Exodus.

Leuiticus.
Chap. 1. to. the last.

Question. VVHat is set downe in this Booke?

An. The duty of the Leuites: and therfore it is called Leuiticus.

Qu. What was their chiefest dutie?

An. To sacrifice.

Quest. How many circumstances were they to obserue?

Ans. Foure.

Qu. Which be they?

Answ. The manner how, the matter what, the person whome, and the place where.

Qu. What did the Israelites sacrifice?

An. Either things hauing life, as bul­lockes, lambes, sheepe, &c, or thinges [Page 24]without life, as oyle, fine flower, wafers &c.

Qu. For whome did they sacrifice?

An. For themselues and others.

Qu. Where?

Ans. In the Temple.

Qu. In what manner?

An. As God hath set down from the 1. of Leuiticus to the 19.

Qu. What is the Christians Sacrifice?

An. Prayer and thanksgiuing.

Qu. In how many points doth the Isra­elites and the Christians sacrifice agree?

Ans. In sixe.

Qu. Which is the first?

An. As theirs was seasoned with salt, so ours must bee seasoned with the truth of a good conscience.

Qu. What is the second?

An. As theirs was brought to the Priests, so ours must be presented to God.

Qu. What is the third?

An. As theirs was slaine, so when we sacrifice, we must kill our lewd affecti­ons.

Qu. What is the fourth?

An. As theirs was washt with water, so ours must be washt with the teares of repentance.

Qu. What is the fift?

An. As theirs was without blemish, so ours must be without hypocrisie.

Qu. What is the sixt?

An. As theirs was inkindled with fire so must ours be with zeale.

Qu. Whence had they all these instructi­ons?

An. From the mouth of God.

Qu. What was Gods meaning therein?

Ans. To shew that he would be serued as he himselfe appointed, and not after the inuention of men.

Qu. Did none breake that ordinance?

An. Yes.

Qu. VVho were they?

An. Nadab and Abihu. ch. 10.1.

Qu. How did they breake it?

An. By offering with strange fire.

Qu. How were they punished?

An. Fire from heauen consumed thē.

Qu. Of how many sorts were the lawes which God prescribed the house of Israell?

An. Of two sorts.

Qu. VVhich be they?

Ans. Ceremoniall and Morall.

Qu. VVhich call you the Ceremoniall lawes?

An. Such as were obserued in offe­ring sacrifices, and discerning things [Page 25]clean from vnclean, & the causes ther­of, set down from the chap, 2:to 19.

Qu. Which call you morall?

An. Such as concerne integritie of maners.

Qu. Hovv many are they as they are set dovvn in chap. 19?

An. Seauenteen.

Qu. Which be they?

An. To honour our parents, verse, 3. To serue God freely, and not by com­pulsion, ver. 5. In time of plenty to re­member the poore, as in haruest not to reap euery corn of the field, nor gather the gleanings, not all the grapes of the vineyarde, but to leaue some for the poore. v. 9.13. Not to detain the work­mans hire till morning. v. 13. Toeschue all theft. falshood and lying. ve. 11. All swearing and blaspheming. v. 12. Al mis­chieuous practises, which wee presume wee may do vndiscouered, as to curse the deafe, lay a stumbling blocke be­fore the blind, verse 14.. Not to fauoure the poore, nor honour the person of the mighty, verse 15, All iniustice, verse. 15. All carrying of tales and conspira­cie against our neighbours. ver. 16. All hypocrisie, as wee must not hate our brother in hearte, and sooth him to his [Page]face, v. 17. All revenge, v, 18. All seeking after Witches and Coniurers. All ob­servation of daies and times, verse. 26. Al false weights and measures, verse. 35 All incest, ver. 6, Not to offer our chil­dren to Moloch.

Quest. What is that Moloch?

Ans. An idoll of the Ammonites.

Quest. Describe him?

An. He was greate of stature, and hol­low within, hauing scuen places of re­ceipt: the first was for meale that was of­fered, the second for doues, the third for a sheep, the fourth for a ram, the fift for a calfe, the sixte for an oxe, the se­uenth for a child.

Qu. What may be vnderstood by those seauen bellies of the Idoll.

Ans. The seauen deadly sinnes, and as the Israelites were forbidden to suf­fer their childrē to be deuoured of this monster: so all parentes must beware lest through their negligēce, their chil­dren be made a sacrifice, for the seauen deadly sins.

Qu. How is that?

An. They must not winke at theire follies, but giue them correction for their faults.

Quest. How did Moses conclude this [Page 26]booke of Leuiticus.

An. With a blessing and a curse: with a blessing, if they keep these comman­dements, and with a curse, if they doe breake them.

Qu. What is the fruite of the blessing?

An. Peace, plentie, victorie. chap, 26.4 5, 6.7.

Qu. What is the fruit of the curse?

An. Scarcity, famine, sicknesse, serui­tude, war. chap. 26.16. to the 26. verse.

Qu. How many feasts did the Ifraelites obserue?

An. Seauen.

Qu Which be they?

An. First, the Sabaoth: secondly, the Passeouer, third, the feast of vnleauend bread: fourth, of the first fruites: fift, of Whitsontide, sixt, of trumpets, seuenth, of Tabernacles.

Qu. Why were these feasts ordained?

An. Not to gluttonize, cherish, floth, or immodest mirth, but to glorifie God for his seuerall blessings.

Question. VVHat is done in this Booke?

An. The children of Israel are numbred.

Qu. To what end?

An. For three causes.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First, for a collection toward the building of the Temple, Secondly for appointing Captaines and Leaders o­uer euery family. chap. 2. Thirdly for a diuision of the land of Canaan amongst the tribes.

Qu. Is there any thing to be learnt heerby?

An. Order and Gouernment that ought to be in euery common wealth.

Qu. Whom did they appoint their chiefe guide?

An. God.

Qu. Where doth that appeare?

An. In the Chapter.

Qu. How?

An. In that they neuer iourneyed, but when they fawe the cloude rise from the Tabernacle, nor euer pitch theire tents, but where it stayed, chap. 9, 17, 19

Qu. And wherfore was this?

An. For two causes.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First that they might (as al Gods people ought to do) continually waite vpon the Lord, and haue their eies lif­ted vp toward heauen: Secondly, to be alwaies in readines, because they knew not at what houre the Lorde woulde rise.

Qu What doth that teach vs to doe?

An. At euery minute to bee in readi­nes for death, because the houre there­of is vncertaine.

Qu. Alwaies when they did set forward on their iourney, what was Moses cus­tome?

An. Topray. chap. 10, 35.

Quest. How?

An. Lord rise vp, and let thine ene­mies be scattered.

Qu. And when theyrested, what did he?

An. Prayed likewise.

Qu. In vvhat manner?

An. O Lord returne to the many thousands of Israell, chap. 10.36.

Qu. Woat doctrine haue vve by that?

An. Euer when wee set forward vpon any iourney, or beginne any worke, to [Page]pray; and when we rest or make an end to do the like, that our speede may bee the better.

Qu. How many waies did God shew himselfe gracious to the Israclites in this booke?

An. Four manner of waies.

Qu. VVhich be they?

An. First, in being still their guide, Secondly, in feeding them with Man­na, as he had begun. Thirdly in being mercifull toward them, when they re­pented: Fourth, in giuing them victory ouer nine seuerall Princes.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhich be they?

An. Aaror king of the South Canaa­nites, Og, king of Bashan, Sehon, king of Amorites: Balac king of Moab: Eui, Bookem, Zur, Hur, and Reba king of Mi­dian.

Qu. What was their spoyle they took in the ouerthrow of the king of Midian?

An. Six hundred seauenty and fiue thousand sheep, seauenty two thousand beeues, sixty one thousand asses, thirty two thousand virgins prisoners, besides siluer, gold, tinne, brasse and lead, chap. 31.

Q. What was the slaughter they made?

An. They put both man, woman and [Page 28]child to the sword, except those virgins aboue named.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhat was the cause they did so?

An. The commandement of God.

Que. VVhy was God so seuere againste them.

An. By reason king Balac, when hee sawe his owne force too weake to dis­gorge his malice vpon the Israclites, & that the Prophet Balaam (contrarie to his expectation) in steed of cursing did blesse them, hee fell to an other prac­tise.

Qu. What was that?

An. By the counsaile of Balaam, hee souhgt to bring, thē in displeasure with their God, and so to haue them cut off.

Qu. How did hee compasse that?

An. By flattery.

Qu. In what manner?

An. He sent Midianish women vnto them, who by theire allorementes inti­ced them to fornication and idolatrie.

Qu. What do we learne by this?

An. That the wicked will leaue no meanes vnpractised for the destruction of the godly.

Qu. Was God wrath with the Israelites then for these sins?

