CLAVIS BIBLIORVM THE KEY Of the BIBLE Vnlocking The Richest Treasury of the Holy Scriptures WHEREBY The 1 Order 2 Names 3. Times 4 Penmen 5 Occasion 6 Scope and 7 Principall Parts Containing the Subject-Matter of every Book of Old and New Testament are familiarly and briefly opened For the help of the weakest capacity in the understanding of the whole BIBLE By FRANCIS ROBERTS A. M. Pastor of the Church at Augustines LONDON Col. 3.16 Let the word of Christ in dwell in you richly in all wisdome London Printed by T. R. and E. M. for George Calvert and are to sold at his shop at the signe of the Half-Moon in Watling-street neer to Pauls stump 1648. AN EPISTLE To the READER THere is no one duty more commanded or commended in the Word of God or more practised by the Saints of God then the diligent and conscientious reading of the holy Scriptures Our Saviour Christ commands us not only to read them but to search into them The Apostle Paul commands us not only to have them with us but in us and not only to have them in us but to have them dwelling and abiding in us richly in all wisedome David professeth of himselfe that the Law was in the midst of his bowels And that he had hid the word in his heart that he might not sinne against God Austin saith of himselfe that the holy Scriptures were his holy delight And Hierome tels us of one Nepotianus who by long and assiduous meditation of the holy Scriptures had made his breast the Library of Iesus Christ. And for my part I have alwayes observed that the more holy and humble any man is the more he delighteth in the holy Scriptures and the more profane and proud any man is the more he slighteth and undervalueth them Cursed is that speech of Politian that proud Critick that he never spent his time worse then in reading the Scriptures And famous is the Answer of Basil to that cursed Apostate Julian who said of the Sciptures That he had read them understood them and condemned them But Basil answered him excellently That he had read them but not understood them for if he had understood them he would not have condemned them No man that hath the Holy Spirit but will love those books which were written by holy men as they were moved by the Holy Spirit As David said of Goliah's sword There is none to that give it me So may I say of the Holy Scriptures There are no bookes like these Books which are able to make thee wise unto salvation and to make the man of God absolute and perfect unto every good worke And therefore let me perswade all men to read these books not only to read them but to meditate in them day and night And to hide them in their hearts as a divine cordiall to comfort them in these sad dayes as a divine lampe to guide them in this houre of darknesse and as part of the whole Armour of God to inable them to resist temptation in this houre of temptation that is now coming upon the whole earth And when they read them 1 To read them with an humble heart for God hath promised to give grace to the humble and to teach the humble his way 2 To read thē with prayer that God would open their eyes that they may understand the wonders of his law 3 To read them with a godly trembling for feare least with the spider these should suck poison out of their sweet flowers and wrest the Scriptures to their owne destruction as they that are unstable and unlearned 4 To read them with a purpose to practice what they read He that practiseth what he understandeth God will help him to understand what he understands not 5 To read them in an orderly and methodicall way And for their better help herein to take this ensuing Treatise in their hands It is short and pithy It sets the whole Bible before them in an orderly plaine and perspicuous manner and helps them to understand every book The Author of it is a godly learned Minister well knowne and very well esteemed on in this famous city The Book it selfe is called the Key of the Bible because it unlocks the richest Treasury of the Holy Scriptures Take this Key with you whensoever you goe into this Treasury And pray unto him that hath the Key of David that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth that he will open this Treasury unto you The Rabbins say that there are foure Keyes that are in Gods keeping The Key of the clouds The Key of the wombe The Key of the grave The Key of food I may adde that there is a fifth Key also in Gods bestowing which is the Key of the Scriptures The God that made these books can only un-riddle these Books And therefore when you use this Key pray for that other Key and pray unto Christ to deale with you as he did with his Apostles To open your understanding that you may understand the Scriptures So prayes Your Servant in Christ Iesus EDMUND CALAMY Imprimatur EDMUND CALAMY AN INTRODUCTORY Advertisement TO THE READER Containing some Generall Directions for the Right Understanding of the Holy Scriptures And how this present Treatise is to be improved most advantagiously to that end THe Holy Scriptures are the lively Oracles of the living God unfolding the secrets of his will to man The Epistle of Iesus Christ Revealing from heaven the saving mysteries of his sweetest love unto his Church and the Blessed Charter of the Saints which no Tract of time shall reverse whereby they hold of God all their present enjoyments in the life that now is and all their future hopes of that life which is to come Chrysostom prefers Scripture before Angels saith Get you Bibles the medicines of the soule Iob esteemed them more then his necessary food Paul delighted therein touching the inward man David preferred them before the honey and honey-combe before great spoyl thousands of gold and silver all riches and therefore accounted them his heritage his Counsellors his comfort c. Yea professeth his heart did break for longing to Gods judgements at all times And every godly and truly blessed man should make the Scriptures his delight and meditate therein night and day Notwithstanding how many gracious soules are there whose delight it is to repair often to this Sanctuary of the Scriptures as Augustine stiles them but cannot tell what they see there of the Lord and of his glory who frequently read in this blessed Book but like the Ethiopian Eunuch understand not or not to purpose what they reade And this comes to passe 1 Partly through the sublimity of those supernatural and heavenly mysteries therein revealed whereby
his way Thus Christ saith I thanke thee O Father Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent but hast revealed them unto Babes whence Becanus notes that such as are proud and attribute to their own wisedome attaine not to the true sense of Scripture Be therefore clothed with humility in use of Scripture that true Scripture-knowledge may increase IV. Rule Familiarize the Scripture to thy selfe by constant and methodicall exercise therein Method and order as it is the mother of memory so it is a singular friend to a clear understanding The generality of the Scripture have such a contexture and coherence one part with another that small insight into it will be gained by reading it confusedly disorderly therefore read the whole in Order Divers have published Directions how to read over the whole Scripture methodicaâ—ly once a yeare c. consult them But be constant in perusall and studying of the Scriptures hereby Scripture phrase and sense will become familiar and facile How hard at first to write to play on an instrument c. but by multiplying Acts men get habits and write play c. with facility and dexterity Use not Scripture only by fits and starts in some good pangs or moods c. but habitually converse with Scripture trade in them meditate therein night and day Let the word of Christ not only lodge or sojourne in you but even dwell in you Hence those commands of God to his people of old This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth but thou shalt meditate therein day and night These words shall be in thine heart and thou shalt whet them diligently upon thy children and shalt talke of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up And thou shalt bind them for a signe upon thine hand c. V. Rule Vnderstand Scripture according to the Theologicall Analogy or Certaine rule of faith and love Anomaly i. e. Irregularity is some deviation from the rule or exception against the rule To this here Analogy is opposed By this Analogy understand A certaine Epitome of Scriptures or briefe Abridgement of Christian Religion collected out of the plaine places of Scripture according to which other darke and figurative expressions in Scripture are to be explained This Analogy of faith and love Paul charges Timothy to hold fast saying Hold fast 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. That Delineation Draught Platforme Patterne or forme of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Iesus Where seems to be intimated a Systeme or forme of doctrine communicated from Paul to Timothy according to which Timothy was to steer as by a Compasse This forme of doctrine is described here 1 By the generall nature of it A forme of sound words A draught or model of wholesome doctrine 2. By the principall parts of it into which it is branched viz. 1 Faith 2 Love Faith compriseth credenda All things to be believed as in the Creed taken out of Scripture Love containes facienda All things to be done as in the Decalogue Lords prayer and Sacramental Institutions which are Scripture into these two the whole Body of divinity is usually distributed 3. By the primary foundation upon which this forme of sound words is built viz. Christ Iesus compare herewith 1 Cor. 3.11 Eph. 2.20 So that if in any place of Scripture the word or letter of the text be repugnant to the Analogy of faith and love it is not to be understood properly and literally but improperly and figuratively As for instance This is my body This is my blood c. This cannot be understood properly that the bread and wine are Christs body and bloud for that is contrary to the Analogy or rule of faith w ch tels us that Christs human nature is ascended into heaven whom the heavens must containe till the restitution of all thingâ— therefore it is to be understood figuratively and in a â—acramentall sense The signe being put for the thing signified by a Metâ—â—ymie So we are commanded To eate Christs flesh To pluck out our right eye cut off our right hand if they offend us We cannot read any of these literaelly and properly for that were against the Analogy or rule of love Thou shalt not kill therefore we must seek for a spirituall and improper sense viz. Eating Christs flesh not carnally with our teeth but spiritually by faith i. e. beleeving in Christ crucified c. As also denying all corruptions corrupt affections inclinations or occasions though as deaâ— and usefull as right hand or right eye unto us Thus this rule faithfully followed will cleare many hard and intricate passages in Scripture It is therefore of singular consequence to every one that desires solidly to understand the Scriptures to be well grounded in the fundamentals Principles of Christian Religion without which like a ship without ballast a man shall be carried away with every winde of vaine doctrine perverting or mistaking the Scriptures VI. Rule Be well acquainted with the 1 Order 2 Titles 3 Times 4 Penmen 5 Occasion 6 Scope and 7 Principall parts of the books both of the Old and N. Testament These will much promote the solid judicious understanding of the whole Bible in a short space For 1 Hereby you shall have the very Idea or character of every book lively describing the nature and Contents of it before your eyes as in a Map before you begin to peruse them 2 Hereby you shall have a Clew to conduct you a Compasse to saile and steere by in the perusall of any book 3 Hereby also you shall have a summary Recapitulation or Recollection of the chief Aime and subject matters of every book much tending both to help judgement and strengthen memory after the Perusall of any book of old or New Testament And therefore this course must needs be as an usefull Key to unlock the rich Cabinet of the Holy Scriptures and to discover the precious Treasures thereof unto you Now this is the Intent and Scope of this Manuall this small Treatise viz. so familiarly to open and unfold The 1 Order 2 Titles 3 Times 4 Penmen 5 Occasion 6 Scope and 7 Principall Parts of the Books of Old and New Testament That the whole Tenour of the Bible might be spread open in a Generall view to the meanest capacity For 1. The Order of the Books especially of the Historicall Books observed all along and compendiously represented in the two Tables before the Old and New Testament more evidently help to discover the Order of Histories and matters handled therein and the Order of Gods governing his Church in severall conditions 2. The Titles 1 Some of them summarily signify to us the chief matter of the Book as Genesis The Generations of
or they may be collected from other Scriptures or the matter of the Prophesies of which we cannot conclude altogether so cleerly These times may be referred as the Historical books to three principall Periods viz. 1. Before 2. Neere or under 3. After the Babylonish captivity And if in these three periods we parallel these Prophets with those Historical Books they will notably help to cleer and explain one another I. Before the transportation of Israel into Babylon These Prophets prophesied and wrote viz. 1. Under Vzziah King of Judah and Ieroboam the second King of Israel IONAH he prophecied before or about beginning of Ieroboams Reigne See 2 King 14 25. As Iun. noteth in Ionah 1.1 About the close of his Reigne thinkes Drusius in Quaesitis Epist. 9. 1. AMOS See Amos 1.1 2. Under Vzziah Iotham Ahaz and Hezekiah Kings of Judah and Ieroboam King of Israel HOSEA Hos. 1.1 IOEL Ioel prophesied about the same time with Hosea as is thought because the things prophecied in Ioel relate to the dayes of Vzziah and Ieroboam See Iun. Annot. in Ioel 1.1 ISAIAH Isa. 1.1 here the days of King Ieroboam are not mentioned MICHAH Only under Iotham Ahaz and Hezekiah Mich. 1.1 3. Under Iosiah IEREMIAH Till the eleventh yeere of Zedekiah Jer. 1 2 3. being compared with Ier. 51.64 Iun. Annot. ibid. LAMENTATIONS Written by Ieremiah upon occasion of King Josiah's Death 2 Chr. 35.25 ZEPHANIAH Zeph. 1.1 OBADIAH Seems to be contemporary with Ieremiah compare his prophecy with Ier. 49.7 c. And Ezek. 25. 13. c. See Iun. in Obad. 1. NAHVM About the close of Iosiah's Reigne as the matter of the Book and the harmony of the History import So Iun. in Nah. 1.1 HABBAKKVK About the end of Iosiahs Reigne or in his sons Reign Iunius in Hab. 1.1 II. Neere upon and under the Babylonish Captivity DANIEL In the third yeere of Iehoiakim's Reigne Dan. 1.1 EZEKIEL In the fifth yeere of King Iehoiakin's Captivity Ezek. 1.1 2 3. III. After their returne from Babylons Captivity HAGGAI In the second yeere of Darius and the sixth moneth Hag. 1.1 ZECHARIAH In the second yeere of Darius the eighth moneth Zech. 1.1 MALACHI Last Prophecy of the Old-Testament Reproves the corruptions after building of the Temple See Iun. in Mal. 1.1 II. According to their Order as they are placed in our Bibles And so they are resolved into two Ranks viz. 1. The Greater Prophets viz. The foure first the Lamentations being annexed as an Appendix to Ieremiah so called not because these had greater authority then the others but from the greatnesse of their Bookes The prophecy of Isaiah being neer as big or bigger then all the lesser prophets together 2. The Lesser Prophets viz. The twelve latter Hosea c. Which were digested into one volumne of old by the Jewes called the Booke of the Prophets Act. 7.42 some of them being very small lest any of them should be lost All these books are named from their Penmen except the Lamentations I. The Greater Prophets are â—he Books of Isaiah Ieremiah Ezekiel Daniel Isaiah ISAIAH This Book is set first though in time Ionah Amos Hosea and Ioel seeme to have been before him perhaps because of the excellency of the Prophecy most frequently fully and clearly prophecying of Christ as if Christ had been exhibited already had suffered already Hence the Ancients called him Evangelisticus Propheta Propheticus Evangelista The Evangelicall Prophet and Propheticall Evangelist Or the Evangelist and Apostle of the Old Testament Christ and his Apostles greatly esteemed this Book it being oftner alledged in the New Testament then any other Book of the Old Testament except the psalms Some observe Isaiah to be quoted sixty times the Psalmes sixty foure times Alsted Ethiopians had great respect to this Book as appears Act. 8.27.28 Time of this Prophecy was in foure Kings Reigns Isa. 1.1 if we reckon from the death of Vzziah Isa. 6.1 till the fifteenth yeare of King Hezekiah when the Babilonish Ambassadours came to Hezekiah and saw all his Treasures 2 King 20. 12 13 14. He must at the least prophecy fourty five years but its probable he prophecied longer Scope To hold forth the true Messiah clearly as the only sufficient Remedy against all sin and misery Generall parts This Prophecy is either 1. Comminatory as it is for the most part till c. 40. these promises are now and then inter-woven Herein 1. The Jewes are threatned c. 1. to c. 13. 2. Enemies of the Jewesh Church are threatned for the Churches benefit c 13. to c. 29. 3. The Jewes againe are threatned with the Babylonish Captivity c. 29. to 40. 2. Promissory and that 1. For the Restauration of the Old Church of the Jews from the misery of that Captivity c. 40. to c. 49. 2. For the compleating and consummation of the Churches glory in Gospel times by Christ himselfe c. 49. to the end of the Prophecy Jeremiah JEREMIAH He was of the Towne of Anathoâ—h Jer. 1.1 a very young man when he began to prophesie Ier. 1.6 Time of his prophecy was in days of Iosiah Iehoiakin and Zedekiah Jer. 1.2 3. which must needs be fourty three years at least by computation both in Iudea and Egypt Scope To divorce the Iewes in his times from their many horrid sins denouncig heavy judgemenas against them But to comfort the true servants of God in their lowest misery with promises of Christ and threatnings against all their enemies Generall parts Herein are 1. The Preface containing the vocation of Ieremiah c. 1. 2 The Prophecy it self which is directed both against the Iews the enemies of the Jewes â— Against the Jews 1. in Iudea under King Iosiah c. 2. to c. 21. Under Iehoiachim and Zedekiah c. 21. to c. 43. 2. In Egypt c. 43.44.45 2 Against the Jewes enemies viz. Egyptians c. 46. Philistines and Tyrians c. 47. Moabites c. 48. Ammonites Edomites c. c. 49. Babylonians c. 50.51 3. Conclusion Historicall annexed to the Prophecy by some other then Ieremâ—ah c. 52. Lamenta UNto the prophecy of JEREMIAH may be annexed as an Appendix the Book of LAMENTATIONS called in Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Kinoth i. e. Lamentations 2 Chron. 35.25 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Echah viz. the first Hebrew word of the Book as many other Books are named by the first word of the Book This Book seems to be penned by Ieremiah the Prophet upon the death of that precious King â—osiah 2 Chron. 35.25 when the Jewes fell to their sinfull confidence in Egypt which Beginnings of sorrows and miseries gave Ieremy occasion he knowing by the spirit of Prophecy the judgments which should befall them to lament all the miseries from Iosiahs death till the destruction of the Temple and Ierusalem and captivity of the people in Babylon The foure first chapters are penned alphebetically as many Psalmes are for help of memory in such an excellent piece as this is In 1.2 4. chapters every verse begins
