Remains, Tract 1 – Tract 2

Remains · Tract 1 – Tract 2

THE CONTENTS OF THE Rules for a Student of the Holy Scriptures.

SECTION I.

THE Language of Scripture one help for the explaining of it. pag. 3

To lay the Books and Chapters in their due Order, another. 4

The Way to come to this Skill is to cast the Bible into a continued Chronicle. Ib.

The Benefit of it. Ib.

Eight Literal Observations for this Purpose. 5

SECT. II.

The Number of the Canonical Books. 11

The Apocrypha, the Work of some Jews. Ib.

Some Observations thereon. 12

SECT. III. The Old Testament.

The Method of reading the whole Book of GENESIS, with Explanations and Cursory Observations upon each Chapter; beginning at p. 12

The Order of reading JOB. 28

SECT. IV.

The Method of reading the Book of EXODUS, with Explanations and Cursory Observations throughout the whole Book; beginning at p. 29

The Departure of Israel out of Egypt, laid Kalendar-wise. 31, &c.

The Tabernacle and Types of it. 37, &c.

The giving of the Law. 40

SECT. V.

The Method of reading the Book of LEVITICUS; with some useful Instructions concerning the Ceremonies enjoyned therein. The Laws of Leprosie, what they imported. 48, 49

SECT. VI.

Notes and Explanations upon each Chapter of the Book of NUMBERS. 49

A Summary of the Book of DEUTERONOMY. 52

SECT. VIII.

A Declaration of the Matters contained in the Book of JOSHUA, Chapter by Chapter. 53, 54

The Story of Caleb's taking of Kirīath Sepher, Chap. xv. why rehearsed in Judg. i. 54

SECT. IX.

The true Order for reading of the Book of JUDGES, with Explanations. 55, &c.

The Book of RUTH to be read near the beginning of this Book. 58

SECT. X.

Directions for the Methodical reading of the Books of SAMUEL, KINGS and CHRONICLES, with Cursory Ob…vations. Instructions where the PSALMS, PROVERBS, CANTICLES, ECCLESIASTES and JONAH fall in to be read. Some special Notes concerning the Book of PSALMS. 59, &c.

SECT. XI. The Prophetical Books.

A Rule where and how to lay them, as to Order of Time: And as to the Precedency of the Prophets living under the same Reign. How to read the Prophets unto the Captivity. The Captivity-Books to be cast into a Chronicle. Scripture Chronology will direct to find what is not possible to express: And particularly the beginning of the Seventy Years Captivity. 65, 66

SECT. XII. The New Testament.

The Spirit and Glory of the Old Testament light upon the New. 66

Two things of singular Vse in reading of the New Testament. 1. In the Evangelists, to search out the true and exact Order. 2. In reading the New Testament, never to take the Eye off the Old. 67

SECT. XIII. Evangelium Mosaico-Propheticum.

The Gospel and History of Christ to be traced in Moses and the Prophets. 68

SECT. XIV. The Order of the Evangelists.

The Four Evangelists laid in an intire continued Story, till within a Twelvemonth of Christ's Death. A Note concerning the Supper in the Nineteenth Chapter of S. John. 72, 73

The rest of the Tract in Forty-four Sections, shew orderly and distinctly how each Evangelist is to be read, according to the Order of Time; together with Notes and Observations to prove the Order.

RULES FOR A STUDENT OF THE Holy Scriptures.

With Directions how to read the History of the Bible Methodically according to the true Order of Time; and consequently for the better Understanding, and more Profit.

p. 3RULES FOR A STUDENT OF THE Holy Scriptures.

SECT. I.

THAT the Scripture is the best Expositor of its self, none ever deny'd, but they that would not have the Scriptures expounded. The helps that it affords for explaining of its self, are various.

The first to be lookt after is the Language: The Spirit of God, upon the same Occasions, using the same Words in the Original. This observed, (which in Translations cannot be so well expressed) giveth Light to Things, which otherwise were obscure. The Groundwork of the Two Testaments is Hebrew and Greek, but upon Occasion flourisht with Chaldee, Arabic, Syrian, Latine, &c. The Holy Spirit p. 4seldom or never using these, but intimating something of Note, if our Eyes be but serious. So in Hos. V. 5. speaking of Israel's seeking God in Affliction, he useth the Chaldee Form; to teach where that Affliction and Seeking must be. So Psal. cxvi.12. the Benefits of God there spoken of are in Chaldee Form for the same reason. To spare more, the very Language, wherein the Doom of Babel is written on the Wall, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin, (the fullest Piece that ever the World saw in so few Words) imports a great deal of Divine Wisdom. But every one that desires to read the Bible with Profit, cannot see this.

The first thing then for them, that only read Translations, to be looked after in reading the Scriptures, is to lay the Books and Chapters in their true Order. The Holy Spirit hath, in divers Places, purposely and divinely laid Stories and Passages out of their proper Places for special Ends: The Evangelists especially witness this. Here the Skill of the Reader is, first to reduce each thing to his own Place: And secondly, to seek the Divine Reason, why it is misplaced.

The only way to come to this Skill, is by casting the Story of the Bible into a continued Chronicle. Which, as the Spirit hath given undoubted Helps to draw▪ so being drawn, it is the most Satisfactory, Delightsome, and Confirmative of the Understanding▪ Mind and Memory, that may be. This settles Histories in your Mind: This brings the things, as i… done, before your Eyes: This makes you mark what else you would not; and this suffers you not to slip over the least Tittle of a Word: And sometimes in things of Doubt and Scruple, this Strikes all out of Question. The great Doubts in the Primitive Church about Methuselah's living in the Year of the Flood, and of Sem's being Melchisedek, as they grew from this Course, so from this Course (had p. 5it been truly followed) they had been soon resolved. I will not anticipate your Study; else could I shew in Hab. iii.2. Joh. xiii. and other Places, Doubts to be raised, not to be answered, but b… Skill in Scripture Chronicle, and being so answered, of great Weight and Sweetness. Two or Three Hours Oral Instructions from one that hath gone this way, would give more Readiness in Scripture-text, than whole Days before. For the present take these literal Observations with you, which may something ease, and further you in your Entry upon this Course.

I. Observe, That the Scripture of the Old Testament hath in gross Sums chained the Times together, from the beginning of the World, to the Death of Christ. These are easie to find; and, upon the finding, it is no hard Task to find out the several or special manner of reckoning of every Link. As between the Creation and Flood, the Years are reckoned compleat. In the paralleling of Judah's and Israel's Kingdom, most commonly current, but sometimes otherwise.

II. The Jewish Year consisted of Twelve Lunary Months. That is, one Month full, and another wanting; or one of Nine and Twenty Days, and another of Thirty. Which Account came short of a Solary Year Eleven Days. Which Eleven Days in Three Years made a Month of Three and Thirty Days. So that Year had Thirteen Months; and the Emb…limean ▪ or Intercalary Month, they set last, and called it Ve…dar. See how he Holy Ghost reckons the Year of the Flood, answering this Account; but makes it a compleat Solar Year.

III. Their Year had a double beginning, Viz. From Tisri, from the Creation to the Departure out of Egypt: And from this Month the World and the Year of the Flood began. At their coming from Egypt, their Year began from the first New Moon, after the Vernal Solstice. And from this beginning they reckoned all their Ecclesiastick Accounts and p. 6Feasts, but one, Viz. the beginning of the great Jubilee; which was from Tisri, for special Type of good things to come.

IV. These are the common Names of their Months.

Some of them have other Names; as Zin, Abib, Bul, Ethanim. But where you find these, you will find to what Month to lay them. Their Agreement with our Months was thus.

Nisan,

March.

April.

Jiar, Zin.

April.

May.

Sivan,

May.

June.

Tammuz,

June.

July.

Ab,

July.

Aug.

Elul,

Aug.

Sept.

Tisri, Ethanim.

Sept.

Octob.

Marchesvan,

Octob.

Novem.

Cisleu,

Novem.

Decem.

Tebeth,

Decem.

Jan.

Shebet,

Jan.

Febr.

Adar,

Febr.

March.

V. Their Festivals appointed by the Law Yearly were but Four, (their New Moons, Beginnings of their Year, and Sabbath excepted) Viz. The Passeover, p. 7Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Expiation, and the Feast of Tabernacles. The two latter were fixed Feasts, always upon the same Days. As the Expiation Day was Tisri the Tenth, the Feast of Tabernacles the Fifteenth of the same Month, the reason see after at this mark ¶.

The other Two Feasts, the Passeover and Pentecost, were movable; and the latter was moved by the first. The Passeover was at the first Full Moon after the Vernal Equinox. This considered, shews the Eclipse at Christ's Death to be supernatural. And it was indifferently upon any Day of the Week, but constantly upon the Fourteenth of the Month. The Fifteenth Day was a solemn Day; and for that called a Sabbath, Lev. xxiii.11. that is, a solemn Festival Day; as the Chaldee Translation of …kel…s, and the Chaldee Paraphrase of Jonathan Ben …zziel render it well. The Day after in the Morning betime they offered the Sheaf of first Fruits: And thenceforward was all the Corn of the Land as sanctified to them, and they might eat it. This Day is called the Day after the Sabbath, Lev. xxiii.11. that is, after the first Day in the Passeover Week, as Aben Ezra, R. Solomon, R. Mena…em, &c. do truly take it, And this was on the Sixteenth Day of the Month in the Morning. Compare this with Christ. On the Passeover Day he suffered, the next Day he lay in the Grave, which was a Sabbath indeed. And on the third Morning he rose again, The first Fruits of those that slept, as S. Paul from this Type calleth him, 1 Cor. xv.20.

From this Day of the First Fruits Offering they began their Seven Sabbaths to Pentecost. The first Sabbath was called foreign that is, the first Sabbath after the second Day, Viz. in the Passeover Week, Luke vi.1. The next Sabbath was called foreign the third foreign, &c. and so to Pentecost. See at this mark †.

p. 8VI. Their Harvest was half a Year long. Barley Harvest began in Nisan, and Wheat Harvest ended in Tisri, or before it. These and other like things, which seem but small, yet in reading the Bible presly indeed, will prove of singular Use upon Occasion. The smallest thing is not to be neglected, that will give Instruction.

VII. Things of greater weight will shew themselves. Such are the Computations of times from a date, but the date uncertain. Such is Absalom's, 2 Sam. xv.7 of forty years. The beginning of which must be fetched from the time of Israel's desiring a King, 1 Sam. viii. Which Sin is here punished upon Israel, in the Rebellion of Absalom. Such an one is that, 2 Chron. xxii.2. of two and forty years; taking date from the first of Omri: In whose Line Joram, Ahaziah's Father, married. And therefore his Son's Reign is reckoned from the beginning of that wicked House. Such is that, Esay vii.8. of threescore and five years, which is to be counted backward, and will be found to begin from Esay's prophecying at the first. Such an one is that, Ezek. i.1. of thirty years, beginning from Josiah's Passeover, and Helkiah's finding the Book of the Law; which put them in mind of Captivity, which is now accomplished. Here must your Circumspection settle you.

VIII. In casting up the times of the Collateral Kingdoms of Judah and Israel, your only way is to lay them in Two Columns, one justly paralleling the other; and to run them both by Years, as the Text directs you. But here is Nicety indeed, not to see how strangely they be reckoned, sometimes inclusive, sometimes otherwise, (for this you will easily find) but to find a reason, why they be so reckoned. Some of them I will here present to you, thereby to explain my self.

Here in this Computation, which the Text layeth just thus, you may see these things to be observed. First, That Rehoboam's Seventeen Years are counted compleat. Secondly, That Abijam's Years are current. Thirdly, That whereas it is said, that Jeroboam p. 10reigned two and twenty years, and his Son Nadab two years, you find by this reckoning, that Nadab's Two Years fall within the Sum of his Father's Two and Twenty. This may seem strange; but the Resolution is sweet and easie from 2 Chron. xiii.20. The Lord smote Jeroboam with some ill Disease, that he could not administer, or rule the Kingdom. So that he was forced to substitute his Son Nadab in his Life-time. And in one and the same Year both Father and Son dye.

Divers such Passages, as these, you will find in this Story of the Kings, if you will but cast it into Annals after this manner, as be these. Ahaziah Two Years older than his Father, 2 Chron. xxii.2. Baasha fighting Nineteen Years after he is dead, 2 Chron. xvi.1. Jotham reigning Four Years after he is buried, 2 King. xv.30. Joram crowned King in the Seventeenth Year of Jehoshaphat, 2 King. i.17. compared with 1 King. xxii.51. And in the Two and Twentieth Year of Jehoshaphat, 2 King. viii.16. And after Jehoshaphat's Death, 2 Chron. xxi.1. Variety of such strange things are to be found by taking this course, which otherwise you can never see, nor doubt of. For Resolution of such Ambiguities, when you have found them, the Text will do it, if it be well searched. Conference with some Man or other, learned and practiced in this way, will soon resolve and remove all Scruples. One Month or two spent thus with a living Guide, will profit more than Seven Years Study spent according to the common way of reading the Bible. This way attained to will guide you it self in what else is agreeable to profitable reading. As in marking those things that seem to be Contradictions in the Text, or Slips of the Holy Ghost; (in which always is admirable Wisdom) Parallels of Times, Places and Persons, &c. Which, if you once fix sadly to make a Scripture-Chronicle, you cannot slip unmarked; and it will p. 11be enough to me to see you Doubt. I know your Doubting will not rest, till resolved.

