people And they these great acts shall bee archieved by these two numerous and warlike tribes come out of Joseph whereof that of Manasses who was the elder shall yeeld in power and number to Ephraims who was the second brother according to Jacobs Prophecie Genesis chap. 48. v. 19. V. 18. In thy Of the commodity thou shalt have thy land bordering upon the sea to make many voyages which will be very profitable to thee In thy in thy peaceable and home led life free from enterprises and altogether employed in governing of thine owne private affaires See Genesis chap. 25. verse 27. V. 19. They Namely the Zabulonites by their frequent voyages into farie Countreies shall invite many Nations to come and worship the true God in his Temple in mount Sion There these nations by the Zabulonites enducements shall serve the true God in that only manner which he hath approved of and appointed Or the Zabulonites themselves being delivered from the dangers of the seas and enriched shall come to yeeld sacrifices of thanksgiving to the Lord Psal. 107. 32. Jon 2. 9. The abundance The great riches which navigation brings in In the sand the sea-shore which though of it selfe it be very barren brings in great revenues by reason of the sea trading V. 20. He that Namely the Lord who hath bestowed upon the tribe of Gad a large and spacious Countrey and although it lye upon the frontiers and therefore be often invaded yet it shall have strength and heart to defend it selfe V. 21. He provided God hath assigned unto Gad the first land which was conquered from the Amorites on this side Jordan See concerning these first fruits of the countrey Numbers 24 20. Because there because this part of the Country was that alone which God let Moses see and which he would have him divide amongst certain tribes And he came This is spoken by propheticall anticipation concerning the Gadites company and faithfull assistance which they lent their brethren in the subduing of the land of Canaan and executing the Lords vengeance upon the accursed people See Jos. 4. 12. V. 22. A lions whelp The Italian Like a lions c. It shall be a warlike nation which out of his mountainous frontier shall often invade its enemies V. 23. With favour With Gods grace and favour which will make him acceptable amongst his brethren Gen. 49. 21. Possesse thou the Italian Thou shalt possesse See Jos. 19. 32. V. 24. Dip He shall enjoy an exceeding fat countrey Gen. 49. 20. V 25. Thy shoes It seemeth to be a proverbiall kind of speech taken from shoes which are made of a solid and hard matter to signifie a continuance of strength without wearing out as Deuteronomy 29. 5. V. 27. Underneath As in heaven is the pacificall feat of Gods glorious resting place so here on earth is the theater of the works of his providence and omnipotency through which he rules the world V. 28. Alone From other people as a Nation consecrated to God and by him protected against all assaults V. 29. Bee found Ciars The Italian Shall dissemble Hebrew Shall lye unto thee that is to say shall be constrained to yeeld obedience unto thee though it be but a feigned and forced one See Psalme 18. 44. and 66. 3. and 81. 15. Shalt tread Shalt beat downe their loftinesse shalt assault and conquer their country and all their forts CHAP. XXXIV VERS 1. VNto the mountaine See Numbers 27 12. Unto Dan This chapter hath beene added to Moses his books by some Prophet after the division of the land of Canaan and therefore these countries are by anticipation called by the names of the tribes to whose lot they fell Now Dan had the uttermost Northern frontier Judg. 18. 7. V. 3. Of Palme trees Jericho is so called Judges 1. 16. 2 Chronicles 28. 15. Because that the territories thereof did abound in such kind of trees and this very name is also given to it by profane authors Zoar A city situate on the furthest part of the sea of Sodom Gen. 19. 22. V. 6. Buried him He caused his body to be laid in the earth by the ministery of Angels or by some other meanes No man It is likely that it was done to take quite away all occasion of superstition and Idolatry See Jude 9. V. 7. His eye By divine miracle Deuteronomy 8. 4. Joshua 14. 11. It may also be that the use of Manna did somewhat helpe towards it it being an exquisitely pure kind of food of an aereall and not very corruptible substance Naturall force Hebrew greennesse that is to say a fresh and thriving constitution of body as Psa. 32. 4. V. 8. So the dayes In this moderate length of time was this mourning ended which amongst other nations was much prolonged for such kind of persons see Gen. 50. 3. V. 9. Of the Spirit Of a supernaturall gift and infused with wisdome under which are comprehended all the vertues belonging to a heroicall and excelling soule See 1 Kings 3. 9 12. Had laid For a signe and sacred meanes of that divine infusion of the holy Ghost into him the Lord going along with the ceremony with his internall operation according to the true property of all Sacraments V. 10. Whom With whom God hath parleyed and to whom he hath communicated himselfe by a cleare and ocular representation without any abstraction or oppression of the senses without any doubtfull speeches visions dreams or other hidden meanes See Numbers Chapter 12. verses 6. 8. V. 12. Hand Operations of Divine and Omnipotent power which did accompany Moses his Ministery See Deuteronomy Chapter 4. verse 34. and 7. 19. THE BOOK OF JOSHVA THE ARGVMENT IOshua who very likely did by divine inspiration write and compose this History and joyned it by way of appendix to the Originall volume of Moses his bookes kept by the Priests in the Tabernacle Sets down in it how that he being whilest Moses yet lived appointed and consecrated his successor after his death entered upon the conduct of Gods people being instructed and strengthened by Gods own Word and authorized by his miraculous and glorious power which accompanied him and accepted and acknowledged by the generall consent of the people And afterwards how he passed over Iordan and after he was come into the land of promise he again sanctified and purged the people putting Circumcision in practice again which had beene intermitted in their pilgrimage in the wildernesse After which the people beginning to enjoy the fruits of the land Manna ceased And the Son of God appearing corporally to Ioshua assured him of his conduct and power through which he in six years conquered with armed hand the Land of Canaan destroyed the accursed Nations and Kings according to Gods Commandement and afterwards divided the Land amongst the nine Tribes and a halfe which had not received their inheritance beyond Iordan appointed the Priests and Levites Cities for their habitations settled Gods Tabernacle in Shiloh observed punctually all
by the heavenly Fathers adoption She hath no the time prefixed by Gods providence is not yet come wherein shee may be capable to bee joyned in spirituall matrimonie to Christ or be incorporated into the Church Ezech. 16. 7. What shall wee doe what graces shall shee receive from thee O Christ by the ministery of me that am the Church When she shall when wilt thou call her to the communion of the Covenant of grace by the preaching of the Gospel V. 9. If she bee the Bridegroome replyeth as if hee should say if you consider her body as one of the two walls whereof I am the corner stone that doe binde the Iewes and Gentiles together Ephes. 2. 20. I will upon that wall build the palace of my abode in grace and everlasting glory If you consider her ministery which is as the doore of this Temple or Palace I will endow her and strengthen her with excellent graces of my Spirit to the end that the gates of Hell may never prevaile against her V. 10. I am the Bride saith that shee is the Congregation of Saints composed of divers living stones joyned together with the ciment of faith and of the spirit whereof is built a Temple holy to the Lord Ephes. 2. 21. and that her ministery is to feed Gods children which are borne in her with her breasts which are the Old and New Testament Like Towers a similitude which is not answerable to the figure but to the thing figured namely Gods word which is most firme and invariable 2 Pet. 1. 19. whose manifestation and use is maintained by the Church 1 Tim. 3. 15. Then was I that is to say when I namely the Iewish Church was well ordered and whilst I did performe the true 〈◊〉 of a mother I was and shall bee I so long as I continue such in Gods favour Intimating by this speech that when shee should goe astray shee should bee reproved and cast off V. 11. Solomon that is to say Christ sigured by Solomon hath committed the care of his Church to his Servants Mat. 21. 33. not to appropriate the fruit of glory and service to themselves but to referre it to God only Baathamon that is to say the plaine of the multitude which might be some fruitfull plaine not mentioned elsewhere Or it is a name fained according to the signification of the word a Isa 5. 1. Vnto 〈…〉 ers whereby are understood all other duties belonging to good 〈◊〉 dressers V. 12. My Vineyard the Bridegroome declareth that though hee hath given such a commission to his Servants yet he himselfe hath also a continuall care of his Church which is his own proper Inheritance Isa. 27. 3. Or that hee continually enjoyeth the fruites of this vineyard which are alwayes presented unto him by his saithfull servants must have the Bride sheweth that the chiefē revenew of this Vine namely the glory and service must be reserved for Christ who neverthelesse will reward his servants in this life and in the life everlasting with some degree of grace and glory Dan. 12. 3. V. 13. Thou that this is the Bridegroome which speaketh to the Church which he hath brought cut of the wildernesse of the world into places consecrated by him as into orchards and fruit-bearing gardens and admonisheth her never to give over causing her voyce to sound in prayer and preaching whereat the Angels the Bridegroomes friends are present and give eare unto see Eccles. 5. 6. 1 Cor. 11. 10. Ephes. 3. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 20. V. 14. Make hast the Bride saith that though shee much desireth that Christs presence might bee perpetuall yet shee doth accept of and is contented with this enjoying of it at times Cant. 2. 17. Vpon the mountaines that is to say in heaven see Cant. 2. 17. 6. 2. 11. ⧠THE BOOKE OF THE Prophet ISAIAH ARGUMENT BEsides the Priests and Levites which God had anciently established in the ministery of his Church he did also almost at all times send Prophets unto her extraordinarily raised without any distinction of lineage or profession who were immediately called and endowed with supernaturall knowledge of Gods secrets by divine revelations and inspirations and with a perpetuall and infallible conduct of the Holy Ghost in every particular of their Office and authorized by undoubted proofes of the divine motion which wrought in them and by the demonstration of Christs Spirit which spoke by them The summaries of their speeches and Sermons set downe in writing by themselves were kept in the Temple and added to other holy Bookes to stand for Divine and Authenticall Scripture and to be made use of in Ecclesiasticall Lectures and Expositions Yet their ministery was no way concerning the ceremoniall and ordinary service nor the common guide and government of the Church but was directed to these three generall ends First to maintaine by preaching and by the word the religion and customes in their ancient purity and integrity to correct and purge the vices and corruptions which crept in amonst them from time to time to oppose all humane power which should be contrary to Gods power and finally to keep or set againe all things into their former state by the same spirit as they were first established in the beginning The second was to keep alwaies alive the memory of the promises of the Messias and to keepe the faith and expectation of the faithfull alwaies bent towards him and to comfort and strengthen the Church in her sufferings by setting before her the promise of her restauration by Christs spirituall Kingdome The third to be the Ministers of Gods Oracles in many particular occurrences for the revealing of his secret will for to give resolution in perplexities or direction and counsell in difficult cases or for to denounce threatnings to beate downe the pride of the rebellious and for to bring beleevers to repentance Finally they were instruments of Gods continuall communication with his Church and of His Soveraigne power and government over her the strengthening of the ordinary Ministery and a remedy against disorders and growing evils Now one of the most noted amongst these was Isaiah endowed with a propheticke spirit in a most eminent degree for variety of visions sublimenesse of sences for power of demonstration and for a most incomparable Majesty of stile being diversly carried according to the variety of the times which he met with being sometimes under most evill and wicked Kings sometimes under pious and vertuous ones and sometimes under indifferent ones And according to their occasions he hath framed his Sermons the substance whereof is contained in this booke and may be referred to these two generall heads namely of the Law and of the Gospel In the first he doth discover accuse and severely condemne the sinnes of the people in all sorts and conditions of persons In the last he applieth unto the penitent and residue of the elect the onely remedy of Gods grace and the comfort of the promise of eternall
