The Scriptures of Harmony
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The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
THE SCRIPTURES HARMONY.
By E. F. Esq.
HEB DDIM HEB DDIEV
LONDON, Printed by Richard Cotes, for William Hope, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Unicorne in Cornhill.
1643.
TO THE READER.
MAny and various are the opinions of Writers concerning the continuance of the world before Christ: insomuch that it is grown into a Proverb; Chronologers agree like Clocks. Scarce two of one mind throughout.
The chief and main ground of these differences is, because most, neglecting the Word of God, are drawn away with Fables, human traditions, and uncertain authorities, whereby they exceed the just and true number, some forty years, someone hundred, someone thousand, nay some two thousand years, and upwards. Others, who seem much to follow the Scriptures, and Hebrew expositors, (unto whom without all peradventure we ought in this point to subscribe) do indeed renounce them, when there is small cause to suspect them of falsehood; and embrace them, when we know they seek by all means to obscure the truth. As, in beginning Daniel's 70. weeks from the first year of King Cyrus; which Ibn▪Ezra, a malicious Rabbi, affirmed; not that he did so believe, (for then he must have confessed that the Messiah was come, because he himself saw more then thrice 70. weeks finished) but that he might confound the Christians accompt, and render them ridiculous both to the Greeks and Persians.
His design is by this computation made frustrate: All Scriptures seemingly jarring in point of time are here reconciled; many places cleared; especially in the Books of the Judges, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel: Prophecies are shown in their due time to be accomplished: Christ Jesus is proved be the true Messiah; and in the fullness of time to have redeemed them that were under the Law: The honor and comeliness of God's Church is here presented; and a necessary help, as well in remembering as understanding of the Scriptures, is administered.
Farewell.
THE SCRIPTURES HARMONY:
Containing A brief, plain, and perfect computation of the years and times from the Creation of Adam, unto the death and passion of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures;
As followeth.
FRom the Creation of ADAM unto the ceasing of NOAH'S Flood, are 1656. years.
FOR,
Adam was 130 years old when he begat Seth.
Enos at 90 years begat Cainan.
Cainan at 70 years begat Mahalaleel.
Mahalaleel at 65 years begat Jared.
Iared at 162 years begat Enoch.
Enoch at 65 years begat Methuselah.
Methuselah at 187 years begat Lamech.
Lamech at 182 years begat Noah.
Noah was 600 years old when the Flood was upon the earth.
THE waters of the Flood began in the six hundred year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, and were dried up in the six hundred and one year, in the first month, the first day of the month. So that the Flood continued ten months and thirteen days; which being the same with the six hundredth year of Noah, are not to be accounted.
The said times accounted are 1656 years.
From the ceasing of NOAH 's Flood unto ABRAHAMS departing from VR of the Chaldees, are 362. years.
FOR,
Shem Noah's son, begat Arphaxad 2 years after the Flood.
Arphaxad at 35 years begat Salah.
Serug at 30 years begat Nahor.
Nahor at 29 years begat Terah.
Terah at 70 years begat Abraham.
Reasons why it cannot be admitted that TERAH begat ABRAHAM at 130. years old.
[ 1] FIrst, because we must then grant, that there were two promises made by God unto Abraham; The one before his departure out of Ur of the Chaldees; The other after Terah's death, before his departure out of Haran: Which is a mere conceit, and cannot be proved out of the Scriptures. For Saint Stephen by repeating the words of Moses, Get thee out of thy Country, &c. shows plainly, that Moses and he did both speak of one and the same promise, which (he expressly saith) was made in Mesopotamia (containing at that time the land of the Chaldees) before Abraham dwelt in Charran. And indeed had Saint Stephen at that time spoken anything differing from Moses (though by divine revelation, yet) he had offered the Jews, his accusers, too great an occasion of scandalizing him, and the Gospel of Christ.
[ 2] Secondly, because we must then admit, that Moses, who so punctually and largely has set down the life of Abraham, did leave out, and not at all mention the first and chief promise made by God unto Abraham: which would savor of no less impiety then improbability.
[ 3] Thirdly, because the last and best English Translations, render not the words of Moses thus; Terah died in Haran. And the Lord saith, or, then the Lord said; but, Now the Lord had said unto Abraham, in the Preterpluperfect Tense, showing, that the Lord had made this promise before Terah's death, and (as Saint Stephen saith) in the land of the Chaldees. Junius and Tremellius translate it by the Preterpluperfect Tense Dixerat enim: So Beza annot. in Act. 7. And Vatablus a learned Hebrician confirms it, Hebraice per futurum legitur, quod pro praeterito perfecto ponitur: & perfectum pro plusquam perfecto; Lege Actor. caput▪ 7. in principio. Vertendum igitur, I am vero dixerat Dominus.
And as God's promise, so Abraham's departure out of Haran, was also before Terah's death. Neither doth the relation of it after the death of Terah any way hinder: For the Scriptures do frequently in Story place that after, which was done before in time. As we know, that the eighteen years wherein the Philistines and Ammonites oppressed Israel, were in the days of Jair the Judge, yet it is said, And Jair died, and was buried in Camon. And the children of Israel, &c. where the story of the oppression is placed after Jairs death. So Abraham's taking another wife, is mentioned after the death of Sarah, which was long before her death, in her time. So the relation of the making of woman, and the fall of man follows after the seventh day, yet we know, that both were created on the sixth day. The Prophets, especially Jeremiah & Daniel, afford many such examples.
[ 4] Fourthly, because it cannot be inferred out of Saint Stephens words, that Abraham departed not out of Haran till his fathers death: for he saith, from thence when his father was dead, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , God transplanted him, that is, fully and absolutely removed him into this Land, tam animo quam corpore; which indeed could not be before his fathers death, because of the duty and natural affection, which he did and ought to bear unto his Father. So that he departed thence at 75. years old, as Moses saith: but was not transplanted thence till his fathers death, as Saint Stephen saith, at which time Abraham was 135. years old.
