The Key of the Bible, Biblical commentary · Part 1 · Section 2

The Key of the Bible · Biblical commentary · Part 1 · Section 2

p. 29IJ. THE PROPHETS.

THe PROPHETS wrote all the Bookes of the Old Testament, besides the Pentateuch of Moses. These Prophets inspired infallibly by the Holy-Spirit of Prophecy, wrote Books of three severall sorts, viz. 1 Historicall, 2 Dogmaticall or Doctrinall, and 3 Propheticall. The Hebrews thus distinguish the Books of the Old Testament. 1. foreign Thorah i. e. The Law. viz. the five books of Moses. 2. foreign Nebi…m i. e. The Prophets. The Prophets they distinguish into two sorts, viz. 1. foreign Nebiim Rishonim i. e. The former Prophets; perhaps so called because they treat of the first Prophets, These are foure, viz. Ioshua, Iudges, Samuel and Kings. And 2 foreign Nebiim Acharonim i. e. the later Prophets; which they reckon up in foure Books also. viz. Isaiah, Ieremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor Prophets which were anciently, joyned all in one volume, lest they through their smalnesse should p. 30be lost; That phrase seemes to favour this, It is written in the Book of the Prophets, Act. 7.42. the Prophet Amos being cited, which is one of the Minor, or lesser Prophets. 3. foreign i. e. The writings; by way of emphasis. See the Reason hereof in Rivet. Isag. ad sucr. scrip. c. 29. Sect. 16. The Greek cals these Books, foreign; Hagiographa i. e. The holy writings, upon some such ground. Of this sort are eleven in this order in Hebrew, Ruth; Psalmes; Iob; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Lamentations; Daniel; Esther; Ezra; Chronicles; under Ezra comprehending Nehemiah, which sometimes is called the second of Ezra, and the two Books of the Chronicles being reckoned as but one Book.

But the former Distribution of the PROPHETS bookes into ¹ Historicall, ² Doctrinall, and 3 Propheticall, (being both more consonant to the matter of these books, and to the method of our Bibles) shall here be followed.

I. HISTORICAL BOOKS.

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS of the Prophets Relate the History of p. 31the Jewes, and of the Church of God among them, from the death of Moses, which was, when he was one hundred and twenty years old, Deut. 34.7. Ioseph Ant. l. 4. c. 3. In 2493 year of the world; Helvic. untill the Period of the Persian Monarchy, possessed by Alexander the Macedonian, called Alexander the great, who conquered the Persians, and got Dominion of Asia, about Ann. 3614 after the worlds Creation, Helvic. in Chronolog. So that these Books contain an History of about 1121 years continuance.

Of this History of the Jews, and of the Church of God, there are two Principall Parts or Periods; viz. 1. Of the Israelites Entrance into the promised land. 2. Of their Government and Condition, after that entrance.

Joshuah.

1. ISraels entrance into the promised land, is described in the Book of p. 32JOSHUAH. So called from the chiefe subject handled therein, viz. The Acts of Ioshuah, the successour of Moses, the Governour and chiefe Captaine of Israel, under whose conduct they conquered the Land; Divided it by Line and Lot among the Tribes; and possessed it, according to all Gods faithfull promises in that behalfe unto their Fathers, Josh. 21.43, 44, 45. & 23.14, 15.

Penman of this Booke some conceive to be Ioshuah, because it beares his name. But that Reason is not cogent; ¹ partly because the Bookes of Iudges, Ruth, and Kings, bear their name, yet not Penned by them: ² partly because the denomination of this Book is rather from the Subject matter, then the Author. Other thinke Eleazer the High-Priest (whose death is recorded Iosh. 24.33. Gathered together the chief materials of which this Booke is compiled. It being the Priests duty, to leave upon Record all memorable Ecclesiastical p. 33affairs for the benefit of after ages, and propagation of Religion. This more probable: but not certain. Alsted. Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 119. Iohan. Calvin. Argument. in Lib. Iosuae.

This book containes an History of almost eighteene yeeres. viz. From the death of Moses to the death of Joshuah. Iun. Arg. in lib. Iehosh. Gerh. loc. prim. de Scriptura. in exegesi. Sect. 125.

Scope. Of this booke to demonstrate Gods exact faithfulnesse in performing all his Promises made to the Fathers; that all his people may be encouraged to trust to him the better for ever▪ Iosh. 21.45. & 23.14, 15.

Principall parts.

In this Book is an History of Ioshuah's Life and Death.

I. Of Ioshua's Life. Wherein consider▪

1. His vocation. God cals him to be Governour of Israel in Moses stead, c. 1.

2. His Administration, both in time of warre, and Peace.

1. In time of warre, Whereof is laid down;

p. 341. A Narration. 1. Of sending the Spies to search the Land, c. 2. 2. Of the passing thorow Jordan, where The Antecedent passages and manner of it, c. 3. The Consequents upon it. c. 4.5. 3. Of the Seiges and Victories; His first Victory over Jericho, c. 6. The impediment of his proceedings, the Accursed thing, c. 7. His manifold and happy successe after removal of the Accursed thing, he conquered all the Country c. 8, 9, 10, 11.

2. A Repetition of his warlike exploits, &c. c. 12.

2. In time of Peace. Wherein are,

1. The distribution of the land of Canaan, under which are described, 1 The borders of the Land, c. 13. 2 The manner of the distribution, by Lot. c. 14. 3 The parties among whom the Land was divided, viz. The Israelites c 15. to 20. 4 The menslayers, &c. c. 20 5 The Levites c. 21.

2. The dismission and remanding of the Reubenites, Gadites & p. 35half tribe of Manasseh to their Lot on the other side Iordan. c. 22

3. The exhortation and charge of Joshuah to the people before his death, c. 23.

II. Of Ioshuah's death, and the things immediately Antecedent, and Consequent thereto, c. 24.

II. Israels condition and Government after their entrance into the Promised Land. Which is Historically described, what it was. 1. Before their carrying away into Babylon. 2. During the Captivity. 3. After the Captivity.

I. Before their carrying away into Babylon, and that either under the Iudges, or the Kings.

I. VnderUnder the Iudges.

And here we have two Histories, viz. One Common and Generall: Another Particular.

Judges

I. THe Common or Generall History, is the Book of IUDGES, p. 36so called, not from the Authors of it, but from the subject matter of it, in Hebr. foreign Shophtim, i. e. Iudges.

Penman of this Book the Hebrewes thinke to be Samuel. Alsted. Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 119. O…hers thinke that every Iudge recorded the things acted in his owne dayes respectively: and that Samuel, or Ezra, or Ieremiah, or King Hezekiah, (whose men copied out some of Solomons Proverbs, Prov. 25.1.) collected and digested them into one volume. Hugo Cardinal…s in Prolog. in hunc. lib.

This book containes an History of Israels Politie, and the state thereof from the death of Ioshuah, till the Priesthood of Eli. How during that time Israel oftimes Apostatized from God, for which God delivered them into their enemies hands; but upon their conversion to him, he saved them by Iudges raised up from among their Tribes, out of their enemies p. 37hands. It is an History of about 299 years, which may be thus computed.

From Ioshuah's death, to Othniel's 40 y.

Iudg. 3.11.

From Othniel's death to Ehud's and Shamgar's 80▪ y.

3.30.

Thence to Deborah's death 40 y.

5 31.

Thence to Gideons death-40 y.

8 28

Thence to Abimilech's death 3 y.

9 22.

Thence to Tholah's death 23 y.

10 2

Thence to Iair's death 22 y.

10 3

Thence to Iephte's death 6 y.

12 7

Thence to Ibzan's death 7 y.

12 9

Thence to Elon's death 10 y.

12 11

Thence to Abdon's death 8 y.

12 14

Thence to Samson's death-20 y.

16 31

Scope of this book, to shew what happy Haleyonian dayes Gods Church enjoyes under pious magistrates. How severe God is against the sins, especially the idolatry of his own people: and yet how he remembers mercy in midst of severest judgements.

Principall parts. This book being a Glasse discovering Israels p. 38calamity, and the cause thereof their sin. Describes their sin;

I. As General, Universal and Common to all the tribes, viz. by the

1. Kinds or sorts of their sinnes.

1. Negligence in driving the Canaanites out of the land. c. 1.

2. Perfidiousnesse, in Apostatizing from God to Idols. c. 2.

2. Effects or fruits of their sinnes. viz. Five severall oppressions by their enemies, i. e.

1. Syrians, c. 3.

2. Canaanites c. 4. and 5.

3. Midianites, where of Gideon's 1. Call. c. 6. 2. Acts Polemical c. 7. and Political. c. 8. 3 Successour, Abimilech c. 9.

4. Ammonites. Here 1. The cause and effect of the oppression, Israels Apostacy and Repentance c. 10. 2. The Remedy. viz. warre undertaken against Ammonites c. 11. Ephraimites. c. 12.

5. Philistines. Sampson being avenger: Samsons Birth c. 13. Prosperity c. 14. adversity c. 15. and death c. 16. are at large delineated.

II. As speciall viz. 1. Idolatry, Of p. 39one family c. 17. Of the Tribe of Dan c. 18. 2. Lust of uncleannesse, Perpetrated, c. 19. Punished c. 20, 21.

Ruth

II THe particular History under the Iudges, is the Book of RUTH, so stiled from RUTH the Moabitesse, a Gentile (Moab being one of the incestuous sons of Lot Gen. 18.) concerning whom this Book treats, especially of her marriage with Boaz, whose Pedigree, by a Prophetick spirit, is brought down to K. David, Ruth 4.18. to the end, Ruth bearing to Boaz, Obed; the Grandfather of David, of whom according to the flesh Christ came, Matth. 1.5, 6. The Chald. Paraphrast thinks that Ruth was the daughter of Eglon King of Moab, but that is not proved by any Scripture, nor is it likely that a Kings daughter would marry a Stranger, and p. 40leave her native Countrey to seek bread in another land, saith Gerh. Augustine refers the time of this History, to the Beginning of the Kings. Aug. l. 2. de Doctrin. Christian. c. 8. Ioseph. l. 5. Antiq. and Hugo Cardinalis referre it to the time of Eli, the Priest. D. Kimchi in c. 1. Ruth. and other of the Rabbines (as some note) conceive; That, Boaz who married Ruth, was that Judge which is called Ibzan Judg. 12.8. who immediately succeeded Iephte. Iunius and Tremellius comparing this History of Ruth with Matth. 1.5. are of opinion, that this History fell out in the dayes of Deborah. Annot. in Ruth 1.1.

But its certaine it fell out in the time of the Iudges, Ruth 1.1. though the particular time perhaps cannot so punctually be demonstrated.

Penman of this History is not certainly knowne. Hebrews thinke Samu…l penned it. Alsted. in Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 119.

p. 41Many Writers annex this Book of Ruth as an Appendix to the Book of Iudges, as they do the Lamentations, to the Prophecy of Ieremiah. Andr. Rivet. Isag. ad sacr. Script. c. 29. p. 501.

Scope of this Book. To delineate part of the Genealogy of Christ, Ruth 4.18. &c. compared with Mat. 1.5.6. And to shew that salvation by Iesus Christ belongs to sinners of the Gentiles, as well as to the Iewes: Christ deriving his line not only from Iewes, but also from Gentiles and sinners, for the raising up of their Hope and Consolation in him.

Principall parts. In this History are described.

1. Ruths Distresse in her widowhood c. 1.

2. Ruths Deliverance from this distresse, which is

1. Inohoate. 1. By her gleaning in Boaz his field with his approbation, c. 2. 2. By her lodging at Boaz his feet in the threshing floor at her mothers appointment, he being a neer Kinsman c. 3.

p. 422. Consummate, By Boaz his marrying of her c. 4.

II. VnderUnder the Kings.

And here we have three Histories compiled in six books viz. the two Books of Samuel, the two Books of Kings, and the two Books of Chronicles, which Histories set forth the State of the Kingdome of Israel three wayes. viz. 1. As the Kingdome was Vnited of which the two Books of Samuel. 2. As The Kingdome was Divided, of which the two Books of Kings. 3. As the Kingdom was both Vnited and Divided, of which the two Books of Chronicles. As Trelcatius in Oeconomiâ Bibliorum, well observes,: And as the matter of these Histories doth clearly evince.

