end the Citties of refuge are appointed and the fieldes of the Leuites neere to the cittie then Rub. Gad and the tribe of Maâ—asses are sent away to their owne possessions according to the couenant Num. 32 Afterwardes the care of Iâ—suâ— touching his posteritie is shewed by a notable exhortation and forbiding them to haue societie with the Gentiles and he shewes a lardge rehearsall of Gods benefites and making a couenant betwene them and God he calleth backe the people vnto God Lastly is declared the death of Iosua and Eleazar the sonne of Aron and the burying of Iosephes bones ⧠The booke of Iudges THe booke of the Iudges is named of those Iuges which after the death of Iosua Gouerned Israell For it contayneth a discription of Israells proceeding after Iosuahes death vnder the Iudges who maruailouslie defended the people from their enemies wherein is to bee obserued that God preserued the comon weale of Israell for the same cause for which he did establish it Namely for his sonnes sake that should be borne of the Ieweish people also this is to be noted that the people of the old Testament were vnder fower kindes of Gouernement according to the diuersitie of the times 1 Vnder a Fatherlye Aucthoritie in the time of the Patriarches Moses and Aaron 2 Vnder the aucthoritie of Iudges during the time of these Iudges 3 Vnder the gouernement of Kinges in the time of the Kinges 4 Vnder the gouerment of the Priestes in the time of the Priestes vntill Christe Who one for all is 1 Eternall Father 2 Iudge of the quicke and dead 3 King of Kinges 4 Euerlasting hie priest There were in number as Iudges 16. 1 Iudas 2 Simeon 3 Othoniell 4 Aroth 5 Samgar 6 Deborah the Prophetise 7 Baruck 8 Gedeon alias Ierobabell 9 Abimelech 10 Thola 11 Iair 12 Iepthe 13 Abesau 14 Achialâ—n 15 Abdon 16 Samson Now the booke of Iudges is deuied according to the order of the persons as they ruled in Israell From the begining of the booke to the 6 chap. 7. histories are discribed of the Iudges Iudas Simion c. Amongst whom Deborah the prophetis singeth a notable song in the 5. chap. From the 6. to the 13 besides the storie of Giddeon and his sonne three other Iudges are discribed Thola Iair and Iepthe of the Sacrifising of his daughter chap 11 from the 13 to the 17 is described an exelent storie of Samson and heere is Samson peculiarly comended in it hee was a figure of Christe From the 17. to the end of the booke beside the Idoll of Mica and the children of Dan is set forth a fearefull and a lamentable story of a Leuites wise for whom being rauished fallen downe dead and cut into 12. peeces the whole trâ—be of Beniamin was al most extinguished that by this one example we may learne that God doth seuerely fearfully punish adulteries Thus farre goeth the Booke of Iudges wherein are set before vs many examples to stirre vs vppe to repentance in which we also see that God hath alwaies sharpely punished Idolatry and other feareful sinnes but hath beene mercifull to the repentant that this booke may well be called the booâ— of the VVrath and Mercy of God The booke of Ruth THe booke of Ruth is so named of Ruth a woman that was a gentile to wit a Moabite of the people of Moab who was the sonne of Lotte Gen. 16 This booke containeth only 4 chap besides that it is an example of domesticall care wherein it also declares that God euen then had care of the Gentiles and that the Gospell was reuealed to the Gentiles after these things Ruth and other of the Gentiles are ioyned to the seed of Abraham This booke containeth part of the genealogy of Dauid which by the Euangelist is translated into the genealogie of Christ so that you may say that this booke also hath reference to Christ and thou mayst know that it was decreed long before that Christ should be borne of sinners harlots for the abolishing of sinnes And furthermore thou shouldst not doubt saluation also to bee ordained for the Gentiles It is deuided into 2 partes JN the two former chap Ruth is set down for an example how all Daughters in law ought to behaue themselues Humblie and dutifully towardes their Mothers in-lawe 2 In the other chapt is an example of Chastitie in Booz The bookes of Kinges THe 4 Historicall bookes which are intituled the bookes of the Kinges after the vsuall edition are in Hebrue onely two whereof the first is named SAMVELL and is deuided of the Latines into 2 bookes the which are called the bookes of Samuell The later of them is called the booke of Kinges which in like maner is deuided into 2 bookes which are called the bookes of the Kinges This Samuell was a most faithfull constant Prophet of God vnder King SAVL of whoÌ„ the 2 first bookes do take their names and in the one of them the storie of Saul in the other the storie of Dauid is larglie discribed The two latter bookes are commonlie called the bookes of the Kings because they conteyne the Historie of all the other kings both in Israell and in Iudah In the first booke of Samuell is discribed the beginning of the third kinde of gouernment namely the Kinges vnder wicked K. Saul vnder whom the kingdome and monarchie was ordeyned in Israell In the second booke of Samuell the kingdome is translated from Saules house vnto Dauids the most godly king and Prophet which is worthiely called the crowne of prophets In the 1. booke of the kinges it is according to the vulgar edition and in the thirde of the Kinges is discribed first the storie of SallomoÌ„ the king in whose time the TeÌ„ple was built vnto the Lorde in Ierusalem 2. the deuiding of the kingdome into two partes namely Iudah and Israell in the histories some of the Kinges of both partes are largely discribed In the 2. booke of Malchim that is to say in the 4. booke of the kinges according to the vulgar all the kinges in Israell and in Iudah are discribed also the wasting carying away the people of Israell captiues into Assiria Iudah into Babilon In the mean while the bookes are garnished with the promise concerning Christ which were made vnto Dauid 2. Kinges 3 ¶ A Catalogue of the Kinges of the People of Iudah Saul Dauid 1. Kinges 9 2. Kinges 3 Sala These 3. reigned ouer all the People of Israell Iudah before the discription of the Tâ—â—bes Afterwardes ten tribes sell away from the ten and they became two kingdomes as the Kingdome of Iud with the two tribes Iudah and Benieamin the kingdome of Israell with other ten Tribes The Kinges of Iudah 1 Roboam 3  12. 14 2 Abias wicked 3   15. 3 Asa 2 〈◊〉  15. 4 Iehosop Godly 2   16. 5 ZaÌ„bnas 3   12. 6 Ioram wicked 4   11. 7 Ochozlâ—s    Â
