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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
to obed c. 4. II Narrative containing the main bulk and substance of the book c. 5. to 32. viz. The Law and Confirmation thereof I. The Law shewing the way of well living 1. Universall c. 5. 2. Particular where Of the Decalogues Principle and things Principled 1. The Principle of the Decalogue is Gods love whereof you have 1. The Proposition Wherein note 1. The manner and object of it c. 6. 2. The opposites Idolatry c. 7. Ingratitude c. 8. Pride c 9. 2. The Conclusion c. 10. 2. The things Principled touching 1. The place of divine worship c. 11 12. 2. The manner c. 13.14 3. The time c. 15.16 4. The persons which are to performe worship to him Who are informed according to the three parts of the soule and this either joyntly or severally Jointly 1. According to the Rationall part Where Of persons Ecclesiasticall and Politicall together c. 17. Of persons Ecclesiasticall apart c. 18. Of persons Politicall apart c. 19. 2. According to the Irascible part in case of war c. 20. 3. According to the Concupiscible part c. 21 22. Severally where are both Lawes c. 23 24 25. And the close of them c. 26. II. The confirmation of the Law by certain Arguments viz. 1. Signes c. 27. 2. Promises and threats c. 28. 3. By solemn renewing of the Covenant partly 1 By word Comminatory c. 29. Promissory c. 30. 2 By writing and instruments c. 31. III. Conclusion of the whole book c. 32 33 34. Which is either I. Propheticall and Hortatory wherein is a double Prophecy 1. Common touching the Church of the Jewes till the time of the Messiah c. 32. 2. Speciall containing the blessing of the 12 Tribes c. 33. 2. Historicall concerning the death of Moses c. 34. IJ. THE PROPHETS THe PROPHETS wrote all the Bookes of the Old Testament besides the Pentateuch of Moses These Prophets inspired infallibly by the Holy-Spirit of Prophecy wrote Books of three severall sorts viz. 1 Historicall 2 Dogmaticall or Doctrinall and 3 Propheticall The Hebrews thus distinguish the Books of the Old Testament 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thorah i. e. The Law viz. the five books of Moses 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nebiâ—m i. e. The Prophets The Prophets they distinguish into two sorts viz. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nebiim Rishonim i. e. The former Prophets perhaps so called because they treat of the first Prophets These are foure viz. Ioshua Iudges Samuel and Kings And 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nebiim Acharonim i. e. the later Prophets which they reckon up in foure Books also viz. Isaiah Ieremiah Ezekiel and the twelve minor Prophets which were anciently joyned all in one volume lest they through their smalnesse should be lost That phrase seemes to favour this It is written in the Book of the Prophets Act. 7.42 the Prophet Amos being cited which is one of the Minor or lesser Prophets 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The writings by way of emphasis See the Reason hereof in Rivet Isag. ad sucr scrip c. 29. Sect. 16. The Greek cals these Books 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hagiographa i. e. The holy writings upon some such ground Of this sort are eleven in this order in Hebrew Ruth Psalmes Iob Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs Lamentations Daniel Esther Ezra Chronicles under Ezra comprehending Nehemiah which sometimes is called the second of Ezra and the two Books of the Chronicles being reckoned as but one Book But the former Distribution of the PROPHETS bookes into 1 Historicall 2 Doctrinall and 3 Propheticall being both more consonant to the matter of these books and to the method of our Bibles shall here be followed I. HISTORICAL BOOKS THE HISTORICAL BOOKS of the Prophets Relate the History of the Jewes and of the Church of God among them from the death of Moses which was when