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The History of the Old Testament Methodized

Samuel Cradock (1621-1706) · 567,142 words · 2521 min

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The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo2/A34874.0001.001

Project Note

This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.

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 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT METHODIZ'D, ACCORDING To the Order and Series of Time wherein the several things therein mentioned were transacted.

IN WHICH

  • The difficult passages are Paraphras'd.
  • The seeming Contradictions reconciled.
  • The Rites and Customs of the Jews opened and explained.

To which is annexed a SHORT HISTORY OF THE Jewish Affairs FROM THE End of the Old Testament to the Birth of our Savior; And a Map also added of Canaan, and the Adjacent Countries, very useful for the understanding of the whole History.

By SAMUEL CRADOCK, B. D.


Psal. 77. v. 5. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

Sint Castae deliciae meae, Scripturae tuae: Nec fallar in eis, nec fallam ex eis. August. Confess.
Lib. 11. Cap. 2.

Manifestis pascimur, obscuris exercemur.
Idem. Tract. 45. in Joh.

LONDON, Printed for Thomas Simmons at the Princes-Arms in Ludgate-Street, M.DC.LXXXIII.

THE PREFACE.

HAving formerly written the History of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and of his holy Apostles, and a Paraphrase upon all the Apostolical Epistles, I thought it would be a work not only profitable to myself but useful also to others, if I should write the History of the Old Testament. Accordingly (humbly imploring the Assistance of God) I set upon it, and my design therein was as follows: 1st, To Methodize that Sacred History according to the order and series of time wherein the several things therein mentioned were transacted. 2ly, To Paraphrase and explain the difficult places and passages thereof. 3ly, To reconcile the seeming contradictions, which are not a few. 4ly, To open the Jewish rites and customs which are very necessary to be known in order to a clear and full understanding thereof. Lastly, to add a Map of Canaan, and those other adjacent Countries, which were the stage on which the great things mentioned in the Old Testament were acted.

Pursuant hereunto I have digested the whole work into seven Chapters, containing an History of the Seven Ages of the World from the Creation to the death of our Savior.

The first Chapter contains the History of the first Age of the World from the Creation to the Flood, comprehending a space of 1656 years.

The Second Chapter contains the History of the Second Age of the World, from the Flood to the Promise made to Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees, comprehending a space of 422 years, and ending in the 2078 year of the World.

The Third Chapter contains the History of the Third Age of the World, from the Promise made to Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees, unto the Israelites departure out of Egypt, comprehending a space of 430 years, and ending in the 2508 year of the World.

Within the compass of this Age falls the History of Job, whereof I have given a brief Analysis.

The Fourth Chapter contains the History of the Fourth Age of the world, from the coming of the Israelites out of Egypt, to the laying the foundation of Solomon's Temple, in the fourth year of his reign, comprehending a space of 480 years, and ending the 2988 year of the World.

The Fifth Chapter contains the History of the Fifth Age of the World, from the laying the foundation of Solomon's Temple to the destruction of it, and Captivity of Judah, in the 11th. year of Zedekiah, containing a space of 420 years , and ending in the 3408 year of the World.

The Sixth Chapter contains the History of the Sixth Age of the World, from the destruction of Solomon's Temple, and the Captivity of Judah, unto the liberty granted them by Cyrus for their return, containing a space of seventy years, and ending in the 3478 year of the World.

The Seventh Chapter contains the History of the Seventh Age of the World from the return of the Jews out of Babylon, and the end of the seventy years Captivity to the death of Christ, containing a space of 490 years (signified by Daniel's seventy Weeks, Dan. 9. v. 24, 25, 26, 27.) and ending in the 3968 year of the World. Now though this Age, as to the first part of it, belongs to the Old Testament, yet it extends much further, even to the death of Christ, which takes up about 33 years of the New Testament-story; for the History of the Old Testament reaches no further than the end of the Book of Nehemiah, which ends in the 32th. year of Artaxerxes Longimanus; so that the History of the Old Testament extends but 99 years in the compass of this Age, and ends 358 years before the Birth of Christ, who being Crucified in the 33th. year of his age, those three sums, viz. 99, 358, and 33, make up the 490 years of this interval. Now because some may be desirous to know what was the state and condition of the Jews after the end of the Old Testament during those 358 years to the Birth of Christ, I have thought fit to set down, 1. What Persian Kings succeeded Artaxerxes Longimanus till that Kingdom was Conquered by Alexander the Great, in whom the Grecian or Third Monarchy began. (2) To show how after Alexander 's death, his Empire was divided into four Kingdoms, viz. 1. that of Macedonia; 2. of Syria; 3. of Asia the less; 4. of Egypt; and to give a Catalogue of the several Kings that reigned successively in those Kingdoms till they were all Conquered by the Romans, in whom the Fourth Monarchy began. (3) To show who were High Priests among the Jews after their return from the Babylonish Captivity, wherein we have occasion to give a short History of the Maccabees till their power was swallowed up by Herod, made King by the Romans, in the 35th. year of whose reign Christ the Savior of the World was born.

As we go along in the History of the Kings, we meet with several eminent Prophets, whom God raised up both in Judah and Israel, after the division of the Kingdom, and by considering the temper and condition of those times, and the several vices and disorders that then reigned and prevailed, we may the better discern the scope and drift of their Prophesies. And for the clearer understanding of them I have set down the time wherein they lived and prophesied, and have given a brief Analysis of their Prophesies. They seem to have Prophesied in this order.

  • 1. Jonah, in the days of Jeroboam the Second, who was Contemporary with Amaziah King of Judah, 2 King. 14.25.
  • 2. Isaiah, who Prophesied in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Kings of Judah.
  • 3. Joel, in the days of Uzziah.
  • 4. Hosea, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, Kings of Judah, and seven Kings of Israel, viz. from Jeroboam the Second to Hoshea, who was Contemporary with Hezekiah. He was sent chiefly to Israel.
  • 5. Micah, in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Kings of Judah.
  • 6. Amos lived in the same time with Hosea, and was sent principally to the people of Israel.
  • 7. Nahum seems to have Prophesied in the days of Hezekiah.
  • 8. Habakkuk in the days of Manasseh and Josiah, for he forewarns the Jews of their approaching destruction by the Chaldeans.
  • 9. Zephaniah, in the days of Josiah.
  • 10. Jeremy began to Prophesy in the 13th. year of Josiah, and continued Prophesying till the final captivity of Judah, and two years after in Egypt. The Lamentations seem to be written by him upon Judah's Captivity.
  • 11. Ezekiel began to Prophesy in Babylon in the fifth year of Jehoiakim 's captivity, and continued Prophecying about two and twenty years.
  • 12. Obadiah seems to have been Contemporary with Jeremy and Ezekiel, for he Prophesies against the Idumeans in almost the same words and phrases that they did. Compare his Prophesy with Jer. 49. and Ezek. 25.
  • 13. Daniel, in the first year of Belshazzar, had the Vision of the four Beasts; and in his third year the Vision of the Ram and He-goat. And in the first year of Darius the Angel Gabriel informed him concerning the Seventy Weeks.

These three last Prophesied after the return from Captivity, viz. Haggai, Zacharias, Malachi.

Thus having given a short account of this my undertaking, and humbly desiring that God may have glory, and my Reader much benefit and advantage thereby, I shall conclude this Preface with that short, but fervent prayer, which that excellent person Nehemiah put up for himself when he concluded his Book, and therewith the History of the Old Testament,

Remember me (O my God) for Good.

May 5. 1683.

THE CONTENTS OF THE CHAPTERS.

