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.

A Paraphrastical EXPLICATION Of the PROPHESIE OF AMOS.

CHAP. I.

1. THe word of A∣mos, who was a∣mong the herd∣men of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel, in the dayes of Vzziah King of Iudah, and in the daies of Ieroboam the son of Io∣ash King of Israel, two years before the earth∣quake.

2 And he said, the Lord will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Ie∣rusalem: and the habita∣tions of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Car∣mel shall wither.

3 Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the pu∣nishment thereof, because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron.

4 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall de∣vour the palaces of Benhadad

5 I will break also the bar of Damascus, aud cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven: and him that holdeth the scep∣ter from the house of E∣den, and the people of Syria shall go into cap∣tivity unto Kir, saith the Lord.

6 Thus saith the Lord, For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof: be∣cause they carried away captive the whole captivi∣ty, to deliver them up to Edom.

7 But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the pa∣laces thereof.

8 And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ash∣dod, and him that hold∣eth the scepter from Ash∣kelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron; and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord God.

9 Thus saith the Lord, For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the pu∣nishment thereof: because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and re∣membred not the brotherly covenant.

10 But I will send a fire on the wall of Ty∣rus, which shall devour the palaces thereof.

11 Thus saith the Lord, For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punish∣ment thereof, because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pitty, and his anger did tear perpetually, and kept his wrath for ever.

12 But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.

13 Thus saith the Lord, For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof: because they have ript up the women with child of Gilead, that they might inlarge their border.

14 But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rab∣bah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battel, with a tempest in the day of the whirl∣wind.

15 And their King shall go into captivity, he, and his Princes together, saith the Lord.

CHAP. I.

1. THe words,(a) 1.1 or things Prophetically imparted to the knowledge of Amos, who was among the (b) 1.2 Shepherds, or keepers of cattle in Tekoah (six miles from Bethlehem) which were famous for that employment. Thence was he called to be a Prophet, as Da∣vid, before that, from following of sheep, was chosen to be a Royal Prophet, by that wise, and merciful God, that chuseth the base things of the world to confound the wise. Now these things were revealed to Amos, concerning Israel, in the time of Uzziah King of Judah, and Je∣roboam, son of Joash, King of Israel: two years (c) 1.3 before the Earthquake, that hap∣pened

in the reign of Vzziah, that was smitten with leprosie, for attempting upon the Priests office.

2. Amos being thus made a Prophet, his name agreed with the sum of his Prophesie. For 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (Amost) signifies a burden. And that is an ordinarie term in the holy Scripture for the Prophesie of a heavy punishment, denoun∣ced against a Nation, as this of Amos was a∣gainst many, specially against the ten Tribes, Against whom, what he had prophesied, was fulfilled by Salmaneser, that led them away captive into Assyria. 4 Reg. 17. 6. But let us hear the Prophet himself speak,

Thus said Amos. The Lord that delighted so much in Sion. and pleased to dwell between the Cherubims in his Temple at Ierusalem, is now so offended with the sins of Iudah, and Israel, that he sends an angry threatning voice from Sion, and Ierusalem, that may terrifie them both: specially those of Israel, the greater offenders. This terrible voice will have a doleful effect in the pleasant pastures of all those Shepherds, that have neglected their flock; and upon the Sheep that have turned Wolves against their Shepherds, and raised up Shepherds of their own choice, uncapable of the place. Carmel among others, even Carmel it self, which had the fattest pasture, and the

most numerous sheep, shall in the height and glory of it be withered and made no such place for their feeding.

3 What shall we think will become of the Gentiles, when Gods own people hear such sad tidings from the place of their joy, and com∣fort? Let us now hear that. For Syria Da∣mascena first. Thus saith the Lord. For so many foul sins of Damascus, as have filled up the full measure of their iniquity, and may be brought against them in the perfect number of seven, by the addition of four more to their first three, that were bad enough: For these (d) 1.4 I will not restore Damascus to my wonted favour, or I will not recal that, which I have decreed against that place. Specially in that they heavily afflicted my people of Gilead (Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh) barbarously insulting over them, and (e) 1.5 tram∣pling upon them, or rather (e) 1.6 laying on them like thrashers, and abusing all alike. (As it was foretold by Elisaeus, in his words to Hazael, 4 Reg. 8, & 15.)

4. Therefore, in mine anger, I will send a furious enemie against them, which, like a fire,

shall sodainly deface and ruine the royal stru∣ctures erected by Hazael, when they shall be the Palaces of his son Benhadad.

5. And I will break the very strength of Da∣mascus, (their gates, fortresses, and whatsoever else it is, wherein they most confide) And I will pack away the inhabitants of the Plain of Aven: and with them the idolatrous Princes, that rule over (g) 1.7 Beth-eden, and the neighbour-cities devoted to riot and luxury. For the Syrians shall be led captives into Kir, saith the Lord (by the hand of Tiglathpileser, King of Assyria.)

6. When they of Gaza in Palestine have made up the like (h) 1.8 measure of their sins, the like punishment shall be as peremptorily decreed against them: specially because of their cruelty to those of Israel, that fled into their parts for refuge, upon the invasion of Sennacherib, whom, though they came (i) 1.9 peaceably, and friendly to them, onely for relief, and no way to offer them any injury: yet they most inju∣riously sold them into Edom, as if they had been their own captives, and, by right of war, taken by themselves. Whereby they did as good as (k) 1.10 imprison them among their capital ene∣mies,

and obstruct the means of their return unto their own home.

7. Therefore I will cause such warlike forces to come (from (l) 1.11 Hezekiah to the wall of Gaza, as shall consume and burn that City, and all the fair buildings within it.

8. And the inhabitants of Azotus shall be tur∣ned out of doors, and the Rulers of Ascalon shall partake of the same justice with their Country∣men. Then (after that blow given to Gaza, Azotus, and Ascalon) I will turn my striking hand against Ekron also, and there the rest of the Philistims shall be destroyed (by the Assyrians) to the utter ruine of that people.

9. Thus saith the Lord, For the like over∣flowing of the (m) 1.12 transgressions of Tyrus, in so full a measure, I will not be reconciled unto them, nor reverse the decree already passed against them. Because they used the like cru∣elty, that the Philistims did, against the poor Israelites, which came peaceably to them, but were sold away to the Edomites, as captives taken in war. And the Tyrians shall fare the worse, because (n) 1.13 they so easily forgot the league, and friendship, that was (o) 1.14 between their

King Hiram, and King David, and Solomon, and so between the succeeding Kings, (o) 1.15 that used the stile, and love of Brethren: which, no doubt, was cause of much familiarity, and many kind offices among the subjects of either Nation, and was ill broken off for a matter of filthy lucre, in the sale of their confede∣rates.

10. Therefore will I send an enemie (from (p) 1.16 Chaldaea) to the walls of Tyrus, that shall set most of the stately buildings of Tyrus on such a fire, as all the water above her shall not be able to quench.

11. The like measure of sin will draw the like (q) 1.17 punishment upon Edom: because he was so unnaturally cruel to his Brethren, the posterity of Iacob, shewing no bowels of com∣passion to these Brethren of the same belly, but resting upon a violent, obstinate, implacable way of furious anger, transmitted as an hereditary vice to Posterity for ever. So did Edom strive to keep it ever alive, to his immortal shame for such impiety, and inhumanity against so near Allies.

12. Therefore (by Sennacherib, and his Soul∣diers) such flames of War shall be kindled in Teman, and Bozra, the two Cities of note in

the Countrey of Edom, as shall consume the fair Pallaces thereof.

13. And of another Nation affianced to the people of God, thus saith the Lord. For the (r) 1.18 full measure of the transgressions of the Am∣monites, the Children of Lot: they shall receive the same D••om with the Edomites; the rather for their barbaro••s inhumanity, which sharp∣ned their weapons against the weaker Sex, to the ripping up of the matrones of Gilead, even when they were great with child. Not out of any provocation in war, but out of a mere covetous and (s) 1.19 ambitions desire, to enlarge their territories.

14. Therefore a fearful fire shall be kindled by the walls of Rabbah (the gloriousest City of Animon) that, without difference of Sex, or Age, shall devour such as are found in the choicest Pallaces, and Mansions of the Ammo∣nites. It shall come in a violent, and (t) 1.20 fearful way, with military clamours, and shouting of some, and skreeching of others. It shall come of a sodain, like a horrible storm, and tempest to the ruine, and devastation of the Country of Ammon.

15. Which shall be the sadder, and more irre∣coverable by the captivity of the King, and his

Princes: and their titular Deitie, and his Priests. For(u) 1.21Moloch himself (for all his Royal title) shall escape no better then the meanest of the people, that must yeeld to the furie of the war. For, The Lord hath spoken it.

CHAP. II.

1 THus saith the Lord For three trans∣gressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof: be∣cause he burnt the bones of the King of Edom into lime.

2 But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Ke∣rioth, and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet:

3 And I will cut off the Iudge from the midst there∣of, and will slay all the Princes thereof with him, saith the Lord.

4 Thus saith the Lord, For three transgressions of Iudah, and for four, I will not turn away the pu∣nishment thereof: because they have despised the Law of the Lord, and have not kept his commandements, and their lies caused them to erre, after the which their fathers have wal∣ked.

5 But I will send a fire upon Iudah, and it shall devour the palaces of Ieru∣salem.

6 Thus saith the Lord, for three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the pu∣nishment thereof: because they sold the righteous for

silver, and the poor for a pair of shooes:

7 That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek, and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy Name.

8 And they lay them∣selves down upon cloathes laid to pledge, by every Altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their God.

9 Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the Cedars, and he was strong as the Oakes, yet I destroyed his fruit from a∣bove, and his roots from be∣neath.

10 Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you fourty yeares thorow the wildernesse, to possesse the land of the A∣morite.

11 And I raised up of your sons for Prophets, and of your young men for Na∣zarites. Is it not even thus O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord?

12 But ye gave the Na∣zarites wine to drink, and commanded the Prophets, saying, Prophesie not.

13 Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is ful of she••ves

14 Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, nei∣ther shall the mighty deli∣ver himself:

15 Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow, and he that is swift of foot, shall not deliver himself, neither shall he that rideth the horse, deliver himself.

16 And he that is cou∣ragious among the mighty, shall flee away naked in that day, saith the Lord.

CHAP. II.

1. THus saith the Lord. Because Moab hath fil'd up the same measure of sin(x) 1.22 with the Ammonites, therefore I pronounce the same punishment to them of Moab: who to their other sins added that, which showed their ar∣rogance, and malice to Edom, in burning the bones of (y) 1.23 one of the Kings of Edom, and so most inhumanely and barbarously, (z) 1.24 min∣gling the ashes with the lime, and mortar that they used in dawbing and plaistering of their walls, which was an act of much pride, and scorne, and contempt; and a contumelious way of revenge.

2. Therefore I will raise up an insolent, and cruell enemy against the country of Moab, that shall kindle such a war, as shall be the sudden, fearfull and totall ruine of (a) 1.25 Kerioth, their chiefest City (for such is commonly a destru∣ction by fire) And in the hurry, and tumult of that war, shall many of the Moabites die, a∣midst

the confused noise of the trumpets,(b) 1.26and shouts of the enemy, and their own sighes, and groanes, and heavy lamentations.

3. So will be cut off from Moab, and espe∣cially from Kerioth, (or, the chief Cities in the heart of the Countrey,) their eminentest (c) 1.27 Governours, and Commanders: and all their Princes, and the greatest of their Nobility shall have their share in this punishment, that shall sweep them all away, saith the Lord, that neither can, nor will be hindred, or intreated in the execution of this sentence upon Moab.

4. And while these acts of Divine Justice appear among the Heathen, least Judah (be∣cause of the open profession of the true Re∣ligion, and worship of God among them) should take themselves to be in a fair way of escaping the like severe revenge, that God might take upon their sins, thus saith the Lord concerning his own people, Because Iu∣dah presumed to (d) 1.28 make up such a high mea∣sure of sinne, as cried to heaven for Justice, therefore they also shall have their doom run in the same termes. Specially because they for∣sook the most holy lawes, and statutes of God,

(as if they contemned that to which they had promised obedience) aud were chiefly led by their own phansies, and lying vanities, and strange inclination to idolatry: as the ill ex∣ample of their Forefathers, and their many re∣volts, toald them on, and deluded their foolish hearts.

