A SVMMARY OF THE BIBLE: Wherein the general heads of the several books thereof are so methodically set down, as may be a help to the vnskilfull Reader. By Robert Bruen, Minister of Gods Word.  revel. 1. 3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophesy, and keep those things that are written therein. 
LONDON, Printed by G. P. for John Budge, and are to be sold at his shop, at the green Dragon in Pauls Church-yard. 1623.   

TO THE RIGHT honourable, and most virtuous Lady, the Lady Lucy countess of Bedford.  
RIght honourable: At what time the Tabernacle, an outward representation of GODS presence among his ancient people of Israel, was erected in the wilderness, every hand was busied and heart addicted toward it. And so great was the zeal of the people of that time therein that Moses was moved to bid them forbear to bring any more offerings ere they would desist. As was then the Tabernacle, so is the Word of God unto us now. happiness or misery befalleth either where it is planted or wanting. And therefore every one of an ability should be ymployed one way or other to promote the welfare thereof, either by learned expositions of the more difficult and mystical parts, or in familiar manner setting down, for the capacity of the weaker sort, such things therein as concern faith and good life; or by painful and powerful preaching so carve the Word, as every soul that cometh with hungry and prepared affections, may haue it portion. And happy he that either so teaching it, or taught by it, is found walking in the light and rule thereof; and shall be sure to hear Christ pronounce unto him in the great day of Retribution, Well done, good seruant and faithful. And therefore although the argument of this little book( great for the matter) had deserved a far better and more skilful Pen-man thenmy self: Yet as one who desireth the general benefit of all, and unwilling that any vacuum should be in that remainder of time which God shall give; I haue endeavoured( though in much weakness) to set down the brief of such things, as are at large scattered and diffused through-out the body of the sacred Scriptures. A work which( if effectually and elaborately performed) would bee worthy the view and review of all such as desired to read the scripture with profit, and would profit by reading. And because when wee haue done the best wee can, yet detraction will follow the pen, even as the crows do the sour, or the Fowles that fell vpon Abrahams sacrifice; in which regard, as there is need of Patronage to shelter writing from Calumny: So for my own part, I haue humbly submitted these my poor and weak endeavours, under the wings of your ladyships honourable protection, partly out of my opinion, That the fruits of the gospel should first bee offered to such( your ladyship a principal one) as are the Patrons or patronesses of the gospel. And secondly, in lieu of my true and unfeigned affection, and in remembrance of that honourable Saint now with GOD, in her life time the subject of many excellencies, and pattern of true Nobility, namely, your Lady mother: By whose bounty I haue fared the better: So not knowing whither to direct my thoughts better, then by way of thankfulness, I haue reflected them vpon your ladyship, as the proper object, and heir of her possessions& virtues. If your ladyship shall please to accept these my small endeavours in good worth, I haue my desire, and shall daily pray the Lord to establish your Noble heart more and more in the truth of that profession, which maketh you gracious with God, and those that truly love& fear him. From my house at West Markham, the fift of May.  
Your Honors in the Lord, ever to bee commanded, ROBERT BRVEN.   

To the Christian READER.  
COurteous Reader, thou hast here in a narrow room set before thee some helps( as I conceive) for thy better and more easy understanding in some points, the Contents of the sacred Bible. It is the book of books, and so sweet to all that conceive the mystery of godliness, that Saint John is said to eat it. And david a King, to prise it above al riches, and to spend the day and night in the meditation of it. And S. Paul professeth himself to estimate it, and the fulfilling of his course therein above his life. Here is the well from whence the waters of life do plenteously flow: which who so drinketh shal never be more athirst. Here he that is spiritually sick, may be recovered, according to the power of God that worketh thereby: here the simplo may haue understanding above the learned Scribe,& such as by a singular propriety, may make him wise unto salvation. The treasure thē being discovered and known wherein to consist, the next thing worthy of our search, should bee how to attain it; to which we should endeavour, as we do in matters of far less importance. The Carpenter hath his Rule, the physician his preparatives. In Arts there are books directive for the attaimment of them. And therefore as we commonly launch forth into the main Ocean, beginning at the Riuers that run thereunto: And Children are lead by the hand, before they get the use of their feet: even so, although the Spirit of God, by which the Scriptures were written, be the inward and Master-teacher, yet as oftentimes we take the benefit of the staff to walk with, to help the body; so is it in the study of good things, Method being as the mindes-waggoner, and that order best, when by general heads( as marks in the way) we may bee kept the better from erring. Which thing is the aim of this small ensuing tract, wherein the Reader may see in a general manner, what every several book of the sacred Scripture principally intendeth, set down in methodical manner, for the more easy understanding and better retaining of the same in the Readers memory.  
And although all Scripture be given by inspiration from God, and every part of it be of use for the heavenly building: yet as some rooms are of different sort in the material edisice, so is it in the sacred Story, wherein some parcels are recommended unto us, not onely as excellent in themselves; but as serviceable, and keys to unlock other places of Scriptures, and make them more familiar to the godly disposed Reader. Such as are the books of MOSES, to all those that come after; the books of Samuel, to the psalms of DAVID; those of the Kings, to the Prophets: The Acts of the Apostles, to their Epistles. And according to this direction I haue been purposely more prolix and large in setting down some things in all or most of the forenamed books. As concerning the particular parts of every Chapter,( although in some places I haue not been wanting that way) because the same in sundry learned Commentaries of some,& abbreuiations of others is set down, I haue forborn to labour therein. If thou hast better helps in this kind, in the fear of GOD use them to the improvement of saving knowledge. If these of mine may any thing avail thee, here thou hast them before thee: And the Lord bless them unto thee, and thee unto himself.  
Thine in, and for the Lord, ROBERT BRVEN.   

A SVMMARY of the BIBLE.  


ALTHOVGH GOD, who is goodness and fullness itself, needed not to create any thing, yet hath vouchsafed to make man, and out of the mass of mankind reserved a peculiar people unto himself, called the Church.  
The Church is but one, though consisting of many members, and in diuers times and places of the world produced and made visible, even as the water running thorough many Countries, is but one Sea in respect of the Element, but hath diuers appellations according to the places it passeth by.  
The Church of God is considerable according to the institution and ordering thereof, and operation of it so ordered.  
The Institution of the Church consisteth in it framing and inspiring.  
In respect of the frame, it is called a Body; Ephes. 4. 4. of which Christ is the head, and the Word the immortal seed whereby it is begotten.  
The inspiring of it, is by the Spirit which createth the instrument of faith, and knitteth the believer inseparably to Christ.  
The operation of it appeareth in several instances shewed hereafter in the Children of the Church in the several ages of the world.  
The Ages of the world are in number eight, in the account of some.  


The first Age.  The first age is reckoned from Adam to Noah, containing yeeres, 1656. and the History thereof is set down from the first Chapter of Genesis to the seventh, wherein are to be considered of persons and actions by them performed.  
The persons are considered generally or particularly.  
Of the first, are all the Patriarkes or chief Fathers that were before the Flood, as Adam, Sheth, Enosh, Kenan, Mehalaleel, Iered, Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech,& Noah.  
The persons among these of especial note for the building of the Church of God were:  
1 Adam, as the roote of the Church.  
2 Habel, the first figure of the Church, Genesis 4.  
3 Sheth, the third son of Adam, the second person for building of the Church in Abels room.  
4. Henoch, the first figure of the Church taken up body and soul into heaven, the son of Iared, chap. 5. 18. and not of Cain, chap. 4. 17.  
5 Noah, the second figure of the Church preserved in the ark.  
So that although Religion decayed in the dayes of Enosh, yet God would not haue his Church utterly ruined: without which the world would not stand; and therefore Christ descended as well of the Fathers before the flood, as of those that came after.  
The persons thus name, the Religious actions or operations do follow by them performed; shewed, 1. in their invocation of GODS Name, Chap. 4. 26. Secondly, by sacrificing unto GOD, which is known to bee a Religious act, Rom. 2. 15. and by Gods acceptation of the thing done, Gen. 8. Verse 20.   


The 2. Age.  The Second Age followeth from Noah to Abraham, containing y. 363.& 10. d. in the patriarchs after the Flood, which were, Shē, Arpachshad, Shelah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah& Abraham: set down from the 6. of Genesis, to the 12. Chapter.  
CONCERNING these persons, little is observed of great note, save of Sem, the second son of Noah, in whose Line the true Church remained, and Abraham, but rather, of the sins of those times, and punishments accordingly.  
The sins by them committed, were either before the Flood, as of cruelty and profane marriages, Chap. 6. for which God brought the Deluge, Chap. 7. or after the Flood.  
The sins most noted after the Flood, were of Noah sinning of infirmity, and of Cham, his youngest son mocking his Father, Chap. 9. so that as before the Flood, Cains posterity was called by name, The sons of men, savouring more of them then of God; so after the Flood, Cham, of Cain, was the first Author of Irreligion.  
The punishment of Cham, is noted in a wicked seed, and malignant Church, which should afterward molest the people of God, Cha. 10. verse 6. to 21. and the effects that succeeded in the world; namely, affectation of monarchy, Chap. 10. and confusion of Languages, Chap. 11. verse 7, 8, 9.  
Languages are considered, either in the use or abuse of them.  
Their use, by observing what they were at first; the abuse, as they became afterwards.  
The World at first was all of one Language, but afterwards was divided into many; some think, 72. but the Hebrew was preserved in the family of Heber the son of Shelah, Chap. 11. 14. of whom came the Hebrewes.  
The use of Languages aright considered, is either in respect of the Teacher or Learner.  
The Teacher best instructeth by his knowledge of the Tongues, in which the 2. Testaments were written, the old in Hebrew, the new in Greek the Mother-tongue, to a great part of the world, spread over the same by Alexanders Conquest: which blessing befell in Iaphets posterity, for covering his Fathers nakedness.  
The Learner is best taught in the language he best understandeth, 1. Cor. 14. So that the gifts of tongues are now necessary to deal with all persons in their own languages, holding in the diversity of tongues the unity of faith. And that as many were divided by the multiplying of tongues, so now by the gift thereof many by Christ are united into one body.  
The abuse of languages followeth, and that principally by the Romanists, in a twofold regard.  
1 In that of long time they were careless of any translation, teaching that ignorance was the mother of devotion.  
2. When they were ashamed of that position they dimmed the Word with a barbarous translation of the latin; which vulgar translation was made so authentical by the council of Trent, that none might presume to reject it. Whereas there was no latin service in England, within the first 600. yeeres after CHRIST.   


The 3. Age.  The third Age followeth, containing yeeres 430. from the departure of Abraham from ur in Caldea, unto the departure of Israel from egypt, set down, Gen. 11. to 14. of Exodus.  
HEre wee are to entreat of the famous patriarchs to whom GOD made promises; and these persons are either generally, or more particularly to bee considered.  
1 Of Abraham, the Father of the faithull, to whom the promise was first made, from the 11. Chapter of Genesis to the 25. Chapter.  
2 Of Isaac, in whom the promise was made, Chapter 25. to 28. save of his age, and death, noted Chapter 35. vers. 28, 29.  
Thirdly, Of jacob, of whose seed consisted the greatest visibility of the Church both for multitude and potency of Iewes,& Gentiles converted to the faith that came of him: the history of him from his birth to the history of joseph, from Chapter 25. to 37.  
4 Of joseph, from chapter 37. to 49. and from thence to the end of the book, of Iacobs prophecy.  
The particular consideration of these followeth.  
1 Of Abraham and of Gods proceeding towards him, and that by observing both the promises made to him of God, the time when, and the confirmation of the things promised.  
The promises were concerning persons and possessions.  
1 Of a blessed seed in isaac by Sarah, of whom came al the faithful Iewes and Gentiles, Rom. 4. 6. or of outward greatness, and multitude in the posterity of ishmael of Hagar an Egyptian Woman, Chapter 25. vers. 12. to 19. and likewise of his posterity by Keturah, of whom came the Midianites, and the Persian Magi, &c.  
2 The time that these promises were made unto him. 1. either just before that Lot and he were severed, Chapter 12. Secondly, but principally after their separation, Chapter 13. vers. 14, 15. That neither Lot nor his posterity should make claim to any of the promises, which God had made in peculiar to Abraham.  
3 The possession promised, was Canaā, which was assured to Abraham, Chapter 12. 7. and 17. 4, 8. And to Isaak, chap. 26. 4. and to jacob, and his seed, Chap. 28. 13.  
The confirmation followeth of the things promised, and that first, by exchange of Name from Abram a man worldly eminent, to Abraham a Father of multitudes, yea, of all believers. Secondly, by covenant of Circumcision; wherein the distinction of Iewes and Gentiles began. Thirdly, by visible sign of a heifer divided, Chapter 15.  
Concerning Isaak, we 
Isaac.  are to observe somewhat touching the brevity used by Moses in penning the history, and of the history itself.  
The brevity thereof in a twofold respect; 1. because the visibility of the Church was most in jacob. Secondly, jacob had more troubles then his Father, and therefore had need to be more large in setting them down.  
The history itself, in respect of his troubles or infirmities: his troubles either personal, as to be scoffed by ishmael, Chap. 21. to bee sacrificed in Mount Moriah, Chap. 22. to bee childless 20. yeeres after he was married, Chap. 25. To sojourn into Gerar, through famine, and there his life to be endangered through his wife, Chap. 26. 2. real, as to haue his wels stopped.  
2 His infirmities, first to lie to save his life; Chap. 26. Secondly his desire to bless Esau whom the LORD would not choose, and who would haue sold it as he did his birth-right, or haue contemned it, and so haue brought a curse vpon the world; in which regard, it was a special providence of God that Isaac wanted the sense of seeing, Chap. 27.  
In jacob, the Church 
jacob.  is clearly represented, either in the visibility of it, or in the troubles that befall it.  
The visibility of the Church set forth in jacob, is in the exchange of his name, and number of his troubles.  
His name was changed from jacob his natural name, as Father of a family, to Israel, which was given him by grace, Chap. 32. 28. and 35. 10. Secondly, his Children were eitherby his wives, or his wives seruants.  
His wives were Leah, and Rachel.  
By Leah he had reuben, Simeon, levi, judah, Chap. 29. Issachar, Zebulon, and Dinah, Chapter 30.  
By Rachel he had joseph, Chap. 30. and benjamin, Chap. 35.  
By Billah Rachels maid he had Dan, Chapter 30. vers. 6. and Napthalie, vers. 8.  
By Zilpah Leahs maid he had Gad, vers. 11. and Asher, vers. 13. And of these came the twelve Tribes which were,  reuben, Simeon, judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Gad, Asher, Nepthali, benjamin, Ephraim,& Manasses. 
So that of Iacobs Sons of whom were the Tribes, some were excepted, and others inserted. The persons excepted, were either in this place, namely, levi, and joseph; levi for his cruelty, and joseph for his double portion: and the persons inserted in their room, were Ephraim and Manasses. Secondly, or in other places of Scripture, and so Simeon is left out by Moses in numbering the Tribes, Deut. 33. because he was without repentance; and Dan by Saint John, revel. 7. 7. because that Tribe caused the first Idolatry when the Children of Israel came into the land of Canaan, judge. 18. 30. Whence also wee may conclude the book of judith Apocrypha, because she is said to come of that Tribe, which in Iacobs Will hath a curse: and yet levi is inserted in the revelation, because that of Israel, in relation to CHRIST, were made Priests unto God.  
The representation of the Churches troubles in jacob doth follow.  
The troubles of jacob were in his journeys:  
1 Into Mesopotamia to serve his uncle Laban, where he had his wives, Chap. 29. and his riches, Chap. 30.  
2 Into Canaan, where he was troubled with his brother Esau, Chap. 32. and 33. and in his own children during his life, Chapters 37, 38, 42.  
3 Into Egypt, where of the troubles befalling his posterity after his death, with the cause thereof, namely, the selling of joseph to the Ismaelites, Chap. 37. 28.  
In joseph, consider his 
Joseph.  occultation in egypt, and manifestation.  
His occultation, for the space of 22. yeeres before he was made known.  
His manifestation, either in respect of jacob, or of God.  
Of jacob, his necessity urging him to sand into Egypt twice to buy corn, Chap. 42. 2. and 43. 2.  
Of God, the declaration of his providence to provide for jacob and his family, Chapter 45. 7, 8. and for discovery of their sin against their brother, Chap. 42. 21, 22. And lastly, to manifest joseph a lively type of Christ, sold of his Brethren, and afterwards advanced: and setteth forth the estate of the Church in it depression in this world by affliction, and exaltation by glory, sometime in this life, but most assuredly in the Life to come.    