I. The UNITED State of the Kingdome of Israel, is described what it was, both under the Kings. 1. By Election. and 2. By Succession. And how it increased and flourished whilest so united.

p. 43I Samuel

I UNder Kings by ELECTION, The kingdomes Condition is recorded in the I. Book OF SAMUEL. So called, either from the matter or subject herein handled. viz. The History of SAMUEL, which takes up a great part of the Book. As Alsted. in Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 120. Or also from the instrumentall efficient cause, or Penman of this of this Book, Samuel being supposed to have penned this Book, till c. 25. David the rest. Gloss. ordinar. Iunius and Trem. are of opinion, that Samuel had a great share in penning of these two Books that bare his name; and that Nathan the Prophet, and Gad the Seer penned part thereof, from that intimation, 1 Chron. 29.29. which words of Samuel, Nathan p. 44and Gad seem to be the two Books of Samuel, penned by them three. Iun. in Annot. in 1 Chron. 29.29. By the Greek and Latin, it is also called the 1. Book of Kings, because the later part of it containes the History of Saul, the first King of Israel.

This history treats of the last Judges, viz. Eli, and Samuel, and of the first King, viz. Saul. Declaring when and upon what occasion the Lord changed the government by Iudges into a Regall government, viz. In days of Samuel, and upon occasion of the extreame wickednesse of both Elye's and Samuels Sons, c. 1. to 9. As also how Saul carryed himselfe both in life and death: and how God prepared David for the Throne, Saul being rejected. It is an history of about 80 yeeres continuance. viz. Under Ely 40 yeeres, 1 Sam. 4.18. And under Samuel and Saul 40 yeeres, Act. 13.21.

p. 45Scope. To discover mans mutability, but Gods immutability in all the Revolutions and alterations of Families, and Common-wealths: viz. In their Constitution, Administration, and Alteration.

Principall parts.

This booke treats of the affaires of Israel under a double kind of civill Government,

I. Aristocraticall under Samuel the Prophet and Judge. Whose,

1. Birth is recorded, c. 1.

2. Calling. Where, of Eli his Predecessour, and of his Sonnes; whose I. Grievous sinne is recorded, c. 2. II. Severe punishment is, 1, Foretold by Samuel. c. 3. 2. Inflicted by God. where, of the warre, Acted c. 4. Finished, where we have a descripti…n. 1. Of the Philistines punishment, c. 5. And of their restoring the captivated Ark, c. 6. 2. Of Israels Repentance, c. 7.

II. Monarchicall, under a King.

p. 461. To be elected, what a one he was like to be, c. 8.

2. Actually elected, what a one he proved; evidenced, in Saul, David ▪

1. Saul, described. 1. As elected, where are laid down his calling, c. 9. Unction, c. 10. Warlike successe, c. 11. 2. As rejected. The causes of which rejection are recited, viz. 1. The peoples sin, c. 12. 2. Sauls unbeliefe, c. 13. Rashnesse in judging, c. 14. And disobedience, c. 15.

2. David. Touching whom are declared, His

1. Election. Where note 1. His call, c. 16. 2. His Preparatory 1 conquest of Goliath c. 17. 2 Advancement into Sauls family, c. 18.

2. Ejection. David being exiled. 1. In his own Country, c. 19, 20. 2. Out of his Country, c. 21. to 30.

3. Advancement. 1. By his Victory, c. 30. 2. By Saul's Death, c. 31.

p. 47II Samuel

II UNder Kings by SUCCESSION. In this respect the Kingdome's state is declared in the II. of SAMUEL. So called for Reasons formerly mentioned. Its also by the Greek and Latin stiled The second Book of Kings, because therein the History of David the second King of Israel is continued.

This is an History of about 40 yeeres continuance, 2 Sam. 5.5. An History of Davids Kingdome. may well be called The Annals of David.

Penman; some thinke to be the High-Priest; or some Disciple of Samuel, who yet for honours sake gave the Booke his Masters name. Alsted. Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 120. But rather it is probable that the latter part of p. 48the I. Of Samuel; and this whole Booke of the II. Of Samuel, were Penned by Nathan the Prophet, and Gad the Seer. 1 Chron. 29.29.

Scope. To declare Gods Faithfulnesse in delivering of his own from distresses. That divers great infirmities are incident to Gods uprightest servants. And That (like checker-worke) their prosperity is intermingled with crosses and calamities.

Principal Parts. In this Booke; (which is a description of Davids Kingdome) we have a Narration of Davids 1 Life and 2 Death.

I. Davids Life is represented as it was 1 Glorious; and as it was 2 Ignominious.

1. As it was Glorious in his Royall inauguration. Where consider things,

1. Antecedent viz. 1. His mourning for Sauls death, c. 1. 2. His returne into Judea, c. 2. 3. His war with the House of Saul, c. 3.4.

p. 492. Concomitant. He is confirmed King by all Israel, c. 5.

3. Consequent, viz. 1. Ecclesiasticall, as His fetching up the Ark to Sion c. 6. His purpose of building God an House, c. 7. 2. Polemicall or warlike, c. 8. 3. Politicall, or civil, c. 9, 10.

2. As it was Ignominious; and that

1. By his sins, Adultery and Murder, committed c. 11. corrected c. 12.

2. By his sorrowes.

1. Private, 1. In Amnon, by his Incest, c. 13. 2. In Absolom, where are declared, his Restitution, c. 14. His Sedition begun c. 15. Continued c. 16. Concluded, c. 17, 18, 19.

2. Publique. 1. Sedition of the people, c. 20. 2. Famine three yeeres, c. 21.

II. Davids death. Occurrents Antecedent thereunto. 1. His gratulatory and laudatory Psalme, c. 22▪ 2, His sweet Swanlike Song, and Testament, c. 23. 3. The Pestilence upon his numbring the people, c. 24.

p. 50II. The DIVIDED state of the Kingdome of Israel, and how upon that division it decreased and came to ruine, is laid down in the two Books of Kings.

This d…vision and decay of the Kingdome is laid downe two wayes. 1. According to the causes and Beginnings thereof. 2. According to the Progresse thereof.

I Kings

I. ACcording to the causes, and first beginnings of this Division and decay thereupon ensuing. These are set forth in the I. of KINGS. This book is stiled in foreign 1. Melacim. i. e. 1. Of Kings. By the Greek and Latine the III. of Kings. The history of the Kings both of Iudah and Israel, being the subject matter of the book.

p. 51In this book the causes and first beginnings of the Kingdomes division and decay are laid downe, partly by way of Opposition of the flourishing state of Davids kingdome united under Solomon, c. 1. to c. 11. Partly by way of Exposition of the occasions (viz. Solomons sinnes, Gods justice, Solomons death, c. 11.) and of the first beginnings of the division and decay of the kingdome under Rehoboam, to whom onelyonly two Tribes were left subject, Iudah and Benjamin, 1 King. 11.21. And under Ieroboam to whom the other tenne Tribes revolted: and afterwards under their successours severally. So that in this book are the Acts of five Kings of Iudah after Solomon, viz. Rehoboam, …bijam, Asa, Iehoshaphat, Iehoram: and of eight Kings of Israel, viz. Ieroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri and Tibni, Ahab, Ahaziah.

p. 52This is an history of 118. yeeres viz. Under Solomon 40 yeeres, 1 King. 11.42. Under the rest of Kings of Iudah, 78. yeeres, for Rehoboam Reigned 17 yeeres. 1 King. 17.31. — Ab…jam 3 yeeres. 1 King. 15.2. — Asa, 41. yeeres. 1 King. 15.10. — Iehoshaphat, 17. yeers. 1 King. 22.51. — In all 118 yeeres.

Penman of this book, and also of the second booke of Kings is conceived not to be any one man, but divers. Though the Hebrewes would have them to be written by Ieremiah. Others think that the Churches history, which was written by divers, was digested and collected into volumes, either by E…ra; Gerh. loc. Com. 1 de Scriptura. in Exegesi. §. 129. Or by the chiefe Priests and Prophets as the Churches Pub. Actuari…s. Alsted Proecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 120. However, it seemes evident, that the beginning of 1. of p. 53Kings, touching Solomons Reign, was written by Nathan, Abijah and Iddo, 2 Chron. 9.29. See Iun. in loc. And other parts by Iehu son of Canani, 2 Chron. 20.3. See Iun. Annot▪ ibid. And by the Prophet Isaiah, (as Iunius thinks▪) partly in his Prophecy, par…ly in the Book of Kings, 2 Chron. 26.22.

Scope. To shew how the Piety of Kings, preserves their kingdomes in unity, and flourishing Prosperity: But the sins and wickednesse of Kings, especially their idolatry, whereby they divide themselves from God, brings Divisions into their Kingdomes, and consequently ruine upon themselves, their families and Dominions.

Principall parts, might be pointed out, according to the periods of every severall Kings reigne, but rather thus. This book containes the increase and decrease of the kingdome of Israel.

p. 54I. Increase of the Kingdome under Solomon; whose Life and Death are recorded.

1. Solomons Life. Therein consider his

1. Election, c. 1, 2.

2. Administration or Government of the Kingd…m, where note 1. His great Prudence, c. 3, 4. 2. His Magnificence in Building, The Temple, c. 5, 6, 8. His own house, In Lebanon, c. 7. The Kings house more publique, c. 9. 3. His condition, Prosperous, c. 10. Adverse, c. 11.

2. Solomons death, c. 11.

II. Decrease of the Kingdom once Divided; and this under

1. The Kings of Iudah 1. Rehoboam, c. 12, 14. 2. Abijah, c▪ 15.3. Asa, c. 15. 4. Iehoshaphat. c, 22. 5 Iehoram, c. 22. ver. 50.

2. The Kings of Israel contemporary to the Kings of Iudah, viz. 1. Ieroboam c. 12, 13, 14. 2 Nadab, c. 15. 3. Baasha, c. 16.4. Elah, 5. Zimri 6. Omri, c. 16.7. Ahab. 1 whose stock is recorded, c. 16. from ver. 28. 2 Whose prosperous state is declared, In respect of Elijahs Presence. p. 55Here are considered, Elijah's Ambassadge to the King, c. 17, 18. Elijah's exile, c. 19. In respect of Ahabs double victory, c. 20. 3 Whose Acts and manners are described, c. 21. 4 Whose Death is delineated, c. 22. 8. Ahaziah, c. 22. ver. 51. &c.

II Kings

2. ACcording to the Progresse and Growth of the Kingdom's division, and the miserable calamities, growing and increasing thereupon, This is related in the 11. of KINGS called in Hebr. foreign 11. Melacim, i. c. The second of Kings, By the Greek and Latin, The IV. of Kings. The History of the Kings being still continued in this Book.

This Book is an History of about 320. years, under 12. Kings of Israel, and 16. Kings of Iudah.

p. 56VnderUnder 12. Kings of Israel, 162 years.

Ahazia 1 yeare. 1 Kings 22.52.

Ioram 11 yeare. 2 Kings 3.1. & 8.25.

Iehu 28 yeare. 2 Kings 10.36.

Iehoahaz 17 yeare. viz. 15 alone, and two with his son, 2 Kings 13.1.10.

Ioash 16 yeare. 2 Kings 13.10.

Ieroboam 41 yeare. 2 Kings 14.23.

Zechariah 6 moneths 2 Kings 15.8.

Shallum 1 monethmonth 2 Kings 15.13.

Menachem 10 yeare. 2 Kings 15.17.

Pekachijah 2 year. 2 Kings 15.23.

Pekah 20 year. 2 Kings 15.27.

Hosheah who reigned 18 y. viz. 9 y. free. 2 Kings 17.1. and 9. y. a tributary to the King of Assyria, by whom at last he was carried captive, ver. 6.

VnderUnder 16 Kings of Iudah, 320 year.

Iehoram 12 y. viz. 8. alone, and 4. with his father Iehoshaphat 2 Kings 8.17.

Ahazia 1. y. 2 King. 8.26.

Athalia 6 year, 2 Kings 11.3.

Ioash 40. y. 2 King. 12.1.39. Iunius.

Amaziah 29 yeare 12 of which in exile, — 2 Kings 14.2.

Azariah or Vzziah 52. yeare. 2 Kings — 15, 5.

Iotham 16. yeare. 2 King 15.33. — 15. yeare Iun.

Ahaz 16. yeare, 2 Kings 16.2. — 14. year Iun.

p. 57Hezekiah 29. year, 2 King. 18.2.

Manasses 55. yeare, 2 King. 21.2.

Ammon 2 yeare, 2 Kings 21.19.

Iosiah 31. yeare. 2 King. 22.1.

Ioahaz 3. moneths. 2 Kings 23.36.

Ichoiakim 11 yeare, 2 Kings 23.36.

Ichoiachin three moneths. 2 Kings 24.8

Zedekiah 11. year, 2 Kings 24.18.

Thence till Iehoiakins advancement, 26. year, 2 Kings 25.27, 30.

Penmen of this 11. of Kings, See in Penmen of 1. of Kings.

