judgements even to the Jewes themselves for their ingratefull and abominable rejection of Christ and his Gospel c. 11. V. His Evangelicall Sermon peculiarly belonging to the Church which Christ had gathered by his Gospel c. 12.13 and 14. wherein are laid down many sweet priviledges of the Church 1. The Churches victory over all her enemies to whom shee shall be A cup of trembling A Burdensome stone A torch of fire in a sheaf c. 12 1. to 7. 2. The Churches safety and protection only from the Lord. c. 12 7 8. 3. The Benefits enwrapped in this salvation for the Church viz. 1 Heart-wounding repentance for their sinnes that pierced Christ c. 12 9. to the end 2 Remission of all sins to the penitent by faith in the blood of Christ c. 13 1. 3 Purifying of the Evangelicall doctrine from all pollution and desilement v. 2. to 7. 4. A select separation of the remnant appertaining to the Election from the drossy multitude c. 13.7 to c. 14 1â— 4. The removall of all the Churches ruined enemies from offending the Church any more or suâ—duing them to the Church and consecrating all their wealth to holy uses c. 14 12 to thâ— end of the Book Malachi MALACHI he prophecyed after the Babylonish captivity the Temple being now repaired and the publike worship restored against the many notorious corruptions remaining among them even after such wonderfull mercyes He is the last Prophet of the Old Testament deciphering out in the close of his Book Iohn the Baptist the first Prophet of the New Testament Mal. 4.5 6. with Luk. 16.16 Scope To call the Iâ—wes after this Reparation of Gods Temple and worship to Repentance from their many and foule corruptions especially the comming of Christ the Messiah the great Reformer and Refiner of his Church being so neare at hand Generall parts Besides the Title herein are wrapped up in one continued Sermon these principall matters I. A Preface aggravating the ingratefull wickednesse of the Jewes drawne from Gods singular love in Election of them in Iacob when he rejected the Edomites in Esau. c. 1.2 to 6. II. A sharp contestation against the People especially the Priest the keepers of the law for their corruptions viz. 1. Against their contempt and pollution of the worship of God which Priests should have vindicated by office c 1.6 to c. 2.10 2. Against their corrupt Marriages both Marriages with infidels and Polygamies c. 2 10. to 17. 3. Against the wickednesse and perversenesse of many that made a mock of Gods justice and judgements c. 2.17 to c. 3.7 4. Against their Sacriledge in robbing God of Tiths and Offerings c. c 3.7 to 13. 5. Against their Atheisticall contempt of Gods feare worship and true repentance c. 3.15 to 4.5 III. An earnest invitation of all to repentance that so they might be prepared duely to entertaine the Messiah who with his forerunner Iohn the Baptist in the spirit and power of Elias was now immediately to appeare in humane flesh c. 4 5 6. Thus farre of the Old Testament wherein the New Testament is veiled Come we next to consider of the New Testament wherein the Old Testament is Revealed THE NEW-TESTAMENT THE NEW TESTAMENT Revealing fully and cleerly the NEW COVENANT in Christ and the Spirituall administrations thereof is contained in the Books written since Christs manifestation in the flesh In Reading of the Old-Testament the veile is untaken away But in the NEW TESTAMENT the veile is done away in Christ. And we all with open face beholding as in a glasse the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.14.18 in the Books of the Old Testament God describes to us The Old Covenant of Grace in Christ veiled under Promises Prophecies and Types In the Books of the New Testament The Lord delineates to us The New Covenant of Grace in Christ unveyled actually exhibited and performed Christ being the body and substance of all those ancient Types and Shadowes Iohn 1.17 Hebr. 10.1 Coloss. 2.17 The Center and meeting-place of all the Prophecyes and Promises Luke 1.70 and 24.27 Acts 10.43 2 Cor. 1.20 The Bookes of the New Testament are either 1 Historicall 2 Epistolicall or 3 Propheticall as further appears in the annexed Table ☞ I. HISTORICAL BOOKS THE HISTORICAL BOOKS of the New Testament are such aâ— containe principally matters of Fact though matters of Faith and Doctrine are also interwoven The Histories of the New Testament are I. Of Christ the head of the Church II. Of the Church of Christ his body The HISTORY OF JESUS CHRIST himselfe is contained in the Foure Evangelists wherein Christs Genealogy Nativity Life Doctrine Miracles Death Resurrection and Ascension are described Matthew Mark Luke and Iohn are usually called by way of emphasis The foure Evangelists because they alone wrote the Evangelicall History of Iesus Christ. Matthew and Iohn were Apostles Matth. 