A compleat and compendious church-history shewing how it hath been from the beginning of the world to this present day : being an historical-narrative how the power and providence of God, according to his promise, hath hitherto confounded all the damnable plots of the Devil : to which is annexed a Scripture-prophecy fore-shewing how it shall be hence to the end of the world : to whole containing the quintessence of sacred, civil and ecclesiastick-writers, and serving as a short comment upon all the books in the Bible, both historical and prophetical / published for publick good by Christopher Ness ...

The Fourteenth Plot against the CHURCH, in Canaan: Defeated by GOD.

CHAP. XIV.

WHen God had Graciously given a Suitable Remedy to that great Ma∣lady (by Eli's Sons) in Holy Sa∣muel, and so had Establish'd his Church, Ark, and Worship again; Satan play'd his Pranks, and plys his Plots again, in the Days of Saul, David, and Solomon. 1st. of Saul. The Wick∣ed One (never Idle) Debauches Samuel's Sons, (as he had done Eli's) notwithstanding their stricter Education, (Samuel could not well be guilty of that Sin of fond Indulgency, which he, from God, had Reprooved in Eli.) This gave the Occasion to Israel for changing their Aristocracy (or rather, Theocracy, 1 Sam. 8. 7.) into a Monarchy, and Saul (of Wicked Gibeah, Judg. 19.) was set over them, for his Stature, (as David was after, for his Heart.) Saul at first Reigned (as a King) well and Or∣derly, but being Rejected of God for Disobe∣dience,

he turn'd a Tyrant, and Rul'd with Rigour, 1 Sam. 13. 1. with 14. 47. Then the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil Spirit from the Devil (by the Lord's leave) possessed him, Ch. 16. 14. which cast him into Fits of Phrenzy and Fury. Here began the 1st. Branch of this 14th. Plot in Saul's Reign, as the other Two did in David's and Solomon's, which all Three (in Conjunction) makes up this 14th. Diabolical design against the Church of God. By Israels 1st. King, Satan labours to Hinder the Church; By the 2d. God Advan∣ces her; By the 3d. God brought her to her greatest Glory. 1st. In Saul; who at his first Entry quitted himself nobly, in the overthrow of Israels Enemies; but when scarce well warm in his Kingdom, he Hears of losing it, 1. For his Incroaching into the Priests Office of Sacrifi∣sing, 1 Sam. 13. 8, 9, 13, 14. where his distrust made him praecipitant, he should have stay'd for Samuel one Hour or two longer; had he done so, his Kingdom had been Establish'd up∣on him, but his Rotten Heart was Discover'd by this Delay, and his Doing foolishly in Thrusting himself among the Priests as he had done among the Prophets, procures him tydings of its Translation to Another whose Heart was Ʋpright, Psal. 57. 7. and who would do all Gods wills, Act. 13. 22. 2ly. For his sparing Agag with his Amalekites and Cattel, contra∣ry to God's express Command, 1 Sam. 15. 2,

3, 8, 9, 26, 28. out of foolish pitty to his fel∣low-King he spared the one, and because he Feared the People, he spared the other; there∣fore Samuel said to him, The Lord hath Re∣jected thee, &c. And this Doubly Declared Rejection, brings him into a sad Melancholick Dejection. Discontent is called the Devil's Bath, wherein he Delights to Wade. The old Man-slayer takes this Advantage, and turns his Melancholly-dumps into a mad Phrenzy, inas∣much as in his frantick Fits he Transports him outragiously to Slay all in his way, Friends as well as Foes, even his own dear Jonathan once, Ch. 20. 33. as well as his Deserving David of∣ten, sometimes covertly, as Ch. 18. 17, 25. and sometimes overtly, as v. 11. and Ch. 19. 10. The Devil (that Evil Spirit possessing him,) had filled Saul's Heart from Corner to Cor∣ner with his own Disease, to wit, Envy (which is call'd Morbus Satanicus & Vitium Diaboli∣cum,) against David, whom he knew God had Raised up to Raise up the low Estate of His Church, 1 Sam. 24. 20. Yet (by the over-ruling Hand of God.) The Spirit of the Lord that rested upon David from his first Anointing, ch. 10. 13. (by the power of which he Kill'd a Bear and a Lyon, Chap. 17. 34.) was all along too hard for Sauls Devil, not only when Davids Musick drove away Sauls Me∣lancholly, Chap. 16. 23. but also in all Sauls both Secret Craft and open Cruelty: 1st. In