Scope; to delineate Gods verity in his Promises and Threats, together with his severity in his judgements. The continuall Revolution of Families and States, The mischief of sin, especially in Magistrates, dividing them and their people from God, and consequently themselves amongst themselves, till both Kings, people and Kingdomes be ripe and ready for desolation.

Principall parts, may be considered either according to the Reign of the severall Kings of Israel and Iudah, as afore. Or as followeth; This Book declareth.

p. 59The state of the Kingdomes of Israel and Iudah; together with their defection and declining,

1. Severally of the Kingdome of Israel under 1. Ahaziah, c. 1.2. 2. Ioram, where of Elishah's miracles, c. 3.4.5. Oracles or Prophecies, c, 6.7.8.

2. Joyntly of Israel and Iudah, parallel'd as it were together, c. 9. to 18.

3 Severally of the Kingdome of Iudah, whose

1. Weakning, is recorded 1. Under a good King Hezekiah, c. 18. 19.20. 2. Under a bad King Manasseh, c. 20.21.

2. Reparation is indeavoured by Iosiah, c. 22.23.

3. Subversion is 1. Begun c. 23. 24. 2. Accomplished c. 25.

III. The UNITED and DIVIDED State of the kingdome is laid downe in the two Books of Chronicles, with some further Additions and Amplifications to the former Histories. This is done two wayes.

p. 58I Chron.

1. ACording to the UNITED State of the kingdome in I. OF CHRONICLES, so called because the Acts of former times are herein Recorded, or Chronicled. In Hebr. foreign Dihre Haijamim, i. e. THE WORDS OF DAYES, because they are as a Sacred DIARY; reporting the Acts and Occurrents in the Church of God, and Civil States both Domestique and Forrein. Munsterus not unfitly stiles them Libros Annalium, i. e. The Books of Annals. Annals barely declaring matters of fact for divers years in order; as, Gellius notes l. 5. N. A. c. 18. These two Books are the CHVRCHES ANNALS. In Greek these two Books are called foreign, Bibloi Paralipomenon, i. e. The Books of things omitted: or, THE BOOKS OF REMAINES: p. 60because some things omitted, or not fully described in the Pentateuch, Ioshuah, Iudges, Ruth, Samuel and Kings, are here Summarily explicated, and supplyed.

This I. of Chron. Principally insists upon the History of David, Relating his Genealogy from the first Adam and so forwards towards the second Adam; wherein the 12. tribes and their families, &c. are recorded c. 1. to 10. And his famous Acts c. 10. to the end of the Book; so that this Book is a Compendious Chronology of all the former Books to the Books of Kings, of things from the worlds Creation, till about the yeare 2985. viz. of

Genesis — 2368 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated. So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible.

Exodus 142. y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated. So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible.

The other Books of Moses 39 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated. So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible.

Joshuah 17. almost 18 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated. So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible.

Judges — 299 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated. So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible.

I. Of Samuel 80 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated. So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible.

II. Of Samuel 40 y. All which have been aboue particularly explained and demonstrated. So the I. of Chronicles is the longest History of any one Book in the whole Bible.

p. 61Hierom calls the Chronicles, Instrumenti veteris Epitomen, &c. The Epitome of the Old Testament; and that it is of such Consequence, that whosoever would arrogate to himselfe the knowledge of the Scriptures without it, doth but mock and abuse himselfe. Hieronym. in Ep. ad Paulin. And again stiles it, Totius divinae Historiae foreign, i. e. The Chronicle of the whole Divine History. Hier. in Prolog. Galeat.

Penman of this and the second Book is uncertaine. R. Salomo. R. D. Kimchi, think it was Ezra. Saith Alsted in Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 120. Iunius also is of the same judgement. Iun. Annot. in 1 King. 11.41. and in his argument before 1 Chron. The Argument that generally inclines them all to this opinion, is, That the same words which are used in the close of the Chronicles 2 Chron. 36.23. are also used in the beginning of Ezra. Ezr. 1.1, 2, 3.

Scope. The primary Scope of this Book seemes to be this; Clearly to describe the Line and Genealogy p. 62of CHRIST, the Messiah promised to David, Abraham, and Adam: That when in fulnesse of time Christ should be revealed and performed; the Church might infallibly know, that he was the Promised SEED OF THE WOMAN.

Principall Parts. This first Book of Chron. describes the Israelitish kingdome in its 1 Foundation, and 2 Administration.

I. Foundation. Where, of

1. The General Genealogy of all Nations from Adam to Iacob, c. 1. Here is a Chronicle of

1 The Pentateuch.

2 Ioshuah.

3. Iudges.

2. Particular Geneal of the Nation of Israel by the twelve Tribes, c. 2. to 9. Here is a Chronicle of

1 The Pentateuch.

2 Ioshuah.

3. Iudges.

II. Administrat… on under.

1 Saul, whose

1 Genealogy is in c. 9.

2 Death c. 10.

2 David whose

1. Kingly condition, c. 11, 12, 14.

2 Acts

1 Sacred, restoring Gods …orship, in respect of the

1 Place, c. 13, 15, 17, 22.

2 Persons ministring in the

1 Tabernacle c. 16

2 Temple, c. 23. 24, 25, 26 Here is a Chronicle of the two Books of Samuel.

2 Polemical or Martial, c. 18, 19, 20.

3. Political, c. 21.27.

3. Death, c. 28, 29. where is declared p. 63how David before his Death in a Solemne Assembly at Ierusalem took his leave of his Kindred. Set Solomon or his Throne, after he had given him Directions about the Temple, and himself with his Princes had offered willingly towards the building of it.

II Chron:

2. ACcording to the UNITED and DIVIDED state of the kingdom in the II of CHRONICLES. So called for the reasons formerly alledged.

This booke relates the history of the Israelitish State from the beginning of king Solomons Reigne, till their returne from the Babylonish Captivity, which fell out about the first yeare of Cyrus king of Persians. Setting down both the union and flourishing condition of the kingdome, under Solomon. but the division and decay of the kingdome thence ensuing, till it came to utter ruine. So this book contains an History of about 472 yeeres.

p. 64From Solomon to carrying away of Iechonias, 401. As Jun. and Tremell. compute.

In the Captivity, — 70 As Jun. and Tremell. compute.

Under Cyrus the Persian, — 1. As Jun. and Tremell. compute.

So that this book is an Epitome or Chronicle of the two Books of Kings, with Additions. If we consider the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, all together, they containe an Historicall Narration, How the kingdome of Israel 1 Began under Samuel: 2 Increased under David: 3 Flourished under Solomon: and 4 Failed under Zedekiah; thus it endured almost 565 yeers.

Penman, see in 1. of Chron.

Scope, For substance the same with that of the two books of Kings.

Principall parts.

This book containes an Historicall Narration of the kingdome of Israel's,

I. Flourishing, or increase under King Solomon. Touching Solomon are recorded, his

1. Vertues, c. 1.

2. Buildings.

p. 651. Sacred, viz. The Temple, where, 1. His preparation for it, c 2. 2. His extruction or building of it, viz. Of the Temple, contayning▪ c. 3. And of the Holy utensils, contayned in it, c. 4. 3. His Dedication of the Temple, partly by Dedicated things, especially the Arke brought into the Temple c. 5. Partly by praise and prayer, c. 6. Partly by Sacrifice, c. 7.

2. Civil, viz. Severall Cities which he builded, c. 8.

3. Condition and Death, c. 9.

II. Fading, or decrease under the following Kings of Iudah and Israel (the kingdome being divided) till the returne from Captivity in the Reigne of Cyrus. Where note five concussions of shakings of the Kingdome under these ensuing Kings. viz.

Rehoboam,

c. 10, 11, 12

Abia,

c. 13

Asa,

c. 14, 15, 16

Jehoshaphat,

c. 17, 18, 19, 20

Jehoram,

c. 21

Ahaziah,

c. 22

Joash,

c. 23, 24

Amaziah,

c. 25

p. 66Uzziah,

c. 26

Jotham,

c. 27

Ahaz,

c. 28

Hezekiah,

c. 29, 30, 31, 32

Manas…eh,

c. 33

Amon,

c. 33

Josi…h,

c. 34, 35

Joahaz,

c. 36.

Jehoakim,

c. 36.

Jechoniah,

c. 36.

Zedekiah,

c. 36.

II. After the people of Israels CAPTIVITY in which regard we have their REDUCTION, or bringing back from the Captivity of Babylon Hystorically declared: And that two wayes. 1. According to the truth and manner of it. 2. According to the fruit and event of it.

Ezra.

1 THe truth and manner of Gods peoples RETURNE FROM BABYLON, is contained in the book of EZRA. So called from p. 67Ezra the Penman of it; whose Acts also are the chief subject-matter of it. Some count and call Ezra a Prophet. Lactant. lib. 4. Iust. c. 11. but Augustine doubts whether he may be called a Prophet, Aug. l. 18 de Civit. Dei c. 36. Hierome saith he was Iosedech, whose son was Iesus the High-Priest. See Ludovic. Viv. in Lib. 18 de Civit. dei. c. 36. But how can he be denyed to be a Prophet, when Christ himselfe stiles all the books of the Old Testament Moses and the Prophets, Luk. 16.29.31?

This is certaine, Ezra was a Priest, Ezr. 7, 11, 12. He was of the house and linage of Aaron; see his pedigree, Ezr. 7.1.2, 3, 4, 5. A most expert and ready Scribe in the Law of Moses, Ezr. 7.6, 10, 11. He was sent with Commission by Artaxerxes from Babylon to Ierusalem, &c. ver. 11. &c.

Zerubbabel restored the Temple: Ezra the worship of God: Nehemiah the City Ierusalem.

This book, and that of Nehemiah following, are by the Hebrewes, p. 68reputed as but one volume, and that is called by them the I. of Ezra, this the II. of Ezra. Hieronym. in Epist. ad Paulin. and Lactant. Instit. l. 4. c. 11. The Greek and Latin divide them (as our English) into two books, the former being ascribed to Ezra, the latter to Nehemiah. The Book of Ezra, in Order well followes the Chronicles; for the very words which conclude the Chronicles, 2 Chron. 36. last, do begin this Book of Ezra, Ezra 1.1, 2, 3. not only intimating, that Ezra was probably Penman of them both, but also that in this Book the History is continued. In Ezra is declared the Iewes returne from Babylon. And it is an History for about 146. years, viz. From the Edict of Cyrus, to the nineteenth year of Artaxerxes Mnemon. As Iunius computes, of

Cyrus and Cambyses

9

Magi

1

Darius Histaspis

36

Xerxes

22

Artaxerxes Longimanus

40

Darius Nothus

19

p. 69Artaxerxes Mnemon

19

Scope. To evidence how punctually faithfull and alsufficiently able God is, in performing of his Promises to his Church and people in their season, touching their deliverance and Restauration, against all impediments, improbabilities and seeming impossibilities. For he made Cyrus an heathen King his shepheard, and nursing father to his Church, to bring them out of Babylon, wherein they were as helplesse and hopelesse, as dead bodies or dry bones in a grave. Ezek. 37. 2, 3, 11, 12, 13. To build the Temple and Ierusalem, Isa. 44. 28. and 45. 1. &c. compared with Ezra 1.1, 2. &c.

Principall parts. In this Book are laid downe, touching the Jewes returne,

1. The causes of their return from Babylon, viz. 1. Instrumentall, Cyrus his Grant, c. 1. 2. Materiall, Persons returning, c. 2. 3. Finall, the Restauration of the Temple, and worship of God, c. 3.

p. 702. The Impediments of their Returne, 1. Recited, viz. The Samaritanes. c. 4. and the Ruler of Canaan, c. 5. 2. Removed, by the Renewing of Cyrus his Edict, c. 6.

3. The successe of their Returne, where are described, 1 Ezra's Commission, c. 7. 2. His execution of his Commission, c. 8. 3. The Reformation of mixed marriages, which are Described, c. 9. Abolished, c. 10.

Nehemia:

II. THe Fruit and Event of the Jews RETURNE FROM BABYLON, is laid down in the Book of NEHEMIAH. So called, 1 partly because Nehemiah was Penman of it, Neh. 1.1. 2 Partly because the Acts of Nehemiah are the Principall subject-matter of the Book, Nehemiah being the great Repairer & Restorer of the holy City Ierusalem. It is by some called the II. of Ezra; because the History begun by Ezra touching the Iewes returne from Babylon is here continued. Nehemiah is supposed to aeb the same who is called the Tirshatha p. 71Ezr. 2.63. So Munsterus. Neh. 8.9. which signifies, a Cup-bearer, Gerh. exeg. in loc. 1. de Scrip. §. 132. but in the Chaldee tongue is a Title of Dignity and Honour. R. Aben Ezra. saith Gerh. Translated Legatus Regis; i. e. The Kings legate, Ambassadour or Commissary. by Iun. & Trem. (who yet interpret this rather of Shazbazzar, whom many think to be Zerubbabel:) In the margin of our English Bibles it is rendred, Governour. He was the son of Hachaliah, Neh. 1.1. and Cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes, in the twentieth yeare of his Reigne, Neh. ….11. and 2.1. The kings Palace was at Shushan, Neh. 1.1. that being the Metropolis of Persia, which Darius Hystaspis built. Plin. N. H. l. 6 c. 27.