which were lesse hurtfull As Books of Histories or precepts and sentences profitable for the ordinary manner of living and morality from which the Church hoping to have some fruit for the peoples instruction permitted the use of â—hem first in private and afterwards in the publicke Lectures of the Church also And though the Ancients doe often protest that it was not done to attribute any authority to them for to rule the Faith nor to confirme the opinions of it nor to determine controversies nor to condemne errours Yet the foresight of the abuse induced many most grave Doctors and also some whole Churches especially of the Easterne ones which had more strictly observed Saint Iohns Orders who had spent a great part of His life and exercised His Apostleship amongst them to resist and oppose this introduction as it appeareth by the Synod of Laodicea kept in the yeare of our Lord three hundred sixty foure or thereabouts which confirmed the Catalogue of the Books of either Testament which we have at this time and did forbid the reading of the other in the Church Yet the inveterate custome prevailed especially in the Latine and African Churches and the publicke reading of them was continued with this pre-caution of making a distinction of Canonicall and Apocryphall â—ooks Under the first name were contained all the Books of the New and Old Testament whereof the Authenticall Catalogue was made by Ezra and Saint Iohn And under the name of Apocryphicall these which were not contained in the said Catalogue And by this name which signifieth hidden or obscure was notified their unknowne Origâ—nall and their Faith and Authority doubtfull and suspected And contrariwise the Canonicall ones whose Truth and Authority was unquestioned did shine brightly in the Church and in the uniforme consent of Beleevers through the perswasion of the Holy-Ghost who alwayes produced evidently their divine qualities and the Character which he himselfe had imprinted in them Now though the Apocrypha were alwayes stiled by the Ancients false and supposed Books bastâ—rd and reprovable ones as well by reason of their Authors who had no immediate Calling nor infallible inspiration of the Holy-Ghost as also by reason their matters were besprinkled with many errors falshoods vanities basenesses and other corruptions of the humane Spirit and of the stile which savours almost in all places of the leaven of affectation of worldly wisedome and eloquence rather then of that grave and chaste simplicity and of that divine and spirituall Majesty of Gods pure Word yet there were some chosen out as more sure for to be retained for publicke reading and were called Ecclesiasticall Books 〈◊〉 of which there was also a Register or Canon made to exclude all the rest which were more defective and hurtfull These two Canons or Catalogues in processe of time caused the name of Canonicall to become common both to the truly divine ones and to them which were of the best sort of the Apocrypha But the reall and essentiall difference was alwayes observed untill the foure hundreth yeare of the Lord these of the first Canon being only held as they aâ—e now to be divine and for a certaine rule of Faith and saving Trutb And the Apocrypha excluded from having any Authority in matters of Faith and in the resolutions of doubts and questions therein In this opinion lived and dyed Saint Ierome the most famous and approved Interpreter of Holy Scâ—iptures that was in ancient times Now in processe of time it happened that these Bookes were joyned and bound together Canonicall and Apocrypha one with another in one and the selfe same Volume for the greater ease of the Ecclesiasticall use And under pretence of joyning Historicall with Historicall and Sententiall with Sententiall they were mingled together againe one with another as at this time may be seene in the Greeke Bibles and in the Latine vulgar one which was condemned by Saint Athanasius But still custome prevailed and at last brought forth the abuse of holding them all in one degree and esteeme of divine Books against the consent of the foure best Ages of the Christian Church and against all reason For in effect since these are Apocryphall where we speake Esdras two having at the first-been degraded as the most unworthy doe plainly appeare to have been composed by Jewes and the greatest part of them in the time of the Jewish Church we ought to beleeve that if they were of a divine Originall and had proceeded from the Holy-Ghost working in their Authors by infallible inspiration The same Holy-Ghost would also have revealed and inspired the certainty and have perswaded the Church of that time thereunto as he had done by all the other sacred Books to cause them to be acknowledged received and respected Now this was never so and the Jewish Church never acknowledged them wherein it could not be accused neither of ignorance nor malice Not of ignorance by reason that it had in â—ts due measure the light discretion and direction of the Holy Ghost in these things as well as the Christian Church And besides that it is very likely that Christ and His Apostles would have cleered and corrected this so pernicious ignorance as they had done other matters of â—esâ—â—â— moment Of malice much lesse having never biâ— so much as suspected therefore but contrariwise much commended for most religiously keeping of the divine Oracles with which they had been put in trust Besides that there is nothing in these Books that doth any way condemne the Jewes for to induce them to put them out of their Catalogue 〈◊〉 very thing is in their behalfe and for their credits And if they would have presumed after Christs comming to have committed any such sacriledge against the sacred Books question leâ—â—e they would have endeavoured to doe it upon such passages of the Old Testament which accuse and formally confound their hardnesse and incredulity But besides this reason the internall quality of their matter and the Character of their â—â—le doe plainly shew that the ancient Church as well the Jewish as the Christian did not use any arbitrary or mutable reason in the rejecting of them But that being enlightened and guided by the Holy-Ghost it did know what they were of themselves and that it could not alter the property of them by any humane judgement or authority Whereunto may be added that neither the Lord nor the holy Apostles have ever honoured or authorized them by alleadging any of them as they have done the most part of the other true Authenticall Books And indeed it seemes that they have not been held worthy being not divine to be kept in that religious custody and purity as the true Canonicall ones whereby there is such variety of Copies so many defects so many superfluities and obscurities in them there being no sure nor certaine Originall that it is oftentimes very hard to gatherany cleare or certaine meaning out of them or to make a texture or well composed Body of
And thereupon he sets downe how that the just and beleevers are oftentimes grievously afflicted in this world chorow Gods providence who reserveth their reward for them in the life everlasting and that contrariwise the wicked do triumph tyrannize and afflict the righteous but that their unhappy end and their everlasting damnation shall manifest the vanity of their thoughts and the perversenesse of their deeds And that notwithstanding oftentimes God doth even in this world take in hand the defence of his Church and freeing it from her enemies causeth his judgements to fall upon the wicked as he formerly did in Aegypt by the hands of Moses by prodigies and workes memorable in all ages described here in a most high and illustrious manner with an intent to pierce the Egyptians of his time who did imitate their forefathers in persecuting the lewes And he enterlaceth his discourses with grave admonitions to the Kings and Princes of the world for to feare Gods judgements and be obedient to his justice and wisdome which also seemes to be directed to the Roman Emperour and Covernours who did seeme to nourish and soment the hatred and thorow their connivance did kindle the Egyptians rage against the Iewes And by a solemne prayer he desires of God the gift of wisdome for all beleevers Doctrines and discourses which are indeed very rare and profitable and laid open with a singular eloquence But yet are such as doe not goe beyond the measure of humane un derstanding enlightned by Gods law and do not reach to the high pitch of the light and vertue of the Spirit and of his word immediately inspired And therefore this booke in the best ages of the Christian Church was likewise held for Apocry pha First in regard of the author who was neither Prophet nor inspired by the holy Ghost which doth also more plainely appeare if it were Philo who after the Messias his comming remained in the Jewish incredulity and blindnesse without Faith in Christ without which the Spirit of grace and much lesse that of speciall revelation was never conferred upon any one And because that he hath falsly taken upon him Solomons name contrary to the holy Ghosts simple truth in his true instruments and that he doth every where shamefully flatter his owne nation extenuating and almost annihilating their most grievous sinnes set downe in Scripture In the second place in regard of the matter it selfe wherein without any ground of truth many things are added and mixed for to please with the plaine narration of holy Scripture by descriptions and beautifyings altogether Poeticall In the third place in regard of the style which savours too much of affectation and of the vanity of secular wisdome art and eloquence to be attributed to the Spirit of God whose Majesty and holinesse doth in all the holy Scripture beare characters much differing from these And finally by reason of the Greek tongue in which this book was undoubtedly written and endited and yet that language was never made use of in the times of the ancient Prophets to write any holy or divine book The Book of Ecclesiasticus of Jesus the Sonne of Sirach THis Book without contradiction is the most excellent and most profitable amongst all the Apocrypha And therefore also according to the opinion of some the name of Ecclesiasticall which was common to all the Apocryphall bookes which were accepted of to be read publickly in the Church was attributed to it for excellency as containing a rich treasure of sentence precepts advices corrections and exhortations to all manner of vertues befitting all manner of living and condition of persons written in the ancient stile of short and popular sentences seasoned with much understanding and height of grace with much sweetnesse and very piercing drawing as neer as humane spirit can doe to the Spirit of God and to Solomons divine sentences But yet the author having been no Prophet nor inspired by God by that supernaturall vertue and light of the infallible Spirit and â—uving in so great a mulâ—â—â—de and variety 〈◊〉 many things contrary to the authenticall truth of holy books too low and unworthy of the Majesty of Gods Spirit this his book was not receaved by the ancient Jewish Châ—â—ch and in the best ages of the Christian Church was alwayes taken sor Apocrypha The Booke of Baruch AS it hath already beene observed in some other Apocryphall bookes that it is likely they were written after Christs comming by some Christian Jewes under the name of holy ancient writers to cause some doctrines and comforts to penetrate into the mindes of their obstinate and suspicious nation the like may be said of this For by Chap. 3. 