1. Of Genesis.

GEnesis hath his name of begetting, or of generation; because it is a booke of the generation of the world, both for the Crea­tion of things, and for the restoring of them after the floud. It hath in it 50. Chapters, and is diuided into sixe principall partes, in regard of the sixe famous persons whose stories are set forth in Genesis.

• 1. Adam is described from chap. 1, to cha. 6,
• 2. Noah, from the 6, to the 12,
• 3. Abram, from the 12, to the 20,
• 4. Isaac, from the 20, to the 28,
• 5. Iacob, from the 28, to the 37,
• 6. Ioseph, from the 37, to the end of y^e book.

But Genesis in some containes,

• 1 The Beginning of the world.
• 2 The Deluge.
• 3 The Burning of Sodom.
• 4 The Destruction of Babell.
• 5 The Deeds of the Patriarches.
• 6 The Fall especially of mankind, & his restoring againe by the blessed seede of the woman, that is Iesus Christ.

2. Of Exodus.

EXodus is so called of going out, because heere is described the going of the chil­dren of Israell out of Egypt, as also the con­uersion of many in the wildernesse, wher the law was published because men knewe not what sinne was. For then God gaue to his people the law of the ten commandements, and after by Moses ordained Ceremoniall and Iudiciall lawes, that Religion and go­uernment might bee preserued among the Iewes. In all which, as in the building of the Tabernacle Christ was shadowed, so the law is a schoolmaister vnto Christ.

3. Of Leuiticus.

LEuiticus the third book of Moses is named of the tribe of I euy, for the Priesthood of Aron, which in this book is ordained with the lawes therof, & is appointed for the purging and e [...]p [...]ation of sin, that it might signifie the true priest Christ Ie­sus the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. For, for this cause were the Leuiticall Sacrifices, the Leuitical hallowings and vnclean­nesse, and other Leuiticall obseruations, wherein Christ was shadowed.

This booke is deuided into many particulars, because it containeth many Ceremonial or eccle­siasticall obseruations, so that it may wel be called the Ecclesiastical ordinance of Moses.

From the beginning of the first chap. vnto the 6. some kind of Sacrifices are described, as in this booke many are contained, wherof some are here mentioned.

1 Of the first kinde was the burnt offering, as a Sacrifice wholy to bee burned, because all of it was to be burnt and nothing thereof reserued as of other sortes, some thinges were to be preserued for the priests. chap. 1,

2 [A meate oblation] which sacrifice is o­therwise called CARBAS, a gift or offerings as the oblation of sundry kindes of bread, chap. 2,

3 [A peace offering] wherein men being reconciled and obtaining peace did giue thanks vnto God; wherefore it taketh his name from peace among the Hebrues, that it should be a sacrifice of thanksgeuing with cleane beasts of both sextes, offered by one that is receiued and reconciled. chap. 3,

4 [A sin offering] a sacrifice that should be offered for the sin of the priest, people & prince, chap 4,

5 There are other sorts to bee annexed, whereof there is mention made in this book, as the sacrifice for the ignorance of the priest Prince, and people.

6 [A trespasse offering.]

7 [A drinke offering] in Hebrew called NESICH.

8 [A sacrifice of vowes] of the Hebrues called NEDES, when men of their own ac­cord did vow some vow of sacrifice.

9 [The Ban offering] when men cursed themselues if they should take this or that, & that wherein they cursed themselues, was to be offered vnto the Lord.

Summarily, in the fiue first chap. are de­scribed sundry kindes of sacrifices, and the causes for the which they were to be offered

From the 6. chapter to the 9. are diuers lawes for sacrifice repeated: As first of the burnt offering. 2. of peace offering. 3. Of sinne offering, and the preseruing of them.

From the ninth to the 11. three thinges are set forth to vs for example sake. First, obedience to God, chap. 9. Secondly, diso­bedience towards God, chap. 10. Thirdlie, a precept of sobrietie.

From the 11. chap. to the 18. are descri­bed, not only the vncleane beasts, but also other vncleanesse and the purgings of thē, as,

• 1. Of child-bearing women, cha. 12.
• 2. Leperous men, chap. 13.
• 3. Menstruous women, chap. 15.
• 4. Dead carcases.

From the 18. chap. to the 23. not only the degrees of consanguinity is described in the 6. precept: but other precepts with a larger explication of them is repeated.

From the 23. chap. vnto the end, doe fol­low other diuine ordinances, as of feasts, and for the poore. Secondly, of vowes & tithes, then Sermons and exhortations to the obe­dience [Page]of Gods word, with threatninges that the offendors shal be punished.

Hitherto was set forth the booke of Leui­ticus which deliuereth the lawes and ordina­ces of Moses concerning the outward worship of God, which did not onely discerne the Iewes from the Gentiles: but also they exercised themselues therein, not that sins could be taken away before god with burnt offerings, because the forgiuenesse of sinnes is by the only sonne of God. But that by this outward disciplin which had a reward anex­ed vnto it, they might serue God.

4. Of the book of Numery.

THis book hath his name of numbring, bicause the people of God are numbred after their tribes, & are ordred for the exercise of religion, & their places of abode, and their offices are distributed & apponited for eue­ry seuerall tribe. Here are repeated also ma­ny transgressions of the people, many daun­gers, many punishments, & many blessings of God bestowed vpon the people, as they were betweene mount Sinay and the land of promise. Al which matters haue reference vnto Christ, for whom the common-weale of Israel was set vp. The prophesy also of Balaam concerning the kingdome of Christ is in this book.

From the beginning of the book to the 5, chap. are numbred generallye: first all the Tribes of the people of Isr. & the tents of e­uery tribe are placed about the tabernacle. Then particularly the tribe of Leuy is num­bred, vnto whome by themselues their offi­ces are appointed.

From the 5, ch. to the 7, are diuers lawes described, as 1. of casting out the hoast, 2. of Ielousy, 3. of Nazarits, vnto which in th [...]end of the 6, chap. is anexed a forme of blessing, which our ministers do vse (in steade of It [...] ­missa) when the supper of Christ is ended: whereof there be these particulars,

• 1 The Lord blesse thee and keep thee.
• 2 The Lord lighten thee with his coun­tenance, & haue mercy on thee.
• 3 The, Lorde lift vp his countenance vp­on thee, and giue thee peace.

From the 7, to the 11, are sundry ordinan­ces described: for the noble guifts of Prin­ces which were offered in the dedication of the Tabernacle being erected, & of the al­tar, as the ordination of consecrating the Leuites in the 8, chap. the ordination of the feast of the passeouer in the 9, cha. the ordi­nation of the trumpets in the 10, chap. which part is ordained in the end of the 10, chapt. praier of Moses before the lifting vp & dis­posing of the Arke.

From the 11, to the 17, are described fear­full examples whereby men ought to bee brought to feare, as

• 1. The murmuting of y^e people for flesh, and the punishment of their murmuring.
• 2. The sedition of Aron and Marie his sister, who was punished with Leprosie (against Moses.)
• 3. The vnfaithfulnesse of the spies of the land of Canaan which put the people in feare.
• 4. The murmuring and weeping of the people, and the punishment of theyr in­credulity.
• 5. The punishment of those, that sin of ignorance, pride, &c. and of one that ga­thered sticks vpon the sabaoth day.
• 6. The sedition and pu­nishment of
  • Corah.
  • Dathan.
  • & Abiron.

From the 17, to the 21, besides the my­racles of Arons rodde bearing blossomes is described, the dignity, office, and reward of the priests and Leuites, with the making of the sprinkling water of the ashes of a Cowe, wherunto is added the story of Arons death and of his sister Mary.

From the 22, to the 25, after the Con­quest [Page]in battell against the Cananites, is dis­cribed a fearefull example of Murmuring, punnished with fierie serpents: where y^e bra­sen serpent represents Christ Iohn;, And then in the other 3 chapters is discribed the blessing of the people, and balams prophe­sie of Christ.

From the 25, to the 28, besides y^e dread­full punnishment of Fornication, the people are againe numbred before the diuision of y^e lande of Canaan, & the law of inheriting is published.