I have here briefly run before you the Order of Scripture, as I conceive the Continuance of the History requires it to lye. If you will but settle to make a Scripture Chronicle, this is needless; for that will search out the Order for you: So that you may spare your Labour of reading this that I have written; and then I need not to excuse my Confusedness in it for haste. Yet if you do read it, it may shew you the Necessity of that, that I so instantly urge, viz. Skill in the Chronicle. For if there be whole Chapters and Books laid out of their Places, and the reason thereof commonly most sweet, what may we expect in smaller Bulk of things, as Genealogies, Names, Speeches, Years, Quotations, &c. but strange Variations, yet always Divine?

Admirable it is to see, how the Holy Spirit of God in Discords hath shewed the sweetest Music. But few Men mark this, because few …ake a right course in reading of Scripture. Hence, when Men are brought to see flat Contradictions, (as unreconciled there be many in it,) they are at amaze, and ready to deny their Bible. A little Pains right spent will soon amend this wavering, and settle Men upon the Rock; whereon to be built is to be sure.

SECT. II.

THE Canonical Books of the Bible are Seventy, (if the Psalms be parted into Five) like the Seventy Souls, that built up the House of Israel.

The Apocrypha speaks for it self, that it is not the Finger of God, but the Work of some Jews. Which got it so much Authority among Christians; because it came from them, from whom the p. 12lively Oracles of God indeed came also. But the Talmud may be read to as good Advantage, and as much Profit, and far more.

Leviathan reserved to be eaten, 2 Esdra vi.52. is Judaism ▪ in Targ. Jonath. in Gen. R. Sol. Elias … of all tastes in Wisd. xvi.20, 21. is Jewish, R. Sol. in Num. xi. Paradise created before the World is Judaism, in Targ. Jonath. in Gen. ii. Pirke R. Eliezer, R. Nephtali. Bel and the Dragon is a Jewish Parable from Jer. li.44. And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his Mouth, that which he hath swallowed up▪ &c.

… blessing Simeon, for the Slaughter of …, is worse than Jewish▪ Jud. ix.2. &c. flat against Jacob, who curseth the Fact; and against Moses ▪ who for it leaves him out of his Blessings, Deut. xxxiii.

Tobit's Chronology is worse than Heathenish, Tob. xiv.4, and 15. making the Ruin of Nineveh by Nebuchadnezzar, to depend upon Jonah's Prophecy: Whereas since Jonah's Prophesie that City had been de…royed by Arbaces and Belosus, and built again, and stood the Succession of Seven or Eight Kings, and near about Two Hundred Years before it was taken by Nebuchadnezzar. So might one censure the rest; but Verbum Sapienti. Believe not every Spirit.

SECT. III. GENESIS.

CHAP. I. THE Law begins with the Creation; because by the Creature is our first Step to the Knowledge of God, Rom. i.20. Ps. xix. It p. 13teacheth the end from the beginning, the Resurrection from the Creation: For if God made Man of D…st, he can raise him; our Spiritual Union with God in Glory, even in our Body, by the Union of our Spirit and Body in Creation.

God not named Jehovah, till the Creation be perfect, for special Reason.

The second Days Work not approved, but the third twice.

Heaven and Earth created in one and the same instant, as Center and Circumference.

The First Day.

The Heavens are made perfect, and move as soon as ever they are made, and with them are created the Angels. But the Earth is unformed and vast, all covered over with Water. And the Spirit of God, by the Motion of the Heavens, cherisheth the inferior Creature of Earth and Waters.

Twelve Hours did the Heavens move in Darkness; and then by God's Appointment Light appeared in that Hemisphere, in which God had decreed, that the Light of Religion should first shine. And there it gave Lustre for Twelve Hours more, declining by degrees with the Motion of the Heavens to the other Hemisphere; where it also shone Twelve Hours. So that the first Day to that part of the World, was ††So long was Joshuah's Day, when the Sun stood still; and so long was Christ under Death.Six and Thirty Hours long.

The Second Day.

As soon as ever the Light was gone off from this upper Horizon, God commanded, that (instead of that Vacuity, which was between the Waters, that p. 14covered the Earth, and the Clouds, which were created full of Water in the same instant with the Heavens,) the Air should be spread abroad throughout the Universe. And in Four and Twenty Hours the Command is accomplished.

The Third Day.

The Waters, that cover the Earth, at God's Command recoil Westward into those Channels, which God had appointed them. And still as they go away, and dry Land appears, Herbs, Plants and Trees, with their ripe Seed and Fruit upon them, grow instantly out of the Earth. This Day God plants the pleasant Garden of ††The Story of Eden, Gen. 11. ver. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. in proper Order should lye between ver. 12, and 13. of this Chapter. But Moses hath reserved the History of that to be handled at Adam's being placed in it. Because he would dispatch his Treatise of Generals before he come to Particulars.Gen 11:9Gen 11:10Gen 11:11Gen 11:12Gen 11:13Gen 11:14Eden.

The Fourth Day.

The Sun, Moon and Stars created. The inferiour Hemisphere first sees the Sun: Or else the Moon was made before the Sun.

The Fifth Day.

Fowl and Fish made. The Whale particularly named, to shew, that even the greatest Creature could not make it self.

The Sixth Day.

Beasts and Cattel created; and Man, Lord of the Creatures on Earth: Who come to acknowledge p. 15their Homage to Man, when they come for their Names. Which Adam giveth them,GEN. II. Begin to read this Chapter at ver. 4. This Chapter is a particularizing upon some Generals of the Chapter preceding.Gen 2 at their first Sight, according to their Natures. He seeth not amongst them all a Mate for himself. God provides one for him of his own Flesh, marries them together, puts them into the Garden, gives them the Moral Law in few Words; and to shew to them their intire Dominion, as well over themselves, as over the Creature, he leaves them to their own free Will, with Power either to stand or fall. He gives his Angels charge over them, to be ministring Spirits for their Good. Some Angels despise this Office, and for that Pride are cast from their first Estate of Happiness, and are reserved in the Chains of God's Providence, under the Darkness of his Displeasure, unto the Judgment of the great Day.

No Comfort they have left them, but to have Company of the same Misery, and to bring Man into the same Perdition.GEN. III.Gen 3 This they soon enterprize; and having first obtained Leave of God, they assail the Woman by three Temptations, to the Lust of the Flesh, Lust of the Eye, and Pride of Life, as 1 Joh. ii.16. she being overcome bringeth the Man into the same Transgression. About Three Hours after their Fall, God cometh to censure them, but first he promiseth Christ, a Redeemer. Which Promise Adam layeth hold on; and for that calleth his Wife's Name Eve, or Life.

God seeth his Faith, and teacheth him to Sacrifice clean Beasts, as a Seal of his Faith in him, who should be sacrificed for him. With the Skins of which Beasts he cloatheth Adam and his Wife, and driveth them out of Eden, even on the Day of their Creation.

p. 16The Seventh Day.

After the end of Gen. iii. take in the three first Verses of Chap. ii. That Adam fell on the day of his Creation, were there no other Evidence, Gen. v. 2. were sufficient.Gen 3Gen 5:2The next Day God, by his own Example ordaineth as a Day of Rest, for Adam and his Posterity to meditate upon these things.

Evil Concupiscence, generated in Adam by his Fall, doth readily forward Adam upon the present Necessity of Generation of Children.GEN. IV.Gen 4 He hath two born at a Birth: First, that which was Natural, and after him that which was Spiritual. Their Mother, upon the Birth of the first of them, shews her Apprehension of the Promise, and calls his Name Cain, a Possession or Purchase: ††The Original Words may well, if not best, bear this Sense.For, saith …he, I have obtained the Lord, to become Man. But the Purchase or Possession of the Propagation of Original Sin, did most shew it self in the Nature of Cain. Because his Brother's bloody Sacrifice, which properly signified that of Chris… was visibly fired from Heaven, and his dry Sheaves of Corn, the likelier Materials to burn, are not, he falls into a desperate Discontent; which, tho' God himself from Heaven would remove with ††The common Gloss upon ver. 7. Sin lies at the Door: That is, the Punishment for Sin is ready to seize on thee, is that, contrary to the Sense of the Verse going before, and the latter end of that Verse. God comes not there to deject, but comfort him. The Word foreign translated Sin, signifies the Sacrifice for Sin, all along Leviticus, which was brought to the Tabernacle Door.comfortable Words, yet sticketh it fast, even to the Death of his Brother. For which he is made a Runnagate, and hedged in that he cannot die, as Job iii.21. tho' he begged of the Lord, Let any one, that findeth me, kill me. God gives p. 17him a Token, that no one should kill him. Upon which he grows resolutely wicked, as appears in the Discipline of his Children. One of which Lamech, the seventh from Adam in this Line, is notoriously wicked, and bringeth in height of Wickedness by his double Marriage.This Chapter undertaking to set down the Wickedness of Cain's Brood, runs on with the holy Line, till it stop at Enosh. In whose time that Wickedness began to be notorious. See 2 Pet. ii.5.2 Pet 2:5 Which Enoch, the seventh from Adam in the other Line, prophesieth against, Jud. ver. 12. Yet Lamech boasteth in his Villany, and even undervalues his great Grand…ire Cain. His Children give their Minds to Trades, that may further Luxury and Vanity; as fatting Cattel, Imagery, and Music. Thus is Cain's Generation scattered, and shall be utterly rooted out by the Flood.

But these are the Generations of Adam, that should hold out, and not fail.GEN. V. This Chapter is a a Chronicle of 1656 Years, from the Creation to Methuselah's Death. This time is called, Early in the M…ning, or the dawning of the Day, Mat. xx.1. This Chapter, cast into a Chronological Table, giveth much Light to what went before, to what follows, and to it self.Gen 5Matt 20:1 In the Day that God made Adam, he created him in his own Image; even both the Male and Female he made in this Image; and blessed them with Power of begetting Children, in the same Image also; but they fell on the Day of their Creation; so that God names them Earthly Adam, the Day that they were created.

And when Adam was an Hundred and Thirty Years old compleat, he begat a Son in his own Image, sinful like himself, and called his Name Seth. And all the Days of Adam were Nine Hundred and Thirty Years; a Thousand within Seventy: But now Seventy Years are a Man's whole Age, Psal. xc.10▪ p. 18In this long time Adam saw his Children's Children to the Ninth Generation. Enoch, the Seventh from Adam, is dedicated to God, as the Seventh Day, and God took him away, that he should not see Death, when he had lived as many Years as be Days in a Year. Enoch, before he was translated, prophesied against the Wickedness of the World, and foretold of the Flood. Which those that feared God believed; and therefore kept themselves long unmarried, because they would not beget many Children for the Waters. For Methuselah lived an Hundred Eighty-seven Years, and begat Lamech, and Lamech lived an Hundred Eighty-two, and begat a Son, and foresaw that to him should be given Liberty for all the World to eat Flesh; whereby they should be much eased of the Toyl which they endured in Tillage of the Ground; when hitherto they ate nothing but the Fruits thereof; and he called his Name Noah. And when Noah was Five Hundred Years old,That Sem was Noah's second Son, collect from Gen. v.32. and vii.11. and xi.10.Gen 5:32 he begat Japhet, and Two Years after he begat Sem, and afterward he begat Ham.

GEN. VI. To Noah God determines the Date of the old World an Hundred and Twenty Years; and then should all perish, but himself, and Family. Who should be preserved in a large and spacious Ark; which Noah and his Sons make, and enter into in the Year of the World MDCLVI,GEN. VII.Gen 7 on the Seventeenth Day of Marheshwan, or the Second Month; having newly buried his Grandfather ††Methuselah dieth at the most not above Forty Days before the Rains begin. This Enoch foresaw, when he named him so. Methushelah, He dieth, and it is sent.Methuselah. With him he taketh of Birds, Beasts and Cattel; some for Preservation of the kind; of unclean Creatures p. 19only a Couple, but of clean three Couple for Breed, and an odd one to sacrifice upon his Delivery. The Rains begin, and within Forty Days the Earth is as it was at the Creation, all covered with Waters. When the Wicked see Destruction begin, it is too late to pray. For when they would not make their Prayer to God in a time, when he might be found, in the Flood of Waters they could not make their Prayers to come nigh him, Psal. xxxii.6. They are soon wiped away with Waters. Job xxii.15, 16. Hast thou marked the old way, which wicked Men have trodden? Which were cut down out of time; whose Foundation was overflown with a Flood. And their Spirits are now in Prison. 1 Pet. iii.19. The Waters grow Fifteen Cubits above the highest Mountain. The Ark draws Water Eleven Cubits.

