CHAP. I.

THE World had a Beginning, which was by Creation; and it was made in the space of six days.

On the first day was made the rude Mass or Matter of all things; and afterwards the Light.

On the second, the Firmament, or space from the Earth to the Highest Heavens.

On the third, the Sea and Dry Land, stockt with all sorts of Trees, Herbs and Plants; and more especially the Garden of Eden.

On the fourth, he furnish'd the Heavens with their Host of Sun, Moon and Stars.

On the fifth, he stockt the Air and Waters with Fowl and Fish.

On the sixth, he stor'd the Earth with all sorts of Creatures that live upon it; and then, ha­ving thus furnish'd the World in all the parts of it, he made Man after his own Image, and made him King of this lower World, giving him Do­minion over the Works of his Hands.

CHAP. II.

On the seventh day God rested from the Work of Creation, and blessed and sanctify'd it for a Sabbath-day.

The Man which he had made he called Adam, and plac'd him in Eden, forbidding him to eat of the Tree of Knowledge under pain of death. He brought all the Beasts and Birds to him to give 'em Names. He cast him into a deep sleep, took out one of his Ribs, built it in­to a Woman, and gave her to Adam to Wife, whom he was hereby taught to look upon still as part of himself. He called her Name Eve.

CHAP. III.

This first Couple being tempted by Satan in the Serpent, transgress'd the Command of God, and did eat of the forbidden Fruit; whereupon being arraigned by God, he first dooms the Serpent to a more ignominious kind of Food and Motion; and especially the Devil, that his Head should be broken by the Seed of the Woman, the Messiah, who was now promis'd to our first Parents, as the Restorer of the Creation, and Destroyer of the works of the Devil. Then he dooms the Woman to pain in Child-bearing, and to a more uneasie subjection to her Husband. And lastly, he dooms the Man to labour and travel in tilling and dressing the ground, which was now curst for his sake; and afterwards drives 'em out of Paradise.

CHAP. IV.

To Adam and Eve were born first Cain, a Tiller of the Ground; then Abel, a Keeper of Sheep. These brought Offerings to the Lord, who accepted Abel's, but rejected Cain's; where­upon Cain was wroth, and slew his Brother Abel: for which God curst him, and made him a Vagabond; yet set a mark upon him, that none should kill him. Lamech, one of his Po­sterity, was the first that transgrest the Institu­tion of Marriage, by having two Wives.

CHAP. V.

Afterwards Adam had another Son, called Seth; one of whose Posterity was Enoch, who was one that had much communion with God, and so God translated him Soul and Body to Heaven; to assure us that there is a state of happiness in another World both for Soul and Body.

CHAP. VI, VII.

God being provok'd by Man's wickedness, threatens to destroy all Mankind by a Flood; commands Noah to make an Ark, into which himself, Wife and Children, and some of every sort of Cattel, Fowl, and Creeping things, en­tring, were shut in by God and preserved, when all the rest of Mankind, and all on the Land, were drowned in the Flood.

CHAP. VIII, IX.

At length the Earth being dried, God bids Noah come forth, and bring out all with him: whereupon Noah built an Altar, and offered Burnt-offerings thereon, wherewith God was well-pleased, and blessed Noah and his Sons, and made a Covenant with 'em, that he'd no more destroy the Earth by Water; of which the Bow in the Clouds was made a Token. After this Noah being drunk, lay uncovered in his Tent; which Cham espying, tells his two Brethren of it in derision; but they going backwards, car­ried a Mantle and covered him; for which Noah curses Cham and his Posterity, and blesses Shem and Japhet.

CHAP. XI. I—IX.

All the Earth being now of one Language, they consulted to eternise their memory, before they were separated one from another, by build­ing a City and Tower, which should reach up to Heaven; but God defeats their design by confounding their Language; whereupon the place was called Babel, and they were scattered abroad upon the face of the Earth.

CHAP. X.

One of Cham's Grandchildren was Nimrod, who was a great Tyrant, and laid the Founda­tion of the Assyrian Monarchy, (which ended in Belshazzar, Dan. 5.30, 31.)

CHAP. X—XI.

Among the Posterity of Shem was Terah, who was Abram's Father: Abram took Sarai to Wife, and they came to Haran with their Father Terah, who died there.

CHAP. XII.

Then God appears to Abram, and calls him from Haran to go to Canaan, and promises to make him a great Nation, and that in him all the Families of the Earth should be blessed: accordingly, Abram goes into Canaan with Lot his Nephew, to Sichem, where God appeared to him, and promis'd to give that Land to his Seed. A Famine coming upon that Land, Abram goes into Egypt to sojourn, where he de­nies his Wife, and Pharaoh takes her; but find­ing that she was Abram's Wife, he sends her to him, and away they go,

CHAP. XIII.

And came to Bethel: But Abram's Cattel and Lot's being so numerous, they could not continue together, and therefore agreed to part: Abram gives Lot his Choice, who chooses the Plain of Jordan towards Sodom, and Abram con­tinued in Canaan. God renews his Grant of Canaan to him and his Seed, which he promis'd should be as the dust of the Earth. Then Abram came to Mamre.

CHAP. XIV.

After this there rose war between the King of Elam, and the Kings of Sodom and the other Ci­ties of the Plain; wherein the King of Elam had the better, and plundered Sodom and Go­morrah, carrying away Lot, (among others) and his Goods: News whereof being brought to Abram, he pursues after them with his trained Servants, and recovers all again. At his return, Melchesideck King of Jerusalem, and Priest of the true God, meets him with Bread and Wine, and blesses him; to whom Abram gave the Tenth of all the Spoils he had taken, and then restores all to the King of Sodom, without reserving any thing to himself.

CHAP. XV.

After this God appears again to Abram, pro­mising to be his Shield and exceeding great re­ward: and upon Abram's bemoaning the want of a Child to be his Heir, God renews his pro­mise of an Heir to come out of his own Loyns, and of a numerous Posterity; which he firmly believing (tho so unlikely) God thereupon ac­counts him a righteous person, and this an Act of Righteousness, and promises Canaan again to him, and that his Posterity, after four hun­dred years sojourning in Canaan and Egypt, should possess it; and confirms this by a Sign, (upon Abram's request) and Vision.

CHAP. XVI.

Sarai, to obtain the accomplishment of the promise, being barren her self, gives Hagar her Handmaid to Abram to be his Concubine; who conceiving by him, grows insolent and despis'd her Mistress; which Sarai not brooking, com­plains of her to Abram: he leaves her to her disposal; who dealing hardly with her, she ran away; for which she was rebuked by an Angel, and required to return and submit her self to her Mistress; and withal promises her a numerous Seed, and tells her she was with Child of a Son, whom she should call Ismael: and accordingly, when he was born Abram called him so; which was in the eighty sixth year of Abram's Age.

CHAP. XVII.

Thirteen years after this, when Abram was ninety nine years old, God appears to him again, renews his Covenant with him, that he should be a Father of many Nations; and as a pledge thereof changes his Name from Abram to Abra­ham, signifying, A Father of a multitude: In­stitutes the Sacrament of Circumcision: Changes Sarai's Name to Sarah: Promises him a Son by her: Abraham intercedes for Ismael; God pro­mises to bless and multiply him exceedingly, but his Covenant should be with his Son by Sarah. Then Abraham circumcised himself; and Ismael being thirteen years old, and the rest of his Family.

CHAP. XVIII.

Abraham sitting in his Tent-door spies three Men, whom he invites to his House to refresh themselves, which they accept of; enquire for Sarah, and one of them (who was the Second Person of the Trinity) tells him she should have a Son; which she over-hearing, disbelieves (at present) and laughs at; with which being charg'd, she denies it. They departing, Abra­ham brings them on their way, to whom the Lord Christ discovers his intent of destroying Sodom, and the other Cities, for their grievous sins: Whereupon Abraham intercedes for 'em, and God yields so far, that if there had been but ten righteous persons found in Sodom, he'd have spar'd it.

CHAP. XIX.

While Christ staid talking with Abraham, the other two Angels in humane Shape, past on and came to Sodom at Even: Lot seeing 'em, salutes 'em, invites 'em to his House, and makes 'em a Feast. But presently the Men of the City ga­thered about the House, and called to Lot to bring out those two Strangers, that they might abuse 'em; which he refusing, they prest near to break the door. Whereupon the Angels smote 'em with blindness, and warn Lot to bring out his Children, and whatsoever he had in the City, because they were come to destroy it. But while he lingred, they laid hold upon him, his Wife, and two Daughters, and brought 'em [Page 9] forth, commanding 'em to escape for their lives, and not look back; which his Wise not ob­serving, was turned into a Pillar of Salt. Lot entring into Zoar about Sun-rising, presently the Lord rained Fire and Brimstone upon those Cities, and destroyed 'em. But Lot removed from Zoar, and dwelt in a Cave in a Mountain, where his two Daughters made him drink Wine, and lay with him; and so were with Child by their Father; from whence descended the Moa­bites and Ammonites.

CHAP. XX.

Abraham sojourning in Gerar calls Sarah his Sister; whereupon the King takes her; but be­ing warned of God in a Dream, he restores her to her Husband with a great Present.

CHAP. XXI.

Sarah now bears Isaac, his Father Abraham being an hundred years old. At his weaning, Abraham makes a great Feast. Ismael falls a jeering Isaac; whereupon he and his Mother are sent away. In their travel, the water being spent, the Boy was ready to perish with thirst: but God shew'd her a Well of Water, encou­rages her, and blesses the Child: So they dwelt in the Wilderness of Paran, and his Mother took him a Wife out of Egypt. Abimelech King of the Philistins made a Covenant with Abraham at Beersheba, who sojourned in their Land many days.

CHAP. XXII.

Isaac being grown up, God for the trial of Abraham's Faith and Obedience, commands him to offer his only Son Isaac for a Burnt-offering, upon a Mountain which he'd shew him. Pre­sently the next morning Abraham begins the Journey, and when he came to the place, he bound Isaac upon the Altar, and lift up his hand to slay his Son. But God called to him out of Heaven, and bad him hold his hand: And there was a Ram behind him, which he took and of­fered instead of his Son: Whereupon God swears to bless and multiply his Seed, and that in it all Nations should be blessed.

CHAP. XXIII.

Sarah dying at a hundred and twenty years old, Abraham buys a burying place for her in Macpelah of the Sons of Heth.

CHAP. XXIV.

Abraham growing old, obliges his chief Ser­vant to take a Wife for Isaac from among his Kindred. The Servant goes to Nahor, Abra­ham's Brother. When he came to the City, to a Well where they used to draw water, he begs of God good success in his business, and that the Virgin who should treat him kindly, might be the Person design'd for his Masters Son. Pre­sently comes Rebecca out, by whom his sign was fulfilled: whereupon, being invited, he [Page 11] goes to her Father's House, tells his errand, and desires their Answer. They seeing Gods hand in it, could not gainsay it. Then he presents 'em all, especially Rebecca, and takes her away the next day. In the evening Isaac walking abroad to meditate, meets the Servant, and Rebecca with him, whom he brought into his Mother's Tent, and took her to be his Wife.

CHAP. XXV.

Abraham marries Keturah, and has many Children by her, to whom he gave Gifts. At length, being sevenscore and fifteen years old he dies, and was buried in Machpelah with Sa­rah. Rebeccah being barren about twenty years; Isaac prays for her, whereupon she conceived Twins, which strugled in her Womb. When they were born, the eldest was hairy, and there­upon called Esau; the younger took hold of his Brothers Heel, and so was called Jacob. Esau was a Hunter, and killed Venison for his Father, which drew his affection to him. Jacob was a plain Man. Jacob having made Pottage, Esau comes home from Hunting hungry and saint, and so sold his Birthright to Jacob for some of his Pottage.

CHAP. XXVI.

A Famine being in the Land, Isaac goes to Gerar among the Philistines; where God ap­pears to him, and makes him the same promises he had made to Abraham, of a numberless Seed, and those Countries. Here Isaac dasht against [Page 12] the same Rock his Father Abraham had done, calling his Wife his Sister: But at length Abime­lech observ'd some familiar carriage between 'em, whereby he discern'd she was his Wife; so none of the People offered to touch her. Here Isaac grows very rich, whereupon they made a League with him.

CHAP. XXVII.

Isaac being old and dim-sighted, sends Esau to get him some Venison, that he might bestow upon him his Patriarchal Blessing for it. Rebec­cah over-hearing, bids Jacob fetch a Kid from the Flock, which she would dress according to Isaac's Palate, and he should carry it to him, that he might get the Blessing; which he doth accordingly, and his Father blesses him. Im­mediately after comes Esau with his Venison. Isaac then discern'd the Fraud, and trembled exceedingly. Esau cries out bitterly for loss of the Blessing, and begs hard for one Blessing; which his Father bestows on him. Upon this Esau hated Jacob, and threatens his Death; which Rebeccah hearing of, sends him to her Brother Laban.

CHAP. XXVIII.

Before Jacob goes, Isaac blesses him again, and charges him to take a Wife of his Kindred, and not of the Canaanites. In this Journey he came to a place one night where he had a Dream and Vision of a Ladder reaching to Heaven, whereon the Angels passed up and [Page 13] down, and God at the top, who renews his pro­mise to him made formerly to his Fathers Abra­ham and Isaac, and promises to be with him wheresoever he went. This place Jacob calls Beth-el, and vows to take this God for his God, and to give the tenth of all his Substance to God.

CHAP. XXIX.

Jacob passes on and came to a Well, where he meets with Rachel; to whom he made himself known: She acquaints her Father Laban with it, who hired him to keep his Sheep seven years for his Daughter Rachel; so a Feast was kept a Week together to solemnize the Marriage; but at night Laban brings Leah to him instead of Rachel, which he discerning in the morning, expostulates with Laban about it; he excuses it, and desires him to keep her, and he'd give him Rachel too for seven years service more; which he agreed to; and another Weeks Feast was kept for her; and she was his best beloved, and was barren; but Leah bare him four Sons, Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah.

CHAP. XXX.

Rachel being impatient for Children, gives her Maid Bilhah to Jacob, by whom he has Dan and Nepthali. Then Leah likewise gives her Maid Zilpah to Jacob, by whom he has Gad and Asher. Leah hires the Company of her Husband Jacob of Rachel, with her Sons Man­drakes, and so has two Sons more, Issachar [Page 14] and Zebulon, and a Daughter Dinah. At last Dinah harkned to Rachel, and gave her a Son, Joseph. Then Jacob's fourteen years of service being expired, he makes a new Bargain with his Unkle Laban, that he'd have only the speck­led and spotted Lambs for his Wages; which beyond expectation and the course of Nature prov'd very advantageous to him by the Pro­vidence of God, and his Blessing on the Arts he us'd to make the Sheep bring forth speckled and spotted Lambs.

CHAP. XXXI.

Jacob being brow-beaten by Laban for the good success of his Bargain, and slandered by his Sons, upon warning from God departs pri­vately, and carries away all his Substance; and among other things, Rachel stole away her Fathers Images. Assoon as Laban had notice of his departure, he pursues after him with no good intent, and overtakes him; but being warned of God not to endeavour, either by fair means or foul, to bring him back again, he on­ly expostulates with him concerning his depart­ing so privately; and charges him with stealing his Gods. Jacob gives him leave to search for 'em, which he did, but in vain, Rachel having hidden 'em, and sat upon them. Hereupon Ja­cob chode with him, complaining of his hard dealing all the time of his Service; but at length they made a Covenant, and so parted.

CHAP. XXXII.

Jacob going on has a Vision of Angels at Ma­hanaim; sends a Message to his Brother Esau to give him notice of his coming: Esau comes out to meet him, which fills Jacob with fear; whereupon he prays to God for deliverance from him, and prepares a present to pacifie him. That Night the Angel of the Covenant, Christ, wrestles with him in humane Shape, and suffers himself to be prevailed over, and calls his Name Israel.

CHAP. XXXIII.

After this Jacob and Esau meet together, and great expressions of kindness pass between 'em: then Esau returns to his own Habitation, and Jacob comes to Shalem, and builds an Altar there.

CHAP. XXXIV.

Dinah gadding abroad was ravish'd by Se­chem; and afterwards upon agreement that all the men of his City should be circumcis'd, Di­nah was given to Sechem: but her Brethren, Simeon and Levi, on the third day after their Circumcision, when they were sore, came up­on 'em and slew all the Males, plundered the City, and took away their Sister Dinah.

CHAP. XXXV. ver. 1-20.

After this God sends Jacob to Beth-el, where he purges his Family from Idols, and builds an Altar. God appears again to him there, and renews the Name Israel to him, and his for­mer promises; whereupon he calls the Name of it Beth-el. As they journied from thence, Rebeccah falls in travail of Benjamin, and dies, and was buried there.

CHAP. XXXVI.

Esau's Offspring is recorded.

CHAP. XXXVII.

Joseph was feeding the Flock with his Bre­thren; but they hated and envied him for his Fathers love to him, and carried themselves un­kindly to him, which he acquainted his Father with. Then he dreamt two Dreams, of the Sheaves bowing down to his Sheaf, and the Sun, Moon, and eleven Stars making Obeysance to him, which he told to his Father and his Bre­thren. Afterwards his Father sends him to see how his Brethren did in Sechem. They seeing him acoming, conspir'd against him, stript him of his Coat of divers colours, and cast him into an empty pit; but seeing some Merchants travelling that way, they took him out and sold him to them, (who carried him into Egypt, and sold him to Potiphar, chief Officer in Pha­raoh's Court) and to disguise their wickedness they took his Coat, dipt it in Blood, and sent it [Page 17] to their Father, to make him believe that some wild Beast had torn him to pieces.

CHAP. XXXV. ver. 27-29.

After this Jacob goes to visit his Father Isaac, who died about that time, being ninescore years old.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

Judah took a Wife and had three Sons by her. The eldest he married to Tamar; but he being wicked, God slew him before he had a Child. Then Judah spake to his Second Son to marry her, and raise up Seed to his Brother; but he (tho' he married her, yet) to prevent her conceiving by him, spilt his Seed on the ground; for which God slew him also: Where­upon Judah being unwilling to bestow his third Son upon her, to put her off, perswades her to go to her Fathers till his third Son was fit for her. Afterwards Tamar seeing that that third Son was not given to her, and hearing that Ju­dah was going to his Sheep-shearers to Timnah, she sits in the way, veiled and disguised. Judah taking her for a Harlot, sollicits her Chastity: She yields, and takes his Staff, Signet and Brace­lets as a Pledg of the reward he promis'd her, and goes away with 'em. Afterwards being found to be with Child, her Father-in-law Ju­dah was acquainted with it; who thereupon sentences her to be burnt. But she producing the Staff, Seal and Bracelets, Judah acknowledges his Fault, and acquits her. When she fell in [Page 18] Travel, she brought forth Twins, the eldest of which was Pharez, who was one of Christs Ancestors.

CHAP. XXXIX.

Joseph being sold to Potiphar, and behaving himself with great prudence, was made Ruler over all his House; and being a goodly Person, his Mistress fell in love with him, and tempts him to lie with her; which he constantly refu­sing, at length watching a fit opportunity, she laies hold on him to force him to it: But he made a shift to get away, leaving his Upper Garment in her hands. Hereupon she accuses him to her Husband, that he had made an at­tempt upon her Chastity; which he believing, without more ado, cast him into Prison. But God inclin'd the Keepers Heart to shew him kindness, and he committed the Government of the Prisones, and management of all his Af­fairs to Joseph; and God prospered all that he did.

CHAP. XL.

During his Imprisoment two of the Kings chief Officers were committed to Prison, the chief Butler and the chief Baker. One night they dreamt each of them a Dream, which in the morning they told to Joseph, and he inter­preted them to 'em, and the event made it good.

CHAP. XLI.

After this the King himself dreamt a Dream of Seven Fat Kine, and seven Lean Ones, which eat up the Fat Ones: And another Dream of se­ven full Ears of Corn, and seven thin ones, which devour'd the seven full Ones. These Dreams he related in the Morning to the Magicians and Wise Men, but they could not understand the meaning of 'em. Then the chief Butler acquainted the King, how Joseph had expounded his Dream, and his Fellow's, to them. So Joseph was sent for, to whom the King relating his Dreams, he expounded them, and likewise gave him prudent advice thereupon. The King finding Joseph a Personage of such extraordinary Sa­gacity and Prudence, made him Ruler over his House, and over all the Land of Egypt, and gave him an honourable person to be his Wife. Hereupon Joseph travels all over the Land, and appoints Officers, and prepares Granaries, and in the seven years of plenty laid up vast quan­tities of Corn in the Store-cities. During this time he had two Sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Then came the years of Famine, and Joseph supplied both the Egyptians and Neighbour Countries with Corn.

CHAP. XLII.

Jacob hearing there was Corn in Egypt, sends all his Sons, but Benjamin, thither to buy Corn; who coming before Joseph, made a lowly O­beysance to him, (according to his Dream, ch. [Page 20] 37.5.) but they knew him not, tho he knew them. He question'd them about several things, spake roughly to 'em, charg'd 'em to be Spies, and imprison'd 'em three days; but at last lets 'em go, and sends 'em all away but one (whom he detained as an Hostage, till they brought their youngest Brother Benjamin) with their Sacks full of Corn, and their Mony in every Mans Sack. When they came to their Father, they relate all these passages to him, and empty­ing their Sacks, found every Mans Mony in his Sack; which they were concerned at, for fear of some design therein against 'em. But Jacob would not hear of letting Benjamin go.

CHAP. XLIII.

The Famine continuing, Jacob spake to 'em to fetch more Corn out of Egypt, and upon their importunity suffers 'em to take Benjamin along with 'em. They carry also a Present, and double Mony. When they came before Joseph, and he saw Benjamin with 'em, he caused 'em to be entertained at his House, and Simeon to be brought out to 'em; and when he came home, he treated 'em very courteously; espe­cially Benjamin,

CHAP. XLIV.

And commanded their Sacks to be filled again with Corn, and every Man's Mony put into his Sack, and his Drinking Cup to be put into Benjamin's Sack; so they departed. But presently Joseph sends his Steward after 'em to [Page 21] charge 'em with stealing his Cup, and makes search for it, and finds it in Benjamin's Sack. whereupon they all came back to Joseph's House, and Judah relates to him what passed between their Father and them concerning Ben­jamin's coming with 'em, and that if they should now return without him, it would cer­tainly break their Fathers Heart, and bring down his Grey Hairs, with Sorrow to the Grave.

CHAP. XLV.

Upon this affecting Discourse Joseph was so overcome with tenderness of affection, that he could refrain no longer, but makes himself known to them, saying, I am Joseph: Which struck 'em with such surprize and terror that they had not power to speak a word: But he encourages 'em, and ascribes all they had done to him to the Providence of God for their good; and bids 'em hasten to their Father to acquaint him that he was not only alive, but Lord of all Egypt, and therefore he should come down immediately, and he'd sustain him and his Family the five remaining years of the Famine: And then he embrac'd his Brother Benjamin, and kiss'd him, and accomodated them with Waggons and all necessaries for their Journey, and bids 'em not to fall out by the way. They being come to their Father, and relating these passages to him, he was ready to faint and swoon away with the Surprize, and could not believe 'em. But afterwards upon further Discourse and sight of the Waggons he [Page 22] was satisfied, saying, It is enough, Joseph my Son is yet alive; I'll go and see him before I die.

CHAP. XLVI.

Jacob having received this Message, removes towards Egypt with his whole Family. At Beersheba God appears to him, and encourages him to go into Egypt, promising to make him a great Nation, and to bring up him and his Poste­rity again out of that Land. Then Jacob sends Judah before him to Joseph, who comes to meet his Father, and instructs his Brethren what to say to Pharaoh, to encline him to grant 'em the Land of Goshen for their dwelling.

CHAP. XLVII.

Joseph presents his Father and some of his Brethren to Pharaoh; who questions 'em about their Occupation, and gives order to appoint 'em the best part of the Land, viz. Goshen, for their Abode: So he plac't them in Rameses, and provided for 'em; and likewise supplied all the Land of Egypt and Canaan with Corn, first for Mony, then for their Cattel, and lastly for their Bodies and Lands. After this Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and drawing towards his end, he sends for Joseph, and obliges him by Oath not to bury him in Egypt, but to carry him to Canaan, and bury him with his Fa­thers.

