the heaven and earth Exodus Israel's departure out of Egypt c. 2 Some of them declare the instrumentall Authors or Penmen of them as the Titles of Prophets Books Isaiah c. who being extraordinary men of God guided by the Spirit their books are of divine Authority 3 Some denote the Churches or particular persons for whose sakes immediately some parts of Scripture were penned which affords light to divers passages therein 3. The Times of the Books set forth Partly the length or space of time in which things related were done as in Historicall Books which serve to disclose the connection and continuance of the History and Chronology Partly the time or season when the bookes were written which serves to cleare the understanding of divers particular passages which otherwise would be very difficult both in the Prophets and in the Apostles See therefore those two Tables for the Timeing of the Prophets and Epistles p. 104. to 107. and p. 177. to 186. Distinguish well betwixt times and times you dissolve many knots 4. Penmen being holy men of God extraordinarily inspired intimate to us the divine Authority of their writings This incites faith love and awfull Reverence to their books 5. The Occasion upon which the books were written together with 6. The Scope drift or End of the book being well considered give great light to the whole Book the whole frame disposition and chiefe Arguments handled in the book having a singular tendency to the Scope therefore as the Archer fixeth his eye steadily on the mark when he would shoot accurately so still fix your thought upon the Occasion and Scope of every book when you would peruse them understandingly 7. The Principall parts of the Book here Analytically laid down exhibit clearly to your view both the chiefe Subject or matters insisted upon in every Book as also the methodicall and orderly coherence of all the parts of the book with one another Books lookt upon confusedly are but darkly and confusedly apprehended But considered distinctly as in these distinct Analyses or Resolutions into their Principall parts must needs be distinctly and much more clearly discerned This the chiefe Purpose and Aime of this Book By these particulars to familiarize the Scriptures unto Christians that delight to converse with God in his owne book To whom I earnestly commend this direction for the more profitable use of this Book viz. That 1 Before they read any Book of Scripture they would first read what is in this Key said of that Book 2 In reading they would still remember the Occasion and Scope of the book and now and then compare the Principall Parts here with the Text And 3 After the Perusall of the Book they would read againe what this Key speaks of it Hereby the understaning will be cleared the Memory confirmed VII Rule Heedfully and judiciously observe the accurate Concord and Harmony of the Holy Scriptures though written by severall persons at severall times in severall places yet one and the same spirit inditing all is still like himselfe consonant to himselfe in all The Discord is in our mindes rather then in Gods word Hence Augustine let us be at concord in our own heart and the Scripture will have no discord in it There are Principally five notable respects in which Scriptures sometimes seem most contrary repugnant and opposite one to another when yet they are not dissonant but consonant and sweetly concording one with another As 1 When the Word or Phrase is used in severall Places not in the same but in severall senses and Acceptations 2 When they treat not of the same but of severall subjects 3 When they speak not of the same but severall parts of a thing 4 When they speak not in severall places according to the same but severall respects 5 When they intend not the same but severall times These things well considered will lay a notable foundation for reconciling all places of Scripture that seem to be any way opposite one to another Take the illustrations of theÌ„ severally 1. Scriptures seem opposite but are not when the same word or phrase in severall places is used not in the same but in severall senses and acceptations for the same words have oft times severall significations In such case distinguish the severall Acceptations and the Scriptures agree As Paul saith Work out your own salvation with feare and trembling But Iohn saith There is no feare in love but perfect love casteth out fear c. These places are not opposite because the word Fear in Iohn signifies a base servile stavish fear in Paul a filial childlike religious fear In this sense it is said of the SamaritaÌ„s they feared the Lord again they feared not the Lord i. e. they feared the Lord servilly and hypocritically for his Lyons but they feared him not religiously â—ilially sincerely Not to feare God aright is not to feare him at all Again Christ saith If a man keep my saying he shall never see death But Paul saith It is appointed to all men once to dye yet here 's no opposition for Christ speaks of death spiritual and eternall Paul of death temporal or corporall Further Ieremiah saith Cursed be the man that trusteth in man Christ saith except yee eatâ— the flesh of the Son of man yee have no life in you by eating understand believing v. 47. yet here 's no opposition Man signifies either meer man who is vaine deceitful c. Of him Ieremiah speaks Or man subsisting in the second person of God of him Christ speaks Moses saith God rested on the seventh day from all his work But Christ saith My father worketh hitherto and I worke yet here 's no opposition For the works of God are either Works of Creation whereby new kinds of Creatures are made so Moses intended that God rested from his work or Works of Conservation and Providence sustaining and governing his works created so Christ meant the father and he wrought still Adde hereunto Christ saith If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters yea and his own life also he cannot be my disciple But Paul saith Husbands love your wives No man ever yet hated his own flesh yet no opposition for Hatred is taken either Properly and absolutely so understand Paul or comparatively a lesse love being counted hatred of that understand Christ. Moreover Paul saith Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law But Iames saith yee see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith onely yet no reall opposition For Iustification in Pauls sense signifyes an instrumentall Application of Gods righteousnesse viz. Jesus Christ to our selves and so Faith alone justifies before God but Iustification in Iame's sense signifies a Declarative Manifestation of the Truth of that Faith whereby we
hundred ninety and nine years But Paul in his Sermon at Antioch saith And when he had destroyed seven Nations in the Land of Canaan he divided their Land to them by Lot And after that he gave unto them Iudges about the space of foure hundred and fifty years untill Samuel the Prophet Here seems to be a great opposition but if things be well examined there is none at all Yet it may not be dissembled that this is so hard a knot that it much puzzles writers satisfactorily to unty it 1 Partly because this Computation of 450. years is so punctually confuted by this text viz. to begin after Canaan was divided by Lot and to end at Samuel exclusively 〈◊〉 Partly Because that noted Chronology mentioned in 1 King 6.1 assures us expresly That the time from Israels coming out of Egypt till the beginning of the building of the Temple in the fourth yeere of Solomon was precisely but 480. yeeres But if we allow for the time of the Iudges 450. yeers in this account we shal find the whole time from going out of Aegypt till the Temples founding will arise to 591 yeeres in all viz. From Their departure out of Aegypt till their entrance into Canaan 40. yeere Thence to Ioshuah's death about 17. y. Thence to Elies death for Samuels time is included in Sauls Reigne Act. 13.21 according to this supposition 450. y. Thence to the Death of David 80. y. Thence to the founding of the Temple in Solomons fourth yeere 4. y. In all 591. yeeres So that in these regards it is no easie matter clearly and undoubtedly to reconcile these times Many opinions are offered in Writers to this end yet most of them if not all labour under some inconvenience or other To omit the variety of opinions Let it suffice to mention only two which learned men seem most to incline unto Some thinke that here Paul intended not to reckon up the time while the Iudges ruled because so it were impossible to reconcile these foure hundred and fifty years with those foure hundred and eighty years in 1 King 6.1 as hath been intimated but to point out at what time God gave Israel Judges viz. after these things w ch were declared v 17 18 19. viz. from the birth of Isaac which seems to be noted in that phrase God chose our fathers v. 17. among all people God choosing Abraham among all Abrahams children choosing Isaac and making a Covenant with him till the beginning of Iudges which is computed to be foure hundred fourty seven years that 's about foure hundred and fifty years wants but three years and its usuall in Scripture to put the round number for the punctuall number This Computation they make thus From Isaac's birth to Iacobs birth yeers 60. From Iacobs birth to the going down into Egypt 130. Thence to the Comming forth of Egypt 210. Thence to the entring into the land of Canaan 40. Thence to the dividing of the Land by Lot 7. Which make up in all 447. But this opinion is attended with these two inconveniences 1. The present text in the Acts seems plainly to confine us for these foure hundred and fifty years between the dividing of the land of Canaan by Lot and the beginning of Samuels Rule which limits this Computation transgresseth 2. The number computed doth not exactly amount to foure hundred and fifty wants three Others therefore to avoid these inconveniences confine and bound their computation according to this text to the space of time betwixt the dividing Canaan by Lot and Samuels Rule And they thinke Paul reckoned up all the years mentioned in the Judges and so they compute both the years of the Judges and the years of Israels oppressours distinctly and severally though the years of the Oppressours are indeed comprized under the years of the Iudges and both together do punctually make up the foure hundred and fifty years here mentioned in the Acts. As followeth The Iudges mentioned in the Book of Iudges governed in all 299. years To these adde the fourty years of Eli who so long judged Israel 1 Sam. 4.18 40. So the whole time of the Iudges rule till Samuel was 339. Israels Oppressours were 1. Cushan who oppressed them Iudges 38. 8 years 2. Moab Iudg. 3.14 18. 3. Iabin Iudg. 4.3 â—0 4. Midian Iudg. 6. â— 7. 5. Ammon Iudg. 10.8 18. 6. Philistims Iudg. 13.1 40. So the whole time of their Oppressors was 111. Now adde these together viz. the years of their Iudges and the years of their Oppressours three hundred thirty and nine and one hundred and eleven and the totall resulting is foure hundred and fifty years exactly only thâ—s inconvenience remaines the same years are reckoned twice over yet it is not in the same but several respects Now if out of the number of years from departure out of Egypt till the Founding of the Temple as first computed viz. 591 You subduct the years of the Oppressours of Israel under their Iudges which seems to be twice reckoned up viz. one hundred and eleven years The remaine is just foure hundred and eighty years according to that of 1 Kings 6.1 And so the Scripture on all sides are reconciled accurately And therefore this opinion seems most to be embraced VIII Rule Learne that excellent Art of explaining and understanding the Scriptures by the Scriptures The Scriptures in some places speak more darkly and dubiously in other places they expresse the same things more clearly and certainly the doubtfull are to be explained by the certaine as darke places by those that are clear As Augustine noteth As Peter being to prove to the Iewes Christs resurrection by Scripture viz. Thou wilt not leave my soule in hell nor suffer thine holy one to see corruption he alledgeth for clearing this another Scripture to evince that this promise was made to David concerning Christ and could not properly be intended of David himselfe Men and brethren let me speak freely to you of the Patriarch David that he is both dead and buried and his sepulchre is with us unto this day Therefore he being a Prophet and knowing that God had sworne with an oath c. Certainly Scripture is the best expounder of it self Scripture-exposition of it self as Augustine and before him Irenaeus observed is most regular and safe Let us saith Chrysostome attend to the Scope of Scripture which interprets it selfe and suffers not his hearer to erre The gold was not sanctified saith Origen without the Temple no more any sense but what is drawn out of the Scripture And most excellently Hilary He is the best Reader who interprets sayings by sayings who brings not an interpretation to Scripture nor imposeth a sense upon Scripture but findeth a sense in Scripture and drawes it from Scripture c. Now that we may more successefully and clearly understand Scripture by Scripture these ensueing particulars are to be observed 1. That Iesus Christ our
only or 3 both words and matter be cited This would give wonderfull light to many hundreds of passages in the Bible And for this end I have with much care and diligence compiled a Parallel of the Places of the Old Testament any way alledged in the New and had once resolved to have inserted it in this place But to avoid prolixity I must now forbeare it least the Porch prove too big for the building IX Rule The last Direction I shall commend to the Reader for the improvement of heavenly dexterity in and understanding of the holy Scriptures is Endeavour sincerely to practise Scripture and you shall solidly understand Scripture Bernard said truely He rightly reads the Scriptures that turneâ—s Words into workes Knowing into Doing The mightiest man in practise will in the end prove the mightiest man in Scripture Theory is the guide of Practice Practise the Life of Theory Where Scripture-contemplation and experience meet both together in the same person true Scripture understanding must needs be heightned and doubled To this effect is Christs promise My Doctrine is not mine but his that sent me If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God To like purpose subscribes the experience of David Thou through thy Commandements hast made me wiser then mine enemies for they are ever with me I have more understanding then all my Teachers for thy testimonies are my meditation I understand more then the Antients because I keep thy Precepts These things Christian Reader I thought fit to commend to thee by way of Preface But shall detaine thee no longer from the Perusall of the Book it selfe The Lord that teacheth his people to profit advance thy spiritual profiting abundantly by both So prayeth He who earnestly desires to be serviceable to Iesus Christ and usefull to his Church and people Fran. Roberts Augustine's London Aug. 26 1647 Aug. 21 1648 CLAVIS BIBLIORVM THE KEY OF THE BIBLE Unlocking The richest Treasury of the Holy Scriptures THE HOLY SCRIPTURES Rom. 1.2 were written by Moses the Prophets the Apostles and other holy men of God Luk. 16.29.31 Eph. 2.20 and 3.5 and 2 Pet. 1.21 The Covenant of God with man in Christ the Mediatour that substantiall or begotten WORD Iohn 1.1 is the Principall Subject Revealed and explained in the whole Scripturall or written WORD Gods COVENANT with man in Christ is represented to us in Holy Scripture principally two wayes viz. 1. As Promised fore-prophecied and typified In Christ to be manifested afterwards in the flesh Hence called the Covenants of Promise Eph. 2.10 Covenants not Covenant because of the severall Publications of the Covenant with more and more Augmentations in severall Points or Periods of time Thus the Covenant is made known in all the Bookes of Scripture written before Christs comming which are therefore called the OLD-COVENANT Heb. 8.13 or the OLD-TESTAMENT 2 Cor. 3.14 2. As performed fulfilled and actually accomplished in Christ already come and manifested in our flesh in fulnesse of time Gal. 4.4 5. Heb. 9. Heb. 10. Thus the Covenant is most clearly and fully unveyled to us in all the Books of Scripture written since Christs coming which are therefore stiled the NEW COVENANT or the NEW TESTAMENT Heb. 8.8 Matth. 26.28 Heb. 9.15 Thus the whole BIBLE is distributed into the 1 Old and 2 New Testament THE OLD TESTAMENT THE OLD TESTAMENT revealing the Covenants of promise in respect of the Penmen whom the Holy Ghost imployed to write the Books thereof is disparted by the Holy Ghost himselfe into two generall heads viz. 1 Moses and 2 the Prophets Luk. 16.29.31 and 24.27 Iohn 1.45 or The Law of Moses and the Prophets Act. 28.23 J. MOSES MOSES the man of God Psal. 90.1 The first Penman of Scripture was an Ebrew borne in Egypt after the worlds creation about 2432 years before Christ about 1496. years The seventh from Abraham the father of the faithfull 1 Chron. 6.1 2 3. and 2.1 and 1.34 As Enoch was the seventh from Adam the father of the world Iude 14. When Moses was borne he was very fair Act. 7.20 21 22. He was marvellously saved from death being drawne out of the water whence his name MOSES i. e. Drawn-forth was given to him Exod. 2 10 He was nourished by King Pharaoâ—s daughter for her own sonne Ex. 2.9 10. Act. 7.21 Learned in all the wisedome of the Egyptians and mighty in words and in deeds Act. 7.22 He lived in Pharaohs Court 40. years and then left the Court choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God c Act. 7.23 Heb. 11.24 25 26. He was a stranger a shepheard in the land of Madian 40. years Act. 7.29.30 Exod. 3. thence God called him to feed Iacob his people and Israel his inheritance He fed Israel most faithfully 40. years Numb 12.7 Heb. 3.2.5 being in the Church in the wildernesse Act. 7.38 with the Angel that spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our fathers where he received the lively Oracles to give unto us and commanded us a law which is the inheritance of the Church of Iacob Deut. 33.4 Of all the Prophets that arose in Israel there was none like Moses whom God knew face to face Deut. 34.10 He dyed 120. years old his eye not being dimme nor his naturall strength abated and was buried of God no man knowing of his sepulcher to this day Deut. 34.5.6.7 MOSES wrote the Law of God in the five first Bookes called in Greek the Pentateuch i. e. The five-fold-volume At first it seemes to be written in one volume or Roll there being such a continued connection of Book with Book Exod. 1.1 Levit. 1.1 Num. 1.1 Deut. 1.1 But was afterwards according to the several subject matters therin contained divided into five severall Books Containing 1 An History of things past 2 A Covenant between God and his Church then present 3 And a Prophecy of further grace to come now exhibited by Iesus Christ Deut. 18.15 c. Iohn 5.46 and 1.17 In Propounding of which things as Ainsworth observes Moses hath a veile upon his glorious face for in the Histories are implied Allegories Gal. 2.24 And in the Lawes are types and shadows of good things to come the body whereof is of Christ Heb. 9.9 and 10.1 Col. 2.17 In Genesis which History endeth with Israels going downe into Egypt we have the image of a naturall man fallen from God into the bondage of sin In Exodus is the type of our Regeneration and State renewed by Iesus Christ. In Leviticus the shadow of our mortification whilst we are made sacrifices unto God In Numbers our spirituall warfare whereunto we are mustered and armed to â—ight the good fight of faith In Deuteronomie the Doctrine of our sanctification and Preparation to enter into our heavenly Canaan after Moses death by the conduct of Iesus the son of God So H. Ainsworth in his Preface before his Annotat. on Gen.
