OBADIAH 1.

1 The vision of OBADIAH . Thus saith the Lord God against Edom ; we haue heard a rumor from the Lord & an Ambassadour is sent among the heathen : arise , and let vs arise vp against her in battel .

2 Behold , I haue made thee smal among the heathen : thou art vtterly despised .

BEfore I come to the exposition of the Prophets words , I thinke it convenient to shew vnto you the cause , why leaving the epistle of Peter , which I had in hand , I haue taken vpon me to handle this Prophesie . Saint Peter having testified , that the Gospell of Christ , was the truth of GOD , preached to men for the salvation of their soules , exho●…teth them , that , not withstanding the fury and malice of the wicked , which had set themselues against the same , they would persist in the do●…trine and truth , which they had learned , to embrace the same fait●…fully , and expresse the force and fruit thereof effectually in their life and conversation : and that in generall , to fly from evill , a●…d follow that which was good , and in particular towards GOD , and man , especially Subiects to honour their kings ; servants to obey their Masters ; wiues , husbands ; children , parents . In all which , that their endeavours might not be hindered by enemies , he exhorteth them to patience and constancie : And finally beseecheth the Elders & Pa stors to feed the stocke of CHRIST committed to their charge , as the principall meanes to bring them to their duety , and to establish them in grace vnto the ende . Now in expounding these things I came to the dutie of subiects , wherein I declared , that the Princes received the sword and supremacie , over all persons ; & it followed that afterward I should shew , that it was also in all causes . But because , since that time it pleased GOD to call me to proue it else where , and to commit the same to writing , it seemeth not so necessary to handle that point in this place . As for the other points concerning the duties of servants , wiues , Parents , for that there are very few such come hither , least I shoulde preach to them that were absent , I thought that part might conveniently be omitted . Wherefore the last point remained which was concerning the enimies of the Church , whom for that the LORD will most certainely destroy , we must haue the greater patience to ●…ndure and continue in the stedfastnes of our profession . For which cause also he exhorteth the Pastors diligently to feed and tend vpon their slocks . Which matter being right necessary for vs to know , and for that I hoped this doctrine would pierce the better into our hearts , if we had the same handled out of some continued place : I chose this Prophesie of OBADIAH , where this thing is handled orderly & iointly ; namely in the 16 first verses the destruction of the enemies of the church & in the fiue last the salvation therof by the ministerie of the Pastors : whom in the last verse he calleth Saviours , for that GOD by their Ministery worketh the salvation of his people . And this also haue I the rather chosen , because I may vse Peter as an Interpreter of the Proph●…t , whereby comparing them togither , the one may giue light to th' other ; that so being built on the doctrine of the Apostles & Prophets we may grow vp into that building , whereof Iesus Christ is the chiefe corner stone .

The Title , The vision of OBADIAH .

Whence we gather the commodity and excellencie hereof by the Matter , and Author .

1 The matter is tearmed by the name of vision which is a doctrine Revealed from GOD , so called because GOD Revealed them so evidently , and delivered them for such certainety , as though they had presently seene before their eies the things which they foretold . And the Lord , not onely by visible sights , as he did to Ezechiel , Daniel , &c : at sometimes , but also very often by his word without visible signes , is said to haue delivered these visions , for so is he said to haue spoken to Abra ham in vision . I am thy great reward . The words which Esay saw , &c: & of this sort is this vision . That is , a doctrine Revealed from GOD , no●… by sight , but by word only .

2 The Author is supposed of some to be that O BADIAH who was governour of King Achabs house who hid the Prophets of the Lord . But by the circumstances , especially by that in the 11. verse , it seemeth 1. King 18. 3. not to be he , seeing mention is made of the taking of Ierusalem , which was 800 yeares after Achab. But whether it were the same , or another of that name , whether hee before in the spirit saw , or afterwards spake by experience : It sufficeth vs , that he was the Minister of the Lord , and servant as his name importeth , and that these prophecies came not by the will of man , but holy men of God spake , as they were moued by the 2. Pet. 2. HOLY GHOST . And for our parts , though w●… know not the earthen vessel , wherein this treasure was enclosed , yet let vs b●…ing faithfull and humble hearts to the receauing and imbracing of the same , for he was but the messenger , the message was the Lords .

Edom , otherwise called Esau , conceaued a deadly hate ag●…inst Iacob , because he had got from him , first the prerogatiue of the birthright , & then the blessings : which rancor and hatred descended vnto the children and seed also of Esau , so that when the Israelites their brethren would haue onely passed through their land , they would not shew them such mercy , but gainstood them : and when the king of Babylon had taken Ierusalem , & spoiled it , they set the worke forward by what meanes they could , calling on them , as it is in the Psa. Ra●…e it , rase it , even to the foundations . Wherefore the Ps. 137 7. Lord comforting his people , with promise to execute his iudgement on such as had persecuted them , nameth Edom as the chiefe amongst them . Now where he saith , I haue made thee small among the heathen , Hee speaketh of a thing to come , as though it were already past , to signifie the vndoubted certainetie thereof , and so it is expounded in the 10. verse , Shame shall cover thee . Now , because the meanes hee would vse , is warre raised against them by nations confederating together , the Prophet openeth it , as though it were in doing ; GOD hauing revealed it to his servant : for here is an Ambassadour sent from one nation to another , to stirre them vp against Edom , and mention is here made of a full and perfect destruction .