he was one hundred and twenty years old Deut. 34.7 Ioseph Ant. l. 4. c. 3. In 2493 year of the world Helvic untill the Period of the Persian Monarchy possessed by Alexander the Macedonian called Alexander the great who conquered the Persians and got Dominion of Asia about Ann. 3614 after the worlds Creation Helvic in Chronolog So that these Books contain an History of about 1121 years continuance Of this History of the Jews and of the Church of God there are two Principall Parts or Periods viz. 1. Of the Israelites Entrance into the promised land 2. Of their Government and Condition after that entrance Joshuah 1. ISraels entrance into the promised land is described in the Book of JOSHUAH So called from the chiefe subject handled therein viz. The Acts of Ioshuah the successour of Moses the Governour and chiefe Captaine of Israel under whose conduct they conquered the Land Divided it by Line and Lot among the Tribes and possessed it according to all Gods faithfull promises in that behalfe unto their Fathers Josh. 21.43 44 45. 23.14 15. Penman of this Booke some conceive to be Ioshuah because it beares his name But that Reason is not cogent 1 partly because the Bookes of Iudges Ruth and Kings bear their name yet not Penned by them 2 partly because the denomination of this Book is rather from the Subject matter then the Author Other thinke Eleazer the High-Priest whose death is recorded Iosh. 24.33 Gathered together the chief materials of which this Booke is compiled It being the Priests duty to leave upon Record all memorable Ecclesiastical affairs for the benefit of after ages and propagation of Religion This more probable but not certain Alsted Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 119. Iohan. Calvin Argument in Lib. Iosuae This book containes an History of almost eighteene yeeres viz. From the death of Moses to the death of Joshuah Iun. Arg. in lib. Iehosh Gerh. loc prim de Scriptura in exegesi Sect. 125. Scope Of this booke to demonstrate Gods exact faithfulnesse in performing all his Promises made to the Fathers that all his people may be encouraged to trust to him the better for ever Iosh. 21.45 23.14 15. Principall parts In this Book is an History of Ioshuah's Life and Death I. Of Ioshua's Life Wherein consider 1. His vocation God cals him to be Governour of Israel in Moses stead c. 1. 2. His Administration both in time of warre and Peace 1. In time of warre Whereof is laid down 1. A Narration 1. Of sending the Spies to search the Land c. 2. 2. Of the passing thorow Jordan where The Antecedent passages and manner of it c. 3. The Consequents upon it c. 4.5 3. Of the Seiges and Victories His first Victory over Jericho c. 6. The impediment of his proceedings the Accursed thing c. 7. His manifold and happy successe after removal of the Accursed thing he conquered all the Country c. 8 9 10 11. 2. A Repetition of his warlike exploits c. c. 12. 2. In time of Peace Wherein are 1. The distribution of the land of Canaan under which are described 1 The borders of the Land c.
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
of Israel viz. Ieroboam Nadab Baasha Elah Zimri Omri and Tibni Ahab Ahaziah This is an history of 118. yeeres viz. Under Solomon 40 yeeres 1 King 11.42 Under the rest of Kings of Iudah 78. yeeres for Rehoboam Reigned 17 yeeres 1 King 17.31 Abâ—jam 3 yeeres 1 King 15.2 Asa 41. yeeres 1 King 15.10 Iehoshaphat 17. yeers 1 King 22.51 In all 118 yeeres Penman of this book and also of the second booke of Kings is conceived not to be any one man but divers Though the Hebrewes would have them to be written by Ieremiah Others think that the Churches history which was written by divers was digested and collected into volumes either by Eâ—ra Gerh. loc Com. 1 de Scriptura in Exegesi § 129. Or by the chiefe Priests and Prophets as the Churches Pub. Actuariâ—s Alsted Proecog Theol. l. 2. c. 120. However it seemes evident that the beginning of 1. of Kings touching Solomons Reign was written by Nathan Abijah and Iddo 2 Chron. 