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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A57377	Clavis Bibliorum The key of the Bible, unlocking the richest treasury of the Holy Scriptures : whereby the 1 order, 2 names, 3 times, 4 penmen, 5 occasion, 6 scope, and 7 principall parts, containing the subject-matter of every book of Old and New Testament, are familiarly and briefly opened : for the help of the weakest capacity in the understanding of the whole Bible / by Francis Roberts ...	Roberts, Francis, 1609-1675.; Calamy, Edmund, 1600-1666.	1648 (1648)	Wing R1583; ESTC R20707	139,238	403

therefore is probable he wrote it at Ephesus Zauch Prolegom in 1. Ioan. p. 6. Iohn lived after the other Apostles and wrote after them Occasions I. Iohn observed that in his daies there were many hereticall Teachers Seducers which he cals Anti-christs and by a propheticall spirit foresaw that afterwards there would arise many more Epiphanius reckon● up these before and in Iohn's dayes viz. 1. Simonians 2. Menandrians 3. Saturnilians 4. Basilidians 5. Nicolaitanes of whom Rev. 2. 6. Gnosticks 7. Carpocratians from Carpocrates in Asia who taught men must sinne and do the will of all the devils otherwise they could not enter into heaven 8. Cerinthians and Merinthians from Cerinthus and Morinthus who denyed Christs divinity said he was not before Mary that he was a meere man 9. Habionits who held the same heresie 10. Nazaraei that urged Moses law See Epiphan in Panario l. 1. Tom. 2. II. Iohn took notice of divers carnall believers who made great profession of knowledge faith and piety towards God who yet lived ungodly to the scandall of the Gospel III. Finally Iohn considered how necessary it was to encourage true believers in faith and promote them to assurance of their interest in eternall life These gave Iohn Occasion of writing this Epistle by way of remedy Scope The blessed Apostle Iohn in this Epistle principally levels at these three ends 1. To detect and confute hereticall and Anti-Christian Seducers and warne the believers against them and their false Doctrine These things have I written to you concerning them that seduce you 1 John 2.26 particularly and especially proving That Christ is true and eternall God against Corinthians and Hebionites c. 1. That Christ is true man and assumed true flesh against Cerdonians Manichees Priscillianists and Valentinians which by a Propheticall spirit he foresaw would follow c. 4. That Iesus is the true Christ the promised Messiah against Iew● and Nazarites c. 2. That the Father Word and holy Ghost are three true distinct Persons of one essence against Sabelli●ns c. c. 5. That they that are born of God ought not nay as such cannot commit sin and such as do not righteousnesse are of the devill not of God against the Carpocratians c. 3. 2. To stirre up all that professe to know God and believe in him that they walk in light not in darknesse 1. Iohn 1.5 6 7. as Christ walked that they keep the Commandements especially abound in love 1 Iohn 2.4 5 6. and all along the Epistle 3. To provoke true believers to growth in faith and grace and to help forward their assurance of their interest in eternall life This last end is clearly professed in 1 Iohn 5.13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Sonne of God that yee may know that yee have eternall life And therefore it is most singularly observable of this sweet and precious Epistle what a multitude of Marks Signs or Discoveries of believer's spirituall State are here plainly and purposely laid downe for this end more then in any other so short a piece of Scripture in the whole Bible Which Signes are here reduced to severall heads and set downe for the help and comfort of the Readers in some of which at least the weakest if a sincere Christian may find abundant soule-refreshing and heart-establishment I. Evidences Signes or Discoveries of Gods love to us 1. Christs being sent to lay down his life for us that we might live by him 1 Iohn 3.16 and 4.9 10. 2. Adoption That we should be called the sonnes of God 1 Iohn 3.1 3. Our not loving the world nor the things of the world inordinately 1 John 2.15 16 17. 4. Our love to God which is an effect or reflexive beame of Gods love to us 1 Iohn 4.19 II. Evidences or Signes of our Regeneration Sonneship c. 1. That the world knoweth us not 1 Iohn 3.1 2. True believing that Jesus is the Christ 1 Iohn 5.1 3. Not committing sin 1 Iohn 3.9 and 5.18 Especially in respect of that great sin of sins The wicked one toucheth him not 1 John 5.18 4. Hope if not assurance that we shall be conforme to God in his glorious appearing 1 Iohn 3.2 3. 5. In hope of glory purifying our selves as God is pure 1 Iohn 2.3 6. Overcoming erroneous hereticall spirits 1 Iohn 4.1 4. 7. Overcoming the world by faith 1 Iohn 5.4 5. 8. Doing of righteousnesse 1 Iohn 2.29 and 3.10 9. True love of the brethren 1 Iohn 3.10.14 and 4.7 III. Evidences or Signes that we are of the truth of the true number of Gods people 1. Having an unction from the holy one teaching us all things 1 Iohn 2.19 20 27. 