end the Citties of refuge are appointed and the fieldes of the Leuites neere to the cittie then Rub. Gad and the tribe of Maâ—asses are sent away to their owne possessions according to the couenant Num. 32 Afterwardes the care of Iâ—suâ— touching his posteritie is shewed by a notable exhortation and forbiding them to haue societie with the Gentiles and he shewes a lardge rehearsall of Gods benefites and making a couenant betwene them and God he calleth backe the people vnto God Lastly is declared the death of Iosua and Eleazar the sonne of Aron and the burying of Iosephes bones ⧠The booke of Iudges THe booke of the Iudges is named of those Iuges which after the death of Iosua Gouerned Israell For it contayneth a discription of Israells proceeding after Iosuahes death vnder the Iudges who maruailouslie defended the people from their enemies wherein is to bee obserued that God preserued the comon weale of Israell for the same cause for which he did establish it Namely for his sonnes sake that should be borne of the Ieweish people also this is to be noted that the people of the old Testament were vnder fower kindes of Gouernement according to the diuersitie of the times 1 Vnder a Fatherlye Aucthoritie in the time of the Patriarches Moses and Aaron 2 Vnder the aucthoritie of Iudges during the time of these Iudges 3 Vnder the gouernement of Kinges in the time of the Kinges 4 Vnder the gouerment of the Priestes in the time of the Priestes vntill Christe Who one for all is 1 Eternall Father 2 Iudge of the quicke and dead 3 King of Kinges 4 Euerlasting hie priest There were in number as Iudges 16. 1 Iudas 2 Simeon 3 Othoniell 4 Aroth 5 Samgar 6 Deborah the Prophetise 7 Baruck 8 Gedeon alias Ierobabell 9 Abimelech 10 Thola 11 Iair 12 Iepthe 13 Abesau 14 Achialâ—n 15 Abdon 16 Samson Now the booke of Iudges is deuied according to the order of the persons as they ruled in Israell From the begining of the booke to the 6 chap. 7. histories are discribed of the Iudges Iudas Simion c. Amongst whom Deborah the prophetis singeth a notable song in the 5. chap. From the 6. to the 13 besides the storie of Giddeon and his sonne three other Iudges are discribed Thola Iair and Iepthe of the Sacrifising of his daughter chap 11 from the 13 to the 17 is described an exelent storie of Samson and heere is Samson peculiarly comended in it hee was a figure of Christe From the 17. to the end of the booke beside the Idoll of Mica and the children of Dan is set forth a fearefull and a lamentable story of a Leuites wise for whom being rauished fallen downe dead and cut into 12. peeces the whole trâ—be of Beniamin was al most extinguished that by this one example we may learne that God doth seuerely fearfully punish adulteries Thus farre goeth the Booke of Iudges wherein are set before vs many examples to stirre vs vppe to repentance in which we also see that God hath alwaies sharpely punished Idolatry and other feareful sinnes but hath beene mercifull to the repentant that this booke may well be called the booâ— of the VVrath and Mercy of God The booke of Ruth THe booke of Ruth is so named of Ruth a woman that was a gentile to wit a Moabite of the people of Moab who was the sonne of Lotte Gen. 16 This booke containeth only 4 chap besides that it is an example of domesticall care wherein it also declares that God euen then had care of the Gentiles and that the Gospell was reuealed to the Gentiles after these things Ruth and other of the Gentiles are ioyned to the seed of Abraham This booke containeth part of the genealogy of Dauid which by the Euangelist is translated into the genealogie of Christ so that you may say that this booke also hath reference to Christ and thou mayst know that it was decreed long before that Christ should be borne of sinners harlots for the abolishing of sinnes And furthermore thou shouldst not doubt saluation also to bee ordained for the Gentiles It is deuided into 2 partes JN the two former chap Ruth is set down for an example how all Daughters in law ought to behaue themselues Humblie and dutifully towardes their Mothers in-lawe 2 In the other chapt is an example of Chastitie in Booz The bookes of Kinges THe 4 Historicall bookes which are intituled the bookes of the Kinges after the vsuall edition are in Hebrue onely two whereof the first is named SAMVELL and is deuided of the Latines into 2 bookes the which are called the bookes of Samuell The later of them is called the booke of Kinges which in like maner is deuided into 2 bookes which are called the bookes of the Kinges This Samuell was a most faithfull constant Prophet of God vnder King SAVL of whoÌ„ the 2 first bookes do take their names and in the one of them the storie of Saul in the other the storie of Dauid is larglie discribed The two latter bookes are commonlie called the bookes of the Kings because they conteyne the Historie of all the other kings both in Israell and in Iudah In the first booke of Samuell is discribed the beginning of the third kinde of gouernment namely the Kinges vnder wicked K. Saul vnder whom the kingdome and monarchie was ordeyned in Israell In the second booke of Samuell the kingdome is translated from Saules house vnto Dauids the most godly king and Prophet which is worthiely called the crowne of prophets In the 1. booke of the kinges it is according to the vulgar edition and in the thirde of the Kinges is discribed first the storie of SallomoÌ„ the king in whose time the TeÌ„ple was built vnto the Lorde in Ierusalem 2. the deuiding of the kingdome into two partes namely Iudah and Israell in the histories some of the Kinges of both partes are largely discribed In the 2. booke of Malchim that is to say in the 4. booke of the kinges according to the vulgar all the kinges in Israell and in Iudah are discribed also the wasting carying away the people of Israell captiues into Assiria Iudah into Babilon In the mean while the bookes are garnished with the promise concerning Christ which were made vnto Dauid 2. Kinges 3 ¶ A Catalogue of the Kinges of the People of Iudah Saul Dauid 1. Kinges 9 2. Kinges 3 Sala These 3. reigned ouer all the People of Israell Iudah before the discription of the Tâ—â—bes Afterwardes ten tribes sell away from the ten and they became two kingdomes as the Kingdome of Iud with the two tribes Iudah and Benieamin the kingdome of Israell with other ten Tribes The Kinges of Iudah 1 Roboam 3  12. 14 2 Abias wicked 3   15. 3 Asa 2 〈◊〉  15. 4 Iehosop Godly 2   16. 5 ZaÌ„bnas 3   12. 6 Ioram wicked 4   11. 7 Ochozlâ—s    Â
8 Ioas. Godly     9 Amasias partly wicked partly Godly     10 Azarias like father like sonne     11 Ioathan such an other 4  14. 15. 12 Achas wicked 4  15. 16. 13 Iachi as Godly 4  18. 21. 14 Manasses wicked 4  21. 22. 15 Anion like father like 4   23. 16 Iosias 4   24. 17 Ioachas Godly 4   24. 18 Ioachim wiiked    22 19 Ioachim a childe like the father     20 Zedechias wicked 4    This Zedechias the last captain and king of Iudah was with the people of Iudah caried into Babylon 4. Kin 25 and the people of Iudah remained in captiuitye 70. yeares according to the prophesy of Ieremy The kings of Israell 1 Hieroboam wicked 4 book of Kings 13 2 Nadab 3 15 3 Baasa 3 15 4 Hela 3 16 5 Lambti 3 16 6 Achab. 