[ 5] Fifthly, because the Scriptures set down precisely, that Terah lived 70. years and begat Abraham, Nahor, and Haran. Now if the 70. years be not referred to Abraham, then they are inserted ambiguously, and to no purpose. Ambiguously, because it cannot be determined whether they belong to Nahor or Haran. And to no purpose, because what matter is it to the continuance of the Church (which was the scope of Moses in that Chapter) to mention how old Terah was when he begat Nahor or Haran, who were Idolaters, and not of the Church?
[ 6] Sixthly, because we must then admit that it was no wonder that Abraham should beget a child at 100 years old; whereas the Scriptures record it for an extraordinary act of God's power, beyond the course of nature. Shall a child (saith Abraham) be borne unto hm that is an hundred years old? Therefore Sarah laughed within her self, saying, After I am waxed old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? Abraham's age (as well as her own) was the cause of Sarah's laughter. And Saint Paul saith, there sprang even of one and him as good as dead, so many as the Stars of the sky in multitude. Nay more, He considered not his own body now dead, when he was about 100 years old. Whence it is clear, that Abraham's strength of nature was in his hundredth year quite spent, his body was unable to beget children; and therefore the wonder was wrought on him, as well as on Sarah.
But in truth I cannot see, how they should account this a wonder, who give Abraham a wife and six sons of her after Sarah's death; the eldest of whom should we suppose that Abraham begat him the same day that Sarah died, must be begotten in the 137 year of Abraham's age: and (if some may be credited) all six were begotten in less then four years. Sed ex uno absurdo mille sequuntur.
[ 7] Seventhly, because the best Writers and Chronologers affirm, That Terah begat Abraham at 70. years old. As, Joseph. Ant. l. 1. c. 7. Euseb. Chron. fol. 6. August. quaest. 25. in Gen. Beda de 6. aetat. mundi. Func. fol. 20. Bucholz. pag. 4. Calvis. pag. 35. Hen. Buntingus. fol. 22. Christ. Helvic. fol. 3. Isaac's. fol. 30.
Nevertheless Abraham was not the eldest, but the younger son of Terah, and is placed first, because of his excellency and dignity.
Abraham departed from Ur of the Chaldees when he was 70. years old.
His departure was immediately after God's Covenant with him, Acts 7. v. 2, 3, 4. which is implied, Gen. 11. v. 31. and c. 12. v. 1. Now God's Covenant was when Abraham was 70. years old. For from the Covenant to the Law were 430. years; but from the 75. of Abraham to the Law, were but 425. years; Therefore the Covenant (and so his departure out of Ur) must be five years before, which was in his 70. year.
The said times accounted are 362 years.
From Abraham's departing from Vr of the Chaldees, unto the departing of the children of Israel out of Egypt, are 430. years.
FOR,
Abraham going forth from Ur of the Chaldees came unto Haran, alias Charran, in Mesopotamia, where he dwelt 5 years; and so (leaving his father Terah) was 75. years old when he departed thence into the land of Canaan.
Note, that as in the loins of Adam all men sinned; and as in the loins of Abraham the Levites paid tithes: So the children of Israel in Abraham went forth from Ur of the Chaldees towards Egypt, and passed thorough the land of Canaan, journeying still towards the South, until they came into Egypt.
Isaac was borne unto Abraham when he was 100. years old, and in the 25 year after his departure out of Haran.
Isaac was 60 years old when Rebekah bare Jacob.
Jacob, alias Israel, went into Egypt with all his family, when he was 130 years old.
The children of Israel were in Egypt 210 years. Which was by their father Jacob Prophetically implied in this word, Descend ye, or, Get you down; the letters whereof in Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , signify 210. Gen. 42. v. 2.
(These 210. years may be thus set forth in particular.
Kohath with his father Levi came into Egypt: unto whom Amram was borne about 60. years after.
Amram was 70. years old when Moses was borne unto him.
Moses was 80. years old when he conducted the children of Israel out of Egypt.
The time of the ten plagues of Egypt is the same with the latter part of the eightieth year of Moses, Exod. 7. verse. 7. And it is necessarily concluded from those many testimonies of Moses his being in the Wilderness 40. years. Wherefore Saint Stephen, Acts 7. v. 30. did not there intend a full and complete expiration of 40. years, as he did before, verse 23.)
The said times accounted are 430 years, which are mentioned, Exod. 12. v. 40. 41.
But when the Scriptures speak of 400. years, as Gen. 15. verse. 13. and Acts 7. verse. 6. The accompt is to be taken from the birth of Isaac.
From the departing of the children of Israel out of Egypt unto the laying of the foundation of Solomon's Temple are 480. years.
FOR,
Moses remained in the Wilderness 40 years,
From the Covenant that God made with Abraham, saying, IN THEE SHAL ALL NATIONS BE BLESSED, (upon which he departed from Ur of the Chaldees) unto the giving of the Law in Mount Sinai are 430. years and almost three months: But the Apostle Gal. 3. v. 17. leaveth out the months as an imperfect number.
Joshua in the 7 year after the death of Moses divided the Land of Canaan; and after that governed 10 years, (which the Scriptures call a long time in respect of Joshua's age) and may be proved by deducting the evident and certain numbers out of the 480. years mentioned, 1 King. 6. verse. 1.
Othniel judged Israel 40 years.
Under whose government Israel served the Lord all the days of the Elders, who had seen the great works of the Lord; But when the Elders were dead, they fell to Idolatry, and much wickedness: till at last the Lord sold them into the hand of Chushan-Rishathaim King of Mesopotamia: by whom being eight years grievously oppressed, they cried unto the Lord, and the spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel their Judge, and he delivered them.
Note, that when the Scriptures say the Land had rest 40. years, and Othniel died; it is not to be understood that the Land was in peace 40 years together under Othniel, but that the Land had rest or peace unto the end of 40. years from the decease of Joshua; Or, until the fortieth year of Othniels government: But in what year before the fortieth the peace began, the Scriptures express not. So understand Judge. 3. v. 30. c. 5. v. 31. &c. 8. v. 28.
Ehud with the Vacancy 80 years.