EXODVS.  
Hitherto of the Church in the dayes of the Patriarkes: now of it, they being dead, and she left in egypt, the house of Bondage.  
WHere we haue to consider of their enlargement, and the means thereof.  
1 Their enlargement noted in the different number of the Israelites at their going out into Egypt, namely, but 70. and at their going forth, six hundred thousand, beside Children, Exod. 12. 37.  
Secondly, the means,& manner of their coming out, are personally and instrumentally to be considered.  
The persons or Commissioners for that office principally appointed, were two brethren, Moses( the Pen-man of these 5. books) and Aaron the sons of two levites, Amram, and Iochabed, Chap. 2. and 6. Their commission was to let Pharaoh know what God would haue him do, namely, to let his people go out of Egypt, with their substance two dayes journey into the wilderness to serve him, Chapters 3. and 8. or what to suffer for not doing it.  
The instrument or sign that was appointed for the effecting of Gods iudgement herein, was by a rod, sometime in the hand of Moses, otherwhile in the hand of Aaron, Chapter 7. vers. 9, 10, 19, 20. and 10. vers. 3, 13, 21, 22. and 8. 5, 16. but principally in Aarons hand, being the minister of the iudgement.  
The Commission being shewed, the effects and issue do follow, and they are either partial or final.  
1 partial, of the waters turned into blood, Chap. 7. 22. Pharaoh promised to let them go at the second plague of the frogs, Chap. 8. 22. promised absolutely at the thunder and hail, Chap. 9. 28. at the grasshoppers confesseth his sin, Chap. 10. vers. 16, 17. At the darkness all should go but sheep& cattle, verse 24. at the tenth plague, to wit, the death of the first born all must go, and were thrust out, Chap. 12. 31, 32, 33.  
2 The total& final iudgement followeth, where consider, the actions of the Egyptians that partend with their jewels, Chap. 11. of God, who in iustice overthrew them in the Sea, Chap. 14. Of the Israelites in their thanksgiving for their deliverance, Chapter 15.  

The fourth Age followeth.  
Hitherto of the Church in Egypt: now of it in the 
The 4. Age.  wilderness, and of the fourth Age, from the departure of the Children of Israel forth of Egypt, till the first building of the Temple, containing yeeres 480. The History whereof is from this place, to the latter end of the first book of the Kings.  
IN the narration of the people of Israel in the wilderness, their nourishment there, and nurture is to be considered, in respect of their bodies and souls.  
For their bodies, God in miraculous manner provided Manna for their bread, quails for their meate, Chap. 16.& water by striking a rock, Chap. 17.  
1 Their nurture by the benefit of good laws; and they either moral& eternal, which God pronounced with his own mouth, given the 50th. day after their going out of Egypt, written first in the hearts of our first Parents, afterwards in ston, Chap. 20. serving to explain the law of nature.  
2 ceremonial, Chapters 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. for the outward service of GOD, peculiar to that people: all which rites had respect to the heart and mind, whereby God would be worshipped, Esay 58. Deut. 10. 12. and they ended in Christ. 3. Iudiciallr, especting civil government, Chapters, 21, 22, 23, to uphold a right performance of the two former, by inflicting punishments on the transgressors: and both the ceremonial and judicial laws were written by Moses.  
Hitherto concerning the laws: now followeth to show what MOSES was commanded to make.  
THE things so commanded, were nine: The Tabernacle, ark, mercy-seat, Table of showbread, Candlestick, Chapters 25. 27. Altar of burnt-offering. Chap. 27. 1. Altar for perfume, Chap. 30. 1. Brazen laver, Chap. 38. and the Priests garments, Chapter 39.  
1 The Tabernacle or Tents were certain movable Habitations, appointed by GOD in the wilderness; That as great persons haue faire houses for their reputation; so God the Tabernacle for his worship, whither his people must resort to him, Leuit. 17. 4, 5. Deut. 12. 5, 6.  
In this, the matter, mystery, and approbation of it, erected, is considerable.  
The matter was of such things as the people had& freely offered. 2. The mystery was to represent Gods presence among his people, and covenant to them made, Act. 7. 44. in use till the Temple was erected, and then it was set there with the ark and holy vessels, 1. King. 8. 6. Secondly to set forth the Church militant, and the flitting estate thereof, Psal. 15. 1. as the Temple did the Church triumphant. Thirdly, the approbation of it, and that was by God, after it was erected, and all things performed according as was commanded, Chap. 40.  
2 The ark was the principal part of the Tabernacle, which was in the most holy place of al wherein were put the Tables of ston; and a certain place for the Israelites where to offer their sacrifices: for although they might offer, 1. before the ark severed from the Tabernacle 1. Sam. 6. 15, 17. 2. or before the Tabernacle when the Ark was away, Leuit. 17. 3. and extraordinarily in other places by divine dispensation, as did Samuel, 1. Sam. 7. 9. and david, 2. Sam. 24. 25. and Elias, 1. King. 18. yet principally they sacrificed when the Tabernacle& ark were both together.  
3 mercy-seat, as Gods place of audience, from which the Lord spake unto Moses, Numb. 7. 89.  
4 Table of Shrew bread, which for the matter was of Shittim, and durable wood, covered over with pure gold, whereon was set face bread before the Lord continually, whereof the Priests onely might eat.  
5 candlestick, which was set in the holy place of the Sanctuary, whose lamps were daily dressed, and oil supplied by Aaron, or by his sons the Priests at his appointment.  
6 Altar of burnt-offering, which was but one made of brass, and set in the Court of the Sanctuary onely, having a brazen grace; whereon the fire was put for sacrifice.  
7 Altar for perfume, of Shittim wood ouerlayd with gold, whereupon onely the incense was to be offered, which was made of diuers spices beaten, and afterwards offered up by the Priest in the holy place.  
8 Brazen laver, which was for the priests to wash their hands and feet when they ministered before the Lord, and entred into the holy place, in their clean garments.  
9 The Priests garments, both for Aaron and his sons, Chap. 39. Aarons most remarkable garments were the Ephod, Exod. 28. 12, 21. The breastplate of iudgment, vers. 15, 22. urim and Thummim, vers. 30. and a plate on his forehead, wherein was engraven, Holinesse to the Lord, vers. 36.    

LEVITICVS.  
THE manner of performing religious service followeth, wherein of the Commander, or things commanded.  
1 The Commander is God, who in this book commandeth such things as were done in the first month of the second year after their coming forth of Egypt, at Mount Sinai.  
2 The Commandement is touching actions and actors.  
Actions are such sacrifices as were appointed by the Lord to Moses, wherein the several sorts, matter and mystery of them is severally to be considered.  
The sorts of sacrifices were either,  
1 Burnt offerings, cha. 1. so called, because all was offered and consumed therein by fire that came from God; the skin onely was the Priests.  
2 Meate offerings, Chap. 2. for acknowledgement that they did hold their meat and food of God: and because part therof went as meat unto the Priest who offered it.  
3 Peace offerings, Chap. 3. whereof one part was burnt, the other was the Priests, and the third part the offerers,& this was also called the sacrifice of praise, or free-will offering for the obtainment of any blessing, Chap. 7.  
4 Sin-offering, Chap. 4. for Ignorance, whether in the Priest, Congregation, Prince, or private person, with the several oblations for each.  
5. trespass offering, Chap. 5. for things done amiss, and afterward known and acknowledged.  
The matter of the Sacrifices followeth.  

1 Of things having life, Chap. 1.  
2 Of things without life, Chap. 2.   
The mystery of these Sacrifices.  
1 To note our pollution, and that wee like beasts had deserved to die. 2. To assure us of the remission of our sins in Christs death, the variety of Sacrifices, showing the abundance of grace redounding unto us by the Sacrifice of Christ.  
The persons sacrificing do follow, and they were either public or private. public, Chapters 8, 9, 10. private, from the 11. to the end.  
1 public and extraordinary, and so was only Aaron the high Priest.  
2 Ordinary, and so all the Priests of the Tribe of levi, whereof there were great numbers in the jewish Church, 1. Chron. 23. 3. and the continuance under the Law, to the clear manifestation of Christ under the gospel. And as the High Priest typified Christ himself, so the other, the Pastors of the Christian Church, and Christians.  
The manner of sacrificing followeth, either in special relation to the Priests alone, or in common observation of some things belonging both to the Priests and people together.  
1 The duties belonging to the Priest, are particularly expressed, chapters 8. 9. and the manifestation of Gods blessing,& approuall of that which was done by thē, according to his commandement, Chap. 9. vers. 23, 24. and Chap. 26. Secondly, his judgements executed vpon the transgressors, Nadab and Abihu, Chap. 10. and Chap. 26.  
2 That which belonged to the Priest& people, were sanctification, and this either ceremonial or moral.  
ceremonial, of private and particular persons, in the use of some meats,& abstinence from other, and likewise from some persons.  
1 Of meats, Chap. 11. All were accounted clean, from the fall to Moses time, but then certain of them were pronounced unclean: not that these things were faulty in themselves, being in that estate wherein God created them, who made thē all very good; but were appointed by Moses Law to distinguish the jew and the gentle, and forbiddeth gross behaviours in men that oftentimes become sensual like beasts.  
2 personal pollution, in regard whereof ceremonial sanctification was necessary. 1. Touching women in Childbearing, Chap. 12. Secondly, Leprous persons or houses, Chapters 13, 14. Thirdly, or by flux, Chap. 15.  
Common sanctification followeth, which was both in respect of the Priest and people, Chapters 16, 17. where, of annual rites concerning Aarons coming into the Sanctuary, his oblation, ornament, and time of purification for sin.  
moral Sanctification followeth, and that either personal or real.  
1. Concerning ourselves, Chap. 18. for marriage, which ought not to be in persons near unto us in blood; nor with women in their disease.  
2 Respecting God& our neighbours in negative precepts, Chapters 19, 20.  
3 special institution concerning the Priests, Chap. 21.  
real;  
Of abuse in eating and offering.  
And concerning times of certain festivities every year,& these either partly in their unsettled estate in the wilderness, Chap. 23. or after that they were stated in Canaan, every seventh year, and every fiftieth year, Chap. 25.  
Voluntary, concerning vows, Chap. 27. and Numb. 30. but with this difference, that in this book they are set down, onely as they were to bee performed: but in Numbers, as they were to bee performed or redeemed.  
The obsignation of all, by a diuers effect. 1. of blessedness in a right performance of the things commanded; or 2. of cursing, in the contrary, Chap. 26.   

