Metaphor. | Parallel.
A Bull is a Ring-leader of the Herd; for which cause, saith Gesner, Homer compared Agamemnon, 1the great Emperor of the Grecian Army, to a Bull, &c. | SO proud and cruel Persecutors are often Ring-leaders of all the Herd of their bloody Crew, like as were the High-Priests, Scribes, and Pharisees,2 to the Multitude of the wicked Jews, who conspired against our blessed Saviour.
II. The Bull is a very strong Creature; his Strength is very great in all Parts, but more especially in his Head and Neck. | II. So wicked Tyrants are often great in Power, and have the Advantage every way to strengthen themselves; as it is said of the little Horn under the Grecian Monarchy, who waxed exceeding great, 3towards the South, and towards the East, and towards the Holy Land; but more especially of the fourth Beast, or Roman Power, who hath, with human and diabolical Power, with a high Hand, and stiff Neck, strove against the Saints of God for many Years.
III. A Bull with his Horns doth often run at Men, Women, and Children, so that the Sight of them (when they come towards some Persons) makes them cry out; for many have been gored, and torn to pieces by Bulls: they are indeed a cruel Sort of Creatures, especially when enraged, and therefore all strive to get out of their way. | III. So wicked Tyrants, Persecutors, and bloody Enemies of God's Church, do often furiously run at all that stand in their way, not only Men and Women, but poor Children, &c. Horn denotes Power,4 (as elsewhere hath been showed) and to push with the Horn, metaphorically signifies an exerting or putting forth of Strength or Power. The Bulls of Bashan frequently exercise that Authority and Power (which for a time is suffered to be in their hands) against the Saints; yea, push and gore them with their Horns in a cruel manner, tearing them in pieces: and by reason of which many timorous Persons being afraid of them, to avoid the Danger, are ready to run away, (viz. leave their native Country) when they hear that furious Bulls (or cruel Tyrants) are like to be let in upon them.
IV. Bulls are suffered to feed in rich Pasture, till they are very fat; they are like some lawless Sort of People, being not always restrained to one Meadow or Ground, as Cows are; they will break into every Body's Field, and feed in Pastures none of their own. | IV.
Metaphor. | Parallel.
A Bull is a Ring-leader of the Herd; for which cause, saith Gesner, Homer compared Agamemnon, 1the great Emperor of the Grecian Army, to a Bull, &c. | SO proud and cruel Persecutors are often Ring-leaders of all the Herd of their bloody Crew, like as were the High-Priests, Scribes, and Pharisees,2 to the Multitude of the wicked Jews, who conspired against our blessed Saviour.
II. The Bull is a very strong Creature; his Strength is very great in all Parts, but more especially in his Head and Neck. | II. So wicked Tyrants are often great in Power, and have the Advantage every way to strengthen themselves; as it is said of the little Horn under the Grecian Monarchy, who waxed exceeding great, 3towards the South, and towards the East, and towards the Holy Land; but more especially of the fourth Beast, or Roman Power, who hath, with human and diabolical Power, with a high Hand, and stiff Neck, strove against the Saints of God for many Years.
III. A Bull with his Horns doth often run at Men, Women, and Children, so that the Sight of them (when they come towards some Persons) makes them cry out; for many have been gored, and torn to pieces by Bulls: they are indeed a cruel Sort of Creatures, especially when enraged, and therefore all strive to get out of their way. | III. So wicked Tyrants, Persecutors, and bloody Enemies of God's Church, do often furiously run at all that stand in their way, not only Men and Women, but poor Children, &c. Horn denotes Power,4 (as elsewhere hath been shewed) and to push with the Horn, metaphorically signifies an exerting or putting forth of Strength or Power. The Bulls of Bashan frequently exercise that Authority and Power (which for a time is suffered to be in their hands) against the Saints; yea, push and gore them with their Horns in a cruel manner, tearing them in pieces: and by reason of which many timerous Persons being afraid of them, to avoid the Danger, are ready to run away, (viz. leave their native Country) when they hear that furious Bulls (or cruel Tyrants) are like to be let in upon them.
IV. Bulls are suffered to feed in rich Pasture, till they are very fat; they are like some lawless Sort of People, being not always restrained to one Meadow or Ground, as Cows are; they will break into every Body's Field, and feed in Pastures none of their own. | IV.
- 1Topsell▪ p. 77.
- 2Mat. 26.41
- 3Dan. 8.
- 4Deut. 33.17. Psal. 22. Dan. 11.40.