On the First of Sivan the Waters ebb, and but a Cubit in Four Days for Two Months together; but faster,GEN. VIII.Gen 8 being got within the Compass of the Mountains. After Noah had been a compleat Solar Year in the Ark, he cometh out,GEN. IX.Gen 9 and sacrificeth, and receiveth a Blessing, and **The Doctrine of Transubstantiation is against this Law of Nature and Nations.Liberty of eating Flesh, but without the Blood. The Rainbow, that before was only Natural, is now also††The Rainbow the likeliest Sacrament to be of Accidents, that ever was, yet are they in a subject. Transubstantiation teacheth strange Philosophy. Sacramental. Man's Age is halfed. Noah many Years after the Flood is overtaken with Wine, and discovered. Sem and Japhet joyned in Religion. Cain cursed in his Son Canaan.

p. 20As before the Flood, so after, the Multitude grows wicked. The Children of Noah's Three Sons joyntly go about to build a Rendezvous for Idolatry.GEN. X, XI. These two Chapters may seem to lye wrong, in that the Dispersion of Nations is told, Chap. x. before the Cause of it; which was the building of Babel, Chap. xi. But the reason of reckoning thus is, to shew first, that the Sons of Sem, Ham and Japhet, were alike accessary to that Rebellion; and that when he had related the Story of Babel, and the Dispersion, he might follow the Story of Heber, and that Family that held to the first Tongue.Gen 10 Which Work God disannulleth, by confounding their Hebrew Tongue into divers Idioms. Our Father Japhet's Sons have every one a several Tongue, which Sem's and Ham's have not. This makes their calling home again to God to be the longer, by how much they are the further severed from that Tongue, in which only God was truly professed. At Babel began Heathenism, and Men, as before the Flood, to be the Sons of Men, Gen. xi.5. And so are to continue, till Christ give Priviledge to them to be called the Sons of God, Joh. i.12. The Means must be by the Gift of Tongues, Acts ii. At Babel Ages are again halfed. Peleg dies the youngest Man mentioned, since the Creation.The Ages of these Fathers, before the Tower, are summed up, because there is no m…re to be said of them. Cast this Chapter into a Chronological Table, and you shall find Eber alive after A…raham is dead. In all this Chapter it is not said, …, as Gen. v. till it come to Terah, and Terah died in …. In Gen. v. it is said of those Fathers, that they Died; to … ▪ that they were not swept away with the Flood. …, with whom this Genealogy begins, is alive, and … the Name of Melchizedek, Gen. xiv. … the rest are not mentioned, till Terah; …, to shew, that Abram left … Terah's Age at Abram's Birth …. 4. Gen. xi.3.Gen 5Gen 14Gen 11:3 His Father Heber holds the Language and Religion of the Holy p. 21Fathers from the beginning: But his Children swerve, especially Terah, who is Idolatrous in Ur of Chaldea: And when he is an Hundred and Thirty Years old, begets Abram, whom he traineth up in Idolatry also.

Christ is promised to Abram in a Heathen Town, which Promise in time was to concern the Heathens.GEN. XII.Gen 12 Terah and Abram both leave their Idolatry, and Country, and embrace the Promise. They go for the Land, which was promised, as an earnest of a greater Mercy. Terah dies by the way. Abram goes into Canaan, and builds two Altars ††Compare Deut. xxvii. and Josh. viii. with this.Deut 27Josh 8, one upon Gerizim, and the other upon Ebal, by Faith taking Possession of that Land. Afterward by his own Sufferings he sheweth what they should suffer, that should inherit that Land, before they come there. For Famine drives him into Egypt; where, when Canaan wanteth Corn thro' want of Rain, the River Nilus supplies that Defect, and affords Sustenance. His Wife Sarai, a white Woman, is soon espied by the Blackamoors of Egypt, and commended, and taken to the King; but restored upon the plaguing of Pharoah; a Type of Things to come.

Upon his return to Canaan, Let at Mount Ebal, the Hill of Cursing, doth wilfully alienate himself, and His,GEN. XIII.Gen 13 from the Communion of Abram, and the Church in his House.

For which he is justly punisht with Captivity, with the Sons and Curse of Canaan, and becomes a Prisoner to Chedorlaomer, a Son of Elam, the Son of Sem;GEN. XIV.Gen 14 p. 22but is released by Abram; who by Promise was Lord of that Land, and suffers not the Spoil to go out of the Land, but at Dan, upon the Frontiers of Canaan, gets it again. In his return he pays Tythes of the Spoil to Melchizedek, or Sem. Who having seen the two fearful Plagues of the World, the Flood, and the Confusion of Tongues, had out of a Godly Fear and Zeal given himself up totally to the Service of God, and voluntarily was become a Priest. He now refresheth Abram's weary Company with Bread and Wine, and him with a Blessing.

Which Blessing God secondeth with Promise of Children numerous, like the ††The Tribes are Stars in Joseph's Dream, Gen. xxxvii.Gen 37Stars,GEN. XV.Gen 15 and a new Promise of the Land of Canaan, with an evident Assurance by Vision, God himself passing in a Flame of Fire between the Parts of divided Beasts, as the Custom was in making Covenants, Jer. xxxiv.18. But withal sheweth Affliction by Egypt, before his Seed shall enjoy the Land.GEN. XVI.Gen 16 Which soon beginneth by Egyptian Hagar, that gendreth to Bondage.GEN. XVII.Gen 17 But the Son of the Freewoman must inherit the Promise. Which thing Abram believeth, and Circumcision is given him, a Seal of his Righteousness by Faith. And for the more Assurance ††From this, that Abram hath a new Name given him, when the Command of Circumcision is given him, after-times used to give Names to their Children at their Circumcision, Luk. i.59. and ii.21. as Christians do now at Baptism.Luke 1:59his and Sarai's Names are changed.

The Trinity in visible Form appears to Abraham, GEN. XVIII.Gen 18and determines the time of the Birth of the promised Seed.

p. 23Cham's Derision of his Father's Nakedness, shews it self in the filthy Nakedness of his Sons of Sodom;GEN. XIX.Gen 19 whose Flames of Lust are punisht with Flames of Fire, and even their Hell comes down from Heaven. Lot is delivered from the Ruin, but not from the Corruption of the City. God, that can bring Good out of Evil, brings a Mother of Christ according to the Flesh out of the Incest of Lot, viz. Ruth the Moabitess.

Isaac in his Mother's Womb taken by Abimelech, as Christ in Mary's Womb taxed by Cesar. GEN. XX.Gen 20To this Story of Sarah's being taken and kept, and released by the Plagues of a Philistin, compare the Case of the Ark in the Land of the Philistins, 1 Sam. v.6.

Isaac born. In his being born above the Course of Nature, Abraham seeth the Day of Christ, and rejoyceth;GEN. XXI.Gen 21 and in token calleth his Son's Name Isaac, Laughter. At Isaac's Fifth Year Ishmael mocketh: Then begin the Four Hundred Years Affliction exactly.

Isaac and the Ram, a true Type of Christ's two Natures; the one only Suffering, and the other not;GEN. XXII.Gen 22 yet that that suffer'd not, giving Validity and Value to that that suffer'd.

Sarah dieth, the only Woman whose Age is recorded in Scripture. Abraham hath not a Foot of Land of his own in Canaan, but only a Burial Place.GEN. XXIII.Gen 23 In the last Chapter you have Tidings of Rebecca, before the Death of Sarah; that one Sun may be ready to rise, before another set.

p. 24Isaac, having grieved Three Years for the Loss of his Mother, is comforted at last with Rebecca his Wife.GEN. XXIV.Gen 24

Who of Necessity must be barren, that the Seed may be of Promise, and not of Nature.GEN. XXV.Gen 25 This Barrenness of Sarah and Rebecca, and others; and yet having Children at last, was as an Harbinger, to provide room for the Belief of Christ's Supernatural Birth. See Luke i.36. Jacob and Esau quarrel before they be born. Esau loseth his Interest in God in the sale of his Birthright.

The Genealogy of Abraham and Ishmael, their Age and Death, are set down here, because there is no more to be said of them. Howbeit, Abraham lived till Jacob was Fifteen Years old, and Ishmael till he was Sixty three.

At Abraham's Death, when Isaac is now just Seventy-five Years old, the same Blessing is given to him,GEN. XXVI.Gen 26 that was given to Abraham, when he was Seventy-five.

At the same Age (probably) Jacob also getteth it from his Father, by taking on him to be Esau, GEN. XXVII.Gen 27when he was Jacob. And by this means obtains the Blessing of his Father.

Which Blessing God seconds, giving him the same Promise, as he goeth to Haran, GEN. XXVIII.Gen 28that he gave Abraham, to bring him thence.

p. 25But his unlawful Means of compassing his Father's Blessing God punisheth in the same kind.GEN. XXIX.Gen 29 So that after Seven Years Service he embraceth Leah instead of Rachel, as he had pretended Esau, instead of Jacob. He serveth for this a Week in earnest, that he will serve Seven Years more for Rachel, and at the Weeks end he obtains her.

In Seven Years hard Affliction he begetteth many Children. God taketh Care of Payment of his Wages:GEN. XXX.Gen 30 Types of what should happen to his Posterity. His Riches endanger him both to Laban, XXXI.who seeth with him the Fruit of his Flock; and to Esau, XXXII.who now seeth the Effect of the Blessing gotten from him,XXXIII. and the Benefit of the Birthright, which he had sold. But Jacob is Israel, A Prevailer with God, before he meets with Esau, and he cannot chuse then, but prevail with him.

Jacob's Remisness in the Discipline of his Family causeth the Rape of Dinah. Here Leah's tender Eyes have Cause to weep for her Daughter.GEN. XXXIV.Gen 34 Till now Jacob had hardly held touch with God in the Performance of his Vow, The Lord shall be my God.

And no wonder, if his Children miscarry. But at Bethel, where his Vow was made,GEN. XXXV.Gen 35 he purgeth his House from Idols; and there he again receives a Blessing, and is called an Israelite indeed now without Guile. Hos. xii.4. He found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us: That is, at this time, p. 26at Bethel, he calls him Israel, in Behalf of his Posterity: Who, while they should be, as his Family is here, purged from Iniquity, they should be Israel, powerful with God. Upon the naming of him Israel, which should concern all his Tribes, his Tribes are reckoned, upon the Birth of Benjamin, when they be now full.

Now the Story is to fall only upon Jacob, and his Children. Esau's Genealogy is reckoned;GEN. XXXVI.Gen 36 for no more is now to be said of him. Eight Kings of Edom before Israel had any; answerably Eight Kings of Israel kept the Kingdom of Edom.

Joseph sold by Judah to Midianites, Medanites and Ishmaelites. For which Fact Judah is justly punished in the Death of his Children,GEN. XXXVII, XXXVIII.Gen 37 and his own Shame. Seek earnestly in this Story, and you shall find Judah to have Children at the most at Twelve Years old, if not before.

Joseph sold into Egypt, is near ravishing by his black Mistress. His Coat is again shewed to colour the Wickedness of this Woman,GEN. XXXIX.Gen 39 as his bloody Coat was to colour that of his Brethren.

As for telling of Dreams he is sold, so by interpreting of Dreams he riseth to honour; when he seeth and telleth,GEN. XL.Gen 40 how Plenty and Famine over Egypt should be caused by Nilus. XLI.And the Famine, he knew, came as a just Judgment upon Egypt, for keeping his Innocence so long in Prison.XLII. The same Justice is shewed upon Canaan, from whence he was sold. p. 27Which makes his Brethren to bow to him for Corn, as their Corn-Sheaves did to his in his Dream.XLIII. His Brother Benjamin, who had no Hand in his Sale, yet is brought also to crouch to him,XLIV. to fulfil his Dream of his Mother bowing to him; for Benjamin cost her her Life.XLV. When all things, according to the fore signification, are fulfilled,XLVI. Joseph reveals himself to his Brethren, and sends for his Father; who cometh for Egypt. And then of his Generation, or that come out of his Loins, were Sixty-nine in number, and himself maketh the Seventieth.

He is presented before Pharaoh, who never saw so old a Man in all his Life. As he had nourished Joseph Seventeen Years before he was sold,GEN. XLVII.Gen 47 so Joseph nourisheth him in Egypt Seventeen Years before he dieth.XLVIII. Before his Death he swears Joseph to interr him in Canaan, XLIX.blesseth his two Sons particularly, and himself with the rest of his Brethren. He dieth an Hundred Forty-seven Years old. Joseph Fifty-three Years after dieth himself,L. and is cossined up in Egypt, to be carried to the Land of Promise, when Israel shall be delivered.

