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.
full of the wrath of God the 7. last plagues poured out upon the eartâ— by 7. Angels Here are the I. Preparatories to the pouring out of the Vials c. 15 throughout II. Pouring out of the Vials of the wrath of God upon the earth c. 16.1 c. viz. I. Vial poured out c. 16. ver 2. II. Vial poured out v. 3. III. Vial poured out v. 4. to 8. IV. Vial poured out v. 8 9. V. Vial poured out v. 10 11. VI. Vial poured out v. 12. to 17. VII Vial poured out c. 16. This pouring out of the VII Vial is laid down 1. More Summarily 2. More Plenarily I. More Summarily compendiously c. 16. ver 17. to the end of the chap. VI Uision II. More plenarily and copiously c. 17 18 19 20 to ver 11. Wherin divers mysteries are most lively explicated which formerly were heretofore more obscurely mentioned Notably pointing out the Rise Seate Reigne Vassals Successe and at last the fatall Ruine of Anti-christ and all the Churches enemies So that this part affords no small light to the Prophetick part of the Revelation Here consider 1. The judgement of the great whore 2. The event thereupon I. The judgement of the great whore c. 17 18 19. Where are 1. A notable description of the great whore that is to be judged By Visionall Representation c. 17.1 to 7. By real explanation therof v. 7. to 16. 2. The instruments that shall destroy the Whore viz. The ten hornes which are ten Kings c. c. 17. ver 16 17 18. 3. The Emphatical promulgation of the woful ruine of Babylon the Seate of the great whore This is done by three Angels 1. The first Angel declares the inevitable certainty of Babylons ruine c. 18..1 2 3. 2. The second warning all God's people to come out of her sets forth the grievousnesse of her destruction with the sad lamentations of all her friends and vassals ver 4. to 21. 3. The third Angel under the type of a great Milstone cast into the Sea as it were seales up the irrecoverablenesse of her ruine ver 21 22 23 24. 4. The gratulatory exaltations of the heavenly company 1 for the judgement of the whore 2 for the preparation of the Lamb's wife for marriage with him c. 19. ver 1. to 11. 5. The finall and totall conquest of the Lamb and his Armies over the beast and false Prophet and the Kings of the earth and their Armies c. 19. v. 11. to the end of the chap. Hitherto of the judgement of the great Whore VII Or last Uision II. The event following after the judgement of the great Whore which is chiefly three-fold 1. The safety of the Saints surviving the ruine of Babylon from the seducements of the Dragon the Devil and Satan being chained up 1000 yeares c. 20.1.2 3. 2. The reviving of the Martyrs and raigning with Christ 1000. yeares the rest of the dead not living again till the 1000. yeares were finished c 20. v. 4 5 6. 3. The Saints miraculous deliverance from and victory over Gog and Magog Satan after the 1000. yeares expired being loosed out of prison c. 20. v. 7. to 11. Hitherto as is conceived hath been Revealed the future state of the Church as Militant on earth The condition of the Church as triumphant in heaven is described both in respect of the 1. Inchoation and 2. Duration of it 1. The Inchoation or beginning of the Churches triumph shall be at the last and generall judgement which is pathetically described c. 20. v. 11. to the end of the chapt 2. The Duration or Continuance of it viz. Eternal happinesse in Heaven which is most gloriously set forth c. 21. throughout c. 22. ver 1. to 6. The Conclusion of this whole Prophecy which is either 1. Principal containing a confirmation of the whole Prophecy of this Revelation by the Testimony 1. Of the Angel by whom the Lord shewed these things to John c. 22. v. 6. 2. Of Christ himselfe who gave this Revelation ver 7. 3. Of Iohn that received this Revelation ver 8 9. 4. Of Christ againe ver 10 to 18. 5. Of Iohn denouncing heavie judgements upon all that shall adde to or take from this Prophecy ver 18 19. 6. Of Christ testifying these things Promising his speedy coming amplified by Iohn's earnest request in his own and the Churches behalfe ver 20. 