Here note three things . 1. Witnesses , O●…ADIAH and the Prophets ; we haue heard , &c. 2. Meanes , Heathen raising one another to warre . 3 Event , An vtter destruction of land and country .

One point , which wee are to marke for our instruction , is the ground , which the Prophet layeth for our faith , whereon the Church of God must rest , which is this . Thus saith the Lord . Which doctrine is first necessary for such , as are teachers in the Church , that the words , which they must teach , must bee wordes of the Lord , that as Peter commandeth , who so speaketh , may 1. Pet 4. 11. speake as the words of GOD And then is it needful for t●…e hearers , that they beware how they receaue any thing for the ground of faith , but this word : Nothing for assurance of building but this rocke . He is like to a wise man Luk. 6. 48. that built his house on a rocke , who heareth the wordes of Chr●…st , and keepeth them , and one is our master e ven he And for the teachers , goe and teach those things which I haue spoken . This is Christ his lesson both to Mat. 28. 20. hearer , and teacher , and his promise we see is tyed only to this word . This is the ground whereon wee must Heb. 12. 28. build the house that must not be shaken , & this is the food of life , whereby the children of God must be fed . What ever ground of Fathers decrees , traditions , coum cels , or ought else , 〈◊〉 it is but ●…and , which will not hold our building ; only hereto we must sticke , this must be our only Rocke and staie .

In the first booke of the kings , mention is made of Chap. 13. 1. Kin. 13. 1. 2. a man of God , who was sent to preach against the Idolatrie at Bethel . He came thither , & did the message , V. 2. 3. 4 crying out against the altar , according vnto the word of the Lord . The king first threatned him , and after allured him to come and dine with him , and receiue a reward . 7. But the man of GOD answered the king that though he would giue him half●… his house he would not ; for that hee had Received worde of the Lord against that . 8. When he was departed from the king , there meeteth him an old Prophet , he willeth him to come home and eat 11. bread with him , he denyeth , telling him , what word he had received of the Lord . The old Prophet replyeth , 15. 16. that he was a Prophet also , and that an angell had spoken to him , by the word of the Lord , & bade him bring him 1●… . 18. againe . The Prophet yeeldeth and leaveth the word , which he heard the Lord speak , to beleeue an old prophet . But for this cause , because hee obeyed not that commandement which he heard of the Lord , he received this answere that his body shoulde not come into the 1 , King . 13 21 22. sepulcher of his Fathers . And when he was departed a Lyon met him , and slew him . This is a good lesson for vs , V. 24. that when we haue once learned the will of GOD , we go not out of our way , wee leaue not this worde though Prophets , ancient Prophets , yea such as tell you Angels from heaven haue taught them , yet I saie Gal. 1. 8. that wee leaue not the word of the Lord to goe with them . Now many tell you of these things , Fathers , ancient Fathers , apparitions of Saints , Angels . Would to God , there were not many deceived by them : but we see that this was a prophet of the Lord , ancient in yeares , godly in religion , for he came not vp to worship at Bethel , faithful , for he beleeved the prophecie sent by God , & had a care to be buried by the Prophet ; yet when he said that an Angel had spoken to him , he lyed , wherby we see that prophets , old &c: may deceiue ; for each man is a lyar . So that wee haue none assurance , but of them in whom the holy Ghost spake , & that were guided by him , and they are alone to be our foundation . Wherefore whomsoever the Lord sendeth to Bethel to preach his truth against sinne , and heresie , Eph 2 20. let him not relie on any Prophet , but on that word , which he hath received of the Lord : least , not that Lyon which stood still by the carkas , but that Lyon which goeth 1. Pet. 58. Roaring about , seeking whom he may pray vpon , meet them and rent them in pieces , when there wil be none to deliver them . But you that are appointed messengers to foretell , or rather to tell of Reformation already made , Hos 514. 〈◊〉 5●… 22. M●…l . 27. 1 Cor 39. 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. Co●… 4. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. 3. & 47. husbandmen to sow the seed in the Lords ground , Embassadours to do the Lords messages , Stewards to minister food to his houshold , captain●…s to fight the Lords battailes ; Remember that the word of GOD , is the only seed , which you must sow , milke which you must Mat 13 24 19 1 Pet 22 Luk. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 4 12. giue meate which you must divide , and sword where with you must fight . Which I speake not , as though it were not lawfull to vse the benefit of that , which is taug●…t by Fathers or Philosophers ; for I know , that the Apostle is said to haue sanctified those sayings of the Poets in the Acts , Corinthians , Titus : but for that , he only Act 17 28. 2●… . 1. Cor. 15 33 〈◊〉 . 112. alleadgeth the Prophets to them that beleeved the Prophets ; and these proofes they vsed not as necessa rie proofes , but probable arguments against them , that gaue credence thervnto . Even as though in this matter we shou'd alleage against the Papists , not one of thei●… Poets but their chiefe Prophet and captaine , Aquinas teaching , that the canonicall Scriptures are only of necessitie to proue , &c. & againe , that he who goeth 1 Part Quaest. 1. 〈◊〉 . 8 & 32 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . about with other arguments to proue the truth of Christian Religion , maketh it ridiculous . And yet is the ground of their divinitie in the points , wherein they dissent from vs ; This saith Augustine , Chrysostome , Damascene , this saith Aristotle &c. But seldome come they with , this saith the Lord . Wherefore by t●…eir owne mout seeing they bring not rat●…ones congruentes , they make Christian fai●…h ridiculous . And for vs , what ●…aue wee to doe to fill our pulpits with mans words , as though they were the ground of our faith . Loath we 〈◊〉 10. 〈◊〉 78 ●…4 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 11. 45. now the heav●…nly ●…anna , and ●…esire we to returne to the 〈◊〉 of Egypt ? Remember wee not , that the flesh which the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fall among the Murmurers tents came out at their nostri●…s ? Remember I pray you , that if we may allege them , it is that the word of GOD by them may be enlightned , but in no case shadowed , for we are Ministers appointed to publish his word , & not the fanctes of men . There is a promise to the preaching of his word , and a blessing to the hearers thereof . This haue we a commandement to teach . Then this ought to be as fire in our bowels , to enflame vs to teach , and in others , with reverence to heare and attend to it , and vnlesse we knowe this , wee haue not learned the very principles of Religion . But let vs , that are brought vp in his Church , bee content to bee fed with this food of Angels .