3 18 7 Ochozias wic 4 kin 3 8 Ioram 4 9 Iehu partly god part wic 4 kin 10 10 Ioachim wic 4 kings 12 11 Ioas. 4 13 12 Ieroboam wicked 4 k. 14 13 Zacharias part good part bad     14 Sellon wicked 4 kings 15 15 Manachem 4 15 16 Phaceas 4 15 17 Phasea 4 15 18 Ose 4 15 In the daies of this last king Israell was caried into Assyria where they remained in captiuity 4. king 17 The first booke of Sammuell may fitly be deuided into three principall partes From the beginning thereof to the ninth chap is set forth the storie of Samuell which was both a Iudge and a Prophet in Israell namely the Birth Of Samuell Calling Of Samuell Oblation Of Samuell Olde age Of Samuell The sight also of Gods people against the the Phillistians is discribed and the Mirracle done about the Arke and the hard hap of Helie the priest for the cockering of his sons is by Samuell foretolde to the People in the end of this parte 2 From the 9. chapter to the 16. the first parte of Saules historie is discribed 1 the Calling of Saul 2 the Annointing of Saul 3 the Prophesing of Saul 4 the Confirming of Saul 5 the Victorie of Saul 6 the Kingdome of Saul 7 the Meekenes of Saul 8 the Offence of Saul 1 From the 16. chap to the ende is the other parte of Sauls storie described how vntill his death hee was imployed not onely in the warr against the Philistians but much more in pursuing of Dauid where not only Dauids beeing anoynted ouercomming of Goliah and league with Ionathan Sauls sonne but also the manifold and dangerous fights of Dauid and his deliuerance is described that euerie one may see how the Lord made his seruant admirable carried him to the pit of destruction and brought him backe againe til at length being strengthened with the crosse hee obtained the â—ingdome and proued a most godlye King and Prophet The 2 booke of Sam which contayneth the whole storie of Dauid may well bee deuid into 3. principall parts From the beginning to the 11. cha besidâ— the reuenge vpo the traitors murtheren of Saule is described the annointing the consecrating of Dauid vnto his Kingdome after the death of Saul and his happy successe being full of humilitie of pietie forwardnes to the building of Gods house victories against the Philistians others mercie fidelitie benefits c. to whom also was made the promise of Christ chap. 7. wherof mention is made in the 10. to the Heb. From the 11. to the 22. are described the the adulterie murther of Dâ— his hard hap after his repentance at the parable and preching of the Prophet Nathan thorow his owne sonnes who committed whoredome with his wiues And namely the danger of sedition by his son Absolon with other punishmeÌ„ts of his sin decay of his kingdom Also the famine other calamities that followed the adulterie and murther of Dauid From the 22. cha to the end doe follow first the song thaÌ„ksgiuing theÌ„ yâ— last words of D. his great offence coÌ„mitted against god in numbring the people with the great punish meÌ„t of his sin which Da. chose before yâ— rest of 3. kinds of punishmeÌ„t set before him hauing his choyse so that heere also we may haue an especiall booke concerning the wrath and mercie of God The 3. booke of Kings which is called the first of the kings contayning both the story of Salo. of some other kings is deuided into 3 principall parts the 1. of Sal. the 2. of Roboam Salo. son of some other kings the 3. of the wicked K. Achab of the most vngodly Q. Ies also of Eliah the prophet The storie of Sal. is deuided into three parts 1. Before the building of the Temple 2. In his building the c 3. After the building Before his building the temple from the beginning of the 5. chap. besides the storie of Dauids olde age in the 1. chap. and of his death in the 2. is discribed the consecration of King Sallomon his wisdome Iustice and renowne whereof Christ also maketh mencion in the 6. chap of Mathew In the building of the Temple first how he dealeth with King Hiram about the matter then the fashion and lastly the frame buildings from the 5. to the 8. Chap. After the building of the Temple from the 8. chap to the 12. doth follow First the hallowing of the Temple and prayer of Salomon then the building of Citties and the magnificence of Salomon after which both lust and fearefull Idollatrie did ensue for the same the kingdome of Israell was deuided into two partes and Ieroboham was stirred vp againste Salomon so florishing kingdomes are wont to decay faint and in the end by Idollatrie to perish altogether lastly Salomon is saued through the blessed seede of the woman He dieth in peace is buried in the Cittie of his father Dauid The 2. parte from the 12. to the 17. besides the storie of certaine kinges coÌ„teyneth the seperatioÌ„ of the kingdome of Israell from the kingdome of Iudah The 3. part from the 17. chap vnto the ende of the booke conteyneth both the inâ— pietie wrong and tyranie of King Achab Queene Iâ—â—abell and also the prayer constaÌ„cie and flight of the Prophet Elias and his personall fasting 40. daies this booke may be very famous because of king Salomon the prophet Elias who reigned not only in earth but in heauen also The fourth booke of the kinges is called the second of the kinges Conteyneth the histories of others the kings of Israell and Iudah after the wicked king Achab and is famous for both captiuities in the caryinges away one of Israell into Assiria in the 17. chap. the others Iudah into Babilon in the last chap. Also besides the histories of Helias Elizeus the prophets vnto the 10. chap. by order of succession do follow one an other the kinges
of Israell and Iudah sometimes good and sometimes bad somtimes most Godlye as Iosias Ezekias sometimes most wicked as Ioas and Manasses with other to the ende of the booke vnder which kinges all the prophets both Elias and they which were before the captiuitie of Babilon did prophesie many of them were crownd with martiredome as Esay Ieremie Amos Zachary Zacharie and the rest Of the bookes called Paralipomenon PAralipomenon taketh his name of leauing because it handleth that which in the bookes of the Kinges is left out or omitted and is deriued of Para that is like and Leipomai to leaue or omit they may be also called bookes of chronicles because they conteyne histones of things done from yeere to yeere whereupon the Title in hebrue is dibre haiamaim that is wordes of daies for in these two bookes are described particularly the actes deedes of the kinges of Israel but it is vncertaine whether these 2. bookes be that one whereof mention is made in the bookes of the Kinges when it is said are not those thinges written in the booke of the wordes of the dayes of the kings of Iudah These two bookes are thus deuided The former which hath 30. chap. conteyneth the histories of Saul and Dauid besids the numbring of the tribes The latter which hath 36. chap. conteyneth the histories of Saul Salomon and all other kinges of Israel and Iudah The summe of the first booke is this 1 From the beginning to the 12. chap. besides the storie in the 10. of the priestes and Leuites in the 11. of Sauls death are set foorth the rehearsals of the fathers and Patriaches from the beginning of the world especially of the 12. tribes of Israel 2 From the 12. chap to the 24. the historie of Dauid is amplified which is in the Second booke of Samuel 3 FroÌ„ the 24. ch to the ende is set downe a catalogue of the princes of Dauid also how forgetfullnes death the ende of all ceased vpon Dauid The some of the 2. booke called Paralipomenon 1 From the beginning to the 10. ch those thinges of king Salom. are inlarged which are conteyned in the greater part of the third booke of kinges 2 From the 10. chap to the end are discribed the actes and deedes of the other kinges which are written in the 3. and in all the 4. bookes of the kinges The booke of Esdras The two bookes to weet the 1. and the 2. of Esdras which is also called the booke of Nehemias are by the hebrues ioyned together in one but the thirde and fourthe booke of Esdras are not commonly vsed amongest the Hebrues albeit the third be for the most part taken out of the book of the Chronicles The books of Esdras Nehemiah doe by good order of the historye followe the bookes of the kings and Chronicles For as the booke of the kings and Chronicles doe containe the histories of the state of the Israelites before the captiuity in Babylon So these two bookes of Esdras and Nehemias do shew what thinges were done amongest the people of the Iewes after the captiuitie in Babylon For Esdras and Nehemias which are said to haue been scribes to Ieremie do bring back the people from that captiuity in Babylon and restore the Citie of Ierusalem and the Temple I meane both the Common weale and the church whose hearers and incouragers were the prophets Agge Zachary And this reedifying was made because of Christ who shortly after was to come to be borne in Bethlem to preach in this second temple of Ierusalem in the end to suffer without Ierusalem The sum of the Booke of Esdras It hath ten chap which are thus diuided From the beginning to the 4. ch is described the releasing of the Iewes granted by Cirus K. of the Persians Then the people are numbred gathered togither in Ierusalem by Zâ—robabell theyr captaine beginning again their