ENGLAND'S SECOND Alarm to War, Against the Beast. Saul, with his Edomite has shed blood to his power; He smites Israel's City, and destroys his own house; overcame his People once, and overthrew himself for ever! It relates to what is done now. Grave questions touching the Edomite; his admission to Court, and into office there; how it relates to Papists now. He has a Commission to destroy a City of Priests, which he does with an utter destruction. Excellent Reasons why The Lord suffered such a destruction to be executed upon Israel then; And why he suffers the same now; And why by an Edomites hand then and now.  Lament. 4.21. 
Rejoice and be glad [It is a bitter mockery, i.e. weep and howl] O Daughter Edom, The Cup also shall pass thorough unto thee: Thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.  Isa. 49.25.26. 
For thus saith The LORD, The prey of the Terrible shall be delivered; I will contend with him that contendeth with Thee; I will feed them, that spoil Thee, with their own flesh, and they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine.  
LONDON, Printed for Thomas Vnderhil, in the second year of the Beasts wounding warring against The Lamb and those that are with Him, Called, Chosen, and Faithful. 1643.   

ENGLAND'S ALARM TO War, against the Beast.  

SECT. II. THe Edomite is saul's Scout now, and his General in the Field anon: David's enemy always, The Priest's accuser; but can charge him with no more but what was his office to do, therefore not so impudent as are the Edomites in our days: Saul impleads the Priest; giveth him leave to make answer for himself, which he doth clearly and fully; and then is destroyed, he, and a City of Priests, man, woman, and child there, and beast also. This relates fully to our times. Queries touching the Edomite. saul's taking him into his Court, assigning him to office there, and giving him commission to smite a City of Priests. Queries touching that miserable destruction. God's judgements secret, but just and righteous upon Ireland, and England. Yet the mischief done by man shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing upon his own pate.  

CHAP. I. David comes to Nob; Doeg spies him there; hastens to Saul, tells him all his observations, yet can lay nothing to the Priests charge, but what was the Priest's duty to do. Doeg tells truth, yet loved lying. The Edomites now, more shameless.  
DAvid comes to Nob to Abimelech the Priest there, 
1 Sam. 21.  entreats a courtesy of him, and the Priest does him a Hawfull favour (whereof we shall hear more anon) Doeg the Edomite, saul's chief Herdsman was there, for Saul had a Scout to spy every where, but none did his master better service (to saul's liking) than Doeg did; he was an Edomite, (that I would have noted) and now, being in Israel's Land, he was of his Religion too [for that is a thing easily taken up] and being at Nob, has a fair pretence for that also, as you may read, Religion called him thither, and held him there: a pretence only, and no more; for that bloody wretch minds not Religion, not the solemn Acts thereabout: he minds only all that which passed betwixt Abimeleth and David, that so he might do mischief, a mighty man that way. And now having fed his eye, and filled his mouth with observations, he hastened to his master Saul, 
1 Sam. 22.6.  finds him in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants standing about him.  
It is worth the noting by the way, what mischief this evil and perverse will actuated by his evil spirit, has done unto Saul; It had drown him from his own house, and Court, where he might have rested in peace with his servants about him; he is now, even Saul the King, under a Tree with a spear in his hand, when no enemy is near him but himself, and his evil spirit, which he entertains and hugs as his best friend, though the worst enemy to Saul, next to himself, and the peace of the kingdom. It is a true saying. A man finds no such enemy in the world, as he may find himself to be to himself. 
Chrysost.  The Greek Father has a full Treatise upon that matter: I return to the Tree again, where Doeg found his master, him, that had lost himself, and heard him complain bitterly to his servants, That they had all conspired against him. Why? because they had not yet betrayed innocent David, and delivered him as a prey up unto their master's hands: This Saul calls a conspiracy with his son jonathan, a good man, who withholds his father's hands as long as he could from shedding innocent blood, and does, according to God's Commandment, his utmost to deliver the innocent; This Saul calls a stirring up his servant (he means David) against him, 
Verse 9  to lie in wait as at this day. It follows, Then answered Doeg. The Edomite takes the words out of saul's mouth, as spoken to himself: they were very pleasing to him, and answers before he was asked, for sure Saul does not question the Edomites readiness in that service. But he answers, assureth Saul, that he is none of those conspirators with jonathan, in behalf of David, not he; and he gives good testimony thereof, for he tells all that, which passed betwixt Abimelech and David there; he tells all, just as David knew it would be, when he heard that Doeg the Edomite had spied him there. 
Verse 22.  We may observe David's Psalm touching this matter; and by the way, how well fitted a cruel master is with a bloody servant. And so let it pass; 
Psal. 52.  noting only this in this place, and touching that Edomite; how Doeg impleads Abimelech, and what he lays to his charge; he tells all, and yet he tells nothing at all, but what stands upon everlasting record to the Edomites shame, and the Priest's glory: for this he says, I saw the son of jesse, [he means David] but speaks as contemptibly of him as he thought fit at that time; yet not so wickedly as the Edomites now adays call David, for they call him by as vile a name as David, vile in his own eyes, but the more precious in God's eyes, calls himself, a dog.]  
I saw the son of jesse come to Nob to Abimelech there. [Will, 
1 Sam. 22.9.  whither should David go, persecuted by a cruel Lord, but to a good Priest for direction from God's mouth? there was no hurt, but good in all that] The Priest enquired of the Lord for him.] [It was well he did, for he did but his duty,] and gave David bread.] The Priest was bound to do as much to his enemy, much more to David, for who so faithful as David in all the kingdom. Nay, had he not done it (though sacred bread) he had destroyed David; as bloody men have done in Oxford, denying the hungry soul bread there, and suffering them to die for want of water.] And gave David the sword of Goliab the Philistine. [And that was it, but the greatest reason for that in the world. David had slain the Philistine with the sword, then carries it away as lawful prize; but, that God might have all the glory, he lays it up before the Lord; and now, after enquiring at God's mouth, it is given David.] But this is all the Edomite has to say; And I know not what he could have said more to the Priest his commendation. Blessed be God, that the Edomite has not whereof to accuse the good Priest; all he speaks is for his commendation; and surely so is the will of God, that, with well doing, Priests then, and Ministers now, and people also (and it is their glory) may put to silence, 
1 Pet. 2.16.  [muzzle the mouths of beastly men] we read, silence the ignorance of foolish men. And so, by the will and grace of God, have and do Ministers, and people at this day, even put to silence the ignorance of wicked men: Many and grievious things are laid to their charge, but no more proved than was against David or Paul after him. Therefore we must note here, that the Edomite then, though a bloody wretch, and mighty to do mischief, and could, like the Spider, turn Balsam into Poison; yet was he a very modest informer: I do not remember, that the Bishops had such another in any of their Courts; and truly he shames the Edomites of these days: This Edomite tells Saul the truth, and nothing but the truth, and so shames the Devil: That Abimelech enquired of the Lord for David; so he did; That he gave David bread; so he did too: and a sword; so he did also. The Edomite accuseth the Priest of no more but what the Priest did, and the Edomite saw done. The children of Edom in these days are more graceless and impudent a great deal: they swear, and curse; and blaspheme, and do not utter more words than lies, against David, the upright in heart; what devouring words hear we from their mouths! what horrible blasphemies from Liechfields Press in Oxford! how do they charge David with those things he knows not? nay abhors to think of, as contrary to his foul and spirit, as were those things charged upon job in his two and twentieth Chapter.  
This is all we will note, touching the Edomite in this Chapter; we shall inquire more of him anon. We see here, he was a very mannerly civil fellow, in comparison of the Edomites now a days; not so much of the Devil in him as these have, who rage now amongst us, breaking bands, and casting away cords, as possessed men in ancient times. And yet before I shut up this Chapter, I must satisfy a small doubt. 
Psal. 52.3.  David in his Psalm of Instructions, tells us that Doeg loved sying; So he did, for when Saul complained, that all his Servants conspired against him; 
M●●●●●● to inform the understanding touching the Edomite, and this time.  they do indeed, said Doeg, Abimelech conspireth against thee too; and so he accuseth the Priest, materially, not one false word in the whole Accusation: But intentionally, lies all, and devouring words; he intended as much mischief to Abimelech, as he could have done him, had he spoken against him never a word true. We may exemplify it thus.  
An Edomite now, (for we shall prove anon, that the Papist now, and the Edomites then, are brothers) came to the King, tells his Majesty, that the Ammunition was removed from Hull. That is true; and yet lying and devouring words, intentionally spoke to enrage the King against his best Subjects. It is all in all with what mind words are spoken, if with a mind to murder and destroy, they are lying and devouring words, though never a word false: and so I will shut up this Chapter, 
Verse 4.  Thou lovest all devouring words, O deceitful man!   

CHAP. II. Saul impleads Abimelech; he makes answer for himself, which clears the case of all the righteous now, and the great case now in question. Saul is not satisfied with reason, but, notwithstanding reason and Law both, command also from God's mouth for what Abimelech did, Saul slayeth Abimelech, and destroy's the City of Priests.  