his Craft; How many Plots did the Devil (in Saul) contrive to cut off David from advanc∣ing the Church, yet God Laughs them all to nothing; and 'tis very Remarkable▪ God Ex∣tracts Happy Remedies out of the very Loins of Wretched Saul against all Davids Ʋnhappy Maladies; once Michal, and often Jonathan, Sauls own Son and Daughter. God makes use of his own Children to disappoint him of his Wicked Design, and to deliver Innocent Da∣vid, whom he foolishly followed as his Adver∣sary, Chap. 19. 2, 4, 12, 13, &c. and 20. 27, 29, 30. 34, to 42. Jonathan shot over David that Saul might shoot short of him. And 2dly. in his Cruelty, When he threw his Javelin three times to Kill David, yet the Lord Inter∣poses as oft, and he who Guided the Stone (which David did sling) unto Goliah's Fore∣head for his Destruction, Diverts Sauls Javelin from Davids Body, (though a fairer Mark and nearer hand) for his Deliverance: This was Sauls Cordolium or Heart-ake, when he could not come at and compass Davids Heart to de∣stroy it, (whose onely Fault was Faithfulness, and who must dye, onely because he made Isra∣el Live.) Saul (as is the Nature of Envy) feeds upon his own heart, Ch. 18. 12, 15. Invidia Sicu∣li non Invenêre Tyranni majus Tormentum. Envy exceeds all the Torments the Tyrants of Sicily ever Invented; it destroys its own Habitation, as the Worm doth the Nut wherein it is bred.

Thus God made Saul his own Inward Execu∣tioner (by sending this Fire into his Bosom to burn him, and this Worm to be continually gnawing upon his Intrals) long before he was his own Outward Executioner, at last. And Sauls Frantick Devil did not hurry him into Outragious Cruelty against David onely, but against the Priests of the Lord, for shewing kindness to David, Chap. 22. 12, 13, 16, &c. Oh what a Mad Phrensy was manifest in his cruel Commission! [Turn and slay the Priests of the Lord, Ver. 17. His malice was bent a∣gainst the Lord himself, for taking away his Kingdom and giving it to another, and be∣cause he could not come at the Lord (who was out of his reach) he spends his Spleen and vents his mad Fury upon his Priests: 'Tis a wonder, that the very Word [the Priests of the Lord] in his Mouth, did not make his Hands tremble to Murther them, and that without two or three Witnesses according to the Law, but only upon the bare single Testimony of a falie and flattering Sycophant; hence some say, that this Damnable Hypocrite (Saul) did com∣mit herein, the Sin against the Holy Ghost, Massacreing such a multitude of Innocents, as 8, Priests, as the Scripture, and 300 persons more, as Josephus tells us, Chap. 18. ver. 18, 19. and though his own Servants durst not do such a Villany, vers. 17. obeying God rather then the King, yet Doeg (that bloody Edomite of

Esau) that had been as far in Gods Sanctuary as David, Chap. 21. 7. sticks not at this Des∣perate Villany; yet in this Horrid Act of Cruelty, God baffles the Devil that acted Saul and (his Swine-herd) Doeg in two respects. 1st. While this base and bloody Wretch and his Master thought of nothing but Revenge, and satiating both their barbarous and brutish, yea, Devilish Blood-thirstiness, they are Un∣wittingly made the Executioners of Gods De∣termined Counsel, and justly declared sentence of God against Eli's Family, Chap. 3. 31, to 37. 2dly. As they served Gods Glory, so they sent David Comfort: Abiathar God marvelously hid from their bloody hands, he escapes them according to Gods promise of preserving some of Eli's House, Chap. 2. 33. and comes to Da∣vid with the Ephod in his hand, Chap. 22. 20. and 23. 6. This Ephod had the Breast plate with the Urim and Thummim in it, Exod 28. 30. The comming of this must needs be very comfortable to Distressed David; Now he hath an High-Priest, Abiathar, with him (as well as the Prophet Gad, Chap. 22. 5.) in his Army, by whom he might consult with God in all his Dangers and difficulties, Chap. 23. 2, 4. and often. Saul strengthened David more by sending this Ephod, than if he had sent him (as one saith) many thousand men: And as he strengthened David, so he weakened himself, as he complains, God answered him not by Ʋrim