and vncleannesse and other Leuiticall obseruations wherein Christ was shadowed This booke is deuided into many particulars because it containeth many Ceremonial or ecclesiasticall obseruations so that it may wel be called the Ecclesiastical ordinance of Moses From the beginning of the first chap. vnto the 6. some kind of Sacrifices are described as in this booke many are contained wherof some are here mentioned 1 Of the first kinde was the burnt offering as a Sacrifice wholy to bee burned because all of it was to be burnt and nothing thereof reserued as of other sortes some thinges were to be preserued for the priests chap. 1 2 A meate oblation which sacrifice is otherwise called CARBAS a gift or offerings as the oblation of sundry kindes of bread chap. 2 3 A peace offering wherein men being reconciled and obtaining peace did giue thanks vnto God wherefore it taketh his name from peace among the Hebrues that it should be a sacrifice of thanksgeuing with cleane beasts of both sextes offered by one that is receiued and reconciled chap. 3 4 A sin offering a sacrifice that should be offered for the sin of the priest people prince chap 4 5 There are other sorts to bee annexed whereof there is mention made in this book as the sacrifice for the ignorance of the priest Prince and people 6 A trespasse offering 7 A drinke offering in Hebrew called NESICH 8 A sacrifice of vowes of the Hebrues called NEDES when men of their own accord did vow some vow of sacrifice 9 The Ban offering when men cursed themselues if they should take this or that that wherein they cursed themselues was to be offered vnto the Lord. Summarily in the fiue first chap. are described sundry kindes of sacrifices and the causes for the which they were to be offered From the 6. chapter to the 9. are diuers lawes for sacrifice repeated As first of the burnt offering 2. of peace offering 3. Of sinne offering and the preseruing of them From the ninth to the 11. three thinges are set forth to vs for example sake First obedience to God chap. 9. Secondly disobedience towards God chap. 10. Thirdlie a precept of sobrietie From the 11. chap. to the 18. are described not only the vncleane beasts but also other vncleanesse and the purgings of theÌ„ as 1. Of child-bearing women cha 12. 2. Leperous men chap. 13. 3. Menstruous women chap. 15. 4. Dead carcases From the 18. chap. to the 23. not only the degrees of consanguinity is described in the 6. precept but other precepts with a larger explication of them is repeated From the 23. chap. vnto the end doe follow other diuine ordinances as of feasts and for the poore Secondly of vowes tithes then Sermons and exhortations to the obedience of Gods word with threatninges that the offendors shal be punished Hitherto was set forth the booke of Leuiticus which deliuereth the lawes and ordinaces of Moses concerning the outward worship of God which did not onely discerne the Iewes from the Gentiles but also they exercised themselues therein not that sins could be taken away before god with burnt offerings because the forgiuenesse of sinnes is by the only sonne of God But that by this outward disciplin which had a reward anexed vnto it they might serue God 4. Of the book of Numery THis book hath his name of numbring bicause the people of God are numbred after their tribes are ordred for the exercise of religion their places of abode and their offices are distributed apponited for euery seuerall tribe Here are repeated also many transgressions of the people many daungers many punishments many blessings of God bestowed vpon the people as they were betweene mount Sinay and the land of promise Al which matters haue reference vnto Christ for whom the common-weale of Israel was set vp The prophesy also of Balaam concerning the kingdome of Christ is in this book From the beginning of the book to the 5 chap. are numbred generallye first all the Tribes of the people of Isr the tents of euery tribe are placed about the tabernacle Then particularly the tribe of Leuy is numbred vnto whome by themselues their offices are appointed From the 5 ch to the 7 are diuers lawes described as 1. of casting out the hoast 2. of Ielousy 3. of Nazarits vnto which in thâ—end of the 6 chap. is anexed a forme of blessing which our ministers do vse in steade of Itâ—missa when the supper of Christ is ended whereof there be these particulars 1 The Lord blesse thee and keep thee 2 The Lord lighten thee with his countenance haue mercy on thee 3 The Lorde lift vp his countenance vpon thee and giue thee peace From the 7 to the 11 are sundry ordinances described for the noble guifts of Princes which were offered in the dedication of the Tabernacle being erected of the altar as the ordination of consecrating the Leuites in the 8 chap. the ordination of the feast of the passeouer in the 9 cha the ordination of the trumpets in the 10 chap. which part is ordained in the end of the 10 chapt praier of Moses before the lifting vp disposing of the Arke From the 11 to the 17 are described fearfull examples whereby men ought to bee brought to feare as 1. The murmuting of the people for flesh and the punishment of their murmuring 2. The sedition of Aron and Marie his sister who was punished with Leprosie against Moses 3. The vnfaithfulnesse of the spies of the land of Canaan which put the people in feare 4. The murmuring and weeping of the people and the punishment of theyr incredulity 5. The punishment of those that sin of ignorance pride c. and of one that gathered sticks vpon the sabaoth day 6. The sedition and punishment of Corah Dathan Abiron From the 17 to the 21 besides the myracles of Arons rodde bearing blossomes is described the dignity office and reward of the priests and Leuites with the making of the sprinkling water of the ashes of a Cowe wherunto is added the story of Arons death and of his sister Mary From the 22 to the 25 after the Conquest in battell against the Cananites is discribed a fearefull example of Murmuring punnished with fierie serpents where the brasen serpent represents Christ Iohn And then in the other 3 chapters is discribed the blessing of the people and balams prophesie of Christ From the 25 to the 28 besides the dreadfull punnishment of Fornication the people are againe numbred before the diuision of the lande of Canaan the law of inheriting is published From the 28 to the 31 is discribed the ordayning of Sacrifices in euery feast as Sacrifice 1 Of the daily sacrifice 2 Of the Sabaothes 3 Of the new moones 4 Of the passeouer 5 Of Whitsontide 6 Of Trumpets 7 Of Propitiation 8 Of Tabernacles 9 Of Collection ¶ To these is added a Discription of sundrie Vowes From the 31 to the eude
4. Men thinke that Amos the Father of Esay was the brother of king Amazia of whose line Christ is Moreouer hee writes not onely more sermons then other proph concerning Christ and his kingdome but also more cleare more excellent then the Euangelistes therefore he is rather to bee called an Euangelist then a prophet Esay learned in the time of the transmigration of the ten tribes vnder Vriah Ezechia kings of Iudah he liued about the age of the world 3200. with Osea Ioel Amos Micha he prophesied aboue 100. yeares The book of Esay the prophet contains 1 prophesy Legal Euangelical 2 Historical as that of Ezechias the K. 3. exhortations vnto the Iewes pentiles 4. Consolations 5 praiers 6 giuing of thanks In the book of Esay there are 66. chap. which are thus deuided 1 From the beginning vnto the 13. cha he deals with the Iewes somtimes he sharply reproues them sometimes he prophesieth with them sometimes against them he threatneth the obstinate with horrible euils He putteth down most excellent promises concerning Christ to them that repent to comfort them which part he shuâ—â—eh vppe with giuing of thanks From the 13 ch to the 24 he passeth ouer vnto the Gentils preacheth prophesieth against them wherby mine he taxeth fusle the Babylonians 2. the Philistians 3. the Moabits 4. the Damascens 5. The Ismaclites 6. the Egyptians 7. the TitiaÌ„s 8. the Sidonians as the euill neighbours of the Iewes and alwaies offensiue to the people of God in which he prophesieth deuastation and other horrible euils to fall on them neither doth he in the meane while neglect the promises made to the gentiles that they should be conuerted to the saith 3 From the 24 chap vnto the 36 chap he