From the 28, to y^e 31, is discribed the or­dayning of Sacrifices in euery feast, as Sacrifice.

• 1 Of the daily sacrifice.
• 2 Of the Sabaothes.
• 3 Of the new moones.
• 4 Of the passeouer.
• 5 Of Whitsontide.
• 6 Of Trumpets.
• 7 Of Propitiation.
• 8 Of Tabernacles.
• 9 Of Collection

5. Of Deuteronomy.

SO called of DEVTEROS & NOMOS [...] that is, of the second rehearsall and pub­lishing of the lawe: for whatsoeuer is pro­pounded in Exodus and Leuiticus, concer­ning moral, Ceremoniall & Iudicial lawes the same Moses doth almost repeate in thi [...] booke. For it was very requisite, that th [...] people beeing punished for their disobed [...] ­ence, should againe bee brought to the ob­seruing [Page]of the lawe. Moses therefore repea­ted the Law again, with all things that hap­pened vnto them. Besides, what pertayned to the priesthood: & from the 9, chap, hee declareth all those matters which pertained either to spiritual or corporall gouernment; all which he applyeth to this end, that they might draw vs vnto Christ, of whome hee prophesyeth plainly in the 18. chap, I will raise vppe a prophet for them from among their brethren, &c. For the law is a school­maister vnto Christ, and the end of the law is Christ.

Of the Booke of Iosua.

NOw some of the bookes Historical do follow in order, vntill the 5. booke of Iob. Amongst which, the chiefest are first: As that of Iosua, the Iudges, and Kinges. Wherein we may plentifully learne, 1. The feare of God and Fai h. 2 weaknesse & the crosse. 3 repentance and amenedment. 4 patience and comfort.

1 The booke of Iosua taketh the name of Iosua himselfe, the sonne of Nvun; whoe was otherwisē called Iesus Naue. Hee suc­ceeded Moses in the office of Magistracie: and as Moses guided and gouerned the people 40. yeares, beeing (deliuered out of E­gypt) in the wildernesse by the mighty hād of God▪ so Iosua by the same power of god, brought the people into the land of Cana­an, or the lande of Promise: taking the Ca­ties, [Page]and killing or putting to flight the in­habitants, and deuided the land among thē, in which these three things are to be seuerally obserued.

1 That God kept his promise made to fiue Patriarches, concerning the lande of Promise.

2 That the Common-weale of Israell is preserued for the foretelling of the blessed seed of the woman, our lord Iesus Christ.

3 That God fighteth for his people a­gainste the wicked, whose sinnes hee puni­sheth by wasting and killing them, for an example to all the vngodly, that they might repent.

❧ The booke of Iudges.

THe booke of y^e Iudges, is na­med of those Iuges which after the death of Iosua, Gouerned Israell: For it contayneth a discription of Israells procee­ding after Iosuahes death vnder the Iudges, who maruailouslie defended the people from their enemies, wherein is to bee obserued that God preserued the comon weale of Is­raell for the same cause, for which he did e­stablish it; Namely, for his sonnes sake, that should be borne of the Ieweish people: also this is to be noted, that the people of the old Testament were vnder fower kindes of Go­uernement, according to the diuersitie of the times.

1 Vnder a Fatherlye Aucthoritie, in the time of the Patriarches, Moses and Aaron.

2 Vnder the aucthoritie of Iudges, during the time of these Iudges.

3 Vnder the gouernement of Kinges, in the time of the Kinges.

4 Vnder the gouerment of the Priestes, in the time of the Priestes vntill Christe: Who [Page]one for all is

• 1 Eternall Father.
• 2 Iudge of the quicke and dead.
• 3 King of Kinges.
• 4 Euerlasting hie priest.

There were in number as Iudges 16.

• 1 Iudas.
• 2 Simeon.
• 3 Othoniell.
• 4 Aroth.
• 5 Samgar.
• 6 Deborah the Prophetise.
• 7 Baruck.
• 8 Gedeon alias Ierobabell.
• 9 Abimelech.
• 10 Thola.
• 11 Iair.
• 12 Iepthe.
• 13 Abesau.
• 14 Achial [...]n.
• 15 Abdon.
• 16 Samson.

Now the booke of Iudges is deuied ac­cording to the order of the persons, as they ruled in Israell.

From the begining of the booke to the 6 chap. 7. histories are discribed, of the Iud­ges, Iudas, Simion, &c.

Amongst whom Deborah the prophetis singeth a notable song in the 5. chap.

From the 6. to the 13, besides the storie of Giddeon and his sonne, three other Iud­ges are discribed, Thola, Iair, and Iepthe, of the Sacrifising of his daughter. chap, 11, from the 13, to the 17, is described an exe­lent storie of Samson, and heere is Samson peculiarly comended in it, hee was a figure of Christe.

From the 17. to the end of the booke, beside the Idoll of Mica, and the children of Dan is set forth a fearefull and a lamentable story of a Leuites wise, for whom being ra­uished, fallen downe dead, and cut into 12. peeces, the whole tr [...]be of Beniamin was al most extinguished: that by this one exam­ple, we may learne that God doth seuerely & fearfully punish adulteries.

Thus farre goeth the Booke of Iudges, wherein are set before vs many examples, to stirre vs vppe to repentance: in which we also see that God hath alwaies sharpely punished Idolatry and other feareful sinnes, but hath beene mercifull to the repentant: [Page]that this booke may well be called, the boo [...] of the VVrath and Mercy of God.

The booke of Ruth.

THe booke of Ruth is so na­med of Ruth, a woman that was a gentile, to wit: a Moa­bite of the people of Moab, who was the sonne of Lotte Gen. 16,

This booke containeth only 4, chap, be­sides that, it is an example of domesticall care, wherein it also declares, that God e­uen then had care of the Gentiles, and that the Gospell was reuealed to the Gentiles: af­ter these things Ruth and other of the Gen­tiles are ioyned to the seed of Abraham.

This booke containeth part of the genea­logy of Dauid, which by the Euangelist is translated into the genealogie of Christ: so that you may say that this booke also hath reference to Christ; and thou mayst know that it was decreed long before, that Christ should be borne of sinners & harlots, for the abolishing of sinnes. And furthermore thou shouldst not doubt saluation also to bee or­dained for the Gentiles.

The booke of Tobias.

THE booke of Tobias, whe­ther it bee a story or some de­uised thing, as it may seem to be a Comedy. It hath his vse, for it sheweth how it vsually falleth out to the religious countrey man, o [...] any other that liueth in wedlocke: namely, that he is subiect to afflictions, but the ende thereof is good. So that such as are maried, may here learne to haue patience in faith, in hope of eternal life. And thus the book of Tobias is a glasse for thē that are maried, at y^e booke of Iesus Syrach is an instruction for an housholder.

There are 14. chapters in it, which may thus be deuided; if once we know that To­bias [Page]with other Israelites, was in the time of Salmanaser king of the Assyrians, caried captiue into Assyria, and liued there with trou­ble and persecution amongst the wicked.

1 From the beginning of the 5. chap, is de­scribed Tobias the fathers or the Elders,

• 1 His Religion.
• 2 His Mariage.
• 3 His Godlinesse.
• 4 His Troble vnder Senacherib.
• 5 His Carfulnes in butieng y^e godly deceased.
• 6 His Blindnesse.
• 7 His Praier.
• 8 His Fatherly loue towards his sonne.
• 9 His

2 From the 5. cha, to the 13, are described Tobias the yonger.

• 1 His going to Rages a city of y^e Medes to the house of Gamaliel.
• 2 His Deliuerance frō a fish by the An.
• 3 His Mariage with Sara Raguels dau,
• 4 His Praier.
• 5 His Returne.
• 6 His Curing of his father.
• 7 His The departure of the Angell.

All which things do commend vnto vs the estate of Mariage as honorable Heb. 13. which is gouerned euen by Angels.

3 From the 13, to the end, is described old Toby

• 1 His Thankesgiuing.
• 2 His Prophesyeng of Ierusalem.
• 3 His Yeares.
• 4 His Death.
• 5 His Burial, with the description of the destruction of Niniue, the restoring of Ierusalem, and of young Tobias re [...]nno to his owne: his death, &c.

