he threatned not lest he should seem desirous of revenge 180. Deut. 30. 11. The commandement which I command thee this day is not hidden from thee neither is it far off Joh. 5. 39. Search the Scriptures Moses understands not only legall precepts but Evangelicall also which God writes in our mouth and our heart Christ commands us to search the Scriptures to increase our knowledge by because we know hereby in part c. 1 Cor. 13. 9. 181. Deut. 30. 15. I have set before you this day life and good death and evill Joh. 8. 24. Ye shall die in your sins Moses foreshewes favour to those that keep the Law and wrath to the trangressours Christ threatens the Jewes the servants of sinne with death and eternall destruction 182. Deut. 30. 19. I have set before you good and evill Rom. 6. 16. Wicked men are the servants of sin In the first place it is spoken of Gods people In the latter of the wicked who are called the servants of sin that run after it with greedinesse it reigns in them and their will leans to evill 183. Deut. 31. 2. Moses was a 120. years old Psal 90. 10. The dayes of our years are 70. or 80. Moses obtained long life by a singular priviledge from God The term of our life is 70. or 80. years or at the most 100. years as Ecclus. speaks 18. 9. 184. Deut. 32. 21. I will provoke them by those that are not a people Rom. 10. 19. Mat. 10. 5. Enter not into the way of the Gentiles rather go to the lost sheep of Israel In the former place is understood the calling of the Gentiles In the latter a temporary command of Christ by which he would that the Gospell should first be preached to the Jewes and then according to Moses Prophesie to all Nations and people 185. Deut. 32. 39. I am alone and there is not other God 2 Cor. 4. 4. The Devill is called the God of this world Jehovah is the true God the Devill is called the God of this world because he inclines the minds of wicked men to mischief and they obey him rather then God 186. Deut. 32. 35. Revenge is mine I will repay saith the Lord. Rom. 13. 4. The Magistrate is the revenger of Gods wrath on them that do evill That is Gods revenge which is done by the Magistrate therefore the Scripture forbids not publick revenge by Gods Ministers the Magistrates but onely private revenge 187. Deut. 34. 10. There arose not a Prophet since in Israel like to Moses Matth. 11. 11. Amongst them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater then John the Baptist In the old Testament Moses was the greatest Prophet in the new Testament Jobn Baptist who pointed out our Saviour with his finger JOSHUA THis Book was written by Joshua the son of Nun who brought the people of Israel over Jordan into the Land of Canaan conquering the Cities and killing their enemies and divided the land amongst the tribes of Israel he lived 18. years after Moses 188. Josh 1. 5. None shall be able to stand against thee all the dayes of thy life Chap. 7. 4. Three thousand men fled before the men of Ai. The promise was conditionall that if they would be obedient unto God but because the Covenant was violated and the condition not performeds on the peoples part therefore the violaters of the divine Covenant were punished 189. Josh 1. 11. Prepare your victuals Exod. 16. 20. Manna remained till the next day Joshua understood not Manna alone but other provisions which he would have them buy of the children of Esau Deut. 2. 6. 190. Josh 1. 11. After three dayes you shall passe over Jordan Chap. 3. 4. That was done many dayes after Joshua speaks according to his humane intention hoping that the spies would return to him within three dayes but because they were forced to lie hid in the Mountains untill such time as those that sought after them were returned therefore that passage of Israel over Jordan was delayed 191. Josh 2. 14. The spies promised to Rahab life and safety Deut. 20. 13. Thou shalt destroy every Male thereof with the edge of the sword The enemies of the true God and of the people of Israel were to be destroyed Rahab with her Father and brothers was well minded towards the spies and joyning her self to the people of God forsook the mad Idolatry of the Heathens 192. Josh 4. 5. Take you up every man a stone upon his shoulder according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel that it may be a signe among you Exod. 14. 22. Passing through the red sea they did not do so At the Commandement of God in memory of the drying up of the water of Jordan and their passing over this was done that it might be a monument of Gods benefits Moses did not the same in his passage over the red sea because he had no command of God for it 193. Josh 5. 7. Circumcision was intermitted in the wildernesse for 40. years Gen. 17. 14. The man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised that soul shall be cut off from my people Circumcision was intermitted during the time of the exile and peregrination of the children of Israel because of their continuall journying which did hinder it for it did cause great pain and languishing to the body 194. Josh 6. 4. On the seventh day the Souldiers and the seven Friests shall compasse the City seven times Exod. 20. 8. Remember to keep holy the seventh day Deut. 5. 15. Ezek. 20. 12. That was a speciall and singular law of God There are many things of this kind saith Justinus in the sacred Bible which God imputes not to men as sin because of the necessity that fell out as Circumcision the eight day The seven times compassing about Jericho the offering of sacrifices on the Sabboth c. 195. Josh 7. 15. He that shall be taken with the cursed thing shall be burnt with fier Vers 16. Achan with his children was stoned by the Israelites The fault of Achans sacrifice and violation of the Majesty of God by him and his children was mitigated for he was first stoned and then burned he and all that appertained to him 196. Josh 7. 24. For Achans sin were his children killed also Deut. 24. 16. The children shall not die for their fathers 2 King 14. 6. Ezek. 18. 20. Achan did not only commit sacriledge but also high treason and therefore both he and his family were to die for it for if for rebellion against earthly Majesty committed by parents the children are justly punished in civill judicature much more shall God justly revenge the rebellion of parents upon the children unto the third and fourth generation unlesse their Exod. 20. 5. children repent for it 197. Josh 10. 26. The King of Hebron was hanged Vers 37. He was slain with the sword The first King being taken was strangled the
second who succeeded him fell by the sword 198. Josh 11. 19. There was not a City which yeelded not it self up to the children of Israel Yet in the time of the Judges and the Kings many Cities were not in their possession Joshua took all the Cities he came at by force and those that were to be taken and they were to be delivered to Israel for a possession 199. Josh 15. 8. Jerusalem was in the tribe of Judah Chap. 18. 28. Benjamin is numbred In the borders of Judah and Benjamin at first they were two small Cities at last they were joyned into one and fortified with a wall round about 200. Josh 15. 63. The children of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites unto this day 2 Sam. 24. 18. The Jebusites were in their own possessions in the time of David who bought the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite Because the Israelites spared the Jebusites and the Benjamites took them into their protection so that the remainders of them were tolerated unto Davids time that succeeded ill to the people of Israel who by their society were Exod. 1. 21. drawn to Idolatry JVDGES THis Book is so called from the Judges of the people of the Jews It contains the condition of the children of Israel after the death of Joshua under 16 Judges The Idolatry of Micha The wickednesse of the Gibeathites The slaughter of the Benjamites It was written by Samuel It contains the History of 300. years 201. Judg. 5. 31. Let all the enemies of the Lord perish Prov. 25. 21. If thy enemy hunger Mat. 5. 44. Luk. 6. 35. Rom. 12. 20. feed him with bread if he thirst give him water to drink We must do good to our enemies but not to Gods enemies and for private injuries we must not curse them but as they are Gods enemies of whom there is no hope of their conversion out of zeal of a S. Spirit we may pray also for their destruction 202. Judg. 6. 17 36. Gedeon asketh a signe from God Mat. 12. 