NVMBERS  
THE book of Numbers hath it name of numbering, and either of persons or places that were numbered, by Moses and Aaron, and the Princes of the Tribes. The History containeth Acts done, and laws made from the beginning of the second month after their going forth of Egypt, to the beginning of the 11. month of the fortieth year.  
Concerning persons that were numbered, they are considered generally or specially.  
The total of all the people that came into Canaan, were six hundred and three thousand five hundred& fifty, Chap. 1. 46. levi exempted, vers. 47.  
2 Persons in special are diversly ranked and disposed.  
civil, as the chief of the several Tribes, Cha. 2. and 7. and the Priests and levites who were numbered onely once, Chap. 3.  
The disposing of these and the rest was by order civil, suitable to war, or sacred.  
According to the former, the people marched according to their Tribes every one under their chief captain, Chapters, 2. 10. The Priests office was to bear the ark, when it removed, on their shoulders, and to blow the Trumpets, Chap. 10. The levites were to serve the Priests in the Tabernacle, but not to come near the Sanctuary. 2. to help to carry the Tabernacle, when it was to be born.  
In their march, note the places from whence they went, the places whither, the manner how, and the effects.  
The place where they were first numbered was at Mount Sinai in the wilderness, Chap. 1. The second time at the time at the plain of Moab, Chap. 26.  
2 The number of their journeys or places of their remove were 42. particularly laid down, Chap 33.  
3. The manner, or direction was by a cloud, Chap. 10. 34. and a set form of prayer used by Moses, as they went or restend, vers. 35, 36.  
4 The success( as of all war) was diuers, good or evil, so that although they might haue come into Canaan within a few dayes, in regard of distance of places, yet were they many yeeres in performing it,& that  
1 In respect of Gods providence, that would thereby exercise and try them.  
2 In regard of opposition made against them;  
1 By others.  
1 As Edom, Chap. 20. 14. and Sehon King of the Amorites, that denied Israel passage. And by Arad King of Canaan, and Og King of Bashan, Chap. 21.  
2 By magic Art, and subornation of Balack to haue Balaam curse Israel, Chapters 22, 23, 24.  
2 By their own sins, as of Murmuring.  
1 For the tediousness of the way in the wilderness of Paran, having traveled 3. dayes, for which fire came out against them, Chap. 11. 1.  
2 For want of flesh at Kibroth-Hattauah; for which the plague came among them, Chap. 11. vers. 33.  
3 At Hazaroth, Aaron and miriae murmur against Moses, for which she became Leprous, ch. 12. 10.  
4 At Rithma in Paran the spies were sent forth, Chap. 13. and their desperation, murmuring& impatience is punished, in that the Elders dyed in the wilderness, their posterity wandered along time therein; and the spies were suddenly consumed, Chap. 14.  
5 The earth opened and swallowed up Corah and his Complices that rebelled against Moses and Aaron, and all their goods, Chap. 16. 31, 32.  
6 And the people that would not aclowledge Moses the Lords Magistrate, and Aaron his Priest, were punished with death, to the number of fourteen thousand and seven hundred, vers. 49.  
7 At Kadesh, Moses, Aaron and the people murmur for want of water, for which they are denied entrance into the land of Canaan, Ch. 20.  
8 For murmuring through tediousness of the way from mount hoar to Punon in Zalmona, they were stung with fiery Serpents, Chap. 21.  
Hitherto of their Murmuring, and the punishment thereof. 2. Of their Idolatry and Fornication at the plain of Moab; where, of the manner& punishment, accordingly.  
First, the manner by the wicked counsel of Balaam, given, Chap. 24. 14. and embraced, Cha. 25.  
2 The punishment following thereupon, was executed vpon the actors and authors, both of Israel and their enemies.  
1 Of Israel for this sin, there dyed of the plague 2400. and all the heads of the people hanged up, and Zimri thrust thorough, Chap. 25.  
2. Of Midian was slain Cozbi, Chap. 25. and Balak, and the five Kings of Midian. Balaam was controlled by his ass, and afterwards slain; and so likewise were al the males of Midian, and the women who had lain by man, Chap. 31. Insomuch that of all them who were numbered at Mount Sinai, not any came into Canaan, but Caleb& Ioshua, Chap. 26. 64.  
Hitherto of the ill success that Israel had; that which fell out more prosperously after that God was appeased by the zeal of Phineas, followeth; wherein we haue to note, touching persons and possessions.  
1 Persons were either such as divided Canaan; or those to whom the division was made.  
The deuiders were Eleazur, Ioshua, and one select person out of the several Tribes, Chap. 34. whose charge it was to see, that no more were divided then was right, nor any left out which appertained to them.  
They whom this division concerned.  
1 None but such as could derive their discent from jacob.  
2 Of civil persons, the inheritance was to pass to the males, but in case of defect thereof, the daughters were capable, as in the example of Zelophehads Daughters of the Tribe of Manasseh, Chap. 27. who were to match within the family of the Tribe of their Fathers, Cha. 36.  
Of sacred persons were the levites, who had for themselves 48. Cities& their suburbs.  
2 Possession, was either on this side jordan, as of the Tribe of reuben, Gad, and half Tribe of Manasseh, Chap. 32. or beyond jordan, as of the other nine Tribes& half Tribe of Manasseh, all which were divided by Lot.   

deuteronomy.  
THIS book of Deuteronomy containeth a repetition of some things,& explication of other.  
It was necessary that some things should bee explained, because they were obscure, and not observed of the people, as of journeying from Mount Horeb at GODS commandment, and leading to the mountain of the Amorites. 2. Concerning the institution of Magistrates, and narration of things done at several times, Chap. 1. Of war and peace,& with whom, Chap. 2. and 3. This History then is of those things which were done from their being at Mount Horeb, and in the plain of Moab, where( as is thought) this book was written by Moses.  
The repetition is of the Law of God, Moral, ceremonial, and judicial.  
The moral, enjoining constant obedience to the Law of God, without addition or detraction; by many arguments, Ch. 4. Of blessing and cursing, Ch. 5. From their promise to obey it, Chap. 6. continual practise that should bee of the Law, Chap. 7. Of resolution, not to partake with Idolaters, Chap. 8. From Gods training them so long in the wilderness to fit them for Canaan, Ch. 9. Of Gods mere mercy to estate them there, Chap. 11. As of the former, and of the stableness of Gods goodness towards them, Chap. 12. For caution, by reason of Idolaters among them, Chap. 13. From the severity to be used against seducers.  

The ceremonial Law followeth:  
Chap. 14. Against Heathenish customs,& legal pollution by eating.  
Chap. 15. Of set times reserved for the benefit of the poor seruants and others.  
Chap. 16. Of festival times such as were,  
1 Of Easter, in remembrance of their delivery out of Egypt, Exod. 12. held in the first month, the fourteenth day of the month.  
2 Of Pentecost, Exo. 19. Leuit. 23.& Numb. 28. In remembrance of the Law of God given on the fiftieth day after their coming forth of Egypt.  
3 Of Tabernacles, to put them in mind how their Fathers dwelled in booths in the wilderness, the space of 40. yeeres. This Feast was kept on the 15. day of the seventh month.   

The judicial laws follow:  
1 general, concerning all.  
Chap. 17. Of the punishment of offences by legal course.  
2 singular,  
Chap. 18. Constitutions for the levites maintenance, and against false Prophets. Chap. 19. The people are directed in Law cases, by due proceeding. Chap. 20. Rules for war either within the Land of Promise, or out of it. Cha. 21. By other mens suffering for evil, to beware of doing evil.  
Chap. 22. to 26. Of charity, which ought to be shewed in all our actions. Chap. 24. and 25. Of Matrimony. Chap. 26. Of iustice in the payment of first fruits and tithes.   

Confirmation of all these laws.  
Chap. 27. By signs and threatenings. Chap. 28. By blessings and imprecations; the like whereunto levit, 26. but here with enlargement. Chap. 29. A renewing of the covenant with Israel, which had been made with thē at Mount Horeb, where the Law was given, showing what they should expect vpon breach of the covenant. Chap. 30. That their sins were pardonable on condition of repentance, and not otherwise. Ch. 31. Teaching public persons to leave things well settled after their death, Chap. 32. In effect as the former, with a prophesy of the jewish people, and of their fall, punishment& restitution. Chap. 33. Moses farewell, and blessing by name of all the Tribes, levi especially, Simeon onely excepted, whether for his sin in selling joseph; or for cruelty, to the Sichemites, or being cause of Irreligion, &c. Chap. 34. Of Moses death and commendation; Which part( as some think) was set down by Ioshua his successor.    

IOSHVA.  
HItherto of the Law, the Anteriour Prophets, now come in, so called because they wrote Histories, such as are contained in the books of Ioshua, Iudges, Samuel,& the Kings.  
The memorable acts done by Ioshua, and expressed in this book, are of yeeres 18. or thereabouts, wherein is shewed the estate of the Children of Israel in Canaan, according to Gods promise with Ioshua their captain; where, of the country of Canaan,& then of their settling therein.  
The country which Gods people inhabited, was diversly styled in many respects.  
1 Of the Gentiles, Canaan the Son of Cham, the Northerly part, Palestina, being divided into three parts, galilee, Samaria, judea; galilee most northerly, Phaenicia Westerly, Caelosyria on the East, and Samaria with Arabia enclosing it Southerly; jordan parteth it in the midst. galilee is called, of the Gentiles, Mat. 4. 15. because it was near to Tyre and Sydon. Samaria is seated between galilee& judea, and much less then either of them.  
2 After Ioshuas conquering of this Country, it was called the land of Israel. After the renting of it in Rehoboams time, one part was called Israel, and the other, judah.  
3 After the captivity, it was properly called judaea,& the people Iewes.  
4 Of Christians, it was called the holy land, and for the ancient fruitfulness thereof, said to flow with milk& hony.  
In the establishing of this country, observe, the planter, and manner of the plantation.  
The planter was Ioshua, of Iosephs house, who giveth the pleasant soil to judah, which Moses had so bequeathed by prophecy, and Samuel by anointing david of that Tribe King. If judah had divided it, the Heathen would haue thought it great partiality, but joseph doth it, planting judah in the best soil.  
2 Their plantation first by the removing of their enemies, and settling in their places afterwards.  
The places and Kings that were subdued, are noted, Chap. 12. the manner of their supplanting, either by weak means, as of jericho, Chap. 1. without means, by astonishment, Cha. 2. 11. by miraculous means as staying the course of the waters, chapped. 3. 16. and standing of the sun& moon, Ch. 10.  
2 Of the plantation in Canaan of all the Tribes, save of reuben, Gad, and half Tribe of Manasseh that were planted beyond jordan, Cha. 13. and 14, &c.   

IVDGES.  
HItherto of the Israelits in unsettled estate, and in war; now of them in peace, Ioshua their captain being dead, and they under the government of Iudges( whereof this book hath it name penned by Samuel;) where, of their vocation and office.  
The Iudges were persons extraordinarily stirred up by God, and fitted as warriors for that time; not made by election, as the first Kings, nor by succession, as the latter, but by Gods immediate raising of them up. Their office is implyed in their names, Iudges of judging, and of persons judged.  
The names and time of government of most of these Iudges were,  
1 Othniel of judah, Chap. 3. vers. 9, 10, 11. that governed 40. y. and delivered thē out of the hands of the Aramites.  
2 Ehud of benjamin, vers. 15.  
3 Shamgar, who ruled 80. yeeres, vers. 30.& delivered them from the Moabites, and also from the philistines, v. 31  
4 Debora of Ephraim, delivered them from the Canaanites, Chapter 5. with Barak of Nepthali, vers. 10.  
5 Gideon, 40. yeeres,& delivered them from the Midianites, Chapters 6, 7, 8.  
Abimelech of Ephraim, 3. yeeres, Chap. 9. Thola 23. yeeres of Issachar. jair, of Manasses, yeeres 22. Chapter 10. jepthe of Ephraim, yeeres 6. Ihsan of Bethlem in the Tribe of judah. Elon of Zabulon, yeeres 10. Cha. 10. Abdon of Ephraim, 8. yeeres, Chapter 12. Samson of Dan, yeeres 20.& delivered them from the philistines, Chap. 16. Eli, and Samuel who was of levi, recovereth the Ark to Iuda, both which are recorded in the 1. of Samuel, and judged Israel 20. yeeres.  
Concerning these, some had the pre-eminence for multitude, other for dignity.  
1 Was Iosephs house, for which they despised judah, 1. Kings 12. 16. 2. Sam. 20. 1. which was the cause of his overthrow.  
2 For dignity, and so was Iuda, because Christ came of that Tribe.  
Hitherto of the Iudges; the persons judged were their enemies; and they occasioned by their sins. Their fals were many, first, before their possession of Canaan. Secondly, and so after their reformation; and having many sins, had necessary many enemies accordingly; who their enemies were, may appear in the reading of this book.   

RVTH.  
THe Gentiles crumbs let fall from the Iewes Table, as appeareth in this book( made in the dayes of the Iudges) in the example of Ruth, of whom observe what she was by birth, and new birth.  
1 By the first, she was a gentle of Moab. 2. By the second, she is honoured in the old and new Testament, engrafted into the holy pedigree in the Tribe of Iuda,& married to Booz, of whom Christ came, Math. 1. So that Christ came a light to the Gentiles, whereof Rebeccaes womb was a token, out of which came two Nations.  
The Gentiles of honourable note in Scripture, are, as Ruth here, so job in the land of Hus, Naaman in Syria, Rahab in jericho of Chams house, the woman of Canaan. Naamah descended of Moab and Ammon, the incestuous sons of Lot, and great enemies to the Church, and yet from her came the royal blood of the Kings of judah, 2. Chron. 12. 13. and Christ came of Thamar, Gen. 38. 14. neither were some others excluded that came of ishmael, Esay 66.   

An Introduction followeth to the books of the KINGS.  
Hitherto of Gods providence in the preservation of his people by Patriarkes, Captaines,& Iudges: Now of Kings, which are( or should be) nursing Fathers of the Church; where first, what they were,& of their Ordination.  
KIngs are the Ordinance of God, set over people and kingdoms for the government thereof in wealth, peace and godliness, by good laws framed according to the laws of God.  
Of Kings, some were very ancient among the Heathen, Gen. 36. 31. and others more lately.  
The Kings of the Nations had Crownes given them by the people; God putting it into their heads, to aclowledge them for their King.  
Kings among Gods people, were immediately chosen by God himself,& the people only gave obedience thereunto.  
People therefore being precipitate in their courses, unless that laws( the rule of good life, and restraint of evil) bee held in the hands of the supreme Magistrate( who is the keeper of both tables) sheweth the calling of Kings very expedient.  
It was necessary that the estate of KINGS should now come in,& other kinds of government cease, to fulfil the Word and the work of God.  
1 His Word of Promise to Abraham, that Kings should come of him, Gen. 17. 6. the entail thereof vpon Isaaks posterity, and Iacobs prophecy, Gen. 49. 10.  
That the sceptre should not depart from judah. And therefore though Saul were King, yet because he was not of judah, but of benjamin the Lord crossed him,& the maccabees of levi usurping the kingdom, were punished of God.  
2 The work of God, for building the glorious Temple of SALOMON; where cometh in the Fift Age containing 419 
The 5. Age.  yeeres, continuing unto the captivity of Babylon, expressed in the second of Kings, Chap. 24. 25.  
Salomons Temple could not conveniently bee builded by the Iudges, nor by Saul or david: not by the Iudges, because of their weakness and poverty, and their change of government; nor by Saul or david, because they had many troubles: therefore the work was accomplished in the daies of Salomon, that were full of peace and plenty.  
In the treaty of Kings, the books are to be considered where they are recorded, and the different manner of setting down the history of them.  
The books entreating of Kings, are considered according to their number and appellation.  
In most Bibles there are six distinct books, that do principally make mention of KINGS: Whereof two are entitled of Samuel, two of the Kings, and likewise two of Chronicles; but the Hebrewes do always style the four former books onely, by the name of Kings, and do make the two Books of Chronicles but one, which the Grecians, because of the length, divide into two.  
The two former haue the name of Samuel, because they do entreat of him and the 2. Kings that he anointed, Saul, and david.   