Thus God disposeth of houshold affairs, and is a comfort vnto the faithful which are maried, in all their troubles.

The Booke of Iudith.

THe booke of Iudith, is so called of Iu­dith, and is reckoned amongst the A­pocripha bookes: for men doubt whe­ther it be a story, or some deuised matter, as it hath the forme of a Tragedy. But howso­euer the case standeth, it is a profitable book and was confirmed in the Nicen Synode, to be accounted amongst the holy bookes of the Bible: for it pointeth out the Tyrannie of the wicked, and their feareful ouerthrow as also the confidence and victorye of the godly, albeit they are exercised with af­flictions.

The Booke of Hester.

THe booke of Hester, is so cal­led of Hester a Iewish womā, whom Ahasuerus had taken to wife, whoe otherwise was called Artaxerxes successor to Cirus, in the Persian Empire. For those things which are contained in this historye, happened in the Persian Monarchy, after the returne of the Iewes from Babylon, but before the restoring of the people.

And God to preserue his people, among whom Christ should be borne, he did heere myraculously put away a danger, which was intended against all the Iewes, which as yet remained in Persia, by this example to com­fort them that returned home, and incorage them confidently & cheerfully to go forward in restoring that common-weale wherein Christ was to preach the Gosper, and to be­gin his gouernment.

Now concerning the diuision of y^e book, we must note, that only the 9. sonner cha, are in the hebrew, and none of the rest vnto [Page]the end; and therefore in Luthers-Dutch copy, it is separated from the other part, & set by itselfe in the ende of the olde Testa­ment.

Otherwise, there are 16, chap, as in the booke of Iudith, which are diuided, as it were in maner of a Comedy,

The first act might be vnto the 4. chapt, wherin Queen Vasthi disobeying her hus­band, is put away, and Hestera most beau­tifull virgin, is chosen Queene. But by the aduancement of Haman, and his deceit, the Iewes doe mourne, bicause that all of them were in danger of their liues, by the letters that the kinge sent out againste them. So may wee see by this example of Vasthi and Hester, howe God doeth put downe the mighty from theyr seate, and exalteth the humble: and in Haman, howe God for a time doth suffer tyrants to flourish and ty­rannize, that their fal and punishment may be the greater in the end.

The second acte, is from the 4. chap, to the 9, in which followeth a comfort by this Qu. Hester, that beeing perswaded by Mardocheus his many prayers, taketh vpon her the defence of the Iewes, and bringeth Mardocheus into the kinges fauour, where­by [Page]at length Hamans deceit beeing made knowne to the king, hee is hanged, and o­ther letters contrarie to the former, are sent foorth, wherby the people of the Iewes are deliuered from danger of death, and their mourning is turned into ioy, that it might be verified of Haman, which the Psalm spea­keth: He fell into the pit which hee made but of the Iewes: the net is broken and we are deliuered.

The 3. Acte is in the 9. chap. concer­ning the reuenge which the Iewes tooke, partly on the sonnes of Haman, and partly on other their enemies. Thus farre goeth the storie in Hebrue.

The 4. Acte is of those things which are not in the Hebrue, concerning Mardoche [...] dreame, with the interpretation thereof, & of the letters published against the Iewes, & of Mardocheus prayer: vnto y^e 14. cha.

The 5. Act to the end, of the mourning and prayer of Hester, of her sute to King Ahasuerus for the Iewes, and letters sent foorth contrarye to the former: of the sauing of the Iewes, and of their appoynting of fe­stiuall daies, in remembrance of so great a benefit as God bestowed vppon the Iewes by Hester, Ahasuerus and Mardocheus. [Page]So God is now and alwayes present with his Church and people, to helpe them at all neede. Glorie bee to Christ for euer­more, Amen.

The booke of Iob.

THe booke of Iob is named of Iob, of whom is saide in the 14. of Ezech. If these three were in the middest of them, Noce, Daniell and Iob, they in their owne righteousnes should deliuer their own sou­les, saith the Lord of Hostes. But who wrote this booke? Moses (as some thinketh) or some other, it is vncertaine. Neither skil­leth much to knowe it, seeing it is out of question, that this booke contayneth the words of the holy ghost.

The sum of the booke handleth this question. Whither the righteons are afflic­ted of God, or not? Iob prooues by many firme arguments, that God vseth to send manye afflictions to innocent and godlye men, onelye for his owne glorie: as Christ speaketh af a man borne blinde, Iohn. 9.

But the friends of Iob impugn this sen­tence, and they contend with him in many [Page]probable arguments, that the godly are not afflicted of God, but if they bee afflicted, then it is for their sinnes.

This whole booke is spent betwixt Iob and his 4. friends; at length God himselfe dissolues the controuersie.

The Psalmes of Dauid.

PSalmes hath his name or deri­uation of singing, because it is written in verse to sing. More anciently, it is called a priuate speaking, because that an on­ly speech was had, betwixte God himselfe and Christians only. It is called a little Bi­ble, because it containeth briefly, all that is in the Bible. As for example.

• 1 Histories.
• 2 Lawe.
• 3 Promises.
• 4 Faith.
• 5 Consolations.
• 6 Repentance.

Dauid, a King and Prophet, is the au­thor of the Psalmes: the holy Ghost spea­king in him. Matth. 22, How doth Dauid in spirit call him Lord.

There are of the Psalmes in number 150, which are to be deuided 3. maner of waies.

The Books of Salomon the K.

Three bookes are attributed to Salomon.

• Prouerbes.
• Ecclesiastes.
• Canticles.

Which thus among themselues are to diuid.

• 1. Prouerbs for young men.
• 2. Eccle. for men of stayed yeares.
• 3. Cant. for old men.

The booke of the Prou. doth contai [...] doctrine concerning obediēce, cōcernin [...] good workes, & manners, withthe which christian young man is adorned.

Eccles. containeth doctrine concerning the crosse, and consolations in temptation with the which they are aflicted and temp­ted, that are setled & full growne in religion and godlines.

The Cant. are certaine, pleasant, & swee [...] thanksgiuings, with the which the godly▪ that are ready to departe from hence in: full age, doe ascribe all that power vnto God, by which they haue beene heere lustained.

The Booke of the prouerbs.

THe booke of the Prou: besides this, that it contayneth most excellent sen­tences, in which it teacheth, partlye the feare of God, and faith in God, partlye honest maners & conuersations in this life.

He hath a most excellent Oration, by the [Page]name of wisdome, concerning the eternall word of God, by the which all thinges are made & gouerned, that is Iesus Christ our Lord.

This booke is diuided after this maner:

From the beginning vnto the 10, ch [...]. there are certaine common exhortations, by way of preface to those things that teache a christian man, as are exhortations to wis­dome, discipline, knowledge, honestie, and perfectnes in the 1. chap,

In the 2. chap, to heare and learne the word of God, with promises thereunto a­nexed,

In the 3. chap, to beleeue the word of God, and to vse rightlie our goods & pos­sessions, to suffer aduersitie in the crosse.

In the 4, chap, to obey parents, promises being added.

In the 5. chap, exhortations to chastitie, against adulterie and fornication.

In the 6, chap. to must in God, contrarie to the confidence in man, and againe to la­bour in youth.

In the 7, chap, to concord, and chastitie, against adulterie, and that most sharpely.

In the 8. & 9, chap. He comēds wisdome excellently, that is to say, the word of God: and thus far the preface.

From the 10, vnto the 25, he sets downe prouerbs or sentences in euery chapt, there are many and diuers sorts, which cannot be aptly reduced into any head.

From the 25, to the 30, chap, doth folow prouerbs, which are attributed to Salomon, but were taken perchance out of a certaine booke, by Sela and some other writers of king Ezechiah.

In the last two chap, there are the Pro­uerbs of Salomon, but vnder strange titles. As Agur and Lamuell: in which wordes it is thought that Salamon is called. First, of gathering, because he gathered such Pro­uerbes. After that, from the presence of God, because God was with Israell in the daies of Salomon.

The booke which is called Ecclesiastes.

THe second booke of Salomon called Ecclesiastes, because Salomon was called Eccles. that is to say, A preacher. Or else, because he speakes to a multitude, and not to one onely: or for his wisdome, with the which he was plentiously indued.