38. it plainly appeares that it was written by some good Jew which was a Christian upon the subject of the Jewes desolation by the Romans In which booke after he hath given glory to God for his most just judgements and desired pardon and deliverance at his hands and described their extreme inisery he returneth to comfort the people and exhort them to a lively repentance and to denounce unto them their restauration in grace knowledge and salvation of God according to the prophesies revealed to the Christian Church from the Apostles time and to foretell the ruine of the Roman Empire according to the same revelations And though the end were good and holy and the doctrine sound and godly and the termes excellent and effectuall yet seeing there was no certainty of the authors vocation to write a book of divine authority and that he hides himselfe under a feigned name contrary to the custome of all sacred writers And that even in the very beginning he speaks of one Joachim high Priest and of the sacred vessels brought back from Babylon and of the burning of Jerusalem as of things happened under King Jechoniah contrary to the truth of sacred History it hath by very good reason been repated Apocrypha The addition to the Book of Esther THese parts joyned to the authenticall book of Esthâ—r are indeed ancient seeing Iâ—sephus a Jewish Historian hath inserted some of them in his writings though it can not certainly be knowne that it was he that did first frame them of his owne minde according to the liberty he hath taken to vary in this kinde in other parts of the sacred History Yet by the conferring of them with the Canonical History it plainly appeares that by very good reason they have beene taken out of the Catalogue of holy Scripture Which is also the more confirmed because that the author by a poâ—ipous and affected stile and by seeking out of circumstances seemeth to have taken delight in beautifying and painting of the simplicity of the true narration The Song of the Three Children THis Song was also in the first beginnings of the Christian Church held for Apocrypha though it was read as a formulary of pious conceipts confessions and prayers in the middest of the most extreame calamities and deadly dangers
once every man and yet I alwayes am abundantly provided of water from other places it seemeth he mocketh Hezekiah for the care he took in stopping of the fountaines about Ierusalem 2 Chron. 32. 3. Of besieged places namely of strong holds V. 25. Hast thou not hee turneth his speech to Sennacherib in the name of God shewing him that all which he had done in Iudea was done by his decree for to chastise his people so that he who was but onely the instrument had nothing to vaunt himself against of God who could hinder him and overthrow all his undertakings Isa. 10. 5. 7. 13. 15. formed it appointed and decreed it to be so together with all the circumstances Isa 22. 11. Ier. 33. 2. V. 27. Thy abode figurative termes taken from huntsmen the meaning is I know all thy councells designes and undertakings and I govern them all through my providence see Psal. 139. 2. 3. V. 28. In thy nose as they doe to bufaloes and other fierce beasts V. 29. This year many think that was the sixth year next before the year of rest Levit. 25. 5 which year it was not lawfull to sow nor reap but to feed only upon what the earth did voluntarily bring forth Now the miracle was that in the sixth year which was to furnish victuall for the two yeares following Levit. 25. 21. they could not till the land by reason of the Assyrians comming whereby the sixth seventh and eighth year there was nothing eaten but what grew of it selfe V. 30 Take root prosper and multiply every way A pharse taken from trees Iob 29. 19. V. 31. Shall go forth after this siege the Countrey shall be re-inhabited and peopled by them that shall have escaped in Ierusalem the zeale God shall work all this to maintaine his glory and his Church against the Assyrians fiercenesse and blasphemies V. 32. Cast a banke or Terrace see 2 Sam. 20. 15. V. 37. Of Armenia the Italian Ararat which is in the great Armenia Gen. 8. 4. CHAP. XX. VERS I. THou shalt die the Italian thou art dead this was no absolute and irrevocable decree but a threatning of a thing which would surely happen if God did not through his omnipotencie help it which was done to try and humble Ezechiah V. 2. He turned to pray privately with a greater devotion and fervour without any disturbance V. 3. Wept not so much for the losse of his life as because hee should leave none to succeed him for Manasseh was borne three yeares after Ezekiah recovered V. 4. The middle Court of the royall Pallace it seemeth he meanes that of 1 Kings 7. 8. V. 6. For mine own sake moved thereunto by mine own good-will to verifie my promises made to David to maintaine my glory and to reward Davids fidelity V. 7. A lump figges indeed have a naturall propertie to ripen and mollifie but God did adde thereunto by miracle a supernaturall kinde of vertue to hasten and strength â—n the operation as in many other miracles the boile it is very likely that it was a plague sore V. 8. What shall bee the signe the request of a signe being made in humility through a meere desire of confirming his faith which was opposed by many contrary likelihoods is not condemned in Scripture see Iudge 6. 17. 37. 39. Isa. 7. 11. V. 9. The shadow shall the shaddow of the point of the diall goe forward ten of those degrees which noted the spaces not of whole houres for then the day must have been at least twenty houres long but of halfe houres or quarters or peradventure lesse V. 10. A light thing not but that the miracle would have been equall both wayes but because it is naturall for the day to goe forwards the miracle would not have appeared but onely by this singularity of having it done in an instant Whereas in the retrogradation both the substance of the thing and the manner was miraculous V. 11. The shadow together with the body of the Sunne which went backward also Isa 38. 8. see Ios. 10. 14. V. 12. For he had in outward shew to congratulate with him because he had recovered his health but indeed it was for to be truly informed of that terrible miracle of the lengthening of the day 2 Chron. 32. 31. V. 13. Hearkened he was a little tickled with carnall delight by this magnificent visit Isa. 39 2. and pricked up with pride 2 Chron. 32. 25. 31. house of his Armour the Italian the house of his vessells or his houshold stuffe or his armory V. 18. Eunuches or Courtiers V. 19. Good is just by reason of the manifold sins which we have committed I doe with all humility and worship submit my selfe thereunto V. 20. A poole this was a great poole of water brought by conduits under ground which were digged out of the rock from the fountains of Gihon when Sennacherib besieged the Citie 2 Chron. 32. 30. And the said poole was in the Citie of David and seemeth to be the same as is mentioned Neh. 2. 14. 3. 15. Isa. 22. 9. 11. CHAP. XXI VERS V. IN the two as well in the Priests as in the peoples court V. Familiar Spirits the Italian a spirit of Phithon he ordained that there should alwayes be some body possessed with such a kinde of spirit as should give answers instead of an Oracle V. 13. Siretch I will lay every thing levell there as I have done in Samaria and by the house of Ahab see Isa. 34. 11. Lam. 2. 8. V. 16. His sinne of Idolatry which particularly is called the sinne which displeaseth the Lord CHAP. XXII VERS VIII THe book this was the originall which was kept within the Temple Deut. 31. 24. which amongst the confusions of Manasseh and Ammon might bee hidden or mis-said V. The words the curses and threatnings pronounced against those sins which had reigned and did yet reigne amongst the people he rene through the excessive griefe of his minde being exceedingly troubled in spirit V. 13. Enquire if there be any meanes or if it bee not too late to appease his wrath what good or mercy we may hope for and what evill or rigour wee ought to feare V. 14. Of the wardrobe the Italian of the garments of the priestly garments in the Colledge the Italian in the second precinct these were the suburbs of Ierusalem called Eezera which was encompassed with wals and gates severall from the City it selfe and therefore the gate of this enclosure was called second Zeph. 1. 10. and the middle gate Ier 39. 3. V. 18. Hast heard which were read in the book of the Law v. 10. V. 20. In Peace before the last desolation of the countrey and thou shalt die in my favour to come into everlasting rest So that Iosiahs death though violent 2 Kings 23. 29. was not accursed of God CHAP. XXIII VERS II. THe Prophets see upon Ier. 26. 7. he read caused it to be read by some Priest V. 3. By a Pillar the