10.23 Mark 3.18 19. Mark and Luke were though not Apostles yet holy Apostolicall men the Apostles disciples Companions and assistants in the work of the Ministry The generall and common Scope of these foure Histories and of the writing of them is that which Iohn expresseth in particular viz. That we might believe that Iesus is the Christ the sonne of God and that beleeving we might have life through his name John 20.31 Particular ends and occasions may be noted in the particular considerations of them This one History of Iesus Christ is written by foure severall Penmen The Reasons thereof are worthy to be inquired into Ancient writers who much please themselves with the mysteriousnesse of Numbers have excogitated divers Some fetch a Reason from the foure Rivers of Paradise Origen Some from the foure rings of the Ark wherein the the Tables of the law were contained Hieronym Some from the foure chief Cardinall winds Iraen Advers Haeres l. 3. c. 11. Some thinke that the Gospel being to be dispersed to the whole world the world being divided into foure chiefe parts therefore there were foure-Evangelists and hence this History of Christ written by foure Evangelists is called Sancta Quadriga Domini i. e. The Lords chariot drawn of foure wherein Christ rides as in triumph throughout the world to spread abroad the sweet odour of his knowledge c. D. Aurel. Augustin de consensu Evangelistarum lib. 1. c. 5 6 7. Tom. 4. August Expos. in Evang. Ioan. Tract 36. Iraen quo supra Most accommodate that of the four living creatures Ezek 1.5 and Rev. 4.6 to the number of the Evangelists but severally Ambrose gives the Man to Matthew who begins with Christs pedigree The Lyon to Mark who begins his History of the Lyon-like ministry of Iohn Baptist that Evangelicall Elias Christs immediate forerunner The Calfe to Luke who begins his Gospel with the Nativity of Christ and that in a stable there being no room for him in the Inne and the Eagle to Iohn who in the beginning of his Gospel soares aloft to that
the heaven and earth Exodus Israel's departure out of Egypt c. 2 Some of them declare the instrumentall Authors or Penmen of them as the Titles of Prophets Books Isaiah c. who being extraordinary men of God guided by the Spirit their books are of divine Authority 3 Some denote the Churches or particular persons for whose sakes immediately some parts of Scripture were penned which affords light to divers passages therein 3. The Times of the Books set forth Partly the length or space of time in which things related were done as in Historicall Books which serve to disclose the connection and continuance of the History and Chronology Partly the time or season when the bookes were written which serves to cleare the understanding of divers particular passages which otherwise would be very difficult both in the Prophets and in the Apostles See therefore those two Tables for the Timeing of the Prophets and Epistles p. 104. to 107. and p. 177. to 186. Distinguish well betwixt times and times you dissolve many knots 4. Penmen being holy men of God extraordinarily inspired intimate to us the divine Authority of their writings This incites faith love and awfull Reverence to their books 5. The Occasion upon which the books were written together with 6. The Scope drift or End of the book being well considered give great light to the whole Book the whole frame disposition and chiefe Arguments handled in the book having a singular tendency to the Scope therefore as the Archer fixeth his eye steadily on the mark when he would shoot accurately so still fix your thought upon the Occasion and Scope of every book when you would peruse them understandingly 7. The Principall parts of the Book here Analytically laid down exhibit clearly to your view both the chiefe Subject or matters insisted upon in every Book as also the methodicall and orderly coherence of all the parts of the book with one another Books lookt upon confusedly are but darkly and confusedly apprehended But considered distinctly as in these distinct Analyses or Resolutions into their Principall parts must needs be distinctly and much more clearly discerned This the chiefe Purpose and Aime of this Book By these particulars to familiarize the Scriptures unto