Eglon K. of Moab oppressed Israel 18 years. Neer the end of which oppression, as some suppose; but more probably near the end of Ehud’s Judgeship, when through long peace and plenty, God the giver of all goodness was forgotten, the execution of justice wholly neglected, and every man did that which was right in his own eyes, were those days, wherein the Scriptures say, There was no King in Israel.
Shamgar, was a deliverer, but no Judge; for the Scriptures neither mention that he judged, nor that the Land had rest in his days.
The 20. years wherein Jabin King of Canaan mightily oppressed Israel, were at that time when Deborah judged.
Gideon alias Ierubbaal 40 years.
Presently after the death of Deborah, Midian oppressed Israel: and though Gideon, a mighty man of valor, was in the first year of their oppression (otherwise there could not be forty years in his days) by the Lord in special manner called to the government, and had the Lord's promise, that he should save Israel from the hands of the Midianites: yet until the seven years oppression (which God had appointed) were finished, and until the spirit of the Lord came upon him, he did not deliver them.
In the end of the fourth year of Jair, the Philistines and Ammonites began to vex and oppress Israel, which they continued 18. years, until the Lord raised up Jephthah to deliver them.
Jephthah judged Israel 6 years.
About 34. years after that Sihon King of the Amorites had fought against the predecessor of Balak the son of Zippor King of Moab, and had taken all his Land, even unto Arnon; Israel smote Sihon and all his people, and possessed his Country: which was in the last year of Moses. From whence unto Jephthah were but 266. years current; yet by adding the years of their own possession unto Sihon's, whose right they had by the Law of Conquest, Jephthah did justly say, that they had dwelt in or possessed those Countries three hundred years.
The Lord delivered Israel into the hand of the Philistines 40. years: Whereof 20. were fulfilled under Samson, and 20. under Eli.
Eli Judge and Priest 40 years.
Observe here, that from the death of Joshua unto Samuel are 339. years: whereof the times of oppression and afflictions of Israel were 111. years: which added together according to the Jews manner of speaking, make 450. years. And therefore Saint Paul saith, that God gave the Israelites Judges after a sort 450. years.
To wit, Samuel alone about 27. years; with Saul about 10. years; Saul after Samuel's death about 3. years.
David reigned 40 years and 6 months.
Solomon having reigned 3 years and 6 months (in the end of the four hundred and fourscore year after Israel came out of Egypt, in the second month of the Legal year) began to lay the foundation of the Temple, which was finished in the seven years and six months. As appears, 1 King. 6. verse. 1. 37. 38. But the six months are there left out, as the Scriptures oftentimes do imperfect numbers.
The said times accounted are 480 years; Which are mentioned, 1 King. 6. verse. 1.
From the laying of the foundation of Solomon's Temple, unto the beginning of the Captivity of Babylon are 430. years and 10. days.
FOR, Solomon after the laying of the foundation of the Temple reigned 36 years and 6 months.
Presently after the death of Solomon, upon the rough answer of his son Rehoboam, ten Tribes rebelled and made Jeroboam King over Israel; but the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin followed the house of David; which, because they had their possessions mixed, are sometimes accounted as one Tribe.
Kings of Judah.
He is styled King of Israel, because the right of the Crown of Israel was in him, for Israel rebelled against the house of David: and also because God is called the God of Israel; therefore the Kingdom and people of Judah, where, and by whom God was chiefly worshipped, are sometimes called Israel.
Joram, 8 years.
Note that the beginning of his reign is in the Scriptures accounted, either from the time he first reigned in his fathers presence, and so he began to reign in the fifth year of Jehoshaphat, at the age of 32. years. Or, from the time he first reigned in his fathers absence; and so he began to reign near the end of the 18. year of Jehoshaphat, when Jehoshaphat went down to see Ahab, & in the beginning of the second year after, Jehoram King of Israel began to reign. Or, from the time he first reigned after his fathers death; and so he began to reign at the age of 52. years in the fifth year of Joram King of Israel, and he reigned eight years.
Jehoahaz, alias
Azariah, 1 year
He was 22. years. old when he began to reign with his father: and was 42. years old when he began to reign alone after his fathers death.
She was slain in the beginning of the seventh year of her reign.
Joash, alias Jehoash, 40 years.
Azariah 52. years
Kings of Israel.
He began to reign in the beginning of the third of Asa.
He began to reign in the beginning of the 27. of Asa, though he was not fully confirmed till the death of Tibni in the 31. of Asa.
In the end of his 17. and of his 18. year, he smote Benhadad King of Syria. Afterwards they continued three years without war; but in the third year Jehoshaphat (leaving his son Jehoram King in his absence) came to visit him. And in the end of that year Ahab with Jehoshaphat went against Ramoth Gilead, and was there slain.
Jehoram alias
He began to reign near the end of the 19. (but in the 18. complete) of Jehoshaphat, but he was not confirmed in his Kingdom till he overcame the rebelling Moabites, and sent away the Syrians, which was three years after; And then he reigned 12. years.
Neere the end of his sixth year (but in the fifth complete) Jehoram King of Judah after his fathers death began to reign. And in the end of his 11. year, or in the beginning of his 12. after he was confirmed in the Kingdom, Ahaziah King of Judah began to reign.
He began to reign in the beginning of the 23. year of Joash King of Judah.
Note, That the last year of Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Omri Ahab, and Jehoahaz is not accounted, because they were slain or died in the beginning of the year, as may appear by comparing with the years of the Kings of Judah
He began to reign near the end of the 28. (but in the 27. complete) of Joash King of Judah.
In the beginning of his 16. (but in his 27. year, accounting the 11. years which Jeroboam reigned with his father) began Azariah King of Judah to reign.
From the beginning of the 27. of Azariah King of Judah to the end of the 38. was 1 • . years, there was a Vacancy in the Kingdom of Israel.
He began to reign in the very end of the 38. of Azariah.
Shallum 1. month.
Menahem 10. years and 5. months.
P • k • h 20. years.
He began to reign in the beginning of the 52. of Azariah
Hoshea 19. years.