to obed c. 4. II Narrative containing the main bulk and substance of the book c. 5. to 32. viz. The Law and Confirmation thereof I. The Law shewing the way of well living 1. Universall c. 5. 2. Particular where Of the Decalogues Principle and things Principled 1. The Principle of the Decalogue is Gods love whereof you have 1. The Proposition Wherein note 1. The manner and object of it c. 6. 2. The opposites Idolatry c. 7. Ingratitude c. 8. Pride c 9. 2. The Conclusion c. 10. 2. The things Principled touching 1. The place of divine worship c. 11 12. 2. The manner c. 13.14 3. The time c. 15.16 4. The persons which are to performe worship to him Who are informed according to the three parts of the soule and this either joyntly or severally Jointly 1. According to the Rationall part Where Of persons Ecclesiasticall and Politicall together c. 17. Of persons Ecclesiasticall apart c. 18. Of persons Politicall apart c. 19. 2. According to the Irascible part in case of war c. 20. 3. According to the Concupiscible part c. 21 22. Severally where are both Lawes c. 23 24 25. And the close of them c. 26. II. The confirmation of the Law by certain Arguments viz. 1. Signes c. 27. 2. Promises and threats c. 28. 3. By solemn renewing of the Covenant partly 1 By word Comminatory c. 29. Promissory c. 30. 2 By writing and instruments c. 31. III. Conclusion of the whole book c. 32 33 34. Which is either I. Propheticall and Hortatory wherein is a double Prophecy 1. Common touching the Church of the Jewes till the time of the Messiah c. 32. 2. Speciall containing the blessing of the 12 Tribes c. 33. 2. Historicall concerning the death of Moses c. 34. IJ. THE PROPHETS THe PROPHETS wrote all the Bookes of the Old Testament besides the Pentateuch of Moses These Prophets inspired infallibly by the Holy-Spirit of Prophecy wrote Books of three severall sorts viz. 1 Historicall 2 Dogmaticall or Doctrinall and 3 Propheticall The Hebrews thus distinguish the Books of the Old Testament 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thorah i. e. The Law viz. the five books of Moses 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nebiâ—m i. e. The Prophets The Prophets they distinguish into two sorts viz. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nebiim Rishonim i. e. The former Prophets perhaps so called because they treat of the first Prophets These are foure viz. Ioshua Iudges Samuel and Kings And 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nebiim Acharonim i. e. the later Prophets which they reckon up in foure Books also viz. Isaiah Ieremiah Ezekiel and the twelve minor Prophets which were anciently joyned all in one volume lest they through their smalnesse should be lost That phrase seemes to favour this It is written in the Book of the Prophets Act. 7.42 the Prophet Amos being cited which is one of the Minor or lesser Prophets 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The writings by way of emphasis See the Reason hereof in Rivet Isag. ad sucr scrip c. 29. Sect. 16. The Greek cals these Books 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hagiographa i. e. The holy writings upon some such ground Of this sort are eleven in this order in Hebrew Ruth Psalmes Iob Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs Lamentations Daniel Esther Ezra Chronicles under Ezra comprehending Nehemiah which sometimes is called the second of Ezra and the two Books of the Chronicles being reckoned as but one Book But the former Distribution of the PROPHETS bookes into 1 Historicall 2 Doctrinall and 3 Propheticall being both more consonant to the matter of these books and to the method of our Bibles shall here be followed I. HISTORICAL BOOKS THE HISTORICAL BOOKS of the Prophets Relate the History of the Jewes and of the Church of God among them from the death of Moses which was when he was one hundred and twenty years old Deut. 34.7 Ioseph Ant. l. 4. c. 3. In 2493 year of the world Helvic untill the Period of the Persian Monarchy possessed by Alexander the Macedonian called Alexander the great who conquered the Persians and got Dominion of Asia about Ann. 3614 after the worlds Creation Helvic in Chronolog So that these Books contain an History of about 1121 years continuance Of this History of the Jews and of the Church of God there are two Principall Parts or Periods viz. 1. Of the Israelites Entrance into the promised land 2. Of their Government and Condition after that entrance Joshuah 1. ISraels entrance into the promised land is described in the Book of JOSHUAH So called from the chiefe subject handled therein viz. The Acts of Ioshuah the successour of Moses the Governour and chiefe Captaine of Israel under whose conduct they conquered the Land Divided it by Line and Lot among the Tribes and possessed it according to all Gods faithfull promises in that behalfe unto their Fathers Josh. 21.43 44 45. 23.14 15. Penman of this Booke some conceive to be Ioshuah because it beares his name But that Reason is not cogent 1 partly because the Bookes of Iudges Ruth and Kings bear their name yet not Penned by them 2 partly because the denomination of this Book is rather from the Subject matter then the Author Other thinke Eleazer the High-Priest whose death is recorded Iosh. 24.33 Gathered together the chief materials of which this Booke is compiled It being the Priests duty to leave upon Record all memorable Ecclesiastical affairs for the benefit of after ages and propagation of Religion This more probable but not certain Alsted Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 119. Iohan. Calvin Argument in Lib. Iosuae This book containes an History of almost eighteene yeeres viz. From the death of Moses to the death of Joshuah Iun. Arg. in lib. Iehosh Gerh. loc prim de Scriptura in exegesi Sect. 125. Scope Of this booke to demonstrate Gods exact faithfulnesse in performing all his Promises made to the Fathers that all his people may be encouraged to trust to him the better for ever Iosh. 21.45 23.14 15. Principall parts In this Book is an History of Ioshuah's Life and Death I. Of Ioshua's Life Wherein consider 1. His vocation God cals him to be Governour of Israel in Moses stead c. 1. 2. His Administration both in time of warre and Peace 1. In time of warre Whereof is laid down 1. A Narration 1. Of sending the Spies to search the Land c. 2. 2. Of the passing thorow Jordan where The Antecedent passages and manner of it c. 3. The Consequents upon it c. 4.5 3. Of the Seiges and Victories His first Victory over Jericho c. 6. The impediment of his proceedings the Accursed thing c. 7. His manifold and happy successe after removal of the Accursed thing he conquered all the Country c. 8 9 10 11. 2. A Repetition of his warlike exploits c. c. 12. 2. In time of Peace Wherein are 1. The distribution of the land of Canaan under which are described 1 The borders of the Land c.