Christians that delight to converse with God in his owne book To whom I earnestly commend this direction for the more profitable use of this Book viz. That 1 Before they read any Book of Scripture they would first read what is in this Key said of that Book 2 In reading they would still remember the Occasion and Scope of the book and now and then compare the Principall Parts here with the Text And 3 After the Perusall of the Book they would read againe what this Key speaks of it Hereby the understaning will be cleared the Memory confirmed VII Rule Heedfully and judiciously observe the accurate Concord and Harmony of the Holy Scriptures though written by severall persons at severall times in severall places yet one and the same spirit inditing all is still like himselfe consonant to himselfe in all The Discord is in our mindes rather then in Gods word Hence Augustine let us be at concord in our own heart and the Scripture will have no discord in it There are Principally five notable respects in which Scriptures sometimes seem most contrary repugnant and opposite one to another when yet they are not dissonant but consonant and sweetly concording one with another As 1 When the Word or Phrase is used in severall Places not in the same but in severall senses and Acceptations 2 When they treat not of the same but of severall subjects 3 When they speak not of the same but severall parts of a thing 4 When they speak not in severall places according to the same but severall respects 5 When they intend not the same but severall times These things well considered will lay a notable foundation for reconciling all places of Scripture that seem to be any way opposite one to another Take the illustrations of theÌ„ severally 1. Scriptures seem opposite but are not when the same word or phrase in severall places is used not in the same but in severall senses and acceptations for the same words have oft times severall significations In such case distinguish the severall Acceptations and the Scriptures agree As Paul saith Work out your own salvation with feare and trembling But Iohn saith There is no feare in love but perfect love casteth out fear c. These places are not opposite because the word Fear in Iohn signifies a base servile stavish fear in Paul a filial childlike religious fear In this sense it is said of the SamaritaÌ„s they feared the Lord again they feared not the Lord i. e. they feared the Lord servilly and hypocritically for his Lyons but they feared him not religiously â—ilially sincerely Not to feare God aright is not to feare him at all Again Christ saith If a man keep my saying he shall never see death But Paul saith It is appointed to all men once to dye yet here 's no opposition for Christ speaks of death spiritual and eternall Paul of death temporal or corporall Further Ieremiah saith Cursed be the man that trusteth in man Christ saith except yee eatâ— the flesh of the Son of man yee have no life in you by eating understand believing v. 47. yet here 's no opposition Man signifies either meer man who is vaine deceitful c. Of him Ieremiah speaks Or man subsisting in the second person of God of him Christ speaks Moses saith God rested on the seventh day from all his work But Christ saith My father worketh hitherto and I worke yet here 's no opposition For the works of God are either Works of Creation whereby new kinds of Creatures are made so Moses intended that God rested from his work or Works of Conservation and Providence sustaining and governing his works created so Christ meant the father and he wrought still Adde hereunto Christ saith If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters yea and his own life also he cannot be my disciple But Paul saith Husbands love your wives No man ever yet hated his own flesh yet no opposition for Hatred is taken either Properly and absolutely so understand Paul or comparatively a lesse love being counted hatred of that understand Christ. Moreover Paul saith Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law But Iames saith yee see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith onely yet no reall opposition For Iustification in Pauls sense signifyes an instrumentall Application of Gods righteousnesse viz. Jesus Christ to our selves and so Faith alone justifies before God but Iustification in Iame's sense signifies a Declarative Manifestation of the Truth of that Faith whereby we
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