2. The Testimony of an upright heart or conscience 1 Iohn 3.19 20 21. 3. Perseverance with the faithfull in Christ and the truth 1 Iohn 2.19.27 IIII. Evidences or Signes of being in light not in darknesse in life not in death 1. Having the Sonne 1 Iohn 5.11.12 2. Loving and not hating our brother 1 Iohn 2.9 10 11. and 3.14 15. V. Evidences or Signes of the true knowledge of God 1. Keeping his Commandements 1 Iohn 2.3 4. 2. Denyall of sinne 1 Iohn 3.6 3. Mutuall love of one another 1 Iohn 4.7 8. VI. Evidences or Signes of our love to God and Iesus Christ. 1. The casting out of base feare 1 Iohn 4.18 2. Not loving the world and things in the world inordinately 1 Iohn 2.15.16 3. Keeping of his Commandements and his Word chearfully 1 Iohn 2.5 and 5.3 4. Opening our bowels of compassion to brethren in need 1 Iohn 3.17 and 1 Iohn 5.1 1 Iohn 4.11 12 20 21. VII Evidences or Signes of our Communion with God and Iesus Christ. 1. His spirit given us 1 Iohn 3.24 and 4.13 2. The Truth 's abiding in us 1 Iohn 2.24 3. Confessing that Jesus is the Son of God 1 Iohn 4.15 4. Not doing sinne 1 Iohn 3.6 8. 5. Love to God and dwelling therein 1 Iohn 4.16 6. Walking in light not in darknesse 1 Iohn 1.5 6 7. 7. Walking as Christ walked 1 Iohn 2.6 8. Keeping his Words and Commandements 1 Iohn 2.3 4 5. and 3.23 24. 9. Brotherly love 1 Iohn 4.12 VIII Finally Evidences or Signs of true brotherly love or love of Gods children 1 Joh. 5.1 2. 1. Knowing of God 1 Iohn 4.7 8. 2. Loving of God 1 Iohn 5.1 2. 3. Keeping Gods Commandements 1 Iohn 5.2 4. Not loving in word and in tongue but in deed and in truth 1 Iohn 3.18 5. Reall compassion to our brother in need yea even hazzarding our life for him in some cases 1 Iohn 3.16 17. By these Evidences Signes or Characters of our spirituall Estate clearly laid downe in this Excellent Epistle the weak in faith may become strong in Assurance and the strong may become stronger yea all that truly believe in the name of the Son of God if the fault be not their owne may hereby come to know that they have eternall life

Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 22. Hieronym in Catal. vir illustr in Petro. Nor is it found in the Syriack version B●t divers cogent Arguments perswade us that this is an Apostolicall Epistle and written by Peter As 1. The inscription mentions the same Penman of this Epistle with the first viz. Simon Peter a servant and an Apostle of Iesus Christ. 2 Pet. 1.1 He that wrote this Epistle testifies that he must shortly put off this his Tabernacle as our Lord Iesus Christ hath shewed him 2 Pet. 1.14 to whom did Christ shew this but to Peter Iohn 21.17 3. He that wrote this Epistle was with Christ upon the Mount at his transfiguration beheld his majesty and heard that voice of the father from heaven when he was with Christ on the holy Mount This is my beloved sonne in whom I am well pleased 2 Pet. 1.16 17 18. Now there were only three viz. Peter Iames and Iohn in the Mount with Christ at his transfiguration Matth. 17.1 2. therefore it must be written by one of them three and by whomsoever of them it is of Apostolicall yea of divine Authority but unto Iames or Iohn none ever yet ascribed it nor is there any reason so to do but many to the contrary therefore it must needs be confessed to be written by Peter 4. He that writes this Epistle cals it his Second Epistle and intimates he wrote them both to the same persons viz. the dispersed believing Jews compare 2 Pet. 1.1 and 3.1 with 1 Pet. 1.1 5. He that wrote this Epistle cals Paul his beloved brother commends him and approves the Authority of his Epistles 2 Pet. 3.15 16. which were too much for any but for an Apostolicall pen. 6. An holy Apostolicall spirit breathes throughout this whole Epistle both in his exhortations to holy duties monitions against false-teachers and Apostacy and predictions of things to come 7. The stile and phrase Apostolicall and consonant enough to that of Peters first Epistle Hist. Magd. Cent. 1. l. 2. c. 4. 8. To all these may be added the consent of ancient Writers that count this Epistle Canonicall and Apostolicall Concil Laodicen Can. 59. Carthaginens 3. Athanas. in Synops. Damascen l. 4. c. 18. Epiphan Heres 76. August l. 2. De Doctrin Christian. c. 8. And Beda in Comment wonders how any should doubt of the Authority of this Epistle when the Penman hath put his name in the beginning and testifies he was with the Lord in the holy mount So that this Epistle is of unquestionable authority Peter made this Epistle a little before his death 2 Pet. 1.14 Occasion Scope Peter considering that shortly he must put off the Tabernacle of his body 2 Pet. 1.14 that some were too negligent of making their calling and election sure that there then were and afterwards would be false teachers and seducers in the Church and scoffers against the second comming of Christ Therefore Peter wrote this Epistle to stirre them up by putting them in remembrance of those things which had been preached among them 2 Pet. 1.12 13 14. 