Before Joseph's Death Israel grows numerous in Egypt, if not before Jacob's, Gen. xlvii.27. And God chuseth them for his visible Church, Ezek. xx.5. And to his new chosen Church he appointed Levi to be Priest, to teach Israel the Ways of God, when their great Instructor, Jacob, is dead, 1 Sam. p. 28ii.27. His Repentance upon his Father's Curse, Gen. xlix.6, 7. obtaineth Pardon; and his Dividing in Jacob, and Scattering in Israel, becomes a Blessing. But after Joseph, Levi, and that Generation be dead, they forget God; as Judg. ii.7. They follow the Idols of Egypt, Ezek. xx.8. Jos. xxiv.14. They reject the Covenant of God, and Circumcision the Sign of it, they utterly neglect; so that they are uncircumcised like the Egyptians. Jos. v.9. Exod. iv.24, 25. They make mixt Marriages with the Egyptians, among whom they live; as Lev. xxiv.10. And following the Customs of Egypt, they make prohibited Matches among themselves, as Exod. ii.1. Lev. xviii.3, and 12.

Thus when his Church grows thus degenerate in Egypt, God hath ready a Church to shew among the Heathen,IOB. After Genesis, in order of time, lies the Story, and Book of Job. Which to read here, before you begin with Exodus, will breed Interruption of a continued Story. But when you do read Job, remember his time; and withal examine and mark, how he and his Friends speak closely of foregoing Stories. As of the Creation, Chap. xxxviii, xxxix, &c. The Fall of Angels and Men, Chap. iv. latter end, Chap. v.2. Cain's Case, who was hid from God's Favour, yet hedged in that he could not die, Chap. iii.21. The Fl…d and old World, Chap. xxii.6. Babel's Builders, Chap. iii.13. &c. V. 13. These and other such things you may find closely couched in their Speeches; which they came to know partly by Tradition, partly by living so near Israel, partly by Revelation; as Chap. iv.12. and Chap. xxxviii.1. (thereby to provoke Israel to Jealousie) even in the House of Job in Arabia. Whose like Israel had not,Job i.8. after the Death of Levi, and the Birth of Moses. God also chastiseth them by hard Affliction an Hundred and Twenty Years together, according to the time of the old World, Gen. vi.

p. 29SECT. IV. EXODUS.

THE Book of Exodus by the ancient Jews was called The Book of Redemption. Abarb. in Preface to Exodus. So the Work of Redemption is called Exodus, Luk. ix.31.

Israel's Sin causes hard Affliction: From which no Tribe is exempted; even the Royal one of Judah groans heavily under this Burden,EXOD. CHAP. I. To this first of Exodus, treating of the sore Affliction of Israel in Egypt, read P…. lxxxviii, and lxxxix. which were made by two Men, Heman and Ethan, who then lived and felt that Affliction. These were Ezrahites, or immediate Sons of Zerah, 1 Chron. ii.6. And Zerah was one of those Seventy, that went down to Egypt, Gen. xlvi.12. So that those two Psalms are the oldest piece of Writing the World hath to shew.1 Chr 2:6Gen 46:12 with the rest of his Brethren.

In these hard times is Moses born, a goodly Child, tho' his Mother were by Nature past the Course of Child bearing.EXOD. II.Exod 2 He is hid at his Birth, lest he should be slain; as he was also after his Death, lest he should be worshipped. His Mother is paid for nursing her own Child.EXOD. III.Exod 3 He lives Forty Years a Courtier; other Forty a Shepherd, spending his time in Divine Contemplation. In one of which Thoughts of God, God appears to him indeed, gives him Charge of the Delivery of his People, and withal gives him the Power of Miracles.

p. 30His Shepherd's Staff is turned into a Serpent for the Terror of Egypt, and Israel, if they rebel;EXOD. IV.Exod 4 but into a Rod again for Israel's Conduct, if they obey. His Hand is Leprous, to teach both them and himself, that not that impure Hand, but a greater, did those Miracles. Armed with these Powers he goes for Egypt. The first Night he had like to have lost his Son, for want of Circumcision. Which when he had received, he is unfit for a Journey; and so he and his Mother and Brother are left behind.

Pharaoh upon Moses Message adds Affliction. But God will approve himself Jehovah, EXOD. V, VI.Exod 5faithful in Promise. The Genealogy of Israel undertaken to be reckoned, but stops at Levi: Which Tribe was shortly to be taken for all Israel.

Pharaoh plagued five times, and hardens his Heart, when he is punisht for Sin.EXOD. VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII.Exod 7 Therefore God hardens his Heart five times more: So that he sins for a Punishment. At last Israel is delivered by the Blood of a Lamb. All Egyptian First-born slain: For which Israel's First-born is due to God. Egyptian Gods are overthrown, and their Dogs struck dumb. From their coming out of Egypt to the end of Exodus, the Text hath so pointed out the Months and Days, that being laid Kalendar-wise to view, they yield more Facility and Delight.

Here may you understand a place of S. Paul, 1 Cor. x. They drank of the R…k that followed them. Horeb and Sinai were at one Mountain. For the Law given in Sinai, Exod. xix.20. is said to be given in Horeb, Mal. iv.4. yet Exod. xvii. Israel is in Horeb, or under it, drinking Water: And Exod. xix.1. they go from Horeb to Sinai. Yet these two were the same Hill. The Hill had two Names; one side of it was called Horeb (Drought,) because it wanted Water, till this Miracle; the other side p. 35was called Sinai, (Bushy,) because of the Brambles there. In one of these did God appear in Fire. So that Israel's marching from Horeb to Sinai, Exod. xix.1. is no more but this, they had lien Four Days under the Hill Sinai, on the South-west side of it: Which side is called Horeb, from the want of Water there; but Moses smote the Rock, and Water came out, and the People drank their Fill. Then they removed thence, to the East side of the Hill, marching about the Foot of it. And the Brook of Water, that issued out of the South side, ran about the Skirts of the Hill, even to the place where they pitched on the other side, called Sinai.

This Rock was Christ, even as the Bread is his Body. Not really, for then Moses had had his Doom here of not entring Canaan, for striking of Christ really; and he had been as bad as the Roman Soldiers, that opened his Side.

The next Chapter, viz. Exod. xviii. is misplaced. Therefore when you have read the Seventeenth Chapter, go to the Nineteenth. For the proper Place of the Eighteenth is to come in between the Tenth and Eleventh Verses of Num. x. For this p. 36Election of Judges by the Counsel of Jethro was not till they were ready to depart from Sinai, Deut. i.6, 7, 8, 9, &c. Now the reason why the Story of Jethro is laid here, is this; Amalek is cursed, Exod. xvii.14. Among the Amalekites lived Jethro, 1 Sam. xv.6. Now to shew that Jethro found Favour both with God and Israel, immediately after the Curse of Amalek, it was fit that Jethro's coming to Israel should be set down, to shew that he fell not under that Curse.

p. 40Fifty Days after Israel's Departure out of Egypt, they receive the Fire of a Law at Sinai, the Sixth Day of Sivan in the Morning. In the Afternoon he goes up to the Mount, and receives Fifty-seven Ceremonial and Judicial Laws of nearest Relation to the Moral. That Night he writeth them in a Book, here is a piece of Writing older by Forty Days, than the two Tables. The next Day Morning he causeth an Altar to be built▪ to represent God, and twelve Pillars, to represent the twelve Tribes. He commands the First born of Israel to offer Sacrifice, and Peace-Offerings. With the Blood he sprinkles the Altar, and the twelve Pillars. Which **Here is a Figurative Speech in the first Covenant: So the Bread is Christ's Body in the second.because they represented the People, they are called the People. And thus Israel enters into Covenant. Which when they were, their Elders draw near to God; which while they were out of Covenant, they might not do without Danger. Then did they eat a solemn Holy Dinner, eating those Parts of the Peace-Offerings before the Lord, which were left at the making of the Covenant. And in the Strength of this Meat Moses was in the Mount Forty Days, and Forty Nights, and ate nothing, but lived by the Words that proceeded out of the Mouth of God. In Divine Contemplation he se…th Christ, as he was to be shewed to the Jews, till the time of Reformation should come, under the Figures of a Tabernacle, and a Priest. The sight of which taught him Christ to the full, in his Natures and Off…ces.

In the Tabernacle were three Crowns, answerable to his three Offices; Viz. the Crown of the Law, the Crown of the Priesthood, and the Crown of the Kingdom.

p. 41The Crown of the Law was the Ark, a Chest gilded with Gold within and without, as Christ was pure from Sin both in Thought and Action. The Cover, a piece of massy Gold, called, The Mercy-Seat, because it hid the Law, and because God from it spake favourably to Men, from between Cherubins, which once were Instruments of his Indignation, Gen. iii. ult.

The Crown of the Priesthood was on … of Incense: Which stood between … stick and Shew-Bread, and sanctified them both by Prayer.

The Crown of the Kingdom was on the Table of Shew-Bread; where a several Golden Dish, applied to every Loaf, shewed God's special Care of every Tribe in particular. The Measure of Meal, viz. Two Omers, put into every Cake, and the Cakes set before the Lord on the Sabbath-Day, put Israel in mind of their Sustinence in the Wilderness: When their Stint on the Sabbath was two Omers, Exod. xvi. For this, they might justly rely upon him for their Daily Bread.

p. 47¶ And on the Tenth of Tisri, ¶Moses cometh down from his third Fast. And now God is reconciled to Israel, and the Case is well with them. He brings down two new Tables; hath Commission to begin with the making of the Tabernacle. The Cloud of Glory is restored to the Camp again.

And because all these good Tidings came to Israel upon the Tenth of the Month Tisri, for this that Day is set apart to be observed every Year, for the Feast of Expiation: When the High Priest entred into the most Holy Place with Blood; an exquisite Type of Christ, if it be searched to the Quick.

Because Moses had told Israel, at his coming down from the Mountain, of the making of the Sanctuary; by which they conclude it will be long before their Removal from Sinai; therefore on the Fifteenth of Tisri they begin to make themselves Mansions, and Booths to lodge in, till their Removal. For this, that Day is appointed for the Feast of Tabernacles to Posterity.

And now they begin to fall in Hand with the Work, in the same Month that the World began. And in it are Six special Works, like those of the Creation.

All the Men, from Twenty Years old and upward, contribute each one half a Shekel for the Silver Foundation. Some gave something else. And the Women bestow their Pains of spinning and sewing, and their Looking Glasses.

These Six Months current are they busie. Against the first Month of the next Year all is ready. So on the First of Nisan, Anno Mundi MMDXIV. they begin to set the Tabernacle up: Which was Six Days in doing. When it is finished, the Cloud descends on it.

Thus ends Exodus in a Cloud; under which we are to look for a more perfect Tabernacle, not made with Hands: In which the Godhead should dwell bodily, as the Cloud here.

p. 48SECT. V. LEVITICUS.

OUT of the Tabernacle newly erected God giveth Ordinances for the Service of it in Sacrifice of all Kinds, the Office of the Priest, &c. CHAP. I, II, III, IV, &c. even all the Book. For these things were delivered to Moses in the beginning of the Month Nisan. On the Fourteenth Day they keep the Passover. Therefore read next Numb. Ch. ix. all the Chapter; and Ch. x. to ver. 11.Which his Sons missing in, dye by Fire; as also Shelomith's Son by Stones.

These Ceremonies of Moses, some were Doctrines of Faith, some of Manners, and some of both. Study them presly; for they are of infinite Sweetness, and Satisfaction. Measure the rest by the one Law of Clean and Unclean. Which, among other things, ground us in these Doctrines.

I. That nothing is unclean to be touch'd, while it is alive, but Man. See Mat. xv.11.

II. There are degrees of Uncleanness; Leprosie the greatest.

III. Every one that came to be judged of by the Priest, was unclean, tho' not Leprous.

IV. The Priests could not make, but only pronounce clean and unclean. The Power of the Keys is spoken of from this Place, and in this Phrase.

V. Every Priest had this Priviledge, as well as the High Priest. Hence must we understand, that Peter's Power of the Keys was not singular.

VI. He that was Leprous all over was to be pronounced clean. For it appeared that all the Poyson was come forth. But he that had any live Flesh, p. 49that shewed not Leprous, was unclean. A Doctrine against Merit, and the Power of Man to Good.

VII. No final Excommunication, but for Leprosie.

VIII. The Priests, that were to be Judges of Leprosie, could not be tainted with it. Hence when Aaron and Miriam are both in the same fault, of murmuring against Moses, Miriam is struck with Leprosie, but Aaron is not. So when King Uzziah would be meddling with the Priests Office, God useth no other way to chastize him, and to shew him his Error, than by striking him with Leprosie, with which the true Priests could not be tainted.