CHAP. XLVIII.

Jacob being sick, Joseph comes to visit him, and brings his two Sons with him, that they might receive their Grandfathers Blessing; which Jacob having notice of, sits up, and tells Joseph that his two Sons, Ephraim and Manasseh should be reckoned as his own, being Heads of distinct Tribes, as his other Sons were: Then laies his Right Hand upon Ephraim's head the young­er, and his Left upon Manasseh's the Elder; to shew that Ephraim, tho the Younger, should have the preheminence, and bestow his Patriarchal Blessing on them, and gives Joseph a parcel of Land in Canaan, (all that he had there) as his Heir.

CHAP. XLIX.

Afterwards he calls all his Sons together, and by the Spirit of Prophecy blesses them, and foretels their future Estate, and what should be­tide each Tribe particularly in their succeeding Generations: Then commands 'em to bury him with his Fathers, and so yields up the Ghost.

CHAP. L.

Then Joseph commands his Body to be em­balmed; which being dispatch'd, having crav'd leave of the King, he carries his Father's Body into Canaan, to his Sepulcher there, according to his appointment. The Funeral Solemnity be­ing over, Joseph's Brethren began to fear that [Page 24] he'd reckon with 'em for their misusage of him formerly: But he was so far from that, that he comforts and speaks kindly to 'em, and promises to nourish them and all theirs. After which Joseph and his Brethren lived long in Egypt; and when he was ready to die, he told them, that God would certainly visit them in mercy, and bring 'em out of Egypt into Canaan, and there­fore they should not bury his Body there, but carry it along with 'em whensoever they went out. So he died, being an hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and put him in a Coffin.

CHAP. I.

JOseph being dead, and the Children of Israel being multiplyed exceedingly, there arose a new King, who not regarding the eminent Service Joseph had done to that Crown, fearing their Strength, contrives several ways to keep 'em under; endeavouring first to wear 'em out with hard Labour, and rigorous Bondage; which not succeeding, he commands the Mid­wives to strangle all the Male Children in the Birth; but they not obeying this barbarous Edict, he next commands all his People to throw every Male Child they met with into the River.

CHAP. II.

During this Distress Moses was born, and con­cealed by his Parents; but when they could hide him no longer, they put him in an Ark of Bull­rushes, and laid him among the Flags by the River side, and set his Sister to watch the event. Pharaoh's Daughter coming that way, and spy­ing the Ark, sent for it, and found a Child [Page 26] therein: Then she sent the Childs Sister to fetch an Hebrew Nurse, who called the Child's Mo­ther; so she nurst it, and when he was grown up, brought him to Pharaoh's Daughter, who adopted him for her Son, called his Name Mo­ses, and trained him up in all the Wisdom and Learning of the Egyptians; whereby he was fitted (by God's singular Providence) for those great Services he was afterwards employed in. In this capacity he continued in Pharaoh's Court till he was forty years old; but then he forsook the Court, and joyned himself to his afflicted Brethren, resolving to afford 'em what help he could. So going among 'em one day, and seeing an Egyptian cruelly beating one of his Brethren, he slew the Egyptian; which being known to Pharaoh, he was fain to fly into the Land of Mi­dian, where he dwelt with a Priest of that Land, and married one of his Daughters, by whom he had a Son. Here he continued forty years, till that King of Egypt was dead: But still the Israelites were exceedingly opprest, which made 'em cry to God, and he took notice of it.

CHAP. III.

As Moses kept his Father-in-law's Flock by Ho­reb, he had a Vision of a Bush Burning, yet not consum'd; out of which God calls to him, and tells him he heard the Cry of the Israelites, and was come down to deliver them, and would send him to bring 'em forth: from which em­ployment Moses excuses himself, but God en­courages him. Moses asks his Name. God bids him say to the Israelites, I AM THAT I [Page 27] AM hath sent me to you; and bids him and the Elders of Israel go to Pharaoh to ask his leave to go into the Wilderness to offer Sacrifice, and Promises, tho Pharaoh did refuse, to bring 'em out by Power, and with much Wealth.

CHAP. IV.

Moses further excuses himself, and God en­courages him again by two Miracles; but still he is loath to venture, and frames new excuses, till God was angry with him; and to encou­rage him, joyns his Brother Aaron in Commissi­on with him to be his Spokesman to Pharaoh and the People: Hereupon Moses with his Fa­mily return into Egypt, and in an Inn by the way the Lord had like to have slain him for not circumcising his Child. In the Wilderness he meets with his Brother Aaron; and so they went and called together the Elders of the Peo­ple, and rehears'd these things to them, who re­joyc'd at it.

CHAP. V.

Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh to demand leave for the People to go to keep a Feast in the Wilderness to the Lord. Pharaoh proudly de­mands, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? and chides 'em for their message, and encreases the Peoples task; which when they complain of they are chidden, and get no redress: whereupon they cry out upon Moses and Aaron, and Moses complains to God.

CHAP. VI.

Then God encourages him, and renews his Promise by his Name Jehovah, assuring him that he'l bring the People out of Egypt, and bring 'em into Canaan: And this Moses re­lates to 'em; but they minded it not by reason of their oppression.

CHAP. VII.

Then God sent Moses and Aaron again unto Pharaoh, who requires a Sign whereby he might know that God sent 'em. Aaron throws down his Stick before Pharaoh, and it became a Serpent. The Magicians did also in like man­ner: So Pharaoh's Heart was hardned that he would not let 'em go. Then God sends Moses and Aaron again, and in case Pharaoh would not yet be perswaded, that they should smite the Waters with the Staff, and turn 'em to Blood: which accordingly they did; and the Magicians did the like. So that Pharaoh was hardned still.

CHAP. VIII.

God sends 'em again, and upon Pharaoh's re­fusal, sends Frogs all over the Land; and the Magicians did the like: But now Pharaoh seeks to Moses and Aaron to have the Frogs remov'd, and promises to let 'em go; but when the Frogs were taken away, he refuses still: Then God sends Lice upon Man and Beast; which the [Page 29] Magicians could not do, and so were convinc't that it was Gods work: yet Pharaoh stands out still. Then God sends Swarms of Flies which corrupted the Land. Pharaoh then would let 'em go, with some Limitations, and prays that this Judgment might be remov'd; which being done, he was hardned still.

CHAP. IX.

Next God sends a Murrain upon the Cattel, so that they died; next, Boils upon Man and Beast, so that the Magicians could not stand before Moses; next, Thunder, Lightning, and Hail, which destroyed all that was in the Fields, Herbs, Trees, Man and Beast. Then Pharaoh promises to let 'em go; but when the Storm ceas'd, he was the same still.

CHAP. X.

Next God sends the Locusts, which darkned the Sky with their multitude, and covered the Face of the Earth, and devoured all that the Hail had left: Whereupon Pharaoh capitulates with 'em again, but was still hardned. Then God sends Darkness which might be felt, and Pharaoh capitulates again, but was still hardned.

CHAP. XI.

During this Darkness, God bids all the Peo­ple borrow of their Neighbours Jewels of Gold and Silver, and foretels the Destruction of all their First-born.

CHAP. XII.

God now changes the beginning of the year, and instituted the Sacrament of the Passover, with the Blood whereof they were to mark the Posts of their Doors, that the destroying Angel might pass over them. Then at Midnight God smote all the First-born of Egypt, both of Man and Beast: whereupon Pharaoh and the Egyp­tians drove 'em out in haste; so they went out about six hundred thousand men, besides Chil­dren, at the end of four hundred and thirty years, in that very Night that the time ex­pir'd.

CHAP. XIII.

God commands the First-born to be sancti­fied, in memory of the preservation of their First-born when the Egyptians were destroyed; and seven days of unleavened Bread to be ob­served in memory of their coming out in hast, and eating unleavened Bread. Moses carries Jo­seph's Bones with 'em, as he had made 'em swear to do. God went afore 'em by a Pillar of a Cloud in the Day, and a Pillar of Fire in the Night.

CHAP. XIV.

When the Israelites were gone, Pharaoh and the Egyptians repent that they had let 'em go, and so pursue after 'em, and overtook 'em near the Red Sea: whereupon the Israelites [Page 31] were mighty fraid, and cried out to God, and he divided the Red Sea, so that they passed through it on dry ground. The Egyptians also went in after 'em; but when the Israelites were passed through, God caused the Waters to return upon the Egyptians, and drown'd 'em all.

CHAP. XV.

Upon which occasion Moses composes a Song, which the Israelites sang unto the Lord. When they were passed through the Sea, they came to a place in the Wilderness where the Waters were bitter, (called therefore Marah) whereat the People murmured; but Moses cast in a Bough of a Tree, and they became sweet.

CHAP. XVI.

The People murmur for want of Bread, and wish they had died in Egypt, where they had Bread enough; whereupon God gave 'em Manna, which fell on the six days, but not on the Sabbath. Then they murmured for Flesh; then God gave 'em Quails in such multitudes, that they covered the Camp. Then God com­manded 'em to fill an Homer with Manna to be kept before the Testimony, for a Memorial to succeeding Generations. This Manna continu­ed till they came to Canaan.

CHAP. XVII.

Then they came to another place where was no Water, which made 'em murmur again; [Page 32] but Moses, at the Commandment of the Lord, smote the Rock, and there issued out Water. Here Amalek came and sought with 'em; but Moses went and stood upon a Hill, and while he held up his hand Israel prevailed, but when he let it down Amalek prevailed.

CHAP. XVIII.

Jethro, Moses his Father-in-law, hearing that God had brought the Israelites out of Egypt, carries Moses's Wife and two Sons to him into the Wilderness, to whom Moses related all that God had done for 'em, which he rejoyced at, and they feasted together. Jethro seeing Moses tiring and wearing out himself with judg­ing the People from Morning till Night, advises him to make inferior Judges and Rulers for lesser matters, and reserve only the more weigh­ty for his own Determination; which God ap­proved of, and so was done accordingly.

CHAP. XIX.

In the third Month after their coming out of Egypt they came to the Wilderness of Sinai, to Mount Sinai. Here God spake unto Moses, and by his means made a Covenant with the People to become his peculiar People. Then God commanded him to sanctifie the People, and set Bounds to the Mount, that the People might not come to touch it. On the third day there were Thundrings and Lightnings, and the Mount all on Fire, and the Voice of the Trum­pet exceeding loud; then Moses brought forth the People to meet God.

CHAP. XX—XXIII.

And God spake with an audible Voice in the hearing of the People the Ten Commandments: whereupon the People desire that God might not speak any more to them, but that Moses might speak to them from God. So God by Moses gave 'em divers Judicial Laws for the better government of the Commonwealth.

CHAP. XXIV.

Moses acquaints the People with these Laws, and they promise Obedience to them; and so he made a Covenant before God and the People. Then Moses and the Elders went up into the Mount, and saw the Glory of God. But Mo­ses went up further into the Mount, and was there forty days and forty Nights.

CHAP. XXV.

God appoints what they should offer for the Tabernacle, prescribes the form of the Ark, and Mercy-seat with the Cherubims, of the golden Table, and golden Candlestick.

CHAP. XXVI.

God directs how to make the Tabernacle, and all things belonging to it, (Ch. 27.) and the Al­tar of Burnt offering, the Court of the Taber­nacle, and Oyl for the Lamps.

CHAP. XXVIII.

Aaron and his Sons are set apart for the [Page 34] Priests Office, and holy Garments are appointed 'em.

CHAP. XXIX.

God shews how the Priests should be conse­crated, appoints the daily Burnt-offering, and promises to dwell with 'em.

CHAP. XXX.

God directs the making of the Altar of In­cense; appoints what should be the ransom for their Souls; the brazen Laver, holy anoynting Oyl, and composition of the Perfume.

CHAP. XXXI.

God furnishes Bezaleel and Aholiab with Abilities to make all things belonging to the Tabernacle. He again strictly enjoyns the Sanctification of the Sabbath, and gave Moses the two Tables of the Law written with his own Finger.

CHAP. XXXII.

Moses staying so long in the Mount, the Peo­ple cause Aaron to make a golden Calf, which they worship as a Representation of the true God; wherewith God was so provok'd, that he treats with Moses about destroying them, and making him a great Nation: But Moses inter­cedes for 'em, and obtains their pardon. But when he came down near the Camp, and saw the Calf and the dancing, he cast the two Ta­bles of the Law out of his Hand and brake 'em, and burnt the Calf, and chode Aaron for making it, who excuses himself. Moses com­mands the Levites to slay the Idolaters, and in­tercedes [Page 35] for the People, and prays, that himself might be blotted out of Gods Book, rather than they should not be pardon'd.

CHAP. XXXIII.

God refuses to go with the People, but speaks of sending an Angel with 'em, whereat the People mourn; and the Tabernacle is removed out of the Camp; God talks familiarly with Moses in it, who desires God to shew him his Glory, and he promises to let him see his back parts.

CHAP. XXXIV.

God commands Moses to hew two Tables more of Stone, which he carried up into the Mount. Then God passed by before him and proclaimed his Name: Moses begs again for pardon and God's Presence to go with 'em: God makes a Covenant with 'em; writes the Ten Commandments in the two Tables. Then Moses came down from the Mount, and his Face shone, so that he was feign to put a Vail upon it.

CHAP. XXXV.

The Sabbath is again commanded, and Free­will Offerings for the Tabernacle, which the People chearfully offer. Then Moses sets Be­zaleel and Aholiab about the Work, which they perform in all the parts of it, and as to all things belonging to the Tabernacle, as was before directed, ch. 36, 37, 38. together with all the Holy Garments for Aaron and his Sons; all which Moses viewed and approv'd, ch. 39.

CHAP. XL.

On the first day of the first Month of the second year after they came out of Egypt was the Tabernacle rear'd, and all things put in order about it by Moses; which being done, the Glory of the Lord filled it, and a Cloud cover­ed it, so that Moses could not enter into it.

CHAP. I—IX.

THE Tabernacle, the place of solemn Wor­ship, being set up, God spake unto Moses out of it, and gave him directions concerning the several sorts of Sacrifices and Offerings upon several Occasions.

CHAP. X.

Nadab and Abihu offering strange Fire, were consumed by Fire from God; but Aaron their Father, and his Sons, are forbidden to mourn for 'em. They are also forbidden to drink when they were to Minister in the Tabernacle.

CHAP. XI.

God declares what kind of Food should be clean, and what unclean.

CHAP. XII.

He gives Rules concerning the Purification of Women after Child-birth, and

CHAP. XIII.

Rules for the Priests in judging of Leprosie, and how it is to be cleansed, and

CHAP. XIV.

Signs of Leprosie in a House.

CHAP. XV.

Concerning uncleanness by Issues.

CHAP. XVI.

Other Offerings are directed, and the Feast of Expiation.

CHAP. XVII.

Blood must not be eaten.

CHAP. XVIII.

Shews what are unlawful Marriages.

CHAP. XIX, XX.

A Repetition of sundry Laws.

CHAP. XXI, XXII.

Several Laws concerning Priests.

CHAP. XXIII.

Several Solemn Feasts prescribed.

CHAP. XXIV.

Some Ceremonial Laws, and concerning Blasphemy.

CHAP. XXV.

Concerning the Jubilee.

CHAP. XXVI.

Blessings of Obedience, and Curses of Dis­obedience.

CHAP. XXVII.

Laws concerning Vows, and things Dedi­cated, and Tithes.

CHAP. I.

THE people were numbred, (all but the Levites) and they were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty.

CHAP. II.

The order and method wherein the Tribes were to pitch their Tents.

CHAP. III.

The Levites are given to the Priests for the Service of the Tabernacle insted of the First-born, being almost equal in number, and the overplus of the First-born were to pay so much a Man for their Redemption.

CHAP. IV.

The several charges and offices of the Levites.

CHAP. V.

The Trial of Jealousie.

CHAP. VI.

Laws concerning the Nazarites. The Form of the Priests blessing the people.

CHAP. VII.

The Offerings of the Princes at the Dedicati­on of the Tabernacle and Altar.

CHAP. VIII.

Directions about lighting the Lamps, and Le­vites Consecration, and the time of their Service.

CHAP. IX.

The Passover was kept, and directions are [Page 39] given for those that could not keep it in its sea­son. The Cloud and Pillar of Fire guide the Is­raelites removings and encampings.

CHAP. X.

Silver Trumpets are commanded to be made, and their use shew'd. By direction of the Cloud they removed from Sinai to Paran.

CHAP. XI.

God kindles a Fire among the people for their complaining, which upon Moses's prayer was quench't. They despise Manna, and fall a lusting for Flesh; which Moses being disturbed at, begs of God to take away his Life: Where­upon God provides him Seventy Men for his Assistants, and promises to satisfie them with Flesh for a whole Month together, which Moses cannot tell how to believe: But God sent 'em Quails in abundance, but withal smote 'em with a very great Plague.

CHAP. XII.

Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, because of an Ethiopian Woman whom he had married; which God himself chides them for, and smites Miriam with Leprosie, but upon Moses's inter­cession she is healed.

CHAP. XIII.

Spies are sent to search the Land of Canaan, who brought a bunch of Grapes of such a pro­digious bigness that it was carried between two Men; but withal they give a discouraging ac­count of the Inhabitants, and so brought up an evil Report of the Land. Whereupon

CHAP. XIV.

The people murmured, and talkt of return­ing again to Egypt; but Caleb and Joshua la­boured to satisfie 'em, but the people mutiny against them: whereupon the Glory of God appeared in the Tabernacle, and God threatens to destroy 'em all with a Plague; but Moses intercedes for 'em, and prevails for pardon; but God resolves that those Murmurers shall never see the Land, but die in the Wilderness; and those that slandered the Land, died by the Plague: Whereupon some of them would needs go and fight with the Canaanites, and take possession of the Land, but Moses forbids 'em: yet they will go, and are worsted by the Ca­naanites.

CHAP. XV.

Divers Laws about Offerings. The Sacrifice for sins of Ignorance. The punishment of pre­sumption. A Man that was found gathering Sticks on the Sabbath-day was by God's Command ston'd to Death. Fringes to be worn on the borders of their Garments.

CHAP. XVI.

Corah, Dathan and Abiram with two hun­dred and fifty Nobles make a Mutiny against Moses and Aaron, because the other Tribes had not a share in the Priesthood as well as the Tribe of Levi; and because the other Families of the Tribe of Levi were not taken into the Priest­hood as well as the Family of Aaron. Where­upon Moses bids 'em bring their Censers with Incense in them to the Tabernacle, that it might [Page 41] appear whom God had chosen. When they came to the Tabernacle, God commanded Moses that the Congregation should separate them­selves from the Tents of those persons; then the Earth opened and swallowed 'em up; and also Fire came out from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty that offered Incense. The next day the people murmured against Moses and Aaron for killing the people of the Lord, and gathered together against them; but the Glory of God appeared upon the Tabernacle, and he smote them with a Plague, whereof there died fourteen thousand and seven hundred: Then Aaron made attonement for them, and so the Plague was staid. And

CHAP. XVII.

For a further confirmation that God had chosen the Tribe of Levi peculiarly for the Priesthood, he commanded that every Head of each Tribe should bring a Rod to be laid up in the Tabernacle before the Lord, and the Rod belonging to that Tribe which God did choose should blossom. On the morrow, when they brought out the Rods, the Rod of Aaron was budded, blossomed, and had Fruit on't; which Rod God commanded to be laid up before the Testimony for a Token of this Decision of the Case.

CHAP. XVIII.

Their Election to the Priesthood being thus sixt beyond all dispute, God gives them the charge of the Sanctuary and holy things, and [Page 42] assigns 'em their share of 'em, and appoints the place where they should be eaten.

CHAP. XIX.

The Water of Separation for the purification of the unclean.

CHAP. XX.

In the Wilderness of Zin Miriam dies. Here the People wanted Water, and there­upon murmur against Moses and Aaron. They pray God, and he bids Moses take the Rod and strike the Rock with it, and that should give Water. Moses accordingly took the Rod, and being in a passion, smote the Rock twice, saying, Hear now ye Rebels, must we fetch you water out of this Rock? whereat God was displeased, and tells them, They should not bring the people into the promised Land. Then Moses sent to the King of Edom to desire passage through his Country, but he denied it. At Mount Hor, Moses, at God's command, strips Aaron of his Garments, and put them on Ele­azar his Son; and then Aaron died there.

CHAP. XXI.

The people murmur for want of Bread and Water, and loath Manna; whereupon God sent poisonous Serpents among 'em, which bit 'em, whereof many died. Then the people acknowledge their Fault, and beg the removal of those Serpents. But God commanded Moses to make a Serpent of Brass, and set it upon a Pole, and every one that look'd upon't was heal­ed. The Israelites send Messengers to Sion for [Page 43] leave to pass through his Land; but he not only denied leave, but waged war against 'em; but they overcame him, and took all his Land, and dwelt in the Cities thereof. Then Og fought with 'em also, but they slew him and all his Posterity, and possessed his Land.

CHAP. XXII.

Balak King of Moab, seeing what they had done to the Amorites, was afraid, and sent to Ba­laam a Southsayer to come and curse 'em, that so he might prevail against 'em; but God for­bad him to go; so he sent the Messengers away. But Balak sent other Messengers with promises of great Rewards: Whereupon Balaam gaping after the Rewards, detains them that Night, to try if he could obtain leave to go with 'em; which God yields unto, only with this Caution, That he should say nothing but what God di­rected him. But God was angry with Balaam for going with a mischievous intent, and sent an Angel to stand in his way and hinder him. Balaam's Ass seeing the Angel, turn'd out of the way; then he went and stood in a narrow way between two Walls; whereupon the Ass, to shun the Angel, thrust her self to the Wall, and crush'd Balaam's foot: Then the Angel went to a narrow place, where he could not possibly pass by: Then the Ass fell down under Balaam, whereupon he smote the Ass with a Staff. Then the Lord opened the Asses mouth, and she argued the case with Balaam; after which God opened the eyes of Balaam also to see the Angel, who reproved him, both for his usage of the Ass, and for his Journey; yet [Page 44] bids him go on with the the former caution: So he came to Balak, who brought him to a place where he might see all the Camp of Is­rael.

CHAP. XXIII.

Balaam having appointed seven Altars to be built, offers Sacrifice on 'em, and waits for some word from God; who put a Word into his Mouth, and over-rul'd him to bless the peo­ple of Israel, which Balak was angry at; and takes him to another place, from whence he might see but part of 'em: There also he built Altars, and offered Sacrifices; and God put an­other Word into his Mouth, That he'd not re­pent of what he had said, but that they should be blessed, and he'd be with 'em, so that no En­chantment should take place against 'em, and that they should prevail over all their Enemies. Balak was very angry at this, but brought him to another place, to try whether he could get 'em cursed from thence.

CHAP. XXIV.

Sacrifices being offered as afore, Balaam see­ing his purpose cross'd hitherto, goes with a re­solution to curse 'em whatever came on't; but as soon as he beheld them, the Spirit of God came upon him, and over-rul'd him to foretel their flourishing Estate, multitude of People, advancement of the Nation, their Power, Strength and Victory over their Enemies, and concludes with a Blessing on those that blessed them, and a Curse on those that cursed them. Whereupon Balak in a great huff sends him [Page 45] away. But before his departure he prophesied farther of the Star of Jacob, that should smite all the Corners of Moab, and of his Conquest of several Nations; and so they parted.

CHAP. XXV.

While Israel continued thereabouts, the Peo­ple began to commit Whoredom with the Daughters of Moab, and to worship their Gods; whereupon God commanded the Ringleaders to be hanged up, and others were slain: And when Phineas saw one bring a Midianitish Wo­man into his Tent in the Face of the Congre­gation, he went and thrust them both thorow; whereupon the Plague was staid, whereof twen­ty four thousand died; and God promis'd him an everlasting Priesthood.

CHAP. XXVI.

The People are commanded to be numbred, and the Land to be divided according to the number of each Tribe.

