A fruitfull commentarie vpon the twelue small prophets briefe, plaine, and easie, going ouer the same verse by verse, and shewing every where the method, points of doctrine, and figures of rhetoricke, to the no small profit of all godly and well disposed readers, with very necessarie fore-notes for the vnderstanding of both of these, and also all other the prophets. The text of these prophets together with that of the quotations omitted by the author, faithfully supplied by the translatour, and purged of faults in the Latine coppie almost innumerable, with a table of all the chiefe matters herein handled, and marginall notes very plentifull and profitable; so that it may in manner be counted a new booke in regard of these additions. VVritten in Latin by Lambertus Danæus, and newly turned into English by Iohn Stockwood minister and preacher at Tunbridge.

CAP. 9.

Vers. 1.

I sawe the Lord standing vpon the altar, and he said: Smite the lintle of the doore, that the postes may shake: and cut them in pieces, euen the heads of them all, and I will slay the last of them with the sword: hee that fleeth of them, shall not flie away: and hee that escapeth of them shall not be deliuered.

* 1.1THe last prophesie and Sermon of Amos, the which confirmeth vnto the Israelites the same, which God had threatned vnto them before, namely, that the vtter destruction of this kingdome is at hand. Therefore doth this threatning also properly belong vnto the kingdome of Israel. And God by so many waies, and at so ma∣ny seuerall times auoucheth and foretelleth vnto them one and the same thing, to take away all excuse from the Rebels and hypo∣crites. But concerning this Sermon and prophesie, the same also is represented and shewed by a vision, that it may the rather moue the mindes of the readers and hearers, and that by the offering and laying before them of a strange and vnwonted forme and manner of the matter, he might bring them in feare, and make them atten∣tiue or readie to heare. And the peculiar and especiall ende of this prophesie and sermon is to shew, That God will take from the Is∣raelites, all their safest and surest aydes and starting holes as they thought, the which they placed especiallie, and chiefely in their i∣dols, and idol places, that is in the temples of their idols. And there∣fore God sheweth in this place, like as before, that hee will ouer∣throwe them, and that they the Israelites shall come into great mi∣serie and vtter destruction because of their wickednes.

* 1.2Further, this verse hath two partes, to wit, a vision, and the expo∣sition of the same made by God himselfe the expounder thereof. The vision was after this maner:* 1.3 God stoode vpon a certaine altar, and commanded the vaulte or archroofe of the temple, in which that altar was, to be smitten, yea and moreouer, the postes (where∣upon both that arch-roofe and temple rested) to be pulled downe, and euery poste from the toppe to the foote, to be cut and diuided by the middle, so that euery poste might fall downe. These things were represented or shewed vnto this Prophet neither in Ierusa∣lem, nor yet in the Temple of Salomon, but at Beth-el, where then Amos conuersed or aboad, as before cap. 7. Yea and in the altar

and Temple of Beth-el, not that God by that his presence did coun∣tenance or allowe those places (the which were mere idolatrie) but that he comming into the thing present, and drawing his Prophet also thereinto, and vnto the consideration thereof, hee might the rather, and more assuredly shew vnto these superstitious persons, being such also as put great trust and confidence in their idoll of Beth-el, that God would at once take all these things from them, and therefore that they did in vaine flee vnto this both temple and altar. So 1. King. 13. God biddeth the Prophet to goe euen vnto the idolatrous altar of Beth-el, that he might with his finger poynt out the destruction of the same, not to shew that he made any ac∣count or reckoning of that altar, albeit that for the altars sake hee sent his Prophet euen vnto Beth-el. Neither is it a thing any more absurd or contrarie to reason, that God should be seene on this ido∣latrous altar, then afterwards in the temple of Salomon, when as it was profaned or defiled exceedingly, of which apparition of God in the Temple of God then greatly polluted see Ezech. cap. 1. for in that he appeareth vpon this impure altar, this is onely done to shew the more assured destruction thereof: not that thereby any dignitie or reuerence might be woune vnto this Altar. And this is my iudgement and opinion of the first part of this verse.

* 1.4The second part is the exposition of this same vision, the which in summe and briefely commeth vnto this poynt, that none shall be saued out of this calamitie or miserie, although he flee away ne∣uer so much, or seeke to withdraw himselfe, or doe trust in those temples and idols, as most safe couertes, and most sure and strong defences. For (to be after the postes or behinds the postes) as it is in the Hebrew, is to be hidden, and to repose for themselues, or to put great confidence and trust of saftie in those couertes.

Vers. 2.

Though they digge into hell, thence shall mine hand take them: though they clime vp to heauen, thence will I bring them downe.