In this Book are declared the happy fruits of the Jews returne both in reference to the Politique and Ecclesiastick state. It contains an History of about 55 years, as Gerh. Loc. Com. Supradict. & Iunius in Annot. shew. viz.

From the twentieth yeare of Artaerxes Mnemon Neh. 2.1.

24

Thence of Darius Ochus

23

p. 72Thence of Asrenes

3

Thence of Darius the last

5

Scope, To let us know how deep and desperate the distresses of the Church may grow, before God will restore her. How difficult, slow and perplexed a work the work of Reformation is, both by reason of adversaries to be opposed, and Publick corruptions to be removed. How easily and wonderfully God can bring Reformation to perfection against all impediments whatsoever, when he is resolved to carry it on. What excellent and usefull instruments, pious and faithfull Magistrates are for the accomplishing both of Civil and Ecclesiasticall Reformation; Nehemiah being a lively Patterne of a true Reformer indeed.

Principall parts. This Book sets forth the Restauration of Hierusalem, and this By.

I. Reparation of the wals, gates and buildings where consider

1. The cause of it. 1. Principall God▪ c. 1. 2. Instrumentall, Nehemiah, c. 2.

p. 732. The work it selfe. 1. Begun. c. 3. 2. Hindred by impediments; Externall. c. 4. Internall. c. 5. Mixt c. 6. 3. Perfected. c. 6.

II. Reformation both of the state Politick and Ecclesiastick, c. 7. to 13. Hereunto appertain. 1. The Custody of the City. The Number of the Captives that returned, (viz. 49942. Neh. 7.66.67.) and the Oblation c. 7. 2. A Description of two Festivals. c. 8. 3. The peoples publick repentance in a Solemne Fast, testified by a Solemne Covenant made and subscribed for Reformation c. 9, 10. 4. The inhabitants of Ierusalem, viz. Rulers, Voluntiers, and men chosen by lot. c. 11. 5. The number and offices of the Priests: with the Dedication of the wals of Ierusalem, c. 12.

III. Correction of such corruptions and miscarriages, as had risen in Iudea, in Nehemiah's absence▪ c. 13.

Esther.

III. VNderUnder the IEWES CAPTIVITY in Babylon, and other places out of Iudea; The condition p. 74of the Church is described in the Book of ESTHER; stiled by the Hebrewes foreign megillath Esther, i. e. The volume of Esther, so denominated from Esther the Queen a Iewesh, whose faithfull service, done for the oppressed Church and people of God in extremity of straits, is the primary subject of this Book. Some writers exclude this Book out of the Canon of Scripture, as Melito in Eusebius, lib. 4. c. 25. Athan…sius in Synopsi. and Nazianzen. in Carm. de Script. But the Hebrews and primitive Christians with other writers unanimously receive it as part of the Canon.

Penman is not so unanimously determined upon among Authors. Some thinks it was written by the men of the great Synagogue. R. Moses is said to be of this opinion. Or by Ioachim the Priest, sonne of Iesus the High-Priest. Philo Iudeus in Chronol. Or, by Mordecay, as is conjectured partly from chap. 9.20, 23. As The Latin Fathers. The ground of whose conjecture seemes to come short. Or by Ezra or Nehemiah, p. 75who wrote the two former Histories of the Church of like Nature. Isidorus. Alsted. Praecog. Theol l. c. c. 120. But Eusebius in his Chronicles, supposeth that the Penman was after Ezra.

This Book containes an History of the Church under the Reigne of Ahashuerus King of Persia, from the third yeare of his Reigne, Esth. 1.1, 2, 3. till the end of his Reigne, viz. about 20. years (for he reigned in all about 21. or 22. years) This Ahashuerus is conceived to be Xerxes sonne of Hystaspis, Ezr. 4.6. Iun. Annot.

The time of this History is thus computed.

Ahashuerus makes his feast in his third yeare, — Esth. 1.3.

Marrieth Esther, in his seventh yeare, Esth. 2.16.

Haman conspires against the Iewes, and is hanged, in his twelfth yeare, Esth. 3.7. and 7.10.

Thence Esther reigns till the end of his Reigne, Mordecai being chief Governour, 10. y. Helvic. chron.

S…ope, most lively to manifest; How singularly vigilant God is over p. 76his Church in extreamest straits and deepest dangers; not only to preserve her from them, and advantage her by them; but also to returne the plots of her cruell enemies upon their own heads, when they are nearest execution.

Principall parts. This Book declares the Jewes deliverance from Hamans plot, both by what meanes and in what manner it was delivered.

I. Meanes of deliverance, Esther advanced. Of whose advancement, here's 1. The occasion c. 1. 2. The manner of it. c. 2.

II. The manner of the deliverance, where are laid downe

1. Hamans cruell Plot against the Jewes. c. 3.

2. The perill ensuing upon this Plot, 1. Generally to all the Jewes. c. 4. 2. Particularly to Mordecai himselfe. c. 5.

3. Gods countermining of Hamans undermining designe.

1. By advancement of Mordecai. c. 6. 2. By ruining of, 1 Haman. c. 7. 2 Of the rest of the Jewes enemies. whose slaughter was Impetrated, p. 77c. 8. Perpetrated. c. 9. 3. By producing out of all an happy, prosperous quiet condition to his owne people.

II. DOCTRINAL BOOKS.

The DOGMATICAL, or DOCTRINALL Books. Thus farre of those Books which are more properly Historicall; Now of the Bookes which were written in the same times with the former, which declare to us the will of God in a more Doctrinall way, and therefore for distinction sake called, DOCTRINALL. They are also called the Poeticall Books, because it is conceived that they, or most of them in Hebrew were written in Metre, or Poeticall Measures; which now are not so easie to be found out.

These DOGMATICALL Books containe in them Doctrines. 1. Of more speciall and particular reference to some particular individuall person. 2. Or of more Generall reference and respect to all.

p. 78Job.

1. DOctrines of more speciall reference to a particular person ▪ are laid down in the Book of IOB. so called, because that precious man Iob and his various condition is the chiefe subject-matter of the Booke. Some think that there never was such a man in the world as this Iob of which this Book speaks: but account this booke rather Parabolicall, then Historicall. R. Moses Ben. Maimon in more Nebuchim part 3. §. 22. And Thalmud Ord. 4. Tract. 3. But this dreame is sufficiently refelled by that honourable mention that is made of this renowned Iob in other Scriptures both in Old and New Testament Ezek. 14.14, 20. Iam. 5.11.

Who this Iob was, is more doubted.

1. Some thinke that Iob came of p. 79Nahor Abrahams brother, and that he was the third from Nahor: thus; Nahor—Vz—rIob; and that he lived about that time that Israel was in Egypt. Alsted. Chron. p. 100 and p. 115. and p. 502. And Hieronym. in Q. Hebr. Tom. 4. fol. 96. Seemes to incline hereunto, especially, seeing Iob is said to dwell in the Land of Vz, Iob 1.1. and Vz was one of Nahors sonnes, Gent 22.…1. But that Land seems not to have received its name of Vz coetaneous to Abraham; but rather from Vz son of Aram, Sem's Nephew presently after the flood, Gen. 10.23. As Gerh. well notes, in exegesi. loc▪ Com. de Scrip. §. 136.

2. Others rather are of opinion, that Iob is the same which Iobab King of the Idumeans, of the race of Esau Gen. 36.34. And that foreign might be changed into foreign; the name Iobab into Iob; either from the custome of the Hebrew tongue, which ofttimes changeth one letter for another; or from the Aramick, Idumean, or other dialect of the Country p. 80where he sojourned; or from the change of his condition in the world; while prosperous he might be called Iobab, the letter being doubled; when in distresse his name contracted into Iob. See the like in case of Abraham, Gen. 17.5. Of Naomi, Ruth 1.20.

This latter opinion is urged by Arguments not to be neglected. 1. From the circumstances of place. Iobab lived in the Land of Idumea, Gen. 36.33. Iob in the Land of Vz, a chiefe tract in Idumea, Iob 1.1. Lam. 4.21. Hence Kings of Edom are called Kings of the Land of Vz, Ier. 25.20. 2. From description of their possessions, Iobab had Regall Majesty Gen. 36.33. Iob had a Princely state, not usuall to private men, Iob 1.1, 2, 3. And also Princely Dignity, Habit, and Office, Iob 29.9, 12, 14. 3. From Similitude of names. As Moses reckons up among Esau's sons, one Eliphaz who brought forth one Theman builder of a Town of his own name, Gen. 36.10, 15. So Iobs History p. 81mentions, Eliphaz the Temanite Iob 2.11. Many Authors, as the LXX interpret. at the end of Iob. Euseb. demonstr. Evangel. l. 1. c. 5. Ambros. in Com. in Rom. 9. August. de Civit. dei, l. 18. c. 47. Gerh. quo supr. § 134. vid. Mercer. in Praefat in Lib▪ Iob & Com. in Iob 1.1

Penman of this book is not certainly known. Some think it was Solomon; but that's scarce probable, Iob living so long before Solomon, and many Penmen of Holy Scripture intervening betwixt them. Some that Iob penned this book himselfe, because the expressions and speeches of Iob are laid down in such emphaticall and patheticall terms. Some rather thinke that Moses wrote Genesis and Iob about the same time, viz. a little before Israels departure out of Aegypt, in the yeare of the world, 2452. Alsted. Chron. p. 100. R. Solomon, and other Hebrewes favour this opinion.

Scope, To evidence as in a mirrour the wise, just and fatherly Providence of God to his own faithfull p. 82and upright servants, even in midst of manifold, deepest, strangest and longest afflictions. Hebrewes say, Iob's calamity lasted 12 moneths. Suidas saith, seaven yeeres.

Principal Parts. In this book Iobs threefold condition is described viz. His Prosperity, His Adversity, and his recovery out of all his distresses.

I. Iobs Prosperity, is described c. 1.1, to ver. 6.

II. Iobs Adversity, is deciphered to us.

1. By the Occasion, variety and extremity of it, c. 1. ver. 6. to chap. 3.1.

2. By the distemper of his spirit under the extremity of his dolours, c. 3.

3. By the Dialogue had under his Affliction, wherein this Q. is for substance fully discussed, Whether strange, heavy, and long afflictions be infallible signes either of Gods hatred, or of afflicted persons Hypocrisy? Likewise Jobs Faith, patience, courage, perseverance and commendable deportment is interwoven in the Dialogue; though now and then he discovered p. 83some infirmities. Here consider the dispute betwixt Iob and his three friends and the Moderatours of the Dispute.

1. The Dispute hath in it 8 severall Acts. 1. Eliphaz his first reproofe c. 4.5. And Iobs Answer, c. 6, 7. 2. Bildads first reproofe of Iob, c. 8. And Iobs answer, c. 9, 10. 3. Zophar's first rebuke c. 11. With Iobs answer, c. 12, 13, 14. 4. Eliphaz his second reproofe, c. 15. And Iobs defence, c. 16, 17. 5. Bildad's second rebuke, c. …8. Iobs answer, c. 19. 6. Zophar's second reproofe, c. 20. Iobs answer c. 21. 7. Elephaz his third reproofe, c. 22. Iobs answer, c. 23, 24. 8. Bildad's third reproofe, c. 25. Iobs answer by shewing Gods Majesty, c. 26, 27, 28. and by paralleling his present calamity with his former felicity, c. 29, 30, 31.

2. The Moderatours in this dispute are,

1. Elihu; who first reproves Iobs friends, c. 32. Iob himselfe c. 33. 2. Renders the Reasons of his reproofe drawn from the Majesty of God, c. 34. 3. Exhorts p. 84Iob to Repentance, c. 35. 4. Returnes to the description of Gods Majesty, c. 36, 37.

2. God himselfe who reprehends and convinceth Job of ignorance, and infirmity, by Arguments drawn from the Creation and Gubernation. 1. Of the Meteors c. 38. 2. Of other creatures, especially of the more considerable creatures, viz. The Lyon, c. 39. Elephant, c. 40. Whale, c. 41.

