haue forgotten thy words, {140, Thy-*word is (c) fired exceedingly:and thy feruant hath loued‘ir. , , (¢) Gods law-is as purc as anie thing purged by fire. Mie.

a yongman,and contemned : I (e) haue.nor forgotten thy gee duftifications. (d) A ing man.is often indged ignorant, immature,vn experienced, by theworldlie wife ; (e) but indeed is wife,in thar he forgetteth not to keepe rhe law , which ima- kethhim tuft. 142.T hy iuftice is iuftice for euer:and thy law is-veritie,

Tribulation and diftrefle haue found me: thy commandments are. my medication, 14.4.Thy teftimonics are equitie for euer (f} giue me-vnderftanding,and I shal liue, (f) Hauing profeff-d the neceffitie of perfeé iuftice , he concludeth this O&o- I ; Narie --- PAGE 1254 --- *Ploqusa elo. wr y elo. - guia. ~ (6) Thane prevented the mature and ordinarie time of the night,and-haue prayed

maturitie , and (¢} haue cried: becanfe I hoped mnuch in thy words, (¢) very atrenciucly. - tate thy * words. (4) Againein the morning haue preuented the accuftomed time of prayer:

not OF PSALMES. 327 narie , praying to be illuminated in his vnderftanding, that fobe may attaine mftice and liue therby. Coph, Vocation, 14s. I (4) haue ered in my whole hart, heare me, o Lord : I wil fecke after thy iuftifications. (4) Moft feriows and fernent inuocation of God for his grace is neeeflarie to the f ulfilling of his law. . 146, I haue cried tothee, faue me:that I may keep thy commandments,

Heare my voice according to thy mercie , o Lord : and according to (¢) thy iudgement quicken me. (e) According to thy accuftomed. manner of shewing mercie, shew it me , that therby I may liue.

They that perfecute me haue approched to iniquitie : but from thy law they are made tar off, 1st, Thou art (f) nigh,o Lord ; and al thy wayes are truth. Cf ) God is alwayes readie toheare al that fincerely inuocate him.

From the beginning I knew pf thy teftimonies : that thou haft found ed them for cuer, (g) Gods law is the fame in fubftance from the beginning of the world, and wil be for ever. Res. Head,

my humiliation,and deliuer me:becaufe I haue not forgotten thy law. (2) An other prayer of the iuft inaffltion.

according tothy iudgement. uicken me, (c) As berorev.149. - 157.T here are manie that perfecutg, me, and afflict me: ] haue not decli-- ned from thy teftimonies, thy * words,

See that I haue loued thy commandments,o Lord: in thy mercie quicken me, . 7 . (d: Sincere profefhonof innocencic isno arrogancy. 160, The (e) beginning of thy words is truth: (f} al the iudgements of thy. iuftice are for euer, E-e: 2. (e)Gods --- PAGE 1255 --- oe { rb THE BOOK (e; Gods eflential veritic is the beginning from whence, as fromthe fountaiic, al other traths are derined: (fF) And al commandments proceeding trom this firit truth,are for euer immutable, Sin. Tooth,