Ans. So grieuouslie, that God com­manded the offendors to be hanged, & smote with the plague twenty foure thousand, chap. 25, 9.5.

Qu. Who redeemed this plague?

Ans. The zeale of Phinehas, that slue Zimri, and Cozbi, in the act of fornicati­on, chap, 25.8.

Qu. What do we learn by the whole cir­cumstance?

An. That God though hee plague his people when they sinne, yet hee will ten times more plague them that were the cause of their sinne, as may appeare by his wrath extended vpon the Midi­anites.

Qu. Were the Israelites thankfull for the gracious care which GOD had oner them?

Ans. No, they were rebellious & vn­thankfull.

Qu. How many sins (by their example) do we learne to beware of, in this booke; beside those two sins afore spoken of, For; nication and Idolatry?

An. Foure other.

Qu. Which be they?

An. Murmuring against God, dis­trust in his promises, breach of his Sab­both: & rebelliō against his magistrates

Quest. How many times did they mur­mure?

An. Foure times.

Qu. When first?

An. Three daies after they departed from Sinai.

Que. How were they punished?

Ans. The Lord consumed with fire the vtmost part of the host. chap. 11. 1.

Quest. How the second time?

Ans. They were weary of Manna, & lusted after flesh.

Quest. How were they punished?

Ans. They had flesh while they surfe­ted, & their surfet brought a greeuous plague vpon them, insomuch as they dyed with meate in their mouthes. chap 11.20, 33.

Quest. How the third time?

Ans. For water.

Quest. Where?

Ans. At Kadesh in the desert of Zin, chap. 20.

Quest. How the fourth time?

Ans. For bread and water.

Quest. How were they punished?

Ans. God sentfiery serpents that stung them to death, chap, 21.6.

Qu. What caused the mercy of God at al times to put an end to their punishment?

An. Two things.

Qu. Which be they?

An. Their owne repentance first, & then the prayer of Moses.

Qu. How was this plague of fiery ser­pents remedied?

An. God commanded Moses to make a brasen Serpent, and hand it vpon a ctosse, and whosoeuer (beeing stung) lookt vp to it, was cured.

Qu. VVhat was this a figure of?

An. The vertue of Christ, whose han­ging on the crosse, is a soueraigne me­dicine for the sicknes of our soules, if wee looke vp to him with the eies of faith.

Qu. How did they distrust Gods pro­mise.

Ans. In being come to the land of Canaan, and desiring to goe backe to Aegypt, or to bee buried in the wilder­nesle.

Qu. VVhat was the ground of that de­sire?

An. Their faintnesse of heart.

Qu Ʋ Ʋherein?

An. In that, though god had di­uers times before sworne, to giue them the land of Canaan for an euerlasting Inheritauce, yet they feared to goe for­ward, [Page 30]when they heard the land was in­habited with Giants.

Quest, Os wheme did they heare that newes?

Ans. Of the spies that were sent to search the land and bring of the fruite. chap. 13, 34.

Qu. Who incouraged the people against this feare?

Ans. Caleb, and Ioshua.

Quest. What would the people haue done to them for crossing their humour?

Ans. Haue stoned them to death.

Quest. How did God punish this dis­trust?

Ans. Hee would haue quite destroy­ed them, but for the prayer of Mo­ses.

Quest. How did hee then pacifie his wrath?

Ans. Even with the iudgemente of their owne mouthes,

Quest. How was that?

Ans. As they desired rather to bee bu­ried in the wildernes, then to enter in­to the land of Promise, euen so it came to passe, for all that then liued from 20 yeares old and vpward, died, and were buried in the wildernes, excepting Ca­leb and Ioshua.

Qu. What was the reason that the like punishment fell vpon Moses?

An. For his distrust too, as appeares chap. 11.13. and chap. 20.10.

Qu. What do we learne by that?

Ans. That no man is so righteous but hee may fall.

Qu. By vvhome was the Saboth broke?

An. By an old man.

Qu. Wherein?

An. In gathering stickes to make him fire. chap. 15 32.36.

Qu How was he punished?

An. He was stoned to death.

Qu. What may vve learne by this?

An. If God were so seuere for gathe­ring a few stickes on the Sabaoth, hee will be farre more seuere to such as pro­phane his Sabbaoth by swearing, drin­king, gaming, whooring, & other lewd excrcises.

Qu. How many times did Israell mur­mure and rebell onely against Gods Magi­strates?

Ans. Twice.

Qu. Who were the first that rebelled?

An. Myriam and Aaron.

Qu. Against vvhom?

An. Against Moses.

Qu. What was the punishment?

An. Miriam was strucken with a le­prosie.

Qu. How was she cured?

An. By the praier of Moses.

Qu. VVhat learne vve by that?

An. The vertue of meeknesse, to pray for our enemies, as Moses did. chap. 12.13.

Qu. VVhe rebelled the second time?

An. Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their accomplices.

Qu. VVhat vvas their rebellion?

An. They vsurped vpon the Priestes office, and compared for worthinesse with Moses and Aaron.

Qu. VVhat became of them?

An. The earth opened, and swallow­ed them vp aliue. ch. 16.31.32.

Qu. How did God punish the people that tooke their parts after their death?

An. Fourteen thousand and seauen hundred died of the pestilence.

Qu. How did he yet further conuict their yebellion?

An. By prouing the house of Leui, on­ly chosen for the priesthood.

Qu. Hovv?

An. By a miracle.

Qu, In vvhat manner?

Ans. Aarons rod, amongst the twelue [Page]that were put into the Tabernacle, for the twelue Tribes of Israel, did blossom and beare ripe Amonds.

Qu. VVhat is the inference of this ex­ample?

Ans. How odious a thing it is in the sight of God, to grudge against Magi­strates and Rulers.

Quest. How manie waies is a man sub­iect to sinne?

Ans. Two manner of waies.

Quest. Which be they?

Ans. Of ignorance, or presumption.

Quest. What deserueth the first?

Ans. Fauour.

Qu. What the second?

Ans. Death, chap. 15, 27.30.

Quest, By how many witnesses ought a man (by the law of God) be conuicted, in a case touching a mans life?

Ans. By two, and not vnder. chap. 35.30.

Qu. How long did God lead the Israe­lites to and fro in the wildernesse?

Ans. Forty yeares.

Quest. Why did he detaine them so long from their promised happinesse?

Ans. To try their faith, and by conti­nuall exercising of them, sometime with crosses, sometime with blessinges [Page 32]to make them learne onely to trust in him, and so in the end to appeare wor­thy heires of so blessed an inheritance.

Deuteronomy.

Question. WHat is contained in this booke of Deuteronomie?

An. An other repetition of the law.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhy?

An. Because they were dead to whom the law was first giuen.

Qu. How many things were they to ob­serue in reading the law?

An. Two things.

Qu. VVhich be they?

An. First, neither to adde to it, nor take from it, chap, 4, 2. Secondly, not only to learn it themselues, but to teach it also to their posteritie, chap. 4.9.

Qu. In what manner did God admo­nish this new generation to be carefull of his law?

An. By the remembrance of two things.

Qu. Which be they?

An. The ingratitude of their Fathers, who had prouoked his wrath, and were dead: and the wonderfull miracles and victories which he had brought to passe amongst them, to assure them of his loue and protection.

Qu. Amongst the rest, which is one of the speciall fauours God bestowed vpon them, mentioned in this booke?

An. That in forty yeares space, the garmentes of their forefathers neuer waxed old. chap. 8.4.

Qu. How doth he encourage them not to be afraid to enter into the land of Ca­naan?

An. Three manner of waies.

Qu. Which be they?

Ans. First, in that he was God, and would be true of his promise: for hee had sworne they should possesse it: Se­condly, by telling them it was a most pleasant, rich, and fruitfull country. ch. 8.7.8.9. Thirdly, by assuring them of all assistance, yea, the very hornets and flies of the ayre should fight for them, chap. 7.20.

Qu. Of how many thing doth God [Page 33]counsaile them to beware, vvhen they are once setled in Canaan?

An. Of three things.

Qu. Which be they?

An. Vnthankfulnes, presumption, & lack of charity.

Qu. Hovv did hee shevv they might bee vn bankfull?

Answ. By enioying the fruites of the land, & not praysing his name for them chap. 8, 10.

Qu. Hovv presumptuous?

An. By attributing the glory there­of, to theyr own strength, and not to the free mercy of God. chap. 8.17.

Qu. Hovv vncharitable?

An. In hauing aboundance, and shut­ting vp their hands against the pouerty of their brother. chap. 15.7.8. A sinne too common in these dayes.

Qu. VVhat other vices doth he forbid?