III. Iobs recovery out of his adversity, described. 1. By his preparative to it, viz. Iobs penitentiall confession of his sin, &c. This was the sweet fruit of the Dialogue with Iob. 2. By the manner of his Restitution &c. c. 42.

2. Doctrines of more generall reference unto all sorts of persons, are contained partly in Davids, partly in Solomons Books, whereof some were written originally in prose, others in Metre, Trelcat. in Oecon. Bibl.

p. 85Psalmes.

1. IN Davids Book viz. That which was (if not wholly, as some thinke, August. de Civitat. Dei, l. 17. c. 14. Yet) principally Penned by David, i. e. THE BOOK OF PSALMES. It is called in Hebrew, by the latter Hebrewes (who gave names or Titles to Books, foreign Sepher Tehillim. i. e. The Book of Hymnes, or Prayses: because the Divine Praises of God are the chiefe subject-matter of the Psalmes. In the Old Testament, THE PSALMS OF ISRAEL 2 Sam. 23.1. Because penned for the use of the Israel of God. In the New Testament, foreign The PSALMES Luk 24.44. And foreign i. e. The BIBLE or BOOK OF PSALMES, Luk. 20.42. Act. 1.20. Because the Psalmes are digested into one volume. p. 86The Greeke cals it also foreign i. e. The Psalter; from the Psaltery a musicall instrument, used in singing of the psalmes. Anciently it was called Soliloquium i. e. The Soliloquy; because it containes the Saints sweetest and secret talkings with God in prayers and prayses, and Gods with them in precious returnes. Parva Biblia, & Summarium V. Test. i. e. The little Bible, and the Summary of the Old Testament. Luth Totius Scripturae Epitome. i. e. The Epitome of the whole Scriptures. Athanas. in Epist. ad Marcel. It is a compendium of all divinity, a common shop of Medicines for the soule, an universall store-house of good Doctrines profitable to every one in all conditions. Basil in Psal. 1. By August. lib. Psalmorū Prol. its call'd Tutela pueris, juvenibus ornamentum, solatium senibus, mulieribus aptissimus decor. i. e. A safeguard for children, an Ornament to youth, a solace to aged men, and the fittest comelinesse for women. The psalmes are a Iewel made up of the Gold of Doctrine, p. 87of the pearles of comfort, of the Gemmes of prayer. This book is a Theater of Gods works. A sweet field and Rosary of promises. A Paradise of sweet fruits and heavenly delights. An ample Sea wherein tempest-tossed soules find richest pearles of consolation. An heavenly schoole wherein God himself is chiefe instructer. The abridgment, flower and quintessence of Scriptures. A glasse of divine grace, representing to us the sweetest smiling fatherly countenance of God in Christ. And a most accurate Anatomie of a Christian soule, delineating all its affections, motions, temptations, plunges with their proper remedies. Incipientibus primum efficitur elementum, proficientibus incremen…um, perfectis stabile firmamentum, totius Ecclesiae vox una. i. e. It is rudiment for the young, increase for the proficient, firm establishment for the perfect, its as but one voice of the whole Church. August. ibid.

In a word, Quid est quod non discatur in Psalmis? Non omnis magnitudo p. 88virtutis, non norma justitiae, non pudicitiae decor, non prudentiae consummatio, non patientiae regula, non omne quicquid potest dici bonum procedit ex ipsis? Dei scientia, perfecta praenunciatio Christi in carne venturi, & communis resurrectionis spes, suppliciorum metus, gloriae pollicitatio, mysteriorum revelatio. Omnia prorsus in his velut magno quodam & communi thesauro recondita atque conferta sunt bona. i. e. What is it that may not be learned in the Psalmes? Doth not the greatnesse of all vertue, the Rule of Righteousnesse, the gracefulnesse of charity, the Consummation of prudence, the law of patience, and every thing that may be called good, flow from them? The knowledge of God, the perfect Prediction of Christ to come in the flesh, the common hope of the Resurrection, the feare of punishments, the Promise of glory, the revelation of mysteries, yea all good things are hid and heaped together in these Psalmes, as in some great and common p. 89Treasury. Aug. in lib. Psalmorunt Prolog. For, if we look at the matter of the Psalmes, how rich is it! Consider,

In the Book of Psalms

1. God dealeth with us, by

1. Information; thence arise Psalmi foreign, the Didacticall or Teaching Psalms.

2. Exhortation; thence the foreign or foreign, i. e. the Hortatory Psalmes; or Admonitory Ps.

3. Consolation; thence the foreign, i. e. Consolatory Psalms.

4. Narratiō of things already past; thence foreign, i. e. the Historicall Psalmes.

5. Prediction, or foretelling of things to come; thence Psalmi foreign, i. e. the Propheticall Psalmes.

2. We deal with God, by

1. Prayer; whence Psalmi foreign, i. e Petitory or Praying Psalms.

2. Prayse & thanksgiving; thence p. 90Psalmi foreign, i. e. the Gratulatory or Thanksgiving Psalms.

Penmen of the Book of Psalmes are supposed by some to be many; and the Titles of divers Psalmes do import as much unto us. Ten Penmen are enumerated. viz. David, Solomon, Moses, Asaph, Ethan, Heman, Ieduthun, and the three sons of Korah; but Augustine thinks David was Penman of them all, de Civitat. dei l. 17. c. 14. However David penned greatest part of them, as the Titles and Testimonies in the New Testament do intimate.

Some thinke that Ezra after the Babylonish Captivity, collected these Psalmes, (before dispersed) into one volume. Some think this was done by King Hezekiah's friends or servants before the Babylonish Captivity, Athanasius in Synopsi.

Sum and Scope of the Psalms, seems to be. To set out the sweet entercourse p. 91and Communion betwixt God & his Church and people in all outward Conditions, and inward soul cases; how therin they are weak or strong▪ believe, hope, joy, lament, confesse, pray, vow, praise the Lord, &c. as occasion requires; and how God tries, delivers, comforts, supports, encourages, instructs, enables them, and faithfully deales with them, in all variety of their cases and conditions. But every particular Psalme hath his particular Scope; handling distinct matters upon distinct occasions. Some being penned before, some under, some after the Babylonish Captivity, as is evident.

Principal parts. This Book is by the Hebrews divided into five Books, viz.

1. From Psal. 1. to the end of Psal. 41. concluded with, Amen and Amen.

2. From Psal. 42. to the end of Psal. 72. shut up with. Amen and Amen. Ended▪ are the Prayers of David son of Iesse.

3. From Psal. 73. to the end of Psal. 89. closed with, Amen and Amen.

4. From Psal. 90. to the end of Psal. 106. ended with, Amen, Halelu-jah.

p. 925. From beginning of Psal. 107. to the end of Psal. 150. concluding with Halelu-jah.

This Division seems to arise from the peculiar close of these five Psalmes.

Or thus, The Psalmes are either 1 Directed from man to God, as the 1 Praying, and 2 Thankesgiving Psalms. 2 Or from God to man. As the Psalmes which are 1 Hortatory, 2 Consolatory, 3 Didacticall. 4 Propheticall.

The Particular unfolding of the Penman, Kind, Occasion, Matter, Scope and Principall Parts of every Psalme severally; will make a large Appendix to this Tract, and is reserved till some other opportunity.

2. In Solomons Books, (the wisest of Kings, 1 King. 3.12. & 4.29.) His Bookes are three, which according to the severall Doctrines, and matters comprised in them, we may distinguish into 1 Proverbiall, 2 Penitentiall and 3 Nuptiall. It is hard to say at what time these severall Books were penned by Solomon, yet perhaps the Nuptiall Book, was penned in his younger years, when his affections were more warme, active, lively in spirituals. The Proverbiall Book in his manly ripe age, when his p. 93prudence and parts were at highest, most grave, solid, setled: And the Penitentiall Book in his old age▪ after all the vaine courses which he had lost himselfe in, as the current of the Book seems clearly to evidence.

Proverbs.

1. HIs Proverbiall Book called the PROVERBS OF SOLOMON, because though it containe other's Proverbs, yet most are Solomon's Prov. 1.1. In Hebr. foreign Mis…le Shelomoh, i. e. either Similitudes, or excelling sentences, that overcome and beare rule over the rest, from mashal, which notes dominion.

This book was penned not by one, but by divers: and that not at one, but at severall times. Solomon penned the nine first chapters, in that Order, as they are, as also c. 10. to c. 25. Cartwright in loc. p. 94Solomon was Author of the Proverbs also, from c. 25. to c. 30. But the men of Hezekiah King of Iudah copied them out, Prov. 25.1. probably they collected them out of other writings of Solomon, and ranked them in this Order, wherein we now have them. Alsted. Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 120. Cartw. in Prov. 25.1. and Iun. ibid. who thinkes they extracted these Proverbs out of the Records of the Acts of Solomon, and digested them into a body; most of these Proverbs appertaining to Ethicall and Civil administration. The thirtieth chapter was penned by Agur sonne of Iakeh, c. 30.1. of him we read elsewhere no further mention in Scripture. He was a Prophet, Prov. 30.1. His Proverbiall Prophecy is annexed to Solomons Proverbs, perhaps because of mutuall resemblance between them.

The 31^th chapter containes the Proverbiall instructions, with which Bathsheba trained up Solomon (here called Lemuel) in his tender p. 95years, which instructions King Solomon committed to writing afterwards. Iun. in loc. Cartw. in loc.

The Scope. To instruct men in true wisedome and understanding, the very head and height whereof is the sincere feare of the Lord, Prov. 1.2. to 8. To this end the Book is filled with choice succinct sententious Aphorismes, Adages, or Proverbs, compendiously holding forth duties of Piety to God, Equity to man, Sobriety towards ones selfe.

Generall Distribution of the Book take thus.

I. Here's Solomons Preface to his Proverbs, w^ch hath a methodicall texture and coherence in it self, c. 1. to 10.

II. Here is the whole Body or Book of the Proverbs themselves, which are either,

1. Solomons owne Proverbs, which or most part are pithy, distinct Aphotismes, without method, dependance, coherence, &c. and these. 1. Written by Solomon himselfe, c. 10.1. to c. 25.1. 2. Written by him, and collected by the men of King Hezekiah, as c. 25.1. to ….30.1.

p. 962. Or others Proverbs by way of Appendix annexed to Solomons. viz▪ 1▪ Of Agur. c. 30. 2. Of Bathsheba, but written by Solomon, c. 31.

Ecclesi:

2. HIs Penitential Book, Solomons Retractations or Recantations, called in Hebr. foreign i. e. The WORDS OF THE PREACHER Eccles. 1.1. and to the same sense in Greek, Latin, and English, ECCLESIASTES, or The Preacher, because Solomon being furnished with wisedome and manifold experience touching the vanity of all things besides true Religion, preacheth the same to the Church for the instruction and warning of all Gods people: This Book he wrote in extream Old age, Repenting of his fall: This seemes to be one of his last Acts, according to that, 2 Chron. 9.29.

p. 97Scope of this Book is to evidence wherein a mans true happinesse consists. viz. not in any sublunary, naturall, created excellency, all such being vanity of vanities, extreamest vanity and vexation of Spirit; but only in true sincere feare of God, and truth of Religion, compare Eccles. 1.2. with Eccles. 12.13, 14.

Principall parts; To this end, touching true happinesse, he insists upon it,

1. Negatively, showing where it is not to be found. viz Generally, not in any meer, naturall, sublunary treasure in this world. Specially, not in 1. Knowledge of all naturall things. 2. Pleasures, or sweetest earthly delights. 3. Highest Honours, Or 4. Compleatest riches, c. 1. to c. 7.

2. Positively and Affirmatively, wherein true felicity is to be found, and this he showes. 1. Particularly, declaring what are the degrees and meanes of happinesse, so farre as a man may attaine thereunto in this imperfect life, c. 7. to c. 12.8. 2. Summarily in the close of the whole Book, c. 12.8. to the end.

p. 98This Book is an undeniable Argument of Solomons repentance after his Relapse, and consequently of his salvation.

Song of Songs.

3. HIs Nuptiall Book treating of the spiritual Contract, and Marraiage betwixt Christ and his Church, called the SONG OF SONGS, which was Solomons, c. 1.1. and CANTICLES, because of all Solomons Songs, which were 1005. 1 King. 4.32. This was the choycest and most excellent; the matter thereof being one of the sweetest spirituall mysteries. viz. the Churches spirituall espousals to, and Communion with Jesus Christ, that great mystery, Eph. 5.32.

p. 99Scope of this Song, is, (under the Metaphor or Allegory of lovers upon Contract, and intending marriage,) to shadow out to us that sublime spirituall happy union and Communion betwixt Christ and his Church, inchoate in this life, more imperfectly with the Iewes, more perfectly with the Gentiles: Consummate in the life to come. This is carried on dialogue-wise betwixt Christ and his Church; His friends and her Damosels, being the foure speakers, especially the two first. As is the Custome of a Bridegroome and a Bride.