39. An evill generation seek for a signe Gedeon was confirmed in his office by a signe given from God so Moses and Joshua Christ cals the Pharisees an evill generation justly because they out of curiosity sought for a signe Let us be content with the word of God 203. Judg. 6. 21. Gedeon sacrificed on a rock Lev. 1. 5. The sons of Aaron shall offer the sacrifices on the Altar Gedeon offered the matter of the sacrifice to the Lord and God himself was the Priest in burning the offering nor was there any Leviticall officer present and the event teacheth us that what Gedeon did was from divine instinct 204. Jugd 11. 39. Jephtha did according to his vow Vers 31. Whatsoever cometh forth of the dores of my house to meet me I will offer up for a burnt-offering to the Lord. Deut. 12. 31. The Lord hates all the abominations that the Gentiles used to their Gods and those that offered us their sons and daughters and burned them in the fire Jephtha vowed disjunctively that whatsoever should first meet him out of his house should be the Lords that it should be either sacrificed or deputed for Gods service for he knew that all living creatures could not be offered in sacrifice to the Lord therefore he consecrated his daughter for the work of the Sanctuary Ve. 38. for she being sanctified to God knew no man and she bewailed her virginity 205. Jud. 13. 7. Samson was a Nazarite from his mothers womb unto the day of his death Mat. 2. 23. It was fulfilled in Christ he shall be called a Nazarite The Nazarites in the old Testament were votaries according to Law Num. 6. who gave themselves wholly to meditate upon divine matters and others which were born so as Samson here on whose head never rasor came nor was his head ever shorne others were called so both wayes joyntly Christ was prefigured by them who was most free from all uncleannesse commonly called a Nazarite because he was brought up in the Town of Nazareth 206. Judg. 16. 31. Samson killed himself Exod. 20. 14. Thou shalt not kill Samson killed not himself with the Philistins by any rashnesse of his own but he did that by the instinct and power of God and was a figure of Christs overthrowing our enemies RUTH IT is so named from Ruth a woman Samuel describes in this Book Ruths dutifulnesse to her Mother in Law and the integrity of Boas who was Davids Grandfather 207. Ruth 3. 4. Naomi perswades Ruth to lie down at Boas feet 1 Tim. 2. 9. Women adorning themselves with modesty and sobriety That was indeed a dangerous counsell nor must it be drawn in for an example Naomi was brought on to do that by the Law of raising children to the brother that was dead Yet God hindred that no dishonesty happened thereby 208. Ruth 4. 13. Boas took Ruth and she was his wife and he went in unto her Deut. 7. 3. You shall make no marriages with them Moah who was the son of Lot of his posterity they were not forbid to marry wives but of the Hittites Gergeshites Ammorhites Cananites Perisites Hivites Jebusites c. Ruth followed the true Religion and the Nation of the Jews and not the Moabites The two Books of SAMVEL Heb. Schemuel IN the first Book is described the life and death of Samuel with the Government of Saul In the second the translation of the Kingdome to David and his administration of it Samuel writ the first book to the 25. Chapter The rest with the second Book were writ by Nathan and Gad both Prophets In these two Books is contained the History of 120. yeares 209. 1 Sam. 3. 13. Eli knew his sons did wickedly and he restrained them not Chap. 2. 24. He said to his sons Wherefore do you all these things that I hear of you from all the people do not so my sons it is no good report The correction of Eli in reproving his sons was too gentle nor is it accounted for a restraint Chrysostome saith if Eli had been unreproveable in Mat. hom 17. himself in his life he should more sharply have corrected his sons treading under foot the Law of God therefore was he justly punished 210. 1 Sam. 7. 2. From the day that the Arke of God abode in Kirjath-jearim the time was long for it was twenty years and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. 1 Chron. 13. 6. David in the fifth year brought it from thence The Ark was in Kirjath-jearim unto the days of Saul who first brought it into the Army and then sent it back to its place David being made King first translated it to Obed-edoms house and after that unto the mountain of Sion 211. 1 Sam. 9. 16. Thou shalt anoint him to be Captain over my people Israel for I have looked upon my people because their cry is come unto me Hos 13. 11. I gave thee a King in mine
known the Father in him 756. Joh. 14. 12. He that believeth on me the works that I doe shall he doe also and greater chap. 3. 2. No man can doe those Miracles that thou doest Christ means not works of divine Creation Redemption or Sanctification but of his mission such Miracles as he wrought in the world such and greater then they were wrought by the Apostles whose shadows cured sick men as they passed by after Christs Ascension and the wonderful conversion of the Gentiles followed 757. Joh. 14. 13. chap. 16. 24. Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my Name that will I do Ask and you shall receive Jam. 4. 3. Ye ask and receive not We ought to ask in Christs Name in full confidence of his merits with true faith and without doubting spiritual or corporal blessings with exception of Gods will and our own salvation in all occasions and in all our prayers they that ask so receive and they that receive not ask amisse 758. Joh. 14. 23. If any man love me he will keep my words vers 23. The Word which ye hear is not mine The Word that Christ taught was his but not any invention of his but his Fathers Word which he was sent into the world to preach 759 Joh. 14. 23. And we will come unto him and make our abode with him Rom. 7. 20. Sin dwelleth in me vers 14. I am sold under sin The first place is concerning the inhabitation of the Sacred Trinity in the spiritual part of a regenerate man The latter is of the dwelling of sin in our carnal members 760. Joh. 15. 15. I call you not servants but friends Mat. 25. 21. Well done good servant The Disciples were Christs servants by right of creation redemption and vocation friends by right of adoption communication and patefaction Aug. tr 55. on John 761. Joh. 15. 15. All things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you chap. 16. 12. I have yet many things to say unto you In the Scriptures some things are said to be full which are to be fulfilled in the former place Christ speakes concerning the knowledge of God and the perfect worship of Christians in it self in the latter concerning the understanding of this Word which the Disciples by reason of their rudenesse could not bear before they had received the holy Ghost nor did they understand it 762. Joh. 16. 13. The Spirit of Truth shall guide you into all Truth Gal. 2. 11. Peter erred after he had received the holy Ghost The Apostles were led into all truth in parts and degrees of it After they had received the holy Ghost they erred not in doctrine in writing or teaching but in life and conversation such was the errour of Peter which was to be reproved whilest he conversed amongst the Gentiles 763. Joh. 16. 24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my Name Mat. 6. 9. Luk. 11. 2. He had given them the form of Prayer before The Disciples did indeed pray before but not so plainly with a clear knowledge of Christs Office that their prayers should be heard for the Messias that was sent 764. Joh. 16. 26. I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you Rom. 8. 26. He makes intercession for us Christ alone doth not pray for us but we also must come to the Father and in his Name at his command pray in full assurance which is necessary for our salvation 765. Joh. 17. 3. That they may know thee Father to be the only true God Act. 20. 28. The Son is God chap. 5. 4. The holy Ghost is God Onely here doth not exclude the Persons in the Divine Essence but creatures and Idols which are no gods 766. Joh. 18. 20. I speak openly to the world and in secret have I said nothing Mar. 9. 28. He taught his Disciples privately in the Desert In the first place he speaks of his doctrine which he brought from Heaven that he might reveal it to all men and teach it publickly and in the temple not in private corners In the latter place he taught privately explaining those things which he had taught publickly 767. Joh. 19. 9. Jesus answered not Pilate 1 Tim. 6. 