3.1 2. specially inciting them to progresse in grace to watchfulnesse against false teachers and scoffers and to a preparednesse for the comming of Christ as the whole current of the Epistle evidences Principall parts I. Inscription of the Epistle c. 1 1 2. II. Substance of the Epistle which is 1. Hortatory exhorting them to progresse and perseverance in grace and piety c. 1. 2. Monitory warning them to take heed of those hereticall and blasphemous seducers which should creep into the Church threatning destruction to them c. 2. 3. Propheticall foretelling of sensuall scoffers against Christs comming in the last days and of the day of judgement the new heavens and new earth whereunto they should prepare themselves by piety c. 3 1. to 17. III. Conclusion of the Epistle with a summary recitall of his former exhortations and with a doxology unto our Lord Jesus Christ c. 3 17 18. I John THe first Catholique Epistle of JOHN the Apostle This Epistle hath this Title in all the ancient manuscript Copies Bez. Annot. ante hanc Ep. Which as Beza there well advertiseth us we are thus to understand viz. The first Epistle of Iohn the Apostle which is Catholick for of all Iohn's Epistles this only is Catholique or Generall the other two being particular viz. The 2 d to the Elect Lady and her children The 3 d to Gaius and therefore it were improper to call it the first Generall Epistle in any other sense Penman of this Epistle is Iohn the Apostle as is evident 1. From the Greek Title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. The first Catholique Epistle of John the Apostle thus all ancient Greek Copies have it Bez. 2. From his manner of speaking of Christ asserting his divinity in divers passages of this Epistle as 1 Iohn 1.1 2. 2.22.23 24. 5.5 6 7. c. and calling him the Word 1 Iohn 1.1 and 1 Iohn 5.7 Iohn being most sublime in asserting the Godhead of Christ Iohn 1.1 2 3. c. and Rev. often and no writers in the New Testament stiling Christ the Word but Iohn in his Gospel Iohn 1.1 14. in his Revelation Rev. 1.2 and 19.13 and here in this Epistle 3. From that eminent and singular Character of Iohns spirit viz. The spirit of love most predominant and conspicuous all along this Epistle as in his Gospel and Revelation Iohn was the disciple whom Jesus loved above all his disciples Iohn 13.23 19.26 and 20.2 and 21.7 20. He was a meer compound of sweetest love in all his writings breaths nothing in a manner but love Hence excellently Calvin Haec Epistola prorsus digna est ejus discipuli spiritu qui prae aliis ideò a Christo dilectus fuit ut ipsum nobis familiarem redderet i. e. This Epistle is altogether worth the Spirit of that disciple which was therefore beloved of Christ above the rest that he might render him familiar unto us Calv. Argum. in 1. Ioan. Of Iohn see more in Annot on Gosp. of Iohn Iohn therefore being the undoubted Penman of this Epistle it is of unquestionable Authority Eusebius and Hieronymus testify That there never was doubt in the Church about the Author or Authority of this Epistle Euseb Hist. Eccles. l. 3. c. 25. Hieronym in Catalog Augustin cals it satis dulcem satis memorabilem in Ecclesia dei quód in ipsa charitas maximé commendetur i. e. A most sweet Epistle and most memorable in the Church of God because love is especially commended therin Aug. Praef. in 1. Ioan. Ep. and saith that orbem ter●arum ipsa edificavit i. e. It hath edified the world Aug. Tract 7. When and Whence this Epistle was written Iohn wrote his Gosp. at Ephesus Iraen l. 3. c. 1. advers haeres This Epistle seemes to be written after his Gospel He wrote it when he was now old thinks Hierome And being old he departed not from Asia

the heaven and earth Exodus Israel's departure out of Egypt c. 2 Some of them declare the instrumentall Authors or Penmen of them as the Titles of Prophets Books Isaiah c. who being extraordinary men of God guided by the Spirit their books are of divine Authority 3 Some denote the Churches or particular persons for whose sakes immediately some parts of Scripture were penned which affords light to divers passages therein 3. The Times of the Books set forth Partly the length or space of time in which things related were done as in Historicall Books which serve to disclose the connection and continuance of the History and Chronology Partly the time or season when the bookes were written which serves to cleare the understanding of divers particular passages which otherwise would be very difficult both in the Prophets and in the Apostles See therefore those two Tables for the Timeing of the Prophets and Epistles p. 104. to 107. and p. 177. to 186. Distinguish well betwixt times and times you dissolve many knots 4. Penmen being holy men of God extraordinarily inspired intimate to us the divine Authority of their writings This incites faith love and awfull Reverence to their books 5. The Occasion upon which the books were written together with 6. The Scope drift or End of the book being well considered give great light to the whole Book the