and Thummim, 1 Sam. 28. 6. He had bereaved himself of it, by putting Abiathar to the Run, who brings it to David, which was a plain E∣vidence of Sauls Falling and Davids Rising: Saul had neither Priest nor Prophet to consult with (when David had both) Hereupon he consults with a Witch, Flectere Cum Nequeat Superos Acheronta Movebit. If God will not answer him, the Devil shall: Satan comes up in Samuels Resemblance, Preaches Sauls Fu∣neral-Sermon, he flies in Battel, falls upon his own Sword, so like the Candle in the Soc∣ket, goes out in a Stink, and (notwithstanding all his Plots he leaves himself to the Uncir∣cumcised; yea, his Body to a cold Grave, and his Soul to an hot Hell, as an Hypocrite, Matt. 24. 51. and leaves his Kingdom to David.

The 2d. Branch of this 14th. Plot, was in the Reign of David, whose entrance to the King∣dom was strongly opposed, not onely all the time Saul lived (being Hunted like a Patridge upon the Mountains, to be taken and destroy∣ed) but also after his Death by Abner, under the Hereditary Title of Ishbosheth, a man of Shame, (as his Name signifies) a weak and Un∣worthy man, (passing by Mephibosheth the Right Heir, (because Young and Lame) as hoping to Rule all under his Empty Title. Hereupon 'tis said, 2 Sam. 3. 6. that Abner (not Ishbosheth) made himself strong for the house of Saul, to bring about his own Design, and to

fix himself fast in the Saddle; Yet God did Laugh this Project to Nothing: The Issue was, though there was long War betwixt them (as there is 'twixt Christ and Antichrist) The House of Saul waxed weaker and weaker, and the House of David Stronger and stronger, 2 Sam. 3. 1. So the Stone, Dan. 2. Weakens the Beasts Kingdom gradually. 'Tis Wonderful to consider, How the Lord Baffled the Devil here, in sending an Evil Spirit 'twixt Abner and Ish-bosheth (as he had done 'twixt Abimelech and Shechem, Judg. 9. 23, 24, 25. which Evil Spirit was the Devil, that sower of Sedition, that great Coal-kindler and Make-bate of the World) 2 Sam. 3.8, 10. God Over-rules the Devil so, as to make him destroy his own De∣signs, by his Working upon those Mens Cor∣ruptions (whom God had justly given over to a Reprobate mind) and filling them with Envy, Murther, Debate, Deceit, Malignity, &c. Rom. 1. 28, 29. Here, Abner the Devil makes first an Athiest, in acting all along contrary to his Conscience, v. 9, 18. He knew that God had designed David to be King over Israel, whom Samuel Anointed to be Saul's Successor, yet against the Light of his own knowledge, as well as against Gods express command, he endeavours to set up Ishbosheth. 2dly. The De∣vil makes him an Ambitionist, not onely in ad∣vancing this weak Prince, of small parts, and of no Martial Spirit, (he not fighting in that fatal

Battel wherein his Father did fall) that he might be the [Dominus, fac totum] Lord Pa∣ramount of doing All, but also in aspiring to the Crown and Kingdom it self, by his Lying with Saul's Concubine (who had two Sons) which might give some Colour to his Claim. When Ishbosheth was taken out of the way, whom he had hitherto used only as a Stalking-Horse: Upon this occasion the Devil divides the two Grand Plotters against David, Chap. 3.7, 8. and so Defeats his own Design. Ʋnlaw∣ful Leagues never last long; when Thieves fall out, True men come to their own. Abner will now be Godly (who never had been so) in helping the Lord to fulfill his Promise to David, which he had hitherto hindred; He pretends, all (he now acts) was in Obedience to God, and for the Good of his Church, but intends both Revenge to Ishbosheth, and Respect to himself, that he might thereby secure his present Power and Dignity of Generalship: But, because he would have done David right with an Evil mind, it all turns to his own ruin, and God will Right David by a fairer way than by Abners Persidiousness; So vain a thing it is to strive against God, Psal. 2. 1, 2. David (in despite of the Devil) doth come to his Kingdom (though by Steps, and gradually) Ish-bosheth is removed out of the way (as well as Abner:) He dies in his Sloth, as he had lived Slothfully all his days, Chap. 4. 5. Qualis