13. 2 The manner of the distribution by Lot c. 14. 3 The parties among whom the Land was divided viz. The Israelites c 15. to 20. 4 The menslayers c. c. 20 5 The Levites c. 21. 2. The dismission and remanding of the Reubenites Gadites half tribe of Manasseh to their Lot on the other side Iordan c. 22 3. The exhortation and charge of Joshuah to the people before his death c. 23. II. Of Ioshuah's death and the things immediately Antecedent and Consequent thereto c. 24. II. Israels condition and Government after their entrance into the Promised Land Which is Historically described what it was 1. Before their carrying away into Babylon 2. During the Captivity 3. After the Captivity I. Before their carrying away into Babylon and that either under the Iudges or the Kings I. Vnder the Iudges And here we have two Histories viz. One Common and Generall Another Particular Judges I. THe Common or Generall History is the Book of IUDGES so called not from the Authors of it but from the subject matter of it in Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shophtim i. e. Iudges Penman of this Book the Hebrewes thinke to be Samuel Alsted Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 119. Oâ—hers thinke that every Iudge recorded the things acted in his owne dayes respectively and that Samuel or Ezra or Ieremiah or King Hezekiah whose men copied out some of Solomons Proverbs Prov. 25.1 collected and digested them into one volume Hugo Cardinalâ—s in Prolog in hunc lib. This book containes an History of Israels Politie and the state thereof from the death of Ioshuah till the Priesthood of Eli. How during that time Israel oftimes Apostatized from God for which God delivered them into their enemies hands but upon their conversion to him he saved them by Iudges raised up from among their Tribes out of their enemies hands It is an History of about 299 years which may be thus computed From Ioshuah's death to Othniel's 40 y. Iudg. 3.11 From Othniel's death to Ehud's and Shamgar's 80 y. 3.30 Thence to Deborah's death 40 y. 5 31. Thence to Gideons death-40 y. 8 28 Thence to Abimilech's death 3 y. 9 22. Thence to Tholah's death 23 y. 10 2 Thence to Iair's death 22 y. 10 3 Thence to Iephte's death 6 y. 12 7 Thence to Ibzan's death 7 y. 12 9 Thence to Elon's death 10 y. 12 11 Thence to Abdon's death 8 y. 12 14 Thence to Samson's death-20 y. 16 31 Scope of this book to shew what happy Haleyonian dayes Gods Church enjoyes under pious magistrates How severe God is against the sins especially the idolatry of his own people and yet how he remembers mercy in midst of severest judgements Principall parts This book being a Glasse discovering Israels calamity and the cause thereof their sin Describes their sin I. As General Universal and Common to all the tribes viz. by the 1. Kinds or sorts of their sinnes 1. Negligence in driving the Canaanites out of the land c. 1. 2. Perfidiousnesse in Apostatizing from God to Idols c. 2. 2. Effects or fruits of their sinnes viz. Five severall oppressions by their enemies i. e. 1. Syrians c. 3. 2. Canaanites c. 4. and 5. 3. Midianites where of Gideon's 1. Call c. 6. 2. Acts Polemical c. 7. and Political c. 8. 3 Successour Abimilech c. 9. 4. Ammonites Here 1. The cause and effect of the oppression Israels Apostacy and Repentance c. 10. 2. The Remedy viz. warre undertaken against Ammonites c. 11. Ephraimites c. 12. 5. Philistines Sampson being avenger Samsons Birth c. 13. Prosperity c. 14. adversity c. 15. and death c. 16. are at large delineated II. As speciall viz. 1. Idolatry Of one family c. 17. Of the Tribe of Dan c. 18. 2. Lust of uncleannesse Perpetrated c. 19. Punished c. 20 21. Ruth II THe particular History under the Iudges is the Book of RUTH so stiled from RUTH the Moabitesse a Gentile Moab being one of the incestuous sons of Lot Gen. 18. concerning whom this Book treats especially of her marriage with Boaz whose Pedigree by a Prophetick spirit is brought down to K. David Ruth 4.18 to the end Ruth bearing to Boaz Obed the Grandfather of David of whom according to the flesh Christ came Matth. 1.5 6. The Chald. Paraphrast thinks that Ruth was the daughter of Eglon King of Moab but that is not proved by any Scripture nor is it likely that a Kings daughter would marry a Stranger and leave her native Countrey to seek bread in another land saith Gerh. Augustine refers the time of this History to the Beginning of the Kings Aug. l. 2. de Doctrin Christian c. 8. Ioseph l. 5. Antiq. and Hugo Cardinalis referre it to the time of Eli the Priest D. Kimchi in c. 1. Ruth and other of the Rabbines as some note conceive That Boaz who married Ruth was that Judge which is called Ibzan Judg. 12.8 who immediately succeeded Iephte Iunius and Tremellius comparing this History of Ruth with Matth. 1.5 are of opinion that this History fell out in the dayes of Deborah Annot in Ruth 1.1 But it s certaine it fell out in the time of the Iudges Ruth 1.1 though the particular time perhaps cannot so punctually be demonstrated Penman of this History is not certainly knowne Hebrews thinke Samuâ—l penned it Alsted in Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 119. Many Writers annex this Book of Ruth as an Appendix to the Book of Iudges as they do the Lamentations to the Prophecy of Ieremiah Andr. Rivet Isag. ad sacr Script c. 29. p. 501. Scope of this Book To delineate part of the Genealogy of Christ Ruth 4.18 c. compared with Mat. 1.5.6 And to shew that salvation by Iesus Christ belongs to sinners of the Gentiles as well as to the Iewes Christ deriving his line not only from Iewes but also from Gentiles and sinners for the raising up of their Hope and Consolation in him Principall parts In this History are described 1. Ruths Distresse in her widowhood c. 1. 2. Ruths Deliverance from this distresse which is 1. Inohoate 1. By her gleaning in Boaz his field with his approbation c. 2. 2. By her lodging at Boaz his feet in the threshing floor at her mothers appointment he being a neer Kinsman c. 3. 2. Consummate By Boaz his marrying of her c. 4. II. Vnder the Kings And here we have three Histories compiled in six books viz. the two Books of Samuel the two Books of Kings and the two Books of Chronicles which Histories set forth the State of the Kingdome of Israel three wayes viz. 1. As the Kingdome was Vnited of which the two Books of Samuel 2. As The Kingdome was Divided of which the two Books of Kings 3. As the Kingdom was both Vnited and Divided of which the two Books of Chronicles As Trelcatius in Oeconomiâ Bibliorum well observes And as the matter of these Histories doth clearly evince I. The UNITED State of the Kingdome of Israel is described what it was both under the
of Israel viz. Ieroboam Nadab Baasha Elah Zimri Omri and Tibni Ahab Ahaziah This is an history of 118. yeeres viz. Under Solomon 40 yeeres 1 King 11.42 Under the rest of Kings of Iudah 78. yeeres for Rehoboam Reigned 17 yeeres 1 King 17.31 Abâ—jam 3 yeeres 1 King 15.2 Asa 41. yeeres 1 King 15.10 Iehoshaphat 17. yeers 1 King 22.51 In all 118 yeeres Penman of this book and also of the second booke of Kings is conceived not to be any one man but divers Though the Hebrewes would have them to be written by Ieremiah Others think that the Churches history which was written by divers was digested and collected into volumes either by Eâ—ra Gerh. loc Com. 1 de Scriptura in Exegesi § 129. Or by the chiefe Priests and Prophets as the Churches Pub. Actuariâ—s Alsted Proecog Theol. l. 2. c. 120. However it seemes evident that the beginning of 1. of Kings touching Solomons Reign was written by Nathan Abijah and Iddo 2 Chron. 9.29 See Iun. in loc And other parts by Iehu son of Canani 2 Chron. 20.3 See Iun. Annot ibid. And by the Prophet Isaiah as Iunius thinks partly in his Prophecy parâ—ly in the Book of Kings 2 Chron. 26.22 Scope To shew how the Piety of Kings preserves their kingdomes in unity and flourishing Prosperity But the sins and wickednesse of Kings especially their idolatry whereby they divide themselves from God brings Divisions into their Kingdomes and consequently ruine upon themselves their families and Dominions Principall parts might be pointed out according to the periods of every severall Kings reigne but rather thus This book containes the increase and decrease of the kingdome of Israel I. Increase of the Kingdome under Solomon whose Life and Death are recorded 1. Solomons Life Therein consider his 1. Election c. 1 2. 2. Administration or Government of the Kingdâ—m where note 1. His great Prudence c. 3 4. 2. His Magnificence in Building The Temple c. 5 6 8. His own house In Lebanon c. 7. The Kings house more publique c. 9. 3. His condition Prosperous c. 10. Adverse c. 11. 2. Solomons death c. 11. II. Decrease of the Kingdom once Divided and this under 1. The Kings of Iudah 1. Rehoboam c. 12 14. 2. Abijah c 15.3 Asa c. 15. 4. Iehoshaphat c 22. 5 Iehoram c. 22. ver 50. 2. The Kings of Israel contemporary to the Kings of Iudah viz. 1. Ieroboam c. 12 13 14. 2 Nadab c. 15. 3. Baasha c. 16.4 Elah 5. Zimri 6. Omri c. 16.7 Ahab 1 whose stock is recorded c. 16. from ver 28. 2 Whose prosperous state is declared In respect of Elijahs Presence Here are considered Elijah's Ambassadge to the King c. 17 18. Elijah's exile c. 19. In respect of Ahabs double victory c. 20. 3 Whose Acts and manners are described c. 21. 4 Whose Death is delineated c. 22. 8. Ahaziah c. 22. ver 51. c. II Kings 2. ACcording to the Progresse and Growth of the Kingdom 's division and the miserable calamities growing and increasing thereupon This is related in the 11. of KINGS called in Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 11. Melacim i. c. The second of Kings By the Greek and Latin The IV. of Kings The History of the Kings being still continued in this Book This Book is an History of about 320. years under 12. Kings of Israel and 16. Kings of Iudah Vnder 12. Kings of Israel 162 years Ahazia 1 yeare 1 Kings 22.52 Ioram 11 yeare 2 Kings 3.1 8.25 Iehu 28 yeare 2 Kings 10.36 Iehoahaz 17 yeare viz. 15 alone and two with his son 2 Kings 13.1.10 Ioash 16 yeare 2 Kings 13.10 Ieroboam 41 yeare 2 Kings 14.23 Zechariah 6 moneths 2 Kings 15.8 Shallum 1 moneth 2 Kings 15.13 Menachem 10 yeare 2 Kings 15.17 Pekachijah 2 year 2 Kings 15.23 Pekah 20 year 2 Kings 15.27 Hosheah who reigned 18 y. viz. 9 y. free 2 Kings 17.1 and 9. y. a tributary to the King of Assyria by whom at last he was carried captive ver 6. Vnder 16 Kings of Iudah 320 year Iehoram 12 y. viz. 8. alone and 4. with his father Iehoshaphat 2 Kings 8.17 Ahazia 1. y. 2 King 8.26 Athalia 6 year 2 Kings 11.3 Ioash 40. y. 2 King 12.1.39 Iunius Amaziah 29 yeare 12 of which in exile 2 Kings 14.2 Azariah or Vzziah 52. yeare 2 Kings 15 5. Iotham 16. yeare 2 King 15.33 15. yeare Iun. Ahaz 16. yeare 2 Kings 16.2 14. year Iun. Hezekiah 29. year 2 King 18.2 Manasses 55. yeare 2 King 21.2 Ammon 2 yeare 2 Kings 21.19 Iosiah 31. yeare 2 King 22.1 Ioahaz 3. moneths 2 Kings 23.36 Ichoiakim 11 yeare 2 Kings 23.36 Ichoiachin three moneths 2 Kings 24.8 Zedekiah 11. year 2 Kings 24.18 Thence till Iehoiakins advancement 26. year 2 Kings 25.27 30. Penmen of this 11. of Kings See in Penmen of 1. of Kings Scope to delineate Gods verity in his Promises and Threats together with his severity in his judgements The continuall Revolution of Families and States The mischief of sin especially in Magistrates dividing them and their people from God and consequently themselves amongst themselves till both Kings people and Kingdomes be ripe and ready for desolation Principall parts may be considered either according to the Reign of the severall Kings of Israel and Iudah as afore Or as followeth This Book declareth The state of the Kingdomes of Israel and Iudah together with their defection and declining 1. Severally of the Kingdome of Israel under 1. Ahaziah c. 1.2 2. Ioram where of Elishah's miracles c. 3.4.5 Oracles or Prophecies c 6.7.8 2. Joyntly of Israel and Iudah parallel'd as it were together c. 9. to 18. 3 Severally of the Kingdome of Iudah whose 1. Weakning is recorded 1. Under a good King Hezekiah c. 18. 19.20 2. Under a bad King Manasseh c. 20.21 2. Reparation is indeavoured by Iosiah c. 22.23 3. Subversion is 1. Begun c. 23. 24. 2. Accomplished c. 25. III. The UNITED and DIVIDED State of the kingdome is laid downe in the two Books of Chronicles with some further Additions and Amplifications to the former Histories This is done two wayes I Chron. 1. ACording to the UNITED State of the kingdome in I. OF CHRONICLES so called because the Acts of former times are herein Recorded or Chronicled In Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dihre Haijamim i. e. THE WORDS OF DAYES because they are as a Sacred DIARY reporting the Acts and Occurrents in the Church of God and Civil States both Domestique and Forrein Munsterus not unfitly stiles them Libros Annalium i. e. The Books of Annals Annals barely declaring matters of fact for divers years in order as Gellius notes l. 5. N. A. c. 18. These two Books are the CHVRCHES ANNALS In Greek these two Books are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bibloi Paralipomenon i. e. The Books of things omitted or THE BOOKS OF REMAINES because some things omitted or not fully described in the Pentateuch Ioshuah Iudges Ruth Samuel and Kings are here Summarily explicated and supplyed