13. Christ Jesus before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession To Pilates question first Christ did not answer because he stood before him to suffer and not to plead or excuse at length he gave testimony to the Truth in words and deeds for his passion and death were a sufficient testimony and sealing of his doctrine 768. Joh. 20. 1. Christ rose on the first day of the week Mat. 12. 40. The Son of Mâ—â— shall be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth untill the third day This is a Synecdochical computation of time for the least part of the day of the preparation is taken for a whole day and the beginning of the day after the Passeover or the Sabbath is taken also for a whole day Christ was three days in the grave but it was incompleatly three days so also he was two nights in the grave the night before being added to them 769. Joh. 20. 1. Mary Magdalen came early when it was yet dark unto the Sepulcher Mar. 16. 2. Very early they came to the Sepulcher at the rising of the Sun When it was yet dark very early in the morning she went out of her house and the City waiting for the rest of the women with which afterwards she came to the Sepulcher at the Sun-rising 770. Joh. 20. 17. Touch me not Ver. 26. Reach hither thy finger Christ after the Resurrection would not be touched of Mary Magdalen who only sought him after a carnal way and thought of enjoying him no otherwise then she did formerly by his earthly presence amongst them But he commanded Thomas to touch him that his faith being confirmed he might be a more certain witnesse of Christs Resurrection The ACTS of the APOSTLES LVKE the Evangelist describes either in generall all the Acts of the Apostles or in speciall Peters Preachings Acts Visions Miracles Imprisonments the Conversion of Paul his Travels Disputations Miracles Bonds Imprisonments and the History of the Primitive Church after Christs Ascension from 26 years unto the 60 year from Christs Nativity 771. Acts 1. 1. Of all things that Jesus began both to do and teach Luke wrote John 21. 25. There are also many other things which Jesus did the which if they should be written every one I suppose that even the world it self could not contain the books that should be written Luke in the first Book wrote of all things necessary for our salvation though not of all things but summarily concerning the conception of Jesus Christ his Nativity Life Passion Death Resurrection and Ascension into heaven August Christ did many things that are In John Tract 49. not written as John the Evangelist witnesseth but those things were chosen to be written which might suffice for the salvation
Prophesie God shall take away his part out of the book of life Mat. 7. 23. False teachers and hypocrites have no part in the Book of life They are said to be blotted out of the Book of life Metaphorically and not properly also negatively because they were not written in also positively as their heresie is made manifest that we may collect that they were not written in the Catalogue of the Elect. 1050. Rev. 22. 20. Even so come quickly He is not yet come The coming of Christ is corporall and spirituall visible and invisible Invisibly he comes alwaies to us and is present with us by his grace and power Visibly he came by his lowly Incarnation to save his people He will come quickly that is he will be suddenly here in the end of the world in glory at the last day and shall render to every one according to their works Jude v. 25. To the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power now and for over Amen FINIS Courteous Reader THese Books following are Printed and sold by Simon Miller at the Starre in St Pauls Church-yard near the West end Folio The Harmony Chronicle and Order of the New Testament with Variety of Observations upon the chiefest difficulties With an additionall Discourse of the Fall of Jerusalem and the Condition of the Jews in that Land afterward By John Lightfoot Dr in Divinity In fol. The Civil Warres of Spain in the Reign of Charles the 5th Emperour of Germany and King of that Nation Wherein our late unhappy differences are parallel'd in many particulars In fol. Quarto Abrahams Faith or the Good old Religion Wherein is proved that The Religion that is the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England is the only true Catholike and unchangeable Faith of Gods Elect. By John Nicholis Minister of the Gospel In 4o. Mr Robert Bolion's Generall Directions for a Comfortable walking with God In 4o. The Anatomy of Mortality By George Stroode In 4o. Mr Henry Ainsworth on the Canticles In 4o. Mr Paul Baynes Diocesans Triall In 4o. The Supream Power of Christian States Vindicated from the Insolent pretences of Gulielmus Apollonii By E. Gralle Severall Politique and Military Observations of the Civil and Military Governments the Birth Increase Decay of Monarchies the Carriage of Princes Magistrates Commanders and Favourites By D. P. Esq The Meritorious Price of Christs Redemption By W. Pinchin of New-England 4o. Astrology Theologized In 4o. Jo. Lilburn's Triall at Guild-Hall Octavo The Reconciler of the Bible wherein above two thousand seeming Contradictions are fully and plainly reconciled being necessaray for all those that desire to understand the Sacred Scriptures aright unto salvation 8o. Mr Ed. Waterhouse Esq his Discourse of the Piety and Charity of Elder Churches and Christians Together with those their Vertues parallel'd by Christians Members of the Church of England 8o. An Antidote against Popery being a full discovery of the ridiculousnesse of the Masse and other vain Ceremonies of the Church of Rome By Peter du Moulin 8o. A short View and Defence of the Reformation of the Church of England by K. Edw. and Queen Elizabeth wherein her Doctrine Discipline and Liturgy are considered and prefer'd before all others A Book of Schemes or Figures of Heaven ready set for every 4 minutes of time Rudiments of the Hebrew Tongue necessary for all that desire to understand the Holy Bible in the Originall By H. Knoales 8o. Duodecimo Mr Robinsons Essaies In 12o. The duty of Children to Parents published upon occasion of the many sad disasters that have lately befallen disobedient children In 12o.
THE Reconciler OF THE BIBLE WHEREIN Above Two Thousand seeming Contradictions throughout the Old and New Testament are Fully and Plainly Reconciled Being necessary for all those that desire to understand the Sacred Scriptures aright unto SALVATION By J. T. Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed for Simon Miller at the Star in St. Pauls-church-yard neer the West end M. DC LVI Imprimatur Edm. Calamy To the Reader THE Scripture of the Old and New Testament 2 Tim. 3. 16. revealed from God by the Prophets and Apostles since it is the rule of heavenly doctrine it ought to be held in high account amongst us For so many as walke according Gal. 6. 16. to this rule peace be on them and mercy and upon the Israel of God c. But for as much as the enemies of divine truth are adversaries to those who continue in the same it is no wonder that they fear not both to resist the spirit by whom it was inspired and to accuse the work of contrariety and imperfection Though the Scripture have no reall contrarieties indeed in its self for the Spirit of God by 2 Pet. 1. 21. whom those holy men that writ it were led being not Chrys in Gen. hom 1. contrary to himself did so govern the matter that it should wholly agree in all parts yet some apparent contrarieties there are in it which cause some difficulty to the Reader yet the whole body of the Doctrine is not therefore to be accused of obscurity as though the will of God could not thence be certainly known concerning things which appertain to Religion Nothing is searched out there which is not to be found easily in some other place nor is there any opposition in the Scripture witnesse Aug. lib. 5. c. 8. de Genes I will never dare to think saith Justin Martyr in Dial. cum Tryph. Judaeo nor speak that the Scriptures can be adverse to themselves but if any Scripture seem to be so and hath a colour as though it did contradict some other Scripture I will rather confesse that I understand not the things there spoken being certainly perswaded that no part of Scripture can be opposite to any other part thereof c. This is that I undertake to prove in this Reconciliatory Bible wherein are reconciled above Two Thousand places of the Sacred Scripture opposite in appearance in a plain order by the Canonical books of the Old and New Testament short collections of each Book and Chronologicall numbers being set down before them and the truth of the divine word is proved to be uniforme