A68840:80
Most fruitful [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martyr Vermil Florentine, professor of divinity,…Most fruitfull [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martir Vermil Florentine, professor of deuinitie,…
Most fruitful [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martyr Vermil Florentine, professor of divinity, in the University of Tygure with a very profitable tract of the matter and places. Herein is also added [and] contained two most ample tables, aswell of the matter, as of the words: with an index of the places in the holy scripture. Set forth & allowed, according to the order appointed in the Queens majesties injunctions.Most fruitfull [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martir Vermil Florentine, professor of deuinitie, in the Vniuersitye of Tygure with a very profitable tract of the matter and places. Herein is also added [and] contained two most ample tables, aswel of the matter, as of the wordes: wyth an index of the places in the holy scripture. Set forth & allowed, accordyng to thorder appointed in the Quenes maiesties iniunctions.
London: printed by John Day, 1564London: printed by Iohn Day, 1564
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But why God chose the tribe of Judah, 1to begin the battle first against the enemies, many reasons may be alleged. First, that tribe was very populous, of great force, valiant of courage, warlike, and very expert therein. Which nevertheless I speak not, as though the election of God were moved by these gifts: yea rather in that point the clean contrary is to be affirmed, namely that this tribe was therefore valiant and warlike, because God himself had destined it to exercise those offices. Neither is it to be doubted,2 but that both valiantness and warlike strength are his gifts. But that reason which I have declared is thus to be understand, that these excellent gifts which were freely given of God to the tribe of Judah, made it apt to begin the battle first against the enemies. Neither had it this kind of office committed unto it only at this present, but also afterward when they should make war against that Beniamites, God being asked counsel of, decreed that marching forward to battle should be by the tribe of Judah, to give to it that it might be as it were a chief captain to all the other Israelites. In the book of Numbers for pitching the Camps, it had the chief place. Also the kingly power was attributed unto it by the oracle of Jacob. And as the Hebrews write, it was the first of all the rest that passed over the red sea. But for this it is worthy to bear away the garland, because of that tribe Messiah should be given not only to the Jews, but also to all the world. Neither happened these privileges and dignities to Judah by order of birth. For it was reckoned the fourth among the sons of Jacob. Reuben in deed was first borne, but because of his vile incest, whereby he abstained not even from his fathers bed, he was thrown down from his proper dignity, and in his stead as concerning the kingdom Judah was substituted. But the dignity of birthright was given to Joseph. 3Wherefore his first tribe called Ephraim was not only valiant & mighty, but also was exalted to the kingdom of ten tribes: which kingdom nevertheless was both unconstant, and also abode not always in that family. But the principality of Judah is everlasting, because it was not taken away from it even to Christs time, and he coming of that family, reigneth and shall reign for ever.
But why God chose the tribe of Iudah,