Of the Head Cornerstone

he went by, in pursuit of the enemy. In which confession or acknowledging of his fault, there be two principal points: one, that he plainly confesseth the matter; the other, implying, at least as it seemeth, more than he speaketh. In confessing the matter so plainly as he doth, it is somewhat strange, but that it seemeth the reverence he had to his Father and to the Proclamation he made, doth make him yield that as a sin, which otherwise was none. For it is no sin, orderly to take meat when we are hungry; and it is noted before, that both he and the people fainted for want of susteynance: and himself did not but orderly take it, because at the time when he took it, he knew not of any commandment to the contrary; though being afterward advertised of it, he now confesseth what he had done. That part of his answer that seemeth to imply more than he speaketh, is, when he addeth thereunto, that therefore he must die: not in plain terms contradicting his fathers mind therein; but yet in modest manner giving him occasion to think better of it. And the things he may seem to imply thereby the Text it self doth help us to find: one, that in his judgment his father had not done so well, as the case was then, to give any such inhibition unto them; the other, that himself, till afterward, did not know of it. An example so much more worthy the marking, as we are afterward to see, that the less Jonathan defended himself against his father: the better, it seemeth did God provide for him by all the people. In his readiness to do such execution on his son as he had before protested, for whosoever it was that was the offender, we have one thing very commondable: but some others, that seem to argue some want in him then. That which was commendable in him, was that he had so special regard [ H] to warlike discipline, that he would not spare his son therein. Those that seem to argue some want in him then, were, that he seemed not to have due regard, either to the needlessness and inconueniency of his own Prohibition: or, on Jonathan's part, to his innocence in the cause it self; or by the blessing that by him God gave unto them in that piece of service. But as God would have it (who is wont to remember the innocent, and not always to suffer men to run so far as otherwise they would, in their own unadvised ways) the people stood so fast with him, that Jonathan took no hurt thereby; especially for that it had pleased God to make him so special an instrument of that their diliuerance: and so Saul quietly returned, by all good likelihood not long offended, that the people had so stayed him from precipitating that his judgment on his Son, in that his displeasure.

2 This piece of service being done on the sudden, and as occasion then was offered, [ A] we are now to see, in what things he employed himself at farther leisure, and more advisement: and so may we find, that some things he did, as it were of himself; and some other, by the special appointment of God. Such as he did, as it were, of himself, we have not set down but very briefly: and some of them, some-what doubtfully too. In those that are set down but briefly, something we have about the conflicts that he presently made: and something again, about a kind of provision he made for such other conflicts as might after ensue. As touching those that he presently made, some there are that have the like report going on all: others, that do something vary. Those that have the like report, are all of foreign Enemies; but some of them somewhat farther off from them, as the Ammonites, and the King of Zobah, others nearer home, as the Edomites: and the like report that goeth of these, is, that Saul fought against them, and handled them like bad men, belike as noisome and grievous enemies were to be handled. Those that have their report something varrying from the other, are those conflicts he had with the Philistines, of whom it is not only said as before of those others: but also, it is farther added, that against them there was war all his days. The provision he made for other conflicts ensuing, was, that he made much of such men, as at any time he found meet for the wars. Those that are somewhat doubtful, are the conflicts he had with the [ B] Ammonites and Amalekites: and the doubtfulness is, whether these be no other services but such as are other-wise noted; one of them before, the other, the next that immediately after doth follow. For of those we may conceive some doubt, especially, of the latter of them, because others have so conceived: and then I see no reason to the contrary, but that the self-same doubt may be as well conceived of the former too; because there is such a special discourse of such a piece of service before against the Ammonites, as immediately after against the Amalekites. And I do see nothing to the contrary, but that all these that are so briefly named, may well be others, than that of the Ammonites remembered before; and this of the Amalekites following after: especially, seeing it is plainly said, that he warred against all his enemies on every side. So it seemeth to me, that both those be taken as peculiar conflicts that of himself he had with them as occasion served, as he had with those others: and that they were besides those that otherwise are more specially described; the one before, the other after. For both of them had deserved ill of the Israelites, both before and lately also: and the latter of them were by the Lord himself specially willed to be remembered. Wherevpon it is not unlikely but that Saul of himself might well be doing with these (as having in his mind to fight against all his enemies, of which sort these were none of the vnworthyest to be remembered) before that God did specially send him against them, utterly to destroy them. In which place, those also before named do think very hardly of him too, when they are not able to charge him with ill, in any of the things that are here rehearsed; as when after he employed himself so much as he did in persecuting David: a prejudice, in my mind, so much the more both unadvised and uncharitable, as this place saith nothing of him but well; & others there were before, who gathered much better of him then so, even on the same place also, especially the middlemost of these, whose judgments was, that all this time he did marvelous well, & afterward also, in some respect. By the special commandment of God was this expedition that next ensueth against the Amalekites: in which he so offendeth the Lord again, that now again the loss of his kingdom is denounced unto him, and much more grievously then before. So are we in this to see, first what it was wherein he offended: then, what was denounced unto him for the same. To find out his offense, we are first to consider [ C] of the charge that was given him: then, how far he did discharge himself therein. In the charge that was given him we are first occasioned to consider of the person by whom the message was brought unto him: then, to come to the message it self. The person by whom the message was brought him, was but a man no more then himself: but yet known to be the servant of God; and sent before to annoint him King. As he therefore doth first require obedience of him, even so are we to gather, that how mean soever the messenger be: yet if we find he doth require but as the word of God doth direct him, we are to take heed, that we slip no part of the charge to us committed. In the message it self, least the execution he was to do, might seem unto him to be somewhat too bloody, he first doth tell him the reason of it: then, what must be the execution. The reason of it was, that the Elders of the Amalekites (more than four hundred years before) had molested the Israelites the people of God, when being come out of Egypt, they were newly entered into the wilderness. So grievous a thing is it with God, if his people be by him molested; and though he bear with it long yet is it one time or other remembered: this example insinuating besides, that, as it is with us, the higher we lift our hand to strike, the longer it is before it giveth the stroke it self, but striketh more surely when once it cometh; even so, for the most part it is with God too, that the longer it is before that he do show his displeasure against our sin, the greater it is when once it falleth. The execution must be, to go and destroy all that whole people, man, woman, and child, together with their Cattle great and small: and to have no compassion on them. A wonderful sentence to proceed from so merciful and gracious a God: but thereby serving so much the better, to show that he is severe likewise; and that he useth his great severity against those that are grievous unto his people. How far K. Saul did now discharge himself therein, to the end that we may more certainly find, we must first make no question of it, but that he was defective in it: but then we are to mark withal, how near he came to his duty therein. He was defective in it because he and the people spared Agag the King, and the likeliest and best of their Cattle, and of other things also as it seemeth. Nevertheless, he [ D] may be accounted to come somewhat near, first for that he dealt so well with the Kenites who dwelt among them: then also, for that he did to the Amalekites. The Kenites he gently willed first to depart, because they and their elders had been friendly unto the Israelites; whereas otherwise it might easily be, that some of thē might fall by the sword among the rest: this also being the manner of God, never so to pour forth his wrath on the wicked, but that still first he setteth those in safety, whom of his favor he meaneth to save. That which he did to the Amalekites themselves, was, that he gathered convenient forces, went against them, and destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword, even all the Country over as it seemeth: and all their Cattle and stuff besides, that was of the meanest. For, that shortly after we read of Amalekites yet remaining, in the spoil of Ziklag, that may we rather take of those that by likely-hood fled out of the Country when the Israelites so far prevailed, that they saw no hope to stand against them (as it is the manner of men in such case to do) than, as some do take it, that Saul stroke but one battle with them, and that those they were, which were then gathered together, that he so slew: especially seeing the Text it self saith, that he slew all the people, and by the description of the place, seemeth to take in the whole Region of them (for Sur was the utmost from the land of Israel, and so by likelihood he began with the nearest;) and when after he is reproved, there is no mention in that his reproof of sparing, but only of other thingt, and not of men. Unto that which was denounced unto him for the same, there be some other facts appertaining: so that first we are to consider of that which is to him denounced; then, of those facts that belong unto it. In that which is to him denounced, because it came from the Lord, therefore are we first to see what ground-work it is that the Lord thereof hath laid: then, how the Prophet frameth his dealing accordingly. The ground-work that thereof the Lord laid, is that he giveth Samuel to understand, that it repented him he had made Saul King (signifying thereby, that now he had grievously offended, and that his determinate purpose was now to remove him:) and the reason to be, for that hereby he had turned from him, and had not [ E] performed his commandments. The Prophet in framing his dealing accordingly, first bemoaneth the matter to God: then doth he go and carry his heavy tidings to Saul. He bemoaneth the matter to God all that night, crying unto the Lord about it. A notable token, that if Samuel were a good man himself, Saul was not so il as many of us take him, for that in such case Samuel would never have lamented so much as he did, that God did so reject him; and that his slips were but such as God might find in the best of us all, if he were disposed so to deal with us: as also, his modesty in shunning the kingdom, his facility to forgive those that were against him, his readiness to make head against all their enemies, his special good regard that he had to military discipline, and to make much of such as were meet for service, were such things in him, as seldom were sound in other Princes. Comming towards Saul with his heavy tidings, he is for a while by Saul prevented, and held-off from doing his message: but by and by after, he doth readily discharge himself of it. He was held-off for a while, for that King Saul (hearing belike of the Prophets coming) came forth a little to meet him: and saluting him first when he came towards him, in very kind and courteous manner, told him withal, that he had rhoroughly done as the Lord had bad him. But when Samuel then asked, whence that bleating of Sheep, and lowing of Oxen was, that he then heard, he readly answered, that they were of the goods of the Amalekites, but that the company thought good to reserve of the best of their cattle, to offer in Sacrifice unto the Lord, whom there he termed his God, meaning the Prophets (so insinuating that those were they that then they brought with them:) and added withal, that all the rest they had destroyed. This being said, the Prophet then being to discharge himself of his message, desireth leave of the King to tell him, what the Lord that night had said unto him concerning that matter; and that being obtained, he did set in hand to it: first but delivering the message it self; but then winning the King to grant himself guilty. While he doth but delieur the message it self unto the him, first he putteth him in mind how God out of his mean estate before, had now advanced him to the height; and having called him thereunto, had now sent him on that late voyage: then he asketh him, how it came to pass, that he did not obey the voice of the Lord, but turned to the [ F] prey, and did wickedly in the fight of the Lord. He wan the King to grant himself guilty by the communication that went betwixt them in those matters: and so are we to see, first, what communication passed betwixt them for those matters; then, how the King did thereupon yield himself guilty, or that he had indeed offended. The communication that passed betwixt them for those matters, was some part of it the Kings: and some the Prophets. The King showeth, whereon he standeth, that in his judgment he doth not deserve any such reproof. First, for that himself had gone the way that the Lord had sent him, and in token thereof, both had brought away the King himself, and had destroyed the rest of the people, and so, in his mind he had obeyed the voice of the Lord: then, for that it was but the people (not he) that took of the chief of those things that should have been destroyed; and yet not they neither, but to make Oblations thereof unto the Lord, whom there again he termeth Samuel's God. The Prophet showeth him; first, how to find his sin: then also, his judgment for it. His sin he showeth him by comparison, giving him to understand, that praecisely to have done as the Lord had prescribed unto him, had pleased the Lord a great deal better, than all the sacrifices they could offer unto him: and, on the other side, to do otherwise than God had enjoined (though themselves had no other meaning in it, than as they alleged) was as bad before him, as was either Witch-craft, or Idolatry. His judgment therefore (even for sparing those that they spared, and though but to that ende neither) to be no less, than, because he thereby had cast away the word of the Lord, therefore the Lord did now cast away him also, from being King. Whereuppon Saul finding his sin, doth now plainly acknowledge the same, and showeth that he did it for fear of the people, rather obeying them than God: and withal desireth Samuel, both to obtain him pardon for it, and to come on forward with him to Gilgal where he was in hand now to worship. The acts that belonged hereunto, were some of them for this present: one, for a longer time ensuing. Those that were for this present, were some of them here in the way as Samuel was coming to Gilgal to the King, but that the King came forth to meet him: others, at Gilgal it self. Such as were here by the way, were betwixt Samuel and Saul: Samuel turning aside to leave him, and giving him some reason why so he did: and Saul being so loath to part with him, that he took such hold on his Garment to stay him, that thereby he rent his garment, and so obtaining in the end, that the Prophet attended him to Gilgal, in the sight of the Elders and all the people. At Gilgal it [ G] self, one was done by Saul the King; another by Samuel the Prophet: both of them such, as might seem rather to be wrong sorted. For one of them was the worshipping of God; and that had been a seemly action for the Prophet: the other, the execution of Agag, which might have becomed the King as well. But at this time it was the King, who worshipped: and the Prophet, who did the execution. In that the King worshipped, notwithstanding that he was so reproved for that which he did, and had that sentence denounced against him, it is a very good token in him: whereas Cain, on such occasion, turned a-side from the praesence of God; and few of the best of •• ▪ but in such case would have been so clean over-whelmed with perturbatio 〈…〉 for a time the worshipping of God would have been but little regarded. I 〈…〉 the Prophet did the execution, and with that severity that he did, hewing King Agag so in pieces before the Lord, it is not only a warning to Princes to do their Office, or else that God will have others that shall (and the same, none of the likeliest to such a purpose;) and to Tyrantes, to take heed, howe they deal ill with the people of God, when as not only they stand in danger one time or other to find just revenge at the hands of Martial or merciless men, but even at the hands likewise of the simplest, mildest, and (all manner of ways) the vnlikeliest thar are (wherein this King was far deceived: but may insinuate another matter also, as I do take it, and worth the nothing, that seeing God had willed the Prophet to bring the tidings to Saul of his rejection, thereupon it may be, that Samuel did will them to bring Agag to him, as fearin 〈…〉 use Saul as God's Justicer now, & charging himself rather to do it, seeing it was 〈…〉 ing to be done. Otherwise, it had been the likeliest for Samuel not to have meddled with it himself: to have set Saul unto it, so to have amended something now, wherein he had so far offended before. And then had we need also to take heed (so far as to us appertaineth) how we use any such Officers as we may see to be rejected of GOD: yea, or to put them in place at the first, till we see they are chosen of God. That one that was for a longer time ensuing, was, that Samuel now gave up all attending of Saul (now that the Lord had rejected him) going home, and coming unto him no more so long as he lived: but yet notwithstanding still mourned for him (a token still, that he took him not to be so bad a man, as many of us stick not to file him) though God nevertheless still abode resolute in his rejection.