Soul will be discovered anon, his own hand will take off the Veil, wherewith he has covered the eyes of Priests and People: the very intents of his heart touching David will be laid naked before the people; his own hand will now give in clear evidence, how bloody his thoughts were always towards David. And indeed the hand is a sure witness, and tells us evermore whitherto thoughts tend, as the casting the Waterman's Arms tells us whither he tends, and not the setting of his face. When Diotrephes did reach forth his hand to Excommunication, casting the Brethren out of the Church, than the old Servant of the Lord must needs tell against whom the malicious words were pointed or prated; Against us, 
3. Epist. joh. 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  saith Saint John, for against them the hand went our also. I speak not this, as if I thought it so hard a matter to ken which way malicious devouring words do tend; or that I think the thoughts, projects, contrivances of the wicked against the godly are so indiscernible; though we must grant that there are many intricacies and perplexities in their ways, the turn and wind of the crooked Serpent; for the wicked (like harmful beasts) do love confusa vestigia. The wicked man forgeth and hammereth forth deceit, 
Fabricatur, Pro. 6.14.  and while his thoughts and imaginations are thus busily employed, he thinks no eye is upon him, but that he is (as some Pioneer or Gun-powder-man) hid under ground: and indeed from the eye of man he is hid. For our thoughts are but the transactions or discussions of the mind, within that inward closet and privy Chamber there, and therefore they must needs want form and shape; but the office of the tongue is to stamp a form, to give a shape unto them, and then our thoughts are legible.  
For what other are our actions, but our very thoughts, our secret talk and parleys of our mind, cast into a mould: only we must observe (and it is but a common observation) That the hand giveth the truest shape, the hand maketh the perfectest mould. There are some, we know, who read not as they writ, nor sing as they prick, and many more who speak not as they think; but the hand varieth not from the Idea that was in the mind. If a man forgeth mischief upon his bed, then when he is up, and it be in the power of his hands, and there be no overruling hand, he will act it: The hand is a sure interpreter of our mind, and of the transactions there, an infallible witness that cannot lie: words may deceive, and many times are spoken for this very end, to darken the thoughts and intent of the mind, and to make them less legible; these may be smother than butter, when war is in his heart: these may be as soft as oil, and yet drawn swords, as we read: But when we see the hand besmeared with blood, than we certainly conclude, that the thoughts were of a scarlet colour; and this is the sight or prospect we shall take a view of presently, A bloody execution done upon Nob, yet bloody though it be, Saul pretends he does it by help of God and the Law, by the known Laws of the Kingdom; which, that we may examine, we will handle it not as an execution done, but ready to be done, else Saul might be said to do as the Judge at Lidford, who hanged a man in the forenoon, and then heard his indictment, and passed sentence over him in the afternoon, not called the known Law of the kingdom then, 
Mr. jueil. defence.  but Lidford Law to this day. Saul was not to bad as to do so, he hath slain Abimelech, but he impleaded him first, objects against him, and hears what he can say for himself: Saul hath this to say against him.  
That Abimelech and the son of jesse (Saul means David, 
Ob.  whom he names with as little honour as can be) were confederate together and had conspired against him; 
1 Sam. 22.13.  Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of jesse?  
A sore accusation, 
Ans.  but of no weight, validity, or strength, from saul's mouth, who calls all conspirators, who will not show Saul where David is, that so he may shed innocent blood according to the power in his hands, 
Vers. 8.  that so he may shed innocent blood according to the power in his hands, 
Vers. 13.  All of you have conspired against me. But what had the Priest done which might be called a Conspiracy, a taking part with David, That he should rise against Saul, to lie in wait as it is at this day? Thus Saul says, and so he impleads Abimelech.  
In that thou hast given bread, 
Ob.  and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him.  
We will take the last first, 
Ans.  enquired of God for David: It was the Priest's office so to do; nor was that the first time that the Priest enquired of the Lord for David, 
Vers. 15.  nor did the Priest know the second amongst the many thousands of Israel, who deserved better from the hands of Saul and all Israel than David did; and therefore why might not Abimelech inquire of the Lord for him There is all Reason and Law both, that so the Priest should do, inquire of the Lord for David; but reason will not serve, nor the resolution of the Lord neither. The enquiry was (saith junius) about the Shewbread, 
c  cognoseeree an sacros panes tantùm Sacerdotibus concessos, & gladium semel Deo sacratum, ad alios usus transferre fas esset.  lawful for the Priests only to eat; and the Sword consecrated to God, Whether that or this might be translated unto other uses? whereunto (no doubt) the Priest had full satisfaction, That they might; In such an extremity David might refresh his hungry soul with that bread; and in such a danger which God was privy to, he might take Goliath sword, to defend himself therewith; and to prevent Saul from seizing upon it first, 
1 Sam. 21 10.  the more easily thereby to further his bloody design upon David.  
But yet there is some more question touching the Sword; as for the bread, it was made for man, and not man for bread: That is a cleared case from the Lord Christ's own mouth. Touching the Sword there is all the question now: Saul (a King) pretends himself Master of the same, as of Keilah; for all the strong holds and ammunition there did belong to Saul, they were all his proper goods, and therefore Abimelech giving the sword to David, he did it, that he should use it against Saul, to lie in wait: So Saul forceth the accusation.  
Whereunto Abimeleth makes a fair and full answer: That Saul was no more Lord of the one then of the other; he had no more propriety or right in the sword then in the bread; nor the one, nor the other were saul's, but the Lords, laidup both before the Lord, and consecrated to Him: But the Lord hath not nead of bread or of a sword. His people Israel have need of both; and as their need required, so Israel might take the Bread, thereby to sustain life, and the Sword, thereby to defend life. David took it for that end, and according to the mind and will of God, whose intent was clear. That Goliabs sword, now lawfully wrested out of his hand, and in David's hand, then laid up before the Lord, should be for the defence of Israel, and to fortify Israel against their enemies to the world's end. And so the case is resolved about Keilah too, a City that had gates and bartes, not saul's City now to batter down (though he would presume so fare) about David's ears; but His City whose the kingdom was, the Lord's kingdom, and trusted only to Saul for the defence of Israel, and no further: And yet that Abimelech may deliver no more to Saul but what is justifiable by the Law of heaven and earth, he assureth him, that what he says is from God's Mouth, for there he enquired, and received answer as aforesaid, and thereupon his warrant to give David Bread and Sword both. Moreover he adds, be it far from him, 
1 Sam. 22.14.  the Priest of the Lord, to entertain a disloyal thought against his Master, the Lords Anointed, enquiring of the Lord for David, and giving him bread and a sword: he knew David to be a faithful person, none like him in all saul's house, nor more honourable, being the King's Son-in-Law, and for any thing else he knew nothing less or more. As honest and satisfying an answer, had it been spoken to any man's ear but saul's, as ever came from a Priest's mouth, for it was taken from God's Mouth: but Saul is resolved before hand upon the Question, for nothing can satisfy saul's thirst but David's blood; and because Abimelech stood in saul's way, and for relief of David, Saul will have the Priest's blood; 
Vers. 16.  And the King said, thou shalt surely die Abimelech: See! There is an argument Abimelech cannot answer: when a man drives furiously onward in a bloody way, neither law nor reason shall stop him, nor the Angel with his drawn sword in the way. Nay, Saul stops not there, he speaks more bloody words yet, and will do as he speaks: What? I am loath to mention it from the mouth of a King, and King of Israel, the great Fiductary of the kingdom there; I had rather a Philistin said it, such an unkingly word, so devoid of all reason and humanity: but yet Israel's King says it, and we must repeat it after him, Thou, and all thy father's house: Ah Lord! what a bloody word is this! what a bloody man is that! An Evil spirit came upon Saul indeed, haunts him still, and drives him on: Lord deliver us from him, for the man is mad with rage, Thou, and all thy father's house. 
1 Sam. 2.23.  True it is it was the burden of the Lord upon Elies' house, and cause there was just enough, why God should do to that house as he threatened. Yea and just cause too, though not so clear to dim eyes, Wherefore Nob should be so smitten, men, women, and children there. We have concluded, The cause is just, for God is righteous; And yet no cause, not the least title of reason, why Saul should do it, why he should seal a Commission to an Edomite to do such an horrible execution; Saul (I say) the great Eiductary of the kingdom, entrusted with the lives of all the Priests & people there, no reason why Saul should so say, and so do, being as aforesaid; but all the reason in the world why he should stop his ear from hearing of blood, much more his hand from shedding the same. But Saul will do as he said, Thou shalt surely die Abimelech, thou and all thy father's house: See! Saul will be chief and foreman in this bloody work, to make the City of Priests an Acheldama, that it may be called no more Nob, but a Field of blood, or HORMAH, 
Num. 21.3.  utter destruction. Saul is the chief Actor here, for he commands his servants first, Turn ye and slay the Priests; his servants would not; Saul will have it done: then he turned to Doeg a Right-man, and said as much to him; no sooner said but it was done, And Doeg the Edomite turned, fell upon the Priests, and slew: Mark it, for though here is a miserable destruction, bodies and garments too rolled in blood; yet here is comfort to every true Israelite: What is that? To see a City lie in ashes, Priests and people wallowing in blood? is there comfort in this? No, and yet God will bring comfort and good out of all this to his Israel anon: Now this is the comfort, that there are but two Actors in this Tragedy, Saul and his Edomite; only these specified by name. True it is we shall read anon in the third Section of Three thousand chosen men out of Israel, whom Saul called together to guard his person, he said, being afraid of David (as the Bird of Prey is of the Partridge.) But nothing they did, not a drop of blood shed by them; These only are the Active Men, these two, skilful to destroy, Saul and his Edomite.  
