ClavisBibliorumThekeyoftheBible,unlockingtherichesttreasuryoftheHolyScriptures:wherebythe1order,2names,3times,4penmen,5occasion,6scope,and7principallparts,containingthesubject-matterofeverybookofOldandNewTestament,arefamiliarlyandbrieflyopened:forthehelpoftheweakestcapacityintheunderstandingofthewhole

Bible/byFrancisRoberts...

ClavisBibliorumThekeyoftheBible,unlockingtherichesttreasuryoftheHolyScriptures:wherebythe1order,2names,3times,4penmen,5occasion,6scope,and7principallparts,containingthesubject-matterofeverybookofOldandNewTestament,arefamiliarlyandbrieflyopened:forthehelpoftheweakestcapacityintheunderstandingofthewholeBible/byFrancisRoberts...

Tableofcontents

TitlepageANEPISTLETotheREADER.§ANINTRODUCTORYAdvertisementTOTHEREADER;ContainingsomeGenerallDirectionsfortheRightUnderstandingoftheHolyScriptures;AndhowthispresentTreatiseistobeimprovedmostadvantagiouslytothatend.I.Rule.II.Rule.III.Rule.IV.Rule.

V.RuleVI.Rule.VII.Rule.VIII.Rule.IX.Rule.CLAVISBIBLIORVM.THEKEYOFTHEBIBLE:UnlockingTherichestTreasuryoftheHolyScriptures.THEOLDTESTAMENT.J.MOSES.Genesis.Exodus.LeviticusNumbersDeuteron:IJ.THEPROPHETS.I.HISTORICALBOOKS.Joshuah.JudgesRuthISamuelIISamuelIKingsIIKingsIChron.IIChron:Ezra.Nehemia:

Esther.II.DOCTRINALBOOKS.Job.Psalmes.Proverbs.Ecclesi:SongofSongs.III.THEPROPHETICALLBOOKS.IsaiahJeremiah.Lamenta:Ezekiel.Daniel:HosheaJoel.Amos.Obadiah.Jonah.Micah:Nahum,Habakk:Zephania,Haggai.ZechariahMalachi.THENEW-TESTAMENT.I.HISTORICALBOOKS.

Matthew.Mark.Luke.John.TheActs:II.EPISTOLICALBOOKS.Romanes.ICorinth:IICorinth.Galatians.Ephesians.Philippi:ColossiansIThessal:IIThessal.ITimothyIITimoth:Titus.Philemon.Hebrews.James.IPeter.IIPeter:IJohn.IIJohn.IIIJohn.Jude.

III.THEPROPHETICALBOOK,Viz.THERevelat.I.Uision.II.Uision.THEI.PROPHECYBEGINNETH.III.Uision.I.Woe.II.Woe.III.Woe.IV.UisionTHEIIPROPHECYBEGINNETH.V.Uision.VIUision.VII.OrlastUision.§

[Page][Page]

§CLAVISBIBLIORVM.THEKEYOftheBIBLE,VnlockingTheRichestTreasuryoftheHolyScriptures.

WHEREBYThe1Order,2Names,3.Times,4Penmen,5Occasion,6Scope,and7PrincipallParts,ContainingtheSubject-MatterofeveryBookofOldandNewTestament,arefamiliarlyandbrieflyopened:ForthehelpoftheweakestcapacityintheunderstandingofthewholeBIBLE.

ByFRANCISROBERTS,A.M.PastoroftheChurchatAugustines,LONDON.

Col.3.16

LetthewordofChristindwellinyourichlyinallwisdome.

London,PrintedbyT.R.andE.M.forGeorgeCalvert,andaretosoldathisshopatthesigneoftheHalf-MooninWatling-street,neertoPaulsstump.1648.

TJohn

[...].39.

Col.3.16.[Page]

Psal,40.8,

[...]sal.

119.1.

August.

Sacrae

scripturae

tuaesunt

sanctaede-

litiae

meae.

Longâ&

assiduâ

meditatione

[Page]

[Page][Page]

ANEPISTLETotheREADER.Hereisnoonedutymorecommanded,orcommendedintheWordofGod,ormorepractisedbytheSaintsofGod,thenthediligentandconscientiousreadingoftheholyScriptures.OurSaviourChrist

commandsusnotonlytoreadthem,buttosearchintothem.TheApostlePaulcommandsusnotonlytohavethemwithus,butinus;andnotonlytohavetheminus,buttohavethemdwellingandabidinginus,richlyinallwisedome.DavidprofessethofhimselfethattheLawwasinthemidstofhisbowels.Andthathehadhidthewordinhisheart,thathemightnotsinneagainstGod.Austinsaithofhimselfe,thattheholyScriptureswerehisholydelight.AndHierometelsusofoneNepotianus,whobylongandassiduousmeditationoftheholyScriptures,hadmadehisbreasttheLi-braryofIesusChrist.Andformypart,Ihavealwayesobserved,thatthemoreholyandhumbleanymanis,themorehedelightethintheholyScriptures;andthemoreprofaneandproudanymanis,themoreheslightethandundervalueththem.CursedisthatspeechofPolitianthatproudCritick,thatheneverspenthistimeworsetheninreadingtheScriptures.AndfamousistheAnswerofBasiltothatcursedApostateJulianwhosaidofthe

Scrip-

turarum

pectussu-

umfecerat

Biblio-

thecam

Christi.

Hier.epi-

stolaad

Heliod.in

Epitaphium

Nepotiani.

[...].Pezelii

Mellificium

historicum

invitaIu-

liani.

1Pet.

1.21,

1Sam▪

21.9.

[Page]

2Tim.

3.15,16.

Psal.1.1,

2.

Sciptures,Thathehadreadthem,understoodthem,andcondemnedthem;ButBasilanswer-edhimexcellently:Thathehadreadthem,butnotunderstoodthem,forifhehadunderstoodthem,hewouldnothavecondemnedthem.NomanthathaththeHolySpirit,butwilllovethosebookswhichwerewrittenbyholymenastheyweremovedbytheHolySpirit.AsDavidsaidofGoliah'ssword.Thereisnonetothat,giveitme,SomayIsayoftheHolyScriptures.TherearenobookesliketheseBooks,whichareabletomaketheewiseuntosalvation,andtomakethemanofGodabsolute,andperfectuntoeverygoodworke.Andthereforeletmeperswadeallmentoreadthesebooks,&notonlytoreadthem,buttomeditateinthemdayandnight:Andtohidethemintheirheartsasadivinecordiall,tocomforttheminthesesaddayes;asadivinelampe,toguidetheminthishoureofdarknesse;andaspartofthewholeArmourofGod,toinablethemtoresisttemptation,inthishoureoftemptation,thatisnowcominguponthewholeearth.Andwhentheyreadthem,1Toreadthemwithanhumbleheart,forGodhathpromisedtogivegracetothehumble,andtoteachthehumblehisway.2Toreadthe ̄withprayer,thatGodwouldopentheireyes,thattheymayunderstandthewondersofhislaw.3Toreadthemwithagodlytrembling,forfeareleastwiththespidertheseshouldsuckpoison

Ps.116.92.

Psal.

119.105.

Eph.6.13.[Page]

Jam.4.6.

Ps25.9.

Psal.

119.18.

2Pet.

3.16.

Job.7.17.[Page]

Rev.3.7.

[Page]

outoftheirsweetflowers,andwresttheScripturestotheirownedestruction,astheythatareunstableandunlearned.4Toreadthemwithapurposetopracticewhattheyread.Hethatpractisethwhatheunderstandeth,Godwillhelphimtounderstandwhatheunderstandsnot.5Toreadtheminanorderlyandmethodicallway;Andfortheirbetterhelpherein,totakethisensuingTreatiseintheirhands.Itisshortandpithy;ItsetsthewholeBiblebeforethem,inanorderly,plaineandperspicuousmanner,andhelpsthemtounderstandeverybook.TheAuthorofitisagodlylearnedMinister,wellknowneandverywellesteemedoninthisfamouscity.TheBookitselfeiscalledtheKeyoftheBible,becauseitunlockstherichestTreasuryoftheHolyScriptures.TakethisKeywithyou,whensoeveryougoeintothisTreasury.AndprayuntohimthathaththeKeyofDavid,thatopenethandnomanshutteth,andshut-tethandnomanopeneth,thathewillopenthisTreasuryuntoyou.TheRabbinssaythattherearefoureKeyesthatareinGodskeeping.TheKeyoftheclouds,TheKeyofthewombe,TheKeyofthegrave,TheKeyoffood.ImayaddethatthereisafifthKeyalsoinGodsbestowing,whichistheKeyoftheScriptures.TheGodthatmadethesebooks,canonlyun-riddletheseBooks.AndthereforewhenyouusethisKey,prayforthatotherKey,andprayuntoChristtodealewithyouashedidwithhisApostles,Toopenyourunderstandingthatyoumay

Luk.

[...].45.

understandtheScriptures.Soprayes,

YourServantinChristIesus,EDMUNDCALAMY.

[Page]

§Imprimatur,

EDMUNDCALAMY.

T Act.7.38.

[Page]

Chrysost:

inGal.

Hom.1.

Chrysost.

inEp.ad

Col.Hom.

9.

Job.23.12.

Rom.7.22.

[Page]

ANINTRODUCTORYAdvertisementTOTHEREADER;ContainingsomeGenerallDirectionsfortheRightUnderstandingoftheHolyScriptures;AndhowthispresentTreatiseistobeimprovedmostadvantagiouslytothatend.

HeHolyScripturesarethelivelyOraclesofthelivingGod,unfoldingthesecretsofhiswilltoman:TheEpistleofIesusChrist,Revealingfromheaventhesavingmysteriesofhissweetestloveunto

hisChurch:andtheBlessedCharteroftheSaints,whichnoTractoftimeshallreverse;wherebytheyholdofGodalltheirpresentenjoyments,inthelifethatnowis,andalltheirfuturehopesofthatlifewhichistocome.ChrysostomprefersScripturebeforeAngels;&saithGetyouBibles,themedicinesofthesoule.Iobesteemedthemmorethenhisnecessaryfood.Pauldelightedthereintouchingtheinwardman.Davidpreferredthembeforethehoneyandhoney-combe;beforegreatspoyl,thousandsofgoldandsilver,allriches,andthereforeaccountedthemhisheritage,hisCounsellors,hiscomfort,&c.YeaprofessethhisheartdidbreakforlongingtoGodsjudgementsatalltimes.AndeverygodlyandtrulyblessedmanshouldmaketheScriptureshisdelight,

August.de

Civit.deil.

20.c.32.

Psal.19.9.

&119.103

Psal.

119.162.

Ps.119.72.

Psal.

119.14.

Psal.119

111.

Psal.

119.24.

Psal.

119.50.

Psal.

119.20.

Psal.1.1,

2.

andmeditatethereinnightandday.

Notwithstandinghowmanygracioussoulesarethere,whosedelightitistorepairoftentothisSanctuaryoftheScriptures,(asAugustinestilesthem)butcannottellwhattheyseethere,oftheLord,andofhisglory;whofrequentlyreadinthisblessedBook,but(liketheEthiopianEunuch)understandnot,ornottopurpose,whattheyreade?Andthiscomestopasse,1Partly,throughthesublimityofthosesupernaturalandheavenlymysteriesthereinrevealed,wherebysomethingsarehardtobeunderstood.2PartlythroughtheobscureandmysteriousmannerofScriptures,revealingmanythings,wherebytheLordwouldexe[...]cisethesharpestanddeepestapprehensi-onsofmen.3PartlythroughdefectofsomefamiliarManu-ductionintothewholeBible,andtheseverallBooksofOldandNewTestamentthereincontained,whichmightlikeaClewofthreadconductintothesesacredTreasuryes,andlikeaKeyunlockthisCabinetofChristsrichestJewels.Whereupon,aftermuchdeliberationhowthismightbebesteffected,apprehendingthatsomebriefeandsolidDiscoveryofthe1Order,2Names3Times,4Penmen5Occasion,6Scope,7PrincipallpartsoftheBooksintheBible,wouldmuchconduceoripenChristiansinBible-knowledge,spreadingbeforetheireyesinAGenerallview

propefin.

Act.

8.30.31.

2Pet.

3.16.

[Page]

[Page]

2Tim.

3.16.

Rom.3.2.

Col.3.16.

thecurrentofthewholeScriptures:IentreduponthisTaskandfinishedit(bydivineassistance)insuchsortasisrepresentedintheensueingTreatise.Itwasimmediatelyintendedforthehelpandbenefitofsomespeciallgodlyfriends,(whomIshalleverhighlyrespectandhonour)butthroughimportunityisnowmadepublikeforthegood(Ihope)ofmany.TheLordmakeitasusefull,asitwasintended,andisdesired.

BywayofPreface,bepleasedtopausealittlewithmeupontheseriousconsiderationof1.TheworthofScripture-knowledge.2.Thewayhowtoattainetoit.ThatwillquickenChristianstoScripture-study.ThiswillhelpthemtoScripture-understanding.

IScripture-knowledgeisofgreatworthandconsequencetoeveryChristian.Or,TheHolyScripturesaremostworthyofallChristiansconstantstudy,andutmostendeavourstounderstandthem.For,

1.TheAuthorinventingandinditingtheHolyScripturesisGodblessedforever,Father,SonneandHolyGhost;allScriptureisdivinelyinspired.HencecalledtheOraclesofGod;ThewordofChrist.AndtheSayingoftheHolyGhost,FortheProphecycamenotatanytimebythewillofman,butholymenofGodspakeastheyweremovedbytheHolyGhost.Weareapttovalue,desiretostudyandunderstandthebooksofgodly,

Act.28.25.

2Pet.

1.21.

Psal.19.7,

9.

Numb.

12.3.

Exod.

33.11.

Deut.

34.10.

Psal99.6.

Psal.19.7.

and2Tim

3.16,17.

Psal.19.8.

Psal.

119.140.

[Page]

learned,judiciousmensmaking:HowmuchmoreshouldwetotheutmostindeavourtounderstandtheScriptures,whicharetheonlyBooksofGodsmaking?Menswritingsaretoomuchmingledwithvanity,ignorance,folly,mistakes,imperfections,infirmitiesandcorruptions,savouringmuchofacarnallspiritwhenmostspiritual:ButGodswordissatisfactorilyfull,withoutallvanity:mostwisefaithfullandtrue,withoutallfalshoodorfolly;Compleatlyperfect,beyondallimperfection;mostpure,andexceedinglyrefined,withoutallcorruption,andwithoutallcarnallmixtures;whollyspirituall,sweetlyresemblingthatmostspirituallspiritthatdidinditethem.

2.TheAmanuensesorPenmenoftheHolyGhostfortheScriptures,werenotcontemptibleorordinary,butincompa-rableandextraordinarypersons.AsMosesthemeekestmanonearth;thepeculiarfavouriteofGod,withwhomGodtalkedfacetoface;theNone-suchofalltheProphetsinIsrael.Samuelthatmightymaninprayer.DavidtheKing,thatmanafterGodsownheart.KingSolomon,thatwisestofalltheKings,whomGodhonouredwiththebuildingoftheTemple.Danielinwhomwasfoundanexcellentspirit,andgreatdexterityinexpoundingsecretsandmysteries.IohnthedisciplewhomIesuslovedabovealltherest,wholeanedonIesusbreast.Paulwho

Jer.15.1.

with1

Sam.7.9,

10.&

12.16,17,

18.

Act.13.22.

1King.

3.12.Neh.

13.26.

2Sam.

7.13.

Dan.9.12.

Dan.2.25,

28,30,47.

Joh.13.23.

Joh.21.7,

20.

2Cor.

12.2,3,4.

Chrysost.

wascaughtupintothethirdheavens,whosewritings(saithChrysostome)likeawallofadamant,compasseaboutorsurroundalltheChurches.InawordallofthemholymenofGod,movedbytheHolyGhost.ThesebeingthePenmen,howincomparableandextraordinarymusttheirwritingsneedsbe;whowouldnotstudythem,andearnestlypryintothem?

3.ThematteroftheScriptureismostinvi[...]ing,abletoalluretheheartsofmenandAngelstothestudyofthem,yeatotransportandravishtheirspiritsintheunderstandingofthem.Hereinarerevealedmostprofoundandinexplicablemysteries.ThenatureoftheblessedGod,Simple,withoutcomposition;Al-sufficient,withoutanyexternalladdition,immutable,withoutallshadowofalteration;Eternall,Immense,Incomprehensible,Omnipresent,andwhollyInfinite,withoutalllimitation,&c.TheVnityofessence;TheTrinityofPersons;ThefathernotbeingtheSon,noreitherofthemtheHolyGhost;yetallofthemtheHolyGod.TheSecretsofGodseternallcounsels,especiallytouchingtheelectingofhisowneinChrist,predestinatingthemtotheadoptionofchildren,whenallothersarepassedby.ThecuriousOrderoftheCreation,tobringhispurposestopasse.ThePermissionofmansfallfromthePinacleofhisnaturallintegrity,thattherebyhemighttakeoccasiontoglorify

[Page]

Gen.17.1.

[...]am.

1.17.

Psal90.2.

&102.26,

27.

1King.

8.27.Jer.

23.24.

Psal.

139.1,12.

Psal147.

[...].

desacerd.

l.4.

2Pet.

1.21.

Deut.6.4.

1Cor.8.6.

1Joh.57.

theheightofjusticeandmercyinraisinghimupbyChristtoafarrehigherpitchofsu-pernaturallfelicity.ThePersonandofficeofIesusChristtheMediatour,andbothaltogetherwonderfull,Godandmanunitedinoneperson,touniteGodandmaninoneCovenant;TheSonofGodbecametheSonofman,tomakethesonsofmensonsofGod;AKingtosubdueallourenemiestous,andustohimselfe.AProphet,tounveylethebosomesecretsofhisfatheruntous.APriest,offeringuphimselfeuponhimselfe,byhimselfe;offeringuphimselfethesacrifice,asman;uponhimselfe,theAlta[...],asGod;byhimselfe,thePriest,asGod-man.Christwashumbled,andtherebyweexalted;Christwounded,wehealed,Christaccused,wecleared;Christcondemned,wejustifiedandacquitted;Christaccursed,weblessed;Christslaine,andwelive;andChristconquered,thatsowemightbemorethenConqueroursthroughChristthatlovesus.WhatshallIsay?InScriptureisrevealed,howenemiesarereconciled,Sinnersjustified,Aliensadopted,BeggarsmadeHeirsandco-heirswithChrist,andhowdustandashesshallbeglorifiedforevermore.

HereareunfoldedtheCovenantofgrace,whollymadeupofheavenlycordials.ThePromisesofthelifethatnowis,andthatwhichisto[...]ome,exceedinggreatandprevious.

[Page]

Rom.8.29,

30.Eph.

1.4,5,6.

Is.9.6.

1Tim.2.5.

and3.16.

[Page]

Jer.31.31.

to3[...].

Heb.8.8.

&c.

1Tim.4.8.

2Pet.1.4.

2Cor.1.3,

4,5.Psal.

94.19.

Rom.7.12.

[...].Chrysost.inColoss.Ho-mil.9.

ThecomfortsofGodabletocounterpoisethedeepestdisconsolations▪andCommandssurpassingallthelawesintheworld,inholinesse,Iusticeandgoodnesse.

Herearediscovered,Themiseriesofallthata[...]einthefirstAdam,thefelicitiesofallthatareinthesecondAdam,andthewayhowpooresoulesaretranslatedfromthosemiseriestothesefelicities.

HereyoushallfindGoddescendingtoman,InpreparingallSpirituallpriviledgesforsinnersinJesusChristourSaviour,IntenderingrichestGracebyCovenant-PromisesandOrdinances,andInapplyingthesepreparationsandtendersactuallytotheSoulebytheSpirit:2ManascendinguntoGod,bytheSpiritualizingofhisNature,ActingofhisFaith,Aspiringofhisdesires,Fervencyofhisprayers,andHolytendencyofhisConversation:YeabothGodandmansweetlyclosingtogetherinamostintimateCommunioninIesusChrist,whichisasanotherParadise,andHeavenonearth.

Inaword,whatistherenotinHolyScriptures?Arewepoore?Here'saTreasuryofriches.Arewesick?Here'saShopofSouleMedicines.Arewefainting?Here'saCabinetofCordials.AreweChristlesse?Here'sthestarthatleadstoChrist.

OmnisScripturaDivinitùsinspirata,utilisestadDocendum:H[...]cipsadecausaaSpirituSanctoscriptaest,utvelutiexcommuniquodamsanitatisfonte,om-nesnobisexhacremediapropriisp[...]ssionibusasssumamusAug.inPsalm.Pro.egom.

Eph.6,17▪[Page]

Adoro

Scripturae

plenitudi-

nem.Ter-

tull.Ad-

vers.Her-

mogen.

Auferantur

AreweChristians?Here'sthebandsthatkeepinChrist.Areweafflicted?Here'sourSolace.Arewepersecuted?Here'sourprotection.Arewedeserted?Here'sourrecoveryArewetempted?Here'sourswordandVictory.Areweyoung?Here'sourbeauty.AreweOld?Here'sourwisdome.Whilewelive,here'stheRuleofourconversation;whenwedye,here'sthehopeofourGlorification.SothatImay(withTertullian,IAdorethefulnesseoftheScripture.OhblessedScriptures!whocanknowthem,andnotlovethem?Whocanlovethem,andnotdelighttomeditateinthemnightandday?Whocanmeditateinthemandnotdesiretolovethem,lovetodesirethem,andbothdesireandlovetounderstandthem?ThisistheBookofBooks;(asDavidsaidofGoliath'sSwordthere'snonelikethat.Saidone,

Exaliispaleaeviles,hincgranalegunturAurea:tupaleaslinquito,granalege.

ImayEngishit,

Otherwritingschaffeunfold,Scripturesyeeldthepurestgold.Othersdoteonchastygames,GatherthouthesegoldenGraines.

TakeawayourPapers(saidAugustine)andbringamongstustheBookofGod;he[...]re

demedio

chartae

nostrae,

procedatin

medium

codexDei:

AudiChri-

stumdi-

centem,

Audiveri-

tatemlo-

quentem.

August

Enarrat.in

Psal.57.

Sacra

Scriptura

estlibervit

[...]ecujus

origo

eaterna,

cujus

incorporalis

essentia,

cujuscog-

nitioVita,

cujus

scriptura

indelebilis,

cujus

[Page]

Christsaying,heareTruthspeaking,&c.ImaycloseupthisParagraphwithhiswords,whothusemphaticallyexpressethhimselfe,TheSacredScriptureistheBookoflife,whoseOriginaliseternall,whoseessenceisincorporeall,whoseknowledgeislife,whosewritingisindelible,whoseinspectisdesireable,whoseDoctrineiseasie,whoseknowledgeissweet,whosedepthisunsearchable,whosewordsareinnumerable;andonelyoneword,All.

4.TheformeoftheScripture,bothInwardandOutward,ifwellconsidered,commandsallpossibleendeavoursandindustryfortheunderstandingthereof.

1.TheInwardforme,is,ThataccurateconformityofthethingslaiddowninScripturetothatinfallibleandeternalltruthofGodsownunderstandingthatinditedandrevealedthem.Writingscompiledbymencarryinthemaconformitytotheideaintheirunderstanding,whichbeingsubjecttoignorance,errourandcorruption,throughtheimperfectionthatisinthem,mustneedsproducewriting[...]semblablyimperfect,ignorant,erroneousandcorrupt:ButnosuchthingcanbeincidentuntotheScriptures,whichareconformetotheDivineunderstandingoftheonlywiseGod,whichisinfinite,unsearchable,andwholly

inspectus

desidera-

bilis,cujus

Doctrina

facilis,

cujus

scientia

dulcis,cu-

jus

profunditas

inscrutabilis,

cujusverba

innumera-

bili[...];&

unum

tantum

verbum,

Omni[...].

Hug.de

Arc.No

[...].

1Tim.

1.17.

Psal.147

5.

Rom

11.33.

admirablewhichisallLightwithoutanydarknesseatall;allTruth,withouttheleasterrour;Allperfect,withoutanyshadowofimperfection;allpure,withoutanycolourofCorruption.SothattheScripturesofthem-selvescannotleadusuntoerrour,butthemorewetrulyunderstandthem,themoreourmindsshallbeenrichedwithtruth,andelevatedtoaconformitytothesupreamtruthofGod.

2.TheOutwardformeoftheScriptures,o[...]mannerhowthingsarethereinrevealed,isnotonelyplaineandeasie,noronlydarkeordifficult,butrathermixtofboth;somethingsbeingfacile,somethingsbeinghardtobeunderstood;someplacesaresuchshallowes,whereinlambsneednotbeafraidtomade,someagainesuchdeepsasElephantsmaybeenforcedtoswim.ByplainnesseGodnourishestheweakest,byobscurenesseheexercisestheaccutest,(AsAugustinehathintimated).ThatfacilityoccasionnotourcontemptofScriptures,thereareinterwovensomedifficulties;thatdifficultiesdeterrenotfromthestudyofScripture,thereareintermingledsomefacilities.ForasAugustinenotes,Ifallwereshutup,howshouldobscurethingsberevealed?Ifallthingswerehid,whenceshouldthesoulehaveabilitytoknockfortheopeningofthingsshutup?IsthereforeourCapacityweaker?Here'sreliefeforourinfirmity:Isour

Ioh.1.5.

Humana

omniadicta

argumentis

&testibus

egent:Dei

autem

sermoipse

sibitestis

est.Quia

necesseest

quicquid

incorrupta

veritas

loquitur,

incorruptum

sit

testimonium

veritatis.

Salvian.de

Gubern.

Dei.l.3.

[Page]

Deusin

Scripturis

quasiami-

cusfamili-

arislo-

quiturad

apprehensiondeeper?Here'sworkeenoughforthesharpestperspicacity.Sothatthemostignorantneednotbeafraid,themostintelligentneednotbeashamed,ofendeavoursafterScriptureunderstanding.

5.TheEndismanifoldandexcellent,forwhichGodcommittedhiswordtowriting,andthatwritingtous.viz.ForDoctrine,thatFaithandTruthmaybeasserted;ForReproofeorconviction,thaterrourmaybeconfuted:AsAthanasiussaid,HereticksaretobestonedwithScriptureArguments;Forcorrectionofmannersenormousoroffensive;Forinstructioninthepathsofrighteousnesse;andforconsolationthatdroopingdejecteddistressedspiritsmaynotbeoverwhelmed.NowthenifwestudynottounderstandScriptures,HowinDoctrinals,They[...]AsserttheTruth,2Confuteerrour;HowinPracticals,They1Directinwel-doing,2Correctforill-doing;wefrustratethechiefendsandscopewhytheScriptureswereimparteduntous.

6.Howacceptableisourstudyandun-derstandingoftheScriptureuntoGod!For,

1.HecommandsusthiswaytobestowourselvesSearchtheScriptures.LetthewordofChristindwellinyourichlyinallwisdome.Notbe,butdwellwithyou:notdwellwithyou,but

corDocto-

rum&in-

doctorum.

August.

Epist.3

2Pet.

3.16.

Magnisicè&salubriterspiritusSanctusitaScripturasSanctasmodificavit,utlocisapertioribus,famioccurrerer,obscurio[...]ibusfastidiade[...]orgerer.Nihilenimferedeillisobscuritatibuseruitur,quodnonpla[...]ssimè.dictumalibireperiatur.Aug.deDoct.Christ.l.2.c.6.

Inomni

[Page]

dwellinyou,yeaindwellinyou,Greek:Notdwellinyou,butdwellinyourichly:noronlydwellinyourichly,butinallwisdome.

2.HeCommendsthemthathaveindustriouslyacquaintedthemselveswiththeScripture.Timothy,thatfromachildhehadknowntheHolyScripture,abletomakehimwiseuntoSalvation.Apollos,Thathewasaneloquentman,andmightyintheScriptures.TheBereans,thattheyweremorenoblethenthoseofThessalonica,inthattheyreceivedthewordwithallreadinesseofmind,andsearchedtheScripturesdayly,whetherthosethingswereso.AndhemakesitoneCha-racterofthegodlyblessedmanthatHisdelightisintheLawoftheLord,andthereinhemeditatesdayandnight.

3.HecondemnsthecontraryunskilfulnesseintheScriptures,astheinfirmityofBabes.Yeaastherootofallerrourinspirituals;doyenoterrebecauseyeeknownottheScriptures?

AppositelysaithChrysostometothispurpose;IgnoranceoftheScriptureshathbroughtforthHeresies,hathbroughtincorruptionoflife,hathturnedallthingsupsidedown.—IgnoranceoftheScripturesisaveryHell.Andelsewherehesaith,ItisthecauseofallevilstobeignorantoftheScriptures.Hieromalsoto

CopiaScripturarumSanctarum,pascimurapertis,e[...]ercemurobscuris:illicfame[...]pellitur,h[...]cfastidium.Augdoverb.Dom.Serm.11.

VerbiDei

altitudo

exercet

studium,

nondene-

gatintel-

lectum.Si

enim

omnia

clausaes-

sent,nihil

essetunde

revelaren-

turobscu-

ra.Rursus

siomnia

tecta

essent,non

essetunde

likepurpose;HethatknowesnottheScriptures,knowesnotthepowerofGod,andhiswisdome.TheignoranceofScripturesistheignoranceofChrist.

4.Inaword,HepromiseshappinessetotherightunderstandingoftheScriptures.Ifyeeknowthesethings,happyareyee,ifyedothem.Andsometimesnotablyrewardsthemthatendeavourtounderstandthem.WhiletheEthiopianEunuchreadtheProphetIsaiah,thathemightunderstandit▪theLordsentPhiliptoinstructhim&toconverthim;TheEunuchwasBaptized,andwentonhiswayrejoycing.

7.Finally,ThetrueandsolidunderstandingoftheScripture,isthefoundationofallpossiblebenefitoradvantagebytheScripture.Forhowshouldweforsakesin,denyungodlinesseandworldlylusts,andlabourtogetoutofourcarnallcondition,tillbyScripturewebeconvincedofthesinfulnesseofsinne,anddangerofournaturallcondition?HowshouldwedesireChristearnestly,oracceptChristdelightfully,tillweunderstandbytheScripturewhatwantwehaveofChristwhatworththereisinChrist?TillweunderstandScripture-Principles,howshallwereceivethem?TillweunderstandScripture-Promises,howshallwebelievethem?TillweunderstandScripture-commands,howshallweobeythem?Tillwe

alimentum

anima

perciperet,

&haberet

vires

quibus

possetad

clausa

pulsare.

August.de

verb.

Apostoli.

Serm.13.

c.1.ad

init.Tom.

10.

2Tim.

3.16,17.

LapidandisuntHaereticiSacrarumliterarumArgu-mentis.A-than.Cont.Ari.Or.2

Haereticisuntluci[...]ugaeScripturarum.Tertull.de

understandScripture-directions,howshouldwefollowthem?AndtillweunderstandScripture-comforts,whatsupportingsweetnessecanweexpectfromthem?OtherforelabourdiligentlytounderstandtheCounselsofGod,thenyouwillbeinmoreimmediatecapacityofreapingallspirituallbenefitsbythewordofGod,TheunderstandingoftheScriptures▪(saithHierome)isthetruemeateanddrinkwhichwehavefromthewordofGod.Therefore(ashesaithelsewhere)Let'sfetchfittimberoutoftheScriptures,tobuildinourselvesanhouseofwisdome.

HithertooftheworthofScripture-knowledge;IINowofthewayhowtoattaineit.ThatHolyScripturesmaybemoreprofitablyandcleerlyunderstood,certaineRulesorDirectionsaretobeobservedandfollowed.TheseDirectionsmightbedigestedintotwoRanks,viz.

I.Somemorespeciallandpeculiar,moreparticularlyconcerningSchollers,As,1ThecompetentunderstandingoftheOriginalllanguages,Hebrew,Caldee,andGreek;whereintheScriptureswerewritten.2TheprudentuseofLogick,fororderlyandme-thodicallResolutionoftheText,&c.3.ThesubservienthelpsofotherArts,asRhetorick,NaturallPhilosophy,&c.Withoutwhichitisimpossiblesatisfactorilytointerpretthe

resur.Car-nis.

Rom.15.4.[Page]

Ioh.5.39.

Col.3.16.

2Tim.

3.15.

Act.18.24.

Act.17.11

Psal.1.1,

2.

Heb.5.13.

Mark

12.24.Mat.

21.29.

Chrysost

Hom.de

Lazar.

[Page]

Chrysost.

inEpist.ad

Scriptures.ForasAmbrosewellobserves,ThoughPenmenofScripturewrotenotaccordingtoArt,butaccordingtoGrace,whichisaboveallArt(fortheywrotewhatthespiritdidDictatetothem;)yettheythathavewrittenofArt,havefoundanArtintheirwritings,&c.4ThebenefitofhumaneHistoriestoillustrateandcleerethedivine.5TheconferringofancienttranslationswiththeOriginals,especiallytheGreekversionoftheOld-TestamentbytheLxxii.muchfollowedintheAllegationsoftheNewTestament,andtheSyriackversionoftheNewTestament.6TheprudentuseofthemostOrthodoxlearnedandjudiciousCommentators.7.Constantcaution,thatallTongues,Arts,Histories,Translations,andCommentsbedulyrankedintheirproperplacesinasubserviencyunder,notaRegencyorPredominancyovertheHolyScriptures,whicharetocontroulethemall.ForwhenHagarshallonceusurpoverherMistresse,itshightimetocastheroutofdoors,tillsheesubmitherselfe.Manysuchthingsoughtbeinsistedupon,butthatisbesidesmypresentintention.

II.Somemoregenerallandcommondirections,whichmaybeofusetoallsortsofChristians,learnedorunlearned:especiallyuntothepeople,forpromotingwhoseunderstandinginthisblessedBookofGod,theseensuingRules,

Coloss.

Hom9.

Quinescit

Scripturas,

nescitDei

virturem,

ejusque

sapientiam▪

ignoratio

Scripturarum

ignoratio

Christiest.

Hieronin

proem[?].

Isa[...].

Joh.13.1

[...]

Act.8.28

29.&c.

Tit.1.11[Page]

Veruscibus

&potusqui

exverbo

dei

sumitur,

faithfullyfollowed,may(throughdivineblessing)proveabundantlyadvantagious.viz.

I.Rule.

BegwisedomeoftheonlywiseGod,whogivesliberallyandupbraidsnot.ThatbyGodswisedomeyoumayknowGodsminde;bytheassistanceofthatspiritwhichinditedtheScripture;youmaydiscernethetruesenseandmeaningoftheScriptures.ForwhatthewomansaidofIacobswell,maymuchmorebeaffirmedofthesewelsofsalvation,Thouhastnothingtodrawwith,andthewellisdeep.Scripturemysteriesareprofound,Ourcapacitiesveryshallow;whenweknowmost,weknowbutinpart;thereforepraywithHierome,IdesiretoenterintothyhousetheChurch,bythywaytheScriptures;Odirectmyway,lestIfallinthyScripturesbywhichIdesiretoenter.IntreattheLordtoanointthineeyeswitheye-salve,thatthoumaystsee;toopenthineunderstanding,assometimeshedidtheApostles,tounderstandtheScriptures.WhenthousettestthyselfetoperusetheScripturefromdaytoday,forgetnottodartupDavidssweetpetitionuntoGod,Openthoumineeyes,thatImaybeholdwondrousthingsoutofthylaw.

Scientia

Scriptura-

rumest.

Hicron.in

Eccle.c.3.

Congruade

testimoniis

Scripturarum

lignaquae

[...]entes,

aedificemus

domum

sapien

[...]aein

nobis.

Hicronym.

inAggeum.

[...].1.

[Page]

Negant

plerique

nostrosse-

cundum

Artem

scripsisse.

Necnos

obnitimur

Nonenim

secundum

Artem

[Page]

II.Rule.

Laboursincerelyafteratrulygraciousspirit,thenthoushaltbepeculiarlyabletopenetrateintotheinwardmarrowandmysteriesoftheHolyScriptures.HewillbestcomprehendScripturemeaninginhishead,thathathgottheScripturelawwritteninhisheart;Thouwiltnever(saithBernard)understandPaulsmeaning,unlessethoudrinkestofPaulsspirit.Graciouspersonsareilluminatedpersons;theyhavetheanointingthatteacheththemallthings,viz.necessarytosalvation.TheLorddelightstoimparthissecretstothemthatfearehim.WhatmanishethatfeareththeLord?himshallheteachinthewaythatheshallchuse.—TheSecretoftheLordiswiththemthatfearehim,andhewillshewthemhisCovenant,Christhathpromisedpeculiarlytomaniesthimselfetothemthatlovehim,soasnotuntotheworld;andwhereChristissomanifested,thesenseofScriptureissingularlymanifested;forChrististheKernelloftheScripture.Thegracelessemanthoughbylightofnature,andaccomplishmentsofArt,hemayknowmuchofScripturetheoreticallyandspeculatively,yethislightisbutdarknesse,hereachesnottothelifeofunderstanding;knowesGodsmindeinScripture,onlyasweknowfarCountreysbyMaps:Butthegracious

scripserunt

sedsecun-

dumgrati-

am,quae

superom-

nemArtem

est.

(Scripse-

runtenim

quaespiri-

tusiisloqui

dabat)Sed

tamenii

quidearte

scripse-

runt,de

eorum.

Scriptis

artem

invenerunt;

&

condiderunt

Commenta

Artis&

Magisteria,

&c.

[...]mbr.

Ep.l.8.

Epist.Lxiii.

Jam.1.5.

personunderstandstheScripturesexperimentally,feelingly,asaTravellerknowsremotecountriesinwhichhehathactuallybeen.ThenaturallmanreceivethnotthethingsofthespiritofGod,fortheyarefoolishnesseuntohim:neithercanheknowthem,becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned.Buthethatisspiritualljudgethallthings,—wehavethemindeofChrist.

III.Rule.

PerusetheScripturestillwithanhumbleselfe-denyingheart.Benotpuffedup,orconceitedwiththineownknowledge,orotherperfections;Hethatthinksheknowsanything,knowsnothingyetasheoughttoknow.Emptyvesselsaremostreceptive;soareselfe-emptyingmindes,Itisagreathelptoknowledgenottobeignorantofourignorance;for[...]enseofwantspursonindeavoursafterenjoyment.Thefructifyingshowersquicklyglideawayfromtheloftyhils,buttheystayandsoakeintothelowvalleys.Godthatresiststheproud,yetgivesgracetothehumbleandlow-ly;Andamongothergracesthegraceofknowledgeandunderstanding:Forwiththelowlyiswisedome.Themeek(orhumble)willheguideinjudgement;andthemeekwillheteachhisway.ThusChristsaith,IthanketheeOFather,Lordofheavenandearth,because

John4.11.

1Cor.

13.9.

Egocupio

intrarein

domu ̄tuam,i.e.

Ecclesiam

&volo

intrareper

viamtuam

rectam.

quaeest

istavia?

lectio

Scripturarum.

Dirigeviam

meamne

in

Scripturis

[...]uisper

quas

ingredi

cupioin

Ecclesiam

tuam,

corruam.

Omnisqui

[Page]

thouhasthidthesethingsfromthewiseandprudent,buthastrevealedthemuntoBabes?whenceBecanusnotes,thatsuchasareproudandattributetotheirownwisedome,attainenottothetruesenseofScripture.BethereforeclothedwithhumilityinuseofScripture,thattrueScripture-knowledgemayincrease.

IV.Rule.

FamiliarizetheScripturetothyselfe,byconstantandmethodicallexercisetherein.Me-thodandorder,asitisthemotherofmemory,soitisasingularfriendtoaclearunder-standing.ThegeneralityoftheScripture,havesuchacontextureandcoherenceonepartwithanother,thatsmallinsightintoitwillbegained,byreadingitconfusedly,disorderly;thereforereadthewholeinOrder.DivershavepublishedDirections,howtoreadoverthewholeScripturemethodica[...]ly,onceayeare,&c.consultthem.

ButbeconstantinperusallandstudyingoftheScriptures;herebyScripturephraseandsensewillbecomefamiliarandfacile.Howhardatfirsttowrite,toplayonaninstrument▪&c.butbymultiplyingActs,mengethabitsandwrite,play,&c.withfacilityanddexterity.UsenotScriptureonlybyfitsandstarts,insomegood

[...]alè

intelligit

scripturas,

inviadei

corruit.Hi

[...]ron.in

Ps.5.

Rev.3.18.

Luk.24.45.

Ps.119.18.

Nunquam

Paulisen-

sumin-

gredieris,

nisiPauli

spiritum

imbiberis.

Bernardad

[...]ratr.de

Mont.

Heb.

10.32,33,

34

1John

pangsormoods,&c.buthabituallyconversewithScripture,tradeinthem,meditatethereinnightandday;LetthewordofChrist,(notonlylodgeorsojourneinyou,buteven)dwellinyou.HencethosecommandsofGodtohispeopleofold.ThisBookoftheLawshallnotdepartoutofthymouth,butthoushaltmeditatethereindayandnight.—Thesewordsshallbeinthineheart,andthoushaltwhetthemdiligentlyuponthychildren,andshalttalkeofthem,whenthousittestinthinehouse,andwhenthouwalkestbytheway,andwhenthoulyestdown,andwhenthourisestup.Andthoushaltbindthemforasigneuponthinehand,&c.

V.Rule

VnderstandScriptureaccordingtotheTheologicallAnalogy,orCertaineruleoffaithandlove.Anomaly,i.e.Irregularity,issomedeviationfromtherule,orexceptionagainsttherule;TothishereAnalogyisopposed.BythisAnalogy,understand,AcertaineEpitomeofScriptures,orbriefeAbridgementofChristianReligion,collectedoutoftheplaineplacesofScripture,accordingtowhichotherdarkeandfigurativeexpressionsinScripturearetobeexplained.ThisAnalogyoffaithandlove,PaulchargesTimothytoholdfast,saying,Holdfast[[...]]i.e.That[Delineation,Draught,

2.27.

Psal.

25.12,14.

[Page]

Joh.14.21,

22,23.

1Cor.

2.14.15,

16.

1Cor.8.2.[Page]

Deomeo

gratiasa-

go,quod

ignoranti-

ammeam

nonigno.

Pro;said

one.

Prov.3.34

[...]am4.6

&1Pet.

5.5.

Pro.11.2.

Platforme,Patterne,or,]formeofsoundwords,whichthouhastheardofmeinfaithandlove,whichisinChristIesus.Whereseemstobeintimated,aSysteme,orformeofdoctrine,communicatedfromPaultoTimothy,accordingtowhichTimothywastosteerasbyaCompasse.Thisformeofdoctrineisdescribedhere1▪Bythegenerallnatureofit.Aformeofsoundwords,Adraughtormodelofwholesomedoctrine.2.Bytheprincipallpartsofit,intowhichitisbranched▪viz.1Faith,2Love.Faith,comprisethcredenda,Allthingstobebelieved,asintheCreedtakenoutofScripture.Lovecontainesfacienda,Allthingstobedone,asintheDecalogue,LordsprayerandSacramentalInstitutions,whichareScripture;intothesetwo,thewholeBodyofdivinityisusuallydistributed.3.Bytheprimaryfoundationuponwhichthisformeofsoundwordsisbuilt,viz.ChristIesus;compareherewith,1Cor.3.11.Eph.2.20.SothatifinanyplaceofScripture,theword,orletterofthetextberepugnanttotheAnalogyoffaithandlove,itisnottobeunderstoodproperlyandliterally,butimproperlyandfiguratively.Asforinstance,Thisismybody,—Thisismyblood,&c.Thiscannotbeunderstoodproperly,thatthebreadandwineareChristsbodyandbloud,forthatiscontrarytotheAnalogyorruleoffaith,wchtelsusthatChristshumannatureisascendedintoheaven,whomtheheavensmust

Psal.25.9.

Matth.

11.25.

Homines

clatos,

superbos,

quisuo

judicio

praesentes

sunt,&

proprio

ingenio

multum

tribuunt,

non

assequi

legitimum

Scripturae

sensum▪

&c.

Becanus.

[Page]

Psal.1.2.

Col.3.16.

Josh.1.8.

containetilltherestitutionofallthing[...];thereforeitistobeunderstoodfiguratively,andina[...]acramentallsense,Thesignebeingputforthethingsignified,byaMet[...]ymie.SowearecommandedToeateChristsflesh,—Topluckoutourrighteye,cutoffourrighthand,iftheyoffendus.Wecannotreadanyoftheseliteraellyandproperly,forthatwereagainsttheAnalogyorruleoflove,Thoushaltnotkill;thereforewemustseekforaspirituallandimpropersense,viz.EatingChristsflesh,notcarnallywithourteeth,butspirituallybyfaith,i.e.beleevinginChristcrucified,&c.Asalsodenyingallcorruptions,corruptaffections,inclinations,oroccasions,thoughasdea[...]andusefull,asrighthandorrighteyeuntous.Thusthisrulefaithfullyfollowed,willclearemanyhardandintricatepassagesinScripture.ItisthereforeofsingularconsequencetoeveryonethatdesiressolidlytounderstandtheScriptures,tobewellgroundedinthefundamentals&PrinciplesofChristianReligion,withoutwhich,likeashipwithoutballast,amanshallbecarriedawaywitheverywindeofvainedoctrine,pervertingormistakingtheScriptures.

VI.Rule.

Bewellacquaintedwiththe1Order,2Titles,3Times,4Penmen,5Occasion,6Scope,and7

[Page]

Deut.6.6,

7,8,9,10.

[Page]

Rom.12.6.

2Tim.

1.13.

[Page]

Matth.

26.26,28.

Mark

14.22,24.

Luk.22.19,

20.1Cor.

11.24,25.

Act.3.21.

John6.

Matth.

5.29,30.

Exod.

20.13.

[Page]

Eph.4.14.

PrincipallpartsofthebooksbothoftheOldandN.Testament.Thesewillmuchpromotethesolid&judiciousunderstandingofthewholeBibleinashortspace.For1HerebyyoushallhavetheveryIdeaorcharacterofeverybook,livelydescribingthenatureandContentsofitbeforeyoureyes,asinaMap,beforeyoubegintoperusethem.2HerebyyoushallhaveaClewtoconductyou,aCompassetosaileandsteereby,intheperusallofanybook;3HerebyalsoyoushallhaveasummaryRecapitulationorRecollectionofthechiefAime,andsubjectmattersofeverybook,muchtendingbothtohelpjudgement,andstrengthenmemory,afterthePerusallofanybookofoldorNewTestament.AndthereforethiscoursemustneedsbeasanusefullKey,tounlocktherichCabinetoftheHolyScriptures,andtodiscoverthepreciousTreasuresthereofuntoyou.

NowthisistheIntentandScopeofthisManuall,thissmallTreatise;viz.sofamiliarlytoopenandunfold.The1Order,2Titles,3Times,4Penmen,5Occasion,6Scope,and7PrincipallPartsoftheBooksofOldandNewTestament.ThatthewholeTenouroftheBible,mightbespreadopeninaGenerallview,tothemeanestcapacity.For,

1.TheOrderoftheBooks,especiallyoftheHistoricall

[Page]

Books(observedallalong,andcompendiouslyrepresentedinthetwoTables,beforetheOldandNewTestament,)moreevidentlyhelptodiscovertheOrderofHistoriesandmattershandledtherein,andtheOrderofGodsgoverninghisChurchinseverallconditions.2.TheTitles,1SomeofthemsummarilysignifytousthechiefmatteroftheBook,asGenesis,TheGenerationsoftheheavenandearth:ExodusIsrael'sdepartureoutofEgypt,&c.2SomeofthemdeclaretheinstrumentallAuthors,orPenmenofthem,astheTitlesofProphetsBooks,Isaiah,&c.whobeingextraordinarymenofGod,guidedbytheSpirit,theirbooksareofdivineAuthority.3SomedenotetheChur-chesorparticularpersonsforwhosesakesimmediatelysomepartsofScripturewerepenned,whichaffordslighttodiverspassagestherein.3.TheTimesoftheBookssetforth,Partly,thelengthorspaceoftime,inwhichthingsrelatedweredone,asinHistoricallBooks,whichservetodisclosetheconnectionandcontinuanceoftheHistoryandChronology.Partlythetimeorseason,whenthebookeswerewritten,whichservestoclearetheunderstandingofdiversparticularpassages,whichotherwisewouldbeverydifficult,bothintheProphets,andintheApostles.SeethereforethosetwoTables,fortheTimeingoftheProphetsandEpistles,p.104.to107.andp.177.to186.Distinguishwellbetwixttimesandtimes,&youdissolvemanyknots.4.Penmen,beingholymenofGodextraordinarilyinspired,intimatetousthedivineAuthorityoftheirwritings.Thisincitesfaith,love,andawfullReverence

[Page]

totheirbooks.5.TheOccasionuponwhichthebookswerewritten,togetherwith6.TheScope,drift,orEndofthebook,beingwellconsidered,givegreatlighttothewholeBook;thewholeframe,dispositionandchiefeArgumentshandledinthebook,havingasingulartendencytotheScope;thereforeastheArcherfixethhiseyesteadilyonthemark,whenhewouldshootaccurately:sostillfixyourthoughtupontheOccasionandScopeofeverybook,whenyouwouldperusethemunderstandingly.7.ThePrincipallpartsoftheBook,hereAnalyticallylaiddown,exhibitclearlytoyourview,boththechiefeSubject,ormattersinsisteduponineveryBook;asalsothemethodicallandorderlycoherenceofallthepartsofthebookwithoneanother.Bookslooktuponconfusedly,arebutdarklyandconfusedlyapprehended:Butconsidereddistinctly,asinthesedistinctAnalysesorResolutionsintotheirPrincipallparts,mustneedsbedistinctly,andmuchmoreclearlydiscerned.

ThisthechiefePurposeandAimeofthisBook;BytheseparticularstofamiliarizetheScripturesuntoChristians,thatdelighttoconversewithGodinhisownebook;TowhomIearnestlycommendthisdirection,forthemoreprofitableuseofthisBook,viz.That1BeforetheyreadanyBookofScripture,theywouldfirstreadwhatisinthisKeysaidofthatBook.2InreadingtheywouldstillremembertheOccasionandScopeofthebook,andnowandthencomparethePrincipallPartshere,withtheText:And3AfterthePerusalloftheBook,theywouldread

[Page]

Cumcorde

nostronos

concorde-

mus:&

Scriptura

sanctain

nullaparte

discordat.

Aug.De

verb.Dom.

Ser.16.

againewhatthisKeyspeaksofit.Herebytheunderstaningwillbecleared,theMemoryconfirmed.

VII.Rule.

HeedfullyandjudiciouslyobservetheaccurateConcordandHarmonyoftheHolyScriptures:thoughwrittenbyseverallpersonsatseveralltimes,inseverallplaces;yetoneandthesamespiritinditingall,isstilllikehimselfe,consonanttohimselfeinall.TheDiscordisinourmindes,rathertheninGodsword.HenceAugustine,letusbeatconcordinourownheart,andtheScripturewillhavenodiscordinit.TherearePrincipallyfivenotablerespects,inwhichScripturessometimesseemmostcontrary,repugnantandoppositeonetoanother,whenyettheyarenotdissonant,butconsonantandsweetlyconcordingonewithan-other,As,1WhentheWordorPhraseisusedinseverallPlaces,notinthesame,butinseverallsensesandAcceptations.2Whentheytreatnotofthesame,butofseverallsubjects.3Whentheyspeaknotofthesame,butseverallpartsofathing.4Whentheyspeaknotinseverallplacesaccordingtothesame,butseverallrespects.5Whentheyintendnotthesame,butseveralltimes.Thesethingswellconsidered,willlayanotablefoundationforreconcilingallplacesofScripturethatseemtobeanywayoppositeonetoanother.Taketheillustrationsofthe ̄severally.

Exverbis

sensumse-

quamur,&

exsensu

rationem

intel-

ligamus,&

exratione

veritatem

apprehen-

damus.

Hilar.de

Trinit.l.5.

Phil.2.12.

1John

4.18.

[Page]

2King.

17.32,33

withv34.

John8.51.

Heb.9.27.

Jer.17.5.

1.Scripturesseemopposite,butarenot,whenthesamewordorphraseinseverallplacesisusednotinthesame,butinseverallsensesandacceptations;forthesamewordshaveofttimesseverallsignifications.Insuchcase,distinguishtheseverallAcceptations,andtheScripturesagree.AsPaulsaith,Workoutyourownsalvationwithfeareandtrembling.ButIohnsaith,Thereisnofeareinlove,butperfectlovecastethoutfear,&c.Theseplacesarenotopposite:becausetheword[Fear]inIohnsignifiesabaseservilestavishfear;inPaul,afilialchildlikereligiousfear.InthissenseitissaidoftheSamarita ̄s,theyfearedtheLord:&againtheyfearednottheLord,i.e.theyfearedtheLordservilly,andhypocriticallyforhisLyons,buttheyfearedhimnotreligiously▪[...]ilially,sincerely.NottofeareGodaright,isnottofearehimatall.AgainChristsaith,Ifamankeepmysaying,heshallneverseedeath.ButPaulsaith,Itisappointedtoallmenoncetodye;yethere'snoopposition;forChristspeaksofdeathspiritualandeternall:Paulofdeathtemporalorcorporall.FurtherIeremiahsaith,Cursedbethemanthattrustethinman;Christsaith,exceptyeeeat[...]thefleshoftheSonofman,—yeehavenolifeinyou,byeatingunderstandbe-lieving,v.47.yethere'snoopposition.[Man]signifieseithermeerman,whoisvaine,deceitful,&c.OfhimIeremiahspeaks:Orman

John.653.

Gen.2.3.

John5.17.

[Page]

Luk.14.26.

Col.3.19.

Eph.5.29.

Rom.3.28.

Jam.2.24.

subsistinginthesecondpersonofGod;ofhimChristspeaks.Mosessaith,Godrestedontheseventhdayfromallhiswork,ButChristsaith,MyfatherworkethhithertoandIworke,yethere'snoopposition;FortheworksofGodareeitherWorksofCreation,wherebynewkindsofCreaturesaremade;soMosesintendedthatGodrestedfromhiswork;orWorksofConservationandProvidence,sustainingandgoverninghisworkscreated,soChristmeantthefatherandhewroughtstill.Addehereunto;Christsaith,Ifanymancometomeandhatenothisfatherandmother,andwifeandchildren,andbrethrenandsisters,yeaandhisownlifealso,hecannotbemydisciple,ButPaulsaith,Husbands,loveyourwives,Nomaneveryethatedhisownflesh,yetnoopposition;forHatredistakeneitherProperlyandabsolutely;sounderstandPaul:orcomparatively,alesselovebeingcountedhatred;ofthat,understandChrist.MoreoverPaulsaith,Thereforeweconcludethatamanisjustifiedbyfaithwithoutthedeedsofthelaw.ButIamessaith,yeeseethenhowthatbyworksamanisjustified,andnotbyfaithonely,yetnoreallopposition;ForIustificationinPaulssense,signifyesaninstrumentallApplicationofGodsrighteousnesse,viz.JesusChristtoourselves,andsoFaithalonejustifiesbeforeGod:butIustificationinIame'ssensesignifiesaDeclarativeManifestationoftheTruthofthatFaithwherebywearejustified,bythefruitsandworkesofit.PaulspeakesofourjustificationbeforeGod:Jamesofourjustificationbe

[Page]

Joh.16.13

Ga[...].

2.11.&c.

[...]King.

2▪[...]1.

Mal.4.5.

Luke1.17.

Joh.1.21

Matt.11.14

[...]oremen.PaulofthejustificationofourpersonsbyFaith:IamesofthejustificationofourFaithitself,byworks.

2.HolyScripturesseemeoppositebutarenot,whentheytreatnotofthesame,butofseverallsubjects,orseverallmatters.As,ChristpromisedtheApostles,WhentheSpiritofTruthshouldcome,heshouldguidethemintoalltruth.ButPaultestifieth,thatPetererred,andwastobeblamed;hereareseverallSubjects,viz.DoctrineandPractise,AstoDoctrinetheApostleserrednottherein,becausetheyhaditimmediatelyfromGod.ButastomatterofPractise,Peterthereerred,dissemblingfellowshipwiththeGentilesforfeareoftheJewes.NorwereanyoftheApostlesexemptedfromsinneanderrourinPractise.Again,Itissaidinoneplace,ThatElijahwentupbyawhirlewindintoheaven.Andinanother,BeholdIwillsendyouElijahtheProphet,beforethecomingofthegreatanddreadfulldayoftheLord.Yettheseplacesopposenotoneanother,becausehereareseverallSubjectsspokenof;theformerbeingElijahtheTishbite;thelatterIohntheBaptist,theNew-Testament-Elijah,socalledbecausehecameintheSpiritandpowerofElijah.Furthermore,IohntheBaptistbeingasked,ifhewereElias,Answered,Iamnot;AndyetChristsaith,IohnBaptistwasthatEliaswhichwasfortocome.viz.Notpersonally,butvirtually;sohere'snoop-position.

Rom.718

Rom.7.22[Page]

Joh.14.28.

Phil.2.5,6.

Joh.5.31

Joh.8.14

&17.11,

12.Mark.9

1112,13.

SeeJoh.

1.14.1Tim

3.16Gal.

4.4.