and to prove that Iesus is the Christ. And this he doth compendiously as Matthew had done before more Copiously He also notes the Series and Order of the History Principall parts An Historicall Narration of Christs life and death is orderly and compendiously laid down I. Christs life and conversation is described 1. By his fore-runner Iohn Baptist c. 1. 2. By things done by Iesus Christ either 1. Before his transfiguration as the Oracles which he preached and the Miracles which he wrought The splendour and glory of both which are much augmented both by men and by God I. By men and those both Christs friends and Christs Foes 1. Christs friends as By Matthewes calling to the Apostleship c. 2. By the 12 Apostles being sent forth to preach c. 3. By the peoples flocking together to heare Christs Doctrine c. 4.5 2. Christs foes viz By Christs own Country-men that despised him c. 6. By the Scribes and Pharisees cavilling at him and his Disciples c. 7.8 II. By God in his trans-figuration c. 9. 2. In his Trans-figuration c. 9. 3. After his trans-figuration where we have Christs acts 1. Before his entring into the Holy City c. 10. 2. At his entring into Ierusalem c. 11. 3. After his entrance his 1. Disputation with the Scribes Pharises Sadduces Herodians c. 12. 2. Predictions of Ierusalem's destruction and the end of the world c. 13. II Christs Passion and Death is set forth 1. By the Antecedents of it c. 14. 2. By the manner of it c. 15 3. By the Consequents of it His Buriall Resurrection Ascension c. c. 15.16 Luke THe Gospel according to LUKE So denominated from Luke the Penman of it LUKE some account an Hebrew name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lokam i. e. To him the Resurrection Theophilact thinkes that Luke and Cleophas first met Christ after his Resurrection But this is lesse probable because Luke testifies that he wrote this History of Christ according as things were delivered to him by Ministers of the word that were eye-witnesses Luke 1.1.2 Others rather count Luke a Latin name from Lucius Lucius derived a Luce Oriente i. e. from the morning light they were wont to impose this name upon such as were borne in the morning about Sun-rising c. He was of Antioch in Syria as Hieronym and Theophylact. By particular vocation a Physician Luke the beloved Physition Col. 4.14 And some think he was a most excellent Painter Niceph. l. 6. c. 16. l. 15. c. 14. He was a faithfull and constant companion of Paul 2 Tim. 4.11 His fellow labourer Philem. 24. And some think Luke is intended by that brother whose praise is in the Gospel throughout all the Churches 2 Cor. 8.18 Bez. in loc intimates this was Hierom's opinion Though Chrysostome rather thinks it was Barnabas to whom Calvin subscribes Calv. in loc Piscat in loc Luke was an inseparable Companion of Paul and his fellow-worker in the Gospel saith Irenalis l. 3. c. 14. Pauls follower and though not an Apostle yet Apostolicall saith Tertull. advers Marcion l. 4. c. 2. That Luke was most skilfull in the Greek tongue not onely Hieronym in Isaiah c. 6. testifies but also his very stile cleerly evidenceth Whereupon one saith It is known to the learned that Luke observed a more pure Hellenisme then the rest of the Evangelists Causab Exerc. 2. c. 1. Paul converted Luke at Theâ—es think Hieronym Eusebius and Niceporus Luke lived a single life and taught first in France Italy Macedonia and Dalmatia thinks Epiphan His death is variously reported he lived 84 yeares saith Hieron in Catal. and then dyed in Bithynia Hicrony in Catal. At Ephesus thinks Dorotheus He was hanged on a fruitfull Olive-tree thinks Nicephorus He wrote his Gospel about fifteene yeeres after Christs Ascension Niceph. and that in the parts of Achaiah Hieronym Occasion of his writing some say was the appointment of Peter or Paul that 's doubtfull Probably the request of Theophilus supposed to be some eminent Senator to whom he directs both his Gospel and the Acts. Though some take this name Theophilus for any goâ—ly man Lover of God Luke himselfe cleerely sets down one occasion viz. The unsuccessefull attempts of many who wrote false Gospels Luke 1.1.2 Scope Besides the generall ayme of all the Evangelists Luke seemes particularly to intend to supply what others had omitted and to record thingâ— from the very first and that methodically in order that Theophilus might know the certainty of things wherein he had been instructed Luke 1.3 4. Principall parts In Lukes Evangelical History are I. The Preface to the whole History c. 1. v. 1 2 3 4. II. The Body of the History it selfe which containes a Narration of I. Christs life Private or publique 1. Private where 1. Of things before his Nativitie and of his conception c. 1. 