* 1.5A Confirmation of the former threatning by remouing and ta∣king away of their safest and surest aydes and places of refuge. For those men vse to seeke for either in heauen, or in earth: and the most safe are thought to be in the top of heauen, or in the bottome and deepe of the earth, whither the enemies cannot come, or the which are not wont to be searched and sought into. But euen there

or in these places these men shall haue no couerts to hide them∣sclues in. For the hand of God, which is euery where, will drawe them from thence and giue them vnto their enemies. Thus much also doth Dauid confesse of God his mighty power and presence, shewing that there is no man that can any where so hide himselfe, but that he will easily finde him out, when hee sayth, Psalm. 139. vers. 7.8. Whither shal I goe from thy Spirite? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend into heauen, thou art there: if I lye downe in hell, thou art there. And so forth, vers. 9, 10, 11, 12.

Vers. 3.

And though they hide themselues in the toppe of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence: and though they be hid from my sight in the bottome of the sea, thence wil I commaund the ser∣pent, and he shall bite them.

* 1.6AN amplification of the sayde remouing and taking away of ayde spoken of in the second verse, to the end that these rebel∣lious persons might throughly resolue and perswade themselues, that nothing can priuiledge them from the wrath and iudgement of God, and keepe them in safety and out of daunger from the same. And here are other things reckoned vp, vnto the which men vse and are wont to flee & betake themselues, as vnto safe couerts to hide thēselues in, namely the tops of most high mountaines such as is the top of Mount Carmel: & the deepe of the sea it selfe. But e∣uen from thence also God shal cast them out & deliuer them to be spoyled and murthered of their enemies. For from the bottome of the sea shall Snakes or Serpents be raised vp of God, the which shal bite these fellowes, & with their venemous or poysoned teeth driue them from the waters euen whether they will or no.

Vers. 4.

And though they goe into captiuity before their enemies, thence will I commaund the sworde, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes vpon them for euill, and not for good.

* 1.7THis verse containeth 2. parts. The first, wherin is comprehended yet another amplification of the remouing of the former aides. The secōd,* 1.8 in the which is a cōclusion of this remouing of thē. The second amplification of the remouing of the former aydes is con∣tayned in these words, (And though they goe into captiuitie before their enemies, thence wil I commaund the sword, and it shall slay them)

For God sheweth that these men shall not mitigate or lessen their punishment, albeit they willingly yeeld themselues vnto their ene∣mies, that by this meanes they might escape their death and mur∣ther. For whilest they shal yeeld vp themselues, & that willingly & of their owne accord, vnto the wil and pleasure of the conquerour, and shall goe into captiuity, yet shall they by the way bee killed with the sworde, by the said conquerour their enemie. So speaketh Isay of the cruelty of the Medes and Persians towards the Babylo∣nians, though they yeeld themselues and ioyne with them cap. 13. ver. 15. Euery one that is found shall be striken through: and whosoe∣uer ioyneth himselfe, shall fall by the sworde. And ver. 16. Their chil∣dren also shall be broken in pieces before their eyes, their houses shal be spoyled, and their wiues rauished. Likewise doth God threaten his owne people that they shal both goe into captiuity, and euen there also be consumed by the sword of their enemies. Ierem. 9 cap. ver. 16. I will scatter them also among the Heathen, whom neither they, nor their fathers haue knowen, and I will send a sword after them, till I haue consumed them. The very like is cap. 49. ver. 37. and almost in the same wordes. For hee that by God is appoynted vnto the sworde, because of his notorious sinnes must needes perish with the sword, and shall not be able to deliuer himselfe by captiuity or voluntarie and willing yeelding. And thus doth God shew Ierem. cap. 43. ver. 11. that the Egyptians the which should fall into the handes of Nabuchad-nezzar shall die euery one that death where∣unto he is appoynted, saying: And when he shall come (to wit Na∣buchad-nezzar) he shall smite the land of Egypt: such as are appoynted for death, to death: and such as are for captiuity, to captiuity: and such as are for the sword, to the sword. By the which is now gathered, that men which are stubborne, and hardened in their sins shal not anie where be safe and free from the wrath of God, neither in heauen, nor in earth, nor in the sea: Finally, neither in their countrey, nei∣ther among their enemies: neither fighting it out, neither yeelding themselues captiues, shal they escape that iust punishment. They must therefore repent.