2. Lesse Principall containing the Apostolicall Salutation to all the 7. Churches and faithfull Saints to whom this Revelation was written ver 21. He that testifieth these things saith I come quickly Amen Even so Come LORD JESUS Rev. 22.20 D. Bernard Medit. Devot c. 4. Praemium est videre deum vivere cum Deo vivere de Deo esse cum Deo esse in Deo quierit omnia in omnibus habere Deum qui est Summum Bonum Et ubi est summum bonum ibi est summa felicitas summa jucunditas vera libeâ—tas perfecta charitas aeterna securitas secura aeternitas ibi est vera laetitia plena scientia omnis plenitudo omnis Beatitudo Sic cum Deo homo Beatus erit in cujus conscientia peccatum inventum non fuerit Videbit Deum ad voluntatem habebit ad voluptatem fruetur ad jucunditatem In aeternitate vigebit in veritate fulgebit in bonitate gaudebit 1 Tim. 1.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Holy Scriptures are contained in the Books of the Old New Testament I. The Books of the Old Testament are I Moses He wrote the Law of God in five Books called the Pentateuch i. e. The-five fold-volumne These Books according to the Greek are called Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomie II. The Prophets their Books are either I. Historicall containing the History of 1. Israel's entrance into the promised Land viz. Ioshua 2 Israels Condition and Government after their entrance into Canaan 1 â—efore their carrying away into Babylon either under 1. Iudges And here we have â—he 1. Generall Hist. Iudges 2. Particular Hist. Ruth 2 Kings and this as thâ— Statâ— of the Kingdome was I. Vnited under Kings by 1. Election I. Samuel 2. Succession II. Samuel II. Divided and that according to the 1. Beginnings of this Division in I. Kings 2. Progresse of this Division in II. Kings III. Vnited and Divided as in I. Chronicles II. Chronicles 2. After their Captivity Here their returne from Captivity is declared According to the 1. Truth and manner of it in Ezra 2. Fruit and event of it in Nehemiah 3. Vnder their Captivity in Babylon and elsewhere in Esther II. Doctrinall or poeticall containing Doctrines 1. Of more speciall reference to A particular person viz. Iob. 2. Of more Generall reference to all sorts of persons in 1. Dauidâ— Book principally penned by him viz. Psalmes 2. Solomons Books which are either 1. Proverbiall Proverbes 2. Penitentiall Ecclesiastes 3. Nuptiall viz. Song of Songs III. Prophetical written either by the 1. Greater Prophets who wrote either 1. Before
Mediatour and the salvation of sinners by him is the very substance marrow soule and Scope of the whole Scriptures As many passages not obscurely intimate unto us What are the whole Scriptures but as it were the spirituall swadling-cloathes of the Holy child Iesus 1 Christ is the truth and substance of all the types and shadows 2 Christ is the matter and substance of the Covenant of Grace under all administrations therof under the Old-Testament Christ is veyled under the New Covenant Revealed 3 Christ is the Center and meeting place of all the Promises for in him all the promises of God are yea and they are Amen 4 Christ is the thing signified sealed and exhibited in all the Sacraments of Old or New Testament whether ordinary or extraordinary 5 Scripture Genealogies are to lead us on to the true Line of Christ. 6 Scripture Chronologies are to discover to us the times and seasons of Christ. 7 Scripture lawes are our Schoole-Master to bring us unto Christ the Morall by correcting the Ceremoniall by Directing and 8 Scripture Gospel is Christs light whereby we know him Christs voice whereby we heare and follow him Christs cords of love whereby we are drawn into sweet union and Communion with him yea it is the power of God unto Salvation unto all them that believe in Christ Iesus Keep therefore still Jesus Christ in your eye in the perusall of the Scripture as the end Scope and substance thereof For as the Sunne gives light to all the heavenly bodies so Jesus Christ the Sunne of righteousnesse gives light to all the holy Scriptures 2. Still remember how Iesus Christ is revealed in Scripture gradually in Promises and Covenants till the noon day of the Gospell shined most clearly Especially in these more remarkeable Periods of time 1 To Adam immediately upon his fall most