Some Meditations on the History recorded in the first fourteen Chapters of Exodus, in Meeter. The Sons of Jacob dwelled in Egypt, where Ch. 1. v. 7. 9 Their great Increase made the Egyptians fear. Two causes of it are assigned; the one, They'll join with foes, the other, they'll be gone. 10. Stay now, let's think: And was there Cause indeed To have such thoughts of honest jacob's seed? Would they betray the Land where they were bred, Gen. 12. 10 42, 1. Where their fore Fathers more than once were fed In their distress? No, no, this could not be, They had more holy ingenuity. Or would they leave their Native Country? leave A fruitful Goshen; and themselves bereave Of house and home, and knew not where to go? No, never think it; They'd more wit than so. But yet there's somewhat in't; perhaps it may be Pharo'h was conscious to himself that he, Had wronged them in there liberties; and craves To keep them still, as profitable Slaves; Had stinted their Religion; (for that Nation Mayn't sacrifice th' Egyptians ' abomination.) Ch. 8. 20 Perhaps their thoughts his thoughts thus represent: Why shall we Pharo'bs happiness resent? Why shall we fight? what matters it, since we Must still be Asses, who the loaders be? What? is our public worship nothing worth? God's Heavenly Ordinances? Come; let's forth Into the wilderness; 'tis better there With God, then with these black Egyptians here Joseph's forgot, and we requited thus: Ch. 1. 8. Goe 47. 20. occulta revelans Gen. 41. 45 He got him all, who now takes all from us: Had Zaphnath paaneah this fore-known; He'ad ne'er so strengthened him, to spoil his own Conscience thus works, thus speaks, what no man dares That's no Courtflatterer; that no man spares. Come let us wisely deal with them (saith he) v. 10. Lest they the Landlords, and we Tenants be: Let's tax them roundly; make them serve with rigour; 14. Mortar and bricks lay on, lay on, with vigour. Their bitter lives shall sweeten mine, their charge My Treasuries and Treasures shall enlarge, 11. But it was a policy, which God ne'er blest; The more they grew, the more they were oppressed. Yet he'll not leave it so; he'll next assail A private Plot, when public force does fail. He calls the Midwives; bids them slay the Boys, 15. Preserve the Girls; there's ruin without Noise. The Females may be saved to serve our lust; The Males destroy, for them we dare not trust: This age let's well keep under, and their breed, This will prevent, that none shall them succeed. Come, this will do our business.— Ney pray stay; Gods promise sure will lay a rub i'th' way: Abraham's line must lengthened be; his heirs Ps. 45. 16. Gen. 17. 5. 8. Must live to see the Land of Canaan theirs. The Midwives fearing God more than the King) Wave th'hangman's strangling office, and do bring v. 21. A fly excuse; Thereby his craft befool: Oh! 'tis not every one will make a Tool. Dirty employment's only fit for those That Dirty fellows are; Carrion for Crows. God made them Houses— such will better be, 21. Then raised by reward's of iniquity. But, since these will vot do't; he next will try, Who'll give a cruel pledge of loyalty? He charges all his people, nor did doubt, 23. But Bloodhounds might be found among the rout: As after Saul found none amongst his friends, 1 Sam. 22. 17, 18, 19 His Loyal Israelites, to work his ends, Yet had an Edomite (fit for the job) That slew God's Priests, and overthrew their NOB. And now is Moses born; hid for a while; Ch. 2. 2. v. 3. 5. Exposed; made Pharoh's Grandson by a wile. God counterplots the plotter; makes him keep (Wolf as he was) a Shepherd for his Sheep. 10. Let none as born in a bad time, repine, Whom God may for some special work design; It matters not what Age, or in what Nation; So that we serve him in our Generation. Act. 13. 36 11. Moses is grown a Man; goes forth to see His poor oppressed brethren's misery. Does an Heroic act of Justice; smites 12. 13. 14. 15. A sierce Egyptian; Chides two Israelites That were a wrangling, but had such reply, As made him first to fear, and then to fly. Thus oft, who others, would make friends gets foes; And he, that will part fighters, meets with blows. He dwelled with Revel; Zipporah he marries; 21. 