oblations and festiuals And here may be obserued the maruellous iudgment of God his goodnes towards the Gentiles by the captiuity of the Iewes For as Nabuchadnezar Euilmeredech before the deliuerance were conuerted by the meane of Daniell and Darius king of the Medes and Cirus king of the Persians after the deliuerance so the captiuity of the Iewes was profitable vnto the Gentiles From the 4. chap to the 9 is described the building againe of the Temple by the persuasion of Agge and Zachary the proâ—hets after the hinderance therof 42. yeares â—nder Darius the younger so that you may â—â—e the enuy pollicy of Sathan in hindring â—he true worship of God as much as may be Then the temple is furnished againe by Esâ—ras Darius supplying religiouslye that â—hich was wanting restoring thos things â—hich had been taken away From the 9 to the end is described the â—eale of Esdras in separating and remouing 〈◊〉 strange women where especially are to be obserued the common places of prayeâ— and of true repentance And in this whole book must be obserued how God one while punisheth his elect offending as here by the captiuity of Babylon another while receiueth them againe to fauour as heere by Esdras and Nehemias The summe of the booke of Nehemias which also is called the second Booke of Esdras 1 First from the beginning of the book to the 8 chap after the faithful prayer of Nehemias the Iewe with the confessing of his sinnes he obtaineth of his heathen Lords Artaxerxes the king whose Butler he was in Persia leaue to returne to his brethren in Iudea so as we may see that deed do follow faithfull prayer comming to Ierusalem hee begins to reedify the City not without troble persecution and many hinderances so that the people were both molested in such sort by their enemies that they were driueÌ„ to holde their sworde in one hande and to builde with the other and also they were afflicted with so great famine and sâ—arsitie that Nehemias in the 5 chapt commanded by an edict that all they which had taken â—surie shoulde restore it wholye vnto the poore Lastlye though hee were not free from the deceipts of wicked men yet hee went forward with the worke vntil he had appointed a continual watch and the gates to be shut in the night season 2 From the 2 chap to the 11 religion is restored the Lawe is repeated the people are instructed and the couenant is renewed for without Religion and the word of God al is filled with errors 3. From the 11 chap to the end of the booke first the habitations of the people are set out by themselues then the Leuites are numbred lastly strange women are separated order is taken for the Leuies and the keeping of the Sabaoth is renued The thirde booke of Esdras as it is called containeth onely an amplification of those thinges which are comprehended in the book of Nehemias except those which are repeated in the first chapter out of the bookes of the Chronicles The 4. booke of â—sdras
4. Men thinke that Amos the Father of Esay was the brother of king Amazia of whose line Christ is Moreouer hee writes not onely more sermons then other proph concerning Christ and his kingdome but also more cleare more excellent then the Euangelistes therefore he is rather to bee called an Euangelist then a prophet Esay learned in the time of the transmigration of the ten tribes vnder Vriah Ezechia kings of Iudah he liued about the age of the world 3200. with Osea Ioel Amos Micha he prophesied aboue 100. yeares The book of Esay the prophet contains 1 prophesy Legal Euangelical 2 Historical as that of Ezechias the K. 3. exhortations vnto the Iewes pentiles 4. Consolations 5 praiers 6 giuing of thanks In the book of Esay there are 66. chap. which are thus deuided 1 From the beginning vnto the 13. cha he deals with the Iewes somtimes he sharply reproues them sometimes he prophesieth with them sometimes against them he threatneth the obstinate with horrible euils He putteth down most excellent promises concerning Christ to them that repent to comfort them which part he shuâ—â—eh vppe with giuing of thanks From the 13 ch to the 24 he passeth ouer vnto the Gentils preacheth prophesieth against them wherby mine he taxeth fusle the Babylonians 2. the Philistians 3. the Moabits 4. the Damascens 5. The Ismaclites 6. the Egyptians 7. the TitiaÌ„s 8. the Sidonians as the euill neighbours of the Iewes and alwaies offensiue to the people of God in which he prophesieth deuastation and other horrible euils to fall on them neither doth he in the meane while neglect the promises made to the gentiles that they should be conuerted to the saith 3 From the 24 chap vnto the 36 chap he returnes to the Iewes to whom againe hee prophesyeth hard thinges because of their incredulity He threatneth the captiuity of that proud Sinagogue the wicked Iews other hard fortunes and that they were altogither forsaken of God But the godlie and good men he comforteth in that God would keepe preserue his remnant and little flocke In the meane time hee omitteth not thankesgiuing for the Gospel that should be reuealed in the new testament 4 From the 36 cha vnto the 40 cha he reciteth the histories of Ezechias the K. of Iudah who as a godly feruent beseecher of God was heard both againste Senacherib that wicked king of Assyria for himselfe being greeuouslye sicke with a pestiserous disease From the 40 chap vnto the end he again deals with the Iewes sometimes most sharply rebuking them for their incredulity and Idolatrie sometimes comforting them as being to be brought captiue into Babilon In the meane while he puttes downe manie excellent prophesies and promises concerâ—ing the kingdome of Christ and the calling of the Gentiles ioining the Gospell to the Law to reprehension consolation by the Gospel that he might be said more truly to be an Euangelist then a prophet So much concerning the book of Esay The Booke of Ieremy IEremy the sonne of Helchia the priest began to prophesie the 13 yeare of the raign of king Iosiah when the king the priests and the people liâ—ed most wickedly vntil the booke of the â—ruine law was founde in the house of the Lorde by Helchia the father of Ieremye Then the king being moued with pitty and â—ompassion did restore the worship of god â—nd did root out Idolatry as the last book of the Kings doth witnesse in the 22 chapâ—â—r Ieremy prophesied from the 13 yeare 〈◊〉 Iosias vnto the time of the Babylonian câ—tiuity almost 41. yeares He also prophesieâ— concerning the captiuity of Babylon tiâ—â— ouerthrow of the city of Ierusalem he foâ—â— told the time of the captiuity almost 70. yeares where we are to obserue by hoâ— much the neerer punishments doo hast 〈◊〉 draw on by so much the more the wickâ—â— are worser more obstinate which appâ—reth by Ieremy by our time to be true Although the order of chapters cannâ—â— be obserued in the bookes of the prophers because they seeme rather to be sayings gathered out of the Prophets mouthes as thâ—â— vttered them then to haue byn written by them It is somewhat to go thus farre if wâ—â— can go no further as to obserue that notâ—â— Ieremy doth handle chiefly 3. things in order but with often repetitions mingled â—mongst themselues First he preacheth and chideth vehemently the wicked Iewes afterwardes bâ— foretels their punishments to wit the saâ— king and wasting of the City of Ierusalâ—â— Lastly he prophesyeth as other Prophets concerning Christ and his kingdome and of the new Testament 1 From the beginning vnto the 20 cha â—esides the history in which he is called of God by a vision by a signe to wit a flaâ—ing rod a seething pot In which God â—ewes his sudden and vehement wrath aâ—ainst this peruerse rebellious people by â—â—e king of Babylon the rod reuenger of â—od Besides I say this history Ieremy â—eproues the impiety of the Iewes theyr â—dolatry offences wickednesse cruelty aâ—ainst yâ— prophets so as al these sermoÌ„s for yeâ—ost part are for penitency or graue exhorâ—tions to repentance Besides the propheâ—es concerning the captiuity of Baby and â—esides consolations with which God doth â—omfort the prophet against tentations and â—he prophet the people to be deliuered froÌ„â—he captiuity From the 20. to the 40. ch besides the hiâ—â—ory of the crosse calamity of the prophet 〈◊〉 besides