3.Scripturesseemeoppositebutarenot,whenthoughtheyspeakofthesamematterorsubject,yettheyintendnotthesame,butseverallpartstherof.AsPaulsaith,Inmedwelsnogoodthing,Andyethesaith,IdelightintheLawofGod;whichdoubtlesseisgood.Yettheseopposenot,becauseintheformerPaulspeakesofhiscarnallunregeneratepart,inme,thatismyflesh,dwelsnogoodthing:inthelatterofhisspirituallregeneratepart,IdelightintheLawofGod,aftertheinnerman.Again;Christsaith,Myfa-therisgreaterthenI.ButPaul,saith,ChristIesusbeingintheformeofGod,thoughtitnorobberytobeequallwithGod.Yetnoopposition;forinChristspersonaretwoNatures,viz.ofGodandman;NowasChristisGod,soheisequalltotheFather,asPaulmeant:AsChristismansotheFatherisgreaterthenhe,ashimselfesaid.

4.Scripturesseemeoppositeandcontrary,butarenot,whentheyspeakofthings,notinthesame,butinseverallrespects,notionsorconsiderations.Fortheseverallrespect,removesallcontradictionoropposition.AsChristsaith,IfIbearewitnesseofmyselfe,mywitnesseisnottrue.ButelsewherehesaithThoughIbearerecordofmyselfe,yetmyRecordistrue.Yethere'snooppositionindeed,becauseChristspeaksofbearingwitnesseofhimselfeinseverallrespects;Intheformerplace,ofbearingwitnessetohimselfe,disjunctlyandsolelywithout

1Joh.3.9

[Page]

Joh.

1.8.10.

Seeall

theseparti-

cularslarg-

lyopened

inmyBe-

leeversE-

vidences

foreternal

life.cap.2.

p.38.&c

Mal.3.6.

Jer.

18.8.10

theFather,sohiswitnessewerenottrue:Inthelatterofbearingwitnesseofhimselfe,conjunctlyorjointlywiththeFather;sohiswitnesseofhimselfeistrue.AgaineIohnsaith,HethatisborneofGod,committethnotsinne,norcansinne.—Andyetelsewhere,Ifwesaythatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus.Ifwesaythatwehavenotsinned,wemakehimalyar,&c.Yethere'snoreallopposition;forinsomerespectstheythatarebornofGod,maybesaidtosin,insomerespectstheysinnot.Theyhavesinneoriginallinthem;andactuallsin,throughinfirmity,&c.isdonebythem,whiletheyareinthisworld:Buttheysinnotasunregeneratemensin.viz.1NotagainsttheGospel-Remedy,JesusChrist.2NotasundertheReignofSinne;3Notwithafullwill;4Notpresumptuously;5Nothabitually;6Notwithallowanceofthemselvesinanybosomecorruption;7NottotallyandFinally.Furthermore,GodsaithIamtheLord,Ichangenot;AndelsewheresaithIwillrepentoftheevilthatIthoughttodountothem.—AndIwillrepentofthegoodwherewithIsaid,Iwouldbenefitthem.Yetnoreallcontradiction;forinsomesenseGodcannotrepent,viz.Affectively,inrespectofhisessence,nonorinrespectofhiseternallDecree:Insomesense,afterthemannerofmenheissaidtorepent,viz.Effectively,inrespectofhisworkswhichheeffecteth,whenhedothsomethingcrossetowhathehadformerlydone,aswhenhedrownedthe

Isai.9.7.

Luk,1.33.[Page]

1Cor.15

24.

2King.

15.33.

2King.15

30.

world,whichhehadmade;dethronedSaul,whomhehadannointedKing,&c.Addetothese;itissaidofChristsKingdomItshallhavenoend,butbeestablishedforever.ButPaulsaith,ChristattheendshalldeliveruptheKingdometoGodeventheFather.Yetnoreallopposition,For,ChristsKingdomemaybeconsideredindiversrespects,viz.1AsitisEssentiallbelongingtoChristasGod:SoheheshallneverdeliveruphisKingdome.2AsOeconomicall,Dis-pensatoryorMediatory;TheMediatoryKingdomeofChristisconsiderableinrespectof,Thesubstanceofit,soChristourMediatourshallbeheadofhisChurch,andmysticallbodyforever;TheCircumstanceofit,ormannerofadministrationofit,byWord,Sacraments,EffusionoftheSpirit,&c.AndthusatlastChristshalldeliveruptheKingdometotheFather,forthenGodinChrist,facetoface,shallbeanendlesseSabbath,Sermon,Sacrament,allinall.

5Finally,Scripturesmayseemebutarenotreallyopposite,whentheyintendnotthesame,butseveralltimes.Oratleastwhentheyspeakeofthesametimesinseverallrespects.Distinguishwiselythetimes,andrespects,andtheoppositionceaseth,AsIothamthesonneofVzziahissaidtoReignesixteenyeeresinIerusalem;AndyetmentionismadeofthetwentiethyeerofJothamsonofUzziah.Notwithstandinghere'snorealloppositioninthiscomputation;ForIothamreignedaloneonely16.yeers:buthereigned

[Page]

Mat.17.1.

Luk.9.28

SeeKeyof

theBible.

p.137.

Act.13.19,

20.

[Page]

withhisFatherVzziah(whocouldnotmannage-theaffairesoftheKingdome,beingsmittenwithleprosie)4.yeersbefore;inal20years.Again,Matthewsaith,Aftersixdayes,IesustakethPeter,James,andJohnhisbrother,andbringeththemupintoanhighmountaineapart.ButLukesaith,Aboutaneightdayesafterthesesayings,hetookPeter,andJohnandJames,andwentupintoamoun-taine—yetnoopposition:For1eitheritmaybesaid,Luke'sexpressionof,[aboutaneightdayesafter,]hathalatitude,andmaybeareadayunder:andMatthew'sexpressionhathalatitude,[After▪sixdayes]andmaybeareadayortwoover:2OrMatthewnumbersthedayesexclusively,Lukeinclusively.FurthermorethetimeoftheGovernmentbyJudges,intheBookofIudges,iscomputedtobeabouttwohundredninetyandnineyears.ButPaulinhisSermonatAntioch,saith,AndwhenhehaddestroyedsevenNationsintheLandofCanaan,hedividedtheirLandtothembyLot,Andafterthat,hegaveuntothemIudges,aboutthespaceoffourehundredandfiftyyears,untillSamueltheProphet.Hereseemstobeagreatopposition,butifthingsbewellexamined,thereisnoneatall.Yetitmaynotbedissembledthatthisissohardaknot,thatitmuchpuzzleswriterssatisfactorilytountyit.1Partly,becausethisComputationof450.years,issopunctuallyconfutedbythistext,viz.tobeginafterCanaanwasdividedbyLot,andtoendatSamuelexclusively.[...]Partly,BecausethatnotedChronologymentionedin1King.6.1.assuresusexpresly,Thatthe

[...]ez.An-

not.inAct.

timefromIsraelscomingoutofEgypttillthebeginningofthebuildingoftheTempleinthefourthyeereofSolomon,waspreciselybut480.yeeres.ButifweallowforthetimeoftheIudges450.yeers,inthisaccount;weshalfindthewholetimefromgoingoutofAegypttilltheTemplesfounding,willariseto591yeeresinall,viz.From

TheirdepartureoutofAegypt,tilltheirentranceintoCanaan

40.yeereThencetoIoshuah'sdeath,about

17.y.ThencetoEliesdeath,(forSamuelstimeisincludedinSaulsReigne,Act.13.21.)accordingtothissupposition.

450.y.ThencetotheDeathofDavid,

80.y.ThencetothefoundingoftheTempleinSolomonsfourthyeere,

4.y.Inall,

591.yeeres.

Sothatintheseregards,itisnoeasiematterclearlyandundoubtedlytoreconcilethesetimes.ManyopinionsareofferedinWriterstothisend,yetmostofthem,ifnotall,labourundersomeinconvenienceorother.Toomitthevarietyofopinions,Letitsufficetomentiononlytwo,whichlearnedmenseemmosttoinclineunto.Somethinke,thatherePaulintendednottoreckonupthetimewhiletheIudgesruled,

13.20.

Ludovic.De

Dieu

Animad-

vers.in

Act.Apost.

c.13.v.

20.

[Page]

(becausesoitwereimpossibletoreconcilethesefourehundredandfiftyyearswiththosefourehundredandeightyyears,in1King.6.1.ashathbeenintimated):buttopointoutatwhattimeGodgaveIsraelJudges,viz.afterthesethingswchweredeclared.v,17,18,19.viz.fromthebirthofIsaac,(whichseemstobenotedinthatphrase,Godchoseourfathers,v.17.amongallpeopleGodchoosingAbraham,amongallAbrahamschildrenchoosingIsaac,andmakingaCovenantwithhim,)tillthebeginningofIudges,whichiscomputedtobefourehundredfourtysevenyears,that'saboutfourehundredandfiftyyears,wantsbutthreeyears;anditsusuallinScripturetoputtheroundnumberforthepunctuallnumber.ThisComputationtheymakethus,

FromIsaac'sbirth,toIacobsbirth,yeers60.

FromIacobsbirthtothegoingdownintoEgypt130.

ThencetotheCommingforthofEgypt,210.

ThencetotheentringintothelandofCanaan40.

ThencetothedividingoftheLandbyLot,7.

Whichmakeupinall447.

Butthisopinionisattendedwiththesetwoinconveniences.1.ThepresenttextintheActsseemsplainlytoconfineus

[Page]

Beroaldus,

with

others.

forthesefourehundredandfiftyyears,betweenthedividingofthelandofCanaanbyLot,andthebeginningofSamuelsRule;whichlimitsthisComputationtrans-gresseth.2.Thenumbercomputeddothnotexactlyamounttofourehundredandfifty,wantsthree.Othersthereforetoavoidtheseinconveniences,confineandboundtheircomputationaccordingtothistext,tothespaceoftimebetwixtthedi-vidingCanaanbyLot,andSamuelsRule.AndtheythinkePaulreckonedupalltheyearsmentionedintheJudges,andsotheycomputeboththeyearsoftheJudges,andtheyearsofIsraelsoppressours,distinctlyandseverally;(thoughtheyearsoftheOppressoursareindeedcomprizedundertheyearsoftheIudges)andbothtogetherdopunctuallymakeupthefourehundredandfiftyyears,herementionedintheActs.Asfolloweth,

TheIudgesmentionedintheBookofIudges,governedinall.

299.years.TotheseaddethefourtyyearsofEli,whosolongjudgedIsrael,1Sam.4.18.

40.SothewholetimeoftheIudgesrule,tillSamuel,was,

339.

IsraelsOppressourswere

1.Cushanwhooppressedthem,Iudges38.8years

2.Moab,Iudg.3.14,

[Page]

18.3.Iabin,Iudg.4.3.

[...]0.4.Midian,Iudg.6.[...].

7.5.AmmonIudg.10.8.

18.6.Philistims,Iudg.13.1.

40.SothewholetimeoftheirOppressors,was

111.

Nowaddethesetogether▪viz.theyearsoftheirIudges,andtheyearsoftheirOppressours,threehundredthirtyandnine,andonehundredandeleven,andthetotallresultingisfourehundredandfiftyyearsexactly;(onlyth[...]sinconvenienceremaines,thesameyearsarereckonedtwiceover,yetitisnotinthesame,butseveralrespects).Nowifoutofthenumberofyears,fromdepartureoutofEgypt,tilltheFoundingoftheTemple,asfirstcomputedviz.—591,YousubducttheyearsoftheOp-pressoursofIsraelundertheirIudges,whichseemstobetwicereckonedup,viz.onehundredandelevenyears.Theremaineisjustfourehundredandeightyyears,accordingtothatof1Kings6.1.AndsotheScriptureonallsidesarereconciledaccurately;Andthereforethisopinionseemsmosttobeembraced.

VIII.Rule.

LearnethatexcellentArtofexplainingandunderstanding

Ubia-

pertius

sententiae

ponuntur,

ibidiscent

dumest

quomodo

inlocis

intelligan-

turobscu-

ris.Aug.de

Doct.

Christian.l.

3.c.25.

Psal.

16.10.

Act.2.

[...]5.to

32.

[Page]

Aug.de

Doct.Chri.

l.3.c.28.

Iren.l.4.

theScriptures,bytheScriptures.TheScripturesinsomeplacesspeakmoredarklyanddubiously,inotherplacestheyexpressethesamethingsmoreclearlyandcertainly:thedoubtfullaretobeexplainedbythecertaine,asdarkeplacesbythosethatareclear,AsAugustinenoteth;As,PeterbeingtoprovetotheIewesChristsresurrectionbyScripture,viz.Thouwiltnotleavemysouleinhell,norsufferthineholyonetoseecorruption:healledgethforclearingthisanotherScripturetoevincethatthispromisewasmadetoDavidconcerningChrist,andcouldnotproperlybeintendedofDavidhimselfe,Menandbrethrenletmespeakfreelytoyou,ofthePatriarchDavid,thatheisbothdeadandburied,andhissepulchreiswithusuntothisday.ThereforehebeingaProphet,andknowingthatGodhadswornewithanoath,&c.CertainlyScriptureisthebestexpounderofitself,Scripture-expositionofitself,(asAugustine,andbeforehimIrenaeusobserved)ismostregularandsafe.Letus(saithChrysostome)attendtotheScopeofScripture,whichinterpretsitselfeandsuffersnothishearertoerre.Thegoldwasnotsanctified(saithOrigen)withouttheTemple,nomoreanysensebutwhatisdrawnoutoftheScripture.AndmostexcellentlyHilary,HeisthebestReader,whointerpretssayingsbysayings;whobringsnotaninterpretationtoScripture,norimposethasenseuponScripture,

c.63.

Joh5.39

Act.3.18.

&c.Act.7

52.&10

43.Rom.

10.4.2Cor

3.14,16.

Gal.3.24.

1Cor.2.2.

Revel.

19.10.

[Page]

Chryso-

stom.in

Gen.Hom.

13.

Orig.in

Matth.

Hom.25.

Hilar.de

Trinit.l.1.

—Retulerit

magis

quamAt-

tulerit.—

butfindethasenseinScripture,anddrawesitfromScripture,&c.

NowthatwemaymoresuccessefullyandclearlyunderstandScripturebyScripture,theseensueingparticularsaretobeobserved.

1.ThatIesusChristourMediatour,andthesalvationofsinnersbyhim,istheverysub-stance,marrow,soule,andScopeofthewholeScriptures.Asmanypassagesnotobscurelyintimateuntous.WhatarethewholeScrip-tures,butasitwerethespirituallswadling-cloathesoftheHolychildIesus?1Christisthetruthandsubstanceofallthetypesandshadows.2ChrististhematterandsubstanceoftheCovenantofGraceunderalladministrationstherof;undertheOld-TestamentChristisveyled,undertheNewCovenantRevealed.3ChrististheCenterandmeetingplaceofallthePromises,forinhimallthepromisesofGodareyea,andtheyareAmen.4Christisthethingsignified,sealed,andexhibitedinalltheSacramentsofOldorNewTestament,whetherordinaryorextraordinary.5Scripture-GenealogiesaretoleadusontothetrueLineofChrist.6Scrip-ture-Chronologies,aretodiscovertousthetimesandseasonsofChrist.7Scripture-lawes,areourSchoole-MastertobringusuntoChrist;theMorallbycorrecting,theCeremoniallby

2Cor.

1.20.

Gal.3.20.

Joh10.4.5.

Rom.1.16.

1Cor.

1.18.

[Page]

Mal.4.2

Directing;and8Scripture-GospelisChristslight,wherebyweknowhim;Christsvoicewherebyweheareandfollowhim;ChristscordsoflovewherebywearedrawnintosweetunionandCommunionwithhim;yeaitisthepowerofGoduntoSalvationuntoallthemthatbelieveinChristIesus.KeepthereforestillJesusChristinyoureye,intheperusalloftheScriptureastheend,Scope,andsubstancethereof.ForastheSunnegiveslighttoalltheheavenlybodies:soJesusChristtheSunneofrighteousnessegiveslighttoalltheholyScriptures.

2.StillrememberhowIesusChristisrevealedinScripture,graduallyinPromisesandCovenants,tillthenoondayoftheGospellshinedmostclearly.EspeciallyinthesemoreremarkeablePeriodsoftime:1ToAdamimmediatelyuponhisfall,mostobscurelyandimperfectly.2.ToNoahmoreclearlythentoAdam.3.ToAbraham,IsaacandIacobmoreclearlythentoNoah.4.ToMosesandIsraelatMountSinaimoreclearlythentoAbraham.5.ToDavidandhisseedmoreclearlythentoMoses.6.ToIsraelaftertheBabylonishcaptivity,moreclearlythentoDavid.7.TotheChurchundertheN.Testament,theN.Covenantislaidopenmoreclearlythentoallothers.For,1GodisaGodoforder,andhemakesknownehisgraciouscontrivancesorderly:2ChristandsalvationbyhimaretreasurestoohighandprecioustobedisclosedallatoncetotheChurch:3ThestateoftheChurchisvarious,shehathherinfancy,heryouth,andallthedegreesofherminority,asalsoher

Illequicor

habet,

quodprae-

cisumest

ju[...]gat

Scripturae

&legat

superio

[...]avel

inferiora,&

inve ̄ietsensum,qu

[...]m

pravusvol

[...]bat

[Page]

riperage;andtherforeGodrevealedChristnotaccordingtohisownabilityofrevealing,butaccordingtohisChurchescapacityofreceiving:4ThisgradualrevealingofChristsuitswellwithourconditioninthisworld,whichisnotperfectbutgrowingontoperfectio ̄,fullyattainableinHeavenonly.NowthisgradualunveilingoftheCovenantandpromisesinChrist,istobemuchconsideredthroughoutthewholeScripture;thatwemayseethewisedomeofGodsDispensations,theImperfectionoftheChurchesConditionhere,especiallyinherminority,andtheusefulnesseofcomparingthemoredarkandimperfect,withthemoreclearandcompleatmanifestationsofthemysteriesofGodsgraceinChrist.

3.Wellcomparethetexts,youwouldunderstand,withtheContext:andnotethecoherence.For(thoughsomeScripturesarelaiddowneincertainindependingAphorismes,likeanheapofgoldringsordistinctJewels,asmostpartoftheProverbs;yet)thegeneralityoftheScripturesisconcatenatedorlinkedtogetherpartwithpartlikeagoldenchaine,intwistedorwoventogetherlikeacurioussilkenweb,onethingsodependinguponanother,asthattheymutuallyhelptotheinterpretingofoneanother.Considerthereforestillthecoherenceanddependance,otherwiseyouwillrunneintoathousandmisunderstandings.Aswhereitissaid,Iftherighteousscarcelybesaved,where&c.AweakChristianperhapsisdiscouragedhereby,thinksheshallscarceevercometo

maléin-

terpretari.

Aug.de

verb.Dom.

Serm49.

Dictotum

intel-

ligentia,

autex

praepositis,

autex

conse-

quentib

[...]s

expectetur.

Hilar.de

Trini[...].

l.6.

1Pet.

4.18.

1Pet4.17.

Matth.

13.3.&c.

withv.18.

&c.

heaven:nowthecontextclearsit,fortheApostlespeaksthatjudgement[oraffliction]mustbeginatthehouseofGod,Godspeople;andthencearguestothecertaintyofwickedmensgreaterpunishments:sothathere[scarcelybesaved]istobeunderstoodnotofspirituallandeternalsalvationfromhell,butoftemporallsalvationfromtemporallafflictionsandpersecutions,fromwhichtherighteousshallnotbefree.

4.Comparedarkplaceswithclearer,whatisinoneplaceveyled,isinanotheroft-timesun-veyled.As,withParablesconferretheex-position;withvisions,theInterpretation;withlaws,theexplicationthereof,&c.ForasAugustinehathobserved,InthosethingsthatareplainlylaiddowneinScripture,arefoundallthingscontainingfaithandmanners;andplacesobscurearetobeillustratedbythosethataremanifest.

5.Explainethoseplaces,whereinanymatterorsubjectofDivinityistouchedonlyoccasionallyoraccidentally,withsundryotherplaceswhereinitishandledandinsisteduponpurposelyandprofessedly,whicharetheveryseateandchieffountainoftheArgument.AsifyouwouldunderstandIames,c2.touchingjustificationbyworksaswellasfaith,wherejustificationisspokenofmoreaccidentally;

Rev.1.12,

13,16,20.

Matth.

5.21.to

theendof

thechapt.

Iniisquae

apertein

Scriptura

posita

sunt,inve-

niunturilla

omniaquae

continent

sidem,mo-

resquevi-

vendi.Au-

gust.de

doctrin.

Christian.l.

2.c.9.Ad

obscuriores

locutiones

illustrandas

demani-

festioribus

suman

[...]ur

[Page]

compareitwiththeEpistletotheRomans,c.2,3,4&c.whereinjustificationispurposelyandfullyhandled.SoifyouwouldtrulyunderstandanytextsaboutthematterofCreation,consultwithplaceswheretheCreationisprofessedlyhandled,asinGen.c.1.andc.2.andPsal.104.

6.ParallelTypes,withAnti-Typesorthingstypified.TheTypesmorefamiliarlyleadustotheunderstandingandapprehendingofthingstypified,andconsequentlymorefirmlyfixtheminourmemories:TheAnti-typesmoreevidentlyunfoldandunveyletheTypesuntous.As,theTypeofthebrazenSerpent,paralleldwithChristthetruth.TheTypeofMannah,andwateroutoftheRock,withtheAnti-typeChrist,whosebodyandbloudaremeatanddrinkeindeed,&c.

7.CarefullyponderwhatProphecyesandPromisesarealreadyactuallyfulfilled,andwhatremainfurthertobefulfilledintheirseason.ForsofarreasanyScriptureclearlytestifiesthefulfillingofanyofthem,sofarrewehaveaclearandundoubtedCommentaryuponthem,AsIsa.7.14.fulfilledandsocleared,Matth.1.22,23.SoExod.12.46.fulfilledandcleared,Iohn19.26.SoIsa61.1,2.fulfilledandcleared,Luk.4.18,19.21.withmanysuchlike;AndwhereProphecyesorPromisesarefoundto

exemplo.

ibid.ubi

apertiùs

sententiae

ponuntur,

ibidiscen-

dumest

quomodo,

inlocis

intelli-

ganturob-

scuris.

Aug.de

doct.Chri-

stian.l.3.

c.25.

Isdivinas

Scripturas

Num.21.9

withJoh.3,

1415.16.

Exod.16

15.&c.and

17.6.with

1Cor.

10.3,4.

John6.

[Page]

beyetunfulfilled,weshalltherebybeincitedtostudythem,andtheintendedtimeoftheirAccomplishment,exercisingfaithandprayerthereupon.

8.Finally,ParallelheedfullytheOldandNewTestamenttogether;andspeciallyallthoseplacesintheOldTestament,whichareinanyrespectalledgedintheNewTestament,whether1thephraseandwordsonly,or2thesenseandmatteronly,or3bothwordsandmatter,becited.ThiswouldgivewonderfulllighttomanyhundredsofpassagesintheBible.AndforthisendIhavewithmuchcareanddiligencecompiled,aParallelofthePlacesoftheOldTestament,anywayalledgedintheNew;andhadonceresolvedtohaveinserteditinthisplace;Buttoavoidprolixity,Imustnowforbeareit,leastthePorchprovetoobigforthebuilding.

IX.Rule.

ThelastDirectionIshallcommendtotheReaderfortheimprovementofheavenlydex-terityin,andunderstandingoftheholyScrip-tures,is;EndeavoursincerelytopractiseScrip-ture,andyoushallsolidlyunderstandScripture▪Bernardsaidtruely,HerightlyreadstheScripturesthatturne[...]sWordsintoworkes;KnowingintoDoing.Themightiest

rectelegir,

quiverba

vertitino-

pera.Ber-

nard.in

Tract.de

Ord.vitae.

[Page]

[...]ohn

7.16,17.

Ps.

119.98.99

100.

Isa.48.17.

maninpractise,willintheendprovethemightiestmaninScripture.TheoryistheguideofPractice,PractisetheLifeofTheory.WhereScripture-contemplationandexperiencemeetbothtogetherinthesameperson,trueScriptureunderstandingmustneedsbeheightnedanddoubled.TothiseffectisChristspromiseMyDoctrineisnotmine,buthisthatsentme.Ifanymanwilldohiswill,heshallknowofthedoctrine,whetheritbeofGod.TolikepurposesubscribestheexperienceofDavid.ThouthroughthyCommandementshastmademewiserthenmineenemies:fortheyareeverwithme.IhavemoreunderstandingthenallmyTeachers:forthytestimoniesaremymeditation.IunderstandmorethentheAntients;becauseIkeepthyPrecepts.

Thesethings(ChristianReader)IthoughtfittocommendtotheebywayofPreface;ButshalldetainetheenolongerfromthePerusalloftheBookitselfe.TheLord,thatteach-ethhispeopletoprofit,advancethyspiritualprofitingabundantlybyboth:Soprayeth

HewhoearnestlydesirestobeserviceabletoIesusChrist,andusefulltohisChurchandpeople,Fran.

Roberts.Augustine's,London,Aug.26—1647Aug.21—1648

T[Page]

[Page]

[Page]

CLAVISBIBLIORVM.THEKEYOFTHEBIBLE:UnlockingTherichestTreasuryoftheHolyScriptures.

HEHOLYSCRIPTURES,Rom.1.2.werewrittenbyMoses,theProphets,theApostles,andotherholymenofGod,Luk.16.29.31.Eph.2.20.and3.5.and2Pet.1.21.TheCovenantofGodwithmaninChristthe

Mediatour,thatsubstantiallorbegottenWORD,Iohn1.1.isthePrincipallSubjectRevealedandexplainedinthewholeScripturall,orwrittenWORD.

GodsCOVENANTwithmaninChristisrepresentedtousinHolyScriptureprincipallytwowayes.viz.1.AsPromised,fore-propheciedandtypifiedInChristtobemanifestedafterwardsintheflesh.HencecalledtheCovenantsofPromise,Eph.2.10.Covenants,notCovenant:becauseoftheseverallPublicationsoftheCovenantwithmoreandmoreAugmentations,inseverallPointsorPeriodsoftime.ThustheCovenantismadeknowninalltheBookesofScripture,writtenbeforeChristscomming:whicharethereforecalledtheOLD-COVENANT,Heb.8.13.ortheOLD-TESTAMENT,2Cor.3.14.

2.Asperformed,fulfilledandactuallyaccomplishedinChristalreadycome,andmanifestedinourfleshinful-nesseoftime,Gal.4.4,5.Heb.9.Heb.10.ThustheCovenantismostclearlyandfullyunveyledtousinalltheBooksofScripturewrittensinceChristscoming;

[Page][Page][Page]

Mose[...]

isthese-

venthfrom

Abraham,a

NewHe-

noch,who

wasthese-

venthfrom

Adam.So

[Page]

whicharethereforestiledtheNEWCOVENANTortheNEWTESTAMENTHeb.8.8.Matth.26.28.Heb.9.15.

ThusthewholeBIBLEisdistributedintothe1Old;and2NewTestament.

THEOLDTESTAMENT.I

THEOLDTESTAMENT,(revealingtheCovenantsofpromise)inrespectofthePenmenwhomtheHolyGhostimployedtowritetheBooksthereof,isdispartedbytheHolyGhosthimselfeintotwogenerallheads,viz.1Moses,and2theProphets,Luk.16.29.31.and24.27.Iohn1.45.or,TheLawofMoses;andtheProphets,Act.28.23.

J.MOSES.

MOSES(themanofGod,Psal.90.1.ThefirstPenmanofScripture:)wasanEbrewborneinEgypt,aftertheworldscreationabout2432years,beforeChristabout1496.years;TheseventhfromAbraham,thefatherofthefaithfull,1Chron.6.1,2,3.and2.1.and1.34.AsEnochwastheseventhfromAdamthefatheroftheworld,Iude14.WhenMoseswasbornehewasveryfair,Act.7.20,21,22.Hewasmarvellouslysavedfromdeathbeingdrawneoutofthewater,whencehisnameMOSES,i.e.Drawn-forth,wasgiventohim,Exod.210HewasnourishedbyKingPharao[...]sdaughterforherownsonne,Ex.

wasEber

these-

venthfrom

Enoch;and

Isaacthe

seventh

fromEber.

Allexcel-

lentamong

ordinary

men.As

theSab-

bathinre-

gardofthe

sixother

daies.The

viewof

HolyScript.

p.133.

[Page]

2.9,10.Act.7.21.LearnedinallthewisedomeoftheEgyptians,andmightyinwordsandindeeds,Act.7.22.HelivedinPharaohsCourt40.years,andthenlefttheCourt,choosingrathertosufferafflictionwiththepeopleofGod,&c,Act.7.23.Heb.11.24,25,26.Hewasastranger,ashepheardinthelandofMadian40.years,Act.7.29.30.Exod.3.thenceGodcalledhimtofeedIacobhispeople,andIsraelhisinheritance.HefedIsraelmostfaithfully40.years,Numb.12.7.Heb.3.2.5.beingintheChurchinthewildernesse,Act.7.38.withtheAngelthatspoketohimonMountSinai,andwithourfathers,wherehereceivedthelivelyOraclestogiveuntous,andcommandedusalawwhichistheinheritanceoftheChurchofIacob,Deut.33.4.OfalltheProphetsthataroseinIsrael,therewasnonelikeMoseswhomGodknewfacetoface,Deut.34.10.Hedyed120.yearsold,hiseyenotbeingdimmenorhisnaturallstrengthabated,andwasburiedofGod,nomanknowingofhissepulchertothisday.Deut.34.5.6.7.

MOSESwrotetheLawofGodinthefivefirstBookes,calledinGreekthePentateuch,i.e.Thefive-fold-volume.AtfirstitseemestobewritteninonevolumeorRoll,therebeingsuchacontinuedconnectionofBookwithBook,Exod.1.1.Levit.1.1.Num.1.1.Deut.1.1.Butwasafterwards,accor-dingtotheseveralsubjectmatterstherincontained,dividedintofiveseverallBooks,Containing1AnHistoryofthingspast:2ACovenantbetweenGodandhisChurch

[Page]

[Page]

thenpresent:3AndaProphecyoffurthergracetocome,nowexhibitedbyIesusChrist,Deut.18.15.&c.Iohn5.46.and1.17.InPropoundingofwhichthings,(asAinsworthobserves)Moseshathaveileuponhisgloriousface:forintheHistoriesareimpliedAllegories,Gal.2.24.AndintheLawesaretypesandshadowsofgoodthingstocome;thebodywhereofisofChrist,Heb.9.9.and10.1.Col.2.17.InGenesis(whichHistoryendethwithIsraelsgoingdowneintoEgypt,)wehavetheimageofanaturallman,fallenfromGodintothebondageofsin.InExodus,isthetypeofourRegeneration,andStaterenewedbyIesusChrist.InLeviticustheshadowofourmortification,whilstwearemadesacrificesuntoGod.InNumbers,ourspirituallwarfare,whereuntowearemustered,andarmedto[...]ightthegoodfightoffaith.InDeuteronomie,theDoctrineofoursanctification,andPreparationtoenterintoourheavenlyCanaan,afterMosesdeath,bytheconductofIesusthesonofGod.SoH.AinsworthinhisPrefacebeforehisAnnotat.onGen.&c.

Genesis.

IGENESISi.e.Generation,socalledbytheGreek;becauseitsetsforththeGenerationsoftheheavens&oftheearth,intheirfirstcreation,Gen.2.4.TheHebrewsnametheirBooksoftheOldTestament,either1FromtheProphets,thePenmenofthem.Or2FromthePrincipallsubjectorArgumenthandledinthem:Or3FromthefirstHebrewwordwherewiththeybegin,asthe5.BooksofMoses,&theLament.ofIeremiah.HenceGenesisiscalledinHebrew[...]Bereschithi.e.Inthebeginning.

[Page]

Penman.ItisnotprobablethisBookwaswrittenbyMoseswhilstaPrivateman,andashepheardinMadian,inthedesert:butratherafterhewasaPublickperson,andfurnishedwithaProphetickspirit;otherwisethecreditandauthorityofthisHistorywouldbetoomuchenfeebled.NorisitabsurdwhichsomeHebrewwritersthink,whoreferrethiswritingtothatofExod.24.12.Comeuptomeintothemount,andbethouthere,andIwillgivetheetheTablesofstone,andtheLaw,andthePrecepts,whichIhavewrittentoteachthem.UnderstandingbytheTables,theDecalogue:bythePreceptsalltheCeremoniall,andIudiciallOrdinances:andbytheLawallotherwritingsofMoses,whetherHistoricallorDogmaticall,D.ParaeusinProlegom.inGenes.p.14.15.infol.

ThisBookasitisabsolutelytheancientestwritingextantintheworld:soitismostcompendious;beinganHistoryof2369years,asAinsw.thinks,orratherof2368asIuniusandParaeuscomput.Iun.Annot.inGen.1.Parae.Prologom.inGenes.ThismayappeareinthreeeminentIntervalsorPeriodsoftimerecordedinGenesis.viz.

I.FromtheCreationtothebeginningoftheflood,inNoahs600thyeare,through10Generations;1656yeares.Gen.5.and6.11.viz.FromAdamsCreationtoSeth'sNativity,130years.FromSethtoEnos,105.FromEnostoCainan90.FromCainantoMahalee[...]70.FromMahaleeltoIared▪65.FromIaredtoEnoch,162.FromEnochtoMathusalah.65.FromMathusalahtoLamech,187.FromLamechtoNoah'sbirth,182.FromNoah'sbirthtothebeginningoftheflood,600inall1656.

[Page]

[Page]

II.ThesecondPeriodoftime,is;Fromthebeginningoftheflood,throughother10GenerationstoAbrahamsbirth,352years,Gen.11.viz.FromtheFloodtoArphaxad,2years.FromArphaxadtoSelah,35years.FromSelahtoHeber,30yearsFromEbertoPeleg,34years.FromPelegtoReu,30years.FromReutoSerug,32years.FromSerugtoNachor,30years.FromNachortoTerah,29years.FromTerahtoAbraham,130years.Inall352years.SothatAbrahamwasborneinthe2008yearefromtheCreation.III.ThethirdPeriod,is;FromAbrahamsbirthtoJosephsdeath,throughfoureGenerations,360years,viz.FromBirthofAbrahamtothebirthofIsaac,100years,Gen.17.17.and21.5.FromIsaacsbirthtoIacobsbirth,60years,Gen.25.26.FromIacobsbirthtohisgoingdownintoEgypt,130years,Gen.47.9.FromIacobsdescentintoEgypttohisdeath,17years,Gen.47.28.FromdeathofIacobtothedeathofIoseph53years,whichmaybethusgathered.Iosephdiedwhenhewas110yearsold,Gen.50.26.HestoodbeforePharaohwhenhewas30yearsold,Gen.41.46.Afterthesevenyearsofplenty,inthethirdyeareoffamineIacobcameintoEgypt,intheonehun-dredandthirtiethyeareofIacob,andfourtiethyeareofIoseph,Gen.45.6.IosephlivedwithhisfatherinEgyptseventeenyears.Thereforewhenhisfatherdyed,Iosephwas57yearsold.Consequentlyhelivedafterhisfathersdeath53years,Gen.50.26.SothatthetotallofthisthirdIntervall,amountsto360years.Andtherefore1656and352and360beingaddedtogether:ThisHistoryofGenesis,isevidentlyan

Historyof2368yearescontinuance.

ThescopeofGenesis,istosetforth,TheGenerationoftheworld:Thecorruptionthereofbysin:TheRestaurationthereofbyChristtheseedofthewoman,togetherwiththeGovernmentoftheoldworldbeforetheflood,andthefoll[...]ingworldaftertheflood,especiallyoftheChurchofGodinparticularfamiliesinboth.

PrincipallpartsofthisBook.InGenesisaredescribed▪

I.TheOriginall1Oftheworld.chap.1.2.OfMankinde,andsooftheChurch.ch.2.3.Ofsinneandpunishmentthereof,ch.3.II.TheGovernment.

1.OftheOldWorldbeforetheFlood,whereare1.ThePropogationofsinandpunishmentfromAdamtoposterity.c.4.2.PreservationoftheChurchinthesinfullworld.c.5.3.IudgementsofGodupontheworld,Foretold.c.6.Inflicted,c.7.2.OftheWorldfollowingaftertheFlood;accordingtothetimesofdiversrenownedPatriarchs,Noah,Abraham,Isaac,Iacob.

1.Noah,whose1DeliverancefromtheFloodc.8.2.Benediction.c.9.3.Family,1asunited,c.10.2asdispersedc.11.arerecorded.2.Abraham,touchingwhomarelaiddown1HisCallingfromhisCountryandkindredc.12.1tover.10.2.Hisgoingdown,IntoEgypt,ver.10.totheend,IntoCanaanc.13.3.HisrescuingofLot,c.14.4.HisdealingwithGod,who,1Promiseshimissuec.15.2Performes

[Page]

[Page]

tohimbyHagar.c.16.3MakesaCovenantwithAbraham;whereofnote,Theformec.17.Thefruitoreffectofit1OnGodspart,viz.CommunicationofhisCounselstohim.ch.18.andofhisBenefitsch.19,20,21.2OnAbrahamspartdiverssweetfruits,viz.1Theobedienceofhisfaith,c.22.2HisHumanityc.23.3HisPietyinthematchingofhissonnec.24.3.Isaac,whose1Posterity,c.25.2.PeregrinationintothelandofEgypt,c.26.3.Benedictionofhistwosons,c.27.arementioned.4.Iacob,whosethreePeregrinationsaredeclared.viz.I.IntoMesopotamia,wherinnote,1.Hisjourneyc.28.2.HisArrivallandmarriage,c.29.3.Hisincreaseingoods,andchildrenc.30.II.IntoCanaan,whereobserve,Hispassagehither,c.31.4Hisabodethere,wherethethingsthatbefellhimarerecited,viz.1.HismeetingofhisbrotherEsau,with1preparationforit,c.32.2mannerofit,c.33.HisdaughterDinah'sdefilementc.34.2.Rachelsdeathc.35.&3.IsaacsdeathandburiallbyIacobandEsau,whereismentionedEsausrace,c35.36.SellingofIosephc.37.IncestofIudah,c.38.III.IntoEgypt:ofwhichPeregrinationofIacob,arementioned,TheAntecedents,TheManner,andConsequents.Antecedents.viz.1.IosephsbeingmadeknownetotheEgyptians,andtohisownekindred.TotheEgyptiansinPrison,c.

[Page]

[Page]

39.48.outofPrisontotheKingandhispeople.c.41.Tohisowne,NotattheirfirstcomingintoEgypttobuycorne.c.42.Butattheirsecondcoming,c.43.44.45.whereallthecircumstancesthereofarenoted.2.Iosephssendingforhisfather,c.45.Manner,1.OfIacobsgoingthither,c.46.2.OfIacobsbeingthere,Wherenote,hisconferencewithPharaohc.47.HisblessingofIosephc.48.HisPropheticallbenedictionstoallhissonnes,c.49.ConsequentsuponIacobsdeathc.50.

Exodus.

IIEXODUS.i.e.Going-out;orDeparture,socalledbytheGreek,becauseitdeclaresIsraelsDepartureoutofEgypt,aftertheyhadbeenlong-oppressedthereunderTyrannicallservitude.InHeb.[...]veellehschemoth,i.e.Andthesearethenames,Exod.1.1.

Scope;TosetforthGodsgoverningandorderingofhisChurch,nowreducedandunitedintoonebody,outofalltheseverallfamiliesofIsrael.ThisistheChurchinthewildernesse,Act.7.38.

ExodusisanHistory,fromthedeathofIosephtilltheerectingoftheTabernacle,forabout142.years.viz.FromdeathofIosephtothebirthofMoses,60years.AsIuniuscomputes.Annot.inEx.FromMosesbirthtotheDepartureoutofEgypt.80years,Exod.7.7.FromthedepartureoutofEgypt,totheerectingoftheTabernacletwoyearsExod.40.17.inthesecondyeare.viz.thesecondyeare

[Page]

aftertheircomingoutofEgypt.Iun.Annotat.

PrincipalPartsofthisBook.ExoduscontainsanHistoricallNarrationof

I.GodsActionsforIsraelsdeliveranceoutofEgypt.ThingsdoneofGod,wereBefore,In,orAfterIsraelsdeliverance.

I.Beforetheirdeliverance,are1.HispermissionoftheEgyptianTyrannyoverthem,whichwastheoccasionofthedeliverancec.1.2.HisPreparationbothofInstrumentsandActions,fordeliverance1.OfInstruments.viz.MoseswhoisBornec.2.Calledc.3.Aaronc.4.2.OfActionsviz.Wordsc.5.6.Signes,bothConfirmingtheirwordsc.7.andPunishingtheEgyptiansfornotlettingIsraelgo,withtenplagues,viz.1Turningwaterintoblood,c.7.2Frogs,3Lice,4AndamixedswarmeofFlyes,c.8.5Pestilence,6Boyles,7Haile,c.9.8Locusts,and9Darknesse,c.10.10Deathofthefirst-borne,Foretold,c.11.Fulfilled,c.12.II.Intheirdeliverance,wherenote1.The[...]rdeparture,Egresseorgoingout,Actedc.12.AttestedforthebenefitofPosterity,withsignesandobservationsc.13.2.TheirProgresseorgoingon.Whereof1TheirpassingthroughtheRedsea,c.14.2TheirthanksgivingforthiswonderofmercyinagratulatorySong,c.15.III.Aftertheirdeliverance,whenGoddid1.Supplythemwithfoodandnecessariesc.16.2.Defendthemfromevilsc.17.3.AppointJudicatories,forallmattersofdifference,thatmightfalloutamong

[Page]

themc.18.II.Godsinstitutions,inwhichregardconsiderGodsPrescriptions,Israelsperformances.

I.Godsprescriptions,wherenote,1.Preparationofthepeoplec.19.2.Thepromulgationofhislawes,1MoralwiththeirAppendixes,c.20.2Iudicialbothinhumaneandsacredthingsc.21,22,23.3Ceremoniall.TouchingtheCeremonialllawes,herearelaiddown,1.ThePreparationtothemc.24.2.Thepartsofthem.viz.1TheTabernaclewiththeAppurtenancesandUtensilsthereof,c.25.26,27.2ThePriestsandtheirOrnamentsorVestmentsforMinistration,c.28.3Sacrifices,c.29.anddiverssacredthings,c.30.3.Thecloseofceremonialldirections,c.31.II.IsraelsperformancesofGodsPrescriptions.HereconsiderIsraelsobedience.

1.AboutMorals;1Violatedbyidolatry,c.32.2.RestoredandrenewedagaineByre-conciliationwithGod,c.33.andRenewingoftheTables,c.34.2.AboutCeremonials;viz.1.ThePartsoftheTabernacle;Thematterchap.35.ThefashioningoftheTabernacle,c.36.&oftheArk,c.37.Themakingofsacredthingsbe-longing,Tothepeople,c.38.TothePriests,c.39.2.Thetotalldisposing,ordering,anderectingoftheTabernacle,c.40.

Leviticus

[Page]

[Page]IIILEVITICUS.SodenominatedbytheGreek,fromthechiefeSubjectormatteroftheBook,whichprincipallydescribesthelawes,sacrificesandservicesoftheLEVITICALPriesthood.ItisstiledamongtheHebrewes[...]Vajikra.i.e.Andhecalled.ThisbeingthefirstHebrewwordintheHebrewtext,beginningthisbook.

ScopeofthisBook.TomakeknownLeviticallLawesSacrificesandOrdinances,andbythoseshadowstoleadIsraelbythehandtoJesusChristthetruePriestandsacrificeoftheChurch,SeeLevit.11.44.and20.26.

ThisBookrelatesthememorablewords,ActsandLeviticallCeremoniallLawsmadeknownfromGodtoIsrael,foroneMonethsspaceviz.fromaboutthebeginningofthesecondyeare,afterIsraelsdepartureoutofEgypt,theTabernaclebeingalreadyreared,tillthebeginningofthesecondmonethofthesameyeare,AsJun.inAnnot.compareExod.40.17.withNumb.1.1.whichwasintheyeare,fromtheworldsCreation,2514.AsAinsw.computes.

PrincipalParts.LeviticusdescribesthesacredCeremonialllaw▪1.Ofthings.2.OfPersons.3.OfActions.

I.TheCeremonialllawofthings,c.1.toc.8.eitheraccordingtothesubstanceofthem,asof1.Burnt-offerings,c.1.2.Meat-offerings,c.2.3.Peace-offerings,c.3.4.Sin-offerings,incaseofignorance,c.4.orofinfirmity,c.5.Or,accordingtotheRiteandCeremonyofthem,c.6.7.

[Page]

II.TheCeremonialllawofpersons,c.8.to16.viz.1.OfthePriests,Intheirconsecrationtotheiroffice,c.8.Intheirdischargeoftheiroffice,eitheraccordingtoGodsas-sistance,c.9.Ormensinfirmity,c.10.2.Ofallthepeople,touchingwhomarelawesabouttheirsanctification,bothfromuncleannessewithoutthem,inmatteroftheirfood,c.11.orInthem▪Byreasonof1Child-bearing,c.12.2Leprosie,whereofitsRiseandState,c.13.Itscure,c.14.3Issueofseedorbloud,c.15.

III.TheCeremonialLawtouchingActions,NecessaryorVoluntary.

1.Necessary,whereofarelaiddownTheParticularsandtheConfirmationofthem.1theParticularsoftheseNecessaryActions,are1.Inpurification,CommontothewholeChurch,c.16.Propertoeverygodlyperson,c.17.2.InSanctimonyorHolinesse,Bothofthepeople;1Tobeobserved,notonlyintheirownbodies,c.18.butalsoamongoneanothermutually,c.19.2Tobemaintainedintheirjudgements,c.20.AsalsointheholinesseofthePriestsintheirPersons,c.21.Things,c.22.3.InexerciseEcclesiasticall,InlegallTimesc.23.InlegallRites,c.24.Politicall,c.25.2TheConfirmationorobsignationoftheseparticularlawes,byPromisesandThreats,c.26.

2.Voluntary,viz.touchingvows,c.27.

Numbers

[Page]

IVNUMBERSGr.[...],socalledbecauseagreatpartoftheBookisspentinNumbringtheTribesandFamiliesofIsrael,andoftheirjourneysfromEgypttoCanaan.InHebr.itscalled[...]Bammidbari.e.IntheDesert▪BecausethisisthefirstwordofthisBookintheHebrewtext.

NumberscontainesanHistoryfromthebeginningofthesecondmonethofthesecondyeare,afterIsraelscoming[...]utofEgypt,tothebeginningoftheeleventhmonethofthefourtiethyeare.viz.38.yearsandupwards,asIun.andAinsw.observe.Andthismayremarkablybeevinced,bycomparingNumb.1.1.and36.13.diligentlywithDeut.1.3.which,asabove,demonstrateboththebeginningandendingofthisHistoryofNumbers.

Scope.LivelytosetforththerichblessingofGoduponIsrael,intheirwonderfullincrease;hisvigilantprovidenceovertheminalltheirwildernesjourneyesanddifficulties;andyethisseverityagainsttheircorruption,forwhichmanyofthemperishedinthewildernesse,aftertheyhadbeendeliveredoutofEgypt,sothattheycouldnotenterintohisrestbecauseoftheirunbeliefe,Heb.3.19.Iudever.5.

PrincipallParts.

ThisBookofNumberscontainesanHistoricallnarrationofIsraels1PreparationfortheirJourney,2Iourneyitselfe,and3oftheirStation,

I.IsraelsPreparationfortheirJourney,whereinthree

[Page]

[Page]

things.

I.TheNumbringofthem,whichwas1.Civil,bothofalltheheadsofthepeopleaccordingtothefamilies,c.1.andoftheorderoftheTribesintheirTents,c.2.2.Sacred,whereisreckonedup,boththenumberofLevitesandotherofficersabouttheTabernaclec.3.asalsotheirorderandministryc.4.II.Lawes,1.CommonaboutSanctimony,whethernecessaryc.5.orvoluntary,c.6.2.ParticularforthePrincesofferingofeveryTribe,atthededicationoftheTabernacleandAltar.c.7.FortheLevitesservice,c.8.III.Themanner1.Oftheirsanctificationandorder,c.9.AndoftheirJourneying,c.10.

II.Israelsjourneys,whicharedistinguishedbythehistoryoftheireightnotableMurmuringsintheirway,viz.1.IrksomenesseoftheirJourney.2.LoathingofMannah,c.11.3.AaronsandMiriamsemulationagainstMoses,c.12.4.TheirunbeliefatKadesh,wherearerecorded,Theirmurmuringc.13.ThejudgementofGodforitc.14.TheirreconcilementtoGodafterwards,c.15.5.TheenvyoftheLevitesandothersagainstthePriests,c.16.6.Theindignationofthepeoplefortheprecedentjudgement,wherearesetdownboththeirMurmur[...]ng,c.16.41,42,43.andtheirReconcilement,c.16.vers.44.totheend,andc.17,18,19.7.Murmuringforwantofwater,c.20.8.Murmuringbecauseoftheway,andthelightbread,andsowereplaguedwithfieryserpents,c.21.

III.IsraelsStation,Stateorconditionwhentheywerenownightothepossessionoftheirinheritance,c.21.tothe

[Page]

endoftheBook.HereissetdownadoubleStateorCondition.1.Ofthepeoplethemselves.2.Oftheirinheritance.

1.Ofthepeoplethemselves,eitheras1.overcomingtheirenemies,andpossessingtheland,c.21.2.TemptedbyMagicallArtsandinchantments,c.22,23,24.3.[...]nsnaredwith,andplaguedforidolatryandfornicationc.25.4.ReconciledtoGodandnumbredfortheentringupontheinheritance,c.26.5.FurnishedwithanewGovernourIoshuah,thatwastosucceedMoses,c.27.6.Instructedinsacredthings,Necessary,c.28,29.Voluntary,c.30.

2.Oftheinheritance,whichisconsidered,either1.Inpart,Aspossessed,c.31.AsassignedtoGad,Reuben,andhalfetheTribeofManasseh,c.32.(HerebywayofdigressionisasummaryrecapitulationoftheseverallstationsofIsraelintheirmarchthroughthewildernesse,c.33.)2.Inwhole,Andthateither,AsitiscircumscribedwithBoundsorBorders,whereofthemannerofdividingtheland,c.34.Orasitiscircumscribedwithlawes,Bothofrefugefortheman-slayer,thatslewanyunawares,c.35.Andofsuccessionsintheirinheritances.c.36

Deuteron:

VDEUTERONOMIEi.e.Thesecondlaw,orLawrepeated,ThusdenominatedbytheGreek,becausethisbookcontainethaRepetitionofGodslawgivenbyMosestoIsrael,ASinHebrewitissometimesfromthesameground

[Page]

called[...]mischnehi.e.Repetitionofthelaw.FromthefirstwordsintheBookitscal'd[...]EllehHaddebarim,ie.Thesearethewords,oronly[...]Debarim,i.e.Thewords.

PenmanofthisBook,asofallthefoureformerBookswasMoses,whoalsowrotetheHistoryofhisowndeatha-forehandinthelastchapterbyaProphetickspirit;orIoshuawroteitforhim.Alsted.Praecog.Theol.l.2.c.118.

ThisBookcontainestheHistoryofbutafewdayes,viz.fromthebeginningoftheeleventhmoneth,toabouttheseventhdayofthetwelfthmonethofthefourtiethyeare,afterIsraelsdepartureoutofEgypt,forMosesbegantospeakthesewords,inthefirstdayoftheeleventhmonethofthesaidfourtiethyeare,Deut.1.3.whichwasalittlebeforehisdeath;hediedwhenhewasonehundredandtwentyyearsoldDeut.34.7▪afterwhichIsraelmournedforMosesinthelandofMoabthirtydayes,Deut.34.8.thisdeterminesthetimeoftheHistory?AsIun.wellobserves.

ThusAlstedinPraecog.Theol.l.2.c.118.computesthetimeofthisHistory.viz.

1.ThefirstPartofthisBookcontainestheHistoryofthefirstdayoftheeleventhmonethofthefourtiethyeare,aftertheircomingoutofEgypt,c.1,2,3▪4.2.ThesecondpartcontainstheHistoryofthesecondday,c.5.to11▪3.ThethirdpartcontainestheHistory,(asisprobable)offouredayesatmostc.11.to26.4.Thefourthpartcon-tainestheHistoryofoneday,c.27.28.5.ThefifthcontainestheHistoryalsoofoneday,c.29,30.6.The

[Page]

sixthcontainestheHistoryofoneday,c.31.&c.7.The7thpartcontainstheHistoryoftheirmourningforMosesthirtydaiesc.34.

ProofehereofmaybedrawnfromtheHistoryofIoshua,bycomputingbackwardsfromthedayofthePasseover.ForinthelandofCanaanthefirstPasseoverwascelebrated,intheoneandfourtiethyearafterIsraelscomingou[...]ofEgypt,onthefourteenthdayofthemonethNisanJosh.5,10.Beforewhichtheywerecircumcised,whichprobablytookupfouredayes,Josh.5.OnedaytheywerepassingthoroughJordan,twodayesinpreparationforit.Addetothesethetimeofsearchingouttheland,andlastlythethirtydayesmourning.Andthusgoingbackwards,weshallfindthatDeuteronomiecontainesanHistoryofbutaveryfewdayes.

Scope.ThatthelawformerlygivenofGodmaybythisNewRepetitionofitbemoredeclared,confirmedandappliedtothepresentconditionofIsrael;andtheytherebyfittedandbetterpreparedforthepromisedCanaan,uponwhichtheywereentring.

PrincipallParts,are;ThePreface;Narration;andConclusionoftheBook.I.PrefaceorPrologue,c.1.to5.contayning,

1.ANarration.1.OfGodscallingofIsraelfromHorebtothepromisedLand.c.1.2.Oftheexecutionofthiscall,Bothbydivineconductagainsttheirenemies.c.2.AndbyappointmenttoentertheLand.c.3.2.Anexhortationtoobed.c.4.

[Page]

IINarrativecontainingthemainbulkandsubstanceofthebook,c.5.to32.viz.TheLaw,andConfirmationthereof.

I.TheLaw,shewingthewayofwellliving.1.Universall.c.5.2.Particular;where,OftheDecaloguesPrinciple,andthingsPrincipled.

1.ThePrincipleoftheDecalogueisGodslove,whereofyouhave,

1.TheProposition.Whereinnote.1.Themannerandobjectofit,c.6.2.Theopposites,Idolatry,c.7.Ingratitude,c.8.Pride,c9.2.TheConclusion.c.10.

2.ThethingsPrincipled,touching,1.Theplaceofdivineworshipc.11▪12.2.Themanner,c.13.14.3.Thetime,c.15.16.4.Thepersonswhicharetoperformeworshiptohim.Whoareinformedaccordingtothethreepartsofthesoule,andthiseitherjoyntlyorseverally.Jointly.1.AccordingtotheRationallpart;Where,OfpersonsEcclesiasticallandPoliticalltogether,c.17.OfpersonsEcclesiasticallapart,c.18.OfpersonsPoliticallapart,c.19.2.AccordingtotheIrasciblepart,incaseofwarc.20.3.AccordingtotheConcupisciblepart,c.21,22.Severally,wherearebothLawes,c.23,24,25.Andthecloseofthem,c.26.

II.TheconfirmationoftheLawbycertainArguments,

[Page]

[Page]

viz.1.Signesc.27.2.Promisesandthreats.c.28.3.BysolemnrenewingoftheCovenant:partly,1Byword,Comminatory,c.29.Promissory,c.30.2Bywritingandinstruments,c.31.

III.Conclusionofthewholebookc.32,33,34.Whichiseither,

I.PropheticallandHortatory,whereinisadoubleProphecy.1.Common,touchingtheChurchoftheJewestillthetimeoftheMessiah▪c.32.2.Speciall,containingtheblessingofthe12Tribesc.33.2.Historicall,concerningthedeathofMoses,c.34.

IJ.THEPROPHETS.

THePROPHETSwrotealltheBookesoftheOldTestament,besidesthePentateuchofMoses.TheseProphetsinspiredinfalliblybytheHoly-SpiritofProphecy,wroteBooksofthreeseverallsorts,viz.1Historicall,2DogmaticallorDoctrinall,and3Propheticall.TheHebrewsthusdistinguishtheBooksoftheOldTestament.1.[...]Thorahi.e.TheLaw.viz.thefivebooksofMoses.2.[...]Nebi[...]mi.e.TheProphets.TheProphetstheydistinguishintotwosorts,viz.1.[...]NebiimRishonimi.e.TheformerProphets;perhapssocalledbecausetheytreatofthefirstProphets,Thesearefoure,viz.Ioshua,Iudges,SamuelandKings.And2[...]NebiimAcharonimi.e.thelaterProphets;whichtheyreckonupinfoureBooksalso.viz.Isaiah,Ieremiah,Ezekiel,andthetwelveminorProphetswhichwereanciently,joynedallinonevolume,lesttheythroughtheirsmalnesseshouldbelost;

[Page]

Thatphraseseemestofavourthis,ItiswrittenintheBookoftheProphets,Act.7.42.theProphetAmosbeingcited,whichisoneoftheMinor,orlesserProphets.3.[...]i.e.Thewritings;bywayofemphasis.SeetheReasonhereofinRivet.Isag.adsucr.scrip.c.29.Sect.16.TheGreekcalstheseBooks,[...];Hagiographai.e.Theholywritings,uponsomesuchground.OfthissortareeleveninthisorderinHebrew,Ruth;Psalmes;Iob;Proverbs;Ecclesiastes;SongofSongs;Lamentations;Daniel;Esther;Ezra;Chronicles;underEzracomprehendingNehemiah,whichsometimesiscalledthesecondofEzra,andthetwoBooksoftheChroniclesbeingreckonedasbutoneBook.