The event is ; That he should be made small : the fulfilling whereof , is mentioned by Malachy . I haue made Ch 1. 3. & 4. his mountaines wast , and his heritage a wildernes for dragons . For , though after Malachy , Idumeans dwelt there , yet since is that of the same Prophet fufilled : They shall build , but I will destroy . Now when wee see things so long before told of , in their due time fulfilled , this must be a ground , & stand for our weake faith concerning things to come , as the last and eternall iudgement : that , as we haue seene the particular iudgements fulfilled on Edom , Ierusalem , &c. wee assure our selues , that what hath passed from the mouth of the Lord , Numb. 23. 19 shall most certainely come to passe Gen. 41. 32.

Now as the Apostle writeth , the things which were written before , were written for our learning , &c. For as Rom. 15 4. he saith in another place , the examples of the punishment of the Israelites , are for our vse , on whom the ends 1. Cor. 10. 11. 6. 8. of the world are come , that wee lust not as some of them lusted , neither commit fornication , neither Idolatry , as some 7. of them . Even so these things wil serue vs for example : Rom 9 6. 10. for those are Israelites , that are of the faith of Israel , & the Edomites are all the enimies of the Church . Wherefore let vs assure our selues , that as certainely as GOD threatned destruction to Edom , so surely will he powre it on all our enimies . The Papists are the Idumeans , elder brethren . as they say ; though they disdaine to be called our brethren , yet are they our brethren , as Edom was the Israelites . And they haue dealt with vs , even as the Idumeans dealt with the Israelites . When that Obad 10. we would haue entred into the land of promise , they haue withstood vs with all their might , and hauing , as they say , the keyes of knowledge would neither enter them . selues , nor suffer others that would . Againe , when the Luk. 11 , 52. Church was afflicted by the king of Babylon , they were at hand to set the worke forward , and to cry , rase it , rase it , even to the foundations . Now let vs remember the Ps. 137 7. words of the Apostle , that God can recompense , to those 2. Th●… 1. 6. that afflict vs , sufficient recompense ; and if wee see it some way recompensed , & some measure of his iudgments fulfilled vpon them , let vs blesse his name , who revengeth the bloud of his servants , & assure our selues Rev. 16. 6. that he wil not cease from this work of his hands , but , as it is said in Amos , that his people should possesse the Amos , 9. 12. Remnant of Edom , as Peter also speaketh in the Acts , so no doubt are there many among these children of Edom , that shall inherit with the Lords people . But they also must be destroyed : or rather the errors must be destroyed , that they may bee raised , their heresies put to flight , that they may be recalled , and , as the Lord hath promised to consume Antichrist , so shall these heresies 2 Thess. 2. 8. be destroyed by the breath of his mouth . But bee not a f●…aid though heresies abound , and though Iordan overflow 1. Cor. 11 19 in the midst of harvest ; for at his time Iordan Rev 6 10. 11. shall retire , and keepe himselfe within his bounds , and in good time the Lord will destroy these Idumeans .

Concerning the witnesses , they are the Prophets , who received it from the Lord . Wherefore he saith , we haue heard , not naming himselfe alone , but others . With this we are to compare a place of Ieremy speaking Chap 49 14. of the same matter , saying , I haue heard . This Ieremy spake before the destruction of Ierusalem , OBADIAH after , both agreeing not only in the same matter , but even in the very words . Which consent confirming the message , is well worthy the noting . I neede not here to stand on that point to shew vnto you the consent of the Prophets , and Apostles togither , vsing the very same words ; as of Amos and Iocl , Micha and Isaiah , Am 1. 2. Ioel. 3. 16. Iudas and Peter , &c : But I hartily wish , that we would all learne to speake one thing , that there may be in vs , Mich 4 1. 〈◊〉 . 2 2. as the Prophet speaketh , one heart , & one wa●…e . At least that the Prophets would remember , that , by these ex Iud Ep. 2 P●… 2. Phil. 2 2. amples of the Prophetes , and messengers of the Lord , they might say , we haue heard a message from the Lord . For the time is come , that wee had neede to cast our selues in a ringe and cleaue togither , that we may bee the stronger against our enemies .