CHAP. XXVII.

Zelophehad leaving behind him only Daugh­ters, they sue for an Inheritance, which was allowed them; and a general Law made, That Daughters should inherit. Moses is commanded to go to the top of a Mountain, to take a view of the Land, and so be gathered to his People: Whereupon he sues for a Successor; and Joshua is appointed, upon whom Eleazur the Priest laid his hand, and invested him in his Office.

CHAP. XXVIII, XXIX.

Laws concerning several sorts of Offerings. And Ch. 30. About Vows.

CHAP. XXXI.

The People are sent to fight against the Midi­anites, and they slew the Kings and all the Males, but saved the Women. They also slew Balaam among the rest. When they returned, Moses was angry for sparing the Women, because they had entic'd the Israelites to Whoredom and Idolatry, and commands 'em all to be slain, but the Vir­gins to be kept alive and purified. Then the Prey was divided between those that went to War, and those that stayed at home, and a Tribute was levied to the Lord out of each of their shares. The Officers of the Army, upon a muster, find that there was not one Man wan­ting, whereupon they offered a Free-will Offer­ing to God.

CHAP. XXXII.

The Reubenites and Gadites sue for their In­heritance on that side Jordan, for which Moses reproves them, as if thereby they discouraged their Brethren; but they promising to go over along with their Brethren, and not to return till they had conquer'd the Land, Moses accepts of the Offer, and so assigns 'em the Kingdom of Sihon, and of Og; so they repaired the Cities, and possessed them.

CHAP. XXXIII.

The several Journies of the Israelites in the Wilderness.

CHAP. XXXIV.

A Terrier of the Land of Canaan, describing it by its borderings on every side. The Names of the Persons appointed to divide it.

CHAP. XXXV.

Forty eight Cities with their Suburbs were to be assigned to the Levites; whereof six were to be Cities of Refuge; and Laws are given to di­rect who should be received into those Cities, and who should be accounted guilty of wilful Mur­der; and that no satisfaction should be taken for such a one.

CHAP. XXXVI.

The Daughters of Zelophehad being Heiresses, are appointed to marry within their own Tribe, to prevent alienating the Possessions of one Tribe to another; whereupon they married to their Cosin-Germans.

CHAP. XXXI.

God foreseeing that the Israelites would [Page 48] break his Covenant, and commit Idolatry, and so provoke him to inflict many Evils upon 'em, commands Moses to write a Song to be taught their Children from Age to Age, which should be a Witness for him against them. Which he did, chap. 32. Then

CHAP. XXXIII.

He blesses the Tribes, and

CHAP. XXXIV.

Afterwards goes up to the top of Pisgah, from whence God shew'd him all the Land of Canaan, and then he dies, being an hundred and twenty years old; and God buried him in a place that no man knew of. His Successor was Joshua the Son of Nun.

CHAP. I.

AFter Moses's Death, God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites over Jordan into Canaan, promising to be with him, and never to fail him nor forsake him. According he prepares for their passage, and puts the two Tribes and half in mind of their promise; which they own, and promise Obedience to him, as they had done to Moses.

CHAP. II.

Joshua sends two Men to spy Jericho, who came to a Harlots House, and lodged there; [Page 49] which being known to the King, he sends to Rahab to produce 'em; but she hid 'em, and made an excuse, that they were gone. Before they went away, she treats with 'em about spa­ring her self, and Family and Relations, when God should deliver the Land into their hands. Which they consent unto, upon condition she conceal'd the Agreement, and tied the Scarlet Thread, by which they were to be let down, to her Window. So she let 'em down thro' the Window, and they escap'd, and came to Joshua.

CHAP. III.

Joshua removes the Camp to Jordan, and commands the Priests to take up the Ark, and go before the People; and as soon as the Priests Feet touch'd the Waters of Jordan, they were divided, and so the Priests and all the People pass'd thro' Jordan on dry ground.

CHAP. IV.

The People being pass'd over, but the Priests with the Ark standing still in the Chanel, God commands Joshua to appoint twelve Men to take twelve Stones out of the midst of Jordan, and set 'em on the other side, for a memorial of this Miracle. And likewise he set up twelve Stones in the midst of Jordan. All this while the Priests with the Ark stood in the Chanel: But when all was done, and they were come away, presently the Waters return'd to their place, as before.

CHAP. V.

When the report of this miraculous appear­ing of God for his People, was heard among the Canaanites, they were struck with such terror, that they had no Spirit left in 'em. As soon as the People were pass'd over Jordan, God com­mands all the Males born in the Wilderness to be circumcised, (because they had not been cir­cumcised by the way.) Then they kept the Passover, and the morrow after did eat of the old Corn of the Land of Canaan, and the Manna ceas'd. God appears to Joshua with a drawn Sword in his hand, as being come to his assi­stance.

CHAP. VI.

God commands Joshua, that seven Priests with Trumpets of Rams Horns going before the Ark, and attended with the Militia before and behind them, should go round about Jeri­cho once every day for seven days together, and on the seventh day should compass it about seven times, and at the seventh time should shout; which being done, the Wall fell down flat, so that every man went into the City strait before him, and utterly destroyed all that was in it, both Man and Beast, (it being devoted) only Rahab and her Family was sav'd alive, and all that she had, and the Gold and Silver they put into the Treasury of the Lord. And Joshua laid a Curse upon whomsoever should ever after build that City again.

CHAP. VII.

But one of the Israelites converted some of the [Page 51] Spoils thereof to his own use (all which should either have been destroyed, or dedicated to God) whereupon when some of the People were sent against Ai, they fled before the Men of Ai, and about thirty six were slain. Joshua was much surpriz'd at this Discomfiture, and expostulates with God about it; who tells him, It was be­cause some body had taken of the accursed thing, and converted it to his own use, which must be discovered and punish'd; and therefore they should all appear before the Lord, and cast Lots; and the person that was taken by lot should be burnt with Fire, he and all that he had. Which being done, Achan was taken; who thereupon confess'd that he took a goodly Babylonish Garment, two hundred Shekels of Sil­ver, and a Wedg of Gold, and hid 'em in his Tent: So Joshua sent Messengers and fetcht 'em, and took them, and him, and his Chil­dren, and all that he had, and burnt 'em with Fire; and then the Lords Anger was appeas'd.

CHAP. VIII.

God encourages Joshua, and promises to de­liver Ai into his Hands, and gives him the prey of it for themselves; only directs him to lay an Ambushment behind the City, which was done; and so the City was taken, sackt and burnt, the King hang'd; but they took the prey for them­selves. Then Joshua built an Altar on Mount Ebal, and wrote the Law upon it; and half of the People stood upon Mount Ebai, and half on Mount Gerizim, and read the Blessings and Curses of the Law, as was commanded by Moses.

CHAP. IX.

The Gibeonites hearing of the taking of Jeri­cho and Ai, sent Messengers with mouldy Bread and clouted Shoes, pretending that they came from a far Country, and desired to make a League with the Israelites; which they accep­ted of, without asking Counsel of God; and so clapt up a League with 'em. But soon after they understood they were their Neigh­bours: But the Princes having sworn to 'em the People let 'em alone; only, as a punishment for their Fraud, they made 'em Hewers of Wood, and Drawers of Water for the House of God.

CHAP. X.

Some of the Kings of the Canaanites hearing what Gibeon had done, combin'd together to smite it; whereupon they sent to Joshua for help, who came suddenly upon the Kings, and slew 'em with a great slaughter. The Lord also cast down great Hail-stones upon 'em, which slew many more than had been slain with the Sword. And that the Victory might be com­pleat, Joshua commanded the Sun to stand still over Gibeon, which it did for about a whole day. But the five Kings fled and hid themselves in a Cave, which Joshua being told of, he sent for 'em, and made the great Officers set their Feet upon their Necks, in token that they should deal so by all their Enemies. Then he com­manded 'em to be hang'd till the Evening. Af­terwards he took several other Towns, with the Kings thereof, and then returned to the Camp to Gilgal.

CHAP. XI.

Divers other Kings joyning together to fight against Israel, God delivers 'em into their hands, and they smote 'em till they left none remain­ing: They also took their Cities, and slew the Inhabitants, but took the Spoil for themselves.

CHAP. XII.

A Rehearsal of the Kings that Moses took on the other side Jordan, and of the thirty one Kings that Joshua took on this side Jordan.

CHAP. XIII.

Tho much of the Land was yet unconquer'd, yet God bids Joshua divide it all among the Nine Tribes and an half.

CHAP. XIV.

Caleb challenges a certain share in the Land by the promise of Moses, which Joshua allowed, and gave him Hebron for his Inheritance.

CHAP. XV.

The Borders of the lot of Judah are set down, among which was the Inheritance of Ca­leb, who promis'd his Daughter Acsah to whom­soever should take Kinjath-sepher: This Othniel perform'd, and obtain'd her for his Wife: She beg'd of her Father some Land that had Springs in it; so he gave her the upper Springs and the nether Springs. The Children of Judah could not wholly drive the Jebusites out of Jerusalem.

CHAP. XVI.

The Borders of the Lot of the Children of Joseph, viz. Ephraim, and (ch. 27.) Manasseh.

CHAP. XVIII.

The Tabernacle is set up at Shiloh; and there being seven Tribes that had not yet re­ceived their Inheritance, certain Persons are ap­pointed to describe the remaining part of the Land into seven parts, for which they cast Lots before the Lord in Shiloh for Benjamin; and (ch. 19.) for Simeon, Zebulon, Issachar, Asher, Nepthali and Dan. Then they allotted an In­heritance to Joshua.

CHAP. XX.

Six Cities of Refuge are set out.

CHAP. XXI.

Forty eight Cities are given by Lot to the Levites. So they possess'd all the Land that God promis'd 'em, and had rest.

CHAP. XXII.

Then Joshua call'd the two Tribes and an half, and blessed them, and sent them away, and they went homewards; but when they came to the Borders of Jordan in Canaan, they built there a great Altar, which when the other Tribes heard of, they gathered together to make war with 'em; but first sent Phineas and ten Princes to 'em to expostulate with 'em, as if they intended thereby to apostatize from God. But the two Tribes and half replied, That the design of that Altar was not for Sacrifice or Offerings, but for a witness between 'em, That [Page 55] tho they dwelt without Jordan, yet they were of the same People, and worship'd the same God with the Israelites on the inner side Jordan. Which when Phineas and the Princes related to the Congregation, they were very well pleas'd, and called the Altar Ed, i. e. Witness.

CHAP. XXIII.

Joshua being old, calls for the Rulers of the People, and exhorts 'em to obedience, as they desire God should continue with 'em; and that as God had fulfilled his Promises to a tittle to them, so if they should depart from him, and serve other Gods, then he'd bring all sorts of Evils upon [...]em, and they should be rooted out of the Land.

CHAP. XXIV.

He further gives 'em a brief Narrative of God's signal Providence and singular Bene­fits to them and their Fathers, from his first calling of Abraham to the present time, and thereupon earnestly exhorts 'em to fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth; de­claring his own fixt resolution, That both him­self and his Family would serve the Lord, which the People likewise engage themselves to do. So Joshua made a Covenant between God and the People that day, and wrote it in the Book of the Law, and set up a great Stone in testimony thereof. After which he died, being an hun­dred and ten years old; and Eleazar died also; and Joseph's Bones were buried in Shechem, ac­cording to his commandment.

CHAP. I.

AFter Joshua's Death the Tribes of Judah and Simeon make War with some of the Cannanites, and flew ten thousand in Bezek, and took their King Adonibe [...]ek, and cut off his Thumbs and great T [...]; which he acknow­ledges as a just requital from God for having served seventy Kings in that manner. After­wards they fought against others of the Ca­naanites, and slew three Giants at Hebron, and took several places, because God was with 'em. The Children of Joseph also took Luz, or Bethel, and slew all the Inhabitants, except one Man and his Family, that shew'd him the entrance into the City. But yet many of the old Inhabi­tants remained still among the Tribes of Ephra­im, Manasseh, Asher and Nepthali, whom they could not drive out.

CHAP. II.

An Angel reproves the Israelites for making Leagues with the People of the Land, and spa­ring their Altars, and thereupon threatens not to drive 'em out. Then the People lift up their Voice and wept; so the place was called Bochim. [Page 57] Afterwards they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth; then God delivered them into the hands of Spoilers, and they were greatly distrest; but upon their Repentance God rais'd up Judges, who deliver'd 'em; yet they soon returned to Idolatry again: And thus they did time after time; therefore God left many of the Canaanites among 'em. And

CHAP. III.

The Children of Israel dwelt among 'em, and made Marriages with 'em, and served their Gods. Then God delivered them into the hand of Cushan [...]ishathaim Eight Years: But when they cried to the Lord, he raised up Othniel, who prevail'd against Cushan Rishathaim; so the Land had rest Forty Years. Then they did evil again, and the Lord strengthned the hand of Eglon King of Moab, who smote 'em, and rul'd over 'em eighteen years; but when they cried to the Lord, he raised up Ehud, who be­ing sent with a Present to Eglon, smote him with a Dagger, and slew him, and afterwards raised an Army, and slew about ten thousand Moabites; whereupon the Land had rest eighty years. And after him was Shamgar, who slew six hundred Philistins with an Ox Goud, and delivered Israel.

CHAP. IV.

Then they did evil again, and God sold 'em into the hand of Jabin, whose Captain was Si­sera; and he oppress'd 'em twenty years; and they cried to the Lord. Now Deborah a Pro­phetess [Page 58] judged Israel at that time, and she called Barak, and sent him against Sisera; but he would not go, except she went with him: So they went together, and ten thousand Men with 'em; and Sisera came with nine hundred Cha­rets of Iron, and a great Host. But the Lord discomfited them before Barak, who slew 'em, that there was not a Man left; only Sisera esca­ped on his Feet, and fled to the Tent of Heber the Kenite, and Jael his Wife invited him into her House, and gave him Milk to drink, and covered him: Then he fell asleep, and Jael took a Nail and drove it into his Temples, and he died: And as Barak pursued him, she called him in to see Sisera. So God subdued Jabin.

CHAP. V.

Upon this Victory Deborah composes a Song, which she and Barak sang; wherein they com­mend Jael's Fact, and pronounce her blessed for it; whereby it appears she had a special Warrant from God for it.

CHAP. VI.

The Children of Israel did evil again, and the Lord delivered 'em into the hand of Midian, who opprest 'em seven years. Then they cried to the Lord, and he sent a Prophet to 'em, who upbraids 'em for their Idolatry and other Sins; and God appeared to Gideon, and sent him to deliver 'em. Gideon desires a Sign: The An­gel makes Fire to rise out of the Rock, and con­sume the Flesh and Cakes that Gideon had brought to him, and then departed out of his [Page 59] sight. Then Gideon built an Altar there. That Night God appeared again to him, and com­mands him to throw down the Altar of Baal, and cut down the Grove, and build an Altar to God; which he did. In the morning when the Citizens saw what was done, they made en­quiry about it, and understanding it was Gui­deon, they would have had him put to death: But his Father defends the Fact, and calls him Jerubbaal. Then when the Midianites and Ama­lekites brought a great Army, Gideon also rais'd an Army, and desired a Sign from God of his good Success, That his Fleece might be wet with dew, when the rest of the Earth was dry; and afterwards, That it might be dry when the rest was wet; both which came to pass accord­ingly.

CHAP. VII.

Gideon having an Army of thirty two thou­sand, God would not make use of 'em, lest they should think their own Power sav'd 'em, and therefore appoints him to dismiss 'em all but three hundred. That Night Gideon went down to the outside of the Camp of the Midianites and Amalekites, who were like Grashoppers for multitude; there he over-heard one telling a Dream to his Fellow, of a Barly Cake tumbling into the Host of Midian and overturning a Tent, that it lay along. To whom his Fellow replied, This is nothing else save the Sword of Gideon, into whose hand God has delivered the Host of Midian. Hereupon he took the three hundred Men, and divided 'em into three Companies, and gave unto every one of 'em a Trumpet in [Page 60] one hand, and an empty Pitcher with a Lamp in it, in the other, and bad 'em, when they came to the out-side of the Enemies Camp, to do as he did, saying, The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon. So when they came to the out-side of the Camp, they blew their Trumpets, and brake their Pitchers, and stood round the Camp, and all the Host ran and fled, and slew one ano­ther. And they took two Princes of the Midi­anites, Oreb and Zeeb, and slew them, and brought their Heads to Gideon, who pursued af­ter the rest.

CHAP. VIII.

Then the Ephraimites quarrel'd with Gideon, because he did not call them to the Battel; but with mild words he pacify'd 'em, and still pro­ceeded in the pursuit of the Midianites, and came to Succoth, and to Penuel, who refus'd to relieve him. Then he took the Kings of Midian, Zeba and Zalmunna, and came back to Succoth, and took seventy seven of the Magistrates, and taught 'em with Briers and Thorns of the Wil­derness, and rased the Tower, and slew the Ci­tizens. He slew also Zeba and Zalmunna. Here­upon the Israelites offer him the Kingship for himself and his Posterity; but he refus'd it, be­cause God was their cheif Ruler. After this Gideon desir'd the People to give him their gold­en Ear-rings which they took from the Midia­nites; wherewith he made an Ephod, and put it in the City of Ophrah, and all Israel went thither a whoring after it, whereby it became a Snare to him and his House. Gideon had seventy [Page 61] Sons by several Wives, and one by a Concu­bine, whom he called Abionilech. After Gideon's Death the People made Baal-berith their God, and did not shew kindness to the House of Gi­deon for all his kindness to them.

CHAP. IX.

Abimelech, by the Assistance of his Mothers Friends, inveigles the Men of Shechem to choose him King, which they did, and furnish'd him with Mony, wherewith he hired vain and light Persons, and went to Ophrah, and slew his se­venty Brethren, all but Jotham the youngest, who hid himself and escap't. Then the Men of Shechem install'd him King. But Jotham by a Parable of the Trees choosing a King, rebukes 'em, and foretells their ruine, and that they should be the cause of one anothers destruction. After which God sent a Spirit of Dissention between Abimelech and the Men of Shechem, who dealt treacherously with him, and set Liers in wait for him, and entertain'd Gaal, who sent a Challenge to Abimelech to come and fight with him. But Zebul the Governour of the City under Abimelech gave him notice that he should come and lie in wait for Gaal, and set upon the City; which accordingly he did, and prevailed against Gaal, and took the City, and demolish'd it, and slew the Inhabitants; but many of 'em retired into the Idol-Temple, which Abimelech set on fire, and burnt 'em all. Then he came to Thebez and took it; only there was a strong Tower whether the People fled for safe­ty; but Abimelech had like to have set that on [Page 62] fire also; but a certain Woman threw a piece of a Milstone upon his Head, and so slew him. Then they all went to their own Houses. And thus God brought the Curse of Jotham upon 'em.

CHAP. X.

After Abimelech arose Tola, who judged Israel twenty three years. After him arose Jair, who judged Israel twenty two years. Then they did evil again, and served other Gods, and he de­liver'd 'em into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites, and they were sore distressed. Then they cried unto the Lord, and acknowledged their sin: But God bids 'em seek to the Gods whom they had chosen, for he'd deliver 'em no more. Then they put away their strange Gods, and served the Lord, and gathered together to fight against Ammon. But,

CHAP. XI.

Wanting a General, the Elders of Gilead chose Jephthah, promising if he conquered the Ammonites, to make him their Head: Then Jephthah sent Messengers to the King of Ammon to know the reason of his Invasion of them. Who answer'd, It was because they had taken away his Land when they came out of Egypt. But Jephthah replied, That they medled not with his Land, but took only the Land of Sihon, who came out to fight with 'em; therefore the King of Ammon did 'em wrong to war against 'em. But he harkned not to 'em. Then Jephthah vow'd, That if God would deliver 'em into his hands, whatsoever came first out of his Doors to meet him should be the Lords, [Page 63] and he'd offer it for a Burnt-offering. So Jeph­thah fought with 'em, and obtain'd a great Vi­ctory over 'em. After which, as he returned to his House, his Daughter came out to meet him with Timbrels and Dances, and she was his only Child. Jephthah seeing her, rent his Clothes, and told her his Vow. But she was very well satisfy'd, since God had delivered his Enemies into his hands. So she went with her Companions two Months into the Mountains to bewail her Virginity. After which her Fa­ther did with her according to his Vow.

CHAP. XII.

The Ephraimites quarrel with Jephthah for not calling them to the War, and raise War against him. But he overcame 'em, and dis­covering many of 'em by their pronunciation, that they could not say Shibboleth, he put 'em to Death; and so at that time there fell forty two thousand of them. Then Jephthah died, ha­ving judged Israel six years. After him Ibzan judged Israel seven years. After him Elon judg­ed Israel ten years. After him Abdon judged Israel eight years.

CHAP. XIII.

The Israelites did evil again, and God de­liver'd 'em into the hands of the Philistines. Then an Angel appeared to Manoah's Wife, and told her, she should bear a Son that should be a Nazarite, and he should begin to deliver Israel. She relates this to her Husband, who prays, that the Angel might come again to sa­tisfie 'em further about the Child: So the Angel [Page 64] appear'd to her again, and she call'd her Hus­band, who enquires of him how the Child was to be order'd, asks his Name, and offered an Offering to the Lord, in the flame whereof the Angel ascends; whereby Manoah knew he was an Angel. So the Woman bore a Son, and called his Name Samson, and the Lord blessed him.

CHAP. XIV.

Then Samson went down to Timnah, and saw one of the Daughters of the Philistines, and desir'd his Father to get her for him to Wife: This was of the Lord, that he might find an oc­casion against the Philistines. As he and his Father and Mother went to Timnah, he slew a Lion: then they went down, and he talkt with the Woman, and she pleas'd him well. Another time as he went to her, looking at the Carkas [...] of the Lion, he found a Swarm of Bees in it and Honey, and he took some of the Combs and gave to his Father and Mother: So they went down to solemnize the Wedding for seven days The Philistines provided thirty Companions to be with him, to whom he propounded a Riddle which if they could expound within the seven days of the Feast, he was to give them thirty Change of Raiment; but if they could not, they were to give him so many. The Riddle was this, Out of the eater came forth meat, an [...] out of the strong came forth sweetness. But they could not find it out. Then they employed hi [...] Wife to pick it out of him; who at last pre­vail'd by her importunity, and on the seventh day he told it her, and she told it to the Bride­men. So before Sun set they resolved hi [...] [Page 65] Riddle, saying, What is sweeter than Hony, and what is stronger than a Lion? And he said, If you had not plowed with my Heifer, you had not found out my Riddle. So he went among the Philistines, and slew thirty of 'em, and gave thirty change of Garments to the Bridemen. And he went away to his own Fathers House displeased; whereupon his Wife was given to one of the Bridemen.

CHAP. XV.

Samson went to visit his Wife, but was re­pulsed by her Father; whereupon he caught three hundred Foxes, and tied 'em tail to tail, with Firebrands between 'em, and put 'em into the Philistines Corn, and burnt it all up, and thei [...] Vines and Olives; which the Philistines understanding the Reason of, came and burnt her and her Father. Then he took that occasi­on also, and smote 'em with a great Slaughter: Whereupon the Philistines came to take him, and the Men of Judah bound him with two new Cords, and deliver'd him to them. But he brake the Cords, and with the Jaw-bone of an Ass slew a thousand of them. After which he was exceeding thirsty, and call'd upon God, who made the Water spring out of the ground for him, wherewith be was reviv'd.

CHAP. XVI.

Then he went to Gaza to an Harlot's House, and the men of the City watcht for him all night to have slain him. But at Midnight he took the Gates of the City and carried 'em away upon his Shoulders. Afterwards he fell in love with [Page 66] Delilah, to whom the Lords of the Philistines promis'd a great Reward, if she could prevail with him to discover wherein his great Strength lay; who after he had deluded her several times, at length told her how that he was a Nazarite, and had never been shorn; but if his Hair was cut, his strength would depart from him. Then she made him sleep in her Lap, and cut off his Hair, and call'd for the Philistines, who took him and put out his Eyes, and brought him to Gaza, and put him in Prison there. But on a Festival day they call'd for him to make 'em sport: But he laying his Hands upon the Pillars that sup­ported the House, and calling upon God for Strength, pull'd down the House upon 'em, and thereby slew more than he had done in all his Life-time.