whole frame disposition and chiefe Arguments handled in the book having a singular tendency to the Scope therefore as the Archer fixeth his eye steadily on the mark when he would shoot accurately so still fix your thought upon the Occasion and Scope of every book when you would peruse them understandingly 7. The Principall parts of the Book here Analytically laid down exhibit clearly to your view both the chiefe Subject or matters insisted upon in every Book as also the methodicall and orderly coherence of all the parts of the book with one another Books lookt upon confusedly are but darkly and confusedly apprehended But considered distinctly as in these distinct Analyses or Resolutions into their Principall parts must needs be distinctly and much more clearly discerned This the chiefe Purpose and Aime of this Book By these particulars to familiarize the Scriptures unto Christians that delight to converse with God in his owne book To whom I earnestly commend this direction for the more profitable use of this Book viz. That 1 Before they read any Book of Scripture they would first read what is in this Key said of that Book 2 In reading they would still remember the Occasion and Scope of the book and now and then compare the Principall Parts here with the Text And 3 After the Perusall of the Book they would read againe what this Key speaks of it Hereby the understaning will be cleared the Memory confirmed VII Rule Heedfully and judiciously observe the accurate Concord and Harmony of the Holy Scriptures though written by severall persons at severall times in severall places yet one and the same spirit inditing all is still like himselfe consonant to himselfe in all The Discord is in our mindes rather then in Gods word Hence Augustine let us be at concord in our own heart and the Scripture will have no discord in it There are Principally five notable respects in which Scriptures sometimes seem most contrary repugnant and opposite one to another when yet they are not dissonant but consonant and sweetly concording one with another As 1 When the Word or Phrase is used in severall Places not in the same but in severall senses and Acceptations 2 When they treat not of the same but of severall subjects 3 When they speak not of the same but severall parts of a thing 4 When they speak not in severall places according to the same but severall respects 5 When they intend not the same but severall times These things well considered will lay a notable foundation for reconciling all places of Scripture that seem to be any way opposite one to another Take the illustrations of thē severally 1. Scriptures seem opposite but are not when the same word or phrase in severall places is used not in the same but in severall senses and acceptations for the same words have oft times severall significations In such case distinguish the severall Acceptations and the Scriptures agree As Paul saith Work out your own salvation with feare and trembling But Iohn saith There is no feare in love but perfect love casteth out fear c. These places are not opposite because the word Fear in Iohn signifies a base servile stavish fear in Paul a filial childlike religious fear In this sense it is said of the Samaritās they feared the Lord again they feared not the Lord i. e. they feared the Lord servilly and hypocritically for his Lyons but they feared him not religiously ●ilially sincerely Not to feare God aright is not to feare him at all Again Christ saith If a man keep my saying he shall never see death But Paul saith It is appointed to all men once to dye yet here 's no opposition for Christ speaks of death spiritual and eternall Paul of death temporal or corporall Further Ieremiah saith Cursed be the man that trusteth in man Christ saith except yee eat● the flesh of the Son of man yee have no life in you by eating understand believing v. 47. yet here 's no opposition Man signifies either meer man who is vaine deceitful c. Of him Ieremiah speaks Or man subsisting in the second person of God of him Christ speaks Moses saith God rested on the seventh day from all his work But Christ saith My father worketh hitherto and I worke yet here 's no opposition For the works of God are either Works of Creation whereby new kinds of Creatures are made so Moses intended that God rested from his work or Works of Conservation and Providence sustaining and governing his works created so Christ meant the father and he wrought still Adde hereunto Christ saith If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters yea and his own life also he cannot be my disciple But Paul saith Husbands love your wives No man ever yet hated his own flesh yet no opposition for Hatred is taken either Properly and absolutely so understand Paul or comparatively a lesse love being counted hatred of that understand Christ. Moreover Paul saith Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law But Iames saith yee see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith onely yet no reall opposition For Iustification in Pauls sense signifyes an instrumentall Application of Gods righteousnesse viz. Jesus Christ to our selves and so Faith alone justifies before God but Iustification in Iame's sense signifies a Declarative Manifestation of the Truth of that Faith whereby we