This booke seekes in euery kind of life & institutiō of men sure felicity in this world, [Page]but he findes nothing but vanity.

Therefore at length he comes and pro­nounceth, that nothing is better for manne then to feare God, and to keepe his com­mandements: that whatsoeuer shal happen in this world, yet man should remain in the iudgment of God. But because these things cannot bee without Christ, therefore this booke as the rest doth send the Reader vn­to Christ.

The booke of the Canticles.

THe 3. booke of Sal. whose Title is, The Song of songs. Salomon hath set foorth many songes, to wit 105.3. King 4 but because that this song is more excellent thē the rest, and more glorious, it is called the song of songs: and it contayneth secreete misteries vnder the Metaphors of the bride­grome and the Bride, of Christ and of his Church, or of all the godly. For though [Page]the verse be thank of giuing, in which, thāks are giuen to God, because he hath adorned the common weale of Israell with great be­nefits: to wit, with a king and priest. Yet he shadoweth the kingdome of Christ, for whom all men doth giue thanks vnto God, that here haue fought a good fight, to whom is appointed a crowne of righteousnesse in heauen, whiles they are ingrasted with their spouse eternally.

Because it cannot be deuided into parts, since that thorow 8. chap, there is a certain perpetual speech, between the bridegrome and the bride.

To conclude, this book containeth most excellent and particular matter,

• 1 Concerning the kingdome of God.
• 2 Concerning the Ministery of his word.
• 3 Concerning the variety of the gifts of the holy ghost
• 4 Concerning the perpetual felicity thorow Christ.
• 5 Concerning the defence or protection of the highest
• 6 Concerning the Tranquility of the elect.
• 7 Concerning the peace or quietnes of conscience.

The booke of Wisdome.

ALthough this booke by the title see­meth to bee Salomons, yet it is ascri­bed to Philo, a man most wise & learned of [Page]the Iewes, who was the embassador of the Iewes to the Emperor Caligula, againste which tyrannous prince & the like vngodly men, Philo Iudeus seemeth to haue written this booke: that it may wel bee called the Philosophy, or the wisdome of Philo. The booke being very conuenient for our time. He commendeth the word of God against sauagenesse and tyranny of the wicked, who wil not fauour the word of God among their subiects: euen as Caligula did interdict his religion among the Iewes.

But thou shalt obserue, that the word of God in this booke is called Wisedome; and this booke to be the interpretation of the first commandement, whence all wisdome doth flow.

Furthermore, the chapters of this booke are 22. which are thus deuided.

1 From the beginning vnto the 6 cha, he maketh a comparison betwixt the righ­teousnes of the godly, & the cogitations of the wicked. 2 Betwixt the goodnesse of the godly, and the councell of the wicked. 3. Betwixt the simplicity of the godly, and the tyranny of the wicked. 4. Betwixt the Mar­tyrdome of the faithfull, and the vnhappi­nesse of Insidels. 5 Betwixt the constancie, [Page]reward, and felicity of the godly, & the con­demnation of the wicked.

2 From the 6 chap, vnto the 10, hee layeth downe graue exhortations, in which he ex­horteth wicked men to embrace wisedom, that is to saye: with penitency and repen­tance, where he sheweth that wisedome is to be gotten by faithful prayers.

3 From the 10, vnto the 16, he commē ­deth wisedome by the example of the Pa­triarches, and by the sundry benefites and myracles of God towardes his people, and against Idolatry and impiety, whose cursse he sets downe with a derision and detesting of them by praising Gods mercy.

From the 16 chap, vnto the ende of the booke, againe he compares the righteous­nesse and the rewards of the godly, with the vnrighteousnesse and punishmentes of the wicked, by bringing an example concerning the destruction of the Egyptians.

So much concerning this booke, out of the which many Ecclesiasticall songes are taken out:

The booke of Iesus the Sonne of Syrach.

THis book thus far is called Ecclesi (that is to say, as some men doe interpret) an Ecclesiastical discipline, much vsed: yet not accounted amongst the canonical books. It is called by proper name Iesus Syrach, frō the author (as the preface doth shew) he li­ued almost after all the Prophets, in the last part before the comming of Christ in the flesh. A godly man and learned, but of the schole of the Egyptians, comming forth in to light, did publishe this booke, gathered out of the writing of many learned men.

The booke is admirable, and very neces­sary and profitable for the vse of the com­mon people: where a Citizen or a housholder may learne, godlinesse, honesty, & pru­dence, after what sort he must behaue him selfe 1. towardes God, 2 towardes Gods word, 3 towardes his ministers, 4 towardes his parents, 5 towardes his wise and Chil­dren, 6 towardes his owne body, 7 towards his seruances, 8 towards his possessions, 9 towardes his neighbours, 10 towardes his friendes and enemies, 11 towardes magi­strates, and lastly towardes al menne [...] [...] This booke may worthily be called a booke of domesticall discipline.

But seeing that it cannot bee profitablie denided by Chapters, because it is not a booke written in parts orderly, but gathe­red out of the bookes of many doctors, and heaped vp consusedly, euen as Bees do ga­ther their hony out of diuers flowers, it is sufficient to shew what it doth containe ge­nerally.

1 First it containeth prouerbiall senten­ces, and darke similitudes, so as in this re­spect, Iesus Syrach seemeth to be a follower or an Imitator of Salomon.

2 Furthermore, he poureth our and sin­geth certain excellent prayers and hymnes vnto God.

3 It containeth certain peculiar, ancient & deuine histories of acceptable mē to god 4 Lastly, he sheweth with what benefites it pleaseth God most plentifully to blesse his people, and what euils he hath heaped vp­on the wicked.

5 In sum, the booke is full of diuine wise­dome.

The books of the Prophets.

THe prophetical books doe follow: there are 16. Prophets, of the which there are 4 great, and 12 lesser, of whome wee haue spoken before.

The sum of the doctrine of y^e prophets, is this

• 1. They teach y^e kingdom of Christ to come
• 2. They expound the first commandment, by many examples and histories.
• 3. They comfort the afflicted consciences, & threaten the secure and carelesse ones.
• 4. they condemne the Idolatry of the Iews, which they call fornication.

It is Idolatry or spirituall fornication, when men do worship the true God, not according to the word and commandment of God, but according to their owne good o­pinion (as men say) looke Iudges. 7, & 17. & 3 king 12, Ose 2. for that opinion is inhi­bited, Deut 12.

The booke of Esay.

ESay, is the chiefe amongst the proph. whose writings are extant, next after Dauids. For hee is ioyned to Christ, not only in faith, but also in neernesse of bloud. He cals Christ y^e bud of the lord, chap, 4. Men thinke that Amos the Father of Esay, was the brother of king Amazia, of whose line Christ is. Moreouer, hee writes not onely more sermons then other proph. concerning Christ and his kingdome: but al­so [Page]more cleare & more excellent then the Euangelistes: therefore he is rather to bee called an Euangelist, then a prophet.

Esay learned in the time of the transmi­gration of the ten tribes, vnder Vriah & E­zechia kings of Iudah: he liued about y^e age of the world 3200. with Osea, Ioel, Amos & Micha: he prophesied aboue 100. yeares.

The book of Esay the prophet, contains, 1 prophesy, Legal & Euangelical, 2 Histori­cal, as that of Ezechias the K. 3. exhortati­ons vnto the Iewes & pentiles, 4. Consola­tions, 5 praiers, 6 giuing of thanks.

In the book of Esay, there are 66. chap. which are thus deuided.

1 From the beginning vnto the 13. cha. he deals with the Iewes, somtimes he sharply reproues them: sometimes he prophesi­eth with them, sometimes against them: he threatneth the obstinate with horrible euils He putteth down most excellent promises, concerning Christ: to them that repent to comfort them, which part he shu [...]eh vppe with giuing of thanks.