This I. of Chron. Principally insists upon the History of David Relating his Genealogy from the first Adam and so forwards towards the second Adam wherein the 12. tribes and their families c. are recorded c. 1. to 10. And his famous Acts c. 10. to the end of the Book so that this Book is a Compendious Chronology of all the former Books to the Books of Kings of things from the worlds Creation till about the yeare 2985. viz. of Genesis 2368 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible Exodus 142. y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible The other Books of Moses 39 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible Joshuah 17. almost 18 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible Judges 299 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible I. Of Samuel 80 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible II. Of Samuel 40 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible Hierom calls the Chronicles Instrumenti veteris Epitomen c. The Epitome of the Old Testament and that it is of such Consequence that whosoever would arrogate to himselfe the knowledge of the Scriptures without it doth but mock and abuse himselfe Hieronym in Ep. ad Paulin. And again stiles it Totius divinae Historiae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The Chronicle of the whole Divine History Hier. in Prolog Galeat Penman of this and the second Book is uncertaine R. Salomo R. D. Kimchi think it was Ezra Saith Alsted in Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 120. Iunius also is of the same judgement Iun. Annot. in 1 King 11.41 and in his argument before 1 Chron. The Argument that generally inclines them all to this opinion is That the same words which are used in the close of the Chronicles 2 Chron. 36.23 are also used in the beginning of Ezra Ezr. 1.1 2 3. Scope The primary Scope of this Book seemes to be this Clearly to describe the Line and Genealogy of CHRIST the Messiah promised to David Abraham and Adam That when in fulnesse of time Christ should be revealed and performed the Church might infallibly know that he was the Promised SEED OF THE WOMAN Principall Parts This first Book of Chron. describes the Israelitish kingdome in its 1 Foundation and 2 Administration I. Foundation Where of 1. The General Genealogy of all Nations from Adam to Iacob c. 1. Here is a Chronicle of 1 The Pentateuch 2 Ioshuah 3. Iudges 2. Particular Geneal of the Nation of Israel by the twelve Tribes c. 2. to 9. Here is a Chronicle of 1 The Pentateuch 2 Ioshuah 3. Iudges II. Administratâ—on under 1 Saul whose 1 Genealogy is in c. 9. 2 Death c. 10. 2 David whose 1. Kingly condition c. 11 12 14. 2 Acts 1 Sacred restoring Gods â—orship in respect of the 1 Place c. 13 15 17 22. 2 Persons ministring in the 1 Tabernacle c. 16 2 Temple c. 23. 24 25 26 Here is a Chronicle of the two Books of Samuel 2 Polemical or Martial c. 18 19 20. 3. Political c. 21.27 3. Death c. 28 29. where is declared how David before his Death in a Solemne Assembly at Ierusalem took his leave of his Kindred Set Solomon or his Throne after he had given him Directions about the Temple and himself with his Princes had offered willingly towards the building of it II Chron 2. ACcording to the UNITED and DIVIDED state of the kingdom in the II of CHRONICLES So called for the reasons formerly alledged This booke relates the history of the Israelitish State from the beginning of king Solomons Reigne till their returne from the Babylonish Captivity which fell out about the first yeare of Cyrus king of Persians Setting down both the union and flourishing condition of the kingdome under Solomon but the division and decay of the kingdome thence ensuing till it came to utter ruine So this book contains an History of about 472 yeeres From Solomon to carrying away of Iechonias 401. As Jun. and Tremell compute In the Captivity 70 As Jun. and Tremell compute Under Cyrus the Persian 1. As Jun. and Tremell compute So that this book is an Epitome or Chronicle of the two Books of Kings with Additions If we consider the books of Samuel Kings and Chronicles all together they containe an Historicall Narration How the kingdome of Israel 1 Began under Samuel 2 Increased under David 3 Flourished under Solomon and 4 Failed under Zedekiah thus it endured almost 565 yeers Penman see in 1. of Chron. Scope For substance the same with that of the two books of Kings Principall parts This book containes an Historicall Narration of the kingdome of Israel's I. Flourishing or increase under King Solomon Touching Solomon are recorded his 1. Vertues c. 1. 2. Buildings 1. Sacred viz. The Temple where 1. His preparation for it c 2. 2. His extruction or building of it viz. Of the Temple contayning c. 3. And of the Holy utensils contayned in it c. 4. 3. His Dedication of the Temple partly by Dedicated things especially the Arke brought into the Temple c. 5. Partly by praise and prayer c. 6. Partly by Sacrifice c. 7. 2. Civil viz. Severall Cities which he builded c. 8. 3. Condition and Death c. 9. II. Fading or decrease under the following Kings of Iudah and Israel the kingdome being divided till the returne from Captivity in the Reigne of Cyrus Where note five concussions of shakings of the Kingdome under these ensuing Kings viz. Rehoboam c. 10 11 12 Abia c. 13 Asa c. 14 15 16 Jehoshaphat c. 17 18 19 20 Jehoram c. 21 Ahaziah c. 22 Joash c. 23 24 Amaziah c. 25 Uzziah c. 26 Jotham c. 27 Ahaz c. 28 Hezekiah c. 29 30 31 32 Manasâ—eh c. 33 Amon c. 33 Josiâ—h c. 34 35 Joahaz c. 36. Jehoakim c. 36. Jechoniah c. 36. Zedekiah c. 36. II. After the people of Israels CAPTIVITY in which regard we have their REDUCTION or bringing back from the Captivity of Babylon Hystorically declared And that two wayes 1. According to the truth and manner of it 2. According to the fruit and event of it Ezra 1 THe truth and manner of Gods peoples RETURNE FROM BABYLON is contained in the book of EZRA So called from Ezra the Penman of it whose Acts also
with other writers unanimously receive it as part of the Canon Penman is not so unanimously determined upon among Authors Some thinks it was written by the men of the great Synagogue R. Moses is said to be of this opinion Or by Ioachim the Priest sonne of Iesus the High-Priest Philo Iudeus in Chronol Or by Mordecay as is conjectured partly from chap. 9.20 23. As The Latin Fathers The ground of whose conjecture seemes to come short Or by Ezra or Nehemiah who wrote the two former Histories of the Church of like Nature Isidorus Alsted Praecog Theol l. c. c. 120. But Eusebius in his Chronicles supposeth that the Penman was after Ezra This Book containes an History of the Church under the Reigne of Ahashuerus King of Persia from the third yeare of his Reigne Esth. 1.1 2 3. till the end of his Reigne viz. about 20. years for he reigned in all about 21. or 22. years This Ahashuerus is conceived to be Xerxes sonne of Hystaspis Ezr. 4.6 Iun. Annot. The time of this History is thus computed Ahashuerus makes his feast in his third yeare Esth. 1.3 Marrieth Esther in his seventh yeare Esth. 2.16 Haman conspires against the Iewes and is hanged in his twelfth yeare Esth. 3.7 and 7.10 Thence Esther reigns till the end of his Reigne Mordecai being chief Governour 10. y. Helvic chron Sâ—ope most lively to manifest How singularly vigilant God is over his Church in extreamest straits and deepest dangers not only to preserve her from them and advantage her by them but also to returne the plots of her cruell enemies upon their own heads when they are nearest execution Principall parts This Book declares the Jewes deliverance from Hamans plot both by what meanes and in what manner it was delivered I. Meanes of deliverance Esther advanced Of whose advancement here 's 1. The occasion c. 1. 2. The manner of it c. 2. II. The manner of the deliverance where are laid downe 1. Hamans cruell Plot against the Jewes c. 3. 2. The perill ensuing upon this Plot 1. Generally to all the Jewes c. 4. 2. Particularly to Mordecai himselfe c. 5. 3. Gods countermining of Hamans undermining designe 1. By advancement of Mordecai c. 6. 2. By ruining of 1 Haman c. 7. 2 Of the rest of the Jewes enemies whose slaughter was Impetrated c. 8. Perpetrated c. 9. 3. By producing out of all an happy prosperous quiet condition to his owne people II. DOCTRINAL BOOKS The DOGMATICAL or DOCTRINALL Books Thus farre of those Books which are more properly Historicall Now of the Bookes which were written in the same times with the former which declare to us the will of God in a more Doctrinall way and therefore for distinction sake called DOCTRINALL They are also called the Poeticall Books because it is conceived that they or most of them in Hebrew were written in Metre or Poeticall Measures which now are not so easie to be found out These DOGMATICALL Books containe in them Doctrines 1. Of more speciall and particular reference to some particular individuall person 2. Or of more Generall reference and respect to all Job 1. DOctrines of more speciall reference to a particular person are laid down in the Book of IOB so called because that precious man Iob and his various condition is the chiefe subject-matter of the Booke Some think that there never was such a man in the world as this Iob of which this Book speaks but account this booke rather Parabolicall then Historicall R. Moses Ben. Maimon in more Nebuchim part 3. § 22. And Thalmud Ord. 4. Tract 3. But this dreame is sufficiently refelled by that honourable mention that is made of this renowned Iob in other Scriptures both in Old and New Testament Ezek. 14.14 20. Iam. 5.11 Who this Iob was is more doubted 1. Some thinke that Iob came of Nahor Abrahams brother and that he was the third from Nahor thus Nahor Vz rIob and that he lived about that time that Israel was in Egypt Alsted Chron. p. 100 and p. 115. and p. 502. And Hieronym in Q. Hebr. Tom. 4. fol. 96. Seemes to incline hereunto especially seeing Iob is said to dwell in the Land of Vz Iob 1.1 and Vz was one of Nahors sonnes Gent 22. â—1 But that Land seems not to have received its name of Vz coetaneous to Abraham but rather from Vz son of Aram Sem's Nephew presently after the flood Gen. 10.23 As Gerh. well notes in exegesi loc Com. de Scrip. § 136. 2. Others rather are of opinion that Iob is the same which Iobab King of the Idumeans of the race of Esau Gen. 36.34 And that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 might be changed into 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the name Iobab into Iob either from the custome of the Hebrew tongue which oft-times changeth one letter for another or from the Aramick Idumean or other dialect of the Country where he sojourned or from the change of his condition in the world while prosperous he might be called Iobab the letter being doubled when in distresse his name contracted into Iob. See the like in case of Abraham Gen. 17.5 Of Naomi Ruth 1.20 This latter opinion is urged by Arguments not to be neglected 1. From the circumstances of place Iobab lived in the Land of Idumea Gen. 36.33 Iob in the Land of Vz a chiefe tract in Idumea Iob 1.1 Lam. 4.21 Hence Kings of Edom are called Kings of the Land of Vz Ier. 25.20 2. From description of their possessions Iobab had Regall Majesty Gen. 36.33 Iob had a Princely state not usuall to private men Iob 1.1 2 3. And also Princely Dignity Habit and Office Iob 29.9 12 14. 3. From Similitude of names As Moses reckons up among Esau's sons one Eliphaz who brought forth one Theman builder of a Town of his own name Gen. 36.10 15. So Iobs History mentions Eliphaz the Temanite Iob 2.11 Many Authors as the LXX interpret at the end of Iob. Euseb. demonstr Evangel l. 1. c. 5. Ambros. in Com. in Rom. 9. August de Civit. dei l. 18. c. 47. Gerh. quo supr § 134. vid. Mercer in Praefat in Lib Iob Com. in Iob 1.1 Penman of this book is not certainly known Some think it was Solomon but that 's scarce probable Iob living so long before Solomon and many Penmen of Holy Scripture intervening betwixt them Some that Iob penned this book himselfe because the expressions and speeches of Iob are laid down in such emphaticall and patheticall terms Some rather thinke that Moses wrote Genesis and Iob about the same time viz. a little before Israels departure out of Aegypt in the yeare of the world 2452. Alsted Chron. p. 100. R. Solomon and other Hebrewes favour this opinion Scope To evidence as in a mirrour the wise just and fatherly Providence of God to his own faithfull and upright servants even in midst of manifold deepest strangest and longest afflictions Hebrewes say Iob's calamity lasted 12 moneths Suidas saith seaven yeeres Principal Parts In this book
by 1. Prayer whence Psalmi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e Petitory or Praying Psalms 2. Prayse thanksgiving thence Psalmi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. the Gratulatory or Thanksgiving Psalms Penmen of the Book of Psalmes are supposed by some to be many and the Titles of divers Psalmes do import as much unto us Ten Pen-men are enumerated viz. David Solomon Moses Asaph Ethan Heman Ieduthun and the three sons of Korah but Augustine thinks David was Penman of them all de Civitat dei l. 17. c. 14. However David penned greatest part of them as the Titles and Testimonies in the New Testament do intimate Some thinke that Ezra after the Babylonish Captivity collected these Psalmes before dispersed into one volume Some think this was done by King Hezekiah's friends or servants before the Babylonish Captivity Athanasius in Synopsi Sum and Scope of the Psalms seems to be To set out the sweet entercourse and Communion betwixt God his Church and people in all outward Conditions and inward soul cases how therin they are weak or strong believe hope joy lament confesse pray vow praise the Lord c. as occasion requires and how God tries delivers comforts supports encourages instructs enables them and faithfully deales with them in all variety of their cases and conditions But every particular Psalme hath his particular Scope handling distinct matters upon distinct occasions Some being penned before some under some after the Babylonish Captivity as is evident Principal parts This Book is by the Hebrews divided into five Books viz. 1. From Psal. 1. to the end of Psal. 41. concluded with Amen and Amen 2. From Psal. 42. to the end of Psal. 72. shut up with Amen and Amen Ended are the Prayers of David son of Iesse 3. From Psal. 73. to the end of Psal. 89. closed with Amen and Amen 4. From Psal. 90. to the end of Psal. 106. ended with Amen Halelu-jah 5. From beginning of Psal. 107. to the end of Psal. 150. concluding with Halelu-jah This Division seems to arise from the peculiar close of these five Psalmes Or thus The Psalmes are either 1 Directed from man to God as the 1 Praying and 2 Thankesgiving Psalms 2 Or from God to man As the Psalmes which are 1 Hortatory 2 Consolatory 3 Didacticall 4 Propheticall The Particular unfolding of the Penman Kind Occasion Matter Scope and Principall Parts of every Psalme severally will make a large Appendix to this Tract and is reserved till some other opportunity 2. In Solomons Books the wisest of Kings 1 King 3.12 4.29 His Bookes are three which according to the severall Doctrines and matters comprised in them we may distinguish into 1 Proverbiall 2 Penitentiall and 3 Nuptiall It is hard to say at what time these severall Books were penned by Solomon yet perhaps the Nuptiall Book was penned in his younger years when his affections were more warme active lively in