All which Evidences I shall indeavour very shortly God willing more fully to open and unfold in a distinct Treatise called Believers Evidences for eternall life A subject which I hope to gracious hearts will be most welcome and seasonable in these sad afflicting dayes To help forward their Assurance for heaven when they can have no assurance of any thing on earth Principall parts in reference to these excellent ends are I. The Proem to the whole Epistle declaring 1. What the Apostle treats of viz. Of Christ the word of life viz. His person God-man and his office 2. What he is about to say of Christ not any novelty but what was from the beginning not any uncertainty but that whereof they were infallible witnesses 3. To what purpose he will treat of these things that they may have Communion with God and so their joy be full they become happy c. 1.1.2.3 4. II. The Substance of the Epistle it selfe which is either 1. Practicall full of heavenly exhortations viz. 1. To holinesse of life and conversation viz. 1. Not to walk in darknesse but in light c. 1. v. 5 6 7. 2. Not to deny sin to be in us but penitently to confesse it c. 1 8 9 10. 3. To avoid sinne and yet if sinne overtake us to repaire to Christ our Propitiation c. 2 1 2. 4. To adde to our knowledge of God true obedience to his Word c. 2 3. to 9. 5. To brotherly love c. 2 9. to 15. 6. To take heed of inordinate love of the world c. 2 15 16 17 2. To beware of the dangerous Anti-Christs and hereticall Seducers abounding in the world especially ●orinthians and Ebionites denying Christs Godhead c. 2 18. to the end 3. To abandon practising of sinne as inconsistent with the state of grace contrary to the wicked seducements of the Carpocratians forementioned who taught men to sin c. 3 1. to 11. 4. To sincere reall brotherly love by many Arguments c. 3 11. to the end and c. 4 7. to the end 5. To take heed of believing every spirit but to try them especially such as deny Christs Manhood as after did the Cerdonians Manich●es Priscillianists and Valentinians c. 4 1. to 7. 2. Dogmaticall wherein he asserts that Iesus is the Christ the Son of God and true man and this from divers Arguments and Testimonies which we should believe that we may have eternall life begun c. 5 1. to 14. for perfecting whereof we should pray where he directs us how and for whom to pray c. 5.14 to 21. III. Conclusion with a serious monition against idolatry c. 5 21. II John THe second Epistle of JOHN the Apostle This Epistle of Iohn is nor as the first Catholique or Generall but Particular being written to particular persons viz. The Elect Lady and her children Who she was is not known Some think that ELECT was her prop●r name but that 's improbable for then Iohn would not have said To the Elect Lady but To the Lady ELECT Some turne this into an Allegory and say that by the Elect Lady Iohn intended the whole Christian Church But this is most unlikely and plainly repugnant to this Epistle it selfe for 1. To write to the whole Christian Church under the Notion of an Elect Lady is so unusuall that we find no such thing done in all the New-Testament 2. This Epistle not onely mentions this Lady and her children v. 1.4 But also sends her salutations from the children of her Elect Sister v. 13. 3. The Apostle speakes of his intention to come and see her and speake face to face Which cannot be understood of the whole Christian Church ver 12. She is thought to be some eminent religious Matron of great Estate who much relieved and supported the members of the Church in her dayes Bez. Annot. in 2 Ioan. Piscat in 2 Ioan. Penman Some thinke was another Iohn then the Apostle as is testifyed by Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 39. But this seems to be a plain mistake for 1. The Greek Copies call it in the Title The second Epistle of Iohn the Apostle 2. The matter of the Epistle is not only Divine and Apostolicall but notably owns Iohn to be the writer wherein Christian love walking in the truth and taking heed of Seducers and Antichrists are pressed as in the first Epistle of Iohn So that this is Iohns genuine language Compare these passages among others viz. 1 Ioh. 2 7. with 2 Ioh. 5. and 1 Ioh. 2.23 with 2 Ioh. 9. and 1 Ioh. 4.1 2 3. with 2 Ioh. 7. and 1 Ioh. 5.3 with 2 Ioh. 6. c. 3. The Salutation is plainly Apostolicall ver 1 2 3. And notably relisheth of Iohn's Spirit 4. Both ancient and modern Writers account this Epistle Canonicall and ascribe it unto Iohn the Apostle Concil Carthagin 3. Can. 4.7 Concil Laodic c. ult Hieronym in Epist. 