1. SAMVEL.  
COncerning Samuel, his birth& acts are considerable.  
1 Was born in Rama, where also he was butted, Chap. 25. 1. and 28. 3. the son of godly Parents, Elkanah, and Hanna, Chap. 1.  
2 His acts, as they stand in relation to God, Eli, Saul, david, and the people of Israel in general.  
1 Towards God, being attentive to his call, Chap. 3. and obedient thereunto in the execution of his place.  
2 Declareth to Eli Gods decree concerning his house, and Israel, Ch. 3. The effects whereof do follow, Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, &c.  
3 The calling of Saul is foretold by Samuel, and confirmations of it, Chapters 9, 10, 11. after that, he was desired of the people for their King, to their ruin, Chap. 8. The sins of Saul were many. He usurped the Priests office, Chap. 13. spared Agag, Chap. 15. justified his sin, ibid. slay the Lords Priests, Chap. 22. Consulted with witches. Ch. 28. And touching david, he envied his virtues, and good success; would haue murdered and betrayed him, chapters 18, 19. And would haue slain his own son for loving him, Chapter 20.  
4 To david, who was thrice anointed King, first, by Samuel in Bethlem, 1. Samuel 16. 4, 13. afterwards by the Tribe of judah in Hebron, 2. Sam. 2. 4. by all the Elders of Israel in Hebron, 2. Sam. 5. 3. of whose persecution, and death of his persecutor to the end of this book.  
5 To the people of Israel, for which he prayed, and advised, Ch. 12, 23.   

2. SAMVEL.  
HItherto of Dauids troubles in the daies of Saul, now of them afterwards, and they outward or inward; partly in the posterity of Saul, and afterwards in his own Children, and others,& of Gods iustice and mercy to david in them all, set forth by the metaphor of Gods rod and staff, Psal. 23. 4.  
1 The enemy of david of the race of Saul, was Ishbosheth his son, competitor for the kingdom, Chapters 1, 2. Secondly, Gods staff by the death of Ishbosheth, Chap. 4. the love of his chief subiects, that anointed him their King. His Marriages and conquest of his enemies, as of the philistines twice, Chap. 5. and of them,& other enemies, Chap. 8. and of the Ammonites, and Aramites in the case of Hanun, Chap. 10. and by bringing back the ark, Chap. 6.  
2 The more inward troubles of david were occasioned by his own sins.  
1 Of Adultery and murder, Chap. 11.  
Gods rod; the death of his child, Chap. 12. The Conspiracy of Absalom, Chap. 15. the incest of Amnon, Cha. 13. The railing& reviling of Shemei, Chap. 16. the rebellion of Sheba, Cha. 20. Gods staff; his child was received to mercy, Chap. 12. Absalom is overthrown, Chap. 18. david is royally attended to jerusalem, Cha. 19. The head of Sheba is cut off, Chap. 20. and afterwards the philistines, that waged war so often against him, are conquered, Ch. 21.  
2 The same more immediate before Dauids death, was his pride to number the people, Ch. 24.  
Gods rod, in the death of 70. thousand. His staff; the plague ceased: and afterward, david death in peace.   

1. KINGS.  
OF Kings by election, as 1. Sam. or by succession, as 2. Samuel, hath been already spoken. Now of the estate of monarchy set forth in the kingdom of Israel, and that either in the increase, or decrease thereof.  
1 In the dayes of Salomon, before it was divided,( as afterwards it was.) 2. In the decrease thereof either in Salomons time, or in those Kings that came after him.  
In the increase, the person of Salomon is to bee considered as touching his Coronation& actions as they were performed, to Chapter 11.  
1 His Coronation is set forth by the opposition of Adoniah his elder brother, the son of david by Haggith, and frustration thereof, in that Salomon is made King, c. 1.  
2 Salomons actions do follow in relation to God or man.  
To God, whom he petitioneth, first, for wisdom to govern Gods people, Chap. 3. Secondly, for a blessing vpon Gods house, Chap. 8. which he had builded in most sumptuous manner, Chapters 5, 6, 7.& the gracious answer that he had from GOD in both, and above that he desired.  
To man, the improvement of his wisdom, in the execution of iustice, according to Gods Law, and his Fathers Testament, on malefactors, Chap. 2. and by decision of matters in controversy, and applause of the people therein, Chap. 3.  
The decrease of the kingdom either in the dayes of Salomon, or in those Kings that succeeded him of judah or Israel.  
The Kings of judah and of Israel, are first name, and then sorted, either as they were conditioned, or as they and other heathen Kings were in time together.  
1 The Kings of judah were  
Salomon, Rehoboam, Abiam, Asa, jehosaphat, jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah, joash, Amasiah, Azariah, Iotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasses, Amon, josiah, jehoahaz, jehoiakim, jehoiachin, Zedekiah.  
2 The Kings of Israel were  
jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, Omri, Ahab, Ahaziah, jehoram, jehu, jehoahaz, joash, jeroboam, Zacharia, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah, Hoshea.  
3 The Kings of judah, Israel, and other that then lived in time together, were,  
Rehoboam King of judah, and jeroboam King of Israel, 1. King. 12. 20. and Shishak King of Egypt, Chap. 14. 25.  
Abiam and jeroboam, 1. King. 15. 1.  
Asa& jeroboam, vers. 9. Nadab vers. 25. Baasha, 28. Elah, Chap. 16. vers. 8. Zimri, 10. Omri 16. and Ahab 28. all Kings of Israel.  
jehosaphat& Ahab 1. King. 22. 4. 41. and Ahaziah, 49. jehoram 2. King. 3. 1. and Benhadad King of Aram, 1. King. 20. 12.  
jehoram King of judah, and jehoram King of Israel, 2. King. 1. 17. Mesha King of Moab, Chap. 3. vers. 4. and King of Edom 9. and Benhadad, Chap. 6. 24.  
Ahaziah King of judah, 2. King. 8. 24. Ioram son of Ahab 28.& jehu that conspired against Ioram Ch. 9.  
Athaliah and jehu 2. King. 11.  
joash King of judah and Athaliah, 2. King. 11. jehu, Chap. 12. 1. jehoahaz his son, Chap. 13. 1, 10. and Hazael King of Aram, Chap. 12. 18. who now vexed Israel, Chap. 13. 22.  
Amaziah& jehoash king of Israel, 2. King. 14. 1.& jeroboam 23.  
Azariah and jeroboam 2. King. 15. 1. Zachariah his son, 8. Shallum, 10. Menachem, 14, 17. Pekahiah, 23. Pekah, 27. pull King of Ashur, 19. Tiglath Pileser likewise king of Ashur, 29.  
Iotham and Pekah, 2. King. 32. and Rezin the King of Aram, 37. Ahaz and Pekah and Rezin, 2. King. 16. and Hoshea, Ch. 17. 1.  
Hezekiah and Hoshea, 2. King. 18. 1. Salmaneser King of Ashur, 11. Sennacherib. 13.  
Manasses, carried away captive by the Captaines of the host of the King of Ashur, 2. Chron. 33. 11.  
Ammon.  
josiah& Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, 2. King. 23. 29.  
jehoiakim, and pharaoh Necho, 2. King. 23, 34. nabuchadnezzar, Chap. 24. 2.  
jehoiachim, and nabuchadnezzar, 2. King. 24. 8.  
Zedekiah,& nabuchadnezzar, 2. King. 24. 25  
4 Of the forenamed, some are set down in the first, and others in the second books of the Kings. In the former, is the story of five Kings of judah, from Salomon to jehosaphat, with the succession of jehoram, his son, Chap. 22. 50. and of eight Kings of Israel, from jeroboam to ahab; and namely, of Ahaziah his son, that succeeded him in his kingdom, verse 40.  
1 Salomon,( peaceable) called also jedidiah, of the love of God to him. Of whose posterity afore; now, of the declining estate of the kingdom in his time, considered in the cause and effect. The cause, his Idolatry by strange wives. The effects are, the execution of Gods Iustice thereupon, either more immediately during his life, by enemies that came up against him; as Adad the Edomite, Rezon King of Damascus, and jeroboam his seruant, 2. King. 11. Secondly, after his death, in his posterity from Rehoboam his son, to Ieconiah, in whom the natural line of Salomon endeth.  
2 Rehoboam,( large among the people) 1. in possessions in the opinion of his father Salomon: but the contrary fell out; by the iustice of God, punishing the sin of Salomon for his own sins: and likewise he being an Idolater, and improvident, by neglecting the advice of his sage counsellors, and listening to young men: the effects whereof were,  
The loss of ten Tribes, and commandement from God not to fight to bring them back again, 2. Chron. 11. 4. his enemies spoil his treasures, the city, and the Temple, Chap. 12. he reigned 18. yeeres.  
3 Abiah, his son, 1. King. 14.& 2. Chron. 12. ( My Father is Iehouah) or Abiam,( my father is the Sea) proud titles, and the latter( as is most probable) assumed after his great victory obtained against jeroboam, 2. Chron. 14. 17. but yet did never, neither could unite the kingdoms under one government.  
He was religious in show, but without soundness, 2. Chron. 13. he reigned 3. yeeres.  
4 Asa, the son of Abiam, 1. King. 15. 8. 2. Chron. 16. ( Destruction) whether of Idolatry, or outward enemies of his peace, or of both; which he did in part: for 1. he expelled the Sodomites. 2. deposed his Idolatrous mother. 3.& purged his country of Idolatry. 4. fortifies his Territories.  
But unanswerable to his name afterwards.  
1 Was strangely discouraged by Baasha King of Israel, that warred against him. 2. covenanteth with Benhadad, who thereupon broke the League with Baasha. 3. Being reproved for the same from the Lord; persecuteth the Prophet, and oppresseth his people. and 4. in his disease, prefers a physician before God.  
He reigned 41. yeeres.  
5. jehosaphat, 1. King. 15.& 2. Chron. Chap. 19, 20. ( The Lord iudgeth) to assure him of Gods protection& defence, relying vpon him: which he had experience of,  
Abolishing Idolatry, building Cities, conquering enemies: But shewed his infirmities, by his affinity with Ahab, warring with him, and joining with Ahaziah the son of Ahab, to the loss of his name, 1. Kin. Chap. 22. he reigned 25. yeeres.  

Hitherto of the Kings of judah, in this book: the Kings of Israel do follow.  
1 jeroboam, 1. King. Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14. the son of Nebat, a branch come out of egypt, of the house of joseph, by his marriage with an egyptian woman; a scourge to the people of God, and the wrack of Religion many hundred yeeres after. The utter enemy of judah, by raising up Shyshak against it. 2. by erecting two golden calves for worship, and so provoking GOD Dagainst them. He reigned 22. yeeres.  
2. Nadab. 1. King. 15. an Idolater, slain by Baasha. reigned 2. yeers  
3. Baasha, the son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar, 1. King. 15. 27. an Idolater. reigned 24. yeeres.  
4. Elah, the son of Baasha, 1. King. 16. 6. a profane person, drunken, and murdered in his drunkenness by Zimrj his seruant; He reigned yeeres 2.  
5 Zimri succeedeth in the place of Elah, his Master, 1. King. 16. slayeth all the house of Baasha, a murderer of himself, by firing his own Palace: he reigned seven dayes.  
6 Tibni, Chap. 16. slain in opposition with Omri.  
7 Omri, Chap. 16. 25. the worst of all before him, he reigned 12. yeres  
8 Ahab, Chap. 16. vers. 30. 33. The worst of all before him, which appeareth in many particulars; first, in that he was a notable Idolater himself. 2. In his marriage with jesabel, the patroness of Idolaters, and they both cruel persecutors and oppressors.  
The persons persecuted by them, of special note, were Eliah, of whom from Chap. 17. to 21.& Michaiah, Chap 22. 27. the party oppressed was Naboth for his Vineyard, Chap. 21.  
Eliah is set forth to be a Prophet of God, by that which God did for him, and against his persecutors; the former is manifest,  
First, by miraculous preservation of his life in the time of drought and famine, by the means of ravens, Chap. 17.& by Angels, Cha. 19. Secondly, is secured against Ahab when he met him, Chap. 18. and obtaineth rain, ibid.  
2 By that which at Eliahs appointment was executed vpon Baals Priests, Chap. 18. or that which by his prediction God would do vpon the authors of Idolatry& murder, Chap. 21. vers. 21. &c. and the execution thereof vpon Ahab, Ch. 22. 38. and on jezabel, 2. King. Chap. 9. and the evil that came vpon good jehoshaphat for overmuch familiarity with him, 1. King. c. 22. He reigned 22. yeeres.    

2. KINGS.  
WHEREIN is entreated of the decrease of both the said kingdoms, and the degrees thereof in the reign of several Kings, until the utter desolation of Israel and judah.  
In this book observe, concerning the remarkable actions of some Prophets and Kings.  