    Chap. I. From the Creation to the Flood.
  • Sect. 1. OF the Creation of the World in six days, and God's resting on the seventh, and instituting the Sabbath.
  • Sect. 2. God's Covenant with man in the state of Innocence. Mans fall. The Covenant of Grace.
  • Sect. 3. Adam and Eve cast out of the Garden of Eden.
  • Sect. 4. Cain and Abel sacrifice. Cain kills Abel. Cain's posterity. Lamech brings in Polygamy.
  • Sect. 5. Seth born to Adam. His race carried on to the Flood.
  • Sect. 6. Noah born. Enoch 's Translation.
  • Sect. 7. Giants on the Earth. The wickedness of the old World. God determines to send the Flood. Noah 's Character.
  • Sect. 8. Noah 's three Sons born, Japheth, Sem and Ham. Noah is commanded to build an Ark.
  • Sect. 9. Noah with his Family enter the Ark. The Flood comes.
  • Sect. 10. The Ark rests on Ararat.
    Chap. II. From the Flood to the Promise made to Abram in Ur of the Chaldees.
  • Sect. 1. NOah, his Family, and all living Creatures leave the Ark.
  • Sect. 2. Noah builds an Altar. The Rainbow a pledge of God's Covenant.
  • Sect. 3. Noah plants a Vineyard. His drunkenness. Cham cursed.
  • Sect. 4. The Tower of Babel. Confusion of Languages. Assyrian Monarchy begun. A Catalogue of the Kings thereof.
  • Sect. 5. The Earth divided among the Sons and Grandchildren of Noah. The Original of Nations.
  • Sect. 6. Mans life shortened. Sem 's posterity.
  • Sect. 7. Abram and Sarai born.
  • Sect. 8. Chedorlaomer subdues the Kings of Pentapolis.
  • Sect. 9. Abram called out of Ur of the Chaldees, and the great promise that the Messiah should spring from his loins made to him.
    Chap. III. From the promise made to Abram to the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt.
  • Sect. 1. ABram 's removal from Ur to Charran, from thence to Canaan. Two Altars there built by him. A promise of that land made to his posterity.
  • Sect. 2. Abram goes into Egypt. His danger there upon the account of Sarai (whom he calls his sister ) from Pharaoh King of Egypt.
  • Sect. 3. Abram, Sarai and Lot return into the Southern parts of Canaan. Abram and Lot part. A new promise of that land made to Abram's posterity.
  • Sect. 4. The King of Sodom with the petty Kings of Pentapolis shake off the yoke of Chedorlaomer; he comes with an Army to chastise them, vanquishes the forces of the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, plunders those Cities, and among other Prisoners carries away Lot who dwelt there. Abram pursues Chedorlaomer, defeats him, rescues Lot, and the rest of the Prisoners. At his return he is met by Melchizedek and blessed by him.
  • Sect. 5. A Son promised to Abram, he believes and is justified. God makes a Covenant with him to give the land of Canaan to his posterity: Confirms it by a sign and a vision.
  • Sect. 6. Abram takes Hagar. Ishmael born.
  • Sect. 7. God appears again to Abram, renews his Covenant with him, changes his name into Abraham. Institutes Circumcision.
  • Sect. 8. Abraham entertains three Angels. Sarai 's laughter. Abraham intercedes for Sodom.
  • Sect. 9. Two Angels convey Lot out of Sodom. His wife turned into a Pillar of salt. Sodom destroyed. Lot 's Incest, from whence issued Moab and Ammon.
  • Sect. 10. Abraham sojourns in Gerar, is in danger there again upon the account of his wife, from Abimelech King of the place. He being punished by God restores Sarah to her husband. Abraham prays for him, whereupon he and his family are cured. Abimelech dismisses him with presents.
  • Sect. 11. Isaac born. Hagar and Ishmael cast out. Abraham makes a Covenant with Abimelech.
  • Sect. 12. Abraham commanded to offer up Isaac. The place called Jehovah-jireh. The promise renewed to him.
  • Sect. 13. Sarah dies. Abraham buys a burying place for her.
  • Sect. 14. Eliezer sent into Mesopotamia to provide a wife for Isaac. His presents to Rebekah. Isaac 's marriage.
  • Sect. 15. Abraham marries Keturah, by whom he hath six Sons.
  • Sect. 16. Esau and Jacob born.
  • Sect. 17. Abraham dies.
  • Sect. 18. Heber dies.
  • Sect. 19. Esau sells his Birth-right.
  • Sect. 20. A famine in the land. Isaac goes to Gerar. His danger there on the account of Rebekah (whom he also called his sister). He and Abimelech make a Covenant.
  • Sect. 21. Esau 's displeasing marriages.
  • Sect. 22. Ishmael 's death.
  • Sect. 23. Isaac 's dimness. Jacob gets the blessing. Esau 's hating of him. Jacob 's vision and vow.
  • Sect. 24. Esau marries Mahalatha the daughter of Ishmael.
  • Sect. 25. Jacob meets Rachel. Leah given him for a wife instead of Rachel. Leah 's four Sons.
  • Sect. 26. Rachel's barrenness. Jacob takes Bilhah, and Zilpah. Joseph born.
  • Sect. 27. Jacob 's fourteen years service and great increase.
  • Sect. 28. Jacob leaves Laban. Rachel's Teraphim. The Covenant between Jacob and Laban at Galeed.
  • Sect. 29. Jacob 's vision of Angels. His prayer and wrestling.
  • Sect. 30. He meets Esau. They embrace each other. Jacob builds an Altar at Sychar.
  • Sect. 31. Dinah ravished. Simeon and Levi 's revenge.
  • Sect. 32. Jacob goes to Bethel. Deborah, Rebeckahs nurse dies. Rachel dies. Reuben defiles his Fathers bed.
  • Sect. 33. Joseph 's dream. His Brethren sell him. Jacob 's mourning.
  • Sect. 34. Isaac 's death.
  • Sect. 35. Judah 's incest with Tamar. Pharez and Zarah born.
  • Sect. 36. Joseph sold to Potiphar. His Mistress's false accusation. His Imprisonment.
  • Sect. 37. The chief Butler and Baker imprisoned. Joseph interprets their dreams.
  • Sect. 38. Pharaoh 's dreams. Joseph 's advancement and marriage. The famine begins.
  • Sect. 39. Jacob sends his Sons into Egypt. Simeon bound.
  • Sect. 40. Jacob sends his Sons into Egypt again. Simeon released. Benjamin 's Mess.
  • Sect. 41. The Cup in Benjamin 's Sack. Judah 's intercession for him.
  • Sect. 42. Joseph discovers himself. Jacob rejoices at the sight of the Waggons.
  • Sect. 43. Jacob goes into Egypt. His joy to see his Son Joseph.
  • Sect. 44. Joseph brings five of his Brethren to Pharaoh. Obtains Goshen for his Brethren. Introduces his Father.
  • Sect. 45. Joseph 's prudent administration in the severe famine. He is sent for by his Father.
  • Sect. 46. Ephraim and Manasseh blest. Jacob 's gift to Joseph.
  • Sect. 47. Jacob blesses his Sons in order. His death.
  • Sect. 48. The mourning for and burial of Jacob. Joseph 's death.
  • Sect. 49. The History of Job.
  • Sect. 50. Levi and Amram die.
  • Sect. 51. Israel increases. Task-masters appointed.
  • Sect. 52. Aaron 's birth.
  • Sect. 53. The Midwives commanded to destroy the Male children.
  • Sect. 54. Moses born. He is taken up and educated by Pharaoh 's daughter.
  • Sect. 55. Moses after forty years leaves the Court, and flys into Midian.
  • Sect. 56. Moses 's marriage. His two Sons.
  • Sect. 57. Caleb 's Birth.
  • Sect. 58. The Lord appears to Moses, commissions him to deliver Israel, enables him to work miracles.
  • Sect. 59. Moses confirmed and encouraged, commanded to go to Pharaoh.
  • Sect. 60. Moses stopped in his journey. His Son circumcised.
  • Sect. 61. Aaron meets Moses. They declare their commission to the Elders of Israel.
  • Sect. 62. They go to Pharaoh. The oppression of the Israelites increased.
  • Sect. 63. Moses and Aaron go again to Pharaoh. The Magicians called in.
  • Sect. 64. The ten Plagues.
    Chap. IV. From the Israelites departure out of Egypt to the laying the foundation of Solomon's Temple.
  • Sect. 1. THe Israelites depart out of Egypt.
  • Sect. 2. The Paschal Lamb and Passover appointed.
  • Sect. 3. The Lord conducts the Israelites by a Pillar of cloud and fire. Joseph 's bones carried with them.
  • Sect. 4. They encamp at Pihahiroth. Pass through the Red-sea. The Egyptians drowned.
  • Sect. 5. Moses 's Song. Miriam a Prophetess.
  • Sect. 6. The people marching through Shur, murmur for want of water.
  • Sect. 7. The twelve Wells and seventy Palm-trees.
  • Sect. 8. They turn from Elim to the Red-sea.
  • Sect. 9. The people murmur. Quails given for one meal. Manna falls.
  • Sect. 10. Water gushes out of the rock.
  • Sect. 11. Moses praying, Joshua fights Amalek. The Altar called Jehovah-Nissi.
  • Sect. 12. Jethro 's story deferred to Sect. 51.
  • Sect. 13. Moses called up to the top of Mount Sinai. The terrible sight.
  • Sect. 14. The Promulgation of the Law.
  • Sect. 15. The people in fear. Moses encourages them.
  • Sect. 16. Similitudes of God forbidden. The Materials for Altars.
  • Sect. 17. The Judicial or Political Laws.
  • Sect. 18. The Angel of the Covenant promised to guide them. The bounds of Canaan.
  • Sect. 19. Moses erects an Altar and twelve Pillars.
  • Sect. 20. Moses continues in the Mount forty days, and forty nights.
  • Sect. 21. Directions concerning the Tabernacle and all its utensils and appurtenances.
  • Sect. 22. The Golden Calf.
  • Sect. 23. Moses comes down, breaks the Tables. God's anger. Moses intercedes for the people, and sees the glory of God.
  • Sect. 24. Two new Tables of stone.
  • Sect. 25. God renews the Covenant upon Moses 's prayer. Moses 's face shines.
  • Sect. 26. The Sabbath anew enjoined. Contribution to the Tabernacle.
  • Sect. 27. Bezaleel and Aholihab appointed chief workmen of the Tabernacle.
  • Sect. 28. The Tabernacle finished, being set up, is filled with God's Glory.
  • Sect. 29. Laws given concerning the several sorts of sacrifices.
  • Sect. 30. Aaron and his Sons consecrated.
  • Sect. 31. Aaron enters upon his office. Fire from the Lord.
  • Sect. 32. Nadab and Abihu slain by fire from heaven.
  • Sect. 33. Of clean and unclean creatures.
  • Sect. 34. Womens separation.
  • Sect. 35. Laws concerning Leprosy.
  • Sect. 36. Ceremonial uncleanness in men.
  • Sect. 37. The Passover celebrated.
  • Sect. 38. Several sorts of Laws given.
  • Sect. 39. Blasphemy punished in the Son of Shelomith. The Law of retaliation.
  • Sect. 40. Divers other Laws given.
  • Sect. 41. Promises and threatenings. More Laws given concerning divers matters.
  • Sect. 42. The Book of Numbers.
  • Sect. 43. The Encamping of the Tribes.
  • Sect. 44. The Levites Charge.
  • Sect. 45. The Levites consecrated.
  • Sect. 46. The Offerings of the Princes.
  • Sect. 47. Laws concerning Jealousy.
  • Sect. 48. Concerning Nazarites.
  • Sect. 49. The solemn blessing.
  • Sect. 50. The Silver Trumpets.
  • Sect. 51. Jethro 's story and advice.
  • Sect. 52. The Camp of Israel marches. Jethro leaves them.
  • Sect. 53. Upon the moving of the Ark Moses pronounces the blessing.
  • Sect. 54. The people murmur at Taberah.
  • Sect. 55. Quails given for the space of a month. A Plague follows.
  • Sect. 56. Miriams Leprosy.
  • Sect. 57. Spies search the land.
  • Sect. 58. Their different report.
  • Sect. 59. The ten Spies smitten.
  • Sect. 60. Israel defeated by the Amalekites and Canaanites.
  • Sect. 61. The ninetieth Psalm composed.
  • Sect. 62. Some Laws explained.
  • Sect. 63. The Rebellion of Corah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • Sect. 64. Aaron 's Red blossoming.
  • Sect. 65. The work and portion of the Priests and Levites.
  • Sect. 66. Water of Purification.
  • Sect. 67. Miriams death.
  • Sect. 68. They murmur at Kadesh for want of water. Moses strikes the Rock in anger, is doomed not to enter into Canaan.
  • Sect. 69. The King of Edom refuseth them passage.
  • Sect. 70. Aaron dies and is buried upon Mount Hor.
  • Sect. 71. Arad the Canaanite vanquished.
  • Sect. 72. The Brazen Serpent.
  • Sect. 73. Several stations of the Israelites.
  • Sect. 74. The Miraculous Well.
  • Sect. 75. Sihon slain.
  • Sect. 76. Og totally subdued.
  • Sect. 77. The Encamping at Abel-shittim.
  • Sect. 78. Balaam sent for to curse the Israelites. His Ass speaks.
  • Sect. 79. Balaam attempts to curse Israel.
  • Sect. 80. The Idolatry and Whoredom of the Israelites at Mount Peor.
  • Sect. 81. Midian Conquered.
  • Sect. 82. Moses and Eleazar number the people.
  • Sect. 83. Zelophehad 's daughters.
  • Sect. 84. Joshua appointed Successor.
  • Sect. 85. A repetition of the Law of sacrificing.
  • Sect. 86. Laws concerning Vows.
  • Sect. 87. The Reubenites and Gadites desire a possession on that side Jordan.
  • Sect. 88. The Journal of Israel's Travels.
  • Sect. 89. The Limits of Canaan.
  • Sect. 90. The Levites Cities.
  • Sect. 91. Orders concerning the Marriage of Zelophehad 's daughters.
  • Sect. 92. The Book of Deuteronomy, containing Moses 's dying speech to Israel.
  • Sect. 93. Moses 's death. Israel's mourning for him.
  • Sect. 94. Joshua begins his Government.
  • Sect. 95. They come near unto and pass the river Jordan.
  • Sect. 96. Circumcision enjoined them.
  • Sect. 97. The first Passover in Canaan. Manna ceases.
  • Sect. 98. Jericho taken, burnt, and cursed.
  • Sect. 99. The Israelites defeated at Ai.
  • Sect. 100. Joshua marches against Ai.
  • Sect. 101. A Monument of stone, and an Altar erected, and Blessings and Cursings pronounced at Mount Gerizim, and Mount Ebal.