2. Of his Nativity it selfe and his education c. 2. 2. Publique in the Ministery of the Gospel where are I. His instalment into his publique Ministry c. 3. II. His executing of his Ministry 1. By himselfe alone both in teaching c. 4. and in acting c. 5. 2. By his Disciples also which Disciples are either Primary the 12 Apostles called and instructed c. 6 7 8. And sent forth â— 9. Or secondary as the 70 Disciples sent to preach c. 10. II. Christs Death is described 1. By the Antecedents of it viz. Christs words and workes in his journey to Hierusalem here are considerable 1. The terme from which Christ went from Galile c. 9. v. 51. 2. His passage it selfe wherein Christ discoursed of Gods worship and service inward and outward 1. Inward as 1. Prayer c. 11. 2. Faith c. 12. 3. Repentance whereof are laid down The Motives c. 13. The impediments c. 14. The effects or fruits c. 15. 2. Outward viz. 1. Of eschewing evil i. e. The abuse of riches c. 16. And scandall c. 17. 2. Of doing good duties c. 18. 3. The terme to which he came viz. to Ierusalem where of his 1. Entertainment c. 19. 2. Disputation c. 20. 3. Prophecy c 21. 2 By the manner of it Beginning of his Passion c. 22. Progresse c. 23. Period c. 23. 3. By the consequents of his death c. 24. John THe Gospel according to JOHN This book is thus intituled from the Penman of it viz. Not Iohn the Baptist as he is surnamed Luke 1.63 Nor Iohn surnamed Marke Act. 15.37 but Iohn the Apostle compare Matth. 10.2 with John 21.20 24. This is the Disciple which testifyeth of these things and wrote these things He wrote also three Epistles and the Revelation in Patmos JOHN is Originally an Hebrew name viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iochanan 1 Chron 12.22 Ierem. 40.13 it is also sometimes written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iâ—hochanan as in 1 Chron. 26.3 It is compounded of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iehovah the proper and essentiall name of God and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 chanan i. e. He hath been gracious whence comes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Order of the Patriarchs that as Death by reason of sinne had Reigned over the six first Fathers Adam Seth Enos Cainan Mahalelel Iared but could not touch the seventh Enoch so death shall Reigne oveâ— the world 6000 yeeres which shall so long continue but in the 7000. yeeres eternall life shall begin and death shall be swallowed up in Victory 4. But others best of all understand here as the Text seems evidently to carry it Enochs verbal Prophecie which though not written yet Iude received by Tradition or rather by Revelation of the same spirit of God by which Enoch prophecyed and here recorded as part of the Divine Canon Obj. 3. Jude alleadges other Apostles sayings ver 17. Therefore seemes rather to be a Disciple of the Apostles then an Apostle himselfe especially seeing he cals not himselfe an Apostle but the servant of Jesus Christ ver 1. And therefore this Epistle not authenticall Ans. 1. Though it could be proved Iude was no Apostle yet it therefore followes not his Epistle is not Authenticall Mark and Luke not Apostles yet the three Books they wrote are of unquestionable authority The authority of Books of Scriptur are not from the Penmen writing them but from the Spirit of God inditing them 2. Daniel cites Ieremiah Dan. 9.2 Ezekiel cites Daniel Ezek. 14.19 Were they therefore not Prophets but Prophets Disciples Peter alleadgeth Pauls Epistles 2 Pet. 3.15 16. Was Peter therefore no Apostle but onely a Disciple 3. Iudes alleadging the other Apostles derogaâ—es not from the authority of his Epistle but proves that Iude wrote after both Paul and Peter in whose Epistle these predictions are extant 1 Tim. 4.1 c. 2 Tim. 3.1 2 Pet. 2.1 c. 4. Finally though Iudas here call not himselfe an Apostle that argues not therefore he was not an Apostle Iames in his Epistle Iohn in his three Epistles Paul in his Epistle to the Philippians and in both his Epistles to the Thessalonians superscribe not themselves Apostles were they therefore no Apostles But Iudas here stiles himselfe the brother of Iames and that 's full as much as if he had stiled himselfe an Apostle for the texts are expresse that Iudas the Brother of Iames was one of the twelve Apostles See Luk. 6.16 Act. 1.13 Obj. 4. But Iude the Apostle taught