ButtheformerDistributionofthePROPHETSbookesinto1

Historicall,2Doctrinall,and3Propheticall,(beingbothmoreconsonanttothematterofthesebooks,andtothemethodofourBibles)shallherebefollowed.

I.HISTORICALBOOKS.

THEHISTORICALBOOKSoftheProphetsRelatetheHistoryoftheJewes,andoftheChurchofGodamongthem,fromthedeathofMoses,whichwas,whenhewasonehundredandtwentyyearsold,Deut.34.7.IosephAnt.l.4.c.3.In2493yearoftheworld;Helvic.untillthePeriodofthePersianMonarchy,possessedbyAlexandertheMacedonian,calledAlexanderthegreat,whoconquer-edthePersians,andgotDominionofAsia,aboutAnn.3614aftertheworldsCreation,Helvic.inChronolog.SothattheseBookscontainanHistoryofabout1121yearscontinuance.

[Page]

[Page]

OfthisHistoryoftheJews,andoftheChurchofGod,therearetwoPrincipallPartsorPeriods;viz.1.OftheIsraelitesEntranceintothepromisedland.2.OftheirGovernmentandCondition,afterthatentrance.

Joshuah.

1.ISraelsentranceintothepromisedland,isdescribedintheBookofJOSHUAH.Socalledfromthechiefesubjecthandledtherein,viz.TheActsofIoshuah,thesuccessourofMoses,theGovernourandchiefeCaptaineofIsrael,underwhoseconducttheyconqueredtheLand;DivideditbyLineandLotamongtheTribes;andpossessedit,accordingtoallGodsfaithfullpromisesinthatbehalfeuntotheirFathers,Josh.21.43,44,45.&23.14,15.

PenmanofthisBookesomeconceivetobeIoshuah,becauseitbeareshisname.ButthatReasonisnotcogent;1partlybecausetheBookesofIudges,Ruth,andKings,beartheirname,yetnotPennedbythem:2partlybecausethedenominationofthisBookisratherfromtheSubjectmatter,thentheAuthor.OtherthinkeEleazertheHigh-Priest(whosedeathisrecordedIosh.24.33.Gatheredto-getherthechiefmaterialsofwhichthisBookeiscompiled.ItbeingthePriestsduty,toleaveuponRecordallmemorableEcclesiasticalaffairsforthebenefitofafterages,andpropagationofReligion.Thismoreprobable:butnotcertain.Alsted.Praecog.Theol.l.2.c.119.Iohan.Calvin.Argument.inLib.Iosuae.

ThisbookcontainesanHistoryofalmosteighteeneyeeres.viz.FromthedeathofMosestothedeathofJoshuah.Iun.Arg.inlib.Iehosh.Gerh.loc.prim.deScriptura.inexegesi.Sect.125.

Scope.OfthisbooketodemonstrateGodsexactfaithfulnesseinperformingallhisPromisesmadetotheFathers;thatallhispeoplemaybeencouragedtotrusttohimthebetterforever▪Iosh.21.45.&23.14,15.

Principallparts.

InthisBookisanHistoryofIoshuah'sLifeandDeath.

I.OfIoshua'sLife.Whereinconsider▪1.Hisvocation.GodcalshimtobeGovernourofIsraelinMosesstead,c.1.2.HisAdministration,bothintimeofwarre,andPeace.

1.Intimeofwarre,Whereofislaiddown;1.ANarration.1.OfsendingtheSpiestosearchtheLand,c.2.2.OfthepassingthorowJordan,whereTheAntecedentpassagesandmannerofit,c.3.TheConsequentsuponit.c.4.5.3.OftheSeigesandVictories;HisfirstVictoryoverJericho,c.6.Theimpedimentofhisproceedings,theAccursedthing,c.7.HismanifoldandhappysuccesseafterremovaloftheAccursedthing,heconqueredalltheCountryc.8,9,10,11.

[Page]

2.ARepetitionofhiswarlikeexploits,&c.c.12.

2.IntimeofPeace.Whereinare,1.ThedistributionofthelandofCanaan,underwhicharedescribed,1ThebordersoftheLand,c.13.2Themannerofthedistribution,byLot.c.14.3ThepartiesamongwhomtheLandwasdivided,viz.TheIsraelitesc15.to20.4Themenslayers,&c.c.205TheLevitesc.21.2.ThedismissionandremandingoftheReubenites,Gadites&halftribeofManassehtotheirLotontheothersideIordan.c.223.TheexhortationandchargeofJoshuahtothepeoplebeforehisdeath,c.23.

II.OfIoshuah'sdeath,andthethingsimmediatelyAntecedent,andConsequentthereto,c.24.

II.IsraelsconditionandGovernmentaftertheirentranceintothePromisedLand.WhichisHistoricallydescribed,whatitwas.1.BeforetheircarryingawayintoBabylon.2.DuringtheCaptivity.3.AftertheCaptivity.

I.BeforetheircarryingawayintoBabylon,andthateitherundertheIudges,ortheKings.

I.VndertheIudges.

AndherewehavetwoHistories,viz.OneCommonandGe-nerall:AnotherParticular.

[Page]

[Page]

Judges

I.THeCommonorGenerallHistory,istheBookofIUDG-ES,socalled,notfromtheAuthorsofit,butfromthesubjectmatterofit,inHebr.[...]Shophtim,i.e.Iudges.

PenmanofthisBooktheHebrewesthinketobeSamuel.Alsted.Praecog.Theol.l.2.c.119.O[...]hersthinkethateveryIudgerecordedthethingsactedinhisownedayesrespectively:andthatSamuel,orEzra,orIeremiah,orKingHezekiah,(whosemencopiedoutsomeofSolomonsProverbs,Prov.25.1.)collectedanddigestedthemintoonevolume.HugoCardinal[...]sinProlog.inhunc.lib.

ThisbookcontainesanHistoryofIsraelsPolitie,andthestatethereoffromthedeathofIoshuah,tillthePriesthoodofEli.HowduringthattimeIsraeloftimesApostatizedfromGod,forwhichGoddeliveredthemintotheirenemieshands;butupontheirconversiontohim,hesavedthembyIudgesraisedupfromamongtheirTribes,outoftheirenemieshands.ItisanHistoryofabout299years,whichmaybethuscomputed.

FromIoshuah'sdeath,toOthniel's40y.Iudg.3.11.

FromOthniel'sdeathtoEhud'sandShamgar's80▪y.3.30.

ThencetoDeborah'sdeath40y.531.

ThencetoGideonsdeath-40y.

[Page]

828ThencetoAbimilech'sdeath3y.

922.ThencetoTholah'sdeath23y.

102ThencetoIair'sdeath22y.

103ThencetoIephte'sdeath6y.

127ThencetoIbzan'sdeath7y.

129ThencetoElon'sdeath10y.

1211ThencetoAbdon'sdeath8y.

1214ThencetoSamson'sdeath-20y.

1631

Scopeofthisbook,toshewwhathappyHaleyoniandayesGodsChurchenjoyesunderpiousmagistrates.HowsevereGodisagainstthesins,especiallytheidolatryofhisownpeople:andyethowheremembersmercyinmidstofseverestjudgements.

Principallparts.ThisbookbeingaGlassediscoveringIsraelscalamity,andthecausethereoftheirsin.Describestheirsin;

I.AsGeneral,UniversalandCommontoallthetribes,viz.bythe

1.Kindsorsortsoftheirsinnes.1.NegligenceindrivingtheCanaanitesoutof

[Page]

theland.c.1.2.Perfidiousnesse,inApostatizingfromGodtoIdols.c.2.

2.Effectsorfruitsoftheirsinnes.viz.Fiveseveralloppressionsbytheirenemies,i.e.

1.Syrians,c.3.2.Canaanitesc.4.and5.3.Midianites,whereofGideon's1.Call.c.6.2.ActsPolemicalc.7.andPolitical.c.8.3Successour,Abimilechc.9.4.Ammonites.Here1.Thecauseandeffectoftheoppression,IsraelsApostacyandRepentancec.10.2.TheRemedy.viz.warreundertakenagainstAmmonitesc.11.Ephraimites.c.12.5.Philistines.Sampsonbeingavenger:SamsonsBirthc.13.Prosperityc.14.adversityc.15.anddeathc.16.areatlargedelineated.

II.Asspeciallviz.1.Idolatry,Ofonefamilyc.17.OftheTribeofDanc.18.2.Lustofuncleannesse,Perpetrated,c.19.Punishedc.20,21.

Ruth

IITHeparticularHistoryundertheIudges,istheBookofRUTH,sostiledfromRUTHtheMoabitesse,aGentile(MoabbeingoneoftheincestuoussonsofLotGen.18.)concerningwhomthisBooktreats,especiallyofhermar-

[Page]

[Page]

riagewithBoaz,whosePedigree,byaProphetickspirit,isbroughtdowntoK.David,Ruth4.18.totheend,RuthbearingtoBoaz,Obed;theGrandfatherofDavid,ofwhomaccordingtothefleshChristcame,Matth.1.5,6.TheChald.ParaphrastthinksthatRuthwasthedaughterofEglonKingofMoab,butthatisnotprovedbyanyScripture,norisitlikelythataKingsdaughterwouldmarryaStranger,andleavehernativeCountreytoseekbreadinanotherland,saithGerh.AugustinerefersthetimeofthisHistory,totheBeginningoftheKings.Aug.l.2.deDoctrin.Christian.c.8.Ioseph.l.5.Antiq.andHugoCardinalisreferreittothetimeofEli,thePriest.D.Kimchiinc.1.Ruth.andotheroftheRabbines(assomenote)conceive;That,BoazwhomarriedRuth,wasthatJudgewhichiscalledIbzanJudg.12.8.whoimmediatelysucceededIephte.IuniusandTremelliuscomparingthisHistoryofRuthwithMatth.1.5.areofopinion,thatthisHistoryfelloutinthedayesofDeborah.Annot.inRuth1.1.

ButitscertaineitfelloutinthetimeoftheIudges,Ruth1.1.thoughtheparticulartimeperhapscannotsopunctuallybedemonstrated.

PenmanofthisHistoryisnotcertainlyknowne.HebrewsthinkeSamu[...]lpennedit.Alsted.inPraecog.Theol.l.2.c.119.

ManyWritersannexthisBookofRuthasanAppendixtotheBookofIudges,astheydotheLa-mentations,totheProphecyofIeremiah.Andr.Rivet.Isag.

[Page]

adsacr.Script.c.29.p.501.

ScopeofthisBook.TodelineatepartoftheGenealogyofChrist,Ruth4.18.&c.comparedwithMat.1.5.6.AndtoshewthatsalvationbyIesusChristbelongstosinnersoftheGentiles,aswellastotheIewes:ChristderivinghislinenotonlyfromIewes,butalsofromGentilesandsinners,fortheraisingupoftheirHopeandConsolationinhim.

Principallparts.InthisHistoryaredescribed.

1.RuthsDistresseinherwidowhoodc.1.2.RuthsDeliverancefromthisdistresse,whichis

1.Inohoate.1.ByhergleaninginBoazhisfieldwithhisapprobation,c.2.2.ByherlodgingatBoazhisfeetinthethreshingfloorathermothersappointment,hebeinganeerKinsmanc.3.2.Consummate,ByBoazhismarryingofherc.4.

II.VndertheKings.

AndherewehavethreeHistoriescompiledinsixbooksviz.thetwoBooksofSamuel,thetwoBooksofKings,andthetwoBooksofChronicles,whichHistoriessetforththeStateoftheKingdomeofIsraelthreewayes.viz.1.AstheKingdomewasVnitedofwhichthetwoBooksofSamuel.2.AsTheKingdomewasDivided,ofwhichthetwoBooksofKings.3.AstheKingdomwasbothVnitedandDivided,ofwhichthetwoBooksofChronicles.AsTrelcatiusinOeconomiâBibliorum,wellobserves,:Andasthematterof

[Page]

[Page]

theseHistoriesdothclearlyevince.

I.TheUNITEDStateoftheKingdomeofIsrael,isdescribedwhatitwas,bothundertheKings.1.ByElection.and2.BySuccession.Andhowitincreasedandflourishedwhilestsounited.

ISamuel

IUNderKingsbyELECTION,ThekingdomesConditionisrecordedintheI.BookOFSAMUEL.Socalled,eitherfromthematterorsubjecthereinhandled.viz.TheHistoryofSAMUEL,whichtakesupagreatpartoftheBook.AsAlsted.inPraecog.Theol.l.2.c.120.Oralsofromtheinstrumentallefficientcause,orPenmanofthisofthisBook,SamuelbeingsupposedtohavepennedthisBook,tillc.25.Davidtherest.Gloss.ordinar.IuniusandTrem.areofopinion,thatSamuelhadagreatshareinpenningofthesetwoBooksthatbarehisname;andthatNathantheProphet,andGadtheSeerpennedpartthereof,fromthatintimation,1Chron.29.29.whichwordsofSamuel,NathanandGadseemtobethetwoBooksofSamuel,pennedbythemthree.Iun.inAnnot.in1Chron.29.29.BytheGreekandLatin,itisalsocalledthe1.BookofKings,becausethelaterpartofitcontainestheHistoryofSaul,thefirstKingofIsrael.

ThishistorytreatsofthelastJudges,viz.Eli,andSamuel,andofthefirstKing,viz.Saul.DeclaringwhenanduponwhatoccasiontheLordchangedthegovernmentbyIudgesintoaRegallgovernment,viz.IndaysofSamuel,andupon

[Page]

occasionoftheextreamewickednesseofbothElye'sandSamuelsSons,c.1.to9.AsalsohowSaulcarryedhimselfebothinlifeanddeath:andhowGodpreparedDavidfortheThrone,Saulbeingrejected.Itisanhistoryofabout80yeerescontinuance.viz.UnderEly40yeeres,1Sam.4.18.AndunderSamuelandSaul40yeeres,Act.13.21.

Scope.Todiscovermansmutability,butGodsimmutabilityinalltheRevolutionsandalterationsofFamilies,andCommon-wealths:viz.IntheirConstitution,Administration,andAlteration.

Principallparts.

ThisbooketreatsoftheaffairesofIsraelunderadoublekindofcivillGovernment,

I.AristocraticallunderSamueltheProphetandJudge.Whose,

1.Birthisrecorded,c.1.2.Calling.Where,ofElihisPredecessour,andofhisSonnes;whoseI.Grievoussinneisrecorded,c.2.II.Severepunishmentis,1,ForetoldbySamuel.c.3.2.InflictedbyGod.where,ofthewarre,Actedc.4.Finished,wherewehaveadescripti[...]n.1.OfthePhilistinespunishment,c.5.AndoftheirrestoringthecaptivatedArk,c.6.2.OfIsraelsRepentance,c.7.

II.Monarchicall,underaKing.1.Tobeelected,whataonehewasliketobe,c.

[Page]

8.2.Actuallyelected,whataoneheproved;evidenced,inSaul,David▪

1.Saul,described.1.Aselected,wherearelaiddownhiscalling,c.9.Unction,c.10.Warlikesuccesse,c.11.2.Asrejected.Thecausesofwhichrejectionarerecited,viz.1.Thepeoplessin,c.12.2.Saulsunbeliefe,c.13.Rashnesseinjudging,c.14.Anddis-obedience,c.15.2.David.Touchingwhomaredeclared,His

1.Election.Wherenote1.Hiscall,c.16.2.HisPreparatory1conquestofGoliathc.17.2AdvancementintoSaulsfamily,c.18.2.Ejection.Davidbeingexiled.1.InhisownCountry,c.19,20.2.OutofhisCountry,c.21.to30.3.Advancement.1.ByhisVictory,c.30.2.BySaul'sDeath,c.31.

IISamuel

IIUNderKingsbySUCCESSION.InthisrespecttheKingdome'sstateisdeclaredintheII.ofSAMUEL.SocalledforReasonsformerlymentioned.ItsalsobytheGreekandLatinstiledThesecondBookofKings,becausethereintheHistoryofDavidthesecondKingofIsraeliscontinued.

ThisisanHistoryofabout40yeerescontinuance,2Sam.

[Page]

[Page]

5.5.AnHistoryofDavidsKingdome.maywellbecalledTheAnnalsofDavid.

Penman;somethinketobetheHigh-Priest;orsomeDi-scipleofSamuel,whoyetforhonourssakegavetheBookehisMastersname.Alsted.Praecog.Theol.l.2.c.120.ButratheritisprobablethatthelatterpartoftheI.OfSamuel;andthiswholeBookeoftheII.OfSamuel,werePennedbyNathantheProphet,andGadtheSeer.1Chron.29.29.

Scope.TodeclareGodsFaithfulnesseindeliveringofhisownfromdistresses.ThatdiversgreatinfirmitiesareincidenttoGodsuprightestservants.AndThat(likechecker-worke)theirprosperityisintermingledwithcrossesandcalamities.

PrincipalParts.InthisBooke;(whichisadescriptionofDavidsKingdome)wehaveaNarrationofDavids1Lifeand2Death.

I.DavidsLifeisrepresentedasitwas1Glorious;andasitwas2Ignominious.

1.AsitwasGloriousinhisRoyallinauguration.Whereconsiderthings,

1.Antecedentviz.1.HismourningforSaulsdeath,c.1.2.HisreturneintoJudea,c.2.3.HiswarwiththeHouseofSaul,c.3.4.2.Concomitant.HeisconfirmedKingbyallIsrael,c.5.3.Consequent,viz.1.Ecclesiasticall,asHis

[Page]

fetchinguptheArktoSionc.6.HispurposeofbuildingGodanHouse,c.7.2.Polemicallorwarlike,c.8.3.Politicall,orcivil,c.9,10.

2.AsitwasIgnominious;andthat1.Byhissins,AdulteryandMurder,committedc.11.correctedc.12.2.Byhissorrowes.

1.Private,1.InAmnon,byhisIncest,c.13.2.InAbsolom,wherearedeclared,hisRestitution,c.14.HisSeditionbegunc.15.Continuedc.16.Concluded,c.17,18,19.2.Publique.1.Seditionofthepeople,c.20.2.Faminethreeyeeres,c.21.

II.Davidsdeath.OccurrentsAntecedentthereunto.1.HisgratulatoryandlaudatoryPsalme,c.22▪2,HissweetSwanlikeSong,andTestament,c.23.3.ThePestilenceuponhisnumbringthepeople,c.24.

II.TheDIVIDEDstateoftheKingdomeofIsrael,andhowuponthatdivisionitdecreasedandcametoruine,islaiddowninthetwoBooksofKings.

Thisd[...]visionanddecayoftheKingdomeislaiddownetwowayes.1.AccordingtothecausesandBeginningsthereof.2.AccordingtotheProgressethereof.

IKings

I.ACcordingtothecauses,andfirstbeginningsofthisDivisionanddecaythereuponensuing.Thesearesetforth

[Page]

[Page]

intheI.ofKINGS.Thisbookisstiledin[...]1.Melacim.i.e.1.OfKings.BytheGreekandLatinetheIII.ofKings.ThehistoryoftheKingsbothofIudahandIsrael,beingthesubjectmatterofthebook.

InthisbookthecausesandfirstbeginningsoftheKingdomesdivisionanddecayarelaiddowne,partlybywayofOppositionoftheflourishingstateofDavidskingdomeunitedunderSolomon,c.1.toc.11.PartlybywayofExpositionoftheoccasions(viz.Solomonssinnes,Godsjustice,Solomonsdeath,c.11.)andofthefirstbeginningsofthedivisionanddecayofthekingdomeunderRehoboam,towhomonelytwoTribeswereleftsubject,IudahandBenjamin,1King.11.21.AndunderIeroboamtowhomtheothertenneTribesrevolted:andafterwardsundertheirsuccessoursseverally.SothatinthisbookaretheActsoffiveKingsofIudahafterSolomon,viz.Rehoboam,[...]bijam,Asa,Iehoshaphat,Iehoram:andofeightKingsofIsrael,viz.Ieroboam,Nadab,Baasha,Elah,Zimri,OmriandTibni,Ahab,Ahaziah.

Thisisanhistoryof118.yeeresviz.UnderSolomon40yeeres,1King.11.42.UndertherestofKingsofIudah,78.yeeres,forRehoboamReigned17yeeres.1King.17.31.—Ab[...]jam3yeeres.1King.15.2.—Asa,41.yeeres.1King.15.10.—Iehoshaphat,17.yeers.1King.22.51.—Inall118yeeres.

Penmanofthisbook,andalsoofthesecondbookeofKingsisconceivednottobeanyoneman,butdivers.ThoughtheHebreweswouldhavethemtobewrittenby

[Page]

Ieremiah.OthersthinkthattheChurcheshistory,whichwaswrittenbydivers,wasdigestedandcollectedintovolumes,eitherbyE[...]ra;Gerh.loc.Com.1deScrip-tura.inExegesi.§.129.OrbythechiefePriestsandPro-phetsastheChurchesPub.Actuari[...]s.AlstedProecog.Theol.l.2.c.120.However,itseemesevident,thatthebeginningof1.ofKings,touchingSolomonsReign,waswrittenbyNathan,AbijahandIddo,2Chron.9.29.SeeIun.inloc.AndotherpartsbyIehusonofCanani,2Chron.20.3.SeeIun.Annot▪ibid.AndbytheProphetIsaiah,(asIuniusthinks▪)partlyinhisProphecy,par[...]lyintheBookofKings,2Chron.26.22.

Scope.ToshewhowthePietyofKings,preservestheirkingdomesinunity,andflourishingProsperity:ButthesinsandwickednesseofKings,especiallytheiridolatry,wherebytheydividethemselvesfromGod,bringsDivisionsintotheirKingdomes,andconsequentlyruineuponthemselves,theirfamiliesandDominions.

Principallparts,mightbepointedout,accordingtothepe-riodsofeveryseverallKingsreigne,butratherthus.ThisbookcontainestheincreaseanddecreaseofthekingdomeofIsrael.

I.IncreaseoftheKingdomeunderSolomon;whoseLifeandDeatharerecorded.

1.SolomonsLife.Thereinconsiderhis1.Election,c.1,2.2.AdministrationorGovernmentoftheKingd[...]m,wherenote1.HisgreatPrudence,c.3,

[Page]

4.2.HisMagnificenceinBuilding,TheTemple,c.5,6,8.Hisownhouse,InLebanon,c.7.TheKingshousemorepublique,c.9.3.Hiscondition,Prosperous,c.10.Adverse,c.11.

2.Solomonsdeath,c.11.II.DecreaseoftheKingdomonceDivided;andthisunder

1.TheKingsofIudah1.Rehoboam,c.12,14.2.Abijah,c▪15.3.Asa,c.15.4.Iehoshaphat.c,22.5Iehoram,c.22.ver.50.2.TheKingsofIsraelcontemporarytotheKingsofIudah,viz.1.Ieroboamc.12,13,14.2Nadab,c.15.3.Baasha,c.16.4.Elah,5.Zimri6.Omri,c.16.7.Ahab.1whosestockisrecorded,c.16.fromver.28.2Whoseprosperousstateisdeclared,InrespectofElijahsPresence.Hereareconsidered,Elijah'sAmbassadgetotheKing,c.17,18.Elijah'sexile,c.19.InrespectofAhabsdoublevictory,c.20.3WhoseActsandmannersaredescribed,c.21.4WhoseDeathisdelineated,c.22.8.Ahaziah,c.22.ver.51.&c.

IIKings

2.ACcordingtotheProgresseandGrowthoftheKingdom'sdivision,andthemiserablecalamities,growingandincreasingthereupon,Thisisrelatedinthe11.ofKINGScalledinHebr.[...]11.Melacim,i.c.ThesecondofKings,BytheGreekandLatin,TheIV.ofKings.TheHistoryoftheKingsbeingstillcontinuedinthisBook.

ThisBookisanHistoryofabout320.years,under12.KingsofIsrael,and16.KingsofIudah.

Vnder12.KingsofIsrael,162years.Ahazia1yeare.1Kings22.52.Ioram11yeare.2Kings3.1.&8.25.Iehu28yeare.2Kings10.36.Iehoahaz17yeare.viz.15alone,andtwowithhisson,2Kings13.1.10.Ioash16yeare.2Kings13.10.Ieroboam41yeare.2Kings14.23.Zechariah6moneths2Kings15.8.Shallum1moneth2Kings15.13.Menachem10yeare.2Kings15.17.Pekachijah2year.2Kings15.23.Pekah20year.2Kings15.27.Hosheahwhoreigned18y.viz.9y.free.2Kings17.1.and9.y.atributarytotheKingofAssyria,bywhomatlasthewascarriedcaptive,ver.6.

Vnder16KingsofIudah,320year.Iehoram12y.viz.8.alone,and4.withhisfatherIehoshaphat2Kings8.17.Ahazia1.y.2King.8.26.Athalia6year,2Kings11.3.Ioash40.y.2King.12.1.39.Iunius.Amaziah29yeare12ofwhichinexile,—2Kings14.2.AzariahorVzziah52.yeare.2Kings—15,5.Iotham16.yeare.2King15.33.—15.yeareIun.

[Page]

[Page]

Ahaz16.yeare,2Kings16.2.—14.yearIun.Hezekiah29.year,2King.18.2.Manasses55.yeare,2King.21.2.Ammon2yeare,2Kings21.19.Iosiah31.yeare.2King.22.1.Ioahaz3.moneths.2Kings23.36.Ichoiakim11yeare,2Kings23.36.Ichoiachinthreemoneths.2Kings24.8Zedekiah11.year,2Kings24.18.ThencetillIehoiakinsadvancement,26.year,2Kings25.27,30.

Penmenofthis11.ofKings,SeeinPenmenof1.ofKings.

Scope;todelineateGodsverityinhisPromisesandThreats,togetherwithhisseverityinhisjudgements.ThecontinuallRevolutionofFamiliesandStates,Themischiefofsin,especiallyinMagistrates,dividingthemandtheirpeoplefromGod,andconsequentlythemselvesamongstthemselves,tillbothKings,peopleandKingdomesberipeandreadyfordesolation.

Principallparts,maybeconsideredeitheraccordingtotheReignoftheseverallKingsofIsraelandIudah,asafore.Orasfolloweth;ThisBookdeclareth.

ThestateoftheKingdomesofIsraelandIudah;togetherwiththeirdefectionanddeclining,

1.SeverallyoftheKingdomeofIsraelunder1.Ahaziah,c.1.2.2.Ioram,whereofElishah'smiracles,

[Page]

c.3.4.5.OraclesorProphecies,c,6.7.8.2.JoyntlyofIsraelandIudah,parallel'dasitweretogether,c.9.to18.3SeverallyoftheKingdomeofIudah,whose

1.Weakning,isrecorded1.UnderagoodKingHezekiah,c.18.19.20.2.UnderabadKingManasseh,c.20.21.2.ReparationisindeavouredbyIosiah,c.22.23.3.Subversionis1.Begunc.23.24.2.Accomplishedc.25.

III.TheUNITEDandDIVIDEDStateofthekingdomeislaiddowneinthetwoBooksofChronicles,withsomefurtherAdditionsandAmplificationstotheformerHistories.Thisisdonetwowayes.

IChron.

1.ACordingtotheUNITEDStateofthekingdomeinI.OFCHRONICLES,socalledbecausetheActsofformertimesarehereinRecorded,orChronicled.InHebr.[...]DihreHaijamim,i.e.THEWORDSOFDAYES,becausetheyareasaSacredDIARY;reportingtheActsandOccurrentsintheChurchofGod,andCivilStatesbothDomestiqueandForrein.MunsterusnotunfitlystilesthemLibrosAnnalium,i.e.TheBooksofAnnals.Annalsbarelydeclaringmattersoffactfordiversyearsinorder;as,Gelliusnotesl.5.N.A.c.18.ThesetwoBooksaretheCHVRCHESANNALS.InGreekthesetwoBooksarecalled[...],BibloiParalipomenon,i.e.TheBooksofthingsomit-

[Page]ted:or,THEBOOKSOFREMAINES:becausesomethingsomitted,ornotfullydescribedinthePentateuch,Ioshuah,Iudges,Ruth,SamuelandKings,arehereSummarilyexplicated,andsupplyed.

ThisI.ofChron.PrincipallyinsistsupontheHistoryofDavid,RelatinghisGenealogyfromthefirstAdamandsoforwardstowardsthesecondAdam;whereinthe12.tribesandtheirfamilies,&c.arerecordedc.1.to10.AndhisfamousActsc.10.totheendoftheBook;sothatthisBookisaCompendiousChronologyofalltheformerBookstotheBooksofKings,ofthingsfromtheworldsCreation,tillabouttheyeare2985.viz.of

Genesis—2368y.Allwhichhavebeenaboueparti-cularlyexplainedanddemonstrated.SotheI.ofChroniclesisthelongestHistoryofanyoneBookinthewholeBible.Exodus142.y.Allwhichhavebeenaboueparticularlyexplainedanddemonstrated.SotheI.ofChroniclesisthelongestHistoryofanyoneBookinthewholeBible.TheotherBooksofMoses39y.Allwhichhavebeenaboueparticularlyexplainedanddemonstrated.SotheI.ofChroniclesisthelongestHistoryofanyoneBookinthewholeBible.Joshuah17.almost18y.Allwhichhavebeenaboueparticularlyexplainedanddemonstrated.SotheI.ofChroniclesisthelongestHistoryofanyoneBookinthewholeBible.Judges—299y.Allwhichhavebeenaboueparti-cularlyexplainedanddemonstrated.SotheI.of

[Page]

[Page]

ChroniclesisthelongestHistoryofanyoneBookinthewholeBible.I.OfSamuel80y.Allwhichhavebeenaboueparti-cularlyexplainedanddemonstrated.SotheI.ofChroniclesisthelongestHistoryofanyoneBookinthewholeBible.II.OfSamuel40y.Allwhichhavebeenaboueparti-cularlyexplainedanddemonstrated.SotheI.ofChroniclesisthelongestHistoryofanyoneBookinthewholeBible.

HieromcallstheChronicles,InstrumentiveterisEpitomen,&c.TheEpitomeoftheOldTestament;andthatitisofsuchConsequence,thatwhosoeverwouldarrogatetohimselfetheknowledgeoftheScriptureswithoutit,dothbutmockandabusehimselfe.Hieronym.inEp.adPaulin.Andagainstilesit,TotiusdivinaeHistoriae[...],i.e.TheChronicleofthewholeDivineHistory.Hier.inProlog.Galeat.

PenmanofthisandthesecondBookisuncertaine.R.Salomo.R.D.Kimchi,thinkitwasEzra.SaithAlstedinPraecog.Theol.l.2.c.120.Iuniusalsoisofthesamejudgement.Iun.Annot.in1King.11.41.andinhisargumentbefore1Chron.TheArgumentthatgenerallyinclinesthemalltothisopinion,is,ThatthesamewordswhichareusedinthecloseoftheChronicles2Chron.36.23.arealsousedinthebeginningofEzra.Ezr.1.1,2,3.

Scope.TheprimaryScopeofthisBookseemestobethis;ClearlytodescribetheLineandGenealogyof

CHRIST,theMessiahpromisedtoDavid,Abraham,andAdam:ThatwheninfulnesseoftimeChristshouldberevealedandperformed;theChurchmightinfalliblyknow,thathewasthePromisedSEEDOFTHEWOMAN.

PrincipallParts.ThisfirstBookofChron.describestheIsraelitishkingdomeinits1Foundation,and2Administration.

I.Foundation.Where,of1.TheGeneralGenealogyofallNationsfromAdamtoIacob,c.1.HereisaChronicleof

1ThePentateuch.2Ioshuah.3.Iudges.

2.ParticularGenealoftheNationofIsraelbythetwelveTribes,c.2.to9.HereisaChronicleof

1ThePentateuch.2Ioshuah.3.Iudges.

II.Administrat[...]onunder.1Saul,whose

1Genealogyisinc.9.2Deathc.10.

2Davidwhose1.Kinglycondition,c.11,12,14.2Acts

1Sacred,restoringGods[...]orship,in

[Page]

respectofthe1Place,c.13,15,17,22.2Personsministringinthe

1Tabernaclec.162Temple,c.23.24,25,26HereisaChronicleofthetwoBooksofSamuel.

2PolemicalorMartial,c.18,19,20.3.Political,c.21.27.

3.Death,c.28,29.whereisdeclaredhowDavidbeforehisDeathinaSolemneAssemblyatIerusalemtookhisleaveofhisKindred.SetSolomonorhisThrone,afterhehadgivenhimDirectionsabouttheTemple,andhimselfwithhisPrinceshadofferedwillinglytowardsthebuildingofit.

IIChron:

2.ACcordingtotheUNITEDandDIVIDEDstateofthekingdomintheIIofCHRONICLES.Socalledfortherea-sonsformerlyalledged.

ThisbookerelatesthehistoryoftheIsraelitishStatefromthebeginningofkingSolomonsReigne,tilltheirreturnefromtheBabylonishCaptivity,whichfelloutaboutthefirstyeareofCyruskingofPersians.Settingdownboththeunionandflourishingconditionofthekingdome,underSolomon.butthedivisionanddecayofthekingdome

thenceensuing,tillitcametoutterruine.SothisbookcontainsanHistoryofabout472yeeres.

FromSolomontocarryingawayofIechonias,401.AsJun.andTremell.compute.IntheCaptivity,—70AsJun.andTremell.compute.UnderCyrusthePersian,—1.AsJun.andTremell.compute.

SothatthisbookisanEpitomeorChronicleofthetwoBooksofKings,withAdditions.IfweconsiderthebooksofSamuel,Kings,andChronicles,alltogether,theycontaineanHistoricallNarration,HowthekingdomeofIsrael1BeganunderSamuel:2IncreasedunderDavid:3FlourishedunderSolomon:and4FailedunderZedekiah;thusitenduredalmost565yeers.

Penman,seein1.ofChron.

Scope,ForsubstancethesamewiththatofthetwobooksofKings.

Principallparts.

ThisbookcontainesanHistoricallNarrationofthekingdomeofIsrael's,

I.Flourishing,orincreaseunderKingSolomon.TouchingSolomonarerecorded,his

1.Vertues,c.1.2.Buildings.

1.Sacred,viz.TheTemple,where,1.His

preparationforit,c2.2.Hisextructionorbuildingofit,viz.OftheTemple,contayning▪c.3.AndoftheHolyutensils,contaynedinit,c.4.3.HisDedicationoftheTemple,partlybyDedicatedthings,especiallytheArkebroughtintotheTemplec.5.Partlybypraiseandpray-er,c.6.PartlybySacrifice,c.7.2.Civil,viz.SeverallCitieswhichhebuilded,c.8.

3.ConditionandDeath,c.9.II.Fading,ordecreaseunderthefollowingKingsofIudahandIsrael(thekingdomebeingdivided)tillthereturnefromCaptivityintheReigneofCyrus.WherenotefiveconcussionsofshakingsoftheKingdomeundertheseensuingKings.viz.Rehoboam,

c.10,11,12Abia,

c.13Asa,

c.14,15,16Jehoshaphat,

c.17,18,19,20Jehoram,

c.21Ahaziah,

c.22Joash,

c.23,24Amaziah,

c.25

[Page]Uzziah,c.26

Jotham,c.27

Ahaz,c.28

Hezekiah,c.29,30,31,32

Manas[...]eh,c.33

Amon,c.33

Josi[...]h,c.34,35

Joahaz,c.36.

Jehoakim,c.36.

Jechoniah,c.36.

Zedekiah,c.36.

II.AfterthepeopleofIsraelsCAPTIVITYinwhichregardwehavetheirREDUCTION,orbringingbackfromtheCaptivityofBabylonHystoricallydeclared:Andthattwowayes.1.Accordingtothetruthandmannerofit.2.Accordingtothefruitandeventofit.

Ezra.

1THetruthandmannerofGodspeoplesRETURNEFROM

[Page]

[Page]

BABYLON,iscontainedinthebookofEZRA.SocalledfromEzrathePenmanofit;whoseActsalsoarethechiefsubject-matterofit.SomecountandcallEzraaProphet.Lactant.lib.4.Iust.c.11.butAugustinedoubtswhetherhemaybecalledaProphet,Aug.l.18deCivit.Deic.36.HieromesaithhewasIosedech,whosesonwasIesustheHigh-Priest.SeeLudovic.Viv.inLib.18deCivit.dei.c.36.ButhowcanhebedenyedtobeaProphet,whenChristhimselfestilesallthebooksoftheOldTestamentMosesandtheProphets,Luk.16.29.31?

Thisiscertaine,EzrawasaPriest,Ezr.7,11,12.HewasofthehouseandlinageofAaron;seehispedigree,Ezr.7.1.2,3,4,5.AmostexpertandreadyScribeintheLawofMoses,Ezr.7.6,10,11.HewassentwithCommissionbyArtaxerxesfromBabylontoIerusalem,&c.ver.11.&c.

ZerubbabelrestoredtheTemple:EzratheworshipofGod:NehemiahtheCityIerusalem.

Thisbook,andthatofNehemiahfollowing,arebytheHebrewes,reputedasbutonevolume,andthatiscalledbythemtheI.ofEzra,thistheII.ofEzra.Hieronym.inEpist.adPaulin.andLactant.Instit.l.4.c.11.TheGreekandLatindividethem(asourEnglish)intotwobooks,theformerbeingascribedtoEzra,thelattertoNehemiah.TheBookofEzra,inOrderwellfollowestheChronicles;fortheverywordswhichconcludetheChronicles,2Chron.36.last,dobeginthisBookofEzra,Ezra1.1,2,3.notonlyintimating,thatEzrawasprobablyPenmanofthemboth,butalsothatinthisBookthe

[Page]

Historyiscontinued.InEzraisdeclaredtheIewesreturnefromBabylon.AnditisanHistoryforabout146.years,viz.FromtheEdictofCyrus,tothenineteenthyearofArtaxerxesMnemon.AsIuniuscomputes,of

CyrusandCambyses9

Magi1

DariusHistaspis36

Xerxes22

ArtaxerxesLongimanus40

DariusNothus19

ArtaxerxesMnemon19

Scope.ToevidencehowpunctuallyfaithfullandalsufficientlyableGodis,inperformingofhisPromisestohisChurchandpeopleintheirseason,touchingtheirdeliveranceandRestauration,againstallimpediments,improbabilitiesandseemingimpossibilities.ForhemadeCyrusanheathenKinghisshepheard,andnursingfathertohisChurch,tobringthemoutofBabylon,whereintheywereashelplesseandhopelesse,asdeadbodiesordrybonesinagrave.Ezek.37.2,3,11,12,13.TobuildtheTempleandIerusalem,Isa.44.28.and45.1.&c.comparedwithEzra1.1,2.&c.

[Page]

[Page]

Principallparts.InthisBookarelaiddowne,touchingtheJewesreturne,

1.ThecausesoftheirreturnfromBabylon,viz.1.Instrumentall,CyrushisGrant,c.1.2.Materiall,Personsreturning,c.2.3.Finall,theRestaurationoftheTemple,andworshipofGod,c.3.2.TheImpedimentsoftheirReturne,1.Recited,viz.TheSamaritanes.c.4.andtheRulerofCanaan,c.5.2.Removed,bytheRenewingofCyrushisEdict,c.6.3.ThesuccesseoftheirReturne,wherearedescribed,1Ezra'sCommission,c.7.2.HisexecutionofhisCommission,c.8.3.TheReformationofmixedmarriages,whichareDescribed,c.9.Abolished,c.10.

Nehemia:

II.THeFruitandEventoftheJewsRETURNEFROMBABYLON,islaiddownintheBookofNEHEMIAH.Socalled,1partlybecauseNehemiahwasPenmanofit,Neh.1.1.2PartlybecausetheActsofNehemiaharethePrincipallsubject-matteroftheBook,NehemiahbeingthegreatRepairer&RestoreroftheholyCityIerusalem.ItisbysomecalledtheII.ofEzra;becausetheHistorybegunbyEzratouchingtheIewesreturnefromBabylonisherecontinued.NehemiahissupposedtoaebthesamewhoiscalledtheTirshathaEzr.2.63.SoMunsterus.Neh.8.9.whichsignifies,aCup-bearer,Gerh.exeg.inloc.1.deScrip.§.132.butintheChaldeetongueisaTitleofDignityandHonour.R.AbenEzra.saithGerh.Translated

[Page]

LegatusRegis;i.e.TheKingslegate,AmbassadourorCommissary.byIun.&Trem.(whoyetinterpretthisratherofShazbazzar,whommanythinktobeZerubbabel:)InthemarginofourEnglishBiblesitisrendred,Governour.HewasthesonofHachaliah,Neh.1.1.andCup-bearertoKingArtaxerxes,inthetwentiethyeareofhisReigne,Neh.[...].11.and2.1.ThekingsPalacewasatShushan,Neh.1.1.thatbeingtheMetropolisofPersia,whichDariusHystaspisbuilt.Plin.N.H.l.6c.27.

InthisBookaredeclaredthehappyfruitsoftheJewsreturnebothinreferencetothePolitiqueandEcclesiastickstate.ItcontainsanHistoryofabout55years,asGerh.Loc.Com.Supradict.&IuniusinAnnot.shew.viz.

FromthetwentiethyeareofArtaerxesMnemonNeh.2.1.

24ThenceofDariusOchus

23ThenceofAsrenes

3ThenceofDariusthelast

5

Scope,ToletusknowhowdeepanddesperatethedistressesoftheChurchmaygrow,beforeGodwillrestoreher.Howdifficult,slowandperplexedaworktheworkofReformationis,bothbyreasonofadversariestobeopposed,andPublickcorruptionstoberemoved.HoweasilyandwonderfullyGodcanbringReformationtoperfectionagainstallimpedimentswhatsoever,whenheis

[Page]

resolvedtocarryiton.Whatexcellentandusefullinstruments,piousandfaithfullMagistratesarefortheaccomplishingbothofCivilandEcclesiasticallReformation;NehemiahbeingalivelyPatterneofatrueReformerindeed.

Principallparts.ThisBooksetsforththeRestaurationofHierusalem,andthisBy.

I.Reparationofthewals,gatesandbuildingswhereconsider

1.Thecauseofit.1.PrincipallGod▪c.1.2.Instrumentall,Nehemiah,c.2.2.Theworkitselfe.1.Begun.c.3.2.Hindredbyimpediments;Externall.c.4.Internall.c.5.Mixtc.6.3.Perfected.c.6.

II.ReformationbothofthestatePolitickandEcclesiastick,c.7.to13.Hereuntoappertain.1.TheCustodyoftheCity.TheNumberoftheCaptivesthatreturned,(viz.49942.Neh.7.66.67.)andtheOblationc.7.2.ADescriptionoftwoFestivals.c.8.3.ThepeoplespublickrepentanceinaSolemneFast,testifiedbyaSolemneCovenantmadeandsubscribedforReformationc.9,10.4.TheinhabitantsofIerusalem,viz.Rulers,Voluntiers,andmenchosenbylot.c.11.5.ThenumberandofficesofthePriests:withtheDedicationofthewalsofIerusalem,c.12.III.Correctionofsuchcorruptionsandmiscarriages,ashadriseninIudea,inNehemiah'sabsence▪c.13.

Esther.

[Page]

[Page]

III.VNdertheIEWESCAPTIVITYinBabylon,andotherplacesoutofIudea;TheconditionoftheChurchisdescribedintheBookofESTHER;stiledbytheHebrewes[...]megillathEsther,i.e.ThevolumeofEsther,sode-nominatedfromEsthertheQueenaIewesh,whosefaithfullservice,donefortheoppressedChurchandpeopleofGodinextremityofstraits,istheprimarysubjectofthisBook.SomewritersexcludethisBookoutoftheCanonofScripture,asMelitoinEusebius,lib.4.c.25.Athan[...]siusinSynopsi.andNazianzen.inCarm.deScript.ButtheHebrewsandprimitiveChristianswithotherwritersunanimouslyreceiveitaspartoftheCanon.

PenmanisnotsounanimouslydetermineduponamongAuthors.SomethinksitwaswrittenbythemenofthegreatSynagogue.R.Mosesissaidtobeofthisopinion.OrbyIoachimthePriest,sonneofIesustheHigh-Priest.PhiloIudeusinChronol.Or,byMordecay,asisconjecturedpartlyfromchap.9.20,23.AsTheLatinFathers.Thegroundofwhoseconjectureseemestocomeshort.OrbyEzraorNehemiah,whowrotethetwoformerHistoriesoftheChurchoflikeNature.Isidorus.Alsted.Praecog.Theoll.c.c.120.ButEusebiusinhisChronicles,supposeththatthePenmanwasafterEzra.

ThisBookcontainesanHistoryoftheChurchundertheReigneofAhashuerusKingofPersia,fromthethirdyeareofhisReigne,Esth.1.1,2,3.tilltheendofhisReigne,viz.about20.years(forhereignedinallabout21.or22.years)ThisAhashuerusisconceivedtobeXerxessonneofHystaspis,Ezr.4.6.Iun.Annot.

[Page]

ThetimeofthisHistoryisthuscomputed.

Ahashuerusmakeshisfeastinhisthirdyeare,—Esth.1.3.

MarriethEsther,inhisseventhyeare,Esth.2.16.

HamanconspiresagainsttheIewes,andishanged,inhistwelfthyeare,Esth.3.7.and7.10.

ThenceEstherreignstilltheendofhisReigne,MordecaibeingchiefGovernour,10.y.Helvic.chron.

S[...]ope,mostlivelytomanifest;HowsingularlyvigilantGodisoverhisChurchinextreameststraitsanddeepestdangers;notonlytopreserveherfromthem,andadvantageherbythem;butalsotoreturnetheplotsofhercruellenemiesupontheirownheads,whentheyarenearestexecution.

Principallparts.ThisBookdeclarestheJewesdeliverancefromHamansplot,bothbywhatmeanesandinwhatmanneritwasdelivered.

I.Meanesofdeliverance,Estheradvanced.Ofwhoseadvancement,here's1.Theoccasionc.1.2.Themannerofit.c.2.II.Themannerofthedeliverance,wherearelaiddowne

1.HamanscruellPlotagainsttheJewes.c.3.2.TheperillensuinguponthisPlot,1.GenerallytoalltheJewes.c.4.2.ParticularlytoMordecaihimselfe.c.5.

[Page]

[Page]

3.GodscounterminingofHamansunderminingdesigne.

1.ByadvancementofMordecai.c.6.2.Byruiningof,1Haman.c.7.2OftherestoftheJewesenemies.whoseslaughterwasImpetrated,c.8.Perpetrated.c.9.3.Byproducingoutofallanhappy,prosperousquietconditiontohisownepeople.

II.DOCTRINALBOOKS.

TheDOGMATICAL,orDOCTRINALLBooks.ThusfarreofthoseBookswhicharemoreproperlyHistoricall;NowoftheBookeswhichwerewritteninthesametimeswiththeformer,whichdeclaretousthewillofGodinamoreDoctrinallway,andthereforefordistinctionsakecalled,DOCTRINALL.TheyarealsocalledthePoeticallBooks,becauseitisconceivedthatthey,ormostoftheminHebrewwerewritteninMetre,orPoeticallMeasures;whichnowarenotsoeasietobefoundout.

TheseDOGMATICALLBookscontaineinthemDoctrines.1.Ofmorespeciallandparticularreferencetosomeparticularindividuallperson.2.OrofmoreGenerallreferenceandrespecttoall.

Job.

1.DOctrinesofmorespeciallreferencetoaparticularperson▪arelaiddownintheBookofIOB.so

[Page]

called,becausethatpreciousmanIobandhisvariousconditionisthechiefesubject-matteroftheBooke.SomethinkthatthereneverwassuchamanintheworldasthisIobofwhichthisBookspeaks:butaccountthisbookeratherParabolicall,thenHistoricall.R.MosesBen.MaimoninmoreNebuchimpart3.§.22.AndThalmudOrd.4.Tract.3.ButthisdreameissufficientlyrefelledbythathonourablementionthatismadeofthisrenownedIobinotherScripturesbothinOldandNewTestamentEzek.14.14,20.Iam.5.11.

WhothisIobwas,ismoredoubted.

1.SomethinkethatIobcameofNahorAbrahamsbrother,andthathewasthethirdfromNahor:thus;Nahor—Vz—rIob;andthathelivedaboutthattimethatIsraelwasinEgypt.Alsted.Chron.p.100andp.115.andp.502.AndHieronym.inQ.Hebr.Tom.4.fol.96.Seemestoinclinehereunto,especially,seeingIobissaidtodwellintheLandofVz,Iob1.1.andVzwasoneofNahorssonnes,Gent22.[...]1.ButthatLandseemsnottohavereceiveditsnameofVzcoetaneoustoAbraham;butratherfromVzsonofAram,Sem'sNephewpresentlyaftertheflood,Gen.10.23.AsGerh.wellnotes,inexegesi.loc▪Com.deScrip.§.136.

2.Othersratherareofopinion,thatIobisthesamewhichIobabKingoftheIdumeans,oftheraceofEsauGen.36.34.Andthat[...]mightbechangedinto[...];thenameIobabintoIob;eitherfromthecustomeoftheHebrewtongue,whichofttimeschangethoneletterforanother;or

[Page]

[Page]

fromtheAramick,Idumean,orotherdialectoftheCountrywherehesojourned;orfromthechangeofhisconditionintheworld;whileprosperoushemightbecalledIobab,theletterbeingdoubled;whenindistressehisnamecontractedintoIob.SeethelikeincaseofAbraham,Gen.17.5.OfNaomi,Ruth1.20.

ThislatteropinionisurgedbyArgumentsnottobeneglected.1.Fromthecircumstancesofplace.IobablivedintheLandofIdumea,Gen.36.33.IobintheLandofVz,achiefetractinIdumea,Iob1.1.Lam.4.21.HenceKingsofEdomarecalledKingsoftheLandofVz,Ier.25.20.2.Fromdescriptionoftheirpossessions,IobabhadRegallMajestyGen.36.33.IobhadaPrincelystate,notusualltoprivatemen,Iob1.1,2,3.AndalsoPrincelyDignity,Habit,andOffice,Iob29.9,12,14.3.FromSimilitudeofnames.AsMosesreckonsupamongEsau'ssons,oneEliphazwhobroughtforthoneThemanbuilderofaTownofhisownname,Gen.36.10,15.SoIobsHistorymentions,EliphaztheTemaniteIob2.11.ManyAuthors,astheLXXinterpret.attheendofIob.Euseb.demonstr.Evangel.l.1.c.5.Ambros.inCom.inRom.9.August.deCivit.dei,l.18.c.47.Gerh.quosupr.§134.vid.Mercer.inPraefatinLib▪Iob&Com.inIob1.1

Penmanofthisbookisnotcertainlyknown.SomethinkitwasSolomon;butthat'sscarceprobable,IoblivingsolongbeforeSolomon,andmanyPenmenofHolyScriptureinterveningbetwixtthem.SomethatIobpennedthisbookhimselfe,becausetheexpressionsandspeechesofIobarelaiddowninsuchemphaticallandpatheticallterms.Some

[Page]

[Page]

ratherthinkethatMoseswroteGenesisandIobaboutthesametime,viz.alittlebeforeIsraelsdepartureoutofAegypt,intheyeareoftheworld,2452.Alsted.Chron.p.100.R.Solomon,andotherHebrewesfavourthisopinion.

Scope,Toevidenceasinamirrourthewise,justandfatherlyProvidenceofGodtohisownfaithfullanduprightservants,eveninmidstofmanifold,deepest,strangestandlongestafflictions.Hebrewessay,Iob'scalamitylasted12moneths.Suidassaith,seavenyeeres.

PrincipalParts.InthisbookIobsthreefoldconditionisdescribedviz.HisProsperity,HisAdversity,andhisrecoveryoutofallhisdistresses.

I.IobsProsperity,isdescribedc.1.1,tover.6.II.IobsAdversity,isdecipheredtous.

1.BytheOccasion,varietyandextremityofit,c.1.ver.6.tochap.3.1.2.Bythedistemperofhisspiritundertheextremityofhisdolours,c.3.3.BytheDialoguehadunderhisAffliction,whereinthisQ.isforsubstancefullydiscussed,Whetherstrange,heavy,andlongafflictionsbeinfalliblesigneseitherofGodshatred,orofafflictedpersonsHypocrisy?LikewiseJobsFaith,patience,courage,perseveranceandcommendabledeportmentisinterwovenintheDialogue;thoughnowandthenhediscoveredsomeinfirmities.HereconsiderthedisputebetwixtIobandhisthreefriendsandtheModeratoursoftheDispute.

[Page]

1.TheDisputehathinit8severallActs.1.Eliphazhisfirstreproofec.4.5.AndIobsAnswer,c.6,7.2.BildadsfirstreproofeofIob,c.8.AndIobsanswer,c.9,10.3.Zophar'sfirstrebukec.11.WithIobsanswer,c.12,13,14.4.Eliphazhissecondreproofe,c.15.AndIobsdefence,c.16,17.5.Bildad'ssecondrebuke,c.[...]8.Iobsanswer,c.19.6.Zo-phar'ssecondreproofe,c.20.Iobsanswerc.21.7.Elephazhisthirdreproofe,c.22.Iobsanswer,c.23,24.8.Bildad'sthirdreproofe,c.25.IobsanswerbyshewingGodsMajesty,c.26,27,28.andbyparallelinghispresentcalamitywithhisformerfelicity,c.29,30,31.2.TheModeratoursinthisdisputeare,

1.Elihu;whofirstreprovesIobsfriends,c.32.Iobhimselfec.33.2.RenderstheReasonsofhisreproofedrawnfromtheMajestyofGod,c.34.3.ExhortsIobtoRepentance,c.35.4.ReturnestothedescriptionofGodsMajesty,c.36,37.2.GodhimselfewhoreprehendsandconvincethJobofignorance,andinfirmity,byArgumentsdrawnfromtheCreationandGubernation.1.OftheMeteorsc.38.2.Ofothercreatures,especiallyofthemoreconsiderablecreatures,viz.TheLyon,c.39.Elephant,c.40.Whale,c.41.

III.Iobsrecoveryoutofhisadversity,described.1.Byhispreparativetoit,viz.Iobspenitentiallconfessionofhissin,&c.ThiswasthesweetfruitoftheDialogue

[Page]

[Page]

withIob.2.BythemannerofhisRestitution&c.c.42.

2.Doctrinesofmoregenerallreferenceuntoallsortsofpersons,arecontainedpartlyinDavids,partlyinSolomonsBooks,whereofsomewerewrittenoriginallyinprose,othersinMetre,Trelcat.inOecon.Bibl.

Psalmes.

1.INDavidsBookviz.Thatwhichwas(ifnotwholly,assomethinke,August.deCivitat.Dei,l.17.c.14.Yet)principallyPennedbyDavid,i.e.THEBOOKOFPSALMES.ItiscalledinHebrew,bythelatterHebrewes(whogavenamesorTitlestoBooks,[...]SepherTehillim.i.e.TheBookofHymnes,orPrayses:becausetheDivinePraisesofGodarethechiefesubject-matterofthePsalmes.IntheOldTestament,THEPSALMSOFISRAEL2Sam.23.1.BecausepennedfortheuseoftheIsraelofGod.IntheNewTestament,[...]ThePSALMESLuk24.44.And[...]i.e.TheBIBLEorBOOKOFPSALMES,Luk.20.42.Act.1.20.BecausethePsalmesaredigestedintoonevolume.TheGreekecalsitalso[...]i.e.ThePsalter;fromthePsalteryamusicallinstrument,usedinsingingofthepsalmes.AncientlyitwascalledSoliloquiumi.e.TheSoliloquy;becauseitcontainestheSaintssweetestandsecrettalkingswithGodinprayersandprayses,andGodswiththeminpreciousreturnes.ParvaBiblia,&SummariumV.Test.i.e.ThelittleBible,andtheSummaryoftheOldTestament.LuthTotiusScripturaeEpitome.i.e.TheEpitomeofthewholeScriptures.Athanas.inEpist.adMarcel.Itisacompendiumofalldivinity,acommonshop

[Page]

[Page]

ofMedicinesforthesoule,anuniversallstore-houseofgoodDoctrinesprofitabletoeveryoneinallconditions.BasilinPsal.1.ByAugust.lib.Psalmoru ̄Prol.itscall'dTutelapueris,juvenibusornamentum,solatiumsenibus,mulieribusaptissimusdecor.i.e.Asafeguardforchildren,anOrnamenttoyouth,asolacetoagedmen,andthefittestcomelinesseforwomen.ThepsalmesareaIewelmadeupoftheGoldofDoctrine,ofthepearlesofcomfort,oftheGemmesofprayer.ThisbookisaTheaterofGodsworks.AsweetfieldandRosaryofpromises.AParadiseofsweetfruitsandheavenlydelights.AnampleSeawhereintempest-tossedsoulesfindrichestpearlesofconsolation.AnheavenlyschoolewhereinGodhimselfischiefeinstructer.Theabridgment,flowerandquintessenceofScriptures.Aglasseofdivinegrace,representingtousthesweetestsmilingfatherlycountenanceofGodinChrist.AndamostaccurateAnatomieofaChristiansoule,delineatingallitsaffections,motions,temptations,plungeswiththeirproperremedies.Incipientibusprimumefficiturelementum,proficientibusincremen[...]um,perfectisstabilefirmamentum,totiusEcclesiaevoxuna.i.e.Itisrudimentfortheyoung,increasefortheproficient,firmestablishmentfortheperfect,itsasbutonevoiceofthewholeChurch.August.ibid.