Vita, Finis Itá. As a man lives, so he dyes. All Israel then owns and Crowns David, (Cha. 5.) Who, as soon as settled on the Throne, ex∣press'd his first care for the Church and Reli∣gion, Chap. 6. So brings the Ark (as they had brought him from Hebron to Jerusalem,) from Kiriath Jearim, (where in Saul's days it had been slighted) to Obed-Edoms, and thence to Sion, a more publick place than those private Houses wherein it had been before, verse 17. This was a joyful day to David (and Israel) v. 14, 16, 19. And not being satisfied that himself should dwell in an house of Cedar, while the Ark of God's presence dwelt in a Taber∣nacle, he both designs and vows to Build it a Temple, Chap. 7. 2. Psal. 132. 2. Nathan hinders this purpose, and promise, yet left he vast Provisions for his Son to perform it, his Psalms for the Church, and the Church in a flourishing Condition, (notwithstanding all disturbances,) which Solomon brings to Her Greatest Glory, and after Advanced to Her Hight.

The 3d. Branch of this 14th. Plot, was, in the Reign of solomon: before which Satan had his fore-Games to Oppose, as his after-Games to Depose the Church's Glory. The 1st. His fore-Games were in causing Absolom and Ado∣nijah to Exalt themselves both, saying, I will be King, that Solomon might be put by, and ne∣ver have an opportunity to raise the Church

into a more Glorious State then it had ever been in, which Satan Designed to Ruine by insolent and arrogant Absalom, 2 Sam. 15. 10. and by haughty & ambitious Adonijah, 1 Kin. 1. 5. Those two Sons were David's Darlings, whom he had honoured above the Lord (as Eli had done his two wicked Sons, 1 Sam. 2. 29.) and therefore they proved sad Cordoliums, and singular crosses to him: Such as love over-much, shall be sure to grieve over-much, strong affections bring strong afflictions: The De∣vil manages the first part of his fore-game by Absalom, and the latter part of it by Adoni∣jah, both of them goodly men, of a comely countenance, both personable, and of a Princely presence, 2 Sam. 14. 25. 1 Kin. 1.6. upon whom Nature had spent all her strength in beautifying their bodies (saith one) but she had left their Souls altogether unbeautified; they had (both of them) foul fouls in fair bodies; so were both the fitter Tools for Satan to work with to prevent Solo∣mon from the Throne, and thereby the glory of the Church: David had always cockered them, when he should have corrected them; and because they were both personable, and Prince-like, as the Children of a King, Judg. 8. 18. therefore were they made to think better of themselves, and their (ever too-fond) Father to think too well of them, their Father had not displeased them at any time in

their Childhood, and therefore they displeased their Father in his Old Age, and made no bones of breaking his heart, when now de∣cay'd, and even Bed-ridden (as in the last) by their Disloyalty and Usurpation: yet all was, that it might be fulfilled what was fore-threatned, 2 Sam. 12. 11. 1st. Arrogant Ab∣salom was hammering and hatching his part of the Plot two full years, 2 Sam. 14. 28. with 15. 1. after David had kissed him (being perswaded by Joab that he was a true Peni∣tent) when he should rather have kicked him, and not have harden'd him for further Villany by his fond credulity: (1.) He gains a guard, that he might be put into the Port of a Prince (being the Kings Eldest Son) that so the people might look upon him as Heir of the Kingdom, and by counterfeit courtesie (wherein he slander'd David) he soon stole away their hearts) from his Father the Right Owner) slily and secretly: (2.) He makes Religion a Cloak for his Rebellion (as is usual in the Papaey) Ch. 15. 6, 7, 8. Let me go and pay my Vows, &c. well knowing, that his Pious Father would promote rather than prevent any act of Piety in his Son; and Hebron was the sittest place for his purpose, because antient and famous, the place of his Fathers first Crowning, of his own Birth, and where he had many Friends to assist him: (3.) He calls Achitophel to be his Coun∣sellour;

that old Fox laid close till the Plot was ripe, yet probably he paved the way (from the first) by his perswading to take two hundred Principal Citizens along with him, (the better to conceal the Plot, and that o∣ther Cities might make Jerusalem their pat∣tern to follow Absalom) those are said to fol∣low Absalom in their simplicity, to wit, to his Gratulatory Oblation, knowing nothing of his villanous and rebellious intention: Even so it may be said of our Forefathers, they fol∣lowed Antichrist in their simplicity; for they being kept (by him) in gross ignorance, had this happiness, not to know the depths of Sa∣tan in the most principal and most pernicious points of Popery, Gods Providence so over-ruling the matter, that the people of Christ might not perish under the Priests of Anti∣christ. (4.) The Conspiracy was strong, by a mighty confluence of the common people, who were but over-ready to worship this Rising Sun, and to be weary of David (the Setting Sun) whose Credit the Conspirators had blacked and blasted to them, Neutrum modò, mas modò Vulgus. The many-headed multitude cry even to Christ himself (of whom David was both Father and Figure) Hosanna one day, and Crucisie the next day. This put holy David to such a fright, that he was forced to take his slight to save himself from slaying (according to Achitophels coun∣sel,