3 When the good spirit of God was taken from him, and an evil spirit was sent to vex him, it was a pitiful course indeed, that thence-forward he held, even to the end, closing up his life also therein. So are we first to see, when that good spirit of God [ A] was taken from him, and an evil sent to vex him: and then, what was his ways after. The time we find to have been, after that David was appointed to succeed: wherein God first used the Ministry of the Prophet; but then wrought by himself, by & by after. That which was done by the Ministry of the Prophet, was, that God first gave order that so it should be; then, that Samuel accordingly performed it unto him. When God gave order for that matter, he first reproved Samuel for mourning so long for Saul, seeing he had cast him from regning over Israel: then he directeth him what to do for another. In that he doth reprove him not simply for mourning for him, but that he mourned for him so long, and when he hath rejected him, it may well teach us, first that in such case we are allowed to mourn or sorrow: but then we are plainly taught withal, that finding it once to be the lords doing, that ought to stay our affections therein; at least in some reasonable time. The direction that he gave him for the other, was of two principal parts: first, for the substance of it; then for the manner of it. For the substance of it, he was to take an horn of oil with him, and at Bethlehem to anoint him one of the Sons of Ishay to succeed in the Kingdom. For the manner of it, there was no question but for one point in it, which was for his safety in such an action: whereat when Samuel made some question, God doth then direct him to make another arrant withal, under which that other business also may be done without suspicion. In the performance of it some little difficulties went before: and then was the matter soon effected. Those difficulties were but only the doubt of the Inhabitants conceived of Samuel's coming among them: & that Ishay being to bring all his Sons before the Prophet, he brought but the likeliest in his mind, until he was farther urged unto it. The doubt of his coming was soon cleared, after that he told them he was come to sacrifice there: but therein may we note, that even the sight of such as are of special note among us, the nearer they draw in such sort towards us, as if they were to have some dealing with us, upon the sense of our own guiltiness, the more do we begin to startle. In that Ishay so rested on the likeliest, so did the Prophet himself likewise, till God kept him in suspense yet for another: and that is the manner of us all, so to aesteeme of the likeliest in our mind, that ofttimes we clean set by such as God himself hath chosen or most aesteemeth. These difficulties being past, the party that should be, was at length brought in, and then God telling Samuel that that was he, he did then anoint him accordingly: and so returned homeward again. The work that was done by God himself by and by after, was, that the good Spirit of God that departed from Saul, now came upon David, and from that day forward continued with him. What the way, of Saul from this time were, for the most part we find in the time of his life: but partly also even in his death. Dealing but with the time of his life, the Story showeth us, that for a time he employed himself reasonable well in such things as to him appertained: but after, that he took a worse course, and held on that even to his end. He employed himself reasonable well, both about his own infirmity: and on behalf of the people also. In that which he did for his own infirmity, we may see, that God had another purpose also: & so it shall 〈…〉 good to consider on it, first, but as the king had no farther regard but to ease hi 〈…〉 e thereby; then, as God had therein another meaning. As the King had no farther regard but to ease himself thereby, it was no more but this, that his servants espying him now to be diverse times wrong, or out of tune by passionate fits, as they did persuade him, so did he readily yield to take David unto him, as one that was skillful to handle an Instrument, so to ease him in those his passions: leaving behind them a much better course, both himself in not seeking to have used it first, and his Servants that they did not move him first of all to have sought unto God, and to have humbled himself unto him; and then to have used such ordinary means as God had ordained, either this, or any other whatsoever. As God had therein another meaning, it seemeth to be, to make this a mean to bring David to farther knowledge among them, and to make the king himself beholding unto him. In that which he did on behalf of the people, we are likewise to consider of it, first as but that thing was intended by him: but then, as God had a farther meaning in it. As but that thing was intended by him, according as the Philistines praesumed to come into the Land in hostile manner: so he went down with his forces too, to make reststance, and to stop their passage. As God had a further meaning in it, it was to bring David (who having attended Saul for a time, was now gone home, and there again kept his Fathers Sheep) both to the knowledge of the whole Land, and to make them all beholding unto him: that as he had already ordained him to such a purpose, so now would he (but as it were by degrees) bring him forth towards it, or to be in a readiness for it. But this Story would be a little more specially considered, both for the matter that now we are in: and for another [ C] hereunto appertaining. For the matter that now we are in, that we may the better see howe far it pleased God to advance David's credit thereby, it is needful more specially to mark what was the distress that the King and the people at that time were in: then what was the help, that it pleased God by David to give them. Their distress was, not so much the Army or main force of the Philistines at this time: as the fear that they were in, and the reproach they were put unto, by the defiance and challenge of Goliath their Champion, none of them daring to undertake him, he was in reason so great an over-match for any of them. For with their Army they made but little entrance into the Land: and, as it seemeth, had no other meaning (to speak of) but to man out that Champion of theirs, or to maintain that his challenge against the Israelites. For he was of Gath, one of the Cities of the Philistines: and the place where they pitched their Army, was near unto it. But their Champion, being a man of out-grown stature, and of strength (as by his furniture it appeareth) correspondent thereunto, & envred to the wars, even from his youth, did so offer the challenge unto them, with so great brags, and with words of despite, that both the King himself, and the stoutest Captains and Soldiers of all his Army besides, were afraid of him, and were so far from undertaking to cumbate with him, that they durst not abide the sight of him: and yet had the King (as it seemeth, by report of diverse of the Army) made offer before, of grear rewards, and his Daughter in marriage, to him that should kill him; and to make that whole Family of his, free in Israel, from such tribute or impositions as were laid upon others. In the help that it pleased God by David to give them, it shall be good to consider of it, first generally: then, of some particulars besides. Generally, it was, that David being sent to see his Brethren, who were there in the Army under Saul, his Spirit so rose against the Champion of the Philistines, to hear his proud and despiteful speeches, that he could not abide them; without any War-like Weapon encountered with him; clean beyond the expectation of all, prevailed against him: and got the whole Army a fair day against all the rest of the Philistines. The particulars were, some before the Cumbate: and some, after. Before the Cumbate, David could no sooner talk of undertaking it, in the hearing of his elder Brother Eliab, but that Eliab did rate him for it, & condemned him of insolent pride therein: as none of us also can at any time set in hand with any special service of God, that [ D] any way transcendeth the course of the Worlde, but that we are like to be in such sort censured, even by our elder Brethren also. When Saul saw the readiness of David, first he discouraged him, at all 〈…〉 meddle with that interprize: but then, when he saw him resolute in it, he endeuo •• ed to set him forth, or help him forward accordingly. When he did discourage him to meddle with it in respect of the odds that was betwixt them in ordinary account, David then calling to mind that the Lord had already wrought extraordinarily by him twice, once against a Lyon, another time against a Bear, he gathered thereby, that so the Lord will assist him now also against that out-grown Champion of theirs: and so should we of former favors, in diverse cases raise up our selves to conceive good hope (in the way of our calling) of God's ready help, though otherwise it be some difficult service. When he endeauored to set him forth, or to help him forward accordingly, it was with his Armor; but when David assayed how he could go therewith, he found it too cumbersome for him, and therefore put it off again, and betook himself to his sling: and so may we see that it is not ofttimes the power of Princes whereby the Gospel is most advanced; but even that weaker instrument of the word, God working there-with by his mighty power. After the cumbat, we find that Saul had clean forgotten him: but Jonathan was otherwise affected towards him. In that Saul had so clean forgotten him, having been in his service before, so near about his person, and to his good liking then, it may well be a token of the brittleness of the favor of the greater sort towards the meaner. But some heereuppon have thought, that this cumbayting with Goliath, was before his attendaunce on the King with his Instrument: not considering, as it seemeth, that after this, he was not suffered to return again, but employed in service against the Enemy; nor, that it had been much absurder that David should have been forgotten after this public service in the field, than in that his private service to the King in his Chamber, or that after this, he ever returned to keep his Fathers sheep again. The affection of Jonathan towards him was such, that he loved him as himself, became a sworn Brother unto him, and by and by put off his own best raiment and furniture, and bestowed the same on David: God giving him now a faithful friend even in the House of [ E] Saul himself, whence ere long much affliction was to arise unto him. That other matter hereunto appertaining, is that this Story may be (for diverse things in it) a Figure of Christ; namely, that as it was with the Israelites, that they had not one Man in all the Army, able to encounter Goliath, that by him they might be all aquitted, till God to that purpose did send in David: even so was it with us also, that albeit God himself were willing, that if we had any one among us, that could answer the Justice of God for us, then should we by him be discharged, yet had we none, neither could we make one among us all, till himself sent in his only begotten Son among us, for us to satisfy his eternal Justice, and so to work redemption for us.

4 The worse course that after he took, and held on the same, even to the end, [ A] was, that now he bent himself against David, and did his endeavor to over-lay him the best that he could. Concerning which, we are first to see, what may seem to be the occasion of it: then, in what manner it was performed. The occasion thereof may seem to be the present disposition of King Saul: and, some outward things besides. The present disposition of King Saul, ill enough in it self by the common corruption of all, was now so much the worse, by that ill Spirit sent of the Lord, that so often vexed him now. Those outward things besides, were, that it pleased GOD, especially to preserve and prosper David in all his ways; and, that the people thereupon had him in such reckoning as they had: as namely, in the vanquishing of Goliath, that as it pleased GOD to vouchsafe him that favor; so the people thereupon ascribed more a great deal to David, than they did unto Saul, whereat the King even at that present shown himself to be much offended, and to have an especial Eye to him so much the more afterward also. The manner wherein he did perform it, was first more secret: but then, more open. At such time as it was more secret, he would first have slain him by his own hands twice: then, by the enemy, and therefore gave him charge of a thousand men; and Michal his younger daughter in marriage, for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines. When such close dealing would not serve, then he fell to do it openly, and so eagerly withal, that he chased him out of the Land thrice: in the two former of which David [ B] returned soon into the Land again; but not the last of them, tell Saul was slain. In the former therefore of the first two of them we are to consider, first of that which Saul did against him, then, how David for a time went out of the Land to save himself. That which Saul did against him, was, that he bare himself very hard, not only against him: but against one other also of special reckoning for his sake. He bare himself so very hard against him, that first he set on others to kill him: then, when that failed, he would afterward himself have done it. Those others that he sent to kill him were his son, and all his servants: but Jonathan, first admonishing David of it, and willing him to take good heed to himself, then so dealt with his father on David's behalf, that Saul was then pacified, forethought himself of his bad meaning towards him, by plain oath put his son out of jealousy that he would not do it, and for a certain time after did accordingly use himself towards him. He would afteward himself have done it twice: once, upon good success that David had against the enemies; another time, by opportunity of a feast. The good success▪ that David had against the enemies, was, that he gave the Philistines a very great overthrow: whereupon Saul (the evil spirit then being upon him) was on a time secretly minded to slay David, as he was handling his Instrument before him, but that he warily avoided the same, presently gat home, and went thense likewise unto some place of better safety; and when he saw that David had so escaped, he sent presently after, had good hope for a time to have sped, but by the help of Michal his daughter David's wife, was again defeated, both at David's house, and at Ramah to when himself went thither. The opportunity he conceived he might have at a feast, soon after ensuing, was, when by course, David was to fit with the King at the table: but David foreseeing that likewise, by the means and help of Jonathan escaped that also. That one other of special reckoning against whom he bare himself so hard for his sake, was Jonathan his son: with whom he was so far offended, only for excusing David's absence, that presently he did revile him sharply for it; and told him that he should never have the kingdom in quietness, so long as David lived; but then, when Jonathan did farther plead the innocence of David, he took it [ C] so impaciently that he should so do, that he cast his spear at him, and so it seemeth, in that his perturbation, he would have slain him. But David having escaped the danger so narrowly as he had, thought not good now to abiet in the Land, and so departed: in which part of his Story, there is one thing so mistaken by some, that it had need to be more specially considered on: and so are we f •• st to consider of the main Story, therein; then, of that particular that is so mistaken by others. The main Story for this matter is no more but this, that David to avoid the hands of Saul did flee unto Achish one of the Kings of the Philistines: yet not to himself as it seemeth by the Story, because the King had him first brought unto him by his servants, but hoping belike by some means that he had, to live vnespyed there. But when he perceived that certain of them knew him, then he feigned to be as a man distracted, or out of his wits, and so escaping that danger, returned into Jury again. The particular that was herein mistaken, is therefore the rather to be considered, for that certain of the enemies of the Gospel since have thence taken one of their arguments for that late devise of theirs of Transubstantiation. For whereas Augustine red, that David at this time was carried in his own hands towards the King, he inferreth thereon, that that could not be true in David himself: but that, whereas David was a figure of Christ, in him it was fulfilled at his last Supper, himself giving his body and blood to his Disciples, and so then made with his own hands delivery of himself unto them. But now the truth is, both that the Father was deceived in the Text it self (as also the vulgar Translation is, that he sunk down or fell in their hands); and himself doth shortly after qualify the hardness of his speech that it was (not simply) but after a sort, that Christ did so diliuer himself unto his disciples. In the latter likewise, we are first to consider of his Story in the Land, being now returned: then, of his departure again. His Story in the Land at this time is but small, being no more but this, that being now returned, and for his strength betaking himself to a Cave at Adullam, there repaired diverse unto him, to the number of four hundred in all: part, of his kindred and fathers house; the residue, such as were in trouble or debt, or some way or other discontented. A right pattern of the Congregation or militant Church of Christ here: never being any other, but either such as are of his of-spring by regeneration, or that high Linage from above: or [ D] such as are in danger of Law, or overwhelmed with debt, or some way or other distressed here. But as now at the first David had but these few, and those of such quality, as in good respect he might well be ashamed of many of them, to have any such in his retinue; yet after he came to enjoy the whole Kingdom, & to be attended by all the greatest & most honorable personages: so have we partly seen, and are to wait for a farther accomplishment of it, in Christ himself, that though his retinue consisted but of mean things at the first, yet since have many of greatest reckoning submitted both themselves and theirs unto his Scepter, and is likewise to have all powers in heaven and earth subject unto him. When now he fled out of the Land again, we have not set down by what occasion it was in particular: but the whole Story doth lead us to gather, that it was for his safety; and at this time it was to the Land of Moab, whereunto he for his safety repaired. Where also we have no more but this, that for a time he betook himself to a strong hold there, and obtained of the King, that his father and mother might be in those parts also (to avoid the danger of Saul) till he might see what the Lord would do for him: but then being warned by the Prophet Gad, not to abide there, but to return into Jury again, though this were but a matter of policy, he readyly obeyed the Prophet, and came home to his own country.