Inaword,QuidestquodnondiscaturinPsalmis?Nonomnismagnitudovirtutis,nonnormajustitiae,nonpudicitiaedecor,nonprudentiaeconsummatio,nonpatientiaeregula,nonomnequicquidpotestdicibonumproceditexipsis?Deiscientia,perfectapraenunciatioChristiincarneventuri,&communisresurrectionisspes,

[Page]

suppliciorummetus,gloriaepollicitatio,mysteriorumrevelatio.Omniaprorsusinhisvelutmagnoquodam&communithesauroreconditaatqueconfertasuntbona.i.e.WhatisitthatmaynotbelearnedinthePsalmes?Dothnotthegreatnesseofallvertue,theRuleofRighteousnesse,thegracefulnesseofcharity,theConsummationofprudence,thelawofpatience,andeverythingthatmaybecalledgood,flowfromthem?TheknowledgeofGod,theperfectPredictionofChristtocomeintheflesh,thecommonhopeoftheResurrection,thefeareofpunishments,thePromiseofglory,therevelationofmysteries,yeaallgoodthingsarehidandheapedtogetherinthesePsalmes,asinsomegreatandcommonTreasury.Aug.inlib.PsalmoruntProlog.For,ifwelookatthematterofthePsalmes,howrichisit!Consider,

IntheBookofPsalms

1.Goddealethwithus,by1.Information;thencearisePsalmi[...],theDidacticallorTeachingPsalms.2.Exhortation;thencethe[...]or[...],i.e.theHortatoryPsalmes;orAdmonitoryPs.3.Consolation;thencethe[...],i.e.ConsolatoryPsalms.4.Narratio ̄ofthingsalreadypast;thence[...],i.e.theHistoricallPsalmes.5.Prediction,orforetellingofthingstocome;thencePsalmi[...],i.e.thePropheticallPsalmes.

2.WedealwithGod,by

[Page]

[Page]

1.Prayer;whencePsalmi[...],i.ePetitoryorPray-ingPsalms.2.Prayse&thanksgiving;thencePsalmi[...],i.e.theGratulatoryorThanksgivingPsalms.

PenmenoftheBookofPsalmesaresupposedbysometobemany;andtheTitlesofdiversPsalmesdoimportasmuchuntous.TenPenmenareenumerated.viz.David,Solomon,Moses,Asaph,Ethan,Heman,Ieduthun,andthethreesonsofKorah;butAugustinethinksDavidwasPenmanofthemall,deCivitat.deil.17.c.14.HoweverDavidpennedgreatestpartofthem,astheTitlesandTestimoniesintheNewTestamentdointimate.

SomethinkethatEzraaftertheBabylonishCaptivity,collectedthesePsalmes,(beforedispersed)intoonevolume.SomethinkthiswasdonebyKingHezekiah'sfriendsorservantsbeforetheBabylonishCaptivity,AthanasiusinSynopsi.

SumandScopeofthePsalms,seemstobe.TosetoutthesweetentercourseandCommunionbetwixtGod&hisChurchandpeopleinalloutwardConditions,andinwardsoulcases;howtherintheyareweakorstrong▪believe,hope,joy,lament,confesse,pray,vow,praisetheLord,&c.asoccasionrequires;andhowGodtries,delivers,comforts,supports,encourages,instructs,enablesthem,andfaithfullydealeswiththem,inallvarietyoftheircasesandconditions.ButeveryparticularPsalmehathhisparticularScope;handlingdistinctmattersupondistinctoccasions.Somebeingpennedbefore,someunder,someaftertheBabylonishCaptivity,asisevident.

[Page]

Principalparts.ThisBookisbytheHebrewsdividedintofiveBooks,viz.

1.FromPsal.1.totheendofPsal.41.concludedwith,AmenandAmen.2.FromPsal.42.totheendofPsal.72.shutupwith.AmenandAmen.Ended▪arethePrayersofDavidsonofIesse.3.FromPsal.73.totheendofPsal.89.closedwith,AmenandAmen.4.FromPsal.90.totheendofPsal.106.endedwith,Amen,Halelu-jah.5.FrombeginningofPsal.107.totheendofPsal.150.concludingwithHalelu-jah.

ThisDivisionseemstoarisefromthepeculiarcloseofthesefivePsalmes.

Orthus,ThePsalmesareeither1DirectedfrommantoGod,asthe1Praying,and2ThankesgivingPsalms.2OrfromGodtoman.AsthePsalmeswhichare1Hortatory,2Consolatory,3Didacticall.4Propheticall.

TheParticularunfoldingofthePenman,Kind,Occasion,Matter,ScopeandPrincipallPartsofeveryPsalmeseverally;willmakealargeAppendixtothisTract,andisreservedtillsomeotheropportunity.

2.InSolomonsBooks,(thewisestofKings,1King.3.12.&4.29.)HisBookesarethree,whichaccordingtotheseverallDoctrines,andmatterscomprisedinthem,wemaydistinguishinto1Proverbiall,2Penitentialland3

[Page]

[Page]

Nuptiall.ItishardtosayatwhattimetheseseverallBookswerepennedbySolomon,yetperhapstheNuptiallBook,waspennedinhisyoungeryears,whenhisaffectionsweremorewarme,active,livelyinspirituals.TheProverbiallBookinhismanlyripeage,whenhisprudenceandpartswereathighest,mostgrave,solid,setled:AndthePenitentiallBookinhisoldage▪afterallthevainecourseswhichhehadlosthimselfein,asthecurrentoftheBookseemsclearlytoevidence.

Proverbs.

1.HIsProverbiallBookcalledthePROVERBSOFSO-LOMON,becausethoughitcontaineother'sProverbs,yetmostareSolomon'sProv.1.1.InHebr.[...]Mis[...]leShe-lomoh,i.e.eitherSimilitudes,orexcellingsentences,thatovercomeandbeareruleovertherest,frommashal,whichnotesdominion.

Thisbookwaspennednotbyone,butbydivers:andthatnotatone,butatseveralltimes.Solomonpennedtheninefirstchapters,inthatOrder,astheyare,asalsoc.10.toc.25.Cartwrightinloc.SolomonwasAuthoroftheProverbsalso,fromc.25.toc.30.ButthemenofHezekiahKingofIudahcopiedthemout,Prov.25.1.probablytheycollectedthemoutofotherwritingsofSolomon,andrankedtheminthisOrder,whereinwenowhavethem.Alsted.Praecog.Theol.l.2.c.120.Cartw.inProv.25.1.andIun.ibid.whothinkestheyextractedtheseProverbsoutoftheRecordsoftheActsofSolomon,and

[Page]

digestedthemintoabody;mostoftheseProverbsappertainingtoEthicallandCiviladministration.ThethirtiethchapterwaspennedbyAgursonneofIakeh,c.30.1.ofhimwereadelsewherenofurthermentioninScripture.HewasaProphet,Prov.30.1.HisProverbiallProphecyisannexedtoSolomonsProverbs,perhapsbecauseofmutuallresemblancebetweenthem.

The31thchaptercontainestheProverbiallinstructions,withwhichBathshebatrainedupSolomon(herecalledLemuel)inhistenderyears,whichinstructionsKingSolomoncommittedtowritingafterwards.Iun.inloc.Cartw.inloc.

TheScope.Toinstructmenintruewisedomeandunderstanding,theveryheadandheightwhereofisthesincerefeareoftheLord,Prov.1.2.to8.TothisendtheBookisfilledwithchoicesuccinctsententiousAphorismes,Adages,orProverbs,compendiouslyholdingforthdutiesofPietytoGod,Equitytoman,Sobrietytowardsonesselfe.

GenerallDistributionoftheBooktakethus.

I.Here'sSolomonsPrefacetohisProverbs,wchhathamethodicalltextureandcoherenceinitself,c.1.to10.II.HereisthewholeBodyorBookoftheProverbsthemselves,whichareeither,

1.SolomonsowneProverbs,whichormostpartarepithy,distinctAphotismes,withoutmethod,dependance,coherence,&c.andthese.1.WrittenbySolomonhimselfe,c.10.1.toc.25.1.2.Written

[Page]

[Page]

byhim,andcollectedbythemenofKingHezekiah,asc.25.1.to[...].30.1.2.OrothersProverbsbywayofAppendixannexedtoSolomons.viz▪1▪OfAgur.c.30.2.OfBathsheba,butwrittenbySolomon,c.31.

Ecclesi:

2.HIsPenitentialBook,SolomonsRetractationsorRecantations,calledinHebr.[...]i.e.TheWORDSOFTHEPREACHEREccles.1.1.andtothesamesenseinGreek,Latin,andEnglish,ECCLESIASTES,orThePreacher,becauseSolomonbeingfurnishedwithwisedomeandmanifoldexperiencetouchingthevanityofallthingsbesidestrueReligion,preacheththesametotheChurchfortheinstructionandwarningofallGodspeople:ThisBookhewroteinextreamOldage,Repentingofhisfall:ThisseemestobeoneofhislastActs,accordingtothat,2Chron.9.29.

ScopeofthisBookistoevidencewhereinamanstruehappinesseconsists.viz.notinanysublunary,naturall,createdexcellency,allsuchbeingvanityofvanities,extreamestvanityandvexationofSpirit;butonlyintruesincerefeareofGod,andtruthofReligion,compareEccles.1.2.withEccles.12.13,14.

Principallparts;Tothisend,touchingtruehappinesse,heinsistsuponit,

1.Negatively,showingwhereitisnottobefound.viz

[Page]

[Page]

Generally,notinanymeer,naturall,sublunarytreasureinthisworld.Specially,notin1.Knowledgeofallnaturallthings.2.Pleasures,orsweetestearthlyde-lights.3.HighestHonours,Or4.Compleatestriches,c.1.toc.7.2.PositivelyandAffirmatively,whereintruefelicityistobefound,andthisheshowes.1.Particularly,declaringwhatarethedegreesandmeanesofhappinesse,sofarreasamanmayattainethereuntointhisimperfectlife,c.7.toc.12.8.2.SummarilyinthecloseofthewholeBook,c.12.8.totheend.

ThisBookisanundeniableArgumentofSolomonsrepentanceafterhisRelapse,andconsequentlyofhissalvation.

SongofSongs.

3.HIsNuptiallBooktreatingofthespiritualContract,andMarraiagebetwixtChristandhisChurch,calledtheSONGOFSONGS,whichwasSolomons,c.1.1.andCANTICLES,becauseofallSolomonsSongs,whichwere1005.1King.4.32.Thiswasthechoycestandmostexcellent;thematterthereofbeingoneofthesweetestspirituallmysteries.viz.theChurchesspirituallespousalsto,andCommunionwithJesusChrist,thatgreatmystery,Eph.5.32.

ScopeofthisSong,is,(undertheMetaphororAllegoryofloversuponContract,andintendingmarriage,)toshadowouttousthatsublimespirituallhappyunionandCommunionbetwixtChristandhisChurch,inchoateinthis

[Page]

life,moreimperfectlywiththeIewes,moreperfectlywiththeGentiles:Consummateinthelifetocome.Thisiscarriedondialogue-wisebetwixtChristandhisChurch;HisfriendsandherDamosels,beingthefourespeakers,especiallythetwofirst.AsistheCustomeofaBridegroomeandaBride.

Principallparts,ofthisSongofSongs.

I.TheInscription,denotingthe1kindofwriting;2Excellency3andPenmanofitc.1.1.II.ThesubstanceoftheSong,StreamingoutaTorrentofspiritualllovebetwixtChristandtheChurch,laiddownDialogue-wise,inafamiliarColloquybetwixt1ChristastheBridegroome.2TheChurchastheBride,and3thefriendsofthembothrejoycinginthemarriage;AllinacontinuedAllegory.Hereinareparticularly,

1.TheArdentdesiresoftheChurchafterChrist,asimpatientofhisabsence:withChristsacceptancethereof.c.1.ver.2.to9.2.TheReciprocallinvitatoryCommendationsofoneanother;andthemutuallgratulationsandcontentmentofChristandtheChurchinoneanother,c.1.9.totheendofc.2.3.TheChurchesreneweddesiresnightandday,athomeandabroad,intheCityinthefields(asitwere)tobringChristneerertoherself,c.3.1.to6.yearathertohaveherselfebroughtimmediatelytothefullenjoymentofChristinheaven,v.6.totheend.

[Page]

4.ChristmostaffectionatelyPraysethhisChurchinherMembers,professinghimselferavishedwithherfaith,graces,andspirituallbeauty,c.4.1.to15.whichisamplified,1.BytheChurchesselfe-denyingacknowledgingallhergracestocomefromChristasthefountaine,v15.2.ByherPrayerforhisinfluencetomakeher(asaGardenofspices)moreandmorefruitfull;andforhispresencetoacceptherfruit,v.16.3.ByChristssatisfyingherdesires,commingintohisGarden,Acceptingthefruitsthereof,andwelcominghisfriends,c.5.1.5.TheChurchesSpirituallDesertion,inChristswithdrawinghimselfefromher.Whereare,I.Theoccasionofit,HercarnallScurity,c.5.2.3.II.TheMannerofit;withdrawing,yetleavingsomequick-ninggracebehindehim.v.4,5.III.TheConsequentsofit,inrespectof,1.TheChurchherselfe,v.4,5,6.2.TheWatchmenabusingher,ver.7.3.TheDaughtersofIerusalem,whomshechargedtosignifieherdistressetoherbeloved,ver.8.Thischargeisamplified,1PartlybytheinquiryoftheDaughtersofIerusalem,whatChristis?ver.9.2PartlybytheChurchesPatheticalldescriptionofChriststranscendentexcellencies,ver.10.totheend.3Partly,bytheinquiryofthedaughtersofJerusalem,afterChrist,c.6.1.4PartlybytheChurchesdeclaringtothem,whereChristwas,viz.Hewasnowreturned,andgonedownintohisGardenc.6.2.5PartlybyheraffectionatecomplacencyinChristreturned,ver.3.6.ChristssweetandconsolatorydeportmenttowardshisChurchafterherDesertion,andhis

[Page]

returnetoher.Wherein,1.Heassureshersheisaspreciousinhiseyes,andasdearetohisheartasever,c.6.4.to11.2.HedeclareshisdesireaftertheSpirituallSpringoftheChurchesgraces,afterthewinterofherafflictions,ver.11.3.HediscoverstheRaptureofhisravishedaffectionstoher,mostsweetlyinvitinghertohimselfe,ver.12,13.mosthighlycommendingherthroughout,c.7.1.to8.andpromisinghispresence,andwhathewilldoforher;thatshemaybecomemostdelightfulltohim,v.8.9.7.Finally,theChurchreciprocatesherutmostaffectiontoChrist,forhislove.Andthis,I.MoreGenerallyc.7.10.II.MoreParticularly,Herdesire,1ThatChristandshemaygotogethertoviewtheirHusbandry,whethertheirplantsdidflourishandfructifie,viz.TheGospelthrive,ver.11,1213.2ThatshemayenjoyChristmostintimatelyandfamiliarly,c.8.1,2,3.3.ThattheDaughtersofJerusalemmaynotdisturbehim,ver.4.4.Thatitmaybeconsidered,whatshehathforgoneandundergoneforChristslove,ver.5.5.ThatChristwouldgiveherafuller1Confirmationofhislove,settingherasasealeuponhisheart:andafuller2Manifestationorevidentassurancetherof,SettingherasaSealeuponhisArme,strengthning,helpingher,&c.andthisbecauseshebearestoChristaninvincibleandunquenchablelove,ver.6,7.6.ThattheGentilescalledAlittleSister,maybecalled,andincorporatedintotheChurchwiththeJewes,ver.8,9,10.Thisisam-plifiedbyChristscommoncareofboth,asone

[Page]

[Page]

Vineyard,keptbyhimselfe,notbyothers,asSolomonswas▪ver.11,12.ChristteachinghisSpouseherduty,ToherneighboursinpublishingandbearingwitnessetohisTruth;TohimselfeinPrayerandThanksgiving,ver.13.

III.TheConclusionoftheSong,containingtheChurchesmostArdentDesireafterChristssecondcoming,thatthemarriagebetwixtChristandherselfe,maybecompleatlyconsummatedinHeaventhoseMountainesofspices,c.8.14.

III.THEPROPHETICALLBOOKS.

THusfarreofBooksHistoricallandDoctrinal,NowtotheBooksPropheticall.FordistinctionsaketheyarecalledPROPHETICALL,becausethematterofthemisprincipallyPropheticall,thoughmanyHistoricalandDoctrinalpassagesarealsoinsertedinthemallalong;astherearemanypropheciesofthingstocome,dispersedupanddowntheotherBooks,whichyetareprincipallyHistoricalandDoctrinal.

ThesePropheticalBooksareinall16,(LamentationsbeingcountedanAppendixtoIeremiah)theymaybeconsidered,1.Accordingtothetimesoftheirprophecyandwriting.2.AccordingtotheirOrderassetinourBibles.TheyarenotplacedinourBiblesinthatmethodandOrderastheywereatthefirstspokenandwrittenbytheprophets.

I.Accordingtothetimeswhereintheywerefirstprophesiedandwritten.Thesetimesareformostpart

[Page]

discoveredinthebeginningoftheseverallProphesies,andofsuchwemaydeterminecertainly:ortheymaybecollectedfromotherScriptures,orthematteroftheProphesies,ofwhichwecannotconcludealtogethersocleerly.

Thesetimesmaybereferred(astheHistoricalbooks)tothreeprincipallPeriods,viz.1.Before,2.Neereorunder.3.AftertheBabylonishcaptivity.AndifinthesethreeperiodsweparalleltheseProphets,withthoseHistoricalBooks,theywillnotablyhelptocleerandexplainoneanother.

I.BeforethetransportationofIsraelintoBabylon,TheseProphetsprophesiedandwrote,viz.

1.UnderVzziahKingofJudah,andIeroboamthesecond,KingofIsrael.

IONAH,hepropheciedbeforeoraboutbeginningofIeroboamsReigne,See2King.1425.AsIun.notethinIonah1.1.AboutthecloseofhisReigne,thinkesDrusiusinQuaesitisEpist.9.1.AMOS.SeeAmos1.1.

2.UnderVzziah,Iotham,AhazandHezekiahKingsofJudah,andIeroboamKingofIsrael.

HOSEA.Hos.1.1.IOEL.IoelprophesiedaboutthesametimewithHosea,asisthought;becausethethingspropheciedinIoel,relatetothedayesofVzziahandIeroboam.SeeIun.Annot.inIoel

[Page]

1.1.ISAIAH.Isa.1.1.(herethedaysofKingIeroboamarenotmentioned.)MICHAH.OnlyunderIotham,Ahaz,andHezekiah,Mich.1.1.

3.UnderIosiah.IEREMIAH.TilltheeleventhyeereofZedekiah,Jer.1,2,3.beingcomparedwithIer.51.64.Iun.Annot.ibid.LAMENTATIONS.WrittenbyIeremiah,uponoccasionofKingJosiah'sDeath2Chr.35.25.ZEPHANIAH.Zeph.1.1.OBADIAH.SeemstobecontemporarywithIeremiah,comparehisprophecywithIer.49.7.&c.AndEzek.25.13.&c.SeeIun.inObad.1.NAHVM.AboutthecloseofIosiah'sReigneasthematteroftheBook,andtheharmonyoftheHistoryimport.SoIun.inNah.1.1.HABBAKKVK.AbouttheendofIosiahsReigne,orinhissonsReign,IuniusinHab.1.1.

II.Neereupon,andundertheBabylonishCaptivity.DANIEL.InthethirdyeereofIehoiakim'sReigne,Dan.1.1.EZEKIEL.InthefifthyeereofKingIehoiakin'sCap-tivity,Ezek.1.1,2,3.

III.AftertheirreturnefromBabylonsCaptivity.HAGGAI.InthesecondyeereofDarius,andthesixthmoneth,Hag.1.1.

[Page]

[Page]

ZECHARIAH.InthesecondyeereofDarius,theeighthmoneth,Zech.1.1.MALACHI▪LastProphecyoftheOld-Testament.Re-provesthecorruptionsafterbuildingoftheTemple.SeeIun.inMal.1.1.

II.AccordingtotheirOrderastheyareplacedinourBibles.AndsotheyareresolvedintotwoRanks,viz.1.TheGreaterProphets,viz.Thefourefirst(theLamentationsbeingannexedasanAppendixtoIeremiah,)socalled,notbecausethesehadgreaterauthority,thentheothers,butfromthegreatnesseoftheirBookes;TheprophecyofIsaiah,beingneerasbigorbiggerthenallthelesserprophets,together.2.TheLesserProphets.viz.Thetwelvelatter,Hosea,&c.WhichweredigestedintoonevolumneofoldbytheJewes,(calledtheBookeoftheProphets,Act.7.42.)someofthembeingverysmall,lestanyofthemshouldbelost.AllthesebooksarenamedfromtheirPenmen,excepttheLamentations.

I.TheGreaterProphets,are[...]heBooksofIsaiah,Ieremiah,Ezekiel,Daniel.

Isaiah

ISAIAH.ThisBookissetfirst,(thoughintimeIonah,Amos,Hosea,andIoel,seemetohavebeenbeforehim)perhaps,becauseoftheexcellencyoftheProphecy,mostfrequently,fullyandclearlyprophecyingofChrist,asifChristhadbeenexhibitedalready,hadsufferedalready.HencetheAncientscalledhimEvangelisticusPropheta,&

[Page]

[Page]

PropheticusEvangelista,TheEvangelicallProphet,andPropheticallEvangelist,OrtheEvangelistandApostleoftheOldTestament.ChristandhisApostlesgreatlyesteemedthisBook▪itbeingoftneralledgedintheNewTestament,thenanyotherBookoftheOldTestament▪exceptthepsalms.SomeobserveIsaiahtobequotedsixtytimes,thePsalmessixtyfouretimes.Alsted.EthiopianshadgreatrespecttothisBookasappears,Act.8.27.28.

TimeofthisProphecywasinfoureKingsReigns,Isa.1.1.ifwereckonfromthedeathofVzziah,Isa.6.1.tillthefifteenthyeareofKingHezekiah,whentheBabilonishAmbassadourscametoHezekiahandsawallhisTreasures,2King.20.12,13,14.Hemustattheleastprophecyfourtyfiveyears:butitsprobablehepropheciedlonger.

Scope;ToholdforththetrueMessiahclearly,astheonlysufficientRemedyagainstallsinandmisery.

Generallparts,ThisProphecyiseither.

1.Comminatory,asitisforthemostpart,tillc.40.thesepromisesarenowandtheninter-woven;Herein1.TheJewesarethreatned,c.1.toc.13.2.EnemiesoftheJeweshChurcharethreatned,fortheChurchesbenefit,c,13.toc.29.3.TheJewesagainearethreatnedwiththeBabylonishCaptivity,c.29.to40.2.Promissory,andthat1.FortheRestaurationoftheOldChurchoftheJewsfromthemiseryofthatCaptivity,c.40.toc.49.2.ForthecompleatingandconsummationoftheChurchesgloryinGospel

[Page]

timesbyChristhimselfe,c.49.totheendoftheProphecy.

Jeremiah.

JEREMIAH.HewasoftheTowneofAnatho[...]h,Jer.1.1.averyyoungmanwhenhebegantoprophesie,Ier.1.6.

TimeofhisprophecywasindaysofIosiah,IehoiakinandZedekiah,Jer.1.2,3.whichmustneedsbefourtythreeyearsatleastbycomputation,bothinIudeaandEgypt.

Scope.TodivorcetheIewesinhistimesfromtheirmanyhorridsins,denouncigheavyjudgemenasagainstthem:ButtocomfortthetrueservantsofGodintheirlowestmisery,withpromisesofChrist,andthreatningsagainstalltheirenemies.

Generallparts.Hereinare

1.ThePreface,containingthevocationofIeremiah,c.1.2TheProphecyitself,whichisdirectedbothagainsttheIews&theenemiesoftheJewes,[...]AgainsttheJews1.inIudea,underKingIosiah,c.2.toc.21.UnderIehoiachimandZedekiah,c.21.toc.43.2.InEgypt,c.43.44.45.2AgainsttheJewesenemies.viz.Egyptians,c.46.PhilistinesandTyrians,c.47.Moabites.c.48.Ammonites,Edomites,&c.c.49.Babylonians,c.50.51.3.ConclusionHistoricall,annexedtotheProphecy,by

[Page]

someotherthenIerem[...]ah,c.52.

Lamenta:

UNtotheprophecyofJEREMIAHmaybeannexedasanAppendixtheBookofLAMENTATIONS.calledinHebr.[...]Kinoth,i.e.Lamentations;2Chron.35.25.and[...]Echah,viz.thefirstHebrewwordoftheBook(asmanyotherBooksarenamedbythefirstwordoftheBook).ThisBookseemstobepennedbyIeremiahtheProphet,uponthedeathofthatpreciousKing[...]osiah,2Chron.35.25.whentheJewesfelltotheirsinfullconfidenceinEgypt,whichBeginningsofsorrowsandmiseriesgaveIeremyoccasion,(heknowingbythespiritofProphecythejudgmentswhichshouldbefallthem)tolamentallthemiseriesfromIosiahsdeath,tillthedestructionoftheTempleandIerusalem,andcaptivityofthepeopleinBabylon.Thefourefirstchaptersarepennedalphebeti-cally,(asmanyPsalmesareforhelpofmemoryinsuchanexcellentpieceasthisis,)In1.2,4.chapters,everyversebeginswithadistinctletteroftheHebrewAlphabet,c.3.hathonlyeverythirdversesobeginning.Mostmournefullmelting,patheticallaffectionsaboundinthewholeBook.Greg.Nazianzen.Affirmedthusofhimselfe,AsoftasItakethisBookintomyhands,andreadtheLamentations,Iperceivemyspeechtobestopped,andIamoverwhelmedwithtears,andmethinksIseethatCalamityasitweresetbeforemineeyes,andIjoyneLamentationswithJeremiah;Greg.Nazianzen.Or.12.pag.202.Paris,1630.

[Page]

[Page]

Scope,seemestobethis▪LivelytopointouttheseverityandimpartialityofGodsjudgements,evenagainsthisowndearestpeopletheIewesfortheiriniquities,invitingthemtorepentance,faithandprayer,forobtainingofGodsfavourinpardoningofsin,andremovallofjudgement.

Principallparts.Are:

I.Narratory,whereinarecontained.1.AmostPatheticallDescriptionofthewofullmiseries,overwhelmingIerusalemandIudea,yetallacknowledgedtobemostjustlyinflictedfortheirsin,c.1.2.Amournfullexpostulatinglamentationforthedesolatingmiseriesuponallpersonsandaffairs,CivilorEcclesiasticallinthewholeKingdome,c.2.1.to19.3.TheProphetscounselltothemtoConverttoGodandpray;andhegivesthemaformeofwords,c.2.verse19.20,21,22.4.TheChurchessadcomplaints(inonemansperson)ofGodsmanyandheavyafflictionsuponher,c.3.1.to18.5.TheArgumentsofcomfort,wherewiththeChurchsupportedherselfeintheseextremitiesv.18.to42.6.HowtheChurcheasedherheartincryingtoGodforherselfe,againstherenemies,v.42.totheend.7.MostPatheticallAggravationsofhercalamities.

[Page]

c.4.1.to21.II.Minatory,againsttheenemiesofIsrael,c.4.21.III.Promissory,totheafflicteddaughterofSion,c.4.22.IIII.Petitory,whereintheChurchofGod,1bewailethhermiseries,2Acknowledgethsintobethecausethereof,3Deprecatshiswrath,4Andimploreshismercy,c.5.

Ezekiel.

EZEKIEL.HewasdescendedofthePriestlystock,Ezek.1.3.ProphecyedinthelandofChaldea,totheCaptivesandGentiles,inthefifthyeareofIehoiachin'scaptivity,Ezek.1.1,2,3.

Scope.TocomforttheChurchofGodinCaptivity,andtoinstructthemhowtobehavethemselvestherein,a-mongstprofaneHeathenishIdolaters.

Generallparts.Hereinare,

I.ThePrefacesettingforththeProphetscallingtothisoffice;Godscall,c.1.Ezekielsfearfulnes,c.2.Godsconfirmingandstrengthninghim,c.3.

II.TheProphecyitself,containingthreeRanksofSermonspreachedatseveralltimes,toseverallpersons,&c.1.TotheIews,whomhesharplyrebuks&threatensfortheirimpietiesinseventeenseverallsermons,c.4.toc.25.2.TotheenemiesofGodspeople,whoseruineandde-

[Page]

structionheforetelsineightsermons,c.25.toc.33.3.TotheJewes,exhortingthemtorepentance,andencouragingthemtohope,notonlyforaninchoatedeliverancefromBabylonsslavery,andthatinsixsermons,c.33.toc.40.ButalsoforaconsummatespiritualldeliverancefromspirituallmiserybyChristtheMessiah,andthisissetoutinvision1OfthenewTempletobeerected,c.40.41,42.1OfthenewWorshipofGodtoberestored,c.43.44.3OfthenewIerusalem,andnewearththatshouldbediscovered,c.45.46,47,48.

Daniel:

DANIEL,DanielwascarriedcaptivewiththeJewesintoBabylon,Dan.1.6.livingandprophecyingamongtheCaptives,alongtime,foretoldfutureeventstotheendoftheworld.Wasamanofanexcellentspirit,Dan.5.12.AuthorofthisBook,Matth.24.15.Dan.12.4.

Scope,TodisplayuntoGodsChurchandpeopleGodswiseandfaithfulldealingswiththeminallstates,fromdayesofNebuchadnezzartillChrist,forthecomfortoftheIews,andfromChristtotheendoftheworld,hispeculiarProvidenceoverhisowninalltheirdistressesanddeliverances,forthecomfortoftheSaintsundertheNewTestament.

GenerallParts.Thisbookrelatesprincipallytwosortsofmatters,viz.

1.Mattersdonealreadyfortimepast,laiddownHistorically,c.1.to7.andthesethingsarereported1.

[Page]

Summarily.c.1.2SeverallyundertheBabylonianMonarchy,whereofwehave1TheRise,c.2.3.2TheGrowth,c.4.3Theclose,c.5.OrunderthePersianMonarchy,c.6.2.Matterstobedoneafterwardsforfuture,laiddownProphetically,c.7.totheendofthebook.Heprophecies,1.OffutureCalamities,where,indaysofBelshazzar,hehadadoublevisionOfthefourebeastsc.7.OftheRamandHe-goat,c.8.InthetimeofthePersianMonarchy,wherehehathadoublevision,OneinthefirstyeareofDariustheMede,c.9.TheotherinthethirdyeareofCyrus,c10.withtheexpositionofthemc.[...]1.2.OftheElectsdeliverancefromthesecalamities,bothbeforeandafterChristtotheworldsend;thoughcalamitiesoftheSaintsbesharpandlong,yetatlastdeliveranceshallfullycome,andthepromisethereofnotfaile,butbeexactlyfulfilled,c.12.

2TheLesserProphetsorMinorProphetssocalled,notbe-causetheyhadlesserAuthorityfromGodfortheirPropheticalloffice,butbecausetheirBooksareofafarrelessebulkandvolumethentheformer.Theyaretwelve,Hosea,Ioel,&c.

Hoshea

HOSHEAH.hewassonneofBeeri,ProphecyedthesametimethatIsaiahdid,Hos.1.1.withIsa.1.1.2.Heprophecyed(asisprobable)longerthenanyotheroftheProphets;inallaboutseventyyears.PrincipallydealsagainstthetenTribesofIsrael,nowandthenagainst

Iudah.Hisstileissharpandsuccinct,whichmakeshimsomewhatmoredarkandobscure.

Scope,ToconvincetheIewes,especiallythetenTribesoftheirmanygreatiniquities,especiallyoftheiridolatryes,andtoperswadethemtorepentancewithhopeofmercy.

Generallparts.ThisProphecyiseither

I.Parabolicall,comprehendingtwoTypes.Thefirstbeingpropounded,c.1.Accommodated,c.2.Thesecondin,c.3.InbothwhichunderthePersonofaProphet,hesignifiesinhimselfefutureevents,andevilsthatshouldbefalltheKingdomeandkinglyhouseofIsrael,Captivity.Blindnesseofthepeople,IlluminationandConversionofaremnantbyChrist.II.Plaineandnaked,Andsoitis,Comminatory,andConsolatory.1.Comminatory,whichislaiddownechieflyinthreesermons,orspeciallProphecies,viz.1.AgainstallIsrael,fortheirvanity,inhumanity,impiety;tooevidentintheKingdomespresentbadGovernment,dehortingIudahfromIsraelssins,bothbythehorrouroftheirinjusticeandfeareofpunishment,c.4.2.AgainstPriests,Israel,andthekingshouse,threatningruinefortheirspirituallwhoredome,andobstinatebackslidingfromGod,observanceofhumaneTraditions,carnallcon[...]idenceinforraineAidofAssyrians,ContemptofGodsword,castingoffGodsCovenant,andotherwickednessesandhypocrisies,c.5,6,7.AndallthisunderthePersonofajudge.3.VnderthePersonofanHerauld,heproclaimesGodsjudgementsagainstthemandthecausesthereof.viz.

[Page]

[Page]

fortheirdefectionfromhisworshipandspirituallKingdome,andfromthetemporallKingdomeofDavid,Hypocrisie,departingfromallgood,securejoyfulnesse,sacriledgeandotherhereditarysins,threatningpoverty,deportation,losseofGodsworship,deathanddevastation,c.8,9,102.Consolatory,whichcontainestwosermons.1.UnderthepersonofaFather,GodpromisinginChrist,that(thoughneitherProphet,law,merciesnorjudgementshadbroughtthemtorepentance,yet)hisElectshouldbeconverted,embraceChristandthepromises,c.11.2.DisswadingthemfromPer[...]idiousnesse,Idolatry,Avarice,Pride,hepromiseth,(thewickedbeingdestroyed)topreservearemnant,andtohealethepenitent,c.12,13,14.inc.14.puttingonthepersonofaFriend.

Joel.

JOEL.IoelwassonneofPethuel,Joel1.1.SomethinkthisPethuelwasSamuelsocalled,i.e.AperswaderofGod,BecausewhatheaskedofGodinPrayer,heobtained.Alst.

Scope;toconvincetheIewesoftheirsinsbyoccasionofanimminentfamineandtodrawthemtorepentance,holdingforthmanyinvitingpromisestothepenitent.

GenerallParts.ThisProphecyis,1.Comminatory,threatningagrievousfamine(takingoccasionthereof,bytheLoc[...]stsCaterpillers,andPalmerwormes,the

[Page]

forerunnersofafamine)labouringtomakethepeoplesensibleofpresentevils,andsinsthecausethereof▪c.1.

2.Hortatory,stirringthemuptopubliquerepentance,c.2.ver.1.to19.WhichExhortationisurged,1.Bypromisestohispeoplebothtouching,Temporalldeliverancesfrompresentevils,ver.19.to28.EternallEvangelicallmerciesinChrist,ver.28.totheendofthechap.2.Bythreatsagainsttheiradversariesoneveryside,c.3.

Amos.

AMOS.AmosanheardmanofTekoa,yetfurnishedwithaPropheticallspirit,Amos1.1.Severelydenouncethjudgements;isthoughttobeslainebyAmaziahthePriest.

Scope,ToholdforththeseverityofGodsjudgementsagainsthisChurchesenemies,andhisChurchitselfe;fortheirsins.AnnexingsomeEvangelicallPromisestoaRemnant.

GenerallPartsHereinare,

I.Comminations.1.AgainsttheenemiesoftheChurch,fortheirinsolenciesagainsthispeople,&c.c.1.2.AgainsttheJewesandIsraelitesthemselvesfortheirownwickednesses▪whichthreatningsarelaiddown.1.MoreplainelyagainsttheirIdolatry,c2,3.Violence,c.4.Impiety,Pride,inhumanity,luxury,c.5.6.2.MoredarklyandobscurelyunderthreeseverallTypes,thefirstc.7.Thesecondc.8.Thethirdc.9.ad

[Page]

ver.11.II.ConsolationsandEvangelicallPromises,c.9.ver.11.totheend.

Obadiah.

OBADIAH.Whohewas,isnotevidentbyScripture,butonlybythisBooke,thathewasaProphet.HeprophesiedagainsttheEdomitesorIdumeans,whocameofEdom,whichisEsau,Gen.36,1.8,19.andhatedIsraelitesIacobsrace,asEsauhatedJacobhimselfe.

Scope,TothreatenruinetotheEdomites,fortheirenmityagainsttheIsraelites,andtocomforttheChurchwithpro-misedSalvationanddeliveranceinChrist.

Generallparts.

1.AComminationofimminentruinetotheEdomitesfortheirenmityagainsttheIsraelitesver.1.to12.2.AProhibitionofEdomfromfurtherinjur[...]nghispeople,ver.12.to17.3.AmplepromisesofdeliveranceandsalvationtotheChurch,bythekingdomofChrist,fromallherenemies.ver.17,totheend.

Jonah.

JONAH.HewassonofAmitta[...],Ionah1.1.SomecallhimTheProphetandApostleoftheGentiles;becausehe

[Page]

[Page]

wassenttopreachtoNinivetheMetropolisoftheAssyrians,aGentilishCity.ThisBookeischieflyHistoricall.

Scope.ToshewhowGodinvitedtheCityofNinivehtorepentancebyIonaspreaching.

Generallparts.

1.GodsfirstcallingofJonastopreach,toNiniveh,withJonashisrefusall,Godshumblinghimforit,andtheeffectsofthathumiliation,IonashisPrayer,anddeliverance,c.1,2.2.Godssecondcallingofhimtothesametaske,togetherwithJonashisobedience,Ninive'sRepentance,GodsforbearanceoftheJudgementthreatned,andIonashispassionatecauselessediscon-tent,c.3,4.NinevehRepenting,aggravatedIsrael'sandJudah'simpenitency.

Micah:

MICAH.Heisdescribed,Mic.1.1.CoetaneoustoEsay,imitatorofEsay,comparethemtogether.Propheciedincorruptesttimes.

Scope.TothreatendestructiontoIudahandIsraelfortheirgreatimpietiesfomentedamongthembytheirRulersandProphets;buttocomforttheremnantoftheElectbyEvangelicallPromisesinChrist.

Generallparts.

[Page]

I.HisfirstSermon.1.Minatory,bothingenerallagainstIudahandIsraelfortheirsins,c.1,2.andinespeciallagainstMagistratesfortheirinjustice,c.3.2.Consolatory,throughthemerciesofGod,andthecomingoftheMessiahc.4,5.II.HissecondSermon,contaninigGods1.contestationsagainsttheirsinnesc.6.2.GodsConsolationsofhisElectremnant,withGospelpromises,c.7.

Nahum,

NAHUM.Heisdescribed,Nah.1.1.AboutsametimethatIeremiahprophecyedinIudea,NahumprophecyedagainstNinevehtheMetropolisofAssyria,relapsingtoimpietyafterIonashispreaching;beforeBabylonsCaptivity.

Scope.TocomforttheIewesandthegodlyIsraelitesbythedenouncingofjudgmentsagainsttheAssyrians,whounderPul,Tiglath-Pelesar,Salmanazar,SenacheribandEsarhaddontheirKings,grievouslyinfestedIsrael:EsarhaddoncarryingIsraelCaptivetoAssyriaindayesofMannasseh.

Generallparts.

I.APrefacetotheprophecyfromtheNatureofGod,1.Mostpotentandsevereagainstallhiswickedenemies,c.1.ver.2.to7.2.Kindandgracioustothegodlyandfaithfull,ver.7.II.DenunciationofjudgementagainstNineveh,and

[Page]

thekingdomofAssyria,undertheMetaphorofamighty[...]loodthatshouldatlastdestroythem,c.1.8,9,10.Togetherwiththecausesofthosejudgementsver.11.totheendofthechap.III.Amplificationofthesethreatnedjudgments,1.PartlybyalivelyAd-umbrationanddescriptionofthem,c.2.2.PartlybyaNarrationofthecausesprocuringthesejudgme ̄ts,vizTheirCruelties,whordoms,sorceries,Idolatries,c.3.1▪to8.3.Partlybyconfirmationofthesethreatningsfore-prophecied,byexampleofGodsjudgementsuponAlexandriainAegypt,c.3.8.totheend.

Habakk:

HABAKKUK.AsNahumprophesiedagainstNinivehandAssyrians;soHabakkukagainstbothIewesandBabylonians.

Scope.BothtowarnetheIewesoftheiroverthrowbytheChaldeansfortheirsinnes,andtocomfortthemafterwardsbytheirenemiesdestruction,buttheirownlifeofFaithindeepestafflictions.TheprophesyislaiddownDialogue-wise.

Generallparts.

I.TheprophetsComplaintandExpostulationtotheLORDagainsttheextreamewickednesseoftheIewes,c.1.2,3,4.II.TheLORDSanswertotheprophet,threatninggreatcalamitiestotheIewesbytheprouddestructiveCaldeans.

[Page]

[Page]

ver.5.to12.III.AsecondExpostulationoftheprophet,againstthecrueloppressionofIewes,aswellgoodasbad,underthewickedblaspemousKingofCaldeans,ver.12.totheendofthechap.IIII.GodssecondanswertotheProphet.1.DirectingthegoodtomanagesuchdeepafflictionsundertheCaldeans,viz.BylivingbyFaithinhopeofdeliverance,c.2.1,to5.2.ThreatningtobeavengedupontheCaldeansforalltheirwickednesseandcrueltyagainsthispeople,ver.5.toendofthec.V.TheprophetssealinguptheDoctrineofthelifeofFaithinhisexcellentprayerpennedinhisownandtheChurchesname,c.3.

Zephania,

ZEPHANIAH.Hisstock,andthetimeofhisprophecyisdescribed,c.1.1.HewascoetaneoustoIeremiah,propheciedthesamethingsforsubstance,butfarremorebrieflyandsuccinctly.HeprophesiedagainstbothIewesandforraigneNations.

ChiefeScope.ToReprovethewickednesseoftheIewes,especiallyofthePrincesandmanyofthepeople,forhan-keringafterIdolatry,expectingitshouldbesetupagaine,HidingtheirIdols;evenafterthatgloriousReformationofKingIosiah.AndtocomforttheElectremnantwithEvangelicallpromises,andReformationbyChrist.

Generallparts.

[Page]

1.AmostseveredenunciationofdesolationandotherjudgementstobefallallsortsbothinJerusalemandIudea,fortheirsecretidolatries,oppressionsandinjuriouscove-teousnesse,c.1.2.AnexhortationoftheJewestoRepentanceandself-ReformationboththegracelesseIewesandthosethathadsomesparkesofGraceappearinginthem.PartlybytheexemplaryformidablejudgementswhichGodwouldexecuteuponforraigneNationsinsightoftheIewes,c.2.PartlybythreatningsofjudgementsagainstIewesthemselvesfortheirsinsiftheyrepentednot,c.3.1.to8.3.AsweetconsolationmadeupofEvangelicallpromisestouchingthecallingoftheGentiles,RestaurationoftheChurch,pardonofsins,PurityandeverlastingglorybyChrist,c.3.8.totheend.

Haggai.

HAGGAI.Ofhimandthetimeofhisprophecy,SeeHag.1.1.

Scope.ToquickentheIewesthathadreturnedfromtheBabylon[...]shCaptivity,(beingnowextreameingratefullydullintheworkeofReformation,)tolayasideallsluggishdelayesandexcuses,andtomakehastewiththerepaireoftheTemple.

Generallparts.

I.GodssharpreprehensionoftheingratefullsluggishJewesfortheirgreatsininnotrepairingtheTemple,c.1.1.to12.

[Page]

II.GodssingularencouragementoftheIewestofallspeedilyandvigorouslytothiswork,bydiverssortsofexcellentpromises▪viz.1.Ofhispromotingandperfectingtheworke,whentheyshouldsitclosetoit,c.1.12.totheend.2.OfthesurpassingglorythathewouldcommunicatetothislatterTemple(thoughthestructurewasnotsostately)beyondthatoftheformerTemple.c.2.1.to10.3.OfGodssingularbenedictionupontheCorneandallthefruitsoftheearthfortheiruse,iftheywouldbucklediligentlytothisTemple-worke,ver,10.to20.4.OfthegloriousexcellencyofChristskingdome,theperfectionandcomplementofallReformation,ver.20.totheend.

Zechariah

ZECHARIAH,HisdescentandthetimeofhisProphecy,SeeinZech.1.1.

Scope,ToencourageandincitethepeoplereturnedfromCaptivity,especiallytheGovernours,ZerubbabelandJoshuah,tothebuildingoftheTemple.

Generallparts.ThisProphecyseemstocomprizethesummeoffiveSermonsseverallypreachedbytheProphet.viz.

I.HispenitentiallsermoncallingtheJewstorepentance.ThisisprefixedasAPreface,beforethefollowingSermonsofmercyandjudgement,topreparef[...]rthereceivingofthat,theavoidingofthis,Zech.

[Page]

1,1.2.to7.II.HisvisionallSermon.viz.HisPropheticallvisions,whichareinalleight,someveryobstruse;somelightmaybebroughttothem,bycomparingthemwithDanielsProphecy.Thesevisionsseemtobedeliveredatonce;arecontainedfromc.1,7.toc.7,1.ThesevisionsareI.UisionsofMercy,as1.Thevisionofmenonhorsebackamongthemyrrtle-treesinthebottome:pointingoutChristssingularpresencewith,andprovidenceoverhisChurch,inloweststate,c.1.7.to18.2.ThevisionoffourCarpenters,&c.intimatinghowGodwouldbreakandscatterthehornsofhisChurchesenemies,c.1.18.totheend.3.ThevisionofthemanwiththemeasuringlineinhishandtomeasureIerusalem,promisingtheRestaurationandre-peoplingofIerusalem,c.2.4.ThevisionofIoshuahtheHigh-Priestinfilthygarments,andSathanathisrighthandaccusinghim:ShowingthatthoughsinsofpeopleandPriestmightbeobjectedagainstthem,andtheirintercessors,yettheyhadanotherHighPriest,whowouldpleadtheircause,pardontheirsin,buildtheTemple,andquiethisChurch,viz.ChristtheBranch,c.3.5.Thevisionofthegoldencandlestickandthetwoolivetreesstandingbyit:declaringthatGodsgracealoneissufficientforthereparationandpreservationofhisChurch,withoutallothercreatedmeanes,againstgreatestmountainesofopposition,c.4.II.Uisionsofjudgement.c.5.and6.ThevisionoftheflyingBook:andoftheEphah.evidencing,thatthoughtheirstateshouldberestored,andhisChurchestablishedamongstthem:yethewouldseverelypunishthemfortheirsinsatpresent,andsubvert

[Page]

[Page]

themforfuture,iftheirsinsgrowriperandriper,c.5.IIIUisionsofcomfort,viz.c.7.Thevisionoffourecha-riotsdrawnewithfouresortsofHorses;commingoutfrombetweentwoMountainesofbrasse;Comfortablypointingout,theProvidentDecreesandCounselsofGodimmoveableasmountainesofbrasse,anddirecting(forhisProvidencebeginsandsteersallactions)thecourseandmotionofthefourechariotsandhorses,(viz.eitherthefoureEmpiresoftheearth,or(assomethink,)theAngelsofheaven,thosemini-stringspirits)forthefulfillingofhiswillforhisChurchesgood;sothatwhatsoeverhisChurchhadorshouldfurthersufferunderthem,wasforeseenandfore-appointedbyGodhimselfe;agreatcomforttothemthatwerecomeoutofcaptivityalready,andtothemthatasyetremainedincaptivity,c.6.1.to9.8.ThevisionorrathertheHistoricalPraedictionofwhatwasreallytobedone,forhisChurchescomfort,viz.theoblationofsomeIeweswhichcamefromBabylon,asEmbassadorsfromtherest,andthetypicalcoronationofIoshuahtheHigh-PriestunderwhichisdeclaredtheKingdomeandPriest-hoodofChrist,togetherwiththereestablishmentandenlargementoftheChurchunderhim,c.6.9.totheend.III.HisCasuisticallSermon,whereintheProphetatlargeresolvestheIewsinaCaseofconsciencetouchingFasting,proposedtohimandthePriests,withmanyotherLessonsexcellentlyinserted,c.7.andc.8.IV.HisPropheticallSermon,foretellingfutureevents,c.9.10.and11.whereinareprincipallyconsiderable.1.ThreatningsofdestructiontotheChurchesenemies,LandofHadrach,Damascus,

[Page]

Hamath,&c.c9,1.to7.2.PromisesofdeliveranceandprotectiontohisChurchagainstaltheirenemies,c.9,7,83.PromissorypredictionsofChristsIncarna-tion,Kingdom,andtheBenefitsthereoftohispeople,fromwhomallcomfortandsalvationprincipallyflowes,c.9,9.toc.11,1.4.DenunciationsofdreadfulljudgementseventotheJewesthemselves,fortheirin-gratefullandabominablerejectionofChristandhisGospel,c.11.V.HisEvangelicallSermon,peculiarlybelongingtotheChurchwhichChristhadgatheredbyhisGospel,c.12.13,and14.whereinarelaiddownmanysweetpriviledgesoftheChurch.1.TheChurchesvictoryoverallherenemies,towhomsheeshallbeAcupoftrembling,ABurdensomestone,Atorchoffireinasheafc.12,1.to7.2.TheChurchessafetyandprotectiononlyfromtheLord.c.12,7,8.3.TheBenefitsenwrappedinthissalvationfortheChurch,viz.1Heart-woundingrepentancefortheirsinnesthatpiercedChrist,c.12,9.totheend,2RemissionofallsinstothepenitentbyfaithinthebloodofChrist,c.13,1.3PurifyingoftheEvangelicalldoctrinefromallpollutionanddesilement,v.2.to7.4.AselectseparationoftheremnantappertainingtotheElectionfromthedrossymultitude,c.13.7.toc.14,1[...].4.TheremovallofalltheChurchesruinedenemies,fromoffendingtheChurchanymore,orsu[...]duingthemtotheChurch,andconsecratingalltheirwealthtoholyuses,c.14,12toth[...]endoftheBook.

Malachi.

[Page]

MALACHI.heprophecyedaftertheBabylonishcaptivity,theTemplebeingnowrepaired,andthepublikeworshiprestored,againstthemanynotoriouscorruptionsremainingamongthem,evenaftersuchwonderfullmercyes.HeisthelastProphetoftheOldTestament,decipheringoutinthecloseofhisBookIohntheBaptist,thefirstProphetoftheNewTestament,Mal.4.5,6.withLuk.16.16.

Scope.TocalltheI[...]wes,afterthisReparationofGodsTempleandworship,toRepentance,fromtheirmanyandfoulecorruptions;especiallythecommingofChristtheMessiah,thegreatReformerandRefinerofhisChurch,beingsoneareathand.

Generallparts.BesidestheTitle,hereinarewrappedupinonecontinuedSermon,theseprincipallmatters.

I.APreface(aggravatingtheingratefullwickednesseoftheJewes)drawnefromGodssingularloveinElectionoftheminIacob,whenherejectedtheEdomitesinEsau.c.1.2.to6.II.AsharpcontestationagainstthePeople,especiallythePriestthekeepersofthelaw,fortheircorruptions.viz.1.AgainsttheircontemptandpollutionoftheworshipofGod,whichPriestsshouldhavevindicated,byofficec1.6.toc.2.10.2.AgainsttheircorruptMarriages,bothMarriageswithinfidels,andPolygamies.c.210.to17.3.Againstthewickednesseandperversenesseofmany,thatmadeamockofGodsjusticeandjudgements,c.2.17.toc.3.7.4.AgainsttheirSacriledge,inrobbingGodofTithsandOfferings

[Page]

T[Page]

[Page][Page]

&c.c3.7.to13.5.AgainsttheirAtheisticallcontemptofGodsfeare,worship,andtruerepentancec.3.15.to4.5.III.Anearnestinvitationofalltorepentance,thatsotheymightbeprepared,duelytoentertainetheMessiah,whowithhisforerunnerIohntheBaptist,inthespiritandpowerofElias,wasnowimmediatelytoappeareinhumaneflesh,c.4,5,6.

ThusfarreoftheOldTestament,whereintheNewTestamentisveiled:ComewenexttoconsideroftheNewTestament,whereintheOldTestamentisRevealed.

THENEW-TESTAMENT.II

HENEWTESTAMENT,RevealingfullyandcleerlytheNEWCOVENANTinChrist,andtheSpiritualladministrationsthereof,iscontainedintheBookswrittensinceChristsmanifestationintheflesh.InReadingofthe

Old-Testament,theveileisuntakenaway:—But(intheNEWTESTAMENT)theveileisdoneawayinChrist.Andweallwithopenface,beholdingasinaglassethegloryoftheLord,arechangedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory.2Cor.3.14.18.intheBooksoftheOldTestament,Goddescribestous,TheOldCovenantofGraceinChristveiledunderPromises,PropheciesandTypes:IntheBooksoftheNewTestamentTheLorddelineatestousTheNewCovenantofGraceinChristunveyled,actuallyexhibitedandperformed;ChristbeingthebodyandsubstanceofallthoseancientTypesandShadowes,Iohn1.17.Hebr.10.1.

[Page]

[Page]

[Page][Page]

Coloss.2.17.TheCenterandmeeting-placeofalltheProphecyesandPromises,Luke1.70.and24.27.Acts10.43.2Cor.1.20.

TheBookesoftheNewTestamentareeither1Historicall.2Epistolicall,or3Propheticall,asfurtherappearsintheannexedTable.☞

I.HISTORICALBOOKS.

THEHISTORICALBOOKSoftheNewTestamentaresucha[...]containeprincipallymattersofFact,thoughmattersofFaithandDoctrinearealsointerwoven.TheHistoriesoftheNewTestament,areI.OfChristtheheadoftheChurch.II.OftheChurchofChrist,hisbody.

TheHISTORYOFJESUSICHRISThimselfeiscontainedintheFoureEvangelists,whereinChristsGenealogy,Nativity,Life,Doctrine,Miracles,Death,ResurrectionandAscensi-on,aredescribed.Matthew,Mark,LukeandIohn,areusuallycalledbywayofemphasis,ThefoureEvangelists,becausetheyalonewrotetheEvangelicallHistoryofIesusChrist.MatthewandIohnwereApostlesMatth.10.23.Mark3.18,19.MarkandLukewere(thoughnotApostles,yet)holyApostolicallmen,theApostlesdisciples,Compani-onsandassistantsintheworkoftheMinistry.

ThegenerallandcommonScopeofthesefoureHistories,andofthewritingofthemisthatwhichIohnex-pressethinparticular,viz.ThatwemightbelievethatIesusistheChrist,thesonneofGod;andthatbeleevingwemighthavelifethroughhisname,John20.31.Particular

[Page]

Haecau-

temani-

maliatria,

siveleo,si-

vehomo,

sivevitulus

interra

gradiuntur:

ends,andoccasionsmaybenotedintheparticularconsiderationsofthem.

ThisoneHistoryofIesusChrist,iswrittenbyfoureseverallPenmen.TheReasonsthereofareworthytobeinquiredinto.

Ancientwriters(whomuchpleasethemselveswiththemysteriousnesseofNumbers)haveexcogitateddivers;SomefetchaReasonfromthefoureRiversofParadise.Origen.Some,fromthefoureringsoftheArkwhereinthetheTablesofthelawwerecontained,Hieronym.Somefromthefourechief,CardinallwindsIraen.Advers.Haeres.l.3.c.11.SomethinkethattheGospelbeingtobedispersedtothewholeworld,theworldbeingdividedintofourechiefeparts,thereforetherewerefoure-Evangelists,andhencethisHistoryofChrist,writtenbyfoureEvangelists,iscalledSanctaQuadrigaDominii.e.TheLordschariotdrawnoffoure,whereinChristridesasintriumphthroughouttheworld,tospreadabroadthesweetodourofhisknowledge,&c.D.Aurel.Augustin.deconsensu.Evangelistarum,lib.1.c.5,6,7.Tom.4.August.Expos.inEvang.Ioan.Tract.36.Iraen.quosupraMostaccommodatethatofthefourlivingcreatures,Ezek▪1.5.andRev.4.6.tothenumberoftheEvangelists,butseverally.Ambrosegives,theMantoMatthew,whobeginswithChristspedigree;TheLyontoMark,whobeginshisHistoryoftheLyon-likeministryofIohnBaptist,thatEvangelicallElias,Christsimmediateforerunner;TheCalfetoLuke,who

[Page]

undeisti

tres

Evangeli-

staeinhis

maximè

occupati

sunt,quae

Christusin

carne

operatus,&

quae

precepta

mortalis

vitaeexer-

cendae

carnem▪

portantibus

tradidit.At

veroJoan-

nessuper

nubilain-

firmitat

[...]s

Humanae

velutA-

quilavolat,

&lucemin-

commuta-

bilisveri-

tatisacu-

tissimisat-

begins▪hisGospelwiththeNativityofChrist,andthatinastable,therebeingnoroomforhimintheInne;andtheEagletoIohn,whointhebeginningofhisGospelsoaresalofttothathighmysteryofChristsDivinityandGodhead,D.Ambros.Praefat.inEvang.secund.Luc.Butleavewethesenotionsofwit,whichseemra-thertobesimilitudes,allusions,orAllegories,usedforillustration,ratherthenArgumentsfordemonstration,whythesefoureshouldwriteourblessedSavioursHistory.