He began to reign in the beginning of the fourth year of Ahaz K. of Judah, which was the beginning of the 20. after Jotham began. And in the end of the 13. (but in the 12. complete) of Ahaz Hoshea was confirmed in his Kingd. After w ch he reigned 9 years
In the end of the third of Hoshea began Hezekiah to reign
In the beginning of the 4. of Hezekiah (which was the beginning of the 7. of Hoshea) Shalmaneser King of Assyria came up against Samaria: and at the end of 3. years (w ch was in the end of the 6. of Hezek. and of the ninth of Hoshea) Samaria was taken.
Note, that Israel was then carried away into Assyria, and placed in Halath, and in Habor, by the river of Gozan, and in the Cities of the Medes; but 46. years after, they were driven thence, dispersed, and so broken, that they were not a people. As Isaiah foretold in the third year of Ahaz King of Judah, which was three score and five years before it came to pass.
Jehoahaz, alias Johanan, alias Shallum, 3 months.
He is called the first borne, because he first succeeded in the Kingdom: but his brother Jehoiakim was the elder by two years.
Jehoiakim, alias Joakim, alias Eliakim, 11 years.
Under Pharaoh Nechoh he reigned eight years, and under Nebuchadnez zar three years, but in the said third year (which was the eleventh year of his reign in Jerusalem) he rebelled and the Lord gave him into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.
Iehoiachin, alias Jeconiah, alias Coniah, 3 months and 10 days.
To wit three months and ten days alone after his fathers death, being then at the age of eighteen: But with his father he reigned ten years before, and began his reign at eight years old.
Note, that the Scriptures express Iehoiachins Captivity to be in the seventh year complete of Nebuchadnezzar's reign: or, when the seventh year was expired: or, in the beginning of his eighth year. All which point at one and the same time.
From his Captivity the Prophet Ezekiel takes his accompt.
The fifth year of his Captivity was the thirtieth year after the finding of the book of the Law, in the eighteenth of King Josiah.
Zedekiah, alias Mattaniah, 11 years.
He is called the son of Jeconiah, not by nature, for he was his Uncle; but by succession in the government.
So Ahab was son to Baasha, 1 King. 20. v. 34. compared with c. 15. v. 19, 20. So Salathiel was son to Jeconiah, 1 Chr. 3. v. 17. Matth. 1. v. 12.
From the revolt of Jeroboam unto the siege of Jerusalem, in the ninth year of Zedekiah, are 390. years: which were the years of the iniquity of the house of Israel; for some of the Israelites who were mixed with the Tribe of Judah, remained until this time.
In the end of his reign Jerusalem was taken.
Here began the Captivity of Judah (commonly called the Captivity of Babylon) with the utter destruction of Jerusalem.
The said times accounted are 430 years and 10 days.
Reasons why it cannot be admitted that the Captivity of Judah (alias the 70 years Captivity) began in the third year of Jehoiakim.
First, because the fourth year of Jehoiakim was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar; How then could Nebuchadnezzar come up in the third of Jehoiakim? And to say that Nebuchadnezzar began to reign and came up in the end of the third of Jehoiakim, is contrary to the Text alleged, and also against reason; For what man can imagine, that Nebuchadnezzar should receive his Crown, raise immediately a mighty host, subdue all Syria, march afterwards with an Army into Judea: (which is near 400. miles from Babylon) the very sight whereof caused Jehoiakim to become his servant, and all this to be done in the very end of the third of Jehoiakim?
[ 2] Secondly, because it is grounded upon nothing but figments and falsities. As, that Jehoiakim was carried to Babylon, and sent home again : That Daniel and the rest were carried away Captives in the first year of Nebuchadnezzar: That Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth year of his reign: That Nebuchadnezzar came not against him till five years after: That the Chaldean Kingdom continued but 70. years; Which they seek to wrest from the words of Jeremiah, but in vain; for though in the fourth of Jehoiakim he prophesieth of the just continuance of the Chaldean Kingdom until the end of the 70. years Captivity, yet he saith not that the 70. years Captivity began in the fourth of Jehoiakim: for the Scriptures declare that they began not till the end of the reign of Zedekiah, which was eighteen years after the said prophecy.
[ 3] Thirdly, because the Captivity of Jehoiakim, as also of his son, was but a particular Captivity of some few, though (I grant) many Nobles were then carried away. But the Captivity of Judah, or the 70. years Captivity, was not the Captivity of a few, or only of the chief, but of the whole Land of Judah; of Prince and people, with the utter destruction of Jerusalem, in the end of the reign of Zedekiah. Of this Captivity it is said. So Judah was carried away out of their Land. And Jehozadak the son of Seraiah went into Captivity when the Lord carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. Thus Judah was carried away Captive out of his own Land. And the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah in the days of Jehoiakim, unto the end of eleventh year of Zedekiah, unto the carrying away Jerusalem Captive in the fifth month. What words can plainer express the time when the Captivity of Judah began?
Them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon: where they were servants to him and his sons, until the reign of the Kingdom of Persia: to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the Land had enjoyed her Sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate, she kept Sabbath, to fulfill three score and ten years. See here the 70. years desolation must be fulfilled from this Captivity in the end of Zedekiah.
[ 4] Fourthly, because if Jehoiakim were carried away captive in his third year, then must Jeconiah's Captivity be in the ninth year of Nebuchadnezzar. For Jehoiakim reigned eight years after that, and his son Jeconiah three months and ten days: But this is contrary to the Scriptures; which say directly, that Nebuchadnezzar took Iehoiachin, alias Jeconiah, in the eighth year of his reign. And Jeremiah says, in the seventh year.
[ 5] Fifthly, because in the last chapter of Jeremiah, where the several Captivities are reckoned up, there is no notice taken of the Captivity of Jehoiakim, nor of the Captives at that time carried to Babylon, being none but a few children chosen out of certain of the children of Israel, and of the Kings seed, and of the Princes, such as had ability in them to stand in the Kings Palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. Whereas the Captivity of Zedekiah is there, and also in the 39. Chapter, and in the latter book of the Kings and Chronicles largely related, as being the grand and most remarkable Captivity, The Captivity of Judah.