Syrian of Antioch the Syrian language being one of the Hebrew dialects partly because herein somtimes is the Language of a Physitian very agreeable to Lukes profession as Act. 17.16 His spirit was stirred in him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. His spirit was in a Paroxysme the word is used by Physitians to signifie a sharp fit of an ague fever c. again the Contention was so sharp 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. there befell a Paroxysme this word is not used in all the New Testament by any but Luke and Paul whose companion Luke was 1 Cor. 13.5 Heb. 10.24 3. By the consent of ancient and moderne writers No doubt this Book was written by Luke of Antioch the Physitian Hieron in Praefaâ— Act. Luke the follower of the Apopostle and companion of all his Travell wrote the Gospel and put forth also another excellent volume entituled the Acts of the Apostles Hieronym de vir illustr And againe the Acts of the Apostles seem to import a bare history of the infancy of the new-born Christ but if we know Luke the Physiâ—ian to be the penman of them whose praise is in the Gospel we shall consider also that all his words are a medicine for a languishing soule Hieron praefat in Act. and out of him Beda 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The book of the Acts which Luke wrote Oecumen in Scholiis None but the unlearned and unskilfull can doubt whether Luke were Penman of the Acts c. Erasmus Occasion It is thought that Luke wrote this History at Rome during Pauls imprisonment there Hieron de vir illustr And that at the request of the faithfull brethren at Rome and by the command of Paul Dorotheus and Nicephor Hist. l. 2. c. 43. Alsted Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 123. The time of writing is referred to the sixtieth year of Christ the fourth of Nero 27th after Pauls conversion But the peculiar guidance of the Holy Ghost was the principall cause of Lukes writing both this and the former Book Scope To describe unto us the Rise Growth State and practice of the Primitive Christian Church in her infancy in the purest Apostolicall times how she observed and obeyed Christs Commandements to his Apostles after his Resurrection and before his Ascension speaking to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdome of God Acts 1.2 3. and this both in matters of faith worship Church-Communion and Church-Government that herein the Primitive Church might be an exemplary Patterne to the following Churches in all succeeding ages So that this is a most usefull Book to the Church of God Principall branches The Acts of the Apostles are laid down in this History 1. More generally The Acts of all the Apostles I. After Christs Resurrection till his Ascension c. 1 1. to 12. II. After Christs Ascension till the feast of Pentecost viz. Their devotion and their Election of Matthias to the Apostleship in room of Iudas c. 1 12. to the end III. At the feast of Pentecost how they preached and walked after they had extraordinarily received the Holy-Ghost c. 2. IIII. After the feast of Pentecost viz. 1. How the Apostles upon report of the miracle that Peter and Iohn had wrought upon the lame man and the doctrine they had boldly taught against all the oppositions and threats of the Priests and Elders powred forth their prayers against the enemies of Christ and his Gospel c. 3 4. to 32. 2. How themselves provided for the necessities of Christians that wanted c. 4 32. to c. 5. 3. How they wrought wonders to the conversion of many c. 5 12. to 17. 4. How the Apostles were imprisoned and beaten for preaching Iesus Christ and how stoutly they behaved themselves under these sufferings c. 5 17. to the end 5. How thuâ— Apostles appointed seven Deacons to take care of the poore whereof Steven being one wrought miracles disputed was accused answered his Accusation and is barbarously stoned to death c. 6. 7. 6. How the Apostles continuing at Ierusalem in the great persecution occasioning the dispersion sent Peter and Iohn to Samaria to preach to them The Holy Ghost also sending Philip to baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch and to preach c. 8. In which persecution Saul being a great actor was wonderfully converted and called to the Apostleship c. 9 1. to v. 32. 2 More specially The Acts of Peter and Paul are storied I. Peters acts viz. 1. His miracles wrought recovering Aeneas and raising Dorcas from death c. 9 32. to the end 2. His doctrine preached to Cornelius a Gentile c. 10. Defended against them of the circumcision that opposed his communion with the uncircumcised c. 11. 3. His imprisonment and miraculous release c. 12. II. Pauls Acts are recorded according to foure remarkable perâ—grinations or journeys which he took viz. 1. His first journey was with Barnabas to the Gentiles His Deeds and Acts in that journey are in c. 13.14 2. His second journey with Silas from Antioch to Ierusalem where 1. The occasion of the journey viz. the doctrine of certaine comming from Ierusalem That circumcision was necessary to salvation whereupon that famous Synod was called at Ierusalem c. 15. 2. Pauls Deeds and Acts while he was in Asia c. 16. 3. Pauls Deeds and Acts while he abode in Graecia untill he returned againe to Antioch c. 17. to c. 18. vers 22. 3. His third journey undertaken for the Ephisians sakes where note 1. Whence he went c. 18.23 c. 2. What way he travelled Going c. 19. Comming c. 20 3. Whither he came viz. to Ierusalem c. 21.22 23. Then to Cesarea where consider things done under Felix c. 24. under Festus c. 25. under â—grippa c. 26. 4 His fourth and last Journey which he took towards Rome c. 27 28. II. EPISTOLICAL BOOKS THE EPISTOLICAL BOOKS of the New Testament are All the Epistles written by the Apostles the Apostles being oft-times unable to instruct by their personall presence supplyed that by writing Epistles These Epistles are either written 1. To the Beleeving Gentiles Or 2. To the Beleeving Iews as was formerly noted To the beleeving Gentiles The Apostle Paul wrote his Epistles which are either 1. Generall written to whole Churches Or 2. Particular to some select particular persons Some do rank Pauls Epistles thus according to the persons to whom they were written viz. Pauls Epistles were written either To whole Churches either in Europe as to the Churches at Rome in Italie Corinth in Grecia Thessalonica in Grecia Philippi in Thracia Asia as to the Churches at Galatia in Asia Minor Ephesus in Asia Minor Colosse in Asia Minor Iudea and in other Nations dispersed as the Epistle to the Hebrewes To particular persons as to Timothy Titus Philemon Others endeavour and that not unprofitably to marshall Pauls Epistles in the Order of times and seasons wherein they were severally written which Order is not observed as they are placed in our Bibles And though the punctuall time when every Epistle was
prophecy from the al-knowing God could foretell these things to come Isaâ— 41.22 2. In the propheticall expressions of it it is consonant to other propheticall books and gives light to them Daniel Zechariah especially Ezekiel As in the particulars of eating up the Book Rev. 10.9 10. with Ezek. 2.8 and 3.3 of sealing Gods promise Rev. 7.2 3. with Ezek. 9. of the foure living Creatures Rev. 4.6 7. with Ezek. 1.5.6 of Gog and Magog Rev. 20.8 with Ezek 38.2 and 39.1 of the measuring of the Temple and City Rev. 21.15 with Ezek. 40.3 c. Of the two olive trees c. Rev. 11.4 with Zech. 4.3 11 14. c. 3. Many things foretold in this Book prophetically are fulfilled and come to passe actually As Interpreters have observed in many particulars Therefore this Book is of divine Authority Ierem. 28.9.4 Promise of explaining how long the Idolatrous and Tyrannicall Kingdome of Anti-Christ should last was made to Daniel the Prophet Dan. 12.4 9. which some conceive to be fulfilled in these Apocalypticall visions Rev. c. 11. and 12. and 13. and 17. c. And had not Christ under the New Testament left his Church some propheticall Record for her comfort against the horrid cruelty idolatry and darknesse of the Anti-christian Dominion showing when it should have an end and how happy at last the Church should be all her enemies being universally made the footstool of the Lambe she were in a worse condition then under the Old Testament which were absurd 4. As the Holy Ghost by Moses the first Penman of the Canon of the Old Testament warned the Jewes against adding to or diminishing from the word of God yee shall not adde unto the word which I command you neither shall you diminish from it Deut. 9.2 and 12.32 So by the Apostle Iohn the last Penman of the Canon of the New Testament Iesus Christ warneth all persons that heare the words of this Prophecy If any man shall adde unto these things God shall adde unto him the plagues that are written in this Book And if any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this Prophecy God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life and out of the Holy City and from the things which are written in this Book Rev. 22.18 19. By which severe Commination the integrity and divine Authority of this Book is asserted by Christ against all whom Christ foresaw would either indeavour to infringe the Authority of it or corrupt the purity of it Hereby then the whole divine Canon is sealed up as fully now compleat and divinely Authenticall after which we are to expect no more Scripture from God 5. The generall current of best Antiquity except some few particular persons and divers of them guilty of such heresies as this Book condemnes hath embraced this Book and accounted it of divine Authority As those formerly cited to prove Iohn the Apostle to be Penman of it and many more that might be enumerated As that ancient Ancyran Councel held before the Nicene in Append. as also the third Councell of Carthage Can. 47. Cyprian frequently alledges the Revelation among the other Canonicall bookes as De exhort martyrum c. 8. c. 11. c. 12. Testimon Advers Iudaeos l. 2. c. 1. Sect. 3.6 11. c. 6. The Cavils and Objections against the divine Authority of this Book reckoned up by Erasmus or others how weak and unsatisfactory they are may appeare in severall writers who have confuted them Especially vid. Bez. Prolegom in Apocylaps Ioannis and Gerh. loc Com. De scrip sac in exeges cap. 10. Sect. 294. ad sin cap. Excellency of this Book is most considerable For 1. The conveyance of it at first to the Church is singular From God to Iesus Christ From Iesus Christ to an Angel From the Angel to Iohn whom Jesus peculiarly loved above all his Apostles and Disciples Rev. 1.1 And this to Iohn when in exile for Christ in the Isle Patmos and that not on a common day but on the Lords day the Queen of dayes and â—o Iohn in Patmos on the Lords day not in an ordinary but extraordinary composure and elevation of his soule when he was in the spirit caught up as it were and transported in an holy extasie and spirituall Rapture that he might the more attend to these mysteries revealed and have more immediate un-interrupted Communion with Jesus Christ the Revealer Rev. 1 9 10. c. what can all this import but some singularly eminent treasure for the Church in this book whereby the Church in her deepest tribulation may be with Iohn spiritually intransed and ravished with many surpassing grounds of joy and consolation 2. The stile is stately and sublime and may wonderfully take the highest notion The expressions quick piercing and patheticall and may pleasingly penetrate the dullest affection The whole contexture is so full of divine majesty that it commands an awfull Reverence in all gracious hearts that read it 3. The matter of it is most heavenly and spirituall and that in exceeding great variety notably describing the Divinity of Christ His offices and the benefits of them clearly pointing out Anti-Christs Seate Tyranny Rise Growth Power Acts and Fall and most lively delineating the Churches condition what it was in the Primitive times after Christ and what it should be afterwards till the worlds end how sad yet sâ—fe under Anti-christs dominion how sweet and happy after Anti-Christs destruction how comfortable at the day of judgement and how glorious in heaven with Iesus Christ for evermore What Saint would not thirst much to read and here more to understand but most of all to enjoy these things Some of them are laid downe most mystically in abstruse visions to exercise the judgements of the wisest some more familiarly to succour the infirmity even of the weakest In some places the Lamb may wade in others the Elephant may swim Those prevent contempt these anticipate discouragement Ioaoâ—imus Abbas prefers this Prophecy before the Prophecy of all other Prophets Beza saith That those things in other Prophets which were not fulfilled after Christs coming the holy spirit hath heaped them all together in this precious book and also added others so farre as was needfull or usefull for the Church to know them Bez. Prolegom in Apoc. Oecolampadius cals this book The best Paraphrast of all the Prophets Ioh. Oecolamp Praefat. in Daniâ—l Hierome saith Apocalypsis tot habet sacramenta quot verba Parum dixi pro merito voluminis laus omnis inferior est in verbis singulis multiplices latent intelligentiae i. e. The Revelation hath as many mysteries as words It s but a little I say all praise is too low for the merit of this volume manifold understandings lie hid in every word Hieron in Epist. ad Paulin. 4. The Book it selfe is compleat capable of no Addition or Detraction but upon severest Penalties Rev. 22.18.19 5. The Penman Eminent viz. John that beloved disciple
that sweet compound of love It was Moses his honour who was Gods peculiar favourite to be Penman of the first Book of the Old Testament And it was Iohn's honour who was Christs peculiar favourite to be Penman of the last Book of the New Testament oh what divine love and favour is made known unto the Church in all the volumes between the Armes of these two favourites 6. Finally God counts them blessed soules that read heare and keepe the words of this Prophecy Blessed is he that readeth and they that heare the words of this Prophecy and keep these things that are written therein Rev. 1.3 A blessed Book that renders them blessed who are practically versed in it The time when this Revelation was written was when Iohn was banished into the I le that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the Testimony of Iesus Christ Rev. 1.9.10 Iohn was banished into Patmos by that cruell persecutor Domitian in the fourteenth yeare of his Reigne saith Hieron Catal illustr vir in vit Ioan. Domitian reigned in all but fifteen years as Helvic observes and his fourteenth yeare was in the ninety fourth yeare after Christ Helvic in Chronol in the ninety sixth after Christ saith Pareus Prolegom in Apocal. c. 5. This Book is conceived to be written after all the Books of the New Testament Occasion of this Revelation seemes to be this Iohn being banished into the I le Patmos Rev. 1.9 10. doubtless gave himselfe to prayer and sacred meditations about the affairs of Christ and his Church whereupon Iesus Christ appeared to his beloved disciple in a spirituall ravishment showing him what was his pleasure both touching the present Churches of Asia and touching his whole Church to the end of the world thus comforting him and commanding Iohn to write his visions for the comforting of them Scope of this book is Generally To make knowne by Iohn unto the Churches both the things that then were and that should be thereafter Rev. 1.19 Particularly 1 To informe the Church of the many sharp conflicts she should have with Satan and his instruments especially Hereticks persecuting Tyrants and Anti-Christ himselfe that so she might not dream only of Halcyon dayes but might prepare more and more for the worst of stormes 2 To discover and point out in lively Colours that grand Anti-christ that the Church might run and read and most infallibly know who he is 3 As also to support and comfort the Church and all the faithfull over all their tribulations with the hopes of the utter overthrow of Anti-christ and all their enemies of their owne joyfull triumphs over them and of the happy condition which the Church shall afterwards enjoy partly in this world but chiefly in the world to come Though this book be most obscure and intricate yet these things may somewhat facilitate the understanding of iâ— If we shall 1. Keep the maine scope of the Book still in our eye 2. Compare the passages and phrases of the Revelation with those of other Prophecies as Rev. 11.4 with Zech. 4.3 11 14. Rev. 10.9 10. with Ezek. 2.8 and 3.3 Rev. 4.6 7 8. with Ezek. 1.5 6 7 8. Rev. 20.8 with Ezek. 18.2 and 39.1 Rev. 21.15 with Ezek. 40.3 c. 3. Parallel with this Prophecy the subsequent Histories after Iohn's time the Histories of the Roman Empire and Church which testify clearly what cruelty and persecutions the Romane Emperours successively raised up against Christians with what subtilty and fraud the B. of Rome did by degrees through the folly cowardise negligence c. of the Emperours step up into their throne and subjugate not onely Rome the Seate of the Empire but also the whole Empire it selfe to his dominion and pleasure whence we may derive not a little light to see what is meant by the opening of the Seals The Stars falling from heaven to earth The beast speaking great and blasphemous things The beast and false Prophet The image of the beast And the whore riding upon the beast with seven heads and ten hornes and ruling in the city on the seven hils c. 4. Consider prudently the experience of later and present times how accurately doth the description of the Beast and scarlet whore agree to the Papacy of the Locusts to the Romane Clergy and of the Frogs comming out of the mouth of the Dragon the beast and the false Prophet to the Iesuites and Romane Emissaries compassing sea and land and creeping into Kings palaces to gather them together to the warre of the great day of God almighty 5. Finally if we shall diligently read meditate and pray that the holy spirit who revealed these things to Iohn would reveale their sense and meaning to us These things may help us to untie many knots and render many difficulties easie Principall parts In the Book of Revelation are chiefly considerable 1 The Preface 2 The Substance of the Book and 3 The Conclusion The Preface which is â— Generall in reference to the whole Prophecy noting the Matter Author Penman and Profit of this Book c. 1. ver 1 2 3. 2. Speciall or particular in reference to the seven Churches of Asia Minor and in them to the whole Catholick Church figured by them wherein are 1. A Nomination of persons writing and written to 2. The Salutation 3. And a glorious Description of Jesus Christ ver 4. to 9. The Substance or Body of this Propheticall Book c. 1. v. 9. to c. 22. v. 6. Wherein is contained a Narration of the State of the Church I. Militant on earth c. 1. v. 9. to c. 20. v. 11. II. Triumphant in heaven c. 20. v. 11. to c. 22. v. 6. The Condition of the Church Militant is declared 1. For present what it was when Iohn wrote the Revelation c. 1. v. 9. to c. 4. v. 1. 2. For future what it should be till the judgement day c. 4. v. 1. to c. 20. v. 11. I. Uision I. Touching the State of the Church then present viz. The Asian Churches principally are laid downe two things viz. 1. A Preparation to the discovery of it by A Vision of seven Golden Candlesticks and seven Starres This is Iohn's first vision And here we have a description both of Iohn who had the vision as also of the vision it selfe both in respect of the 1 Forme of it The 2 Effect it had upon Iohn and the 3 Consequents ensuing thereupon viz. The Comforting of John Command to write the vision and the Interpretation of the vision c. 1. v. 9. to the end of the chapter 2. A Narration or Description of the Condition of Christs Church then present and this in Seven distinct Epistles directed to the seven Angels of those seven Asian Churches viz. 1. Of Ephesus c. 2. v. 1. to 8. 2. Of Smyrna c. 2. v. 8. to 12. 3. Of Pergamus c. 2. v. 12. to 18. 4. Of Thyatira c. 2. v. 18. to the end of the chapter 5. Of Sardis c. 3 1. to 7. 6.