returnes to the Iewes to whom againe hee prophesyeth hard thinges because of their incredulity He threatneth the captiuity of that proud Sinagogue the wicked Iews other hard fortunes and that they were altogither forsaken of God But the godlie and good men he comforteth in that God would keepe preserue his remnant and little flocke In the meane time hee omitteth not thankesgiuing for the Gospel that should be reuealed in the new testament 4 From the 36 cha vnto the 40 cha he reciteth the histories of Ezechias the K. of Iudah who as a godly feruent beseecher of God was heard both againste Senacherib that wicked king of Assyria for himselfe being greeuouslye sicke with a pestiserous disease From the 40 chap vnto the end he again deals with the Iewes sometimes most sharply rebuking them for their incredulity and Idolatrie sometimes comforting them as being to be brought captiue into Babilon In the meane while he puttes downe manie excellent prophesies and promises concerâ—ing the kingdome of Christ and the calling of the Gentiles ioining the Gospell to the Law to reprehension consolation by the Gospel that he might be said more truly to be an Euangelist then a prophet So much concerning the book of Esay The Booke of Ieremy IEremy the sonne of Helchia the priest began to prophesie the 13 yeare of the raign of king Iosiah when the king the priests and the people liâ—ed most wickedly vntil the booke of the â—ruine law was founde in the house of the Lorde by Helchia the father of Ieremye Then the king being moued with pitty and â—ompassion did restore the worship of god â—nd did root out Idolatry as the last book of the Kings doth witnesse in the 22 chapâ—â—r Ieremy prophesied from the 13 yeare 〈◊〉 Iosias vnto the time of the Babylonian câ—tiuity almost 41. yeares He also prophesieâ— concerning the captiuity of Babylon tiâ—â— ouerthrow of the city of Ierusalem he foâ—â— told the time of the captiuity almost 70. yeares where we are to obserue by hoâ— much the neerer punishments doo hast 〈◊〉 draw on by so much the more the wickâ—â— are worser more obstinate which appâ—reth by Ieremy by our time to be true Although the order of chapters cannâ—â— be obserued in the bookes of the prophers because they seeme rather to be sayings gathered out of the Prophets mouthes as thâ—â— vttered them then to haue byn written by them It is somewhat to go thus farre if wâ—â— can go no further as to obserue that notâ—â— Ieremy doth handle chiefly 3. things in order but with often repetitions mingled â—mongst themselues First he preacheth and chideth vehemently the wicked Iewes afterwardes bâ— foretels their punishments to wit the saâ— king and wasting of the City of Ierusalâ—â— Lastly he prophesyeth as other Prophets concerning Christ and his kingdome and of the new Testament 1 From the beginning vnto the 20 cha â—esides the history in which he is called of God by a vision by a signe to wit a flaâ—ing rod a seething pot In which God â—ewes his sudden and vehement wrath aâ—ainst this peruerse rebellious people by â—â—e king of Babylon the rod reuenger of â—od Besides I say this history Ieremy â—eproues the impiety of the Iewes theyr â—dolatry offences wickednesse cruelty aâ—ainst yâ— prophets so as al these sermoÌ„s for yeâ—ost part are for penitency or graue exhorâ—tions to repentance Besides the propheâ—es concerning the captiuity of Baby and â—esides consolations with which God doth â—omfort the prophet against tentations and â—he prophet the people to be deliuered froÌ„â—he captiuity From the 20. to the 40. ch besides the hiâ—â—ory of the crosse calamity of the prophet 〈◊〉 besides those most excellent promises of â—â—turn from captiuity concerning christ â—â—ee threateneth the people of Iuda speciâ—â—ly the prin with al euil which is agrauated â—y this â—hat God signifies that he wil stand â—ith the Chald. against his own people and â—ith the Chal. afflict his people which is of 〈◊〉 other things most horrible to wit God is not to be with his people but againste 〈◊〉 people After that he threatneth false pâ—â—phets and preachers who preached to 〈◊〉 Princes and people thinges pleasing theâ—â— and not according to the word of the Lord. Lastly he recites the history of Zededâ— the king that as contemning Gods wordâ— he fled to mans ayd and helpe euen so â—â—â—sery and calamity hapned vnto him whiâ—â— is the reward of Tyrants From the 40 chap. vnto the ende of thâ— booke besides diuers examples that is 〈◊〉 wit God deliuereth and keepeth the Prophet that God is true in his word that hâ— punisheth the contemners of his worde afterwards besides admonitions to the Iewâ— in Egypt and consolation with which Ieremy comforted Baruch his scribe he prophetsieth against the Gentiles his neighbors the Egyptians Philistians Moabites and other kingdomes then hee prophesieth the destruction of the kingdome of Babylon by the Meades and Persians Last of all hee concludes the booke with the historye of the deuastation or destruction of Ierusalem and with the leading away of the people in to Babylon that euery man may see the order of the Almighty in which he is
Afterwardes thorough the kinges fauour he was promoted chieflie after he had interpreted the Dreame of the king Nabucadnezer Lastly hee continued there lxx yeeres liued vntill the reigne of Cirus king of Persia as appeares in the end of the 1. chapt and as it is manifested in the ninth chapter He was indued with such an excellent spirit that hee did not onely see the kingdome of Christ to come and to remaine for euer the destruction of other kingdomes but also he reckoned the yeares by weekes in which Christ should come He wholy applies himself in this that he might manifest the glorious and the eternall kingdome of Christ and hee foretelleth that besides him all the kingdome of the world are vaine and transitory Furthermore here is to be obserued that Daniel vseth the Chaldean toung vnto the beginning of the eight chapter Besides that the song of the three children The history of Susanna and of Bell as also the fable of the Dragon are not accounted or reckoned neither in the Caldean nor in the Hebtue toung neither yet haue testimony in holy scriptures that Daniell is the author of these bookes Therefore they are separated by the best translators of the Byble from the writing of Daniel and are altogither put by themselues hauing their owne proper vse to edification But in the booke of Daniel there are 1 Examples 1 2 4 5 6. chap. 2 Histories 2 3. 3 Reuelations 2 4. 4 Visions 7 8 10. 5 Miracles 3 6. 6 Sermons 4 5. 7 Prayers 9 8 Giuing of thanks 2. 