From the beginning of the Captivity of Babylon unto the Commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem again, are 152. years.
The Captivity continued 70 years.
The next year after, being the first year of King Cyrus, Israel returned from Captivity.
They began to build the Temple in the second year of the said Cyrus, And it was finished in 29 years after, which was the sixth year of King Darius, the son of Hystaspes.
Of this Temple it was prophesied, that the glory thereof should be greater then of the former; w ch was, not in respect of the beauty in building, but because of the presence of the Messiah, our Savior, who should teach therein.
Artaxerxes in the end of his seventh year, which was 52 years after the finishing of the Temple, sent Ezra, and gave him Commission to restore and to build Jerusalem again.
Here began the 70. weeks revealed by the Angel Gabriel unto Daniel.
The said times accounted are 152 years.
Reasons why it cannot be admitted that Daniel's 70. weeks should be accounted from the first year of King Cyrus.
[ 1] The one is, because the Angel saith expressly, that the 70. weeks must be accounted from the going forth of the Commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem: which Commandment was not given forth by Cyrus; for the Commission of Cyrus (twice rehearsed by Ezra) was only to build the Temple. And though it be also true, that Cyrus gave Commandment to build Jerusalem, yet he gave not Commandment to restore Jerusalem: Whereas that Commandment which the Angel spake of, was both to restore and to build Jerusalem. This was given forth by Artaxerxes in the seventh year of his reign; As may be seen by the tenor of Ezra his Commission. For Jerusalem was then restored when the Laws were taught, and Religion established: and it was then built, when Magistrates and Judges were set therein. Without Religion Jerusalem could not be restored: without Magistrates it could not be called a City. To settle both these, Ezra only received authority and had Commandment.
[ 2] The other reason is, because the Assertors of this opinion, when they come to particulars, do grossly rend in sunder all Histories, especially of the Persian Monarchy; and are forced to build on their own fancies. As, That Cyrus after he took Bahel, reigned but three years: Cambyses after his fathers death four: But Mr. More will have it that Cambyses reigned with his father six years, and one after his fathers death. Both alike true. For if Cyrus and Cambyses reigned so short a time, how could Cambyses, the Prince of the Kingdom of Persia, withstand the building of the Temple 21. years, as the Scriptures affirm; and are so understood even by Mr. Broughton himself?
That Darius the son of Hystaspes (surnamed Ahasuerus) hindered the building of the Temple; who is generally acknowledged to be the finisher thereof: and whose great favor and liberality unto the Jews is not only set forth in the Book ef Esther, but also in profane histories. And though it be true, that in the beginning of the reign of Ahasuerus they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem: yet this accusation was so far from hindering the building of the Temple, that it procured from Darius, alias Ahasuerus, a Decree for the speedy finishing thereof.
That Artaxerxes, mentioned in the seventh of Ezra, was the same Darius mentioned before in the sixth chapter, in whose reign the Temple was finished. But this cannot be. For Ezra ending his story of Darius in the sixth chapter begins his seventh thus: Now after these things in the reign of Artaxerxes King of Persia, &c. Which words show plainly that he spake of another King, and of things done long after Darius. Besides, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes, Ezra had Commission to set Magistrates and Judges over the people, which could not be the next year after the finishing of the Temple, unless we will suppose that Zerubbabel the Governor, and Ieshua the High Priest, and the other Magistrates, did all die together on a sudden, as soon as the Temple was finished.
That Xerxes hindered the building of the Temple; That Artaxerxes Longimanus was brother to Xerxes; whom all Histories with one consent declare to be his son: That he reigned but 36. years: that Artaxerxes Mnemon reigned 11. years with his father, and 10. alone; and infinite such like absurdities.
Neither can they excuse themselves, because of the diversity of Writers touching the time of these Kings. For the best and soundest Writers do not differ: and that which is, and hath from time to time been generally received, must be taken for truth. But these follow none at all, and cannot so much as find one pur-blind Author to countenance their inventions. And therefore they do cautiously omit the particular accompt of Daniel's 70. weeks.
[An Object.] But Mr. More tells us, that Daniel's 70. weeks must needs begin at the very end of their 70. years captivity, or else the analogy of their 70. years captivity, and 7. times 70. years liberty, could not stand: and also the comfort were not so forcibly brought by the Angel, if there were any mean time between the end of their captivity, and the beginning of their liberty.
[Resolved.] To resolve this, we must know, that An analogy is a proportion, similitude, or resemblance, which one thing hath unto another. Now that any intervenient time can destroy an analogy, is a mere paradox. For in matter of proportion and similitude, neither time nor place are considerable. Between the Paschal Lamb in the first Passover, and the passion of Christ the Lamb of God, there was a true analogy: yet there interceded 1552. years. Between the lifting up of the Serpent in the Wilderness, and the lifting up of the Son of man, there was a true analogy: yet there interceded 1512. years. Between Jonas his being three days and three nights in the Whales belly, and the Son of man his being three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, there was a true analogy: yet there interceded about 820. years. Between Christ's suffering, and the signs now administered in the Lord's supper, there is a true analogy: yet the time since He suffered is more then 1600. years. Therefore it is manifest, that the analogy between Judah's 70. years Captivity and Daniel's 70. weeks may well stand, though the weeks do not immediately begin in the end of the Captivity.
Nor does any mean time between the Jews Captivity, and their liberty, diminish the comfort thereof more then the 46. years till the Israelites were peaceably possessed of the Land of Canaan, diminished their comfort of being freed from Egypt the house of bondage.
From the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem again, unto the death and passion of our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST, are 490. years.
FOR,
It is expressly declared unto Daniel, that from the going forth of the Commandment to restore, and to build Jerusalem, unto the Messiah, The Prince, shall be 7 weeks (so long it was before the Reformation could be fully perfected & Religion established) and 62 weeks (which make 69. weeks) and after 62. weeks, in the week following (which added to the said 69. maketh full 70. weeks) shall Messiah be cut off, and He shall confirm the Covenant, &c. Now accounting each day for a year (as the Scriptures do frequently) 70. weeks do amount unto 490 years.