The principal Prophets herein mentioned, are Eliah and Elisha, and of them jointly and severally.  
First, of them together before Eliah was taken up,& therein of Elishaes love unto him, and request made, and obtained, Chap. 2.  
2 severed, in the manifestation of Elisha to be a rare Prophet, Chap. 2. and by foretelling the success of war at Iehoshaphats request against the King of Moab, Ch. 3. And by many miracles wrought by him, Chapters 4, 5, 6 by prediction of wonderful plenty in the time of extreme famine, Chap. 7. and also of 7. yeeres famine in the time of plenty, Chap. 8.  
Of Benhadads death, and Hazaels reign, and of the destruction of certain Kings of Israel foretold, Chap. 9. vers. 7. or executed, first, in part vpon jehoram, vers. 24. Ahaziah, 27. jezabel, 33. Second, totally, Chap. 10. vpon all the seed of Ahab his familiars, and Priests by the hand of jehu; and the reason of all: To fulfil the Word of the Lord by Eliah, vers. 10. And lastly, by a dead man reviving, that was cast into the sepulchre of Elisha, ch. 13. 21.  
Hitherto of the Prophets, the Kings do follow.  
Where, of their numbers and places where they are recorded.  
1 The total of the Kings entreated of in this book, are 28. of which 12. are of Israel, and of Iud, ah 16.  
2 The sorting of these, is either severally or apart, as of Ahaziah, Cha. 1. and of jehoram the son of Ahab, Chap. 3. and of other Kings of Israel, to Chap. 14. from thence to the 18. of the miserable estate of both kingdoms, with their mutual contentions, and the subversion of Israel first, and of judah afterwards, by other Nations.  
The Kings of Israel after Ahab, were,  
9. Ahaziah, 1. King. 22. 8. 2. King. 1. an Idolater, Moab rebelleth against him: he consulteth with an Idol for the cure of his malady: sendeth in fury for Elishah, that telleth his doom: but the messengers were consumed with fire from God. he reigned 2. yeeres.  
10. jehoram, brother to Ahaziah, and son of Ahab, 2. King. 1. 17.& 8. 16. &c. An Idolater,& married Ahabs daughter; but was better than his father or mother, ch. 3. 2. was slain by jehu, chapped. 9. 24. reigned 8. yeeres.  
11. jehu, the son of Nimshi. 2. King. Chapters 9. 10. whereof before, in the tract of Elisha: but of his condition further; either evil, or good, and the Reward of God for that he did well.  
1 was an Idolater. 2. was the rod of God to punish the sins of Ahab, according as Baasha was to jeroboam, 1. King. 15. 29. 3. His service thus performed according to Gods Command, was rewarded with establishing his posterity vpon the Throne of Israel to the fourth generation, Chap. 10. ver. 30. He reigned 28. yeeres.  
12 jehoahaz, son of jehu, 2. King. Chapters 10, 13. an Idolater: the Syrians prevail against him, but he is restored. Reigneth 17. yeeres.  
13. joash, the son of jehoahaz, 2. King. chapters 13. 14. an Idolater; warred with Amaziah. reigned 16. yeeres.  
14 jeroboam, the son of joash, 2. King. 14. an Idolater, restoreth the Coasts of Israel. Reigned yeeres 41.  
15 Zachariah, Chapters 14. 15. an Idolater, slain by Shallum, having reigned 6. months.  
16 Shallum, the son of jabesh, chapped. 15. 15. slain by Menahem, having reigned one month.  
17 Menahem, Chap. 15. 14. Idolatrous and cruel, raised a great sum of money of his people to give to the King of Ashur to depart from him, reigned ten yeeres.  
18 Pekahiah, the Son of Menahem, Cha. 15. an Idolater, slain by his captain Pekah the son of Remaliah, after he had reigned 2. yeeres.  
19 Pekah, Chap. 15. 27. an Idolater, in his time the King of Ashur carrieth some of Israel captive. Hoshea slayeth Pekah, after that he had reigned twenty yeeres.  
20 Hoshea the son of Elah, Chapters 15. 17. an Idolater, is treacherous to Salmaneser, who carried him captive in the 9. year of his reign: after that, Israel feared other gods; used heathenish fashions, and of wicked Kings before him, erected places of Idolatry, and performed service therein, and rejected the Prophets.  
Hitherto of all the Kings of Israel with their names and condition, till the captivity. The Kings of judah do follow in like manner, from jehoshaphat, to Zedekiah, according as they are set down in this book, and in the Chronicles.  
6 jehoram or Ioram( the Lord is high and mighty,) to argue the fear of God which his good father jehosaphat would haue imprinted in him, 2. Ki. 8, 16.& 2. Chro. 21. but his actions were unanswerable to his name; for, 1. he married Athaliah. Secondly, he was bloody( for he slay all his brethren, and the Princes of Israel) Thirdly, and idolatrous; and lived without being desired. But the Lord was mighty and exalted against him; for he made the Edomites, philistines, and Arabians powerful against him, his wife and children were all slain, save onely jehoahaz his youngest son: yet being senseless stil of the hand of God, he sent him a sore disease in his bowels, which afterwards fell out, after he had reigned 8. yeeres.  
7 Ahaziah the youngest son of jehoram, otherwise called Ochosias, 2. King. Chapters 8, 9, 10. and 2. Chro. 22. an Idolater, corrupted by Athaliah his wicked mother, and her friends; goeth to war with Ioram the son of Ahab against Hazael, jehoram being wounded, Ahaziah goeth to see him, and warred with him against jehu, to the destruction of himself, and all that appertained to him, and reigned one year.  
8 Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah, and daughter of Omri, 2. Chr. Chapters 22, 23. and 2. King. 11. an idolatrous woman, and a usurper of the crown of judah, who when Ahaziah was slain, killed all the kings seed, save only joash that was reserved by Iehoshabeath his Aunt, sister to Ahaziah, and was kept 6. y. in the house of the Lord,& by the direction of jehoiada the priest was made King, and Athaliah slain, after shee had reigned 7. yeeres.  
9 joash, son of Ahaziah, 2. Chron. 24. and 2. King. 12. whose actions are distinguished either good or bad, according to several times.  
First, good, so long as jehoiada a faithful Priest and prudent counsellor lived, when as there was commandement for the repairing of the Temple that was broken down by Athaliah, and instruments for service of God provided therein, collected by the levites at the charge of the people.  
Secondly, evil, after the death of jehoiada, when with the Princes he left the care of Gods house, and respect of the Prophets, worshipped Idols, and gave commandement to kill Zachariah the son of jehoiada, whose death the Lord required( according to his prayer) by sending the Aramites vpon those Princes, and his own seruants that slay joash their King.  
10 Amaziah, the son of joash, 2. King. 14. and 2. Chron. 25. upright, but not perfect, numbereth many thousands of judah,& hired many of Israel, but these were dismissed by him at the instance of a man of God. Vpon the victory he had over the Edomites, he worshipped the strange gods he found among them. joash out-braueth him in terms, and afterwards brought him to jerusalem, whose walls he broke down, and ransacked the Temple, and the Kings house; and was afterwards slain, having reigned 29. yeeres.  
Here note, that these 4. last name, Ahaziah, Athaliah, joash, and Amaziah, are not name by Saint matthew, Chap. 1. in CHRISTS genealogy.  
11 Azariah( God hath helped me) or Vzzia,( the LORD is my strength) called also Hozia, and Ozia, the son of Amaziah, Cha. 15.& 2. Chron. 26. by all the said appellations wished his son the assistance of God: where, of the acts of him performed, and effects answerable thereunto.  
First, of his well-doing in the dayes of Zachariah; the effect, he prospered in estate, was victorious in warres against the philistines; grew famous in the world, was strong in munition, and had many valiant Souldiers.  
2 Was proud in greatness,& took vpon him the Priests office;& was in conclusion a Leper,& cut off from the house of GOD, and reigned 52. yeeres.  
12 Iotham, Chap. 15. and 2. Chron. 27.( The Lord is upright and perfect.) In lieu of thankfulness to God for his Fathers victories, and for his encouragement to serve him, yet the high places stood. The effects of his service of God were, he prevailed against the Ammonits; he built much, and amongst other things, the gate of the Temple, called beautiful, and reigned 16. yeeres.  
13 Ahaz, the son of Iotham, 2. Chron. 28. and 2. King. 16.( apprehending or possessing) to wit of such possessions as he had left him: but the issue was not answerable to his name, and that because of his sins: his sins were first, Idolatry, second, hardness of heart, which was a great sin in him, and likewise a punishment of his former sin; the more heavy the hand of God was vpon him, the worse he ever shewed himself. The judgements accompanying his sin, were multitudes of enemies; Aramites, Israelites, Edomites, philistines; and the Kings of Ashur in whom he trusted, played false with him, he reigned 16 yeers.  
14 Hezekiah, 2. King. Chap. 18, 19, 20. and 2. Chr. 29.& 30, 31, 32.( yy strength is the Lord.) The father praying for his sons better success against his enemies then he had himself; and the success was in three respects according to his name, in that God gave him strength.  
First, to set open the Temple of God which before was shut, and to purge out the corruption in religion, and to institute the Passeouer.  
Secondly, to give the proud insulting Assyrians the overthrow.  
Thirdly, to recover of his disease, and to prolong his life 15. yeeres, the same confirmed by the sun retrogradate, or going back ten degrees in Ahaz his sun-dial. he reigned 29. yeeres. In stead of thanksgiuing to God, he gloried in his wealth.  
15 Manasses, 2. King. 21.& 2. Chron. 33. ( forgetful) because his father had forgotten his troubles after he was delivered from his great sickness. The like, Gen. 41. 51. Secondly, to teach his son to forget the superstition of his fore-fathers: but contrariwise, he established it in the highest nature: the sequel whereof was either in Iudgement or in mercy.  
First for his sin, he was the first King of judah that was carried captive out of his own Land.  
2 Vpon his his humiliation and acknowledgement of his sin, he was released, and sent back into his own Country, and was zealous for God and his truth. he reigned 55. yeeres.  
16 Amon, 2. King. 21.& 2. Chron. 33. ( Nursed) In Idolatry, by the appointment of Manasses his father, sinned like him, but did not repent as he did; he was slain by his own seruants in his own house, after he had reigned 2. yeeres.  
17 josias, 2. King. 22. and 23. and 2. Chron. Chapters 34, 35.( The Lord is a fire:) but not as his father thought that God should assist his son, if he persiisted in Idolatry like his father; but the fire of Gods Spirit was in him, indeed the manifestation thereof. First; by pulling down superstition and Idolatry and Idolatrous places. Secondly, in the defence of true Religion, by repairing the Temple, causing the Law of God to be red, and ordaining the Passeouer.  
The most noted sin of josias, was rashness in warring against Pharaoh Necho, in favour of the Assyrians that had been kind to his grandfather Manasses, as is most probable. he reigned 31. yeeres.  
18 jehoahaz or johanan, 2. King. 23. and 2. Chro. 36. the son of josias, displaced by the King of Egypt, after he had reigned 3. moneths, wicked as his fathers.  
19 Eliakim, so called by josias,( My strong God will raise up) called afterwards by Pharaoh Necho, jehoiakim,( The Lord will raise up) written sometimes Iakim. Of him, read ieremy, chapters 22, 26, 36. where his sins and punishments are recorded. he reigned 11. yeeres.  
20. jehoiachin, or Ieconiah, or Coniah, 2. King. 24.& 2. Chron. 36. in signification, ( The Lord will make ready) viz. to captivity, although they believed it not at the preaching of ieremy. He delivered himself into the hands of nabuchadnezzar,& afterwards, both he and his wives; Princes, and men of activity, together with Ezekiel& Daniel, were carried into Babel, after he had reigned three moneths and ten daies.  
21. Zedekiah, or Matatniah, 
captivity.  so called by the King of Babel, he is called Ieconiahs brother 2. Chr. 36. 10. but 1. Chr. 3. 16. he is called Ieconiahs son; which is not legally to bee understood, for Zedekiah was not his son naturally but his uncle, 2. King. 24. 17. his sins and punishments are to bee considered.  

1. An Idolater, as were his fore-fathers.  
2. Of obdurate heart and incorrigible.  
3. Falsified his Oath made to nabuchadnezzar.   
His punishment.  
1. The chief Priests and the people were bad like himself, and they both mocked and abused the Messengers and Prophets of God sent to admonish them.  
2. The incursion of cruel and implacable enemies, that put out the eyes of the King, after they had slain his sons before his eyes, bound him in chains, and carried him to Babel; the particulars of that history, 2. Kings 25. He reigned eleven yeeres.  
Hitherto at large of the Kings of judah and Israel jointly and severally; hereafter briefly of their several captivities, and degrees of the same.   

The captivity of this people, is noted in a three-fold consideration of time, either  
1. Past, when they were in Egypt, Exodus the first, to the fourteenth Chapter.  
2. Then to come by the romans, the greatest persecutors, both by civil government of their Emperours, and hierarchy of Popes.  
3. Present, when the Iewes were captives to the Babylonians, by nabuchadnezzar, of Nimrod, of Chams house; and the same either forewarned by Moses, Deut. 28. 64. &c. and by most of the Prophets, or now executed vpon Israel and judah, and that either partially in the declining Estate of  
1. Israel, in the dayes of Pekah, 2. King. 15. 25. of jehoahaz, 2. Kin. 13. 3. In the hand of Hazael and Benhadad Kings of Aram.  
2. Totally.  
In the dayes of Hoshea, that was carried captive into Ashur, in the sixth year of Hezekiah, 2. Kin. 18. 10, 11.  
2. Of judah, 1. partially in the reign of Amasiah, when joash entred jerusalem, 2. Chron 25. 23. of Manasses, as in the title of Manasses. Of jehoiakim, seruant to nabuchadnezzar, 2. King. 24. 2. Totally, in the dayes of Iekoniah and Zedekiah, as is before noted.    