only or 3 both words and matter be cited This would give wonderfull light to many hundreds of passages in the Bible And for this end I have with much care and diligence compiled a Parallel of the Places of the Old Testament any way alledged in the New and had once resolved to have inserted it in this place But to avoid prolixity I must now forbeare it least the Porch prove too big for the building IX Rule The last Direction I shall commend to the Reader for the improvement of heavenly dexterity in and understanding of the holy Scriptures is Endeavour sincerely to practise Scripture and you shall solidly understand Scripture Bernard said truely He rightly reads the Scriptures that turneâ—s Words into workes Knowing into Doing The mightiest man in practise will in the end prove the mightiest man in Scripture Theory is the guide of Practice Practise the Life of Theory Where Scripture-contemplation and experience meet both together in the same person true Scripture understanding must needs be heightned and doubled To this effect is Christs promise My Doctrine is not mine but his that sent me If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God To like purpose subscribes the experience of David Thou through thy Commandements hast made me wiser then mine enemies for they are ever with me I have more understanding then all my Teachers for thy testimonies are my meditation I understand more then the Antients because I keep thy Precepts These things Christian Reader I thought fit to commend to thee by way of Preface But shall detaine thee no longer from the Perusall of the Book it selfe The Lord that teacheth his people to profit advance thy spiritual profiting abundantly by both So prayeth He who earnestly desires to be serviceable to Iesus Christ and usefull to his Church and people Fran. Roberts Augustine's London Aug. 26 1647 Aug. 21 1648 CLAVIS BIBLIORVM THE KEY OF THE BIBLE Unlocking The richest Treasury of the Holy Scriptures THE HOLY SCRIPTURES Rom. 1.2 were written by Moses the Prophets the Apostles and other holy men of God Luk. 16.29.31 Eph. 2.20 and 3.5 and 2 Pet. 1.21 The Covenant of God with man in Christ the Mediatour that substantiall or begotten WORD Iohn 1.1 is the Principall Subject Revealed and explained in the whole Scripturall or written WORD Gods COVENANT with man in Christ is represented to us in Holy Scripture principally two wayes viz. 1. As Promised fore-prophecied and typified In Christ to be manifested afterwards in the flesh Hence called the Covenants of Promise Eph. 2.10 Covenants not Covenant because of the severall Publications of the Covenant with more and more Augmentations in severall Points or Periods of time Thus the Covenant is made known in all the Bookes of Scripture written before Christs comming which are therefore called the OLD-COVENANT Heb. 8.13 or the OLD-TESTAMENT 2 Cor. 3.14 2. As performed fulfilled and actually accomplished in Christ already come and manifested in our flesh in fulnesse of time Gal. 4.4 5. Heb. 9. Heb. 10. Thus the Covenant is most clearly and fully unveyled to us in all the Books of Scripture written since Christs coming which are therefore stiled the NEW COVENANT or the NEW TESTAMENT Heb. 8.8 Matth. 26.28 Heb. 9.15 Thus the whole BIBLE is distributed into the 1 Old and 2 New Testament THE OLD TESTAMENT THE OLD TESTAMENT revealing the Covenants of promise in respect of the Penmen whom the Holy Ghost imployed to write the Books thereof is disparted by the Holy Ghost himselfe into two generall heads viz. 1 Moses and 2 the Prophets Luk. 16.29.31 and 24.27 Iohn 1.45 or The Law of Moses and the Prophets Act. 28.23 J. MOSES MOSES the man of God Psal. 90.1 The first Penman of Scripture was an Ebrew borne in Egypt after the worlds creation about 2432 years before Christ about 1496. years The seventh from Abraham the father of the faithfull 1 Chron. 6.1 2 3. and 2.1 and 1.34 As Enoch was the seventh from Adam the father of the world Iude 14. When Moses was borne he was very fair Act. 7.20 21 22. He was marvellously saved from death being drawne out of the water whence his name MOSES i. e. Drawn-forth was given to him Exod. 2 10 He was nourished by King Pharaoâ—s daughter for her own sonne Ex. 2.9 10. Act. 7.21 Learned in all the wisedome of the Egyptians and mighty in words and in deeds Act. 7.22 He lived in Pharaohs Court 40. years and then left the Court choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God c Act. 7.23 Heb. 11.24 25 26. He was a stranger a shepheard in the land of Madian 40. years Act. 7.29.30 Exod. 3. thence God called him to feed Iacob his people and Israel his inheritance He fed Israel most faithfully 40. years Numb 12.7 Heb. 3.2.5 being in the Church in the wildernesse Act. 7.38 with the Angel that spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our fathers where he received the lively Oracles to give unto us and commanded us a law which is the inheritance of the Church of Iacob Deut. 33.4 Of all the Prophets that arose in Israel there was none like Moses whom God knew face to face Deut. 34.10 He dyed 120. years old his eye not being dimme nor his naturall strength abated and was buried of God no man knowing of his sepulcher to this day Deut. 34.5.6.7 MOSES wrote the Law of God in the five first Bookes called in Greek the Pentateuch i. e. The five-fold-volume At first it seemes to be written in one volume or Roll there being such a continued connection of Book with Book Exod. 1.1 Levit. 1.1 Num. 1.1 Deut. 1.1 But was afterwards according to the several subject matters therin contained divided into five severall Books Containing 1 An History of things past 2 A Covenant between God and his Church then present 3 And a Prophecy of further grace to come now exhibited by Iesus Christ Deut. 18.15 c. Iohn 5.46 and 1.17 In Propounding of which things as Ainsworth observes Moses hath a veile upon his glorious face for in the Histories are implied Allegories Gal. 2.24 And in the Lawes are types and shadows of good things to come the body whereof is of Christ Heb. 9.9 and 10.1 Col. 2.17 In Genesis which History endeth with Israels going downe into Egypt we have the image of a naturall man fallen from God into the bondage of sin In Exodus is the type of our Regeneration and State renewed by Iesus Christ. In Leviticus the shadow of our mortification whilst we are made sacrifices unto God In Numbers our spirituall warfare whereunto we are mustered and armed to â—ight the good fight of faith In Deuteronomie the Doctrine of our sanctification and Preparation to enter into our heavenly Canaan after Moses death by the conduct of Iesus the son of God So H. Ainsworth in his Preface before his Annotat. on Gen.
c. Genesis GENESIS i. e. Generation so called by the Greek because it sets forth the Generations of the heavens of the earth in their first creation Gen. 2.4 The Hebrews name their Books of the Old Testament either 1 From the Prophets the Penmen of them Or 2 From the Principall subject or Argument handled in them Or 3 From the first Hebrew word wherewith they begin as the 5. Books of Moses the Lament of Ieremiah Hence Genesis is called in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bereschith i. e. In the beginning Penman It is not probable this Book was written by Moses whilst a Private man and a shepheard in Madian in the desert but rather after he was a Publick person and furnished with a Prophetick spirit otherwise the credit and authority of this History would be too much enfeebled Nor is it absurd which some Hebrew writers think who referre this writing to that of Exod 24.12 Come up to me into the mount and be thou there and I will give thee the Tables of stone and the Law and the Precepts which I have written to teach them Understanding by the Tables the Decalogue by the Precepts all the Ceremoniall and Iudiciall Ordinances and by the Law all other writings of Moses whether Historicall or Dogmaticall D. Paraeus in Prolegom in Genes p. 14.15 in fol. This Book as it is absolutely the ancientest writing extant in the world so it is most compendious being an History of 2369 years as Ainsw thinks or rather of 2368 as Iunius and Paraeus comput Iun. Annot. in Gen. 1. Parae Prologom in Genes This may appeare in three eminent Intervals or Periods of time recorded in Genesis viz. I. From the Creation to the beginning of the flood in Noahs 600 th yeare through 10 Generations 1656 yeares Gen. 5. and 6.11 viz. From Adams Creation to Seth's Nativity 130 years From Seth to Enos 105. From Enos to Cainan 90. From Cainan to Mahaleeâ— 70. From Mahaleel to Iared 65. From Iared to Enoch 162. From Enoch to Mathusalah 65. From Mathusalah to Lamech 187. From Lamech to Noah's birth 182. From Noah's birth to the beginning of the flood 600 in all 1656. II. The second Period of time is From the beginning of the flood through other 10 Generations to Abrahams birth 352 years Gen. 11. viz. From the Flood to Arphaxad 2 years From Arphaxad to Selah 35 years From Selah to Heber 30 years From Eber to Peleg 34 years From Peleg to Reu 30 years From Reu to Serug 32 years From Serug to Nachor 30 years From Nachor to Terah 29 years From Terah to Abraham 130 years In all 352 years So that Abraham was borne in the 2008 yeare from the Creation III. The third Period is From Abrahams birth to Josephs death through foure Generations 360 years viz. From Birth of Abraham to the birth of Isaac 100 years Gen. 17.17 and 21.5 From Isaacs birth to Iacobs birth 60 years Gen. 25.26 From Iacobs birth to his going down into Egypt 130 years Gen. 47.9 From Iacobs descent into Egypt to his death 17 years Gen. 47.28 From death of Iacob to the death of Ioseph 53 years which may be thus gathered Ioseph died when he was 110 years old Gen. 50.26 He stood before Pharaoh when he was 30 years old Gen. 41.46 After the seven years of plenty in the third yeare of famine Iacob came into Egypt in the one hundred and thirtieth yeare of Iacob and fourtieth yeare of Ioseph Gen. 45.6 Ioseph lived with his father in Egypt seventeen years Therefore when his father dyed Ioseph was 57 years old Consequently he lived after his fathers death 53 years Gen. 50.26 So that the totall of this third Intervall amounts to 360 years And therefore 1656 and 352 and 360 being added together This History of Genesis is evidently an History of 2368 yeares continuance The scope of Genesis is to set forth The Generation of the world The corruption thereof by sin The Restauration thereof by Christ the seed of the woman together with the Government of the old world before the flood and the follâ—â—ing world after the flood especially of the Church of God in particular families in both Principall parts of this Book In Genesis are described I. The Originall 1 Of the world chap. 1. 2. Of Mankinde and so of the Church ch 2.3 Of sinne and punishment thereof ch 3. II. The Government 1. Of the Old World before the Flood where are 1. The Propogation of sin and punishment from Adam to posterity c. 4. 2. Preservation of the Church in the sinfull world c. 5. 3. Iudgements of God upon the world Foretold c. 6. Inflicted c. 7. 2. Of the World following after the Flood according to the times of divers renowned Patriarchs Noah Abraham Isaac Iacob 1. Noah whose 1 Deliverance from the Flood c. 8. 2. Benediction c. 9. 3. Family 1 as united c. 10. 2 as dispersed c. 11. are recorded 2. Abraham touching whom are laid down 1 His Calling from his Country and kindred c. 12.1 to ver 10. 2. His going down Into Egypt ver 10. to the end Into Canaan c. 13. 3. His rescuing of Lot c. 14. 4. His dealing with God who 1 Promises him issue c. 15. 2 Performes to him by Hagar c. 16. 3 Makes a Covenant with Abraham whereof note The forme c. 17. The fruit or effect of it 1 On Gods part viz. Communication of his Counsels to him ch 18. and of his Benefits ch 19 20 21. 2 On Abrahams part divers sweet fruits viz. 1 The obedience of his faith c. 22. 2 His Humanity c. 23. 3 His Piety in the matching of his sonne c. 24. 3. Isaac whose 1 Posterity c. 25. 2. Peregrination into the land of Egypt c. 26. 3. Benediction of his two sons c. 27. are mentioned 4. Iacob whose three Peregrinations are declared viz. I. Into Mesopotamia wherin note 1. His journey c. 28. 2. His Arrivall and marriage c. 29. 3. His increase in goods and children c. 30. II. Into Canaan where observe His passage hither c. 31. 4 His abode there where the things that befell him are recited viz. 1. His meeting of his brother Esau with 1 preparation for it c. 32. 2 manner of it c. 33. His daughter Dinah's defilement c. 34. 2. Rachels death c. 35. 3. Isaacs death and buriall by Iacob and Esau where is mentioned Esaus race c 35.36 Selling of Ioseph c. 37. Incest of Iudah c. 38. III. Into Egypt of which Peregrination of Iacob are mentioned The Antecedents The Manner and Consequents Antecedents viz. 1. Iosephs being made knowne to the Egyptians and to his owne kindred To the Egyptians in Prison c. 39.48 out of Prison to the King and his people c. 41. To his owne Not at their first coming into Egypt to buy corne c. 42. But at their second coming c. 43.44.45 where all the circumstances thereof are noted 2. Iosephs sending for his father c. 45. Manner 1. Of Iacobs going thither c. 46.
beginning of the eleventh moneth of the fourtieth yeare viz. 38. years and upwards as Iun. and Ainsw observe And this may remarkably be evinced by comparing Numb 1.1 and 36.13 diligently with Deut. 1.3 which as above demonstrate both the beginning and ending of this History of Numbers Scope Lively to set forth the rich blessing of God upon Israel in their wonderfull increase his vigilant providence over them in all their wildernes journeyes and difficulties and yet his severity against their corruption for which many of them perished in the wildernesse after they had been delivered out of Egypt so that they could not enter into his rest because of their unbeliefe Heb. 3.19 Iude ver 5. Principall Parts This Book of Numbers containes an Historicall narration of Israels 1 Preparation for their Journey 2 Iourney it selfe and 3 of their Station I. Israels Preparation for their Journey wherein three things I. The Numbring of them which was 1. Civil both of all the heads of the people according to the families c. 1. and of the order of the Tribes in their Tents c. 2. 2. Sacred where is reckoned up both the number of Levites and other officers about the Tabernacle c. 3. as also their order and ministry c. 4. II. Lawes 1. Common about Sanctimony whether necessary c. 5. or voluntary c. 6. 2. Particular for the Princes offering of every Tribe at the dedication of the Tabernacle and Altar c. 7. For the Levites service c. 8. III. The manner 1. Of their sanctification and order c. 9. And of their Journeying c. 10. II. Israels journeys which are distinguished by the history of their eight notable Murmurings in their way viz. 1. Irksomenesse of their Journey 2. Loathing of Mannah c. 11. 3. Aarons and Miriams emulation against Moses c. 12. 4. Their unbelief at Kadesh where are recorded Their murmuring c. 13. The judgement of God for it c. 14. Their reconcilement to God afterwards c. 15. 5. The envy of the Levites and others against the Priests c. 16. 6. The indignation of the people for the precedent judgement where are set down both their Murmurâ—ng c. 16.41 42 43. and their Reconcilement c. 16. vers 44. to the end and c. 17 18 19. 7. Murmuring for want of water c. 20. 8. Murmuring because of the way and the light bread and so were plagued with fiery serpents c. 21. III. Israels Station State or condition when they were now nigh to the possession of their inheritance c. 21. to the end of the Book Here is set down a double State or Condition 1. Of the people themselves 2. Of their inheritance 1. Of the people themselves either as 1. overcoming their enemies and possessing the land c. 21. 2. Tempted by Magicall Arts and inchantments c. 22 23 24. 3. â—nsnared with and plagued for idolatry and fornication c. 25. 4. Reconciled to God and numbred for the entring upon the inheritance c. 26. 5. Furnished with a new Governour Ioshuah that was to succeed Moses c. 27. 6. Instructed in sacred things Necessary c. 28 29. Voluntary c. 30. 2. Of the inheritance which is considered either 1. In part As possessed c. 31. As assigned to Gad Reuben and halfe the Tribe of Manasseh c. 32. Here by way of digression is a summary recapitulation of the severall stations of Israel in their march through the wildernesse c. 33. 2. In whole And that either As it is circumscribed with Bounds or Borders whereof the manner of dividing the land c. 34. Or as it is circumscribed with lawes Both of refuge for the man-slayer that slew any unawares c. 35. And of successions in their inheritances c. 36 Deuteron DEUTERONOMIE i. e. The second law or Law repeated Thus denominated by the Greek because this book containeth a Repetition of Gods law given by Moses to Israel AS in Hebrew it is sometimes from the same ground called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mischneh i. e. Repetition of the law From the first words in the Book it s cal'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elleh Haddebarim i e. These are the words or only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Debarim i. e. The words Penman of this Book as of all the foure former Books was Moses who also wrote the History of his own death aforehand in the last chapter by a Prophetick spirit or Ioshua wrote it for him Alsted Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 118. This Book containes the History of but a few dayes viz. from the beginning of the eleventh moneth to about the seventh day of the twelfth moneth of the fourtieth yeare after Israels departure out of Egypt for Moses began to speak these words in the first day of the eleventh moneth of the said fourtieth yeare Deut. 1.3 which was a little before his death he died when he was one hundred and twenty years old Deut. 34.7 after which Israel mourned for Moses in the land of Moab thirty dayes Deut. 34.8 this determines the time of the History As Iun. well observes Thus Alsted in Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 118. computes the time of this History viz. 1. The first Part of this Book containes the History of the first day of the eleventh moneth of the fourtieth yeare after their coming out of Egypt c. 1 2 3 4. 2. The second part contains the History of the second day c. 5. to 11 3. The third part containes the History as is probable of foure dayes at most c. 11. to 26. 4. The fourth part containes the History of one day c. 27.28 5. The fifth containes the History also of one day c. 29 30. 6. The sixth containes the History of one day c. 31. c. 7. The 7 th part contains the History of their mourning for Moses thirty daies c. 34. Proofe hereof may be drawn from the History of Ioshua by computing backwards from the day of the Passeover For in the land of Canaan the first Passeover was celebrated in the one and fourtieth year after Israels coming ouâ— of Egypt on the fourteenth day of the moneth Nisan Josh. 5 10. Before which they were circumcised which probably took up foure dayes Josh. 5. One day they were passing thorough Jordan two dayes in preparation for it Adde to these the time of searching out the land and lastly the thirty dayes mourning And thus going backwards we shall find that Deuteronomie containes an History of but a very few dayes Scope That the law formerly given of God may by this New Repetition of it be more declared confirmed and applied to the present condition of Israel and they thereby fitted and better prepared for the promised Canaan upon which they were entring Principall Parts are The Preface Narration and Conclusion of the Book I. Preface or Prologue c. 1. to 5. contayning 1. A Narration 1. Of Gods calling of Israel from Horeb to the promised Land c. 1. 2. Of the execution of this call Both by divine conduct against their enemies c. 2. And by appointment to enter the Land c. 3. 2. An exhortation