without cau‘c:and my (4) hart hitb been afrayd of thy words. ; (a) Potent wicked men perfecute the codlie without caufe,that is, without anie iuftreafon mouing them ; & without the effect invended by shem, whiciiis to draw Gods feruants fromtruth and equitie; (6) whofe hart being, poflefied wich we true “feare of God they perfift in keeping Gods commandmens. 162, 1 (¢) wil reioyce at thy * words:as he rhat findeth manie fpoyles, (c) Yeathey alfo reioyce in keeping the commandnrents, with fuch diffrcultic, as Infticution -of Canonical tHoures b y the #Church, {This religious: jiniticution ireprehended iby Drow fe Hererikes. Vigilantians. Wacliffiits. Lutherans. jApproued! by 8. Leda, 9.Gregorie, S.Auguftin, ‘S.Icrom. §.Bafil. ‘S.Cyprian, S.Clement. thofe doe, that gaining the victorie ouer theirenimies , caric away great and rich : poy es. \ . 63,1 haue hated iniquitie,and abhorred it: but thy law-T haue loued, 164,(d) Seuen times in the day I haue fayd prayfeto thee, for the iudec- ments of thy iuftice. Oe (4) Euerie dav. the iuft praife God often, fignified by thy number of Teuen, From hence alfothe Church of Chritt tooke example to infticure the feuen Cano ‘ nical Houres,which 1s the ordinaric Ecclefiaftical Office; confitting , asS. Ifdorns, and manie other Fathers teftine, of Hymnes,Pfalmes,Ca:-ricles, Anttphones, Lef- ‘fons Refponfories ,& other Prayers,& Praifes,dittribureddnto di ftindt umes, begin- ning in the night, wheroz that part 1s cailed the Noéturne ( one or three according to the diuerfitie of the Office ) and perteineth to one or more of the foure Vigiis, Into which fouldiers divide the whole night. Wherto alfothe Laudes sre added. The Prime;in the morsing. Afterwards , the Third houre,Sixt,Ninth, & in the cuening, Euenfong,and Compline. Againft which moft anci.nt and religious Conftitution,efpecially againft the part called Vigils,or Nocturnes ,cercaine Heretikes repined,& calumniated the Churches cuftome,as fuperfluousand vntruitiul to fpiritual worke , violating of Gods ordi- nance, awho.m-de.the nighe for reft , and the day tor labour. For which caufe they were-called Nyéazortes, Somnicolofi, Drowly hererikes. As the fameS.Ifido- rus teftifiech li.i.c. 22.de,Offi. Ecclef. S.lerom Epift.ad Ripasium, noteth rhe fame here fie in Vigilantius , calling him.Dormitantius , becaufe he rcprehended holie Virgils,as it ic were better to fleepe, then wake in time of Diuine feruice, Wich ff alfo raifed vp the fame herefie as witnefleth Thomas Walden fis, To. 3. Tir. 3, -€.21.Laftiy Luther and al his brood. Bur the holic obfcruarion of Canonical Hourcs is proucd by manic anciét Fathers to be altogether agreable to the holie Scriptures, ‘both of the old and new Teftament. SoS. Beda-in 1s. Luc.& li.g.c.7. Hitt. AnoLS. Gregorie the Great,li.3.Dialog. c. 14. S.Auguftin ( Ser.ss. de temp. ) exhortirg the people to rifeearly tothe Vigils ( or Noturnes ) and in aniewife ro come to the. Third houre,Sixt,and Ninth.Let none (faith he ) withdraw himfelfe from the holie -worke,bur whomeither ficknes,cr publike veilitic , or perhaps foie great necef- ] fitie holdeth backe.S Ierom.Epift. 12. ad Eufeoch. & in Epitaph. Paul c..10.maketh expreffe mention of the Third houre,Sixt,Ninth,Norning ,& Euening; alfo of Mid-. night, adding thar no Religious is ignorant that fometimes they nuit rife to Viuine Scruice,twife,yea-thrife in the night.S. Bafil in Regulis fufius difput.ad Interrog. 37. & de Inftit. Monachorum , firft sheweth this ordinance to be.agreable to the holie Seriptures,& namely to this place of the Pfalmift.S C ypria in fine expofit:Orat.Do- min. aftirmeth that befides thethree houres in which Daniel and his telowes prayed, the Church of Chrift hath added more.And (as manie fuppofe) S.Clement li.g.Con- ftitur.A poftol.c.4o.shewerh the ferre Houres-of prayers.& the reafons therof:M.ke vour prayers Early inthe morning,at the Third houre , Sixt, Ninth , Euenirg, & at the Tims of cocke crowing, Early gining thankes,becaufe our Lord hath illuminated the * elo- ‘guia, --- PAGE 1256 --- Ma.18. 12 .Cor.é Y elo- i OF PSALME S, 229 vs, the ntght being pafled,& the day comming in ; the Third, becaufe that houre ou" Lord recctued I ilats fentécg;the Sixt houre becanfe thé he was Crucifiedsthe Ninth, becaufe althinges were moued, when our Lord was crucified, abhorring the audaci- tic of the wicked, & not bearing the ignominie of our Lord ; ar Euecing, giumng thankes, for that Ged hath given vs tne night for reft of daves labours : at the Cecke crowing, becaufe ar that time the comming of the day is denounced, to exercife the workesof light. Thus S.Clement. Tonching the diftin@ and fettetimes of publike prayer.the continual practife by tradition teacheth , chat Mattins with-Lauds were faid in the night,about the firft Cockcrowing.Prime early inzhe morning. The other partes in the day time. At euening Euenfong, & laftofal Compline. And.touching the place : If ror the infidels (faith the fame holie Father ) there be not acceffe to the Church, the Bishop muft gather the Affemblieat home, thatthe godlie may not enter intothe Church of the wicked : for the place doth not fan@ifie man , but man the place. Wherforcir the wicked occupie the place, that placeis to be shunned ,be- caufe it is prophaned by them:for as Priefts doc fanctitie holie things , fo the wic ked doe contaminate them. If neither at home, nor-in the Church Afflemblies can becelebrated, let euerie one by himfelfe fing, read, pray, or twe or three be gathe- red together. For where two er three are gathered in my name ( faith Chrift there am I in the middes of them. Let not the godhe pray with anheretike , no notar home. For what focietic is there of light with darknes? 165, Thereis (e) much peacetothem that Joue thy law: & ({) there is no fcandalrothem, (¢) Among ft ether benefits, itis a fpecialcommoditie, thatthofe which perfe@ly loue Gods law hane alwayes peace in their owne confcience: (f ) and are neuer fean- dalized , that is, doc not fal nor commit finne , by anie occafion whatfoeuer giuen them by others. For itis a general affured doGrine , that the perfe@ are not fcanda- lized, becanfe they are con{tant in vertue, and not moued by anie example, perfwa- fion , prouocation,or ozher meanes to offend God:but only the weake and vnperfca are moued and drawne to fiane by occafions giuen them, who otherwife would nor haue finved. Neither ds he excufed.that falleth by fuch occafions,, becaufe he ought to be conftant. 166, 1 expected thy faluation,o Lord:and hauc loued thy cémandments, 167, My foule hath keptthy reftimonies: & (g) hath loued them excee- dingly. (g, Not of feruile feare,but of rrue charitie & filial lone. 168, Ihaue kept thy-commandments, and thyteftimonies: becaufe al my waies are in thy fighr, (b; Becaufe whatfoeuer 1 doeis inthy fight, -v hom I wil inno cafe offend. Tau . Signe,