Thank God for this; Wickedness proceeds from the wicked man. Israel can wash their hands in the innocency of their hearts, and say, They are free touching this matter; for (which will be more clear anon) Israel cannot charge any more, than two amongst those three thousand, their King, and his Edomite; More were guilty of that bloodshed, that is certain; for the Edomite was not singular, but plural, as will appear by and by; but no more could Israel charge with the bloodshed, that their hands had shed it, but Saul and his Edomite only. And the charge lay heavy upon Saul, like as a heavy burden unsupportable, as a Millstone, pressing him down upon his own sword, and then Lower. He had shed blood to his power, and blood pursued him, till it had made a more clean riddance of him, and his house, than he made at Nob, for there one Priest escaped his butcher's knife; here, not one shall escape. This we may read in a Book I have seen called the King's Chronicle. And so God reckoned with Saul to the last drop, 
1. Sect. p. 26.27.  which he hath shed; for God has barrelled-up the spilt Blood of the Righteous, as he bottles-up their Tears.   

CHAP. 3. The Priest's Arraignment, impleadings, and Answers run-up paerallell with ours in these times, so does the upshot or determination of the business; for there was Peace in proposition, but none in conclusion betwixt Saul and David. So here. Saul has shed blood, which runs-up to these times too, but with a fuller stream of bloods: yet the voice of Blood cries louder, then does the voice of Bloods.  
SO now Saul has done execution, and God has dealt with Saul according as He threatens. When we think thereon we have cause to say, and feel the virtue of what we say, My heart trembleth because of Thee, and I fear for thy judgements. Before I will relate to these Times, I will tell one thing very briefly, which shall relate to the present, and parallel itself. Here has been a fair and peaceable parley betwixt Saul and Abimelech touching David. He impleaded Abimelech, and gives him leave to make answer; which the Priest has done, as we heard, the clearest and fullest that ever was heard. Was there not a sweet agreement betwixt them? No, it was never intended. Proposition it! as we say, Tender propositions of Peace betwixt Saul and David, while the Evil spirit is upon Saul, and the Edomite in saul's Bosom! It is to no purpose, vanity of vanitie's the greatest vanity; To wish or think of an Accommodation betwixt Saul and David, rebus sic stantibus, (that must be remembered) the Evil spirit in his place, and the Edomite in his, and Saul quite out of himself; for so it was then. No, you will say, Let the Priest call-back David, take from him the Sword (he should have had an hard pull of it) then give it unto Saul, and the matter is ended. No: As sure as the Sun did shine then, and does shine now, so sure it is, That this would not have contented Saul; but this would have wondrously contented him. If the Priest would have called back David, demanded the Sword, and, being given into his hand, have sheathed it into David's Bowels, or have given it Saul, that he might do that horrid execution with his own hands. Then the Priest had been a Right-man, for saul's service: Then here had been Peace betwixt Saul and the Priest, such as would have pleased all three. The Devil, Saul. and the Edomite too: Then Saul would have blessed the Priest in The Name of the Lord, saying, Thou hast compassion on me. Do I speak without the Book? No, it is every word sacred Truth, you shall hear more of it in a fit place. We must see now how the lines of this Accusation put up by Saul against Abimelech, run parallel with the King's accusation, suggested to him by his vile Counsellors against his faithful Servants at this day. The King pleads Law for what he does; so did Saul too: for he chargeth this heavily upon Abimelech, That he enquired of the Lord for David; gave Bread to David's mouth, and the sword into his hand. All this was against the known laws of the Land, as Saul seems to conceive. These are the King's charges too, I will speak thereof in order; The first Charge is,  
1. That Abimelech enquired of The LORD. So should Saul have done then: and so should the King have done now; not harkening to vile Counsellors, whose graves The LORD has made, for they are vile 
a Nahum. 2.44. ; he must not advise with them, rather let them fly to the Pit; He that ruleth over men must be just; ruling in the fear of God 
b 1 Sam. 23.3 ; Therefore made He thee King over them 
c 2 Chro. 9.8. Psal. 72.2. . Wherefore? To do judgement and justice: He shall judge THY People with Righteousness, and THY Poor with judgement. There is a must and a shall for the greatest King that ever was. It is very emphatical too, and as notable; Thy People, Thy Poor; GOD'S People, and GOD'S Poore must be judged with Righteous Judgement. But so it cannot be but by enquiring of The LORD, what He saith, taking Counsel from His Mouth, and from His Lawbook, which the King stands charged to write for himself, for it must be with him, 
Deut. 17.18.19.  and therein be must read all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear The LORD his GOD, to keep all the words of the Law, and the statutes to do them. This the Parliament do, They inquire of The Lord by prayer, and fasting, They take direction from His Law-book, which is continually with them, wherein they read, and whereby they order the great affairs of The Kingdom. Great use of a Lawbook, and to have it continually with them, before their eyes. And this is all the Crime that can be objected and proved against them. They inquire of The LORD, and consult with This Lawbook. It is well they do; They can thank God for that. saul's accusation runs on.  
2. The Priest has given David Bread. The King by his wicked Counsel accuseth his Parliament even so; They have given his good People bread, that is life in our sense, which, by a Figure, we may call bread. They have given a poor dead People life again, and bread to maintain life. They have given (we thank them hearty) life to their law's life to their liberties, life to the soul of their life, to their Religion; and this they had not done, but by enquiring of the LORD, and doing all by Statute Law; and this we call bread. There has been something like this bread given to the People, Show bread, rather bread in show, stone indeed; and something they had given them like a fish, but indeed a Serpent Now the King's good People will desire no more of their King, but that he would give his People Bread, bread under this figure which we may call life; or bread indeed, and properly so called, which more then too cruelly, was and is denied to David. The third charge follows, and that is grievous.  
3. And a sword, says Saul then; That seems to be the quarrel now, (and but seems) that the Sword, Forts, Castles, Towns, Ships, Ammunition of the Kingdom, (all which we understand by the Sword) is put into David's hand, Trusty, well-beloved, and faithful: Well, and well indeed, may we poor people say, that the Sword is given into David's hand (the Parliaments hand) for they will manage it for our good to defend us, and offend the Philistines. The Parliament will not cut our throats, we are very assured and confident thereof. But the Edomite (we shall know him anon, if we know him not yet) would have cut our throats, before this time, all their throats that had their hand with David, had he had the Sword delivered into his hand. We can confide in none but David: no wise man will blame us, for him we know, a man after Gods own heart; and the Edomite we know, and shall know him better anon, a Right man, for he is the right hand of the Devil. We are glad, that the Sword is in David's hand. But yet this was charged against the Priest then and the Parliament now, that David had the sword. And what shall I say to this? whereunto GOD, Nature, and Law speaks Reason and more, that so it ought to be; the Sword ought to be given into David's hand, a faithful Man, in whom the people may confide. A Man will trust no other in shutting-in the windows, doors and gates of his house: great Reason there should be the same care had about the great house, and Trust of the Kingdom, the frontier-Towns there.  
But why given out of his Majesty's hand, and given into David's hand?  
Because the Sword was never in the King's hand, as his proper right there, any more than the Sword was in saul's hand, as his proper goods there. Therefore we speak not properly, given-out. The Sword is Israel's Sword, the Common Trust of the Kingdom: belonging, indeed, to the great Fiduciary there; and yet is the Sword not out of the King's hands, but given into David's hands, for a second Reason.  