85. ad Euagrium August de Doctrin Christian l. 2. c. 8. Sentent Episcoporum Concil Carthaginens apud Cyprian Sent. 81. Cyprian op edit 1593. p. 449. Beda Piscat Bez. in 2 Iohan. So that this Epistle being written by Iohn the Apostle is of unquestionable authority Occasion Some thinke that Iohns familiar Christian acquaintance with this Elect Lady gave him Occasion of writing this Epistle Others rather think it was written against the Antichristian Heresie of Basilidis and his followers who taught that Christ was not a true man but a phantasm and therfore that he neither did nor suffer'd those things which he is said to do and suffer Epiphan Heres 24. Compare 2 Ioh. 7. Scope To incite the Elect Lady and her children To persevere in the truth and carefully to shun all hereticall Seducers that bring not Christs Doctrine A● also to adorne the truth with love and good workes Principall parts To this end are I. The inscription of the Epistle containing 1. The writer 2. Persons written to 3. A testification of the Apostle's and other 's sincere love to the Lady and her children 4. His pious wish o● supplication for them ver 1 2 3. II. The substance of the Epistle wherein the Apostle 1. Congratulates with the Lady that some of her children walked in the truth ver 4. 2. Exhorts to constancy in the ancient Doctrine of love and truth ver 5 6. 3. Warnes them against Seducers denying Christs incarnation shewing the danger of them and forbidding all fellowship with them ver 7. to 12. III. The conclusion of the Epistle with 1. Intimation that he omits writing many other things hoping to come to them and speak them by word of mouth verse 12. 2. Salutations from her Sisters children ver 13. III John THe third Epistle of IOHN the Apostle This Epistle is not Generall but Particular written to Gaius Penman of this Epistle also was Iohn the Apostle and therefore it is Authentique and Canonicall Both these are ev●dent by all the foure Reasons alleadged touching Iohn's second Epistle And the word phrases and method of these two

that sweet compound of love It was Moses his honour who was Gods peculiar favourite to be Penman of the first Book of the Old Testament And it was Iohn's honour who was Christs peculiar favourite to be Penman of the last Book of the New Testament oh what divine love and favour is made known unto the Church in all the volumes between the Armes of these two favourites 6. Finally God counts them blessed soules that read heare and keepe the words of this Prophecy Blessed is he that readeth and they that heare the words of this Prophecy and keep these things that are written therein Rev. 1.3 A blessed Book that renders them blessed who are practically versed in it The time when this Revelation was written was when Iohn was banished into the I le that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the Testimony of Iesus Christ Rev. 1.9.10 Iohn was banished into Patmos by that cruell persecutor Domitian in the fourteenth yeare of his Reigne saith Hieron Catal illustr vir in vit Ioan. Domitian reigned in all but fifteen years as Helvic observes and his fourteenth yeare was in the ninety fourth yeare after Christ Helvic in Chronol in the ninety sixth after Christ saith Pareus Prolegom in Apocal. c. 5. This Book is conceived to be written after all the Books of the New Testament Occasion of this Revelation seemes to be this Iohn being banished into the I le Patmos Rev. 1.9 10. doubtless gave himselfe to prayer and sacred meditations about the affairs of Christ and his Church whereupon Iesus Christ appeared to his beloved disciple in a spirituall ravishment showing him what was his pleasure both touching the present Churches of Asia and touching his whole Church to the end of the world thus comforting him and commanding Iohn to write his visions for the comforting of them Scope of this book is Generally To make knowne by Iohn unto the Churches both the things that then were and that should be thereafter Rev. 1.19 Particularly 1 To informe the Church of the many sharp conflicts she should have with Satan and his instruments especially Hereticks persecuting Tyrants and Anti-Christ himselfe that so she might not dream only of Halcyon dayes but might prepare more and more for the worst of stormes 2 To discover and point out in lively Colours that grand Anti-christ that the Church might run and read and most infallibly know who he is 3 As also to support and comfort the Church and all the faithfull over all their tribulations with the hopes of the utter overthrow of Anti-christ and all their enemies of their owne joyfull triumphs over them and of the happy condition which the Church shall afterwards enjoy partly in this world but chiefly in the world to come Though this book be most obscure and intricate yet these things may somewhat facilitate the understanding of i● If we shall 1. Keep the maine scope of the Book still in our eye 2. Compare the passages and phrases of the Revelation with those of other Prophecies as Rev. 11.4 with Zech. 4.3 11 14. Rev. 10.9 10. with Ezek. 2.8 and 3.3 Rev. 4.6 7 8. with Ezek. 1.5 6 7 8. Rev. 20.8 with Ezek. 18.2 and 39.1 Rev. 21.15 with Ezek. 40.3 c. 3. Parallel with this Prophecy the subsequent Histories after Iohn's time the Histories of the Roman Empire and Church