9.29 See Iun. in loc And other parts by Iehu son of Canani 2 Chron. 20.3 See Iun. Annot ibid. And by the Prophet Isaiah as Iunius thinks partly in his Prophecy parâ—ly in the Book of Kings 2 Chron. 26.22 Scope To shew how the Piety of Kings preserves their kingdomes in unity and flourishing Prosperity But the sins and wickednesse of Kings especially their idolatry whereby they divide themselves from God brings Divisions into their Kingdomes and consequently ruine upon themselves their families and Dominions Principall parts might be pointed out according to the periods of every severall Kings reigne but rather thus This book containes the increase and decrease of the kingdome of Israel I. Increase of the Kingdome under Solomon whose Life and Death are recorded 1. Solomons Life Therein consider his 1. Election c. 1 2. 2. Administration or Government of the Kingdâ—m where note 1. His great Prudence c. 3 4. 2. His Magnificence in Building The Temple c. 5 6 8. His own house In Lebanon c. 7. The Kings house more publique c. 9. 3. His condition Prosperous c. 10. Adverse c. 11. 2. Solomons death c. 11. II. Decrease of the Kingdom once Divided and this under 1. The Kings of Iudah 1. Rehoboam c. 12 14. 2. Abijah c 15.3 Asa c. 15. 4. Iehoshaphat c 22. 5 Iehoram c. 22. ver 50. 2. The Kings of Israel contemporary to the Kings of Iudah viz. 1. Ieroboam c. 12 13 14. 2 Nadab c. 15. 3. Baasha c. 16.4 Elah 5. Zimri 6. Omri c. 16.7 Ahab 1 whose stock is recorded c. 16. from ver 28. 2 Whose prosperous state is declared In respect of Elijahs Presence Here are considered Elijah's Ambassadge to the King c. 17 18. Elijah's exile c. 19. In respect of Ahabs double victory c. 20. 3 Whose Acts and manners are described c. 21. 4 Whose Death is delineated c. 22. 8. Ahaziah c. 22. ver 51. c. II Kings 2. ACcording to the Progresse and Growth of the Kingdom 's division and the miserable calamities growing and increasing thereupon This is related in the 11. of KINGS called in Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 11. Melacim i. c. The second of Kings By the Greek and Latin The IV. of Kings The History of the Kings being still continued in this Book This Book is an History of about 320. years under 12. Kings of Israel and 16. Kings of Iudah Vnder 12. Kings of Israel 162 years Ahazia 1 yeare 1 Kings 22.52 Ioram 11 yeare 2 Kings 3.1 8.25 Iehu 28 yeare 2 Kings 10.36 Iehoahaz 17 yeare viz. 15 alone and two with his son 2 Kings 13.1.10 Ioash 16 yeare 2 Kings 13.10 Ieroboam 41 yeare 2 Kings 14.23 Zechariah 6 moneths 2 Kings 15.8 Shallum 1 moneth 2 Kings 15.13 Menachem 10 yeare 2 Kings 15.17 Pekachijah 2 year 2 Kings 15.23 Pekah 20 year 2 Kings 15.27 Hosheah who reigned 18 y. viz. 9 y. free 2 Kings 17.1 and 9. y. a tributary to the King of Assyria by whom at last he was carried captive ver 6. Vnder 16 Kings of Iudah 320 year Iehoram 12 y. viz. 8. alone and 4. with his father Iehoshaphat 2 Kings 8.17 Ahazia 1. y. 2 King 8.26 Athalia 6 year 2 Kings 11.3 Ioash 40. y. 2 King 12.1.39 Iunius Amaziah 29 yeare 12 of which in exile 2 Kings 14.2 Azariah or Vzziah 52. yeare 2 Kings 15 5. Iotham 16. yeare 2 King 15.33 15. yeare Iun. Ahaz 16. yeare 2 Kings 16.2 14. year Iun. Hezekiah 29. year 2 King 18.2 Manasses 55. yeare 2 King 21.2 Ammon 2 yeare 2 Kings 21.19 Iosiah 31. yeare 2 King 22.1 Ioahaz 3. moneths 2 Kings 23.36 Ichoiakim 11 yeare 2 Kings 23.36 Ichoiachin three moneths 2 Kings 24.8 Zedekiah 11. year 2 Kings 24.18 Thence till Iehoiakins advancement 26. year 2 Kings 25.27 30. Penmen of this 11. of Kings See in Penmen of 1. of Kings Scope to delineate Gods verity in his Promises and Threats together with his severity in his judgements The continuall Revolution of Families and States The mischief of sin especially in Magistrates dividing them and their people from God and consequently themselves amongst themselves till both Kings people and Kingdomes be ripe and ready for desolation Principall parts may be considered either according to the Reign of the severall Kings of Israel and Iudah as afore Or as followeth This Book declareth The state of the Kingdomes of Israel and Iudah together with their defection and declining 1. Severally of the Kingdome of Israel under 1. Ahaziah c. 1.2 2. Ioram where of Elishah's miracles c. 3.4.5 Oracles or Prophecies c 6.7.8 2. Joyntly of Israel and Iudah parallel'd as it were together c. 9. to 18. 