2. Because, as the Edomite was nearest to saul's hand, and heart too at that time: So the Papist is so near to the King's heart now, that he is as dear to him, as he is near, even as his Right Arm, and Right Eye, eternally his, for aught we can gather from his writ. I will conclude this with the words of an honest Servant to an overbearing Master: I will serve you (Sir) if you will serve The Lord. You may command me, when God commands you. I will hearty obey your commands, when you shall so obey God's commands 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, The head hath an Head; All things shall be done as you will have it; But you must command as God will have it. Ignatius to a Priest Chryso. . I pray you hearty give me leave to be honest and faithful: If you will not, so I will be whether you will or no. Do you what you will, I will do what I ought. No man can dislike this, except Saul, and his Edomite; I need say no more in a case which is so fully opened and cleared, that all the Malignants in the world shall not be able to darken it to the world's end. I will not say, look upon Mr. Pryn's book, (I will name him for honour sake, and to spite the Devil) read him, or choose you whether you will or not; we must say, Blessed be God for His servant, who has stood-up in the gap by the power of His might, and held up His hand for him ever since against the Mighty, Blessed be God. But notwithstanding all this is cleared, to be all Truth, Reason, and Law, and more yet, and that is most of all, a Command for all this, the Parliament has done, from God's mouth too. Yet such Evil Counsels overrule the King and the case that he does now as Saul did then, and much more, kills the Priests, and destroys Cities. So far as his Arm can reach he has overthrown those, 
Tunc vere victus quando tot vicis prudentes. Walfing. Edw. 2. p. ●5.  whose hand is with David; therein giving himself the greatest overthrow, for, no such victory against the King, as for him to have victory against his good people, as was said of Edward the second overcoming his Parliament once, and destroying himself for ever. Thus Saul did in his days; thus and more the King, seduced by Evil Counsel, and acted by evil instruments, does in these days; as follows, and what Saul did first. Saul was David's Lord on earth, but he hunts after David's soul, that he might not live upon the ground. Saul is David's King, and David's persecutor. The Priest's King, and the Priest's murderer, by the hand of an Edomite. Ah Lord, who can express the miserable plight, and how doleful the condition is, the evil spirit has driven Saul into! He is Israel's King, and he is smiting Israel's City! The great Fiduciary of the Kingdom, and the greatest Traitor there. This tells us what is done now. David is persecuted now; and his King, seduced by Edomites, David's adversaries, persecutes him because who so faithful as he in all the Kingdom! A defender of the Faith, and, by his evil Counsel, a destroyer of the Faith. A maintainer of the Gospel in profession, and a persecutor of the faithful Ministers publishers of the same, the Messengers of the Church and the glory of Christ. The great Fiduciary of the Kingdom, yet, seduced by an evil Council, he betrays that great Trust. England's King, and England's destroyer; The Lord of their Cities, and waster of the same. Are not these grievous words? Yes, they must be so, plain Truth, direct and home; what expectation of any good, but from such-like-words. If ever the King come to himself, find himself lost, (for murderers have stolen him away) then such words as these will be to his heart, and may serve to usher-in Pardon, peace, and comfort: for the sourer the herbs, the sweeter the Passeover: whereas pleasing words from vile flatterers, his Court Chaplains, have wounded their Master, and left him more than half dead. Such words as these may kill him outright, and, by God's grace quicken him again to a life indeed. I am glad I have spoken; for first, I have said no more, but what is already told in Gath, and published in the streets of Aschalon. Secondly, what if it were not told by me, nor as aforesaid, yet all created strength cannot stop the mouth of bloods, so loud it cries; Ireland's blood, what an Ocean of blood is there? Cyciters blood; Burminghams' blood; Banburies' blood, (shedding of this blood, was counted a fine device, as Bristols blood intended to be shed) Oxford's blood; Blood here, and there, and everywhere, whereto the hand could reach; O what a voice is here, as the voice of many waters; or, Thunders! Is there a voice that can outcry, I mean, cry louder to Heaven, and in the Ears of the Lord, then can the voice of bloods? yes the voice of blood, cries louder than the blood of Abel, or the bloods shed from righteous Abel unto this day; and there is the hope of Israel concerning their King; The voice of the blood of sprinkling, 
Heb. 12.24.  that speaks better things then that of Abel; Better things; that cried from the earth for a curse upon the earth, and Cain there: 
Gen. 4.12.  This cries in Heaven for mercy to such sinners on earth, who can say, not with Cain, My punishment, but, my sin is greater than I can bear, yet not too great for Christ to bear, a Redeemer that is strong, a Saviour to the utmost; There is hope in Israel concerning that. And here is ground of hope too, because these Stephens, the slain all the day long, can pray for their King all the day long, crying with a loud voice, not more for themselves at such a time, then for their King, saying, Lord lay not this sin to our King's charge. Amen. Amen.   

CHAP. 4. Queries touching the Edomite, whether by the known Laws of Israel's Kingdom, Saul might entertain him in his Court; grant him a Commission to smite a City of Priests; whether any reason for that; whether single or plural; and whether by any possible means an Edomite may be made serviceable to Israel; How it relates to the present, exemplifying the History of our Time.  
Why does King Saul take an Edomite into his Court, 
Qu.  to be an Officer there?  
It is answered in effect before; 
Ans.  Saul is King and he knew himself so to be, 
Qu.  and will choose his own Officers; may he not?  
No indeed, 
Ans.  he may not unless it be to be his Herdsman, and there should be caution, and some consultation about that too. Questionless he must not choose a servant to be chief in his house; to transact the great affairs of his Kingdom there, without the allowance and consent of All Israel, because Saul does not choose for himself, but for the whole Kingdom.  
But it is written, 
Ob.  Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite.  
Yes, 
Ans.  that is most true; it is the charge of the Lord, and we have the Reason; 
Deut. 23.8.  For he is thy brother: Nor shalt thou ab or an Egyptian, because thou wast a stranger in his land. What is the meaning of this? This; we must not be unnatural: nor must we forget old favours. But it does not follow from hence, I hope, that therefore Saul might take an Edomite, make him a Chief Ruler in his house; or that, he might put confidence in an Egyptian; for the charge is contrary. And if Saul will entertain an intimacy, and familiarity with an Edomite an old adversary to Israel, (as we have heard and seen, and shall make it more legible yet) It does plainly argue, 
3 Sect.  Saul to be no true friend to Israel. saul's heart cannot be upright toward Israel, when it cleaves to Israel's adversary in love: He cannot hearty desire the peace of Israel, and hearty love an enemy to that peace. I pray let us ask some more questions touching the Edomite; I will answer by the Book, then good Law and Reason both.  
Why did Saul make the Edomite General in this war against David? 
Qu.   
Saul gives someanswer to that, with a little Reason, 
Ans.  Because his son jonathan stirred-up David to lie in wait for Saul as at this day. 
1. Sam. 22.8.   
As at this day indeed. 
Qu.  But this answer makes us more unresolved than before; for all the world knows, that jonathan was a good man; and David as good as he; besides, we find David fleeing away from the face of Saul like a Partridge; and Saul hunting him like a Dog. Let us hear Reason, I pray you. Was it not, That the Edomite might recover the sword our of David's hand?  
No, no, that could not be it; 
Ans.  for when Saul speaks out his mind freely, as sometimes he did, (for a wicked heart will discover itself) amongst his Servants; he does not bid them, fetch the sword from David, but kill him: And Saul spoke to jonathan, and to all his servants, 
1 Sam. 19.1.  that they should kill David. It is David's life, not the sword, that is aimed at. And the Edomite was a Right man for that service, for he was a mighty man, mighty to do mischief, and skilful to destroy; Whom? David, and All them that had an hand with David. That is the direct Answer. Saul indeed spoke merrily to the people as he went along by the way, and would make them believe, that he had taken the Edomite to his side, and sealed him a Commission, because he is afraid of David; he tells them more than twice, David lay in wait to kill him; therefore he took the Edomite to his side; for, who so faithful as he to defend his master from David's violence! (a poor-hunted Partridge:) or a more Right, handed man to execute his master's command against David? True it was, David never durst stand to it, till he came to Keilah, and there, had not the Inhabitants proved themselves ingrateful and treacherous— he had guarded himself and fenced his throat, and hazarded saul's. But Saul feared David no more, than the Birds of Prey a hunted Partridge, (that is the expression;) And kill David, that was his charge. There is one doubt more, and occasions another question.  
Was this Edomite singular or plural? 
Qu.   
The singular number sure. Doeg was but one. But let us note, 
Ans.  that One is mentioned sometimes, not to exclude a second, but to imply the first, chiefest in place; and so more mighty, and principal than the second, because of his place; as Iehoram is said to compel judah to commit fornication. When Athaliah was as masculine, and imperious, yea as mischievous that way, and yet not named in that verse, because she acted by power from her husband, not so clear to every man's eye: And so Doeg the Edomite is mentioned single, as if he did all, because the chiefest in favour with his King. The meaning of the question than is, Was there but one Edomite employed in that war, or were there more?  
There were more sure; 
Ans.  for it is not imaginable, that Doeg alone could destroy the City of Priests, men, women and children there; doubtless there were more Edomites there, or bastard Israelites, as Right-men for saul's service (as the word is, if men can be Right, who are the seed of the Crooked Serpent) as Doeg was; Nay it is probable there were many in saul's Camp Right-men, Edomites I mean, of that generation: for thus it is; When a Doeg is entertained at Court, is favoured there, he will work for his Countrymen what he can and according to his power, that they may have place, and respect thereabouts that they may be of use and service, when the King shall rise-up against David. One question more, with a resolution, touching the Edomite.  
Saul his master has entertained him: 
Qu.  Is there no means to be taken, whereby he may be made a faithful servant to Israel?  