5. Therefore Nabuchadnezar's puissant, and victorious army shall raise an unquenchable fire in Iudaea, that shall not end without the firing of the Temple, and the Palaces, and other costly pieces of building in their Mother-City of Ierusalem by Nabuzaradan.

6. Which severity threatned to be exerci∣sed upon the two Tribes, (among whom was the Temple, and the purer worship of God, may terrifie the kingdom of Israel, and be a clear evidence of their speedier, and heavier ruine. Of whom thus saith the Lord. For the full (e) 1.29 measure of iniquity made up by the Israelites, and running over, I will make good the sad irreversible Sentence passed against them, and foretold by severall Prophets. The rather, because of their extream, and cruell Avarice, which blinded their eyes, and indu∣ced them, not onely to circumvent and de∣fraud, but down-right, to sell men better than

themselves, and righteous persons at poor rates, as if the least summe of money, or a pair of shooes were more highly to be prised, than the keeping of a poor man from perpetuall servi∣tude.

7. Nor will I conceale some other of their faults. In respect of their malice, (f) 1.30 they are as stomachfull against the poor, as if they could eat them up like bread. And their pride is such, that they think it not enough, to throw them as low as the dust of the earth, unlesse they take of that dust, and cast it upon their heads, as a signe of greater scorn, and con∣tempt: where they cannot so insult over the poor, yet, at least, (that they may be doing of some mischief) if they meet with modest, humble, and quiet men, they disturb them in the way, that is, in the course of their life, and occasions of their severall employments. From hence, laying the raines loose to all li∣berty, they take the impudence to proceed further to sins of another nature, to a degree of incestuous pollution, hardly named among the Gentiles, that the Father, and the Sonne should wickedly abuse the same woman. By

which horrid crimes, they do what they can to pollute my holy name: and provoke the Gentiles to the blaspheming of me, as well as speaking the truth of them, that thus disho∣nour their God; whose honour, and glory should be the main end, and aim of all their endeavours.

8. Beside all this, having taken some pledges of those, that run not after the same(g) 1.31 madness of Idolatry with them, they made use of them for sacred vestures or carpets, in or upon them to prostrate themselves before their Idol-altars (whereas to make any use of pledges is a∣gainst their law) And (still adding sinne unto sinne) they delighted their palates with that wine, which they bought with what was gained by the sale of their goods, whom themselves had unjustly condemned. Thus were they not asha∣med to chear up themselves in the house of their false Gods; and in their service, as it were to drink up the blood of innocent men, that would not be drawn to the like excesse of Idolatry with them.

9. In this excesse, and overslowing of sinne, how much have these men forgot themselves, and the favours, and mercies, that I heaped upon them? How (in the way to a land of

rest, and plenty) out of my love, and care of them, I drove away the Amorite before them, a stout and strong people, giants of so vast a bignesse, and stature, that whosoever was to fight against them, would think that his sword was to hack at Cedars, and Oakes, rather than to cut down men: Yet these Cedars, and Oakes did I pluck up by the roots, and cut off in the branches, and laid them prostrate (before the children of Israel) as low as the ground they trod upon. i.e. I utterly ruined, and destroy∣ed the Amorite, so that he was no longer a People: as I did many other nations, that were vanquished, and expelled out of their antient seates, to make room for them: root, and branch: Fathers, and children: Princes, and subiects: all were driven out, to give them way.

10. This I did for them, whom I had first obliged by a miraculous delivery from their Egyptian bondage, and a safe conduct tho∣rough the red Sea, and a vast, and barren wildernesse, where they were fourty yeares together plentifully supplied with all things necessary, till they came to possesse those fat, and fertile grounds of all the (h) 1.32seven na∣tions of the Amorites.

11. And that I might crown these tem∣porall benefits with spirituall gifts, and gra∣ces, I raised up some of your children to be Prophets, that they might instruct you, and be your guides into a place of everlasting rest, in the heavenly Canaan. And (as a∣nother meanes to that) I made others of the Nazarites that they might be as living pat∣terns, and examples of a temperate, and holy life. Tell me, if any of these things can be denied, or if all these favours were not freely thus disposed of, for your good, saith the Lord?

12. And yet (as it were to crosse my or∣dinances, which tended so much to your own advantage) you would often interrupt the strict order of the Nazarites, by perswa∣ding them to drink wine, though it were flatly interdicted. And you longed so much to hear your Prophets tell you rather of that which was pleasing, than of that which was true, that you spared not to lay it as an Injun∣ction upon them.

13. But for this liberty of sinne, that you have taken to your selves, (i) 1.33 I will bring

you into great streights, and pressures of mi∣sery, and calamity: so that as a cart, streit∣ned in it self, and as it were oppressed with too great a burden, doth seem to groane, and make a noise of complaint under the (k) 1.34 weight of many sheaves: so the enemies that set upon you, and the afflictions that distresse, and humble your soules, shall force out of you many groanes, and lamen∣tations (heavy, and loud expressions of your sorrow.)

14. In this pressure, and streightnesse; It will be to little purpose to think of saving your selves from your enemies by flight, or of finding wayes of evasion from your other miseries. It will be as vain to think of re∣sisting, and overcoming them, by strength of body, or stoutnesse of heart. For, the means of flight shall be taken from them, and the stoutest shall feel his stout heart, to faint, and sink within him. And the strongest of your champions shall be so far from rescuing others, that he shall not be able to preserve his own life.

15. Nor shall the most cunning Archers be

able to stand to it so long, as to make suf∣ficient use of his bow. Or the swiftest of foot, to runne so fast, as to carry himself farre enough out of danger. Or, the most confident Horse-man to ride so fast, but that a speedy, and deadly blow shall overtake him and make an end of his life.

16. And if any be accounted of so Heroi∣call a spirit, that he may presume of better fortune than other mighty men: even he shall be forced to yeild at last: or, if he can make an escape, to betake himself to his heeles, like a naked Souldier, stripped of all his harness, and leaving all his weapons behind him. For, the Lord hath spoken it.

CHAP. III.

HEear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying,

2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your ini∣quities.

3 Can two walk toge∣ther, except they be a∣greed?

4 Will a Lion roar in the forrest, when he hath no prey? will a young Lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?

5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth and have taken no∣thing at all?

6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?

7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he re∣vealeth his secrets unto his servants the Prophets.

8 The Lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesie?

9 Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the pala∣ces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble your selves upon the mountains of Samaria: and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof.

10 For they know not to do right, saith the Lord•• who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.

11 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, An adversa∣ry there shall be even round about the land: and he

shal bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.

12 Thus saith the Lord, As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs or a piece of an ear: so shall the children of Is∣rael be taken out that dwel in Samaria, in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.

13 Hear ye, and testifie in the house of Iacob, saith the Lord God, the God of hosts,

14 That in the day that I shall visit the transgressi∣ons of Israel upon him, I will also visit the altars of Bethel, and the horns of the Altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground.

15. And I will smite the winter house with the sum∣mer house; and the houses of Ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the Lord.

CHAP. III.

1. HEar now, O ye children of Israel, what the Lord saith against you, against all the twelve tribes, the whole nation of the Iews, that went as one family into Egypt, but were increased into a mighty people, when he deli∣vered them out of Egypt. To this purpose doth the Lord speak unto you.

2. You onely I made choice of, and selected above all other nations, for a peculiar people, to whom I would commit my sacred Oracles, and upon whom I would freely confer my great∣est

† 1.35 favours. No nation under heaven had ever such laws (and so conveyed unto them by my self, or by the Ministery of my Angels, or Prophets) or such ample promises, such mira∣cles, and deliveries, and such other motives to good life. Therefore all your unthankfulnesse, and disobedience, and wickednesse will call for a visitation, in a heavier way of punishment. Both because you knew my Will better, and had more means, and obligations for the per∣formance of it: and because you were under a more peculiar way of care, and cognisance, and government under my self.

3. The Prophets (by whom I instructed you, and forewarned you of the plagues that would follow your rebellions, and of the mer∣cies, and favours, that would crown all your good actions) never said any thing to you, but what they received from me. They all agreed in expressing of the same message, as men that walk together in the same way, are agreed toge∣ther. Your walking * 1.36 with me, and conver∣sing in my waies, should have appeared in the like agreement of yours with me, and them. And if your actions had been so consonant to my will, and their admonitions, you had now been in as fair a way to the increase of

your happinesse; as your dissent from me, and them, hath brought you into the high way of ruine and confusion.

4. When my Prophets came to you with threats in their mouths, it was no more then I put into them. If you will call it the * 1.37 roaring of a Lion, it was my voice. And will the Lion roar either in the forrest or in his den, but when the prey is in his view: so near that he may take it, when he will. Even so make you no other account, but that my Justice will fol∣low as sure those Prophetical threats, as the prey follows upon the roaring of the Lion. Therefore make your peace sodainly, unlesse you will expose your selves to a sodain de∣struction.

5. Do birds use to fall into a net, spred upon the ground, and be taken in it, unlesse it be pur∣posely so laid by the Fowler, that it may appre∣hend them. So are your punishments prophe∣tically foretold, like snares that are laid for you in my Justice, and by my direction. When the Prophets have forewarned you, if you will not take heed, but by your own supine carelesse∣nesse fall into the net: you may thank your selves. [praemoniti praemuniti, if it be as it should be] And your timely repentance, and

amendment of life, would be a likely means for the removal of the snare, in which the Assyrians and Chaldaeans are thinking to catch you, and hold you fast. But if they once come near, as the Fowler will not remove the snare, till the birds be caught: so neither will God recal his sentence against you, nor they re∣move their armies, till it be too late for you to escape.

6. When by the sound of a trumpet, in time of war there is notice given to a City of the forces of the enemie approaching toward them, shall not that City be afraid, and prepare for the best way of prevention, or resistance? Why then do not your fears produce the like care, when your Prophets, that are your Watch∣men, (l) 1.38 make their voices like a trumpet, to rouse you up, and acquaint you with the dan∣ger at hand? For is there any such evil of pu∣nishment denounced, or brought upon a City, of which God himself is not the Authour? Who therefore doth it, that you may either timely repent, or justly suffer.

7. And he keeping it not so secret, but that, by his Prophets, you are made privie to his full intention, and they unanimously agreeing in the message, you cannot but confesse, that

you are fairly and sufficiently forewarned, and consequently, if you use not the right means of prevention, that the true cause of all your suffering must be indeed from your selves onely, and your own impenitence.

8. Which of you now will not be afraid at the roaring of this Lion? And which of us that are Prophets, dare refuse to prophesie, and give you notice of that, which God himself (in such a fearful manner) injoynes us to speak, and we cannot but at our own peril, as well as yours, conceal from you?

9. And that it may appear, how justly that may fall upon Israel, which our Prophesies have foretold, let the very Heathen be called together, and made acquainted with their acti∣ons, and, out of them, speak truely what they think of the justice ever used in pronouncing, or asflicting their punishment upon them. Let it be divulged in the most publick places, in the Palaces of Ashdod (in Palestine) and in all the Palaces of Egypt, that they are invited, freely to meet together upon the mountains of Samaria, and there (though, being Idolaters themselves, they may say little to their idola∣trie, yet) at least, let them take notice of the strange cruelty of the Israelite, which may be evidenced by the fearful (m) 1.39 outcries, and lamen∣table

noise, and exclamations, extorted by the many oppressions, and injuries of the insolent Governors, that ruled, or rather domineered (n) 1.40 within the City Samaria.

18. Nay, what speak I of the cruelty of their Governors? Take them in a more gene∣ral view, and few or none of them did ever (o) 1.41 regard, or think of doing any thing that was right, and equal, saith the Lord himself of them. All their care was, by hook, or by crook: by any false, and unjust waies whatsoever: to hoord up more and more wealth: and furnish their own stately house by cheating, and impove∣rishing of other men.