obscurely and imperfectly 2. To Noah more clearly then to Adam 3. To Abraham Isaac and Iacob more clearly then to Noah 4. To Moses and Israel at Mount Sinai more clearly then to Abraham 5. To David and his seed more clearly then to Moses 6. To Israel after the Babylonish captivity more clearly then to David 7. To the Church under the N. Testament the N. Covenant is laid open more clearly then to all others For 1 God is a God of order and he makes knowne his gracious contrivances orderly 2 Christ and salvation by him are treasures too high and precious to be disclosed all at once to the Church 3 The state of the Church is various she hath her infancy her youth and all the degrees of her minority as also her riper age and therfore God revealed Christ not according to his own ability of revealing but according to his Churches capacity of receiving 4 This gradual revealing of Christ suits well with our condition in this world which is not perfect but growing on to perfectiō fully attainable in Heaven only Now this gradual unveiling of the Covenant and promises in Christ is to be much considered throughout the whole Scripture that we may see the wisedome of Gods Dispensations the Imperfection of the Churches Condition here especially in her minority and the usefulnesse of comparing the more dark and imperfect with the more clear and compleat manifestations of the mysteries of Gods grace in Christ. 3. Well compare the texts you would understand with the Context and note the coherence For though some Scriptures are laid downe in certain independing Aphorismes like an heap of gold rings or distinct Jewels as most part of the Proverbs yet the generality of the Scriptures is concatenated or linked together part with part like a golden chaine intwisted or woven together like a curious silken web one thing so depending upon another as that they mutually help to the interpreting of one another Consider therefore still the coherence and dependance otherwise you will runne into a thousand misunderstandings As where it is said If the righteous scarcely be saved where c. A weak Christian perhaps is discouraged hereby thinks he shall scarce ever come to heaven now the context clears it for the Apostle speaks that judgement or affliction must begin at the house of God Gods people and thence argues to the certainty of wicked mens greater punishments so that here scarcely be saved is to be understood not of spirituall and eternal salvation from hell but of temporall salvation from temporall afflictions and persecutions from which the righteous shall not be free 4. Compare dark places with clearer what is in one place veyled is in another oft-times unveyled As with Parables conferre the exposition with visions the Interpretation with laws the explication thereof c. For as Augustine hath observed In those things that are plainly laid downe in Scripture are found all things containing faith and manners and places obscure are to be illustrated by those that are manifest 5. Explaine those places wherein any matter or subject of Divinity is touched only occasionally or accidentally with sundry other places wherein it is handled and insisted upon purposely and professedly which are the very seate and chief fountain of the Argument As if you would understand Iames c 2. touching justification by works as well as faith where justification is spoken of more accidentally compare it with the Epistle to the Romans c. 2 3 4 c. wherein justification is purposely and fully handled So if you would truly understand any texts about the matter of Creation consult with places where the Creation is professedly handled as in Gen. c. 1. and c. 2. and Psal. 104. 6. Parallel Types with Anti-Types or things typified The Types more familiarly lead us to the understanding and apprehending of things typified and consequently more firmly fix them in our memories The Anti-types more evidently unfold and unveyle the Types unto us As the Type of the brazen Serpent paralleld with Christ the truth The Type of Mannah and water out of the Rock with the Anti-type Christ whose body and bloud are meat and drinke indeed c. 7. Carefully ponder what Prophecyes and Promises are already actually fulfilled and what remain further to be fulfilled in their season For so farre as any Scripture clearly testifies the fulfilling of any of them so farre we have a clear and undoubted Commentary upon them As Isa. 7.14 fulfilled and so cleared Matth. 