No, 
Ans.  by no means.  
What! 
Qu.  not possible to make him a Right-man?  
No, 
Ans.  not to Israel; but to saul's service he will be right and strait.  
Me thinks Israel might have dealt with him, 
Qu.  as we with Papists, bring him to Church; might they not have done so?  
Yes; 
Ans.  and to no purpose at all; for he will go to the house of Abimelech himself, (that is, to the Church, as we too commonly call it) and a mischievous person though he be, yet he will sit there close to his solemn service, and pretend there, he has a vow upon him; you cannot work upon him that way, to make him Right for Israel.  
Then try him another way; 
Qu.  give him, as we to the Papists, the Oath of Allegiance; swear him faithful to God and his King; an Oath is a sacred band, that will bind him to Israel sure, will it not? an Oath I mean, such a sacred Band?  
Hang him: 
Ans.  for like the possessed man, no Bands will hold him; he will break all Cords, such a child of Belial is he, except one, and that the Hangman must pluck-up-close to his neck, then turn him down, for by no means can you make an Edomite stand right to Israel.  
This is very suitable to the time; But for the first Questions: How fare the King's power reacheth for the choice of his own Ministers, I leave, as in manners I ought, to the determination of the High Court, which is this, That the King must choose such Ministers as his good people may confide in: and by no means such, who are sworn enemies to the peace of the King, and prosperity of the Kingdom. A man's private judgement may be steeped in his affections: he may cleave more in love to a private person, then to a whole Kingdom; and in choice of persons to places, he may stand biased to his own will and ends, which All Israel, a Parliament there, cannot do. Therefore it is against the known laws of Israel's Kingdom, That Israel's King should, by himself alone, make choice of Persons to high place there, for it is against the SUPREME LAW, the welfare of the People: And Saul, taking that liberty against that known Law, had destroyed the Cities of judah, and had slain David too, had not the Lord interposed His Almighty Arme.  
To the other, which I should not make a question, whether by any means a Papist, may be made serviceable to Israel?  
It is Answered as before; by no means, which man can use: You cannot change the Ethiopians Skin, not the Leopard's spots. 
jer. 13.23.  He will go to Church as the Edomite to Abimileches House, and yet be mighty to do mischief: You may swear him to the King and Kingdom: Bind him with that Sacred Band, he will be willingly bound, for he was a reservation; Or if you press him hard, he is informed very well, That he cannot be bound to Heretics, (as he calls them) in any bands; you may put bands upon him, he will beak them as easily, as you can break burnt Flax. The Doctrine of his Church and her Laws (written in blood) do absolve, and set free This Child of Belial, from all bandsand at liberty to do all manner of mischief. And so he has done, and it is the very purpose of his heart to do, according to the Power in his hand. All the mischief as his manner is, to Israel, being the fruitful Parent of all the Rebellions, Treasons, Massacres, (and so forth, for there is no end) That have been acted thorough the Christian World, as at this day. You may then proclaim them Traitors, to the Peace and Crown of the King and Kingdom: for so is every Papist, (said a great State's man in our Kingdom) holding to the Tenets of the Romish Church; Traitors in hand, or in heart; in action, or affection. And so said Luther of himself (once an Aug. Monk) and of all his fraternity, or Brotherhood there We are all Men of Blood, 
* Nemo nostrum non erat vir sanguinum, si non opete tamen corde Abhorrebam vel ipsum Nomen. W. Hus in Galas. Cap. 1. p. 15.  says he we hate a true Protestant (such an one as john Huss) with our heart, and we will persecute him with our hand, to the death. We abhorretheir very Name: we would not have a man of that profession to live upon the Earth; so said Luther having his eyes shut up, and living in Monkery. Why then, when they are declared to be so, So Rebellious to the Laws of the King of Heaven: So Traitorous to the Crown of the King and Kingdom: Let it be done unto him according to the Judgement of our Law, The Hangman must do his Office: see what that cord will do.  
To the other Questions, Wherefore the King taketh the Edomites, Atheists, and Papists (David's Enemies) all To his side? Why his heart cleaveth to such Enemies as these in love? His Answer is (advising with pernicious Counsellors, in whose hand he is) as saul's was, Because he is persuaded These are Men faithful to his Person, and Right for his Service (so they are indeed) and will defend him from David, who (as he seems to say) lies in wait for him, as it is at this day: and as David lay in wait for Saul in those days. So we may mock men, but God will not be mocked. It were endless, and needless, to tell stories, touching this matter, how Right-handed-men Papists have been to their Kings, and their Kingdoms in all Ages. Thank Master Prynne (I will name him again being resolved to anger the Devil, and all his Bishops) he has told us enough, and abundantly satisfied us at this point. I proceed; Saul may say, David lay in wait to take away his life, therefore he took the Edomite to his side, to defend him from David's sword; when the truth was, Saul persecuted David through the Thousands of Israel: and that he might do to David according to all the desire of his soul, he took the Edomite to his side, a Mighty Adversary to Israel and as Skilful to destroy.  
The very same Reason, and no other now, wherefore the King (in the hands of bloody, and pernicious Adversaries) takes Atheists, and Papists to him now, why he cleaves to them in love? Because they are mighty to do mischief, skilful to shed blood, as is legible now in Ireland and England both.  
But this we must note; Though saul's excuse for taking to himself such a guard, and such a Captain over them, was not so specious, as it was ridiculous; yet there was bloodshed in good earnest, which was charged heavily upon Saul, for it ruined him and all his house, and all together, as we read. We must apply this now, and approve ourselves faithful to the Soul of our King, That his Conscience may speak-out before it be too late, and he speechless, (than commonly the Conscience speaks loudest.) That the Conscience may speak-out, and in season, we apply and read on; So will the bloodshed in Ireland, and England by the Edomites in both places, be charged upon the King, whose servants they are, and whose Commission they have, (such a pernicious Counsel he has;) Turn thou and fall upon the Priest, and people all, whose hand is with David: and the Edomite turned, etc. This is the Edomites Commission now against all that have an hand with David; And therefore all the Blood they have shed there or here, shall be charged upon the King.  
Not the blood of Ireland sure, 
Ob.  not a drop.  
Yes every drop, 
Ans.  though it be an Ocean a.  
He called them Rebels, 
Ob.  and caused them to be proclaimed so in forty Papers at least; and Rebels with an accent.  
We remember some such matter, 
Ans.  and as it harpened, saw the Proclamation; but it was not hearty; if so, than not only the Public Crier, but every Post and Pillar, had proclaimed them Rebels, for so the King's best Subjects were proclaimed the year before: We understand 
a The blood, a Ruler commands to be shed, or suffers to be shed, The Lord chargeth upon the Ruler's score. Thou hast killed. 2 Sam. 12.9. 2 Kings 21.19.  well when a thing is done hearty, for then the whole Land shall ring of it; every City and Town there, every Church and Chapel: nor so only, Stocks and Stones shall be taught to speak, and to proclaim Rebels: so good Subjects were proclaimed Rebels; Rebels indeed, as those in Ireland, not so proclaimed, but coldly and faintly, God He knows.  
His Majesty made offer to go himself and fight with the Rebels, 
B.  his stomach did so rise against them.  
We remember his Secretary wrote some such matter; 
A.  but the Secretary knew, the stomach of his wicked Counsel risen against Hull, and was cager upon that place to take the Ammunition thence, which they would have had first, and have gone to suppress the Rebels afterwards; we remember this very well.  
And his Majesty says, his soul bleedeth over the bloodshed in Ireland. 
B.   
We do not certainly know what his Majesty says, 
A.  for we cannot think that we read his words. His Secretary has told us so much, and truly I can forbear him no longer; he is one of the vilest Hypocrites in all the world: one of the vile Counselors sure, who persuaded the King to intercept the provision of , and other things sending over to a poor, peeled, naked people; and then would make us believe, They pirty the people's nakedness, and their souls bleed over their misery. The King's party make all supplies over to the Rebels there, to make them the more able for the shedding of more blood, and then tells us, The King's heart bleeds over the bloodshed there. They call them Rebels there, and call them over hither to do the like execution here; and here they do it with all their might; and yet the Secretary tells us The King's soul bleeds over this bloodshed. O hellish blasphemy; horrible hypocrisy!  