* 1.9Now the conclusion of this remouing of their aides, followeth, and is taken from the rendring of a reason of the same, to wit, from the iust anger of God against them. There shall therefore bee no place, in the which they shall not be in miserie, because God (who with his eyes vieweth all things) shall not doe any thing for their good, nor haue any louing care of them: but shall deuise and dis∣pose

and ordaine all things for their destruction. The eye of the Lord shall be vpon them vnto euill, and that wholly and in all ca∣ses: and he shall no where looke vpon them for their good, or lo∣uingly.

Vers. 5.

And the Lord God of hostes shall touch the land, and it shall melt away, and all that dwell therein shall mourne, and it shall rise vp wholly like a flood, and shall be drowned as by the flood of Egypt.

* 1.10THe confirmation of the conclusion by the euent or issue and falling out of things afterward. For God shall manifestly ap∣peare angry & offended by the effects that shall follow, with these Israelites. And these effects are three. The first, There shall bee so great a smiting or affliction of this land,* 1.11 that euen the very earth it selfe, which is a brute and dull or dead element shall tremble and shake, feeling this curse and anger of God against it. In which fearefull maner God powred forth his vengeance and tokens of his worthily incensed furie vpon the land of the Egyptians, at what time he deliuered his owne people thence, the horriblenes where∣of is at large described Psal. 114. ver. 3, 4, 7, 8. after this manner: The Sea saw it and fled: Iordan was turned back. The mountains lea∣ped like rams, & the little hils as lambs? The earth trembled at the pre∣sence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Iacob, which turneth the rock into water pools,* 1.12 & the flint into a fountain of water. The second, The great and common or vniuersall mourning of the men or in∣habitants themselues, the which sheweth that this punishment is sent of God, and shall bee generall, and exceeding great. For all shall mourne, none being excepted, no not the stoutest hearts, or the most mighty, vnto the which the miseries of the common sorte doe not easily and vsually reach. The third is, The wastnes and deformity of the land it selfe after the driuing out of all the in∣habitants,* 1.13 as if the whole land were couered and drowned with waters, and so consequently vntilled and desolate or lying waste like a wildernesse. Read chap. 8. before ver. 8.

Vers. 6.

He buildeth his spheres in the heauen, and hath layd the foundation of his globe of elements in the earth he calleth the wa∣ters of the sea, and powreth them out vppon the open earth: the Lord is his name.

THe second confirmation of the sayd conclusion and miserie to insue vpō the Israelites taken frō the pe••son of him that threat∣neth the same, to wit of God himself,* 1.14 who is both true and almigh∣ty, that is, which hath power ouer all things, whome nothing can withstand, who according to his pleasure (and yet the same very iust) changeth and ouerturneth when him pleaseth, the nature and course and state of things. Finally, who giueth vnto all things their being, which are, and haue a being.* 1.15 Therefore this verse contai∣neth a royall description of the omnipotencie, or almighty power of God, partly by the effects, and partly by his name Iehouah, that is euerlasting in himself, and giuing vnto al things life and strength. The effects are of two sortes. First, the Creation of all things of nothing,* 1.16 contayned vnder the word (Heauen) by the figure Sy∣necdoche. Therefore God created the heauen, of how long soe∣uer space and manifold stretching out it doe consist, as it were of diuers lower roumes and vpper roumes. The which heauen also he made most firme: and also hanging ouer the earth. And both these things, to wit, the Creation of the heauen, and also the firm∣nes of the same is both a great myracle, and also a notable worke and witnesse of the omnipotencie, or almighty power of God.

* 1.17The second effect of his almighty power, is the rule and au∣thority of GOD ouer the things created, the which at his becke and pleasure he changeth, and establisheth: for example whereof there is in this place reckoned vp the ouerflowing of the Sea into the maine land, and the drowning of the same, as it sometime fell out in the vniuersall flood, and hath also often afterward since that time fallen out, and doth euen yet in some places at this day come to passe, as it did in Holland and Friezland some threescore years sithens, nay not past twenty yeres agone, as may be vnderstood by the Chronicle & history of those countries, for in those places ma∣ny countries haue been drowned with waters.

Vers. 7.

Are ye not as the Ethiopians vnto me, ô children of Israel, sayth the Lord? Haue not I brought vp Israel out of the lande of Egypt? and the Philistims from Caphtor, and Aram from Kir?