22. 23. 24. Has Gershom by her, and long there he tarries, Till he was quite forgot, and Pharaoh dead, Till God his covenant remembered. Let none think, God forgets us, or neglects; He looks on Israel, and them respects. 25. Let none think God's time long, for he best knows, When we are fit for mercies, they for woes. Now is he called from keeping Jethroes sheep, Ch. 3. 1. To feed God's flock, and them to guide, and keep. As after, some Apostles from their trade, Eishers of Fish, Fishers of Men were made. Mat. 4 19 A noble change; but time rously, he shrinks; v. 11. Alas! it is too high for him, he thinks. Though in the Burning-Bush God had declared The burdened Israel should at last be spared. Ch. 3. 8. Yet could he not discern how it should be Effected by so mean a Man as he. Can I before the Mighty Pharo'h stand? 11. 12. 13. 8. Why not? (says God) I'll lead thee by the hand. And will the Israelites believe poor me? Yea that they shall (says God) by what they ' I see. Jehovah shows him wonders, cures his fears; Ch. 4. 2. Strengthens his faith, that he might strengthen theirs See here, and imitate a humble soul: See here a faith, that does a fear control. Yet fear Repullulates, he'd fain be free: I am not fit: Send whom thou wilt for me. 13. Bold cowardice, that dares God's precept break; Yet fears before a mortal Man to speak: Blind Sensuality, that counteth even A Glittering Gloworm to the light of Heaven. He pleads a sloth of speech, would not be sent, 10. Because (forsooth) he was not Eloquent: Whereas Court-Preechors must be Glib and free, Smooth-tongued, as I am not (O send not me) Neither before, not since I spoke with thee. 10. God condescends to weakness, and allow'th His brother Aaron to become his mouth. 14. And now are answered all his little pleas And now he must away without delays. Delays are dangerous, but yet take heed, We mind our haste no more than our good speed: He takes his leave; proceeding with his wife, 10. And Son uncircumcised; whereby his life Is brought in danger, 'twas because that he 24. To Israel a comforter would be By Covenant, and yet neglects the Seal: Wilt thou (says God) my holy will reveal? Declare my name to others, that they fear it, And thou thy self forget me? I'll not bear it. Reformers must Reform be: Who Preaches, Must first believe and practise what he teaches. Moses thus warned, his Son doth circumcise: 25. Draws blood from Gershom, tears from Zipporahs' eyes. Oh Bloody husband (cries she) Man of blood: 26. Carnal relations often hinder good. But it is better friends than God t' offend; Make friends our enemies, keep God our friend. Now on he goes; his brother Aaron meets him. 27. (Sent forth by God) and brotherly he greets him; And hand in hand they into Egypt go, 29. Congregate Israel, and to them show Gods wondrous works, and gracious words; which said, 30. 31. Israel believes, worships, and bows the head. Approaching mercies, when they do appear, Should be received with reverence, and fear. To Pharo'h fruitful Egypt's mighty King, Ch. 5. 1. Next they address, and do this message bring; The God of Jacob saith, Let Israel go, And worship me; the Lord will have it so. The Lord? (says Pharo'h) stay; I do not know him; 2. Nor any Suit, or Service that I own him; Who is the Lord? The Hebrews God (say they) 3. Hath us commanded; Let us go we pray. A three-days Journey in the desert, there To Sacrisice, for otherwise we fear he'll angry be; if we neglect his word, he'll fall on us with Psstilence and Sword. Here's God's command, and Israel's request, Whereby in humble manner he is pressed: Israel's in danger, if they do not do it; If Pharo'h lets them, then let him look to it. If they a Sword, and Pestilence do fear, Then what may He, that is their hinderer. But he's resolved. Go; get you gone (says he) Moses and Aaron; to your burdens; ye 4. Do hinder business; you that are but two Do stay the work that many hands might do. 5. Then doth he call the Taskers; makes this Law; Require the Tale of Bricks, allow no Straw. 