CHAP. XVII.

Micah a Man of Ephraim had an House of Idols, and an Ephod and Teraphim, and made one of his Sons his Priest. But a Levite coming thither to seek employment, he hired him to be his Priest.

CHAP. XVIII

The Tribe of Dan seeking to gain part of their Inheritance, which they had never yet been possess'd of, sent some Men to make a Dis­covery of the Land, who in their Journey lodg­ed at Micah's House, and found the Levite there, who was of their acquaintance, whom they de­sir'd to enquire of God concerning the Success of their Journey. He returns an Answer of en­couragement to 'em. So they went to Laish, and found the People there very secure. So [Page 67] they acquainted their Brethren with it, and six hundred of 'em set forward upon this expediti­on, and came to Micah's House, and stole away his Gods, and perswaded the Priest to go along with 'em. But Micah pursued 'em with a great Outcry for his Gods; but they answered him roughly, so that he was feign to be gone. Then they came to Laish, and smote it, and burnt it, and built another City which they called Dan, and set up Micah's Graven Image there, where it remained till the Captivity of the Land.

CHAP. XIX.

In those days a certain Levite took a Wife, who plaid the Whore, and return'd to her Fa­ther's House: But her Husband follow'd her thither to bring her again; and her Father en­tertain'd him kindly. At last they went away and came to Gibeah, and an old Man invited 'em into his House; but the Men of the City beset the House, and would have the Levite brought out to abuse him: But he brought out his Concubine to them, and they abused her all Night, and in the Morning she came and fell down dead at the old Man's Door. Then her Lord carried her home, and divided her into twelve parts, and sent to every Tribe a part of her; and they were all mightily concerned at it.

CHAP. XX.

Then all the Congregation assembled at Miz­peh, resolving before they departed to inflict exemplary punishment to the Men of Gibeah; and accordingly sent to the Tribe of Benjamin [Page 68] to deliver up the Offenders to be put to death. But they refus'd to deliver 'em up, and muster'd up all their Forces to fight with Israel. Then the Tribe of Judah, by God's appointment, went first to fight against Gibeah. But the Men of Benjamin slew of 'em two and twenty thou­sand: Whereupon the Men of Israel wept be­fore the Lord, and sought further direction from him. Then he commanded 'em to go up again against Benjamin; but they slew eighteen thou­sand more. Then all the People of Israel hum­bled themselves greatly with fasting and weep­ing, and enquired farther of God; who bad 'em go up, and on the morrow he'd deliver the Benjamites into their hand. Then they set Ambushments, and went up again against Ben­jamin; and when the Benjamites came out a­gainst 'em, they made as if they fled, and so drew the Benjamites from the City. Then the Ambush rose up, and entred into the City, and set it on fire; which when the Benjamites saw, they were amazed, and fled, and the Israelites slew twenty five thousand of them, and burnt their Cities: Only six hundred Men escap'd, and hid themselves in a Rock four Months.

CHAP. XXI.

Afterwards when the People consider'd what was done, and that there was a Tribe cut off, they repented, and consulted how they might repair that loss: Wherefore they sent and slew all the Men and Women of Jabish Gilead, because they had not come to their assistance against Ben­jamin; only they saved all the Virgins alive, which were four hundred. Then they sent [Page 69] and called for the six hundred Benjamites that had hid themselves, and gave 'em these Virgins for Wives. But still two hundred wanted Wives: Therefore they permit 'em to go to Shiloh, where was a Feast kept, at which the Virgins used to come out to dance and make merry, and to catch 'em Wives of these Virgins; which ac­cordingly they did, and so all departed home.

CHAP. I.

IN the days of the Judges there was a Famine in the Land of Judah, whereupon Elimelech with his Wife Naomi and two Sons, went to sojourn in the Land of Moab; where the Man died, and his two Sons took 'em Wives, Orpah and Ruth; but the two Sons died childless. Then the Famine being remov'd, Naomi re­turn'd to her own Country with her two Daughters-in-law, and came to Bethlehem.

CHAP. II.

Now there was in that City a rich Man called Boaz, of the Kindred of Elimelech, into whose Field Ruth hapned to go a gleaning: So Boaz finding her there, enquired who she was; and understanding that she was Naomi's Daughter-in-law, he spake kindly to her, and gave order to his Servants to treat her civilly: So she glean'd [...]here till the end of Harvest.

CHAP. III.

Naomi considering Boaz's relation to her Hus­band, and his kindness to Ruth, advises her to go at Night and lie down by Boaz in the thresh­ing-floor, which she did, and in the Night perceiving some body there, and asking who it was, she makes a motion to him to take her to be his Wife, being a near Kinsman. This he takes very kindly from her, and in the morning sends her away with a good deal of Corn afore it was light.

CHAP. IV.

The next day Boaz goes to the Court or Com­mon-Hall, and propounds to a neerer Kinsman of Elimelech's the marrying of Ruth, which he refusing, Boaz takes her to be his Wife, by whom he had Obed the Father of Jesse, the Fa­ther of David.

CHAP. I.

A Certain Levite called Elkanah had two Wives, Hannah and Peninnah; the lat­ter had Children, but the former was barren. He going yearly to worship and to Sacrifice of Shiloh, gave to Peninnah and her Children Por­tions, but to Hannah his best beloved, he gave a worthy Portion; but she being reproacht by [Page 71] Peninnah for her Barrenness, was griev'd, and did not eat, but went to the Temple and pray'd and wept sore, and vow'd, That if God would give her a Son, she would dedicate him to the Lord, and he should be a Nazarite. Eli the High Priest, observing her Lips to move, but not hearing her Words, thought she had been drunk, and reproves her for it; to whom she replied, That she was only pouring out her Soul before the Lord; then Eli blessed her. So she went away and was no more sad. When she came home she conceived and bare a Son, and called his Name Samuel; and when she had wean'd him, she brought him to the House of the Lord in Shiloh, and told Eli that was the Child for which she prayed, whom now she devoted to God's Service as long as he liv'd. And

CHAP. II.

Indited a Song of Praise in token of her thank­fulness for this mercy. After this she had seve­ral other Children. Now the Sons of Eli were very profane Persons; for they forc'd the Peo­ple to give 'em what parts of the Sacrifices they pleased, and more than the Law requir'd; so that Men abhor'd the Offerings of the Lord; and also lay with the Women that came to worship at the Tabernacle; and yet for these prodigious Lewdnesses their Father reprov'd 'em but very gently and tenderly; and therefore God sent a Prophet to him, to threaten him with heavy Judgments upon his Family, and the High Priesthood should be translated to another.

CHAP. III.

All this while Samuel ministred to the Lord, and one Night God called to Samuel, and re­vealed to him his purpose of laying aside Eli's House from being High Priests, and reducing them to a mean condition, because his Sons made themselves vile, and he restrained 'em not. In the morning Eli askt him what God had said to him, and charg'd him to conceal nothing from him: So Samuel told him all; whereupon he uttered this submissive Speech, It is the Lord, let him do what seems him good.

CHAP. IV.

At that time there was War between the Is­raelites and the Philistines, and the Philistines prevail'd, and slew about four thousand Israelites. Then the Israelites fetcht the Ark into the Camp to save 'em from the Philistines, and the two Sons of Eli went along with it: But the Philistines overcame 'em again, and slew thirty thousand, among which were Eli's two Sons, and also took the Ark. Then a certain Man ran to Shiloh with these Tidings to Eli, who sat by the way side watching and trembling for the Ark; and when the Man mention'd the Ark's being taken, he fell backward and brake his Neck. Phinehas's Wife also upon these Tidings fell in travel, and named her Child Ichabod, and so died.

CHAP. V.

The Philistines having taken the Ark, brought it to Ashdod, and set it by Dagon their God; but [Page 73] the next morning Dagon was fallen on his Face to the Earth: So they set him up again; but the next morning he was fallen again, and his Head and Hands broke off; and also God smote the Men of Ashdod and the parts adjoyning, with Hemorroids. So they carried the Ark to Gath, and God smote them also with Hemorroids: Then they sent it to Ekron; but they desired it might be sent to its own place again, for the hand of God was heavy upon 'em.

CHAP. VI.

Then the chief of the Philistines consulted with the Priests and Diviners, what they should do with the Ark, who advis'd to send it back with a Trespass-Offering, viz. Five golden Hemorroids, and five golden Mice, which they did, and put them in a Coffer, and set the Ark and Coffer in a new Cart drawn with two Milch-Kine, who took the strait way to Bethshemesh; which when the Men of Bethshemesh saw, they rejoyced, and the Levites took down the Ark and the Coffer, and they clave the Wood of the Cart, and offered the Kine for a Burnt-Offering [...]o the Lord. But the Lord smote fifty thousand of the Men of Bethshemesh for peeping into the Ark; so they sent to the Men of Kirjath-jearim [...]o fetch it. And

CHAP. VII.

The Men of Kirjath-jearim brought the Ark to the House of Abinadab, where it remain'd twenty years. Samuel exhorts the People to put [...]way their false Gods, and repent of all their [...]ins; so they fasted and wept in Mizpeh. Then [...]he Philistines hearing they were there, came up [...]gainst them; whereupon they desire Samuel [Page 74] to cry unto God to save 'em; which he did, and God heard him; for as he was offering a Burnt-Offering, the Lord thundred against the Phi­listines and discomfited them. So they were subdued all the days of Samuel; and he judged Israel all his days, and went every year in Cir­cuit to several Cities to administer Justice a­mong 'em. But

CHAP. VIII.

Samuel's Sons, whom he made Judges under him, were corrupt; whereupon the Elders of Israel came to Samuel, and desir'd him to make 'em a King, as other Nations had: But this dis­pleased Samuel, and he pray'd to God for directi­on. God, tho he interpreted it as a rejecting of himself, yet permits Samuel to comply with their desire, but withal bad him acquaint 'em what manner of usage they must expect from a King, and how he'd employ his Power to ty­rannize over 'em and oppress 'em; yet still they persist in their desire, so God bids him yield to their Importunity.

CHAP. IX.

Now Kish of the Tribe of Benjamin had a goodly Son, whose Name was Saul; and Kish having lost his Asses, sent his Son to seek 'em. He having sought 'em in many places without success, at last came to Samuel to enquire of him after 'em. Now God had told Samuel the day before, that there would come to him a Man of Benjamin, whom he should anoint to be King. So Samuel meeting with him, invites him to a Feast with the chief of the City, and set him in [Page 75] the uppermost place, and afterwards walk'd abroad with him. Then

CHAP. X.

Samuel took a Vial of Oyl, and anointed him to be King, and told him the Asses were found, and that in his return homewards he should meet a company of Prophets, and the Spirit of the Lord should come upon him, and he should Prophecy with 'em; and that he should go to Gilgal and tarry there seven days, till Samuel came to him to tell him what he should do. All which came to pass accordingly; so that it was said, Is Saul also among the Prophets? Then Samuel called the People together to Mizpeh, and sets 'em to cast Lots to find out who should be their King; and the Lot fell upon Saul; but he had hid himself, and could not be found. But God told 'em he was hid among the Stuff; so they sent and fetch'd him, and proclaimed him King. But some Mal-Contents despis'd him, and brought him no Presents; but he took no notice of it.

CHAP. XI.

After this Nahash the Ammonite came up and besieged Jabesh-Gilead. Then the Rulers sent a Message to him, That if they had not Relief within seven days, they would deliver the City up to him. Saul hearing of this, sent to call all the People to him; and they came all unani­mously: Then he sent word to Jabesh-Gilead, That to morrow he'd come and relieve 'em. So they came early in the morning and fell up­on the Ammonites, and quite routed 'em, so [Page 76] that two of 'em were not left together. Here­upon all the People went to Gilgal, and confirm­ed Saul King there before the Lord, and sacri­ficed Sacrifices of Peace-offerings, and rejoyc'd together.

CHAP. XII.

Hereupon Samuel expostulates with 'em con­cerning their desire of a King, and first testifies his own Integrity, that he had not misbehav'd himself in his Government of 'em, nor given 'em occasion to desire a Change: And to con­vince 'em of their sin in desiring a King, he call'd upon God, and he sent unusual Thunder and Rain; whereupon they were greatly afraid, and acknowledged their sin. But Samuel encou­raged 'em, and told 'em, God would not for­sake his People, neither would he cease to pray for 'em; only bids 'em be sure to fear God: But saith he, If you still do wickedly, you shall be con­sumed, both you and your King.

CHAP. XIII.

Jonathan having smitten a Garrison of the Philistines, they raise a great Army to fight with Israel, so that the People were afraid and hid themselves; but Saul was with his Life-guard at Gilgal, and tarried seven days for Samuel ac­cording to his appointment; and when Samuel came not, and the People began to steal away from him, he offered a Burnt-offering, and as soon as he had made an end of offering, Samuel came, and rebuk'd him sharply for not staying the full time that God had commanded, which if he had done, God would have establish'd him [Page 77] upon the Throne for ever; but now his King­dom should not continue, for God had sought him another, one after his own Heart, whom he would make King; and Samuel departed from him. Then the Philistines sent out seve­ral Parties which spoiled the Israelites, and suf­fer'd 'em not to have any Weapons, nor Smiths to make any.

CHAP. XIV.

Then Jonathan and his Armour-bearer went over to a Garrison of the Philistines, and by a Sign gathered that God would deliver 'em into their Hands. And accordingly Jonathan and his Armour-bearer slew several of 'em, which caus'd an extraordinary trembling all over the Host, so that they fell a killing one ano­ther; which the Watchmen perceiving, Saul and the People with him got together to pursue them, and Saul, that they might not be divert­ed from the pursuit, adjur'd 'em not to eat any thing till the Battel was ended. But Jona­than, not hearing the Oath, and being faint, eat some Hony; but the People durst not do so, and therefore were very faint; and when they came to eat, were so greedy, that they eat the Blood with the Flesh. Afterwards Saul enquired of God whether he should any further pursue the Philistines; but God answered him not: Whereupon he concluded there had been some transgression among 'em, and cast Lots to find it out; and the Lot falling upon Jonathan, Saul would have put him to Death, but the People rescued him. So Saul fought against all his Ene­mies, and prevail'd; and when he saw any [Page 78] strong and valiant Man, he took him to him.

CHAP. XV.

Samuel, by Gods appointment, sends Saul utterly to destroy the Amalekites, both Man, Woman, and Child, and all their Cattel. So Saul smote 'em, and took their King Agag, and utterly destroyed all the People, but spared the King and the best of the Cattel, and of the Prey. Whereupon God tells Samuel, That he repented of making Saul King: Then Samuel went to Saul, and reproved him severely for not obey­ing the Voice of the Lord: And whereas Saul pretended they kept the best of the Cattel for Sacrifice, Samuel tells him, that To obey is better than Sacrifice, and to harken than the fat of Rams, and that Rebellion is as the sin of Witch­craft: And because he had rejected the Word of the Lord, God had also rejected him from being King: And as Samuel turned about to go away from him, Saul laid hold on the Skirt of his Mantle and rent it: at which Samuel said, God has rent the Kingdom from thee this day, and given it to a Neighbour of thine that is bet­ter than thou. Then Samuel commanded Agag to be brought to him, and he hewed him in pieces before the Lord in a Sacrifice to him.

CHAP. XVI.

Then God commanded Samuel to take an Horn of Oyl, and anoint one of the Sons of Jesse, and to go to Bethlehem to offer Sacrifice, and to call Jesse and his Sons to the Sacrifice, that the Design might not be perceived by Saul. So Jesse being come, and making seven of his [Page 79] Sons pass before Samuel, he said it was none of them that his business was withal. Then he call'd the youngest, who was keeping of Sheep, and when he came, Samuel anointed him in the midst of his Brethren. And the Spirit of God came upon him, and departed from Saul, and an evil Spirit troubled him; whereupon he sent for David to play before him, and so the evil Spirit departed from him.

CHAP. XVII.

After this the Philistines and Israelites set their Battel in array one against another, and there was a Valley between 'em. Then a Cham­pion of the Philistines, a Giant, whose Name was Goliath, came and stood between the two Armies, and challenged any of the Israelites to fight with him, and defied their Armies. Thus he did forty days together: At last David being sent by his Father to his three eldest Brethren that were in the Army, to carry 'em some Pro­vision, and see how they did, hearing the vaunt­ing, blasphemous Speeches of this Philistine, and being told that whosoever could kill him, the King would give him his Daughter, and make him a great Man, David undertakes to sight with him: So Saul sent for him, and told him he was a very unequal Match for the Philistine: But David told him how he had slain both a Lion and a Bear, and that God who had deli­ver'd him from them, would also deliver him from this Philistine. So he took only his Shep­herds Staff and a Sling in his Hand, and went against the Philistine. But when the Philistine drew near and saw him, he despised him. But [Page 80] David told him, he came to him in the Name of the Lord of Hosts, who would deliver him into his hand, and discomfit their Host, that all the Earth may know there is a God in Israel. So David slang a Stone which sank into his Fore­head, and he fell down. Then David ran and took Goliath's own Sword and cut off his Head: Whereupon the Army of Israel set upon the Philistines, and routed 'em; and David brought the Head of Goliath in his hand to Saul. Here­upon

CHAP. XVIII.

Jonathan entred into a strict League of Friend­ship with David, and lov'd him as his own Soul. And David was set over the Men of War, and accepted of all the People. And as David return'd from the Slaughter of the Philistine, the Women came out of all the Cities, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands; for which Saul envied him from that day forward; so that the next time that the Evil Spirit came upon Saul, and David played afore him, Saul threw a Javelin at him to have slain him: But David avoided twice out of his Presence; and he was beloved by all the People; and also Michal Saul's Daugh­ter fell in love with him for her Husband; to which Saul readily consented, requiring only an hundred Fore-skins of the Philistines for a Dow­ry, designing thereby to have him slain by the Philistines. But David and his Men slew two hundred Philistines, and brought their Fore­skins to Saul. So Saul's Jealousie of David still increased. And

CHAP. XIX.

Saul spake to Jonathan his Son, and all his Servants, to kill David; which Jonathan ac­quainted David with, and bids him hide him­self, and then vindicates David to his Father; whereupon Saul sware to him not to hurt him; so they were reconciled again. Then David made War with the Philistines again, and over­came 'em: And the Evil Spirit came upon Saul, and David played afore him, and he threw a Javelin again at him; but David slipt aside and escap'd. But Saul sent Messengers to watch him in his House; then Michal his Wife let him down thro' a Window, and laid an Image in the Bed, so that when Saul sent for him, they found only an Image. So David came to Samuel to Ramah, and Saul hearing of it, sent Messengers once and again to take him; but when they came to the place among the Prophets, they fell a prophesying also; and Saul going thither him­self, prophesied in like manner; wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the Prophets?

CHAP. XX.

So David fled from thence and came to Jona­than, and advises with him about the best way for his safety; and they agree that he should ab­sent himself from the Feast at the New Moon, and see how Saul resented it. Then they went out into the Field together, and renewed their Covenant of Friendship, not only for their Per­sons, but for their Posterity; and Jonathan gave him a Signal, whereby he should know his Fathers Affection towards him. So when the New [Page 82] Moon was come, and David's Place was empty two days together, Saul enquired the reason of it, and Jonathan made an excuse for him. Where­upon Saul fell into a great Rage, and reviles him, and threw his Javelin at him. Then Jo­nathan rose from the Table in great anger, and went into the Field, and discover'd all to David; so they parted.

CHAP. XXI.

Then David came to Ahimelech the Priest at Nob, who entertain'd him, and gave him the Sword of Goliath. From thence he went to Achish King of Gath, where he feigned himself mad, so that Achish cares not for his Company.

CHAP. XXII.

After this David was feign to fly to several places for shelter, and Saul complained to his Servants of their unfaithfulness, that they'd not discover to him where David was. Then Doeg told him of David's coming to Ahimelech, and of Ahimelech's kindness to him. So Saul com­manded his Footmen to slay all the Priests; but they refusing, he commanded Doeg to do it, who slew all the Priests at Nob, and put all to the Sword that were in the City; only Abiathar one of Ahimelech's Sons, escap'd, and went and told David of it.

CHAP. XXIII.

Then David went to Keilah, and smote the Philistines, and saved Keilah. Saul hearing he was there, gathered the People together to be­siege him. Then David enquired of God whe­ther [Page 83] the Men of Keilah would deliver him up to Saul; who answer'd, They would. So he departed out of Keilah, and went into the Wil­derness of Ziph; and Jonathan came to him thi­ther, and strengthned his hands, and they re­newed their Covenant again. Then the Ziphites informed Saul that David hid himself there; so Saul and his Men went to seek him. Then David came into the Wilderness of Maon, and Saul followed him thither, and compass'd the Mountain where he was: But in that very nick of time came a Messenger to Saul to acquaint him, that the Philistines had invaded the Land: So Saul left following of David, and went a­gainst the Philistines. But

CHAP. XXIV.

After Saul was return'd from following the Philistines, he pursued David again, and went to the Wilderness of Engedi, and there went into a Cave to cover his Feet; and David and his Men were in the sides of the Cave. Then David privily cut off the Skirt of Saul's Robe, for which afterwards his Heart smote him. When Saul went out of the Cave, David call'd after him, and told him how it was in his power to have slain him; and to convince him there­of, shew'd him the Skirt of his Garment that he had cut off: Whereupon Saul acknowledged David's Innocence and his own Fault, and made him swear not to cut off his Posterity; and so departed.

CHAP. XXV.

David went into the Wilderness of Paran, [Page 84] and hearing of a rich Man, one Nabal, that had a Sheep-shearing, he sent some of his Servants to him for some Provision; but Nabal gave 'em ill Language, and sent 'em away empty; where­upon David resolv'd to destroy him. But one of Nabal's Servants told his Mistress Abigail of David's Message, and his Masters Answer: So she took a Present to pacifie David; and as she went she met David, and excuses the matter to him, and begs his pardon, and acceptance of that Present, and tells him she was well assur'd that God would avenge him of all his Enemies, and then it would be no grief to him that he had not shed Blood causless, nor aveng'd him­self. Herewith David was well satisfy'd, and blesses God for her advice, and accepts her Pre­sent, and her Person. So when Abigail re­turn'd home, the next morning she told her Husband these passages; whereupon his Heart died within him; and about ten days after God smote him that he died; which when David heard of, he sent Messengers to Abigail to be­come his Wife, which she accepts of, and went with 'em.

CHAP. XXVI.

The Ziphites give Intelligence again to Saul where David was: So Saul came down to seek him. But David and Abishai went to Saul's Camp by night, and found 'em all fast asleep: So Abishai would have had David given him leave to have slain him; but David would not, only took his Spear and a Cruise of Water, and went to a Hill a good way off, and call'd to Ab­ner, and upbraided him for his carelesness, and [Page 85] speaks also to Saul to convince him of his inno­cency: Whereupon Saul acknowledges his Fault again, and blesses him.

CHAP. XXVII.

David desparing of freedom from Saul's per­secutions, flies to Achish King of Gath, who gave him Ziklag to dwell in. Then he inva­ded the Geshurites and Amalekites, and slew all the People, and took their Cattel, and return'd, and came to Achish; who asking him, Whither they had made an inroad? David tells him, It was against the Land of Judah; whereupon Achish now thought him sure to his Interest.

CHAP. XXVIII.

The Philistines going to War against Israel, Achish takes David along with him, and makes him Captain of his Life-guard. When Saul saw the Philistines Army he was afraid, and enqui­red of the Lord, but he answered him not. Then he went to a Woman at Endor that had a Fami­liar Spirit, and bids her call up Samuel; who askt him, Why he had disquieted him? Saul answered, God has forsaken me, therefore I have call'd thee to know what I must do. Then said Samuel, The Lord will deliver Israel with thee into the hands of the Philistines, and to mor­row Thou and thy Sons shall be with me. Then Saul was afraid and fainted: But his Servants and the Woman constrained him to eat some­thing to refresh himself withal.