5 When after he left his Country again, and never returned so long as [ A] Saul lived, we are in like manner as afore to see, first what was his Story in the Lande: then, in what sort he left it again. His Story in the Lande at this time was much: partly while Saul understanding he was now in the Land, nevertheless could not yet tell where he might have him; but most of all so oft as he could get more special intelligence where he was to be had. When Saul did now understand that he was in the Land, but yet knew not where to have him, one Story we have that showeth how eagarly Saul was bent against him: another, how David notwithstanding did not keep himself so close, but that he was ready enough to come forth to the aid of such as were distressed. That which showeth how eagerly Saul was bent against him, is partly in words: but chiefly in deeds. In words he made a set complaint to all his attendants about him, that his Son Jonathan had made a covenant with David, and had stirred him up against him: and that none of [ B] them were sorry for him, but kept their counsel, as if they looked for special preserment at the hands of David, and so in effect conspyred against him. His deeds that followed, proceeded of a special information then made unto him; so first of that special information; then of those his needs ensuing. That information was made by Doeg an Edomite, against Ahimelek the High Priest, and it was no more but truth as it seemeth: but yet so framed as might seem to import very treasonable meaning in him. His deeds that followed hereupon, were so very tart and bitter, that they give us just occasion to look farther into that matter, than this present Story delivereth unto us: so that first we are to consider of it, so far as this Story doth lead us; and then to see, what we are farther to think of this matter. Going but so far as this Story doth lead us, we find the occasion was but small: but his displeasure very great. The occasion was, that David coming to Ahimelek in some want, he not knowing, that now he was in the displeasure, did something supply the wants that he had. The occasion of David's coming unto him now, was, that Jonathan according to his promise and covenant before, made true and faithful relation to David, how deeply his father was offended with him, so that indeed he meant to slay him: and so showing himself desirous, that the covenant they had made betwixt them might ever stand he dismissed him now, and wished him to shift for himself so well as he could. So the want that David was in, when he came to Ahimilek, was, that by the reason of this his sudden departure, he and his small company came without victuals, and himself without weapon also. In Ahimeleks supplying these wants of David, we are first to consider, what it was that so he did: and then, of another matter implied therein. That which so he did, was most of it about the relieving of him in his hunger: but part of it also, in that he did furnish him with a Weapon. To relieve his hunger when David desired some sustenance for him and his, the Priest having nothing else at that present, gave them of the Show-Bread which was not lawful for any to eat, but only for the Priests. Whereuppon, when by occasion Christ doth afterward allege this Fact of David, though most men take it (so far as yet I have found) as in defense of his Disciples, by that Facte of David before, as making no question but that that Fact of David was lawful, and so his Disciples then not to be reprooueable neither: yet even the Text it self seemeth to me, to point us rather to another meaning, namely, that he did it but to stop the [ C] mouths of those wrangling Jews, not as approving that fact of David (for himself saith, it was not lawful) but showing unto them, of how bad a temper they were towards him and his, who could so readily justify David in that his doing, and yet be so carping at his Disciples in that matter then, a great deal more iustifyable than David's before. That other that is but implied therein, is, that there was in those days but small regard unto the Ministry, when as this Ahimelek the High Priest, and so in chief place of all the Ministry, was so little provided for, that now he was not able to give David and his small company, some reasonable entertainment for one meal: none of the least blemishes in that his government, that under him the Ministry was so much neglected; and a right good token indeed, that the good Spirit of God was taken from him, and an evil spirit sent unto him. To furnrsh him with a Weapon, he let him have the Sword of Goliath being laid up there, the Priest himself having none other, and David making special reckoning of it, so soon as he heard that there he might have it. Which fact of theirs may be (and is) diversely taken. For by the place whence this Sword was taken, it may seem, that it was dedicated to the Lord before: and so do some take it. But because Ahimelek was so ready to yield it, and David to take it, which by the Law they might not do, therefore is it thought by others, that it was not consecrated or dedicated unto the Lord, but only laid up there for memory: as indeed, seeing David made no conscience to take it unto profane use again, and accounted none other so fit for his purpose as that (belike to nourish his hope towards God in that his distress then, by the deliverance that God had vouchsafed unto him before) there is that likelihood, that it was not. For meaner than David have been loath in their necessity to meddle with that, which they understand to be consecrated before: and it is reported of Caesar, that on a time finding in one of their Temple in France a certain sword hung up and dedicated, as in the field won from himself (which himself did •• t acknowledge to be so indeed) when some of his company would have gone and taken it away, as hanging there to his dishonor and falsely too, he nevertheless would not suffer them, even only for that it was thus consecrated there, howsoever. But if we mark what followed very soon after, unto Ahimelek and all his company of Priests there, and to the whole City besides, we may very well doubt, that it was a greater matter with God than themselves did take it, or others since have thought it to be, that Ahimelek was so ready to impart the Show-Bread to David and his [ D] company, and now to yield this Sword unto him, though in this place the Text do not so charge them: especially, seeing that first under the Law such things were so strictly forbidden, and one of the kinds so severely punished in Achan; then, under the Gospel Christ himself saith, for the former of them, that it was not lawful for them so to have do one. In the displeasure that Saul conceived against Ahimelek and others for this, we are to note; first, how easily he did conceive it: then, howe sore and grievous it was. He conceived it by Doeg, one of his own Seruaunts, and therefore likely enough to be partial on his Masters behalf; and the same an Edomite, and therefore in that respect as likely to do it of some stomach, they being ancient Enemies to the Israelites: and, but for relieving and helping of one, who was but a little before in special favor with the King, and in great employments by his appointment; and, by all likelihood, not known as yet to be anything at all in the Kings displeasure, but still to be in his wonted savor. Both which notwithstanding, the King took this so marvelous ill at the hands of Ahimelek the High Priest, that he did not only put him to death, but for his sake fourscore and four Priests moe, together with the residue (one only excepted that made an escape) of all their Family, Man, Woman, and Child, with all their Cattle great and small: his rage being so great therein, that even his own Servants would not be executioners thereof, though he had given it in charge unto them; saving that Doeg the Accuser himself, did as barbarously perform the execution, as the King had in the depth of rigor given it in charge. That which we have farther to think of this matter, is partly a farther charge laid to Ahimelek than yet we read of: but most of it as touching the severity of this his heavy judgment against him and the rest of his Family. That farther charge that was laid to Ahimelek, was, that he asked counsel of the Lord for David: a thing that Doeg laid to his charge, and Ahimelek himself did not deny. A good token (if it were so indeed) first, on David's part, both that in his trouble he sought to the Lord, and that he had no ill heart to the King, when he was but of such intention as wherein he sought to have his direction from God: then, on Saul's, that either he needed not to be offended with David for this, or else that now himself had no good heart towards God, when he could not take it well, that his advise should be taken therein. As touching the severity of this heavy judgment against him and the rest of his Family, it shall be good for us to note [ E] two things therein: one, that such things were before denounced; the other, whereupon it was that God did take occasion so to deal. In that they were before denounced, and now since (as we see) in such sort accomplished, it teacheth us to take heed of all such things, as it pleaseth God at any time to warn us of: otherwise to make no question, but that such things are like indeed to befall us. Whereupon it was that God took occasion so to deal, is likewise before set down, namely, for that Eli the High Priest an Ancester of theirs before, great Grand-Father to Ahimelek that now we speak of, did not more severely restrain the looseness of his two sons, being so offensive as they were to they people of God: & it doth in like sort teach us, that heavy judgments are due in the justice of God to all those of special place, who suffer such as are under their charge, so to follow their own unbridled ways, that thereby they occasion the people to take any loathing with the worship and service of God; as among us there not a few, that, in over great measure, so have done. How David notwithstanding did not keep himself so close, but that he was ready enough to come forth to the aid of such as were distressed, the Story of of Keilah is witness sufficient. But therein we have not only that Story it self: but another accident withal to that place belonging. In that Story it self, we have, not only how ready David was to help them: but withal, how little help he might look for at their hands. He was so ready to help thē, that so soon as he heard they were distressed (which was, for that the Philistines did besiedge them, and had them, it seemeth, at the advantage, because God himself doth term that his helping of thē to be the saving of that Citty) he but inquired of the Lord (first for his own resolution, & then again for the better resolution of his company, because some of them made some doubt of it) & then went against them, made a great slaughter of them, & brought away much Cattle with them. In that he might look for little help at their hands again, it shall be good for us to consider, not only how the same appeareth: but also whereupon it may seem to be grounded. It plainly appeareth in that when Saul heard he was there, and being a glad man of it, that he had him (as he took it) enclosed up in a [ F] Citty to his best advantage, came to surprise him, and David inquiring of the Lord, whether Saul would indeed come down against him, and if he did, whether the Governors of the Citty would deliver him into his hands. The Lord did plainly answe •• , that Saul would come down against him, and that the Governors would deliver him into his hands. So the Servants of God must be content to do good unto others, though there be no meaning in those others again to requite it. That they would not stand to him against their King, it may very well be without any unthankfulness in them, both for that in duty they might not, and in power they were not able to stand against him: & so, if they had made that attempt, they could not but have wrapped themselves and David withal into inevitable destruction, and the same very justly deserved. A place so much the meeter to be noted, for that it is the manner of most men, when they have made others beholding unto them, then to look that for it they should stand with them, farther than in duty they ought, or on behalf of them and theirs it were meet that they should: or otherwise to think very hardly of them, and to account them very unthankful; as there be that thought these to be, and David himself to be so persuaded also. At this time Saul began to understand where David was to be had, and so did he diverse times after: but wherea • s now he was almost entrapped in a walled Citty, we do not afterward find, but that ever he kept more at large, in the Deserts or open Country, in the Woods, Rocks and Caues thereof. First, therefore at this time hearing that he was now at Keilah, he gathered his forces together, and hastened thither-ward, upon great hope to surprise him there: but David inquiring of the Lord, understood what danger was towards him, and so by flight in time escaped (his company being then increased two hundred mo, and so now six hundred in all) of whose flight from thence when Saul was advertised, he also then gave over that journey. Where David was after, and how busily Saul employed himself to get him; we have first set down generally: and more specially after. Generally, it is said that David thence-forward shifted for himself and his company, now in one place, now in another, so well as he could; and that Saul did seek him every day: but that God did not deliver [ G] him into his hands. More specially we find, that David was three several times discovered to Saul, in those by-places of woods and Wasts wherein he walked and hid himself; and that Saul, ever as he got intelligence of him, took the advantage of it so well as he could, and endeavored to get him: yet that success or issue of his desires was no better than this, for the first time he did but fail of his purpose, but did not bring himself in danger withal; the other two he brought his own person into special danger thereby. In the first of those when himself as yet came in no danger, David first had one special comfort: and then was exercised with hard and bad dealing. The special comfort that first he had, was that Jonathan Saul's eldest Son did yet abide so fast unto David, notwithstanding his father was so grievous unto him, that he came secretly where David was, bad him be of good comfort, and renewed the covenant with him. The hard and bad dealing wherewithal he was exercised immediately after, was first the unkindness of the Ziphims, who who also were of the Tribe of Judah, and so of one and the self-same Tribe with David, and yet notwithstanding not only told him where he was, but offered also to deliver him into his hands (a reasonable good pattern how untrusty the best that are may sometimes find their own Kindred to be:) then, that hot pursuit of Saul thereupon against him, having but the edge of an hill betwixt them, and so eagerly following upon him, that in the mean season he suffered the Philistines to break in upon them, by whom notwithstanding he was soon after withdrawn (full sore belike against his will) when he had almost compassed David and his men clean about, & so shut them up in the jaws of death. In those other two, wherein he brought his own person in danger, we have some other story enterlaced, appertaining as it seemeth unto the mean time betwixt them; & yet are so noted by the circumstance of the time, that they seem rather to hang as appendants unto the former, than to have any relation at all to the latter: and so are we first to consider, of the former of these; then, of those Storyes that ensue there-upon. The former of these, was at Engeddie, in the East side of Judah, near unto the Dead sea, at which time when Saul perceived how dangerously he had fallen [ H] into the hands of David, and that David nevertheless had spared him, he was inwardly so touched with it, that he condemned himself therein, and sought to have a league of David. So are we first to consider of that his pursuit in hostile manner: then, of that his relenting after. His pursuit in hostile manner we 〈◊〉 was such, that so soon as he heard where he was, he got three thousand chosen men out of all his people, and went with those to seek out David: and so busily employed himself therein, that he spared not the •• rd rocks; where the wild Goats did use. A pattern plain enough in it self (considering how after ward. David dealt with him) how eagerly the children of the world do • very often pursue after those that mean no hurt at all unto them. Unto his relenting after it doth appertain, first to see how David dealt with him: then, ho • he relented thereon. To find in what sort David dealt with him, we are likewise first to see, how he fell into David's courtesy: and then, when David had him within his danger, how he demeaned himself towards him. David and his men to escape the eye of Saul, had entered into a great Cave, and were in the inmost parts of it: at which time Saul coming that way, and turned into the mouth of that Cave to do his easement: and so fell into the hands of David, he and his men espying him there. In the demeanor of David towards him, we are first to consider what it was: then how he acquainted Saul himself with it. His demeanor towards him was at the first indeed somewhat doubtful: but afterward very good. When it was but doubtful, because it was by the solicitation or advise of others, therefore are we first to see what advise it was that others did give him: then, how far-forth David did put it in practice. The advice that others did him, was in effect, that the Lord had now brought him within his danger: and therefore that he was to take the advantage of it. So diverse account, that the Lord ofttimes doth bring things to their hands for them to take the opportunity of them, when as indeed it is but only for their trial. How far David did put it in practice, we cannot certainly tell, because we know not with what mind he went unto him. But sure it is, that thereupon he drew towards him, though in the end he did no more but only cut off the lap of his garment that belike he had laid by, and quickly repented him of that also: as indeed it was not to be justified, whensoever it should be rightly examined. And so the children of God carry that reverence and true allegiance [ I] to their Superiors, that though by infirmity sometime they slip: yet otherwise do they make more conscience at a lap of their garment, than many of those that God hath placed in great authority, even at the heart-blood of those their faithful and loyal subjects; especially in the cause of Religion. That part of it which was very good, was, that when he returned to his men again, both he was himself very resolute, that in no wise he might lay his hands on the Lord's anointed: and dissuaded them also for attempting any such matter against him. To acquaint Saul with it also, he went forth of the Cave immediately after Saul, called upon him, did his obeisance, and then opened his mind unto him: the effect of which was, that now he might have good testimony, that he was not so ill minded towards him as others bare him in hand that he was, when as having him in the Cave he laid no hands in him, but only cut off the lap of his garment, to be a witness, what he might have done to him then, if he had been so disposed; and withal, to show him the unseemliness of that his pursuit, that the King of Israel in that great power of his, should bend himself against him in that weakness that then he was in. In that relenting of Saul after his mind was so changed now (a good experiment, what dutiful and gentle dealing may do, even with those, that most of all others are out of temper) that yielding himself faulty, he justified David, and sought to have a league of him (which also he had) as making no doubt by this good dealing, but that he should come to the kingdom indeed: all which notwithstanding, when Saul departed, David yet still stood on his guard. The Stories ensuing are of two sorts; one, concerning all the whole people generally; the others, concerning David more specially. That which concerneth all the whole people generally, is, that now it pleased God to take away from them by natural death the Prophet Samuel: for whom all Israel assembled together and mourned, and then buried him in his own possession in Ramah; but David thereupon withdrew himself farther out of the way; to the Wilderness of Paran, on the South end of 〈◊〉 . Those that concern David more specially, are, one of them about his relief: others, about his Wedlocke. In that same which was for his relief it so fell out, that his dealing was with one Nabal, one of the same Tribe, and of the •• age of Caleb, but a Man of so perverse or crooked Nature, that thereby he had welny wrought the destruction of him and his▪ So are we first to see, how he brought himself in danger: then, how he escaped the peril of it. He brought himself in [ K] danger by giving so churlish an answer unto David's Messengers as he did: and so are we first to see, in what sort David sent unto him; then, what was the answer he gave them. David being in those parts not far off from him, and understanding that then he had a Sheep-shearing, and conceiving thereon, that as he was a great wealthy man, so he would have good store of provision against that time (as it seemeth the manner was) sent unto him in very good and courteous manner, to spare unto him and his company some part of his provision, such as himself should think good to bestow upon them: putting him in mind withal, how little he was endamaged by any of his company, when they lay where his goods were; as hoping, that their good dealing with him then, would be so much better requited now. In the answer that was given, we are to consider, what the answer it self was: and, in what sort David did take it. The answer it self that Nabal gave, was very bad: both contemptuous to the person of David; and utterly denying him to have any thing thence. David also took it so very ill, that presently he armed four hundred of his men, and was fully purposed, that night utterly to destroy both him & his: a special example, both that a churlish unthankfulness woundeth sore; and that David was a man much subject unto his infirmity, who would have been so grievously avenged on so private an injury as that. In that Nabal escaped the peril of it, it was but with men, as it seemeth: and not so with God. A thing to be noted of us also, that we may ofttimes escape the hands of men: and yet may not therefore hope to be freede from the judgments of God. With men he escaped it, in that presently after there was such course taken, as whereby David was pacified: and so are we to see what course it was that now was taken; then, how David was pacified with it. The course that now was taken to that purpose, was by Abigail, Nabal's Wife, upon the intelligence that she had by one of her Servants. For one of the Servants told her, not only howe vncurtuously Nabal his Master had used David's Messengers; & how good cause there was to have them used otherwise: but also advised her to bethink herself how to help it, as making no question, but that otherwise it would be avenged; and their Mayster was so intractable, that there was no dealing with him. Hereupon Abigail, being a rare Woman, both for other ornaments of Nature, and for wisdom too, made hast to make up that default of her [ L] Husbands the best that she could: both by sending a liberal present before her, and then, following herself immediately after, by her own demeanour towards David, & by the wise course of her speech, that she had with him. Wherein one thing especially is worthy the marking, how wisely she commendeth unto him, the keeping of his conscience clean frō sin now, against the time that afterward he should sit on the Throne of his Kingdom. In which likewise she useth one special phrase not to be omitted: namely, that it will be no grief to him afterward to remember, that he did not preserve himself, or as David by & by after useth the like, that his own hand did not save him: a phrase, or a kind of speech that affordeth much good matter, to all those, that so little rest on the providence of God, that in all such matters they ever choose rather to be their own Caruers. David also was so pacified therewith, that he praised God, & thanked hir that had mollified his mind in that matter: and now altogether remitted unto her, the rigor of that his intended purpose. That he did not escape it with God, may partly appear the next morning: but especially a few days after. The next morning it did partly appear, for that he was stricken with so great a fear so soon as he understood by his Wife, in what danger he was the night before, both he and all his to have been slaughtered: though yet at that present he were passing merry. The fear of which danger the less that now he was able to bear, the more may it be a good document to us, that whereas there is an hard heart void of compassion towards those that need, or but so unthankful towards those that have deserved well, there is no little sound comfort towards God, that it is less marvel if such things do strike them with so special a fear. Those few days after were but ten, at which time the Lord so stroke him, that then he died: a smaller time to enjoy those things, whereof he was so loath to part with any portion to David, than he was aware of; but yet a meet pattern of that scantling of time that God in his justice now and then apportioneth to those that are so unseasonably so very straight laced. Concerning [ M] his wedlock, whereas here in this place we have mention of diverse Wives of his at once, we are first to consider of them all generally: then of the Story of everyone more specially. Of them all generally no more but this, that David was not so well advised of the institution or ordinance of Wedlocke, neither yet of his duty therein, but that foully he steined himself with that one point of corruption of those days: so dangerous is any kind of corruption (whereunto we incline by course of nature) when once it hath taken root in many. More specially the Story goeth, first of such as he enjoyed: then, of one that was taken from him. Those that he enjoyed, were two: this Abigaell that now we speak of; and Ahinoam. As touching Abigaill, we have something to note on David's part: and something on hers. On David's part, that having seen her person before, and having had experience of her wisdom then, he rejoiceth now that his hand was not against her husband, and withal doth take her to be his wife: on her part, that though she were very wise, and did much abase her self unto him, yet she yielded to be a wife unto him, whom belike she knew to have another before. Of Ahinoam we have no more in effect, but that Abigail and she together were Wives unto David. She that was taken from him was Micol the Daughter of Saul, whom Saul, in this his displeasure against David, took away from him, and bestowed on another, one Phalty. In which case, though Saul be not of that reckoning with us (especially after the good Spirit of God was taken from him, and an ill spirit sent to vex him) that any will think his example warrantable: yet it may be that some may conceive so of David's, that as when his Wife was given to another, he took a supply, so might they think it lawful for them to do; which notwithstanding they can never find to be of any undoubted warrant unto them. The latter of them was in the Wilderness of Ziph, where again he was so overtaken, that again he justifieth David, and condemneth himself to have done marvelous ill: protesting withal, that thenceforward he would never do so again. So that in this also we are to see, first how he pursued upon him in hostile manner: then how he came to a better mind after. That now he pursued him again [ N] in hostile manner, we have first set down, who set him on: then, in what sort he did it. Those that set him on were the Ziphims his old friends, of the same Tribe as I said, but false unto him, once before, and now again: these came unto Saul, and let him understand were David was. Whereupon Saul, notwithstanding that he seemed to have reconciled himself to David before: yet now hoping to have the advantage against him, he maketh towards him apace with his three thousand choice men, to see if yet he may surprise him. He came to a better mind notwithstanding when he saw that again he was at unawares fallen into the hands of David: and that he nevertheless again had spared him. He fell into his hands again in his own Camp, himself and his company being so fast a sleep, that David, and one other with him came in among them, even to the place where the King himself lay: and though they might easily have slain him, and the other would have done it, yet David would in no wise suffer it, but only took such tokens with them as might sufficiently witness they had been there, and then, both reproved his chief Captain for keeping his watch so ill as he did, and acquainted the King himself with the danger he had been in, himself craving no better at the hands of God, than herein Saul had found at his. Saul therefore perceiving this to be so indeed, again acknowledged his own bad dealing against him, and that David should undoubtedly prosper, and so departed.