it were personally CHAP. VI. VERS X. EXecuted who carried himselfe like a free and couragious Priest in the resistance which hee made against King Vzziah 2 Chron. 26. 17. Others referre this not to Azoriah but to Iohanan his father whom they beleeve to be the same Iebâ—iada who re-established Gods true service and the whole Kingdome delivering it from the tyranny of Athaliah 2. Kings 11. 14. V. 14. Seraiah who was also Ezra's Father Ezr. 7. 1. V. 19. Their fathers forefathers and ancestors who gave their names to their families V. 20. Of Gershom the Italian addeth the sonnes of those that descended in direct line his sonne that is to say grand-childe v. 42. 43. Now many of these names are otherwise in many places of Scripture according to the custome of the Iewes who had oftentimes two names V. 22. Amminadah called also Izahar v. 〈◊〉 and elsewhere V. 27. Elkanah the father of the Prophet Samuel 1 Sam. 1. 1. V. 28. Vâ—shni called Ioel also v. 33. and 1 Saâ— 8. 2. V. 33. And these Heman and Asaph v. 39. and Etban v. 44. who were the three heads of the foure and twenty orders of sacred singers 1 Chron. 25. 9. V. 39. Brother of the same tribe of Levi for otherwise they were of two different stocks the one of Kehath and the other of Gershoâ— v. 43. â—â—â—od in the Tabernacle and afterward in the Temple executing of his office V. 44. Ethan called also Ieduthan 1 Chron. 9. 16. and 25. 1. 3. 6. V. 49. And his sonnes by lineall descent from father to sonne the place that is to say it was done but once a yeare by the high Priest going into the sanctuary Exod. 30. 10. Levit. 16. 17. as it was done by the other Priests daily carrying the blood of propitiatory sacrifices into the Temple Levit. 4. 5. 6. 17. V. 54. Castles publick houses for priestly residence V. 58. Hilen called also Holen Iosh. 2â— 15. as many other of these names of cities are here diversly set down by reason that according to the time the names of places doe often alter V. 60. Thirteen joyning to the eleven the other two named Iosh. 21. 16. 17. V. 61. The sonnes see v. 66. ten cities whereof there are but eight named v. 63. but the number is filled Iosh. 21. 2â— 23 25. V. 66. The residue besides Aaron his priestly family v. 57. V. 78. By Iericho see upon Num. 22. 1. CHAP. VII VERS II. WHose number see of this description 1 Chron. â—7 1. V. 12. Shuppinâ— Gen. 46. 21. they are called Muppim and Huppim and Num. 26. 39. Shupham and Hupham who were the sonnes of Ir the sonne of Bela v. 7. Hushim this Hushim is not spoken of elsewhere in the tribe of Benjamin There is indeed a Hushim spoken of in the tribe of Dan Gen. 46. 23. and it is very likely to be the same otherwise Dan wâ—uld be quite left out in this numbring and it may very well be that the word Aber which followeth ought to be interpreted another a terme used in the Hebrew in detestation of a thing or person which they will not call by its name by reason of the horrible idolatry which was brought up and used in Dan. Whereupon also Rev. 7. 5. Dan is left out for some such reason And Zabulon is also left out in this place for some unknown reason V. 13. Bilha Iacobs concubine Gen. 30. 〈◊〉 V. 14. The sonnes the Italian the sonne that is to say descended from him for Ashriel was the son of Machir sonne of Manasseth Num. 26. 29. 31. whom shee the Italian addeth the wife of Gilead it hath been necessary to supply these words by reason that in these books are some mutilations which have happened by some unknown meanes V. 15. The second the Italian the other the head of the stock of the posterity of Manasseth for Zelopheâ—ad was the sonne of Hepher the sonne of Gilead Manasseth his grand-child Num. 26 33. 21. The men of Gath it is likely that this happened whilest the children of Israel were in Egypt in some inroad which thâ—se Ephraimites made upon the Philiâ—â—ines or the Philistines upon them V. 22. Ephraim because between Ephraim Iosephs sonne and these who were slain there are seven generations and it is not likely that Ephraim was yet liviâ—g therefore by Ephraim must bee understood Zaâ—ad himselfe either because hee had two names or because hee was so called by reason that hee was head of the tribe V. 23. â—eriah that is to say in affliction V. 27. Non elsewhere called Nun the father of Ioshua Moses his successor V. 28. Gaza the Italian Aza a city in the tribe of Ephraim not mentioned elsewhere for it cannot be Gaza of the Philistines which was farre from Ephraim V. 34. Shamer Italian Semer which is the same as Shomer v. 32. V. 38. Iether which is the same as Ithran in the precedent verse CHAP. VIII VERS VI. THey removed the Scripture specifieth not when nor how nor wherefore this happened V. 7. He removed seeking a more commodious habitation V. 8. After he the aforesaid Gera had sent them away namely by the afforesaid removing It should seem the meaning is that of that great Family of Ehud which at first dwelt in Geba one part went into Manahat and the other which was descended from Shaharim went into the land of Moah V. 13. Aialon namely of the countrey which was about this city for the city belonged to the tribe of Dan Iosh. 19. 42. some believe that this happened after the captivity V. 21. Shimhi it is likely to bee the same as Shema v. 13. V. 29. The father that is to say the head of the Gibeonites called Iehiel 1 Chron. 9. 35. V. 32. These also namely part of these heads with their Families over against for Ierusalem was scituate in the land of Banjamin and therefore was joyning to the rest of the countrey where the other Families of the Benjaminites did dwell V. 33. Nâ—r called also Abiel 1 Sam. 9. 1. Abinadab it may bee the same as Ishui 1 Sam. 14. 49. Eshbaal called also Ishbosheth see upon 2 Sam. 2. 8. V. 34. Meriâ—baal called also Mephibosheth 2 Sam 4. 4. CHAP. IX VER II. ISraelites some of the ten tribes which had joyned themselves to the tribe of Iudah before the captivity 2 Chron. 31. 1. and 34. 6. under which are comprehended they of Iudah aâ—so Nethinims the word signifieth men dedicated and subject to some service the common opinion is that they were of the Gibeonites posterity which were subject to mean and laborious services Iosh. 9. 23. V. 4. Amihud if this bee the same with the numbering in Neh. 11. 4. there is great diversity in the names V. 5. Shilonites they are thought to bee the posterity of Sela the sonne of Iudah V. 11. The ruler the second Priest and deputy to the high Priest Num. 3. 32 Now this is â—â—cant by Azariah who is also called Seraiah Neh.
thing may be done V. 15. Helped them as adsessors commissaries or relators V. 16. Sate down begun to sit about these judiciall acts the tenth which was in the moon of Iuno counting the moneths from September V. 44. And some of them had wives by whom they had children the Italian hath it and there were some of them who exposed their children that is to say some of them forsook their children leaving them in the streets or in the high-wayes Others translate it and there were some amongst them that had women by whom they had children THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH The ARGUMENT THis book containeth the continuation of the restauration of the Iewish state after their returne from Babylon whereof after a long discontinuance Nehemiah was a chiefe instrument who lived almost at the same time as Ezra did and they were both present at all the notable actions which are set down in this History Nehemiah as governour appointed by the King of Persia and Ezra as a Priest and one excellent well skilled in the Law of God The summe is that Nehemiah being raised to honours and in favour with Artaxerxes King of Persia got leave of him to goe to Ierusalem to build up the walls and restore the ruines thereof which hee undertook with a heroick zeale and courage continued with great wisdome and in very good method and accomplished within a very short time by the wonderfull blessing of God And then hee began to provide for the safety of the city against the plots and treacheri s of the Samaritans and other heathens their neighbours and enemies And afterwards provided for the politick government within beginning with the mittigation of creditors rigors and relieving the poore from oppression and in despight of all disturbances without and treacheries within hee accomplished this work then hee began to set down rules in the performing of Gods service and ministery of the Temple laying the foundation thereof upon the renewing of Gods covenant and so went on in settling the holy offices in their ancient orders and in providing sustenance for the Ministers and all other things which were necessary for the use of the Temple And after this the walls of the city were solemnly dedicated the people numbred and one part assigned to dwell is Ierusalem and the rest in the cities and places of the countrey according to the ancient lands of their tribes and families And all this being finished in twelve yeares space at the end of them Nehemiah returned into Persia from whence within a yeare after hee made another voyage to Ierusalem and reformed many disorders there as the peoples mixing themselves with prophane people the want of maintenance for those who ministred in the Temple and marriages with infidels so that through his excellent vertues bee set the Iewish Common-wealth in a good and happy state in which it continued for a long time after Whereupon most deservedly was attributed unto him the title of Third Founder of that Common-wealth after Ioshuah and David CHAP. I. VER 1 THe words the Italian the book Heb. the words which may also be understood of the acts Chisleâ— which was the November moon twentieth of Aâ—taxerxes reign V. 9. Of the heaven a popular and vulgar kinde of speech because the earth seemeth to be plaine and covered wiâ—h the heavens as with a halfe gloâ—e which boundeth the earth round about Deut. 4. 32. Matth. 24. 31. V. 11. This man namely of King Artaxerxes CHAP. II. VER 1 MIsan which is March moon that wine which was at their second courses for then the Persiams did drink more al undaâ— tly otherwise at their meale namely their first course they dâ—ank but little and for the most parâ— water see Est. 5. 6. I took doing my office of cup-bearer V. 2. Then I was as well because it was not lawfull for any one to stand beâ—ore the King of Persia mourning Est 4. 2. â—s also because I durst not to tell him the true cause of my griefe V. 4. I prayed secretly to my seâ—se that hee might direct my speeches blesse mine intents and move the Kings heart to graâ—t my requâ—sts V. 8. That I shall where I shall make my ordinary abode as governour and the Kings Lievtenaâ—â— V. 10. Sanballat these were Noble-men and governours for the King in Samaria as Ez. 4. 7. 8. the Horonite of 〈…〉 oronaim a city of Moab Isa. 15. 〈◊〉 Ier. 48. 3. the servant who was a slave by his condition V. 13. Went out out of the city going round about it to take notice what case the city was in what circuit it was off and to consider what was necessary and the meanes how to provide for it that having considered upon the businesse hee might informe people and encourage and perswade them to work upon it by night yet it is likely the Moon did shine by the gate which was on the West side neere to the valley of the dead bodies 2 Chron. 28. 9. Ier. 31. 40. dragon well whereof there is no mention elsewhere dung port through which they carried and emptied all the filth of the city into a deep valley V. 14. Of the fountaine which was also on the Westside and was so called because that anciently the water of the great fountain Gihon was from this place brought into the city by a great channell built upon arches see upon 2 Chron. 32. 4. 30. the kings 2 Kings 20. 20. there is mention made of a water course made by King Hezekiah but it is thought that Solomon first made it and that King Hezechiah did but only repaire it or change it into a water-course underground there was no thâ— passage was so stopped and incumbred with stones rubbish and such ruines that I could not passe but on foot V. 15. By the brook K idron which was on the East side of the city by the gate comming in at the same gate as I went out having fetched the whole circuit of the city V. 16. The work namely of the re-edifying of the city Otheâ—s that had the managing of the businesse V. 18. The hand the Lord had still accompanied mee with his favour and assisted mee with most evident and extraordinary assistance V. 20. Have no portion you have no community with the Church being infidels and issued from infidels and enemies of the people and therefore wee doe not accept you for friends nor yet feare you as enemies being secure under Gods protection nor right by any desert or for any good done to us or by any just carriage towards us nor memoriall you cannot shew that ever you had any just pretence or right over us nor that your ancestors were ever but enemies to us as you are at this present CHAP. III. VER 1. THey built the one bestowing the cost and the others their labour and all together setting forward and looking to the work the sheep-gate which was on the East side of the Temple and next to it through which the