SECT. VI. NUMBERS.

IN the beginning of the last Month the Sanctuary was pitched:CHAP. I, II, III, IV. And so is their Camp in the beginning of this second Month.

All Israel numbred▪ from Twenty Yea… old, and upward. None of this number are to enter Canaan. Levi was exempt from this Curse; and therefore they are numbred by themselves.

Their Camp is pitched. The Sanctuary in the middle; for Religion is the Heart of a State. The Levites at a distanc… pitch next it in a Quadrangular Body, clean about it. At a greater distance, even about them, Two Thousand Cubits from the Tabernacle, pitcheth the Body of the Army in the same Form: Every side of the Square carrying its several Colours. Judah the Picture of a Lion: Ephraim a Bullock; Reuben a Man; Dan an Eagle. Compare this with God's dwelling in the Church of the Christians, Rev. iv.

p. 50The Law concerning the Unclean, and the suspected Wife; that their new pitched Camp might be pure.NUM. V, VI.Num 5 And of Nazarites, the only Votaries of the Laity.

The Prince's Offer to the Sanctuary. More Ordinances about it. About this time comes Jethro to Moses. NUM. VII, VIII.Num 7His long Absence had been because of Distaste he took at Moses, Then should you go to Chap. x. ver. 11. But take in Exod. xviii. before. Then read Num. x. from ver. 11. to the end of the Chapter.Exod 18Num 10for sending Zipporah back, when he went for Egypt.

Israel removes from Sinai, having pitched there a whole Year within some few Days.

The Peoples murmuring causeth a Plague. Aaron's and Miriam's murmuring against Moses his Heathenish Wife,NUM. XI, XII.Num 11 which was but newly come among them.

The Decree of their wandring in the Wilderness Eight and Thirty Years longer,NUM. XIII, XIV.Num 13 and that all that were numbred at Sinai should not enter Canaan, Read here Psal. xc. which was made upon this Decree.Ps 90cometh forth irrevocable.

Some Laws given to those,NUM. XV.Num 15 that should enter the Land.

p. 51Korah, Dathan and Abiram, murmur against the Function of Moses, and the Priesthood of Aaron. NUM. XVI.Num 16They are punished alike in kind, but not in degree. Korah's Sin was not altogether so heavy, as the other. He was of the Priestly Tribe Levi; therefore for him to affect the Priesthood was not so heinous, as for Dathan and Abiram, who were meerly Laymen. Answerably Korah's Punishment was not so heavy as theirs: For all their Children were swallowed up with them, but Korah's were not. Samuel came of Korah, and some Psalmists, that made divers Psalms.

Aaron's Priesthood is justified, by the budding of his withered Rod; as a Priesthood should bud,NUM. XVII.Num 17 when Aaron's was withered.

Upon this Approval, special Services for the Priests are appointed. Miriam dieth in their last wandring Year.NUM. XVIII, XIX, XX.Num 18 Moses and Aaron excluded out of Canaan, for being more angry at Israel than God himself. This shewed, that the Promise aimed at better things, than the Land of Canaan; out of which even the Holiest among them they see excluded.

Sihon and Og overcome. It is Six and Twenty Generations since the Creation. Answerably Psal. cxxxvi. doth Six and Twenty times extol the Mercy of God, His Mercy endureth for ever: NUM. XXI.Num 21Beginning the Psalm from the Creation, and ending it in the Overthrow of Sihon and Og. By which Israel first took Possession of the Land promised.

p. 52Balaam is hired to curse Israel, but cannot. He curseth Rome for Crucifying Christ. NUM. XXII, XXIII, XXIV.Num 22Chap. xxiv.24. This is the Groundwork of the Revelation.

Balaam, when he cannot curse, lays a Stumbling-block in Israel's way, by bringing Midianitish Women among them.NUM. XXV.Num 25 By whom they fall to Lewdness; which procures a Plague among them, that sweeps away those that were yet left of the Account at Sinai.

When the old Stock is gone, they that must enter Canaan are numbred.NUM. XXVI.Num 26 Thus as they were delivered Moses by number,From hence to the end of the Book, all things are facil, and in order. by number he delivers them up.

SECT. VII. DEUTERONOMY.

MOses, in the Eleventh Month of the last Year of their wandring, rehearseth and explaineth precedent Laws and Stories. He blesseth all the Tribes, but only Simeon; giveth Judah Priority of Levi; dieth, and is buried by Christ; who was to bury his Ceremonies. The Cloud of Glory departeth upon Moses's Death.

p. 53SECT. VIII. IOSHUA.

JOshua of Joseph succeedeth him, to bring them into Canaan, as Joseph had brought them into Egypt.

This Book contains a Story of Seventeen Years, beginning from Nisan the Sixth, Anno M…ndi MMDLIII. The first Seven Years are spent in Wars; and then have they Peace, and set up the Tabernacle in Ephraim, and call the Town Shiloh, i. e. Peaceable.

God gives Joshua Authority, and even puts the Law into his Hands, as that was the manner of crowning their Kings,IOS. I. 2 Chron. xxiii.11. This was the Sixth of Nisan; that Day he makes Proclamation of Removal after three Days compleat; and withal, that Day sends two Men to spy Jericho;IOS. II. who take up their Lodging in a Victualler's House, called Rahab, an honest Woman, tho' of a scandalous Profession. But they come out again that Night. The Seventh Day they lye in the Mountains; the Eighth Day they return.

The Ninth Day the People march along upon Jordan's Banks down, till they come over against Jericho. IOS. III.The Ark leadeth the Van.

They pass Jordan on the Tenth; the Waters being divided four Thousand Cubits, besides where the Body of the Army marched in two Parts.IOS. IV

p. 54The Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth Days, they are busie about Circumcision. On the Fourteenth they keep the Passover;IOS. V, VI. and so are sensible of both their Sacraments at once. Till the Twenty-first at Even is their Passover Week. From thence they strangely besiege Jericho, compassing it Seven Days, according to the Seven Generations, since the Land was promised. The Spoil of this Town must deservedly be, as the first Fruits of Canaan, due to the Lord.

Which Achan meddling with, makes Israel abominable. In the Valley of Achor, which is here the beginning of their Trouble,IOS. VII. must be the beginning of their Hope, Hos. ii.15. Joh. iv.

Ai taken, and the Spoil given to the Soldiers. And here they begin to take Possession of Canaan. IOS. VIII.Then Joshua builds an Altar, just where Abraham had done, when he took Possession of the Land by Faith, Gen. xii.

IOS. IX.The Gibeonites deceive by colour of Antiquity.

A miraculous Day of Thirty-six Hours long. A humane History, Sepher Jasher, cited,X, &c. as Paul cites Heathen Poets, and Talmudic Doctors.

From hence to the end of the Book is a Survey of the Land, and some few Histories interlaced; of no Scruple for Order: Only the Story of Caleb's taking of Kiriah Sepher, Chap. xv.14. is rehearsed Judg. i.12. as if it were after Joshua's Death; but p. 55in this Book it is in the proper Place. It is rehearsed in Judges, because there speaking, how Judah was appointed Captain by God, it relates this Story, to shew why Othniel was looked after rather than any other of Judah, because of his Valour tried before in this Action.

SECT. IX. IUDGES.

GOD, to make easier way for Israel's Possession of the Land of the Amorites, useth the Amorites for their Furtherance. So Sihon and Vahob, King of Moab, CHAP. I.fall to Wars; and Sihon taketh Land from Moab, that Israel might take it from him, that was an Amorite; for with a Moabite they might not meddle. So Adonibezek, and his Neighbour Kings, fall to civil Wars, and he conquers Seventy of them ready to Israel's Hand. So that when they have conquered him, they have conquered so many. They cut off his Thumbs and great Toes, and bring him to the great Town of the Kingdom, Jerusalem, and there for Terror to others do publickly kill him.

The things next related after the Overthrow of Adonibezek, as the taking of Hierusalem, Hebron, and Kiriath Sepher, were done in Joshua's time: But they are rehearsed for this reason, that we might see, that Judah was chosen General after Joshua's Death by God. That Israel might war under one, to whom they were used and acquainted. For Judah was made General by Joshua, even in his Lifetime. And this Matter of Othniel named here, to shew why he is made Judge afterward.

p. 56In the rest of the Chapter the Order is proper; only whereas some things are mentioned here, which are mentioned in Joshua's Book, as ver. 27, 29. about Israel's not expelling the Canaanites; it is to shew, that as it was not done before Joshua's Death, so neither was it done after.

For which they have heavy tidings from God. Joshua's Age and Death mentioned again,IVDG. II. to v. 11. then read CHAPP. XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXI, of this Book. to shew, that in his time, all was well with them. After the Tenth Verse of this Chapter take in the XVII, XVIII▪ XIX, XX, XXI. Chapters of this Book; for hereabout is their Order. For howsoever these these Stories be laid in the end of the Book, yet were the things, there mentioned, done before any Judge arose in Israel. For the evidencing of which, consider First the Connexion of the Passages there mentioned one to another.I.

Micah of Ephraim set up an Idol, as Jeroboam of the same Tribe did afterward. The Danites take it away,IUDG. XVII, XVIII. even in Micah's Life time, and set it up publickly in Dan, as Jeroboam also did afterwards. And Jonathan, a Grandchild of Moses, is the first publick Idolatrous Priest. This Moses had for marrying in an Idolatrous Line. Dan for Idolatry first set up in his Tribe is not sealed, Rev. vii. among Israel. Upon Toleration of Idolatry all Iniquity follows;IUDG. XIX, XX. so that a City of Israel becomes Sodom. Against this City all Israel goes by God's Permission to War; and yet Forty Thousand are slain by a most wicked Tribe. Thus did God avenge his own cause, when none of Israel would be zealous for him against p. 57the Idolatry newly set up; and yet all of them could be so sensible, and vindicative of Injury done to a Whore.

When God hath used Benjamin to execute his Wrath against Israel, for not punishing Dan's and Micha's Idolatry;IUDG. XXI. he useth Israel to punish Benjamin, for not delivering up Gibeah to Justice for her Villany, Thus is the Story knit to it self.

Secondly, Consider, that the beginning of this Book is the proper place for these Histories, tho' they be laid in the latter end. For,II.

1. The Israelites follow Idols after the Death of the Elders, Judges iii. Micah is the first that sets it up.

2. There is no King in Israel then; that is, before any Judge rose.

3. The Danites are not yet settled; that could not be long after Joshua's Death.

4. Phinehas is yet alive, Chap. xx.28 So that we must needs cast things into the Thirty-second Year, ascribed to Othniel's Judgeship, before Cushan afflict them.

Thirdly, Consider the Reason, why the Stories are so mislay'd. It is,III. that the Eleven Hundred Pieces of Silver, that made Dan's public Idol, Chap. xvii.2. and the Eleven Hundred Pieces of Silver from every Philistin Prince, Chap. xvi.5. that brought Sampson of Dan to his End untimely, might be laid together for secret Instruction to the Reader.

p. 58Then return to Chap. ii. ver. 11. and from thence to the end of the Sixteenth Chapter,IVDG. II. ver. 11. to the end of Chap. xvi. and to the end of the Book. But the Book of Ruth to be taken in near the beginning. there is no Scruple for Order. Only the Book of Ruth is to come in about the beginning of this Book; but the exact place where is not easie to find.RUTH. Thus near you may go. Salmon begat Boaz of Rahab, Mat. i.5. and Boaz married Ruth. Ruth, Ch. ult. Salmon came with Joshua into Canaan, and Boaz was in the next Generation. Allow Rahab to live two Years in Israel, before she had a Child by Salmon; and withal allow Boaz to be Seventy or Eighty Years old, before he marry Ruth; yet is Ruth's Story then about Thirty Years before Ehud's Death. Their going to sojourn in Moab, Ruth i. is likely to be many Years before Moab be Israel's open Enemy …dges iii.12.

In casting the Years of the Judges, observe that the times of the Afflicters are to be included in the times of the Judges. As Chap. iii. Cusham Rishathaim oppressed Seven Years; and Othniel judged Forty. These Seven Years must be included in the Forty, and not be counted as Forty-seven. St. Paul reckoneth them at extent, Acts xiii.20. He gave them Judges about the space of Four Hundred and Fifty Years.

p. 59SECT. X. I. SAMUEL, &c.

THE Seventeen first Chapters of 1 Sam. lye without scruple of Interposition or Transposition.CHAP. I. From the beginning of the Book to Chap. xvii. From the Seventeenth Chapter forward, the Psalms, Proverbs, &c. fall in in their time and order.

As for the PSALMS, it is above the Reach of Man to bring all those to the Time and Occasion,Touching the Book of PSALMS. wherein and whereupon they were made. Sometime the Title resolves us, sometime the Phrase gives strong Presumption; in some we have no Light at all for these things. Those that are titled to Resolution you may easily lay in their Places. For the other, and for the whole Book of Psalms, take these Observations.