which testify clearly what cruelty and persecutions the Romane Emperours successively raised up against Christians with what subtilty and fraud the B. of Rome did by degrees through the folly cowardise negligence c. of the Emperours step up into their throne and subjugate not onely Rome the Seate of the Empire but also the whole Empire it selfe to his dominion and pleasure whence we may derive not a little light to see what is meant by the opening of the Seals The Stars falling from heaven to earth The beast speaking great and blasphemous things The beast and false Prophet The image of the beast And the whore riding upon the beast with seven heads and ten hornes and ruling in the city on the seven hils c. 4. Consider prudently the experience of later and present times how accurately doth the description of the Beast and scarlet whore agree to the Papacy of the Locusts to the Romane Clergy and of the Frogs comming out of the mouth of the Dragon the beast and the false Prophet to the Iesuites and Romane Emissaries compassing sea and land and creeping into Kings palaces to gather them together to the warre of the great day of God almighty 5. Finally if we shall diligently read meditate and pray that the holy spirit who revealed these things to Iohn would reveale their sense and meaning to us These things may help us to untie many knots and render many difficulties easie Principall parts In the Book of Revelation are chiefly considerable 1 The Preface 2 The Substance of the Book and 3 The Conclusion The Preface which is ● Generall in reference to the whole Prophecy noting the Matter Author Penman and Profit of this Book c. 1. ver 1 2 3. 2. Speciall or particular in reference to the seven Churches of Asia Minor and in them to the whole Catholick Church figured by them wherein are 1. A Nomination of persons writing and written to 2. The Salutation 3. And a glorious Description of Jesus Christ ver 4. to 9. The Substance or Body of this Propheticall Book c. 1. v. 9. to c. 22. v. 6. Wherein is contained a Narration of the State of the Church I. Militant on earth c. 1. v. 9. to c. 20. v. 11. II. Triumphant in heaven c. 20. v. 11. to c. 22. v. 6. The Condition of the Church Militant is declared 1. For present what it was when Iohn wrote the Revelation c. 1. v. 9. to c. 4. v. 1. 2. For future what it should be till the judgement day c. 4. v. 1. to c. 20. v. 11. I. Uision I. Touching the State of the Church then present viz. The Asian Churches principally are laid downe two things viz. 1. A Preparation to the discovery of it by A Vision of seven Golden Candlesticks and seven Starres This is Iohn's first vision And here we have a description both of Iohn who had the vision as also of the vision it selfe both in respect of the 1 Forme of it The 2 Effect it had upon Iohn and the 3 Consequents ensuing thereupon viz. The Comforting of John Command to write the vision and the Interpretation of the vision c. 1. v. 9. to the end of the chapter 2. A Narration or Description of the Condition of Christs Church then present and this in Seven distinct Epistles directed to the seven Angels of those seven Asian Churches viz. 1. Of Ephesus c. 2. v. 1. to 8. 2. Of Smyrna c. 2. v. 8. to 12. 3. Of Pergamus c. 2. v. 12. to 18. 4. Of Thyatira c. 2. v. 18. to the end of the chapter 5. Of Sardis c. 3 1. to 7. 6.

prophecy from the al-knowing God could foretell these things to come Isa● 41.22 2. In the propheticall expressions of it it is consonant to other propheticall books and gives light to them Daniel Zechariah especially Ezekiel As in the particulars of eating up the Book Rev. 10.9 10. with Ezek. 2.8 and 3.3 of sealing Gods promise Rev. 7.2 3. with Ezek. 9. of the foure living Creatures Rev. 4.6 7. with Ezek. 1.5.6 of Gog and Magog Rev. 20.8 with Ezek 38.2 and 39.1 of the measuring of the Temple and City Rev. 21.15 with Ezek. 40.3 c. Of the two olive trees c. Rev. 11.4 with Zech. 4.3 11 14. c. 3. Many things foretold in this Book prophetically are fulfilled and come to passe actually As Interpreters have observed in many particulars Therefore this Book is of divine Authority Ierem. 28.9.4 Promise of explaining how long the Idolatrous and Tyrannicall Kingdome of Anti-Christ should last was made to Daniel the Prophet Dan. 12.4 9. which some conceive to be fulfilled in these Apocalypticall visions Rev. c. 11. and 12. and 13. and 17. c. And had not Christ under the New Testament left his Church some propheticall Record for her comfort against the horrid cruelty idolatry and darknesse of the Anti-christian Dominion showing when it should have an end and how happy at last the Church should be all her enemies being universally made the footstool of the Lambe she were in a worse condition then under the Old Testament which were absurd 4. As the Holy Ghost by Moses the first Penman of the Canon of the Old Testament warned the Jewes against adding to or diminishing from the word of God yee shall not adde unto the word which I command you neither shall you diminish from it Deut. 9.2 and 12.32 