11. Therefore thus saith the Lord God to the children of Israel. An enemie (the Assyrian in the ten tribes, and the Chaldaean in the other two, shall besiege, and distresse the Land, round about. He shall tame thee, and bring down thy strength, and empty thy rich, and stately houses, which thou hadst so filled, and stuffed, with unlawful gain.

12. If any of you escape the fury of that enemy, it will prove as hard, and as strange a deliverance, as if a shepherd should venture to snatch a leg, or two, or a little piece of the ear of a sheep out of the mouth of a hungry Lion.

Thus saith the Lord of the difficultie, and pau∣citie of the delivered. Such and so rare will be the reliques of those poor Israelites, that with much hazard will be rescued out of the verie jaws of the enemie. They will be sensi∣ble of this danger, that will lie in Damascus (their confederate Cities) as in a bed; and in Samaria (their own nests) as in the corner of a bed, thinking to nuzzle themselves there, as in a bed of ease, and security: or a fit place for the exercise of their spiritual whoredom. This enemy will rouse them all.

13. Hear this (you specially, that are most concerned in the care, and oversight of the Nation) and make protestation of it in the house of Iacob (that you may move them to repentance) saith the Lord God, the Lord of Hosts, (who onely can refrain the violence of the hostile Armies, that come against you.)

14. For (unlesse you prevent it by repen∣tance) when I begin to punish those of Israel, for the foul sins, which they have committed, I will not then spare the chiefest places. Down will go the Altars at Bethel: and the Hornes (the supposed holier part) of the chief Altar will be broken in pieces, and the Altar ruined, and, by that, the idolatry of that place utterly abolished.

15. And the Court shall not stand firm, where the Temple is ruined. Their stately Pa∣laces shall all be laid wast. The winter-house, and the summer-house shall feel the same blow. The Kings Ivory-house shall have the same fate with many other houses, that shall be levelled with the ground. For the Lord of Hostes hath spoken it: and his sentence cannot be reversed by any other.

CHAP. IV.

1 HEar this word ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Sa∣maria, which oppresse the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters; Bring, and let us drink.

2 The Lord God hath sworn by his Holinesse, that lo, the dayes shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.

3 And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her, and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the Lord.

4 Come to Bethel and transgresse, at Gilgal mul∣tiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years.

5 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with lea∣ven, and proclaim and pub∣lish the free-offerings; for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord God.

6 And I also have given you cleannesse of teeth in all your cities, and want of

bread•••• in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.

7 And also I have with∣holden the rain from you, when there were yet three moneths to the harvest, and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rain∣ed not, withered.

8 So two or three cities wandred unto one city to drink water, but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.

9 I have smitten you with blasting and mildew; when your gardens, and your vineyards, and your fig-trees, and your olive-trees increased, the palmer-worm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.

10 I have sent among you pestilence, after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses, and I have made the stink of your camp to come up unto your nostrils, yet have ye not re∣turned unto me, saith the Lord.

11 I have overthrown some of you, as God over∣threw Sodom and Gomor∣rah, and ye were as a fire∣brand pinckt out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.

12 Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

13 For lo, he that form∣eth the mountains, and cre∣ateth the wind, and decla∣reth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darknesse, and treadeth upon the high pla∣ces of the earth: the Lord, the God of hosts is his name.

CHAP. IV.

1. HEar ye this, which God hath revealed unto me, concerning the punishment of you, that dwell in Samaria, the Metropolis of Israel, pleasantly seated upon a high hill. You, that in so fair and sweet a place, live in ease, and plenty; and spend all your precious time in pampering of your wanton bodies, like Epicures, rather then worshipers of the true God, nay, like bruit beasts, rather then wo∣men, indued with reason, like fat kine (p) 1.42 of Basan, rather then modest, and temperate wives of such Princes, as have eminent place, and authority among the people of God. You that (in your proud, and wanton humors) scorn, and oppresse the poor, and needy. And that you may do it with more advantage) speak to your Husbands, and Rulers, to bring them some way under your command, that you may get as much out of them, as will defray the charge of

your (q) 1.43 drinking, and feasting among your merry Gossips. Hear you this message.

2. The Lord hath sworn by his own sacred Majesty, i. he hath irreversibly decreed, that the time shall come upon you ere long, wherein the enemy shall as easily and unexpectedly sur∣prise both your selves, and your pampered chil∣dren, as Fishers with their (r) 1.44 fishhooks, and other instruments of their art, use to catch the fishes, that sport about that, which is brought to bereave them of their liberty, and their life too.

3. And, for fear of the enemie, you shall be fain to creep out at the breaches, that he shall make in the walls of your Citie: every one at that breach, which she can first light upon. After this inevitable flight, you shall be taken, and at last, with shame enough cast out as far as into (s) 1.45 Armenia, that will have no such delights for you, as you enjoyed in the rich Palaces of Samaria. This is that, which God himself hath decreed against you.

4. Therefore (if you will hear your own foolish fancies, and inclinations) you had best enjoy your pleasure before you go thither. Yes, by all means (t) 1.46 get you to Bethel, and take your solemn leave of your beloved calves, erected for the worship of that place, show some of your impiety there. (u) 1.47 Then take your way toward Gilgal, to the idols of that place, there make up the full measure of your sins. Every morning with great care, and dili∣gence bring the sacrifices that should be offe∣red to God, and offer them (at your pleasure, and at your peril) to those idols, your sacred Dieties of Gilgal forsooth. And, for those (x) 1.48 tithes, which should be paid every third year in the right place, let your mistaken de∣votion (y) 1.49 pay them to your imaginary gods in three daies, if you will, and where you like best.

5. If you would yet be at more cost in your will-worship, (z) 1.50 offer also a sacrifice of Praise, and Thanksgiving to your idols, and in an offering (a) 1.51 by fire make use of leaven, which I commanded to be left out in such cases. And be sure that notice be taken of your

voluntary offerings. Blow a trumpet before you, when you go to them: some way, or other proclaim it to the world. For this plea∣seth you well, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord God, and you may therefore do it, at your peril.

6. But remember, that for this your forsa∣king of my altars at your pleasure, and showing your selves so free, and liberal in your idol-service, I also pleased my self in sending such scarcity of meat in all your Cities, that there was nothing of it to be seen sticking in your teeth. And it was accompanied as great a want of bread in all places. Yet did not these punishments produce such a repentance as brought you throughly (b) 1.52 home to me.

7. Nor did I punish you, onely with want of food for the present, but I threatned a lasting famine, and thirst by keeping the rain from you too, whereby, in your mountainous Countrie, your corn-fields were parched with heat, and your grasse withered, and those places dried up, wherein you expected your water, which is a great part of your drink. This drought you had, even in the three moneths before harvest, when you had most need of rain. And (that you might see this was cau∣sed

immediatelie by my self: not by any power in the stars; not by anie cause in nature: not by anie accident, or chance) I granted rain to some Cities and Towns, when I denied it to other neighbour-cities. Nay (which was more mira∣culous) one piece of ground was rained upon, and another hard by it, for want of rain, was dried up, and became utterlie unfruitful, and barren.

8. So that, in this great defect of water, two or three Cities were forced to travail to some other Citie (that had the benefit of some few showers) there to quench their thirst. Yet was not that City so well stored, as to let them have water, in so large a supply, as they desired. Nei∣ther would this plague work so much upon you, as to bring you to a serious repentance, and ac∣knowledgement of those sins, that drew these miseries upon you, saith the Lord.

9. Therefore I proceed against you by ano∣ther plague of blasting the corn, by a drie East-wind: and of mildew, which is a kind of jaundis in the fruit, proceeding from too much moisture. What one of these did not consume, the other commonlie corrupted, of that which came out of the earth with some hope. And as you more and more multiplied, and (c) 1.53 bestowed

cost upon your gardens, and vineyards, and your fig-trees, and olive-trees: so did I more, and more increase the number of locusts, and canker∣worms, to spoile, and devour them. So that all your cost, and labour came in the end to lit∣tle, or nothing. Yet so foolish, and obstinate you were, and so hardened in all sin, and impi∣ety, that still you continued as impenitent, as you were before, saith the Lord.

10. And when you thought, in these streights, to help your selves with corn, and other supplies out of Egypt (whither I had often charged you not to return) In your (d) 1.54 way to Egypt, and from thence, I took away some of you with the pestilence, and some with the sword of the enemy, and (among them) some of the youngest, and lustiest men, that thought they were able to make the best re∣sistance. This misery was increased by the losse of your horses (which I had charged you not to multiply to your selves) you got them in Egypt, and I took them from you, in the way from Egypt to you. Nor did I cause you to be troubled with the fight onely, but with the stinking smell of your (e) 1.55 troops, so many waies disturbed, and spent with robberie, and mor∣tality.

Yet were not you so sensible of these judgements, as to stop and re••al your selves, and be converted unto me, saith the Lord.

11. Beside all this, I brought a desolation upon some others among you, somewhat like unto that of Sodom, and Gomrrah, so that the few, that escaped, were like firebrands, with much (f) 1.56 ado, here and there, plucked out of a ter∣rible flaming fire. And still you were far enough from making your humble addresses unto me, for mercie, and forgivenesse.

12. Now therefore, since none of these sad calamities had the intended effect of your Reformation, I have reason to continue my re∣solution of bringing those and the like plagues upon you, of which I have either (g) 1.57 already forewarned you by the mouth of my Prophets: or with which I have even now expressed, how I made trial of you heretofore. Therefore be∣cause you see I am coming against you with such variety of punishments (if you will not repent) be wise now at last, O Israel, and carefully fit and prepare your selves to meet me with bended knees, and weeping eyes, and broken hearts, and unfaigned resolutions of amend∣ment of life.

13. Consider who it is, that so graciously

invites thee to meet Him by repentance, the onely means, which is now left to turn away the execution of his wrath. He so invites thee, O Israel, that hath all things in his power, and at his command. By vertue whereof He crea∣ted the mighty mountains, and, at his pleasure, raiseth the violent winds. By his infinite know∣ledge, and all-seeing eye, He can discover the innermost conceipts, meditations, and intenti∣ons of the heart of man; as well as what him∣self intends to do with him, if he do not a∣mend his life, and return to him. It is he which makes the glorious light of the morning, that grows brighter, and brighter as he mounts himself: and can cloud or eclipse that light with sodain darknesse, at his pleasure; as the sole Author, and Commander both of Light and Darknesse. It is he that walks upon those emi∣nent places of the world, that are no way per∣vious, or passible to us, and so subdues, and subjects to himself, whatsoever is exalted to the highest pitch to which it can arrive. The Lord God of Hosts is his name, and all creatures are but as his souldiers and servants, where his Mercie, or Justice will please to employ them.

CHAP. V.

1. Hear ye this word which I take up a∣gainst you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel.

2 The virgin of Israel is fallen, she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land: there is none to raise her up.

3 For thus saith the Lord God, The city that went out by a thousand, shall leave an hundred; and that which went forth by an hundred, shall leave ten to the house of Israel.

4 For thus saith the lord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live.

5 But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and passe not to Beer-sheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought.

6 Seek the Lord, and ye shall live, le••t he break out like fire in the house of Ioseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.

7 Ye who turn judgement to wormwood, and leave off righteousnesse in the earth:

8 Seek him that maketh the seven Stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and powreth them out upon the face of the earth: the Lord is his Name:

9 That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong: so that the spoiled shall come against the fortresse.

10 They hate him that rebuketh in the gate: and they abhor him that speak∣keth uprightly.

11 Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon

the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat, ye have built houses of hewen stone, but ye shall not dwell in them: ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

12 For I know your ma∣nifold transgressions, and your mighty sinnes: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.

13 Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time, for it is an evill time.

14 Seek good and not evill, that ye may live: and so the Lord the God of hosts shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

15 Hate the evill and love the good, and establish judgement in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hostes will be gracious unto the remnant of Io∣seph.

16 Therefore the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord saith thus, Wailing shall be in all streets, and they shall say in all the high-wayes, Alas, alas! and they shall call the husband-man to mourning, and such as are skilfull of lamentation, to wailing.