9 Prophesies 9 11 12. The twelue chap. of Daniel are deuided one from another after this maner In the first chapter besides the history of Daniel and his fellowes being brought vp in the palace of the king of Babylon is set forth an admyrable example of godlinesse in Daniel howe hee learned amongst the Gentiles In the second chap. is tolde or rehearsed vnto the king the dreame and the interpretation thereof by Daniell concerning the 4. monarchies Where he sets foorth first the king of Babylon Secondly the king of Persia Thirdly the king of the Grecians Fourthly the king of the Romanes vnder whom the Iewes were to bee afflicted In the 3 chapter is described the kinges wicked Idolatry after his fall and the miraculous deliuerance of the three children from the fire In the four the chap is discribed besides the dreame concerning the tree by the which is set foorth the king of Babilon the punishment of the proude king the receiuing of him into fauour and the forgiuenes of his sinnes after his repentance In the fifth chap is described principally the tyranie of King Baltashar the sonne of king Nabucadnezer in the abusing of the holy vessells also afterwardes the punishment of his tyrannie by the losse of his kingdome and life In the sixth chap is described the deliuerance of Daniell and the punishmente of wicked men vnder Darius the king of the Babilonians In the 7. chaap Daniell seeeth a dreame of 4. beastes to whom the 4. Monarchies are compared In 8. chap he seeeth an other dreame concerning the afflictions vnder wicked Antiochus successor to the mightie prince Alexander the great In the ninth chap afterwardes he prayeth the almightie God for the releasement of the Iewes from the Babilonian captiuitie and being hearde is made certaine of the comming of the true Messiah by the declaration or manifestation of the Angell Gabriell accompted particulerly in seauentie weekes In the tenth chapt he writeth most singularly of Angells who cease not continually to fight against euill Angells for the defence of good and Godly menne and of Kingdomes In the 11. chap he prophecieth in order concerning the alteration of kingdomes doth also foretell vnder what monarchies the Iewes shoulde be afflicted before that the Messias came First of all that Darius king of the Medes is slaine by Alexander and after the death of Alexander the kingdome of the Grecians is diuided into fower kingdomes First into Asia Secondly into Syria Thirdlie into Egipt and fowerthlie into Greece last of all how Antiochus afflicted the people of Israell vntill hee was resisted and driuen away by Iudas Machabeus In the 12. chap. he prophecieth according to the cōmon translation of Antichrist vnder the name of Antiochus as Paul in the 2. of the Thessalonians 2. doth interprete this place Furthermore by the kingdome of Antioch he vnderstandeth not only the Papall sea of Rome but also the kingdome of the Turkes or Mahomet by whome the church of Christ towards the ende of the world should be vexed The song of the three children according to the common edition hath place in the third chapt of Daniel where all kind of Creatures are incited to laude and praise God The story of Susanna is comfortable because lying and slanderous menne at the length are disclosed and do suffer shame and such as are cleare and pure are deliuered The story of the I doll Bell doth at this day very plainly set forth the fraud and dedcipt of the Pope by the which they haue hitherto seduced poore miserable menne and yet doe still seduce and deceiue in many places Hitherto hath beene spoken of concerning the foure great Prophets Nowe followeth the twelue lesser Prophetes In which bookes they couet the increase and amplification of Christs kingdome which is their principall argument although by diuers and sundry reasons 1. Oseas prophesied against the ten tribes or kingdome of Israel 2. Ioell prophesied against the ten tribes or kingdome of Israel 3. Amos. prophesied against the ten tribes or kingdome of Israel 4. Micheas prophesied against the ten tribes or kingdome of Israel 5. Sophonias prophesied against Ierusalem 6. Ionas prophelied against Niniuy 7. Nahum against Babylon 8. Abacuc against Babylon 9. Abdias against Edom. 10. Haggei did vrge the people to reedifie the citty 11. Zacha did vrge the people to reedifie the citty 12. Malach did vrge the people to reedifie the citty 14 Or otherwise thus In the yeare before the birth of Christ 1 Ionas vnder Achab. 2 Abdi vnder Iereboā kings of Israell They liued prophesied in the year 496. 3 Esaias vnder Vsiah Ezekiah K. of Iuda at the time whē the x. tribes were caried to capt 4 Osea vnder Vsiah Ezekiah K. of Iuda at the time whē the x. tribes were caried to capt 5 Ioel. vnder Vsiah Ezekiah K. of Iuda at the time whē the x. tribes were caried to capt 6 Amos vnder Vsiah Ezekiah K. of Iuda at the time whē the x. tribes were caried to capt 7 Micheas A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpō the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. 8 Nahum A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpō the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. 9 Abacuc A little after vnder Manasses the king of
The Prophesie of Abdiah ABdias signifieth the worship of God that he is the seruant or the worshiper of God He is thought to be the most auncientest of all the Prophets as Ionas in the time of Achab and Ieroboham Kinges of Israell Hee inueyeth against the Edomites who delighted in the afflictions of Israell Edom was the brother of Iacob to weet Esau and as hee hated his brother because his father Isake gaue vnto him the blessing of the first byrth euen so all his posteritie hated the posteritie of Iacob that is to say the Isralites and whensoeuer he coulde he brought trouble vpon theÌ„ adioyning himselfe with their enemies so declaring the vnfaithfullnes of his minde as the Psalmist saith 137. Lord be thou mindefull of the sonnes of Edom in the day of Ierusalem who saith Down with it downe with it euen to the grounde It containes one onely Chapter the some Edomites whereof is this Abdias 1 He Fortells the destruction of the CoÌ„forteth the Iewes Abdias 2 He Sheweth that saiuatioÌ„ is in Sion Abdias 3 He teacheth that no iniury puokes worshiped Abdias 4 He the breethren Abdias 5 He teacheth that god only is to bee The booke of Ionas the Prophet IONAS signifieth a Doue he liued a litle before Esai vnder king Ieroboham hee was a prophet in Israell as it is written in the last booke of the kinges chap 14. after this maner according to the worde of the Lorde as it was spoken by his seruant Ionah the sonne of Aniathias the prophet which was of Gad which is in Hephet But it is manifest that Gad Hephet was a Cittie in the tribe of Zabulon so that Ionas was a Iew and not the sonne of an Ethicke widdow in the dayes of Helias of whom mencion is made Luke 4. as certaine men do imagine of Ionah He is sent into Syria to preach against the Cittie of Niniue which was a famous Citie the Metropolitane of the whole kingdome of the Assirians whence it appeareth that God at that time had not only care of the Isralites but also of the Gentiles It is notablie spoken by Math. chap 12 where it is saide that Ionas was a Type of Christ Dying and Rising againe The wicked and adultorous generation seeketh a signe and a signe shall not bee giuen him but the signe of Ionas the prophet as Ionas himselfe was in the Whales bellye three Dayes and three Nightes so shall the son of Man be in the hearte of the earth three dayes and three nightes There are onely 4. Chap. IN the first is described very largely a miraculous history how Ionas was caste into the sea out of a shippe and how he was swallowed vp of a certaine great fishe and was tossed here there in the whales belly the space of three daies In the second is described the song and thankesgiuing of Ionas vnto God for his deliuerance from the whales belly where he thought euery houre that his life was at an end he praiseth the worke of the lord who onely is of power in heauen and in earth sea and all deepe places In the third we haue a famous ezample of repentaunce in the Niniuites to be followed of all sinners where these thinges are seuerely to be obserued by no means to be pÌ„termitted 1 That God is the god of the gentiles 2 That God is of power good and