WemayratherconceiveChristsHistorywaswrittenbythesefoure.

1.BecauseGod,whoappointedmanywitnessesofChristsdoctrineandworks,&c.notonlytoIerusalem,allIudea,andSamaria,buttotheutmostpartsoftheearth,Act.1.8.&10.39,41,24.didpe-culiarlystirreupthesefourepersonsbyhisspirittothiswork;forholymenwritwhoweremoved,andasmovedbytheHolyGhost,2Pet.1.20,21.2.ThisHistoryofChrist,istheHistoryofHistories,ofgreatestworthinitselfe,andconcernementtous:andlikelytobemostopposedbytheDevil,&thewickedworld,&c.therforeGod(thatrequirestwoorthreewitnesses,forconfirmationofthings,Deut.17.6.Heb.10.28.)makesuseoffourewit-nessestowriteChristsstory,thatbythe

[Page]

[Page]

quefir-

missimiso

[...]ulis

corditin

[...]u[...]-

tur.Aug.

de

consens.

Evang[...]

de1.c.6.

Tom.4.

writingsoffoure,everythingmightheestablished,beyondsuspition.3.ThatwemayseetheauthorityoftheGospel,dependsnotuponthePenmenthereof,butupontheHolyGhostthatinditesit,andthereforethisHistoryiswritten,notonlybyMatthewandIohn,Apostles,whowereeyeandearewitnessesofwhatChristdidandspake;butalsobyMarkandLuketheApostlesfollowers,whostedfastlybelievedtheApostlesreport,Luk.1.1,2.thoughnot[...]eye-witnessesthemselves,yetwereincitedtheretobythespirit.4.ThatthisGospel-Historymightbecompleated,oneexplainingwhatanotherleftobscure,formatterororder,onesupplyingwhatanotherhadomitted,As,Matthew,whowrotefirst,(asPareusthinksProem.inMatth.p.599.)viz.intheninthyeareafterChristsascension,forthemostpartrelatesthethingsdone,butseldomeinsistsupontheorderofdoingthem.Markwhowrotenext,viz.inthetenthyeareafterChristsascension,brieflyrelateswhatMatthewdidmorelargely,(MarkbeingasanAbstract,orEpitomeofMat-thew,)butwithallhemoreinsistsupontheorderingandtimingofthingsdone.Luke,whowroteinthefifteenthyear,afterChristsascension,havingseeno-therswritings,propoundstohimselfetowriteofthingsfromtheveryfirst,andthatmethodically;Itseemedgoodtomealso,havinghadperfectunder-standingofthings,fromtheveryfirst,towriteuntotheeinOrder,Luke1.3.Inmanythingsheshewstheorderofthingsbycircumstances,andinmostagrees

[Page]

withMark,whenceTertulliancalsLukesGospel,DigestumHistoriaeEvangelicae,i.e.AnorderlydigestingoftheEvangelicallStory:butsometimesthingsmanifestinMatthewandMark,heputsnotintheirownplace.IohnwhowrotehisGospelinthetwoandthirtiethyeareafterChristsascension,professedly,(asEusebiusinhist.Eccles.testifies)addestheActsofChristinthefirstyeareofhisMinistry,omittedbytherest.AndintherestofhisHistory,henotonlyinsistsmuchuponChristsdoctrinenotformerlyspokento,butalsoexpresselynotestheFeastsofcertainedistinctyears,incidentinthetimeofChristsministry,intimatingthattheEvangelicallHistorypennedbyo-thers,shouldbedistributedintocertainyears,accordingtothoseFeasts.5.Finally,thoughtheHolyGhostcouldbyoneandthesamecontextureofwords,havegivenustheHistoryofChristswordsanddeeds,(asGersonnoteth)yetnotwithoutsomegreatmysterytherein,hepleased,subquadamconcordissima,(siitadicipossit)dissonantia—i.e.underacertainHarmonious&mostconcordingdissonancy,(ifwemaysospeake)toexcitethemindesofthefaithfull,tothemorehumbleandvigilantinvestigationofthetruth;thatsoitmightappear,thefoureEvangelists)didnotspeakbymutuallConspiration,butbydivineInspiration.

Matthew.

THEGOSPELACCORDINGTOMATTHEW.TheEnglishword[Gospel]comesfromtheoldSaxonword,[Godspel]i.e.Goodspeech▪TheGreekwordsignifiesGood-tydings,ora

[Page]

Good-Message:ThiswordGospelinNewTestament,isofseverallacceptations.Itisused.

1.InbadsenseforafalsepretendedGospel,Gal.1.6,7.2.Ingoodsenseandthateither

1.Properly,andsothewordisused,either1.Generally,FortheDoctrineorPromiseofsalvationfreelybyChristtoallthatwillbelieve.ThustheGospeliseverlasting,Rev.14.6.oneandthesameunderOldandNewTestament,Gal.3.8.2.Specially,fortheDoctrineofgraceinaccomplishingthePromisebyChristexhibited,thisispeculiartotheNewTestamentRom.1.1.2.2Cor.4.4.

2.Metonymically.1.ForthePreaching,orMinisteryoftheGospel,1Cor.9.12.14.2.FortheHistoryofChrist,whoistheprimeSubjectoftheGospel.ThustheBooksofthefourEvangelistsarecalledGospells.

ThisBookiscalledTheGospelaccordingtoMat.becausehewasPenmanofit.Matthew,anHebr.name,inSyriack[...]Mattha,somederiveitfrom[...]Mas.i.e.Tribute,othersfrom[...]Mathach,i.e.toextend,toexplaine,&c.SothatMatthewshouldsoundasmuchas,Anexplainer,viz.ofScripture.Butratheritistobederiv'dfrom[...]Nathani.e.hehathgivenorbestowed,whence[...]Matthan,Agift;soMatthewno[...]esaGift,viz.of

[Page]

God,vid.Greg.GregoriLexiconsanctum,Sect.858.p.641.MatthewwasalsosurnamedLevi,inHebr.i.e.associated,Mark.2.14.Luk.5.29.sohehadtwonames.HewasthesonneofAlpheusMark.2.14.Byprofessionapublicane,sittingattheReceiptofCustome,Luk.5.27.Mark.2.14.withMatth.9.9.hiscallingwasveryinfamousamongtheJews,yetChristcalshimfromtheReceiptofcustome,tobeadisciple,whopresentlyobeyed,andmadeChristagreatfeast,Luk.5.27,28.29.Mark2.14,15.Matth.9.9,10.HewasoneofthetwelveApostles.Matth.10.3.Penmanofthisbook,AuthoritywhereofwasneverquestionedbytheChurchofChrist.Heiscalled,AmostfaithfullCommentatoroftheGospel,byTertul.lib.decarneChristi,c.22.p.310.editFraneher,1597.HepreachedtheGospeltosinners,notonlybyword,butbyexemplarycorrectinghisownlife▪Chrysost.inPraesat.oper.imperfect.

MatthewwrotehisGospelassomethinkintheoneandtwentiethyeareafterChristsascension,Iraen.l.3.c.1.Orthefifteenthyeare,AsNicephorusl.2.c.45.OrtheninthyeareafterChristsascension,asPareusProem.inMatth.p.599.andAlstedinPraecog.Theol.l.2.c.123.p.710

OccasionofMatthewsGospel,somedeclarethus.MatthewafterhehadfirstpreachedtotheHebrews,andthencewastogototheGentiles,hecommittedhisGospeltowriting;thatsohemightsupplyandcompensatehisabsencebyhiswriting,leftbehindwiththem,Euseb.Hist.Eccles.l.3,c.24.andoutofhimNicephorusl.2.c.45

[Page]

[Page]

Thelanguage,inwhichMatthewwrote,somethinkewasHebrew;tha[...]hebeinganHebrew,wroteinHebrewtotheHebrews,diversAncientwritersembracethisopinion,Iraen.l.3.c.1.Athan[...]s.inSynops.p.141.Euseb.Hist.Eccles.l.3.c.24.Nazianz.inCarm.Hieron.Praefat.in4.Evang.adDamas.&inc.11.Hoseae.Augustdeconsens▪Evang.l.1.c.2.Nicephor.l.4.c.32.AndthatitwastranslatedintoGreek,ByIohntheEvangelist,assome;ByIames,aso[...]hers;ByLukeandPaul,asothers;ByMark,aso[...]hersareofopinion.SomethinkehewrotenotinpureHebrew,butinSyriack,beingtheDialectthenmostcommonlyused,Alsted.Praecog.Theol.l.2.c.123.ButothersJudge,MatthewwrotenothisGospeloriginallyinHebrew,butinGreek,andthatuponthesegrounds▪1.TheHebrewGospelofMunsterushisEditionissuchforlanguage,asitisimprobableitshouldbewrittenbyMatthew,oranyotherskilfullintheHebrewtongue.2.ThesameAuthorswhoreportMatthew,tohavewritinHebrew,acknowledgetheGreekGospelofMatthewintheApostlestimes,tobecommendedtotheChurchasAuthentick.Iren.l.3.c.39.Hieron.inCatal.illustr.Euseb.l.3.c.34.and39.andl.5.c.10.&c.3.TheotherA-postlesoriginallywroteintheGreektongue,(asthenmostcommon)andthatnotonlypromiscuouslytoallbothJewesandGentiles,butpeculiarlywhentheywrotetotheIewes.AsAuthoroftheEpistletoHebrews,Peter,Iames.AndtheirApostolicallfunctionrequiredthemtowriteinthemostknownetongue,asmosttoedifying.4.Matthew'sstileplainlyagreeswithMark's,differsnotmuchfromIohn's,andthoughthereintherebesomeHe-braismes,sothereareinmostbooksoftheNew

Testament▪5.MatthewinterpretsHebrewnamesbyGreek,thereforehewroteinGreeknotinHebrew,e.g.ImmanuelMatth.1.23.Golgotha,Matth.27.33.EliElilamasabachtani,Matth.27.46.6.NonecancertainlytellwhoshouldbetheAuthoroftheGreekversion,ifMatthewwroteinHebrew.AndthisopiniontendstodestroythecreditandauthorityofMatthew'sGospelinGreek.

Stope,Toevidencetoall,butespeciallytothebeleevingHebrews,withwhomhehadpreached,thatthisIesusChrist,wasthetrueMessiah;thetruepromisedseedofDavidandAbraham,Matth.1.1.

Principallparts.ThisHistorydescribes.

I.ChristsBirth,andthere,HisGenealogy,Conception,Nativity,Placewhere,andsomeConsequentsthereupon,c.1.2.II.ChristsLife,whereinaredeciphered,

1.ThethingsdoneinreferencetoChriststhreefoldoffice.viz.I.Priestly;HisinaugurationbyIohnspublikepromulgation,c.3.II.Kingly,hecombateswithSathanandconquershim,c.4.III.Propheticall,whichheexecuted.1.Alonebyhimselfe,andthateither,AsaProphetonly,teaching,1TheCausesofGodlinesse,c.5.2TheDutiesofGodlinesse,c.6.3TheimpedimentsuntoGodlinesse,c.7.AsaProphetandKingjoyntly,doingmiracles,c.8.and9.2.Togetherwith,orbyhisApostlesintheirmjnistry,c.10.2.TheauthorityandesteemthatChristhad.1.

Withhisowne,c.11.2.Withothers,both1EcclesiasticallPersonswhoconferredwithhim,thattheymightensna[...]ehimandaccusehim,c.12.2AndPoliticall,whetherwiththepeople,whoflockednohearehimpreach.c.13.OrwiththeMagistrate,Herodsopinionofhim,c.14.

III.Christsdeath.SetforthbytheAntecedents,Manner,andConsequentsofit.

I.BytheAntecedentsofit,comprisedinhisjourneytoIerusalem,whereinno[...]e,

1.Whencehewent,thetermefromwhich,viz.FromGalilee,c.15.comparedwithc.19.1.whileChristwasinGalilee.1.HeanswersthePhariseesandSadducesaboutasigne,c.16.2.HeistransfiguredtoencouragebothhimselfeandhisApostlesagainsthispassion,c.17.3.Hepreachethhumilityandlovetohisdisciples,c.18.2.Whatwayhewent,viz.throughthecoastsofIudea,wherearerecordedhiswordsanddeeds,c.19.and20.3.Whitherhewent,thetermetowhich,viz.ToIerusalem.Herearedeclared,1.HowhewasentertainedatIerusalem,c.21.2.Whathedidthere,viz.HedisputedwithSadducesandPharisees,c.22.AccusedthePhariseesofHypocrisy,&c.c.23.ForetoldIerusalemsdestruction,andthesignesofhiscommingtoJudgement,c.24.Admonishethalltoprepareforthelastjudgement,anddescribethit.c.25.

[Page]

[Page]

II.Bythemannerofhisdeath,wherenote1.ThePreface,orHarbengerofit,hisAgonyintheGarden,IudashisTreachery,&c.c.26.2.TheProgressemadetobringhimtohisend,bothintheEcclesiasticallandCivilconsistory.c.27.3.TheConsummationofhispassion,c.27.III.BytheConsequentsofhisdeath,c.28.

Mark.

THEGOSPELACCORDINGTOMARK.SodenominatedfromMarkthePenmanofit.

MARK,somederivefromtheHebr.[...]Marak.i.e.Hehathpolished,&c.AsHebrewes.OthersrathertakeittobeaLatinename(madeaDenizonintheGreektongue)andderivedfromthemonethofMarch,becauseMarkwasborneinthatmoneth,itbeingusuallsotodenominatementhatwereborninMarch,Probus.HewasalsocalledIohnAct.12.12.&15.37.viz.IohnMark.HisFatherseemesnottobementionedinScripture.HismotherwasthatMaryinwhosehousetheywereprayingforPeter,whenPeterbroughtoutofprisonbytheAngel,cameandknocktatthedoore,Act.12.12.HewascousintoBarnabas,hisSistersSon,Col.4.10.ThoughhewasnotanApostle,yethewasanApostolicallman.Somethinkhewasoneofthe70Disciples.Hieronym▪Ifso,hebothheardandsawChrist.HoweverhewasthefollowerofPaulandBarnabas,Act.12.25.AndtheyhadhimtotheirMinister,Act.13.5.AfterwardswhentherearoseasharpcontroversiebetwixtPaulandBarnabasaboutMark;Paul

[Page]

andBarnabasdepartedasunder,andBarnabastookMarkalongwithhimtoCyprus,Act.15.37,38,39.Andafterthis(assomethinke)MarklivedwithPeter,whocalshimMarcusmysonne,1Pet.5.13.FromwhosemouthhewrotetheGospel,assomethink,yetothersareofopinion,thereweretwoMarks,Vid▪Iacob.Laurent.in1Pet.5.13.IrenaeusstileshimTheDiscipleandinterpreterofPeter.Iraen.advers.Heraes.l.3.c.1.p.229.edit.Colon.1596.

MarkwrotehisGospeltwoyearesafterMatthew,assomethink,vid.Annotat.inIrenaeumquosupr.p.229.230.AndhewroteituponoccasionoftherequestofsomeBrethrenatRome,assomeconceive.EpiphanHaeres.51.Euseb.Eccles.Hist.l.6.c.11.&l.1.c.15.Niceph.lib.2.c.15.Hieron.Catal.illust.ThatconceitofBaroniusthathewrotehisGospelinLatin,isrejectedasgroundlesse.Gerh.loc.com.deSac.Script.exeg.c.9.§.244.

Scope;TodescribethetrueChrist,andtoprovethatIesusistheChrist.Andthishedothcompendiously,asMatthewhaddonebeforemoreCopiously.HealsonotestheSeriesandOrderoftheHistory.

Principallparts.AnHistoricallNarrationofChristslife,anddeathisorderlyandcompendiouslylaiddown;

I.Christslifeandconversationisdescribed,1.Byhisfore-runnerIohnBaptist,c.1.2.BythingsdonebyIesusChrist,either,

1.Beforehistransfiguration;astheOracleswhichhepreached,andtheMiracleswhichhe

[Page]

wrought;Thesplendourandgloryofbothwhicharemuchaugmented,bothbymen,andbyGod.I.Bymen,andthosebothChristsfriends,andChristsFoes,1.Christsfriends,asByMatthewescallingtotheApostleship,c.2.Bythe12Apostlesbeingsentforthtopreach,c.3.BythepeoplesflockingtogethertoheareChristsDoctrine,c.4.5.2.Christsfoes,viz,ByChristsownCountry-menthatdespisedhim,c.6.BytheScribesandPharisees,cavillingathimandhisDisciples,c.7.8.II.ByGod,inhistrans-figuration,c.9.2.InhisTrans-figuration,c.9.3.Afterhistrans-figuration,wherewehaveChristsacts.

1.BeforehisentringintotheHolyCity,c.10.2.AthisentringintoIerusalem,c.11.3.Afterhisentrance,his1.DisputationwiththeScribes,Pharises,Sadduces,Herodians.c.12.2.PredictionsofIerusalem'sdestruction,andtheendoftheworld,c.13.

II,ChristsPassionandDeath,issetforth,1.BytheAntecedentsofit,c.14.2.Bythemannerofit,c.15,3.BytheConsequentsofit.HisBuriall,Resurrection,Ascension,&c.c.15.16.

Luke.

[Page]

[Page]

THeGospelaccordingtoLUKE.SodenominatedfromLukethePenmanofit,

LUKEsomeaccountanHebrewname[...]Lokam,i.e.TohimtheResurrection;Theophilactthinkes,thatLukeandCleophasfirstmetChristafterhisResurrection.Butthisislesseprobable,becauseLuketestifies,thathewrotethisHistoryofChrist,accordingasthingsweredeliveredtohimbyMinistersoftheword,thatwereeye-witnesses—Luke1.1.2.OthersrathercountLukeaLatinnamefromLucius.LuciusderivedaLuceOriente,i.e.fromthemor-ninglight,theywerewonttoimposethisnameuponsuchaswereborneinthemorning,aboutSun-rising,&c.HewasofAntiochinSyria,asHieronym.andTheophylact.Byparticularvocation,aPhysician,LukethebelovedPhy-sition,Col.4.14.AndsomethinkhewasamostexcellentPainter.Niceph.l.6.c.16.&l.15.c.14.HewasafaithfullandconstantcompanionofPaul,2Tim.4.11.Hisfellowlabourer,Philem.24.AndsomethinkLukeisintendedbythatbrotherwhosepraiseisintheGospelthroughoutalltheChurches,2Cor.8.18.Bez.inloc.intimatesthiswasHierom'sopinion.ThoughChrysostomeratherthinksitwasBarnabas,towhomCalvinsubscribes,Calv.inloc.Piscatinloc.LukewasaninseparableCompanionofPaulandhisfellow-workerintheGospel;saithIrenalisl.3.c.14.Paulsfollower;andthoughnotanApostle,yetApostolicall;saithTertull.advers.Marcion.l.4.c.2.ThatLukewasmostskilfullintheGreektongue,notonelyHieronym.inIsaiahc.6.testifies;butalsohisverystilecleerlyevidenceth.Whereupononesaith,Itisknowntothelearned,thatLukeobservedamorepureHellenisme

[Page]

thentherestoftheEvangelists,Causab.Exerc.2.c.1.PaulconvertedLukeatThe[...]es,thinkHieronym.Eu-sebius▪andNiceporus.Lukelivedasinglelife,andtaughtfirstinFrance,Italy,Macedonia,andDalmatia;thinksEpiphan.Hisdeathisvariouslyreported;helived84yearessaithHieron.inCatal.andthendyedinBithynia.Hicrony.inCatal.AtEphesus,thinksDorotheus.HewashangedonafruitfullOlive-tree;thinksNicephorus.

HewrotehisGospelaboutfifteeneyeeresafterChristsAscensionNiceph.andthatinthepartsofAchaiah,Hiero-nym.

Occasionofhiswriting,somesaywastheappointmentofPeterorPaul,that'sdoubtfull.ProbablytherequestofTheophilus(supposedtobesomeeminentSenator)towhomhedirectsbothhisGospel,andtheActs.ThoughsometakethisnameTheophilus,foranygo[...]lyman,LoverofGod.Lukehimselfecleerelysetsdownoneoccasion,viz.TheunsuccessefullattemptsofmanywhowrotefalseGospels,Luke1.1.2.

Scope,BesidesthegenerallaymeofalltheEvangelists,Lukeseemesparticularlytointendtosupplywhatothershadomitted,andtorecordthing[...]fromtheveryfirst,andthatmethodicallyinorder;thatTheophilusmightknowthecertaintyofthingswhereinhehadbeeninstructed,Luke1.3,4.

Principallparts.InLukesEvangelicalHistory,are,

I.ThePrefacetothewholeHistoryc.1.v.1,2,3,4.

[Page]

II.TheBodyoftheHistoryitselfe,whichcontainesaNarrationof,

I.Christslife,Privateorpublique.1.Privatewhere1.OfthingsbeforehisNativitie,andofhisconception,c.1.2.OfhisNativityitselfe,andhiseducation,c.2.2.PubliqueintheMinisteryoftheGospel,whereare,I.HisinstalmentintohispubliqueMinistry,c.3.II.HisexecutingofhisMinistry.1.Byhimselfealone,bothinteaching,c.4.andinacting,c.5.2.ByhisDisciplesalso,whichDisciplesareeither,Primary,the12Apostlescalledandinstructed,c.6,7,8.Andsentforth,[...].9.Orsecondary,asthe70Disciplessenttopreach,c.10.

II.ChristsDeathisdescribed.1.BytheAntecedentsofit,viz.ChristswordsandworkesinhisjourneytoHierusalem;hereareconsiderable,

1.ThetermefromwhichChristwent,fromGalilec.9.v.51.2.Hispassageitselfe,whereinChristdiscoursedofGodsworshipandservice,inward,andoutward.

1.Inward,as1.Prayer,c.11.2.Faith,c.12.3.Repentance,whereofarelaiddown,TheMotivesc.13.Theimpediments,c.14.Theeffectsorfruits,c.15.2.Outward,viz.1.Ofeschewingevil,i.

[Page]

[Page]

e.Theabuseofrichesc.16.Andscandallc.17.2.Ofdoinggoodduties,c.18.

3.Thetermetowhichhecame,viz.toIerusalem,whereofhis1.En-tertainmentc.19.2.Disputation,c.20.3.Prophecyc21.

2,Bythemannerofit.BeginningofhisPassion,c.22.Progressec.23.Period,c.23.3.Bytheconsequentsofhisdeath,c.24.

John.

THeGospelaccordingtoJOHN.ThisbookisthusintituledfromthePenmanofit,viz.NotIohntheBaptist(asheissurnamedLuke1.63.)NorIohnsurnamedMarke,Act.15.37.butIohntheApostle,compareMatth.10.2.withJohn21.20,24.ThisistheDisciplewhichtestifyethofthesethings,andwrotethesethings.HewrotealsothreeEpistles;andtheRevelationinPatmos.JOHNisOriginallyanHebrewname,viz.[...]Iochanan.1Chron12.22.Ierem.40.13.itisalsosometimeswritten[...]I[...]hochanan,asin1Chron.26.3.Itiscompoundedof[...]Iehovah,theproperandessentiallnameofGod,and[...]chanani.e.Hehathbeengracious;whencecomes[...]cheni.e.Grace;sothatIOHNimports,THELORDHATHBEENGRACIOUS;or,THEGRACEOFTHELORD.ThisIohnwasthesonneofZebedee,andbrotherofIames,allofthemFishermenbytrade:Matth.4.21.and10.2.Mark1.19.Luke5.10.Salome(mentionedMark15

[Page]

40.and16.1.)issupposedtobeIohn'smother.AsIohnwaswithhisFather,andBrotherintheShip,mendingtheirnets,JesuscalledhimandhisBrother,Matth.4.21.Luke5.10.ItisthoughtthatIohnlivedasinglelife:yetsomeareofopinionthatIohnwastheBridegroomeatCanainGalilie.Ioh.2.1.9.Itiscertain;thatIohnwasone1ofthethreewhomChristtookupwithhimtomountTabortobeholdhistrans-figuration,Matth.17.1.&c.Mark9.2.Luke9.28.&c.Andzoneofthetwo,whomChristsenttopreparehislastPasseover,Luke22.8.And3thatDisciplewhomIesuspeculiarlylovedabovealltherest,Ioh.13.23.and19.26.and20.2,&21.7.20.4WholeanedonIesusbreastatsupper;and5towhomChristbyaprivatetokendiscoveredthatIudasshouldbetrayhim,Ioh.13.23,24,25,26.And6towhomChristdyingontheCrosse,commencedhisownmother,Ioh.19.25,26,27.AfterChristsAscension,Iohn,withPeter,healedmiraculouslythelamemanastheyweregoingintotheTemple,Act.3.3,4,&c.Preachedboldlyagainstallprohibitions,Act.4.13,19.WassenttoSamariahavingreceivedtheword,fromtheApostlesatIerusalem,Acts8.14.Tertulliansaith,thattheApostleIohn,afterheinRomehadbeencastintoburningOyle,andsufferednothingthereby,wasbanishedintoanIlandTertul.lib.dePraescriptioneadversusHaereticoscap.XXXVI.p.211edit.Franeker.1597.NeroslunghimintotheburningOyle,asisthought:DomitianBanishedhimintotheIslePatmosRev.1.9,10.Whenceitssupposed,hereturnedunderNerva;cametoEphesusinthe97yeereofhisage,wherehelivedandtaughttillhewas99.HemadehisSepulcherwithhisownhands.LefthisDisciples,PapiasatIerusalem;PolicarpusatSmyrna;

[Page]

[Page]

andIgnatiusatAntioch.HeissupposedtowritehisGospeltowardstheendofhislife.Alsted.Praecog.Theol.l.2.c.123.Iohn'sGospelhathstillbeenhadofmosthighaccountwithAntiquity.SeeBasil.inHomil.subPrinc.Ioan.ChrysostinProlog.Comment.superIoan▪Ambros.l.3.desacram.c.2.CyrillinProlog.Ioan.Hieronym.Proem.Comment.inMatth.August.deCivit.dei.l.10.c.29.andTract.56.inIoan.

OccasionofIohn'swritinghisGospel,EcclesiasticallWriterstelsuswastwofold.viz.1.ToopposeandconfutetheblasphemousheresiesofEbionandCerinthus,whodenyedtheDivinityofChrist;henceIohnsoclearlyassertsit,Iohn.1.SeeIren.Advers.haeres.l.3.c.11.p.257.edit.Colon.1596.Hieronym,inProem.Comment.inMatth.2.TosupplywhattheotherthreeEvangelistshadomitted,whoprincipallyrelatethingsdonebyChrist,butforoneyearewhereinChristsuffered,afterIohnwascastintoprison,Euseb.Histl.6.c.13.exClem.Alexandr.

ScopeofIohn'swritingisexpresselynoted,Iohn20.31.ThesearewrittenthatyeemightbelievethatIesusistheChrist,thesonneofGod,andthatbelievingyeemighthavelifethroughhisname.

ThePrincipallparts,orGenerallBranchesofthisHist.are,

I.ADescriptionofChristsPersonaccordingtohisdivineandhumanenature,c.1.II.ADelineationofChristsoffice,dischargedbyhiminhisfoureominentjourneystoIerusalem,viz.

[Page]

1.AtthefeastofthePasseover,John2.12,13.Hereareconsiderable1.Thetermewhencehewent,fromCanaofGalilee,c.2.2.Hisabodethere,thedoctrinethathepreached,andtheActshedid,c.2.14.&c.and[...]3,and4.1,2,3.3.HisreturnefromIerusalemthroughSamaria,andhisdeedsandact[...]there,c.4.2.AtthefeastofPentecost▪wherein1.Hecuredhimthathadthepalsiethirtyeightyears,c.5.2.Hefedthemultitudeabouefivethousandwithfiveloavesandtwofishes,andpreachedhimselfethetrueMannah,c6.3.AtthefeastofTabernacles,whereare1.ChristscommingtoIerusalem,c.7,1.to15.2.Hisabodethere;duringwhich,hetaught,c.7,14.totheend.Hedisputed,c.8.Hecuredthemanborneblinde,c.9.Hepreachedhimselfe,thetrueshepheardofhissheep,c.10.3.HisreturnethencebeyondIordan,c.10.40.&c,whencehecameagaineintoIudeatoBethany,toraiseLazarusfromthedead,c.11.4.AttheCelebrationofthetruePasseover,whenChristourPasseoverwassacrificedforus.WhereChristsdeathisdescribedbytheAntecedents,Manner,andConsequentsofit.

1.BytheAntecedentsgoingbeforehisdeath,viz.1.Hisactions,entringintotheCity,c.12.Washinghisdisciplesfeetatsupper,c.13.2.Hiswordsspoken,eitherAtsupper,c.13,31.totheend,andc.14.astheyweregoingtothegardenofGethsemane,1Warninghisdis-

[Page]

[Page]

ciplesoftheworldspersecution,c.15.2ComfortingthemagainsttheCrosse,c.16.3PrayingforthemandallhisElect,c.17.2.BythemannerofhisPassion,1.Inthegarden,c.18,1.to15.2.IntheHigh-Priestspalace,c.18,15.to28.3.IntheHallofjudgementbeforePilate,c.18,28.toc.19.v.17.4.Intheplaceofexecution,c.19.ver.17.totheend.3.BytheConsequentsofhisPassion,viz.ChristsappearingafterhisResurrection,1.ToMaryMagdaleneandthedisciplesinIudea,c.20.2.TothedisciplesfishinginGalilee,c.21.

TheActs:

THEHISTORYOFTHECHURCHOFCHRIST,hisbody,andthatinthepurestPrimitiveApostolicalltimes,iscontainedintheActsOFTHEHOLYAPOSTLES.SodenominatedfromtheprincipallsubjectmatterofthisBook,viz.TheActsoftheApostlesintheinfancyofthePrimitiveChurch,thereinrecordedHistorically.

PenmanofthisHistorywasLukethebelovedPhysitian,whoalsowrotetheGospel(ofwhomseewhatistherespoken)asappears1.BythePrefaceorIntroductionhereprefixed,whereinhementionstheformerTreatiseoftheGospelpennedbyhim;namesTheophilustowhomhedirectedparticularlythisHistoryoftheApostles,aswellasthatHistoryofChrist;andalsoheconnectsorknits

[Page]

thisBooktohisGospel,bycontinuingtheHistorywhereheformerlyleft.viz.AttheResurrectionandAscensionofIesusChrist,whichhereissomewhatmorefullydescribed,andwhatfollowedthereupon,Act.1.1,2.SothathisGospel,andtheActsoftheApostlesarebutasonecon-tinuedHistory.2.Bytheverystile,whichseemsnotablytoindigitateLukeuntous,partlyitbeingcompleatandpolishedGreekbecommingLukeanaccurateGrecian,whohadalsomostdiligentlyperusedtheSeptuagintversion;partlyitbeingreplenishedwithHebraismes,suitabletoLuke'snativeGenius,beingbycountryaSyrianofAntioch,(theSyrianlanguagebeingoneoftheHebrewdialects)partlybecausehereinsomtimesistheLanguageofaPhysitian,veryagreeabletoLukesprofession,asAct.17.16.Hisspiritwasstirredinhim.[...]i.e.HisspiritwasinaParoxysme;thewordisusedbyPhysitianstosignifieasharpfitofanague,fever,&c.&again,theContentionwassosharp,[...]i.e.therebefellaParoxysme,—thiswordisnotusedinalltheNewTestamentbyany,butLuke,andPaul,(whosecompanionLukewas)1Cor.13.5.Heb.10.24.3.Bytheconsentofancientandmodernewriters.NodoubtthisBookwaswrittenbyLukeofAntioch,thePhysitian,HieroninPraefa[...].Act.LukethefolloweroftheApopostleandcompanionofallhisTravell,wrotetheGospel,—andputforthalsoanotherexcellentvolumeentituledtheActsoftheApostles.Hieronym.devirillustr.Andagaine,theActs,oftheApostlesseemtoimportabarehistoryoftheinfancyofthenew-bornChrist,butifweknowLukethePhysi[...]iantobethepenmanofthem,whosepraiseisintheGospel,weshallconsideralsothatallhiswordsareamedicineforalanguishingsoule.

[Page]

[Page]

Hieron.praefat.inAct.andoutofhimBeda,[...]i.e.ThebookoftheActswhichLukewrote.Oecumen.inScholiis.Nonebuttheunlearnedandunskilfull,candoubtwhetherLukewerePenmanoftheActs,&c.Erasmus.

Occasion.ItisthoughtthatLukewrotethisHistoryatRome,duringPaulsimprisonmentthere.Hieron.devirillustr.AndthatattherequestofthefaithfullbrethrenatRome:andbythecommandofPaul,DorotheusandNi-cephor.Hist.l.2.c.43.Alsted.Praecog.Theol.l.2.c.123.ThetimeofwritingisreferredtothesixtiethyearofChrist,thefourthofNero,27th.afterPaulsconversion.ButthepeculiarguidanceoftheHolyGhost,wastheprincipallcauseofLukeswritingboththisandtheformerBook.

Scope.TodescribeuntoustheRise,Growth,StateandpracticeofthePrimitiveChristianChurchinherinfancy,inthepurestApostolicalltimes,howsheobservedandobeyedChristsCommandementstohisApostles,afterhisResurrectionandbeforehisAscension,speakingtothemofthethingspertainingtotheKingdomeofGod,Acts1.2,3.andthisbothinmattersoffaith,worship,Church-Communion,andChurch-Government;thathereinthePri-mitiveChurchmightbeanexemplaryPatternetothefollowingChurchesinallsucceedingages.SothatthisisamostusefullBooktotheChurchofGod.

Principallbranches.TheActsoftheApostles,arelaiddowninthisHistory,

1.Moregenerally.TheActsofalltheApostles.

[Page]

I.AfterChristsResurrection,tillhisAscension,c.1,1.to12.II.AfterChristsAscensiontillthefeastofPentecost.viz.Theirdevotion,andtheirElectionofMatthiastotheApostleshipinroomofIudas,c.1,12.totheend.III.AtthefeastofPentecost,howtheypreachedandwalkedaftertheyhadextraordinarilyreceivedtheHoly-Ghost,c.2.IIII.AfterthefeastofPentecost,viz.1.HowtheApostles,(uponreportofthemiraclethatPeterandIohnhadwroughtuponthelameman,andthedoctrinetheyhadboldlytaught,againstalltheoppositionsandthreatsofthePriestsandElders)powredforththeirprayersagainsttheenemiesofChristandhisGospel.c.3,4.to32.2.HowthemselvesprovidedforthenecessitiesofChristiansthatwanted,c.4,32.toc.5.3.Howtheywroughtwonderstotheconversionofmany,c.5,12.to17.4.HowtheApostleswereimprison-edandbeatenforpreachingIesusChrist,andhowstoutlytheybehavedthemselvesunderthesesufferings.c.5,17.totheend.5.Howthu[...]ApostlesappointedsevenDeaconstotakecareofthepoore,whereofStevenbeingone,wroughtmiracles,disputed,wasaccused,answeredhisAccusation,andisbarbarouslystonedtodeath,c.6.&7.6.HowtheApostlescontinuingatIerusalem,inthegreatpersecutionoccasioningthedispersion,sentPeterandIohntoSamariatopreachtothem.TheHolyGhostalsosendingPhiliptobaptizetheEthiopianEunuch,andtopreach,c.

[Page]

8.Inwhichpersecution,Saulbeingagreatactor,waswonderfullyconvertedandcalledtotheApostleship,c.9,1.tov.32.

2Morespecially.TheActsofPeterandPaularestoried.

I.Petersacts.viz.1.Hismiracleswrought,recoveringAeneasandraisingDorcasfromdeath,c.9,32.totheend.2.Hisdoctrine,preachedtoCorneliusaGentile,c.10.Defendedagainstthemofthecircumcision,thatopposedhiscommunionwiththeuncircumcised,c.11.3.Hisimprisonmentandmiraculousrelease,c.12.II.PaulsActsarerecordedaccordingtofoureremarkableper[...]grinationsorjourneyswhichhetook;viz.

1.HisfirstjourneywaswithBarnabas,totheGentiles.HisDeedsandActsinthatjourney,areinc.13.14.2.HissecondjourneywithSilas,fromAntiochtoIerusalem,where1.Theoccasionofthejourney,viz.thedoctrineofcertainecommingfromIerusalem,Thatcircumcisionwasnecessarytosalvation;whereuponthatfamousSynodwascalledatIerusalem,c.15.2.PaulsDeedsandActs,whilehewasinAsia,c.16.3.PaulsDeedsandActswhileheabodeinGraecia,untillhereturnedagainetoAntioch,c.17.toc.18.vers.22.3.HisthirdjourneyundertakenfortheEphisianssakes,wherenote1.Whencehewent.c.18.23,&c.2.Whatwayhetravelled,

[Page]

Going,c.19.Comming,c.203.Whitherhecame,viz.toIerusalem.c.21.22,23.ThentoCesarea,whereconsiderthingsdoneunderFelix,c.24.under,Festus,c.25.under[...]grippa,c.26.4HisfourthandlastJourneywhichhetooktowardsRome,c.27,28.

II.EPISTOLICALBOOKS.

THEEPISTOLICALBOOKSoftheNewTestament,are,AlltheEpistles,writtenbytheApostles;theApostlesbeingoft-timesunabletoinstructbytheirpersonallpresence,supplyedthatbywritingEpistles.TheseEpistlesareeitherwritten,1.TotheBeleevingGentiles,Or2.TotheBe-leevingIews;aswasformerlynoted,

1TothebeleevingGentiles,TheApostlePaulwrotehisEpistles,whichareeither1.GenerallwrittentowholeChurches:Or2.Particulartosomeselectparticularpersons.SomedorankPaulsEpistlesthus,accordingtothepersonstowhomtheywerewritten,viz.

PaulsEpistleswerewritteneither

TowholeChurches,eitherinEurope,astotheChurchesat

Rome.—inItalie.Corinth.inGreciaThessalonicainGreciaPhilippi.—inThracia

[Page]

Asia,astotheChurchesatGalatiainAsiaMinorEphesusinAsiaMinorColosseinAsiaMinor

Iudea,andinotherNationsdispersed,astheEpistletotheHebrewes.

Toparticularpersons;astoTimothy.Titus.Philemon.

Othersendeavour,andthatnotunprofitablytomarshallPaulsEpistles,intheOrderoftimesandseasons,whereintheywereseverallywritten,whichOrderisnotobservedastheyareplacedinourBibles.AndthoughthepunctualltimewheneveryEpistlewaswritten,cannotevidentlyandinfalliblybedemonstratedeitherbytheEpistlesthemselves,orotherEcclesiasticallHistories,yetwemayhavegoodprobabilitieshereof,asmayappeareinthisTypeorTableensuing,viz.

PaulsEpistleswerewritten,1.BeforehisBondsandCaptivityatRome.2.InhisBondsandImprisonmentthere.

I.BeforehisBondsandCaptivityatRome,asthesesevenEpistlesinthisOrder,viz.

1.FirstofallseemstobewrittentheI.ToThessal.FromAthenesbyTychicus.ForPaulbyreasonofthetumultuousJewsgoingfromThessalonicato

[Page]

[Page]

Berea,andthencetoAthenesAct.17.thenceheconfirmestheThessaloniansinthefaithbyhisfirstEpistle,writtenaboutseventeenyearsafterhisConversion,ninthyeareofClaudius,andnineteenthyeareafterChristspassion,whentheCouncellatIerusalemwasheld.Hieron.2.Aboutthesametime,andinthesameplacePaulseemestohavewrittentheII.ToThessal.byTychicusalso.ForwhathehadwrittenintheformerofChristscoming,andoftheendoftheworld,hefurtherexplainesinthis,andvindicates.3.TheI.ToTimothyseemswrittenbyPaul,fromLaodicea,ofPhrygiaPalatina,sentbyTychicustheDeacon,whenreturningthesecondtimefromIerusalem,hepassedthroughtheRegionofGalatiaandPhrygia,Acts18.23.andbeforehereturnedtoEphesus,Acts19.1.ForhepromisethtoTimothy,thathewouldshortlycomethither.1Tim.3.14.viz.inthenineteenthyeareafterhisConversion,(asisthought)intheeleventhofClaudius,andtheoneandtwentiethafterChristsdeath.4.NextseemswrittentheI.ToCorinth,fromEphesus,whilePaulstayedthere,Act.19.9.(andthisratherthenfromPhilippi,astheGreekpostscriptintimates,)andbeforehewentthroughMacedonia,)1Cor.16.5.forhepassedthroughMacedonia,afterhisthreeyearsabodeatEphesus.SeeActs19.1.8.10.comparedwithAct.20.1.abouttheendofwhichtimeheissupposedtowritethisEpistleatEphesusbeforePentecost.Forhesaith,IwilltarryatEphesus,until

[Page]

[Page]

Pentecost;1Cor.16.8.whichwhenhewrote,heseemsplainlytobeatEphesus:AndthisPentecostwentbeforethatPentecost,whenheintendedtobeatIerusalem,Act.20.16.whichfelloutaboutthesixtyfourthyeareafterChristsdeath,intheninthofNero,whichyearecomingtoIerusalemwiththeContribution,hewascastintoBonds,inthethirtiethyeareafterhisConversion,Athanas.inSynops.Chrysostome.5.NotmuchafterthisfirstEpistle,PaulwrotehisII.ToCorinth,fromPhilippiwhenafterDemetriushistumult,heleftEphesusandcameintoMacedonia,Acts20.1,2,3.forthenhemustneedscometoPhilippi,(whichwasthefirstcityuponthecoastofMacedonia,Act.16.12.)HitherreferrethatpromiseofhisthathewouldcometoCorinth,withthemofMacedonia,2Cor.9.4.thatistheresaidtobedone,whenafterhehadpassedthoroughMacedoniaintoGreece,hehadstayedthreemoneths,Ast.20.2,3.andafter,weneverreadthathereturnedintoGreece.6.InthesamepassingthroughMacedonia;AtNicopolisnotfarredistantfromPhilippi,beforehecameintoGreece,PaulissupposedtohavewrittenhisEpistleToTituswhomhecalsfromCreettoNicopolis,becausetherehehaddeterminedtowinter,Tit.3.12.thoughheseemsaftertohavealteredhispurpose,andtohavewintredinGrecia,asisthoughtatCorinth.7.TheeminentEpistletotheRomanesseemstohavebeenwritten,whilstPaulwaswintringatCorinth.Forafterthat,wereadnotthathe

[Page]

returnedtoCorinth,buthavingwintredinGreecebecauseofthetreacheriesoftheJewes,returningthroughMacedonia,hecameintoSyriawiththeContribution,whenceatlasthewascarriedboundtoRome,inthesixtyfourthyeareofChrist,theninthofNero,andinthethirtiethyearafterhisownConversion.SothattheII.ToCorinth,ToTitus,andTotheRomans,allthesethreeseemstobewritten,asissaid,andallwithinthespaceofhalfeayeare:buttheEpistletotheRomansseemstobethelasthewrotebeforehecamecaptivetoRome.Origen&ChrysostproveitwaswrittenafterboththeEpistlestoCorinth:becauseinboththoseEpistleshestirsthemuptoaCollectionforthepoorSaintsatIerusalem,1Cor.16.1.to6.2Cor.8.and9.whichcontributionhesaithhehadreceivedfromtheChurchesofMacedoniaandA-chaia,Rom.15.25.tocarryitintoIudea;andhebroughtittoIerusalem,inhislastjourneyintoSyria,describedAct.20.and21.ashimselfetestifiesinhisApologybeforeFelix,Act.24.17.

II.InhisBondsandimprisonmentatRome,andthisunder,1.Hisformer.2.Hislaterimprisonment.

I.Vnderhisformerimprisonment,whenhewasinmorefreecustodyathisfirstcomingtoRomeAct.28.16,20,30,31.ThenprobablyhewrotehisEpistletotheHebrewes,forhepromiseththeHebrewstocomeandseethem,Heb.13.23.thereforethenhehadsomehopesofliberty,oritmaybehehadlibertyatthattimeandpreachedinItaly.whenceperhapstheEpistleissaidtobe

[Page]

[Page]

written,notfromRome,butfromItaly.II.Vnderhislatterimprisonmentwhenhewasclaptupinclose[...]restraint.ThenhewrotehisothersixEpistles(inwhichhementionshischains)andprobablyhewrotetheminthisorder,viz.

1.TotheGalatianstowhomhewritesthathebearesinhisbodythemark[...]oftheLordIesus,Gal.6.17.i.e.eitherhischaines,torments,orbrands.2.TotheEphesians,towhomhementionshischain,Eph.6.20.3.TothePhilippians,whomhesalutesinthenameofdiversofCaesar'shoushould,Phil.4.22,4.TotheColossianswhomherequeststorememberhisbonds,Colossians4.18.5,ToPhilemon,PaulwrotebeingaPrisonerandnowaged,Phil.9.anditisthoughthewrotethisEpistleafterhisfirstApology,inwhichallmenforsookhim,buttheLordstoodbyhim,anddeliveredhimfromthemouthoftheLyon,2Tim.4.17.Thereforehavingsomedawningsofhopethatheshouldbedelivered,hedesiresPhilemontopreparehimalodging,forItrust(saithhe)thatthroughyourprayersIshallbegivenuntoyou,Phil.22.buttheLordhadotherwisedetermined.SomethinkthisEpistlewaswrittenaftertheIItoTimothy,becausetherehebidsTimothyandMarktocometohim,whomhereheintimates

[Page]

tobewithhim,ver.1.24.Butotherscollectra-therthecontrary,1Partlybecauseherehedesiresalodgingtobeprovidedforhim,ver.22.butinthatEpistleheisnotsolicitousabouthislodging,butabouthisdepartureoutofthislife,2Tim.4.6.2Partlybecause,therehecomplainsthatDemashadforsakenhim,2Tim.4.10.ButherehesalutesPhilemoninDemashisname,ver.24.ThereforethisEpistlewaswrittenbeforeDemashisdesertion,orDemashadreturnedagaineuntohim.6.Lastofall,alittlebeforehisMartyrdome(whichfelloutinthethirtyseventhyeerofChrist,inthefourteenthyeerofNero,&inthethirtyfifthyeerafterhisownconversion)PaulwrotehisII.toTimothy,asallCir-cumstancesevince,andtheEpistleitselfeintimates.Iamnowreadytobeoffered,andthetimeofmydepartureisathand,2Tim.4.6.

ThisnotingtheseveralltimesoftheApostleswritinghisEpistlesisusefull,ToletusseewhytheApostlewrotesovariouslyaboutthesamethings,asCircumcisionandotherCeremonies,As;TotheRomanes,thattheyshouldreceivetheweake,&c.aboutCeremoniesandindifferentthings,Rom.14.1.&c.ButtotheGalatians,andColossians,utterlycondemnsuseofCircumcision,&c.Gal.5.2.&c.Col.2,thereasonisthedifferenceoftimes,Chrisostome.CeremonieswerealwayesMortales,mortall;atChristsdeathbecameMortuae,dead;onelyMosesmustbehonourablyburied,fortheweakIewestheuseofthemwas

[Page]

[Page]

permittedawhile;butafterthattheybecameMortiferae,deadlytothemthatusedthem.

ButherePaulsEpistlesshallbeconsideredaccordingtothemethodanddistributionofalltheBooksoftheNewTestamentfirstproposed:andthattherather,becausesoweshallviewthemastheystandinorderinourBibles.

AndfirstofPaulsGenerallEpistlestowholeChurches,whicharenine,viz.

Romanes.

THeEpistleoftheApostlePaultotheROMANES.Sodenominated,1.PartlyfromtheobjecttowhomtheEpistleiswritten,viz.ThebelievingRomanes,Rom.1.7.WhenthisEpistlewaswritten,therewassofamousaChurchatRome,thattheirFaithwasspokenofthroughoutthewholeWorld,Rom.1.8.YeatherewereeveninCaesarshoushouldthathadreceivedthefaith.Phil.4.22.ButbywhomorwhenwastheChurchoftheRomanesfirstplanted?Answ.Scriptureissilent,PapistssaybyPeter,Bel[...]m.dePont.Rom.l.2.c.2.ButPeterneverwasatRome,muchlesseplantedtheChurchthereD.PareusinRom.16.Pub.II.BarnabasissupposedtohavepreachedChristatRome,andtohaveconvertedtheRomanes,undertheReignofTyberius,ifClementmaybebelieved.Recognition.Clementislib.1.ButnowRomeisasinfamousasonceitwasfamous,beingtheseatofAntichrist,Rev.17,9,&c.theSpirituallEgyptRev.11.8.SodomeRev.11.8.AndBabylondevotedtodestruction,Rev.18.2,&c.

[Page]

2.PartlyfromthePenmanoftheEpistle,viz.Paul,Rom.1.1.

PAULisaLatinnamefromPaulus,i.e.alittleone,sotheRomaneswerewonttocallthemthatwereofalesserstature,heseemesmosttobedelightedwiththisRomanename,beingappointedApostletotheGentiles.Somethinkhefirsthadthisnamegivenhim,uponoccasionofhisconversionofSergiusPaulustheDeputy,Act.13.7.9.12▪Hieronym.declarisScript,BeforehewascalledSaul,i.e.desired,asked,&c.FromtheHebrew[...]Shaal,i.e.hehathasked,desired,&c.ItisnotlikelythathechangedhisnameSaulintoPaul:butratherthathehadtwonames,asalltheIewshadthatwerefreeme ̄ofRome;SaulthendenotedhisnationandReligion,PaulsignifiedhisRomanfreedome.AndScripturefavoursthisthathehadtwonames,saying,Saul,whichalsoisPaul,Act.13.9.TheHistoryofPaulisnotablydescribedintheNewTestament,especiallyinPhil.3.1Tim▪1.AndinAct.13.totheendoftheBook,butmoresummarily,Act.22.3,to22.and26.4.to24.HewasaIewbyNation;oftheTribeofBenjamin;oftheProvinceofCilicia;borneintheCityTarsus,(whichbeingaColonyandhavingthepriviledgeoftheRomanefreedome,PaulthoughofIewishParents,yetsaithhewasaRomanfree-born,Act.22.7.28.)circumcisedtheeighthday;broughtupatthefeetofGamaliel;agreatproficientabovemanyintheIew-ishReligion;inhisZealepersecutingallthatseemedtoopposeit;heldthegarmentsofthosethatstonedStephen,consentingtohisdeath;madehavockoftheChurch,&c.Butatlast,ashewasinhisCircuitofpersecution,hewas

[Page]

[Page]

miraculouslyconvertedofaWolfetobecomeaLamb,andofaPersecutertobeaprimeApostle,inhisApostleshiphesufferedandlabouredmorethenalltherestoftheApostles;waspeculiarlysenttoteachtheGentiles.AtlasthewascarryedboundtoRome,andtherehewasbeheadedbyNeroinseventeenthyeereafterChrist'sAscension,inthefourteenthyeerofNero,andthirtyfifthyeereafterhisconversion,andburiedintheOstienseway.Hieronym.HewrotefourteenEpistles,ofwhichonesaid,AsoftasIreadPaul,methinksIhearenotwordssomuchasthunders,Paulumquotiesc[...]n(que)lego,videormihinonverbaau[...]dire,sedtonitrua.Hieronym.contr.Iovi-nian.deEpist.Paulin.

HisEpistletotheRomanes,thoughno[...]firstwritten,yetissetfirst.1.ByreasonofthedignityoftheRomanestowhomitwaswritten,RomebeingtheSeateoftheEmpire,andHeadoftheWorld.2.BecauseofthelargenesseoftheEpistle,thisbeingthelongestofalltheEpistles.AsIsaiahissetfirstbeingthelongestofalltheProphets.3.Butespeciallyfromthedignityofthematter,anddexterityinhandlingit.TheBodyofDivinityissoadmirablyhereinhandled,espiciallytheprincipallpointsofElection,Reprobation,Redemption,FaithandIustificationbyFaith,&c.thatitisdeservedlycalledbysomeClavisTheologiae,theKeyofDivinity;andMethodusScripturae,theMethodofScripture.

Whenitwaswritten,SeeinformerTable.Whereitwaswritten,istobeconsidered.OrigeninPraefat.Comment.thinksatCorinth.1.BecausehecommendsPhaebetothe

[Page]

Romans,Rom.16.1.ShewasaservanttotheChurchatCenchrea,whichisaPortofCorinth.2.BecausehesalutestheminthenameofGaiushisHost,&c.Rom.16.23.AndGaiusaCorinthian,andthereBaptizedbyPaul1Cor.1.14.3.BecausehesalutestheminthenameofErastusChamberlaineoftheCity,Rom.16.23.WhoabodeatCorinth,2Tim.4.20.4.Thepostscripttestifiesthusmuch.

OccasionandScopeofthisEpistleseemestobethis.ThereportthatPaulhadreceivedofsomedisagreementsbothinjudgementandaffection,inthemoftheChurchofRome,whowerepartlybelievingJewes,partlybelievingGentiles.TheIeweseitherwhollyopposingtheGospel,orminglingLawandGospeltogetherinthecaseofJustifica-tion▪andallofthemexcludingtheGentilesfromthefellowshipofChrist,anddespisingthem,insistingtoomuchuponthePrerogativeoftheJew:ContrariwisetheGentiles,knowingthattheJeweswererejectedofGod,andtheGentilesimplantedintheirstead,toomuchinsultedoverthemasapeoplecastaway,boastingoftheirownwisdomeandvertues,andusingtheirChristianlibertywithoffence.NowtoreconciletheseControversies,andtosettlethembothinthetruth,andinunityofjudgementandaffection,theApostlebeinghindredfromcomingtothemdealsbyletters;DemonstratingthatneitherIeweshadcausetoboastoftheirrighteousnesseandPrerogatives,norGentilesoftheirwisdome:bothofthemnaturallybeingliabletoeternalcondemnationnotwithstanding,andbothofthembeingtobejustifiedbyFaithinChristalone,andthattheyshouldnotabuseGrace,butwalkeinnewnesseoflife,&c.

[Page]

[Page]

Generallparts.InthisEpistletotheRomanesarechieflythreeparts.

I.APrefacetothewholeEpistle,c.1.1.to17,II.ATreatise,contayningthemainsubstanceoftheEpistle,whichiseither,InformatoryandDoctrinall.orHortatory,andPracticall.

1.Doctrinall,viz,Touchingthecauseofourjustification,moreneere,moreremote.

1.MoreneerecauseofjustificationWhere,1.Thefalsecause,viz.Works,isremoved,c.1.17.toend.c.2.&3.1,tover.21.2.Thetruecause,viz.Faith,is

1.DefendedfromCalumnies,c.2.21.totheend,&c.3.2.ConfirmedbyAbrahamsexample,andtestimonies,c.4.3.Explicatedbythefruitsoreffectsthereof;1.Inward,viz.PeacewithGod,andfullassuranceofFaith,c.5.2.Outward,viz.1Newnesseoflife,c.6.2FreedomfromthecurseoftheLaw,c.7.3ConstancyinthestateofGrace,againstallcondemnation,notwithstandingalinfirmitiesorafflictions,withinorwithoutthemthatareinChrist,c.8.

2.MoreRemotecauseofjustificationviz.Predestinationwhere,of

1.TheJewesrejection,described,

[Page]

1.Bythecausethereof,Godspleasure,theJewesunbeliefe,c.9.2.Bythesignesandeffectsthereof,theirblindnessec.10.

2.TheJewesRestauration,andoftheremnanttobesaved,c.11.

2.PracticallandHortatory,incitingtogood-works,andduties;either,

1.Generall,towardsGodandman,c.12.2.Speciallduties,eitherin1.Thingsnecessary,towardsSuperiours,c▪13▪2ThingsindifferentandArbitrary,towardsinferiours,andthemoreinfirminFaith,c.14.&,c.15.ver.1.to14.

III.AconclusionofthewholeEpistle,consistingof1Excusesabouthisfreedomeinwritingtothem,hisnotcomingtothem;andotheradvertisementstouchinghispurposeofseeingthem,andhisdesiresoftheirprayers,c.15.ver.14.totheend.2.CommendationsandSalutations,c.16.

ICorinth:

THefirstEpistleoftheApostlePaultotheCORINTHIANS.

SodenominatedfromthePenmanthereof,Paul(ofwhominEpistletotheRomanes)andfromtheobjecttowhomhewroteit,viz.TheCorinthians;ortheChurchofGodatCorinth,1Cor.1.1,2.CORINTHwasaneminentCityof

[Page]

[Page]

Achaia(whichAchaiabyanIsthmuswasannexedtoGreece,neertoAthens)seatedinanIsthmus,oralittletractofLandbetwixttwoSeas,theAegeanandIonianSea,AmostfamousMart,verypopulous,andflowingwithwealth,itwasLumen&decustotiusGraeciae.Cic.proleg.Manil.i.e.TheLightandgloryofallGreece:yetveryinfamousforluxuryandmultitudesofvices.OnceutterlydestroyedbyL.MummiustheRomanConsul;butafterfortheopportunityofsituationrestoredtoitsancientsplendourbyAugustus.D.Pareusinprolegom.inIadCorinth.PaulcomingfromAthenstoCorinth,laidthefirstfoundationofaChurchthere,1Cor.3.10.Hewasthe[...]rSpirituallFatherthatbegotthem,1Cor.4.15.Converting,byhispreaching,CrispusandSostheneschiefeRulersoftheJewishSynagoguethere;andmanyotherCorinthians;amongwhomPaulcontinuedpreaching,ayeareandsixMoneths;GodassuringhimbynightinaVision,thathehadmuchpeopleinthatCity.Act.18.1,8,9,10,11,17.AndthisChurchofCorinthgrewoneofthemosteminen[...]Churchesforallmannerofspirituallgifts,1Cor.1.5,6,7.