6 But now the time being come that David left the land again, & never returned [ A] so long as Saul lived, we are first to see, by what occasion he left the land now: and then, what was his story until the time he returned again. The occasion of his departing now, was his own doubtfulness, that some time or other he should fall into the hands of Saul; and therefore that it was best for him to depart: as indeed in all reason it was, seeing he was better disposed than to take the advantage of him when it was in his hands to do it; & it seemeth, by that which after followed, that God had another purpose therein also. So he departeth, he & his 600. men with him: and they went unto Achis k. of Gath, one of the Princes of the Philistines. As touching his Story until the time he returned again, because his return was [ B] not, till (after the death of Saul) he did return unto the kingdom, at which time the main Story must go on him as King, whereas yet it goeth only on Saul, and so must do until his death; we are now to consider, but of so much of the Story of David, as cometh within the life of Saul, being all that time among the Philistines, and under Achis aforesaid, first, for a while, he and his company being in the self-same Citty where the King himself resided; but shortly after, in another which the King bestowed upon him. While he was in the Citty where the King himself resided, we have little other story of him, but only in what sort they were there: and how he obtained another place for him and his company, so to avoid the immoderate pestering of the Citty where the King himself remained. They were there, every man himself and his family; and so, David himself, he and his two wives with him. In the obtaining of that other place for him and his, first we have his motion for that matter: then, how the same was granted unto him. His motion was, that so he and his might be less troublesome to the King in that principal Citty of his: but by that which followeth it is not unlikely, but that it was some part of his meaning to have some farther liberty also, than so near to the King, he might safely use. That which he obtained thereby, was Ziklag, a Citty in the heart of the Tribe of Simeon, Gath being in the uttermost corner from it of the Tribe of Dan, and so indeed so far distant from it, that by the distance it should rather seem to belong to some other Cities of the Philistines that were much neeter, than unto it. When he had this bestowed upon him, then have we likewise more story of him: and first one thing that belongeth to the whole time of his being among the Philistines; then, diverse others appertaining to the time of his being at Ziklag. That which belongeth to the whole time of his being among the Philistines, is no more but only the account of the time of his being there, which was four months, and certain days: the consideration whereof is noted to be (among others) a good help to understand, how those two years of the reign of Saul are to be taken, that are spoken of before. Those others that appertain to the time of his being at Ziklag, are of such nature, that it seemeth to me, [ C] that first God left him much to himself: but afterward, that he would have the government of him, He seemeth to be left much to himself, for that he yielded himself so serviceable to Achis as he did, first in seeming or making a show, that he went against the Israelites: then in yielding to do it indeed. He seemed to do it, in going against those other people's thereby, spoiling and destroying them so as he did to bring in the booty to Achis: and to the end that Achis might be so persuaded of him, both he left none (so near as he could) to tell Tales of him, a very odious thing in it self; and himself being demanded by the king whence he had gotten all that spoil, he brought the King in mind, it was from the Israelites, and so abused his credit also with him. He did yield to do it indeed, when he was content to go with the Philistines to the battle against the Israelites, and assured the King that he would do his best endeavor against them. Both which do show, what the best of all are, when God doth leave us unto our selves. It seemeth likewise, that God would now have the government of him, in all the rest: first, to keep him from a foul reproachful sin, whereunto himself had yielded; and then to give him (as it seemeth) chastisement also, for that he was so ready unto it. That foul and reproachful sin, whereunto David had yielded, but that God kept him from it was (as we heard) to join with the Enemy against his own Country and Sovereign Lord▪ and, that the other Princes of the Phili 〈…〉 refused to have him in their company, when Achis made that reckoning of him; that was a special favor of GOD towards him, that would not suffer him so to be stained. The chastisement that it seemeth God would give him for that his readiness, was not such, but that he mingled favor withal: and so are we more specially to mark▪ wherein it may seem, that he was chasticed: and, where in again there was favor used. Chasticed he seemeth to be, first, in the Hoast: then, in Ziklag. In the Heast, for that he was se • t away in dishonor: as, likely to be false unto them, though never so much he pretended other-wise then. In Ziklag, his own Citty now, that it was spoiled and burnt; and all taken quite away (their Wives, Children, Goods and all) at the self-same time when he was gone thence, to have gone against his Country and Prince: and that his company were so grieved thereat, that they were of purpose to stone him for it. That favor was mingled with this chastisement, deoth plainly enough appear; first, in the Hoast: then, here at home also. In the Hoast, that seeing Israel was then [ D] to be put to the worse, and both the King and his Sons were to be slain (among whom his dear friend Jonathan was one) he should not be that day in the field against them. Here at home, first, that GOD gave him an heart, in that his distress to seek unto him: then, that he gave him so special comfort, as then he did. In that he gave him an heart to seek unto him, as then he did by Abiathar the Priest, it was a great favor in it self, and a token of more ensuing. The comfort that then he gave him besides, was first but in hope only, by the assurance that then was given him: but shortly after, in the fruition of the thing it self. The comfort that was given him in hope, was, that by the Lord he was allowed to follow on them, that had done him this displeasure: and was assured withal, that he should over-take them, and recover all again. In that that David was to come to the fruition of the thing it self, there be other things concurring withal: so that first we are to consider of the thing it self, or that which respecteth the substance of it; and then to come to those other things that concur there-with. The thing it self, or that which respecteth the substance of it, is, that whereas the Ammalekites, in that absence of David, had invaded and burnt the Citty, and had taken away all with them: he soon recovered all again, so that nothing at all was wanting to any of them. Of those other things that concur there-with, one of them is of the selfsame time with the main business it self: but the others varry. That which is of the self-same time with the main business it self, is, that whereas the Ammalekites had spoiled many other places besides Ziklag, and had gotten a great booty together, David now did not only recover all his own and his men's, but withal, whatsoever they had gotten from all other places besides, and brought it away with them (together with their own) under the name of David's prey. Of those that varry, one goeth before: others follow. That which goeth before, is, that although David had a fair promise of God for the matter, yet was he so far from neglecting the ordinary means that might lead or help thereunto, that finding by the way a young man that was but servant to one of the Amalekites, whom his Master left sick behind, now almost aff • mished also, and hoping to learn something by him, he did so well use him, that by his means he was readily brought unto them. Those which follow are two: one, as touching certain of David's company, that by occasion tarried behind; the other, the opportunity of David's booty. Those of his company that by occasion tarried behind, [ E] were a third part of the whole: and they stayed because they were so weary, that they were not able to go any farther; and so by that occasion, the residne left there all such things as they might spare, and those to keep thē til they returned. Concerning whom when certain ill-minded-men of those four hundred who went thorough with David, would have denied those two hundred, that for weariness tarried behind, to have any part of the prey, but only every of them his own: he thereupon took order, both for that present, & for the time to come, that such as did abide by the stuff, should have as good part of the prey, as those that went down to the battle. The Ministry indeed it no • so meet, either for the Bench or for the field, the greatest employments that 〈◊〉 we have of the higher sort: but is altogether to as good use as the tarrying of these behind to keep the st ••• e▪ in any State whatsoever; and that i • so clear, that in no wise it can be denied. But where have we that equity of D •• id, that alloweth them altogether as good part for their labor, •• any of the other whatsoever? In the opportunity of David's bo •• y we are to note, not only how fitly it came; but how fitly also it was employed: yet both these, unwitting to him. For now was he soon to come to the kingdom, and whereas he had diu • r • secret friends before, who some way or other were helping unto him in his adversity, and while he wandered among them within the land, & should need them now also when he was to come to the Crown, both God brought it in fitly against that time, and withal gave him an heart so to employ it, as in likelihood might make very well to that purpose. For he forthwith sent praesents thereof in very kind and thankful manner, among those that were his friends, at least to thirteen several places by name, and to diverse others besides. Now whether the case were such, or not, that restitution to the former owners had been more honorable to David, and more agreeable to the rule of equity, I cannot determine: but in my mind, whereas the Text doth plainly say, that the prey was taken out of the Land of the Philistines, and out of the Land of Judah, what by his new duty that he ought to the Philistines now, for his entertainment among them, and what by his old duty that he ought to his Country people the Inhabitantes of Judah, for his birth and bringing up there, it may seem, it had been more honorable to have possessed those of their own again so far as he could, for his part at least; especially when as yet he did not know, that otherwise he had so special use of it as soon after he had. But whether it had been more honorable or not, we find no such thing [ F] here to be done: and this have I noted, that whereas five of those places that here are named, do indeed appertain to Judah (and those submitted themselves soon unto David, so soon as ever he began his Kingdom (and three of them are neither of them both, at least uncertain; six of them belong to Israel, and so had they the most; but yet did they all refuse him and set up another. So that although he had a thankful remembrance of many of them, yet was it lost to this purpose, and to that end had no blessing at all of God upon it: some piece of conjecture, such as it is, that their partes were not so well to such purpose bestowed on them, as they might have been restored to those, from whom they were but a little before so unjustly taken.

7 Hitherto of the life of Saul: now come we to the Story of his death; yet not to [ A] begin at that very instant, but some convenient space before. Which I think we best may take, from the time that David now this last time had left the land, and made his abode among the Philistines: after which time we have in effect no Story of him, but that still he drew nearer and nearer, inevitably unto his death. Which compass if we take, therein it shall be good to note, how the judgments of God began to light on him: and how they proceeded even to the end. They began to light on him, as it hath been often in many: that when men have gone so far as they can in sinning, then doth God begin to punish. For so was it with Saul. He had persecuted David, a long time, with all the skill and force that he had: but hearing now, that he was in Gath among the Philistines, he lest of seeking, and so did follow no more upon him. He having done, and yet not otherwise (woeful man that he is) but because he can go no farther, now God beginneth to let go his hand, and to cut him down by the root. They proceeded against him even to the end, in that he was so deeply distressed in the mean season: and soon after came to a pitiful ende. Deepely distressed he was, first by the Enemy: but then specially, for that, when he sought it, he could obtain no help of God. The distress that he was in by the Enemy, was no more yet but fear, and an hearty astonishment that now they so brake in upon him with so great forces as then they had, and even into the heart of the Country. For they came first to Sh • nem, in the South-side of the Tribe of Issachar. And yet was not Saul so fearful of them, but that he and his forces came to the Mountains of • albe • , over against them, and there lay to stop their passage▪ and when the Army of the Philistines retyr • d to Ap •• k, a little backward (by what [ B] occasion, or to what purpose, I find not noted) he also dr •• e nearer unto them, and camped ne • r • the Fountain of Izre • l, as near unto them as conveniently he might. But then, at their first entrance, asking counsel of the Lord, and he no way giving him answer, that want so near unto him, that thereupon he turned to such bad members as God had willed to be destroyed, and himself had endeavored before to abolish out of the Land: and so he did not then more earnestly seek unto the Lord, and depend upon him till it should please him to have mercy on him; but turned to such as dealt by ill means, Witches, Sorcerers, and such like, such as himself knew to be abhorred, and had a little before condemned. Howbeit considering what havoc he had made, on so small occasion, of the Lord's Priests before; he was but justly required, that the Lord would not answer him now: and it may be a fair Lesson to many of us (all Christendom over) that if we so proceed to destroy the Ministry, as of long we have done, by with-drawing their needful maintenance from them, we also may have the selfsame judgment laid upon us. His pitiful ende, for the most part, we have described here: but part of it in another place ensuing. So far as it is described here, the Issue of this conflict did not only fall on the persons of those that had the worse: but on many of their Cittyes besides. As touching that which befell their persons, whereas when these battles joined, he and his were slain in the field, seeing the Enemies were not content with his death, but wreaked their anger further on some of their dead bodies besides, we also are not only to consider of his fall in the Fielde: but of that which befell him afterward also. In that his fall in the field, some-thing we find common to himself and others: and some-thing proper to himself alone. Common to himself and others it was, that the Israelites had the worse, Saul, his three Sons, and all his Family (to speak off) and many of the people were slain: and, as it seemeth by the order of the Text (speaking of the flight of all, before that it speaketh of the fall of any) and by the circumstance of the place (because their fall was in Mount Gilboa, from which they were before descended) they were all slain, not in the face of the Enemye, but first turned to flight. Propper unto Saul it was, that being wounded, he would have had his Armor-Bearer to have slain him out-right, which when he refused, he did endeavor himself to do it, and when that failed likewise then (as the party himself confessed) [ C] he desired another (who by occasion came by) to dispatch him out-right, so to rid him out of his pain: and that his Armor-Bearer, seeing his Lord and Mayster so to die, made away himself likewise, so to die with him. In that which after befell him, when the Enemy had wreaked his malice upon him, it pleased GOD so to touch the hearts of some, that they had some special regard unto him. The Enemy to wreak his malice upon him (when the next day, going to spoil those that were slain, they found the bodies of Saul and his Sons among the rest) both stripped of his Armor, and cut off his head, and sent them home in token of the victory, and gave commandment withal that it should be published in the Temples of their God's, and to the people: but their bodies they did hang in despite on the walls of Bethsau (having belike pursued them so far the day before) a City of that half of the Tribe of Manasseh that lay on the West side of Jordan, in the North-east corner of it, at the South ende of the Lake of Genasereth. Those that were touched with some special regard unto him, were the Inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead, situate near to that Lake also, but on the East-side of it, and higher into the Land from it: who before having been delivered from the tyranny of Nahash King of the Ammonites (as before was declared) by the help of King Saul, at his first enteraunce into his Kingdom, remembering it now, went by night (a number of the most valiant of them) took down their bodies, had them away, and so bestowed such Funeral solemnity on them, as the manner then was among them. A good example of thankful remembrance. As touching that which fell to many of their Cities, it is likewise set down, that many of the people of Israel in the Valleyes near unto Gi •• on, and on the other side of Jordan, when they heard of this overthrow, left their Cities and fled: and that the Philsst ••• came, and dwelt in them. That part of his pitiful end, which is set down in another place ensuing, and not alleged in the Story here, is, whereupon it was, that the Lord was thus far o •• ended with him: and there, besides that former disobedience of his, for which it was denounced unto him, that he was rejected, it is added withal, that (partly) it was or that he asked counsel of a familiar Spirit, and asked not of the Lord: whereas it is certain, he first sought unto the Lord, and [ D] did not seek to the other, till he found that the Lord would give him no answer. Out of which (laying one place unto the other) we are belike to gather, that although we seek to the Lord first, yet i • it not reckoned for seeking to him, unless still we depend upon him even to the end; and never seek to any other.

CHAP. 13.