1.22 23. So Exod. 12.46 fulfilled and cleared Iohn 19.26 So Isa 61.1 2. fulfilled and cleared Luk. 4.18 19.21 with many such like And where Prophecyes or Promises are found to be yet unfulfilled we shall thereby be incited to study them and the intended time of their Accomplishment exercising faith and prayer thereupon 8. Finally Parallel heedfully the Old and New Testament together and specially all those places in the Old Testament which are in any respect alledged in the New Testament whether 1 the phrase and words only or 2 the sense and matter
wherein true felicity is to be found and this he showes 1. Particularly declaring what are the degrees and meanes of happinesse so farre as a man may attaine thereunto in this imperfect life c. 7. to c. 12.8 2. Summarily in the close of the whole Book c. 12.8 to the end This Book is an undeniable Argument of Solomons repentance after his Relapse and consequently of his salvation Song of Songs 3. HIs Nuptiall Book treating of the spiritual Contract and Marraiage betwixt Christ and his Church called the SONG OF SONGS which was Solomons c. 1.1 and CANTICLES because of all Solomons Songs which were 1005. 1 King 4.32 This was the choycest and most excellent the matter thereof being one of the sweetest spirituall mysteries viz. the Churches spirituall espousals to and Communion with Jesus Christ that great mystery Eph. 5.32 Scope of this Song is under the Metaphor or Allegory of lovers upon Contract and intending marriage to shadow out to us that sublime spirituall happy union and Communion betwixt Christ and his Church inchoate in this life more imperfectly with the Iewes more perfectly with the Gentiles Consummate in the life to come This is carried on dialogue-wise betwixt Christ and his Church His friends and her Damosels being the foure speakers especially the two first As is the Custome of a Bridegroome and a Bride Principall parts of this Song of Songs I. The Inscription denoting the 1 kind of writing 2 Excellency 3 and Penman of it c. 1.1 II. The substance of the Song Streaming out a Torrent of spirituall love betwixt Christ and the Church laid down Dialogue-wise in a familiar Colloquy betwixt 1 Christ as the Bridegroome 2 The Church as the Bride and 3 the friends of them both rejoycing in the marriage All in a continued Allegory Herein are particularly 1. The Ardent desires of the Church after Christ as impatient of his absence with Christs acceptance thereof c. 1. ver 2. to 9. 2. The Reciprocall invitatory Commendations of one another and the mutuall gratulations and contentment of Christ and the Church in one another c. 1.9 to the end of c. 2. 3. The Churches renewed desires night and day at home and abroad in the City in the fields as it were to bring Christ neerer to her self c. 3.1 to 6. yea rather to have her selfe brought immediately to the full enjoyment of Christ in heaven v. 6. to the end 4. Christ most affectionately Prayseth his Church in her Members professing himselfe ravished with her faith graces and spirituall beauty c. 4.1 to 15. which is amplified 1. By the Churches selfe-denying acknowledging all her graces to come from Christ as the fountaine v 15. 2. By her Prayer for his influence to make her as a Garden of spices more and more fruitfull and for his presence to accept her fruit v. 16. 3. By Christs satisfying her desires comming into his Garden Accepting the fruits thereof and welcoming his friends c. 5.1 5. The Churches Spirituall Desertion in Christs withdrawing himselfe from her Where are I. The occasion of it Her carnall Scurity c. 5.2.3 II. The Manner of it withdrawing yet leaving some quickning grace behinde him v. 4 5. III. The Consequents of it in respect of 1. The Church her selfe v. 4 5 6. 2. The Watchmen abusing her ver 7. 3. The Daughters of Ierusalem whom she charged to signifie her distresse to her beloved ver 8. This charge is amplified 1 Partly by the inquiry of the Daughters of Ierusalem what Christ is ver 9. 