The full time from the Creation of Adam, unto the death and passion of our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST, is 4000 years and 10 days.
A particular proof of the times from the beginning of the Captivity of Babylon unto the death and passion of our blessed Savior JESUS CHRIST, whereby the former computation, as also many places of the Scriptures, are cleared.
The first Monarch of Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar reigned 45 years.
He began to reign in the end of the fourth year of Jehoiakim King of Judah.
In the beginning of his tenth year, which was the second year of his reign, after he vanquished Pharaoh Nechoh, Daniel told and expounded his dream.
The Captivity of the Jews began in the beginning of the nineteenth year of his reign; or, as it is, Ier. 52. v. 29. in the end of the eighteenth year.
From the finding of the book of the Law in the 18. of Josiah, unto the last carrying away of the Jews into Captivity in the three and twentieth year of Nebuchadnezzar, are 40. years; which was the time of the iniquity of the house of Judah.
Evilmerodach reigned 30 years.
Belshazzar in the beginning of his fourteenth year was slain; so that he reigned but 13 years complete.
Of these three Jeremiah speaks, c. 27. v. 6, 7.
Note, that when Cyrus the Persian overcame Astyages King of the Medes, (whom Daniel calleth Ahasuerus) Darius, alias Cyaxares, son of the said Astyages, took upon him the Kingdom: but finding his soldiers to forsake him, and having no issue male, he forthwith gave his daughter in marriage unto the said Cyrus (son of Cambyses the Persian, and Mandana the sister of Darius) and joined him in the government, who was prosperous in wars, took Babylon, where he slew Belshazzar in his drunkenness, delivered the Jews from Captivity, subdued many Nations: and was
The first Monarch of Persia.
Darius reigned with Cyrus 1 year after Belshazzar was slain.
Of this Darius speaketh Ezra, c. 6. v. 14. and Dan. c. 6. v. 1. And of their joint-reign, v. 28. &c. 8. v. 3. & Isa. 21. v. 2. 9.
In respect of which joint-reign Darius is said to take the Kingdom of the Chaldeans, or Babylon; though indeed Cyrus was only in that action: and Darius was by him made King over the Realm of the Chaldeans.
Cyrus after Darius his death 15 years.
The building of the Temple went forward two years, but from the beginning of the third year of Cyrus (accounting from Darius his death) Cambyses withstood it, and caused it to cease 21. years: which was, until he himself died. Allowing therefore eight years unto him with Smerdis the Mage, it is plain that he hindered the building in his fathers absence 13. years; Whereunto adding those two years, when it went forward, the time of Cyrus his reign after Darius, was 15. years.
Cambyses when his father Cyrus invaded Scythia, was appointed King according to the custom of the Persians, which was, to leave the nearest in blood to rule in the Kings absence; In which Expedition Cyrus was at length slain, and then Cambyses reigned alone 7 years and 5 months.
Ezra calleth him Artaxerxes, alias Artahshashte, which was then a general name unto the Kings of Persia, as Pharaoh to the Kings of Egypt, Caesar to the Roman Emperors, and at this day Sophi to the Persian.
Smerdis the Mage reigned 7 months, which time is usually added to Cambyses.
Darius son to Hystaspes King by election, surnamed Artaxerxes Ahasuerus, reigned 36 years.
Of whom Ezra 4. v. 5, 6. (where he is called Ahasuerus) v. • 4. &c. 5. v. 7. &c. 6. v. 14. (where he is called Artaxerxes) v. 15. 22. (where he is called King of Assyria) Hag. 1. v. 1. Zech. 1. v. 1. &c. 7. v. 1.
He was the husband of Queen Esther, alias Hadassah. Esth. 1. v. 1. compared with 1 Esdras 2. v. the last, and c. 3. v. 1, 2.
Xerxes son to Darius, in the fifth year of his reign went with an innumerable host against the Grecians; but after many battles, in the end of his 15 year, was utterly overthrown both at Sea and Land, and brought into such contempt, that presently upon his return into Asia, he joined his son Longimanus in the government, wholly giving himself unto lust and cruelty, and six years after was slain by his Uncle Artabanus.
His last six years are the same with his sons, and therefore not to be accounted.
Artaxerxes, surnamed Longimanus, 40 years.
Of whom Ezra 7. v. 7. Neh. 2. v. • . &c. 5. v. 14. &c. 13. v. 6.
In the end of his seventh year he gave Ezra his Commission; and then began Daniel's 70. weeks.
And in his twentieth year he gave Nchemiah Commission to repair some houses, and to build the walls of Jerusalem; which accordingly was executed, although (as it was foretold to Daniel) the street was built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times.
Darius Artaxerxes surnamed Ochus 26 years.
Arsames, alias Arsaces, alias Arses, 4 years.
Darius, whose first name was Colomannus, alias Codomannus, reigned 6 years.
Of whom Neh. 12. v. 22. Joseph. Antiqu. lib. 11. cap. 7.
This Darius was in three battles vanquished by Alexander the Great.
[An Object.] One Argument Mr. Broughton brings, wherewith (as he conceives) he disproveth all computations but his own; and it is drawn from the ages of Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Mordecai, Ezra, and Nehemiah; which (saith he) must be stretched beyond all likelihood, if the Kingdom of Persia continued above 130. years.
[Resolved.] As to Zerubbabel. Jeremiah tells us, That Jehoiakim, alias Jeconiah, was brought forth of prison in the 37. year of his Captivity, which was the 26. year of the Captivity of Judah; and did eat continually before the King of Babylon, until the day of his death: which admit to be two years after; then were 28. years of Judah's Captivity passed. Salathiel, alias Shealtiel, was the son of Jeconiah by succession: Salathiel begat Pedaiah, Pedaiah begat Zerubbabel.