spirituals The Proverbiall Book in his manly ripe age when his prudence and parts were at highest most grave solid setled And the Penitentiall Book in his old age after all the vaine courses which he had lost himselfe in as the current of the Book seems clearly to evidence Proverbs 1. HIs Proverbiall Book called the PROVERBS OF SOLOMON because though it containe other's Proverbs yet most are Solomon's Prov. 1.1 In Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Misâ—le Shelomoh i. e. either Similitudes or excelling sentences that overcome and beare rule over the rest from mashal which notes dominion This book was penned not by one but by divers and that not at one but at severall times Solomon penned the nine first chapters in that Order as they are as also c. 10. to c. 25. Cartwright in loc Solomon was Author of the Proverbs also from c. 25. to c. 30. But the men of Hezekiah King of Iudah copied them out Prov. 25.1 probably they collected them out of other writings of Solomon and ranked them in this Order wherein we now have them Alsted Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 120. Cartw. in Prov. 25.1 and Iun. ibid. who thinkes they extracted these Proverbs out of the Records of the Acts of Solomon and digested them into a body most of these Proverbs appertaining to Ethicall and Civil administration The thirtieth chapter was penned by Agur sonne of Iakeh c. 30.1 of him we read elsewhere no further mention in Scripture He was a Prophet Prov. 30.1 His Proverbiall Prophecy is annexed to Solomons Proverbs perhaps because of mutuall resemblance between them The 31 th chapter containes the Proverbiall instructions with which Bathsheba trained up Solomon here called Lemuel in his tender years which instructions King Solomon committed to writing afterwards Iun. in loc Cartw. in loc The Scope To instruct men in true wisedome and understanding the very head and height whereof is the sincere feare of the Lord Prov. 1.2 to 8. To this end the Book is filled with choice succinct sententious Aphorismes Adages or Proverbs compendiously holding forth duties of Piety to God Equity to man Sobriety towards ones selfe Generall Distribution of the Book take thus I. Here 's Solomons Preface to his Proverbs w ch hath a methodicall texture and coherence in it self c. 1. to 10. II. Here is the whole Body or Book of the Proverbs themselves which are either 1. Solomons owne Proverbs which or most part are pithy distinct Aphotismes without method dependance coherence c. and these 1. Written by Solomon himselfe c. 10.1 to c. 25.1 2. Written by him and collected by the men of King Hezekiah as c. 25.1 to â— 30.1 2. Or others Proverbs by way of Appendix annexed to Solomons viz 1 Of Agur. c. 30. 2. Of Bathsheba but written by Solomon c. 31. Ecclesi 2. HIs Penitential Book Solomons Retractations or Recantations called in Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The WORDS OF THE PREACHER Eccles. 1.1 and to the same sense in Greek Latin and English ECCLESIASTES or The Preacher because Solomon being furnished with wisedome and manifold experience touching the vanity of all things besides true Religion preacheth the same to the Church for the instruction and warning of all Gods people This Book he wrote in extream Old age Repenting of his fall This seemes to be one of his last Acts according to that 2 Chron. 9.29 Scope of this Book is to evidence wherein a mans true happinesse consists viz. not in any sublunary naturall created excellency all such being vanity of vanities extreamest vanity and vexation of Spirit but only in true sincere feare of God and truth of Religion compare Eccles. 1.2 with Eccles. 12.13 14. Principall parts To this end touching true happinesse he insists upon it 1. Negatively showing where it is not to be found viz Generally not in any meer naturall sublunary treasure in this world Specially not in 1. Knowledge of all naturall things 2. Pleasures or sweetest earthly delights 3. Highest Honours Or 4. Compleatest riches c. 1. to c. 7. 2. Positively and Affirmatively
wherein true felicity is to be found and this he showes 1. Particularly declaring what are the degrees and meanes of happinesse so farre as a man may attaine thereunto in this imperfect life c. 7. to c. 12.8 2. Summarily in the close of the whole Book c. 12.8 to the end This Book is an undeniable Argument of Solomons repentance after his Relapse and consequently of his salvation Song of Songs 3. HIs Nuptiall Book treating of the spiritual Contract and Marraiage betwixt Christ and his Church called the SONG OF SONGS which was Solomons c. 1.1 and CANTICLES because of all Solomons Songs which were 1005. 1 King 4.32 This was the choycest and most excellent the matter thereof being one of the sweetest spirituall mysteries viz. the Churches spirituall espousals to and Communion with Jesus Christ that great mystery Eph. 5.32 Scope of this Song is under the Metaphor or Allegory of lovers upon Contract and intending marriage to shadow out to us that sublime spirituall happy union and Communion betwixt Christ and his Church inchoate in this life more imperfectly with the Iewes more perfectly with the Gentiles Consummate in the life to come This is carried on dialogue-wise betwixt Christ and his Church His friends and her Damosels being the foure speakers especially the two first As is the Custome of a Bridegroome and a Bride Principall parts of this Song of Songs I. The Inscription denoting the 1 kind of writing 2 Excellency 3 and Penman of it c. 1.1 II. The substance of the Song Streaming out a Torrent of spirituall love betwixt Christ and the Church laid down Dialogue-wise in a familiar Colloquy betwixt 1 Christ as the Bridegroome 2 The Church as the Bride and 3 the friends of them both rejoycing in the marriage All in a continued Allegory Herein are particularly 1. The Ardent desires of the Church after Christ as impatient of his absence with Christs acceptance thereof c. 1. ver 2. to 9. 2. The Reciprocall invitatory Commendations of one another and the mutuall gratulations and contentment of Christ and the Church in one another c. 1.9 to the end of c. 2. 3. The Churches renewed desires night and day at home and abroad in the City in the fields as it were to bring Christ neerer to her self c. 3.1 to 6. yea rather to have her selfe brought immediately to the full enjoyment of Christ in heaven v. 6. to the end 4. Christ most affectionately Prayseth his Church in her Members professing himselfe ravished with her faith graces and spirituall beauty c. 4.1 to 15. which is amplified 1. By the Churches selfe-denying acknowledging all her graces to come from Christ as the fountaine v 15. 2. By her Prayer for his influence to make her as a Garden of spices more and more fruitfull and for his presence to accept her fruit v. 16. 3. By Christs satisfying her desires comming into his Garden Accepting the fruits thereof and welcoming his friends c. 5.1 5. The Churches Spirituall Desertion in Christs withdrawing himselfe from her Where are I. The occasion of it Her carnall Scurity c. 5.2.3 II. The Manner of it withdrawing yet leaving some quickning grace behinde him v. 4 5. III. The Consequents of it in respect of 1. The Church her selfe v. 4 5 6. 2. The Watchmen abusing her ver 7. 3. The Daughters of Ierusalem whom she charged to signifie her distresse to her beloved ver 8. This charge is amplified 1 Partly by the inquiry of the Daughters of Ierusalem what Christ is ver 9. 2 Partly by the Churches Patheticall description of Christs transcendent excellencies ver 10. to the end 3 Partly by the inquiry of the daughters of Jerusalem after Christ c. 6.1 4 Partly by the Churches declaring to them where Christ was viz. He was now returned and gone down into his Garden c. 6.2 5 Partly by her affectionate complacency in Christ returned ver 3. 6. Christs sweet and consolatory deportment towards his Church after her Desertion and his returne to her Wherein 1. He assures her she is as precious in his eyes and as deare to his heart as ever c. 6.4 to 11. 2. He declares his desire after the Spirituall Spring of the Churches graces after the winter of her afflictions ver 11. 3. He discovers the Rapture of his ravished affections to her most sweetly inviting her to himselfe ver 12 13. most highly commending her throughout c. 7.1 to 8. and promising his presence and what he will do for her that she may become most delightfull to him v. 8.9 7. Finally the Church reciprocates her utmost affection to Christ for his love And this I. More Generally c. 7.10 II. More Particularly Her desire 1 That Christ and she may go together to view their Husbandry whether their plants did flourish and fructifie viz. The Gospel thrive ver 11 12 13. 2 That she may enjoy Christ most intimately and familiarly c. 8. 1 2 3. 3. That the Daughters of Jerusalem may not disturbe him ver 4. 4. That it may be considered what she hath forgone and undergone for Christs love ver 5. 5. That Christ would give her a fuller 1 Confirmation of his love setting her as a seale upon his heart and a fuller 2 Manifestation or evident assurance therof Setting her as a Seale upon his Arme strengthning helping her c. and this because she beares to Christ an invincible and unquenchable love ver 6 7. 6. That the Gentiles called A little Sister may be called and incorporated into the Church with the Jewes ver 8 9 10. This is amplified by Christs common care of both as one Vineyard kept by himselfe not by others as Solomons was ver 11 12. Christ teaching his Spouse her duty To her neighbours in publishing and bearing witnesse to his Truth To himselfe in Prayer and Thanksgiving ver 13. III. The Conclusion of the Song containing the Churches most Ardent Desire after Christs second coming that the marriage betwixt Christ and her selfe may be compleatly consummated in Heaven those Mountaines of spices c. 8.14 III. THE PROPHETICALL BOOKS THus farre of Books Historicall and Doctrinal Now to the Books Propheticall For distinction sake they are called PROPHETICALL because the matter of them is principally Propheticall though many Historical and Doctrinal passages are also inserted in them all along as there are many prophecies of things to come dispersed up and down the other Books which yet are principally Historical and Doctrinal These Prophetical Books are in all 16 Lamentations being counted an Appendix to Ieremiah they may be considered 1. According to the times of their prophecy and writing 2. According to their Order as set in our Bibles They are not placed in our Bibles in that method and Order as they were at the first spoken and written by the prophets I. According to the times wherein they were first prophesied and written These times are for most part discovered in the beginning of the severall Prophesies and of such we may determine certainly
or they may be collected from other Scriptures or the matter of the Prophesies of which we cannot conclude altogether so cleerly These times may be referred as the Historical books to three principall Periods viz. 1. Before 2. Neere or under 3. After the Babylonish captivity And if in these three periods we parallel these Prophets with those Historical Books they will notably help to cleer and explain one another I. Before the transportation of Israel into Babylon These Prophets prophesied and wrote viz. 1. Under Vzziah King of Judah and Ieroboam the second King of Israel IONAH he prophecied before or about beginning of Ieroboams Reigne See 2 King 14 25. As Iun. noteth in Ionah 1.1 About the close of his Reigne thinkes Drusius in Quaesitis Epist. 9. 1. AMOS See Amos 1.1 2. Under Vzziah Iotham Ahaz and Hezekiah Kings of Judah and Ieroboam King of Israel HOSEA Hos. 1.1 IOEL Ioel prophesied about the same time with Hosea as is thought because the things prophecied in Ioel relate to the dayes of Vzziah and Ieroboam See Iun. Annot. in Ioel 1.1 ISAIAH Isa. 1.1 here the days of King Ieroboam are not mentioned MICHAH Only under Iotham Ahaz and Hezekiah Mich. 1.1 3. Under Iosiah IEREMIAH Till the eleventh yeere of Zedekiah Jer. 1 2 3. being compared with Ier. 51.64 Iun. Annot. ibid. LAMENTATIONS Written by Ieremiah upon occasion of King Josiah's Death 2 Chr. 35.25 ZEPHANIAH Zeph. 1.1 OBADIAH Seems to be contemporary with Ieremiah compare his prophecy with Ier. 49.7 c. And Ezek. 25. 13. c. See Iun. in Obad. 1. NAHVM About the close of Iosiah's Reigne as the matter of the Book and the harmony of the History import So Iun. in Nah. 1.1 HABBAKKVK About the end of Iosiahs Reigne or in his sons Reign Iunius in Hab. 1.1 II. Neere upon and under the Babylonish Captivity DANIEL In the third yeere of Iehoiakim's Reigne Dan. 1.1 EZEKIEL In the fifth yeere of King Iehoiakin's Captivity Ezek. 1.1 2 3. III. After their returne from Babylons Captivity HAGGAI In the second yeere of Darius and the sixth moneth Hag. 1.1 ZECHARIAH In the second yeere of Darius the eighth moneth Zech. 1.1 MALACHI Last Prophecy of the Old-Testament Reproves the corruptions after building of the Temple See Iun. in Mal. 1.1 II. According to their Order as they are placed in our Bibles And so they are resolved into two Ranks viz. 1. The Greater Prophets viz. The foure first the Lamentations being annexed as an Appendix to Ieremiah so called not because these had greater authority then the others but from the greatnesse of their Bookes The prophecy of Isaiah being neer as big or bigger then all the lesser prophets together 2. The Lesser Prophets viz. The twelve latter Hosea c. Which were digested into one volumne of old by the Jewes called the Booke of the Prophets Act. 7.42 some of them being very small lest any of them should be lost All these books are named from their Penmen except the Lamentations I. The Greater Prophets are â—he Books of Isaiah Ieremiah Ezekiel Daniel Isaiah ISAIAH This Book is set first though in time Ionah Amos Hosea and Ioel seeme to have been before him perhaps because of the excellency of the Prophecy most frequently fully and clearly prophecying of Christ as if Christ had been exhibited already had suffered already Hence the Ancients called him Evangelisticus Propheta Propheticus Evangelista The Evangelicall Prophet and Propheticall Evangelist Or the Evangelist and Apostle of the Old Testament Christ and his Apostles greatly esteemed this Book it being oftner alledged in the New Testament then any other Book of the Old Testament except the psalms Some observe Isaiah to be quoted sixty times the Psalmes sixty foure times Alsted Ethiopians had great respect to this Book as appears Act. 8.27.28 Time of this Prophecy was in foure Kings Reigns Isa. 1.1 if we reckon from the death of Vzziah Isa. 6.1 till the fifteenth yeare of King Hezekiah when the Babilonish Ambassadours came to Hezekiah and saw all his Treasures 2 King 20. 