  • Sect. 102. The League with the Gibeonites.
  • Sect. 103. Adonizedek and his allies besiege Gibeon. Their discomfiture. Prodigious Hailstones. The Sun and Moon stand still at the prayer of Joshua.
  • Sect. 104. Several Kings vanquished, and their Cities taken.
  • Sect. 105. The rise of the Sabbatical year.
  • Sect. 106. Joshua 's war with the Northern Kings. His victory over them:
  • Sect. 107. Joshua 's rest from war.
  • Sect. 108. Joshua divides the land.
  • Sect. 109. Joshua and the Elders proceed to divide the land; Ephraim and Manasseh complain.
  • Sect. 110. Caleb 's request to Joshua. Hebron given to him. Othniel 's marriage.
  • Sect. 111. Seven Tribes desire a stop may be put to the division of the land.
  • Sect. 112. The first Sabbatical year.
  • Sect. 113. A solemn Feast of Tabernacles kept.
  • Sect. 114. The Camp and Tabernacle remove to Shiloh.
  • Sect. 115. The seven Tribes reproved. Their lots.
  • Sect. 116. Joshua 's Inheritance.
  • Sect. 117. Cities set apart for the Levites.
  • Sect. 118. Israel 's possession of Canaan.
  • Sect. 119. The Reubenites and Gadites commended and blest. Their Altar Ed.
  • Sect. 120. The Elders of Israel called together by Joshua. His speech to them.
  • Sect. 121. The Tabernacle removed to Shechem. Joshua 's Exhortation to the Israelites. Joseph 's bones solemnly inter'd. Joshua 's and Eleazar 's death.
  • Sect. 122. The Book of Judges.
  • Sect. 123. Bezek taken: Adonibezek 's usage.
  • Sect. 124. The settlement of the Kenites.
  • Sect. 125. Hormah and other Cities taken.
  • Sect. 126. Bethel taken. Luz built. The Canaanites remain.
  • Sect. 127. An Angel appears to them in an human shape and reproves them. The people weep.
  • Sect. 128. Micah 's Idolatry. His Priest.
  • Sect. 129. The Danites carry away Micah 's Idol. Laish taken.
  • Sect. 130. The wickedness of Gibeah: The Levites Concubine.
  • Sect. 131. A Convention at Mizpah. The War against Benjamin.
  • Sect. 132. Six hundred Benjamites in Rimmon. The Virgins surprised at Shiloh.
  • Sect. 133. Israel for their sins given up into the hands of Cushan King of Mesopotamia. Othniel delivers them. His conquest of Cushan, and death.
  • Sect. 134. Ehud kills Eglon. Shamgar delivers the people from the Philistines.
  • Sect. 135. The History of Ruth.
  • Sect. 136. Jabin oppresseth Israel. Deborah and Barak. Sisera slain.
  • Sect. 137. Deborahs Song.
  • Sect. 138. The Midianites oppress Israel. Gideon 's vision. He throws down Baals Altar. The Fleece dry and wet.
  • Sect. 139. Gigeon 's army diminished. The dream of the Barley Cake. He destroys the Midianites; slays their Kings. Ephraimites expostulate with him.
  • Sect. 140. The people offer Gideon to make him King. His Ephod, and death.
  • Sect. 141. Baal-berith. Abimelech 's Tyranny. His death at Thebez.
  • Sect. 142. Tola 's Government and death.
  • Sect. 143. Jair the Gileadite.
  • Sect. 144. Ammon invades Israel. Jephthah 's victory and vow.
  • Sect. 145. Jephthah subdues the Ephraimites. His death.
  • Sect. 146. Ibzan judges Israel. Manoah 's vision. Samson born.
  • Sect. 147. Elon and Abdon.
  • Sect. 148. Samson marries a Philistine. Honey in the Lions Carcass. Samson 's Riddle. He burns the Philistines Corn. Slays many of them.
  • Sect. 149. Breaks the bonds with which he was bound. En Hakkore.
  • Sect. 150. Samson taken with Delilah. His locks cut, and eyes put out. He pulls down Dagons house, and dies.
  • Sect. 151. Eli judges Israel. Hannah's prayer. Samuel born.
  • Sect. 152. Hannah's Song. Samuel left with Eli.
  • Sect. 153. The wickedness of Eli 's Sons. A Prophet comes to Eli.
  • Sect. 154. Samuel called. He denounces judgment against Eli.
  • Sect. 155. The Philistines invade Israel. The Ark of God taken. Hophni and Phinehas slain. Eli 's death.
  • Sect. 156. The Ark carried in triumph. Dagon broke. The Philistines plagued. The Beshemites smitten.
  • Sect. 157. The Ark at Kirjath-jearim. The meeting at Mizpah. The Philistines overcome.
  • Sect. 158. Samuel made Judge. His Circuit. He builds an Altar.
  • Sect. 159. Samuel 's Sons very wicked. The people desire a King.
  • Sect. 160. Kish sends his Son Saul to seek his Asses. Samuel meets him. Saul Prophesies.
  • Sect. 161. Saul taken by lot. The manner of the Kingdom.
  • Sect. 162. Nahash besieges Jabesh-Gilead. He requires to put out their right eyes. The place relieved by Saul, and the Kingdom renewed.
  • Sect. 163. Samuel shows the people their sin in asking a King. Extraordinary Thunder.
  • Sect. 164. Saul raiseth forces to go against the Philistines. He sacrificeth. Samuel declares his rejection of God.
  • Sect. 165. The passage at Michmash. Saul and his Armor-bearer take a fort of the Philistines. The confusion of the Philistines Army thereupon. Jonathan eats honey. Saul 's Sons.
  • Sect. 166. Saul sent to destroy Amalek. He spareth Agag and the best Cattle. Agag slain by Samuel.
  • Sect. 167. Samuel sent to Jesse the Bethlemite. Jesse 's Sons pass before him. David taken and anointed.
  • Sect. 168. Saul 's Frensy. David plays on his Harp to him.
  • Sect. 169. David leaves the Court. The Philistines invading Israel, bring a Giant with them. David visits his Brethren. He slays Goliath. Jonathan entirely loves him, and makes a Covenant of friendship with him. David is highly applauded.
  • Sect. 170. Saul 's hatred of and designs against him. David escapes to Ramah.
  • Sect. 171. David flies to Jonathan, who intercedes with his father for him. Jonathan and David renew their Covenant.
  • Sect. 172. David flies to Nob. He eats of the show-bread given him by Ahimelech. And takes Goliath 's Sword. His several removals. Doeg's malice. Eighty five Priests slain by him. David 's Enterview with Saul. Samuel 's death. Nabal 's churlishness. Michal being given to Phalti, David marries Abigail. He flies to Hachilah, thence to Achish. Achish going against Israel dismisseth him. Saul and the Witch of Endor. David defeats the Amalekites. Saul and his sons slain.
  • Sect. 173. Mephibosheth 's fall.
  • Sect. 174. David hath news of Saul 's death. He mourns. The Amalekite slain.
  • Sect. 175. David 's Funeral Elegy for Saul and Jonathan.
  • Sect. 176. David goes to Hebron. Is there anointed.
  • Sect. 177. Abner makes Ishbosheth King.
  • Sect. 178. David marries the King of Geshur 's daughter.
  • Sect. 179. War between David and Ishbosheth. Abner 's Challenge to Joab, that twelve of a side might fight. Asahel slain.
  • Sect. 180. The War continues. David 's six Sons.
  • Sect. 181. Abner strongly upholds Ishbosheth 's side, and Joab David 's. Michal returned to David. Abner treacherously slain by Joab.
  • Sect. 182. Baanah and Rechab murder Ishbosheth.
  • Sect. 183. David made King of Israel. A list of the Tribes.
  • Sect. 184. David takes Zion. Hiram 's Embassy to him.
  • Sect. 185. The Philistines encamp at Rephaim. Their defeat.
  • Sect. 186. The Ark removed. Uzzah slain. Obed-Edom blest. David removes the Ark to Zion, and dances before it. Michal scoffs.
  • Sect. 187. Levites appointed to attend the Ark. A Psalm appointed by David to be sung.
  • Sect. 188. David designs to build a Temple. Nathan 's message from the Lord to him about it.
  • Sect. 189. David 's several wars with the bordering enemies. His great Officers.
  • Sect. 190. David 's kindness to Mephibosheth. His orders to Ziba.
  • Sect. 191. David 's Embassy to Nahash King of Ammon. The base usage of his Ambassadors. The Ammonites and Syrians vanquished.
  • Sect. 192. Rabbah besieged. David 's Adultery. Uriah slain.
  • Sect. 193. Rabbah taken. David assumes the Crown. His severe usage of the conquered.
  • Sect. 194. David 's repentance. His Child dies. Solomon born.
  • Sect. 195. Ammon ravisheth Tamar. Absalom murders him.
  • Sect. 196. The woman of Tekoa. Absalom 's return.
  • Sect. 197. Absalom 's Conspiracy.
  • Sect. 198. David flies. Several Remarkables during his absence from Jerusalem.
  • Sect. 199. A famine. Saul 's sons are hanged.
  • Sect. 200. War with the Philistines. Four Giants.
  • Sect. 201. David 's Triumphant Song.
  • Sect. 202. David 's Prophesy.
  • Sect. 203. David 's Worthies.
  • Sect. 204. David 's Militia.
  • Sect. 205. The people numbered. Of three judgments propounded David chooses the Plague. Araunah 's floor.
  • Sect. 206. David receives the pattern of the Temple, makes great preparations for the building of it.
  • Sect. 207. Officers appointed for the Temple.
  • Sect. 208. Rehoboam born to Solomon.
  • Sect. 209. Abishag brought to David.
  • Sect. 210. Adonijah aspires to the Crown. Solomon anointed. Adonijah 's submission.
  • Sect. 211. David 's charge to Solomon.
  • Sect. 212. David's farewell Exhortation to the people. His Prayer. Solomon 's prosperity.
  • Sect. 213. David 's last words to Solomon. His death.
  • Sect. 214. The Book of the Psalms.
  • Sect. 215. Solomon upon the Throne. Adonijah slain. Joab slain. Shimei 's Oath not to pass over Kidron.
  • Sect. 216. Hadad the Edomite returns.
  • Sect. 217. Solomon 's marriage with Pharaoh 's daughter.
  • Sect. 218. Solomon settled in the Kingdom. God's appearing to him in a dream, and asking him what he should give him, and Solomon 's choosing wisdom.
  • Sect. 219. Solomon 's judgment on the two Harlots.
  • Sect. 220. Hiram 's Embassy to Solomon. A League between them.
  • Sect. 221. Solomon 's levy for the Temple.
  • Sect. 222. Shimei put to death.
    Chap. V. The fifth Age from the building of the Temple to the destruction of it, and Captivity of Judah.
  • Sect. 1. THE Temple described with all its parts. The Temple-Officers.
  • Sect. 2. The Temple finished. Solomon 's solemn dedication of it.
  • Sect. 3. The Lord appears to Solomon again in a dream.
  • Sect. 4. Solomon 's Palace. His stately Throne. The house of Lebanon. His Golden Targets and Shields.
  • Sect. 5. Gezer taken by Pharaoh and given to his daughter, Solomon 's wife.
  • Sect. 6. Hiram dislikes the Cities which Solomon offered him.
  • Sect. 7. Solomon removes his Queen to the House built for her. The Song of Solomon.
  • Sect. 8. Solomon 's Navy.
  • Sect. 9. Solomon 's other buildings.
  • Sect. 10. Hamath taken by Solomon 's forces.
  • Sect. 11. Solomon 's care in matters of Religion.
  • Sect. 12. Solomon 's greatness, splendor, and glory.
  • Sect. 13. Solomon 's Wisdom. His Proverbs.
  • Sect. 14. The Queen of Sheba comes to hear his Wisdom.
  • Sect. 15. Solomon 's many wives and defection from God. Ahijah the Prophet sent to him with a sad Message.
  • Sect. 16. Solomon writes his Ecclesiastes.
  • Sect. 17. Solomon 's Adversaries. Ahijah sent to Jeroboam to acquaint him that he should be King of the Ten Tribes.
  • Sect. 18. Solomon dies.
  • Sect. 19. The division of the Kingdom.
    Kings of Judah.
  • 1. Rehoboam is petitioned for ease of Taxes. Ten Tribes revolt. His Buildings and Wives. Shishak King of Egypt plunders the Temple.
  • 2. Abijah reigns, p. 505. His army and speech to Jeroboam. Israel routed.
  • 3. Asa reigns, pag. 509. His Grandmothers Grove. Zerah invades him, and is subdued. Asa 's league with Benhadad, and death.
  • 4. Jehoshaphat reigns, p. 515. Removes all high places used for false God's. His reformation. His greatness and riches. His affinity with Ahab. He goes to Samaria. Jehu the Prophet reproves him. His care of the Kingdom. His Fleet broken. His victory and death.
  • 5. Jehoram succeeds, p. 525. His Idolatry. Slays his six Brethren. Elijah 's Letter to him. Edom revolts. Libnah revolts. Philistines invade him. His sad end.
  • 6. Ahaziah, p. 529. His wickedness. Is slain by Jehu.
  • 7. Athaliah, p. 532. Her Idolatry and cruelty.
  • 8. Joash, p. 533, He is set up by Jehoiada. Athaliah slain. Baal 's house pulled down. Jehoiada 's good instruction of him. Collection for the Temple. Jehoiada dies. Joash 's Idolatry. Zachariah ston'd. The Syrians vanquish him. His death.
  • 9. Amaziah, p. 541. He begins well. His war with Edom, and victory. His Idolatry. Joash King of Israel defeats him. Amaziah slain.
  • 10. Uzziah, p. 546. His Coronation. He recovers Elath. Conquers the Philistines. His herds and husbandry. Isaiah Prophesies. Also Joel. Uzziah 's pride, leprosy, and death.
  • 11. Jotham, p. 554. He subdues the Ammonites. Micah Prophesies. Jotham dies.
  • 12. Ahaz, p. 555. His wickedness. Syria and Israel invade him. Isaiah sent to him. Jerusalem 's siege raised. Ahaz forsakes the Lord. His calamities. His league with Assyria, and death.
  • 13. Hezekiah, p. 563. His goodness and reformation. He shakes off the Assyrian yoke. Jerusalem besieged. Rabshakeh 's blasphemy. Hezekiah 's prayer. Isaiah 's message to him. Hezekiah 's sickness. His thanksgiving. The Assyrians destroyed. Ambassadors from Babylon come to him. Manasseh born. Nahum 's Prophesy. Hezekiah dies.
  • 14. Manasseh, p. 595. His great Idolatry. He is taken captive, shortly after is restored. His reformation. Habakkuk 's Prophesy. Manasseh dies.