Principall parts, of this Song of Songs.

I. The Inscription, denoting the 1 kind of writing; 2 Excellency 3 and Penman of it c. 1.1.

II. The substance of the Song, Streaming out a Torrent of spirituall love betwixt Christ and the Church, laid down Dialogue-wise, in a familiar Colloquy betwixt 1 Christ as the Bridegroome. 2 The Church as the Bride, and 3 the friends of them both rejoycing in the marriage; All in a continued Allegory. Herein are particularly,

1. The Ardent desires of the Church after Christ, as impatient of his absence: with Christs acceptance thereof. c. 1. ver. 2. to 9.

2. The Reciprocall invitatory Commendations p. 100of one another; and the mutuall gratulations and contentment of Christ and the Church in one another, c. 1.9. to the end of c. 2.

3. The Churches renewed desires night and day, at home and abroad, in the City in the fields (as it were) to bring Christ neerer to her self, c. 3.1. to 6. yea rather to have her selfe brought immediately to the full enjoyment of Christ in heaven, v. 6. to the end.

4. Christ most affectionately Prayseth his Church in her Members, professing himselfe ravished with her faith, graces, and spirituall beauty, c. 4.1. to 15. which is amplified, 1. By the Churches selfe-denying acknowledging all her graces to come from Christ as the fountaine, v 15. 2. By her Prayer for his influence to make her (as a Garden of spices) more and more fruitfull; and for his presence to accept her fruit, v. 16. 3. By Christs satisfying her desires, comming into his Garden, Accepting the fruits thereof, and welcoming his friends, c. 5.1.

5. The Churches Spirituall Desertion, in Christs withdrawing himselfe from her. Where are, I. The occasion of it, Her carnall Scurity, c. 5.2.3. II. The Manner of it; withdrawing, yet leaving some quickning grace behinde him. v. 4, 5. III. The Consequents of it, in respect of, 1. The p. 101Church her selfe, v. 4, 5, 6. 2. The Watchmen abusing her, ver. 7. 3. The Daughters of Ierusalem, whom she charged to signifie her distresse to her beloved, ver. 8. This charge is amplified, 1 Partly by the inquiry of the Daughters of Ierusalem, what Christ is? ver. 9. 2 Partly by the Churches Patheticall description of Christs transcendent excellencies, ver. 10. to the end. 3 Partly, by the inquiry of the daughters of Jerusalem, after Christ, c. 6.1. 4 Partly by the Churches declaring to them, where Christ was, viz. He was now returned, and gone down into his Garden c. 6.2. 5 Partly by her affectionate complacency in Christ returned, ver. 3.

6. Christs sweet and consolatory deportment towards his Church after her Desertion, and his returne to her. Wherein, 1. He assures her she is as precious in his eyes, and as deare to his heart as ever, c. 6.4. to 11. 2. He declares his desire after the Spirituall Spring of the Churches graces, after the winter of her afflictions, ver. 11. 3. He discovers the Rapture of his ravished affections to her, most sweetly inviting her to himselfe, ver. 12, 13. most highly commending her throughout, c. 7.1. to 8. and promising his presence, and what he will do for her; that she may become most delightfull to him, v. 8.9.

7. Finally, the Church reciprocates her utmost p. 102affection to Christ, for his love. And this, I. More Generally c. 7.10. II. More Particularly, Her desire, 1 That Christ and she may go together to view their Husbandry, whether their plants did flourish and fructifie, viz. The Gospel thrive, ver. 11, 12 13. 2 That she may enjoy Christ most intimately and familiarly, c. 8. 1, 2, 3. 3. That the Daughters of Jerusalem may not disturbe him, ver. 4. 4. That it may be considered, what she hath forgone and undergone for Christs love, ver. 5. 5. That Christ would give her a fuller 1 Confirmation of his love, setting her as a seale upon his heart: and a fuller 2 Manifestation or evident assurance therof, Setting her as a Seale upon his Arme, strengthning, helping her, &c. and this because she beares to Christ an invincible and unquenchable love, ver. 6, 7. 6. That the Gentiles called A little Sister, may be called, and incorporated into the Church with the Jewes, ver. 8, 9, 10. This is amplified by Christs common care of both, as one Vineyard, kept by himselfe, not by others, as Solomons was▪ ver. 11, 12. Christ teaching his Spouse her duty, To her neighbours in publishing and bearing witnesse to his Truth; To himselfe in Prayer and Thanksgiving, ver. 13.

III. The Conclusion of the Song, containing the Churches most Ardent Desire after p. 103Christs second coming, that the marriage betwixt Christ and her selfe, may be compleatly consummated in Heaven those Mountaines of spices, c. 8.14.

III. THE PROPHETICALL BOOKS.

THus farre of Books Historicall and Doctrinal, Now to the Books Propheticall. For distinction sake they are called PROPHETICALL, because the matter of them is principally Propheticall, though many Historical and Doctrinal passages are also inserted in them all along; as there are many prophecies of things to come, dispersed up and down the other Books, which yet are principally Historical and Doctrinal.

These Prophetical Books are in all 16, (Lamentations being counted an Appendix to Ieremiah) they may be considered, 1. According to the times of their prophecy and writing. 2. According to their Order as set in our Bibles. They are not placed in our Bibles in that method and Order as they were at the first spoken and written by the prophets.

I. According to the times wherein they were p. 104first prophesied and written. These times are for most part discovered in the beginning of the severall Prophesies, and of such we may determine certainly: or they may be collected from other Scriptures, or the matter of the Prophesies, of which we cannot conclude altogether so cleerly.

These times may be referred (as the Historical books) to three principall Periods, viz. 1. Before, 2. Neere or under. 3. After the Babylonish captivity. And if in these three periods we parallel these Prophets, with those Historical Books, they will notably help to cleer and explain one another.

I. Before the transportation of Israel into Babylon, These Prophets prophesied and wrote, viz.

1. Under Vzziah King of Judah, and Ieroboam the second, King of Israel.

IONAH, he prophecied before or about beginning of Ieroboams Reigne, See 2 King. 14 25. As Iun. noteth in Ionah 1.1. About the close of his Reigne, thinkes Drusius in Quaesitis Epist. 9.

p. 1051. AMOS. See Amos 1.1.

2. Under Vzziah, Iotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah Kings of Judah, and Ieroboam King of Israel.

HOSEA. Hos. 1.1.

IOEL. Ioel prophesied about the same time with Hosea, as is thought; because the things prophecied in Ioel, relate to the dayes of Vzziah and Ieroboam. See Iun. Annot. in Ioel 1.1.

ISAIAH. Isa. 1.1. (here the days of King Ieroboam are not mentioned.)

MICHAH. Only under Iotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, Mich. 1.1.

3. Under Iosiah.

IEREMIAH. Till the eleventh yeere of Zedekiah, Jer. 1, 2, 3. being compared with Ier. 51.64. Iun. Annot. ibid.

LAMENTATIONS. Written by Ieremiah, upon occasion of King Josiah's Death 2 Chr. 35.25.

ZEPHANIAH. Zeph. 1.1.

OBADIAH. Seems to be contemporary with Ieremiah, compare his prophecy with p. 106Ier. 49.7. &c. And Ezek. 25. 13. &c. See Iun. in Obad. 1.

NAHVM. About the close of Iosiah's Reigne as the matter of the Book, and the harmony of the History import. So Iun. in Nah. 1.1.

HABBAKKVK. About the end of Iosiahs Reigne, or in his sons Reign, Iunius in Hab. 1.1.

II. Neere upon, and under the Babylonish Captivity.

DANIEL. In the third yeere of Iehoiakim's Reigne, Dan. 1.1.

EZEKIEL. In the fifth yeere of King Iehoiakin's Captivity, Ezek. 1.1, 2, 3.

III. After their returne from Babylons Captivity.

HAGGAI. In the second yeere of Darius, and the sixth monethmonth, Hag. 1.1.

ZECHARIAH. In the second yeere of Darius, the eighth monethmonth, Zech. 1.1.

MALACHI▪ Last Prophecy of the Old-Testament. Reproves the corruptions after building of the Temple. See Iun. in Mal. 1.1.

p. 107II. According to their Order as they are placed in our Bibles. And so they are resolved into two Ranks, viz. 1. The Greater Prophets, viz. The foure first (the Lamentations being annexed as an Appendix to Ieremiah,) so called, not because these had greater authority, then the others, but from the greatnesse of their Bookes; The prophecy of Isaiah, being neer as big or bigger then all the lesser prophets, together. 2. The Lesser Prophets. viz. The twelve latter, Hosea, &c. Which were digested into one volumne of old by the Jewes, (called the Booke of the Prophets, Act. 7.42.) some of them being very small, lest any of them should be lost. All these books are named from their Penmen, except the Lamentations.

I. The Greater Prophets, are …he Books of Isaiah, Ieremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel.

p. 108Isaiah

ISAIAH. This Book is set first, (though in time Ionah, Amos, Hosea, and Ioel, seeme to have been before him) perhaps, because of the excellency of the Prophecy, most frequently, fully and clearly prophecying of Christ, as if Christ had been exhibited already, had suffered already. Hence the Ancients called him Evangelisticus Propheta, & Propheticus Evangelista, The Evangelicall Prophet, and Propheticall Evangelist, Or the Evangelist and Apostle of the Old Testament. Christ and his Apostles greatly esteemed this Book▪ it being oftner alledged in the New Testament, then any other Book of the Old Testament▪ except the psalms. Some observe Isaiah to be quoted sixty times, the Psalmes sixty foure times. Alsted. Ethiopians had great respect to p. 109this Book as appears, Act. 8.27.28.

Time of this Prophecy was in foure Kings Reigns, Isa. 1.1. if we reckon from the death of Vzziah, Isa. 6.1. till the fifteenth yeare of King Hezekiah, when the Babilonish Ambassadours came to Hezekiah and saw all his Treasures, 2 King. 20. 12, 13, 14. He must at the least prophecy fourty five years: but its probable he prophecied longer.

Scope; To hold forth the true Messiah clearly, as the only sufficient Remedy against all sin and misery.

Generall parts, This Prophecy is either.

1. Comminatory, as it is for the most part, till c. 40. these promises are now and then inter-woven; Herein 1. The Jewes are threatned, c. 1. to c. 13. 2. Enemies of the Jewesh Church are threatned, for the Churches benefit, c, 13. to c. 29. 3. The Jewes againe are threatned with the Babylonish Captivity, c. 29. to 40.

2. Promissory, and that 1. For the Restauration of the Old Church of the Jews from the misery of that Captivity, c. 40. to c. 49. 2. For the compleating and consummation of the Churches glory in p. 110Gospel times by Christ himselfe, c. 49. to the end of the Prophecy.

Jeremiah.

JEREMIAH. He was of the Towne of Anatho…h, Jer. 1.1. a very young man when he began to prophesie, Ier. 1.6.

Time of his prophecy was in days of Iosiah, Iehoiakin and Zedekiah, Jer. 1.2, 3. which must needs be fourty three years at least by computation, both in Iudea and Egypt.

Scope. To divorce the Iewes in his times from their many horrid sins, denouncig heavy judgemenas against them: But to comfort the true servants of God in their lowest misery, with promises of Christ, and threatnings against all their enemies.

Generall parts. Herein are

1. The Preface, containing the vocation of Ieremiah, c. 1.

2 The Prophecy it self, which is directed both against the Iews & the enemies of the Jewes, … Against the Jews 1. in Iudea, p. 111under King Iosiah, c. 2. to c. 21. Under Iehoiachim and Zedekiah, c. 21. to c. 43. 2. In Egypt, c. 43.44.45. 2 Against the Jewes enemies. viz. Egyptians, c. 46. Philistines and Tyrians, c. 47. Moabites. c. 48. Ammonites, Edomites, &c. c. 49. Babylonians, c. 50.51.