1 WHEN they began to divide themselves, nevertheless it pleased God [ A] otherwise in those days so to bless them, that in that age was the Church or people of God farther enriched with godly knowledge, than they were before: and so are we first to see the Stories of those that to this time appertain; then, what farther knowledge in their age redounded unto the Church or people of GOD. As touching their Story, the division that we speak off, was first in the days of him that next succeeded; though soon after made up again: but then, not long after that, many of them eft-soones doing it; and never after returning again. He that next succceded was David, for the most part of whose time: & for all the time of him that next did follow, they continued one people: but then divided themselves forever. The division likewise that in his time they began to make, was but in the first part of his reign: and so are we to see, first what this division was; then, how they were again united. To find out what this division was, seeing it was in his time, we are first to see, how himself did come to the Kingdom: then, how it was, that certain of them did divide themselves from the rest. Unto his coming to the Kingdom, it doth appertain, first to consider in what sort he understood that it was fallen unto him: then, how he addressed himself to enter into the possession of it. He understood that it was fallen unto him, by one that was fled out of the battle, who himself (by his own confession) had helped to dispatch Saul (but at his own request) and •• ought the Crown that was on his head away for a token▪ together with some other Ornamentes besides, as now by right appertaining to David. He did so address himself to enter into the possession of it, that his doing therein did argue great moderation in him: first in some things he did before; then when he set in hand with that thing it self. Those that he did before were [ B] of two sortes: some of them apperraining to the present case as then it stood; one other, a provision for the time ensuing. Appertaining to the present case as then it stood, were two: one, his lamentation for the loss afore-said: the other, the execution of the Messenger. As touching his lamentation, first, it is set down but briefly: but then, more at large. Breefely it is said, that he and his men rent their clothes, and mourned, wept, and fasted till even, for the King and his Son, and for the people that so were lost. More at large we have afterward set down the form and manner of that his lamentation, composed as (it seemeth) by David himself on that occasion. In the execution of the Messenger he gave a good Testimony that he was innocent of the death of Saul, though a Mortall Enemy to him; and it behooved him as the case stood then, that the people should be so persuaded of him: but as yet he was not es •• b •• shed in the Kingdom (for it is 〈◊〉 , th •• he inquired of the Lord, whether now he should 〈◊〉 the Kingdom •• not▪) and 〈◊〉 well be, that the p •• ty had no m •• therous 〈…〉 , but only yielded to rid him out of his pain, & that at his own request, it may be also with 〈…〉 to do it, 〈◊〉 the other did desire it. That which was but a pro 〈…〉 on for the 〈…〉 ; i • that 〈◊〉 that here is mentioned of him, of 〈…〉 ing others how to h •• dle their Bow •• ight •• and it may be, as warned by the Issue of that l • st b • ttle, for th • t Saul by that kind of weapon was so much distressed. When he set in hand with the thing it self, •• would not be his own C • ruer therein, but first inquired of the Lord twice: and 〈◊〉 did as he was directed. He asked of the Lord first, whether now he should go 〈◊〉 •• ry (there to enter into the Kingdom:) and then, when it was gr 〈…〉 unto h •• , whether it was that first he should go. Whereunto when he was ••• swe •• d, that now he might go, and that he should go to Hebron, thither he went, he & all his company with him, themselves and their Housholds: himself and his Family dwelling in Hebron it self; and the rest of his company in the Cities thereto appertaining. And according as he then yielded himself to do as God should direct him, so found he the Issue aunswerable unto it: his own Tribe (that is, the Tribe of Judah) readyly coming in, and annointing him to be their King; but as yet none other, but only that one Tribe coming in and yielding their allegiance unto him. Howe it was that certain of them divided themselves, we are to know, that it was but for a [ C] time; and that then they grew together one people again: and so we are first to consider of that time; then, of their uniting again. Considering but of that time, it seemeth that David perceived such a thing towards, and that he did seek to praeuent it: but yet that his endeavor sorted to no effect therein. It seemeth that he did see such a thing towards, & that he did seek to praeuent it, in that by occasion hearing how the Inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead had so well remembered their duty to Saul, he sent unto them to thank them for it, and to let them understand it should be remembered: and by that occasion, he giveth them to understand withal, that the house of Judah had made him K. over them, and thence seemeth to raise some comfort unto them, though their former Master, the late King, was now gone. Whether he had any such meaning therein or not, we cannot tell; knowing notwithstanding that in such case our common infirmity is ready enough to yield such fruits: but whether he did mean it or not, sure we are, it did him no good; & God doth often with-hold such earthly helps from those that are his, to teach them, ever, and in all things, to depend upon him. The better to see, how that his endeavor (if so it were) sorted it self to no effect, we need but to mark the division it self: concerning which we have something said only of that part of the people, who divided themselves from the rest: and somewhat again that concerneth them both. Of that part of the people that divided it self from the rest, it is said, that Abner, the General or chief Captain of Saul did set up Ishbosheth one of Saul's Son, to be King over all the rest of the people: and that he reigned over those, seven years and six months. Which fact of his now (which it may be, was no more, but to keep his own place still, which he was not so like to do under another) may well be a great part of the occasion of that long and perpetual division that afterward followed, in that he thus opened this gap first: and then God knoweth, for what dissention, disorder, wrath, and blood (which afterward by that occasion fell out among them) he may be made answerable for it, in the judgments of God. That which concerneth them both, is first but one particular: then, a relation of them both generally. The particular is, that Abner coming with the forces of Ishbosheth to the pool of Gibeon, & there meeting certain of the forces of David also under the hand of Joab, glorying belike in his greater forces, urged Joab to let some of his company to come and buckle with some of his, & to make proof of their valor, and so to make some pastime to sit down and behold the combat. Which [ D] when Joab accepted, it proceeded not only to the slaughter of the first combators, but to become an exceeding sore battle betwixt all their forces, & that Abner the beginner of it and his men were so beaten, that himself was fain to entreat Joab to pursue them no farther: at which time, though neither party gained (and no marvel, seeing they would have so needless a co 〈…〉 , and so bloody pastime) y •• Abn • r lost three hundred and threescore of his company, for nineteen and one special man of the others. The relation that we have of both the people's generally, is, that there was long war betwixt David and the house of S •• l • ▪ but that the house of David waxed stronger, and contrary wife, that the house of Saul did 〈◊〉 wax weaker. In which Story of theirs, first standing so long out against the kingdom of David, and yet coming in in the end, we have a good pattern how people in all ages yield unto Christ, or to the Gospel, the Scepter of his kingdom among us: Namely, that first such do come unto him (with the Tribe of Judah, and readily they) as are touched inwardly with the self-same Spirit, and so of Kin to Christ himself: then, that others also do come in at length, but themselves weakened first, and by other experiments finding, that will they nill they, he is to prevail. Comming to the time when they were united, and so became one people again, w • e are first to see, in what sort they now came in unto David their lawful King: then, what was the estate or manner of his government over them all, after that so they were united together. In what sort all the rest now came in, is so much the rather to be marked, for that it ca ••• eth needful instruction with it: and so are we first to consider of the Story; then, of the instruction that it yieldeth unto us. In the Story we may see, that first it was somewhat attempted, but not so obtained: then, that it came in, immediately after, even of it self. Attempted it was (besides that of David's before in his message to them of Jabesh-Gilead, wherein it seemeth, as before is noted, that he was not without some such meaning) both by Abner, and David together: but Abner making that offer unto him; and David going no farther therein, but only yielding his acceptance of it, or at least giving no nay or refusal unto it. In the offer that Abner made unto David for that matter, because the occasion whereon he did it is also noted, we are first to ••• e what occasion he took unto it: then, in what sort he wrought upon it. The occasion that he took unto it, was, that Ishbos • eth, his Lord and Master (for so had he made him) sound fault with him (whether truly or not, we have not declared) for abusing of Rizpah his Fathers Concubine: and yet might he see, when he took it so ill as he did, that Isbosheth his Lord was afraid to say anymore unto him, or to urge him any farther therein. So dangerous [ E] a thing it is to reprove great men of their sins, or but unjustly to charge them with • dious things, that even Princes themselves may bring their own estate in the Kingdom into present peril thereby; and a just judgment it is of God besides, that such as unjustly step up to Sovereign place, by the power of such as are factious, should afterward also stand at their courtesy, whether they should continue still, or be removed. How he wrought upon this occasion we may better perceive, if first we mark how he resolved at that present then how he did perform it after. He took that his reproof so • l that presently he resolved, told Ishbosheth to his face, and bound it with a grievous Oath, that as God had appointed David to reign (which hitherto notwithstanding he had neglected, but now can be content to make it a ground-work for the execution of his own grief and rancor against his Lord:) so would he now go about to perform, and not rest until he had done it indeed. To perform it after, first he sent to David about it: and then went himself also. When he sent about it, we are not only to consider what his message was: but also, in what sort it was entertained of David. His message was, that David of right was to have the whole kingdom: and that he, if David would enter into covenant with him (belike to forgive him that which was past, & thenceforward to esteem of him as he should now show himself towards him) would now do his faithful endeavor to turn the whole people unto him, and had no doubt but soon to perform it. As this message was entertained of David, he did not only respect the offer that now was made to him, but another matter besides. As touching the offer that now was made unto him, he promiseth to do as Abner had moved. The other matter besides, is a matter of special note, as it may be to diverse applied: and so are we to see, first what the matter it self is; then, howe it may be applied to others. In the matter it self we likewise have delivered unto us, first what it was that David required: then, howe it was yielded unto him. That which he desired was to have his Wife Michal again: to which ende both he gave a special charge to Abner, not to come to him without her; and sent Messengers to Ishbosheth besides to send her unto him. His demand was so readily yielded unto him, that Ishbosbeth sent and took her away from the party to whom Saul had given her, in despite of David to whom he had given her before: and when Abner came unto David, he brought her with him. [ F] Wherein whatsoever it was that David respected, whether by taking again the Daughter of Saul to be more gracious to all that party, or that being before married unto her he would not now break Wedlocke with her or both together: that Ishbosheth did so readily yield unto it, though it may be he thought it no wisdom to keep her, least David should make it an occasion against him; yet may it likewise be, that he had that regard to equity, that albeit David was his enemy, he would notwithstanding afford him his right. That which others may do well to apply to themselves, is, partly out of Ishbosheth: but most out of David. Of Ishbosheth they may do well to learn, to have none so mortal an enemy unto them, no not in the case of a Kingdom, but that ever they afford them that which is right. Of David a couple: one, as she was the Daughter of Saul; the other as she was married to him before. As she was Saul's Daughter, it was likely to make the party of Saul more to affect him: and then, though God had made him great promises, yet in him may we see, that it is not good to neglect such good and lawful means, if God do at any time give them unto us. As she was his wife before, though another had had her since, yet David gave not such place to his jealousy, that therefore he would now break of wedlock with her: much less was of mind, that now he might have no fellowship with her, but that therein he should sin, because she was by another polluted. A needful lesson too, both for such as are more ireful and revenging in such case among us: and for such as are so nicely conceited. When he went himself about it, we have declared what course he took: and to what effect it came in the end. The course that he took, was, that first he dealt with the Israelites at home: and then went to David himself. As touching the Israelites he did not only deal with them all generally, but with the Tribe of Benjamin more specially, because they by Saul and Ishbosheth were yet possessed of the Crown, and so did most concern them: and his dealing with them all was, to induce them to make David their King, wherein it seemeth he much prevailed. Comming then to David, he found him likewise so ready in that case to receing him to favor, and to give him and his such entertainment, as that the matter (it seemeth) was to both their likings quickly agreed upon: insomuch that Abner soon returned again to go and effect it, as [ G] they had agreed. The effect whereunto it came in the end was such, that it may make their agreement and purpose suspected; and yet notwithstanding there might be other cause of it too: but whatsoever was the cause of it, it was grievous to David that so it failed. So are we first to consider of that failing of it: then, of David's sorrow thereon. In that failing of it likewise, it shall be good to see how far it failed: and, what may seem to be the occasion of it. It failed so far, that it was altogether broken or defeated clean: Abner never reaching home to contrive it, whatsoever in particular it was. For being peaceably dismissed by David, and with special favor, it seemeth Joab, new come home and hearing of it, told the King he had done very ill to send him away, sent for him again, and (by the help of Abishay his Brother) treacherously slew him. The occasion of it, so far as is set down unto us, was for that Abner had before slain Hasael another of his brethren: but that was in the field in open hostility. And so it may be, that Abner had some meaning now to deliuet the Kingdom to David by some ill dealing with Ishbosheth his Master (neither was there any likelihood, that he could otherwise do it) such as whereby God did not like to bring David unto the Kingdom, and therefore would not prosper them in it. The sorrow of David was such, that himself mourned for him, and made his servants do so likewise, as for a Prince of special worth unto him: and gave so good testimony, that he did it unfeignedly indeed, that all the people were resolved, that he was • o way guilty of it, but had an hearty de • e ••• tion of it. How it came 〈…〉 (even by it self) being now to be seen, the Story showeth, th •• one special let was first removed: then, the thing it self fully effected. The special let which was first removed, was Is 〈…〉 , the son of Saul, yet reigning 〈◊〉 them •• King: but now already in great perplexity by the death of Abn • r, and shortly after treacherously murdered of his own people. In that h •• was in such perplexity by the death of A •••• , it seemeth that now he had less hear • to contend with David about the Kingdom: and yet seeing his usurped estate to decay or to be •• c •• ning, h • e had not the Grace to surrender it up into the hands of David the right Hey • e; and therefore was cle •• e taken away soon after. In that he was so treacherously murdered by some of his own, we • re first to consider of the [ H] 〈◊〉 it self: then of certain Circumstances thereunto appertaining. In the 〈◊〉 it self, somewhat of their so treacherous dealing: then howe they were rewarded for it. In that they dealt so Treacherously with him, though on their parts it were exceeding great Villanie so to deal: yet on his part it was but the just judgment of God, to be so treacherously oppressed by those, whom before he did so injuriously oppose against so great and sacred a right; being (as they were) not only his people by usurpation, but also two of his Captains by his own special appointment. The reward they had for it, was nothing near to their expectation; but yet notwithstanding such as was more due unto them: justly executed by death of him, for whose sake so treacherously they slew their own Lord and Master. The circumstances are two: one, of the time; another, of the person. That which is of the time, is of the Rain of him that now for the time had been in place, who is said to have reigned but two years, and yet that David was kept from that part of the Kingdom seven years and six months. Whereof, although there be diverse other opinions, yet it seemeth most likely, that Ishbosheth was not at the first set up to reign, but some reasonable time after; and that the rest of the people came not in immediately after the slaughter of Ishbosheth neither. That Ishbosheth was set up soon after that David began to solicit (as it seemed) the Inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead (as before we heard) to draw them unto him, seemeth to be very agreeable unto the Text: but then it seemeth withal, that it was some good time after, that David came to Hebron first, and there by them was anointed King; as if David expected them some good time (or at least had no dealing with them) but afterward by that occasion sent unto them. So likewise it may probably be, that the residue of the people came not in to David immediately after that Ishbosheth was taken away, but that then or shortly after, some of them began to be dropping unto him, and so increased, till at length they came all, yet not but in some good process of time. Both which conjectures seem to be grounded in this, that Ishbosheth reigned but two years, and yet that David was not made King over them all, until that he after the death of Saul had reigned in Hebron seven years and better. That other circumstance which is of the person, is, that Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, was then also remaining, of the direct line of Saul, [ I] by whom they might fear to have the blood of Ishbosheth avenged: but because he was but young, and lame withal, therefore it may be they had less regard of him? yet (God be thanked for it) although they found no such Justice there, as their fact deserved, where it was most to be feared: yet nevertheless they got it, where (it is most likely) they thought it farthest from them, and conceived great hope of some special favor besides. Howe the thing it self was fully effected, that we may the better perceive; we are to note, who they were that now came in; and in what manner they did it. They that now came in, were all the residue, even all the Tribes of Israel generally: and though it be more specially attributed unto the Elders of them, and else-where but to a certain number of every Tribe; yet, seeing it is ascribed to them all too, and where but certain Numbers are noted that came, there it is said, that all the rest of Israel were of accord with them therein, therefore it may be put clear out of question, that all of them in a manner came now in, and submitted themselves and their Allegiance unto him. Unto the manner of doing it, it doth appertain, whereupon it was that they did it, and how far themselves did yield unto that good motion in them. That which moved them thereunto, was partly but beneath: but partly from above. Beneath i • was that they accounted themselves his own people, & nere unto him; and that when Saul was their King, yet he for the most was their Leader. It was from above, that ( •• now they acknowledge) the Lord himself had appointed him to have the government of them. Themselves so yielded to this good motion, that we may plainly note in them, both a special readiness in that their duty: and some wariness or wisdom joined therewith. Readinesse of duty, in that they came all with one record, made provision for three days to tarry and to make merry with him, and that there was a general and common rejoicing among them: wariness withal, that they made a Covenant with him, and that before the Lord; whereby as it seemeth, they did not only submit themselves unto him, but required withal, that they might be governed in such sort as they ought to be, according to the Law of God. The instruction that this Story of their coming in yieldeth unto us, is no more but that [ K] which experience in these days doth teach us: namely, that we may not look, that all shall come in at once to the profession of the Gospel of Christ, neither unto sound obedience of the truth of it now; but that in time such as now are Enemies unto it, may afterward be marvelous dutiful thereunto, and of a singular zeal besides, and so in patience to be expected.

2 What was the estate or manner of his government over them all, after that [ A] so they were united together, being now to be seen, whosoever marketh, it will soon appear, that the first part of his reign was very comfortable to all his people, altogether under the good favor and blessing of God: but the latter part of it, very troublesome. The fore-part of it was so far under the good favor and blessing of God, that it was victorious against the Enemy abroad, and comfortable as we said to his own people at home: whereof they had a taste now at this present; and more plentiful experience after. At this present, when now they were so generally gathered together to make him King over them all, they went from Hebron, where yet he was, unto Jerusalem (some-what more towards the heart of the Land) to clear it of the Jebusites that yet dwelt therein, and to make it the seat of his kingdom. At which time albeit the Jebusites made such reckoning of the safety and strength of the piece or Fort that they kept, that they thought it impregnable both for David and all his company: yet they quickly got it; thence-forward field the possession of it, & being called Zion before, termed it now the Citty of David. But two particulars there are therein, which are more specially to be considered: one, of the confidence of the Jebusites; the other, of the praeferment of Joab. The confidence of the Jebusites, was so great in the strength of the place, that whereas David belike had upbraided them before with their Idols, that they were but blind and Lame God's, now do they confidently tell him, that he might never come there, til he had taken those away: as if they were sufficient to defend it against him. For so it seemeth the rather to be taken, than as others do of blind and lame men, as sufficient to keep the Fort against those forces, seeing it is plainly said in the Text, that David in his heart did hate those Blind and Lame that there are spoken off, which is not so likely to be understood of such impotent persons whom he was more likely to pi • ty, [ B] than to hate, as of their Idol God's: and others there be that so do take it. As touching the praeferment of Joab; he seemeth he was David's Captain before, because he was the Leader of David's forces, both in that combat with Ishbosheth▪ partakers, which grew to a plain battle ere they had done: and when having been in some piece of service (for they brought a great prey with them) they returned with him, or • nder his government rather, to Hebron again, what time as David had newly dismissed Abner from him. But as yet it seemeth, • t was but merely arbitrary, albeit he was near of Kin to David being his Sisters Son▪ but now (from this time) he had it by a special grant from the King upon a piece of service that now he did; and so kept that place still so long as David lived. Whereas therefore David did some-thing complain on him and his Brother before, that they were to hard for him, and afterward found Joab specially too bold or maisterfull for him to deal withal, insomuch that on his death-bed he thought it needful to give Solomon a special charge to put him to death (as also he did) for the cruel and Treacherous slaughter of two special men dear unto David: hence may both a warning be taken, how readily a man may over-shoot himself by his word to his own disadvantage if he take not heed, as it seemeth that David now had, or else that he would not have borne with him so much as he did; and a good lesson withal, that so far as well we may, we should ever perform that which we promise, though David (it seemeth) deal more remissly with Joab than he should, in sparing him so much as in those murders he did. In that more plentiful experience thereof which after they had, by course of the Story we find, that for a time he employed himself as the present occasion required, and himself thought good: but afterwards as his function or calling was, and God appointed. He employed himself as the present occasion required and himself thought good, first against the enemy: then, about Religion. The enemy at that time was the Philistines: who twice came in against David; and were by him twice overthrown. But the effect of this overthrow did not rest or die only with them: but did reach to others also. So that first we are to confider of it, as it did but rest with them: and then as it did reach unto others. As it did but rest with them, yet as they made two invasions, and so were twice overthrown: so are we, severally to consider of either of them. In the former of them, we have not only that Story it self: but also another besides, that seemeth to belong thereunto. The Story itself is, first of the Philistines coming in: then, of their overthrow there. That [ C] which is of their coming in, is first of the ocasion of it: then how they took the occasion offered. The occasion of it was, for that they heard that David was now annointed King of all Israel: not much regarding them all belike, so long as they stood divided; nor David's valor neither, so long as he was but a petit King, over the Tribe of Judah only. But now that the whole people of Israel grew together in one, and that under the government of David, they might well conceive, that they had neeede to see unto it, if they could find that they were able, yet to crop them at their pleasure. And so the enemies of the Gospel, though they seem for a time not to regard the forces that are for it, so long as they are divided or weak: yet if at any time they grow united, and so to be stronger, then have they a mind if ability fail not, to fall a cropping, and to take them short betime. The better to take to their best advantage, the occasion offered, all the Philistines came down together: being otherwise five Princes of them, and five several Segniories; but now uniting themselves all together, against those two Kingdoms of the people of God, newly united. They came also with such confidence, that both they would seek out David (whom nevertheless they found soon enough to their purpose) & did spread themselves all over a valley there. As touching their overthrow, it seemeth that first David had a care of the safety of his own person: but then, it is plain, that he bent himself against them, and prevailed. He seemed to have a care of his own person, in that so soon as he heard of their coming in, he went into a Fort or hold. He bent himself notwithstanding against them, first by his seeking unto God: then, by dealing with the enemy himself. His seeking to God was, whether he should go and give them battle: and whether God would so deliver them into his hands. Whereunto having answer that he should go, and that God would certainly deliver them into his hands, he accordingly went and prevailed against them, so plainly and so thoroughly withal, that he thought it convenient to leave the place a name correspondent to the glory of him that so brake his enemies there: and whereas they had brought their God's or Images with them, and left them there, those also he burnt in the fire. In that other Story besides that seemeth to belong unto this, we are first to consider of the Story it self: then how it seemeth to be as a member appertaining to this. The Story it self is, that David thirsting and wishing for a little [ D] water of the Well at Bethlehem, three of his company thereupon went thither, notwithstanding the Philistines then lay there, & venturing their lives, as it were a thousand to one, brought him water from thence: which notwithstanding he could not find in hir heart to drink when he had it, because it was gotten with so great hazard of their lives that did fetch it. A special good warming to many of us, that make no conscience to feed and clothe our selves with that, which we have not but by the blood of others. That this story appertaineth into the other, & is as it were a menber of it may sufficiently apear by the description of the place & time, where & when it was done: David being in the fort of Adullam (the same place whereunto he went first for his safety) and the Philistines camping the self same time at Bathlehem also. In the latter of them we have no special matter to speak of, but that David asking counsel again of the Lord, was more specially instructed, in what sort he was to set on them now: and so again gave them a great overthrow. As the effect of these overthrows did not rest only with them, but reached to others, it is plainly set down, that hereupon the fame of David, did spread forth it self to all the Countries thereabout, and that the Lord did strike the fear of him into the hearts of all those people's. When he employed himself about Religion, it was for the advancement of it: wherein notwithstanding as there was something which he was allowed to do; so was there something again, which was plainly forbidden unto him. That also which he was allowed to do, was not (by a default therein) at the first received: but (the default being once amended) after it was. That which he was allowed to do, though it were not at the first received, was the bringing of the Ark unto Jerusalem: and so have we therein to consider, first howe it was attempted and defeated; then, how it was again attempted and performed. When it was first attempted, but not performed, we are to consider in what sort it was attempted: and how it came to pass it was not performed. Unto the manner of attempting of it, there be two principal points appertaining: one, what consultation was used before; the other, how they did set in hand with their business after. The consultation was such, as was likely enough to have sped well▪ for that in [ E] one place we find, that thirty thousand of the choice or chief of all Israel, were gathered together about it: in another, that David took counsel therein with his Captains and all the Governors, to send for the rest of the people, & for the priests and the Levites (for so is it interpreted by some of good reckoning, though others there be that go not so fully unto it, and the Original it self be not so very plain therein, to join together in that piece of service: that they all liked well of it; & that so it was accordingly done. A likely assembly to have had it among them, how in all points they ought to have dealt in that piece of service. Nevertheless when they did set in hand with that business after, though they did it with great alacrity and joy among themselves: yet otherwise they missed so far, that all came to nothing in the end. They did it with great alacrity and joy among themselves, for that generaliy they went so readily about it, and so furnished out the solemnine with Instruments of Music of so many kinds, joining their own rejoicing withal. In that nevertheless they missed so far, that all came to nothing in the end, we are to see, what it was wherein they missed: and how the whole solemnity was interrupted thereby. That wherein they missed, was, by all the company, one: and, by one several person another. That which was missed by all the company, was, that they laid the Ark in a new Cart or carriage, so to be conveyed home: whereas otherwise by the Law of God it ought to have been carried on men's shoulders. That which was missed by one several person, was by Vz • a, one of the Lenites that did attend it: and it was no more, but that he put up his hand and stayed the Ark, when as by the vneuennesse of the way it waltered or iogged in the carriage; whereas none by the Law might touch it but only the Priests when they lapped it up, and none of the Levites, and Uzzah was no more but a Levite. A special good warning to us, how rude the people of God in short time may grow to be, and not only the meaner, but the better sort of them also, even the Levites and Priests themselves. How it came to pass, that this their attempt was not performed, leadeth us to the consideration of these two things: one, that God did show himself to be offended with them; the other, that David did so take it, and so left off for that time. As God did show himself offended with them, we are to [ F] note both his mercy •• d severity too. His mercy appeareth, in that when all had offended generally, yet layeth he his hand, but only on that one man that did offend more specially: his severity likewise, in that he spared not that one in his transgression, though therein he had no ill meaning with him, but only did it to good purpose •• he thought, and yet nevertheless was for it stricken down with sudden death. A sufficient testimony, how little defense we may look to have in any good intent or meaning of ours, in any such matters as wherein God hath plainly told us what it is he would have us to do: and well, if we scape when he hath not told us, unless then also we be careful to search and to learn it out if we can. In that David did so take it, and so left off for that time, he did not only wisely on his own behalf, so to stay when he saw that God was offended, least he incurred some heavier displeasure: but withal he hath given a good example to others, not to run on in any rash or unadvised attempts of theirs, if at any time they be so crossed therein, as that well they may doubt (and that may they do, when their business is not of any sufficient warrant) that God is against them therein. When this business was again attempted, and performed, we are in like sort to mark, how it was now attempted by them: and how it was withal performed. Attempted it was in better manner now then before: & yet notwithstanding one good part of the action could not avoid, but that needs it must be called in question. It was attempted in better manner now than before, because David did now first learn what was to be done, before he set in hand to do it. For now in the mean season he had learned, that none but the Levites were to carry the Ark of God. And when he did set in hand with it afresh, we read of some preparation for it before: then that they set in hand with the business it self. The preparation for it before, was the place that David provided, and the Tent that he pitched for it. When he set in hand with the business it self, first, we have noted, what was the occasion of it: then in what manner he did it. The occasion of it was, that word was brought unto David, that the Lord had blessed Obed-Edom, and all that he had, since the time that the Ark had been with him: which notwithstanding was but three months in all. A comfortable token, if not an undoubted assurance, that whosoever could rightly entertain the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the Ark of his testimony) [ G] in such sort as he ought, he also and his should be blessed thereby. His manner of doing it, was according as now he had learned, and much more careful than before: both of bringing it into Jerusalem; and in that which he did thereabout, when he had it there. To bring it to Jerusalem, he gathered all Israel together again: and by the way, both offered sacrifice, and used such tokens of special rejoicing as before; especially David himself, • uer now and then, leaping and dancing for joy, even into the Citty, and to that part of it where the Ark it self was to be placed. When he had it there, he did not only for that present offer great Sacrifices, and distributed liberal portions to everyone of the people: but also for the time to come thence forward, he took very good order, to have the Ark by the Priests and Levites ever attended. That part of the action that could not avoid but that needs it must be called in question, was, that special rejoicing of David: but yet notwithstanding by himself defended. It was called in question, and very hardly (even scornfully) censured by Michal his wife, the daughter of Saul: who not conceiving, how a rare and extraordinary zeal might make strange motions in a man, and yet of no base quality withal, could take it none otherwise, but that he in lightness and vanity of mind, did that, which pure zeal, it seemeth rather, had wrought forth in him, and had mede him so far to forget, to sustain or bear up a Princelike Majesty among his people. For such a thing we find in Christ himself, when he drave out the buyers and sellers out of the Temple: his Disciples maruelling (as it seemeth) that therein he grew so very hot, till they remembered such a place of the Psalms, as put them in mind, that an extraordinary and special zeal, might readily put a man out of the wonted tenor or course of his ways. The defense that David used therein, was much confirmed by God himself: and so are we first to note, what was the defense that therein he used: then, how we may find it confirmed by God. The defense that therein he used, tendeth not only to justify that which he had don, because God had given him great cause so to rejoice, and therein to abase himself much more than yet he had done, and so he would: but something also to touch her, in that her Father and all his House was rejected, and he placed there in his steed. Confirmed it was by God, in that she was made barren for it. For though the Original do [ H] import no more, but only that she was barren (saving that being remembered there, and immediately upon the other, it may seem to be remembered as • punishment of it) at least, as it is by one (of special reckoning therein) interpreted: yet i • it so interpreted by others generally, of special good reckoning ••• o, as if that were the very cause, why she had that chastisement cast upon her, 〈…〉 ot meet to have any Children, that could have so base a conceit of that Servant of God, in that his extraordinary joy in God, and not lightly going without some profane or base account of the worship of God withal. Forbidden unto him it was, that shortly after he would have built a Temple to God: a purpose (to see too) so good in it self, and so commendable generally withal men, that therein it shall be good more specially to consider, how likely it was, that his would have been accepted; and in what sort it was refused. Likely it was, that his purpose would have been accepted, first in it self: then as it had other fair and likely commendation besides. In it self, the purpose was likely to be well accepted, as a token that he was desirous that God should dwell among them: and whereas he had but a Tent before, while the people were in their travail, and the people had houses now, who likewise had but Tentes before, it was in reason seemly and meet, that he also now had an house among them. Those other fair and likely commendations it had besides, were two: one, arising from David himself; the other, from the Prophet Nathan. That which arose from David himself, was, that he had a good mind in it, as appeareth by the words that he uttered thereon: showing thereby, that he had respect to the glory of God; and that in the way of thankfulness also, for that God had given him so convenient a dwelling, and such as the Ark it self had not yet. That which arose from the Prophet Nathan, was, that he did like well of his purpose, and bad him do all that was in his heart, for that God was with him. It was not therefore simply refused as a thing evil in it self, but in such sort as that David counted, that the Lord dealt very graciously with him. First therefore of the refusal: then how well David himself did take it. The refusal of it was not grievous it self: and mingled besides with special comfort. It was not grievous itself either in the matter: or in the manner of delivery. In the matter it was not, for that God did not refuse it, on his part, but as never using any such [ I] before, and not so much as having at any time spoken of it; otherwise liking it well, that he had that purpose with him: on David's, for that he was a man of war, and had shed blood. Which refusal may teach us also, that whatsoever God himself doth not require, that is no matter for any of his people, to trouble their heads about: & that, as such as have shed blood, are not meet men to build an house unto the Lord; so if they be but men of war, that business were meet first to be finished, before the other might well be dealt in. In the manner of delivery, it was not grievous neither, because it was refused the next day, before that David had any time to set in hand with it, or much to settle himself unto it: and because the message was sent him by the Prophet a man of sufficient credit unto him. That special comfort where-with it was mingled besides, was the signification of so special favors of God, which was then imparted unto him: both for himself; and for his posterity. For himself, that as God had been favorable unto him already, bringing him to the estate wherein he was, and having brought down his enemies: so would he proceed in like favors towards him still. For his posterity, both that a Son of his should build him an house: and that if that line of his offended, he would but chastise them, and not reject them as he had done with Saul before: a notable figure of Christ in both; as of neither we have the full accomplishment but only in him. David therefore took this refusal (mingled with so comfortable signification of such favors towards him and his) so very well, that he went in before the Lord, and both gave hearty thanks for all those his favors bestowed on him: and humbly besought him for the continuance of it.