12 13 14. He must at the least prophecy fourty five years but its probable he prophecied longer Scope To hold forth the true Messiah clearly as the only sufficient Remedy against all sin and misery Generall parts This Prophecy is either 1. Comminatory as it is for the most part till c. 40. these promises are now and then inter-woven Herein 1. The Jewes are threatned c. 1. to c. 13. 2. Enemies of the Jewesh Church are threatned for the Churches benefit c 13. to c. 29. 3. The Jewes againe are threatned with the Babylonish Captivity c. 29. to 40. 2. Promissory and that 1. For the Restauration of the Old Church of the Jews from the misery of that Captivity c. 40. to c. 49. 2. For the compleating and consummation of the Churches glory in Gospel times by Christ himselfe c. 49. to the end of the Prophecy Jeremiah JEREMIAH He was of the Towne of Anathoâ—h Jer. 1.1 a very young man when he began to prophesie Ier. 1.6 Time of his prophecy was in days of Iosiah Iehoiakin and Zedekiah Jer. 1.2 3. which must needs be fourty three years at least by computation both in Iudea and Egypt Scope To divorce the Iewes in his times from their many horrid sins denouncig heavy judgemenas against them But to comfort the true servants of God in their lowest misery with promises of Christ and threatnings against all their enemies Generall parts Herein are 1. The Preface containing the vocation of Ieremiah c. 1. 2 The Prophecy it self which is directed both against the Iews the enemies of the Jewes â— Against the Jews 1. in Iudea under King Iosiah c. 2. to c. 21. Under Iehoiachim and Zedekiah c. 21. to c. 43. 2. In Egypt c. 43.44.45 2 Against the Jewes enemies viz. Egyptians c. 46. Philistines and Tyrians c. 47. Moabites c. 48. Ammonites Edomites c. c. 49. Babylonians c. 50.51 3. Conclusion Historicall annexed to the Prophecy by some other then Ieremâ—ah c. 52. Lamenta UNto the prophecy of JEREMIAH may be annexed as an Appendix the Book of LAMENTATIONS called in Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Kinoth i. e. Lamentations 2 Chron. 35.25 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Echah viz. the first Hebrew word of the Book as many other Books are named by the first word of the Book This Book seems to be penned by Ieremiah the Prophet upon the death of that precious King â—osiah 2 Chron. 35.25 when the Jewes fell to their sinfull confidence in Egypt which Beginnings of sorrows and miseries gave Ieremy occasion he knowing by the spirit of Prophecy the judgments which should befall them to lament all the miseries from Iosiahs death till the destruction of the Temple and Ierusalem and captivity of the people in Babylon The foure first chapters are penned alphebetically as many Psalmes are for help of memory in such an excellent piece as this is In 1.2 4. chapters every verse begins
with a distinct letter of the Hebrew Alphabet c. 3. hath only every third verse so beginning Most mournefull melting patheticall affections abound in the whole Book Greg. Nazianzen Affirmed thus of himselfe As oft as I take this Book into my hands and read the Lamentations I perceive my speech to be stopped and I am overwhelmed with tears and methinks I see that Calamity as it were set before mine eyes and I joyne Lamentations with Jeremiah Greg. Nazianzen Or. 12. pag. 202. Paris 1630. Scope seemes to be this Lively to point out the severity and impartiality of Gods judgements even against his own dearest people the Iewes for their iniquities inviting them to repentance faith and prayer for obtaining of Gods favour in pardoning of sin and removall of judgement Principall parts Are I. Narratory wherein are contained 1. A most Patheticall Description of the wofull miseries overwhelming Ierusalem and Iudea yet all acknowledged to be most justly inflicted for their sin c. 1. 2. A mournfull expostulating lamentation for the desolating miseries upon all persons and affairs Civil or Ecclesiasticall in the whole Kingdome c. 2. 1. to 19. 3. The Prophets counsell to them to Convert to God and pray and he gives them a forme of words c. 2. verse 19.20 21 22. 4. The Churches sad complaints in one mans person of Gods many and heavy afflictions upon her c. 3. 1. to 18. 5. The Arguments of comfort wherewith the Church supported her selfe in these extremities v. 18. to 42. 6. How the Church eased her heart in crying to God for her selfe against her enemies v. 42. to the end 7. Most Patheticall Aggravations of her calamities c. 4.1 to 21. II. Minatory against the enemies of Israel c. 4.21 III. Promissory to the afflicted daughter of Sion c. 4.22 IIII. Petitory wherein the Church of God 1 bewaileth her miseries 2 Acknowledgeth sin to be the cause thereof 3 Deprecats his wrath 4 And implores his mercy c. 5. Ezekiel EZEKIEL He was descended of the Priestly stock Ezek. 1.3 Prophecyed in the land of Chaldea to the Captives and Gentiles in the fifth yeare of Iehoiachin's captivity Ezek. 1.1 2 3. Scope To comfort the Church of God in Captivity and to instruct them how to behave themselves therein amongst profane Heathenish Idolaters Generall parts Herein are I. The Preface setting forth the Prophets calling to this office Gods call c. 1. Ezekiels fearfulnes c. 2. Gods confirming and strengthning him c. 3. II. The Prophecy it self containing three Ranks of Sermons preached at severall times to severall persons c. 1. To the Iews whom he sharply rebuks threatens for their impieties in seventeen severall sermons c. 4. to c. 25. 2. To the enemies of Gods people whose ruine and destruction he foretels in eight sermons c. 25. to c. 33. 3. To the Jewes exhorting them to repentance and encouraging them to hope not only for an inchoate deliverance from Babylons slavery and that in six sermons c. 33. to c. 40. But also for a consummate spirituall deliverance from spirituall misery by Christ the Messiah and this is set out in vision 1 Of the new Temple to be erected c. 40.41 42. 1 Of the new Worship of God to be restored c. 43.44 3 Of the new Ierusalem and new earth that should be discovered c. 45.46 47 48. Daniel DANIEL Daniel was carried captive with the Jewes into Babylon Dan. 1.6 living and prophecying among the Captives a long time foretold future events to the end of the world Was a man of an excellent spirit Dan. 5.12 Author of this Book Matth. 24.15 Dan. 12.4 Scope To display unto Gods Church and people Gods wise and faithfull dealings with them in all states from dayes of Nebuchadnezzar till Christ for the comfort of the Iews and from Christ to the end of the world his peculiar Providence over his own in all their distresses and deliverances for the comfort of the Saints under the New Testament Generall Parts This book relates principally two sorts of matters viz. 1. Matters done already for time past laid down Historically c. 1. to 7. and these things are reported 1. Summarily c. 1. 2 Severally under the Babylonian Monarchy whereof we have 1 The Rise c. 2.3 2 The Growth c. 4. 3 The close c. 5. Or under the Persian Monarchy c. 6. 2. Matters to be done afterwards for future laid down Prophetically c. 7. to the end of the book He prophecies 1. Of future Calamities where in days of Belshazzar he had a double vision Of the foure beasts c. 7. Of the Ram and He-goat c. 8. In the time of the Persian Monarchy where he hath a double vision One in the first yeare of Darius the Mede c. 9. The other in the third yeare of Cyrus c 10. with the exposition of them c. â—1 2. Of the Elects deliverance from these calamities both before and after Christ to the worlds end though calamities of the Saints be sharp and long yet at last deliverance shall fully come and the promise thereof not faile but be exactly fulfilled c. 12. 2 The Lesser Prophets or Minor Prophets so called not because they had lesser Authority from God for their Propheticall office but because their Books are of a farre lesse bulk and volume then the former They are twelve Hosea Ioel c. Hoshea HOSHEAH he was sonne of Beeri Prophecyed the same time that Isaiah did Hos. 1.1 with Isa. 1.1 2. He prophecyed as is probable longer then any other of the Prophets in all about seventy years Principally deals against the ten Tribes of Israel now and then against Iudah His stile is sharp and succinct which makes him somewhat more dark and obscure Scope To convince the Iewes especially the ten Tribes of their many great iniquities especially of their idolatryes and to perswade them to repentance with hope of mercy Generall parts This Prophecy is either I. Parabolicall comprehending two Types The first being propounded c. 1. Accommodated c. 2. The second in c. 3. In both which under the Person of a Prophet he signifies in himselfe future events and evils that should befall the Kingdome and kingly house of Israel Captivity Blindnesse of the people Illumination and Conversion of a remnant by Christ. II. Plaine and naked And so it is Comminatory and Consolatory 1. Comminatory which is laid downe chiefly in three sermons or speciall Prophecies viz. 1. Against all Israel for their vanity inhumanity impiety too evident in the Kingdomes present bad Government dehorting Iudah from Israels sins both by the horrour of their injustice and feare of punishment c. 4. 2. Against Priests Israel and the kings house threatning ruine for their spirituall whoredome and obstinate backsliding from God observance of humane Traditions carnall conâ—idence in forraine Aid of Assyrians Contempt of Gods word casting off Gods Covenant and other wickednesses and hypocrisies c. 5 6 7. And all this under the Person of a judge 3. Vnder the Person of an Herauld he proclaimes Gods judgements against
Syrian of Antioch the Syrian language being one of the Hebrew dialects partly because herein somtimes is the Language of a Physitian very agreeable to Lukes profession as Act. 17.16 His spirit was stirred in him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. His spirit was in a Paroxysme the word is used by Physitians to signifie a sharp fit of an ague fever c. again the Contention was so sharp 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. there befell a Paroxysme this word is not used in all the New Testament by any but Luke and Paul whose companion Luke was 1 Cor. 13.5 Heb. 10.24 3. By the consent of ancient and moderne writers No doubt this Book was written by Luke of Antioch the Physitian Hieron in Praefaâ— Act. Luke the follower of the Apopostle and companion of all his Travell wrote the Gospel and put forth also another excellent volume entituled the Acts of the Apostles Hieronym de vir illustr And againe the Acts of the Apostles seem to import a bare history of the infancy of the new-born Christ but if we know Luke the Physiâ—ian to be the penman of them whose praise is in the Gospel we shall consider also that all his words are a medicine for a languishing soule Hieron praefat in Act. and out of him Beda 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The book of the Acts which Luke wrote Oecumen in Scholiis None but the unlearned and unskilfull can doubt whether Luke were Penman of the Acts c. Erasmus Occasion It is thought that Luke wrote this History at Rome during Pauls imprisonment there Hieron de vir illustr And that at the request of the faithfull brethren at Rome and by the command of Paul Dorotheus and Nicephor Hist. l. 2. c. 43. Alsted Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 123. The time of writing is referred to the sixtieth year of Christ the fourth of Nero 27th after Pauls conversion But the peculiar guidance of the Holy Ghost was the principall cause of Lukes writing both this and the former Book Scope To describe unto us the Rise Growth State and practice of the Primitive Christian Church in her infancy in the purest Apostolicall times how she observed and obeyed Christs Commandements to his Apostles after his Resurrection and before his Ascension speaking to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdome of God Acts 1.2 3. and this both in matters of faith worship Church-Communion and Church-Government that herein the Primitive Church might be an exemplary Patterne to the following Churches in all succeeding ages So that this is a most usefull Book to the Church of God Principall branches The Acts of the Apostles are laid down in this History 1. More generally The Acts of all the Apostles I. After Christs Resurrection till his Ascension c. 1 1. to 12. II. After Christs Ascension till the feast of Pentecost viz. Their devotion and their Election of Matthias to the Apostleship in room of Iudas c. 1 12. to the end III. At the feast of Pentecost how they preached and walked after they had extraordinarily received the Holy-Ghost c. 2. IIII. After the feast of Pentecost viz. 1. How the Apostles upon report of the miracle that Peter and Iohn had wrought upon the lame man and the doctrine they had boldly taught against all the oppositions and threats of the Priests and Elders powred forth their prayers against the enemies of Christ and his Gospel c. 3 4. to 32. 2. How themselves provided for the necessities of Christians that wanted c. 4 32. to c. 5. 3. How they wrought wonders to the conversion of many c. 5 12. to 17. 4. How the Apostles were imprisoned and beaten for preaching Iesus Christ and how stoutly they behaved themselves under these sufferings c. 5 17. to the end 5. How thuâ— Apostles appointed seven Deacons to take care of the poore whereof Steven being one wrought miracles disputed was accused answered his Accusation and is barbarously stoned to death c. 6. 7. 6. How the Apostles continuing at Ierusalem in the great persecution occasioning the dispersion sent Peter and Iohn to Samaria to preach to them The Holy Ghost also sending Philip to baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch and to preach c. 8. In which persecution Saul being a great actor was wonderfully converted and called to the Apostleship c. 9 1. to v. 32. 2 More specially The Acts of Peter and Paul are storied I. Peters acts viz. 1. His miracles wrought recovering Aeneas and raising Dorcas from death c. 9 32. to the end 2. His doctrine preached to Cornelius a Gentile c. 10. Defended against them of the circumcision that opposed his communion with the uncircumcised c. 11. 