1. The Psalms are divided into Five Books, according to the Five Books of Moses: Where a Psalm ends with Amen, is the end of a Book: Compare them with Moses his Five Books, and you will see how sweetly they agree.

2. The Jews have this Rule for the Authors of such or such Psalms. Those Psalms which have not a Title to express who made them, are to be referred to the next Author that is named before. So Psalms xci, xcii, xciii, xciv, xcv, xcvi, xcvii, xcviii, xcix, c. by their Rule were made by Moses, the Author next named before, in Psal. xc. in tit. The p. 60Subject indeed may inforce no less, the Psalms treating concerning things done in Moses's time; as the Tabernacle, the Sabbath, the Temptation in the Wilderness, &c. But Samuel is named in Psal. xcix. 6. but it is as David is in Psal. lxxxix.

3. There be Psalms, which have no Title, yet the Subject and Phrase, in divers of them, give strong Presumption upon the Occasion. As Psal. i. upon the Fall of Man, by the Counsel of the Ungodly, &c. And this shews his Reparation by the contrary. So when Israel and Judah are parted, because of Rehoboam's heavy Yoke, 1 Chron. xii. Christ, that must joyn them again, Hos. i. works it by the contrary, Take on you my Yoke, which is easie, and Burden light. Psal. ii. upon the Fall of Israel from David's House, whom God had appointed King in Sion. And thus the Fall of Adam and Israel are handled together. Psal. cxxxii. upon the bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem: Which when it was captived from Ephrata, or Shiloh in Ephraim, and stayed afterward 20 Years in Kiriathjearim, the City of the Wood, David provides it an Habitation in Jerusalem, &c. So in divers others, the occasion of it self shews it self: But I will not forestall your own finding of them.

4. Divers Psalms in the Original are Alphabetical; but few of them have the Alphabet true, for some reason or other admirably Divine: So one Letter in Jeremy's Alphabetic Lamentations is altered constantly, for secret and sweet Reason.

5. For the Order of the Psalms, why they be so laid, in many of them the Reason shews it self, at the first sight; in others it requires a narrower Scrutiny.

p. 61The first and second Psalms made upon Occasions so far distant in time, yet laid together for special reason, as was touched before.

The Fiftieth Psalm, in ver. 8, and 14, 15. refuseth all Sacrifice, but Prayer. That the Fifty-first Psalm offers, ver. 16, 17. and easily shews, why these two be laid together.

Psalm cxxxvi. the Mercy of God brings them to Possession of the Land of Promise. Psalm cxxxvii. brings them into Captivity; and shews, that their living in the Land of Canaan was so sinful, that it was not to be mentioned.

These, and other Observations may be gathered out of this exquisite Book of the Psalms, conducing to further the Understanding in reading it. But your Eyes be their own Observers and Judges.

1 SAM. xvii. Here take in Psalm ix. made upon Goliah's Death.

1 SAM. xviii, xix. at ver. 12. take in Psalm lix.

1 SAM. xx, xxi. at ver. 12. take in Psalm lvi. and at the end of the Chapter, Psalm xxxiv.

1 SAM. xxii. here take Psalm lii.

1 SAM. xxiii. about ver. 24. comes in Psalm liv.

1 SAM. xxiv. at ver. 4. read Psalm lvii.

1 SAM. xxv, xxvi. at ver. 9. where David bids Abishai, Destroy not Saul, may seem to give Occasion of Psalm lxxv. as the same Words in the Cave did of Psalm lvii. which bears the same Title.

1 SAM. xxvii. between ver. 7, and 8. comes in the 1 Chron. xii. from the beginning, to ver. 23. Then return to ver. 8. and from thence to the end of p. 62the Book, is no Interposition; only with the last Chapter read 1 Chron. x.

2 SAM. i, ii. to the three first Verses, read 1 Chron. xi.1, 2, 3.

2 SAM. ii, iv, and v. to ver. 4. there take in 1 Chron. xii. from ver. 23, to the end. Then return to

2 SAM. v. 4. to the end of ver. 10. and with it read 1 Chron. xi. from ver. 4, to the end of ver. 5. Then read 2 SAM. v. from ver. 11. to the end; and with it read 1 Chron. xiv.

2 SAM. vi. 1 Chron. xiii, xv, xvi.

2 SAM. vii. 1 Chron. xvii.

2 SAM. viii. 1 Chron. xviii. and at ver. 12. take in Psalm lx.

2 SAM. ix, x. 1 Chron. xix.

2 SAM. xi, xii. and 1 Chron. xx. 1, 2, 3.

2 SAM. xiii, xiv, xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, xx, xxi. to ver. 18.

2 SAM. xxi. at ver. 18. and forward, take in 1 Chron. xx. from ver. 4. to the end.

2 SAM. xxii. Psalm xviii.

2 SAM. xxiv. 1 Chron. xxi.

1 CHRON. xxii. to the end of Chap. xxvii.

2 SAM. xxiii. 1 Chron. xi. from ver. 10, to the end.

1 KING. i.

p. 631 CHRON. xxviii, xxix, to ver. 26.

1 KING. ii. to ver. 10, 11. read 1 Chron. xxix. ver. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.

1 KING. iii. 2 Chron. i.

1 KING. iv. at the end of which come in the PROVERBS.PROVERBS.

1 KING. v. 2 Chron. ii.

1 KING. vi. 2 Chron. iii. to ver. 15.

1 KING. vii. from ver. 13, to the end. 2 Chron. iii. ver. 15, 16, 17. and 2 Chron. iv.

1 KING. viii. 2 Chron. v, vi, vii.

1 KING. vii. from the beginning, to ver. 13.

1 KING. ix. 2 Chron. viii.

1 KING. x. 2 Chron. ix. to ver. 29. Hereabout the Book of CANTICLES falleth in.CANTICLES. For it was made after the House of Lebanon was built, Cant. vii.4.

1 KING. xi. to ver. 41.ECCLESIASTES. Here take in ECCLESIASTES, which was Solomon's Repentance after his grievous Fall.

1 KING. xi. ver. 41, 42, 43. 2 Chron. xi. ver. 29, 30, 31.

1 KING. xii. to ver. 25. 2 Chron. x, xi, to v. 5.

1 KING xiii, xiv. to ver. 21.

2 CHRON. xi. from ver. 5. to the end of Chap. xii. And with it read 1 King. xiv. from v. 21. to the end.

p. 642 CHRON. xiii. 1 King. xv. to ver. 9.

2 CHRON. xiv, xv, xvi. 1 King. xv. from ver. 9, to ver. 25.

1 KING. xv. from ver. 25. to the end.

1 CHRON. Chap. xvii.

1 KING. xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, xx, xxi.

1 KING. xxii. 2 Chron. xviii.

2 CHRON. xix, xx.

2 KING. i, ii, iii.

2 CHRON. xxi.

2 KING. iv.v, vi, vii, viii, to ver. 25.

2 KING. viii. from ver. 25, to the end of Chap. x. And withal read 2 Chron. xxii. to ver. 10.

2 KING. xi. 2 Chron. xxii. from ver. 10. to the end of Chap. xxiii.

2 KING. xii. 2 CHRON. xxiv.

2 KING. xiii. Hereabout cometh in the Book of IONAH.IONAH.

From hence to the end of these Books, the Story of the Collateral Kingdoms, while they both stand, and of Judah's alone, when the other is fallen, are laid so orderly, that it is mere Transcription, and no more, to lay them here. And so indeed hath it been hitherto; but I was willing to lead them thus, so far as they kept within their own two Channels. But now they branch themselves into more Heads, (viz. p. 65the Books of the Prophets,) their Order, which the Text hath intire, without misplacing in these two Books, needs not to be looked at so much in it self, as these other to be brought to it.

SECT. XI. The Prophetical Books.

IN some Places the Titles of the Prophesies tell where to lay them; others, that are silent in that kind, the Jews have the like general Rule for, that they had for the Psalms: That an undated Prophecy is to be laid in the same time, that the next dated before is. As Joel to be contemporary with Hosea. Obadiah and Jonah with Amoz, &c.

Their Rule holds well for the general, but for particular Computation of the Precedency of Prophets, that lived under the same Kings Reigns, you must go into further Enquiry. As Jonah lived in the times of Amoz, according to their Rule tis true. But whether Jonah or Amoz prophesied first, is the Query. Upon Examination you will find Jonah before Hosea himself; who is said, Chap. i.2. to have had the Word of the Lord first come to him. Of such things you may be your own Judge.

Those Prophesies, that be dated by the Reign of Kings, apply to the time; those that be not, apply to those Dates, and thus may you come to the Captivity. Jeremy especially is punctual in pointing out his Chapters by such and such Years, till the Seventy of the Captivity begin, whereof he prophesied. The Captivity Books do the like for then time, but cannot be so well, nor to Satisfaction relished, as by casting into a Chronicle, which I do much urge, and desire of you.

p. 66By this you your self will find what is not possible to express to you; especially the Sweetness of that obscure place, Hab. iii.2. Revive thy Work in the middest of Years. Which, if you grow a Scripture Chronologer, will be so far from Obscurity, and from requiring Light from other things, that it will give Light to them; especially to the settling of the beginning of the Seventy Years Captivity. Which when you have found, you have a Thread, whereupon to weave the most part of Daniel and Ezekiel. Then resolve what is meant by Cyrus his first Year, Ezra i.1. and where to begin your Seventy-sevens in Dan. ix. which must end in Christ's Death, and you have a Thread to lead you thro' Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zachary, and Malachi, till you come to the New Testament.

SECT. XII. The New Testament.

WHEN Haggai, Zachary, and Malachi were dead, the Talmud it self confesseth, that the Spirit of God departed from Israel, and went up. They in Acts xix.2. knew this Talmudic Speech, when they say, They knew not whether the Holy Ghost were descended again. This Spirit was restored in the various Gifts of Tongues and Prophecy, Acts ii. As the Cloud of Glory, that went up at Moses Death, was at the Transfiguration of Christ, Luke ix.32, 33, &c. So that the Spirit and Glory of the Old Testament is light upon the New▪ and so it hath a double Glory. And as the Cloudiness of the Old, so the Brightness of this, requireth a good Eyesight of the Mind and Understanding.

p. 67In the reading of the New Testament I find two things especially of singular use.

I. In the Evangelists, as in the Old Testament, to search out the true and exact Order, which the Continuation of the History requireth. The Evangelists, being Four in number, and being all to write one and the same Story, must either not write the same things; or if they did, must not write them in the same Style and Order. Otherwise, had the Uniformity of their Story and Phrase been but Repetition, if not Confusion. But while they either vary in Matter or Phrase, or in Order, this breeds the best Consort. Their difference of Matter and Phrase is easily seen, and easily reconciled. But their Change of Method and Order requireth some Skill to tune to an Unison. Like him in Plutarch, that would first play rude and harshly to his Scholars, before they should hear true Consort. So have I to you, after my rude and rough course, gone a little way before you in the Gospel in this Course; that your self may tune to your self more pleasing Music. Where I have laid the Evangelists together, you may see they tune themselves, and the Music is sweet; let my Descant invite you to a better Strain.

II. In reading of the New Testament never take your Eye off the Old; for the New is but again that in plainer Phrase. God himself hath taught us by the writing of the Scripture, what is the best way to read. For he hath folded the Two Testaments together; so that as the Law begins, so the Gospel ends; and as the Prophets end, so the Gospel begins; as if calling upon you to look still for the one in the other.

p. 68Moses and Elias, Law and Prophets, were Evangelists, as well as Matthew and the other: So that he that sees not Christ in them first in a Cloud, sees him not in the other in Glory. What did ever Christ do or suffer, which you may not see in the Law and Prophets? Which laid to the Gospel, shews the more Lustre. It were worth Study and Labour, to trace Christ throughout all the Old Testament, and to see a Gospel written by Moses and Elias, concerning Christ's Actions, Passion and Doctrine. To shew my Meaning, take here in brief what you may at Leisure and Study enlarge, as you read.

SECT. XIII. Evangelium Mosaico-Propheticum.

WHEN Adam had sinned, God promised to him one that should break the Head of the Serpent, who could be no other than God.Christ's two Natures taught in the Garden. But he should become the Seed of the Woman to do this, and so be Man. When the Fulness of time came, when the Scepter was even ready to depart from Judah, Gen. xlix. and the Stem of Je… even worn to the Root, Esa. xi. and the Feet of the great Image broken, and the other parts fallen, Dan. ii. this came to pass. For when Cittim afflicted Eber, Num. xxiv. and Augustus taxed all the World, (and, among the rest, the Jews) Jesus is born; having been taxed in his Mother's Womb, as Levi paid Tythes in the Loins of Abraham. His Mother was a Virgin, yet bare him against the Course of Nature, as barren Women had done the p. 69like above it. Immediately after his Conception, she goeth to Hebron, where Abraham had his first Land, and David his Kingdom. There she keeps her swelling Belly undiscried three Months, as Moses was hid three Months after he was born. Which when her Husband detected, he was incensed, till, like Tamar, Gen. xxxviii. it was clear she was without Fault.