those most excellent promises of â—â—turn from captiuity concerning christ â—â—ee threateneth the people of Iuda speciâ—â—ly the prin with al euil which is agrauated â—y this â—hat God signifies that he wil stand â—ith the Chald. against his own people and â—ith the Chal. afflict his people which is of 〈◊〉 other things most horrible to wit God is not to be with his people but againste 〈◊〉 people After that he threatneth false pâ—â—phets and preachers who preached to 〈◊〉 Princes and people thinges pleasing theâ—â— and not according to the word of the Lord. Lastly he recites the history of Zededâ— the king that as contemning Gods wordâ— he fled to mans ayd and helpe euen so â—â—â—sery and calamity hapned vnto him whiâ—â— is the reward of Tyrants From the 40 chap. vnto the ende of thâ— booke besides diuers examples that is 〈◊〉 wit God deliuereth and keepeth the Prophet that God is true in his word that hâ— punisheth the contemners of his worde afterwards besides admonitions to the Iewâ— in Egypt and consolation with which Ieremy comforted Baruch his scribe he prophetsieth against the Gentiles his neighbors the Egyptians Philistians Moabites and other kingdomes then hee prophesieth the destruction of the kingdome of Babylon by the Meades and Persians Last of all hee concludes the booke with the historye of the deuastation or destruction of Ierusalem and with the leading away of the people in to Babylon that euery man may see the order of the Almighty in which he is
The Prophesie of Abdiah ABdias signifieth the worship of God that he is the seruant or the worshiper of God He is thought to be the most auncientest of all the Prophets as Ionas in the time of Achab and Ieroboham Kinges of Israell Hee inueyeth against the Edomites who delighted in the afflictions of Israell Edom was the brother of Iacob to weet Esau and as hee hated his brother because his father Isake gaue vnto him the blessing of the first byrth euen so all his posteritie hated the posteritie of Iacob that is to say the Isralites and whensoeuer he coulde he brought trouble vpon theÌ„ adioyning himselfe with their enemies so declaring the vnfaithfullnes of his minde as the Psalmist saith 137. Lord be thou mindefull of the sonnes of Edom in the day of Ierusalem who saith Down with it downe with it euen to the grounde It containes one onely Chapter the some Edomites whereof is this Abdias 1 He Fortells the destruction of the CoÌ„forteth the Iewes Abdias 2 He Sheweth that saiuatioÌ„ is in Sion Abdias 3 He teacheth that no iniury puokes worshiped Abdias 4 He the breethren Abdias 5 He teacheth that god only is to bee The booke of Ionas the Prophet IONAS signifieth a Doue he liued a litle before Esai vnder king Ieroboham hee was a prophet in Israell as it is written in the last booke of the kinges chap 14. after this maner according to the worde of the Lorde as it was spoken by his seruant Ionah the sonne of Aniathias the prophet which was of Gad which is in Hephet But it is manifest that Gad Hephet was a Cittie in the tribe of Zabulon so that Ionas was a Iew and not the sonne of an Ethicke widdow in the dayes of Helias of whom mencion is made Luke 4. as certaine men do imagine of Ionah He is sent into Syria to preach against the Cittie of Niniue which was a famous Citie the Metropolitane of the whole kingdome of the Assirians whence it appeareth that God at that time had not only care of the Isralites but also of the Gentiles It is notablie spoken by Math. chap 12 where it is saide that Ionas was a Type of Christ Dying and Rising againe The wicked and adultorous generation seeketh a signe and a signe shall not bee giuen him but the signe of Ionas the prophet as Ionas himselfe was in the Whales bellye three Dayes and three Nightes so shall the son of Man be in the hearte of the earth three dayes and three nightes There are onely 4. Chap. IN the first is described very largely a miraculous history how Ionas was caste into the sea out of a shippe and how he was swallowed vp of a certaine great fishe and was tossed here there in the whales belly the space of three daies In the second is described the song and thankesgiuing of Ionas vnto God for his deliuerance from the whales belly where he thought euery houre that his life was at an end he praiseth the worke of the lord who onely is of power in heauen and in earth sea and all deepe places In the third we haue a famous ezample of repentaunce in the Niniuites to be followed of all sinners where these thinges are seuerely to be obserued by no means to be pÌ„termitted 1 That God is the god of the gentiles 2 That God is of power good and iust 3 what repentance is 4 That true fasting serueth to repentance In the fourth the carnall carefulnesse of Ionas is described howe hee would haue him respected with the damage and hinderance of his neighbors such is the great imperfection and fleshly feare in mankind yea euen of the saints but in God there is mercy and clemency towardes all sinners truely repenting This doth plainly appeare by Ionas and the Niniuites The Booke of Micheas the Prophet MIcheas liued in that time vnder those Kinges as Esayâ— Oseas and Amos liued as plainly appeareth by the title He Prophesied against the two Tribes and against the tenne Tribes that is to say 1 against kinges 2 against Iudges 3 against Priestes 4 against false Prophets aswell in Iudah as in Israell and hee foretelleth their destruction that reiected the worde of God and without his seare followed after vayne thinges In this chiefely he is very famous for that he doeth not onelye promise Christ to come nor doeth not onely declare the benefites of his kingdome but also hee sheweth vs the place of his natiuitye Thou Bethelem Ephrata saieth hee Art not the least amongst the princes of Iuda Out of thee shall arise vnto me a captaine that shall gouerne my people Israell c. which place Matthew cites in the second chap. And there are 7. Chapters which are thus to be deuided In the first three chapt there are Sermons and prophesies of reprose somtimes generally against the Israelites againste the impiety and Idolatry of Iudah and their wicked life and sometimes particular against the chiefe heads aswell in religion as in pollicy but yet with all in the ende of the second chap. the faithfull are comforted thorow the promise of the comming of the true pastour our Lorde Iesus Christ In the 4. and 5. are most excellent promises and consolations concerning the inlarging of the kingdome of Christ by the preaching of the Apostles throughout the whole world In the 6. 7. sometimes he reprooueth the couetousnesse and impiety of the people and sometimes he complains by reason of the great malice of the world in his time In the end he annexed the promise concerning the beginning of Christs kingdom in Ierusalem and afterwares concerning the inlargement thereof by the Apostles amongst all nations and by the way he condemnes their Synagogues The booke of Nahum the Prophet NAhum hath his name of comforting For hee comforteth the afflicted Israelites in this that he prophesieth againste the Assyrians who troubled and vexed Israell and Iudah although by the scripture it cannot be found what time and vnder what king Nahum prophesied Yet it seemeth that he liued after Ionas a little before Esar He forâ—tâ—l the subuâ—sion of Niniuy which was â—â—lleâ— vnto wickednesse after the preaching of Ionas There are three only chapters which are thus to be deuided In the first chapter he prophesieth generally concerning the perdition of the Assirians In the second he foretelleth especially of the comming of the Babylonian enemye In the third hee sheweth the cause of perdition by numbring the horrible wickednes of the Assyrians which were these Fornication theft and lying to weet Fornication in the false worshipping of God or in false doctrine That in iust vexations and publike exactions leuied onely to maintaine their pompe and pride being in contractts and barhaines The ende of this prophesie is the consolation of the Iewes to whom he shewes the preaching of peace without distrust expecting the time of the newe Testament or of the Gospell of Christ in which time euerlasting peace is preached to the