Iobs threefold condition is described viz. His Prosperity His Adversity and his recovery out of all his distresses I. Iobs Prosperity is described c. 1.1 to ver 6. II. Iobs Adversity is deciphered to us 1. By the Occasion variety and extremity of it c. 1. ver 6. to chap. 3.1 2. By the distemper of his spirit under the extremity of his dolours c. 3. 3. By the Dialogue had under his Affliction wherein this Q. is for substance fully discussed Whether strange heavy and long afflictions be infallible signes either of Gods hatred or of afflicted persons Hypocrisy Likewise Jobs Faith patience courage perseverance and commendable deportment is interwoven in the Dialogue though now and then he discovered some infirmities Here consider the dispute betwixt Iob and his three friends and the Moderatours of the Dispute 1. The Dispute hath in it 8 severall Acts. 1. Eliphaz his first reproofe c. 4.5 And Iobs Answer c. 6 7. 2. Bildads first reproofe of Iob c. 8. And Iobs answer c. 9 10. 3. Zophar's first rebuke c. 11. With Iobs answer c. 12 13 14. 4. Eliphaz his second reproofe c. 15. And Iobs defence c. 16 17. 5. Bildad's second rebuke c. â—8 Iobs answer c. 19. 6. Zophar's second reproofe c. 20. Iobs answer c. 21. 7. Elephaz his third reproofe c. 22. Iobs answer c. 23 24. 8. Bildad's third reproofe c. 25. Iobs answer by shewing Gods Majesty c. 26 27 28. and by paralleling his present calamity with his former felicity c. 29 30 31. 2. The Moderatours in this dispute are 1. Elihu who first reproves Iobs friends c. 32. Iob himselfe c. 33. 2. Renders the Reasons of his reproofe drawn from the Majesty of God c. 34. 3. Exhorts Iob to Repentance c. 35. 4. Returnes to the description of Gods Majesty c. 36 37. 2. God himselfe who reprehends and convinceth Job of ignorance and infirmity by Arguments drawn from the Creation and Gubernation 1. Of the Meteors c. 38. 2. Of other creatures especially of the more considerable creatures viz. The Lyon c. 39. Elephant c. 40. Whale c. 41. III. Iobs recovery out of his adversity described 1. By his preparative to it viz. Iobs penitentiall confession of his sin c. This was the sweet fruit of the Dialogue with Iob. 2. By the manner of his Restitution c. c. 42. 2. Doctrines of more generall reference unto all sorts of persons are contained partly in Davids partly in Solomons Books whereof some were written originally in prose others in Metre Trelcat in Oecon. Bibl. Psalmes 1. IN Davids Book viz. That which was if not wholly as some thinke August de Civitat Dei l. 17. c. 14. Yet principally Penned by David i. e. THE BOOK OF PSALMES It is called in Hebrew by the latter Hebrewes who gave names or Titles to Books 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sepher Tehillim i. e. The Book of Hymnes or Prayses because the Divine Praises of God are the chiefe subject-matter of the Psalmes In the Old Testament THE PSALMS OF ISRAEL 2 Sam. 23.1 Because penned for the use of the Israel of God In the New Testament 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The PSALMES Luk 24.44 And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The BIBLE or BOOK OF PSALMES Luk. 20.42 Act. 1.20 Because the Psalmes are digested into one volume The Greeke cals it also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The Psalter from the Psaltery a musicall instrument used in singing of the psalmes Anciently it was called Soliloquium i. e. The Soliloquy because it containes the Saints sweetest and secret talkings with God in prayers and prayses and Gods with them in precious returnes Parva Biblia Summarium V. Test. i. e. The little Bible and the Summary of the Old Testament Luth Totius Scripturae Epitome i. e. The Epitome of the whole Scriptures Athanas. in Epist. ad Marcel It is a compendium of all divinity a common shop of Medicines for the soule an universall store-house of good Doctrines profitable to every one in all conditions Basil in Psal. 1. By August lib. PsalmoruÌ„ Prol. it s call'd Tutela pueris juvenibus ornamentum solatium senibus mulieribus aptissimus decor i. e. A safeguard for children an Ornament to youth a solace to aged men and the fittest comelinesse for women The psalmes are a Iewel made up of the Gold of Doctrine of the pearles of comfort of the Gemmes of prayer This book is a Theater of Gods works A sweet field and Rosary of promises A Paradise of sweet fruits and heavenly delights An ample Sea wherein tempest-tossed soules find richest pearles of consolation An heavenly schoole wherein God himself is chiefe instructer The abridgment flower and quintessence of Scriptures A glasse of divine grace representing to us the sweetest smiling fatherly countenance of God in Christ. And a most accurate Anatomie of a Christian soule delineating all its affections motions temptations plunges with their proper remedies Incipientibus primum efficitur elementum proficientibus incremenâ—um perfectis stabile firmamentum totius Ecclesiae vox una i. e. It is rudiment for the young increase for the proficient firm establishment for the perfect it s as but one voice of the whole Church August ibid. In a word Quid est quod non discatur in Psalmis Non omnis magnitudo virtutis non norma justitiae non pudicitiae decor non prudentiae consummatio non patientiae regula non omne quicquid potest dici bonum procedit ex ipsis Dei scientia perfecta praenunciatio Christi in carne venturi communis resurrectionis spes suppliciorum metus gloriae pollicitatio mysteriorum revelatio Omnia prorsus in his velut magno quodam communi thesauro recondita atque conferta sunt bona i. e. What is it that may not be learned in the Psalmes Doth not the greatnesse of all vertue the Rule of Righteousnesse the gracefulnesse of charity the Consummation of prudence the law of patience and every thing that may be called good flow from them The knowledge of God the perfect Prediction of Christ to come in the flesh the common hope of the Resurrection the feare of punishments the Promise of glory the revelation of mysteries yea all good things are hid and heaped together in these Psalmes as in some great and common Treasury Aug. in lib. Psalmorunt Prolog For if we look at the matter of the Psalmes how rich is it Consider In the Book of Psalms 1. God dealeth with us by 1. Information thence arise Psalmi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Didacticall or Teaching Psalms 2. Exhortation thence the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. the Hortatory Psalmes or Admonitory Ps. 3. Consolation thence the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Consolatory Psalms 4. NarratioÌ„ of things already past thence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. the Historicall Psalmes 5. Prediction or foretelling of things to come thence Psalmi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. the Propheticall Psalmes 2. We deal with God
with a distinct letter of the Hebrew Alphabet c. 3. hath only every third verse so beginning Most mournefull melting patheticall affections abound in the whole Book Greg. Nazianzen Affirmed thus of himselfe As oft as I take this Book into my hands and read the Lamentations I perceive my speech to be stopped and I am overwhelmed with tears and methinks I see that Calamity as it were set before mine eyes and I joyne Lamentations with Jeremiah Greg. Nazianzen Or. 12. pag. 202. Paris 1630. Scope seemes to be this Lively to point out the severity and impartiality of Gods judgements even against his own dearest people the Iewes for their iniquities inviting them to repentance faith and prayer for obtaining of Gods favour in pardoning of sin and removall of judgement Principall parts Are I. Narratory wherein are contained 1. A most Patheticall Description of the wofull miseries overwhelming Ierusalem and Iudea yet all acknowledged to be most justly inflicted for their sin c. 1. 2. A mournfull expostulating lamentation for the desolating miseries upon all persons and affairs Civil or Ecclesiasticall in the whole Kingdome c. 2. 1. to 19. 3. The Prophets counsell to them to Convert to God and pray and he gives them a forme of words c. 2. verse 19.20 21 22. 4. The Churches sad complaints in one mans person of Gods many and heavy afflictions upon her c. 3. 1. to 18. 5. The Arguments of comfort wherewith the Church supported her selfe in these extremities v. 18. to 42. 6. How the Church eased her heart in crying to God for her selfe against her enemies v. 42. to the end 7. Most Patheticall Aggravations of her calamities c. 4.1 to 21. II. Minatory against the enemies of Israel c. 4.21 III. Promissory to the afflicted daughter of Sion c. 4.22 IIII. Petitory wherein the Church of God 1 bewaileth her miseries 2 Acknowledgeth sin to be the cause thereof 3 Deprecats his wrath 4 And implores his mercy c. 5. Ezekiel EZEKIEL He was descended of the Priestly stock Ezek. 1.3 Prophecyed in the land of Chaldea to the Captives and Gentiles in the fifth yeare of Iehoiachin's captivity Ezek. 1.1 2 3. Scope To comfort the Church of God in Captivity and to instruct them how to behave themselves therein amongst profane Heathenish Idolaters Generall parts Herein are I. The Preface setting forth the Prophets calling to this office Gods call c. 1. Ezekiels fearfulnes c. 2. Gods confirming and strengthning him c. 3. II. The Prophecy it self containing three Ranks of Sermons preached at severall times to severall persons c. 1. To the Iews whom he sharply rebuks threatens for their impieties in seventeen severall sermons c. 4. to c. 25. 2. To the enemies of Gods people whose ruine and destruction he foretels in eight sermons c. 25. to c. 33. 3. To the Jewes exhorting them to repentance and encouraging them to hope not only for an inchoate deliverance from Babylons slavery and that in six sermons c. 33. to c. 40. But also for a consummate spirituall deliverance from spirituall misery by Christ the Messiah and this is set out in vision 1 Of the new Temple to be erected c. 40.41 42. 1 Of the new Worship of God to be restored c. 43.44 3 Of the new Ierusalem and new earth that should be discovered c. 45.46 47 48. Daniel DANIEL Daniel was carried captive with the Jewes into Babylon Dan. 1.6 living and prophecying among the Captives a long time foretold future events to the end of the world Was a man of an excellent spirit Dan. 5.12 Author of this Book Matth. 24.15 Dan. 12.4 Scope To display unto Gods Church and people Gods wise and faithfull dealings with them in all states from dayes of Nebuchadnezzar till Christ for the comfort of the Iews and from Christ to the end of the world his peculiar Providence over his own in all their distresses and deliverances for the comfort of the Saints under the New Testament Generall Parts This book relates principally two sorts of matters viz. 1. Matters done already for time past laid down Historically c. 1. to 7. and these things are reported 1. Summarily c. 1. 2 Severally under the Babylonian Monarchy whereof we have 1 The Rise c. 2.3 2 The Growth c. 4. 3 The close c. 5. Or under the Persian Monarchy c. 6. 2. Matters to be done afterwards for future laid down Prophetically c. 7. to the end of the book He prophecies 1. Of future Calamities where in days of Belshazzar he had a double vision Of the foure beasts c. 7. Of the Ram and He-goat c. 8. In the time of the Persian Monarchy where he hath a double vision One in the first yeare of Darius the Mede c. 9. The other in the third yeare of Cyrus c 10. with the exposition of them c. â—1 2. Of the Elects deliverance from these calamities both before and after Christ to the worlds end though calamities of the Saints be sharp and long yet at last deliverance shall fully come and the promise thereof not faile but be exactly fulfilled c. 12. 2 The Lesser Prophets or Minor Prophets so called not because they had lesser Authority from God for their Propheticall office but because their Books are of a farre lesse bulk and volume then the former They are twelve Hosea Ioel c. Hoshea HOSHEAH he was sonne of Beeri Prophecyed the same time that Isaiah did Hos. 1.1 with Isa. 1.1 2. He prophecyed as is probable longer then any other of the Prophets in all about seventy years Principally deals against the ten Tribes of Israel now and then against Iudah His stile is sharp and succinct which makes him somewhat more dark and obscure Scope To convince the Iewes especially the ten Tribes of their many great iniquities especially of their idolatryes and to perswade them to repentance with hope of mercy Generall parts This Prophecy is either I. Parabolicall comprehending two Types The first being propounded c. 1. Accommodated c. 2. The second in c. 3. In both which under the Person of a Prophet he signifies in himselfe future events and evils that should befall the Kingdome and kingly house of Israel Captivity Blindnesse of the people Illumination and Conversion of a remnant by Christ. II. Plaine and naked And so it is Comminatory and Consolatory 1. Comminatory which is laid downe chiefly in three sermons or speciall Prophecies viz. 1. Against all Israel for their vanity inhumanity impiety too evident in the Kingdomes present bad Government dehorting Iudah from Israels sins both by the horrour of their injustice and feare of punishment c. 4. 2. Against Priests Israel and the kings house threatning ruine for their spirituall whoredome and obstinate backsliding from God observance of humane Traditions carnall conâ—idence in forraine Aid of Assyrians Contempt of Gods word casting off Gods Covenant and other wickednesses and hypocrisies c. 5 6 7. And all this under the Person of a judge 3. Vnder the Person of an Herauld he proclaimes Gods judgements against
judgements even to the Jewes themselves for their ingratefull and abominable rejection of Christ and his Gospel c. 11. V. His Evangelicall Sermon peculiarly belonging to the Church which Christ had gathered by his Gospel c. 12.13 and 14. wherein are laid down many sweet priviledges of the Church 1. The Churches victory over all her enemies to whom shee shall be A cup of trembling A Burdensome stone A torch of fire in a sheaf c. 12 1. to 7. 2. The Churches safety and protection only from the Lord. c. 12 7 8. 3. The Benefits enwrapped in this salvation for the Church viz. 1 Heart-wounding repentance for their sinnes that pierced Christ c. 12 9. to the end 2 Remission of all sins to the penitent by faith in the blood of Christ c. 13 1. 3 Purifying of the Evangelicall doctrine from all pollution and desilement v. 2. to 7. 4. A select separation of the remnant appertaining to the Election from the drossy multitude c. 13.7 to c. 14 1â— 4. The removall of all the Churches ruined enemies from offending the Church any more or suâ—duing them to the Church and consecrating all their wealth to holy uses c. 14 12 to thâ— end of the Book Malachi MALACHI he prophecyed after the Babylonish captivity the Temple being now repaired and the publike worship restored against the many notorious corruptions remaining among them even after such wonderfull mercyes He is the last Prophet of the Old Testament deciphering out in the close of his Book Iohn the Baptist the first Prophet of the New Testament Mal. 4.5 6. with Luk. 16.16 Scope To call the Iâ—wes after this Reparation of Gods Temple and worship to Repentance from their many and foule corruptions especially the comming of Christ the Messiah the great Reformer and Refiner of his Church being so neare at hand Generall parts Besides the Title herein are wrapped up in one continued Sermon these principall matters I. A Preface aggravating the ingratefull wickednesse of the Jewes drawne from Gods singular love in Election of them in Iacob when he rejected the Edomites in Esau. c. 1.2 to 6. II. A sharp contestation against the People especially the Priest the keepers of the law for their corruptions viz. 1. Against their contempt and pollution of the worship of God which Priests should have vindicated by office c 1.6 to c. 2.10 2. Against their corrupt Marriages both Marriages with infidels and Polygamies c. 2 10. to 17. 3. Against the wickednesse and perversenesse of many that made a mock of Gods justice and judgements c. 2.17 to c. 3.7 4. Against their Sacriledge in robbing God of Tiths and Offerings c. c 3.7 to 13. 5. Against their Atheisticall contempt of Gods feare worship and true repentance c. 3.15 to 4.5 III. An earnest invitation of all to repentance that so they might be prepared duely to entertaine the Messiah who with his forerunner Iohn the Baptist in the spirit and power of Elias was now immediately to appeare in humane flesh c. 4 5 6. Thus farre of the Old Testament wherein the New Testament is veiled Come we next to consider of the New Testament wherein the Old Testament is Revealed THE new-NEW-TESTAMENT THE NEW TESTAMENT Revealing fully and cleerly the NEW COVENANT in Christ and the Spirituall administrations thereof is contained in the Books written since Christs manifestation in the flesh In Reading of the old-Old-Testament the veile is untaken away But in the NEW TESTAMENT the veile is done away in Christ. And we all with open face beholding as in a glasse the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.14.18 in the Books of the Old Testament God describes to us The Old Covenant of Grace in Christ veiled under Promises Prophecies and Types In the Books of the New Testament The Lord delineates to us The New Covenant of Grace in Christ unveyled actually exhibited and performed Christ being the body and substance of all those ancient Types and Shadowes Iohn 1.17 Hebr. 10.1 Coloss. 2.17 The Center and meeting-place of all the Prophecyes and Promises Luke 1.70 and 24.27 Acts 10.43 2 Cor. 1.20 The Bookes of the New Testament are either 1 Historicall 2 Epistolicall or 3 Propheticall as further appears in the annexed Table ☞ I. HISTORICAL BOOKS THE HISTORICAL BOOKS of the New Testament are such aâ— containe principally matters of Fact though matters of Faith and Doctrine are also interwoven The Histories of the New Testament are I. Of Christ the head of the Church II. Of the Church of Christ his body The HISTORY OF JESUS CHRIST himselfe is contained in the Foure Evangelists wherein Christs Genealogy Nativity Life Doctrine Miracles Death Resurrection and Ascension are described Matthew Mark Luke and Iohn are usually called by way of emphasis The foure Evangelists because they alone wrote the Evangelicall History of Iesus Christ. Matthew and Iohn were Apostles Matth. 10.23 Mark 3.18 19. Mark and Luke were though not Apostles yet holy Apostolicall men the Apostles disciples Companions and assistants in the work of the Ministry The generall and common Scope of these foure Histories and of the writing of them is that which Iohn expresseth in particular viz. That we might believe that Iesus is the Christ the sonne of God and that beleeving we might have life through his name John 20.31 Particular ends and occasions may be noted in the particular considerations of them This one History of Iesus Christ is written by foure severall Penmen The Reasons thereof are worthy to be inquired into Ancient writers who much please themselves with the mysteriousnesse of Numbers have excogitated divers Some fetch a Reason from the foure Rivers of Paradise Origen Some from the foure rings of the Ark wherein the the Tables of the law were contained Hieronym Some from the foure chief Cardinall winds Iraen Advers Haeres l. 3. c. 11. Some thinke that the Gospel being to be dispersed to the whole world the world being divided into foure chiefe parts therefore there were foure-Evangelists and hence this History of Christ written by foure Evangelists is called Sancta Quadriga Domini i. e. The Lords chariot drawn of foure wherein Christ rides as in triumph throughout the world to spread abroad the sweet odour of his knowledge c. D. Aurel. Augustin de consensu Evangelistarum lib. 1. c. 5 6 7. Tom. 4. August Expos. in Evang. Ioan. Tract 36. Iraen quo supra Most accommodate that of the four living creatures Ezek 1.5 and Rev. 4.6 to the number of the Evangelists but severally Ambrose gives the Man to Matthew who begins with Christs pedigree The Lyon to Mark who begins his History of the Lyon-like ministry of Iohn Baptist that Evangelicall Elias Christs immediate forerunner The Calfe to Luke who begins his Gospel with the Nativity of Christ and that in a stable there being no room for him in the Inne and the Eagle to Iohn who in the beginning of his Gospel soares aloft to that