An. Forsaking of Gods seruice for the loue of any friend, bee hee neuer so deare, chap. 13.6. The impouerishing of Gods Ministers, chap. 12.19. Confu­sion of Sexe, as a man to weare wo­mans apparrell, or a woman, mans. chapter. 22.5. Detayning any thing of anothers which wee find, chap. 22.12.13. All manner of crueltie, euen to­ward [Page]bruite beasts, chap. 22. vers 6. All doublenesse of heart, hanging be­tweene two Religions, figured vnto vs by the garment of linsie wolsie, chapter. 21. 10. 11. All violating of virginitie, chap. 22.25. All bearing of false wit­nesse, chap. 19.16. All employing of euill gotten goods in the seruice of God, as such as think they may be charita­ble with money gotten by theft, vsury, or whooredome, chap. 23.18. The take­ing of any thing to gage, whereby our neighbour gets his liuing, chapt. 24.6. All partiality, as not to punish one for the sinne of another, chap. 24.16. All security and flattering of a mans selfe in his owne sinne. chap. 29. verse. 19.20.21.

Qu. If they did, or if we doe offend in any of the2e sinnes, how will God exe­cute his iudgement vpon vs?

An. Without respect of persons, ch. 10.17.

Qu. VVhat may we pretend for an excuse, if we be found guiltie of any of these sinnes?

An. Nothing

Qu. Not ignorance?

An. No.

Qu. VVhy?

Ans. Because we are (as the Israe­lites were) daylie admonished of them by the Ministers of Gods word, chapt. 30.11.

Quest. Did Moses neuer enter into the land of Canaan?

Ans. No, only he had a sight of it, and then died.

Quest. VVhat was the reason?

An. His sinne of distrust in Gods power, committed at the waters of Me­ribah.

Qu. VVhat may we learne generally by his whole life?

An. Six vertues, for that one vice be­fore remembred.

Qu. VVhich be they?

An. First, boldnes in his calling, that feared not to speake to Pharaoh: Se­condly, meeknesse against wrong, that was not moued at any despightfull words giuen by the Israelites: Third­ly, patience against trauaile, that did not onely guide the Israelites in their iourneyes, but at all times decided their causes: Fourthly, zeale in Gods glory, for the aduancement of vertue, and repressing of vice. Fiftly, loue to his brethren, to spend his life for them, rather then they should miscarrie: [Page]sixtly, faith in his end, not enuying that hee might not enter into the Land of Promise: considering by death hee was inuested with a greater patrimonie, the king dome of heauen.

Ioshua.

Question. WHho succeeded Moses?

An. Ioshua.

Qu. By whose appointment?

An. By Gods.

Qu. What was his charge?

An. Two-fold, to keepe the lawe of God, and to bring Israel out of the wil­dernesse into Canaan.

Qu. VVhat especiall vertues had he?

An. Three.

Qu. Which be they?

An. Faith, wisedom, Courage, such as all good gouernors ought to haue.

Que. How did he shew his faith?

An. By beleeuing Gods promises.

Qu. How his vvisedome?

An. In gouerning discreetly.

Qu. How his courage?

An. In leading on the people with­out dread of their enemies.

Qu. How doth Godhere encourage the people?

Ans. Three manner of waies.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First, in renewing his former promise, and telling them they should diuide the land for an inheritance. ch. 1.6. Secondly, in giuing them a captain endued with the spirite of Moses, and able to be their conductor, cha. 1. 5. and thirdly by assuring them hee would cast a faintnes of heart vpon their enemies chap. 2.11.

Qu. How were the people confirmed, that Ioshua had the spirit of Moses?

An. By two miracles that hee did.

Qu. Which is the first?

An. His diuiding the watets of Iordan and his, and the whole hostes passing o­uer dry-shod. chap, 3.19.17.

Qu. Which is the second?

An. He caused the sunne and moone to stand still in the firmament, chap, 10.13.

Qu. How?

Ans. By Prayer.

Quest. What do we learne by that?

An. Two things.

Qu. Which be they?

An. The effect of prayer and the o­bedience of all creatures for the glori­fying of God.

Quest. How was God glorifyed by that miracle?

An. Joshua by that meanes had a lō ­ger time of day-light, for the vanqui­shing of Gods enemies.

Qu. Were none of the Tribes placed on this side Iordan?

An. Yes.

Qu. How many?

An. Two and a halfe.

Qu. Which be they?

An. Reuben, God, and the halfe tribe of Manasseh.

Qu. Did they sit downe in peace, and suffer their brethren to go to warre?

An. No, they shewed more brotherly loue:

Qu. How was that?

An. They left their wiues, children & cattell in the possessions which were allotted them, and themselues armed went formost, and would take no rest, till their brethren of the other Tribes, were likewise planted aswell as they chap. 1.15.

Qu. When they had passed Iordan, how [Page 36]did Ioshua shew himself thankful to God for so great a miracle?

Ans. By setting vp a memoriall of his power.

Qu. What was that?

An. Twelue stones, for the twelue Tribes of Israel.

Qu. For what purpose did he so?

An. For two causes.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First that such a remembrance of Gods mightie power might serue for a further condemnation to his eni­mies: and secondly, that his seruantes, might the more reuerence him, chapt. 43.20.

Q. Which was the first citty they meant to conquer?

An. Iericho.

Qu. Did they rashly go and besiege it, as prowdly presuming, that how soeuer, or whatsoeuer they did, God wauld bee with them?

Ans. No, like discreet Souldiers, they vsed three things.

Quest. Which were they?

Ans. Deliberation, consultation, and sanctification.

Qu. How deliberation?

An. They took time.

Q. Hovv consultation?

Ans. Two manner of waies, they sate in counsell amongst themselues, and submitted their counsell to the direct­tion of God.

Qu. How sanctification?

An. Tvvo manner of waies, by prayer and fasting.

Qu. When they had taken counsaile what did they?

An. Sent spies to know the fate of their enemies.

Qu. What danger vvere they in?

Ans. Of death.

Quest. By vvhome?

An. By the King.

Qu. Who saued their liues?

An. A vvoman harlot?

Qu. How?

An. By hiding them in the toppe of her house, when the King made search for them. chap. 2.6.

Qu. What mooued her to doe so?

An. The fame which she heard of the workes of God.

Qu. How did the Israelites requite this kindnesse?

An. They saued her, her father, mo­ther, children, and all they had.

Qu. Did they shevv this mercy of their [Page 37]ovvne accord?

An. No, but by the instinct of Gods spirite.

Qu. What do vve learne thereby?

An. That God will not the death of sinners; if they repent.

Qu. Hovv vvas the City vvonne?

An. The walles fell downe by the po­wer of God, and then Ioshua entered. chap. 6.20.

Qu. Hovv vvere the Israelites com­manded to esteeme of the Citiy, & all that vvas in it?

An. As a thing execrable and accur­sed, chap:6:17.

Qu. Was nothing reserued?

An. Yes, siluer, gold, vessels of brasse, and yron.

Quest. VVhat vvas to be done vvith them?

An. They were to be consecrated to the Lords vse, chap. 6.19.

Qu, Hovv vvere they to be consecrated?

Ans. By being molten, and the proper­ty of them altered.

Qu. What sinne vvas here committed?

An. Theft.

Qu. Who committed it?

An. Achan?

Qu. Hovv?

An. He kept a Babylonish garment, two hundred shekels of siluer, and a wedge of golde of fifty shekels weight, which he had in his Tent, to serue for his owne priuate vse, chap. 7.21.

Qu. What was their fortune after the committing of this sin?

An. Their good successe was turned into badde, such is alwaies the fruit of wickednes.

Quest. How did that appeare?

An. When three thousand Israelites were sent against Ay, the inhabitantes thereof put them to flight, and slew 36. of them ch. 7.5.

Qu. How vvere they cleared of this sinne?

An. By destroying Achan, his family, and all he had, ch. 7.24.

Qu. How did the Gibeonites purchase a league of friendship with Ioshua?

An. By dissimulation.

Qu. In what manner?

An. Comming vnto him in ragged clothes and old shooes, as though they had worne out their apparell, by iour­neying from some far country.

Qu. How did Ioshua reward their dis­simulation?

An. Hee suffered them to liue, be­cause [Page 38]of his promise, but he condemned them for euer to be drudges to the con­gregation, to hew wood, and drawe wa­ter chap. 9.11.

Qu. How many kingdomes did Ioshua subdue?

An. Thirty and one.

Qu. What mercy did hee shew in all his victories?

Ans. None at all, he destroyed euery suole. chap. 10.40.

Quest. What moued him thereunto?

An. The commandement of God.

Quest. What is signified by that?

An. That wickednesse must bee quite rooted out, where God meanes to bee serued.

Qu. Were the Israelites novv in quiet possession of Canaan?

An. They were: chap. 21.14.

Qu. What doth that shew?

An. The full performance of Gods promise,

Qu. What vertue do we learne from the Israelites after their victories?

An. Two.