17 And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will passe thorow thee, saith the Lord.

18 Wo unto you that de∣sire the day of the Lord: to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is dark∣nesse and not light.

19 As if a man did flee from a Lion, and a Bear met him, or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

20 Shall not the day of the Lord be darknesse, and not light? even dark, and no brightnesse in it?

21 I hate, I despise your feast dayes, and I will not smell in your solemn assem∣blies.

22 Though ye offer me burnt offering, and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I

regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.

23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs: for I will not hear the me∣lody of thy viols.

24 But let judgement run down at waters, and righteousnesse as a mighty stream.

25 Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wildernesse fourty years, O house of Israel?

26 But ye have born the tabernacle of your Moloch, and Chiun your images; the star of your god, which ye made to your selves.

27 Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity be∣yond Damascus, saith the Lord, whose Name is the God of hosts.

CHAP. V.

1. HEar what I have to say unto you, O you children of Israel. Though it be a sad Propheticall Lamentation, yet I must speak what I am commanded, and, if that were not, I cannot but speak it over you, while I con∣sider the deep misery, and affliction, into which you have drawn your selves, by the weight of your own grievous sinnes.

2. Israel should be like a pure Virgin, in the sincere profession, and service of the true God. But now her spirituall whoredoms re∣present her, as a wanton, and impudent Har∣lot. Therefore her fall from that Virginity hath produced so deep, and great a fall into ca∣lamity,

and desolation, that (if she do not speedily prevent it by Repentance) there is little, or no hope of her rising again, and re∣covering her wonted peace, and prosperity. She is levelled with the Earth, like one ready to be buried in silence, and oblivion, and knowes of none, that are able to raise her up, and re∣duce her to her former estate.

3. In this misery, and captivity, (which I foresee as certainly coming upon her) very few will be left, in her Cities, and Villages. For thus saith the Lord God, A City in Israel, that could send out a thousand valiant men, well appointed, shall scarcely be able to show the tenth part of them left alive: And that City which could send out a hundred, shall have as little a proportion left for the house of Israel. Not the tenth part, but nine parts of ten shall be taken away by the sword, or the famine, or the pestilence.

4. Yet this sentence is not so irreversibly concluded by the Lord, against the house of Is∣aael, but that if you will now seek after your mercifull God, in that way in which only he may be found, which is in the way of Repen∣tance, you may either remove, or, at least, mi∣tigate the decree of your most just, and deserved punishment, that will otherwise cut off so many by death.

5. This Repentance must not be verball onely, but active, and reall. You must abso∣lutely renounce the service of your golden calf in Bethel. (h) 1.58 You must have no more to do in the Idolatry of Gilgal or Beersheba. For the right service of God will not consist with the worship of Idols. Therefore if you forsake not these places you must perish in them.(i) 1.59 For Gilgal must go into captivity (according to the omen in her name) And Bethel (that car∣ries in the name of it, the house of God) shall be turned to Beth-aven, which promiseth nothing but * 1.60 iniquity, vanity, and deso∣lation.

6. Therefore keep close to that way of Re∣pentance, wherein God is to be found. That's the onely way to preserve you in life, and safety. And if you be not found in that way, you expose your selves to extream danger, and know not how soon the house of Ioseph (as you call your kingdom of Israel, from the tribe of Ephraim, the greatest part in it, and the Royal tribe) may be compassed with those flames of war, that will (k) 1.61 break out on such a sudden, that the best of you, and your friends will find no time, wherein to quench, or pre∣vent them: no not in Bethel, the (l) 1.62 Kings

Court, and the eminentest place of all the kingdom.

7. And how can they look for a milder pu∣nishment, that turn Iustice (the sweetest, and loveliest of all vertues) into injury and op∣pression, which is as unwelcome, and distast∣full as the bitter wormwood: and, when they should exalt Justice (and prefer her before all other respects whatsoever) do rather suppress her, and leave her on the ground, as a thing of no value with them (that are bribed high for injustice, in the pronouncing of a false sentence, or the not executing of a just law, when it is in their power to do it.)

8. It were well, if they would amend this fault, and resolve to do Justice, in awe, and reverence of that all-seeing eye, and power∣full Majesty, that created all the glorious lamps of Heaven. Among them, He made the Pleiades, or Vergiliae (a constellation of seven stars, that ushers in the (m) 1.63 delights of the spring, and the fittest time for navigation:) and Orion (that appears about November, and threatens tempestuous, or at least (n) 1.64 incon∣stant weather, as the name it self imports.)

It is He that can turn the shadow of death (the most dismall, and palpable darknesse) into the clearest morning, and, on the contrary, the brightest day into the blackest night (which allegorically expresseth another power of his, to turn the saddest calamity into the truest felicity, and again the fairest prosperity into the greatest misery.) It is He that can call the waters out of the Sea, (drawing them in va∣pours into the clouds, by the heat of the Sun) and poure them down again upon the earth in pleasant, and comfortable showres, where, and whensoever he pleaseth. It is He whose name is Iehovah (which name showes the indepen∣dance of his own essence, that gives being to all other: and the constancy of his perfor∣mance of whatsoever he hath promised.)

9. It is he that doth often in such measure refresh, and inable a weak man, which hath been laid (n) 1.65 wast, and desolate; that he overcomes the strong. It is he that brings it so about, that a feeble man, laid desolate, shall invade, and take a strong place of defense. All these In∣stances of his power might well perswade the Israelites, that He is able to releive those that are oppressed, and wronged in their courts of Justice.

10. Yet have not they been well advised of this. For they have showed their malice against him, that (for their injustice) hath reproved them openly in the very gates of their Cities (that are their usuall places of Judicature) There have they made it known, how they use to abominate him, that speaks sincerely, ex animo, and to the purpose; as if he under∣stood the case in hand.

11. Now because you of Israel have thus un∣justly oppressed, and trampled upon the poor, not onely in your Courts of Justice (as you call them) but in other places: at your own price; taking from them burdens of wheat, which they got as a reward of their day-la∣bour, and for the releif of your family. Therefore you that (by such unjust meanes) have built you sumptuous houses of hewen stone shall not come to possesse, and enjoy them: nor shall ye stay so long in the land as to taste the wine of those fair and lovely vineyards, which you have planted upon the like purchase.

12. For I observe your manifold transgressi∣ons, those specially, wherein you afflict the just defenders of the poor, and by your bribery, and other waies keep the needy from their right, in that very place, (o) 1.66 wherein they have most reason to expect it.

13. Therefore, in such evill and corrupt times, he that is wise will spare his giving you any more good admonitions (at his own perill) which he sees will do no good upon men, wholly wedded, and devoted to their own waies of unlawfull gain, and injurious to them that rebuke them for it.

14. The thought of this may perswade you, while the punishment is yet deferred, to bethink your selves of doing that, which be∣comes the people of God, and by all meanes, avoiding such foule faults, that you may live, and escape the dangers, that hang over your heads. Do this in time, and the Lord God of Hostes will be with you, as you use to boast, that he is in the midst of you, and will preserve you from any great danger.

15. Avoid sinne, with a perfect hatred of it, and do that which is good, in pure love of ver∣tue, and goodnesse. Above all take care for the free course of Iustice, in the publick places of judgement. Then happily the Lord of Hostes will be mercifull to the poor remnant of the children of Israel, now under the power of the tribe of Ephraim, the son of Ioseph.

16. For, to no other end doth the Lord God of Hostes threaten so much, but that your Re∣pentance might timely prevent his judgements, and lay hold of his mercy. This is the intent of

that, which the Lord hath said, that there shall be mourning, not in your houses onely, but in all your streets, and lamentation in all your high-waies, and publick places. Where the ge∣nerall calamity shall joyn whole troupes of them together in the sad tone of Alas! Alas! what will become of us? Then shall they, that dwell in Cities, invite the Husbandmen to bear a part in their Lamentation: and they, that for their skill in those sad waies of Mourning, were wont to be hired to do it, in the Funerals of the richer sort of men, shall be called in: not to personate a mourner, or act a part for money, but more really, and seriously to ex∣presse that sorrow, which equally concerned them all.

17. And in all the Vineyards, where you were wont to have such merry shoutes, and chearfull acclamations, at the close of a happy Vintage, there also shall you eccho your dole∣full sighes, and outcries to one another. While I passe thorough thy land to take vengeance of all thy wickednesse, saith the Lord. That they, who would not honour me for my favours, and blessings; may acknowledge me, at least, in my righteous Judgements.

18. Then woe to them, they will be, of all other, the most unhappy, and miserable, that to their Idolatry, Injustice, and other clamo∣rous

sins, venture also to adde the sinnes of Unbeleif, Impatience, and open contempt of those many Prophetical admonitions, that have been used to reclaim them: and, in that wick∣ed disposition, are not ashamed to say. Oh when will the day of the Lord come, which the Pro∣phets have so often sounded in our eares? Is it the day of our death, or of the doom, that the whole nation must expect to be executed upon them? And will it be so terrible, as they seem to conceive? We (p) 1.67 would fain see, in earnest, what that day will prove and whether the Prophets were not much mistaken in their Predictions. For will God ever, in such manner, forsake his holy land, and the chil∣dren of Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, his dear∣est Saints? Oh that the time were come, when we might try the love of God, and see the day of the Lord, which is so talked of! Alas, poor soules! why are you so willing to see it? If you knew, what it will be to you, you would not be so earnest to hasten it forward. For, it will be a black, and dismall day, a time of extream misery, and calamity, without the mix∣ture of any light somnesse, and comfort. And do you long for such a sad, cloudy, stormy day?

19. In that day terrours, and troubles will come so thick upon you, that while you think to escape from one, you shall be over∣taken by another. As if a man should run from a roaring Lion, that hath him in pursuit, and, in the way, meet with an angry Bear with open mouth ready to devour him, and tear him in pieces: or if he should make shift to fly from the Bear too, and get safely to his own house (as his Castle of defense against all such wild beasts) and there resting his weary body, or leaning his hand on the wall, instantly a ser∣pent should come out thence, and bite him, and take him quite away by a present death.

20. Will not that be a fearfull horrid, dis∣mall day, and without any hope of light, and solace, for that time, which will have such varieties of danger, that can be no way pre∣vented: and must end, at the last, in the ruine of a flourishing kingdom, and the slaughter, or captivity of many thousands of men, wo∣men, and children?

21. To prevent this sad day of the Lord (the time of his vengeance upon impenitent, and obstinate sinners) make your peace with him In your own day (while you may call it your day) by amending your lives, and ordering your conversation aright. And do not think (without that) to please Him with

your Sacrifices, or Ceremonies, or any out∣ward Act of seeming Obedience, that pro∣ceeds not from a faithfull, and pure Heart. For, will you hear what the Lord himself saith of them? I was so far from taking plea∣sure in them, that I ever hated, and abhorred, your Festivall Dayes: And your sweet incense, or what else you offered in my house, at the time of your solemn assemblies, was not accepted by me, as any sweet savour, unlesse (with all) Piety and sincerity, and integrity of life did commend you unto me.

22 You thought that you did me great service in your Holocausts, and other oblations, but they never moved me so much, as to look fa∣vourably upon them, because you did not (with them) offer your selves, your soules, and bodies, as a reasonable, and lively sacri∣fice unto me. That's the oblation and holo∣caust, which the other were but to figure, and put you in mind of. And for your fat peace-offerings (which should have been the Inter∣preters of your thankfull hearts) they never gained any good liking from me, because the heart, and life of them was wholy wanting.

23. Away with the bawling noise, and tedi∣ous iteration of your Songs, and Hymnes, that you do not sing with the spirit, and with un∣derstanding as if you were truely affected

with, what you sing: And such have yours commonly been. The like I may say of your Psalteries, and Harps, and other Instruments, which, being accompanied with sweet voices, you presented before me, as rare melodious Musick. But it was contradicted with such a discord in your lives, and actions, that it came into my eares, like a harsh sound not to be in∣dured. For, it is the harmony of good hearts, and the constant exercise of holy Vertues, that I account the sweetest Musick.