accomplishment of Christs kingdome and the eternall salvation of the Church at the last Resurrection joyned with the finall destruction of her enemies That sleepâ— a Scripture terme to shew the immortality of the soule after the death of the body with the certainty of the resurrection To shamâ— See Isay 66. 24. Rom. 9. 21. V. 3. Tâ—y that be wise namely the true beleevers who in this life are inlightned by the holy Ghost in faith shall injoy the light of glory in the kingdome of heaven He alludes to the understanding men of which he had spoken in the times of Antiochus Dan. 11. 33 35. That turne many namely the faithfull ministers of the Gospell See 1 Tim. 4. 16. Iam. 5. 19 20. As the stars See 1 Cor 15. 41. V. 4. Shut up the use and cleere understanding of these prophecies is not for this present time v. 9. but for the times of the fulfilling of it which is appointed by God Shall 〈…〉 unne to and fro to seek out these prophecies to be instructed comforted and strengthened Knowledge that is to say God by his Spirit and by the events shall give full knowledge of these things which are as yet but obscurely foretold See Isay 29. 18. Jer. 23 20. V. 5. Two namely Angels besides that which had hitherto spoken to the Prophet Of the river whereof see Dan. 10. 4. V. 6. Vnto the man of which see Dan. 10. 5. Vpon the See Dan. 8. 16. Wonders of these admirable predictions and strange accedents which shall befall the Church V. 7. That it shall be that this desolation of the Church by Antiochus should be accomplished in three yeares and a balfe Dan. 7. 25. When he shall when Antiochus had brought the people into extremity God should miraculously releeve them V. 8. I understood not namely the secret of those times distinguished in that manner V. 9. Goe thy way content thy selfe and forbeare inquiring any further concerning these things the knowledge whereof is reserved for its proper time and belong neither to thee nor to the age thou livest in V. 10. Purified by the aforesaid persecutions The wicked See Dan. 11. 32. 1 Mac. 1. 12. 45. 55. None of the the prophane and apostataes shall give no heed to these prophesies nor shall reape any benefit document or comfort thereby But the wise of which see Dan. 11. 33 35. V. 11. There shall be before Gods service be reestablished in his Temple and it be purged from idolatry 1 Mac. 4. 37. A thousand which are the three yeares and a halfe mentioned v. 7. with thirteen dayes over comprehended in the fore-said round number or added to shew some particular time of some accident not mentioned in Scripture V. 12. To the thousand in this Number there are five and forty dayes more then in the former Number And it is likely that they were from the re-establishment of Gods service untill Antiochus his plague 1 Mac. 6. 8 9. of which he dyed after he had languished many dayes 1 Mac. 6. 16. whereby the people were freed from his tyranny V. 13. Goe thou dispose thy selfe to end thy dayes quietly during which thou shalt be exempt from these calamities v. 9. and shalt keepe those great honours which thou enjoyest Daniel 6. 28. The Booke of the Prophet HOSEA ARGUMENT AFter the ten Tribes of Isaell were separated from the kingdome of Iudah and from the communion of the Church and from the pure service of God the Lord did for all that preserve some forme of Church amongst them by the preaching of his word ministred by his Prophets to keep his Elect in the prosession of Gods covenant and the enjoyment of his grace and to preserve Them from those evils which then reigned and to gather together and save the reliques of them And also to reprove and condemne the wicked call them to repentance and affright them with the denunciation of Gods judgements and finally to supply the defect of the ordinary ministery of Priests and Levites which was quite annihilated amongst them and to preserve Gods right amidst a Nation which through his patience did yet beare his name and badge Amongst these Prophets was Hosea raised up in the last declining of the kingdome The summary of whose prophesies is contained in this booke and is referred to two chiefe heads namely to the Law and the Gospell In the first he discovers reproves and sharpely condemnes the generall corruption which reigned in the ten Tribes Especially in regard of the idolatry of the Calves and Baali the well-spring of all other vices which are either in a publick government or in a private life without sparing sometimes Iudah it selfe though in a more moderate degree of reproofe by reason of his persevering in Gods covenant and service Then he denounces unto them Their approaching reprobation and finall destruction notwithstanding all their confidence in worldly assistance and meanes whereof he confuteth the vanity In the second he promises Gods grace to the remainder of true and repentant Beleevers and to the body of the people their latter conversion and re-establishment under the Gospell and to all the true spirituall Israel taken indifferently out of all nations their gathering together peace safety regeneration and eternall conjunction with God by Iesus Christ his Churches King and Bride-groome Now these two heads are diversly handled In the three first Chapters briefly and abscurely under two figures or visions In the rest of the booke in cleerer and plainer terms and larger discourses CHAP. I. Verse 1. IEroboam as Amos 1. 1. there were indeed other Kings of the ten Tribes untill the time of Ezekiah But it may be that Hosea prophesied under Jeroboam amongst the ten Tribes and that after his reigne he came into Judah Or that the other Kings are left out because that under them the state was turned upside downe by revolts and continuall troubles V. 2. By Hosea or in Hosea to signifie the inward propheticall revelation Num. 12. 6. 2 Sam. 23. 2. Goe take unto thee it is likely that all this was commanded and seemed to the Prophet to be performed in vision that it being related to the people they might perceave in the looking-glasse of this Allegory their duty towards God and their rebellion and disloyalty and the punishment which God would inflict upon them for it See Hosea 3. 1. A wife of whoredomes not that she was a whore already but that being first a married wife she afterwards went a stray The application of the figure to the subject requireth that it should be so understood whereby it appears that all this was done in vision Children of whoredomes which are really borne of an unlawfull copulation though they beare thy name For the land I will have thee in this manner represent unto the people their idolatries and spirituall strayings and reprove them for it See Psal. 73. 27. Ezek. 23. 35. V. 3. Gomer some hold it to be the name of some famous strumpet
them In conclusion they may be read and good instructions may be gathered out of them observing notwithstanding those necessary pre-cautions set downe in the particular advertisements upon every Booke and applying alwayes the rule of Gods authenticall Word thereunto and the light of His Spirit to discerne truth from falshood and good from evill and to retaine the one and reject the other According to the liberty which Beleevers have in all works and writings which are meerly hâ—mane The first Booke of the Apocripha called Esdra being called the third of Esdra THis Book is but onely a summary repetition of some holy and canonicall writings namely of the two last Chapters of the second Book of Chronicles and of the Book of the true Ezra and of Nehemia Which besides its being neither necessary nor profitable doth also containe diverse things and circumstances directly contrary to those foresaid bookes that are of authenticall truth As amongst the rest the narration inserted in the third and fourth Chapter of the three young men that were of Darius his guard contending for the reward of the best sentence propounded by every one of them though it be also related by Iosephus an ancient Hebrew Historian which besides that it hath no signe of divine majesty and holinesse is also plainly convicted of falsehood for this Booke taketh from thence the cause of the second returne of the Jewes from the Babylonian captivity and of the re-undertaking of the building of the Temple under Darius by Zorobabel pretended to be one of the said young men Whereas the true Ezra sets downe that Zorobabel was conductor of the first company of Jewes which returned under Cyrus many yeares before Darius And therefore by very good reason this book hath been by unanimous consent rejected amongst the baâ—est and falsest sort of Apocrypha The second Book of the Apocrypha called the fourth Book of Esdra THis Book which is extant bùt onely in Latine was written by one who was by nation a Jew and by profession a Christian a little while after the death of Domitian the Emperour Of whom as also of his predecessors hee speakes so plainely that there is no doubt to be made of it The end as it seemeth of it was to comfort his nation in the last desolation which was newly befallen them by the Romans whose power fearing to provoke as much as he feared to kindle the Jewes hatred against Christianity he keepes himselfe hidden under the name of the old Ezra And under diverse termes and narrations taken from what had befallen the Jewes in the taking of their City by the Babylonians and during their ancient captivity He endeavours to strengthen his nation in the expectation of deliverance and redemption thorow Christ so they turned to him and to the faith of his Gospell As for the rest either to insinuate with the Jewes by framing himselfe to their opinions or because he was indeed infected with their fables he mixes many of them amongst his rare grave and Evangelicall sentences doctrines and predictions whereof many are taken out of our Lord Jesus own speeches and out of his Apostles prophecies inserted by the Author in this Book wherein he hath affected some resemblance and imitation of the Revelation of Saint Iohn But the great number of fables vanities and Jewish bables of which it is full hath caused it all times to be held for Apocrypha of lowest esteeme and of no authority The Book of Tobia THis Book was never acknowledged for Prophetick and divine and peradventure was never seene by the ancient Jewish Church which had receaved from the last Prophets the whole body of the sacred Bookes of the Old Testament shut and sealed up The Christian Church also in the first ages though with too much facility it had admitted it to be read both privately and publickly for the use of some instruction of manners and teaching of vertue yet it alwayes held it as meere Apocrypha and of no authority to rule and binde the Churches Faith Wherein questionlesse the Holy Ghost did guide it to take notice of the quality of the writer who had no prophetick light nor infallible guide of Gods Spirit and besides to examine the substance of the matter of the Book every where full of strange narrations that have neither ground nor conformity with authenticall Scripture As those of the love of a Devill to a chaste and holy maiden of the death of her Spouses of the manner of her driving him away of the binding of him to a certaine place of the long conversing of a holy Angell with men things which do all savour of a Jewish fable composed for delight to give some instruction of vertue and morality according to the manner of that nation Which seemes to be confirmed by reason that neither in Josephus nor any other jewish Author there is any track of this History Besides though Saint Hierome affirmes he hath translated it out of a Chaldaick text into Latine yet reason plainly sheweth us that the Greek Text from which we have taken this translation is the true originall In which language notwithstanding there was not any sacred book of the Old Testament written the use of that language being brought up amongst the Jewes a long time after that the gift of prophecy was ceased The Booke of Iudith THere are two principall questions concerning this booke The first whether it doe containe a true history or rather an allegoricall and morall fiction The other whether the narration being not grounded upon historicall truths it may be held for Divine and Canonicall As for the first there are many pregnant reasons which seeme to prove that this cannot be a true history For first it seemes very strange and without example that so memorable an accident followed by such a miraculous deliverance of the Church and so long a rest after it should not so much as be any way mentioned in holy Scripture which hath so diligently gathered and set downe actions and occurrences without any comparison of lesser moment then this And that Josephus a Jewish historian and a most curious searcher out of Jewish antiquities nor any other Jew after him should leave the least incling of it in writing But the reason of the times the true eye of history and touch stone of truth comeâ— yeâ— neerer For these things happened either be fore the captivity of Babylon or after if before aâ— the most common opinion is it was in the time of King Manasses carried prisoner to Babylon 2 Cro. 33. 11. Now herein are found indissoluble difficulties for then there was no Nebuchadnezzar King of Assyria Nineveh had not yet been taken by the Babylonians and the Empire of Assyria subsisted and flourished still And therefore no Nebuchadnezzar which is the name of a Babylonian and not of an Asiyrian King could have his Imperiall seat in Nineveh Likewise there was not at that time any high Priest in Jerusalem called Ioachim as appeareth