Quest. Which be they?

An. Thanksgiuing and brotherly v­nity.

Qu. How were they thankfull?

An. In protesting to serue and obey God for his benefites bestowed vpon them. chap. 24.24.

Qu. How did they shew brotherly v­nity?

An. In equall diuision of their por­tions, with out strife or contention.

Qu. How did Ioshua die?

Ans. Like a vertuous man.

Quest. How was that?

An. Rehearsing the mercies of God, and exhorting the people to feare him chap. 24.

Iudges

Question. VVHat gouernors had the people af­ter Ioshua?

An. Iudges.

Qu. Why were they called Iudges?

An. Because they did execute Gods iudgements vpon their enemies.

Qu. Had they manie enemies after the death of Ioshua?

An, Yes.

Quest. What was the cause?

Ans. Their sins.

Qu. What was their generall sinne?

Ans. Disobedience.

Qu. Hovv did that spread?

An. Into three branches.

Qu. Which be they?

An. Vaine pitty, Idolatry, and ingra­titude.

Qu. Hovv vvere they vainly pittifull?

An. In making league with the Ca­naanites, whō they ought to haue cast out, chap. 1.

Qu. Hovv vvere they Idolaters?

An. In worshipping Idols, chap. 2.11.

Ques. Hovv vngratefull?

Ans. In being made owners of Cities which they built not, and vineyardes that they planted not, they forgot to glorifie their giuer.

Qu. What vvere their generall punish­ments fortheir sins?

An. As the Lord had saide before, those people who me they saued, be­came goades to their sides, and thornes in their eies.

Qu. What is the meaning of that?

An. They continually vexed them with warre.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋherefore did the Lord suffer that?

An. To sift and proue them, as hee alwaies will do such as he loueth.

Qu. Did the Lord then still loue them, considering how they had prouoked him by their sormer wickednesse?

An. He did.

Qu. What doth that shew?

An. The vnspeakable mercy of God toward his Church.

Qu. What was the generall vertne that purchased his mercy toward them?

An. Repentance, they cried, and hee heard their groanings, ch. 3.28.

Qu. Wherein was his mercy exprest?

An. In sending them deliuerers.

Qu. Hew many were they?

An. Sixteene.

Qu. Rehearse their names?

An. Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Debo­rah, Barak; Gedeon, Abimelech, Tola, Iaer, Iphtaph, Ibsan, Eton, Abdon, Sam son, Eli, Samuel.

Qu. What were the particular sinnes of the Israelites?

An. In Abimelech three.

Qu. Which be they?

An. Ambition, tyrannie, despaire

Quest. How was he ambitious?

An. Hee vsurped the kingdome after his father Gedeons death, chap. 9.1.

Qu. How did Iotham his yongest bro­thers reproue him for his ambition?

An. By the example of trees, where. in he shewes, that those of least deseit, are alwaies most aspiring, chapter 9. verse 8.

Qu. How was Abimelech tyrannous?

An. In murdering seuenty of his own brothers, for the securing to his owne estate, chap, 9.5.

Qu. Wherein was he desperate?

An. In causing his Page to kill him in his extremity, chap. 9, 15.

Qu. What was the punishment of God first laid vpon him before this happened?

An. That as he had liued a straunge life, so God gaue him his deaths woud as strangely.

Qu. Hovv vvas that?

An. A woman with a peece of a mil­stone, almost knockt out his braine.

Qu. Where?

An. At the tower in Tebez, chap. 9.53.

Qu. What sin else raigned particularly in the people?

An. In Sampson, lust: in Iphtaph, te­merity or rashnesse in a Leuite, loue of vanitie: In the men of Beniamin, the rape of a woman: in the Ephraimites enuie.

Qu. Toward vvhom vvas Samson lust­full?

An. Toward Dalilah, a wicked woman chap 16:4.

Qu. Hovv vvas he punished?

An. He lost Gods excellent gifts, and became slaue to his enemies, chapter 16:19:21.

Qu. Hew was Iphtaph guilty?

Ans. In making a rash vow, and per­forming it.

Qu. How was he punished?

An. Through his wone folly, hee be­came childlesse.

Qu. How was the Leuite guilty?

An. In forsaking the seruice of God to supply the wants of his body.

Qu. How was that?

An. Hee was content to serue in the Temple of Idols, for meate, drinke, and apparell, chap. 17.10 11.

Q. What vvas his punishment?

An. He was taken prisoner by the men of Dan, chap. 18.17.

Qu. How vvas the Tribe of Beniamin­guilty?

Ans. For the rauishing of a Leuites wife.

Quest What was their punishment?

Ans. All the other Tribes rose vp a­gainst [Page 41]them, raced their city: and slew all their men, but six hundred that fled into the wildernesse. chapter. 20.49. 47.

Qu. How were the Ephramites enui­ous?

An. They repined at the greate victo­ry which Iphtaph had obtained against the Ammonites.

Quest. How were they punished?

An. Iphtaph slew of them two & for­ty thousand. chap. 12.6.

Qu. What particular vices were therein the people of other nations?

Ans. In Adonibezeek a Cananite, inhu­mane cruelty chap. 1.7. In the men of Succoth and Penuel, churlish behauiour towards souldiers, chapte 8.6. 8. Derisi­on in the Philistines against Samp­son.

Qu. How was Adonibezek cruell?

An. He did cut off the thumbs of the hands and feet of seauenty kings, and made them gather crums vnderneath his table.

Qu. What was his punishment?

Ans. That me asure which he had of­fered others, was laid vpon himselfe: the Israelites, when they took him, v­sed him in the same manner, chap. 1.7.

Qu. How were the men of Succoth, & Penuel churlish to souldiers?

An. In denying them victual in their extremity.

Qu. What Souldiers were they thus vn­friendly vnto?

An. To Gedeon and his souldiers.

Qu How did Gedeon reuenge himself vpon them?

An. Hee tore their Elders in peeces with thornes, ouerthrew the tower of Penuell, and slew the men of the Citie, chap. 8.16. 17.

Qu. How did the Philistines deride Sampson?

A. They vsed him as a foole at their feast to make them laugh.

Qu. VVhat did this their derision more ouer include?

An. Blasphemy against God.

Qu. How was Sampson reuenged vp­on them?

An. He puld the banqueting house vpon their heads, chap, 19, 13.

Qu. What doe we learne in this booke, as touching the person of God?

An. Two things.

Qu. Which be they?

An. Mercie and omnipotencie.

Qu. Wherein shewed he his mercy?

Ans. In pardoning their offences, thoughthey did daily offend him.

Qu. Wherein his omniporency?

A. In bringing great matters to passe by weake meanes

Qu. What were they?

An. Ehud being lame of his right had, slew King Eglon with a dagger of a cu­bite long: Shamgar slew sixe hundred Philistins with an oxe goade Iael a wo­man, killed sisera the chiefe captayne of King Iabins hoast, with a hammer and a naile: Gedcon a poore thresher, ouer­came an hoast of men with broken pot­sheards, and rammes hornes: Sampion slewe foure thousand men with the iaw bone of an Asse.

Qu. What were the acts of Eli and Sa­muel?

An. They are set downe in the booke of Samuel.

Ruth.

Question. OF whence was Ruth?

An. Os the land of Moab.

An. She was but basely borne.

Qu. What vertues do vve learne by her example?

An. Constant loue of a daughter in law to her husbands mother.

Qu. VVho was her husband?

An. Chilion the sonne of Elimelech, a man of Iuda.

Qu. Where in consisted the loue of Ruth to her mother in lavv?

Ans. In two things.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhich be they?

Ans. In not forsaking her companie, and in relieuing her with her painefull labour, chap: 2:18. and chap. 1.17.

Qu. VVhat vvas her mother in lavv called?

Ansvver. Naomi the wife of Elime­lech.

Question. Hovv came it to passe, that Chilion the sonne of Elimelech, being an Hebrevv, married vvith Ruth a Moa­bite?

An. Elimelech his wife and Sonnes, by reason of a famine that was in Iu­da, went to dwell amongst the Moa­bites, and so grewe the acquaintance, chap: 1:1.

Qu. Hovv many husbands had Ruth?

An. Two.

Qu. Which was the last?

An. Boaz an Israelite.

Qu. What doctrine learn we by the ma­riage of these two, considering the one was an Israelite, and the other a stranger to the children of God.

Ans. That by the comming of Christ who vouchsafed in the flesh to proceed from her line, the Gentiles should bee likewise called to saluation, aswel as the Iewes.

1. Samuel.

Question. How manie of the Iudges remaine vn­spoken of?

An. Two.

Quest. Which be they?

Ans. Eli and Samuel.

Qu. How many sons had Eli?

An. Two?

Qu. Which be they?

An. Hephni and Phinehas?

Qu. What sin do vve learne to bevvare of, by the example of Eli?