As touching the meanes , it was battel raised of the heathen by mutual consent , sending amb●…s from one to another to stirre them thereto . So you see that to overthrow Edom a battel is necessary , and ambassadours must be sent : for when a strong man possesseth the house . there is need of a stronger to cast him out . Christ Iesus is our captaine generall , and prince of the armie , and all f●…thfull men are his souldiers . The Prophet speaking of our battell , which we are to fight vnder Ps 110 3. our captaine , saith , thy people shal be ready and willing in the day of battell , al the servants of God , shal be in a readines , most willingly to sight the Lords battels . But alas ! where is this readines ? where is this willingnesse , which we are to shew , having to fight dayly against ( not outward ) but inward enemies ? who hath put on that complete harnesse , which the Apostle ministreth vnto Eph. 6 11. 12 him , therewith to striue against spirituall wickednes even in high places ?

The ambassadours , who are to raise the souldiers to battell are the servants and ministers of the Lord . Now 2 Cor 5. 20. Rom. 10. 15. how can they preach , vnlesse they bee sent ? They therefore are al sent , that are his ambassadors . The Apostle testifieth , that there are ambassadours for Christ , as though GOD did beseech vs through them , they pray 2. Cor. 5. 2●… . vs in Christs steed to be reconciled to GOD . This was indeed an ambassage of peace with him , but consequently of battel with his enimies . For the same covenant hath he made with vs , that he made with Abraham , Gen. 12 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . Pet 5. 8. 9. Rev. 12. namely , that all his Friends should be ours , and all his enimies , ours . Wherefore we must be at warre with Sathan , and all his Angels . Here , let them who are called to this function , remember to do his message , and to raise vp his people against his and their enimies . These ambassadours were sent to the heathen , some to this nation & congregation , some to that , having particular people allotted , on whom they should call : others there were sent in generall , to every nation , as Mat. 28. 19. were the Apostles : and they , as they most faithfully in their owne persons exercised this function , so haue they exhorted vs to execute the same charge , committed to vs , with the same diligence ; and hereto belongeth that exhortation of Peter vnto the Elders for the feeding and instructing of Gods flocke .

But how farre are we from this care ? And how 1. Pet. 5. 2. many either preach not , neither feed not at all , or feed Ion. 1 , 2 , 3. not such , to whom they are sent . Ionah was sent by the Lord to preach at Niniveh , but he prepared himselfe to go to Tarsus ; the ship wherein Ionah sailed was trou bled , and he knew it was because of him . Wherefore V. 4. he bade them to cast him into the sea . Tarsus was a V. 12. famous Vniversity in Cil●…cia as Strabo writeth , and for some respects preferred before Athens . Ionah woulde Strab. Geog lib. 14. not go to Niniveh , but would go to Tarsus . Yee see what I would say , or rather , what I would not say . Are there not many that haue beene sent to Niniveh , but would go to Tarsus ? The ship of our common wealth hath beene troubled and tossed with rebellions and conspiracies : I may say truely , that a great cause there of hath beene , for that Ionah sent to Niniveh , would needs go to Tarsus . But would to God there had been in them that zeale of Ionah , to haue beene touched in conscience with the remorse of their sinne , and confessed the same , and haue desired to haue beene cast in to the sea . Yea happy were they , if they were cast into Mat 18. 6. Hos. 4 6. the bottome of the sea never to rise vp againe , rather then that one of those little ones , of whom thousands are perished through them , should haue miscaried . Wherefore I beseech you in the name of Christ , & by that duty and loue , which you owe him , if there be any care in you , any feare of his name , that you woulde go to Niniveh whither you are sent ; and though Tarsus be a famous Vniversity , yet seeing GOD hath sent you thither , that you would arise and go to Niniveh .

As for vs that remaine in Iurie , let vs arise against her to battel : against Sathan and his angels of darknes , against the power of darknesse , those principalities and powers , and spirituall wickednes , against our owne Eph. 6. 11. lusts and concupiscenses , against the old man and law of our members ; for all these are enimies to GOD and enimies to vs , and against all these must we rise vp to battel : As also against al errors and heresies which fight 〈◊〉 Pet 2. 1. against the truth . Against these let vs arise , and let vs rise vp against them to battel . For it is not now a time for vs to say with Solomons sluggard , a little slumber , a little solding of the hands togither , least poverty come vpon Prov 6. 9. 10. vs , is one that travaileth by the way , & necessity as an armed man . There is great necessity in it , for the Idumeans Prov. 24. 33. are even within vs , we haue no neede to folde our hands togither , but rather to rise vp with that good 〈◊〉 , who ariseth whiles it is night , & giveth the portion to her houshold , and the ordinary to her maides . Prov. 31. ●…5 .