From the 13 ch, to the 24, he passeth ouer vnto the Gentils, & preacheth & prophesi­eth against them: wherby mine, he taxeth, fusle the Babylonians, 2. the Philistians, [Page]3. the Moabits, 4. the Damascens, 5. The Ismaclites, 6. the Egyptians, 7. the Titiās, 8. the Sidonians, as the euill neighbours of the Iewes, and alwaies offensiue to the peo­ple of God: in which he prophesieth deua­station and other horrible euils to fall on them, neither doth he in the meane while neglect the promises made to the gentiles that they should be conuerted to the saith.

3 From the 24 chap, vnto the 36 chap, he returnes to the Iewes, to whom againe hee prophesyeth hard thinges, because of their incredulity. He threatneth the captiuity of that proud Sinagogue & the wicked Iews, & other hard fortunes, and that they were altogither forsaken of God. But the godlie and good men he comforteth, in that God would keepe & preserue his remnant and little flocke. In the meane time, hee omit­teth not thankesgiuing for the Gospel that should be reuealed in the new testament.

4 From the 36 cha, vnto y^e 40, cha. he reci­teth the histories of Ezechias the K. of Iu­dah, who as a godly & feruent beseecher of God, was heard both againste Senacherib, that wicked king of Assyria, & for himselfe being greeuouslye sicke with a pestiserous disease.

From the 40 chap, vnto the end, he again deals with the Iewes, sometimes most sharply rebuking them for their incredulity and Idolatrie: sometimes comforting them, as being to be brought captiue into Babilon. In the meane while he puttes downe manie excellent prophesies and promises concer­ [...]ing the kingdome of Christ, and the cal­ling of the Gentiles, ioining the Gospell to the Law, to reprehension & consolation by the Gospel, that he might be said more tru­ly to be an Euangelist then a prophet.

The Booke of Ieremy.

IEremy the sonne of Helchia the priest, began to prophe­sie, the 13, yeare of the raign of king Iosiah; when y^e king, the priests, and the people li­ [...]ed most wickedly, vntil the booke of the [...]ruine law was founde in the house of the Lorde, by Helchia the father of Ieremye. Then the king being moued with pitty and [...]ompassion, did restore the worship of god, [...]nd did root out Idolatry, as the last book of the Kings doth witnesse, in the 22 chap­ [...]r.

Ieremy prophesied from the 13 yeare [...] Iosias, vnto the time of the Babylonian c [...] ­tiuity, almost 41. yeares. He also prophesie [...] concerning the captiuity of Babylon, & ti [...] ouerthrow of the city of Ierusalem: he fo [...] told the time of the captiuity, almost 70. yeares: where we are to obserue, by ho [...] much the neerer punishments doo hast [...] draw on, by so much the more the wick [...] are worser & more obstinate, which app [...] ­reth by Ieremy, & by our time to be true.

Although the order of chapters cann [...] be obserued in the bookes of the prophers because they seeme rather to be sayings ga­thered out of the Prophets mouthes as th [...] vttered them, then to haue byn written by them. It is somewhat to go thus farre, if w [...] can go no further, as to obserue, that not [...] Ieremy doth handle chiefly 3. things in or­der, but with often repetitions mingled [...] ­mongst themselues.

First, he preacheth and chideth vehe­mently the wicked Iewes: afterwardes b [...] foretels their punishments: to wit, the sa [...] king and wasting of the City of Ierusal [...] Lastly, he prophesyeth as other Prophets concerning Christ and his kingdome; and of the new Testament.

1 From the beginning vnto the 20 cha. [...]esides the history in which he is called of God by a vision, & by a signe: to wit, a fla­ [...]ing rod, & a seething pot. In which God [...]ewes his sudden and vehement wrath a­ [...]ainst this peruerse & rebellious people, by [...]e king of Babylon the rod & reuenger of [...]od. Besides (I say) this history, Ieremy [...]eproues the impiety of the Iewes, & theyr [...]dolatry, offences, wickednesse & cruelty a­ [...]ainst y^• prophets: so as al these sermōs for y^e [...]ost part, are for penitency, or graue exhor [...]tions to repentance. Besides the prophe­ [...]es concerning the captiuity of Baby. and [...]esides consolations, with which God doth [...]omfort the prophet against tentations, and [...]he prophet the people to be deliuered frō [...]he captiuity.

From the 20. to the 40. ch, besides the hi­ [...]ory of the crosse, & calamity of y^e prophet, [...] besides those most excellent promises of [...]turn from captiuity, & concerning christ, [...]ee threateneth y^e people of Iuda, & speci­ [...]ly the prin. with al euil: which is agrauated [...]y this, [...]hat God signifies, that he wil stand [...]ith the Chald. against his own people, and [...]ith the Chal. afflict his people, which is of [...] other things most horrible: to wit, God is [Page]not to be with his people, but againste [...] people. After that he threatneth false p [...] phets and preachers, who preached to [...] Princes and people thinges pleasing the [...] and not according to the word of y^e Lord.

Lastly, he recites the history of Zeded [...] the king, that as contemning Gods word [...] he fled to mans ayd and helpe, euen so [...] sery and calamity hapned vnto him, whi [...] is the reward of Tyrants.

From the 40 chap. vnto the ende of th [...] booke, besides diuers examples; that is [...] wit: God deliuereth and keepeth the Pro­phet, that God is true in his word; that h [...] punisheth the contemners of his worde: af­terwards, besides admonitions to the Iew [...] in Egypt, and consolation with which Iere­my comforted Baruch his scribe: he prophetsieth against the Gentiles his neighbors, the Egyptians, Philistians, Moabites, and other kingdomes: then hee prophesieth the de­struction of the kingdome of Babylon, by the Meades and Persians. Last of all, hee concludes the booke, with the historye of the deuastation or destruction of Ierusalem, and with the leading away of the people in to Babylon: that euery man may see the order of the Almighty, in which he is won [...] [Page]to punish thē, who in contempt of his word do not amend their liues, neither yet repēt.

So much briefly concerning the book of Jeremy.

The Lamentations of Ieremy the Prophet.

IN the booke which men inti­tle Threnos: that is to say the Lamentations of Ieremy. The Prophet bewaileth the de­struction of Ierusalem and the kingdome of Iudah, and the miserable captiuity of the people, whome he coulde not conuert by threatnings nor by promises, by reason of the vnbeleefe or incredulity of the people and contempt of Gods worde: then he comforteth himselfe and the peo­ple with the promises of God, and by his praiers he recommends his cause to God.

These Lamentations are written after this order in Hebrue, so as the first verse begins of Aleph, the second of Beth, the thirde of Gimel; &c. following & obseruing the order of y^e alpha. for the help of memory, y^e same is obserued by some euen to this day.

Furthermore, as there are 4. chap, besides the prayer of Ieremy in the 5. chap. euen so [Page]there are 4. verses, according to the repeti­tion of the Alphabet in euery chapter.

In y^e

• 1 Chapter the vnfortumate estate of the people and kingdom of Iudah.
• 2 Chapter the negligence of the prophets.
• 3 Chapter the mercy of almighty God.
• 4 Chapter the destruction of the Temple, with famin and other punishments of the Iewes, deserued by sins. Euery of these is set forth by waie of complaining and Lamentation.

The booke of Baruch.

THe booke of Baruch, hath his name of the Author, whosoeuer he be. For it is not likely that hee was Baruch Ieremies scribe, of whom is mention Iere, 45. but a certain other man of that name, although not indued with so large a spirit. Therfore it is manifest, this book is of no great momēt no more than the third & fourth of Esdras.

This booke of Baruch doth contain, be­sides the epistle cast off 5 cha, of which this in the summe: As he wrote this book in the captiuity of Babylon, so he attributeth righ­teousnesse to God, who worthily punished the Iewes.

Secondly, he confesseth his sins, and he ac­cuseth [Page]his nation for their stifnecked diso­bedience and vi. faithfulnes.

Furthermore, he desires pardon, & that God would be merciful vnto his people, & returne them into their own countrey.

Lastly, that he might stir them vp to faith in their harts, he promiseth the restoring of Ierusalem. The Epistle going vnder Iere­mies name, is added to the book of Baruch, and is an admonition against Idolatry, that the captiues in Babilon should not serue the goddes of the Babylonians, and so to turne from the true God. Therefore he vehemēt­ly inueyeth against Idolatry, perswading them to worship the true God, and to serue him only. Esay seemeth to haue his name of diuine vision, and Ieremy of mighty su­pernal power.