24. Especially, the constant execution of Iustice, and Iudgement. To see them passe smoothly, and faeirly on in your publick Courts, not like water onely, but like a mighty torrent; with such plenty, and facility, that every cause might have a just sentence, freely, and hearti∣ly delivered, without bribes, without delaies, and unnecessary demurrs: This would please me, above all Musick, above all Sacrifice.

25. But how often did you offer me any (such) sacrifice, and oblation, in the time of your fourty yeares safe conduct about the wil∣dernesse, O house of Israel? when I fed you, and protected you from all evill, though you many a time, rebelled against me. The wilder∣nesse indeed could not often supply you with outward, and legal sacrifices; but who hinder∣ed you from offering the inward, and spirituall

sacrifice of Piety, Obedience and Thankfulness, which is the service, that I chiefly desired? For the main intention of your other sacrifices, was onely to keep you from Idolatry, and to exercise your obedience, and thankful acknow∣ledgements unto me.

26. Though, on the contrary, many of your nation, at that time, in the wildernesse, were exercised in flat disobedience, and Idolatrie. For, you carried about with you (q) 1.68 the shrine of Moloch (a King, and Idol of the Moabites) and Chiun (or Remphan) one of those Ima∣ges, which you represented in a (r) 1.69 star, pecu∣liar to them. These were the (s) 1.70 types, these the Deities, which you made to your selves, af∣ter your own idle fancies, forgetting the true God, that made you, and those Creatures, to which you exhibited divine honour.

27. For those impieties I will cause you to be carried away captive (not to Damascus, or any place so near your own Countrey, whence you have the more hope to return, but) far (t) 1.71 beyond Damascus, saith the Lord, whose name is the God of Hostes, whose will, and pleasure cannot be resisted.

CHAP. VI.

1. WOe to them that are at ease in Zi∣on, and trust in the mountain of Sama∣ria, which are na∣med chiefe of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came.

2 Passe ye unto Calneh, and see, and from thence goe ye to Hemath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistins: be they better then these kingdomes? or their border greater then your border?

3 Ye that put farre away the evill day, and cause the seat of violence to come neer:

4 That lie upon beds of Ivorie, and stretch themselves up∣on

their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall:

5 That chaunt to the sound of the violl, and invent to themselves instru∣ment of musick, like David:

6 That drinke wine in bowles, and anoint them∣selves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Io∣seph.

7 Therefore now shall they goe cap∣tive, with the first that goe captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves, shall be removed.

8 The LORD GOD hath sworne by himselfe, saith the LORD the GOD of hosts, I abhorre the excel∣lencie of Iacob, and hate his pala∣ces: therefore will I deliver up the citie, with all that is therein.

9 And it shall come to passe, if there remain ten men in one house, that they shall die.

10 And a mans Vncle shall take him up, and he

that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house, and shall say unto him that is by the sides of the house, Is there yet any with thee? and he shall say, No. Then shall he say, Hold thy tongue, for we may not make mention of the name of the Lord.

11 For behold, the Lord commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts.

12 Shall horses run up∣on the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgement into gall, and the fruit of righteousnesse into hem∣lock.

13 Ye which rejoyce in a thing of nought, which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?

14 But behold, I will raise up against you a nati∣on, O house of Israel, saith the Lord, the God of Hosts, and they shall afflict you from the entring in of He∣math, unto the river of the wildernesse.

CHAP. VI.

1. WOe be to you (both of Iudah, and Israel) that (taking no pitie upon others in great want and distresse: nor aba∣ting any thing of your jollitie and luxurie to relieve them: nor so much as being thankful to God for what you enjoy) do live in ease, and security, in Sion and Samaria, never troubled with any remorse for your sins, or any fear of the punishment, that hangs over your heads.

You that trust (not in God, but) in the strength of Mount Sion, and the mountain of Samaria; securing your selves, in that you have found out a shelter in Syria, Egypt, and other conn∣tries, and are (u) 1.72 called by the names of the chief of those great men in other nations, to (x) 1.73 whom the house of Israel use to (y) 1.74 apply themselves, as to their noble Patrons, and Pro∣tectors, in time of danger.

2. That you may know, how you do but flatter your selves, in relying upon such forein hopes, go to Chalne (a famous Citie in Assyria) and Hamath the great (once the glorie of Syria) Thence come nearer unto Gath, the chief strength of the Philistims. Inquire first, what happen∣ed to them: then let this question be asked of your selves. Are (z) 1.75 you in a better estate, then these eminent places in those Kingdoms? or do you extend your borders wider then they did? have you larger possessions then they had? Why then do not you admonish your selves, by their example, that your glorie may be laid in the dust, as theirs was?

3. (a) 1.76 Wo be to you, that perswade your selves, the time of affliction is far enough from you, and therefore you may be the bolder with your too-much authority over others, and domi∣neer, as in a throne of ease, and liberty, and op∣pression.

4. Wo be to them that lie upon sumptuous, and large Ivorie beds, where they have room enough to stretch themselvss in wantonnesse and lazinesse. And, after that ease, are wont to pamper themselves at a full and costlie ta∣ble, feeding upon the tenderest, choicest lambs, that can be found in all the flock: and calves purposely fatted for them in the stall.

5. Wo be to them, that spend too much of their time in mirth, and jollitie: singing divi∣sion to the (b) 1.77 sound of the Psalterie, and other rare instruments of Musick, which they have made special choice of for themselves. And to which they think they have as fair a pretense, in the abuse of Musick, as King David had to delight himself in his Heavenlie Hymns, or otherwise to recreate, and refresh himself with it, when he was tired with his more serious employments.

6. Wo be to them that make too much of themselves, and show no pitie of others: drink∣ing

their wine (not in little cups, as others do, but) in great bowls (to drown the memorie of all sorrow) and annointing themselves with costly ointments (not moderatelie for health, and neatnesse, as is the custom in the Eastern parts, but wantonlie in excesse) As not asha∣med to show their vanitie and profusenesse in expenses upon themselves, while they spare litle, or nothing for the relief of their (c) 1.78 own countrymen, that are in need, and miserie.

7. Therefore, after a little while, they shall go in the head of the captives (among them, that are first carried into captivitie) because they were ever ready to be the first ringleaders to all sin. And there will be a speedy end of all the banquets (even the (d) 1.79 funeral banquets) of those luxurious feasters, that stretched them∣selves, as they pleased, upon their beds.

8. For the Lord God hath sworn by Himself, saith the Lord God of Hosts, (i. He himself hath assured us, that He hath passed this, as an unchangeable decree, saying) I abhor the pride of all the children of Israel, and whatsoever they use to boast of, though it be the Temple it self. Therefore not that onelie, but their Palaces, and greatest buildings (raised out of

briberie, and extortion, and for that cause ha∣ted by me: Their Cities also and People, (or whatsoever it is wherewith they are now plenty∣fully stored) will I, when I see my time, give up into the power of a cruel enemie.

9. And if it chance, that some few (escaping the furie of war) be left in one house: they also shall perish, (by famine, or pestilence, or some other untimelie death.)

10. Then if the Vncle, or any near kinsman, to one that dies in the house, shall come thither to order that the dead corps may be thence re∣moved, and burned (to prevent the infection of others) If he shall say to any one that is (e) 1.80 within the house, Be there any more left alive with thee? One of the house shall an∣swer, None are left, they are all dead, or un∣likelie to live. Then he shall reply; (f) 1.81 Say no more, if that be the case of them. Leave thy tears, and complaints, and be quiet, and pa∣tient. It is too late for us now, to betake our selves, by praiers, to the name of Almighty God. This is the time of his just vengeance, for our mentioning him so little before, and having our idols so often in our mouths.

11 Now we must all look for a heavy blow. For God will command our enemies, the exe∣cutioners

of his wrath, to smite all houses, Palaces, and Cotages alike, with such breaches, and (g) 1.82 ruines, as shall not easily be repaired, (utter ruines will be seen in Israel, and great breaches in Judah.)

12. But I prophesie to them, that have no ears to hear, nor hearts that can be mollified. It is as hard, and unlikely a thing to move them to repentance, as to make horses run upon slip∣perie rocks, or oxen plow there, with good suc∣cesse. He must change the course of nature, that can do so. And he must work as great a miracle, that will prevail with them for repen∣tance and satisfaction, that have turned Iustice, and Righteousnesse (the sweetest of all vertues) into tyrannie, and oppression, which are as bitter, and unwelcome to the honest afflicted heart, as gall, and wormwood to the taste.

13. Wo be to you, that, from the root of pride, have brought forth such cruelty, and injustice, and yet are not humbled at the re∣proof it. You triumph in your own wealth, and puissance, and command which are as a matter of nothing. For you say, Have not we, by our own strength, and power, pushed down the strong forts of our enemies, as it were with horns,

which they were not able to resist, (h) 1.83 and so made our selves glorious conquerours? But this arrogance will not arme, and de∣fend you against such adversaries as. I shall send.

14 For behold I will raise up against you (the Assyrians) a fierce, and potent nation, O house of Israel, saith the Lord God of Hosts. And as you have persecuted, and oppressed the poor righteous man, so they shall oppresse and hunt after you, and drive you before them from one corner of the Countrie to another: from the entring in of Hamath, (near (i) 1.84 Epiphania) to that which is called the (k) 1.85 river of the plain, or of the wilder∣nesse because of the barren, and desert pla∣ces, through which it runs) that you may be pursued in the very place, which you boast that you have (l) 1.86 added to the Kingdom of Israel.

CHAP. VII.

1 THus hath the Lord God shewed unto me, and behold, he formed grashoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth: and lo, it was the latter growth af∣ter the Kings mowings.

2 And it came to passe that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said; O Lord God, forgive I be∣seech thee, by whom shall Iacob arise? for he is small.

3 The Lord repented for this. It shall not be, saith the Lord.

4 Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me, and behold, the Lord God called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part.

5 Then said I, O Lord, cease, I bseeech thee, by whom shall Iacob arise? for he is small.

6 The Lord repented for this. This also shall not be, saith the Lord God.

7 Thus he shewed me, and behold, The Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line in his hand.

8 And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumb-line. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel, I will not again passe by them any more.

9 And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the Sanctuaries of Is∣rael shall be laid wast: and I will rise against the house of Ieroboum with the sword.

10 Then Amaziah the Priest of Beth-el sent to

Ieroboam King of Israel, saying; Amos hath conspi∣red against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his word.

11 For thus Amos saith, Ieroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive, out of their own land.

12 Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou Seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Iudah, and there eat bread, and pro∣phesie there.

13 But prophesie not a∣gain any more at Bethel: for it is the Kings chap∣pel, and it is the kings court.

14 Then answered A∣mos, and said to Amaziah, I was no Prophet, neither was I a prophets son, but I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of Sycomore fruit.

15 And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesie unto my peo∣ple Israel.

16 Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord, Thou sayest, Prophesie not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.

17 Therefore thus saith the Lord; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land, and Israel shall surely go into captivi∣ty forth of his land.

CHAP. VII.

1. NOw I shall acquaint you with some afflictions, which, by way of punish∣ment, had fallen heavily upon the people, if I had not interposed my earnest praiers, as I was their Prophet. For, The Lord God was pleased to show me a vision. It was in the Spring time, when the earth was yet in her prime, and glorie, in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth, of the fruit of the earth, after the mowing of the hay, or cutting down of the corn, that belonged to the King. (Jero∣boam, the son of Joas) Then appeared to me God himself, forming of locusts, that could ne∣ver come at a worse time, to do mischief to the fruit of the ground, and were as an Em∣bleme of his gathering a vast, and pernicious (a) 1.87 armie, that would quickly over-run, and destroy a fruitful, and pleasant land.

2. And it came to passe. When the locusts seemed very busie, in cosuming the grasse, and other fruit of the land, and had done much harm already to it: I said, Lord God be favourable

and gratious to thy people. Let not these lo∣custs, that use to make the way to a terrible famine, prove a Prophetical prediction of a numerous, and destructive Hoste, that shall, for our sins, invade, and lay waste so rich and flou∣rishing a Country. For, who shall then raise up a∣gain the Posteritie of Iacob, which are(b) 1.88 already much exhausted, and brought low by former ca∣lamities.