3. His imprisonment and miraculous release c. 12. II. Pauls Acts are recorded according to foure remarkable perâ—grinations or journeys which he took viz. 1. His first journey was with Barnabas to the Gentiles His Deeds and Acts in that journey are in c. 13.14 2. His second journey with Silas from Antioch to Ierusalem where 1. The occasion of the journey viz. the doctrine of certaine comming from Ierusalem That circumcision was necessary to salvation whereupon that famous Synod was called at Ierusalem c. 15. 2. Pauls Deeds and Acts while he was in Asia c. 16. 3. Pauls Deeds and Acts while he abode in Graecia untill he returned againe to Antioch c. 17. to c. 18. vers 22. 3. His third journey undertaken for the Ephisians sakes where note 1. Whence he went c. 18.23 c. 2. What way he travelled Going c. 19. Comming c. 20 3. Whither he came viz. to Ierusalem c. 21.22 23. Then to Cesarea where consider things done under Felix c. 24. under Festus c. 25. under â—grippa c. 26. 4 His fourth and last Journey which he took towards Rome c. 27 28. II. EPISTOLICAL BOOKS THE EPISTOLICAL BOOKS of the New Testament are All the Epistles written by the Apostles the Apostles being oft-times unable to instruct by their personall presence supplyed that by writing Epistles These Epistles are either written 1. To the Beleeving Gentiles Or 2. To the Beleeving Iews as was formerly noted To the beleeving Gentiles The Apostle Paul wrote his Epistles which are either 1. Generall written to whole Churches Or 2. Particular to some select particular persons Some do rank Pauls Epistles thus according to the persons to whom they were written viz. Pauls Epistles were written either To whole Churches either in Europe as to the Churches at Rome in Italie Corinth in Grecia Thessalonica in Grecia Philippi in Thracia Asia as to the Churches at Galatia in Asia Minor Ephesus in Asia Minor Colosse in Asia Minor Iudea and in other Nations dispersed as the Epistle to the Hebrewes To particular persons as to Timothy Titus Philemon Others endeavour and that not unprofitably to marshall Pauls Epistles in the Order of times and seasons wherein they were severally written which Order is not observed as they are placed in our Bibles And though the punctuall time when every Epistle was
Order of the Patriarchs that as Death by reason of sinne had Reigned over the six first Fathers Adam Seth Enos Cainan Mahalelel Iared but could not touch the seventh Enoch so death shall Reigne oveâ— the world 6000 yeeres which shall so long continue but in the 7000. yeeres eternall life shall begin and death shall be swallowed up in Victory 4. But others best of all understand here as the Text seems evidently to carry it Enochs verbal Prophecie which though not written yet Iude received by Tradition or rather by Revelation of the same spirit of God by which Enoch prophecyed and here recorded as part of the Divine Canon Obj. 3. Jude alleadges other Apostles sayings ver 17. Therefore seemes rather to be a Disciple of the Apostles then an Apostle himselfe especially seeing he cals not himselfe an Apostle but the servant of Jesus Christ ver 1. And therefore this Epistle not authenticall Ans. 1. Though it could be proved Iude was no Apostle yet it therefore followes not his Epistle is not Authenticall Mark and Luke not Apostles yet the three Books they wrote are of unquestionable authority The authority of Books of Scriptur are not from the Penmen writing them but from the Spirit of God inditing them 2. Daniel cites Ieremiah Dan. 9.2 Ezekiel cites Daniel Ezek. 14.19 Were they therefore not Prophets but Prophets Disciples Peter alleadgeth Pauls Epistles 2 Pet. 3.15 16. Was Peter therefore no Apostle but onely a Disciple 3. Iudes alleadging the other Apostles derogaâ—es not from the authority of his Epistle but proves that Iude wrote after both Paul and Peter in whose Epistle these predictions are extant 1 Tim. 4.1 c. 2 Tim. 3.1 2 Pet. 2.1 c. 4. Finally though Iudas here call not himselfe an Apostle that argues not therefore he was not an Apostle Iames in his Epistle Iohn in his three Epistles Paul in his Epistle to the Philippians and in both his Epistles to the Thessalonians superscribe not themselves Apostles were they therefore no Apostles But Iudas here stiles himselfe the brother of Iames and that 's full as much as if he had stiled himselfe an Apostle for the texts are expresse that Iudas the Brother of Iames was one of the twelve Apostles See Luk. 6.16 Act. 1.13 Obj. 4. But Iude the Apostle taught in Persia and therefore had he written this Epistle he would rather have written it in the Persian then Grecian tongue Ans. 1. It s not infallibly certain that Iude was in Persia when he wrote this Epistle 2. No necessity of the Apostles writing in the language of the people with whom they then lived Matthew lived among the Ethiopians Paul at Rome when he wrote some of his Epistles yet they wrote not in Ethiopick or Latin but in Greek Greek being then the most common language in the world the Holy Ghost would have Greek to be the Originall language for New Testament as the Hebrew especially for the Old And Iudes Epistle is Catholique or Generall and therefore was written in Greek the generall tongue When and Where this Epistle was written is uncertaine Some think this Apostle was in Persia or Asia Minor when he wrote it viz. A yeere before he dyed and that he there dyed anno 68. after Christ. Niceph. l. 4. c. 40.44 Probably he wrote after both Paul and Peter to whose writings he seems to have reference v. 17. the whole Epistle is as an Abstract of Peters second Epistle Occasion seems from the current of the Epistle to be those abominable heresies of the Simonians Nicolaitanes Gnosticks c. abounding in those times times who held Sin to be indifferent womeÌ„ al things to be common c. Oecumen Epiphan in Haeres Gnostic Sec. Iud. 3.4 Scope To warne all the faithfull in those times of the cursed and detestable Hereticks and Seducers that were cunningly crept in among them that they contend earnestly for the truth against all their damnable errours and Heresies and for purity and holinesse of life against all their impure lustfull licentious and ungodly pâ—actices Iude 3 4 8 10 20 21. Principall parts To this end are I. Inscription of the whole Epistle expressing 1. Penman who wrote this Epistle 2. Parties to whom it was written 3. The Salutation of them ver 1 2. II. The substance of the Epistle wherein are laid down 1. The maine Proposition or Exhortation To contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints ver 3. There being so many lascivious hereticall men crept in among them ver 4. 2. Arguments enforcing this exhortation upon them against these lascivious Heritiques demonstrating the damnablenesse and destructivenesse of their wayes 1. By examples of Gods vengeance for like impieties and impurities in former times viz. Upon Israel for unbeliefe ver 5. Upon Angels for Apostacy ver Upon Sodom and Gomorrha c. For their lusts ver 7. These examples he applyes to these Seducers 1. Describing them by their 1. Uncleannesse ver 8. 2. Despising and reproaching Magistrates ver 8 9. 3. Impudency in reviling what they know not ver 10. 4. Bruitish intemperance in carnall pleasures ver 10. 5. Cruelty to their brethren 6. Covetousnesse 7. Seditiousnesse ver 11. 8. Epicurisme in meats and drinks ver 12. 9. Hypocrisie 10. Instability 11. Deadnesse and Barrennesse to all good fruit ver 12. 12. Wrathfulnesse 13. Shamefull uncleannesse 14. Levity and inconstancy ver 13. 2. Threatning them in generall with woe ver 11 in particular with eternall destruction ver 13. 2. By Testimonies 1. Of Enoch ver 14.15 To which he adds further descriptions of their viciousnesse ver 16. 2. Of the Apostles themselves v. 17 18. where he further describes these Heretiques by their Separation from Church assemblies by their want of Gods Spirit v. 9. 3. Hortatory Directions by way of Remedy for 1. Mutuall edification 2. Prayer v. 20. 3. Love of God ver 21. 4. Different course to be taken by them in recovering severall persons from seducements v. 22 23. 5. Zeale against all impurity v. 23 III. Conclusion of the whole Epistle with adoxology to God who is able to keep them without spot and blamelesse c. v. 24 25. III. THE PROPHETICAL BOOK Viz. THE Revelat. THE PROPHETICAL BOOK of the New Testament prophetically foretelling what shall be the future condition of the Church of Christ in all ages to the end of the world is the REVELATION OF JOHN THE DIVINE This may well be called a Propheticall Book For 1 The Holy Ghost himselfe divers times stiles it A Prophecy Rev. 1.3 and 7.10 18.19 2 And the nature of the Book is chiefly Propheticall as the Series of the Book implyes and also some passages plainly testify that it treats of things which must shortly come to passe Rev. 1.1 and things which shall be hereafter Rev. 1.19 Title This book in Greek is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The Apocalypse or Revelation of John the Divine whereby are indigitated to us both the
nature of the Book and the Penman of it Nature of the Book A Revelation so called because it Reveals and makes known unto us secret hidden mysteries and future events It s true this Revelation is not without mixture of much intricatenesse and obscurity as all prophecies are enigmaticall and ambiguous to men till they be effected but when the time prophecied is come then they have a more clear and certaine exposition So Iraen Advers Haeres l. 4. c. 43. And this to exercise the Reader to search out the truth as August de Civitat dei l. 20. c. 17. hath well observed Penman or instrumentall Author of it viz. Iohn the Theologue or Divine What Iohn this was some question Eusebius mentions two Iohns whose monuments were to be seen at Ephesus viz. Iohn the Evangelist who wrote the Gospel and 1 Epistle of John and Iohn the Presbyter who wrote 2. and 3. Epistle of Iohn and the Revelation Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 39. To him also seems to incline Dionys. Alexandrinus in lib. de Repromissionibus But that this is a great mistake and that IOHN the Evangelist and Apostle was Penman of this Revelation may be cleared by these considerations 1. This Title attributes it to Iohn the Divine This Epithet we read no where to be given to Iohn the Presbyter but belongs to Iohn the Apostle and Evangelist 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by way of peculiar emphasis because like an Eagle he soares aloft writes more sublimely of the Divinity of Iesus Christ both in this Book in which D. Parâ—us hath observed XLVIII Arguments of Christs Divinity as also in his Gospel Iohn 1.1 c. and in his 1. Epistle And the King of Spaines Bible of Montanus Edition hath this Greek Title before the Revelation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The Revelation of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Iohn the Divine which Title clears this matter and is consonant to Rev. 1.1 2. whether it were prefixed by Iohn or after by the Church nor is it any way probable that Christ sent his Angel to any other Iohn then to the Apostle with this Revelation 2. Iohn the Penman of this Book is so descrâ—bed that Iohn the Apostle and Evangelist seemes plainly to be indigitated Revel 1.1 2. His servant Iohn Who bare record of the word of God and of the Testimony of Iesus Christ. Now how notably did Iohn beare record of the word of God and testimony of Iesus Christ see Iohn 1.1.2.14 and 1 Iohn 1 1. and 5.9 compared with Revel 19.13 3. The style much resembles that of Iohns Gospel and Epistles As for instance It is peculiar to Iohn to stile Christ The word compare Iohn 1.1.14 1 Iohn 1.1 and 5.7 with Revel 1.2 In his Gospell he stiles Christ the Lamb of God Iohn 1.29.36 so in the Revelation Christ is called the Lamb at least 28. times 4 That Iohn who wrote this Revelation had it in the I le Patmos made known to him who was there for the name of God and Testimony of Iesus Christ Rev. 1.9 And Histories mention no other Iohn but only Iohn the Apostle to be in Patmos Banished thither by Domitian the Emperour for the Gospel's sake neer to period of his Reigne as Funccius computes about the ninety seventh year after Christ. See Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 3. c. 16. and 18. 5. To these might be added the Harmonious consent of ancient Fathers who unanimously conclude that Iohn the Apostle penned this Book Dionys. Areopag who was Pauls disciple Act. 17. who wrote about the sixtieth year after Christ in those writings ascribed to him calleth the Apocalypse A secret and mysticall vision of the beloved Disciple Dionys. Eccles. Hierarch c. 3. Iustin Martyr who wrote in the one hundred and fiftieth year after Christ ascribes the Apocalypse to Iohn one of the Apostles of Christ. Iustin. in Dial. ad Tryphon To which passage Eusebius relating saith Iustin mentions the Apocalypse of Iohn plainly saying it is the Apostles Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 4. c. 18. Irenaeus who wrote in the eightieth year after Christ saith And what things soever Iohn the disciple of the Lord saw in the Apocylapse Iraen Advers Haeres l. 4 c. 50. and l. 4. c. 37. p. 373. A. Coloniae 1596. To these might be added the suffrage of many more as of Greek Fathers Clem. Alexand. Paedag. l. 2. c. 12. Athanas. in Synops. Epiphan Haeres 51.54 76. Chrysost. Hom. 5. in Psal. 91. of Latin fathers as Tertull. contra Marcion l. 4. Cyprian de eâ—hort Martyr c. 8.10.11.12 Ambros. in Psal 50 l. 3. de spir sanct c. 21. August de Civiâ— dei l. 20. c. 7. de Haeres c. 30. de Doct. Christ. l. 2. c. 18. videantur Annot. in Irenae l. 5. c. 30. p. 490. Colon. 1596. but in so plaine a case these may suffice So that by all this it s plainly evident that the Penman of the Revelation was Iohn the Apostle that wrote the Gospel and the Epistles The unfolding of his name and who he was more particularly See in Annot. to Iohn's Gospel Authority of this Book is not Humane but Divine For 1. This book was indited by Iesus Christ himselfe the faithfull and true witnesse who sent his Angel to testifie the same to Iohn the Apostle and by him to the Churches The Revelation of Iesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to passe and he sent and signified it by his Angel unto his servant Iohn Rev. 1.1 and towards the close of the book he saith I Iesus have sent mine Angel to testify unto you these things in the Churches Rev. 22.16 Note this Revelation was given by Iohn the Apostle to the Churches by an Angel to Iohn by Iesus Christ to that Angel by God to Iesus Christ How punctually then is the Divine Authority of it asserted 2. It was penned by Iohn the Apostle of Christ who was divinly inspired acted by the Holy Ghost as hath bin formerly manifested and therefore it is of divine Authority especially considering that this blessed Apostle was commanded by Iesus Christ to write this Book Saying I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last and whâ—â— thou seest write in a Book write the things which thou hast sâ—en and the things which are and the thingâ— which shall bâ— hereafter Rev. 1.11 19. See also Rev. 2.1.8.12.18 and 3.1 7 14. and 14.13 and 19.9 and 21.5 3. The nature of the book imports the divine Authority of it For 1. It is eminently Propheticall speaking of things that shall be hereafter Rev. 1.1 19. and 22.7 10 18 19. and the prophecies of this book are touching future events in reference to the Church to the end of the world till the Church the Lambs wife shall be fully ready for compleat marriage with the Lamb Rev. 19.7 8 9. So that neither ancient writers nor any other but such as were inspired with a spirit of