WhenandwherethisEpistlewaswritten,SeeintheTablebeforeEpistletoRomanes.AstheEpistletoRomanesissetfirstforDoctrineofFaith:SothisissetsecondforDoctrineofChurch-government,excellentlyhandledtherein.

OccasionofwritingthisEpistle,seemestobetwofold.1.TheinformationthatPaulhadfromthemoftheHouseofCloe,ofthemanyandwofulldistempersthatinfestedtheChurchofCorinthafterPaul'sdeparture,as1

[Page]

SchismesandDivisions1Cor.1.11.&c.2Manynotoriousscandals,asLusts,Incest,Covetousnesse,Law-suits,&c.1Cor.5.&6.3IdolatrousCommunionwithInfidelsintheirIdoll-feasts,1Cor.8.&10.4VncomelyhabitsinpubliqueAssemblies,1Cor.11.3,to17.5ProphanationsoftheLordsSupper,1Cor.11.17.totheend.6BarbarousconfusionintheirpubliqueChurch-Assemblies,1Cor.14.And7finallysuchEpicure-likeprofanesse,astodenytheResurrectionandeternalllife,1Cor.15.12,&c.2.ThewritingofsomeoftheCorinthiansuntotheApostleforsatisfactioninsomeparticularcases,as1aboutMarriage.2AboutThingssacrificedtoIdols.3AboutSpirituallgifts.4AboutProphesying.And5aboutcharitableCollectionsfortheSaintsinIudea.1Cor.7.1.

Scope.TheApostlethereforeinthisEpistleprincipallyendeavours,ToapplyhealingmedicinesspeedilytoalltheevilsandmaladiesthatbegantogrowinthatChurch;andtogivethemsatisfactoryResolutionsinalltheparticulars,whereintheycravedhisadvisefromtheLord.

Generallparts.InthisI.EpistletoCorinthians,consider

I.TheexordiumorPrefacetothewholeEpistle,c.1.v.1.to10.II.ATreatiseofseverallsubjects,accordingasthepresentstateandnecessityoftheChurchrequired,inrespectoftheirpresentcorruptionsabounding;andPaul'sResolutioninsomedoubtspropounded.HereinthereforetheApostle,

[Page]

1.SharplytaxeththeirSchismesanddivisionsabouttheirMinisters,andtheirdiversityofgifts,aseloquence,&c.forwhichsomefactiouslyadmiredone,someanother,c.1,10.toc.5.Hereinnote1.Anemphaticallexhortationtounity,c.1.10.to14.2.Paul'stacitclearinghimselfefrombeinganycauseofthesedivisionsamongthem,either1ByHisBaptism,hebaptizingveryfew,andnoneinhisownname,v.14.to17.or2ByhisPreachingamongstthem,forhepreachedChristcrucified,notwithwisedomeofwordstoenticethem,butindemonstrationofthespiritandpowertosavethem,yethisdoctrinewasfarreabovethereachofcarnallmenc.1,17.totheendand,c.2.3.Heshowswhyhepreachedtothe ̄soplainly,becausetheywerecarnal,c.3,1.to5.4.ThattheirTeachersshouldbenosuchcauseofdivisions;TheyarebutMinisters,candonothingwithoutGod,andthereforehewarnestheirTeacherstotakeheedthattheybuilduponChristthefoundation;andpeoplenottoadmiremenspersons,c.3,5.totheend.5.HedirectsthemwhataccounttohaveofhimandhisMinistry,andhowlittlecausetheyhavetoprefertheirothereloquentteachersbeforehim,c.4.2.Heseverelyreprovethdiversnotoriousscandalsamongstthem.As1.Theirsufferingoftheincestuouspersonamongthem,whoshouldhavebeendeliveredtoSathanbytheirChurch-Governours,c.5.2.Theircovetousandquarrelsomelaw-suitsevenbeforeInfidels,c.6,1.to12.3.Theirfornications,whichtheycountedas

[Page]

indifferentthings,c.6.12.totheend.3.Heresolveththeirdoubtsorquestionspropoundedtohim,touching

1.Marriage,andthereinconcerning1.Conjugallbenevolence,c.7.1.to.8.2.Theunmarriedandwidowes,v.8,9.3.Divorce,v.10.to25.4.Virgins,v▪25.totheend.

2.Idolothytes,orthingssacrificedtoIdols,shewingthattheyoughtnot(underpretenceofChristianliberty,)eattothescandaloftheirbrethren,c.8:ashepreachedwithoutwages(whichyetwereduetohim)thathemightavoidthecalumnyofhisAntagonists;andbecameallthingstoallmentogainethem.c.9.ByotherargumentshecondemseatingthingssacrificedtoIdols,asbeingidolatry,orcommunionwithdevils,andinconsistentwithcommunionwithChristinhissupper,c.10.&c.11.1.

4.Hedirectsandendeavourstoreformetheirpracticeindiversparticulars.1.HowmenandwomenaretobehavethemselvesinpointoftheiroutwardHabits,inpubliqueAssemblies,c.11,2.to17.2.HowtheLordsSaintsoughttobemanagedandreceivedc.11.v.17.totheend.3.HowallspirituallgiftsaretobeemployedforpromotingtheChurchesprofitandpreservingtheunityofthemysticallbody,c.12.beyondallwhichgifts,grace,aslove,&c,ismuchtobepreferred;yeagifts

[Page]

[Page]

withoutgraceareasnothing,c.13.4.Howtheyshouldprophecy,(thewomanstillkeepingsilenceintheirChurches)c.14.5.HecondemnesandconfutestheprophaneerrourofthemthatdeniedtheResurrection,c.15.6.HeinstructsthemabouttheCollectionsfortheSaintsatJerusalem,[...]c.16,1.2,3,4.

III,TheConclusionofthewholeEpistle,withcertainadvertisementsaboutmoreprivateaffairs,exhortationstocertainduties,andsalutations,c.16.5.totheend

IICorinth.

THeII.EpistleofPaultheApostletotheCORINTHIANS,SocalledfromPaulthePenmanofit.(ofwhomseebeforeinEpistletotheRomans)andfromthepartiestowhomhewrote,viz.TheChurchatCorinth,(ofwhichseeinI.toCorinth.)andtoalltheSaintsinallAchaia,2Cor.1.1.pro-bablytherebeingmanySaintsinthatProvince,whocouldnotsosafelyandconvenientlymeetinChurch-Assemblyes,butweredispersedupanddownbyreasonoftheturbulencyofthosetimes.Calvininloc.

WhenthisEpistlewaswritten,seebeforeintheTable.

OccasionofthisEpistleseemstobe,thoseCalumniesandaspersionscastuponPa[...]lswordsandactionsbyfalseApostlesandotherhisadversariesafterhisformerEpistle;theychargedhimwithl[...]vity,thathecamenottothemaccordingtohispremise:withprideand

tyrannicallseverity,becauseoftheincestuousperson:withless[...]ningtheauthorityofthelaw:andthathoweverhewasgloriousinhisletters,yetinpersonhewasbutbase,&c.Paulthereforewipesofftheseaspersions,&showsthathewrotenothisformerEpistletothemforanysuchends,butforpromotingoftheirsalvation.SothatthisEpistleisformostpartofitApologeticall,viz.PaulsApologyagainsthisadversariescalumnies,andthistheendandScopeofit;asalsototestifyhislovetothem,andtopreventhishavingsorrowfromthem,whenheshouldcomeuntothem.2Cor.2.3,4.

Principallparts.are

I.AnintroductionorExordiumtohisEpistle,c.1,1.to8.II.ThesubstanceofhisEpistle,containingaTreatiseApologeticallandHortatory.

1.IntheApologeticallorexcusatorypartofheEpistle.

1.Hepurgethhimselfebothfromthechargeofl[...]vityandtemeritythathecamenottothemaccordingtohispromise,1Cor.16.2.to8.Andofseverityinthecaseoftheincestuousperson,showingthemthetruecausesofhisabsence,wherein(toclearhimselffromseverity,&c,)heinsertshisexhortationtothem,touchingtherestoringandcomfortingoftheincestuousperson,excommunicatedaccordingtohisformerEpistle,butnowrepentingc.1,8.totheend,andc.2.

2.Hecommendsandmagnifieshisministerytothem,1Partlyfromtheeffectithadonthem,Convertingthem,c.3,1.to6.2Partlyfromthesubjectmatterofhisministry,viz.TheGospelfarresurpassingthelawinglory,c.3,6.totheend.3Partlyfromhisundauntedcon-stancyinpreachingtheGospel,not-withstandingallafflictionsthereuponincidentuntohim,thoseafflictionsworkingforhimafarmoreexceedingandeternallweightofglory,c.4.Hisassuranceofwhichgloryhedemonstratesupondiversgrounds,c.5.

2.IntheHortatorypartoftheEpistle,HeexhortstheCorinthians,andbeseecheththem

1.TowalkeworthyoftheGospel,andnottoreceivethegraceofGodinvaine,andthisisdonemoreGenerally,c.6,1,to14.Morespeciallybyavoidingthefellowshipofinsidelsandidolaters,c.6,14.totheend,andc.7,1.2.Tobearehimlikeaffectioninreceivinghisdoctrineandexhortations,ashebearestowardsthemfortheirrepentance;andkindnessetoTitus,c.7,2.totheend.3.Toaliberallcontribution,tothepoorSaintsatIerusalem,andinIudea;andthisbymanyemphaticallArguments,c.8,andc.9.4.Tobehavethemselveswithsuchdu[...]ifullobediencetohisdoctrineandministry,thathemayhavecausetouselenityandgentlenessetowardsthem,andnotbeputtoexercisethatseverityagainstthemwhichheintendeda-

[Page]

[Page]

gainstsome,c,10.whereupon(thathemayvindicatehimselfeandhisApostleshipfromcontemptintheireyes,whopreferredthefalseApostlesbeforehim)heentersuponanecessitatedandforcedcommendationofhim-selfeandhisApostleshipbymanycon-siderations,c.11.andc.12.

III.TheConclusionofthewholeEpistle,1.WithComminationsofseverityandsharpnesse,whichhewillusetowardsthem,iftheyrepentnot,c.13,1.to11.2.Withvaledictoryexhortationsandsalutations,c.13.v.11,12,13,14.

Galatians.

THeEpistleofPaultheApostletotheGALATIANS.SointituledfromthePenmanPaul,whowroteit:andfromtheChurchesinGalatiatowhomhewroteit.Gal.1.1,2.Galatia,socalledfromGalli,i.e.TheFrench,thatcameandinhabitedthere,whocalledthecountreyaftertheirname.ThattheywereFrench,allagree;butfromwhatpartofFrancetheycame,islesseevident;seeCalvin'sjudgementherein,Calv.inArgum.Epist.adGalat.GalatiawasanampleProvinceofAsiaMinor,neertoPhrygia,intowhichancientlyentredapeoplefromGalliaofEurope,andseatedthemselvesbetwixtBithyniaandCappadocia,asistestifiedbyStrabo.l.12.Iustin.l.25.abinitio.Livi.l.8.decad.4.Plin.Nat.Hist.l.5.c.32.ThemoreprincipallcitiesintheProvinceofGalatia,(asAppianusin

[Page]

Chronolog.fol.44.notes)weretheseSynopa,Pompriopolis,Claudiopolis,Ancyra,(theMetropolis,famousforanancientCouncelthere,)Laodicea,AntiochandNicopolis,D.PareusinCom.inGal.1.2.PaulwithSilasandTimothy,travelledthroughtheregionofGalatiaonce,butwereforbiddenoftheHolyGhosttopreachthewordinAsia,Act.15.40.and16.1,2.3.6ButafterwardshewentoveralltheCountreyofGalatiaandPhrygiainorder,strengtheningallthedisciples,Act.18.23.InwhichcountreyofGalatia,inmostofthefamouscities,PaulhadplantedfamousChurchesofChrist,asisconceived,Gal.1.8.&c.

Occasion.ItseemesbythecurrentoftheEpistle,thatafterPaulsdeparturefromGalatia,havingplantedtheGospelthere:therecameamongthemfalseApostlesandcorruptteachers,whoendeavouredtodisgracePaul'sApostleshipamongthem,andtopervertthepurityandsimplicityoftheGospelamongthem,andtopervertthepurityandsimplicitieoftheGospelofChrist,bymixturesoflegalldoctrines:urgingtheobservanceofbothmorallandceremonialllaw,andparticularlyofcircumcision,asnecessarytoJustification;sominglingandblendingto-getherLawandGospell,worksandfaith,IudaismeandChristianisme:tendingdangerouslytothesubversionofthatChurch.

Scope.HencetheApostleyearningovertheseChurches,writesthisEpistletothem,torecoverthemoutofthiserrourinthatfundamentallpointofIustification:toconvincethemofIustificationbyfaithonly;todemonstrate

untothemthenatureanduseofmorallandceremonialllaw:andincitethemtoaholyChristianConversation.

PrincipallpartsofthisEpistle,tothisend,are,

I.AnExordium,preface,orentranceintotheEpistle,whereinhenotablyassertsthedivineauthorityofhisApostleship,againstfalseApostlesdenyingit,c,1,1.to6.II.ATreatisecontainingmatters,Reprehensory,Informatoryordoctrinall,andHortatory▪

I,Reprehensory,whereinhesharplytaxeththemthattheyhadsosoonfallenfromtheGospelldoctrineofJustificationbyfaith,whichhehadpreachedtothem,toanopinionofJustificationbytheworksofthelaw,c.1,6.toc.3,1.Tothisendthathemaymorefullyconvincethemoftheirer-rourinforsakingtheGospelwhichhepreached,heshewes,afterhisseriousobtestation,1.HowhehadhisdoctrinefromGod,whocalledhimtopreachtotheGentiles,c.1,11.to16.2.HowfaithfullyhehadpreachedtheGospellcommittedtohim,withstandingalllegallmixturesinpointofJustification,c.1,16.toc.3,1.II.InformatoryorDoctrinall,whereinheassertsandprovesthedoctrineofJustificationbyfaithalone,andnotbylegallworks,bymanyArguments,c.3,4.Asforexample,because

1.Theyreceivedthespiritnotbypreachingofthelaw,butbypreachingoffaith,c.3,1.to6.2.Abrahamthefatherofthefaithfullwas

[Page]

justifiedbyfaith;consequentlysomusthisfaithfullseedbejustifiedwhetherJewsorGentiles,c.3,6.to15.3.Theheavenlyinheritanceisnotbylaw,butbypromise,thereforeoffaith,c.3,15.to19.Andherebywayofprolepsistopreventobjections,heshewswhatwastheuseofthelawbeforeChrist,andwhythecere-monialllawisabolishedatChristscomming;c.3,20.toc.4.v.12.Andhelenisiesthesharpnesseofhisformerrebukes,bysignifyinghishumble,modestandtendercarriagetowardsthem,c.4,12.to21.4.TheverytestimonyofthelawitselfecondemnesthisJustificationbytheworksoftheLaw,asheevidencesintheAllegoryofHagarandSarah,c.4,21.totheend.

III.Hortatory,heretheApostleexhortsthem1.ConstantlytopersistintheirChristianLibertyfromtheceremonialllaw,c.5,1.to13.2.NottoabusetheirChristianliberty,v.13.3.ToseverallgeneralldutiesofChristianity,c.5,14.toc.6,11.

III.AConclusionofthewholeEpistlecontaining,1ATestificationofhisloveuntothem,inwritingtothemwithhisownhand.2Acommonefactionagainstfalseteachers.3AnoppositionofhisowneexampleagainstthatofthefalseApostles,hepreachingtheGospelsincerely,walkingaccordingly,andbeingwillingtosufferforit;andhis4Valediction,c.6,11.totheend.

Ephesians.

[Page]

[Page]THeEpistleoftheApostlePaultotheEPHESIANS.SodenominatedfromtheSaintsatEphesustowhomPaulwrote,Eph.1.1.EPHESUSwasacityontheshoreoftheIoniansea,lookingtowardsthewestofAsiaMinor,ofoldacityofgreattraffique,butmuchaddictedtomagickArts,andtosuperstition,therebeingtheTempleofthegreatgoddesseDiana,Act.19,PaulcametoEphesusatfirst,andreasonedwiththeJewesintheirSynagogues,buttarriednotthereatthattime,becausehehastedtokeepthefeastatIerusalem,Acts18,19,20,21.AfterthathecameasecondtimetoEphesus,andcontinuedtherepreachinganddisputingfortwoyearsandthreemoneths,andsoplantedafamousChurchthere,Act.19.1,8,10.&c.1Cor.16.9,tillbytheuproareatEphesushewasnecessitatedtodepart,Act.20.1.yetafterhisdepartureintoMacedonia,Act.19.1,2.hecommittedthecareandinspectionoftheChurchatEphesusuntoTimothy,1Tim.1.3,4.&c.AndPaulbeingafterwardsatMiletus,calledthithertheEldersofEphesus,exhortingandencouragingthemintheircharge,knowingtheyshouldseehisfacenomore,Acts20.17.totheend.AfterTimothy,itissupposedIohntheEvangelistwasBishopofthisChurch.

WhenandWhencethisEpistlewaswritten,SeeinTablebeforeEpistletoRomans.

OccasionofPaulswritingtotheEphesians,wasnotSchismesandScandals,asintheChurchofCorinth;norfalsedoctrinesupplantingjustificationbyfaith,thatfundamentallpoint,asintheChurchofGalatia;ButtheApostlessingulartendernesseandprovidentcareofthis

[Page]

Church,(hebeingnotnowfarrefromhisdeath,)lesttheyshouldfaintorbediscouragedbyhisbondsatRome,andbewearyoftheGospelthroughtheCrosse.

Scope,ToencouragetheEphesianstoconstancyinfaithandpiety,andgrowththerein,notwithstandingallhisortheirtribulationsfortheGospel.

PrincipallParts,Tothisend,are▪

I.TheInscriptionorExordi[...]inoftheEpistle,c.1,1,2.II.TheBodyoftheEpistlebeingDoctrinallandHortatory.

1.Doctrinall,whereinhelaiddownGodsbenefitstothemandus,orthecausesofsalvation.

1.GodseternallandfreePredestinationofustoadoptioninChrist,throughfaith,c.1.2.RedemptionbythebloudofChrist,andeffectuallvocationbyhisgrace,c.2.3.PublicationoftherichesofChristbytheGospel,especiallybyhisministerytotheGentiles.c.3.

2.Hortatory,whereinbywayofgratitudeforformerbenefits,hestirsthemuptodiversChristianduties,whichareeither,

1.MoregenerallandcommontoallChristians,c.4.andc.5,1.to22.2.Morespeciallandpeculiartosomeparticularrelations,asto,

[Page]

[Page]

1.Husbandsandwives,c.5.21.totheend.2.Parentsandchildren,c.6,1.to5.3.Mastersandservants,c.6,5.to10.

III.TheConclusionoftheEpistle,whereinheencouragesthemtobestrongandconstantagainstalltemptations,throughthehelpofthecompleatArmourofGod,described;showeswhyhesentTychicustothem,andsoconcludes,c.6,10.totheend.

Philippi:

THeEpistleofPaultheApostletothePHILIPPIANS.SointituledbecausewrittenbyPaultotheSaints,BishopsandDeaconsatPhilippi,Phil.1.1.PHILIPPIwasthenameoftwocities,viz.oneinThessalie,atfirstcalledDathos,butafterPhilippifromPhilipofMacedowhorepairedit.Alsted.Praecog.Theol.l.2.c.124.AnotheracityofMacedonia,situateintheconfinesofThracia,inthefieldswhereofPompeywasovercomebyCaesar;andafterBrutusandCassius,byAnthonyandO[...]avi[...]s.ThislatterPhilippi,isheremeanttothisPhilippi,Paulcame,beingwarnedbyvisiontogointoMacedonia,Act.16.9.totheendofthechapt.HereLydiaandtheIailorwereconverted,andPaulherelaidthefoundationofaslourishingChurch,Calv.Argum.inEp.adPhilip.

WhenandWhencethisEpistlewaswritten,seeinformerTable,&c.

Occasion,theChurchatPhilippisenttheirbountytoPaulnowPrisoneratRome,tosupporthimandsupplyhiswants

there,byEpaphroditustheirPastor,whodoubtlessecomingtoPaul,disclosedtohimthespirituallstareofthatChurch,whereuponPaulwritesthisEpistlefromRome,byEpaphroditusPhil.2.25.

Scope.ToconfirmethePhilippiansinfaithandGodlinesse,towarnethemagainstSeducers,andtotestifyhisthankfulnessefortheirbountifullremembranceofhim,inhisdistresses.

PrincipallParts,tothis[...]ndare

I.AnExordiumorPrefacetohisEpistle,c.1,1,2.II.TheSubstanceoftheEpistle,whereinhe

1.Confirmestheminthefaith,byPromisingtothemGodsperfectinggrace,Praisingtheirzeal,Testifyinghislovetothem,RemovingtheScandalloftheCrosse,andIntimatinghisgreatdesireforthefurtheranceandjoyoftheirfaith,c.1,3,to27.2.ExhortsthemtoPiety,viz.tobearingtheCrosse,unity,humilityofminde,andpurityoflife,c.1,27.toc.2,19.3.CommendstheirfaithfullMinisters,TimothyandEpaphroditus,c.2,19.totheend.4.WarnesthemofthefalseDoctrineoffalseApostles,thatwouldmingleworkswithfaithinJustification,opposingagainstthemhisowneexample,desiringthePhilippianstoimitatehim,c.3.5.Encouragesthemindiversparticularand

[Page]

[Page]

generallduties,c.4,1.to10.6.Gratefullycommemoratestheirbountytohim,c.4,10.to21.

III.TheConclusionoftheEpistle,withsalutationsandavalediction,c.4,21,22,23.

Colossians

THeEpistleoftheApostlePaultotheCOLOSSIANS.SointituledfromtheColossianstowhomPaulwrotethisEpistle,totheSaintsandfaithfullBrethreninChrist,whichareatColosse,Col.1.2.TheseColossianswerenotthatpeopledwellinginRodes(calledColossiansfromthathugeColossusorImageoftheSunne70Cubiteshigh,thereerected:ButratherthoseinhabitantsofColosseachiefeCityinPhrygiainAsiaMinor,neereuntoHierapolisandLaodicea;asHieromeandChrysostomethinke.AndthisE-pistleitselfeseemestointimatethusmuch,whereinhementionsEpaphr[...]shiszealeforthematColosse,Laodicea,andHierapolis,Col.4.13.Bidsthemsalu[...]ethebrethreninLaodicea,ver.15.andthatthisEpistlebereadintheChurchoftheLaodiceans,ver.16.NowLaodi-ceaandHierapolisareneereColosse,butfarredistantfromRhodes,aslearnedwritersimport.Xenophonin1.deexpedit.Cyri;writes,ThatafterheentredintoPhrygia,hewentstreight[...]i.e.VntoColosseaCityofuniversallresort,rich,andgreat.Euseb.inChronic.saith,ThatthreeCitiesofAsia,Laodicea,HierapolisandColossefellwithoneandthesameearthquake.AndPlin.inNat.Hist.l.5.c.32.SeatesnotColosseinanyIland,but

[Page]

amongtheCitiesoftheContinent.

WhenandwhencethisEpistlewaswritten,seeintheformerTable.

Occasion.Epaphrasfellow-labourerwiththeApostles,hadinColossewithotherMinistersplantedaChurch.TheFaithpreachedtotheColossianswasimpugned,PartlybysomeconvertedoutofIudaismewhourgedtheCeremoniesoftheLawasnecessarytoSalvation,confoundingChristandMosestogether:PartlybysomeconvertedoutofGentilisme,whoobtrudedPhilosophicallsubtiltiesuponthem,countingthesimplicityoftheGospeltoomuchbelowwisemen,andsoblendedTheologywithPhilosophy,TheApostlethereforebeingprisoneratRome,writestothemtoinstructandstablishtheminthetrueDoctrineoftheGospeltaughtthembyEpaphrasagainstalltheimpo-sturesoffalseTeachers.

Scope.Toshew,ThatallhopeofmansSalvationisgroundedinChristalone,andthatthereforeweshouldfullyrestourselvesintheFaithofChrist,andliveac-cordingtoGospelRules,rejectingallMosaicallCeremonies,andPhilosophicallspeculations.

Principallparts.InthisEpistleare,

I.ThePreface,containing,1.TheInscription,c.1.1,2,3.2.TheEntranceintotheEpistle,whereinhecommendstheirFaithandothergraces,andwishestheirgrowththerein,v.3.to12.II.ThebodyoftheEpistleconsistingofmatters

[Page]

Suidas.[Page]

DoctrinallandPracticall.1.Doctrinall,wherehe,1.DescribesIesusChristandhisbenefitsmostlively▪thatheisthetruesonneofGod,headandSaviourofhisChurchmostal-sufficient,c.1.12,toc.2.8.2.ConfutesSeducersthatobtrudedontheColossianseitherPhilosophicallnotions,orMosaicallantiquatedCeremonies,c.2.8.totheend.2.Practicall,whereheinstructsandexhortstheminPracticalldutieseither1.Generall,commontoallChristians,c.3.1,to18.2.Speciall,peculiartosomeRelations,Husbands,Wives,Parents,Children,MastersandServants,c.3.18.toc.4.2.whereheannexessomegenerallexhortationsver.2.to7.

III.ConclusionofthewholeEpistle,contayningsomeprivateAffairsandSalutations,c.4.7.totheend.

IThessal:

THefirstEpistleofPaultheApostletotheTHESSALONIANS.Sodenominated,becausewrittenbyPaultotheChurchoftheThessalonians.1Thes.11.AndtheyfromtheirCityThess.whichwastheMetropolisormotherCityinMacedonia,ScituateontheedgeoftheMacedonianshore:AncientlyitwascalledThermae,andthencetheThermaickHaven.Somegivethisreasonofthechangeofthename;PhilipKingofMacedoniainamemorableBattleinthesepartsovercamethePeopleofThessaly.FormonumentofwhichVictory,theneighbouringCitywasre-

[Page]

edifiedandenlarged,andnamedThessalonica;asitwere,[...]i.e.putthevictorytoanother.ItwassoldbyAndronicustotheVenetians,buttheydidnotlongenjoyit;foritwas;asotherpartsofGreece,quicklypossessedbytheTurks.IsnowafamousEmporyforIndianMarchandice,(butundertheDominionandIdolatryoftheTurks)knownbythenameofSaloniki.MaginusinGeograph.

InThessalonicaGodpleasedtoplantaChurchbytheMinistryofPaulandSilas,convertingbothJewesandGreeks.SeetheHistoryofit,Act.17.1.&c.TheretheunbelievingJewesmov'dwithenvy,raisedtumultsagainstPaulandSilas,andalsoagainsttheSaint[...]thatentertainedthem,Iason&c.5,6,7,8,9.SothatPaulandSilasweregladtoflyawaybynighttoBereaver.10.

Occasion(asmayappearefromAct.17.And1Thes.2.&3,1.2,)wasthis.PaulbeingforcedbytumultstodepartfromThessalonica,andfearingleasttheChurchtherenewlycollectedshouldbehazzardedthroughfeareoftroublesandpersecutions;andgoingtoAthens,hesendsTimothybacktoconfirmetheThessaloniansintheFaith,andreporttheirstaretohim.Where[...]onTimothyinforminghimoftheirconstancynotwithstandingpersecutions,andofalltheiraffaires,fromAthenesPaulwrotethisEpistletothemfortheirencouragement.whenthisEpistlewaswritten,seeinTableabove.

Scope.ToencouragetheThessaloniansbothtoconstantperseveranceinFaithandGracereceived,notwithstanding

alltribulationsbefallinghimorthem;Asalsotomakeprogresseandgoonthereinuntoperfection.

Principallparts,Tothisendare,

I.TheInscriptionoftheEpistle,c.1.1.II.ThesubstanceorSubjectmatteroftheEpistleisHortatory.HeExhorteth,

I.ToconstancyandperseveranceintheFaith,c,1.2.toc.4.Whereuntoheurgesthem.

1.FromtheconsiderationofGod;richgracebestowedonthembytheApostlesMinistry,andthegenerallfamethereofintheChurchesofChrist,c.1.2.totheend.2.Fromthegraciousnesseoftheinstrumentwherebytheywereconverted,viz.PaulwhoseBoldnesse,Sincerity,MeeknesandAmiablebehaviourtothemisdeclaredc.2.10.to13.3.FromtheirownexperienceoftheefficacyoftheDoctrineofFaith,c.2.13.totheend.4.FromtheApostlescareandtendernesseoverthem,who(thoughhecouldnotcomehimselfetothem,yet)sentTimothytothemtocomfortandestablishthem,c.3.

II.Toprogresseingracetowardsperfectiontherein1.Ingenerall,c.4.1,2,3.2.Inparticular,heexhortsthemtocertaineduties(whereinperhapstheywereDefective,orEndangered)as1Chastity,c.4.4,5.2Justice,ver.6,7,8.3Brotherlylove,ver.9,10.4CareofquietandpeaceablelivingtogetherinChristianSociety,ver.11,12.5

[Page]

[Page]

ModerationofsorrowandlamentationforthedeadinChrist;declaringwhatshallbecomeoftheDead,whatoftheLivingatChristssecondcoming,v.13.totheend.Afterthishemeetswiththatcuriousquestionthatmightbemoved,butwhenshallthesethingsbe?Shewingitshallbesudden,thoughtheparticulartimewhen,isnotknown;thereforetheyshouldalwayesbeprepared,c.5.1,to12.6DuerespecttothepubliqueMinistryoverthemc.5.12,13.7AndheshutsuphisExhor-tationwithanheapofChristiandutiesconciselycouchedtogether,ver.14.to23.III.TheconclusionoftheEpistle,withSup-plicationsforthem,Salutations,andValedictionver.23.totheend.

IIThessal.

THesecondEpistleofPaultheApostletotheTHESSALONIANS.SostiledfortheReasonabove.WhenandWhencethisEpistlewaswritten,SeeinformerTable.

Occasionseemstobesomeinformation,orReportswhichtheApostlehadreceived;touchingtheirPersecutionsfortheGospel;Touchingfalseteachers,whoinsinuatedtothem(perhapstakingoccasionbysomepassagesoftheformerEpistleaboutChristssecondcoming)thatChristssecondcomingwo[...]ldbespeedily,inthatage;andtouchingexorbitantwalkingofsome,inidlenesse;Church-disciplinemeanwhilesleeping.ThewholecurrentoftheEpistleintimatesthisoccasion.

[Page]

Scope.1TocomforttheChurchofThessaloniansagainstallPersecutionsforChrist.2Toinformethemoftheirmi-stakeaboutthesecondcomingofChrist,thatitcouldnotbepresently.And3toexhortthemtodiversChristiandu-ties.

Principallparts,totheseends.

I.Inscriptionandsalutation,c.1.1,2.II.BodyOftheEpistle,being

1.Consolatoryagainstallsufferingsandpersecutionsc.1.3.totheend.2.Monitory,warningthemagainstthaterroneousDoctrinewhichanyfalseTeachersmightsuggestuntothem,[...]sifChristsSecondcomingwereathand:whereinhepropheticallyassuresthemthatbeforeChristscoming,therewillbeanApostacy,andaRevelationofAntichristthatmanofsin,c.2.3.Hortatory,whereinheperemptorilyprescribesReformationofcertaincorruptionsinmanners&practiceamongthem,interlacingdiverssharpreproofsthereof.Becausehedealessomewhatsharplywiththem,1.Hepremisethaninsinuativeprefacewherein,1▪Hebegstheirprayers.2Perswadeshimselfconfidentlyoftheirobedience.3AndPrayesforthem,c.3.1.to6.2.HeprescribestheReformationoftwoevils,viz.1TheremissenesseofChurch-disciplinetowardsinordinatewalkers,ver.6.to11.2TheneglectofmanualllabourbysomecontrarytotheApostlesRule,ver.11.to16.

[Page]

[Page]

III.TheconclusionofthewholeEpistle,withSupplications,SalutationsandValediction,ver.16.totheend.

ThusfarreofPaulsninegenerallEpistles,writtentowholeChurches:NextcometobeconsideredPaulsfoureparticularEpistles,directedtocertaineparticularpersons,viz.TwotoTimothy,andonetoTitusaboutaffairsEcclesi-asticall;andonetoPhilemonaboutmattersOeconomicall.ThoseEpistlestoTimothyandTitus,AugustinewouldhavehimthatisaTeacherintheChurchtohavealwayesbeforehiseyes▪Augustin.deDoctrinChristian.l.4▪c.16.

ITimothy

THefirstEpistleoftheApostlePaultoTIMOTHY.SodenominatedfromTimothytowhomPaulwrote.

TIMOTHYIsaGreekname;Signifies,AnHonourerofGod.ProbablyhisGodlyParentsdesiredhemightbesuchanonewhentheygavehimthisname:andheprovedanex-cellentinstrumentofHonourtoGodbothinDoctrineandconversation,accordingtothehappyOmenandpresageofhisname.HeissupposedtobeofLycaoni[...],inAsia.HisFatherwasaGreek,hisMotheraJewessewhobelieved,Act.16.1.hernameEunice,daughterofLoishisGrandmother;bothsincerebelievers,2Tim.1.5.FromachildtheytraynedhimupintheScriptures,2Tim.3.14,15.WhencePaulisperswadedthatthelikeFaithdweltinhim,asdidinhismotherandGrandmother,2Tim.1.5.HisFatherbeingaGreek,hewasnotCircumcisedafterthecustomeoftheJewes,butbeingcometo

[Page]

maturity,Paulcircumcisedhim,forthegainingoftheJewesbyhisMinistry,Act.16.3.AndhavinggoodcommendationofhimbythebrethrenofLystraandIconium,Paulmadehimhiscompanionintravelsthrough-outtheChurches,Act.16.2,3,4.&c.SometimesPaulsenthimasaMessengertotheChurches;whereuponPaulmakessuchanhonourablementionofhimandhisworkes,Act.19.22.Rom.16.21.1Cor.4.17.And16.10.Phil.2.19,20,21,22.1Thes.3.2,6.GiveshimdiversexcellentTitles,calshimhisbrother,1Thes.3.2.Heb.13.23.HisbelovedsonandfaithfullintheLord,1Cor.4.17.HisnaturalsonintheFaith,1Tim.1.2.Hisdearelybelovedsonne,2Tim.1.2.TheMinisterofGod;andhisfellow-labourerintheGospelofChrist,1Thes.3.2.Hiswork-fellow,Rom.16.21.YeaPauljoynesTimothywithhimselfeintheinscriptionsofdiversEpistlestotheChurches,thatsohemightbothcommendTimothiesworthandauthoritytotheChurches,asalsopropoundhimasanexemplarypatterntoallfaithfullMinisters.See2Cor.1.1.Phil.1.1.Col.1.1.1Thes.1.1.2Thes.1.1.Philem.1.AtlastaftermanytravelswithPaulbySeaandLand,PaulreturningintoAsiacommittedthecareoftheChurchofEphesustohim,whomheknewtobesoableandtrusty,1Tim.1.3.&c.Whichhehappilytaught,andgovernedaboutfifteenyeers;butatlastmoregrievouslyinveighingagainsttheIdolatrousworshipsofDiana;underNerotheChristianscruelEnemy,hewasslainoftheGentileswithArrowesandStones,asistestifiedbyEusebiusHist.l.3.c.14.Somethinkethathisbones,togetherwiththereliquesofAndrewandLukeweretranslatedtoConstantinoplebyConstantinetheEmperour.AsHieronym.andNicephorus.

[Page]

[Page]

WhenthisEpistlewaswritten,seeintheTableabove.

OccasionandScope.TheApostlebeingtodepartintoMacedonia,leftTimothyatEphesus,thathemightpreventunsoundDoctrine,andordaineEldersforthatChurch.CompareAct.20.1Tim.1.3.&c.ThatthereforeTimothymightthebetterknowhowtobehavehimselfeinthatChurchinallEcclesiasticallaffairs,hewritestohimthisEpistle,notknowinghowlongheshouldbeabsentfromhim.1Tim.3.14,15.SothatthisEpistlemaynotunfitlybestiled▪St.PaulsDirectoryforrightmannagingoftheOfficeoftheMinisteryintheChurchofGod.

Principallparts,tothisend;are

I.TheInscriptionoftheEpistle,c.1,1,2.II.ThematterorSubstanceoftheEpistle,whichischieflybywayofpracticallinstructionordirection.HedirectsTimothy,

1.Touching[...]aithhowtomaintaineagainsttheteachersoftheLaw,thetruthoftheGospelwonderfullycommittedtoPaul)notwithstandingallimpediments,andtoaddetofaithagoodconscience,c.1,3.totheend.2.TouchingEcclesiasticallworship,forwhomtheyshouldpray,c.2.1.to8.Howmenandwomenshouldbehavethemselvesinprayer,andinpublickassemblies,c.2,8.totheend.3.TouchingChurchofficers.1HowBishopsandDeaconswiththeirwivesoughttobequalified,c.31.to14.Towhichheannects,theendorScopeof

[Page]

hiswritingthisEpistletoTimothy,viz.ThathemightknowhowtogovernetheChurch,thehouseofGod,thepillaroftruth,givinganEpitomeofGospel-truth,c.3,14.totheend.whichheamplifiesbyaPropheticallpredictionoftheApostacy,fromthefaithwhichshouldcometopasseinthelattertimes,c.4.1.to6.2HowTimo-thyshouldbehavehimselfebothinhisdoctrineandconversation,c.4.6.totheend.Howinprivatereproofs,c.5,1,2.Howtowardswidows,c.5,3,to17.HowtowardsElders▪c.5,17.totheend.Whatdutiesheshouldteachservants,andhowheshouldcarryhimselfetowardsthemthatteacho-therwise,andcountGainegodlinesse,c.6.to17.Andhowheshouldinstructrichmen,c.6,17,18,19.

III.TheConclusionoftheEpistle,exhortingTimothytokeepthatwhichwascommittedtohim,andtoavoidprophaneandvainebablings,andoppositionsofscience,&c.c.6,20.21.

IITimoth:

THesecondEpistleofPaultheApostletoTIMOTHY.SodenominatedfromTimothytowhomPaulwrote.ADescriptionofthisTimothy,seeinformerEpistle.

Occasion.TheApostlehavingleftTimothyatEphesustotakecareoftheChurchthere,1Tim.1.3.whenhedepartedfromtheEldersofEphesus,afterhehadcalledthemtoMiletus,andgiventhemchargeoftheflock,they

[Page]

[Page]

allweptsore,Acts20.36,37.probably,Timothywasoneofthosethatpowredouttears,2Tim.1.4.andperhapstheApostle,thathemightcomfortTimothylamentinghim,intimatedsomehopesofhisreturneuntohim,1Tim.3.14.ButPaulmeanewhilebeingcarriedawaycaptivetoRome,andbyhisbondshindredfromcomingagainetoTimothy,thoughtitnecessarybythisEpistletostablishandcomforthim,bothagainsttheApostlessufferingsandmar-tyrdomeapproachingasalsoagainstallthepressuresandpersecutionsoftheChurch,&thatheshouldbemovedbynoneofthem,todesertorneglectthefaithfull,keepingofthatexcellenttreasureoftruth,committedoftrusttohim,2Tim.1.8,13.and2.1,2,3.4.and4.1,2,5,6.&c.andthattheymightmoreeffectuallybecomfortedinoneanother,hedesireshimtocomeshortlytohim,2Tim.4.9.thatsotheymighttaketheirlastfarewelloneofanother.ForthiswasPaulslastEpistle(ashisSwan-likeSong)alittlebeforehisdeath,2Tim.4.6,7.

Scope,TostirreupandstrengthenTimothy,toconstancyandfidelity,indischargeofhisministerialloffice,andthekeepingandassertingofthetruth,depositedandcommittedoftrusttohim;againstallthepresentdangersandpersecutionsimpendinghimortheApostleforthesame,intheseperilloustimes.

Principallparts.tothisendare

I.AnInscriptionoftheEpistle,c.1,1,2,togetherwithaninsinuativepatheticallproem,testifyinghissingularaffectiontoTimothy,v.3,4,5.

[Page]

II.ThesubstanceoftheEpistle,whichischieflyHortatoryandConsolatory.Hereinhe,

1.ExhortsandencourageshimtoconstancyandfaithfulnesseinalltheworkoftheMinistrycommittedtohim,notwithstandingalltheApostlesafflictionsenduredforthetruth,allthetroublesTimothymightincurreindefenceofthetruth,andtheunfaithfulnesseofsomerevoltingfromthetruth,c.1,6.totheend,andc.2.2.Propheticallyforewarneshimoftheperillousnesseofthelastdayes,especiallybyreasonofwickedhypocritesandSeducers,c.3,1.to14.3.Mostearnestlyincitesandchargeshimtobeconstantinthefaith,accordingtotheScriptureswhichheknewfromachild,andtobeinstantinpreachingtheword,againstalldiscouragements,aftertheApostlesexample,whohadfinishedhiscourse,andnowshortlywastoreceivehisCrown,c.3,14.toc.4,9.

III.ConclusionoftheEpistle,with1Someparticulardirections,c.4,9.to16.2Narrationofhisowneaffairs,v.16,17,18.3Salutations,v.18.to22.and4Valediction,v.22.

Titus.

THeEpistleofPaultoTITUS.Sointituledfromthenameofthepersontowhomhewrote,Tit.1.1,4.TitusisevidentlyaGreekname,eitherderivedfrom[...]Titus,i.e,ADove;(asIonahinHebrewhathhisnamefroma

[Page]

Dove,)orratherfrom[...]Tioi.e.tohonour,esteem,&c.thence[...],Titosi.e.Honoured;afitnameforhim,thatwastruelyhonouredbothbyGodandman.TituswasbyNationaGrecian,aGentile,&uncircumcisedprobablytillhisdeath,Gal.2.3.yeteffectuallyconvertedbyPaultothefaith,hencecalledhisnaturallsonneafterthecommonfaith,Tit.1.4.yeahecalshimhisPartnerandfellow-helper.2Cor.8.23.andhisbrother,2Cor.2.13.havingenjoyedhimasacompanionofhistravels,Gal.2.1.acomfortinhissorrows,2Cor.7.6.andhavingusedhimasaLegateormessengeruntodiversChurches,andbetrustedhimwiththeCollectionsforthepoorSaintsinIudea,2Tim.4.10.2Cor.8.6,16,17.PaulhavingplantedaChurchintheIsleofCreta,nowcalledCandy,heleftTitustherebehindhimtofinishthework,appointinghimtosetinorderthingsthatwerewanting,andtoordaineEldersineverycity,Tit.1.5.andthereitisthought,hediedandwasburied.

OccasionandScope,PaulhavingleftTitusinCreettoorderthingswanting,&c.intheChurchnowplantedthere,andperceivingthatinhisabsencefalseTeachers,erroneousinjudgement,andscandalousinlife,creptin,seekingtode-stroythefaith,byminglingChristandMosestogether,todisturbeChurch-Governmentplanted,andtodisjoynethepracticefromtheprofessionofpiety.PaulthereforesollicitousfortheChurch,writesthisEpistletoTitus,bothtostrengthenandgaineAuthoritytohisministerythereagainstallcontempt;asalsotodirecthim,howtoorderandstablishthingswantingintheChurch,howtorepressedistempersanddisordersarising,andhowtodemeane

[Page]

[Page]

himselfe,bothindoctrineandconversation,towardsseverallsortsofPersons.

Principallpartstothisend

I.AnInscription,c.1,1,to5.II.SubstanceoftheEpistle,(oflikenaturetotheI.ToTimothy)whereinhe

1.DeclarethforwhatendsheleftTitusinCreet,c.1,5.2.Directethhiminreferencetotheseends.

1.WhatqualificationsarerequisiteinBishops,orEldersbothforlifeanddoctrine,c.1,6.totheend.2.HowTitusshouldaccordinglyapprovehimselfeintheministry,bothinhisdoctrineandlife,andthattowardsbothagedmenandwomen,asalsotowardsservants,c.2.andgenerallytowardsallChristians,howheshouldteachthemtobehavethemselvs,bothtowardsmagistrates,andmutuallytowardsoneanother,backingthesamewith[...]ogentArguments,c.3,1.to12.

III.AConclusionofthewholeEpistleconsistingofmoreprivatedirections,salutations,andhisApostolicallvalediction,c.3,12.totheend.

ThusofPaulsEpistleswrittentoparticularpersonsaboutEcclesiasticallaffairs.NowofhisEpistleswrittentoparticularpersons,yeatoaChurch,Philem.1.2.aboutOeconomicallorHousholdaffairs.viz.

[Page]

Philemon.

THeEpistleofPaultoPhilemon.Socalledbecausepeculiarlyandinthefirstplacedirectedtohim,Philem.1.2.PHILEMON,assomethinkesoundslikeanHebrewname,andsignifies,Themouthofbread,sodenotinghisbeneficenceandbountyrelievingthemwithbread,&c.thatwerepooreandneedy,Seev.7.Hieron.OthersrathertakingthisEtymontobeuncertain,countPhilemonaGreekname,signifyingKissing,from[...]Philema.i.e.Akisse,Sointimatinghiskindnesse.

ThisisnotthatancientComickpoet,calledPhilemon,whichPaulseemstohaveread,bysomeexpressionsinhisEpistles,as1Tim.2.12.and5.23.Tit.2.3.Thefragmentsofwhichpoetareextant,collectedbyHenr.Steph.ButthisPhilemonissupposedtobebyCountreyaPhrygian,asTheophylact.andinparticularaministeroftheChurchatColosse,aneminenttowneinPhrygia.Paulherecalshimfellow-labourer,Phil[...]m.v.1.viz.inpreachingtheGospel;andaPartner,v.17▪comparePhilem.v.1,2.withCol.4.17,HeiscalledaBishopbyAnselme,anEvangelistbyHierom.AndhereismentionoftheChurchinhishouse,v.2.Probably,PhilemonwasconvertedormuchedifiedbyPaulsministry,fromthatintimation,v.19.wasdearetoPaul▪hecalshimbrotherv.7,20.hisdearlybeloved.v.1.HeiscommendedforhisfaithinChrist,andbountifulllovetoalltheSaints,vers.5.7.Thoughrich,yetissuspectedtobesornewhattoocovetous,fromthatexpression,v.18,19.Wefindnomen-tionofhiminScripture,butonlyinthisEpistle.

[Page]

[Page]

Occasion.OnesimusservanttoPhilemon,hadmuchwrongedhiminpurloyninghisgoods,(itisprobablythoughthestolesomemoneyfromhim)andsoranneawayfromhimtoRome,where(providencesoorderedthings,)hearingPaulpreachhewasconverted,andministredtoPaulinprison.ButPaulunderstandingthecauseofhisdepar[...]ingfromhisMaster,sendsOnesimusbackagaintohismasterwiththisEpistle,perswadinghimtoforgivehim,andentertainehimagain.

Scope.ToreconcileOnesimus,nowconverted,toPhilemonhismaster,whomhehadmuchwrongedformerly,beingunconverted,andhadrunneawayfromhim.

Principallparts,ofthismostelegantandpatheticallEpistle,tothisend,are

I.ThePrefaceorExordiumtotheEpistle,containing1.Theinscription,v.1,2,3.2.TheApostlesGratulationatPhilemonsfaithinChrist,andliberalllovetotheSaints,v.4.to8,herebyheindearsbothhimselfeandhisrequesttoPhilemon.II.TheProposallofhisrequesttoPhilemon,moregenerally,andaftermoreparticularly,viz.thathewouldagainereceiveOnesimus,whomhehadsenttohim,v.8.to13.III.CogentArguments,pressingthisrequest,(everywordalmostbeinganArgument)someofwhicharecouchedintheProposallofhisrequest;As1.Onesimusisconverted,v.10.2.Nowhewillbeaprofitableservant,v.11.3.OnesimuswasdeartoPaul▪ashisownbowels,v.12,4.PaulsprizingOnesimus

[Page]

hisservice,v.13.14.5.Providenceseemedsotoover-rulehisdeparturebyconvertinghimintheinterim,asifGodwouldpreparehimforconstantservice,v.15.6.Heisnownotaservant,somuchasabrotherinChrist,v.16.7.Paulthatmakesthisrequest,isPhilemonsPartner,v.17.8.Philemonshallnotloosebyreceivinghim,v.18,19.9.Paulshallreapthefruitofsweetrefreshinginthegrantofthisrequest,v,20.IIII.TheConclusionoftheEpistle,containing1.PaulshopeofPhilemonsgratifyinghim.2.Hisrequesttopreparehimselfealodging.3.Salutations.4.AndtheApostolicallvalediction,v.21.totheend.

HithertooftheEpistleswrittentotheIIbelievingGentiles,andallbyPaul:NowoftheEpistleswrittentothebelievingIewsbyseverallApostles.

Hebrews.

THeEpistleofPaultheApostletotheHEBREWS.SointituledintheGreekCopies,fromthePenmanwritingit,andthepartiestowhomhewrote.TheSyriackversionhathit,TheEpistletotheHebrews.

HEBREWS.SodenominatednotfromHeber,Selah'sson,Sem'sgrandechildmentionedGen.10.24.ButratherfromAbramthefatherofthefaithfull.andthatnotfromthenameAbram,whichiswrittenwith[...]whereasHebrews,iswrittenoriginallywith[...]viz.[...]Hhhibri.butfromtheEpithetgivenfirsttoAbram,viz.AbramtheHebrew,Gen.14.13.Abrambeingcalled[...]i.e.theHebrewfrom[...]Topasseoverorpassethorough,Gen.12.6.becausefrom

[Page]

[Page]

MesopotamiahepassedoverEuphratesintoCanaan,andsopassedthoroughtheland.compareGen.12.1.to7.withAct.7.2,3,4.SothatAbramtheHebrew,soundsasmuchasAbramthePassenger,orthePasser-thorough.HenceAbramsposterityarecalledHebrews,whichnameseemssomwhatmoreworthythenthenameIews,becausethenameIewscamebutfromIudah,Iacobssonthekinglystock.ToHebre[...]sbynation,butnowbecomeChristiansbyprofession,thisEpistlewaswritten.SomethinktheApostlewroteonlytothoseHebrewsthatdweltinIerusalemandIudea,becausehepromisestoseethem,Heb.13.23.butPeterseemstotestifythisEpistlewaswrittentothedispersedHebrews;compare2Pet.3.15.and3.1,2.with1Pet.1.1,2.WhymightnottheEpistlebewrittentothemall?

PenmanofthisEpistleisnotsoinfalliblyagreeduponbylearnedmen.SomeofoldascribedittoLuke,orBarnabas,orClement,Euseb.Hist.l.6.Platin.invit.Petri,p.10.andHieronymus.SometoBarnabas,Tertullian.SeeErasin.Annot.inAct.1.p.199.SometoApollos,LutherinGen.48.fol.643.DeLuc.OsianderinPraefat.adHebr.Calvinhimselfe,thoughinhisArgument,beforethisEpistle,hesaith,hecannotbebroughttothinkitwasPauls,yetafterseemstoinclinetothatopinion,thatPaulwroteit,Calv.Com.inHeb.13,13.ButthatPaulwasPenmanofthisEpistle,wastheunanimousopinionofalltheancientGreekwriters,(exceptCaiusmentionedbyNicephorusl.4.c.34.)andofdiversLatinAuthors,ancientandmoderne.SeeGerh.loc.com.deScript.sacr.loc.1.Exeges.Sect.275.andD.PareusProeminep.adHebr.

[Page]

Sect.1.G.Whitakerdisp.desacr.script.q.1.c.ult.ThattheApostlePaulwasPenmanofthisEpistle,maybee-vincedbydiversconsiderableArguments,As

1.AlltheGreekCopiesoftheEpistletotheHebrews,(exceptonewhereintheTitlewasonly,[...]i.e.TotheHebrews)havethisTitle[...]i.e.TheEpistleofPaultheApostletotheHebrews.Th.Bez.inAnnot.anteep.adHebr.2.TheTestimonyofPeterismostconsiderable;AsourbelovedbrotherPaulalso,accordingtothewisedomegivenuntohim,hathwrittenuntoyou.AsalsoinallhisEpistles,speakinginthemofthesethings,inwhicharesomethingshardtobeunderstood,&c.2Pet.3.15,16.whereinnotewithGerh.Piscat.ando-thers,

1.ThatPaulwrotetothemalsotowhomPeterwrote,ButPeterwrotetotheHebrews,bothhisEpistles,1Pet.1.1,2.2Pet.3.1,2.ThereforePaulwrotetotheHebrews,eitherthisEpistleisthatwhichPaulwrotetotheHebrews,oritslost.Thatitshouldbelost,isunlikely,whenGodsprovidencehathpreservedsuchasmallEpistle,andofprivateconcernment,ashisEpistletoPhilemon,fortheuseoftheChurch,butdoubtlessewhatPaulwrotetotheHebrews,wasmorelargeandfull,andtouchingthemysteryofsalvationbyChristcrucifyed,asmostnecessarytothemwhostucktoomuchtotheLeviticallPriesthood,asifitshouldbeperpetuated,andstumbledatChristc[...]ucified;andthisistheArgumentofthisEpistle.

[Page]

[Page]

2.ThatPaulwrotetothemofthesamethingsthatPeterwrote.HereinPetersEpistle,andthistotheHebrews,agree,asThatbyChristaregiventous,allthingspertainingtolifeandgodlinesse,2Pet.1.3,4.ThatIesusChrististhesonofGodinwhomthefatheriswellpleasedwithus,ofwhomtheProphetsspoke,2Pet.1.16,17,18.19.Sothesethingsarelargelyhandled,Heb.1.1.toc.10.19Peterexhortsthemtofaithandholinesse,2Pet.1.5.to16.and3.1.to15.SotheEpistletotheHebrews,c.2,1.to5.and3.1,6.totheendandc.4.and6.11,12.andc.10,19.toc.13,20▪PetershewsthedangerofApostacy,2Pet.2.20,21,22.SotheEpistletotheHebrews,c.6,4.to9.and10.26,to32.3.ThatPaulwrotewisely,muchwisedomeappearsbothinwords,matterandmethodofthisEpistletotheHebrews.4.Thathereinaresomethingshardtobeunderstood,asaboutApostates,Heb.6.andHeb.10.asaboutpredestination,Rom.9.c.11.andEph.1.

3.PaulszealeandaffectionwasgreattotheHebrews,Rom.9.1,2,3,4.&c.andcanwethinkeheshouldneverwritetothemthatweresoexceedingdearetohim,andwhatcouldhewritemoreproperandnecessaryforthem,thentouchingtheabrogationoftheLeviticallPriesthood,andtheexcellencyofChristspersonandoffice;whichthisEpistletreatsof,aboveanyother?4.MentionisheremadeofTimothyhisbrother,and

[Page]

thatheissetatliberty,Heb.13.23.elsewherePaulcalsTimothyhisbrother,1Thes.3.2.Philem.1.andinwhataccountTimothy,(Paulscompanion)waswithPaul,SeeAnnot.in1Tim.before.5.TheAuthorofthisEpistlementionshisbonds,Heb.[...]0.34.and13.23.andthisisPaulsmannerinhisEpistles,Rom.16.21.1Cor.16.10,11.2Cor.1.1.Col.1.1.1Thes.1.1.and3.2.2Thes.1.1.Philem.1.9.10.6.ThecharacterofthestileandlanguageinthisEpistle,seemssoplainlytobethesamewithPaulsinhisotherEpistles,thattheyindigitatePaultobethePenmanWellconsiderandparalleltheensuingplaces.

Heb.1,2,3.—withCol.1.14,15,16,17.Heb.5,12,13.—with1Cor.3.1,2.Heb.9.15.—withRom.3.25.Heb,10.34.—withPhil.1.13.andPhilem.v.1,9,10.Heb.10.34.—with1Thes.2.14.Heb.10.36.—withGal3.22.Heb.11.11,12.—withRom.4.18,19.Heb.12.1.—with1Cor9.24.Heb.13.7.—withPhilip.2.25.29.Heb.13.9.—withEph.4.14.Heb.13.15,16.—withRom.12.1,2.Heb.13.17.—with1Thes.5.12,13.Heb.13.18—with2Cor.1.11,12.Act.23.1.24.16.Heb.13.20,21.—with1Thes.5.23.Rom.15.23.and16.20.2Cor.23.13.Phil.49.

7.Finally,thatwhichtheApostlehimselfecountsasit

[Page]

[Page]

werethecharacterandsealeofallhisEpistles,hisToken,2Thes.3.17,18.TheGraceofourLordIesusChristbewithyouall.Amen;isthevaledictorycloseofthisEpistle,Heb.13.25.

TheseArgumentsmaystronglyperswadethattheApostlePaulwasPenmanofthisEpistle,andconsequently,thatthisEpistleisofApostolicall,yeaofdivineAuthority,aswellashisotherEpistles.Noraretheobjectionsusuallybroughttothecontrary,ofsuchdifficulty,butthattheymayeasilyreceivesatisfactoryAnswers.AndareansweredbyBez.PareusandPiscatorintheirProloguebeforethisEpistle.Gerh.exeges.loc.Com.1.descript.sacr.cap.10.Sect.277.&c.