to the honour and love whereof all that doubt of the consent of the same are modestly invited Some man perhaps will object that some things are borrowed by me from others which I deny not for in compiling this Synopsis I thought it more safe and discreet to follow the steps of the most approved Interpreters then without the authority of famous men in this most corrupt age which is full of Error and Heresie to invert any thing of my own brain and to publish it to the world And I hope that the Curteous Reader and the equall censurer are not ignorant that in the study of Divinity nothing can be said now that was not said before And it is most profitable that many Books should be Eccl. 110. Aug. tom 3 de Trin. lib. 1. c. 3. made by many men of the same things in a divers style but not in a different faith And he shall finde that I have compendiously gathered together in this Concordance that which the greater works of learned men contain more at large so that here he may as it were at a single view comprehend the matter Let those famous men have the praise who have set forth large handfuls in this harvest I would not that any one should derogate from their Orthodox labours but let them have it rather then my selfe Yet I doubt not but that he who was and is effectuall in their large and learned Commentaries will supply me with his grace and be present to these gleanings If any one condemn my brevity and rudenesse of my style I sought to be brief but not obscure because brevity is profitable and is accounted most acceptable alwayes by this there is nothing lost in the substance My religious mind bad me stop this little body with solid meat not with lofty and windy words if there be any thing found in it that is not as it should be I crave pardon what is not spoken religiously enough let it passe as not spoken far be it from me that I should arrogate to my self as though I had exactly written without error for I am not he of whom it may be said He made it in the perfect tense D. Mart. Luth. in praef but I stand in the last ranke who scarse dare say I would have made it yet in great matters it is suffient to be willing Wherefore I being much sollicited by some like my self that is of the meaner sort and by the most pious desire of my intimate friends by this little Book of mine first intended for private use I would nay I am obliged to do them good but not them who suppose they better understand these things For who is sufficient for these things Christian Reader I do patiently and willingly beg of thee that according to thy Piety and Candor thou wouldest sincerely interpret of this my study and duty performed in collecting these Concordances of the Bible and wouldest look upon it with the same minde that I writ it that is with a single and good eye Our Lord Jesus Christ who of God is made 1 Cor. 1. 30. unto us wisdome and righteousnesse and sanctification and redemption in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Sanctifie reconcile and enlighten us by his holy Spirit that being reconciled in him we may remain for ever to the praise of his divine grace and our own salvation Which is the desire and prayer of Your dayly Orator at the Throne of Grace J. T. RECONCILIATIONS Of the Places of the OLD-TESTAMENT THE sacred Scripture of the Old Testament is the Word of God brought down from heaven from the beginning of the World unto the coming of the Messias preached by the Prophets almost 4000 years writin Hebrew except some few things in Chalde Esdras 4 5 6. Dan. 2 to 8. Ezek. 10. 11. called by the Jewes Esirmve arba that is twenty four divided by Christ into the books of Luk. 24. 27. Moses the Prophets and the Psalms The Books of Moses THe Pentateuch that is the five Books Also the Ocean of Divinity the Hebrews call the 1. Bereschit that is in the beginning 2. Velle Semoth These are the names 3. Vajer He called The 4. Vajed daber And he spake 5. Elle hadebarim These are the words both in Greek and Latine 1. Genesis 2. Exodus 3. Leviticus 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Numbers
Of the tribe of Judah 500000. 1 Chron. 21. 5. They are numbred 47000. First the Souldiers are numbred with their Colonels but next they are reckoned without their Officers 232. 2 Sam. 24. 13. Shall seven yeares of Famine come unto thee 1 Chron. 21. 12. Choose three years Famin. The Famin of seven years is joyned with the three years famine sent for the cruelty of the house of Saul after that should follow the other for the sins of David 233. 2 Sam. 24. 14. It is better to fall into the hands of the Lord. Heb. 10. 31. It is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living God It is good to be in the hands of God when he is pleased with us because his mercies are great It is fearfull to fall into the hands of God when he is angry for the wicked cannot stand before him in judgement 234. 2 Sam. 24. 15. God sent a Pestilence upon Israel from the morning unto the time appointed Vers 13. Shall there be three dayes Pestilence in thy Land The time appointed was from the morning untill noon of one day or of the continuall morning sacrifice that is four hours 235. 2 Sam. 24. 24. David bought of Araunah the floor and the Oxen for 50. shekels of silver 1 Chron. 21. 25. David gave to Araunah for the threshing floor 600. shekels of gold of just weight The floor with all the ground about it was bought for 600. shekels of gold a greater price then what was given for the threshing floor the Oxen and the wood appointed for the sacrifice The two Books of KINGS Heb. Malachim THe first Book contains the History of Solomon The building of the Temple The division of the Kingdome to Judah and Israel The life of five of the Kings of Judah and eight of Israel Of Elias the Prophet With the History of 116 yeers The second contains the deeds of sixteen Kings of Judah and twelve of Israel Of Elisha and the destruction of the Kingdome and carrying the people of Israel captivo to Assyria Of the children of Judah to Babylon With the History of 345. yeares Jeremias writ them both 236. 1 King 2. 4. If thy children shall keep my wayes and walk in them in truth there shall not fail thee a man to sit on the throne of Israel Gen. 49. 10. The scepter shall not depart from Judah till Shiloh come In the former place it is spoken conditionally of the Kingdome of Israel If the sons of David should keep the wayes of the Lord but because Solomon failed therefore the Kingdome of Israel departed from his son and in the seventh generation the Kingdome of Judah was translated upon Nathan whose posterity ruled over the Jews untill the coming of Christ In the latter place any kind of dominion is foretold to remain in Judahs posterity untill the Messias should come 237. 1 King 3. 1. Solomon took Pharaoh his daughter and brought her into the City of David Exod. 34. 15. Enter not into Covenant with the Inhabitants of that Land nor marry a wife c. Marriages in a different Religion are dangeros nor are they pleasing to God We must not 2 Cor. 6. 14. draw in the same yoak with Infidels for there can be no firme charity or unity where the foundation is neglected that is true Godlinesse That Queen forsaking her Religion and her 1 King 11. 4. fathers house and marrying with Solomon was a type of the mariage of Christ and his Church But because Solomon loved also the women of other Nations and his heart was led away by them to follow other gods he drew the anger of God upon himself and his posterity and caused a defection from them 238. 1 King 3. 13. I have also given thee riches and honour thot none of the Kings shall be like unto thee Mat. 6. 29. Solomon in all his glory was not like the Lillies of the field Solomon exceeded all the Kings in wisdom riches and honour Christ compares the Lillies with his vestiments in his greatest splendour 239. 1 King 6. 2. The house which Solomon built for the Lord the length thereof was 60 cubits the breadth 20. cubits and the height thereof 30 cubits 2 Chron. 3. 4. it is said to be 120 cubits In the first place common cubits in the latter cubits of the Sanctuary must be understood for the sacred cubit did contain two common cubits 240. 1 King 7. 15. He made two brasen pillars of 18 cubits high a piece 2 Chron. 3. 15. He made two pillars of 35 cubits high a piece Both the pillars did appear but 35 cubits high the half of each cubit was hid in the capitall or crowning of the pillar 241. 1 King 7. 19. The chapiters were four cubits 2 King 25. 17. They were three cubits The crown with the chapiter was four cubets without the crown but three cubits 242. 