Now admit, that Salathiel immediately after he succeeded Jeconiah, begat Pedaiah, and that Pedaiah at 24. years also begat Zerubbabel, (which probably was not sooner) then was Zerubbabel 18. years old in the first year of King Cyrus, and 48. when the Temple was finished, in the reign of Darius Hystaspes.
As to Jeshua. He was the son of Jozadak, alias Jehozadak, the son of Seraiah, the chief Priest, who was slain by Nebuchadnezzar. Now admit that Jehozadak was ten years old when he was carried into Captivity, and that 30. years after he begat Jeshua; then was Jeshua 40. years old in the first year of Cyrus, and 70. when the Temple was finished.
As to Mordecai. Admit that he was five years old when he was carried away Captive with Jeconiah, then was he 122. years old in the 12. year of Ahasuerus, when the two days of Purim were by the Decree of Queen Esther made feastivall; after which should he live eight years, he then died at the age of 130. which was not unlikely in those times.
As to Ezra. Admit that he was five years old when his father Seraiah the chief Priest was slain, then was he 170. years old in the 20. of Artaxerxes Longimanus, when he read and instructed the people in the words of the Law: after which, should he live ten years (though peradventure he lived not one year) he then died at the age of Isaac 180. years old. And what unlikelihood is there but that God for the good of his Church might as well preserve Ezra unto this age, as he did Phinehas the son of Eleazar to a far greater, whom the Jews affirm to have lived 300. years?
Nor will it further extend the age of Ezra to show, that Ezra went into the Chamber of Johanan, and that he wrote the Books of the Chronicles in Johanan's time. For Johanan, alias Jonathan, was the son of Jehoiada, the son of Eliashib, the son of Ioiakim, the son of Ieshua. Now admit each of these to be begotten in the thirtieth year of their fathers age, (observing what we spake before concerning Ieshua) then was Johanan borne in the fifth year of Artaxerxes Longimanus; and so Ezra might very well in the beginning of Artaxerxes his eighth year go into the chamber of Johanan, who was then about three years old. And what hinders but that he might write the sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, in the Book of the Chronicles, even until the days of Johanan, seeing he lived in the 20. of Artaxerxes, at which time Johanan was 15. years old?
But if Mr. Broughton may prevail, the said Priests shall be much more forward in procreation. For he will allow but 87. years from the Captivity of Zedekiah unto the 7. of Artaxerxes. Whence it follows, that though ten years be granted to Iehozadak at the time of Captivity, yet everyone of them must begin to beget children before 19. years old, otherwise Johanan could not be borne when Ezra came to Jerusalem.
True it is, Nehemiah saith, that the Levites and Priests were recorded unto the reign of Darius, but by whom this was done, he tells not; it is plain, not by Ezra, for he wrote but until the days of Johanan. And though Nehemiah concludes, these were in the days of Joiakim, and in the days of Nehemiah the Governor, and of Ezra the Priest, the Scribe; yet it cannot be understood, that they were all of them in everyone of their days, for that is impossible: but that all of them were in all their days; some in the days of Joiakim, some in the days of Ezra, some in the days of Nehemiah.
As to the age of Nehemiah. Admit that he was 25. years old when he came to Jerusalem, and lived unto the end of the Persian Monarchy, he was then 130. years old when he died, which is nothing unlikely.
Thus we have the continuance of the Persian Kingdom unto 210. years, and probably the ages of Zerubbabel, Ieshua, Mordecai, Ezra, and Nehemiah; without the diminution of the one, or stretching of the other beyond reason.
The first Monarch of Grecia.
Alexander the Great, after the full overthrow of Darius, reigned 7 years.
Upon his death-bed he parted his Kingdom among his servants, such as were honorable; who all after his death put Crowns upon themselves, and soon fell into wars one against another. Of whom the chiefest were four: Seleucus King of Syria, Ptolomeus of Egypt, Antigonus of Asia the less, and Cassander of Macedon. And of these the two former excelled in power: between whom what leagues and conflicts should be, Daniel foretold under the names of The King of the North, and the King of the South. For Syria lieth Northward, and Egypt Southward, from Judea. The whole chapter is paraphrased by Joseph Hall Bishop of Exceter.
Note, That the Grecian Kingdom so often mentioned in the Books of the Maccabees, began 13 years complete after the death of Alexander the Great.
Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus King of Syria, a King of fierce countenance, a vile person, that wicked root, after his brother Seleucus was dead, began to reign in the end of the 137 year of the Grecian Kingdom.
On the eighth day of the fifth month in the 141. year, the transgression of desolation began, and the daily sacrifice decayed by the gross idolatry of those, who (with the license of Antiochus) joined themselves to the Heathen, and were sold to do mischief. And in the 143. year, he took Jerusalem, polluted the Sanctuary, hindered, and afterwards forbad the daily Sacrifice, and compelled the Jews to all manner of ambition. Whom Mattathias the Priest for sometimes courageously and prosperously resisted; but he quickly deceasing, Judas Maccabeus (according to his appointment) rose up in his stead, and became both the Captain and Governor of Judea, in the end of the 146. year of the Grecian Kingdom,
Antiochus having then reigned 9 years.
Judas, surnamed Maccabeus, was slain in the end of the first month of the 152. year, having governed 5 years and 1 month.
In the second year of his government on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the 148. year, he finished the cleansing of the Sanctuary, and restored the daily Sacrifice. So that from the time that the transgression of desolation began, and the daily Sacrifice decayed, unto the cleansing of the Sanctuary, and the full restoring of the Sacrifice, are 6. years 3. months, and 17. days; which contain those 2300. days revealed unto Daniel.
Jonathan the High Priest, was taken prisoner▪ and slain in the end of the 169. year, having governed 18 years.
Simon the High Priest, and Prince of the Jews, was treacherously slain in the 11. month of the 177. year, having governed 7 years and 11 months.
John, surnamed Hyrcanus the High Priest, governed 31 years.
Aristobulus, who was the first that Crowned himself King of Judea, reigned 1 year.
Alexander, surnamed Ianneus, 27 years.
Salome, whom the Greeks call Alexandra, the wife of the said Alexander, reigned 9 years.