In Tisri she brings forth her Son; at what time of the Year Sin came into the World; and at what time of the Year the solemn Festival of Expiation of Sin was; and what time of the Year the great Jubilee-Year began; a Type of him, who should work Release.

At two Years old he is visited and worshipped by Wise Men of Persia; who among the Records laid up there, had found Daniel's Prophecy of the time of the Messiah, Dan. ix. Upon the Appearance of a new Star they know the time is come▪ and from Persia, from whence Cyrus had done Good to Jerusalem, they come thither. Herod of Esau persecutes Christ into Egypt: Whence Pharoah had persecuted Moses; least Christ should surprize Herod of his Kingdom, as Jacob had done Esau of his Birthright and Blessing. For now had Esau shaken off the Yoke of Jacob, as Gen. xxvii.40.

At twelve Years old Christ shews his Wisdom in the Sanhedrin; at which Age Solomon had done his, deciding the Matter of the two Harlots.

At thirty Years old he is baptized and anointed by the Holy Spirit, and begins to publish the Gospel. At which Age the Priests entred their Office, Num. iv. Joseph his Honour, Gen. xli.46. And David his Kingdom, 2 Sam. v.4. He is tempted as Eve, to the Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eye, and the Pride of Life; but overcometh, having fasted Forty Days and Nights, as did Moses, and Elias in Horeb. So did he in the very same place.

p. 70Upon [a][a]John i.29.John 1:29his Return by Jordan, John teaches the People, That he was the Aim of the Paschal Lamb, which every Year; and the Offering Lamb, which every Day, was sacrificed. At [b][b]John ii.9.John 2:9Cana of Galilee, he turneth Water into Wine: That beginning with the Elements, and changing their Form; his working Miracles upon things composed of the Elements might be without Exception. So did Moses in his Wonders in Egypt. At [c][c]John ii.14, 15.John 2:14John 2:15the first Passover after his Baptism, he casteth out Buyers and Sellers in the Temple; coming to his own House, purgeth it, and the Sons of Levi, Mal. iii.1, 2, 3. He [d][d]John iii.John 3teacheth what the Spirit moving upon the Waters, Gen. i.2. and the Brazen Serpent, Num. xxi. aimed at. In [e][e]John iv.John 4the Valley of Achor, Hos. ii.15. he telleth an Adulterous Woman, what Hosea's Adulterous Wives represented; and briefly and sweetly expoundeth to her all Hosea's Prophecy. He [f][f]Mat. iv.Matt 4chuseth Galileon Disciples of Nepthali, who must give goodly Words, Gen. xlix. and Zebulun and Issachar, who must bring Men to God, to offer Righteous Sacrifices, Deut. xxxiii.19. He healeth Diseases at distance, Psal. cxlvii, &c. He [g][g]Mat. v.Matt 5pronounceth the Blessings upon a Mount, which, upon their Entrance into Canaan, should have been pronounced with the Curses, and in number; but were not, Deut. xxviii. In his Sermon there he destroyeth the Doctrine of the Scribes, Pharisees and Sadduces; the three Shepherds whom his Soul hated, Zech. xi.8. He [h][h]Mark iii.3.Mark 3:3would not own his Mother, nor acknowledge his Brethren, Deut. xxxiii.9. when they went p. 71about to hinder the Work of the Lord. He seeks to unite Judah and Israel under one Head, Hos. i.11. by tendring an easie Yoke, to them that were parted by the threatning of an heavy, 1 King. xii.

He opens his Mouth in Parables, as Psal. xlix.2. and from that very Psalm sheweth the State of Luxurious rich Men, Luke xvi. and giveth more to the Scriptures than to the Words of Apparitions, Luke xvi.31. from Esay viii.19, 20. Upon [i][i]Luke ix.Luke 9Mount Tabor, a place once of Offence, Hos. v.1. the Cloud of Glory, that departed at Moses Death, is restored; and out of that Cloud a Voice proclaimeth him that great Prophet, to whom all must hearken, Deut. xviii.

When he had lived Thirty-two Years and an half, the time that David reigned in Jerusalem, 2 Sam. v.5. and had preached and opened the Kingdom of Heaven Three Years and Six Months, the time that Elias shut Heaven by Prayer, Luke iv.25. he is sold by his Disciple Judas, as Joseph was by his Brother Judah, Gen. xxxvii. for Thirty Pieces of Silver, the Price of a Servant, Exod. xxi.32. Is apprehended among ††Gethsemani in Hebrew signifies A Press for Olives, to press out the Oil.the Oil-presses under Mount Olivet. And from thence begins to tread the Wine-press alone, Esa. lxiii.3. He is condemned by the Policy of Rome, Num. xxiv.24. Rev. xi.8. Is delivered up to be crucified at the time of Adam's Creation, and setting in Eden. Is nailed to his Cross at the time of Adam's Fall. Dieth at the time of Adam's Censure. Is Six and Thirty Hours under Death, the length of the first Day of the World to one part of it. His Grave is as the Ark with an Angel at either end. He riseth p. 72the third Day after the Passover, and is as the first Fruits of the Dead. Liveth Forty Days after on Earth, and breatheth on his Disciples the Holy Spirit, as he had done upon Adam the Spirit of Life. Is taken up visibly, as Elias; and now offers up our Prayers to God, as the Priest did incense after Sacrifice, &c.

These things raptim. But a deliberate sad Eye, with Leisure, might bring all the New Testament, or the most, both for Words and Sense, from the Old. And this I ever held the surest way to expound both.

SECT. XIV. The Order of the Evangelists.

THE proper Order of the Evangelists, as they should be laid, to make an entire continued Story, I have laid before you, till you come within a Twelvemonth of Christ's Death. That last Years Story you will find to be like Moses his last Months Work, a Deuteronomy, or a Rehearsal of divers things, that went before. Ingenuity needeth not always to be led by the Hand. For the search of the last Year of Christ's Life, I have left to your self. By this you will conclude what it cost to lay the rest. But when you have done the Work, it self will pay you for your Pains.

Among other things, as you go, have a special Eye to the Thirteenth of John, about the Supper there mentioned. Which not well marked, hath lost Men themselves, while they have gone about to find what is not there to be found.

Great Doctors, having ex professo undertaken to write of that Chapter, have missed the first Verse, and so spoiled all. Concluding the Supper there p. 73spoken of to be the Passover Supper; when the first Verse plainly tells, it was before the Passover; and two Days, as St. Matthew explains. The Popish Tenet of Judas his real receiving of Christ, had been choaked here, had Men but had Eyes, and Minds to see and embrace Truth.

SECTION I.

Luke, CHAP. I. from the beginning of the Chapter to ver. 5.

Section 1.

Seeing that none of the Evangelists use a Preface, but St. Luke, his may fitly be a general Preface to them all.

SECT. II.

John, CHAP. i. from the beginning to ver. 15.

Sect. 2.

The Preface being made, the Story is to begin. And most properly Christ's Divine Nature is first to be handled.

SECT. III.

Luke CHAP. i. from ver. 5, to ver. 57.

Sect. 3.

The Order here shews it self.

SECT IV.

Matth. CHAP. i. all the Chapter.

Sect. 4.

The reason of the Order is to be seen by the Texture of the Story. Mary upon the Words of the Angel presently conceives with Child. She goes to her Cosin Elizabeth, to see the Truth p. 74of the Angel's Words, Thy Cousin Elizabeth hath conceived. She stays with her Three Months, Luke i.56. Then returning to Joseph, from whom she had been so long absent, he perceiveth her great Belly, as Gen. xxxviii.24. So that it is plain to see, how properly the 18th Vers… of Mat. i. follows in order of time the 56th Verse of Luke i. The …vangelist lays the Genealogy before, that every Reader might be his own Expositor upon those Words of the Angel, ver. 20. Joseph thou Son of David. The last Verse, He knew her not, &c. is all that this Evangelist speaks about the Birth of Christ. This may be as a brief Relation, upon which suppose the two next Sections to be as Expositions.

SECT. V.

Luke, CHAP. i. from ver. 57, to the end of the Chapter.

Sect. 5.

When Mary departs to her own House, her Cosin Elizabeth hath but one Month to go with Child. This makes this Dependance necessary.

p. 75SECT. VI.

Luke, CHAP. ii. from the beginning, to ver. 40.

Sect. 6.

The Coherence here is apparent of it self.

SECT. VII.

Mat. CHAP. ii. all the Chapter.

Sect. 7.

Observe, that Christ was Two Years old, when the wise Men come to him, ver. 16. and your own Eye will shew, and justifie the Order. What St. Luke saith, Ch. ii.39. They returned to Nazareth, mean the same time, that that of Matthew doth, Ch. ii.23. But Luke speaks briefly, because he hath no more to say of Christ; till at Twelve Years old he bring him from Nazareth to dispute in the Temple.

SECT. VIII.

Luke, CHAP. ii. from ver. 40, to the end of the Chapter.

Sect. 8.

From Christ's Return from Egypt to Nazareth, till he was Twelve Years old, the Gospel mentioneth nothing of him. This makes the Dependance plain.

p. 76SECT. IX.

Mat. iii. all. Mark i. from the beginning, to ver. 12. Luke iii. from the beginning to ver. 23. Only the 18, 19, and 20. Verses, about John's Imprisonment, are to be reserved to another place.

Sect. 9.

Compare the three Evangelists together. One will help to explain another. You see the Gospel it self doth inforce this Order, by relating nothing since Christ's Twelfth Year old till his Baptism, when he was Nine and Twenty complete, or Thirty current. All the time of his Youth, till now, Christ was a Carpenter: But did now and then some Miracles privately in the House, for enlarging their Commons, when they were short. He is now Baptized in Tisri.

SECT. X.

Luke iii. from v. 23, to the end of the Chapter.

Sect. 10.

How divinely S. Luke placeth this Genealogy at Christ's Baptism is to be seen by looking on the Promise, Gen. iii.15. Upon which, this, and that which follows in the next Chapter, is a Glorious Exposition. The Seed of the Woman shall break the Head of the Serpent, by the Power of the Gospel. p. 77Which Gospel, when Christ beginneth to preach, as from his Baptism he doth, the Evangelist shews thro' Seventy-five Descents, even from Adam, that he was that Seed promised to Adam; and in the next Chapter, how he begins to break Satan's Head, Luke iv.1, 2, 3, 4, &c.

SECT. XI.

Mark iv. from the beginning, to ver. 12.

Mark i. v. 12, 13.

Luke iv. from the beginning, to ver. 14.

Sect. 11.

That this Temptation of Christ was immediately after his Baptism, Mark shews, ver. 12.

About the Order of the two last Temptations, Matthew and Luke differ. Matthew's Order is the true. Luke inverts it, and sets his Temptation at Hierusalem last, and concludes, that the Devil departed from him for a season. Intending to shew where it is, that the Devil returns to him again in sore Temptation, namely, at Hierusalem, in Judas, and the Jews. Or, he leaves him in his last Temptation at Hierusalem, that you may look for him p. 78there, before he go into Galilee.

SECT. XII.

John, CHAP. i. from ver. 19. to the end of the Chapter.

Sect. 12.

After that the Holy Ghost, by descending upon Christ, had evidenced him to be the Holy One of God, John Baptist publisheth this to all Comers, ver. 15. and answers no other thing to the Priests, that are sent to question him, ver. 19, to 28. The next Day, ver. 29. John seeth Jesus coming again out of the Wilderness to Jordan, &c. The next Day after that, ver. 25. Andrew and Peter follow Jesus.

SECT. XIII.

Christ's first Passover after his Baptism.

John, CHAP. ii. all the Chapter.

Sect. 13.

The first Words, And on the Third Day, are Evidence enough of Connexion.

SECT. XIV.

John iii. all the Chapter.

Sect. 14.

Jesus in Chap. ii. v. 13. is at Hierusalem at the Passover. Thereabout he continueth till Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles p. 79be over. For at those times also every Male Israelite must be at Hierusalem. In this space is this Conference with Nicodemus. And in this space Jesus travaileth Judea, and his Disciples baptize, as John also did till now, ver. 23.

SECT. XV.

Luke iii. ver. 18, 19, 20.

Sect. 15.

Conceive the Continuance of the Story thus. John baptized in Enon, as John iii.23. Multitudes resort to him. The ceremonious Jews begin to cavil about the Dignity of Mosaical Purification, in Comparison of his Baptism and Christ's. He stands out for Baptism, and extols it from Christ, the Author. Here the Jews have a Quarrel against him, for crying down Moses Rites. This Herod readily embraceth, as a fit Opportunity for him to vent his Malice, which had been long conceived against John about the Matter of Herodias, but for Shame and Fear Herod could not execute it. Now when the Jews p. 80offer so fair an Occasion, Herod shuts him quickly up in Prison.

