A paraphrasticall explication of the twelve minor prophets. Viz. Hoseah. Joel. Amos. Obadiah. Jonah. Micah. Nahum. Habakkuk. Zephaniah. Haggai. Zechariah. Malachi. / By Da. Stokes. D.D.

The Sum of the second CHAPTER.

The Prophets Quaeries in the former Chapter were followed so eagerly, in the behalf of his Countrey-men, that St. Hierome, and some others are almost angry with him, and think he may well take the name of Cha∣bakkuk, from his touching so near, and (a) 1.1 wrastling so boldly with almighty God. Not onely in his prayer for them, (like another Iacob) in his third Chapter: but in the first Chapter too, (like a close Dispu∣tant) in his pressing so hard upon God him∣self, and his Divine Providence, and dispo∣sall of humane afflictions. But whatso∣ever was the true occasion of the name, it seems that his open and patheticall deli∣very of his Questions did put them upon that conjecture: and so, upon the point, that those learned men were as much trou∣bled at his expression, as himself was at the

apprehension of that strange course of di∣vine Justice.

Now this second Chapter resolves the holy Prophet (as it may do us) in that scruple, and showes him the progresse of God's di∣vine Iustice, overtaking the bloody, pro∣fane, sacrilegious Chaldeans (in the height of their securitie) and falling the more heavily upon them, for their abusing the power, that was put into their hands, when they were permitted to be the scourges of men, that were (b) 1.2 better than themselves.

Which may read a Lecture to any, who contribute too much to the malignity of such wicked dayes. This may advise them (while they have time of Repentance) seriously to examine themselves, and their own cause. This being a Truth, that is evi∣denced by this passage of holy Scripture, and this example in the Jewes, and Chal∣dees; That God may be so angry with the sins of his own People, or so willing to have their Pietie, and Vertue made known to the world, that it may produce some effects, that are little expected. So that either for the severe punishment of some (to whom

it is likely he means to show the more mercy, in a greater, and more terrible day.) Or for the Fatherly correction of others (that by outward calamities he will hasten to a better amendment of life.) Or for the exacter tryall of the Faith, Obedience, Pa∣tience, and Perseverance of others, (for whom he intends a weightier Crown of Glory in everlasting Mansions. For these, and the like respects, it may please God, to give way to the doing of many things, which may well seem strange and wonder∣full in the eies of men.

And, while such things are in agitation, He may let them see many cruell, and mali∣cious designes, seconded with as prosperous successes, as the evill hearts of the Actors could wish. We found it true, in the former Chapter, of the Chaldeans, and may, else∣where, of others, that were inabled to say, that God goes in, and out with their Forces: that (c) 1.3 He fights for them in the head of their Armies, and crownes their Actions with Triumphs, and Victories over far more inno∣cent, and religious undertakers than they are. All this being no more, than the Pro∣phet

implies here, and God himself speakes, in effect, by the mouth of his holy Pro∣phets.

And yet this second Chapter may inform them, that all this is not enough to secure the vain confidence of the Enemies of the Church: and excuse the idle boasting of strange, and fortunate attempts. Which may end in as sad a Catastrophe, as that of the Chaldeans did, after all their pride, and effusion of much blood: as now we shall hear.

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (b) 1.2

  c. 1, 13.
• (c) 1.3

  Micah. 2. 13, 14. Joel. 2, 11.