A Third confirmation from the person of those whom God spea∣keth vnto,* 1.18 who, so farre forth as they are considered in them∣selues, are in no further regard and account before God then other nations. Therefore God will no more spare them then other peo∣ples, as the Ethiopians or Arabians, whome the Lord spared not for the same sinnes, being angry with them. Wherefore to make them know their original, and first estate and pedigree, hee telleth them by his Prophet Ezechiel cap. 16. ver. 3. Thine habitation and thy kindred is of the land of Canaan: thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother a Hittite. And so doth Ioshua also shew them cap. 24. ver. 2. where he saith vnto them: Your fathers dwelt beyond the flood in olde time, euen Terah the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor,* 1.19 and serued other gods. But there is added in this verse a secret Hypophora, or answering beforehand of an obiection that might be made, least, because God vpon especiall fauour brought them out of Egypt, they might thinke that therefore it was lawfull for them to doe any thing, and that when they sinne, they haue an especiall priuiledge before any other people. The Lord indeede of his speciall grace brought them out of the land of Egypt, and slew mightie kings for their sakes, and as it is in the Psalme 135. ver. 12.13.14. He gaue their land for an inheritance, euen an inheritance vn∣to Israel his people. For the which the Psalmist highly extolleth the name of the Lord immediately, and sayth: Thy name, O Lord, endureth for euer, O Lord thy remembrance is from generation toge∣neration. For the Lord will iudge his people, and be pacified towards his seruants.* 1.20 But the Prophet Amos here answereth, that GOD brought other people, as well as hee did them, yea and such as were their neighbours, from one countrey into an other, whose sinnes notwithstanding he did not therefore leaue vnreuenged and vnpunished, as they themselues with their eyes doe see. And these people which in this place he speaketh of, are first the Philistims, whom GOD caused to remoue from Cappadocia into a countrey neere vnto the Iewes. So also did he sometimes bring Aram, that is the Syrians, who themselues are borderers likewise vnto the

Iewes. So also did he sometimes bring Aram, that is the Syrians, who themselues are borderers likewise vnto the Iewes, from the ci∣tie Kyr, or Cyr, or Cyrus into Syria. Of this remouing of nations something is spoken not impertinent vnto this place Deut. 2. ver. 23. for there Moses sheweth how the Anims the old inhabitants of the land of the Philistines, were driuen out by the Caphtorims, which are now the new Philistines, and had their originall from Caphtor a towne in Cappadocia, who came and dwelled in their steads.

Vers. 8.

Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are vpon the sinfull king∣dome, and I will destroy it cleane out of the earth. Neuerthelesse I will not vtterly destroy the house of Iaacob, sayth the Lord.

* 1.21A Fourth confirmation, both from the iustice of God, & also from his prouidence, the which is contained in a very notable and excellent common saying. And the prouidence of God is descri∣bed herein, for that God doth behold the meanes and doings of all kingdomes. His iustice, in that he punisheth vniust kingdomes, & in the end destroyeth them. But this verse hath two parts. The one, in the which this confirmation is declared. The other, the which comprehēdeth as it were an exception of this sentence in the king∣dome of Iudah.* 1.22 As touching the declaration of the sentence or threatnings, there are two things in the same to be noted. First,* 1.23 that not only certain smal or light punishments are in this place threat∣ned vnto whole kingdomes, but also, that their desolation and lay∣ing waste, yea and finally their vtter ruine and ouerthrow is here foretold. Secondly, that this punishment is threatned vnto all vn∣godly and sinfull kingdomes, that is to say,* 1.24 in the which the con∣tempt of God and iniustice doe raunge without punishment and scotfree. For how great and florishing soeuer they are,* 1.25 yet God is more mightie then they, and therefore he wil vtterly destroy them. And so doth God threaten Isai. 60. ver. 12. The kingdome that will not serue me, shall perish, saith the Lord. But there is an exception added concerning the kingdome of Iudah peculiarly,* 1.26 not to the end the bridle should be let loose vnto that kingdome and people for to sinne, (for God hath most sharply punished the sinnes of this kingdome also:) but to shewe the singular and especiall fauour of God toward that kingdome aboue the rest, because of the couenāt, and the Messias promised vnto the same. The which benefite of

God, other people at that time wanted, and were without; accor∣ding••y as it is in the Psal. 147. ver. 20. He hath not dealt so with eue∣rie nation, neither haue they knowne his iudgements.

Vers. 9.

For loe, I will commaund, and I will sift the house of Israel a∣mong all nations, like as corne is sifted in a sieue, yet shall not the least stone fall vpon the earth.