CHAP. XXIX.

When the Commanders of the Philistines [Page 86] muster'd their Forces, and saw David there with Achish, they were much displeased, and caus'd him to be dismiss'd, for fear he should turn to their Enemies. So David and his Men departed.

CHAP. XXX.

When David was come to Ziklag, he found that the Amalekites had smitten it, and burnt it, and carried away all their Wives and Children; whereupon David was greatly distress'd, for the People spake of stoning him; but he encouraged himself in the Lord his God, and enquired of God what he should do; who bad him pursue after 'em, and he should overtake 'em, and reco­ver all: And accordingly, finding 'em making merry, he smote 'em all, and recovered all they had lost, and also all the rest of the Spoil they had gotten; of which he sent Presents to all his Friends in Judah that had assisted and relieved him in his distress.

CHAP. XXXI.

Then the two Armies joyn'd Battel, and the Philistines prevail'd, and slew Saul's three Sons, and wounded Saul himself; whereupon he fell upon his own Sword and slew himself. The next day when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found the Bodies of Saul and his three Sons, and cut off Saul's Head, and put his Armour in the House of Ashtaroth, and fastned his Body on the Wall of Bethshan. But the Men of Jabesh-Gilead went by Night and took away his Body, and the Bodies of his Sons, and burn't 'em, and buried their Bones under a Tree at Jabesh.

CHAP. I.

AN Amalekite brings tidings to David, that the Israelites were overthrown, and that Saul and Jonathan were dead; and withal tells him, that Saul being fallen upon his Spear, he himself stood upon him and slew him. Where­upon David commands him to be slain for kill­ing of Saul. Then David lamented the Death of Saul and Jonathan with a Song.

CHAP. II.

After this, by God's Direction, David goes up to Hebron, where the Men of Judah made him King over them. But Abner, Saul's Gene­ral, made Ishbosheth, Saul's Son, King over the rest of the Tribes. Then Joab and Abner met and fought a Battel, wherein Abner was beaten, and Asahel pursuing after Abner, Abner turned back and smote him that he died. But Joab and Abishai pursued still after Abner, till Abner call'd to Joab, and checks him for his hot pursuit; whereupon he sounded a Retreat.

CHAP. III.

After this there was long War between David and Ishbosheth; but David still waxed stronger [Page 88] and stronger, and the House of Saul grew weak­er and weaker; during which time Abner went in to one of Saul's Concubines, for which being reproved by Ishbosheth, he was much displeased, and revolts to David, and promises to bring all Israel to him; and accordingly perswades all the chief of the People to be for David, and came himself to promise him his assistance. But Joab perswaded David that he was not sincere, but intended only to deceive him, and there­fore sent Messengers to Abner to bring him back, and pretends to talk friendly with him, but smote him that he died: At which David was exceedingly disturb'd, and clears himself from any guilt therein, and makes a great mourn­ing for him.

CHAP. IV.

When Ishbosheth and the Men of Israel heard of Abner's Death, they were much concerned; and Ishbosheth's Party growing very weak, two of his Captains came and slew him, and carried his Head to David, thinking thereby to curry fa­vour with him; but David caus'd 'em both to be slain for their treachery to their Lord, and took Ishbosheth's Head and buried it.

CHAP. V.

Then the Heads of all the Tribes came to David, and made him King over all Israel, and he went to Jerusalem, and took the strong hold of Sion, and dwelt there, calling it the City of David. Then Hiram King of Tyre sent him Work-men and Materials, and he built him a House. Then the Philistines came to make [Page 89] War with him, but David smote 'em twice to­gether.

CHAP. VI.

Then David gathered all the chosen Men of Israel together, and went to fetch the Ark from the House of Abinadab, and they set it upon a new Cart, and Uzza and Ahio drave the Cart. And David and all the People plaid afore it. But when they came to Nachon's Threshing-floor, the Oxen stumbled and shook the Cart; where­upon Uzza put forth his Hand to hold it from falling; but God smote him for his rashness, and he died there. Then David was afraid to bring it to his own House, but lodged it in the House of Obed-Edom; and God blessed Obed-Edom and all his House; which being told to David, then he brought up the Ark to his own City with great gladness, sacrificing Oxen and Fatlings as they went along; and David danced before it, which Michal spying, despis'd him in her Heart. So they plac'd it in a Tabernacle which David had made, with great joy and feast­ing. But Michal came out to meet David, and derided him for his undecent Carriage, as she interpreted it, for which God smote her with Barrenness.

CHAP. VII.

David being now at rest from all his Enemies, bethinks himself of building a House for God, and acquaints Nathan with it, who encourages him thereto. But that night God sends Nathan to David to tell him, That not himself but his Son should build him an House. Whereupon [Page 90] David acknowledges Gods great goodness to him, and prays that his House may be blessed, as he had promis'd him.

CHAP. VIII.

After this David subdues the Philistines, Mo­abites, Hadadezer, and the Syrians, and took the Shields of Gold from the Servants of Hada­dezer, and brought 'em to Jerusalem, and ex­ceeding much Brass from his Cities, and dedica­ted to the Lord all the Treasures that he took from any of the Nations, and the Presents that were sent him; and God prospered him ex­ceedingly, and he administred Justice to all the People.

CHAP. IX.

David remembring the Covenant between him and Jonathan, enquires after his Posterity; and hearing of Mephibosheth, sends for him, gives him all the Land that belonged to Saul, entertains him at his own Table, and gives Ziba charge to manage all his concerns for him.

CHAP. X.

David hearing that the King of Ammon his Friend was dead, sent Embassadors to his Son to condole with him; but he treated 'em very rudely, and sent 'em away: Whereupon David sent Joab against 'em to chastise 'em for their Insolence; and Joab put 'em to flight, and the Syrians also, who came to their assistance; and so again a second time; whereupon they made peace with Israel, and became Tributaries to 'em.

CHAP. XI.

After this David sends Joab to besiege Rab­bah, but himself tarried at Jerusalem; and one Evening walking upon the top of his House, he spy'd a beautiful Woman bathing her self; so he sent for her, and lay with her, and she con­ceived, and acquainted David with it; who thereupon sent for her Husband Uriah from the Siege, and bad him go down to his own House and refresh himself; but he staid among David's Servants: Whereupon David sent him to Joab with a Letter to set him in a place of danger, that he might be slain; which was done, and David had notice of it. So when the days of mourning were past, he sent and took Bathsheba to be his Wife, and she bare him a Son. But this displeased the Lord.

CHAP. XII.

And he sent Nathan to David, who by a Pa­rable of a rich Man that had many Flocks, and a poor Man that had but one Ewe Lamb, yet the rich Man took the poor Man's Ewe Lamb to dress for a Traveller that came to him, causes David to pass Sentence against himself. Then Nathan tells him, Thou art the Man, and threat­ned him, That the Sword should never depart from his House: Whereupon David confesses his sin, and Nathan tells him, It was pardon'd; but because of the Scandal of it, the Child should die; which came to pass accordingly. After­wards Bathsheba bare another Son, whom David called Solomon. And the Lord loved him, and sent by Nathan and call'd him Jedidiah. Then [Page 92] Joab sent to David to come to the Siege of Rab­bah, that he might have the honour of taking it; which he did; and set the Kings Crown on his own Head, and took much spoil, and tortur'd the People, and so came back.

CHAP. XIII.

After this Amnon fell in love with his half Si­ster Tamar, and by Jonadab's Advice feigns him­self sick, and desires that his Sister Tamar might come and attend upon him. So David sent her to him: Then he took hold of her, and forc'd her, and ravish'd her, which when he had done, he turn'd her out of Doors; so she went away crying, and met with her Brother Absa­lom, who quieted her, and kept her in his House, and hated Amnon for this, but concealed it. And having a Sheep-shearing, he invited all his Bre­thren to it, and in the midst of their mirth his Servants slew Amnon; whereupon they all fled away, and Absalom fled to his Father-in-law, and was there three years, so that David long'd to see him.

CHAP. XIV.

Whereupon Joab employs a Widow of Te­koah, a subtle Woman, who by a Parable of her two Sons slaying one the other, and David promising her to indemnifie the Man-slayer, and secure him from the Revenger of Blood, fetches about the matter so, as to incline David to recall Absalom, and bids Joab send for him. So he brought him to Jerusalem; but David would not see him, but commanded him to go to his own House. So he dwelt there [Page 93] two years, and saw nor the King; whereupon he sent for Joab to plead with the King and make his Peace; which he did, and brought him into his Presence, and he was admitted into fa­vour again.

CHAP. XV.

After this Absalom inveigled the People by his flattering and fair Speeches, and stole away their Hearts from his Father, and under pretence of a Vow, gets leave to go to Hebron, and gather­ed the People to him there, and had Ahitophel for his Counsellor, and the People flockt to him from all parts; which David hearing of, flies from Jerusalem, and they carried the Ark with him, but he sent Zadok with it back again; and hearing that Ahitophel was with Absalom, he prays God to turn his Counsel into Foolishness; and also sent Hushai his Friend to offer his Ser­vice to Absalom, that he might defeat Ahitophel's Counsel, and give him intelligence by Zadok and Abiathar.

CHAP. XVI.

As David travelled along, Zibah came to him with Presents, and slandered his Master Mephibo­sheth; whereupon David gave him all Mephibo­sheth's Lands. Afterwards Shimei met him, and revil'd, and curst him, and cast stones at him; which David takes patiently, owning Gods hand in it; and that, since his Son sought his Life, no wonder if a Stranger us'd him so. Then Absa­lom and all his Party came to Jerusalem, and call'd a Council what they should do; and Ahi [...]ophel counsell'd him to go in to his Fathers Concu­bines, [Page 94] which would make the Breach between 'em irreconcileable; so he went in to them in the sight of all Israel.

CHAP. XVII.

After this Ahitophel counsels Absalom to pur­sue David speedily, and to give him no time to recruit himself, and so they should make short work of it. But Hushai advises rather to gather all the People together, and so to oppress him by their multitude; and this Counsel Absalom hearkned to, which Zadok gives David notice of. But when Ahitophel saw that his Counsel was rejected, he went and hang'd himself.

CHAP. XVIII.

David draws up the Army for the Battel, and intends to go with 'em himself, but the People hindred him; so he sate in the Gate as they pass'd out, and gave 'em a charge to deal gently with Absalom. So the two Armies met, and David's Men made a great Slaughter among Absalom's; and they met with Absalom, and found him hanging by the Head in the thick Boughs of an Oak; which one told Joab of, who came presently and stab'd him to the Heart. Then Joab sounded a Retreat, and they cast Absalom into a Pit. Then Ahimaaz and Cushi ran to carry the Tidings to David; which when he heard, he fell into a great Passion of Lamen­tation, saying, O my Son Absalom; my Son, my Son Absalom; would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my Son, my Son.

CHAP. XIX.

So David took no joy in the Victory, but turn'd it into Lamentation, and the People stole into the City, as being asham'd of what they had done. Whereupon Joab goes and chides him for his Carriage, and causes him to shew himself to the People in a more chearful Tem­per. Then all the People were at strife who should shew most forwardness in recalling the King: So the King return'd, and the Tribe of Judah came to meet him at Jordan: And Shi­mei came to beg his pardon, and obtain'd it; and Mephibosheth came likewise to meet him, and gave him an account why he went not with him, and how his Servant Zibah had slandered him: But however the King gave Mephibosheth but half his Lands again, and gave the other half to Zibah. Barzillai also came to him, and the King invited him to go with him to Jerusalem, but he excus'd it by reason of his Age: So the King dismiss'd him, and took his Son Chimham into his Service. Then the Men of the other Tribes came and expostulated with the Men of Judah for fetching the King back without them; but the Men of Judah were too hard for 'em.

CHAP. XX.

Upon this Quarrel one Sheba draws all the Men of Israel away from David, and raises a Rebellion against him. Then David makes A­masa General, and appoints him to pursue after Sheba. But Joab, under pretence of Friendly Discourse with Amaza, slaies him. Then Joab [...]nd Abishai pursue after Sheba, and came to [Page 96] Abel, and besieged him there: But a wise Wo­man gets his Head to be thrown over the Wall to Joab; so he drew off his Forces, and return­ed to Jerusalem.

CHAP. XXI.

Then there was a Famine for three years to­gether; and David enquiring of God the reason of it, was told, It was because Saul had slain the Gibeonites. So the Gibeonites being demanded what satisfaction they'd require, desir'd only that seven of his Sons should be de deliver'd to 'em, to be hang'd before the Lord, which was done accordingly. Then David commanded that the Bones of Saul, and Jonathan, and these seven should be all buried together in the Sepul­cher of Kish. After this David and his Men had four Battels with the Philistines, wherein four valiant Men of David's slew four Giants of the Philistines.

CHAP. XXII.

When God had thus delivered David out of the hands of all his Enemies, he compos'd a Psalm of Thanksgiving for God's powerful de­liverance and manifold blessings.

CHAP. XXIII.

And likewise towards the Close of his days professes his Faith in Gods Promises, and the Co­venant he had made with him. After which follows a Catalogue of David's Worthies.

CHAP. XXIV.

God being angry with Israel, permitted Satan [Page 97] to tempt David to number the People: So he sent Joab about it; and tho' Joab disswaded him from it, yet David's word prevail'd. So Joab brought the number of 'em: But David's heart smote him for it, and he confess'd his sin to God, and begg'd pardon: But in the morning God sent Gad to him, to choose whether there should be seven years of Famine; or, to flee three months before his Enemies; or, three days Pe­stilence; and he chose this last. So God sent a Pestilence, and there died seventy thousand Men. And when the Angel stretch'd out his hand over Jerusalem, as he was by the threshing place of Araunah, David seeing of him, inter­cedes to God for mercy. So Gad appointed him to build an Altar there. Then he came and bought the Threshing-floor of Araunah, and built an Altar there, and offered Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings. So God was intreated, and the Plague was stayed.

CHAP. I.

DAVID being old, Adonijah aspires to the Kingdom, and gets Joab and Abiathar to assist him; whereupon Nathan advises Bath­shebah to go and acquaint the King with it, and claim his Promise, That Solomon should succeed him; and while they were talking, he'd come [Page 98] in and second her. So Bathshebah went unto Da­vid, and told him, that notwithstanding his Promise, That her Son Solomon should sit upon the Throne, Adonijah had made himself King without his privity, but yet all people expected that he should appoint his Successor. While she was speaking, Nathan came and told him the same things. Then David renewed his Oath to Bathshebah, That Solomon should sit upon his Throne; and accordingly gave order that Solo­mon should be set upon his own Mule, and Za­dok the Priest and Nathan the Prophet should anoint him King over Israel, and proclaim him with sound of Trumpet, and then set him upon the Throne. And so they did; and the People rejoyced with such shouting that the Earth rang again; which when Adonijah and his Company heard, they were all afraid, and dispers'd them­selves; and Adonijah went and took hold on the Horns of the Altar, and capitulated with Solo­mon, who upon condition of his good behavi­our promis'd him indemnity, and so dismiss'd him.

CHAP. II.

Then David charg'd Solomon to walk in the ways of God, and keep his Commandments that he might prosper, and God might confirm the Kingdom to him and his Seed after him. He gave him a charge also concerning Joab, that because he was guilty of Blood, he should not let his hoary Head go down to the Grave in peace: That he should shew kindness to the Sons of Barzillai: That he should remember Shimei's cursing of him in the day of his distress, [Page 99] and in his Wisdom reward him for it. So David died, and Solomon sate upon the Throne. Then Adonijah came to Bathshebah, and prays her to ask Abishag for him of her Son Solomon; which she did. But Solomon looking upon it as a sedi­tious motion, sends Benajah to him, who put him to death. He put out Abiathar also from being High Priest, and confin'd him to his Country House at Anathoth. These passages being related to Joab, he knowing his own guilt, fled to the Altar, and there he was slain. Then he call'd for Shimei, and confin'd him to Jeru­salem, and that if he pass'd over the Brook Kidron he should die. So he dwelt there many days. At last two of his Servants running away to Achish King of Gath, he went thither to fetch 'em back again; which being told Solomon, he puts him in mind of all his former wickedness, and his own gentle dealing with him, which he having abus'd, he commands him to be slain.

CHAP. III.

Solomon married Pharaoh's Daughter. He loved the Lord, and offered at Gibeon, a great High Place, a thousand Burnt-Offerings; and there God appeared to him, and bid him ask what he would: So he ask't an understanding Heart to judge the People, and to discern be­tween good and evil; wherewith God was so pleased, that he gave him not only an extraor­dinary Understanding above all that were before or after him, but also such Riches and Honour as none else had. Then came two Women to him, which had each of 'em a Son; one of which dying, they both lay claim to the living [Page 100] Child; whereupon Solomon commanded the liv­ing Child to be divided between 'em; which one of 'em yielding to, but not the other, Solo­mon thereby gathered which was the right Mo­ther, and assign'd the living Child to her; which Decision made him renown'd all over Israel.

CHAP. IV.

Solomon had twelve Officers, who served each Man his Month, and made Provision throughout all Israel of what was needful for the main­taining his Court after a most splendid and magnificent manner: For he spent daily almost an hundred Quarters of Wheat, Thirty Oxen, an hundred Sheep, besides Deer, Fowl, and the like. And God gave him a most comprehensive knowledg of all things both Divine and Hu­mane; so that he was wiser than all Men, and spake three thousand Proverbs, and a thousand and five Songs; and of all Animals and Vege­tables, so that People came from all parts of the Earth to hear his Wisdom.

CHAP. V.

Solomon designing now to build the Temple, sends to Hiram King of Tyre to furnish him with Timber of Cedar and Fir, and Workmen for it, and in lieu thereof Solomon furnishes him with Wheat and Oyl yearly; so they had Timber and Stones for it.

CHAP. VI.

In the fourth year of Solomon's Reign they began to build the Temple, which was about thirty six yards long, twelve yards broad, and [Page 101] eighteen yards high; with a Porch of about seventy two yards high. All the materials were fitted and prepared afore hand, so that no noise of Tools was heard about it. It was seven years in building.

CHAP. VII.

Solomon built also an House for himself, and a Porch for Judgment; and several other Houses, both for himself and his Queen, Pharaoh's Daughter. Then he sent and fetcht Hiram from Tyre, who made all manner of Vessels and Uten­sils for the Temple, of Gold, Silver and Brass, as the Molten Sea, the Lavers, &c. and the Pillars.

CHAP. VIII.

All things being thus fitted and finish'd, So­lomon assembled all the Nobility and Gentry to fetch up the Ark out of Sihon, and carry it into its place, within the Holy of Holies. And when it was set there, the Glory of the Lord fill'd the House. Then Solomon blessed God for perform­ing his Word unto David in giving him a Son to build an House to his Name; and prays for the continuance of his mercy to him, and that he'd hear Prayers upon any occasion whatsoever made in, or towards that place. Then he offered a Sacrifice of two and twenty thousand Oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand Sheep, and they kept the Feast of Dedication a Fortnight together, and then the People went to their own Homes.

CHAP. IX.

After all this God appeared again to Solomon, [Page 102] and told him he had hear'd his Prayer, and would do as he desir'd; and that he'd establish his Throne for ever upon condition of his Obe­dience; but in case of Disobedience, he'd cut off Israel out of the Land, and destroy the Tem­ple. At the end of twenty years Solomon gave Hiram King of Tyre twenty Cities in the Land of Galilee, but he did not like 'em, and so re­turn'd 'em to him again; whereupon he repair'd and enlarg'd 'em, and caused the Children of Is­rael to dwell in 'em. He repair'd also several other Cities, and built Store-Cities, and did all that he desir'd. And he had a Navy which went to Ophir for Gold.

CHAP. X.

The Queen of Sheba hearing of Solomon's ex­traordinary Wisdom, came to hear and try him with hard Questions. She came with a very great Retinue, and many rich Presents, and dis­cours'd with him about all things she desir'd sa­tisfaction in; and he resolv'd all her doubts, and gave her full satisfaction in every thing. When she had viewed and consider'd all particulars about him, his Buildings, his Furniture, his At­tendants, and the magnificence of his Court in all respects, she was even astonish'd with Admi­ration; and tho Fame uses to be lavish enough of its Tongue, yet she tells him, Tho more was told her than she believ'd, yet half was not told her of what she found. Then she made him great Presents of Gold, Spices and precious Stones. He likewise gave to her whatsoever she desired, and so return'd into her own Country. Then Solomon made two hundred Targets of beaten [Page 103] Gold; and three hundred Shields of Gold, and a great Ivory Throne damask't with Gold, and gather'd Charets and Horses in great abundance; and he made Silver in Jerusalem as Stones, and Cedars as Sycamore-trees.

CHAP. XI.

Solomon, notwithstanding all these extraordina­ry Gifts and Favors to him, both inward and outward, and God's appearing twice to him, lov­ed many Women of the Heathen Nations, and took him seven hundred Wives, and three hun­dred Concubines, and did so dote upon 'em, even in his old Age, that they turn'd away his Heart from God, so that he tolerated the pub­lick Exercise of their Idolatrous Worship; where­upon God was angry with him, and threatned to rend the greatest part of the Kingdom from him in his Sons days, and give it to his Servant; and stirr'd up several Adversaries against him; and likewise by the Prophet Ahijah the Shilo­nite declar'd to Jeroboam, that held give him Ten Tribes, and Solomon's Posterity should have but one Tribe, (besides the Tribe of Judah) because he had forsaken him and worship'd strange Gods. So Solomon having Reign'd forty years, died, and was buried in the City of David.

CHAP. XII.

Then all the Tribes met together at Shechem, and Jeroboam came along with 'em; and they petitioned Rehoboam to ease 'em of their Taxes, which Solomon had impos'd on 'em. He takes three days time to consider of it, and advises with his Fathers old Counsellors: They perswade [Page 104] him by all means to humour the People, and comply with their desires at present, which would be the way to oblige 'em to him for ever after. But this Counsel he lik'd not, and there­fore consulted with some young, giddy Per­sons, his Companions and Flatterers, and they advise him to answer 'em roughly, and tell 'em, That his little Finger should be thicker than his Fathers Loyns; and whereas his Father had chastis'd 'em with Whips, he'd chastise 'em with Scorpions: And this Counsel he followed, being forsaken of God, and left to his own folly and rashness) and answer'd 'em accordingly. Whereupon ten of the Tribes immediately re­volted from him, and chose Jeroboam for their King; and only the Tribe of Judah and Benja­min stuck unto Rehoboam. Then Rehoboam rai­sed an Army of an hundred and fourscore thou­sand to reduce 'em to their obedience. But God sent the Prophet Shemajah to forbid 'em to fight against their Brethren, but to return to their own Homes, because it was Gods doing. And so they did. Then Jeroboam, fearing lest if the People went up to Jerusalem to worship, their Hearts might in time be alienated from him, and they might submit to Rehoboam, made two golden Calves, and set 'em up, one in Dan, the other in Bethel, for the People to worship, and built High Places, and ordained Priests, and appointed Feasts, and so chang'd and innovated the Worship of God in all the parts of it.

CHAP. XIII.

Jeroboam standing by the Altar at Bethel to burn Incense, a Prophet was sent out of Judah [Page 105] by God to denounce Judgments against the Al­tar, which should be executed by King Josiah, who should burn the Bones of the Idolatrous Priests upon it, and defile it; and in token of the truth of this Prophecy, the Altar should be rent in twain. When Jeroboam heard this, he stretch'd out his hand to lay hold on him; but immediately his hand withered, so that he could not pull it in to him again, and also the Altar was rent in twain. Then Jeroboam intreated the Prophet to pray for him, that the use of his hand might be restor'd to him again; which he did, and his hand was heal'd: whereupon Jeroboam invites him to go home with him; but he re­fus'd, being forbidden by God to eat or drink, or return the same way he came. Now there was an old Prophet that dwelt in that City, and his Sons told him all these passages; then he went after him, and invited him to go back with him; which he refusing, as being forbid­den by God, the old Prophet told him, That he was commanded by an Angel to bring him back; but he lied to him. So he went back, and did eat and drink in the old Prophets House. Then as they sat at Table, the Word of the Lord came to the old Prophet to threaten this other for his Disobedience. So as he went away, a Lion met him and slew him; which being nois'd in the City, the old Prophet went and fetcht his Body, and buried it in his own Grave, and commanded his Sons to bury him there by the Prophet, because all his Threatnings against those Idolatrous places should come to pass. But notwithstanding all these Providences, Jeroboam continued his Idolatrous practices, which in [Page 106] the issue prov'd the ruine of him and his Fa­mily.