3. Upon my humble petition, the Lord re∣pented of this great judgement, saying, it should not proceed, He would alter, or mitigate the intended burden of the vision (by making Pul, and his Souldiers be content to be ap∣peased with money, and voide the King∣dom.)

4. & 5. I must not conceal another vision, at which I was more amazed: a vision, and prediction of a more furious enemie, that con∣sumed all before him, like a flaming (c) 1.89 fire, (an element that hath no mercie) And in this manner, it was revealed unto me by the Lord God himself. Behold, he called (to his Angels, and other Ministers) for a judgement by fire to be brought upon his people. This fire was so

violent, that it seemed to be devouring the great deep (i. readie to lick up, and consume manie of the people, that are often compared to the manie boisterous, and raging waters of the great deep) and it had already devoured part of them, (or of the (d) 1.90 Countrie) Then said I, O Lord God stay thine anger: For, how shall the children of Iacob subsist after this? Such a heavie judgement will so exhaust them, that they will hardlie ever be able, to recover their strength again.

6. (e) 1.91 So the Lord repented of this also, I will not now go on with this way of revenge, saith the Lord God.

7. Another time, the Lord showed me a third Vision in this manner. Behold the Lord stood upon a wall made by line, and there was a line in his hand,

8. And (that I might give the more heed to it) the Lord God said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, I see a line. Then saith the Lord, Behold, I will now make use of the strict line of Iustice, in examining the faults of my people Israel. I will not so easily passe them by, with such connivence, as I did before, taking

little notice of many offences.

9. Upon my strickt marking of what is done amisse, it will soon follow, that the high places of (f) 1.92 Israel, erected to the honour of their false gods, will be made desolate, and the titular Sanctuaries consecrated to the calves in Dan, and Bethel, will be laid waste. And, before that, I will rise against the house af Ieroboam, the son of Joas, with the sword. And Zacharie his son shall perish by the sword of Shallum, and in him shall that familie be extinct, and the Kings of Israel decay more and more, till they are quite ruined by the Assyrian.

10. When Amaziah, the chief idolatrous Priest of Bethel, understood of these three unwelcom pro∣phesies, likely to be many waies prejudicial to him, & his fellow Priests, if it should be known, and believed by the people, He sent to Ieroboam the son of Joas, then King of Israel, saying, Amos hath done that which tends to rebellion, and hath ventured to do it within thy own kingdom, in the middest of thy leige Subjects, the house of Israel, divulging such strange pro∣phesies, and in such plain terms, as the land cannot and should not endure, being they do ap∣parantly tend to intestine sedition, and are

sufficient to provoke the people to usurp that authoritie, for the punishment of Amos, which properlie belongs to the King, or such as he shall please to impower. Therefore it were not amisse, to advise quicklie, what shall be done with such a one.

11. For thus saith Amos, of the King. King Ieroboam shall die by the sword: and of the people he saith, Israel shall be led away captive into a strange land, as if God would cast off your Majestie, and his people, and forget the great cost, and diligence which is bestowed in Bethel, upon his publick service.

12. Thus Amaziah accused the Prophet Amos, with much subtiltie, and impudence, and verie falslie, for he said nothing of the person, but of the house of the King. Yet least this his malicious accusation of the Prophet should not succeed, according to his desire, he fell to foul words, and menacies, and said, Heark you, you Seer, You had best be packing hence into Iudah, and there get a poor living, as you may, by your heretical doctrine, and false prophesies. For here is no place for such as you are.

13. Let us hear no more of you at Bethel. For here is the Kings Chappel, and the Kings Court. Therefore it cannot but be verie dan∣gerous for you, to hanker hereabouts: but in

Iudah, I believe, your prophesies against us may passe with the good liking, and applause of all.

14. To this virulent and threatning speech, Amos made answer, with an humble, but an un∣daunted spirit, and said to Amaziah. I did neither usurpe, nor ambitiously affect the place, or title of a Prophet: nor had I by birth, or suc∣cession, or education in the Schools of the Pro∣phets, any claim, or pretense unto it. For indeed I was brought up among flocks of sheep, (g) 1.93 and herds of cattel, not in the Schools, not in the Court, but) as a gatherer of sycomores for bruit beasts, rather then an instructer of men,

15. Though it pleased God to take me from following the stock, and lay this necessitie upon me of prophesying to his people of Israel. There∣fore I must obey the divine calling, rather then your pleasure, and advise, or the command of the King (if he should so injoine me, as you would have him.) For, who shall excuse me, when he saith, Go, prophesie unto this people.

16. Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord. Thou, that saiest, (h) 1.94 Drop not thy Pro∣phetical words against Israel. We desire not that one drop of them should fall upon (i) 1.95 our nati∣on.

For we take them to be no drops from hea∣ven, but meerlie from your own lips.

16. Therefore (as imperious, and perempto∣rie, as thou art, I will prophesie a little plainer of what will nearlie concern thee. Thus saith the Lord. Thy wife, in this very City, (k) 1.96 shall have her body abused, before thy face, by the Assyrian souldiers. (This will rub the memo∣rie of that spiritual whoredom, that hath been practised, and maintained by thee, as chief Priest in this Citie) Thy sons also and thy daugh∣ters (all nuzled in the same idolatrie) shall be cut off by the Assyrian swords. And thy idola∣trous Country shall be divided by (l) 1.97 line, among those strangers which the King of Assyria will send hither. And thou shalt die (not in this ho∣ly Citie, as thou accountest it, but) in a pro∣phane land, among the heathen. And all Israel, (as I foretold) shall be carried captive from hence into Assyria, for contenming the fair pre∣dictions, and gracious admonitions, that were afforded to them.

CHAP. VIII.

1 THus hath the Lord God shewed unto me, and behold, a basket of summer fruit.

2 And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit, Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again passe by them any more.

3 And the songs of the Temples shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord God; there shall be many dead bodies in every place, they shall cast them forth with silence.

4 Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

5 Saying, When will the new Moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the Ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying, the balances by deceit?

6 That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shooes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?

7 The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Iacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

8 Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as by the floud of Egypt.

9 And it shall come to passe in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the Sun to go down at noon, and I wil darken the earth in the clear day.

10 And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamen∣tation, and I will bring up sackcloath upon all loins, and baldnesse upon every head, and I will make it as the mourning of an one∣ly son, and the end thereof as a bitter day.

11 Behold, the daies come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, not a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.

12 And they shall wan¦der from sea to sea, and- from the North even to the East: they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.

13 In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.

14 They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy God, O Dan, li∣veth, and the manner of Beer-sheba liveth, even thy shall fall, and never rise up again.

CHAP. VIII.

1. A fourth (a) 1.98 vision likewise did the Lord God show unto me, And, behold, It was a basket of ripe summer-fruit.

2. And (that I might the more heedfully observe the meaning of the vision) the Lord said, What seest thou, Amos? I answered, A

basket of ripe summer-fruit. Then the Lord said unto me. The (b) 1.99 end is coming upon my people of Israel. For, as when fruit is fully ripe, men use to pluck it from the tree, (least it should rot and corrupt the sooner) so they being ripe for judgement shall be taken from their Coun∣trie. (c) 1.100 I will passe by their sins no more, in such patience, and connivence, as I have for∣merlie used toward them.

3. And their merrie songs in their stately (d) 1.101 Palaces, shall be turned into fearful howling in that day, saith the Lord God. And (e) 1.102 many bodies of dead men shall want the honour of the wonted funeral rites: being privily (f) 1.103 cast aside, by them that will endeavour to conceal their miserie: least their own men should be too much disheartned, or the enemie encoura∣ged, by seeing what a number perish by famine, pestilence, or discontent, before the sword come near them.

4. It will highly concern you to take notice of this prophesie, and vision, that are are come to so high a degree of covetousnesse and op∣pression, that you are ripe enough to be taken

off from any further benefit of life. You that could find in your hearts to devour the poor, and (g) 1.104 meek, and humble men, and quite obli∣terate the name, and memory of them from the earth, that you alone might injoy the good things of this life.

5. You that say, When will the New Moon, and the Sabbath be gone? (we like not these Festival daies, they are prejudicial to us, that might every day make our markets. It were not amisse, if they were quite put out of the Kalender) that we might be wholly employed in selling our corn, and opening our granaries of wheat, and practising the art we have in making our measures lesse, and raising the value of our coin, and falsifying our weights by sleight, and deceit.

6. That when we have, by these tricks, cheat∣ed, and beggered the poor, we may have an easie purchase of them, and their goods, and all that they have, for a little sum of money; or for as poor a thing as the present supply of (h) 1.105 a pair of shooes, when they are cold, and needy: or by putting off to them, at our own price, the very refuse of our wheat, that we know not o∣therwise how to dispose of.

7. Therefore the Lord, in his justice, hath

fully resolved, and sworn by Himself, whom all will acknowledge to be the (i) 1.106 glorie of his people (k) 1.107 Israel, that since they so often for∣get the interest, that they have in this high title, or abuse it by making themselves guilty of such wicked deeds, I will not forget to pu∣nish any of their evill courses. I will surelie do it, saith the Lord.

8. For, Why should I not make the land tremble, and all her inhabitants mourn for these things? Why shall not this deluge of sin in this nation make her (l) 1.108 punishment overflow, and overwhelm her in every part: as the (m) 1.109 Ri∣ver Nilus in Egypt, ascends by degrees, and, at last, ovorflows her banks, and covers all the face of Egypt with her inundations.

9. When that day of revenge riseth upon them, saith the Lord God, I will make all their joy, and comfort to vanish on a sodain, as if the Sun of a clear day should set upon them in a dark, and dismal cloud before he had run half his course.

10. And I will turn your merry festivals, (n) 1.110 and gaudy daies into daies of mourning: and your pleasant songs into doleful lamentati∣ons:

(o) 1.111 your rich, and loose apparel into course * 1.112 sackcloth girded about your loines: and your neat heads of hair into bald pates: that your outward garb may speak your inward sorrow for your heavy calamitie. Nay, I will bring the land of Israel to that passe, and that high de∣gree of mourning, that, in all the chiefest pla∣ces, men shall be found in as sad postures, and bitter exclamations, as a tender Mother useth to expresse in the funerals of her onely son. And, how jolly and chearful soever they have been, they shall close up their last times in great bit∣ternesse of woe, and miserie.

11. There is yet worse news behind, if it were rightly apprehended. Behold the time is coming, saith the Lord God, wherein I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread onely, or a thirst of water: but a want of spi∣ritual food too, and of the water of life, a scarcity of the word of God, specially of the word of prophesie, which you neglect when it is offered, and therefore it will not be heard, when you long for it.

12. For they that are now so coy, and dain∣ty, that no Prophets can please them, shall then compasse about from Sea to Sea. They shall run to and fro, from one corner of the Country to

another, to seek the word of the Lord, purely, and sincerely taught, and shall not find it.

13. Then shall even the succulent bodies of fair damsels, and proper young men in the flow∣er of their age, be ready to faint and wither away for thirst.

14. This shall happen to them, that swear by the idols of Samaria, (near Bethel) as if they had no true Deitie to swear by. To them that have this form of oath [as thy Diety lives, O Dan] in imitation of their former oath [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as they Lord lives] To them that swear thus [as the living God is rightly worshipped, in that kind of service which is used in Beer∣sheba] or [as I wish, that the course, and reli∣gious way of Beersheba may thrive] These men shall fall from their former prospe∣rous estate, and shall never be restored to that, or so much as to their Country a∣gain.

CHAP. IX.

1 I Saw the Lord stand∣ing upon the Altar, and he said, Smite the lin∣tel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head all of them, and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them, shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them, shall not be deli∣vered.

2 Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them: though they climbe up to heaven, thence will I bring them down.

3 And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence, and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them.

4 And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I com∣mand the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

5 And the Lord God of Hosts is he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn, and it shall rise up wholly like a floud, and shall be drowned as by the floud of Egypt.