* 1.27 THe last conclusion, in the which the same threatnings against the Israelites are both confirmed: and also more plainly layd o∣pen and declared. They are confirmed, in as much as they are so often, and so earnestly repeated and rehearsed. They are laid down more plainly, because the manner is shewed, after which God will destroy and ouerthrow them.* 1.28 And here vnder the Metaphor of a winower or sifter of corne is threatned vnto euery particular Israe∣lite, and not onely vnto the bodie it selfe of the people, this most sharpe and grieuous punishment. For God will in such sort com∣prise al and singular the Israelites within this vanne or sieue of affli∣ction or punishment, that not one of them, although he bee neuer so small or little, shall escape, and shall be free, voyd, or dye without this tossing and shaking to and fro, and vp and downe. For hereun∣to appertaineth the similitude of a little stone, the which, albeit he be small and neuer so little, yet shall he not then fall vnto the earth, without shaking, that is to say, but that he shall be shaken, but that he shall be tossed and shogged to and fro with others in that same vanne or sieue. Iohn the Baptist, like as the Prophet Amos in this place, hath also vsed the similitude of a vāne or sieue Mat. 3. ver. 12. speaking of Christ his iudgement in these words: Which hath his vanne in his hand, and will make cleane his floore, and gather his wheat into his garner, but will burne vp the chaffe with vnquenchable fire. But here the manner how God will doe this,* 1.29 is declared. For all na∣tions are sayd shall be stirred vp against the Israelites and their kingdome, least that either the power or the populousnes of that realme or kingdome might seeme to be able to place them in safe∣tie against God.

Vers. 10.

But all the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The euill shall not come, nor hasten for vs.

* 1.30AN other explanation, or making more plaine of the matter, where the kind of punishmēt is more specially declared, where∣withall

the Israelites are to bee destroyed, to wit, they shall perish with slaughter, and with the sword, that is, by a most cruell death, and full of terror and feare. And there is added in this place also an explication or laying open of the matter more plainly of the most impudent or shameles lewdnes of these men, to the end that their so grieuous punishment may seeme to be the more iust.* 1.31 For they were not only wicked, and sinners in such sort as all men generally and naturally are, but notoriously vnfaithfull, and scoffers at God & his word: as namely being such who openly scorned the threat∣ning of God, and the oracles or prophesies of his Prophets, and de∣nied that these so great calamities or punishments should either come at them at al, or els that they should come so soone, and spee∣dilie, to wit, mocking God carelesly, as if they had made a couenant with death it selfe. Against such kind of scorners speaketh God by his Prophet Isai. cap. 28 ver. 15. which say: We haue made a coue∣nant with death, and with hell are we at agreement: though a scourge runne ouer, and passe through, it shall not come at vs: for wee haue made falsehood our refuge, and vnder vanitie are we hid. But reade what followeth in that place touching their punishment. And thus farre hath Amos threatned punishments vnto the Israelites.

Vers. 11.

In that day will I raise vp the tabernacle of Dauid, that is fallen downe, and close vp the breaches thereof, and I will raise vp his ruines, and I will build it, as in the dayes of old.

* 1.32THere followeth the last part of this booke or prophesie, where∣in are contained comforts, & the same very great and eternall, founded, and in the end fulfilled in the Messias, promised vnto the whole familie and house of Israel, or Iacob. For he is the cause, and the foundation of all the promises of God towards his elect or cho∣sen, as Paul 2. Cor. cap 1. vers. 20. speaketh, That in him (namely Christ) all the promises of God are yea, and are in him Amen vnto the glorie of God through vs. And these selfe same promises ••re euery where to be found in the other Prophets also, because that one and the same Christ alone was the end of the Lawe, and the Prophets, vnto whon they all do send vs backe. Iames also maketh mention of this prophesie Act. 15. ver. 16.17. in these words: After this I will returne, and will build againe the tabernacle of Dauid,* 1.33 which is fallen downe, and the ruines thereof will I build ag••ine, and will set it vp, that the residue of men might seeke after the Lord, and all the Gentiles,

vpon whom my name is called, sayth the Lord, which doth all these things. And this prophesie doth he teach to appertaine vnto the kingdome of Christ, spread abroad by the preaching of the Gos∣pell, and vnto the calling and conuersion of the Gentiles vnto the true GOD, like as the true fulfilling of the same was both at that time, and also is now at this day. But Amos doth in such sort deliuer this comfort and promise, that first he promiseth the restoring of the kingdome of God by the Messias: and secondly sheweth the fruite and profite which shal ensue of this kingdome.