high mystery of Christs Divinity and Godhead D. Ambros. Praefat. in Evang. secund Luc. But leave we these notions of wit which seem rather to be similitudes allusions or Allegories used for illustration rather then Arguments for demonstration why these foure should write our blessed Saviours History We may rather conceive Christs History was written by these foure 1. Because God who appointed many witnesses of Christs doctrine and works c. not only to Ierusalem all Iudea and Samaria but to the utmost parts of the earth Act. 1.8 10.39 41 24. did peculiarly stirre up these foure persons by his spirit to this work for holy men writ who were moved and as moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1.20 21. 2. This History of Christ is the History of Histories of greatest worth in it selfe and concernement to us and likely to be most opposed by the Devil the wicked world c. therfore God that requires two or three witnesses for confirmation of things Deut. 17. 6. Heb. 10.28 makes use of foure witnesses to write Christs story that by the writings of foure every thing might he established beyond suspition 3. That we may see the authority of the Gospel depends not upon the Pen-men thereof but upon the Holy Ghost that indites it and therefore this History is written not only by Matthew and Iohn Apostles who were eye and eare-witnesses of what Christ did and spake but also by Mark and Luke the Apostles followers who stedfastly believed the Apostles report Luk. 1.1 2. though notâ— eye-witnesses themselves yet were incited thereto by the spirit 4. That this Gospel-History might be compleated one explaining what another left obscure for matter or order one supplying what another had omitted As Matthew who wrote first as Pareus thinks Proem in Matth. p. 599. viz. in the ninth yeare after Christs ascension for the most part relates the things done but seldome insists upon the order of doing them Mark who wrote next viz. in the tenth yeare after Christs ascension briefly relates what Matthew did more largely Mark being as an Abstract or Epitome of Matthew but withall he more insists upon the ordering and timing of things done Luke who wrote in the fifteenth year after Christs ascension having seen others writings propounds to himselfe to write of things from the very first and that methodically It seemed good to me also having had perfect understanding of things from the very first to write unto thee in Order Luke 1.3 In many things he shews the order of things by circumstances and in most agrees with Mark whence Tertullian cals Lukes Gospel Digestum Historiae Evangelicae i. e. An orderly digesting of the Evangelicall Story but sometimes things manifest in Matthew and Mark he puts not in their own place Iohn who wrote his Gospel in the two and thirtieth yeare after Christs ascension professedly as Eusebius in hist. Eccles. testifies addes the Acts of Christ in the first yeare of his Ministry omitted by the rest And in the rest of his History he not only insists much upon Christs doctrine not formerly spoken to but also expressely notes the Feasts of certaine distinct years incident in the time of Christs ministry intimating that the Evangelicall History penned by others should be distributed into certain years according to those Feasts 5. Finally though the Holy Ghost could by one and the same contexture of words have given us the History of Christs words and deeds as Gerson noteth yet not without some great mystery therein he pleased sub quadam concordissima si it a dicipossit dissonantia i. e. under a certain Harmonious most concording dissonancy if we may so speake to excite the mindes of the faithfull to the more humble and vigilant investigation of the truth that so it might appear the foure Evangelists did not speak by mutuall Conspiration but by divine Inspiration Matthew THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW The English word Gospel comes from the old Saxon word Godspel i. e. Good speech The Greek word signifies Good-tydings or a Good-Message This word Gospel in New Testament is of severall acceptations It is used 1. In bad sense for a false pretended Gospel Gal. 1.6 7. 2. In good sense and that either 1. Properly and so the word is used either 1. Generally For the Doctrine or Promise of salvation freely by Christ to all that will believe Thus the Gospel is everlasting Rev. 14.6 one and the same under Old and New Testament Gal. 3.8 2. Specially for the Doctrine of grace in accomplishing the Promise by Christ exhibited this is peculiar to the New Testament Rom. 1.1.2 2 Cor. 4.4 2. Metonymically 1. For the Preaching or Ministery of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.12.14 2. For the History of Christ who is the prime Subject of the Gospel Thus the Books of the four Evangelists are called Gospells This Book is called The Gospel according to Mat. because he was Penman of it Matthew an Hebr. name in Syriack 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mattha some derive it from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mas. i. e. Tribute others from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mathach i. e. to extend to explaine c. So that Matthew should sound as much as An explainer viz. of Scripture But rather it is to be deriv'd from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nathan i. e. he hath given or bestowed whence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Matthan A gift so Matthew noâ—es a Gift viz. of God vid. Greg. Gregori Lexicon sanctum Sect. 858. p. 641. Matthew was also surnamed Levi in Hebr. i. e. associated Mark 2.14 Luk. 5.29 so he had two names He was the sonne of Alpheus Mark. 2.14 By profession a publicane sitting at the Receipt of Custome Luk. 5.27 Mark 2.14 with Matth. 9.9 his calling was very infamous among the Jews yet Christ cals him from the Receipt of custome to be a disciple who presently obeyed and made Christ a great feast Luk. 5.27 28.29 Mark 2.14 15. Matth. 9.9 10. He was one of the twelve Apostles Matth. 10.3 Penman of this book Authority whereof was never questioned by the Church of Christ. He is called A most faithfull Commentator of the Gospel by Tertul. lib. de carne Christi c. 22. p. 310. edit Franeher 1597. He preached the Gospel to sinners not only by word but by exemplary correcting his own life Chrysost. in Praesat oper imperfect Matthew wrote his Gospel as some think in the one and twentieth yeare after Christs ascension Iraen l. 3. c. 1. Or the fifteenth yeare As Nicephorus l. 2. c. 45. Or the ninth yeare after Christs ascension as Pareus Proem in Matth. p. 599. and Alsted in Praecog Theol l. 2. c. 123. p. 710 Occasion of Matthews Gospel some declare thus Matthew after he had first preached to the Hebrews and thence was to go to the Gentiles he committed his Gospel to writing that so he might supply and compensate his absence by his writing left behind with them Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 3 c. 24. and out of
a little before his Martyrdome whichfell out in the thirty seventh yeer of Christ in the fourteenth yeer of Nero in the thirty fifth yeer after his own conversion Paul wrote his II. to Timothy as all Circumstances evince and the Epistle it selfe intimates I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand 2 Tim. 4.6 This noting the severall times of the Apostles writing his Epistles is usefull To let us see why the Apostle wrote so variously about the same things as Circumcision and other Ceremonies As To the Romanes that they should receive the weake c. about Ceremonies and indifferent things Rom. 14. 1. c. But to the Galatians and Colossians utterly condemns use of Circumcision c. Gal. 5.2 c. Col. 2 the reason is the difference of times Chrisostome Ceremonies were alwayes Mortales mortall at Christs death became Mortuae dead onely Moses must be honourably buried for the weak Iewes the use of them was permitted a while but after that they became Mortiferae deadly to them that used them But here Pauls Epistles shall be considered according to the method and distribution of all the Books of the New Testament first proposed and that the rather because so we shall view them as they stand in order in our Bibles And first of Pauls Generall Epistles to whole Churches which are nine viz. Romanes THe Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the ROMANES So denominated 1. Partly from the object to whom the Epistle is written viz. The believing Romanes Rom. 1.7 When this Epistle was written there was so famous a Church at Rome that their Faith was spoken of throughout the whole World Rom. 1.8 Yea there were even in Caesars houshould that had received the faith Phil. 4.22 But by whom or when was the Church of the Romanes first planted Answ. Scripture is silent Papists say by Peter Belâ—â—m de Pont. Rom. l. 2. c. 2. But Peter never was at Rome much lesse planted the Church there D. Pareus in Rom. 16. Pub. II. Barnabas is supposed to have preached Christ at Rome and to have converted the Romanes under the Reign of Tyberius if Clement may be believed Recognition Clementis lib. 1. But now Rome is as infamous as once it was famous being the seat of Antichrist Rev. 17 9 c. the Spirituall Egypt Rev. 11.8 Sodome Rev. 11.8 And Babylon devoted to destruction Rev. 18.2 c. 2. Partly from the Penman of the Epistle viz. Paul Rom. 1.1 PAUL is a Latin name from Paulus i. e. a little one so the Romanes were wont to call them that were of a lesser stature he seemes most to be delighted with this Romane name being appointed Apostle to the Gentiles Some think he first had this name given him upon occasion of his conversion of Sergius Paulus the Deputy Act. 13.7.9.12 Hieronym de claris Script Before he was called Saul i. e. desired asked c. From the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shaal i. e. he hath asked desired c. It is not likely that he changed his name Saul into Paul but rather that he had two names as all the Iews had that were freemeÌ„ of Rome Saul then denoted his nation and Religion Paul signified his Roman freedome And Scripture favours this that he had two names saying Saul which also is Paul Act. 13.9 The History of Paul is notably described in the New Testament especially in Phil. 3. 1 Tim 1. And in Act. 13. to the end of the Book but more summarily Act. 22.3 to 22. and 26.4 to 24. He was a Iew by Nation of the Tribe of Benjamin of the Province of Cilicia borne in the City Tarsus which being a Colony and having the priviledge of the Romane freedome Paul though of Iewish Parents yet saith he was a Roman free-born Act. 22.7.28 circumcised the eighth day brought up at the feet of Gamaliel a great proficient above many in the Iewish Religion in his Zeale persecuting all that seemed to oppose it held the garments of those that stoned Stephen consenting to his death made havock of the Church c. But at last as he was in his Circuit of persecution he was miraculously converted of a Wolfe to become a Lamb and of a Persecuter to be a prime Apostle in his Apostleship he suffered and laboured more then all the rest of the Apostles was peculiarly sent to teach the Gentiles At last he was carryed bound to Rome and there he was be headed by Nero in seventeenth yeere after Christ's Ascension in the fourteenth yeer of Nero and thirty fifth yeere after his conversion and buried in the Ostiense way Hieronym He wrote fourteen Epistles of which one said As oft as I read Paul me thinks I heare not words so much as thunders Paulum quotiescâ—nque lego videor mihi non verba auâ—dire sed tonitrua Hieronym contr Iovinian de Epist. Paulin. His Epistle to the Romanes though noâ— first written yet is set first 1. By reason of the dignity of the Romanes to whom it was written Rome being the Seate of the Empire and Head of the World 2. Because of the largenesse of the Epistle this being the longest of all the Epistles As Isaiah is set first being the longest of all the Prophets 3. But especially from the dignity of the matter and dexterity in handling it The Body of Divinity is so admirably herein handled espicially the principall points of Election Reprobation Redemption Faith and Iustification by Faith c. that it is deservedly called by some Clavis Theologiae the Key of Divinity and Methodus Scripturae the Method of Scripture When it was written See in former Table Where it was written is to be considered Origen in Praefat. Comment thinks at Corinth 1. Because he commends Phaebe to the Romans Rom. 16.1 She was a servant to the Church at Cenchrea which is a Port of Corinth 2. Because he salutes them in the name of Gaius his Host c. Rom. 16.23 And Gaius a Corinthian and there Baptized by Paul 1 Cor. 1.14 3. Because he salutes them in the name of Erastus Chamberlaine of the City Rom. 16.23 Who abode at Corinth 2 Tim. 4.20 4. The postscript testifies thus much Occasion and Scope of this Epistle seemes to be this The report that Paul had received of some disagreements both in judgement and affection in them of the Church of Rome who were partly believing Jewes partly believing Gentiles The Iewes either wholly opposing the Gospel or mingling Law and Gospel together in the case of Justification and all of them excluding the Gentiles from the fellowship of Christ and despising them insisting too much upon the Prerogative of the Jew Contrariwise the Gentiles knowing that the Jewes were rejected of God and the Gentiles implanted in their stead too much insulted over them as a people cast away boasting of their own wisdome and vertues and using their Christian liberty with offence Now to reconcile these Controversies and to settle
Order of the Patriarchs that as Death by reason of sinne had Reigned over the six first Fathers Adam Seth Enos Cainan Mahalelel Iared but could not touch the seventh Enoch so death shall Reigne oveâ— the world 6000 yeeres which shall so long continue but in the 7000. yeeres eternall life shall begin and death shall be swallowed up in Victory 4. But others best of all understand here as the Text seems evidently to carry it Enochs verbal Prophecie which though not written yet Iude received by Tradition or rather by Revelation of the same spirit of God by which Enoch prophecyed and here recorded as part of the Divine Canon Obj. 3. Jude alleadges other Apostles sayings ver 17. Therefore seemes rather to be a Disciple of the Apostles then an Apostle himselfe especially seeing he cals not himselfe an Apostle but the servant of Jesus Christ ver 1. And therefore this Epistle not authenticall Ans. 1. Though it could be proved Iude was no Apostle yet it therefore followes not his Epistle is not Authenticall Mark and Luke not Apostles yet the three Books they wrote are of unquestionable authority The authority of Books of Scriptur are not from the Penmen writing them but from the Spirit of God inditing them 2. Daniel cites Ieremiah Dan. 9.2 Ezekiel cites Daniel Ezek. 14.19 Were they therefore not Prophets but Prophets Disciples Peter alleadgeth Pauls Epistles 2 Pet. 3.15 16. Was Peter therefore no Apostle but onely a Disciple 3. Iudes alleadging the other Apostles derogaâ—es not from the authority of his Epistle but proves that Iude wrote after both Paul and Peter in whose Epistle these predictions are extant 1 Tim. 4.1 c. 2 Tim. 3.1 2 Pet. 2.1 c. 4. Finally though Iudas here call not himselfe an Apostle that argues not therefore he was not an Apostle Iames in his Epistle Iohn in his three Epistles Paul in his Epistle to the Philippians and in both his Epistles to the Thessalonians superscribe not themselves Apostles were they therefore no Apostles But Iudas here stiles himselfe the brother of Iames and that 's full as much as if he had stiled himselfe an Apostle for the texts are expresse that Iudas the Brother of Iames was one of the twelve Apostles See Luk. 6.16 Act. 1.13 Obj. 4. But Iude the Apostle taught in Persia and therefore had he written this Epistle he would rather have written it in the Persian then Grecian tongue Ans. 1. It s not infallibly certain that Iude was in Persia when he wrote this Epistle 2. No necessity of the Apostles writing in the language of the people with whom they then lived Matthew lived among the Ethiopians Paul at Rome when he wrote some of his Epistles yet they wrote not in Ethiopick or Latin but in Greek Greek being then the most common language in the world the Holy Ghost would have Greek to be the Originall language for New Testament as the Hebrew especially for the Old And Iudes Epistle is Catholique or Generall and therefore was written in Greek the generall tongue When and Where this Epistle was written is uncertaine Some think this Apostle was in Persia or Asia Minor when he wrote it viz. A yeere before he dyed and that he there dyed anno 68. after Christ. Niceph. l. 4. c. 40.44 Probably he wrote after both Paul and Peter to whose writings he seems to have reference v. 17. the whole Epistle is as an Abstract of Peters second Epistle Occasion seems from the current of the Epistle to be those abominable heresies of the Simonians Nicolaitanes Gnosticks c. abounding in those times times who held Sin to be indifferent womeÌ„ al things to be common c. Oecumen Epiphan in Haeres Gnostic Sec. Iud. 3.4 Scope To warne all the faithfull in those times of the cursed and detestable Hereticks and Seducers that were cunningly crept in among them that they contend earnestly for the truth against all their damnable errours and Heresies and for purity and holinesse of life against all their impure lustfull licentious and ungodly pâ—actices Iude 3 4 8 10 20 21. Principall parts To this end are I. Inscription of the whole Epistle expressing 1. Penman who wrote this Epistle 2. Parties to whom it was written 3. The Salutation of them ver 1 2. II. The substance of the Epistle wherein are laid down 1. The maine Proposition or Exhortation To contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints ver 3. There being so many lascivious hereticall men crept in among them ver 4. 2. Arguments enforcing this exhortation upon them against these lascivious Heritiques demonstrating the damnablenesse and destructivenesse of their wayes 1. By examples of Gods vengeance for like impieties and impurities in former times viz. Upon Israel for unbeliefe ver 5. Upon Angels for Apostacy ver Upon Sodom and Gomorrha c. For their lusts ver 7. These examples he applyes to these Seducers 1. Describing them by their 1. Uncleannesse ver 8. 2. Despising and reproaching Magistrates ver 8 9. 3. Impudency in reviling what they know not ver 10. 4. Bruitish intemperance in carnall pleasures ver 10. 5. Cruelty to their brethren 6. Covetousnesse 7. Seditiousnesse ver 11. 8. Epicurisme in meats and drinks ver 12. 9. Hypocrisie 10. Instability 11. Deadnesse and Barrennesse to all good fruit ver 12. 12. Wrathfulnesse 13. Shamefull uncleannesse 14. Levity and inconstancy ver 13. 2. Threatning them in generall with woe ver 11 in particular with eternall destruction ver 13. 2. By Testimonies 1. Of Enoch ver 14.15 To which he adds further descriptions of their viciousnesse ver 16. 2. Of the Apostles themselves v. 17 18. where he further describes these Heretiques by their Separation from Church assemblies by their want of Gods Spirit v. 9. 3. Hortatory Directions by way of Remedy for 1. Mutuall edification 2. Prayer v. 20. 3. Love of God ver 21. 4. Different course to be taken by them in recovering severall persons from seducements v. 22 23. 5. Zeale against all impurity v. 23 III. Conclusion of the whole Epistle with adoxology to God who is able to keep them without spot and blamelesse c. v. 24 25. III. THE PROPHETICAL BOOK Viz. THE Revelat. THE PROPHETICAL BOOK of the New Testament prophetically foretelling what shall be the future condition of the Church of Christ in all ages to the end of the world is the REVELATION OF JOHN THE DIVINE This may well be called a Propheticall Book For 1 The Holy Ghost himselfe divers times stiles it A Prophecy Rev. 1.3 and 7.10 18.19 2 And the nature of the Book is chiefly Propheticall as the Series of the Book implyes and also some passages plainly testify that it treats of things which must shortly come to passe Rev. 1.1 and things which shall be hereafter Rev. 1.19 Title This book in Greek is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The Apocalypse or Revelation of John the Divine whereby are indigitated to us both the