An. Too much lenity towards our children.

Qu. Wherein did Eli shew too much le­nity towards his Sons?

An. In not giuing them correction for their fauits.

Qu. What were his sons faults?

Ans. Profanation and adultery.

Qu. How did they prophane?

Ans. In seruing their owne appetites of the sacrifices before god was serued chap. 2.15.

Quest. How were they adulterous?

Ans. In vsing the company of such women, as after their trauaile came to the Temple to bee purified. chapter. 2.22.

Q. Did not their father Eli rebuke them for these faults.

Ans. Yes, as many negligent parents do now a daies, told them it was not wel done, and bade them do no more so, & so let them passe.

Quest. How did God punish the father?

Ans. Too manner of waies.

Qu. Which be they?

Ans. First he took his office of priest­hood from him.

Qu. How?

Ans. By suffering the Arke to be ta­ken [Page 44]away by the Philistines, and then vpon the newes thereof Eli broke his necke. chap. 4.18.

Qu. How were his sons punished?

An. With sodaine death, both in one day. chap 4.17.

Qu. What did the Philistines with the Arke?

Ans. They brought it to Ashdod a chiefe citie of theirs, and placed it in the Temple close by the Idoll Da­gon.

Qu. What agreement was betweene the Idoll and it?

An. As betweene God and the De­uil, light and darknesse: so that in the end the Idoll fell downe, and was bro­ken in peeces, chap. 5.4.

Qu. What do we learne by that?

Ans. That when true holinesse comes in place, superstition cannot stand.

Qu. What sin was it in the Philistines to take away the Arke of God?

An. Sacriledge.

Qu. Hovv were they plagued for it?

An. With mortality and death of the people, and with a grieuous sicknesse called the Emerods, chap. 5.12.

Qu. VVhat did they with it then?

An. They sent it backe to Israel, [Page]with gifts of gold and siluer.

Qu. What were the gifts?

An. Fiue golden mice, and fiue gol­den Emerods.

Qu. Who receiued it?

An. The men of Bethshemish.

Qu. What was their sinne in the receipte thereof.

Ans. Curiositie?

Qu. How?

An. They would needes open and looke into the Arke (which was law­full for none to doe but Aaron and his sonnes) to see if the Philistines had stolne away any of the reliques.

Quest. How did God punish them for this presumption?

An. Hee smote of those men fifty thousand threescore and tenne. chapter 6, 19.

Qu. What do we learne by this?

An. Not to pry into the secrets of God further then we haue commission.

Qu. How did Jsrael recouer the fauor of God againe?

An. By repentance.

Qu. By whose counsell?

Ans. By Samuels.

Quest. Wherein did hee show repen­tance?

An. In acknowledging their sinne, in fasting and lamenting, cha. 7. 6.

Qu. What vvas their speed afterward?

An. Prosperous.

Qu. Hovv?

An. They slew the Philistines, reco­uered their lost Cities, and established peace, chap. 7.10.14.

Qu. What vertues doe vve note in Sa­muel?

An. A diligence in his calling toward men, and sincerity of faith towardes God.

Qu. Hovv did be shevv his diligence to­vvard men?

An. In gouerning iustly.

Qu. Hovv his sincerity of faith tovvard God?

An. In truely performing the duety of a Priest and a Prophet.

Qu. What reason then had the people to mislike the gouernment of Iudges, & craue a King?

An. First, because when Samuel wax­ed old, he resigned his authority to his sonnes, & they were extortioners, and tooke bribes: and secondly, by reason of the mutability of mans nature, that for the most part affects alteration and change.

Qu. Was God pleased with their desire?

Ans. No.

Qu. VVhy?

Ans. Because they thirsted for ano­ther kind of gouernment, then he had appointed them, and so seemed to pre­ferre their owne opinion before his wisedome.

Qu. How did Samuel shew they had of­fended?

An. By causing it to thunder & raine in wheate haruest.

Qu. How?

Aus. By his praier and inuocation. chap. 12.18.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhat did the people then?

An. Repented.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋas God mercifull?

An. Yes, and promised to be a grati­ous GOD both to them, and their King, vppon condition they woulde serue him: so ready is God alwaies to pardon sinners, if they will turne vnto him: chap. 12.19.22.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhat is to be noted īn the life of Saul?

An Two things.

Qu. Which be they?

An. His vertues and his vices.

Qu. What were his vertues?

An. He fought the battailes of the Lord, and ouerthrew his enemies.

Qu. Why was his kingdome taken from him?

An. Because of his vices.

Qu. How many were his particular vi­ces?

Ans. Eleuen.

Qu. Which was the first?

An. His vsurping vpon the priestes office. chap. 13.6.14.

Qu. What was the second?

An. He slew not Agag the king of the Amalekites, as God had commaunded him. chap. 15.3.

Qu. When Samuel reprooued him for this fault what was the third sinne he ran into?

An. Obstinacie.

Q. How?

An. Hee stoode to it, to the Prophers face, that he had not offended, chapter. 15.20.

Qu. Which was the fourth offence?

An. Enuy.

Qu. How?

An. Hee grudged at the vertues, and good sucesse of Dauid. chap. 18.9.

Qu Which vvas the fift offence?

An. Ingratitude.

Qu. How?

An. He would haue slaine Dauid the very time that he deliuered him (by his musick (from the torment of the wicked spirit, chap. 18.11.

Qu. Which was his sixt offence?

Ans. Inconstancy in his word.

Que. How?

Ans. He promised Dauid his daugh­ter Merab in mariage, and after gaue her awaie to another. chap. 18.19.

Qu. What was his seauenth offence?

An. Treachery of minde.

Qu. How?

An. Hee would haue betrayed Dauid to the Philistines, chap. 18.21.

Qu. Which was his eight offence?

An. Murder.

Qu. How?

An. Hee would haue killed Dauid in his bed, chap. 19.12.

Qu. Who preserued him?

An. Michol his wife and the daugh­ter of Saul. chap. 19.12.

Qu. After what mnner did she preserue him?

An. In letting him downe through a window when the house was sear­ched.

Qu. What doe we learne by that?

An. The dutie of a faithfull wife, to­ward a vertuous husband, rather then to a wicked father.

Que. Whatvvas his ninth offence?

Ans. He would haue killed his owne sonne Jonathan, for excusing Dauid, ch. 20.23,

Qu. VVhat was his tenth offence?

An. He flew the Lords Priests, chap. 22.18.

Qu. VVhat was his eleuenth offence?

Answ. He consulted with witches, ch. 28.8.

Qu. How did God punish him for these offences?

An Fiue manner of waies.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First, he tooke his Kingdome from him, & gaue it to Dauid, chap. 15.28. Secondly, he depriued him of his holy spirit, and possessed him with a fiend, chap. 16.14. Thirdly, he gaue his enemies victory ouer him, chapt. 30. Fourthly, his owne sonnes were slaine, Fiftly, he despaired, and slew himselfe, chap. 31.

Qu. VVhat was the reason that he per­secuted Dauid as he did?

An. His iealousie ouer him, for that hee knew hee should succeede him in [Page]his Kingdome.

Qu. VVhat did they shew in that?

An. Contemptagainst the ordinance of God.

Qu. Was Dauid then chosen before the death of Saul?

An. Long before.

Qu. In his election what doe you ob­serue?

An. That God, in choosing his Mi­nisters, hath not respect to the outward gifts of body, but to the inward graces of the mind.

Qu. How did that appeare?

An. In choosing Dauid the youngest and weakest of his brothers, and refu­fing the rest of more likely aspect, and countenance, chap. 10.

Qu. After Dauid was chosen King, what were his acts?

Ans. He slew a Lyon, a Beare, & van­quished great Goliah.

Qu. What may we vnderstand by his prospering in strength and power?

Ans. That to a vertuous minde, God will also giue vigor of body.

Qu. What did he figure by this victorie ouer Goliah?

Ans. The victorie of Christ ouer the Diuell.

Qu. What vertues doe we learne from Dauid in the first booke of Samuel?

Ans. Three.

Qu. VVhich be they?

An. Patience, clemency and loyal­tie.

Qu. Wherein did he shew his patience?

An. In quiet bearing of persecuti­on.

Qu. How manifould was his persecu­tion?

An. Two fold: first by Saul, and then by the Amalekites.

Qu. How many waies did Saule perse­cute him?

Ans. Three manner of waies.

Qu. VVhat were they?

An. First, by bringing him in danger of death: Secondly of famine: Thirdly, by driuing him into exile

Qu. How many times was he in danger of death?

An. Six times.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First, in the presence of Saule, when Saul threw his speare at him: Se­condly, in being sent by Saul to fetch a hundred foreskins of the Philistines: Thirdly, in his chamber, when his wife Michol deliuered him: Fourthlie, in [Page] Gath, when he escaped ftom king Achish by counterfaiting madnes: Fiftly, when he was in the same caue with Saul: sixt­ly, when the men of Ziglag would haue stoned him.