1 King 7. 26. The sea contained 2000 baths 2 Chron. 4. 5. 3000 baths In the former place is expressed the number of baths which ordinarily were put into the Vessell by the Kings order In the latter the capacity of the vessell is set down unto the brim of it so it would hold 3000 baths 243. 1 King 8. 4. The Priests brought up the Arke of the Lord and the Tabernacle of the Congregation into the Temple 2 Chron. 1. 13. The Tabernacle of the Congregation of God was at Gibeon The Tabernacle of David was a new one 2 Sam. 6. 17. 1 Chron. 16. 1. in which was the Arke of the Covenant The old one made by Moses was in the desart and remained at Gibeon 244. 1 King 8. 46. There is no man that sinneth not 1 Joh. 3. 9. Every man that is born of God doth not commit sin Naturally we are polluted with sin by the frailty of the flesh they that are born of God are the sons of God who being regenerate by the holy Spirit doe not give way to sin but carefully resist it being guided by the holy Ghost 245. 1 King 8. 27. The heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain God Col. 2. 9. In Christ dwelleth all fulnesse of the God-head bodily The divine nature cannot be apprehended by us the divinity of Christ is personally united to the flesh and dwels in it as in its proper Temple 246. 1 King 9. 23. Princes over Solomons work 550. 2 Chron. 8. 10. All the Princes over Solomons work were 250. In the former place mention is made of all who took charge of the work in the latter of those that took charge by course 247. 1 King 9. 28. Hiram sent to Solomon 420 talents of gold 2 Chron. 8. 18. They brought from Ophir 450 talents af gold The mariners and Solomons servants spent 30 talents by the way and they brought to Solomon to Jerusalem 420. 248. 1 King 11. 35. God said to Jerohoam I will give unto thee tentribes Vers 36. To Solomons son one tribe Chap. 12. 21. Rehoboam
into Egypt Matthew passeth by the father of Ieconias 267. 2 King 23. 30. Iosias was buried at Ierusalem before the Babylonish captivity Mat. 1. 11. Iosias begat Ieconias and his brethren in the captivity of Babylon Iosias in his posterity begat Iechonias and his brothers kindred who lived when that miserable carrying captive into Babylon began 268. 2 King 25. 29. Iechonias or Ioachin died in Babylon Mat. 1. 12. After the transmigration unto Babylon Iechonias begat Salathiel That was done after the beginning of the captivity but not after the confirmation of it when the time was that Evilmerodach lifted up the head of Ioachim in the 37 year of his reign over Babylon when the time of deliverance drew on The two Books of CHRONICLES THey are called Paralipomena from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is from being passed by Things that are passed by in the Books of the Kings are contained here In Hebrew they are named Dibre Hajamin that is Words of dayes of Chronicall Annals because they contain Annals and Histories The first sets down the Genealogie of Adam of the Patriarchs and Tribes of Israel with the reigns of Saul and David The latter hath the History of Solomon and of all the Kings of Iudah and Israel to the Babylonish captivity and their enlargement by Cyrus which is done in the year of the world 3435. They were both written by Esdras 269. 1 Chron. 2. 9. The sons of Ezrom Ieramuel and Ram. Matth. 1. 3. Ezrom begat Aram. Ram and Aram were but one in Hebrew Ram in Syriack Aram signifies Noble or High 270. 1 Chron. 3. 11. Ioram begat Ochozias of whom came Ioas. Matth. 1. 8. Ioram begat Ozias Ochosias Joas and Amasias are left out by the Evangelist because they reigned not well and to observe the 14 generations that is the 14 persons of Kings in the genealogie of Christ 271. 1 Chron. 3. 18. The son of Salathiel Pedajah of Pedajah Zorobabel Ezd. 3. 2. Mat. 12. 2. Salathiel begat Zorobabel Zorobabel was the nephew to Salathiel which he begat by his son Pedajah 272. 1 Chron. 10. 6. Saul died and his three sons and all his house died together 2 Sam. 2. 8. Abner made Isbosheth the son of Saul King over Israel Isbosheth after his fathers death though he had for a time the name of a King at last he was miserably slain in his bed and Mephiboseth was by favour in the Court of David without any rule so the family of Saul perished rightly with him nor ever could aspire any more to any eminent dignity 273. 1 Chron. 18. 12. Abishai smote Edom in the valley of salt 18000. 2 Sam. 8. 13. It was David Psal 60. 2. That Victory is imputed to Joab Abishai with Joab having the Army divided conquered the enemy at the first assault he overcame 6000 of the Edomites Joab killed 12000 of those that fled away but the victory is imputed to David as their King 274. 2 Chron. 2. 14. Hiram was the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan whose Father was of Tyre 1 King 7. 14. He was the son of a widow of the trihe of Nephtalim The Father of Hiram was of the tribe of Nephthalim who lived many years in Tyria and had a wife of the tribe of Dan. 275. 2 Chron. 8. 1. Solomon built those Cities which Hiram restored to him 1 King 9. 11. Solomon gave to Hiram twenty Cities in the Land of Galilee Solomon gave to Hiram those Cities for twenty years that he might have a yearly revenue from them untill the charges were paid to him then Hiram restored them to Solomon and he built them and made the children of Israel dwell in them 276. 2 Chron. 19. 2. Josaphat because he lent help to the wicked and made friendship with those that hated God deserved Gods wrath Gen. 14. 13. Abraham and Isaac were in league with heathen Kings and Gentiles Leagues in civill affaires are granted but otherwise there can be no firme league made with them So was David at peace with his Neighbours and Abraham with the Cananites 277. 2 Chron. 35. 18. There was not the like Passover in Israel from the dayes of Samuel the Prophet 2 King 23. 22. There was not the like passover from the dayes of the Judges which judged Israel nor all the dayes of the Kings of Judah Samuel was the last of the Judges the meanning therefore of the words is this there was no passover like that from the time that Kings began in Israel 278. 2 Chron. 35. 34. Josias was killed in battail by the City of Megiddo by the Archers of the Egyptians Chap. 34. 38. I will gather thee to thy Fathers and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace Josias his reign death and buriall were peaceable though he were wounded in the war fighting against Pharaoh Necho contrary to Gods word yet there is no doubt of his salvation EZDRAS two Books THey were both written by Ezdras and contain the return of the Jews from Babylon to Judea and the building of the Temple and of the City Jerusalem the correction of the people and restitution of religion With the History of 200 years 279. Ezd. 1. 5. There rose up the chief of the Fathers of Judah and Benjamin the Priests and the Levites with all them whose spirit God had raised 1 Chron. 9. 3. The Israelites the Priests Levites the Nethinims went up to Jerusalem the children of Judah Benjamin Ephraim and Manasses There came to Jerusalem in their return not onely the children of Judah but of other tribes and they restored the worship of God amongst themselves who were before time transported out of Judea with them into Babylon 280. 1 Ezd. 2. 5. The sons of Arah returned 775. Neh. 7. 10. They are recorded 652. First are set down those that gave up their names to return then those that came into Judea the rest remaining in Babylon or perishing in the journey so also is reconciled the unequall number of other families 281. 1 Ezd. 2 6. The children of Pabath-moab 800 and Joab of the children of Joshua and Moab 280 2. Neh. 7. 11. The children of Pahath-moab of the children of Joshua and Moab 2818. There was a lesse number of some of those families but at length it grew greater by the dignity of those that went forth and greatest of all when others joyned themselves to them that had not set down their namâ—s 282. 1 Ezd. 6. 3. Cyrus the King decreed that the house of God should be built at Jerusalem and let them lay the foundations the height thereof 60 cubits and the breadth thereof 60 cubits 1 King 6. 2. The house which King Solomon built for the Lord the length thereof was 60 cubits the breadth 20 cubits the height 30 cubits The structure of Solomons Temple was more 2 Chron. 3. 3. Agg. 2. 3. 1 Eld. 3. 12. beautifull then this therefore the Elders that saw this wept