2 Sam. 17. 3.) and his chief City from sacking. Now was the Devil undoubtedly most highly pleased, not doubting here, but having got the Ball upon his foot, he should carry it cut and dry'd, and prevent Solomon from the Crown, and the Church from her Glory. But behold God over-matches the Devil here, David pours out his Prayer (made in Psal. 3.) on the top of Mount Oli∣vet, where he prays himself into a particu∣lar Faith of his own deliverance, and of his Enemies destruction. And when Davids case seem'd so desperate, as if Salvation (it self) could not save him, v. 2. yet even then did God arise at his pray'r, v. 7. and gives David a Prophetick prospect, not only of the death, but also of the manner of the death of his two grand Adversaries, Achitophel and Ab∣salom: [Thou hast smitten them upon the Cheek-bones] as if he had seen Achitophel knock'd with the Knot of the Rope, and Absalom with the Bough of the Oak wherein they were hanged, by the heavy Hand of God: 'Tis very observable, that no sooner had Da∣vid prayed, [Lord turn the counsel of Achi∣tophel into foolishness] 2 Sam. 15. 31. but presently God sends him in Hushai as a re∣turn of his prayer, a Man who could match Achitophel in any of his deepest reaches, and who did defeat his counsel (which might ve∣ry probably have destroyed David) by

starching an Oration every way accommo∣dated to Absaloms ambitious humour, Ch. 17. 7. to 15. and when Davids deliverance de∣pends all upon the faithfulness of a Wench, v. 17. God delights to work by weak means to confound the Mighty, 1 Cor. 1. 27. and to help his servants with a little help, Dan. 11. 34. Though the Devil at that time had a Lad (he never wants tools) to work mischief by in such cases, v. 18. yet the issue of this first part of Satans fore-game was this, the Grand Counsellor of the Conspiracy (Achi∣tophel) seeing his counsel basled, sadled his Ass, (when he should have bridl'd his anger) got him home to his house, and (as Josephus saith) told his houshold, that Absalom would be undone, and himself should be hanged; wherefore he thought it better to save Da∣vids Hangman the labour, and to prevent him, with dying manfully by his own hands: He set his house (but not his heart) in order; he took care of his Family after his death, but no care of his Soul for Eternity; he hanged himself (as Judas did after him for the like Crime) so strangl'd he those very Chaps wherewith he had given wicked counsel a∣gainst David (as Judas did against Christ) both despairing of mercy, 2 Sam. 17. 23. Mat. 27. 3, 4. The like fatal end to the like froward Counsellors the good Lord send in our day, saith Dr. Willet. In all this Achito∣phel

did but answer the signification of his own name, for Achi Hebr. signifies Brother, or Cousin-German, and Tophel Hebr. a Fool. Thus this Arch-Artist in Hellish Policy, &c. (whose counsel was as the Oracle of God, the Event usually answering his Advice with suit∣able success, 2 Sam. 16. 23.) proves no bet∣ter than a Brother or Cousin-German to a Fool; and no better proof can they make, that follow the Popes Placit as Infallible, as Ipsissimum Dei Verbum, the very Word of God when they are most damnably wicked; like that pernicious and pestilent counsel of Achitophel, which brought Absalom into the bryars, and could never get out, until this Grand Commander in the Conspiracy follow'd in the same Fate, and came to the same end with his Grand Counsellour, only with some difference: As (1.) God (himself) was his Executioner, giving him a just reward for his unjust Rebellion; 'twas of the Lord that he should be reserved from the Sword, to be intangled in the Oak. (2.) This Divine Exe∣cution doth make his Hair to be his Halter; and that wherein he had so much prided, to be the means of his own destruction: His long Locks he had possibly plaited (as Sam∣sons, Judg. 16. 13.) and those being blown up by a strong wind, wound about the Bough, and became his Halter to hang by: He had wont to weigh his Hair, and was proud to