To whom shal wee goe thou hast the words of eternall life Concerning the holy Bible and bookes of the old and new Testament THE Byble or Bibles although generally it signifieth a book yet more particularly by the holie Bible is the bookes of the old and new Testament called holie for the holy Diuinity and doctrine of God are seuered from the wisedome of the world and brought from heauen and a Bible because many bookes are therein contained The first whereof is Genesis the last the Reuelation The first deuision of the BIBLE THe holy Bible is deuided into the olde and new Testament The olde Testament containeth those bookes which were written before Christ was borne as the bookes of Moses the Psalmes and the Prophets with som other which are in number 48. The new Testament comprehends those bookes which were set foorth after the birth of Christ As the bookes of the Gospelles and the Epistles with others which are in number 27. The 2. Diuision THe holy Bible is diuided into six parts in respect of so much as concerne the difference of the Bookes For some of the bookes of the Bible are Legall Historicall Doctrinall Propheticall Euangelicall and Epistolar 1 The siue bokes of Moses cald c. are Legall because the lawe is specially described in them 2 Historicall are those which simply containe Histories or thinges doone as are the bookes 1 of Iosua 2 of Iudges 3 of Ruth 4 of Kings 5 of Chron. 6 of Ezra 7 of Nehemiah 8 of Tobias 9 of Iudith 10 of Hester 11 of Machabees 12 of The acts of the Apostles 3 Doctrinall are those which containe some speciall doctrine for the edifying of the hearers as are the books 1 of Iob. 2 of Psalms 3 of Prouerbs 4 of Ecclesiast 5 Canticles 6 Wisedome 7 Iesus Sirach 4 Prophetical are those which were preached written by the Prophets wherof 4. are called the greater and the rest are called the lesser Prophets The greater because they write greater and longer bookes the lesser because they write lesser and smaller bookes 5 Euangelicall bookes are they which containe the Euangelicall stories of our Sauiour Christ set forth by the 4. Euangelists 6 Epistolar are the writinges and letters of the Apostles and specially of the apostle Paule The 3. deuision Some books of the Byble are Canonicall Apocrypha Canonicall bookes are those in which is preserued the authority of Ecclesiasticall oppinions Apocrypha or doubtfull bookes are those whose credit is doubted of and serue only for the instruction of the people not for confirming the opinions of the church such are the bookes 1 of Iudith 2 of Wisedome 3 of Tobia 4 of Iesus Sirach 5 of Baruch 6 of Machabees 7 of The fragments in Hest DaÌ„ All the rest are Canonicall bookes otherwise called Authenucall from whence the Canonicall and autenâ—call scripture hath his name and they are Canonicall which reade or expound the holy Scriptures Of the Bookes Legall or the 5. Bookes of Moses THe books of Moses haue their names in Greeke Pentatenchou of the numb of 5. because they are but 5. of the Hebrewes they are called 5. fiftes and they are ascribed to Moses either because Moses wrote them or because they containe the story of Moses in them and they are 5 1 Genesis 2 Exodus 3 Leuiticus 4 Numbers 5 Deuteronomy 1. Of Genesis GEnesis hath his name of begetting or of generation because it is a booke of the generation of the world both for the Creation of things and for the restoring of them after the floud It hath in it 50. Chapters and is diuided into sixe principall partes in regard of the sixe famous persons whose stories are set forth in Genesis 1. Adam is described from chap. 1 to cha 6 2. Noah from the 6 to the 12 3. Abram from the 12 to the 20 4. Isaac from the 20 to the 28 5. Iacob from the 28 to the 37 6. Ioseph from the 37 to the end of the book But Genesis in some containes 1 The Beginning of the world 2 The Deluge 3 The Burning of Sodom 4 The Destruction of Babell 5 The Deeds of the Patriarches 6 The Fall especially of mankind his restoring againe by the blessed seede of the woman that is Iesus Christ 2. Of Exodus EXodus is so called of going out because heere is described the going of the children of Israell out of Egypt as also the conuersion of many in the wildernesse wher the law was published because men knewe not what sinne was For then God gaue to his people the law of the ten commandements and after by Moses ordained Ceremoniall and Iudiciall lawes that Religion and gouernment might bee preserued among the Iewes In all which as in the building of the Tabernacle Christ was shadowed so the law is a schoolmaister vnto Christ The principal deuision of Exodus 1 From the first chap. to the 7 after thâ— description 1. of the birth 2. of the hiding 3. casting into the water 4. adoption 5 slight 6. mariage of Moses God giues 〈◊〉 commandement both of his restoring into Egypt and of his bringing the people oâ— Israell out of Egypt because they were oppressed with a harde bondage by Pharao which coÌ„mandmeÌ„t after long delay he doth execute In the midst of the 4. ch he goeth into Egypt and with his brother Aron goeth vnto K. Pharao reasoneth with him about the letting go of the people which is in the 6 ch 2 From the 7. chap to the 12 are described the ten plagues of Egypt as that 1 of Blood 2 of Frogges 3 of Lice 4 of Flies 5 of Mouen of cartel 6 Blanes 7 Haile 8 Locusts 9 Darknesse 10 death of the 1. born 3 From the 12 cha to the 16 is described the deliuerance of the people of Israell out of Egypt not without puisuing yet by the mightye power of God 4 From the 16 ch to the 20 is described the going forward of gods people thorow the desaâ—t their murmuring and Gods deliuerance with Mâ—nnâ— and Quaâ—les In the 20 chap. the â— commandementes are giuen to Moses 6 From the 21 to 25 Iudicial lawes are ordained 7 From the 25 to 32 are ordained lawes ecclesiastical or ceremoniall concerning the building of the Tabernacle 8 From the 32 chap. to 36 are the tables giuen of the ten commandements 9 From the 36 to the 40 chap is described the building of the Tabernacle 10 In the last chap. hamely in the 40 the erecting of the Tabernacle is described Thus much of the booke of Exodus 3. Of Leuiticus LEuiticus the third book of Moses is named of the tribe of I euy for the Priesthood of Aron which in this book is ordained with the lawes therof is appointed for the purging and eâ—pâ—ation of sin that it might signifie the true priest Christ Iesus the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world For for this cause were the Leuiticall Sacrifices the Leuitical hallowings
are established certaine matters concerning Pollicie 1 The parting of the spoile after the victory in the warre against the Amalakites 2 A particular diuiding of the lande of Canaan 3 A rehearsall of the places of abâ—ade where the Israelites sometimes staied for the space of 40. yeares 4 A discription of the bounds of the land of Canaan and the chusing of them that should be deuiders with the part of the Leuites the Cities of refuge and possessions which might not bee translated to another Tribe All these are full of Examples of Faith and vnbeleefe of transgressions punishments and of the maruellous administrations of God hauing reference to Christ that was to come in the flesh 5. Of Deuteronomy SO called of DEVTEROS NOMOSâ— that is of the second rehearsall and publishing of the lawe for whatsoeuer is propounded in Exodus and Leuiticus concerning moral Ceremoniall Iudicial lawes the same Moses doth almost repeate in thiâ— booke For it was very requisite that thâ— people beeing punished for their disobedâ—ence should againe bee brought to the obseruing of the lawe Moses therefore repeated the Law again with all things that happened vnto them Besides what pertayned to the priesthood from the 9 chap hee declareth all those matters which pertained either to spiritual or corporall gouernment all which he applyeth to this end that they might draw vs vnto Christ of whome hee prophesyeth plainly in the 18. chap I will raise vppe a prophet for them from among their brethren c. For the law is a schoolmaister vnto Christ and the end of the law is Christ The Book is very fitly deuided into 4. principall parts 1 From the beginning to the 5. chap are rehearsed some of Gods works benefits past vnto theÌ„ wherby the people are sharply admonished both