6 It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troup in the earth, he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and powreth them out upon the face of the earth: the Lord is his Name.

7 Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord? have not I brought up Israel out of the

land of Egypt? and the Philistins from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?

8 Behold, the eies of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lord.

9 For lo, I will com∣mand, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.

10 All the sinners of my people shal die by the sword, which say: The evill shall not overtake nor prevent us.

11 In that day will I raise up the Tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches there∣of, and I will raise up his cumes, and I will build it as in the daies of old.

12 That they may pos∣sesse the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen; which are called by my Name, saith the Lord that doth this.

13 Behold, the daies come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the t••eader of grapes him that soweth seed, and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.

14 And I will bring a∣gain the captivity of my people of Israel: and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof: they shall also make gar∣dens, and eat the fruit of them.

15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God.

CHAP. IX.

1. I Come now to a vision, that chiefly con∣cerns Ierusalem, and the two Tribes. I saw (in the spirit) a glorie representing the Majesty of God) not (a) 1.113 appearing between the Che∣rubims, as formerly he used to do, but nearer the end of the Temple, as if he were depart∣ing from that sacred place, and leaving his Sanctuary by degrees. For I saw the Lord) standing upon the Altar of the Holocausts, as ready to slay those wicked men of Judah, that had highly provoked his Justice and Anger to be showed amongst them, and to make such a (b) 1.114 sacrifice of them, as he never calls for, but when he comes to be revenged of great sin∣ners. And he said to some Angel attending at that time, (or as exciting the army of the Chaldaeans) Smite the lintel of the door, in such a manner that the posts may shake: which signified a great blow, by his own command, to be given to them, that were thought to be most eminent, and most able to support and give aid to the Temple, and the whole nation

to whom it belonged. He said moreover, Cut them all, or strike all (c) 1.115 through in th•• head piece. q. d.. Let them that are in the high∣est place (the guides and governours of the people) have the first, and greatest blow, that, in them, others may see their doom. And after that, I will slay the last of them also (the lowest of the people) with the sword of a cruel ene∣mie: and with such a slaughter, that He who thinks to secure himself by flight, or any other way of evading the stroke of the enemie, shall no way escape that, unlesse he fall into their power, for a worse punishment of long captivity. Which doth not yet exempt him from their striking hand, when they shall have a mind to command his life.

2. And if there were any way to escape the enemie, yet none of them should escape me. For, who can run so far, or so fast, that divine vengeance shall not overtake him? Where is such a secret corner to be found, wherein that will not find him out? If any of them could (d) 1.116 dig as deep as hell, to fit themselves with a dark, and obscure lurking place, thence should my powerful hand pluck them out. If they could

climb as high as heaven (far enough out of their enemies reach) thence also would I tumble them down.

3. If they could lie scouting, and sculking in the unfrequented caves, and holes upon the top of high Carmel (where no enemy would search for them) yet there would I hunt them out, and cast them down from thence. If it were possible that they could conceal themselves from my sight in the bottom of the sea: I have Whales, and (e) 1.117 Serpents of the deep that should pursue them, and bite them, and fright them out of that refuge.

4. Could they be so subtle as to prevent the captivity of their enemies, and be gone into theirs or some other land (f) 1.118 before they come near them; yet thither will I bring the sword of those verie enemies to cut them off, and spoil all their plots. For the eye of my favour, and providence shall not watch over them for good. I will ra∣ther be intent upon what may help on the just, and severe punishment of all their sins.

4. Where then shall they think to be safe, (in the time of his anger) that offend such a powerful God, whom nothing will be able to resist? He is the Lord God of Hosts, (whom all things obey, as an Army ever ready for the execution of his mercie or justice) of such power, that if He do but touch a land, with that touch he can make it melt, like wax, before Him: and all the inhabitants of the land, miserablie, and lamentably to fade away, and consume; by some calamity, that shall overwhelm them and * 1.119 drown them in sorrow, and destruction, with a sodain inundation, like that of the River Nilus in Egypt, when it breaks over' all the banks.

6. He fills Heaven and earth with the Ma∣jesty of his Glorie. In Heaven he hath built his several (g) 1.120 Ascents, by which we may climb to the speculation of it. The nearest to us are the heavenly Orbes, that are created and moved by Him, and their peculiar degrees of elevati∣on one above another. Over those Orbes is his spacious Court and glorious Palace in a

higher Heaven, and, in that, his Royal Throne, where he sits, as in the highest Ascent of Ma∣jestie. Vpon the earth, if we consider not the whole globe together as one (h) 1.121 bundle (and a little one too, or a little handful in the eye of God) we may observe the several bundles of united creatures, that he hath placed over the earth (which is as it were the foundation of all the rest. As first, that of the Elements, that have their proper bounds: then, out of them, that of the Vegetables and sensible, and rational creatures that have their several waies of combination: yet altogether make but a little handful before him, (i) 1.122 that can measure the heavens and the earth with a span. He calls for the waters of the sea, in his anger by a de∣luge, or in his love to ascend up in vapours, that he may poure them down again (k) 1.123 into the lap of the earth, to make her fruitful in all manner of store. He that doth all this, well may he have the name of the Lord, and Com∣mander of all.

7. Therefore account not your selves onely

to be the servants. For, in that respect, what priviledge have you above all his creatures, or above all other nations? You that descend from Israel, are not you, in that point, the same to me, saith the Lord, as any other, as they (for instance) that came from the Cushites, a base, and servile nation, in your account? To me (your Creator, and Lord) you are the same, though you may be more excellent, in respect of some other people, that have not receaved so much from me, as you have. There is no∣thing in your selves, but in my favour onely, that distinguisheth you from all others. Nor have my favours been wanting to others, though they have exceeded towards you. For as I brought you out of Egypt (where your servitude, though you have almost forgot it, was greater then that of the Cushites) so I brought the Philistims also from (l) 1.124 Caphtor (or Cappadocia) and the Syrians from Kir (or that part of (m) 1.125 Media, that lies by the river Cyrrus.)

8. My care, and providence hath extended to others, but much more to you, that have been most ingratefull and disobedient. Yet have you larger promises of mercie, then any other. For, Behold (and you have great

reason to take notice of it) The eies of the Lord God (that created and governs all: and sets up, or puls down kingdoms, at his pleasure) are intent upon every sinful kingdom, to destroy it from the face of the earth, unlesse they repent: (n) 1.126 Yet (for my promise sake to your Forefa∣thers) I will not utterly destroy the whole nati∣on, and people of Israel, saith the Lord.

9. I will indeed, by my own command, so order it, that the Israelites, for their sins, shall be dispersed, and tossed about, among the nati∣ons, as corn is shaked, and moved about, when it is sifted in a sieve, or winnowed with the fan: but the chaff onely shall flie away, the least grane, or scruple shall not fall to the earth. Afflictions may purge, or trie the best amongst them, but they shall not consume them.

10. The worst, and most obstinate of my peo∣ple I shall cut off by the sword, that amend not their lives upon fair admonition, and yet pre∣sume that God will not let the evil day so hasti∣ly overtake, and prevent them, but that God will deliver them at last, as he hath done their fore∣fathers in many feares, and dangers, which they have fallen into.

11. Their securitie may undo them. But there is a day coming, wherein I will (By Zoro∣babel)

restore the state of the (o) 1.127 Church, and kingdom of David, and whatsoever under his Successors was gone much to decay. Which you may look upon as a (p) 1.128 type of the kingdom of the Messiah, and setling of religion by him. Which will be the true repairing of all breaches, and raising up the ruines made by Scribes and Pharises, and other enemies of the Church, and building up the Kingdom of the true Israel of God, in greater perfection, then ever it saw before.

12. That my people, or they (q) 1.129 that are cal∣led mine, (i. my Apostles, and Servants, and their Successors, whom I shall use in the restau∣ration of the Church) (r) 1.130 may take a kind of spiritual possession of the Gentiles in my name, (bringing them within the pale of the Church,

and fould of the great Shepherd of our souls) (t) 1.131 Even of the greatest enemies of the Church, as the Edomites were to the Iews. At least of a (u) 1.132 remnant of them, i. so many of them as shall return, by true repentance, and obedi∣ence from their opposing of the truth. So saith the Lord Himself, that will be the main Agent in this great work; and make use of his Mes∣sengers, as instruments for that purpose, to effect what he hath often, and most gratiously promised, for the restoring and enlarging of his Church, by the conversion, and accesse, not of Gentiles onely, but of enemies too, to be in∣corporated into one mystical body, whereof the Messias shall be the head.

13. Behold, that joyful time is at hand, wherein the abundance of Gods spirituall gra∣ces shall be prefigured in the plenty of all out∣ward blessings. (x) 1.133 The harvest shall be so long, that it shall extend, till the time of plowing the earth again. And from the beginning of vintage to the sowing of new seed, there will be employ∣ment enough in gathering of grapes, and tread∣ing the Winepresse, and furnishing all the Cellars

with wine. Of which there shall be such store, as if the mountains dropped, and distilled sweet wine, and the hills (that use to be drie and barren) were resolved, and moistened with the overflowings (y) 1.134 of milk. Which may figure the plenty of spiritual food, and heavenly com∣forts, that shall attend the coming of the Messias.

14. And I will bring the captives home again (i. such as (a) 1.135 have been detained under the power of sin, and Satan) and they shall rebuild the waste Cities, and re-inhabit them (i. restore and settle the true worship of God, where it was neglected) And they shall (b) 1.136 plant Vine∣yards, and drink the wine thereof (i. found (b) 1.137 Churches, and tast the fruit of their labours bestowed upon the Church) and they shall make gardens, and eat the fruit of them, (i. the maledictions of the (c) 1.138 Law being taken away, they shall be blessed in propagating the Gos∣pel, and the true service of God, for the in∣crease of those spiritual graces, that are like fragrant flowers in the garden of the Church.

15. And I will plant them upon their land,

which I will give them: (d) 1.139 out of which they shall be no more plucked up again. i. In the Para∣dise of the Church, they shall be like Trees of (e) 1.140 Righteousnesse, so planted, that they shall take deep and firm root. Nothing shall sepa∣rate them from the love and service of God. (f) 1.141 Neither shall the gates of hell (the extrea∣mest dangers, or terrors) be able to prevail against them. Thus saith the Lord thy God to thee,(g) 1.142 O Amos, (or to thee, whosoever, that art in the number of the true Israel of God.) Thou maist safely believe it, and undertake that all these things shall certainly come to passe.