Qu. How many times was he in danger of famine?

An. Twice: first, when he did eate the shew bread, chap. 21.6. Secondly, when he sent to Nabal for prouision, chapt. 25.8.

Quest. VVherein liued he an exile?

Ans. First in the wildernesse, and then amongst the Philistines.

Qu. VVherein did he shew his clemen­cie?

An. In pardoning, Nabals churlish answer, when he had vowed his ruine, chap. 25.23.

Qu. At whose entaty did he pardon him?

An. At Abigails, Nabals wife.

Qu. VVhat do we learne by that?

An. That many times the follies of men are excused by the wisedome of their wiues.

Qu. How was he persecuted by the A­malekites?

An. They tooke his wiues, Ahynoam and Abigail prisoners.

Qu. Who rescued them?

An. Dauid.

Qu. Wherein shewed he his loyalty?

An. Not onely in refrayning to lay vi­olent hands vpon Saule his annointed soueraign, though twice he were in his power, and might haue slaine him, but also in praying for his welfare.

Qu. How oft was Saul in his power?

Ans. Twice.

Qu VVhere?

An. Once in the caue of the rocks of Engedy, & another time in the wilder­nes of Ziph, neare the mountain Hachi­lah, chap. 14.4, and chap. 16.7.

Qu. VVhat do we learne by this?

Ans. That no subiect ought to lay violent hands vpon his Prince bee hee neuer so wicked.

2. Samuel.

Question. VVHo was the first offēder Dauld pu nished after he came to the crown

Answer. A pickthank and a counter­fet.

Qu. VVhat was he?

An. An Amalekite.

Qu. How did he counterfait?

An. He told Dauid he had slaine Saule, chap. 1.10.

Qu. How did he insinuate and picke a thanke of Dauid?

Ans. He brought him the crown that Saul wore vpon his head, & the brace­let that he had vpon his arme, chap. 1.10.

Qu. Hovv did the King accepte his nevves?

An. He rent his clothes, wept and fas­ted till night.

Qu. What learne we by that?

An. The tender compassion of Da­uid, and so consequently, that oughte to be in all christians, for the hard mis­fortune euen of our enemies, chapte. 1.12.

Qu. How did bee reward the counter­fet?

An. As I wish all counterfet picke­thanks may be; in steed of a rich reward which hee hoped for, he frowned vpon qim, askt him how hee durst shed the bloud of the lords annointed, & com­maunded one of his followers to kill him, chap, 1.15.

Qu. How was the state of the kingdom when Dauid entred vpon it?

An. Like a tempestuous sea.

Qu. What was the reason?

An. Ciuill dissention.

Qu. VVhoraised it?

An. Ishbosheth the Sonne of Saule, whom Abner made King of Israell.

Qu. Did they make warre vpon Da­uid?

An. They did.

Qu. How was that warre ended?

An. God gaue Dauid victory.

Qu. By what meanes?

An. First, by force of armes, chapt. 2.17. Secondly, by reason of a priuate quarrell between Ishbosheth and Abner his chiefe captaine, chap. 3.8.

Qu. VVhither vvent Abner?

An. He fled to Dauid.

Qu. What vvas his welcome thither?

An. Ioab, Dauids chiefe captaine, slue him trecherously, because Abner before had slaine Asabel Ioabs brother, chapt. 3, 27.

Qu. VVas Dauid priuy to this act?

An. No, but greatly lamented it, and praied to God to reward Ioab accor­ding to his desert, chap. 3.39.

Qu. What became of Ishbosheth?

An. After Abner left him, two of his own seruants (Baanah & Rachah) traite­rously slew him, and brought his head to Dauid, chap. 4.8.

Qu. How did Dauid reward them?

An. As villaines should be: caused them to be slaine, had their hands and feete cut off, and after hanged them vp for an example, ouer the poole in He­bron, chap. 4.12.

Qu. What do we learne by these circum­stances?

An. The good hope of Dauids vertu­ous gouernment.

Qu. What was the next argument of his vertuous gouernment?

An. Hee did that which euery good Prince ought to doe.

Qu. VVhat was that?

An. Studied to aduance Religion.

Qu. How?

An. In bringing the Arke of God into the Cittie, dauncing before it to shew his zeale and gladnesse, and pur­posing to build a Temple for the Lord, where his name might be called vpon: chap. 6, 16.

Qu. How did God accept of his zeale, and good intent.

An. So well, as he gaue him domini­on [Page 51]on ouer many nations, and promised to establish the kingdome to his posterity for euer chap. 8. and chap. 7.12.

Qu. What did Michol when she sawe Dauid her husband daunce before the Arke?

Ansvv. As the wicked of our time, laughed his godly zeale to scorne, cha. 6.16.

Qu. After this, howe many times did Dauid fall from God?

An. Thrice.

Quest. in what manner?

An. First through lust: Secondly, through murder, last of all through pre­sumption. pa Question. Hovv did he offend through lust?

Ans. He knew the wife of Vriah, chap, 11.4.

Qu. How through murder?

An. He caused her husbād to be slain chap. 11.15.

Qu. Hovv through presumption?

An. He numbred his people as de­pending vpon victory by the multitude of men and not by the power of God. chap. 24, 1.

Que. Hovv did God plague him for his first twwo sinnes.

An. He kindled dissension againste him, both within his house, and with­out.

Que. How within his house?

An. Two manner of waies.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First, by the meanes of a deadly hate, that sprang vp betweene his sonnes.

Quest. Which sonnes?

An. Absalon and Ammon,

Qu. How?

An. Ammon defloured Tamar Abso­lons sister, for which Absolon slew Am­mon. chap. 13.29.

Qu. What was the second cause of dis­sention?

An. Absolon conspired against his fa­thers crowne and dignity, chap 15.1.

Qu. How did be practise to aspire?

An. By stealing the hearts of the peo­ple from his father, by curtesie and flat­tering speeches.

Qu. VVhovvas his chiefe counseller?

An. Achitophel?

Quest. What became of Achitophel?

Ans. He hung himselfe: chap. 17.23.

Qu. What became of Absolon?

An. Hee likewise had an vntimely death.

Que. In what manner?

Ans. As he fled before his fathers ar­my, riding vnder an oake, hee was han­ged by the haire of the head, and after­warde thrust through the bodye with darts by Ioab, chap, 18.9.14.

Quest. What may we learne by these mens ouerthrow?

Ans. That treason will alwaies haue a shamefull end.

Qu. How was dissention stirred vp a­gainst Dauid without his house?

Ans. Two manner of waies.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First, by the reproach of a base subiect of his vomited out against him: and then by the forraine malice of the Philistines, chap. 21.

Qu. What was the suhiect called that reuiled him?

An. Shemei of the house of Saul.

Quest. How did he reuile him?

Ans. He called him murderer, & cast stones and dust in his face, chapter. 16.7.13.

Qu. Did Dauid endure it?

Ans. Yes, (as hee did all his former troubles) with patience, commaund­ing his men of warre, not to touche Shemei, for saide hee, my some which [Page]came out of mine owne bowels, soughte my life: than how much more may this son of Iemmini? suffer him to curse for the Lord hath bidden him, chapter 16.11.

Qu. What vertues shone id Dauid be­side his patience?

An. Gratitude and continencie. pa Qu. Wherein did hee shew himselfe gratefull?

An. In giuing all the Ilands of Saule to Mephibosheth his friend Ionathans son chap. 9.9.

Que. Wherein was hee continent?

An. In refusing (beeing very fainte through thirst) to drinke of the water which mē had hazarded their liues to fetch him, chap. 23, 17:

Qu. How vvas Dauid plagued for his presumption?

An. God offered him the choise of three plagues.

Quest. Which were they?

An. Either to haue seauen yeares fa­mine, or to flie three mōths before his enemies, or to haue three daies pesti­lence in the land, chap. 24.13.

Qu. Which did Dauid choose?

An. Three daies pestilence.

Qu. What was his reason.

An. Because he had rather fall into the hands of God then man, for God will be mercifull, when men are pitti­lesse.

Qu. How many of his people dyed of the pestilence?

An. Threescore and ten thousand, ch. 24.15.

Qu. In all the troubles of Dauid, did God send him no friends to comfort him?

An. Yes, God is a God of mercie, and as he doth promise, euen so hee will performe: at all times of his di­stresse, he raised him some friend or o­er.

Qu. Which were they?

An. Before Saul died, Ionathan, Mi­col, Abimelech the priesT, foure hundred men that came to his ayde in the wil­dernesse. Abigail rich Nabals wife, that brought him prouision, and Achish King of Gath, that gaue him a City called Ziglag to dwell in.