In the book of Genesis we read , that Abraham hard , that his brother was taken by his enimies : wherevpon he brought forth of them , that were borne , and brought Gen. 14. 12. 13 14. vp in his house , 318 and pursued them , and that he and his servants divided themselues by night and smote them , & brought againe his brother Lot . Our brother Lot , nay many of our brethren are taken and caried away , but they are not yet so far gone , but that , if we make hast , they may be recovered . And if ever it behoved Abraham to arme his houshold , it is now time . Yee that are in the place of Abraham , arme them , that are brought vp in your houses , to the bringing backe of our brethren . Arme them and your selues with that spirit of Abraham , with that brotherly loue and care over others . I cannot say to every one of you as is said to him in the Poet , Nate Ded potes hoc sub casu ducere somnos ? Virg. Aev. 4. v. 560.

But I say to each of you , Nate Deo potes hoc sub casu ducere somnos ? And so much the rather for that the danger was but neere him , but it is within vs . Wherefore let vs vse the sword of Gods word , against these enimies . And cursed be the man , that withdraweth his sword Ier. 48. 10. from bloud . I meane not , to flay the person bodily , but I speak of the spirituall sword , & of the spiritual slaughter , to kill their errors , to slay our wicked and vngodly Rom. 7 24. Colos 3. 5. lusts , and mortifie the body of sinne , which we beare about with vs . Which the Lord grant that each of vs may doe .

VERSE 3. 4.

3 The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee , thou that dwellest in the cleftes of the rocks , whose habitation is high ; that saith in his heart , who shall bring me to the ground ?

4 Though thou exalt thy selfe as the Eagle , and make thy nest among the starres , thence will I bring thee downe , saith the Lord .

THE Prophet , having shewed in the former verses , that GOD would bring to passe the destruction of Edom , by nations stirred vp against them , sending messengers from one to another , to rise vp against her in battel ; doth in this place refute a reason , with the which they were prepared to come against this Judgement of GOD . For whereas the land of Edom was mount Seir , a countrey full of Rockes , their cities were strong , situated on hils , or amongst hils , seated vpon rocks & by nature mightily fortified , for which cause they imagined , that it was impossible to conquer them ; this conceipt of theirs the Prophet doth here open and reproue , saying , the pride of thy hart &c. Wherefore in few wordes hee saith thus much , GOD will destroy thee , notwit●…standing thy great strength ; which hee hath confirmed by the infallible worde of GOD . Hererevnto they opposed the fond and vaine imagination of man : for they said , who shall bring me downe to the ground ? Because I dwell in the Clefts of the rocks , and am strong on the high mountaines . This conceipt is said to proceed from pride of heart ; thereby being advertised , that notwithstanding their vaine conceipt of defensed places , as though by reason of them it were impossible they should bee subdued , yet they should find it false , as issuing not from the truth , but from the pride of heart . The truth also hereof , that GOD would assuredly bring them downe , is amplified by comparing their defences to the neast of an Eagle , Aristot. histor. animal . lib. 9. cap. 32. which is wont to be builded aloft in the top of high & craggie mountains , as Aristotle also writeth . And when hee saith , that though their neast were made among the starres , by the hyperbole he signifieth , that nothing should hinder , but he will subdue them ; The Lord telling Edom , that , though hee make his neast never so high , yet he will fetch him downe , and therefore will also destroy him , though he dwell in the Cleftes of the Rockes .

And although these things were proph●…cied against Edom. yet were they deliuered for instruction to Israel Wherfore it seemeth , that hee turneth the person ; for hauing s●…id before in the second person , I haue made thee small ; the pride of thy heart ; hee immediately turneth to the third person , saying , whose habitation is high , that saith in his heart , &c. This thing then , as it is spoken to the terrour of the Idumeans , so it is for the consolation of Israel . Israel is the Church of GOD , that is the house of GOD , whose house are wee , if wee hold fast vnto the end , the confidence , and the reioycing of the He●… 3. 〈◊〉 . hope . These things then are written for our learning , & comfort , that wee should bee neither puft vp with a vaine opinion of any gifts in vs whatsoever : neither yet discouraged with any feare , though the Idumeans dwell in the Cleftes of the rockes , and say in the pride of their heart , who shall bring vs downe to the ground ? For though they exalt themselues , as the Eagle , and make their neast among the starres , yet thence will the Lord bring them downe . Pride goeth before destruction , and a high mind before a fal . Wel may the wicked for a while Prov. 16. 18. flourish as a greene bay tree , and draw forth their sword against the godly , but their sword shall enter into their owne bowels , and they shall be rased out , that men shall Ps. 37. 35 35. say , where is he ? or with the Prophet , This is Pharaoh . Ezek 31. 18.

The Iebusites , that held the fort of Zion , so trusted in 2. Sam. 5. 6 , the strength thereof , that the blind , and the lame said , David shall not come hither . So sure thought they them selues , that , though there were none to defend it but blind and lame , yet were they safe enough : yet behold GOD brought them downe , and that which before was the strongest against David , became the strongest for him .

The king of Babylon , who said hee would ascend vp , and set his seat by the st●…rres , receaued this word from Isai. 14. 1●… . the Lord ; How art thou fallen thou Luc●…fer , sonne of the morning ? Which place many vnskilfully apply to the fall of the Prince of darknesse , but that name is in no place of Scripture giuen him , but is here attributed to the king of Babylon , who shone as the morning starre in beautie and glory . So that those , which before marvailed at his power , did after wonder at his f●…ll .