* 1.34This verse then hath two things to be obserued and noted. First, a description of the restoring of the Church it selfe, or kingdome of God promised here figuratiuely.* 1.35 Secondly, a noting and poynting out of the time generally, in the which this shall come to passe, but not of the very moment and instant of time, as is in Daniel cap. 9. And whereof Peter in the first Epistle cap. 1. ver 10.11. witnesseth,* 1.36 that the Prophets haue diligently enquired and searched, Which (sayth he) prophesied of the grace that should come vnto you, searching when or what time the spirit which testified before of Christ which was in them, should declare the sufferings that shall come vnto Christ, and the glorie that should follow. So then the true Church of God is here signified vnder the name of the (tabernacle or cottage of Dauid) be∣cause that like as Dauid was a figure of Christ, so his tabernacle was and is a token or Sacrament of the Church. And first of all the most miserable estate thereof is noted,* 1.37 when as this tabernacle is sayd to haue been a cottage. Againe, (that it was fallen, and had manie breaches and ruines or rentings.) But the restoring, yea & the same in most excellent manner is described, when as it is sayd, that it shal neuerthelesse come to passe, that both the building shall be reared vp againe, and all his rentings and breaches shall be repayred and amended: and that in such manner that the same dignitie, cōmen∣dation, fame & reuerence shal remaine vnto the same second resto∣red tabernacle, the which both was in the first tabernacle, and also was giuen vnto the same, as is also Agg. cap. 2. Indeede the body & tabernacle of the Church hath been pulled down both by the cap∣tiuitie of Babylon, the which happened afterwards: and also by the tyrannie of the Antiochi, and other kings of Syria, and likewise by the wicked doctrine of the Pharises: but it was restored againe by Christ, that same true Messias, and sonne of the Virgin Mary, and that indeed farre more gloriously and holily, and excellently, then was that first tabernacle vnder Dauid and Salomon. And this

is the most notable promise of the restoring of the Church.* 1.38 Now the certaine time is rehearsed, in the which these things shall be done, but in generalitie. For God had not yet reuealed or opened vnto his Prophets the very article, moment and instant of time. Therefore Amos sayth, (in that day) to wit, in the which I will send my Messias promised vnto you.

Vers. 12.

That they may possesse the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, because my name is called vpon them, sayth the Lord, that doth this.

* 1.39THe end is shewed of this building vp againe of the Church, to to wit, that the true God (and he whom these contemne or de∣spise) may be worshipped of all nations, and that all people of the whole world may serue him, as the Prophet Malach. cap. 1. ver. 11. doth prophesie hereof, where he sayth: From the rising of the Sunne vnto the going downe of the same, my name is great among the Gen∣tiles, and in euery place incense shall be offered vnto my name, and a pure offering: for my name is great among the heathen, sayth the Lord of hosts. To which purpose doth Iames the Apostle conclude of this place of Amos, as hath bin cited immediatly before in the 11. verse of this chapter. Wherefore this place doth manifestly or plainlie containe the calling of the Gentiles, and the setting vp of the true worship of God among them, and the true obseruation or keeping of the same. So then not only the Israelites shall at that time bee in the Church and inheritance of God, but also the Idumeans, and o∣ther nations, because that they also shall call vpon the name of the true GOD, to wit, being taught thereunto by the Spirit of GOD through the preaching of the Gospell, as it is shewed by Paul a∣mong other nations in the example of the Ephesians, in the second chapter of his Epistle vnto them. But because this seemed vnto the Iewes a thing alwaies impossible, that the Gentiles should be con∣uerted and turned vnto the true God, this promise is confirmed by the person of God himselfe promising the same, because that he himselfe shall performe & bring it to passe, vnto whom nothing is hard, much lesse impossible, as the Angell Gabriel telleth the Vir∣gin Mary Luk. 1. ver. 37. saying vnto her, me••uailing how she a vir∣gin should conceaue and beare Christ: With God nothing shall be vnpossible.

Vers. 13.

Behold, the dayes come, sayth the Lord, that the plowma•• shall touch the mower, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seede: and the mountaines shall drop sweete wine, and all the hil•• shall melt.