CHAP. XIV.

Jeroboam's Son Abijah being sick, he sends his Wife in disguise to Ahijah the Prophet to en­quire concerning his recovery. But God told Ahijah who she was, and what was her Errand. So when she came to the Door, he said, Come in, thou Wife of Jeroboam; and bids her tell her Husband, That because he had provok'd God by his Idolatry, God would cut off all his House, and his Child should die, and all Israel should mourn for him, because in him only of all the House of Jeroboam some good thing was found; and he'd root up Israel out of their Land, because of the sins of Jeroboam, who made Israel to sin. So when she came back to the Threshold of her House the Child died. Thus Jeroboam Reigned twenty two years and died. During his time the People of Judah under Rehoboam provok'd God with their Images, High-Places, Groves, and the like sins: So in the fifth year of his Reign Shishak King of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the Trea­sures of the Lord's House, and of the Kings House, and the Shields of Gold, instead where­of Rehoboam made Shields of Brass. At last he died, and was buried in the City of David.

CHAP. XV.

Rehoboam being dead, Abijam his Son suc­ceeds him, walking in all the sins of his Fathers. He Reigned but three years, and died, and Asa his Son Reigned in his sted. Asa did that [Page 107] which was right in the sight of the Lord, and destroyed Idolatry, and depos'd his Grandmother Maacha from being Queen-regent. Then there was War between him and Baasha King of Is­rael; so he hired Benhadad King of Syria to take his part; so they made a League together, and Benhadad smote some of the Cities of Israel. In his old Age he was troubled with the Gout in his Feet, and sought to the Phisitians more than to the Lord. He Reigned forty years, and died, and Jehosaphat Reigned in his stead. 2 Chron. 14. & 15. & 16. In the days of Asa, Zerah the Ethiopian came against him with an Army of a Million of Men: Then Asa cried to the Lord for help, and he gave him Victory over the Ethiopians; so he destroyed their Cities, and carried away much Spoil. At their return towards Jerusalem, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Azariah, and he exhorted them to cleave fast to the Lord, saying, The Lord is with you while you be with him, and if you seek him he'll be found of you, but if you forsake him, he'll forsake you. Hereupon they cleansed the Land of Idols, and entred into a Covenant to seek the Lord God of their Fathers; and that whosoever would not do so, should be put to death. So the Lord gave 'em rest round about. Afterwards upon the League that Asa made with Benhadad, Hanani the Seer came and reprov'd him for it; and because he did not trust in the Lord, who had delivered the Ethiopians into his hand, therefore he should have but a troublesom Reign from that time forward: For this Asa was angry with him, and put him in Prison, and at the same time oppress'd the [Page 108] People. In his second year Nadab the Son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years; and Baasha conspir'd against him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, and smote all the House of Jeroboam; yet he continued Jeroboam's Idolatry. Whereupon

CHAP. XVI.

The Word of the Lord came to Jehu the Son of Hanani against him, That because he conti­nued in the sins of Jeroboam, therefore as he had cut off Jeroboam's Posterity, so he'd cut off his. Then he died, and Elah his Son reigned in his stead; and his Servant Zimri conspired against him, and slew him, and all the House of Baasha. But within a few days the Soldiers made Omri King, who went and besieged Tirzah where Zimri was, and took it; at which Zimri went into the Palace, and set it on fire, and burnt himself in it. Then some of the People made Tibni King; but Omri prevailed against him, and so reigned alone. He bought a Hill, and built a City upon it, and call'd it Samaria, which was afterwards the Seat of the Kings of Israel. But he walkt in the way of Jeroboam. He died, and Ahab his Son reigned in his stead, and did evil above all that were before him, and took to Wife Jezabel, and worship'd Baal, and built a Temple for him in Samaria, and provok'd the Lord to Anger more than all the Kings be­fore him.

CHAP. XVII.

In his time God sent Elijah to declare to him, There should be no Rain for some years, but [Page 109] according to his Word. Then God sent him to the Brook Cherith, where he was fed by Ra­vens. And when that Brook was dry, God sent him to Sarepta to be sustain'd by a Widow there, who tho she had but a little Meal in a Barrel, and Oyl in a Cruise, yet that still held out, and supplied her Occasions, till there was plenty in the Land. Afterwards her Son dying, Elijah prayed unto God, and restored him to Life again.

CHAP. XVIII.

After three years God commands Elijah to shew himself to Ahab, and tells him he'd send Rain. So Elijah went to Ahab, who, as soon as he saw him, said, Art thou he that troubles Israel? To whom Elijah reply'd, I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy Fathers House, in that ye have forsaken the Commandments of the Lord, and have followed Baalim. Then he desir'd Ahab to ga­ther all the People together to Mount Carmel, and all the Prophets of Baal; which was done. Then said Elijah to them, If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal be God, then follow him. Then he bids the Prophets of Baal take one Bullock and lay it upon Wood, and put no Fire under; and he'd do the like with another Bul­lock; and the God that answered by Fire, should be own'd for the true God. And they did so; and call'd upon their God from Morn­ing till Noon; but none answer'd. Then Eli­jah derided 'em, so that they us'd all imagina­ble importunity; but still none answer'd. Then he call'd the People to come about him, and he repair'd an Altar of the Lord, and made a Trench about it, and laid the Bullock upon it, and caused Water to be poured thrice upon the [Page 110] Sacrifice, till the Trench was filled. Then he called upon God, and God sent Fire which con­sumed the Sacrifice, and Wood, and Stones, and lickt up the Water in the Trench. Then all the People acknowledged, That this was the true God. Then Elijah bad 'em slay all Baal's Priests, which they did. Then he bad Ahab get him up, because much Rain was coming. Then he went up to the top of Carmel, and prayed ear­nestly to God for Rain; after which a small Cloud appeared, which presently overspread the Heavens, and there fell abundance of Rain. And Ahab rode in his Charet to Jezreel, and Elijah ran before him.

CHAP. XIX.

Ahab telling Jezabel what Elijah had done, she swore she'd have his Life by the next day; whereupon Elijah went and s [...]t under a Juniper Tree in the Wilderness, and prayed to God to take away his Life. But God sent an Angel to encourage him, who made Provision for him that he might eat and drink; and he travel'd in the strength of that Food forty days together, till he came to Horeb, where God appear'd to him, and questions with him what he did there. He replied, That they had forsaken God's Co­venant, slain his Prophets, and left none but himself, and they sought his Life too, so that he was fain to fly for it. Then God sends him to anoint Hazael to be King of Syria, Jehu to be King of Israel, and Elisha to be Prophet in his room; and withal tells him, That there were seven thousand left in Israel who had not bowed the Knee to Baal. After this meeting with [Page 111] Elisha, he threw his Mantle upon him; who presently left his former employment and follow­ed him, and ministred to him.

CHAP. XX.

Then Benhadad King of Syria came and be­sieged Samaria, and putting very hard terms upon Ahab, he calls a Councel of all the Gran­dees, who advise him to stand out. Then there came a Prophet from God to Ahab to promise him Victory; which came to pass, for they slew the Syrians with a great Slaughter, but the King escap'd. Then the Prophet came to him again, and bid him prepare for another War, but that he should have the Victory in that also. And so it came to pass; for the Children of Is­rael slew of the Syrians ten thousand in one day. And at Aphek a Wall fell on twenty seven thou­sand more, and slew 'em. And Benhadad fled, and hid himself in the City: But his Servants perswaded him to send a very submissive Mes­sage to Ahab, and to lay himself at his Mercy; who thereupon pardon'd him, and made a League with him, and sent him away. Then a Prophet was sent to him, who by a Parable of a Prisoner taken in Battel, and escaping from him to whose custody he was committed, makes him first pass Sentence against himself, and then denounces Judgment against him for letting the King of Syria go.

CHAP. XXI.

After this Ahab was very earnest to buy Naboth's Vineyard of him; but he refusing, Ahab was much displeased, and would eat no­thing; [Page 112] which Jezabel observing, and under­standing the reason of, contrives to write Letters to the Rulers of Jezreel to proclaim a Fast, and suborn Witnesses, who should accuse Naboth of blaspheming God and the King, and so put him to death Which being done, Ahab went to take possession of the Vineyard. But God sent Elijah to denounce Judgments against him; which when Ahab heard, he humbled himself, for which God respites part of the Judgment from his days to his Sons.

CHAP. XXII.

After this Ahab making War with the King of Syria engages Jehosaphat to assist him; but Jehosaphat was desirous to know the Mind of God in it, and therefore would have him send for some Prophet: Hereupon Ahab sends for all the Prophets of Baal, who promis'd good Suc­cess. But Jehosaphat not being satisfy'd with this, desires that some Prophet of the Lord might be enquir'd of. So he sent for Micajah; and he at first, in a way of derision, answers as the Prophets of Baal had done. But being requir'd to speak in good earnest, he then foretells that Ahab should be slain, and the People scattered; which came to pass; for he was slain by an Ar­row as he was sitting in his Charet; and his Charet being wash'd in the Pool of Samaria, the Dogs lickt up his Blood, as they had done the Blood of Naboth, according to the threatning of the Prophet. So Ahab died, and his Son reigned in his stead. In his time Jehosaphat be­gan to reign over Judah, and he did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, 2 Chron. 17. [Page 113] So the Lord was with him, and establish'd his Kingdom. He was very zealous and couragious in the ways of the Lord; for in the third year of his Reign he sent some choice Priests and Levites all over his Kingdom to teach the Peo­ple the Law of God; and with them several Princes to countenance 'em: Whereupon God so bless'd him, that all the Nations round about him became Tributaries to him, 2 Chron. 20. After his return from the expedition with Ahab, Jehu the Prophet reproves him for his joyning with him. Then he set Judges throughout all the Land, and charg'd 'em to execute Judgment and Justice impartially, 2 Chron. 20. After this the Moabites and Ammonites made War with him; whereupon he proclaimed a Fast to ask help of the Lord, and himself prayed to the Lord against them before all the People. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who bids 'em not be dismaid, for God would fight for 'em against their Enemies. Whereupon Jehosaphat encou­rag'd the People, saying, Believe in the Lord, so shall you be establish'd; believe his Prophets, so shall you prosper. So the Lord made their Ene­mies to rise up and slay one another; so that when the Men of Judah came, they found 'em all dead Bodies, and took abundance of Spoil, and great Riches from 'em. After this did Je­hosaphat joyn his Navy with the Navy of Aha­ziah, a wicked King of Israel. Then he died, and Jehoram his Son reigned in his stead. In the seventyeth year of Jehosaphat, Ahaziah the Son of Ahab began to reign over Israel, and he served Baal according to all that his Father and Mother had done.

CHAP. I.

AHAZIAH having fallen thro' a Lattice and hurt himself, sends to Baalzebub to en­quire concerning his recovery. But God sent Elijah to meet the Messenger, and to tell him, that he should not recover. The Messengers returning with this Message, Ahaziah enquires what manner of Man he was; and by their description of him, concludes it to be Elijah, so sends a Captain with fifty Men to fetch him. When they came to him, he call'd for Fire from Heaven and consum'd 'em all; and so he did a second time: Then a third Captain being sent, he falls down before Elijah, and begs him to spare his Life, and the Life of his Men: So the Angel bad Elijah go with him; who reprov'd the King for sending to Baalzebub, and told him he should surely dye; which came to pass, and Jehoram his Son reigned in his stead.

CHAP. II.

God intending to take up Elijah into Heaven by a Whirl-wind, Elijah bids Elisha tarry there where he was, because he must go on an Er­rand God had sent him about. But Elisha would not leave him; so they came to Jordan, and [Page 115] Elijah with his Mantle smote the Waters, and they were divided, so that they pass'd over on dry ground. Then Elijah bad Elisha ask what he should do for him, who said, Let a double portion of thy Spirit be upon me; which Elijah promis'd he should have, if he saw him when he was taken from him. At last, as they went on, a Charet and Horses of Fire parted them asunder, and Elijah was taken up into Heaven by a Whirlwind; which Elisha saw, and cried, My Father, my Father, the Charets of Israel, and the Horsemen thereof. But Elijah's Mantle fell from him, which Elisha took up, and divided the Waters of Jordan with it, as his Master Elijah had done; which when the young Prophets saw, they owned him for their Master in the room of Elijah. The Waters about Jericho being naught, Elisha threw Salt into 'em, and heal'd 'em. Afterwards going up from Bethel, he was revil'd by some Children; but he curs'd 'em in the Name of the Lord, and there came two Shee-Bears, and tore forty two of them.

CHAP. III.

Jehoram King of Israel continued the Idola­try of Jeroboam, but not of his Father and Mo­ther in serving Baal. The King of Moab refu­sing to pay his yearly Tribute, Jehoram gather­ed together his Forces, and invited Jehosaphat to his assistance; to those two Kings, and the King of Edom went to the War against Moab; and being in the Wilderness, they were all ready to perish for want of Water. But hearing that Elisha was in the Army, these three [Page 116] Kings went to him; but he slighted the King of Israel, and told him, That if it had not been for Jehosaphat, he would not have taken any notice of them; but out of respect to him he tells them, That the Vally should [...] full of Water, and also that God would deliver the Moabites into their hands. And so it came to pass in the Morning that the Vally was filled with Water, which appeared to the Moabites like Blood, so that they concluded these Kings and their Armies had slain one another, and therefore they rose up to the Spoil. But when they came to the Camp of the Israelites, the Israelites put 'em to flight, and beat down their Cities, and besieged Kitharaseth. Then the King of Moab sallied forth to have broken his way thro' the Quarters of the King of Edom, but he was driven back; then he took his Eldest Son and offered him for a Burnt-Offering upon the Wall; whereupon they rais'd the Siege.

CHAP. IV.

As Elisha was returning home, a certain Pro­phets Widow met him, and made her moan to him, that her Husband had left her in debt, and there was nothing to pay, so that the Creditors were about to seize upon her two Sons for Bond-men. Then he had her borrow empty Vessels, and pour out of the Pot of Oyl which she had in the House into the Vessels till they were full, and then sell the Oyl, and pay the Debt. Elisha was wont to come often to the House of a great Woman in Shunem, who en­tertain'd him very kindly; whereupon under­standing she had no Child, he calls for her, and [Page 117] tells her, that she should have a Son; which came to pass. This Child, when was he grown up, fell ill and died. Then she took him and laid him on the Bed where Elisha us'd to lie, and rode in all hast to acquaint him with it; who went with her, and went into the Chamber where the Child lay, and prayed to the Lord, and stretch'd himself upon the Child, and the Child waxed warm, and he reviv'd, and he deliver'd him to his Mother. At Gilgal the Pot being set on to make some Broth for the Prophets, they happened to put in some un­wholsom, unsavoury Herb, so that they could not eat of it; but Elisha cast a little meal into the Pot, and so made the Broth sit for use. A Present being brought him of twenty Barly Loaves, with them he fed an hundred Men.

CHAP. V.

Naaman General of the Army of the King of Syria, was a Leper, and hearing by an He­brew Maid, That there was a Prophet in Sama­ria that could cure him, he procures a Letter to the King of Israel that he might be cured of his Leprosie. When the King of Israel read the Letter, he thought it was only a Trick to pick a quarrel with him; but Elisha hearing of it, sent to the King to send this person to him. So when Naaman and all his Retinue came to Elisha's Door, he only sent one to him to bid him go and wash in Jordan seven times, and he should be cured. Naaman took this for a great Affront, and so went away in a Rage. But some of his Servants argued the matter with him, and per­swaded him, so that he went to Jordan and [Page 118] dipt himself seven times in the River, and was perfectly healed. Then he came back to the Prophets House, and acknowledged the God of Israel to be the true God, and offers him a Re­ward, but he refused it. Then he beg'd par­don for the Idolatry he had been formerly guilty of, and Elisha dismis'd him with a friend­ly farewel. But Elisha's Servant Gehazi ran af­ter Naaman, and by a Lie got two Talents of Silver, and two Changes of Raiment, which he hid in the House, and came to his Master. But his Master asking him where he had been, he told another Lie, and excus'd what he had done be­fore; but his Master knowing what was done, told him, That the Leoprosie of Naaman should cleave to him and his Seed for ever.

CHAP. VI.

One going to cut some Timber for the use of the Prophets, which grew near Jordan, his Ax Head fell into the River, which he was much concern'd at, because it was borrow'd; and complaining of it to Elisha, he threw in a stick to the place where it fell, and the Ax Head did swim, and so he had it again. The King of Sy­ria making appointments to surprize the King of Israel at several places, Elisha still warned him of 'em, and so sav'd him. The King of Syria thinking his own Servants had betray'd his Counsels, was much troubled at it; but under­standing it was Elisha's doing, he sent a great Company to Dothan, who compass'd the City to take him; which his Servant perceiving in the morning, was greatly afraid: But the Pro­phet said, Fear not; for they that are with us [Page 119] are more than they that are with them. Then upon Elisha's Prayer his eyes were open'd, and he saw the Mountain full of Horses, and Cha­rets of Fire round about Elisha; and also those People were smitten with blindness, so that he led 'em into the midst of Samaria, and then opened their Eyes; but he would not suffer the King of Israel to do 'em any hurt, but caused great provision to be made for 'em, and so sent 'em away. At another time Benhadad besieged Samaria, so that there was a very great Famine there; and as the King passed along, a Woman complained to him of her Neighbour, That whereas they had agreed to boyl and eat their Children by turns, this Woman having done her part, the other refus'd to perform hers; which the King hearing, rent his Clothes, and imputing all this Evil to Elisha, he sent one to cut off his Head: But Elisha was aware of it, and bids the Company that was with him to stop the Messenger at the Door, and not suffer him to come in. But the King himself followed immediately after, and upon discourse between 'em, he said, This evil is from the Lord, why should I wait for him any longer?

CHAP. VII.

But Elisha told him from God, That on the morrow there should be great plenty in Sama­ria; which a Lord that was with the King hearing, would not believe; whereupon Elisha told him he should see it with his Eyes, but not eat thereof. On the morrow four Lepers ven­turing into the Camp of the Syrians found that they were all fled; for the Lord had caused [Page 120] 'em to hear a noise of Charets, and Horses, and a great Host; whereupon they fled in great hast for their Lives. These Tidings the Lepers brought to the City; so the King sent to disco­ver the truth of it; and they found it to be as was related. So the People went out and spoil­ed the Camp of the Syrians, whereby it came to pass that there was great plenty, as Elisha foretold. But the unbelieving Lord, being ap­pointed by the King to keep the Gate, that the People might not all run out of the City, they were so eager upon the Spoil, that they trod him to death: And so the Prophets words were fulfilled.

CHAP. VIII.

Elisha warns the Shunamite, whose Son he had rais'd to life, of a Famine that was coming: so she went and sojourned in the Land of the Philistines. But when the Famine was over, she returned again, and came to petition the King for her Land again; (which it seems was seiz'd upon in her absence) and Providence so order'd it, that at that very nick of time the King was talking with Gehazi concerning the Miracles of Elisha, and of his raising a dead Child to Life; whereupon spying this Woman, he said, This is the Woman, and this is her Son. So the King appointed an Officer to re­store all that was hers. Then Elisha came to Damascus, and Benhadad being sick, was told that the Prophet Elisha was there; whereupon he sent Hazael to enquire of him whether he should recover: Who answer'd, That as to any thing of his Disease he might recover; but [Page 121] God had shew'd him that he should die by other means. Then Elisha fixt his Eyes upon Hazael, and wept; which Hazael enquiring the reason of, he told him, It was for the great mischiefs he should do to Israel when he came to be King of Syria; as, Dashing out their Childrens Brains, and ripping up their Women with Child. To which Hazael said, Is thy Servant a Dog that he should do such things? So Hazael came to his Master Benhadad, and told him, that the Prophet said he should surely re­cover. But to prevent that, he spread a wet cloth over his Face, and so stifled him. About this time Jehoram the Son of Jehosaphat began to reign: He married Ahab's Daughter, and so walkt in the ways of the House of Ahab, 2 Chron. 21. He slew all his Brethren, and ma­ny of the great Men of the Land, and made many innovations in Religion for the promoting of Idolatry. While he was going on in these ways, a Letter was deliver'd him, written by Elijah by the Spirit of Prophecy, during his abode on earth, to threaten him for his wicked­ness, and tell him, That God would plague him, his Wives, Children, People, and in­flict a Disease upon him in his Bowels, which should torment him day by day till they fell out. Accordingly God stirr'd up the neighbour Na­tions to distress him, and smote him in his Bowels with an incurable Disease, so that after two years they fell out, and he died without be­ing desir'd, and Ahaziah his Son reigned in his sted. He walked in the way of the House of Ahab, being his Son-in-Law. He went with Jo­ram King of Israel to the war against Hazael at [Page 122] Ramoth-Gilead; but Joram being wounded, came back to be cured in Jezreel, and Ahaziah went thither to give him a Visit.

CHAP. IX.

Elisha sends one of the young Prophets to an­noint Jehu to be King of Israel; so he went to the Camp at Ramoth-Gilead, and singled out Jehu, and anointed him, with a Command to destroy the whole House of Ahab. Then Jehu telling the Commanders what had been done to him, they presently proclaimed him King, and he went towards Jezreel; but being spied by a Watch-man, Joram sends to enquire what was the matter? but Jehu detain'd the Messen­ger; then another was sent, but he was de­tain'd also. Then Joram went himself, and A­haziah with him, and ask'd, Is it peace, Jehu? who answer'd, What peace so long as the Whore­doms of thy Mother Jezabel, and her Witchcrafts are so many? Joram then perceiving there was treachery, endeavours to fly away; but Jehu drew a Bow, and slew him, and bad one of his Captains cast his Body into the Field of Naboth, as God had threatned he should be serv'd. He slew Ahaziah King of Judah also; and when he was come to Jezreel, Jezabel look'd out at a Window, and upbraided him for killing his Master. But he commanded her to be thrown down out of the Window, and he trod her un­der feet, and the Dogs did eat the greatest part of her. What was left he commanded to be buried, because she was a Kings Daughter.

CHAP. X.

After this Jehu sent Letters to Samaria, where were kept seventy of Ahab's Sons, requiring those that had the charge of 'em to bring their Heads to him on the morrow; which was done. So he slew all that remained of the House of Ahab at Jezreel; he slew also forty two Princes, the Kindred of Ahaziah. As he was going to Samaria, he met with Jonadab the Son of Rechab, and took him up into his Charet, saying, Come see my Zeal for the Lord of Hosts. So he came to Samaria, and slew all that remained of Ahab there. Then he gather­ed all the Worshipers and Prophets of Baal to­gether, upon pretence of offering a great Sacri­fice to Baal, and caus'd 'em all to be slain, and burnt his Images, and brake down his Temple. But yet he practis'd the Idolatry of Jeroboam, th [...] not of Ahab. But for what he had done in ex­ecuting Judgment on the House of Ahab, God promis'd to continue his Seed on the Throne to the fourth Generation. He reign'd twenty eight years over Israel in Samaria, and then died, and his Son Jehoahaz reign'd in his sted.

CHAP. XI.

Ahaziah being slain, his Mother Athuliah u­surps the Throne, and slew all the Seed-Royal; only one of them, Joash, was hid in some of the Chambers belonging to the Temple, six years: And in the seventh year Jehojada the High Priest brought him out, and proclaimed him King. Athaliah hearing a noise, went to see what was the matter, and spied Joash standing [Page 124] by a Pillar, and the People about him rejoy­cing, and cried out, Treason, Treason. But Jehojada commanded, and they laid hands on her, and slew her. Then Jehojada made a Covenant between the Lord, and the King; and the People, that they should be the Lords People; and between the King and the Peo­ple. Then they brake down the Monuments of Idolatry, and slew the Priests of Baal, and they brought the King down out of the House of the Lord, and he sate upon the Throne of the Kings.