Tyrus shone , as a Cherub in the garden of Eden , but Ezec. 28. 14. 18 when he had defiled his sanctification by the multitude of his iniquities , it was threatned him by Ezechiel , that he should be cast to the ground , that a fire from the midst of him should devoure him , and that hee should be brought to ashes in the sight of all that beheld him .

It seemed impossible to the Iewes , whé our Saviour told them thereof , that the glory of Ierusalem should Ioh. 2. 20. Luk. 19. 43. be brought downe ; for which cause it was laid against Stephen as an especiall matter , that he should say that CHRIST would destroy that place : yet was not that generation passed , before it was made an heape of Acts. 6. 14. stones , the temple rased , and not one stone left standing on another .

And what shall I speake of the latter Babylon , which in like sort persecuted the faithfull Christians , as the other did the faithful Iewes ? How did she lift vp her self , and saie , who shall bring me downe ? Who was worshipped as a goddesse ; and the citie called Vrbs aterna , as appeareth by writers , grounding themselues with all on that oracle of the Poet , Imperium sine fine dedi . Virg Aen. 1. 2. 283. Was it not taken , burnt , and laid wast by t●…e Gothes & 10. & lib. 14. 〈◊〉 ? By which examples of the Iebusites , the kings of Babylon , ●…d Tyrus , the cities of Ierusalem , and Rome , we see this , which is spoken by the Prophet of the Idumeans , to be verisied in all them , that follow the pride of the Idumeans .

And to come nearer home , to the state of them , that represent the heart of the Idumeans , and desire to rase Ierusalem even to the ground & foundation : I meane to the state of the Papacie , in which is revived the Image of the former beast , but much more liuely resembling , Apocal. 13. 15 not only the cruelty , but the pride also of Edom , for neither the Iebusites , nor kings of Babylon , or Tyrus , nor Iewes come so neere , as they , being partakers with vs of the same Sacrament , baptized even as we , no otherwise then as the Idumeans were circum●…ised as well as the Israelites . But as they ( notwithstanding the signe of circumcision , ) were chiefe enimies vnto Syon : even so the state of the Papacy ( notwithstanding the sacrament of baptisme ) are chiefe enimies to the truth of the gospell of Christ , which proceeded out of Syon .

For these also haue their dwelling in the clefts of the rocks , perswading themselues , that that is the rock , on which the Church of GOD is built ; making their brags by reason of their power & league with so mighty Potentats , that they cannot be moved : lifting vp their nests as an Eagle , as the Emperor , whose ensigne is the Eagle , the sp●… Eagle for that hee was Emperour of Constantinople and Rome , but spoyled of both , for that the Pope hath deprived him of one , even as the Turke hath done of the other . He hath lift vp his nest to the stars , & not said in his heart , but proclaimed by written bookes , and shamelesse libels cast abroad among vs , that by reason of his flourishing estate and great power hee can not be brought low . Wherein they haue shewed greater arrogance , then ever the Idumeans did , in that prophesie , Imperium sine fine dedi . Lib. 3. de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cap. 10.

Aquinas to proue the stability of the papacie alleadgeth the Prophecie of Daniel . 2. chapter , where having spoken of the foure kingdomes , & comming to the last , which should destroy the other , and endure for ever : he applyeth it to Christs kingdome , but so , that it belongeth to the Papacie , adding , if they feed the flocke . Now for that they hold , that it cannot faile in doctrine , they conclude , that the estate of the popedome must endure for ever , according to the words of that prophecie . I stand not to shew howe true the former parte is , that Rome should destroy the other kingdomes : but on that , that he saith it shal bee eternall . Which blasphemie is as great , as that which he vttered in the former chapter , applying to the Pope that , which is spoken of our Savi our , of his fulnesse we haue all received . But though hereby they may say , as great B●…bylon , I sit as a Queene , and Rev. 18 7 & 21 shall see no sorrowes , yet the mighty Angell tooke a stone like a milstone and cast it into the sea , and said , with such violence shall the great city Babylon bee cast , and shall be found no more .

But the maintainers of them say , that this cannot be by reason of the flourishing estate of the Papacie in Rome , which hath so mighty friends , and hath beene of so long continuance . But let them remember ( that Nineveh had beene a people of many generations ) that the Edomites were of greater standing . For it is scarse 500. yeares passed , since the vsurped authority over kings and princes , and the whole church , began , but not 800. since the Bishop of Rome set himselfe against the Emperour , not 1000. since hee first claimed authoritie over the Bishops of Constantinople : which is a lesse time then Edom flourished ; for we read , that there raigned 8. kings in Edom , before there was a king over the children of Israel , that is , before the governement of Moses . Gen. 36. 31. 32 &c. So then they flourished til the daies of this Prophet even no lesse then 1200. yeares , neither were they then straight extinguished , for they lived to see the ruine of the second temple , as we finde in Iosephus . Wherfore let vs assure ourselues , that though they say , who shall De be●…lo Iud l●…b . 7. c. 22. al. 30. bring vs downe ? yet in due time this shall be verified to them also for so shal it be to al , that haue said in the pride of their heart &c.