iust 3 what repentance is 4 That true fasting serueth to repentance In the fourth the carnall carefulnesse of Ionas is described howe hee would haue him respected with the damage and hinderance of his neighbors such is the great imperfection and fleshly feare in mankind yea euen of the saints but in God there is mercy and clemency towardes all sinners truely repenting This doth plainly appeare by Ionas and the Niniuites The Booke of Micheas the Prophet MIcheas liued in that time vnder those Kinges as Esayâ— Oseas and Amos liued as plainly appeareth by the title He Prophesied against the two Tribes and against the tenne Tribes that is to say 1 against kinges 2 against Iudges 3 against Priestes 4 against false Prophets aswell in Iudah as in Israell and hee foretelleth their destruction that reiected the worde of God and without his seare followed after vayne thinges In this chiefely he is very famous for that he doeth not onelye promise Christ to come nor doeth not onely declare the benefites of his kingdome but also hee sheweth vs the place of his natiuitye Thou Bethelem Ephrata saieth hee Art not the least amongst the princes of Iuda Out of thee shall arise vnto me a captaine that shall gouerne my people Israell c. which place Matthew cites in the second chap. And there are 7. Chapters which are thus to be deuided In the first three chapt there are Sermons and prophesies of reprose somtimes generally against the Israelites againste the impiety and Idolatry of Iudah and their wicked life and sometimes particular against the chiefe heads aswell in religion as in pollicy but yet with all in the ende of the second chap. the faithfull are comforted thorow the promise of the comming of the true pastour our Lorde Iesus Christ In the 4. and 5. are most excellent promises and consolations concerning the inlarging of the kingdome of Christ by the preaching of the Apostles throughout the whole world In the 6. 7. sometimes he reprooueth the couetousnesse and impiety of the people and sometimes he complains by reason of the great malice of the world in his time In the end he annexed the promise concerning the beginning of Christs kingdom in Ierusalem and afterwares concerning the inlargement thereof by the Apostles amongst all nations and by the way he condemnes their Synagogues The booke of Nahum the Prophet NAhum hath his name of comforting For hee comforteth the afflicted Israelites in this that he prophesieth againste the Assyrians who troubled and vexed Israell and Iudah although by the scripture it cannot be found what time and vnder what king Nahum prophesied Yet it seemeth that he liued after Ionas a little before Esar He forâ—tâ—l the subuâ—sion of Niniuy which was â—â—lleâ— vnto wickednesse after the preaching of Ionas There are three only chapters which are thus to be deuided In the first chapter he prophesieth generally concerning the perdition of the Assirians In the second he foretelleth especially of the comming of the Babylonian enemye In the third hee sheweth the cause of perdition by numbring the horrible wickednes of the Assyrians which were these Fornication theft and lying to weet Fornication in the false worshipping of God or in false doctrine That in iust vexations and publike exactions leuied onely to maintaine their pompe and pride being in contractts and barhaines The ende of this prophesie is the consolation of the Iewes to whom he shewes the preaching of peace without distrust expecting the time of the newe Testament or of the Gospell of Christ in which time euerlasting peace is preached to the
8 Ioas. Godly     9 Amasias partly wicked partly Godly     10 Azarias like father like sonne     11 Ioathan such an other 4  14. 15. 12 Achas wicked 4  15. 16. 13 Iachi as Godly 4  18. 21. 14 Manasses wicked 4  21. 22. 15 Anion like father like 4   23. 16 Iosias 4   24. 17 Ioachas Godly 4   24. 18 Ioachim wiiked    22 19 Ioachim a childe like the father     20 Zedechias wicked 4    This Zedechias the last captain and king of Iudah was with the people of Iudah caried into Babylon 4. Kin 25 and the people of Iudah remained in captiuitye 70. yeares according to the prophesy of Ieremy The kings of Israell 1 Hieroboam wicked 4 book of Kings 13 2 Nadab 3 15 3 Baasa 3 15 4 Hela 3 16 5 Lambti 3 16 6 Achab. 3 18 7 Ochozias wic 4 kin 3 8 Ioram 4 9 Iehu partly god part wic 4 kin 10 10 Ioachim wic 4 kings 12 11 Ioas. 4 13 12 Ieroboam wicked 4 k. 14 13 Zacharias part good part bad     14 Sellon wicked 4 kings 15 15 Manachem 4 15 16 Phaceas 4 15 17 Phasea 4 15 18 Ose 4 15 In the daies of this last king Israell was caried into Assyria where they remained in captiuity 4. king 17 The first booke of Sammuell may fitly be deuided into three principall partes From the beginning thereof to the ninth chap is set forth the storie of Samuell which was both a Iudge and a Prophet in Israell namely the Birth Of Samuell Calling Of Samuell Oblation Of Samuell Olde age Of Samuell The sight also of Gods people against the the Phillistians is discribed and the Mirracle done about the Arke and the hard hap of Helie the priest for the cockering of his sons is by Samuell foretolde to the People in the end of this parte 2 From the 9. chapter to the 16. the first parte of Saules historie is discribed 1 the Calling of Saul 2 the Annointing of Saul 3 the Prophesing of Saul 4 the Confirming of Saul 5 the Victorie of Saul 6 the Kingdome of Saul 7 the Meekenes of Saul 8 the Offence of Saul 1 From the 16. chap to the ende is the other parte of Sauls storie described how vntill his death hee was imployed not onely in the warr against the Philistians but much more in pursuing of Dauid where not only Dauids beeing anoynted ouercomming of Goliah and league with Ionathan Sauls sonne but also the manifold and dangerous fights of Dauid and his deliuerance is described that euerie one may see how the Lord made his seruant admirable carried him to the pit of destruction and brought him backe againe til at length being strengthened with the crosse hee obtained the â—ingdome and proued a most godlye King and Prophet The 2 booke of Sam which contayneth the whole storie of Dauid may well bee deuid into 3. principall parts From the beginning to the 11. cha besidâ— the reuenge vpo the traitors murtheren of Saule is described the annointing the consecrating of Dauid vnto his Kingdome after the death of Saul and his happy successe being full of humilitie of pietie forwardnes to the building of Gods house victories against the Philistians others mercie fidelitie benefits c. to whom also was made the promise of Christ chap. 7. wherof mention is made in the 10. to the Heb. From the 11. to the 22. are described the the adulterie murther of Dâ— his hard hap after his repentance at the parable and preching of the Prophet Nathan thorow his owne sonnes who committed whoredome with his wiues And namely the danger of sedition by his son Absolon with other punishmeÌ„ts of his sin decay of his kingdom Also the famine other calamities that followed the adulterie and murther of Dauid From the 22. cha to the end doe follow first the song thaÌ„ksgiuing theÌ„ yâ— last words of D. his great offence coÌ„mitted against god in numbring the people with the great punish meÌ„t of his sin which Da. chose before yâ— rest of 3. kinds of punishmeÌ„t set before him hauing his choyse so that heere also we may haue an especiall booke concerning the wrath and mercie of God The 3. booke of Kings