because the beginnings of this did not seem to answer the Majesty of the former Temple 283. 1 Ezd. 7. 7. And there went up some of the children of Israel of the Priests and the Levites unto Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes Ch. Jer. 25. 12. 34. 10. 2 Chron. 3. 22. 1. 1. In the first year of Cyrus King of Persia the Jews had power given them to go up to Jerusalem After that Cyrus had given licence to them to return from Babylon to Jerusalem many with Ezdras and Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem under the reign of Artaxerxes 284. 2 Ezd. 3. 8. The Jews built the wals of Jerusalem after their return Zach. 3. 4. Jerusalem shall be inhabited without wals Under the name of Jerusalem Zacharias prophesieth Zach. 2. 5. of the Church of Christ and the heavenly Jerusalem the majesty of it is larger then can be comprehended in one City of which God is the wall a fire round about and glory in the midst of her 285. 2 Ezd. 5. 9. 10. 12. Nehemias reprehends the richer Jews because they thought to live by usury Gen. 47. 23. Joseph bought the land of Egypt and the people thereof he made subject to Pharaoh for corne The Egyptians were punished by God for their iniquities the Jews after their return into their Country were so proved the richer Jews oppressing their poor brethren with biting usury did burden them which Joseph did not 286. 2 Ezd. 10. 32. The houses were not builded Vers 3. Let not your doores be open Their houses were not fully built the Cities had gates 287. 2 Ezd. 8. 18. Ezdras read in the book day by day 1 Ezd. 3. 4. They kept also the feast of Tabernacles as it is written This was a singular example of piety for they were not bound to do so by the Law yet they came willingly day by day to hear the book of the Law 288. 2 Ezd. 10. 32. Also we made ordinances amongst our selves yearly to charge ourselves with a third part of a shekell for the work of the Lord. Exod. 30. 13. They shall give every one that passeth amongst them that be numbred halfe a shekell Moses once by Gods command laid on them that tribute and Joas at the renewing of the Temple ordered that every one should give what he pleased so Nehemias ordained the third part of 2 shekell by the year to restore the Temple not from the Law but from necessity 289. 2 Ezd. 11. 6. Of the children of Phares that dwelt at Jerusalem were 468. Benjamin 928. 2 Chron. 9. 6. Jehuel 690. Benjamin 956. First the chief are set down to whom a dwelling fell by lot then other voluntary inhabitants who chose a habitation willingly ESTHER THe book of Esther is so called from Esther who was Ahasuerus wife here is shewed how Ahasuerus divorcing Vashti chose Esther to be Queen Haman the enemy of the Jews and of Mordecai is hanged Mordecai is made Provost of the Kingdome It contains the History of 20 years Ezdras was the writer of it or else the men of the great Synagogue 290. Esth 1. 12. Ahasuerus divorced Vashti because she refused to come at his commandement Mat. 19. 9. Whosoever shall put away his wife except for fornication and shall marry an other committeth adultery The pride of Vashti hurt not the King alone but all the people and Princes of the Kingdom by shewing a kind of dominion over the King before other women Now adayes men do not divorce their wives but for the cause of Adultery only and they are bound by the Laws of God and man to obey their husbands 291. Esth 9. 21. Mordecai sent to the Jews in all the provinces that the 14 and 15 dayes of the moneth Adar should be held for festivals Deut. 4. 2. Chap. 12. 32. What I command you this day you shall not add to it The ordinance of Mordecai was not against the Law nor was it a feast of Gods worship but only commemorative for the divine wonderfull deliverance of the people of the Jews JOB THis Book is so called from Job who was also called Jobab King of Edom. Moses Gen. 36. is thought to have written that book for an example of patience there is contained the affliction of Job and contention with his friends and disputing with them God ends this controversie at last and restores Job to his former posterity The History appertains to the time of Jacob. 292. Job 1. 1. He lived in the land of Vz his name was Job he was a perfect and an upright man and one that feared God and eschewed evill Psal 147. 20. He hath not done so with any Nation Under the old Testament the publick worship of the true God was amongst the Israelites whither other Nations were admitted to come which God called by divers wayes to come unto him and he had amongst them some that served him sincerely as Jethro Moses father in Law the Gibeonites and Job here so Rahab and Ruth 293. Job 1. 6. Satan came amongst the sons of God 2 Pet. 2. 4. God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them unto chains of darknesse The coming of Satan amongst the sons of God was onely as an executioner of the commands and judgments of God 294. Job 5. 1. Call if there be any that will answer thee and to which of the Saints wilt thou turn Isa 63. 16. Abraham knew us not Israel was ignorant of us Eliphaz teacheth Job that there is no flying to Saints in misery and that no man is unjustly punished by God but there is alwayes a just cause for it therefore saith he shew any of the Saints who being in such a calamity as thou art that was so without a cause as thou supposest thy self to be 295. Job 14. 4. Who can bring a clean thing Psal 51. 7. Rom. 7. 20. out of unclean Rom. 11. 16. For if the first fruits be holy the lump is also holy All of us by originall sin are conceived and born in sin and sin dwels in us yet by Gods grace we are reckoned for holy which account passeth over all within the Covenant as we are 296. Job 14. 5. His dayes are determined the number of his moneths are with thee thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot passe Prov. 18. 21. Life and death are in the power of the tongue Death and life of man are in the power of God who hath put bounds to his dayes Life and death is said after a sort to be in the power of the tongue because a wicked man may by slanders and detraction and contention hurt a man even to death 297. Job 14. 6 14. Shall a man if he die live again 1 Cor. 15. 22. In Christ shall all be made alive Job denyeth not the resurrection but he saith Dan. 12. 2. rather that men shall rise not with bodies subject to death but such as shall live for ever
sacrifices unto God by Jesus Christ God would none of the sacrifices of the Jews which were offered without faith The Apostle speaks of the spirituall sacrifices of Christians as the oblation of our body a contrite heart giving of thanks works of Charity which are acceptable sacrifices to God 331. Psal 40. 9. Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me that I might do thy will O God Mat. 26. 39. Father if it be possible let this cup passe from me yet not as I will but as thou wilt Christ that he might fulfill the will of his Father in redeeming mankind offered himself freely and though in the act he was sorrowfull as men are and would if it had been possible have escaped death without the detriment of mans salvation yet he submitted himselfe to his Fathers will 332. Psal 44. 23. Awake why sleepest thou O Lord rise 121. 4. The keeper of Israel sleepeth not So the godly being grievously afflicted speak after the manner of men not as if God slept or took no care of them but they crave of God that he would shew himself by his works of justice and mercy and would help them 333. Psal 45. 2. Thou art fairer then the children of men Isa 53. 2. There was no comelinesse in him he was despised and we esteemed him not In the first place is spoken of Christs exaltation and the glory of his Kingdome of which Solomon was a type not outwardly in the sight of men but inwardly and spiritually before God and the faithfull people In the latter of Christs humiliation and as carnall men judge of Christ 334. Psal 49. 8. The Brother shall not redeeme his Brother Heb. 2. 12. Christ our Brother offered himselfe for the price of our Redemption Because men could not satisfie the divine law Christ God and Man our Brother and our Saviour by his obedience and suffering fulfilled the whole Law for us his satisfaction is our Redemption for our sins and the sins of 1 Joh. 2. 2. Rom. 20. the whole world and he is the fulfilling of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that believeth 335. Psal 59. 11. Slay them not O Lord. Vers 13. Consume them in thy wrath First he prayes that the enemies of God may be tolerated a while for example to others and led captive in triumph then when others are taught better by their example let them be destroyed That destruction if it may not be understood of their lives yet it may be of their power dignities and wealth that so being brought down they may not be able to hurt the Church or oppose themselves against God 336. Psal 60. 