of their own vnthankefulnesse and disobedience and also put in mind of Gods goodnesse thereby to obey him 2 From the fift to the 20 he repeateth those things which eyther might further or hinder faith which do chieflye concerne spiritual gouernment and the true worship of God in the first Table for first vnto the 13 chap hee repeateth the ten Commaundements with weighty admonitions exhortations to the feare of God and keeping the x. commandements of God with exhortations from the Idolatry of the gentils especially after the inioying of the lande of Canaan with a recitall of some stories TheÌ„ he faithfully repeateth the ecclesiastical ordinances concerning ministers and the ministery of the word Tithes the yeare of Iubile the principal feasts choise of magistra right of the priesthood and the Cities of refuge 3 From the 13 chap to the 20 all those things which belong to the worship of the first Table 4 From the 20 to the 31 hee repeateâ— those things that might either work or hinder charity In the second Table that which conceâ—â— outward gouernment as political ordinances 1 of Warlike affaires 2 of The works of charity 3 of Those things that were fit for at office of theÌ„ that were to take iâ— 4 of The bill of diuorce 5 of thanfulnes towards Gods word Hereunto are added punishmentes for the breach of Gods commandement and rewards for keeping them and that which is most comfortable he sheweth in the 30 ch that thorowe repentance there is a waye for sinners to the mercy of God 5 From the 31 cha to the end of the book are set forth those thinges which happened about the death of Moses For first he comforteth the people least they should greeue and be discouraged because of his death theÌ„ with a notable song hee giues thankes vnto God and foretelleth what shal come to pas in the land of promise Afterward he blesseth the people and after the example of the Patriarch Iacob Gen 49 he blesseth euery seuerall tribe taking his leaue of them and prophesieth what shal befall vnto then Lastly he goeth vp to the mountain and receiuing comfort from God departeth this life and as it is thought he was both with body and soule carried vp into heauen as he appeared with Eliah in mount Thabor Thus farre of the Pentatenk of Moses which is so called of the number fiue and of the laste ve be Tencho which signe is to giue instruction as if it were an instrument which is of fiue stringes hauing respect to the only Lord Iesus Christ as he himselfe else-where but especially in the last of Luke doeth testifye saying Those thinges which are written of the sonne of man in Moses c. also there are diuers places in the new Testament alledged out of Moses Of the Booke of Iosua NOw some of the bookes Historical do follow in order vntill the 5. booke of Iob. Amongst which the chiefest are first As that of Iosua the Iudges and Kinges Wherein we may plentifully learne 1. The feare of God and Fai h. 2 weaknesse the crosse 3 repentance and amenedment 4 patience and comfort 1 The booke of Iosua taketh the name of Iosua himselfe the sonne of Nvun whoe was otherwiseÌ„ called Iesus Naue Hee succeeded Moses in the office of Magistracie and as Moses guided and gouerned the people 40. yeares beeing deliuered out of Egypt in the wildernesse by the mighty haÌ„d of God so Iosua by the same power of god brought the people into the land of Canaan or the lande of Promise taking the Caties and killing or putting to flight the inhabitants and deuided the land among theÌ„ in which these three things are to be seuerally obserued 1 That God kept his promise made to fiue Patriarches concerning the lande of Promise 2 That the Common-weale of Israell is preserued for the foretelling of the blessed seed of the woman our lord Iesus Christ 3 That God fighteth for his people againste the wicked whose sinnes hee punisheth by wasting and killing them for an example to all the vngodly that they might repent This booke is deuided as the principal book of Deut. into 4. parts First from the beginning to the sixt cha besides the calling of Iosua and the confirming of him and his gouerning of the common weale of Israel and the sending out of the spyes their daunger and returne theyâ— myraculous passage ouer the riuer lordan is described with the remembrance thereof and with a new command of Circumcision which for 40. yeares space had beene omitted and the celebration of the Passeouâ—â— 2 From the 6 Chap to the 13 besides the league made with the Gibbonites the sinne of sacriledge the sacking of the Cities of Iericâ— Hai c. And the killing of many Kings are heere discribed which in the 12 chapter are numbred that we may see how God fighteth mightilie for his people and that he rooteth out the vngodly 3 From the 13 chap. to the 20 is discribed the diuision of the lande of Canaan and the distributing thereof by lots according to the Tribes of Israell whereby is shewed that the promise of God is true 4 From the 20 chap to the
c. And hee teacheth that they are truely blessed of God which are ioyned with God and are vnited vnto him through religion and godlynes and also the lawfull vse of other things In the end hee reckens vp the inconuenience of olde age and the decay of all his strength that draweth nigh to death Therfore let euerie man liue in the feare of God let him faithfully performe his office and let him vse the thinges created of God to the glorie of God The booke of the Canticles THe 3. booke of Sal. whose Title is The Song of songs Salomon hath set foorth many songes to wit 105.3 King 4 but because that this song is more excellent thē the rest and more glorious it is called the song of songs and it contayneth secreete misteries vnder the Metaphors of the bridegrome and the Bride of Christ and of his Church or of all the godly For though the verse be thank of giuing in which thāks are giuen to God because he hath adorned the common weale of Israell with great benefits to wit with a king and priest Yet he shadoweth the kingdome of Christ for whom all men doth giue thanks vnto God that here haue fought a good fight to whom is appointed a crowne of righteousnesse in heauen whiles they are ingrasted with their spouse eternally Because it cannot be deuided into parts since that thorow 8. chap there is a certain perpetual speech between the bridegrome and the bride To conclude this book containeth most excellent and particular matter 1 Concerning the kingdome of God 2 Concerning the Ministery of his word 3 Concerning the variety of the gifts of the holy ghost 4 Concerning the perpetual felicity thorow Christ 5 Concerning the defence or protection of the highest 6 Concerning the Tranquility of the elect 7 Concerning the peace or quietnes of conscience The booke of Wisdome ALthough this booke by the title seemeth to bee Salomons yet it is ascribed to Philo a man most wise learned of the Iewes who was the embassador of the Iewes to the Emperor Caligula againste which tyrannous prince the like vngodly men Philo Iudeus seemeth to haue written this booke that it may wel bee called the Philosophy or the wisdome of Philo. The booke being very conuenient for our time He commendeth the word of God against sauagenesse and tyranny of the wicked who wil not fauour the word of God among their subiects euen as Caligula did interdict his religion among the Iewes But thou shalt obserue that the word of God in this booke is called Wisedome and this booke to be the interpretation of the first commandement whence all wisdome doth flow Furthermore the chapters of this booke are 22. which are thus deuided 1 From the beginning vnto the 6 cha he maketh a comparison betwixt the righteousnes of the godly the cogitations of the wicked 2 Betwixt the goodnesse of the godly and the councell of the wicked 3. Betwixt the simplicity of the godly and the tyranny of the wicked 4. Betwixt the Martyrdome of the faithfull and the vnhappinesse of Insidels 5 Betwixt the constancie reward and felicity of the godly the condemnation of the wicked 2 From the 6 chap vnto the 10 hee layeth downe graue exhortations in which he exhorteth wicked men to embrace wisedom that is to saye with penitency and repentance where he sheweth that wisedome is to be gotten by faithful prayers 3 From the 10 vnto the 16 he commēdeth