1. Chronicles.  
CHronicles, or words of Dayes, or of Time wherein the memorable Acts were performed in the Common-wealth of Gods people:  
Or, PARALIPOMEN, of things omitted in the books of the Kings written by Esdras, returned to jerusalem after the captivity of Babylon.  
1. Chronicles entreateth of the kingdom of Israel, deriving it from particular persons and heads, mediate or immediate. 1. From Adam, so as Christ came,& is derived as well from the Fathers before the flood, as after; and so hath ever been the teacher of the Church, from the beginning to the end of the world. Secondly, from jacob, in their 12. Tribes, and that under the government of Saul, Chap. 9, 10. And david, from the eleventh to the end. The total of all which, is about the number of two thousand, nine hundred, eighty and five yeeres.   

2. Chronicles.  
OF the increase of the kingdom under Salomon, to the tenth Chapter, and the decrease therof in Kings succeeding, particularly laid down before, to the year of the return from captivity, mentioned in the Conclusion of this book, containing yeeres 472.  
Hitherto of the fift Age, 
The sixth Age.  The sixth followeth, from the captivity of Babylon, to the merchandizing of the Temple and jerusalem,( after which all prophesying failed) containing yeeres 143.   

EZRA,& NEHEMIAH.  
SO as the estate of the Iewes is hereafter to be considered, either in Babylon, or in their return. The former, in the book of easter, and the latter in the books more immediately following, which are generally called by the first and second of Esdras, but of others Ezra, and Nehemiah, in which wee are to observe, concerning persons and actions.  
Persons, are either such as returned from captivity; or that procured the same.  
Persons returning, are considered generally and in gross, or specially.  
The total, were two and forty thousand, besides their seruants and Maids, Ezra 2. 65. Of whom some are set down in his book of Ezra, the rest in the books following.  
The parties among them of special note were,  
First, Zorobabel their Prince or governor,( because there were none called Kings of judah after the captivity) he was descended from Nathan, the son of Salomon.  
Ieshua the Priest.  
Ezra a Scribe, prompt in the Law of Moses, Chap. 7. 6. descended of Aaron; in great favour with Cyrus K. of Persia, with the people of the Iewes, and with Gods: of him the book hath it name, because of his carefulness to further the work of God.  
Nehemiah, highly favoured of Darius, the uncle of Cyrus.  
Daniel a Prophet, and so esteemed so long as that Common-wealth lasted.  
Mordecai a jew, carried captive with Ieconiah, Hest. 2. 6.  
Hester, in high esteem with Ahasuerosh, Hest. 2. 9.  
Persons by whom they were returned, were  
Cyrus King of Persia, of the house of Sem, in the first year of his reign, answering to the 70. year of the captivity, according to Ieremies prophecy, Chap. 25.  
Darius, of the Medes descended of japhet, Neh. 2. by whom the house of God was commanded to be finished in the second year of his reign though the Israelites that were in Samaria withstood it.  
The matter in both these books contained, is considered in the several actions and employments of the said persons;& the effects that God gave by thē.  
Zorobabel, to build the Temple. Ezra, to plant Religion, Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6. and for the commonwealth, Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10. Nehemiah, to build their walls, Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. and to provide the Law of God to bee put in execution among them, from thence to the end of Nehemiah.  
The effect, in that the business was furthered by the goodness of God.  
First, moving Cyrus to set forward this work, Chap. 1. by giuing them leave to go to jerusalem, commanding others to relieve them, and by restoring what nabuchadnezzar had carried away, and by a decree for the effecting of the same, Chap. 6.  
Secondly, By stirring up Darius, who granted his Letters to Nehemiah, for provision to build the Palace and the walls, Nehem. 2.  
Thirdly, inclining the heart of the Prince, Prophets and people to further the work,& by disappointing the enemies, Ezra Chapters 4, 5. and Nehem. Chapters 4, 5, 6. so that this Temple had more spiritual ornaments then the first, because all nations of the earth came unto it, and CHRIST taught therein. And here endeth the glory of the Babylonians:& now japhet is persuaded to dwell in the Tents of Sem.   

easter.  
THis book hath it name of her, and she standeth in relation either to Assuerus, or to her kindred and people.  
1. To Ahashuerosh, that was called Artaxerxes, which was the common name of al Kings of Persia; or Darius that reigned twelve yeeres after Cyrus, and in the third year of his reign, the story of easter began, who was married to easter in the seventh year of his government.  
Secondly, to her kindred and people of the Iewes, for whose good, first, shee adventured her life, Chap. 4. endangered, Chap. 3.& 4. Secondly, procured their welfare; first, by pulling down their enemies, principally as Haman,& his Complices, Chapters 7, 9. Secondly, by advancing her friends, and they either principal, as Mordechai, Chapters 2, 6, 8 10. the supposed author of this book.  
Or genrally, as all the Iewes; so as this book containeth things done under Ahashuerosh, the Iewes in exile under the Persians, Medes, Assyrians, Chaldeans.  
Hitherto of the Anterior Prophets; the Hagriographa or sacred writings do follow.   

job.  
IN this book, we may observe the time wherein job lived, and the manner of his life.  
1 He lived( as most do conjecture) in the time of the Israelites being in egypt, as the names of his friends do import, conferring them with Gen. 22. 21. and therefore this history is most proper to the third Age.  
2. In the course of his life, note his humiliation and exaltation.  
1 That being a very godly man, and rich, was notwithstanding afterwards afflicted both in body and mind; endured the loss of goods, seruants, and children, Chap. 1. was tempted by his Wife, Chap. 2. disquieted in his mind by Satan, Chap. 6. argued by his friends of hypocrisy generally throughout the whole book.  
2. His exaltation, wherein, of the manner precedent& consequent.  
1. In Iobs Confession of his error to GOD, Chapters 39. 42.  
2. By God himself, who 1. pleadeth his cause, Chap. 42.  
2 Restoreth him riches double to that he had; so as this Story is comical: sorrows Ioy.  
mark the just man, the end of him is Peace.   

psalms.  
A psalm is properly taken for a Song or hymn that is delivered on a tuneable Instrument; wherein are to bee considered, The ditty, Tune, and the Singers.  
1. The ditty or matter of the psalms, consisteth for the most part, of Prayer and thanksgiving; fitting every ones occasion and condition.  
2. Secondly, the tune or manner of setting it down; full of delectation by musical notes, wherewith mans nature is much delighted, as the several Titles do show;& there are some called Songs of degrees, as Psal. 120. to 134. in number 15. which name they had, in likelihood, because they were sung at their going up the stairs of the Temple, whereof there were fifteen steps.  
3 The Singers are principal, or subordinate; first, david, called by a certain excellency, The sweet Singer of Israel, 1. Sam. 23. 1. Secondly, other godly men, as they are entitled of Ethan, Psal. 89. of Salomon, Psal. 71. of Moses, Psal. 90. and so of other; and of all that haue Dauids spirit, the duty commanded, Ephes. 5. 19. and practised by the godly in several languages in ancient time, and shall be the exercise of the Saints in heaven, revel. 19.   

PROVERBS.  
A proverb is an elegant manner of speech, comprehending much matter in small room.  
In these proverbs observe, who wrote them, the time when they were written; and the subject matter of the writing.  
First& principal was Salomon the Son of david, whereof they haue the name: then other worthy men, the followers of that good King Hezekiah, as appeareth in the inscription of the 25. Chapter, and of Agur, Chap. 30.  
Secondly, not long before his death; after his fall, and vpon his repentance.  
Thirdly, concerning God or man; of GOD, touching such things as wee ought to embrace, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9. what we must beware of Chapters 5, 7. the second part is moral, and directeth in several duties of piety and humanity to be performed towards man in the course of life.   

Ecclesiastes, or the PREACHER.  
WHEREIN wee may see, that after all our cark& care wherein we spend our time in this troublesone world, nothing remaineth in the reckoning, but vanity and vexation of spirit, instanced in the enumeration of particulars, of such things as the vain world thinketh felicity to consist in, whereof Salomon had experience in the fruition of the best, Chapters 1, 2. and concludeth from his observation of other mens behaviours, the misery of all, Chapters 3. to the 10. And therefore determineth the point; That he is the only happy man, that feareth God, and keepeth his Commandements.   

Canticles, or Song of Salomon.  
WHEREIN, 

1. Of whom it was made.  
2. The matter whereof it consisteth.  
3 Of mutual affection of the parties.  
And 4 Of the happy consummation of all.    
1 The parties interested herein, are Christ the head of the Church, and every faithful soul.  
2 The matter, is of holy communion and society between them both set forth under the figure of a marriage, in which Christ is compared to the bridegroom, and the Church( which is but one) to the bride.  
3 This league is made up, and set forth in the mutual affection either to other, made known by several comparisons, first, of Christ and the Church jointly, Chap. 1. Of the Church and Christ, Chap. 2. he to a three, she to a lily and Rose, in many comparisons of Christ made to the Church, Chap. 4.& the Church to him, c. 5.  
4 The making up the match and conclusion of the same: that, in this life; this, in the life to come: and the same confirmed by certain pawns and pledges, given& received as loue-tokens between them both.  
That which Christ hath given, is his Spirit within us, which he hath sent unto us, and the Looking glasses of his Word and Sacraments left among vs.  
The pledge or earnest that he hath taken of us, is our nature, assumed into the person of the Godhead, and hath carried it up with him into heaven: and when the rooms and Mansions there are prepared, he will come again gloriously for his Spouse.  
Hitherto of the Hagiographa: the latter Prophets do follow to bee entreated of.   

An Introduction to the reading of the PROPHETS.  
PRophets, were persons called of God to publish and expound unto men the will of GOD, concerning things either present or to come.  
1. Of Prophets, some were only in act, but not in Office, and so david& some other that penned the sacred hymns by the motion of Gods Spirit, without any noted change in the outward gesture. 2. In act and Office, as were the revelations, manifested to the holy Prophets, Pen-men of a great part of the Scriptures; such as Esay, jeremy, and the rest, either in dreams, or wake, but in ecstasy; in which manner we are to understand all, or most of them, that are hereafter mentioned.  
The doctrine of the Prophets serveth to instruct, reprehend and to comfort; which order is generally observed by all, or most of them.  
Touching these, observe the manner how their doctrine came first to be published;& then of the Prophets, and substance of their several prophecies.  
The sum of their doctrine was first set vpon the Temple door for certain dayes, and the Priests took it down, and reserved it among the Registers, Isay 8. 1. 2. and Habakkuk 2. 2.  
As for the time wherein all of them prophesied, is hard to bee gathered, but for distinction, so far as is apparent, or probable, wee say, that some of them were onely before the captivity; some in the captivity, and others after that the same was expired; the particulars whereof hereafter follow in their several places  
Those that do follow, are called the posterior Prophets, because they prophesied of many things that should come to pass to the coming of Christ; and of some things afterwards, as in Daniel.  
And of these, some are called the greater Prophets; as Isay, ieremy, Ezekiel, Daniel; and other the lesser, as all that came after them. In the setting down whereof, all or most of these circumstances, are briefly delivered.  
1. What they were. 2. When they were. 3. under what Kings reign. 4. What was the effect of their several prophecies. 5. What followed thereupon.   

ISAIAH.  
THe son of Amos, an evangelical Prophet setting forth many things of Christ, and by him interpnted, Luke 4. and by others, as by Philip, Act. 8.  
2. prophesied as is conjectured in the year of the world, 3198. and continued a Prophet about 64. yeeres.  
3. Prophesied in the dayes of uzziah, Iotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. So as he was before the captivity.  
4. His message was directed to judah principally; the tenor whereof is a Denunciation, and Consolation. The Denunciation, first against Gods people, from the 1. chap. to the 11. 2. Against their enemies, from the 13. chap. to 24. The Consolation, is in regard of a temporal or spiritual deliverance. 1. By Cyrus, c. 45. 1. Secondly, To the Gentiles, by the coming of Christ, cha. 9.  
5. The effect, in respect of himself, was to be put to death by Manasses.   

ieremy.  
FIrst, the son of Hilkiah, born in Anathoth a city within 3. miles of jerusalem; began to prophecy in jerusalem, about the year of the Creation, 3316. and prophesied about 40. yeres.  
2. prophesied in the daies of josiah, beginning in the 13. year of his reign, and in the dayes of jehoiakim,& Zedekiah; so as he was in the captivity of Babylon.  
3. His prophecy containeth a fearful prediction of Gods Iudgement by the captivity, with the Reasons& sins procuring it, as in several Chapters may be seen: his message was principally directed to the Iewes, in judea, under several Kings thereof, to Chap. 42; Or in Egypt, with the destruction of their enemies foretold.  
Secondly, addeth consolation, in assuring them in diuers places of their return from captivity; From chap. 29.  
4. He is cast into prison for prophesying the truth, and is basely used, Chapters 32. 37, 38.   

LAMENTATION,  
FOr the destruction of their kingdom, foretold by Moses, Deut. 28. 64. &c. and now executed.   

EZEKIEL. Chap. 1.  
THe son of Buzi in Caldaea, where he prophesied the same things that jeremy did in judaea.  
2. Began his prophecy, about the year of the creation, 3350. in the fift year of Iehoiachins captivity.  
3. entreateth of the sins of the Iewes, as of Idolatry, murdering of the Prophets, oppressing the Stranger, profanation of the Sabbath, Dissension, Incest, bribery, usury and Extortion, from chap. 20. to 37. for which they were carried captive: and of their return, Chap. 37. He prophesied likewise against other Nations, for delighting in the misery of the Iewes. From chap. 25. to 33.  
4. Disobedience of the people to the admonition, chap. 3.   

DANIEL.  
FIrst, a captive jew carried away into Babel, in the third year of jehoiakim King of judah, with Ezekiel about the year 3340.  
2. he lived in the dayes of nabuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus.  
3. justifieth of the succeeding estate of the world to the end thereof, in the change of government, considered in four Monarchies, and resemblances thereof, in the opinion of some: 1. the Babylonians to gold; Chap. 2. 32. the Persian, to silver; the graecian, to brass; the roman, as some understand, Chap. 2. 40. to Iron and day: which others interpret of the declining Monarchy of Alexander of Iaphets kindred, and the miserable estate of the Iewes in that decaying Empire by the Syrians, and Egyptians: Insomuch as they called their children by such names as shewed the desires of their hearts for a temporal saviour, that might defend them. And in this sense the Apostles might ask Christ the question, Act. 1. 6. Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  
4. For his constancy in serving God, and forsaking Idolatry, he is cast into a den of lions, Chap. 6. 16.   