3. O God thou hast cast us off Rom. 11. 1. Hath God cast off his people God forbid David speaks of temporall casting off Paul of eternall 337. Psal 62. 11. God spake once Heb. 1. 1. God spake by divers manners to the Fathers and Prophets God speaks once not by number but by counsell nor doth he deliberate the second time but he speaks divers wayes with a voice or without a voice to men waking or sleeping by himself or by his Angels In the former place the certainty in the latter the manner of divine Revelation is understood 338. Psal 69. 1. Save me O Lord. 1 Pet. 3. 21. Baptism saveth us God is the principall efficient necessary cause of our safety Baptism is the instrumentall cause and not absolutely necessary because many are saved without Baptism for it is not the want of it but the contempt of it that condemns us 339. Psal 69. 23. Let their table be made Mat. 5. 44. a snare unto them Rom. 12. 14. Blesse and curse not We may curse the enemies of God out of pious zeal not out of evill affection Christ bids us pray for our enemies rather then curse them 340. Psal 69. 25. Let their habitation be desolate Act. 1. 20. Peter applies that to Judas That which David speaks in generall of the enemies of Christ that Peter applies to the Captain of them Judas his habitation was desolate and his place amongst the Apostles untill an other took his Bishoprick 341. Psal 74. 12. God is my King of old working salvation in the midst of the earth Phil. 2. 12. Work out your salvation with foar and trembling God from eternity worked our salvation in respect of his decree in the midst of the earth freeing his Church from the beginning and defending it in us he works it when he draws us to him and gives us power to will and to doe that being so justified we may study for holinesse and walke in good works unto the accomplishment of our salvation 342. Psal 72. 8. He shall reign from sea to sea Joh. 18. 36. My Kingdome is not of this world Vers 36. It is not from hence The first place is concerning the power of Christs kingdome he reigns also powerfully amongst his enemies the latter is of the kingdome of grace for with his grace by faith he blesseth godly hearts therefore he saith My kingdome is not of this world yet he denied not but that it was in this world 343. Psal 79. 4. We are made a reproach to our neighbours a scorn and derision to them that are round about us Mat. 5. 10. Happy are they that are persecuted for righteousnesse sake Good men are more affected with scorns and reproaches then with blowes for saith Chrysostome a blow on the body is divided betwixt the body and the soul but a reproach wounds the soul only Yet the godly must valiantly endure injuries for the glory of God and safety of their neighbours but if that accrue not to Gods glory and is hurtfull we are to remit it to God by our just complaint and prayer for revenge on him that doth the injury 344. Psal 79. 6. Poure forth thine anger upon the Nations 1 Cor. 13. 7. Love endures all things The Psalmist asks this not out of a vitious affection and desire of revenge but from a just zeal kindled by the holy Ghost whereby he was inflamed for Gods glory against Blasphemers the incurable enemies of God 345. Psal 81. 13. He gave them over to their own hearts lust Act. 17. 28. In him we live and move and have our being The first place speaks of the ill affection proceeding from mans corrupt nature the latter of the work of God in men and the conservation sustentation and government of all his creatures 346. Psal 82. 6. I said Yee are Gods Joh. 17. 3. This is life eternall to know thee the only true God Jer. 9. 23 24. The Magistrates are called gods not by nature but from the Majesty communicated to them and their judiciary power that so men may be brought to obedience by them God is so by nature the Magistrate by his office hath a grant of part of divine power and being Gods Vice gerent he must do all according to Gods will and not according to his own will 347.
of wrath Since God hath ordained the wicked for the day of wrath he hath ordained him for his own glory for when he punisheth wicked men with temporall or eternall punishments he justifieth himself in his own glory God created wicked men also but he created not their wickednesse 380. Prov. 16. 6. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged Heb. 9. 22. And without shedding of bloud there is no remission Mercy and Truth are understood of God 1 Joh. 1. 7. himself who is the primary cause of the remission of sins nor doth this contradict the meritorious effusion of Christs bloud for us whereby we are cleansed 381. Prov. 17. 15. He that justifyeth the wicked and he that condemneth the just even they both are abominable to the Lord. Rom. 4. 5. God justifieth the ungodly He that justifieth the wicked against the law of God or man without satisfaction made by himself or one for him is abominable unto God But God justifieth the wicked not that is so now but was so freely by faith for the merits of Christ and his full satisfaction 382. Prov. 20. 9. Who can say I have made my heart clean I am pure from my sin Psal 24. 3. He that hath pure hands and a clean heart shall stand in the holy place We are all unclean in the sight of God and corrupt by nature yet our hearts are purified by his grace through faith in the bloud of Christ 383. Prov. 21. 20. There is desirable treasure in the dwelling of the wise Mat. 6. 19. Treasure not up for your selves treasures upon earth Pious wisdome in honest gain is not reproved by Christ but covetousnesse and confidence in worldly wealth is forbidden since we lose thereby the heavenly treasure 384. Prov. 22. 28. Remove not the ancient I and-marke which thy Fathers have set Ezek. 20. 18. Walk not in the statutes of your fathers neither observe their judgements Solomon speaks of the bounds of Land and Inheritance Ezekiel concerning the statutes of their Fathers about the worship of God and the profanation thereof Let us not imitate those who oppose themselves against Gods law but let us walke in his laws and keep his statutes 385. Prov. 24. 17. Rejoyce not at the fall of thine enemy Psal 137. 8. Happy shall he be that rewardeth thee as thou hast rewarded us The Godly do not rejoyce for the destruction of their enemies and for revenge of wrongs but for Gods glory and the edification and good of the Church So Moses after the drowning of Pharaoh in the Red sea by his great zeal for Gods glory sang a song of praise 386. Prov. 26. 4. Answer not a fool according to his folly lest thou be like him Vers 5. Answer a fool according to his folly The art of dealing with fools is necessary that we speak not foolish things with a fool foolishly for if a fool that is an ungodly person blinded profane speaks with scorns and evill speaches and derisions we must not answer him likewise but when Gods glory is questioned if there be danger we must reprove his folly and his arrogancy lest he proceed to please himselfe and corrupt others ECCLESIASTES Heb. Coheleth The Preacher SOlomon in this book convinceth the vanity of the world and the foolishnesse of men Shews that there is nothing better then to fear God and to keep his Commandements And he maintains that there shall be a future judgment He wrote this book after his falling from God in token of true repentance 387. Eccl. 1. 4. The earth abides for ever Isai 40. 8. Luk. 21. 33. Heaven and earth shall passe away In the opinion of men the earth abides for Rom. 822. 2 Pet. 3. ever but in respect of God and the future change and purgation from corruption and vanity it shall passe away 388. Eccl. 1. 9. That which was shall be and there is no new thing under the sun Gen. 1. 1. The world was once created Heb. 9. 25. Christ once offered himself Ecclesiastes speaks not of all things none excepted but of the vanity of naturall and artificiall things which is collected from the naturall corruption and change of things 389. Eccl. 1. 10. There is no new thing under the sun Revel 21. 5. Behold I make all things new Ecclesiastes purpose is not concerning a creation of new kinds of creatures but concerning their change and vicissitude in the world and concerning the malice of men and the Devill that men by the instinct of the Devill from the beginning after man had sinned being defiled with much wickednesse proceed to covet after evill unlesse God renews their hearts and they become a new creature in Christ 390. Eccl. 2. 