  • 15. Amon, p. 600. His Idolatry and death.
  • 16. Josiah, p. 601. His piety. Jeremiah Prophesies. The Book of the Law found. Huldah the Prophetess. Josiah throws down Idolatry. He goes to Bethel and other places. His solemn Passover. His death greatly lamented. Zephaniah 's Prophesy.
  • 17. Shallum or Jehoahaz, pag. 611. His Idolatry. Jeremy 's admonition to him. Pharaoh Necho carries him away.
  • 18. Jehoiakim, p. 612. His Idolatry and oppression. Jeremy exhorts him to repentance. Uriah 's Prophesy. Jeremy 's bonds and yokes. Baruch 's roll. Nebuchadnezzar conquers the Egyptians. Jehoiakim taken prisoner. Daniel and others carried to Babylon. Jehoiakim burns the roll. Nebuchadnezzar returns home. His dream of the great Image made of four metals. Jehoiakim revolts. The Golden Image set up by Nebuchadnezzar to be worshipped. Jehoiakim dies.
  • 19. Jehoiakim, p. 617. His Captivity. Cyrus born.
  • 20. Zedekiah reigns, p. 618. His wickedness. Jeremy Prophesies. Several Ambassadors come to Zedekiah. Hananiah a false Prophet. Jeremy 's Letter to the Captives in Babylon. Shemaiah a false Prophet, inveighs against him. Jeremy prophesies his death. Ezekel 's first vision. Jerusalem besieged. His other visions. His Types. Zedekiah revolts. Judea is invaded. Ezekiel 's wife dies, for whom he is commanded not to mourn. Jeremy imprisoned. Jerusalem 's siege raised. The Egyptians are overthrown, and the siege renewed. Jeremy put into the dungeon. Ezekiel prophesies again. Jerusalem taken. The Temple burnt. The Kingdom of Judah come to an end.
    Kings of Israel.
  • 1. Jeroboam chosen by the ten Tribes, he fortifies Shechem. Sets up the Golden Calves. A Prophet sent to him who declares against his Altar. His hand withers. The Prophet being seduced, a Lion slays him. Jeroboam 's son falls sick and dies. His own death.
  • 2. Nadab an evil King, slain by Baasha, p. 508.
  • 3. Baasha reigns, p. 509. He doth evil. He builds Ramah. Jehu 's message to him. Baasha dies.
  • 4. Elah reigns two years, p. 511. Zimri slays him.
  • 5. Zimri burnt, p. 511.
  • 6. Omri made King. His Idolatry and burial, p. 512.
  • 7. Ahab, p. 512. He marries Jezebel. Jericho rebuilt. Obadiah hides the Prophets. Elijah 's miracles. Elisha called. Benhadad conquered. A Prophet reproves Ahab. Naboth 's Vineyard. Elijah meets Ahab. Ahab slain at Ramoth-Gilead. Moab revolts.
  • 8. Ahaziah, p. 543. His fall. His message to Baalzebub. Elijah brings down fire upon two companies of fifty. He dies.
  • 9. Jehoram, p. 545. He maintains the Golden Calves. Elijah 's Translation. Elisha takes up his Mantle. Elisha 's Miracles. The Moabites destroy one another. The King of Edom sacrifices his Son. Elisha works more Miracles. A sore famine in Samaria. Its miraculous relief. The Shunamite returns. Benhadad sends to Elisha. Hazael stifles Benhadad. Jehoram recovers Ramoth-Gilead. Jehu anointed. Joram slain. Ahaziah slain. Jezebel 's death.
  • 10. Jehu made King, p. 585. The slaughter of Ahab 's offspring, and Ahaziah 's brethren. Baal 's Priests slain. Jehu 's Idolatry and death.
  • 11. Jehoahaz reigns, p. 590. The Syrians oppress him. He dies.
  • 12. Joash, p. 591. He visits Elisha. Elisha dies. Joash takes Amaziah after his conquering the Syrians. Joash dies.
  • 13. Jeroboam the second, p. 593. Jonah, Hosea, and Amos Prophesy. Jeroboam 's death. The Anarchy or Interregnum.
  • 14. Zachariah, his short reign, p. 598.
  • 15. Shallum, is slain by Menahem, p. 599.
  • 16. Menahem, p. 599. His cruelty. The Assyrian invades him. He dies.
  • 17. Pekaliah, p. 600.
  • 18. Pekah reigns, p. 600. His victory over Ahaz. The Assyrian carries five Tribes into Captivity. Pekah slain.
  • 19. Hoshea, p. 602. He continues Jeroboam 's Idolatry. Salman after makes him Tributary. Upon his revolt Samaria is taken, and himself confined. The Kingdom of Israel ends. New Colonies planted. Others sent after them. An Anti-Temple built. Afterwards destroyed by John Hircanus.
    Chap. VI. The sixth Age from the Captivity of Judah to their return.
  • ZEdekiah taken, sees his Children slain, and then hath his own eyes put out, and in chains, is carried to Babylon, pag. 627.
  • The City of Jerusalem and the Temple burnt. Gedaliah set over those poor people that were left in the land to dress the Vineyards, and till the ground, pag. 630
  • Seraiah the chief Priest with other principal men carried to Nebuchadnezzar to Riblah, and there put to death, Ibid.
  • Jeremy had his choice whither he would go into Babylon and there be honourably treated, or stay in Judea. He chooses the latter, Ibid.
  • Ishmael conspires against Gedaliah. Johanan discovers it. But Gedaliah would not believe it, and so was treacherously murdered by Ishmael, pag. 631.
  • Johanan took from Ishmael his prisoners, but he himself escaped with eight more to the Ammonites.
  • Johanan and his Captains, and many of the people go into Egypt, and carry Jeremy and Baruck along with them.
  • Ezekiel Prophesies of the destruction of the last remainder of the Israelites. He threatens murmurers and hypocrites, and unfaithful shepherds, and the Edomites, pag. 632
  • Obadiah Prophesies against Edom.
  • Ezekiel comforts the captive Israelites, promising that God would avenge them on their enemies.
  • He prophesies their return out of Babylon, though their condition there seemed as hopeless as of dead men in their graves, who are become dry bones, pag. 633
  • He prophesies of their victory over Gog and Magog.
  • He prophesies against Egypt.
  • He prophesies against the Israelites that were gone into Egypt, and against Pharaoh himself.
  • The Lamentations of Jeremy, pag. 633.
  • Tyre besieged by Nebuchadnezzar.
  • Nabuzaradan carried away the remainder of the Jews to the number of seven hundred forty five, Ibid.
  • Ezekiel hath that glorious vision of the new Jerusalem and new Temple, pag. 634.
  • Tyre taken.
  • Nebuchadnezzar invades Egypt, makes great havoc there, Ibid.
  • He returns now into Babylon. He hath there the dream of the great Tree, whose destiny was to be cut down, Ibid.
  • He new builds Babylon.
  • He falls distracted, and so continues for seven years, pag. 635
  • He returns to his wits. Praises God and dies.
  • Evilmerodach succeeds him. Jeconiah advanced.
  • Zedekiah dies. The King of Babylon engages in a war against the Medes and Persians. Of whose Armies Cyrus was made General. He obtains a great victory over the Babylonians, Ibid.
  • Belshazzar succeeds.
  • In Belshazzar 's first year Daniel hath the vision of the four Beasts, Ibid.
  • In his third year he hath the vision of the Ram and He-goat, pag. 636.
  • Cyrus conquers the Babylonians, besieges Babylon with a vast Army. Belshazzar Carousing with his Nobles sees the hand-writing on the wall. Daniel interprets it, is thereupon advanced, pag. 636
  • Belshazzar slain. His Kingdom brought to an end.
  • Darius takes on him the Kingdom.
  • Cyrus marries Darius 's only daughter, and so is intitled to the Kingdom of Media.
  • Darius sets over the Provinces an hundred and twenty Governors, over whom he makes three principal overseers, and Daniel the chief of all.
  • The Nobles being stirred with a spirit of envy against him, move the King to make a decree that for thirty days space no petition should be made to any God or man but to himself. Daniel hereupon cast into the Lions den, Ibid.
  • The seventy years of the Jews Captivity drawing to an end, Daniel prays for the promised deliverance.
  • The Angel Gabriel gives him the Prophesy of the Seventy weeks, pag. 637.
  • Cyrus upon Darius 's death is made absolute Monarch of the East.
  • The Jews show him the Prophesy of Isaiah, foretelling that he should be their deliverer. He thereupon makes an Edict for their return, and that they should go and build their Temple.
    Chap. VII. The seventh Age from their return out of Captivity to the death of Christ.
  • CYRUS made Zerubbabel chief Captain of those Jews that returned, and consigned into his hands the vessels of the Temple.
  • The number of them that returned.
  • They offer towards the building of the Temple.
  • On the first day of the seventh month of the first year of their return, they built the Altar, and thereon offered sacrifices. On the 15th. day kept the Feast of Tabernacles. In the second month of the second year of their return they lay the foundation of the Temple, the old men weeping, the young men rejoicing, pag. 642
  • The Cuthaeans or Samaritans offer to join with them, but being refused, by their interest in Cambyses 's Court give a stop to the work, Ibid.
  • Daniel 's vision of the Kings of Persia, and of Alexander and his successors, Ibid.
  • Cyrus dies. Cambyses succeeds.
  • The Samaritans now frame an open accusation against the Jews, pag. 643.
  • Cambyses dies. Darius Histaspis succeeds, called Ahasuerus.
  • He marries Alosta or Vashti the daughter of Cyrus.
  • In his second year Haggai Prophesies, and reproves the Jews for their negligence in not going on with the building of the Temple, whereupon Zerubbabel and Joshua took the work in hand afresh, pag. 644.
  • In the eighth Month of the same year Zacharias began to Prophesy to the same purpose that Haggai did, Ibid.
  • In the ninth month of that second year of Darius, the Temple began to be reared by Zerubbabel and Joshua. Upon the same day the two last Prophesies of Haggai were revealed to him.
  • The Samaritans, viz. Tatnai and Sether-hoznai strive again to hinder them. pag. 645
  • The Prophet Zacharias hath a vision of Horsemen, and several other visions, Ibid.
  • Cyrus 's decree being found the King commands the Samaritans not only not to hinder the Jews in building their Temple, but that they should furnish them with money out of the Kings Treasure for it, pag. 646
  • Darius in the third year of his reign makes a royal feast for his Princes. Vashti refuses to come to him when he sent for her, she is thereupon divorced, pag. 647.
  • God answers the Jews inquiring concerning their Fasts of the fifth and seventh months. In the eighth Chapter of Zacharias he tells them he will change their Fasts into days of rejoicing, Ibid.
  • In the sixth year of Darius the second Temple was finished and dedicated, pag. 650.
  • Upon the 14th day of the first month they celebrated the first Passover in the second Temple, rejoicing exceedingly because God had turned the heart of the King of Persia towards them.
  • In the seventh year of Darius, Esther made Queen, Ibid.
  • The History of Esther.
  • Ahasuerus dies. Zerxes succeds him. He makes wars upon the Grecians. Artaxerxes succeeds him.
  • Ezra obtains a large Patent from him to settle the Jewish Commonwealth.
  • Liberty was also granted by him for such of the Jews as would, to return.
  • Ezra with a great number returns, having first kept a solemn Fast to seek a blessing from the Lord.
  • They come to Jerusalem and present the Gold and Silver they had brought with them which was laid up in the Temple.
  • Ezra mourns and fasts because many of the people had married strange wives. They are moved to put away their strange wives, and the children they had by them, which they consent to do.
  • In the twentieth year of Artaxerxes, Nehemiah his Cup-bearer hearing how things went at Jerusalem, and that their walls were not built, obtains a Commission from the King to be Governor of Judea, and to build the walls of Jerusalem.
  • He comes thither and goes about it. Sanballat and Tobiah at first scoffed at it, but then grew very angry, and conspired to fight the Jews and hinder the work. But Nehemiah arms the people that so they might be in readiness for them.
  • Nehemiah redresses the oppressions among them, viz. concerning Slaves, Debtors and Mortgages.
  • Sanballat and Tobiah, and their Accomplices strive now by false rumors and false Prophesies to terrify Nehemiah from the work. And some false Brethren at home seek to hinder the work also.
  • However the walls of Jerusalem in fifty two days were finished, and the dedication solemnly performed.
  • Nehemiah appoints Hanani and Hananiah Governors over the City, calls together the Princes, makes a Collection for the rebuilding the City.
  • On the Feast of Trumpets the Law of God was by Ezra and others read and expounded to the people, at which they were much affected.
  • Ezra is consulted concerning the Feast of Tabernacles.
  • They keep a solemn Fast, and make a Covenant with the Lord, and seal it.
  • Ezra 's Prayer.
  • The matter of the Covenant, and the persons that sealed it.
  • The chief heads of the people voluntarily offer to dwell in Jerusalem. The rest cast lots about it.
  • Nehemiah goes back to his Master Artaxerxes. He returns and governs Judea many years. In the twelfth year of his Government, and thirty-second of Artaxerxes he went to him again, and soon after returned with a new Commission, and then reformed those disorders in the State, mentioned Chap. 5. and the disorders in Religion mentioned Chap. 13.
  • The Prophet Malachi.