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & ••es, & verba signif.
• (b) 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 may signifie either one that is onely a keeper of sheep; or one that is a master of sheep, as was Mesa King of Moab, that paid to the King of Israel a hundred thousand lambs, and as many rams with the wool. 4. Reg. 3. 4. But Amos seems to have kept both sheep and greater cattle, see chap. 7. 15.
• (c) 1.3

  Sic 2. Cor. 12. 2. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 — &c. Vide Hieron. & Iosephum. & Zach. 14. 5.
• (d) 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (e) 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 metaph. ab iis, qui apud Iudaes fruges excutere solebant per instrumentae gravia, & fer••o munita. Simile de cribro. Luc. 22. 31.
• (e) 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 metaph. ab iis, qui apud Iudaes fruges excutere solebant per instrumentae gravia, & ferio munita. Simile de cribro. Luc. 22. 31.
• (g) 1.7

  i. The place of pleasure.
• (h) 1.8

  Vt expnoitur v. 3.
• (i) 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 captivitatem pacificam.
• (k) 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (l) 1.11

  4 Reg. 18. 8.
• (m) 1.12

  Vt exposuimns, v. 3.
• (n) 1.13

  Vide v. 6.
• (o) 1.14

  Reg. 9. 13.
• (o) 1.15

  Reg. 9. 13.
• (p) 1.16

  Ezek. 26. 7. & chap. 27. & 28.
• (q) 1.17

  Sic exponitur, v. 3.
• (r) 1.18

  Vt exposuimus, v. 3.
• (s) 1.19

  Jer, 49. 1.
• (t) 1.20

  Jer, 49, 2.
• (u) 1.21

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 per Regem eorum, vel Molochum exponi potest.
• (x) 1.22

  Expon. ut cap. 1. 3, 13.
• (y) 1.23

  quis hic fuerit, nec ex Sacra Scriptura, nec alibi, ut opinor, inveniri potest, Illud certè, 4. Reg. 3. ult. huc tor queri non potest, videtur enim intelligi, non de harede Regis Edom•• sed Moab.
• (z) 1.24

  sic chaldaus, sed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 potest exponi per 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pro calce, instead of lime.
• (a) 1.25

  or, the houses of their chief Cities.
• (b) 1.26

  sic. c. 1, 14.
• (c) 1.27

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hebraeis, qui aliis Rex, Dux, Princeps
• (d) 1.28

  sic expone ex c. 1. 3.
• (e) 1.29

  sic exponitur c 1 3.
• (f) 1.30

  Locus hic difficilis sic mihi reddi posse videtur, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 i. Absorbent, vel deglutiunt pauperes, super pulverem terrae (collocant¦eos) quem pulverem etiam ponunt super captra pauperum (pro 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & modestorum viam, atque institutum pervertunt.
• (g) 1.31

  sic Hebraei & Hicron.
• (h) 1.32

  So the name here is taken.
• (i) 1.33

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 arctans ego, i. angustiam vobis afferam, nam hoc verbum priore loco transitivum est, posteriore neutrum, ut docet Kimchi. Sunt tamen qui sic exponunt. Ego strideo subter vos, sicut stridet plaustrum anustum manipulis; i. vestris sceleribus oneratus, diutiùs vos ferre nequeo.
• (k) 1.34

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in loco vestro, i. pressurus sum locum vestrum hostibus.
• † 1.35

  Psal. 147. ult; Deut, 4. 33.
• * 1.36

  Gen. 5. 22. Exod. 16. 5.
• * 1.37

  Chap. 1. 2.
• (l) 1.38

  Isa; 58. 1.
• (m) 1.39

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ab 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 obstreper••.
• (n) 1.40

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in ea. vel intraipsam.
• (o) 1.41

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (p) 1.42

  Sic Principum uxores vo••a••u•• Psal. 22. ••3. ipsi Principes trucu∣lenti, & genio indulgentes vocantur 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Tauri Basan.
• (q) 1.43

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 convivium celebrare. unde 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, convivium.
• (r) 1.44

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hic vel humum piscatorium significat, vel contum quo piscato∣res in rebus percantandis, & explorandis utuntur, & sic dicitus à 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in notione 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 propter ferrum acutum in capite. E•• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 vel hami v. l retia quaedam piscatoria sunt, ex spinis facta (nam spinae 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 dicuntur, à 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 quód removendae sint) vel naviculae piscatoriae navi maj r•• adjunctae, ut iis ad littus appelletur. à 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 recedere••
• (s) 1.45

  Sic Symmachus, & Hieron. & Hebraei.
• (t) 1.46

  permissio Ironica
• (u) 1.47

  Hos. 4. 15. & 12. 11.
• (x) 1.48

  Deut. 14. 28.
• (y) 1.49

  Decimas ad 3 dies afferte. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 annos, vel dies significare po••est.
• (z) 1.50

  Adolere. i. adolere ex fermentato sacrificium gratulatorium. Levit. 2, 11.
• (a) 1.51

  S. incense implied in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (b) 1.52

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (c) 1.53

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & multiplicationem, & sumptum, atque culturam significare porest, the improving.
• (d) 1.54

  Quidam legunt 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (cum Caph) ad modum AEgypti.
• (e) 1.55

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 castra, & copias vel turmas signif.
• (f) 1.56

  Zach. 3. 2.
• (g) 1.57

  Vt supra v. ••.
• (h) 1.58

  Vid. c. 4. 4.
• (i) 1.59

  alludit ad 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.60

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (k) 1.61

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (l) 1.62

  ut e. 7, 13••
• (m) 1.63

  Hinc gr. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 dicuntur 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quod tempus navi∣gationi opportunum ostendant, & lat. Vergili••, à verno tempore, sed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ex Arab. quasi stellarum 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• (n) 1.64

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 nomen habet à 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, inconstantia & levitate. Virgilio, nimbosus Orion.
• (n) 1.65

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 vaslitas pro vastato, & infirmo.
• (o) 1.66

  In the gate, (the place of Justice.)
• (p) 1.67

  Vide Isa. 5,19.
• (q) 1.68

  Sic Chald. Sept. etiam reddunt per 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i domun∣culam, vel 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Moloch, (pro quo Aquila habet 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (r) 1.69

  Or, accounting a star for your God.
• (s) 1.70

  vide Stephani concio∣nem. Act. 7, 42, 43. ubi non ipsissima verba, sed mentem Prophetae exprimit.
• (t) 1.71

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 longè ultrà.
• (u) 1.72

  Hinc apud Iudaeos, Antipatri, Alexandri, Aristobuli, Drusillae: possumus tamen exponere 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 omnium gentium, no∣min atissimos, vel famosissimos, eoque nomine superbos.
• (x) 1.73

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (Va•••• pro 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉)
• (y) 1.74

  venditare, est applicare se, & in eorum tutelam se reci∣pere.
• (z) 1.75

  Est n. Enallage numeri. vel, si Israelitarum terram uberi∣urem dicit, innuit eorum ingratitudinem.
• (a) 1.76

  Repete ex. v. 1.
• (b) 1.77

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (c) 1.78

  Sic supra, c. 5. 6. habu••mus domum Joseph pro populo Israelitico.
• (d) 1.79

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pr. convivium funebre.
• (e) 1.80

  In femoribus domus.
• (f) 1.81

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (g) 1.82

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pro 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (h) 1.83

  4 Reg. 14.
• (i) 1.84

  Vr Hieron.
• (k) 1.85

  Al, mare mortuum. Alii Nilum hic intelligun••.
• (l) 1.86

  4 Reg. 14. 25.
• (a) 1.87

  Sic Ioel 1.4.
• (b) 1.88

  Sic & v. 5.
• (c) 1.89

  Sic Ioel 2. 3. per ignem Hostis truculentus de∣scribitur. Hic a••tem Hozaelem Syrum, ejusque milites intelligere possumus a qaorūsurore per orationem Prophetarum liberatus est populus.
• (d) 1.90

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & partem significat, & praedium, agrum, regionem, Gall. Les champs. & lat. vocamus agrum Eboracensem.—&c. vide cap. 4.7.
• (e) 1.91

  Vt v. 3.
• (f) 1.92

  Isac, pro populo Isrealitico.
• (g) 1.93

  Vide c. 1. 1.
• (h) 1.94

  Stillare, est Prophetam agere. vid Deut. 32.2.
• (i) 1.95

  Domus Isaac propopul•• Isr. ut c 7. 11.
• (k) 1.96

  Sym 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• (l) 1.97

  Per funem in Palestinâ agros metie∣bantur, & suam cuique mensuram, & partem assignabant, quae 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dicitur. 2. Cor. 10. 13. 15.
• (a) 1.98

  To confirm the third vision. c. 7. 7.
• (b) 1.99

  Alludunt 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (c) 1.100

  Vide c. 7. 8.
• (d) 1.101

  Chaldaeus, & Haebraei vectè 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 exponunt, non de Templo Hierosolymitano, sed de Israelitarum aedibus manificè structis.
• (e) 1.102

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 i. magna ca∣daverum copia (multum cadaver)
• (f) 1.103

  dicetur •• projice. vel projicere, pro projicient.
• (g) 1.104

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 modesti, vel 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pauperes.
• (h) 1.105

  Vide c••p. 2•• 6.
• (i) 1.106

  Luc. 2. 32.
• (k) 1.107

  Iacob hic pro populo Israelitico, ut Isac c: 7 9.
• (l) 1.108

  Which may be meant of souldiers to over-run the Country.
• (m) 1.109

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉his idem quod 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• (n) 1.110

  Hos. 2, 11,
• (o) 1.111

  Suprà v. 3.
• * 1.112

  Job ••. 20.
• (a) 1.113

  Isai. 1. & Ezek. 9. 3. & 10. 4.
• (b) 1.114

  Isai. 34. 6.
• (c) 1.115

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 avaritiam corum (ut omnium malorum Cap••••) exponit Hieron. ex M••drash à nomine 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 avaritta: Sed melior erit constructio, & verisimilior à verba 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in frusta concidere: dividere.
• (d) 1.116

  Psal. 139. 7. Jer. 23. 24. Job 23. 8.
• (e) 1.117

  Tyrants go under that name in the Scripture. Psal. 74. 4. Isai. 27.
• (f) 1.118

  [Ante hostes] à Mercero sic exponitur (& si proprie significet, ducentibus cos hostibus) & Kunchi huic expositioni favere videtur, instantiam afferens de illis qui cum Iohanan filio Careah (Ier. 42) in AEgyptum aufugerunt, putantes evadere gladium Chal∣daeorum, qui tandim superveniente Rege Chaldaeorum, occisi sunt in AEgypto.
• * 1.119

  Sic cap. 8. 8. 9, 10.
• (g) 1.120

  Hebraiper 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 orbes ejus caelestes ab eo creatos, & motos intelligunt, ubi singuli velut gradu uno supra alterum constituuntur. Potest etiam & solium Regale dici 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in quod per gradus plerumque ascenditur, ut 3 Reg. 10. 19. Potest eti∣am & coelum supremum, summus rerum omnium gradus.
• (h) 1.121

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 fasciculus. manipulus. collectio. combinatio. Hebraei hic Elementa intelligunt (aquam. aerem•• ignem) quorum fundamentum est Terra. Ab. Ezra per Animantia exponit ex 4 Elementis quasi collecta, & conflata. Aliit••ram Orbis machinam, quae Deo est velut manipulus (vide Isai. 40. 15.) vel minor manipulo.
• (i) 1.122

  Isai. 40. 12.
• (k) 1.123

  Vide suprà c. 5. 8.
• (l) 1.124

  Jer. 47. 4.
• (m) 1.125

  Vide H. Grot. in 4 Reg. 16. 9.
• (n) 1.126

  Ezek. 5.3. & 14. 22. Jer. 30. 11.
• (o) 1.127

  Tabernaculum Ecclesiam significat, q. ex uno loco interdum in alium movetur.
• (p) 1.128

  Ioel, Amos, and most of the Prophets conclude their Prophesies with a prediction of the Messiah, and his restitu∣tion of all things in a perfect way. For, the most glorious appear∣ance under the best Kings of Judah was but a shadow of that splendor, and comfort, which began, when the Day-spring from on high, and the Son of Righteousnesse came to visit his people. And this place must be so expounded out of Act. 15. 16. and 1. 6.
• (q) 1.129

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 non est Conjunctio, sed Pronomen et est hic Trajectio verborum sic itaque expone. Vt illi 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 qui mei di∣centur, possideant reliquias, &c.
• (r) 1.130

  Psal. 2. 8.
• (t) 1.131

  Obad. 19
• (u) 1.132

  Christi Fideles, in S. Script. Reliquiae vocantur. respectu Infidelium. ut Rom. 9. 27. & 11. 5,
• (x) 1.133

  The great harvest of the Church (of which our Saviour himself speaks. Mat. 9 37.) is here set down in excellent Hyperbolies, which were familiar to the Oriental parts.
• (y) 1.134

  Hoc suppleri potest ex Ioelis cap. ult: 18.
• (a) 1.135

  Jer. 22. 18. Psal. 68. 18.
• (b) 1.136

  Isa. 5. v. 1. 7.
• (b) 1.137

  Isa. 5. V. 1. 7.
• (c) 1.138

  Vide 6. 5. 11. & Deut. 28. 39.
• (d) 1.139

  Jer. 24.6.
• (e) 1.140

  Jere. 17 8. & Isa. 61. 3.
• (f) 1.141

  Rom. 8. 35. Mat. 16. 18.
• (g) 1.142

  Est enim Apostrophe ad Prophe••am, vel ad Populum Israeliticum.