2. I said of laughter It is mad and of mirth What doth it Prov. 17. 22. A merry heart doth good like a medicine In the first place is meant naturall laughter and rejoycing in prosperity and the goods of Nature and Fortune as the Gentiles do and this Ecclesiastes condemns as folly But in the Proverbs is commended that joy only which proceeds from the holy Ghost 391. Eccl. 2. 15. What doth it profit me that I laboured to attain more wisdome Prov. 8. 35. He that findeth me findeth life Politick wisdome is indeed a singular gift of God but if any man abuseth it and dependeth on his wisdome it profits not but is all vanity Divine wisdome which teacheth us to wait all events from God and to pray to him for his direction in all confers eternall life 392. Eccl. 2. 23. The dayes of man are full of labour and sorrow Psal 128. 2. Of the labour of thy hands thou shalt eat and happy shalt thou be Ecclesiastes condemns not labour which God hath laid on men for that is good and necessary having great promises but because riches are purchased by much travell and no man knows whether he shall be a wise man or a foole that he must leave them to 393. Eccl. 3. 19. There is one event to man and beast as the one dieth so dieth the other Chap. 17. 7. The spirit of man returns to God that gave it him In the former place is shewed the opinion of carnall men concerning man and beasts who compares them by the likenesse of their deeds and events In the latter place is taught what is the excellency of mans soul above the beasts and the difference after death But a naturall man cannot perceive these things 394. Eccl. 4. 1. I saw the oppressions done under the sun and behold the tears of such as were oppressed and they had no comforter Joh. 14. 26. 15. 26. I will send unto you the Comforter from the Father the Spirit of Truth Ecclesiastes compares the oppressed with the oppressours in that which happens in the world for oppressours are rich mighty men they have their Abetters and their Clients The oppressed are alone and defend themselves with tears Christ sheweth how true comfort comes to those that are oppressed namely
the Father in respect of order he is said to have received this Revelation from the Father because the Father by him doth reveal his secrets unto us as man by his personall union he hath a perfect knowledge of all things communicated to him 1032. Rev. 1. 1. The things which must shortly come to passe they are not yet fulfilled Shortly signifies the certainty of the things foretold in respect of God though not in our opinion he shuts out long delaies for the whole time of this prophesie unto the last day is in the sight of God but as one day or one Psa 90. 4. 2 Pet. 3. 8. hour which is a comfort to the godly that they may not despair and it exhorts the wicked to repentance by reason of the sudden destruction shall fall upon them 1033. Rev. 1. 13. I saw one like to the Sonne of man Matth. 9. 6. Christ is the Sonne of man really The first place is an Hebraism by which is intimated the certainty of Christs humanity also he may be said to be like man because he appeared in a singular form 1034. Rev. 2. 11. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death Heb. 9. 27. It is appointed unto men once to die The bodily death is one because the soul is but once separated from the body The second death is taken Metaphorically for the misery and torment of the soul after the death of the body 1035. Rev. 3. 7. Christ openeth and no man shutteth shutteth and no man openeth ver 20. If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come into him The Sonne of God is he that opens the internall door of the heart we open only the externall for no man comes to the Father but by him 1036. Rev. 3. 10. I will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world ver 19. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten God kept the Angell of Philadelphia from evil temptation because he was a pious assertor of the truth but the Angell of Laodicea who was lukewarm he would mend by his reprehension 1037. Rev. 4. 8. They rest not night nor day ch 14 13. They that dye in the Lord rest from their labours The souls in the beavenly rest of the blessed are not idle they have their labours that weary them not but most sweetly refresh them in the later place is understood the end of the troubles of this world 1038. Rev. 5. 1. I saw a book written ver 4. No man was worthy to look thereon John saw the book in a bare Vision but no man could see the mysteries contained in it 1039. Rev. 6. 9. Vnder the Altar I saw the souls of them that were slain ver 11. White robes were given to every one of them Souls are invisible spirits which cannot be seen or clothed it is therefore the sight of the minde and not of the body which is here understood for these things were seen in the Spirit 1040. Rev. 6. 10. The souls of those that were slain cry out for revenge against those that slew them Matth. 5. 44. Love your enemies and pray for them The cry of the souls proceeds not from a wicked desire of revenge but an earnest desire for Gods glory because they would have no ungodlinesse or wickednesse remain unpunished c. in the day of revenge and judgement we suffering here according to Christs command pray for our enemies 1041. Rev. 7. 9. I saw a great multitude which no man could number Luk. 12. 32. The flock of Christ is called a little flock The Church compared with the numerous multitude of the wicked is a little flock but considered in it self it comprehends an innumerable multitude of all Ages Sexes Places Tribes and people 1042. Rev. 11. 19. The Temple of God was opened in heaven ch 21. v. 22. And I saw no Temple therein In the former place the Temple is taken figuratively this the holy Ghost intimates that God is worshipped most holily with Hymns and Psalms in the later place we must not think there shall be any materiall Temple in the life to come as we have here on earth 1043. Rev. 13. 8. The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Gal. 4. 4. When the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world not properly but figuratively and in Gods Decree by Types Predictions and efficacy by acceptation not by execution 1044. Rev. 16. 1. Go and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth ver 4. to the 13. They poured out their vials of wrath upon the sea the rivers the fountains the sunne the seat of the beast and Euphrates In the first place the earth is taken in a generall signification because the effects of all the Vials redounds to the earth in a manner and to earthly men the followers of Antichrist for whatsoever the wrath of God was which was cast on the Seas Rivers or the Ayr or Sunne was not for themselves but to afflict the earth and those that dwell thereon 1045. Rev. 18. 6. Double unto her double according to her work Matth. 7. 2. And what measure you make shall be measured to you again The first place is a speciall command of God concerning retaliation In the later Christ forbids rash judgement concerning others adding the Law of retaliation the more to convince the Jews 1046. Rev. 20. 4. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years 1 Thess 4. 17. So shall we alwaies be with the Lord. In the first place a certain number is put for an uncertain and he speaks of the state of the Church which during the reign of Antichrist seemed to be dead but afterwards at the preaching of the Gospel she rose again which is the first resurrection 1047. Rev. 22. 11. He that is unjust let him be unjust still Matth 22. 39. Thou shalt love thy neighbour The Morall Law forbids private men to do hurt with an evil affection but to hurt another man at Gods command is not against the Law because God will have it so and he commands us to punish malefactors good men are proved by injustice and so are crowned with Martyrdom by it in the former place is spoken of punishment justly inflicted on the wicked which is not against charity since God doth most justly make use of all the creatures to punish ungodly men 1048. Rev. 22. 11. He that is righteous let him be righteous still Rom. 5. 1. Being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Our righteousnesse is more and more to be declared and proved before men and before God by effects of our faith for we do not finde it perfect in us but in part only as our faith increaseth by degrees 1049. Rev. 22. 19. If any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this