find it so heavy: Now his Hair poiseth the weight of his body, and makes his burden his torment. (3.) His own Mule he rode on (as it were) turns him off the Ladder, Achi∣tophels Ass carries him to the place of his Ex∣ecution, and he turns himself off when be had tyed his Halter for his turn, and put his Head into it: But Absaloms Mule not only beans her Master to that place, but when all was ready for Execution, runs from under him with the Reins uncurbed, as the Cart at Tyburn drives away when the Tippet is fast about the Necks of the Condemned. Thus this Plot ends in the cursod and ignominious Death (Deut. 21. 23.) of both those Grand Conspirators, who were both hanged be∣tween Heaven and Earth, as if rejected of both, and as unworthy to live in either of them. Behold Absalom (whose name signi∣fies Hebr. his Fathers pla•••••• whereas he brea∣thed out nothing but War and Rebellion a∣gainst him) is hanged by that Head which had plotted against so good a Father: His haughty Head is now in its proper Exaltati∣on, and his arrogant heart hath no less than three Darts thrust through it, En Admiran∣dum Dei Judicium, Divine Vengeance over-takes him with a revengeful hand for his de∣testable disloyalty, who would needs be a King before Davids death, and now hath he an Oak to be his Throne, his twisted Hair for

his Crown, the Darts in his heart for his Scepter, and Joabs ten Armour-bearers for his Guard, 2 Sam. 18. 9. Oh wonderful!

And little better was the end of the De∣vils second part of his fore-game in Adoni∣jahs, than was his first part in Absalom: 'Tis true, 'twixt those two the Devil was not i∣dle, but did disturb the Church, (1.) By insti∣gating Sheba, a man of Belial, to blow up a∣nother blub of Rebellion at the very heel of Absaloms, 2 Sam. 20. 1. He himself being Tuba Rebellionis, a Trumpet of Rebellion, blew a Trumpet, taking an occasion of the un∣happy difference 'twixt Israel and Judah, Ch. 19. but he was soon suppressed by Da∣vids Forces suddenly surprizing him in a Siege at Abel, where a wise Woman wrought upon the timerous Citizens to throw over the Head of the Traytor to General Joab; 'twere happy if all such Traytors might hop headless. (2.) By provoking David, that Man of God, to number the people, 1 Chron. 21. 1. He prick'd him up to a pride both in the magnanimity of his Worthies, and in the multitude of his Army, which was no bet∣ter than Creature-confidence: This sin brought a Plague upon Israel, to lessen their number, which David began to make his pride, and probably intended to make his profit (by Polling them.) This Plague was threatned to last three days, but in the be∣ginning

(not in the midst) of wrath, God re∣membred mercy, Hab. 3. 2. For as Vatablus no∣teth on 2 Sam. 24. 15. God repented, and bad the destroying Angel hold his hand at the evening of the first day, which commend∣eth Gods good eye to his Church (while it was under the Devils evil eye) who for three days threatned, sends the Pestilence one day only: Yea, and Divine Mercy extracted this great good out of this great evil, that in the very place where the Angel was bid to put up his Sword, David builds an Altar, offers Sacrifice, and God answers him by Fire from Heaven, to betoken his acceptance and re∣concilement, and he pointed out from Hea∣ven the place where the Temple should be built, which whole plat of ground David purchased for six hundred shekels of Gold, 1 Chron. 21. 25.

Now as to Adonijah, the Rabbins say, Da∣vid was so frighted at the Dreadful Appari∣tion of the Destroying Angel, that he be∣came Bed-rid ever after, and his impatient ambitious Adonijah would gladly have buried him alive, and wishing his Bed his Grave. Hereupon he exalts himself, saying, I will be King, 1 King. 1. 5. Though David had de∣clared Solomon to be designed King even from God himself, (1 Chron. 22. 9, 10. and 28. 5. and 2 Sam. 7. 12.) and Adonijah knew it to be so, and therefore he call'd not Solomon and