The booke of Ezechiel the Prophet.

EZechiell, who hath his name of forti­tude, prophesied in Chaldea, beginning his prophesie about the riuer Chebar. Hee was brought vnder Ieconia the king of Iu­dah (whoe is called Ioachim the younger) with DANIEL and the rest of the Iewes, into captiuity or bondage, six yoares before [Page]Ierusalem, and the Temple was vtterly destroyed.

He was seruante to a prieste, as was Ie­remias, and at the same time, with Iere­mias, and also handling or intreating of the same argument, to weet y^• captiuitie of Ba­bilon, vnlesse it were, that Ierem. prophesied in Ierusalem: Ezechiell, in Chaldea or Babi­lon, did foretell the calamitie of the Iewes.

Also Ezechiell in order followeth Iere­remie the prophet, so as Ieremie is the first in veeres, and in office; Ezechiell the latter: and these did confirme the prophesie of ech other: for whilest they which were depar­ted into Babilon vnder Ieconiah, being o­uercome with vnpatience, began to be sotiethas they had obayed the voice of Ieremie; by whose perswasion, they themselues had yeelded to y^e Babiloniās, being solicited to this by salfe prophets, as though they had bin deceiued by Ier. God raised vp this E­zechiell the prophet in Babilon, that he might confirme the doctrine of Ieremie, & that he might comfort the captiues.

❧ The Booke of Daniel the Prophet.

DAniel, who hath his name from Diuine iudgment, first of all, hee is brought into Babilon vnder Ieconi­ah the King, being yet a verie young man: Afterwardes thorough the kinges fauour, he was promoted; chieflie, after he had in­terpreted the Dreame of the king Nabu­cadnezer. Lastly hee continued there lxx. yeeres, & liued vntill y^e reigne of Cirus king of Persia, as appeares in y^e end of y^e 1. chapt. and as it is manifested in the ninth chapter. He was indued with such an excellent spirit that hee did not onely see the kingdome of [Page]Christ to come and to remaine for euer, & the destruction of other kingdomes, but also he reckoned the yeares by weekes, in which Christ should come.

He wholy applies himself in this, that he might manifest the glorious and the eter­nall kingdome of Christ: and hee foretel­leth that besides him all the kingdome of the world are vaine and transitory.

Furthermore here is to be obserued, that Daniel vseth the Chaldean toung, vnto the beginning of the eight chapter. Besides that, the song of the three children. The hi­story of Susanna and of Bell, as also the fa­ble of the Dragon, are not accounted or reckoned: neither in the Caldean nor in the Hebtue toung; neither yet haue testi­mony in holy scriptures, that Daniell is the author of these bookes. Therefore they are separated by the best translators of the Byble, from the writing of Daniel, and are altogither put by themselues, hauing their owne proper vse to edification. But in the booke of Daniel there are,

• 1 Examples. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. chap.
• 2 Histories. 2, 3.
• 3 Reuelations. 2, 4.
• [Page]4 Visions. 7, 8, 10.
• 5 Miracles. 3, 6.
• 6 Sermons. 4, 5.
• 7 Prayers. 9,
• 8 Giuing of thanks. 2.
• 9 Prophesies. 9, 11, 12.

The twelue chap. of Daniel, are deuided one from another after this maner.

In the first chapter, besides the history of Daniel and his fellowes, being brought vp in the palace of the king of Babylon, is set forth an admyrable example of godlinesse in Daniel, howe hee learned amongst the Gentiles.

In the second chap. is tolde or rehearsed vnto the king, the dreame and the inter­pretation thereof by Daniell, concerning the 4. monarchies. Where he sets foorth, first the king of Babylon. Secondly, y^e king of Persia. Thirdly, the king of the Greci­ans. Fourthly, the king of the Romanes, vnder whom the Iewes were to bee afflic­ted.

In the 3 chapter, is described the kinges wicked Idolatry: after his fall, and the mi­raculous deliuerance of the three children from the fire.

In the four the chap: is discribed, besides the dreame concerning the tree, (by the which is set foorth, the king of Babilon) the punishment of the proude king, & the re­ceiuing of him into fauour, and the forgiue­nes of his sinnes, after his repentance.

In the fifth chap: is described principally, the tyranie of King Baltashar, the sonne of king Nabucadnezer, in the abusing of y^e ho­ly vessells: & also afterwardes, the punish­ment of his tyrannie by the losse of his king­dome and life.

In the sixth chap: is described the deliue­rance of Daniell, and the punishmente of wicked men vnder Darius, the king of the Babilonians.

In the 7. chaap. Daniell seeeth a dreame of 4. beastes: to whom the 4. Monarchies are compared.

In 8. chap: he seeeth an other dreame con­cerning the afflictions, vnder wicked Anti­ochus, successor to the mightie prince, A­lexander the great.

In the ninth chap: afterwardes, he pray­eth the almightie God, for the releasement of the Iewes, from the Babilonian captiuitie: and being hearde, is made certaine of the comming of the true Messiah, by the de­claration, [Page]or manifestation, of the Angell Gabriell, accompted particulerly in seauen­tie weekes.

In the tenth chapt: he writeth most sin­gularly of Angells, who cease not continu­ally, to fight against euill Angells, for the defence of good and Godly menne, and of Kingdomes.

In the 11. chap: he prophecieth in order, concerning the alteration of kingdomes, & doth also foretell, vnder what monarchies the Iewes shoulde be afflicted, before that the Messias came.

First of all, that Darius, king of y^e Me­des is slaine by Alexander, and after the death of Alexander, the kingdome of the Grecians is diuided into fower kingdomes: First into Asia, Secondly into Syria, Third­lie into Egipt, and fowerthlie into Greece. & last of all, how Antiochus afflicted y^e people of Israell, vntill hee was resisted and driuen away by Iudas Machabeus.

In the 12. chap. he prophecieth (accord­ing to the cōmon translation) of Antichrist, vnder the name of Antiochus, as Paul, in the 2. of the Thessalonians 2. doth interprete this place: Furthermore, by the kingdome of Antioch, he vnderstandeth not only, the [Page]Papall sea of Rome, but also the kingdome of the Turkes or Mahomet, by whome the church of Christ towards the ende of the world should be vexed.

The song of the three children, accor­ding to the common edition, hath place in the third chapt of Daniel, where all kind of Creatures are incited to laude and praise God.

The story of Susanna is comfortable, because lying and slanderous menne at the length are disclosed, and do suffer shame: and such as are cleare and pure are deliue­red.

The story of the I doll Bell, doth at this day very plainly set forth, the fraud and de­dcipt of the Pope. by the which they haue hitherto seduced poore miserable menne, and yet doe still seduce and deceiue in ma­ny places.

Hitherto hath beene spoken of & con­cerning the foure great Prophets. Nowe followeth the twelue lesser Prophetes. In which bookes, they couet the increase and amplification of Christs kingdome (which is their principall argument) although by diuers and sundry reasons.

• 1. Oseas. prophesied against the ten tribes or kingdome of Israel.
• 2. Ioell. prophesied against the ten tribes or kingdome of Israel.
• 3. Amos. prophesied against the ten tribes or kingdome of Israel.
• 4. Micheas. prophesied against the ten tribes or kingdome of Israel.
• 5. Sophonias, prophesied against Ierusalem
• 6. Ionas, prophelied against Niniuy.
• 7. Nahum. against Babylon.
• 8. Abacuc. against Babylon.
• 9. Abdias, against Edom.
• 10. Haggei. did vrge the people to reedifie the citty.
• 11. Zacha, did vrge the people to reedifie the citty.
• 12. Malach did vrge the people to reedifie the citty.

14

• 1 Ionas. vnder Achab.
• 2 Abdi. vnder Iereboā.

kings of Israell.

They li­ued & prophesied in the year 496.