If the Secretary's blood, and all the blood, that runs in the veins of that Hellish Counsel about his Majesty, were shed, it would not redeem the wrong they have done to the King their Master, I do not add, and the Kingdom, by these notorious Blasphemies, Contradictions. Remonstrances, and Contra-Remonstrances; declaring one thing with the Tongue, and then the contrary with the Hand; so making us believe, That the King their Master is as one of them, 
Obeb. 11.  (which we tremble to think-of,) as notorious an Hypocrite as was he, we have often read of, and we have never read the like till this day, whose foot stood in the path of the destroyer, did drive-on furiously there, weeping all along as he went; (That is the expression, 
Jer. 41.6. ) as if his soul had bled over the bodies, which he had slain: when yet he wenton furiously resolved to slay more; and so many he had slain, that he has filled a great Pit with the flame. GOD beholds all this and will require it. Rebels in Ireland, howsoever proclaimed against for fashion sake are the King's good Subjects here, helping on the Design: And they, who opposed their Bloody Designs here and there, not in design only, but in execution, are called Traitors and Rebels both and all hearty. Here is a double Iniquity. We do not pray for, we deprecat against the Judgement, but the Lord looks upon this and will Require it: He will not endure, to have evil called good, and good evil. For three transgressions of Edom, etc. But of that anon. So much for resolution to the Queries touching the Edomite, his taking into the Court, Designing unto Office there, The granting him a Commission to destroy Neb; Now, see we how stoutly and with what a good will he performed it; saul's Command was to the Edomites heart, and hearty he executes it; So Saul shall see That the Edomite is a Right Man, 
1 Sam. 22.17.18.  no sooner Saul had said, Turn and slay the Priests of the Lord, because their hand also was with David, and they knew when he fled and did not show it me; No sooner this was spoken to the Edomite, but he turned and did accordingly: he fell upon the Priests, and slew, and shown no pity. Then Men did groan out of the City, and the Soul of the wounded Cryed-out: Yet GOD layeth not folly to these murderers, Though they are of those, that Rebel against the light, 
job 24.12, 13.  says job, offended at those very things our eyes behold at this Day: The Lord, who clears His Servant's Righteousness, as the Morning, will clear His own Righteousness as the Noon Day; And though we are but dim-sighted, yet we shall discern it anon I will shut up this Chapter, as David gins his Psalm; Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, 
Psal. 52.1.  O Mighty Man? The goodness of God endureth Continually.   

CHAP. 5. Sad Cases examined and tried before the Lord, and resolved from His Mouth; which may silence a Poor People, slain all the day long by the hurtful and oppressing Sword, now in the hand of bloody Edomites.  
NOw here is a case to be tried before the Lord touching these slain Priests, and their destroyed City, which, I hope, will give us good satisfaction at least silence us, when our spirits are stirred within us beholding the villainous Butcheries the notorious violences acted by our Turks (I never yetcaled them Cavaliers, & never will by that Gentile Name in our Land upon our Ministers, and good People (all that have their hand with David) & our so wasted Towns, and Cities. Touching the Priests first.  
God is Righteous, so we have concluded, 
jer. 12.1. Hab. 1.13.14.  yet the Righteous say now as once they did: Wherefore lookest Thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest Thy Tongue, when the wicked devoureth the Man that is more Righteous than he? And makest men as the Fishes of the Sea, as the Creeping things, that have no Ruler over them? Nay, they speak now almost as foolishly as once they did, it is in vain to serve GOD, and what profit is it, that we have kept the Ordinances? The Proud are happy, for they that tempt GOD are set up, 
Mal. 3.13, 14.  while they that serve Him truly are cast down and destroyed: This was Abimileches Case; he has done his duty, the Edomite himself being witness, by direction from God's Mouth, for he enquired of the LORD for David, etc. Yet he is cut off from the Earth with, 84. more, the Priests of The Lord, as not sit to live upon the ground. So the Priests were dealt with then, and so now, So Cruelly. And what then? Yet the Potsherds must not strive with their Maker; but if they will strive (the Servants of The LORD, must not strive, but if they will strive) then with the work of their own hands, the Potsherds, with the Potsherds of the Earth. The LORD is Righteous, and His Judgements as the great deep. The Glory of His work, even of His Strange work, exceeds infinitely the glory of the Sun, which yet we cannot pry into; and doth ever shine clear, though sometimes we see it not, and the blind man never. The Cause of His Judgements may be secret, but ever Just. So we have Concluded. But because I would clear the Sad Condition of our good Ministers now I say. 2. There be Sins in these Best Ministers (for none other are persecuted) and though but little Sins in Comparison of others of their Tribe (Great and Mighty Sinners before The Lord, for Men abhor the offering of the Lord for their Sakes) yet are they Sins, and the greater in them because they are indeed the Messengers of the Churches, and the glory of Christ (The more Glory, The Lord puts upon them, The greater their Sin) And these Sins must be purged in them by Fire. But Blessed be God; That whereas He might have punished them For their Evil do. he makes them suffer from the hands of wicked men for Righteousness sake; and so honours them with the Glory of Martyrdom, as it is at this day: for doubtless The Ministers now suffer for the Cause of Christ, if ever any suffered for his Cause since the beginning of the World.  
But why were the 84. Priests slain at the same Time? As for Abimilech he might Transgress, as a Man: and yet that cannot be granted in this Case, for he enquired of the LORD, did all by direction, from His Mouth: he could call God to Record upon his Soul, that he did, what he did, by Statute-law, the known Law of the Kingdom. But yet suppose, That Abimilech did Transgress in giving forth the sword, yet why were the fourscore and four Priests slain?  
It is not possible for man to speak Reason here; 
Ans.  though, indeed, there is some reason given in the Text, the same, and as good reason as is given now, because their hands also is with David: Speak Reason; and speak out; with whom should she Priests be but with David, who had wrought such salvation for Israel? and upon whom, next to God, Israel had rolled themselves, and all their concernments? yet this was the reason then, and this is all the reason now of this horrible persecution, because their hand is with David (the Worthy's, the faithful of the Lord there,) therefore destroy the Priests, because their hand is with David; thus we see man can give no reason, only God can, as aforesaid; And we must note still, That these were cut off with the Sword of an Edomite, not because they were greater sinners than any other Priests were, but because they were godly and conscientious of their duty, that enrageth the Edomite against them. There is another reason also which The Lord giveth, That other Priests might be warned thereby; For note we, the greatest sinners are not the greatest sufferers in this life, I mean, they have not the greatest afflictions. Nay, it is most commonly clean contrary, they have no changes in their life; when as the godly have changes of sorrows.  
True it is, and we will not make it a question, Destruction is to the wicked, and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity. But we must note, That to be slain with the sword of an Edomite, is no strange punishment; but the lot of the righteous, their lot to be smitten with the hand of violence, and made the portion of Foxes. It is so, and the will of The Lord, it should be so, for note we; where the Lord gives Commission to the Sword to go forth, 
Ezek. 9.5.  spare and pity none, neither old nor young; neither man nor woman: He does say, Come not near any man upon whom is the mark, (i. e.) to hurt them) He does not say, Come not near My Sanctuaries, the Priests, or their Cities; The Holy Ghost chargeth the Sword to begin there; And begin at my Sanctuary. We cannot be ignorant, what the use is, the Apostle Peter would have Priests, and people, 
1 Pet 4.17.18.19.  good and bad make hereof: If judgement must begin at the house of GOD, what shall the end be of them, that obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly appear? It strikes terror to the wicked, but strong consolation to the godly; Wherefore let them that suffer, according to the will of God, commit their souls to Him in well doing, as unto A Faithful Creator. But with them and their house, the Sword gins; for note we, who is the Butt of the Edomites malice 
b Si fuerit sublimis fit despicabilis, etc. Si bonus est quispiam quasi m●lus spernitar. Si malns est quasi bonus honorat●r. Salu. li. 4. p. 113.  against whom then and now, he draws his Arrow with all his strength? It is that he may shoot at and kill the upright in heart; The Priests of The Lord then, the servants of The Lord now. Is there any one, whose hand is with David? any one, who fears God above many? any one, who, as his Lord and Master, loveth Righteousness, and hateth Iniquity? Is he such an one? beat him, stone him, slay him, hang-him; he is a deg, use him like a Dog; the Parliaments Dog, his hand is with David, that is Reason enough with an Edomite, turn about and stay him, for he is no friend to Caesar. Blessed be God, That this man can count his cost, and account the reproach of Christ great riches. And blessed be God, that, according to their sufferings shall their consolations be, full measure, pressing down, and running over; he remembers his master's words, in the world tribulation; What more? that which makes amends for all, in Me peace, that's enough, 
john 16.33.  But let me ask these Edomites this question; Have they a Warrant for what they do? Yes, they will say, they have a Commission from the King under the Great Seal of England, [An honest man is the KEEPER the while,] which runs evermore thus, For the doing of these [notorious violences] this commission shall be to you, and them, and every one of them, a sufficient warrant. But O that they could remember, That God is an avenger of these things; and when He makes Inquisition for blood, than he that granted this Commission, and he that executed it, 
Ezek. 22.14.  shall fall both together; Their heart cannot endure, nor can their hands be strong in the day The LORD shall deal with them; and with the KEEPER too, who hath wickedly betrayed the great trust of the Kingdom. Come we now to the people.  
1. The children and sucklings there, they were slain. The Edomite has made the like slaughter in our days, for he has slain the mother and the child together, I think the child in the mother's womb: We need say very little more unto it then this, The Sword was in the Edomites hand then; it is in his hand now, (the Papist I mean still) as bloody now and ever, as the Edomite ever was, and what he was you shall hear anon.  