3. Conclusion Historicall, annexed to the Prophecy, by some other then Ierem…ah, c. 52.

Lamenta:

UNto the prophecy of JEREMIAH may be annexed as an Appendix the Book of LAMENTATIONS. called in Hebr. foreign Kinoth, i. e. Lamentations; 2 Chron. 35.25. and foreign Echah, viz. the first Hebrew word of the Book (as many other Books are named by the first word of the Book). This Book seems to be penned by Ieremiah the Prophet, upon the death of that precious King …osiah, 2 Chron. 35.25. when the Jewes fell to their sinfull p. 112confidence in Egypt, which Beginnings of sorrows and miseries gave Ieremy occasion, (he knowing by the spirit of Prophecy the judgments which should befall them) to lament all the miseries from Iosiahs death, till the destruction of the Temple and Ierusalem, and captivity of the people in Babylon. The foure first chapters are penned alphebetically, (as many Psalmes are for help of memory in such an excellent piece as this is,) In 1.2, 4. chapters, every verse begins with a distinct letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, c. 3. hath only every third verse so beginning. Most mournefull melting, patheticall affections abound in the whole Book. Greg. Nazianzen. Affirmed thus of himselfe, As oft as I take this Book into my hands, and read the Lamentations, I perceive my speech to be stopped, and I am overwhelmed with tears, and methinks I see that Calamity as it were set before mine eyes, and I joyne Lamentations with Jeremiah; Greg. Nazianzen. Or. 12. pag. 202. Paris, 1630.

p. 113Scope, seemes to be this▪ Lively to point out the severity and impartiality of Gods judgements, even against his own dearest people the Iewes for their iniquities, inviting them to repentance, faith and prayer, for obtaining of Gods favour in pardoning of sin, and removall of judgement.

Principall parts. Are:

I. Narratory, wherein are contained.

1. A most Patheticall Description of the wofull miseries, overwhelming Ierusalem and Iudea, yet all acknowledged to be most justly inflicted for their sin, c. 1.

2. A mournfull expostulating lamentation for the desolating miseries upon all persons and affairs, Civil or Ecclesiasticall in the whole Kingdome, c. 2. 1. to 19.

3. The Prophets counsell to them to Convert to God and pray; and he gives them a forme of words, c. 2. verse 19.20, 21, 22.

4. The Churches sad complaints (in one mans person) of Gods many and heavy afflictions upon her, c. 3. 1. to 18.

5. The Arguments of comfort, wherewith the Church supported her selfe in p. 114these extremities v. 18. to 42.

6. How the Church eased her heart in crying to God for her selfe, against her enemies, v. 42. to the end.

7. Most Patheticall Aggravations of her calamities. c. 4.1. to 21.

II. Minatory, against the enemies of Israel, c. 4.21.

III. Promissory, to the afflicted daughter of Sion, c. 4.22.

IIII. Petitory, wherein the Church of God, 1 bewaileth her miseries, 2 Acknowledgeth sin to be the cause thereof, 3 Deprecats his wrath, 4 And implores his mercy, c. 5.

Ezekiel.

EZEKIEL. He was descended of the Priestly stock, Ezek. 1.3. Prophecyed in the land of Chaldea, to the Captives and Gentiles, in the fifth yeare of Iehoiachin's captivity, Ezek. 1.1, 2, 3.

Scope. To comfort the Church of God in Captivity, and to instruct them how to behave themselves therein, amongst p. 115profane Heathenish Idolaters.

Generall parts. Herein are,

I. The Preface setting forth the Prophets calling to this office; Gods call, c. 1. Ezekiels fearfulnes, c. 2. Gods confirming and strengthning him, c. 3.

II. The Prophecy it self, containing three Ranks of Sermons preached at severall times, to severall persons, &c. 1. To the Iews, whom he sharply rebuks & threatens for their impieties in seventeen severall sermons, c. 4. to c. 25. 2. To the enemies of Gods people, whose ruine and destruction he foretels in eight sermons, c. 25. to c. 33. 3. To the Jewes, exhorting them to repentance, and encouraging them to hope, not only for an inchoate deliverance from Babylons slavery, and that in six sermons, c. 33. to c. 40. But also for a consummate spirituall deliverance from spirituall misery by Christ the Messiah, and this is set out in vision 1 Of the new Temple to be erected, c. 40.41, 42. 1 Of the new Worship of God to be restored, c. 43.44. 3 Of the new Ierusalem, and new earth that should be discovered, c. 45.46, 47, 48.

p. 116Daniel:

DANIEL, Daniel was carried captive with the Jewes into Babylon, Dan. 1.6. living and prophecying among the Captives, a long time, foretold future events to the end of the world. Was a man of an excellent spirit, Dan. 5.12. Author of this Book, Matth. 24.15. Dan. 12.4.

Scope, To display unto Gods Church and people Gods wise and faithfull dealings with them in all states, from dayes of Nebuchadnezzar till Christ, for the comfort of the Iews, and from Christ to the end of the world, his peculiar Providence over his own in all their distresses and deliverances, for the comfort of the Saints under the New Testament.

Generall Parts. This book relates principally two sorts of matters, viz.

p. 1171. Matters done already for time past, laid down Historically, c. 1. to 7. and these things are reported 1. Summarily. c. 1. 2 Severally under the Babylonian Monarchy, whereof we have 1 The Rise, c. 2.3. 2 The Growth, c. 4. 3 The close, c. 5. Or under the Persian Monarchy, c. 6.

2. Matters to be done afterwards for future, laid down Prophetically, c. 7. to the end of the book. He prophecies, 1. Of future Calamities, where, in days of Belshazzar, he had a double vision Of the foure beasts c. 7. Of the Ram and He-goat, c. 8. In the time of the Persian Monarchy, where he hath a double vision, One in the first yeare of Darius the Mede, c. 9. The other in the third yeare of Cyrus, c 10. with the exposition of them c. …1. 2. Of the Elects deliverance from these calamities, both before and after Christ to the worlds end; though calamities of the Saints be sharp and long, yet at last deliverance shall fully come, and the promise thereof not faile, but be exactly fulfilled, c. 12.

2 The Lesser Prophets or Minor Prophets so called, not because they had lesser Authority from p. 118God for their Propheticall office, but because their Books are of a farre lesse bulk and volume then the former. They are twelve, Hosea, Ioel, &c.

Hoshea

HOSHEAH. he was sonne of Beeri, Prophecyed the same time that Isaiah did, Hos. 1.1. with Isa. 1.1. 2. He prophecyed (as is probable) longer then any other of the Prophets; in all about seventy years. Principally deals against the ten Tribes of Israel, now and then against Iudah. His stile is sharp and succinct, which makes him somewhat more dark and obscure.

Scope, To convince the Iewes, especially the ten Tribes of their many great iniquities, especially of their idolatryes, and to perswade them to repentance with hope of mercy.

Generall parts. This Prophecy is either

p. 119I. Parabolicall, comprehending two Types. The first being propounded, c. 1. Accommodated, c. 2. The second in, c. 3. In both which under the Person of a Prophet, he signifies in himselfe future events, and evils that should befall the Kingdome and kingly house of Israel, Captivity. Blindnesse of the people, Illumination and Conversion of a remnant by Christ.

II. Plaine and naked, And so it is, Comminatory, and Consolatory. 1. Comminatory, which is laid downe chiefly in three sermons, or speciall Prophecies, viz. 1. Against all Israel, for their vanity, inhumanity, impiety; too evident in the Kingdomes present bad Government, dehorting Iudah from Israels sins, both by the horrour of their injustice and feare of punishment, c. 4. 2. Against Priests, Israel, and the kings house, threatning ruine for their spirituall whoredome, and obstinate backsliding from God, observance of humane Traditions, carnall con…idence in forraine Aid of Assyrians, Contempt of Gods word, casting off Gods Covenant, and other wickednesses and hypocrisies, c. 5, 6, 7. And all this under the Person of a judge. 3. VnderUnder the Person of an Herauld, he proclaimes Gods judgements against them and the causes thereof. viz. for their defection from his worship and spirituall Kingdome, and from the temporall Kingdome of David, Hypocrisie, departing p. 120from all good, secure joyfulnesse, sacriledge and other hereditary sins, threatning poverty, deportation, losse of Gods worship, death and devastation, c. 8, 9, 10 2. Consolatory, which containes two sermons. 1. Under the person of a Father, God promising in Christ, that (though neither Prophet, law, mercies nor judgements had brought them to repentance, yet) his Elect should be converted, embrace Christ and the promises, c. 11. 2. Disswading them from Per…idiousnesse, Idolatry, Avarice, Pride, he promiseth, (the wicked being destroyed) to preserve a remnant, and to heale the penitent, c. 12, 13, 14. in c. 14. putting on the person of a Friend.

Joel.

JOEL. Ioel was sonne of Pethuel, Joel 1.1. Some think this Pethuel was Samuel so called, i. e. A perswader of God, Because what he asked of God in Prayer, he obtained. Alst.

Scope; to convince the Iewes of their sins by occasion of an imminent famine p. 121and to draw them to repentance, holding forth many inviting promises to the penitent.

Generall Parts. This Prophecy is, 1. Comminatory, threatning a grievous famine (taking occasion thereof, by the Loc…sts Caterpillers, and Palmer wormes, the forerunners of a famine) labouring to make the people sensible of present evils, and sins the cause thereof▪ c. 1.

2. Hortatory, stirring them up to publique repentance, c. 2. ver. 1. to 19. Which Exhortation is urged, 1. By promises to his people both touching, Temporall deliverances from present evils, ver. 19. to 28. Eternall Evangelicall mercies in Christ, ver. 28. to the end of the chap. 2. By threats against their adversaries on every side, c. 3.

Amos.

AMOS. Amos an heardman of Tekoa, yet furnished with a Propheticall spirit, Amos 1.1. Severely denounceth judgements; is thought to be slaine by Amaziah the Priest.

Scope, To hold forth the severity of p. 122Gods judgements against his Churches enemies, and his Church it selfe; for their sins. Annexing some Evangelicall Promises to a Remnant.

Generall Parts Herein are,

I. Comminations. 1. Against the enemies of the Church, for their insolencies against his people, &c. c. 1. 2. Against the Jewes and Israelites themselves for their own wickednesses▪ which threatnings are laid down. 1. More plainely against their Idolatry, c 2, 3. Violence, c. 4. Impiety, Pride, inhumanity, luxury, c. 5.6. 2. More darkly and obscurely under three severall Types, the first c. 7. The second c. 8. The third c. 9. ad ver. 11.

II. Consolations and Evangelicall Promises, c. 9. ver. 11. to the end.

Obadiah.

OBADIAH. Who he was, is not evident by Scripture, but only by this Booke, that he was a Prophet. He prophesied against the Edomites or Idumeans, who came of Edom, which is Esau, Gen. 36, 1.8, 19. and hated Israelites p. 123Iacobs race, as Esau hated Jacob himselfe.

Scope, To threaten ruine to the Edomites, for their enmity against the Israelites, and to comfort the Church with promised Salvation and deliverance in Christ.

Generall parts.

1. A Commination of imminent ruine to the Edomites for their enmity against the Israelites ver. 1. to 12.

2. A Prohibition of Edom from further injur…ng his people, ver. 12. to 17.

3. Ample promises of deliverance and salvation to the Church, by the kingdom of Christ, from all her enemies. ver. 17, to the end.

Jonah.

JONAH. He was son of Amitta…, Ionah 1.1. Some call him The Prophet and Apostle of the Gentiles; because he was sent to preach to Ninive the Metropolis of the Assyrians, a Gentilish City. This Booke is chiefly Historicall.

p. 124Scope. To shew how God invited the City of Niniveh to repentance by Ionas preaching.

Generall parts.

1. Gods first calling of Jonas to preach, to Niniveh, with Jonas his refusall, Gods humbling him for it, and the effects of that humiliation, Ionas his Prayer, and deliverance, c. 1, 2.

2. Gods second calling of him to the same taske, together with Jonas his obedience, Ninive's Repentance, Gods forbearance of the Judgement threatned, and Ionas his passionate causelesse discontent, c. 3, 4. Nineveh Repenting, aggravated Israel's and Judah's impenitency.

Micah:

MICAH. He is described, Mic. 1.1. Coetaneous to Esay, imitator of Esay, compare them together. Prophecied in corruptest times.

Scope. To threaten destruction to Iudah and Israel for their great impieties fomented among them by their Rulers p. 125and Prophets; but to comfort the remnant of the Elect by Evangelicall Promises in Christ.

Generall parts.

I. His first Sermon. 1. Minatory, both in generall against Iudah and Israel for their sins, c. 1, 2. and in especiall against Magistrates for their injustice, c. 3. 2. Consolatory, through the mercies of God, and the coming of the Messiah c. 4, 5.

II. His second Sermon, contaninig Gods 1. contestations against their sinnes c. 6. 2. Gods Consolations of his Elect remnant, with Gospel promises, c. 7.

Nahum,

NAHUM. He is described, Nah. 1.1. About same time that Ieremiah prophecyed in Iudea, Nahum prophecyed against Nineveh the Metropolis of Assyria, relapsing to impiety after Ionas his preaching; before Babylons Captivity.