ERRATA.

THE most considerable faults of the Press are thus to be amended: Page 14. line 11. read backward. p. 16. l. 10. make the * at Pul. p. 17. l. 53. r. Rhoine. p. 46. in last part of Marg. after 12. add children. & l. 6. r. fifth son. p. 47. l. 30 r. freedom. p. 57. l. 1. r. attended. p. 59. l. 12. in Marg. r. Ch. 36. p. 63. l. 47. r. how violent the rage of jealousy is. p. 69. in marg. near bottom r. there is. p. 80. l. 9. r. to any of. l. 32. r. posterity. p. 81. l 1. r. Gad. p. 85. l. 8. r. Ch. 12, 13, 14. p. 98. l. 30. r. every. p. 124. l. ult. r. slew. p. 141. l. 36. r. vanity. p. 144. marg. (a) r. paschate. p. 158. l. 5. r. fast. p. 162. l. 1. r. new. marg. l. 12. r. hinc. p. 166. l. penult. r. for no man. p. 170. l. penult of Sect. 41. blot out v. 30. to the end. p. 171. l. 18. r. in all. p. 188. l. 1. r. mutiny. p. 197. l. 11. r. amicably. p. 206. l. 5. r. infested. p. 212. l. 10. r. alleging. p. 231. l. 16. r. in a vision. p. 278. l. 8. r. High Priest. p. 284. l. 23. r. at present. p. 294. marg. l. 4. at * r. art susoria. p. 313. l. 1. add them. p. 328. l. 49. r. refuse. p. 346. marg. l. 7. r. damna. p. 398. marg. l. penult. r. daemonum. p. 412. marg. (a) r. disoperiens. p. 434. marg. l. penult. r. cogitat. p. 447. marg. fig. 3. r. in regard of the transcendent holiness. p 448. marg. l. 2. r. them. p. 464. l. 12. r, 1 King. p. 478. l. 1. add know. p. 474. near the bottom for A r. The. p. 476. l. ult. for daily or weekly. p. 478. l. 1. r. we do not find. p. 480. l. 19. r. preserved. p. 517. marg. r. ob religionem. p. 522. l. 16. r. fly not. p. 543. l. 48. r. more. p. 581. marg. r. pollebat. p. 598. l. 1. marg. r. 26. p. 621. l. 33. after Captivity r. as some learned men conjecture, though others assert the continuance of that Kingdom to have been only 254 years, see pag. 605. There are some who begin these years at Jeroboam 's setting up the Calves at Dan and Bethel when the Ten Tribes became Idolatrous, and end them at the destruction of Jerusalem, and they include the house of Israel in the house of Judah, because many of them joined themselves to them, and these the Prophet seems to mean by the house of Israel, including also their predecessors, who were dead long before. p. 638. l. 29. r. This I find to be the opinion of the learned Willet, and followed by Mr. Allein in his Chronology. But for my part I cannot see that there were above twenty years from the laying the foundation of the Temple to the finishing of it as we have shown pag. 650. Some learned men begin these seven weeks or 49 years at Cyrus 's decree, and end them when the walls of Jerusalem were finished by Nehemiah; which interval of time they make 49 years. But the holy Scripture having not set down expressly the number of the years of the Kings of Persia, and profane Authors differing so much about them, 'tis a difficult thing to determine anything certainly in this matter.