* 1.40NOw the fruites and commodities are reckoned vp, the which shall come of this restoring of the kingdome of God, and the same manifold or of many sorts. Yet notwithstanding, in all these by a proportionable sense and meaning, are vnderstood the spiri∣tual and healthsome gifts of God bestowed vpon those that are his,* 1.41 of the which the earthly (the which are here rehearsed) were signes, figures, and Sacraments, like as Christ his curing of our bodily dis∣eases, were significations of his healing of our spiritual infirmities, that is, the diseases and imperfections of our soules, to which end it seemeth that Matthew in his Gospell cap. 8. ver. 17. alleageth the place of Isai, He tooke our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. And the writer vnto the Hebrewes seemeth thus far forth to giue testimony vnto the godly fathers of the former ages of the world, that they e∣uen then did vnderstand that the promises of earthly benefites should haue their full accomplishment and verifying in Christ, and in his heauenly inheritance and spiritual blessings. For thus writeth he of them cap. 11. ver. 14.15.16. They that say such things, dec•••••••• plainly that they seeke a countrey. (whereby he declareth that they rested not in the outward promises of the earthly inheritance in the land of Canaan) And if they had been mindfdll of that countr••••▪ from whence they came out, they had leasure to haue returned. B•• now they desire a better, that is an heauenly•• (a plaine proof that they had a speciall regard vnto the spirituall signification of these earth∣lie promises) Wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called th•••• God: for he hath prepared for them a citie. And so doth August•••• teach that these earthly blessings are to be vnderstanded to be mo•••• fully and truely fulfilled in the spirituall, the which they did repre∣sent, Serm. in Mat. 18. & tractat. in Ioan. Euang. 49. But it was need∣full that these things should be promised, and in such sort to be de∣clared vnto the Iewes and Israelites at that time, because they we•••• accustomed and acquainted with these figures and kinds of spe••∣king. First of all therefore store and plentie of all kind of goo•• things,* 1.42 or all kind of good things is in this place promised, and sh••∣wed that this is a most true fruite of the kingdome of God. And no••

onely euery kind of good thing is promised, but the same also in most great abundance. For it is sayd that it shall come to passe that these shall bee cast vpon vs by God largely and plentifully, in such wise that after the former the which wee haue alreadie receiued, o∣thers forthwith shall succeed, or follow, yea whatsoeuer are neces∣sarie and needfull for the life of man, (as are corne and wine) whe∣ther they doe come by the industrie or trauaile of men (as by plow∣ing, sowing, vinedressing): or whether they come of their owne ac∣cord from the earth, as mountaines, or hils doe vse to bring foorth many things of that sort. There is a like place vnto this Leuit. 26. ver. 5. where Moses telleth them that heare the lawe, and followe the same, that they shall haue all kind of blessings heaped one in the necke of another: Your threshing (sayth he) shall reach vnto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach vnto sowing time, and you shall eate your bread in plenteousnes, and dwell in your land safely. But by these earthly things, matters healthsome or concerning saluation, and spirituall, are of vs to be vnderstanded.

Vers. 14.

And I will bring againe the captiuitie of my people of Is∣rael: and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabite them, and they shall plant vineyards, and drinke the wine thereof: they shall also make gardens, and eate the fruites of them.

* 1.43THe second fruite of the Gospell, or restoring of the kingdome of God, to wit, deliuerance, and the same most full, from all cap∣tiuitie. For the greatest delicates and dainties are in exile and ba∣nishment vnioyfull, and vnpleasant: but in our owne countrey most welcome and ioyfull. So Psal. 137. ver. 4. the godly answere vnto their scoffing enemies, willing them to sing some of their Hebrewe songs: How shall wee sing (say they) a song of the Lord in a strange land? whereby they signifie that their musike could not be plea∣sant vnto them in their miserable captiuitie. And therefore but a little before in the same Psalme, they say that they hung vp their harpes, and sate by the riuer sides weeping. The godly therefore shall be deliuered and brought backe againe from that most mise∣rable exile, to wit, from the captiuitie of Sathan, and sinne, and the lust of the flesh, of the which tyrants men are held captiues before they haue faith in Christ.* 1.44 And this deliuerance shall not bee slight and slender, but a most full deliuerance, because men may dwell in their owne cities, and then plant there, and plow, and doe all those

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things, the which all they whatsoeuer doe, the which dwell in their owne homes in greatest securitie and safetie. But these things are to be applied vnto the benefites of the Gospell towards the godly by Christ in a spirituall sense, such as may proportionably be gathered from these earthly promises, the which godly through Christ doe enioy great tranquilitie or quiet of mind and conscience, euen whi∣lest they liue here vpon earth, and therefore much more in that e∣uerlasting and blessed life.

Vers. 15.

And I will plant them vpon their land, and they shall no more be pulled vp againe out of their land, which I haue giuen them, sayth the Lord thy God.