CHAP. XII.

It was in the seventh year of Jehu that Joash began to reign, and he did right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehojada, and cau­sed the Temple to be repair'd. But after Jeho­jada was dead, the Princes came and flatter'd him, and he harkned unto 'em, and they fell to Idolatry again: Whereupon the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, and he reproved 'em for their sins; so the King commanded him to be ston'd, and they ston'd him in the Court of the Lords House: And when he died, he said, The Lord look upon it and requite it. After this Hazael designing to come up against Jerusalem, Joash took all the hallowed things, and sent 'em to him, and so he departed. But the Servants of Joash conspired against him, and slew him in the House of Millo, and Ama­ziah his Son reigned in his sted.

CHAP. XIII

In the three and twentieth year of Joash be­gan [Page 125] Jehoahaz Son of Jehu to reign over Israel [...] and he followed the ways of Jeroboam; so the Lord delivered Israel into the hands of the King of Syria, and Jehoahaz besought the Lord, and he gave them a Saviour. Then he died, and Joash his Son reigned in his sted, who departed not from the sins of Jeroboam. In his days Elisha fell sick, and Joash came and wept over him, saying, O my Father, my Father, the Cha­rets of Israel and the Horsemen thereof: And Elisha bad him take his Bow and Arrows, and shoot; and he shot: then Elisha told him, he should smite the Syrians till he had consumed 'em. Then he had him take the Arrows and smite upon the ground, and so he did thrice. And Elisha was angry because he smote but thrice, and told him he should have smitten five or six times, and then he should have utter­ly destroyed the Syrians, whereas now he should smite 'em but thrice. Then Elisha died and was buried; and afterwards some casting a Man into his Sepulcher, assoon as he toucht the Bones of Elisha, the man revived, and stood upon his Feet. Then Hazael op­press'd Israel; but Joash overcome Benhadad the Son of Hazael, and beat him three times, and recovered the Cities of Israel.

CHAP. XIV.

At this time Amaziah reigned over Judah, and did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. He slew those that had slain the King his Father, 2 Chron. 25.5. &c. He gather­ed together the Militia of Judah and Benjamin, three hundred thousand choice men; also he hi [...]'d [Page 126] than hundred thousand out of Israel: But a Prophet met him and told him, God was not with the Men of Israel, and therefore he should send 'em back again; and so he did. After this he fought against the Edomites, and slew ten thou­sand, and carried away ten thousand more, and threw 'em down from the top of a Rock that they were broken all in pieces. But when he came from the Slaughter of the Edomites, he brought their Gods, and set 'em up for his Gods, and served them. Whereupon God sent a Prophet to him to reprove him for it; but he was angry with the Prophet, and said, Who made thee of the King's Counsel? Forbear: why shouldst thou be smitten? Then the Prophet told him, that God would destroy him because he harkned not to his Counsel. Then he sent a Challenge to Joash, but was beaten, and taken Prisoner, and Joash came to Jerusalem, and brake down part of the Wall, and plunder'd the House of the Lord and the Kings House, and so return'd to Samaria. Then he died, and Jeroboam his Son reigned in his stead. Then they made a Conspiracy against Amaziah King of Judah, and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him, and slew him there. And the People made Ahaziah his Son King in his sted. Jeroboam King of Israel did Evil in the sight of the Lord; yet God saved them by the hand of Jeroboam, because he saw the Affliction of Israel that it was very bitter. Then Jeroboam died, and Zechariah his Son resigned in his sted.

CHAP. XV.

Az [...]iah (or Uzaiah) did that which was [Page 127] right in the sight of the Lord. [2 Chron. 26 and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper; for he fought against the Phili­stines, and prevail'd. God helpt him also a­gainst the Arabians; and the Ammonites brought him Gifts. He built Towers in Jerusalem, and digg'd many Wells, for he had much Cattel and Husbandry, for he loved it. He had a great Army of three hundred and seven thou­sand and five hundred; and he made many Engines in Jerusalem to shoot Arrows and Stones withal, and was very strong. But when he was strong his Heart was lifted up to his Destruction; for he went into the Temple to burn Incense himself; but Azariah the Chief Priest withstood him, telling him that it per­tained not to him, but to the Priests. Then he was wroth with the Priests. But God smote him with a Leprosie, so he hastned out of the Temple, and dwelt in a lone House, and Jo­tham his Son was his Deputy. Then he died, and Jotham succeeded him.] In his days did Zachariah the Son of Jeroboam reign over Is­rael, and he walked in the ways of Jeroboam the Son of Nebat; and Shallum conspired a­gainst him, and slew him, and reigned in his sted. But Menahem conspir'd against him, and slew him, and reign'd in his sted. He walked in the ways of Jeroboam the Son of Nebat. Then Pul the King of Assyria came against him, to whom he gave a thousand Talents of Silver to settle him upon the Throne. He died, and Pekahiah his Son reigned in his sted. But Pe­kah conspired against him, and slew him, and reigned in his sted. In his days Tiglath-Pilesar [Page] King of Assyria took many Towns from him, and carried the People captive to Assyria. In his days began Jotham the Son of Uzziah to reign over Judah, and he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. He built the higher Gate of the House of the Lord, and Cities in the Mountains. He fought also with the King of the Ammonites, and prevailed against 'em, and they gave him Tribute, and he became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord. Then he died, and Ahaz his Son succeeded him.

CHAP. XVI.

2 Chron. 28. Ahaz walked in the way of the Kings of Israel, and burnt his Children in the Fire; wherefore the Lord deliver'd him into the hand of the King of Syria, who carried away a great multitude of People to Damascus. Pekah also the King of Israel prevail'd against him, and slew in one day an hundred and twenty thousand, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their Fathers, and carried away two hundred thousand persons, and took much Spoil. But the Prophet Oded met them, and reprov'd 'em for it, saying, Are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord your God? therefore deliver the Captives. So some of the Princes withstood them, and would not suffer 'em to bring them into the City. So the Captives were cloathed and fed, and sent to Je­richo. [Esay 7. Then Rezin the King of Syria, and Pekah King of Israel warred against Jeru­salem, but could no prevail against it. And the Lord commanded Esay to go meet Ahaz, [Page 129] and bid him not be afraid of them; and bad him ask a Sign: but Ahaz would not. Then said Esay, God himself shall give you a Sign: Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel. But withal tells him, That the Lord would bring upon them the King of Assyria, who should destroy both his People and their Land.] Yet Ahaz sent Embassadors to the King of Assyria to come and help him against the Kings of Syria and Israel, and sent him all the Silver and Gold that was in the Lords House, and in his own Trea­sury. So the King of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and slew Rezin. And Ahaz went to Damascus to meet him, and see­ing there an Altar, he sent the Pattern of it to Urijah the Priest, who made one after that fashion, upon which Ahaz offered Sacrifices, and removed the Brazen Altar, and commanded that this new Altar should be made use of for the daily Sacrifice, and shut up the Doors of the Temple, and sacrificed to the Gods of Da­mascus. Thus in time of his Distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord. Then he died, and Hezekiah his Son succeeded him.

CHAP. XVII.

In the days of Ahaz began Hoshea to reign over Israel, and Shalmaneser King of Assyria came up against him and made him tributary. But he sent Embassadors to So King of Egypt to help him; which the King of Assyria hear­ing of, put him in Prison, and came and besieged Samaria, and took it, and carried the People into Assyria for their Idolatry and other sins they had been guilty of, and brought other [Page 130] from Babylon and other places to dwell in the Cities of Samaria. But God sent Lions among 'em for their wickedness. Then the King of Assyria sent a Priest to them to teach 'em how to serve the Lord. But they all served their own Gods, and set up their Images in their High-Places. So they served the Lord and their own Gods too, and so continued to do.

CHAP. XVIII.

2 Chron. 29. Hezekiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. He destroyed all the Monuments of Idolatry, and brake in pieces the Brazen Serpent, because the People burnt Incense to it. He also opened the Doors of the Temple, and brought in the Priests, com­manding 'em to sanctifie the House of the Lord, which they did. Then he gathered the Rulers together, and offered Sacrifices according to the Law, and prais'd the Lord with the Words of David and Asaph, 2 Chron. 30. Then he sent Letters to all Israel and Judah, and those of the twelve Tribes, to come and keep the Pass­over at Jerusalem, which he earnestly exhorted 'em to. So they kept the Passover in the Se­cond Month; and because many did eat other­wise than was written, Hezekiah pray'd for 'em, and the Lord harkned to him, and heal'd the people. Then he encouraged the Levites to teach the people, and perform their Duties; and he gave to the Congregation a thousand Bullocks, and seven thousand Sheep; and the Princes gave 'em a thousand Bullocks, and ten thou­sand Sheep: So there was great Joy, and the Priests blessed the people, and their Prayer came [Page 131] up to Heaven. 2 Chron. 31. Then they destroyed all the Monuments of Idolatry, and so return­ed home. Then he appointed the Priests and Levites to wait in their Courses, and command­ed the People to pay 'em all their dues, which they chearfully did. And he appointed Offi­cers to dispose of the Titles. And all this he did with sincerity and diligence. So God was with him, and prospered him. Ch. 18.11. &c. 2 Chron. 32. After this Sennacherib King of Assyria took several Cities of Judah; then Hezekiah re­paired the Walls of Jerusalem, and encouraged the People, saying, With him is an Arm of Flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battels. Then Sennacherib besieged Lachish, and Hezekiah sent to buy his peace with him, and gave him all the Gold in the Lords House, and in his own Treasury; yet Sennacherib continued his Siege, and sent a great Army against Jerusalem under the command of Rabshakeh, who revil'd and blasphem'd the Lord, as if he were not able to deliver them out of the hands of his Master. He spake also to the people that they should not suffer them­selves to be deluded by Hezekiah to hold out the Siege, but to yield to him, and they should enjoy their Lives and Fortunes. But the people answered him not a word. But some went to Hezekiah and told him what Rabshakeh had said.

CHAP. XIX.

When Hezekiah heard it, he went into the House of the Lord, and sent to Esay the Pro­phet to pray for 'em. Then Esay bids 'em not [Page 132] to be afraid of his words, for God would send a Blast upon him, and cause him to return and fall in his own Land. Then Sennacherib sent Messengers again to Hezekiah, with Letters full of Blasphemy; and Hezekiah spread the Letter before the Lord, and pray'd to be delivered out of his Hand. Then God sent Esay with a Mes­sage to Hezekiah to tell him, that his Prayer was heard, and that they should have occasion to despise Sennacherib, and laugh him to scorn, notwithstanding all his pride and boastings, for he would turn him back by the way by which he came. So that Night the Lord sent an An­gel which slew an hundred fourscore and five thousand of the Assyrians. Then Sennacherib returned with shame to his own Land, and dwelt at Niniveh; and as he was worshiping in the House of his God, his two Sons slew him. Thus God saved Hezekiah, and Jerusalem; and many brought Gifts to the Lord, and Presents to Hezekiah, and he was magnified in the sight of all Nations.

CHAP. XX.

In those days Hezekiah fell sick of a mortal Disease; and God sent Esay to him to bid him set his house in order, for he should die. Upon this Hezekiah prayed earnestly and wept. Then God sent Esay again to tell him, that he would heal him, and add fifteen years to his Life; and that he would defend and deliver the City; and that he should lay a Cake of Figs on the Sore: So he recovered; and for a Sign that he should recover, and go up to the House of the Lord within three days, he caused the Shadow to go [Page 133] back ten degrees upon the Dial of Ahaz. Then the King of Babylon sent Messengers and Pre­sents to him to congratulate his Recovery; wherewith he being puff'd up, shew'd 'em all his Treasures. Whereupon Esay was sent to him to tell him, That all these things should be carried to Babylon, and some of his Seed should be Eunuchs to the King of Babylon. To which Ezekiah replied, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. So he died, and Manasseh his Son succeeded him.

CHAP. XXI.

2 Chron. 33. Manasseh did worse than all the Kings that were before him; for he restored Idolatry, built Altars for all the Host of Hea­ven in the Courts of the Lord's House, used En­chantments, dealt with familiar Spirits, and shed abundance of innocent Blood; wherefore the Lord threatned to wipe Jerusalem as a Man wipes a Dish; and tells 'em he was bringing such Evils upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever hears it, both his Ears shall tingle. And accordingly the Captains of the King of Assyria took Manasseh and carried him to Baby­lon. And in his Affliction he humbled himself greatly before God, and prayed, and he was intreated of him, and brought him again unto Jerusalem. Then he made a thorow Reforma­tion, and repaired the Altar, and commanded the People to serve the Lord. He died, and Am­mon his Son succeeded him. He did evil as his Father had done, but did not humble himself like his Father, but trespass'd more and more. Then his Sons conspired against him, and slew [Page 134] him in his own House, and Josiah his Son reigned in his sted.

CHAP. XXII.

2 Chron. 33. Josiah while he was young, (a­bout sixteen years old) began to seek after the God of David his Father, and took care to have the Temple repair'd. And as they were cleansing it, Hilkiah the High Priest found the Original Copy of the Law written by Moses, and sent it to the King, who caus'd it to be read before him, and was much affected with it; especially with the threatnings against Idolatry, and sent to Huldah a Prophetess to enquire of the Lord for him; who answer'd, That God would bring great Evils upon 'em for all their sins; but as for Josiah, because his Heart was tender, and he humbled himself before the Lord, he should die in peace, and not see the evil that should befal 'em.

CHAP. XXIII.

2 Chron. 34. Then the King gathered the Ru­lers, and all the people together, and went up to the House of the Lord, and caused the Book to be read, and made a Covenant with the Lord to keep his Commandments, according to what was written in that Book; and then pur­ged the Temple of all Idolatrous Relicks, and made a general Reformation among 'em. Then he went to Bethel, and brake down the Altar and High Place, and burnt the Grove, and burnt the Bones of the Priests upon the Altar, as it was foretold he should do: And so he did likewise in all the Cities of Samaria, and slew the Priests of the High Places upon their Altars. 2 Chron. 35. Then he commanded and they [Page 135] kept a Passover in a most solemn manner, so as had not been from the days of the Judges. Notwithstanding the Lord turn'd not from the fierceness of his great Wrath against Judah, be­cause of the Provocations of Manasseh. After this the King of Egypt went to fight with the King of Assyria at Carchemish, and Josiah went out against him; but he sent to him to perswade him not to concern himself in that quarrel, be­cause the War was undertaken by God's Com­mand. But Josiah would not be disswaded, but went to fight with him, and in the Fight he was wounded, and died of his Wounds. Then all the People mourned for him; and Jeremy the Prophet lamented for him; and the People made Jehoahaz King in his Fathers sted. He did Evil in the sight of the Lord, and Pharaoh de­pos'd him, and made Eliakim his Brother King, and chang'd his Name to Jehojakim, who also did Evil as his Fathers had done.

CHAP. XXIV.

In his days Nebuchadnezzar came up and made him Tributary; but he rebell'd against him, and the Lord raised up many Enemies of the Nations round about to destroy them for the sins of Manasseh. Then Nebuchadnezzar came and bound him in Fetters, and carried away part of the Vessels of the Lord's House to Babylon, and put 'em in the House of his God. And Jehojakim died, and Jehojachin suc­ceeded him, and did evil in the sight of the Lord. And the King of Babylon sent his Ser­vants against Jerusalem to besiege it: But Jeho­jachin render'd himself to them, and they car­ried [Page 136] him to Babylon, with the Vessels of the Temple, and the people of the Land. And the King of Babylon made Zedekiah King in his stead. But God in Judgment suffer'd him to rebel against the King of Babylon.

CHAP. XXV.

Then Nebuchadnezzar came and besieged Je­rusalem; and after two years Siege, the Famine prevailing, it was taken; but the King escap'd by night: But the Chaldeans pursued, and took him and brought him to the King of Babylon at Riblah, where they slew his Sons before his Face; then put out his Eyes, and carried him bound to Babylon. And soon after came Nebuza­radan and burnt the Temple and City, and brake down the Walls round about, and carried the rest of the People, (all but the poor, whom he left to husband the Land) and the remainder of the Vessels of the Lord's House, and seve­ral of the chief Men of the City, to the King of Babylon to Riblah, who slew 'em there. And over those that remained in the Land he set Ge­daliah to be Governor. But Ismael came pri­vately and slew him. Afterwards in the seven and thirtieth year of Zedekiah's Captivity, Evil­merodac King of Babylon set him at Liberty, and gave him a daily allowance at his own Ta­ble all his days.

CHAP. I.

CYRUS being come to the Kingdom of Persia, proclaims Liberty to the Jews to return to their own Country, and build the Temple at Jerusalem; and likewise gives 'em all the Vessels of Gold and Silver belonging to the Temple that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away, which were great and small, five thou­sand four hundred.

CHAP. II.

Hereupon there returned forty two thousand three hundred and sixty; besides seven thou­sand three hundred thirty seven Servants. When they came to Jerusalem, the chief of 'em gave freely for repairing of the Temple.

CHAP. III.

Then Joshua and Zerubbabel built the Altar, and offered the daily Sacrifice thereon, and all other Sacrifices according to the Law. Then in the second year after their return, they laid the Foundation of the Temple with great rejoycing. But some of the ancient Men that had seen the first Temple, wept when they saw this Foun­dation laid.

CHAP. IV.

The Samaritans, enemies of the Jews, hear­ing that they were about to build the Temple, came and offered their assistance; but the Jews would not accept of it: whereupon they made Friends at Court, who prevailed to hinder the Work till the Reign of Darius. The chief of 'em wrote to Artaxerxes, and charge the Jews with Rebellion; whereupon he sends a Com­mand that the building should cease.

CHAP. V.

But Darius coming to the Throne, the Jews were encouraged by Haggai and Zechary to set about building the Temple again; which they did, and were opposed again by the Samaritans, who demand by what Authority they go on with this work. They alledge for themselves the Decree of Cyrus: This they acquaint the Emperour withal, desiring that search may be made whether there were any such Decree, and to send 'em his pleasure.

CHAP. VI.

Search being made, the Decree was found, which Darius confirms with a severe Penalty and Curse upon the Infringers of it. Then the Jews went on vigorously, and finish'd the House, and kept the Dedication of it, and kept the Passover at the time appointed.

CHAP. VII.

Artaxerxes being come to the Throne, in the Seventh year of his Reign Ezra goes to Jeru­salem, [Page 139] having a new Commission from the King to take as many more Jews with him as were willing to go; and all the Gold and Sil­ver which the King and his Princes had offered for the Service of the Temple, and whatsoever else he could collect among the Jews; with Au­thority to reform all Abuses and Disorders there, to appoint such Magistrates as he thought fit, to free the Priests from Taxes, and to punish Of­fenders.

CHAP. VIII.

Ezra having gathered all his Company toge­ther that were to go with him, appoints a Fast to seek direction, and a blessing on their Jour­ney. Then he delivered the Vessels and Offer­ings for the Temple to certain Priests to take charge of 'em, and carry 'em to Jerusalem. So they came to Jerusalem, and deliver'd the King's Commissions to his Leiutenants and Officers, who further'd the People and the House of God.

CHAP. IX.

Ezra being come to Jerusalem, complaine was made to him, that many of the People, yea of the Priests, had married strange Wives of the Idolatrous Nations contrary to the Law: This Ezra was mightily affected with, and doe largely confess and bewail their sins unto God.

CHAP. X.

Hereupon a great Congregation were met together, and wept very much for this sin, and Shecaniah proposes, that Ezra by his Authority should engage 'em in a Covenant to reform [Page 140] this Miscarriage; who thereupon summons 'em all to Jerusalem, and enjoyn 'em to confess their sin, and put away their strange Wives; which was done accordingly.

CHAP. I.

NEhemiah understanding by some that came from Jerusalem, of the great Distress his Countrymen were in there, and that the City lay in a ruinous condition still, was exceedingly affected with it, and thereupon fasts, and mourns, and prays unto God on their behalf. And

CHAP. II.

Being Cupbearer to Artaxerxes, when he came to bring Wine to the King, he took notice of his sadness, and ask'd him the Cause of it; he answer'd, Because the City, the place of his Father's Sepulchers, lay wast. The King en­quired further, Whether he had any request to make to him upon that occasion. Then he desir'd to be sent with Authority to build the City, which the King granted, and gave him a Warrant to take what Timber he had occasion for out of the King's Forests. This their Ene­mies hearing of, were troubled at. But Nehe­miah when he came to Jerusalem, viewed the Walls by Night, to see what repairs were ne­cessary, [Page 141] and then took order for it. But their Enemies scoff'd at 'em.

CHAP. III.

Then they fell to work about repairing the Walls, and several Persons took their several shares.

CHAP. IV.

This very much disturb'd Sanballat and the Samaritans, who fell a scoffing at 'em for it, and conspir'd together to make 'em cease by force. But Nehemiah set a Watch to prevent their at­tempts, and armed the Workmen, and gave 'em directions how they should govern themselves in case of an Assault.

CHAP. V.

Complaint was made to Nehemiah of great oppression of the poorer sort, by their Credi­tors and Usurers; whereupon Nehemiah was ve­ry angry with 'em, and requir'd 'em to restore what they had so injuriously taken from their poor Brethren; which they promis'd to do: and to encourage 'em to deal mercifully and kindly with their Brethren, he tells 'em, That he might have requir'd the same Allowance that former Governors had, yet he forbore to require it, that he might not be chargable to 'em; nay, he kept great Hospitality for the en­tertainment of those that came to his Table.

CHAP. VI.

Their Enemies hearing that the Walls were repairing, endeavoured by several Contrivances to terrifie Nehemiah; but none of 'em took effect; but they proceeded and finish'd the Wall.

CHAP. VII.

The City being thus secured, Nehemiah ap­points [Page 142] that the Gates should not be opened till the Sun was up, and that they should be shut in due time, and that Watch should be kept continually. Then he took an account of the Genealogies of the Priests and People; and they all made an Offering for repairing the Temple and City.

CHAP. VIII.

After this they held a solemn meeting for Reading and expounding the Law to the Peo­ple, which they were exceedingly affected with, and fell a weeping for their transgressions of it. But Nehemiah and Ezra comforted them, and bad 'em rejoyce for the goodness of God to 'em. And then they kept the Feast of Taberna­cles according to the Law.

CHAP. IX.

Then they kept a solemn Fast, confessing their sins, and the sins of their Fathers; and the Levites made a religious acknowledgment of God's goodness and their own wickedness; and also made a solemn Covenant with God, (ch. 10.) to which all the chief among 'em seal'd, and engaged themselves to a stricter Obedience to the Law, and particularly against mixt Mar­riages, and for Sanctification of the Sabbath, and for the better payment of their dues for the maintaining the Service of God in the Temple.

CHAP. XII.

They kept the Feast of Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem with great gladness and so­lemnity. And

CHAP. XIII.

Read in the Law: whereupon they separated the mixt multitude from 'em; and Nehemiah reformed other abuses, casting out the Hous­hold [Page 143] stuff of Tobiah the Ammonite out of the Chambers of the Temple; causing them to bring their Tithes and Offerings to the Temple for the maintenance of the Levites; reforming the profanation of the Sabbath, and causing them to put away their strange Wives; for all which he prays God to remember him for good.

CHAP. I.

AHasuerus to shew the Glory of his Kingdom, and magnificence of his State, made a Royal Feast for all his Princes and Nobles, which lasted almost half a year; and after that, for all the People there present for seven days more. Queen Vashti likewise made a Feast for the La­dies. On the last day of the Feast the King sent for the Queen to come to him, that the People might see and admire her Beauty; but she refus'd to come. Whereat the King being much displeased, consulted with his wise Men what penalty was fit to inflict upon her. One of them answered, Since this example might be so prejudicial to the Authority of all Hus­bands, to prevent the Evil thereof, he advis'd she should be put away, and another taken in her room; which was done, and Proclamation made, that every man should bear rule in his own House,

CHAP. II.