If any Errors have happened in the Continuation of this History, the Reader is desired to mend them with his pen, the Author not having had time to read those sheets over.

A Chronological Table of the Seven Ages of the World, from the Creation to the Death of JESUS CHRIST.

The First Age of the World, from the Creation to the Flood.
1
ADam.
130
Seth. born.
235
Enos born.
325
Cainan born.
395
Mahalaleel born.
0
Jared born.
622
Enoch born.
687
Methuselah born.
874
Lamech born.
1056
Noah born.
1558
  • Noah 's three Sons,
    • Japheth,
    • Shem,
    • Ham.
  • The Ark built.
1656
The Flood.
The Second Age, from the Flood to the Promise made to Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees.
1658

NOah and his Family come out of the Ark.

Noah builds an Altar.

The Rain-Bow a Pledge of God's Covenant.

Noah plants a Vineyard.

Arphaxad born to Shem.

1693
Salah born.
1723
Eber born.
1757
Peleg born.
1787

Reu born.

Nimrod the Grandchild of Cham.

The Tower of Babel

The Confusion of Tongues.

The Assyrian, or First Monarchy begun by Nimrod. See the Kings thereof, pag. 15. of Chap. II.

The dispersion of the children of Noah.

The Original of several Nations.

1819
Serug born.
1846
Nahor born.
1878
Terah born.
2008

Abraham born.

The King of Elam and his Allies, conquer the King of Sodom and his Confederates.

2078
The Promise made to Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees.
The Third Age, from the Promise made to Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees, unto the departure of the Israelites, out of Egypt.
2094

ABraham 's removal to Charran, and from thence to Canaan. Two Altars there built by him. A Promise of that Land made unto his Posterity.

He goes into Egypt by reason of the Famine in Canaan. His Danger there on the account of Sarah his Wife.

He returns into Canaan, vanquishes Chedorlaomer, rescues Lot, is met by Melchizedek, and blessed.

He takes Hagar.

Ishmael Born.

2107

Circumcision Instituted.

Abraham entertains Three Angels; intercedes for Sodom.

Sodom and Gomorrhah Consumed with Fire from Heaven.

Lots Incest.

2108

Isaac Born.

Hagar and Ishmael cast out.

Abraham 's sacrificing Isaac.

Isaac marries Rebekah.

2168

Esau and Jacob Born.

Jacob 's marriage with Leah and Rachel.

His hard Serv • ce under 〈◊〉 .

2259

Joseph Born.

Joseph 's Dream. His Brethren sell him.

He is sold after to Potiphar. His Mistress 's false Accusation. His Imprisonment.

Pharaoh 's Dream. Joseph 's Interpretation thereof, and Advancement.

The Famine begins.

Jacob sends his Sons into Egypt to buy Corn.

Joseph makes himself known to his Brethren.

Jacob goes into Egypt.

He blesses his Sons and dies.

Joseph dies.

The History of Job.

Aaron Born.

2418

Moses Born.

His Education by Pharaoh 's Daughter.

He flies into Midian.

He is sent by the Lord to deliver Israel.

He works Miracles before Pharaoh.

The Ten Plagues.

2508
The Israelites departure out of Egypt.
    The Fourth Age, from the Departure of the Israelites out of Egypt, to the laying the Foundation of Solomon's Temple.
  • 2548

    • THe Paschal Lamb.

      The Fiery Pillar.

      The Israelites pass through the Red Sea.

      Manna.

      Joshua fights with Amalek.

      The giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.

      Moses 40 days in the Mount.

      Directions concerning framing the Tabernacle.

      The Golden Calf.

      The History of the Israelites, during their 40 years continuance in the Wilderness.

      Moses having governed 40 years, dies.

      Joshua succeeds.

      Conquers and divides the Land, and governs in all, 17 years.

  • The Judges.
    2565
    Othniel 40 years.
    2605

    Ehud 80 years.

    The History of Ruth.

    2685
    Deborah 40 y.
    2725
    Gideon 40 y.
    2765
    Abimelech 3 y.
    2768
    Tholah 23 y.
    2791
    Jair 22 y.
    2813
    Jephtha 6 y.
    2819
    Ibzan 7 y.
    2826
    Elon 10 y.
    2836
    Abdon 8. y.
    2844
    Samson 20 y.
    2864
    Eli 40. y.
    2904
    Samuel and King Saul 40 y.
    2944
    King David 40 y.
    2985
    King Solomon 4 y.
  • 2988
    • The Foundation of the Temple laid in the 4th. year of Solomon 's Reign.
    The Fifth Age, from the laying the Foundation of Solomon's Temple, to the Destruction of it, and the Captivity of Judah.

  • Solomon reigned over all Israel from the laying the Foundation of the Temple, 36 years.

    The Kingdom divided.

  • Kings of Judah.
    302 •
    REhoboam reigned 17 years.
    304 •
    Abijam 3 y.
    3044
    Asa 41 y.
    3085
    Jehoshaphat 25 y.
    3106
    Jehoram 8. y.
    3113
    Ahaziah 1 y.
    3114
    Athaliah 7 y.
    3120
    Jehoash 40 y.
    31 • 9
    Amaziah 29 y.
    31 • 9
    Uzziah 52 y.
    32 • 0
    Jotham 16 y.
    32 • 6
    Ahaz 16 y.
    3271
    Hezekiah 29 y.
    3300
    Manasseh 55 y.
    3355
    Amon 2 y.
    335 •
    Josiah 31 y.
    3387
    Jehohaaz 3 mon.
    3388
    Jehoiakim 11 y.
    3398
    Jehoiakim, or Jeconiah. 3 mon.
    3 • 99
    Zedekiah 11 y.
  • Kings of Israel.
    • 302 •
      • JEroboam reigned 22 years.
      • Nadab 2. y.
    • 304 •
      • Baasha 24 y.
      • Elah 2 y.
      • Zimri 7 days.
    • 3044
      • Omri 12 y.
      • Ahab 22 y.
    • 3085
      • Ahaziah 2 y.
      • Jehoram 12 y.
    • 3106
      • Jehu 28 y.
    • 3113
      • Jehoahaz 17 y.
      • Joah 16 y.
    • 3114
      • Jeroboam 2d. 41 y.
    • 3120
      • An Interregnum of about Eleven years and an half.
      • Zachariah 6 months.
      • Shallum 1 month.
    • 31 • 9
      • Menahem 10 y.
    • 31 • 9
      • Pekahiah 2 y.
    • 32 • 0
      • Pekah 20 y.
    • 32 • 6
      • Hoshea 9 y.
    • 3271
      • The Israelites carried into Captivity by the Assyrians in the sixth year of Hezekiah.
  • The Jews carried into Captivity by the Babylonians in the 11th. year of Zedekiah.
The Sixth Age, from the Captivity of Judah, to their Return out of Babylon.
3408

JErusalem taken.

Zedekiah brought to Nebuchadnezzar; sees his Children slain, then hath his Eyes put out, and in Chains is carried to Babylon.

The City and Temple burnt.

Seraiah the Chief Priest, and other Principal men put to death at Riblah.

Gedaliah set over the Poor people left in the Land.

Jeremy, upon his own choice, stays with them.

Ishmael Conspires against Gedaliah. Johanan discovers it to him: He believes it not, and so is treacherously murdered.

Johanan recovers from Ishmael his Prisoners, but himself escapes.

Johanan and his Captains and many of the people go into Egypt, and carry Jeremy and Baruch with them.

3409

Ezekiel utters several Prophesies in Babylon.

Jeremy about this time writes his Lamentations.

Tyre besieged by Nebuchadnezzar.

3413

Nebuzaradan carries away the last Remainder of the Jews to the number of 745.

Nebuchadnezzar invades Egypt, and makes great Havock there.

Having finished his Conquests, he returns unto Babylon, and there has the Dream of the great Tree, whose Destiny was to be cut down.

He new builds Babylon.

3427
He falls distracted, and so continues for 7 years. He is recovered to his Understanding; blesseth God; and dies.
3435

Evil Merodach succeeds him. Jeconiah advanced. Zedekiah dies, and is honourably Buried.

Cyrus being made General of the Armies of the Medes and Persians, obtains a great Victory over the Babylonians.

Belshazzar succeeds Evil Merodach.

In the first year of his Reign Daniel hath the Vision of the four Beasts.

3465

Cyrus gives the Babylonians another great Defeat, and with a vast Army besieges Babylon.

Belshazzar carousing with his Nobles, sees the Handwriting on the Wall. Daniel interprets it to him, and is thereupon advanced.

Belshazzar slain.

Darius takes on him the Kingdom.

Cyrus Marries his only Daughter.

Darius sets over the Provinces an 120 Governors, and makes Daniel chief of them all. The Princes, out of Envy to him, move the King to make an Edict, That for 30 days no Petition should be made to any God or Man, but himself. Daniel thereupon cast into the Lions Den.

The 70 years of the Captivity of the Jews draw to an end; Daniel Prays for the promised Deliverance. The Angel Gabriel is sent to inform him, not only concerning that, but also the 70 Weeks.

Darius dies, Cyrus is made thereupon, Emperor of the East.

The Jews show him the Prophesy of Isaiah, That He should be their Deliverer, with which he is much pleased.