wisedome by the example of the Patriarches and by the sundry benefites and myracles of God towardes his people and against Idolatry and impiety whose cursse he sets downe with a derision and detesting of them by praising Gods mercy From the 16 chap vnto the ende of the booke againe he compares the righteousnesse and the rewards of the godly with the vnrighteousnesse and punishmentes of the wicked by bringing an example concerning the destruction of the Egyptians So much concerning this booke out of the which many Ecclesiasticall songes are taken out The booke of Iesus the Sonne of Syrach THis book thus far is called Ecclesi that is to say as some men doe interpret an Ecclesiastical discipline much vsed yet not accounted amongst the canonical books It is called by proper name Iesus Syrach frō the author as the preface doth shew he liued almost after all the Prophets in the last part before the comming of Christ in the flesh A godly man and learned but of the schole of the Egyptians comming forth in to light did publishe this booke gathered out of the writing of many learned men The booke is admirable and very necessary and profitable for the vse of the common people where a Citizen or a housholder may learne godlinesse honesty prudence after what sort he must behaue him selfe 1. towardes God 2 towardes Gods word 3 towardes his ministers 4 towardes his parents 5 towardes his wise and Children 6 towardes his owne body 7 towards his seruances 8 towards his possessions 9 towardes his neighbours 10 towardes his friendes and enemies 11 towardes magistrates and lastly towardes al menne◠〈◊〉 This booke may worthily be called a booke of domesticall discipline But seeing that it cannot bee profitablie denided by Chapters because it is not a booke written in parts orderly but gathered out of the bookes of many doctors and heaped vp consusedly euen as Bees do gather their hony out of diuers flowers it is sufficient to shew what it doth containe generally 1 First it containeth prouerbiall sentences and darke similitudes so as in this respect Iesus Syrach seemeth to be a follower or an Imitator of Salomon 2 Furthermore he poureth our and singeth certain excellent prayers and hymnes vnto God 3 It containeth certain peculiar ancient deuine histories of acceptable mē to god 4 Lastly he sheweth with what benefites it pleaseth God most plentifully to blesse his people and what euils he hath heaped vpon the wicked 5 In sum the booke is full of diuine wisedome The books of the Prophets THe prophetical books doe follow there are 16. Prophets of the which there are 4 great and 12 lesser of whome wee haue spoken before The sum of the doctrine of the prophets is this 1. They teach the kingdom of Christ to come 2. They expound the first commandment by many examples and histories 3. They comfort the afflicted consciences threaten the secure and carelesse ones 4. they condemne the Idolatry of the Iews which they call fornication It is Idolatry or spirituall fornication when men do worship the true God not according to the word and commandment of God but according to their owne good opinion as men say looke Iudges 7 17. 3 king 12 Ose 2. for that opinion is inhibited Deut 12. The booke of Esay ESay is the chiefe amongst the proph whose writings are extant next after Dauids For hee is ioyned to Christ not only in faith but also in neernesse of bloud He cals Christ the bud of the lord chap
Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. 10 Ieremy A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. 11 Sophony A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. 12 Ezechi A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. Daniell A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. Hagg. Zacha. Mallach After the returne of the people of Babilon 559. Concerning the Booke of Hosea the Prophet OSeas by the Etimologie of his name signifieth Health and therefore he maried his lawfull wife according to Gods comaundement but with such a reproche as that she is called his harlot so comes it to passe that the worlde doth rage against the Ministers of Gods worde Therefore God forbidde that wee shoulde thinke the Prophet to liue in Fornication In the beginning of his Sermons he betrotheth Israel to the Lorde our God in iustice in iudgment in mercy and pittie and reconciles them to Dauid their king and so he calles Christ as being borne of the loynes of Dauid In the end he threatneth the destruction of Death with great feruencie I will saith he be thy Death Oh Death I will be thy Death for euer In the meane time he doth preach most feruently constaÌ„tly against Israell against the Idollatrie of the Princes and Priestes of the people Afterwardes he prophecieth very power-fully concerning the kingdome of Christ These two thinges were the offices duties of all the prophets the one out of the Law the other out of the promises for the which they were brought to their death as heretikes and seditious persons From the beginning to the 14. chap there are prophesies and sermons of reproofe against the kingdome of Israell because for Idolatrie which he calleth spirituall Fornication not onely the people but also Princes and priestes are to be punished of God with corporall eternall captiuitie vnlesse they repent he mittigateth these Comminations with the promises of God that they shoulde not dispâ—ire but conuert vnto god Also in the 2.3.11.12.14 there are prophecies and comfortable sermons concerning the kingdome of Christ the preching of the Gospell and the victories of Christe ouer Death and Hell together with the Eternall captiuitie of the people of Israell their restoring by faith in the mercies of god through Christ The booke of Ioel the Proph. JOEL by the Etimologie of his name signifieth begining or desiring Who hee was of what Tribe in what time or vnder what king he liued it is vncertaine chieflie because he himselfe maketh no mencion of this vnlesse it be for that he is thought to liue with Osea and Amos whilest he preacheth against the kingdome of Israel Hee labours only to shew how punishments plagues hang ouer the earth for innumâ—rable sins greuous wickednes WheÌ„ce S. Peter on the feast of Penticost tooke occasion to preach act 2. And Saint Paul allegeth the saying of Ioel in the 2. chap. euerie one that calleth on the name of the lord shall be saued Rom 10. In the 1. chapt he prophecieth against the kingdome of Israel to weet it woulde come to passe that Israel should be carried away into Syrâ—a He vnderstaÌ„deth the Assâ—â—ians by these 4. kinde of wormes deuouring smite and Corne to weet the Palmer worme The Grasse-hopper The Canker worme and the Caterpiller shewing the vnpeâ—pling and deuastacion by litle litle of the kingdome of Israel In the 2. 3. after he had sore-shewed vnto the king of Assirta his destruction he propheâ—â—eth euen vnto the end of the kingdome of Christ of the holy Ghost and of the celestiall Ierusalem In that he speaketh of the Valley of Iehosophat in the last cha He seemeth not only that it ought to be vnderstoode of the eternall Iudgment but also of the church of Christ as the valley of Achor in Osea in the which the Gentiles were adiudged to bee sinners and are called to repentance by the word of God the holy Ghost reproues the world of sinne The booke of Amos. AMos by the etymology of his name signifieth a burthen or yoke and he answereth more then all the prophets thorow his vehemency to the singularity of his name He reproues the Israelits throughout all his booke and doth inuey against them although a stranger amongst them as one born in the tribe of Iudah nor so much as the sonne of a prophet but a shepheard an ordinary man as he himselfe witnesseth in the 2. chap. But hee liued in the time of Osea and Esay as GOD is of power to call suche by a suddaine or certaine diuine miracle against all wicked powers which they call ordinarie where necessitie requireth Euen so the holy Ghost made A postles of rude and vnlearned Fishers It is thought that Amos was slaine by a wicked priest called Amasia with a Fullers clubbe ¶ The chapters of this booke are ix which are thus to be distinguished From the beginning vnto the 4. chapt he prophecieth agâ—inst the neighbours of the Iewes and of