his Friends to his Feast, v. 19. The Plot and Conspiracy was strong in him (as it had been in Absalom) being strengthened by the hands of Joab the General, and Abiathar the High-Priest, both under some disgust, and so more easily ingaged: Joab was conscious of his own demerit, and Abiathar might fear the extinction of Elies House: Those two Gran∣dees (having an influence upon both Church and State) could not but give a fair prospect of the Plot, and hope of success, v. 7. e∣specially considering all the other Sons of Da∣vid did joyn with them in the exploit, re∣specting Adonijah (as now the Eldest) more than Solomon, and all the men of Judah, the Kings servants, v. 9. Hereupon the Plotters fall on feasting jovially, and undoubtedly many a merry Health was drunk to their new King Adonijah (who had got his Guards as Absalom had done, v. 5.) many a Taunt was cast on the old King, and many Acclamati∣ons to the new: But the Triumph of the wick∣ed is short, Job 20. 5. David upon this E∣mergency hastily Anoints Solomon; tydings of this mars all Adonijahs mirth; after the Meal comes the Reckoning that damps the mirth, v. 41. yea, when the Plotters were at the very height of their joys and jollities, God comes and confounds all their contri∣vances, and serves up for their last Dish at this Feast a Cup of Horrour, Astonishment,

and fearful expectation of righteous re∣venge, this dreadful sound in their ears, (Job 15. 21, 24.) The Feasters had heard at So∣lomons Coronation, v. 40. was a doleful Knell to them, and like the Knuckles upon the Wall, Dan. 5. made them (as Belshazzar did) knock their knees one against another: The Guests were all afraid, and rose up, and went, &c. v. 49. as well as their trembling legs could carry them, all sculking away: Their Plot (being laid open, and timely pre∣vented) laid them open to the scorn of the people, and to the anguish and horrour of their own guilty Consciences.

Thus doth the most wise and righteous God befool insolent men in their never so se∣cretly projected and promoted Plots, where∣in they do hope to supplant the Son of Da∣vid, our Lord Jesus, that Prince of Peace, as those did Solomon here, and the Church in him: But what became of the Plotters? A∣donijah (himself) flies to the Horns of the Altar, (which probably so prophane a Prince had hitherto despised) and was pardon'd by this peaceable Prince, but upon his good be∣haviour, v. 52. which when he broke, in seek∣ing the Kingdome with Abishai, Ch. 2. 22. (be∣ing no small Petition, as Bathsheba call'd it, v. 20. for Solomons sagacity saw the depths of the Devil in it, which his Mother could not dive into) for this he lost his life, v. 24.

as Joab did after him, v. 30. where the very Altar could not secure him from Just Ven∣geance; and as for Abiathar, he was thrust out from the High-Priesthood, v. 37. his Linnen Ephod, or sacred Function, did not exempt him from Civil Censures, as the Romanists plead; and so was fulfill'd the Word of the Lord upon Ely's House, 1 Sam. 2. 31, 35▪ and had he not been afflicted in all wherein David had been afflicted (which was for above forty year) he had been also a dead man with Adonijah and Joab for this Conspiracy.

David dies full of days, riches and ho∣nour, 1 Chron. 29. 28. and leaves the state of the Church honourable, Solomon succeeds, and brings the Churches State to its 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or highest pitch of Glory, while Militant, which is a Figure of the Kingdome of Christ (one greater than Solomon) here on Earth; David had advanced the splendour of the Church, in his Religious provision for the portable Temple, to wit, the Tabernacle e∣rected in the City of David, and also in his Religious preparations for the Fix'd Tem∣ple, (1.) Knowing the place where it should stand, to wit, on Mount Moriah, where A∣braham offer'd Isaac, Gen. 22. 2, 9. and 2 Chro. 3. 1. (2.) Receiving the pattern of it by Di∣vine Inspiration, 1 Chron. 28. 19. he gave it to Solomon, Ch. 29. 11. who by the help of

Davids prepar'd materials (to wit (1.) Spoils of Enemies, Ch. 18. 11. (2.) An hundred thousand Talents of Gold. (3.) A thousand thousand Talents of Silver. (4.) Hewn stone and Timber. (5.) Iron and Brass without measure, Ch. 22.14. (6.) Precious Stones, Ch. 29. 2. (7.) His own offerings, and those of the Princes and people, Ch. 29.4. &c. though Solomon added much more of his own store) built the most stately and costly Structure, the most sumptuous and glorious Edifice that ever was in the World (therefore justly called the Worlds Wonder) the House of the most High God, 2 Chron. 2. 5. and a Type of the Church Triumphant in Heaven, as the Ta∣bernacle had been of the Church Militant upon Earth. This Temple was twice so long and large every way, as was the Ta∣bernacle Exod. 26. as the Temple in Ezek. Ch. 40. 41, 42, &c. (setting forth Gospel-times) is described as much bigger than all the old Jerusalem, and a new Jerusalem big∣ger than all the Land of Canaan. Solomon fi∣nish'd his Temple in the year of the World 3000. Hence some gather, that the Spiritual Temple shall be compleated in 3000 more, and then the Sabbatical year shall take place, as the Sabbath succeeds the six days of the Week. In the building of this Magnifical House of the Lord, all the materials were made ready before they were brought thither;