2. We must say The LORD is righteous, and these sucklings had finned, though not after the similitude of Adam's transgression. Indeed it is a sad sight, but we may shut the eye, yet see into this case as fare with our eye shut as open; for truly, now we are in the dark, we are come to the secrets of GOD'S Decree, and there we leave these Sucklings and Children all. Only I will tell my thoughts, which have ground from holy Scripture; That Parents now, seeing their Sucklings snatched from their breasts, and their children from out of their dear arms, and from under their wings, because the Parents have an hand with David, (pray mark that) may take more comfort in such a violent death, theirs or their children's then if they had seen them die on their bed: For I do assure you, That I have read of some Parents, who have been very ambitious of such a Martyrdom: Oh! to have an hand with David to help him against the mighty, and an heart with Christ and to suffer for this, and so it is at this Day, is a glorious kind of Martyrdom that it is:  
3. The People are destroyed Men and Women there. 
Answ:   
I will Answer again, The Edomite did it, a sworn Enemy to Israel, as we have read once and again; he did it, who does thirst after Blood; and yet not he alone, It cannot be reasonably conceived That he alone, a single man could act such an horrid execution, but helped and strengthened with saul's bloody Courtiers some more of that generation; or Bastard Israelites, as Cruel as the Edomite was every whit; And let me say too, for it must be observed, strengthened also with the People's Sins, I mean the Sinews of that City. The Inhabitants there did doubtless strengthen the Edomite, and the Bastard Israelites against their City and their selves: 
Nostris peccatis Barbar● fortes sunt; nostris vitijs Romanus superat exercitus, Hiero. Epist. l. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Isid. Pelus. Ep. l. 1 Ep. 294, p. 66.  (a) The People's sins made the Edomite strong (we Include all David's Enemies under that Name) against the People of Israel: Doubtless it was so, for I Read the like expression full for our Instruction, The Sins of Israel strengthened Eglon 
(b) judg. 3.14.  against Israel; Mark it, Eglon then and the Edomite now had a Will always (as the Devil has) to do Israel mischief; But nor Eglon them, nor the Edomite now, no nor the Devil neither (mighty though he be) nor this Adversary, nor that, nor the other, have strength and power of themselves, To do Israel mischief (for hurt they cannot do) I say, Will they have still, Power they have none, of themselves, till GOD lets it forth, till He strengthens them against His People, for their Sins against Him, The God of all Wisdom, Power, and Grace. So we Read: And the Children of Israel did Evil again in the fight of the Lord. [Observe that expression by the way, and you will observe That God Marks what is done amiss, He sees Sin in His People, for you Read here and every where, before the Eyes of The LORD, 
judg. 3.12.  in the sight of the LORD.] And The LORD strengthened Eglon against Israel. Why? It is repeated again, Because Israel had done Evil in the Sight of The LORD: Therefore Eglon was so strong against Israel then, The Edomites after that time; and now at this preent time, are so strong now. That is the Reason The Sripture gives and it is a full Reason. Does the Enemy prevail? Israel's Sins do prevail. Sins are strong, and hands are weak; Mighty sinners, and then mighty Adversaries! Does the Edomites rage reach up to Heaven, the People's Sins reach thither too. Doubtless if the Edomite have success in any Quarter of the Land, God does not do it to gratify the Edomite, but the more to confound the Adversary, and to fit or make His People meet for Deliverance. Does Deliverance stay? It is That Praise may wait for GOD in zion; when the Work is done, and Israel is humbled before his GOD, than the Edomite shall fall and rise no more: The Lord will utterly undo him: this belongs to the next Section. The Edomite has not yet fully executed his Commission not completed his Slaughter, There are Oxen, and asses, and Sheep Remaining, and these he will smite with the Edge of the Sword in Revenge of David because he has escaped his bloody Knife: The Bruit Creatures far the worse for Davia now; but these groan under the Edomites hands. The Ox, I cannot speak little of him, therefore I will say nothing, but much increase by the strength of the Ox. 
Prov. 14.4.  And much good Service is done by the Ass; The Sheep Clotheth us with her Fleece, and feeds us with her flesh, It is Man That hath sinned, and done evil indeed, but as for these Sheep, what have they done? Says David grieved for his poor People slain with a grievous Plague, God's Sword, which he had called for to lessen the number of People, wherein David boasted. We may say as much now and without a Figure, What have these done? Was the Edomites Rage's against these poor Creatures? No, it was against David, or rather, for so David's Lord is pleased to take these Insolences and wrongs done against David, as done to Himself, Thy Rage against Me. 
2 Kin. 19.27.  Therefore the Servants of the Lord have boldness, and assured confidence, That their Lord does even now deal with this Beast, as he has done with his fellow- Beast, He puts an Hook in his Nose, and a Bridle in his Lips even Now. 
Verse 28.  And His People will give their LORD no rest touching this matter, saying Arise O Lord in Thine Anger, lift up Thyself, 
Psalm. 7.6.  because of the Rage of our Enemies, and awake for us to the judgement, which Thou hast commanded. Amen.   

CHAP. 6. Weighty Reasons, Why The LORD suffers the Edomites to lay waist Israel's Land; how it Relates to this time. If Wolves had not been grievous to our Land, they had not been destroyed out of the Land.  
Why does GOD suffer an Edomite to destroy Israells Land? 
Qu.   
Is there not a Cause? Says David in another Case; surely yes, 
Ans.  and a Cause for this also, an excellent Reason, 
1 Sam. 17.29.  for what The Lord does or Suffers to be done though we could give no account of it. First,  
1. Because Israel may be grown wanton and carnally secure. A little Rest from their Enemies, will make Israel settle upon their Lees: Israel cannot, I say Israel, God's own people, cannot well and Thriftily husband their time and peace. They may do it after they have felt the Edomites hand and have rest from his oppressing Sword. 
Act. 9.31.  Therefore Israel must have a Scourge, a Thorn in his eye and a Goad in his side. And none more pricking Briars nor any more grieving Thorns, than an Edomite is, 
Ezck. 28 24.  That known Adversory to Israel. Israel will not know the Service of their GOD: 
2 Chro. 12.8.  Therefore he shall know the Service of a cruel Lord, that delights in Proud Wrath; An easy yoke made Israel wanton. An Iron yoke shall make them groan. Israel will be stout with their God, and comply with an Idolatrous People, and learn the manners of the Heathen, play away the LORDS day, and snufe at His Service; will Israel do so? The LORD will meet with them for this; He will deliver them into the hand of them, whom Israel hateth, into the hands of them, from whom Israel's Mind is ALIENATED, 
Ezek. 23.28.  Prelates, Edomites, Atheists, Papists and the like, and these shall deal hatefully with Israel, they shall take away all Israel's labour, and shall leave Israel naked and bare. This Relates itself, I need not show how it relates to this time.  
2. The Edomite must be a plague to Israel. Why? because the Edomite is become a Lord and Master in Israel, that he is set over the Servants of Saul, 
1 Sam. 22.9. 2 Chro. 12.6. 2 Sam. 106.  if you observe it, he is next to the King, the greatest man in Court, who but the Edomite there! he does all, all must come through his hand. The Edomite must be a plague to Israel, it must be so. Will Israel suffer their Master Saul to take an Edomite to his side, To make him his right hand, dominus factotum, LORD do all, as the Proverb is; will Israel suffer this? They shall have enough of the Edomite, that they shall; and Israel shall see there is mighty reason it should be so; and when they see their Cities burnt with fire, and the Edomite 
a Israel saw with open eyes, That Saul, rising-up against David, could not abide an honest man: but his heart clavae in love to the Edomite, he should have the honour of Knighthood, and of Lord General in the held.  slaughtering them like Sheep; then they shall say, The LORD is righteous; yes, and gracious to Israel too, for  
3. By suffering the Edomite to deal with Israel so hardly, and according to all the desire of his soul, The good LORD will make the Edomite hateful to all Israel, Israel's mind shall be alienated from him; he shall never be entertained at Court any more; The Edomite shall well perceive as the Amonitedid, That he slanke before David and all Israel: he has shamefully abused Israel this once, he shall never serve them so again; he shall see how he stinks before Israel.  