Scope. To comfort the Iewes and p. 126the godly Israelites by the denouncing of judgments against the Assyrians, who under Pul, Tiglath-Pelesar, Salmanazar, Senacherib and Esarhaddon their Kings, grievously infested Israel: Esarhaddon carrying Israel Captive to Assyria in dayes of Mannasseh.

Generall parts.

I. A Preface to the prophecy from the Nature of God, 1. Most potent and severe against all his wicked enemies, c. 1. ver. 2. to 7. 2. Kind and gracious to the godly and faithfull, ver. 7.

II. Denunciation of judgement against Nineveh, and the kingdom of Assyria, under the Metaphor of a mighty …lood that should at last destroy them, c. 1.8, 9, 10. Together with the causes of those judgements ver. 11. to the end of the chap.

III. Amplification of these threatned judgments, 1. Partly by a lively Ad-umbration and description of them, c. 2. 2. Partly by a Narration of the causes procuring these judgmēts, viz Their Cruelties, whordoms, sorceries, Idolatries, c. 3.1▪ to 8. 3. Partly by confirmation of these threatnings fore-prophecied, by example of Gods judgements upon Alexandria in Aegypt, c. 3.8. to the end.

p. 127Habakk:

HABAKKUK. As Nahum prophesied against Niniveh and Assyrians; so Habakkuk against both Iewes and Babylonians.

Scope. Both to warne the Iewes of their overthrow by the Chaldeans for their sinnes, and to comfort them afterwards by their enemies destruction, but their own life of Faith in deepest afflictions. The prophesy is laid down Dialoguewise.

Generall parts.

I. The prophets Complaint and Expostulation to the LORD against the extreame wickednesse of the Iewes, c. 1.2, 3, 4. II. The LORDS answer to the prophet, threatning great calamities to the Iewes by the proud destructive Caldeans. ver. 5. to 12. III. A second Expostulation of the prophet, against the cruel oppression of Iewes, as well good as bad, under the wicked blaspemous King of Caldeans, ver. 12. to the end of the chap. IIII. Gods second p. 128answer to the Prophet. 1. Directing the good to manage such deep afflictions under the Caldeans, viz. By living by Faith in hope of deliverance, c. 2.1, to 5. 2. Threatning to be avenged upon the Caldeans for all their wickednesse and cruelty against his people, ver. 5. to end of the c. V. The prophets sealing up the Doctrine of the life of Faith in his excellent prayer penned in his own and the Churches name, c. 3.

Zephania,

ZEPHANIAH. His stock, and the time of his prophecy is described, c. 1.1. He was coetaneous to Ieremiah, prophecied the same things for substance, but farre more briefly and succinctly. He prophesied against both Iewes and forraigne Nations.

Chiefe Scope. To Reprove the wickednesse of the Iewes, especially of the Princes and many of the people, for hankering after Idolatry, expecting it should be set up againe, Hiding their Idols; even p. 129after that glorious Reformation of King Iosiah. And to comfort the Elect remnant with Evangelicall promises, and Reformation by Christ.

Generall parts.

1. A most severe denunciation of desolation and other judgements to befall all sorts both in Jerusalem and Iudea, for their secret idolatries, oppressions and injurious coveteousnesse, c. 1. 2. An exhortation of the Jewes to Repentance and self-Reformation both the gracelesse Iewes and those that had some sparkes of Grace appearing in them. Partly by the exemplary formidable judgements which God would execute upon forraigne Nations in sight of the Iewes, c. 2. Partly by threatnings of judgements against Iewes themselves for their sins if they repented not, c. 3.1. to 8. 3. A sweet consolation made up of Evangelicall promises touching the calling of the Gentiles, Restauration of the Church, pardon of sins, Purity and everlasting glory by Christ, c. 3.8. to the end.

Haggai.

HAGGAI. Of him and the time of his prophecy, See Hag. 1.1.

p. 130Scope. To quicken the Iewes that had returned from the Babylon…sh Captivity, (being now extreame ingratefully dull in the worke of Reformation,) to lay aside all sluggish delayes and excuses, and to make haste with the repaire of the Temple.

Generall parts.

I. Gods sharp reprehension of the ingratefull sluggish Jewes for their great sin in not repairing the Temple, c. 1.1. to 12.

II. Gods singular encouragement of the Iewes to fall speedily and vigorously to this work, by divers sorts of excellent promises▪ viz. 1. Of his promoting and perfecting the worke, when they should sit close to it, c. 1.12. to the end. 2. Of the surpassing glory that he would communicate to this latter Temple (though the structure was not so stately) beyond that of the former Temple. c. 2.1. to 10. 3. Of Gods singular benediction upon the Corne and all the fruits of the earth for their use, if they would buckle diligently to this Temple-worke, ver, 10. to 20. 4. Of the glorious excellency of Christs kingdome, the perfection and complement of all Reformation, ver. 20. to the end.

p. 131Zechariah

ZECHARIAH, His descent and the time of his Prophecy, See in Zech. 1.1.

Scope, To encourage and incite the people returned from Captivity, especially the Governours, Zerubbabel and Joshuah, to the building of the Temple.

Generall parts. This Prophecy seems to comprize the summe of five Sermons severally preached by the Prophet. viz.

I. His penitentiall sermon calling the Jews to repentance. This is prefixed as A Preface, before the following Sermons of mercy and judgement, to prepare f…r the receiving of that, the avoiding of this, Zech. 1, 1.2. to 7.

II. His visionall Sermon. viz. His Propheticall visions, which are in all eight, some very obstruse; some light may be brought to them, by comparing them with Daniels Prophecy. These visions seem to be delivered at once; are contained from c. 1, 7. to c. 7, 1. These visions are I. Uisions of Mercy, as 1. The vision of men on horse back among p. 132the myrrtle-trees in the bottome: pointing out Christs singular presence with, and providence over his Church, in lowest state, c. 1. 7. to 18. 2. The vision of four Carpenters, &c. intimating how God would break and scatter the horns of his Churches enemies, c. 1.18. to the end. 3. The vision of the man with the measuring line in his hand to measure Ierusalem, promising the Restauration and re-peopling of Ierusalem, c. 2. 4. The vision of Ioshuah the High-Priest in filthy garments, and Sathan at his right hand accusing him: Showing that though sins of people and Priest might be objected against them, and their intercessors, yet they had another High Priest, who would plead their cause, pardon their sin, build the Temple, and quiet his Church, viz. Christ the Branch, c. 3. 5. The vision of the golden candlestick and the two olive trees standing by it: declaring that Gods grace alone is sufficient for the reparation and preservation of his Church, without all other created meanes, against greatest mountaines of opposition, c. 4. II. Uisions of judgement. c. 5. and 6. The vision of the flying Book: and of the Ephah. evidencing, that though their state should be restored, and his Church established amongst them: yet he would severely punish them for their sins at present, and subvert them for future, if their sins grow riper and riper, c. 5. III Uisions of comfort, viz. c. 7. The vision of foure chariots p. 133drawne with foure sorts of Horses; comming out from between two Mountaines of brasse; Comfortably pointing out, the Provident Decrees and Counsels of God immoveable as mountaines of brasse, and directing (for his Providence begins and steers all actions) the course and motion of the foure chariots and horses, (viz. either the foure Empires of the earth, or (as some think,) the Angels of heaven, those ministring spirits) for the fulfilling of his will for his Churches good; so that whatsoever his Church had or should further suffer under them, was foreseen and fore-appointed by God himselfe; a great comfort to them that were come out of captivity already, and to them that as yet remained in captivity, c. 6.1. to 9. 8. The vision or rather the Historical Praediction of what was really to be done, for his Churches comfort, viz. the oblation of some Iewes which came from Babylon, as Embassadors from the rest, and the typical coronation of Ioshuah the High-Priest under which is declared the Kingdome and Priest-hood of Christ, together with the reestablishment and enlargement of the Church under him, c. 6.9. to the end.

III. His Casuisticall Sermon, wherein the Prophet at large resolves the Iews in a Case of conscience touching Fasting, proposed to him and the Priests, with many other Lessons excellently inserted, c. 7. and c. 8.

p. 134IV. His Propheticall Sermon, foretelling future events, c. 9.10. and 11. wherein are principally considerable. 1. Threatnings of destruction to the Churches enemies, Land of Hadrach, Damascus, Hamath, &c. c 9, 1. to 7. 2. Promises of deliverance and protection to his Church against al their enemies, c. 9, 7, 8 3. Promissory predictions of Christs Incarnation, Kingdom, and the Benefits thereof to his people, from whom all comfort and salvation principally flowes, c. 9, 9. to c. 11, 1. 4. Denunciations of dreadfull judgements even to the Jewes themselves, for their ingratefull and abominable rejection of Christ and his Gospel, c. 11.

V. His Evangelicall Sermon, peculiarly belonging to the Church which Christ had gathered by his Gospel, c. 12.13, and 14. wherein are laid down many sweet priviledges of the Church. 1. The Churches victory over all her enemies, to whom shee shall be A cup of trembling, A Burdensome stone, A torch of fire in a sheaf c. 12, 1. to 7. 2. The Churches safety and protection only from the Lord. c. 12, 7, 8. 3. The Benefits enwrapped in this salvation for the Church, viz. 1 Heart-wounding repentance for their sinnes that pierced Christ, c. 12, 9. to the end, 2 Remission of all sins to the penitent by faith in the blood of Christ, c. 13, 1. 3 Purifying of the Evangelicall doctrine from all pollution and desilement, v. p. 1352. to 7. 4. A select separation of the remnant appertaining to the Election from the drossy multitude, c. 13.7. to c. 14, 1…. 4. The removall of all the Churches ruined enemies, from offending the Church any more, or su…duing them to the Church, and consecrating all their wealth to holy uses, c. 14, 12 to th… end of the Book.

Malachi.

MALACHI. he prophecyed after the Babylonish captivity, the Temple being now repaired, and the publike worship restored, against the many notorious corruptions remaining among them, even after such wonderfull mercyes. He is the last Prophet of the Old Testament, deciphering out in the close of his Book Iohn the Baptist, the first Prophet of the New Testament, Mal. 4.5, 6. with Luk. 16.16.

Scope. To call the I…wes, after this Reparation of Gods Temple and worship, to Repentance, from their many and foule corruptions; especially the comming of p. 136Christ the Messiah, the great Reformer and Refiner of his Church, being so neare at hand.

Generall parts. Besides the Title, herein are wrapped up in one continued Sermon, these principall matters.

I. A Preface (aggravating the ingratefull wickednesse of the Jewes) drawne from Gods singular love in Election of them in Iacob, when he rejected the Edomites in Esau. c. 1.2. to 6.

II. A sharp contestation against the People, especially the Priest the keepers of the law, for their corruptions. viz. 1. Against their contempt and pollution of the worship of God, which Priests should have vindicated, by office c 1.6. to c. 2.10. 2. Against their corrupt Marriages, both Marriages with infidels, and Polygamies. c. 2 10. to 17. 3. Against the wickednesse and perversenesse of many, that made a mock of Gods justice and judgements, c. 2.17. to c. 3.7. 4. Against their Sacriledge, in robbing God of Tiths and Offerings &c. c 3.7. to 13. 5. Against their Atheisticall contempt of Gods feare, worship, and true repentance c. 3.15. to 4.5.

III. An earnest invitation of all to repentance, that so they might be prepared, duely to entertaine the Messiah, who with his forerunner Iohn the Baptist, in the spirit and power of Elias, was now immediately to p. 137appeare in humane flesh, c. 4, 5, 6.

Thus farre of the Old Testament, wherein the New Testament is veiled: Come we next to consider of the New Testament, wherein the Old Testament is Revealed.

p. 139THE NEW-TESTAMENT.

THE NEW TESTAMENT, Revealing fully and cleerly the NEW COVENANT in Christ, and the Spirituall administrations thereof, is contained in the Books written since Christs manifestation in the flesh. In Reading of the Old-Testament, the veile is untaken away: — But (in the NEW TESTAMENT) the veile is done away in Christ. And we all with open face, beholding as in a glasse the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory. 2 Cor. 3.14.18. in the Books of the Old Testament, God describes to us, The Old Covenant of Grace in Christ veiled under p. 140Promises, Prophecies and Types: In the Books of the New Testament The Lord delineates to us The New Covenant of Grace in Christ unveyled, actually exhibited and performed; Christ being the body and substance of all those ancient Types and Shadowes, Iohn 1.17. Hebr. 10.1. Coloss. 2.17. The Center and meeting-place of all the Prophecyes and Promises, Luke 1.70. and 24.27. Acts 10.43. 2 Cor. 1.20.

The Bookes of the New Testament are either 1 Historicall. 2 Epistolicall, or 3 Propheticall, as further appears in the annexed Table. ☞