• 3 Esaias. vnder Vsiah & Eze­kiah K. of Iuda, at y^e time whē y^e x. tribes were caried to capt.
• 4 Osea. vnder Vsiah & Eze­kiah K. of Iuda, at y^e time whē y^e x. tribes were caried to capt.
• 5 Ioel. vnder Vsiah & Eze­kiah K. of Iuda, at y^e time whē y^e x. tribes were caried to capt.
• 6 Amos vnder Vsiah & Eze­kiah K. of Iuda, at y^e time whē y^e x. tribes were caried to capt.

• 7 Micheas A little after, vn­der Manasses the king of Iudah, in y^e year 756, vpō the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598.
• 8 Nahum. A little after, vn­der Manasses the king of Iudah, in y^e year 756, vpō the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598.
• 9 Abacuc A little after, vn­der Manasses the king of Iudah, in y^e year 756, vpō the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598.
• 10 Ieremy. A little after, vn­der Manasses the king of Iudah, in y^e year 756, vpō the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598.
• 11 Sophony A little after, vn­der Manasses the king of Iudah, in y^e year 756, vpō the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598.
• 12 Ezechi. A little after, vn­der Manasses the king of Iudah, in y^e year 756, vpō the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598.
• Daniell. A little after, vn­der Manasses the king of Iudah, in y^e year 756, vpō the departure of Iuda 663. in the same captiuity of Iudah in the yeare 598.

[Page]

• Hagg.
• Zacha.
• Mallach.

After the returne of the people of Babi­lon. 559.

Concerning the Booke of Hosea the Prophet.

OSeas, by y^e Etimologie of his name, signifieth Health, and therefore he maried his lawfull wife according to Gods comaundement; but with such a reproche, as that she is called his har­lot: so comes it to passe, that y^e worlde doth rage against the Ministers of Gods worde: Therefore God forbidde that wee shoulde thinke the Prophet to liue in Fornication.

In the beginning of his Sermons, he be­trotheth Israel to the Lorde our God, in iu­stice, in iudgment, in mercy and pittie, and reconciles them to Dauid their king: and so he calles Christ, as being borne of the loynes of Dauid.

In the end he threatneth the destruction of Death, with great feruencie, I will saith he, be thy Death: Oh Death, I will be thy Death for euer: In the meane time, he doth preach most feruently & constātly, against [Page]Israell, against the Idollatrie of the Princes, and Priestes of the people: Afterwardes he prophecieth very power-fully, concerning the kingdome of Christ: These two thinges were the offices & duties of all the prophets, the one out of the Law, the other out of the promises, for the which they were brought to their death, as heretikes, and seditious persons.

From the beginning to the 14. chap: there are prophesies, and sermons of reproofe, a­gainst the kingdome of Israell, because for Idolatrie, which he calleth spirituall Forni­cation, not onely the people, but also Prin­ces and priestes are to be punished of God, with corporall & eternall captiuitie, vnlesse they repent: he mittigateth these Commi­nations with the promises of God, that they shoulde not disp [...]ire, but conuert vnto god.

Also in the 2.3.11.12.14. there are pro­phecies and comfortable sermons, concer­ning the kingdome of Christ, the preching of the Gospell, and the victories of Christe ouer Death and Hell, together with the E­ternall captiuitie of the people of Israell, & their restoring by faith in the mercies of god through Christ.

The booke of Ioel the Proph.

JOEL, by the Etimologie of his name, signifieth begining, or desiring. Who hee was, of what Tribe, in what time, or vnder what king he liued, it is vncertaine; chieflie, because he himselfe maketh no mencion of this, vnlesse it be, for that he is thought to liue with Osea, and Amos, whilest he prea­cheth against the kingdome of Israel, Hee labours only to shew, how punishments & plagues, hang ouer the earth: for innum [...] ­rable sins & greuous wickednes: Whēce S. Peter, on the feast of Penticost, tooke occa­sion to preach act. 2. And Saint Paul alleg­eth the saying of Ioel in the 2. chap. & eue­rie one that calleth on the name of the lord shall be saued. Rom, 10.

In the 1. chapt: he prophecieth against the kingdome of Israel, to weet, it woulde come to passe, that Israel should be carried away into Syr [...]a. He vnderstādeth the Ass [...] ­ [...]ians by these 4. kinde of wormes, deuou­ring smite and Corne; to weet, the Palmer worme, The Grasse-hopper, The Canker worme, and the Caterpiller: shewing the vnpe [...]pling and deuastacion, by litle & litle of the kingdome of Israel.

In the 2. & 3. after he had sore-shewed vnto the king of Assirta, his destruction, he [Page]prophe [...]eth euen vnto the end of the kingdome of Christ, of the holy Ghost, and of the celestiall Ierusalem.

In that he speaketh of the Valley of Ieho­sophat, in the last cha: He seemeth not only that it ought to be vnderstoode of the eter­nall Iudgment, but also of the church of Christ: as the valley of Achor in Osea, in the which, the Gentiles were adiudged to bee sinners, and are called to repentance by the word of God, the holy Ghost reproues the world of sinne.

The booke of Amos.

AMos, by the etymology of his name, signifieth a burthen or yoke: and he answereth more then all the prophets, thorow his vehemency, to the singularity of his name. He reproues the Israelits throughout all his booke, and doth inuey against them, although a stranger amongst them, as one born in the tribe of Iudah, nor so much as the sonne of a prophet, but a shepheard & an ordinary man, as he him­selfe witnesseth in the 2. chap.

But hee liued in the time of Osea and Esay, as GOD is of power to call suche [Page]by a suddaine, or certaine diuine miracle a­gainst all wicked powers, which they call ordinarie, where necessitie requireth: Euen so the holy Ghost, made A postles of rude and vnlearned Fishers. It is thought that A­mos was slaine by a wicked priest called A­masia, with a Fullers clubbe.

The Prophesie of Abdiah.

ABdias signifieth the worship of God, that he is the seruant or the worshiper of God He is thought to be the most aun­cientest of all the Prophets, as Ionas in the time of Achab, and Ieroboham, Kinges of [Page]Israell. Hee inueyeth against the Edomites, who delighted in the afflictions of Israell.

Edom was the brother of Iacob, to weet, Esau, and as hee hated his brother because his father Isake gaue vnto him the blessing of the first byrth: euen so, all his posteritie hated the posteritie of Iacob; that is to say, the Isralites, and whensoeuer he coulde, he brought trouble vpon thē, adioyning him­selfe with their enemies, & so declaring the vnfaithfullnes of his minde, as the Psalmist saith, 137. Lord be thou mindefull of the sonnes of Edom, in y^e day of Ierusalem, who saith, Down with it, downe with it, euen to the grounde.

It containes one onely Chapter, the some Edomites. whereof, is this.

• Abdias, 1 He Fortells the destruction of the Cōforteth the Iewes,
• Abdias, 2 He Sheweth that saiuatiō is in Sion.
• Abdias, 3 He teacheth that no iniury, puokes worshiped.
• Abdias, 4 He the breethren.
• Abdias, 5 He teacheth that god only is to bee

The booke of Ionas the Prophet.

IONAS signifieth a Doue, he liued a li­tle before Esai, & vnder king Ieroboham, [Page]hee was a prophet in Israell, as it is written in the last booke of the kinges. chap: 14. af­ter this maner, according to the worde of y^e Lorde, as it was spoken by his seruant Ionah the sonne of Aniathias the prophet, which was of Gad, which is in Hephet.

But it is manifest, that Gad Hephet, was a Cittie in the tribe of Zabulon, so that Ionas was a Iew, and not the sonne of an Ethicke widdow, in the dayes of Helias: of whom mencion is made Luke. 4. as certaine men do imagine of Ionah.

He is sent into Syria, to preach against the Cittie of Niniue, which was a famous Citie: the Metropolitane of the whole kingdome of the Assirians: whence it appeareth that God at that time, had not only care of the Isralites, but also of the Gentiles.

It is notablie spoken by Math. chap: 12, where it is saide that Ionas was a Type of Christ, Dying and Rising againe. The wic­ked and adultorous generation seeketh a signe: and a signe shall not bee giuen him, but the signe of Ionas the prophet: as Ionas himselfe was in the Whales bellye, three Dayes and three Nightes: so shall the son of Man be in the hearte of the earth, three dayes and three nightes.

The Booke of Micheas the Prophet.