7. 8. 8. For they are Idle; hence arise their cries, Let us go worship God, go sacrifice. Wretched uncharitableness is thine, That thinkest all Religion but design. Not to please God, only our selves to please: Not inward comfort, but for outward ease. Lay on more work, and keep them at it hard: 9 Their vain religious canting ne'er regard. 'Tis said; 'tis done; they find it to their grief. 10. 14. 15. And first they fly to Pharo'h for relief: Oh! Why are we thus hardly dealt withal? How can we work without material? 16. Thy people are in fault, and we are beaten: Pharo'h (instead of helping them does threaten, 17. Sends them away with scorn: Go Idlers, go, (you'd serve the Lord? Serve Me:) I'll have it so. Hear how the Harpy harps upon that word; You're Idle; you would go and serve the Lord? A Pharoh's better farther off then nigh one; Sheep little get, by coming near the Lion: This will not do; Moses and Aaron next 20. They met, but being grieviously perplexed, They charge them as the cause of all their woe; 21. Had it not been for you, it had not been so. You make's believe and put trust in the Lord, And this hath put in Pharo'hs' hand a sword. Never was so severe th' Egyptian rod, 23. Till you persuaded us to worship God. Moses to God complains, Why was I sent 22. To Israel, their sorrows to augment? Jehovah answers; I do hear their cries; Ch. 6. 5. See their distresses; I do Sympathize: Do feel their loads. Moses again is sent With a new Covenant, new encouragement. 6. 7. 9 But Israel, that under griefs doth languish, Cannot hear God nor Moses for their anguish. O men of little faith that cannot see For tears, th' Almighty's Al-sufficiency! O! men of feeble spirits, that for one Rough passage, doubt of their redemption! O little love you show, that will departed From your Religion, for a little smart! Moses again is sent unto the King: 11. But now (alas) his faith is wavering; For, if (saith he) Israel will not hear 12. My message, Pharo'h will much less I fear.) But God doth charge him and his brother both, 13. And therefore in they go (though very loath.) Thus Stars of greatest magnitude (we see) With fogs and clouds sometimes obscured be. Thus strongest pillars of the Church, with weight Will bow a little, till God set them right. When into pharoh's presence they were come. He frowning says, what will these troublesome And ill bred fellows have? they know our will: They have our answer: Will you ne'er be still? Where's your commission? make't appear that you Are sent of God, and that your God is true. Show us some tricks our High Priests can do this By power from our Gods Isis, Osiris, Our Garden gods, Leeks, Onions; (O the dotage Nascutur in hortis numina. Ch. 7. 10. That shreds divinity to make their Pottage:) Then Aaron cast upon the ground his rod; 'Tis changed into a Serpent by his God. The Jugling-wizzards Pharo'h calls, and they 11. Perform the like: But soon are made a prey, To Aaron's Serpent, all their Magic fry. 12. Thus solid Reason swallows sophistry. Pharo'h is hardened: Tush! (saith he) for this 13. I care not, while it doth not by't, but hiss. Thus some men Comets to a jest do turn, Because they only blaze, and do not burn; Although (perhaps) sometimes they do foreshow Burning of Cities, and of Navies too. They shall not go; no? Sure it were as good, You did permit them: Next sign shall be Blood; 17. 18. 19 21. Blood in the rivers, choking all the fishes; Blood in your ponds, stone pots, and wooden dishes; Blood that shall putrify the air, and stink; Blood in the waters, you shall loath to drink. 'Tis done: Hell vicar's ape this too: His will 22. Is obstinate; Pharo'h is Pharo'h still. This is the first plague, and indeed 'tis great, (Though greater follow) 'tis about their meat: Though some are of opinion, and will tell ye Fish is no meat, for you may fill your belly Therewith, and yet keep fasting days. But I (Saving their reverence) think it drollery. Now enter Frogs filling their region, Ch. 8. 2. Water, and Land (a frog's Amphibion) Some swim in broths, some baked in their bread. 