which is called the first of the kings contayning both the story of Salo. of some other kings is deuided into 3 principall parts the 1. of Sal. the 2. of Roboam Salo. son of some other kings the 3. of the wicked K. Achab of the most vngodly Q. Ies also of Eliah the prophet The storie of Sal. is deuided into three parts 1. Before the building of the Temple 2. In his building the c 3. After the building Before his building the temple from the beginning of the 5. chap. besides the storie of Dauids olde age in the 1. chap. and of his death in the 2. is discribed the consecration of King Sallomon his wisdome Iustice and renowne whereof Christ also maketh mencion in the 6. chap of Mathew In the building of the Temple first how he dealeth with King Hiram about the matter then the fashion and lastly the frame buildings from the 5. to the 8. Chap. After the building of the Temple from the 8. chap to the 12. doth follow First the hallowing of the Temple and prayer of Salomon then the building of Citties and the magnificence of Salomon after which both lust and fearefull Idollatrie did ensue for the same the kingdome of Israell was deuided into two partes and Ieroboham was stirred vp againste Salomon so florishing kingdomes are wont to decay faint and in the end by Idollatrie to perish altogether lastly Salomon is saued through the blessed seede of the woman He dieth in peace is buried in the Cittie of his father Dauid The 2. parte from the 12. to the 17. besides the storie of certaine kinges coÌ„teyneth the seperatioÌ„ of the kingdome of Israell from the kingdome of Iudah The 3. part from the 17. chap vnto the ende of the booke conteyneth both the inâ— pietie wrong and tyranie of King Achab Queene Iâ—â—abell and also the prayer constaÌ„cie and flight of the Prophet Elias and his personall fasting 40. daies this booke may be very famous because of king Salomon the prophet Elias who reigned not only in earth but in heauen also The fourth booke of the kinges is called the second of the kinges Conteyneth the histories of others the kings of Israell and Iudah after the wicked king Achab and is famous for both captiuities in the caryinges away one of Israell into Assiria in the 17. chap. the others Iudah into Babilon in the last chap. Also besides the histories of Helias Elizeus the prophets vnto the 10. chap. by order of succession do follow one an other the kinges
c. And hee teacheth that they are truely blessed of God which are ioyned with God and are vnited vnto him through religion and godlynes and also the lawfull vse of other things In the end hee reckens vp the inconuenience of olde age and the decay of all his strength that draweth nigh to death Therfore let euerie man liue in the feare of God let him faithfully performe his office and let him vse the thinges created of God to the glorie of God The booke of the Canticles THe 3. booke of Sal. whose Title is The Song of songs Salomon hath set foorth many songes to wit 105.3 King 4 but because that this song is more excellent thē the rest and more glorious it is called the song of songs and it contayneth secreete misteries vnder the Metaphors of the bridegrome and the Bride of Christ and of his Church or of all the godly For though the verse be thank of giuing in which thāks are giuen to God because he hath adorned the common weale of Israell with great benefits to wit with a king and priest Yet he shadoweth the kingdome of Christ for whom all men doth giue thanks vnto God that here haue fought a good fight to whom is appointed a crowne of righteousnesse in heauen whiles they are ingrasted with their spouse eternally Because it cannot be deuided into parts since that thorow 8. chap there is a certain perpetual speech between the bridegrome and the bride To conclude this book containeth most excellent and particular matter 1 Concerning the kingdome of God 2 Concerning the Ministery of his word 3 Concerning the variety of the gifts of the holy ghost 4 Concerning the perpetual felicity thorow Christ 5 Concerning the defence or protection of the highest 6 Concerning the Tranquility of the elect 7 Concerning the peace or quietnes of conscience The booke of Wisdome ALthough this booke by the title seemeth to bee Salomons yet it is ascribed to Philo a man most wise learned of the Iewes who was the embassador of the Iewes to the Emperor Caligula againste which tyrannous prince the like vngodly men Philo Iudeus seemeth to haue written this booke that it may wel bee called the Philosophy or the wisdome of Philo. The booke being very conuenient for our time He commendeth the word of God against sauagenesse and tyranny of the wicked who wil not fauour the word of God among their subiects euen as Caligula did interdict his religion among the Iewes But thou shalt obserue that the word of God in this booke is called Wisedome and this booke to be the interpretation of the first commandement whence all wisdome doth flow Furthermore the chapters of this booke are 22. which are thus deuided 1 From the beginning vnto the 6 cha he maketh a comparison betwixt the righteousnes of the godly the cogitations of the wicked 2 Betwixt the goodnesse of the godly and the councell of the wicked 3. Betwixt the simplicity of the godly and the tyranny of the wicked 4. Betwixt the Martyrdome of the faithfull and the vnhappinesse of Insidels 5 Betwixt the constancie reward and felicity of the godly the condemnation of the wicked 2 From the 6 chap vnto the 10 hee layeth downe graue exhortations in which he exhorteth wicked men to embrace wisedom that is to saye with penitency and repentance where he sheweth that wisedome is to be gotten by faithful prayers 3 From the 10 vnto the 16 he commēdeth wisedome by the example of the Patriarches and by the sundry benefites and myracles of God towardes his people and against Idolatry and impiety whose cursse he sets downe with a derision and detesting of them by praising Gods mercy From the 16 chap vnto the ende of the booke againe he compares the righteousnesse and the rewards of the godly with the vnrighteousnesse and punishmentes of the wicked by bringing an example concerning the destruction of the Egyptians So much concerning this booke out of the which many Ecclesiasticall songes are taken out The booke of Iesus the Sonne of Syrach THis book thus far is called Ecclesi that is to say as some men doe interpret an Ecclesiastical discipline much vsed yet not accounted amongst the canonical books It is called by proper name Iesus Syrach frō the author as the preface doth shew he liued almost after all the Prophets in the last part before the comming of Christ in the flesh A godly man and learned but of the schole of the Egyptians comming forth in to light did publishe this booke gathered out of the writing of many learned men The booke is admirable and very necessary and profitable for the vse of the common people where a Citizen or a housholder may learne godlinesse honesty prudence after what sort he must behaue him selfe 1. towardes God 2 towardes Gods word 3 towardes his ministers 4 towardes his parents 5 towardes his wise and Children 6 towardes his owne body 7 towards his seruances 8 towards his possessions 9 towardes his neighbours 10 towardes his friendes and enemies 11 towardes magistrates and lastly towardes al menne◠〈◊〉 This booke may worthily be called a booke of domesticall discipline But seeing that it cannot bee profitablie denided by Chapters because