So by the Apostle Iohn the last Penman of the Canon of the New Testament Iesus Christ warneth all persons that heare the words of this Prophecy If any man shall adde unto these things God shall adde unto him the plagues that are written in this Book And if any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this Prophecy God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life and out of the Holy City and from the things which are written in this Book Rev. 22.18 19. By which severe Commination the integrity and divine Authority of this Book is asserted by Christ against all whom Christ foresaw would either indeavour to infringe the Authority of it or corrupt the purity of it Hereby then the whole divine Canon is sealed up as fully now compleat and divinely Authenticall after which we are to expect no more Scripture from God 5. The generall current of best Antiquity except some few particular persons and divers of them guilty of such heresies as this Book condemnes hath embraced this Book and accounted it of divine Authority As those formerly cited to prove Iohn the Apostle to be Penman of it and many more that might be enumerated As that ancient Ancyran Councel held before the Nicene in Append. as also the third Councell of Carthage Can. 47. Cyprian frequently alledges the Revelation among the other Canonicall bookes as De exhort martyrum c. 8. c. 11. c. 12. Testimon Advers Iudaeos l. 2. c. 1. Sect. 3.6 11. c. 6. The Cavils and Objections against the divine Authority of this Book reckoned up by Erasmus or others how weak and unsatisfactory they are may appeare in severall writers who have confuted them Especially vid. Bez. Prolegom in Apocylaps Ioannis and Gerh. loc Com. De scrip sac in exeges cap. 10. Sect. 294. ad sin cap. Excellency of this Book is most considerable For 1. The conveyance of it at first to the Church is singular From God to Iesus Christ From Iesus Christ to an Angel From the Angel to Iohn whom Jesus peculiarly loved above all his Apostles and Disciples Rev. 1.1 And this to Iohn when in exile for Christ in the Isle Patmos and that not on a common day but on the Lords day the Queen of dayes and ●o Iohn in Patmos on the Lords day not in an ordinary but extraordinary composure and elevation of his soule when he was in the spirit caught up as it were and transported in an holy extasie and spirituall Rapture that he might the more attend to these mysteries revealed and have more immediate un-interrupted Communion with Jesus Christ the Revealer Rev. 1 9 10. c. what can all this import but some singularly eminent treasure for the Church in this book whereby the Church in her deepest tribulation may be with Iohn spiritually intransed and ravished with many surpassing grounds of joy and consolation 2. The stile is stately and sublime and may wonderfully take the highest notion The expressions quick piercing and patheticall and may pleasingly penetrate the dullest affection The whole contexture is so full of divine majesty that it commands an awfull Reverence in all gracious hearts that read it 3. The matter of it is most heavenly and spirituall and that in exceeding great variety notably describing the Divinity of Christ His offices and the benefits of them clearly pointing out Anti-Christs Seate Tyranny Rise Growth Power Acts and Fall and most lively delineating the Churches condition what it was in the Primitive times after Christ and what it should be afterwards till the worlds end how sad yet s●fe under Anti-christs dominion how sweet and happy after Anti-Christs destruction how comfortable at the day of judgement and how glorious in heaven with Iesus Christ for evermore What Saint would not thirst much to read and here more to understand but most of all to enjoy these things Some of them are laid downe most mystically in abstruse visions to exercise the judgements of the wisest some more familiarly to succour the infirmity even of the weakest In some places the Lamb may wade in others the Elephant may swim Those prevent contempt these anticipate discouragement Ioao●imus Abbas prefers this Prophecy before the Prophecy of all other Prophets Beza saith That those things in other Prophets which were not fulfilled after Christs coming the holy spirit hath heaped them all together in this precious book and also added others so farre as was needfull or usefull for the Church to know them Bez. Prolegom in Apoc. Oecolampadius cals this book The best Paraphrast of all the Prophets Ioh. Oecolamp Praefat. in Dani●l Hierome saith Apocalypsis tot habet sacramenta quot verba Parum dixi pro merito voluminis laus omnis inferior est in verbis singulis multiplices latent intelligentiae i. e. The Revelation hath as many mysteries as words It s but a little I say all praise is too low for the merit of this volume manifold understandings lie hid in every word Hieron in Epist. ad Paulin. 4. The Book it selfe is compleat capable of no Addition or Detraction but upon severest Penalties Rev. 22.18.19 5. The Penman Eminent viz. John that beloved disciple