2 Partly by the Churches Patheticall description of Christs transcendent excellencies ver 10. to the end 3 Partly by the inquiry of the daughters of Jerusalem after Christ c. 6.1 4 Partly by the Churches declaring to them where Christ was viz. He was now returned and gone down into his Garden c. 6.2 5 Partly by her affectionate complacency in Christ returned ver 3. 6. Christs sweet and consolatory deportment towards his Church after her Desertion and his returne to her Wherein 1. He assures her she is as precious in his eyes and as deare to his heart as ever c. 6.4 to 11. 2. He declares his desire after the Spirituall Spring of the Churches graces after the winter of her afflictions ver 11. 3. He discovers the Rapture of his ravished affections to her most sweetly inviting her to himselfe ver 12 13. most highly commending her throughout c. 7.1 to 8. and promising his presence and what he will do for her that she may become most delightfull to him v. 8.9 7. Finally the Church reciprocates her utmost affection to Christ for his love And this I. More Generally c. 7.10 II. More Particularly Her desire 1 That Christ and she may go together to view their Husbandry whether their plants did flourish and fructifie viz. The Gospel thrive ver 11 12 13. 2 That she may enjoy Christ most intimately and familiarly c. 8. 1 2 3. 3. That the Daughters of Jerusalem may not disturbe him ver 4. 4. That it may be considered what she hath forgone and undergone for Christs love ver 5. 5. That Christ would give her a fuller 1 Confirmation of his love setting her as a seale upon his heart and a fuller 2 Manifestation or evident assurance therof Setting her as a Seale upon his Arme strengthning helping her c. and this because she beares to Christ an invincible and unquenchable love ver 6 7. 6. That the Gentiles called A little Sister may be called and incorporated into the Church with the Jewes ver 8 9 10. This is amplified by Christs common care of both as one Vineyard kept by himselfe not by others as Solomons was ver 11 12. Christ teaching his Spouse her duty To her neighbours in publishing and bearing witnesse to his Truth To himselfe in Prayer and Thanksgiving ver 13. III. The Conclusion of the Song containing the Churches most Ardent Desire after Christs second coming that the marriage betwixt Christ and her selfe may be compleatly consummated in Heaven those Mountaines of spices c. 8.14 III. THE PROPHETICALL BOOKS THus farre of Books Historicall and Doctrinal Now to the Books Propheticall For distinction sake they are called PROPHETICALL because the matter of them is principally Propheticall though many Historical and Doctrinal passages are also inserted in them all along as there are many prophecies of things to come dispersed up and down the other Books which yet are principally Historical and Doctrinal These Prophetical Books are in all 16 Lamentations being counted an Appendix to Ieremiah they may be considered 1. According to the times of their prophecy and writing 2. According to their Order as set in our Bibles They are not placed in our Bibles in that method and Order as they were at the first spoken and written by the prophets I. According to the times wherein they were first prophesied and written These times are for most part discovered in the beginning of the severall Prophesies and of such we may determine certainly
Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 22. Hieronym in Catal. vir illustr in Petro. Nor is it found in the Syriack version Bâ—t divers cogent Arguments perswade us that this is an Apostolicall Epistle and written by Peter As 1. The inscription mentions the same Penman of this Epistle with the first viz. Simon Peter a servant and an Apostle of Iesus Christ. 2 Pet. 1.1 He that wrote this Epistle testifies that he must shortly put off this his Tabernacle as our Lord Iesus Christ hath shewed him 2 Pet. 1.14 to whom did Christ shew this but to Peter Iohn 21.17 3. He that wrote this Epistle was with Christ upon the Mount at his transfiguration beheld his majesty and heard that voice of the father from heaven when he was with Christ on the holy Mount This is my beloved sonne in whom I am well pleased 2 Pet. 1.16 17 18. Now there were only three viz. Peter Iames and Iohn in the Mount with Christ at his transfiguration Matth. 