And by v 10 it seems may be conjectured that it is of the same frame subject and scope as the book of Baruch The History of Susanna THis narration and the next which Saint Hieâ—ome without any respect â—alleth fables were anciently by the Greekes joyned to the booke of Daniel though many powerfull reasons doe take away from them the quality not onely of Divine writings but also of true histories For first there is no likelihood of attributing the things which are here spoken of to Daniel the great Prophet seeing that hee is here called childe at which age he was indeed carryed to Babylon but in that small number of yeeres in which that name could be fitting for him the publike and private state of the Jewes in Babylon could not have attained to that peace authority and commodiousnesse as is set downe in this narration Besides that Daniel living in the palace and in the Kings service ordinarily and being afterwards employed in the chiefest affaires of the Kingdome it is not likely that hee could be an ordinary Judge of his people in quality of an Elder as it is here set downe The faining of another Daniel as some doe is also a presumptuous thing which overthrowes the authority of these writings chiefly grounded upon the name of the true Daniel and likewise there is not any proofe else where that the Jewes in Babyion had any absolute power in capitall judgements And finally the allusion of the Greeke names of the trees under which usannâ— is accused to have commited the fact certifie that this is some Greek's invention seeing that the Hebrew and Chaldean tongue in which the true Daniel wriâ— had no such resemblance The History of Bel and the Dragon THis Narration is also of the same make as the former altogether Apocryphall and fabulous as appeareth by that as is spoken in the true history of Danel concerning the reason of the hatred of the great ones of Babylon against him to cause him to be throwne into the Lyons denne altogether different from that which is here set downe The Prayer of Manasseh THis Prayer though pious and holy was never received nor seene by the Jewish Church and truly it is more likely to be a generall formulary of a great Kings Prayers or a repentant sinner a Prince as Manasseh who had beene King of Judah and therefore was taken prisoner and carryed to Babylon rather then a Prayer made by himselfe The first Booke of Maccabees THe title of this Booke is taken from Judas surname whose heroick acts for the deliverance of the Jewish Nation from Antiochus King of Assyris his cruell wicked perfecution is the chief subject of it and it is doubtfull what this word Maccabee signifieth which plainly appeares to be an Hebrew word some thinke it was a warlike title signifying Destroyer or Slayer Others with more likelihood hold that it was framed of foure Hebrew letters which were the first letters of these words Who is like unto thee amongst the Gods O Lord whereof Iuda had made his military motto taken from Exod 15. 11. for otherwise the generall name of that race of Priests whereby God delivered his people miraculously and afterwards governed them untill the time of Christs comming in the flesh drew neer was the Asmoneans of the name of the father or grandfather of Matthias the father of Iudas Maccabeeus and his brethren And because this name Asmonean signifies in Hebrew Baron or great Lord it is likely that they kept it for a signe of a modest honour and domination which notwithstanding grew to the heighth of Soveraignty in Simon one of the foresaid brothers his time and afterwards of royalty joyned with the high Priest-hood in his successors Now concerning the author of the said booke whosoever it was it cannot be justified upon any ground that he was endowed with Propheticall inspiration because that a long time before that gift was ceased amongst the Jewes and therefore the booke cannot be put into number of the canonicall and divine it is indeed acknowledged to be of a profitable subject and very necessary for the understanding of Daniels and some other prophecies and also of a grave and pure stile though now in these dayes we have but onely the Greeke translation the Hebrew originall being lost The second booke of Maccabees THis second booke of Maccabees containeth two parts whereof the first is contained in the first Chaptâ—r and in a part of the second the subject whereof is nothing but onely two letters written by the Jewes of Jerusalem to them of Egypt to exhort them to celebrate with them at the appointed times the feasts of the Tabernacles and of the purification of the Temple Upon which letters there are so many difficulties in the times and persons that are mentioned therein and there is so little ground for the narrations of the holy fire found after the captivity of the Arke the Tabernacle and of the Altar hidden by Ieremiah that one may suspect them to be meere Jewish fables bearing no character of Scripture divinely inspired The other part which beginneth Chap. 2. v. 20. is the summary of a long story of Iason â—irencan of the persecutions of Antiochus and of the peoples deliverance by Iudas Maccabeus untill the discomfiture and death of Nicanor but amongst these there are divers things which doe not well agree with the first booke which is assuredly the truer and most certaine as the death of Antiochus set downe Chap. 9. very different from what is spoken of it in the first booke Chap. 6. besides many other singularities and especially there are some heads which cannot well stand to the triall of the doctrine of holy Scripture as the commending of Raziah who run himselfe into voluntary death Chap 14. and the false judgement which the author gives concerning Iudas sacrifies and prayers for the expiation of the misdeeds committed by some of his army to turne away Gods wrath from the whole body of it as if that had been done for their benefit who were dead for their owne sins Chap. 12 44 An opinion which hath neither ground nor approbation in holy Scripture wherein there are no sacrifices nor prayers appointed to be used for the dead And therefore with very good reason this booke which is but an â—pitome of a history which is not holy and is penned in a stile no way agreeing with Gods spirit was rejected amongst the Apocrypha of least esteeme FINIS THE HOLY GOSPELL OF OVR LORD JESVS CHRIST ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW GOD who would have his law which was given by Moses and therest of holy doctrine which he had revealed by his Prophets set downe in writing by them hath also observed the same in the New Testament inspiring his Apostles by the same spirit which had formerly guided them when they preached by word of mouth for to indite bookes thereof by which it might be prescrved and transmitted to all ages in its originall truth and
divine authority And so hath been made and scaled up the number of sacred books whereof the first part goeth under the generall name of the Old Testamcnt or of the Law and the Prophets and this second under the name of New Testament or of Gospell A Greek word which signifieth good and happie tydings used to signifie the relation or aâ—â—untiation of the Sonne of Gods comming in the flesh and of his accomplishing all that had been commanded figured foretold and promised by the Law and by the Prophets And whereunto were alwayes lified up the hopes extended the desires and suspended the expectations of all belecvers Now though all these bookes containe one and the same substance yet are they in forme and particular subject divided into Historicall Doctrinall and Prophetical And the name of Gospell hath been especially appropriated to the first foure historicall written by two Apostles S. Matthew and S Iohn and two Disciples or Evangelists S. Marke and S. Luke authorized all by their drvine vocation accompanied with the true and infallible assistance and conduct of the holy Ghost who hath also from time to time imprinted the certaintie and perswasion thereof in the heart of eâ—ch beâ—eever and in the whole Church which by vertue of this seale hath â—estified published desended and expounded this truth to induce men to the obedience of this faith Now in these soure Evangelists there are some parts which are common wherein they all agree and some that are particular to each one of them Divine wisdome having in this kind tempered this body that in the essentiall parts wherein they all agree the churches faith might be sounded and streng hâ—ed by a relation which was every way agreeing and that by some diverse and singular narrations their studie and meditation might be stirred up and by the suppâ—eâ—ents and amplifications of the one more then of the other the historie might be compleat and the doctrine better made up in all its parts And finally because it might appeare that they had all withoâ—t any fraâ—d or collusion faithfully related that which had to each one been severally inspired The substance wheâ—eof is that the everlasting Sonne of God in his appointed and fore old time tooke humane flesh from the sâ—cred uâ—gin by the miraculous operation of the holy Ghost by whom also his said humane nature was peâ—fcetâ—y sanctified even from his first conception and accumulated with all manner of graces be being â—he sacâ—cd Priest the â—mmaculate Offering the acceptable Mediator and the most righteous head of his Church to redeeme it from death obtaine Gods grace and peace for it and right to everlasting life And â—hat having spent many yeers in a private life â—e was by God his father when he was baptized by Iohn the Baptist his sorerunner installed in the publike exercâ—sc of his of â—ice of Messias of which he persorned the parts of Prophet and Priest upon earth and then he wâ—nt up 〈◊〉 heaven to take possession of the third namely his everlasting Kingdome Now the bistory of the Gospell insists more particularly upon discribing his coâ—â— ersation in the world comprchended in these three parts of Actiâ—ns Doctrine and Sussâ—â—anâ—â—s As for his Actions â—e sets d wne of all so is Naturall Civill Ecclesiasticall Spirituall Miraculous and Divine ones In the one he hath shewed the truth of his humane nature in other his exceeding charitie and mildnesse in other his voluntary obediâ—nce and humility in other his holinesse righteousnesse and most perfect innocency in other his d'vine and infinite power