Qu. After Sauls death in the time of his persecution, who were his friends?

Ansvv. Beside many other of his subiects that stucke vnto him, Hushai shewed himselfe a speciall friend, in o­uerthrowing the counsaile of Achito­phel, whereby the rebellion of his sonne [Page] Ahsolon was cut off. chap. 16. and olde Barzillai that succoured him, when hee sled from his sonne, chap. 19.32.

Qu. Notwithstanding the manifoulde troubles Dauid had, did he at last finde rest?

An. Yes, and died in peace.

Qu. What doth his troublesome life and quiet end figure vnto vs?

An. The race of the chiefe King of heauen and earth Christ Iesus, who ac­cording to the flesh, was persecuted on euery side (as Dauid was) with cutward and inward enemies, as well in his own person, as in his members, but at last ouercame al, and gaue his Church per­petuall victory: His name be praised.

Ezra.

Question. WHo writ this booke?

An. Ezra.

Qu. Of what Nation was he?

An. A Iew of the family of Aaron.

Qu. How many things doe we generally learne out of this booke?

An. Foure.

Qu. VVhich is the first?

Ans. The truth of Gods mercy.

Qu. How?

An. In that according to his promise, after seauenty yeares were expired, he deliuered his people out of capti­uity.

Qu. By the fauour of whom?

An. Of Cyrus King of Persia, chap­ter 1.

Qu. Who brought them home?

An: Zerubabel and Ezra, chap: 1, and chap. 7

Qu. Which it the second thing we doe learne out of this booke?

An. The thankfulnesse which ought to be in vs for Gods benefits, as was in the Israelites after their returne, chap. 7.27.

Qu. VVhat is the third?

An. The care that we ought to haue to establish true religion, by the exam­ple of the Israelites, that neuer ceased till they had built the Temple of the Lord, and published his lawes, chap. 6: 15.

Qu. VVhat is the fourth?

An. When we are once planted in peace, and haue the vse of true religi­on, to labour as the Israelites did, for the preseruation of humane societie, by seeing good Lawes executed, chap­ter 10.

Nehemiah.

Question. VVHat was Nehemiah?

Ans. A Iew, and in greate fa­uour with Darius.

Qu. What was his disposition?

An. He feared God, and desired the good of his country.

Qu. How did that appeare?

An. First, by his daily prayer: next, by the lamentation hee made for the misery of his country-men, chapt. 1.4. and lastly, by obtaining meanes to help them.

Qu. He did not then (as many will in these daies) say God helpe onely, and so forget the misery of threir brothren, but he [Page]laboured to giue them succour?

An. He did.

Qu. In what manner?

Ans. Hee procured a licence of the King, to get prouision for the repayring of Ierusalem, chap. 2.8.

Qu. VVho hindred him in his worke?

An. Sanballet the Horonite, and To­bith the Ammonite.

Qu. For what cause?

Answ. Vpon malice.

Qu. VVhat do we learne thereby?

An. That the diuell and his instru­ments still lie in waite to hinder vertu­ous exercise.

Qu. How did they binder the Iewes?

An. By raising war vpon them.

Qu. Did the Iewes then leaue off their enterprise?

An. No, they laboured with one hand, and held the sword in the other, chap. 4 17.

Qu. What doth their diligence teach vs?

An. In repairing the new Ierusalem of our soules, as they did their old Ie­rusalem of their earthly habitation: to practise the deedes of charity with one hand, & in the other to hold the shield of faith, to keepe off the assaults of the diuell, and his instruments.

Qu. What did Nehemiah repayre in Ierusalem?

An. The walls of the broken buil­dings.

Qu. What else?

An. Decayed religion and corrupti­on of manners, chap. 13.

Ester.

Question. VVHat was Ester?

Ans. A poore maide?

Qu. Hovv was she aduanced?

An. To be the wife of a King.

Qu. By vvhat meanes?

Ans. By the prouidence of God and her owne vertue.

Qu. To vvhat end?

An. To protect the Iewes her coun­trimen.

Qu. What vices do we learne to shun by the contents of this Booke?

An. Not to feast in oftentation of our riches.

Qu. By the example of whome?

An. Of Ahashuerosh King of Persia, and Media, that made a feast of a hun­dred and fourescore daies, chapter 1, 4.

Qu. What else?

Ans. The disobedience of wiues to their husbands.

Qu. By the example of vvhome?

An. Of Vashti Ahashueroshes queen that refused to come to him when he sent for her.

Qu. What vvas her punishment?

An. She was banished the Kings com­pany for euer.

Qu. What else?

An. Not to buy sin with the price of money.

Qu. By the example of vvhome?

An. Of Haman that would giue the King tenne thousand talents of siluer to haue the Iewes destroyed, chapter, 3 9.

Qu. What else?

An. Not to harbour pride and con­tempt in our harts.

Qu. By the example of vvhome?

An Of proude Haman that wished the death of euery one that did not sa­lute him.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhat was his punishment?

An. He was hanged himselfe vpon the gallowes which he made for ano­ther man, chap. 7.10.

Qu. What vertues doe we learne out of this booke?

Ans. To obserue temperance in our feasting.

Qu. By the example of whom?

An. Of King Ahashuerosh, that com­manded (during his feast) no mā should be compelled to drink more then what he pleased, chap. 1.8.

Qu. May not Christians be a shamed of this?

An. Yes.

Qu. Shew me your reason?

An. Because he that was a Heathen, thought it a sinne to carowse, but wee that know God, make it no conscience to be drunke.

Qu. What vertues learne we else?

Ans. The loue of a woman vnto her countrymen.

Qu. By the example of whome?

An. Of Ester, that made void a decree purchased by Haman, for the destructi­on of all the Iewes in Persia, chap. 8.11.

Iob.

Question. VVHat learne vve in generall out of the booke of Iob.

An. Fiue things.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First, vprightnesse of life, in these words: and Iob was an vpright and iust man, chap. 1.1. Secondly, patience in affliction: Shall wee receiue good at the hand of the Lorde, and not euill: chap. 2.10. Thirdlie, mutability of the world: in these words. Such thinges as my soule refused to touche (as are sor­rowes) are my meate, cha. 6.7. Fourth­ly, the enuy of the diuel, in these words: Touch that he hath, and see if he will not blaspheme thee to thy face, chap, 1.11. Fiftly, the mercy of God in these words: He maketh the wound, and bin­deth it vp, chap. 5.18.

Qu. VVherein consisted his vpright­nesse?

Ans. In three things.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhich be they?

Ans. In holines toward God: In vp­rightnes toward the world: and in so­briety toward himselfe.

Qu. In holines, as how?

An. He did offer burnt offrings for himselfe, and for his children, chapter, 1, 5.

Qu. In righteousnesse, as how?

An. He was the eyes to the blind, ch. 29:15. The feet to the lame, chapt. 29, 15. He fed the hungry, chap, 31, 17. Hee clothed the naked. ch. 31.19. Hee stood with the widow and fatherles. chap. 31 16, 21. He harboured the stranger, chap 31.32. He iudged iustly, chap, 29, 14.

Qu. In sobriety, how?

Ans. His hart was not infected with lust, chapter, 31.7. Nor did his feete walke in deceipte, chapter, 31, 5. Nor made hee golde his hope, chapter. 31.24. Nor did his mouth kisse his hand, (that is) he was not vaineglorious, cha. 31, 27.

Qu. VVherein consisted his patience?

An. In bearing with the mutabilitye and change of his estate.

Qu. Wherein consisted the change of his estate?

An. In fiue things.

Qu. Which be they?

Ans. First, he lost his children and his wealth. chap. 1. Secondly, his body be­came leaprous, chapt. 2 7. Thirdly, his friends vpbrayded him. ch. 4.5. Fourth­ly, his wife for sooke him, chapter. 19.17. Fiftly, his owne seruants despised him, chap. 19.15, 16.

Qu. Wherein consisted the envy of the diuell?

Ans. In tempting him many waies, before he would be satisfied of his con­stancie.

Qu. Wherein the mercie of God?

An. In this as he did smite, so he did heale: as he did punish, so hee did pre­serue: as he did take away, so hee did restore.

Qu. How was Iob restored?

An. Double the wealth hee had be­fore, chap, 42, 10.

Qu. What doe vve learne by that?

An. That Gods mercy is greater then his iudgement.

Qu. What haue vvee vvhen vve come into this vvorld?

An. Nothing.

Qu. What shall we haue vvhen vve de­part?

An. As much. chap, 1, 11.

Question, What shall hee reape that [Page 64]ploweth iniquity?

Ans. The same, chap. 4 8.

Qu. Can any man say to himselfe, I am righteous?

An. No, not the Angells in heauen, chap. 4.18.

Qu. What is man borne to by nature?

