dear to the King, and highly esteemed of amongst the Jews, as he was well wor∣thy, for his constant indeavouring to procure good to all his seed, that is, to all his Nation.
The six Chapters added were made, as Lyra thinketh, by Josephus, or some o∣ther cloquent man, who could easily devise both the forme of a Decree, first against the Jews, and then for them, and with more words set forth the history of the manner of Esters going in to the King, feigning many things of his own, as also Jerom speaketh. To leave them therefore, as also the other Books of Ezra or Es∣aras, wee may conclude this Booke with the mystery in Mordecay and Ester. 1 In his refusing to worship Haman, was preflgured, Christs refusing to worship the Devill. 2 Mordecai discovered the two Eunuchs, who probably were set on by Haman that he might get the Empire, and so they were hanged, but Ha∣man still survived to increase his malice, in like manner, Christ by his Doctrine discovered the machinations of the world and the flesh against his Kingdom, so that they cannot destroy it, but are mortified to all the truly godly, the Devill yet, as Haman surviving, to practise against it. 3 Mordecai was honoured by his most deadly enemie, so Christ by the Devill, when he cryed out, I know thee who thou art, &c. 4 Mordecai was advanced, and Haman put down, when he la∣boured to hang Mordecai, so the Devill that was honoured formerly in Idols with divine honour, as Haman with kingly, after he had conspired the death of Christ by crucifying, soon fell with his Idolatry by vertue of the Gospel, and was made contemptible to all men, and Christ became in all places honourable. 5 Mor∣decai receiveth the Kings Scale, and power to reverse Hamans Letters, by writing others instead thereof, so Christ put out the hand-writing that was against his people, and fastened it to his crosse. 6 Mordecai was arrayed in shining silks, and with a Crown of gold, so Christ his garments shone upon the Mount, and he was crowned as the great Kings sonne, when the voyce came from heaven saying, This is my beloved sonne. 7 Mordecai instituted a feast in remembrance of this deliverance, so Christ, the holy Communion.
Now touching Ester, that which the Jesuites apply in her to the Virgin Mary, may well be applyed to the Church, as being in the Church most true, but in the Virgin Mary, suppositious, onely without all ground for the most part. 1 Ester obeyed Mordecai as her father, so the Church Christ even after so high an exalta∣tion to be wife unto the great King of heaven. 2 Ester was chosen of God to confound Haman, and to succour the poore Jews ready to perish, so the Church by prayer. 3 A great Feast was made at the marriage of Ester, and tributes were remitted, so at the conversion of the Gentiles, there was a great Feast of joy, all mens sins who were true beleevers, being forgiven them. 4 The King loved Ester so, that he bid her aske what she would, once, twice, thrice, so Christ lo∣veth his Church, that he biddeth, Aske and yee shall have, 2 Seeke and yee shall finde, 3 Knock and it shall be opened to you. 5 Ester obtained such favour with the King, that when he was terrible to all others, yet he courteously received her approaching, so God being terrible to the Jews, and to all the wicked in his judge∣ments, yet to the Church of the godly he is kinde and meeke. 6 Ester wrote to∣gether with Mordecai, to stir up to praise God, and keepe a remembrance of his goodnesse, so the Church seconds the charge given to all Gods people, always to remember the passions of Christ, by celebrating the most holy Feast of the Eucha∣rist for ever.