so that there was neither Hammer, nor Axe, nor any Tool of Iron heard in the House while it was in building, 1 King. 6. 7. to teach us three things: 1. That all true Members of Churches must be sanctified, and called to be Saints, 1 Cor. 1. 1, 2. hewn by the Word and Spirit, and made living Stones before Ad∣mission. 2. That in the Church Militant up∣on Earth, all noise of jars and contentions (which are as the knocking of Iron Instru∣ments) must be declined. 3. That in the Church Triumphant in Heaven there shall be no sorrows nor sufferings, all noise of fears and tears shall be done away, the State then shall be peaceable and joyful, for which the Saints are fitted by the Hammer of Gods Word, and the Hand of his Spirit upon the Mountains of this lower World, there to en∣joy rest and glory: The Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple or Oracle (so called, because there God used to deliver Divine Answers or Oracles, Exod. 30. 5. and Levit. 16. 2.) was the place prepared for the Ark of the Covenant to rest in, after its many removes and wandrings, 1. From the Desart to Gil∣gal. 2. From Gilgal to Shilo. 3. From Shilo to the Philistims. 4. From thence to Bethshemesh. 5. From thence to Kiriath Jearim. 6. From thence to the House of Obed-Edom; And 7. From thence to Sion, the City of David: Now Solomon provides a resting place, to

wit, the best part of the Temple (the Holy of Holies) for this best and most precious piece (which had the Law within it, and the Mercy-Seat upon it) far more precious than the Palladium at Troy, the Pessinuntium at Rome, or the Image at Athens (made by Ca∣netias the Artificer, yet said by the covetous Priests to be dropt down from Jupiter, Act. 19. 35.) as it was the principal Evidence of Gods gracious presence, and the lively Type of Christ, in whom are hid (as in an Ark or Coffer) all the Treasures of Gods goodness, Col. 2. 3. So that when Solomon dedicates his glorious Fabrick (which, as Josephus saith, dazled the eyes of all its beholders) by Sa∣crifice and Supplication he concludes his Prayer, saying, Arise now therefore, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou and the Ark of thy strength, 2 Chron. 6. 41. whereby he invites the Lord to take possession of his Temple, where his Ark should be no more transportative, but setled for a long season, Psal. 1 ••2. 8, 9, 10. And the Lord testifies his acceptation of all, both by Fire from Hea∣ven, (which was kept alive till the Captivi∣ty of Babylon) and by filling the House with his Glory. 2 Chro. 7. 1. Now was the Church of God (by his good hand upon her) brought up to such a beauty of Holiness, and to such a perfection of dazling splendour (like that of the Temple) that Religion was had in

great Veneration, both by Domesticks and Forreigners. 1. His own Israel went home so refreshed with the Prayer, and the Bles∣sing, that they adored the Lord for his goodness to them, 1 Kin. 8. 66. and both Hiram King of Yyre praised God for the Blessing that the Church had in Solomon, 1 Kin. 5. 7. saying, Because the Lord hath lo∣ved his people, he hath set a Solomon over them, 2 Chro. 2. 11. Hence some verily think this Hiram was a Proselited Prince; and (2.) Mackeda, Queen of Sheba, coming from a far Country, Mat. 12. 42. falls into an Ex∣tasie of admiration, 1 Kin. 10. 5. and com∣ing to her self, she blesses the Lord God that had loved Israel so, as to set Solomon on the Throne; saying, the reality of Israels glory (in him) far exceeded all the Reports she had received, v. 7. 9. yea, and not only those two Forreigners, but even all the Earth sought to Solomon, &c. v. 24. both Princes and People, Ch. 4. 31. 34. The Devil put Israel upon casting off God, and desiring a King, 1 Sam. 8. 7. Now God uses a King to raise his Church to her highest glory. Thus God over-shoots Satan in his own Bow.