full of the wrath of God the 7. last plagues poured out upon the eartâ— by 7. Angels Here are the I. Preparatories to the pouring out of the Vials c. 15 throughout II. Pouring out of the Vials of the wrath of God upon the earth c. 16.1 c. viz. I. Vial poured out c. 16. ver 2. II. Vial poured out v. 3. III. Vial poured out v. 4. to 8. IV. Vial poured out v. 8 9. V. Vial poured out v. 10 11. VI. Vial poured out v. 12. to 17. VII Vial poured out c. 16. This pouring out of the VII Vial is laid down 1. More Summarily 2. More Plenarily I. More Summarily compendiously c. 16. ver 17. to the end of the chap. VI Uision II. More plenarily and copiously c. 17 18 19 20 to ver 11. Wherin divers mysteries are most lively explicated which formerly were heretofore more obscurely mentioned Notably pointing out the Rise Seate Reigne Vassals Successe and at last the fatall Ruine of Anti-christ and all the Churches enemies So that this part affords no small light to the Prophetick part of the Revelation Here consider 1. The judgement of the great whore 2. The event thereupon I. The judgement of the great whore c. 17 18 19. Where are 1. A notable description of the great whore that is to be judged By Visionall Representation c. 17.1 to 7. By real explanation therof v. 7. to 16. 2. The instruments that shall destroy the Whore viz. The ten hornes which are ten Kings c. c. 17. ver 16 17 18. 3. The Emphatical promulgation of the woful ruine of Babylon the Seate of the great whore This is done by three Angels 1. The first Angel declares the inevitable certainty of Babylons ruine c. 18..1 2 3. 2. The second warning all God's people to come out of her sets forth the grievousnesse of her destruction with the sad lamentations of all her friends and vassals ver 4. to 21. 3. The third Angel under the type of a great Milstone cast into the Sea as it were seales up the irrecoverablenesse of her ruine ver 21 22 23 24. 4. The gratulatory exaltations of the heavenly company 1 for the judgement of the whore 2 for the preparation of the Lamb's wife for marriage with him c. 19. ver 1. to 11. 5. The finall and totall conquest of the Lamb and his Armies over the beast and false Prophet and the Kings of the earth and their Armies c. 19. v. 11. to the end of the chap. Hitherto of the judgement of the great Whore VII Or last Uision II. The event following after the judgement of the great Whore which is chiefly three-fold 1. The safety of the Saints surviving the ruine of Babylon from the seducements of the Dragon the Devil and Satan being chained up 1000 yeares c. 20.1.2 3. 2. The reviving of the Martyrs and raigning with Christ 1000. yeares the rest of the dead not living again till the 1000. yeares were finished c 20. v. 4 5 6. 3. The Saints miraculous deliverance from and victory over Gog and Magog Satan after the 1000. yeares expired being loosed out of prison c. 20. v. 7. to 11. Hitherto as is conceived hath been Revealed the future state of the Church as Militant on earth The condition of the Church as triumphant in heaven is described both in respect of the 1. Inchoation and 2. Duration of it 1. The Inchoation or beginning of the Churches triumph shall be at the last and generall judgement which is pathetically described c. 20. v. 11. to the end of the chapt 2. The Duration or Continuance of it viz. Eternal happinesse in Heaven which is most gloriously set forth c. 21. throughout c. 22. ver 1. to 6. The Conclusion of this whole Prophecy which is either 1. Principal containing a confirmation of the whole Prophecy of this Revelation by the Testimony 1. Of the Angel by whom the Lord shewed these things to John c. 22. v. 6. 2. Of Christ himselfe who gave this Revelation ver 7. 3. Of Iohn that received this Revelation ver 8 9. 4. Of Christ againe ver 10 to 18. 5. Of Iohn denouncing heavie judgements upon all that shall adde to or take from this Prophecy ver 18 19. 6. Of Christ testifying these things Promising his speedy coming amplified by Iohn's earnest request in his own and the Churches behalfe ver 20. 2. Lesse Principall containing the Apostolicall Salutation to all the 7. Churches and faithfull Saints to whom this Revelation was written ver 21. He that testifieth these things saith I come quickly Amen Even so Come LORD JESUS Rev. 22.20 D. Bernard Medit. Devot c. 4. Praemium est videre deum vivere cum Deo vivere de Deo esse cum Deo esse in Deo quierit omnia in omnibus habere Deum qui est Summum Bonum Et ubi est summum bonum ibi est summa felicitas summa jucunditas vera libeâ—tas perfecta charitas aeterna securitas secura aeternitas ibi est vera laetitia plena scientia omnis plenitudo omnis Beatitudo Sic cum Deo homo Beatus erit in cujus conscientia peccatum inventum non fuerit Videbit Deum ad voluntatem habebit ad voluptatem fruetur ad jucunditatem In aeternitate vigebit in veritate fulgebit in bonitate gaudebit 1 Tim. 1.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Holy Scriptures are contained in the Books of the Old New Testament I. The Books of the Old Testament are I Moses He wrote the Law of God in five Books called the Pentateuch i. e. The-five fold-volumne These Books according to the Greek are called Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomie II. The Prophets their Books are either I. Historicall containing the History of 1. Israel's entrance into the promised Land viz. Ioshua 2 Israels Condition and Government after their entrance into Canaan 1 â—efore their carrying away into Babylon either under 1. Iudges And here we have â—he 1. Generall Hist. Iudges 2. Particular Hist. Ruth 2 Kings and this as thâ— Statâ— of the Kingdome was I. Vnited under Kings by 1. Election I. Samuel 2. Succession II. Samuel II. Divided and that according to the 1. Beginnings of this Division in I. Kings 2. Progresse of this Division in II. Kings III. Vnited and Divided as in I. Chronicles II. Chronicles 2. After their Captivity Here their returne from Captivity is declared According to the 1. Truth and manner of it in Ezra 2. Fruit and event of it in Nehemiah 3. Vnder their Captivity in Babylon and elsewhere in Esther II. Doctrinall or poeticall containing Doctrines 1. Of more speciall reference to A particular person viz. Iob. 2. Of more Generall reference to all sorts of persons in 1. Dauidâ— Book principally penned by him viz. Psalmes 2. Solomons Books which are either 1. Proverbiall Proverbes 2. Penitentiall Ecclesiastes 3. Nuptiall viz. Song of Songs III. Prophetical written either by the 1. Greater Prophets who wrote either 1. Before
the Captivity of Babylon viz. Isaiah Ieremiah Lamentations 2. Neerâ— upon and under the Captivity viz. Ezekiel Daniel 2. Lesser Prophets who Prophesied and wrote either 1. Before Israel's transportation into Babylon viz Hosea Ioel Amos Obadiah Ionab Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah 2. Afteâ— Israels returne from Babylons Captivity viz. Haggai Zechariah Malachi II. The Books of the New Testament See in the Table at p. 140. ☞ The Bookes of the new-New-Testament are either I. Historicall describing unto us the History of 1. Christ the Head of the Church whose Genealogy Birth Life Doctrine Miracles Dâ—ath and Resurrection are recorded by foure Evangelists Matthew Marke Luke Iohn 2. The Church Christs body whose primitive plantatioâ— state and augmentation both among Jewes and Gentiles is delcared in the Acts of the Apostles II. Epistolicall as all the Epistles written by the Apostles either 1. To believing Gentiles as Pauls Epistles 1 Generall which Paul wrote unto whole Churches about matters of generall and publâ—ke concernment as â—he Epistles to the Romanes I. Corinthians II. Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians I. Thessalonians II. Thessalonians 2 Particular to particular persons touching 1 Publique Ecclesiasticall affaires as the Epistles to I. Timothy II. Timothy Titus 2. Private Oeconomicall affaires as his Epistle to Philemon 2. To the believing Iewes as it is probable al these Epistles were viz. 1 The Epistle probably written by Paul to the Hebrewes 2. The 7. Epistles commonly called Generall or the Catholique Epistles of Iames. Iames Peter I. Peter II. Peter Iohn General I. Iohn Particular II. Iohn III. Iohn Iude. Iude III. Propheticall foretelling what shall be the future state and condition of the Church of Christ to the end of the world written by Iohn the Apost viz. The Revelation a John â— 39 b Col. 3.16 c Psal 40.8 d â—sal 119.1 e August Sacrae scripturae tuae sunt sanctae delitiae meae f Longâ assiduâ meditatione Scripturarum pectus suum fecerat Bibliothecam Christi Hier. epistola ad Heliod in Epitaphium Nepotiani g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pezelii Mellificium historicum in vita Iuliani h 1 Pet. 1.21 i 1 Sam 21.9 k 2 Tim. 3.15 16. l Psal. 1.1 2. m Ps. 116.92 n Psal. 119.105 o Eph. 6.13 p Jam. 4.6 q Ps 25.9 r Psal. 119.18 s 2 Pet. 3.16 t Job 7.17 u Rev. 3.7 x Luk. â—â— 45 a Act. 7.38 b Chrysost in Gal. Hom. 1. c Chrysost. in Ep. ad Col. Hom. 9. d Job 23.12 e Rom. 7.22 f Psal. 19.9 119.103 g Psal. 119.162 h Ps. 119.72 i Psal. 119.14 k Psal. 119 111. l Psal. 119.24 m Psal. 119.50 n Psal. 119.20 o Psal. 1.1 2. p August de Civit. dei l. 20. c. 32. prope fin q Act. 8.30.31 r 2 Pet. 3.16 s 2 Tim. 3.16 t Rom. 3.2 u Col. 3.16 x Act. 28.25 y 2 Pet. 1.21 z Psal. 19.7 9. a Psal. 19.7 and 2 Tim 3.16 17. b Psal. 19.8 c Psal. 119.140 d Numb 12.3 e Exod. 33.11 f Deut. 34.10 g Psal 99.6 Jer. 15.1 with 1 Sam. 7.9 10. 12.16 17 18. h Act. 13.22 i 1 King 3.12 Neh. 13.26 k 2 Sam. 7.13 l Dan. 9.12 m Dan. 2.25 28 30 47. n Joh. 13.23 o Joh. 21.7 20. p 2 Cor. 12.2 3 4. q Chrysost. de sacerd l. 4. r 2 Pet. 1.21 s Gen. 17.1 t â—am 1.17 u Psal 90.2 102.26 27. x 1 King 8.27 Jer. 23.24 y Psal. 139.1 12. z Psal 147. â— a Deut. 6.4 1 Cor. 8.6 b 1 Joh. 5 7. c Rom. 8.29 30. Eph. 1.4 5 6. d Is. 9.6 e 1 Tim. 2.5 and 3.16 f Jer. 31.31 to 3â— Heb. 8.8 c. g 1 Tim. 4.8 h 2 Pet. 1.4 i 2 Cor. 1.3 4 5. Psal. 94.19 k Rom. 7.12 l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost. in Coloss. Homil 9. Omnis Scriptura Divinitùs inspirata utilis est ad Docendum Hâ—c ipsa de causa a Spiritu Sancto scripta est ut veluti ex communi quodam sanitatis fonte omnes nobis ex hac remedia propriis pâ—ssionibus asssumamus Aug. in Psalm Pro. egom m Eph. 6 17 n Adoro Scripturae plenitudinem Tertull Advers Hermogen p Auferantur de medio chartae nostrae procedat in medium codex Dei Audi Christum dicentem Audi veritatem loquentem August Enarrat in Psal. 57. * Sacra Scriptura est liber vitâ—e cujus origo eaterna cujus incorporalis essentia cujus cognitio Vita cujus scriptura indelebilis cujus inspectus desiderabilis cujus Doctrina facilis cujus scientia dulcis cujus profunditas inscrutabilis cujus verba innumerabiliâ— unum tantum verbum Omniâ— Hug. de Arc. Noâ— q 1 Tim. 1.17 r Psal. 147 5. s Rom 11.33 t Ioh. 1.5 u Humana omnia dicta argumentis testibus egent Dei autem sermo ipse sibitestis est Quia necesse est quicquid incorrupta veritas loquitur incorruptum sit testimonium veritatis Salvian de Gubern Dei l. 3. x Deus in Scripturis quasi amicus familiaris loquitur ad cor Doctorum indoctorum August Epist. 3 y 2 Pet. 3.16 z Magnisicè salubriter spiritus Sanctus ita Scripturas Sanctas modificavit ut locis apertioribus fami occurrerer obscurioâ—ibus fastidia deâ—orgerer Nihil enim fere de illis obscuritatibus eruitur quod non plaâ—â—ssimè dictum alibi reperiatur Aug. de Doct. Christ. l. 2. c. 6. In omni Copia Scripturarum Sanctarum pascimur apertis eâ—ercemur obscuris illic fameâ— pellitur hâ—c fastidium Augdo verb. Dom. Serm. 11. a Verbi Dei altitudo exercet studium non denegat intellectum Si enim omnia clausa essent nihil esset unde revelarentur obscura Rursus si omnia tecta essent non esset unde alimentum anima perciperet haberet vires quibus posset ad clausa pulsare August de verb. Apostoli Serm. 13. c. 1. ad init Tom. 10. b 2 Tim. 3.16 17. c Lapidandi sunt Haeretici Sacrarum literarum Argumentis Athan Cont. Ari. Or. 2 Haeretici sunt luciâ—ugae Scripturarum Tertull. de resur Carnis d Rom. 15.4 e Ioh. 5.39 f Col. 3.16 g 2 Tim. 3.15 h Act. 18.24 i Act. 17.11 k Psal. 1.1 2. l Heb. 5.13 m Mark 12.24 Mat. 21.29 n Chrysost Hom. de Lazar. o Chrysost. in Epist. ad Coloss. Hom 9. p Qui nescit Scripturas nescit Dei virturem ejus que sapientiam ignoratio Scripturarum ignoratio Christi est Hieron in proem Isaâ— q Joh. 13 1â— r Act. 8.28 29. c. s Tit. 1.11 t Verus cibus potus qui ex verbo dei sumitur Scientia Scripturarum est Hicron in Eccle. c. 3. u Congrua de testimoniis Scripturarum ligna quaeâ—entes aedificemus domum sapienâ—ae in nobis Hicronym in Aggeum â— 1. x Negant plerique nostros secundum Artem scripsisse Nec nos obnitimur Non enim secundum Artem scripserunt sed secundum gratiam quae super
some things are hard to be understood 2 Partly through the obscure and mysterious manner of Scriptures revealing many things whereby the Lord would exeâ—cise the sharpest and deepest apprehensions of men 3 Partly through defect of some familiar Manu-duction into the whole Bible and the severall Books of Old and New Testament therein contained which might like a Clew of thread conduct into these sacred Treasuryes and like a Key unlock this Cabinet of Christs richest Jewels Whereupon after much deliberation how this might be best effected apprehending that some briefe and solid Discovery of the 1 Order 2 Names 3 Times 4 Penmen 5 Occasion 6 Scope 7 Principall parts of the Books in the Bible would much conduce o ripen Christians in Bible-knowledge spreading before their eyes in A Generall view the current of the whole Scriptures I entred upon this Task and finished it by divine assistance in such sort as is represented in the ensueing Treatise It was immediately intended for the help and benefit of some speciall godly friends whom I shall ever highly respect and honour but through importunity is now made publike for the good I hope of many The Lord make it as usefull as it was intended and is desired By way of Preface be pleased to pause a little with me upon the serious consideration of 1. The worth of Scripture-knowledge 2. The way how to attaine to it That will quicken Christians to Scripture-study This will help them to Scripture-understanding Scripture-knowledge is of great worth and consequence to every Christian. Or The Holy Scriptures are most worthy of all Christians constant study and utmost endeavours to understand them For 1. The Author inventing and inditing the Holy Scriptures is God blessed for ever Father Sonne and Holy Ghost all Scripture is divinely inspired Hence called the Oracles of God The word of Christ. And the Saying of the Holy Ghost For the Prophecy came not at any time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost We are apt to value desire to study and understand the books of godly learned judicious mens making How much more should we to the utmost indeavour to understand the Scriptures which are the only Books of Gods making Mens writings are too much mingled with vanity ignorance folly mistakes imperfections infirmities and corruptions savouring much of a carnall spirit when most spiritual But Gods word is satisfactorily full without all vanity most wise faithfull and true without all falshood or folly Compleatly perfect beyond all imperfection most pure and exceedingly refined without all corruption and without all carnall mixtures wholly spirituall sweetly resembling that most spirituall spirit that did indite them 2. The Amanuenses or Penmen of the Holy Ghost for the Scriptures were not contemptible or ordinary but incomparable and extraordinary persons As Moses the meekest man on earth the peculiar favourite of God with whom God talked face to face the None-such of all the Prophets in Israel Samuel that mighty man in prayer David the King that man after Gods own heart King Solomon that wisest of all the Kings whom God honoured with the building of the Temple Daniel in whom was found an excellent spirit and great dexterity in expounding secrets and mysteries Iohn the disciple whom Iesus loved above all the rest who leaned on Iesus breast Paul who was caught up into the third heavens whose writings saith Chrysostome like a wall of adamant compasse about or surround all the Churches In a word all of them holy men of God moved by the Holy Ghost These being the Penmen how incomparable and extraordinary must their writings needs be who would not study them and earnestly pry into them 3. The matter of the Scripture is most inviâ—ing able to allure the hearts of men and Angels to the study of them yea to transport and ravish their spirits in the understanding of them Herein are revealed most profound and inexplicable mysteries The nature of the blessed God Simple without composition Al-sufficient without any externall addition immutable without all shadow of alteration Eternall Immense Incomprehensible Omnipresent and wholly Infinite without all limitation c. The Vnity of essence The Trinity of Persons The father not being the Son nor either of them the Holy Ghost yet all of them the Holy God The Secrets of Gods eternall counsels especially touching the electing of his owne in Christ predestinating them to the adoption of children when all others are passed by The curious Order of the Creation to bring his purposes to passe The Permission of mans fall from the Pinacle of his naturall integrity that thereby he might take occasion to glorify the height of justice and mercy in raising him up by Christ to a farre higher pitch of supernaturall felicity The Person and office of Iesus Christ the Mediatour and both altogether wonderfull God and man united in one person to unite God and man in one Covenant The Son of God became the Son of man to make the sons of men sons of God A King to subdue all our enemies to us and us to himselfe A Prophet to unveyle the bosome secrets of his father unto us A Priest offering up himselfe upon himselfe by himselfe offering up himselfe the sacrifice as man upon himselfe the Altaâ— as God by himselfe the Priest as God-man Christ was humbled and thereby we exalted Christ wounded we healed Christ accused we cleared Christ condemned we justified and acquitted Christ accursed we blessed Christ slaine and we live and Christ conquered that so we might be more then Conquerours through Christ that loves us What shall I say In Scripture is revealed how enemies are reconciled Sinners justified Aliens adopted Beggars made Heirs and co-heirs with Christ and how dust and ashes shall be glorified for evermore Here are unfolded the Covenant of grace wholly made up of heavenly cordials The Promises of the life that now is and that which is to â—ome exceeding great and previous The comforts of God able to counterpoise the deepest disconsolations and Commands surpassing all the lawes in the world in holinesse Iustice and goodnesse Here are discovered The miseries of all that aâ—e in the first Adam the felicities of all that are in the second Adam and the way how poore soules are translated from those miseries to these felicities Here you shall find God descending to man In preparing all Spirituall priviledges for sinners in Jesus Christ our Saviour In tendering richest Grace by Covenant-Promises and Ordinances and In applying these preparations and tenders actually to the Soule by the Spirit 2 Man ascending unto God by the Spiritualizing of his Nature Acting of his Faith Aspiring of his desires Fervency of his prayers and Holy tendency of his Conversation Yea both God and man