3 How afterward he employed himself as his calling was and God appointed, [ A] that we may the better see, we are first to consider what his function and calling was, and how it may appear, that God appointed him thereunto: then, how himself was employed therein. To find what his function or calling was, we need go no farther, but only to mark how it pleased God himself to put him in mind thereof, when now he would needs have built a Temple to him: namely, that he had already taken him to be King 〈…〉 er his people Israel; and he would (by him) so order the matter for the time ensuing, that wicked people should no more vex the Israelites as before they had done, but that he would give them rest from them, and beat down all his Enemies. Where, if we mark, God hath laid forth what his employments must be, both towards his own people, and towards the enemy: towards his own [ B] people, to be their King and governor; and towards the enemy, ever to be working upon him, at home and abroad, until he be clean subdued. Of which two, as the former is always needful: so is the other as needful also, before the building of any Temple should be meddled with. And so were these the things that he should employ himself in: and these were thus appointed unto him by God himself. David having his business in this sort set forth unto him, did set in hand accordingly with it: first, with his enemies; then, with his peaceable estate at home. Against his Enemies he so prevailed, and the Lord did so prosper him therein, that he subdued the Philistines, Moabites, Id • m • ans, and Syrians: and extended the bounds of his dominions to the River Euphrates, as God before had promised so far to enlarge them. Ais peaceable estate is first set down but very briefly: but some things thereof, a little after, some-thing more largely. Briefly it is said, that he reigned over all Israel, and did execute judgment and Justice, to all his people. Those things that are set down more largely, are two, and both of them works of thankfulness, unto certain friends of his deceased: one, to Jonathan the Son of Saul, but a very faithful friend to him; the other, to Nahash the late K. of the Ammonites. To Jonathan he bare so thankful an heart, that he inquired for some of Saul's line, to whom he might show some special favor for Jonathan's sake: and when by aspeciall servant of Saul, he had come to the knowledge of Miphibosheth the son of Jonathan, he both restored him to the lands of Saul; and though he were but a lame man of both his feet, and so not so meet for a Princes Table, yet he allowed him at his own board for all his life long. And Christian Princes have found that friendship in Jesus Christ, and daily yet do, that they ought to have a special regard unto the Ministry he hath left behind him; and not to omit for some infirmity in them, at least to restore them to their ancient right, such as their Praedecessors justly enjoyed before; and not to abhor their company neither. Miphibosheth also, though he were but a Cripple, yet was he a better Ornament at David's Table, than many other more personable men were able to be, considering whereupon it was that David had him there: and the matter is plain enough in it self, how it might be to that other applied. That which he did for Nahash his sake, the late King of the Ammonites, was not so well taken, as it was meant by him, and [ C] so bred much business after: but such notwithstanding, as many of us may fitly apply to our selves. So are we first to consider of the Story it self: and then to see how it may be to us applied. In the Story it self we are likewise to see, first, what it was that David did: then, what business thereon ensued. That which David did, was, that in friendship he would send Ambassadors to the new King Hanun, to comfort him for the death of his Father. The business that ensued thereon, was, that they dealt very badly with David again: and that they were sharply punnished for it. Those that dealt so badly with him, were, first, the Princes of the Ammonites: then, Hanun the King himself. The Princes of the Ammonites put into the ear of the young King, that David did not maane that friendship that he pretended: but under praetense of sending in the way of friendship, did but mean to spy out where the City was weakest, so to surptize it at some advantage. The King upon this their bad suggestion, giving credit unto them, did put them to a shameful and vile disgrace, passing all humanity therein: cutting off half their Beardes on the one side of them, and curtayling their Garmentes by the middle, even to their secrets; and so sending them away in a scorn. The punishment that for this they had, was like to be great, for that David himself took so ill with it, that he also (it seemeth) was ashamed they should return till their Beards were grown again, and so willed them to stay till then; and for that the Ammonites perceived, that they had made themselves thereby exceeding odious unto David: and so was indeed, partly • t that present; but especially the next year after. At that present, or immediately upon that occasion given; though the Ammonites put themselves to the charge of • thousand Talents of Silver to hire Soldiers to help them, and so got unto them (one way, or other) 〈◊〉 great forces; yet were they clean overthrown, and many destroyed: and when those forces of theirs renewed themselves again, and would will maintain their former quarrel, they were again so clean overthrown, that so many a • remained, yielded thenselves now unto David, and would help the Ammonites no more. The next year after, David sent in his forces again, to be farther • uenged for the reproach and dishonor done to those his Ambassadors, who destroyed the Country and people, so that they came to Rabbath their chief Citty: which when Joab had straightened so, that it was not able long to hold out, he sent unto David to come and take the honor of the victory, who thereupon coming, not only took that Citty (and the Crown from the Kings head, being all of Gold and precious stones, & weighing about half [ D] an hundred weight) but prosecuting the victory, took the residue of their Cities also, & the spoil of them all, and by many sundry and grievous torments destroyed the people to them appertaining. How it may be to us applied, may soon be seen, first for the offense: then also, for the punishment of it. The offense with us, is, that when Jesus Christ doth send unto us Ambassadors, in very peaceable and loving manner, especially now in these days of the Gospel, we already have dealt much like with them, and daily yet deal, as the Ammonites then did with those of David's: abasing their persons to the scornful attempt of others, and controling their just and needful livings; and that so far, that shame it is to see, to what poverty and nakedness many of them are thereby brought. And as with them, it was first begun by the Princes, and after prosecuted by the King: so it is to be doubted, that there were of our great men also, that could so ill abide, that those Seruaunts of GOD were so well provided for as before they were, and yet no better than of right they ought (for of others we speak not) that they were a great part of the cause, that they have been so abased and fleesed, as since they have been. But then our Princes may well be discharged, that they have not done it in hatred of him that doth send them: though for those also, it may be doubted, that for their benefit they have suffered themselves sometimes to be over-ruled therein; at least for the benefit of diverse of those that did attend them, or any way were in favor with them. As for the punishment (God be thanked for it) we have yet escaped reasonably well: a day being already appointed, in which he will judge the World by Fire. But well may we doubt, that the Son of David, Jesus Christ, may well have some strain of his Father therein; detesting sin, and given to Justice, incomparably more than David was: and then, without question it will be hard to answer it there. That many great houses also are since overthrown, and none of that Line to inhaerit the Crown, though there may be other causes besides, yet may it prove hard, to find any greater in either of them. There were good things in him (even before God) who was first induced so to deal with his Clergy here: and God likewise did vouchsafe him this favor, that all his Children successively came to the Crown. The like course hath been continued since, under both [ E] those that were of sounder profession: and, as it were, without intermission, but only in the days of the middle-most of them, who though otherwise she was not of so sound a profession, as either her Brother before, or her Sister after, yet may it seem, that she was as far before them in special regard not to diminish the maintenance of Religion generally: as they were before her in the more special profession of it. Howsoever it were, they all offended, either in the one, or in the other: and as two of them tarried but a short time among us; so the other left no Issue behind to inhaerit. A blessing that God is wont to give unto those that truly seek the advancement of his glory here: and ofttimes to deny it to those; that seem to have that •• re also, but yet give it the slip some way or other.