* 1.45THE third fruite, the stabilitie or setlednes, and continuance of e∣uery godly and faithfull person in his owne seate and home, that is, in the same, wherein he shall be placed by God, the which is especially to be vnderstood of euerlasting life. And this is as it were an accesse or increase of both the former benefites. For many times neither doth plētie of good things delight vs, nor yet the dwelling in our own natiue coūtrey, if in the same there hāg ouer our heads continuall and assured feare, that we shall forthwith be depriued & spoyled of both these commodities: but when as vnto the former benefites of God there commeth also a promise of continuall secu∣ritie, or being without feare and daunger, and of enioying and kee∣ping of our goods, then may we in deed and in trueth bee iudged most happie.* 1.46 But these things, as I haue sayd, are rather to be vnder∣stood of that heauenly land, that is, of heauen, in the which we shall be after this life, then of that earthly mansion, or dwelling: for be∣cause that this seate onelie is firme, stable, stedfast, and sure, to wit, heauen, and eternall life, ordained for vs of God. And thus much doth the place of the Hebrewes cap 11. ver. 14.15.16. a little be∣fore recited ver. 13. of this chapter, sufficiently enough declare. But this earthly land is oftē giuen vs of God to dwell in only for a time, out of the which we are afterwards driuen into other seates, either by enemies, or by the ouerflowing of waters. Wherefore let no man thinke himselfe to be here vpon earth placed by God in such sort, that he cannot be pulled out, but they which are in heauen, they only and alone are so placed and dwell, that they can neuer bee re∣moued.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The last Ser∣mon of Amos.
• * 1.2

  Two partes of this verse.
• * 1.3

  1. A vision.
• * 1.4

  2. The exposition of this vision.
• * 1.5

  A confirmati∣on of the for∣mer threat∣ning.
• * 1.6

  An amplifica∣tion of the for∣mer remouing of aydes from them.
• * 1.7

  Two parts of this verse.
• * 1.8

  1. Another am∣plification of the remouing of the former aydes.
• * 1.9

  2. The conclusion of this remo∣uing of their aydes.
• * 1.10

  The confirma∣tion of the for∣mer conclusion by three effects.
• * 1.11

  1 The punishmēt of the earth it selfe.
• * 1.12

  2 And vniuersall Mourning of al the inhabitāts.
• * 1.13

  3. The laying of the land wast.
• * 1.14

  The second cō∣firmatiō of the former conclu∣sion.
• * 1.15

  A descriptiō of God his omni∣potencie by the effects of the same, to wit.
• * 1.16

  1. The creatiō of all things. Synecdoche, what it is, see Amos cap. 5. ver. 2••.
• * 1.17

  2. The power and rule of God o∣uer all crea∣tures.
• * 1.18

  A third confir∣mation of this miserie from the person of the Israelites.
• * 1.19

  What Hypo∣phora is, see Antos cap. 5. ver. 21. The Hypopho∣ra or obiections of the Israelites might be: we were remoued from Egypt of God his especial fauour, there∣fore he will not punish vs.
• * 1.20

  The answer of God is, that this followeth not. Because he spareth not other nations in their sinnes, whom he remo∣ued out of their owne land, as well as them.
• * 1.21

  A fourth con∣firmation both from the iu∣stice, and also the prouidence of God. Parts of this verse.
• * 1.22

  1. The confirma∣tion it selfe.
• * 1.23

  2. An exception from the same. Two parts of the confirma∣tion.
• * 1.24

  1. Vtter ruine.
• * 1.25

  2. To sinfull king∣domes.
• * 1.26

  The exception touching the kingdome of Iudah.
• * 1.27

  The last con∣clusion.
• * 1.28

  What the fi∣gure Metapho∣ra is, see Amos cap. 4. Ver. 12.
• * 1.29

  The manner how God will deale with the Israelites.
• * 1.30

  An other ex∣planation.
• * 1.31

  What manner of sinners the Israeli••es w••••e.
• * 1.32

  The last part of this prophe∣sie
• * 1.33

  I••••es t••e A∣•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••••••e••h 〈…〉〈…〉 pr••∣phes•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 a••∣pertaine vnto the calling of the Gentiles.
• * 1.34

  Two parts of this verse.
• * 1.35

  1. A description of the restoring of the Church.
• * 1.36

  2. A generall no∣ting of the time of the same.
• * 1.37

  The miserable estate of the Church. The glorious restoring of the same.
• * 1.38

  The time of the restoring of the church set downe in generalitie.
• * 1.39

  The end of the building vp a∣gaine of the Church.
• * 1.40

  The manifold fruits of this restoring of the Church.
• * 1.41

  The earthly blessings here promised, are figures and to∣kens of spiri∣tuall and hea∣uenly graces.
• * 1.42

  ••. Al kind of good things promi∣sed, and that in great plentie and abundance
• * 1.43

  The second fruit of the re∣storing of the kingdome of God.
• * 1.44

  Deliuerance from spirituall captiuitie, and bondage.
• * 1.45

  The third fruit
• * 1.46

  These things are chiefly to be vnderstood of our heauenly dwelling.