sweetly closing together in a most intimate Communion in Iesus Christ which is as another Paradise and Heaven on earth In a word what is there not in Holy Scriptures Are we poore Here 's a Treasury of riches Are we sick Here 's a Shop of Soule Medicines Are we fainting Here 's a Cabinet of Cordials Are we Christlesse Here 's the star that leads to Christ. Are we Christians Here 's the bands that keep in Christ. Are we afflicted Here 's our Solace Are we persecuted Here 's our protection Are we deserted Here 's our recovery Are we tempted Here 's our sword and Victory Are we young Here 's our beauty Are we Old Here 's our wisdome While we live here 's the Rule of our conversation when we dye here 's the hope of our Glorification So that I may with Tertullian I Adore the fulnesse of the Scripture Oh blessed Scriptures who can know them and not love them Who can love them and not delight to meditate in them night and day Who can meditate in them and not desire to love them love to desire them and both desire and love to understand them This is the Book of Books as David said of Goliath's Sword there 's none like that Said one Ex aliis paleae viles hinc grana leguntur Aurea tu paleas linquito grana lege I may Engish it Other writings chaffe unfold Scriptures yeeld the purest gold Others dote on chasty games Gather thou these golden Graines Take away our Papers said Augustine and bring amongst us the Book of God heâ—re Christ saying heare Truth speaking c. I may close up this Paragraph with his words who thus emphatically expresseth himselfe The Sacred Scripture is the Book of life whose Original is eternall whose essence is incorporeall whose knowledge is life whose writing is indelible whose inspect is desireable whose Doctrine is easie whose knowledge is sweet whose depth is unsearchable whose words are innumerable and onely one word All. 4. The forme of the Scripture both Inward and Outward if well considered commands all possible endeavours and industry for the understanding thereof 1. The Inward forme is That accurate conformity of the things laid down in Scripture to that infallible and eternall truth of Gods own understanding that indited and revealed them Writings compiled by men carry in them a conformity to the idea in their understanding which being subject to ignorance errour and corruption through the imperfection that is in them must needs produce writingâ— semblably imperfect ignorant erroneous and corrupt But no such thing can be incident unto the Scriptures which are conforme to the Divine understanding of the only wise God which is infinite unsearchable and wholly admirable which is all Light without any darknesse at all all Truth without the least errour All perfect without any shadow of imperfection all pure without any colour of Corruption So that the Scriptures of themselves cannot lead us unto errour but the more we truly understand them the more our minds shall be enriched with truth and elevated to a conformity to the supream truth of God 2. The Outward forme of the Scriptures oâ— manner how things are therein revealed is not onely plaine and easie nor only darke or difficult but rather mixt of both some things being facile some things being hard to be understood some places are such shallowes wherein lambs need not be afraid to made some againe such deeps as Elephants may be enforced to swim By plainnesse God nourishes the weakest by obscurenesse he exercises the accutest As Augustine hath intimated That facility occasion not our contempt of Scriptures there are interwoven some difficulties that difficulties deterre not from the study of Scripture there are intermingled some facilities For as Augustine notes If all were shut up how should obscure things be revealed If all things were hid whence should the soule have ability to knock for the opening of things shut up Is therefore our Capacity weaker Here 's reliefe for our infirmity Is our apprehension deeper Here 's worke enough for the sharpest perspicacity So that the most ignorant need not be afraid the most intelligent need not be ashamed of endeavours after Scripture understanding 5. The End is manifold and excellent for which God committed his word to writing and that writing to us viz. For Doctrine that Faith and Truth may be asserted For Reproofe or conviction that errour may be confuted As Athanasius said Hereticks are to be stoned with Scripture Arguments For correction of manners enormous or offensive For instruction in the paths of righteousnesse and for consolation that drooping dejected distressed spirits may not be overwhelmed Now then if we study not to understand Scriptures How in Doctrinals They â— Assert the Truth 2 Confute errour How in Practicals They 1 Direct in wel-doing 2 Correct for ill-doing we frustrate the chief ends and scope why the Scriptures were imparted unto us 6. How acceptable is our study and understanding of the Scripture unto God! For 1. He commands us this way to bestow our selves Search the Scriptures Let the word of Christ indwell in you richly in all wisdome Not be but dwell with you not dwell with you but dwell in you yea indwell in you Greek Not dwell in you but dwell in you richly nor only dwell in you richly but in all wisdome 2. He Commends them that have industriously acquainted themselves with the Scripture Timothy that from a child he had known the Holy Scripture able to make him wise unto Salvation Apollos That he was an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures The Bereans that they were more noble then those of Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readinesse of mind and searched the Scriptures dayly whether those things were so And he makes it one Character of the godly blessed man that His delight is in the Law of the Lord and therein he meditates day and night 3. He condemns the contrary unskilfulnesse in the Scriptures as the infirmity of Babes Yea as the root of all errour in spirituals do ye not erre because yee know not the Scriptures Appositely saith Chrysostome to this purpose Ignorance of the Scriptures hath brought forth Heresies hath brought in corruption of life hath turned all things upside down Ignorance of the Scriptures is a very Hell And elsewhere he saith It is the cause of all evils to be ignorant of the Scriptures Hierom also to like purpose He that knowes not the Scriptures knowes not the power of God and his wisdome The ignorance of Scriptures is the ignorance of Christ. 4. In a word He promises happinesse to the right understanding of the Scriptures If yee know these things happy are yee if ye do them And sometimes notably rewards them that endeavour to understand them While the Ethiopian Eunuch
2. Of Iacobs being there Where note his conference with Pharaoh c. 47. His blessing of Ioseph c. 48. His Propheticall benedictions to all his sonnes c. 49. Consequents upon Iacobs death c. 50. Exodus EXODUS i. e. Going-out or Departure so called by the Greek because it declares Israels Departure out of Egypt after they had been long-oppressed there under Tyrannicall servitude In Heb. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 veelleh schemoth i. e. And these are the names Exod. 1.1 Scope To set forth Gods governing and ordering of his Church now reduced and united into one body out of all the severall families of Israel This is the Church in the wildernesse Act. 7.38 Exodus is an History from the death of Ioseph till the erecting of the Tabernacle for about 142. years viz. From death of Ioseph to the birth of Moses 60 years As Iunius computes Annot. in Ex. From Moses birth to the Departure out of Egypt 80 years Exod. 7.7 From the departure out of Egypt to the erecting of the Tabernacle two years Exod. 40.17 in the second yeare viz. the second yeare after their coming out of Egypt Iun. Annotat. Principal Parts of this Book Exodus contains an Historicall Narration of I. Gods Actions for Israels deliverance out of Egypt Things done of God were Before In or After Israels deliverance I. Before their deliverance are 1. His permission of the Egyptian Tyranny over them which was the occasion of the deliverance c. 1. 2. His Preparation both of Instruments and Actions for deliverance 1. Of Instruments viz. Moses who is Borne c. 2. Called c. 3. Aaron c. 4. 2. Of Actions viz. Words c. 5.6 Signes both Confirming their words c. 7. and Punishing the Egyptians for not letting Israel go with ten plagues viz. 1 Turning water into blood c. 7. 2 Frogs 3 Lice 4 And a mixed swarme of Flyes c. 8. 5 Pestilence 6 Boyles 7 Haile c. 9. 8 Locusts and 9 Darknesse c. 10. 10 Death of the first-borne Foretold c. 11. Fulfilled c. 12. II. In their deliverance where note 1. Theâ—r departure Egresse or going out Acted c. 12. Attested for the benefit of Posterity with signes and observations c. 13. 2. Their Progresse or going on Whereof 1 Their passing through the Red sea c. 14. 2 Their thanksgiving for this wonder of mercy in a gratulatory Song c. 15. III. After their deliverance when God did 1. Supply them with food and necessaries c. 16. 2. Defend them from evils c. 17. 3. Appoint Judicatories for all matters of difference that might fall out among them c. 18. II. Gods institutions in which regard consider Gods Prescriptions Israels performances I. Gods prescriptions where note 1. Preparation of the people c. 19. 2. The promulgation of his lawes 1 Moral with their Appendixes c. 20. 2 Iudicial both in humane and sacred things c. 21 22 23. 3 Ceremoniall Touching the Ceremoniall lawes here are laid down 1. The Preparation to them c. 24. 2. The parts of them viz. 1 The Tabernacle with the Appurtenances and Utensils thereof c. 25.26 27. 2 The Priests and their Ornaments or Vestments for Ministration c. 28. 3 Sacrifices c. 29. and divers sacred things c. 30. 3. The close of ceremoniall directions c. 31. II. Israels performances of Gods Prescriptions Here consider Israels obedience 1. About Morals 1 Violated by idolatry c. 32. 2. Restored and renewed againe By reconciliation with God c. 33. and Renewing of the Tables c. 34. 2. About Ceremonials viz. 1. The Parts of the Tabernacle The matter chap. 35. The fashioning of the Tabernacle c. 36. of the Ark c. 37. The making of sacred things belonging To the people c. 38. To the Priests c. 39. 2. The totall disposing ordering and erecting of the Tabernacle c. 40. Leviticus LEVITICUS So denominated by the Greek from the chiefe Subject or matter of the Book which principally describes the lawes sacrifices and services of the LEVITICAL Priesthood It is stiled among the Hebrewes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vajikra i. e. And he called This being the first Hebrew word in the Hebrew text beginning this book Scope of this Book To make known Leviticall Lawes Sacrifices and Ordinances and by those shadows to lead Israel by the hand to Jesus Christ the true Priest and sacrifice of the Church See Levit. 11.44 and 20.26 This Book relates the memorable words Acts and Leviticall Ceremoniall Laws made known from God to Israel for one Moneths space viz. from about the beginning of the second yeare after Israels departure out of Egypt the Tabernacle being already reared till the beginning of the second moneth of the same yeare As Jun. in Annot. compare Exod. 40.17 with Numb 1.1 which was in the yeare from the worlds Creation 2514. As Ainsw computes Principal Parts Leviticus describes the sacred Ceremoniall law 1. Of things 2. Of Persons 3. Of Actions I. The Ceremoniall law of things c. 1. to c. 8. either according to the substance of them as of 1. Burnt-offerings c. 1. 2. Meat-offerings c. 2. 3. Peace-offerings c. 3. 4. Sin-offerings in case of ignorance c. 4. or of infirmity c. 5. Or according to the Rite and Ceremony of them c. 6.7 II. The Ceremoniall law of persons c. 8. to 16. viz. 1. Of the Priests In their consecration to their office c. 8. In their discharge of their office either according to Gods assistance c. 9. Or mens infirmity c. 10. 2. Of all the people touching whom are lawes about their sanctification both from uncleannesse without them in matter of their food c. 11. or In them By reason of 1 Child-bearing c. 12. 2 Leprosie whereof its Rise and State c. 13. It s cure c. 14. 3 Issue of seed or bloud c. 15. III. The Ceremonial Law touching Actions Necessary or Voluntary 1. Necessary whereof are laid down The Particulars and the Confirmation of them 1 the Particulars of these Necessary Actions are 1. In purification Common to the whole Church c. 16. Proper to every godly person c. 17. 2. In Sanctimony or Holinesse Both of the people 1 To be observed not only in their own bodies c. 18. but also among one another mutually c. 19. 2 To be maintained in their judgements c. 20. As also in the holinesse of the Priests in their Persons c. 21. Things c. 22. 3. In exercise Ecclesiasticall In legall Times c. 23. In legall Rites c. 24. Politicall c. 25. 2 The Confirmation or obsignation of these particular lawes by Promises and Threats c. 26. 2. Voluntary viz. touching vows c. 27. Numbers NUMBERS Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so called because a great part of the Book is spent in Numbring the Tribes and Families of Israel and of their journeys from Egypt to Canaan In Hebr. its called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bammidbar i. e. In the Desert Because this is the first word of this Book in the Hebrew text Numbers containes an History from the beginning of the second moneth of the second yeare after Israels coming â—ut of Egypt to the
Kings 1. By Election and 2. By Succession And how it increased and flourished whilest so united I Samuel I UNder Kings by ELECTION The kingdomes Condition is recorded in the I. Book OF SAMUEL So called either from the matter or subject herein handled viz. The History of SAMUEL which takes up a great part of the Book As Alsted in Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 120. Or also from the instrumentall efficient cause or Penman of this of this Book Samuel being supposed to have penned this Book till c. 25. David the rest Gloss. ordinar Iunius and Trem. are of opinion that Samuel had a great share in penning of these two Books that bare his name and that Nathan the Prophet and Gad the Seer penned part thereof from that intimation 1 Chron. 29.29 which words of Samuel Nathan and Gad seem to be the two Books of Samuel penned by them three Iun. in Annot. in 1 Chron. 29.29 By the Greek and Latin it is also called the 1. Book of Kings because the later part of it containes the History of Saul the first King of Israel This history treats of the last Judges viz. Eli and Samuel and of the first King viz. Saul Declaring when and upon what occasion the Lord changed the government by Iudges into a Regall government viz. In days of Samuel and upon occasion of the extreame wickednesse of both Elye's and Samuels Sons c. 1. to 9. As also how Saul carryed himselfe both in life and death and how God prepared David for the Throne Saul being rejected It is an history of about 80 yeeres continuance viz. Under Ely 40 yeeres 1 Sam. 4.18 And under Samuel and Saul 40 yeeres Act. 13.21 Scope To discover mans mutability but Gods immutability in all the Revolutions and alterations of Families and Common-wealths viz. In their Constitution Administration and Alteration Principall parts This booke treats of the affaires of Israel under a double kind of civill Government I. Aristocraticall under Samuel the Prophet and Judge Whose 1. Birth is recorded c. 1. 2. Calling Where of Eli his Predecessour and of his Sonnes whose I. Grievous sinne is recorded c. 2. II. Severe punishment is 1 Foretold by Samuel c. 3. 2. Inflicted by God where of the warre Acted c. 4. Finished where we have a descriptiâ—n 1. Of the Philistines punishment c. 5. And of their restoring the captivated Ark c. 6. 2. Of Israels Repentance c. 7. II. Monarchicall under a King 1. To be elected what a one he was like to be c. 8. 2. Actually elected what a one he proved evidenced in Saul David 1. Saul described 1. As elected where are laid down his calling c. 9. Unction c. 10. Warlike successe c. 11. 2. As rejected The causes of which rejection are recited viz. 1. The peoples sin c. 12. 2. Sauls unbeliefe c. 13. Rashnesse in judging c. 14. And disobedience c. 15. 2. David Touching whom are declared His 1. Election Where note 1. His call c. 16. 2. His Preparatory 1 conquest of Goliath c. 17. 2 Advancement into Sauls family c. 18. 2. Ejection David being exiled 1. In his own Country c. 19 20. 2. Out of his Country c. 21. to 30. 3. Advancement 1. By his Victory c. 30. 2. By Saul's Death c. 31. II Samuel II UNder Kings by SUCCESSION In this respect the Kingdome 's state is declared in the II. of SAMUEL So called for Reasons formerly mentioned It s also by the Greek and Latin stiled The second Book of Kings because therein the History of David the second King of Israel is continued This is an History of about 40 yeeres continuance 2 Sam. 5.5 An History of Davids Kingdome may well be called The Annals of David Penman some thinke to be the High-Priest or some Disciple of Samuel who yet for honours sake gave the Booke his Masters name Alsted Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 120. But rather it is probable that the latter part of the I. Of Samuel and this whole Booke of the II. Of Samuel were Penned by Nathan the Prophet and Gad the Seer 1 Chron. 29.29 Scope To declare Gods Faithfulnesse in delivering of his own from distresses That divers great infirmities are incident to Gods uprightest servants And That like checker-worke their prosperity is intermingled with crosses and calamities Principal Parts In this Booke which is a description of Davids Kingdome we have a Narration of Davids 1 Life and 2 Death I. Davids Life is represented as it was 1 Glorious and as it was 2 Ignominious 1. As it was Glorious in his Royall inauguration Where consider things 1. Antecedent viz. 1. His mourning for Sauls death c. 1. 2. His returne into Judea c. 2. 3. His war with the House of Saul c. 3.4 2. Concomitant He is confirmed King by all Israel c. 5. 3. Consequent viz. 1. Ecclesiasticall as His fetching up the Ark to Sion c. 6. His purpose of building God an House c. 7. 2. Polemicall or warlike c. 8. 3. Politicall or civil c. 9 10. 2. As it was Ignominious and that 1. By his sins Adultery and Murder committed c. 11. corrected c. 12. 2. By his sorrowes 1. Private 1. In Amnon by his Incest c. 13. 2. In Absolom where are declared his Restitution c. 14. His Sedition begun c. 15. Continued c. 16. Concluded c. 17 18 19. 2. Publique 1. Sedition of the people c. 20. 2. Famine three yeeres c. 21. II. Davids death Occurrents Antecedent thereunto 1. His gratulatory and laudatory Psalme c. 22 2 His sweet Swanlike Song and Testament c. 23. 3. The Pestilence upon his numbring the people c. 24. II. The DIVIDED state of the Kingdome of Israel and how upon that division it decreased and came to ruine is laid down in the two Books of Kings This dâ—vision and decay of the Kingdome is laid downe two wayes 1. According to the causes and Beginnings thereof 2. According to the Progresse thereof I Kings I. ACcording to the causes and first beginnings of this Division and decay thereupon ensuing These are set forth in the I. of KINGS This book is stiled in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. Melacim i. e. 1. Of Kings By the Greek and Latine the III. of Kings The history of the Kings both of Iudah and Israel being the subject matter of the book In this book the causes and first beginnings of the Kingdomes division and decay are laid downe partly by way of Opposition of the flourishing state of Davids kingdome united under Solomon c. 1. to c. 11. Partly by way of Exposition of the occasions viz. Solomons sinnes Gods justice Solomons death c. 11. and of the first beginnings of the division and decay of the kingdome under Rehoboam to whom onely two Tribes were left subject Iudah and Benjamin 1 King 11.21 And under Ieroboam to whom the other tenne Tribes revolted and afterwards under their successours severally So that in this book are the Acts of five Kings of Iudah after Solomon viz. Rehoboam â—bijam Asa Iehoshaphat Iehoram and of eight Kings