4 As touching the latter part of David's reign, which, as I said, was very [ A] troublesome, i • i • to b • e known, that although the most part of it were so troublesome indeed: yet had he a little calm to close it up in the end. So are we first to con 〈…〉 of that part of it that 〈◊〉 so troublesome▪ then, of that little calm in the end. The troubles he had were • ll in a manner by his own demerits, and so as himself was the occasion of them: but one little business there was, which was occasioned by another. Of those that were occasioned by himself, he gave the occasion so grossly i • the one, th •• nobody could but see him to be very faulty therein: in others his offense was not so apparent, but that in the judgment of men, it were likely enough to have gone untouched. In that wherein he offended so grossly, as that it was ap 〈…〉 ant to all, we are first to consider wherein he did offend: then, what trouble b 〈…〉 him for it. His offense was, the fault that he made with Uriah’s Wife, join •• g Adultery and Murder together: in both which, considering of either of them a-part by themselves, we have in particular diverse things worthy the marking. In his Adultery, first, how he sell into it: then, how foul the fault was, by some other circumstances thereunto appertaining. It is plain, that he fell into it, by want of good government in himself: and first, as it seemeth, for that he left over-much liberty and room to the passion of lust to spring up in him; then for that he yielded so much unto it when it was sprung up. It seemeth he left overmuch [ B] liberty to the passion of lust to spring up in him, by sequestering him-self from all good imploymentes so far, that in the after-noon he could take his bed, and rest him there: his forces being then against the Ammonites, and he remaining at Jerusalem. It may be indeed, he had just occasion so to do; and that he did it but moderately: but because such evil did follow on it, it may rather be doubted, that himself was faulty therein. In that he yielded so much to his passion when it was sprung up, we have noted unto us, first how it sprang up: then, how he did yield unto it. It sprang up in him, partly by the unadvised or inconsiderate doing of another: and partly, by his own folly concurring therewith. That inconsiderate doing of another, was, that Uriah's Wife so washed or bathed her self, though (belike) but in her own private, yet not so warily, but that David from the roof of his house, did espy her so washing. His own folly concurring with that fact of hers, was, that she fed his eyes with the view of her nakedness and beauty, and so kindled such a lust in him, that he inquired of her, sent for her unto him, and had the unlawful use of her body. The circumstances that made this fact of his the fouler, are two: one, the consideration of the party to whom this wrong was done; the other, that he did it not so secretly, but that he made certain of his own, half-privy unto it. The party was an Hittite, one of the former people of the Land; but his Subject now, occupied in his Wars abroad; and, as it seemeth, and as he is accounted by others, the same that was one of his special Captains. As he was an Hittite, he might the more easily be offended: as he was his Subject, and so well employed on his behalf now, he should have been, if need had required, a protection unto him against others, and not have done him that wrong himself. Those that were sent for her, in reason might very well suspect what was the matter; and so far by himself were made privy unto it: who likewise might be offended at it, finding thereby, that he was another manner of man, than they had otherwise thought him to have been. In the murder that he committed because it was done (and yet but in vain) to hide his other sin of Adultery, therefore have we set down unto us, first, how he labored otherwise to hide it: then, when otherwise he could not, how [ C] he attempted that way to do it. When he attempted otherwise to do it, first, we have the occasion noted: then, in what manner he did it. The occasion was, that Bethsabe sent him word, that she had conceived; so that now the matter was like to come forth, if some remedy were not provided: wherein if she had any ill meaning against her Husband, it is betwixt God and her; but sure it is, that such as are false to their Husbands, ofttimes have, and so might she have also in this. The manner wherein he would have done it, was to devise, how it might be reputed her husbands: but because he failed therein, we are more specially to consider, first, how he attempted it; then, how nevertheless he failed in it. He attempted it, by sending for her Husband home from the Campe, as if he would understand of him how things went there: and having talked with him (for a show) a while of those matters, he dismissed him home, and bad him rest and refresh himself there for the time; and when he perceived that he went not home then, against the next night he used an inordinate mean to bring him unto it. He failed in it, by a rare and strange persuasion that Uriah had, God (as it seemeth) purposely crossing David thereby: namely, that seeing the Ark of the Lord was but in a Tent, and that Joab the General, and all the Hoast lay in the fields, he would not go to his own house to refresh himself there, but take such part as the others did. A rare example, and seldom practiced, much less matched, by those that profess themselves to be Souldiors, under the standard of Jesus Christ: as if Joab therein should be much more happy then Christ himself; he having of his small Companies one, and Christ of many multitudes none. When this way would not serve the turn, then he resolved on the other, pitifully destroying a rare honest man, to hide his foul and loathsome sin; and that in such sort (ouershaddowing all with colors) as if there were no God in Heaven to discipher it out: and yet notwithstanding had so little hold of himself in that his impotent and unbridled lust, that the days of her mourning for her husband were no sooner past, but that he sent for her, and made her his wife: and so made it reasonable plain, what was the body of all his other shadows before. A notable pattern, to how great iniquity men may fall, if they take not heed: and [ D] how obdurate they may be therein, so long as GOD doth not vouchsafe them some special feeling. The trouble that befell him for this, is▪ first but denounced unto him: but afterward executed on him. Why it was but denounced unto him; first, there is as it were a way made thereunto: and then are those judgments themselves denounced. The way that is made thereunto, is, by charging him with his sin, or convincing him of it: at which time, because it was acknowledged by David, therefore are we first to see, howe he was convinced of it; then, how it was acknowledged by him. He was convinced of it, by the parable that Nathan the Prophet (being sent of the Lord, being now offended with him for this his sin) did put unto him: a parable of great force, to convince us also, in most of the things wherein we offend. The parable was of a rich and poor man dwelling together, the rich man having great plenty of Cattle, both great and small, the poor man having but one poor I ambe, bought with his Money, and nourished up in his house: nevertheless, that the rich man having occasion to give entertainment to a stranger that came unto him, could not find in his heart to take any of his own, but took that poor man's sheep and dressed it to entertain his Guest withal. As also it is the manner of us, not to hold our selves contented with the plenty that God hath given us, but still to extend our desires farther, and sometimes to the poor store of those that are in meanest estate of all: as in those livings that of right belong to the Clergy, we have a clear and plain example, very often invaded by others, and for the most part, by those that otherwise are best provided; and lightly under this pretence, that otherwise they cannot keep house. It was acknowledged by David, first in this figure that was propounded: then shortly after, in the thing it self. So was he by degrees induced unto it: and so must we, otherwise likely never to yield, be we never so plainly convinced. The judgments that were denounced against him, as at this time they were but denounced: so were they afterward executed also. As now they were but only denounced, they were mitigated or alayed with mercy: and so are we severally to consider of both. In the denunciation of the Iudgementes likewise, we have the Iudgementes themselves, and the reason • thereof given. The Iudgementes themselves, were some of them threatened unto him before he professed any Repentaunce: and one of them after. Those that were threatened unto him before he professed any repentance, are two: one, that the sword should ueuer depart from his house, all the days of his life: the other, that GOD would raise evil unto him out of his own House; and one branch of it to be, an open & shameless abuse of his wives. And though these would be heavy enough in themselves, going no farther but only unto the substance of them; yet is there such a manner of executing of them threatened withal, as doth make them much more heavy: namely, that they should be openly done, a thing not only irksome in it self to any offender, but so much the more grievous to him, because he was so careful as he was, to have kept his doings from other men's eyes. That other of them that was denounced unto him after that he did profess repentance, was that over and besides the others, the Child whom so he had gotten of Uriah’s Wife, should certainly die. The reasons given of those his judgments, are two, namely, that so doing he despised the LORD, and made the enemies to blaspheme: accounting (belike) that to be despising of him, when that which GOD had given him, would not content him, but that he would transgress his word for more; and that therefore the Enemies were made to blaspheme, because in that piece of service (the Ammonites, it seemeth, are meant, who then had hostility with them) they had by his so ordering the matter, prevailed against them. In that these his judgments were mitigated or alayed with mercy, we have specially noted, whereupon he was assured of any such favor: and, what was the mercy or favor assured unto him. It was upon the acknowledging of his sin: and so are we, first to find that we do acknowledge our sins, before we make bold to look for any such favor towards us. The mercy or favor assured unto him, was, that the Lord likewise had pardoned that sin unto him, so that he should not die for it, or that he would not cast him off therefore: but yet directing him withal to gather, his offense to be such, as that those judgments were so needful chastisements for him, as that he was not to look to escape them. Out of which our selves had [ F] need to gather, that though we be never so much the Children of God, yet if we offend we may not look to escape chastisement here: and withal that God may and doth fully forgive the sins of those that are his, as touching eternal wrath in the World to come; and yet in this World chastise them too, as to his wisdom from time to time, shall seem most meet. When those judgments came to be executed on him, we find that which was last denounced; first to be executed: and the carriage of David to be such therein, as giveth good instruction to all. The execution of it was, that Nathan being departed, the Lord struck the Child that Uriah’s Wife had borne him, so that it sickned, and a sennight after died. At which time the carriage of David was such, that while the Child was sick, David gave himself to fasting and Prayer: earnestly sorrowing for the Child; and desiring God to give it recovery, if so it might stand with his good pleasure. But when the Child was dead (contrary to the expectation of his attendants) he then gave over, and cheered himself; called for meat, and fell unto it. A very good pattern, both to convince of disorderly dealing to the contrary usage: and to teach others, how to carry themselves in all such cases. As touching the others, namely, that the Sword should not depart from his house, and that, of his own, trouble should arise unto him, and both these not in secret manner, but in the open light of the Sun, we find the same accomplished indeed by two of his Sons: Ammon the one; and Absalom the other. For Ammon fell into a vile and unnatural love towards one of his own Sisters, by subtlety got her within his danger, by force took his beastly pleasure of her, and hating her extremely after, sent her away with great despite, even forcibly thrusting her out of his praesence. But so requited he his Fathers Adultery in another man's house, with abhominable Incest in his own. The Story of Absalom is much the larger, being as he was more stirring of Nature, ever opposing himself against some: first, indeed, but against his aequals only; but then against his Father and Sovereign. His aequals we may account to be, his Brother Ammon: and his Fathers General of all his Anny, or chief Captain, Joab. His Brother Ammon, as we heard, had deflowered by force his Sister Tamar, but half-Sister to him, and whole Sister to Absalom. Absalom therefore hating his Brother extremely for it, but yet dissembling till he could get some fit opportunity, in the end, inviting him to a Feast, treacherously and [ G] cruelly slew him; and himself for a time fled thereupon: leaving not only sorrow to his Father for the loss of his Son; but a good pattern withal, how inordinately private men will ofttimes avenge out-rays committed, when Princes or Magistrates (on some private respect) forbear to do it, by orderly Justice. And if such a slip in David (when also it was his own Son, on whom Justice was to be done) was thus corrected, it may be a good warning to others, to stand so much the clearer in all such cases. That which he did against Joab was nothing so grievous; but yet notwithstanding much more, than he had deserved at his hands: and yet withal, both a reasonable good proof of his bad and dangerous Nature; and a just requital to Joab, who had endeavored (not seeing his misdemeanor punnished first) to reconcile so ungracious an Imp to his Father again. First therefore, how Joab labored his reconciliation: then, how he was requited for it. When he labored it, he first had noted David himself to be inclinable thereunto: & thereupon began to set in hand with it. In that David was so inclinable thereunto, it is an example of the love of Parents towards their Children, though they be evil, or have provoked them much: and a good argument of the love of God to be much greater towards us, though we our selves be very much offensive to him. Though thereupon he had good heart to set in hand with it, yet he useth the best means he can, both in devising what course should be held therein: and providing a fit Instrument to be Actor in it. The course he devised, was, to have such a like thing to be propounded unto the King, wherennto he was like more readily to give his consent: and that his consent, so given in that, he might the rather be concluded in the other. So the device was, that a Woman should come unto him, feigning her self to be a Widow, to have left by her Husband two Sons only, that falling out, the one of them slew the other, that he that remained, was now earnestly required to be delivered, to be put to death for slaying his Brother, that so she should be destitute of them both, and that her Husbands stock should be extinct among the people, he leaving no other Issue behind him: therefore, that it would please the King, to vouchsafe his protection unto that Son of hers that remained, as not slaying his Brother, but in such case as wherein by the Law of God it was not necessary that he must die; and therefore that the King might pardon it unto him. Joab therefore providing a Woman fit for such purpose, and so instructing her before, and she handling the matter accordingly, it fell out as he desired: David yielding himself now to be reconciled to Absalom again, though he suspected it to be the device of Joab, and afterward found it was indeed; [ H] and so allowing him to return, even to Jerusalem, but not to come in his sight as yet. How Joab was for this requited, it followeth soon after. For the aspyring and restless nature of Absalom could not there stay, but needs must he be received into farther favor: for the which cause sending for Joab twice, and he not coming thereon unto him, he sendeth his Servants to burn up a field of Corn that there he had near unto him. Whereuppon Joab coming unto him, and understanding his desire, he set in hand to obtain that also, and did obtain it; so that Absalom now was restored to his former favor with his Father again.

5 How he bent himself against his Father and Sovereign, is a matter of [ A] greater importance, wherein, after a sort, he passed himself. For the business and trouble that he made his Father in his ungracious life, endured somewhat longer than himself, and was not extinct till after his death: and so may we account that which remained, to be as it were an appurtenance unto his own Pageants going before. So to speak of his own doings first, they were of such Nature, that it pleased GOD notably to exercise and chasten his Father there-with: but yet he praeserued him in the mean season; and fully aquitted him thereof in the ende. Being of such Nature as might prove so good and special an exercise and Chasticement to his Father, howsoever it was he wrought against him, he must needs be a bad and a graceless Child: a matter to be so much the more regarded, for that otherwise he is noted to be so goodly a man for person & beauty, and to have had comfortable Issue besides. But so it is diverse times seen, that very much evil is found in the goodliest persons that are: and that although the regard of their Issue should in such things be a bridle unto them, yet doth it little praeuaile with many. The working he had against his Father, was first but in secret: but afterward very open and plain. While it was but in secret, he took upon him more than any of the sons either of Saul or of David (that we read of) had done before, and busily sought to creep into credit with the people. He took upon him more than others, in that he got him Chariots and Horses, and a Gard of fifty men to run before him. He sought to creep into credit with the people, by behaving himself popularly, praetending a special care of all their affairs, and imparting curtuous salutations to all. When he meant to break forth into open Rebellion, and to show himself in his colors, he thought good to get him out of Jerusalem where his being then was, and to be somewhat farther from his Father and from the Court: and then set in hand with his business. So under praetense of going to perform a [ B] vow he had made when he was in banishment, he got without suspicion to Hebron: and by the same praetense got many thither besides, such as he hoped would conceive well of the course he had in hand. Being gotten thither, first he began his business there: then, forthwith he went to Jerusalem, there to follow further upon it, as already he had begun it. At Hebron he so dealt with his confederates by privy Messengers, that it then appeared to be a strong pack that he had made: himself then making open claim to the Kingdom; and the people repairing fast unto him. Among whom some there were whom he specially invited thither unto that pretended feast of his: two huudred of the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and Achitophel, one of David's Counsellers. Those of Jerusalem he called with him▪ belike but as it were for a stale: that being once noyced, that so many of Jerusalem were with him▪ others might be the readier to come in too. For the Text doth bear them witness that they knew not of it before. Achitophel likewise it seemeth he was desirous to have, for the great opinion that was conceived of the sharpness and depth of his judgment, in giving advise; and so it was both with David before, and with Absalom after: who accordingly came, and joined with him. At Jerusalem (whither it seemeth, they presently sped themselves, to surprise the King ere he should be aware: for, he being already fled, Achitophel would have followed after, in hope to have gotten him the self same might) laying their heads together what was to be done, they resolved on the course they would hold, for two principal matters: one, that the people who took Absolom's part need not to doubt any reconciliation betwixt the Father and • he Son, so to make them faster to Absalom; the other, how they might best persue the King, being (as he was) fled from Jerusalem already, and they not knowing as yet where to have him. For the former of th • se, the advise of Achitophel only was taken: namely, that whereas David had left certain Concubines of his to keep his house in his absence, Absalom should go and take the use of their bodies in so open and shameless manner, that the people might be out of doubt, that he had don his Father that vilany indeed; and so not likely ever to be reconciled again. A very good pattern how naughty matters once taken in hand, must often have very [ C] odious and unnatural villainies committed too, to help them forward, or to prop up their proper bodies, least presently they ruinate themselves or come to the ground. The latter of them came to further deliberation, Achitophel giving advise, presently to follow upon him; and offering his own service therein: which course had Absalom taken, it had been very likely that David indeed had been devoured thereby. But then Chusay (being a secret friend unto David) advised them rather to take more time, showing how so they might work so surely, that he could in no wife escape them: and that the other which Achitophel moved, stood overmuch on doubtful hazard. Which advise was no sooner by him given, but that it was forthwith preferred before that other of Ahithophel's, and received of all to be the course that they would follow: God so disposing, that they should refuse the better advise of Achitophel (better I mean, for the effecting of their bad purpose▪ otherwise wicked before God & the world, tending to so great a mischief as it did) & better like of that worse advise of Chusay; who gave the same on behalf of David, that • e in the mean season might g • t into safety, & might have time for his people to be think thē selves better, & to stand with him against his enemies, offering so vile dealing to him as now they did. But Chusay did not only thus stay • dange 〈…〉 course against David there, but pr • sently sent him word to ••• him • stay, so to prevent the danger of it that way also: and Achitophel on the otherrside, seeing now that the success of these things was not like to be such as he desired, went home, set his house in order, and hanged himself; and so did a special pleasure to David also. But now having seen what was intended against him, we are likewise to see, howe it pleased God to preserve him: first, that he was not surprised •• Jerusalem; then, that he was not that night overtaken in the way as he fled. That he was not surprised in Jerusalem, these were two means whereby it pleased God to preserve him: one, the intelligence that was brought him, when the conspiracy brake out at Hebron; the other, his present flight thereupon. In that he had so ready word of it, when first it began, it is rather to be altogether and wholly imputed unto the mere providence of God, than anything at all to David's watchfulness, who was so affectionate unto his son, that it is most likely, he never suspected any such thing by him: and it showeth [ D] withal, that Absalom was in this case nothing so wary, in such sort to have kept the Citty, as that no word might have been carried out of it to the hindrance of their business, as Jehu afterward in the like case was; though he had time to have cast for it before, and Iehn did it even then on the sudden. In his flight we are to consider that it pleased God that way to preserve him: and then, in what manner it was. That God would but that way preserve him, it is plain, that God was disposed much to humble him thereby: all flight being in it self so dishonorable; but in this no less, than the King to flee from the face of his subject, and the father from the face of his child. As touching the manner of it, his flight was, so far as belongeth to this part of the story, till he was gotten over Jordan; so having two principal parts, first to Bahurim; then, over Jordan. Bahurim was a Town, as it is described East from Jerusalem, beyond Mount Olivet from it, and beyond Bethania, almost so far beyond it, as it is distant from Jerusalem, and as it seemeth not past four miles from Jerusalem it self. Unto which place we have appertaining diverse particular stories; but none in his passage then over Jordan. As he went to Bahurim, besides the addressing himself to his journey at Jerusalem, he was most of all occupied in parting with friends till he came to the top of Mount Olivet: but after that, he had certain occurrence of another kind. Addressing himself to his way, he used speed (both he and the company he had about him) leaving the custody of his house to certain women his Concubines, taking his way over Kedron unto Mount Olivet: the people weeping at his departure, he & his company weeping also, and himself bare-foot besides. Whether a figure herein of Christ, or not I cannot say: but Christ followed the selfsame way in sorrow after, he and his Apostles together; that David and his company, weeping, and sorrowing, thus traced before. Of those friends that he was to part withal, one there was that would in no wise leave him: but others there were, that did. He that would in no wise leave him was Ittay a stranger, having six hundred men under his charge: who, as it seemeth, came of good-will but a little before to see the King, and that therefore the King was sorry he should light on so troublesome a time, and thereupon desired him now to return; which notwithstanding he constantly refused to do. A matter worth the marking also, that whereas his own people▪ yea and his son [ E] whom himself did so dearly affect, so unnaturally bent themselves against him, God gave him so faithful an heart in this stranger, that, to die for it, he would not forsake him, nor by any entreaty of the King himself, leave him in the case that now he was in. The Priests and Chusay were the others, that, being dismissed did accordingly take their leaves of him. In the dismissing of the Priests we have one other little matter, that seemeth to appertain to their story also. The Story of their dismissing was no more but this, that whereas they and their company attended him with the Ark of the Lord to have carried the same with him, he would not have the body of the people destrauded of that ordinary benefit of the Ark, and the Priests residing among them, for that his own private use of them now: but yet directing them withal, how to use their good-will and faithfulness towards him; 〈…〉 ely, by intelligence, as occasion and need should require. That other particular that seemeth to belong to their 〈◊〉 also, is, that David was now advertised (it is thought by one of these, and it may so be) of Ahithophel's loyning with Absalom in this conspiracy: whereupon David turning to prayer, desired God to turn his counsel into foolishness. A good course for us all to follow, when by the wiliness and subtelty of others, we do find our selves in danger: and a pattern that ministereth good hope withal, that if rightly we can so d • e, as God did grant unto David the thing that he desired then, so would he yet do for us likewise. Chusay was one of the Counsellers before, and now it seemeth, he followed after: so that David now having gotten the top of the Hill, and turning (towards the Ark) to give GOD thanks, as it seemeth did by that occasion so meet him there, and wished him likewise again to return; but yet did give him direction withal, how to use his goodwill towards him, not only as he did to the others before, but further taught him to seem to stand altogether with the new usurping King, and yet to be faithful to him notwithstanding. Being now past the top of mount Olinet, we are first to see what was done by the way: then, what was done at Bahurim, where he made some little abode. By the way, he was haunted with two false Varlets, both appertaining before to the house of Saul: Ziba, and Shimey. Ziba it seemeth by that which followeth, did falsely accuse Miphibosheth his Master, to rejoice at those troubles of David, as making a ready way to his own advancement: and so cuningly handled David [ F] withal, that giving him credit, he now gave all unto him, that he had given to his Master before. An example of greater credulity without further trial, than were to be wished in any so rare a man as he. Shimey sought for naught at his hands, but only to disgorge, as it seemeth (having then gotten the advantage of the place) his long hidden malice against him, and the vile conceit he had taken of him, as touching his coming unto his Kingdom: railing upon him about the same, exceeding foully; and accompanying his words with actual behavior correspondent. Insomuch that there were of David's company, that would gladly have gone, to have been revenged of him, but that David would not suffer them. Wherein we have, both a notable pattern of David's patience: and how easily the best of all are deeply ofttimes condemned of others without any cause; especially, in the day of their affliction, as it was with Job, even by his friends. Being thus past the way to Bahurim, there they refreshed themselves, and rested awhile: but then understanding of danger towards him if he continued there, he presently dislodged, traveled all the night, and by the dawning of the day, got over Jordan, he, and all his companies.