Letmy petition appproch in thy fight, o Lord: according to thy word giue me (b) vneeritanding, . (a) Inthis laft‘OGonarie, and conclufion of this Pfalme, the faithful feruant of God prayeth, (6) not for humane knowledge , or other temporal things, but to ynderftand cods law. 170, Let my requeft enter in thy fight: {¢) according to thy word (4) deliuer me, . . (c) Thou that haft promifed to heare althat inuocate thee, (d) vourfafe to deliuer me in time of tribulations and xentations,

My lips thal veter an hymne, when thou fhalt teach me thy infti- ‘fications, 5 al ~

Ee 3 (e) God Why publike prayeris con- {titured at thefehoures. - INot iawful to oe to Church, nor to pray ww ith Infidels. Nor with here- tikes. Why the ry, Pfalmes fo-. lowing are called Gradual Canticles, ‘The hiftorical: fenfe. iThe myftical enfe. IThefe Pfalmes are confolaro- ric prayers and prophecies, z30 THE BOOK io God giuing grace, it behouech his feruants thankefully to ferue and praife im,

Let thy hand beto faue me: becaufe I haue chofen thy com- mandments, (f) Though man be indued with’grace, yet he needeth more grace , that by Gods and and power, not by his owne, he may refift tentations, . . 174, Lhaue coucted thy faluation, o Lord : and thy law is my medira- ‘ton,

My foule shal fiue, and shal prayfethee::.and thy indgements shal help me, off ) By this afsiftance of grace, the foule continueth in {piritual life , and praifeth od,