And that , which hath beene said of the state of the Papacie , extendeth also to the doctrine . For that in as great arrogancie of spirit , they magnifie their workes , making their nests among the starres , & claiming everlasting glory , as a reward of their deeds . For so the Remish Vpon the 1 C. 〈◊〉 . 3. notes say , that eternall ioy is a merit ; & least we should not know by those generall tearmes , how basely they thinke of GODS mercy , how prowdly of their owne workes , they expound themselues , and say , that it is as a stipend answering in weight & time to the worke . Then Ibidem . which , what could be said more grossely , or prophane ? that the workes of man shoulde answere to eternall ioie equally in time and weight ! as though you should say , that tenne thousand poundes were equall in time and weight to his workes that had laboured one houre . But I come farre below in this comparison , for there is some proportion , betweene an houres worke , and the greatest summe of mony , for they be finite ; but betweene the everlasting , endlesse , and infinite ioy of heaven , and mans workes , that is betweene finite , & infinite , there is no proportion . But how could it be , that any men should thus speake , if the spirit of Antichrist , had not thus puft them vp , to vtter such blasphemte in the pride of their hearts ? But what shall I say ? when the same men in their notes on the 8. Rom. grant , that if we looke to the time , the ioy of heaven is a great deale more , & here forsooth flee they to the grace of GOD : but , they must consider , that grace serveth them not , that they may claime it by desert : for whatsoever good the servants of GOD do , it is by grace ; Luk. 17. 10. yet is it said , when they haue done all , that is commaunded , they haue done but their duty , and that which they owed to the Lord . So that seeing we do , but our duty , there is not owing to vs so much as thankes , and doth then GOD owe vs the reward of eternal ioie ? The man , that payeth no more then that he oweth , doth his creditour owe him anything for the payment of it ; vnlesse he count him indebted to him , as he in the poet said ? Pla●… . for that the world is so nought , that a man thinketh him●…elfe pleasured , that receiveth in debts . But seeing we can never pay all , for who can say my heart is cleane , I Prov. 20 9. haue not sinned ? And if we haue not fulfilled the whole law , done all that it commandeth , w●… haue not paide our debt ; how then can wee come hereby to merit it , or buy it as it were , which yet though wee had most absolutely kept , should be ours but by promise .

But how farre f●…om this presumption was Ioh ? Iob. 9 3. when he said , that if GOD would enter into iudgement with him , he were not able to answer , no not one for a thou sand . How farre was David ? when hee said , that in his sight no man living was iustified . How farre was Paule ? Ps 143. 2. when he said , that none were righteous ; therefore con Rom 3. 9. & 24. cluding , that all , both Iew , & Gentile , are iustified freely by grace . For to him that worketh the wages is counted for debt , not of favour . But to Abraham was faith imputed for righteousnes . And where the Apostle saith slatly , that there is no man iust , and that no flesh is iustified ; they say that the Virgin Mary and Apostles must needs be exempted out of this number : but if it be not so , that it is verified of all then is the Apostles argument to no purpose , neither can t●…e conclusion , which hee l●…boureth to proue be so inferred which is that by the workes of the law , no flesh can be iustified . ●…ut let vs bee assured , t●…at whatsoever they say , though they speake never so proudly , yet the time shall come , when this doctrine , by the breath of the Lord , shall bee brought to the ground .

Neither doe I here enter into the depth of their pride , as concerning supererogation . For herein haue they set their neasts , not among , but aboue the starres . When they say , that men may not only merit for themselues , but the abundance thereof is sufficient for other men also . But is not this to build vp to Babel , & is Gen. 11 4. not this pride , like that of Pharaoh , who hoped by his owne strength to passe over there , where others had Exod. 14. 23. passed over by grace and favour ? Is it not with Iezebel 2. King . 9 30. to set a colour and paint on our foule faces ? But the builders of Babel were confounded , Pharaoh drowned , & Iezebel after shee had painted her face was cast downe from the windowe , and had her braines dashed out . These men , that thinke it a beggarly thing to receaue the kingdome of heauen of almes , shall never haue it of debt , for those that say in the pride of their heart , &c.

Lastly , here we haue to marke , that the Lord is said to be the author of this vengeance , and yet it was said before , that this should be brought to passe by nations stirred vp against Edom , and sending messengers from one to another , to provoke them to battell against the Idumeans : whereas in the 2 and 3 verses he saith , I will . where we are taught , that although it pleased GOD to vse men , as instruments , to bring his purposes to effect , yet would he haue all the glory to bee proper , and peculiar to himselfe . For though the instrument worke , yet , sith the whole efficacie commeth from him , therefore the whole glory ought to be giuen to him , and not to the instrument .

In the 63 of Isaiah , the Prophet demandeth , who it is that commeth from Edom , and why his garments bee Esai 63. 1. redde ? Whereby , answering to the question , hee sheweth that it is Christ : and that his garments are red : because he alone had t●…n the winepresse , and of all the nations , there was not one with him ; which is meant of treading the Edomites and enimies of his Church , and bringing them to confusion . Yet he saith , he trode the presse alone , not that he vseth not messengers , as is mentioned V. 3. in this Prophet , or other meanes , as seemeth best to him ; but for that the force and efficacie alone proceedeth from him . So that for this cause , he is said alone to worke . For Paul indeed planteth , and Apollo watereth , but neither he that planteth is any thing , neither 1. Cor. 3 6. 〈◊〉 . he that watereth is any thing , but God that giueth the increase , is he that worketh all in all things .