6 How it pleased God, having praeserued David hitherto fully to acquit him of this business in the end, that we may the better find, we are first to consider, to [ A] how strong an head it grew against him: then, how it pleased God, nevertheless to rid him of it. It grew to so strong an head against him, that when David had given place unto them, not only getting him over Jordan, but there also leaving them two partes of three, of that part of the Country that was on the other side: yet needs would they follow him, and by force overlay him there. In what number they came against him, it is not set down particularly: but it is said generally, that all the men of Israel came with Absalom over Jordan, that he made Amasa his General over his Army, & pitched in Gilead, South, as it seemeth, from the Citty Manahim where David was, in the most Northerly part of Gilead. At which time neither can we tell what company had repaired to David. But first there were certain principal men in those partes (one of the Ammonites, and two of the Israelites) that did help to maintain him and his company there; and he had so many, that he made three battles [ B] of them, and stood in so little fear of the contrary part, that he would himself have gone to the field with them, but that his people entreated him to stay, as also his forces themselves went forth to give battle unto the others. And as in these comforts, in the mean season, it pleased God to give him good hope of riddance now, so did he a little after perform it: making a fair riddance of his enemies; and so framing the hearts of the people, that soon after they sought unto him again. In the overthrow of his enemies, though God vouchsafed him special favor: yet himself, by his immoderate affections, had almost missed of the benefit of it. The favor that God did show him therein, was both in the Captain; and in the people. In the Captain, that as he had given a strange example, an unworthy son so insolently to rise up against his so worthy a Father and Soueraign; so should he be a pattern to others for the strangeness of his death an Oak taking him up by the heir of the head (those locket of his being even the chief flowe • or pride of his person) and holding him up to the eye of the world, till he might have some farther judgment so justly deserved. In the people, that twenty thousand of them were likewise stain: and whereas it is said, that the wood (which was near to the battle, and whither it seemeth most of them fled when once they were broken) devoured moe that day then the sword, though we may conceive, that fleeing thither they were so entangled, that their enemies had the greater advantage of them; yet if the residue of the trees and bushes in some strange manner, one way or other followed the example of that which dealt with Absalom first, then was the judgment so much the stranger. For it seemeth to me, that it was not like to be so full of wild Beasts and pits, as some do take it, because even the same that were Authors of it, do say likewise, that the Ephraemites used to feed their Cattle there. Those immoderate affections in David that we speak of, whereby he had almost lost the benefit of this victory, were, of the love that he had to his son: first charging them all to spare him if he came in their hands; then, so pitifully bewailing his death when he was slain. For if he had been spared, it is not like, that so long as he had lived, David could have been quiet in his kingdom. And bewailing him so much as he did, he discouraged the hearts of all his good subjects: till admonished by Joab, he moderated himself, and after a sort bound up the wounders that before he had made. But in this immoderate love of David towards so ungracious a son of his, we may so much the more plainly see, what exceeding great love we may expect at the hands of God: and not only the better sort of us, but even the greatest sinners that are, after that once they can truly turn unto him. [ C] For if there could be such love in David, much greater must that be (beyond all comparison) that is in God. That God likewise framed the hearts of the people to seek to him ageine, the Text doth witness he did it so fully, that they so reasoned the matter out among themselves, that of necessity they must needs conclude, that they must again submit themselves to his allegiance: and shortly after, accordingly they did it. The appurtenance that followed, after this Pageant of Absolom's going before, was that other business that fell out immediately after, when much of the people revolted afresh David again. Concerning which, because it dependeth upon some part of the Story of David's return to Jerusalem again, therefore are we first to consider of that part of his return: and then to take this other in the place where it self ariseth. David therefore now bethinking himself of his return, and fearing that his own Tribe (which was the Tribe of Judah) would come somewhat short, because of those aforesaid reasonings which he had heard the Israelites had of him before, sent unto Zadok and Abiathar the Priests, both to put the Tribe of Judah, that they were not slack in that point of duty: and to assure Amasa, the sat General of Absolom's forces, of special favor at his hands also. Which dealing of his took such effect, that first the whole Tribe of Judah yielded to receive him again, and sent him word to address himself homeward: Amasa also it seemeth, was thereby won unto him, for that a little after we find that he was in special credit with David. Not much unlike unto it, it is, that in these days of the Gospel, Christ doth admonish the people of Christendom (that are nearest to him by profession) by the Ministry of his Priests, to take heed that they be not slack, now to receive him again, coming (as he doth) in his word unto them, least they be praeuented by others, which could not be but unto great dishonor to them. It may be also, that he hath some such special dealing with certain principal Leaders of the Turks and Heathen, as may bring in many of them and much people them in such sort, as that first we may see them to be in special place with him, before that ever we hear of their coming in unto him. By this means the Tribe of Judah (and some others with them) came so speedily in (God grant to these others such readiness also) that they both came to the King before he came over Jordan, and praeuented the Israelites therein: the most of them indeed to do this point of duty; but some of them having another errant besides. Those that came to do this point of duty indeed, were the Tribe of Judah; specially [ D] stirred up thereunto from the King himself, though but by the Ministry of the Priests: but yet accompanied with half of the children of Israel (such belike as had taken part with him against Absalom, and so were with the King before) one of their company being of special reckoning besides. Those that had some other arrant were Shimey, certainly for the one; and Ziba, it seemeth, for the other: the former of them bringing a thousand men with him, of his own Tribe the Ttibe of Benjamin: the other also something ruffling it, as it seemeth, with his fifteen Sons and twenty Servants. For Shimey came to beg pardon for his life, for that he had so railed on the King before, which also he did and obtained: and Ziba it seemeth, with that officiousness of his, would retain that favor with the King, which before he had naughtily gotten, by accusing his Master falsely unto him. That one man of the Israelites, which was of special reckoning besides, was Barzillai, one of the Tribe of Gad, who had done much for the King in this his distress, and now with the rest attended him over Jordan also. Of this man we have two things specially noted: one, of his age; another of his good moderation. Of his age it is said, that he was a very old man, and yet but fourscore years old: whereby we may see, that it is not so clear (as we are commonly persuaded) that in the former ages before us, men lived longer than they do now generally: when as at that time fourscore years were counted so great an age. His moderation was such, that though he had deserved very well of the King, and the King accordingly would have had him to the Court, to requite his good-will with kindly cherishing of him there: yet being of those years he did wisely refuse it, as a thing more meet for him then, to learn to die at home, than to begin at the Court so freshly (as it were) to live again. A just and needful reproof unto the dotage of many of us, that have so green tops in so rotten stocks, as with us ofttimes it is seen. The King being thus brought over Jordan went thence to Gilgal: attended thither by the Tribe of Judah, and by half of the Israelites besides. At which time and place began the broyle that now we speak off: concerning which we are to see, first how it was begun; then, how it was ended again. It was begun, partly by all the whole company generally: then, by one of them more specially. Of all the whole company the Israelites first expostulated with [ E] the King and their brethren of the Tribe of Judah, that they praeuented them in bringing home the King, before they had made them privy unto it, that so they might have done it with the general consent of all, and none to have been more forward therein than their fellows: especially they being the greater part, & so having more interest in the King than the others. The Tribe of Judah did stand upon their nearer affinity, as well as they might: but then they added more fierceness of speech then they needed, or was wisdom for them to have done; especially, having, as they had, the better end of the cause it self. That one man to whom the beginning of it may be more specially imputed, was Sheba, of the Tribe of Benjamin, a man of special reckoning with the rest, as it seemeth, but factious withal: who blowing the trumpet, and stirring up the people to renounce David and to depart to their tents again, so prevailed he with all the whole multitude of the Israelites, that they all followed him, and left the Tribe of Judah only remaining with David. So that now those also, it seemeth, that before took part with David, did clean give him over, and went with the rest: insomuch that now the Benjamites also (it seemeth) left him, who were wont to cleave to the house of David before. For Sheba the Ring-leader was of that Tribe, and so the likelier to draw them away: and the whole multitude of the Israelites, before accounting but of ten partes only, do in a manner plainly grant, that Benjamin was with Judah then. But now the Text saith (and so is the original) that every man of the house of Israel went from David, and followed Sheba: and his own Tribe are likely enough for his sake to have been of the foremost. So have we hear a special example of the great brittleness and mutability that is in man: one sort of thē reasoning a little before, that David ought to be their K. and so concluding against themselves, but upon a trifling occasion forsaking him now; the residue of them venturing their lives with David before against all their Brethren, and now revolting with that one man only (and he but a bad one) upon no urgent necessity at all. Nevertheless this great storm was reasonable easily over-blown; and yet it shall be good to note the manner of it: the most of the Story thereunto appertaining, showing but in what sort it was suppressed or quenched again; but part of it delivering another accident that fell out in the doing of it. That part of the Story that goeth no farther but only to show howe it was suppressed, doth first show what time was taken unto it: then, in what manner [ F] it was accomplished. The time was so taken, that neither did David forthwith make after him at that present: neither yet did he put it off any long time after. If presently he had done it, it had not been unlike, but that much blood had been shed about it, in that hot blood wherein they were then: and therefore we read, that he went to Jerusalem first, before he did anything against them; but by likely-hoode he sped himself thither without delay, as also the Tent maketh no mention of anything that fell out in the way. But coming to Jerusalem he did but first shut up those Concubines of his with whom Absalom had lain, so to continue to the day of their death (a matter of no long nor busy dispatch) but that presently he took order for the other: first willing Amasa (who in the business of Absalom was against him, and the General of all his forces) to assemble his Forces of the Tribe of Judah in three days, and himself then to repair unto him again; then, when Amasa came not at the time appointed, and doubting least Sheba by drift of time should grow harder to be dealt withal, appointing Abishay, Joab's Brother, to take such as were ready at hand, and to follow upon that Rebell to cut him off, before he grew to farther strength. So it seemeth, that David could so ill brook Joab now for Absolom's sake, that as yet he could not commit the charge unto him. So Abishay went for-ward, and with him all such (belike) as were then ready. For we read, that both Amasa, and Joab too, were in this expedition: but it seemeth, that Amasa came in with those that he had gotten somewhat after, and yet but a little; and that Joab himself (for his companyes went with his Brother) went now as voluntary, either to help forward the service it self or to recover his favor with David again. Now Sheba whom they sought, was not found of them till they came to Abel, a Citty in the Tribe of Nepthalim, almost in the utter-most part of the Land: unto which place whether he had fled at the first, or whether he were now driven thither by these Forces coming down upon him, it is not declared. But finding him there, they presently besieged the City, and in such sort fell to their business, that the Inhabitantes perceived they might look for no mercy nor favor to themselves nor their Citty, unless they took some order with them to their contentment. A certain Woman therefore coming to the Walls, put Joab in mind, with what moderation such as warred upon any Citty should by the Law of GOD prosecute the same. For [ G] though Abishay were appointed by the King: yet Joab, it seemeth, as he was indeed better known, and of greatest reckoning in Martial affairs, so was he most accounted of here. Whereas now therefore they came in such heat against the Rebell, that they besieged the Citty, and began to ruinate or over-throw the Walls, before they had any way assayed, whether they would in peaceable manner yield their demand: they amend that course now, and promise to proceed no farther in hostile manner against them, if they will deliver the Rebell unto them. Whereupon the Woman going to the Cittizen • so persuaded with them, that they did soon cut off the head of Sheba, and cast it over the Wall to Joab: and he likewise having so dispatched his business, blew the retrait, and so departed. That other accident that fell out in the doing of this, was, that by the way as they were going in this expedition, Joab, perceiving belike, that Amasa now was like to be in such place with David, as wherein he was before, treacherously slew him by the way. The subtlety whereby he sought to compass it, was, as it seemeth, of purpose to have such a weapon about him then, as easily would fall out of the Sheath, that so walking with Amasa, when his Weapon should seem by chance to fall out, he might take opportunity to speed Amasa with it before he was ware, as also he did: whereas if he had at any time but offered to have drawn it, as in such case men commonly do, it is not unlikely but that Amasa thereupon would have espied it, and so have stood to his own defense. But yet that this accident should not anything hinder the service, by the people's staying about that, he did not forget even then to take order: which also was accordingly observed.

7 Those others wherein David's offense was not so apparent, but that in the [ A] Judgment of men it were likely enough to have gone untouched, were two: one, a want of a piece of Justice; another, a kind of glorying in the multitude of his people. In the former of which we are to consider, what fault it was that David made: and, how it pleased GOD to take it. To find out the fault that he made, we are first to consider what it was that he did: then, what respects or considerations [ B] there were, that might seem much to excuse him, or to lessen the fault unto him. That which he did, was but of omission, or not doing a thing that was to be done: namely, that whereas Saul had destroyed certain of the Gibeonites, on zeal to the people, or to please them; David yet (all the time of his reign hitherto) had done no Justice for the punishment of it. Those considerations that might seem to excuse David, or much to lessen the fault unto him, were of two sorts: one of the time; others, of the thing it self. That one of the time, was, that it was done long before David's time: and then both he might be ignorant of it; and, if he did know it, yet might he probably think, that he stood not charged with the punishment of it. Those others that are of the thing it self, are two; one, arising of the consideration of those that should be avenged; the other, of the consideration of those on whom they were to be avenged. Those that were to be avenged, were none of the people of Israel themselves, but only a people that dwelt among them: such as by the general direction that God had given his people before, should have been clean destroyed with the rest of the Cannanites (of which race they were) saving that Joshua and the rest of the Elders of Israel had long since made peace with them; yet not otherwise but as with Strangers, and circumvented by their subtle dissimulation. Those on whom they were to be avenged, were the Issue of Saul: on whom he might not do any Justice, especially such as might tend to take away their lives, but that it might probably be thought, that he did but pick a quarrel against them, to make his own estate more sure, by taking the line of the other away. Nevertheless it pleased the lord in such sort to take it, that both he plagued the whole land with dearth three years together, and yet never told them all that while (that we read of) what the cause was why he was so offended with them: and when David at the length inquired of the Lord, what the cause should be (which also was not till the three years end: a good pattern, how long it is, in our distress, before that ever we seek to the Lord; and if it were so long with David, then is it like to be longer with us) he would not then with-draw his hand, until the fault were first amended. A good example to all to take heed both of dealing hardly with any, though they be not near unto [ C] us; or but to be of such an humor towards them, as that it pleaseth us well when they are hardly dealt with: and of breaking faith with any of those to whom we have given it, though otherwise our selves may conceive, that some way or other they are unworthy. More specially also, a fair warning it is, to moderate those profane courses of many that in these days are over-much used, daily more and more decaying the Ministry: a Function and people, that in many good respects, ought to be of much better account with us; than those Gibeonites needed to have been with them. That which I noted to be of glorying in the multitude of his people, hath another special Story appertaining: so that first we are to consider of this his glorying; then, of that other that hangeth on it. In his glorying therefore we are first to consider, what was the fault that now he made: then▪ what was the displeasure of GOD against him for it. In the fault that he made, we have first set down the occasion of it: then, the fault it self. The occasion of it was, that the LORD was again offended with Israel: whereby we may see, that the offenses or slidinges of Princes, are some-times occasioned by the sin of the people. In the fault it self we have likewise set down in this, how he was enticed or tempted unto it: then, how he did accordingly yield. He was tempted unto it by Satan: who ofttimes useth the evil that is in us to our own overthrow; though we also have in our selves matter enough for all kind of temptation, though he never meddle to help us forward. Unto which temptation David did so fully yield, that he did not only set Joab and, the Governors of the people a work, to go forth-with and number the people throughout the whole Land: but also, when Joab was afraid it would turn ill to the King, and therefore endeavored to dissuade him from it, was so very peremtory notwithstanding therein, that Joab and the others (though full sore against their wills) were fain to do it. At which time it was found, that they came to the sum of able men meet for the Wars (notwithstanding all the destructions were made of them when so oft they offended under the Judges, Samuel and Saul, and those that were spent in the wars of David before: the Bush ever burning, but never consumed) fifteen hundred, threescore and ten thousand: besides many that they numbered not, because they had no list unto it. And whereas else-where the number of them doth not amount to so many, it is reconciled by others, showing that there such as were in ordinary service before were now omitted, as not needing to be mentioned, being already sufficiently known: or else, [ D] that Joab purposely broke off, and omitted many, because he would not give unto David so great matter of glorying as he might have done, as doubting that he gloried therein so much already, that God would be offended with him. What was the displeasure of God against him for it, that we may the better find, we are to consider, that David was in such case then, as that we may easily conceive, that God would not be offended with him, and yet that he was: then, how far the same proceeded against him. David was in such case then, as that we might easily conceive that God would not be offended with him, because himself was sorry for it immediately after: & withal, both confessed it plainly; and did ask forgiveness of it. The course that nevertheless God took against him, was, that he would in no wise altogether spare him for it; but yet gave him his choice, whether he should chastise him with the self same scourge that was then on the Land: or that he would take his choice of a couple of others. The scourge that was then on the Land, was that famine we heard off before: which now had been on the Land three years already, and a good pecce of the fourth, as it seemeth, for that justice was not done to the Gibeonites. Whereunto now should be added for this, three years mo: so to make up seven in all. The other two whereof he might take his choice likewise, were, either three months to fly before his enemies: or three days Pestilence throughout the Land. Whereupon when David made choice of the Pestilence rather, so to fall in the hands of God, rather than into the hands of men, there died thereof in three days, threescore and ten thousands throughout the land. That other Story that hangeth on this, is, how it was found, that Jerusalem was the place spoken of before, that the Lord would make choice of it, to put his name there, and whether his people had to bring their Oblations and sacrifices: the knowledge whereof seemeth to be farther imparted to David, than now we have any Scripture for it. First therefore we are to see, what we have extant to induce him unto it: then, how he, for that matter, resolveth. That which we find extant now, which he had then to induce him unto it, resteth in two principal pointes: one, the direction he had from the Prophet; the other, the success he had from God. In the direction he had from the Prophet, we have delivered unto us, first upon what occasion it was: then, what was the direction it self. The occasion was, that the Angel of God's wrath, who had now already destroyed those threescore and ten thousand by the pestilence, among the people, was now sent by God himself to Jerusalem also, to make the like destruction there: yet that the Lord had compassion, and stayed him; when David acknowledged himself to be the offender, and desired God to spare them and lay it on him. The direction it self that hereupon Gad the Prophet gave unto David; was, as the Angel