it is not a booke written in parts orderly but gathered out of the bookes of many doctors and heaped vp consusedly euen as Bees do gather their hony out of diuers flowers it is sufficient to shew what it doth containe generally 1 First it containeth prouerbiall sentences and darke similitudes so as in this respect Iesus Syrach seemeth to be a follower or an Imitator of Salomon 2 Furthermore he poureth our and singeth certain excellent prayers and hymnes vnto God 3 It containeth certain peculiar ancient deuine histories of acceptable mē to god 4 Lastly he sheweth with what benefites it pleaseth God most plentifully to blesse his people and what euils he hath heaped vpon the wicked 5 In sum the booke is full of diuine wisedome The books of the Prophets THe prophetical books doe follow there are 16. Prophets of the which there are 4 great and 12 lesser of whome wee haue spoken before The sum of the doctrine of the prophets is this 1. They teach the kingdom of Christ to come 2. They expound the first commandment by many examples and histories 3. They comfort the afflicted consciences threaten the secure and carelesse ones 4. they condemne the Idolatry of the Iews which they call fornication It is Idolatry or spirituall fornication when men do worship the true God not according to the word and commandment of God but according to their owne good opinion as men say looke Iudges 7 17. 3 king 12 Ose 2. for that opinion is inhibited Deut 12. The booke of Esay ESay is the chiefe amongst the proph whose writings are extant next after Dauids For hee is ioyned to Christ not only in faith but also in neernesse of bloud He cals Christ the bud of the lord chap
Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. 10 Ieremy A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. 11 Sophony A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. 12 Ezechi A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. Daniell A little after vnder Manasses the king of Iudah in the year 756 vpoÌ„ the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598. Hagg. Zacha. Mallach After the returne of the people of Babilon 559. Concerning the Booke of Hosea the Prophet OSeas by the Etimologie of his name signifieth Health and therefore he maried his lawfull wife according to Gods comaundement but with such a reproche as that she is called his harlot so comes it to passe that the worlde doth rage against the Ministers of Gods worde Therefore God forbidde that wee shoulde thinke the Prophet to liue in Fornication In the beginning of his Sermons he betrotheth Israel to the Lorde our God in iustice in iudgment in mercy and pittie and reconciles them to Dauid their king and so he calles Christ as being borne of the loynes of Dauid In the end he threatneth the destruction of Death with great feruencie I will saith he be thy Death Oh Death I will be thy Death for euer In the meane time he doth preach most feruently constaÌ„tly against Israell against the Idollatrie of the Princes and Priestes of the people Afterwardes he prophecieth very power-fully concerning the kingdome of Christ These two thinges were the offices duties of all the prophets the one out of the Law the other out of the promises for the which they were brought to their death as heretikes and seditious persons From the beginning to the 14. chap there are prophesies and sermons of reproofe against the kingdome of Israell because for Idolatrie which he calleth spirituall Fornication not onely the people but also Princes and priestes are to be punished of God with corporall eternall captiuitie vnlesse they repent he mittigateth these Comminations with the promises of God that they shoulde not dispâ—ire but conuert vnto god Also in the 2.3.11.12.14 there are prophecies and comfortable sermons concerning the kingdome of Christ the preching of the Gospell and the victories of Christe ouer Death and Hell together with the Eternall captiuitie of the people of Israell their restoring by faith in the mercies of god through Christ The booke of Ioel the Proph. JOEL by the Etimologie of his name signifieth begining or desiring Who hee was of what Tribe in what time or vnder what king he liued it is vncertaine chieflie because he himselfe maketh no mencion of this vnlesse it be for that he is thought to liue with Osea and Amos whilest he preacheth against the kingdome of Israel Hee labours only to shew how punishments plagues hang ouer the earth for innumâ—rable sins greuous wickednes WheÌ„ce S. Peter on the feast of Penticost tooke occasion to preach act 2. And Saint Paul allegeth the saying of Ioel in the 2. chap. euerie one that calleth on the name of the lord shall be saued Rom 10. In the 1. chapt he prophecieth against the kingdome of Israel to weet it woulde come to passe that Israel should be carried away into Syrâ—a He vnderstaÌ„deth the Assâ—â—ians by these 4. kinde of wormes deuouring smite and Corne to weet the Palmer worme The Grasse-hopper The Canker worme and the Caterpiller shewing the vnpeâ—pling and deuastacion by litle litle of the kingdome of Israel In the 2. 3. after he had sore-shewed vnto the king of Assirta his destruction he propheâ—â—eth euen vnto the end of the kingdome of Christ of the holy Ghost and of the celestiall Ierusalem In that he speaketh of the Valley of Iehosophat in the last cha He seemeth not only that it ought to be vnderstoode of the eternall Iudgment but also of the church of Christ as the valley of Achor in Osea in the which the Gentiles were adiudged to bee sinners and are called to repentance by the word of God the holy Ghost reproues the world of sinne The booke of Amos. AMos by the etymology of his name signifieth a burthen or yoke and he answereth more then all the prophets thorow his vehemency to the singularity of his name He reproues the Israelits throughout all his booke and doth inuey against them although a stranger amongst them as one born in the tribe of Iudah nor so much as the sonne of a prophet but a shepheard an ordinary man as he himselfe witnesseth in the 2. chap. But hee liued in the time of Osea and Esay as GOD is of power to call suche by a suddaine or certaine diuine miracle against all wicked powers which they call ordinarie where necessitie requireth Euen so the holy Ghost made A postles of rude and vnlearned Fishers It is thought that Amos was slaine by a wicked priest called Amasia with a Fullers clubbe ¶ The chapters of this booke are ix which are thus to be distinguished From the beginning vnto the 4. chapt he prophecieth agâ—inst the neighbours of the Iewes and of the Israelites who were the kinges of Syria the kinges of Palestina of Tire of Edome of Amon Meab c. saith that it will come to passe that they also should be punished of God againe Afterwardes he prophecieth against the kinges of Israell and Iuda with an admonition that they shoulde not contempne the prophets of God From the 4. chap. to the 7. he prophecieth against the kingdome of Israell threatneth horrible thinge to come vnto them from God 1. Famine 2. Dearth 3. Pestilence 4. Botch 5. the sword and lastly vtter distructioÌ„ by the Assirians in the meane time whilest he reproues their sinnes he exhorteth them to repentance by the deuastation of the Assirians From the 7 chap. to the ende besides 3. visions which he sawe against the King of Israell to weet 1. the Locustes the fire and the Line or rule vpon the Wall hee contendes with the wicked prest Amasiah to whom he promiseth horrible mischiefe Afterwardes he preacheth against the couetousnes of the rich and the oppression of the poore In the ende hee addeth a most excellent place concerning the kingdome of the Mesiah which is cited of Iames the Apostle Act. 15. As also a place is cited of Stephen in the 5. chap Act. 7. But that which he speakes in the 1. chap. of 3. and 4. sinnes he vnderstandeth the greatnes and the multitude of sin the impatiencie and defence thereof 3. and 4. makes 7. which is a Finall or indefinit number in holy Scripture