3 Severally of the Kingdome of Iudah whose 1. Weakning is recorded 1. Under a good King Hezekiah c. 18. 19.20 2. Under a bad King Manasseh c. 20.21 2. Reparation is indeavoured by Iosiah c. 22.23 3. Subversion is 1. Begun c. 23. 24. 2. Accomplished c. 25. III. The UNITED and DIVIDED State of the kingdome is laid downe in the two Books of Chronicles with some further Additions and Amplifications to the former Histories This is done two wayes I Chron. 1. ACording to the UNITED State of the kingdome in I. OF CHRONICLES so called because the Acts of former times are herein Recorded or Chronicled In Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dihre Haijamim i. e. THE WORDS OF DAYES because they are as a Sacred DIARY reporting the Acts and Occurrents in the Church of God and Civil States both Domestique and Forrein Munsterus not unfitly stiles them Libros Annalium i. e. The Books of Annals Annals barely declaring matters of fact for divers years in order as Gellius notes l. 5. N. A. c. 18. These two Books are the CHVRCHES ANNALS In Greek these two Books are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bibloi Paralipomenon i. e. The Books of things omitted or THE BOOKS OF REMAINES because some things omitted or not fully described in the Pentateuch Ioshuah Iudges Ruth Samuel and Kings are here Summarily explicated and supplyed
This I. of Chron. Principally insists upon the History of David Relating his Genealogy from the first Adam and so forwards towards the second Adam wherein the 12. tribes and their families c. are recorded c. 1. to 10. And his famous Acts c. 10. to the end of the Book so that this Book is a Compendious Chronology of all the former Books to the Books of Kings of things from the worlds Creation till about the yeare 2985. viz. of Genesis 2368 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible Exodus 142. y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible The other Books of Moses 39 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible Joshuah 17. almost 18 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible Judges 299 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible I. Of Samuel 80 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible II. Of Samuel 40 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible Hierom calls the Chronicles Instrumenti veteris Epitomen c. The Epitome of the Old Testament and that it is of such Consequence that whosoever would arrogate to himselfe the knowledge of the Scriptures without it doth but mock and abuse himselfe Hieronym in Ep. ad Paulin. And again stiles it Totius divinae Historiae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The Chronicle of the whole Divine History Hier. in Prolog Galeat Penman of this and the second Book is uncertaine R. Salomo R. D. Kimchi think it was Ezra Saith Alsted in Praecog Theol. l. 2. c. 120. Iunius also is of the same judgement Iun. Annot. in 1 King 11.41 and in his argument before 1 Chron. The Argument that generally inclines them all to this opinion is That the same words which are used in the close of the Chronicles 2 Chron. 