HOSEAH.  
FIrst, the son of Beeri,  
2. Concerning the time, it was before the captivity, like as the Prophet Isay, in the daies of uzziah, Iotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah Kings of judah, and in the dayes of jeroboam the son of Ioosh King of Israel: with this difference, that Esays prophesy concerned Iuda principally; and Hoseas, Israel in the top of their prosperity, when they thought themselves in Gods favour.  
3. To tell them of their sins, as of Idolatry, Chap. 1. Want of knowledge,( the cause of all manner of other sins) chap. 4. 6. surfeiting in the King, chap. 7. flattery in the people. For which, and other of their sins, they are threatened to haue their kingdom taken from them by the Assyrians, Chap. 11. using consolation afterwards, if they did amend.  
4. Continuance in their sins to their after-destruction: notwithstanding that Hoseah had been their Prophet 70. yeeres.   

IOEL.  
FIrst, the son of Pethuel, most likely to be about the time of jeroboam.  
2. he prophesied to Iuda.  
3 His exhortation is to repentance, and that for their sins of drunkenness and surfeiting, or else, that they were to expect, First, extreme plague of famine. 2. If they repented not thereupon, to look for the sword of the King of Ashur.   

AMOS.  
FIrst, The son of a poor herdsman, born in Tecoa, a town of judah.  
2 He prophesyeth; first, against the Gentiles, cha. 1. then against the Iewes and Israelites. His argument is drawn from the less to the greater. If God punished those that had little or no knowledge, then, much more those that sinned vpon knowledge. The sins are taxed from the 2. Chapter to the 9. The sins are, Cruelty, Presumption, security, lack of pity, hoarding up of corn, and covetousness.   

OBADIAH.  
THere is little observation of his time or Kindred: but by comparing of places, ieremy 49. & Ezek. 25. it is most like, he lived in the time of both their Prophesies.  
2 The Contents, he comforteth the Israelites now in great misery, against their brethren, the Idumeans, who came of Esau, that were great enemies unto them, and reioyced in the spoils.   

jonah:  
FIrst, The son of Amittaj, born in Gath Heper, a town in Zabulon, he lived in or about the time of jeroboam the son of joash.  
2 He prefigureth the salvation of the Gentiles, sent for the conversion of niniveh, the chief city of the Assyrians, by 3. daies preaching; to convince Israel, to which he had preached many yeeres. 3. In conclusion, the city was spared, and the Prophet complaineth.   

MICAH:  
born in a town that appertained to benjamin, but was originally of Gath.  
2 he prophesieth against judah in the daies of Iotham, Ahaz,& Hezekiah, and so of Israel, Chap. 1. 1. for the space of 30. yeeres or thereabout.  
3 The parties reproved, are Princes, Chap. 3. Rich Merchants, cha. 6. corrupt Iudges, chap. 7.   

NAHVM.  
THe parentage of this Prophet is not certain, nor the time of his prophecy, but conjectured to bee in the dayes of Iotham.  
2 The argument, he teacheth them of judah to be ware of revolting from God, by the example of the Niniuits, that were afterwards for the same cause destroyed by the chaldeans, about 115. yeeres after the former prophecy.   

HABAKKVK.  
IT is most like that he lived about the end of Iosiahs reign, or after.  
2 he preacheth against the pride and tyranny of the Chaldeans, puffed up with their spoils, who were afterwards destroyed by the Medes and Persians.   

ZEPHANY.  
THE son of Cushi, in the dayes of josiah King of judah, he foretelleth the captivity, and comforteth the godly.   

HAGGAI.  
HE and the two Prophets following, were after the captivity; Haggaj comforteth the people, and encourageth them to build the Temple, wherein some were slack, but forward to build their own house: he prophesied in the second year, and sixth month of King Darius.   

ZACHARIAH.  
HE prophesyeth in the eight month of the second year of King Darius. he instructeth the people to avoid the sins of their fathers,& to comfort the people in respect of CHRISTS coming, the manner whereof is described, Chap. 9.   

malachi  
reproveth abuses and corruptions, now that the Temple was reedifyed, and Gods worship restored.  
Hitherto of the Prophets and rebuilding of jerusalem, and the second Temple, from whence the sacred Scriptures for story do cease. And from which time, as some do reckon; unto the coming of CHRIST, are yeeres 483. which is the time of the seventh age.  
Hitherto of the Old Testament. The New followeth.    

THE NEW TESTAMENT.  
BOTH the Testaments are but one in substance, though different in name.  
The substance of them both, is Christ, who as he is Alpha& Omega, the first and the last, and the same for ever; so the extent and merit of his sufferings are not bound within the time of his Incarnation: but the Testaments are distinguished in the Letter& manner of revelation.  
1 The former, called Old, in regard of the promises of Christ to come; the other New, wherein the same were fulfilled by Christ exhibited.  
2 That whereas the Old was delivered in Types, shadows, and Ceremonies; in this, Christ is plainly& apparently made known: otherwise, as the faces of the Cherubims were one towards another, and both towards the mercy-seat: so both these Testaments bear witness one to another, and both look vpon Christ.  
In the old Testament there is the occultation of the New; and in the New Testament, is the manifestation of the old.  
In the New Testament observe, how the matter therein is sorted, and how Christ is propounded.  
The matter, is either legal, as of the four evangelists: or historical, as the Acts of the Apostles; doctrinal, as the Epistles: or prophetical, as the Apocalypse.  
The manner of Christ propounded therein, is set down diversly; wherein observe how the evangelists do varie, and wherein they agree.  

1 The former: In that some of them principally intended to set down the Manhood of Christ, others the Life of Christ, others his divinity.  
The humanity of Christ is most clearly expressed by matthew, Chap. 1. 1. The book of the generation of Iesus Christ the son of Abraham; and by Luke, Chap. 3. 23. with this note of difference, that Luke deriveth Christ upwards to Adam, vers. 38. but matthew downward from Abraham: Luke followeth his natural line without mention of any of them in matthew, besides Salathiel and Zerubabbel, ver. 27. matthew bringeth Christ to be the heir of Dauids throne, by a legal succession from Salomon.  
2 mark setteth down the life of Christ, beginning with John Baptist.  
3 S. John entreateth of his divinity, Chap. 1. vers. 1, 2, 3. &c. and that especially, because the same was opposed by some heretics of that time.  
Secondly, the agreement of them all in some particulars, or in the general.  
1 The former, as first, in the preparation that was made to his manifestation, Mat. 3. and 4. Mar. 1. Luk. 3. and 4. joh. 1.  
2 The manifestation itself, by preaching and Miracles in Galilee, Mat. 4. to 19. Mark. 1. unto the 10. Chap. Luk. part of the 3. and 4. Chapter, to the 17.  
3. Of his coming into jury towards his passion, Math. 19. 20. Mark. 10. Luk. 17. unto the 19. S. John, is most copious in setting down his Acts it jury, and hath of the same in Galilee about the third passover, and after, Chap. 6. to the 12.  
4. Of his Passion at jerusalem, Mat. 21. Mar. 11. Luk. 19. &c. joh. 11.  
2. The general here briefly propounded in these words: CHRIST IESVS our LORD: which are hereafter expounded, and is the substance of both Testaments, old and new.  
Wherein, first briefly and generally observe the extent of the names of Iesus Christ.  
Secondly, of the particular unfolding of the same and the rest, to make the Testaments complete.  
First, the names of Christ Iesus are of several Languages, greek and Hebrew, and do imply him to bee saviour both of Iewes and Gentiles, Rom. 1. 16.  
So as neither jew nor gentle haue cause to complain.  
Not the jew, because that Christ was born among them, and sent unto them; nor the gentle, because Christ was light to them. And david the Father of Christ according to the flesh, had much blood from the Gentiles, Mat. 1. In a word, Christ took blood of both, and  shed it for both.  
Secondly, the particular unfolding of Christ consisteth in the signification of his names, and divine application of the same.  
First, Christ is a name taken from oiling or anointing, according to a threefold estate of men of ancient time, Kings, Priests and Prophets.  
In oil are considered, fragrancy and agility; the former in relation to sanctification, the latter, to ability in a ready and cheerful performance of every Christian and holy duty towards God, or his Image that is in man.  
First, Christ is anointed our King.  
By the grace of vocation, out of the estate of nature; of Sanctification into the life of grace; of glorification, by raising up our bodies out of the dust in the resurrection, and by knitting souls& bodies together, and absolving them from sin, and estating us in perfect glory; which none but this King can do. And hereto may be referred, whatsoever examples are recorded in the sacred Scriptures of this nature.  
2 CHRIST is our Prophet;  
And this is derived from his Kingly office, and so hath he manifested himself by teaching, the manner whereof is diuers, and that either more mediately, or of latter times.  
The ancient manner of Christs teaching was, first, by his own voice from heaven. Secondly, by Angels. Thirdly, by Prophets, in whom his Spirit was long before he came into the world: or, fourthly, by himself.  
The teaching of Christ is either personally, or instrumentally to bee considered.  
1. Personally, when he was vpon the earth, and in different manner, according to the condition of his Hearers, to some in Parables; That some might not understand; and that others might more diligently inquire, or better carry away the things taught, and to his preaching, he added Miracles.  
A Miracle is that which surpasseth the power and efficacy of any created nature, but is wrought by God against nature, and the common order of second causes.  
Concerning these, observe how they are differenced in the Old and New Testament. In the former, they were for the most part destructive. In the New Testament otherwise, save of the Gadarens, to punish their ingratitude.  
The Miracles of Christ were,  
1. he turned Water into Wine; jo. 2. 2. Fed 5000. with five loaves, Math. 14. and 4000. with seven loaves, Math. 15.  
3. He gave hearing to the deaf, and speech to the dumb, Mat. 7. 32.  
4. He gave to the blind their sight, Mar. 8. as he went out of jerusalem; to two blind men as he went to jericho, Mat. 20. 29. to one that was born so at jerusalem, joh. 9. 1.  
5. He restored the withered hand, Mat. 12. 10.  
6. He healed the man that was lame 38. yeeres, joh. 5. 5.  
7. He healed the leprosy, Math. 8.  
8. The palsy, Math. 9. 1. Mar. 2. 11.  
9. The fever, Mar. 1. 31.  
10. The bloody Issue, Mat. 9. 20. The dropsy, Luke 14. 2.  
11. he calmed the Seas, being in the Ship, Math. 8. 29. Walked on the waters, Math. 14. 25.  
12. He raised from the dead the Rulers Daughter, Mark. 9. the widows son, Luk. 7. 14. Lazarus, joh. 11. 12.  
13. He delivered from the possession of the devil, at Capernaum, Lu. 35. 4.  
The reason of all these, for the Confirmation of his doctrine, which being sufficiently confirmed, Miracles haue ceased; so as it is miraculous, that men should not now beleeue without them.  
Of Christs personal teaching hitherto; now of his teaching by others, but in different manner. 1. The Heathen in secular knowledge of Arts& Sciences, which are of God, but of inferior nature. 2. Of his people, but in different manner of dispensation thereof, and that either in extraordinary or ordinary manner.  
1. Of Prophets as before, and of Apostles, whereof there were in number twelve, Mat. 10. 2, 3. of which matthew,( otherwise called levi) of a Publican was made a Disciple, then afterwards an Apostle, and made an evangelist, and none but S. John and he had both those Titles.  
2. ordinary, as evangelists to writ; Doctors to teach in some certain Churches; Pastors to exhort, and administer the Sacraments; Elders to rule; Deacons to distribute.  
3. IESVS Christ is our Priest:  
Yea our Priest and sacrifice, Heb. 9. 9. and our Passeouer, 1. Cor. 5. 7. who in the fourth Passeouer, after he took vpon him the ministerial Office, suffered death vpon the cross for vs.  
Wherein first of his Humiliation, and then of his Exaltation.  
1. His Humiliation made known by his sufferings, in body or in soul, and then in his birth, life and death.  
1. born in Bethlem, Math. 2. 1. which place was onely honoured by the birth of Christ and david. The time of his birth generally declared. When the fullness of time was come, Gal. 4. 4. and about the year after the Creation, 3963. noted by Moses, Gen. 49. 10. When the sceptre should depart from judah, accomplished in Herod, complished in Herod, who being an Idumean of the kindred of Esau, had now wrested the sceptre out of Iudahs hand, set over the Iewes by Augustus Caesar, put down the Sanedrim or 70. Elders of judaea, and was advanced King of the Iewes.  
Christs sufferings were either assumed, or imposed.  
1. Of Christ himself, as of GOD to become man, to take the infirmities incident to our nature that were not sinful. Of weariness and thirst, joh. 4. 6, 7. Of hunger and temptation, Math. 4. Of fear, Luke 22. 42.  
2. Imposed by the malice of some; and infirmity of others.  
Of the former were Herod the King, the high Priest, Pilate the judge, the Rulers; and their Assistants, the Scribes, pharisees and the people; and Iudas the traitor.  
Of the second sort, were Peter, and the rest of the Disciples that went off in his sufferings.  
Of Herods there were three.  
1. Herod Ascolonita, Antipaters son, whose hand was lifted up against Christ at his birth, and martyred the children at Bethlehem.  
2. Herod Antipas his son, confederate with Pilate in Christs death, Luk. 23. and killed John the Baptist.  
3. Herod Agrippa, that killed james, and imprisoned Peter, Act. 12.  
The malice of the Iewes towards Christ appeareth in these circumstances.  
1. Against the Law, to take away life of an innocent person by false testimony, and by partial iudgement, Luk. 23.  
2. Against mercy, to deny time of prepared death to him, whom they condemned as a Malefactor, joh. 19. 16.  
3. Against civility, to scoff at him in his sufferings, Mar. 15, 29. 36. He calleth for Elias, and to give him vinegar calling for drink, joh. 19. 29.  
4. Against mercy and iustice, to add more to his sufferings, then the Law commanded, which was onely to bee crucified, Math. 27. 29. &c.  
Christ suffered in soul  
Combating with his Fathers wrath, feeling the withdrawing of his help, and want of the divinity for a while to comfort his humanity, Luk. 22. 39. to ver. 47.  
And thus the blood of so many Birds& Beasts shed in the old Law in their several sacrifices, is fulfilled in Christ, who by this means is become ous Iesus, our physician, and our physic, saving us from the evil of Sin, and of Punishment.  
1. Of sin, by remitting it of himself perfectly; or destroying it, in part, by sanctification in this life; wholly, by glory in the life to come.  
2. Of punishment, by taking away the sting and venom of it, and by confirming grace and glory.  
LORD: CHRIST is LORD.  
In his powerful rising as a King from death, with the conquest of all his enemies. 2. By his Ascension: Thirdly, Intercession, and fourthly, in that he shall come the second time in glorious manner to judge the world.  
1 The Resurrection, being a main Article of Faith, had need to bee proved, and his abode vpon earth for the space of forty daies, was very necessary for vs.  
The Resurrection is proved by al the evangelists, in the conclusion of all their Gospels, and likewise by many witnesses of those that saw him after his Resurrection.  
The persons that saw Christ risen, were, Mary Magdalen, Mark. 16. 9. both the Maries, Mat. 28. 9. two Disciples, Luk. 29. 13. Peter alone, 1. Cor. 15. 5. all the Disciples together, except Thomas, joh. 20. 19. all the Disciples, Mat. 28. 16. james, 1. Cor. 15 his Disciples a fishing, John 21. 1. the Disciples in the Mount of Oliues, Act. 1. Paul, 1. Cor. 15.  
The abode of Christ vpon earth being risen, was necessary; as to confirm the truth of his Resurrection, so to teach them in all points of Christian Doctrine, and those things that belong to the government of his Church, Act. 1. 3.  
2 Ascension, Act. 1. the manner, in a Cloud: so that we are not now to seek to know further what is become of him, but must content ourselves with that which GOD hath revealed in his Word, Act. 1. 9.  
3 Intercession, which is not meant of any Prayers proceeding in some manner of gesture from him on our behalf, but the price of his Redemption, whereon the Father looking, is well pleased in him, and with us in him, Math. 3.  
4 His second most glorious coming from heaven in majesty with all his holy Angels, when as he will reunite the bodies and souls of his Saints, that they may for ever live with him in glory, Acts 1. vers. 11.  
CHRIST is( Our) LORD by faith, if we beleeue in him: which faith, the Word begetteth, the Sacraments do confirm, Hope sustaineth, and heaven crowneth, 1. Pet. 1. 9.  
The Acts of the Apostles do follow.   