The Seventh Age, from the Return out of Babylon, to the Death of Christ; Or, from the end of the Seventy years Captivity, unto the end of the Seventy Weeks in Daniel.
3478

THE 70 Weeks in Daniel containing 490 years.

The Persian, or Second Monarchy. See the Kings thereof in the Appendix.

Cyrus makes an Edict for the Return of the Jews, and that they should go and build their Temple.

He appoints Zerubbabel Chief Captain over those that returned, and gave into his hands the Vessels of the Temple.

In the 7th. Month of the first year of their Return, they built the Altar, and thereon offered; and on the 15th. day kept the Feast of Tabernacles.

In the 2d. Month of the 2d. year of their Return, they laid the Foundation of the Temple, the Old men weeping, the Young men rejoicing.

The Samaritans offer to join with them, but being refused by their Interest in the Court, they gave a stop to the Work.

Cyrus dies. Cambyses succeeds.

The Samaritans now frame an Information against the Jews.

Cambyses dies. Darius Histaspis (called Ahasuerus ) succeeds. He marrys Atossa or Vashti, Cyrus 's Daughter.

In his 2d. year Haggai Prophesies, and reproves the Jews for their negligence in not going on to build the Temple; whereupon Zerubbabel and Joshua took the work in hand afresh.

In the 8th. month of the same year Zacharias began to Prophesy.

In the 9th. month of the 2d. year of Darius the Temple began to be reared by Zerubbabel and Joshua.

Tatnai and Sether-boznai, and other Samaritans seek to hinder them.

Cyrus 's Decree being found, Darius forbids the Samaritans from hindering them, and that they should furnish them with money out of the Kings Treasury for the work.

Darius in the 3d. year of his reign makes a Royal Feast for his Princes. Vashti refuses to come when he sent for her: She is thereupon divorc'd.

In the 6th. year of Darius the Second Temple was finished, and dedicated.

Upon the 14th. day of the first month they celebrate the Passover in this new Temple.

In the 7th. year of Darius, Esther made Queen.

The History of Queen Esther.

Ahasuerus dies. Zerxes succeeds him. He makes Wars upon the Grecians. Artaxerxes succeeds him.

Ez • a obtains a large Patent from him to settle the Jewish Common-wealth.

Ezra with a great number of Jews return out of Babylon, having first kept a Fast, to seek a Blessing from God.

When they came to Jerusalem, Ezra Mourns and Fasts, because he found that many of the Jews had Married Stran • -Wives.

In the 20th. year of Artaxerxes Nehemiah his Cup-bearer comes with a Commission to be Governor of Judea, and to build the Walls of Jerusalem.

He going about it, Sanballat and Tobiah at first scoff at it, then being angry, conspire to come and fight the Jews. Nehemiah arms the people that so they might be ready for them.

Sanballat and Tobia, and their Accomplices strive now by false Rumors, and false Prophesies to terrify Nehemiah from the Work. And some false Brethren also join with them.

The Wall in 52 days was finished, and after solemnly dedicated.

Nehemiah makes a Collection for the Rebuilding of the City.

On the Feast of Trumpets the Law of God was read by Ezra and others to the People, and Expounded; at which they were much affected.

They keep a solemn Fast, and make a Covenant with the Lord. Ezra 's Prayer thereupon.

Nehemiah goes back to his Master Artaxerxes, and returns and governs the Jews many years. In the 12th. year of his Government he reformd'd some things in the State, and some things to Religion.

The End of the Old Testament.

3608

The Grecian, or Third Monarchy. See the Kings thereof in the Appendix

The History of the Maccabees.

3899

The Roman, or Fourth Monarchy.

Julius Caesar.

3903

Octavius Caesar.

Herod made King of Judea by the R • man's.

3934
Jesus Christ born.
3949
Tiberius Caesar.
3964
Jesus Christ Baptized.
3968
Jesus Christ Crucified.

[illustration] [map of Canaan]
A MAP of CANAAN. With the Adjacent COUNTRIES Very Usefull for the Understanding of the Old Testament.
Sold by Tho. Simmons in Lud-gate Street.

THE HISTORY OF THE Old Testament METHODIZ'D.

CHAP. I. The First Age of the World, from the Creation to the Flood, containing a Space of 1656 Years.

SECT. I.

THE Eternal and most Glorious God, the Incomprehensible and forever Blessed Jehovah, being from all Eternity infinitely happy in the Enjoyment of himself, when he was pleased to display his Wisdom, and communicate his Goodness, he did by his Infinite Power create the World out of Nothing, and gave a Being and Existence to Things that had none before. So the Apostle assures us, Acts 17.24. God who made the world, and all things therein, is Lord of Heaven and Earth. And Heb. 11.3. Through Faith we understand that the Worlds were framed by the Word of God, (that is, the Inferior, Middle, and Superior, as the Jews distinguish them) so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

This glorious Work of Creation was begun (as many Learned Men conceive) at that time of the Year which we call Autumn . And that which seems to give countenance to this Conjecture, is, because at that time of the Year the several kinds of Fruits (in most places) are in their maturity and ripeness, as in all probability they were at their creation, being made in their perfection. So that all the Fruits of the Garden being now ripe, Adam had liberty to eat of any of them, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil only excepted.

The World therefore began to be created (as we may suppose) on the first day of the Month called by the Jews Tizri or Ethanim, which began about the middle of the Month called by us September, and was at first the beginning of the Year, and so it continued afterwards for Civil Matters , (See Levite. 25.8, 9, 10.) But the beginning of the Year was afterwards changed by God's own appointment, as to Ecclesiastical Matters ) upon occasion of his bringing the Children of Israel out of Egypt in the Spring, in the Month Abib, or Nisan, (which began about the middle of the Month called by us March ); and that Month in memorial thereof was made the first Month in the Year, Exod. 13.3. Remember this day in which ye came out of Egypt, in the Month. Abib. Exod. 12.2. This Month shall be the beginning of Months unto you, it shall be the first Month of the Year unto you. But though • Abib upon this occasion was made the first Month of the Year, especially as to Ec • lesiastical Matters, and the regulating of their Annual Feasts; yet naturally the Year did begin from Tizri, which is the seventh Month from Abib, (1 Kings 8.7.) and according to it their Contracts and Bargains about Houses and Lands, and such Civil Matters, were to be ordered. And 'tis observable, that the Feast of the New Moon in this seventh Month was to be kept with more Solemnity than any other of the New Moons, (yea, even than that of Abib ) because it was their New-years-day: For then, besides that they were to blow with Trumpets, and offer the special Sacrifices, (as on other New Moons) they were on this to offer extraordinary Sacrisices over and above, as we may see Numb. 29. from 1. to 7.

Upon the first day therefore of the World God created the highest Heavens, and together with them, (as 'tis probable) the invisible Host of Angels, according to that of the Apostle, Col. 1.16. By him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, all things were created by him and for him. The Psalmist also speaketh to the same purpose, Psal. 148.2. Praise ye him all his Angels, praise ye him all his Hosts: let them praise the Name of the Lord; for he commanded, and they were created. 'It is true, Moses mentions not the creation of Angels; and the reason thereof possibly may be, that he intended (as it seems) to relate only the Creation of things corporeal and visible. God having therefore finished (as it were) the Roof of this glorious Building, he sell in hand with this lowermost Globe, consisting of the Deep, and of the Earth, (all the Choire of Angels singing together, and magnifying his most glorious Name, for this his wonderful Work, as we read Job 38.7. Then the Morning-Stars sang together, and all the Sons of God shouted for joy. ) The Earth (that is, the whole confused Chaos of Earth and Water) was now without form, and void of all Herbs, Flowers, and Trees, and all living Creatures; and was indeed nothing but a great and deep miry Mass, covered all over with Waters and thick Darkness: And the Spirit of God the Creator and Upholder of all Creatures ( Psal. 104.3.) by his effectual quickening Power, moved upon, and gave virtue to that great Mass and Heap, whereby it was fitted and prepared for the subsequent Productions.

On the middle of the first day God created Light, and severed it from the Darkness: so that whilst there was Light on one side of the Deep, there was Darkness on the other: And he called the one Day, and the other Night. And so Darkness being before Light, the Darkness or Evening is reckoned the beginning or first part of the Natural day of Twenty four Hours. Levite. 23.32. From Even unto Even shall ye celebrate your Sabbath, &c. Gen. 1. from 1. to 6.

On the second day God created the Expansum, (commonly called the Firmament) stretching out the Heavens as a Curtain, and spreading them out as a Tent to dwell in, Isa. 40.22. By the Expanse or Firmament (taken in a large sense) we are to understand whatever is contained in that vast Space from the surface of the Earth to the uppermost Heavens. For there are three Heavens: First, The Heaven of Heavens, the highest Heaven, called the third Heaven, 2 Cor. 12.2. I knew a man caught up into the third Heaven. So Isa. 66.1. Thus saith the Lord, Heaven is my Throne, &c. Secondly, The Sky or Aether, where the Stars are placed, which is called the second Heaven, or Coelum Stellatum. Thirdly, The Air under it, which reacheth from thence to the surface of the Earth and Water, whereof there are three Regions. First, The highest or uppermost, which is clear and aethereal. The second called the Middle Region, where God hath placed the Clouds, [Job 26.8. He bindeth up the Waters in thick Clouds. ] And the third or lower Region, that wherein the Fowls do fly. Now part of those Waters of the Deep fore-mentioned, being lifted up by the Power of God, and spread above, and bound up in thick Clouds, whilst others were disposed of here below, to make up with the Earth one Globe, God was pleased to order that that Expanse or lower Region of the Air, [called Gen. 1.20. The open Firmament of the Heaven, ] should divide and sep • rate those Clouds and Waters above, from those beneath. And accordingly the Psalmist cries out, Psal. 148.4. Praise him ye Heavens of Heavens, and ye Waters that be above the Heavens. Thus God made a separation of the Waters above, from the Waters beneath, which are enclosed in the Earth, and with it make one entire Globe. But here is not added, (God saw that it was good) which yet is doubled on the third day (possibly because the separation of the Waters, begun on this day, was not perfected till the third day ) and is only once repeated on each of the other four days, with addition of very good in the end of all. Gen. 1. from 6. to 9.