And as by the one he hath not onely given all true beleevers a most perfect paterne for them to imitate but hath principally satisfied the justice of the law and hath as a surety obtained right to eternall life for them so by the other he hath given them most certaine prooses of his powers sufficiency to save and deliver them As for his Doctrine he imployed it first in re-establishing of the true sense of the law which had beene falsified by the Iewish Doctors maniâ—old traditions and superstitions and next inshewing that he alone could fulfill what the Law of God commanded and promised man for his salvation and that he communicated this benefit to all those which were his by faith in justification of life and by his Spirit of regeneration in sanctâ—fication and new obedience Whereof he hath also appâ—in ed new signes and sacred seales in the two holy Sacraments of the Christian Church Baptisme and the holy Supper And consequently to give his beleevers all manner of divine and spirituall instructions for the guide of their beleefe and life which hath beene the seed of Evangelicall doctrine afterwards sowne abroad and manured by his Apostles As for his sufferings the history seâ—s downe how that his life hath beene nothing but a perpetuall course of miseries and infirmities assaults and temptations of the Devill contempt persecutions injuries and reproaches of the world and especially of the wicked Iewish nation and their corrupt Governours even unto the very death of the Crosse by which he having accomplished the chiefe act of his Priesthood fulfilled Gods dâ—cree obtained eternall redemption destroyed the kingdome of Sinne the Dovâ—ll and Death and annihilated all ancient shadowes and ceremonies God hath raised him from the dead and hath most soveraignely exalted him by his ascent into heaven to take possession of his kingdome of which going out of this world he committed the ministery to his Apostles and all their true successors to gather his elect together out of all Nations distribute his grace and gooeâ—â—â— his Church by the preaching of his Gospell accompanied with the porpetuall power of his spirit which he hath certainly promised them CHAP. I. VER 1. THe book A register or muster roll of Christ his lineall descent according to the flesh Luke 3. 23. V. 5. Of Rachab It is uncertaine whether it be meant of that Rachab Ios. 21. V. 8. Joram three successive Kings are left out here Achazia Joas and Amazia 2 King 8. 29. and 11. 2. and 12. 21. and 14. 21. whereof the reason is unknowne as also of many other particularities in these generalogies V. 11. Jechonias the Greeks have confused both these names of Jehoiakim the son of Josias and of Iehoiâ—kiâ— the son of Iehoiakim into one name of Iechoniah and therefore here must be understood the son of Iosias and in v 12. the grandchild who was also properly called Iechonia 1. Chro. 3. 16. about the that is to say under whom at divers times the people were carried away captive to Babylon 2 King 24. 15. V. 12. After they after they were led into captivity begaâ— by Ier. 22. 30. Luke 3. 27. it appears that Salathiel was not the Sonne of Iechonâ—a in whom the line of David by Solomon failed but onely the next successor in the governement of the people Ezra 1. 8. and 5. 14. and 6. 7. See the like examples 1 Cro. 3. 16. 17. See upon
making any set meale Ver. 34. This is God shall deliver you from this Sea danger But you must take heed that you do not dye or weaken your selves with hunger seeing God gives you the meanes to prevent it that you may on your part endeavour as much as in you lyeth to escape expecting the rest from God Fall from a proverbiall terme as 1 Kings 1. 52. Matth. 10. 30. Luke 21. 18. V. 35. Gave thankes See upon Matth. 15. 36. 1 Tim 4. 4. Ver. 40. Rudder which were two great Oares hanging on each side of the poope And it is likely that when they let downe their sailes and let the ship drive at Sea they tooke away and made fast the rudders which now being willing to runne the Ship on shoare they untie to keepe it upright V. 41. A place some shelfe which was separate from firme land The Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans Argument AS under the Old Testament the H. Ghost moved his Prophets to set down in writing the summaries of their Sermons to endure for ever in the Church not onely for instruction but also for a certaine and immoveable rule of heavenly truth So did he the like in the New inspiring his Apostles to write the same doctrine as they had in speech uttered in their life time And Gods most wise and free providence hath to this end chosen the formes of Epistles as most befitting the simplicitie of the manner of teaching which Christ used and most apt to joyne the doctrine to the uses of practice in all the parts of a Christian life And the said Epistles written or subscribed with the Apostles hands and well verified were with great reverence reserved and kept in the Churhes to which they were written and were from time to time read and expounded in publike assemblies and were also communicated to other Churches for the generall edification of them all And Saint John who out lived all the other Apostles gathered them together and added them to the body of the New Testament setting upon them the Seale of Apostolicall authoritie as Esdra s had done to the bookes of the Old Testament Now although these Epistles were written upon particular occasions yet the divine providence directed the Apostles to comprehend in them the necessary explication of all the chiefe heads of Christian doctrine And Saint Paul who had in speaking laboured more than any one else hath likewise written more and more largely and highly unfolded all the mysteries of salvation the duties of Gods spirituall service and the rules of lawfull governement and discipline of the Church Intermixing also excellent Revelations of things to come which God had manifested unto him Amongst other Epistles of this great vessell of election that to the Romans holds the first degree in all kindes being he doth in a most exquisite order lay open therein each severall part of Christs benefit and the duties of enterchangeable acknowledgement and service to which all beleevers are bound The Romans to whom he writes were such beleevers amongst the Gentiles as were assembled in Rome where the Gospell had bin carried even before the Apostles comming thither And as the Apostleship of the Gentiles was fallen to his lot so did he performe this great duty towards it after he had for a long time caused it to shine with incomparable gifts of Gods grace to instruct and dificit with this divine Epistle which may very well be called the great sea of Christian doctrine And in it after he had in the beginning set downe his vocation and desire to contribute to the advancement of the faith of those who beleeved in Rome he sheweth that the Gospell receaved by faith is the only an most powerfull meanes to obtaine true righteousnesse before God and by the meanes of it life Seeing that all men by sin are subject to Gods wrath and curse the Gentiles being condemned by the Law of nature imprinted in their hearts and the Jewes much more by Moses his Law which yeeldeth no man any prerogative to righteousnesse but doth rather aggravate their judgments who having the knowledge of it are not correspondent thereunto by an entire obedience And therefore he concludes that all men to sirun their condemnation are bound to seeke without themselves that righteousnesse which is wanting in them and have a recourse to Christ in whom this treasure is laid up to the remission of sins and full justification of sinners And that as God presents this righteousnesse out of his meere grace and to all Nations indifferently so the onely meanes to receave it is lively faith without any necessitie or use of Circumcision or other ceremonies of the Law or any intercâ—ssion of mans owne works as he shâ—weth it by the example of Abraham the Father of all beleevers and generall patterne of faith Then he goeth on to declare the effects of faith and of Gods fatâ—erly love in Christ which are peace and quiet of conscience towards God securenes Ioy and spirituall reioycing in tribulations and assured hope of everlasting glory And concludes this part by shewing the foundation and ground of this communication of Christ to his beleevers which is Gods order who hath established Christ to be the head and stocke of his Church that from him may derive into her the vertâ—e of his righteousnesse and justification everlasting life and happinesse as Adam was the naturall head of all men whereby he inclosed and infolded them all in his sin and consequently into his death and condemnation Then he commeth to the subsequent and inseperable blessing of sanctification brought forth in beleevers by the holy Ghost to the resemblance of Christ their head by vertue of which the beleever doth not any more fight against the law of God and againe the law iâ—not an instigation to sinne for him to incense a d 〈…〉 rden him therein but a loving and friendly guide and rule of holinesse to which he willingly and peaceably doth frame and co-order his will and actions though still with much weakenes and repugnancy of flesh which God leaveth in those that are his for a continuall exercise and spurr to their sides to cause them to sigh aftâ—r their perfect deliverance and freedome in the heavenly life And therefore he comforteth them by telling them that these first fruits of the holy Ghost and his motions and strivings are unto them a sure earnest of Gods love and of their adoption justification and future glory which they at the present doe taste but onely in faith and hope but yet is infallible being grounded upon Gods everlasting decree and immutable election Whereupon also there groweth in them a firme confidence against all the assaults of the Devill and the World either internall or externall And afterwards because that the grace of the Gospell had beene promised to the â—ewes Eldest sonnes of the Family and naturall heires of the covenant and promises and yet they for the greatest part did reject it