in Persia and therefore had he written this Epistle he would rather have written it in the Persian then Grecian tongue Ans. 1. It s not infallibly certain that Iude was in Persia when he wrote this Epistle 2. No necessity of the Apostles writing in the language of the people with whom they then lived Matthew lived among the Ethiopians Paul at Rome when he wrote some of his Epistles yet they wrote not in Ethiopick or Latin but in Greek Greek being then the most common language in the world the Holy Ghost would have Greek to be the Originall language for New Testament as the Hebrew especially for the Old And Iudes Epistle is Catholique or Generall and therefore was written in Greek the generall tongue When and Where this Epistle was written is uncertaine Some think this Apostle was in Persia or Asia Minor when he wrote it viz. A yeere before he dyed and that he there dyed anno 68. after Christ. Niceph. l. 4. c. 40.44 Probably he wrote after both Paul and Peter to whose writings he seems to have reference v. 17. the whole Epistle is as an Abstract of Peters second Epistle Occasion seems from the current of the Epistle to be those abominable heresies of the Simonians Nicolaitanes Gnosticks c. abounding in those times times who held Sin to be indifferent womeÌ„ al things to be common c. Oecumen Epiphan in Haeres Gnostic Sec. Iud. 3.4 Scope To warne all the faithfull in those times of the cursed and detestable Hereticks and Seducers that were cunningly crept in among them that they contend earnestly for the truth against all their damnable errours and Heresies and for purity and holinesse of life against all their impure lustfull licentious and ungodly pâ—actices Iude 3 4 8 10 20 21. Principall parts To this end are I. Inscription of the whole Epistle expressing 1. Penman who wrote this Epistle 2. Parties to whom it was written 3. The Salutation of them ver 1 2. II. The substance of the Epistle wherein are laid down 1. The maine Proposition or Exhortation To contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints ver 3. There being so many lascivious hereticall men crept in among them ver 4. 2. Arguments enforcing this exhortation upon them against these lascivious Heritiques demonstrating the damnablenesse and destructivenesse of their wayes 1. By examples of Gods vengeance for like impieties and impurities in former times viz. Upon Israel for unbeliefe ver 5. Upon Angels for Apostacy ver Upon Sodom and Gomorrha c. For their lusts ver 7. These examples he applyes to these Seducers 1. Describing them by their 1. Uncleannesse ver 8. 2. Despising and reproaching Magistrates ver 8 9. 3. Impudency in reviling what they know not ver 10. 4. Bruitish intemperance in carnall pleasures ver 10. 5. Cruelty to their brethren 6. Covetousnesse 7. Seditiousnesse ver 11. 8. Epicurisme in meats and drinks ver 12. 9. Hypocrisie 10. Instability 11. Deadnesse and Barrennesse to all good fruit ver 12. 12. Wrathfulnesse 13. Shamefull uncleannesse 14. Levity and inconstancy ver 13. 2. Threatning them in generall with woe ver 11 in particular with eternall destruction ver 13. 2. By Testimonies 1. Of Enoch ver 14.15 To which he adds further descriptions of their viciousnesse ver 16. 2. Of the Apostles themselves v. 17 18. where he further describes these Heretiques by their Separation from Church assemblies by their want of Gods Spirit v. 9. 3. Hortatory Directions by way of Remedy for 1. Mutuall edification 2. Prayer v. 20. 3. Love of God ver 21. 4. Different course to be taken by them in recovering severall persons from seducements v. 22 23. 5. Zeale against all impurity v. 23 III. Conclusion of the whole Epistle with adoxology to God who is able to keep them without spot and blamelesse c. v. 24 25. III. THE PROPHETICAL BOOK Viz. THE Revelat. THE PROPHETICAL BOOK of the New Testament prophetically foretelling what shall be the future condition of the Church of Christ in all ages to the end of the world is the REVELATION OF JOHN THE DIVINE This may well be called a Propheticall Book For 1 The Holy Ghost himselfe divers times stiles it A Prophecy Rev. 1.3 and 7.10 18.19 2 And the nature of the Book is chiefly Propheticall as the Series of the Book implyes and also some passages plainly testify that it treats of things which must shortly come to passe Rev. 1.1 and things which shall be hereafter Rev. 1.19 Title This book in Greek is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The Apocalypse or Revelation of John the Divine whereby are indigitated to us both the