Iews by Christ and his Apostles The Prophesie of Abacucke ABacuck hath his name of embracing as a mother embraceth her infant or as others embrace one another breast to breast heart to heart in comforting of them euen so Abacucke doth embrace the people of Israel and is greately comforted then exhorting them to remaine constant in the faith and in aduersiues So that the holy Apostle S. Paul Ro. 1. alleageth this most excellent sentence out of the second Chapter The iust shall liue by this faith It seemeth that Abacucke liued with Ieremy about the captiuity of Babylon seeing that hee as a Prophet of the Iewes firste of all prophesied againste the people and afterwardes against the Babylonians It is holden for a fable to saie that this man was that Abacucke which was taken of the Angell and did deliuer meate to Daniel beeing cast into the denne of Lyons There are 4 Chap vvhich are thus to be dâ—scerned IN the first cha he doth partly prech against the Iews preferring the preching of the Lawe before the Euangelicall doctrine which doth followe in the second chapter and he sheweth the power of the Babylonians to be great Partly he laboureth by a godly expostulation with GOD that his owne people being deliuered hee would take reuenge against the king of Babylon In the 2. chap. he addes Euangelicall consolation by the diuine promises and he shewes the promise of the speedye comming of the Mesâ—iah but in the mean time to be expected and looked for by faith In the third he prophesieth the destruction of the kingdome of Babylon foreshewing the diabolicall arogancy of the K. of Babylon againste God and his vniust gathering together of riches against his neighbour which are two horrible thefts to wit the spoiling of God of his glory men of their goods In the 4. chap. seeing that the giuing of thankes and the remembrance of GODS ancient benefites was pretermitted at the length hee prayeth that the Babylonian kingdome might be vtterly destroyed thorow diuine Iustice vnlesse that in the end another ioy doeth comfort the people of Israell In the 4. chapter after giuing of thaÌ„ks together with a large reckoning vp of gods benefies he prayes at the last that the kingdom of Babylon might tast of Gods curse and then againe in the ende he comforteth the people of the Iewes most cheerefully The Prophesie of Zophoniah SOphoniah seemeth to signify the secrets of God A name very sitte for Gods prophet whoe search the secretes of God that is to say the gospell and the eternal kingdome of Christ wrapped vp in propheticall promises visions and reuelations vntill the fulnesse of the time thereof be expired and accomplished For which cause Paule likewise cals it a mystery Rom. last The title in the first chapter shewes who Sophoniah was of what parentes hee was borne and in what time he liued He was neere the age of Ieremy the prophet He prophesied almost the same thinges but more briefly and strictly to wit the deuastation of the City of Ierusalem and also of the enemy and the destruction of the whole kingdome of Iudah and the deliuerance of the Iewes by Christ Pcincipally he prophesieth the destruction of the wicked Iewes by their neighbors the gentiles 2. The rooting vp of the Gentiles by other Gentiles 3 The deliuerance of the beleeuing Iewes by the birth of Christ There are only three chapters which are thus to be discerned In the first chapter by way of checking and reprouing them he prophesieth the destruction or deuastation of the kingdome of the Iewes by the comming of the king of Babylon for the wickednesse and couetousnesse of the Iewes In the second chap. he preacheth repentance to the Iewes and afterwards he fortelleth the destruction of their neighbours the Gentiles to wit the Moabits Ammonites Philistiâ—ns Assirians and Nintunes Last of all he puts those Gentiles in hope that they should be partakers of Christes kingdome by shewing that God was to be worshipped in the Isles of the Gentiles In the third ch partly he sharply reprehendeth and reproueth the impenitent or vnreleating Iewes and partly hee comforteth the Iewes in a most excellent sermon concerning the kingdome of Christ which was to be spread ouer all the worlde Hee speakes concerning those who were heads or gouernors in religion and pollicye hee saith That for because they are princes they are to be honoured as princes notwithstanding in the meane time they are to be reproued as sinners The Prophesie of Haggei HAgge hath his name of mirth and ioye He prophesied after the captiuity of Babylon vnder Darius Histaspes and at length very seriously hee did vrge the people to reedisie the Temple and to restore againe the true worship of God There are two chapters onely in this booke In the first he reproues the ingratitude and couetousnesse of the people and hee threateneth manye euilles to fall vppon them to wit vnhappines and pouertie who cared to builde gorgiouslie their owne houses but they brought nothing to the reedysâ—ing of the Temple In the second is the same cominations for the same cause also promises that Christ himselfe will illustrate adorne his seconde Temple with his Presents Doctrine and Miracles ⧠The booke of Zacharie ZAcharias hath his name of diuine Memorie who was one of the last of all the prophets He liued in the same time with Hagge the prophet after the returne from the captiuitie of Babilon He handleth also the same argumeÌ„t with Hagge to wit ensorsing and vrging the reedisâ—ing of the Temple that for Christes sâ—ke who woulde shortly come to his holy Temple Therefore hee manifestly prophecieth of Christes Pompe that he should goe to Ierusalem vpon an Asse and the sole of an Asle which came to passe a little before his Passion on Paulme Sunday Afterwardes hee prophecieth of his selling for 30 peeces of siluer which was performed by Iudas the Traytor Also of the piercing of his sides which place S. Iohn the Euangellist doth alledge In the meane while hee hath certaine obscure Visiens in the which the Misteries of Christ are shadowed which at lengthe he interpreteth by the effusion of the Spirit of Grace chapt 12. Therein are fourteene chapters which are thus to be discerned IN the first chapter besides the begining in which hee doth most minifestlie exhort the Iewes to repentance and besides the prayer of the Angel for the Cittie of Ierusalem there are also three visions First concerning the red Horse Secondly of the foure hornes Thirdly of the foure Carpenters In the which hee prophecieth of the peace of the Iewes and exhorteth them to reedifie the Citie of Ierusalem In the second chapter is one only vision concerning a measuring Line by which he exhorteth the people againe to builde Ierusalem Afterwardes there are famous promises made concerning the kingdome of Christ the diuine presentes and protection of the godly And furthermore the vocation of the Gentiles whence the people are exhorted and admonished to