MIcheas liued in that time, & vnder those Kinges, as E­say [...], Oseas and Amos liued: as plainly appeareth by the title. He Prophesied against the two Tribes, and against the tenne Tribes, that is to say: 1 against kinges, 2 against Iudges, 3 against Priestes, 4 a­gainst false Prophets, aswell in Iudah as in Israell: and hee foretelleth their destru­ction that reiected the worde of God, and without his seare, followed after vayne thinges.

In this chiefely he is very famous, for that he doeth not onelye promise Christ to come, nor doeth not onely declare the benefites of his kingdome: but also hee [Page]sheweth vs the place of his natiuitye. Thou Bethelem Ephrata saieth hee, Art not the least amongst the princes of Iuda: Out of thee shall arise vnto me a captaine, that shall gouerne my people Israell, &c. which place Matthew cites in the second chap.

The booke of Nahum the Prophet.

NAhum, hath his name of comforting. For hee comforteth the afflicted Israelites in this; that he prophesieth againste the Assyrians, who troubled and vexed Israell and Iudah: although by the scripture it cannot be found, what time and vnder what king Nahum prophesied. Yet it seemeth that he liued after Ionas. & a little before Esar. He for [...]t [...]l the subu [...] ­sion of Niniuy which was [...]lle [...] vnto wic­kednesse, after the preaching of Ionas.

The Prophesie of Abacucke.

ABacuck hath his name of embracing as a mother embraceth her infant, or as others embrace one another [Page]breast to breast, heart to heart, in comfor­ting of them: euen so Abacucke doth em­brace the people of Israel, and is greately comforted: then exhorting them to re­maine constant in the faith, and in aduersi­ues: So that the holy Apostle S. Paul Ro. 1. alleageth this most excellent sentence out of the second Chapter, The iust shall liue by this faith.

It seemeth that Abacucke liued with Ie­remy about the captiuity of Babylon: see­ing that hee as a Prophet of the Iewes, firste of all prophesied againste the peo­ple, and afterwardes against the Baby­lonians.

It is holden for a fable, to saie that this man was that Abacucke which was taken of the Angell and did deliuer meate to Daniel, beeing cast into the denne of Ly­ons.

The Prophesie of Zophoniah.

SOphoniah seemeth to signify the secrets of God. A name very sitte for Gods prophet, whoe search the secretes of God: that is to say; the gos­pell, and the eternal kingdome of Christ, wrapped vp in propheticall promises, visi­ons and reuelations: vntill the fulnesse of the time thereof be expired and accompli­shed. For which cause, Paule likewise cals it a mystery, Rom. last.

The title in the first chapter, shewes who Sophoniah was; of what parentes hee was borne, and in what time he liued. He was neere the age of Ieremy the prophet. He prophesied almost the same thinges, but more briefly and strictly; to wit, the de­uastation of the City of Ierusalem, and al­so of the enemy, and the destruction of the whole kingdome of Iudah, and the deli­uerance [Page]of the Iewes by Christ. Pcincipal­ly he prophesieth the destruction of the wicked Iewes by their neighbors the gen­tiles. 2. The rooting vp of the Gentiles, by other Gentiles. 3 The deliuerance of the beleeuing Iewes by the birth of Christ.

The Prophesie of Haggei.

HAgge, hath his name of mirth and ioye. He prophesied af­ter the captiuity of Babylon, vnder Darius Histaspes: and at length very seriously hee did vrge the people to reedisie the Tem­ple, and to restore againe the true worship of God.

❧ The booke of Zacharie.

ZAcharias hath his name of diuine Me­morie, who was one of the last of all the prophets.

He liued in the same time with Hagge the prophet, after the returne from y^e captiuitie of Babilon.

He handleth also, the same argumēt with Hagge: to wit, ensorsing and vrging the re­edis [...]ing of the Temple, & that for Christes s [...]ke, who woulde shortly come to his holy Temple: Therefore hee manifestly pro­phecieth of Christes Pompe, that he should goe to Ierusalem vpon an Asse, and the sole of an Asle: which came to passe a little be­fore his Passion on Paulme Sunday. After­wardes hee prophecieth of his selling for 30 peeces of siluer, which was performed [Page]by Iudas the Traytor. Also of the piercing of his sides; which place S. Iohn the Euan­gellist doth alledge.

In the meane while, hee hath certaine obscure Visiens, in the which the Misteries of Christ are shadowed, which at lengthe he interpreteth by the effusion of the Spi­rit of Grace. chapt. 12.

The booke of Malachy.

MAlachyas hath obtained the name of an Angell amongst the Hebrues. He is counted the last among the prophets, and the next before Christ, whom he soretels to be now at hande: and Iohn Baptist, vnder the name of Elias, to be his fore-runner. Whether this Malachias were Esdras, (as some haue thought) it is vncertaine. But this is most certaine, that he hath many excellent sentences concer­ning Christ and the Gospell, which he cals that pure and perfect sacrifice for the whol world.

The bookes of Machabees.

THE Bookes of Machabees, haue on­ly their name or deriuation of Iudas Machabeus, for his excellent actes that are d cscribed in those bookes: & it is the last florie of all the olde Testament, concer­ning thinges done by the Iewes, from the time of Alexander the great vnto Christ: when the people of god, had neither kings nor prophets amongst them, but Princes & priestes.

There were in the olde Testament foure kindes of gouerment in the elect people of God: to wit, first a most patriarchall [Page]power. Secondly, a Iudicial power. Third­ly, a kingly power, and fourthlie, a Ponti­ficall power. For all which, Christ onely raigneth in the new Testament: who first is the father of the world to come.

Secondly, the Iudge of quicke and dead.

Thirdly, the king of kinges.

Fourthlie, the eternall Priest or Byshop.

Furthermore, the bookes of Machabees are reckned amongst y^e Apochripha books, and amongest the Canonicall bookes, and amongest other thinges it conteyneth a most true discription of those thinges which Daniel prophesied of. in the 12. ch. to wit, concerning the persecution of the Iewes by Antiochus.

The Reuellation of S. Iohn.

THe Ecclesiasticall historie shewes, how Iohn being vnder the Emperour Domi­tian, was banished into the Hand of Pathmos, & there wrote this Apocalyps, or Reuelation. And againe, after the death of Domitian, whē he returned from the Ile of Pathmos to Ephesus, to haue written his Gospell a­gainst the Heretikes, Marcio, Ebon, and Cerunhus.

This booke vnder the name of Reue­lation, conteyneth prophesie, concer­ning euent, fortune, matters, and of the deriued church: that is to say, y^e church deriued from the Primitiue church, and thence to be deriued vnto the end of the world.

• [Page]1 Into Seales.
• 2 Into Trumpets.
• 3 Into Vials.

The 7. seales signifies the persecution of the church which is vnder Tyrantes: to wit, Domitian, Traianus, &c. which truly began in the primitiue church, in y^e time of the Apost. and continued thence the space of 300. yeares, vnto the time of Constantine, & it is described in this book chap. 4, 5, 6, 7.

The Trumpets signifieth heresies, as the Arians, &c. From the time of Con­stantine vnto Theodosius, for other 300. yeares, yea vnto Mahomet and the pope This is described, chap. 8 vnto 18.

The Vials, signifie the plagues of An­tichrist for these 900. yeares, from the time of Bonif. y^• pope vnto this our time, of the which thou mayest read from the 17. chap, vnto the end of the booke.

It may otherwise bee deuided: to wit, into seauen visions: that is to saye, into figures, most wonderfully shewing to the minde and cies of all men.

The first vision of the seuen churches of Asia the lesse.

The second vision, concerning Christ & his church being exalted.

The thirde vision concerning the dilli­gence of the disciples of Christ.

The fourth concerning the affliction of the church.

The fist concerning the last persecution vnder Antichrist.

The sixt concerning the day of Iudge­ment.

The seuenth, concerning the victory of Christ and the church.

• 1 The Kingdome of Christ.
• 2 The comfort of the godly afflicted
• 3 The Threats of Tyrants.
• 4 The priesthood of Christ.
• 5 The Prayers of the Saints.
• 6 The Histories of the newe Testa­ment is reueiled.