WhenandWhencethisEpistlewaswritten,SeeinformerTable.

ThatitwasnotwritteninHebrewbyP[...]ul,anHebrewtotheHebrews,andsotranslatedintoGreek,byLukeorBar-nabasassomethink,viz.ClemAlexan.S[...]rom.l.4.Euseb.Hist.Eccles.l.3.c.3[...].Hieronym.inCatal.script.illustr.&c.ButratherthatPaulwrotethisEpistleatfirstinGreek,maybeprobablybelievedupontheseensuinggrounds,vid.Fran.Iuniumparal.l.3.inc.9.hu-jusEpist.p.479.

1.ThestileandphraseofthisEpistleseemsrathertoGrecize,thentoHebraize,therebeingfewerHebraismesinthisEpistle,theninPaulsotherEpistles.

2.TheplacesalledgedoutoftheoldTestament,arenot

[Page]

alledgedaccordingtotheHebreworiginall,buttheGreekversionoftheLXXII.

3.TheHebrewnamesareinterpreted,asMelchi-zedek,Kingofrighteousnesse,andSalem,peace,Heb.7.1,2.

4.MostIewesthenunderstoodtheGreektongue,especiallythosethatlivedinAsiaMinor.

5.PeterandIameswrotetheirEpistlestothedispersedIewesinGreek,andPaulwroteallhisotherEpistlestotheGentilesinGreek;whythenshouldweimaginethistobewritteninHebrew?

6.TheAncientwriterstestifienot,thattheyhaveseenanyoriginallHebrewCopyofthisEpistle.

Occasion,seemestobetheinfirmityandafflictionofthebelievingHebrews.ForthewholecurrentoftheEpistle,seemstointimate,ThatthoughtheyhadentertainedChrist,yettheyadheredtoomuchtoMosesandtheLeviticallPriesthood,andperhapssomeofthemhadsomehesitancyaboutChrist,whetherhewerethepromisedMessiah:andyetfortheirentertainingofChristsofarreastheydid,theyseemnotonlytobereproachedbytheirCountreymen,asApostatesfromtheLaw,butweregreatlypersecutedforChrist;theApostleunderstandingthistheirs[...]ate,wrotetoinstructandsupportthemherein;vid.Athanas.inSynops.

Scope.Forconfirmationandcomfort,oftheweakandafflictedHebrews,toevidencethatIesusChrististrueGod

[Page]

andman,likeusinallthings,(onlysinexcepted,)andthereforetheonlytrueMessiah,promisedintheOldTestament,andexhibitedintheNew;thatheistheChurchesonlyKing,ProphetandPriest,abletosaveallthatcometohimtotheuttermost,havingbyofferinguphimselfeonce,foreverperfectedthemthataresanctified,andabrogatedtheLeviticallPriesthoodandlaw,andthereforethattheyoughttobelieveinhim,persevereinfaith,andwalkworthyofChristandhisGospel.

Principallparts.tothisend.ThisEpistleispartlyDoctrinall,partlyPracticall.

I.DoctrinallandInformatorytouchingChristhimselfe,viz.Inrespectof

1.HisPerson;Thatheis1.TheeternallsonneofGod,c.1.2.Trueman,takingfleshoftheseedofAbraham,c.2.AndthereforehisDoctrinetobemorehearknedtothenthewordofMosesorAngels.2.HisOffice,viz.

1.Propheticall,WhereinhefarresurpassedMoses,whomthereforewemustbelieveandobeylestwelosetheeternall,asIsraelthetemporallCanaanc.3,4.2.SacerdotallorPriestly,whereinChristisassertedbytheApostle,tobeoutgreatHigh-priest,Tothisend,

1.HecompareshimtoAaroninhiscalltohisOffice,c.5.1.to6.

[Page]

2.HepreferreshimbeforeAaron,c.5,6.to11,(andbeingtospeakefurtherofthismystery,bywayofdigressionhetaxestheirdulnesseinunderstanding,andwarnesthemagainstApostacy,c.5.11.totheend,&c.6.)ChristispreferredbeforeAaron,1.Inexcellencyoforder,beingofMelchisedeck'sorder,whowasaboveLevi,ChristalsobeingmadeofthisorderbyanOath,andthatforever.c.7.2.InExcellencyofSacrificeandMinistrybeyondAarons,hebeingMediatoroftheNewandlastingCovenant,theoldbeingantiquated,c.8.Heentringintoheaven,notanearthlyTabernacle,withhisownblood,notbloodofbeasts;Once,andnotoften;hathpurgedtheConsciencenotonelytheflesh;andthisnotforaseason,butforeverc.9,and10,1.to19.

3.Regallindiversplaces.II.PracticallandHortatorytoChristians,Whomheexhorts

1.ToFaithandconstancytherein,1.FromtheperillofApostacy;andthegreatreward,c.10.19.totheend.2.Fromthecloudoffaithfullexamplestobefollowed,c.11.2.TodiversReligiousexercises.1.Topatienceandconstancyunderthecrosse,c.12.1.to14.2.ToPeaceandholinesse,14.to18.3.Toentertain-mentoftheGospel,v.18.totheend.4.ToCharity,c.12.1,2,3.5.ToMarriage-chastityver.

[Page]

[Page]

4.6.ToContentmentver.5.6.7.TofollowtheFaithandconstancyoftheirteachers,ver.7.to16,8.ToBenisicence,ver.16.9.ToduerespecttoChurch-governoursver.17.AndsoconcludeshisEpistlever.18.totheend.

ThusoftheEpistleoftheApostlePaultothebelievingHebrewes.

NowfollowsevenotherEpistles,someofthemevidently,therestofthemprobably,writtentobelievingHebrews.viz.TheEpistleofIames,Jam.1.1.ThetwoEpistlesofPeter;compare1Pet.1.1,2.with2Pet.1.1.2.&3.1.ThefirstEpistleofIohnseemsprobablywrittentoalthebelievingHebrews,especiallyinAsiaMinor;for1.theGreektitlecalsitaCatholiqueorgenerallEpistleZanch.Prolegom.in1Ioan.Ep.p.6,Bez.Annot.in1Ioan.BecausegenerallywrittentoaltheJewes.(ThoughsomethinkitwaswrittentotheParthians,amongwhomweremanyJewesoftheoldCaptivityanddispersionofthetenneTribes,whenceParthiansarethoughttobenamedinthefirstplace,Act.2.9.PossiliusinIndic.operumAugustin.August.l.2.Q.Evang.c.39.)2.TheverymatteroftheEpistlebeingdirectedagainsttheblasphemouserrou[...]sbroachedamongtheIewes,especiallythoseofEbionandCerinthusagainsttheDivinityofChrist,seemestoimplythatitwasprincipallywrittentotheIewe[...].ThesecondEpistleofIohnistoanElectLady,probablyabelievingHebrew,ofgreatwealthandworth.ForhewarnsbothherandherchildrenoftheHere-siesandseducersthatopposedthepersonofChristafterthemannerofhisfirstEpistle.Andheintimateshis

[Page]

intentionofvisitingthemshortly.Gaius,[...]owhomhewrotehisthirdEpistle,isnotobscurelyintimatedtheretobeabelievingJew,3Ioh.v.1,2,6,7.AsPiscat.inloc.notes.FinallytheEpistleofIudeseemeswrittentothedispersedbelievingIewes.1IntheGreektitleitbeingcalledCatholikeorGenerall.2Andforthematterofitbeingoflikenaturewith2ofPet.evenasanAbstractofit;againsttheSeducersofthosetimes,asthesamenesseofwordsandphraseimport.

ThesesevenEpistlesarebysomecalled,Catholique;bysomeCanonicall.

Catholique,orGenerall;notinrespectoftheuniversallconcernmentofthematterscontaynedinthem,forsuchisthematterofPaulsEpistlesalso:butinrespectofthepartiestowhomtheseEpistlesarewritten,viz.NottoanyparticularChurch,astheEpistletotheRomanes,Corinth,&c.NortoparticularpersonsastheEpistletoTimothy,Titus,Philemon:ButgenerallytothebelievingIewesdispersedinseverallCountries.InthisrespectdiversLatin,especiallyGreekwriterscallthemCatholique,viz.GreekScholiast.(asBez.Annot.anteEpist.Iac.observes.)OrigenapudEuseb.Hist.l.6.c.19.Dionys.Alexandrin.apudEuseb.l.7.c.20.Eusebiu[...]Hist.l.2.c.22.CyrilHierosolym.Catech.17.Hieronym▪inCatal.Script.&c.ThoughproperlythesecondandthirdEpistleofIohncannotbecalledCatholique,yetbeingjoynedtoIohn'sfirstEpistle,whichisCatholique,byusetheycometobesocalled,thoughabusively.

[Page]

[Page]

Canonicall;notthatthesesevenEpistlesonely,orpeculiarly,amongal[...]othersareCanonicallandA[...]thentique;thatweretoderogatefromotherEpi-stlesofPaul;butbecausetheycontainCanonsorRulesofChristianlife.Ger.loc.[...]om.exeg.loc.1.c.10.§.291.BezathinkstheywerebymistakecalledCanonicall(perhapsforCatholicall)for1.whyshouldnotalsoPaulsEpistlesbecalledCanonicall?2.Greekwritersdonotsocallthem.3.Latinshave,thoughgroundlesly,doubtedoftheauthorityoftheEpistleofIames,andsecondofPeter.ThereforeitsnotprobabletheywouldcallthemCanonicall.Bez.Annot.anteEpist.Iacob.&D.Pareusinprolegom.inEpist.Iacobi.

James.

THeCatholiqueEpistleofJAMEStheApostle.SostiledintheGreekCopies.Bez.

PenmanhereofwasIames.Iam.[...].1.IamesinGreekandLatineisthesamewiththeHebrewIakob,whichsignifiesAsupplanter.Gen.25.25.27.36.ButwhatIamesthiswas,isnotsoeasilydetermined.Therewerethreeofthatname(assomelearnedAuthorsareofopinion)twoofthemApostles,andoneofthe70Disciples,viz.1.IamesthesonneofZebedee,brothertoIohn,Matth.4.21.22.&10.2.HewaswithChristathistransfiguration,Mat.17.1.HewascalledIamesthegrea-ter,eitherinrespectofhisage,orofhisstature,orofhiscallingtotheApostleship.TheSyriackinterpreterseemstoascribethisEpistletothisIames,asTremelliusrendersit,

[Page]

[Page]

TresEpistolae,&c.i.e▪ThreeEpistlesofthreeApostlesbeforewhoseeyesourLorddidtrans-figurehimselfe,viz.OfIames,Peter,andIohn.But(asPareusnotes,Proem.inEpist.Iac.)theKingseditiontranslatedbyG.Fabritiushathitthus,InnomineDominiI[...]shuaMeschichosigillamustresEpistolas:Iaakoub,&Petri,&Iouchanon.i.e.InthenameoftheLordIesustheMessiah,weSealethethreeEpistlesofIames,andPeter,andIohn.ThisspeakesnotparticularlyofIamesthegreater.Besides,thisIameswaspu[...]todeathbyHerodAgrippa,inthesecondyeareofClaudius.SeeAct.12.1,2.butthisEpistleseemestobewritt[...]nafterwardstotheconvertIewesdispersed,afte[...]ClaudiushadcastbothIewesandChristiansoutoftheCityofRome,Act.18.1,2.Su[...]toninClaud.c.25.2.IamesthesonneofAlpheus,anApostlealso,Matth.10.3.Act.1.3.BrotherofI[...]de,Iud.1.CalledsometimesIamesthelesse,fordistinctionfromtheformerIames,Mark.15.40.andthebrotheroftheLord,Gal.1.19.Matth.13.55.Mark.6.3.Either1becausehewasthesonneofIoseph(thesupposedFatherofChrist)byaformerwife,asdiversbothGreekeandLatinFathersthinkSeeIacob.LaurentiiCom.inla.1.1.p.1[...].12.Orrather[...]heiscalledtheLordsbrother(aftertheHebrewesmannerofspeaking)becausehewasCousingermanetohim,hisMotherbeingthatMarywifeofCleophas,(assomethinke)whichwasSistertotheblessedVirgin,Mark.16.1.Hieronym.advers.He[...]uid.lib.Theodoret.inEpist.adGal.cap.1.IgnatiusthinkshewascalledtheLordsBrotherbecausehesoexactlyresembledChristincountenance,andconversation,asiftheyhadbeentwins,andthathewassurnamedIustus.Ignat.

[Page]

inEpist.2adIoan.Seniorem.ThisIamesisconceivedtobePenmanofthisEpistle,itbeingmostsuitabletoanApo-stleofunlimitedCommissiontotakecareofalltheTribesdispersed.ThematteroftheEpistlebecomesanApostoli-callSpirit.Nor(saithPareus)dothanythingsolidlycontradictthisopinion;whothereanswersobjectionsagainstit.ThereforeiftheEpistlebeApostolicall,itisquestionlesseofDivineAuthority.3.AsforthethirdIamescalledOblias,ofthenumberoftheseventyDisciples,BishopofIerusalem,somequestionwhetherthereweresuchanone;otherscountitmostunliklythatheshouldbePenmanofthisGenerallEpistle,thatwasconfinedhimselfetoaParticularcharge.

OccasionandScope.IamestakingnoticethatthetwelveTribesdispersedwereundergreatTemptationsandtryallsofaffliction;andalsothattoomanyamongthemcontentedthemselveswithafruitlesseprofessionofFaithwithouttheconcurrentpracticeofHolinesse:w[...]itesuntothem,principallytocomfortandsupportthemundertheirpresentsharptryalsandtribulations,Iam.1.2.&c.5.7,to12.AsalsotoexhortthemtojoynegoodworksandanholylifetotheirFaith,withoutwhichtheirFaithwasbutadeadcarkasse,c.2.14.totheend.

Principallparts.InthisEpistleare,

I.Asuperscription,c.1.1.II.SubstanceoftheEpistle,whichischieflyHortatory(hereandtheresomefewDoctrinalsbeinginserted.)Theyareexhorted,1.ToPatienceandPrayerunder

[Page]

theoutwardTentationsofthecrossec.1.2,to13.2.ToascribetheinwardTentationstosin,tothemselves,nottoGod,c.1.ver.13.to19.3.Torighthearingofthewordc.1.19.to26.4.TotrueReligionandundefiled,c.1.26,27,5.Toavoidrespectofpersons,c.2.1,to14.6.TojoynuntoFaiththeproperfruitsofgood-works,withoutwhichFaithisbutfalseanddead,andnotthatFaiththatjustifieth,c.2.14.totheend.7.Toavoidthesinfullabusesofthetongue,c.3.8.Torestraintheircorruptlustsandtheperniciousfruitsthereof,c.4.1,to8.9.Towalkpenitentlyandholily,c.4.8.to13.10.NottoundertakehumaneActionswithvaineconfidence,butwithdependenceuponGodsprovidence,c.4.13.totheend.11.Nottoabuseriches,&c.c.5,1.to7.12.ThattheGodlypatientlybearetheinjuriesoftherich,c.5.vers.7.to12.13.Totakeheedofallrashswearing,ver.12.14.TousePrayer,especiallyasanAntidoteagainstafflictions,ver.13.to19.15.Toreduceanerringbrother,ver.19,20.

IPeter.

THefirstCatholiqueEpistleofPETERtheApostle.Socalled,partlyinreferencetothedispersedJewestowhomgenerallythisEpistleisdirected(aswasforenoted);partlyinrespectofPetertheApostlePenmanofit,1Pet.1.1.

PETER[[...]]aGreekname.NotthePropername,butrathertheSurnameofthisApostle,Act.10.5.HispropernamewasSimon,anHebrewname[...]i.e.Anhearer.From[...]ToHeare.Act.10.5.Ioh.1.43.Christsurnamed

[Page]

[Page]

himPeter.Thissurnamewas1PromisedtohimbyChristwhenhewasfirstcalledtobeChristsDisciple,Ioh.1.43.2.GiventohimbyChristwhenhecalledhimtotheApostleship,&c.Mark.10.16.Luk.6.14.3.ConfirmedtohimbyChristalso,uponPetersfirmeandexcellentconfessionofChrist,Matt.16.17.PeterinGreekisthesamewithKephasorKiphainSyriack,bothsignifieaStone.ChristgavehimthisnamebyAnticipation,inreferencetothatfirmandsolidConfessionofFaithtouchingChrist,whichPetershould,yeadidmake;andonwhichFaithconfessed,asonaRock,ChristdidpromisetobuildhisChurch,&c.Matth.16.16.&c.Whichwasfulfilled,PeterpreachingthefirstSermonswherebybothIewesandGentileswereconvertedtoChrist,andthefirstfoundationoftheChristianChurchafterChristwaslaid,Act.2.14.&c.1034.&c.WhichwasthePriviledgeconferredbyChristuponPeterpeculiarlyabovealltheApostles.PeterwasthesonneofIona,andbrotherofAndrew;bytradetheywereFishers,whenceChristcalledthemtobeFishersofmen,Matth.4.18.[...]eterhadhisnotableEminencies;As1.[...]singularcourage,zeale,andboldnesseforexpressinghimselfe,Matth.26.3.Luke22,23.Act.2.14.HereuponcountedoneofthethreepillersofthePrimitiveChurch,Gal.2.9.2.HemadethatadmirableConfessionofChrist,Matth.16.16.3.HewasoneofthethreewhichChristtookupintotheMounttoseehisglorioustransfigu-ration,Matth.17.1.&c.Mark.9.2.Luk.9.28.4.HewasoneofthethreewhichChristtookoutfromhisApostlestoaccompanyhiminhisbitterAgony,Matth.26.36,37.&c.5.ChristafterhisresurrectioneminentlyrestoredhimtotheexerciseofhisPastoralloffice,byhisthreefold

[Page]

[Page]

professionofhissincerelovetoChrist,afterhisthreefolddenyallofChrist,Ioh.21.15,16,17.HehadalsohisremarkableInfirmities.1.InconsideratelycutoffMalchushisEare,Matth.26.51.&c.2.Self-confidentlypresumedagainstdenyingChrist,Matth.26.31.to36.3.ShamefullydenyedChristthrice,andeverytimeworsethenother,Matth.26.69,to75▪4.AndwalkednotwitharightfootinthebeginningofhisMinistry,drawingtheGentilestoIudaizeamongtheIewes,&c.Gal.2.14.&c.

WhenandWhencethisEpistlewaswritten.It'smorethenprobablePeterwrotethisEpistlebySylvanustotheIewesofthedispersionwhilehewasnowatBabylon,1Pet.5.12,13.TherewasaBabyloninChaldea,Psal.137.ABabyloninEgypt.AndinresemblancehereuntothemysticallBa-bylon,viz.Rome,Rev.14.1.&16.19.&17.5.&18.2▪10,21.NowPapiststhemselvesuponthisplacegenerallycontend,thatherebyBabylonismeantRome,thattheymayprovePeterwasatRome,Fenardent.inloc.ButtheyforgethowhereintheyconfesseRometobethatwickedBabylondestinedtodestruction,Rev.17.and18.LutherleaveseverymantoaboundinhisownsensewhichBabylonitwas.PareusthinksthatBabyloninChaldeaistobehereunderstood,wherePetertheApostleoftheCircumcisionpreachedtotheIewes:andthatnoonereasoncanbegivenwhyPetershouldconcealethenameofRome,hadheintendedRome.D.Par.Com.in1Pet.5.13.Fromthatphrase,ifanymansufferasaChristian,1Pet.4.16.intimatesthatthisEpistlewaswrittenafterAntioch,hadreceivedthefaith,fortherethediscipleswerefirstcalledChristians,Act.11.26.anditwas

[Page]

aboutthesametime,thatIameswascrownedwithMartyrdome,Act.12.1,2.

Occasion.ThestrangersthatcameuptoIerusalematPentecost,weremanyofthemconvertedbyPetersSermon,andsobaptizedActs2.towhomthereforePeterherewrites,astonewbornebabes,1Pet.2.2.weak,andasyetunsetledinthefaith,andupontheirreturneintotheirownecountreys,muchexercisedforChristssakewithafflictionsandcrosses,asthecurrentoftheEpistlemanifests.

Scope.ThatthereforetheApostleasaspirituallfather,mightconfirmethesehischildreninfaith,againstalltrou-blesandpersecution,hewritestothemallthisEpistle,assuringthem,thatthefaithordoctrineofgracewhereintheystood,wasthetruegraceofGod,andcons[...]quentlyheexhortsandstirsthemuptoperseveretherein.Togrowandaboundingraceandgodlinesse.ThisthegreatdriftofbothhisEpistles,See1Pet.5.12.and2Pet.3.1.&c.

PrincipallpartsoftheEpistletothisend,are,

I.TheInscription,c.1,1,2.II.TheSubstanceoftheEpistleitselfe,whichisprincipallyHortatory,inreferencetothatgraceofGod.Heincitesthem,1.TotheconstantexerciseandimprovementofthatgraceofGod,wherebytheyarebroughtintoaregenerateandsanctifiedstate;andthisconcernesthemallintheirgenerallcallingasChristians,c.1,3.toc.2.v.13.2.Tothedueexercise

[Page]

ofgrace,inrespectoftheirrespectiveconditionsandrelationswhereintheystandtowardsothers.Andthisexhortationconcernesthemseverally,accordingtotheirrespectiveparticularcallingsandconditions.viz.How1.Subjectsaretobehavethemselvestowardsmagistrates,c.2,13.to18.2.Servantstowardstheirmasters,ver.18.toend.3.Wivestowardstheirhus-bands,andhusbandstowardstheirwives,c.3,1.to8.4.Allbrethrentowardsoneanother,v.8.5.DistressedandafflictedonestowardsoppressoursandPersecutors,c3,9.toc.5,1.6.Presbyterstowardstheirflocks,andtheyoungertowardstheElder,c.5,1.tomiddleofv.5.7.Howallofthemshouldcarrythemselvestowardsothers,themselves,andGod,v.5.to10.Andsohesweetlyclosesupthewholeseriesofhisexhortations,withapatheticallprayertotheGodofallgrace,fortheirstablishmentandperfectioningraceaftertheirshortafflictions:concludingitwithagratefulldoxologyuntoGod,v.10,11.III.ConclusionoftheEpistle,containinganintimationofhisScopeinwriting,salutations,andavalediction,c.5,12,13,14.

IIPeter:

THeII.CatholiqueEpistleofPETERtheApostle.TheApostlehimselfecalsthishisSecondEpistle.Hewritesittothesamepeople,towhomhewrotehisfirst,viz.TothebelievingJewsdispersed,andineffecttothesameend,2Pet.3.1,2.and1.12,13,14,15.

[Page]

[Page]

SomefewwritershavedoubtedoftheAuthorityofthisEpistle,(asalsoofthatofIames,ofthesecondandthirdofIohn,andoftheEpistleofIude,)asEusebiusintimates,Eccles.Hist.l.3.c.22.Hieronym.inCatal.vir.illustr.inPetro.NorisitfoundintheSyriackversion.

B[...]tdiverscogentArgumentsperswadeusthatthisisanApostolicallEpistle,andwrittenbyPeter,As1.TheinscriptionmentionsthesamePenmanofthisEpistlewiththefirst,viz.SimonPeteraservantandanApostleofIesusChrist.2Pet.1.1.HethatwrotethisEpistle,testifies,thathemustshortlyputoffthishisTabernacle,asourLordIesusChristhathshewedhim,2Pet.1.14.towhomdidChristshewthisbuttoPeter?Iohn21.17.3.HethatwrotethisEpistle,waswithChristupontheMountathistransfiguration,beheldhismajesty,—andheardthatvoiceofthefatherfromheaven,whenhewaswithChristontheholyMount,ThisismybelovedsonneinwhomIamwellpleased,2Pet.1.16,17,18.Nowtherewereonlythree,viz.Peter,IamesandIohnintheMountwithChrist,athistransfiguration,Matth.17.1,2.thereforeitmustbewrittenbyoneofthemthree,(andbywhomsoeverofthem,itisofApostolicall,yeaofdivineAuthority,)butuntoIamesorIohnnoneeveryetascribedit,noristhereanyreasonsotodo,butmanytothecontrary:thereforeitmustneedsbeconfessedtobewrittenbyPeter.4.HethatwritesthisEpistle,calsithisSecondEpistle,andintimateshewrotethembothtothesamepersons,viz.thedispersedbelievingJews.compare2Pet.1.1.and3.1.with1Pet.1.1.5.HethatwrotethisEpistlecalsPaulhisbelovedbrother,commendshim,andapprovesthe

[Page]

AuthorityofhisEpistles,2Pet.3.15,16.whichweretoomuchforany,butforanApostolicallpen.6.AnholyApostolicallspiritbreathesthroughoutthiswholeEpistle,bothinhisexhortationstoholyduties,monitionsagainstfalse-teachersandApostacy,andpredictionsofthingstocome.7.ThestileandphraseApostolicallandconsonantenoughtothatofPetersfirstEpistle.Hist.Magd.Cent.1.l.2.c.4.8.ToallthesemaybeaddedtheconsentofancientWriters,thatcountthisEpistleCanonicallandApostolicall,Concil.Laodicen.Can.59.Carthaginens.3.Athanas.inSynops.Damascen.l.4.c.18.Epiphan.Heres.76.August.l.2.DeDoctrin.Christian.c.8.AndBedainComment.wondershowanyshoulddoubtoftheAuthorityofthisEpistle,whenthePenmanhathputhisnameinthebeginning,andtestifieshewaswiththeLordintheholymount.

SothatthisEpistleisofunquestionableauthority.

PetermadethisEpistlealittlebeforehisdeath,2Pet.1.14.

Occasion&Scope.Peterconsidering,thatshortlyhemustputofftheTabernacleofhisbody2Pet.1.14.thatsomeweretoonegligentofmakingtheircallingandelectionsure;thattherethenwere,andafterwardswouldbefalseteachersandseducersintheChurch,andscoffersagainstthesecondcommingofChrist;ThereforePeterwrotethisEpistletostirrethemup,byputtingtheminremembranceofthosethingswhichhadbeenpreachedamongthem,2Pet.1.12,13,14.&3.1,2.speciallyincitingthemto

[Page]

[Page]

progresseingrace,towatchfulnesseagainstfalseteachersandscoffers,andtoapreparednesseforthecommingofChrist,asthewholecurrentoftheEpistleevidences.

Principallparts.

I.InscriptionoftheEpistle,c.1,1,2.II.SubstanceoftheEpistle,whichis1.Hortatory,exhortingthemtoprogresseandperseveranceingraceandpiety,c.1.2.Monitory,warningthemtotakeheedofthosehereticallandblasphemousseducerswhichshouldcreepintotheChurch,threatningdestructiontothem,c.2.3.Propheticall,foretellingofsensuallscoffersagainstChristscomminginthelastdays:andofthedayofjudgement,thenewheavensandnewearth;whereuntotheyshouldpreparethemselvesbypiety,c.3,1.to17.III.ConclusionoftheEpistle,withasummaryrecitallofhisformerexhortations,andwithadoxologyuntoourLordJesusChrist,c.3,17,18.

IJohn.

THefirstCatholiqueEpistleofJOHNtheApostle.ThisEpistlehaththisTitleinalltheancientmanuscriptCopies.Bez.Annot.antehancEp.WhichasBezatherewelladvertisethus,wearethustounderstand,viz.ThefirstEpistleofIohntheApostlewhichisCatholick;forofallIohn'sEpistles,thisonlyisCatholiqueorGenerall,theothertwobeingparticular.viz.The2dtotheElectLady

[Page]

andherchildren;The3dtoGaius,andthereforeitwereimpropertocallitthefirstGenerallEpistleinanyothersense.

PenmanofthisEpistle,isIohntheApostle,asisevident.1.FromtheGreekTitle,[...]i.e.ThefirstCatholiqueEpistleofJohntheApostle;thusallancientGreekCopieshaveit.Bez.2.FromhismannerofspeakingofChrist,as-sertinghisdivinityindiverspassagesofthisEpistle,as1Iohn1.1,2.&2.22.23,24.&5.5,6,7.&c.andcallinghimtheWord1Iohn1.1.and1Iohn5.7.IohnbeingmostsublimeinassertingtheGodheadofChrist,Iohn1.1,2,3.&c.andRev.often;andnowritersintheNewTestament,stilingChristtheWordbutIohninhisGospel,Iohn1.1,14.inhisRevelation,Rev.1.2.and19.13.andhereinthisEpistle.3.FromthateminentandsingularCharacterofIohnsspirit.viz.Thespiritoflove,mostpredominantandconspicuousallalongthisEpistle,asinhisGospelandRevelation.IohnwasthedisciplewhomJesuslovedaboveallhisdisciples.Iohn13.23.&19.26.and20.2.and21.7,20.Hewasameercompoundofsweetestlove;inallhiswritings,breathsnothinginamannerbutlove▪HenceexcellentlyCalvin,HaecEpistola,prorsusdignaestejusdiscipulispiritu,quipraealiisideòaChristodilectusfuit,utipsumnobisfamiliaremredderet.i.e.ThisEpistleisaltogetherworththeSpiritofthatdisciple,whichwasthereforebelovedofChristabovetherest,thathemightrenderhimfamiliaruntous.Calv.Argum.in1.Ioan.OfIohn,seemoreinAnnot.onGosp.ofIohn.IohnthereforebeingtheundoubtedPenmanofthisEpistle,itisofunquestionableAuthority,EusebiusandHieronymus

[Page]

[Page]

testify,ThatthereneverwasdoubtintheChurchabouttheAuthororAuthorityofthisEpistle.Euseb.Hist.Eccles.l.3.c.25.Hieronym,inCatalog.Augustincalsitsatisdulcem&satismemorabileminEcclesiadei,quódinipsacharitasmaximécommendetur.i.e.AmostsweetEpistleandmostmemorableintheChurchofGod,becauseloveisespeciallycommendedtherin.Aug.Praef.in1.Ioan.Ep.andsaiththatorbemter[...]arumipsaedificavit,i.e.Ithathedifiedtheworld,Aug.Tract.7.

WhenandWhencethisEpistlewaswritten,IohnwrotehisGosp.atEphesus,Iraen.l.3.c.1.advers.haeres.ThisEpistleseemestobewrittenafterhisGospel.Hewroteitwhenhewasnowold;thinksHierome.Andbeingold,hedepartednotfromAsia,thereforeisprobablehewroteitatEphesus,Zauch.Prolegom.in1.Ioan.p.6.IohnlivedaftertheotherApostlesandwroteafterthem.

Occasions.I.IohnobservedthatinhisdaiesthereweremanyhereticallTeachers,Seducers,whichhecalsAnti-christs,(andbyapropheticallspiritforesawthatafterwardstherewouldarisemanymore.)Epiphaniusreckon[...]upthesebeforeandinIohn'sdayes,viz.1.Simonians.2.Menandrians.3.Saturnilians.4.Basilidians.5.Nicolaitanes▪ofwhomRev.2.6.Gnosticks.7.Car-pocratians,fromCarpocratesinAsia;whotaughtmenmustsinne,anddothewillofallthedevils;otherwisetheycouldnotenterintoheaven.8.CerinthiansandMerinthians,fromCerinthusandMorinthus,whodenyedChristsdivinity,saidhewasnotbeforeMary,thathewasameereman.9.Habionits,whoheldthesameheresie.10.

[Page]

Nazaraei,thaturgedMoseslaw,SeeEpiphan.inPanario.l.1.Tom.2.II.Iohntooknoticeofdiverscarnallbelievers,whomadegreatprofessionofknowledge,faithandpietytowardsGod,whoyetlivedungodlytothescandalloftheGospel.III.Finally,Iohnconsideredhownecessaryitwastoencouragetruebelieversinfaith,andpromotethemtoassuranceoftheirinterestineternalllife.ThesegaveIohnOccasionofwritingthisEpistlebywayofremedy.

Scope.TheblessedApostleIohninthisEpistleprincipallylevelsatthesethreeends.

1.TodetectandconfutehereticallandAnti-ChristianSeducers,andwarnethebelieversagainstthemandtheirfalseDoctrine.ThesethingshaveIwrittentoyou,concerningthemthatseduceyou1John2.26.particularlyandespeciallyproving,ThatChrististrueandeternallGod,againstCorinthiansandHebionites,c.1.ThatChrististrueman,andassumedtrueflesh,againstCerdonians,Manichees,PriscillianistsandValentinians,(whichbyaPropheticallspirit,heforesawwouldfollow,)c.4.ThatIesusisthetrueChrist,thepromisedMessiahagainstIew[...]andNazarites,c.2.ThattheFather,WordandholyGhost,arethreetruedistinctPersons,ofoneessence;againstSabelli[...]ns,&c.c.5.ThattheythatarebornofGodoughtnot,nay,assuch,cannotcommitsin;andsuchasdonotrighteousnesseareofthedevill,notofGod,againsttheCarpocratians,c.3.2.TostirreupallthatprofessetoknowGodandbelieveinhim,thattheywalkinlight,notindarknesse,1.Iohn1.5,6,7.asChristwalked,that

[Page]

[Page]

theykeeptheCommandements,especiallyaboundinlove,1Iohn2.4,5,6.andallalongtheEpistle.3.Toprovoketruebelieverstogrowthinfaithandgrace;andtohelpforwardtheirassuranceoftheirinterestineternalllife.

Thislastendisclearlyprofessedin1Iohn5.13.ThesethingshaveIwrittenuntoyou,thatbelieveonthenameoftheSonneofGod,thatyeemayknowthatyeehaveeternalllife.—AndthereforeitismostsingularlyobservableofthissweetandpreciousEpistle,whatamulti-tudeofMarks,SignsorDiscoveriesofbeliever'sspirituallState,arehereplainlyandpurposelylaiddowneforthisend,moretheninanyothersoshortapieceofScriptureinthewholeBible.WhichSignesareherereducedtoseverallheads,andsetdowneforthehelpandcomfortoftheReaders,insomeofwhich,atleasttheweakest(ifasincereChristian▪)mayfindabundantsoule-refreshing,andheart-establishment.

I.Evidences,SignesorDiscoveriesofGodslovetous.1.Christsbeingsenttolaydownhislifeforus,thatwemightlivebyhim,1Iohn3.16.and4.9,10.2.Adoption,ThatweshouldbecalledthesonnesofGod,1Iohn3.1.3.Ournotlovingtheworld,northethingsoftheworldinordinately,1John2.15,16,17.4.OurlovetoGod,whichisaneffect,orreflexivebeameofGodslovetous,1Iohn4.19.

II.EvidencesorSignesofourRegeneration,

[Page]

Sonneship,&c.1.Thattheworldknowethusnot,1Iohn3.1.2.TruebelievingthatJesusistheChrist,1Iohn5.1.3.Notcommittingsin,1Iohn3.9.and5.18.Especiallyinrespectofthatgreatsinofsins,Thewickedonetouchethhimnot,1John5.18.4.Hope(ifnotassurance)thatweshallbeconformetoGodinhisgloriousappearing,1Iohn3.2,3.5.Inhopeofglory,purifyingourselvesasGodispure,1Iohn2.3.6.Overcomingerroneoushereticallspirits,1Iohn4.1,4.7.Overcomingtheworldbyfaith,1Iohn5.4,5.8.Doingofrighteousnesse,1Iohn2.29.and3.10.9.Trueloveofthebrethren,1Iohn3.10.14.and4.7.

III.EvidencesorSignesthatweareofthetruth,ofthetruenumberofGodspeople.

1.Havinganunctionfromtheholyoneteachingusallthings,1Iohn2.19,20,27.2.TheTestimonyofanuprightheartorconscience,1Iohn3.19,20,21.3.PerseverancewiththefaithfullinChristandthetruth1Iohn2.19.27.

IIII.EvidencesorSignesofbeinginlight,notindarknesse;inlife,notindeath.

1.HavingtheSonne,1Iohn5.11.12.

[Page]

2.Loving,andnothatingourbrother,1Iohn2.9,10,11.and3.14,15.

V.EvidencesorSignesofthetrueknowledgeofGod.1.KeepinghisCommandements,1Iohn2.3,4.2.Denyallofsinne,1Iohn.3.6.3.Mutuallloveofoneanother,1Iohn4.7,8.

VI.EvidencesorSignesofourlovetoGodandIesusChrist.

1.Thecastingoutofbasefeare,1Iohn4.18.2.Notlovingtheworld,andthingsintheworldinordinately,1Iohn2.15.16.3.KeepingofhisCommandementsandhisWordchearfully,1Iohn2.5.and5.3.4.Openingourbowelsofcompassiontobrethreninneed,1Iohn3.17.and1Iohn5.1.1Iohn4.11,12,20,21.

VII.EvidencesorSignesofourCommunionwithGodandIesusChrist.

1.Hisspiritgivenus,1Iohn3.24.and4.13.2.TheTruth'sabidinginus,1Iohn2.24.3.ConfessingthatJesusistheSonofGod,1Iohn4.15.4.Notdoingsinne1Iohn3.6,8.5.LovetoGodanddwellingtherein,1Iohn4.16.6.Walkinginlight,notindarknesse.1Iohn1.5,67.7.WalkingasChristwalked,1Iohn2.6.8.KeepinghisWordsandCommandements,1Iohn

[Page]

☞

2.3,4,5.and3.23,24.9.Brotherlylove,1Iohn.4.12.

VIII.Finally,EvidencesorSignsoftruebrotherlylove,orloveofGodschildren.1Joh.5.1▪2.

1.KnowingofGod,1Iohn4.7,8.2.LovingofGod,1Iohn5.1,2.3.KeepingGodsCommandements,1Iohn5.2.4.Notlovinginwordandintongue,butindeedandintruth,1Iohn3.18.5.Reallcompassiontoourbrotherinneed,yeaevenhazzardingourlifeforhiminsomecases1Iohn3.16,17.

BytheseEvidences,SignesorCharactersofourspirituallEstate,clearlylaiddowneinthisExcellentEpistle,theweakinfaithmaybecomestronginAssurance,andthestrongmaybecomestronger:yeaallthattrulybelieveinthenameoftheSonofGod,(ifthefaultbenottheirowne)mayherebycometoknow,thattheyhaveeternalllife.AllwhichEvidencesIshallindeavourveryshortly(Godwilling,)morefullytoopenandunfoldinadistinctTrea-tise,called,BelieversEvidencesforeternalllife.Asubjectwhich,Ihope,tograciousheartswillbemostwelcomeandseasonable,inthesesadafflictingdayes;TohelpforwardtheirAssuranceforhea-ven,whentheycanhavenoassuranceofanythingonearth,

Principallparts.inreferencetotheseexcellentendsare.

I.TheProemtothewholeEpistle,declaring,1.What

[Page]

theApostletreatsof.viz.OfChristthewordoflife.viz.Hisperson,God-man:andhisoffice.2.WhatheisabouttosayofChrist;notanynovelty,butwhatwasfromthebeginning;notanyuncertainty,butthatwhereoftheywereinfalliblewitnesses.3.Towhatpurposehewilltreatofthesethings,thattheymayhaveCommunionwithGod,andsotheirjoybefull,theybecomehappy,c.1.1.2.3,4.II.TheSubstanceoftheEpistleitselfe,whichiseither,

1.Practicall,fullofheavenlyexhortations.viz.1.Toholinesseoflifeandconversation.viz.1.Nottowalkindarknesse,butinlight,c.1.v.5,6,7.2.Nottodenysintobeinus,butpenitentlytoconfesseit,c.1,8,9,10.3.Toavoidsinne,andyetifsinneovertakeustorepairetoChristourPropitiationc.2,1,2.4.ToaddetoourknowledgeofGod,trueobediencetohisWord,c.2,3.to9.5.Tobrotherlylove,c.2,9.to15.6.Totakeheedofinordinateloveoftheworld.c.2,15,16,17,2.TobewareofthedangerousAnti-Christs,andhereticallSeducers,aboundingintheworld,especially[...]orinthiansandEbionitesdenyingChristsGodhead,c.2,18.totheend.3.Toabandonpractisingofsinne,asin-consistentwiththestateofgrace,contrarytothewickedseducementsoftheCarpocratiansforementioned,whotaughtmentosin,c.3,1.to11.4.Tosincerereallbrotherlylove,bymany

[Page]

Arguments,c.3,11.totheend.andc.4,7.totheend.5.Totakeheedofbelievingeveryspirit,buttotrythem,especiallysuchasdenyChristsManhood,(asafterdidtheCerdonians,Manich[...]es,PriscillianistsandValentinians,)c.4,1.to7.

2.Dogmaticall,whereinheassertsthatIesusistheChristtheSonofGod,andtrueman,andthisfromdiversArgumentsandTestimonieswhichweshouldbelieve,thatwemayhaveeternalllifebegun,c.5,1.to14.forperfectingwhereofweshouldpray;wherehedirectsushow,andforwhomtopray,c.5.14.to21.

III.Conclusion,withaseriousmonitionagainstidolatry,c.5,21.

IIJohn.

THesecondEpistleofJOHNtheApostle.ThisEpistleofIohnisnor,asthefirst,CatholiqueorGenerall:butParticular,beingwrittentoparticularpersons,viz.TheElectLady,andherchildren.Whoshewas,isnotknown;SomethinkthatELECTwasherprop[...]rname:butthat'simprobable,forthenIohnwouldnothavesaid,TotheElectLady;but,TotheLadyELECT.SometurnethisintoanAllegory,andsaythatbytheElectLadyIohnintendedthewholeChristianChurch:Butthisismostunlikely,andplainlyrepugnanttothisEpistleitselfe,for,1.TowritetothewholeChristianChurchundertheNotionofanElectLadyissounusuall,thatwefindnosuchthingdoneinall

[Page]

[Page]

theNew-Testament.2.ThisEpistlenotonelymentionsthisLadyandherchildren,v.1.4.ButalsosendshersalutationsfromthechildrenofherElectSister,v.13.3.TheApostlespeakesofhisintentiontocomeandseeher,andspeakefacetoface.WhichcannotbeunderstoodofthewholeChristianChurch,ver.12.SheisthoughttobesomeeminentreligiousMatronofgreatEstate,whomuchrelievedandsupportedthemembersoftheChurchinherdayes.Bez.Annot.in2Ioan.Piscat.in2Ioan.

Penman.SomethinkewasanotherIohnthentheApostle,asistestifyedbyEuseb.Eccles.Hist.l.3.c.39.Butthisseemstobeaplainmistake,for1.TheGreekCopiescallitintheTitle,ThesecondEpistleofIohntheApostle.2.ThematteroftheEpistleisnotonlyDivineandApostolicall;butnotablyownsIohntobethewriter,whereinChristianlove,walkinginthetruth,andtakingheedofSeducersandAnti-christs,arepressedasinthefirstEpistleofIohn.SothatthisisIohnsgenuinelanguage.Comparethesepassagesamongothers,viz.1Ioh.2▪7.with2Ioh.5.—and1Ioh.2.23.with2Ioh.9.—and1Ioh.4.1,2,3.with2Ioh.7.—and1Ioh.5.3.with2Ioh.6.&c.3.TheSalutationisplainlyApostolicall.ver.1,2,3.AndnotablyrelishethofIohn'sSpirit.4.BothancientandmodernWriters,accountthisEpistleCanonicall,andascribeituntoIohntheApostle,Concil.Carthagin.3.Can.4.7.Concil.Laodic.c.ult.Hieronym,inEpist.85.adEuagrium.August.deDoctrin.Christian,l.2.c.8.Sentent.EpiscoporumConcil.Carthaginens.apudCyprian.Sent.81.Cyprianop.edit.1593.p.449.Beda.Piscat.Bez.in2Iohan.Sothat

[Page]

thisEpistlebeingwrittenbyIohntheApostle,isofunquestionableauthority.

Occasion.SomethinkethatIohnsfamiliarChristianacquaintancewiththisElectLady,gavehimOccasionofwritingthisEpistle.OthersratherthinkitwaswrittenagainsttheAntichristianHeresieofBasilidisandhisfollowers,whotaughtthatChristwasnotatruemanbutaphantasm,andtherforethatheneitherdid,norsuffer'dthosethingswhichheissaidtodoandsuffer.Epiphan.Heres.24.Compare2Ioh.7.

Scope.ToincitetheElectLadyandherchildren,Topersevereinthetruth,andcarefullytoshunallhereticallSeducers,thatbringnotChristsDoctrine.A[...]alsotoadornethetruth,withloveandgoodworkes.

Principallparts.Tothisend,are,

I.TheinscriptionoftheEpistle,containing▪1.Thewriter.2.Personswrittento.3.AtestificationoftheApostle'sandother'ssincerelovetotheLadyandherchildren.4.Hispiouswisho[...]supplicationforthem,ver.1,2,3.II.ThesubstanceoftheEpistle,whereintheApostle,1.CongratulateswiththeLady,thatsomeofherchildrenwalkedinthetruth,ver.4.2.Exhortstocon-stancyintheancientDoctrineofloveandtruth,ver.5,6.3.WarnesthemagainstSeducers,denyingChristsincarnation,shewingthedangerofthem,andforbid-dingallfellowshipwiththem,ver.7.to12.III.TheconclusionoftheEpistlewith,1.Intimation

[Page]

[Page]

thatheomitswritingmanyotherthings,hopingtocometothemandspeakthembywordofmouth,verse12.2.SalutationsfromherSisterschildren,ver.13.

IIIJohn.

THethirdEpistleofIOHNtheApostle.ThisEpistleisnotGenerall,butParticular;writtentoGaius.

PenmanofthisEpistle,alsowasIohntheApostle,andthereforeitisAuthentiqueandCanonicall.Boththeseareev[...]dentbyallthefoureReasonsalleadgedtouchingIohn'ssecondEpistle.Andtheword,phrases,andmethodofthesetwoEpistlesharmoniouslyagree,asanin[...]entiveReadermaywellobserve.IohndirectsthisEpistle,Tothewell-belovedGaius,butwhatGaiusthiswasisnotsoevident.Scripturementionsthreepersonsofthisname,viz.1.GaiusofMacedonia,Act.19.21,2.GaiusofDerbe,Act.20.4.3.GaiusofCorinth,1Cor.1.14.WhomPaulcals,Gaiusminehost,andofthewholeChurch,writingfromCorinthtotheRomanes.Rom.16.23.ThisGaiuswasamaneminentforHospitality,especiallytotheMinistersandmembersoftheChurchofChrist.PerhapsthisGaiusofCorinthwastheGaiustowhomhereIohnalsowrites,for1.Heissingularlycommendedhereforhischarityandhospitality,3Ioh.ver.5,6.2.Theconsentofwriterssubscribeshereunto.SeeLorin.Com-ment.in3Iohan.Epist.ver.1.HoweverhewasaveryeminentmanintheChurch.

[Page]

WhenorwherethisEpistlewaswritten,isnotcertainlyknown.

Occasion.ThebountifulnesseandHospitablenesseofGaius,whichIohnhadsomeoccasiontoimprovetowardssomeMinistersthatwenttopreachtotheGentiles,whoseemetohavebroughtthisEpistlefromIohntoGaius,Seever.6,7,8.

Scope,TorequestGaius,accordingtohiswontedbountyandbenevolencetotheSaints,tobringforwardontheirjourneycertainMinistersthatwenttopreachtheGospeltotheGentiles.TobrandDiotrephes,andcommendtohimDemetrius.

Principallparts.

I.TheInscription,mentioning,1.WhowrotethisEpistle.2.Towhom.3.Thewel-wishingPrayerforhim,verse1,2.II.TheSubstanceoftheEpistle,whichispartly,

1.Gratulatory,whereinherejoycethatGaiushis1.W[...]lkinginthetruth,ver.3,4.2.CharityandHospitalitytotheBrethrenandstrangers,ver.5,6.2.Hortatory,whereinbydiversArgumentsinsinuated,heexhortshimtobringontheirjourneycertainebrethrenthatwenttopreachtheGospeltotheGentiles,ver.6,7,8.IntimatingthathewrotetotheChurchaboutthismatteralso,butfearesitwouldbetolittleeffect,becauseofDiotrepheshispride,contemningtheApostle;neitherreceivingthebrethrenhimselfe,norsuffe-

[Page]

[Page]

ringotherstodoit,whomthereforehethreatens,ver.9,10,11.ButcontrariwisecommendsDemetrius,ver.13.

III.ConclusionoftheEpistle,with1.AnApologyforhiswritingsoshortanEspistle,becausehetrustedshortlytoseehim.2.Salutations,ver.13,14.

Jude.

THeCatholique(orgenerall)EpistleoftheApostleJUDAS.Thusdenominated,fromthePenmanwhowroteit,andfromthepersonstowhomitwaswritten,viz.thesametowhomPeterwrotehissecondEpistle;Forsubstancebeingboththesame.

Penman.IudasthebrotherofIames,Jud.1.ThisisOriginallyanHebrewname,viz.[...]Iehudah,i.e.Praise;from[...]Hodah,i.e.Hehathconfessed,hehathpraised.ThisnamewasfirstgiventothefourthsonneofIakob,becauseathisbirthhismotherpraisedtheLord.Gen.29.35.Matth.2.6.ThereweretwoApostlesthathadthisname,viz.1.IudasIscariotthathadthebag,andbetrayedChrist,Matth.10.4.Andafterwardsinsomesortrepented,Restoredthethirtypeeces,hangedhimselfe,Matth.27.3,4,5.Sothatheburstasunderinthemiddest,andallhisbowelsgushedout,andsohewenttohisownplace,Act.1.18,25.2.IudasthebrotherofIames,Luk.6.16.Act.1.13.viz.OfIamesthesonneofAlpheus,whowasfamousatIerusalemamongtheApostles,Act.15.And21.28.Whereheisconceivedtokeephischiefabode,thathemightteachtheIewesthatresortedthitheroutofall

[Page]

Nations;untowhichIewesespeciallyIudashereseemesprincipallytowrite,andthereforementionsIames.Bez.Annot.inIud.1.ThisIudasisalsocalledLebbeus,i.e.Hearty;andsurnamedThaddaeuswhichisinSyriackthesamewithIudasinHebrew,Matth.10.3.ThisIudasissupposedtopreachtheGospelinMesopotamia,Pontus,AegyptandPersia,wheretheMagislewhimforhisfreeandfaithfullreprovingoftheirsuperstitions.

AuthorityofthisEpistle,(thoughsuspectedheretoforebysome,andthatuponveryinconsiderablegrounds;Euseb.Eccles.Hist.l.2.c.23.Yet)isnowgenerallyacknowledgedtobeDivine;especiallyconsideringthat,1.IudasthebrotherofIames,oneoftheApostleswroteit,Iude1.2Pet.1.21.2.Thematterofit,yeaandmostoftheveryphrasesandwords,arethesamewiththoseofthesecondEpistleofPeter,ifdiligentlycompared.SeetheParallelbyP.PareusCom.inIude.3.AntiquityhavereceivedthisEpistleasAuthentique,andpartoftheDivineCanon.Euseb.Eccles.Hist.l.2.c.23.andlib.3.c.22.Hieronym.inCatal.virIllustr.Concil.Laodicens.Concil.Carthaginens.Athanasus,AugustineandotherswhorecitetheCatalogueoftheBooksofScripture,reckonIudesEpistleamongtherest.

ArgumentsorObjectionstothecontraryareinvalid.Thesetheprincipall.

Object.1.ThisEpistlerecitesHistoriesnowhereelsetobefoundinScripture,asthecontendingofMichaeltheArch-angel,withtheDevilaboutthebodyofMoses,Iude9.

[Page]

[Page]

Answ.1.DiversstoriesarepointedatinNewTestament.WhichwefindnotintheOldTestament.AsthatIannesandIambreswithstoodMoses,2.Tim.3.8.ThatatMountSinai,Mosessaid,Iexceedinglyfeareandquake,Heb.12.21.ShallthereforetheseEpistlesAuthoritybesuspected?2.Thesestories(thoughformerlyunwritten,buthappilyderivedbytraditionfromhandtohand,yet)nowarewrittenbyguidanceoftheSpiritofGod.AndthewritingofthemratherassuresusofthetruthoftheseHistories,thendetractsfromtheAuthorityoftheBookswhereintheyarerecorded.3.ThisstoryhathsomefootstepsinDeut.34.9.Whereuponsomesay,TheAngelwouldhaveburiedMoses,buttheDevilchallengedMosestobehisown,becauseofhiskillingtheAegyptian,andthereforewithstoodhim.Butothersbetter;GodknowingIsraelspronenessetoIdolatry,leasttheyshouldcommitIdolatrywithMosesdeadbody(asaftertheydidwiththebrazenSerpent)buriedhimnomanknowingwhere,andtheDevil,endeavouringtodiscoverit,theAngellwithstoodhim.

Obj.2.IudementionstheProphesieofEnoch,ver.14,15.TheOldTestamenthathnosuchProphecie.

Ans.1.SomethinkeinIudestimetherewasaCanonicallBookofEnochextant,asTertull.lib.deHabitmuliebr.Bedacom.inEp.Iud.2.Otherssaybetterthenthey,supposeEnoch'sBookwereApocryphall,yetinApo-cryphallBooksther'ssometruth,andwhymaynotthisApostlealleadgethispassageoutofEnochsProphecie,withoutapprovingthatwholeBook,ordisvestingthis

[Page]

EpistleofitsAuthority;aswellastheAuthortotheHebrew,alleadgesomepassagesoutoftheBookofMaccabees,Heb.11.OrPaulsomeSentencesoutofHeathenAuthorsandPoets,1Cor.15.32.Tit.1.12.Act.17.28.1Tim.2.12.&5.23.Tit.1.3.3.OthersthinkthisProphecyofEnochwasratherreallthenverball,viz.Re-spectingtheOrderofthePatriarchs,thatasDeathbyreasonofsinnehadReignedoverthesixfirstFathers,AdamSeth,Enos,Cainan,Mahalelel,Iared,butcouldnottouchtheseventh,Enoch:sodeathshallReigneove[...]theworld6000yeeres,(whichshallsolongcontinue)butinthe7000.yeeres,eternalllifeshallbegin;anddeathshallbeswallowedupinVictory.4.Butothersbestofallunderstandhere,astheTextseemsevidentlytocarryit,EnochsverbalProphecie,whichthoughnotwritten,yetIudereceivedbyTradition,orratherbyRevelationofthesamespiritofGodbywhichEnochprophecyed,andhererecordedaspartoftheDivineCanon.

Obj.3.JudealleadgesotherApostlessayings,ver.17.ThereforeseemesrathertobeaDiscipleoftheApostles,thenanApostlehimselfe,especiallyseeinghecalsnothimselfeanApostle,buttheservantofJesusChrist,ver.1.AndthereforethisEpistlenotauthenticall.

Ans.1.ThoughitcouldbeprovedIudewasnoApostle,yetitthereforefollowesnot,hisEpistleisnotAuthenticall.MarkandLuke,notApostles,yetthethreeBookstheywroteareofunquestionableauthority.TheauthorityofBooksofScripturarenotfromthePenmenwritingthem,

[Page]

[Page]

butfromtheSpiritofGodinditingthem.2.DanielcitesIeremiah,Dan.9.2.EzekielcitesDaniel,Ezek.14.19.WeretheythereforenotProphets,butProphetsDisciples?PeteralleadgethPaulsEpistles,2Pet.3.15,16.WasPeterthereforenoApostlebutonelyaDisciple?3.IudesalleadgingtheotherApostlesderoga[...]esnotfromtheauthorityofhisEpistle,butprovesthatIudewroteafterbothPaulandPeter,inwhoseEpistlethesepredictionsareextant,1Tim.4.1.&c.2Tim.3.1.2Pet.2.1.&c.4.Finally,thoughIudasherecallnothimselfeanApostle,thatarguesnotthereforehewasnotanApostle.IamesinhisEpistle,IohninhisthreeEpistles,PaulinhisEpistletothePhilippians,andinbothhisEpistlestotheThessalonianssuperscribenotthemselvesApostles▪weretheythereforenoApostles?ButIudasherestileshimselfethebrotherofIames,andthat'sfullasmuchasifhehadstiledhimselfeanApostle,forthetextsareexpressethatIudastheBrotherofIameswasoneofthetwelveApostles.SeeLuk.6.16.Act.1.13.

Obj.4.ButIudetheApostletaughtinPersia,andthereforehadhewrittenthisEpistle,hewouldratherhavewrittenitinthePersian,thenGreciantongue.

Ans.1.ItsnotinfalliblycertainthatIudewasinPersiawhenhewrotethisEpistle.2.NonecessityoftheApostleswritinginthelanguageofthepeoplewithwhomtheythenlived.MatthewlivedamongtheEthiopians,PaulatRomewhenhewrotesomeofhisEpistles,yettheywrotenotinEthiopickorLatin,butinGreek.Greekbeingthenthemostcommonlanguageintheworld,theHoly

[Page]

GhostwouldhaveGreektobetheOriginalllanguageforNewTestament,astheHebrewespeciallyfortheOld.AndIudesEpistleisCatholiqueorGenerall,andthereforewaswritteninGreekthegeneralltongue.

WhenandWherethisEpistlewaswrittenisuncertaine.SomethinkthisApostlewasinPersia,orAsiaMinorwhenhewroteit,viz.Ayeerebeforehedyed,andthathetheredyed,anno68.afterChrist.Niceph.l.4.c.40.44.ProbablyhewroteafterbothPaulandPeter,towhosewritingsheseemstohavereference,v.17.thewholeEpistleisasanAbstractofPeterssecondEpistle.