the Israelites who were the kinges of Syria the kinges of Palestina of Tire of Edome of Amon Meab c. saith that it will come to passe that they also should be punished of God againe Afterwardes he prophecieth against the kinges of Israell and Iuda with an admonition that they shoulde not contempne the prophets of God From the 4. chap. to the 7. he prophecieth against the kingdome of Israell threatneth horrible thinge to come vnto them from God 1. Famine 2. Dearth 3. Pestilence 4. Botch 5. the sword and lastly vtter distructioÌ„ by the Assirians in the meane time whilest he reproues their sinnes he exhorteth them to repentance by the deuastation of the Assirians From the 7 chap. to the ende besides 3. visions which he sawe against the King of Israell to weet 1. the Locustes the fire and the Line or rule vpon the Wall hee contendes with the wicked prest Amasiah to whom he promiseth horrible mischiefe Afterwardes he preacheth against the couetousnes of the rich and the oppression of the poore In the ende hee addeth a most excellent place concerning the kingdome of the Mesiah which is cited of Iames the Apostle Act. 15. As also a place is cited of Stephen in the 5. chap Act. 7. But that which he speakes in the 1. chap. of 3. and 4. sinnes he vnderstandeth the greatnes and the multitude of sin the impatiencie and defence thereof 3. and 4. makes 7. which is a Finall or indefinit number in holy Scripture
be gladde and cheerefull In the 3. chap first of all there is a vision concerning Iâ—sua the chiefe Priest for his comfort and the reedifiyng of the Citie Furthermore there are promises made coÌ„cerning Christ which he names the roote or plant in respect of the gospel and faith and a corner stone in regarde of the church In the 4. clâ—ap is discribed the vision of of the golden Candlesticke for the comfort of Zoroâ—â—bel their Captaine and an exhortacion that hee bee not scarred or withdrawne from the building of the Temple by feare of the enemie In the 5 chapt is discribed a double vision that is to say of a flying booke and afterwardes of anâ— pha or measure in the which was shewed by the Angel the comming of false prophets into Iudea In the 6. chapt is described a vision of soure Chariots by the which the kingdome and the gospel of Christ seemed to be shadowed In the 7. and 8. chapt there are sermons and admonitions against the hiporesie of of the Iewes in the choise of dayes and times of their fastes Afterwardes there are sermons of exhortations to builde againe the Temple and last of all consolations concerning the kingdome of Christ In the 9. and 10. chapt there are prophesies concerning the comming of Christ of the humanitie of his kingdome by this that he was made to sit vppon an Asse afterwardes concerning the power of Alexander the great by the which God hath opened the Gates of the world that the king of glory might enter with his holy Gospell In the 11.12 13. ch there are the same prophesies and indeede more grauely coÌ„cerning the Passion of Christ being delyuered into the handes of the Gentiles also the desolation of the Iewes for their incredulitie and of the preaching of the gospel amongest the Gentiles after the pastor was stroken that is to say after the passion of Christ In the last chapter there are yet two prophesies of the which one containes the abrogatioÌ„ of the whole sinagog and the worshipping of the Leuites the other contain the tentations and the victory of yÌ„ church The booke of Malachy MAlachyas hath obtained the name of an Angell amongst the Hebrues He is counted the last among the prophets and the next before Christ whom he soretels to be now at hande and Iohn Baptist vnder the name of Elias to be his fore-runner Whether this Malachias were Esdras as some haue thought it is vncertaine But this is most certaine that he hath many excellent sentences concerning Christ and the Gospell which he cals that pure and perfect sacrifice for the whol world There are 4. chapters therein which are thus to be discerned In the first chapter sometimes he generally reprehendeth the ingratitude of the Iewes At another time more particularly the couetousnesse of the priests The one because they bring those things which are vnpure and nothing worth for sacrifice the other for that they offer vnpure and vnfit thinges to God and by and by euen in the middest of his threatnings he preacheth concerning the kingdome of Christ and of holy offerings that is the Gospell In the 2. chapt he goeth forward to reproue and vehemently to reprehend the priestes warning them of their Office that it is so holy as an angelical name is ascribed vnto him Also he inuayeth more particulerly against them who are acused of their wiues for their euill handling or vsage bringing foorth the exaÌ„ple of Abraham that would not haue them to be hardly vsed In the third chapter hee prophecieth of the fore-runner of Christ and also of both the comminges of Christe to wit in the flesh and to Iudgment Afterwardes hee chideth the Iewes for their ingratitude towardes the Ministers of Christ In the fourth chapter he ioyneth aswell graue as short exhortation to godly men for the true worship and feare of God and also ioy and consolation fore-telling to wicked men Plagues Destructions and therefore let vs obay the diuine admonitions and the true seruing and fearing of the Lorde our God and let vs also looke for the second comming of Christ with a cheerefull minde lifâ—ing vp your handes So much concerning the prophets and of the bookes of the prophets by the which the Doctrine of the new TestameÌ„t is confirmed and the sentences of the prophets are cited sort estimonie aswell by Christ himselfe as also by his Apostles Let the therfore bee recommended vnto vs for most sweet consolations Let vs therefore accompt them worthie of all praise for these sweete consolations The bookes of Machabees THE Bookes of Machabees haue only their name or deriuation of Iudas Machabeus for his excellent actes that are d cscribed in those bookes it is the last florie of all the olde Testament concerning thinges done by the Iewes from the time of Alexander the great vnto Christ when the people of god had neither kings nor prophets amongst them but Princes priestes There were in the olde Testament foure kindes of gouerment in the elect people of God to wit first a most patriarchall power Secondly a Iudicial power Thirdly a kingly power and fourthlie a Pontificall power For all which Christ onely raigneth in the new Testament who first is the father of the world to come Secondly the Iudge of quicke and dead Thirdly the king of kinges Fourthlie the eternall Priest or Byshop Furthermore the bookes of Machabees are reckned amongst the Apochripha books and amongest the Canonicall bookes and amongest other thinges it conteyneth a most true discription of those thinges which Daniel prophesied of in the 12. ch to wit concerning the persecution of the Iewes by Antiochus The First booke is deuided into 5. partes according to the circumstances of persons and in this booke there are 5. persos most famous whose acts are discribed for the most parte after the order of an historie First Mathias 2. Iudas Mac. Thirdly and fourthly Ionathas and Simon the breethren of Iudas Machab fifthly Iohn the sonne of Simon From the first chapter vnto the third the impietie and crueltie of Antiochus is noted whom the scripture cals The root of sinne And there is described the zeale and constancy of Mathias the priest of his sons that it may bee an euerlasting example to the ministers of the word in persecution From the third chap. vnto the ninth are described the valiant actes of Iudas Mach. namely his warres his victories the purification of the Temple the confederacy with the Romanes and the manifolde conflictes with the Gentiles his neighbors and their Princes whom he discomfited either by enforcing them to flee away or by killing them whose names followeth in order 1 Apolonius slaine chap. 3 2 Seron slaine chap. 3 3 Gorgias driuen away chap. 4. 4 Lysias driuen away chap. 4. 5 Timotheus with the Amonits and Galaadites discomfited ch 5 6 The sons of Esau discomfited ch 5 7 Antiochus the younger the leagu-breaker son of Antiochus the tyrant deceased with his captaine Lysias and their