(k) becaufe I haue not forgotten thy commandments, _ (6) Al mankind, and yniuetfally eueric one,hath beenjas a loft sheep, (i) & Chrift thofeonly , that torget not-to keep his co.ninandinents..- A. BRIEFE NOTE CONCERNING the Gradual Pfalines, Here folow in order fifeteerre Pfalmes intitled Gradual Canticles. The Hebrew other Rabbins yeald, for that they were fong with higheft elevated notes, that can bein Mufike. The Talmud: faith they are fo called, becaufe they were fong in the fifteen fteps going vp into the Temple. But S. Angufti, S. Bafil, and other Chri- ftian Fathers expound them-according to the hiftorie , and immediate prophcrical fenfe , of the deliueric of the lewes from captiuitie of Babylon , afcending into Ie- rufalem: which is fo firuated oo mountaines , that the way from al parts was by af- cending vntoit. According to the My-ftical fenfe, of afcending fpiritually by vertues to perfeQion,and to eternal “felicitie.For the-way tending to vertue (faith S. Bafil ) is like rocertaine fteps (or degrees ) by litle and litle bringing the man that loueth wifdome vnto heauen. Thefe Canticles therefore arc prayers , mixed with confola- tions, for the ioy ful deliverie of Gods people, from that great captinitie in Babylon, felt ,and fometime indured, Which againe as: a figure fignificth che recurne and af- cending of mankind from finne to grace., and fromthe miferable ftate of this world into heauen. Whernpon S, Auguftin interpreceth this prophecie of the afcenfion, or Gods people ,Catholike Chriftians,shal be deliuered trom thraldom and perfecution of Pagans , Turkes , and Herctikes. As partly we fee by the deliuerie fromthe Ro- rwith affured confidence we hope and expeé thelike deliucrie from Turkes ,.and al Heretikes of Luthers brood... _ me whe a PSALME Came into this world {to feeke and faue al : (k) but effectually fiadeth and faueth. word Mahaloth fignifieth Steps, or Afcenfions. The reafon wherof Aadias, and fome- which she Pfalmift King Dauid faw in prophetical fpirite , and which his pofteririe- eleuation of the hart, trom the vaile of ceares. In the meane time, whiles we are in this world , thefe Pfalmes are confolatorie prayers , and prophetical affuranee > thar } mane perfecuting Emperours , from the Vandals , Gothes, and Hunnes : & therfore } ——— —— e on — ) OF PSALMES. 237 PSALME CXIX, The lewes in captinitieof Babylon, Chriftians in perfecution,or other great triby- [Prayer in tri- lation,pray with confidence tobe deliured from danger andfclander of wseked tongs, 5. lamenting their long indurance. 1, A gradual Canticle, V Hew I was in tribulation T cried to our Lord: and («) he heard me. ] (4) Former experience of Gods mercie in hearing the prayers of thoft e that inuo- cated him , giueth hope that he wil heare in like cafe.

humbled exceedingly,o Lord: quicken me.accordingtothy word, . . ~ (¢) Al that wil liue godly in Chrift Iefus , shal futfer perfecution.2. Tim, 3. v.12. 108, The (d) voluntaries or my mouth make acceptable, o Lord: and teach me thy iudgements, . (d ) Befides the- commandments, the iuft-alfo-offer voiuntarie workes of fupere- rogation, acceptable to God ro9-My.(e) fouleis. in my. hands alwaies :and I haue not forgorten-thy aw, _ (e) By this Hebrew prouerbis fignified, that a iuft mans temporal life is in con- tinual danger, asthe thing that is in oneshand, is readieto be laid by, put out of his hand, or to ‘be by and by difpofed of, or may forthwith fal from his hand, 110, Sinners Jaid a-{nare-tor me : and I hauc not erred tromthy com- - mandments, . 111, For inherirance I haue purchafed thy teftimionies for euer:becaufe they are the ioy of my hart, 112, [haue inclined my hart to doe thy iuftificationsfor euer, (f) for re- ward, (f) A moft enident place, thatthe keeping of Gods commandments merite re- wardyand are rightely obferued inxefpect of reward. Samech, Helpe. .

man when he was in honour did not vnderftand : he was compared to beafts without vnderftanding, and-became liketo them, (v)-A moft pithie and: brief confideration , for man ro thinke , how abfurdly , he being endowed-with reafon , vnderftanding , & tree wil, like vnto Angels, and capz- ble of erernal glorie, ferreth his whole ftudie and care ypon ccrpora} and temporal things , fo making himfelfe like vnto brute beatts.