36.23 are also used in the beginning of Ezra Ezr. 1.1 2 3. Scope The primary Scope of this Book seemes to be this Clearly to describe the Line and Genealogy of CHRIST the Messiah promised to David Abraham and Adam That when in fulnesse of time Christ should be revealed and performed the Church might infallibly know that he was the Promised SEED OF THE WOMAN Principall Parts This first Book of Chron. describes the Israelitish kingdome in its 1 Foundation and 2 Administration I. Foundation Where of 1. The General Genealogy of all Nations from Adam to Iacob c. 1. Here is a Chronicle of 1 The Pentateuch 2 Ioshuah 3. Iudges 2. Particular Geneal of the Nation of Israel by the twelve Tribes c. 2. to 9. Here is a Chronicle of 1 The Pentateuch 2 Ioshuah 3. Iudges II. Administratâ—on under 1 Saul whose 1 Genealogy is in c. 9. 2 Death c. 10. 2 David whose 1. Kingly condition c. 11 12 14. 2 Acts 1 Sacred restoring Gods â—orship in respect of the 1 Place c. 13 15 17 22. 2 Persons ministring in the 1 Tabernacle c. 16 2 Temple c. 23. 24 25 26 Here is a Chronicle of the two Books of Samuel 2 Polemical or Martial c. 18 19 20. 3. Political c. 21.27 3. Death c. 28 29. where is declared how David before his Death in a Solemne Assembly at Ierusalem took his leave of his Kindred Set Solomon or his Throne after he had given him Directions about the Temple and himself with his Princes had offered willingly towards the building of it II Chron 2. ACcording to the UNITED and DIVIDED state of the kingdom in the II of CHRONICLES So called for the reasons formerly alledged This booke relates the history of the Israelitish State from the beginning of king Solomons Reigne till their returne from the Babylonish Captivity which fell out about the first yeare of Cyrus king of Persians Setting down both the union and flourishing condition of the kingdome under Solomon but the division and decay of the kingdome thence ensuing till it came to utter ruine So this book contains an History of about 472 yeeres From Solomon to carrying away of Iechonias 401. As Jun. and Tremell compute In the Captivity 70 As Jun. and Tremell compute Under Cyrus the Persian 1. As Jun. and Tremell compute So that this book is an Epitome or Chronicle of the two Books of Kings with Additions If we consider the books of Samuel Kings and Chronicles all together they containe an Historicall Narration How the kingdome of Israel 1 Began under Samuel 2 Increased under David 3 Flourished under Solomon and 4 Failed under Zedekiah thus it endured almost 565 yeers Penman see in 1. of Chron. Scope For substance the same with that of the two books of Kings Principall parts This book containes an Historicall Narration of the kingdome of Israel's I. Flourishing or increase under King Solomon Touching Solomon are recorded his 1. Vertues c. 1. 2. Buildings 1. Sacred viz. The Temple where 1. His preparation for it c 2. 2. His extruction or building of it viz. Of the Temple contayning c. 3. And of the Holy utensils contayned in it c. 4. 3. His Dedication of the Temple partly by Dedicated things especially the Arke brought into the Temple c. 5. Partly by praise and prayer c. 6. Partly by Sacrifice c. 7. 2. Civil viz. Severall Cities which he builded c. 8. 3. Condition and Death c. 9. II. Fading or decrease under the following Kings of Iudah and Israel the kingdome being divided till the returne from Captivity in the Reigne of Cyrus Where note five concussions of shakings of the Kingdome under these ensuing Kings viz. Rehoboam c. 10 11 12 Abia c. 13 Asa c. 14 15 16 Jehoshaphat c. 17 18 19 20 Jehoram c. 21 Ahaziah c. 22 Joash c. 23 24 Amaziah c. 25 Uzziah c. 26 Jotham c. 27 Ahaz c. 28 Hezekiah c. 29 30 31 32 Manasâ—eh c. 33 Amon c. 33 Josiâ—h c. 34 35 Joahaz c. 36. Jehoakim c. 36. Jechoniah c. 36. Zedekiah c. 36. II. After the people of Israels CAPTIVITY in which regard we have their REDUCTION or bringing back from the Captivity of Babylon Hystorically declared And that two wayes 1. According to the truth and manner of it 2. According to the fruit and event of it Ezra 1 THe truth and manner of Gods peoples RETURNE FROM BABYLON is contained in the book of EZRA So called from Ezra the Penman of it whose Acts also
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
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