SECT. XVI.

John iv. all the Chapter.

Sect. 16.

Jesus soon heard of John's Imprisonment, and of the pretended Cause, because he had many Disciples, to the Neglect of Moses. Now when Jesus knew, that the Pharisees heard, that he had more Disciples than John, and therefore was in the same Danger, he gets out of Judea. This links this Passage thro' Samaria to the foregoing Section, and ver. 43, and 54. knit the Chapter to it self.

SECT. XVII.

Luke iv. from ver 14, to ver. 31.

Sect. 17.

The Connexion is apparent, the things preceding considered. The 14th Verse may be as an Epiphonema to the preceding Section; the first Word being changed from And to Thus Jesus returned, &c. With it, and with the same Inversion, may you take v. 12. of Matth. iv. THUS p. 81when Jesus heard that John was committed to Prison, &c.

SECT. XVIII.

Mat. iv. ver. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

Mark i. ver. 14, 15.

Luke iv. the beginning of ver. 31.

Sect. 18.

The unkind Usage of his Townsmen, the Nazarites, makes him to leave the Town, where he was brought up, to go to another, Luk. iv. ver. 30, and 31. shews the Coherence.

SECT. XIX.

Mat. iv. ver. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.

Mark i. ver. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

Luke v. from the beginning, to ver. 12.

Sect. 19.

Matthew and Mark make the Order conspicuous. Luke hath put in two Miracles, between the last Section and this, viz. Healing a Demoniac in Capernaum Synagogue, and of Peter's Mother-in-law at home. Which were done after the calling of the Disciples. But S. Luke, mentioning Christ's rejection by the Nazarites out of their Synagogue, brings him presently into Capernaum Synagogue, doing this Miracle, that it might better appear, whom and what an one they had rejected.

p. 82After these Miracles also in Capernaum, Christ goes abroad over all Galilee. So that Luke, having nothing more to relate of a long time done in Capernaum, brings these altogether at Christ's coming thither, that he might dispatch his present Story for that Town at once.

SECT. XX.

Mark i. from ver. 21. to ver. 39.

Luke iv. from ver. 31. to ver. 44.

Mat. viii. ver. 14, 15, 16. About the healing of Peter's Mother-in-law.

Sect. 20.

Mark doth so link this with the last, that there is no doubt of the Order. That Matthew lays this Story of Peter's Mother-in-law so far off, is strange. But this may seem to be the reason. Because Ch. iv.23. he speaks of Christ's Preaching and Teaching, &c. He first toucheth his Doctrine in the Sermon on the Mount: which for this reason he hath laid out of his proper place. Then begins to speak of Miracles. Of which he sets the cleansing of the Leper first, Ch. viii.2. which indeed was the first Miracle he shewed upon his Perambulation of Galilee, mentioned Mat. iv.23.

p. 83Then speaketh he of healing the Centurion's Servant. Which was the first Miracle Christ did after his Sermon in the Mount, Luke vii.1. This was done in Capernaum. Which Town when he cometh in mention of, he nameth the healing of Peter's Mother-in-law, because it was in the same Town, tho' not at the same time.

SECT. XXI.

Mat. iv. ver. 23, 24, 25.

Mark i. ver. 39.

Luke iv. ver. 44.

Sect. 21.

The Text it self at the first sight will clear the Coherence.

SECT. XXII.

Mark i. from ver. 40. to the end.

Luke v. ver. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

Mat. viii. ver. 2, 3, 4.

Sect. 22.

Mark and Luke shew the Continuation of the order. Matthew misplacing this Story, hath made some to conjecture, that the Leper in Matthew, was not the same with the Leper in Mark and Luke. Which tho' the same Words both of the Leper and of Christ refute, yet the Scruple still sticketh in this, that Matthew hath made his Leper to come to Christ, as he comes from the Mountain; which in the other p. 84comes to him before his Sermon there. But the reason of this you see in Sect. 20.

Now whereas the two first Verses, And he came down from the Mount, And behold a Leper, lye so close, as that it may seem impossible to part them; the same manner of Phrase in Chap. ix.1, 2. hath taught us the Stile of the Evangelist.

SECT. XXIII.

Mark ii. from the beginning to ver. 15.

Luke v. from ver. 17. to ver. 29.

Mat. ix. from ver. 2. to ver. 10.

Sect. 23.

Mark makes the Dependance, ver. 1. After a few Days. And the Connexion of Levi's calling to the Story foregoing, all the Evangelists confirm.

SECT. XXIV.

John, Chap. v. all the Chapter.

Sect. 24.

The Continuation of the Story here is the difficultest piece of all the Gospel; and therefore requires the more serious Study, to resolve those Doubts, that attend upon the laying of the History. Which Doubts are these.

p. 85Quest. I. Whereas the last Section ends with the calling of Levi, and all the three Evangelists have spoken of a Feast that Levi made for Christ in the very next Verse, as if it had been made the very next Day after his calling, if not on the same, what reason is there to part his Calling, and Feast, which the Text hath so nearly joined together?

Ans. As you find the time of Levi's calling to be as it is here laid, by the inviolable Continuance of the Story forward, as you have seen; so that the same was not the time of his Feast, we must find by the Continuance of the Story backward, as you may see from the retrograde Passage from Sect. 36, 37. unto this Place. Your own Eye at that Section will be your Judge.

Quest. II. What reason is there to lay the Fifth of John here rather than any other Parcel?

Ans. First, we are to prove, that Feast spoken p. 86of John v. to be a Passover; which is easie to do from the first Words, And there was a Feast of the Jews, &c. None of the solemn Assemblies at Hierusalem are called Feasts simply without other Addition, but only the Passover.

The Chagigah, or their Festival Bullock, allowed them by the Law for that time, got it this Priviledge to be called the Feast. Any Talmudic, that should but read this Verse, would soon conclude, that it speaks of the Passover.

This Ground then being thus laid; that this was the Passover, we proceed thus.

Mark and Luke, the two exactest for Order, have, next after Levi's Feast, and the Passages there, (which they have joined to his calling, because they would dispatch the mention of him at once, having no more at all to say to him) laid the Disciples pulling the Ears of Corn, as the next thing of Note to Levi's Calling. Now when it p. 87was, that they plucked the Corn, Luke hath made it plain, when he saith it was foreign, that is, not as our English renders it, The second Sabbath after the first, but just contrary, The first Sabbath after the second: That is, After the second Day in the Passover Week. As you see more fully, Page 7. at this Mark †.

So that a Passover was past, before they pulled the Ears of Corn; and this in John v. being the Passover, you see the reason why it is thus to be laid.

SECT. XXV.

Mark ii. from ver. 23, to the end.

Luke vi. from the beginning, to ver. 6.

Matth. xii. from the beginning, to ver. 9.

Sect. 25.

The Dependance is apparent from the former Section. S. Matthew's misplacing of this Story, and the following, is to shew the Opposition of Christ's Actions and Doctrine altogether, and by what degrees.

p. 88SECT. XXVI.

Mark iii. from the beginning, to ver. 13.

Luke vi. from ver. 6, to ver. 12.

Matth. xii. from ver. 9, to ver. 22.

Sect. 26.

The Evangelists themselves shew the Connexion undeniable.

SECT. XXVII.

Mark iii. ver. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

Luke vi. from ver. 12, to the end.

Mat. v, vi, vii.

Sect. 27.

This is the proper place of the Sermon in the Mount. Why Matthew lays it so forward, see Sect. 20, &c.

SECT. XXVIII.

Mat. viii. ver. 1. and thence leap to ver. 5. and from it read to ver. 14.

Luke vii. from the beginning, to ver. 11.

Sect. 28.

The Evangelists shew the Coherence. Matthew's reason of interposing the Healing of the Leper, see Sect. 20.

SECT. XXIX.

Luke vii. from ver. 11. to the end.

Mat. xi. from ver. 2, to ver. 20.

Sect. 29.

There is no scruple for order, unless this Action in Simon the Pharisee's House be the same with that in Simon the Leper's. Which that it is not, is plain from Luke viii.1.

p. 89SECT. XXX.

Luke viii. ver. 1, 2, 3.

Mark iii. the latter end of ver. 19, and ver. 20, 21.

Sect. 30.

The Coherence is plain. The Virgin Mary here shews her self actually sinful.

SECT. XXXI.

Mark iii. from ver. 22, to ver. 31.

Mat. xii. from ver. 22, to ver. 46.

Sect. 31.

By that that went before, and what follows, this Connexion is justified. In the last Section his Friends come to take him off from preaching. In the next, they come to him as he is speaking the things of this Section.

SECT. XXXII.

Mat. xii. ver. 46, 47, 48, 49, 50.

Mark iii. 31, 32, 33, 34, 35.

Luke viii. ver. 19, 20, 21.

Sect. 32.

Matthew in ver. 46. makes the Dependance plain. Luke's setting this after the Parable of the Sower, is to instance in Hearers of the Word, according to that Parable.

SECT. XXXIII.

Mat. xiii. from the beginning, to ver. 54.

Mark iv. from the beginning, to ver. 35.

Luke viii. from ver. 4, to ver. 19.

Sect. 33.

Matthew and Mark join the Stories to your Hand.

p. 90SECT. XXXIV.

Mark iv. from ver. 35. to … end.

Luke viii. from ver. 22, to v…r. 26.

Mat. viii. from ver. 18, to ver. 28.

Sect. 34.

See Mark, ver. 35. and the Order is clear. The Story of Levi's Calling makes Matthew so much to lay this before.

SECT. XXXV.

Mat. viii. from ver. 28. to the end.

Mark v. from the beginning, to ver. 21.

Luke viii. from ver. 26, to ver. 40.

Sect. 35.

The Text links it self.

SECT. XXXVI.

Mat. ix. ver. 1. Then leap to ver. 10. and read from thence to ver. 18.

Mark v. ver. 21. from thence go to Mark ii. and read from ver. 15. to ver. 23.

Luke viii. ver. 40. from thence return to Luke iv. and read from ver. 29, to the end.

Sect. 36.

Here we are come to the true and proper time of Levi's Feast. That it is so, is apparent by the next Section. At Levi's Feast the Question about Fasting is propounded: Which Christ resolves. And as he speaks about it, Mat. ix.18. Jairus comes to him. Now that Jairus cometh not till now, you see the Continuance of the History evinceth.

p. 91SECT. XXXVII.

Mat. ix. from ver. 18, to ver. 27.

Mark v. from ver. 22, to the end.

Luke viii. from ver. 41, to the end.

Sect. 37.

Matthew ties this and the last together: And the Continuance of the History you see lays this undoubtedly here.

SECT. XXXVIII.

Mat. ix. from ver. 27, to ver. 35.

Sect. 38.

In ver. 27. the Coherence is sure.

SECT. XXXIX.

Mark vi. from the beginning, to the middle of ver. 6.

Mat. xiii. ver. 54, 55, 56, 57, 58.

Sect. 39.

Mark, joining this to his healing Jairus's Daughter, maketh the Connexion plain. Matthew inserteth what fell in the way.

SECT. XL.

Mark vi. the latter end of ver. 6.

Mat. ix. ver. 35, 36, 37, 38.

Sect. 40.

That piece of ver. 6. in Mark vi. is enough for the Dependance.

SECT. XLI.

Mat. x. all the Chapter, and ver. 1. of Chap. xi.

Mark vi. ver. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Luke ix. ver. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,

Sect. 41.

The Coherence is so plain, that it is not to be doubted of.

p. 92SECT. XLII.

Mark vi. from ver. 14, to ver. 30.

Matth. xiv. from the beginning, to ver. 12.

Luke ix. ver. 7, 8, 9.

Sect. 42.

…

SECT. XLIII.

Mat. xiv. from ver. 12, to the end.

Mark vi. from ver. 30, to the end.

Luke ix. from ver. 10, to ver. 18.

John vi. from the beginning, to ver. 22.

Sect. 43.

…

SECT. XLIV.

John vi. from ver. 22, to the end.

Sect. 44.

The Coherence of the preceding Sections needed no Demonstration. In the last Section▪ in John vi.4. he speaketh of Christ's third Passover being near, when Christ doth this Miracle of multiplying the Loaves, and walking on the Sea. In this Section you have him in Capernaum Synagogue; and from thence doubtless he goes up to Jerusalem to his third Passover. And now hath he but one Year to his Passion.

—Non displicuisse meretur

Festinat — qui placuisse.

MEDITATIONS UPON SOME Abstruser Points of Divinity, AND EXPLANATIONS Of Divers Difficult Places of Holy Scripture.

In Three DECADS.