17.1 2. therefore it must be written by one of them three and by whomsoever of them it is of Apostolicall yea of divine Authority but unto Iames or Iohn none ever yet ascribed it nor is there any reason so to do but many to the contrary therefore it must needs be confessed to be written by Peter 4. He that writes this Epistle cals it his Second Epistle and intimates he wrote them both to the same persons viz. the dispersed believing Jews compare 2 Pet. 1.1 and 3.1 with 1 Pet. 1.1 5. He that wrote this Epistle cals Paul his beloved brother commends him and approves the Authority of his Epistles 2 Pet. 3.15 16. which were too much for any but for an Apostolicall pen. 6. An holy Apostolicall spirit breathes throughout this whole Epistle both in his exhortations to holy duties monitions against false-teachers and Apostacy and predictions of things to come 7. The stile and phrase Apostolicall and consonant enough to that of Peters first Epistle Hist. Magd. Cent. 1. l. 2. c. 4. 8. To all these may be added the consent of ancient Writers that count this Epistle Canonicall and Apostolicall Concil Laodicen Can. 59. Carthaginens 3. Athanas. in Synops. Damascen l. 4. c. 18. Epiphan Heres 76. August l. 2. De Doctrin Christian. c. 8. And Beda in Comment wonders how any should doubt of the Authority of this Epistle when the Penman hath put his name in the beginning and testifies he was with the Lord in the holy mount So that this Epistle is of unquestionable authority Peter made this Epistle a little before his death 2 Pet. 1.14 Occasion Scope Peter considering that shortly he must put off the Tabernacle of his body 2 Pet. 1.14 that some were too negligent of making their calling and election sure that there then were and afterwards would be false teachers and seducers in the Church and scoffers against the second comming of Christ Therefore Peter wrote this Epistle to stirre them up by putting them in remembrance of those things which had been preached among them 2 Pet. 1.12 13 14. 3.1 2. specially inciting them to progresse in grace to watchfulnesse against false teachers and scoffers and to a preparednesse for the comming of Christ as the whole current of the Epistle evidences Principall parts I. Inscription of the Epistle c. 1 1 2. II. Substance of the Epistle which is 1. Hortatory exhorting them to progresse and perseverance in grace and piety c. 1. 2. Monitory warning them to take heed of those hereticall and blasphemous seducers which should creep into the Church threatning destruction to them c. 2. 3. Propheticall foretelling of sensuall scoffers against Christs comming in the last days and of the day of judgement the new heavens and new earth whereunto they should prepare themselves by piety c. 3 1. to 17. III. Conclusion of the Epistle with a summary recitall of his former exhortations and with a doxology unto our Lord Jesus Christ c. 3 17 18. I John THe first Catholique Epistle of JOHN the Apostle This Epistle hath this Title in all the ancient manuscript Copies Bez. Annot. ante hanc Ep. Which as Beza there well advertiseth us we are thus to understand viz. The first Epistle of Iohn the Apostle which is Catholick for of all Iohn's Epistles this only is Catholique or Generall the other two being particular viz. The 2 d to the Elect Lady and her children The 3 d to Gaius and therefore it were improper to call it the first Generall Epistle in any other sense Penman of this Epistle is Iohn the Apostle as is evident 1. From the Greek Title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The first Catholique Epistle of John the Apostle thus all ancient Greek Copies have it Bez. 2. From his manner of speaking of Christ asserting his divinity in divers passages of this Epistle as 1 Iohn 1.1 2. 2.22.23 24. 