On the third day God commanded those Waters that were beneath to run together into one place, and the dry Land to appear. This confluence of Waters he called a Sea, sending out from thence the Rivers, which were to run thither again, as Solomon speaks, Eccles. 1.7. All the Rivers run into the Sea, yet the Sea is not full: unto the place from whence they came, thither they return again. And he caused the Earth to bring forth all kinds of Herbs and Plants, with Seeds and Fruits in perfection, which before were not in the Earth, nor could have been, except he had given power to the Earth to produce them: For there had not been as yet any of those ordinary means whereby the Earth is now made fruitful, viz. Rain, and the labor and help of Man (who was not yet made ), neither had there so much as a Mist gone up to water the Earth. Thus we see that God made them all by his own Almighty Power, and that before the Sun was created, that we might learn to ascribe the Production of the Fruits of the Earth to God originally, and not to the Sun. And thus he made ready all kind of Food, and Provision for the living Creatures, which he intended to create on the sixth day. But above all, he enriched the Garden of Eden with variety of Plants. This Garden is by the Greek Interpreters called Paradise, and for the pleasantness of it made a Figure of Heaven, [Luke 23.43. To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. 2 Cor. 12.4. He was caught up into Paradise. ] In this Garden God planted the Tree of Life, and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil: The one (as it should seem) to be a Sacramental Sign annexed to the Covenant of Works (which he intended to make with Man) assuring to him the continuance of his Life and Happiness, upon condition he performed perfect Obedience to the Will of his Creator; as the other Tree, namely, that of Knowledge of Good and Evil, should signify and assure unto him death and damnation in case of his disobedience, [Gen. 2.8. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every Tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food. The Tree of Life also in the midst of the Garden, and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. ] The Garden being in the lower part of the Country of Eden, a River ran down out of it to water it, and from thence was parted into four Capital Streams or Rivers. The name of the first was Phasis , or Phasi-Tigris, which compasses the whole Land of the Chaldeans, where there is excellent Gold, and Bdellium, and the Onyx -stone. The name of the second is Gihon, which encompasses the Arabian Ethiopia. The name of the third is Tigris, that is it which goeth toward the East of Assyria. And the fourth is Euphrates.

On the fourth day the Sun, Moon, and Stars were created, to make a difference between Day and Night, and to garnish the World. They were made also for Signs of Weather, for the causing variety and different temperature of Seasons, for setting Periods to Days, Months, and Years, and also to exert their Influence, Virtue, and Efficacy on things below, Psal. 104.19. He appointeth the Moon for Seasons, the Sun knoweth his going down; that is, where and when he is to go down in all the Seasons of the Year. The Sun is the greatest of all the heavenly Lights, and the Moon is the least (except Venus and Mercury ) of all the Planets, and is made lightsome by the Suns shining upon it, and so by reflection shines upon the Earth. Moses therefore here speaks of the Sun and Moon as they appear to the Eye of Man, to which the Moon seemeth the greatest Light next to the Sun, because 'tis nearest to the Earth of all the Planets. Gen. 1. from 14. to 20.

On the fifth day Fish and flying Fowl were created, and God blessed them, and commanded them to be fruitful, and multiply. The Fowl were created out of the Waters, and out of the Ground also, [Gen. 2.19. Out of the Ground the Lord God formed every Beast of the Field, and every Fowl of the Air. ] For though the Waters did at first bring them forth, yet there was in those Waters of which they were made a mixture of Earth, and in that regard it might be said that they were also formed out of the Ground.

On the sixth day God commanded the Earth to bring forth all sorts of Creeping things, and Four-footed Beasts. And last of all he made Man, the Master-piece and Chief of all his Creatures here below. His Body he made of the Dust of the Ground, working it to such a Temper, that it was fit Matter whereof to make the Body of Man: And by his Almighty Power he created and infused into that yet lifeless Body a living reasonable Soul, which being instantly united to it, (in a wonderful manner,) his Body was quickened and enlivened, which soon appeared by the Breath in his Nostrils; so Adam became a living Soul, that is, (by a Synecdoche of the Part for the Whole) a living Man: and his name was called Adam, because he was made of red Earth. Thus we see his Soul was not, as his Body, made of the Earth, but created by the Insuffiation of God, and had its immediate Original from the Father of Spirits, Heb. 12.9. Numb. 16.22. Eccl. 12.7. And to this purpose Elihu speaks, Job. 33.4. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the Breath of the Almighty hath given me life. I have made the Earth, and created Man upon it, saith the Lord, Isa. 45.12. Moreover this is farther to be remembered concerning the Creation of Man, That God created him after his own Image, which consisted principally in the divine knowledge of his Mind, and in the natural sanctity of his Will, and in the Dominion, he gave him over the Creatures here below. And in making of Mankind, he made not only the Males after his own Image, but the Females also. Adam, presently after he was created, had all living Creatures (by the Power of God) brought before him, as to a Lord appointed over them, and he gave them Names either agreeable to their Natures, or such whereby they might be fitly distinguished one from the other. But though God had placed Adam in so delightful a Paradise, yet he saw that his Happiness would be imperfect, except he had a fit Companion: Therefore, to the high commendation of Matrimony, the Lord said, It is not good for Man to be alone; I will make him an help meet for him: And accordingly casting him into a deep sleep, and taking one of his Ribs out of his Side whilst he slept, he fashioned it into a Woman, and gave her to him for a Wife. Whereupon Adam said, This is Bone of my Bone, and Flesh of my Flesh. Then God establishing a Law of Marriage between Man and Woman, [Matth. 19.4, 5. He that made them at first, made them Male and Female; therefore shall a Man leave Father and Mother, and cleave to his Wife, and they twain shall be one Flesh. ] He blessed them, and said unto them, Increase and multiply, and replenish the Earth, and subdue it, Gen. 1.28. that is, Keep it in a State of subjection to you: For he had given them Dominion over all living Creatures here below, and for them he had provided a large proportion of Sustenance and Food to live upon, namely, the Fruits of the Earth; But to Man and Woman (as 'tis probable) he allowed liberty to eat Flesh. For though, Gen. 1.29. only Herbs and Fruits are mentioned as given them for Food, and Living things are not mentioned as given for Meat, as after the Flood they were, [Gen. 9.3. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you, even as the green herb have I given you all things; ] yet we may also take notice, that neither Corn, nor Bread, nor other things are named, which no doubt were in use before the Flood: And Abel being a Keeper of Sheep, surely he did not keep them that their Bodies might only rot above or under ground. And Mans Body being in a decaying condition since the Fall, stood in more need of nourishing Meats, than while he abode in Innocency. Neither were the Herbs or Fruits of that virtue for his nourishment after the Curse, as before. Neither is it likely that Man should be bar'd so needful a nourishment as Flesh or Fish, for so long a time as till after the Flood, because they were not (possibly) so necessary for him in the time of Innocency, nor expressed by name for his Food at the time of his Creation. Besides, seeing after the Fall the Creatures were killed that their Skins might be for Cloathing, and were offered in Sacrifice to God even by Righteous Abel himself, it is not to be imagined but that they did eat of the Flesh of them, as in Sacrifices was usual. And therefore for those uses the distinction of them into clean and unclean was made, even before the Flood, and seven of the clean reserved for Sacrifice and Food, whereas two sufficed of the unclean, for preservation of the kind, as we see, Gen. 7.2. Moreover, had they not made use o • Cattle for Food in those 1600 Years before the Flood, the Earth would have been overburdened with their vast increase and numbers. And the words of our Savior reflecting upon the Old World for their inordinate eating and drinking before the Flood came on them, [Mat. 24.38.] implies rather an abuse in the excess, than an abstinence from the use of Flesh, and other delicacies. And so much by way of digression concerning that particular. But to return, Sin being not yet entered into the World, God beheld all his Creatures that he had made, and approved them all as very good.

Gen. 1. from 24. to the end.

Gen. 2. from 18. to the end.

On the seventh day God having finished the Works which he intended to Create (the Generations and Originals whereof have been before described.) He then rested from all Labor, and ceased from further creating anything, and blessing that day and hallowing it, (that is, exalting it above other days, and setting it apart to an holy use) he appointed and consecrated it for a Sabbath, because therein he rested, and (as it were) refreshed himself, as we read Exod. 31.16. Wherefore the Children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe it, thorough out their Generations; for a perpetual Covenant: It is a sign between me and them forever. For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. This is spoken indeed of God in allusion to the manner of men. ( For the Creator of the ends of the Earth fainteth not, neith • r is weary, Isa. 40.28.) But yet this being alleged as the reason of the Sabbath [Exod. 20.11.] shows it to be instituted before the Fall. Now if God thought fit to injoin man to set apart one day in seven from the works of his Calling, even in the state of Innocency (when he had no sin in him) that on that day he might converse with his Creator more immediately in holy Duties and Exercises, how much more needful is such an Ordinance to us now in this Corrupt Estate, who have need of all helps to draw us nearer unto God? And accordingly we find a Seven-days-Sabbath kept and observed before the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, as is plain from Exod. 16.

Gen. 2.1, 2, 3.

SECT. II.

AFter the first Week of the World was ended, God brought (as it seemeth) the New married Couple into the Garden of Eden, giving them command to dress and keep it. And having made them upright, holy and happy, and written his Law upon their hearts, he was pleased to confer this further favor and honor upon them to enter into the Covenant with them, promising thereby to continue them in this happiness which they now enjoyed, provided they would forbear to eat of that one Tree in the Garden, which he called the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. Before this Covenant, God had not promised to continue Man in this happy Condition wherein he had made him, though he should never have sinned. And nothing hindered, before this Covenant was made, but God might have annihilated man, though he had not offended. But by this Covenant God was pleased freely and graciously to bind himself to Continue man in his present happiness, provided he continued in his Obedience. And thus the Lord was pleased to arm man's mutable Will against falling, both by the great reward promised in case of his Obedience, and the great evil threatened, in case of his disobedience, Gen. 2.16, 17. And the Lord God commanded the man saying, Of every tree of the Garden thou mayst freely eat, but of the tree of Knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. But the Devil having himself apostatiz'd from God, and fallen from his own happiness wherein he was created, he envied our first Parents theirs, and presently contriving and designing to draw them into Transgression against God, & so to ruin them, he thereupon makes choice of the Serpent for his Instrument, of which, 'tis probable there were divers sorts created, and some of them of great bigness, and specious and beautiful to the eye by a comely mixture of various colors, and such as then (as it seems) did bear their bodis aloft, and went upright, and were of great subtlety and cunning, and possibly of much more at that time than since the Fall. This Instrument the Devil makes choice of, and (as it seems) opened his mouth and caused him to speak articulately (as an Angel did the mouth of Balaam 's Ass, Numb. 22.28.) or else he spake in him to Eve. And at the first onset he asked her whither God had forbidden them to eat of any tree in the Garden? Eve not knowing now (as 'tis probable) the