Occasion,seemsfromthecurrentoftheEpistle,tobethoseabominableheresiesoftheSimonians,Nicolaitanes,Gnosticks,&c.aboundinginthosetimestimeswhoheldSintobeindifferent,wome ̄&althingstobecommon,&c.Oecumen.Epiphan.inHaeres.Gnostic.Sec.Iud.3.4.

Scope.TowarneallthefaithfullinthosetimesofthecursedanddetestableHereticksandSeducersthatwerecunninglycreptinamongthem,thattheycontendearnestlyforthetruthagainstalltheirdamnableerroursandHeresies;andforpurityandholinesseoflife,againstalltheirimpurelustfulllicentiousandungodlyp[...]actices.Iude3,4,8,10,20,21.

Principallparts.Tothisendare,

I.InscriptionofthewholeEpistle,expressing,1.PenmanwhowrotethisEpistle.2.Partiestowhomit

[Page]

waswritten.3.TheSalutationofthem,ver.1,2.II.ThesubstanceoftheEpistle,whereinarelaiddown,

1.ThemainePropositionorExhortation,TocontendearnestlyfortheFaithoncedeliveredtotheSaintsver.3.Therebeingsomanylascivioushereticallmencreptinamongthem,ver.4.2.Argumentsenforcingthisexhortationuponthem,againsttheselasciviousHeritiques,demonstratingthedamnablenesseanddestructivenesseoftheirwayes,

1.ByexamplesofGodsvengeanceforlikeimpietiesandimpuritiesinformertimes,viz.UponIsraelforunbeliefe,ver.5.UponAngelsforApostacy,ver.UponSodomandGomorrha&c.Fortheirlusts,ver.7.

TheseexamplesheapplyestotheseSeducers,

1.Describingthembytheir,1.Uncleannesse,ver.8.2.DespisingandreproachingMagistrates,ver.8,9.3.Impudencyinrevilingwhattheyknownot,ver.10.4.Bruitishintemperanceincarnallpleasures,ver.10.5.Crueltytotheirbrethren.6.Covetousnesse.7.Seditiousnesse,ver.11.8.Epicurismeinmeatsanddrinks,ver.12.9.Hypocrisie.10.Instability.11.DeadnesseandBar-rennessetoallgoodfruit,ver.12.12.Wrathfulnesse.13.Shamefulluncleannesse.14.Levityandinconstancy,

[Page]

[Page]

ver.13.2.Threatningthem,ingenerallwithwoe,ver.11,inparticularwitheternalldestruction,ver.13.

2.ByTestimonies,1.OfEnoch.ver.14.15.Towhichheaddsfurtherdescriptionsoftheirviciousnesse,ver.16.2.OftheApostlesthemselves.v.17,18.wherehefurtherdescribestheseHeretiquesbytheirSeparationfromChurchassemblies,bytheirwantofGodsSpirit.v.9.

3.HortatoryDirectionsbywayofRemedy,for1.Mutualledification.2.Prayer,v.20.3.LoveofGod,ver.21.4.Differentcoursetobetakenbytheminrecoveringseverallpersonsfromseducements,v.22,23.5.Zealeagainstallimpurity,v.23

III.ConclusionofthewholeEpistlewithadoxologytoGod,whoisabletokeepthemwithoutspotandblamelesse,&c.v.24,25.

III.THEPROPHETICALBOOK,Viz.THERevelat.

THEPROPHETICALBOOKoftheNewTestament,propheti-callyforetellingwhatshallbethefutureconditionoftheChurchofChristinallages,totheendoftheworld,istheREVELATIONOFJOHNTHEDIVINE.ThismaywellbecalledaPropheticallBook;For1TheHolyGhost

[Page]

himselfediverstimesstilesitAProphecy,Rev.1.3.and7.10,18.19.2AndthenatureoftheBookischieflyPropheticall,astheSeriesoftheBookimplyes;andalsosomepassagesplainlytestify,thatittreatsofthings,whichmustshortlycometopasse,Rev.1.1.andthingswhichshallbehereafter,Rev.1.19.

Title,ThisbookinGreekiscalled[[...]]i.e.TheApocalypse(orRevelation,)ofJohntheDivine▪wherebyareindigitatedtous,boththenatureoftheBook,andthePenmanofit.

NatureoftheBook,ARevelation.socalled,becauseitRevealsandmakesknownuntoussecrethiddenmysteries,andfutureevents.Itstrue,thisRevelation,isnotwithoutmixtureofmuchintricatenesseandobscurity,(asallpropheciesareenigmaticallandambiguoustomen,tilltheybeeffected,butwhenthetimepropheciediscome,thentheyhaveamoreclear,andcertaineexposition.SoIraen.Advers.Haeres.l.4.c.43.)AndthistoexercisetheReadertosearchoutthetruth,asAugust.deCivitat.dei,l.20.c.17.hathwellobserved.

PenmanorinstrumentallAuthorofit,viz.IohntheTheologueorDivine.WhatIohnthiswas,somequestion.EusebiusmentionstwoIohns,whosemonumentsweretobeseenatEphesus,viz.IohntheEvangelist,whowrotetheGospel,and1EpistleofJohn:andIohnthePresbyter,whowrote2.and3.EpistleofIohn,andtheRevelation,Euseb.Eccles.Hist.l.3.c.39.Tohimalsoseemstoincline,Dionys.Alexandrinusinlib.deRepromissionibus,

[Page]

[Page]

Butthatthisisagreatmistake,andthatIOHNtheEvangelistandApostlewasPenmanofthisRevelation,maybeclearedbytheseconsiderations.

1.ThisTitleattributesittoIohntheDivine.ThisEpithetwereadnowheretobegiventoIohnthePresbyter,butbelongstoIohntheApostleandEvangelist,[[...]]bywayofpeculiaremphasis,becauselikeanEaglehesoaresaloft,writesmoresublimelyoftheDivinityofIesusChrist,bothinthisBook,(inwhichD.Par[...]ushathobservedXLVIII.ArgumentsofChristsDivinity)asalsoinhisGospel,Iohn1.1.&c.andinhis1.Epistle.AndtheKingofSpainesBible,ofMontanusEdition,haththisGreekTitlebeforetheRevelation,[[...]]i.e.TheRevelationoftheHolyApostle,andEvangelistIohntheDivine,whichTitleclearsthismatter,andisconsonanttoRev.1.1,2.(whetheritwereprefixedbyIohn,orafterbytheChurch,)norisitanywayprobablethatChristsenthisAngeltoanyotherIohn,thentotheApostlewiththisRevelation.

2.IohnthePenmanofthisBookissodescr[...]bed,thatIohntheApostleandEvangelistseemesplainlytobeindigitated,Revel.1.1,2.HisservantIohn:WhobarerecordofthewordofGod,andoftheTestimonyofIesusChrist.NowhownotablydidIohnbearerecordofthewordofGod,andtestimonyofIesusChrist?seeIohn.1.1.2.14.and1Iohn1,1.and5.9.comparedwithRevel.19.13.

3.ThestylemuchresemblesthatofIohnsGospelandEpistles.Asforinstance;ItispeculiartoIohntostileChrist,Theword.compareIohn1.1.14.1Iohn1.1.

[Page]

and5.7.withRevel.1.2.InhisGospellhestilesChristtheLambofGodIohn,1.29.36.sointheRevelationChristiscalledtheLambatleast28.times.

4ThatIohnwhowrotethisRevelation,haditintheIlePatmosmadeknowntohim,whowasthereforthenameofGodandTestimonyofIesusChristRev.1.9.AndHistoriesmentionnootherIohn,butonlyIohntheApostletobeinPatmos.BanishedthitherbyDomitiantheEm-perourfortheGospel'ssake,neertoperiodofhisReigne,(asFuncciuscomputes)abouttheninetyseventhyearafterChrist.SeeEuseb.Hist.Eccles.l.3.c.16.and18.

5.TothesemightbeaddedtheHarmoniousconsentofancientFathers,whounanimouslyconclude,thatIohntheApostlepennedthisBook.Dionys.Areopag.whowasPaulsdisciple,Act.17.whowroteaboutthesixtiethyearafterChrist,inthosewritingsascribedtohim,calleththeApocalypse,AsecretandmysticallvisionofthebelovedDisciple,Dionys.Eccles.Hierarch.c.3.IustinMartyr,whowroteintheonehundredandfiftiethyearafterChrist,ascribestheApocalypsetoIohn,oneoftheApostlesofChrist.Iustin.inDial.adTryphon.TowhichpassageEusebiusrelating,saith,IustinmentionstheApo-calypseofIohn,plainlysayingitistheApostles,Euseb.Hist.Eccles.l.4.c.18.Irenaeus,whowroteintheeightiethyearafterChrist,saith,AndwhatthingssoeverIohnthediscipleoftheLordsawintheApocylapse—Iraen.Advers.Haeres▪l.4c.50.andl.4.c.37.p.373.A.Coloniae1596.Tothesemightbeaddedthesuffrageofmanymore,asofGreekFathers,Clem.Alexand.Paedag.l.

[Page]

2.c.12.Athanas.inSynops.Epiphan.Haeres.51.54,76.Chrysost.Hom.5.inPsal.91.ofLatinfathers,asTertull.contraMarcionl.4.Cyprian.dee[...]hort.Martyr.c.8.10.11.12.Ambros.inPsal50&l.3.despir.sanct.c.21.August.deCivi[...].deil.20.c.7.&deHaeres.c.30.&deDoct.Christ.l.2.c.18.videanturAnnot.inIrenae.l.5.c.30.p.490.Colon.1596.butinsoplaineacasethesemaysuffice.

Sothatbyallthis,itsplainlyevidentthatthePenmanoftheRevelationwasIohntheApostle,thatwrotetheGospel,andtheEpistles.Theunfoldingofhisname,andwhohewasmoreparticularly,SeeinAnnot.toIohn'sGospel.

AuthorityofthisBook,isnotHumane,butDivine.For,

1.ThisbookwasinditedbyIesusChristhimselfethefaithfullandtruewitnesse,whosenthisAngeltotestifiethesametoIohntheApostle,andbyhimtotheChurches.TheRevelationofIesusChristwhichGodgaveuntohim,toshewuntohisservantsthingswhichmustshortlycometopasse;andhesentandsignifieditbyhisAngeluntohisservantIohn—Rev.1.1.andtowardsthecloseofthebookhesaith,IIesushavesentmineAngeltotestifyuntoyouthesethingsintheChurches,Rev.22.16.Note,thisRevelationwasgivenbyIohntheApostletotheChurches,byanAngeltoIohn,byIesusChristtothatAngel,byGodtoIesusChrist:HowpunctuallythenistheDivineAuthorityofitasserted?

2.ItwaspennedbyIohntheApostleofChrist(whowas

[Page]

[Page]

divinlyinspired&actedbytheHolyGhost)ashathbinformerlymanifested,andthereforeitisofdivineAuthority,especiallyconsideringthatthisblessedApostlewascommandedbyIesusChristtowritethisBook,SayingIamAlphaandOmega,thefirstandthelast:andwh[...]thouseestwriteinaBook,—writethethingswhichthouhasts[...]en,andthethingswhichare,andthething[...]whichshallb[...]hereafter,Rev.1.1119.SeealsoRev.2.1.8.12.18.and3.1,7,14.and14.13.and19.9.and21.5.

3.ThenatureofthebookimportsthedivineAuthorityofit.For1.ItiseminentlyPropheticall,speakingofthingsthatshallbehereafter,Rev.1.1,19.and22.7,10,18,19.andthepropheciesofthisbook,aretouchingfutureeventsinreferencetotheChurchtotheendoftheworld,tilltheChurch,theLambswife,shallbefullyreadyforcompleatmarriagewiththeLamb,Rev.19.7,8,9.Sothatneitherancientwritersnoranyother,butsuchaswereinspiredwithaspiritofprophecyfromtheal-knowingGod,couldforetellthesethingstocome,Isa[...].41.22.2.Inthepropheticallexpressionsofit,itisconsonanttootherpropheticallbooks,andgiveslighttothem,Daniel,Zechariah,especiallyEzekiel,AsintheparticularsofeatinguptheBook,Rev.10.9,10.withEzek.2.8.and3.3.ofsealingGodspromise,Rev.7.2,3.withEzek.9.ofthefourelivingCreatures,Rev.4.6,7.withEzek.1.5.6.ofGogandMagog,Rev.20.8.withEzek.38.2.and39.1.ofthemeasuringoftheTempleandCity,Rev.21.15.withEzek.40.3.&c.Ofthetwoolivetrees,&c.Rev.11.4.withZech.4.3,11,14.&c.3.ManythingsforetoldinthisBook

[Page]

[Page]

prophetically,arefulfilledandcometopasseactually,AsInterpretershaveobservedinmanyparticulars.ThereforethisBookisofdivineAuthority,Ierem.28.9.4.PromiseofexplaininghowlongtheIdolatrousandTyrannicallKingdomeofAnti-Christshouldlast,wasmadetoDanieltheProphet,Dan.12.4,9.whichsomeconceivetobefulfilledintheseApocalypticallvisions,Rev.c.11.and12.and13.and17.&c.AndhadnotChristundertheNewTestamentlefthisChurchsomepropheticallRecord,forhercomfortagainstthehorridcruelty,idolatryanddarknesseoftheAnti-christianDominion,showingwhenitshouldhaveanend,andhowhappyatlasttheChurchshouldbe,allherenemiesbeinguniversallymadethefootstooloftheLambe;shewereinaworseconditionthenundertheOldTestament;whichwereabsurd.

4.AstheHolyGhostbyMoses,thefirstPenmanoftheCanonoftheOldTestamentwarnedtheJewesagainstad-dingtoordiminishingfromthewordofGod,yeeshallnotaddeuntothewordwhichIcommandyou,neithershallyoudiminishfromit,Deut.9.2.and12.32.SobytheApostleIohnthelastPenmanoftheCanonoftheNewTestament,IesusChristwarnethallpersonsthathearethewordsofthisProphecy;Ifanymanshalladdeuntothesethings,GodshalladdeuntohimtheplaguesthatarewritteninthisBook:AndifanymanshalltakeawayfromthewordsoftheBookofthisProphecy,GodshalltakeawayhispartoutoftheBookofLife,andoutoftheHolyCity,andfromthethingswhicharewritteninthisBook,Rev.22.18,19.BywhichsevereCommination,theintegrityanddivineAuthorityofthisBookisassertedby

[Page]

Christ,againstallwhomChristforesaw,wouldeitherin-deavourtoinfringetheAuthorityofit,orcorruptthepurityofit.HerebythenthewholedivineCanonissealedup,asfullynowcompleat,anddivinelyAuthenticall,afterwhichwearetoexpectnomoreScripturefromGod.

5.ThegenerallcurrentofbestAntiquity,exceptsomefewparticularpersons,anddiversofthemguiltyofsuchheresiesasthisBookcondemnes,hathembracedthisBook,andaccounteditofdivineAuthority.Asthosefor-merlycited,toproveIohntheApostletobePenmanofit,andmanymorethatmightbeenumerated.AsthatancientAncyranCouncel,heldbeforetheNicene.inAppend.asalsothethirdCouncellofCarthage,Can.47.CyprianfrequentlyalledgestheRevelationamongtheotherCanonicallbookes,asDeexhort.martyrum,c.8.c.11.c.12.Testimon.Advers.Iudaeosl.2.c.1.Sect.3.6,11.&c.

6.TheCavilsandObjections,againstthedivineAuthorityofthisBook,reckonedupbyErasmusorothers,howweakandunsatisfactorytheyare,mayappeareinseverallwriters,whohaveconfutedthem.Especiallyvid.Bez.Prolegom.inApocylaps.Ioannis.andGerh.loc.Com.Descrip.sac.inexeges.cap.10.Sect.294.adsin.cap.

ExcellencyofthisBookismostconsiderableFor,

1.TheconveyanceofitatfirsttotheChurchissingular.FromGodtoIesusChrist;FromIesusChristtoanAngel;FromtheAngeltoIohn,whomJesuspeculiarlylovedaboveallhisApostlesandDisciples,Rev.1.1.AndthistoIohnwheninexileforChristintheIslePatmos;andthatnoton

[Page]

[Page]

acommonday▪butontheLordsday,theQueenofdayes;and[...]oIohninPatmos,ontheLordsday,notinanordinarybutextraordinarycomposureandelevationofhissoule,whenhewasinthespirit,caughtup(asitwere)andtransportedinanholyextasieandspirituallRapture,thathemightthemoreattendtothesemysteriesrevealed,andhavemoreimmediateun-interruptedCommunionwithJesusChristtheRevealer,Rev.1,9,10.&c.whatcanallthisimport,butsomesingularlyeminenttreasurefortheChurchinthisbook,wherebytheChurchinherdeepesttribulation,maybe(withIohn)spirituallyintransedandravishedwithmanysurpassinggroundsofjoy,andconsolation?

2.Thestileisstatelyandsublime,andmaywonderfullytakethehighestnotion;Theexpressionsquick,piercingandpatheticall,andmaypleasinglypenetratethedullestaffection.Thewholecontextureissofullofdivinemajesty,thatitcommandsanawfullReverenceinallgraciousheartsthatreadit.

3.Thematterofitismostheavenlyandspirituall,andthatinexceedinggreatvariety,notablydescribingtheDivinityofChrist,Hisofficesandthebenefitsofthem,clearlypointingoutAnti-ChristsSeate,Tyranny,Rise,Growth,Power,ActsandFall,andmostlivelydelineatingtheChurchescondition,whatitwasinthePrimitivetimesafterChrist,andwhatitshouldbeafterwardstilltheworldsend;howsad,yets[...]feunderAnti-christsdominion;howsweetandhappyafterAnti-Christsdestruction;howcomfortableatthedayofjudgement;andhowgloriousin

[Page]

heavenwithIesusChristforevermore.WhatSaintwouldnotthirstmuchtoreadandhere,moretounderstand,butmostofalltoenjoythesethings?Someofthemarelaiddownemostmysticallyinabstrusevisions,toexercisethejudgementsofthewisest;somemorefamiliarlytosuccourtheinfirmityevenoftheweakest.InsomeplacestheLambmaywade,inotherstheElephantmayswim.Thosepreventcontempt,theseanticipatediscouragement.Ioao[...]imusAbbasprefersthisProphecy,beforetheProphecyofallotherProphets.Bezasaith,ThatthosethingsinotherProphets,whichwerenotfulfilledafterChristscoming,theholyspirithathheapedthemalltogetherinthispreciousbook,andalsoaddedotherssofarreaswasneedfullorusefullfortheChurchtoknowthem,Bez.Prolegom.inApoc.Oecolampadiuscalsthisbook,ThebestParaphrastofalltheProphets.Ioh.Oecolamp.Praefat.inDani[...]l.Hieromesaith,Apocalypsistothabetsacramentaquotverba.Parumdixi,promeritovoluminis,lausomnisinferiorest;inverbissingulismultipliceslatentintelligentiae,i.e.TheRevelationhathasmanymysteriesaswords.ItsbutalittleIsay,allpraiseistoolowforthemeritofthisvolume;manifoldunderstandingsliehidineveryword.Hieron.inEpist.adPaulin.

4.TheBookitselfeiscompleat,capableofnoAdditionorDetraction,butuponseverestPenalties,Rev.22.18.19.

5.ThePenmanEminent,viz.Johnthatbeloveddisciple,thatsweetcompoundoflove.ItwasMoseshishonourwhowasGodspeculiarfavourite,tobePenmanofthefirstBookoftheOldTestament.AnditwasIohn'shonourwhowas

[Page]

[Page]

Christspeculiarfavourite,tobePenmanofthelastBookoftheNewTestament;ohwhatdivineloveandfavourismadeknownuntotheChurch,inallthevolumesbetweentheArmesofthesetwofavourites!

6.Finally,Godcountsthemblessedsoules,thatread,heareandkeepethewordsofthisProphecy.Blessedishethatreadeth,andtheythathearethewordsofthisProphecy,andkeepthesethingsthatarewrittentherein,Rev.1.3.AblessedBook,thatrendersthemblessed,whoarepracticallyversedinit.

ThetimewhenthisRevelationwaswritten,waswhenIohnwasbanishedintotheIlethatiscalledPatmos,forthewordofGod,andfortheTestimonyofIesusChrist,Rev.1.9.10.IohnwasbanishedintoPatmos,bythatcruellpersecutorDomitian,inthefourteenthyeareofhisReigne,saithHieron.Catal.illustr.vir.invit.Ioan.Domitianreignedinallbutfifteenyears,asHelvic.observes,andhisfourteenthyearewasintheninetyfourthyeareafterChrist,Helvic.inChronol▪intheninetysixthafterChrist,saithPareusProlegom.inApocal.c.5.ThisBookisconceivedtobewrittenafteralltheBooksoftheNewTestament.

OccasionofthisRevelationseemestobethis.IohnbeingbanishedintotheIlePatmos,Rev.1.9,10.doubtlessgavehimselfetoprayer,andsacredmeditationsabouttheaffairsofChristandhisChurch,whereuponIesusChristappearedtohisbeloveddisciple,inaspirituallravishment,showinghimwhatwashispleasure,both

[Page]

touchingthepresentChurchesofAsia,andtouchinghiswholeChurchtotheendoftheworld;thuscomfortinghim:andcommandingIohntowritehisvisions,forthecomfortingofthem.

Scopeofthisbookis,

Generally,TomakeknownebyIohnuntotheChurchesboththethingsthatthenwere,andthatshouldbethereafter,Rev.1.19.

Particularly.1ToinformetheChurchofthemanysharpconflictssheshouldhavewithSatanandhisinstruments,especiallyHereticks,persecutingTyrants,andAnti-Christhimselfe,thatsoshemightnotdreamonlyofHalcyondayes,butmightpreparemoreandmorefortheworstofstormes▪2TodiscoverandpointoutinlivelyColoursthatgrandAnti-christ,thattheChurchmightrunandread,andmostinfalliblyknowwhoheis.3AsalsotosupportandcomforttheChurchandallthefaithfull,overalltheirtribulations,withthehopesoftheutteroverthrowofAnti-christandalltheirenemies;oftheirownejoyfulltriumphsoverthem;andofthehappyconditionwhichtheChurchshallafterwardsenjoy,partlyinthisworld,butchieflyintheworldtocome.

Thoughthisbookbemostobscureandintricate,yetthesethingsmaysomewhatfacilitatetheunderstandingofi[...],Ifweshall,

1.KeepthemainescopeoftheBook,stillinoureye.

[Page]

2.ComparethepassagesandphrasesoftheRevelation,withthoseofotherProphecies,asRev.11.4.withZech.4.3,11,14.Rev.10.9,10.withEzek.2.8.and3.3.—Rev.4.6,7,8.withEzek.1.5,6,7,8.—Rev.20.8.withEzek.18.2.and39.1.—Rev.21.15.withEzek.40.3.&c.

3.ParallelwiththisProphecy,thesubsequentHistoriesafterIohn'stime,theHistoriesoftheRomanEmpireandChurch,whichtestifyclearlywhatcrueltyandpersecutionstheRomaneEmperourssuccessivelyraisedupagainstChristians:withwhatsubtiltyandfraudtheB.ofRomedidbydegrees,(throughthefolly,cowardise,negligence,&c.oftheEmperours,)stepupintotheirthrone,andsubjugatenotonelyRome,theSeateoftheEmpire,butalsothewholeEmpireitselfetohisdominionandpleasure,whencewemayderivenotalittlelight,toseewhatismeantbytheopeningoftheSeals.TheStarsfallingfromheaventoearth.Thebeastspeakinggreatandblasphemousthings.ThebeastandfalseProphet.Theimageofthebeast.Andthewhoreridinguponthebeastwithsevenheadsandtenhornes,andrulinginthecityonthesevenhils,&c.

4.Considerprudentlytheexperienceoflaterandpresenttimes;howaccuratelydoththedescriptionoftheBeastandscarletwhoreagree,tothePapacy?oftheLocusts,totheRomaneClergy,andoftheFrogscommingoutofthemouthoftheDragon,thebeastandthefalseProphet,totheIesuitesandRomaneEmissaries,compassingseaandland,andcreepingintoKingspalaces,togatherthemtogether,tothewarreofthegreatdayofGodalmighty.

[Page]

[Page]

5.Finally,ifweshalldiligentlyread,meditateandpray,thattheholyspirit,whorevealedthesethingstoIohn,wouldrevealetheirsenseandmeaningtous,Thesethingsmayhelpustountiemanyknots,andrendermanydifficultieseasie.

Principallparts.IntheBookofRevelationarechieflyconsiderable,1ThePreface,2TheSubstanceoftheBook,and3TheConclusion.

ThePreface,whichis[...].Generall,inIreferencetothewholeProphecy,notingtheMatter,Author,Penman,andProfitofthisBook,c.1.ver.1,2,3.2.Speciallorparticular,inreferencetothesevenChurchesofAsiaMinor,andinthemtothewholeCatholickChurch,figuredbythem,whereinare,1.ANominationofpersonswritingandwrittento.2.TheSalutation.3.AndagloriousDescriptionofJesusChrist,ver.4.to9.

TheSubstanceorBodyofthisPropheticallIIBook.c.1.v.9.toc.22.v.6.WhereiniscontainedaNarrationoftheStateoftheChurch.I.Militantonearth.c.1.v.9.toc.20.v.11.II.Triumphantinheaven,c.20.v.11.toc.22.v.6.

TheConditionoftheChurchMilitantisdeclared1.Forpresent,whatitwaswhenIohnwrotetheRevelation,c.1.v.9.toc.4.v.1.2.Forfuture,whatitshouldbetillthejudgementday.c.4.v.1.toc.20.v.11.

I.Uision.

[Page]

I.TouchingtheStateoftheChurchthenpresent.viz.TheAsianChurchesprincipally;arelaiddownetwothings,viz.

1.APreparationtothediscoveryofit,byAVisionofsevenGoldenCandlesticksandsevenStarres.ThisisIohn'sfirstvision.Andherewehaveadescription,bothofIohnwhohadthevision:asalsoofthevisionitselfe;bothinrespectofthe1Formeofit.The2EffectithaduponIohn,andthe3Consequentsensuingthereupon.viz.TheComfortingofJohn,Commandtowritethevision,andtheInterpretationofthevision,c.1.v.9.totheendofthechapter.2.ANarrationorDescriptionoftheConditionofChristsChurchthenpresent,andthisinSevendistinctEpistles,directedtothesevenAngelsofthosesevenAsianChurches.viz.1.OfEphesus,c.2.v.1.to8.2.OfSmyrna,c.2.v.8.to12.3.OfPergamus,c.2.v.12.to18.4.OfThyatira,c.2.v.18.totheendofthechapter.5.OfSardis,c.3,1.to7.6.OfPhiladelphia,c.3.v.7.to14.7.OfLaodicea,c.3.v.14.totheendofthechapter▪InallwhichSevenEpistles▪thesamemethodisgenerallyobservedbythespiritofChrist,viz.EveryEpistle,containing1.ADescriptionofJesusChrist,suitabletothevisionofhim,inc.1.formerly.2.ANarratio[...]oftheGoodcommendable;orEvillcondemnableintheAngelofeveryChurch,andsoineveryChurch.3.PromisesorThreats,proportionabletotheirvertuesorvices,4.HortatoryConclusions,incitingtoattention,

II.TouchingthestateoftheChurchforthefuture,especiallytheEuropeanChurches,Thisisinsistedupon

[Page]

morelargelyandmoremystically.Whichinsumamountstothusmuch,viz.ToPre-monishtheChurchofhergreattribulationsinthisworld,1BypersecutingTyrants,2ThenbypersecutingHereticks,3AtlengthbyAnti-ChristsmostcruellOppressionsbothcorporallandspirituall.Againstallwhichtheholy-Ghos[...]interminglesmanycomfortstotheChurch,asthat1Godwillbewithherinallherdistressesandnotforsakeher.2Hertroublesshallnotbeendlesse,norover-long.3.Herenemiesshallallofthematlastbeutterlydestroyed.4.TheChurchshallatlastbesetinasafeandhappyconditioninthisworld,butespeciallyintheworldtocome.Nowallthesethingsarelaiddownvisionally,insixothervisions,remarkablydistinctfromoneanother,viz.II.Vision.c.4,5,6,7.III.Vision.c.7,8,9,10,11,IIII.Vision.c.12,13,14.V.Vision.c.15,16.VI.Vision.c.17,18,19.VII.Vision.c.20,21,22.tov.6.AllwhichVisionsseemtobecomprizedintwodistinctProphecies,orSystemesofVisions,parallelandcontemporarytooneanother.Bothrevealingthemysteriesforsubstance,butthelaterproceedingmorepunctuallytoparticulars,assomeareofopinion;OthersratherthinktheformerProphecycomprehendsthedestiniesoftheRomaneEmpire,undersevenSealsandsevenTrumpets;ThelaterProphecy,thedestiniesoftheChurch,orofChristianReli-gion.TheI.ProphecybeginningwiththeB.Sealedwith7.Sealsc.4.v.1.endingc.11.II.Prophecy,beginningc.12.v.1.(yetsoastotakeinsomepassagesmentionedinthefifthTrumpet,astheLittlebook,themeasuringoftheTemple,theouterCourt,thetwoWitnesses)continuingtotheendoftheBook.Nowthesoberconsidering,andwisecomparingofthesetwodistinctProphecieswithone

[Page]

another,may(assomethink,)singularlyservetoclearmanydifficultiesthroughoutthisBook,

II.Uision.

THEI.PROPHECYBEGINNETH.

TheStateoftheChurchfutureisrevealedtoJOHN,inamysteriousvisionofABooksealedwithsevenSeals,(AlltheparticularmysteriesinwhichBook,whatmanonearthcancertainlyandinfalliblyopen,unlessehehadIohn'sApocalypticallKey?)Hereconsiderthe

I.PreparatorystotheopeningoftheSeals,viz.1.TheVisionofGodsittinguponagloriousThroneinheaven,c.4.whereinare[...].TheTransitiontothisvision,v.1.2.TheDescriptionofGodenthronedinheaven,v.2,3.3.Em[...]le[...]esofMajestyabouttheThrone,viz.1Twen[...]y[...]oureElders,2Lightnings,Thunders,Voices,3SevenLamps,i.e.thesevenSpiritsofGod,4ASeaofglasse,5FourelivingCreatures,6TheSongsofPrayse,presentedtohimthatsateontheThronebythefoureBeasts,and[...]entyfoureElders,vers.4.totheendofthechapter.2.ThevisionofaBook,inthehandofhimthatsateontheThrone,sealedwithsevenSeales,c.5.Herenote1.ThesealedBookdescribed,v.1.2.Theinabilityofallcreaturestoopenthebook,v.2,3,4.3.TheLambsabilitytoopenit,whostoodbeforetheThrone,v.5,6,7.4.Thefourebeasts

[Page]

andtwentyfoureEldersGratulation,withAdorationtotheLambforopeningit▪vers.8.totheendofthechapter.

II.TheOpeningofthesevenSealsthemselvesinOrder,c.6,7,8.IntheopeningofwhichSealsisrevealedtoIohn,whatshallbethefutureStateoftheChurchofGod,fromthattimetotheendoftheworld.IntheSeventhofwhichSealesarebroughtinsevenTrumpets;&intheSeventhofwhichTrumpets,arebroughtinSevenvialsofthewrathofGod,fulloftheSevenlastplagues.Moreparticularlyconsiderherethe

I.Sealeopened,where1Theattentionrequired,2Thematterrevealedinit,viz.Awhitehorse&c.c.6.verse1.2.II.Sealeopened,where1Attentioncalledfor.2Themysteryrevealed,ARedhorse,&c.c.6.v.3.4.III.Sealeopened,where1Attentionisincited.2TheMysteryrevealed,ABlackhorse,hisriderhavingBallancesinhishand,Aspirituallfaminethreatned,c.6.v.5,6.IV.Sealeopened,where1Attentionisstirredup2MatterRevealed,ApalehorseandhisriderDeath,hellfollowing,&c.c.6.ver.7.8.V.Sealeopened,wherenote1Whatwasseen,soulesundertheAltar,martyred.2.Whatthesesoulesdid,cryedforvengeance.3.Whattheyob-tained,1WhiteRobesforpresent,2Promiseofcompleatglorywiththeirfellowmartyrs,c.6.v.9.10.11.

[Page]

[Page]

VI.Sealeopened,settingforthGod[...]dreadfulljudgementsupontheenemiesoftheChurch,fortheirbloodycrueltiesexercisedtodeathupontheSaints,aswasintimatedinthefifthSeale.Hereareconsiderable,1.TheSignesseenbyIohn,viz.Agreatearthquake,TheSunnebecameblack,&c.c.6,v.12,13,14.2.Thethingssignified,viz.Kings,greatmen,&ci.e.allsortsanddegreesofPersecutors,inhorrouranddespaireattheirvvitsends,byreasonofGodsjudgementscominguponthemfromChristsoterribly,asiftheveryjudgement-daywerecome,c.6.vers.15.16.17.

III.Uision.

VII.Sealeopened.Hereconsider1Preparatoriestoit,2MysteriousContentsofit.

1.Preparatoriestoit,areinc.7.fore-armingtheChurchwithpreviousconsolationsagainstallensuingmiseriesthatweretocomeuponit:AgainstwhichevilstheHolyGhostherecomfortstheChurch.1.Bythatsecurity,whichtheAngelofGod,sealingtheservantsofGodintheirforeheads,shallaffordtheminmidstoftroubles,c.7,1.to9.2.Bythattriumphantvictory,whichaftertheirgreattribulation,allthefaithfullshallhaveoveralltheirmiseriesandenemies,c.7.v.9.totheendofthechapter.2.MysteriesrevealedintheopeningofthisseventhSeale;beingfarremore,andthosemoreintricatetounderstand,thenintheopeningofanyoftheothersixSeals.Eventsfollowingtheopeningofthe

[Page]

seventhSeale,areeitherI.Preparatory,as1.Silenceinheavenforhalfeanhoure,portendinggreatthingstofollow,c.8.1.2.VisionofsevenAngelswithsevenTrumpets,v.2.3.VisionofanotherAngel,andhisactions,viz.offeringupofincense;andcastingthefireoftheAltarintotheearth,c.8.v.3.4,5.4.PreparationofthesevenAngelstosoundtheirTrumpetsv.6.II.Executory,viz.theAngelsactuallsoundingoftheirsevenTrumpets.c.8.v.7.&c.toc.12.1.

I.Trumpetsounded,whereconsider,1.TheSignefollowing▪Haileandfiremingledwithbloudcastupontheearth,2Theeffectthereof,viz.Thethirdpartoftreesburnt,&c.c.8.v.7.II.Trumpetsounded,where1.TheSignefollowing,viz.Agreatmountaineburningwithfirecastintothesea.2.Theeffectensuing,thethirdpartoftheseabecameblood,&c.c.8.v.8.9.III.Trumpetsounded,where,1.TheSigneensuingthereupon.Agreatstarfellfromheaven—calledworm-wood,2.Theeffectsthereof,viz.Thethirdpartofthewatersbecamebitter,andmanydiedofthem,c.8.v.10,11.IV.Trumpetsounded,where1.TheSigne.viz.Thethirdpartofsun,moonandstarssmitten.2.Theeffectsthereupon.viz.dayandnightshonenotforathirdpart,c.8.v.12.

Hereisannexed(bywayofPreparatoryTransitiontotheotherthreeTrumpets,)John'svisionofanAngelflyingthroughthemidstofheaven,denouncingthreeWoesbyreasonofthethreelastTrumpets,c.8,13.

[Page]

I.Woe.

V.Trumpetsounded,wherenote1.TheSigneappearing,viz.Astarrefallingfromheaventoearth.2.Thefoureeffectsofthisstarrefalling,viz.Heopensthebottomlessepit,Thenceraisethupsmoake.DarkensSunneandairewiththesmoake,andbringsLocustsuntotheearthoutofthesmoake,whichLOCUSTSarevariouslyandnotablydescribed.3.TheConclusionshuttinguptheCalamitiesofthisTrumpet,andforewarningofthemthatfollow,c.9.1.to13.

II.Woe.

VI.Trumpetsounded,c.9.v.13.totheendofthechapter.Hereinconsider,1.TheCommandtoloosethefoureAngelsboundinEuphrates,v.13,14.2.Executionofthiscommand,v.15.3.TheDescriptionofthelargeArmyofEuphrateanHorsesandHorsemen,v.15,16,17.4.TheCalamitouseffectswroughtbythem,v.18,19,20,21.

VII.Trumpet,Concerningwhichnote.1.Preparatoriestoit.2.Soundingofit.

I.Preparatoryestoit(itbeingtheTrumpetofhighestconcernment,becausewhenthatshallbesounded,ThemysteryofGodshallbefinished▪ashehathdeclaredtohisservantstheProphets,c.10,7.)areverylargelypremised,c.10,1,toc.11.15.Whichseems

[Page]

principallytobeConsolatorytotheChurch,againstallherformerandfuturetribulations,andthisbytheVisionofamightyAngelcomedownfromheaven,viz.JesusChristhimselfetheAngeloftheCovenant.Touchingwhomhereare,

1.TheAngelsdescription,c.10.ver.1.2.TheAngelsActions,1.HeldalittleBookinhishand,2.SethisrightfootontheSea,hisleftontheland.3.RoaredasaLyon;7.thundersec-choingagain.4.Sworethattimeshouldbenomore,butwhenthe7thAngelshouldsound,themysteryofGodshouldbefinished,c.10.v.2.to8.3.TheAngelscommandstoJohn,1.ToeatethelittleBookintheAngelshand,thathemightPro-phecy▪c.10.8,9,10,11.2.TomeasuretheTemple,Altar,andworshippers,butnottheCourt;foritshouldbetroddenunderfootoftheGentiles42.moneths,c.11.v.1,[...].4.TheAngelspromisesconcerninghistwoWinesses,andtheirProphecy,andhowaftertheyshallbekilledbytheBeastuponthefinishingoftheirtestimony.TheyshallagaineRevive,c.11.v.3.to14.

ThustheSecondWoeisended,andthethirdhastneth,v.14.

III.Woe.

II.SoundingoftheseventhTrumpet,whereintheMystery

[Page]

ofGodisfinished.AndtheChurchesMiseriesended,c.[...]1.v.15.totheendofthechap.whereconsider,I.Thingsheardinheaven,viz.1.Greatvoyces,saying▪TheKingdomesofthisworldarebecometheLords,andhisChrists,&c.ver.15.2.Thetriumphantsongorgratulationofthe24.EldersuntoGod,forhonouringhimselfe,andforthecomingofhisjudgementtorewardtheSaints,anddestroytheearth,ver.16.17,18.IIThingsseene&c.InGodsTempleopenedinheaven,viz.1.TheSaintsRewards,TheArkofhisTestament,i.e.JesusChrist.2.ThewickedsRewards,Lightnings,voices,thundrings,earthquakesandgreathaile,ver.19.

TheformerProphecyendeth.

IV.Uision

THEIIPROPHECYBEGINNETH.

HithertooftheI.Prophecy,orSystemeofVisions,Denoting(asisthoughtbysome)moreespeciallytheConditionofthelastEmpireviz.theRomane:NowtotheIIProphecyorSystemeofVisions,(contemporarywiththeformerbothintheSealesandTrumpets)foretellingchieflythefutureconditionoftheChurchtillthejudgementday.Hereinchieflyaresetdown,1.TheTribulationsandPersecutionsoftheChurchbyseverallenemies.2.ThedeliveranceoftheChurchbyherenemiesdestruction.3.ThehappyconditionoftheChurch,uponherdeliverance.Thoughthecommonopinionofinterpreters(whotakenot

[Page]

anynoticeof2contemporaryProphesies,andtheirSynchronismes,butjudgetheseVisionstobeonecontinuedProphecy,)bringallthatfollowesundertheseventhTrumpet,thus.viz.ThesoundingoftheseventhTrumpetispropounded,I.Summarily,c.11.15.totheendofthechap.II.Plenarily,andthiseither,1.BywayofRecognitionandfullerexplainingoftheformerSealesandTrumpets,inadigression,c.12,13,14.2.BywayofPredictionofthingsfutureundertheseventhTrumpetmorelargely,c.15,16,17,&c.Forsubstancethesewillcomemuchtoone.(Butletsfollowtheformer.)

I.ThePersecutionsoftheChurchbyseverallenemiesgreatlydistressingherinthiswholefourthVision,c.12.ver.1.toc.15.ver.1.Moreparticularlyherenote,

I.ThePersecutionofthewomanthatbroughtforththeman-child,viz.BothJesusChrist,andthePrimitiveChurchoftheJewes(assomeareofopinion)evenfromherinfancy;andthisbyDragon,i.e,(asisexpoundedc.12.ver.9.)Satan▪c.12.v.1.to17.II.TheDragonsPersecutionof,andmakingwarwiththeremnantofherseed.

Viz.(assomethinke)withtheChurchoftheGentiles,whereconsider,

1.TheDragonsResolutionandendeavoursthustopersecute,c.12.v.17.2,TheinstrumentsofPersecution,incitedandimployedbythegreatRedDragon,viz.1.TheBeastrisingupoutoftheSeahavingseavenheadsandten

[Page]

hornes,c.13.ver.1.to11.2.TheBeastrisingoutoftheearth,havingtwohorneslikeaLambe,andspeakingasaDragon,&c.c.13.ver.11.totheendofthechap.3.TheeventofthisPersecution,viz.TheSaintsVictorythroughtheirconstantandfaithfullconfessionofChristeventoMartyrdom,thistheirvictorybeingexellentlyamplifyedbytheCauses,andEffectsofit,c.14.1.totheendofthechap.

V.Uision.

II.TheDeliveranceoftheChurch,bythedestructionofherenemiesrepresentedintheVisionofthe7.VialsfullofthewrathofGod,the7.lastplagues,pouredoutupontheeart[...]by7.Angels,Hereare,the

I.PreparatoriestothepouringoutoftheVialsc.15,throughout.II.PouringoutoftheVialsofthewrathofGodupontheearth,c.16.1.&c.viz.

I.Vialpouredout,c.16.ver.2.II.Vialpouredout,v.3.III.Vialpouredout,v.4.to8.IV.Vialpouredout,v.8,9.V.Vialpouredout,v.10,11.VI.Vialpouredout,v.12.to17.VII.Vialpouredout,c.16.

ThispouringoutoftheVII.Vial,islaiddown,1.MoreSummarily,2.MorePlenarily.

[Page]

I.MoreSummarily&compendiouslyc.16.ver.17.totheendofthechap.

VIUision.

II.Moreplenarilyandcopiously,c.17,18,19,&20tover.11.Wherindiversmysteriesaremostlivelyexplicated,whichformerlywereheretoforemoreobscurelymentioned.NotablypointingouttheRise,Seate,Reigne,Vassals,Successe,andatlastthefatallRuineofAnti-christandalltheChurchesenemies.SothatthispartaffordsnosmalllighttotheProphetickpartoftheRevelation.Hereconsider,1.Thejudgementofthegreatwhore.2.Theeventthereupon.

I.Thejudgementofthegreatwhorec.17,18,19.Whereare,

1.Anotabledescriptionofthegreatwhore,thatistobejudged;ByVisionallRepresentation,c.17.1.to7.Byrealexplanationtherof,v.7.to16.2.TheinstrumentsthatshalldestroytheWhore.viz.Thetenhornes,whicharetenKings,&c.c.17.ver.16,17,18.3.TheEmphaticalpromulgationofthewofulruineofBabylon,theSeateofthegreatwhore,ThisisdonebythreeAngels,1.ThefirstAngeldeclarestheinevitablecertaintyofBabylonsruine,c.18..1,2,3.2.ThesecondwarningallGod'speopletocomeoutofher,setsforththegrievousnesseofherdestruction,withthesadlamentationsofallherfriendsandvassals,ver.

[Page]

[Page]

4.to21.3.ThethirdAngel,underthetypeofagreatMilstonecastintotheSea,asitweresealesuptheirrecoverablenesseofherruine,ver.21,22,23,24.4.Thegratulatoryexaltationsoftheheavenlycompany1forthejudgementofthewhore,2forthepreparationoftheLamb'swifeformarriagewithhim,c.19.ver.1.to11.5.ThefinallandtotallconquestoftheLambandhisArmies,overthebeastandfalseProphet,andtheKingsoftheearthandtheirArmies,c.19.v.11.totheendofthechap.HithertoofthejudgementofthegreatWhore.

VII.OrlastUision.

II.TheeventfollowingafterthejudgementofthegreatWhore;whichischieflythree-fold,

1.ThesafetyoftheSaints(survivingtheruineofBabylon)fromtheseducementsoftheDragon,theDevilandSatan,beingchainedup1000yeares,c.20.1.2,3.2.TherevivingoftheMartyrs,andraigningwithChrist1000.yeares,therestofthedeadnotlivingagaintillthe1000.yeareswerefinished,c,20.v.4,5,6.3.TheSaintsmiraculousdeliverancefrom,andvictoryoverGogandMagog;(Satan,afterthe1000.yearesexpired,beingloosedoutofprison.)c.20.v.7.to11.

Hitherto(asisconceived)hathbeenRevealedthefuture

[Page]

stateoftheChurchasMilitantonearth.

TheconditionoftheChurchastriumphantinheaven,isdescribedbothinrespectofthe1.Inchoation▪and2.Durationofit.

1.TheInchoationorbeginningoftheChurchestriumph,shallbeatthelastandgeneralljudgement:whichispatheticallydescribed,c.20.v.11.totheendofthechapt.2.TheDurationorContinuanceofit;viz.EternalhappinesseinHeaven,whichismostgloriouslysetforth,c.21.throughout&c.22.ver.1.to6.

TheConclusionofthiswholeProphecy;whichIIIiseither,

1.Principal,containingaconfirmationofthewholeProphecyofthisRevelation,bytheTestimony,

1.OftheAngel,bywhomtheLordshewedthesethingstoJohn,c.22.v.6.2.OfChristhimselfe,whogavethisRevelation,ver.7.3.OfIohnthatreceivedthisRevelation,ver.8,9.4.OfChristagaine,ver.10to18.5.OfIohndenouncingheaviejudgementsuponallthatshalladdeto,ortakefromthisProphecy,ver.18,19.6.OfChristtestifyingthesethings,Promisinghisspeedycoming;amplifiedbyIohn'searnestrequestinhisownandtheChurchesbehalfe,ver.20.

[Page]

2.LessePrincipall,containingtheApostolicallSalutationtoallthe7.ChurchesandfaithfullSaintstowhomthisRevelationwaswritten,ver.21.

Hethattestifieththesethings,saith;Icomequickly.Amen.Evenso,ComeLORDJESUS.

Rev.22.20.

D.Bernard.Medit.Devot.c.4.

Praemiumestvideredeum,viverecumDeo,viveredeDeo;essecumDeoesse,inDeo,quieritomniainomnibus:habereDeumquiestSummumBonum.Etubiestsummumbonum,ibiestsummafelicitas,summajucunditas,veralibe[...]tas,perfectacharitas,aeternasecuritas,&securaaeternitas:ibiestveralaetitia,plenascientia,omnisplenitudo,&omnisBeatitudo.

SiccumDeohomoBeatuserit,incujusconscientiapeccatuminventumnonfuerit.VidebitDeumadvoluntatem,habebitadvoluptatem,frueturadjucunditatem.Inaeternitatevigebit,inveritatefulgebit,inbonitategaudebit.

1Tim.1.17.

[...].

[Page]

§TheHolyScripturesarecontainedintheBooksoftheOld&NewTestament.

I.TheBooksoftheOldTestament,areIMoses.HewrotetheLawofGodinfiveBookscalledthePentateuchi.e.The-fivefold-volumne.TheseBooksaccordingtotheGreekarecalled

Genesis.Exodus.Leviticus.Numbers.Deuteronomie.

II.TheProphets,theirBooksareeitherI.Historicall;containingtheHistory,of

1.Israel'sentranceintothepromisedLand,viz.—

Ioshua.2IsraelsConditionandGovernmentaftertheirentranceintoCanaan,

1[...]eforetheircarryingawayintoBabylon,eitherunder

1.Iudges.Andherewehave[...]he

1.GenerallHist.Iudges.

2.ParticularHist.Ruth.

2Kings,andthisasth[...]Stat[...]oftheKingdomewas

I.VnitedunderKingsby1.Election.

I.Samuel.2.Succession.

II.Samuel.II.Divided,andthataccordingtothe

1.BeginningsofthisDivision,in

I.Kings.2.ProgresseofthisDivision,in

II.Kings.III.VnitedandDivided,asin

I.Chronicles.II.Chronicles.

2.AftertheirCaptivity;HeretheirreturnefromCaptivityisdeclared,Accordingtothe

1.Truthandmannerofit,inEzra.

2.Fruitandeventofit,in

Nehemiah.3.VndertheirCaptivityinBabylon,andelsewhere;in

Esther.II.Doctrinall,orpoeticallcontainingDoctrines,

1.OfmorespeciallreferencetoAparticularperson,viz.—

Iob.2.OfmoreGenerallreferencetoallsortsofpersons,in

1.Dauid[...]Book,principallypennedbyhim,viz.

Psalmes.2.SolomonsBookswhichare,either

1.Proverbiall.—Proverbes.

2.Penitentiall.—Ecclesiastes.

3.Nuptiall,viz.SongofSongs.

III.Propheticalwritteneitherby,the1.GreaterProphetswhowrote,either

1.BeforetheCaptivityofBabylon,viz.Isaiah,Ieremiah,

[Page]

Lamentations.2.Neer[...]upon,andundertheCaptivity,viz.

EzekielDaniel

2.LesserProphets,whoProphesiedandwrote,either

1.BeforeIsrael'stransportationintoBabylon,viz

HoseaIoelAmosObadiahIonabMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniah.

2.Afte[...]IsraelsreturnefromBabylonsCaptivity.viz.

HaggaiZechariahMalachi.

II.TheBooksoftheNewTestament,SeeintheTable,atp.140.

☞TheBookesoftheNew-Testament,areeither

I.Historicall,describinguntoustheHistoryof1.ChristtheHeadoftheChurch;whoseGenealogy,Birth,LifeDoctrine,Miracles,D[...]athandResurrection,arerecordedbyfoureEvangelists.

Matthew.Marke.Luke.Iohn.

2.TheChurch,Christsbody,whoseprimitiveplantatio[...],stateandaugmentationbothamongJewesandGentiles,isdelcaredinthe

ActsoftheApostles.II.Epistolicall,asalltheEpistleswrittenbytheApostles,either

1.TobelievingGentiles,asPaulsEpistles,1Generall,whichPaulwroteuntowholeChurchesaboutmattersofgenerallandpubl[...]keconcernment,as[...]heEpistlestothe

Romanes.I.Corinthians.II.Corinthians.GalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossiansI.ThessaloniansII.Thessalonians.

2Particular,toparticularpersonstouching1PubliqueEcclesiasticallaffaires,astheEpistlesto

I.Timothy.II.Timothy.Titus.

2.PrivateOeconomicallaffaires,ashisE-pistleto

Philemon.2.TothebelievingIewes,asitisprobablealtheseEpistleswere,viz.

1TheEpistle(probablywrittenbyPaul)totheHebrewes.

2.The7.Epistlescommonlycalled,Generall,ortheCatholiqueEpistlesof

Iames.—Iames

Peter.I.PeterII.Peter.

IohnGeneral.—

I.Iohn.Particular.

II.IohnIII.Iohn

Iude.—Iude,

III.Propheticall,foretellingwhatshallbethefuturestateandconditionoftheChurchofChristtotheendoftheworld,writtenbyIohn,theApost.viz.

TheRevelation▪

Informationaboutthisbook

Titlestatement

ClavisBibliorumThekeyoftheBible,unlockingtherichesttreasuryoftheHolyScriptures:wherebythe1order,2names,3times,4penmen,5occasion,6scope,and7principallparts,containingthesubject-matterofeverybookofOldandNewTestament,arefamiliarlyandbrieflyopened:forthehelpoftheweakestcapacityintheunderstandingofthewholeBible/byFrancisRoberts...

Roberts,Francis,1609-1675.

Editionstatement

1648

Publication

PublisherTextCreationPartnership,

PlaceofpublicationAnnArbor,MI;Oxford(UK):

Date2003-09(EEBO-TCPPhase1).

ID[DLPS]A57377

ID[STC]WingR1583

ID[STC]ESTCR20707

ID[EEBO-CITATION]12356495

ID[OCLC]ocm12356495

ID[VID]60145

Availability

Thiskeyboardedandencodededitionoftheworkdescribedaboveisco-ownedbytheinstitutionsprovidingfinancialsupporttotheEarlyEnglishBooksOnlineTextCreationPartnership.ThisPhaseItextisavailableforreuse,accordingtothetermsofCreativeCommons01.0Universal.Thetextcanbecopied,modified,distributedandperformed,evenforcommercialpurposes,allwithoutaskingpermission.

Series

EarlyEnglishbooksonline.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP;phase1,no.A57377)

Transcribedfrom:(EarlyEnglishBooksOnline;imageset60145)

Imagesscannedfrommicrofilm:(EarlyEnglishbooks,1641-1700;645:23)

Source

—ClavisBibliorumThekeyoftheBible,unlockingtherichesttreasuryoftheHolyScriptures:wherebythe1order,2names,3times,4penmen,5occasion,6scope,and7principallparts,containingthesubject-matterofeverybookofOldandNewTestament,arefamiliarlyandbrieflyopened:forthehelpoftheweakestcapacityintheunderstandingofthewholeBible/byFrancisRoberts...,Roberts,Francis,1609-1675.,Calamy,Edmund,1600-1666..

Extent

624p.:2foldedcharts.

PrintedbyT.R.andE.M.forGeorgeCalvert...,.London::1648..("Anepistletothereader,"signedbyEdmundCalamy.)(Imperfect:allpagesafterp.336lackinginfilmedcopy.)(ReproductionoforiginalintheUniversityofIllinois(Urbana-ChampaignCampus).Library.)

Creation

CreatedbyconvertingTCPfilestoTEIP5usingtcp2tei.xsl,TEI@Oxford.

Editorialpractices

EEBO-TCPisapartnershipbetweentheUniversitiesofMichiganandOxfordandthepublisherProQuesttocreateaccuratelytranscribedandencodedtextsbasedontheimagesetspublishedbyProQuestviatheirEarlyEnglishBooksOnline(EEBO)database(http://eebo.chadwyck.com).ThegeneralaimofEEBO-TCPistoencodeonecopy(usuallythefirstedition)ofeverymonographicEnglish-languagetitlepublishedbetween1473and1700availableinEEBO.

EEBO-TCPaimedtoproducelargequantitiesoftextualdatawithintheusualprojectrestraintsoftimeandfunding,andthereforechosetocreatediplomatictranscriptions(asopposedtocriticaleditions)withlight-touch,mainlystructuralencodingbasedontheTextEncodingInitiative(http://www.tei-c.org).

TheEEBO-TCPprojectwasdividedintotwophases.The25,363textscreatedduringPhase1oftheprojecthavebeenreleasedintothepublicdomainasof1January2015.Anyonecannowtakeandusethesetextsfortheirownpurposes,butwerespectfullyrequestthatduecreditandattributionisgiventotheiroriginalsource.

UsersshouldbeawareoftheprocessofcreatingtheTCPtexts,andthereforeofanyassumptionsthatcanbemadeaboutthedata.

TextselectionwasbasedontheNewCambridgeBibliographyofEnglishLiterature(NCBEL).Ifanauthor(orforananonymouswork,thetitle)appearsinNCBEL,thentheirworksareeligibleforinclusion.Selectionwasintendedtorangeoverawidevarietyofsubjectareas,toreflectthetruenatureoftheprintrecordoftheperiod.Ingeneral,firsteditionsofaworksinEnglishwereprioritized,althoughthereareanumberofworksinotherlanguages,notablyLatinandWelsh,includedandsometimesasecondorlatereditionofaworkwaschoseniftherewasacompellingreasontodoso.

Imagesetsweresenttoexternalkeyingcompaniesfortranscriptionandbasicencoding.QualityassurancewasthencarriedoutbyeditorialteamsinOxfordandMichigan.5%(or5pages,whicheveristhegreater)ofeachtextwasproofreadforaccuracyandthosewhichdidnotmeetQAstandardswerereturnedtothekeyerstoberedone.Afterproofreading,theencodingwasenhancedand/orcorrectedandcharactersmarkedasillegiblewerecorrectedwherepossibleuptoalimitof100instancespertext.Anyremainingillegibleswereencodedas<gap>s.Understandingtheseprocessesshouldmakeclearthat,whiletheoverallqualityofTCPdataisverygood,someerrorswillremainandsomereadablecharacterswillbemarkedasillegible.UsersshouldbearinmindthatinalllikelihoodsuchinstanceswillneverhavebeenlookedatbyaTCPeditor.

Thetextswereencodedandlinkedtopageimagesinaccordancewithlevel4oftheTEIinLibrariesguidelines.

CopiesofthetextshavebeenissuedvariouslyasSGML(TCPschema;ASCIItextwithmnemonicsdatacharacterentities);displayableXML(TCPschema;charactersrepresentedeitherasUTF-8Unicodeortextstringswithinbraces);orlosslessXML(TEIP5,charactersrepresentedeitherasUTF-8UnicodeorTEIgelements).

KeyingandmarkupguidelinesareavailableattheTextCreationPartnershipwebsite.