5.5 6 7. c. and calling him the Word 1 Iohn 1.1 and 1 Iohn 5.7 Iohn being most sublime in asserting the Godhead of Christ Iohn 1.1 2 3. c. and Rev. often and no writers in the New Testament stiling Christ the Word but Iohn in his Gospel Iohn 1.1 14. in his Revelation Rev. 1.2 and 19.13 and here in this Epistle 3. From that eminent and singular Character of Iohns spirit viz. The spirit of love most predominant and conspicuous all along this Epistle as in his Gospel and Revelation Iohn was the disciple whom Jesus loved above all his disciples Iohn 13.23 19.26 and 20.2 and 21.7 20. He was a meer compound of sweetest love in all his writings breaths nothing in a manner but love Hence excellently Calvin Haec Epistola prorsus digna est ejus discipuli spiritu qui prae aliis ideò a Christo dilectus fuit ut ipsum nobis familiarem redderet i. e. This Epistle is altogether worth the Spirit of that disciple which was therefore beloved of Christ above the rest that he might render him familiar unto us Calv. Argum. in 1. Ioan. Of Iohn see more in Annot on Gosp. of Iohn Iohn therefore being the undoubted Penman of this Epistle it is of unquestionable Authority Eusebius and Hieronymus testify That there never was doubt in the Church about the Author or Authority of this Epistle Euseb Hist. Eccles. l. 3. c. 25. Hieronym in Catalog Augustin cals it satis dulcem satis memorabilem in Ecclesia dei quód in ipsa charitas maximé commendetur i. e. A most sweet Epistle and most memorable in the Church of God because love is especially commended therin Aug. Praef. in 1. Ioan. Ep. and saith that orbem terâ—arum ipsa edificavit i. e. It hath edified the world Aug. Tract 7. When and Whence this Epistle was written Iohn wrote his Gosp. at Ephesus Iraen l. 3. c. 1. advers haeres This Epistle seemes to be written after his Gospel He wrote it when he was now old thinks Hierome And being old he departed not from Asia
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
the seven Angels to sound their Trumpets v. 6. II. Executory viz. the Angels actuall sounding of their seven Trumpets c. 8. v. 7. c. to c. 12.1 I. Trumpet sounded where consider 1. The Signe following Haile and fire mingled with bloud cast upon the earth 2 The effect thereof viz. The third part of trees burnt c. c. 8. v. 7. II. Trumpet sounded where 1. The Signe following viz. A great mountaine burning with fire cast into the sea 2. The effect ensuing the third part of the sea became blood c. c. 8. v. 8.9 III. Trumpet sounded where 1. The Signe ensuing thereupon A great star fell from heaven called worm-wood 2. The effects thereof viz. The third part of the waters became bitter and many died of them c. 8. v. 10 11. IV. Trumpet sounded where 1. The Signe viz. The third part of sun moon and stars smitten 2. The effects thereupon viz. day and night shone not for a third part c. 8. v. 12. Here is annexed by way of Preparatory Transition to the other three Trumpets John's vision of an Angel flying through the midst of heaven denouncing three Woes by reason of the three last Trumpets c. 8 13. I. Woe V. Trumpet sounded where note 1. The Signe appearing viz. A starre falling from heaven to earth 2. The foure effects of this starre falling viz. He opens the bottomlesse pit Thence raiseth up smoake Darkens Sunne and aire with the smoake and brings Locusts unto the earth out of the smoake which LOCUSTS are variously and notably described 3. The Conclusion shutting up the Calamities of this Trumpet and forewarning of them that follow c. 9. 1. to 13. II. Woe VI. Trumpet sounded c. 9. v. 13. to the end of the chapter Herein consider 1. The Command to loose the foure Angels bound in Euphrates v. 13 14. 2. Execution of this command v. 15. 3. The Description of the large Army of Euphratean Horses and Horsemen v. 15 16 17. 4. The Calamitous effects wrought by them v. 18 19 20 21. VII Trumpet Concerning which note 1. Preparatories to it 2. Sounding of it I. Preparatoryes to it it being the Trumpet of highest concernment because when that shall be sounded The mystery of God shall be finished as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets c. 10 7. are very largely premised c. 10 1 to c. 11.15 Which seems principally to be Consolatory to the Church against all her former and future tribulations and this by the Vision of a mighty Angel come down from heaven viz. Jesus Christ himselfe the Angel of the Covenant Touching whom here are 1. The Angels description c. 10. ver 1. 