ACTS of the APOSTLES.  
THis book is called The Acts of the Apostles, being a Chronicle of the first Church under the New Testament, set down by Luke, containing yeeres, about 31. In which, consider under what roman Emperours, the principal things were done, spoken of either in this book, or in other places of the New Tastament: and then of the Apostles& their Assistants, as are recorded in this book.  
1 The roman Emperours, in whose times the sacred Story of the New Testament was written, were, 1. Augustus Caesar, in whose reign Christ was born, 2. Tyberius, under whom he was manifested, Luk. 3. and dyed,& persecutions grew hot, Act. 7.& 8. 3. Claudius, under whom the Church had some rest, but that Herod the deputy King was cruel, Acts 11.& 12. 4. Nero, under whom there was cruel persecution, in which, S. Paul and Saint Peter suffered martyrdom: and 5. Domitian, by whom S. John was banished into Patmos, Reu. 1.  
2 The number of them is set down, either generally, as Act. 1. 13. with mention afterwards of Mathias,& of the admirable calling of Paul, Gal. 1. 1. and the manner, 2. Cor. 12. 1. &c.  
2 Particularly, of such Apostles and their companions, as are expressed in this book; as of John, Chap. 4. steven, Chapters 6. 7. Philip, Chap. 8. Saul, afterward called Paul, Chap. 9. &c. Barnabas, Chap. 13. Silas, Chapters 15.& 16, james, Chapters 12. 15.  
All which, are to bee considered, either as they were together before their separation, or afterwards.  
1 of them all in general at jerusalem, where they were to stay by Christs appointment, Chap. 1. 4. or particularly, as of Peter, John, and others, Chapters, 3, 4, 5. Secondly, after their separation, and so there is special mention of Paul. First, with Barnabas, Chapters 13, 14. Secondly, with Silas, Chapters 15, 16.  
The occasion of their separation was twofold. First, in regard of the persecution of steven, and so the Church became scattered, Chap. 8. 1. Secondly, by reason of the dissension between Paul and Barnabas, touching John, mark, which was the evangelist, Chap. 15. 39.  
In the separation note the Countries into which the Apostles in several were dispersed( as writers report,) and of those as they are set down in this book.  
The parts in which the Apostles were dispersed, are said to be, Andrew in Achaia, John in Asia, Philip in Phrygia, james in jury, Bartholomew in Scythia, Thomas in India, matthew in Aethiopia, Simon in Persia, Thaddaeus in Mesopotamia, the other james in spain, mathias in Palestine.  
In the Acts there is mention of Philip, Peter, John and Paul, especially.  
1. Of Peter, who planted the gospel in Lydda, Chap. 9. 32. and converted Cornelius a gentle, Chap. 10. 1.  
2 Of Philip who planted the same in Samaria, which was by him converted, Cha. 8. vers. 5, 6. and of Peter& John, who confirmed the plantation in Samaria, ver. 14. 17  
3 Of Paul, whose travels, troubles, cures and miracles are set down from the 13. Chapter to the end of the book; of whom wee may here say less, because there is so much of him in the many Epistles he wrote to several Churches, as hereafter followeth.   

THE EPISTLES.  
AN Epistle is a familiar manner of delivering& signifying our minds to persons absent: which were necessary in the time of the New Testament, because the gospel was preached to all, but the law was cooped up within the walls of jury. Secondly, many persecutions were under the gospel, and not under the Law; and therefore was the holy Ghost called the Comforter therein.  
Of these Epistles, some were called canonical, or catholic, others not.  
Epistles are called catholic, either as written to the whole church, as the second Epistle of S. Peter, and that of S. Iude; or else, in respect of doctrine necessary, to all Christians, and so the 1. Epistle of S. Peter,& that of S. james is called catholic. The other Epistles are directed to one Church or person, which the other are not, but Iohns two latter.  
It was necessary the Apostles should writ Epistles, because their liberty was oftentimes restrained, that they could not bee present in person.  
It was expedient that S. Paul should writ many Epistles.  
First, because he had done much hurt with his pen, and therefore should now labour to do good therewith.  
Secondly, as he had an admirable gift in writing, so he employeth the same to the glory of God, and benefit of his Church; in that he suffered more then the rest of the Apostles, and wrote more. 1. Cor. 15. he is called the Apostle of the Gentiles.  
The number of Epistles written by S. Paul, were 14.  
1 To the romans, by them sometimes were understood a great part of the world, otherwhile for whole Italy, whereof Rome is the chief city; and in this place( perhaps) for the Citizens thereof, who were great boasters of righteousness by the Law.  
To the Corinthians, a rich and famous city in Achaia, having it name from a man so called; the Inhabitants in the former Epistle are noted for certain vices, and in the second for obstinacy,& incorrigeblenesse.  
To the Galatians, or Inhabitants of Galatia, part of Phrygia, in Asia the less, that intermixed S. Pauls doctrine with false doctrine.  
To the Ephesians, reckoned among the famous Cities of Asia, famous for Dianaes Temple, and for S. Pauls teaching in that city; the argument thereof is, To confirm them in the Doctrine that he had taught them.  
To the Philippians, a City of Thracia, bearing name of that famous King of Macedon that built it; this people were joyful for the benefit of the Gospel by the Plantation of S. Paul.  
To the Colossians, a Town of Phrygia, where Archippus was Pastor: the argument, for the establishment of their faith against corrupt teachers.  
To the Thessalonians, a famous city of Macedonia: The Citizens in the former Epistle are commended for their faith and obedience, and in the second, for their valor in suffering for the same.  
To timothy, an evangelist, descended of religious Parents, his father a greek, his mother a Iewesse, and he himself left as a Bishop at Ephesus by S. Paul. In the former Epistle, timothy is incited and directed to bring forth the fruits of good profession, and in the second, to constancy in suffering.  
To Titus, left at Creta as a Bishop by S. Paul, the argument, for the accomplishment of works well begun.  
To Philemon, a person very rich and highly accounted of, persuading him to mercy towards Onesimus a fugitive seruant.  
To the Hebrewes, or Iewes, which were born in jury, and for the most part dwelled there also, yet wrote in greek, because that tongue was well known unto them; The Argument, To distinguish the Priesthood of Christ, from the Leuiticall.   

romans.  
HE that would bee a Citizen of heaven, may be assured of the decree of God, predestinating him thereunto, by the effects of his justification by faith, and sanctification of the Spirit, moving him to live a godly and charitable life towards his brethren; without boasting of any thing in ourselves, nor suffering ourselves to be seduced by erroneous teachers; to which effect this Epistle directeth.   

1. CORINTHIANS.  
he that would reprove faction in the Church, and unnecessary contentions in Law, uncleanness of body, or would bee rightly informed touching the Sacrament and resurrection, is directed in this Epistle; where, by the reproof of things amiss in others, he that sinneth of ignorance or infirmity may be infamous and reformed, and seducers confuted.   

2. CORINTHIANS.  
WHerein wee may see, what godly persons( Ministers especially) do reap at the hands of the wicked, false Teachers, and others, for their love to drag their souls out of the puddle of sin, and snares of Satan.   

GALATIANS.  
WHere wee may see the priority of faith above works in the Act of justification; which precedency granted, faith and works are hand-fasted, and do necessary concur in the practise of christianity, against such false Apostles as taught Circumcision, and justification by the works of the Law.   

EPHESIANS.  
entreating of the grace of God, in making of the Iewes and Gentiles one Church, Chapters 1, 2, 3. and showing how Christians are differenced from that they were by nature; and also directed in their general and particular Callings, and prepared for the spiritual combat in the Chapters following.   

PHILIPPIANS.  
IN which EPISTLE wee may plainly see, what good they do get in spiritual things, that minister of their Temporals to the necessities of Gods afflicted seruants, Ministers especially, by their prayers, praise, and good advice; and that none should be offended at the cross, but bee emboldened by seeing their constancy in their sufferings, considering the benefit that cometh thereby.   

COLOSSIANS.  
FRom the Contents of this Epistle, a Christian may learn his progress in Christianity, in faith and knowledge of God, practise of good works,& thanksgiving; so as heaven must be still his aim,& his thoughts raised up thither.   

1. THESSALONIANS.  
IF wee would be comforted against the temptations of persecution, or would know how commendable it is for a Christian to suffer evil for good by persons near unto us, wee are directed therein, Chapters 1, 2, 3. or would bee comforted in the death of our friends deceased, the latter part of this Epistle sheweth it.   

2. THESSALONIANS.  
THAT persecutions and afflictions are the touchstone of the faith of Gods elect, because that many shall fall away in the last time by the means of Antichrist, where, of him, and his pride and fall.  
Hitherto of the Epistles directed to particular Churches: now of them to particular persons; such as were Timothy, Titus, Philemon.   

1. TIMOTHY.  
IN the first Chapter, is as it were a Beacon of mercy, set up for all Repentant sinners, in the example of Paul, to avoid despair; and teaching them afterwards how to spend their time in godly living, Ministers especially,& that by reading the Word, and wisely rebuking sin, chap. 5. and admonishing al sorts and sexes of their duties, Chap. 2. 3. 6.   

2. TIMOTHY.  
COntaining an exhortation to steadfastness in grace, by fore-telling of back-sliding, and wickedness of the last times Necessary now for every Christian to learn, that he may know how to bear afflictions and wrongs patiently, by the directions of Gods Word, with the benefits that will come thereby.   

titus.  
A Direction for persons of either sex, how to behave themselves accordingly, whether in private or public place, and of the Minister especially, that he may bee so qualified by Gods Word, as to bee able to direct others thereby, and convince the Refractory   

PHILEMON.  
BY example of Paul so earnest for Onesimus a convert, we ought to show mercy, where God hath done it.   

HEBREWES.  
WHEREIH wee may see the dignity of the Gospel above Moses Law, with the Mediator between God and Man. Iesus Christ, according to his threefold Office, of King, Priest, and Prophet; and then of exhortations to the whole Church, to the end of the Epistle.   

james.  
WHerein all persons are instructed how to join good life, with good profession, faith& good works; and to beware of evil language, and partiality, in preferring the wicked rich, above the godly poor.   

1. PETER.  
IN this Epistle is set forth the Royalty of Christians, and that their lives ought to be suitable thereunto, in their love to Christ and his members; and then of their duties in their particular Callings.   

2. PETER.  
WHerein we are persuaded to maintain the faith we haue, and to increase therein, and other graces, against heretics, Hypocrites,& Atheists, which swarm in the last dayes.   

1. John.  
WHerein, after that the Apostle hath shewed the nature of corrupt and worldly love, he sheweth the love of charity that should bee in Christians: who as they confess one Christ for their saviour; so should they manifest their love to him, in his Image, that is, in our neighbour.   

2. John.  
WHerein, they that are graced with outward Titles of honour, should strive to deserve it, by loving the Truth, and repressing Seducers.   

3. John.  
FIrst, wherein all men may know to what regiment they belong, by their love or hatred to good or evil.   

IVDE.  
WHerein wee haue the satanical imp vncased, who under the mask of Religion, pretence of Christian Liberty, would foil magistracy, and make way to his own sensuality and avarice.   

REVELATION.  
OR the discovery of things present, concerning the several Churches that were in Asia the less; and future, concerning the Church, and the opposition made against it by Satan, the roman Emperours, and the man of sin: and the Churches victory over them; partly in this life, and totally in the life to come.  
Amen.    
FINIS.