Oh! there is mighty reason why the Edomite in these days should deal so hatefully with Israel now; for all the Reasons abovesaid, (which I will not recall) and for this especially, That he may STINK before David. and all Israel; so as Israel not abiding his savour any longer will join hand, and shoulder, and heart and all to thrust him out of the Land, where they have committed such abominations and executed such wrath with such a rage. Indeed it is good for Israel to feel the weight of the Edomites hand; and the mischief of his counsel: It was good for Israel then, it is as good for Israel now, to be so wasted by Edomites. Who but the Edomite, before, in Court, City, Country? In the Court chief Commander there, and Keeper of the great Seal hard by; Recorder in the City, and Lord General in the Field: Who but the Edomite all this? Dominus fac totum, Lord Do-all as was said before. But the Edomite has smitten Cities, and burnt Towns, They stink before David and all Israel now, and they must needs know it, that Israel will, in good time, rise up all as one man to thrust them out of their land. It is good for Israel that the Edomite has dealt so hatefully with them, wasting their Cities, and slaughtering their people. We would not lift up a sword against the Edomite, to drive them out of the land, without gain of money, (not yet) which the heathen in ancient time, and now, scorn to take, fight against Israel. The time will come very shortly, 
judges 5.19.  after the Edomite has vexed us a little more, that we shall willingly offer ourselves, and jeopard our lives to the death to be avenged of the Edomite for our two eyes, (he would have put them both out) our  Cities, and wasted Towns. It was commonly said, that there never were any Wolves in England, for that the Land would not bear them: Yes, there were Wolves in England says Camerartus, 
Cap. 28.  and the Land yielded the Wolves good and clean feeding the best Mutton in all the Country, they feasted upon it every Night. This Man lost 20 Sheep in a Night, another as many more. Grievous Wolves indeed. The People then did not stand looking one upon the other. Complaining of their losses; Nor did they commit the slaughter of these Wolves, so grievous, to their Shepherds, Those undertakers; who could look to their own safety, sleep all Night, leave the Wolves to their Prey, and take gain of money in the Morning. No it was not so; every Man stood-up for himself, To keep the Wolf from his Door, and from his Fold, took his weapon in his hand, and so pursued the Wolves; And it was gain sufficient to rid themselves of them, and secure their Folds. And so they did their work quickly, being every Man's work, and bestirring themselves about it. Only this help was granted them, That Offenders, so be they were not Murderers, Capital Offenders should have their lives granted them and their liberty upon Condition, That they would bring in so many wolves their heads or their Tongues, else the People could not believe they were killed. By this means there was a clean riddance of Wolves until this day.  
For aught I know, had not the Wolves been, after their manner, grievous, The Land had been pestered and plagued with them as at this day. Blessed be GOD say I, That Wolves are grievous, whether they have four feet, or but two, they are wolves, and grievous. Blessed be God for that; That the Prelate's hands were so heavy; Their Yoke so unsupportable; Their Orders, Their Oaths, their Courts so vexatious, mischievous and unsufferable. Blessed be GOD, That Clergy and Laity, Ministers, and people both, did groan for anguish of Spirit, and Cruel Bondage, under those Taskmasters doing the work of an IMPERIOUS WHORISH WOMAN. 
Ezek. 16.  I verily believe we shall never see Prelate more in England, I say Prelate, A Diotrephes, I mean, (such as our Bishops were; Therefore the Name (though a good Name) is so hateful, 
3 john 9  because so abused, so ill Answered) who love to have the pre-eminence, honour amongst Men, and therefore cannot love the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We shall never have such Bishops again (That word will please best) they were so grievous once: Sith they were such grievous Thorns by nature it is well they were so indeed, That the Thorn was thrust home. And so for these Edomites too. They will make their own savour to be abhorred in the Eyes and Nostrils of all Israel. They are about their work as fast as they can, Blessed be GOD for it say I; for when there is no Peace to him that goes forth, nor to him that comes in: But great vexation shall be upon all the Inhabitants of the Countries. What then? Why then wolves are grievous, and then let the Countrymen alone, every one will stand in his place, The Man and his Wife both; Son and Daughter also, every one with their weapon in their hand; what it is I cannot tell, but what comes next to hand, that shall be a weapon good enough, for indignation against the Edomite, and his oppression (which makes a Wise man mad, 
Eccles. 77. ) will frame him a weapon sooner than all the Smith's forges in the Town or City. Is it a discouragement think you, That their Armour is taken from them? None at all; Courage. Zeal for GOD, hatred of the Edomite, Love to their gain and ease (I should not put that last) all this is Armour of proof, the best Armour in the World. Doubtless this was good to Israel, even to feel the weight of the Edomites hand, and the Mischief of his Counsel: That Israel might have no communion with him ever after. It was good for Israel then to be so wasted by Edomites, so it is with Israel at this day, for Israel will deal with Papists as with their sins, give entertainment to them, put them into Office, suffer them to bear rule, and sway all there, as you heard, and their hearts to cleave to them in love; even so with their sins, till they see and feel what mischief their sins have done them, what Lords, or lusts they have served, and so what Fightings they have caused without, what fear within: And when they see and feel all this, than they can abhor their Sins and themselves, for giving such loving entertainment to their Sins so long. Israel must feel first, and their Adversaries must be suffered to deal proudly, To prepare Instruments of death, and then to thrust them home even unto the heart of Israel. Then Israel will open their eyes and look about them, and not before. To conclude. The Edomites must be as pricking Briars and grieving Thorns, before they shall be thrust away: They must be not in some but in all places, as evening Wolves, before every Man's hand will be thrust out against them to thrust them to the heart: They must stink before David and all Israel, and then Israel will rise up all as one man, to thrust them out, who say of Israel's Kingdom at this day as in ancient days Raze it, raze it even to the ground.  
But now here is a strange sight, Though the Edomite has dealt so cruelly with Israel as we heard, though he has laid waste Israel's City, and dwelling place, yet Israel, neighbouring thereabouts, come-not-in to help their Brethren, under the hands of a cruel Lord and a bloody Edomite. What might hold bacl the neighbouring Israelite from comming-in to secure their poor Brethren? That is the question, and I desire hearty to be understood in it. I shall not question, Why it was so long ere the Tribes came-all-in to deliver David, for than I should question the wisdom of God, wherein I am fully satisfied, and do think I shall be able, by the Grace of God, to satisfy others in that point, and to give excellent Reason why David could not be delivered one day sooner than he was; which, being handled, as I hope by God's strength it may be, will give mighty establishment and encouragement to Israel, touching the distractions of this present time.  
My question will be this first, What might hold back neighbouring Israel from comming-in to help their Brethren and Sisters now in the day of their trouble, and treading down by the foot of pride? The answer to this question is, CONSCIENCE did withhold Israel then, and the same CONSCIENCE must withhold Israel now, in the very same case, from comming-in to secure their oppressed Brethren; So says Doctor Ferne, I will name him to comfort and refresh the Devil and his Servants, his Edomites in their war against the LAMB (for they shall have hot service of it.) and to honour their cause, that they have not only a Master but a Doctor in Israel on their side, a conscientious man, who is as he says, and makes men believe, a man of a tender spirit, he can behold Cities wasted, Towns fired, Men, Women, Children, Sucklings, Ox, Ass, Sheep, slaughtered there, and, tender Soul! he is moved as much as a Rock beaten upon with the waves: But if so be one or more shall lift up their hand for David, and to help him in the day of his distress, with Bread and with a Sword; or lift up the sword for David, than the good man melts, and good soul his conscience is troubled; O! says he, beware what thou do, thou resist the King: Clap your hand upon the breast, consult with CONSCIENCE, remember the Battle, and do no more so. A man of a tender spirit no doubt! Let him alone, we know him well enough, he is wiser, in his own conceit then seven men, 
Prov. 26.16.  that can render SCRIPTURE and REASON both for what they do.  
I shall not go a step out of my way to meet with this good man, that has so tender a conscience. Only this, (for the History leads me directly to it) I must necessarily do, and by GOD'S help and His good WORD I shall do it to purpose, and make good, That, had Israel's hand been with David now, and been so bold and strong, as to have been able to have wrested the Commission out of saul's hand, which he was giving into the Edomites hand; and the Sword out of the Edomites hand too; had any Israelite done so, he had shown as great a kindness to Saul the King, and done as great a service to his Kingdom, as is imaginable. Therefore CONSCIENCE could not hold bacl Israel from helping The LORD against the mighty. But this with much more, as I do conceive, not without the Book, of high and excellent concernment now, and will occasion a large discourse, I must refer to the next Section, unto which I shall hasten as fast as I can; Because I have a strong hope and confidence, That I shall be enabled therein to nonplus the Devil, and put his Edomite clean out of office, if Law will be harkened to, and the best Reason. For as Law and Reason both did call-in and authorise all Israel to rise-up in arms, in succour of David, (at the last, when God's time was come:) so it follows, That all Israel will move now upon the same grounds, and will not be slack; And yet they shall have no allowance, to Resist their King, but allowance granted them from Heaven and Earth, to resist the evil Spirit, working mightily nowadays with the Kings of the earth, and with their Edomites there carrying-on their great design, to dethrone The LORD JESUS CHRIST. But when I have all done, I have little hope, That I shall sati fie the tender hearted-man. I mean Doctor Fearnes Tender Conscience I suspect rather I shall leave his Conscience as I found it, if not asleep, then seared. That I may begin I will end with this; Do we that, which is before us, our work and duty, with all our might; Set we our hands and our hearts thereunto; it is to help The LORD against the mighty: and we will not dare to make question for Conscience sake, 
1 Pet. 3.16.  having a good Conscience, That, whereas they speak of us, as of evil doers, they may be ashamed, that falsely accuse our good conversation in Christ.    
Finis secundae Sectionis.