2. The Angels Actions 1. Held a little Book in his hand 2. Set his right foot on the Sea his left on the land 3. Roared as a Lyon 7. thunders ecchoing again 4. Swore that time should be no more but when the 7 th Angel should sound the mystery of God should be finished c. 10. v. 2. to 8. 3. The Angels commands to John 1. To eate the little Book in the Angels hand that he might Prophecy c. 10.8 9 10 11. 2. To measure the Temple Altar and worshippers but not the Court for it should be trodden under foot of the Gentiles 42. moneths c. 11. v. 1 â— 4. The Angels promises concerning his two Winesses and their Prophecy and how after they shall be killed by the Beast upon the finishing of their testimony They shall againe Revive c. 11. v. 3. to 14. Thus the Second Woe is ended and the third hastneth v. 14. III. Woe II. Sounding of the seventh Trumpet wherein the Mystery of God is finished And the Churches Miseries ended c. â— 1. v. 15. to the end of the chap. where consider I. Things heard in heaven viz. 1. Great voyces saying The Kingdomes of this world are become the Lords and his Christs c. ver 15. 2. The triumphant song or gratulation of the 24. Elders unto God for honouring himselfe and for the coming of his judgement to reward the Saints and destroy the earth ver 16. 17 18. II Things seene c. In Gods Temple opened in heaven viz. 1. The Saints Rewards The Ark of his Testament i. e. Jesus Christ. 2. The wickeds Rewards Lightnings voices thundrings earthquakes and great haile ver 19. The former Prophecy endeth IV. Uision THE II PROPHECY BEGINNETH Hitherto of the I. Prophecy or Systeme of Visions Denoting as is thought by some more especially the Condition of the last Empire viz. the Romane Now to the II Prophecy or Systeme of Visions contemporary with the former both in the Seales and Trumpets foretelling chiefly the future condition of the Church till the judgement day Herein chiefly are set down 1. The Tribulations and Persecutions of the Church by severall enemies 2. The deliverance of the Church by her enemies destruction 3. The happy condition of the Church upon her deliverance Though the common opinion of interpreters who take not any notice of 2 contemporary Prophesies and their Synchronismes but judge these Visions to be one continued Prophecy bring all that followes under the seventh Trumpet thus viz. The sounding of the seventh Trumpet is propounded I. Summarily c. 11.15 to the end of the chap. II. Plenarily and this either 1. By way of Recognition and fuller explaining of the former Seales and Trumpets in a digression c. 12 13 14. 2. By way of Prediction of things future under the seventh Trumpet more largely c. 15 16 17 c. For substance these will come much to one But le ts follow the former I. The Persecutions of the Church by severall enemies greatly distressing her in this whole fourth Vision c. 12. ver 1. to c. 15. ver 1. More particularly here note I. The Persecution of the woman that brought forth the man-child viz. Both Jesus Christ and the Primitive Church of the Jewes as some are of opinion even from her infancy and this by Dragon i. e as is expounded c. 12. ver 9. Satan c. 12. v. 1. to 17. II. The Dragons Persecution of and making war with the remnant of her seed Viz. as some thinke with the Church of the Gentiles where consider 1. The Dragons Resolution and endeavours thus to persecute c. 12. v. 17. 2 The instruments of Persecution incited and imployed by the great Red Dragon viz. 1. The Beast rising up out of the Sea having seaven heads and ten hornes c. 13. ver 1. to 11. 2. The Beast rising out of the earth having two hornes like a Lambe and speaking as a Dragon c. c. 13. ver 11. to the end of the chap. 3. The event of this Persecution viz. The Saints Victory through their constant and faithfull confession of Christ even to Martyrdom this their victory being exellently amplifyed by the Causes and Effects of it c. 14. 1. to the end of the chap. V. Uision II. The Deliverance of the Church by the destruction of her enemies represented in the Vision of the 7. Vials
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
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