3. Some are cold crawlers in their naked bed. Some music croak to Pharo'h, and perchance, 4. Some in his Presence-Chamber skip and dance. 'Tis true his Priests had tried what they could do, And (through permission) frogs they brought up too: But can they drive them down? Now let them prove it They can bring mischief but they can't remove it. Thus when, with Moses, they dare enter lists, Th' appear Enchanters but no Exorcists. Moses must be entreated now to pray, This loathsome judgement may be ta'en away. Wretch's may need, and beg the prayers of those Sometimes, whom otherwhile they most oppose. And in design would their religion use, Whose Persons and Religion they abuse. Now that, in this, his turn might served be, He makes a promise; Israel shall go free: 9 8. 'tis the word of a King, set thoughts at rest, It shall be done: There's honour in this breast. Goodness and greatness, did they always meet, Then peace and righteousness would always greet; But 'tis the Scripture saith; men that are high Ps. 62. 9 In their degree (in th' Abstarct) are a lie. Moses doth try his truth, prays off the frogs: 12. 13. 15. They die on Land and only live in bogs. Th' Egyptian respited, the Gipsy played; Retracts his word, denies what he had said. A complicated sin; he breaks his word, Not only with the men, but with the Lord. The matter of his Covenant was sublime, Increases guilt, and aggravates the crime. God is offended greatly, and now must The wonder-working Rod enliven dust. 16. Beggars and Cheats they were before, and now Lousy Egyptians all, from Throne to Blow. 17. 18. Then try the Artists (Chaplains of the House And all there Art can't feign a little Louse. Jannes and Jambres time is out, and all 2 Tim. 3. 8. Their store is spent, Jannes and Jambres fall; Those two Arch-flamins of his kingdom, those That Pharo'h hardued, Moses did oppose; Who now themselves confess it is God's hand, 19 Isa. 26. 11. Lu. 23. 47 Act. 16 17 That thus afflicted had th' Egyptian land. Though sinners long persist, and will not see. Heaven will at last, by Hell, acknowledged be. But Pharo'hs lofty spirit will not hear'm; 19 24. princeps muscarum 22. More judgements must come on, and he must bear'm. Then grievous swarms of flies possess the air As if Belzebub had dominion there. Goshen is free.— Herein his power he shows To save his people when he plague's his foes. Men make distinctions with mischievous heart: God seals for safety, keeps them still apart. Moses, O Moses help me (Pharo'h cries) Go worship now your God, go sacrifice; 25. Only let it be in the Land, I pray, To going out, reason of state says nay. He would compound a Gallimauphery; Part God's command, and part state policy. Methinks I hear him say; What does possess Your minds to worship in a wilderness. 'Twere more august here: Lo (for your contents) we'll Temples lend Utinsels, Ornaments. You may your own God keep and conscience too Though amongst us, like us you seem to do. But 'twil not do; a little more he yields: 26. 28. Let it be wilderness, but near our fields; For if from us you do departed too far, We shall suspect, you do intent a War. Once more (says Moses) to my God I'll cry; 29. But deal not any more deceitfully. And reason good he now should be suspected That former obligations had rejected. The fly is gone. Pharo'h is still the same 31. 32. What shall we say to him that knows no shame? Come Murrain slay the ; Spare no man's, Ch. 8. 3. 4. But let it be only Egyptians. He that would Israel's have at his dispose Keeps not his own, all covet and all lose. Pharo'h is hardened still: Come sprinkle ashes 7. 8. For botch and blain; I'll whip with soarer lashes; Let the Magicians feel them; try their skill 11. 12. 13. 14. To cure themselves. Pharo'h is hardened still. And still shall plagued be; even on his heart: An inward sear worse than outward smart. Sad is his case, that's raised high alone 16. To show God's Justice and his Power upon. Now warn them of a Storm, and let us see, 18. 