Vashti being thus put away, enquiry was made among all the fair Virgins for one fit for the King. Among others Esther is pitch'd upon, and brought to the Apartment to be prepared for the King's Company, where she found ac­ceptance with the Governor of the House, who presently gave her all things requisite. And when her turn came to go to the King, she pleas'd him so, that he Crown'd her Queen in­stead of Vashti, and made a splendid Feast, and gave royal Gifts for the greater Solemnity of the Wed­ding. After this Mordicai (Esther's Cousin-German) being one of the King's Porters, became acquain­ted with a Conspiracy which two of the King's Chamberlains made against him to take away his Life; which he discovered to Esther, and she to the King, who caus'd 'em both to be hang'd, and this good Service of Mordecai to be recorded in the Chronicles.

CHAP. III.

After this the King advanc'd Haman to be his chief Favourite and Minister of State; to whom therefore all the people shew'd more than ordinary Reverence: only Mordecai re­fus'd to do him any honour, (he being an ac­cursed Amalekite) which Haman taking notice of, contriv'd the Destruction not only of him alone, but of the whole Nation of the Jews. And for the more successful effecting of it, he cast lots to find out the most lucky time, and then addresses himself to the King to get leave and authority to put his design in execution; which the King presently granted, and gave him his Ring to seal what Decree he pleased for [Page 145] this purpose. So the Decree was written and seal'd, and sent abroad to all Countries to kill and destroy all the Jews throughout all the King's Dominions, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth Month.

CHAP. IV.

When this Decree was publish'd, Mordecai and the Jews were in extream distress; and Mordecai sent a Copy of it to Esther, charging her to use her Interest with the King for their preservation. But she making an excuse in re­gard of the danger of going into the King un­call'd, he sends her word, That if she refus'd, he did not doubt but God would deliver 'em some other way; but probably God brought her to this place for this very end. Whereupon she resolves to go to the King whatever came of it; only desires, That all the Jews at Shushan would seek God by Fasting and Prayer on her behalf, which they did.

CHAP. V.

Then Esther went unto the King, who held out his Golden Scepter to her, and ask'd what her business was with him. She desires that the King and Haman would come to a Banquet that day, which she had prepared for 'em. Which they did: and then the King ask'd her again what she had to say to him. She desir'd the same favour the next day of their coming to a Banquet, and then she'd acquaint him with her request. Haman as he went home, not meeting with that respect from Mordecai that he expect­ed, [Page 146] was full of Wrath, but conceal'd it for the present, and boasted of his Honour and Wealth to his Wife and Friends; yet he took little con­tent in all, because of that disrespect he met with from Mordecai: Whereupon his Wife ad­vis'd him to make a Gallows of Fifty Cubits high, and the next day to get leave of the King to hang him thereon.

CHAP. VI.

That Night the King being restless, calls for the Chronicles to be read to him, and lights up­on that Story, how Mordecai had discover'd a Conspiracy against him, and enquires what Ho­nour had been done to Mordecai for it: They answer'd, None at all. Then the King asks, Who was in the Court; they said, Haman, (who was now come to beg leave to hang Mordecai.) The King sends for him, and asks him, What shall be done to the Man whom the King has a mind to honour? Haman thinking this could be none but himself, directs Honour enough in several particulars. The King commands him to do all this immediately to Mordecai, which he was feign to do in spite of all his regret. But as soon as he had done, he hastned home to ac­quaint his Wife and Friends with what had be­faln him. They conclude, That if Mordecai, before whom he had begun to fall, were a Jew, he should certainly fall before him. Then Mes­sengers came to hasten Haman to the Banquet.

CHAP. VII.

The King and Haman being come to the [Page 147] Banquet, the King renews his instance to Esther, to know her request. She then begs that her Life, and the Life of her People might be given her, which were all destin'd to destruction. The King was mightily surprized at this, and fell into a great Rage, and asks, Who durst presume to do such a thing? The Queen re­plies, 'Tis Haman. The King being enraged, walk't into the Garden to cool and quiet him­self. Haman in the mean while prostrates him­self to the Queen to beg her favour. The King coming in again, and seeing him in this posture, saith, What, will he force the Queen before my face? So they took Haman out of the King's Presence; and one told the King how that Haman had prepar'd a Gallows fifty Cubits high for Mordecai; whereupon the King command­ed him to be hang'd thereupon himself. Which being done, the King's anger was appeas'd.

CHAP. VIII.

Then the King gave Haman's House and Estate to Esther, who sets Mordecai over it; and the King made him also Keeper of the Seal. Then Esther further beg'd of the King with Tears, That some course mighr be taken to prevent that mischief that Haman had design'd against the Jews; who gave them leave to frame another Decree as it lik'd them. Then they made a new Decree, and sent it into all the Kings Dominions, to give leave to the Jews to gather themselves together on the day ap­pointed for the Massacre, and to stand upon their Guard, and to kill and slay all that should assault [Page 148] them; which caus'd great rejoycing among all the Jews.

CHAP. IX.

The day appointed for the slaughter of the Jews by Haman's Decree, being come, they gathered themselves together, both to defend themselves, and slay their Enemies: and in Shu­shan alone they slew five hundred of their Ene­mies, among which were Haman's ten Sons: And upon Esther's request, the King gave 'em leave to do the like again the next day in Shu­shan; and then thy slew three hundred more, and Haman's Sons were hanged upon the Gal­lows. Hereupon they appointed that the four­teenth and fifteenth days of this Month should be kept yearly, as days of rejoycing by all the Jews, in memorial of this Deliverance: And this was confirmed both by Esther and Mordecai

CHAP. I.

NEbuchadnezzar, having taken Jerusalem, and carried many of the People Captives to Babylon, gave commandment to the Master [Page 149] of the Eunuchs, to seek out some young Men of the Jews of Noble Birth, comly persons, and of good parts, who might be train'd up in the Learning of the Chaldeans, and fitted for the King's Service. Among others, he pitch'd upon Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, who had a portion of Meat and Drink allow'd 'em of the King's Provision. But Daniel and his three Companions refus'd the Court-dyet, and contented themselves with Pulse and Water, and yet were found to look better than those that fed of the Kings Fare. And when they were brought to attend the King, they were found in all matters of knowledge, wisdom and sciences to excel all the Magicians and Astrono­mers that were in the Kingdom.

CHAP. II.

Nebuchadnezzar dreamt a Dream, which caus'd a great discomposure of mind in him, but he had forgot it. So he sent for all that were skilled in such matters to tell him his Dream; but they all agreed that it was impossible for any man to do. Whereupon the King was ve­ry angry, and commanded they should all be put to death as Impostors. So some sought to bring Daniel and his Fellows within the com­pass of that Command. But Daniel desired time, and undertook to give the King satisfacti­on, both concerning his Dream, and the Inter­pretation of it. So he went home, and he and his Companions sought unto God to reveal this Secret to 'em, whereby their Lives might be preserved. Then God revealed it to Daniel in a Night Vision, for which he return'd thanks to [Page 150] him. So he desir'd he might be brought to the King; which being done, he told the King that none of the wise Men could reveal this Se­cret, but God only; and so tells the King both his Dream, and the Interpretation of it. Then the King promoted Daniel, and his three Com­panions upon his request.

CHAP. III.

Nebuchadnezzar made a Golden Image, and commanded all persons whatsoever to worship it, upon pain of being cast into a Fiery Fur­nace. Then certain men accus'd Daniel's three Companions for not worshiping the Image; so Nebuchadnezzar sent for 'em to know whether they would worship it or no: but they gave him a peremptory denyal; whereupon in a great rage he commanded 'em to be cast into the Fi­ery Furnace. But presently the King saw four Men walking in the Fiery Furnace without any hurt, and the fourth look'd like a Divine Per­son. Then he call'd 'em to come forth, and they came out, and not so much as the smell of fire had pass'd upon 'em. Then Nebuchadnez­zar made a Decree, that none should dare to speak against this God: and he promoted these persons.

CHAP. IV.

Nebuchadnezzar dreamt another Dream, which the Magicians could not interpret; there he relates it to Daniel, concerning a Tree which was commanded to be cut down, only the Stump was to be left in the Earth; which Da­niel interprets of himself, that he should be dri­ven [Page 151] from among Men, and feed amon the Beasts; but at last his Understanding should return to him, and he should be restor'd to his King­dom again. Which accordingly came to pass. For walking in his Palace, and admiring his own greatness, there came a Voice from Hea­ven, saying, Thy Kingdom is departed from thee. Whereupon he was driven from among Men, and lived among the Beast, till his Under­standing returned to him, and then he owned the Sovereignty and Dominion of God, and did extol him, and acknowledged, That those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

CHAP. V.

Belshazzar, at a great Feast, profaning the Vessels of the Temple by quaffing and carousing in 'em, there was a hand appeared writing up­on the Wall over against him; whereat he was extremely appal'd, and sends for the wise Men to read the Writing, but none of 'em could do it. Then the Queen-Mother informed him concerning Daniel, who being sent for, read the Writing to the King, which contained his doom, That his Kingdom should be taken from him, and given to the Medes and Persians; which was soon fulfilled; for that Night he was slain, and his Kingdom possessed by Darius the Mede.

CHAP. VI.

This Darius advanc'd Daniel to be the prime Minister of State; which the rest not brooking, and envying him for, since they could find no fault in his Administration, they laid a Snare for him in matters of Religion; which was thus. [Page 152] They procure a Decree from the King, that none should ask any Petition of any God or Man for thirty days, but only of the King. Then they watch't Daniel, and finding that he prayed to God thrice a day, they accuse him to the King; at which the King was much griev'd, and en­deavour'd all he could to deliver him. But they urg'd the Law, and so he was cast into the Lion's Den. But the King could not sleep all Night, but rose early and came to the Lions Den, and called to Daniel; who answer'd him, That God had shut the Lions Mouths that they had done him no hurt: Whereupon the King commanded him to be taken out of the Den, and his Accusers to be cast into it; and made an open acknowledgment, That this God is the Living God, and therefore commanded all to tremble and fear before him.

CHAP. I.

JOnah being commanded to preach against Nineveh, flies to Tarshish; but God sent a Storm after him, which continuing, the Mari­ners cast Lots to find out who was the cause of it, and the Lot fell upon Jonah: Then he con­fess'd he fled from the presence of God, and bad 'em cast him over-board, and the Storm should cease; which tho they were very unwilling to, [Page 153] yet at last were feign to do it, and then the Storm ceas'd; but a Fish swallow'd Jonah, and he was three days and nights in the Fishes Belly.

CHAP. II.

Then he prayed to God in the Fishes Belly, and God caus'd the Fish to vomit him up upon dry Land.

CHAP. III.

Then God sends him again to Nineveh, and he went and proclaimed, Yet forty days and Ni­neveh shall be destroyed. Whereupon they sast­ed and prayed, and turn'd from their evil ways, and God repented of the evil he threatned 'em with.

CHAP. IV.

Whereat Jonah was angry (as making him a false Prophet) and in a pet desires to die. God, to convince him of his foolish impatience, caused a Gourd to spring up, which shelter'd him from the heat of the Sun; but afterwards caus'd it to wither. Then Jonah was angry again: but God replied, If thou hadst pity upon the Gourd, much more should I have pity upon Nineveh, wherein are more than sixscore thou­sand persons that can't distinguish between their right hand their left.

CHAP. I.

JESUS being ascended in the Apostles sight, they return to Jerusalem, and upon Peter's advice, they proceed to the Election of another Apostle in the room of Judas; and having no­minated two, one of 'em, viz. Matthias, was chosen by lot for the Apostleship, and so reck­on'd one of 'em.

CHAP. II.

On the day of Pentecost the Apostles being all together, the Holy Ghost came upon 'em in the likeness of fiery Cloven Tongues, to note his enduing 'em with the gift of Tongues, whereby they were enabled to speak unto all persons in their own Language; which Peter shews was not the effect of Wine, as some suppos'd, but the accomplishment of former Prophecies, and [Page 177] the Fruit of Christ's Resurrection, whom he de­clares to be both Lord, and the Messiah: where­upon many were converted and baptized, and had Communion in the Doctrin and Ordinances of the Gospel, and likewise had all things com­mon among 'em.

CHAP. III.

Peter and John going into the Temple, met with a Man lame from the Womb, whom they restor'd to the use of his Feet; which the Peo­ple wondring at, Peter professes that the Cure was not wrought by their own power, but by the power of Christ; and thereupon reproves 'em for crucifying him, and exhorts 'em by re­pentance and faith to seek pardon of their sins, and Salvation by the same Jesus.

CHAP. IV.

The Rulers of the Jews being offended with Peter's Sermon, imprisoned him and John, and the next day examined 'em about it: Peter boldly avouches the Cure to be wrought by the Name of Jesus, and that by him only they can be saved. But they command 'em to preach no more in that Name, and threaten 'em if they did. The Apostles declare this to the Church, who betake themselves to Prayer; whereupon they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake the Word of God with boldness, and had all things common among 'em.

CHAP. V.

Ananias and Sapphira his Wife, pretending to put the price of some Land which they sold, into the common Stock, kept back part of it, for which Hypocrisie being rebuk'd by Peter, they fell down dead. The other Apostles [Page 178] also wrought many signs and wonders, for which they were put into Prison, but are set at liberty by an Angel, and encouraged to pro­ceed in the preaching of the Gospel; which accordingly they did, and were apprehended again and brought afore the Council, who con­sulted to put 'em to Death; but by the advice of Gamaliel they were saved alive, and only beaten; for which they glorifie God, and ceased not daily to preach Jesus Christ.

CHAP. VI.

Upon a complaint that some of the poor were neglected, the Apostles, that they might more diligently attend to the great work of the Ministry, chose Seven Men, nominated by the Brethren, to the Office of Deacons, whom they set apart for this Work by Prayer and Imposition of Hands. Of these Steven, a Man full of Faith and the Holy Ghost was one, who dispu­ted with, and confounded his Opposers: Whereupon they brought him to the Council, and suborned false Witnesses, who charg'd him with Blasphemy; but all that sat in the Council looking stedfastly on him, saw his Face as it had been the face of an Angel.

CHAP. VII.

Steven being permitted to answer for him­self to the charge of Blasphemy concerning the place and manner of their Worship, shews that God was worship'd rightly by the Fathers before the Tabernacle or Temple were built; and that Moses himself witnessed to Christ, and that all the Prophets foretold of him, and there­upon reproves 'em for their murdering of him; for which they were filled with rage against [Page 179] him; but he looking up to Heaven, saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God. Then they ran upon him, and ston'd him to death, he commending his Soul to Christ, and praying for 'em.

CHAP. VIII.

A great Persecution arising in Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria, and preach'd the Go­spel there, and converted many, and among the rest Simon the Sorcerer; who seeing Peter and John bestow the Holy Ghost by imposition of Hands, would have bought the like Power of 'em; but Peter sharply reproved his Hypo­crisie and Covetousness, and exhorted him to repent. After which Peter was sent by an An­gel to instruct the Ethiopian Eunuch who making a Confession of his Faith, was baptiz'd.

CHAP. IX.

Saul having obtain'd a Commission from the High Priest to persecute the Church at Damas­cus, as he was going Christ calls to him from Heaven, and sends him to Ananias, by whom he received his sight and was baptiz'd; after which he preach't Christ in the Synagogues: Whereupon the Jews both at Damascus and Jerusalem laid wait to kill him; but God pre­serv'd him from 'em both. Peter coming to Lydda heal'd Eneas of the Palsie, who had been bed-rid eight years. At Joppa a certain Disciple named Tabitha fell sick and died. Then the Disciples sent for Peter, who came and prayed over her, and restor'd her to Life.

CHAP. X.

Cornelius a devout Man, being warn'd by an Angel to send for Peter to instruct him in the [Page 180] Faith, se [...]ds two [...]f his Servants to Joppa for him, Peter falling into a France, by a Vision of a Sheet full of all manner of Beasts and Fowls, which he is commanded to kill and eat, is taught not to refuse Communion with the Gentiles; whereupon when the Messengers from Cornelius came to him, he went with 'em, and came to Cornelius's House where many were gather'd together to h [...]r the word of God. So Peter preach'd Christ to 'em; and as he was preaching the Holy Ghost f [...]ll upon 'em, where­upon he commanded 'em to be baptiz'd.

CHAP. XI.

Peter being blamed for conversing with the Gentiles, gave an account of that whole Affair, and the reasons that indi [...]'d him thereto; wherewith the Brethren were satisfied: After which the Gospel was preach'd up and down with great success, and particularly at Antioch, where the Disciples were first called Christians. Thither came Prophets from Jerusalem fore­telling a great Dearth: whereupon the Disciples sent relief to the Brethren in Judea.

CHAP. XII.

About this time Herod kill'd James, and im­prisoned Peters but an Angel deliver'd him; and soon after Herod was smitten by an Angel and eaten of Worms, so that he died.

CHAP. XIII.

Barnabas and Saul being set apart for the work of the Ministry among the Gentiles, came to Cyprus, and were [...]ll'd or by the Deputy of the Country Sergius Paulus to preach unto him, but Elymas the Sorcerer with stood 'em; whom Paul reproved sharply, and struck him blind; [Page 181] whereupon the Deputy believed. Afterwards they came to Antioch, and preach'd Christ both to the Jews and Gentiles, and many believed; but the unbelieving Jews rais'd a Persecution against 'em, and drove 'em away.

CHAP. XIV.

The like they did at Iconium: At Lystra Paul healing a Cripple, the common People take 'em for Gods, and would have offer'd Sacrifice to 'em; but they forbad it. Thither also the Jews followed 'em, and stirr'd up the People against 'em, and ston'd Paul, but he recovered; and so they went about confirming the Churches, and at last returned to Antioch, where they abode a good while.

CHAP. XV.

There arising a dissention in the Church at Antioch about Circumcision, they send to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem about this que­stion, who meeting together and consulting about it, after much debating the matter, they write unto the believing Gentiles there, only to abstain from meat offer'd to Idols, and from Blood, and from things strangled, and from Fornication, with which they were very well satisfi'd. After this there arose a difference be­tween Paul and Barnabas about taking John Mark along with 'em, whereupon they parted asunder, and Paul took Silas for his Companion in his Travels.

CHAP. XVI.

Paul in his Travels meeting with Timothy, circumcised him, (his Mother being a Jewels) and took him along with him, and deliver'd the Decrees of the Church at Jerusalem, to the [Page 182] Churches as they pass'd along. At Troas there appeared to Paul in a Vision a man of Macedonia, saying, Come over into Macedonia and help us. So they went to Philippi, where Lydia was con­verted by Paul, and baptiz'd with her Hous­hold: There also he cast a Spirit of Divination out of a certain Damsel; for which cause her Masters stirred up the multitude against Paul and Silas, and the Rulers whipt and imprison'd 'em; but at Midnight they sung Psalms, and there was a great Earthquake, and all the Doors were opened, and their Bands loosed; where­upon the Jailor came trembling, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Then they preach'd Christ to him, and he believed and was baptized and all his House; after which they were let go.

CHAP. XVII.

Paul preaching in the Synagogue at Thessa­lonica the unbelieving Jews rais'd an Uproar against him; so they went to Berea, where the Jews readily embrac'd the Gospel: But the Jews of Thessalonica follow'd 'em thither, and stirr'd up the People against 'em; so Paul went to Athens, where he disputed with the Epicureans, and Stoicks, and in the midst of Mars-hill preach'd God and Christ to 'em, and the Re­surrection of the dead; whereat some mock'd but others believ'd.

CHAP. XVIII.

From thence Paul came to Corinth, where he was encouraged by a Vision, and continued there teaching and preaching for a year and six months. During his abode there he was ac­cused [Page 183] by the Jews before the Deputy, but was dismiss'd. Afterwards he came to Ephesus, where Apollos preached Christ with great bold­ness; but knowing only the Baptism of John, he was instructed more fully by Aquila and Priscilla.

CHAP. XIX.

Paul at Ephesus gave the Holy Ghost by lay­ing on his Hands, and preach'd and wrought many Miracles there for the space of two years, so that the word of God prevailed mightily; and some that used curious Arts burnt their Books of a great value. Demetrius for fear of losing his Trade of making Silver Shrines for Diana, rais'd an Uproar against Paul, which the Town-Clerk appeas'd, and dismiss'd the Assembly.

CHAP. XX.

After which Paul came to Troas, where on the first day of the Week he celebrated the Lords Supper, and preach'd till midnight, so that Euticus being fallen asleep, fell down three Stories and was taken up for dead: but Paul raised him up to Life again. At Miletus he sent for the Elders of the Church of Ephesus, to whom he recommended the care of the Flock of which the Holy Ghost had made them Over­seers, and commended 'em to the Grace of God, and so departed.

CHAP. XXI.

At Cesarea Agabus a Prophet foretels how Paul should be bound at Jerusalem, whereupon the Brethren dissuade him from going thither; [Page 184] but he declar'd his readiness not only to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus. When he came to Jerusalem he declar'd to James and the Elders the success of his Ministry among the Gentiles, who re­joyced at it, and advis'd him to purifie himself according to the Law, that the Jews might see he was not such an Enemy to the Law as he was represented to be: So he went to the Tem­ple, and offer'd as the Law requir'd: but the Jews finding him there, seized him, and went about to kill him, but he was rescu'd by the chief Captain, and carried into the Castle, who gave him leave to speak unto the People.

CHAP. XXII.

So Paul gave 'em a large account of the man­ner of his Conversation, and calling to the Apo­stleship; but they were much exasperated a­gainst him, and the chief Captain commanded him to be examined by scourging; but he claim­ing the priviledg of a Roman, is set at liberty, and the Jewish Senate are commanded to appear before the Captain, that he might know what they had to charge him withal.

CHAP. XXIII.

Paul pleading his Cause before them, the High Priest commands him to be smitten; for which Paul threatens him. At last they fall a quarrelling among themselves, and the Captain commanded him to be brought away, for fear they should do him some mischief, and brought him to the Castle. The next day some of the Jews conspir'd against Paul to kill him; which [Page 185] being discover'd to the chief Captain, he sent him away presently to Felix the Governor

CHAP. XXIV.

Shortly after the High Priest and Elders went down to Cesarea to complain of Paul, and Ter­tullus charged him as a seditious Person; but Paul denied the Charge, and vindicated both his Doctrin and Life: So Felix deferr'd the de­termination of it; and in the mean while sent for Paul, and hearing him preach concerning Righteousness, Temperance and Judgment, he trembled, and dismiss'd him for the present, and left him bound when he was put out of his place, and Festus put in.

CHAP. XXV.

Festus being made Governor of the Jews, charged Paul with many and grievous things, all which Paul denied. Then Festus ask'd him, Whether he'd go up to Jerusalem, and be judg­ed there concerning these things; then Paul appeal'd to Cesar: After which King Agrippa came to complement Festus, to whom Festus re­lated Paul's Case; whereupon Agrippa was desirous to hear him himself; so on the mor­row Festus commanded him to be brought forth.

CHAP. XXVI.

Then Paul related to Agrippa the manner of his Life and Conversation, and how he was call­ed to the Apostleship; whereupon Festus charg'd him that he was mad; but he appeal'd to Agrip­pa for the truth of what he said, and almost [Page 186] persuaded him to be a Christian. Then upon consultation among themselves, they conclude he had done nothing worthy of Death or of Bonds.

CHAP. XXVII.

Paul having appeal'd to Cesar is sent to Rome; but he foretold the danger of the Voyage, and accordingly they met with a great Storm; but God gave unto Paul the Lives of all that were with him in the Ship; so tho they suffer'd Ship­wrack, yet they scap'd all safe to shore.

CHAP. XXVIII.

The Island upon which they were cast was Melita, where the Inhabitants were very courteous to them; and seeing a Viper fasten upon Paul's hand, and that he shuck it off into the Fire without any hurt ensuing to him, they thought he was a God. Afterwards he healed the Governors Father, and many others in the Island. Then they sailed from thence, and at last came to Rome, where he called for the Jews, and gave 'em an account of his Appeal; and at a time appointed he preach'd Christ and the Gospel to 'em: and so he continued two years, preaching to all that came to him, and no man forbidding him.