Aristobulus, compelling his brother Hyrcanus the High Priest, to submit unto a private life, took upon him both the Kingdom and Priest-hood; but in the third year of his reign he was taken prisoner by Pompey, and carried to Rome.
Presently after, Gabinius the Roman General, vanquishing Alexander the son of Aristobulus, erected five seats of Justice; The first at Jerusalem, the second at Gadar, the third at Amatho, the fourth at Jericho, the fifth at Saphor in Galilee, and so changed the Kingdom into an Aristocracy; which was immediately interrupted by Aristobulus, who escaped from Rome, but was soon taken by the said Gabinius, and again sent back.
Aristobulus reigned (including the time of his Captivity) 3 years and 6 months
Afterwards the said Aristocracy continued 15 years and 6 months.
Antipater by Julius Caesar made Governor of Judea, in the end of the third year of his government placed (his two elder sons) Phasaelus over Jerusalem, and Herod over Galilee.
Phasaelus and Herod, when they had governed 3 years, were displaced by the Parthians.
Antigonus, son to Aristobulus, by the Parthians made King, reigned 5 years.
Herod before named, was by the Romans declared King of Judea, and by their help overcame Antigonus. After which he was surnamed the Great, and reigned 34 years.
Of whom Matth. 2. v. 1. to the 19. Luke 1. v. 5.
He was nine years and six months in repairing Zerubbabel's Temple; which was in building (including the times of interruption) 29. years. Solomon's was built in seven years and six months. Now add these three sums together, and according to the Jews manner of speaking, (which they frequently used for memory sake) The Temple was in building 46. years.
Our Savior Jesus Christ was borne in the beginning of the 34. year of Herod.
And in the beginning of the 42. year of Augustus, accounting from the death of his predecessor Julius Caesar.
At that time Augustus made a Decree that all the world should be taxed.
Note, That when Jacob said, the Scepter shall not depart from Judah, until Shiloh come, It is not to be understood that the Crown should continue in the Tribe of Judah from the time of the said Prophecy until Christ's coming. For before David the Prophecy took no effect; And after Zedekiah, even until the Maccabees (excepting only Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, who yet were no Kings, nor absolute Governors) it is altogether uncertain who ruled in Judea: and from the Maccabees until Christ, it is manifest the supreme authority was not in the Tribe of Judah. The true sense thereof is, That after David's reign, in whom the Prophecy first took effect, The Scepter, that is, the right and just title unto the Crown, should not depart from the Tribe of Judah until Christ came; which is clearly proved by Saint Matthew. But at our Savior's birth or coming the Jews were not only dispossessed of the Crown, but also had lost the very right and title thereunto, by swearing fealty unto King Herod not long before: and so Jacob's Prophecy was fully accomplished.
Archelaus succeeding his father Herod, reigned 3 years, but was then degraded by Augustus Caesar, and made President only of half Herod's Kingdom; the other half was divided betwixt Herod's two other sons, Philip and Antipas. Seven years after Augustus confined the said Archelaus for his Tyranny unto Vienna a City of France, where he died.
Herod, surnamed Antipas, and Philip, at the aforesaid division of Herod's Kingdom, were by Augustus made Tetrarchs, the former of Galilee, the latter of Iturea, and of the Region of Trachonitis.
This Herod beheaded John the Baptist, and was by our Savior termed a Fox, for his deceit and treachery: Whom Saint Mark, using the phrase of his own people, calleth a King; And in respect of his power and greatness it is, that the Scriptures place him before his elder brother Philip.
Our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified when Herod the Tetrarch had governed 29 years, and about 3 months.
And in the eighteenth year, about the beginning of the fourth month of Tiberius Caesar, who succeeded Augustus, having reigned 57. year.
And in the seventh year of Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judea.
The age therefore of our Savior was 33. years and about three months.
And may be thus set forth in particular.
Upon the expiration of the 30. year of His age, He was baptized and entered into His Ministry; though He did not publicly show Himself, till John was cast into prison, which was almost a year after.
Neither can any inconvenience follow from the season of the year, that Christ should then go into the river Jordan to be baptized For in Judea there is very little winter, and that only in October, and the beginning of November. And the Scriptures tell us, that on the second day after the Passover, which was the 16. day of the month Abib alias Nisan, and is with us the 27. of March, a sheaf of the first fruits of Harvest was offered.
The first Passover after His Baptism was about the end of three months, John 2. v. 13. 23.
The second Passover is expressed, John c. 5. v. 1. where the word Feast, by way of eminency is put for the Passover, which was the chiefest feast of the Jews. So Matth. 27. v. 15. So John 4. v. 45. compared with c. 2. v. 23. So c. 11. v. 56. So c. 12. v. 1, 2. So c. 13. v. 1. 29.
The third Passover, John 6. v. 4.
The fourth Passover, John 13. v. 1. On the Eve whereof Our Savior was crucified, which the Jews call the Preparation day; And was the 25. day of March, on which day He was also conceived in the womb.
From whence these particulars are manifest.
1. That from the beginning of the Captivity of Babylon, unto the first of King Cyrus are 70. years; from thence unto the end of the 7. of Artaxerxes Longimanus are 82. years; which added together, make 152. years. And from thence unto the death and passion of Our Savior, are 490. years, or, as the Angel informed Daniel, 70. weeks; In the end of which last year of the said 490. Our Savior was crucified.
2. That near the midst of the last week of the said 70. Our Savior entering into His Ministry, began to cause the Sacrifice and the Oblation to cease, but by His death He did utterly abolish them; which was signified when the veil of the Temple rent in twain.
3. That near the 25. day of December, and most probably on that day Our Savior was borne.
Lastly, That from the Creation of Adam, unto the birth of Our Savior, are 3966. years, 9. months, and 10. days. Unto which 9. months and 10. days, adding the 5. days before the Creation of Adam, and then accounting 9. months and 15. days from the 25. of December backwards, It is evident that the world began on the 10. day of March, when the Sun entereth into Aries, and makes the Equinoctial.
Imprimatur,
Joseph Caryl.