in the purtraiture to expresse the image, wee commend [Simile.] him the more; but when wee see an Image made by some Archimedes, that is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to mooue it selfe, nod with the head, and roll the eyes, we commend that much more; So all the comparisons and similitudes in the Scripture, are laid out as it were in vive Collours to us. But there are two Apologues brought in in the Scriptures, this of the trees Iudg. 9. and that 2 King. 14. 9. how the Thistle of Lebanon propounded mariage to the Cedar in Lebanon, where the trees are brought in walking and speaking, which affect the mind more than plaine Similitudes; and in these we must not so much looke to the Letter, as to that which they call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the thing signified by the Apologue.
Iotham bringeth in here the trees anointing a King, and they make choise of three most excellent trees; the Oliue, the Figge, and the Vine-tree, and they all refu∣sed, and then they make choise of the Bramble. The three excellent trees which refuse the government, the Oliue, the Figge, and the Vine-tree, are described by three properties; the Oliue for his fatnesse, the Figge-tree for its sweetnesse, and the Vine-tree because it cheared God and man: The Oliue Iudg. 9. 9. saith, should I lea••e my fatnesse, wherewith by me they honour God & man; in the Hebrew it is Hehhadalti, as if it should say, will yee perswade me with your faire words to l••aue my fatnesse, that I should be altogether deprived of it, so that I haue nothing left in me worthy of commen∣dation.
And if we will compare these three trees together, we must consider them first as they serue for naturall uses; secondly, as they serue for civill uses; and thirdly, for religious uses; and then we shall see the excellency of these trees.
First, in their naturall use; consider the wood of the