are the chief subject-matter of it Some count and call Ezra a Prophet Lactant. lib. 4. Iust. c. 11. but Augustine doubts whether he may be called a Prophet Aug. l. 18 de Civit Dei c. 36. Hierome saith he was Iosedech whose son was Iesus the High-Priest See Ludovic Viv. in Lib. 18 de Civit. dei c. 36. But how can he be denyed to be a Prophet when Christ himselfe stiles all the books of the Old Testament Moses and the Prophets Luk. 16.29.31 This is certaine Ezra was a Priest Ezr. 7 11 12. He was of the house and linage of Aaron see his pedigree Ezr. 7.1.2 3 4 5. A most expert and ready Scribe in the Law of Moses Ezr. 7.6 10 11. He was sent with Commission by Artaxerxes from Babylon to Ierusalem c. ver 11. c. Zerubbabel restored the Temple Ezra the worship of God Nehemiah the City Ierusalem This book and that of Nehemiah following are by the Hebrewes reputed as but one volume and that is called by them the I. of Ezra this the II. of Ezra Hieronym in Epist. ad Paulin. and Lactant. Instit. l. 4. c. 11. The Greek and Latin divide them as our English into two books the former being ascribed to Ezra the latter to Nehemiah The Book of Ezra in Order well followes the Chronicles for the very words which conclude the Chronicles 2 Chron. 36. last do begin this Book of Ezra Ezra 1.1 2 3. not only intimating that Ezra was probably Penman of them both but also that in this Book the History is continued In Ezra is declared the Iewes returne from Babylon And it is an History for about 146. years viz. From the Edict of Cyrus to the nineteenth year of Artaxerxes Mnemon As Iunius computes of Cyrus and Cambyses 9 Magi 1 Darius Histaspis 36 Xerxes 22 Artaxerxes Longimanus 40 Darius Nothus 19 Artaxerxes Mnemon 19 Scope To evidence how punctually faithfull and alsufficiently able God is in performing of his Promises to his Church and people in their season touching their deliverance and Restauration against all impediments improbabilities and seeming impossibilities For he made Cyrus an heathen King his shepheard and nursing father to his Church to bring them out of Babylon wherein they were as helplesse and hopelesse as dead bodies or dry bones in a grave Ezek. 37. 2 3 11 12 13. To build the Temple and Ierusalem Isa. 44. 28. and 45. 1. c. compared with Ezra 1.1 2. c. Principall parts In this Book are laid downe touching the Jewes returne 1. The causes of their return from Babylon viz. 1. Instrumentall Cyrus his Grant c. 1. 2. Materiall Persons returning c. 2. 3. Finall the Restauration of the Temple and worship of God c. 3. 2. The Impediments of their Returne 1. Recited viz. The Samaritanes c. 4. and the Ruler of Canaan c. 5. 2. Removed by the Renewing of Cyrus his Edict c. 6. 3. The successe of their Returne where are described 1 Ezra's Commission c. 7. 2. His execution of his Commission c. 8. 3. The Reformation of mixed marriages which are Described c. 9. Abolished c. 10. Nehemia II. THe Fruit and Event of the Jews RETURNE FROM BABYLON is laid down in the Book of NEHEMIAH So called 1 partly because Nehemiah was Pen-man of it Neh. 1.1 2 Partly because the Acts of Nehemiah are the Principall subject-matter of the Book Nehemiah being the great Repairer Restorer of the holy City Ierusalem It is by some called the II. of Ezra because the History begun by Ezra touching the Iewes returne from Babylon is here continued Nehemiah is supposed to aeb the same who is called the Tirshatha Ezr. 2.63 So Munsterus Neh. 8.9 which signifies a Cup-bearer Gerh. exeg in loc 1. de Scrip. § 132. but in the Chaldee tongue is a Title of Dignity and Honour R. Aben Ezra saith Gerh. Translated Legatus Regis i. e. The Kings legate Ambassadour or Commissary by Iun. Trem. who yet interpret this rather of Shazbazzar whom many think to be Zerubbabel In the margin of our English Bibles it is rendred Governour He was the son of Hachaliah Neh. 1.1 and Cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes in the twentieth yeare of his Reigne Neh. â— 11 and 2.1 The kings Palace was at Shushan Neh. 1.1 that being the Metropolis of Persia which Darius Hystaspis built Plin. N. H. l. 6 c. 27. In this Book are declared the happy fruits of the Jews returne both in reference to the Politique and Ecclesiastick state It contains an History of about 55 years as Gerh. Loc. Com. Supradict Iunius in Annot. shew viz. From the twentieth yeare of Artaerxes Mnemon Neh. 2.1 24 Thence of Darius Ochus 23 Thence of Asrenes 3 Thence of Darius the last 5 Scope To let us know how deep and desperate the distresses of the Church may grow before God will restore her How difficult slow and perplexed a work the work of Reformation is both by reason of adversaries to be opposed and Publick corruptions to be removed How easily and wonderfully God can bring Reformation to perfection against all impediments whatsoever when he is resolved to carry it on What excellent and usefull instruments pious and faithfull Magistrates are for the accomplishing both of Civil and Ecclesiasticall Reformation Nehemiah being a lively Patterne of a true Reformer indeed Principall parts This Book sets forth the Restauration of Hierusalem and this By. I. Reparation of the wals gates and buildings where consider 1. The cause of it 1. Principall God c. 1. 2. Instrumentall Nehemiah c. 2. 2. The work it selfe 1. Begun c. 3. 2. Hindred by impediments Externall c. 4. Internall c. 5. Mixt c. 6. 3. Perfected c. 6. II. Reformation both of the state Politick and Ecclesiastick c. 7. to 13. Hereunto appertain 1. The Custody of the City The Number of the Captives that returned viz. 49942. Neh. 7.66.67 and the Oblation c. 7. 2. A Description of two Festivals c. 8. 3. The peoples publick repentance in a Solemne Fast testified by a Solemne Covenant made and subscribed for Reformation c. 9 10. 4. The inhabitants of Ierusalem viz. Rulers Voluntiers and men chosen by lot c. 11. 5. The number and offices of the Priests with the Dedication of the wals of Ierusalem c. 12. III. Correction of such corruptions and miscarriages as had risen in Iudea in Nehemiah's absence c. 13. Esther III. VNder the IEWES CAPTIVITY in Babylon and other places out of Iudea The condition of the Church is described in the Book of ESTHER stiled by the Hebrewes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 megillath Esther i. e. The volume of Esther so denominated from Esther the Queen a Iewesh whose faithfull service done for the oppressed Church and people of God in extremity of straits is the primary subject of this Book Some writers exclude this Book out of the Canon of Scripture as Melito in Eusebius lib. 4. c. 25. Athanâ—sius in Synopsi and Nazianzen in Carm. de Script But the Hebrews and primitive Christians
by 1. Prayer whence Psalmi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e Petitory or Praying Psalms 2. Prayse thanksgiving thence Psalmi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. the Gratulatory or Thanksgiving Psalms Penmen of the Book of Psalmes are supposed by some to be many and the Titles of divers Psalmes do import as much unto us Ten Pen-men are enumerated viz. David Solomon Moses Asaph Ethan Heman Ieduthun and the three sons of Korah but Augustine thinks David was Penman of them all de Civitat dei l. 17. c. 14. However David penned greatest part of them as the Titles and Testimonies in the New Testament do intimate Some thinke that Ezra after the Babylonish Captivity collected these Psalmes before dispersed into one volume Some think this was done by King Hezekiah's friends or servants before the Babylonish Captivity Athanasius in Synopsi Sum and Scope of the Psalms seems to be To set out the sweet entercourse and Communion betwixt God his Church and people in all outward Conditions and inward soul cases how therin they are weak or strong believe hope joy lament confesse pray vow praise the Lord c. as occasion requires and how God tries delivers comforts supports encourages instructs enables them and faithfully deales with them in all variety of their cases and conditions But every particular Psalme hath his particular Scope handling distinct matters upon distinct occasions Some being penned before some under some after the Babylonish Captivity as is evident Principal parts This Book is by the Hebrews divided into five Books viz. 1. From Psal. 1. to the end of Psal. 41. concluded with Amen and Amen 2. From Psal. 42. to the end of Psal. 72. shut up with Amen and Amen Ended are the Prayers of David son of Iesse 3. From Psal. 73. to the end of Psal. 89. closed with Amen and Amen 4. From Psal. 90. to the end of Psal. 106. ended with Amen Halelu-jah 5. From beginning of Psal. 107. to the end of Psal. 150. concluding with Halelu-jah This Division seems to arise from the peculiar close of these five Psalmes Or thus The Psalmes are either 1 Directed from man to God as the 1 Praying and 2 Thankesgiving Psalms 2 Or from God to man As the Psalmes which are 1 Hortatory 2 Consolatory 3 Didacticall 4 Propheticall The Particular unfolding of the Penman Kind Occasion Matter Scope and Principall Parts of every Psalme severally will make a large Appendix to this Tract and is reserved till some other opportunity 2. In Solomons Books the wisest of Kings 1 King 3.12 4.29 His Bookes are three which according to the severall Doctrines and matters comprised in them we may distinguish into 1 Proverbiall 2 Penitentiall and 3 Nuptiall It is hard to say at what time these severall Books were penned by Solomon yet perhaps the Nuptiall Book was penned in his younger years when his affections were more warme active lively in spirituals The Proverbiall Book in his manly ripe age when his prudence and parts were at highest most grave solid setled And the Penitentiall Book in his old age after all the vaine courses which he had lost himselfe in as the current of the Book seems clearly to evidence Proverbs 1. HIs Proverbiall Book called the PROVERBS OF SOLOMON because though it containe other's Proverbs yet most are Solomon's Prov. 1.1 In Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Misâ—le Shelomoh i. e. either Similitudes or excelling sentences that overcome and beare rule over the rest from mashal which notes dominion This book was penned not by one but by divers and that not at one but at severall times Solomon penned the nine first chapters in that Order as they are as also c. 10. to c. 25. Cartwright in loc Solomon was Author of the Proverbs also from c. 25. to c. 30. But the men of Hezekiah King of Iudah copied them out Prov. 25.1 probably they collected them out of other writings of Solomon and ranked them in this Order wherein we now have them Alsted Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 120. Cartw. in Prov. 25.1 and Iun. ibid. who thinkes they extracted these Proverbs out of the Records of the Acts of Solomon and digested them into a body most of these Proverbs appertaining to Ethicall and Civil administration The thirtieth chapter was penned by Agur sonne of Iakeh c. 30.1 of him we read elsewhere no further mention in Scripture He was a Prophet Prov. 30.1 His Proverbiall Prophecy is annexed to Solomons Proverbs perhaps because of mutuall resemblance between them The 31 th chapter containes the Proverbiall instructions with which Bathsheba trained up Solomon here called Lemuel in his tender years which instructions King Solomon committed to writing afterwards Iun. in loc Cartw. in loc The Scope To instruct men in true wisedome and understanding the very head and height whereof is the sincere feare of the Lord Prov. 1.2 to 8. To this end the Book is filled with choice succinct sententious Aphorismes Adages or Proverbs compendiously holding forth duties of Piety to God Equity to man Sobriety towards ones selfe Generall Distribution of the Book take thus I. Here 's Solomons Preface to his Proverbs w ch hath a methodicall texture and coherence in it self c. 1. to 10. II. Here is the whole Body or Book of the Proverbs themselves which are either 1. Solomons owne Proverbs which or most part are pithy distinct Aphotismes without method dependance coherence c. and these 1. Written by Solomon himselfe c. 10.1 to c. 25.1 2. Written by him and collected by the men of King Hezekiah as c. 25.1 to â— 30.1 2. Or others Proverbs by way of Appendix annexed to Solomons viz 1 Of Agur. c. 30. 2. Of Bathsheba but written by Solomon c. 31. Ecclesi 2. HIs Penitential Book Solomons Retractations or Recantations called in Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The WORDS OF THE PREACHER Eccles. 1.1 and to the same sense in Greek Latin and English ECCLESIASTES or The Preacher because Solomon being furnished with wisedome and manifold experience touching the vanity of all things besides true Religion preacheth the same to the Church for the instruction and warning of all Gods people This Book he wrote in extream Old age Repenting of his fall This seemes to be one of his last Acts according to that 2 Chron. 9.29 Scope of this Book is to evidence wherein a mans true happinesse consists viz. not in any sublunary naturall created excellency all such being vanity of vanities extreamest vanity and vexation of Spirit but only in true sincere feare of God and truth of Religion compare Eccles. 1.2 with Eccles. 12.13 14. Principall parts To this end touching true happinesse he insists upon it 1. Negatively showing where it is not to be found viz Generally not in any meer naturall sublunary treasure in this world Specially not in 1. Knowledge of all naturall things 2. Pleasures or sweetest earthly delights 3. Highest Honours Or 4. Compleatest riches c. 1. to c. 7. 2. Positively and Affirmatively
nature of the Book and the Penman of it Nature of the Book A Revelation so called because it Reveals and makes known unto us secret hidden mysteries and future events It s true this Revelation is not without mixture of much intricatenesse and obscurity as all prophecies are enigmaticall and ambiguous to men till they be effected but when the time prophecied is come then they have a more clear and certaine exposition So Iraen Advers Haeres l. 4. c. 43. And this to exercise the Reader to search out the truth as August de Civitat dei l. 20. c. 17. hath well observed Penman or instrumentall Author of it viz. Iohn the Theologue or Divine What Iohn this was some question Eusebius mentions two Iohns whose monuments were to be seen at Ephesus viz. Iohn the Evangelist who wrote the Gospel and 1 Epistle of John and Iohn the Presbyter who wrote 2. and 3. Epistle of Iohn and the Revelation Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 39. To him also seems to incline Dionys. Alexandrinus in lib. de Repromissionibus But that this is a great mistake and that IOHN the Evangelist and Apostle was Penman of this Revelation may be cleared by these considerations 1. This Title attributes it to Iohn the Divine This Epithet we read no where to be given to Iohn the Presbyter but belongs to Iohn the Apostle and Evangelist 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by way of peculiar emphasis because like an Eagle he soares aloft writes more sublimely of the Divinity of Iesus Christ both in this Book in which D. Parâ—us hath observed XLVIII Arguments of Christs Divinity as also in his Gospel Iohn 1.1 c. and in his 1. Epistle And the King of Spaines Bible of Montanus Edition hath this Greek Title before the Revelation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The Revelation of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Iohn the Divine which Title clears this matter and is consonant to Rev. 1.1 2. whether it were prefixed by Iohn or after by the Church nor is it any way probable that Christ sent his Angel to any other Iohn then to the Apostle with this Revelation 2. Iohn the Penman of this Book is so descrâ—bed that Iohn the Apostle and Evangelist seemes plainly to be indigitated Revel 1.1 2. His servant Iohn Who bare record of the word of God and of the Testimony of Iesus Christ. Now how notably did Iohn beare record of the word of God and testimony of Iesus Christ see Iohn 1.1.2.14 and 1 Iohn 1 1. and 5.9 compared with Revel 19.13 3. The style much resembles that of Iohns Gospel and Epistles As for instance It is peculiar to Iohn to stile Christ The word compare Iohn 1.1.14 1 Iohn 1.1 and 5.7 with Revel 1.2 In his Gospell he stiles Christ the Lamb of God Iohn 1.29.36 so in the Revelation Christ is called the Lamb at least 28. times 4 That Iohn who wrote this Revelation had it in the I le Patmos made known to him who was there for the name of God and Testimony of Iesus Christ Rev. 1.9 And Histories mention no other Iohn but only Iohn the Apostle to be in Patmos Banished thither by Domitian the Emperour for the Gospel's sake neer to period of his Reigne as Funccius computes about the ninety seventh year after Christ. See Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 3. c. 16. and 18. 5. To these might be added the Harmonious consent of ancient Fathers who unanimously conclude that Iohn the Apostle penned this Book Dionys. Areopag who was Pauls disciple Act. 17. who wrote about the sixtieth year after Christ in those writings ascribed to him calleth the Apocalypse A secret and mysticall vision of the beloved Disciple Dionys. Eccles. Hierarch c. 3. Iustin Martyr who wrote in the one hundred and fiftieth year after Christ ascribes the Apocalypse to Iohn one of the Apostles of Christ. Iustin. in Dial. ad Tryphon To which passage Eusebius relating saith Iustin mentions the Apocalypse of Iohn plainly saying it is the Apostles Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 4. c. 18. Irenaeus who wrote in the eightieth year after Christ saith And what things soever Iohn the disciple of the Lord saw in the Apocylapse Iraen Advers Haeres l. 4 c. 50. and l. 4. c. 37. p. 373. A. Coloniae 1596. To these might be added the suffrage of many more as of Greek Fathers Clem. Alexand. Paedag. l. 2. c. 12. Athanas. in Synops. Epiphan Haeres 51.54 76. Chrysost. Hom. 5. in Psal. 91. of Latin fathers as Tertull. contra Marcion l. 4. Cyprian de eâ—hort Martyr c. 8.10.11.12 Ambros. in Psal 50 l. 3. de spir sanct c. 21. August de Civiâ— dei l. 20. c. 7. de Haeres c. 30. de Doct. Christ. l. 2. c. 18. videantur Annot. in Irenae l. 5. c. 30. p. 490. Colon. 1596. but in so plaine a case these may suffice So that by all this it s plainly evident that the Penman of the Revelation was Iohn the Apostle that wrote the Gospel and the Epistles The unfolding of his name and who he was more particularly See in Annot. to Iohn's Gospel Authority of this Book is not Humane but Divine For 1. This book was indited by Iesus Christ himselfe the faithfull and true witnesse who sent his Angel to testifie the same to Iohn the Apostle and by him to the Churches The Revelation of Iesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to passe and he sent and signified it by his Angel unto his servant Iohn Rev. 1.1 and towards the close of the book he saith I Iesus have sent mine Angel to testify unto you these things in the Churches Rev. 22.16 Note this Revelation was given by Iohn the Apostle to the Churches by an Angel to Iohn by Iesus Christ to that Angel by God to Iesus Christ How punctually then is the Divine Authority of it asserted 2. It was penned by Iohn the Apostle of Christ who was divinly inspired acted by the Holy Ghost as hath bin formerly manifested and therefore it is of divine Authority especially considering that this blessed Apostle was commanded by Iesus Christ to write this Book Saying I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last and whâ—â— thou seest write in a Book write the things which thou hast sâ—en and the things which are and the thingâ— which shall bâ— hereafter Rev. 1.11 19. See also Rev. 2.1.8.12.18 and 3.1 7 14. and 14.13 and 19.9 and 21.5 3. The nature of the book imports the divine Authority of it For 1. It is eminently Propheticall speaking of things that shall be hereafter Rev. 1.1 19. and 22.7 10 18 19. and the prophecies of this book are touching future events in reference to the Church to the end of the world till the Church the Lambs wife shall be fully ready for compleat marriage with the Lamb Rev. 19.7 8 9. So that neither ancient writers nor any other but such as were inspired with a spirit of