is to say help one another to preserve your selves from these dangers by a true christian and divine charity V. 22. Of some that is to say Of those that are simple weak and seduced V. 23. Others namely those that are hardned and perverse or the seducers themselves Save be as much as in you lieth instruments of their salvation by a profitable severity Rom. 11 14. 1 Tim. 4. 16. With fear namely of Gods judgements lively represented and darted into the conscience by the severe exercise of ecclesiasticall discipline Pulling them out doing what you can to draw them from perdition without any vain respects or considerations as they draw things out of the fire in any fashion or by what way they can Hating shewing that you extreamly detest the participation of such mens uncleannesse A phrase taken from legall impurities of garments by touching of which men were defiled ⧠THE APOCALYPSE OR REVELATION of St IOHN the Divine ARGUMENT THis Book hath the title of Apocalypse a Greek word which signifieth Revelation because the whole subject of it is of Propheticall Revelations by which to Saint John and by him to all the Church have been revealed the chief events of it after Christs first comming in the flesh to his last comming to judgement wherein this book is very like Daniels Prophecies from which also as well as from many other Prophets many termes and figures have been taken The writer hereof was Saint John the Apostle and Euangelist though he is here set down under the name of Divine which name was anciently attributed unto him for eminency because he had more loftily and expresly then any other Apostle taught and established the truth concerning the person and eternall Godhead of Christ against certain hereticks which were sprung up even in those dayes Now the three first Chapters are spent in describing a vision in which Christ appearing unto him gives him commission to write to the seven principall Churches of the lesser Asia amongst which Saint John had especially spent his Apostleship to instruct confirm praise and exhort and likewise to reprove threaten and correct every one of them as need did require From thence he goeth on to represent other visions concerning the universall state of the Church untill the end of the world wherein it seems one may observe this distinction that from the beginning of the fourth Chapter unto the end of the eleventh the said state is described as it were in the ideas of Gods heavenly decrees and in visions altogether Enigmaticall From the twelfth to the end of the Booke the executions and principall singularities thereof are more distinctly marked out by visions and descriptions which are more plain and neerer matched and fitted to the events In the first one may finde the description of Christs Kingdom in Heaven and the glorious administration of it Gods decrees concerning what should befall the Church in this world whereof Christ onely is the revealer and interpreter and the accomplishment whereof hath its limited times and the end whereof is the destruction of Christs and his Churches enemies and the present protection and everlasting salvation of the Church In the second is first represented the desolution of the Iewish nation by the Romans after it had brought forth Christ iâ— the flesh and withall the miraculous preservation of it for to have it converted in its due time Then the Roman Empire is summarily touched its tyranny and persecution against the Church and afterward its declination and ruine But the state of the Kingdome of Antichrist is yet more largely described his beginning his usurpation under a false vizard of Religion his blasphemies false doctrines deceitfull miracles persecutions violences frauds pride and enormities the blinde consent of Nations and Princes to subject themselves unto him and tocontribute to his exaltation the beginning of his fall by the pure preaching of the Gospell miraculously re-established in the world the everlasting happinesse of beleevers that shall fight with him and overcome him by their faith and patiexce and contrariwise the everlasting torments of his followers amongst whom at the last the Lord should raise most grievous alterations to make them become enemies unto him whereby it should happen that he and the triumphant City of his Kingdom and State should go to ruine and be destroyed by a sudden finall and horrible judgement of God easing the world of so great a plague glorifying his righteousnesse and giving those who are his cause of triumphant joy and enfolding his enemies in everlasting despair and ignominie After this is described a state of the Church upon earth very peaceable holy and happy Christ reigning in it and the Devill being repressed in his endeavours untill a certain time when as by a new kinde of enemies he should renew his assaults but should soon bee overcome and immediately after the end of the world and the last judgement should follow by which the Devill and all the â—hurches enemies being abyssed into hell the Church should be gathered up into heavenly glory to live and reign everlastingly with Christ and to enioy his presence and his goods in all fulnesse Now as amongst these Prophecies there are some so cleer by the event that one cannot be doubtfull nor ignorant of them but onely through a wilfull blindenesse so there are other some that are yet under Gods secret seal the explication whereof is as uncertain as the undertaking to give it is rash and therefore adoring that which as yet lieth hidden and meditating upon that which is manifest the Church hath large matter of instruction and comfort in this book looking for the full accomplishment which shall bring to light all the obscurities CHAP. I. Vers. 1. WHich God namely the Father See how this ought to be understood Iohn 3. 32. and 8. 26. and 12. 49. V. 2. Bare record by his preaching as he was an Apostle see Luke 24. 48. Acts 1. 8. and 26. 16. Of the testimonie namely of what Christ himself hath declared in the behalf of his Father see 1 Cor. 1. 6. V. 3. And keep namely in their minde and memory to compare the events therewith and by this means be confirmed in the faith and defended against all scandals and temptations The time namely of the accomplishment of these things V. 4. Asia namely the lesser called in these dayes Natolia From him namely from God the Father whose eternity is described by these three times according to the capacity of humane apprehension From the seven namely from the holy Ghost whose power is most perfect the number of seven in the Scripture intimating perfection and whose operations are very divers Isai. 11. 2. and Zech. 3. 9. and 4. 10. Rom. 4. 5. and 5. 6. V. 6. Dominion or power 1 Tim. 6. 16. V. 7. Even so Amen that is to say It shall certainly be so or so be it V. 8. Alpha names of the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet for to signifie the
maintain and establish the devils kingdom Dan. 7. 20 25. To continue other Texts have it To war namely with the Church which seemes to agree best with the figure of Antiochus Fourty and two according to the letter they are the three yeares and an halfe of Antiochus his persecution Dan. 7. 25. and 12. 7 11. but being referred to Rome this terme seemes to be indefinite to signifie the whole time of Gods patience in suffering of heathen Romes persecution V. 6. His Tabernacle that is to say his Church And them that namely Christ and all his who were gathered up in glorie V. 7. Given unto him that is to say he was permitted To overcome them namely in the world and corporally for a time V. 8. Of the Lambe the Italian whose names are not written from the foundation of the world in the Book of life of the Lambe who was slain shall worship him namely of Christ 1 Pet. 1. 19 20. to whom this Booke of life is attributed whether it be because that in Christ all Gods children are chosen Ephes. 1. 4. or whether it be because that he is prince and authour of everlasting life whereunto they are chosen Others set down the words of the Text in this manner Whose names are not written in the Book of life of the Lambe who was slain from the foundation of the world that is to say in Gods decree and foresight and in the efficacie of his death which hath been present to God from all eternitie V. 10. He that A summarie and obscure description of the Roman Empire through Gods just judgement Is the that is to say one ought to shew and exercise it in persevering constantly in the faith and in bearing all manner of assaults expecting the time which God hath appointed V. 11. Another this can apparently belong to no other but to a power used under the Name of Christ which hath brought in and established it selfe by meanes of and after the ruine of the Roman Empire Two hornes that is to say usurping two powers Secular and Ecclesiasticall even as Christ is both King and High-priest or counterfeiting the mildnesse of Christs Kingdom which proceedeth not with outward force nor violence of armes even as the hornes of a lambe are not good to butte with or to do any harme He spake that is to say he used an absolute command over the consciences raised himselfe through devilish pride and execrable boasting Rev 18. 7. V. 12. Before him The Roman Empire subsisting yet a long time after the being of this second Beast especially in these Easterne parts To worship that is to say to have religious conceits of the place where Rome stood as being consecrated to a perpetuall presence of God and to yield divine honours and religious obedience to it Whose deadly wound This seemes to be another wound then that of verse 3. and to have a relation to the desolations of Rome by the Northerne Nations V. 13. Fire come this seemes to be meant by thunders darted out as it were in God and Christ his Name whereby the world hath oftentimes been set on fire with warres and troubled with terrible confusions V. 14. That they should make namely that they should establish a new forme of Roman politicke Empire which should have some name and resemblance of the ancient Empire which was ruined And did live namely by the establishment of the universall Empire pretended to be spirituall V. 15. To give life the Italian to give spirit that is to say force and vigour to command Speak that is to say make Lawes and statutes with penalties to the disobedient and to the contemners of the majestie of this new Empire stiled sacred by its adherents V. 17. That no man that is to say forbidding all manner of commerce and communication with those that did not acknowledge this power V. 18. Count the This is very obscure and doubtfull A Christian Authour of the ancientest hath left in writing or peradventure by tradition that this was the name Latine as the Grecians write it for the Grecians using letters in stead of cyphers of numbers do out of the foresaid name make up the number which is here set down and indeed this number can have no relation to yeares for that as hath been said Rev. 15. 2. CHAP. XIV Vers. 1. I Looked It seemes that by this Vision the heavenly glorie is represented wherewith the ancient Martyrs were crowned who suffered death under heathen Rome or they who by vertue of their election have not adhered to the false dominion of the soules whilest it reigned in the world without any contradiction and they are brought in giving God thankes therefore V. 3. Redeemed that is to say acquired to God by the price of Christs bloud 1 Cor. 7. 23. 2 Pet. 2. 1. V. 4. Which were not that is to say who have kept themselves pure from all idolatrie which is spirituall fornication and have loyally adhered to Christ the onely Bridegroom of the Church see 2 Cor. 11. 2. Ephes. 5. 27. V. 6. Having the The sequele of these Visions sheweth that this cannot be understood of the first preaching of the Gospel by the Apostles and that it must be referred to a miraculous renewing of it V. 8. Is fallen This first crie is the proclamation of Gods sentence against the spirituall Babylon and of the beginnings of the execution thereof by the spirituall ruine of her plots the other proclamation Rev 18. 2. will be that of the final execution Made all nations drinke by her frauds and false perswasions she hath in such sort besoted mens spirits as with a compounded drinke that they have thereby lost their right judgement and have suffered themselves to be induced to spirituall fornication of idolatries and superstitions which deceit is neverthelesse an effect of Gods just judgement upon the world which hath not entertained the love of Truth 2 Thess. 2. 10 11 12. V. 10. Without mixture without any temperament of grace and of mercie with which God moderates the cup of believers afflictions V. 12. Here are they that is to say in these occasions they shall make themselves to be known by most certain proofes V. 13. From henceforth namely after the doctrine of the Gospell and faith shall be re-established in the world in its own puritie and vertue by which alone man can die happily in present comfort and confidence of eternall salvation Their workes that is to say the reward of them cannot fail them after their labours and combates V. 15. Out of the Temple represented oftentimes in this Book in Vision to be in Heaven now from this place to the end of the Chapter seem to be foretold the warres and desolations which were to happen in the world by reason of the Gospels re-establishment as if that after this last effect of Gods grace there were no more any mercie or patience to be expected but onely a finall destruction as a harvest or a vintage when