In the 5 of Luke the Apostles laboured all night , Luk. 5 5. 6. and caught nothing ; but when at Christ his commandement , they had let fall their nets for a draught , the net was filled with fi●…h . The King prepareth an host against the day of battell , but the victory is from the LORD . No Pro●… 21. 31. king is saved by the multitude of an host . A horse is count●… a vaine thing to helpe a man , &c. Wherefore that was a prophane thing of Nebuchadnezzar , who when he had taken the Iewes , as fishes in a net , hee sacrificed Hab. 1. 15. 16. to his net , and offered incense vnto his yarne : prophane was that opinion of the Gentiles , attributing their prosperitie to fortune . And that of Varro , who attributed the successe of husbandry to water . Whereas they might haue learned , by that ceremonie , which the Romans vsed in their triumph , that the successe of things was to be attributed to GOD . For the Lawrell crownes , which they carried , when they ascended into the Capitoll and sacrificed to Iupiter , they laid downe in the lap . of Iupiter , as 〈◊〉 recorded . But let vs remember that the 24. Elders 〈◊〉 w●…e their crownes at the feet of the 〈◊〉

Now , as all gl●…ry is due vnto GOD , so on the other side , we ●…ust remember that hee calleth Ministers , to do his work , who must not be 〈◊〉 in the thing , whervnto he appointeth them . Hee would lead the I●…raelites through the sea , but hee would haue M●…ses to l●…ft vp his rod . A●…ine , he would divide Iordan , but he would ●…od . 14. 16. 〈◊〉 . 3. 3. 16. 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . haue the Priests ●…eet to be dipped in Iordan , and to carry the Arke . He meant to cast downe the wals of Iericho , yet would he haue them to blow the trumpets , & compasse the citie . He would build againe the Temple , when the people returned with Zerubbabel , but the Angel shewed Zacharie a golden candle sticke , a bowle vpon it , Zach. 4 1. 2 6. &c. seaven lampes in it , seaven pipes to the lampes , and two 〈◊〉 trees over it : & that Angel asked him , what those were ; who answering , hee knewe not , the Angel telleth him , that he should say to 〈◊〉 ; neither by an armi●… , nor by strength , but by m●… 〈◊〉 saith the Lord . Yet followeth it , that 〈◊〉 should lay the foundation thereof , and the people should cry , grac●… , ●…race . Wherefore the Ministery of 〈◊〉 is necessary , that hee strike the sea with his 〈◊〉 necessary that the Priests feel●… touch the water of I●…rdan ; necessarie that they blowe the trumpets . But if these things be considered in themselues , wit●…out the 〈◊〉 of GOD , they are of no more power , to bring this to passe , then the rod was to make a s●…a stand like a w●…ll , the feete of men , to make a river runne backe , the sound of a trumpet , to cast downe a strong wall .

Wherefore whosoever they be , whom God will vse , they must be obedient to his appointment , as Moses , the Priests , and Zerubbabel were : And I would to GOD , that they , who haue the place of Moses , &c: would vouchsafe to humble themselues , and stirre vp themselues to do their duty : To strike the waters with their rod . This rod is the publishing of the word , which the Prophet saith he will send out the rod of his power , that he may rule even among his enimies . The Priests must Psal. 110. 2. carie the arke . In the arke were the tables of the law : & 1 Kings 8 9. Heb 9 4. in the month of the Ministers ought the law of the Lord to be . The Priests feete were dipped in the waters of Iordan : the Ministers feete must enter first the water , and beautifull are the feete of them , that bring good tidings . The Priests blew with the Trumpets ; the Minister must set the Trumpet to his mouth , and sound out a lowd both the law and the gospell ; the law to bring downe the high wals , and the gospell to raise and builde vp .

Is it any marvaile , if the Idumeans be so couragious and promise themselues a day , wherein they may cry out , rase it , rase it even to the foundations : if meanes bee not vsed to beate backe their pride ? If the messengers , which should stirre vp the people to warre against them be silent ! if Moses wil not strike with his rod ! if the priests straine curtesie , who shall first steppe into the water ! if the trumpet bee not in their mouthes ! I am loath to name them , in whom this fault lyeth , but sure too common it is amongst vs ; and that partly through such as haue spoiled the churches of the livings , wherby faithfull & painefull messengers should be mainetained . As by Impropriations the first begotten childe of the Pope and Sathan ; and by the theft of such as some where haue charge , & goe not to it ; by the negligence of others , who are somewhere , and will not instruct the people ; and by the ignorance of many , that are dumbe dogges , & cannot barke . So that by reason hereof the people sit in darknesse , and those Merchants , whose wares are the soules of men , enter on the slock to spoile them of that confort , which they should haue in Ierusalem . But seeing our words cannot prevaile in this matter , let vs befeech the Lord to be gracious and favourable to Ierusalem , and that it would please him to moue the heart of our Soveraigne , that shee would provide , that an armie of able men might be provided and mainetained , that by them the Idumeans may be discomfited , a waie opened for the children of GOD to passe without danger , the wals may be brought downe , and the children inherite the kingdome of promise .