19 20. If all Egyptians are as bad as he: No; Some believe and fear; follow direction, And for their goods and servants get protection. It was a Storm indeed; Fire, Thunder, Hail, 23. Extremes of heat and cold made hearts to fail; The Fire ran on the ground; as sad September Taught us to know; will teach us to remember. The fire dispersed itself over the land, As if continued by a secret hand. Shall we hear more of Pharaoh? Yes: His cry Is Moses, Aaron, help me or I die: 27. he's now grown penitent (at least in show) Oh I have sinned (he speaks it falsely true) I and mine wicked are, your God is just: (It is enough) pray him in whom you trust: 28. Dreadful experiments do prove him stronger; I'll let you go, and ye shall stay no longer. Can any now make any doubt but he To all his promises will faithful be? A gentle mildeness does the man discover (As Snakes in Winter till the Storms be over) Though charity cannot but judge him right, Yet is he false in the All-seers sight. Well, well, (says Moses) let it be; I know Y'are naught, and to your ruin will be so: 29. 30. 33. 34. The Hail is gone: What say you? Shall we go: And serve our God? Answer directly: No. My promises were made in fear, I'm told By all my Casuists, such do not hold. Then look for Locusts, such as have not been; Ch. 9, 4. 5. 6. 7. Such multitudes, the earth shall not be seen. This said, the Prophets leave him: But the threat So srights the Egyptians, that they him entreat To lay to heart, Egypt is plagued so, Only for Israel's sake; O let them go! 'tis strange that Intercessors for them be Instruments of his rage, their misery. Well call them then (says Pharaoh) ask them who? 8. What is the Number of them that would go? What Number? (is replied) why even all; 9 Men, Women, Children, , great and small. Nay; that shall never be; I'll breed your Sons; 10. They are my Wards: Go; leave your little ones. Unreasonable men; I see it well, If I concede an inch, you'll crave an ell. You only asked for men alone; 'twas given; Now you'll have all: Look to't: So for th' they're driven 11. The promise (sure) had choked the man, without Distinction and a lie, had helped him out. he'll have them in a rope; IT was his intent To draw them back in time convenient. He never me'nt too let them quite go free, But had an eye unto posterity. Now the strange locust come; Obey command; 14. 15. Devover every green upon the land. God can make use of Frogs, Lice, Locusts, Elyes, Thus to subdue his proudest Enemies. Infects commanded by the Lord of hosts Are Concquering-Armies over him that boasts. God's messengers are hastened in; 'tis true, 16. O I have Sinned against your God, and you. Forgive I pray this once, pray God above, 17. That now he would this only death remove. Here's a confession larger than before, And pardon asked: Sure now he'll sin no more. You'd think so; but no good fruit can he bring; Judicial hardness is a dreadful thing. The Locusts are blown off; but oh! alas! 19 20. The King's no Changeling, he is where he was. O let not Mankind suffer by him; for Nature does Monsters (such as he) abhor: Nor Reason, nor Philanthropy allows, To think all men, like him, . Palpable three days darkness next must tell 21. Their final ruin, prodromous of Hell. But Goshen all this long and dreadful night, 23. Had, as a pledge of Heavenly glories, light: Pharo'h may now be hear● (though not be seen) 24. Calling for Moses, and as if't had been A Credible he tells him, really He meant to let them go; (a real lie) Only your leave behind (says he) ●eave your Estates, your Persons shall go free. Let's hunt the Plot, was it his Avarice To sell them their Religion at a price? Or was't good Husbandry save what he could, Seeing he could not have all that he would? Or, was it Policy to draw them back, When Wilderness makes them begin to lack? For when this heat is o'er (perhaps he thought) They will repent what 've so dearly bought. What e'er it were; his Grant doth not suffice, They must have where withal to sacrifice. 