that sweet compound of love It was Moses his honour who was Gods peculiar favourite to be Penman of the first Book of the Old Testament And it was Iohn's honour who was Christs peculiar favourite to be Penman of the last Book of the New Testament oh what divine love and favour is made known unto the Church in all the volumes between the Armes of these two favourites 6. Finally God counts them blessed soules that read heare and keepe the words of this Prophecy Blessed is he that readeth and they that heare the words of this Prophecy and keep these things that are written therein Rev. 1.3 A blessed Book that renders them blessed who are practically versed in it The time when this Revelation was written was when Iohn was banished into the I le that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the Testimony of Iesus Christ Rev. 1.9.10 Iohn was banished into Patmos by that cruell persecutor Domitian in the fourteenth yeare of his Reigne saith Hieron Catal illustr vir in vit Ioan. Domitian reigned in all but fifteen years as Helvic observes and his fourteenth yeare was in the ninety fourth yeare after Christ Helvic in Chronol in the ninety sixth after Christ saith Pareus Prolegom in Apocal. c. 5. This Book is conceived to be written after all the Books of the New Testament Occasion of this Revelation seemes to be this Iohn being banished into the I le Patmos Rev. 1.9 10. doubtless gave himselfe to prayer and sacred meditations about the affairs of Christ and his Church whereupon Iesus Christ appeared to his beloved disciple in a spirituall ravishment showing him what was his pleasure both touching the present Churches of Asia and touching his whole Church to the end of the world thus comforting him and commanding Iohn to write his visions for the comforting of them Scope of this book is Generally To make knowne by Iohn unto the Churches both the things that then were and that should be thereafter Rev. 1.19 Particularly 1 To informe the Church of the many sharp conflicts she should have with Satan and his instruments especially Hereticks persecuting Tyrants and Anti-Christ himselfe that so she might not dream only of Halcyon dayes but might prepare more and more for the worst of stormes 2 To discover and point out in lively Colours that grand Anti-christ that the Church might run and read and most infallibly know who he is 3 As also to support and comfort the Church and all the faithfull over all their tribulations with the hopes of the utter overthrow of Anti-christ and all their enemies of their owne joyfull triumphs over them and of the happy condition which the Church shall afterwards enjoy partly in this world but chiefly in the world to come Though this book be most obscure and intricate yet these things may somewhat facilitate the understanding of iâ— If we shall 1. Keep the maine scope of the Book still in our eye 2. Compare the passages and phrases of the Revelation with those of other Prophecies as Rev. 11.4 with Zech. 4.3 11 14. Rev. 10.9 10. with Ezek. 2.8 and 3.3 Rev. 4.6 7 8. with Ezek. 1.5 6 7 8. Rev. 20.8 with Ezek. 18.2 and 39.1 Rev. 21.15 with Ezek. 40.3 c. 3. Parallel with this Prophecy the subsequent Histories after Iohn's time the Histories of the Roman Empire and Church which testify clearly what cruelty and persecutions the Romane Emperours successively raised up against Christians with what subtilty and fraud the B. of Rome did by degrees through the folly cowardise negligence c. of the Emperours step up into their throne and subjugate not onely Rome the Seate of the Empire but also the whole Empire it selfe to his dominion and pleasure whence we may derive not a little light to see what is meant by the opening of the Seals The Stars falling from heaven to earth The beast speaking great and blasphemous things The beast and false Prophet The image of the beast And the whore riding upon the beast with seven heads and ten hornes and ruling in the city on the seven hils c. 4. Consider prudently the experience of later and present times how accurately doth the description of the Beast and scarlet whore agree to the Papacy of the Locusts to the Romane Clergy and of the Frogs comming out of the mouth of the Dragon the beast and the false Prophet to the Iesuites and Romane Emissaries compassing sea and land and creeping into Kings palaces to gather them together to the warre of the great day of God almighty 5. Finally if we shall diligently read meditate and pray that the holy spirit who revealed these things to Iohn would reveale their sense and meaning to us These things may help us to untie many knots and render many difficulties easie Principall parts In the Book of Revelation are chiefly considerable 1 The Preface 2 The Substance of the Book and 3 The Conclusion The Preface which is â— Generall in reference to the whole Prophecy noting the Matter Author Penman and Profit of this Book c. 1. ver 1 2 3. 2. Speciall or particular in reference to the seven Churches of Asia Minor and in them to the whole Catholick Church figured by them wherein are 1. A Nomination of persons writing and written to 2. The Salutation 3. And a glorious Description of Jesus Christ ver 4. to 9. The Substance or Body of this Propheticall Book c. 1. v. 9. to c. 22. v. 6. Wherein is contained a Narration of the State of the Church I. Militant on earth c. 1. v. 9. to c. 20. v. 11. II. Triumphant in heaven c. 20. v. 11. to c. 22. v. 6. The Condition of the Church Militant is declared 1. For present what it was when Iohn wrote the Revelation c. 1. v. 9. to c. 4. v. 1. 2. For future what it should be till the judgement day c. 4. v. 1. to c. 20. v. 11. I. Uision I. Touching the State of the Church then present viz. The Asian Churches principally are laid downe two things viz. 1. A Preparation to the discovery of it by A Vision of seven Golden Candlesticks and seven Starres This is Iohn's first vision And here we have a description both of Iohn who had the vision as also of the vision it selfe both in respect of the 1 Forme of it The 2 Effect it had upon Iohn and the 3 Consequents ensuing thereupon viz. The Comforting of John Command to write the vision and the Interpretation of the vision c. 1. v. 9. to the end of the chapter 2. A Narration or Description of the Condition of Christs Church then present and this in Seven distinct Epistles directed to the seven Angels of those seven Asian Churches viz. 1. Of Ephesus c. 2. v. 1. to 8. 2. Of Smyrna c. 2. v. 8. to 12. 3. Of Pergamus c. 2. v. 12. to 18. 4. Of Thyatira c. 2. v. 18. to the end of the chapter 5. Of Sardis c. 3 1. to 7. 6.
the seven Angels to sound their Trumpets v. 6. II. Executory viz. the Angels actuall sounding of their seven Trumpets c. 8. v. 7. c. to c. 12.1 I. Trumpet sounded where consider 1. The Signe following Haile and fire mingled with bloud cast upon the earth 2 The effect thereof viz. The third part of trees burnt c. c. 8. v. 7. II. Trumpet sounded where 1. The Signe following viz. A great mountaine burning with fire cast into the sea 2. The effect ensuing the third part of the sea became blood c. c. 8. v. 8.9 III. Trumpet sounded where 1. The Signe ensuing thereupon A great star fell from heaven called worm-wood 2. The effects thereof viz. The third part of the waters became bitter and many died of them c. 8. v. 10 11. IV. Trumpet sounded where 1. The Signe viz. The third part of sun moon and stars smitten 2. The effects thereupon viz. day and night shone not for a third part c. 8. v. 12. Here is annexed by way of Preparatory Transition to the other three Trumpets John's vision of an Angel flying through the midst of heaven denouncing three Woes by reason of the three last Trumpets c. 8 13. I. Woe V. Trumpet sounded where note 1. The Signe appearing viz. A starre falling from heaven to earth 2. The foure effects of this starre falling viz. He opens the bottomlesse pit Thence raiseth up smoake Darkens Sunne and aire with the smoake and brings Locusts unto the earth out of the smoake which LOCUSTS are variously and notably described 3. The Conclusion shutting up the Calamities of this Trumpet and forewarning of them that follow c. 9. 1. to 13. II. Woe VI. Trumpet sounded c. 9. v. 13. to the end of the chapter Herein consider 1. The Command to loose the foure Angels bound in Euphrates v. 13 14. 2. Execution of this command v. 15. 3. The Description of the large Army of Euphratean Horses and Horsemen v. 15 16 17. 4. The Calamitous effects wrought by them v. 18 19 20 21. VII Trumpet Concerning which note 1. Preparatories to it 2. Sounding of it I. Preparatoryes to it it being the Trumpet of highest concernment because when that shall be sounded The mystery of God shall be finished as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets c. 10 7. are very largely premised c. 10 1 to c. 11.15 Which seems principally to be Consolatory to the Church against all her former and future tribulations and this by the Vision of a mighty Angel come down from heaven viz. Jesus Christ himselfe the Angel of the Covenant Touching whom here are 1. The Angels description c. 10. ver 1. 2. The Angels Actions 1. Held a little Book in his hand 2. Set his right foot on the Sea his left on the land 3. Roared as a Lyon 7. thunders ecchoing again 4. Swore that time should be no more but when the 7 th Angel should sound the mystery of God should be finished c. 10. v. 2. to 8. 3. The Angels commands to John 1. To eate the little Book in the Angels hand that he might Prophecy c. 10.8 9 10 11. 2. To measure the Temple Altar and worshippers but not the Court for it should be trodden under foot of the Gentiles 42. moneths c. 11. v. 1 â— 4. The Angels promises concerning his two Winesses and their Prophecy and how after they shall be killed by the Beast upon the finishing of their testimony They shall againe Revive c. 11. v. 3. to 14. Thus the Second Woe is ended and the third hastneth v. 14. III. Woe II. Sounding of the seventh Trumpet wherein the Mystery of God is finished And the Churches Miseries ended c. â— 1. v. 15. to the end of the chap. where consider I. Things heard in heaven viz. 1. Great voyces saying The Kingdomes of this world are become the Lords and his Christs c. ver 15. 2. The triumphant song or gratulation of the 24. Elders unto God for honouring himselfe and for the coming of his judgement to reward the Saints and destroy the earth ver 16. 17 18. II Things seene c. In Gods Temple opened in heaven viz. 1. The Saints Rewards The Ark of his Testament i. e. Jesus Christ. 2. The wickeds Rewards Lightnings voices thundrings earthquakes and great haile ver 19. The former Prophecy endeth IV. Uision THE II PROPHECY BEGINNETH Hitherto of the I. Prophecy or Systeme of Visions Denoting as is thought by some more especially the Condition of the last Empire viz. the Romane Now to the II Prophecy or Systeme of Visions contemporary with the former both in the Seales and Trumpets foretelling chiefly the future condition of the Church till the judgement day Herein chiefly are set down 1. The Tribulations and Persecutions of the Church by severall enemies 2. The deliverance of the Church by her enemies destruction 3. The happy condition of the Church upon her deliverance Though the common opinion of interpreters who take not any notice of 2 contemporary Prophesies and their Synchronismes but judge these Visions to be one continued Prophecy bring all that followes under the seventh Trumpet thus viz. The sounding of the seventh Trumpet is propounded I. Summarily c. 11.15 to the end of the chap. II. Plenarily and this either 1. By way of Recognition and fuller explaining of the former Seales and Trumpets in a digression c. 12 13 14. 2. By way of Prediction of things future under the seventh Trumpet more largely c. 15 16 17 c. For substance these will come much to one But le ts follow the former I. The Persecutions of the Church by severall enemies greatly distressing her in this whole fourth Vision c. 12. ver 1. to c. 15. ver 1. More particularly here note I. The Persecution of the woman that brought forth the man-child viz. Both Jesus Christ and the Primitive Church of the Jewes as some are of opinion even from her infancy and this by Dragon i. e as is expounded c. 12. ver 9. Satan c. 12. v. 1. to 17. II. The Dragons Persecution of and making war with the remnant of her seed Viz. as some thinke with the Church of the Gentiles where consider 1. The Dragons Resolution and endeavours thus to persecute c. 12. v. 17. 2 The instruments of Persecution incited and imployed by the great Red Dragon viz. 1. The Beast rising up out of the Sea having seaven heads and ten hornes c. 13. ver 1. to 11. 2. The Beast rising out of the earth having two hornes like a Lambe and speaking as a Dragon c. c. 13. ver 11. to the end of the chap. 3. The event of this Persecution viz. The Saints Victory through their constant and faithfull confession of Christ even to Martyrdom this their victory being exellently amplifyed by the Causes and Effects of it c. 14. 1. to the end of the chap. V. Uision II. The Deliverance of the Church by the destruction of her enemies represented in the Vision of the 7. Vials