An. To trauell as naturally, as it is for the sparke to flie vpwarde, chapter. 5.7.

Qu. To what may we compare faigned friends?

An. To a riuer that in Summer is drie, and in winter is frozen, chapter 6.15.

Qu. To how many things may we liken the vanishing frailty of mans age?

An. To sixe things.

Qu. Which be they?

An. First, to the vanishing of a cloude, chap. 6: 9: secondly, to the swist­nes of a weauers shurtle, cha. 7.6: third­ly, to a shadowe. chap. 8, 9. fourthlie, to the hasty speede of a poast, chap. 9, 25 fiftly, to the sayling of a shippe, and the flight of an Eagle, chap. 9, 26, sixly, to a flower that shooteth foorth in the morning, and is withered by night, cha. 14, 2.

Quest, What shal? deuour the house of bribes?

An: Fire.

Qu. May a man boast of the greatnesse of his birth.

An. No.

Que. Why?

An. Because corruption is our mo­ther, and the wormes our sisters & bro­thers, chap. 17.13.

Qu. Though wee die, what hope doth Iob giue vs?

Ans. That wee shall rise againe, and see God in our flesh, chap. 19.16.

Qu. Of what continuance is the ioye of the wicked?

Qu. For a moment, chap, 10, 5.

Quest. What may we think when we se the wicked flourish?

An. That they are kept to the day of destruction, chap, 21.30.

Qu. How comes wisedome to men?

An. Neither by age, nor authoritie, chap, 32.9.

Qu. How then?

An. By the gift of God.

Qu. What is God?

An. Incomprehensible for power, iustice and prouidence, chap, 38.39.

Psalmes.

Question. VVHat is the generall doctrine of the Psalmes?

Ans. Praier and thanksgiuing: pray­er that God will continue his fauoure towards vs: thanksgiuing for his bene­fits receiued.

Qu. VVhat man is blessed?

An. He that contemneth not Gods word, but meditateth vpon his lawe.

Qu. VVhat is he like?

An. A Tree planted by the waters side.

Qu. What man is cursed?

An. He that fitteth in the seate with the scorners of Gods word.

Qu. What is he like?

Ansvv. Chaffe scattered before the winde.

Qu. Who conspires against God and his annointed?

Ans. The Heathen, and wicked do­ers.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhat is the end of their conspi­racie?

Ans. Derision before God; Psal. 2.4.

Qu. In time of trouble, in whome must we trust?

An. In the Lord.

Qu. Why?

An. Because he will deliuer vs, Psal. 3.3.

Qu. Who turnes the glory of God into shame?

An. Louers of vanitie and lies, Psal. 4.2.

Qu. What is a persecuter of Gods peo­ple compared vnto?

An. A Lyon.

Qu. VVhy?

An. Because like a lyon he will teare in peeces and deuour, Psal. 7.2.

Qu. If the wicked seeke to obscure the glo­ry of God, how will he reueale his praise?

An. Euen by the mouthes of babes and sucklings, Psal. 8.2.

Quest. How vvill the Lord Iudge this world?

An. In rigthteousnesse, Psal. 9.8.

Quest. Are the poore despised in Gods sight?

An. No, he is their refuge, Psalme 9: 9.

Qu. What is the Practise of the vvorld­ly man?

Ans. Fraud, rapine, tyranny, psa. 10.

Qu. What is his revvard?

An. Fire, brimstone, stormy tem­pests?

Qu. How many are the righteous?

An. In earth none: there is not one that doth good, no not one, Psal. 14.

Qu. Who shall dvvel vpon Gods holie hill?

An. He that speakes trueth, slanders not his neighbour, and giues not his money to vsury, Psal. 15, 3.5.

Qu. Of vvhat did Dauid Prophecie?

An. Of Christ.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋherein?

Ans. In these wordes, Thou wilt not leaue my soule in the graue, nor suffer thy holy one to see corruption, Psalme 16, 10.

Qu. What is true felicity?

An. The fruition of Christ Iesus face to face, in righteousnes, psal, 17, 10.

Que. Who will the Lord teach in his way?

An. The humble heart, Psalm. 25 9,

Qu. Hovv doth the Lord loue vs?

Ans. More then father or mother: for when they forsake vs, he will take vs vp Psal, 27, 10.

Qu. He will not then bee angry for e­uer?

An. No, his anger endureth but a while, and though sorow be this night, we shall haue ioy to morrow. Psal. 30.5.

Qu. What must we doe when we haue sinned?

An. Confesse our wickednes, though it be against our selues.

Qu. What followes?

An. Forgiuenes, Psal. 32.5.

Qu. Is it not enough for vs to eschew e­uill?

An. No.

Qu. What then?

An. VVe must like wise do good, psa. 34, 14.

Quest. May the wicked prosper?

Ans. Like a green Bay tree, but they shall quickly wither. Psal. 37. vers. 35. 36.

Qu. May the righteous be miserable?

Ans. Yes, but their inheritance shall be perpetuall, Psal. 37, 18.

Qu. What is the vanity of ritch men?

An. They heape vp wealth, & knowe not who shall enioy it, Psal. 39, 6.

Qu. When the oppressed mourne, what doth God?

An. He gathers his teares into a [Page 67]bottle, and keepes a register of their wrong, Psal. 56.8.

Qu. To what end?

An. To powre so much vengeance vpon their oppressors heads.

Qu. To whom must all flesh appeale?

An. To God.

Qu. VVhy?

Ans. Because, though worldly Ma­gistrates grow slacke and remisse, yet hee will heare their complaints, Psalm. 65.2.

Qu. How doth God find the true dispo­sition of his people?

Ans. By triall.

Qu. How doth he try them?

An. As siluer is tryed, in the fire of affliction, Psalme 66.10.

Qu. In the Sea of this life, vvhat hope haue we to saue vs from drowning?

An. A Rocke.

Qu. VVhat is that Rocke?

An. Christ Iesus, Psalme 71.3.

Qu. Why are Magistrates called Gods?

Ans. Because they supply the place of God, for the administration of Iustice.

Quest. How doe they proue to be no Gods?

Ans. In that they die like men, Psalm. 82.6.7.

Quest. Hath God made an election of those that shall be saued?

An. Yes.

Qu. VVhen?

An. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, Psal. 90.2.

Qu. Why were the rigteous compared to a Palme tree?

Ans. Because, as the wood of that is sweet, so ought they to be sweet wood for the building of Gods Church: As the leaues of it are greene, so ought their words alwaies to bee vertuous: As the fruite of it is lasting, so their good deedes ought to be without cea­sing.

Quest. How is God made visible to our mortall eies?

An. By his creatures, the light is his cloathing, he mooues vpon the wings of the wind, his messengers are flames of fire: his throne is heauen, and his footstoole is the earth.

Qu. Why doth not the Sea ouerflow the earth?

An. Because God hath set it bounds, which it shall not ouerpasse, Psal. 104.9.

Qu. Ʋ Ʋhat is the best seruice of flatte­rers?

Ans. They reward euill for good, and [Page 68]hatred for friendship, Psal 109: 5.

Qu. VVhat is the inconuenience of an euill tongue?

An. It woundeth like the sharpe ar­rowes of a mightie man, and burneth like coales of Iuniper: Psal: 120: 4.

Qu. How is God to be praised?

An. VVith the whole heart, Psalme 9.1.

Qu. How is be to praied vnto?

An. Not with fained lips.

Qu. VVho is our best guide?

An. The spirit of God.

Qu. Whither doth it lead vs?

An. To the land of righteousnesse, Psal. 143.10.

Qu. What is the Lord to them that trust in him?

An. A fortresse, a bulwarke, and a shield, 144.2.

The Prouerbes of Salomon.

Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher.

Question. VVHo writ this booke?

Ans. Salomon.

Qu. VVhy is it called by the name of the Preacher?

Ans. Because Salomon by waye of exhortation, labors to instruct all men, how to hate the vanities of this world, and to affect nothing but heauenly bles­sednesse.

The song of Salomon.

The Prophet Esaiah.

Question. HOw was Ejaiah descended?

Qu. From the linage of kings.

Qu. Who was his father?

An. Amoz brother to Azariah, King of Iuda.

Qu. Hovv long did he prophecy?

Answ. Threescore and foure yeares, from the time of Vzziah, to the raign of Manasseh.

Qu. Who put him to death?

An. Manasseh.

Qu. Vpon how many pointes dooth the doctrine of the prophets consist?

An. Vpon three.

Qu Which bee they?

Ans. Instruction, reprehension, and cosolation.

Qu. Instruction, how?

An. To teach them to knowe theyr sinnes.

Qu. Reprehension, how?

Answ. To rebuke them for sin.

Qu. Consolation, how?

An. To comfort them vpon their re­pentance.

Ieremie.