25. ●ivil as well as Sacred Liberty, ●n all respects, their God will have them free. ●ea? say ye so? I thought (quoth Egypt's King) That Heavenborn souls minded no earthly things; And that you did believe, God would supply All things, both for your life and piety. But since you'll have it so; to let you see My love, I'll not give leave, but banish ye: See, that you see my face no more, Petitions 28. I'll have no more, nor tedious repetitions Of that same, Let my people go: be gone. Moses went out in Anger; which in one Chap. 11. 8. So meek was much; but yet behind him leaves A dreadful word; Pharaoh, my God bereaves 5. Thee of thy Firstborn; all thy Sons shall die, For my Son's sake; and a sad mid-night-cry Ch. 4. 24. 6. 8. Shall fill the Land, and (stout as is thy heart) Thou and thine shall entreat us to departed. Brave Souls make no unworthy compositions, Nor will admit of sordid Propositions; Moses hath conquered and must triumph now, 8. And proud Egyptians must before him bow. He now is great whom lately they did slight, 3. Both in the Courtiers and the Country's sight. Next he prepares his People to be gone, Appoints the Door-mark, bids them every one Ch. 12. 13. Ch. 11. 2. Of the Egyptians Gold and Jewels horrow; Who lend with joy, what they must lose with sorrow. Justice gives them to Jacob for a spoil, Ch. 12. 36. Ezek. 39 10. Who had enriched themselves by Jacob's toil; Who in their eyes at last does favour find, Who had so long to them been so unkind. The blow is given whether at heart or head, 24. 30. But so it is in every house one dead. Pharaoh awakes, arose, cries out dismayed, Go Worship (not as I) but as ye said. 31. 32. Take all your flocks, do all your God requires; And last of all their Blessing he desires: As Esau did, Pharaoh doth, blessing crave, Which neither he, nor he, deserved to have: Had he done like the Mede-Darius, true. Ezr. 6. 10. He might have then expected it as due. But this doth show, that wicked men distressed, Do value by God's people to be blest. After seven precepts, let my people go, After three promises, it shall be so. Urged by the Egyptians, Israel hasts away; 33. 34. 38. Lap up their Dough unleav'ned as it lay. A mixed multitude follow anon; Prosperity will have its hangers on. And now their Dough unleauned Israel bakes; 39 Liberty sweetens mean unleav'ned Cakes. And now 've time to count the time they spent 40. In a strange Land, and what they underwent. Four hundred thirty years just was their stay, God brought them out the self same promised day. 41. 17. He led them forth not by the nearest cut, Through the Philistines (great opposers) but From Succoth march they on by God's direction, Changed 14. 2. Camp by the Seaside, under God's Protection; Though Pharaoh fancies them in great distress, 3. shut up, entangled in the Wilderness; And with six hundred Chariots doth pursue, 7. 9 10. 11. 12. And chosen Horsemen, quickly comes in view: Israel fears, chides Moses, wish for Graves In Egypt, wish they'd lived and died there slaves. The last four Lines two Wonders make appear; That Pharaoh should have hope, and Israel fear; Considering all the Wonders that had been; What th'one had felt, and what th'other had seen, These Wonders are no Wonders (you will find) Compared to Wonders, that are yet behind. But Moses bids them only stand, and see, 13. What should their safety, Egypt's ruin be. The Angel that before them did appear, 19 Removes behind, the Pillar guards the rear: On that side darkness, and on this side light, 20. To Israel day, to the Egyptians night. The Sea divides on each hand; mounts on high, 21. Like Water-walls, the sandy floor is dry: 22. There march the Israelites within the hollow, And boldly do the proud Egyptians follow; 23. On whom the Lord an angry look does cast; Troubles the Host, and stays their Overhast; 25. Till Israel is landed on the shore; The Sea returns, and Egypt is no more. 30. I'ved done the story; now sit down and muse, I've set before you good and evil; choose. Now let the Sinner (if he durst) be bold, And Obstinate, who hears this story told, Now let the feeble, fearful, trembling saint From this day forward never more be faint. May this a Warning and an Arming be To Men Concerned: O Lord I hag of thee, Cui Gloria in Excelsis & hominibus Pax. FINIS.